PARLIAMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 8 July 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

THE HOUSE.

John Payne Suspended

[By Treed ram —Special to Press.']

Wellington, Tuesday,

The House met at 2.30 yesterday. The first business was to deal with Mr Payne, who took his seat as usual when the Speaker at once asked him if he intended to withdraw the words used on Friday.

Mr Payne tried to make an explanation but the Speaker made it plain that he must say whether or not he intended to withdraw. Mr Payne tried again to make an explanation but was not allowed.

Sir Joseph Ward tried to persuade Mr Payne to withdraw, pointing out that if the words were applied personally to tho Minister no honourable member should refuse to withdraw them. Be informed Mr Payne that he would preserve his own rights and the dignity of the House if he withdrew. The House, he pointed out, had to deal with the words as taken down and not what they meant. He would not himself support any member making such a charge unless by definite resolution.

Mr Payne definitely refused to withdraw. “ The absence of opportunity to explain left him,” ho said, “ no option but to unreservedly refuse to withdraw.” He then withdrew from the Chamber and the House carried the previous motion and Mr Payne was suspended for , the rest of the sitting. Mr P. C. Webb was the only “ noe.”

This concluded the incident and the House went on to ordinary business. Many notices of questions were given, ■ Mr Escott resumed the debate on the no-confidenco motion in , a carefully prepared speech, generally endorsing the actions' of the Government, ami ho was followed by Mr T. IS. Y. Seddon who complained that no provision had been made for mining matters in the Governor's speech. Ho also held that West Coast ought to bo represented on the Agricultural Board. Mr Scott who followed endorsed the Government policy. Mr L.M. Isitt who was speaking whan the House adjourned for tea, vigorously a tucked the Government, condemning Mm Native Land legislation. iSo fir there aro no signs of the new Legislative Council appointments. The debate may last over the end of the week, a number of Ministers not having yet spoken.