Chess Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 58

Chess Items.

The Otago Chess Club have entered upon their winter season with a ladder tourney competition. It will be remembered that Mr B. A. Cleland was the originator of this system of play. So far only about half a dozen games have been concluded. The gentleman who may happen to occupy the post of honour at the "bottom rung of the ladder has vast consolation in the reflection that he cannot, however strenuous his exertions may be, descend any further. 'ihe chess season at the Wellington Working Men's Club was opened in a novel manner, Mr Barnes playing all-comers simultaneously. A dozen players faced, the champion, who moved from board to board, making his moves -with great rapidity. In the three hours at his disposal, Mr Barnes completed all the games, with the fine record of nine wins, two draws, and one loss. Mr Brown was the only winner. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the general committee for providing refreshments, and to Mr Hales, the secretary, for allowing a slight extension of time to enable the games to be finished. » The judge, Mr J. J. Glynn, made the following awards in the Sydney Morning Herald Seventh International Problem Tourney: — First prize, five guineas, A. Charlick, Bose Park, S.A., "At Last." First special, A. Charlick, " Look Again." Second special, " Sunshine and Shower," cancelled, as composer did not send name or address. Hon. mention, " Summer Idyll," W. S. King, Oamaru, Otago, N.Z. ; " Chains of Circumstance,' A. F. Mackenzie, Kingston, Jamaica; "By King's Command," A. F. Mackenzie; " Under Sealed Orders," A. F. Mackenzie. Mr Arthur Charlick, who has the almost unique distinction of gaining first and second honours, is a son of th© veteran South Australian champion, Mr Henry Charlick. Mt Arthur Charlick is also a skilful chess-player. He won a game for liis State in excellent style in the last match against Western Australia. Concerning tha winning composition,

""At Last," Mr Glynn says: — "' ' At Last' is undembtedly th© most highly finished piece of art in the collection. The key is not difficult, of couise, as the eye has so little to take in in its glance, but the escape which it allows the king comes as a surprise-, while the mate by the advance of a pawn is delightful."

ANSWEBS TO COEBESPONDENTS. W. A. Clauk (East Molesey, Surrey). — Your letter duly to hand. Shall be pleased to re- - ceive contributions from you at any time. A. F. Mackenzie f Jamaica.!. — Letter received.

Writing to you privately. G. F. Woodham (fcjprejdon).— Am communicating with the competitors in the problem. solvers' tourney individually about the nonpublication of results.