7. Recovery after WWII

Recovery after WWII

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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.

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

1946

The Regatta - Perhaps as a response to the lack of racing during wartime, attendance at the 1946 was reportedly very good. A surplus of £919 was recorded, and the support of the Master Drapers’ Association of Victoria continued post-war. The Henley Girl Competition was also revived, won by Miss Joy Clayton, as were the canoe and motor boat prizes. In addition, this year a Highland Dancing Competition was held, under the Victorian Scottish Union Rules, to popular reception. However, neither the Governor-General, Governor of Victoria, nor the Lord Mayor were in attendance this year.

There had been significant changes to the Association over wartime. Both the President, Sir George Fairbairn, and the Chairman of the General Committee, Sir Stephen Morell, had died. Following this, C.N. McKay was elected President, and A.L. Dobbie Chairman of the General Committee. J.M. Macfarlane was re-elected Chairman of the Executive, and G.I. Stevenson Deputy Chairman. E. Kenny resigned as Secretary, and was replaced by C. Ramsay-Rose. Obituaries were issued for A.O. Henty, N. Bayles, J.A. Levey, T. Grantham, E.N. Grimwade and A.B. Speeding.

Prior to the regatta recommencing after WWII, the Association Secretary wrote to the Victorian Rowing Association noting the Regatta's contributions to charities, rowing and river improvements over time The results are interesting:

• Charities £ 3,048
• River improvements £4,164
• Expenses contributions to visiting non-Melbourne crews £4,922
• Donations to VRA and Victorian clubs £3,464
• Donations to Australian crews competing overseas £700

Whilst these sums do not appear to be significant in modern day terms, they were substantial sums when provided.

The regatta was conducted on 23rd November before a large crowd.

A full copy of the 1946 regatta program can be found through this link.

Racing - The 1946 Regatta was the first Australian Henley race since 1939 due to the war. In contrast to 1939, with a limited entries list due to mass-mobilisation of military personnel, the 1946 Regatta had a strong competitors list. 412 rowers entered, and there were many interstate crews.

The Grand Challenge Cup was again won by a crew from NSW, with Haberfield winning their first victory in the event. The winners of the other events were dominated by regional crews, with all categories bar the Lightweight Maiden Eight and Senior Four won by clubs outside of Melbourne. Two clubs, the SA Railway Institute and Union of Old Oarsmen, made their first entry to the Regatta, and the Ladies’ Challenge Cup was again determined by a row-over due to lack of entries, as had previously been the case in the 1920s and 1930s.

1947

A full copy of the 1947 regatta program can be found through this link.

The 1947 Regatta suffered from heavy rain the evening which limited attendance. This resulted in a loss of £645, with the Association noting that costs of providing equipment had increased significantly. The Henley Girl, Artistic Canoe and Highland Dancing competitions were all run again to much success, with the renewed support of the Master Drapers’ Association of Victoria. Miss Henley was judged on a raised platform so that the public could get a better view. Miss Jean Stewart was the winner.

The Executive Committee noted their concern of the proposed construction of Swan Street Bridge. The Committee lobbied for the bridge to be closer to the existing Princes Bridge but to no avail

All the serving officers of the Association were re-elected to their positions. The obituary of S.H. Nash was recorded.

The 1947 Regatta had a relatively strong entry list, comprising 75 crews and 390 competitors. There were strong interstate entries from New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The Grand Challenge Cup was returned to Victorian hands and won for the first time by Corio Bay RC, with the same crew that had won the Founders' Challenge Cup the previous year. The maiden events had strong entries with Banks RC dominating both the Lightweight and heavyweight Maiden Eights.

The Canoe Fours and Naval Whalers Race were run again as per previous years, although for the second year running the Ladies’ was uncontested with no racing. West Australian RC were rewarded for their journey across the country with a win in the Elswick Challenge Cup against local competition.

1948

Due to construction work of the Swan Street Bridge, the Regatta course had to be moved 400 yards upstream. The narrowness of the banks at this point meant the construction of an enclosure and the mooring of houseboats was impossible. The lack of gate revenue meant the Regatta recorded a loss of £435, although attendance was still strong with 6000-7000 people attending. As for the other post-war regattas, the dignitaries list was reduced compared to in the 1920s and 1930s when the Governor-General, Governor of Victoria or royalty would regularly attend.

