Pittwater Online News

August 28 - September 3, 2016: Issue 278

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's 150th Sailing Season Opening: A Few Notes Of Old

YACHT SEASON OPENED AT PITTWATER 

The opening of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's Pittwater season took place at Green Point on Saturday, when the new Jubilee class yachts raced for the first time. The Governor, Lord Wakehurst, opened the season. The yachts are shown soon after the start, on their way to Scotland Island. From left: Jubilant (A. G. Muston), Oweene (J. A. Pollack), Mayrah (M. R. Alexander), Fleetwing (D. C. Brockhoff), Aloha (R. S. and C. G. Littlejohn), Topsy (C. C. Toothwell), Noela (C. V. Stevens), and Forty Sixty (R. C. Kent). YACHT SEASON OPENED AT PITTWATER — 18-FOOTER CAPSIZES ON HARBOUR — DUNN SHIELD ATHLETICS (1938, December 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17549784

The Basin, Pittwater: A Reprise

Easter Cruises to Pittwater - from 1893 

Port Jackson's Pleasure Fleets - No 1 and 2 (1907) - Ancient and Modern

Port Jackson Pleasure Fleets 3 and 4 By LANYARD (1907) - 24-footers, the Advent of Sailing Schnapper Boats in Races to and from Barrenjoey

Port Jackson Pleasure Fleets - 5 and 6: The Building of Ships, Intercolonial Races, 22 Footers, 18 Footers and Mr Mark Foy

Port Jackson Pleasure Fleets -  7 and 8: Steam Yachts, Nights Under Barrenjoey and the Development of Classes in Racing Yachts

Port Jackson Pleasure Fleets 9 and 10: Small Fry, 16, 18 and 20 Footers and the Revolution of Luxurious Auxiliary Motor Yachts

Port Jackson Pleasure Fleets No:11 and 12: Clubs, Flags and the Advantages of Sailing

The Good Ship Packham - Part I

The Good Ship Packham Part II

A Salty Tale of the Kathleen Gillett A Small Reminder and Celebration of Our 70th Sydney to Hobart 

The Kalori   The Bona - Classic Wooden Yacht   The First Pittwater Regatta  John Roche

Pittwater Regattas Part I - Dates and Flagships to 1950

Pittwater Regattas 1907 and 1908 Pittwater Regattas - 1921 - The Year that Opened and Closed with a Regatta on Pittwater    Pittwater Regatta Banishes Depression - 1933    The 1937 Pittwater Regatta - A Fashionable Affair 

 The First Scotland Island Cup, Trophy and Race and the Gentleman who loved Elvina Bay

MOSQUITO YACHT CLUB.

The first sailing match with yachts owned by members of the Mosquito Yacht Club, took place yesterday. The following yachts wore entered for the match :

Annie S., Curtis

Daring, Dodds

Will Watch, Turner

Volante, Leader

Sea Belle, Macdonnell

Dolphin, Donaldson

Sylvie, Johnson.

The four first-named were the only boats that started. The prescribed course was to start from the Red Buoy, proceeding round the " Waterhen" in Darling Harbour, thence round Lightship and Sow and Figs, back round the steamer in Johnson's Bay, thence round Shark Island, and back to the Red Buoy, passing between it and the Flagship.

The committee had engaged the Black Swan, steamer, for the accommodation of members and their friends, and to accompany the boats in case of accident. The day, which looked lowering and stormy in the morning, cleared up before the hour of starting, and there was just enough of wind blowing from the north-east to bring into play the judgment of the crews, as well as to test the quality of the boats.

The Black Swan, after taking on board those who had received tickets from the committee, including a number of the fair daughters of New South Wales, steamed out near the Starting point. At eleven o'clock the boats started, the Will Watch taking the lead the Annie S, soon overhauled her, and on entering Darling Harbour the Annie S, and Will Witch ran for some distance nearly abreast, the Daring and Volante followed at a considerable distance, and the latter soon gave up. The boats reached the Waterhen in the following time :-Annie 30 minutes past ll, Will Watch 31 minutes past ll, Daring 32 minutes past ll. Here the Daring carried away her peak haulyards, and gave up. The Annie S. and Will Watch had now the race to themselves, and they were so well matched that the interest of the spectators was kept up to the very last. When opposite Pyrmont the Annie S. broke of, and the Will Witch again took the lead for some distance, and then both boats stretched away for the entrance to the harbour. The sight was a beautiful one, for tho breeze was fresh, and the boats almost buried in the silvery spray thrown up by the swiftness of their course through the water seemed in the distance like two enormous water-fowl skimming the surface of the magnificent harbour, while the steamer hovering near with her blackened spars, and her chimney emitting volumes of smoke, appeared more like some evil genie watching her opportunity to destroy than the guardian she really was; what a freight of youth, beauty, and happiness covers the deck of that steamer; sweet music discoursed by the band, and the still sweeter laugh, because telling of the inward happiness of the dancers, might be heard far and wide over the brood surface of the ruffled waters. Thus they swept on past the beautiful bays and romantic headlands that surround the harbour, and justify the opinion given by many travellers, that Port Jackson is the finest harbour in the world. When within a short distance of the Lightship the Will Watch ran ashore, with her top streaks started ; this detained her a few minutes, and indeed, decided the race, for the Annie S. kept a-head during the remainder of tho race-followed very closely by her rival. The Annie S. arrived at the flag-ship at half-past 3 o'clock, and the Will Witch was only 2 minutes in following her, amid the repeated cheers of the company on board.

This, the first match of the club, may be said to have passed off remarkably well, although, of course there were, as always happens in new institutions, mistakes and omissions in the arrangements, which experience only can remedy ; and if we may judge from the spirit evinced yesterday, there is little doubt the Mosquito Yacht Club will soon take rank among the many public institutions of which this portion of Australia is justly proud. MOSQUITO YACHT CLUB. (1856, October 14). Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64978110 

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE MOSQUITO YACHT. (1856, June 28). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 4. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60249911 

SYDNEY YACHT CLUB

The subject of yachting, when taken into consideration with our magnificent harbour- allowed to be the finest in the world-is one which all patriotic Australians must allow ought to be maintained here as a national sport. We feel sincere pleasure in giving publicity to aught that will contribute to spread a taste for, or that will tend to elevate, this noble and manly diversion. Notwithstanding the dulness which has for some years past prevailed amongst the lovers of aquatic sports, the true chivalric feeling has not been suffered to die out altogether ; and we are happy to find many amongst us who possess the proper spirit with regard to yachting ;many who are willing to give their best aid towards raising yachting to a higher position than it ever yet occupied in the history of this colony. 

In support of this we have only to take a short retrospective view of yachting affairs-say for the last eighteen months,-see the yachts that have been built in the colony during that time, see the yachts that have been brought from the mother country to compete for the laurels to be won in Port Jackson. There cannot, therefore, be a doubt that the true taste for this sport is reviving with increased vigour, though almost imperceptibly to a casual observer. Then the recent establishment of two yacht clubs-the "Sydney Yacht Club," and the " Mosquito Yacht Club," -are facts which cannot be regarded otherwise than as indications of the increasing interest that is being manifested, and which must be a source of gratification as tending to give additional impetus to the development of this favourite amusement.

It is with the first named club that we have more immediately to deal, pursuant to previous announcement, the first sailing match for all yachts duly registered on the books of the club, came off on Saturday last The day was of the most desirable character-though a little too warm, a blight and almost unclouded sky, and a fresh north easter blowing, raised the hearts of the anxious competitors. Five yachts were entered to contest for the prize, a very neat silver cup-or, rather, " claret jug'-valued at 35 guineas -

Mr W Thompson's Eclipse . 

Mr J Cuthbert’s Enchantress 

Mr J Milsom's Mischief

Mr I S Dean's Challenge

Mr J Bramwell's Preston

The course laid down was the following To start from the mooring laid down in a line between the red buoy and Dawes' Point, thence round a flag boat moored in Big Manly Bay , returning round the flag ship off Fort Macquarie, then proceeding round the Light ship and Sow and Pigs, and back to the flag ship-leaving nilrounding points on the port hand, except at the finish when the yachts had to pass between the flag ship and the reel buoy L ho steamer Victoria, with a band of music on board, was at the Circular Quay by half past ten o clock a m , to convey the A ice Commodore and members of the club and their friends down the harbour to watch the race There were not less that one hundred and fifty persons on board, about half the number being of the gentle sex. The bright eyes and the pretty faces of the ladies, and their varied dresses, with the gay uniforms of the members of the club formed a scene quite charming Every one seemed determined to be pleased, although there was somewhat of a want of room. About half past eleven the yachts were at their moorings, and the steamer then left the quay to witness the start the Customs yacht Satellite, with the Vice Commodore (Captain Browne on board, bore up and brought to an anchor, taking her station as flag ship All the preliminaries being adjusted the signal for starting was given precisely at twelve o clock.

THE RACE

At the firing of the gun the yachts almost simultaneously hauled up their peaks. The Challenge got under weigh fast, the Mischief (having the windward station) next, the Eclipse and the Enchantress together All the bouts stretched over to Kirribilli Point on the starboard tack, as closely as possible , the Eclipse and the Challenge went about together, the former taking the windward station and setting her gill' first , the Mischief followed third, and the Enchantress last, they sailed past Farm Cove all in a bunch. The Mischief had some difficulty in setting her gaff, so also had the Enchantress , but they eventually shook out their canvas to the breeze. The boats again tacked near the north end of Garden Island , the Eclipse first, the Challenge second, the Enchantress close up in the wind in fine style, third, and the Mischief log-like, visibly losing ground They then bore up for Mossman's Point, the Eclipse sailing in the winds eye, and after going about close to the shore increased her lead at every length, the breeze at that time freshening. The Challenge and the Enchantress followed across to Mossman's in the wake of the Eclipse, the Enchantress being lo windward, though the Challenge»as to leeward she was ahead of the Enchantress As they neared the shore between Cremorne and the Point, the Challenge went about, but she had hardly got way on when the Enchantress was put up in the wind, and began to shake (whether 01 not it was bei intention to gi about we cannot say), and the Challenge in crossing the Enchantress's bows got foul of her bowsprit which went through her mainsail Both boats fell broadside on to each other. The foul caused a delay of about a minute, and speculation was rife on board the steamer as to which boat was in fault. The rules of the Club are that the  yacht on the port tack must give way to the yacht on the starboard tack, but it could not well be determined, in the opinion of many, that the Enchantress was on the starboard tack at the moment of the collision, though certainly the Challenge was on the port tack The O'currence was natural enough, the Challenge being slightly ahead, hut to leeward, endeavored to get to windward of the Enchantress,(a point worth trying for) by going about first, the Enchantress seeing this, and knowing that by all laws of yachting she might " shake" if she pleased-when on the starboard tack going to windward-immediately put up her helm. The two boats were so close together that if the Challenge-after going about-had tried, shocmid not have given way to the other by going astern as -he would thereby have lost all she had gained in the previous board, and probably come into collision with her As it was, she followed the only course open for her, and she endeavoured to clear the Enchantress, but the effort was not attended with success, as the corner of her mainsail was caught by the bow sprit of the Enchantress. However, neither of the boats lowered her distinguishing flag in protestation so that the foul could not, under any circumstances, have been entertained. The Challenge gained for the none« by the occurrence, she hann? got under way considerably be-fore the Enchantress. The Eclipse continued increasing her distance , and it was plain that if the wind kept up none of the others had a chance with her The Mischief brought up the tail of the race. The leader went away down this side of Point Piper and then made a board over to Bradleys Head, from thence close hauled towards Shark Island. The other three boats in the same order kept close along the North Shore to Bradley s, across to Chowder Bay on the starboard tack and then down to the Bottle and Glass, on the port tack was the leader’s rule. From thence each boat was left by the spectators to exercise her own judgment, as there was plenty of wind and good sea room The steamer then made direct for the flag boat at Manly, and awaited the îs'Ue of the rounding of the yachts. The Eclipse rounded at 21 m. 30 sec. past, the Enchantress 27 m. 30 sec , the Mischief 38 ra.55 sec ; the Challenge, 31 ni. 10 sec., there being a difference of 10 m. 40 sec between the first and last boat». It was now thought that the Enchantress would show some running and overhaul the Eclipse, but it was soon seen that this could not be the case. This was about the most picturesque part of the race, each boat had all her available canvas hung out  as much as she could carry. The same order was main turned to the flag-ship. The boats, except the Challenge, took in all their Epnre sail to gibe round the flag-ship. The Eclipse rounded at 14 m.45 sec. past 2; the Enchantress, l8 m. 45 sec; the Mischief, 84 m. ; the Challenge (passed) 3G ni., and then ran home. The Enchantress, it will be seen gained two minutes on the Eclipse in running before the wind. The race down to the Sow and Pigs and light-ship was of much the same characters as when the boats went down the harbour the first time. The Eclipse rounded at 10 ra. 40 sec. rast 3 ; the Enchantress, Ki m.20 sec. ; the Mischief did not show round. The run home did not occupy much time, the Eclipse passing the ling-ship at 43 m. 44 sec. past 3 ; the Enchantress, 40 ra.25 sec. ; the Eclipse winning by nearly 4 minutes. The time occupied in sailing the entire course, which is considered not fur short of 30 miles, was 3 li. 42 m. 44 sec. On the firing of the gun announcing the finish of the race, the successful yacht was greeted with three hearty cheers from the steamers.

