Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/292

 The presentation of a testimonial from the Heads of Australian Banks in London had a double significance. It not only expressed their appreciation of his Empire work but it set the seal of approval upon its financial aspect. Bankers are proverbially long-headed, and when they are pleased to approve a scheme it is high time for all talk of "visionaries and dreamers" to cease.

H. H. was a Fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute, a Fellow of King's College, London, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Some years before his death his name was put forward as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, and had he lived his friends hoped to see this bestowed upon him, supported as it was by the greatest names in England.

Throughout his political life, his efforts were encouraged by words of appreciation from the highest to the poorest in the land. He was honoured on more than one occasion by a letter of thanks from Queen Victoria, King Edward, and Queen Alexandra. At the other end of the scale he appreciated the pious wish of an unknown admirer who wrote, "A Birmingham navvy desires to congratulate you on your success—Penny Postage. I should like to have the job to excavate for foundation of your monument."

During H. H.'s visit to Australia in 1912 his services were recognized by the bestowal of a baronetcy by the King. A public welcome awaited him on his return to London, under the auspices of the British Empire League. Lord Blyth, with Lord Curzon, arranged the form of the welcome, and the presentation of an illuminated album, containing over a thousand signatures, and the appreciations of distinguished and