Sir Albert Ellis

Death of Famous Phosphate Finder, Aged 81

THE death occurred in Auckland on July 11 of Sir Albert Fuller Ellis, famous as the discoverer of the enormously rich phosphate deposits on Nauru and Ocean Islands.

Sir Albert was born in Queens land 81 years ago, and was educated in New Zealand. He was 31 years old when, in the employ of the Pacific Islands Co., Ltd., of London, he became interested in the curious rock formations of Ocean Island and Nauru, had an analysis made, and discovered that both islands were simply vast masses of rich fertiliser.

He entered the service of the Phosphate Companies which de veloped the discovery; and in 1920, when the British Phosphate Com mission was reorganised following World War I, he became New Zealand Commissioner on the Board, and he held that position until his death.

Sir Albert was a notable writer, and some of his books are well known especially the one which tells the story of the discovery and exploitation of the phosphate de posits.

He was twice married, and is survived by his second wife. He had one daughter, Mrs. Milne, now a resident of Wellington (NZ).