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

1925 May
Biography of Lawton as President of WIAQ, barely a mention of amateur radio "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."

1887 06
Funeral notice for Lawton's aunt Alice Lawton "FUNERAL NOTICE.— The Friends of Mr. ALBERT LAWTON are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his deceased Sister, Alice; to move from his residence, Albion, TOMORROW (Sunday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, for the Lutwyche Ceme-tery. W. H. HANCOCK & CO., Undertakers, Petrie Bight; and Stanley street, South Brisbane."

1907 01
Lawton sits for examination for appointment Junior Assistant Engineer, PMGD "Commonwealth of Australia. PUBLIC SERVICE EXAMINATION, No. 58. For Appointment as Junior Assistant Engineer, Professional Division, Class F, Electrical Branch, Postmaster-General's Department, Brisbane. THE following candidates have signified their intention of being examined herein:— Burnham, Jas. Win.; Burke, Wm. Jas. Treacy; Foott, Arthur Patrick; Fox, Francis Andrew; Hanify, Gerald Page; Lawton, Alexander Kyle; Palmer, John Wm.; Synnott, Herbert Thos. D. C. McLACHLAN, Commissioner. FRANCIS REDDIN, Secretary. Melbourne, 2nd January, 1907."

1909 12
Lawton transfer at level (Junior Instrument Fitter) from Brisbane to Toowoomba "Postmaster-General's Department, 1st December, 1909. THE following staff changes in the Postmaster-General's Department have been approved, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902 and Regulations thereunder, namely:— . . . QUEENSLAND. . . W. Smith, Telephone Attendant, Townsville, to be Junior Instrument Fitter, Grade I., Electrical Engineer's Branch, Brisbane, with present salary, vice Lawton, transferred. . . . A. K. Lawton, Junior Instrument Fitter, Grade II., Electrical Engineer's Branch, Brisbane, to be Junior Instrument Fitter, Grade II., Toowoomba, with present salary."

1911 02
Lawton resigns from the public service "COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 22nd February, 1911. THE following notifications respecting staff changes are made in accordance with the Commonwealth Public Service Act and Regulations thereunder:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT 15th February, 1911. Ex. Mins. 35, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, T.49. . . Services Terminated. . . . Alexander Kyle Lawton, Junior Mechanic, Toowoomba, from 31st January, 1911 (resigned)."

1912 07
Marriage Notice for Lawton "MARRIAGES. . . . LAWTON — BROOK.— On July 8th, at St. Mark's Church Albion, by the Rev. Canon Osborn, Alexander Kyle Lawton, of Toowoomba, to Sarah Ellen (Nellie), eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Brook, 'Thebberton,' Laidlaw-parade, East Brisbane."

Detailed report of the marriage of Lawton and "Nellie" Brook "WOMAN'S WORLD. (Continued.) WEDDINGS. . . . Lawton — Brook. St. Mark's, Albion, was the scene of a pretty wedding on Monday, July 8, the bridegroom being Mr. Alexander Kyle Lawton (Toowoomba) and the bride Miss Ellen (Nellie) Brook, (Shebbarton, Laidlaw Parade, East Brisbane). The Rev. Canon Osborn officiated. The church was prettily decorated by the bride's friends with silver wattle blossoms and asparagus plumosus. The bride, who was given away by her brother (Mr. W. E. Brook), wore a gown of paillette, with handsome beaded yoke and trimming. The beautiful veil and wreath of orange blossoms were lent by a friend. The bride also wore a dainty gold bracelet, and carried a shower bouquet (gifts from the bridegroom). Misses May Brook (sister) and Minnie Dulley acted as bridesmaids. They wore beautiful lace frocks over silk with underdresses of champagne colour, and large satin hats to harmonise. Their bouquets were composed of cream roses, wattle, and asparagus plumosus, with champagne-coloured streamers, and were gifts from the bridegroom. To the chief bridesmaid the bridegroom also gave a pretty gold brooch set with amethysts, and to the second bridesmaid, a fine gold chain. Mr. E. Lawton acted as best man. Motor cars conveyed the bridal party from the church to the Cafe Majestic, where a dainty breakfast was served, and the usual toasts honoured. Only relatives and immediate friends were present. On leaving for their future home at Toowoomba the bride wore a coal and skirt of navy blue serge and a hat to harmonise. Many handsome and useful presents were received, including several cheques. The Rev. Canon Osborn officiated at the marriage of the bride's parents, 28 years ago."

