CHESS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2457, 10 May 1915, Page 9

CHESS

WELLINGTON WORKING MEN'S ' OLUB.' The members of the Working Men's Clnb held their annual chess r.nd draughts meeting on Friday evening, Captain Fisk (chairman for 1915) presiding over a large attendance. The annual report showed that the past year had been a very successful one. The annual Handicap Chess Tourney (16 entries) ivas won by W. Featonby wins, 2i losses), the runner-up, J. E. Perry, being only half a point behind, despite his eight years' absence from these tourneys. The other prizewinners were Messrs. J. Reid, Key, Burgess, Jensen, Gray, and Mowtell. The annual Draughts Tourney (sealed handicap) attracted 14 entries, the prizewinners being Messrs. Burgesß, J. -Reid, Erickson, Wallace, Manson, C. Reid, and Wright. Erickson, who was alone on the scratch mark, made the fine score of 38 wins, 12 draws, and only two losses. The club won both its chess matches, defeating a touring Wairarapa team by 6J games to 31, and tho Wellington South Club by 12J games to "t\. Of the nine matches played against Wellington South, each side has won four, while the 1907 contest ended in a tie. The chess championship of New Zealand was contested at Christchurch during the Christmas holidays, the club being once more represented by Messrs. Barnes and Kelling, who were eminently successful, scoring between them 21 points out of a possible 23. The latter received a large number of congratulations on winning the Dominion championship, and also tho brilliancy prize (presented by Mr. R. A. Josoph, president of the Canterbury Chess Club), while Mr. Barnes was second for both honours. New records havo been established, and the club has been widely complimented on the marked success of its two representatives. Mr. Barnes, who 'has been the club champion for the past 26 years, has won the New Zealand championship five times, besides taking eight second - and six minor congress prizes, which is easily a New Zealand record. The big silver rook trophy that goes with the Now Zealand Chess championship can be inspected by the publio in the club's library up to the end of the year. The tourney to decide the draughts championship of Australasia was held at Easter at Invercargill, Mr. Erickson, tho club's representative, finishing next to Messrs. Calderwood, BoTeham, and Hilliker, the formidable trio who have between them accountcd nine times for the Dominion championship and. twice for the Australasian championship. Reference is made to the death of Mr. D. P. Player, an old and highly esteemed member, and to the regretted departure of Messrs. Gundy amh'Mirams for other parts. Thanks are tendered to all who have extended hospitality to the club's representatives, and to the General Committee for continuing the valued support of former years. In conclusion members, are reminded that the next New Zealand chess and draughts championships ' will probably be contested in Wellington,, and that to keep pace with other clubs a close study of both games will havo to bo maintained. The annual report was adopted unanimously. The election of officers resulted as follows President, J. M'Nee; vice-presidents, P. Woods, Captain FiskA and J. G. W. Dalrymple; hon. treasurer, Jas. Wilson-hon. secretaries, F. K. Kelling and J. P. Key; Match Committee—Chess, Barnes, Eton, and J. Reid; draughts—Erickson, Coulter, and J. Reid; referee for chess, A. G. Fell (of the Wellington C.C.); for draughts, J. Leggatt; consulting members—For chess, Barnes and J. E. Perry; for draughts, Erickson and Roberts; delegates to N.Z. Chess Association, J. G. W. Dalrymple and J. Milesi. It was decided to invite entries at once for the annual handicap tourneys, which are to be on the usual lines. A very successful meeting terminated with hearty votes of thanks to the General Committee and a, similar tribute to last year's officers.