OUR OARSMEN ON THE SEINE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 185, 1 May 1919, Page 5

OUR OARSMEN ON THE SEINE

STORY OF THRILLING RACE A GREAT FINISH By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Rec. "April 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 2&. Official; The All Blacks won in thrilling fashion the inter-Allied eightoarecl boat race on the Heine! defeating the 'Americans, who were mostly Harvard and Yale men, in the final by half a length, after,a superb contest ulong the entire course of a mile and threequarters, against a squall and through jobbleil water,- in the time of 9miu. 2&ec. The contestants in tho final were New Zealand, America, France, and Newfoundland, who all qualified in that order rather 1 easily in the preliminary heats, the losers being Portugal and Alsace-Lorraine. The final was thrilling from start to finish. America aad the All Blacks quickly out-paced the others, end led each other in turn amidst memorable excitement. America was loading past the last bridge, but the ,AU Blacks, wityi their quicker stroke, better swing, and perfect unity, leaped ahead ■within sight of the mark, and won by a good half-length."

Their viotory was exceedingly popular with the concourse of Parisians. A novel feature of the regatta- vrjis the daring "stunt" of a French aviator along the course over tho bridges.

Tho All Blacks were entertained in the evening by Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward at the Hotel Majestic, where the Ministers heartily congratulated the team, which was aa follows:—Private Wilson (bow), Corporal White (2), Libtenant Lester (3), Private Coombes (captain, i), Corporal Patterson (5), Gunner Kutlodgo (6), Private Hadfield (7), Private Healey (stroke), and Private Trussel (cox). The oarsmen' yesterday received the trophies they had won. • Each member was presented with a silver cup and medal, while tho team-was'presented by the French President with a beautiful Sevres' vase, whioh will probably go to the Dominion War 'Museum. Alb the competing crews attended, the presentation ceremony except tho Americans, who gained second prizes. Tho New Zealand Ministers expressed the hope that the team would repeat its Seine triumph at Henley in July. Tho team and party before leaving for London visited the Peace Conference Chamber at Versailles.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.