A valedictory given to Council by Professor John Morton, on the occasion of the retirement of the President Mr A.A. T. Ellis QC. 9 June 1984.

Forest and Bird, Volume 15, Issue 3, 1 August 1984, Page 21

A valedictory given to Council by Professor John Morton, on the occasion of the retirement of the President Mr A.A. T. Ellis QC. 9 June 1984.

When Tony Ellis accepted the Presidency of Royal Forest and Bird in 1976, he could not have known he was in for such an interesting spell. The battles for the great forests were warming up, and all sorts of environment questions coming to the fore. Along with this, the Society’s membership was to grow from 22,000 to 40,000. From its internal debate that began the ’80’s, Forest and Bird came out stronger and clearly united. Not only New Zealand’s oldest and wealthiest conservation body, it could bid fair to become one of the most radical. To all this Tony Ellis brought a contribution that was not always realised while it was happening, or until the results were seen later. Neither a professional biologist, nor — by temperament — an activist, he brought qualities that were to make his term as President important, with leadership that staff, executive and

branches were constantly aware of. As President, he presided superbly, just when it was needed. Council meetings that were strained and contentious and could have gone on being divisive, he handled from the Chair with wit and erudition and lightness of touch; but with a shrewdness that never lost direction or command. He had many of the attributes of a judge: but solemnity was never one of them. Wise in affairs, he knew not just about statutes and standing orders, but about people. When it came to the great ‘"‘merger’’ battle, he sometimes seemed to do little: but what a wrong conclusion that would be! Everyone then was a partisan — had to be if all sides were to be canvassed and advocated. Above all, Tony had to judge what sort of a marriage would have worked between such strong parties. When the decision came, no one got all they had wanted; and the outcome we have today was perhaps closest to Tony’s own insight. This was outstanding leadership, achieved neither by pushing nor aligning with so many determined people! Through all his Presidency, Tony Ellis had some qualities not perhaps common in men of the law — or anywhere. He is young in heart, andimmensely attracted by new things happening and the possibilities of creative change. He is also genuinely kind, and hated that — during political debates or public occasions — people, particularly those serving the Society should be hurt. We saw this side of him often, even though from the Chair he could be effectively sharp where he thought it was needed. Tony Ellis taught us, in effect, a lot about the way things should be done, when people are doing battle, not only about Causes but even occasionally with each other. It will be good to have him still with us on Executive for his post-presidential year, because — if our meetings over these years have been enjoyable, as well as strenuous — much of this has come about from our having in Tony Ellis a special human being and a good friend. a