MR. T. E. TAYLOR'S DEATH.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1192, 29 July 1911, Page 6

MR. T. E. TAYLOR'S DEATH.

TRIBUTE BY PARLIAMENT.

MOTION OF CONDOLENCE.

SPEECHES BY'SIR .T. CARROLL, ME. MASSEY, AXD OTHERS. ■

When tho House of Representatives met yesterday afternoon, high tributes of respect to tho late Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.P. for Christcluirch North, were paid in appropriate speeches by Sir James Carroll (Acting-Primo Minister), Mr. Ma_=sey (Leader of the Opposition), and others. Virtually every member who has as yet arrived in Wellington was in his placo when the Acting-l'rime Minister roso to refer to Mr. Taylor's death. Sir James Carroll said that since tho nouss had Inst met, the member for Christchurch North had been gathered to tho fold. Mr. Taylor had been ono of those remarkablo figures who stood out from tho canvas of politics. Ho wits a man of remarkable ability, with strong leanings to radicalism, and therefore ever a consistent and rigorous friend to tho Liberal sido and of the working classes. His death was indeed a lo?s to this country. In his Parliamentary life—although he made many enemies—yet those who had had occasion to deal with him Ju large questions could not but admire tho great powers of his illuminating Intellect. His extraordinary powers verged, even on genius. 'Friendly to all, in the» hostile arena ho showed great fighting qualities. Mr. Taylor had become associated with local politics, and even thero had distinguished himself. Latterly ho became Mayor of Christchurch, and it became .discernible to those who watched Mr. Taylor that the weight of civic rusponsibilitics served to ballast his character. He was on the rising tide to claim public opinion in his favour. Having briefly sketched Mr. Taylor's life and public career, tho ActingPrimo Minister declared that this country had lost a powerful man, a strong, vigorous spirit, a man of tireless energy, and a great champion, of tho democracy. It was not for him to dwell long on that strong and remarkablo personality. The public knew Mr. Taylor ns no one thero could describe him. Ho would move:—

"That (his House places on record its high appreciation. uf. tho services rendered to the Legislature of this Dominion-by the late Thomas Edward Taylor, late member for Christchurch North, and respectfully tenders to the widow and family its assurances of sympathy with them in their bereavement." A Courageous Spirit. Mr. Massey, in seconding the motion, expressed his sincere sympathy with the widow and family, and his regret at tho great loss tho Now Zealand Parliament had sustained. When they wero called upon so frequently to deal with motions such as this, it brought homo to them all the uncertainty of life, and that In spite of all their struggles and their strongest efforts in the political arena they were powerless when the Angel of Death beckoned any one of them away. But it always seemed a moat satisfactory phaso of their public lifo.that when such troubles came everything was done to soften the blow and to comfort those who' were loft behind. So it was in this cas(>. Death settled all differences, and levelled nil distinctions, and, as had been pointed out by Sir James Carroll, thougTi members might have differed from tho hou. gentleman who had passed away, all wero glad to acknowledge his honesty and sincerity of character. He waa a niaii of the people,- a strong man, aud a man of great determination and force of character. With him there was no compromise, and no halting between two opinions. No human being was perfect, but when death came they forgot the minor imperfections and remembered only the good and great qualities of tho man who had gone. -/Ho did-not think-anyone would say that ho did not possess many great and good qualities, or that lie was not ono of tho most remarkable men that this country had seen. They were always dad to appreciate and acknowledge his Parliamentary ability and his skill and keenness as a critic and a debater. In

these respects ho had no equals on the platform, and no superior so fnr as this country was concerned. It was quite evident now that he must, during recent years, have been a great sufferer physically, hut his courageous spirit kept him going to tho last. He worked steadily towards tho goal he had in view until tho Great Master had called him from labour to rest. For him tho great mystery was solved, and no member in tho present Parliament would ever forget T. E. Taylor. So far as the widow and children were concerned, ■he only hoped that Ho Who tempered the.wind, to the shorn lamb woiild remember them in their bereavement.

Tho Hon. G. Fowlds (Minister for Education) also paid a warm tribute to the sterling character of the Into member for Christchurch North. The Minister described Mr. Taylor as tho greatest public speaker of his time iu New Zealand. Indeed, he would go further—he had heard all the great parliamentary debaters in the Old Land—and he would say that Mr. Taylor was second to.none of them. The Jate member had entered in wholehearted manner into many great public questions. His advocacy of temperance reform had enormously taxed his physical strength. Since the death of tho fate Mr. fceddon, the demise of , no man had created a greater feeling of regret than that of J i tr- T a 2 10 1- Concl '"linK, Mr. Fowlds declared that no one who had not seen Mr Taylor in, home life had seen the best side of his character, or become aware of his most admirable characteristics.

