The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22.. 1912

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3456, 22 February 1912, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22.. 1912

There will be some disappointment when

it is seen that Mr Payne, the

Puzzling Mr. Payne.

new and puzzling member for Eden, did not after all take part last night in the no-con-fidence debate. It did not, of cour&e, necessarily follow that he would speak at this stage of the debate, although he had moved the adjournment of the debate on the previous day. As a matter of fact, however, it would perhaps | have been much more satifactory had Mr. Payne embraced this, an early opportunity to make his political position quite clear. Whether he intends to support Mr. Massey or whether he will throw in his lot with Sir Joseph Y ard is a matter upon which seemingly not even the members of his committee have any definite knowledge. Surely this is not a very satisfactory state of affairs? If Mr. Payne had not made up his mind to speak straight-awey there was really no reason in the wide world why he need have taken it upon himself to move the adjournment of the debate. But Mr. Fowlds’ successor has shown that he is not at all disposed to remain in the political background. Even so, as we have just indicated. there is indeed far too much mystery surrounding the question as to what he is likely to do when he is called upon to take part in the division that is to settle the fate of the Ward Administration. And why should such be the case as regards any member? As everybody knows, Mr Payne did not get into Parliament without the assistance of the Reform Party. It is indeed said that an agreement as follows was come to between them: “Shortland Street, December 11, 1911. At the office of Mr .T. G. Garland. Mr. Payne then soliciting the votes of the Opposition supporters, the following document was drawn up in his presence. Mr. W. H. Murray, Mr. Lyons and Mr. Garland being also present: —For Mr. Massey.—-Re Mr Payne:—l have seen him in the presence of two witnesses: Payne will vote on a no-confidence motion upon Native lands. Legislative Council reform, civil service reform, railway reform. Payne says: T am a freeholder. I want the workers to be able to get their freehold. If I am returned, I shall work for the workers first,’ Mr. Garland: ‘I understand, therefore, that you will support Mr. Massey in a vote of no-confidence against the present Administration. Will you sign the document?’ Mr Payne said: ‘No; I am a man of my word.’ This document was certified as correct by Mr. Garland.” When, however, the election, was over, what did Mi Payne say? It will be recalled that he even set forward a proposal under which all four Labor members should support the “Liberal” Party, piovided that that party handed over four portfolios, including the Premiership! And this in face of the agreement to winch we have just alluded. Flow extraordinary was the proposal may be still further illustrated when it is recalled that three days before the second ballot Mr Payne had this to sav: “At present the Opposition have a majority, and I am satisfied that after the second ballot they will still have a majority. They are far more true to democratic principles, and will do infinitely more foi the workers than the ginger-bread aristocracy that has grown up from Liberalism.” Asked to explain liis remarks further, Mr. Payne said, “I believe that the Opposition are so anxious to clean up the terrible finance of this countiy, and that they will be fair to the u oi leers because they realise what the Goternment realised too late, that the workers are a power behind the ballot box.” But a member who could so far forget his election pledges as to make such a proposal as we have just outlined might, we suppose, be counte upon to surprise his friends at am time. It is indeed only a few days ago since Mr Payne came forth with the suggestion that on account of the attitude which a “Reform” journal had taken no in connection with the Wellington tram strike, it might be found advisable for himself and others to consider the advisableness of giving the whole of their support to the '"Ward party! Our readers will see then that it is no wonder at all that many of Mr Pavne’s constituents are very anxious to' find out from him exactly what he intends to do when it comes to the

division on the no-confidence. If he had availed liimself of the right to speak last night they might have been by this time no longer in the dark. But he did not speak. Thus it comes about that his position in politics is just as enigmatical as ever.