CHESS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12431, 27 April 1926, Page 4

CHESS

MR F. K. KELLING’S BIRTHDAY A CHESS ENTHUSIAST. Mr P. K. Kelling, of this city, who has for many years past worked for the advancement of the chess of this Dominion, both as a member of the New Zealand Chess Council, r.s an office-bearer in three of our local clubs, as honorary reporter, and as special correspondent to various New Zealand and overseas centres, was very' much reminded of his birthday last ' week. There appears to have been a little conspiracy (in the happiest sense of that word) at work amongst chess players for some weeks past,' as Mr Kelling received no fewer than 35 communications (cards, letters, and telegrams) from all parts of New Zealand, wishing him “Many Happy lieturns of the Day,” expressing appreciation of his services to “the royal game,” and tendering the hope that ho might be spared for many years to come to continue the labour of love that has so long been his hobby. Most of the tributes from clubs are autographed by executive officers and committeemen, and in some instances other members have added their names. The 35 communications referred to above thus contain no fewer than 142 signatures. How greatly Mr Kelling treasures these reminders of highly-prized friendships can be more readily imagined than described. Many of these friendships are of long-standing, and others date back to the year 1924, when Mr Kelling came into touch with several chessists through acting as hon. secretary in connection with the visit of Mr Doris Kostich tp New Zealand, and being the travelling companion of that distinguished European expert during part of his tour of the Dominion. The various hirthday cards are very pretty, and three of them are distinctive. The one from Masterton contains a fine view of Queen street, the signatures of 21 members being appended. There are 15 signatures to the Wanganui tribute, a water-colour painting depicting Mount Ruapehu, with a fern-tree in the foreground. This greatly-admired picture is from the brush. of Mr T. H. Battle, the hon. secretary of the Wanganui Ch’ess Club. The card from tbe Wellington Chess Club, which is autographed by the committee, contains an excellent photo of a two-move chess problem, this having been taken by one of the club’s leading members, who is skilled in the usa of his camera. There are 15 signatures. Tributes from clubs, or indiWeliington Working Men’s Club, 14 1 from the. Ngaio CXI, 10 from the Wadestown Chess Circle, 15 from the Palmerston North C.C., and 11 from the Otago 0.C.. A. valued card from the Barnes family adds four more signaturesfl Tributes from clhbs, or individuals, at Auckland, Featberston, Greybewn, Carterton, Masterton, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and the New Zealand Chess Association contribute one signature each. This wealth of good wishes and goodwill from sucK a wide circle of chess friends cannot fail to “hear Ten” Mr Kelling for further lahours, and he is naturally hoping to be spared to work for some time to come, in co-operation with other enthusiasts, for the good of the game.