THE GAS TURNED ON.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 247, 18 October 1926, Page 11

THE GAS TURNED ON.

ESTATE AGENT'S BODY FOUND. WELL-KNOWN CHRISTCHURCH MAN (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Eric John Taylor, who was formerly ;a prominent lawn tennis player in I Christchurch, and widely known for his long association with that pastime, was found dead in his office in Gloucester Street about 6 p.m. yesterday, with the I gas turned on. Mr. Taylor was a land I broker and estate agent by profession. I Last evening Mr. E. Pethie opened the door leading from the passage to the (street, and noticed a strong smell of gas. ; Mr. Pethie informed a constable, who forced open the door of Tayler's office' and found the latter's body on the floor. Chairs had been placed against the door on the inside. Mr. Taylor had been in poor health for a fairly long time, and had suffered from severe mental depression. Fifty-four years of age, he was born in Christchurch. and belonged to an old Christchurch family, his father coming out on one of the first four ships in 1850. For many years he was secretary of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association, a position in which he showed remarkably sound organising ability. As a player he figured in the Canterbury championship men's doubles. He leaves a wido"and several children.