THE BITER BIT

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 March 1912, Page 3

THE BITER BIT

The tactics employed by Mr W. F % Massey, M.P., during the recent No confidence debate in the House of Representives, and the'deplorable outcome oi what will be known in the annals of posterity as the ft Payne episode," did not enhance the fluctuating reputation of the Leader of the Opposition in the criterions of the people of this Dominion, or qualify him as a diplomat. Apparently,, he was under the impression that he not only retained the sympathy of the .masses, but had the support of the Labour clique ; however, as subsequent events went to prove, he fell far short in his calculations and eventually landed his Party in the mire ! To a large majority of his advocates tho whole affair may appeaVas a regrettable incident,-'----following upon an unprecedented suc-v cess in the great political campaign of 191-1, coupled with the unique result of the Second Ballot; nevertheless, we consider that what; has transpired will- be of lasting benefit to the country. With regard to the plaintive cries of Messrs Massey and Company anent the ruthless breaking of election pledges, &uch are, in o,ur opinion, like the proverbial flood of; crocodile tears which at all times flow; copiously from the eyes of those who desire' to vindicate themselves against their more hyprocritical brethren. On the other hand, so far as Mr Payne is concerned, doubtless Ms sudden change of -front-, was solely due to' his being fully alive to the way in -which the wind "would blow—seeing that Sir; Joseph. Ward, Bart., like " Joshua" of Biblical fame is quite equal ,to making the sun and moon v stand still " should the emergency arise—yet, the member for Grey Lynn was ill-advised in adapting himself to circumstances, presumably, to save his own skiD. -That he is an adept in the cute art ot political wire^ pulling is evident, and while he has been absolved from any ulterior motives in respect of the alleged charges of accepting bribes, this does not materialise, or cover up the nudity of systematic purpose.