1939 Ballarat Head of the Lake
This race was conducted on Lake Wendouree on Saturday October 28. As usual, the thirds and fourths raced a couple of days earlier October 26th.
The Age reported on Monday October 30 on page 12:
For the first time since 1936 and the fifth time since the race was instituted in 1913, the Head of the Lake was won by Ballarat College, at Lake Wendouree on Saturday. Ballarat College also won the seconds race.
Organising Committee and Officials
Regatta Committee: Ballarat Public Schools' Association
Organising Committee and Officials: Ballarat Rowing Association
Head of the Lake
Time: 6:01
Margin:4 lengths and 2 lengths
1st Ballarat College - Bow: D S Humphreys, 2: W A Coffield, 3: L S Heitman, Str: H F Morrow, Cox: unknown
2nd Grammar School - Bow: G A McKinley, 2: R G Hall, 3: G G Gluth, Str: G B McKinley, Cox: J Dutton, Cch: Mr F Suffren
3rd St Patrick’s College - Bow: Adrian Anderson, 2: Bill Brittain, 3: Jim Donovan, Str: Laurie Delahunty, Cox: G L Dwyer, Cch: Mr Fred Luke
The 1939-40 SPCB Annual reported as follows.
On account of the low level of Lake Wendouree, the classic event of the year namely, the “Head of the Lake” which is usually held on the Saturday nearest 30 April, was postponed until 28 October. This, however, did not take from the event any of its usual interest or excitement.
The day was sunny and bright, with a brisk northerly wind blowing. At 4 o’clock the crews were at the starting posts-St. Pat’s on the north station, College had the Centre station, and Grammar were on the south. However, owing to an obstruction on the course, there was a twenty minute delay before the crews started. College got away first, closely followed bt St. Pat’s and Grammar. Maintaining their high striking rate, College drew still further ahead, and at the half mile were three lengths in the lead. At this stage St. Pat’s were leading Grammar by a length. However, at the Point Grammar passed St. Pat’s and College had drawn still further away to win by four lengths from Grammar, who finished two lengths ahead of St. Pat’s.
Second Four
Time: Not known
Margin: Not known
1st Ballarat College - Bow: R K Heriot, 2: H M Gilbert, 3: R K Mackay, Str: H P Carne, Cox: R W Whiteside, Cch: Mr K S Baird
2nd Grammar School - Bow: J D Stubbs, 2: A G Carter, 3: J N Lines, Str: A C Nichols, Cox: D Roberts, Cch: Mr E Suffren.
3rd St Patrick’s College - Bow: Eddie Glowery, 2: Mal Quin, 3: Joe Cuneen, Str: Bill Newton, Cch: Mr A C Wilson
“Acey” Wilson, also a Ballarat City Rowing Club coach, coached the SPC second crew on 7 occasions and was successful in winning the seconds race on all but this one occasion.
Old Collegians Four
Time: Not known
Margin: Not known
1st St Patrick's College - Bow: E J Andre, 2: D Munday, 3: L J Horgan, Str: H F Munday, Cox: J JWise
2nd Grammar School
3rd Ballarat College
Third Fours
Time: Not known
Margin:1/2 length
1st Ballarat Grammar - Bow: G Pasco, 2: J Ellis, 3: G Crocker, Str: F Read, Cox: J Stevens
2nd Ballarat College - Bow: G M Stewart, 2: N G Goon, 3: B Schinckel, Str: M H Foster, Cox: C S Reid, Cch: Mr B Goon.
3rd St. Patrick’s College - Bow: Val Knowles (bow), 2: R Lodd, 3: M E O’Brien, Str: Rod J Hayes, Cox: J D O’Hagan, Cch: Mr Otto Hauser
Fourth Fours
Time: Not known
Margin: Not known
1st Ballarat College - Bow: D C R Thewlis, 2: R W Lloyd, 3: R A McKenzie, Str: B A McDonald, Cox: A G McIntyre, Cch: Mr B Goon
2nd St Patrick’s College - Bow: F J Favaloro, 2: G Crosbie, 3: L F Dunne, Str: F J Gebbie, Cox: K A Reynolds, Cch: Mr Otto Hauser
3rd Grammar School - Bow: C Worrall, 2: H Craig-Brown, 3: E Dowling, Str: D Bowley, Cox: J Seabrook, Cch: Mr G Lyle
Sources:
- Ballarat Courier 100 years Head of the Lake Supplement
- The Age Monday 30th October 1939, page 12
- 1939-40 SPCB Annual