A Leader of Minorities. Tho Hon. D. Buddo (Minister for Internal Affairs) said he could not but adrairo the way in which Mr. Taylor had always Btood up for what ho considered rHit. Ho was fearless in tho public cause at all tunes, and was seen, perhaps, at his best when ho was leading a minority. iNaturally, ho aroused many antagonisms, but ho was compensated by true and strong friendships. During his civic and municipal career ho was ii factor working often from the unpqpular side, but at tlio end of a useful, though short, lifo lie enjoyed tho highest honour his fellowcitizens could confer. Ho left behind mm ,i memory of public service and devotion to duty that would bo long remembered by old and young. Speaking as a colleague of the deceased member, Mr. G. AV. Russell (Avon) claimed that Mr. Taylor, in his brief public career, had attained a higher position than had ever before been reached by a pnvalo member. A truo democrat and a born fighter, gifted, too, with a strong analytical faculty, Mr. Taylor had possessed a gift of incisive, logical, and convincing oratory. He was a true iconoclast. Once convinced that he was right, ho clung to any causo with the tcmacity of death it.=elf. Mr. M'Laren (Wellington East) testified to Mr. laylor;s greatness of spirit and character of his final message to the democracy. Mr. Taylor had proved himself a perfect sou and an ideal husband and father. Mr. A. W. Hogg (Masterton) said he had recognised Mr. Taylor ,is a man who might sometimes be injudicious in his impulsiveness, but was always fearless in his discharge of pnblic .business. Hn stood always near to great principles, and in endeavouring to prove his views correct was absolutely fearless. Ho had never appeared to greater advantago than when—supported by only one or two adherents—ho had upheld tho causo of tho working classes. It was an unfortunate circumstance that somo men throughout their public career met with strong and continual opposition. Mr. Taylor had been one of these men, but tho speaker noted gladly that even tlioso who had been his conspicuous opponents during his lifo-time were ready now to pay him a meed of respect, and to do justice to his memory as a man of tho people and n. man whose loss would long bo deplored by this country. Mr. Malcolm (Cluthn) emphasised the value of services rendered by Mr. Taylor in the fight against tho liquor traffic. Tho knowledge that tlicso services had been rendered would tend more than anything else to relievo the affliction of Mr. Taylor's widow and children. • Mr. Laurenson (Lyttclton) said that Mr. Taylor's faults by on tho surface, and anyone could sne f.hpin, but his inner spirit wae true nud noble. His home-life, had 'shown how pracsful and happy a home could be. It was a' remarkable

thing that fow men who strove to bring about a great reform lived to see Hint reform realised. lint it was the, fate of these men to bo remembered by thoso who lived after them. Mr. Poole (Auckland West) paid that in Mr. T.E.Taylor Now Zealand had lost ono of its most brilliant adopted sons. Ho bad been likenod to a stormy petrel, born to live aniiil disturbed elements, but reformers were agitators, and reform was I Mr. Taylor's mission. He had fallen in tho traces—ceased at onco to work and to live—and he had faced death with fortitude, just as in lifo he had faced and overcomo hostility and obstacles to reform. The motion was carried in silence, and tho House adjourned until 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, in respect for tho memory of tho deceased member. Sir James Carroll will represent tho Ministry at the funeral of tho lato Mr. T. E. Taylor, at Christchurch, tomorrow. Mr. Massey and tho Refarm party will bo represented by Mr. C. A. C. Harily, Opposition Whip. The Hon. D. Buddo, as a Canterbury member, and tho Hon. G. IWlds, as a friend of the deceased, will also be present. Other members of Parliament who will attend the funeral are: Messrs. Laurenson, Bussell, Witty, Davey, and Poole. Mr. D. M'Laren will represent the New Zealand Labour party, of which he is president.

RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION. ■ The National Administrative Council of tho New Zealand Labour party passed the following resolution yesterday:—"That this council, in the'name of the entire body of the New Zealand Political Labour party, places on record its greit senso of loss and its feeling of deepest sorrow in tho death of such a brave fighter for the principles of justice, truth, and right, as Mr. T. E. Taylor,. M.P. __ AA'o realise fully that the workers of New Zealand had no truer friend than the deceased and we trust that Mr. Taylor's last message to the workers of New Zealand may inspire the minds and hearts of all our members to lift our movement, as he wisely urged, to the highest moral plane. With sincere respect wo tender io Mrs. Taylor and to all the deceased's family our most heartfelt sympathy in this their hour of sad bereavement." (Signed) D. M'Laren, president. At a meeting of the executive of thu New Zealand Alliance the following resolution was passed:—"That the executive of the New Zealand Alliance desires to place on record its sense of the irreparable loss which tho cause of temperance and nationar righteousness has sustained by the death of Mr. T. E. Taylor; its appreciition of the invaluable and unrivalled services which his courage, his enthusiasm, high character, his eloquence, and his unflinching devotion to principle have rendered to tho cause during upwards of twenty years of tireless and increasing advocacy; its profound sympathy with Mrs. Taylor and family in their bereavement; and its hopo that the people of New Zealand will be inspired by Mr. Taylor's example, and his dying message to be 'true to God and our opportunities,' and to make 1911 'our year of emancipation.' " The New Zealand Alliance will be represented at tho funeral by the following:—Mr. Wesley Spragg (president), Rev. J. Dawsou (secretaiy), Kev. AV. ,1. Comvio (chairman of executive), and Messrs. A. E. Atkinson. AV. J. Helyer, G. Pctherick, and C. H. Poole, M.P.

