An Australian-built copy of the American South Bend 9-inch "Workshop" lathe, the Parkanson was much less well known than the other Antipodean versions sold by Hercus, Sheraton and Purcell. Parkanson was the brand name of Theo. Park & Son, Engineers, of 10-12 Teton Court, Highett, Victoria. Melbourne, who were well known, over many decades, as manufacturers of industrial power hacksaws and shapers.
Unlike other copies of the 9-inch, the Parkanson was offered in an underdrive form, with the front and back of the headstock casting cut away to allow the passage of a flat belt to a countershaft slung beneath the bench (a similar example can be seen part way down this page). It is possible, but not confirmed, that like South Bend the makers would have offered both a complete cabinet and the plans to build one but instead offered plans for home or workshop construction in wood. 
If any reader has a Parkanson lathe - or other machine tool the writer would be pleased to hear from you..