MR TAYLOR AND MR MASSEY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 230, 3 February 1911, Page 4

MR TAYLOR AND MR MASSEY

A DIRECT CHALLENGE. Christchurch, Thursday. A statement made by Mr. Massey in the House of Representatives at the close of the Hine inquiry episode was referred to by Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.P., during his speech at Knox schoolroom last evening, the speaker taking exception to what Mr. Massey had said. The statement complained of, which had reference to the Seddon-Taylor case, was as follows: "If I can get leave to use the information I possess, then I will use it on the platform in Christchurch, and then there will be an end to the hon. gentleman politically." That incident, said Mr. Taylor, took place in November last. He thought that Mr. Massey** charge of dishonorable ponduct against him in connection with the ease was the expression of an angry man, but Mr. Massey had allowed it to appear in. "Hansard,"' and he must assume that Mr. Massey wished the charge to stand. On December 22nd he wrote to Mr. Massey stating that as that gentleman had deliberately published under Parliamentary privilege, a statement that he (Mr. Taylor) was in some way connected with dishonorable practices when conducting the lawsuit referred to he urged Mr. Massey to publish anything and everything he knew in connection with that matter, and he asked Mr. Massey either to substantiate the charge or to withdraw unreservedly the allegations he had made. CHARGES OF DISCOURTESY.

"When Mr. Massey said I had been guilty, directly or indirectly, of the slightest deviation from honorable standards in connection with that lawsuit he lied. He may not have intended to lie. He may have been foolish enough to refer to some falsehood he had heard, But, notwithstanding that, he is a public man and he lied, and if he were worthy of the position he occupies as the leader of a political party in New Zealand, ha would have apologised for a charge of that character involving another man's honor—a charge for which there is no foundation. Perhaps he is feeling too much warmth yet to do justice. I will give him time, but if he does not do it before he ventures on to a platform in this part of the world, or anywhere else in Xew Zealand where I can follow him, I will give him very much occasion to regret he did not conform in this matter to the ordinary standards of courtesy or courage. My letter calls for an answer. He has not had the courtesy to answer it. It calls for an apology. He has not had the courage to apologise. A little later on I shall consider I have your authority to deal with Mr. Massey afl he ought to he dealt with." (Loud applause.)