DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2300, 31 March 1898, Page 48

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

I The annual match between the North and I South of London was fought on Saturday, January 22, the number of boards in use being 75. North London won, the final score bding — North London, .99 wins ; South London, 70 wins ; and 52 draws. The London Daily Telegraph says that, though the Draughts Association of London endeavoured to secure players for 100 boards, the ! long tables were not quite full It continues as follows :— " Like most games of skill, tha pastime 13 a great leveller. It was pleasant ti sea the glossy silk hat of more than one well-known city man, the serviceable 'bowler,' and the humble cloth cap noiiding together in friendly converse on bygone battles. Not only all classes, but all ages, were there — the lad of 17 and the whitebearded veteran of nigh three-score and ten were alike eager in marshalling their forces. Kven tha little ' nipper ' of five or six was brought to see the parental prowess. It was not long before the players got to business, aud the gentle click of the pieces became the dominating sound of the room. More than one was probably nonplussed early ia the tourney by the edict forbidding smoking. Tha newly-lighted pipe h-*d to be extinguished — the dumb counsellor and comforter abandoned — aftec a few tantalising whiffs, the loss to some making all the difference between victory and defeat. Tha games ware none the less well contesterl, and eventually the North won, for the third time in succession, by 99 to 70." New Zealand Championship.— A committee meeting was held on March 19, at which it was decided to offer the following prizes :— First prize ; second, £10 ; third, £5 ; fourth, £3 , fifth, £2 These prizes will be guaranteed. The prizes will in all probability be increased, and there may also be one or two trophies. Mr Benbow, the well-known chess player, is treasurer. We have a subscription list, aud would be pleased to receive any contributions to the fund, which will be acknowledged iv this column. J. B. & aad W. D.-ThaelHi fo»W£i»fi.