1914 03
Lawton excels in examination for Junior Mechanics to qualify as Mechanics '''COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Examination No. 483.''' To enable Junior Mechanics to Qualify tor Promotion as Mechanic. Held 20th December, 1913, to 17th February, 1914. The following are the names, in alphabetical order, of the candidates in the several States who were successful at the above Examination. Candidates were required to undergo the Practical Tests, but were allowed the choice of the remaining sections of the examination, viz., Oral Examination or Written Examination; but a candidate who at a previous examination passed in any section was allowed exemption from further Examination in that section. To pass the Examination a candidate was required to secure at least 180 of the 300 marks allotted to the Practical Tests, and at least 300 of the 500 marks available for the whole Examination; or, where exempted from any section, 60 per cent. of the marks allotted to the section in which he was examined. . . . QUEENSLAND.
 * Name: Lawton, Alexander Kyle
 * Practical Tests: 244 (Max. 300, first in Qld, fourth in Australia)
 * Oral Examination: N/A (Max. 200)
 * Written Examination: 93 (Max. 200)

1914 07
Lawton's period of probation extended by 6 months from 29 June 1914 "COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 10th July, 1914. THE following notifications respecting staff changes, &c., are made in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act and Regulations:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Ex. Mins. Nos. 360, 362, 364, 365, 368, 369, 370. . . . Queensland. . . . Extension of Probation. . . . Alexander Kyle Lawton, Mechanic, Electrical Engineer's Branch (Mechanical, Telephone Workshop), six months from 29th June, 1914."

1915 01
Lawton passes his extended probation and again appointed a permanent member of the public service, now as Mechanic, effective 29 Dec 1913 "COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 29th January, 1915. THE following notifications respecting staff changes, &c., are made in accordance with the Commonwealth Public Service Act and Regulations thereunder:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Ex. Mins. Nos. 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36. . . . Queensland. Appointments Confirmed. . . . Alexander Kyle Lawton, Mechanic, Electrical Engineer's Branch, from 29th December, 1913."

1918 12
Lawton resigns from the public service, effective 30 November 1918 "COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 18th December, 1918. THE undermentioned notifications of staff changes, &c., are made in accordance with the Commonwealth Public Service Act and Regulations:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.- Ex. Mins. Nos. 425, 426, 427, 429. Queensland. . . . Services Terminated.— Resignations — James Warren, Telegraph Messenger, Telegraph Branch, Brisbane, from 14th November, 1918; Alexander Kyle Lawton, Mechanic, Electrical Engineer's Branch (Telephone Workshop), from 30th November, 1918; Frederick James Duve, Messenger (in training), Telegraph Branch, from 18th November, 1918; Nathaniel Benjamin Weber, Assistant, Electrical Engineer's Branch, Brisbane, from 18th November, 1918."

1922 03
Lawton transfers as salesman with Paramount Film Service from Brisbane to Sydney Personalities.. . . Mr. A. K. Lawton, the very popular salesman of Paramount Film Service in Brisbane, will be missed by a large circle of exhibitors who do business with that firm in the northern capital. What is their loss is the other fellow’s gain, for Mr. Lawton has just been transferred to headquarters, where he should still further enhance his business reputation.

1925 05
Biography of Lawton as President of WIAQ, barely a mention of amateur radio "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."

1933 10
Funeral Notice for Lawton's uncle Herbert "Mr. H. Lawton. After a protracted illness Mr. Herbert Lawton, of Jane Street, West End, died yesterday at the age of 62 years. Mr. Lawton was born at Hulme, England, coming to Australia when he was about 19 years of age. He settled in Brisbane, first in Leichhardt Street, where he conducted a mixed business, and later at West End. For about 30 years he was well known in the theatrical world, being the treasurer, until recently, of the Australian Theatrical and Amusement Association. He was also treasurer of the Ionic Lodge and a member of the Loyal United Brothers Lodge of the M.U.I.O.O.F. He is survived by his widow, one son, Mr. John Lawton, of Wilston, and one daughter, Mrs. F. Smith, of Windsor. A brother, Mr. Albert Lawton, and a sister, Mrs. H. Jones, also reside in Brisbane. The funeral will move from the funeral parlour at 4 o'clock this afternoon for the Toowong Cemetery."