History of Rowing Victoria Inc

Chapter 4 page 1 2 3 4

This page is under construction

Much of the information used in this decade comes from the annual reports of the Association which can be found in appendix 16. This chapter was compiled by Dominic Frederico and Andrew Guerin.

The 1890s were filled with much distress for Victorians with a depression which followed the 1880s property boom. The result was a collapse in private investment, urban development and a pullback on public infrastructure investment. Banks failed, property prices fell and farmers struggled through severe drought. And to top all this off, the 1891 Yarra River floods were severe and eclipsed the flood of 20 years earlier and the 1898 Gippsland bush fires were severe.

The Hawthorn Bridge (built 1861) in about 1890
Photo from the Guerin collection

The Falls Bridge in about 1890 looking towards the city
Photo from the Lindblade collection of Mercantile Rowing Club

1889-1890 season

The 1890 annual meeting of the Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) marked a significant milestone, with one of the best attendances in years. The hon. secretary, Mr. W. B. House, presented a detailed and gratifying report, highlighting the year’s successes and challenges. Financially, the Association was in a strong position, with assets exceeding liabilities by £17. While the expenses for the annual regatta were reduced, the diminishing receipts raised concerns about its declining popularity. Members were encouraged to promote the event to ensure its continued success.

Race day in 1890
Photo from the Lindblade collection - Mercantile Rowing Club

The meeting also clarified membership requirements, reminding all club members that they are considered members of the Association, with clubs required to pay a portion of their subscriptions promptly. The election of officials saw the reappointment of key leaders, including president Mr. Henry Gyles Turner and several vice-presidents, who were commended for their dedication to amateur rowing. New committee members were also elected for varying terms, reflecting strong support for leadership continuity.

Anticipation for the upcoming championship races in fours (October 25) and sculls (Prince of Wales' Birthday) was high, with clubs actively training and supporters closely following their progress. The Banks Club Four, coached by Mr. Oxlade, was well-prepared and poised for strong competition. Meanwhile, Melbourne's crew, though training consistently, lacked a dedicated coach, which was believed to potentially hinder their performance. Yarra Club focused on longer downstream rows, though concerns were raised about their stroke technique and endurance over the three-mile race. Albert Park’s crew, coached by the veteran Gowdie, faced some disruption due to football commitments but remained determined to prepare adequately. The Barwon Club also trained in Geelong, though little information was available about their efforts.

The sculling championship was set to attract significant attention, with notable competitors such as Mr. G. C. Eastes from Sydney's Leichardt Rowing Club and Australian champion J. G. Kennedy expected to participate. Among the Victorian scullers, J. C. Fitzgerald led the charge with rigorous training, while Bannister, Gilbert, and F. Prior of Sandhurst were also preparing to compete.

The winning Yarra Yarra Rowing Club Champion Four
Back row:  2: J Yeomans, 3: Alex Chamley, Str: Edward R Ainley, Front row: V G Petherick and Charles W Horsburgh
Photo courtesy Yarra Yarra Rowing Club

The first meeting of the new committee was scheduled at Young and Jackson’s, with the appointment of a new Hon. Treasurer to replace Mr. Upward being a key agenda item. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Upward and other key officeholders for their contributions to advancing amateur rowing.

Overall, the 1890 season reflected a vibrant rowing community with strong leadership, dedicated club efforts, and growing public interest in competitive events. However, challenges such as declining regatta receipts, uneven coaching resources, and club commitments to other sports were evident. Despite this, the enthusiasm and preparation demonstrated by the clubs and individual rowers underscored a shared determination to uphold the sport’s competitive and amateur ideals.

