ELLISON, THOMAS RANGIWAHIA (1866-1904) was born at Otakou, the son of Daniel Ellison, and was descended from leaders of the Ngati-Awa tribe of Taranaki, and from Taiaroa and Hinewhareua, the sister of Karetai. He was educated at the Otakou native school, and at Te Aute College, where he matriculated. He studied law in the office of Brandon and Hislop (Wellington) and, having been admitted to the bar, commenced practice.

Ellison played Rugby football at Te Aute and on moving to Wellington he played for Poneke (from 1885). He represented Wellington province in 23 matches, the first time when he was only 16 years of age. He played against Stoddart's team in 1888, and was a member of the native team to England (1888-89). On this tour he scored 23 tries in matches in the United Kingdom, and 19 in Australia and New Zealand. In 1893 he captained the New Zealand team in Australia, which won nine out of ten matches. During his last few seasons Ellison captained the Wellington representative team. In 1894, owing to an injured knee, he retired. He was one of the finest forwards New Zealand ever produced. It was he who originated the position of wing forward by taking two forwards out of the scrum to protect his half back, who was being roughly handled. Ellison acted as selector for Wellington and New Zealand. He published in 1903 a book on the game, The Art of Rugby Football. Ellison took some interest in politics and three times contested the Southern Maori seat against Parata (1887, 1896 and 1899). He petitioned Parliament in 1901 asking for consideration of the claims of Ngati-Tahu, but without success at the time.

A. F. Wiren and E. P. Ellison (information).

Reference: Volume 1, page 132

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