THE FUNERAL OF MR. T. E. TAYLOR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1193, 31 July 1911, Page 8

THE FUNERAL OF MR. T. E. TAYLOR.

4 A GREAT PROCESSION. ADDRESS BY THE REV. L. M. ISITT. (By Tclecraph,—Press Association.) Christchurch, July 30. In the presence of a great gathering of Christcliurcli citizens the mortal remains of the iate Mayor (.Mr. T. Jj, Taylor, M.P.) were to-day laid to rest. Around tho marshalling area (.long the lino of route and outside ami within the cemetery gates tho people masjeii, all anxious to havo a part in paying tho last great tributo to tho departed head of the city. Tho morning was overcast and soft rain fell, and tho general air of sadness was most pronounced. Tho cortege was, perhaps, tho largest of its kind yet seen in Christchurch, but tho complete arrangements mado enabled the different sections to bo marshalled and placed.in their proper positions with every dignity and without confusion. Tho hold of the procession left at half-past two, the Selwyn Street cemetery was reached three-quar-ters of an hour later, and tho service at tho graveside brought to a close a most solemn function.

Early this morning the casket containing the body of the late Mayor was brought from Cashmere Hills to the City Council buildings, and there placed on a black draped table in the big Council Chamber, opposite the mayoral chair and within tho horseshoe' area bounded by the table used at council meetings. The interior of the Chamber was heavily draped in black, while all around on tables covered with white cloths were arranged the multitude of wreaths which since Saturday morning had poured into the office.

At half-past ten tho main gates to the building were' Opened, and the big crowd assembled outside commenced to file quietly and steadily in. As they reached the top of the stairs the people entered tho Chamber, filed round the body within the horseshuo area, viewed the casket and tho wreaths, and loft by tho small door at the south end. The long stream of citizens continued without interruption througho.it the whole of tho morning and right up to 10 o'clock, when the doors wero closed.

A change was made in the method of admission during tho morning to deal more effectively with the concourse of citizens. Tho main entrance gates were closed and the people were admitted by the door at tho south end of tho Chamber reached by a small staircase from the outside of the building, the exit being through a door at the rear, of tho structure. By that means any chance of congestion insido the Chamber was avoided, for previously it was found that people could enter faster by the big door than they could leave by tho small door, and there was the risk of the Chamber being overcrowded. •

Shortly after one o'clock the last person had left and preparations were then put in hand for the funeral. All the cards were taken from tho wreaths and collected together by the Assistant-Town Clerk to be handed later to .Mrs. Taylor. Tho wreaths wero then removed from the Chamber and placed on a special hearse outside, that hearse following immediately behind tho coffin. Such wreaths as could not be placed on the spccial hearse were arranged on the lamp brackets of the carriages behind. By two o'clock all the carriages in the official section of the procession were in position. The Procession. The sky had cleared, and the sun was shining mistily through the grey clouds when the word was given to the leaders of the cortege to proceed. The way was clear though by watching thousands, and the leading bands moved forward to a slow march. They were in uniform, but with the exception of tho Lmwood Band they carried no instruments. Their presence was the bandsmen s collective tribute to the departed. The Oddfellows, with whom Mr. Taylor had been associated, followed the bands. There was no general display of sashes, but the .number attending showed that Order is a popular ono among the public. The Prohibition League section struck a distinctive note. The Sydenham league was ill front with its banner, on which is emblazoned its motto. Following on were the representatives of various leagues, local and district, from north to south, anxious to do tho final honour to one of their most distinguished leaders. The ministers of religion, many of them co-workers in the No-License cause, appropriately followed the league representatives, and preceded the hearse. Heads were uncovered as the hearse advanced, and indications of emotion were not wanting. As its sad burden was viewed it brought to many the first full realisation of the fact that one whom they loved had passed away. The flowerladen hearse, which followed, boro many beautiful tributes, as did some of the mourners' carriages. Very sincere sympathy was manifested towards the principal mourners, those who had been bound to Mr. Taylor by the ties of blood or intimate association. Then came the City Councillors, the representatives of the Ministry, and a long succession of vehicles Tho Pedestrians. The organised pedestrians who followed made the most impressivo part of the cortege. They were in a solid body, four and live feet deep. Some of them wore tho distinctive colours of their organisation or union, or the coloured scarves of their friendly societies. This section was primarily, however, an indication of the sentiment of organised Labour towards the late Mayor. There were men and boys, women and girls, all joining in this final and sorrowful tribute to one whom all admired and esteemed. Pollowing the pedestrians came a long line of motorcars and taxi-cabs, containing citizens who were attending the obsequies' whether in a private or a representative capacity. One could only agree that the civic funeral had been truly civic, in that the mourners in the mass wero truly representative of the public, social, political, and industrial life of the city. At the Cemetery. Outside the cemetery a large crowd congregated quite an hour before the funeral procession arrived, but were not admitted to the cemetery, and order was kept by a detachment of police on foot. The cortege reached tho cemetery shortly after 3 o'clock. It was preceded by members of the Sydenham Prohibition League, with their banner. Tho Rev. L. M. Isitt took tho first part of the service, tho Rev. C. 11. Garland conducted the service at tho grave, and tho Rev. C. H. Laws-led in prayer. The Rev. L. M. Isitt delivered tho funeral oration, and the Rev. S. Henderson also took part. "Lead, Kindly Light," one of tho late Mr. Taylor's favourite hymns, was sung, tho Salvation Army Band playing. After tho final prayer, "Abide With Me" was sung. Prominent around the grave, in-addition to the members of Mr. Taylor's family and relatives, were the Acting-Primo Minister (Sir James Carroll), tho Hon. Goo. Fowlds, and the Hon. D. liuddo. The proceedings wero most solemn, and at portions the sobbing of women, of whom a fairly largo number were present, was heard. The Funeral Oration. ; The Rev. L. M. Isitt, in the funeral oration, said if he had consulted his own I feelings he would leave the grave of the : dearest and noblest friend God ever gave liim in silence, but he bclkned that, if Tom 'l'oybr could look upon his own i'tin- | oral concourse he would, true lo the. [ spirit of the man, think less of the. presence of so many as a tribute lo his j carrying representatives of almost every public body and public interest. work than as furnishing an opportunity " for good. He believed ho would say, I "Speak, speak to- these people and urge ' them to self-sacrifice, and to I he higher • life." What was the meaning of Hie » great multitude assembled? Why did tho wholo cil.v surge with sorrow, and tho grief tlu limits of the Dominion? . The man whose gravo they wero round j was no millionaire who could buy bis j way into tho hearts of tho people. The secret of the hold ho had on the people ' and of I he love they felt for him was simply this—that from the timo lie was t an office boy he gave the whole of his 5 life and energies to an effort for the • people's good. He was a keen lighter, but 1 was also tho most tender and chivalrous 1 soul lio (.Mr. Isitt) had ever known. Ho did not want his passionate, love for Mr. . Taylor to betray him into exaggeration. 3 He was a, man of faults as well as vir- ; tues. Lying on his deathbed he said; ("Isitt, I hare made many mistakes, but