Championships (conducted during the calendar year 1890)

	Winner	Other competitors	Time
Men's Champion Scull	J C Fitzgerald, Melbourne City	2nd William Lambert, Mercantile (NSW), 3rd J L Bannister, Corio Bay, 4th J B Walters, Yarra Yarra, 5th G Browne, Melbourne City, 6th P Bradley, Melbourne City, 7th A F Garrard, Barwon	21 mins 10 secs
Men's Four	Yarra Yarra – Bow: Charles W Horsburgh, 2: J Yeomans, 3: Alex Chamley, Str: Edward R Ainley, Cox: V G Petherick	2nd Banks, 3rd Albert Park, 4th Melbourne, 5th Barwon	19 mins 30 secs
Men's Eight	Banks – Bow: C Poynter, 2: A Dench, 3: W H Hatch, 4: H M Hutchinson, 5: G K Harker, 6: C M Garrard, 7: F G Payne, Str: R B Nicolson, Cox: H C Edwards	2nd Yarra Yarra, 3rd Albert Park, 4th Williamstown	17 mins 58 secs

Intercolonial Championships

The Intercolonial Championships were conducted without the endorsement of the Victorian Rowing Association due to the dispute over amateur status. The Victorian crew was however a fully representative crew and the fund raising and organisation was led by George Upward and with the tacit approval of all involved in Victorian rowing.

The Championships were conducted in Brisbane for the first time and the Victorians were lucky to come away with a win. It was raced in rough conditions. Queensland started well taking the lead from the other two states. NSW was swamped half way through the race and withdrew. Victoria then started working their way through the Queensland lead but was repelled by Queensland who maintained a two length lead. About a quarter of a mile from the finish, Queensland was hit with a significant wash from a passing steamer and the two seat blade was snapped. To minimize the impact of carrying him, the two man jumped overboard. The Victorians made the best of the situation surviving the wash and passed the Queensland crew. The Victorian crew comprised: Bow: W Hatch, 2: C Poynter, 3: F G Payne, 4: Arthur G Jenkins, 5: F James, 6: William Watson, 7: Charles S Cunningham, Str: R B "Bob" Nicolson, Cox: V Petherick, Emerg: W Robb, Cch: Walter Bray

1890-91 season

The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its 15th annual meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel on 28th September 1891, attracting a large and engaged audience. In the absence of the president, Mr. H. G. Turner, vice-president Mr. Thomas Ellison chaired the meeting. The annual report highlighted the year’s key developments, with financial and organisational achievements taking centre stage.

A significant event during the year was the devastating flood (still to this day the largest recorded flood of the Yarra, seeing the water rise 14-metres higher than normal) that caused extensive damage along the Yarra River. While the boathouses and boats near Prince's Bridge sustained minimal harm, the Boroondara Rowing Club at Hawthorn suffered catastrophic losses, losing their boathouse, boats, and other assets. The association expressed strong solidarity with Boroondara, encouraging all clubs to assist in their recovery efforts. Despite these challenges, the river remained a focal point for rowing, and the association worked to maintain its usability for competitions.

1891 floods showing the City boat sheds from the front and from the rear
Photos from the Lindblade collection - Mercantile Rowing Club

Financially, the VRA experienced a turnaround. The liabilities listed in the previous year’s report were cleared, and the association finished with a credit balance of £31 12s. 7d., aided by improved club payment promptness and prudent financial management. An overall profit of £49 3s. 3d. was recorded, contributing to the association’s growing financial stability. Membership numbers also increased significantly, with 136 new members bringing the total to 726, making the VRA the largest and most influential rowing association in Australia.

The association continued to demonstrate its competitive dominance, with the Victorian crew securing its sixth consecutive victory in the intercolonial eight-oared race. This achievement was widely celebrated as a testament to the strength of rowing in the state. The competitive calendar was robust, featuring events such as the Four-Oared Championship of Victoria (October 24), the Sculling Championship of Victoria (November 9), and the Claymore Trophy Eight-Oared Race (December 19). The season opened with a procession of boats on October 3, led by the Yarra Yarra Club, the reigning champions.

A notable topic of discussion was the potential establishment of intercolonial contests on amateur lines with South Australia and Tasmania. While collaboration with New South Wales was deemed unlikely due to disagreements over amateur status, enthusiasm for broader intercolonial competition was high. The initiative was expected to strengthen the camaraderie and competitiveness among amateur rowers across the colonies.

