Richard Henry Hart

[2] He followed his father in being a fine public speaker from an early age; he was also a talented young musician and school teacher.

[4] There is an intriguing public apology from Mr Charles Dumorguo for apparently impugning the Character of Hart and his school.

[2] In early 1883 Hart had a tilt at politics being the Liberal candidate for the seat of Stawell, but failed to beat the sitting member.

[9] Hart was a founding member of the Stawell branch Number 10 of the Australian Natives' Association (ANA) in 1880.

[10] As chief president he used his speaking skills to revitalise interest in the ANA and the broader issues of the time.

He spoke about proposals by the French Government to use New Caledonia as a penal colony for some of their worst convicts and Von Bismarck's actions in annexing part of New Guinea.

A friend of the family and Methodist minister, Reverend Thomas Williams, published a memoir describing his conduct during his last months as an ideal for all Christians to follow.

[12] In a letter to Hart's mother Alfred Deakin said "He was an eloquent speaker and swayed his audience with cultured enthusiasm .