Chess Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 1935, 26 March 1891, Page 29

Chess Items.

Tarrasoh v; Steinltz.—Dr Tarrasoh, the winner of the international tournaments at Breslau and at Manchester, has consented to meet Mr Stainitz in a match to be played at Havana. Tek .Chubch and Chkss.—a Glasgow contemporary published recently a letter in which it was stated that a minister in febat city in one of his Sunday lectures had deprecated the game of chess, as having a tendency to gambling and drinkinp, According to the reverened gentleman, lie had known an elder who, owing to his devotion to chess, went altogether wrong in the two directions above indicated. With due deference to this minister's judgment and laudable intentions, we say that the game of chess has no demoralising influence. On the contrary, it has often bepfc a man from bid social and intellectual associations. This is so evident a truism that one is somewhat astonished to read of any statement against the essentially moral nature of that pastime. Some of the best chessplayers are to be found among churchmen of every denomination. At the time of the May meetings in London, which may be compared with the General Assemblies in Scotland, English parsons, vicars, and even deacons are to be found of an evening relaxing their theological minds over a game at the Divan, which, fortunately, is close to Exeter Hall. Lopez was a Spanish bishop; " Delta " was a powerful player and a good Presbyterian. The Rev. A. B. Skipworfch, Rev. C. E. Ranken, Rev. Professor Wayte—all are Christian gentlemen and lovers of ohess. The Rev. O. Penrson has published a book of chess problems ; " Mars" ia the vicar of an English parish. The Key. Mr E*rnshaw, who died lately, was the son of a Senior Wrangler, whose works hold, even now, a foremast position in mathematical literature. The president of the Abardeenthire Chsss Association is a member of the kirk, and there are hundreds more. In fact, the game of ohess ie, generally speaking, more cultivated in the homes of the clergy than in those of any other profession. Let the reverend gentleman get more acquainted with the game, and he will find that his fears are groundless, and that, next to hearing a good sermon, a good game at chess is an excellent exeroiie for the meditative mind.