Lot 3644

Description

Gilbert and Ellice Islands, envelope dated for 24 December 1933 and addressed to Sir Albert Ellis K.B.E., C.M.G. at Herne Bay, Auckland, New Zealand, with three George V halfpenny green Gilbert & Ellice Islands stamps across top right and these stamped with two clear post office cancellations, 'General Post Office Ocean Island 24DE38'. Aged with some foxing, used.

Sir Albert Ellis was born at Roma, Queensland in 1869 and after completing his education joined a firm engaged in the phosphate industry. He became the 'Godfather' of the phosphate industry at Ocean Island and Nauru. In 1921 after the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand combined to buy the entire phosphate industry on these islands he was appointed British Phosphate Commissioner in New Zealand holding the position until his death in 1951.

With research.