OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 19294, 12 July 1924, Page 6

OBITUARY

JOHN TAYLOR. The death took place at 4.30 yesterday afternoon of Mr John Taylor, principal of the firm of Messrs McGruer, Taylor and Coy., of Dee street, and the news was received with deep regret by all who had known him in the course of business, or as a private citizen. The late Mr Taylor was born in Cheshire, England, 74 years ago, and was the elder son of the late Robert and Agnes Taylor, who were subsequently actively associated with the early history of the Southland province. The deceased gentleman received his early education at a private school at Home, and when about 11 years of age came with his parents, brothers and sisters, to New Zealand in the ship Stormcloud, arriving in Dunedin in 1861. At that time the Gabriel Gully rush had started, and his father set out to seek his fortune, leaving his wife and family in Dunedin. On his return to Dunedin a year later, the family decided to remove to Southland, and the voyage was made in the small steamer Guiding Star, which took seven days to reach Invercargill. The little boat came right up the Estuary to Invercargill, and landed her passengers at the jetty, which was situated on practically the same site as the present one. His parents secured a residence in Esk street where Messrs Macalister Bros.’ premises are to-day, and from there he attended the private school conducted by the Rev Mr Bethune. On completing his education, the late Mr Taylor commenced his business career at Morrison’s grocery store on the corner of Tweed and Clyde streets, and subsequently he left there to learn the baking trade under the late Mr Borne, whose shop was once a familiar landmark on the corner of Deveron and Don streets. The deceased subsequently relinquished that trade to join Mr Robert Mitchell’s drapery establishment in Tay street, where he remained for some time, and then entered the employ of Messrs Porter and Reid in Esk street. Later still he joined Mr R. D. Yule, whose business was at a later date purchased by Messrs Herbert Haynes and Coy., and his association with these two firms extended over a period of 22 years. Afterwards he entered into a partnership with the late Mr J. D. McGruer, and subsequently took over the business on his own account. As a result of his wide experience and enterprise the business gradually grew in size, and the large premisis which the firm occupies to-day are a monument to his untiring devotion to his business. In all his dealings, the deceased was respected for his integrity, and in no case was any confidence misplaced, his word in all cases being accepted as his bond. Though in the last few years of his life he was prevented from attending at his establishment daily, he maintained a keen and active interest in the various activities of the firm. Though the late Mr Taylor did not take any active part in public affairs, he was always keenly interested in matters affecting the welfare of the town. He was a liberal giver to all philanthropic objects, particularly the Young Men’s Christian Association and the Salvation Army. He took an active interest in Church affairs, and in the early days was a member of the teaching staff of the First Church Sunday School, one of his first pupils being Mr J. L. McG. Watson. He afterwards joined St. Paul’s Church, and was one of its leading supporters right up to the time of his death. In his early days the deceased gentleman was interested in volunteering, being a member of the Invercargill Rifles, under Captain James Harvey. He was also a prominent member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, having joined the Loyal St. George Lodge as far back as 1869. For a number of years he held the position of Permanent Secretary, and also filled the various Lodge offices. He was one of the founders of the St. Andrew’s Society, and was also connected with other organisations. The late Mr Taylor was respected by all sections of the community, and was of a very kindly and helpful disposition, and ever ready to help on his less fortunate brethren. The deceased was married some 44 years ago in Melbourne to Miss Luceina Twinning,’ who pre-deceased him twelve years ago. The deceased leaves an only daughter, Mrs J. D. Gilmore, of Don street. Two sisters and two brothers also survive him, Misses Jessie and Agnes Taylor, and Mr David A. Taylor, of Wellington, and Mr Robert Taylor, of Invercargill, who will have the sincere sympathy of a wide circle of friends. The funeral is to take place on Sunday