Geelong Athletics – A False Start

Listen to a reading of the article by using the link below:

The Beginning

Athletics in Geelong, as an independent sport, with formal accreditation from a governing body, began in 1892, but its presence was brief and uninspiring. On March 6th the Geelong Harriers Club was founded and it was resolved to affiliate with the fledgling Victorian Amateur Athletic Association. There were ‘athletic events’ conducted in Geelong and in many places before 1892, but those events were conducted at shows and carnivals in small country towns and at community-based celebrations such as the annual Commun Na Feine’s and Saint Patrick’s Day picnics.

No formal athletic organisation could have been formed in Victoria before October 8, 1891. That was the date when the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association (V.A.A.A) was formed. The Association’s founding members were Melbourne Harriers, Melbourne University, Hawthorn Harriers, Melbourne Grammar School and Wesley College^[1]

The V.A.A.A was established as the governing body for amateur athletics in the colony of Victoria. It regulated the sport, set rules for participation and competition, established Victoria colonial records, conducted events and championships, and fostered the growth of the sport based on amateur participation. Sportspeople, who had been paid to participate in sport as professionals, were forbidden to compete in V.A.A.A competitions.

Athletics in Geelong, as a recognised independent sport and not as an offshoot of community picnics, commenced as a result of Ballarat Harriers’ athlete, J. S. Young, moving to Geelong. Ballarat Harriers was formed just one year earlier, in June 1891 when a visit from Melbourne Harriers helped to establish the club. Melbourne’s Sportsman newspaper recorded that event in its article “WITH THE HARRIERS” on June 2, 1891.

“The Melbourne Harriers paid a visit to Ballarat on the Queen’s Birthday to encourage the formation of a cross-country club in the district. Eleven members of the Ballarat Gymnasium took part in the run (Paperchase) with twelve of the metropolitan club.”^[2]

After the inaugural run, in which Mr J. S. Young was one of the organisers and leading runners, Melbourne Harriers (at their expense) entertained the locals at Lester’s Hotel.

“As a result of the visit a club is being formed on the lines of the Melbourne club, and there is every indication from the enthusiasm of those taking part, that it will have a successful career.”^[3]

The following year, Mr J. S. Young moved from Ballarat to Geelong and his enthusiasm for athletics came with him. In March, he was keen to establish a Harriers Club in Geelong. He placed an advertisement in the Geelong Advertiser on Saturday March 19 1892. It appeared on page 3 and advertised a meeting to take place on March 21 at the National Hotel. The Geelong Advertiser’s TOWN TALK column was confident of the formation of an athletic club. Of course, this meeting was only for gentlemen.

“Next Monday evening a meeting to arrange for the formation of an Amateur Harriers’ Club will be held at the National Hotel.“^[4]

A detailed report of the meeting was published the following day. It reported there was a fair attendance and Mr J. Young, formerly Captain of the Ballarat Harriers, was elected to chair the meeting. Mr Young proposed that the new club would be called the Geelong Harriers, and it should be established under the rules of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association. (V.A.A.A.). It was important that the Club’s members were ‘amateurs’, meaning they had not accepted prize money for competing in sport, nor had they competed with professional athletes.

Mr Young stated the benefits of joining the Harrier group:

“A club like the harriers would provide healthy recreation and encourage honest and straight running, the feature of amateur athletics.”^[5]

Appealing to local footballers he mentioned:

“Anyone connected with athletics in which endurance was a consequence, footballers, for instance, would find the benefit derived from joining the expeditions, of the harriers, invaluable.”^[5]

The motion to form the Geelong Harriers, under V.A.A.A. rules, was then moved by Mr J, Mills and seconded by Mr Walker. Mr Walker then explained the rules and procedures involved with the Paperchase to Members who were new to the sport.

Office bearers were appointed for the club

• President: Mr R. J. Hopkins, M.L.A.

