Chess Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 2302, 14 April 1898, Page 40

Chess Items.

,- The first chess match played by the newlyformed Lancashire Chess Association was played about the middle of last February, when the Yorkshire County team visited Manchester and received a defeat at the hands of their hosts. The Lancashire team was composed almost exclusively of Manchester and Liverpool players, the only h)layers outside the two cities being Mr Waker ord, of Bolton. The victory of Lancaster was specially gratifjing to Lancastrian play^i-s, because the Yorkshire team was composed mainly of very well-known experts whose skill has been proved time after time. The final score was 20 to 15 in favour of Lancashire. — Rosendale Free Press. The sudden death of Mr Charles A. Gtlberg, of Brooktyu, has created a vacancy which will be felt by chess players of all classe, but more severely by those of the States. We know him best through his problems, many of which we have examined with pleasure, ancl from time to time have selected specimens of his skilled handiwork. As a rule his problems possess a charming freshness, and for the construction of whimsical conceptions there are few who can equal him. In addition to being known as a liberal supporter he was an authority on all matters relating to constructed chess, and is said to have possessed the second largest collection of chess books and manuscripts in the world. The private catalogue of Barcn Heydsbrund und der Laza included nearly 3400 in 1596, and Mr Gilberg posseac-ed about 2000 Mr Gilberg was joint editor of the book of the fifth American Chess Congress, and privately published a handsome volume, now scarce, entitled " Crumbs fiom the Uhests Bo<ud." It contains 100 of hid own problems, which are generally excellent. Mr Gilberg was born in New Jersey on June 17. 1535 He was president of the Brooklyu Chess Club for a lung period, but two or three years ago transferred his services to the Manhattan Chess Club of New York, of which he was president at the time of his death. — Jbid. Only five problems have as yet been received, for competition in the Otago Witness fifth problem aud solution tourney. We desire to draw attention to the increase iv the amount of prizes, an.l the fact that problems intended for competition must be posted before the 30th inst. The fallowing letter has been sent to Mrs Mouat, as representing the ladies of the Ot?go Chess Club :—: — " OUgo Chess Club, "Dunedin, April 4, 1898. " Dear Mrs Mouat,— l have niuch pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of the ladies of the chess club, the following copy of a resolution passed by the committee at its last meeting : "' That the hearty thanks of the club be tendered to the ladies for their very great kindness in assisting in the preparations for the imoke concert on Friday evening last, and for providing refreshments for the initch Duaedin v. Visif.o r s in the afternoon.' " With best wishes,— -I am, etc , "A. R. Barclay." The Otago Chess Club year began on the Ist inst., and the annual meeting is to be held this evening, the 15th inst. This is the best time for new members to join the club, and all who desire to become members should give their names to some member or members of the club for proposal. The subscription for the half year is 10s 6d. The club is an incorporated body — a fdot which enables it to enforce payment of subscriptions, and keeps it on a stable footing. It 1 ag been very successful bo far, having at present a roll of upwards of 70 members, but there is ample accommodation, both iv space and material, for a much larger number. Some persons are said to object to clubs which comprise ladies, but in the Otago Club the ladies have a room for themselves, and their presence in the club imposes no restraint upon such of the male members as desire to enjoy a smoke with tbeir game. Visitors are always welcome ; and even chess play'eis who reside in town and arc -not members of the club, should they desire an occasional game of chess without becoming members, are at 'liberty to do so, while chess players who do not reside in the city arc treated on the footing of visitors. It is probable that instruction elapses will be organised during the winter months for the benefit of those who desire to Jearn to play. To these fccraiw ion will be absolutely free of charge.