Reverent Billiards
As a billiards player I have always been distinguished more for my enthusiasm than for my skill.
So last night I went along to the Palace Billiards Hall to see some experts contest the final of the State amateur billiards championship trials, in the hope that I should pick up a few hints.
For some reason many people look on billiards as a game which is rather shady. It is, as a matter of fact, a most respectable game - a game that kings have indulged in.
It is said that when Cathira Mora, King of Ireland, died in 148 A.D., he left 50 billiard balls of brass, "with the pools and cues of the same material."
King George is said to be quite an expert at it.
There was none of the atmosphere of the pool room about the game played last night.
It seemed more like a drawing room. I have seen few sporting contests---except, perhaps chess matches-conducted so quietly.
There was a reverent silence over the room. The only sound was the click of the balls.
It occurred to me that anyone who raised his voice would be asked, gently but firmly, to go elsewhere.
News (Adelaide SA - 1923-1954)
In 1913 a group of well known talented billiard players held meetings at the Exchange Hotel in Grenfell St. Adelaide and formed the Amateur Billiards Association of South Australia. Mr. S.J. Jacobs was appointed President, Mr. C.J. Graves, Secretary and Mr. E.G. Crispin, Treasurer. The first State Billiards championships were held in July 1913 under the auspices of Mr. Brady at his Palace Billiard Rooms in Adelaide Arcade. Billiards being played exclusively until the first State Snooker championships was held in 1924. In 1923 South Australia hosted the Australasian Billiards Championships.
War years
1917 through to 1921 the Amateur Billiards Association went into recess
For the 22 ball game players State Snooker Titles commenced 1924
Australian National Billiards
In 1906 New South Wales and Victoria organised a match in Melbourne at Alcock's Rooms, Elizabeth St. Melbourne of their current State champions with a view to proposing a National Billiards Championship for 1907.
Mr. Hubert Rumball (NSW) defeated A.H. Tricks (Vic) 3,000 to 2,305 - the highest break of 105 by Rumball.
The championships continued but were suspended after 1914 account WW1 resuming 1920.
The tournaments were initially shared between New South Wales and Victoria with Brisbane hosting in 1913.
1906 - 1911 only New South Wales and Victoria participated - in 1912 players from Queensland and South Australia completed a field of four.