THE LATE MR T.E. TAYLOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 37, 7 August 1911, Page 5

THE LATE MR T.E. TAYLOR.

IN MEMOBIAM SERVICES. By Telegraph—Pre» Association. Cfcristchurch, Last Night. The Christehurch Prohibition League held an in memoriam service to the late Mr. T. E. Taylor in ffis Majesty's Theatre this afternoon. The building was filled in every part, and a number were unable to gain admission. The proceedings were marked by great feeling and reverence, the especial (feature being the unanimity with which the audience joined in singing the hymns, including one of Mr. Taylor's favorites, "0 Lord Who by Thy Presence." The Ejev. L. M. laitt presided, and said the ruthless but kindly hand of death tore away the veil between Mr. Taylor's heart and purpose, and the judgment of the people. It was alwaye the lot of one who made a struggle for reform to have his mistakes exaggerated and his purposes disguised by those whose interests were opposed to him, but he (the speaker) firmly believed that hundreds and thousands of people in the Dominion whose judgment was in suspense, who wondered if the late Mr. Taiyar was really the man that tihey declared him to be. After reading of his joyous departure from this life every doubt had been swept away, aid they recognised the man to be the man he was and reverence and love displaced all distrust. Owing to the carelessness of the masses men were suspicious of the sincerity and earnestness of purpose of those who figured as their leaders, but as soon as they recognised the divine spairk in. any man and realised that he was true to the core, that which God implanted in their own hearts responded' to the words and example of such a leader.

Mrs. H. Cole spoke on behalf of the women of New Zealand and of the W.C.T.U., and paid a high tribute to-the late Mr. Taylor for the work done by him for the women of the Dominion, and also to him as a husband and father.

Mr. J. McComfos, in an eulogistic speech, dwelt upon, Mr. Taylor's sacrifices for tlie good of the people and the furtherance of no-license, and concluded by saying tihe monument to Mt. Taylor's memory would ,be a world inspiring monument of national prohibition. (Applause.) The Rev. J. Dawson also eulogised the life work of Mr. Taylor, saying that he was no mean citizen of ChristchuTch in his intense zeal for reform. Mr. Taylor, ia his attacks upon wrong, was vehement, but people generally did not knoiw how gentie and tender and kindly and loyal tihc real, man was in his home and private life. A member of the police force had said to him last week: "Mr. Dawson, the policemen of this country have lost their best friend." There had been insinuations during the last year that Mr. Taylor was joining the Labor Party in.the hope that he might get a lead. He (the speaker) wanted to say that it was the Labor Party that had joined Mr. Taylor. (Applause.) He had been a worker and the workers' friend and advocate all the time he was in Parliament.

In many oity churches to-night memorial services were held, and in the evening the Labor Party held a memorial meeting in His Majesty's Theatre.

IMPRESSIVE WELLINGTON SERVICE. Wellington, Last Night. A very impressive memorial service to the late Mr. T. E. Taylor was held in the Town Hall this afternoon, and was attended by over 2000 people. The Rev. W. J. Comrie presided. Besides representatives of the local clergy, there were present the Mavor of Wellington (Mr. T. M. Wilford.'M.P.), the Chief Justice (Sir Ro)iert Stout), and the Wellington members, of Parliament. The service included the singing of the hymns "Lead, Kindly Light" and "Abide with me." Addresses were given by the chairman, Messrs. A. R. Atkinson, G-. Lauremson, M.P., and the Rev. J. J. North, all of whom paid high tributes to the deceased's character and the tremendous efforts he had made in regard to social reform' Mr. Maughan Bamett, R.C.0., city organist, played the dead march in "Saul.' A sum of £29 was collected towards the Taylor memorial fund.