TOWN V. COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 62

TOWN V. COUNTRY.

a meeting of the Town v. Country Draughts Match Committee was held on Friday evening last at Mr Hilliker's, Princes street South, when some necessary arrangements were made for the big match to be held next month. The Choral Hall has beln secured, and ths contest Town v. Country takes place at 7 p.m. on June 8. The hall, however, will be open at 2 p.m. on the afternoon of that day, when all draugllts pluyexs are in-vit«l to fee pi«sent It has not baen definitely decided yet whether a North v. South match will be played, or to get some of JS'ew Zealand's leading players to give an exhibition of simultaneous, play, engaging all-comers in friendly combat. Definite particulars later on. There will, however, be a game for everyone on the Friday afternoon. Intending '• visiting players please note. Wi".l those who usually take pa-it in thia match kindly make an effort to induce other draughts players whom they, know to come forward and take part. Everyone who plays at all, will be most welcome. The Town Committee wou'd' like to raise » x team of 100 players if possible. A meeting of the Town Committee ,will bo held next Friday evening at Mr' Hilliker's -»t 8 o'clock.

' • TO THE XDiTOB, Sir, — With your permission I should like to write » few lines re ths above.

Last year's gathering was vue of the largest draughts matches ever held in the colony. There- is no doubt that on the Bth of June next a great ' gathering of draughts players from all the country districts will take place at the Choral Hall. iThc players of the game from all over the country will show their interest and enthusiasm by ro.lingupin large numbers; but what of the town representatives? In the city and. suburbs there must be hundreds who play tho game fairly constantly, and yet it takes much persuading to get even a team of 60 together. Many who play a real ■good game, and who take a big interest, in the progress of draughts, seem to think that, there i 3 no need for . them to play — there will be plenty without them. This- is a~ huge mistake, and tends to keep, the gam® of draughts from making that progress which it deserves in th« community.

Might I urge these valiant warriors of many- past fights that they owe it to the game to bsstir themselves — to put themselves to some little inconvenience, if needs be, tt help the game, by willingly and eagerly coming forward to take part' at the ensuing match. | Any who can play the game at all will be ; most welcome, and should, send in their names early to the committee; but especially would . I urge old players to lend a hand*' and give' , heart of courage to the junior players, by be- , ing and taking an .intrrest in the anI'nual gathering of draughts - players next, month. — I am, etc., May 14. Eaknbst, . .