The election of office bearers saw the reappointment of the president and vice-presidents, alongside the election of new committee members from clubs across the region, ensuring broad representation. The contributions of secretary Mr. W. B. House were recognised with a vote of thanks, reflecting his ongoing dedication to advancing the association's objectives.

The 1891 season reflected a year of resilience and growth for the VRA. Despite natural disasters and external challenges, the association reinforced its position as the leading force in Australian rowing, with strong financial health, increasing membership, and continued competitive success. These accomplishments set a promising foundation for future seasons and reinforced the importance of collaboration within the rowing community.

Championships (conducted during the calendar year 1891)

	Winner	Other competitors	Time
Men's Champion Scull	W J Bridson, Wellington (NZL)	2nd Edward R Ainley, Yarra Yarra, 3rd K Ritchie, Tamar (TAS), 4th R Gow, Tamar (TAS), 5th J McRae, Mercantile (NSW), 6th J B Sneider, Yarra Yarra, 7th J B Walters, Yarra Yarra	20 mins 58 secs
Men's Four	Yarra Yarra – Bow: Charles W Horsburgh, 2: J Yeomans, 3: Alex Chamley, Str: Edward R Ainley, Cox: V G Petherick	2nd Albert Park, 3rd Footscray, 4th Civil Service	20 mins 40 secs
Men's Eight	Yarra Yarra – Bow: James McDonald, 2: F Galvin, 3: Charles W Horsburgh, 4: Edward Horsburgh, 5: Arthur H Enticott, 6: James Yeomans, 7: Alex Chamley, Str: Edward R Ainley, Cox: V Petherick	2nd Banks, 3rd Corio Bay	18 mins 0 secs

Champion Eight of Victoria from Yarra Yarra Rowing Club
Back row: F Galvin, Arthur Enticott, Edward 'Teddy' Horsburgh. Front row: James Yeoman, James McDonald, Edward Ainley, Charles Horsburgh, Alex Chamley, In front: G Horsburgh (who did not cox the 1891 crew). Photo from the Yarra Yarra Rowing Club collection.

Intercolonial Championships

The 1891 Championships were conducted on 28th November 1891 on the Lower Yarra River. Again it was not organised by the Victorian Rowing Association due the amateur definition dispute. George Upward and his committee organised the event and the Victorian crew selection and management.

After the disappointment of the previous year, the Queenslanders were determined to win. The Queenslanders suffered some set backs on the way to victory. The seven day sea journey from Brisbane was stormy and interferred with their condition. They had to make a late crew change due to V Jessop suffering from influenza. Finally their coaches were unable to travel. Despite these issues, they won handsomely for the first time. The Victorian crew was: Bow: W Hatch, 2: H Hutchinson, 3: B James, 4: W A Jones, 5: Arthur J Shepherd, 6: T Parkin, 7: A M Treacy, Str: F James, Cox: Vernon Petherick, Cch: George Upward.

1891-92 Season

The Victorian Rowing Association's (VRA) 1892 season marked another year of growth for amateur rowing in Victoria, with successful events, organisational achievements, and new challenges addressed. The season featured a variety of competitive races and initiatives that underscored the association’s commitment to the sport.

The VRA maintained its strong financial position, with total receipts of £269 7s. 8d. and expenditures of £226 12s., leaving a healthy surplus of £42 15s. 8d. The association’s careful financial management ensured stability, with no outstanding liabilities. Much of this success was attributed to the diligent efforts of Mr. W.B. House, the honorary secretary and treasurer, who was recognised for his outstanding contributions. Governance was further strengthened by the re-election of Mr. H.G. Turner as president and a slate of vice-presidents, including prominent figures such as Messrs. E.L. Zox and F. Stuart.

The 1892 season showcased a packed calendar of championship and club-level events. These included the Championship Four Race, Championship Sculling Race, and the Claymore Trophy Eight-oared Race, among others. These events demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for amateur rowing, with increased participation from Melbourne clubs and surrounding regions. The Championship Eight-oared Race and the intercolonial eight-oared race were particularly significant, drawing widespread attention and enthusiasm.

