Snapshot in Time: History shows us sport has always been a popular uniting force

Summer sport finals are fast approaching and as such it is the perfect time to reflect on our sporting history. Historically, sport across Australia has held great importance in bringing the community together. It often seems that this nation-wide culture is further highlighted in regional areas. Way back in 1889 the Western Mail claimed that a local water polo match held at the foreshore “bought together a larger crowd of people than we have seen present at any previous Geraldton sports”. Please note that “water polo” in this instance refers to players attempting to ride floating sea-horses supplied by Mr. DeLucy of the Geraldton Hotel propelled by canoe paddles. Cricket has long since been both a social and extremely competitive game. This image features players from a Geraldton team in the early 1900s including V. Sewell, R. Davis, W. Burgess, H. Hamersley, S. Elliot, W. Grant, T. Redhead, T. Hoskins, M. Brown and T. Lacy. The estimated date has been informed by an article from The Geraldton Express and Murchison and Yalgo (yes, “Yalgo”) Goldfields Chronicler published on September 14, 1900, which lists some of these people as attending a Geraldton Cricket Club meeting. Amongst a number of agenda items, “the laying of a second pitch on the Recreation Ground was discussed in favour”. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information or to donate a historical photo or slide, contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.auAerial