On beard the steamer, which accompanied the yachts all through the race, the majority passed their time pleasantly in paying homage to Terpsichore; though there was not much room for dancing, a goodly array continued to trip the light fantastic. Pleasure beamed on every countenance ; and when Mr. R. Harnett, who steered the Eclipse, came on board, he was congratulated in the heartiest manner upon his success. Captain Browne presented the prize, with the addition of a cheque for 10, to the owner of the Eclipse, W. Thompson, Esq., and, in proposing his health, complimented him in an appropriate speech on his good fortune. Mr. Thompson returned thanks, and acknowledged his obligations to Mr. Harnett and the crew.

The result of this race-one of the  best contested we have ever seen-seemed to give general satisfaction.The Eclipse and the Enchantress were both handled in a style which called forth the admiration of all spectators As the sun was ye, high, it was proposed for the gratification of the ladies, to go down the harbour again; this met with a ready response, and the steamer continued plying up and down the harbour till near sundown. As she came up for the last time she passed astern of her Majesty's ships Juno and Herald, the band striking up the National Anthem. The compliment was returned by both the vessels dipping their ensigns. Thus concluded a day of the most entertaining character. With all the perceptible deficiencies almost necessarily attendant upon a maiden effort, we conclude by wishing success to the Sydney Yacht Club.  SYDNEY YACHT CLUB,. (1856, December 1). Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64980595 

STRICKLAND. On June 3, drowned by the upsetting of his boat off North Head, Thomas Arthur Strickland (late of the firm of Messrs. Young and Lark), a colonist of over 30 years. Beloved, respected, and regretted by his family and friends. Aged 53 years. Family Notices (1888, June 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688366 

THE DROWNING OF MR. T. A. STRICKLAND. 

Yesterday afternoon, the City Coroner, Mr H S. Shiell, J P , began an inquest at the Grand Pier Hotel, Manly, concerning the death of Mr Thomas Arthur Strickland, who, on Sunday last, was drowned through the capsizing of his boat near North Head. The deceased was a merchant and commission agent, 53 years of age, and has left a widow and three children. He had for some time past resided at Dun Aros, the Crescent Manly.

Tom Percival Strickland, a son of the deceased, gave evidence that to the best of his belief his father, accompanied by a man named Edward Wigley, left home at about 4 a m. on Sunday on a fishing excursion: they had been out together before and both understood the management of boats, it was his father's own boat that was used on Sunday last, in the forenoon of that day. His father was brought home dead.

Edward Charles Henry Wigley deposed that he had for two years past been employed by Mr. Strickland to do general work, they left the house together at about 4.15 a m on Sunday, and, after going to the Manly pier, started off in a boat at 5 o'clock, the boat used was about 14ft 6 inches in length, with a beam of 4ft 6in: Five minutes after leaving the pier the mainsheet and jib were hoisted, Mr. Strickland taking the tiller, they proceeded as far as the spot known as the "Old Man's Hat," where they let down a kellick, they stopped fishing at that spot about three quarters of an hour at that time there was a light north-westerly wind blowing, just about daybreak. Mr Strickland suggested that they should move farther along to what is known as the Honeycomb: the wind, having inclined more to the westward, increased as they were going along when within a few yards of the Honeycomb, Mr. Strickland, who had the tiller in one hand and the mainsheet in the other, told him that he had better take in the jib; whilst he was carrying out this order, Mr. Strickland exclaimed "Look out" the next thing he noticed was that the sail jibed, the boat then capsized and they were both thrown into the water, they were then about 60 yards from the land he (the witness) could not swim a stroke, Mr. Strickland could swim very well. After the boat capsized, they both managed to clamber on to the keel Mr. Strickland asked him whether he had ever been in that kind of predicament before. On replying in the negative, Mr. Strickland told him to keep his heart up and that they would both reach the shore; two or three times they were washed off but succeeded in regaining their hold during that time they were drifting farther from the land; he took off nearly all his clothes, but Mr. Strirkland would not divest himself of anything after they had been clinging on for about half an hour Mr. Strickland handed him the only paddle that was left, and taking the sprit himself, suggested that they should strike out for the shore; they made the attempt to paddle to the land but after getting about two yards from the boat they found themselves sinking, so turned back and managed to grasp the boat again; in another two minutes they again struck out for the shore on Mr. Strickland's suggestion, when he got about eight yards from the boat he informed Mr. Strickland that he could not "fetch" the land, and was then urged by Mr. Strickland to return though be would proceed, after going under water twice he once more caught hold of the boat, looking round he called out to Mr. Strickland, who answered "It's all up old man," he inquired of Mr Strickland whether be could not reach the boat or land, and was answered "No " Mr. Strickland then tried to take his coat off but did not succeed, he threw Mr. Strickland the paddle, but be was not able to extend his hands and secure it Mr. Strickland then "wobbled" helplessly about in the water three-quarters of an hour afterwards he (witness) was picked up by a ketch, which also secured Mr. Strickland's dead body, and towed the boat to the land, in his opinion it was a lee puff off the land that upset the boat.

The inquiry was adjourned till Wednesday afternoon to admit of the attendance of two witnesses, who after picking up Wigley and the deceased, proceeded to Gosford. THE DROWNING OF MR. T. A. STRICKLAND. (1888, June 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688378 

THE DROWNING OF MR. T. A. STRICKLAND.

The City Coroner (Mr. H. Shiell, J.P.) resumed yesterday the inquest begun on Monday last, at the Grand Pier Hotel, Manly, regarding the death of Mr. Thomas Arthur Strickland, who was drowned near North Head on Sunday, through the capsizing of his boat. The additional evidence taken was to the effect that Mr. Strickland's dead body, and also the man Edward Wigley, were picked up shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday by the captain of an outward-bound ketch and taken into Manly. Immediately after this had been done the police were communicated with, and they sent for Dr. W. H. Tibbits. When he arrived upon the scene he pronounced Mr. Strickland's life extinct, and concluded that his death was due to asphyxia from drowning. Wigley was promptly attended to, and, though he remained unconscious for several hours, eventually revived. The jury found that Mr. Strickland's drowning was accidental. THE DROWNING OF MR. T. A. STRICKLAND. (1888, June 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688637 

Tom Percival Strickland was the later the designer of the W Class tram see this great page by Russell Jones. First published 2014.  http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/strickland.htm#note1 

MARRIAGES. On the 12th Instance, at the Holy Trinity Church, Sydney, by Rev. E. ROGERS, THOMAS ARTHUR STRICKLAND, Esq., to ANNIE, only daughter of WILLIAM MASON, Esq., C.E., Snail's Bay, Balmain. Family Notices (1870, October 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13223396

DEATH OF MR. RICHARD HARNETT.

Mr. Richard Hayes Harnett, a colonist of upwards of 60 years, died on Saturday afternoon at his residence, Comeen, Orchard-road, Chatswood, at the age of 82 years.

Mr. Harnett was a native of Cork, and in 1840, when a young man, arrived in this State in the sailing ship China. After a short stay in Sydney he visited Maitland, and then Wellington, where he passed some years in pastoral pursuits. Returning to Sydney, Mr. Harnett entered the old firm of Row and Co., general merchants, and shortly after started business in Hunter-street as a commercial broker. Deceased was perhaps best known as one of the pioneer settlers on the North Shore, and in 1871 he entered into partnership with the late Sir Alexander Stuart, with whom he was associated in opening up the whole district. He first resided at Blue's Point in 1847, but removed to Gore Hill in 1861, where he remained until 1872. In that year deceased removed to Mosman. Mr. Harnett started the first ferry service which ran to Mosman, and also controlled two lines of omnibuses running in the district, the one to the fortification at Middle Head and the other to Chatswood and Pymble, then almost bush land. When Mr Harnett first settled at Mosman there were but few residents there. Until 1884 he made the roads that Mosman possessed, and owned there a large quarry, whence some fine stone was hewn for Sydney and Melbourne buildings. He also constructed the first wharf at Neutral Bay. Deceased became second Mayor of Willoughby in 1868. He was at one time connected with the Pyrmont Brewery and the Hall of Pharmacy, King-street. Mr. Harnett assisted in the movements that secured the Milson's Point railway and the tramway services on the north side of the harbour.

As a yachtsman Mr. Harnett was well known, for he acquired a name in the early days as a skipper and designer. It was he who in 1867 designed and built the old Australian, which was launched at Woolloomooloo in that year. She was of the present type of craft, and was looked upon at the time as a remarkable boat ; but so impressed was Mr. Harnett with the merits of his design that he gave the lines of the boat to the late Mr. George Thornton in 1868, who took them to England, where they were accepted by a firm of builders. Amongst many of his yachting friends and rivals were the late Messrs. Alfred Fairfax, Isaac Josephson, and F. J. Jackson. Mr. Harnett was an original member of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club, was one of the promoters of the Anniversary Regatta, and was connected with other sailing clubs. Of the pioneers of yachting in Sydney Mr. James Milson is now the sole survivor, but up to the time of his death Mr. Harnett shared with him that honour.

The funeral took place on Sunday, the interment being made at St. Thomas' Cemetery, North Sydney, the service being conducted by the Rev. S. H. Childe. It was of a private nature. The chief mourners were :-Messrs. R. Harnett, Rolla Harnett, Cecil Harnett (sons), J. W. Gibson and H. G. Cambridge (sons-in-law), and Lawrence (nephew) ; and amongst the few friends present were Messrs. E. J. Sievers, H. C. Catt, H. Finn, C. Ludowici, L. Finn, P. Dettman, C. Wilcox, D. Murphy, N. Dowling, and J. McLean. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mrs. P. Kirby and Son. DEATH OF MR. RICHARD HARNETT. (1902, November 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14505932

Please note - the Australian was built and launched prior to 1867 - in fact,Mr. Harnett was sailing her in 1859:

A VISIT TO HARNETT'S FALLS. MOSSMAN'S BAY, NORTH SHORE.

THE inhabitants of Sydney will be surprised to hear that within two miles from Woolloomooloo Bay, across the harbour, are to be found cascades of unrivalled beauty, one hundred feet high, as broad as a small river, and hitherto unknown perhaps to any but the owner of the land and a few stray visitors, taken there accidentally as I was, when out for a sail in his yacht the Australian, built by himself after his own original design, without keel, sharp ht both ends alike, as a wedge, and destined, when once in proper trim, to deck his festive board with many a graceful silver trophy of her unequalled speed and his own nautical superiority, which, even without such a test, is undisputed on the waters of Port Jackson. But this is a digression, and now to the Cascades.

The entrance to Mossman's Bay, between Karibilli Point and Bradley's Head, directly opposite to Carthona, is extremely bold and picturesque, the guns on each battery I should suppose being intended more for ornament than defence, as Captain Loring has well pointed out the means of defending Sydney must be by keeping an enemy outside of the Heads, as he advises, and also proves that n frigate's broad-side would sweep away any of our forts, gunners and all, without much injury to herself, to say nothing of strong crews landing at each fort, taking it in the rear, overcoming the isolated, unprotected gunners, and turning the guns against the town. On the right, perched up like an eagle's nest in the craigs of Athol, is the marine villa of that name, " Athol," the seat of Richard Underwood, Esq., than which a more pleasantly situated, more convenient, and elegant marine residence could not be found. It is a perfect rus in urbe, and when partaking for a few hours of his well known hospitality, we have found work for the gun, the naturalist, and the florist, having fallen in with quail, snipe, lowries, enormous snakes, and a profusion of waratahs, the queen of Australian flowers, as large as sunflowers, and springing from solitary rocks in such quantities that we were tired of gathering them.

The motto of the marines will do for Athol, "Per mare, per terras." It is to be reached in a quarter of an hour from Potts' Point, and in an hour on horseback, crossing in the steam ferry at Billy Blue's Point, and riding five miles through a perfect fairy-land of flowers, and verdure, rocks, and caverns, including a close view of Middle Harbour and the bold shores of Port Jackson leading to it, with a road equalled in goodness by none in Sydney: this is also the overland route to Manly Beach, which should be accomplished by every lover of fine and unfrequented scenery.

Mossman's Bay from the entrance appears like an oblong square, about half a mile to its head, with thickly-wooded sides and deep water throughout. Rocks studded with countless oysters are the attraction to the hungry pic-nickers who have left the traces of their incursions by relics of ancient sardine tins, pale ale bottles, and Henfrey's soda water, in any quantities.

Landing at the head of the bay on the righthand side, are several large deserted buildings, formerly belonging to a whaling establishment, of which traces of heavy machinery for heaving down whalers alongside and repairing them are still visible. 

A new life is now being infused into this secluded spot by its spirited owner, Richard Harnett, Esq., from whom "the Falls" we are about to describe take their name. He has nearly finished a large house and a row of cottages ; has dammed up the . head of the bay, made an excellent road inland leading towards the main road at North Shore, cleared much of the ground, and, before long, Ave should not be surprised to find a second Manly arise around it to offer fresh attractions to the citizens of Sydney, without the nauseous process of crossing the Heads, but with all the other ad-vantages of a suburban marine residence, easy of access in all weathers, and only two miles distant from Middle Harbour, which is at present to most people a terra incognita, or a sort of loto divisos orbe Uniannos, but not long destined to such solitude, when Mossman's Bay will be thrown open to public usefulness.

