MR MASSEY’S WITHDRAWAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7869, 3 August 1911, Page 6

MR MASSEY’S WITHDRAWAL

ME TATLOE’S VINDICATION. To me this week has b<?en one of the saddest in my life," said Mr C, H. Poole in the House last evening, “ and there are many members who can say their hearts are sad, .Now, last night at the termination of the speech of the loader of the Opposition, he made a withdrawal of the charge he laid against the late Thomas Bdwai’d Taylor in this liouse last year, i know that the feelings of the leader of the Opposition must bo very keen, and I feel certain ho must have a big measure of mental anguish, and 1 was pleased to hear the reference that he made last night to the unfortunate occurrence that took x>lacc last year, when there was placed on record not only in this House, but in ‘ Hansard/ a charge against the late Mr Taylor, X want to say it has come very late, and lam sorry. Although i think it is a withdrawal, 1 am absolutely certain it is not a complete vindication.

“ Last Sunday night/' Mr Poole continued, “ I went from the cemetery to Mr Taylor's home to see his mother, eighty years of age, with her heart broken because her only son had been taken from her. and as she sat in that corner, she said, 'Mr Poole, they have been so kind to me. My son has gone, hut he has gone down with a stigma on his character, and ho is in his grave tonight, and this must ho removed.' And I made up my mind there and then, in conversation with that dear old soul, that if I could say one word or make one appeal that would get a complete vindication of this dead man's character I would make it. I am not speaking in bitterness, and X quite understand the leader of the Opposition’s heart must be pretty full, and I would not occupy his position for all the money in New Zealand, ”

Mr W. C. Buchanan: He made a withdrawal.

Mr Poole: I say this, that if he believes this is a whole-souled withdrawal and vindication of that man's reputation/ well, let it stay there. But if lie is going to confer any more comfort on this old lot him open up his whole heart and give her more consolation than she secured up to the present time. This is a thing that has caused great pain, and I hope that soon it -will be forgiven and forgotten for all time."