Medhurst Family History
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- THE MEDHURST STORY.
Part 1
Bill Shelley was the first to suggest that sameone should compile a brief
record of the Medhurst Group of companies in Tasmania.
How to produce something that i8 reasonably factual and hopefully
readable has presented a challenge. Much of the information of the
earlier years has come from notes recorded by my father Harry on the
backs af old HECLA price lists which show amongst cther things that a
HECLA J12 Boitlo Jug could be bought for Twa Founds Nine Shillings and
Nine Pence.
I am indebted to my cousins Helen, Mary and Douglas for making their
treasured recards available for perusal. Helen searched in the State
Archives for "ill-in" information. Douglas has also provided
historical records_and has made photo copying facilities available.
Tom Barnes gave my wife Nancy who edited and typed the original text
early guidance in Word Processing and my daughter Alison helped her
"uninformed" parents to cope with this new Electronic Aid.
A well known Best Seller starts with Genesis and traces the progress and
fortunes of a "Tribe" in a series of geographical lacations in which
various characters play their parts in the drama.
Il do not expect to produce a Best Seller and if you find the following
narrative a Little confused please excuse me far [ am of canfused
origin. The Medhurst family were of Scandinavian descent and my
Mothers Scottish ancestors had some Spanish blood introduced at the
time Francis Drake dispersed the Armada.
Nany of the players are sadly no longer with us and the Team has
vanished. I hope that some forgotten events will emerge from the
pockets of your minds as you relive some of these moments with me.
GENESIS
Hy Grandfather Frederick William Medhurst was born in Chobham England
in 1867. His father was the local Chemist who diapensed medicinal
potions for both human and vetinary needs. He was educated at the
Surrey County School and retained contact with his school attending an
Qld Scholars Dinner -held on January 23rd, 1889. He undertook some form
of Military tratning at Aldershot as an early photograph shows him at
the age of 17 in an Aldershot Cadets uniforn.
His first job was that of a Telegraphist in the Chobham Post Office
and it was here that he met Alexander Graham Bell a Scott who had come
over from U.S.A. to interest the authourities in his newly devised
means of communication the "Telephone".
There was an instant affinity between the two men and they worked
together on improvements ta Bell’s invention. Later when Bell returned
to U.S.A. he invited youns Frederick to accompany him, but his parents
abjected on sccount of his tender years. Bell and my Grandfather
continued the association by regular correspondence for many years. it
was obvious that the development of long distance communication
fascinated young Frederick. This interest was to become an on-going
activity for many years.
o™~
AS in other "GeneSrs! story there was a girl, Edith Emma Edney, born in
Hichelmarsh, Hampshire in 1870 to Henry and Emma Edney. The Edney
tamily later moved to Chobham in Surrey.
Henry Edney became a widower and left England for Australia to where tum
of his brothers had recently migrated. Henry Edney died during the
voyage and Edith Emma at 1/7 years of age was suddenly head of the family
which arrived in Melbourne in 1887.
In 1889 young Frederick left England toa join the Edney family in
Nelbourne. He gained employment with the Post and Telegraph Department
and in 1891] he was transferred to Hobart as a Telegraph Operator and
Nechanic.
Edith Emma and her two sisters also came tc Hobar: and at the age of 21
Edith Emma Edney married Frederick William Medhurst.
at Holy Trinity Church.
JUST 100 YEARS AGO.
There were five children from the marriage FEowland Arthur born 1892,
Harry Frederick born 1293, Philip Aubrey born 1835, Edith Helen barn
1898, Edney Edgar born 1902, and what follows briefly covers the parts
played by these people and some others in "The Medhurst Story" as
it. progresses from a small beginning to a State Wide activity which
was ultimately to disintergrate and disappear from view.
ETHELNONT
Little is know. of the early family history except that they Lived at
165 Melville St. where Rowland and Harry were barn and that they
later maved to Parliament St. and then to Ethelmani in Lower Sandy Bay.
It was here that the other children were born. "Lthelmont remains
Silent until 16939 when some of the early recollect:ons of Fowland and
Harry are examined. An invoice shows that Rowland sold two packets of
seeds on January 4th, 1899 for one penny... This was the first recorded
business activ:ity.
His position in the Posts and Telegraph Department would have brought my
Grandfather F. W. Medhurst close to the project of the building of a
Telephone Exchange in Habart and confident that he could make a personal
contribution to this activity and also reap some financial gain by
supplying components which normally would come from England, he decided
to set up workshop facilites. He borrowed Glx Hundred Pounds (a
princely sum in those days) with which he beught & lathes, a milling
machine, shaper, emery wheel and hand toolS from the Trustees of the
Estate of a deceased Engineer, who had operated in "Vollins Street"
These were set up in a two roomed cottage in the grounds of Ethelmant and
Rowland and Ilarry were set to work_making conuponents for the new
Telephone Exchange. These initial business activities had shown that tie
need to diversify was recognised very early in the piece.
It 15 interesting to note that one of these lathes which was converted tn
wind various types of heating elements and used by Nedhursts for many
years 18 still in use. “hen some of the Nedhurst plant was Ligquidated
by the new Owners it was bought by Nr. Albert Meclwanald. (Old Mac.) whe
is now 89 still uses it to wind elements for "Off-Peak" heaters. Like
“Johnny Walker" it is still going strong.
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a
We
For convenience copies of items of historical interest form an Appendix.
With the completion of the new Telephone Exchange the home workshop
activities slowed down and Kowland started work as an Apprentice Fitter
and Turner cum Motor Mechanic with Bert Heathorn and Harry now 13 continued
in the workshop and during slack periods installed bells and telephores7~
Telephone services were being extended and F. W. Nedhurst supervised the
construction of rural telephone lines and exchanges throughout Southern
Tasmania and the East Coast. He travelled on horse back and later rode a
bicycle in places where roads existed.
He was a keen cyclist competing against the Self Brothers on a "Penny
Farthing"cycle and a Velocipede which was the earliest form of what we now
Enow as a bicycle.
During this period F.W. Medhurst devised a system whereby both telegraph
and telephone signals could be sent over a common wire. This involved
induction coils and telephone exchanges in the State were fitted with
this facility. The induction coils were made in the home workshop.
The system was so successful that the Post and Telegraph Department sent
F.W.M. to Queensland to introduce it in that State. Ny Father Harry
made cover 200 more induction coils in the home workshop for the project in
Queensland.
CLOCKS.
At the age of 13 Harry had acquired basic mechanical skills in the home
workshop.and was accepted as an assistant-to a Swiss Engineer Herr Von-—
Ziegler who had come to Hobart to install the clock mechanism in the tower
of the’ Hobart Post Office. On the completion of this project he
accompanied Herr Von Ziegler to Launceston where a similar clock mechanism
was installed in the Launceston Post Office Tower. “I7~beélieve that this
Was the-first clock in the Southern Hemisphere to have its “dials
illuminated by electric light and that this lighting was subsequently
installed by Ron Byrne.
"BLINKING BILLY" POINT.
In 1835 an Italian experimenter G. Marconi succeeded in bridging the
Atlantic Ocean with the worlds first long distance wireless signals
F.W.M. was arouSed by this remarkable achivement in communication and
together with Mr. Fx_P. Bowden and Mr. J. A. Hallam tellow technicians
in the Post and Telegraph Department set about acquiring “know-how" in
this new field of communication.