Tho following is a copy of a telegram forwarded to Mrs. T. E. Taylor, Christchurch :—"Wellington City Men's Brotherhood deeply mourn the sad loss sustained by you and the Dominion. Pray accept of our deepest sympathy.—Lewis, Secretary." ■ A memorial service 19 to be hold in the Town Hall, Wellington, on Sunday week, August 6, at 3.30 p.m. CHRISTCHURCH SYMPATHY. ■'.. ; NUMEROUS MESSAGES. (By Telecraph—Press AssociatioaJ Christchurch, July 28. Flags waved at half-mast in tho city to-day. They were a visible indication of the city's sorrow at the passing of thu Mayor (Mr. T. E. Taylor). Everywhere tho sad event was discussed, and there was' Only the ,, one-opinion -that the city had sustained a loss which was irreparable. There is no one who can bo to Chriitchurch what Mr. Taylor was to it.. Ready sympathy flowed towards the bereaved wife and .family, whose loss is even greater and more poignant than that of the city.

This morning messages of sympathy with Mrs. -Taylor and family, and tributes to the late- Mr. Taylor, wero received from all parts of tho Dominion. I'e&plc mill oiKaiiisution;) sefcjied to <>» affected with the one feeling of Borrow that such an outstanding figure in tho public life of tho country had been so suddenly removed. Tho following are extracts from sorno of the telegrams received :— The Governor telegraphs lo Mrs. Taylor as follows:—"Her Excellency and I desire to our sincere sympathy tj you and your family in the sad and *>rematuro death of your husband.—lslington." : ■ - The Hon. J. A.' Millar: "It was wit!, the deepest regret that I learned of tho death of your dear husband, and I beg , to express to you and your family m.y heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement. Parliament has, indeed, lost by Mr. Tailor's death a member who was gifted with exceptional talent and ability, and whosi" sincerity of purpose was a marked characteristic of his public career." Tho Hon. D. Buddo: "Deeply regret to learn of the death of your dear husband. Unselfish throughout bis nublic career he spent his life.in the public interest. His loyalty and friendship will be a memory to all who know him. Mrs. Buddo joins with me in conveying to you our deen<st sympathy iu your sad bereavement. , ' The Hon. Geo. Jones; M.L.C.: "Mr. Taylor was universally esteemed for his faithful and distinguished services in the people's cause." Mr. Geo. Witty, M.P.: "Trust you will find some comfort in the knowledgo that he died working for the people." Tho Hon. H. M'Kenzie: "Wo tender yourself and family our sincere sympathy in your great loss."

Mr. W. Nosworthy, M.P.: "Tho country can ill-afford to ioso one of such untiring energy." Mr. ,T. P. Luke, M.P.: "Mr. Taylor , ', death makes a serious breach in tho bulwark of national righteousness." Messages of condolence were- received from almost every member of tho House. Mr. Richard Hazelton. M.P. (Home Rule delegate): "Shocked beyond expression at tragic news of the death of your distinguished husband, Wβ feel it us --. personal loss. My colleagues join mo in offering you our sorrowing sympathy." When the Magistrate's Court commenced its sittings this morning, the magistrate (Mr. T. A. B. Bailey) stated that he could add nothing to tho eulogies which had already appeared in the papers as to the sterling qualities of the late Mayor. His death was a- very great loss not only to the city, but to the country as a whole. Mr. Taylor had been a man of many parts and of sterling qualities. Whenever no had put his hand to anything he had not turned back, and his steadfastness to his ideals was very marked. His energy and industry had been the wonder of everybody. The late Mr..Tavlor had been a born fighter, and it would be some satisfaction to his friends to know that ho had lived and died in harness. His Worship then adjourned the Court for half an hour as a tribute- of respect to the late Mayor's memory.

The funeral will leave the City Council building at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday for the Addington cemetery. The body will bo brought: to tho Council Chambers at 10 a.m. on Sunday, and will remain in tlio chamber until tho afternoon. The Council Chamber will bo open to the public between 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. There is a -disposition among local prohibitionists to mako an appeal to the Dominion for national prohibition this year as a memorial to tho dead leader of the movement, and in all probability this will be adopted as tho rallying-cry of the party in Uio coming campaign.