Following the road inland for a quarter of a mile, amidst the chirping of birds of varied plumage and endless variety, we were sometimes startled by the rushing amongst the greenwood of large guanas, several feet in length, which called to our mind, in shape only, the celebrated Rockhampton alligators, recently exhibited in Sydney ; the hissing of a stray snake would vary the scenery, and butterflies in gorgeous attire surrounded by all the smaller fry of the insect world, reminded one more of the forests of South America, where nature is said to excel in the picture of wild organic life. Suddenly the rushing of impetuous waters enlivens the ear, and a cold, crystalline streamlet, meandering through a bower of emerald foliage pilots the way to Harnett's Falls, and suddenly we emerged into a delicious cool grotto, surrounded with creepers and ever-greens, into which the foaming torrent precipitates itself over a broad ridge of rocks fifty feet high, overlapping each other almost like a staircase, and presenting all sorts of fantastic shapes, worn so from the perpetual action of the water on their substance : the ascent by the side of this fall to the summit being performed, we found a second fall of about twenty feet, not vertical as the first, but so mixed up with trees, rocks, and flowers, with water inter-mingling with all, that it offers a pleasing con-trast to the first and last fall, which, being another perpendicular leap of thirty feet in a direct line, completes the entire height of these magnificent cascades, in all about 100 feet by about thirty broad, which, to be seen to advan-tage, must be visited the day after heavy rains have swollen the waters to an unusual extent, and caused the Cascades to assume their real proportions, and be seen in all their grandeur and reality.

The coup d'oil from the extreme summit of the Cascades, where we stood on flat rocks as even as pavement and looked tight over into the foaming cauldron below, surrounded with trees, creepers, native flowers (of which we counted twenty distinct varieties), the view almost shut out from everything except the fulls below our feet-render this spot one of the most picturesque and romantic not only around Sydney, but, perhaps, unequalled in its peculiar features in the colony.

The Willoughby Falls I described last year are far inferior in every respect ; and to the lovers of nature and rugged scenery, or even to the dullest apathetic intellect, no one can return without a sense of wonder and delight from a visit to Harnett's Falls, at Mossman's Bay, North Shore. J. B. A VISIT TO HARNETT'S FALLS. MOSSMAN'S BAY, NORTH SHORE. (1860, January 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13035394

Harnett's Falls, Mosman Bay, 1874 / Samuel Thomas Gill, Image No.: a6243001, courtesy State Library of NSW.

Yachting' Past and Present, Prince Alfred Yacht Club. By FOR'D-HAND. NO. IV.

THE advertisement which the founders of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club inserted in the 'Sydney Morning Herald of October 15, 1867, gives no indication of the importance to which that institution has since attained. It is in modest terms, and runs as follows: — 'Mosquito Yacht Club. Boat-owners wishing to join, please meet at M'Grath's at 8 to-night.' It appears from the first annual report, subsequently issued, that the club was not established 'in any spirit of rivalry to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, but in order to promote the interests of yachting by meeting an existing want, viz., a club which would embrace small yachts, such as were ineligible to join the already established club, or of which the owners preferred joining another club.' The necessity for such a club was a real one, as will be understood when it is remembered that, at this time, the Squadron did not admit to its 'register boats under five tons measurement, under the old Thames rule. 

In accordance with the advertisement, the following gentlemen met at M'Grath and Punch's Hotel, King-street: — T. Strickland. L. Windeyer, J, Graham, -- Gray, J. R. Walters, P. Brown, P. J. Clarke, R. C. Boake, W. G. Langley, — Lomaxi, W. E. King, and — Cox. Mr. Strickland took the chair, and the meeting, knowing well what it wanted to achieve, lost no time in coming to a decision that a club should be formed, and in passing Mr. Walters' motion, — 'That the club should be designated the Prince Alfred Yacht Club.' And so, to adopt a metaphor understandable of boating men, the club came smoothly off the slips, and took the water for the first time. As the nucleus of its fleet the following boats were entered on the register: — The Australian, Lurline, Dora, Spray, Scud, Cruiser, and Flying Scud. Among other business transacted was the choosing of club flags, these being an ensign and burgee of white with a red cross. The first general meeting was held at the above-mentioned hotel on October , 1867, and, after a long sitting, was adjourned to the 28th, when the rules of the club were discussed, and finally settled. Among these may be mentioned a rule to the effect that all yachts racing in a club match should be manned entirely by members of the club, and also one of personal interest to the secretary, which authorised that officer to keep a register of all yachts for sale, and to receive a commission of 25 per cent, on the purchase money of boats sold. Neither of these now appears in the club rules. Mr. Strickland was elected commodore till the annual meeting, which was set down for the following January. 

                                                     LATE RICHARD HARNETT, First Commodore of the P.A.Y.C. LATE DR. MILFORD, Past Commodore.

The opening cruise took place on December 7 following, and it appears from the 'Herald's' report of the function that the following boats put in an appearance: — Australian, Gitana, Daisy, Ixion, Emma, Lurline, Royal Oak, Irene, Galatea, Dora, and Spray. These, however, did not comprise the whole of the club's fleet, as the number then on the register was 20. 

Mr. Strickland was in charge of the gathering, flying his pennant from the Australian, and when he hoisted his signal of 'Make sail' at the rendezvous in Lavender Bay the boats got under weigh in a port and starboard division. By the time the fleet had beaten down to Bradley's Head in the north-easterly breeze the weather had begun to look dirty, and the order 'to part company' although, as it turned out, was not necessary, was, at any rate, a prudent one. The report forms an interesting note on an aspect of the weather in these waters of ours which the boating man of to-day will be able to comprehend: — 'The order to part company was followed by a general lowering of sails and making snug for a 'buster.' Close-reefed mainsails and storm jibs speedily took the place of the fine weather sails which were spread a few minutes before. The north-east breeze died- away, and, almost simultaneously, a light puff from the southward followed; the scud broke over the city as if the next instant would see Port Jackson lashed into a white foam, and then, strange to say, the storm went off in a north-westerly direction. Some shook out their reefs, and sought their moorings, while others, believing the worst had not yet come, kept under snug canvas. It was, at the worst, only a thunderstorm, and after the wind hauled round again to the north-east it blew rather sharply, and sent down a deluge of rain, such as must have benefited the land, even though it made those afloat without waterproofs very uncomfortable, and effectually damped the termination of the day's sport, rendering the intended visit to the vice-commodore a proceeding more honoured in the breach than the performance.' 

The report, however, seems to be hardly correct in referring to Mr. Strickland as the vice-commodore. The first annual meeting was held on January 2, 1868, when Mr. Richard Harnett was elected commodore, and Mr. Strickland, who had taken so active a part in the formation of the club, received second flag. The following officers were appointed: — Hon. treasurer, Mr. Langley; hon. secretary, Mr. Gray; comitteemen, Messrs. Brown, M'Taggart, Boake, Merriman, Graham, and King; and auditors, Messrs. Windeyer and Walters. Of these good men and true, who formed the first officers of the club, mention should be made of the commodore. In Mr. Richard Harnett the club had found, to use the words of the 'Herald's' report, 'a yachtsman well qualified for the post,' an enthusiastic boating man, and a clever skipper. He was also a designer of bold and original ideas. He showed that he had the courage of his convictions when he built that remarkable vessel, the Australian, whose extraordinary success against boats of much larger tonnage proved the value of his judgment in the matter of yacht form. (Continued on Page 1311.)

Photo, by Talma, 374 George-street. A. W. CRANE. A Past Vice-Commodore. W. H. DELOITT:, A Past Commodore. 

LATE J. H. WANT, Past Commodore. S M Dempster, A Past Commodore

P. BROWN. One of the old Members SAMUEL HORDERN, A Past Commodore.

A. E. CUTLER, Present Rear-Commodore. Photo, by Talma, 374 George-street. T. MARSHALL, Present Commodore. 

YACHTING PAST AND PRESENT. PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB. BY FOR'D-HAND. (Continued from Page 1334.)

As supplementing the brief notes on. the 'Australian already jotted down, the following extract from a letter written in 1894 to him by the late Mr. George Thornton, another devoted sailorman, may be quoted as showing that the club's first commodore was ahead of his time, not only in Australia, but in England:— 'When I went to England— I think it was in 1864 — you gave me drawings, etc, Of the old Australian. I am not sure whether or not you also gave me a model. I saw Mr. Ratsey and Mr. White, the celebrated yacht builders, at Cowes, and showed the drawings, etc, to them. They seemed to think highly of them. Mr. Ratsey said he would build a five- ton yacht from them. I left them with him. I think he did so, but I never beard with what result. I had also shown them to Hatcher, the great yacht builder of Southampton (of old-fashioned plumb stem Cutter yachts). He, pointing to the raking bow and sternpost of the Australian, ridiculed them.' It will be remembered that in January, 1868, H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh visited this colony, and that the arrival of the Galatea in the harbour was made the occasion of many celebrations and much rejoicing. The squadron and the Prince Alfreds joined in welcoming the Royal visitor, and added much to the general effect when their boats formed two lines between which the warship passed on her way up to Farm Cove, and then followed her in line, Mr. Dangar, in the Xarife, leading the squadron's fleet, and Mr. Strickland following In the Australian, in command of ten of the club's boats; all the boats anchored near the Galatea, and took part in the illuminations which were given at night. 

The sensational attempt on the Duke's life which was made by O'Farrell in the following March, at the Sailor's Home picnic, at Clontarf, stirred all classes of the community, and we find reference to it in this minute of the club, made during the next ensuing month: — 'That application be made to the Admiralty for permission to fly our present ensign (white with a red cross) and that as a memorial of the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and his providential escape from the hands of an assassin, the ensign be known in future as the Prince Alfred ensign.' The application was made, but the Admiralty, in its reply (dated October 21, 1868), did not refer to the white ensign, but slated that there was 'no objection to granting permission for yachts belonging to the Prince Alfred Yacht Club to fly the blue ensign, with a distinguishing mark thereon.' Later on, In a letter dated July 21, 1869, the Admiralty informed the club that 'the blue ensign with a ducal coronet' could be adopted, but asked for information as to the burgee that the members proposed to fly. After some consideration, the club wrote the Lords Commissioners that the burgee decided on was a blue ground, with a broad red cross. And this ensign and burgee are the club's flags of today. 

The first race held by the club took place on March 7, 1868, in a light breeze, varying from north-east to east, and a strong flood tide. Nine boats started, being divided into Jhree classes, as follows: — First-class. Irene. Mr. M'Taggart; Challenge, Mr. Andrews; and Australian, Messrs. Graham and Windeyer. Second-class: Galatea, Mr. Gray, and Emma, Mr. Farmer. Third-class: Royal Oak, Mr. Creed; Ixion, Mr. Brown; Dora, Vicec-ommodore Strickland ; and Ino, Mr. Langley.- Australian led all the way, and finally drifted in at 6 o'clock, half an hour ahead of the next boat, and won in her class. : The middle and smallest classes were won by Emma and Ixion respectively. Challenge had bad luck, and managed to get ashore twice. Commodore Harnett was in charge of the race, on board the Scud, and after the race was over entertained the crews of the competing boats. The matter of club uniform came up for discussion in this year, and it was decided 'that the uniform of the club be blue coat (sac, double-breasted) and vest, white trousers, and straw yachting hat with blue ribbon, a costume which commends itself as being neat and workmanlike, except in the matter of headgear, which must have been, an expensive item, unless prevented from getting adrift by some ingenious form of preventer backstay. The progenitor of the comfortable cap of the present day, no doubt; made its appearance at an early date. 

The first annual report, which was read at the annual meeting, held in January, 1869, shows that the club was a healthy youngster, Inasmuch as it appears from the document that during the first 12 months of the club's existence 18 boats had been placed on the register, and the membership almost touched the century. It also appears that the sinews of war were there, the cash balance being on the credit side. The concluding words of t-3 report are worth quoting, and may, even in these latter days, be profitably read, marked, {learnt, and inwardly digested by men of this tor any other club who have the interest of the sport at heart: — ''We beg to impress upon each member of the club the necessity of taking an active interest in its progress. The mere fact of paying the annual subscription or attending one meet a year is not the mode toy which the success of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club will be established. It is necessary that both members and officers should feel that much of its future prosperity depends on their individual efforts.' Business affairs prevented Mr. Harnett from continuing as commodore, and, at the meeting,  Mr. J. W. G. Hanks was elected in his place. In the following year we find some enterprising spirits entertaining ideas of a waterside club-house, with 'a 'slip for hauling up boats. The matter went as far as the appointment of a committee, but no tangible result of their deliberations appears on the records. In this year three club races were sailed. Commodore Hanks's Cup was won by the Australian, with Mr. Andrew's Eva second, and in the ordinary club events Mr. Strickland's Poiriona beat the Australian in the first-class races, and Mr. Walters's Torment annexed first prize among the second-class boats, with Mr. Bradford's Clio second. The two races were sailed in a hard southerly, which seems to have given the crews plenty of exciting work, and the annual report of the year grew enthusiastic as to the efficiency of the hands who brought their boats through. In 1872 the club laid down a definition as to the minimum size of boats eligible for admission to the club, and established the limit to 22 feet on the load-water line, and 7 feet 4 inches beam. The use of tanned sails seems to have been common, for we find a prohibition laid down against the wearing of club colours on boats carrying sails of this kind. Three classes were formed, and separate races were held for each, viz., first-class, 35 feet and over; second-class, over 25 feet and under 36; and third-class, under 25 feet. The system of double handicap — one for windward work, and the other for a lead — was. in use, and might be profitably resuscitated by th« handicappers of these days, when big and small yachts are racing together. 

