OTAGO CHESS CLUB.

Evening Star, Issue 12926, 14 April 1908, Page 8

OTAGO CHESS CLUB.

The Otago Chess Club held their twentysecond annual meeting last night, Mr J. H. F. Hamel presiding. In moving the adoption of the report the Chairman pointed out that numerically- the clnb was sound, and the financial affairs were extremely satisfactory. He eulogized the play of the winners of trophism, and referred to the projected visit to the Dominion of Dr Emanuel La6kier, chess champion of the world. 13 Rich a visit took place a, hearty reception would he accorded the visitor. Reference was made to the renovation of the rooms, and the excellent work done by the treasurer, the Rev. A. T. Chodowski. in that connection. Ho complimented those who had been engaged on the revision of crab rules on the result of their efforts. As to the balance-sheet, there was a credit of £lO lis Bd, with outstanding subscriptions, some of which had, since the compilation of the balance-sheet, been paid —£B Bs. and rent dne from their subtenants £6 13s Bd. making practically a credit balance of £25. The work achieved by the Committee during the past year kid been of the most meritorious description, and there had been an entire absence of friction. He concluded by refeu-ing in high terms of praise to the assistance "given tie club by Mr Crow, Mr Chodowski, and others. The motion was seconded by Mr J. C. Ponsonby. and carried. The adoption of the balance-sheet was moved bv Mr T. M. Giflies and the Rev. A. T. Chodowski. latter pointing out that the financial position of the club was really better than appeared on the face of the statement of acconnts.—Carried. Mr J. Edwards referred to the club not being represented at the Chess Congress at Wellington, and nominated Mr S. S. Mvers and the, Ven. Archdeacon Gould as "the club's representatives, but neither of three gentlemen could accept the position, and the matter was left to the incoming committee. The following office-bearers were elected : —President, Mr G. D. Wright; vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. C. Ponsonby and J. .T. Marlow; hon. treasurer, the Rev. A. T. Chodowski ; secretary. Mr G. F. Doddn • hon. auditor, Mr T. M. Gillies: hon. solicitor, Mr D. Forsyth ; committee—Messrs J. Crow, R. A. C'.ella-nd, F. J. Mowat, H. Armstrong, S. S. MyeTs, and J. H. T\ Hamel. A special general meeting was then held, and the amended rules adopted. —Presentations.— The chairman presented several of the prizes won during the past year, and Mr Wright, the newly-elected president, distributed the remainder. Mr Hamel, in making the presentation of a gold medal to the Rev. A. T. Chodowski, referred to the able management of the club, and mentioned that the Committee felt that they could not refrain from marking in a small way the services rendered by Mr Chodowski. The gold medal bore the following inscription .■( "Rev. A. T. Chodowski, hon. treasurer, 1908, Otago Chess Club. From the Committee." The Rev. A. T. Chodowski, in responding, mentioned that it was the third presentation ho had received, and was altogether too much. All he had done for the club was a labor of love.

Mr S. S. Myers made apresentaiion to the retiring president. Mr Hamel. During his year of office Mr Hamel had shown tact and ability, and the Comjrdttee had worked very harmoniouslv with him t and had decided to present him with a small piece of jewellery. Mr Hamel responded. Votes of thanks to the retiring president, secretary, auditor, committee, and all the officials of the club closed the bißiness of the-eseaiag.