Nelson Chess Club
Nelson, ca.1867-1868
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 7 May 1853
Members *of the Literary Institution and others, desirous of seeing a CHESS CLUB established in connection with the above Institution, are invited to meet in the Reading Room on THURSDAY evening next, at Seven o'clock. t Nelson, May 6
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 21 July 1855
MEMBERS of the NELSON LITERARY and scientific/Institution who are desirous of establishine/a CHESS CLUB are invited to meet at the Institution on WEDNESDAY NEXT, the 25th instant/ for the purpose of considering and adopting thoujireessary rules. H. Adams, Hon. Sec.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 28 July 1855
It it proposed to form a Chess Club among the members of the Institution. It is unquestionably a good object. Chess is the ttiost intellectual of pastime-games
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 4 August 1855
A short time since jour Committee received an application from several gentlemen, who wished to form a Chess Club, and meet in the Reading Room of the Institution
Committee have acceded, on the condition that the members of both these Societies should also be members of the Institution ;
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Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 2 April 1864
An advert for the "Hibernian Chess Club"
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 10 September 1864
Chess in Nelson. — A meeting of gentlemen I favourable to the establishment of a Chess Club in Nelson, was held at Mr. Schluter's on Thursday evening last ; Mr. Goodman in the chair. It was resolved that a club should forthwith be formed, to be called the "Nelson Chess Club."
- Mr. Droege as president,
- Mr. Goodman as treasurer,
- Mr. J. Hounsell as secretary, were duly elected.
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Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 10 June 1865
Nelson Chess Club. — The members of this club met on Tuesday, May 16, to concert plans for the resumption of chess-play during certain nights of the present season. Tho following gentlemen were elected as officers for the ensuing year : —
- Dr. Irvine, president ;
- Mr. H. J. Goodman, treasurer ;
- Mr. J. Hounsell, secretary.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 4 July 1865
We understand that a challenge has been made by three gentlemen, at Richmond, to play a like number of the Nelson Chess Club a series of games at chess. The number of games and mode of playing will, we believe, be decided this evening, at the usual practice meeting of the Nelson Club. The match is to come off at Richmond on Thursday next.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 8 July 1865
CHESS MATCH. Richmond v. Nelson. — We mentioned, on Tuesday last, that a challenge had been received from three gentlemen at Richmond to play a like number of the Nelson Chess Club a series of games at chess. The challenge having been accepted by Mr. J. Hounsell, on behalf of the club, at their meeting on Tuesday evening, three members, Messrs. J. Hounsell, Levestam, and Janion, wore deputed to play against the Richmond three ; and on Thursday evening, they proceeded to Richmond, and found their opponents — Dr. Hutchinson, and Messrs. Malcolm and Sunley — at tho Star and Garter, ready prepared for the friendly combat. It would occupy too much of our space to attempt to give the games in full, or even comment upon them ; and we presume our readers, too, will be satisfied with simply a knowledge of the actual result. The number of games — three each — having been fixed upon, lots were drawn, when the players were pitted against other as stated below ; and after a few other preliminaries, the games proceeded with the following results :
Nelson CC vs. Richmond "players", Match, Richmond, 1865
It will be seen from the foregoing, that, so far, it is a drawn match. The first game, between Messrs. Malcolm and Hounsell, being drawn, making the number of games even. It was then decided to play the return match at Nelson, next Thursday evening, the same players contending against each other as before. Our report would be sadly wanting if we neglected to mention the very hospitable manner in which our representatives from Nelson — the whole company, we should say — were treated by host Malcolm. An excellent supper followed the match, and whatever could contribute to satisfy the inner man was plentifully and liberally supplied by him.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 15 July 1865
Nelson and Richmond. — The return gameß between the Nelson Chess Club and the three Richmond players, came off on Thursday evening, in a room at the Bank Hotel kindly appropriated by Mr. Everett for th c occasion. It will be remembered by those of our readers who take an interest in chess, that the first nine games — three each — played at Richmond on the preceding Thursday, resulted in a drawn match, so that very great interest was excited in the minds of the members of the club, as well as of other gentlemen, intimate friends of the Richmond players, aa to the result of the return match. The result at Richmond being so even, it was there arranged that the same players should compete with each other as before ; and, as will 'be seen from the following statement, the return games have resulted in a victory for the Nelsonians, the games being, Nelson 6, to Richmond 3 : —
Nelson CC vs. Richmond "players", Return Match, Nelson, 1865
At half-past nine o'clock, the match being concluded, the players and their friends, seventeen in number, adjourned for supper, prepared in host Everett's usual good style. A few remarks from Mr. Sunley as to how the match originated, and congratulating the club on its Buccess and prosperous appearance, which were responded to by Dr. Irvine, president of the club, followed ; and the company resumed play, all with different players. The chief results of this match are that many new members have been added to the Nelson Club, and that a Chess Club is in active organization at Richmond. We expect our Nelson friends will receive another challenge at no very distant date.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 31 August 1865