In 1901 The Duke and Duchess of York (later to became King George V. and
Queen Mary) came to Australia to open the first Commonwealth Parliament
in Melbourne. The Royal visitors included Hobart in their itinerary.
The Royal Yacht "Ophir" was accompanied by two ships of the Royal Navy,
these had been fitted with wireless transmitters and receivers and
somehow F.W.M. had found out about this. On July 42nd these vessels
entered the Derwent.
4
Kkowland JY and Harry 8 helped to carry the Fuller Black hatteries
the spark coil and other gear to a site just above "Blinking Billy"
Point where” the mast, aerial, transmitter and receiver were set up.
Philip 6 was given a lighter task. He rowed out with the “earth wire
and plate" which he dropped in the Derwent. :
Soon after the ships were sighted off the Iron Pot F.W.N. tapped out a
message of welcome. The signal was promptly acknowledged by .the Koyal
Navy and was the first ship to shore message along the Australian coast.
Only five years after news of Marconi’s triumph had reached the world.
I have located some pictorial records of the "Blimking Billy" Wireless
Station but at the time of writing have not examined these as they are
at Latrobe. I hope to get copies for inclusion in the Appendix.
THE HEDHURST PORTABLE FIELD TELEPHONE
F.W.M. retired from the position of Chief Mechanician in the Post and
Telegraph Department in 1906. He had developed a Lightweight portable
Field Telephone which had proven 150 mile range and patents had been
taken out in 31x countries. Weighing only four pounds it was much Lighter
than any other existing instruments and extremely robust and in 1907
accompanied by Edith Emma he sailed on the 5.8.Mongolia for England
hoping to interest the War Office in accepting his telephone for Army
use. The venture failed but the Internaticnal Telephone VUompany in
London agreed to make the telephone and supply the Local and European
markets where demand for this type of telephone was quite keen.
During this visit F.W.M. took "Grandma" Edith to the "Savay" Hatel to
enjoy an elegant English meal. She read the menu carefully and then’ sairl
to the Waiter "IT dont fancy any of those dishes may I have a plate nai
nice thin bread and butter please" This was always a favourite of hers
and perhaps she suddenly felt isolated in the grand dining roam
and had thoughts of home and her family and the cow.
“84 COLLINS STREET i910
As foreshadowed earlier "The Tribe" was to occupy many sites in Collins
Street. The first to appear was Rowland, he had completed his
Apprenteship with H.C.(Bert) Heathorrn. and at 18 decided to start up
as a Fitter and Turner. Being a minor he was not legally entitled
to negotiate a lease and his Father acted on his behali and arranged a
lease of #4 Collins Street, the lease shows that the rent was three
pounds and eightpence per month. A workshop was set up housing same of
the Ethelmont machines. | have noticed that the principle still works
"Troy Dad or Mum first".
Harry joined hin and~ they traded as R.A.Nedhurst. Electrical Engineers
installing lighting, motors, bells and telephones. The electricity supply
in Hobart was provided by The Hobart Gas Company who ran a small 110 valt
machine and the Hobart Tramways supplied 500 volt D.C.in areas clase ta
tramway routes. Evidence of their activities may be seen at the "Bush
Inn” New Norfolk where a Bell Indicator Panel hears the name of
R.A. NHedhurst, Electrical Engineer. In Douglas’s Uffice is a brass
plate ~—- R.A. Medhurst Electrican, 1912, this came from a switchboard
in the T & G Building.
So
Staff were engaged and work was also undertaken in Launceston where
electricity from the first Hydro Electric Plant in the Southern
Hemisphere had been built in 1894 for the Launceston Municipal Council.
The Owner of 84 Collins ‘street wished to sell the premises and by
mutual arrangements the Lease was cancelled and the Firm moved into
other premises in the yard of the Old Tasmanian News Building which was
also in Collins Street.
"CRANLEIGH" (Circa) lold.
The “Home Workshop" with its low labour and overhead costs must have
improved the family finances and enabled the building of a new home
"Cranleigh", named after a place neweChobhan. One point nine acres
of land fronting on what 18 now known as Beach Road was bought in 1912.
The records show the Capital Value One hundred Pounds, Improvements
Ten Pounds. In 1914 Capital Value had risen ta Six hundred and twenty
five Pounds, and Improvements Twenty five Pounds, this large piece of
land was probably bought to meet the needs of the cou, but my earliest
recollections are that the cow grazed on a plot two removed from
"Cranleigh".
"Cranleigh" was designed toa retain as much "Englishness" as possible
with formal gardens, paths, and hedges all combining ta create an aura
of gracious living. There were some concessions to the Australian
climate. A-Jlarge balcony with room for four beds was the dormitory for
the boys enabling them to benefit from abundant fresh air, and a twelve
foot wide verandah partialy enclosed bounded the house an two sides.
It was like the "Manor" self-sufficient. The cow provided milk, cream,
and butter and although served by the town water supply two wells were
dug to tap the water which 18 still available twelve feet below
sroumd level in this part of Sandy Bay. From these water was pumped ta
irrigate a garden which produced near export quantities of fruit’ and
vegetables. These activities were conducted by a resident "Ned" who
lived in a small house in the grounds situated at a disereet distance
from the “house proper". Grandma Medhurst ruled this Little piece af
England with great precision.
Following the deaths of their Parents Edney and Edith occupied
"Cranleigh" and later when Edney married, Edith moved into a new house
within the "Cranleigh" grounds. Douglas bought part of the land
fronting on Long Point Road where he built his home, and following the
death of Edith her home was occupied by Phil. Apart from the portion
now cwned by Douglas the remainder is owned and occupied by strangers.
Ll, 13, 15 AKGYLE STREET. i912.
In 1909 an English Company, Complex Ores and Hetalurgical Company,
acquired the rights to build a dam at the southern end of Great Lake.
Water from this storage was to be used to generate electricity to provide
for the needs of two industries that the Company planned ta establish in
Southern Tasmania — The Electrolytic Zinc Company and a plant at
Electrona to produce calcium carbide. Power surplus to these needs was
to be available to other customers.
6.
This iniative increased public awareness of the uses and benefits of
electricty and lead to the formation of THE MEDHURST ELECTRICAL AND
TELEPHONE WORKS or M.E.W. as it became known. In 1912 F.W.M. who had
retired from the Post and Telegraph Department to conduct his awn
business in King Street moved to Argyle Street and R.A. Medhurst moved
into the adjacent premises. A proposal to combine was agreed to as the
expanding industry promised a future for all including Phil and Edney.
It was immediately obvious that demands related to the technical aspects
of the business would occupy the Medhursts and that if the company was
tao expand rapidly it would need to attract outside investors,and
in November 1912 a Prospectus of THE MEDHURST ELECTRICAL WORKS AND
TELEPHONE. COMPANY LIMITED. was issued. Provisional Directors were John
Hugh Germain Murdoch, William James Gibson and Leslie Fraser Standish
Hore. Capital. 10,000 Pounds in 10,000 shares of One Pound each.
The records reveal 6040 shares were issued and that after covering
flotatiom and normal operating costs a nett profit of Fiftyone Pounds
Fifteen Shillings and Eightpence was earned in the first year of trading.
Mr. E.T. Hickey was appointed Manager and Mr. W.t. Jones Secretary.
