Papuan Architect

Retires

Mr. G. M. Turnbull’s 20 Years of Service

From Our Own Correspondent.

Pt. Moresby, Sept. 27.

Mr. Gilbert Munro Turnbull,

architect to the Papuan Government, retired from the Public Service this month after 20 years of service.

Mr. Turnbull first arrived in Papua in 1913, and for a time was engaged in planting, trading, and recruiting in the Eastern Division. He joined the Public Service in July, 1914, and for a short period was attached to the Lands De partment, under the late Mr. Gustave Sabine. Later he was appointed as ar chitect to the Public Works Department.

When Mr. Benstead (the Director of Public Works) retired a short time ago, Mr. Turnbull was appointed Acting Di rector for a term.

Many prominent buildings in the Ter ritory, both in Port Moresby and Sam arai, owe their origin to Mr. Turnbull, the most outstanding being those of the Treasury, the Roman Catholic Presby tery, the European Hospital in Port Moresby, and the War Memorial Hall in Samarai. In Port Moresby, the European Hospital is a beautiful reinforced con crete building with wide spacious rooms and balconies.

Mr. Turnbull is a well-known author of Islands fiction: his recent books, “Dis enchantment,” and “Paradise Plumes,” published in England and Australia, have had good sales.