OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 136, 11 June 1945, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR. E. T. TAYLOR

The death occurred on Thursday last at his residence, 67 Moxham Avenue, of Mr. Edwin Thomas Taylor, a wellknown business man of Wellington, in his 86th year. Mr. Taylor was born in London, and at an early age went to sea. After an adventurous three years in South American waters he returned to England. Joining the New Zealand Shipping Company's sailing ship Rakaia, he came to New Zealand, arriving at Wellington in 1879, and decided to make it his future home. He started in business on his own account in 1891, founding the Beehive Bottling Stores. He continued in active business until quite recently, and was chairman of directors of the company at the time of his death. During one of his visits to London some years ago he was admitted as a Freeman of London and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, which dates its period of incorporation from 1638.

In his early years Mr. Taylor was a well-known Rugby player with the

old Melrose Football Club. He also took a keen interest in boxing and wrestling. For many years he served with the Wellington Naval Volunteers, and later, when the navals were disbanded and then re-formed into a rowing club, he was elected a patron of the club. He took a keen interest in Masonic affairs and was a member of Leinster Lodge for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the Wellington Racing Club, the Wellington Trotting Club, and the Wellington Savage Club. Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1882, five sons, three daughters, and 17 grandchildren.