• Vice Presidents: P Russell, F. Hodges and W Abraham

• Patrons: Messrs Henry Sargeant, Mr W. R. Wilson and J. Sommers

• Treasurer Mr O’Dwyer • Secretary: Mr J.C. Warner

• Captain: Mr C Young

• Vice Captain: Mr H Young

Committee: Messrs W. Warner, J Mills, and W Morris as well as the Captain and Vice Captain.

Key decisions were made at the first Committee meeting on the evening of April 4 1892, at Duckworth and Fox’s rooms at 260-262 Moorabool Street. Plans were also made to complete the clubs’ organisation. It was decided to adopt the Ballarat Harriers’ rules and to have them printed. Members were required to purchase their club uniform which consisted of ‘university knickers’ with two royal blue stripes, a white guernsey with Maltese cross on the breast and a royal blue cap. Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell, Mr J. H. Grey, was added to the club’s list of patrons, and the general committee was extended from three to five people with Mr R. H. Hennessy and Mr R. O’Dwyer being appointed. It was agreed to meet again on April 28. Messrs Duckworth and Fox gave permission for the Geelong Harriers to meet in their rooms free of charge for that evening and for all future meetings.

During the 1890s, meetings were commonly held at Duckworth and Fox’s rooms. Mr Fox was a hairdresser with strong ties to cricket sponsoring the Junior Cricket Challenge Trophy and Mr Duckworth ran a sports deport, which catered for all sports, from the shop. It was a popular location at the top of Moorabool Street and the business sold sporting goods for all the major sports. The rooms became the focal point and starting point for all Club activities.

Geelong Harriers commenced their first run on May 7 1892. The run followed the rules for a paperchase outlined by the V.A.A.A. Affiliation rules.

V.A.A.A. Affiliation Rules

To gain an accurate picture of the appearance of the athlete and the conditions they would experince during their races it is illuminating and instructive to understand the the rules and regulations of the V.A.A.A. .

Strict rules were applied by the V.A.A.A. for any club and member who wished to join their organisation. First of all, all members who wanted to compete in events had to be ‘amateurs’. Amatuer was defined in Article 2 of their Constitution:

“An amateur is one who has never competed for a money prize, staked bet, or wager, or who has not knowingly and without protest competed with or against a professional for a prize of any description all for public exhibition, or who has never taught, pursued or assisted in the practice of any athletic exercises as a means of livelihood or for pecuniary gain,”^[6]


 

Any person who did not qualify as an ‘amateur’ had to request being reinstated by the V.A.A.A., but that was not guaranteed. In 1892, this law was more flexible and professional athletes who had not competed since March 1st could be reinstated. Teachers were exempt from the teaching criterion if receiving money related to their employement.

Clubs were informed that the V.A.A.A.’s object was to:

‘… promote cross country running and to foster amateur athletics generally.”^[7]

In achieving this ‘object’ affiliated clubs had to meet certain rules.

• Annual Affiliation fees of 5 shillings are to be paid annually.

• Clubs should have a uniform which is to be worn by its members in competitions.

• Designated officebearers must be elected at a General meeting conducted every April

• Two handicappers must be elected every year.

• Club membership was only open to men over 16 years of age.^[8]


 

A description of the Paperchase was published in the Geelong Advertiser, on March 22 1892, to inform the general public and prospective club members.

“… the harriers, when out for a run, appointed two men to act as hares with a seven muinute start. These were provided with large bags of paper, and laid a trail every ten yards and be followed by a pack pursuing them… The pack in the chase were preceded by a pace maker, and the rear was brought up by a runner to act as Whip. If the latter saw any of the runners becoming fatigued he had the power to bring the whole pack to a standstill …”^[9]


 

