COLOURFUL AUSTRALIAN FIGURE DEAD

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 14, 12 October 1943, Page 5

COLOURFUL AUSTRALIAN FIGURE DEAD

SYDNEY, October 10. The death has occurred of Sir James Joynton Smith, one of the most colourful members of Australia’s business and sporting communities. Born in London, he wont to sea at the age of 14. later settling in Wellington, New Zealand, where he organized the Seamen’s and Firemen's Union nnd became first president of the Cooks’ and Pantrymen’s Union of New Zealand. Coming to Sydney 50 years ago, he acquired big hotel and real estate interests. He founded "Smith’s Weekly” and the “Daily Guardian.” but resigned the chairmanship of Smith's Newspapers in 1939. He was a prominent figure on the Turf, and backed the introduction of the Rugby League code into Australia by guaranteeing the first Australian visit of a British side. Sir Joynton Smith spent the first third of his life in Wellington. After his experience as president of the Cooks’ and Pantrvmen's Union lie was appointed manager of tin- Wellington Working Men's Cluli. lie married Miss Nellie Parkes, who some half a century ago used to play the leads with the Wellington Amateur Oper»a.Mc_SjZ.dej3>