Career
Matthews became the Secretary of the Central Chamber of Agriculture in 1901 and continued in this role until 1927. In 1926, Matthews took a reduction in his salary of £120 to ensure that the finances of the Central Chamber remained stable, in return for a decrease in expenditure. Matthews was President of the Institute of Traffic Administration and also President of the Industrial Transport Association.
Matthews was also a President of the Mansion Housing Association and a Chairman of Fraser Trust Limited.
Matthews also sat on the Agricultural Committee of the British Science Guild. In Parliament, Lord Lloyd referenced Sir Herbert, saying "I need not tell your Lordships who Sir Herbert Matthews is or cite the value of his authority to you: it is well known.".
