BILLIARDS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 527, 30 August 1900, Page 8

BILLIARDS

“ Snooker” in the latest Sydney Referee has the following note's about important matches : — “Up to the time of writing ro reply has b en received by Weiss or his bicker to the challenge which they issued to Roberts recent’y. The Englishman then announced that he would have to consult his friends “at home ” before he could do anything in the matter. The late decision by the Court of Appeal may have something to do with the non-receipt of a reply, for it places the visitor in a rather peculiar position for matchmaking. Taki g the challenge on its merits, it ought to be a “ cinch ” for Roberts, seeing that he says he is prepared to give Dawson 5500 in 21,000, whilst the latter successfully conceded Weiss when in England 3500 in 18,000. On these figures Roberts ought to be prepared to give our man 9000 in the 21,000 yet he only asks for 7000 with bonzoline or 6000 with ivory balls. The event of the week is the Roberts-Smith game i i Melbourne. With only 6000 in 14,000 start, the you g Tasmanian’s chance does not appear too rosy, more esp’cially when the fact is

taken into consideration that he is using the bonzoline ball and the tight pocket of the “ standard ” table for the first time Smith might have well demanded half the game start; not that I think Roberts would have conceded it, for he is evidently very cute in making his games out here of the “ sure thing ” order, and wants to return home with a “ clean sheet ” as far as defeats are concerned.

Since his game with Roberts in Brisbane, Fred Weies has been rusticating amidst scenes of his boyhood days, round about Glen Innes. On the way there he had a game in one of the most beautiiul spots in Australia — Toowoomba—where he got away with a local opponent. At the Glen Innes School of Arts recently Weies played 8. Travers, conceding 500 in 700, and came out victorious. He writes that he is being right royally treated by his fellow townsmen, who organ’sed several outings in his honor. Weiss returns to ydney shortly.

A definite date Las now been fixed for the match between Charley Memmott and Frank Smith, viz., September 17. The 7 000 up will start on the Monday, and be continued afternoon and evening until finished. Messrs Alcock and Co. will fit up one of their fine tables at the O xford Hotel, Ring-street, for the contest. This match is already creating a lot of interest amongst the cognoscenti, for besides being a genuine “go” for money, both players are thought to be very evenly matched as regards skill. For my own part, when the match was

first made I fancied Smith, but since he has been foolish enough to accept the engagement against Ro' erts with bonzoline balls, 1 have lost confidence in him, for it is even more difficult to get into touch with ivory after playing with the composition than with bonzoline after ivory, and Smith will have but little ti eto get ready after his game witn Roberts is concluded. Whoever wins, the contest will be a great one, for both are of the fast and stylish order of players. Since the above was written I have received letters from both Memmott and Sin th. Charley is disappointed at the postponement of the fixture, and says: “As S ith stated in a previous communic ition that he was prepared to play anywhere, and at any time. I will allow him £5 expenses out of the gate, and will increase the stake-money to £lOO a-side, if he wi 1 play in Brisbane instead of Sydney, as the postponement has upset my business arrangements. If he will not accept those terms, than 1 will play in Sydney, as arranged.” Frank Smith writes : “I am very sorry that I could not get over to Sydney to commence the match with Memmott on the 3rd; ar I had no idea that you had fixed that date. I was engaged by Adcock and Co. to play Roberts some time back, but did not know tho exact date. Anyhow, Charlie can have his good ti ne at tho races, and play me the following week, for I could not come straight off the bonzoline on to Gory. . .. . I am starting with Riberts to.day for eight days, then we play a couple of days at Bendigo. I expect to get a doing, but that will t ot alarm me.

I will do my best to make a fight of it, and I am m splendid health.”