Sydney Smith (Australian politician)

Sydney Smith
Born	Colyton, New South Wales, Australia
Died	21 February 1934(1934-02-21) (aged 77) Croydon, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation(s)	Politician, auctioneer, land agent
Years active	1882–1906
Known for	Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly; Member of the Australian House of Representatives; Postmaster-General of Australia (1904–1905)

Sydney Smith (11 April 1856 – 21 February 1934) was a prominent Australian political figure who held seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly between 1882 and 1898, with a brief return in 1900, and subsequently represented the Division of Macquarie in the Australian House of Representatives from 1901 until 1906. He occupied the position of Postmaster-General of Australia during the Reid government from 1904 to 1905.

Early years

Smith was born in Colyton, New South Wales as the seventh offspring of Jane (née Laimbeer) and Thomas Smith, who worked as a publican and orchard owner. After receiving his education in Sydney, he commenced employment at the colonial Department of Public Works in 1870. Over time, he advanced from a porter role to stationmaster, eventually becoming chief clerk and assistant traffic manager.

In 1880, Smith departed from public service to partner with his brother Thomas Richard Smith, also a legislator, establishing a career as an auctioneer and land agent. He launched Sydney Smith & Co. in 1888 and expanded his interests by acquiring grazing properties.

State politics

Smith entered the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1882 representing East Macquarie, later shifting to represent Bathurst after the 1894 redistribution. Noted for his modest demeanor, he was appointed Secretary for Mines under Premier Henry Parkes in 1889 and became the inaugural Secretary for Agriculture in 1890, during which he founded Hawkesbury Agricultural College. Additionally, he held the office of Mayor of Leichhardt from 1888 to 1889.

Following a narrow defeat in the 1898 election—attributed partly to his opposition to federation—Smith contested a by-election against Edmund Barton without success. He briefly re-entered the Assembly through a Canterbury by-election in June 1900; however, his slim five-vote margin was overturned, leading to defeat in the subsequent poll.

Federal politics

Although initially outside federal parliament, Smith joined the executive committee of the Free Trade Party and prepared for participation in the newly formed federal legislature. In the first federal election of 1901, he stood for the seat of Macquarie, overcoming doubts stemming from his earlier anti-federation views and recent electoral setbacks. With backing from the local Loyal Orange Lodge and endorsement by Free Trade leader George Reid, Smith secured election. He successfully defended his seat in 1903 against challenger William Sandford.

As a senior member of the Free Trade Party on the opposition benches, Smith played a key role in bringing down the Chris Watson government, facilitating George Reid's appointment as Prime Minister. A steadfast ally of Reid, he served as Postmaster-General before exiting politics following defeat at the polls in 1906.

Personal life

In 1879, Smith married Sarah Jane Hockey; together they had six children. Their youngest son lost his life during the Gallipoli landings, while their eldest son became president of the New South Wales Cricket Association. After being widowed in 1907, Smith remarried in 1930 to nurse Annie Shand.

Upon retiring from political life, Smith resided at Thornton Hall, his family estate located at Penrith. After World War I, he served as president of the Sailors' and Soldiers' Fathers' Association. During the early 1920s, he allowed development of Penrith Speedway on his property; this venue hosted motor and motorcycle races and functioned as an airfield for aviators such as William Ewart Hart and Charles Ulm. Smith passed away at Croydon on 21 February 1934 at age seventy-seven.