CHESS CONGRESS FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5291, 3 February 1879, Page 3

CHESS CONGRESS FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

The LyHelton Times of lost Thursday has a special leader giving reasons why the above congress should receive the hearty support of all colonists. Among other reasons it says: "In the txercise and training of the mind it is especially useful, and as an amusement it is superior to a vast number of the pastimes which engage the attention of many in the evenings. As a mental exercise, the practics of chess quickens the memory, improves the judgment, and consolidates the reasoning power. The first come 3 into play iv the knowledge of the openings of games ; the second is cultivated by the practice during the middle portion of the game, when the player is left entirely on his own resources ; and the last proceeds from the habit of chess which is to follow out every idea to its logical conclusion. The powers of com hina'.ion, foresight, subtlety, promptness, and boldn«3 of decision are all called into play by this game, and cultivated to the greater ext'.nt. A man who has disciplined _ himself by the study of problems has qualified himself to face every difficulty of life, without seeking for other conditions of success than those he finds around him." At a special meeting of the Congress Committee which was held at the Christehurch Public Library on Tuesday, 28th ult., it was resolved that the tourney should opsn to all bona fide residents in New Zealand. JNo general entrance fee is to be charged, bat players residing within a radius of 15 miles from Christchurch are to be required to pay a subscription of five guineas before entering the tourney. Mr P. 3?. Jacobsen was elected secretary and treasurer, and Messis Mainwaring 'and Jacobien were appointed to make a preliminary canvass in Christchurch in aid of the required funds. Gentlemen at a distance desirous of forwarding the movement may send their subscriptions to Mr P. F. JacoVsen, and they will be duly acknowledged. As this match for the championship will doubtless give a great stimulus to chess throughout New Zealand, we hope to hear of large accessions to our local club ; and as the annual subscription i» only five shillings, any_one > really anxious to learn the game has it in his own power. The Club meats for practice at the Athenaeum every Wednesday and Saturday nit'ht, ami gentlemen wishing to join may do so by applying to Mr David E. Hay, honorary secretary.