THE HON. S. G. SMITH

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1930, Page 12

THE HON. S. G. SMITH

Tho Hon. ISydney George Smith has been a staunch supporter of Liberal principles for a number of years. He was born in New Plymouth in 1879, and is a-son of the late Mr. E. M. Smith, who represented Taranaki in the House of Representatives for some _ years. After receiving his education in New Plymouth, Mr. Smith joined the railway service, of which he was a member for 20 years. While in the railway service he took a keen interest in' trades union matters, and he held a high position in tlie councils of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. Mr. Smith also took a close interest in ediir catioital matters, and he served on tho New Plymouth Education Board, the High School Board of Governors, the Technical College Committee, the ■'Taranaki School Committees' Association, and tho Life Saving Society. For some time he was chairman of *he Education Board. Mr. Smith first entered Parliament in 1918, when he won the Taranaki seat at a by-election. He was returned again in 1919 and 1922, but at the 1925 election he«had to accept defeat at the hands of Mr. C. E. Bellringer. At tho last election in 1928, however, Mr. Smith again headed the poll, and as a recognition of faithful service ho received the appointment of Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives. Tho onerous duties of this' position he carried out with gera t ability, earning the warm commendation of all sections of the House. When the Government decided to set up a recess committee t to consider amendments to ■ the Workers' Compensation Act, Mr. Smith was appointed ejiairman. During last' session Mr. Smith acted as chairman of tho following Solcct Committees: House, Industrie's aiid Commerce, Joint ou ; Bills, Joint on Standing. Orders on Private Bills, Labour Bills, and Selection. He was also a member of the committee which undertook the task of revising the Standing Orders. Mr. Smith is one of the ■ best. known and most popular members of tho present Parliament, and his preferment is likely to be received with approbation not only by members of the United Party, but by members of the other parties as well. Gratification will, also be expressed in the Taranaki district, where Mr. Smith is stated to be personally known to every man, woman, and child. Mr. Smith is a married man with a family of six. MR. SMITH CONGRATULATED. At a special general meeting of the New Zealand Boxing Association today, a motion was passed congratulating tho Hon. S. G. Smith on his appointment to Cabinet. It was stated that. Mr. Smith had been an enthusiastic supporter of boxing in Taranaki, and had attended several annual meetings of the New Zealand Association.