LOSS TO COOK ISLANDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 801, 23 October 1929, Page 18

LOSS TO COOK ISLANDS

DEATH OF MR. W. G. TAYLOR AT AVARUA MANY YEARS’ RESIDENCE By the death at Avarua, Rarotonga, of Mr. IV. G. N. Taylor on September -b, the Cook Islands have lost one of their oldest and best known characters. Deep regret has been felt through the group at his unexpected death. Mr. Taylor was at one time in the employ of the Union Steam Ship Company as purser, trading to Samoa Tonga, Tahiti and the Cook Group Later he was manager of the Union Steam Ship Company at Papeete and came to Rarotonga some 25 vears ago and started trading. In 1907 he took up land and has since combined planttv ith trading. Latterly he has been carrying the duties of assistant fruit inspector, besides his ordinary plantation and storekeeping activities. M© was widely known throughout the Islands and has taken a very active part in the conrmercial and political life of Rarotonga. A man of wide experience and knowledge, a good speaker, he has devoted a considerable amount of his time to public works and v as the first European representative on the Island Council. Of late years his activity has been somewhat curtailed by indifferent health, but nevertheless he still took a big part in the community life and his loss will’ be felt keenly. He was a sterling character and was universally admired for his straightness and common sense. His funeral took place at Avarua and was attended by a large gathering of Government officials, planters, traders and natives. The service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. BondJames, who paid a deep tribute to the fine qualities of Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor died from nephritis, complicated by heart trouble. He was 50 years of age and leaves a wife and one daughter.