<Mr. R. Lord Hodgson was born at Ararat, Victoria, in 1859, and learned chess at Beechworth when 13 years old, since which time he has always been more or less devoted to the game.His first experience in club play was in 1882, when he joined the Melbourne Chess Club, and he has been a member ever since.
Mr. Hodgson's most notable performance was in 1890, when he tied with Mr. F. K. Esling for the championship of Victoria in a tournament, and subsequently defeated Mr. Esling in a deciding match by 2 games to nil (no draws), this being the first time Mr. Esling ever suffered a decisive defeat in his colony.
In a similar tournament in 1893 Mr. Hodgson again tied with Mr. Esling for the championship, and in a deciding match Mr. Hodgson was defeated after a hard struggle by 3 games to 2, and 1 draw.
Mr. Hodgson has a high reputation as a problem composer. He won the Centennial Chess Problem Tourney held in Victoria in 1888-89 (open to the world), with first prize for best set of 3 problems, and honorable mention for third place; Mr. R. G. Laws, the well-known English composer, taking second prize.
A match between Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Wallace would be interesting. No definite arrangements have been made for this yet, but I learn from several of Mr. Hodgson's friends in Melbourne that they hope it will come off in a few months.
Mr. Hodgson lives in Melbourne, and follows the profession of public accountant and auditor.
At intervals during the last six months, Mr. Hodgson and Mr. F. H. Wilson contested the games of a private match of the first 7 wins. It has ended in favor of Mr. Hodgson, the final score being: Hodgson, 7 wins; Wilson, 4 wins; 3 draws.
The winner is now engaged in playing a similar match with Mr. E. B. Loughran.
In the event of a match between Mr. Wallace and Mr. Hodgson, the contest would probably take place in Sydney, and be for £25 a-side.>
- Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW) issue Saturday 30 November 1895 page 30>
Kibitzing
