"NAMED."

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14835, 28 November 1913, Page 8

"NAMED."

MR PAYNE IN TROUBLE. TOO MANY INTERJECTIONS. MR MASSEY TOLERANT. (special to "thb pmss.'M WELLINGTON, November 27. The sword of Damocles, which has been hanging over the head of the member for Grey Lynn all the session because of his inveterate habit of interjecting, nearly fell early this morning- It descended right to the point of danger, and was only prevented from its sanguinary design by the considerateness of the Prime Minister.

When the Imprest Supply Bill was produced at 8.30 last evening, the Labour quintet immediately entered upon a campaign of verbosity, having as its subject the strike, ancl the Government's treatment of it. After the lapse of a certain amount of time, the Government members became a little provoked, and began to retaliate upon the text of certain violent productions of "1.W.W." standard, by holding these up to the derision of commonsense. • The Government orators spurred and riled the Labour men, who were promptly provoked to begin and maintain a steady series of interjections, which became more and more otfensivo and annoying as the evening progressed. Specially prominent were Messrs Payne and Webb, and it was not long before the cumulative effect of. the former's irascible interjections became felt. The Speaker at length, about 2 a.m., warned Mr Payne that his interjections were becoming tiresome and must be stopped. If that were not done he would liavo to call upon him to withdraw from the Chamber, and he would suspend him for the rest of the sitting. At the time this warning was made Mr Fisher was speaking, and was directing his observations towards Air Payne. Because of this, Mr Seddon protested, and asked the Minister to cease that course, which invited interjection. Mr Speaker expressed surprise at anyone countenancing Mr Payne in any degree, and further intimated that if suspension for one sitting were not sufficient, he would have to "name" him and call upon the Leader of the House to take any necessary steps consequent thereon. In further remarks Mr Fisher strongly criticised "Ecd Fed." remarks, plainly to the discomfort of Labourites. Mr Payne and Mr Webb continued their comments, but a check came at length. At 3.40, when _Mr Campbell was speaking, Mr Payne again interjected. The Speaker then rose. . "I have said/ , he remarked, "that I would suspend the hon. member for the rest of the sitting, but this punishment would be altogether too light. Now I shall 'name' Mr John Payne, member for Grey Lynn, for disorderly conduct, and I shall ask the Leader of the House to tako what steps he may consider necessary.' . With regret, Mr Massey thereupon moved that Mr Payne "be suspended for the rest of the sitting." Mr Payne was obliged to leave the Chamber while the House deliberated upon the motion. Messrs Webb and Witty put in pleas for Mr Payne, and asked that the motion should- not be passed, and Mr Witty suggested, on the lines of an incident somo years ago, that Mr Payne should be allowed to withdraw and apologise. - ...".•

Mr Massey said that while he did not wish to push the motion, this flow of interjections had to be stopped. If the member concerned would withdraw and apologise, ho would ask the House to allow the motion to drop. Air Payne was sent for. In his remarks he protested he intended no offence. He had been misunderstood. No excuses were allowed by the Speaker. The hon. member, he said, must.express-regret at once. , "Under the circumstances," said Mr Payne, "I express regret and withdraw tho objectionable remark." . So the incident closed —a very narrow escape indeed for Mr John Payne, member for Grey Lynn. " It is very many years since a member has been "named" in the-New Zealand Parliament.