Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/119

 it was only too true. The clerk in charge had forgotten to alter the date. Kindness suggests that a veil be dropped over the sufferings of the unfortunate postmaster, who sank into a fit of impenetrable gloom, from which H. H.'s sympathetic assurances that "these accidents will happen" could not suffice to arouse him.

It may here be mentioned that America was first in the field with a postmark that was clear and readable, with the date, hour, and place clearly printed. Under H. H.'s persistent efforts, the indecipherable smudge that obliterated the Royal features on our English stamps gave way to a fair imitation of the clean cancelling used in America.

In the winter of 1905–6, H. H. made one of his periodic visits to Australia. On this occasion he decided to make the return journey via Fiji and America, so that he might have the opportunity of seeing his son, Herbert, who was then in the Colonial Office in Fiji. The Governor at that date was Sir Everard im Thurn, who gave a most cordial welcome to H. H., and began a friendship which was continued by an exchange of letters for some years. H. H. was astonished to find such signs of civilization in far-off Fiji. Shops with plate-glass windows and electric light all seemed very far removed from the cannibal island of popular imagination.

It was a great pleasure to H. H. to see his son after so many years, and to hear of his early experiences in the Colonial Office of Fiji. As a very junior cadet he was sent out to make a report of a neighbouring island. His youthful enthusiasm received a slight check when the report was returned from head-quarters with the gentle reproof scribbled across it, "You