CHESS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 104, 3 May 1926, Page 14

CHESS

THE NGAIO CLUB

Fourteen members attended the thirtsenth annual general meeting- of the above club, which was held on Tuesday evening in the Ngaio Town Hall. Mr. F. J. Brooker (president) occupied the chair. Mr. A. T. Eades (hon. secretary) presented the annual report, which indicated that the past year is looked back on by members with much pleasure and satisfaction. There are six entries for the club's senior championship, this contest being incomplete. The junior championship has been won by Mr. Hereward Topp. Three members tied for first place in the annual handicap tourney, necessitating a play-off, which resulted in Mr. H. Stringer (class IX.) winning the first prize, Messrs. J. Lindsay and E. E. Hicks (both of class I.) tied for second; place, and divide the second and third prizes. Matches played under the auspices of the Wellington Chess League were very enjoyable and instructive, the Wellington Chess Club proving victorious in both the senior and junior divisions. The paßt season saw a new feature introduced, viz., home and home matches with the Wadestown Chess Circle. Honours are equally divided, each side having won an exciting match by the margin of one game. The necessity for speeding up some of the tourneys, particulaarly the contest for the club championship, is strongly urged. During the past year the club made its first chanage of quarters, and meetings are now held on Tuesday evenings in the Ngaio Town Hall. ; The balance-sheet, which was presented by the hon. treasurer, Mr. J. A. Glasgow, shows that the club has paid its way during the past year, besides slightly improving the trophy fund, and adding three chess clocks to the plant. This satisfactory position was made possible by the valued donations received from the patrons and from the president. The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously, the president taking the opportunity to make a happy review of the past season, and also to congratulate the club's promising juniors on their improved play. The election of officers resulted as follow:—Patrons, Mrs. E. E. Hicks, and Messrs. K. A. Wright, M.P., J. J. Esson, J. B. Lea, B. Lynneberg, J. H. Jen-am, H. L. Cummings, G. A. Jones, and W. J. Carman; president, Mr. F. J. Brooker; vice-presidents, Messrs. E. E. Hicks and A. B. Topp; hon. secretary, Mr. E. W. Ford; hon. treasurer,. Mr. J. A. Glasgow; committee, Messrs. W. J. Hicks, H. Prince, and the office-bearers named above; match committee, Messrs. E. E. Hicks, W. J. Hicks, and A. T. Eades; handicapper, Mr. J. Lindsay; delegates to the Wellington Chess League, Messrs. H. Prince and E. W. Ford; delegates to the New Zealand Ghess Association, Mr. E. E. Hicks; hon. auditor, Mr. W. J. Hicks. It was decided to close the Benior championship tourney on 11th May. The competitor having the highest score on that date iB to represent the club in the League's champion of champions' contest, the play in which should have been commenced Borne time ago. Outstanding games in the junior championship contest, in which the first prize has been won by Mr. H Topp, can also be played on or before 11th May. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the best method of preventing tourney play from getting into arrears —an important matter, asthe club cannot afford the luxury of having two meeting nights in each week. It was finally decided to draw up a schedule providing for match play on alternate Tuesdays, these being compulsory dates. Defaults are to be enforced, but these should be very rare if members avail themselves of opportunities that are to be provided for playing match games in advance —either in the clubroom or in private homes. The president kindly offered a special prize of half a guinea to the competitor in twe handicap i tourney who first completes all his fixtures. It was decided to abolish the annual "brilliancy" prize, and to.have_a "best recovery" prize instead. Mrs. E. E. Hicks, one of the patrons, has expressed her intention of giving a prize. Such encouragement from a member of the fansex is somewhat unique in the history of New Zealand chess, and it is greatly appreciated by the members. It was decided that moves should in future be sealed at 10.30 pjn. Mr. E. R. P. Hill was elected an active member, and Mr. F. K. Kelling was made a life member. He ia thus in the unique position of being a member of each of the four clubs comprising the Wellington Chess League. In returning thanks for this plea-., sant surprise, Mr. Kelling said he felt sure j that others were more deserving o£ this greatly valued compliment.! His opportunities for helping chess along1 in tho suburbs had unfortunately been rather limited. However, he would at all times be most willing to lend a helping hand, and as a result of their kindness he would be in a position to do more for the Ngaio members from now onwards. (Applause.) The meeting closed with eloquent tributes to the good work of las 1- year's officers, special mention being i .ide of the services of Mr. A. T. Eades (the retiring hon. secretary), Mr. J. A. Glasgow hon. treasurer), and Mr. J. Lindsay (handicapper).