The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3281, 28 July 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EV ERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1911.

By the death of Mr. T. E. Taylor,

■which occurred yesterday afternoon, New Zealand has lost one of its most bril-

Death of Mr. T. E. Taylor.

liant politicians of recent years. The deceased was born at Kirton, Lincolnshire, on June 16th, 1862, and was educated at the West Christchurch and Avonside (Christchurch) primary schools. As far as the information at hand goes it appears that Mr. Taylor first became prominent in public affairs in 1889, when he was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council. During the six years that he was connected with that body he worked assiduously in the direction of advancing the interests of the municipality. Last April the late Mr. Taylor stood for the Mayoralty of Greater Christchurch, and, despite the fact that he had as opponents two other leading citizens, he won the position by a handsome majority. Always an active worker, it was not long before the deceased entered upon Ills new duties with his wonted zeal. Indeed, he was prosecuting an important proposal in regard to the improvement of the city roads when his health collapsed. The poll in connection with the matter was actually in progress yesterday, but was overshadowed on account of Mr. Taylor’s critical state of health. As a parliamentarian the deceased will long be remembered for his marked debating abilities. He was originally elected to the House of Representatives in 1896 as one of three members for the City cf Christchurch. Three years later he failed to secure re-election in a similar capacity. Mr. Taylor in 1902, however, was returned as a representative of Christchurch City by a large majority. Previous to the election of 1905 Christchurch was divided into three constituencies, and Mr. Taylor chose to stand for Christchurch North. For a second occasion the deceased had to acknowledge defeat, the successful candidate being Mr. C. M. Gray, an Independent candidate, who at that time was Mayer of Christchurch. Three years later, in 190 S, Mr. Taylor had the satisfaction of turning the tables on Mr. Gray. Throughout his Parliamentary career Mr. Taylor was a noted Radical, but showed no love for party. Where he shone was as a free lance, and it was a lucky foeman who escaped unscathed as a result of an encounter. When the New Liberal party was before the country, Mr. Taylor was one of its more prominent members. It was characteristic of Mr. Taylor to spare neither Government nor Opposition. Quick to note to point, he had no equal in recent Parliaments as a destructive critic. Perhaps the most notab'e Parliamentary episode in which he figured is that which has come to be known as “the voucher case.” During the past year or so it ivas believed that the defeased might be chosen to lead the Labour members in the House at any time. Apart from the interest A\dffcli Mr. Taylor took in politics, he Avas equally well knoAVn as a leader of the No License movement. From one end of the country to the other lie had addressed meeting's on the question over many years. Than Mr. Taylor the party had it Avas generally acknoAvledged no mere popular nor skilful speaker. As Avill be seen by our news columns, very widespread regret is being felt at his death.