Pittwater Online News

November 24 - 30, 2013: Issue 138

 The 1937 Pittwater Regatta – a Fashionable Affair

With the prolonged economic difficulties prevalent in Australia getting out on the water in smaller craft came to the fore during the later 1930’s. The year 1937 bears distinction as on Sydney Harbour, where so many of ‘Sydney’s Premier Yachtsman’ sailed from to join in the Pittwater Regatta annually, and where regatta events were held in similar programmes, incorporating advances in vessels of all kinds and classes into each year’s Regatta, it was the 100th celebration of the Anniversary Regatta. The names of those participating and their vessels are also those who would race on Pittwater later in the year:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1937. THE ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.
Regattas were held early in the history of Sydney, but the first that can be 'definitely' associated with the anniversary of the founding of the colony was held on January 26, 1837. Three years later it was named "The Anniversary Regatta," and had become a fixed annual celebration. Today is its centenary, and it has the honour of being the oldest continuous regatta in the world. It began quite naturally in the circumstances. With the wonderful opportunities provided, the citizens of Sydney early in the history of the city turned their attentions to aquatic sports and pastimes. As settlement developed and as the north side of the harbour became inhabited-before the ferry services came into being-residents of that part had to become proficient in the handling of small craft, without which they could not go about their lawful occasions. Thus, there was the foundation for the establishment of a regatta. Since it became firmly established, the regatta has been held every year whatever the weather or other conditions might be. The last act of the organising committee before the day itself is to resolve that the function be held whatever the weather, fair or foul.

Through the years the records of the regatta have been the history of the development of aquatic sport in Australia, the coming and passing of great rowers and helmsmen and the evolution of different types of craft, some based on ideas from other lands but most of a type developed and perfected to suit local conditions.

Always the regatta has met the changes and expanded or contracted as may have been necessary to suit the occasion. Thus came a great effort for the centenary celebrations of 1888.Later, provision was necessary to make room for new classes of boat, as for example the power-driven craft. But in the establishment and continued success of this regatta there has been exhibited a characteristic British trait. Wherever a community has arisen and opportunity has offered, there has been an effort to carry on as far as possible the traditions of and pay homage to the Navy and Mercantile Marine. In all matters of concern as to the founding of the colony, sailing and rowing and allied activities have formed an important feature in the recreation of the people. Often where the practical facilities fall far short of those given by Sydney's harbour, their continuation has required tenacity and enthusiasm in an extraordinary degree. This desire for progress in aquatic sports is to be encouraged to the utmost. Pastimes of this nature cultivate self reliance, determination and ability to endure strenuous conditions which must be to the good of the nation. For the most part these sports are purely amateur. There are none of the trap-pings of cricket and 'football, no cheering multitudes, none of the adulation in some of the games that pass for sport ashore in these days. Those who man the craft taking part in today's celebration, and who carry on their sailing every week-end solely for the love of it, are acquiring a knowledge of the sea and an ability to overcome its difficulties which in time of stress must enable them to man and handle Australian ships for the continuation of our trade or for our defence.

Our air services and land defences may also reap the benefit. In days of war, flying instructors found that those who had had experience in sailing were more apt pupils. Captain P. G. Taylor, in his book, "Pacific Flight." says that there is a very close liaison between flying and sailing. By early training in yachts and small boats, our boys can develop a "touch" which, should the necessity arise, must return its benefits many fold, and for that alone the Anniversary Regatta and its allied activities will justify their existence and their future encouragement. What are we doing with all this wealth of enthusiasm for the water which marks each Anniversary Day? Here round the waters of Port Jackson are scores of sites suitable for a large extension of the present Naval Cadet system which owes so much to private generosity and enterprise. Our boys are swarming upon this training area, but how few of them are being given the something which would fit them for the work of manning and handling Australian vessels of a larger Australian fleet when we may find it necessary to build or pay for one, Each Anniversary Regatta for a hundred years has done its part. It has been more than a foundation celebration, though that is its primary use and purpose.

It has called to the love is of the sea with an insistent voice to make the Anniversary Regatta another annual success, but it seems to have ended there except as a few enthusiasts have carried on their own private good work in training as many lads as their money will carry them. Surely this hundredth anniversary deserves to be remembered with some great forward movement in the right direction. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1937, February 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17309037

Right (above): The Anniversary Day regatta was held on the harbour yesterday. Above: The cutter Windward about to pass the flagship Mooltan. AUSTRALIA'S HAPPY DAY IN TEST CRICKET — MILITIA AND NAVY COMBINE IN MANOEUVRES — REGATTA DAY. (1937, February 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved November 20, 2013, fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17305648

Craft Of Today And Yesterday NOW STREAMLINED SYLPHS .

TO INCULCATE AQUATIC PRINCIPLES INTO THE MINDS OF HIS SUBJECTS, PETER THE GREAT,  CZAR OF ALL THE RUSSIANS, WOULD HAVE NO BRIDGES BUILT OVER THE NEVA.

Australians have never needed any such incentive. They have taken to the water like worthy sons of a nautical mother.

WHILE vague reports exist of sailing races on Sydney Harbor in 1818 and 1831, no definite record is available until 1834, when Captain Daniels, of the clipper 'Rubicon, sponsored a regatta. It was a big success. BY 1836 several small yacht clubs were in existence. James Milson, doyen of Australia's greatest aquatic family, and his associates, Burton Bradley, John Ritchie, and George Macpherson, pioneered the way. They held the inaugural anniversary regatta in 1837. The fleets grew. Yachting in Australia had arrived! The development of design of craft on Australian yacht club registers has been romantic. From coquettish bustlers they have become streamlined sylphs. Yachtsmen' have discarded straight keels, plumb stems, deep rectangular forefeet, and long - bowsprits. Instead, they have adopted long sleek lines, offering a minimum of surface friction. Remarkable was the sail-carrying capacity of the old-timers. As picturesque and as caparisoned as a granddame of the period, they literally battered their way through the water. One of the speediest of these early craft was the 12-ton gunther-rigged Sophia, owned and sailed by James Milson. She had her heyday in 1837, winning at the first anniversary regatta. Gaff mainsail and square headed topsails boomed in 1845. Spinnakers, of course, were unheard of. For running down the breeze square sails were used. For'ard hands were for'ard hands.

WHY WE CALL THEM SPINNAKERS
THE sail which we know to-day as a spinnaker was first carried on the English craft Sphinx. The name of the boat became synonymous with the sail. Sphinx became spinkes, spinker, spinniter, and finally spinnaker. No more revolutionary to the yachts-men of 1873 than is the 30 set. Metre freak of today was Australian, designed by. R. Harnett. Shaped more like an elongated canoe than what, designers of the day were pleased to call a yacht Australian, left them gasping — and standing. It was not until 25 years later that designers understood the manifold benefits of a craft of her type. Although yachting in New South Wales was well in advance of other States, particularly, of New Zealand, it was there, curiously enough, that the first New South Wales representative, in an intercolonial yacht race, was designed and built. THE craft was Waitangi, owned by Alfred G. Milson. When Sir William Clarke voiced his enthusiasm in1887, with an open challenge, Milson willingly invited him to bring up the 30-tonner Janet for a licking. Sir William duly arrived and on January 15, 22, and 29, 1887, received the trouncing he had been promised. The Victorian was not content. In 1888 he challenged again, presenting a £100 anchor of gold. The Victorian Government added £400 in cash. Milson sailed to Port Phillip in Era, a 40-tonner, and repeated his performance of the previous year.

ADVENT OF THE IOLANTHE
IOLANTHE was then produced, 38ft 6in overall, with a beam of 6ft 2in.She was a constant delight. Yachtsmen saw their way clearly before them. In 1895 the formula, L. x S.A. over 6,000, was Introduced, and James Coxhad Herreshoff built to the design of W. Pickering. Construction of this craft was an important step in Australian yacht designing. Herreshoff was a shallow-bodied craft, 33ft. 6in. L.W.L., with overhangs fore and aft. A bulb fin and a balanced rudder were other features of Herreshoff's departure from the orthodox lines. Herreshoff flattened the opposition, and in 1899 won the 100 guinea cup presented by the late Samuel Hordern, commodore of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club of New South Wales. A new rating rule, J(L.+B. -f-75G.+.5 square root S.A.), was adopted in1900. The sport boomed. Thirty-footers formed the nucleus of a new racing fleet. Racing, nevertheless, was not confined to this class.

Race for the Commodore's prize. "Assegai", "Mistral", "Iolanthe" - Sydney, NSW -  March 1888, image no: bcp_02009, courtesy State Library of NSW.

J. E. Chinnery's Bona, acquired in 1904 by H. Binnie, competed against the Victorian, Sayonara, in an interstate challenge match. Sayonara's owner, Alfred Gollin, represented the trophy, known since as the Sayonara Cup. Victoria, in the next few years, had a mortgage on the trophy. In 1906, however, came Awanui, a10-metre by Fife. As Culwulla III, in 1910, with W. M. Marks in command, she brought back the trophy to New South Wales. One of the most colorful craft in the history of the sport was the 12metre boat, Sayonara. Paul Ross acquired her from Victoria, and raced her on Sydney Harbor. First to introduce the Bermudan rig, which today has almost completely displaced the gunther rig, was Awanui III, later Iolaire, a 6-metre, which returned from Victoria in 1920 with the Northcote Cup. She scored again in 1921, 1930, and in 1931. In 1921, yacht racing, which was suspended during the war years, was given a fillip. 

Lord Forster, Governor-General of Australia, instituted the 21ft. restricted class. The imagination of yachtsmen in all States was fired. Interstate competitions were resumed. The late J. Alderton, father of the present Sydney 18-footer skipper, won the first series with Gumleaf. Interest in New South Wales gradually flagged. It has been claimed that handicapping sapped the interest in the class. Other States have preserved scratch races for the 21-footers, and they still flourish.

NORN, Bona and Rawhiti continued to feature as big class performers in New South Wales.

RAWHITI (II?) at the 1923 Pittwater Regatta from Sydney Mail, January 2nd, 1924 Issue.

In 1924 J. R. Palmer brought from Norway, the Anker-designed Brand V, the first eight-metre with a Bermudan rig. Brand V is still a prominent competitor in Sydney division 1 competitions — essentially a racing machine with a predilection for belts to windward.