The association also focused on maintaining the popularity of rowing through strategic event planning. Discussions were held regarding the selection of regatta courses, with the Upper Yarra ultimately chosen for its accessibility and ability to attract larger crowds. This decision highlighted the association’s focus on both fairness in competition and efforts to popularise the sport.

Despite the successes, the season was not without its challenges. One of the key issues discussed was the financial burden of intercolonial races. A proposal to establish a separate fund for intercolonial race expenses, supported by contributions from all association members, was debated but ultimately withdrawn. Many clubs expressed concerns about their ability to afford additional levies, particularly given the economic strains of the time. Instead, members emphasised the need to reduce regatta losses and improve overall financial efficiency.

The formal opening of the 1892 rowing season featured a procession of boats led by the Yarra Yarra champion eight-oared crew. While the event was not as well-attended as the previous year, it underscored the community’s enthusiasm for the sport and the VRA’s efforts to foster camaraderie among clubs. Crews paraded from Princes Bridge to Richmond and performed manoeuvres in front of the boathouses, showcasing their skills and team spirit.

The 1892 season reinforced the VRA’s role as a leader in amateur rowing in Victoria. Strong governance, financial stability, and a vibrant calendar of events highlighted the association’s ongoing success. While challenges such as financial strain and course selection persisted, the season demonstrated the resilience and dedication of the rowing community. The VRA’s commitment to fostering the sport ensured that amateur rowing in Victoria continued to thrive, laying a strong foundation for future growth.

State Championships

Interstate Championships

The regatta was conducted for the first time in Queensland on the Brisbane River. This was the last Victorian crew selected by George Upward’s committee. It stood aside following the adoption of an amateur status definition at the intercolonial conference of 1888. The Queensland crew drew the worst station and combined this with a bad start to never be in the race. The Victorian and New South Wales crews had a great race. The winning Victorian crew comprised: bow: W H Hatch, 2: Arthur J Shepherd, 3: A H James, 4: D Christie, 5: F J E James, 6: W A Adams, 7: J A Brotherton, Str: R B "Bob" Nicolson, Cox: A E Hobson, Cch: W Bray. The first semi regular Interstate Sculling Championship commenced at this regatta but Victoria was not represented. The race was won Slack of Queensland from Lambert from NSW.

1892-93 Season

The 1893 Victorian rowing season was marked by significant developments in competition, governance, and the financial resilience of the Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) during a challenging economic period.

The seventeenth annual meeting of the VRA was held at Young and Jackson's Hotel, with Vice-President Thos. Ellison chairing the session. The Chairman praised the meticulous report prepared by the outgoing and incoming secretaries, which detailed the association's activities and financial standing. Despite the economic downturn, the association remained financially stable, ending the year with a small credit balance and no outstanding liabilities. This achievement was seen as a testament to the dedicated work of the committee and,in particular, the long-serving honorary secretary, Mr. House, who announced his resignation after seven years of service. However, he agreed to continue in the role of treasurer.

The championship four-oared race saw strong competition, with the Yarra Yarra crew ultimately securing victory. This win was particularly notable as the championship had continued to grow in prestige, drawing participation from interstate crews, including a team from Tasmania, which was warmly welcomed. There was optimism that more colonies would participate in future editions of the race. Additionally, the champion sculler of the season, Mr. Slack, was widely praised as one of the finest scullers to have competed on the Yarra River, with even his competitors acknowledging his superior skill.

In the intercolonial races, Victoria faced stiff competition. The Victorian crew was defeated by New South Wales in the eight-oared event, a result that was accepted with good sportsmanship given Victoria's historically strong performances in this category. Despite the loss, confidence remained high that Victorian rowing would continue to be competitive at the intercolonial level.

The annual regatta faced financial difficulties, closing with a deficit despite the hard work of Mr. House and his team. In response, discussions were held regarding improvements to race organisation and dispute resolution, particularly for events held on the Saltwater River. New rules were proposed to address these issues, reflecting the association’s commitment to ensuring fair and efficient race management.

