LIVING CHESS.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1044, 8 June 1883, Page 2

LIVING CHESS.

The chess tournament with living pieces,; dressed in character, came off at Garrison Hall, Dunedin, on 251h ult., and was a great success. Over 1000 persons were

present. After a flbnrisli of trumpeis, the herald delivered a knightly and somewhat grandiloquent challenge, and threw down the gauntlet of'the King of the White array. The herald for the King of the Red responded in similar strain of defiance, and took up the gage. Presently the procession entered, and took their places on the gigantic chess-board. ' The spectacle was most imposing, as the performers were some of the most prominent and beautiful of Dunedin’s citizen*; and expense had not been spared in the pre-; paration and adornment of courtly dresses. The colours chosen were white and crimson for the respective sides. ~ One knight was clad in veritable coat of mail. The ladies carried dainty spears and shields, wore patches, an d ha (It liei i 1 - hair powdered. Crowns, sceptres" shields, and trumpets; glittered in all directions. All the pawns,; and many of the other characters, were; ladies—who were not selected for their f _ homeliness. One pawn, who reached the, eighth square and took the Queen, was crowned, and had a peculiar Dunedin oath, which caused great amusement, administered by the White Bishop. She was to: suppress dummyism, open Dunedin bar-, hour, and make everyone contented.' A gentleman from one of the; theatres acted as costumier and; won much praise.; The White Array, won. the day, and the Bishop of Diinedin re- : turned thanks to the performers and all concerned, and promised that the entertainment should be repeated next week/ It is proposed that the price of admission: shall be less than the four shillings' charged on the first occasion. The proceeds of both entertainments will go to' the Rev Lloyd Keating’s mission church, North East Valley, Dunedin, and the enterprise has been both suggested and promoted by Mr Keating. One Dunedin jeweller lent £IOOO worth of jewellery for the tournament, and the dresses used were estimated to have cost several thousands of pounds. Photographers are vieing with each other for the privilege of obtaining a picture of the. striking spectacle, ' ;