DEATH OF MR WILLIAM STRICKLAND.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 234, 24 December 1887, Page 7

DEATH OF MR WILLIAM STRICKLAND.

It is> with feeling-, of deep ie_, r iet we have to announce what may almost be teimecl the sudden death of the blindfold champion — for not guile three weeks a<io he met a stiong team of Leeds player^ in one of hit wonderful blindfold exhibitions. This was on Satuulay, the l&t Oct., at the Leed-> Draughts and Chest* Club, when the gentlemen opposing Strickland were — Messrs Bownas, CJoodall, Howell, Bosworth, Stcvescn and Cohen. Jlo played again at Brad fold on the 3rd Oct., and it was little thought that thit> would be hK last public appearance ; but, luuing eaugho a bad cold, and inflammation of the lungs setting in, the blindfold champion succumbed to the master of us all on the morning of .Saturday last, the 15th Oct. Strickland was widely and worthily known, not only as an unequalled master of the aib of blindfold play, but also as one of the quickest and ablest 'cross-board players of the day. For the following sketch of the late Blindfold Champion of the World we are indebted to an English player of the iirst lank, who enjoyed many a "cro^-board tussle with poor Stiickland :—: — Mr Strickland was born at Leeds, Match, 1849, and was therefore only in his 38th year. At 18, he displayed considerable aptitude at the game, the scene of his operations being the British Workman PublicHouses, just then inaugurated in Leeds. He gradually imprcved, but it was not until several years afterwards that the literature of the game was introduced to his notice. He was at that time without education, but taught himself to read and write for the purpose of studying his. favourite pastime scientifically ; and after that his progress was rapid, and ho was soon on a par with the best of the Leeds players — no mean tribute to his perseverance andabilities. His first match was with Mr D. Murray, of Leeds, whom he defeated ; allowing the odds of three games starb in six, he won every game. After that he met and defeated T, Lockwood, also of Leeds ; and afc that time he was constantly engaged in friendly and , other contests with players of repute, his occupation of hawker giving him the opportunity to meet all the " cracks " for miles round Leeds and vicinity. He extended his journeys into Lancashire, acquiring a widespread reputation by the ease with which he defeated the majoryfy of his opponents. Almost contemporary with his study of the " books," he commenced to contribute to the current literature of the game in magazines and newspapers, his reputation being consequently greatly increased and extended. He continued this laudable practice to the last, and his efforts have done much in that special direction to spread the knowledge of the game. His contributions were always interesting 1 and valuable as an aid to students, and were welcomed by both draughts editors and readers. It was not until 1873 that his attention was directed to the blindfold game by the successes of Mr Frank Brunne. At first, like many of the experts of that ( day, he doubted ,the genuineness of blindfold play ; but a little experience with Mr Dunne, who had taken up his residence in Leeds, soon worked a change in his opinion, and putting his wonted ardour into the study he soon required wonderful proficiency. Extending his efforts to simultaneous play be ' soon aftor astonished the draughts world by the brilliance of his manifold powers. ' In 1878 - 9 he made an extensive tour through Scotland, and the North of Englann, contesting blindfold from six to twelve games simultaneously at each of the places visited, and meeting 1 with the plaudits of both the press and the public. On one occasion he contested no less than twenty ! games simultaneously ; and his repetition of the moves, both backwards and forwards, was a feat that always evoked applause. | Since then he has continued to' hold the premier position as a blindfold player. Although J. P. Reed came over from America with the avowed object of meeting him for championship honours, the former returned to America without the match taking place, and Strickland retained the title till his death.