j. w. wallace in 1899 was another postal department figure with a practical interest in wireless telegraphy. the argus reported on 1 may 1899: "an interesting lecture on the subject of wireless telegraphy was delivered at st. patrick's college on friday evening (28 april 1899) by mr. j. w. wallace of the postal department. the lecturer traced the history of telegraphy from its earliest stages down to marconi's latest triumph, and at the close of his remarks he explained, in response to inquiries, a number of minor features of interest. mr. wallace is at present engaged in conducting some private experiments in wireless telegraphy." a very detailed report of the lecture in the advocate of 6 may makes clear wallace's deep knowledge of the subject.