The season also saw an exceptionally fast time recorded in the eight-oared championship race by the Yarra Yarra crew, a performance believed to be the fastest recorded in any of the Australian colonies at the time. This achievement highlighted the high calibre of rowing talent in Victoria and reinforced the association’s reputation as a leading body in Australian rowing.

Additionally, discussions took place regarding a proposed Pan-Britannic Festival, an ambitious event aimed at showcasing rowing talent across the British Empire. Although the economic conditions of the colony were not conducive to immediate plans, the VRA was acknowledged as the preeminent rowing association to lead such an initiative should it come to fruition.

The elections saw the reappointment of key officials, including President H. G. Turner and Vice-Presidents Thos. Ellison, T. F. Morkham, E. L. Zox, Frank Stuart, G. E. Upward, and H. T. Jordan. Several committee members were re-elected, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Overall, the 1893 season was characterised by resilience in the face of economic challenges, a commitment to maintaining high competitive standards, and a vision for the future of Victorian and intercolonial rowing.

1893-94 Season

The 1894 Victorian rowing season was marked by strong competitive performances, administrative developments, and ongoing financial challenges. The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its eighteenth annual meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, where Chairman T. Ellison presided over discussions on the past season’s achievements and difficulties. The financial report revealed that the association maintained a credit balance of £2 13s. 1d., despite incurring a significant loss of £75 2s. from the Melbourne Regatta. While this deficit was a concern, the general consensus was that the season had been successful in other respects.

One of the highlights of the season was Yarra Yarra’s victory in the Championship Four-Oared Race on 28 October 1893. This win marked the fourth consecutive time the club had claimed the title, further establishing its dominance in Victorian rowing. Another significant achievement came from the Wendouree Rowing Club of Ballarat, which secured victory in the Champion Eight-Oared event of Victoria. These championship races continued to be highly competitive, attracting strong participation from leading clubs across the colony.

Victoria also found success on the intercolonial stage. The Victorian eight defeated both New South Wales and Queensland in the prestigious intercolonial eight-oared contest. This victory was a testament to the strength and skill of Victorian rowers, reaffirming the colony’s position as a powerhouse in Australian rowing. However, the increasing costs associated with intercolonial competition raised concerns. During the annual meeting, Mr. G. E. Upward proposed that active steps be taken to raise funds to cover the growing expenses of these contests. His motion was well received, highlighting the association’s commitment to ensuring Victoria remained competitive in intercolonial rowing.

The season also saw notable administrative changes within the VRA. Mr. J. M. Semmens, who had served as honorary secretary, resigned from his position, and was succeeded by Mr. J. A. Brotherton, and Mr W. H. Davis who had made significant contributions as honorary assistant secretary, was replaced by Mr. W. A. Jones. These changes reflected the evolving leadership within the association as it continued to navigate financial and organisational challenges. To recognise the long-standing contributions of Mr. W. B. House, who had served as both honorary secretary and honorary treasurer, the association presented him with a gold stopwatch as a token of appreciation.

A significant rule change was also passed at the annual meeting. On the motion of Mr. A. J. Shepherd, it was decided that all rules of the association would be made at the annual general meeting or at special general meetings convened for that purpose. While the committee retained the authority to introduce by-laws, these would require confirmation at the next general meeting before becoming official rules. This decision aimed to bring greater transparency and consistency to the association’s governance.

The election of office bearers saw the reappointment of Mr. H. G. Turner as president, with vice-presidents including T. Ellison, T. F. Morkham, E. L. Zox, F. Stuart, G. E. Upward, H. J. Jordan, C. Miller, and A. M’Cracken. The committee welcomed both returning members and new appointments, ensuring stability in leadership. Despite financial setbacks, the season was regarded as a success, with Victorian rowing continuing to thrive both locally and in intercolonial competition.

