Maritime Wireless Works (Firm)

Father A.J. Shaw, was a wireless enthusiast who established the Maritime Wireless Company with local businessman Kirkby. A factory at the rear produced radio equipment and during the First World War, the navy used the factory for munitions production.

The land on which 'Ascot' and 'Archina' were built formed part of a land grant to Annette McGee in 1849.

'Ascot' was erected c. 1888 by P.W. Nicholle, a building contractor, and was a home for
missionaries for several years.

Father Archibald Shaw bought 'Ascot' and neighbouring 'Archina' in 1907 to provide a resthouse for missionaries and to use as the base for his work as procurator for the Papua Mission.

How Father Shaw became interested in wireless is not known but before long his experiments with wireless transmission had led to a company, The Maritime Wireless Company, being formed. However, despite successfully supplying wireless sets to the islands and to the Mawson Antarctic expedition, the company soon began to lose money. Poor business organisation, outdated equipment and Father Shaw's poor health were all contributing factors. The First World War helped the plant to revive and it was soon producing not only wireless equipment but repairing guns and other army material.

Father Shaw's financial problems refused to go away however, and, in 1915 a financial expert from Rome was sent to sort them out. He suggested selling the wireless works.

Father Shaw carried on negotiations for the sale and went to Melbourne in 1916 to finalise it. The day after the sale he was found unconscious and died soon after at the age of 44 years. (Source: Randwick Council)