PROMOTED.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 233, 18 November 1914, Page 9

PROMOTED.

MRS BASIL TAYLOR, On October Jsth Mrs 'laylor, of Wanganui, the mother-in-law of our Organising Treasurer, was called to higher service. The deceased lady was a native of Bath, England, and came out to the colony in 1804 to marry Rev. Basil Kirke Taylor, who was assisting his father, Rev. Richaid J ay lor, at the mission station, Putiki, Wanganui. She was an indefatigable worker and teacher among the Maoris, and did all in her power to help her husband in his work. She was left a widow in 1876, with five little children under 1 2 years of age. Although she supported and educated her family almost entirely by her own industry with music pupils, she did not cease her work among the- Maoris. It was quite a common sight to see several Maoris seated upon the verandah of her house with their sick babies upon their backs, awaiting the services of “Mihi,” as she was always known among them. During the Maori war, too, the deceased lady passed through many thrilling experiences, while her husband was away on his rounds and she was left alone. For several years she carried on the Sunday School at Putiki, when during all weathers she bravely toiled on foot to the pah and bac k. For J 5 years Mrs Taylor carried on a weekly prayer meeting in her house in Campbell Street, which was attended by members of all the < nun hes in W anganui. Many to-day look bac k to those happy meetings a> the place where they lirst knew the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. In all the varied work of Wanganui W.C.T.L. she was an earnest sympathiser and a liberal helper. The last thing she gave financial assistance to was our project for the Girls’ Hostel. She was an earnest temperance* worker, and has left behind her sons who are following in her footsteps. Personally, she was the sweetest little old lacl>, always so bright and looking so dainty. Loved by all who knew her, revered by those who knew her best, she was a striking testimony to the power of the indwelling Cr r ist. Her courage was never daunted; through all the terrifying experiences of the Maori war her faith and trust carried her triumphantly. With all the cares of «i widow left with a young family

to support, ''hr yet found time to help others and to do the Master’s work outside, as well as inside her own home. Her loving sympathy knew neither rate, colour, nor creed, and Maori or Jew, friend or stranger, wherever there wa> the need of help, this “Mother in Israel” went to carry comfort and help in the name of her Master. Her heroic soul has passed “through Death triumphant home,” and she hear> the Master's “Well done. Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these, My children, ye did it to Me.”