LORD FORSTER, In 1929, sold Norn, another eight-metre, to A. F. Albert, of Sydney. Winner of the Sayonara Cup in 1928, Norn today is the best yacht racing in New South Wales. Another vessel of note is Vanessa, Fife designed for R. S. Arnott. She defended the Sayonara Cup for New South Wales, in 1929, 1930, and 1931.In 1932, under Melbourne ownership, Vanessa visited Sydney and defeated Norn for the trophy.

In the last few years the 6-metre type has gained a hold. This season two 30 square metre boats, the latest in oversea design, have been built for Sydney fleets. Class racing in New South Wales is not yet established as in other States, perhaps because of the individuality of her yachtsmen, perhaps because of their lack of co-ordination. Anyway, huge fleets compete in handicap contests every week-end. Thirty crafts of various types and rigs contest events in three divisions at Royal Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred and Royal Prince Edward meetings. More than a hundred yachts race each week in competitions of the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. The call of the pioneers has not been ignored. Motor Boating-Yachting-Aquatics. (1937, December 9). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 32. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127614763

ANNIVERSARY DAY REGATTA. RESULTS OF RACES. 

ROWING.
All comers best and best handicap (outriggers) G Coole (Parramatta) 8s 1 J Erickson (Broken Bay) 15s and H Robson (Parramatta) 28s dead heat 2 Won by four lengths
Senior Fours -Mosman No 1 W G Thomas11 8 (bow) D J Baggett 12 io two E R Bromley 13 titree J R Burrell 11 8 (stroke) J Dotetcoxl L P Raper (coach) 1 North Shore No 12 North Shore No 2 3 Won by six lengths halfa length between second and third lime
5 4 5s
Lightweight Maiden Fours-Sydney No 1 R Johnston 10 (bow) J Atkinson 10 tro V cogswell 10 three R Cooper 10 (stroke) H 1* Kerr(coxl R C Crebbin coach) 1 Pittwater 2 Balmain J Won by half a length Ix lengths between second and third rime 7m 21 3 5s
Best and best handicap (single sculls) V For14s 11 (Pittwater) 1 W Fox 16"! 11 (Pittwater) 2 S Messenger ¿"'s 1_ (Sjdney) 3 Von by slk lengths eight lengths between second and third. Time 8m 15 2 5s
Maiden fours Haberfield W Gasben 10 9 (bow)E Cholerton 11 two A Colebrook 11 12 thr-eM Ruffles 12 (stroke) W Johnston (cox) Di 1A Parkes (coach! 3 Drummoyne 2 Sydney 3Won by Iwo lengths a length between second and thlid Time 7m 17 1 5s
Gladstone skiff handicap (Vicerv HornlmanMemorial i -A Crockett (Balmain) 12 6 scr 1N Fox (Pittwater) list 3s 2 D Marks finished first but was disqualified as his boat did not conform to the rules _
1 Lightweight Junior fours -Haberfield (R. Halpin9 7 (how) t EHrtle 9 12 (2) H Eddie 9 11 (3)U Robinson 0 12 (stroke) W Tohnson «coxl DrJ A Parkes (coach) 1 Sydney 2 Balmain 3Won by six lengths two lengths and a half between second and third Time 7m 5s
Allcomers Gladstone skiff handicap -rirsl1 eat P Eiickson 20s 1 J Fisher scr 2 Wonby three lengths Second heat F , J Burke 10s1 K Callan 50s 2 Won by two lengths Thirdheat H Robson 7s 1, J Frickson scr 2 Won by five lengths Fourth heat G Cook 2s 1 MFisher scr 2 Won bv two lengths and a half. Final J Erickson 1 O Cook 2 M FlsheiWon by a length and a quarter
MOTOR YACHT RACES
Outboard handicap -Scram (IT G Graham) Otazell (E N c Graham) 2 Baby Pent» III(J clifford), 3 Won by two seconds
Outboard handicap -Swift (A Milne) 1 Baby Penta III (J Clifford) 2 Sallee (T Storey) 1 Won by one second
Cruiser Handicap-Atlanta (G Bonamy) 1Sylph (W D Lawson) 2 Zelma (C P White)3 Won by four seconds three seconds between second and third
Cruiser Handicap-Célere (A J Blackwood) 1Amorangl <R W Hardv) 2 Atlanta (G Bonamy)3 Won bv two seconds three seconds between second and third
Speedboat Handicap-Tom Boy (r U Boyce) 1 Neryda (C Vieatherall) 2 Won by three seconds
SERVICE. BOAT RACES
Naval Reserve Cutters Handicap (Pulling) -RANR (No 21 1 RANR (No 3) 2
Service Whalers Handicap (pulling) -R A N R(No 3) 1 RANR (No 2) 2
Navy League Sea Cadets (Juniors) -Mosman Gig1 Schnapper Island Gig 2 Blrcngrove aig I
Sea Scouts Handicap (Pulling) -Leichardht. Skiff (lm) 1 Chatswood (scr) 2 6th Sydney dm) 3
Navy League Sea Cadets Handicap (Seniors) -Mosman Gig 1 Birchgrove Gig and Schnapper Island Gig dead heat 2
SAILING EVENTS
North Shore Dinghy Club handicap-Anniversary Cup Wavelength (J S Brownel 10m 1 Mike (RMcCoy) lim 2 Mi.tral (Miss Sheila Patrick) 15m Won by two minutes
16ft skiffs handicap (morning race) -Cutty Sark(J Audsley Middle Harbour) I 10m. £8 1 Query(D L Hamilton Manly), 81m £5 2 Valdora(C Pratt Manly) 9m £3 J Gloaming (B H Johnston Manly) 7m £2 4 Vanity (B Gillings Port Jackson) 43m £1 5 Breeze (J Herrick Port Jackson) 4Jm 10/ 6 Echo (W Lyons Middle Harbour) Jim 10 " Won by 28s
10ft dinghies handicap -Jean (Ken Morrow).ii. £3/10/ 1 Eileen (E Ellis scr £2 2 Australla (A Russell) scr £1 3 Myra (T Carroll)Um 10/ 4 Won by lm 24s
Vee Jay class handicap-Wentworth Cup Dard(N McAuley) Bm 1 Seagull (W Abbott) scl2 Ricky (G Maillei) 8m 3 Won by em19s
Alfred G Milson Memorial race for big class yachts - Ward (schooner) (J M Hardie) 29m 2 Norn (AF Albert) lim 3 Won by 45s Finishing times Viking 2m 4Jm 48s Windward (schooner) 2h 44m 33s Norn 2h 45m 53s Rhera 2h 45m28s Brand V 2h 48m ?s Culwulla IV 2h 4Bm13s Thetis 2h 49m 54s Fra 2ti 50m 22s Windward (cutter) 2h 51m 38s
Heavy cruising yachts handicap -Alice (J Icher)scr 1 Bluebird (R Windeyer) 6m 2 Titania (GS Criffin) 10m i Won bv 3m 22s Finishing times Alice 2h 10m 10s Bluebird 2h 23m 32sTitania 2h 31m 41s
Handicap race for canvas boats Jantzen (RPlayfair) scr £1/10 1 Bonnie (M Walsh) 151m15/ 2 Ace (O nanettl Um 10/ 3 Alice IT (E Barker) im 5 4 Won by 55*
12ft dingies (cadet class) -Scamp (J 8 Olsen)scr 1 Swift (T G Ryrie) 16m 2 Sleepy Lizard I D R Ciddv) 4m 3 Won bv 12s
12ft Skiff Handicap-Kia Weio (J Russell) 71m £8 1 liene (H Garde) 7m £5 2 Scandal(J Bl lees) scr £3 3 Foam (K Summerbell)12m £2 4 Chaim (A Gayi 3m £1/10/ 5Gum Bios oro (G Sargent) i,cr £1 8 Caroma(C O Deal 71m 15/ 7 Secret (W Barnett) 21m5 8 Won bv lm 15sec
Race for Boats on Registers of Sydney Amateur Sailing Club and Lake Macquarie Yacht club
First division Hoana (R E Hughes Jnr ) Um1 Apache tO Matheson) 15m 2 Nor eastei (FSpring Brown) 14m 3 Waitangi (S H Stevens)14m 4 Goora (W C Piltchettl 16m 5 June BlidIH M Aspinall) 6 Won bv 13 seconds rinlshIna; times Hoana 4h Om 50s Apache 4h lm 3sNor easter *h lm 30* Waitangi 4h lm 55s Coora4h lm 47s lune Bird 4h 3m 30* Second division Naiad III (N T Brooker 6m 1 Dawn (O Backhousel 4m 2 Gonesire (N Fifule) 10m 3 Snowdrop (W Rayment) 10m 4 MaTaclta (A CMackerras) 12m 5 Riawena (Di H 8 Kirklind) 3m 6 Won bv 4m 15s finishing times Naiad TIT 4h 17m Os Dawn "h 21m 15s Gene*tre4h 21m 29s Snowdrop 4h 21>m 14s Maraclta 4h23m Riawena 4h "^m 10s
16ft Skiffs Handicap afternoon race - Query(D L Hamilton Manly) 71m f>B \ Cuttv Sark (T Audsley Middle Harbour) 8m £5 2 Gnome(WIG Smith Middle Harbour) 7m PJ 3 St George III (V Minter Georges River) 51m£2 4 Valdora (C Pratt Manly) Bim £1 5Shelley ÍR Carroll St George) 31m 10/ 6 HarmonyII (R Kershaw Manly) Um 10/ 7 Won by lm 29s
Handicap Race for 18ft Boats Waratah (R.Birber) 6m fio 1 Gloria (C Henry) 41m Kiwi (J Ebsniv) sim £2/10/ 3 Rosetta (FDcadv) 51m £1/10 4 Kismet (D C Ravell)lm '1 5 Won by one minute
Interstate Handicap Race for 18ft Boats-(W Hayward) 2Sm £12 1 The Mistake(R Cineo) 31m £5 2 CollRioy (Chris Webb)scr £3 3 Won bv 19 seconds
Sea Scouts Sailing Handicap-Coast Guard (Port Jackson) 10m 1 Wilfred Dunbar (Malvern Hill) 10m 2 Alice 8 (Chatswood) scr 3 Won by 5m 30sec
Navy League Sea Cadets-Fairlight Whaler No1 lm I Snapper Island Whaler No 1 limit 2 North Sydney Whaler No 3
Service Cutters and Whalers Sailing Handicap -Cutters RANR No 2 1 RANR No 1 2 RANR No 3 3 Whaleis HMAS Penguin No 21 RANR No 2 2 RANR No 3 3 ANNIVERSARY DAY REGATTA. (1937, February 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17305796

