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Times were still economically very hard in the district and indeed the Colony of Victoria. Despite this, the club still managed to increase its subscription and reduce its overdraft by another fifteen pounds. At the Annual meeting in 1892 W.P.Bechervaise was again elected president. Early in the season the club suffered a blow when theContinue reading “1892”

This was a very dry season by all accounts and led to a prolific growth of the rushes that again caused problems for crews. There were hopes that water from the new forest reservoirs, Kirk’s and Pincott’s, could be diverted to top up the water levels. At the Annual Meeting this year, held again atContinue reading “1891”

Today is my 20th post and I have covered briefly the development of Ballarat City Rowing Club over its first 20 years. Club affairs were on an upward trajectory. For three years we had been winless but the new crop of maiden oarsmen were maturing and were poised to again bring home the trophies. TheContinue reading “1890”

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 AnnualContinue reading “1889”

Once again the club was unable to record a win at any of the regattas during the season as again we lost key people who moved mainly to Melbourne for employment.The Annual Meeting was held at Brophy’s Hotel with Mr. Bechervaise in the chair. The president, Mr. Brophy, had been suffering poor health and hadContinue reading “1888”

This year, the continuing economic depression that caused many men, young and old, to leave the city in search of work meant that all three rowing clubs had a quiet year. At Ballarat Regatta where traditionally Ballarat and City could count on home course wins, neither were able to score a in this year. TheContinue reading “1887”

In reviewing the year it was felt that the general depression in the Ballarat district had affected the club and all athletic institutions. Ballarat saw the departure of more young men in this twelve months than in any other since the discovery of gold. Despite losing many members, both old stalwarts and young prospects, theContinue reading “1886”

This was a watershed year for the club. A generation of rowers had passed through and the mantle of champion oarsman passed, from the likes of Zachariah Giles, to a new crop of younger men. On the administration side of things following on from the devastating resignation of Captain Cazaly came a tragedy occurred thatContinue reading “1885”

Early this year the club had considerable success at regattas winning six races including a Grand Challenge Cup. However towards the end of the year there would be a major change that would impact the club for the rest of the decade.Many long-time members of both the City club and the Ballarat Club retired orContinue reading “1884”

One of the racing highlights this season was at Ballarat Regatta. It was the first time that five eights had faced the starter in a Victorian regatta. Most courses could only have two or three crews across. Our Senior eight was beaten narrowly into second place at Ballarat and also Barwon. In each race theContinue reading “1883”