BARNES, RICHARD JAMES (1860-1929) was born in Victoria and came to New Zealand with his parents, who were attracted to the Central Otago goldfields. As a young man in Wellington he learned the game of chess as a member of St Paul's young men's club. He became a regular prize-winner in local contests; in 1890 was runner-up in the Dominion championships, and three years later was champion. Barnes attended 27 Dominion congresses, winning the championship five times and being runner-up nine times. He was an accountant by profession. He died on 7 Jan 1929.

N.Z. Chess Book, 1922; The Dominion, 8 Jan 1929.

Reference: Volume 1, page 36

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