Pittwater, as per our previous pages, has a longer history of rowing events than this of course. A good representation of how, even near the end of the Depression, everyone was trying to make the district get up and go was the Spring opening of a new clubhouse for Pittwater’s rowers:

PITTWATER'S BIG DAY, OPENING NEW CLUBHOUSE 

MONDAY next, (Eight Hours Day) will be an eventful one for Pittwater Club. At their annual regatta they will be presented with a new clubhouse by Warringah Shire Council: IT is a sporting gesture on the part of the council, who realise, no doubt, the value a rowing club is to a district. Pittwater Club, though only two years old, is an acquisition to the association, and too much praise cannot be given Cedric Williams, honorary secretary. Main features of the regatta, Which commences, at 1 1.30 a.m. is the: holding for the first time in the history of Pittwater, of an eight-oar event. Competitors are Mosman, Sydney, and Pittwater. Good entries have been received for most of the other events, and a great day's sport; should be witnessed. PITTWATER'S BIG DAY. (1937, September 30). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127619956

A Rowing Regatta just after this year’s Pittwater Regatta points to an aquatic sport that seems to have lapsed here: the Pittwater Aquatic Club is now for yachts:

PICTURE: AUSTRALIA'S GREATESTROWING YEAR  Empire Games Events On The Nepean River RISE OF PITTWATER CLUB
(By 'RHYTHM') THE outstanding success of the Pittwater Club and the competition in the senior events, were the main features of a most interesting first half of the N.S.W. rowing season. The second half will be the greatest ever as I will disclose. EIGHT regattas were held, with entries and rowing quite up to the standard of previous years. In regard to the senior events, it is doubtful if the crews were evermore evenly balanced in strength and wins so well divided. The N.S.W. Police, though not too good at the beginning, came with a rush towards the finish in eights and fours, and completed their successes by winning the Grand Challenge at Henley. In the junior division the new Pitt-water Club had a remarkable run of success. Every regatta saw the whitecaps first past the post in at least one event. They have already achieved their ambition of being in a position to hoist the junior pennant, on the flag pole of the boathouse, recently presented them by the local Shire Council. Pittwater are also leading In the premiership, but the 64 points allotted for the champion eights Is generally the deciding factor. However, the men have now reached senior class. There is no reason whythey should not enter. Many are of the opinion they would be well in the running should they do so. The points to date in the premier-ship are: — Pittwater 96, Police 88,North Shore 80, Sydney 53, Haberfleld32, Balmain 14, Leichhardt 12, Drummoyne 8, Nepean 8, Mosman 8.
Programme of Rare Excellence. The second half of the season will be classical. This will consist of the championship regatta, at Penrith, on January 29, the principle events being champion eights, champion sculls, light-weight champion fours, and light-weight champion sculls. Crews are al-ready in training for these events and the eights In particular should be very open. Crews will be somewhat weakened owing, to those selected for the Empire Games being unavailable for their club. Police will lose Gould and Fisher, whose positions will be hard to fill. Sydney will also suffer by the loss of Dixon. North Shore's coach and cox, Bowden, who has been selected as cox, may be able to work in both crews, otherwise Shore also will be inconvenienced. Mosman will be without Bromley and Thomas. England, Australia and New Zealand Certain The Empire Games rowing takes place at Penrith on Wednesday, February 9, the races are eights, fours and sculls.  It is not definite who will be starters for the various events, but England, New Zealand and Australia are certain, with Canada doubtful for the eights, and probably Canada, New Zealand and Australia for the fours. In the sculls Smith, from New Zealand, and Turner, Australia, are theonly certain starters to date, but Canada and South Africa are likely. Jackson, who is rowing in the English crew, is one of their foremost  scullers, but it is doubtful whether he will compete in both events

George Cook, Parramatta Rowing Club champion, who is training for an Australian title match with Evans Paddon. He gave a glimpse of his form at the Pittwater Regatta on Monday.

Tasmania's Historic Regatta Tasmania's Centenary Regatta will be held on February 19. Many crews from the Mainland intend competing. There Is also a possibility of the Eng-lish crew, who will be there on their way home, taking part in one event. Generous prizes are being allotted and subsidies granted the various States toward expenses. Big Professional Contests The Australian professional sculling championship race between Evans Paddon and George Cook, will take place at Woodburn, Richmond River, about February 19.The winner, in all probability, will be matched with H. R. Pearce for the World's title. England v. Australia Among the Women The Australian ladies four oar championship at Sydney, on April 2, will be given an international flavor by the visit of an English ladies' crew — Misses P. Taylor, G. Barnes, E. Mathewson, E. Gait, A. Cyrlax and B. Innes. The English women's amateur rowing association is still endeavoring to raise £500 for the cost of the trip. G.P.S.CONTEST THE HEAD OF THE RIVER. ONAPRIL 23 AT PENRITH AND THE  KING'S CUP ON THE LOWERYARRA ON MAY 7. WILL COM-  PLETE PROBABLY, THE MOST IM-PORTANT SERIES OF ROWING  EVENTS IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY. AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST ROWING YEAR. (1937, December 30). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127614415

Late in the previous year the ‘Father of the Pittwater Regatta’ – John Roche, had passed away and 1936 and 1937 saw a new man as honorary secretary – this was also the first year it is recorded that men were put in charge of separate entries of each kind of vessel that was going to be involved. This shows how much work John Roche undertook by himself for so many years.

PITTWATER ENTRIES. Entries for sailing, motor boating and rowing events at the annual Pittwater Regatta to be held on Boxing Day will close on Monday Entries for big class yachts and heavy cruisers will close with Messrs. Phillp Pring and C I Icher for A and B class yachts with Mr E C Gale for 16ft skiffs with Mr.I V R Gilkes for V J s and with the hon secretary for motorboats with Mr W J Carrad for professional rowing events with Mr Alf Cobb. PITTWATER ENTRIES. (1937, November 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17409400

The E G Greig Memorial race seemed to have been misspelt a few times and was not named in 1937’s programme. There are also the renaming of some of the trophies sponsored by those who were regular visitors to the area and had their own personal preferences for particular events. An example is the rowing events; there was a Mark Foy 16ft skiff race in earlier regattas but then, perhaps due to his holiday residence being at Bayview and a friendship with the Riddles of the Riddle Boatshed, who were very strong in rowing events – this changed from being the Hydro Majestic women’s and Men’s sculls in 1936 and by 1937 was the Mark Foy Gladstone skiff single sculls. We have included a little about some of those who sponsored these trophies and races as there is a good insight into the business world of Sydney at that time and the willingness to support and promote aquatic sports their contribution clearly reinstates.

1936’s Pittwater Regatta:

PITTWATER REGATTA. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER. SAILING EVENTS SPOILT. 

Unfavourable weather spoilt the Pittwater Regatta on Saturday. Clouds hung low over the hills surrounding the normally picturesque arm of Broken Bay, and rain swept over the water to the accompaniment of variable pull of wind from every point of the compass, until late in the afternoon when there was a dry spell. In the circumstances, the various sections of the regatta had a stiff task to instil life and colour into the scene. Aeroplanes provided the liveliest interlude After a delay, caused by bad weather, iii machines competed in a race from Mascot C. H. Fischer won by five seconds from R. It Hirst. The latter, with N. Mulroney and ' K. Swain, then gave a display of formation flying and aerobatics, after Mulroney and Swain engaged in a mock attack on a "warship." As missiles from the 'planes fell there were realistic explosions close to the target which finally burst into flames. Sjo-Ro, with a "sail-over" In the morning an only one opponent In the afternoon, was a dual winner. Ozone, against much stronger opposition also had two firsts, and Currawong, Alice, Cygne Pandora, and Sarita each had wins. Of the motor craft. Diana, with a win and dead-heat for first; Argo, a first and a thin Carinya an equal first and a third, Wyvern and Sinabada. each a first and a second, and Zelma were most successful. Rowing events were Included In the programme amateurs rowing over a course from Newport to the flagship, and professionals from Church Point to the flagship. Although the rain made conditions unpleasant, comparatively smooth water allowed all events to be carried out without a hitch. The morning rowing event, the heavy boat championship of New South Wales, provided a great race, H. Robson, of Parramatta River, winning from M. Bell by half length. G. Cook being third, half a length further back. V. Fox won the outrigger handicap for amateurs, and he also rowed No. 2 In the winning unclassified four-oar crew.

SAILING.