AS anticipated the business expanded rapidly and the workshop facilities
were Supplemented by storage areas together with a showroom. The Firm
installed the electrical services for the initial 100 ton plant and
subsequent 500 ton plant at what is now known as the Electrolytic Zinc
Works and the Carbide Froducing plant at Electrona. These projects
extended aver a three year period.
The State Government took aver the power generating role of Complex Ores
Limited and the holding capacity of Great Lake was increased by building
a higher dam. A second Power Station was built at Waddamana, these
developments increased the available suppy of power.
The Company letterhead lists the following activities
Medhurst Portable Telephone.
Contractors to Commonwealth and State Governments.
Manufacturers of Mechanical, Electrical and Scientific
Instruments.
Repairs to Cameras, Bioscopes and llypewriters,
Telephones and Bells.
Country Telephone Lines erected and maintained.
Electric Lighting.
Supply, Installation and Repairs ta Electric Motors.
Agents far -
Fuller Block Accumulators.
Hellesens Dry Cells.
S.K.F. Bearings.
“Osran" Lamps.
The growth of the Company was affected by the 1914 —- 1918 war years and
this is shown in the records of annual profit.
1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920
52 203 1372 736 839 710 1232 Loos 2411 Pounds.
tc
The first dividend of 10% was paid to Shareholders in 1920 and prospects
looked good, but sadly there was a rapid decline in the Company’s
fortunes. At this time the shareholdings of the members of the Medhurst
Family were -
F. W. M. R. A. M. P. A. OM. E. E. HW. E. oH. M. H. F. MM.
1739 627 436 342 228 153
and these holdings represented 24% of the fully paid up shares.
In the past my Family have chosen to blame the Directors and Management
for the unfortunate series of events which lead to the liquidation of the
Company in Novembes_1923, but this belief is not fully supported by the
examination of the Minutes of the Company, whose Directors held regular
and properly conducted meetings at which all matters related to Company
affairs were discussed, decisions made and directions given to those
whose tasks was to implement them.
A few extracts from the Minutes from October 1920 to November 1922 show
that the Board of Directors was closely in touch with the day by day
affairs of the Company. For brevity these have been condensed but they
retain the spirit and intent of the motions or decisions, some are
recurrent or on going pieces of business and some matters finite, and
cover a variety of matters relating to business and persons.
Honthly Statement. The Secretary tabled the usual monthly statement for
September together with the bank book. Cheques 355 to 416 were checked
and approved for payment, the total being 3852.15.10.
Insurance. The Chairman reported that insurance on stock had been
increased to 17,500 Pounds.
A suggestion from Mr. H. Medhurst that a Branch be opened in Launceston
was discussed and it was decided that further investigation should be
made before making a decision.
An Indent order on the British General Electric Company for lamps and
general accessories totalling 4,500 Pounds was discussed and approved.
The Manager reported that he had engaged a Sheet Metal Worker for the
manufacture of electric fires etc. and-that the recent exhibition held in
the City Hall had shown that there was a demand for electric stoves
which it was proposed to build.
Overdue Accounts. It was resolved that the matter of overdue accounts
be left in the hands of the Chairman and Manager to follow up.
A contract for the supply of motors by the British General Electric
Company, Melbourne for 1,700 Pounds was discussed and accepted.
The question of granting 30 days credit to Messrs. Edwards and Lovett was
discussed and the Manager was authorised to extend this priviledge.
Water Heaters. The Manager waS instructed to write to Architects to
promote the sale of hot water systens.
Profitability. That Mr. A. W. Adams be authorised to examine the books
of the Company to ascertain if any departments were working at a loss.
8.
The effects of an Award variation reducing the hours of work from 48 ta
44 per week were discussed and Mr. G. Murdoch was asked ta examine
current Government Contracts to ascertain if any Clause was contained
therein whereby increased costs occasioned by Award variations could be
recovered. At the following Meeting it was reported that no Clauses
allowing for this had been found.
From here on dates are included as the Minutes progressively show that
the Company was experiencing considerable financial problems.
October Srd, 1922. Dispensing with Employees. Mr. Gibson moved that
the action of the Directors in instructing the Manager to dispense with
a number of employees be confirmed.
Mr. Gibson reported that he had heard that Mr. F.W. Medhurst had told
an acquaintenance in the street that Mr. Gibson had sacked 14 of the
Company’s employees.
Mc. Murdoch reported that it had been reported to him that Messrs. R. A.
and H. F. Medhurst had gone about the Town speaking disparagingly of the
Directors and Company generally and disclosing the Companys business.
Profit and Loss Account. On the motion of Nr. Gibson cansideration af
the profit and Loss Account was deferred until a meeting could be
arranged when Mr. Murdoch could attend.
October 16th, 1922. Mr. R. A. Medhurst was questioned about privately
installing lighting, pawer and hot water for Hr. Ford af Sandy Bay, he
admitted doing this saying that he thought he was justified in doing
private work on account of his low salary.
October 18th, 1922. The Board instructed the Manager to dispase of
the services of Mr. R.A. Medhurst.
About this time my Father, Harry resigned from the Company (there is no
evidence in the Minutes that he was dismissed) and ultimately joined a
newly set up Company - NEDHURST AND SONS PTY. LTD.
November 8th, 1922. Nr. P. A. Medhurst was given one weeks notice.
Novenber SOth, 1922. Nr. F. W. Medhurst was notified that his services
with the Company as an Electrical Consultant were no longer needed.
Harch 15th, 19232, The Secretary was instructed to dispense with the
services of Mr. T. McLoughlin and Mr. Askey, and Nr. R. Hickey tendered
his resignation as Manager.
Macch 27th, 1923. The Board agreed that R. Lewis, an apprentice, be
paid two pounds five -shillings weekly in view of his satisfactory work.
June Sth, 1923. The Chairman reported that under instructions of the
Directors a stock take had been made on 31st MNarch, the Chairman was then
directed to write to The British General Electric Company, Sydney asking
1f they “would be disposed to take over the entire stack".
July 26th, 1923. Despite its obviously weakened condition H.E.W.
tendered for the supply and installation of motors at Paton and Baldwins
Mill in Launceston as specified for 1,270 Pounds and offering an
alternative tender for 1,061 Pounds.
g.
This action was part of the strenuous efforts (as described in Phil’s
memoirs) made by the Company to reduce stocks and to improve liquidity.
Increased production in the U.K.ledto a substantial decrease in prices
but optimism and imprudent buying had resulted in huge over stocking.
Lamps were one item which "went bad". Improved "gas-filled" lamps which
as well as being more efficient gwere cheaper came on the market and
M.E.W. was holding at least one years supply of lamps which were rapidly
becoming obsolete. There were other stock items exposed ta the same risk.
Industrial Users, Statutary Authorities and major Custamers were sent
lists of motors and other items available from stock in the hope that
orders would be received and the situation eased. Newspaper
advertisements advised that all stock was drastically reduced for Cash
Transactions.
These efforts to trade out of a desperate situation failed and in
December 1923, the Board of Directors recommended to Shareholders that
the MEDHURST ELECTRICAL WORKS AND TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED be placed
in voluntary liquidation.
