DINNER TO JORDAN AND THE PLAYERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2355, 13 April 1899, Page 48

DINNER TO JORDAN AND THE PLAYERS.

A dinner was tendered to Mr and Mrs Jordan and visiting draughts players by the Dunedin committee of the New Zealand Draughts Association in the j-iuropeau Hotel on Monday, and was well attended. Mr Abernethy was in the chair, and was supported by the president of the association (Mr A. Beck). Mr Jordan was unfortunately absent through indisposition, but Mrs Jordan was present. The dinner was a sumptuous one, and was done ample justice to. The Chairman referred to the fact that no formal welcome had been accorded to Mr Jordan on his arrival in town, and explained that this was due to the steamer arriving some hours earlier than was expected 7. He (the chairman) now wished to extend a hearty welcome to Dunedin to Mr Jordan, to Mrs Jordan, and the visiting players. He wished to assure Mr Jordan that his visit to Dunedin had been boneficial to draughts players. He had pushed it^ ahead,, and had awakened an enthusiasm by his" wonderful play. In referring to Mr Jordan as the champion of th? world, he mentioned that that .-gentleman introduced'some of the latest evolutions in the science of' the game. He stood :one rung higher on the ladder of perfection,than had been' attained -by his predecessor, and by his personal amiable qualities he had made friends with all with whom he had come in contact.' Messrs Caldow and Lowe extended • a warm welcome to the visiting players, and Messrs Beck and, Boreham spoke a few words of congratulation to the champion in the recent tournament (Mr D. A. Brodie), and complimented him on the very high standard of his play. Mr Brodie was then decorated with the medal by Mrs Jordan, who also handed the purse of sovereigns which constituted the first prize.

Messrs Trainor and Butterfield congratulated Me>jsr3 Gardiner, Mulvey, Beecot^ ScoU, and. others who had attained prominence in the contest, .and the prizes were distributed by Mrs Jordan.

Mr Hilliker, tho energetic secretary, was presented with a gold albert by the players who took part in the tournament, in recognition of the valuable services he had rendered, the chairman, in making the presentation, referring in flattering terms to the manner in which Mr Hilliker had carried out his duties.

Mr Hilliker, in replying, mentioned that he had been ably assisted by the whole committee and by the chairman. Songs were sung by Messrs King and Bennett, and a recitation was given by Mr Mulvey, the accompaniments to the songs being supplied by Mr Sinclair. Votes of thanks were passed to the press for their assistance in connection with the tournament, and the customary compliments to the chairman closed the meeting.