NEW ZEALAND CHESS ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12502, 25 May 1906, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND CHESS ASSOCIATION.

THE EXHIBITION CONGRESS. (mESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, May 24. At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Chose Association, tho report concluded with a reference to the next Choinrrianship Congress, which has been allotted to Christchuroh, and will be held during the currency of the International Exhibition, play commencing on Boxing Day. By increasing the ueua) prizes, it is hoped to secure competitors from beyond the colony, thus making this Congress tho most important yet hold in Now Zealand. It was suggested that a shilling subscription bo invited from chess playere throughout the colony, and that all social functions bo dispensed with at the Congress, tho whole of the cash available being used for th<j prizo funds. This was unanimously agreed to. The question of prize money was discussed, aud it w«3 suggested by Mr James (Wellington) that in these days when finishes were invariably very close, there ehould not be a difference of £10 between the two leading prizes. The prizo list should be graduated, so as to accord with performances. This princiolo was now being recognised in Europe. He would that a difference of £1 bo made in prizes where only half a point separated the leading ployers, for a difference of one point £2 10s, £4 10s for a difference of one and a half points. £7 for a difference of two points, and so on in a sort of nrithmetioal progression. It was decided to ask Mr James to submit elaborated details of his scheme for consideration at the June quarterly meeting. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr Justice Denniston (re-elected); vice-presidents—North Island (Upper Division), Messrs J. M. Lennox and C. Little (both of Auckland) ; (Lower Division). Mr C. W. Benbow and the Hon. John Rigs (both of Wellington); South Island—(Upper Division), Messrs R. W. Black (Christohurch) end Gordon P. Wood (Timaru); (Lower Division), Yen. Archdeacon Gould (Oamaru) and Mr J. Edwards (Dnnedin); official reporter, Mr F. K. Kelling (re-olected); hon. auditor, Mr W. Mackay (re-elected); hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr C. W. Tanner (reolected). It wag decided to -writo to clubs in Australia with reference to their members being represented at the next Championship Meeting in Christ-church.