The Board of Directors of M.E.W. had never included a Member of the
Medhurst Family, they were merely paid servants of the Company and had no
access to the "internals" of the Company. They all showed great
initiative in Trade Skills and Applications but had little opportunity
to gain experience in Business Management or toa contribute to Board
Discussions at a Technical Level.
The collapse of M.E.W. was a bitter blow to the Medhurst Family, Phil’s
memoirs cecord "We sold our birthright".
Examination of old records stimulates the mind and prompts one to "read
between the linessin the hope that a clearer and more complete picture
will be seen. Some af these imagined situations become "Facts" and so
become “History" which no living person can confirm or deny.
So ends Part 1 of "THE MEDHURST STORY".
1O.
"THE MEDHURST STORY"
Part 2.
THE CITY HALL. 1922.
AS a natural sequel to their severance from N.E.W. the " Tribe" regrouped
and set up a new busines Medhurst and Sons Pry. Ltd. which opened in the
Caty Hall in January 1922, Some of the M.E.W. staff including*~Harold
Shaw, Reg Lewis, and Archie White subsequently hecame part af the new
team. The City Hall was short lived and in May 1923 Medhurst. and Son:
vl
Pty. Limited moved.
85 COLLING STREET. 1923,
Manufacturing plants in. the U.K., U.S.A. and Uanada were now producing
a Wide range of domestic electrical appliances. "Falco" irons from
Scotland, Hoover vacuum cleaners from England, Universal kettles from
U.S.A. and McClary stoves from Canada were amongst some of the things
now available for home use and the new locatign in the city centre was
far more suitable for a ketailing activiy than the City Hall.
Philip who had served an apprenticeship at the Post and Telegraph Dept.
Workshops and had enlisted as a telephonist and signaller in the Ninth
Battery Field Artillery and after four years of active service in
Gallipoli and France was in charge of the retail sales activity with
Koland now known as "Bass" running the installation department.
The youngest son Edney who had been educated at the Hobart High School
and had spent three years in Sydney as a member of the Technical Staff
of the British General Electric Company Limited returned ta Hobart to
join Medhurst and Sons Pry. Limited, ultimately becoming Managing
Director and later Managing Director of the yet to be farmed Public
Company, Medhursts Limited a position which he oecupied up until his
death in 1966.
The new location 95 Collins Street was a long narrow shop, a four foot
wide lane ran to the rear area which provided storage in two sheds and
two old brick cottages from one of which the installation department
operated. In those days one set out on your push bike with coils of
cable over the handle bars and 12 foot lengths of conduit had to be cut
in half to make sure that “such cumbersome passengers" were allowed an
the double decker trams.
At the rear of the "Showroom", stairs led up to the Offices which were
the upper storey of the mther brick cottage. These were about six feet
above the Showroom floor level and a sliding window which Inoaked cut inta
the Showroom providing Edney the opportunity to exercises supervisary
control over the scene below.
This property was leased) from the Trustees of the late J. A. Burnett’s
Estate, wha lived in Korrumburra, Victoria. meveral attempts were made
to buy the property which also included McPhees Stationery and Typewriter
Shop at 3? Collins Street. During this phase the Company negotiated
with the A.N.P. Society toa provide a Superannuation Benefit Scheme for
staff.
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There is more to tell about 95 later.
11.
150 COLLINS STREET and THE "INFLUENCE MACHINE".
95 Collins Street did not have enough space for workshop activities
or storage for bulky and heavy stock and with no vehicle access was
limiting growth. To overcome this problem a building where The "Duty-
Free" shop now stands was leased from Roberts and Company. It was
known as the Service Station. Within was a workshop in which staff
under the watchful eye of Wally Higgins rewound motors and repaired many
pieces of electrical equipment. Unlike today repairing was worthwhile
and tradesmen working on such a variety of appliances and machines they
acquired many special skills. The rear was used for storage and Alf
Mackay spent his day unpacking stock from the pine cases in which it was
Shipped.
One of the heroes at 150 was Walter “Inky"“ Croswell. We held the State
distribution for “Exide" batteries and they arrived "dry", it was one of
Inky’s jobs to make up the mixture of Sulphuric acid and Distilled water
with which the batteries were filled, after filling they were set up on
racks and connected to the chargers. The chargers emitted an eerie
flickering light and a continuous hum, in between tending the bubbling
and belching batteries "Inky" worked happily amid more acid and hot pitch
Opening up, repairing and resealing batteries. In those days people had
not "learned" of being disadvantaged by being employed in a hazardous and
dirty job with unpleasant surroundings.
Space was also used to park staff vehicles during the day and company
fleet vehicles were housed there over night many of the vehicles had been
bought second hand and needed regular trips to a “house of correction" so
it was decided to engage a full time motor mechanic. Jack Emery and his
apprentice Barry Cooper kept the vehicles on the road. A mezzanine
floor was put in and here Lionel Gilley made up copper hot water
cylinders for our use and sale to others.
Higher up in the roof area was a small room which contained some of
F.W.M’s telephone gear’ together with a relic of his early experimenting
with electricity, this was a "Wimshurst Machine" sometimes known as
“An Influence Machine". You may well ask what such a device did.
It could be said that it was owned by "A Crank" and operated by a crank.
A circular glass disk about three feet in diameter was mounted on a
horizontal axle with a small pulley and a belt ran down to a second
larger pulley on another shaft which carried a crank handle which the
operator could turn and thus cause the glass disk to spin at high speed.
Reaching out from either side of the machine were a pair of arms fitted
with pads which rubbed lightly on the spinning disk, the friction caused
a build up of static electricity which was collected and stored in
"Leyden Jars" which were the first primative condensers and when
sufficient energy was stored a spectacular spark could be made to leap
across a spark gap.
The significance of this machine did not occur to me until now, It was
another reminder of the inventive genius of F.W.M. perhaps an attempt to
devise a means of controlling the sparks from static electricity for
use in morse code radio transmission?
Some of the telephone gear was given to the Museum but what happened to
the “Influence Machine" 18S a mystery. It 18 a pity that this unusual
piece of scientific apparatus has vanished.
12.
TRANSPORT.
Originally F.W.M. travelled on horseback or by bicycle in the course of
his field activities with the Post Office. The "Penny Farthing" cycle
and the "Velocipede" which was almost entirely built of wood lived in
retirement at Cranleigh for many years. .Later he used a motor cycle and
Side car. The appendix includes a copy of his driving licence and a
photograph taken with Edith Emma as passenger.
Later my Father rode a "New Hudson" motor cycle and Rowland drove a T
Model Ford. The "T Model" was the transport unit for Medhurst and Sons
Pty. Ltd. and supplemented the services of Mather’s cart.
One of the stories belonging to the Model T was recalled by Rex Fahey.
At the closing of the retail shop at 9 p.m. on Friday night Rex was
co-opted to drive the "Boss" down to the ferry. At this time the
"Boss" was building his week-ender at Sandford to which he travelled in
his other car a "Rugby" which he parked at Bellerive. "Boss" grabbed
his bag and jumped aboard the just moving ferry and Rex looked on the
seat and saw a small parcel which he tossed ferryward with the words
"Boss" you left your tin of "Nugget" behind -— Thanks Rex it is not
"Nugget" its my Belgium Sausage for lunch tomorrow.
