DEATH OF MR T. E. TAYLOR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1023, 29 July 1911, Page 3

DEATH OF MR T. E. TAYLOR.

Christchurch, July 27. , The deep tolling of the Cathedral bell late this afternoon proclaimed to a saddened city that the end had come, and that the Mayor, Mr T. E- Taylor, M.P., had passed away. His immediate illnesss dated from-only a week ago, but so serious was the disorder that death came with almost tragic suddenness. At first no serious consequences were anticipated, but as the days went by the bulletins issued became less and less of a reassuring nature, until finally it was announced that no hope of recovery could be held out. Despite his bodily disorder Mr Taylor’s mind retained an extraordinary alertness, and even up to yesterday morning he was dictating to a close friend final messages to his constituents and others. On Wednesday Mr Taylor passed a quiet night, but as the day advanced he weakened gradually until at midday to-day he lapsed into unconsciousness. Now and again he brightened up, and he spoke to his wife at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon, that being his last conscious act. From thence forward he seemed to slumber, and shortly after 5 o’clock he passed away.

NATURE OF THE ILLNESS. A short history of Mr Taylor’s illness was supplied officially tonight by the surgeons in attendance. Mr Taylor, it was stated, suffered from chronic indigestion for many years. He attended a public meeting on Wednesday of last week, and during the night was seized with abdominal pains, A consultation was held on Sunday, and it was then decided that an operation was necessary. It was lound that there was longstanding ulceration of the stomach and adjoining bowel, with a recent perforation of the ulcer in the stomach, and local peritonitis. It was hoped at first that the operation would prove successful, but on Wednesday serious symptoms arose, and ,m ex uuination showed that nothing lurther could be done. The doctors and nurses in attendance were very much impressed with Mr Taylor’s fortitude, his calmness, and his thoughtfulness for his family and others.

FINAL INTERVIEW. What was practically the final interview between Mr Taylor and his friends took place this morning at 10 o’clock. MrL. M. Isitt, who for many years was associated with Mr Taylor in the prohibition campaign, and Mr H. Cole, one of Mr Taylor’s business partners, were summoned into Mr Taylor’s room. Mr Taylor, whose illness had reduced him very much indeed, appeared to be unconscious, but when he spoke it was evident that his mind was working with some of its old vigour. He asked his friends to take down some farewell notes and messages to friends. In a message to the Rev. John Dawson, general secretary ot the New Zealand Alliance, Mr Taylor addressed the following words : “ 1911 is our year of emancipation, if we are true to God and our opportunities.

Turning then to Mr Cole, the dying man said ; “ Cole, they call us fanatics, but national prohibition is worth living for and worth dying for.” A message for Labour was given to Mr Isitt: —“ Isitt, this is a lovely country. Tell my Labour friends that they have a divine chance here if they will only recognise the religious element and lift the movement to its highest plane.” There were other messages of a private nature, and the interview, which had been an extremely affecting one to those engaged in it, terminated.

Mr Taylor spoke very little afterwards.

The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon and will be a civic funeral.

The body, which has now been taken to Mr Taylor’s private house on the Cashmere Hills, will be brought to the City Council Chamber on Sunday morning, and the funeral cortege will start from the Council Chamber.

Crowds of anxious inquirers waited outside Nurse Turner’s home prior to Mr Taylor’s death, and little knots of people stood and chatted about the stricken Mayor’s public life and achievements.

Workers going homeward at noon crossed the roadway in large numbers when they reached the home and inquired from friends and strangers about the condition of Mr Taylor. The feeling throughout the city all the morning was one of most sincere anxiety and concern, and everywhere friends and political opponents of Mr Taylor expressed sympathy and regret. Throughout his long career Mr T. E. Taylor won and lost public favour. His popularity ascended to heights and then dropped, a tew devoted followers remaining loyal to their chief. His long fight against heavy odds and his outspoken manner made for fluctuations, but since the last elections he had gradually secured increased hold over the city (says the Star). When Christchurch at last decided to place him in the highest post it could offer, it seemed as if his popularity had reached the climax, but even the remarkable display of admiration last April has faded into insignificance now.

RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE. At a meeting of the Wellington City Council, the Acting-Mayor, in announcing the death of Mr Taylor, said the deceased had played a very important part in the affairs of the Dominion, and he supposed, had Mr Taylor been able to live for another ten years, he would probably have become the greatest man in the country, for he possessed the ability and perseverance to go on with the work he laid out before him. They sympathised with his wife and family, and also with the citizens and City Council of Christchurch. A vote of condolence was passed, and the Council adjourned its business for ten minutes.

The Farmers’ Union conference sent a telegram to Mrs T. E. Taylor, Christchurch, before Mr Taylor had died, offering its sincere sympathy with her in Mr Taylor’s illness, and trusting that he would be soon restored to health. Several speakers paid tribute to Mr Taylor’s value as a public man.

