William Laing - Social Advocate

Gifted speaker William Laing was never shy to voice an opinion. The Ponsonby resident at one point fancied a political career and stood for election to parliament. He also aligned himself to various social advocacy groups and was a champion for the unemployed - especially after losing his own job as a painter.

Anglican Division A, Row 1, Plot 34: 

William Laing – Painter 

     Mary Laing

Photo Cathy Currie

But the father of seven fell desperately ill after addressing a crowd of unemployed during a public rally on August 3, 1886. Doctors summoned to his Franklin Rd home found him confined to bed and deteriorating fast. They diagnosed an "inflammation of the lungs" brought on by exposure to the cold night air.

The 46-year-old died on August 8 and his casket was transported to the Auckland city railway station a day later for the trip west to Waikumete Cemetery. A large crowd of the same people he'd addressed just a few evenings earlier was at the station to pay its respects as the train departed.

Laing, once a Methodist preacher, was an Anglican at the time of his death and a familiar face at St Thomas' Church. Members of his old congregation were quick to come to the assistance of his widow Mary and her large brood of children - organising a series of fundraisers to help get the family back on its feet. Auckland's mayor, city councillors and various entertainers also came to the party by offering facilities and services for a benefit concert a month or so after the funeral. The family must have eventually got back on their feet as the family headstone is quite elaborate. 

Mary Laing died in 1914 and is buried with her husband.

Their tombstone also includes the name of a son, Albert Morton Laing, who was killed and buried in France during World War One.

In

Loving Memory

of

WILLIAM LAING

died 8^th August 1886.

Aged 46 years.

and

MARY

his wife

Who died 12^th Oct. 1914

aged 67 years.

Until the dawn break.

And the shadows fall away.

also

ALBERT MORTON LAING

son of the above

who died of wounds in France

31^st July 1916

“He did his duty.”

Source: Matthew Gray - Tales from the Crypt

Presented by Geri Eccles - Discover Waikumete