Ernest Harvey

It is with feelings of no ordinary regret that Ulster chess players will have read of the death of Mr. E. L. Harvey, who for many years occupied a leading position in connection with their game in this city and province. For some years the secretary of the Belfast Chess Club, then the champion of the club, and at the time of his death its treasurer, he took an active part in its management as well as in that of all local club competitions. For many years he was the chess champion of Ulster, and took part in many competitions across the channel, especially in the amateur tourney at the famous Hastings meetings. As a player, he first came into prominence at the tournament held in the Queen's College in 1886, when he received the odds of two moves (we believe) from the strongest Irish competitors. After that time, with more practice and experience, his play greatly improved, and he exhibited powers of a very high order, little, if at all, inferior to the recognised masters of the game. In blindfold play he was particularly skilful, being able to meet several strong antagonists simultaneously without sight of the board or men. His genuine good nature made him popular with all who knew him, and his genial presence will long be missed by his many friends. It may be added that the chess column in this paper was for some time edited by Mr. Harvey.