Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/33

 newspapers a funeral wreath arrived at the house! But his wife's devoted nursing undoubtedly saved his life. When all hope was over and he was thought to be sinking, she had the courage to disobey the doctors, who had stopped further nourishment as useless. She insisted on continuing the treatment so long as life remained unextinguished. Her calmness and courage won the day, and she had the joy of nursing him back to restored health and vigour.

For ten years after their marriage they made their home in Australia, during which time John Henniker Heaton became connected with the public life of Sydney. He was the author of a standard book of reference, "The Australian Dictionary of Dates and Men of the Time."

In 1882, he stood for Parliament as a candidate for the electorate of young New South Wales, but was defeated by a small majority. Mr P. W. Crowe, of Brisbane, has supplied the following notes:

"It is now three and thirty years since I first met Sir John Henniker Heaton, when I was a candidate with him in his first entry into political life.

"He was then in the prime of life, a man of imposing presence, well built, tall, dark, and active, while his bearing was extremely courteous and kind to all.

"The elections of New South Wales about this time were of an exciting character. The education question was at fever height. The abolition of state aid to Denominational Schools was uppermost in the minds of the people. Archbishop Vaughan took a great part in the controversy as well as other Roman Catholic and Anglican Clergy, who eloquently opposed the onslaught of the Parks Government on the schools.