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Chapter 2 Part 4 - 1930-1945

1930-31

The Champion Four was rowed in Rockhampton on October 18, 1930, over two miles with three starters - Rockhampton R.C., Bundaberg R.C. and Wide Bay R.C.. The crews got a good start and after half a mile Rockhampton was a canvas in front of Bundaberg with Wide Bay two lengths back. At the mile Bundaberg drew level with Rockhampton. With half a mile to go Bundaberg had three quarters of a length on Rockhampton, but then Rockhampton really sprinted and failed by only one foot to take the race. Wide Bay were five lengths back. The winning crew was - C. Roebuck (B), A. Hassam (2), C. Cullen (3), J. Lawrey (S) and P. Stibe (Cox).

The Champion Lightweight Four was rowed at Bundaberg on January 26, 1931, over two miles. The only contestants were Bundaberg R.C. and Wide Bay R.C.. Bundaberg got away to a slight lead and for the first mile the race was a good contest, but then Bundaberg drew away to win comfortably. The winning crew was - G. Leask (B), R. Slean (2), C. Roebuck (3), J. Lawrey (S) and P. Stibe (Cox). 

A newspaper report of February 5, 1931, in The Queenslander states that after a lapse of eight years, the Brisbane Ladies' Rowing Club staged a regatta. The ladies had been competing in normal club regattas over the years without actually running a regatta in their own name. 

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Bundaberg on April 4, 1931 and the Ladies Four-oared Championship over half a mile was also contested. The Bundaberg Ladies' R.C. crew again dashed away at the start from the Brisbane Ladies' R.C. and although Brisbane were reducing the lead at the finish Bundaberg won by one and a half lengths. The Bundaberg ladies were Misses M. Brunke (B), A. Hampson (2), F. Crossett (3), E. Midgley (S) and Master P. Stibe (Cox).

The Champion Sculls saw five scullers competing over the two and a half miles - J. Beatch of Cairns R.C., G. Boreham, J. Richardson and W.H. Christsen of Bundaberg R.C. and A. Buckley of Commercial R.C.. Buckley took the lead at the start and immediately asserted his superiority. He won by four lengths to Boreham with Richardson third and Beatch fourth. W.H. Christsen, an ex-champion sculler attempting a comeback, swamped and did not complete the course.

In the Champion Eight there were six starters - Rockhampton R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., GPSOBRC and Toowong R.C.. The conditions were anything but pleasant, a strong southerly wind making the water very choppy, so much so that in the first mile no less than three crews swamped and did not finish the course. At the start the crews, where possible, headed for the banks to escape the roll of water in midstream. By the end of the first mile GPSOB were leading from Maryborough and Bundaberg - the other crews had to stop and bail and two retired. At the two miles mark Bundaberg and GPSOB were in the lead with Toowong straggling along behind. At the Millaquin corner Bundaberg had a canvas lead but swung a little wide into the stream. This was GPSOB's opportunity and they quickened the rating and drew level and then gained half a length. Bundaberg responded but GPSOB won by two feet to Bundaberg with Toowong a minute back. The other three crews did not finish. The winning crew was - J. Cox (B), J. Barton (2), K.C. Lahey (3), W.H. Smith ( 4), H.J. St.John (5), D.A. Snelling (6), E.P. Evers (7), R.C. Gregory (S), F. Longmore (Cox) and Rev. M. Henderson (Coach). 

No Interstate Championship regatta was conducted in 1931. In view of the Great Depression the A.A.R.C. decided that the expense of conducting the championships could not be justified. 

On May 2, 1931, the Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over half a mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was conducted on Albert Park Lake in Melbourne. From an even start Queensland led until about 150 yards from the finish, when New South Wales with a great burst of speed forged to the front passing South Australia and then Queensland to win by a few inches. South Australia was only a foot behind with Victoria fourth. The length of a canvas would have covered the four crews. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses M. Brunke (B) A. Hampson (2) F. Crossett (3) E. Midgeley (S) and Mr.P. Stibe (Cox). 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 2, 1931, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach, from Davies Park to the Knoll. In the First Four for the Head of the River, The Southport School won by one length to Brisbane Grammar School, followed by Brisbane Boys' College, Brisbane State High School and Church of England Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- A.R. Powell (B) J. Flegler (2) L.E. Powell (3) J.S. Turnock (S) and C. Stevenson (Cox).

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from B.G.S., C.E.G.S., T.S.S. and B.S.H.S.. 

The Old Boys' Eight over 1 mile was won by T.S.S. from B.G.S.. 

Bundaberg R.C. won the Q.R.A. Premiership for the 1930/31 season. During the season Kings College R.C. and the Innisfail R.C. affiliated along with the Shell R.C.. The main feature of the 1931 annual report was the reference to the very serious financial situation of the Q.R.A., which apparently was a hangover from the 1929/30 season when £400 of creditors remained unpaid. These debts had been reduced to £300 by the 1931 balance sheet, but in the middle of the depression the Q.R.A. was thinking that it would be another two years before these debts were cleared. A new Constitution and Rules of the Q.R.A. together with the Bye-laws of Boat Racing had been prepared and were to be approved at this meeting. The previous rules were printed in 1907. A conference was held in Bundaberg in conjunction with the Champion Eights of Queensland when representatives of most clubs were gathered in the one spot. The season operated from September to April. The office bearers elected at the 1931 AGM were:

Patron - Sir John Goodwin, President - D. O'Connor, Chairman - W.P. Rowland, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer - R.T. Delaney.

Lance Trout, who was a life-long Commercial member and a Vice-President of that club at least as early as 1934/35, took over as President and Chairman of the Brisbane R.C. at their 1931 A.G.M.. The club was having financial and management problems and had called on their sister club for assistance. Len Eastman also helped out with coaching of some of their crews. 

1931-32

The Champion Four over two miles was also conducted at Bundaberg on October 24, 1931, with four crews starting - Rockhampton R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and GPSOBRC. Bundaberg led out but were soon passed by GPSOB, but Rockhampton in attempting to keep close to GPSOB caused a clash and the blade of the No.2 man in GPSOB was broken. At the re-start Bundaberg again led out but GPSOB went in front after a quarter of a mile, but Bundaberg rating brightly took a lead of half a length. At the Millaquin comer GPSOB swung to the north bank and gained an advantage of a length from Wide Bay. Over the last half mile GP SOB retained this lead to win by a length to Rockhampton who had overtaken Wide Bay by three quarters of a length and Bundaberg were fourth. The winning crew was -

K.C. Lahey (B), J.B. Barton (2), W.H. Smith (3), R.C. Gregory (S), W. Wilson (Cox) and Rev. M. Henderson (Coach).

The Champion Lightweight Four was rowed over two miles on the Milton Reach on January 30, 1932. Three crews faced the starter - Bundaberg R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and Toowong R.C.. Wide Bay made the pace over the first three quarters of a mile but then began to tire, and Bundaberg took over the running. Toowong at no time looked like winning. Wide Bay fought on gamely but were beaten by Bundaberg by four lengths with Toowong a further six lengths in the rear. The winning Bundaberg crew was -

T. Wust (B), A. Hooper (2), C. Roebuck (3), R. Slean (S) and W. Wertemeyer (Cox).

This was the last Champion Lightweight Four conducted until 1953. 

The Ladies' Champion Four of Queensland was rowed on the Customs House Reach in Brisbane on March 12, 1932, over half a mile. The Brisbane Ladies led out for a short period, then Bundaberg Ladies with strong stroking took the lead by a length, but Brisbane fought back to close the gap to half a length. The winning Bundaberg Ladies' crew was - Misses M. Brunke (B), A. Hampson (2), F. Crossett (3), E. Midgley (S) and Master P. Stibe (Cox).

The Brisbane Ladies had purchased a new racing four and it was christened by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs. J.W. Greene) before the regatta. The boat was named in honour of the club's energetic captain Miss M. Reid. 

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Maryborough on March 26, 1932, before a very large crowd and thirteen events were conducted, the last at 6 p.m.. 

In the Champion Sculls over two and a half miles there were only three starters – J. Richardson and G.G. Boreham of Bundaberg R.C. and C.E. Slaughter of Shell RC., Brisbane. After a quarter of a mile Richardson went ahead and was unchallenged to win by ten lengths to Boreham and Slaughter. 

In the Champion Eight over three miles there were five starters - Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg RC., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and GPSOBRC. Maryborough was left a little at the start with Leichhardt leading out early. At the half mile GP SOB had the lead from Leichhardt and Wide Bay. GPSOB held the upper hand for some time but then Wide Bay passed Leichhardt and pushed alongside GPSOB. At the mile mark GPSOB and Wide Bay were hardly separated with Maryborough moving into third place. At halfway Wide Bay took the lead from GPSOB. Passing the two mile GPSOB made a great effort to close the gap on Wide Bay and Maryborough, but then dropped back. With three quarters of a mile to go Maryborough began to move up and took the lead at the half mile. The crews drew together and there was a slight contact which did not affect either crew. Maryborough then dashed away to win by two and a half lengths to Wide Bay with GP SOB seven lengths behind. Bundaberg and Leichhardt were completely tailed off. The crew which won the first Champion Eight for the Maryborough RC. was -

T. Anderson (B), H. Bundgaard (2), H. Hansen (3), B. Casperson (4), C. Sinclair (5), E. O'Brien (6), D. Witt (7), E. Cook (S), F. Wilson (Cox) and E.C. Andersen (Coach).