J.M Macfarlane was elected President of the Association. A.L. Dobbie was elected Chairman of the General Committee, and G.I Stevenson re-elected Chairman of the Executive.

Obituaries were recorded for W.M. Bayles, Major General H.W. Grimwade, Brigadier E.F. Harrison, A.E.T. Payne and J.K. Peterson.

The thirty-sixth annual Regatta numbered 388 competitors and 58 crews. Two interstate crews competed, a number smaller than previous years. The Grand Challenge Cup was won by Melbourne RC for the first time since 1926. Cardross RC, located outside Mildura, a club formed only the previous year, won the Elswick. Mercantile RC had a successful regatta winning both the Stewards’ and Maiden Four events. The Canoe Fours Championship and Naval Whalers races continued to be raced with larger entries than previous years.

A full copy of the 1948 regatta program can be found through this link.

1949

Due to the continued construction of Swan Street Bridge, which the Association lamented was ‘progressing very slowly’, a shortened upstream course was again raced on. As in 1948, no enclosures or houseboats could be provided, due to the narrowness of the bank at the finish, and no gate takings could be made. However, a profit of £166 was recorded, and attendance was estimated at 6000-7000, despite the lack of usual attractions.

J.M. Macfarlane and A.L. Dobbie were elected to the roles as President, and Chairman of the Executive and General Committees respectively. E. Kenny was elected Assistant Honorary Secretary, and Colonel G.I. Stevenson resigned from the General and Executive Committees. The deaths of R.R. Pugh and W. Robertson were recorded.

The 1949 Regatta had the largest entries list for many years, totalling 455 rowers from 77 crews. Nine interstate crews were competing, with Fremantle RC (WA) and Wallaroo RC (SA) racing at Australian Henley for the first time. Melbourne University BC won the Grand Challenge Cup for the first time since 1924. R. Rawlins from Melbourne RC won the Yarra Challenge Cup for the third time. The Ladies’ continued to suffer from a lack of interest, and no race was held this year, or for the previously well-contested Naval Whalers Race.

1950

A full copy of the 1950 regatta program can be found through this link.

The 1950 Regatta was again run on the shorter, upstream course due to the continued construction of Swan Street Bridge, for the third year running. Attendance reportedly remained good despite this, although yet again no other attractions could be offered. The Regatta was profitable by £550, although £350 of this was settlement from an insurance claim. Again, as had been the case for all the post-war Regattas, no notable dignitaries were in attendance, in comparison to the pre-war attendance of the Governor of Victoria and Governor-General.

J.M. Macfarlane, A.L. Dobbie and W.S. Philip were re-elected to their positions. N.W. Cairnes and R.W. Thursfield were elected Joint Honorary Secretaries. Obituaries were noted for Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey and Mr O’Dell Crowther.

The thirty-eighth Australian Henley Regatta had a strong entry list, comprising 424 competitors and 84 crews. Interstate entries were numerous, although the winners were almost exclusively Victorian crews. The 1950 Regatta had two new events, the coxed Senior Pairs and coxed Senior Double Sculls. These were won by Melbourne RC and a Mercantile RC-Melbourne composite. Racing was closely fought, with three dead heats recorded.

The final of the Grand Challenge had to be re-rowed after a dead heat, which then resulted in Mercantile coming from behind to win by a canvas. Mercantile had a particularly successful regatta, winning in addition to the Grand and the Double Sculls the Founders’ Challenge Cup. Banks RC dominated the Maiden and Lightweight Eights events with victories in both. For the second year running, neither the Ladies’ nor the Naval Whalers Race had any entries.

1951

As per the previous four years a shortened upstream course was raced on, due to the construction of Swan Street Bridge. However, some features of the Regatta were revived, including the Miss Henley Girl competition with Miss Angela Gleeson named Miss Henley, along with the return of the Canoe and Motor Boat decoration competitions. A small enclosure was erected, and 5,000 people attended. The Regatta was profitable, with a surplus of £211.

