TURNBULL, RICHARD (1826-90) was born at Oxford, England, came to New Zealand in the Fatima (1851) and took up land near Riccarton, where he farmed for 11 years. In 1864 he moved to Timaru, where he joined D. Clarkson in a general store, which was destroyed in the fire of 1868. The partnership being dissolved, Turnbull carried on in his own name a very prosperous business. Later he became a grain merchant and auctioneer. He was always prominent in public life and worked hard for the establishment of the first school and mechanics' institute. He was a member of the first borough council (1870). From 1872 until the abolition he represented Seadown in the Provincial Council, in which he materially assisted to obtain a grant of £100,000 for the construction of a harbour at Timaru. He first contested a parliamentary seat at Waimate in 1877 and shortly afterwards, on the resignation of Stafford, he was elected for Timaru, which he continued to represent until his death (on 17 Jul 1890). He was a Liberal in politics and advocated closer settlement. His sympathies with the working class were marked and he devoted much time to holding religious services at the hospital and the gaol. He was for some years a member of the harbour board. Turnbull died on 17 Jul 1890.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Timaru Herald, Lyttelton Times and The Press, 18 Jul 1890. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 205

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