The Interstate Championships were rowed in Melbourne on April 23, 1932. The Interstate Championship Sculls over 2 1/2 miles for the President's Cup was a race of sensation. After a terrible display of steering by J. Richardson of Queensland who fouled a boat, then a steamer, and C.A. Peppler of Victoria who fouled a pontoon and a steamer, the finish of the race was marred by a bad smash. With three steamers following the race, two public boats came alongside one another and veered into the wharf. The boat containing officials and interstate supporters was hemmed in between these boats and the wharf. In the middle of these was the umpires boat and a little ahead was Peppler the sculler. To save the umpire the officials boat hit the wharf a glancing blow and veered to one of the public boats pushing it off the umpires boat, while some one leant over to rescue him, and his companions jumped onto the other launch. One public boat was put out of commission and Peppler protested against Richardson and Turner (NSW) for boring and the protest was upheld. The umpire disqualified Richardson and ordered a re-row for the Monday with Richardson not allowed to start. The re-row on the Monday was an anti-climax, with H. Turner of New South Wales, who led practically throughout, winning by five lengths from R.F. Beauchamp of Tasmania and C.A. Peppler of Victoria last. The decision and the race were very unsatisfactory and the action of disqualifying Richardson caused quite a controversy. 

Conditions had improved somewhat by the time the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup started. The river was still high, however, and was running fairly strongly in the centre. Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales had the best of the start. Western Australia followed by South Australia crossed to the north bank, while Victoria and New South Wales had the sheltered run on the south side. Victoria was soon in front from New South Wales, but Tasmania and Queensland were several lengths away. With half a mile to go Victoria were rowing a wonderful race and had an advantage of three lengths to New South Wales which they held to the finish with Western Australia a further three lengths back in third place, one length to South Australia, one length to Queensland and Tasmania four lengths behind in last place. 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 7, 1932, over 3/4 mile on Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Brisbane State High School won by two feet to Brisbane Boys' College, a canvas to Brisbane Grammar School, then The Southport School and Church of England Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- L. Tate (B) H. Shipstone (2) A. Appleyard (3) B. Rankin (S) and F. Matyear (Cox).

The Second Four was won by B.G.S. from T.S.S. and B.B.C.. 

An article in the Brisbane Courier of May 9, 1932, shows a photograph of the first ladies' eight to row on the Brisbane River. The ladies had a trial spin in the boat used by the Queensland crew in the King's Cup. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Bridge Reach in Brisbane over half a mile on May 14, 1932. New South Wales took the lead shortly after the start and never looked like being beaten. They won by a length to Queensland and South Australia who dead-heated for second place and Victoria came in a disappointing fourth. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses M. Brunke (B) A. Hampson (2) F. Crossett (3) E. Midgley (S) and Mr.P. Stibe (Cox). 

The Metropolitan District Rowing Association changed its name to the Brisbane District Rowing Association in 1932. 

At the 1932 annual general meeting a motion was put to change the name of the Q.R.A. to "Queensland Rowing Council" and also to change direct club representation to that of district representatives. 

The question of the change of name was given to a sub-committee for consideration and report back. The name was unchanged at the 1933 A.G.M. with no indication in the annual report that a change was scheduled, but the Queensland Rowing Council was operative in 1935. 

The district proposal was obviously adopted since the minutes record the approval of district constitutions during the 1932/33 season and the Metropolitan District Rowing Association changed its name to the Brisbane District Rowing Association and gained approval from the Q.R.A. to control Brisbane River Championships. 

During the 1931/32 season, 22 regattas were held in the metropolitan area and 8 in the country. The premiership for the season was based on the results of the State Championships. That the scheme was a failure was agreed by all. The Maryborough R.C., who won two races in the whole season, took the Q.R.A. Premiership. The annual conference was held in Maryborough on March 25. The sundry creditors had been reduced to £200, but the Q.R.A. had an excess of liabilities over assets of £55. All clubs were finding conditions very bad and the Brisbane R.C. was in possibly the worst circumstances. D.E. Joyce and J.N. Devoy had been added to the Life Members. The office bearers elected at the 1932 AGM were: Patron - His Excellency Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, P.G., G.C.S.I., F.G.G.I.E., G.C.M.G., D.S.O., who had taken office on June 18, 1932, President - D. O'Connor, Chairman - W.P. Rowland, Hon. Secretary - Joseph Smith, Hon. Treasurer -A.W. Higgins. 

At the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, U.S.A., from July 30 to August 14, 1932, H.R.(Bobby) Pearce of Australia won the Men’s Single Sculls for the second time. 

The Under 20 Four was given Queensland Championship status during the 1932/33 season and the first title was rowed in Brisbane on November 12, 1932, over one and a quarter miles for a permanent trophy donated by A. Lewis of Bundaberg. The Under 20 Four apparently replaced the Lightweight Four Championship which after being rowed on January 30, 1932, was not revived until 1953. The problem may have been that many of the men who could row in the division were also good enough to warrant a seat in their club senior eights, the average weight of oarsmen being much lighter than is the case in the 1990's. 

1932-33

The Champion Fours regatta was held on Milton Reach on November 12, 1932. The conditions were strenuous with rough water and at one period the crews were rowing with the wind, but against the tide. The initial race for the Championship Under 20 Four of Queensland for the A. Lewis trophy was rowed in the St. Lucia reach where there was smooth water but with a difficult turn for the crews at the finish. The race over one and a quarter miles was contested by GPSOBRC, The Southport School, Brisbane Boys Grammar School, Brisbane Boys College and Bundaberg R.C.. After a false start the crews got away well together. Early in the race Southport dropped right back. At the halfway GPSOB took the lead. Brisbane Grammar and Bundaberg fought strenuously for second place, but Brisbane Boys College kept close to them. In the final sprint GPSOB held their position to win by a length to Grammar, three quarters of a length to Bundaberg, then BBC and Southport. The winning crew was - S.S. Smith (B), A.D. Wetherell (2), R.B. Scott (3), C. O'Reilly (S), A. Miles (Cox) and E.P. Evers (Coach). 

The Champion Four over two miles was rowed from Grey Street Bridge to Kayes Rocks. The positions from the north bank were - GPSOBRC, Wide Bay R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Toowong R.C. and Leichhardt R.C.. From an uneven start Leichhardt jumped away from Toowong, GPSOB and Wide Bay, and gained a lead of one and a quarter lengths to Toowong after a quarter mile. At the half mile mark Leichhardt led by a length to Bundaberg then Toowong and Wide Bay. After a mile Bundaberg and Leichhardt were contesting the lead, while Wide Bay had crept up to Toowong. Passing the gasworks Bundaberg led Leichhardt by over a length and Wide Bay was alongside Toowong. Wide Bay drew out from Toowong and with half a mile to go passed Leichhardt. At the Toowong ferry Wide Bay drew level with Bundaberg. The No.3 man in Bundaberg came off his slide and the crew lost two strokes. Wide Bay went to the front and paddled on to win by six lengths to Leichhardt after Bundaberg had crabbed and stopped rowing. Toowong were third, four lengths behind and GPSOB were fourth. The winning crew was -

D. McDowell (B), R. Goodwin (2), T. Barton (3), N. Goodwin (S) and D. Jenkins (Cox).

The Ladies' Champion Four of Queensland was rowed in Bundaberg on February 18, 1933, over half a mile. The Brisbane Ladies' crew went to the front early and won easily by a couple of lengths. The winning crew was - Misses M. Crane (B), M. Cocks (2), N. Plint (3), K. Beardmore (S) and Master L. Heatherington (Cox).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1/2 mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Derwent River, Hobart, on March 25, 1933. A crowd of 6000 to 7000 people watched the race in perfect weather and from start to finish barely half a length separated Victoria and New South Wales with Queensland in close attendance. Victoria finished with a remarkable burst rating 40 strokes to the minute and finished a canvas ahead of New South Wales with Queensland a length away third, followed by South Australia and Tasmania. The Queensland crew was seated the same as in the Queensland Championships except that Mr.W. Wertemeyer from Bundaberg was the coxswain. 

The Champion Eights regatta was held at Rockhampton on April 15, 1933, with a strong south-easterly wind making the water very choppy. The Champion Sculls over two and a half miles saw three starters - A. Heaton of Cairns R.C., G. Boreham of Bundaberg R.C. and C.E. Slaughter of Shell R.C.. Heaton got away to a good start and led to the one and a half miles where his condition gave out. Slaughter then took the lead, but Boreham clapped on the pace for the last 100 yards and won by five lengths. No third place is recorded, so it appears Heaton did not finish.

