Mr Charles Patrick Smith
- Position
- Member Centenary Committee
- Committee group
- Executive; Publicity (chair); Aerial; Finance
- Year of death
- 1963
- Plaque number
- FB22
- Dedicated by
- Kings Park Board on 29 September 1929
- More information
Biography abstract:
Charles Patrick Smith (3/10/1877 - 5/8/1963) was born in Ontario, Canada and his family moved to Bendigo, Victoria when he was a child.
He went to Wesley College, Melbourne and at the age of 17 became assistant proof reader on 'Melbourne Sportsman', writing articles on athletics and swimming which were accepted by other newspapers.
After many attempts at joining the 'Argus', he was eventually accepted to work in the compositing room where he remained for nine years.
In 1911, he was accepted on the reporting staff of the 'Argus' where he distinguished himself as a political reporter. He was a war correspondent serving in the Mediterranean including Gallipoli and Salonika.
His style of reporting blended the grim facts with cheerful anecdotes, contributing to the legend of Anzac.
Smith became chief of the literary staff of the 'Argus' on his return to Australia and later chief of staff. He represented the Australian Press Association in 1921 at an Imperial Conference.
Later he was appointed assistant general manager of the 'Argus'.
In 1927, he came to 'West Australian' to become a director. Mr Smith retired in 1951 with a wide range on interests which included literature, theatre, baseball and cricket (the Smith Cup was donated by him for a competition between the 'Daily News' and 'West Australian' staff).
Mr Charles Smith was director of WA Broadcasters Ltd and a member of several groups of the Western Australian Centenary Committee in 1929 (Executive; chairperson of Publicity; Aerial; Finance).
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