6. Decline of the Carnival 1930-39

Decline of the Carnival 1930-39

Racing results including names of the winning crews can be found in the Challenge Trophy chapter beneath the description of the various challenge cups.

Association annual reports and annual regatta programs can be found in Appendices B and C.

The decline of the carnival continued with greater speed leading up to WWII. The compounding effects of the Depression, the physical barrier created by the construction of the Punt Road Bridge, and the growth of other social and sporting outlets for Melbournians all contributed. The rowing side continued to maintain its importance with interstate crews competing regularly. The rowing appeal was not lost on the sport.

Full definition images of this regatta can be found on the Australian Rowing Images website through this link.

1930 

 The Regatta date was changed to the last weekend of November, following three successive years of poor attendance and revenue. The weather was significantly better, which was well received by rowers and spectators. The new Oarsman’s Memorial judges’ box was greatly appreciated by the Regatta judges. Attendance was increased, and given the Great Depression, day ticket prices were reduced from three to two shillings, and evening tickets increased by sixpence. In spite of the economic climate during the Depression, the Regatta recorded a surplus of £11/1/4, even after the customary donations to the Lord Mayor’s Fund and, St. John Ambulance, Red Cross Society and Royal Life Saving Society had been made. 

The Regatta was attended by the Acting Governor of Victoria, Sir William Irvine, although the Governor-General was unable to attend. The usual houseboat hospitality, dancing and fireworks display occurred in the evening. Wounded soldiers from the hospitals continued to have their own enclosure, and ‘were served an afternoon tea by the ladies of the Red Cross Society’.

MUBC defeat Eaglehawk and Warrnambool in the final of the maiden fours

The President, Sir George Fairbairn, continued to remain abroad, with A.O. Henty serving as acting Chairman of the Executive during his and J.M. Macfarlane’s absences abroad. Col. J.M. Semmens was again elected Chairman of the General Committee. Obituaries were issued for late members W.E.P. Austin, A.F. Moore and B. Kelly.

Racing - The 1930 Regatta had a strong entries list, with 71 crews and 420 competitors. Interstate entries were, again, more limited than in previous years, with Victorian crews winning seven out of eight events, and there were no international entries. Mercantile RC won the Grand Challenge Cup for the fourth time, a total then only beaten by Albert Park RC. The Ladies’ Challenge Cup, for the fourth time in a decade, was a row over, with no private schools seemingly showing interest in entering the event.

Sydney's Jim Goulding, winner of the Yarra Challenge and Silver Sculls

1931 

The Regatta - Weather conditions for 1931 were favorable, although attendance and therefore gate-takings were lower than the previous year resulting in a loss of £151. The Governor-General did not attend, although the Lieutenant Governor, Sir William Irvine, watched the racing from the President’s houseboat. An improved fireworks display on the water took place, and dancing continued into the evening. Possibly in light of the reduced takings, no customary donations to charities were recorded on the Annual Report. The enclosure for wounded soldiers, attended to by the Red Cross, continued as per previous years.

Colonel J.M. Semmens was re-elected Chairman of the General Committee, and J.M. Macfarlane, who also had coached Mercantile RC to win the Grand, was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Association noted the passing of late member G.R. Blackwood.

Racing - The 1931 Regatta had a slightly smaller entry list than previous years, although there were still a healthy 69 crews and 390 competitors racing. For the first time, every state was represented at the Regatta, although Victorian crews dominated the winnings. A record 12 crews were entered into the Elswick Challenge Cup. Mercantile RC retained the Grand Challenge Cup, and also won the Founders’ Challenge Cup. Jim A Goulding from Sydney RC retained the Yarra Cup.

Mercantile winning the Grand in 1931

Sydney's Jim Gouding retained the Yarra Challenge Cup and Silver Sculls - pictured here in NSW uniform

1932 

The Regatta - In spite of the excellent weather, attendance was only marginally improved from the previous year, with only a small profit of £52 recorded. For the first time in many years, neither the Governor-General nor the Governor of Victoria attended, as they were out of Melbourne on Regatta day. Houseboats for the President, Lord Mayor, Association Subscribers, Australian Club and Amateur Sports Club of Victoria were present. It was noted that the Old Scotch Collegians Club and Melbourne University Sports Union had not had a houseboat in a number of years.