The Champion Eight saw five starters who lined up across the river - GPSOBRC, Bundaberg R.C., Leichhardt R.C., Maryborough R.C. and Wide Bay R.C.. After half a mile Wide Bay had one and a half lengths on GPSOB, then Bundaberg. At the mile Wide Bay led Bundaberg by a length, then GPSOB and Leichhardt. At the halfway Wide Bay led Bundaberg by four lengths, then Leichhardt, Maryborough and GPSOB who had lost ground by going into the centre of the river. At the two miles Wide Bay led by five lengths. With Wide Bay having the race won, there was a keen tussle for second and third, with Maryborough gaining the advantage by about a foot to Leichhardt, then Bundaberg and GPSOB. The winning Wide Bay crew was - A. Duncan (B), E. Von Hein (2), P. Finney (3), H. Ridgley (4), O. Ruback (5), R. Weir (6), L. Duncan (7), J. Andersen (S), S. Tappenden (Cox) and R. Hunter (Coach). It would appear that P. Finney had regained at least enough sight to compete successfully at rowing, although officially rated as blind. 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was held on May 6, 1933, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, The Southport School won by four lengths to Brisbane Boys' College with one foot to Church of England Grammar School, then Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane State High School. 

The winning crew was:- G.A. Manson (B) A.P. Austin (2) D.J. Goddard (3) W.N. Douglas (S) and A.D. Mylne (Cox).

The Second Four was won by T.S.S. from C.E.G.S., B.S.H.S., B.B.C. and B.G.S.. 

An article on the Tuesday following the race expressed general dissatisfaction over the manner in which the Q.R.A. officials conducted the programme. The Second Fours were despatched 20 minutes late by Mr. Cummings, who acted at the invitation of the headmasters, as the official starter had not arrived. This same race was rowed without the supervision of the umpire, whose boat arrived one hour late. The article continued that there was every likelihood of the schools conducting their own carnival in the future. 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Hamilton Reach in Brisbane on May 6, 1933. In the Interstate Championship Sculls over 2 1 /2 miles for the President's Cup there were only three starters - H. Turner of New South Wales, R.F. Beauchamp of Tasmania and G.G. Boreham of Queensland. Turner and Beauchamp moved off together and Boreham was slow in getting away. At the half mile Turner spurted and picked up a length on Beauchamp. At the mile and a half Turner had a lead of five lengths on Beauchamp with a further six lengths to Boreham. At the two miles Turner had a lead of six lengths. At this point Beauchamp ran into the wash of the steamer Otter and lost several lengths. Boreham was also having a bad time in the wash. Turner rowed on to the easiest of wins 120 yards ahead of Beauchamp with a similar distance to Boreham.

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup all States except Western Australia were represented. The start was a good one with New South Wales going out like a shot from a gun, with Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania about even behind them. The early pace was terrific and at the half mile New South Wales, rating 35, was a length in front of Queensland and another length to Victoria. New South Wales led by a length and a quarter at the mile, rating 35, with Queensland second, rating 38. Queensland kept attacking and New South Wales could not shake them off. Queensland's form was ragged and they appeared to just pat the water, but the boat was running well. With half a mile to go Queensland spurted and reduced the gap to a length and spectators shouted themselves hoarse as the nose of the Queensland boat overlapped the New South Wales boat at a quarter of a mile, but the spurt flagged and they dropped back a little. New South Wales finished at 36 to the minute and won by a clear length to Queensland. Victoria was four lengths behind Queensland, with Tasmania and South Australia at intervals of two lengths. The time of 14 min. 30 sec. was a race record. The Wide Bay crew had done their State proud and had been glorious even in defeat. As was the case in the State titles, P. Finney, the blind oarsman who rowed No.3 had performed an unparalleled feat by rowing three miles in a championship boat race. His form was splendid from start to finish and he received an ovation when he returned to the boat shed after the race. 

Hardy Brothers Ltd., jewelers of Brisbane, had donated a trophy for any Australian eight-oared crew which was not rowing in the King's Cup, but only three Brisbane crews participated. The race over two miles was won by GPSOBRC from Toowong and University of Queensland Boat Club. 

Upon the formation of the Q.R.A. there was direct club representation to the committee meetings with, apparently, a quota system based on so many delegates per a certain rowing membership. The clubs and delegates to the Q.R.A. as listed in the 1933 King’s Cup programme were:

Brisbane Rowing Club Mr. R. Henderson 

Brisbane Grammar School Boats Club 

Brisbane Boys College Boats Club Mr. A.H. Hart 

Brisbane Ladies' Rowing Club Mr. A. Clark 

Bundaberg Rowing Club Mr. H. Williams 

Burnett Rowing Club 

Cairns Rowing Club Mr. C.D. Forster 

Commercial Rowing Club Messrs L. Eastman/A.C. Beer

Great Public Schools Rowing Club Messrs R. C. Gregory/E.P. Evers 

Innisfail Rowing Club 

Kings College Boats Club 

Leichhardt Rowing Club Mr. K.S. Brady 

Maryborough Rowing Club Mr. L. Poulgrain 

Rockhampton Rowing Club Mr. G. Smoothey 

Southport School Boats Club

 Shell Rowing Club Mr. C.E. Slaughter 

Toowong Rowing Club Mr. C. Colbome 

University Boat Club 

Wide Bay Rowing Club Mr. D.T. Beatson 

Subscribers' Delegate Mr. H.F. Kipping 

Brisbane Dist. Rowing Assoc. Mr. J.Delahunty

North Queensland Rowing Assoc. 

Rockhampton Dist. Rowing Assoc. Mr. J.Sturgess

Secondary Schools Rowing Assoc.

The Burnett Rowing Club was a new affiliation but regrettably it appeared that the Shell Rowing Club would not be able to continue, and C.E. Slaughter won the Champion Sculls of Queensland in the 1933/34 season as a member of Commercial R.C.. 

During the 1932/33 season, regattas were curtailed in number to permit individual rowers to have better opportunities of training for their races. Twenty four regattas were held, a reduction of six regattas on the previous season and most reduction would have been in the metropolitan area. The Brisbane Grammar Old Boys R.C. was formed but was not affiliated at the date of the AGM. The finances were still in a parlous condition, and even though there had been a good crowd at the King's Cup regatta making a profit of £115, the losses on the King's Cup Dinner £56 and King's Cup Picnic £14, left little to reduce the creditors. The annual report slammed the lack of interest of the Queensland rowers in the King's Cup, their lack of assistance and particularly their absence from almost all social events connected with the regatta. The annual conference was held at Rockhampton at Easter and attracted widespread interest. The death of Arthur Baynes, Jnr., the sculler who had won the Champion Sculls of Australia in 1926, was noted with deep regret. The death of Life Member, James Clark, donor of the Q.R.A. Interstate eight-oared boat, was also recorded with deep regret. Wide Bay R.C. won the Q.R.A. Premiership by a wide margin. 

1933-34

The Champion Four was held in Maryborough on November 11, 1933, and five crews competed -Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and GPSOBRC.. GPSOB were the first to show out and had a lead of half a length after half a mile, with Maryborough and Wide Bay fighting for second place. The order was unchanged after one and a half miles but Maryborough had commenced to challenge the leaders. The oars of Maryborough and GPSOB came in contact and both lost a stroke. Maryborough forged ahead and with Wide Bay coming fast, fought out a great finish, Maryborough getting the verdict by a length to Wide Bay with GP SOB half a length away third. The winning Maryborough crew was – J. Sullivan (B), H. Ridgley (2), E. Cook (3), T. Barton (S) and J. Hughes (Cox). 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship was rowed on the Customs House Reach in Brisbane on February 17, 1934, over half a mile. The Bundaberg Ladies got the best of the start to lead by half a length which they increased to a length at the finish to beat the Brisbane Ladies' crew. 

The winning crew was Misses R. Grossmann (B), P. Briggenshaw (2), F. Crossett (3), A. Hampson (S), Master W. Wertemeyer (Cox) and Mr.C. Roebuck (Coach). 

The Champion Eights regatta was held on the Hamilton Reach in Brisbane on March 31, 1934. The newspaper report after the eights race was headlined " GPS WINS CHAMPION EIGHTS AT LAST" and went on to say there was great excitement before the race in the hope that one of the Brisbane crews -GPSOB or Toowong - would stop the long, long line of successes by the Northern crews in the Champion Eight of Queensland. Apparently they were unaware that GP SOB had won the Champion Eight in April, 1931. 

The first event was the Champion Sculls over two and a half miles with only three starters - C. Slaughter of Commercial R.C. and G. Boreham and J.G. Smith of Bundaberg R.C .. The start was late, but everybody expected that. From moored boats a perfect start was given and Smith, who was 56 years old, and whose rowing life was considered over by many a long time ago, was the first to break the line. At the half mile Smith began to drop back and Slaughter forged ahead. At the mile Slaughter still led from Boreham. At the one and a half miles Slaughter appeared to shorten and Boreham crept up on him and took a length lead. With half a mile to go Boreham and Slaughter were level pegging and Smith had stopped rowing. After a great tussle the event was declared a dead heat. The race was re-rowed on the Monday before a small crowd of officials and a small crowd of friends. It was a strenuous race in rough water and a strong south-easterly wind. Slaughter got away well and led all the way. At times he had a lead of up to two and a half lengths. At the half way Slaughter hit rough water and nearly upset, losing some of his lead. From then on Boreham reduced the lead and got to within half a length near the finish but Slaughter was able to hold that margin until the pistol fired. 

