Started in 1898, the Stock Exchange Billiards Association has gradually worked up from a very moderate beginning to quite a big thing. It has promoted a handicap every season, with a few necessary exceptions, including the period of the war, when most of its members were taking part in that other form of sport which consisted in teaching the Germans how "the game" should be played.
There was a modest total of 28 entries for the first handicap, for which the prizes were respectively £4, £2, and £1. On this momentous occasion Mr. R. J. Bullett, one of the back markers, had the honour of securing the first prize. The hon. secretary then was Mr. P. Parnwell, and he was ably assisted in his duties by Mr. Syd. Harwitz, who practically originated the Association.
Mr. Parnwell held office until 1905, when Mr. Bullett carried on the good work for a year, after which the reins were held by Mr. W. S.
Ranger. The latter retired in 1909-10, since when Mr. W. Dryden Waite has been the hon.
secretary of the Association. Many times has Mr. Waite threatened to retire from the exacting position, and just as often has the voice of the majority prevailed upon him to continue.
Ever ready to consider the wishes of the members, Mr. Waite has "carried on," and, it should be said, with every possible success.
From 1898 to 1900 the competition was staged at White's Room in Sherborne Lane, but during the season 1902 it was played at Raymond's Hotel, London Wall. This hotel was then demolished, and so another rendezvous had to be found. The committee fortunately secured the Palmerston Restaurant, Old Broad Street, which became the headquarters until the war broke out. Of the 126 members, no fewer than 88 joined the Forces. Of this number five were killed or died of wounds.
After the welcome peace, a resumption was made at the Lime Street Billiard Saloon last season, and the present handicap is being played at Simpson's famous Restaurant, Cheapside, where every evening during its run anyone interested can drop in and be sure of witnessing at least one or two keen games.
In the year 1904 Mr. R. Young became the first president, and he held this position until 1909, when the Association had the misfortune to lose his services, but they were just as lucky to obtain Mr. Cassel, who filled the post for five years. Since the war Mr. Robert Lumsden has been the president.
To show the advance made in the prize list it is worthy of mention that this year the winner will hold the handsome challenge cup and a prize to the value of twelve guineas. The runner-up receives the value of ten guineas, the third six guineas, the fourth four guineas, and the fifth and sixth two guineas each. In addition to this generous list there are innumerable cues and cases for the makers of the highest breaks, best losers, etc.
The second prize is presented by Messrs Burroughes & Watts, who have also given two of the cues and cases
Apart from the handicap, a championship was inaugurated in 1913, the cup being presented by Mr. Coath. Mr. Phil. Harwitz was the winner, and as he was also successful in 1914 and 1920 the trophy became his property.
Past winners and runners-up have been: 1898-9, R. J. Bullett (owed 90), W. Goodwin (owed 40); 1900-1, W. Folks (scratch), G. Briggs (rec. 30); 1902-3, C. Golding (rec. 80), C. Gothard (rec. 10); 1903-4, S. Harwitz (owed 250), A. S. Phillips (rec. 25); 1904-5, A. S. Phillips (owed 30), H. E. Cuthbertson (owed 150); 1905-6, S. Harwitz (owed 250), R. J. Bullett (owed 100); 1906-7, H. Henson (rec. 25), S. M. Burtt (rec. 30); 1907-8, E. J. Richardson (scratch), W. D. Waite (owed 125); 1908-0., F. E. Yates (owed 100), H. Henson (scratch); 1909-10, W. H. L. Goolden (owed 225), L. L. Burtt (scratch); 1910-11, P. Wood (owed 200), D. M. Lewis (rec. 20); 1911-12, A. Morris (rec. 25); R. Saunders (rec. 30); 1912-13, R. E. Norton (rec. 90), H. Collard (rec. 30); 1913-14, R. J. Moy (rec. 20), A. R. Lacey (rec. 40); 1919-20, D. F. Brown (rec. 20), D. Ingram (scratch).
Thanks to the kindly interest taken in the Association by Mr. J. R. Abbott, managing director of Messrs. Burroughes & Watts, Ltd., last year's final was played at the firm's saloon in Soho Square, and he has again granted the use of the Hall for this season's final.
The following members gained distinctions during the war:— Mr. R. Saunders (R.N.V.R.), D.S.O.; Mr. T. Cassey, M.C.; Mr. R. Heather, M.C.; Mr. W. A. Murrane, M.C.; Mr. W. T. Sawyer, M.C.; Mr. E. C. B. Collins, M.C. and Order of the Crown of Italy; Mr. J. R. Cocke, Order de Leopold and Croix de Guerre; Mr. N. B. May, O.B.E. Mr. W. H. Aslin, Mr. N. B. May (twice), and Mr. W. T. Sawyer were mentioned in dispatches.
The following laid down their lives in the great cause: Mr. Gordon Alexander (mentioned in dispatches), Mr. E. O. Blakeway, Mr. F. C. Everett, Mr. W. F. Reay, and Mr. C. Warre.