THAT CHALLENGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7848, 10 July 1911, Page 1

THAT CHALLENGE

MR TAYLOR AND MR MASSEY CHANCE TO MAKE HONOURABLE AMENDS. SPECIAL TO THE “TIMES.” CHRISTCHURCH, July S. The solo topic of conversation to-day is the attitude taken up by Mr T. E. Taylor, M.P., Mayor of Christchurch, in regard to his acceptance of the chairmanship ,at Mr Massey's meeting here on Tuesday night. In amplifying his letter to the local committee, Mr Taylor in an interview* said “It is my intention to insist upon Mr Massey having a perfectly fair hearing, and I have no doubt that the city will accord that to him in his capacity as leader of the Opposition. Its reputation for fairness to visitors will not be impaired on Tuesday night, X feel sure, I have given him an opportunity of making amends, so that the sense of resentment entertained towards him by many of my friends in Christchurch may not by any means find expression at that meeting which ho proposes to address. Mr Massey will doubtless spend a great deal of his time in addressing the Christchurch people in protesting that ho and his party are men of courage *and honesty, who desire the strictest principles ox equity and fair play to be observed in connection with the public life of this country. He undoubtedly slandered me under the protection of Parliamentary privilege last session, and may have based his allegation upon statements made to him by other people that X know nothing about. I simply know that he uttered a gross untruth when ho said that I had been guilty of any dishonourable conduct in connection with the Seddon-Taylor lawsuit. I have written to him since last session asking for proof of his statements or a complete retraction, and he was not courteous enough to acknowledge my letter or courageous enough to undo the wrong he did. I hope that his decision to speak in Cliristchurch is a preliminary to his putting himself right with, ail men who believe that ordinary standards of fair play should rule even in the political arena.” MR. MASSEY REFUSES TO BE BRAWN. PEESS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHJJROH, July 8. Mr Massey courteously declined to be interviewed on the subject of his difference with Mr T. E. Taylor, M.F: Askedwhether Mr Taylor would be asked fo preside at his meeting on Tuesday night in view of recent happenings, Mr Massey said that the matter, had nothing to do with him; it was in ' the hands of his committee. The committee had v very properly asked the Mayor to preside as Mayor, and had nothing to do with the squabbles of two members of Parliament. Mr Massey was then asked if on. Tuesday evening ho would deal with the question raised oy Mr Taylor, but intimated that ho did not desire to reply to the question.