The Champion Eight saw four crews competing - Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., GPSOBRC and Toowong R.C.. There was a good start and GPSOB took the lead from Maryborough, Bundaberg and Toowong. At the end of the first mile GPSOB had a length in hand and appeared to be going away. The water was choppy with a stiff breeze, and GPSOB handled it well to have in excess of two lengths at the mile to go. Maryborough lost any chance of overtaking GPSOB when their No. 7 man crabbed with three quarters of a mile to go and they stopped. They crabbed again and took a lot of water in the rough going. GPSOB won by five lengths to Maryborough with two lengths to Bundaberg and a further two lengths to Toowong. The winning GPSOB crew was - J.H. Cox (B), A. Reid (2), S.S. Smith (3), W.H. Smith (4), H.J. St.John (5), R.B. Scott (6), E.P. Evers (7), R.C. Gregory (S), F. Longmore (Cox) and Rev. M. Henderson (Coach). 

By the time the Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles got under way the river was very lumpy with bleak rain squalls. The only starters were GPSOBRC and Grammar Old Boys R.C.. GPSOB led by half a length for the first mile then went ahead to win by four lengths. The winning crew was -

B. O'Beime (B), A. Wetherell (2), A. Warren (3), N. Mowatt (S) and J. Astill (Cox).

Brisbane R.C. was suspended at the end of the 1933/34 season for non-payment of their King's Cup quota, but settled their debt in time to participate in the 1934/35 season. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1/2 mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on Hen and Chicken Bay, Parramatta River, Sydney on April 7, 1934. The New South Wales crew took the lead shortly after the start and had half a length on Queensland at the half way mark with only a few feet to South Australia and Victoria. Queensland made a great effort to draw level with New South Wales with 200 yards to go, but New South Wales responded and won by a length to Queensland, then South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses R. Grossmann (B) P. Briggenshaw (2) F. Crossett (3) A. Hampson (S) Mr.W. Wertemeyer (Cox) and Mr.P. Roebuck (Coach). 

The Interstate Championships were rowed in Hobart on May 5, 1934, on the River Derwent on a course some two miles further upstream from that used in 1927. Prior to the racing the water was like a millpond but shortly before the Champion Sculls a strong sea breeze sprang up and it became a question of superior watermanship. In the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup there were four starters - H.J. Turner of New South Wales, C.F.W. Peppler of Victoria, R. Beauchamp of Tasmania and C.E. Slaughter of Queensland. Beauchamp was the early leader and was in front for three quarters of a mile. Peppler fell back early and Slaughter was also outdistanced. Turner moved through after the three quarter mile mark and sculling well within himself, went on to win by fifteen lengths to Beauchamp, with Peppler moving up near the finish to overtake Slaughter for third place, six lengths behind Beauchamp. 

By the time the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup was to be rowed it became a question of whether the crews would remain afloat to the finish. The race was very much a test of the oarsmen and their equipment. Victoria, who had smashed their boat earlier in the week, then shipped a lot of water going to the line. They came ashore and when tipping their boat they split it under the stroke seat. The split was patched but meanwhile the crew suffered from the cold. The crews got away to an excellent start, Tasmania being the first to lead out but after half a mile Queensland led from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Tasmania then commenced to drop back and it was obvious that their boat was unsuitable for the conditions and was leaking badly. After a mile New South Wales led from Victoria and Queensland. At halfway New South Wales was one and a half lengths clear of Victoria with Queensland a further two lengths back. At the two mile mark New South Wales was two lengths clear of Victoria with Western Australia moving into third position. The Victorians then encountered particularly rough water and were passed by Western Australia and Queensland. With three quarters of a mile to go the Victorians and South Australians swamped. New South Wales, showing vast superiority in watermanship and form, were rowing well within themselves and went on to win by four lengths to Western Australia with Queensland ten lengths back and Tasmania several lengths further back in fourth place. The New South Wales crew averaged 12st. 12 lbs. compared to Queensland at 11st. 6 lbs. 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 5, 1934, over 3/4 mile on Milton Reach. In this regatta the stems of the fours were held from moored punts, and the start was quite successful. From the newspaper article, this system may have been attempted in previous races, but not with any great degree of success. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Brisbane Grammar School won by one length to The Southport School, followed by Brisbane State High School, Brisbane Boys' College and Church of England Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- K.R. Hinckley (B) L.F. Juhas (2) A.R. Herschel (3) A.R. Henchman (S) and R. Marks (Cox).

In the Second Four, B.S.H.S. and B.B.C. dead-heated for first place, followed by T.S.S., B.G.S. and C.E.G.S..

The Q.R.A. Premiership for 1933/34 season was won by the G.P.S.O.B.R.C.. 

1934-35

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Rockhampton on November 17, 1934. The Champion Four over two miles was contested by five crews - Rockhampton R.C., Leichhardt R.C., Cairns R.C., Maryborough R.C. and Toowong R.C.. At the first start the crews were stopped shortly after the start because of a breakage in the Rockhampton boat. On the second start Maryborough showed out closely followed by Toowong. Rockhampton dropped out within the first mile because of a breakage. At the mile Maryborough had a lead of three lengths on Toowong, who, although rowing brilliantly did not have the power of Maryborough. Maryborough went away to win by ten lengths to Toowong followed by Leichhardt two lengths back, then Cairns. The winning Maryborough crew was - T. King (B), N. Bray (2), J. Sullivan (3), H. Ridgley (S) and J. Hughes (Cox).

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship of Queensland was rowed at Bundaberg on March 2, 1935, between Bundaberg Ladies R.C. and the Brisbane Ladies' R.C .. The race over half a mile was won easily by the much heavier Bundaberg crew who steered a straight course while the Brisbane Ladies pulled out into midstream. The winning Bundaberg crew was - Misses R. Grossmann (B), P. Briggenshaw (2), F. Crossett (3), A. Hampson (S) and C. Moorehead (Cox).

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Bundaberg on April 20, 1935. There were three entrants in the Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles - Bundaberg R.C., GPSOBRC and Brisbane Grammar School. After an even first quarter of a mile GP SOB dropped back. Grammar then took the lead of a length and held it until a quarter of a mile to go when Bundaberg sprinted and went past Grammar to win by a length. The winning Bundaberg crew was - N. Richardson (B), M. McMurtrie (2), D. Carey (3), H. Holden (S) and M. Brasch (Cox).

The Champion Sculls over two and a half miles saw four starters – C.E. Slaughter of Commercial R.C., D Jones of Toowong R.C., J. Sullivan, Jun. of Wide Bay R.C. and J. Richardson of Burnett R.C.. The race proved little more than a procession. Slaughter soon established a comfortable lead from Richardson, and stroking steadily, won easily by four lengths. There was a further ten lengths to Jones and Sullivan was well back in fourth place. 

The Champion Eight over three miles had seven entries - Rockhampton R.C., Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., GPSOBRC and Toowong R.C.. From a good start GPSOB led out from Bundaberg and Wide Bay. By the end of the first mile Bundaberg had worn down GPSOB and had taken the lead. At the two mile mark Bundaberg had a comfortable lead of two lengths to GPSOB with the rest of the field four lengths back. Bundaberg went on to win by three lengths to GP SOB with Maryborough two lengths further back in third place. Then came Wide Bay, Rockhampton, Leichhardt and Toowong. The winning Bundaberg crew was - L. Lister (B), H. Zunker (2), W. Lourigan (3), A. Zunker (4), A. Hassam (5), B. Sorrensen (6), C. Tobin (7), R. Howard (S), R. Clemence (Cox) and W. Moller (Coach).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1/2 mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Port Adelaide River, Adelaide, on April 27, 1935. After the failure of the starting gun and another false start the race was started by word of mouth. The New South Wales crew lost three or four feet at the start but had made up the leeway after 100 yards. At the halfway New South Wales had an advantage of five feet over Queensland and Victoria. The stylists of the field, New South Wales maintained their advantage but had to hold off desperate finishes by Queensland and Victoria to win by a canvas to Queensland with Victoria a further two feet back. Tasmania was fourth and South Australia was fifth. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses R. Grossmann (B) P. Briggenshaw (2) F. Crossett (3) A. Hampson (S) C. Moorhead (Cox) and Mr.P. Roebuck (Coach).

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 4, 1935, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by two lengths to Church of England Grammar School, followed by The Southport School, Brisbane State High School and Brisbane Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- W. Georgesen (B) W. Arrowsmith (2) G.L. Wilson (3) S. Hawgood (S) and R. Harris (Cox).

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. followed by T.S.S, C.E.G.S., B.G.S. and B.S.H.S.. 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Nepean River on May 11, 1935. Four scullers started in the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup - C.E. Slaughter of Queensland, H.A. Wilkinson of Tasmania, C.F.W. Peppler of Victoria and H.J. Tumer of New South Wales. Turner was never seriously challenged. At the halfway Turner was a length clear of Peppler then one and a half lengths to Slaughter. Turner won by 48 seconds to Peppler, then Slaughter three quarters of a length back and Wilkinson outclassed. 

All States started in the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup. The New South Wales crew was hard pressed over the whole course by the Western Australians who were the lightest in the race. The New South Wales stroke kept his crew rating at 32, while Western Australia were rating four strokes a minute higher. When the crews came under the railway bridge with 300 yards to go New South Wales had that little in reserve to win by two thirds of a length to Western Australia, with four lengths to South Australia, followed by Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. 