"Boss" later drove a six cylinder "Chevrolet" roadster "Leaping Lena",
sometimes the clutch was not quite progressive, hence the name. Care had
to be taken when loading gear into the "hinge up lid" rear which had a
pull out rack to extend its carrying capacity, otherwise bruised fingers
were the result. Sometimes the brakes did not respond quite promptly
and I can still hear Joe Mills voice "Start stopping Boss".
‘Another vehicle which was identified with Medhurst & Sons was é "Douglas
Flat Twin" motor cycle, owned and ridden in all weathers by Roly Padman.
“The man on the motar bike" who must have performed about 4000 stove
repairs during his time with. the Firn.
Launceston had its unusual vehicle, " Whippet" made in U.S.A. by the
Willys Overland Company later to build the JEEP. A single seater car
converted to an early version of the utility truck by the fitting of a
"cart type" rear end.
The Hobart fleet was augmented by the acquisition of two "Plymouth"
tourers, one whose name became "Chrissie", both had previously been
owned by Edney. From these beginnings grew a sizeable fleet of vehicles
of many types. The first commercial vehicle being a "Ford 10" utility.
Strangely enough a "horse" reappeared briefly, one of the Installation
Staff was keen on horses and wished to do early morning training of race
horses. He asked if he could be employed on single handed domestic
repair jobs as in this activity he could have a later starting time which
would not disrupt the routine of other staff members and be of little
inconvenience to customers.- He phoned in one morning to say he would be
unable to come to work as he had fallen from the horse and needed some
repairs himself. During the day an important customer rang requesting
an urgent repair, Ron Smith who took the call explained that we were
running behind in our repair service as our repair man had fallen off
his horse. A little later a phone call from "up above" enquired —- "How
long have we been sending out our repairman on a horse".
™~ 13.
F.W.M’°S LAST INVENTION
Ever inventive F.W.M. used the large wheel of the "Penny Farthing" as a
Support structure for the blades of a windmill, the windmill shaft was
coupled to a car type generator and was used to charge a 6 volt battery
for lighting at "Fort Chimo" a weekend retreat at Oyster Cove at which
F.W.M. and his daughter Edith spent many hours of leisure time.
Todays engineers are evaluating the worth of wind power as an alternative
energy source. This wheel is one relic which remains having been
rescued by Douglas who has it in safe keeping, but the rest including the
"Velocipede" and spark coil have Gy soppcened because someone did not
appreciate their historical value.
EDITH HELEN MEDHURST.
Edith was the only girl in the family and spent most of her life helping
Grandmother to operate "Cranleigh" and following Grandmothers death, she
was the "Lady in Charge" of the household comprising F. W. Medhurst and
Edney. At one stage she worked in the Medhurst & Sons offices and
unfortunately died in Florence in 1958 whilst on holiday in Europe.
HELEN MEDHURST. (now Helen Wardrop).
My cousin Helen, daughter of Phil, was the first of the next generation
to join Medhurst & Sons and as she precedes me in age by about one month
she is the "Matriach" of the "Tribe". After attending Business College
she became the maid of all work as Telephonist, Cashier, Typist and
Clerk at 95 Collins Street.
KEITH LESTER, ALAN WATCHORN AND ALISON MC MULLEN.
The business extended to Huonville with the acquisition of a Huonville
Company, Grahams Pty. Ltd., who had a store in Main Street, Huonville
where they sold an unusual range of goods including bicycles, sweets and
ice creams. Another activity was the operation of the Saturday night
picture show in the local hall which was conveniently sighted opposite
the lollies and ice creans. ,
4& Mr. McIvor who lived in a house in Burnett Street, appropriately
named "Cinema" used to bring films for the Saturday night showings into
the Collins Street shop where they were duly received by a dark headed
girl, named Nancy.
The Huonville shop was initially operated by Keith Lester and later by
Alan Watchorn whose assistant was Alison McMullen. A small installation
department serving the Huon Valley area operated from this location.
ATHOL HOLTON.
One who joined the Company in its infancy was Athol Holton. As a boy
Athol delivered milk to our home on Trevallyn, Launceston, and one
morning my Mother asked him, what are you going to be when you grow up?
An electrician replied Athol. A few years later he became an apprentice
and worked with the firm until he enlisted in the Army. Upon his return
from active service he became an Electrical Contractor and later rejoined
~the Company itn Hobart where he was employed in the Wholesale activity
handling Engineering Sales.
~~
MNEDHURST MOORE AND COMPANY
Another key player was Clifford Richard Moore who joined Medhurst and >
. Sons Pty. Ltd. as an accountant and as "Mr. Accounts Rendered" and
custodian of the Firms finances he made a great contribution through his
astute decisions. He was generally feared and his habit of addressing
lesser mortals as "Squire" in the hope of making them feel at ease seldon
worked. After the death of Edney in 1966 he became Chairman of the
Board.
In 1927 a subsidiary partnership Medhurst,-. Moore and Company was
established to handle the Hire Purchase business of Medhurst and Sons
Pty. Ltd. and in 1948 an additional subsidiary partnership was registered
as Electrical Finance Co. to discount Hire Purchase Agreements for
appliance sold by both Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. and their Dealers and
Agents. This new Company accepted ‘deposits in multiples of One Hundred
Pounds and paid interest quarterly at the rate of 7% per annum, deposits
were on call 3 months. The appendix includes a copy of an early hire
agreement form for a five valve wireless set sold by Phil.
The inflow of funds to the new Company, Electrical Finance Company,
allowed Medhurst, Moore and Company to further diversify and make other
investments. C.R. Moore was the investment adviser, early investments
included speculation in a new and little known Company, Bitumen and Oil
Refineries, which ultimately grew into the industrial giant Boral,
Brownells Limited and St. Helens Hotel were also part of the portfolio.
Medhurst, Moore and Company bought the property in Davey Street, known as
"Ranelagh" to accommodate Jack Emery’s vehicle servicing as another
Collins Street development was ready to house all "Service Station"
activities. The installation department also moved to "Ranelagh" and
part was used for bulk storage whilst the upper floor was leased.
"Ranelagh" was sold later allowing Medhurst, Moore and Company to make
funds available to Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd, to assist in other
development projects.
This Company wasS not included in the later "Takeover" of Medhursts Ltd.
and for some years I continued to register this Company in case there
was some need to re-establish the Family name in some sort of business
activity. Medhurst, Moore and Company no longer exists.
101 COLLINS STREET (Smale Bros. Building)
Discussions with the Trustees of J.A. Burnett’s Estate were still
proceeding amidst fears that some other eyes may be looking at the
properties, when in June 1939 1t became known that Smale Bros. building
was to be offered for sale, this resulted in major decisions being made.
What if Smales Bros. building was bought and Burnetts accepted the.
current offer? ‘
Edney was Overseas and his opinions were vital before any decision could
be made. Cliff Moore bore much of the burden in this dramatic situation,
he located Edney in Canada and through a series of phone calls
and air mail letters kept him in touch with developments so that he could
evaluate the situation and participate in the decision making. Snale
Bros. was bought on June 22nd, 1939 for Eleven Thousand Pounds.
15.
The building remained occupied by the existing tenants, Madam Kilduff
ran "The Cafe Francais" in the basement, Smale Bros. the gound floor and
Some upstairs work rooms, Harvey Trinder Insurance Company, Margaret
Senior Ladies Hairdressing and Barbara and James Guthrie who preached
details of a radical financial plan which if adopted by World
Governments would result in a financial paradise for all, its name was
"Douglas Credit" but like the dinosaur it 1S now extinct.
