GODFREY 'COBBER' WRIGHT

Godfrey Reginald Wright (known to everyone as Cobber) was born in Boulder on 6 October 1907. At 18 months old, he contracted polio which resulted in him not being able to walk. His family moved to Perth in 1910, and in 1921, at age 14, he started looking for work.

Cobber started a business in Perth, selling newspapers and race-books from a small handmade goat cart (pictured). As his business increased, he approached the Ugly Men's Association for a £50 loan so that he could buy a horse and cart. Business continued to prosper, and he soon paid back the loan.

Cobber offered newspapers and expanded his range to magazines and programmes. He also charged companies to place little advertisements on the back of his cart. When the work became too much for him to handle on his own, he employed boys to help him.

By 1925, authorities granted him the right to have a movable night and day book stall on Barrack Street opposite the Railway Hotel. Again, he expanded his range to include stationery, and he even mailed papers and books on behalf of customers!

"In season and out, through the bitterest of nights, "Cobber", has been faithful to his many patrons, who have been most loyal to him."

Two years later, Cobber found that the permission previously granted to him was revoked by the Perth City Council. His stall on Barrack Street was considered a danger and he was asked to relocate. He temporarily moved to a room at the back of Dease's Buildings.

In 1929, Cobber moved into the small building and tram rest stop at the end of the Barrack Street bridge. In the early 1930s, during the depression, his business struggled. He closed down for several years and reopened in about 1933.

From that point, he continued selling newspapers and periodicals but also started selling W.A. Charity Consultation tickets. Having sold winning tickets in the past, he was soon dubbed 'Lucky Cobber Wright!'

In 1977, Kevin Barry interviewed Cobber and he stated, "As I said, business was good. At the peak time we used to sell on the Beaufort Street Bridge, about 45,000 Daily News a month."

Cobber and his bookstall were regular sights in Perth for decades. In 1952, due to his closeness to the Beaufort Street Courts, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. He continued running the bookstall until 1966 when he retired. In 1977, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for 50 years service to community and charity organisations. Not long after, he was diagnosed with cancer. Godfrey 'Cobber' Wright died on 29 April 1979 at age 71. Most of his Estate (worth over £200,000) was donated to charities.

Sunday Times; 17 June 1923; Page 1.

Call; 23 October 1925; Page 5.

Mirror; 7 November 1925; Page 7.

Mirror; 3 February 1934; Page 4.

Interview with Godfrey Wright by Kevin Barry (OH2317).