THE LATE MR T.E. TAYLOR’S FUNERAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7866, 31 July 1911, Page 1

THE LATE MR T.E. TAYLOR’S FUNERAL

ATTENDED BY MANY THOUSANDS

PEOPLE’S IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE TO THE DEPARTED

PBEB3 ASSOCIATION.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 30. In tho presence of a great gathering of Christchurch citizens tho mortal remains of the lato Mayor, Mr T. E. Taylor, M*P., Trero to-day laid to rest. Around the marshalling area, along tho lino of route and outside and within tho cemetery gates the people massed, all anxious to have a part in paying the last great tribute to the departed head of the city. The morning was overcast and soft rain fell, and tho general air of sadness was most pronounced. Tho cortege was perhaps the largest of its kind yet seen in Christchurch, hut 4ho complete arrangements made enabled tho different sections to be marshalled and placed in their proper positions with every dignity and without confusion. The hood of the procession left at halfpast two, tho Sclwyn street cemetery was reached three-quarters of an hour later, and the service at the graveside brought to a close a most solemn civic function. LYING IN STATE . Early this morning tho casket containing tho body of tho late Mayor was brought from Cashmcro Hills to th© City Council building, 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 the council’s meetings. Tho interior of tho chamber was heavily draped in black, while all around on tables covered with white cloths wero arranged the multitude of wreaths which, since Saturday morning, had poured into the office. “•* At half-past ten the main gates to tho building wero opened, and tho big crowd assembled outside commenced to file ■quietly and steadily in., . As they reached tho top of the sttalrs tho people entered tho chamber, filed round tho bodj’- within the horseshoe area, viewed the casket and tho wreaths, and left by the small door at the south end. The long stream of citizens continued without interruption throughout the whole of the morning and right up to 1 o’clock, when the doors were closed. A change was made in tho method of admission during the morning, to deal more effectively with the concourse of citizens. The'main entrance gates were closed, and the people were admitted by the door at the south end of the chamber, reached by a small staircase from the outstide of tho building, the exit being through a door at the rear of the structure, By that means any chance of congestion inside tho chamber was avoided, for previously it was found that people could enter faster by tho big door than they could leave by the small door, and there was the risk of the chamber being overcrowded.

table between tho Mayoral chair and the casket. , , Kosting in tho Mayoral chair was the only floral cross received —that from the Society for the Protection of Women and Children —the cross being made up oi white blooms. The wreath from the-.. municipal office staff was a most beautiful one, composed us it was of orchids and camellias, with delicate greenery. That sent by tho City Council was made up of Christmas roses, lilies, and heather. Two wreaths were sent by the Maori representatives, to each of which was .attached a card bearing the following inscription :—“He toliu whakamiharo na to iwi Maori.” In addition to the wreaths made up of flowers that fade, were many of a more enduring character enclosed in glass cases. These were not removed from tho chamber yesterday, but will bo arranged about tho grave to-morrow.

MANY THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS 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 lined by watching thousands, and the leading bands moved forward to the '‘Slow March.” They were in uniform, but •with the exception of tho Limvood 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 tho bands. There was no general display of sashes, but the number attending showed that tho Order is a popular one among the public.