Prior to buying Smales building Johnston and Crawford, Architects, who
had originally designed the building were asked to report on its
condition and suitability for modification. The major need being
vehicle access. Madam Kilduff was the first tenant to vacate and the
basement area was now free for conversion. The move involved the
removalof the stairs leading down to the basement and the building of a
brick wall to create the vehicle laneway to the yard at the rear, a steep
ramp gave access to Collins Street. The large fuel stove and kitchen
facilities were removed and shelving and office accomodation was set up.
The new area was used as a store from which the Installation Department
and the growing Wholesale and Distribution activities operated. Access
to 95 Collins Street was via the yard behind McPhee’s Building.
Another "rest periqd" followed.
The next stage of development of this property was the building of a new
section comprising basement and three floors on the previously free rear
yard area, this provided additional storage space in the basement and
Smales Ground Floor Showroom was extended to provide a large showroom
area. The second floor was known as the "Concrete Floor" but despite
this fancy name it was only used as bulk storage. The top floor was
used aS a workshop and the hot water cylinder making operation was
extended to include other sheet metal products, switchboards, ducting
and other items for the electrical industry. A goods 1ift from the
basement provided access to these floors.
This development enabled Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. to vacate the
Burnett Estate property at 95 Collins Street and all activities were
now located in Smales Building and the new extension. This
accomodate promised to be adequate for any expected future needs, but
this was not so and another building was constructed at 163 Collins
Street, which housed Medhurst Wholesale and the workshop which becane
known as Medhursts Manufacturing and included more storage space.
This development released the "Concrete Floor" which was converted
into office space. It was here that the Electrical Finance Company
changed its name to Electrical and General Finance Company and grew
rapidly under the guidance of Bill Shelley, as the name implies
business was extended to include finance for other than electrical
appliance and services.
Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. had outgrown Smales Buiiding and in common
with some other business activities in the Central City Block were
feeling the effects of increasing vehicle traffic in the area.
All of the Directors of Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. had made Overseas
trips but apparently did not observe the trend to move certain
activities to locations out of the City centre. The “all under one
roof" syndrome was ever present and I am sure that this theory may
resulted in more problems than benefits.
16.
THE YOUNG ONES °
The Medhurst Group of Companies engaged many young people as apprentices
and some have already been named, another name which became well known
in the Electrical Contracting Industry in Hobart was Raymond H. Lathan,
his Son Delmont has loaned me evidence for copying.
Apprentices had the opportunity to learn a wide variety of skills and the
benefits of this training produced many competent tradesmen and an
overview of the careers of many of them is evidence of their thorough
training. I include the following episodes to support the claim of
diverse training.
The Undertakers employee whose basic trade skills were confined to
coffin making was attempting to solder a lid on a large galvanised iron
box. Within was a coffin which was to be sent by sea to Melbourne,
regulations required that this sort of cargo be enclosed in a sealed
metal container and a new soldering ‘iron had been bought for the job.
The job was going very badly and Reg sera "Go and tin his soldering iron
and show him how to get the solder to flow". The action was appreciated
and the "coffin cladder" said "you are better at it than me what about
~~. doing the lot". It was I who obliged. Doubtless other apprentices
had equally unusual opportunities. Another apprentice who was fitting
a wooden enclosure to a hot water cy@inder that he had helpéd install,
inadvertently pierced-the copper cylinder with a nail. He carefully
withdrew the nail and cut a wooden plug which he inserted to seal the
leak. There 1s no record of us having been called to attend to a leak
on this particular job, so the initative must have worked.
LAUNCESTON
In 1890 the Launceston Municipal Council built a water powered station at
Duck Reach on the South Esk River close to Launceston, the alternator
which was driven by a Pelton wheel turbine was installed by Stemens Bros.
of Germany. This station supplied power to the town of Launceston.
The Launceston City Council resisted efforts to allow power from the
State owned Hydro Electric Department to be extended to Launceston, A
twenty five mile limit was imposed, eventually this was recinded and
growth opportunities were created, resulting in two new industries,
Patons and Baldwin Wool Spinning Mills and Kelsall and Kemp, makers of
flannel cloth. Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. quoted for the electrical
installations and were successful. My Father, Harry, transferred to
Launceston in 1923 to organise these installations, I was then three
years-old. — —
His.observations were that the Company should consider opening a branch
in Launceston. The idea was approved on the understanding that each of
the Brothers would take turns in being "exiled" in Launceston for a given
period. I believe that this condition originated with my Mother as we
had just moved into a new home in Regent Street and naturally she did not
wish to leavé-it permanently, however we did not return to Hobart. j
In 1925 Medhurst and Sons_Pty. Ltd. opened a shop
in the Quadrant and
traded there until about 1928*when they moved to 59 Brisbane Street,
this had a larger shop and at: the rear was a two storey brick cottage
and a yard accessible by a vehicle laneway. The top floor of the
cottage was converted to a workshop by "Jack" Bowden and the ground floor
was used as a Store and Exide Battery Depot. A large shed was built to
house contracting needs and "The Whippet". Now enters one who was
perhaps the most colourful character in the employ of Medhursts.
17.
JAMES A. (Electric Light) BOWEN. We got "Jimmy" from the Launceston
Municipal Council, I believe that his job there was replacing Street
light globes. "Jimmy" became outside Supervisor of the Installation
Staff and drove "The Whippet" which conveyed men and material to jobs
and "Jimmy" out to give estimates. As well as his job which he really
enjoyed he was a great admirer of horses, on one occasion he and Harry
were out in the Hagley area where they were to look at a4 prospective job
when they saw a man on horse back "stop, stop" said "Jimmy" thats ’1n,
afterwards my Father asked "Jimmy" how did you know you have not met
hin before? No said "Jimmy" but I know °1s ’orse. This story and the
name of the horse "Bay Voyage" was often heard in my home. I am sure
that Athol Holton could add some more tales of "Jimmy".
In later years Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd. moved to a two storey building
in Wellington Street, which was modified to accommodate the expanding
operation. After my Father’s death the Launceston activity was Managed
by Mick Walsh. : .
BURNIE
A Branch of Medhurst Wholesale was opened in Burnie and J. W. (Bill)
Wilson, who had been an Electrical Contractor in Burnie, was appointed
Manager.
MORE RADIO
F. W. M’s radio activities did not stop with the signal from "Blinking
Billy" he was a radio “ham" and there are still a few radio amateur
operators around who recall the name "Pop" Medhurst and his call sign
VK7AH. In those days one just had to build his own transmitters and
receivers and I recall seeing Grandpa at work on a revolutionary new
receiver. All parts were mounted on a sheet of glass, it was a "Low
Losser" the insulating virtues of the glass were supposed to result in
Superior performance. The action was taking place on the kitchen table
at "Cranleigh" and I do not think Grandma was being seen as playing a
supportive role in this particular project. He also build Crystal Sets
which were offered for sale, with one of these and skill in manipulating
the "Cats Wisker" a springy piece of wire which made contact on a piece-
of "Galena" which operated in the fashion of a present day diode one was
rewarded with a trickle of music or speech from embracing earphones. He
also build a few one valve receivers which were sold in the shop.
