Robers Mar.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 38

Robers Mar.

The Sydney Town and Country Journal of ft re cut (Ufc'i gives au excellent, photo of Wyllio and Mar engaged in a {{•itu < », and appends the following interesting sketch of Mr Mar :—: — Mar wa» born in Glasgow in 1850. When 13 he was taught the game of draught's by Jiia father, but did not begin to study pTiblisbed play till 1876. He then he i% ume a regular attendant at the Glas* gow Central Club, where he learned much, particularly frf'in J. M'liiucft, then of P.itriek A year later filar first met Wjllic, who dtfeated his young antagonist by 2 winH to 0, and 5 draws. Subsequently Mar p^aytd Martins ?t various times, about 20 gauios m all, and held hi« own I with the veteran Mar was the first president of the Glasgow Draughts Ansociation, and as such played Martins iv the first match Gla=gow v. Lanarkshire, ISSI, the Bcoie being oae win each and a draw. Mar won the Central Club rhnllengo medal from J. M'lnnes in I^2. but rc-igued tho same in th.it yoir, leaving Glasgow tor Australia Soon alter arriving in Queensland Mar met and defeated the tLea champion of tho colony, James Kennedy, a player who, in hfa youngar days, won the only game he played with John Drumraond, of Denny. In au open tourna* m*nt for the title. Mar won the championship of Queensland, whic'i he held till he resigned the same, after winning the Aiirtr la^iim championship from Warnock. Mar inofc Wyllie again in 1889 at Brisbane hut being altogether out of practice, did not then make a good stand, losing by 6 wiDB to 1, and several draws. Tha Mlowlog year Mar played two matches (restricted openings) with Wyllie at Brtsbme, winning the first by 5 wins to 3, and 12 draws ; and losing the second by 2 wius to 5, and 21 diaws In 1891 Mar challenged Wamock (who had won the title in open toummentyfor the championship of Austra1 isia, and defeated Warnock in a restricted-open-ing match by 10 wins to 3, and 4 dwm Since then, Mar has held the title of champion ot Australasia unchallenged. Mar now resides in Gyinnie, Queensland, and his arrival has naturally boomed drtfnghta in the township. It iv not in draughts alone that M»r shines. llis pcholaily reputation -<*tood high at ths Andersoman University, Glasgow, where he was tbe principal in BtarttaE the Andersonian University i "raughtfl Club ; and he enjoyed the esteem of such players as Bryden, M'Call (of the Gl.sgow Herald), D. Gourley (the problematist), and Willie Campbell (bMndfold champion of the world) Besides having a supsrb Ftyle of analysing published play, Mac works his end gsmes with mathematical, precision. He is an adept in the arts and scieaces, and has tiied his hand with considerable success as a poet and musical composer.

TO CORIIESFONDENTS. W J F Maheno— Your solution of Problem 1320 is correct. The problems unacknowledged were correct ;— cannot understand the omission, and it is too far back to find out. J. M., nokonui.-Your efforts, on behalf of the game certainly deserve success. Your little Echeme, however, presents difficulties peculiarly its own, not the least of which are on account of the you 'h of the competitors. Will endeavour to discuss the subject by post. J. 8., Mandeville.— Thanks for report. YottJ correction just anticipated others. J. A. L., Dunedin.— Thanks for reply. J. A., WanganuL-Obliged to yon for the eames. Your solutions of Problems 1319 and 1320 art correct, J. P. M , Nas;by.— The pries was Is 6d.