o PBOHIBITIOZn LEAGUE -MOURNERSb The Prohibition League section struck o a distinctive note. The Sydenham League was in front with its banner, on which o is emblazoned its motto. Following on . wore the representatives of the various cl leagues, local and district, from north 0 and south, anxious to do the final honour to one of ;their most distinguished leads ers. The ministers of religion, many 1 of them co-workers in tho No-license cause, appropriately followed the league e representatives, and preceded the hearse. " DISPLAYS OP EMOTION. Heads were uncovered as the hearse advanced, and indications of emotion d were not wanting. As its sad burden o was viewed it brought to many the first o full realisation of tho fact that one whom they loved had passed away. The - flower-laden hearse which followed bore many beautiful tributes, as did some of d the mourners’ carriages. Very sincere if sympathy was manifested towards the , c principal mourners —those who had been bound to Mr Taylor by tho ties of blood y or intimate association. * L * Then came tho city councillors, the n representatives of tho Ministry, and a t long succession of vehicles carrying representatives of almost every public body and public interest. , Tho Welling--0 ton City Council was represented by the ■a Acting-Mayor and th© Town Clerk, t The organised pedestrians .who followr ed made the most impressive part of the cortege. They wore in a solid body four r * and fivo feet deep; some of them wore r the distinctive colours of their organisation or union, or the coloured scarves of their friendly societies. This section 5 was primarily, however, an indication of tho sentiment of organised labour a towards tho lato . Mayor. There were t men and boys, women and girls, all joining in this final and sorrowful tribute — , one whom all admired and esteemed* L ~ Following the pedestrians came a long a lino of motor-cars and taxi-cabs contain- •. ing citizens who were attending the Q obsequies, whether in a private or a representative capacity. One* could only 0 agree that tho civic funeral* had been ■" truly civic, in that tho mourners in the a mass were truly representative of the q public, social, political, and industrial • life of tho city. AT THE CEMETERY . 8 Outside the cemetery largo crowds oon;i gregated finite an hour before tho funed ral procession arrived, but were not ad,j raittod to the cemetery, and. order was kept by a detachment of police on foot ’ The cortege reached tho cemetery shortly 0 after 3 o'clock, and was preceded by e members of the Sydenham Prohibition League with its banner. The Rev. L, M. leitt took the first part of tho service, and the Kov. C. H. , Garland conducted tho service at the grave. Tho Kov. C. H. Laws led in s prayer, tho Rev. L. M- Isitt delivered a a funeral oration, and the Rev. S. Hander- .. sou prayed. “Lead, kindly Light," one 2 of the lato Mr Taylor’s favourite hymns, r was sung, the Salvation Army Band s playing. After the final prayer, “Abide a with Me" was sung. Prominent around the grave, in addie tion to tho members of Sir Taylor’s family and relatives, were the Actings Prime Minister (Sir James Carroll), lien. At Geo. Eowids, and tho Hon. D. llnddo. 0 The proceedings vrere most solemn, and a at tho sobbing of women, of whom a fairly largo number were pre- • scut, was hoard. s FUNERAL ORATION. e The Rev. L. M. Isitt, in a funeral oration, said that if he consulted his own feelings he would leave tho grave of the dearest and noblest friend God ever gave him in silence, but he believed that if Tom Taylor could look upon his own funeral concourse he would he true to the spirit of the man and think less of the presence of so many as attribute to f his work than as furnishing an oppory tunity for good. He believed he would - say, “Speak, speak to these people, and a urge them to self-sacrifice and to the a higher life." "What was the meaning of this great multitude assembled? Why a did the whole city surge with sorrow, - and_ grief reach tho limits of tho Do- • minion? Tho man whoso grave they S' wore round was no millionaire who could buy his way into the hearts of the 9 people. 1 SECRET OF HIS INFLUENCE. Tie secret of tho hold he had on the people and of tho love they left for him, i was simply this—that from the time ho • was an office hoy he gave the whole of - his life and energies to effort for the . people's good. Ho was a keen fighter. Lbut was also tho most tender and

FUKEPAL PREPARATIONS

Shortly after 1 o’clock tho last person had loft, and preparations wore then pnt in hand for tho funeral. All tho cards were taken from the wreaths and collected together by tho assistant town clerk, to bo handed later to Mrs Taylor. Tho wreaths wore then removed from tho chamber and placed on a special hearso outside, that hearse following immediately behind tho coffin. Such wreaths as could not be placed on tho special hearso wore arranged on tho lamp brackets of Iho carriages behind. By 2 o’clock all tho carriages in the official section of the procession wero in position. The choir and the Linwood Band wero stationed on the east side oi tho Terrace, opposite tho council offices, and the units composing tho head of tho procession wero in their jdaces. Outside tho barricades tho people crowded.

