The mini-world of House crew was stunned yesterday as over a decade of Eliot dominance was unceremoniously dunked in the polluted waters of the Charles.

Kirkland House, which gave the Elephants their strongest competition in last season's contest, returned yesterday with almost the same boat and left no question about who was best. Dunster finished second a length back, and Eliot third, nudging out a four-seat margin over a strong-starting Winthrop boat. Quincy, hampered by a jumped slide in the first 20 strokes, finished last, never a factor in the mile race.

Kirkland's Comeback

A fierce headwind sent chop and waves over the riggers of the shells as the race began. Winthrop made a fast get-away, only to be overtaken by Kirkland, which clearly dominated the race thereafter.

Dunster House, which finished bow-to-bow with Kirkland in the preliminary beats last week, was unable to narrow Kirkland's margin of victory as the wind died for the last quarter mile.