MINISTERS PAY TRIBUTE

WORK FOR PRESERVATION OF ■ SCENERY [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.J , WELLINGTON, June 27. Appreciative references to the fine qualities of Mr H. G. EU were made to-day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) and the Hon. E. A. Ransom (Minister in Charge of {Scenery Preservation). Both referred to Mr Eli's zeal and enthusiasm in the work he undertook, and to his services to Christchurch in his plans for the preservation of the natural beauties of the Port Hills. "It was with deep regret that I heard of the death of my old friend, Mr Ell," said the Prime Minister. "He was a man of unbounded energy, and in his many and varied activities throughout his long period of public life he displayed conspicuous zeal and assiduity in the prosecution of his ideals. He will be remembered as one who fearlessly advocated and worked for principles which he conscientiously felt were for the advance, ment of the community generally. His work in the development of the Summit road over the Port.Hills wH be gratefully remembered by the citizens of Christchurch." "The death of Mr Ell," said Mr Ransom, "removes from our midst one who had been intimately connected with my department for very many years in the cause of scenery preservation, and his passing is deeply regretted by myself and my officers. He had an infectious enthusiasm for the natural scenery of New Zealand, and throughout his career his efforts were always directed in earnest endeavours to save the bush from destruction, in this way he carried out a great deaj of solid and valuable work, and while perhaps he will best be remembered for his work in preserving the beautiful remnants of the magnificent forests which once clothed the Fort Hills, his interests were Dominionwide. His death is a real loss to the cause of scenery preservation." MANUFACTURERS' CONDOLENCES Before the business of the executive of the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association was taken last night the chairman, Mr F. W. J. Belton, referred to the death of Mr Ell. They were all well acquainted, he said, with the persevering work which Mr Ell had been carrying out on the Port Hillswork which already had been of very great benefit to the community. In appreciation of Mr Ell' 3 work on the Port Hills and of his other public work, he moved a vote of condolence with the relatives. The motion was agreed to, members standing. HOSPITAL BOARD'S SYMPATHY Reference to the death of Mr H. G. EU was made at a meeting of the North Canterbury Hospital Board yes* terday morning. The chairman (Mr H. J. Otley) said that since bis work for the country in Parliament, Mr Ell had done work on the Cashmere Hills which would last for all time. The city owed him a great debt of gratitude. Mrs E. R. McCombs, M.P., said that by his work at Cashmere, Mr EU had raised to himself a lasting memorial. No one in the community could fall to regret his passing. The board passed a resolution of sympathy With Mr Ell's relatives, and Mr A. T. Smith, a cousin of Mr Ell, replied briefly. COUNTY COUNCIL'S TRD3UTE Mr Ell's death was referred to at the meeting of the Waimalri County Council last evening, when a motion of condolence with the relatives was passed. The chairman (Mr W. P. Spencer) said that all knew of the excellent work done by Mr Ell in the construction of the roads on the hills. He had been a hard worker, in the face of strong opposition at some times, but it was certain that the beautiful drives on the hills would not have been completed for many years had he not fought so hard for them. Other members of the council made similar remarks. OLD BOYS PAY RESPECTS Members of the West Christchurch District High School Old Boys' Association, at their smoke concert last night, stood in silence as a mark of respect to Mr H. G. EU, who was an old boy of the school.