J.M. Macfarlane, A.L. Dobbie, N.W. Cairnes, R.W. Thursfield and W.S. Phillip were all elected to their previous roles in the Association. W.S. Philip then resigned due to business pressures, and was replaced by F.A. Smith.

The 1951 Regatta had 77 entries from 35 clubs, numbering 358 competitors. This was a slightly reduced figure from previous years, but the interstate showing was excellent, with 51 competitors. There were several significant changes to the racing programme. The Ladies’ Challenge Cup, previously competed as the School Four, was reassigned to create a Lightweight Four event, due to a lack of interest for the event in previous years. A Canoe Pairs event was also introduced in 1951, and the Senior Coxed Pairs event introduced the year before was raced again.

Mercantile RC dominated the winnings in 1951. The club won five events, a record for one club’s victories at the Regatta. Particularly impressive was winning all the Senior Eights, Fours and Pairs. In the Canoe Championships Fairfield won both events, the Pairs and Fours.

1952

For the first time since 1947, racing was held further downstream with the usual finish at the VRA Judges’ Box, due to the completion of Swan Street Bridge. For the first time a 2000m course was used for Senior races, as opposed to the approximately 1 mile distance as had previously been used. All other events continued to race the 1 mile course for 1952.

The return of the regatta downstream and the erection of Henley lawn enclosures was excellent for attendance, which was counted at 30,000 people. As such, a surplus of £143 was recorded for the year. The Henley Girl Competition had 100 entries and was won by Miss Jeanette Stewart, whilst the canoe and motor boat parades were well received. A fireworks show and dancing in the evening was reintroduced to popular uptake. The National Fitness Council staged a folk dancing presentation and a puppet show was provided for children. Present at the Regatta was former Prime Minister of Australia, and University of Cambridge rower, Viscount of Melbourne Stanley Bruce, who presented the Challenge Cups.

J.M. Macfarlane was re-elected President of the Association, A.L. Dobbie to Chairman of the General and Executive Committees, R.W. Thursfield Honorary Secretary, N.W. Cairnes Assistant Honorary Secretary and F.A. Smith Honorary Treasurer. N.W. Cairnes then resigned due to business pressures. A number of new members were elected to the Association, which now stood at 206 members. An obituary was noted for late member J.H. Connell.

There were significant changes to the racing for the 1952 Australian Henley Regatta. Two new events were introduced; the Junior Coxed Pair and Maiden Coxed Pair, and the Maiden Eights event was bestowed a new cup, the Lord Mayor’s Challenge Cup. 93 crews and 421 competitors were entered, a significantly larger number than previous years. Interstate entries were also strong, with crews from New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania racing.

Mercantile RC were, as they also were the previous year, by far the most successful club at the Regatta, winning four events: the Grand, Stewards’, Founders’ and Ladies’. R. Rawlins won the Yarra Challenge Cup for an impressive fourth time representing Melbourne RC. Also impressive was P.M. Evatt and B. Bession winning both the Junior and Senior Pairs. The Naval Whalers Race was removed from the Regatta following several years of no entries.

1953

Poor weather preceding, and during the morning of, the Regatta affected attendance in 1954, resulting in a loss of £254. However, the usual events of the Henley Girl Competition, canoe and motor boat parades, folk dancing and a flour battle were all well received. The President of the Association entertained guests on his houseboat, a feature absent for a number of years. Dancing and fireworks were held in the evening, and a cocktail party in the subscriber’s reserve was a popular new addition.

The Committee purchased fencing for use of the enclosures, to avoid future hire costs, at a sum of £2,083.

 The President of the Association, J.M. Macfarlane, resigned and was replaced by E.B. Coles. A.L. Dobbie remained as Chairman of the Executive and General Committees, R.W. Thursfield as Honorary Secretary, F.A. Smith as Honorary Treasurer, and J.A. McBean and D.J. Morgan were elected Assistant Honorary Secretaries. Obituaries for J. South, J.G. Mann and E.W. Burne were recorded.

