In recognition of his having held the title of professional champion of billiards in the Sunderland district for 23 years, Sidney Pemberton has been entertained at dinner by local sportsmen, and presented with a substantial cheque.
Making the presentation, Councillor Wilson mentioned that W. Smith had sent a donation to the fund and wished Pemberton health and strength to continue to battle for the local championship of the best of all indoor games. They should all be very proud, Mr. Wilson said, at a smoking concert held later, that the exchampion of English billiards was a Durham county man, and he was, perhaps, the finest billiard player that the world had yet produced.
Replying, Pemberton expressed his gratitude to the many friends who had promoted the testimonial, and said that he had never had a more doughty opponent than in this season's match with George Thompson.
The latter also spoke, and said that next year the championship would be under the auspices of the new Control Association.