The Paperchase was not a casual run, but a highly structured event with meticulous rules to be followed. These events can only be held between May and September and notice of the forthcoming event published in the press.The V.A.A.A. was prescriptive regarding the running thereby ensuring uniformity within the sport. It also gave helpful advice to competitors regarding the running of ‘Paperchase’ events. The event was sometimes referred to as ‘Hare and Hounds’ race as the hounds were hunting the trail of the ‘hare’. Some clubs used Hare and Hounds in their name , such as the Melburnian Hare and Hounds,

“Each hare should have a long sausage-shaped canvas bag under his left arm depending nearly to the waist and with a strap or band carried over the right shoulder. The mouth of the bag is open, and the paper – which should be in long thin strips of 6 or 8 inches and not in small pieces – can be easily reached with the right hand. These paper shavings can be usually had for the asking at any bookbinder, and a good handful carefully shaken while running, so as to leave a trail every 10 yards or so, will last a considerable distance. One continuous trail must be laid but here and there, e.g., at cross roads and up creek beds, false trails may also be laid no more than 300 yards long. Should the pack lose the trail they should at once scatter out in fan shape, if necessary working backwards again until trail is re-found. The pacemaker sets the pace (and it should be an easy jog) at which the pack are to travel, and none allowed to go in front of him. The whip should be provided with a whistle, and if the pack are getting scattered must blow it as a signal to the pacemaker to stop until all gathered together again. The pack thus kept together until either the hares are sighted (which rarely occurs) or the last mile or half mile is reached, When they are all drawn up in a line and race in.”^[10]

While this description is specific in detail, the V.A.A.A. went further in issues Bye Laws relating to its conduct.

• The hares must be given a six minute start during which they lay a trail every seven yards.

• If the hare is out longer than 45 minutes they are considered ‘caught’.

• There can be a fast and slow pack and each must have a separate pace and whip

• The pacemaker must wear a coloured sash to be visible to the pack.

• If the hare is sighted, the pack is lined up so there is an even start so the chase is even for all competitors.

• The pacemaker makes all decisons on the day.

• The pacemaker lines up runners between one mile and one quarter mile for the ‘run in’ home.

• Club badges are presented to the runners and hares with the best scores over the season.

There were also very useful hints to club organiser members undertaking these runs. It was recommended the runs be eight miles (12.8 kilometres) or less. The pace of the ‘hares’ should not be too fast and at a ‘steady trot’ so stragglers can keep up. Runs can be organised for wet and dry weather, but the wet weather runs often feel the best. Early season runs should be shorter than the end of season runs.

To competitors the hints were more personal:

“Don’t race if you’re ‘feeling done’, you will only be a minute or two behind the others at most. Wear ordinary gymnastic rubber soled shoes, a pair of woollen socks (not stockings) loose knickers and woollen jersey – medium texture.”^[11]

An additional comment, for a time when personal hygiene may not have been strong, was added:

“Don’t forget to have a bath (generally) and a good rub down (always) after your run.”^[12]

Geelong Harriers’ First Run

Geelong Advertiser published an advertisement of the Harriers first run the next day at 8pm on Tuesday April 26, 1892. A description of the course and results were published the next day.

The seven mile run, that commenced and finished at Duckworth and Fox’s rooms, was the introduction to the Paperchase with J. C. Warner as Pacer and S Smith as Whip. Tuesday night runs and Saturday runs became the principal days for the Geelong Harriers during the season. Tuesday runs were conducted weekly, but Saturday runs were less frequent.

May was a huge month of activity for the Geelong Harriers. On May 3 their Tuesday evening run began in the autumnal moonlight along the road toward Queenscliffe. Past the Eastern Cemetery they cut back to the Drysdale Road and then headed home.^[13]


 

The Harriers’ second Saturday competition run on May 14. was well patronised and began at their rooms in Moorabool Street. The Geelong Advertiser recorded:

“The course taken (which was a very picturesque one) was over the Barwon Bridge into Belmont thence to Highton and Montpellier, over Queen’s bridge home. In the race W.S. Smith of Melbourne Harriers was again first, followed by J. S. Young and J. Hodgson second and third respectively: the latter, who is a young runner, showed splendid style.”^[14]

