Background
Smith was born at Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to William Smith and his wife Christina (née Duncan).
Smith was born at Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to William Smith and his wife Christina (née Duncan).
He was a publican in Maryborough and the proprietor of a night coffee stall in Queen Street, Brisbane, in 1900. Smith was President of the British Associated Friendly Societies Dispensary as well as a Past Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Foresters. When the Labour Party starting forming governments in Queensland, it found much of its legislation being blocked by a hostile Council, where members had been appointed for life by successive conservative governments.
After a failed referendum in May 1917, Premier Ryan tried a new tactic, and later that year advised the Governor, Sir Hamilton John Goold-Adams, to appoint thirteen new members whose allegiance lay with Labour to the Council.
In 1920, the new Premier Ted Theodore appointed a further fourteen new members to the Council with Smith amongst the appointees. He served until his death in June the next year.