The 1953 Regatta numbered 411 competitors and 94 crews. There were several new additions to the racing programme; a 1⁄4 mile Sculls Dash event was held, and a Surf Boat Race and Surf Skis Race further increased the variety of the day’s programme. Mercantile RC yet again had a very successful regatta, winning the Grand, Founders’, Lord Mayor’s and Ladies’ Challenge Cups. Haberfield RC also had great success, winning the Senior Double Sculls, the 1⁄4 Mile Dash and the Lightweight Eights. The Canoe Fours and Pairs continued to be raced under the jurisdiction of the Victorian Canoe Association, with Fairfield CC winning both events.

1954

There was reportedly fine weather and good attendance for the 1954 Regatta. The President had a houseboat once again, and the Henley Parade, canoe and motor boat competition were held. A Mannequin Parade was also conducted. A fireworks display, concert and dancing occurred in the evening.

Entries for the 1954 Regatta were smaller than in previous years, but still numbered 356 oarsmen and 88 crews. Interstate entries remained strong, with crews from New South Wales and Tasmania. For the first time since the 1940s, a School’s Four category was raced, with seven entries. Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar competed, with the Association noting that: ‘The race for school fours attracted an entry of seven crews, three of these from public schools... it is the desire of the Executive to seek even greater from this source at future regattas’.

1955

The Association noted that the 1955 Regatta was one of the most successful in recent years. There was a strong attendance, no doubt in part due to the Festival, and a profit of £1,290 was recorded. The Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks, was in attendance with a Guard of Honour from the Royal Melbourne Regiment, and was entertained on the President’s houseboat. The Henley Girl, canoe and motor boat competitions took place, and a Mannequin parade was also held. The Band of the Royal Melbourne Regiment provided a concert, and dancing and fireworks continued into the evening, on both the Saturday and Monday. The Association were pleased to report, in their view, that:
‘Henley has been gradually restored to its former position as the leading aquatic carnival in the Southern Hemisphere.’

All the officers of the Association were re-elected to their roles, with E.B. Coles continuing as President and A.L. Dobbie as Chairman of the Executive and General Committees. However, the Committee later recorded the death of A.L. Dobbie, the serving Chairman, and member of the General Committee since 1907. A long list of obituaries was also issued for:

Sir Leslie McConnan, Sir Frank Clarke, Sir Clive Steele, A.M. King OBE, A.J. Shepard, T.S.Barnfather, H.T. James, P.B. Borwick, A. Baynes, H.E. Brookes and C.A. Cowper.

The 1955 Australian Henley was the first Regatta held in March, four months after the 1954 Regatta was held in November. This was to coincide with the inaugural ‘Moomba’ Festival. As such, entries for 1955 were more limited, although racing took place over two days, the Saturday and the Monday. There were only two interstate entries, although entries from public and state schools pleased the Association. As per the previous several years, Mercantile RC dominated the winnings, with victories in the Grand and Founders’ Challenge Cups, Lightweight Eights and Maiden Fours. Scotch College dominated the School events, winning both the eights and the fours. A naval whalers race was held, after a lapse since the war, with a crew from HMNZS Black Prince taking victory.

1956

The Regatta was again held alongside the Moomba Festival, with Henley rowing on the Saturday and the Water Carnival with motorsport racing on the Monday. The Regatta was attended by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks, alongside the Lord Mayor and President of the Association. Attendance was more limited than previous years, due to a clash with the National Athletic Championships, which resulted in a loss of £700. The canoe and motor boat parades were conducted as per previous years, alongside the Miss Henley Girl competition. The Royal Melbourne Regiment Band performed for guests, and a cocktail party was held in the evening. Fireworks and an evening concert were also held on the Monday evening after the Water Carnival concluded.

E.B Coles was re-elected President of the Association. E. Kenny was elected to the office of Chairman of the Committees, but then passed away during his term. Obituaries were also noted for R.V. Gregg and A. Sloss.

Entries for the 1956 Henley were slightly smaller than years previous, although still numbered 347 oarsmen from 30 clubs. Interstate entries were also more limited, although the Association were pleased that a number of public schools, notably Geelong College, Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College raced at the Regatta.

