TURNBULL LIBRARY QUEST

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 154, 26 March 1938, Page 8

TURNBULL LIBRARY QUEST

Missing Records Sought One of the cherished records of Alexander Turnbull, who founded the library which bears his name, was the genealogical tree of his family. This interesting compilation was, after his death, taken away by his brother. He apparently left the parcel containing this and other palters, in a tram-car, and since that day in 1919, no trace of it has been found. Now, because a life of this great benefactor to New Zealand is being prepared, and because of the interest of his brother-in-law and sister, Sir James and Lady LeighWood, who are visiting Wellington at present, an appeal is being made in the hope of ascertaining the whereabouts of the missing documents.

In the process of gathering materials for a life of Alexander Turnbull, and the building up of his library, the librarian has gained much useful information. The Turnbull family traces its descent from very ancient times. It is a Scottish border family, and there is a curious legend concerning its origins. Tradition &as it that Robert the Bruce, when out hunting one day, was thrown from his mount and was cornered, shaken and weak for the- moment, by an infuriated bull. Just as his plight was becoming desperate, a powerful young Scottish peasant mppeared on* the scene, and with mighty strength grasped the animal by the horns, turning its head so far as to render it helpless, while the thankful king staggered into safety. In gratitude King Robert presented him with an estate near Peebles, endowed him with the name of Turnbull and assured to him a place of honour in the annals of Scotland. The Turnbull arras still record this reference in the bull's head on the shield, and the legend itself is depicted in the beautiful bookplate designed by Walter Crane, to be found within the bindings of the books on the library’s shelves.