MR. TAYLOR'S NAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14855, 5 December 1911, Page 8

MR. TAYLOR'S NAME.

A COMPLETE VINDICATION. MR. MASSEY'S LAST .WORD, "I withdraw the statement unreservedly, and regret that it was made." That was the essential sentence in tho vindication of the late Mr. T. E. Taylor, made by" Mr. W. F. Massey in the House of Representatives at tho beginning of last session. Within the last few days tho . Hon. G. Fowlda and Mr. L. M. Isitt have united in an endeavour to persuade tho public that the action'taken by Mr. Massey to closo what is known as the Massey-Taylor episode was not sufficient. A vigorous reply to this attack was made by Mr. Massey at Dovonport last evening. - He explained that Mr. Taylor died on the day the last session of Parliament was opened. Next day the House "met again to pass an Imprest Supply Bill, and lie (Mr. Massey) suggested that out of respect for the memory of Mr. Taylor, the Bill should bo passed without debate. ; The House concurred unanimously. (Applause.) His ' first opportunity to mention the matter in tho House, came on the following Tuesday' evening, when lie concluded his first speech of the session with an unreserved withdrawal of his statement, and an expression of regret that it had been made. (Applause.) ....... The Minister who followed him was the Hon. G. Fowlds.. The latter at once said " ho was very pleased to hear this statement made. It was tho right thing, and the matter was now cleared, up and done with." Next clay he received tho following telegram from Mr. L. M. Isitt: — "Personally indebted for your action; glad you spoke before mv letter received. —Isitt."

, That was five months ago, and now the matter was suddenly dragged up again, and an endeavour made to make the most of it. as political capital- against himself and his party. Any further reference to the matter by Messrs. Fowlds and Isitt ho intended to treat with contempt.