THE BILLIARD CHAMPION.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 11, 15 September 1900, Page 12

THE BILLIARD CHAMPION.

JOHN ROBERTS, t'ne greatest billiard player the world lias ever seen, will open a four niJits' season at the Opera House on Monday next. Mr Roberts will meet dm well known "Wellington champion su.'inr^urs, Messrs Cullimore and Faber, in a i wo nights' season each. Both these pJ i.vers are well known to knights of the one and ball, and interesting exhibitions can be expected by patrons of the skilful at t. Owing to the stall occupants not being able to see the gamp, the management have decided not to open this part of the house to the public. A splendid view can be obtained from tho other parts of the house, and the table, which is being manufactured by M- ssrs Wright, Ranish and Co., will be plac-d on the stage and surrounded by tiers of iaised seats, accommodating 150. Hi* Excellency the Governor has granted his patronage to and will be present at the Tuesday night's play. A flashlight photograph will be taken on the night of the Governor's visit. The box plan of the stage and dress circle seating is opened at Holliday's, and holders of season tickets (obtainableUat Batkin's. and Roy Brownes, Manners-street) can, on production at the booking office, reserve seats.

Mr Seddon seems to be making desperate exertions to bring the session to a close speedily. All-night sittings are the order of the day even at this early period of the session. The opinion is general that Mr Seddon intends to leave for San Francisco immediately after the prorogation, and, if he has any regard for his health, he cannot do better. Wairarapa Hornsby had a bad time of it at the House on Thursday afternoon, when he fell foul of the Local Bills Committee's report on the Carterton Water Supply Bill. Fact is that Mayor Deller and "our member" don't play in the same back yard, and the main objection on J.T.M.H.'s mind against the Bill is that Deller is its chief promoter. Hence the sultry time in the Committee when there was some hot words between mayor and member. In his paper, Hornsby promises Graham, Rhodes, and others who were agin him in the Committee a warm quarter of an hour when the Bill comes to its second reading. Hornsby is a clever, able man, but he lacks tact, and has the unhappy failing of regarding everyone who does not see eye to eye with him in matters political as his personal enemies.

Messis Keith & Huteheson, shipriggers and sailmakers, aie now installed in their new and commodious piemises on Jervois Quay, nearly opposite the Band Rotunda, where they are prepared to do tent, flag, and horse-cover work, as well as ship-rigging and sail-making. They aie stocked with marine supplies of all descriptions, including yacht gear and tackle of the latest kinds, and keep a staff of efficient woikpeople.