MR. PAYNE'S PLEDGES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1389, 15 March 1912, Page 4

MR. PAYNE'S PLEDGES.

SPEECH TO HIS ELECTION COMMITTEE. (By Tolesraph.—Prces Association.) Auckland, March M. Mr. John Payne, M.P. for Grey Lynn, met the members of his election committee last night for the first time since his return from Wellington. There was ail attendance of between 30 and 40 elector*, Tho chairman said that they all wanted \ to get at tho facts of Mr. Payne's at- ' titudo during bis first session in Parliament. He mentioned that Mr. M'Mastcr had been invited to be present, but had ignored the invitation. It was formally resolved to discard all committee papers . in" the possession of Mr. M'Masler, and to inform that gentleman that ho had forfeited any right further to cccupy tho position of secretary to Mr. Payne's committee. , Mr. Payne, who was warmly received, said, in the course of a short address, that as they all knew lie had gone to Parliament a bitter anti-Wardite. He had sat on cross-benches, and listened to each side making a bold bid to catch tho Labour vote. What had very much impressed him was tho weak argument on the Opposition side of the House. The matter of the Governor's Speech, which was to all intents and purposes o very pood beginning of "Scheme -15," had been ridiculed by the Opposition. Notwithstanding nil the screaming of (ho Opposition press, ho claimed that lie hid broken no election. pledges. The extent of his election pledges was that he had said he would vote against the Government on its land legislation and railway administration. In tho circumstance*, did his committee believe that lie liiijl broken any pledges? (Cries of No. ) Since his return to Aucklnnd, ho and learned with regard to the alleged bribe, although that had all been cleared up. (hat rumours were current that I'.e r.acl received money all right. He believed that he had a case for a very strong legal action in this connection, jM « proposed to take legal advice. He felt in view of the 'rumours that he must take steps to have the matter, cared up. He was certain that he retained the confidence of Grey Lynn, and tnat that confidence would be realised at the next election. Mr. Payne concluded his address nm id approving applause by declaring that he stood for Labour and Labour only.