POLITICAL SITUATION.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14307, 19 March 1912, Page 8

POLITICAL SITUATION.

MR PAYNE'S THORNY PATH

HIS RESIGNATION DEMANDED.

(rBESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGItAIT.) AUCKLAND, March 18

A resolution demanding the resignation of Mr -John Payne of his seat in tho House as member for Grey Lynn was carried by a very large majority at a meeting held by him this evening. '"I am going to ignore all such resolutions," was Mr Payne's retort. "1 defy you, and your resolutions; I am going to stay in that House just so long as it enables mc to prove what I am."

Fully 600 pcoplo were present, and the procodeings were even more stormy than those at the first meeting addressed by Mr Payne. The chairman of Mr Payne's Election Committee again presided, and there was much animosity displayed against the lengthy statements which ho frequently made from the chair. An active part was taken by Mr J. H. Bradney (the Reform member for Auckland West), and Mr W. H. Murphy (Mayor of Grey Lynn). (rRESS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, March 18. Afc a meeting of Waiufcu Liberals, tho following resolution was earned unanimousiv : —"Thnt this nocl'nj: convey to Sir Joseph Ward its apprecintion of his abi ity fnl _ continued faith in him as Prime Minister, and would earnestly ask him, in the interests of the peoplo of, New Zealand to reconsider his decision to vacate tho position he has so ably filled."