 The canoe display was described by the Association as ‘particularly brilliant’, with eight prizes issued in total. Wounded soldiers from the military hospitals were again provided with their own enclosure, and the Naval Cutters race was greatly enjoyed. The usual dancing and fireworks display occurred in the evening. Several suggestions were made to the Committee, including making the Naval Cutters race permanent, establishing a diving competition, and arranging an enclosure on the north bank of the Yarra. The diving competition was rejected, on the grounds of being incompatible with the object of the Regatta, and impractical. The other matters were deferred for later consideration.

Colonel J.M. Semmens was re-elected Chairman of the General Committee, and J.M. Macfarlane Chairman of the Executive. Colonel G.I. Stevenson was elected Deputy Chairman of the Executive. The Committee issued obituaries for late members the Hon. T.H. Payne, J. Brandon, A. Baynes Jnr. and J.I. Fisken. The late A. Baynes had won the Yarra Challenge Cup only a decade earlier in 1922.

Racing - The 1932 Regatta had a strong entry list, with 71 crews and 390 competitors, an increase on the previous year. However, for the first time in many years, there were no interstate sweep boats competing. Weather conditions were described as ideal. There was an additional event this year of a Naval Cutters Race between Williamstown and Port Melbourne, which was won by Williamstown. The Grand Challenge Cup was won by Richmond RC for the first time. The Australian sculls champion, H.J. Turner, won the Yarra Challenge Cup in a record time of 5 minutes 27 seconds after jumping from this boat on the start line to rescue a child who had fallen into the river.

Melbourne RC had a particularly successful regatta, winning both the Maiden Eights and Founders’ Challenge Cup. Melbourne R.C coach T.S. Flint took two wins to his name, for the Melbourne RC Maiden Eight and the Melbourne High School four in the Ladies’. The Ladies’ was the most competitive event in recent years, with five crews entered.

Richmond RC (VIC) win a heat in the maiden eights from Hawthorn and Footscray

Herb Turner of Haberfield (NSW) takes home the Yarra Challenge Cup and Silver Sculls

1933

The Regatta - Attendance was similar to 1932, although a falling evening attendance meant a loss of £132 was recorded. The weather was pleasant, although reportedly cool in the evening, which may have contributed to falling gate revenue. Neither the Governor-General nor the Lieutenant Governor attended this year, for the second Regatta running. A new feature of the Regatta was introduced, ‘a competition for the most appropriately dressed Henley girl’. Miss Doris Harper was declared winner, ‘from among the large number of attractively dressed girls competing’.

The fireworks display was, the Association noted, generally regarded as the best yet. A merry-go ride was provided for children, the canoe procession was well received and theannual enclosure for wounded soldiers was again attended by the Red Cross. The question of an enclosure north of the river was rejected.

The Association was eager to mark the centenary of the foundation of Melbourne in 1834.The Committee hoped to invite Prince Henry to visit the 1934 Australian Henley Regatta,and invitations to invite an English crew to the Grand Challenge Cup had been extended toLeander Club, London Rowing Club and Thames Rowing Club, alongside New Zealand clubs. The Committee also secured a five-year lease from the City Council of the Henley lawns at a rental of £120 p.a., and the Williamstown Ferry was purchased for the use of houseboats.

Colonel J.M. Semmens was re-elected Chairman of the General Committee, and J.M. Macfarlane as Chairman of the Executive. Colonel G.I. Stevenson was also re-elected Deputy Chairman of the Executive. The Association deeply regretted the death of H.M. Strachan, founding member, former President and Chairman of the General and Executive Committees. An obituary was also issued for T. Crosthwaite, member of the Executive Committee since 1919.

