The Henson Journals

[96]

1st Sunday in Lent, March 9th, 1919.

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I celebrated in the Cathedral at 8 a.m. After breakfast Dr Patterson gave me my second injection. Then I wrote to the Lord Chancellor urging him to transfer Nelson from Leominster to Rookhope. Is this a case of 'doing evil that good may come'? or, Is it more truly described as an attempt to remedy a mistake viz: the mistake of placing a 'round' man in a 'square' hole? There came to lunch Mr & Mrs Day, & Lady Lucas Tooth. The latter tells me that she must leave Holm Lacy, & that the property will again be offered for sale. The great houses are becoming empty, & threaten to become uninhabitable, for the heavy taxes, and the difficulty of obtaining domestic servants are making their occupation extremely difficult except for the wealthiest people.

Bannister came to see me. He showed me a type–written circular from the "Life & Liberty" committee, signed "W. Temple", which had been sent to him as the Secretary of the Diocesan Conference. It urged that, in view of the action of the R.C.C. resolutions in favour of "Self–government" should be introduced into the Dioc: Conf. Thus is "public opinion" manufactured.

I preached at S. Martin's. Lilley & Riddell accompanied me. There was a considerable congregation. The church is odious from every point of view. My sermon was a failure, & the people took out their resentment in coughing!!

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