CHESS CLUB'S YEAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 103, 4 May 1938, Page 12

CHESS CLUB'S YEAR

ACTIVE AND INTERESTING. The following is the annual report of the Wanganui Draughts and Chess Club, presented at the annual meeting on Saturday night with Mr. N. Lyth. the president, in the chair:— The life of the club during the past year has been as active and interesting as in former years and the club generally is in a thriving position. There was a slight falling off in playing members taking part in club chess games and matches. It is extraordinary that of at least 60 known chess players in Wanganui so fewtake an active interest in the game. In other towns in the Dominion the game is popular and thriving, the Palmerston North Club having, it is believed, over 100 active members. Financially, the position of the club is oetter than ever—the total credit balance being £l2 0s 4d. Of this amount £5 0 6s is in reserve for a chib maintenance fund, £6 19s lOd being left for general purposes. Considering lhe extremely low membership fee. viz.. 10s per annum, we wonder why the game is not better patronised. The usual club championship and handicap matches were held during the year. Mr. R. O. Scott was the winner of the first. Mr. Spencer Smith being runner-up. The handicap match was won by Mr B. Beach, Mr. A. J. Ratliff taking second place. A junior championship match was a new competition, a trophy for which was presented by the president. Mr. N. Lyth. Mr. N. Cronarty was the successful competitor in this event. Members of the club combined with members of the Palmerston North Club in a match with Wellington, the combined team being successful, 29—22. A match was also played against Palmerston North, Wanganui winning by 23 to 21J games. During the year the club decided to awaken interest in the game among young people and offered to teach and coach pupils in schools and arrange for the club room to be open on one night for the purpose, should a g'roup of 12 offer. A start was made at lhe Intermediate School and a member of the club, Mr. Kidson, visited lhe school once a week. The club is willing to continue this work to entourage young folk to play chess. Club members will be pleased to teach any prospective member. In November last the club received with great regret the resignation of Mr. O'Shaughnessy, who was transferred to Wellington. During several years as secretary Mr. O’Shaughnessy worked whole-heartedly for the club. It has been noticed with pleasure that the play of members has verymuch improved during the year and the club, it is thought, could produce from its members a very strong team. We look forward to another successful year and an awakening of interest in the game. A very cordial welcome is assured to anyone on club nights. Mondays and Saturdays, at the club room, St. Hill Street.