FORMER M.P. PASSES

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 9

FORMER M.P. PASSES

MR. ELL, OF CANTERBURY.

"MONUMENT" ON.PORT HILLS,

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this clay. Mr. Henry George Ell, a former M.P., died at the age of 72, after a brief illness following an operation in hospital. Mr. Ell was member of Parliament for Christchurch South from 1905 to 1919, Postmaster-General in the Mackenzie Ministry in 1917, and. formerly a member of many public bodies. He was well known for his work in connection with the Port Hills scenic reserves, and tho roads and many rest houses which exi. t to-day are a monument to the publicminded activity to which ho devoted virtually all his time and enthusiasm in later years. Mr. Ell planned and directed the beautiful Summit Road from Godley Head right round the harbour virtually to Mount Herbert, pushing ahead tenaciously despite opposition and controversy until tho work was completed. Mr. Ell was born in Christchurch, being the son of George Waldock Ell. In 1892 he married a daughter of Alfred Gee, and they had two sons and three daughters, the eldest son being killed in action in 1918. Mr. Ell was educated in Christchurch, and later was a representative Rugby footballer. He early entered on a career of public life, and maintained his tireless activity to the end.