Racing - The 1933 Regatta had 55 crew entries from 26 clubs, numbering some 342 competitors. Whilst still a strong list, this was some 70 competitors fewer than the previous year. Again, interstate entries were limited, although Berri RC (SA) won their first victory in the Stewards’ Challenge Cup. Richmond RC had a very successful regatta, winning three events: the Grand, the Founders’ and the Maiden Eights. This was the first time a club had won three events in the same year. H.J. Turner, now competing for NSW Police instead of Haberfield RC, broke his previous record by 2 seconds to win the Yarra Challenge Cup. No children needed rescuing at the start line this year! The Ladies’ Challenge Cup again suffered from a lack of entries, and was a row over.

The Naval Cutters Race, initiated the previous year, was repeated with Port Melbourne beating Williamstown in a reversal of the last result. The Canoe Fours Championship of Victoria also was raced at the Regatta for the first time, with Burnley defeating their opposition.

1934

The Regatta - At the invitation of the Association, the Centenary Regatta was attended by HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. The Prince followed the semi-final between Richmond and London by motor-launch ‘to tumultuous reception all along the course’ and remained on the President’s houseboat until the close of racing. Despite the Royal visit, neither the Governor-General or the State Governor were present. The regular houseboats for the Lord Mayor, Australian Club, Association Subscribers, Amateur Sports Club of Victoria were this year joined by a boat for the English Public Schools’ Old Boys’ Association.

Attendance was significantly higher than the previous year, although £637 spent on works at the Williamstown ferry meant overall funds were depleted. A larger than usual fireworks display took place, and the customary canoe procession had prizes selected for winners. Deck chairs and afternoon tea continued to be provided for wounded soldiers, although it is not clear if they had their own enclosure as per previous regattas. No mention of dancing was made by the Association, as had also taken place previously.

Colonel J.M. Semmens was re-elected Chairman of the General Committee, J.M. Macfarlane as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Colonel G.I Stevenson as Deputy Chairman of the Executive. Obituaries were issued for E.H. Flack, honorary treasurer of the Association and founding member, and also Sir J. Grice, G. Buckley and G.P. Fairbairn.

Racing - The 1934 Regatta was a celebration of the centenary year of the foundation of Melbourne. As such, it had arguably the most impressive entry list of any Australian regatta until that point. The highlight was the entry of London Rowing Club, who won the Grand Challenge Cup. The Association were particularly pleased to report that:

‘after so many years of effort, the first English crew to visit Australia was seen at Henley on this occasion, thus achieving one of the main objectives in the formation of the Association. The standard of rowing was high, as demonstrated by their easy wins at Henley and a week later at the Victorian championship, but apart from their rowing ability the men were a credit to the sport and the esteem of all those whom they met whilst in Australia.’

78 crews from 39 clubs were entered, a total of 483 competitors. 12 entries in the Grand set a new record, with the first crew from New Zealand entered into this event, who lost to London in the final. H.J. Turner, representing NSW Police, won the Yarra Challenge Cup for the third year consecutively. Berri RC (SA) retained the Stewards’ Challenge Cup against interstate opposition. Port Melbourne again won the Naval Cutters Race against Williamstown, and the second Canoe Fours Championship was raced as the last event of the day.

1935

The Regatta - The Regatta had good weather and attendance was the highest for six years. The Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntingfield, was in attendance, and for the first time a 350-yard long enclosure was erected on the north bank of the Yarra, with gate receipts sufficient to justify erecting the enclosure. However, the Association recorded a small loss of £108.

A view upstream in 1935 from the north bank

Fireworks and dancing continued into the night, and in cooperation with the Victorian Motor Boat Club a display of illuminated boats was present. The ‘Henley Girl’ competition was run again, with Miss E. Wheeler taking the prize. The canoe parade also took place, to complete the series of non-rowing attractions taking place. Wounded soldiers continued to have deck chairs provided for, and were assisted by the Red Cross.

Colonel J.M. Semmens, J.M. Macfarlane and Colonel G. I Stevenson were re-elected to their roles as Chairman of the General Committee, Executive Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Executive respectively. Obituaries were recorded for E. Jowett and N. Mcleod.

