Smith left Trinity, and began to teach at Balliol, in 1879. He became a
Fellow there in 1882. He was
Dean in 1907, and was
Master 1916–1924. In October 1907 Smith paid a visit to
Ruskin College on behalf of a group of some of his university colleagues. He broached the idea of bringing Ruskin closer to the University, suggesting that this would involve the University providing funds for the College, and allowing Ruskin College students to join the University. Although this was warmly received by a couple of students, the bulk asked him what the University wanted in return. When he was unable to give a clear reply, the bulk of the students – drawing on their experience as trade union negotiators – became suspicious that the proposal would lead to the erosion of the college's independence. These concerns were vindicated when following a visit from
Lord Curzon where the proposal was repeated and
Dennis Hird, a lecturer in
Sociology and
Logic responded informing Curzon that as far as the students were concerned Ruskin College was irrevocably part of the
Labour movement, which they envisaged making great changes in society presently. It subsequently transpired that certain members of the Ruskin College had been planning to sack Hird and to alter the curriculum by replacing Sociology and Logic with literature and temperance. Smith was important in developing
history teaching. He was a close friend of the pomologist
Ronald Hatton. ==Personal life==