IRISH AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16496, 5 August 1921, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

REDUCTION IN WAGES DISCUSSED. j&7 T« ley-rap Si—Preee Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Aaaocr&tion. LONDON, August 3. The Irish Labour Party and Trade Union congress in Dublin debated the cost of living and the proposed allround reductions in wages. The executive combated official estimates oi' the present cost of living, which they contended was 178 per cent above the prewar basis, compared with the official figure of 132 per cent above pre-war basis. The chairman declared that there very shortly would occur one of tho greatest upheavals in the Irish Labour movement's history. One delegate proposed taking up the employers’ challeiffee en masse, adding, ‘‘That means facing the possibility of a social revolution.** PRESENTATION TO SIR JAMES CRAIG. LONDON, August 3. Mr Austin Chamberlain, in presenting Sir James Craig and his wife with gifts of plate from three hundred members of the House of Commons in recognition of Sir James Craig’s attainment to the Ulster Premiership, said that so far aa the Ulster Parliament was concerned it would uphold Ulster's liberty and second to the best of its power Sir James Craig's every effort in the interests of the peace and prosperity of Ireland, north or south, of whatever class or creed. Lord Birkenhead, referring to prewar controversies, declared there was nothing he then did or said which ho would not repeat, if the risks to Ulster tvere repeated. 4 Sir James Craig, replying, said that whatever side others might take or refuse to take, he would never take any but the side of Great Britain and tho Empire.