 Mrs. E. G. Greig memorial handicap, for local boats, to 22ft overall length: Biirlta (R Jeffery), scr, 1; Frolic Junior (E. Bell), 10m. 2 won by lin 15s. Owing to the light wind, thf rf.ee was shortened by eliminating the second round of the course. Palm Beach Handicap, for big class yachts, nominated or lady skippers, White Horse Whisks trophy. 9 miles: Sjo-Ro (Mrs. C. Plowman), lim, only starter. Sailed over course In lh 38m 45s. "Mischief" memorial handicap, for boats of Sydney Amateur Sailing Club and Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, nominated skippers-women or men trophy presented by Captain S. Spain-6 nautical miles: Ozone (F. Barlow), scr. 1: Blue Peter (Ge«. Morris). 4m. 2; Caprice (J. Pfeiffer), 2m 3; Epacris (F. A. Moss), 8m. 4; Adina (J. Young). 9m, 5: St. Thais (J. Bridgland. 10m. 6. Won bv 5m 42s. with 8m 12s between second and third. Finishing times: Ozone, lh 15m 48s; Blue Peter í,1? 2Jfi,30s; i.""]'!"' 'i1 20m 4S" Epacris, lh .Uni los; Adina, lh 45m 15s: St. Thais, lh 4Bm 30s: Womerah lh 51m 10s. Light airs practically eliminated most of the time allowances. Blue Peter protested against Ozone for alleged breach of the port and starboard tack nile
Schooner Wanderer Handicap, for deep-keel cruising yachts, nominated skippers.-Currawong fÇoIIn Prlritîl. 4m. 1; Valiant (C. Foxall). 7m. 2 Allc« 'R. labor), scr.. 3. Won by 5m 23s. with sm, u,7s between second and third. Adiusted finishing times: Currawong, lh 42m 10s: Valiant, Matangl also started.
One-design Vee Jay Class Sailing Boats Handicap morning race, five miles.-Cygnet (P. C. Taylor), 7m. 1: Pandora I P. de. Burgh 2m. 2. Won Sv F'nl»hlnir times: Cygnet, 2h 8m; Pandora, 2h J3m. Five started. John Roche Memorial Trophy. Big Class Yachts Handicap. 1: Narburra (A. E. Glazcbrook). 2: Steady Hour (F. Harris). 3. "A. D. Walker" Speedboat Handicap (all comers). 3m-Wyvern (J. c. (Parramatta). 3.Mark Foy Men's Single Sculls Heavyboat Handi- cap, im.-First heat: G. Cool:, ls, 1; Gi'Ash, 11s. 2; H. Price. 30s, 3 Second heat: J. Dickens. 14s. 1: A. Evers, 6s. 2; J. Erickson, 2s. 3. Final: H. Price, 1; J. Dickens and G. Ash (dead heat), 2;' G. Cook, 4. Won by a length. Newport Women's Gladstone Skiff Handicap, J-3m.-Miss D. Hammond. 22s, 1; Miss J.Gilroy, scr.. 2; G. Stebbing,- 22s. 3, 1 . Hydro Majestic Women's and Men's Double Sculls, Miss G. Stubbing and G. Ash. 6s, 1; Miss M. Wilnon and C. Wilson, 2s, 2; Miss D; Hammond and H. Towns, 12s. 3.Newport Youths' Single Sculls Handicap, 5m.-P. Porter, 18s 1: W. Solomon, scr., 2;, G.' Wilson, 2s. 3. AMATEUR ROWING. Unclassified Fours. 3m.-Pittwater No. 1 (N. Fox, V. Fox. A. Fryer. C. Williams, B. McFec cox), I; Pittwater No. 2 IB. Hudson, H. Hickson, F. Smith. G. Hanlen. C. Hickson cox), 2. Men's Best and Best Handicap (outriggers). 3m. -V. Fox. 20s, 1: N. Fox, 12s, 2; A. Fryer, 30s. 3. Gladstone Skiff Handicap (A class), 3m.-F. Smith, 12s, 1; A. Fryer, 11s, 2; C. Williams, scr. 3. Gladstone Skiff Handicap (B class), lm.-G. Leach, scr.. 1: H. Shepherd, 7s. 2; T. Shepherd, 4s, 3. . AEROPLANE RACE. Aerial Derby, trophy presented by Charles E. Blanks (Mascot. Palm Beach flagship), 28m.C. H. Fischer (Cirrus Moth). 1: R. M. Hirst (Genalrco), 2: T. R. Swain (Gipsy Moth). 3; T. Mulroney (Gipsy Moth), 1: D. Macarthur Onslow (Hornet Moth), 5.  PITTWATER REGATTA. (1936, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27988276

Alan Beveridge, a long term member of the Snails Bay Sailing Club and the one time vice commodore of the Sydney Amatuer Sailing Club, one of the oldest clubs in NSW and at Mosman, where this gentleman lived, took over the duties of secretary from 1936:

ANNUAL PITTWATER REGATTA.
A Meeting of all those Interested in the above Regatta will lip held o 'the 12th INST., at 40 MARKET STREET.' SYDNEY (7th Floor).The public is Invited to attend.
ALAN R. BEVERIDGE, Hon. Secretary, Pittwater Regatta.
Advertising. (1937, October 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17403382

PITTWATER REGATTA  TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 27. It has been decided to hold the annual Pittwater regatta on Broken Bay on Monday, December 27. As in previous years, every branch of aquatic sport will be catered for, including big-class yachts, deep-keel cruisers, sailing boats, yachts, "V.J.'s motor and speed boats, amateur and professional rowing and sculling, and an aerial derby for members of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales, who will also give exhibitions of formation flying, "strafing," and aerobatics. There is every likelihood of 16ft skiffs on Middle Harbour and Manly clubs' registers taking part. Entries will close on November 20. PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, October 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17399391

Pittwater Regatta EVERY branch of aquatic sport will be represented at the annual Pittwater Regatta at Broken Bay on December 27. Events for big class yachts, deep-keelers, six-metre boats, skiffs, dinghies, motor cruisers, speedboats, amateur and professional row boats, are included in the plans officials are framing. Displays of aerobatics will also be given by the Royal Aero Club of N.S.W. Pittwater Regatta. (1937, October 21). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127623313

PITTWATER REGATTA. Flag officers appointed for the 31st annual Pittwater Regatta on Boxing Day are -Commodore A D Walker, vice-commodore, N. Wallis, rear commodore, A Cliff Gale. PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, December 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17437930

Officials aboard the Steamer Gosford (?) at 1937 Pittwater Regatta. Image no 16627h by Sam Hood, Courtesy State Library of NSW

PITTWATER REGATTA. To enable boats of the Vaucluse classes to compete at the Pittwater regatta on Monday December 27, arrangements have been made for the steamer Gosford to leave the Albion wharf at 4.15 a m , and call at Watson's Bay, to commence loading "V S " and "V J." class boats at a quarter to five. Applications, for space should be made to Mr V. R Jukes, 7 Mary Street, Longueville. PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, December 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17435709

SS Gosford II

PITTWATER REGATTA will take place on Broken Bay Water, between Newport, Church Point and West Head, on the 27th INSTANT. A Plan showing the courses for the Sailing, Yacht, Motor-boat, and Rowing Races, has been lodged with the Maritime Services Board, and is available for Inspection at my office.
ALAN R. BEVERIDGE,
Hon. Secretary,40 Market Street,
17th December, 1937, Sydney.
Advertising. (1937, December 20). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17440777

Just imagining some of these sails north to Pittwater in post Christmas makes you want out get out on the water…

Conducted By L. A. P. d AIpuget
HON. secretary, Alan R. Beveridge, has done a magnificent job of work for Monday's Pittwater Regatta. All who revel on the superb waterway have a deal)to thank him for.
NORMAN WALLIS' SCHOONER WANDERER, first to arrive for Monday's 31st Pittwater Regatta. L. H. Martin will sail her in the John Roche Memorial Handicap for big class yachts. Wallis will take the tiller in the Pittwater Regatta Cup race . Motor Boating Yachting Aquatics. (1937, December 23).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127619536PICTURE

YACHTING INCOMPARABLE DAY ON EAST COAST Preparations For Pittwater
SYDNEY YACHTSMEN HAD THE DAY OF THEIR DREAMS ON SATURDAY. BRIGHT SKIES AND ABRISK SOUTH-EAST BREEZE PROVIDED INCOMPARABLE CONDITIONS FOR RACING AND CRUISING. THE bitterest cynic would have voted 'Our 'Arbor' the bluest and most picturesque in the world. 'Outside,' the day was a constant delight. Yachtsmen trekking north for Monday's 31st annual Pittwater regatta sat back under peak head spinnakers and communed with nature.
ONE of the first arrivals at Newport was Norman Wallis' Wanderer. J. M. Hardie's schooner Windward made the run north (North Head to Lighthouse) in 2hrs 37min 15sec.Hardie's estimate of 2hrs 38min 3sec was some guessing the swing to the north-east provided a true test to those who made the journey on Sunday. C. ,C. Galbraith's Utiekah arrived about 3.30 p.m. First of the motor yachts to arrive was R.M.Y.C. Commodore W. D. Lawson's cruiser Sylph.MONDAY'S monster gala will commence at 10 a.m. with the Mark Foy Gladstone skiff handicap.

Furber's Start To Stop Win -MR. R. I. FURBER took advantage of Saturday's sou'-easter to score another division I win with Thetis, his third in' this half of the season. A. Albert's 8-metre scratch marker, Norn, could not. catch the nautical medico. Granted 15mins. start, Furber gave a class performance. ; He led Norn home by 7min. 9sec.A. C. Bukle's Josephine, unlucky last week in the westerly 'blow,' arrived4m 17s later.if HARRY MAXWELL'S Koonya, of which little has been heard since her runaway win a few weeks ago, filled fourth place. Fourth in division II's handicap to Ozone, Bachante (30sq metre), and Clipper, Claude Plowman's 6-metre Sjo-Ro scored a thrilling win in the 6-metreboat scratch race.
PICTURE: COMMODORE A . D. WALKER of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, and of Pittwater Regatta Committee. He will officiate at Monday's big day.
The event was first contested under! international rules. A. Muston's trophy goes to best performer over three events. Mr. C. GALBRAITH'S Utiekah II crossed with 4m 6s to spare in division Ill's event. J. W. Jira's Spumedrift, Dick Windeyer's Blue Bird and Phillip Pring's Currawong. filled the places. V Scamp, sailed by J. S. Olsen, won the third Stonehaven Cup test race from Petrel, Sleepy Lizard and Hurricane. Scamp, Sleepy Lizard and Petrel are even in point scores. Management committee will select N.S.W. representative. YACHTING. (1937, December 23). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127619539

The incorporation of a display by planes and members of the Royal Aero club made 1937’s regatta an outstanding visual spectacle. This was not the first year such displays were part of the Pittwater Regattas, and included was 'setting fire' to a vessel, as it did in the 1936 regatta. Its continuance shows that trying to make flying viable and popular despite many people not having the means to fly in Australia was promoted where possible. It's also worth noting that the aviation industry and many of its premier pilots and innovators were  associated with Pittwater.

