Medhurst Electrical Works and Telephone Co.
12-15 Argyle St, Hobart, Tasmania (1912- 1923).

Medhurst and Sons Radio and Electrical Co Ltd.
95 Collins St, Hobart, Tasmania (1924 -      )  

Frederick Medhurst: A Tasmanian Pioneer in Telecommunications

Frederick (Pop) Medhurst was a pivotal figure in the development of telecommunications in Tasmania. Born in England in 1867, he gained early experience as a telegraphist and later served in the military. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he immigrated to Australia in 1889.

He developed a lightweight field telephone, manufactured by the National Telephone Co. of London from 1907.

Medhurst's ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Medhurst Electrical Works and Telephone Co. Ltd. in 1912. This venture was instrumental in providing essential telecommunications infrastructure to the region. Despite facing challenges and the eventual collapse of the company, Medhurst's legacy as a pioneering innovator in the field of telecommunications in Tasmania remains enduring.

Frederick Medhurst, born in the UK in 1867, worked with Alexander Graham Bell to improve the telephone before moving to Tasmania in 1889. While working for the PMG in Hobart he manufactured induction coils and a telephone system implemented in Southern Tasmania and Queensland. 
Resigning in 1906, he manufactured components for the new Hobart Telephone Exchange and supervised the installation of many rural telephone exchanges. He developed a lightweight field telephone, manufactured by the National Telephone Company of London from 1907. In 1912, he formed Medhurst Electrical Works and Telephone Co. providing electric lighting and equipment for commercial and industrial installations.
Following this company's collapse in 1923, together with his family Medhurst and Sons Radio and Electrical Co. Ltd. commenced with electrical goods wholesale and retail in Hobart and Launceston.

[1] Amateur Radio, Jan 1, 1938, Pages 395 – 399.
[2] Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania Inc. Publication; F.W. (Pop) Medhurst VK7AH by Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW.