Stock Exchange Billiards

The subject of our sketch this month—Mr. Syd. Harwitz is probably the best known billiard player on 'Change. As a matter of fact, Mr. Harwitz was in his prime some twenty years back, so that his form at that time must have been exceptionally good. Looking through some records, I find that Syd. has frequently been pitted against the best professionals of those days—notably the late Hugh McNeil, Billy Mitchell, Geo. Schneider, W. Cook, Junr.—and later such fine exponents as C. Harverson and the ex-champion, H. W. Stevenson. Time was when Syd. could hold his own with these cueists at the old-fashioned "all in" game, and he often got the better of his opponents, although starting on level terms. His prowess, prior to the "spot barred" game, is evidenced from the fact that in most of his matches he could make anything from twenty to forty "spots" with comparative ease. He also has taken part, with the professors, and with a fair amount of success, in games under present rules. Probably his most regular opponent was W. B. Ray, the amateur champion of South London, and whenever this pair met there was certain to be a crowd. At that time it was North versus South, for Mr. Harwitz was justly styled amateur champion of North London. These two fine players were especially in demand at the opening of new billiard saloons. Mr. Harwitz has put up many splendid performances and made many fine breaks, and he is the proud winner of two Stock Exchange handicaps. That in itself is a remarkable achievement, as back-markers are generally asked to concede enormous and at times, unfair starts. Mr. Harwitz is a splendid sportsman and always takes defeat—which is seldom—in a generous spirit. He has many other hobbies, chief of which probably is photography. Yachting and golf also take up a good deal of his time. Harking back to billiards, it would not surprise the writer to find Mr. Syd. Harwitz successful in the forthcoming Stock Exchange Billiard Association Championship. He has, however, his brother Phil to reckon with, but of the latter more anon.

The annual benefit to the markers at the Palmerston Restaurant, Old Broad Street, which took place on the 5th of last month, was an unqualified success, and quite a lot of would-be spectators were unable to find even standing room. Frank Collins, the head marker, gave an excellent exhibition against Arthur Peall, but, despite a start of 150 in a game of 600 up, suffered defeat. The professional gave a most varied and attractive display and greatly pleased those present. Subsequently Peall contested three games of snooker pool with Mr. H. O. W. Holmes. The latter proved himself a very clever exponent of this game, and gained the verdict in two games, the third resulting in a "dead heat." Peall admitted to me afterwards that Mr. Holmes was exceedingly "hot" at snooker, and would hold his own in the best company. This is very gratifying, as amateurs of the present day seem to neglect that particular adjunct to billiards. It certainly would improve their hazard striking, and this is often their fatal stroke.

I know certain competitors in the handicap who fancied themselves immensely for the prize list. But the first round has been sufficient to upset their calculations. Nevertheless, they have already intimated their intention of having another "cut" next season. That is real sport. By the time these lines are in print the first round will have been concluded.

and thus early the competition can be put down as the most successful yet held. It says a deal for the interest displayed by members that not a single "scratching" has been recorded. Sixty-four heats were decided without a hitch.

Mr. Secretary Waite must be congratulated on his success as a "whip."

It is good news to hear from Mr. Percy Wood himself that he intends entering for next season's competition, and that his present lapse is only temporary. It would be a pity were this excellent player lost to the handicap.

Some few years back billiard matches between teams representing clubs, etc., were of frequent occurrence, but for some reason this form of competition has dropped out.

A suggestion by Mr. Waite, therefore, is particularly encouraging at the present moment. He is confident that he could organize a team of from three to six players that would give any other team some really good games. The idea is splendid, for this develops the social side of sport and introduces an extra keenness between rival cueists. The challenge, if it may be so called, is directed to no association in particular, but I, personally, would like to put it before the Lambeth Carlton Club. I have, on a few occasions, formed one of their team, and have enjoyed some sporting games against other clubs, besides meeting good sportsmen, and I feel certain they could raise a learn to oppose the Stock Exchange. Amongst other prominent players the "Club" used to possess, were Messrs. W. J. Richmond (not unknown on 'Change), Blanchett, Fewings, Bramble, and Little. Both the Club headquarters and the Stock Exchange headquarters are ideal places for a competition of this description, and it would tend to popularize the pastime. I trust the idea will materialize.