We see by an advertisement, which first appeared in Tuesday's issue, that a chess match is about to take place. The advertisement does not inform us whether the intended match is to be open to all comers, but we believe it is only for members of the club. We understand, however, that gentlemen, not at present members, may, by early application to the Secretary, become members, and participate in the match if they choose. Such was the arrangement made at a special meeting of the club on Monday evening last. The programme which was then made out states that the match is to commence on Tuesday next, the U sth September. The competitors are to be drawn and pitted against each other in pairs, each of which are to play together until one of each pair wins five games, which is to be done within the first week. The winners of the five games (the losers being at once put out of the match) are to be pitted against each other, as in the first drawing, and play, as in the first series, to win 1 five games — which is to be effected during the second week ; and so on each succeeding week, until two only come together who are to play a like number of games. Competitors are to pay an entrance fee of five shillings ; and a prize is to be presented by the club to the winner of the final heat or series. The law of the game are to be strictly adhered to. As there are so many players in the Nelson Chess Club who may be said to be "at par " with each other, and these amongst the best of them, we may anticipate some very close scores being mode.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 5 September 1865
Chess Toubney. — We understand that the number of gentlemen who have signified their intention to act as competitors in the tourney in connection with the Nelson Chess Club, is about ten. This number may be augmented before or at the meeting of the Chess Club this evening, at which meeting the competitors are to be pitted against each other for the first series. This number, whether it be augmented or not by players from Richmond or elsewhere — and we earnestly hope it may be — will doubtless prove a very interesting and exciting tournament.
Nelson Chess Club Knockout Tournament 1865
Fish won the prize of a set of chessmen and board.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 22 May 1866
Chess. — It is in contemplation, we believe, to play a match at chess between the Christchurch and Nelson Chess Clubs, by means of the electric telegraph. A gentleman, a member of the Christchurch Chess Club, is in town, and is in communication with the Nelson Chess Club, aud arrangements will probably be made to play tho match in the beginning of the.next month. We shall lay before our readers tho particulars of progress from time to time, and hope our Nelson players will in the meantime exert themselves so as to make the match a success.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 31 May 1866
Proposed Chess Match. — At the special general meeting of the members of the Chess Club, held at the Bank hotel, on Tuesday evening last, it was finally arranged that the Nelson Chess Club should challenge the Christohuroh Chess Club to play a consultation match at chess through the medium of the electric telegraph. The challenge is to be forwarded by letter by the Phoebe this day; and is accompanied with suggestions of conditions of play, which we withhold until we hear of the challenge being accepted.
Colonist 8 June 1866
Chess Match by Telegbaph between Neison and Cantebbttby.—We understand that a telegram was received yesterday by the President of the Nelson Chess Club, from the President of the Christchurch Chess Club, intimating that the challenge sent from Nelson to play a Chess Match by electric telegraph has been accepted by the Christchurch Club.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 16 June 1866
Chess Match between Chbibtchubch and Nelson.— Dr. Irvine, the President of the Nelson Chess Club, received on Thursday, a telegraphic message from Mr. Stephens, the President of the Christchurch Chess Club, to the effect that the conditions of play suggested by the Nelson club had been agreed to, and that the match would commence on Tuesday next, the 19th instant, at seven o'clock in the evening. Two games are to be played simultaneously, the Christchurch club having the first move on the one board, and the Nelson club the first move on the other board ; so that both clubs will have the same advantage in choosing their particular opening. There will be no restriction as to the length of time allowed in considering a move ; but it is suggested that moves be made as rapidly as possible. The moves of both boards are to be transmitted in the same message. Five members have been deputed to act on behalf of the Nelson club ; but as club plays against club, without any restriction as to the number playing, any member of the club who may be present will be at liberty to suggest a move, which will, however, in each instance wo presume, be decided upon by a majority of those appointed. For the convenience of members who may wish to study the game as it progresses, we may state that the squares of the boards in use in the match will be numbered 1 to 64, commencing with 1 on White Queen's Book's square, 9 on White King's Book's square, and so on, from left to right, ending with 64 on Black King's Book's square. By this means the number of the square from which a piece is moved and that on which it is to be placed will be indicated without naming the piece itself, t.g. 13 to 29, or 45 takes 62, as the move may be.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 14 August 1866
THE CHESS MATCH, BY TELEGRAPH, BETWEEN CHRISTCHURCH AND NELSON.
The match afc chess with Christchurch, by telegraph, has been resumed about once a week, three to five moves in each game being played on these occasions. For those of our readers in Nelson and elsewhere who take an interest in chess, we subjoin the moves: —
The clubs representing the two provinces will meet again for play this evening. The annual meeting of the members of the Nelson Chess Club was held on Thursday, July 26.
