Angry workers, political unrest and cholera epidemic disrupted first Regatta era

The actual first regular Regattas did not survive as a continual event, and ended in 1860. They were revived in 1871.

The period from 1818 to 1870 inclusive covered 52 years. In that period, there were no regattas for 21 years. There were 31 Regattas held in that first era.

The first era entailed many challenges and problems for its organizers, not the least was the existence of public opposition to it being held at any time.

In 1871, the new era for the Regatta began and it was established on a permanent basis. Since 1871, it was only cancelled on six occasions and only in times of war or disaster.

The 1871 revival began as a two-day program with rowing and sailing matches at Quidi Vidi on the first day, and sailing matches using Bouncer Boats on the second day.

Most rowing competitions at first were four-oared races.

Taking into account social and economic climate, political unrest, rivalries between the Irish and English brought here by immigrants, epidemics, violence and the major clash in 1861 between authorities and the people, it becomes easy to comprehend why the first Regatta era collapsed.

These were conditions that plagued the years from 1818 to 1860 ...................

These factors boiled over in St. John’s, in 1861, when the political unrest in the Harbour Main area, culminating with the murder of one candidate for the House of Assembly, spread to Colonial Building and then onto the streets of St. John’s.

Arson, looting and shooting

In St. John’s, Irish factions burned the home of Hugh Hoyles and tried to burn the house of the Anglican Bishop. By this time, the situation was completely out of hand and caused the Prime Minister to order the military to restore peace and order.

At this point, the destruction had spread to the business areas along Water Street, starting at Mcbride’s Hill and eastward.

Lt.-col. Grant led his mounted troops down Mcbride’s Hill and lined them up at Water Street. Here the Magistrate accompanying Grant appealed to the rioters to avoid further violence and return to their homes. The rioters were not swayed in the least, and they responded by pelting the Magistrate and Grant with debris.

Grant read the riot act, then ordered his troops into action. Acting upon Grant’s command, they opened fired on the crowd, which was then looting, and wounded several people.

Catholic Bishop Mullock heard about the rioting and immediately sent one of his priests to intervene and try to talk sense into the mob. The priest took to the steps of the Courthouse where he attracted a crowd and was having some success when an assassin’s bullet was fired from the second story window of the first house east of the courthouse.

He was wounded but his injuries were not serious.

The Catholic Cathedral, near completion, had erected a bell used to call the Catholic population to church. When Bishop Mullock heard what happened, he rang the bell summoning his parishioners to the church.

In a stern sermon condemning the disorder, he reprimanded his congregation and told those involved to go their homes and beg God’s forgiveness.

As referenced in a separate feature, the year 1826 is still the earliest confirmation of the start of a structured regatta along, with the fact it was set up as an annual event.

The only years unaccounted for since 1818 are 1824 and 1825.

Second era for Regatta began in 1871

The Regatta was revived in 1871 and by 1877, six-oared boats began dominating the races. After this, the program regularly included from nine to 15 races using both six- and four-oar race shells.

Sailboat race competitions became part an irregular part of the Regatta at Quidi Vidi by the end of the 1880s. In 1887, a two-day Regatta was held on Thursday and Friday, August 11 and 12, at Quidi Vid Lake. The sailboat races were held on the second day. This was called the Jubilee Regatta in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

To mark the occasion, S.O. Steele, owner of the Mercantile House on Water Street gave out 750 Jubilee Medals to fans at lakeside.

Cholera epidemic

The 1889 Regatta had the lowest attendance in years, due to a cholera epidemic sweeping the city. Some feared it would mark the end of the regatta. Children 14-years-old and under were banned from attending public events or assembling together. The ban was removed temporarily to allow children to attend the Regatta.

Sir Edgar Bowring commented, “The Regatta was never more needed than this year. People have been living for such a length of time under the gloomy shadow of sickness and death that the joyous sounds and sights of the yearly Fete on the banks and the silvery surface of Quidi Vidi Lake will be welcomed as a glad relief.”

Many people of all backgrounds agreed with him.