In 1926 the first two Radio Stations in Australia began transmission -
2FC Sydney and 3LO Melbourne. Those living in Launceston could expect
to receive programmes from 3LO and my Father set up "A Western Electric
Wireless" in our best room and suspended an aerial from a chimney to a
.. large tree. He invited three Launceston Men, two Doctors and a Dentist
to “enjoy” hearing Madam Nellie Melba perform on the opening night of
3L0. The wireless squealed amd howled and failed to respond to my
Fathers manipulation,~.but late in the evening they heard the last few
bars of God Save the King. No sales resulted from this promotion.
Other early brand names were Gilfillan and Chapin which were battery
operated. The first to operate from domestic power was the Atwater
Kent, this receiver was housed in a neat "crackle finish" metal case on
which stood a circular loud speaker which was also quite decorative and
unlike the elongated ear trumpet devices previously used. This was the
first attempt to make the wireless a piece of furniture, 1ts origin was
U.S.A.
18.
Then a series of Australian made receivers followed - Airzone, Healing,
Admiral and Kriesler and in i960 Kriesler T.V. receivers supplemented
the display of mantle, console and radiograms on show.
THE WASHING MACHINE
Like the radio washing machines were kind to Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd.
The first one that I recall was in Launceston, a "Coffield" from U.S.A.,
my Father brought it home for my Mother to "assess" its worth and
possibilities of these as a saleable machine. My Mother displayed great
disgust claiming that clothes could only be washed in the copper, despite
this disadvantage the "Coffield" was not allowed to be returned to the
shop and served us for many years. My Mother used "Brasso" to polish
the copper drum in which the clothes were tossed around in a figure
fashion for 20 minutes, Mounted above the drum was a reversible power
wringer which could bs rotated to serve the washing container or the wash
trough. It lived in retirement at my old home for many years and I
donated it to the Quesn Victoria Museum where it may be seen’“by visitors.
At "Cranleigh" a sligatly more sophisticated machine could be seen a
"Universal" again from U.S.A., it had a circular wash bowl with a central
agitator, a "Spin dry" bowl completed the arrangement. ,
The first washers to become "big sellers" were "Stampco" made by W.A.
Stamp & Co., Adeli.ide with which the Firm had a long association.
These were supplemen‘:ed by Simpson and Electrice Washers and later
automatic machines bs: Thor.
The machine which reelly made the public, washing machine conscious, was
the small Hoover. When the first of these machines was inspected Cliff
Moore was most emphatic that they would not sell - designed to be used in
~ submarines only - was his comment, but the Hoover and a team of
enthusiatic Déalers put Tasmanian sales on a population basis far ahead
of any other State.__. At a Dinner held at the Highfield Hotel, Mr. Boon
of Hoover Australia congratulated the. Company and Hoover Dealers for
their sales record.
BUILDING THINGS
This was one of the first activities of the Medhurst Family starting in
the home workshop at "Ethelmont" and continuing in various levels of
intensity through the history of the Compan Syst A small activity which
covers the longest time span was the production of the Medhurst Patent
Hotwater Element originally devised and made by Rowland in his home
workshop at York Street. As described before workshop activities
became housed in the Smales Building extentions.
This activity was later moved to 165 Collins Street, but we were soon to
learn that the idea of having "everything under the one roof" in the
belief that this provided “overseeing advantages" was fast becoming
unattractive. As with Smales Building the manufacturing operation was
located on the top floor and with the increasing activity it became
obvious that it could no longer. be tolerated as the noise and dirt
related to the activity coupled with problems of moving large and heavy
loads up and down had to be eliminated. Property in Victoria Street
was bought and this building which in its early days had once housed
“Woods Brewery" which had drawn its supplies of water from the now
enclosed "Rivulet" was converted to accommodate Medhurst Manufacturing.
The new facility was opened by the Hon. Roy Fagan, Minister for
Industrial Development. harger-prajects-could-now_be undertaken.
™~
THE TAKE OVER. SL
Following the establishment of the Public Company business progressed
quite satisfactorily and early in 1969 Charles Davis Ltd. who owned
property in Elizabeth Street and had developed the Cat and Fiddle Arcade
foresaw the possibility of a future development to extend this through to
Collins Street and an approach was made to Medhursts Ltd. suggesting a
merger or a take over. The Board of Medhursts Ltd. considered this
proposal and decided to reject it and the matter lapsed. During the
year Rowland and Phillip both died. There had been very little trading
in the shares of Medhursts Ltd. as the Trustees of the Estates of the
original Medhurst Founders had retained the shareholdings intact.
Glan Oakley had become Chairman of the Board of Medhursts Ltd. and bore
much of the burden of the take over. Chas Davis Ltd subsequently made
a formal take over offer which the Board of Medhursts Ltd. considered was
not adequate to cover the asset backing of the Company and not in the
best interest of the Shareholders. . Negotiations were made with another
Company to make a counter offer which resulted in Chas Davis raising
their bid. The Directors of Medhursts Ltd. recommended that
Shareholders accept this revised offer and the take over was made.
Initially there was very little change, Chas Davis Ltd. was a Company
identified with Hobart and retained a background of Family tradition.
The Medhursts component of the Company continued to operate without any
change in identity and remained virtually automonous but, it had no
representation on the Board of Directors of Charles Davis Ltd. With
the management skills of the old regime intact it continued to trade
profitable.
As well as its Elizabeth Street and Campbell Street properties Chas.
Davis now had valuable Real Estate in both Collins Street and Victoria
Street and this did not escape the notice of a Mainland Company which
had been probing the possibility of speculation in Hobart. In a series
of unnoticed noves it acquired a major shareholding in Chas Davis Ltd.
and at 4 meeting of Chas Davis Directors and Shareholders it announced
its presence as the new Owners. The intention of the new owners were
not immediately obvious and were disguised in proposals to extend and
enlarge the already complex operations. Whether further expansion
plans were in fact envisaged and subsequently considered to be
inappropriate 1s not known.
Despite the initial speech making and other noises it was soon apparent
that the new marriage was doomed to failure. The Mainland Imports were
disinclined to seek, consider or accept advice from those who had a
proven record of performance on the local scene. The automony of the
Medhurst component of the Company was eroded and discontent and
uncertainty prompted resignations. Valuable Dealerships were lost and
despite modifications to the Showroom and attempts to diversify retail
sales declined. All of these misfortunes were reflected on Electrical
and General Finance Co. and the rosy future which had been predicted
during the early fanfares was suddenly suspect.
Glan Oakley and Bill Shelley disillusioned resigned from the Company and
Athol Holton was appointeed Caretaker Manager of Medhursts Wholesale.
the effects of the loss of Glan and Bill were soon evident and Medhursts
lost monentun.
™~
Many specifications—were calling for "Type Tested Switchboards" and so
as to compete in this field a design was developed and a sample
Switchboard sent up to Sydney for test by the Sydney County Council who
at that time had the only "Type Testing Laboratory" in Australia.
“Type Testing" 18 & Bpracédure by which the switchboard 1s subjected to
electrical and mechanical strains many times greater than would be
experienced in its normal use, it 18 an attempt to load the switchboard
to near destruction and sometimes destruction is achieved. The design
lived up to our hopes and we were given a "Certified Test Report".
At its peak activity Medhurst Manufacturing employed twenty staff
engaged in sheet metal fabrication, welding, electrical fitting, spray
painting and other related operations.