Visit:  Bilgola’s Walter Oswald Watt, Clareville’s Wilfrid Kingsford Smith, Palm Beach’s George 'Scotty' Allan, Bayview’s Sir Patrick Gordon Taylor and even First to Fly in Australia at North Narrabeen or The House At The End of the Road for further insights into our Pittwater’s pilots and aviation industry captains. Sir Taylor, whose eldest brother D M Taylor was the other ‘father of the Pittwater regattas’, and a Bayview resident along with Charles Kingsford Smith’s older brother Wilfrid were developing industries in flight services during the 1930’s:

PITTWATER REGATTA. TODAY'S PROGRAMME.
An all day programme of sailing motor boating professional rowing and aeroplane events will be provided at the Pittwater regatta today. The aerial events will begin at 3 15 pm with a Derby from Mascot to the flagship This will be followed by a display of formation flying by two teams from the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales and a display of acrobatics and a mock bombing attack
The centre of the regatta will be at the flagship moored about equal distant of the Bayview wharf and Horseshoe Cove all races finishing at this point. The rowing courses are to Church Point the sailing courses to Careel Point and West Head and the motor boat events to Taylors Point The programme is -
Sailing Vaucluse senior class sailing boats10 20 am Vaucluse Junior class sailing boats 10 30 a m John Roche memorial handicap for big class yachts and deep keel cruising yachts(nominated skippers) 11 am Fred S Adams memorial handicap for 16ft skiffs 11 15 am W D M 'Don' Taylor memorial handicap for yachts of SAS Club and LMYC 120 pm Vaucluse senior class sailing boats 2 p m Vaucluse Junior class sailing boat 2 10 p m Pittwater Regatta Cup deep keel cruising yachts handicaps 2 20 p m R J Gray handicap for 10ft skiffs 2 40 pm. 
Motor Boats -W D Lawson cruiser trophy 10 45 a m general handicap for Boomerang trophy 12 noon Angus and Coote speedboat trophy 2p m cruiser handicap for W J Goddard trophy 2 10 p m Sam Bowen speed boat trophy 3 pm general handicap for W J Stuart trophy 3 30p m Upper Hawkesbury speedboat handicap for C P White trophy 4 pm W J Cairad motor tender race (all comers post entries 4 30 pm
Professional Rowing- Mark Foy Race for Gladstone skiff a first heat 10 a m second heat 10 30nm third heat 11 am fourth heat 1130 am final .. m Percy Marks memorial handicap first heat 114o nm second hent12 15 p m final J 30 p m all comers Indiessln"le sculls handicap 2 45 pm the Broken Bay rowing and sculling clubs double, sculls handicap 4 30 p m the Pittwater youths (under 17 years) single sculls handicap 2 11 p m PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, December 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17439286

PICTURESQUE SCENES AT PITTWATER REGATTA - INTERNATIONAL TENNIS - HOLIDAYMAKERS UNDER CANVAS. The deep-keel cruising yachts crossing the line for the start of the Pittwater Regatta Cup yesterday. Ideal conditions marked the 31 st regalia held on the picturesque  of Pittwater. A canvas town for holiday-makers has sprung up overnight at Narrabeen, where hundreds of families are enjoying the open air life. Right: Camel rides are a great attraction.An interesting display of aerial bombing by planes from the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales at the Pittwater Regatta yesterday. The burning "battleship" PICTURESQUE SCENES AT PITTWATER REGATTA — INTERNATIONAL TENNIS — HOLIDAYMAKERS UNDER CANVAS. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443640 PICTURES

PERSONALITIES IN AVIATION J. W. BEVERIDGE, flying 'H.Q.,'' won the Pittwater Regatta Aerial Derby in fine style on Monday. Six Royal Aero Club machines competed for a trophy presented by Chas. E. Blanks. The aerobatic and bombing display 'put on' by the six machines after the completion of the race was one of the highlights of the carnival. About a quarter of an hour before the air race participants were due a bank of heavy clouds rolled over the gay Pittwater gathering, causing many to wish they had come prepared for rain. The dark clouds, fortunately not bringing rain, considerately helped the spectators in viewing the 'daring doings' of the airmen concerned. There are no sports more difficult to watch than flying displays with a clear, sunny sky background. 

To many Australians one of the highlights of the splendid record-breaking flight of the Centaurus from Sydney to Auckland, was the voice of the New Zealand radio announcer describing the approach landing, etc., of this huge boat in Waiteniata Harbor and rebroadcast here by one of the 'B' class stations. The speaker was John Stannage, radio operator and companion of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in so many of his great flights — particularly those across the Tasman, in the old Southern Cross. 

The Centaurus left Sydney on Monday at 4.30 a.m. and reached Auckland at 3.13p.m. (both Sydney time), taking 9hours 10 mins. Seeing the realisation of 'Smithy's' dream an actual fact — the crossing of the Tasman by regular mail planes —must have served to bring home to John once more the tragedy of his friend's passing. PERSONALITIES IN AVIATION. (1937, December 30). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127614531

The flagship for the 1937 Regatta is never named absolutely - the huge SS Gwydir which had featured as flagship in early 1930's regattas was not used due to expense and people being able to fill it to make it viable. The flagship was either the ML Gloria, the above mention Gosford steamer which was used to convey skiffs to the estuary or another vessel. In the photographs purported to be from the 1937 regatta a flagship with the same funnel and length as the Gosford is seen in the distance but obscured by vessels in the foreground:

Flagship on Pittwater - 1937 Regatta - image no: 16621h by Sam Hood, Courtesy State Library of NSW.

MOTOR BOATING. WEEKEND ARRANGEMENTS. Racing will be suspended at the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, the St. George Motor Boat Club, and all other marine motoring organizations today. Attention will be concentrated on Monday on the annual Pittwater Regatta, at which many of the best-known speedboats and cruisers in Sydney Harbour will appear, and, for clubs on George's and Cook's Rivers, the Deepwater Motor Boat Club's annual regatta. MOTOR BOATING. (1937, December 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17431512

PICTURES AND SPORT."SYDNEY MAIL" FEATURES.  two pages are given up to the delights of the Pittwater Regatta. NEW HOLLAND. (1937, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17442529

MOTOR YACHT RACE AT PITTWATER. The finish of the Boomerang trophy (all comers) general handicap race at Pittwater Regatta yesterday. The winner, Swerdna (J. O. Andrews), on the left, is shown leading Miss Jill (H. J. Nesbit), which was fourth.  MOTOR YACHT RACE AT PITTWATER. (1937, December 28).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443914 PICTURE

There was also a big emphasis on ‘fashions’ in the reports of 1937’s regatta – perhaps nice for those who could not afford a new outfit each ‘season’ , especially at a time when many Australians were going hungry, and also a way to focus a little more on women who attended these regattas, just as RMYC past commodore Mr Fitzpatrick had in ensuring women were included in lady skipper’s races buy instigating the Scotland Island Cup and ensuring they could be members of the RMYC – Broken Bay from 1929.

Past history investigations there was always a huge detailing of what ladies wore from the 1900’s onwards in each ‘social pages’ report, mainly to attract the feminine readership – the reports detailing the 1937 regatta communicate playsuits as ‘smart’ and practical:

ON SUNBEAM III. MISSES GWENYTH and BERTIE LLOYD, who were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Marshall on the "Sunbeam III" at the Pittwater Regatta yesterday. ON SUNBEAM Ill. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443757

FOR WOMEN - HOLIDAY INTEREST SHARED BETWEEN RACES, TENNIS, AND REGATTA. MISSES JOYCE WARREN and VALDA DAVIES on "The Sylph", MISS MEG TOLSON, and MISSES RANA BROWNE andDAWN CHRISTMAS, who all wore cool yachting costumes when they took part in the regatta at Pittwater yesterday.FOR WOMEN. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1744377

FLORAL PLAYSUIT. MISS VERA ANDREWS, who was a smart sailor in a floral playsuit on the ' Swerdna," which won the Boomerang Trophy at the regatta at Pittwater yesterday.FLORAL PLAYSUIT. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443784

NAUTICAL MOTIFS IN FROCKING. Regatta Fashions.  With white sails dipping to the whiter  spray and the gleaming hulls of motor yachts cutting through the sparkling sunlit waters against a background of wooded hills and blue sky, the thirty first annual Pittwater regatta was held under ideal conditions yesterday. Brilliant sunshine and white uniforms gave an almost tropical appearance to the scene at noon, when luncheon was enjoyed in the open air on the decks of the grouped ships.
Bright touches of colour against the whiteness of the yachts and cruisers were the nautical accessories worn by the feminine enthusiasts. Several wore gay cork bracelets in the form of lifebuoys and knotted rope belts caught with anchors. Others chose conventional white brightened with a nautical brooch or patterned scarf. Even the men added colour to their costumes by knotted kerchiefs or coloured belts.

PLAYSUITS POPULAR.
Shorts vied with slacks for popularity, but among the younger girls, playsuits won the day. Miss Sheila Pring, who sailed in her father's yacht, Currawong, chose a navy and white check playsuit with a backless blouse, and she tied a bright red peasant scarf with fringed ends around her head, to keep her hair tidy. She entertained Miss Jean Murchison, whose floral playsuit was patterned in red and white flowers to match her peasant scarf.
Mrs. Arthur Walker, wife of the commodore, wore a smart costume carried out In the colours of her husband's club-gold and blue. Her blue and gold blouse was caught with a belt fastened with miniature pennants and her tailored skirt was in dark blue.
On their motor cruiser Lolita, Commodore and Mrs. Walker entertained a large party at luncheon and later in the afternoon Mr Walker took his friends out in his new speed-boat

SWERDNA WON TROPHY
In their party were Mrs R C Leslie (Newcastle) Mi and Mrs E M Rowell the latter wearing a tailored white linen suit with a navy and white spotted scarf Mr and Mrs W J Carrad Mr and Mrs S Ravenscroft and Mr and Mrs Douglas Walker.

Miss Dorothy Williams who is spending a holiday till February with her parents Mr and Mrs E R Williams on their ship Borough Belle II was a smart figure in long white slacks and a white blouse piped In navy with a red and navy scarf She had as her guest Miss Marcia Russell who favoured a blue floral playsult with a little coat. In the New Year Mrs Williams will be Joined by Mr and Mrs Jack Gregory Mrs Stuart Johnston and Miss Joan Johnston.

There was great excitement among the guests on Mr J O Andrew s yacht Swerdna which won the Boomerang trophy Mr and Mrs Andrew entertained a large party including Mesdames J Donald F H Thurle J Garrison A J Black Misses Joan Gibb Joan Samuels and Vera Andrews.

WIDE-BRIMMED SUN HAT
Mr W Lawson who is the commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Rose Bay entertained a party Including Misses Joyce Warren and Valda Bayley The former s big white sun hat banded in red and navy was worn with a smart playsuit and Miss Bayley chose all-white for her yachting outfit.

