Arthur Smith (historian)

[1][4][5] In October 1907 Smith paid a visit to Ruskin College on behalf of a group of some of his university colleagues.

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.

His youngest daughter Barbara married Sir Hugh Cairns the first Nuffield Professor of Surgery.