The office bearers elected at the 1935 AGM were: Patron - Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, 

President - D. O'Connor, 

Chairman - J.J. Delahunty, 

Hon. Secretary - R.C. Gregory, 

Hon. Treasurer - F.L. Poulgrain. 

Lance Trout was still President of the Brisbane R.C. at their 1935 A.G.M.. 

1935-36

The Champion Fours regatta was held on the Johnstone River at Innisfail in Northern Queensland on November 2, 1935. The write-up in the "Brisbane Courier" was limited to the results of the regatta. A Bundaberg R.C. crew won the Champion Four of Queensland from Cairns R.C. with Innisfail R.C. third. The winning Bundaberg crew was - T. Wust (B), N. Cullen (2), T. Bell (3), J. Lawrey (S) and N. Campbell (Cox).

There does not appear to have been a race for the Ladies' Four-oared Championship during the 1935/36 season. In an article in the "Courier Mail" of April 6, 1936, it was announced that the Australian Women's Rowing Council had accepted the nomination of the Queensland crew - Misses R. Dahlin (B), V. Ford (2), T. Tate (3) and D. Kulick (S) for the Australian Championship to be rowed on the Yarra on April 18 and the four was to leave Brisbane on April 9.

The previous rejection of the nomination, and what was now almost a last minute acceptance of the crew was caused through the action of the Bundaberg Club in appealing to the Australian Council to force the Queensland Womens' Rowing Council to hold a test race between Bundaberg and Brisbane for the selection of the State crew. 

The Q.W.R.C. refused to do this, as it had rejected the affiliation of the Bundaberg crew on the grounds that Bundaberg was not a properly constituted ladies' club. It also questioned the right of the Australian secretary to dictate how a State crew should be selected. 

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Maryborough on April 11. 1936. There were four starters in the Champion Sculls - C.E. Slaughter of Commercial R.C., P. Sorrensen of Bundaberg R.C., J. Sullivan, Jun. of Wide Bay R.C. and R. Reid of Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys R.C., who was a novice sculler and rowed in a shell borrowed in Maryborough. From an even start Slaughter took a slight lead from Sullivan. At the mile and a half Sorrensen had overtaken Sullivan and Reid had retired, being hopelessly outclassed. At one stage Sorrensen got to within half a length of Slaughter, but Slaughter was good enough to hold off Sorrensen to go ahead and win by four lengths with Sullivan well back. 

In the Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles, six crews had nominated but four of the crews were unable or unwilling to produce birth certificates to verify the eligibility of all members, and only Bundaberg R.C. and a Brisbane District crew (Brisbane R.C.) started. Nevertheless it was a very exciting race with Brisbane District taking a slight lead at the start and maintaining it despite great efforts by the Bundaberg crew. The margin was half a length and the winning crew was - K.F. Joyce (B), L. Veitch (2), G. Walter (3), L. Shea (S), F.H. Brown (Cox) and H. Blakely (Coach). 

In the Champion Eight over three miles there were six crews - Rockhampton R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., Commercial R.C. and a Brisbane District composite crew. In the first running of the race, the umpire had called the race off after Maryborough had fouled the red buoy in midstream at the two mile mark and swung round on to the Brisbane District crew, interfering with its chances of winning. However, he was unable to make the leading crews understand his ruling until 400 yards from the finish at which point Brisbane was leading Bundaberg by a small margin. Bundaberg stopped rowing and Brisbane went on to cross the finish line. Feeling was high between the crews when they returned to the sheds after this fiasco. A meeting of the Q.R.A. executive upheld the umpires decision and declared the event "no-race", to be re-rowed on the Sunday. Brisbane District declined to participate in the re-row and it was subsequently stated that some members of the crew were unable to remain in Maryborough overnight. 

Mr. J. Delahunty, the umpire, was also unable to stay for the re-row on Sunday and Mr. R. Goodwin umpired the Sunday race. The remaining five crews starting in the re-row got away to a good start and after a half mile Maryborough led by a length to Bundaberg with a canvas to Wide Bay. The order was unchanged at the mile although Bundaberg and Wide Bay were reducing Maryborough's lead. Wide Bay then crept to the lead but by halfway Bundaberg led Wide Bay then Rockhampton, Commercial and Maryborough dropping back. With a mile to go Bundaberg had a distinct advantage of three lengths, but Wide Bay fought back to reduce the margin to two lengths at the finish, with Rockhampton two lengths back in third place, a canvas to Commercial and Maryborough in last place. The winning Bundaberg crew was - H. Hillyard (B), H. Zunker (2), W. Lourigan (3), A. Zunker (4), B. Sorrensen (5), R. Howard (6), A. Hassam (7), L. Lister (S) and R. Clemence (Cox).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over half a mile for the U.L.V.A Trophy was rowed in Melbourne on April 18, 1936. All States except Western Australia were represented. Victoria led out early from Tasmania, and at halfway had opened up a commanding lead, but Tasmania with a brilliant burst got to within a length with 200 yards to go, but then Victoria drew away again to win by four lengths to Tasmania with Queensland third, then South Australia and New South Wales. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses R. Dahlin (B) V. Ford (2) T. Tate (3) D. Kulick (S) and R. Duncan (Cox)

The Interstate Championships were rowed in Perth on May 2, 1936. There were only two scullers in the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup and C.A. Pearce of New South Wales won easily by ten lengths from K. Langley of Western Australia. In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup all States except Queensland and Tasmania were represented. New South Wales got away smartly and when a mile had been covered were three quarters of a length ahead of South Australia with Western Australia half a length away. A mile from home it appeared impossible for New South Wales to lose with South Australia hanging on doggedly. At the half mile to go New South Wales had a length lead which they increased to three lengths at the finish, South Australia second three lengths ahead of Western Australia, then Victoria fourth. 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 2, 1936, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by half a length to Brisbane Grammar School, followed by Brisbane Boys' College, The Southport School and Brisbane State High School. 

The winning crew was:- P.A. Tod (B) J.G. Weatherlake (2) G.R. Eastman (3) J.E. Trotter (S) and K.H. Buss (Cox). 

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S. and B.G.S.. 

The 1936 annual report says that this was the first full year under the new constitution which apparently had come into effect in February/March 1935. The name was now Queensland Rowing Council and the five affiliated district rowing associations were Brisbane, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Rockhampton and North Queensland. Total membership was level with the previous year, but with Maryborough increasing and Brisbane dropping. 

1935/361934/35

Brisbane D.R.A. 219235

Bundaberg D.R.A.   43  55

Maryborough D.R.A.   83  58

Rockhampton D.R.A.   65  70

North Queensland D.A  64  57

474475

The Q.R.C. Premiership was won by Bundaberg RC. with 104 points to Rockhampton RC. with 43 points. The annual conference was held at Maryborough on April 10. The finances had improved considerably but the Council still operated an overdraft at the bank. The office bearers elected at the 1936 AGM were: Patron - Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, President - D. O'Connor, Chairman - J.J. Delahunty, Hon. Secretary – R.C. Gregory, Hon. Treasurer - F.L. Poulgrain. 

The regatta officials were listed as - Starter - G. Smoothey, Judges - L. Trout and A.W. Higgins, Umpire - G.R.H. Gill. 

At the Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany, in August, 1936, H. Turner and W. Dixon came sixth in the Double Sculls, while C. Pearce in the Single Sculls and the Police Eight from New South Wales which included M. Wood were eliminated in the repechages. 

1936-37

The Champion Four over two miles was held on Milton Reach in Brisbane on November 7, 1936. Eight crews started - Cairns RC., Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., Brisbane District (GPSOBRC), Brisbane Grammar Old Boys R.C. and Commercial R.C.. The starter had difficulty in getting the crews away and Brisbane appeared to have a break on the field at the start by half a length, and after half a mile had a length lead on Bundaberg with a canvas to Maryborough. Maryborough took up the chase and at the mile Brisbane's lead was reduced to half a length on Maryborough. With half a mile to go the two crews were level, with Wide Bay four lengths back. Brisbane was beginning to drop behind when the Maryborough bowman cramped up and Brisbane went on to win by four lengths to Wide Bay with Maryborough a canvas away third, followed by Grammar, Cairns, Leichhardt and Bundaberg. Commercial dropped out early after a mishap in their boat. The winning Brisbane (GPSOB) crew was -D.D. Glasgow (B), D.J. Joyce (2), R.B. Scott (3), W. Mole (S), V. Parker (Cox) and P. Fahey (Coach).

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over half a mile was rowed on the Bridge Reach in Brisbane on March 20, 1937. After an even start, Bundaberg Ladies passed under the Victoria Bridge with a canvas lead on Brisbane, but in a sparkling finish the Brisbane Ladies got up to win by a canvas to Bundaberg. The winning Brisbane Ladies' crew was - Misses V. Ford (B), P. Edwards (2), T. Tate (3), D. Kulick (S) and F. Phillips (Cox). The crew was coached by Miss Nell Plint and Mr. E. Colclough.

The Champion Eights regatta was held on the Hamilton Reach in Brisbane on March 27, 1937. The Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles saw three starters - Bundaberg RC., Wide Bay R.C. and GPSOBRC. Wide Bay had half a length on GPSOB after a quarter of a mile and progressively increased the lead during the race to win by ten lengths to GPSOB and a further five lengths to Bundaberg. The winning Wide Bay crew was - J. Wroe (B), F. Wright (2), T. Kennedy (3), J. Bushnell (S) and R. Torazzi (Cox). 

