Active participation in public pursuits was part of the Victorian life style. Culture and sport were available to all. Horse racing was the most popular sport and it was a poor man who did not own a horse or who never challenged another. Foot racing for men was a common event, with prize money for winners, and in the early part of the twentieth century, long distance running became popular.
Many clubs formed around different pursuits including football, cricket, cycling, motor cycling, tennis, boxing, golf, lawn bowls, rifle club, swimming, pony club and squash.
Women’s sports came later – although somewhat surprisingly there was a women’s rugby league football team in the 1930s – with netball being the most prominent.
Shooting of live birds including eagles was popular in the 1890s and towards the end of the decade cycle riding became a craze, followed by the formation of a motor cycle club when motorised transport arrived.
