No, not JR Ewing from the long running TV show Dallas.

I have been trying to find out who or what "JR" stands for in JR Publications, responsible for producing the JR series of circuit manuals that cover the period 1953 - 1970s, essentially after the AORSM series ceased.

So, anybody know what the initials JR stand for?

Something I've wondered myself.

The title page from the various manuals I've seen are all very similar in the information they have (which I'm sure you've seen yourself).

The "JR" Publication is noted as being a trade mark and the manuals were published by Westley Contractors Pty Ltd at P.O. Box 29 Chester Hill.

Does anyone know anything about Westley Contractors?
It would be interesting to determine the copyright status of these books. The circuits in them are duplicates of the factory circuits so supposedly the copyrights are with the original manufacturers. However, the JR manuals contain their own copyright notice so supposedly they have the copyright of the books contents.

The AORSM's have been copied and are available on DVD so I guess the copyright on these has expired or is not enforced.

The company Westley Contractors P/L was deregistered in December 1989.

I note that Westley was responsible for printing/publishing numerous radio, TV and tape recorder service manuals.

I've tried to determine the trademark status of JR Publications but so far without success.

While on the theme, what was the arrangement with the publishing of the AORSM? Was it a manufacturing industry initiative via an industry association, or the initiative of an individual who door-knocked all of the manufacturers?

Copyright usually expires after 50 years in the case of Crown Copyright or 75 years after the death of an individual. I am not sure about copyright vested in corporate entities though.

And if you want even more mystery, how about the JR Manuals that followed AORSM. From a lot of research I have an inkling as to who "JR" was, but I would need to confirm that via the family involved and they are proving hard to contact.

and

Yes, but who owned and operated Westley Contractors is the question. I think I know, but I need to confirm it ... if I can track down living relatives.

The answer is John Elwyn Westmore. He and his wife Gwendoline lived at 67 Jocelyn St, Chester Hill from 1952 until at least the early 2000's. In 2008 John & Gwendoline were living in a retirement village at Prestons. John Westmore passed away on 24/10/2012, at the age of 87. It appears his widow Gwendoline may still be alive. His children are Lesley, John & Peter. Son Peter was living at Villawood in 2008.

From what I've gathered I believe JR Service Handbooks started around 1960 or 1961. They were still going in 1985. Westley Contractors was registered at the family home address in Chester Hill but operated from premises at the rear of 53 Stanley St, Peakhurst.

The answer is John Elwyn Westmore. He and his wife Gwendoline lived at 67 Jocelyn St, Chester Hill

Yes, that's the information I had gleaned from ASIC.

John Westmore passed away on 24/10/2012, at the age of 87. It appears his widow Gwendoline may still be alive.

That's news to me. Would have been good to have the opportunity to speak to him about JR, however I was warned by a fellow who knew him back in the day that he could be quite cantankerous.

His children are Lesley, John & Peter. Son Peter was living at Villawood in 2008.

What's the source of that information?

What's the source of that information?

That information comes from the Death Notices in the Daily Telegraph, 25/10/2012. Son Peter Andrew was also found in the AEC rolls living at Villawood in 2008.

Some Trove trawling also came up with this:-

WESTMORE (nee Aird) -December 14, 1946, Sunbury private hospital Ashfield to Gwen and John-a daughter (Leslie Judith) (SMH 21/12/1946)

A picture of a young Leslie can be found here:-

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/163735881

and

WESTMORE - AIRD.-The Engagement is announced of Gwen, fifth daughter of Mrs. A. M. Aird and the late Mr. A. Aird, of Ashfield, late of Richmond, to John, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Westmore, of Ashfield. (SMH 23/6/1945)

John Elwyn's father was Reginald Dines Westmore (d. 31/05/1952, aged 67) who was a long standing secretary of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

Westley Contractors date back to about 1955. They were builders/building contractors until about 1960. Though interestingly enough John Westmore's occupation was a technician dating back to the early 1950's. Around 1960 Westley Contractors became publishers. The earlier builders/building contracting part of it doesn't really make any sense. May of been some family concern which leads to the possible origins of the JR trademark. John had brothers called Rohan, Roderick, Ronald & his father Reginald - but then that could be just a wild stab.

The original JR manuals were printed by Mctaggart & Corish of Greenacre. The next lot were printed by Atlantic Publications of Rockdale. In 1962 JR Publications became printers in their own right and were at Stanley St Peakhurst until the very end.

GTC. Are you still looking at contacting family members for your research?

The original JR manuals were printed by Mctaggart & Corish of Greenacre. The next lot were printed by Atlantic Publications of Rockdale.

Interesting further info. I guess you have access to printed originals?

Where did you find out about JW's occupation?

GTC. Are you still looking at contacting family members for your research?

Originally, given the scarcity of information on what was a very useful publication, I had it in mind to perhaps write an article on JR for Radio Waves. Of course, that would require Westmore family co-operation, particularly from John himself.

Nonetheless, I would be prepared to make initial inquiries if I could track them down to their current abode(s).

As for the JR Trademark, I could find no record of it ever being registered, despite the claim on the manuals that it was.

Interesting to speculate on what JR stood for. Maybe Just Radios?

Yes, I do own a stack of JR manuals starting from 1960 right through to the 1970's.

JW's occupation comes from the AEC rolls for the electorate of Reid which covers parts of south west Sydney.

When I have some more time I'll do a bit more digging. Now we know the family originally come from Ashfield I'll see what more I can find particularly in the years pre 1953.

I'll also see what I can find in regards to names and contact details for any relatives. For purposes of privacy I'll email you any information I find. If Gwen Westmore is still alive she may well still live in the retirement village at Prestons.

I think the history of JR Publications would make a great article for Radio-Waves.

IIRC, a fellow (from Canberra?) who was in the repair game who knew JW on a business basis said that JR schematics could be purchased from coin-operated machines.

I never followed-up on that. I have no idea if that's true, nor where such machines would have been situated.