Mr. G. M. Turnbull

Sudden Death Of

Papuan Architect and Author

AT Belligen Hospital, N.S.W., on Sep tember 7. Mr. Gilbert Munro Turn bull, a well-known and respected re tired Papuan public servant, and author, died suddenly from pneumonia in his 49th year. His passing was unexpected—in re cent months, away from his Armidale home to avoid the winter climate, he had

been steadily and quietly pushing ahead with a new novel, and enjoying frequent, fishing excursions. His illness lasted only a few days.

Mr. Turnbull arrived in Papua in 1913, and for a time was engaged in planting and trading in the Eastern Division, un til he joined the Public Service in 1914.

He served in the Territory for 20 years, retiring on supperannuation in September, 1934.

For a short period, Mr. Turnbull was attached to the Lands Department, under the late Mr. Gustave Sabine, and later was appointed architect to the Public Works Department. He designed 'many prominent buildings in the territory, in cluding the Treasury, the European Hos pital, the Government Stores, the Roman Catholic Presbytery in Port Moresby, and the War Memorial Hall in Samarai. Many buildings stand to his credit on Govern ment out-stations and plantations.

Apart from his profession as an archi tect, followed previously in U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico, Mr. Turnbull was a success ful author of Islands fiction. Several of his works, notably “Disenchantment”

“Paradise. Plumes”, and “Mountains of the Moon” (under the pen name of Stan ley Paul) commanded attention, on ac count of their vivid descriptions of life in and around the Pacific, especially in Papua.

Mr. Turnbull was one of the prime movers in organising the Public Service Association, which celebrated its 21st an niversary in March this year.

Mr. Turnbull is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jean Turnbull, and young daughter.