Cecil Clementi Smith

Sir Cecil Clementi Smith (23 December 1840 – 6 February 1916), was a British colonial administrator.

Background The son of an Essex rector, John Smith, and his wife Cecilia Susanna Clementi (daughter of Muzio Clementi), Cecil Clementi Smith received his education at St Paul's School and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. In 1864, he began his civil service career as a cadet interpreter in Hong Kong, learning much about the Chinese culture and gradually becoming an accomplished scholar of the Chinese culture. Clementi Smith took office in Singapore as a Colonial Secretary in the Straits Settlements, and understudied Governor Frederick Weld. His knowledge of Chinese culture and competence in the language proved useful as he was able to communicate effectively with leaders of the growing Chinese community.

Smith became known for his effective work in quelling Chinese secret societies in the Straits Settlements, such as those in Singapore which had been terrorising locals for decades. He also established the Queen's Scholarships in 1889 to fund bright Singaporean students to further their studies in top British universities.

Subsequently, he was Lieutenant Governor of Ceylon, and the Master of the Mercers' Company in 1897. He was president of the commission of inquiry on the Trinidad riots in 1903, and was chief British delegate to the First International Opium Convention at The Hague in 1912.

Family Clementi Smith married Teresa Alice Newcomen; they had three sons and four daughters. Clementi Smith died in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, on 6 February 1916, aged 75. His nephew was Sir Cecil Clementi, who also served as Governor of the Straits Settlements and in other administrative positions in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Honours and awards Clementi Smith was invested with Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1880, Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1886 and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) in 1892.

He was also appointed as Privy Counsellor in 1906.