Geelong Harriers extended an invitation to the Christ Church Union to join them on the forthcoming Queen’s Birthday special event. The Geelong Advertiser noted the invitation on May 12 and reported it under the headline CHRIST CHURCH UNION:

“A letter was received from the Geelong Harriers Club requesting the members to join in a run to take place on the 24th inst., and it was resolved that the football members will take advantage of the invitation.”^[15]

Queen’s Birthday Event

May 24 1892 was the Queen’s Birthday holiday and Melbourne clubs were invited to attend the special harriers event organised by Geelong Harriers. Representatives from Melbourne Harriers, Hawthorn Harriers, Melburnian Hare and Hounds and Ballarat Harriers attended. The route was advertised beforehand which meant the race could be viewed and followed by the general public from different locations. The Geelong Advertiser reported ,

“… a large number of drags, bicycles and tricycles followed along the roads and were able to keep the pack in sight most of the way.”^[16]

Melbourne’s Sportsman newspaper recorded the race and we can re-live it through their detailed account.

“The combined meet of the various Harrier clubs at Geelong on Tuesday last (Queen’s Birthday) was a decided success. At 2:30, the hour for the throw off from the local club’s rooms (Messrs Duckworth and Fox’s establishment), several hundreds of spectators had congregated together to witness the start. Whilst the men were preparing their toilet a message was sent in stating that the inevitable photographer was anxiously waiting to take their photographs. After this was done, the hares (Messrs J. S. Young and J. C. Warner, captain and secretary of the home club) were cast off, followed 7 minutes later by a pack numbering thirty-four. The trail was not picked up until the Barwon Bridge was reached, when it took them over the Belmont common to Germantown. A clever check was met with here. When found, away went the pack again, with their cheerful Tally ho westward beyond Belmont to the Prince’s Bridge. Another fake was met with here. The proper scent found, it took them through Highton and Mr Joyce’s avenue to the highest point of the Newtown Common. Here the pack stopped a few moments to admire the beautiful panoramic view of Geelong. The trail bearing again in a westward direction near Highett’s old flour mills, it turned northerly along the top of the falls, down through Queen’s Park to the Barwon River, opposite Ibbotson’s Park, the trail which was painfully distinct on the side. About half the pack took to the water, the others preferring to cross the Queen’s Bridge about quarter of a mile lower down. When together again they went through Lewen’s old garden through to Punt Road to Jeffrey’s, down West Melbourne Road homeward along Aberdeen Street. When the Argyle Hotel was reached, the word to line up was given and desperate race home took place.”^[17]


 

The group ran along Ryrie Street with W. S. Smith of Geelong Harriers (he was also a members of Melbourne Harriers) to the lead. They turned right at Moorabool Street to finish at the top of the hill. Several hundred spectators had gathered to see the finish. First was A. V. Wettenhall of Melbourne, second B. J. Parkinson of Melbourne, E. H. Flack of Melburnians and third, W. S. Smith of Geelong. After the race, a ‘Smoke Concert’ was held and Melbourne competitors took the 9.45pm train home.

In a later newspaper article, one of the runners who ‘took to the water’ by attempting to swim across the Barwon river to catch the hare, was Ballarat Harrier athlete Mr. J. W. Thomas. It was reported that Mr Thompson saved Mr Thomas by pulling him out of the water, unconscious and after the ‘usual restoratives’ brought him round. Mr Thomas was upset by the false description and claimed he was 10 yards from the river side and had a cramp in his left leg. He cried out for help, swam back and within two yards of the bank Mr Thompson pulled him out. After a jerk of the limb and a rub down, Mr Thomas continued the chase.^[18]


 
 

Duckworth’s and Fox’s rooms became the central meeting location for the club and it conducted weekly Tuesday runs from that venue in 1892 and 1893. Some runs commenced as late as 8pm. One report suggested W. S. Smith, of Melbourne Harriers, and also of the Geelong Harriers, was a frequent competitor and dominant athlete. On winter Saturdays, members of the Harriers were able to compete in the V.A.A.A. distance running competitions. In summer, long distance racing was concluded and a track program was available in Melbourne. Ballarat Harriers competed frequently in Melbourne but few Geelong Harrier members attended.

