ALL-BLACK TRIUMPH.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 102, 1 May 1919, Page 5

ALL-BLACK TRIUMPH.

INTER-ALLIED EIGHT-OAR

RACE

A THRILLING CONTEST,

[Pbebs Association.]

LONDON, April 29. Official: The All Blacks thrillingly won the inter-Allied eight-oar boatrace on the Seine, defeating the Americans, who were mostly Harvard and Yale men, in the final by half a. length, after a superb contest along the entire course of a mile and three-quarters, against a squall and through jobbled water. The time was 9min 28sec.

The contestants in the final were New Zealand, America, France, and Newfoundland, who all qualified in that order rather easily in the preliminary heats, the losers being Portugal and Alsace-Lorraine.

The final w.us thrilling from start to finish. America and the All Blacks quickly outpaced the others, and le^ each othsr in turn, amidst memorable excitement. America was leading past the last bridge, but the All Blacks, with a quicker stroke, better swing, and perfect unity, leaped ahead within sight of the mark and won by a. good half length. Their victory was exceedingly popular with the concourse of Parisians.

A novel feature of the regatta, was the daring "stunting" of a French aviator along the course and over the bridges. •The All Blacks wer-> entertained in the evening by Mr Massey at the Hotel Majestic, where the Ministers heartily congratulated th© team, which was 'as follows: — Private Wilson (bow) Corporal White <No. 2) Lieut. Lester (No. 3) Private Coombes," Captain (No. 4) O-orpo'-al Patterson yN'o. 5) (iuulier Rutlcdge (No. G) Private Hadfidcl (No. .7) ;.•;..,. Private Healey (stroke) Private Trussal (cox). JBach tnember ot" the crew was presented with a, silver cup and medal, while' the team got from the French President a beautiful Sevres vase, which will probably go to the Dominion War Museum, All the competing crews ■ attended the presentation ceremony, 7oixespt; the Americans, who gain<kl prizes. .■

The All ''Black party atid members of the New Zealand delegation' were entertained-at dinner by' Sir Joseph Ward at the ! Hotel Mhjestic, both Ministers expressing the Jiope that tho team would repeat their Seine triumph' at Henley in Jutyw ' ■ The team and party, before leaving for London, visited.the Peace Conference : Chamber at, Paris and Versailles. \ ...'.'■