A CHESS VETERAN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 23

A CHESS VETERAN

Tribute to Mr. Kelling Some time ago it was decided to open a subscription list tinder the auspices of the Wellington Chess League in recognition of the services given to the game by Mr. F. K. Kelling over a period of more than 50 years. In view of the fact that Mr. Kelling was due to celebrate his seventieth birthday about the same time as the recent “North” versus “ South” mateji, that function was considered a most appropriate occasion for the presentation. During the supper interval the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, • paid an eloquent tribute to Mr. Kelligg’s fine qualities, referring particularly to his unbounded enthusiasm and love foy the game; This enthusiasm . together with a fine generous spirit had to a great extent contributed to the wonderful growth of the game in the Wellington district. His help, which was always forthcoming in a practical manner, had been given unstintingly to both clubs and individuals alike throughout his long association with the game. In.addition to these qualities Mr. Kelling bad also a very fine record to his credit. In all he had taken part in 27 Dominion championships-and coiiM show 23 prizes for his 27 congresses. These included two Dominion championships, four best recovery prizes and four brilliancy prizes.' 'Curiously enough the latter had been won at ten-yearly intervals, viz., 1905, 1915, 1925 and 1935, which raised some jocular speculation ns to what was going to happen in 1945. He had also' been champion of many clubs in the Wellington area and was the Working Men’s Club’s first champion 45 years ago —a truly wonderful record. The Mayor in conclusion asked Mr. Kelling to accept a cheque which had been subscribed for by clubs throughout the Dominion, and which would give some slight indication of the esteem in which he was held. Mr. Kelling feelingly returned thanks to hie many friends throughout the Dominion for their gift. He thought that his efforts had not merited such a handsome recognition and he could only hope to be spared a while so as to be. able to supplement his verbal thanks with further work for the advancement of chess. Mr. Kelling received numerous' congratulations and good wishes during the evening. ■