I should like to draw the attention of members to Mickey Clarke. For over twenty years Mickey was head marker at the Palmerston, but last year he had a set-back in the shape of a serious illness from which he has not properly recovered. He is now installed at the famous Horse Shoe Hotel, Tottenham Court Road, where he would be pleased to see old faces.

Some remarkably close finishes marked the closing stages of the first round of the Handicap, especially that between Mr.

S. P. Smith (owes 50) and Mr. J. E. Seabrook (scratch), the former gaining the verdict by one point only. The loser will be consoled with a prize, however, for being the best loser.

There were only two points difference in the heat between Mr. P. L. Kittoe (owes 10) and Mr. L. Regensburg (rec. 30), the latter qualifying for the second round by this margin.

In striking contrast to the above-mentioned games was that contested by Mr. E. C. Garland (owes 20) and Mr. E. W. Spring (scratch), the former cantering home with an advantage of 166 points. Mr. Garland played at the top of his form, but Mr. Spring, whose first appearance it is in the competition was badly handicapped. This will be rectified next season.

Another record has been created and also noted in the "blue book." Mr. C. D. Chapman (rec. 70) was assisted to victory over Mr. S. Burn (owed 50) by the aid of thirteen flukes, and I believe he had a penchant for 5, and even 8, shots. Good luck to him—should that be necessary.

Further Stock Exchange Billiard Handicap Results

The second round starts on January 5. The draw is as follows: —

• C. Freeman (owes 20) v. V. Blumenthal (rec. 130).
• E. Glassborow (owes 10) v. E. C. Garland (owes 20).
• H. M. Faircloth (rec. 30) v. B. W. Thornton (owes 50).
• W. Babbington (rec. 20) v. R. Hill (rec. 90).
• A. H. Bevis (rec. 20) v. H. P. Smith (rec. 30).
• P. Shakleton (rec. 130) v. H. Isaacs (owes 100).
• C. Rogers (rec. 20) v. W. Townshend (rec. 70).
• A. C. Hill (rec. 50) v. H. O. W. Holmes (scr.).
• R. Moy (rec. 20) v. H. H. King (rec. 25).
• E. Gregory (rec. 25) v. E. B. Cooke (owes 40).
• F. E. Yates (owes 110) v. C. L. Yates (rec. 40).
• W. D. Waite (owes 120) v. P. Levy (rec. 75).
• E. Blakeway (owes 20) v. H. Sonn (rec. 40).
• W. Hook (owes 30) v. E. Henderson (scr.).
• H. Barlow (owes 40) v. J. R. Cocke (owes 20).
• E. H. B. Smith (scr.) v. S. H. Kittoe (rec. 30).
• P. Tharp (owes 40) v. J. P. Coxall (rec. 20).
• L. McCalla (rec. 70) v. H. V. Jones (owes 40).
• R. W. Webster (rec. 40) v. E. G. Butcher (rec. 40).
• H. Pitts (rec. 90) v. S. M. Llewellyn (rec. 40).
• A. R. Lacey (rec. 40) v. S. P. Smith (owes so).
• L. Regensburg (rec. 30) v. R. E. Rutter (scr.).
• A. L. Pattisson (rec. 50) v. C. H. Moon (rec. 20).
• H. M. Collard (owes 10) v. C. Chapman (rec. 70).
• J. Aarons (owes 20) v. E. A. Simpson (rec. 50).
• R. J. Bullett (owes 120) v. V. L. Harrington (owes 300).
• R. Steward (rec. 40) v. G. Hoone (rec. 40).
• E. Mumford (rec. 20) v. W. M. D. Edwards (rec. 10).
• H. Russell (rec. 50) v. G. R. Alexander (rec. 80).
• A. E. Block (rec. 70) v. R. B. Gurney (rec. 20).
• F. de Leste (rec. 50) v. P. Harwitz (owes 300).
• D. Ingram (scr.) v. W. Brett (rec. 26).