A NAVAL BANQUET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12240, 8 April 1903, Page 6

A NAVAL BANQUET.

SEQUEL TO AN INTERESTING CONTEST. A pleasant sequel to the challenge cutter race between a crew from H.M.s. Lizard and the Devonport Navals (Submarines) took piace at the Strand Cafe last evening, when an excellent repast (under the management of Mr. J. Speight) was partaken of, followed by a programme of vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with toasts. In the unavoidable absence of Captain Parker, commander of the boat's crew, Lieutenant Davis occupied the cHair, and among the guests were Captain Coyle (commanding the submarine forces of the colony). Commodore Murdoch, and Sergeant-Major Peacy. The usual loyal sentiments having found an adequate expression, the toast of the evening, " The Winning Crew," was submitted 'by Captain_Coyle, who stated that all sides admitted that the best crew won. The men who were beaten were a crack crew, and had never before been beaten by a crew from the navy. Whn a crew obtained a reputation such as that enjoyed by the Devonport crew they semed to think they were invulnerable, and were apt to despise training. It was, however, clear that when they met such men as those comprising the Lizard's crew, it was necessary that they should be as hard as nails. (Applause.) The Devonport men appeared to have taken things too cheaply, and .consequently they deserved their licking. (Laughter.) The toast having been'heartily drunk, Coxswain Broad, of the Lizard, replied. He expressed the general regret all felt at the absence of Captain Parker, and went on to remark that the men of the Lizard would be only too pleased to meet their: opponents again. (Applause.) Other toasts included the " Devonport Crew" and the " Healths of Captain Parker and Captain Coyle."