Cross Country Championships

The main event on the athletic calander for 1892 was the Victorian Amateur Cross Country over 10 miles. It was referred to as the ‘greatest athletic event of the season’ by the Sportsman newspaper. Conducted at the Oakleigh racecourse the event commenced in front of the Grandstand at 4pm on October 8. It was suggested people could follow the race on horseback. They finished at the grandstand, after a 3 mile detour through Caulfield. Geelong Harriers did not field a team in 1892, nor did they in 1893 or 1894.^[19]

In the following year the event’s venue was the same, but not the programme. There was criticism of the first event because spectators could see little of the race. If the programme was the same. then few spectators would attend.

In an endeavour to make the event more interesting and to encourge more spectator attendance, the V.A.A.A. added track events while the cross country runners were not in view. In 1894 the programme was further revised.

“The course is the same as last year, viz., a lap and a half of the racecourse, with six hurdles; then cross country to Oakleigh and back over the same trail, finishing with another lap and they have on the ‘course. During the absence of the runners a programme of short races, I sprint, a quarter mile, 220 yards schools’ race and stilt races will be run off, And the Bavarian Band will add to the pleasures of promenading.”^[20]

Approximately 5000 spectators attended. No list exists of the schools participating or of competitors in clubs such as the Harriers. It is highly probable that Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School did attend. It was recorded that Melbourne Grammar won the Schools’ 220 yards race.

Colonial Championships

On November 9, and 11 1893, the Victoria Amateur Athletic Association conducted the first Australasian Athletic Championship meeting at the Melbourne Cricket ground. In all, 15 events were conducted Events started at 2.30pm and concluded at 5pm. Competitors from the colonies of Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand met to compete with an ‘intercolonial spirit’ for ‘championship honors’. in front of a crowd of 2000 people. Australia and New Zealand were not individual countries, but British colonies. The programme was designed to be diverse and entertaining.^[21]

“Among the Victorian competitors are many well known and successful athletes:- A. H. Flack, Who last Saturday lowered the Victorian record for two miles; T Blake, the cross country champion of Victoria; A. J. Thurgood, the champion goal kicker; C. Pearson, the old Essendon footballer; H. C. Davies the high jumper. There will be plenty of amusement for all classes of sportsmen, for included in the program are a bicycle race, a lacrosse obstacle race, which should prove very interesting, and a schools team race, for which all leading runners are entered.”^[22]

Competition standards were high and each colony selected teams that could win. Only the best athletes were selected from each colony. There was much pride gained by the winning colony. Overall, the colony of New South Wales won with Victoria placed second and New Zealand, third.

Mr J. C. Warner was the only athlete selected from the Geelong Harriers to represent Victoria in the 129 yard handicap. Competing in elite company Warner finished sixth in the fifth heat, which he ran 13 seconds. The winner’s time for the event was 12.25 seconds.^[23]

The Victorian Amateur Athletic Association also had schools affiliated competing at the Championships. Geelong Grammar School and Geelong College were members. In these championships there was a Schools’ Team Race, with each team member running half a mile. Competing in the Schools’ Half Mile Teams Race were: Wesley College, Geelong College, Brighton Grammar School,Geelong Grammar School and Kew high School.

