THE LATE STEPHENSON PERCY SMITH.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1922, Page 2

THE LATE STEPHENSON PERCY SMITH.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In your report of St. Mary’s Anglican Church annual meeting, published in the Nows on Friday, it is stated that earnest regret and sympathy was expressed on tlie death of Mr. Percy Smith as a good churchman and great citizen. Regret was also expressed that no royal or British scientific distinction had

ever been conferred on Mr. Smith In honor of his long and distinguished services to the literature and science of the Dominion. Whether or no any prominent local Anglican or others ever moved to procure such honors for Mr. Smith, I cannot say. I may, nevertheless, as a humble individual, state that for six years prior to Mr. Percy Smith’s death, I endeavored silently and persistently to have these honors conferred on him. 1 sought and elicited the sympathy and assistance of members of both Houses of Parliament, including the Hon. G. M. Thomson and the Hon. Oliver Samuel. The late Mr. H. J. Okey, after interviewing the Premier in the matter, informed mo by letter that “the matter would receive full consideration.” From then till now I have received no further communication from the Premier anent the request. Notwithstanding Mr. Smith’s valued researches in the anthropology, ethnology and philology of the races of the Pacific, his gentle and unassuming nature, and somewhat recluse life, prevented him from desiring or expecting royal or scientific honors. The New Zealand Institute honored Mr. Smith by electing him one of its first twenty-five members, and awarded him tlie Hector Medal for researches in the above ijientioned sciences. Though the State and British Scientific Institutions failed to honor Stephenson Percy Smith, his works will long be earnestly read, especially throughout Australasia and the Pacific Islands.—l am, etc., W. W. SMITH.