AN OVERDUE DEBT PAID.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 193, 2 August 1911, Page 4

AN OVERDUE DEBT PAID.

We are certain that every one will be pleased to hear that Mr. Massey has publicly and unreservedly withdrawn the statement he made dining last session and in the heat of debate, which reflected on the honour and integrity of Mr. T. E. Taylor. Mr. Massey last night from his seat in the House said that he had intended to deal with the subject when he went to Christchurch some few weeks ago, but he had not the opportunity. He wished now to say that he withdrew the statement unreserv edly and regretted that it was made. Personally we are at a loss to understand why he did not call back his hasty words while Mr. Taylor was lying on his death bed. An acknowledgment at that sad moment, that he had made a mistake ,would have had the true ring of manly generosity, and have given the greatest pleasure on earth to the dying man. We cannot forget that Mr. Taylor, although in anguish in mind and body, fulfilled his duties to others until the last moment of his life, thus setting an example we all will do well to emulate. However, the curtain of death is now drawn over the Massey-Taylor incident, and it is only left to us to appreciate Mr. Massey’s announcement, and express regret that it was not made earlier.