Craig & Co. Ltd.
10 Brennan's Arcade, Perth, WA (1923 – 1925)
37 King Street, Perth WA (1925 – 1930)
152 William Street, Perth WA ( 1930 – 1934)

Craig & Co. Ltd.; Perth, was a substantial manufacturer of radios during the 1920's. They advertised regularly in the West Australian Wireless News & Musical World magazine. They also sold radio parts, tubes, coils, etc.

Craig and Co. Ltd. was registered on November 12, 1923 with a capital of £3,000 in 5,000 shares or £1 each: Office. 10 Brennan's Arcade, Perth, Western Australia.[1]

In November 1923, by arrangement with Commonwealth Correspondence Collage in Perth to supply radio instruments at a discounted price to students.[2]

They advertised in December 1923 “Broadcasting has started in Sydney; it begins here in earnest in February; amateurs are transmitting music nearly every night. Order instruments NOW from Craig and Co., Ltd., the (All-Wireless Firm)” [3] The first broadcast station in Perth, 6WF owned by Westralian Farmers Ltd. went to air on June 4^th, 1924.

A five-valve set was manufactured and displayed in the Economic Department Store in early January 1924. The radio was made for the Manager of Craig and Co., F. Wilks.[4]

They advertised in April 1924, for Agencies to sell radios and investors to take advantage of the increased business due to 6WF’s imminent commencement. [5]

6WF was officially opened on June 4, 1924, by the Labor Premier of WA, Mr. Philip Collier and a broadcasting demonstration was conducted at the Prince of Wales Theatre to listen to the Premiers Speech over 3 nights from the 5^th June. Craig & Co. provided the receiver for this event. [6]

The company manufactured radios from Crystal sets, one valve to 8 valve receivers.

The advertised the  AWA  Standard 6 superheterodyne, manufactured specially to suit West Australian conditions in April 1927.[7]

In December 1928, Westralian Farmers Ltd. radio station 6WF was taken over by the Commonwealth Government due to heavy financial losses.[8] Westralian Farmers Ltd. also manufactured the Mulgaphone radio and Craig and Co. Ltd. purchased their entire stock.[9]

A newspaper article from October 1930 described their manufacturing capabilities.

The name of Craig and Co. is associated with the manufacture of all types of radio receivers, from crystal sets to eight valve super receivers. The firm also makes screened-grid sets, separate screened-grid units for addition to existing sets, and all electric receivers. Other lines include H.T. eliminators, differential condensers, wave traps and all classes of constructional radio engineering. Besides producing service wireless receivers, the firm is in a position to give service after sales, providing free overhauls, in addition to the usual guarantee of workmanship, and it maintains an expert repair and reconstruction department. These factors give a cogent reason for the patronage of West Australian-made wireless requisites.[10]

The company also sold Weldon radios from May 1931.[11]

They ceased trading in late 1934 and some of the staff gained employment at C.S. Baty & Company.[12] [13]

[1] West Australian (WA) Nov 12, 1923, Page 10.
[2] West Australian (WA) Nov 9, 1923, Page 14.
[3] West Australian (WA) Dec 24, 1923, Page 14.
[4] Sunday Times (WA) Jan 27, 1924, Page 8.
[5] West Australian (WA) Apr 29, 1924, Page 12.
[6] West Australian(WA) May 30, 1924, Page 8.
[7] West Australian (WA) Apr 2, 1927, page 9.
[8] West Australian (WA) Dec 21, 1928, page 20.
[9] West Australian (WA) Oct 20, 1928, Page 9.
[10] West Australian (WA) Oct 6, 1930, Page 7.
[11] West Australian (WA) May 6, 1931, Page 5.
[12] West Australian (WA) Nov 12, 1934, Page 11.
[13] West Australian (WA) Dec 9, 1934, Page 11.