19Sydney – the early years
In the 1880s, a Dutch immigrant, Henry Konings, arrived in New South Wales. He was an embalmer by trade. And a very skilful one at that. His greatest attributes, however, were a fierce determination and a capacity for hard work. He brought his wares and tools to Australia, but no family. This was to be a new life. No one ever found out the reasons behind his self-imposed exile. He opened an embalming emporium and funeral parlour in Hunter Street in Sydney. His business boomed, there then being a dearth of well-credentialed embalmers in the colony. He soon branched out into other areas. He was able to apply his embalming skills to fruit preserving, cordials and small goods. He dabbled in leathers, rope, clothes, hardware. There was a need for everything. Konings
