ROBERTS' BILLIARD EXHIBITION.
«. The entertainment at the Star and Garter Hotel last night afforded a great treat to admirers of billiards. There can he little, doubt but that Mr- "Roberts is the Champion Hand-stroke player, for the wonderful precision and dex*erity with which lie mannpulates the "ivories" is truly astonishing—even to those who can " handle a cue." No stroke appears too difnculd, and his knowledge of "side" is something wonderful. Mr. Roberts commenced his performance by giving an amateur 350 in 600, the letter playing
with a cue. This game enabled many to witness for the first time what can be accomplished by finger and thumb in making hazards and cannons. Indeed, when the player gets the balls into position, it does not appear as if he would ever leave off scoring. Prom the start it was evident the cue had no chance. So rapidly did Mr. Roberts scohj that the contest only occupied about an hour, when game was called, the board showing GOl to 510. Interesting as it is to watch the clever hand-stroke billiard playing, however, it lacks the esprit of the legitimate game. Mr. Roberts next played a well-known gentleman from Timaru, conceding 50 in 230, both using the cue. This was a spirited and well-contested game, both players making some pretty breaks, the chances fluctuating until near the finish, when the amateur scored out, winning b3 r 20 points.
As a"triekist" with the billiard balls Mr. Roberts is the most clever we have seen. Everything that appears " impossible," to him seem simple. He makes cannons round hats, cannons on all the pyramid balls with one coup, places sixteen tumblers and two decanters on the table and makes a cannon without touching a glass, and a great variety of " fancy strokes," astonishing to behold but too numerous to ineiitiou.
There were about 80 gentlemen present, who. as was testified by the frequent applaus'-, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the entertainment. Mr. Longford had had the seats so arranged t.iat everyone was enabled to have a good view of the
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OAM18780118.2.13
Bibliographic details
Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 535, 18 January 1878, Page 2
Word Count
342ROBERTS' BILLIARD EXHIBITION. Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 535, 18 January 1878, Page 2
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in