DEATH OF MR J. W. ELLIS.

WAIKATO*S LEADING BUSINESS

HAMILTON, this day. Mr J. W. Ellis, M.8.E., Mayor of Hamilton, died this morning. He was confined to bed a fortnight ago. Serious symptoms developed at the end of last week, and little hope of his recovery was entertained since Saturday. He leaves a widow (a close connection of the late chief Rewi, Ngatimaniapoto tribe), three sons, and one daughter. Mr Ellis was born at Guildford (Surrey), and came to New Zealand when a child two or three years old. He subsequently returned to his native town school, and came back to New Zealand as a lad of fourteen, and commenced a commercial career in a stationer's shop in Auckland. He subsequently started business on his own account as a" storekeeper between Kawhia and Raglan, his clientele being almost exclusively natives. He owned a schooner, which ran regularly between Manukau, Raglan, and Kawhia. He was the confidential adviser of the late King Tawhiao, the closest relationship existing between them up to the-'time of Tawhiao's death in 18S3. At Kihikihi he became connected with the sawmilling industry, and eventually acquired timber rights over large areas of native bush at Manunui, Otorohanga, and Mangapehi. He joined Mr. Burnand, and thus laid the foundations of the present company of Ellis and Burnand. Limited, in 1905. Mr. Ellis did much to bring about the amalgamation of Hamilton and Frankton, and, in response to the general wish of ratepayers, accepted the office of first Mayor of the united borough. He closely identified himself with all patriotic movements, and gave generously of both money and labour in their promotion. Mr. J. W. Ellis was chairman of the firm of Ellis and Burnand. Limited, one ■ of the largest timber milling and box manufacturers in the Dominion, and head of the Ellis Veneer Company. He was also director in Green and Colbrook Co,. Wilson's Portland Cement Co., Pomeroy and Co., Ltd., Butler Bros., Ltd. He was greatly respected and popular. He leaves a wife and one daughter (Mrs. Rickets, of Te Awamutu), one son is now at the front, and one has returned from active service. Mr. Ellis, who was 06 years of age at the time of his death, was recently decorated with the Order of the British Empire.