Henry George Ell, commonly known as Harry Ell, was a Christchurch City councillor and a New Zealand Member of Parliament.
15 Facts About Harry Ell
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Harry Ell is famous for his conservation work around Christchurch's Port Hills, his advocacy for the Summit Road, and his construction of the Sign of the Takahe and other road houses along the Summit Road.
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Harry Ell was a Christchurch City councillor in 1903 and then again between 1917 and 1919.
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Harry Ell was a member of the Knights of Labour and the Canterbury Liberal Association.
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Harry Ell married Adelaide Eleanor Gee in Christchurch on 10 January 1892, and in 1912 named a hill above Governor's Bay Mount Ada after her.
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Harry Ell stood as a prohibitionist for a seat in the City of Christchurch electorate in 1896.
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Harry Ell was unsuccessful, coming fifth in the three-member electorate, but was elected as an Independent Liberal in the 1899 general election.
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Harry Ell held the seat, and the subsequent seat of Christchurch South as an Independent, until the 1919 general election.
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Harry Ell stood for the Lyttelton electorate, which contained the Port Hills.
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Harry Ell was defeated and did not win a seat in Parliament again.
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Harry Ell was associated with the New Liberal Party in 1905.
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Harry Ell successfully pushed for reform of New Zealand's mental health laws.
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Harry Ell served briefly as Postmaster General in the Cabinet of Thomas Mackenzie.
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Harry Ell is most remembered for his strong interest in recreation and conservation.
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From 1900 onwards, Harry Ell pushed for the creation of a network of scenic reserves along Christchurch's Port Hills, linked by the Summit Road and with a network of rest-houses to allow travellers and walkers to refresh themselves.