What is “snooker?” Is it a game of skill or chance?

Stalybridge Reporter, Saturday 10 February 1912

What is “snooker?” Is it a game of skill or chance? Some people would say it is a form of billiards and a game of skill, while others would say that there is a great deal of chance about it. Reading between the lines in the little discussion on “snooker,” which took place at the Brewster Sessions on Monday, it would appear as if it were a favourite game with members of the Corporation when on deputation business. The matter arose in connection with a billiard license, and Mr. Simister’s assurance that snooker would be carefully avoided. “Do you take it for granted?” asked Dr. McCarthy, “that the Bench does know what ‘snooker’ is?” “From my knowledge of the Bench, and from various deputations. I am certain they do,” answered Mr. Simister. “I do not know,” said Dr. McCarthy. “You are not a member of the Corporation, doctor,” answered Mr. Simister, amid laughter. The Mayor looked surprised, and, in justice to him be it said, he also affirmed that he did not know what “snooker” was. “I know those deputations,” one might say. It would be interesting to see a cinematograph record of the next deputation.  Of course, no one would say that members of the Corporation’s deputations would play “snooker,” or that they know what it is, but what does it all mean?