Apparently, the ordinary method of handicapping by special officers appointed for the purpose was not always considered satisfactory, for we find that it was not uncommon for each owner to send in a handicap of his own, and the commodore struck an average of the various time allowances given to'each boat. Mr. F. J. Jackson was just as enthusiastic a member of this club as he was of the Royals, and seemed to be flying his racing flag, wit'j its blue ground and yellow bar, wherever there was a race to be sailed. We find him winning the commodore's cup in 1872 in the lone, with Osprey, E. Kirchner, second, and also in the following year taking the same event with Scud, II. Woolnough second. On the retirement of Mr. Hanks, in 1872, Mr. W. H. Deloitte, the vice-commodore, received his promotion, Mr. T. M. Brown, the owner of Alick, taking second flag. The last-named boat was a remarkably fast little ship of 9 tons, built for Mr. Brown at the old A.S.N. works, and launched in the September of 1871. Her design was almost that of the Australian, but her keel was more conventional, and ended in a true sternposr, and her sides had no 'tumble home.' Her frames were of ironi and it is not unlikely that she was one of tie first boats in which the combination of metal and wood was used. Her dimensions, appear extraordinary to the boating man of to-day; they were 52 feet over all, 42 feet from stemhead to steropost. 8 feet beam, and 6 feet draft. She was asked to carry a great spread of canvas, as her mast was 40 feet, topmast 24 feet, boom 38 feet, gaff 28 feet, and bowsprit 14 feet. She won her first race at the Balmain regatta of 1873, when she was entered as an eleven-tonner, and easily beat Ella, Scud, Australian, Iris, and Osterley in a strong south-easter, after giving them time allowance. 

The report shows that much interest was taken in these matches, and the doings of the competitors before the race, like the preparations of horses for turf events to-day, were matters of great concern: — 'This was looked forward to as- the event of the day, and great disappointment was felt when It was rumoured that Alick had carried away her rigging on the previous afternoon; but Jack Carrol and his crew went to work with a will, and by daylight next morning had a new set of rigging, and she was seen getting away from her moorings at 10.30.' The Anniversary Day race of the following year must have been an exciting contest, and the report makes good reading. Alick apparently sailed a fine race in a howling nor'nor'easterly, and after sailing over an outside course round a boat off Curl Curl and then round the Flagship and Sow and Pigs, she led over the finishing line nearly six minutes ahead of Pert, J. F. Josephson, nearly, nine minutes ahead of the smart little Nereid, A. Fairfax, and over 12 minutes in front of the Ella, A. Farmer. Although Pert was a much larger boat she received a time allowance of 6* minutes, and so the Alick lost the £50 prize'by about half a minute. The result of the race seems to have caused dissatisfaction among the boating men, and Mr. W. E.  King, a keen sailing man, in a letter to the 'Herald' a few days after the event, puts it plainly that the Alick had been badly treated by the handicappers. He stated that it was considered desirable by some to discourage boals like the Alick, on the ground that they were not yachts but racing machines, but when we learn from the totter that the boat which was then looked on by some as a freak had sleeping accommodation for eight men, and deck room for a working crew of twelve, carried more sail and stood up to it better than any boat of her class, the thought arises that it would be interesting to see' what those conservatives would think of some of the modern boats, like, for instance, the Sunbeam or the Janet. Mr. King was more enterprising, however, and came to the conclusion that if the Alick was a racing machine the sooner they left off building yachts and took to machine-building the better. The Alick was afterwards lengthened, and her stern altered, but these changes spoilt her, and she was not the same certain winner afterwards. 

Commodore Deloitte owned the Ianthena, a large centreboard boat, stated to be twice the dimensions of the 22-feet waterman's skiff of those days. Off the wind or on a lead she was very fast. In the Anniversary Regatta of 1874 she was called on to give Aiick, th' only other competitor., sit minutes, and she appeared likely to do it. as she had more than hall '-r time in hand at the end of the Jti-rt round, but off Bradley's on the second turn down she carried away her boom, leaving Alick to finish alone. . * (To be Continued.}. Yachting Past and Present. (1907, November 20). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 1311. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163659078

"Pleasant Water Parties" - HARBOR GLORY - First Race In 1818 MOSQUITO CLUB DAYS

(By Walter E. Bethel)

For ages before the white man came, the aborigines skimmed the surface of Port Jackson in their bark canoes. We can hardly call them yachtsmen, however, for they never I seem to have evolved a sail. In a letter written on March 7, 1791, Elizabeth Macarthur describes a boating excursion to Watson's Bay and speaks of the "pleasant little water parties" that she promised herself. From that day to this Port Jackson has been the playground of Sydney till to-day . it serves the purposes of over a million inhabitants, We talk of the mosquito fleet, but 80 years ago there was an aquatic body with the gorgeous name or the Mosquito Yacht Club. And can we match to-day the old world courtesy of the yachtsmen who remarked to his guests as the craft heeled over: "Gentlemen, we are about to capsize," and added a minute later: "Gentlemen, we have capsized."

Right: The Prince Alfred's first commodore , Mr, Richard Hayes Harnett, who made yachting history in Sydney when he built his remarkable boat , the Australian.

Much history has been made on Sydney Harbor since Robert Campbell sailed the first pleasure boat on its waters. She was an open boat about three tons reckoning by yacht measurement — a 3-sticker — with sliding Guhter sails in those days — the approved type being particularly recommended for windward work. The lofty Marconi mast of the present day secures the same advantage — but the Gunter rig, peaked the sail the same way through a topmast, arranged with sliding bands, so that it would readily slide up and down the lower mast. Aquatic sport has naturally flourished in such a setting as Port Jackson. As early as 1818 Captain Piper organised the first boat race, in which his crew defeated those of three ships then in Port, the Guildford. the Minerva and the Batavia. Room for All More recently yacht squadrons, sailing clubs and regatta committees have assiduously carried on the task ol providing for the competitions that occupy so large a place in the history of our national recreation. Yachting and boating naturally mean more to the people round Port Jackson than to less favored spots. From the pulling skiff to the launch, from the canvas dinghy to the stately yacht, there is room for all. It is a \ popular form of breakaway from life's routine, and the cruise and the camp are among the most effective methods of relief from drudgery. Behind sailing as an organised sport, there is necessarily a background of formality, of etiquette Icrgoly adapted from naval practice, which is the basis of the regulation of all yacht squadrons; cast iron procedures are laid down for all craft flying the club's burgee. Thus is noticeable not only in the rules that govern racing, but in the features of ceremonial routine, such as the rendezvous, and other special evolutions. The public, viewing the spectacular work of the squadrons, realises little of the inner workings. The records of all yacht clubs must be interesting, but, if they resemble those of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, they are something more — they are fascinating, because they have been interwoven with a running commentary of the facts bearing on the inauguration, history and progress of the club from its earliest operations. Yachting Record This has not even been printed, but it exists as many typewritten sheets, bound up with photographs — a rare record of intimate facts, which could only be produced as a labor of love by one who has been closely associated with the club's doings. When, therefore, Mr. L. C. Waterman, president of the Sydney Yacht Racing Association, an old club member, prepared an historical sketch dealing with the club's affairs, its men and yachts, dating from 1867, ho presented his fellow-members with a record that has preserved the sentiment of past years — the personalities of former commodores, and the achievements of yachts whose names are not familiar to the present generation. Mr. Waterman acknowledges the help of such old-time yachtsmen as Mr. F. J. Jackson and Mr, F. S. Adams, with whom and with the secretary, Mr. Buchanan, he has prepared his memento. This article owes much to Mr. Waterman's work. It can give only the outlines of the 68 years of the club's existence. The club has been controlled by 16 commodores: — 

Richard Harnett 1868 to 1869 

J. W. G. Hanks 1869 to 1872 

W. H. Deloitte 1872 to 1877 

J. H. Want 1877 to 1882 

Dr. Milford 1882 to 1888 

W. M. Maclardy .. .. 1888 to 1891 

H. S. Harden .. - 1891 to 1892 

Samuel Hordern .. .. 1892 to 1905 

S. M. Dempster .. .. 1906 to 1907 

T. Marshall 1907 to 1908 

N. H. Murray 1909 to 1914 

W. M. Marks 1914 to 1921 

P. Ross .. 1921 to 1922 

A. Wilson 1922 to 1923 

Sir Dudley de Chair . . 1923 to 1927 

Sir Philip Game .. .. 1927 to 1935

Came the Mosquitoes 

Before any of the yacht squadrons came the Mosquito Yacht Club. According to a clipping in the Prince Alfred Yacht Club records, the office bearers of this club were: — President, Robert Campbell, M.L.A.; treasurer, Peter Curtis; lion, secretary, W. J. Johnston; auditors, Messrs. J. McDonnell and G. Grime; umpire, G. Driver; committee, Henry Dodds (chairman), J. Bell, W. Nash. J. Pasttley, W. Smith, W. Turner, G. Driver, A clause in the rules limited the length of the club's boats to 13 feet on the keel, measured along the gar-board seam. It was apparent that the Mosquito Club was the first organisation of its kind, and we are told that when the Dunbar crashed at the Gap, in 1857, club members sailed their boats down to the Heads and helped to pick up the bodies of the victims. 

The Prince Alfred Yacht Club records show that on Tuesday, October 15, 1867, the following advertisement appeared: — "Mosquito Yacht Club. — Boat owners wishing to join, please meet at McGrath's at 8 o'clock to-night." 

The meeting was duly held at Punch and McGrath's Hotel, In King-street.- T. Strickland, a well-known yachtsman, was in the chair. Those present were L. Windeyer, J. Graham, Grey, J. R. Walters, J. Brown, P. J. Clark, B. C. Boake, W. E. Langley, Lomas King and Cox. 

New Name 

A motion by Messrs. Langley and Graham was carried, that the new club formed that night be designated "The Prince Alfred Yacht Club." Those present, therefore, may be regarded as the founders of the present club. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club thus grew out of the Mosquito Club. A general meeting of the new club was held on October 21, 1867. Colors were adopted and rules drawn up. Mr. T. Strickland, the vice-commodore, acted as commodore pro tern, until Mr. Richard Harnett was appointed in 1868. W. Reading seems to have been the first honorary secretary. The club had its first opening day on December 7, 1867, when the club colors were worn for the first time. Application had been made to the Admiralty for permission to fly the club's ensign, and permission was received to fly the blue ensign with white ducal coronet in the fly. The burgee was then approved as follows: — Blue with red cross, the coronet in the ensign to be red. When the right to prefix "Royal" was conferred on the club in 1911, the burgee was altered by the addition of a crown in the upper canton. 

After the first year it became necessary to define a uniform for the club, and this took shape as follows:— 

Straw Hats 

Blue double-breasted coat and vest, white trousers and (ye gods) straw hats, adorned with blue ribbon. How much these hats were worn in the long ago, is not stated, but apparently not for long, judging by a comment in the records, that if the use of the straw hat was to extend to the forrard hands, it would prove a prolific cause of profanity, (Hid that after a Saturday's blow, there would be a goodly supply of "straws" floating in the Harbor on Sunday.

At the first opening day, the following yachts took part: Australian, Gitana, Daisy, Ixion, Emma, Lurline, Royal Oak, Irene, Galatea, Dora and Spray. Mr. Richard Harnett's appointment as the first Commodore was announced before the close of the year and he took up his duties from 1868. At the end of 1868, good progress was reported. Mr. Harnett could not see his way to continue the Commodoreship beyond 1868. Mr. J. W. G. Hanks was appointed and carried on till 1872. The first year 1868 showed 18 yachts on the list and nearly 100 members. During Mr. Hanks's rule it was decided that all yachts should be rated according to tonnage calculated on tills formula: — 

Tonnage Formula 

The length from the outside stem head to the outside of stern post, multiplied by the extreme beam, and divided by '94, the quotient to be considered the tonnage. This was the Royal Thames's Yacht Club measurement. In 1870 the purchase of a water frontage for slip and club house was discussed but nothing was done. Commodore Hanks was presented with a silver salver. Vice-Commodore Strickland's yacht, the Pomona, carried off the first prize for first-class yachts, Mr. Graham's Australian being second. 

In 1872 the following classification of yachts was agreed upon:— First class: 35 feet and over. Second class: Over 25 feet and under 35.Third Third class: Under 25 feet. A novel handicap system was in force in those days. Each yacht-owner entered for a race sent in a handicap for all yachts, except his own, and the commodore struck an average. Two handicaps were made, one for leading and one for working to windward. The Commodore's Cup for 1872 was won by that fine yachtsman, Mr. F. J. Jackson, in the Ione, with Osprey second and Scud third. Mr. Jackson gained most fame through his fast 10-tonner, the Violet, which showed a clear pair of heels to most in Its class. He was commodore from 1878 to 1882. 

Waterside Quarters 

Mr. Hanks resigned at the end of 1872, and was followed by Mr. W. H. Deloitte, who remained in the position till 1877. Then came Mr. J. W. Want's period (Jack Want, as he was to everybody). He held the post till 1882. The club nearly secured waterside quarters In 1878. Mr. Want pushed the question. Mr. Harnett offered land in Middle Harbor on a point near the Quaker's Hat, just round the corner from Pearl Bay, but funds were not available, and the matter was dropped again. In 1880 Mr. J. Henniker Heaton, of penny postage fame, then connected with the "Town and Country Journal," gave, on behalf of the "Town and Country Journal," a cup for club competition. Mr. Henniker Heaton afterwards left for England and became a leading politician, being finally created a baronet. The cup was won by Mr. Want's Guineviere. Dr. Milford succeeded Mr. Want in 1882, and held office most successfully till 1888. Dr. Milford was an enthusiastic and practical yachtsman, who had several fine boats built, and personally handled them all. These were the Doris (5-ton), the Sao (6-ton), and the Isea. Dr. Milford took the Doris to Melbourne in 1883 and carried off the first prize in the third section. When congratulated by the club on his success, he remarked that he had grown tired of sailing round the buoy at Manly and back to the red one at Fort Macquarie. On the Way down to Melbourne the Doris broke the main boom off Twofold Bay. She put in to that port, and the crew improvised a boom from a sapling, and sailed on. 

