A handshake between player and referee
Edinburgh Evening News, Thursday 13 January 1938
“LOST HIS TEMPER”
A handshake between player and referee and a frank speech of apology to the spectators, provided a happy sequel at Thurston’s Hall, London, last night, to a heated scene during the afternoon session of the snooker match, in which Willie Smith, of Darlington, who is playing Tom Newman, took exception to the allegation of the referee, Charles Chambers, that he had made an intentional miss.
In the third game Smith studied a snooker position on the blue with the white ball in the baulk area and the reds together at the top of the table. Playing towards the bottom cushion, apparently intending to send the cue-ball up the table. Smith missed the reds by some inches.
“GET ON WITH IT”
Chambers immediately said, “That was an intentional miss.”
Smith retorted warmly: “I disagree. You are giving out that I am not a sportsman. I have a good mind to finish with the game now. If I wanted to miss there would be no need to leave a ball ‘on.'”
Chambers: Mr Smith, I am here to administer the rules. I do not make them.
There was another incident later, and there were cries of “Get on with it, Smith.” At this stage several spectators departed, the Duke of Roxburghe being among those who walked out. There were calls of “Forget it,” from those who remained and Smith said warmly. “The public may be prepared to forget it, but I am not.”
As players and referee left the hall after the session, Chambers said to Smith, “Unless I receive an apology from you. I refuse to referee for you to-night.”
Smith replied, “You need not worry about that. I am cogitating about whether I will or will not play to-night.”