' DECEASED’S FAVOURITE HYMN. At twenty minutes past 2 -tho band played the tune oi one of Mr Taylor's favourite hymns, "The Day Thou Clavest. Lord, is. Ended," and tho assembled choirs, under tho leadership of Air Simpson (leader of tho St. Albans Methodist Church choir), sang tho hymn through, accompanied by the band. A few minutes later the casket, borne by members of tho City Council, was brought down from tho chamber through the main entrance, and placed on tho open hearse. Then the choir sang a second hymn, the late -Mayor’s favourite. " 0 Lord. Who by Thy Presence Hast Made light,” and at tho close of this hymn the long cortege moved off, the prevailing silence being broken by tho slow tolling Of church bolls. GREAT DISPLAY OP WREATHS One of tho most striking features of the sad. occasion was tho great display of wreaths in the council chamber during the lying-in-statc. Those camo from all sections of the community and from all parts of Hew Zealand. The wreaths commenced to arrive on Saturday afternoon, and poured in without interruption throughout the whole of the, afternoon and evening and early this (Sunday) morning. Tho duty ot arranging the wreaths was under tho direct control of tho assistant town clerk (Mr J. S. Neville), who showed very gre'at judgment m his arrangements. > Tho wreath from tho Ministers of tho Crown, which boro the motto "In KimlIv Remembrance,!' was composed of violets and other spring • flowers and ferns, and was placed with others on a small

chlvHrous soul ho (The speaker) had I c-vcr known. IT© did not want his pas- ; .donate love for Mr Taylor to betray him 1 into exaggeration. Ho was a man of faults ao well as of virtues. Tying on his death bod ho said, 'Tsitt, I have made many mistakes, but I liavo tried to live a solf-saarifk'ing life for tho good of the people/' They were (he continued) gathered round tho grave of no medieval saint:, no _ self-centred priest, nor one whoso religion was ecstacy. To him labour was often prayer, and his gospel was a gospel of work. Ho (Air Taylor) had little faith in the life that did not translate itecdf into a Christ-like love for man, and an earnest desire to advance Christ's kingdom. In his antagonism against wrong doubtless he sometimes forgot our duty to smite the sin and not tho sinner. In his impatience to hurry on right lie might have been sometimes harsh in his criticism of those who opposed him, but # all who knew him well knew how swift he was to express regret, and how eager ho was to make amends. The one lesson of Mr Taylor's life was that they should struggle on midst all difficulties—struggle for Christlikencs's in word, thought, and spirit. GREATER EFFORTS URGED.

meeting the Central Mission Band played "A Garland of Flowd's/*

TIUBUTBS FROM THE PULPIT

At the Primitive Methodist Church, Webb street, last evening tho Rov._W* t>. potter said ho had known Mr Taylor moro or less intimately for oyer twenty years, having worked with him in the prohibition campaign in Sydenham. He referred in eulogistic terms to his courage, energy, generosity, broadmindedness and conspicuous ability, ajid expressed tho opinion that Mr Taylor would bo long and lovingly remembered as ono who fearlessly denounced whatever seemed to him to menace tho welfare of his fellows, and ever sought, without for a moment studying what might bo the immediate consequences to himsolf, tho best interests of the toiling masses. At tho Petono Presbyterian Church last night the Kov. A. Thomson made tho following reference: —"While we may not all have been able to follow him in ail his ways and opinions, yet there is something in the passing of such a man as Mr Taylor that somehow strikes a silence upon all our parties and divisions. - . . His dying message,to the-work-ers of tho colony reveals tho true character of the man, showing that none had their good moro at heart than ho. ,J PRESS ASSOCIATION, WANGANUI, July 30* Peeling reference to tho death of Mr T E. Taylor was mado in tho churches to-day. ASHBURTON, July 30. A memorial service hold in the Theatre Royal this afternoon under the auspices of the Ashburton No-Licenso Council was largely attended, all sections and creeds of the community being represented. The Mayor and Borough Councillors were officially present. An appropriate sermon was preached by tho Kov. \V. J• Elliott, MESSAGE TO WORKERS Professor W. T. Mills mado appreciative reference in his address at the Opera House last evening to Mr Taylor's last message to the workers* SEAMEN’S' UNION SYMPATHY

