In Hong Kong, Smith was appointed principal assistant colonial secretary in 1931, director of education in 1933 and secretary for Chinese affairs in 1934. He served as colonial secretary from 1936 to 1941 and acting governor on several occasions.[1]
In 1962, Smith and Sir Robert Kotewall published translations for The Penguin Book of Chinese Verse.[1]
In 1914, Smith married Maud Violet Banister in Hong Kong.[2] He returned to England after retirement and died in Selham, aged 80.[1]