Chess Laws in New Zealand.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 48

Chess Laws in New Zealand.

We have several times called attention to the fact that we, in New Zealand, are sadly behind tho times in the matter of chess- laws, by which the game is regulated here. Some years ago, the New Zealand Chess Association adopted the laws <i the British Chess Association, and these laws are still in force in New Zealand, though the British Chess Association has long since ceased to exist, and their old laws are no longer regarded as having any authority in chess circles. Take, for instance, the matter of pawn promotion, to which we referred last week. By the old law, which prevails still in New Zealand, when a pawn reaches the eighth square, the player has the option of deciding that it shall remain a pawn — a rule which now receives no countenance in Europe or America. As there are other rules of the old British Chess Association which have become obsolete or have undergone considerable alterations at the hands of present-day authorities and as additional rules have also been found necessary, we recently wrote to a member of the British Chess Club for the latest information on the subject. This gentleman kindly put us into communication with

the British Chess Company, from whom we have received several letters, together with a copy of the revised edition of the " British Chess Code. We gaVe a sketch of the history of the British Chess Company and their code in our issue of December 28 last. The British Chess Company exists commercially, as the name implies, for the sale of books, boards, chessmen, diagrams, and other things required by chess-players. But it has rendered an invaluable service to chess in compiling a code, which has met with general acceptance by English and American chess authorities. The first edition of this code was offered to the chess public in the season of 1894-95, and criticisms and suggestions for alterations and additions were freely invited. This code was found to be a great improvement on anything of the kind hitherto existing, and numerous suggestions were afterwards made, as the result of the practical use of the code during two seaEons. These suggestions, including important communications from the London Chess League, and from individual players of eminence, were submitted to a small committee. In framing the present, revised code, this committee received assistance from the officers and members of the London Chess League, the Southern Counties' Chess Union, the Scottish Chess Association, the Dublin Chess Club, many English provincial chess clubs, such eminent players as Mr J. H. Blackburne and Mr J. H. Blake; chess authors, such as .Mr J. Mason (author of the " Principles of Chess," etc.), many chess editors, including the editors of the " British Chess Magazine " and of the chess column of the Morning Post, and also fiom leading players in America, Australia, and elsewhere. The result is a code of laws which it is expected will now stand, without material alteration, for many years. The British Chess Code has been officially adopted by the Southern Counties' .Chess Union, the London Chess League.and all the chief chess associations and chess clubs ill the United Kingdom. It has also been adopted, under the title of the

"" American Chess Code," in America, under the auspices of the Manhattan Chess Club. The revised edition of the British Chess Code may, therefore, be considered as the paramount authority on the laws of chess in Englishspeaking countries, and the sooner we all adopt it the better. It is quite time that the New Zealand Chess Association bestirred itself .in the matter. At the congress held in Dunedin last Christmas, it was resolved that a council should be formed to conduct the business of the association, and the congress instructed the council "to have the rules amended and printed at the earliest possible opportunity." The congress resolved — " That the council shall meet once a quarter, or oftener, if necessary, to carry on the business of the association " ; but five months have now elapsed and there has been no meeting yet. According to the resolution of the congress, the council was "' to consist of the president (if available, or, failing him, one of the local vice-presidents, as chairman and convener) the secretary and one delegate appointed by eaph of the clubs affiliated to the association. We are informed that the secretary has not yet even communicated the resolution to the Canterbxiry Club, or invited it to appoint a delegate to 'the council, and no doubt other clubs are also awaiting an official intimation and invitation. So that, owing to the secretary's neglect, the council, which was to meet at least once a quarter, is'not, after the lapse of nearly half a year, even formed. We trust the secretary will soon wake up to his duties, and that there may be no further delay. To show the necessity for alteration in the laws, the secretary of the British Chess Company writes us that : "No change has ever been made in the old British Chess Association laws, and they are very weak. These laws are antiquated and faulty and have never been generally adopted." Such are the laws which now govern, and will continue to govern, chess in New Zealand, until the New Zealand Chess Association shows itself to be a live body and its council. carries out the instructions given to it at the annual congress. — Canterbury Times.