Rules for Playing Telegraphic Matches.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 40

Rules for Playing Telegraphic Matches.

TO THE CHESS EDITOR.

Sib,— l have seen the proposed rules for teJegraphic matches drawn up by Dr Hatherley and Mr Hookham respectively, also your remarks thereon, and as I understand from you that I was appointed pae of the committee (although I have no official intimation of the fact), I wuuld like to cay a few words on the subject. The great pofst for dfacussion, and I might almoat say the only one, is to decide what is to be done in the event of a mistake being made by a player in transcribing a move. I gave my views. on the subject at the time of the last WellingtonCanterbury telegraphic match, and lam g ! ad to see that both you and the gentlemen abovementioned are of my opinion— viz ; that-'an error of transcription ought to be notifiable. I quite agree witi Dr JBhttherly that " an error in writing out a move is different to an error in play, and whatever .rules are finally adopted they should be construed in a geoerous and chivalrous spirit." If any penalty is required in such a case, and I doubt if any is necessary, I think the suggestion made by you, that so many minutes should be deducted from the time of the offending player, ought to be gives a trial. The methods proposed both by Dr Hatherly and Mr Hookhara to avoid mistakes might prove efficacious, but they throw so much work and responsibility on the umpires thttt I am afraid no one would be found willing to undertake the duty. In cob elusion, I would like to be informed who are the other members of the committee, and who is collecting the opinions which are being given in the various chess columns. It seems to me that these ktters should be addressed to the convener of the committee, or the sesretary of the New Zealand Chess Association, whose duty it should be to draw up rules in accordance therewith for the consideration of the committee at the proper time. -I am, &0.. Hobbkt A. Cleland. Dunedin, April 16, 1896.