DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2203, 21 May 1896, Page 40

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

WaDganui Tourney.—We are indebted to the courtesy of Mr H. B. Williamson, sacretary to the late tournament committee, ,for a copy of the New Ze*lond Graphic of May 9, containing an excellent reproduction of a large photo of the competitors in the Wanganui tournament. Th« playera are ea^ijy leognibed on account of "the size <>f the figuivs ami the clearness of tho wbolo picture. On another page is a group of six, com. prising Messrs Hatberly, Williamson, Anderton, Armstrong, Murray, and Mansfield, the promoters of the coatest. Gore. —lt is reported that the Gore Clnb have decided to introduce cribbage and whiat to the clubroom ai an extra attraction.

OUTLINE OF THE OPENING CHAPTERS.. The centra! figura'm our new story is Belle Wayland, a charming gir), exceedingly pretty, and attractive, whose mother has matrimonial views for her daughter which do not coincide with the latter'B desires. Mrs Waylaud has brought Belle down to the Hotel Metropole at Brighton, hoping that the caances of a good match will thereby ba further^. Belle has given her heart to a handsome young soldier named Hugh GilberS, and, being possessed of an iron will, resolves that her mother shall nob thwart her purposes. She has a farewell surreptitious meeting witd her lover, who, leaving for India, extracts from her a solemn .vow of fidelity. When Mrs Waylaud discovers that she has been deceived eh« is enraged at her daughter's actious., Sho storms at Belle, threatening to reveal rornething which will prevent the marriage. This insiuuation of a mysterious past , alarms Belle, who wonders whatever this intelligence bo ominously hinted at can be. Mrs Waylund writes to her sister, who is in possession of her secret, imploring her to come and persuade the refractory Belle from committing moral suicide. Tnis ends the first instalment). Tbe succeeding instalments present some exciting developments, and the story will well repay perusal.