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Arthur Herbert Gregory (1861–1929)

from Sydney Morning Herald

Mr. Arthur Herbert Gregory, a member of the well-known cricketing family, died at about 1 o'clock on Saturday afternoon at Chatswood, aged 68 years. The immediate cause of death was heart failure, with diabetes.

He was born in Paddington, and was the youngest of seven brothers. After being educated at the Sydney Grammar School, he entered the Lands Department. In 1896 he resigned his position in the Civil Service and joined the staff of the "Sydney Morning Herald" and "Sydney Mail" as a writer on sporting and athletics. In 1911 he retired from the staff, and joined his sons, who were on the land in the Casino district of the North coast. Later he resided in Casino, and took an active part in the commercial life of the town. About two years ago he returned to Sydney, and resided at Chatswood, remaining there up to the time of his death. Early in life Mr. Gregory took an active interest in Freemasonry, and was the foundation Worshipful Master of Lodge Illawarra, St. George. For some years he was a member of Lodge Casino, and took an active part in the formation of Lodge Bonalbo.

In common with other members of the family he took great interest in cricket, playing in intercolonial matches for several seasons. At the time of his death he was a past president of the Casino Cricketing Association, as well as a vice-president of the Gordon District Cricket Club. Another game in which he excelled was billiards. He held the amateur championship of St George for a number of years. He was recognised by the English Billiard Association as an authority, and before the Lindrum-Smith match he, with Mr Boylce, was asked to measure the table and ascertain whether it was correct in order that the breaks would be recognised by the association.

His father was recorded as having played cricket in Hyde park in 1826. His brothers Edward, Walter, David and Charles, were also noted cricketers in their days. Their names appear in the archives of intercolonial cricket. Arthur was not the least famous of the family. David was captain of the first Australian Eleven that visited England. The late S. E. Gregory, the late Charles Gregory, and the well-known international player, J. M. Gregory, were nephews.

As a cricket writer Mr Gregory adopted the pen-name 'Short Slip,' and his writings brought him into prominence. It fell to his lot to describe very important matches in big cricket, and in these he wrote temperately and without bias. His criticisms carried weight. It is related of him that Prince Ranjitsinhji, in one of his tours, conveyed to him personal thanks for the moderation and discrimination which were displayed in his criticisms. Warner, the captain of one of the English Elevens which toured Australia, in his book 'Imperial Cricket' relates that when the team reached Sydney in 1904 the first cricketer whom they saw on the wharf on their arrival was A. H. Gregory. The team was delighted to see him. His opinions carried weight outside his own State.

As a player Mr Gregory took his share of important interstate matches. He was a contemporary of Murdoch, C. and A. Bannerman, Evans, Spofforth, Massie and Garrett. In his callow days he played for the Woollahra-Victoria Club. Another of his early clubs was the Warwick, of which he was a leading member as far back as 1882. The minute-book of the club reports his election as vice-president in 1883, and his appointment with J. Oatley as a practice captain on the association ground.

Mrs Gregory survives her husband, and there are two daughters (Mrs S. R. Henderson) and Miss Isabel Gregory and three sons (Messrs Arthur, Leslie and Wilfred Gregory). Another son, Clive, was killed at Gallipoli a few days after the landing.

The funeral will leave St Stephen's Church, Mowbray-road, Chatswood, after a service in the church at 1.30 this afternoon. the church at 1.30 this afternoon.

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Citation details

'Gregory, Arthur Herbert (1861–1929)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/gregory-arthur-herbert-28076/text35794, accessed 19 March 2024.

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