THE PAYNE INCIDENT

Evening Star, Issue 15538, 7 July 1914, Page 8

THE PAYNE INCIDENT

MEMBER FOR GREY LYNN WILL NOT WITHDRAW;

QUITE READY TO RETIRE FROM POLITICS.

Mr John Payne, member for Grey Lynn, the central figure in the scene" in the House of Representatives on Friday night, spent the week-end in Napier. In the course of on interview with a ‘ Telegraph ’ reporter, 3lr Payne said; Mr Massey and his followers axe trying to cloud the issue by attempting to make my remarks apply to him personally in his private capacity. My remarks were clearly and unequivocally directed at him as head of the Tory Administration. I shall therefore absolutely refuse to make any withdrawal. I am quite ready to retire" out of political life rather than stay in it with the lie on my soul of withdrawing a statement I have made for the benefit of the people of this

country, when in withdrawing that statement I should be simply conforming to tho practices of the House ia order to save myself. I have flung down the gauntlet. Let the Tory party take it up if they dare. I shall be down at the House 'again on Tuesday next as usual.