Joseph Gardam
GARDAM, Joseph Robert Woodruffe MIEE MEVW MIEAust (1874-1948)
J R W Gardam was born in Hull, England in 1874 where he undertook an apprenticeship following his early education there. He subsequently undertook training in electrical engineering in Vienna. He arrived in Sydney on September 16, 1896 where he installed the Empire Electric Light Station which was the first electricity supply in Sydney. By 1901 he was Managing Engineer of the Empire Electric Light Company Ltd. He was also President of the NSW Electrical Association.
In 1903 he was admitted as a Member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
In 1906 he sailed to England on six months study leave to examine the latest developments in electricity.
In March 1908 he moved to Western Australia as Manager for Noyes Bros. He had earlier travelled to the State to install the first electricity scheme for Fremantle.
He married Grace Maud (May) Short at Guildford on November 11, 1913. In 1915 he established Gardam and Co and was advertising consulting services in electrical and general engineering but was still representing Noyes Bros. He also had a shopfront selling electrical goods and radios at 188 Murray Street, Perth.
Roles in the Institutions of the Profession
Joseph Gardam was a founding member of the WA Institution of Engineers in 1909 and a member of the committee of that body from 1911 until he became President in 1918. He was a founding Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia, and was admitted to full membership in 1920. He was also a member of the National Council of the Institution of Engineers. He was Chairman of the Western Australia Overseas Committee of the Institution of Electrical Engineers from 1937 to 1948.
Joseph also had a long association with the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in Western Australia. He was President from 1916 to 1918 and from 1933 to 1935. He also held the position of Honorary Secretary.
Gardam's business was acquired by Noyes Bros in 1937 and he became the local director, holding that position until his death. He died at his home at 2 Mounts Bay Road, Crawley on June 29, 1948.
References:
Institution of Electrical Engineers Obituary Notices 1948 (currently not available)