In the Champion Sculls over two and a half mile there were four starters - P. Sorrensen of Bundaberg R.C., J. Sullivan of Wide Bay RC., R. Reid of BGSOBRC and C.E. Slaughter of Commercial RC.. After a quarter of a mile Sorrensen and Slaughter were the only ones in the race. Sullivan's boat struck a submerged object and he was forced to retire and Reid, though he battled on gamely was hopelessly outclassed. After a mile Sorrensen led by a length and at halfway he held a length and a half lead. Slaughter caught Sorrensen with three quarters of a mile to go and although Sorrensen made a very big effort at the half mile, Slaughter won by six lengths with Reid half a mile behind third.

The Champion Eight over three miles was contested by five crews - Rockhampton RC., Bundaberg RC., Wide Bay RC., BGSOBRC and GPSOBRC. The race was started three quarters of an hour late and instead of being rowed on slack water the crews had to battle against a strong outgoing tide all the way. Although known officially as a GPSOB crew, the GPSOB eight contained one member from each of Commercial, Brisbane and Toowong clubs who had transferred to GPSOB for the occasion. The flagships were "parked" halfway along the three mile course and by the time the crews reached them there was no longer any interest left in the race. GPSOB and Wide Bay led out and when the crews settled down 

GPSOB had a slight lead on Grammars. At the half mile GP SOB had a length and a quarter on Grammars, half a length to Bundaberg. GP SOB had increased its lead at the mile and a quarter to two and a half lengths to Wide Bay who had displaced Grammars. At the two mile mark GPSOB had four lengths on Wide Bay. With three quarters of a mile to go Wide Bay drew up to within three lengths of GP SOB and looked like holding GPSOB. GP SOB collected themselves and won by two and a half lengths to Wide Bay, five lengths to Grammars, then Bundaberg and Rockhampton. The time was a very slow 20 min. 59 sec.. The winning GPSOB crew was -

F. Avery (B), D.D. Glasgow (2), F. Foreman (3), D.J. Joyce (4), M. Hourigan (5), R.B. Scott (6), E.P.Evers (7), W. Mole (S), R. Longmore (Cox) and P. Lahey (Coach).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed over half a mile on the Gardens Reach in Brisbane on April 17, 1937, in conjunction with the Henley- Venetian Carnival. All States except Western Australia were represented. The heavy Tasmanian crew got away well and won by a length and a quarter to the light Queensland crew, who although starting slowly, sprinted well to finish ahead of Victoria then New South Wales and South Australia. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses V. Ford (B), P. Edwards (2), T. Tate (3), D. Kulick (S) and Mr.F. Phillips (Cox). 

The Interstate Championships were rowed at Murray Bridge in South Australia on April 24, 1937. There were only three scullers in the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup - A. Purvis of Victoria, A.V. Kunoth of South Australia and C .Pearce of New South Wales. For the first half mile Purvis and Pearce were level and Kunoth dropping back early. From the half mile Pearce pulled away steadily to win by eight lengths with Kunoth retiring at half way. 

All States were represented in the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup. South Australia took a slight lead early but after a quarter mile had only a few feet on Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria. At the end of the first mile South Australia had three quarters of a length on New South Wales, then Tasmania with Western Australia challenging. At the halfway there was barely a length between the first three crews. In the next half mile New South Wales began to make an impression on South Australia, and with a mile to go it was a matter of seeing whether South Australia would last. South Australia stuck gamely to their task and won by a length to New South Wales with Western Australia third, three quarters of a length behind, then followed Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland tailed off. 

The first reference in the newspapers to the Head of the River as the "Great Public Schools' Head of the River" was in 1937, and the sports of rowing and gymnastics were apparently officially adopted as G.P.S. sports in 1938. 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 1, 1937, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by one and a half lengths to Church of England Grammar School, followed by Brisbane Grammar School, The Southport School and Brisbane State High School. 

The winning crew was:- R.T. Wright (B) B.M.H. Palmer (2) B.H. Taylor (3) J.C. Fraser (S) and J.W. Cramb (Cox). 

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S., B.G.S., T.S.S. and B.S.H.S.. 

The 1937 annual report opened with the proud declaration that for the first time in many years the Council had a credit balance at the bank. It was sadly reported that the President of many years and a great competitor and supporter of rowing, Dennis O'Connor, had passed away. The committee put forward a two year plan whereby each district appointed a coach and sole selector to choose the best possible eight from the district. The coach to have the crew under his guidance for the full season, to row in fours or eights as required. Hopefully the squads would be basically the same in the following year and this should produce better crews giving stronger competition. The annual conference was held in Brisbane at an inconvenient time for most participants. Mr. D.E. Joyce had been engaged in fund raising for the Interstate crew and had raised £110 on behalf of the Queensland crew prior to their trip to South Australia. A report on the 1937 King's Cup crew highlighted the fact that most of the crew members were underweight and appeared to have been overtrained. The Q.R.C. Premiership was won by GPSOBRC. The office bearers elected at the 1937 AGM were: 

Patron - Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, President - F.W. De Little, Chairman - J.J. Delahunty, Hon. Secretary – R.C. Gregory, Hon. Treasurer - F.L. Poulgrain. 

1937-38

The Champion Four over two miles was held in Bundaberg on October 29, 1937. Four crews started -Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C. and Toowong R.C.. Bundaberg led out and held a slight advantage for the first 200 yards but then Maryborough had the lead by the half mile. At the mile Maryborough led Toowong by two lengths with a further length to Leichhardt. Maryborough continued on to win by four lengths to Toowong, two lengths to Leichhardt and a further length to Bundaberg. The winning Maryborough crew was -

E. Cook (B), H. Ridgley (2), H. Hodgkinson (3), T. Barton (S) and E. Abel (Cox).

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship was held in Bundaberg on February 12, 1938, and was a row-over for the Bundaberg crew. The race had already been postponed for two weeks at Brisbane's request to allow them to boat a crew, but finally Brisbane advised they would not be attending. The Queensland Champions were - Misses J. Hassall (B), A. Hampson (2), G. Beiderman (3), V. Whetter (S) and Mr.R. Clemence (Cox). 

At the Empire Games held in Sydney in February, 1938, H. Turner of Australia won the Single Sculls by five lengths, the Australian Coxed Four of G. Freeth (B), J.T. Fisher (2), S.J. Elder (3), D.H. Fraser (S), H.F. Kerr (Cox) and T.K. Durban (Coach) won by 1 and¼ lengths. The Australian Eight was defeated by England by ¾ length. 

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Rockhampton on April 16, 1938, in perfect conditions. In the Champion Under 20 Four over a mile and a quarter, there were five starters - Innisfail R.C., Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Wide Bay RC. and Toowong R.C.. The five crews stayed in a tight bunch for the early part of the race but then Wide Bay drew away to win by four lengths to Leichhardt with one and a half lengths to Bundaberg, then Toowong and Innisfail.

The winning Wide Bay crew was - J. Wroe (B), F. Wright (2), T. Kennedy (3), J. Bushnell (S) and R. Crane (Cox). This crew, except for a new coxswain, was the crew which won this championship in 1937.

In the Champion Sculls over two and a half miles, there were five scullers - P. Sorrensen and G.G. Boreham of Bundaberg R.C., J. Sullivan, Jun. of Wide Bay R.C., R. Proctor of GPSOBRC and R.W. Reid of BGSOBRC. Sorrensen took the lead early but then lost it to Proctor and Sullivan. About halfway Proctor was two and a half lengths in front of Sorrensen, but in the next quarter of a mile Sorrensen shot ahead and won by six lengths to Proctor, then Sullivan, Boreham and Reid. 

In the Champion Eight over three miles there were seven crews entered - Old Grammarians RC. (R'ton), Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., GPSOBRC and Toowong R.C.. Leichhardt moved away smartly to lead Maryborough and at the end of the first mile Leichhardt led by one and a quarter lengths to GPSOB, then Maryborough, Toowong and Old Grammarians. Approaching half way Toowong moved up fast and the position became Leichhardt, GPSOB, Toowong and Grammarians. A mile from the finish the positions were unchanged, but Toowong experienced trouble with a slide and retired. GPSOB gradually overtook Leichhardt and in a final spurt gained the win by half a length with two lengths to Maryborough in third place, then Bundaberg, Grammarians and Wide Bay. The winning GPSOB crew was - N. Powell (B), P.N.F. Gregory (2), D. O'Beirne (3), G. Walton (4), W. Morgan (5), G. Perkins (6), D.D. Glasgow (7), W.B. Mole (S) and G.R. Marks (Cox).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 3/4 mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on Hen and Chicken Bay, Parramatta River, Sydney on April 16, 1938. An English Ladies' Four toured a number of Australian States and competed in the Australian title. 

