BILLIARDS.

NZ Truth, Issue 483, 19 September 1914, Page 6

BILLIARDS.

(By "Fluke.")

The drawing of the second round of the Regent Westminster Snooker Handicap will bo nxed probably to-day. The very few who concluded that George Gray would never make good with the ivory ball were given a solid surprise upon learning last week that he put up a world's record losing hazard break of 976 with that class of ball. I am. certain that George has further surprises m store for the world at large, and he may produce some of .them during the season now opening down under. Commenting upon the attempted creation of legislation for restriction of the now famous "all red route" after referring to the resolution arrived at by the Council of the Billiard Control Club, that the time has not yet arrived to make any alterations m the rules, a well-known writer m the "Billiard Times" says, inter alia: — "We oplno that the 'reformers' will bo Ul-pleased with the edict of the Billiards' Control Club on tho burning question of the hour, but for our part we regard- the decision as eminently wise and just. We are all agreed, we lmaglno, that the losing hazard as exploited by tho talented young Australian, Is apt to become monotonous as a spectacle, but we are certainly not all In agreement that the best interests of the gamo domand Its restriction. : If wo, substitute the words 'of a coterie of leading professional* for 'of the gnrne' we arrive, we imagine, at tho real crux of tho agitation that has been going on for Home two or three years." The above expression of opinion will assuredly be thoroughly appreciated by young Gray's many friends and supporters out here, whose contention ways has been that the paying public is the body best able to judge on tho Question of monotony. In this oonnectlon it Is WftH to mention a few further lines by the above-referred to writer:— "Wo remember that as recently as last season, George Gray and Tom Reeco attracted more people to tho Grand Hall than had ever passed through its portals since tho opening, over adj. cade aKo. Wo also recollect that George Gray shared In moro big 'gates' during the season than any other professional. Wo would nsk. In face of these Indisputable and verifiable fact*, where . Joes the depreciation In public Interest come m?" All of which »» Perfectly fSKf and moro. the very P™'ff n 0I "g; to decry the strokes oro llwt m the ncldSeh. «inon m tholr endeavor to ssaa KnSn^he^^^ might be considered. FRED WEISS' CHALLENGE. "Hazard," In the Sydney "Sportsman," In drawing attention to J-rods chullence tfftvs thnt there Is illuu doubt but thai Llndrum will be found agreeable tn meet our Brisbane man if he throws down the guuntlct and^accompanies It with v deposit that Is satlafiictory. Wolsh wants 10 play any nan In Australia for £ 100 He m performing remurkably well In practice and Hhould he reproduce his proson t form he would extend even the brilliant Undrum. - I