Dr Henry Grace.

Manawatu Herald, 16 January 1896, Page 3

Dr Henry Grace.

Dr Henry Grace, of Kingswood, Gloucestershire, elder brother of Dr E. M. Grace, and his still more famous brother, Dr W. G. Grace, died in November last at Honiton, Devon, aged 62. Like all the other members of his family, he was a cricketer of considerable ability, and with more opportunities would have fitted a very prominent place amongst players of the first-class. He early showed a fondness for the game which has made the name of Grace familiar throughout the world, and he was associated with many of the matches which have now become historic. He followed closely in the footsteps of his father, whose proficiency in the pastime was as much the result of patient practice as natural aptitude. He was described in the M.C.C. biographies as being sft 9Jin in height, weighing 12 stone, an energetic and excellent bat, good bowler, and first-rate fielder at point. Before reaching his teens, he displayed an enthusiastic attachment for the game, and his father offered him every encouragement. The formation of the Mangotsfield club, which was subsequently amalgamated with the West Gloucestershire, gave him exceptional chances to develop his skill as soon as be was old enough to take his place in the team. That time came in his fourteenth year, and in 1852 be shared with his uncle, Mr Pocock, the honour of being the best allround player in the neighbourhood, and he remained the mainstay of the club till it ceased to exist in 1867. He bowled very straight and fast, | and on a rough wicket met with considerable success. On occasions he played against the All England Eleven. Iv a match in 1855 between West Gloucestershire and the All England Eleven, four Graces played in the West Gloucestershire team, the father and his sons Alfred Grace, E. M. Grace and Henry Grace, and Mr Pocock the uncle. They were opposed by a team whjcb included Clarke, Parr, Tinley, Caesar, Anderson and Stephenson. In another match against the All England Eleven in 1864 Dr Henry Grace figured, his team winning easily. Dr Henry Grace's medical practice prevented him from taking an active part in cricket for many years past but he was never backward in encouraging young players, and his knowledge of the game was | so deep that he rarely failed in his estimate of the abilities of a new man. As a medical man he was held in high esteem. His true worth was best known and appreciated at Kingswood, where "Dr Henry " was everybody's friend. He leaves a widow, one son and three daughters.