OBITUARY.

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

OBITUARY.

MR P. FLANNERY. Mr Flannery, who passed from our midst on the 11th ult., was a well-known figure in draughts circles throughout the district, and was admired and respected by all with whom he came in contact. It was when working at his calling as a miner at Lawrence that he first took an interest in the gamo of draughts, and was initiated into the rudiments of crossboard play by the members of the Lawrence Draughts Club. After a lot of practice and book study — for he was very enthusiastic — he became a player of considerable merit, and was chosen to take first board in a match against Waitaluma, meeting that well-known player David Watson, with whom, for a young player, he made the creditable score of one win and a draw for Lawrence. He afterwards played a great deal with Mr Crookston, of Rae's Junction, and improved wonderfully under the tuition o£ this veteran player. In the year 1889 Mr Flannery came to Oamaru, where he soon took » prominent place in the game of draughts; and in his spare time «ould always be found at Mr Moxham's ready and willing for the fray. Mr Flannery was of a quiet, modest, and unassuming disposition, his manner as a player and, above all, excellent character endearing him to all. He was the true friend of draughts CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT, 1809.

I players, and his demise will be regretted by all brethren o' the brod in the district. — Oamaxu . Mail. I / JAMES WYLLIE. It is with deep regret that we have to chronicle the death of the famous "Herd Laddie," in his 81st year. The news of his death came as a surprise to everyone, as it seems but yesterday that he played in the Scottish championship tournament last January. He wag undoubtedly the most notable figure in the draughts world of this century, and his place will never be filled. A sketch of his career will appear later on, pressure of other matter forbidding it this week. FRED ALLEN. Fred Allen, cne of the most brilliant of draughts problemists, died at Leeds on Sunday, February 4, aged 62 years. For some time past Mr Allen has given but little attention to the game, though a former generation delighted in the gems he contributed to the periodical literature ' of the time. His compositions were always marked by an elegance of setting and a beauty and exactness uf /miah, aud larely indeed, has experience proved «my of hi* problems to be unsound. I£o was an analyst of great ability, ani has rondored valuable service to many noted match players. Ho could play a strong game, but preferred to meet an opponent by his own fireside.— Leeds iicrcur^ t1**""11't 1 **"" 11 ' OJf mB