CHESS AND DRAUGHTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 194, 12 May 1924, Page 7

CHESS AND DRAUGHTS

WORKING MEN’S CLUB. The members of the Wellington Working Men’s Club and Literary Institute held their thirty-fifth annual chess and draughts meeting on Saturday evening, when there was a large attendance. Mr. T. Pressley occupied the chair. The annual report showed that the handicap chess tourney had been won by Air. F. Matejka, the other prize-winners being Messrs. T. Costello, H. M. Rosenberg, J. TV. Simpson, and T. Nolan. The five prizes in the sealed handicap draughts tourney were won as follow: —J. Burgess (scratch), 1; J. Wright (handicap 9 points), 2; H. Anderson (handicap 40), 3; T. Costello (scratch), 4;. and .K. Alanson (scratch), 5. Special prizes for gaining the most rungs in ladder matches were won by J. TV. Simpson (chess) and L. Clure (draughts). These prizes are to be presented with otheis by the Alayor at next Saturday’s annual greater Wellington “North v. South” match. In the tourney for the chess championship of New Zealand, Air. R. J. Barnes, who qualified for the finals, was successful in winning a “Sieger” prize for scoring more than 50 per cent, of his panics. The club’s “second strong,” Air. F. K. Rolling, won Air. Dirk Pihl’s special prize (value £3), for. the “Best Recovery” (or “Best Save”) as it is sometimes called. He also won the all-TVellington problemsolving contest that was held, as usual, on George Washington’ birthday (February 22). The club drew its annual match against the Wellington South Chess Club, and won the annual fixture with the Ngaio Chess Club. In the senior teams’ tourney of the Wellington Chess League the club’s representatives had two matches, losing to the Watersiders and winning from H.AI.S. Hood. Under the heading “Obituary,” tributes were paid to three former chess players, Messrs. James G. Stevens, president in 1902 and 1903 ; Edward Alace, president in 1911-12-14-16-17 and 18; and William Perry, vice-president in 1920-21-Thanks were accorded to the General Committee, to Alessrs,' Faulknor and Pressley for donating special prizes, to all who had extended hospitality to tho club’s “reps.” and to the local Press for valued reports. The report was adopted unanimously The election of officers resulted ns follow: President, Air, A. E. Ballard; vice-president. Mr. T. Holt ; honorary secretary, Air. AV. Wring; honorary treasurer, Air. T. Costello: honorary reporter and recorder, Al. F. K. Rolling; match committee for chess, Alessrs. Rosenberg, Burgess and Nolan ; for draughts, Alessrs. Leggatt, Clure, and Alanson ; referee for chess, TV. Mackay (president, Wellington CC.) Referee for draughts: E. Butler (Watersiders’ D.C.): delegates to N.Z. Chess Association, W. Wring and W. Bosher; delegates to Wellington Chess League, S. Faulknor and F. K. Kelling. It was unanimously decided to hold annual handicap tourneys on tho usual lines, and to open tho season on Alay 24 with the usual sides match, teams being chosen by the captain and vicecaptain. The question of accepting the chalIcgo received from the clmss players of the Auckland Working ATen’s Club is to be referred to the Club’s House and Supply Committee. The club has won the only two telegraphic matches that it has taken part in, having defeated Rangitikei in 1894 (6.V to 1), and Alaithorough in 1905 (9 to 4).