BILLIARDS FOR THE YOUNG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21792, 5 May 1934, Page 6 (Supplement)

BILLIARDS FOR THE YOUNG

THE SPORTS FETISH It lias been said of billiards that the " best custom comes, from youngsters sixteen to the early twenties," not from the good players. From the women's point of view, this is food for serious question. Billiards is a splendid game and a fascinating art; but apart from being a pleasant recreation, does it lead anywhere? Is it of any value, mental or physical, to a youngster in the neighbourhood of sixteen ? I do not think that it teaches anything of value that cannot be learnt in a more vigorous and healthy occupation, says an expert. Spare time should be used according to inclination in order to develop individual taste and aptitude, but there can be no doubt that boys and girls of sixteen generally need a little guidance in their choice of recreation, for there is so much to squeeze in this short life, that some things have to be omitted. The sports fetish often becomes absurd in its extremes; but a boy or girl who, to use a Dutchman's expression, is " crazy-mad " on sport, is healthier physically and mentally than the one who, after becoming a devotee of billiards, comes, as is inevitable, under the contaminating influence of undesirable people and places. Billiards make a delightful evening for a party in the country, but so do dancing, reading, and that oft-forgotten art, talking and debating.