Tuesday 15 February 2022

Thomas Taylor, 1895-10/5/1915.

Thomas Taylor, 22 years of age, left his lodgings at 6 Bishop's road on Monday morning at 7 o'clock (his usual hour) in order to proceed to his work at the Railway Workshops at Hillside, and since then all trace of him has been lost. Mr Taylor was an exceptionally steady young fellow, in excellent health, and had no difficulties of any kind. He took none of his personal effects with him, even his watch and money being left behind, according to his custom. He was employed in the ironmoulders' department at the workshops. He is about 5ft 5in in height, clean shaved, with brown hair and fresh complexion, and wore a blue coat and vest, dark tweed trousers, and a cap. These were his ordinary working clothes.  -Evening Star, 15/5/1915.


The mysterious disappearance of Thomas Taylor, 22 years of age, from his lodgings at 6 Bishop's road is causing some concern to his friends and relatives. The young man left as usual on Monday morning at 7 o'clock to proceed to his work at the Railway Workshops at Hillside, and has not been heard of since. Taylor was an exceptionally steady young fellow, in excellent health, and had no difficulties of any kind. He took none of his personal effects with him, his watch, money, and other articles belonging to him being found in his room. He is about 5ft 5in in height, clean shaved, with brown hair, and a fresh complexion. He wore his working clothes, consisting of a blue coat and vest, dark tweed trousers, and a cap.   -Otago Daily Times, 17/5/1915.


THE HARBOR FATALITY.

The body of the young man found in the harbor this morning was identified later in the day as that of Thomas Taylor, aged 22 years, who boarded in Elm row, and who had been missing since May 10. Deceased was employed at the Hillside Workshops. An inquest will be held on the body.  -Evening Star, 7/7/1915.


INQUEST

VERDICT OF FOUND DROWNED. 

An inquest into the circumstances of the death of Thomas Taylor, son of Mr Daniel Taylor, of 99 Canongate, whose body was found floating in the harbour on Wednesday, was held at the Morgue yesterday afternoon, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M. Sergeant McGlone conducted the proceedings for the police. 

Daniel Taylor, bookbinder, father of the deceased, who was a single man, said he saw his son twice on May 8. On the morning of the 10th deceased left his boarding house to go to work as usual. Deceased seemed to be in his usual health and spirits. He might have been depressed a little over witness drinking, but he did not say anything. Deceased was a steady, sober lad, and he never suggested doing away with himself. At Easter the deceased went to a doctor, who said he was suffering from his nerves. About four years ago deceased got melancholy, and thought he was going to lose his senses, but he recovered. There had been mental trouble in the family, a brother of the deceased having been temporarily affected at one time. 

Mary Christina Dallas, boarding-house keeper at No. 6 Bishop's road, said that deceased was lodging at her place for a fortnight prior to May 10. On that morning, after having a good breakfast, he left about 6.50. as usual, to go to his work at Hillside Workshops, carrying a good lunch in his pocket. He was in his usual health and spirits. He never had anything to say previously about any troubles he might have had.

Isabella McEwan Drummond, living at 3 France street, North-East Valley, said she knew the deceased well for three years. She saw him on Sunday evening, May 9. He never mentioned any family trouble or worry, and, when leaving witness, said he would see her on the Wednesday night. A Mr Holmes had said he saw, on Monday, what he took to be deceased at NorthEast Valley, going towards Normanby. Prior to that he had spoken anxiously about his father drinking, but he never appeared to be depressed over it. 

William Taylor, brother of the deceased, said he was with his brother at a football match on Saturday afternoon. May 8. He was in his usual bright spirits. Witness used to see deceased frequently, and was intimate with him. He would have told witness of any trouble, and witness had never seen him worried.

To the Coroner: He knew of nothing to take deceased clown to the foreshore on May 10 on his way to work. Witness noticed that deceased's memory was not too good. Deceased had been worried over his father, but had got over that. He was an energetic fellow, anxious to get on. He knew of no reason for deceased doing away with himself.

To Sergeant McGlone: Deceased was a saving lad and had money.

Constable Kelly also gave evidence. The Coroner said there was no evidence to show any reason for deceased doing away with himself. On the other hand deceased, it seemed, had no reason for going down to the harbour on May 10. There was nothing wrong with him at the time mentally. However, in view of the evidence, he could only return an open verdict — found drowned.  -Otago Daily Time, 9/7/1915.


DUNEDIN SAVINGS BANK NOTICE. 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CLAIM referred to in the undermentioned letter will be allowed unless satisfactory evidence is produced that Deceased left a Will, or that some other claimant is entitled to the money. 

FRED. SMITH, Manager. 

[Copy.] Dunedin, July 17, 1915. 

To the Trustees Dunedin Savings Bank, Dunedin. Gentlemen, — I beg to notify you that Thomas Taylor, who was a depositor in your bank, died at Dunedin on the 10th day of May, 1915, without leaving a will, and that, as his father, I claim to be entitled to all moneys to credit of his account (20795). — Yours faithfully, 

DANIEL TAYLOR, Bookbinder, 

99 Canongate street, Dunedin N Z. 

Witnesses: S. J. Gilbert, bookbinder, 335 George street, Dunedin; R. McGlashan, bookbinder, 113 Moray place, Dunedin.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/7/1915.


Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.


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