National Testimonial to Mr J. H. Blackburne.

Otago Witness, Issue 2416, 28 June 1900, Page 56

National Testimonial to Mr J. H. Blackburne.

Tho forty-seventh anniversary of the City of London Chess Club was celebrated at the Hotel Cecil when Sir Geoige Newnea presided over a dinner at which about 100 members and visitors were present, the company including Mr Gastmeau, Mr Mocatta, Mi Morian, Mr Ward-Higgs, Colonel Wright, Lieutenant-colonel White, Mr W. Gurner, Mr G. W. Russell, Mr W. E. M'Gill (of the Manhattan Chess Chib), and Mr J. H. Blackburne, who was the recipient of the national testimonial lately subscribed for his benefit, the presentation forming the chief event of the evening. The President, having given the toast of " The Queen," proceeded to propose " Prosperity to the City of London Chess Club." He congratulated Mr Lawrence on h.'viug won the championship for the fourth time, and referred with satisfaction to the^ remarkable progress of the club, which now formed a central meeting place for the matches of suburban clubs, of which 58 had been played at the City Clubroomß during the season, while the City of London Club had also played many matches in that period, and had won in every case. The toast of " The Vicepresidents " was proposed by Mr Herbert Jacob 3, and responded to by the octogenarian member, Mr Gastineau, who also sang his timehonoured song, " Mellow," with all his usual buoyancy. The president then presented Mr Blackburne with a cheque for the result of a subscription that had been raised throughout the country in token of the high regard in which the English champion is held by chess players generally, and in appreciation of his brilliant and distinguished career, extending ovei 3S years. Mr Blackburne mci with an enthusiastic reception on rising to return thanks. There were other toasts, and a musical entertainment concluded the proceedings, which afforded general satisfaction to the members and guests. — Morning Post.