MEMORIAL FUND.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 194, 17 August 1911, Page 4

MEMORIAL FUND.

(ireat Public Meeting. The Christchurch Chamber of Commerce was crowded by representatives of all sections of the community, when a public meeting was held to set up a memorial fund in memory of the late Mayor. Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., who presided said that he wanted the public to accept bis presence there as chairman us the best possible assurance they could have that the movement was entirely unconnected with any party or faction or branch of the work that the late Mr T. K. Taylor during his strenuous life had been connected with. (Applause.' He took the position apart from any party, and he wanted those present to think only of T. K. Taylor, the man. Mr Taylor had given his talents ami the whole of his physical strength to advance the best interests of the Dominion, and he had left an impiint 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 w hich he was held, he might well have said that he had not lived in vain. And he had not lived in vain. Continuing, Mr Bishop said that it had been his proud privilege to he associated with Mr Taylor for many years, and ho had realised more and more of late years those wonderful qualities that had made the man one of whom all were proud. He had worked unceasingly to help the people of his country and all would agree that any person who tried to raise the standard of life in the Dominion was deserving of the 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 he had given his talents for the public weal that he had not left adequate provision for the maintenance of his loved ones. Ilis wife, five daughters and one son were not sufficiently well oil to raise them above the worry of educational and other considerations, and no person present would wish to add to the sorrow and strain being endured by the widow, whom all wished to relieve as far as possible. Then the circumstances of his mother should also be considered. They would accept his assurance that it was necessary to establish such a fund to

provide an adequate income so that the immediate effect of their friend’s death would not he so severely felt. That was not the occasion for formal speeches, for no word said that day could add to the worth of the man as evidenced throughout the Dominion, and he wanted them to be absolutely practical ami assist in the movement.

Mr Bishop read apologies for absence from tlm Non. 11. F. Wigram, the town clerk, the city surveyor, Messrs T. C. Field, J. A. Frostick, P. Ilercus, the liev. J. Mackenzie, Dr. and Mrs Sandstem (who forwarded twenty guineas) and Mr S. Hurst Seager, who suggested that a memorial volume containing the life and a collection of speeches by the late Mayor should be published in aid of tho fund. Mr K. Malcolm moved:—“That in the opinion of this meeting a memorial fund should be initiated in this Dominion to the late Mayor of Christchurch, Mr T. K Taylor, M.l\, for the benefit of those who were dependent upon him. It recognises that with a self-sacrifice as rare as liis abilities were great, ho gave his whole life and energies to the service of tho people of this Dominion, and it believes that his friends aud admirers will respond eagerly to this opportunity of showing in tile most practical way possible their love and gratitude to him.” The motion was seconded by the Lev. C. H. Garland, who said : “ Ho is worthy for whom we should do this thing.” Mr Taylor had been so absorbed in his work that he had had no time to grasp business opportunities. He had in no mean sense laid down his life for the people. The motion was carried.

Mr J. J. Dougall, who was received with applause, said that the occasion was not o le on which to make long speeches about the city’s lamented leader. He had lived not for sordid gain, and his great personality had left him a living example of what a man can do to stir up the human sentiment in any people of any territory. He would suggest that a shilling fund should be instituted, and he moved that the following committee should he appointed to carry out the scheme: —Mayor of Christchurch (chairman), Mayors of other municipal corporations, presidents of Trades and Labour Councils, Mr H. W. Bishop, 8.M., Mesdames Cole, Wells and Newton, the Bevs. J. Dawson and J. Comrie, tho Hons. C. M. Luke aud G. J. Smith, Messrs K. M’Nab, K. Malcolm, M. A. Fergusson, O. T. J. Alpers, J. A. Flosher, C. 11. Poole, M.l\, D. M Laren, M.P., A. 8. Adams, S. Saunders, Wesley Spragg, J. A. Frostick, G. T. Booth, A. W. Beaven, 11. G. Ell, M.P., G. liowron, A. C.

Oaiighey. R. S. M’Kenzie, Frank Thompson, J. T. Forrester, 11. Holland, G. Lauren son, M.l\, A. R. Atkinson, F. G. Hon 'll. H. D. Fell, .1 (i \V Aitkon, W. J. Hellyer, C. H. Gilhy, A. F. Wright, and I>r. 0. J. Russell, the committee to he empowered to add to its number. Mr.J. R. Hayward seconded the motion, w hich w as carried.

Tiie chairman expressed a hope that ho would like to see everything done quickly, as it was miserable to let such a thing drag. The meeting decided to keep the Hind open until the end of September.

On Mr Isitt’s motion Mr J. M’Combs was appointed secretary to the committee, Mr Isitt stating that he was one of Mr Taylor’s greatest personal friends, and Mr C. E. Salter, treasurer of the fund.

It was agreed that the committee should have power to appoint trustees to administer the fund.

A subscription list was opened in the room, and the sum of £267 Is was subscribed. Mr F. G. Horrell undertook on behalf of the Farmers’ Union t.'iat its organisation should be used to collect subscriptions for the fund. A large number of representatives of labour bodies who were present at the meeting did not subscribe there, as they are organising a collection of their own towards the memorial.

Subscription lists have already been opened at the newspaper offices and many of the principal business places. At a subsequent meeting it was decided to appoint the National Rank the bank of the fund.

The presidents of chambers of commerce, chairmen of education boards, harbour boards, and county councils, were added to the committee, and also the following:—Messrs G. lb Whiting, J. Young, 11. Cole, G. E. Good, Misses Roberts and Henderson and Mrs Hay. It was also decided that a representative from each church should be appointed member of the committee.

The follow ing executive was appointed: Messrs 11. W. Rishop, S.M., L. M. Isitt, 11. Holland, G. T. Booth and G. Rowron, w ith the Mayor of Christchurch and the treasurer of the fund being members e.r officio.