England got a bad start and Queensland held a two length lead on England with the other States a few feet behind England. England took the lead at half way and rowing slowly and powerfully increased its lead to win comfortably by two lengths without undue exertion. Tasmania was second, South Australia third, followed by Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The English crew was the only one with a female cox. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses J. Hassall (B) A. Hampson (2) G. Beiderman (3) V. Whetter (S) and Mr.R. Clemence (Cox and Coach). 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed over 3/4 mile on Milton Reach on May 7, 1938. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by one length to Church of England Grammar School, followed by The Southport School, Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane State High School. 

The winning crew was:- R.T. Wright (B) M.C. Foulkes (2) N.T. Chenoweth (3) J.C. Fraser (S) and J.J. Wilson (Cox). 

The Second Four was won by C.E.G.S. followed by B.B.C., T.S.S., B.S.H.S. and B.G.S.. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed in Melbourne on May 7, 1938. There appeared to have been only three scullers in the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup - C.A. Pearce of New South Wales, L.A. Purvis of Victoria and M.L. Ninham of South Australia. Pearce was never troubled to win by 300 yards to Purvis and a further 200 yards to Ninham.

All States started in the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup. New South Wales and Western Australia led out from the start with New South Wales starting at a dangerously high rating for a heavy crew. At the half mile it was even going between New South Wales and Western Australia. Passing half way New South Wales was in front of Western Australia with Victoria and Tasmania close up behind Western Australia. Approaching the two mile mark Western Australia began to attack the New South Wales lead. It was an epic struggle over the last half mile with Western Australia closing fast. One hundred yards from the finish Western Australia got their nose in front and won by a canvas to New South Wales with four lengths to Tasmania, then Victoria, South Australia and Queensland a bad last after never having appeared a possibility at any stage. 

R.B.(Dick) Scott of GPSOBRC was the only Queensland oarsman selected as a member of the Australian Rowing Team for the British Empire Games in Sydney in 1938. He was one of two emergencies for the eight, but did not appear to have competed in any event.

The 1938 annual report leads off by saying the financial position had been further improved and that the Council felt they were winning back the confidence of the oarsmen. Although the composite crew plan of the previous year had not been adopted, the Council took the opportunity of the annual conference in Rockhampton on April 15 to fully explain their viewpoint and felt that it had been well received. The Council stated that they definitely had eight oarsmen in Queensland at that time capable of winning the King's Cup for the State. The membership of the districts showed a steady decline in numbers - 1935 (475), 1936 (474), 1937 (425), 1938 (396). The Q.R.C. Premiership was won by GPSOBRC. 

The office bearers elected at the 1938 AGM were - Patron - Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, President - F.W. De Little, Chairman - J.J. Delahunty, Hon. Secretary – R.C. Gregory, Hon. Treasurer - F.L. Poulgrain. 

1938-39

The Champion Four was held in Maryborough on November 5, 1938, over two miles with five starters - Rockhampton R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and Commercial R.C.. Wide Bay and Maryborough were together at the end of the first mile and then Wide Bay gradually drew away to win by five lengths to Maryborough and a length to Rockhampton, followed by Bundaberg and Commercial. The winning Wide Bay crew was - J. Wroe (B), F. Wright (2), T. Kennedy (3), J. Bushnell (S) and S. Tappenden (Cox). This was the same crew which had won the Champion Under 20 Four in March 1937 and April 1938.

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship was rowed in Bundaberg on February 4, 1939, on choppy water and with strong winds. The race over three quarters of a mile was won by Bundaberg Ladies by two lengths after being pushed hard all the way by the Brisbane Ladies. The winning Bundaberg Ladies were - Misses G. Biedermann (B), A. Hampson (2), F. Crossett (3), V. Whetter (S) and Mr.R. Clemence (Cox). 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Bundaberg on April 8, 1939. The Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles was contested by four crews - Leichhardt RC., Bundaberg RC., Maryborough R.C. and Wide Bay RC.. Maryborough led early and after a quarter of a mile had a length on Bundaberg, who took the inside running on the Millaquin comer to establish a lead of three lengths, but Maryborough reduced that to three quarters of a length at the finish, Leichhardt was third, three lengths behind and Wide Bay retired early in the race. The winning Bundaberg crew was -

K. Prange (B), W. Shorten (2), G. King (3), K. Sorrensen (S) and C. Shoring (Cox).

In the Champion Sculls over two and a half miles there were five starters - P. Sorrensen of Bundaberg RC., J. Sullivan, Jun. of Wide Bay RC., C.P. Freeleagus of Brisbane RC., R.C. Proctor of GPSOBRC and R.W. Reid of BGSOBRC. Early in the race Sorrensen took the lead from Proctor who lost several lengths in avoiding a collision with Freeleagus. Proctor then moved up and at the mile mark was three lengths clear of Sullivan and a length to Sorrensen. From then on the race was never in doubt, although at one stage Sullivan looked like making a race of it, but Proctor was watching him closely and drew away to win by several lengths. Sorrensen tired in the closing stages and Freeleagus took third place with Reid well back.

In the Champion Eight over three miles there were five starters - Leichhardt RC., Bundaberg RC., Maryborough RC., Wide Bay RC. and Brisbane District. The start was fiercely contested but by the half mile Brisbane led by half a length to Wide Bay who were just clear of Bundaberg. At the mile Brisbane was two lengths clear of Wide Bay and three lengths to Bundaberg. Brisbane won by three lengths to Wide Bay, four lengths to Bundaberg, with Maryborough and Leichhardt some distance back. The winning Brisbane District crew was - C.K.T. Thompson (B-GPSOB), B. Fihelly (2-GPSOB), L. Tait (3-Bris.RC), D.P. Tynan (4-GPSOB), M.T. Hourigan (5-CRC), S.K. Sheard (6-CRC), W.J. Morrow (7-GPSOB), W.B. Mole (S-GPSOB), G.R. Marks (Cox) and E.P. Evers (Coach).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 3/4 mile for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Derwent River, Hobart, on April 15, 1939. Tasmania led out from Victoria and held the lead to the half ­distance where they floundered and Victoria went to the front and held on to beat Tasmania by 3/4 length with Queensland coming from behind New South Wales to take third place a further two lengths away, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. The Queensland crew had taken a lot of water at the start but still rowed the race right out. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses G. Beiderman (B) A. Hampson (2) F. Crossett (3) V. Whetter (S) and Mr.R. Clemence (Cox and Coach). 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 6, 1939, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by one and a half lengths to Brisbane Boys' College and Brisbane State High School who dead-heated for second place, followed by The Southport School and Brisbane Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- J.H.G. Murray (B) A. Bray (2) J.S. Parkinson (3) J. Mactaggart (S) and D.P. Henry (Cox).

The Second Four was won by C.E.G.S. from B.S.H.S., B.B.C., T.S.S. and B.G.S.. 

The Third Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S.. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed on the Hamilton Reach in Brisbane on May 13, 1939. In the Interstate Championship Sculls over two and a half miles for the President's Cup, there were three scullers - C.A. Pearce of New South Wales, R.C. Proctor of Queensland and I.N. Cook of Tasmania. Pearce won his fourth consecutive sculling title with consummate ease defeating Cook by seven lengths and Proctor a further twelve lengths behind, and established a record of 14 min. 9 sec. which remained unbeaten for the distance. 

All States except Western Australia were represented in the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over three miles for the King's Cup, with Victoria on the north bank and Queensland on the south bank. The conditions were excellent with plenty of run in the tide and a light breeze with the crews. New South Wales led out and at the half mile had a canvas on Victoria, and a canvas to Tasmania, then Queensland and South Australia. At the mile post Victoria were a quarter of a length ahead of New South Wales and a canvas to Queensland and South Australia. From then on Queensland did not give an inch and at the half way Queensland and South Australia had drawn level with New South Wales and within half a canvas of Victoria. Victoria and New South Wales began to row inside a course buoy. The umpire cautioned them and New South Wales rounded but Victoria continued inside and the umpire was forced to disqualify them. With three quarters of a mile to go Queensland overtook New South Wales and then drew level and overhauled Victoria 150 yards from the finish to be half a length clear. With Victoria disqualified the crews were placed Queensland, one and three quarter lengths to New South Wales, two lengths to South Australia, then Tasmania. The Queensland crew was unchanged from the Queensland titles. 

There were no further Interstate Championships rowed until 1946 because of the intervention of the Second World War of 1939/45. 

The 1939 annual report was predictably full of the great win in the King's Cup. The proposed composite crew scheme had been a success in the first year of operation. Eric Evers was sincerely congratulated on his success in coaching the King's Cup crew. W.L. Dowd, organising secretary for the King's Cup preparation, was lauded for the splendid job done in the organisation and for the profit he produced of £203 and he also produced a voluminous report so that the committee for the next King's Cup would have some guidelines to follow. GPSOBRC won the Q.R.C. Premiership for the third consecutive year. Unfortunately, the new President elected in 1937, F.W. De Little, died suddenly early in the 1938/39 season and was replaced by D.E. Joyce. The office bearers elected at the 1939 AGM were: -

Patron - Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, President - D.E. Joyce, Chairman - J.J. Delahunty, Hon. Secretary - W.L. Dowd, Hon. Treasurer - F.L. Poulgrain. 

