MR PAYNE AGAIN.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15116, 4 November 1914, Page 8

MR PAYNE AGAIN.

t GRAVE OFFENCE AGAINST j ORDER. SYMPATH*ETIC OPPOSITIONISTS. (SPECIAIt TO "THE ?RESS.") WELLINGTON, November 3. A disorderly scene, iv which tho member for Grey Lynn (Mr J. Payne) was the central figure, occurred in the Houso of Representatives early this morning, 1 during the discussion on tho Coal "Mines Amendment Bill and tho Huntly colliery disaster. "Mr Payne, who was speaking *at twenty minutes to two, made repeated uso of tho word ""Murder," in connexion with tlio Huntly explosion. Finally he introduced the name of tho Minister of Labour (Mr Massey), in connexion with tho allegations. Ho said: "Theso men havo been murdered. Anyone who has dono anything in any way to help in tho murder of theso men is culpable and blameable. and should bo damned from the north to the south of tho ; country. Tho peoplo who are responj siblo for the murder of theso men include not only the owners of tho coal mines; they include tho Minister of Labour." Mr Speaker: The hon. member must withdraw thoso words. Mr Payne*. I don't withdraw them; I won't withdraw them. Mr Speaker: I name the hon. member for defying tho ruling of tho Chair. Thero was a very thin Houso at tho time, and among those absent from the chamber was the Primo Minister, who had gone to tho Cabinet room some Timo previously to attend to some arrears of work. Mr Massey was sent lor, and with him also came a large number of.the-oi-cr members, who had been temporarily out of the chamber. Mr Spoakor explained what had occurred, and askod Mr Massey to move in tho matter. The Prime Minister suggested that Mr Payne should have another oppor-* l tunity to withdraw his words, but Mr j Payne refused, and was ordered to retire. ! Subsequently Mr Massey advocated a \ lenient course, but the Speaker insisted upon tho gravity-and deliberation of , the offence, which was the member's second deliberate offence of the kind during tho session. Mr Veitch spoke in defence of Mr ! Payne. J Mr Witty also sought to defend the member. Eventually Mr Payne was summoned and afforded another opportunity to withdraw, after "Air Massey had said that he personally did not care what was said concerning himself, ' but that th© offence was defiance of tho Chair. Mr Payne, on returning, refused to withdraw his words, and was suspended for the remainder of tho evening's sitting. . Although the Opposition did not call for a division, they called out "No" i when tho Speaker put th© motion of j suspension. j