George Bailey

BAILEY, MR. GEORGE HERBERT, born at Colombo, in Ceylon, on October 29, 1853, died at Hobart, in Tasmania, on October 10, aged nearly 73. After being at Lichfield Grammar School, he went to Elizabeth College, Guernesy, where he was captain of the Eleven in 1869 and 1870. Obtaining an appointment in the Union Bank of Australia, he resided for twelve years at Launceston and for a short period at Albany, in West Australia, before settling in Hobart. In 1874 he won both batting and bowling prizes for the Launceston C.C., and it was whilst associated with that club that he was chosen as a member of the pioneer Australian team of 1878. He was then described as A free, wristy batsman with good style; an excellent field and good change bowler. Whilst in England he made 752 runs, with an average of 15.66, his highest score being 106 against XVIII of Hastings. He was invited to come over again with the Australian team of 1880, but, for business reasons, was unable to do so. Of the side which visited us in 1878, only Charles Bannerman, Blackham and Garrett now survive. Almost immediately after his return home, Bailey met with a curious accident whilst fielding against XV of New South Wales, at Sydney, for in throwing-in a ball he fractured his arm above the elbow. During the season of 1880-1 he played a not-out innings of 227 for Derwent v. Break-o'-Day, at Hobart, and, keeping up the game well until quite a veteran, he scored 156 out of 239 for New Town v. North Hobart, in a B. Grade match, in December, 1907. He had then completed his 54th year. He took part in many matches between North and South of Tasmania, and he particularly distinguished himself in the game at Hobart in 1892-3. The North, left with 307 to win, were successful by eight wickets, Bailey (139) and C. W. Rock (113) making 226 together for the first partnership.