A new Challenge Cup was donated to the Association for the 1956 Regatta; the Old Oarsmen’s Challenge Cup for Lightweight Eights. This was won by South Melbourne RC, who also had victory in the Ladies’ and Open Pairs. Melbourne University won their first event in several years with victory in the Grand over incumbent holders Mercantile, and also had success in the Maiden Fours. The Naval Whalers race was held again with a much larger entry, won by a crew from the HMAS Lonsdale depot.

1957

The 1957 Regatta was marred by poor weather, which considerably reduced attendance. This resulted in a serious loss of £1,100. Despite the poor conditions, the Miss Henley Girl and motor boats competitions were held, although most of the fireworks andevening concert had to be cancelled. Prizes were presented by Mrs. Bolte, wife of the Premier, and Sir John Jungwirth, Secretary to the Premier’s Department, who were entertained on the President’s Houseboat.

E.B. Coles was re-elected President, and M.S. Williams was elected Chairman of the Executive and General Committees. Four members were elected Vice Presidents, and F.W. Thursfield, F.A. Smith, J.A. McBean and D.J. Morgan elected Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Assistant Honorary Secretaries respectively. Obituaries were issued for Sir T. Nettlefold, H.E. Butler, S.R. Bell and J.J. Fogarty.

The 1957 Australian Henley had a good entry of 374 oarsmen and 73 crews, although interstate entries were limited. There was good interest from the Public Schools, although the Committee was disappointed at the lack of entry from High Schools. Unlike the last two years, there were no Maiden or Junior Pairs races.

Albert Park RC and Yarra Yarra RC had a successful regatta, with each club winning two events. Mercantile RC beat the previous year’s winner Melbourne University to win back the Grand Challenge Cup. D. Dudgeon from Richmond RC won the Yarra Challenge Cup for the second time. The Naval Whalers Race had nine crews from RAN competing, with HMAS Sydney No.1 emerging victorious.

1958

The 1958 Regatta was conducted as a rowing regatta only, without the previous other attractions, due to the reluctance of the Moomba Committee to underwrite any losses sustained by the Association. Indeed, the Association noted that on the following Monday:
‘the events provided by the Moomba Committee...were poorly patronized and could best be described as a spectacular failure.’

The Regatta itself was relatively well attended, although a small loss of £166 was made. This forced the Association to liquidate all outstanding liabilities totalling £1,800.

The 1958 Regatta was attended by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks, who was entertained on the President’s houseboat.

E.B. Coles was re-elected President of the Association, and M.S. Williams elected Chairman of the Executive Committee. Several key figures in the Association passed away, including Colonel G.I. Stevenson, Sir H. Starke, P.C. Dowling, C.J. McCarthy and J.W. Beattie.

There were 351 competitors in 1958, with 62 crews. Sydney RC from New South Wales and Ulverstone from Tasmania made up the interstate entries, and the public schools had a good entry, although no High Schools competed again. Mercantile RC had success in the Stewards’ and Maiden Fours, but were unable to retain the Grand which was won by Melbourne University BC. There was no Double Sculls or Whalers Race this year.

1959

The 1959 Regatta was again marred by poor weather, described by the Association as ‘possibly the worst weather ever experienced’. Despite this, a reportedly large number of spectators still attended. A small surplus was recorded, as the Moomba Committee underwrote all Regatta expenses, however the weather meant the Regatta once again featured no additional attractions. The Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks, was in attendance, and was hosted by the President for afternoon tea in a special reserve.

The President, the newly-knighted Sir E. Coles, was re-elected to his office and M.S. Williams was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Committee. R.W Thursfield was elected Honorary Secretary, F.A. Smith Honorary Treasurer and J.A. McBean and D.J. Morgan Assistant Honorary Secretaries. W.J. Brens CBE M. Nathan CBE, B. Evans and J.M.Macfarlane were elected Vice Presidents. An obituary was noted for R. Nolan.

The 1959 Regatta entry was the largest in many years. 444 competitors and 78 crews raced at Australian Henley, and many interstate crews competed. Crews from New South Wales won four events, dominating the small boats races. Melbourne University BC retained the Grand Challenge Cup, defeating Mercantile RC once again, and Corio Bay secured their first victory in the Stewards’. For the first time, state high schools won both the School Eights and School Fours events, defeating public school competition.

Footnotes

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