SMITH, FRANCIS HENRY (1868-1936) was born at Long Bay, Tasmania, and came to New Zealand with his parents, who were interested successively in the Rollesby, Mistake and Wolds stations in the Mackenzie country. Smith was educated at Burkes Pass and Timaru main school, and after spending a few years under his father bought Albury Park, held it for some years and then purchased Waratah, where he farmed for the remainder of his life. He was a competent flockmaster, exhibited sheep with success in many shows and exported stud sheep to South America. As a young man he was a fine athlete (440 yards hurdles and captain of the Mackenzie football club), and he was for a while lieutenant in the Mackenzie Mounted Rifles. He was a member of the Timaru harbour board and the High School board. He contested Timaru against Hall-Jones (1902) and Waitaki against Steward (1909), and was elected for the latter seat in 1911. Standing for Timaru in 1914, he was defeated by Craigie. Smith died on 17 Aug 1936.

Timaru Herald, 18 Aug 1936; The Press, 19 Aug 1936. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 158

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