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In 1912 a group of well known talented billiard players held a meeting at the Palace Billiard Hall in Rundle St. Adelaide operated by the late P.J.Brady and formed the Amateur Billiards Association of South Australia. It is understood that Mr. Brady acted as secretary and continued to do so for some years. The first state championships were held in late 1913 under the auspices of Mr. Brady and continued annually until 1933.Billiards of course being played exclusively.
In 1934 the Association moved and rented 1st floor city premises in central Grenfell St. where 3 tables were installed, the necessary finance was provide by 20 members who purchased 5 pound ($10)& 10 pound($20) debentures to a total of 200 pounds($400). These were finally redeemed in 1948. The main benefit from this move was, of course, meant we had control and were the sole tenants of the area rented and admission restricted to financial members of the Association only. The advantages that stemmed from such arrangements are obvious and it became the association's policy to endeavour to maintain this situation at all times.
Unfortunately in late 1957 the Grenfell St. building was demolished to provide for the construction of much larger premises and we became temporarily homeless, as at that time suitable premises were unavailable. However, to maintain continuity of membership a small room was rented near by over a café where members met for social discussion, just waiting for the opportunity to obtain premises suitable to the needs of the Association. In the meantime the 3 tables were stored.
The following year the Postal Institute kindly made 3 of their tables available on 1 night per week. By this time the membership had dwindled to 12 and each of them contributed 5 pounds ($10) annually to keep the Association afloat.
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