James Aitken
Victoria
James was a Vice-President of Rowing Victoria, then the Victorian Rowing Association, from 1899-1905.
He is thought to be the same James Aitken who was a close associate of Arthur R Blackwood who maintained a significant rowing presence in Victoria. They were both joint managing directors of Dalgety & Co Ltd from 1884, both pastoralists and maintained sporting interests.
One of James' sons George was a keen rower in his youth and this, along with his association with Blackwood, may provide the basis of his rowing connection.
Andrew Guerin
December 2022