The Intercolonial Eight-Oared Boat Race on the Lower Yarra.

Rare, c.19th hand coloured engraving depicting the Intercolonial Eight-Oared Boat Race on the Lower Yarra in 1878.

It also records one of the earliest major intercolonial sporting contests in Australia: the first Intercolonial Eight-Oared Boat Race held on the Lower Yarra River near Melbourne on 6 March 1878. The event pitted representative crews from two colonial rowing associations, Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a race that soon became the premier championship of Australian rowing.

Rowed over approximately four miles from Stony Creek up the river past what is now known as “The Old River,” the contest was closely fought. Victoria led early and again at mid-distance, despite spirited challenges from the New South Wales crew. In the latter stages Victoria pulled ahead and maintained its advantage to the finish. Victoria won by about two lengths. No official time was recorded.

From the original edition of the Illustrated Australian News. 

Collections:
University Queensland: Identifier 991000982479703131
State Library Victoria: PCINF IAN 04-09-76 P.133
National Library Australia: Bib ID 2495305
State Library New South Wales: CALL NUMBERS F079/55, TN380
Royal Geographic Society SA: RGS Special Coll. 079.94 I29d

References:
Syme, E. & D, Illustrated Australian News. ISSN 2208-5386.