One of the smartest outfits was the navy playsuit worn by Mrs Fred Harris who with her husband gave a large party in the Steady Hour. Her navy blue shorts were patterned with tiny red anchors which were also embroidered on the wide lapels of her navy blouse. She added a smart sailors hat. Their guests included Mesdames T R Boyce, E Pettison Arthur Overall A Boyce and H Harrison.

HOLIDAY AFLOAT 
Mr and Mrs C H Christmas who have been spending a holiday In their ship Uralia at Refuge Bay escorted several speedboats to Pittwater where they entertained friends with their son Mr Ronald Christmas. Mrs Christmas wore a green linen frock with white buttons from neck to hemline. They are planning to spend several weeks holiday in their ship. Miss Dawn Christmas was a smart figure in her blue floral playsuit with a halter neckline and she spent some of the afternoon rowing with friends including Miss Rana Browne who also chose a floral playsuit in navy and red.

The Uralia. image no 16624h by Sam Hood, 1937, courtesy State Library of NSW.

On Sunbeam III Mr and Mrs W G Marshall entertained Mr and Mrs Frank Harper. Mr and Mrs Gordon Marshall Misses Gwenyth and Bertie Lloyd In the New Year they will be joined by Misses Joyce Midland, and Olga and Sybil Kins NAUTICAL MOTIFS IN FROCKING. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved November 19, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443759

Results, results, results:

31st PITTWATER REGATTA Serene Waterway Strident With Carnival AQUATIC SPORTSMEN MAKE MERRY
PITTWATER, BROKEN BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES, IS ONE OF THEMOST MAGNIFICENT WATERWAYS IN THE WORLD. FORUNTOUCHED MAJESTY IT IS SECOND ONLY TO THE FJORDS OFNORWAY AND TO PARTS OF THE COAST OF SCOTLAND. Bright skies, a light south-easterly breeze and smooth water, therefore, provided1delightful conditions for the 3 1st annual Pittwater Regatta on Monday. PITTWATER, serene shelter of the cruising yachtsman, was strident with carnival.
THE elite of New South Wales aquatic sportsmen sail here in their thousands. Gaily bedecked motor cruisers crossed wakes with deep keel yachts, staccato-engined speedboats and wisplike Vee Jays. Aeroplanes swooped over the straining backs of professional oars-men. Competitions were run to schedule by an efficient committee, headed .by A.D. Walker, (commodore), and Alan R. Beveridge (hon. secretary). Entries - in the big classes were not as heavy as hitherto, but small: classes were well- supported. In every section racing was of a high standard.: Rowing Events Opened Day Racing commenced at 10 a.m. with professional rowing events. George Cook, Parramatta's club champion, who has persistently challenged Evans for the Australian title, rowed from scratch to a length win from G. Culvert. Bert Goulding (Parramatta), P.Bourke (Parramatta), and, C. Leuchel(Parramatta) were the other heat winners. It was Parramatta's day out. Virile Cook rowed the final to an untroubled win. He collected the handsome Mark Foy Silver Cup and £7 .in cash. Percy Marks' Cup and £7 went to J. Williams (S'haven). Fourth to Broken Bay man. J. Erickson, in his heat, Williams beat him by two feet in the final. George Cook and B. Goulding teamed together in the Broken Bay Double Sculls ' handicap. They rowed from scratch and won well. Miss  J. Gilroy (Narrabeen) beat all comers in the women's single sculls handicap. She rowed from scratch.  Miss D. Stebbing (Gosford)was second.

Motor Trophy For S.P. Paull Cruiser trophy, presented by Royal Motor Yacht Club commodore, W. D. Lawson won by Hour Glass (S.P.Paull) by a margin of 10 seconds. 
J. Andrews  Swerdna, formerly Port Hacking commodore, C. Daly's El' Capitan, won the Boomerang general handicap narrowly from Kweena (W OFairweather. 
W. C. Mansfield attained 40.45 m.p.h. with speedboat Greyhound in the Angus and Coote Trophy handicap. He scored by two-seconds from Commodore Walker's Sinabada. Sinabada did 37 m.p.h. Dr.  Caleb Goode's Pollard-built cruiser, Leisurelea, beat H. C. Nesbit Holme's Miss Jill in the cruiser handicap for all comers. Goode got the W. J. Goddard trophy. N. Terry's Little Audrey beat Miss Patricia and Seventeen in the Sam Bowen speedboat handicap. Ex- Royal Motor Yacht Club Commodore,  C. P. White, finished third behind Leisurelea and Swerdna in W. J. Stuart's trophy event for all-comers. Leisurelea and Swerdna, however, broke their declared times and were disqualified, White's trophy. 

Maxwell's Koonya Too Good.
Pittwater Regatta Cup, the chief sailing event on the programme, was won well by Harry Maxwell's division yacht, Koonya II. Maxwell made a poor start but gave the fleet a sailing lesson when he got clear of “blanketing”. Sydney boats-Hako (G. W. Bevan), Adina (K. D. Borrowman), and Womerah (J.D-Royle)led home the fleet in the W. D. M. Taylor Memorial Handicap for craft of  S.A.S.C . and Lake Macquarie Y.C. Clipper Kiaora and Aloha  sailed respectively by I.  McKellar,  J. Edgerton and B. Smith filled the places in the Stanley Spain trophy handicap.  In E. G. Gale Trophy Handicap in the afternoon they staged a repeat performance. Clipper won by 6min 25sec in the early event and by 5min- 25sec in the later. S Dingle's 'Vee Jay' Comet scored a double for the T. L. Mulhall and Currawong trophies. He won by 45 secs in the first event and added 2min to the margin in the second. Middle Harbor 16ft skiff Mako, sailed by R. V. Arnott beat the Manly boat Gloaming (B. H.  Johnston), and clubmate Cutty Sark (T. Audsley) in the Fred. S. Adams' Memorial Handicap. Greenwich skiff Melody (J. Harrison) beat J. Muston's Crusader by 5sec in the R. J. Gray handicap. 31st PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, December 30). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved October 16, 2013, fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127614490
 
Correct spelling of trophies and vessels courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald, but without how fast those motor boats were going!:

PITTWATER REGATTA.  Bright Aquatic Display.
Pittwater Regatta was held yesterday in weather suitable to the occasion, with a light to medium south-east breeze blowing down this picturesque branch of Broken Bay, crowded with many types of craft. Members of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales gave an interesting display. J. W. Beveridge won the Derby from Mascot. A team gave a display of formation flying and aerobatics. And another team, after preliminary and successful practice on the flagship with "bombs" of flour,  attacked and destroyed a "warship," the model bursting into flames.
The failing breeze towards the end of the afternoon gave helmsmen in the sailing races some trouble. Koonya (H. Maxwell) won the Pittwater Regatta Cup, beating Titania (G. Griffin) by 45seconds. Alice (J. Icher) won the John Roche Memorial race, and Mako (G. W. Bevan) had a good win in the W. D. M. Taylor memorial race. Mako (R. W. Arnott) and Melody (J. Harrison) won the 16ft skiff races, and Clipper (I. McKellar) and Comet (S. Dingle) were double winners in the Vaucluse Senior and Junior classes respectively. Compared with previous regattas, there was a marked falling off of support by all the larger classes, but the smaller classes, Vaucluse types, and 16ft skiffs,  most of which came from Sydney, were there in satisfactory numbers.
The motor course was well sheltered from the wind, and large fleets competed. Hourglass (S. P. Paull) and Leisurlea (C. J. B. Goode) were winners in the cruiser section. Swerdna (J. O. Andrews) and Zelma (C. P. White) were successful in the general handicaps and Greyhound (W. C. Mansfield) and Little Audrey (N. Terry) were best of the speedboats. Professional rowers had a head wind to contend with from Church Point to the flagship, but the racing was good.

