The death of Roy Park
Dr. ROY PARK'S DEATH CAUSES SORROW THROUGHOUT DISTRICT
Career Embodied Everything Fine in Sportsmanship
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The death after a long illness of Dr. Roy Lindsay Park on Thursday, January 23, at the home of his sister-in-law, Miss Tynan, Park road, Middle Park, has meant the loss of one of South Melbourne's best-known, best-loved and most distinguished citizens. At his practice in Cecil street, Dr. Park's generosity, devotion to duty, and tolerance won him a legion of devoted friends.
However, it was as a cricketer with the Victorian XI that he first became famous. He was the hero of frequent fighting partnerships in interstate matches, and on many occasions bore the brunt of formidable opposing attacks. He had a great regard for the N.S.W. left-hander, R. J. O. Massie, whom he considered the finest bowler he was ever called upon to face. On bad wickets, he rated C. G. Macartney, the famous batsman, as the most difficult bowler.
At a time when Australia boasted many fine cricketers he was an outstanding, though diminutive, figure. He was universally popular because he embodied everything that was fine in sportsmanship. Modest and self-effacing, he rose to the top flight of cricketers through sheer ability. He was a quiet, wise and kindly man.
Yet there was one side of his versatile character wi.h which only his intimate friends were conversant—that was his irrepressible sense of humor. He had a fund of whimsical cricket stories which it was a delight to hear him relate, and it was a great pity that he could never find time in a busy life to record them for posterity. Dr. Roy Park was a grand and lovable character, one whose passing was deeply mourned by all with whom he came in contact, but whose memory is enshrined forever in the hearts of his contemporaries.
V.C.A. Secretary's Tribute
No finer tribute can be paid to his memory than that of Mr. H. Brererton (left), secretary of the Victorian Cricket Association, who played both cricket and football with him. In fact, it was Mr. Brereton who was instrumental in persuading the late Dr. Park to transfer his medical practice from Footscray to South Melbourne, and to join up with South Melbourne Cricket Club. He said: 'A 'whiter' man never played the game, and there was never a more courageous cricketer and footballer.'
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It was in 1921-22 that Dr. Park came to South Melbourne from University—his cricket career was interrupted by war service in France—and in 102 innings with the club he scored 2,961 runs at an average of 31.1, a total which ranks among the best batting performances in the club's history. He was captain of the First XI for many years, and his splendid record in District cricket made him a regular member of the Victorian Eleven. In 66 innings for his State he made 2,514 runs at an average of 40. His highest score was 228.
Historic Incident in Test Match
Selected to represent Australia in the Second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1920, he was accorded an amazing reception by the crowd as he walked to the batting crease. It was a magnificent tribute to the popularity of 'Parkie' (as he was known to the crowds of his day). Unfortunately, he was bowled first ball by the English fast bowler, Harry Howell, who later declared that the ball which broke through Dr. Park's defence was the best ball he sent down throughout his career.
Dr. Park's return to the pavilion was marked by an equally vociferous demonstration of sympathetic applause. As a result of the incident, a firm friendship grew between Howell and his victim, which was broken only by the fast bowler's death in England some years later. Australia scored 499, and won the match by an innings, thus depriving Dr. Park of a second chance. Although chosen as 12th man for the next Test match he was never again selected in an Australian Eleven.
One of the most graceful and polished players of all time, it is one of cricket's tragedies that he was never again given the opportunity to earn for himself the place in international cricket for which his ability fitted him. His execution of the 'leg-glance' was one of the prettiest imaginable, and the manner in which he treated J. M. Gregory (when the express was at his fastest) in a Victoria v. A.I.F. match will remain an evergreen memory.
The spectacle of the diminutive doctor shaping up as the 'tornado' tore down the ground, and the ease with which the batsman glanced the giant to the fine-leg boundary, is one that will not easily be forgotten. It was one of many classic centuries by the 'little doctor.'
Brilliant Football Career
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Dr. Park's career as a footballer was almost as notable. Full-forward for University in 1913, when his team failed to win a game, he headed the goal-kicking list at the end of the home-and-home matches with 53 goals, but was deprived of the season's honours by Freake (right), whose team (Fitzroy) took part in the final round.
When University disbanded, he joined Melbourne, where he played with distinction for a time until he joined up for war service. Later, when practising in Footscray, he played full-forward in Footscray's Association premiership side of 1920, and in the final round of three matches scored a total of 21 goals — seven goals in each match.
He loved the game of cricket with an almost fanatical intensity, yet it was cricket which brought him one of his greatest disappointments. His 'duck' in his only Test appearance has been widely publicised, but this was not his darkest hour. Failure to gain selection in the Australian teaja to tour England in 1921 when lesser men were preferred was the most bitter blow of his cricket career.
Such was his interest in the game that after his retirement from active sport he became a member of South Melbourne's committee and was elected as a delegate to the Victorian Cricket Association. He was a member of the V.C.A. selection and pennant committees ior many years. Due to ill-health, he resigned at the start of this season as a Victorian selector.
In 1933 Dr. Park was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Alice Park, who was. one of the district's best-known social figures. Mrs. Park was her husband's keenest supporter throughout his long cricket career, and rarely missed a match in which he participated. Her unexpected death came as a profound shock to the community.
He is survived by a son, Dr. Roy L. Park, of 60 St. Vincent Place, Albert Park, who since April, 1946, had been practising in partnership with his late father, and a daughter, Alice (Mrs. Ian Johnson) wife of the Test cricketer. More than 200 were present at his funeral in the Melbourne General Cemetery on Saturday, January 25. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Fr. T. V. Carroll (formerly of SS. Peter and Paul's Church), an old friend, and was preceded by Requiem Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Prior K. McMahon, O.Carm. Pall-bearers included the Mayor of South Melbourne (Cr. J. P. Barry), Dr. Allen Robertson (representing the Australian Board of Control), Mr. J. Ryder; (representing Test players and selectors), Mr. G. Davies (vice-president V.C.A.), Mr. H. Brereton (secretary V.C.A., who also represented the V.F.L.), and J. Kelly (representing South Melbourne Cricket Club).
Representatives from all grades of sport were present in the large crowd at the graveside. South Melbourne Cricket Club was represented by Messrs. T. Pye, J. Condon, J. Kelly, A. Davidson, V. McGilton and a large number of players and members.
Funeral arrangements were in the hands of R. McKenzie, South Melbourne.
Footnotes
Title: Dr. ROY PARK'S DEATH CAUSES SORROW THROUGHOUT DISTRICT
Publisher: Record (Emerald Hill, Vic. : 1881 - 1954)
Date: Saturday 1 February 1947, page 1
Web: http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/165032909
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