DRAUGHTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20069, 8 April 1927, Page 13

DRAUGHTS.

CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND. The draughts championship of Now Zealand is to be played for in during the Easter holidays. It is six years since a similar tourney was staged in Wellington. The tourney is to be formally opened on Good 1- nclaj. Ine New Zealand Draughts Association (which has its headquarters m Dunedin) and enthusiasts in various New Zealand “centres are rendering- valuab.e assistance. Mr 1). Keir, J.P, has consented to act as referee. A pre-tourney meeting is to be hem on Thursday evening, April 14, when competitors arc to meet the local executive to make some final arrangements, meluding the scaled handicap that is being run in conjunction with the tourney for the encouragement of competitors who arc hardly up to the championship standard. By thus having a double competition the New Zealand Draughts Association seeks to popularise the game, in addition to raising the standard of play .in the Dominion. , Two cx-cbanipions will, unfortunately, be unable to take part on this occasion—viz., Messrs D. Calderwood (of Hamilton) and F. E. Hillikcr (of Dunedin). It is, however, hoped to see Mr A. Brown, of Christchurch (the present champion), in action, also several exchampions, notably Messrs J. Gardiner (Nelson), J. A. Borebam (Waipiata), W. Penman (Huntly), J. A. Scott (Mossburn), and J. A. Lucas (Dunedin). Some of New Zealand’s leading players find difficulty in getting sufficient leave of absence for these tourneys, but as Wellington is centrally situated, it is generally expected that there will be a good entry, and a high standard of play in the forthcoming contest.