Otago Witness Fourth Problem and Solution Tourney.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 40

Otago Witness Fourth Problem and Solution Tourney.

First prize, .£1 Is ; 2nd prize, 15s : Sf lution prize, 10s 6d. This tourney is now open. It is for original unpublished problems in three moves, two of which from each competitor will be accepted. It is open to competitors from all the world, and all problems of which the envelope bears a postmark not later in date than the 30th of June next will be accepted. The problems submitted for competition will be published in the "Witness in the order in which they are received, two being published every week. Publication will begin as soon as 12 problems have been received. Messrs R. A. Cleland and J. W. Mellor, whose awards in past tournaments have given untire satisfaction, have again kindly consented to act as judges. Each problem mii3t be distinguished by a motto, preferably of more than one word, in order as far as possible to avoid the use of the s?me motto by different composers. The name of the composer may be disclosed or aeni. in a sealed envelope at the option of the sender. Compositions intended for competition must be addressed to the " Chess Editor of the Otago Witness, Witness Office, High street, Dunedin." The names of competitors will not in any case be disclosed to the adjudicators until after adjudicatioru

The solution tourney will be conducted on the continuous system, the number of points standing to the credit of solvers other than the list prize winner being brought forward to the credit of solvers. Three points will be awarded for a solution and three points for a second solution or " cook." In any case where a correct solution is given points will be awarded. Solvers arc expected to give as many variations as possible. It would be desirable, but is at present impracticable, to award points for each variation correctly worked out. Any solver showing by satisfactory evidence that a competing problem has already been published or that it is pot an original composition will ba awarded 6 points.

Chess Items.

The session of instruction classes its. the Obago Chess Club comes to an end this evening. They have been very successful, and have so fai resulted in recruiting no fewer than 12 new members to the club, besides initiating a good many others in the mysteties of the most fascinating of pastimes. It has not yet been decided whether another session will be held this year or not, but as the usual club tourneys will shortly be in full swing, it is most likely that a new session will not be started until after tbe tourneys are brought to a close. Mr W. S. King, of Oamaru, distinguished as a maiksman, a musician, a chess player, and a problem composer and bolver, has been selected as one of the Bislty team, and leaves for London by the I'imutnka. His chess friends in Otago will unite in wishing him a pleasant and successful trip. It will afford measure to New Zealand chessists if he meets with a kind reception from British chessists His. distinguished ability and amiable personal qualities certainly deserve it.

A TESTIMONIAL TO MR STKINITZ.

The Ota*:.. Chess Club has taken up the question of getting ui> a testimonial to the veteran master in acknowledgment of hi.3 serviops to the cause of chess in the department of literature and m hououv of hi" personal achievements as a player. A similar testimonial tT T)r Grace for his services to ciifke*' was successfully cirried out, and the idea is to follow the example of the cricketers, and to cullec 1 ; c mtributions of one shilling each from al diets playcis willing to contribute. The en-operation of the other chess clulis of New Zealand and Australia will be invited. It is a cause winch ehould excite no rivalry except that of endeavouring to make the movement a success ; but whether it meets with the sympathy of other clubs or not, the Otago Club intends to proceed, even should its own contrimrion be the only one. It is not in adulation of his succ sseo or in any ten«e as a maUer of charity, or even sympathy with Ms failure in the late match with Herr Lasker, but merely :is a token of appreciation of his -ervice to chess and chess playerc, and with the wish that the approaching winter of old age, if frosty, will also oe kindly, it -is satisfactory to note that Ilevr Lasker's generous and kin. ly appeal on behalf of his late rival is meeting with a hearty response on the other side of the woild. Ilerr La ker's appeal is, however, a different thing from that pro osed by the Otago Chess Club Stiould the proposal be well received and successfully carried out, it "\vill confer greater honour upon and should give greater pleasure to Hirr Stein^z thau any of his achievements If he is not, and never has be^n in any true sense, champion of the world, it will show him that the good work he has done is appreciated by chess players throughout the whole world.