Mr Isitt concluded "with a few words to Mr Taylor's comradcs-in-arms, and urged them to greater efforts to secure the reforms that Mr Taylor had so much at heart. Tom Taylor, ho said, was a great man, but our cause is greater than any man; and because God had taken Mr Taylor from ns, that did. not mean that th© inspiration of his life was not yet with them. By his grave, and in the presence of his loved dust, they should consecrate themselves afresh to the struggle, and vow' that they would work as they never worked before, pray and plead, as they never prayed or pleaded before, until the hope of tho life of their brother was consummated, and tho people of New Zealand are freed for ever from the degrading influence of strong drink. IN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION BT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. APPRECIATIVE SPEECHES. In tho Legislative Council on Saturday morning a resolution was proposed by tho Hon. James McGowan similar to that passed by the House cn th© previous day in reference to Mr Taylor’s ddhth. Tho Hon. James McGowan said tho House and the country deplored the sad news of the passing of Mr Taylor, The untoward event had removed on© of the brightest members of Parliament, an able, forceful speaker, always attractive and compelling admiration, even among his political enemies, by his marshalling of facts, his mastery of his subject and the convincing manner in which he gavt his arguments utterance. Although his censure was severe, 'ho could bo correspondingly liberal in his praise, which, always carefully-bestowed, was th© more highly appreciated. With his inborn radicalism h© was ever tho friend of the workers, for. whom ho was indeed _ an able champion. • He has been described fittingly as the stormy petrel of Now Zealand politics.* Though he had outstanding faults he had gained tho confidence of his fellow citizens, and New Zealand grieved for the cutting off oi a public-spirited legislator and citizen, and the heartfelt sympathy of Parliament and .people would go out to the bereaved widow and children. “LIVED AND HIED NOBLY.” The Hon. R. A. Loughnan (Wellington) in seconding the motion, said that ho wished to add his tribute to a memory which was now illustrious. He welcomed th© occasion in one way, because rarely was such a motion better deserved. Mr Taylor had died as ho had lived, nobly, - The messages that ‘came from the deathbed to th© various friends with whom ho had been associated throughout a memorable and hardworking career showed that bo followed the very high ideals of duty to the end. A life largely ©pout in warfare had been closed with unanimous and respectful regret, and by a passion of regret among those who realised tho capable, courageous, earnest and industrious spirit. The Hon. J. Barr (Dunodin) remarked that tho bulk of his hearers kftow the lato Mr Taylor in times of strife. He (tho speaker) had had revealed to him in Mr Taylor a man close to nature and tho highest things or life. The. Hon. J. T. Paul (Dunedin) declared that tho deceased was courageous and sincere. The' people’s champion who had fallen had stood for many great reforms. Humanitariani«m and progress had lost greatly by his death. The resolution was adopted in silence, and th© Council immediately adjourned until 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday. CITY BROTHERHOOD REMARKS BT MR TREGEAR AND MR A. W. HOGG, M.P. At tho Wellington City Men's Brotherhood yesterday. Mr E. Tregear, who avis the speaker of the afternoon, said Mr Taylor was a very able and courageous man, and bis death was an enormous loss to all reformers and to lovers of a true democracy. _ There were a great many men speaking in Mr Taylor's praise that afternoon, ond f ho was oven being praised by men who had in bis lifetime tried to thwart him in Iris work. Ho honestly said that in many ways he did not agree with everything Mr Taylor did; he did not like his' methods, but ho loved his motives. Mr Taylor's message to labour was a lovely one; “Tell my labour friends they have a divine chance hero if they will only recognise tiro religions clement and lift tho movement to a higher piano.” There was no doubt that tho labour movement must be carried out on a higher, spiritual plane, a movement that was only for material gain, carried the seed of death with it. There must he soul in it, and he considered it was a divine and blessed thought for Mr Taylor in his last moments to give such a message. Ho hoped they would keep his message ever before their eyes. Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., said ho had known Mr Taylor for years, and had had many interesting conversations with him. He knew what his feelings were on various political subjects and especially with reference to labour. He hoped that, before long Mr Trea.gear would be assodated infill Mm (Mr Hogg) on a higher platform in iron-king for tho interests of the people. (Applause). Mr Edwin Arnold. J.P-. moved a. resolution of sympathy with Mrs Taylor and family, and deploring New Zealand’s low, of a capable, zealous, self-sacrificing and brilliant man.

