Obituaries Australia

The death occurred at his home in Joel-terrace, East Perth, early this morning, of Mr. Martin James Smith, for some years past assistant sub-editor of the "West Australian." He had been under medical treatment for some time.

A capable journalist with experience in every branch of his profession, Mr. Smith, who was aged 61, had been associated with newspaper work since he was 18, at which age, he joined the "Hamilton Tribune," in Victoria, where he was born. He spent several years with that paper before coming to Western Australia in the early 'nineties. Like many others from the Eastern States, he found his way to the goldfields, and he started the "Southern Cross Times." Later he joined the reporting staff of the "Morning Herald," being its Fremantle representative when the paper was first published in Perth. He was then with the "Daily News" for a brief period, and in 1903 joined the "West Australian." He has been with that journal ever since, and has been assistant sub-editor for several years past. 

The Western Australian district of the Australian Journalists' Association will share the loss of the "West Australian," for few in his profession have served the association so valuably as he. He was the first president of the local association, and on the formation of the Federal body in 1911 he was elected president of the Western Australian district. He has held the position at various times since, his periods in the chair totalling 10 years. At the time of his death he was in his sixth successive term, having been re-elected unopposed each year. He had made himself conversant with every activity of the association, and was very zealous in his endeavors to achieve the aims of the association. The confidence he enjoyed among fellow members of the association is reflected in his long term as president. He held the association's gold badge for valuable service.

Journalists in Western Australia and throughout the Commonwealth will join with their comrades of the "West Australian" in mourning the loss of one who, down the long years, fulfilled the highest traditions of the profession, and endeared himself to all who met him by his broad sympathies and his kindliness of heart.

The late Mr. Smith is survived by a widow and two daughters, aged 11 and 8. The funeral will take place at 10.15 tomorrow morning.