My Father did not live to see how much the "Home workshop" had grown, but
Rowland lived to see the transition from “brass terminals" to
switchboards 20 feet long, housed in “automobile finish" sprayed steel
cubicles. Although he did not appear to be proud of how the baby had
grown over the years, I am sure he got great personal satisfaction fron
seeing such vigorous activity. ;
165 COLLINS STREET AND VICTORIA STREET.
The purchase of Smales Building had just been finalised when another
series of decisions had to be made. The opening paragraphs of Cliff
Moore’s letter No. 9 to Edney written in July 1939 describes the
circumstances of this deal and is further evidence of the forward
thinking of the Medhurst and Sons Directors.
The property was owned by The Johnston Family, it had a frontage on
Collins Street and ran right through to Victoria Street as well as that
it had a frontage on Victoria Street. Sam Johnston whose family owned
the property occupied a two storey building in Victoria Street from
which he operated a plumbing business.
A casual conversation between Rowland and Sam Johnston had revealed that
the Family wished to sell the property and that Sam was concerned that
any sale would prejudice his right to continue as a tenant in Victoria
Street. The property was advertised for auction by Burn and Sons and
Medhurst and Sons together with Sam Johnston were the successful bidders.
The reason for acquiring this property was an insurance against Roberts
and Company not renewing the lease for The Service Station and to
provide facilities for the Installation Department and housing the Exide
Battery Division in the Victoria Street site. It was many years before
any development was made. A new Company Medhurst Wholesale occupied
a building erected on this site, the building also accommodated the old
service station and Medhursts workshop activity now retitled Medhursts
Manufacturing occupied one section of the building.
THE PUBLIC COMPANY 1954.
The activities operating under the umbrella of Medhurst and Sons Pty.
Ltd. were expanding, sales of Hoover Washers at the rate of 4000 per
year and Creda Ranges at 1000 per year looked to be ongoing and all other
activities promised growth.
Taxation imposed on private companies was heavy and more capital was
needed to meet the expanding needs of the business and to up-date
~- showroom and office facilities. | Conversion to a Public Company would
lessen the taxation burden and so accelerate these developments and
in April 1954 a Praspectus for the issue of 300,000 Ordinary Shares of
five shillings each with the provision for the future issue of Preference
Shares and Unsecured Notes was registered with the Supreme Court of
Tasmania and the transition to a Public Company was initiated.
New plans started to emerge. Medhurst Wholesale was to be noved fron
Collins Street to part of the Chas Davis complex at Campbell Street and
the building sold together with the Victoria Street properties of the
Exide division and Medhursts Manufacturing. The showroom area of Smale
Bros waS to be converted to an Arcade to be accessible from the Cat and
Fiddle Arcade.
THE LAST SUPPER.
One who decided to leave Medhursts was the Prophet Ramsay who repeatedly
Stated that everything will be alright when Margaret Senior, the
Hairdresser, vacates her tenancy in Smales Building. His association
with the Company goes back to 1935 --
15/5/35
Messrs. Medhurst and Sons Pty. Ltd.,
Collins St.,
Hobart.
Dear Sirs,
I wish to apply for the position of junior shop assistant as
advertised in this morning’s Mercury.
I am nearly sixteen years of age and am at present attending the Hutchins
School. I have also a slight knowledge of shorthand and type-writing.
Trusting that this application will receive your favourable
consideration.
I an,
Yours faithfully,
W. M. Ramsay.
Several Members of the staff gathered in an UPPER ROOM - the Beefeater
Restaurant in the Imperial Hotel Building to pay tribute to Bills
contribution and wish him well in his new activity. Two Ladies were
present Pam Clark who with unobtrusive skill was the Tail That Wagged The
Dog at Medhurst Wholesale and June Pridmore, June had worked at H. C.
Heathorn and Co. where once "The Boss" had been apprenticed. Like Pam
her ability to undertake most office routines made them a little bit more
senior than other female staff members.
—
This was a turbulent period and only the optomist thought it was the
Storm before the Caln. This meal was in fact the "Last Supper". Soon
the remanents of the Tribe would become 4 "Diaspora" living in diverse
surroundings and loosely connected by Tradition and Memories of past
glories.
Out of the Ashes a new Company was formed by Douglas, he acquired some of
the Distributorships which had become alienated from Medhurst Wholesale
and set up a new Company, Medhursts Equipment Pty. Ltd.. This new
firm with old ideas of Customer Service has gone from a small beginning
to a substantial business venture, just as R. A. Medhurst grew and is
now renewing faith in our Family Name.
THE END.
I was commissioned to plan and set up the new wholesale store facilities
for Medhurst Wholesale in a vacant area of the Chas Davis Campbell Street
complex and on~moving day virtually all stock items were transferred and
re located in pre arranged positions which were virtually identical to
the old format. This part of the operation went smoothly and it was
business as usual on Monday.
Athol Holton retired from the Company and Mr. Alan Walton was appointed
as Manager of Medhurst Wholesale and exercised supervisory control over
the remains of the Service Department and Installation Department.
The transfer of Medhurst Manufacturing did not go so smoothly. Three of
the Key Personel realised that the transfer would be detrimental and
their expertise would be fragmented pooled their resources and confident
that they could expect support from the Customers who had been well
satisfied with the co-operation and service they had enjoyed for so many
years they set up a new Company "Icon Industries". Only four of the
Medhurst Manufacturing Staff transferred to Chas Davis the rest remained
undisturbed working for the new Company.
On the completion of the setting up of the new store facilities I was
faced with decisions should I follow Douglas’s example and resign?
There were alternatives to consider.
1. I had all the qualifications and knowledge to re-enter the Electrical
Contracting Industry on ny own behalf
2. I had been offered a position with a Nationally known Electrical
Wholesale Merchant.
3. I had been offered a job by a rival Electrical Contraction Firm.
4. Mr. Walton had asked me to take over as Estimator in the Installation
Department. ,
The terms of reference for this job were in conflict with my personal
views of what properly competitive quoting should be, but as the last
Medhurst left I considered I had a moral obligation to try and maintain
job security for some of those who had been good and faithful servants of
Medhursts. My reply to Mr. Walton was " I do not think it will work
but I will give it a go for 3 months, after which we will talk again and
you will have the right to sack me or I will have the right to resign",
I do not recall which side of the desk won, but I departed with a
Stainless steel Ice Bucket which was presented and received with mixed
feelings.
No longer in Collins Street which had been a happy home for over seventy
years but returned to Argyle Street the street of the first disaster
Medhursts declined. The surgery performed by the various specialists
was successful but unfortunately the "Patient Died".
Shortly after I left the Company Nancy noticed an advertisement in the
Mercury - Wanted Storeman Wine and Spirits Merchants, and said that that
would be a change for me you know a lot about Australian Wines and you
might learn to use the broon.
It 1s not practical to include all of those who contributed to the Group
of Companies in such a short record, but, I recognise that many who
worked behind the scenes or played "bit" parts all contributed to the
production and without them the roles played by those seen on stage may
have less dramatic: .
History repeats itself for the benefit of the young who do not enjoy it
anyhow.
Did we sell our Birthright once again?
Sufficent that I shall be recorded as "The Scribe" "Truthful Jones",
I hope that you have read as far as this so as you con underline any
untruths.
Wendell.