The motion was seconded by Mr Dowdall and carried in silence. Prior to tho commencement of tho

The following resolution was passed in silence at a, meeting oi the Seamen's Union on Saturday, and it was also resolved that tho president should officially represent the union at the funeral: — “That tho officers and members of tho Federated Seamen's Union record their appreciation of tho many valuable services rendered the working classes of tho country by tho lato fearless democrat, T. E. Taylor, who at all times-• in-. -life strenuously dovoted his unquestionable capabilities towards tho uplifting of mankind. Although called from among us, his public career' will remain deeply embedded in tho public mind and public affairs of New Zealand, and. we sincerely, deplore the untimely loss to the workers and country of a most capable, vigorous, conscientious, and determined propounder .of tho cause of labour, and wo herewith convoy to his widow and family our deop sympathy *and condolence in their very sad bereavement." WIDESPREAD SYMPATHY CHRISTCHURCH, July 29. Messages of sorrow and sympathy are still being delivered in large batches to the friends of the lato Mr Taylor. They come from all parts of New Zealand. Every district is represented, and every public body, and almost, every society. The demonstration of public sympathy is comparable ■ only with that on the occasion of tho ■ death of Mr Scddon. PROPOSED MEMORIAL PRACTICAL SYMPATHY FOR WIDOW AND FAMIDY. SPECIAL TO THE "TnUS” CHRISTCHURCH, July 30. A public meeting was held yesterday afternoon to set up a memorial fund in memory of tho lato Mayor, Mr T. ETaylor, M,P. Mr IL W. Bishop, S.M., presided, and tho room was crowded by representatives of all sections of tho community. The chairman said that he wanted tno public to accept his presence there as chairman as the best possible assurance they could have that tho movement was entirely unconnected with any party or faction or branch of the work that the late Mr T. B. Taylor during his strenuous life had been connected with. (Applause.) He toot tho position, apart from any party, and ho wanted those present to think only of T. • E. Taylor the man. Mr Taylor had given his best talents and the wholo of his physical strength to advance the best interests of the Dominion, and he had left an imprint that all hoped and knew would live in the country for years. That was proved by the simply marvellous tribute that had been paid, by all the people and all the newspaper press of the country. Had their dead Mayor been able to see the esteem in which ho was held ho might well have said that ho haxl not lived in vain, and he had not lived in vain. H had been his'(Mr Bishop's) proud privilege to bo associated with Mr Taylor tor many years, and ho had realised more and more of lato years those wonderful qualities that had made the man one ol whom all were proud. Mr Taylor had worked unceasingly to help the poopie of his country, ana all would agree that any person who tried to raise the standard of life in the Dominion was deserving of tho highest praise. Ho remembered Mr Taylor as a loving and devoted son and as a loving husband and father, and it was only in that ho had given his talents for the public weal that he had not loft adequate provision for tho maintenance of his loved ones. * Mr Salter, tho late Mayors solicitor, had asked him to tell tho mooting that ids mother was practically penniless. She certainly had tho old age pension to look forward to, but neither Mr Taylor nor his friends would like to think of that. His wife, five daughters and on© son were not sufficiently well of? .to raise them above tho worry of educational aijd other considerations, and no person present would wish to add to the sorrow and strain being endured by the widow, who all wished to relieve as far as possible. They would accept his assurance, that it was necessary to establish such a fund, to provide an adequate income so that tho immediate effect of their friend's death would not be so severely felt. ' . , Mr J- J. Dougall, who was received with applause, said that tho occasion was

not ono on which to make long speeches about tho city's lamented leader. He had lived not for sordid gain, and lus great personality had. left him. a living example of what a man can do to stir up the human sentiment in any people ot any territory. Ho would suggest that a shilling fund should be instituted, ana moved that tho following committee should be appointed to carry _ out tho memorial scheme:—Mayor of Chnstchurch (chairman). Mayors of other municipal corporations, presidents of Trades ana Labour Councils, Mr H. Yt . Bishop, S.M., Mos dames Cole, Wells and Newton, Revs. J. Dawson and J. Comrie, Hous. C. M. Luke and G. Smith, XL McNab, E. Malcolm, M. A. Ferguson, O. T. J. Alpers, J. A. ilesher, C. 11. Poole, M.P., D. McLaren, M.P., A. S. Adams, S. Saunders, Wesley Spragg, J. A. Eros tick, G. T. Booth, A. W. Heaven, H. G. Ell, M.P., G. Bowron, A. C. Caughey, R. 8. McKenzie, I'rank Thomson, J. T. Forrester, H. E. Holland, G. Laurenson, M-X*'., A. E. Atkinson, 1 • G. HorreU, H. 13. Bell, J. G. W. Aitkon W. J. Hellyer, C. H. Gilby, A. P. WrigM and D. C. J. Russcll-tho committee to bo empowered to add to its number. The motion was carried.