Curious Finishes 

Curious finishes attended some of the races. On November 24, 1883, the first race of the season was won by Waitangi (Milson), 1st with Sirocco (Knox) 2nd, and Australian, H. Stevens 3rd. The second contest followed on February 9, 1884, and the same three yachts filled the same places. A protest was raised against the Waitangi, and she was disqualified for an Infringement of rule 4 of the sailing directions, as having been commanded by a non-member of the club during the race. The prize went to Mr. Knox of the Sirocco, but he declined to take advantage of the position created by the Waitangi's disqualification, and the race was re-sailed. This time the Australian (the Lemonade Bottle, as she was called) came in a winner. 

Under Dr. Milford's Commodore-ship, outside races to Broken Bay, and to a mark off Wollongong, became more frequent. On December 4, 1886, the following competed in the race to Broken Bay and back: — The Sirocco, 10 tons, E, W. Knox, scratch; Guineviere, 10 tons, J. H. Want, 7min.; Sao, 6 tons, Dr. Milford, 20min.; Assegai, 6 tons, G. F. Mur-min, 20min.; Carina, 9 tons, Captain Gascoigne, 25min, Captain Gascoigne was A.D.C. to the Governor, Lord Carrington, and the Gascoigne Cup, now periodically raced for, has kept his memory green. Dr. Milford won with the Sao, Mr. Want's Guineviere being second. 

The Wollongong race was won by the Assegai (G. F. Murnin); only four started. The winner was the only boat timed to finish. 

The doctor resigned from the commodore-ship in 1888. No commodore has a better record for personal and practical work. He handled four yachts in his time. The Doris, the Sao and the Isea were built to his order. He also ran the Waitangi for a season. 

Many stories are told of the doctor, whose courtesy was invariable. He never dropped it under stress. While at the tiller of his son's 16-foot racing dinghy, the Young Jack, and getting into trouble, he said hurriedly, "Gentlemen, we are about to capsize," adding apologetically as the Young Jack turned on her side and filled up, "Gentlemen, we have capsized." 

The Sayonara seems to be the oldest yacht of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in commission. She is owned by Mr. Paul Ross, Commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Fife designed, she was built in Adelaide in 1897 by Mr. A. McFarlane. 

Scanning the lists of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for the oldest member, I find that my old friend, "Skip" Kellerman, holds that honor. He joined with the Elf, 25 tons, in 1890. The Elf was stolen from Vaucluse Bay some years ago, taken outside the Heads, and wrecked on the rocks off Dee Why. He also owned the Tasma at the same time — and still has her in commission. We sailed a canvas dinghy 57 years ago, but that does not count. Another article is required to cover even briefly the full period of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's operations. The work of the rest of the commodores, including the late Samuel Hordern, who held office for several years, call for review. The story of the R.P.A. Yacht Club will be concluded in "The Sun" of Saturday, February 23.

Right: Dr, Frederick Milford, a well-remembered yachting enthusiast of the '80', and '90 's, formerly one of Sydney's leading medical practitioners, of whom a highly diverting story is related by Mr. Bethel to-day. "Pleasant Water Parties" (1935, February 16). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 7 (LAST RACE). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230269631 

YACHTING FLEET OF 100 Governor Opens The Season For R.P.A.Y.C.

Hermit Bay was no place for solitude yesterday afternoon, when over 100 yachts and sailing boats anchored and dressed ship in bright sunshine. 

The occasion was the opening of the 1935-36 yachting season by the Governor, Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, Commodore of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Yachts of the Royal Prince Alfred and kindred clubs assembled In Farm Cove at 2.10 p.m., and on the hoisting of the signal J.T (follow me in line) on Vice-Commodore Dr. Hamilton Kirkland’s yacht, Riawena, the fleet sailed to the rendezvous In Hermit Bay. Among the assembled yachts were Riawena (Vice-Commodore Dr. Hamilton Kirkland). Boomerang (F. Albert), Norn (A. F. Albert), Vanessa (E. H. Pratten). SJO-RO (Claude Plowman), Culwulla IV. (R. F. Graham), Wanderer (Norman Wallis), Windward, staysail schooner (J. M. Hardie), Oomoobah (P. S. Arnott), Currawong (Philip Pring). Cuthonna (Dr. T. Furber), Thetis (Dr. R. I. Furber), Rana (R. H. C. Down) Koonya (H. Maxwell). Wyunn (C. W. Robson), Down (Oscar Backhouse). Akarana (R. Leigh). Norena (R, E. Millard), Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, attended by Captain J. Holford, A.D.C., proceeded to the rendezvous by a speed launch, and boarded the official flagship, Lady Hopetoun, where he officially opened the 1935-36 yacht-racing season. A light nor'-easterly breeze provided ideal conditions for the craft competing in the programme of four sailing events, all of which started and finished within the vicinity of the club steamer. Btirra-Bra. Mischief, with owner Stanley Spain at the tiller, won the race for A and B class yachts of the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, by 28sec„ from Goora (W. J. Pritchett), followed two seconds later by Maluka (W. Clark). Vale (K. Plowman) and Scotia (D. Holland) finished a dead-heat for first place in the handicap race for boats of the Vaucluse Junior Amateur Sailing Club. Malabar, with owner. J. McDongall at the helm, sailed to victory from 14 other competitors in the race for 10ft. skiffs. Harmony (K. Kershaw) finished second, 2min. 34sec. behind Malabar, The race for 12ft. cadet dinghies was won by Pixie IT., sailed by J. R. Horn, by 29sec. Scamp (J. S. Olsen) and Waterwitch (P. G. Munce), dead-heated for second place. YACHTING FLEET OF 100 (1935, October 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231183270 

Led by Vice-Commodore Dr. Kirkland's Riawena, A Class yachts beat down the harbor to the rendezvous at Hermit Bay on the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's opening day. (Top left): Beating down towards Bradley's Head in a fine sailing breeze. In The SPRING The YACHTSMAN'S FANCY...! (1935, November 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230174489

ONE OF PITTWATER'S MANY PEACEFUL BAYS.

Other pictures of this delightful resort appear on pages 12 and 13. ONE OF PITTWATER'S MANY PEACEFUL BAYS. (1938, December 28). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 45. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166525372

Rest of The Prince's Visit article:

THE OFFICIAL LANDING.

Shortly before noon on the 22nd, the Prince, who had landed privately and visited Government House on the previous evening, left the Galatea to land officially. All the war vessels in port manned their yards, fired Royal salutes, and loudly cheered as the barge containing his Royal Highness, Lieutenant Haig, Mr. Brierly, Lord Newry, and the Hon. E. Yorke rowed by. The ships in the Cove were all dressed, and spectators swarmed the rigging. A spacious landing stage, 53 feet by 30 feet, covered in the centre with scarlet cloth, had been specially constructed at the centre of the Circular Quay, and on this the Prince landed and was received by his Excellency Earl Belmore and the members of the Executive. The enclosed space in front of the Custom House was occupied by a number of prominent residents, who formed a double line to the triumphal arch, where the Corporation of the city awaited H.P.H. with an elegantly-engrossed address enclosed in a silver casket. The novel structure, which afforded temporary shelter to the municipal authorities was recently erected under the superintendence of the Colonial Architect, and is a novel-looking, but at the same time, elegant structure. It consists of one grand central opening, by a depth of thirty feet, twenty-five feet wide, with wing openings eleven feet wide, capped with three gold-painted domes on pediments, with crown pediments. The central dome rising seventy-nine feet and the wing domes forty feet each, with flag-staffs. The central dome is pierced with twelve circular openings, each of which contains a letter of the name "Alfred" prepared for illumination. The ceilings of the wings consist of paper centre flowers with spandrils and cornices. The ceiling of the centre dome rises on ribs enlivened with tropical foliage on a ground of sunset tint. Painted on the interior of the central dome are figures of Fame bearing wreaths of laurel on a ground of azure, dressings of flags artistically arranged, the groups of Neptune and Minerva on the central key-stones, and the busts of Captain Cook and Lord Nelson on the central niches. Over the central dome floated the Royal Standard, rising out of atrophy of small flags, and over the wing domes the blue and white ensigns.

Triumphal arch, Prince's Stairs, Circular Quay, Sydney. Landing of Duke of Edinburgh, 1868, January / photographer unknown, courtesy State Library of NSW

As soon as the Prince and party entered the arch, the Mayor presented the following address :

" May it please your Royal Highness,

"I have the honor, on behalf of the Municipal Council of the City of Sydney, to congratulate your Royal Highness upon your safe arrival, and to offer you a most hearty welcome to this distant portion of her Majesty's dominions.

“I trust that the efforts which will be made by the inhabit-ants of this city, and by other colonists, for the reception of the son of their Most Gracious Sovereign, will meet with your approval.

" Your Royal Highness may rest assured that these manifestations are but a faint indication of the sentiments of earnest loyalty and personal devotion to her Majesty the Queen which pervades all classes in New South Wales.

"(Signed) CHAS. MOORE, Mayor." Chas. H. Woolcott, Town Clerk."

To .which his Royal Highness replied- 

" Sir,-I beg you to express to the members of the Municipal Council, and through them to the people of Sydney, the lively satisfaction I feel at the hearty reception they have given me. The cordiality of the welcome I have met with has given me all the more pleasure, because that I am persuaded that it is the evidence of the depth and sincerity of the loyalty which her Majesty's subjects in Sydney entertain for her throne and per-son, and on behalf of the Queen I return you my most grateful acknowledgments.,

. "(Signed) ALFRED." To the Mayor of Sydney."

The procession' then formed in the following order :

The Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, " with engine, Manchester Unity Lodges of Odd Fellows, Grand United Order Lodges of Odd Fellows. Ancient Order of Foresters, Sons of Temperance. Protestant Friendly Alliance. , .Mayors and Members of Suburban Municipalities-. H.P..H. the DUKE OF EDINBURGH, Earl Belmore, Lord Newry, and Lieut. Haig, in an open carriage, escorted by a picked detachment of the Mounted Police force.

Officers of H. M. Naval and Military Force's, Members of the Executive Council.

Members of the Reception .Committee; The suite of his Royal Highness. .

The suite of his Excellency the Governor, Foreign Consuls.

Judges of the Supreme Court. Members of the Legislative Council. Members of the Legislative Assembly. The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Sydney. The Officers of the University; Private Citizens in carriages.

The procession went through Castlereagh-street North, Macquarie-place, Bridge-street, George-street, Bathurst-street, Elizabeth-street to Liverpool-street, up Liverpool-street as far as College-street, thence along Macquarie-street into the Government Domain.

There fully 10,000 school children had assembled, under the direction of Mr. Fisher, to sing the National Anthem. The streets along the route of the procession were thickly lined with spectators, and thousands viewed it from balconies, windows, house-tops, and stands erected for the purpose. Thousands of flags of every known shape, size, and device were seen on every side, and had the weather been at all favorable, the Prince's reception in Sydney would have outshone any that he had previously received. Jupiter Pluvius would not be appeased, and however much the consequences might be beneficial to the agricultural and pastoral interests, it was still more so to the drapers, as it played sad havoc with the elaborate costumes of the fair sex who would see the Prince.

THE ILLUMINATIONS.

Costly, though not so general as might be expected, were the preparations for the nocturnal display. Those on the triumphal arches, Government offices, banks, and other public buildings were particularly elaborate, and deserving of notice. The sun had hardly set ere thousands thronged the streets to witness the display, and until midnight there was hardly room to move along the principal streets. Excellent order was preserved by the mounted police, and not a single accident occurred to mar the festivities. We regret that our space will only admit of the following description of the principal illuminations.

The arches over the gates leading to Government House were brilliantly illuminated. A number of cherubs were represented on the principal arch, and above and below them were lines of colored lamps, the whole being surmounted by the letters A E with a star between in gas jets, reflected through glass prisms'.

On the two smaller arches were illuminated stars. There were also two transparent pictures, one the Galatea, the other Edinburgh Castle. 

The arch in front of the "Albert Statue" was copied from that of one of the transepts of the Crystal Palace. It consists of five separate openings, the central one for carriages, with one on each side for horsemen, and two other arches for foot passengers. The extreme height of the central arch is thirty-five feet, the upper part surmounted by flags. On the flagstaff in the centre waves St. George's ensign, the other flagstaffs bore banners, and beneath these are groups of flags of varied hues. The woodwork of the arch is painted stone color, relieved with blue and picked out with cherry on a puce ground. In the panels, in letters of blue and gold, on one side “Welcome Alfred," and the other " Duke of Edinburgh," with a transparency bearing the Duke's arms. A large coronet of wood-work, appropriately colored, surmounts the central arch, surrounded with groups of flags. The whole outline of the arches was lit with jets of gas, and each front with variegated lamps. The soffits of the arch were lighted with Chinese, lanterns, and each of the main pillars with vases of colored fire. The faces of all the side arches were profusely decorated with evergreens flags, and shields of England, Scotland, Ireland, Prussia, Denmark, &c.