“The scoring was by points according to the team’s position in the race – first counts as one,second two, and so on – the lowest total to win.”^[24]

Geelong College was the winner with 10 points and first to finish was M Wettenhall in 2 minutes and 8.2 seconds. Running in a dark blue and silver uniform the team members were R. Mc Farland, M. Wettenhall, E Sanders and J. McIntosh.^[25]

A False Start

By 1894, Geelong Harriers started to struggle and it was hoped that a special event in Geelong would renew interest in the club. One solution to boost interest in the Geelong Harriers was to conduct a ‘combined run in’. Local runners as well as those from Mebourne and Ballarat clubs attended a special run on Thursday, May 24. It was promoted strongly by the V.A.A.A..

The Geelong Advertiser reported on May 23 1894 that:

“The run has been specially arranged in order to encourage the local club and several prominent athletes will be present.”^[26]

The three prominent athletes to compete were:

• Edwin Flack (One Mile Champion of Australasia in 1894 – Flack went on to win gold in the 1500 metres and 800 metres and bronze in doubles tennis at the first Olympic Games in 1896)

• Arthur Barrett who was the 3 mile Australasian Walk Champion. (Barrett later won the 1 and 3 Mile Walks in 1895 and 1896)

• C. E. Herbert (He was the 3 mile champion of Australasia.)

The run was another paperchase that commenced at 11.30 am at the Eastern Baths. This was not the usual starting point because of the fire that destroyed Duckwork and Fox’s rooms. An eight mile run was planned, with Alf Barrett and B Parkinson acting as ‘pace’ and ‘whip’. Geelong Harriers, Belcher and Bailey ran parallel to the beach for one and a quarter miles to the Drysdale Road until they arrived at the Queenscliff road. From that point they headed back to Geelong’hares’; leaving the paper. Unfortunately, trail ran out of paper, but the event continued without much difficulty. At Maud and Swanston Streets the group lining up for a ‘run’. The finish was at the Eastern Baths where the event commenced.

“C.E. Herbert. The three mile champion, immediately placed twenty yards between himself and the pack, maintaining the lead till within 100 yards from home, where a great struggle ensued for first place between Herbert and Harold Barrett, who just squeezed home a winner by two yards.“^[27]

There was great interest in the event by the general public who were gathered at the start, which was also the end of the race. Many followed the competitors on their horse or with horse and buggy. Despite the general public interest in the event, it didn’t spark sufficient interest in those who would join.

“It was a matter of regret that the Geelong Club did not turn out in better numbers, and much dissatisfaction was expressed by the visitors at their meagre attendance, as there is ample scope for a good club in Geelong if better handled.”^[28]

Attempts to keep the club going appeared to fail, because there is no record of Geelong Harriers after the May 24 meeting in 1894.

School Participation

Any coverage of athletics between 1892 and 1900 would be incomplete without mention of the two Geelong schools that were affiliated members of the V.A.A.A.. From 1892 Geelong College and Geelong Grammar sought approval from the V.A.A.A. to conduct their annual, school athletic championships. Conflicts arose when the school added an “old Boys” race in their program, because many were not ‘amateurs’. A request by Geelong College to the V.A.A.A. in 1892 did not receive a favourable response on one point.

“Application was made from the Geelong Grammar School and Geelong College asking that their sports, to be held on 11th November and 8th December respectively, be under the association rules. Both were sanctioned. The Geelong College, who had an ‘Old Boys’ Race in their programme, wished this event to be exempt from the rules, as a number of ‘old boys who had run professionally had not been reinstated. This, therefore, would prevent a number who wished to run from doing so. The hon. Secretary was instructed to write refusing the request at the same time pointing out that the Melbourne Grammar and Wesley College had already refused a number of such entries.”^[29]

In the interim period between the decline of Geelong Harriers in 1894 and the re-emergence of the spot as an adult community activity, school kept alive the sport of amateur athletics. It is likely the V AAA recognised students would become the notable athletes of the future. Not unlike the modern Little Athletics movemnet today, the V.A.A.A. facilitated, encouraged and endorsed the school meetings as a potential breeding ground for senior competition. Once attaining the age of 17 students became members of the senior clubs. Perhaps some of these student were instigators and participants in its rebirth.

