Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/129

 inconsiderable fortunes. There was a fair sprinkling of youthful-looking Scotch engineers, who appeared to be drawing princely salaries until one understood something of the cost of living in South America.

Rio Harbour proved all and more than its admirers claimed for it. It enabled H. H. to join that fortunate company who can boast of having seen the three most beautiful harbours in the world—Sydney, Yokohama, and Rio.

In Buenos Ayres, H. H. and Lady Heaton were entertained to luncheon at the Jockey Club by Mr Hicks Beach, the First Secretary at the British Legation, a nephew of the famous Chancellor of the Exchequer. It was a much harassed Postmaster-General, bombarded by "reforms" by H. H. on one side, and refused supplies by Sir Michael Hicks Beach on the other, who described himself as between the devil and the deep blue sea. "I refer to the Right Honourable the Chancellor of the Exchequer as the sapphirine ocean." During his short stay, H. H. had very little time to explore the country; but he was much impressed by all he saw and heard of its prosperity. Naturally, he found many points of comparison between the pastural and agricultural aspects of South America and Australia. For the emigrant with no capital but plenty of energy he thought Australia offered the best prospects, but for the man with some capital to invest he thought the Argentine would yield quicker results.

As I have said, it was H. H.'s custom to visit Australia every few years, spending any time between three days and three weeks in Sydney. The mailboats always stop at least twelve hours at Ceylon,