TURNER, EDWARD PHILLIPS (1864-1937) was born in England, the son of Dr Charles Turner, with whom he came to New Zealand in 1870. The family moved almost at once to Tasmania where he was educated at Horton College and at the Hutchins school, Hobart, and at the age of 16 went to sea for a year. In 1882 he studied in England and in 1883 returned to Tasmania, farmed for a short time and came to New Zealand (1884). He passed as a surveyor in 1887, and spent some years at his profession in New Zealand and New South Wales. In 1891 he carried out mining surveys for the Tasmanian government on its west coast silver fields. In 1894 Turner joined the Survey department in Auckland province. After eight years in the field between Hokianga and Taupo he joined the office staff (1902). Appointed inspector of scenic reserves (1908), he travelled widely and became an ardent student of the forests and flora of the country. In 1913 he was secretary of the forestry commission and in 1914 of the commission on the preservation of scenery on the Wanganui river. During the war he was in charge of all forestry activities and in 1918 he became chief officer of this branch. He was secretary of forestry when the department was organised under L. McIntosh Ellis, and director (1928-31). Turner was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. An able botanist, he published reports on the botany of the upper Waimarino district and the reforestation of Mount Tarawera. Turner married (1892) Irene, daughter of Colonel Pirie. He died on 20 May 1937.

Turner, op. cit. and departmental reports; Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Evening Post and The Dominion, 21 May 1937 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 205

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