george william selby took an interest in all aspects of the new science of electricity, both in practical experiments and public education. as early as 1878 he was demonstrating an induction coil (a key component of the future wireless telegraphy) and geissler tube. in july 1897, in response to reports of marconi's success, he announced that, he had also been successful in his experiments which had commenced some three years earlier (i.e. 1894). while, it does appear that no great distance was traversed, his experiments are amongst the earliest in australia. at a time when public interest in wireless was extreme, selby was balancing his time against his business interest in accountancy and progress with his experiments was slow. in june 1899, selby approached the victorian defence department for approval to conduct experiments between the coast and a warship. approval was given and successful tests were achieved between hmvs cerberus, which was moored in hobsons bay, and the naval depot, williamstown. it is stated that the apparatus used was that made by selby in 1897. in february 1900, it was reported that selby was now successfully communicating between malvern and brighton, a distance of 5 miles, but still well behind jenvey. in february 1901, he auctioned much of his equipment and thereafter there is little record of further experimenting. however his public education activities and commentary continued, including presentation in december 1908 of a major paper on wireless telegraphy to the victorian institute of engineers.