I havo tried to live a self-sacrificing life for tho good of the people." They wepi (Mr. Isitt continued) gathered round the grave o£ no medieval saint, nor one whose religion was ecstasy. To him labour was often prayer, and his gospel was a gospel of work. He (Mr. Taylor) had little faith in the life that did not translate

it-fit' into a Christ-like lovo for man, and an earnest desire to advance Christ's Kingdom. In his antagonism against wrong, doubtless, lie sometimes forgot his duty to smito the sin and not the sinner. In his impatienee to hurry on right, he might have been sometimes harsh in his criticism of those who opposed him, but all who knew him well knew how swift ho was to express regret and how eager he was to make amends. Tho one lesson of Mr. Taylor's life was that they should struggle on midst all difficulties, struggle for Christ-likeness in word, thought, and spirit. Mr. Isitt concluded with a few words to Mr. Taylor's comrades in arms and urged them to greater efforts to secure tho reforms that Mr. Taylor had so much at heart. "Tom Taylor," he said, "was a great man, but our cause is greater than any man, and because God has taken Taylor from us that did not mean that the inspiration of his life was not yet with them. By his grave and in the presence of his loved dust they should consecrato themselves afresh to the struggle and vow that they would work'us they never worked before, pray and plead as they never prayed or pleaded before, until the hope of the life of their brother was consummated and tho people of New Zealand are freed for ever from the degrading influence of strong drink." RESOLUTION BY THE UPPER HOUSE. ME. M'COWAN'S TRIBUTE. Tho Legislative Council on Saturday morning paid its tribute of esteem to the memory of the lata Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.P. The Hon. J. M'Gowan moved That this Council places on record its high sense of the services ren- ' dored to the Legislature of this Dominion by the late Thomas Edward Taylor, M.P for Christchurch North, and respcctfuily tenders to liis widow and family the assurance of its sympathy with them in their bereavement. In moving as above, Mr. M'Gowan said that tho passing of their friend, Mr. Taylor, had removed one of the brightest intellects that had graced tho present Parliament. The late Mr. Taylor always commanded attention, and even those who were compelled to differ from him admired tho marshalling of his facts, his mastery of his subjects, and the convincing manner of his expressions. Though not unfittingly he might have been termed the stormy petrel of New Zealand politics, and with his ardent temperament, his censure was at all times severe, even 'o the length of being ruthless, yet he could also be correspondingly liberal in his praise, and this, being always carefully bestowed, was all the moro appreciated by the recipient. The workers had in him a consistent and cxce-ea-ingly able champion. After referring to tho courage of the late Parliamentarian, his enthusiasm for the causes which lie espoused, and tho confidence reposed in him by the citizens of Christchurch, Mr. M'Gowan said that though, like many public men, he had his faults, New Zealand (Sriovcd for the loss of a publicspirited legislator and citizen, and tho heartfelt sympathy of Parliament and people would go out to his bereaved vrito and children.