MR TAYLOR’S CAREER. Mr Thomas Edward Taylor was born at Kirtou, Lincolnshire on June ifith, 1862. He arrived in New Zealand with his parents on the ship Cardigan Castle in 1874. He was educated in primary schools at West Christchurch and Avonside. Mr Taylor was for nearly twenty years in the employ of Messrs J. M. Hey wood and Co,, forwarding agents, and for several years prior to leaving the firm occupied the position of manager. In February, 1895, he entered into business on his own account as commission agent and importer. Mr Taylor’s first appearance in municipal politics was in Sydenham when he was one of six candidates for three vacant seals on the council, and the poll placed him third on the list.

He first sought Parliamentary honours iu 1896, when the appointment of the Hon. W. P. Reeves as Agent-General left one of the Christchurch city seats vacant. The by-election took place on February 13th, and it will be remembered that it excited tremendous interest. There were three candidates in the field, viz., Mr Charles Lewis, who was standing in the Opposition interest, Mr R. M. Taylor, who was the Government nominee, and Mr T. E. Taylor, who was the elect of the prohibition party. The election was won by Mr Lewis with 4x74 votes. Mr T. E. Taylor was second with 4102 voles, and Mr R. M. Taylor third with 3196 votes. The general election followed on December 4th of the same year, and on this occasion Mr Taylor was returned as junior member for Christchurch.

Mr Taylor throughout his political life adopted the role of critic, and he was responsible for some of the most exciting incidents in the late political life of the country. He made it his boast that he was absolutely independent ot party, and said that he won three elections without the aid of any political party. The Police Commission which was appointed in the session of 1897 was largely the result of Mr Taylor’s action in the House. His election record was in some respects a remarkable one. He was elected in 1596, defeated in 1899, elected again in 1905, and elected again in 1908. The events of political significance with which Mr Taylor has been prominently associated were the hrst Police Commission of 1897, the voucher incident, the Seddon-Taylor case, and the antiDreadnought agitation of last year. Mr Taylor was most prominently associated with the prohibition movement in Christchurch and in New Zealand. He helped to form the Prohibition Teague in 1890 and has been one of the most active and enthusiastic lecturers on prohibition and no-license. As an open-air speaker he had few equals. He could hold rapt attention of the largest crowds. His faculty for repartee was a great asset to him in these meetings, and there were few who after once encountering bis rapier-like wit cared to run the risk of a second bout. In 1891 he was elected a member of the Sydenham Licensing Committee, whose deliberations were the cause of some interesting and important litigation. The inclusion of the national prohibition issue in the licensingballot paper by the amendment of the Act last session gave Mr Taylor unbounded satisfaction. Alter the session closed he addressed quite a number of public meetings here on that question, and journeyed to Dunedin to address a monster meeting there. The election of Mr Taylor to the oftice of Chief Magistrate of the city of Christchurch took place on April 26th, when he was returned by a substantial majority. He brought all the energy of his strenuous personality to bear on the discharge of duties of that office. The deceased leaves a widow and six children, including one sou, an infant.

LABOUR’S TRIBUTE

The Wellington Trades and Labour Union passed a resolution expressing deep regret at Mr Taylor’s untimely death, and expressed sympathy with the wife aud children. The resolution was carried in silence, all the delegates standing. It was decided that a wreath be procured on behalf of the council, to be placed on the coffin, and that ' the president, Mr W. I'. Young, should proceed to Christchurch to officially represent the Council at the funeral. Out of respect to the

memory of the deceased, no further business was transacted, and the council adjourned for one week. PARLIAMENT PROFOUNDLY IMPRESSED. When a telegram received by Mr F. M. B. Fisher was posted in the lobby of the House of Parliament after the adjournment, it was evident that the news created a profound impression. Parliamentarians were always keenly interested in Mr Tavlor, and the House always listened to his incisive speeches with rare attention.

IRISH ENVOY’S APPRECIATION. In the course of his address at the farewell banquet to the Irish Nationalist envoys, Mr R. Hazleton, M.P., made reference to the death of Mr Taylor, whom he called one of the most distinguished of the sons of this country. Although Ihe speaker had known him only for a lew days he had become his personal friend, and he lelt his loss as a personal loss. He felt sure that from the gathering they might send an expression of sorrow and regret to his widow and family.

PARLIAMENT’S TRIBUTE. Members of the House of Representatives proved yesterday that the usual adjournment out of respect to the memory of the late Mr T. E. Taylor, member for Christchurch North, was no mere formality. They adopted without a word of discussion an imprest Supply Bill for ,£21,000, and after passing a resolution regarding Mr Taylor’s death, adjourned until Tuesday evening out of respect to his memory.

A vote of condolence to the bereaved family was moved by the Acting Prime Minister, and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition. Eulogistic references were made to the departed statesman by the Hon. George Fowlds, Hon D. Buddo, Messrs G. W. Russell, Malcolm, Laurenson and Poole. Messages of sympathy have poured iu from all parts of the Dominion from the Governor downwards.

His Worship the Mayor (G. H. Stiles, Esq.) forwarded a message of condolence this morning to Mrs Taylor on behalf of the citizens of Foxtou.