DEATH OF HON. W. C. SMITH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10182, 7 March 1911, Page 5

DEATH OF HON. W. C. SMITH.

The Hon. W. C. Smith, M.L.C., after ten days' illness due to pneumonia, died at Waipukurau on Sunday afternoon. The deceased, who was in his 67th year, was born in London and educated at' the Barnefc High School. He came to the Dominion in 1862 by the ship lEgmont, landing in Lytteioon. worn thence he proceeded to Auckland, where lie served through the Waikato War. in the Volunteers, for . which lie received the JNew Zealand war medal. In 1872 Mr Smith started in. business at Waipukurau, and identified himself with, the advancement' of that ■ place; 'I wo years atterwards he was elected a member of the local road board',, and was chairman for fourteen years. In 18V 7 he was 'ected to the County Council, and remained eighteen " years , on that body, six years of which he was chairman. In 1881 .lie entered the political arena, and defeated the Hon. J. D. Ormond after a most exciting .contest. -tie represented the Warpawa electorate for over 12 years, and for three years was seniorl whip to the Ballance Government: In'the session ,of 1882 he moved a resolution for the increase of the wages of railway employees, and in recognition of liis successful services on- their behalf, was presented by that body with. ,t< magnificent gold watcli, suitably 'engraved* and an illuminated address. <He also for ! s|vera| : sessions carried a vote of £6OOO ilor a' subsidy to public li-f braries, and. was the father of the lease dti .perpetuity clause of the Land Act. After a vei*y active politicar career he was compelled 7 by ill health to retire from public life and from his many local appointments. He > was instrumental in> naving uie vv a.puKurau tramc" bridge erected at a cost of £6OOO, and a great many other local works done in the district. The deceased was chairman of the county hospital for many years, in which 'he ■took a great interest. In 1895 he was called to the Upper House, and Decame Chairman of Committees m IVO2, which position lie held till 1908.