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Alfred Andrew (Andy) Hone (1900–1948)

from Australian Forestry

It is with deepest regret that we record the death after a brief illness of Alfred Andrew Hone, affectionately known as Andy to his legion of friends and associates in forestry and timber trade circles throughout Australia, who passed away at his home in Middle Brighton, Victoria, on 14th June, 1948, at the comparatively early age of 47 years.

The late Mr. Hone was born at Morwell, Victoria, and his association with the forestry profession dates back to 1917 when he enrolled as a student at the Victorian School of Forestry, Creswick. After graduating from the School in 1919, he spent some time in the field as an officer of the Victorian Forest Service and for a short period acted as Master at the Creswick School. In 1923, he was seconded to undertake the two years’ Forestry course at Adelaide University. On graduation with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forestry, he returned to his appointment with the Victorian Department, first as Silvicultural Officer and later as Working Plans Officer. During this period he represented Victoria as a delegate to the British Empire Forestry Conference held in Australia and New Zealand in 1928.

In 1930, Mr. Hone proceeded to Great Britain to undertake post-graduate studies in forest management at Oxford University where he was successful in obtaining the Diploma of Forestry. Returning to Australia after some travel abroad, he occupied in turn the positions of Working Plans Officer and Chief Technical Officer in the Victorian Forests Department. He gave conspicuous service to the State as Chairman of the Timber Salvage Committee constructed to plan and organize the carrying out of salvage operations in the Victorian forests following the disastrous fires of 1939. The success of this project was a notable achievement, for which a great deal of the credit must go to the late Mr. Hone.

During the war Mr. Hone played a prominent part in forestry and wartime timber production and distribution. His services were loaned to the Commonwealth Government for which he acted in the capacity of Deputy Timber Controller in New South Wales and later of Assistant Commonwealth Timber Controller. When the functions of Timber Control were transferred to the States, he was appointed Timber Controller in Victoria, and in this sphere organized post-war timber supplies in that State.

On January 1st, 1946, he was elevated to the rank of Commissioner of Forests in Victoria, becoming the first Australian-trained forester to occupy that position. In this capacity he represented Victoria at the British Empire Forestry Conference held in Great Britain during June and July of 1947.

Mr. Hone was a staunch supporter of the Australian Institute of Foresters from its inception and took a keen and active interest in Institute affairs. He was elected as Chairman of the Victorian Division and a member of Council on more than one occasion, and during the 1946–47 biennial period was President of the Institute.

The Institute has thus lost not only its immediate Past President, but also a man whose career will always shine as an example. Australian forestry, and Victorian forestry in particular, are poorer for his untimely passing. His wide experience in the scientific, academic and administrative branches of the profession and valued counsel in connection with all forestry matters will be sadly missed, whilst his honesty of purpose, friendly disposition, and happy outlook combine to render his loss all the greater to his friends and to the profession.

Vale, Andrew Hone.

Original publication

Other Obituaries for Alfred Andrew (Andy) Hone

Citation details

'Hone, Alfred Andrew (Andy) (1900–1948)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/hone-alfred-andrew-andy-18334/text29947, accessed 30 March 2024.

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