History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Alexander Kyle Lawton

Alexander Kyle Lawton Potted Biography Alexander Kyle Lawton Comprehensive Biography Alexander Kyle Lawton was a well known early wireless experimenter in the period before WW1. He was a member of the brief lived Wireless Institute of Queensland, and continued his interest through the Queensland Wireless Institute post WW1, holding several official positions, ultimately appointed president in the mid-1920s. He was a contemporary of Edward Gustavus Campbell Barton and was a member of the Queensland Electrical Association with Barton in the 1890s. He was tutored through his engineering diploma by no less than John Hesketh. He was originally a mechanic with the Qld Posts and Telegraphs, transitioning into the Commonwealth Postmaster-General's Department upon federation. He left the public service in the early 1920s and was employed by, and eventually a major shareholder in Amico. Queensland's Wireless Broadcasting Committee, which funded the re-establishment of 4CM pending the establishment of 4QG, was first promoted by Lawton, then funded significantly by Amico. When that firm was liquidated in the late 1920s, he took a number of sales and managerial roles. The amateur radio community tends to overlook the role played by the several prominent persons associated with the Queensland Wireless Institute. However Lawnton and his contemporaries played a major factor in the transition from wireless experimenting to the hobby of amateur radio. A summary biography has not yet been prepared however the following resources have been assembled in preparation: Research - Alexander Kyle Lawton - Summary of research to date Transcriptions and Notes - Alexander Kyle Lawton - More than 30 transcriptions and notes Photos, QSL cards and other graphics - Alexander Kyle Lawton - Nothing uploaded as yet Incubator of Wikipedia Article on Alexander Kyle Lawton - Coming real soon now! Key internet links Brief biography of Lawton at time of appointment as President of WIAQ President of the Wireless Enthusiasts. Queenslander Who Moved With the Times. Alexander Kyle Lawton, who fought his way through a course of electrical engineering at the Brisbane Technical College, in the days when that institution was housed in Ann-street, found the paths of electrical progress anything but smooth in those days. Notwithstanding, he obtained the college's diploma. "When a lad wanted a dynamo then, he had to make one. Now, if he wants one, he can go out and buy one," says Mr. Lawton, in retrospective mood. But the laurels that are hardly won are always the sweetest, and the newiy-elected president of the Wireless Institute of Australia can look back upon, as well as forward to, a most successful career. And Mr. Lawton does not forget that he owes a great part of his success to the late John Hesketh, Chief Commonwealth Electrical Engineer, who coached him privately. To his credit, must it be stated, that many large installations have been carried out under Mr. Lawton's supervision in the Toowoomba and Warwick districts. He also held a position in the electrical engineering branch of the P.M.G.'s Department for 14 years. During this time he received a complete training in telephony and telegraphy, which gave him a grounding for the position which he later accepted as manager of the electrical department attached to Paramount Pictures. When this company ceased operations in the electrical field in Queensland, Mr. Lawton was transferred to Sydney as their assistant sales manager for Australia, and at a later date accepted a position with Amico Ltd. (Sydney), and was with this company until the new Queensland company was formed, when he treked back to his native city, as a director. For four years past he has been connected with the Wireless institute of Australia, and has held office during the whole time, and is now the president.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206472965 President of the Wireless Enthusiasts. Truth Queensland, Australia 3 May 1925 6 April 2020 8 Trove References