WALTER LINDRUM

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 15

WALTER LINDRUM

RETURNS FROM ABROAD (From "The Post's". Representative.) SYDNEY, 3rd June. The return of the famous Australian billiard player, Walter Lindrum, from his triumphal tour in. England, is exciting keen interest in Australia, and local enthusiasts are looking forward to his match with the English champion," Tom Newman, who has accompanied him from England. Lindrum is to concede Newman 5500 start. Newman, in, an interview .with a "Sydney Morning Herald" representative, said that this was his first tour from England for 19 years. Then he went with-John Roberts to Canada. His first contract was with that old master. "I've been playing for 27 years now —born in 1894," he said. "This is an eye-opener," said Newman, referring>to the hall in which his match with Lindrum will be played, Lindrum went further by saying that.it" was easily the finest in' facilities for players and public that he had ever seen. The table is completely Australian, except for West of England cloth. Lindrum remarked that it would give Newman and himself a chance to lift the game here to tho prestige it should enjoy. "After all,".lie said, "billiards is the most universal indoor game. -Ask any individual in the street can he play and see how few have never handled a cue- ■ . i =j t i "The game is enjoying wonderful popularity in England now. The crowd outside Thurston's in Leicester square, at my last gamo with Newman was like a scene at a football match. Peihaps the exciting finish had something to do with it. The game is developing among the ladies. In the provinces womenjs billiards circles are being organised. They will soon reach the best amateur standard. I think they cannot hope to attain the best professional form. Tho strain of making thousands is, too great." . : That the strain has not affected Newman is obvious from his appearance. He looks fit and well.

Lindrum referred with obvious pleasure to his visit to the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace, and to the homely'reception ho had received from Their Majesties. He paid a warm tribute to Newman, whom he described as the greatest billiard artist he had met and the best sportsman. "His pass through shots will surprise you," .ho said. "Much of his ball control is due to .his mastery of, them." . Newman' enjoys a game of bowls or golf as a recreation from billiards, Ho said that he regarded as "miraculous" Lindrum's recovery to win the "Kews of the World" Gold Cup just before their departure. "Walter made T620 in four successive visits," ,ho said. "How else can you describe that?"