Ballarat’s champion oarsman

AT Lake Wendouree, close to the boatshed, stands a white marble monument, which was originally a drinking fountain. Maybe you walk past without thinking, but it’s worth a second look.

The fountain is dedicated to Edward King ‘Ned’ Williams, who according to the inscriptions, was a pioneer citizen, oarsman, athlete, and sportsman. “His heart was kind and true”, which is also stated on his gravestone in the Old Ballarat Cemetery.

The marble drinking fountain is appropriately decorated at the top with crossed oars and was unveiled at the conclusion of the sculling championship, held on 18 December 1901.

Ned Williams was born in Bristol England on 4 November 1825 and he may well be the person responsible for Lake Wendouree, transforming it from a swamp to the picturesque lake we know today, due to his love of aquatic sports.

The Ballarat Star dated 15 March 1902, talks about a swamp, covered in vegetation, with a decision taken in 1864 to clear it:

“A Ballarat Rowing Club had already been formed, and the members practised on Lakes Burrumbeet and Learmonth. But it was soon found that these waters were too far away, and the idea of clearing the swamp assumed tangible form. Messrs Robt. M’Laren, Robert Davidson, ‘Ned’ Williams and W Clark, who were the moving spirits in ‘the rowing club’ took the matter up with spirit, and public subscriptions flowed in for the proposed work, which was soon accomplished.

“Ned Williams, R Davidson, the Cazaly Brothers, and many others achieved renown.”

The Ballarat Rowing Club (1861) History and Statistical Records, gives a rundown of ‘Ned’ as a champion rower and later captain of the Ballarat Rowing Team. The Ballarat Gold Museum has a few photos of Ned Williams, including one which shows the various trophies of the keen sportsman.

Later in life, in the 1890s, Ned was the publican of the Gem Hotel, which was at 9 Armstrong Street South, on the north east corner with Bath Lane, on the site of the Carillion – behind the Town Hall ­– on the site of the Carillion.

Edward King ‘Ned’ Williams died at Ballarat on 7 September 1900 and was buried in the Old Ballarat Cemetery. And as stated on the drinking fountain, his gravestone reads, “His heart was kind and true.”