Frank Ernest Shaw
SHAW, Frank Ernest MWAIE (1877-1946)
Frank was born on March 7, 1877, in Fremantle, the son of Captain Thomas Edward Shaw and his wife Phoebe Stevenson Shaw (nee Ramsay). He grew up in Fremantle where his father was a well known maritime identity having been the skipper of many vessels for J & W Bateman. On February 16, 1901, Frank married Alice Mary Walsh in Fremantle. They had six children, of which only Dorothy and Ernest Edward survived childhood.
On July 9, 1891, he commenced a fitting and turning apprenticeship with the Locomotive Branch of the WA Government Railways at Fremantle. He completed his apprenticeship in July 1896 and was employed as a Fitter-Improver. His capability was recognised in 1897 by George Julius and he was selected for specialised training becoming a Draftsman in February 1898. He was put in charge of the Fremantle Test Room. He continued study through the Fremantle Technical and Evening Classes, including studying electrical engineering.
In 1904 he moved to the administrative staff of the Midland Workshops taking on managing the testing plant and laboratory.
During 1905 and 1906 Frank was placed in charge of more than 10,000 physical tests of the timber of Western Australia, from the results of which George Julius compiled "The Physical Characteristics of the Hardwoods of Western Australia."
Frank was seconded to the Public Works Department in 1912 to manage the Harbours and Rivers Workshop on the North Mole at Fremantle.
In July 1913 he was appointed as Engineering Assistant to the Midland Workshops Manager. By 1914 he became Acting Works Manager.
In 1915 he was appointed as Manager State Implement and Engineering Works at Leighton. He quickly reduced staff and improved productivity. He was also appointed to the State Munitions Committee in August 1915. Subsequently he was made a Director of the War Munitions Supply Company Limited who opened a factory in Stirling Street, Perth, in December 1915, to manufacture steel shell cases that were sent to the United Kingdom to be charged.
In 1931 he was promoted to Chief Mechanical Engineer in the Public Works Department. In 1932 he undertook a report on bulk handling of grain that was pivotal in the introduction of this technology to Western Australia.
In 1938, Frank was appointed Chairman of the Royal Commission into a national power scheme for the South West supplied from Collie. He was also appointed as a Principal of the WA Electricity Advisory Committee.
In May 1941, Frank retired from the Public Works Department after almost 50 years working for government.
Frank was a Member of the WA Institution of Engineers and a Council Member from 1918 to 1920. Frank was an early member of the Fremantle Rowing Club and held the positions of Captain and President. He was also the President of the WA Rowing Association. He coached two WA Kings Cup Crews.
Frank died on January 5, 1946, at Albany, aged 68 years. He was survived by his wife Alice and their daughter Dorothy.
Compiled by Chris Fitzhardinge November 16, 2024.
References:
West Australian, 6.2.1901, p7
West Australian, 7.8.1915, p7
West Australian, 1.11.1915, p7
Dalgety’s Review, 4.4.1935, p8
Daily News, 31.1.1940, p10
West Australian, 7.5.1941, p5
West Australian, 9.1.1946, p4