1937 Pittwater Regatta Sam Hood Image no 16628h, courtesy State Librray of nSW.

SAILING.  
Stanley Spain Handicap (Vaucluse senior class boats), 4 ½ miles, flying start.-Clipper (I. McKellar), 7m, 1; Kia-Ora (J. Edgerton), 3m. 2: Aloha(B. Smith), scr., 3. Won by 6m 25s, with 5m 28s between second and third.
T. L. Mulhall Handicap (Vaucluse junior class boats), 4 ½ miles, flying start.-Comet (S. Dingle),14m, 1; Hermes (R. Brown), 5 ½ am, 2; Elaine (R. Fieldhouse), Um, 3. Won by 45s. Eighteen started, and others to finish included Don’t Argue, Gem, Chum, Rival, Swift, Pandora, Wings, Naomi, Ace, Cygnet, Ruby Five, Vail, Nemesis, and Popeye.
John Roche Memorial Handicap (yachts and deep-keel cruisers, nominated skippers), 6 miles, Alice (J. Icher), scr, 1; Titania (K. Black), 4m, 2;Koonya, (H. Maxwell), lm, 3. Won by lm 15s.with 20secs between second and third. Finishing times: Alice, 1h 22m 50s: Titania, I3h m St: Koonya, I2h m 23s; Currawong, 12h 28m 5k;Mcgala, 12h 30m Os; Rondon, retired.
Fred. S. Adams Memorial Handicap (10ft skiffs),9 miles.-Mato (H. VI. Arnott), Middle Hai'oomter, l; -loaming (B, L. Johnson), Manly,  2;Cutty Sark T. Audsley. Middle Harbour, Ira, 3;Melody (J. Harrison), Greenwich. 2m, «. Wonbyi 33s. with 17s between second and third. Crusader and Valdoia a lab finished. Twelve started.
W. D. M. Taylor Memorial Handicap (boats on registers of Sydney Amateur Sailing; Club and Lake Macquarie Yacht Club), -Hako (G. W. Bevan)12m, 1; Adina (J. D. Borrowman). 17m,2; Womerah (J. MacD. Royle), 17m, 3. Won hy8m 13s, with 3m 19s between second and third. Finishing times: Hako, 4h 31m 28s; Adina, 4h 39m; Womerah, 4h 32m 4s,  Wyuss, 4h 43m 5secs, Ranger, 4h 43m 53secs; Mawhiti, 4h 47m 25secs, Epacris, 4h 50m 30s. Eleven started.
E. C. Gale Handicap (Vaucluse senior class boats) 4 ½ miles, flying start.-Clipper (I. McKellar), 7m, 1; Kia-ora (J. Edgerton), 3m, 2: Aloha (B. Smith).scr, 3. Won by 6tn 25s, with «m 40s between
second and third.
Currawong Handicap (Vaucluse Junior class boats). 4 Vi miles, flying start-Comet (B. Dingle).11m 1; Don't Argue (P. Nichollies), 8m; Dard(P. Tolhurst) 5 ½ m, 3; Chum (J. Gross), lm, 4.Won by 2m 45s, with 35s between second and third. Then came Swift, Hermes, Gem, Ruby Five, Wings, Rival, Ace, Naomi. Fifteen started.
Pittwater Regatta Cup (deep-keel cruising yachts),11 miles, flying start.-Koonya (H. Maxwell), oin,1; Titania (G. Griffin), 11m, 2: Alice (J. leheri),5m, 3. Won by 4Ss. with 6m 38s between second and third. Finishing times: Koonya, 5h 23m 26s: Titania, 5h 24m 10s; Alice, 5h 30m 48s, Rondon, Currawong, Utiekah, Megala, and Archina retired.
R. J. Gray Handicap (16ft skiffs), 9 miles, flying start.-Melody (J. Harrison), Greenwich. 2m.1: Crusader (J. Muston), Middle Harbour, sot-, 2; Letitla (J. St. Clair), Middle Harbour, 6 ½ min, 3:Mistral (D. Cox). Greenwich, 7  ½ m. 4. Won by5s, with 3m 40s, between-second and third. Cutty Sark, Signet, Mako, Gloaming, and Valdora, also finished.
MOTOR BOATS.
Cruiser Handicap (all comers), 1½m.—Hour Glass(S. P. Paull), 1m 32s, 1; Narburra (A. E. Glazenbrook), 1m 15s, 2; Leisurlea (C. B. J. Goode),1m 50s, 3. Won by 10 seconds, with five seconds between second and third.
General Handicap (all comers), 1½m.—Swerdna(J. O. Andrews), 4m 50s, 1; Kweena (W. O. Fairweather), 1m 42s, and Zelma (C. P. White),2m 10s, dead heat, 2; Miss Jill (H. J, Nesbit), 4.Won by two seconds.
Speedboat Handicap (all comers), 3m.—Grey-hound (W. C. Mansfield), 40.45 m.p.h., 1; Sinabada (A. D. Walker), 37 m.p.h., 2; Comet (C. Hall),30 m.p.h., .3. Won by one second, with eight seconds between second and third.
Cruiser Handicap (all comers), 1½m.—Leisurelea(C. J. B. Goode), 1; Miss Jill (H. J. Nesbit), 2; Kweena (W. O. Fairweather), 3. Won by 10seconds, with two seconds between second and third.
Speedboat Handicap (all comers), 3m.—Little Audrey (N. Terry), 1; Miss Patricia (N. P. Hunt),2; Seventeen (H. W. Plaisted), 3. Won by 10seconds, with 13 seconds between second and third.
General Handicap (all comers), 1½m.—Zelma(C. P. White), 1; Stormbird, 2; Argo (A. C. Wilkinson) and Seventeen (H. W. Plaisted), dead heat,3. Won by 10 seconds, with five seconds between second and third. Swerdna and Leisurelea finished first and second, but were disqualified for beating their times.
Upper Hawkesbury Speedboat Handicap, 3m.—Nil.1: Comet (C. Hall), 2; Demon (H. S. Irwin), 3.Won by 10 seconds, with 13 seconds between second and third.
Motor Tender Race (all comers).—Greyhound Junior (W. C. Mansfield), 1; Zelma (C. P. White),2; Argo (A. C. Wilkinson), 3.
PROFESSIONAL ROWING.
Mark Foy Gladstone skiff Handicap. First heat: G. Cook (Parramatta), scr., 1; G. Culvert (Broken Bay). 40s, 3. Won easily. Second heat: B. Goulding (Parramatta), ISs, 1;J. Erickson (Broken Bay), 3s, and A. Webster(Broken Bay), 10s, dead-heat, 2. "Won by a length and a half. Third heat: P. Bourke(Parramatta), (is, 1, Fourth heal: C. Leuchal (Parramatta), 7s. 1. Final: G. Cook, scr., 1; B, Goulding, 15, 2; P. Bourke, 8s, 3. Two lengths, length and a half.
Percy Marks Memorial Heavy Boat Handicap,  ½ mile.-First heat: .J. Erickson (Broken Bay), scr., 1; B. Goulding ( Parramatta) 11, 2; .J. Dickens(Broken Bay). 9s. 3; J. Williams (Shoalhaven), 9.4. Second heat: P. Bourke (Gosford). 2s, 1: G. Ash(Parramatta), as. 2; A. Evers (Broken Bay), 4s,3; M. Wilson (Broken Bay), Ha, 4. Final: J. Williams, 9s, 1; J. Erickson, scr., 2; P. Bourke.2s. 3. Two feet, two feet.
Women's Single Sculls Handicap, one-third mile(all-comers).J. Gilroy (Narrabeen), scr., 1; D. Stebbins; (Gosford), 9.\ 2.
Broken Bay Rowing and Sculling Club's Men Double Sculls Handicap. ½ miles.-A. Cook and B. Goulding (Parramatta), 1; W. Solomon and M. Wilson (Broken Bay), 2: A. Evers and O. Wilson (Broken Bay). 3. half length, half length.
AEROPLANE RACE.
Beryl Derby, trophy presented by Chas. E. Blanks (Mascot. Palm Beach, flagship. 28 miles).J. W. Beveridge (Gipsy Moth, -VH-UHQI), I: R.M. Hist (Glenairco, VH-UOD), 2; L. Jolly (Hornet Moth, VH-UUX), 3; J. Whitford (Gipsy Moth, VH-UFV), 4. PITTWATER REGATTA. (1937, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17443709

The inclusion of Mr Charles Edward Blanks and a trophy aeroplane displays points to Chas E Blanks Pty Ltd, the company who ran ‘talkie advertsiments’ prior to movies in many major picture theatres, and may be why this filmed version of the 1937 regatta was made:

FOX MOVIETONE NEWS. Included in the current edition of Fox Movie-tone News at Hoyt’s Regent and Plaza Theatres are scenes following the wreck of the Saros at Cape Everard Victoria and the arrival of the crew in Sydney. Among the other items are the Pittwater Regatta and a resume of events of 1937. FOX MOVIETONE NEWS." The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) 1 Jan 1938: 8. Web. 19 Nov 2013 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17426310

notes on the People behind the 1937 Regatta’s reports, events + who the Trophies named for:

Louis D'Alpuget 1915-2006 – ‘A journalist who knew his onions’ Sydney Morning Herald Obituary, June 2006 at:http://www.smh.com.au/news/obituaries/a-journalist-who-knew-his-onions/2006/06/08/1149359881272.html

MR. T. L. MULHALL.
Mr. Thomas Lindsay Mulhall, who died at his home in Chatswood recently, had been associated with the Anniversary Regatta for 53 years, first as a competitor, and later as an official. Mr Mulhall became a member of the Anniversary Regatta committee in 1890, and at the time of his death was senior sailing Judge. He was also an active member of the executive of the Pittwater Regatta since its foundation in 1906 and was starter and judge of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. For 42 years Mr Mulhall was a member of the staff of the wool department of Goldsbrough, Mort and Co Ltd He retired in 1930 He is survived by his widow, a son, Mr Lindsay Mulhall, of Melbourne, a brother Mr Harry Mulhall, and two sisters. MR. T. L. MULHALL. (1938, May 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17467200

DEATH OF MRS. MULHALL. (1913, January 6). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 5. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113774500

Edwin Clifford Gale (1887 – 1968) –skiffs  Sydney Amateur Sailing Club - Sydney, Australia 
The SASC was founded in 1872 and is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Australia. Located on the shores of Mosman Bay in Sydney Harbour, the club has some 400 members and conducts racing for keel yachts on the harbour and, in association with other clubs, offshore. See: http://www.sasc.com.au/

B Class.-Doreen (Jos. Walters), scr, scr; Rua (G.P. Pooley), scr, scr; Yvonne (P. B. Drummond), scr, '2m; Margarita (Witton, Rayment, and Scrutton), 2m ;scr; Notus (Geoffrey Hargrave), 7m, 7in; Lorelei (E.C. Gale), 7m, SYDNEY AMATEUR CLUB. (1910, December 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15184628

SAILING. SNAIL'S BAY AMATEUR CLUB.
Following are the entries' and handicaps for/ the above clubs race, to be sailed over the local course on Saturday, for a trophy presented by Vice-president Captain Christiansen:-Vagabond (E. C. .Gale), scr; Marsiuah (J. H. Hindmarsh), 4m; Bronzewing . (E.Flaxman), Sin; Valda.(D. R. Huntley), Oin; Arthur(A. Rodrick). 13m; Berenice (L. A. Fogs), 15m; Yvonne (A', ii Jones), Freda (F. Ileesh), 17m; Frolic(A. Preston), Lorelei (C. R. Harton), 18m; Weona (F.Clarke), SAILING. (1913, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15489042

AIR FORCE WEDDING LAC ROGER VINING GALE,  R.A A.F., and MRS. GALE, who was formerly Miss Josephine Buckle, daughter of Captain and Mrs A C. Buckle. of Mosman, leaving the Presbyterian Church, Mosman, after their wedding on Saturday afternoon The bridegroom is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. E C. Gale, of Cremorne. AIR FORCE WEDDING. (1942, January 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17784293

YACHTSMEN AID R.A.A.F. 

Several Sydney yachtsmen have placed their yachts at the disposal of the RAAF Air Training Corps for training the personnel of the corps in sailing and navigation. A knowledge of boats is regarded by the R.AAF as an important feature of the training of air crews, many of whom will be called upon in the future to handle seaplanes and flying-boats , Parties of cadets ranging from four to 12 in each yacht are now learning to handle some of Sydney's best known sailing craft under the tuition of experienced instructors made available by the owners. The following owners have lent their yachts to the corps -Messr.-s LH Martin, J M Hardie, C Trebek, C Plowman, K Maywell, R B Cair, O A Meyer, G R Clarke J Mills, E C. Gale, and N B. Love. YACHTSMEN AID R.A.A.F. (1942, April 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17808717

OBITUARY. MR. PERCY MARKS.  
The death occurred yesterday of Mr. Percy Marks, jeweller, of Hunter-street, aged 56years. Mr. Marks will long be remembered for his efforts to popularise the Australian opal in the gem markets of the world.

