Death of Sir Howard Ellis M.B.E.

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 6194, 21 January 1949, Page 4

Death of Sir Howard Ellis M.B.E.

PROMINENT SUVA RESIDENT

WELL-KNOWN IN CAMBRIDGE

Sir Howard Ellis, M.8.E., of Suva, Fiji, died at the Mater Hospital, Auckland, on Wednesday. He had not been in good health for some time. Sir Howard was born at Waipu, North Auckland, in 1889, being a son of the late Mr Howard J. S. Ellis, headmaster of the Waipu School and at one time prior to that on the staff of the Cambridge School. He was educated at the' Auckland Grammar School and graduated B.A. and LL.B., from Auckland University College. He was called to the Fiji Bar in 1912; but left to serve in the 1914-18 War, first in the Northumberland Fusiliers and later in one of the earliest squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps. Shot down over France in 1916, he was a prisoner of war until exchanged in 1918, when he re-enlisted to serve again with the Royal Air Force in the defence of -London. At this time he was awarded the M.B.E. Sir Howard was married in London to Mary, younger daughter of Sir Thomas Mackenzie, then New Zealand High Commissioner; she died in 1924. Returning to Suva, he recommenced his practice and took an active part in the life of the Colony, as a member of the Executive Council, as a director of several companies, and as Legal Adviser to the Diocese of Polynesia. He was a keen player of cricket, tennis and squash racquets, and he also took a great interest in all other sport. In 1926, he married Nell, a daughter of Mr Alexander Joske, of Suva.

During World War 11. he served on the War Council .of the Governor of Fiji, Sir Phillip Mitchell, .and in 1942 he undertook the arduous work of Director of Manpower and Controller of National Service. For this he was Knighted in 1942.

In recent years, he spent much of his time at Cambridge. He is survived by Lady Ellis, a son and daughter, Mr John Ellis and Miss Susan Ellis, both of whom are attending.the Auckland University College.