Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/71

 in the political world, it was unfortunately still more out of favour in Royal circles. Local tradition ascribed this feeling to an incident that occurred when Queen Victoria visited Canterbury with the late King Edward as a baby. One enthusiastic woman stepped forward and planted a kiss on the royal brow of the slumbering infant with a resounding "Bless his little heart." Her Majesty was deeply offended and for many years never again set foot in the city. Great therefore were the rejoicings when in 1897 the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Canterbury and the loyal citizens once again basked in the smiles of royalty.

H. H. frequently took his friends down to Canterbury, knowing how much pleasure and interest they would find in the beautiful old city. Sir Joseph Ward, the late Premier of New Zealand, was among the friends who visited the town, accompanied by the Member. The occasion was the presentation of a flag from the children of Canterbury, New Zealand, to the children of Canterbury, Kent. It was a happy idea, resulting in an exchange of letters between the two places so widely separated, forging one more link between the mother country and her Colonies.

Another welcome visitor was Sir George Reid, the High Commissioner for Australia. H. H.'s friendship with Sir George dated back to the days of early manhood, and knew no diminution throughout the long strenuous years they were both destined to enjoy. On arrival at Canterbury, there was some competition among the various cab-drivers for the privilege of conveying the Member and his distinguished guest to the hotel. This drew forth a reminiscence from Sir George of a similar experience in Australia, when