1889

Finally this season life at the club and in the town seemed to settle down. The economy had somewhat stabilised and with it the employment of members. There were no departures of officers this season and club stalwart Daniel Brophy, having returned from his lengthy overseas sojourn, again took his place and chaired the Annual meeting of over 80 members at Brophy’s Hotel. The annual report states that congratulations were passed on to the club by many old members in many different parts of the country. Much was done by the committee to maintain club honour and prestige.

The opening of the season previous had been somewhat delayed and had interfered with getting crews together to race. So in order to overcome this problem, the Annual meeting was called a month early. The season opened with scratch eights between the three clubs and resulted in the eight stroked by City’s George Rayworth winning. The officers’ trophies were won by Messrs Smith, Rayworth, Gullan and Scott.  The Scratch fours for trophies presented by the Honorable Agar Wynne were won by George rayworth, G.Petrie, R.Toy and C.E.Denniston. The club was again unable to score a win at an open regatta. However with George Rayworth emerging as a successful stroke it wouldn’t be long before City again graced the winners circle. A most enjoyable Presentation night was held at Brophy’s Hotel where all the prizes were distributed to the successful oarsmen. There were also many toasts, songs and recitations and a “very pleasant evening” spent.

The club also took delivery of their new eight from Mr. Edwards and Sons being the most up to date model. It was christened the “Daniel Brophy” in honour of the President.

Born in London in 1850, the son of a builder, his family migrated to Victoria during his early years.  Educated at Melbourne’s Church of England Grammar School, Wynne completed the articled clerk’s course at Melbourne University and went to the bar in 1874.  One of his early legal practices was based at Ballarat, and it was there that he first followed the hounds, riding with the Ballarat Hunt Club and acting in the capacity as the club’s secretary at the time Norman Wilson was the Master, and James Scobie the Huntsman. Obviously at this time he also had some connection with the Ballarat City Rowing Club possibly through friends who rowed and were also in the Hunt Club.