DEATH OF MR T. E. TAYLOR

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 133, 28 July 1911, Page 5

DEATH OF MR T. E. TAYLOR

WORKING TO THE LAST. (Per Press Association 1 Christchurch, July 27. The Mayor, Mr lb E. Taylor, M.P., passed a quiet night, hut gradually became weaker. He retained consciousness up to about midday. During the morning he had an interview with Mr L. M. Isitfc, and dictated several messages to his friends and constituents. Mr Taylor was in a very weak state, and the conversation was conducted in whispers. This morning the deputy-Mayor, Mr J. J. Dougall, called at the nursing home, and was informed that Mr Taylor was sinking and could not last much longer. At 3.10 p.m. it was reported that Air Taylor was gradually getting worse. The whole of his family were present, and the end was expected at any moment. At 4.20 p.m. there was no further change reported, and he died at -i.lo p.m. ' The deep tolling of the Cathedral hell late this afternoon proclaimed to a saddened city that the end had come and that the Mayor, Mr I. F Taylor, had passed away. His immediate illness dated from only a week ago, but so serious wan the disorder that death came with almost tragic suddenness. At first no serious consequences were anticipated but as the days went by the 1 alletms issued became less and less of a reassuring nature, until dually it was announced that no hope of recovery could bo held out. Despite his bodily disorder ids r ind retained an extraordinary alertness,, and even up' lo yesterday morning he was dictating to a close friend hnal messages to his constituents and others. On WediesUy, Mr layloi passed a quiet night, but as ihe day advanced he weakened gradually, untill at mid-day he lapsed into unconsciousness. Now and again he brightened up, and he spoke to his wife at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon, that being his last conscious act. From thence forward he seemed to slumber, and shortly after 5 o’clock he oassed away.

A short history of Mr Taylor’s illness was supplied officially to-night by the surgeon in attendance. Mr Taylor, it was stated, suffered from chronic indigestion for many years. Ho attended a public meetmg on Wednesday evening of last week, and riming the night was seized with abdominal pains. A consultation was held an Sunday, and it was then decided that an operation was, necessary. It was found that there was a longstanding ulceration of the stomach and the adjoining bowel, with a recent perforation of the ulcer in tne stomach, and local perltonHs. It was hoped at first that the operation would prove successful, but on Wednesday serious symptoms arose, ai d an examination showed that i othing further could be done.

The doctor and nurses in attendance wore very much impressed with Mr Taylor’s fortitude, his calmness, and his thoughtfulness for his family and others.

What was practically the final interview between Mr Taylor and ins iiiends took place yesterday morning at 10 o’clock. Mr L. M. Isitt, who for many years was associated with Mr Taylor in the prohibition campaign, and Mr IT. Cole, one of Mr Taylor’s business partners, were summoned into Mr Taylor’s room. Mr Tayloi, whose illness had reduced bun veiy much indeed, appeared io bo anconscions, but when he sp iKe it was evident that his mind was working with some of his old vigor. He asked his friends to take down somo fast well messages to friends. In a message to the Rev. John Dawson, the Central Secretary (f the New Zealand Alliance, Mr Taylor addressed the following words: — “The year 1911 is our year of emancipation, if we are true to God and our oxiportunities.” Turning then to Mr Cole, the dying mail said; “Cole, they call us fanatics, hut national prohibition is worth liv.ng for and worth dying for.” A message for Labour was given to Mr Isitt: “Isitt, this is a lovely countiy. Tell my Labour friends that they have a divine chance here if they will only recognise the religious element and lift the movement to its highest plane.” There were other messages of a private nature, and the interview, which had been an extremely afiecting one to those engaged : n it, teiminated. Mr Taylor spoke very little afterwards. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon, and will be a civic funeral. The body 7, which has now been taken to Mr Taylor’s private house on the Cashmere Hills, will be brought to the City- Council ( hamber on Sunday morning, and the funeral cortege will start from Council Chambers. Wellington, Julv 27. The Wellington City Conned passed a resolution of condolence with Mr T. E. Taylor’s family and adjourned lexten minutes as a mark of respect. Widespread regret was expressed in Wellington at the death of Mr T. E. Taylor. The Trades and Labour Council tonight passed a resolution of regret and condolence .with the family, and decided to be i-epresented at the funeral by the president. Nelson, July 27. Tiie Council adopted resolutions of condolence with the Christchurch Corporation and Mrs Taylor in the death of Mr T. E. Taylor.