At the age of 14 years, Mr. Marks left the Paddington Superior Public School and became apprenticed to a working jeweller. While serving for seven years as a practical Jeweller he studied inorganic chemistry, as-saying and refining at the Technical College, and acquired a knowledge of geology and matters appertaining to gems and the lapidary art. Shortly after he had started business on his own account, at the age of 21 years, a few examples of the dark opal came under his notice. He ascertained that they had been sent to Sydney by a Walgett storekeeper. Realising the great possibilities of the gems, he made inquiries, and learned that a few prospectors were mining for this form of opal at Wallangulla, afterwards known as Lightning Ridge.

Mr. Marks went to the mining field, even going so far as to take out a miner's right in order to be in a position to investigate the potentialities of the field. The next problem was to find a market for the opal. Gradually overseas connections were developed, and the gems gained much publicity through displays arranged at various oversea exhibitions. In 1920, Mr. Marks was given a Royal Commission to report on the gem question as relating to Canada, the United States, Great Britain, and Europe. Many notable visitors to Australia received gifts of opal from Mr. Marks, who, a few years ago, made a present of collections of opal to 12 of the leading schools of New South Wales.

Mr. Marks, who was a well-known sports-man, was a member of the N.S.W. Sports Club, of Tattersalls Club, of the Mosman Golf Club, and of the Masonic Club. He was vice-president of the Amateur Billiards Association, senior vice-president of the Spit Swimming Club, a former director of the N.S.W. Sports Club, and a director of the Community Hospital.

He is survived by Mrs. Marks, and four sons. Madam Emily Marks, the singer, is a sister. The funeral will take place to-day at 10a.m., following a short service at Wood Coffill's parlours, 810 George-street. The remains will later be cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. There will also be a Masonic service without regalia.  OBITUARY. (1935, September 24). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17196011

OBITUARY. MR. F. S. ADAMS.
Mr. Frederick S. ("Bungaree") Adams, who died at his residence, Wharf-road, Balmain, on Monday (two doors from the old stone house where he was born), at the age of 82,was one of the oldest yachtsmen in Sydney. He was the oldest member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, having joined the club more than 65 years ago. He was the last surviving member of the crew of Dr. Milford's yacht, Doris, which, in 1883, went to Melbourne and won the first interstate yacht race.

The late Mr. Adams was also the oldest committeeman of the Anniversary Regatta, and acted as Judge of the sailing section since 1909. He was judge at the Pittwater Regatta for 24 years. Always maintaining an interest in active sailing, he was skipper of a boat in an "old-timers' " race after his 80th birthday. Up to his retirement he carried on the business of Customs House agent founded by his father more than 80 years ago. He is survived by three sons and three daughters. The remains were cremated on Tuesday, and the ashes will be sprinkled round a tree planted by Mr. Adams on the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's property at Newport. OBITUARY. (1937, June 11). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17373039

Samuel Phillip Cox Paull (1872 – 1952) married Isobel (also spelt Isabel) Gillespie in 1894 at the residence of Tristram Bowd, Pitt Town, Richmond, NSW. Image at left courtesy RMYC - Broken Bay.

PITT Town friends heard with deep regret of the death of a distinguished former resident of that centre, Mr. Samuel Phillip Cox Paull, at his Mosman home on Monday. As a comparatively young man deceased (who was a brother-in-law of Mr. W. Gillespie, of Pitt Town)went to Queensland, where he gained prominence in the business world, and for a time also resided in U.S.A. For many years he was a well known figure in Sydney business circles, being general manager of John Sands Ltd. until his retirement, in his late seventies, a little more than a year ago. He is survived by his wife, to whom the sympathy of old Hawkesbury friends is offered in her bereavement. The funeral took place yesterday, moving to the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. PERSONAL. (1952, February 20). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85677702

The recently appointed teacher of accountancy, bookkeeping, and business training at South. Brisbane Technical College, Mr. S. P. C. Paull, has had a wide commercial experience, held important positions in the offices of some of the largest colonial and American firms; and is thoroughly acquainted with the latest; and best methods of accountancy. He was at one time connected with Heald's Business College at San Francisco, and ex-pupils are holding responsible positions in this city and Sydney. [The foregoing as taken from a Brisbane paper, and refers to a Pitt Town native, — Ed. Personal. (1903, July 4).Windsor and Richmond Gazette(NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86218494

PICNIC ON THE LUCINDA.
The representatives of the district exhibitors at the Exhibition were entertained at a river picnic on the Lucinda on Saturday. The steamer had been placed at the disposal of the Council of the National Association by Hon. A. Morgan, and the visitors were received on arrival by Mr. J. K( Stewart and Mr. J. A Macdonald. Amongst the invited guests were the Hons. A O'Connel, S.P. C. Paull, Dr. J. B. M'Lean… PICNIC ON THE LUCINDA. (1904, August 15). The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19295925

VIEWS ON JAPAN. Many Internal Problems. BRISBANE, June 1. Following a several months' visit to the East, Mr. Q. R. Paull, a businessman of Sydney and Brisbane, who returned today by the Taiping, said Japan, by her own actions, had become dependent on Australian wool in her large textile factories. The machinery was suited to fine merino wools and to change to any other wool would entail extensive replacements. It was, therefore, highly unlikely that any large scale embargo on Australian wool would be made. Mr. Paull considers Japan is engrossed in solving her internal problems. Mass education, he thinks, has engendered mass discontent. An Asiatic people has been raised by popular education to an Intellectual appreciation of western standards of living. The economic and industrial progress to achieve that standard, however, has not been made. VIEWS ON JAPAN. (1936, June 2). Townsville Daily Bulletin(Qld. : 1885 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62767890

STAFF DANCES. The annual dance of the staff of John Sands, Ltd., was held last night at the Wentworth, and was well attended by members of the staff and their friends. Among those who entertained parties were Colonel and Mrs. Sands, Mr and Mrs. Graham Sands, Mr. and Mrs A J Symons, Mr. and Mrs. Q. R. Paull, Mr. and Mrs. G. McLean, and Captain and Mrs. E. de Merrall. STAFF DANCES. (1929, August 3). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16572668

This is the impression formed by Mr. Q. R. Paull, sales manager of John Sands, Ltd.. Sydney and managing director of Q. R. Paull, Ltd., who is returning by the A. and O. liner Taiping, after an extended holiday in Japan and the East. In discussing different phases of Japanese life, with a 'Bulletin' representative, who visited the Taiping when she berthed at Townsville on Friday morning, Mr. Paull made particular mention of the hundreds of bookstalls, which were found In all Japanese cities. At any time of the morning, afternoon or night, when these bookstalls were open, they would be crowded with young men and women of different types, absorbing all the literature they could find concerning anything dealing with modern life and present conditions in other countries. The impression Mr. Paull gained from Japan, or the powers that be in Japan, was that they were endeavoring to bring a certain portion of the people up-to-date, not only by sending them abroad for a western education, but also by establishing huge universities, where modern teaching could be given. With such factors for their enlightenment, It was hardly to be expected that the Japanese people as ,a whole would be satisfied with their present conditions of living. The first flash in the plan of national revulsion against such conditions had been the uprising in Toklou. It was not generally known outside that Japan, particularly Tokyo, where the uprising took place, was for the next day and a week afterwards, like a dead place. The Imperial Hotel In Tokio, which was right on the edge of the business section m Tokyo, had been isolated, as had been the whole of the foreign quarter, while telephone and telegraph and all lines of communication had been cut off. In discussing Japan's textile trade, Mr. Paull stated that the Japanese, were scoring against world competition, not so much on account of the cheap labor, as seemed to be the popular belief, but from the fact that her manufacturers were using the most up-to-date machinery which the world could give them. To stress this fact, he quoted the Instance of a factory which had been established with up-to-date plant, and within less than six months, when new Ideas resulted in the production of more modern machinery in other parts of the world, the whole of its plant was scrapped and replaced by the new methods. This policy applied right through the spinning and weaving Industries. To stress his claim that the Japanese were not worrying about expansionist projects, Mr. Paull stated that in addition to having their hands full with their own problems, the greater proportion of the population did not even know where Australia was. Friends of his who bad been in Manchuria, which the Japanese were attempting to colonise, had told Mr. Paull that much difficulty was being experienced In this great national project, owner to the fact that the family life of Japan was traditional and bad existed through thecenturies. Alter & abort period, lit Manchuria, the Japanese sent there found that they lost touch altogether with their family lives, with the result that they become discontented with, numbers returning or wishing to return, after only a brief trial of the new style of living which the colonisation entailed. 
In conclusion, Mr. Paull emphasized that though much had been said about the antipathy of the Japanese towards Australians, he had found no trace of such feeling. He had been received most courteously everywhere he went, and any information he bad desired had been cheerfully given. The people were clean and Industrious and had no desire to worry about the outside world beyond producing and selling goods to the other nations. Japan's future problem would be to meet the growing demands of her population for a greater return for their labor and at the same time be able to produce goods, which could be Bold in competition with the other low priced countries of the world. CONDITIONS IN JAPANESE. (1936, May 30). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1885 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62760442

PAULL -The Relatives and Friends of the late SAMUEL PHILLIP COX PAULL (Q. R. ) are invited to attend his Funeral to leave T J Andrews Funeral Chapel 42-44 Walker  street, North Sydney, This Day, after service commencing at 11 a m for the Northern Suburbs Crematorium T J ANDRFWS PTY LTD A FD A Phones LA2873 etc
PAULL - Masonic Lodge Gladesville No 577 U.G.L. of N.S.W. Officers and Members of the above Lodge are requested to attend the Funeral of their late esteemed Member Very Wor. Bro. SAMUEL PAULL. For further particulars see family notice Regalia E.C. KNOWLSON W.M.  W.H. MILLS Sec . T.J. ANDREWS PTY LTD  AFD A Phones LA2873 etc Family Notices. (1952, February 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18261668

Pittwater Regatta 1937 threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon, 2013.