The retirement of Mr. A. J. Balfour brings to mind the fact that years ago, when John Roberts was performing so brilliantly at the Egyptian Hall, the late leader of the Conservatives was a frequent patron of the game. When Parliament was sitting it was by no means unusual for him to witness the play as often as twice a week, and it seems at that time he was almost as keen on billiards as he now is on golf.
Mr. Asquith must also be reckoned as one of the devotees of the game, and is numbered among the many distinguished patrons of J. P. Mannock. He, too, was a frequent spectator when John Roberts was at his zenith, and always followed every move of the game with the closest interest.
The late Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman must be added to the list of famous politicians who have sought relaxation in the game of billiards, as when he was Prime Minister Thurstons had the honour of fitting up a table for his use at his official residence. With all these precedents it is rather strange that a billiard table is not to be found in the House of Commons, so often called the finest club in the country.