Chess Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 2412, 24 May 1900, Page 52

Chess Items.

Ovir esteemed contemporary, the Canterbury Times, deals severely with iis for our disapproval of the motto system in chess problem tourneys. We are neither convinced by his aiguments nor overawed by the authorities he cites. We have a dislike to anything that presupposes unworthy motives or the weakness of bias in any class of men, especially chess players. We have plenty of experience in other affairs than chess of the unworthy and unfounded suspicions which some men entertain in everything regaiding their follow men. It is common for clients of a certain type to distrust their legal advisers, and to think they are liable to be biassed or even bought over by their opponents. But such men are not of the kind of timber of which chessists are made; and such men are usually measuring other people by their own standard. We certainly think it is not a compliment to anyone when his judgment is asked to say, " It is necessary that certain things, should be carefully concealed from you. You are a corrupt man, and if you know the names, you will favour your friends;" or, " Yoti are a weak man, and will be unconsciously biassed." Experience in the last two tourneys proves that the publication of the names tends to prevent crude and unsound positions being entered for competition. But while still thoroughly disliking the motto system, we prefer yielding to the opinion of friends to quarrelling with them. We recognise the fact that in all matters relating to problems the chess editor of our contemporary is one of the highest authorities. We disagree with hira as to the motto system, but out of respect to himself and to his talents as a problemist, we shall yield the point and accept fully in our next tourney the system of which he approves.

The Minister of Public Works has informed Mr M. Gilfcdder, M.H.R., that the cbte for turning the first sod of the Orepuki-'Waiau extension has been fixed for Monday, 28fch May. The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones was asked to perform the ceremony, but being- unable to be present appointed the Hon. Mr Ward as his substitute. The Southland Times understands that arrangements are being made for an important public function on the occasion, and that several M.H.B.'s have signified their intention to be present. An earthquake, with its mystery,

Will cause the stoutest heart to paiise, Tho bravest men in history

Have trembled at old Nature's laws. The man who then invokes the saints

Would rather sickness long endure, He knows the thing for chest complaints Is W. E. Woods' Groat Peppermint Qm;e.