AUCKLAND CHESS CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8555, 1 May 1891, Page 6

AUCKLAND CHESS CLUB.

PRESENTATION TO MR. A. ASHTON. The members of the Auckland Chess Club held their annual meeting at Robson's Rooms yesterday evening, the President, Mr. A. Hosking, in the chair. The Secretary, Mr. A. Ashton, read the statement of accounts, which showed a credit balance of £4 Is 6d. In their report the committee reviewed the proceedings of the club for the past year, and stated that Mr. Malcolm was leading in the club championship;tournament, which has not yet been concluded. They regretted the death of one of the club's best players, Mr. W. Munro. Members were reminded of the New Zealand Chess Congress, to be held this year in Auckland. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. On the motion of Mr. C. F. Mark, seconded by Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Hosking was re-elected president. The President spoke highly of the services which Mr. Ashton had rendered to the club during the seven years he had acted as secretary, and moved his reappointment to that office: Mr. Jowitt, who seconded the motion, said that the success of the club was chiefly owing to Mr. Ash ton's efforts. The motion was passed with enthusiasm. The President, on behalf of the club, then presented Mr. Ashton with a handsome clock, the work of Mr. A. G. Bartlett, Queen-street. The clock is of black marble, with mottled marble inlaid, and has a plate with the inscription "Presented to Mr. A. Ashton by the members of the Auckland Chess Club, as a slight recognition of his services in the interests of chess. April 30, 1891." Mr. Asuton having acknowledged the presentation, the remainder of the business was proceeded with, the following members being elected the committee for the year : — Messrs.jJ. M. Lennox, C. F. Mark, Woodruffe, Dr. Purchas, Dr. La wry, Messrs. J. F. Sloman, Jowitt, Malcolm, Percival,Cousint>, Gorrie, and Major Gascoyne. Thanks were given to Mr. Robson for the use of his rooms for meetings of the club ; to Mr. Mark, who has acted as handicappor for chess matches, and to Mr. Percival and Dr. Purchas for donations of prize*.