The Henson Journals

[439]

Monday, September 15th, 1913.

I am bothered about this 'opening address' to the Worker's Educational Association, which, if my calendar deceives me not, I am pledged to deliver on the 3rd October. A few days later I am to speak in Edinburgh on 'The Problem of Leisure'. Perhaps I might fairly make one performance a rehearsal for the other. The Problem is (1) novel, (2) urgent, (3) extremely difficult. On these 3 pretty obvious heads, I may have some observations. Then must come some suggestions for solving the Problem: & here one must needs distinguish between the young and the adult.

The former have two distinctive needs which must be satisfied out of working hours – exercise of muscles, & courting. We may, perhaps, add a third, amusement, for, though recreation in some form is indispensable for every age, in the case of the young it must take a specific form. It must also be remembered that for most young people under 20 years of age, leisure must still serve an educational purpose. Civic & social duties will, of course, fill the leisure of those who are able to recognize & fulfil them: but these will be limited to that section of the artisans which is intelligent, informed, & trusted. Religious interest may come under this head.

[440]

We drove out with our hostess after lunch into Aberfeldy, & there had tea with Mrs Russell, whose husband, a K.C., rents a house from Lord Bredalbane, in which his Lordship was born. The garden is a dream of beauty. Mr Russell, evidently an enthusiast for flowers & a born gardener, himself plans everything: & the work is done by one gardener & a lad! The blend & blaze of colour was indescribable. One thought with sadness of the near & fatal ravage of the frost.

At tea came the Bp. of Edinburgh who is staying somewhere near, a bland unangled man, welcome at tea–tables!

Then we drove to Castle Menzies, the stripped and vacant mansion of a notable Highland family now sunk into irrecoverable decline. Our hostess, whose knowledge of the personal histories of Scotland is astonishing, told us the melancholy & rather sordid story, while we admired the magnificent garden, built up against the mountain side, & commanding a noble prospect. The mansion and property are now in the market, & will probably be bought by some new millionaire, who will efface the past by some brazen edifice & new habit of splendour. The only Highlander left here will be the bronze figure who stands beside the Tay at General Wade's Bridge to commemorate the 42nd ! The views of the mountains in the level evening light were wonderful.

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