Racing - The 1935 Regatta had a strong entry list, with 29 clubs entering 74 crews and 430 competitors. With the exception of the Melbourne Centenary Year, this was the largest entry since 1929, with a good number of interstate entries from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

 A new event, the Lightweight Maiden Eight, was introduced with seven entries, and the inaugural victory went to Melbourne RC. The club had a very successful regatta, winning three events. New South Wales crews dominated the senior events, winning the Grand, Stewards’ and Yarra Challenge Cups. Herbert J Turner won the Yarra for the fourth consecutive year. The winning Police crew in the Grand went onto represent Australia in the 1936 Olympic Games. Power House RC had their first win at this regatta in the maiden eights with the same crew as in 1933 when the Club made their debut at the regatta. The Naval Cutters Race and Canoe Championships were also raced with almost the same entries as previous years. The Ladies’ Challenge Cup was competed between two Melbourne schools for the first time in many years, with Melbourne High School retaining the trophy yet again.

Police Rowing Club (NSW)
Standing l-r: C L (George) Elias, Walter Jordan, Len A Einsaar, George McKenzie (coach), Merv T Wood, Don G Ferguson & William G Cross.
Seated l-r: Walter Mackney,  Norman Ella & A B (Joe) Gould.

1936

The Regatta - The Regatta day was warm, although it became cloudy in the evening. In attendance was the Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntingfield. The usual houseboats for the President of the Association Sir George Fairbairn, the Association Subscribers, Australian Club and Amateur Sports Club of Victoria were present.

The motor boat show of the previous year, organised with the Victorian Motor Boat Club, was repeated to provide ‘an excellent display’. Additionally, this year a special float was arranged by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade which was popularly received. Deck chairs for wounded soldiers continued to be provided, and Miss. E. Darvall won the competition for most appropriately dressed Henley girl.

For the 1936 Regatta, the Association were unable to obtain permission from the Melbourne City Council to enclose the reserve on the north bank of the Yarra. This they blame on falling gate entries, which caused a loss of £298 to the Regatta. So poor was the consecutive losses of recent years during the Depression that the Association stated:

‘serious consideration must be given by the incoming committee as to whether it will be possible to continue the Regatta.’

Colonel J.M. Semmens was re-elected Chairman of the General Committee, and J.M. Macfarlane was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Committee. Colonel G.I. Stevenson was re-elected Deputy Chairman of the Executive, and A. Spowers resigned from the executive due to business pressures. However, following the death of Colonel J.M. Semmens, the Association issued an obituary for the sitting Chairman of the General Committee, alongside those for T. Brentnall and R.J. Lewis.

Racing - The 30th annual Australian Henley in 1936 had a strong entry list, the third largest since the commencement of the Regatta. 79 crews and 442 competitors were relatively evenly distributed throughout the events, with all the states except Queensland represented. North Shore RC became only the fourth interstate crew to win the Grand Challenge Cup, and Richmond RC and Mercantile RC had a successful regatta winning two events each.

The Ladies’ had the most entries for many years, with several schools debuting at the Regatta, although the event was once again won by Melbourne High School. The Yarra Challenge Cup was again retained by a sculler from NSW, this year W.F. Bradley representing Sydney RC. As for several years previously, the Naval Cutters Race and Canoe Fours Championship were also features of the Regatta racing schedule. A description of the day’s racing was broadcast over the national radio stations.

Results

1937

The 1937 Regatta had a north bank enclosure again, which had been rejected the previous year by the City Council. However, due to what the Committee noted as ‘the infantile paralysis epidemic’, also known as the Victorian polio epidemic, attendance was the lowest since 1907, and the Regatta showed a loss of £101. However, expenditure was also significantly reduced.

The Regatta was attended by the Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntingfield. The weather was very hot, recorded at 100F in the shade. Due to construction works of the Punt Road Bridge, the distance was 168 feet short of the mile. The canoe parade and Miss Henley competitions of previous years were held, although no note was made of the motor boat show from the last two years. Deck chairs for wounded soldiers continued to be provided, and attended to by the Red Cross.

Following the death of Colonel J.M. Semmens, Sir S. Morrell was elected Chairman of the General Committee. J.M. Macfarlane was re-elected Chairman of the Executive, and Colonel G.I. Stevenson was re-elected Deputy Chairman of the Executive. The Association recorded the deaths of members S. Fairbairn and C.M. Newman.

