DEATH OF MR H. G. ELL

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21202, 28 June 1934, Page 10

DEATH OF MR H. G. ELL

USEFUL PUBLIC LIFE ENDED OPENING UP BANKS PENINSULA Mr Henry George EIL an outstanding figure in public life in Christchurch, died early yesterday morning at St. George's Hospital, after an operation. He was 72 years of age. For 20 yearn—from 1899 to 1919—he was a member of Parliament, for a few months holding the portfolio of Post-master-General; but he was more widely known, to-the younger generation particularly, for his magnificent work in opening up the Port Hills for trampers and motorists. After his retirement from politics he gave his undivided attention to the development of the Summit road reserve, and today the results of bis work, among them the Sign of the Takahe, the Sign of the Kiwi, the Sign of the Bellbird, and the Sign of the Packhorse, are his memorial. Varied Experiences He was the son of Mr George Waldock Ell, a well-known stock buyer in the Halswell district, and was born in Christchurch it. 1862. He was educated at the Ricc;irton, Halswell, and West Christchurch schools. After leaving school he had varied experiences. After a time as a junior attendant at the Christchurch museum he was engaged on survey work on a sheep station and then was employed at a wool-scouring works. He afterwards went to Taranaki to join the Armed Constabulary at Parihaka. a famous old Maori settlement and military post in the days of the native war. He was in the constabulary for three years and a half. j

For four years he was employed in the printing department of the Christchurch Press Company, Ltd., going from there into the employ of Messrs Nind-Ward and Company, After five years with this firm he joined the staff of Messrs Andrews and Company, manufacturing stationers, where he remained until hfa election to Parliament in 1099 as a representative for Christchurch City.

He was actively connected with Labour and other political organisations in the city from 1884, ajid remained a prominent public figure for the rest of his life. He was a member of the Knights of Labour and of the Canterbury Liberal Association, and for some time was president of the Progressive Liberal Association. For three years he was secretary to this organisation, resigning in 1896 to become a candidate for Parliament as a representative for Christchurch. He was nominated by the Canterbury Women's Institute and supported by the Canterbury Progressive Liberal Association, and, although he had never before addressed a political meeting, gained 4705 votes, coming fifth in the poll. In Parliament From his election to Parliament in 1899 until 1905 he represented Christchurch City, and from 1805 to 1919 he was member for Christchurch South. It was while he was PostmasterGeneral in the Mackenzie Ministry that slot telephones were introduced to Christchurch. • In 1919 he relinquished the Christchurch South seat to contest the seat for Lyttelton, as the Port Hills, in which he was becoming deeply interested, were Jn that electorate. He was unsuccessful, and at the next election in 1922 stood for Christchurch South again. Once more he wag defeated, and after another unsuccessful attempt to win this seat at the 1925 election, he gave up politics. His activities in Christchurch were wide. He was a member of the committees of the Addington School, the Canterbury Children's Aid Society, and the Prohibition League, while for three years he was a member of the Spreydon Road Board. He was president of the Christchurch Tailoresses* and Pressers' Union, a member of the Canterbury Prohibition Council, and of the council of the St. Saviour's Guild. Mr Ell stood for the position of a member of the Canterbury College Board of Governors In 1897, on the nomination of the teachers, but he barely missed election, being the fourth of three candidates required. Next year he was elected. For a period he was a member of the Christchurch Domains Board, and from 1917 to 1919 -sat on the Christchurch City Council. He wrote several pamphlets on state banking, and on the referendum and initiative. In 1885 and 1886 he represented Canterbury at Rugby. Advocacy of Afforestation , Mr Ell was always a strong advocate of afforestation. In 1896 an afforestation policy was decided upon by the Government, and after experimental areas had been'planted a commission was set up in 1009 to which Mr Ell was appointed. This commission did valuable work In recommending the preservation of forests In rough country and within the watersheds of rivers, and in asking for the vigorous prosecution of a policy of afforestation on lands that were unsuitable for settlement, large areas of which were situated in Canterbury. His membership of this commission gave him opportunities for pleading against the depletion of forests, and anything that looked like encroachment on public reserves brought spirited protests from him.

Mr Ell was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr Alfred Gee, of Linwood, a very old colonist. He is survived by Mrs Ell, three daughters: Mrs E. J. Bell, Mrs R, P. Jameson, and Miss M. E. Ell, and one son, Mr G. A. Ell, His eldest son, Mr A. H. W. Ell, was killed in 1918, in the Great War. " The funeral will be held to-morrow, leaving the home of Mr Ell's widow, 49 Opawa road, for Halswell, where the interment will take place. , Relief Workers' Tribute As a mark of respect to Mr Ell, the men under the control of the Summit Road Trust temporarily discontinued work yesterday morning. The rest houses on the hills will remain closed until to-morrow. TRIBUTE FROM THE MAYOR Speaking from Wellington yesterday, the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., stated that it was with very deep regret that he had learned of the death of Mr Ell, who had'served the public during his whole life. In his early years he had been a strong advocate and leader in many good causes, but he would be best remembered for the most magnificent work which he had carried on on the Port Hills against tremendous difficulties. Mr Ell would be remembered by future generations when many other men had been long forgotten. Mr Sullivan extended his sincere sympathy to Mrs Ell and family in their bereavement.