Seconding the motion, the Hon. R. A. Loughnan referred to the noble manner in which tie late member had died. Mr. Taylor's life had shown that in his attraotivo and inspiring _ individuality there lay a spirit whose spice of Quixotism often led to misunderstanding among those who failed to appreciate the man's true character.

The Hon. J. Barr dwelt on the charm of Mr. Taylor's private personality. He had proved'himself a man deeply in love not only witli- his own family but with the whole scheme of Nature, and ho had possessed a high spirituality undreamt of bv the general observer. 'Tlio Hon- J. T. Paul said he questioned if there had ever lived, in this country, a man more deeply prompted by sincerity than Mr. Taylor. He stood in his lifetime for many great reforms and principles in public life. The country could ill afford to lose such men. The motion was carried in silence. PULPIT REFERENCES. The Rev. J. G. Chapman made reference at the Sunday morning service at the Wesley Church, Tar.maki Street, to the late Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.P., and spoke | of him as a politician, social reformer, temperance advocate, and Christian citizen . Mr. Taylor, he said, managed to crowd into a comparatively short life a largo amount of work of a solid and abiding character. His dying utterances were those of. a brave, fearless man who had (lone his duty in scorn of consequence. At the Primitive Methodist Church (Webb Street) last evening, tho AY. S. Potter stated that ho had selected for his text the Apostolic injunction, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men," because he felt'convinced that tho late Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.P., had in a remarkable degree fulfilled this injunction. He expressed the opinion that his example and dying messages would ba an inspiration to thousands who are fighting for tho suppression of evil and the spread of righteousness. Mr. Potter said that his first, acquaintance with Mr. Toylar dated back to tho famous Sydenham Prohibition campaign, and from" that time until now he had admired his courage, energy, loyalty to conviction, and love of truth. MR. TREGEAR ON THE LATE MR, T. E. TAYLOR. More than ordinary interest was manifested at the usualy weekly gathering of tho Brotherhood, which was held at tho New Theatre, Manners Street,. yesterday afternoon. Special announcements had been made on account of the keen interest the late Mr. Taylor had taken in the movement which was marked by his letter to the president at the initial opening of the Brotherhood's career, which ran as follows:—"The men of Wellington should give their support to a movement that has as its object the assisting of every true moral and social reform." The theatre was well filled with a reprcsontative gathering. Tho Rev. E. 0. Blamires occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform by Mr. Hogg, M.P. for Masterton, Mr. E. Arnold, J.P., and Mr. E. Trcgear, ex-Secretary for Labour. Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, JI.P., was also present. The Silver Band played "The Garland of Flowers," the audience standing during the rendering. Mr. T. C. Newton was t-he soloist, and sang "Jesu, Lover of My Soul."

Mr. Tregear, upon rising to give his address, was greeted most enthusiastically. Ho said liis subject, "Peace or "War," was hardly a suitable one for the afternoon, but as it had been chosen prior to tho intimation of Mr. Taylor's death, he would deliver it but briefly, and then would refer to Mr. Taylor as li© knew him. Mr. Tregear said in the early days, before men were educated as thoy were to-day, they had to protect, themselves from' their fellow-man, because they had not the confidence, in each other, and consequently self-defenco was absolutely necessary, but to-day wars were more or less the ontcomc of greed in the way of nations desiring to increase their commerce. In referring to tho death of Mr. Taylor. Mr. Tregear said that New Zealand had sustained a severe loss, and tho Reform party had certainly lost a champion. Tho speaker urged tho men of Wellington to remember Mr. Taylor's dying message to them, and if they did they could rest assured that victory would ceriainlv be theirs. Mr. Hogg, M.P., proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, and said if ever a man was loved by tho workers of New Zealand Mr. Tregear was one of them. Mr. Hogg also feelingly referred to the death of Mr. Taylor, to whose memory ho paid a warm tribute. Mr. Arnold seconded the vote of thanks. Mr. Arnold nroposed a resolution of condolence to Mrs. T. E. Taylor and family, expressing deep svmoathy from the meeting there assembled of the Wellington Men's Brotherhood, which was passed in silcsee, the audience standing. Next Sunday's speaker will bo Mr. A. If. Atkinson. Tho Wellington City flag was half-mast-ed on the Town Hall yesterday as a token of resnect to the deceased Mayor of Christchurch.