DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

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

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

UKAU WlllS .XXJBifIIS. J. N. Brodie.— We regret to learn of the death of Mr J. N. Brodie, brother of Mr D. A. Brodie, which took place last Sunday morning. Deceased was known as a good strong player, hut for some time past had not given much attention to the game His mother and brother havu our deepest sympathy, which we are sure will be the feeling of all who know them. In the games will-be found one played between the brothers sometime ago. A Protest. — During the progress of the Oaniaru tourney it happ°ned that Mr J. A. Boreham, winner of the contest, had- to seal his move in a game which had just been opened with Mr Anderson (Wanganui). We have been given all particulars and shown correspond" nee, and asked to express an opinion. The referee, Mr Sievwright, was collecting the sealed moves, and receiving a folded paper from Mr Boreham as his move, he enclosed it in an envelope. On resumption of play the referee opened the sealed move and found written : "11 It) Cross Boreham Anderson." There was no position stated. The referee gave Kouham's move as 11 16, which, as he was playing the whites, was impossible. Mr Anderson claimed the game on the grounds that his opponent had sealed a false move, and the referee" suv nothing for it but award the game accordingly. Mr Boreham said -it was not meant for a, ?eal<-d move, but simply stated the ( game they were playing— a "Slip Cross," or "11 16 Cross." No doubt that was what he meant, but he w<ib expected to hand, and dtdhand, to the referee what pu rporfced to bo a sealed move, and the referee barf no alternative but; decide against him. But Mr Boreham protested and the competitors held a meeting to consider the matter, and pasßed a resolution 'asking Mr S-ivwright to reconsider his decision— lst, because Anderson agreed to withdraw his claim ; 2nd, because Boreham made a mistake; 3id, because "It would be a very unsatisfactory termination to the tournament if the championship Were won or lost on a technical blunder and not on n fairly played-out game." To this the referee replied at length, but eoukl not alter his decision. Now this matter may have hcctn of greater importance had someone tied with or beaten Mr Boreham by half a noint, and deserves attention. Although Mr Anderson was willing to waive his right to the game, the referee could not allow it. Such a procedure would lead to charges of collusion at once. Any player who gives a game to another would be acting contrary to the spirit and letter of the rules and would forfe : t everything for improper conduct. A "technical blunder" is virtually the same as allowing the "huff." touching a man you don't intend moving, or allowing your opponent to get three for one when you saw it there but mechamcilly moved another piece by mistake. All these things ate blunders and not fairly played out games." Mr Boreham knew exactly what the sealed move mi'ant, but made a miptako and put down something else. Supposing a player in a losing game— he knows it, or so thinks it, although r o one else may think it lost. Ho has to seal his move, but purposely writes an itn- | Tiossihle move or names of tbc gam**, and conse-. quently is allowed to start another game. Theevil is obvious. To avoid misinterpretation, we may ! say there is no imputation on Mr Boreham here, ! as he was playing one of his strong openings, and ! had just started, and, in fact, had a man to take. i But a " technical blunder " must alwaya have the 1 same force as losiDg a game by allowing three for nothing, or any other blunder. The Championship Question.— A meeting of the members of the Draughts Association was held on Saturday, the 24th ult,., at which Mr Sievwright presided. The matter of the New Zealand championship was again brought forward. The chairman said he had reason to believe that the acrimonious difference between Mr D. A. Brodie, the holder of the championship of New Zealand, and the Draughts Association could be overcome and cemented by the extension of consideration on the part of the player-*. The championship had been the source of much heartburnings, but he believed the time had come when each 'side should make concessions and bury the hatchet. There were indications on the part of the players that they were willing to settle the matter amicably, and he was glad to understand that Mr Brodie would relinquish the title if he were requested by the association to do so. As the matter was beipg discussed a telegram was received from Mr iJrottie, in which he said " He would hand over the title if the association acknowledged his claim. The intelligence was received with applause, and the following resolution, proposed by Mr J. A. Boreham. and seconded by Mr J. Sim, was carried unanimously:- "That the association acknowledge the New Zealand championship held by Mr D. A. Brodie. and that he be requested to submit the title to be played for by the New Zealand Draughts Association." On this information be- ! ing telegraphed to Mr Brodie, he replied by letter, handing over the title to the association with i pleasure, and expressing his good wishes for the welfare of the association and his intention to compete at the next gathering. Mataura Club.— The opening match of the Mataura Chess and Draughts Club was played on Friday, the sides being President and Vice-presi-dent. Ihe scores are : President. Vice-president. Wins. Draws'. Wins. 2 W. Anderson 0 W. Macandrew 2 2 J S. Shauks 1 J Beattie 0 2 It. Winning 0 A. Balneavea 0 3 D. Henderson 0 S. M'Kelvie 1 1 M. Thomson 0 T. Westacott 3 4 C. Cooper 0 11. Hunter 0 1 R Yule (chess) 0 G. Palmer (chess) 2 15 1 - 8