James Smith (journalist)

James Smith (1820 – 19 March 1910) was an English-born Australian journalist and encyclopedist, leader-writer and dramatic critic for the Melbourne Age.

Smith was born at Loose near Maidstone, Kent, England, son of James Smith, supervisor of inland revenue, and his wife Mary. Smith junior was initially educated for the church, however, he took up journalism and at the age of 20 was editing the Hertfordshire Mercury and County Press. In 1845 he published Rural Records or Glimpses of Village Life, which was followed by Oracles from the British Poets (London, 1849), Wilton and its Associations (Salisbury, 1851), and Lights and Shadows of Artist Life and Character (1853).

In 1854 Smith emigrated to Victoria, Australia and became a leader-writer and drama critic on The Age and first editor of the weekly Melbourne Leader. He joined the staff of The Argus in 1856 and wrote leading articles, literary reviews, and dramatic criticism. He also wrote leading articles for country papers. Feeling the strain of overwork in 1863 he intended making a holiday visit to Europe, but was offered and accepted the post of librarian to the Victorian parliament.

Smith was not content to merely carry out the routine duties of his position, he had always been a tireless worker, and during his five years librarianship he reclassified and catalogued about 30,000 volumes. The office was temporarily abolished in 1868, and Smith resumed his duties on The Argus, and continued to work for it until he retired in 1896 at the age of 76. He still, however, did much journalistic work, and even when approaching the age of 90 was contributing valued articles to The Age under the initials J. S.

Smith was the first to suggest the foundation of a National Gallery; his influence on Melbourne art was great as trustee of the Public Library, Museums and National Gallery of Victoria (1880–1910) and treasurer of the trustees from 1888. As a drama critic Smith was productive and able, although not as experienced or competent as fellow critic James Edward Neild. Smith helped Louis Buvelot to gain recognition as an artist, and his favourable review of the work of the then unknown Tom Roberts in 1881 showed his ability to recognize potential talent.

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