Mr T. E. Taylor Dead

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 29, 28 July 1911, Page 4

Mr T. E. Taylor Dead

WORKING UP TO THE LAST. A DOMINION LOSS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchureh, Last Night. The Mayor, Mr. T. li. Taylor, M.P., passed a quiet night, but gradually became weaker He retained consciousness up to about midday. During the morning he had an interview with Mr. L. M. Isitt, and dictated several tmessagea 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 Mr. 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 5.15 p.m.

A SADDENED CITY. DEATH CAME WITH TRAGIC SUDDENNESS. EXTRAORDINARY MENTAL ALERTNESS. Christchureh, Last Night. "The deep tolling of the Cathedral toell late this afternoon proclaimed to a saddened city that the end had come and that the Mayor, Mr. T. E. Taylor, had passed away. His immediate illness dated from only a week ago, but so serious was the disorder that death cainc with almost tragic suddenness. At first no seriouf consequences were anticipated, but A 8 the days went by the bulletins issued became less and less of a reassuring nature, until finally it was announced that no hope of recovery could b# held out. Despite his bodily disorder his mind retained an extraordinary alertness, and even up to yesterday morning he was dictating to a close friend final messages to his constituents and others. On Wednesday Mr. Taylor passed a quiet night, but as the day advanced he weakened gradually, until 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 lie passed awav.

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. He attended a public meeting on Wednesday evening of last week, and during the night was seized with abdominal pains. A consultation was held on Sunday, and it was then decided that an operation was necessary. It was found that there was a long standing ulceration of the stomach and the adjoining bowel, with a recent perforation of the ulcer in the stomach, and local peritonitis. It was hoped at first that the operation would prove successful, but on Wednesday serious symptoms arose, and an examination showed that nothing further could be done. '

The doctors and nurses in attendance were very much impressed with Mr. Taylor's fortitude, his calmness, and his thoughtfulness for his family and others.

PINAL INTERVIEW. FAREWELL MESSAGES. EXTRAORDINARY FORTITUDE. Christchurch, Last Night. What was practically the final interview between Mr. Taylor and his friends took plaeo yesterday morning at 10 o'clock. Mr. L. M. Isitt, who for many years whs associated with Mr. Taylor in the prohibition campaign, and Sir, H. Cole, one of Mr. Taylor's business partners, were summoned into Mr. Tuvtor's room. Mr. Taylor, whoso illness had reduced him .very much indeed, appeared to be unconscious, but when he spoke it was evident that his mind was working with some of his old vigor. He asked his friends to take down some farewell messages to friends: In a message to the Rev, John Dawsoil, the Central Secretary of 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 opportunities." Turning then to Mr. Cole, the dying man said:

"Cole,- they call us fanatics, but national prohibition is worth living for and worth dying for." A message for Labor was given to Mr. Isitt:

"Isitt, this is a lovely country. Tell my Labor 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 affecting one to those engaged in it, terminated. Mr. Taylor spoke very little afterwards.

The funeral will talco place on Sunday afternoon, and will be a civic funeral. The body, which has now been taken te Mr. Taylor's private house on the Cashmere Hills, will bo brought to the City Council Chamber on Sunday morning, and the funeral cortege will start from Council Chambers.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE,

Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington City Council passed a resolution of condolence with Mr. T. E. I Taylor's family and adjourned for ten minutes as n mark of respect. Widespread regret was expressed in Wellington at the death of Mr. T. K. Taylor.

The Trades and Labor Council to-night passed a resolution of regret and condolence with the family, and decided to be represented at the funeral by the president. <

Nelson, Last Night. , The Council adopted rcsolutioas of condolence with the Christehureh Corporation and Mrs. Taylor in the death of Mr. T. E. Taylor.

At a meeting of temperance workers at. New Plymouth last evening in connection with the visit of Miss Orimlev, of .England, a vote of sympathy with Mrs. Taylor in the fatal illness of her husband was carried.

All last night numerous enquiries were made, at the Daily News office regarding the condition of Mr. Taylor. The wire containing the unwelcome news came to hand at 11.30, though it was dispatched from Christehureh at (5.1-5, the delay being caused by several of the southern wires being down.