1939-40

The Champion Four was held in Rockhampton on November 4, 1939, over two miles. Four crews started -lnnisfail R.C., Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C. and Wide Bay R.C.. For the first half mile there was little between the crews, then Wide Bay pushed to the front from Leichhardt and at the mile six lengths covered the field. With half a mile to go Wide Bay had six lengths lead and at the finishing line had eight lengths on Leichhardt, four lengths to Bundaberg who were slightly ahead of Innisfail. The winning Wide Bay crew was - D. Hoyle (B), F. Wright (2), T. Kennedy (3), J. Bushnell (S) and S. Tappenden (Cox). 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over three quarters of a mile was held on the Bridge Reach in Brisbane on February 17, 1940. Bundaberg went to the lead early and had a half length lead at the Victoria Bridge. Bundaberg steered off course after the bridge but soon straightened and went on to win by four lengths to the Brisbane Ladies. The winning Bundaberg Ladies' crew was -

Misses B. Bucholz (B), V. Whetter (2), F. Crossett (3), A. Hampson (S) and Mr.K. Fitzgerald (Cox). 

The Champion Eights regatta was held in Maryborough on March 23, 1940. The Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles had four starters - Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and BGSOBRC. Maryborough took an early lead and held it until half a mile from the finish, when BGSOB overtook them. At 400 yards to go BGSOB had half a length lead but Maryborough came again and won by a quarter of a length to BGSOB with Wide Bay third, two lengths away. The winning Maryborough crew was - D. Witt (B), W. McDonald (2), W. Fleming (3), T. Ridgley (S) and M. Smithson (Cox). 

In the Champion Sculls over two and a half miles there were four scullers - P. Sorrensen and R. Slean of Bundaberg R.C., J. Sullivan, Jun., of Wide Bay R.C. and C.P. Freeleagus of Brisbane R.C.. The 42 year old Sorrensen took the lead at the start and the further he went the further he increased the lead. Eventually he won by 150 yards to Freeleagus with 25 yards to Sullivan and Slean hopelessly outclassed. 

In the Champion Eight over three miles there were four crews - Leichhardt R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and Brisbane District. With a strong south-easterly wind blowing the course was rough. Brisbane was handicapped by drawing in the centre of the stream while Wide Bay drew a sheltered inside course. Leichhardt showed out slightly from Brisbane, but after half a mile a length covered the four boats. After three quarters of a mile Wide Bay had half a length on Leichhardt, but rounding the bend at the mile mark Brisbane increased its rating and took the lead. Brisbane fought on to lead by two and a half lengths with a mile to go. Wide Bay made a brief bid to secure the lead but Brisbane won by two lengths to Wide Bay, four lengths to Leichhardt and Maryborough had dropped out a mile from home. The winning Brisbane District crew was - R. Beedel (B-TRC), J. Avery (2-TRC), P. Lawler (3-CRC), J. Wearne (4-BGSOB), J. Bookless (5-BGSOB), E. Young (6-CRC), C. Gordon (7-CRC), N.W. Mowatt (S-BGSOB), T. Jones (Cox) and Dr.F.W. Whitehouse (Coach).

While the Interstate Championships for men had been suspended, the Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed over three quarters of a mile on the Port River in Adelaide on April 27, 1940. The Tasmanians got away well and setting a high rate established a lead of about one and a half lengths over Queensland with New South Wales and Victoria about half a length back. At halfway Tasmania was still holding the advantage over Queensland, but the latter sprinted to within half a length of the leaders. Tasmania withstood the challenge and won by a length to Queensland with three lengths to New South Wales, then Victoria. South Australia broke an oar shortly after the start and did not complete the course. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses B. Bucholz (B) A. Hampson (2) F. Crossett (3) V. Whetter (S) and Mr.K. Fitzgerald (Cox). 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 4, 1940, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by one third of a length to Brisbane State High School, then Brisbane Boys' College, The Southport School and Brisbane Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- J. Stumm (B) G. Fowles (2) R. Stephens (3) I. Cross (S) and D. Friend (Cox). 

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S., T.S.S., B.S.H.S. and B.G.S.. 

The combined Third and Fourth Fours also over 3/4 mile was won by C.E.G.S. from B.B.C., C.E.G.S. and B.B.C.. 

1940-41

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship was rowed in Bundaberg on March 1, 1941, over three quarters of a mile. The Bundaberg Ladies, striking a faster rating than the Brisbane Ladies, led by one and a half lengths at the half way mark but Brisbane had reduced this margin to three quarters of a length at the finish. The winning Bundaberg Ladies' crew was - Misses B. Bucholz (B), V. Whetter (2), F. Crossett (3), A. Hampson (S) and Mr. K. Fitzgerald (Cox).

The Champion Eights regatta was held on the Milton Reach in Brisbane on April 12, 1941. The Champion Under 20 Four over one and a quarter miles saw five entries - Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C., Toowong R.C. and Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.). The race was so late in starting, that instead of rowing on slack water, the crews pushed a strong ebb tide all the way. Brisbane took a slight lead from the start, and shortly thereafter Maryborough were out of the race with a broken slide. After a quarter mile Brisbane had a length lead on Toowong and Wide Bay rowing together and Bundaberg at the rear. At the halfway Brisbane had two lengths on Toowong then Wide Bay. Toowong challenged but could not catch the Brisbane crew who won by one and a quarter lengths with a further five lengths to Wide Bay then Bundaberg. The winning crew was - J. Hazzard (B), J. Donaldson (2), R. Miller (3), C. Pratt (S) and T. Jones (Cox). 

In the Champion Sculls over two miles there were four scullers entered - R. Slean of Bundaberg R.C., J.Sullivan of Wide Bay R.C., R.W. Reid of Brisbane District (BGSOBRC) and C. Freeleagus of Brisbane R.C.. From a good start Reid appeared to have a slight lead but fouled the bridge pylon allowing Slean to go to the lead and he was never headed. Reid recovered from his mishap and passed Freeleagus in the second mile. Slean won by nine lengths to Reid with a further nine lengths to Freeleagus and Sullivan tailed off (aged 64 years).

In the Champion Eight over two miles there were four starters - Bundaberg R.C., Maryborough R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and Brisbane District (composite). Bundaberg was always in front from the gun and led Wide Bay by one and a quarter lengths after a quarter mile. Maryborough pulled out shortly afterwards, the stroke having "done" a crook knee. Wide Bay tried to make a race of it, but entering the second mile Bundaberg accelerated and the race became a procession. Bundaberg won as they liked, the official margin being four lengths to Wide Bay and four lengths to Brisbane. The winning crew was - R. Kennedy (B), W. Shorten (2), G. Wallace (3), G. King (4), C. Rickert (5), E. Rickert (6), F. King (7), N. Cullen (S), P. Stibe (Cox) and C. Cullen (Coach).

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Yarra on April 19, 1941, over three quarters of a mile. Tasmania did not defend the title won in South Australia the previous year. The Victorian ladies just got home by a canvas from New South Wales with Queensland in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses B. Bucholz (B) V. Whetter (2) F. Crossett (3) A. Hampson (S) Mr.K. Fitzgerald (Cox) and Mr.E. O'Brien (Coach). 

The All Schools' Four-oar Championship was rowed on May 3, 1941, over 3/4 mile on the Milton Reach. In the First Four for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by 3 feet to Brisbane State High School, a further 3 feet to Brisbane Boys' College, then Brisbane Grammar School and The Southport School. 

The winning crew was:- E.C. Falconer (B) J.S. Robertson (2) G.O. Fowles (3) B.T. Greenland (S) and W.E. Gillies (Cox). 

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from B.G.S, T.S.S., B.S.H.S. and C.E.G.S. 

The Third Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Brisbane District Rowing Association at their 1940 annual general meeting had decided that it was in the best interests of the sport, giving due weight to the need for a dedicated war effort, to continue holding regattas as long as practicably possible and the 1941/42 season opened in Brisbane in October, 1941, with crews representing Sandgate RAAF, the Australian Army Service Corps and others competing against the local club crews in the regattas. The regattas ground to a halt shortly afterward. 

1941-42

In 1942 the Queensland Great Public Schools' Association suspended official Head of the River competition until 1946. Some of the schools conducted races on an unofficial basis over the intervening four years. 

In December, 1942, John Devoy passed away after a long illness. He had been a lifelong supporter of rowing, being a member of the winning Queensland Champion Four in 1882 and 1883, an Intercolonial representative in 1885, acted as a boat race official, was a Vice-President for many years and was elected as an Honorary Life Member of the Association in 1932. 

1942-45

In September, 1943, Phillip Frankel passed away. Again a man with a long association with the sport, he was Honorary Secretary from 1892 to 1895 in the formative years of the Association, was a Vice­President and was elected as an Honorary Life Member prior to 1924. 

The passing of these two men during the war years when rowing was in abeyance went unnoted to a great degree, but their deaths left a large void in the contacts with the early years of the sport. 

It is surprising to see double sculls races on the Henley-on-Brisbane programme in 1909 where four races for this class were conducted, including one for ladies. There possibly were only two boats available, since each race had only two crews. Double sculls events were rowed almost annually between 1883 and 1892, in maiden, junior and senior status with the maximum starters being three, but normally only two according to Carmichael's records. In the years after resumption of rowing in 1946, there were no racing pair events until 1971 and the first double sculls championship was rowed in 1982. Possibly the boats were privately owned by wealthy club members in these early years and were not considered economic boats for general club use in the intervening years. 

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