The arch at the Circular Quay was one of the most splendid features of the night. It was surmounted by stars in gas, seven feet by four. Beneath the stars were wreaths of fire, amidst which shone the name of the Prince. The two smaller domes were also encircled by wreaths of gas jets, the cornices defined bylines of fire, and the words "Welcome Prince Alfred" in variegated lamps. An immense chandelier was suspended from the centre of the large arch, and a small one from each of the wings. On the parapet were razes of fire.

At the Water Police Office was a transparency, twelve feet by ten, representing the Galatea coming to anchor in Farm Cove other ships being also represented, together with a view of Port Macquarie.

The Custom House was illuminated by a large transparency, .forty feet by twenty, representing the landing of Captain Cook', and his taking possession of the country in the name of the King in 1770. In the centre is Cook, surrounded by his officers, while to the left preparations are being made for the first feast on Australian soil, surrounded by a border representing the progress of architecture in the colony. In the bottom corner the first wharf in Sydney, on the opposite side the present Circular Quay with shipping. Immediately above, Government House as it now stands, and opposite it a hut in Pitt-street the first residence of Governor Phillip. In the top corner on one side old St. Phillip's Church, and on the other side St. Andrew's Cathedral.

The Government Printing Office transparency represented King Edward and Queen on the throne, with Caxton in kneeling posture offering the first printed copy of the Bible; in the background were courtiers and attendants. On the left hand top corner the first printing press used by Caxton, the other side displayed the modern press. Below was a cricket ground, with Aboriginal cricketers playing; on the other side blacks in a state of barbarism. 

At the Public Works Office, transparencies. The centre represented Minerva, with allegorical figures of Engineering and Architecture; in the background the Parthenon, and a landscape with railways. On the left of the centre Neptune, with a view of Wollongong on one side, and Newcastle on the other. Fronting the Roads and Bridges department was a figure of Vulcan, view of Nepean Bridge, and a dray entering the punt, on which was one of Cobb's mail coaches, representing the past ; the present was represented by a railway train crossing the bridge, and another coming down the Zigzag, with Knapsack Gully in the distance.

On the Treasury building a transparency. In the centre ornamented scroll work, one side illustrating fife on the gold-fields, the other commerce ; above, vases, containing flowers and fruits, with a figure of Britannia in the centre, and the motto" Thine shall be all the subject main, and every shore it circles thine." At the base a piece of stonework supporting the figures of Peace and Plenty. In the centre A. E. A. and the Saxe-Coburg crest; at the left side a sovereign as issued from the Sydney Mint; beneath the inscription " Welcome to the land of gold. "

At the Colonial Secretary's Office, a transparency containing several well-executed figures, shewing that Art, Science, Charity, Justice, and Mercy, had their proper place in the Government of this colony. The figures were also intended to indicate the nature of the departments under the control of the Colonial Secretary. "

The Lands' Office transparency was very fine, and of excellent design, and represented Britannia placing the laurel wreath on the brow of the discoverer of this colony, Captain Cook. The pedestal bearing the figures was enclosed by a parapet wall of open work, surrounded by a pavement of black and white marble. .

The western fronts of the two Houses of Parliament were lighted up by colored lamps, the whole of the structure being outlined. In the centre was a large transparency showing the meeting bf two galleys on the Ocean-one representing the mother-country, the other Australia. Near the stern of one, decorated with the British arms, stands Britannia, presenting Australia with a. rudder as an emblem of government. The genius of the colony is impersonated by a graceful female, of youthful aspect, taking the responsibilities imposed upon her with a serious mien. 

Right: Triumphal Arch - Hyde Park, Royal Visit, 1868] / J.H. Newman , Digital Order Number: c007660041 from Album: Scott family - collection of photographs mainly comprising group portraits and photographs of towns including Grenfell, Newcastle, and Sydney, ca. 1866-1914, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The Sydney Infirmary, a large transparency of "the Good Samaritan." The benevolent wayfarer supporting the ill-used traveller. In distinct lateral compartments, figures of Asclepius, Physic, and Hygeia, with the emblems usually attributed to those myths. On the top of these figures, Death with his scythe, and Life with her olive branch.

The Royal Mint, a large transparency, Australia, under the auspices of Minerva and Mercury, inaugurating the coinage of money in Sydney. At the top the Royal Arms over New South Wales seated on a throne supported by the kangaroo and emu. On either side of the principal figure were Mercury and Minerva, and subordinate figures, principally females. At the back a large building intended to represent a mint, and numerous figures busily engaged in coining money. Some of these are pouring out the newly minted coinage upon a large stone slab, on the face of which is inscribed, ‘Established 14th May, lboo. Gold coined since to the amount of 23 millions sterling. On the right, children with flowers and fruit and sheaves of wheat, and men with sheep and cattle and the spade and shovel typical of the agricultural, pastoral, and mineral wealth of the country. .

At the Colonial Architect's Office, a transparency of the Royal Arms, around which was an ornamental scroll on a onie ground. Colored fires were also burnt. .

The Museum, sculpturesque transparencies representing scientific men. Naturalists-Linnaeus, Buffon, Cimer, and Sir Joseph Banks. Maritime Discovery was represented by a ‘Cook, Sculpture' by Phidias, Painting by Raffaello, Chemistry by Sir H. Davy, and Philosophy by Plato and Aristotle.

The triumphal arch at the corner of the South Head-road and Liverpool-street was illuminated with variegated lamps three sides of the centre pillars supporting the arch were stars formed by variegated lamps, and from the centre of the arch a chandelier of colored lamps. At the top of the pillars were transparencies-VR (conjoined), and AE (conjoined). Above these the letters A, L, F, R, E, D, in transparencies ; the whole surmounted by a crown of colored lamps.

Registrar-General's Offices-Two transparencies: one with life-like figures of founders and explorers of the colony, and scenes indicative of its resources ; the other relating to population and the industries connected with gold and coal mining and grazing. In the centre is an open volume, with statistics, in reference to registered deeds, property, population, and products. The picture extended along the whole front of the building, and was much admired.

Council of Education-Large transparency, having exquisite effect, showed an aperture in a wall, through which is being driven the Chariot of Education, drawn apparently, after the pattern of the Chariot of the Sun ; the Owl of Wisdom marshalling the way; in the phaeton, male and female figures bearing aloft a flag on which is inscribed, "Knowledge is Power." At the apex of the masonry are an open Bible and a burning lamp, at the base a marble bust of Minerva. The sides of the picture are flanked by two native figures-one in a wild state and the other civilised by the means of education; behind each figure, tropical foliage.

Supreme Court-Large transparency, in the centre of which his Justice, beneath the Royal arms, and on each side allegorical figures of Science and Art, standing in bold relief on sky blue background.

Office of Inspector-General of Police-Illumination, variegated lamps in clusters round each of the six pilasters of the verandah, with festoons between each opening ; below and between the festoons Chinese lamps.

Site of the General Post Office.-A very large painting with windows pierced and. illuminated from behind. Number of figures in foreground. This painting shows what the new Post Office building will be when completed.

The Savings' Bank.-Over the doorway an immense gas star, surmounted with a crown also in gas. Underneath were the words, " Welcome" Alfred."

Central Police Court.-City of Edinburgh coat of arms enclosed in a wreath of laurels, the label with the motto "Nisi Dominus Frustra" below ; along the parapet beneath, the words, " Welcome Duke of Edinburgh," in variegated lamps.

Telegraph Office.-A transparency, representing the progress of telegraphic discoveries. Benjamin Franklin and his kite; Morse with various instruments since invented for transmitting telegrams ; and the laying of the Atlantic cable.

The Observatory.-A magnificent electric light, produced by a galvanic battery of 400 cells, known as Maynooth's battery, each cell 74 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter, the battery communicating with self-adjusting apparatus for keeping up the spark between the two carbon points. The reflectors were 21| inches in diameter. The light was exhibited in various colors, effacted by slides of colored glass before the reflector. The apparatus was made by Mr. Kopseh, of the Telegraph Department.

Benevolent Asylum.-Large transparency, 18x12, Peabody and Howard in the foreground; Peabody represented as holding a bag of gold which he is dispensing to a number of the indigent, whose figures occupy the background; Howard seated on the ground holding a scroll.

School of Arts.-Gas illumination. Over the door, an anchor in a wreath, an imperial crown above. The pillars wreathed with gas jets. Transparencies in each window representing groups of statuary.

English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank.-An immense gas star with anchor in centre, and the letters A E A.

The London Chartered Bank.-A large gas star, in centre a thistle, and the word welcome. A star over the door, and aline of lights between the first and second stories.

Joint Stock Bank.-At each extremity of the front verandah a large gas star, one having in its centre the letter P. the other A. The initials VR in glass crystals and the word Alfred formed the centre between the stars.

Bank of Australasia. -A transparency of the Duke surrounded with a wreath of oak leaves and allegorical figures, "Treuundfest " on a ribbon. A large double star in gas. '

GRAND DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS IN THE OUTER DOMAIN IN HONOUR OF THE VISIT OF THE H.R.R. PRINCE ALFRED

Union Bank of Australia, Pitt-street and Hunter-street. Festoons of gas outlining the top of the building. In the centre,. over the main doorway, the word "Welcome," and a large laurel wreath also in jets of gas.

Bank of New South Wales.-Gas stars in front of each of the lower windows, above the letters A EA, large gas star on.each side. Along the top of the building was a row of gas jets, with a device A E A in circle.

Commercial Bank.-An immense gas star over the doorway ;-six columns in front encircled with bands of gas jets ; along the top of the building was a row of gas jets with crown in centre, and the word " Welcome" in gas.

United Insurance Company.-Fine transparency, Britannia seated on rock, leaning with one arm on a shield, the other grasping the Royal Standard. On the right the Australian crest and the Galatea, on the left Prince Alfred's crest. A number of flags were also displayed.

The European Fire and Life Insurance Company's Office. A transparency in three sections ; the centre a welcome to the Prince, above a scroll with "welcome," a beehive representing industry ; a representation of the countryman whose vehicle stuck fast in the mud, appealing to Jupiter to extricate him, Underneath was the moral, "Help thyself," in white letters. On one side a representation indicative of improvidence, and on the other of industry and prudence.

Sydney Marine Assurance Office.-Transparency, the Prince in a triumphal car drawn by children.

The Victoria Insurance Company's Office.-Transparency, a portrait of the Prince, with the rose, thistle, and shamrock, lions couchant, and the Galatea.

The Sydney Insurance Company's Office.-Gas jets representing laurel wreath surrounding the emblem of their office, and large star.

The London and Lancashire Insurance Company's Office.-A large transparency, heraldic design, draped with flags, a lion couchant on one side, and a kangaroo on the other ; underneath was the motto, '' Sic fortis etruria crevit. "

The Australian Mutual Provident Society's Office.-Five large stars in gas jets, and the words, "Welcome Alfred" - underneath.

Farmer, Painter, and Pope, drapers.-Gas illumination ex-tending for about 140 feet, A star at each end, between the  words " Victoria House " in letters four feet high.

Prince, Ogg, and Co.-An elaborate design formed of evergreens and flowers, lighted up with about 2000 variegated lamps.

Thompson and Giles, George-street.-Transparency extending the whole length of the building, illumination in centre-star-and A E A in jets of gas.

Messrs. D. Jones and Co.-A large gas star at each end of the balcony, crown and anchor in centre ; the front of the building was festooned with evergreens, flowers, and flags ; and in the upper windows were transparencies. .

Gibbs, Shallard, and Co., Illustrated views office, &c-Large transparency, 14 feet by 10, representing an Australian corroboree ; also an illumination consisting of a star and shield of arms. Building decorated with flags.

Sydney Morning Herald.- Gas stars in every window except five, which had transparencies-The Duke's shield by the shields of England, Ireland, Scotland, and N. S. Wales, motto, "A National Welcome ;" the Duke leaning on his shield, motto, "Welcome to Sydney;" Britannia (holding a trident and British ensign) drawn by a sea-horse ; Galatea entering Sydney Heads on a sea-dragon ; the Duke's shield.

Volunteer Club, Castlereagh-street north.-Arms of the Volunteers-the arms of Great Britain quarterly with the arms of the Colony. Supporters : two volunteers, an artillery-man, and a rifleman. Motto : "For defence not defiance." Verandah hung with three dozen large Chinese lanterns.

F. Lassetter.-Large crown in glass crystals of great brilliancy, and particularly effective.

li. Tharne, grocer.-Transparency, allegorical representation of England, Ireland, and Scotland, view of Edinburgh in the distance.

Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, Punch office.- two transparencies, one the Duke's shield, casque, &c., surmounted with flags of all nations, and letters A EA ; the other was a representation of St. George and the dragon, surmounted with rose, shamrock, and thistle ; motto-Welcome.

The Commissariat Stores.-Transparencies-the Royal Arms of very large dimensions, and on the George-street front the arms of the war department.

The Exchange had braziers of fire round the whole of the parapet, and figures in transparencies in each window. Amongst the most prominent were Captain Cook, Sir Thomas Gresham, Adam Smith, the political economist, and a finely designed

figure of Australia.

Mr. John Sands, bookseller.-Large transparency-Australia with emu and kangaroo, introduced by Britannia to Prince Alfred. His Royal Highness in the centre of the picture, his ship in the back ground. On either side, arms of the Duke of Edinburgh and of New South Wales.

