Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/135



We, the undersigned citizens of the Commonwealth desire to express to you our sincere congratulations for the long, arduous, and heroic fight you have made for Imperial Penny Postage throughout the Empire.

From your first speech in the British Parliament in 1886 till the adoption of Penny Postage in the Commonwealth last year, you have never failed or flagged in your unselfish devotion to this great principle.

You have had to fight against vested interests, prejudices, and apathy, and have often stood almost alone, but now, having triumphed, we thank you for your magnificent work.

Your name will be associated with our postal system in the future along with that of Sir Rowland Hill, and it will shine ever more brightly as the generations of men come and go.

We are glad the British Government has recognized the merit of your great services, and has granted you a Baronetcy in your life, as too often our greatest reformers are only recognized after death. That you may be long spared to enjoy the honour so nobly won is the desire of

In reply to a letter from H. H., describing his enjoyable visit to Australia, Lord Jersey wrote, from Middleton Park, Bicester, November 3rd, 1912: