CHALLENGE FOR TUESDAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7847, 8 July 1911, Page 6

CHALLENGE FOR TUESDAY

MR MASSEY AND MR TAYLOR.

THE ALLEGED “STRANGE STORY.” PRESS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, July 7. Mr T. E. Taylor, M.P., as Mayor of Christchurch, has agreed to preside at a political meeting to bo addressed by Hr Massey next Tuesday. In a letter signifying his willingness to take the chair, Mr Taylor refers to a statement made by Mr Massey in the House of Representatives on November 30th, 1910, as reported on page 1170 of “Hansard,” in which Mr Massey said that he was behind the scenes in tho Seddon-Taylor case, and if ever it fell to his lot ho could tell a strange story’ in • connection therewith. Sir Taylor expresses the hope that Mr Massey will avail himself of the opportunity on Tuesday night of proving tho allegation quoted, or failing his opportunity to do so he will tender Mr Taylor and the constituency ho represents a frank and generous apology.

Replying in tho House on December bilth to an indictment by Mr Taylor of Opposition tactics, Mr Massey asked, Were Mr Taylor’s hands clean f He (Mr Massey’) was behind the scenes years ago in connection with, a famous lawsuit which took place in Christchurch. Ho thanked God he had noth ing to do with it! If it ever fell to his lot to tell what happened, it would cause some people a little concern. Mr Taylor: I challenge you to say anything you know about that case. It is an absolutely mean insinuation. 1 give you a free hand. Mr Massey: If I used It, there would be an end to the hon. gentleman politically. Mr Taylor: ' You cannot end me politically. My word! If yon could have done so, you would havo done it before to-day! Mr Speaker: If the member for Christchurch does not cease _ interrupting, I shall havo to name him. Mr Taylor asked tho Speaker to see that tho leader of the Opposition did not continue the irritating practice of addressing him personally. Mr Massey replied that he would address the chair and remind the House of a pamphlet which Mr Taylor wrote. It was circulated all over the country, sold at, a shilling, and was called “The Shadow of Tammanyism.” It attacked the late Mr Seddon.

Mr Taylor; You attack a dead man. I attacked him when ho was alive, and fought him to his face. Mr Taylor, in personal explanation, said the '’leader, of the Opposition had referred to some Christchurch case of five years ago,- which he presumed was some litigation lie had had in connection with Captain Seddon.' Mr, Massey : That is so. Mr Taylor: He suggested that if ho were free he could tell the House or the country of certain things I was responsible for in connection with_ that case that would be to my discredit. 1 wish to give him most absolute freedom. It was a piece of vain boasting. I am perfectly sure I neither said nor did anything in connection with that case which was not absolutely in accord with the rules of all games—fair and above board. It was a stiff fight, and I fought almost entirely alone, and as far as I know every action of mine was clean, and I give him a free hand. The proof of his vain boasting will be that ho cannot do what he says. It is all of a piece with his politics.