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| Judy Hunter with her father Thomas King's Team of the Century Award |
Judy Hunter is immensely proud of her father Thomas
Frederick King or “Mutta” as he was affectionately known by family and friends.
“ He took a lot of time keeping fit, he was a wonderful father, very community
minded, humble and he helped children
with disabilities learn,” said Judy as she leafed through her mother’s
scrapbook that chronicles Tom’s achievements since 1934.
“His mother’s name was
Florance and she was from the South Sea Islands. Her parents were brought to
Australia to work in the sugarcane fields. His father, Sargent George Wheeler, was
an Englishman and was a police Sargent” Judy said. “He never talked much to me about his mother’s
family, “ she continued.
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| Thomas "Mutta" (on the right) was the biggest man at Walkers, Judy claims. |
He was also an all-round sports star both locally and nationally. “This is amazing” exclaimed Judy, “because when he was eight he damaged his kneecap when he dived into the pool and they thought he may not even be able to walk!”
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| Thomas King at the swimming club (second row on the left) |
He was an active participant in the swimming club
and kept swimming after his retirement. “When he moved to Hervey Bay he would swim
the length of the bay to keep fit” Judy said.
Although Tom was a natural sportsman, he excelled at rowing and rugby League. His rowing career began in Maryborough in 1933. As a member of the Maryborough Rowing Club’s eight oared team he broke the record competing for the three mile King’s Cup. He continued rowing as part of the eight and four oared team for several years, breaking many records.
Although Tom was a natural sportsman, he excelled at rowing and rugby League. His rowing career began in Maryborough in 1933. As a member of the Maryborough Rowing Club’s eight oared team he broke the record competing for the three mile King’s Cup. He continued rowing as part of the eight and four oared team for several years, breaking many records.
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| Thomas with some of his Rugby League Trophies |
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| Thomas with the Tom Lawrence Cup trophy he won four times |
“Rugby League is the sport that he broke most records in”
claims Judy. Tom’s Rugby League career spanned 27 years, from 1928 to 1954.
During that time he played for Wallaroos, Rovers and Brothers. Some of the
records he set still stand today. Tom also played against England and was in the National Rugby League team.
Did you know of Tom
King’s outstanding Rugby League career?
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| Dennis Wellbeloved and "Mutta" holding the 2000 Olympic Torch |
He was one of the most liked and respected sports people in
this area. “Everyone liked him” said
Judy. Denis Wellbeloved took the 2000 Sydney
Olympic Torch to “Mutta” in hospital as
a sign of respect for a life spent devoted to his family and community.
Judy Hunter has donated Tom’s memorabilia and scrapbooks to
the Fraser Coast Council. His scrapbook and other details can be found in the
local history room at Maryborough Library.Published with consent of Judy Hunter
Tags: #Frasercoastlibraries #Qldheritage #Qldrugbyleague #Thomasking
1 comment:
Thank you so much Judy for making your beloved Dad's story available to us. What a wonderful man and representative of the community. I grew up in Maryborough, did all my schooling there and unfortunately never had the pleasure of knowing about of meeting Mutta. I am thrilled that the community was not as ignorant as I was and that Mutta actually had the opportunity to receive and participate in acknowledgement and eternal recognition via the Olympic torch. Thank you Judy and Fraser Coast Library.
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