Billiard Notes.

Free Lance, Volume XVIII, Issue 988, 11 June 1919, Page 24

Billiard Notes.

Just now billiards are booming and most of the established rooms are doing better business than has "been customary since the commencement of the war. Of course this is due to the large number of men who have returned from the front, and it can safely be regarded that the bad times are, so far as the lack of players is concerned, a matter of the past. Undoubtedly the war has broadened the minds of people, as for example in billiard table .games. Before the war many padres and religious bodies saw only evil in billiards-now they all recognise that it" is the king of indoor games—that there is nothing evil in it and that it provides a recreation of a most enjoyable nature. There has been no professional championship in New Zealand for some years now, tlie last one being when the brilliant McConachy wrested the honours from W. E. Stephenson. As McConachy is now resident in Australia and evinces no desire to retain his honours, Crossan, the. Wellington professional, has challenged Stephenson. This match will come off in August in Auckland. It is quite likely that next year Stevenson, the great English player, will visit the Dominion, and local enthusiasts will have the opportunity of witnessing one of the finest players that has ever handled a cue. A professional markers' handicap is shortly to be held in Auckland and promises to be a big success. Arrangements are being made by the Auckland Sports' Club, and substantial prizes have been donated. Amongst the financial supporters of the tourney are Messrs Alcock and Co., Ltd., and the Hon. Arthur Myers. West Tucker, one of the local amateurs of ability, is at present in great form. If any local amateur lias been having a round of successes he oughi to arrange a game with Tucker and enjoy a little variety. It is a great pity this player does not do himself justice in the local championships.