1894-95 Season

The 1895 Victorian rowing season featured significant debates over competition venues, financial strategies, and governance, reflecting the association's ongoing evolution. The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its annual meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, with Chairman T. Ellison presiding. Attendance was relatively low, but members of the Albert Park rowing community turned out in force, anticipating a vote on whether to move the annual regatta from the Upper Yarra to Albert Park Lake. The chairman opened proceedings with the adoption of the report and balance sheet, which provided a comprehensive overview of the past season’s activities.

One of the more controversial financial proposals came from W. H. T. Davis, who suggested a large-scale shilling sweepstake on the Melbourne Cup to generate revenue for the association. Davis estimated that with 10,000 participants, the association could raise £100. However, the chairman quickly dismissed the idea, citing the legal implications of such a scheme given the association’s ties to prominent law-abiding patrons. He clarified that while the VRA could not officially support a sweep, individuals were free to organise one independently and donate proceeds if they wished.

The election of office bearers saw the reappointment of key figures, including President H. Gyles Turner and Vice-Presidents T. Ellison, T. F. Morkham, E. L. Zox, Frank Stuart, G. E. Upward, H. T. Jordan, A. M’Cracken, and C. Miller. Additionally, new committee members, including W. A. Jones, F. D. Masters, J. F. Warren, and J. Mitchell, were elected. A procedural change was also made, shifting the association’s regular meeting day from the second Monday to the second Friday of each month, following a motion by A. J. Shepherd.

Financial concerns were a dominant theme at the meeting. J. Best of the Mercantile Club introduced a plan to establish a separate fund for intercolonial rowing races, proposing that clubs be taxed according to a structured system. His argument, which drew comparisons to government taxation policies, was met with mixed reactions. While the principle of a dedicated intercolonial race fund was broadly supported, concerns were raised by smaller clubs, such as Hawthorn, which feared an unfair financial burden. The matter was ultimately referred to the new committee for further review and recommendations.

In an effort to encourage regional club participation, Secretary Brotherton proposed that only members of affiliated clubs or those paying an annual fee of three guineas should be eligible for intercolonial selection. This aimed to integrate country clubs, particularly in Geelong and Ballarat, into the association and ensure that regatta dates did not clash. An alternative amendment by Yarra Yarra’s Lupton suggested a two-guinea fee at the start of the season, increasing to three guineas for latecomers. The proposal sparked debate, as some felt it unfair for unaffiliated clubs to have rowers chosen for Victoria, but the matter was ultimately referred to the committee.

The most contentious issue was the proposal to move the VRA’s annual regatta to Albert Park Lake, which was strongly supported by the Albert Park rowing community. Proponents, including G. Upward and J. M. Semmens, argued that the Upper Yarra course was unfair and that the lake offered superior conditions. Opponents, led by W. H. T. Davis, countered that the decision had been rushed and that country clubs would struggle with boat transport. The debate concluded without a final decision, leaving the matter to the committee for resolution.

The annual meeting of 1895 saw many new ideas proposed, which highlighted the ever-increasing concerns of the VRA to find ways to boost income.

1895-96 Season

The 1896 Victorian rowing season was marked by financial difficulties, governance changes, and a major debate over the definition of amateurism. The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its twentieth annual general meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, with Vice-President G. E. Upward presiding over approximately sixty attendees. The honorary secretary, James Macfarlane, presented a detailed annual report covering all key events of the season. A new addition to the report was a set of historical race records compiled by the Sportsman, documenting the results of Victoria’s amateur eight-oared, four-oared, and sculling championships.

Financial concerns dominated discussions, as the treasurer’s balance sheet revealed a worsening deficit compared to previous years. The intercolonial race ended with a shortfall of £31, the annual regatta faced a £40 deficit, and the championship fours recorded a £14 10s loss. The association’s liabilities exceeded its liquid assets by £78 11s 3d, with the overall financial situation worsening by £22 compared to the previous season. These figures highlighted the growing financial strain on the VRA, raising concerns about the sustainability of its events and operations.

