OTAGO CHESS CLUB MEETING

Evening Star, Issue 22638, 3 May 1937, Page 2

OTAGO CHESS CLUB MEETING

The monthly meeting of the committee of the above duo was held on Saturday evening when there were present:—Messrs J. J. Marlow (president), W. and J. Lang, R. M'Dcrmid, R. E. Williamson, VV. Herbert (hon. secretary), and Drs E. W. Bennett and Rawnsley. Before the proceedings commenced the Chairman referred to the recent death of Mr J. Crow, an old and valued member of the club. A resolution of sympathy with his relatives was carried in the usual manner. He also conveyed the congratulations of the committee to Dr E. Bennett who had recently, succeeded in obtaining the high honour of doctor of science. The secretary submitted a satisfactory report on the recent visit of Lajos Steiner. All the arrangements had been well carried out, and the financial side was quite satisfactory. Tho members of the club and chess players generally had well supported their visitor, and there was no doubt that his visit would go far in assisting tho club, as already it had been nqticed that_ a further interest was being taken in the game locally. In moving the adoption of the report tho Chairman eulogised the services of Mr W. Lang, the past-presi-dent, and a minute to that effect was carried.

A lengthy .report and full information regarding Mr Steiner’s visit to Christchurch was received from Mr H. J. Abbott, the hon. secretary of the Canterbury Chess Club. Messrs W. and J. Lang and R. M‘Dermid were appointed the Match Committee for the ensuing season. Tho Secretary announced that the players who had defeated Mr Steiner in his simultaneous exhibitions were to receive autographed photographs of tilt Hungarian chess master, A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. B. Dunlop for kindly acting as host to Mr Steiner.

Six new members were elected, and in this connection the Chairman referred to impetus that had been given to chess through Mr Steiner’s visit and trusted that the committee would help this movement by setting up competitions etc. to create more interest, especially for the junior players; also by endeavouring to enlist more new members.

The Match Committee later announced that it had decided to conduct a minor handicap tourney, for which a trophy had been- presented by Mr J. E. Doolan. This competition would be restricted to members who had joined the club since March 1, 1936. A gold rook had also been presented by an anonymous member of the club, and later on a competition would be arranged for that trophy.