the Takahe, was not completed until long after Ell's death, in 1949. All four houses were built of local stone, and designed to blend in with the landscape. The Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe still function as commercial rest stops serving refreshments while the Sign of the Bellbird survives only as a shelter, but is still a useful stopping place for a picnic and the starting point for some short walks. The Sign of the Packhorse is managed by the Department of Conservation and used as a hut by trampers. Quotes Ell's political philosophy was simple: "Our aim in life is to effect such social and economic reforms as will improve the lot of our fellow men and women". As a parliamentarian, Ell was proud of his independent status. During his 1899 election campaign he maintained the view that: "a member should pledge himself to the people, not to party or to Prime Minister.". Notes References Harry Ell and His Summit Road : a Biography of Henry George Ell by Lenore Oakley, published by Caxton Press 1960 Further reading Works by Harry Ell n.p. Works about Harry Ell Harry Ell and His Summit Road : a Biography of Henry George Ell by Lenore Oakley, published by Caxton Press 1960 External links Ell's DNZB Biography The Port Hills, Christchurch City Council Sign of the Packhorse, Department of Conservation Summitroadsociety.org, Summit Road Society Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe, Christchurch City Libraries |- |- Independent MPs of New Zealand Christchurch City Councillors Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand New Zealand farmers New Zealand Liberal Party MPs New Zealand temperance activists 1862 births 1934 deaths New Zealand MPs for Christchurch electorates New Zealand conservationists Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives Unsuccessful candidates in the 1896 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1919 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1925 New Zealand general election 19th-century New Zealand politicians