City Bank, corner of George and King streets.-Illumination-Large gas star with motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense."

Anchor in centre of star.

Thomas Spencer, Shakespeare Tavern.-Two chromo tropic wheels, of different patterns and colours. On either side transparencies representing the Queen and Prince Alfred.

Showers of fireworks were discharged at intervals from the Domain and Hyde Park. On Thursday, the 23rd, the Prince received addresses at Government house, the first being those from Parliament, which met purposely that morning to pass them

THE PRINCE'S VISIT. (1868, February 22). Illustrated Sydney News (NSW : 1853 - 1872), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63513833

MR. HENRY BULL

The death is announced by cable from Lon-don of Mr. Henry Bull, formerly chairman of directors of Henry Bull and Company, Limited, importers and merchants, of Sydney. Mr. Bull was also the owner of Bull's Chambers, Martin-place. Some years ago he disposed of his interests in Sydney and went to London, where he had since resided.MR. HENRY BULL (1925, April 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16227341

MOORE-STREET IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION.

The Moore-street Improvement Commission met yesterday morning. There were present Judge Murray (Royal Commissioner), Mr. P. F. Dawson (city solicitor), and Mr. Perks, representing certain ratepayers.

Mr. Fleay, who had previously been examined, pointed out further that the original assessment of property was defective because it did not supply the estimated capital value of the property, and did not give information to persons who wished to appeal as to the basis on which the valuators acted. Therefore, had appeals come before the Court when the information was disclosed they might have been upset, and the appellants been put to unnecessary expense.

Mr. George Evans gave evidence with regard to the application of the betterment system and its effects upon properties, more with respect to Fitz Evan-chambers. He said that that property faced Moore- street, and was considerably benefited by the improvement, and he considered that £50 a year would be a fair charge instead of the charge of £105, which was made. The aggregate assessed improvement was £2580, but personally he would not have contributed £1000 towards the improvement. He did not think that properties outside the street frontage and those facing the ends of the street had been improved to any appreciable extent. The present charge on the property in which he was interested would be about 14 per cent. on the net returns. Generally speaking, he thought the charges were altogether too high.

Mrs. Elizabeth Caroline Starkey, widow of the late J. T. Starkey, gave evidence in respect to property at the corner of Moore-street and Castlereagh-street, which she had sold to the Citizens Life Assurance Company for £32,000, out of which she had been obliged to pay £17,280 to wipe out the betterment charge, and also £2000 to secure an annuity, which was a charge upon the property. The rents which she had received from the property were not sufficient to pay the annual betterment charge and the annuity chargeable upon the property. She had also been obliged to pay general municipal and Government taxes from outside funds. The total amount paid in respect to betterment upon this property was £22,338 16s 1d. The property had not been advanced in value by the improvement to the amount charged against it. Her husband had once been offered £100,000 for the property.

Mr. J. H. Goodlet, managing director of Goodlet and Smith, Limited, said he was the lessee of the Victoria Arcade. That property had not been im-proved at all, but rather had been depreciated in value by the opening of Moore-street. The traffic was not nearly so great through the arcade as it used to be. The betterment area was too widely extended and the Victoria Arcade ought not to be within the limit.

Mr. C. J. Whiting, accountant, gave evidence with respect to the properties of Mr. Henry Bull, fronting Moore-street. He said that the better-ment charges upon the properties amounted to 34 1-6 per cent on the net returns, and the rates were altogether too high. It would have been more beneficial to Mr. Bull, although he received £36,000 compensation in connection with land resumption, if the resumption had never taken place. The total payments Mr. Bull would have to make spread over the whole period in connection with this betterment would be more than he received for the land that was resumed.

The commission adjourned till Monday morning, when further evidence on behalf of the property owners will be taken. MOORE-STREET IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION. (1901, October 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14415418

THE GREAT FIRE. MOORE-STREET DISASTER.

Out of calamities sometimes come blessings. Had it not been for the terrible fire which hi 1890 razed most of the buildings facing old Moore-street, the fine thoroughfare now known as Martin-place might never have been formed. Its construction would certainly have been de-layed. Forty-one years ago Martin-place hi front of the General Post Office was a narrow and unimpiessive artery of the city, and Moorestreet, which ran from Pitt-street to Castlereagh street was only a poor apology for the fine street it is today. The fire devastated a large portion of the area surrounded by Pitt Moore Castlereagh and Hunter streets and subsequently Moore street was widened as was also the street in front of the Post Offfice.

The fire which broke out at half-past 2 on the morning of October 2 1890 raged for several days and destroyed property to the estimated value of £600 000. Commencing In the printing premises of Gibbs, Shallard and Co between Pitt and Castlereagh streets It spread with consuming rapidity along the whole block of buildings in the direction of Castlereagh-street. A strong and variable wind fanned the flames, and blew them from structure to structure, and across lanes and vacant blocks. Alarmed occupants began to leave threatened buildings, and the surrounding thoroughfares were congested with fire engines, spectators, and refugees. Every available fireman in the metropolitan area, including volunteers, was pressed into service, and the brigades suffered many casualties. The most gallant efforts, however, were unavailing against the combined forces of fire and wind. "The sight," we are informed by the "Herald" of the day, "was a terribly grand one as Immense bodies of lurid flames shot high in the air, lighting up the country for miles around. As roof after roof crashed in, and wall after wall fell, the flames burst forth with renewed fury, carrying with them showers of charcoal, which were driven by the wind to an amazing distance, traces being found In the Domain, near Woolloomooloo Bay, and even at Wat-son's Bay."

Among the buildings destroyed were the City Bank, the warehouses of Feldheim, Gottheit, and Co., Lark, Sons, and Co., Newton, Brother, and Co., and Henry Bull and Co.; the Wheatsheaf Hotel, the German and the Athenaeum Clubs, the Southern Club, Eldon Chambers, Gibbs, Shallard, and Co.'s printing house, and nearly a dozeu general business premises. THE GREAT FIRE. (1931, April 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 29 (Centenary Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16770348

This is an interesting insight, not only for all the details of early yachts but also because so many members were also, or became, members of the RPAYC - showing the ongoing fraternity between yacht clubs, inherited from ancienter yet yacht clubs charters and examples, was established and thrived between these two Sydney yacht clubs:

YACHTING SYDNEY -HARBOUR. PAST AND PRESENT. By FOR'D-HAND. NO. I.

OPENING CRUISE THE R.S.Y.S. IN 1866.

THE Spring is here, and with it has come the awakening of new life in the little world of white sails and gleaming hulls; the Spring is here, bringing in its train the yachting season of 1907-8. The cool breeze blowing in from the sea carries with it an unmistakable message to the man who loves a boat; be he keen racing man or plain cruiser, he understands, and, understanding, obeys the mandate. The scent of the salt sea is in his nostrils, and the call of the wave is in his ear; there is a stir in his heart, and he realises that once more there are good days to be lived. 

The little ships that have lain dormant through the dark days of winter have awakened from their long sleep, and know that the time has come when they may seek their natural element and spread their snowy wings to the caressing breeze; new-painted, new canvassed, bright and fresh, they come, like a flight of beautiful birds. The racing man is making him ready for the coming fray, and girding up his loins for the battles that are before him. Soon his little craft will be tuned up, like a fiddle-string, and hovering round the line, waiting for the starting-flag to fall; soon there will be once again the hard thrash to windward and the quick run home; the joy of victory and the despair of defeat. And how well they know, those little live things of wood and canvas! How well they know what is expected of them! 

Within her lives a human heart, 

And you can hear it beat 

When her racing-flag is flying 

And she's chasing up the fleet.

When her skipper, up to windward, 

Takes The tiller in his hands, 

She's just a thing of life and joy. 

Ah! how she understands! 

Her nerves are all a-tremble 

When she hears the starting gun, 

And she never thinks of resting 

Till the race is sailed and done. 

Ah! the dainty little racing ships, 

The ships of 'winning' ways, 

The ships we'll all remember 

When recalling happy days! 

On Saturday, 19th inst., the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club opened its season with a rendezvous under the lee of Woollahra Point. Commodore T. B. Dibbs was in command over a good muster of boats. A couple of short races were held for boats in A and B classes. In the bigger classes, Adelphi (Mr. M. A. H. Fitzhardinge) beat The Brothers (Commodore T. B. Dibbs) by a bare 20s, on time allowance, and among the smaller class Itoma (Messrs. J. T. Clinch and A. Moyse) won easily from Maysie (Dr. Sandes). The first sailing race in Port Jackson, probably, took place on the first occasion when two boats under sail, got alongside one another. The spirit of competition seems to be inherent in the nature of the healthy man, and is, no doubt, a relic of the fighting instinct of the primitive human being; all sport in which competition with a fellow-being appears is merely a modernised method of satisfying that instinct, a sort of safety valve for the pugnacious feelings which still exist, though in a rarified state, in the normal human breast. The desire to beat the other fellow seems a natural instinct, and, after ail, sport is a mimic warfare. The earliest officially controlled racing took place in January, 1837, when the first Anniversary Day regatta was held, to celebrate the 49th birthday of the colony; but the fact that prior to that date there were pleasure sailing i craft in the harbour is ample evidence j that the above event was not actually the j first race in Sydney Harbour between boats under sail. In fact, it is stated that as far back as 1834 the genial Captain Daniels, who often visited these waters in his clipper ship Rubicon, had ships' boats sailing against one another. The first sailing vessel of any size, built and used for pleasure made her appearance in 1827, being the properly of j Robert Campbell, of Campbell's wharf. She appears to have been an open boat 1 of about three tons, rigged with sliding gunter mainsails and a jib. The next boat was the Eclipse, of about six tons, j belonging to another of the Campbell ] family. A third was the Petrel, a schooner, built at Neutral Bay, for Messrs.Thomas Lord and Evans. In 1836 the first boating club in the colony was formed, consisting of Mr. Burton Bradley (commodore), with his boat Swallow; James Milson, Sophia; John Ritchie, Ariel; Elyard, Wave; and George M'Pherson, owner of an unnamed boat. j In the race of 1837. nine boats competed, and the late James Milson (then junior), won in the Sophia, the handiwork of a builder named Looke. In 1838 a sailing skiff called the North Star, belonging to Mr. Harry Sawyer, of Balmain, appears as winner on Anniversary Day, j and, in the following year, the Haidee, I built for the late George Thornton, won j the same event against a field of 17 starters. Some little time after this, Haidee sank off Shark Point in a 'southerly buster,' and drowned five of her crew.

JAMES MILSON, First Vice-Commodore of the R.S.Y.S.

Photo by Talma Studios, 374 George-street, Sydney. F. J. JACKSON. 

HON. W. WALKER, First Commodore of the R.S.Y.S.

J. MILSON'S FRIENDSHIP.  J. MILSON'S ERA. 

Photo. by Falk. SIR JAMES R. FAIRFAX, Commodore of the R.S.Y.S.

Apparently. Mr. Milson's father had a keen eye for a good boat, and he found one in the Friendship, a decked-in craft, of about 12 tons, built by Green, up the Parramatta River, and used as a wood ballast boat. He purchased her in 1841 for his son, who stepped into her out of the Sophia, and sailed her to victory in several races. She carried a sliding gunter originally, but Mr. Milson afterwards rigged her as a cutter, but not I with success, as Mr. Thornton was then able to beat her in his Champion. In the Anniversary Regatta of 1848.

Mr. Randolph Want won the first-class race in the Pearl, a 40- ton schooner; Captain Stanley won the second-class event in the Asp; and Mr. Richard Harnett came in first among the third-class boats, in the Madge Wildfire. Eclipse, 10 tons, was a great boat in her day, and won at the Anniversary Regattas of 1849 in a gale of wind. She was built for Dr. Hamilton, by Holdsworth, at Woolloomooloo Bay, from an English design, and was afterwards purchased by Messrs. Alfred Fairfax and George Lord, for whom she won many races. The first-named of these two yachtsmen was one of the forefathers of sailing in this port, and his racing career extends from 1848, when he raced his first boat, the five-tonner Susan against Mr. Harnett's Madge Wildfire, till he sailed his last race in 1880 in the famous Magic. No more devoted yachtsmen ever owned a boat, and no better sportsman ever sailed a race.

The sport was keen in those days of the late forties and early fifties, and the public interest must have been encouraging to those concerned in it. We find that at the Anniversary Regatta of '55, the prize for first-class yachts was a challenge cup, valued at 250 guineas, with a purse of 100 guineas added. It was won by J. Cuthbert, in the Enchantress, a smart, boat, which won many races in her day. The first centreboard boat racing in the harbour was the Challenge, belonging to Mr. F. J. Dean, and she won her first race at the Balmain Regatta of '55; but seemed. to have a habit of capsizing on occasions; one of these was the Balmain Regatta of '56, when she turned over and lost a sure win, which fell to Enchantress. The relative merits of the deepkeeler and the centreboarder seem to have been the subject of much discussion at this time, and 'A yachtsman' expressed his feelings very strongly against the latter in a letter to the 'Sydney Morning Herald' in 1856. (Continued on Page 1123.)

Photo, by Talma Studios, 374 George-street, Sydney. WALTER REEKS, Vice-Commodore.

E. W. KNOX.

AT OPENING CRUISE OF THE R.S.Y.S. IN THE EIGHTIES.

SIR JAMES R. FAIRFAX'S MAGIC AND MR. A. G. MILSON'S WAITANGI.

