DEATH OF JAMES MASON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 66

DEATH OF JAMES MASON.

A pang of poignant regret will be felt by chess players the world over at the news of the passing away of that talented player and author of cheps literature, Mr James Mason, who died recenfy at Rochdale, Essex, at the comparatively early agt- of 56. Not so long ago the chess press announced that Mr Mason's future had been provided for by the munificent generosity of two wealthy patrons of the royal game who had guaranteed him an annuity for life. Later news gave the reassuring intelligence- that Mr Mason had recovered sufficiently to participate in the national tournament promoted by the City of London Chess Club, but it was plainly evident from the fact thafe he was second last in, this tourney that the gifted playor had met the grim antagonist, Death, and was making his first move towards that honrne whence no travellers return. It •will be recollected that at the last annual meeting of the Otago Chess CHib, a subscription was opened m favour of Mr Mason, and it will afford somie solace to members of the local chtb to think that the deceased's sufferings in his last days were momentarily lightened by the small token of brotherly kindness coming all the way from devotees of ihe game in distant New Zealand.