OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23314, 28 April 1941, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS T. E. TAYLOR Mrs Elizabeth Best Taylor, J.P., 0.8. E., widow of Mr T. E. Taylor, formerly a member of the House of Representatives and Mayor of Christchurch, died in Dunedin early yesterday morning. She had been in failing health for the last few years and latterly had been living with her son-in-law and daughter, the Rev. L. C. HorWood and Mrs Horwood, Dunedin. Pew women in New Zealand had a more distinguished career of public service than had Mrs Taylor to whose foresight, energy and goodwill many of the most useful organisations in the city owe much. Born in Lyttelton 73 years ago, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Edison, Mrs Taylor attended the Christchurch Training College and Canterbury University College and trained as a teacher. In 1892 she was married

to Mr Taylor who, four years later, was elected junior member of Parliament for Christchurch. She associated herself with the political and civic duties of her husband, and being particularly interested in the lot of mothers and small children, she was one of the principal founders of the Christchurch Free Kindergartens and continued her interest in kindergarten yrork until her death, the Phillipstown Kindergarten claiming much of her attention in later years. Like her husband, she was a prominent worker for the abolition of the liquor traffic, and was one of the early members of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. For many years, she was president of the local branch, and later was elected Dominion president, an office which she held for a considerable time. Since 1929 she was a member of the world advisory committee and was peace superintendent of the union, Mrs Taylor was always keenly interested in all measures for the betterment of conditions for women. As early as 1896 at a meeting of the National Council of Women, she read a paper on "Marriage and Divorce” and in later years she worked for establishing the nationality of married women. With characteristic foresight she saw the need for friendship among the peoples of the Pacific and was an enthusiastic member of the Pan-Pacific Women’s Association. She attended a conference of delegates of the association in Honolulu and was New Zealand chairwoman of the association at the time of her death. Even when her health failed, she continued to work for friendship and understanding among the, nations of the Pacific, Mrs Taylor 3lso served on school committees, on the Christchurch City Council and on the Unemployment Relief Committee, and was vice : president of the Christchurch League of Nations Union. She was appointed a Justice of the Peace and was one of thq first women to sit, as magistrate’s associate, in the Children’s Coprt. In recognition of her fine record of public service, Mrs Taylor received the Jubilee Medal and in 1937 was awarded the 0.8. E. She is survived by four daughters— Mrs C. R. Murray, Taumarunui, Mrs Norman Page (Greymouth). Mrs L. C. Horwood (Dunedin) and Mrs R. G. T. Lewis (Wellington)—and one son, Mr E. B. E. Taylor, Greymouth. Another daughter, Mrs Luke,' died some years agoi The funeral will take place in Christchurch to-morrow. WOMEN’S AUXILIARY CANTERBURY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION An Increase in' attendance was shown at the monthly meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association, at which Mrs R. A. Ambridge presided. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs A. M. Hollander in her recent bereavement. Five new members were elected, and it Was decided to hold monthly competitions Without entry fee. open to non-members, and to give cash prizes. It was reported that plans for the Industries Fair were well forward, and that schedules were ready. Mrs Greenway, accompanied by Mrs F. E. Reeve, sang two songs. YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION The appeal by the Christchurch Young Women’s Christian Association for materials for remaking into garments for shipment to England has been very generous, and excellent work is being done by the weekly sewing circle, according to a report of the secretary at the monthly meeting of directors. It was reported that more than 200 girls are attending the various clubs, the classes for drama, dressmaking, and handwork being very popular. In the Business Girls’ Club a series of talks arranged by the Home Science Extension Service had been much appreciated by girls in Workshops and factories. The Lyttelton Club has commenced activities In its new premises at the Oddfellows’ Hall under the leadership of Miss Bowbyes, A physical culture class for women is held each Thursday afternoon, followed by an educational hour. Mrs Topp presided over a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the SeftUn-KoWftl branch of the Women’s Institute. Mrs Dermott, delegate to the annual meeting Of the Federation of the Women’s Institute, gave a repOrt to the meeting. Mrs P. RObinson (WaikukU) gave a talk on her visit to the continent and showed postcards and curios from the places she had Visited, Results of competitions were:—Jar of lemon honeyt Mrs McClatchy 1, Miss J. Ltthg 2, Mrs SUllivan .3; knitted article, Miss B. Douds 1, Mrs McClatchy 2, Miss M. Jamieson 3; best fuchsia, Mrs White 1, Mrs F. McGowan 2, Mrs C. Petrie 3; best bloom, Mrs Dermott 1, MrS Sullivan 2, Miss M. Jamieson 3. ,