Elections for office-bearers saw President H. G. Turner re-elected alongside most incumbent vice-presidents, including P. Ellison, T. F. Morkham, E. L. Zox, Frank Stuart, G. E. Upward, Charles Miller, and A. M’Cracken, with James Aitken joining their ranks. The committee saw new appointments, including Messrs. Gibbs, Lupton, Gowdie, House, Goland, Davis, Hancock, and Hayes, with the first six elected for two-year terms and the last two for one-year terms.

A significant motion was introduced by Mr. Levy, who proposed abolishing the current classification system for oarsmen in favour of a handicapping system. Seconded by Mr. Johnson, the motion was ultimately defeated, indicating resistance to structural changes in competitive rowing.

A more contentious issue arose when Mr. House moved to amend the definition of an amateur rower to exclude anyone who had competed for cash prizes in any branch of athletics. Seconded by Mr. Shepherd, the motion passed by a decisive margin of 81 votes to 21, signifying strong support for stricter amateurism standards. However, the debate did not end there, as the issue of when the rule should take effect remained unresolved.

An extraordinary general meeting was scheduled for 26 October to finalise the implementation of the new amateur rule. Opponents, led by Mr. Gilchrist, argued for delaying enforcement for another season, while some committee members pushed for immediate implementation. The disagreement centred on concerns about fairness and the potential impact on rowers who might be caught in the transition. It was suggested that a compromise, facilitated by the committee, could reconcile both sides and prevent division within the association.

The most major event of this season was the rule change regarding the definition of amateurism in rowing, which reflected broader debates occurring in the sporting world at the time. The push to enforce stricter amateurism rules demonstrated the VRA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, even as financial challenges loomed large.

1896-97 Season

The 1897 Victorian rowing season was marked by continued financial challenges, changes in governance, and progress in rowing infrastructure. The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its twenty-first annual meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, presided over by President Henry Gyles Turner, with a moderate attendance.

The annual report and balance sheet were circulated prior to the meeting and were adopted without opposition. Turner reflected on the season’s achievements but acknowledged the association’s ongoing financial struggles. While the annual Melbourne Regatta featured equitable prize distribution among clubs and strong racing, it did not generate the expected financial returns.

Mercantile Rowing Club secured victory in the eight-oared championship for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its dominance in Victorian rowing. However, the intercolonial race suffered a significant setback with the absence of the New South Wales crew due to unresolved disputes over amateur status. This diminished the prestige of the event, although Turner described the race as one of the finest he had witnessed. The intercolonial sculling race, on the other hand, was a disappointment, with Victoria’s Harold Lindgren finishing third behind Western Australia and Queensland.

A notable moment in the meeting was the tribute to the late W. B. House, who had been a longstanding and dedicated member of the VRA. His contributions were widely acknowledged, and his absence was expected to leave a considerable gap in the association’s leadership.

Despite the constantly lingering financial setbacks, Turner expressed optimism about the future of Victorian rowing. He highlighted significant improvements to the Yarra River, predicting that within six months, the conditions would be greatly enhanced for hosting regattas. However, finances remained a pressing issue, with the association facing a £120 deficit from the previous championship race and regatta. Turner expressed confidence that with the association’s collective efforts, this shortfall could be resolved.

The election of office-bearers saw Turner re-elected as president, alongside vice-presidents Thomas Ellison, E. L. Zox, Frank Stuart, F. T. Morkham, G. E. Upward, James Aitken, A. M’Cracken, and Charles Miller. A resolution proposed by A. J. Shepherd to amend regatta regulation No. 34 was passed after extensive discussion, though details of the change were not specified.

The new season was scheduled to open on Saturday, 2 October, setting the stage for another year of competitive rowing.

1897-98 Season

The 1898 Victorian rowing season saw an encouraging increase in participation and enthusiasm, alongside significant financial and administrative developments. The Victorian Rowing Association (VRA) held its 22nd annual meeting at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, presided over by President Henry Gyles Turner. The meeting was well attended, reflecting strong engagement from the rowing community.

Turner highlighted key achievements of the past season, including continued improvements to the upper Yarra regatta course and the outstanding performance of the Mercantile Rowing Club, which secured its third consecutive victory in the Championship Four-Oared Race. The Banks Rowing Club also achieved a major success, winning the Championship Eight-Oared Race after a three-year Mercantile strong hold.

