ELLIS, HENRY (1828-79) was born at Bundoran, County Donegal, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand from New South Wales in 1850. He was for some years in business (at first with his father) in Shortland Street, Auckland, as auctioneers and general merchants, and he erected the Ellis buildings.

Ellis was an eloquent, forceful speaker and a good writer. In 1869 he entered the contest for the Superintendency of Auckland, but retired in favour of Gillies. He represented Auckland East (1870-73) in the Provincial Council and was afterwards for some time an immigration agent for the province, being interested in the promotion of the Katikati settlement. About 1876 Ellis was accepted as a probationer for the Methodist ministry, and he held charges at Waimate, Timaru and Woodend. He died on 17 Jun 1879.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ, ii (p); NZ Herald, 23 Jun 1879.

Reference: Volume 1, page 132

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