Green’s Dictionary of Slang

handies n.

In phrases

play at handies (v.) (also play handies)

(Aus.) of a pair of lovers, to hold hands.

1910		Sun. Times (Perth) 17 Apr. 2nd sect. 9/1: They Say [...] That the game of playing handies in full view of the rightful is far over the fence.
1911		E. Dyson ‘An Amorous Boy’ in Benno and Some of the Push 177: Look’ere, you’ll cop sock-o every time I get onter yeh playin’ handies, ’r doin’ duckie with our hemployees.
1916		C.J. Dennis ‘Duck An’ Fowl’ in Moods of Ginger Mick 16: There’s a shickered toff slings Rosie goo-goo eyes. [...] Then ’e tries to play at ’andies, an’ arrange about a meet; / But Rosie fetches ’im a welt that shifts ’im in ’is seat.
1924		G.H. Lawson Dict. of Aus. Words And Terms 🌐 HANDIES, PLAYING—Sweethearts holding hands.