A particularly positive outcome for the association was the improved financial position, largely credited to the efforts of the honorary treasurer, A. J. Shepherd. The financial stability of the VRA had been a recurring concern in previous seasons, making this progress a significant development.

The election of office-bearers resulted in several key appointments. Lord Brassey was named patron, and Turner was re-elected as president. The vice-presidents included W. Davidson, Charles Miller, G. E. Upward, James Aitken, Thomas Ellison, E. L. Zox, T. F. Morkham, and Councillor William Strong. The committee members elected were W. Potter (Mercantile), W. B. House (Civil Service), G. M. Lupton (Yarra Yarra), T. Davies (Banks), M. Rohan (Hawthorn), A. Chamley (Albert Park), and B. Warr (Essendon), with the last position being a one-year term. Shepherd was re-elected as treasurer, and G. A. Grant was appointed as honorary secretary. Grant was recognised for his extensive secretarial experience and longstanding involvement with the Albert Park Rowing Club.

An important administrative change was made with the amendment of Rule 5, which clarified the appointment and tenure of the secretary and treasurer. The new rule ensured that these positions could be held by non-committee members and established clear procedures for filling vacancies during the year.

The most consequential motion of the meeting was proposed by Shepherd, requiring each affiliated club to contribute an additional financial levy equal to their existing membership fees by 30 December 1898. The purpose of this measure was to eliminate the association’s outstanding liabilities. While some opposition had been anticipated, the motion passed unanimously. However, concerns remained about whether this additional financial burden might lead some clubs to withdraw from the VRA.

With the season officially set to commence, the association entered 1898 with a stronger financial foundation, increased enthusiasm from the rowing community, and continued improvements to the racing environment on the Yarra. The impact of the new financial measures on club participation remained to be seen.

1898-99 Season

The 1899 rowing season in Victoria commenced with optimism and financial stability, following the Victorian Rowing Association’s (VRA) annual meeting. Held at Young and Jackson’s Hotel, the meeting reaffirmed leadership positions, reviewed the previous season’s achievements, and introduced key amendments to race regulations.

The VRA committee’s report provided a comprehensive summary of the past season, including records of major events. The Ballarat Rowing Club secured the rowing premiership with 240 points, narrowly edging out Albert Park with 232 points, while Ballarat City placed third with just 47 points. The balance sheet showed notable financial improvement; despite beginning the season with a £68 10s 3d deficit, the association finished with a £5 13s 4d surplus. The total annual revenue was £331 4s 4d, with expenditures amounting to £228 11s.

Election results saw the retention of nearly all office-bearers, a testament to their effective leadership.

Several significant motions were passed. One key change, proposed by Shepherd and seconded by Sloan, reduced the championship race distance from three miles to two miles. Another motion, introduced by Shepherd and seconded by Grant, doubled the number of complimentary ladies' tickets issued to members for regattas. Additionally, an amendment to the amateur status definition was approved, requiring rowers who wished to compete for cash prizes while maintaining amateur standing to notify the association’s committee in advance.

In recognition of his contributions, the honorary treasurer, Shepherd, was presented with an elegant liqueur stand as a token of appreciation for his two years of service.

Preparations for the upcoming intercolonial race were underway, though final crew selections had not yet been confirmed. The selectors were awaiting responses from a few key rowers before finalising the Victorian eight. If all confirmed, the crew was expected to include J. Donald (stroke), A. Chamley, A. B. Sloan, N. Hughes, T. Davies, L. Nolan, A. Dawson, and J. Blackburn. Additionally, C. Donald was anticipated to represent Victoria in the intercolonial sculling race. Some debate remained over whether two Ballarat rowers, who had strong credentials, would be included.

With financial stability, regulatory refinements, and promising crews being assembled, the VRA entered the 1899-1900 season with confidence and momentum.

Sources

Victorian Rowing Association annual reports

< previous Chapter 3

> next Chapter 5

top of page