Draughts Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 38

Draughts Items.

The Big Draughts Board at Greenock. — It is now close upon 40 years, says "Switcher" in the Glasgow Evening Times, Bince Greenock Town Council authorised the construction of the open-air draughts board in Wellington Park, with its "men" of 141b weight each, and at no point in all that long period has the institution been more popular than at this date TLhe origin of the board must be _ credited to some cast-end residenters, who presented a memorial to the council in July, 1854, requesting that somothing should be provided similar to that in use at that time in the College Green of Glasgow. The council readily agreed, and on the motion of Provost Martin the memorial was remitted to a committee to procure a board, to lay down rules for it use, and to give such instructions regarding the matter as they saw fit. Tho work was carried through by Messrs Arbucklo and Grey, with the Master of Works, and the board was inaugurated towards tho closo of that summer. It has continued since then to bo a source of great enjoyment to many who frequent the park in fino weather. Of late years Robin Bell has become so closely associated with the place that he may almost be regarded as the man in possession. Robin, a genial sou), gives the benefit of his own and his dog's faithful services to an adjoining yard every night, and he is at liberty to preside over tho draughts board for several hours during afternoons. Auy player on a visit to Greenock should make a point of calling at the park, where h$ may expect a kindly welcome, and not a bad game.

Brodie'B Tour.— So far players in the country districts do not seem to be very energetic in making arrangements for a visit from Mr Brotlie, as but few replies have been received to his letters. This is to bo regretted, as the game at present badly requires some impetus, and no bettor means could bo devised to that end than to secure a visit from a good player. In addition to the list of places published, Brodie wil probably visit tho following .•—Bannockburn, Balclutha, Clinton, Edendale, Eweburn, Henley, Heriot, Lovell'a Flat Lonebush, Milton, Milburn, Mt. Ida, Naseby, Palnierston, Shag Point. Letters may be addressed care of the oditor of this column.

Scottish National Tournament. — Entries for tho second Scottish Draughts Tournament closed with 17 competitors, as compared with 16 last year. Although only one more in number, the entrants represent the Scotch players more thoroughly than last year's competitors, when more than onehalf hailed from Glasgow and vicinity. All of last year's prize-winnera — Bryden, Jackson, Stewart, and Scott— have entered, but Jordan, of Edinburgh, who is preparing for a Civil Service examination, ia missed from the list of entries, which are as follows :— James Ferrio (Coatdyke), W. Scott (Aberdeen), W. Bryden (Lochee), J. C. Brown (Hawick). H. He'll derson (Muirkirk), J. M ' Don a1 d ( Rothesay), R. Stewart (Kelty), R. Fraser (Dundee), J. Nicol (Chryston), J. M. Innes (Lugar), A. Jackson (Busby), J. Burns (Glasgow), A. B. Scott (Govan), G. Buchanan (Glasgow), J. G. M'Kelvie (Glasgow), J. Searight (Glasgow), A. A. Mauchan, (Dumbarton). News of the tournament should soon be to hand. The following curiosity, by L. Armstrong, appears ia the Pittsburg Chronicle : — Black men on 1, 2, 3, 16, 21, 23, ks on 11, 17 ; White men on 5. 10, 13, 18, 29, 31. —Black, playing first, prevents White crowning a piece. Can you do it ? The solution will be pronounced ingenious.

Scene,— a train, containing a draught-playing team, blocked between Manchester and Liverpool. Fellow from window in front : "Shall we get there in time? When are we due in Manchester?" Fellow behind retires from window for desired information and reappears : "1115." "And when does the Leeds train start?" Back fellow retires again, but returns immediately : " 23 19 ! " An Editor's Grievance.— The draughts editor of the West Lothian Courier delivers himself thus :— "An idiotic compositor in our office thinks he knowß how to spell Mr Macfarlane's name better than that gentleman himBelf. Twice in six weekß he has eluded the vigilance of the ' Reader, 1 ! and succeeded in spelling it with the capital F. If this were to happen in America, there would be a funeral at the young man's residence, and ' tho corpse would be ready.' We prefer to state it mildly, find say that if the new orthography is persisted in, there will be a vacant frame in this office, and that young man's effigy will be nowhere to be found within the limits of ' our district.' "

Answers to Correspondents R. S , Skippers. — In solution of your problem, at 6th move, play 32 27 instead of 10 7, and White draws. J. M'K., Raes Junction.— Thanks for correction. Subscriber.— Too late for insertion this issue, but will appear next week. W. J. M., Arrow. — Did you re< ceive letter of 26th ult?