FREE STATE POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19065, 2 October 1933, Page 7

FREE STATE POLITICS.

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT. OPPOSITION ASSAILED. DAIL DEBATE CRITICISED. United Press Assn. —Elec- Tel. Copyright. (Received Oct. 2, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 1. “I have listened to many debates, but never to a more dishonest one than the Dail’s Censure debate; it was disgraceful and Insincere,” declared Mr De Valera at Balaghaderren. "You would think our opponents never heard of a conspiracy to break up local Government by 'the nonpayment of rates. Some of the Opposition used their Parliamentary position to prejudice cases before the Court. We are living in difficult times and want discipline. Anyone Interfering with discipline and unity Is an enemy of the people. Our opponents are attempting to dishearten our people, hoping we will be beaten. But we are not going to be beaten.” Referring to the economic war, Mr De Valera said he had never seen the slightest suggestion that Britain would listen to reason and Justice.” \LUI&Lc..

CONTEMPT OF COURT. MR DE VALERA ACCUSED. COMMENT BY KING’S COUNSEL. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Oct. 2, 10.30 am.) LONDON, Oct. 1. “Mr De Valera is guilty of grave contempt of Court,” declared Mr Lavery, King’s counsel in defending Mr Cronin Belton, a 'member of the Dali, and two ether prominent persons before a military tribunal on a charge in connection with an auction •of cattle seized owing to the farmers’ non-payment of rates. Mr Lavery, referring 'to nine Waterford farmers who will be cited before the tribunal on a charge of conspiracy for non-payment of rates and intimidation, said Mr De Valera had prejudiced the case when speaking at Dunalk on September 10, he characterised Mr MaoDermott's anti-rate campaign as an illegal conspiracy in which farmers were intimidated into refusal to pay rates while others were boycotted, and their names circulated to the owners of threshing machines. Mr Lavery said the High Court should In such case call upon Mr De Valera to answer a charge of alleged contempt. The President of the Tribunal expressed the opinion that there was no immediate urgency regarding the matter, and proceeded with the trial.