and the astonishment evolved cannot fail to be amplified when it is borne in mind that Russell, one of the founders of the M.C.C., and Halfpenny, of the Union, still (1888) live and m o v e amongst us, and though not as lively as of yore, like two old crickets chirping about the city, and beholding, with just feelings of self exultation, the results of a movement of which they were the originators, though, in the cricketing world of to-day their names, if not unknown, are probably never mentioned.
AQUATICS.
Salt or fresh-water amusements were not held in much esteem by the early Port Phillipians, possibly in consequence of the distance of the Bay from the town, and it was some years before any regularity organized movement towards establishing marine sports were inaugurated. Through the kindness of Captain David Fermaner, a veteran tar, and a resident of the locality modernly designated Newport, I a m enabled to supply a brief record of the First Sailing Match in the colony. Towards the close of 1838, M r . George Arden, a co-proprietor and editor of the Port Phillip Gazette, imported from Sydney, a cutter, baptized " T h e Devil Afloat." A Captain Boden, still, or recently living in Horsham district, owned a schooner-rigged boat known as the "Eliza," and he and Arden agreed upon a water race for ,£25 aside, the course to be across the bay, from Point Gellibrand, at Williamstown, to the R e d Bluff (Point Ormond), near the place subsequently named St. Kilda, and back. It was arranged that Fermaner, w h o had a smart little cutter of his own, should anchor off the Bluff, and the competing boats were to round him, and then home. T h e most important personage on the water was M r . John Batman, in a boat rowed by four of his historical Sydney Aboriginals. "Eliza" and the "Devil" started on their competing trip, and succeeded in safely circum-sailing Fermaner. Their progress, however, was not anything like first-class time, Fermaner reaching Williamstown before them. Towards the close of 1840, when the few colonists were prepared to attempt anything suggested for business or pleasure, there popped up a notion to celebrate the infancy of the ensuing year by a grand marine demonstration, and accordingly rapid preparations were m a d e to render the project a success. Subscriptions were raised, an elaborate programme (on paper) was issued, and Messrs. W . H . Yaldwyn, F. A. Powlett, and James Simpson, were nominated as stewards of
THE FIRST REGATTA,
Which was appointed to come off on the 12th January, 1841, in Hobson's Bay, accordingly. The attendance was by no means a popular gathering, for it was confined to such of the well-to do townsfolk as felt disposed for a brief change of air. There was no steamer accommodation; boating down the river was not m u c h cared about; and as for an overland excursion to Williamstown, the swampy, rocky, circuitous bush track by which it could only be made, was not attractive to either pedestrians or equestrians. Several boat-loads put off from the North Beach (Sandridge). Superintendent Latrobe was there, and an indifferent town band, playing on the poop of the "Eagle" (flagship), contributed a noisy quota of discordant music. There were six matches in all, with a general entrance payment of 2 sovs., viz. :— 1.—A £40 PURSE, FOR ALL SAILING BOATS OR CRAFT TRADING IN THE PORT.
W o n by Eagle (Willis), the second boat, the Fanny (Gilligan), receiving £o. No. 2 . — F I V E - O A R E D W H A L E
1st place (^30)
B O A T S (not exceeding 27 feet).
Nancy (Ward).. | 2nd place (£10) ...
...
...
Hero (Stoney).
...
...
Midge (Fowler).
...
...
Eagle (Willis).
No. 3.—SHIPS' C U T T E R S (SAILING).
1st place (.£20)
The John (Cummins). | 2nd place (£10) ... No. 4 . — F O U R - O A R E D GIGS.
1st place (,£20)
... Red Rover (Storey). | 2nd place (£10) ...
e card prizes for jolly-boats and dingies, but they eventuated in waste paper.
