CHRISTOCHURCH CHESS CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1886, 10 March 1880, Page 3

CHRISTOCHURCH CHESS CLUB.

The annual general meeting of the members of the Christchurch Chess Club took place last evening at the Public Library. Mr J. O. Voel, president of the club, occupied the chair.

The Chairman having stated the business before the meeting, read the advertisement calling it. The Secretary, Mr J. H, Seager, read the annual report, as follows : In presenting this the third annual report of the Christchurch Chess Club, the committee have to congratulate the members on the increased interest taken in chess during the past year, and although many members have left the Club and forme! a new one in this city, the committee have good reason to believe that the Club will in no way suffer, as already, notwithstanding the chess season has scarcely commenced, several new members have been admitted, two or three of them being players of some merit. The Club continues to meet on Tuesday evenings at the rooms belonging to the Public Library, and although the number attending during the summer months has not been large, there have been only two or perhaps three nights missed. The past year has been the most eventful since the formation of the Club, for, in addition to the usual handicap tournament among the members of the Club, the New Zealand Chess Congress has held its session at Christchurch. The committee however has no official knowledge of the result of the Congress, as the committee appointed by the Club to carry it out has not yet sent in its report. The Club tournament was carried on, and ended most successfully, Mr B. T. Searell, Mr Moore, and Mr Horwood winning Ist, 2nd, and 3rd prizes respectively. The committee have to regret that the financial state of the Club is not so flourishing na could be desired, and think it necessary to make special reference to the fact that the late members who were anxious to dissolve the Club, incurred a liability of no leas a sum than £G 18s in advertising the meeting fer that purpose. The committee, however, have to report that they aro prepared to meet all liabilities, and look forward to being able, by special contributions, to place the Club in a good financial position, not only to purchase prizes for competition among the members, hut for the purchase of proper and suitable chessmen, boards, &c , for the Club’s use. Mr Searrell proposed that the report as read be adopted. Seconded by Mr Jones and carried. The Secretary, in reply to Mr Searrell, stated that after passing the accounts, which amounted to £7 19s, there would be a balance in hand of about £2. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. In reply to a question, Mr Void said he would bo unable to fill the post of president during the year owing to his professional engagements. Mr A. Ollivier was elected president; Mr Izard, vice-president; and Messrs George Clarke and J. H. Seager, secretary and treasurer respectively. The following were appointed a committee :—Messrs Jones, R. Searrell, and B. S. Bray. Mr Jones moved —“ That a hearty vote of thanks be recorded in favour of the late president of the club,” and in doing so, said he felt quite sure that ho was expressing the feelings of all the members when he said it was a matter of sincere regret that Mr Veel was unable to continue in the position ho had filled so ably and well. The motion was seconded by Mr Searrell and carried ncm. con. Mr Veel, in returning thanks, explained the reasons which had induced him to retire from office, namely, his inability to devote that amount of time to the olub and chess meetings which he considered one holding the position of president should be able to do. He concluded by expressing his satisfaction at the

election of Mr Ollivier, than whom he did not think they could have chosen a better man. In reply to Mr Searrell, the Secretary stated that the club had, practically, no assets. Such properties as they possessed were so inferior thatjno single member, perhaps, would care to own them as his individual property. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Seagor for his valuable services to the club in the double capacity of secretary and treasurer. Mr Bray said he had collected on behalf of the club during the afternoon the sum of £5 10s, and thought a good deal more might be obtained by an appeal to the public. The meeting then adjourned, after passing a vote of thanks to the chairman.