John McCauley Shortis papers concerning his career as a chemist, 1938-1977

MLMSS 6926/Box 1X

fonds

1938-1977

Textual Records, Ephemera, Clippings, Photographs

403582

0.40 metres of textual material (1 outsize box) - manuscript, typescript, clippings, printed, photographs

John Shortis was employed by the New South Wales department of Public Works in 1938 as assistant chemist. In 1948 he was made chief chemist and in 1958 chief testing officer. He retired, aged 63, in 1976. He worked on concrete and metals testing, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, advised on the restoration of Elizabeth Farm and Old Government House, both at Parramatta, and Cadman's cottage, Circular Quay, and tested glass and concrete used in the construction of the Sydney Opera House. His album, profusely illustrated with photographs, reflects these aspects of his career.