CHRISTCHURCH CHESS CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1648, 2 June 1879, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH CHESS CLUB.

A special general meeting was held on Saturday evening at Warner’s Hotel, the president (Mr J. Colborne-Veel) in the chair. There was a good attendance of members. The Chairman said the meeting was called to fill up vacancies which had occurred amongst the officers of the club, and to discuss the rules of the annual tournament. After the minutes of the previous general meeting had been confirmed, Mr Paul moved that the club rule calling general meetings be read, which was done. Mr Pinkstono then read a letter from the vice-president, now on his journey to England, in reply to one from the club, in which Mr Wood expressed his good wishes for the welfare of the club during his absence. Mr Pinkstone said that he felt much pleasure in proposing Dr. Ellis—[applause]—as vice-president, the more so as Mr Wood Laid suggested the former as likely to meet the approval of all the members. Mr Jacobsen seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. The Chairman read a letter received from Mr McWilliam, treasurer, tendering his resignation, on the ground that he had not the time or opportunity of fulfilling his duties, and wishing to be relieved from his responsibility, and enclosing his account and the balance of club funds in hand.

After some discussion, in which Mr Paul said he thought Mr McWilliam had been rather unfairly dealt with, Some explanations were then given on the subject by Messrs Pinkstone and Jacobsen, showing that Mr Paul had been misinformed. The Chairman said, from Mr McWilliams’ letter, it was clear ho was really desirous of resigning, Finally his resignation was accepted, end, on the motion of Mr Jacobsen, a vote of thanks for the admirable manner in which he had for so long a time filled the office, was agreed to. The election of treasurer was then proceeded with, and, on the motion of Mr Joseph, Mr E. Horwood was unanimously elected. Mr Horwood, in thanking the meeting, said having filled the office of treasurer to the Wellington Chess Club, he had some knowledge of his duties, and would endeavor to give satisfaction. Mr E. Bray was elected a member of the committee in place of Dr. Ellis. The Secretary having read the proposed rules of the annual tourney, a lively discussion arose, and there was considerable difference of opinion as to whether play should be confined to the club-room only, or played elsewhere at the convenience of the members.

Mr Pinkstone was of opinion that no chess club should allow match games to be played out of the club, as it prevented members from witnessing the match games. Mr Jacobsen found by experience that games played at private houses were not up to the average of the players’ strength, being influenced by strange surroundings. Mr R. T. Searell said, if the rule was not altered it would prevent many members entering the contest. A show of hands being taken, the rule was made optional only. The president, vice-president, and Mr Mainwaring were appointed referees to settle disputes which might arise, the decision o£ the majority being final. The handicappers have duly classed the following members who take part in the tourney:—Dr. Ellis, Messrs Pinkstone, Newman, Paul, Horwood, Malcolm, J. Wood, J. T. Maling, R. T. Searell, E. Bray, Joseph Thos. Searell, Jones, and MoWilliam. The first class gives the pawn and move to the second class and pawn and two moves to the third class. The second class gives to the third pawn and move. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.