MR PAYNE’S SEAT

Southland Times, Issue 17428, 21 August 1913, Page 2

MR PAYNE’S SEAT

WAS HE PLEDGED ? The circumstances under which Mr Payne was elected to the House were again referred to by that member on Tuesday night. He said that after the first ballot the combined committees supporting the defeated candidate met and resolved to support him (Mr Payne) for tlie reason that lie was a protectionist, a freeholder on limited lines, and an opponent of single tax. There was not on© word in the resolution showing that he gave any pledge to support the Massey party. Proceeding. Mr Payne said that after he ' was elected Mr Massey sent his "scout,” Mr Dickson, to him to sound him. He replied that he must see how things were going to go before he did anything. Later on the same scout again came to him with a result that an interview took place between him (Mr Payne) and Mr Massey. The latter tackled him in the style of a young maiden to her departing lover—“lf you don't marry me I'll throw myself over the end of the wharf.”—Laughter. Mr Massey Do you remember your written pledge to me? Mr Payne Have you got a written pledge from me? Mr Massey Yes, I have. Mr Payne Will you produce it? Mr Massey Yes. I will produce it :o-morrow. Mr Payne asked whether the pledge iad been obtained at the meeting which ie had mentioned. He next asked—‘Had you any right to have a pledge trom me?” Mr Massey You sent it to me. Mr Payne I can’t tell you- what - I ;hink about you in the House. He add?d that no scouts were sent to him by die Liberal party. His constituents were the only people in Xew Zealand who had the right of recall. “My resignation,”- he said, ‘-‘is in the hands of die people of Grey Lynn. If I had broken any pledges, as has been alleged, hat resignation would have been handid in.”