MR T. E. TAYLOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5487, 12 February 1896, Page 3

MR T. E. TAYLOR.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Mr T, E. Taylor's letter in your, issue of Feb. 10 is so " misleading in its assertions, that I must ask for the opportunity of correcting the wrong impression" he desires to form and leave in the minds of the public. Let me take his points seriatim. He says: "I have fully defended the vote I cast five years ago" Yes, "defended the vote" ; but not vindicated the conduct of the voter, which is" the meaning he wishes to convey. The defence has but aggravated the conduct, and made more prominent the immutable facts that this man, who so loudly declares that he "will support and work loyally with the Liberal Party," 'five years ago worked tooth and nail for, the return of a candidate run by the Conservatives ; that two years ago he worked hard for, and still supports a man who has done his little best.to break up the Liberal Party ; that by wilywayshe trieda, year ago to" score a vqte of no-confidence in ourLabourchampion.theHon'W'. P. Eeevea - that he has never-lost ah occasion to annoy the present Government, and to storm and rage at it; and that he -has abused the head of the Liberal Party as only he can. No, no, Mr T. E. Taylor; " an', thoul't mouth," take care thy actions do not give the lie to .thy word. "By their works . ye shall know them." He continues, " I have repeatedly pledged myself during this contest to maintain intact the legis- ! lation of the past five years." So has Mr Lewis. Let Mr Taylor assume his right position and link arms with him. Then he proceeds, he is pledged "to work loyally and heartily with the advanced section of the Liberal Party." ' Now these words, " advanced section" are a slip of the pen. Throughout the entire letter they never occur but once. They have a world of meaning. Prominently they mean that section of the members who are slowly but surely being gathered under Sir R. Stout's wing ; that section full of virtue and high mindedness, who are striving to oust from office the present Ministry • who are plotting for the overthrow of the Liberal Party. If returned, Mr T. E. Taylor will be found amongst them. The rest of his letter calls for no comment. It is simply the "mouthing " of Liberalism, and "there's the cunning of it." Mr Taylor is essentially a " correspondence column " politician^ He has continually avoided giving a workable plan for any of his theories, and presumably he has not the ability to do so. Here is a specimen of his knowledge in labour matters, also a specimen of his logic and his wily ways. He was in favour of the "Masters and Apprentices Bill, introduced by the Hon W. P. Reeves, and if he found its provisions reasonable he would give it his hearty support." How could he be in favour of a measure whose provisions he is not acquainted with ? See " the cunning of it." But " Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides."— I am, &c, W. CULLEN.