Arthur Peaker (1875-1934)
1934 Obituary [1]
ARTHUR PEAKER had only recently gone into business as a manufacturer of friction hoists and haulage gear, after several years experience as works manager to Mr. C. D. Phillips, M.I.Mech.E., of Emlyn Works, Newport, Mon.
He was born at Kirkee, Bombay, in 1875, and was educated in Bombay and at Pontefract College, Yorks.
In 1890 he entered Woolwich Arsenal as an apprentice, and served until 1894, when he became a pupil at Messrs. Fielding and Platt's Atlas Works, Gloucester.
He joined Messrs. C. and A. Musker, hydraulic engineers, of Liverpool, as a draughtsman in 1897, but left four years later to take up a similar position on Mr. Phillips's staff at his Gloucester works.
From 1905 to 1909 he was in business on his own account as general engineer, after which he rejoined Mr. Phillips as chief draughtsman and assistant works manager at Newport.
During the War, Mr. Peaker became works manager and was responsible for the design of haulage gears operated by steam, compressed air, or electricity; owing to the colliery developments at that time these gears were in great demand. He also designed friction hoists and other lifting machinery. In 1931 he started an engineering works on his own account and designed an improved hoist having all parts readily accessible, to facilitate renewals. In addition, he specialized in rotary gear for boring.
He had been an Associate Member of the Institution since 1915.
He died on 19th July 1934, at the age of 59.