J. A. MINNETT, Hon. Treasurer. C. LLOYD JONES, Rear-Commodore of the R.S.Y.C.

JAMES MILSON'S FRIENDSHIP AND LORD AND EVANS'S PETREL.

A. G. MILSON.

To be continued next issue.

MAGNA CHARTA OF R.S.Y.S. YACHTING IN SYDNEY - HARBOUR. (1907, October 30). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 1130 -1131. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163659586

YACHTING PAST AND PRESENT. BY FOR'D-HAND. (Continued from Page 1131.)

A small club called the Sydney Yacht Club was formed in 1856, but It seems to have been short-lived; its commodore was Mr. Hutchison Brown, a police magistrate. Captain Rowntree’s Annie Ogle makes her first Appearance in 1858, and at the Balmain Regatta — apparently her first race — she beat the Eclipse and the Mischief, hereafter referred to, in a southerly gale over the Manly course. If the report is reliable, it must have been a sight worth seeing. 'Away went the yachts before a piping southerly gale, which fairly bent their masts until the crosstrees nearly touched the water. It was a glorious sight to see 'these boats in such a breeze, with seas breaking over their bows, and sweeping their decks from stem to stern, bandied with all the ease and 6kill which could not be expected but from those who made yachting their study.' At the Anniversary Regatta of 1861 the Sydney Yacht Club put on a race for a liberal prize of £300, which the Annie Ogle won, over a course round a boat off Botany, the Australian, which is hereafter described, being second. Captain Rowntree distributed the prize among his crew and certain charities. Mr. H. C. Dangar won the Anniversary Regatta of '62 in the Peri, which then made a first appearance, the imported English boat Why Not, also sailing her first race on this occasion. These were prehistoric days, so far as the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was concerned, but they show that the genesis of the club which has just opened its forty-fifth season was the natural outcome of the healthy spirit which moved the men who loved the sport in those piping days. It ' was no hothouse plant, requiring careful rearing; the seed was good, and it was sown in fertile ground, bringing forth a vigorous tree, which has gone on growing and spreading as the years have passed away. 

On July 8, 1862, nineteen enthusiasts assembled in an office at the Exchange corner, Bridge-street, at a meeting convened by Mr. William Walker, a well-known merchant of the day, and a keen lover of a boat, and before they dispersed, the Australian Yacht Club was a reality. The document which constitutes the Magna Charta of the club now hangs in its frame on the walls of the clubhouse at Kirribilli Point; it bears the signature, in their own proper handwriting, of these nineteen devotees of the sea, their names being: — James Milson, yacht Era; William Walker, Chance; John, P. Roxburgh, James Freeman, and H. Milford, Eclipse; Thomas, T. Rowntree, Annie Ogle; Sydney C. Burt, Scud: Staunton Spain, J. D. M'Lean, and J. W. Brookes, Mischief; I. J. Josepheon, Ida; Robert Garrett, Daisy; Charles Parbury, Why Not; Frederick J. Jackson, Gitana; Hy. Threlkeld, Irene; R. Harnett. Australian; A. W. H, Pockley, Mazeppa; Henry C. Dangar, Peri; H. Stuart Russell, Old Tom. 

They were all well-known men of those days, whose presence was felt in the business and social life of this city of ours by the sea. But three only remain; a trio who have done much for their well-beloved sport; they are Henry C. Dangar, Charles Parbury, and Frederick Jackson. Fugaces labuntur anni. 

The following are brief notes of the yachts which formed tbe squadron's first fleet: — Chance, a schooner of 73 tons, built of iron, in England; she sailed out, flying Mr. Walker's flag. This boat spent the last few years of her life in the useful occupation of an island trader, and found her last resting place in Kerosene Bay, where her well-worn iron plates and frames rusted away, and she fell to pieces. Era, a cutter of 25 tons, designed by G. and J. Inman, of Lymington, and imported in a frame by Mr. Milson. She was put together by Bates, at Careening Cove, and launched in October of 1860. Ultimately she became the Royal yacht of his Majesty King Thakambau, of Fiji, for whom she was purchased by the British Government. Eclipse is referred to above. Annie Ogle, a fast little nine-tonner, built by Andrew Reynolds, for Captain Rowntree. Scud, a 12ton cutter, of American flat-bottomed design. Mischief, a 10-ton cutter, brought from England in 1855, by Mr. Milson. She was the creation of the well-known Harvey, of Wivenhoe, and is said to have been the first English yacht in these waters. Her fine lines forward were a surprise to the local yachtsmen, who were used to the good old bluff bow. She had a good English record, but the Eclipse, Challenge, Enchantress, and Annie Ogle beat her at first. Subsequently, however, she won many races, among others the Anniversary regatta of '59 and '60. Why Not, nine tons, a fine, able, little boat, built by the celebrated Dan Hatcher, of Southampton, and brought here in 1861, won many races for Mr. Parbury. So many people asked her owner why she was not longer in design, that he thought the commencement of the question would be an appropriate name; at least, so the legend runs. Peri, an 18tonner, built in 1861 by J. Cuthbert, came in many times a winner for Mr. Dangar — many will remember her peculiar 'tumble home' sides. Daisy, 7 tons; Ida, 8 tons; Irene, Mazeppa, Old Tom, 7 tons; and Gitana, 7 tons, were small boats of local design, and built and owned, respectively, by Messrs. Robert Garrett, I. J. Josephson, Hy. Threlkeld, Captain Pockley, H. Stuart Russell, and F. J. Jackson. 

Australian, popularly known in her day as the 'Beaky,' was one of the most remarkable boats built in the port, or, indeed, anywhere. The work of Dan Sheehy — who was to be seen any day on the Exchange steps, up till quite recently — she was put together at his yards at Woolloomooloo, where so many good boats of the early days came into being. She was designed by Mr. Richard Harnett, who first showed signs of his original ideas in the Madge Wildfire, above referred to. In form, she was a radical departure from- conventional designs, and may fairly be said to have been over twenty-five years ahead of her time; In fact, she would not have been out of place if built under the rating rule which we have worked under up till this season. Unlike the boat of the day, with deep forefoot, long straight keel, and full round sections, her fore and aft section was almost an arc, her transverse sections were straight lines, and she was symmetrical fore and aft of the place of greatest beam, which was exactly amidships. A wonderfully fast boat, again and again she beat boats of very much larger, size and power. It has been stated that the celebrated yawl Jullanar embodied some of the original ideas which had assumed definite form In Mr. Harnett's design. As her rudder-post was almost in the middle of her deck, she puzzled the official measurers of the squadron; but it was ultimately decided that her length should be measured from the opening In the deck, where the rudder head came through, a decision which so reduced her measurement that she came out as under five tons, the minimum tonnage of boats eligible for the squadron's register, and she was refused registration. At a subsequent meeting held in Mr. Walker's office on the 7th August, 1862, the rules of the squadron were formulated, and the first office-bearers appointed. 

They were as follows: — William Walker, Commodore; James Milson, jun., vice-commodore; Henry C. Dangac, hon. treasurer; Geo. H. Howell, hon. secretary; and Messrs. Roxburgh, Parbury, Spain, M'Lean, and Burt, and Captain Pockley, committeemen. The opening cruise took place on the 18th of October following, when a rendezvous of yachts on the register was held In Farm Cove. Twelve boats under the command lit Commodore Walker faced 41 strong southerly breeze and rain and, after several evolutions were carried out, the fleet proceeded to Manly Beach, where, to quote the brief but significant note in the records, 'hampers were brought into requisition.' The Chance was not under way as she had carried away her jib boom a few days previously. The first race for boats belonging to the squadron took place at the Hunter's Hill regatta on New Year's Day of 1863, for 'a piece of plate of the value of 40 guineas.' Perl, Scud, Ida, Why Not, and Old Tom, appear to have started. Gitana was entered, but did not race as Mr. Jackson broke bis arm a short while before the start, one of the consequences of a collision between his little boat and the big Era, which dragged her anchor and drifted down on top of him. The Why Not took the ground shortly after the race commenced, and the Perl had no difficulty in winning. The festive side of the sport does not seem to have been neglected, and It appears that a picnic to members and their friends' was given In January '63. The accounts subsequently passed by the committee of £75, for catering by Poehlman, and £52 for wines supplied by Brown and Co., afford some evidence that the outing was of a pleasant and convivial nature. Music was an expensive luxury in those days, £10 being paid for the band, and steamers also ran away with money, the amount against this item being £34. 

An important event in the history of the squadron was the receipt from the Colonial Secretary of a letter, dated June 27, 1863, transmitting a copy of the despatch received by the Governor of the colony from the Duke of Newcastle, to the effect that his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, had signified his willingness to become the patron of the squadron, under the designation of the 'Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron', and that the Lords' Commissioners of the Admiralty had authorised by warrant (which was enclosed) the use by the squadron of the Blue Ensign of her Majesty's fleet (without any distinguishing mark on it. The warrant bears date the 25th April, 1863, and was subsequently replaced by a fresh warrant dated the 15th May, 1864. The squadron thus acquired, and still retains, the right to exercise the same privileges a|s are possessed by the Royal yacht clubs of the United Kingdom. At the next meeting of the squadron, it was resolved that the club burgee should be 'blue, with a white cross and a crown in the upper corner,' and so it still remains. 

The first annual meeting was held on August 6, 1863, at which the financial statement for the first year of the squadron's existence was read, showing a balance on the right side of something over £66; the membership then stood at 79. At the nineteen original members, Messrs. Spain and Freeman had dropped out. Among the names are many which are still well known or well remembered; J. O. Gilchrist, Captain Towns, Robert Massie, George Thornton, J. de V. Lamb, A. F. C. Dumaresq, Jacob L. Montefiore, Sir Wm. Manning, William Bede Dalley, James Martin, Q.C., Robert P. Abbot, Hon. John Hay, Thomas Sutcliffe Mort, Ewan W. Cameron, J. Grafton Ross, W. F. Cape, .Hermann Milford, E. Wyld, Randolph J. Want, William Laidley, Thos. Iceton, and Laidley Mort, are a few of the names which appear. Within the next two years, among other names of members elected, are those of Fred. M. Darley, Hon. J. B. Darvall, Q.C., Thomas A. Dibbs, Dr. Cox, J. R. Fairfax, William Gilchrist, G. A. Cheelre, R. Deas Thomson, Fred. H. Dangar, Gother F. Mann, Alex. Oliver, Sir Daniel Cooper, Alfred Fairfax, Frederick Lassetter, Walter Hall, James Gilchrist, Thos. Lawry, and Edward Newton. The first club match does not seem to have been set down till January 16, 1864, and this, notwithstanding that 'Vanderdecken,' a contributor to the 'Sydney Morning Herald.' was complaining a year previously that the yachts had no club matches, and only met at the regattas which were then held — the Anniversary Day, Hunter's Hill, Balmain, and Woolloomooloo. 

The first-class yachts were provided with a prize of a piece of plate of the value of 50 guineas, and the second-class boats with a like trophy of half the amount. The race was postponed till a week later, when the entries were more encouraging. Captain Pockley, the commodore of the match, reported that, in the race for the big boats — which went round a buoy off Long Reef — the Xarifa, Charles Parbury; Era, Vice-commodore Milson, Peri, H. C. Dangar; Chance, Commodore Walker, knd Annie Ogle, Captain Rowntree, started; but only the first three named sailed the whole course. Xarifa was the first to cross the finishing-line a long way ahead of Era and Peri. She was disqualified, however, for having received assistance from a Manly steamboat in getting off, after running aground just inside South Reef, a place where many a good boat has since picked up the land. Era took the prize; but the vice-commodore subsequently handed it back to the squadron to be sailed for the following season. The race did not come off till 1866, when the Xarifa made no mistakes and won comfortably. The report of the matches also shows that In the second class races — over a course round Sow and Pigs, Fort Denison, and a buoy off Manly — the Why Not, F. J. Manton; Ida, I. F. Josephson; Gitana, F. J. Jackson; and Scud, Sydney C. Burt, got away at the same time as the larger boats. The Why Not won easily, the Ida being eight minutes, and the Gitana 12 minutes astern. In those days, and for many years afterwards, boats started from their own moorings with head sails down, and the flying start of the present day was unheard off. Permission was obtained to use one of the guns on Fort Macquarie, and the squadron chartered the steamer City of Newcastle at a cost of £25, to follow the race. 

The matter of sails came up In 1866, when some of the members wished to restrict owners to fore and aft canvas only In club matches; but Mr. R. Want's motion that yachts should be permitted to use any sails was carried by a majority of the more progressive members. In the April of 1867, Mr. Walker resigned the office of commodore, which he had held since the foundation of the club, Mr. Milson being subsequently appointed commodore and Mr. Dangar vice-commodore. The latter, however, refused to accept office as he was not then a yacht owner. The squadron's appreciation of Mr. Walker's services to the club showed itself in an order for an oil painting of him, which now hangs on the club house walls and forms one of the treasures of the squadron. From it may be learned what the official uniform of the squadron is supposed to be. The rules still say that It shall consist of 'a blue coat, skirt lined with white silk, with a white or blue waistcoat (each with squadron buttons) and trousers white or blue; blue cloth cap, with black lace band and crown, and anchor in front.' But nowadays It would mean comment, at least, if a flag officer were to consider it necessary to follow this rule. (To be continued.) YACHTING PAST AND PRESENT. (1907, October 30). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 1123. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163659744