WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 204, 22 May 1908, Page 5

WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

CHESS AN!} DRAUGHTS The annual meeting of tho Wellington Working Men's- Club, Chess and Draughts Club was^ 1 largely' attended; on Wednesday evening. .The.president (Mr. T. Carmichaol) was in the chair. . The report of tho Chess and Draughts Committco stated that the annual handicap tourneys were again gratifying in the two main features—largo fields and close finishes. At the New Zealand Chess Association's annual championship congress, held recently in Wellington, Mr. Barnes was unable to do himself justice owing to indisposition, but Mr. Kelling, the Club's other representative, took second prize. The membership had thus failed only onco in nineteen years to secure a Chess Congress prize—a record of which any Club might bo proud. > Mr. A. W. V. Davies, a for,mor member of the Club, was heartily congratulated on bringing the New Zealand championship back to Wellington. Deep regret was expressed for the death of Mr. C. W. Benbow, president of tho Wellington. Chess Club for the last twentynino years,- and for many years referee of the Working Wen's Chess Club. The question of whether Chess Congress prizes should bo in , trophy' form in,- future, or whether the present system of optional trophies was to be continued, was to bo decided by tho New Zealand Chess Association at its annual 'meeting on May 25. It' would, therefore, bo necessary to instruct delegates therein at ' It was satisfactory ; that tho recent congress had stirred up the embers of chess in and around Wellington. , New clubs had been formed at tho Huttandat Petone, with which it was hoped to arrange matches at an early date. Tho Working Men's Club members'.were looking forward with exceptional : enthusiasm to the coming season, the prospects of. which were'very bright. ' '-.Tho -report'was unanimously adopted, ■i .A,.lengthy discussion ensued on the question submitted by the New Zealand Chess Association as to the form which congress prizes should assume'in the future. It was ultimately decided by a largo majority;to cast'tho Club's'five votes in favour of the present system of optional trophies. During--the discussion, Mr. Milesi threw out. tho. suggestion that a trophy,' to be called'tho. Dominion Shield or Cup, should go with tho championship prize. Tho suggestion was very favourably received. A. motion-of condolence in respect of tho death of tho late Mr. Benbow was passed unanimously, tlie members standing. 'The election of officers resulted as follows : —President, Mr. T. Carmichaol; consulting member, Mr. J.G. W. Dalrymplo; rpforoe, Mr. A. I. Littlejohn (subject to his acijcptance); hon. treasurer, Mr. James: Wilson ; lion. secretary, Mr. F. K. Kelling; chess committee and handicappers, Messrs. Morton, Oppler, and Barnes, draughts committee and handicappers, Messrs. Reid, Pud:neyy and. Wilson; delegates to New Zealand Chess Association, Messrs. Dalrymple and ;Mil : esi. A hearty voto of thanks was'accorded to Mn, J. E. Por'ry, the retiring delegate, whose services in . that capacity during many years 'have been greatly appreciated. ; ;It was decided to commence handicap tournaments at an early date, and to invite entries immediately. Mr.'. Battle, hon. secretary of tho Wanga'nui Chess Club, who was present by invitation, expressed regret at the difficulties which' had so far prevented his Club returning'the chess visit paid four years ago by the Working Men's Club. The project of a return visit had not been dropped, and a team from the Working Mon's Club .would be warmly welcomed whenever they could mako a visit.