With almost religious zeal, the quest to ‘purify’ sport of the taint of professionalism and instil the ‘amateur code’ among schools, was exemplified by the ‘Weekly Jottings’ of ‘Old Boy’ in the Australasian. He was referring to the schools joining the V.A.A.A.. Praising the work of the V.A.A.A. which typified the ‘amateur creed’ He wrote:

“The Victorian Amateur Athletic Association has done and is doing, great work to purify the sport of running…there are still more reforms to be made…School sports and everything connected with them should be conducted on the most perfect lines…Shoulder to shoulder the war against professionalism must be waged if the amateurs are to gain their ends …”^[30]

Why did the Geelong Harriers Fail?

A comment in May 25 Geelong Advertiser suggested it might be a management issue for the club:

“.. there is ample scope for a good club in Geelong if better handled.”^[31]

Mismanagement would be a convenient reason to account for the Geelong Harriers’ demise in this first endeavour to enter the realm of athletics. Perhaps there were broader societal factors and social context that should be considered.

• Competition with existing, well established local sports. Geelong’s population of 24,300 had the choice of many local sports, to lure the sportsman, that did not have the burden of amateurism, such as: tennis, cricket, football, rowing, bowling and golf (that was also founded in 1892).

• Geelong Harriers were not linked to a well established church based organisation and therefore lacked that organisational support, structure and patronage. Geelong Harriers was a secular organisation started by ‘outsiders from Ballarat’ who had no strong social support or local connections. Geelong’s Christ Church Union and Saint Paul’s Church Union had the social structure, patronage and multiple social clubs and sports for the local population.

• Local athletes could still compete in Melbourne’s V.A.A.A. competition under the banner of a Melbourne club.

• The strict amateur code, enforced by the V.A.A.A., may have prevented aspiring and interested athletes joining, because they had previously received money for competing in sporting events.

• Australia, and Victoria in particular in the 1890s experienced a Great Depression. There was a banking crash in 1893. A great social and economic upheaval was being experienced and there was no sign of recovery until 1895.

• Men with superior athletic skills might have accepted prize money from sporting events in hard financial times, therefore ruling them ineligble to participate in amateur athletics.

• Large unemployment numbers, property price collapses in Victoria, dominated the economy in the 1890s. Over 100 Limited Companies went into liquidation.

• Athletics, as an international sport, was in its infancy. The first Olympic Games, under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, were first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Australia’s first Olympic representative and medal winner, Edwin Flack, like many other competitors from British colonies like Victoria, competed under Britain’s Union Jack. Flack was born in London, but his long residence in Victoria meant he was considered an Australian. Australia’s Federation and a national flag was still years away.

• Fire destroyed a large part of Duckworth and Fox’s weatherborne two storey building in April, 1894 and and all their stock was lost. So too was the home base and gathering point for Geelong Harriers. Duckworth and Fox’s business eventually rose from the flames. Geelong Harriers fate lay in the embers of that fire. Today, the building once owned by Duckwork and Fox is a two storey brick building.

Nothing was heard of the Geelong Harriers after 1894 and it appears it was disbanded without any fanfare. Geelong’s private schools, Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School, were affiliated with the V.A.A.A. in the 1890s and competed in School competitions, but not in the main adult competition. Neither school succeeded Geelong Harriers into the adult ranks, but on June 9 1894 there was speculation of Geelong College forming a Club. It didn’t eventuate.

On June 5, 1900 a new Harriers club was formed. This time the club had a powerful religious organisation to back it –Christ Church in Moorabool Street, and the club was called Christ Church Harriers. Its patron was Canon Goodman. After the ‘false start’ of the 1890s, Church Church Harriers sprinted out of the starting blocks and new, local clubs also formed to support it.

REFERENCES

Completed September 25 2025