Entries to the 1937 Australian Henley Regatta were slightly down on the previous year, but still numbered 63 crews and 370 competitors. There were interstate entries from South Australia and New South Wales, with the Grand Challenge Cup being won again by NSW Police. H.J. Turner, also representing NSW Police, won the Yarra Challenge Cup for the fifth time.

Reg Daly of the Police Rowing Club both coxed and coached the Police eight to a win in the Grand

The 1937 Regatta victories were in several instances a family affair. The Stewards’ Challenge Cup was won by the four Jelbart brothers and cousins, and the Dimboola RC crew who won the Elswick featured Ern and Les Gazelle. The Mercantile RC Maiden Four winning crew had brothers Richard and Raymond Brewin in the stern seats. Tragically, Raymond Brewin would several years later be killed serving with the RAAF in the United Kingdom.

Herbert Turner returned to again win the Yarra Challenge Cup and Silver Sculls

1938

The Regatta was again raced over a shorter distance, 150 yards short of a mile, due to the construction of Punt Road Bridge. A small reserve was again installed on the north bank of the Yarra, in addition to the main enclosure on the Henley lawns. Support to the Regatta was given by the Master Drapers’ Association of Victoria, with publicity and financial assistance provided. It was also agreed with commercial launch owners to pay 1 shilling per seat to the Association funds for the duration of the Regatta, to increase financial stability. These two measures ensured the 1938 Regatta was profitable, with a £302 surplus after a number of years of financial losses.

The canoe competition of previous years continued, and the Miss Henley girl competition was won this year by Marie Voight. Miss Voight came down the river on a floral float with 1,400 lights. Additionally, this year a ‘flour battle’ between the Vikings from the YMCA and canoeists took place, ‘a most amusing turn which the public greatly appreciated’. However, the evening dancing and fireworks displays of years past seemed to no longer be features of the Regatta. It was also announced by the City Council that a new Spring Carnival would take place, and the Regatta would now be its concluding feature.

The officers of the Association, Sir S. Morell, J.M. Macfarlane and G.I Stevenson were again elected to their positions. Obituaries were recorded for J.A. Campbell, E. Currie, C.S. Cunningham, R. Curwen, M. Shea, A.M. Tracey and J. Wilson.

A copy of the 1938 regatta program can be found through this link.

The 1938 Regatta had a large entries list of 67 crews and 400 competitors. Four NSW crews entered, and went on to win two events. H.J. Turner, recently crowned champion at the British Empire Games in Sydney, won the Yarra Challenge Cup for the sixth time. Mercantile RC won the Grand Challenge Cup for the seventh time, the greatest number of times for any club. NSW Police won their first victory in the Stewards’, rather than entering to defend their title in the Grand from the previous year. The Ladies’ Challenge Cup continued to suffer from a lack of entries and once again was won by Melbourne High School.

Mercantile (VIC) defeats Haberfield (NSW) in the Grand

1939

As in 1914, the Regatta programme was printed on red paper to signify the impending war. This feeling was reflected in the exclusion of all carnival attractions from the programme, and there were no enclosures erected. Despite this, attendance was reported as remarkably good. The Spring Carnival that had been proposed for the previous week was cancelled by the City Council.

Sir S. Morell, J.M. Macfarlane and G.I. Stevenson were re-elected to their respective roles as Chairman of the General Committee, Chairman of the Executive and Deputy Chairman of the Executive. The Association recorded the deaths of H.J. Whiting, W.B. House and J.V. Fairbairn, Minister for Air, who was killed in the 1940 Canberra air disaster in which three cabinet members lost their lives.

It was to be the last regatta until after WWII in 1946.

The 1939 Regatta was held on Sunday 18th November 1939, two weeks after war had been declared with Germany. This meant a significant number of changes to the Regatta. Firstly, entries were much more limited, with only 260 competitors, and the Association noted that many oarsmen were already in military camps. For the first time since 1904, there were no entries in the Grand Challenge Cup, and only two interstate crews from Tasmania were competing. The Naval Cutters Race was abandoned, no doubt many of those who would be competing had already enlisted in the RAN. The junior events remained competitive, although the Ladies’ was also abandoned due to lack of entries.

Footnotes

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