CHESS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 7, 9 January 1924, Page 8

CHESS

CRAKANTHORP V. ALL-COMERS

There was a large attendance of enthusiasts at the' rooms,of the Wellington Chess Club last evening, when Mr. Spencer Crakanthorp, champion of New South Wales and >[ew Zealand, gave an exhibition of simultaneous chess. This form of entertainment has fallen into abeyance'locally for many years past, but it was a regular feature here in the late seventies and early 'eighties, when the late Mr.- C. W. Benbow (then president and champion .of the Wellington Chess Club) used toopen the season by playing simultaneously against about a dozen opponents. When, therefore., Mr. Crakanthorp last night faced twenty opponents, of. whom five have taken part in New Zealand championship ' tournaments, he took on a contract that is easily a record so far as local chess is concerned. After three hours' strenuous play Mr. Crakanthorp, who is very quick in getting a sound grasp of difficult positions concluded hiß arduous task with the fine record, of 12 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 losses. This sterling performance is all the more creditable as some of the later moves had to be made hurriedly, as the time drew near for. the champion to leave to catch the last Hutt train. The magnitude of his task will be appreciated when it is pointed out that during this three hours' performance hie made about 800 moves, instead of the 30 that he would have made at a three-hour championship session.' He won from Messrs. 'Fairburn, E. S. Taylor, Barnes, junior, A. E. Jessup, H. A. E. Hurley, M. M'Williams, E. Hirter, F. Grady, N. Doneghue, A. L. Lawaon, W.R. Bock, and H.M. Rosenberg. The draws were against Messrs. T.. Fouhy, H. Godtschalk, J, C. M'Crea, Rev.' A. W. H. Gomptpn, and G. H. Clutten, and the losses were tp Mrs. Gyles, and Messrs. D. Pihl and S. Faulknor. Sorae/of the endings'fqreed by the champion were greatly admired. ' ■ J .■ A hearty vote of.thanks was proposed by Mr. F. K. Kelling (senior, vice-pre-sident) who .called to mind the old.adage about attaining improvement through playing a stronger player. He felt sur,e that New Zealand chess was the stronger for Mr. Crakanthorp's present visit, and that Maoriland players, were grateful for the instruction that had resulted from it. At his call three hearty cheers were given for the champion. In the two minutes at his disposal, Mr. Crakanthorp briefly returned appreciative thanks for the hearty - reception given, him that evening and also for the many kindnesses shown him ever since his arrival a fortnight ago". He had found New Zealand chess to be. much stronger than it was in 1906, and if it continued to progress as satisfactorily in the future, Australia might soon have to send a stronger player to maintain its preßtige.. He would carry back to Australia many happy memories of New Zealand's 33rd championship congress. (Applause.)