ANXIOUS DAYS IN FREE STATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19571, 18 August 1933, Page 9

ANXIOUS DAYS IN FREE STATE

HINTS OF GENERAL ELECTION MR DE VALERA TRYING OUT THE GROUND United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received August 17, 7 p.m.) LONDON. August 17. The Dublin correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says: “It is now realised that the Government may decide to force an election with the abolition of the Senate as the main objective. This will win much support. On the other hand Mr de Valera has lost support by the revival of the Public Safety Act. It Is suggested that a surtax would be Imposed on incomes over £2OOO affecting about two thousand taxpayers.

A striking example of the plight of the farmers was given on the opening day of the autumn sheep sales here. Only fifty-two sheep were sold out of one thousand. Some lots brought no bids. Others went at 12/- to 13/- a head. The highest price paid was a guinea for Cheviot ewes, but only twenty were sold at this figure. SOUNDING THE PEOPLE MR DE VALERA’S ACTIVITIES United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 16. # Mr de Valera will open the Ministerial campaign at Kilkenny on Sunday. The indications are that the Government intends to learn the people's attitude first hand. If general support seems assured, an election may be sprung, and he may abandon the mi’itary tribunal and also the exhibition of force against General O’Duffy, because this encourages the Blue Shirts, who thrive on suppression. Challenge Of Senate. The Senate insisted by 18 votes to 16 on amending the Public Service Bill in order to exempt the Civic Guard from wage reductions. The Dail disagreed with the decision. Senator Staines charged the Government with allowing men to congregate outside Dublin on Sunday with murder in their hearts and cobblestones in their hands, awaiting the Blue Shirts. The Administration, while docking the Civil Guard, spent £BO,OOO on a new armed police force. Mr McEntee explained that the latter were necessary to strengthen the force in view of the cessation of recruiting for the Guafd. In the interests of economy he hoped it would be disbanded when the emergency ended. The Dail may reassemble to consider the situation, but it is believed the Government will withdraw the Bill and impose a surtax, realising £300,000.