Patten's aide-de-camp leaves the gossip behind

HE is a heartbeat away from the centre of gossip. However, the Governor's aide-de-camp, Superintendent Mike Ellis, is not prone to eavesdropping on political conversation despite the constant intrigue in his pres-ence.

'Obviously, there are things I see and hear and I try to take it all on board,' said Mr Ellis, 35, on the eve of his departure from Government House today.

'But I would never repeat anything. I try to stay well away from the political stuff. My job has been difficult enough without getting involved in that. I am a pure functionary. I try to make his job easier.

'You could call me this place's barrack superintendent.' For the past three years, charting Chris Patten's turbulent management of the countdown to the territory's passage to China, Mr Ellis - a champion runner with 15 years of police service - has been the top official's personal aide; giving him advice and ensuring no public mishaps.

He was chosen by the Governor in October 1992 from a shortlist supplied by the police commissioner.

Mr Ellis, who returns to the police force, will be replaced by Lance Brown, former commander of the elite Flying Tigers brigade, whose term begins officially on September 10 and expires on June 30, 1997.

Although not a bodyguard - other police perform this task - the aide-de-camp is often involved in security arrangements. He lives in Government House, spending almost every waking hour with his boss.