- Dr. Greenwood was chosen president;
- Mr. Fish, treasurer ;
- Dr. Irvine, secretary, for the ensuing year
Christchurch CC vs Nelson CC, Telegraph Match, 1866
Christchurch CC won 2-0
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 6 June 1867
Nelson Chess Club. — The members of this club held their first general meeting of the season on the evening of the 21st inst. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows : —
- Dr. Greenwood, president;
- Mr. Watkins, treasurer;
- Mr. J. Hounsell, secretary.
- Dr. Irvine and Mr. Fish were also elected to act with the officers as a committee for the ensuing year.
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Nelson Evening Mail 10 May 1876
We are glad to find that a movement is being made in the direction, of forming a Chess. Clul) in Nelson, for which purpose a meeting of those interested will be held at the Masonic Hotel on Friday evening., "We have amongst us several players who are able to hold their own against most, if not all, comers, and there should be no difficulty in forming a very excellent club.
Nelson Evening Mail 13 May 1876
At a meeting /held at ifche Masonic Hotel last night it was decided to form a Nelson Chess Club, and several dames ' were enrolled' in , the roomi Those who are desirous of joining should communicate with Mr J. Hounsell at' whose oifice'thebpening games will be played on lEriday evening iiext
Nelson Evening Mail 17 November 1876
The Nelson Chess Club have secured a room at Mrs Corrigan's, near the Telegraph Office, where the first meeting will be held this evening
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Colonist 10 July 1882
Chess Club.—At the annual meeting ©f the Nelson Chess Club, Mr T. E. Hackett occupied the chair.
- Dr Irvine {was elected President,
- Mr A. E. Cresswell Secretary and Treasurer.
Colonist 18 July 1882
Nelson .Chess ; .Clijb.— T At -the weekly .meeting oitho'Clless.Club'it was 'arranged /that! the return match ;bet\veen this and the Richmond Uiub should be played at Rich' tnon^d on Saturday next. Messrs : Curtis, Atmore, :and Creswell were ' chosen to represent the. Town Club, and play -will commence at half past two in the afternoon.
Colonist 10 July 1883
Nelson > Chess Club;—At the annual : meetings! the sNelson. Chess Club the following officers were ' elected: -
- Mr T. Hacket /President,
- Mr, A. E. Cresswell; Secretary and Treasurer
- Committee consisting of Messrs Black, Worsley and Jacobsen
Nelson Evening Mail 27 December 1883
NELSON CHESS CLUB.
A chess tournament has lately been played by the members of the above Club. Ifc was arranged that each member ebouid play three games witb every ofcher member of tbe Club, but several of the members, on account of ofcher engagements, have been unable to compete fcheir full number of games. We subjoin fclie scores wifch the names arranged in alphabetical order:
Nelson CC Tournament, 1883
*** - Rook odds
Nelson Evening Mail 12 April 1884
The annual meeting of the Nelson Chess Club was held on Thursday evening, when
- Mr Hacket was elected President,
- Mr Cresswell Secretary and Treasurer,
- Messers Black, Jacobsen, and Worsley members of the Committee.
Nelson Evening Mail 14 April 1887
The annual meeting of the Nelson Chess | a Club, to which all intending as well as present • li members are invited, will be held at the Institute to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock.
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Blindfold Exhibition, 1891 [a]
A large crowd gathered at the Nelson Institute to watch a blindfold exhibition by F. V. Siedeberg.
The representatives of Nelson CC were Morrish & Merrick consulted against Siedeberg.
The game lasted until nearly midnight when it was decided to end with a draw.
Siedeberg, F. V. vs Morrish & Merrick
ECO "C32" King's Gambit, Falkbeer Counter-gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Bb5+ Bd7 6. Qe2 Bd6 7. Bxd7+ Nbxd7 8. d3 O-O 9. dxe4 Re8 10. Nf3 Bb4 11. O-O Bxc3 12. bxc3 Nxe4 13. Qd3 f6 14. c4 Nd6 15. Be3 Qe7 16. Rae1 Qf7 17. Bd4 Qh5 18. h3 b6 19. Re6 Nf8 20. Ree1 Ng6 21. Rxe8+ Rxe8 22. Nh2 Qe2 23. Qxe2 Rxe2 24. f5 Nh4 25. Rf2 Rxf2 26. Bxf2 Nhxf5 27. c5 Ne4 28. cxb6 axb6 29. c4 Nxf2 30. Kxf2 Nd6 31. c5 Ne4+ 32. Ke3 Nxc5 33. Nf3 Kf7 34. Nd4 1/2-1/2
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References:
[1] University of Otago, Hocken Collections
Ref: P1978-014/02-006
[a] Nelson Evening Mail, 24 February 1891
[v] The Prow (https://www.theprow.org.nz)