The Henson Journals

[45]

Monday, November 24th, 1919.

I wrote to George: and then went at the head of a deputation to the Police Court in order to oppose an extension of hours to the market pot–houses. Nothing could exceed the squalour of the police court. The result was disappointing. The hours were only increased from 2.30 to 4 pm. However, I suppose what I said may do some good.

Mr Jenner from Vennwood came to lunch. He is a clergyman from the diocese of Bath & Wells. His health is unsatisfactory, so he has resigned parochial work & come to live on a small property which belongs to him in this county. He is also the heir to an estate in Glamorgan, & desires to learn something about estate–mangagement before entering on his inheritance. He seemed both agreeable, and religious. After lunch, Ella and Mrs Lillie motored into the country to pay calls, and I walked for 1 1/2 hours. Then I wrote letters &c until dinner. There seems little time for reading: my days are consumed in the puerilities of diocesan administration, a hand to mouth existence hostile to any form of intellectual effort. When I read Ralph's Essays, I get vision of the abyss which is parting me from the power of achievement. It is a melancholy reflection!

[46]

November 24th, 1919.

My dear Lord Bryce,

I am greatly obliged to you for your note on the late Warden. Dicey & Gwyer have gone at some length into the merits of the law books: & the Speaker has contributed a full account of his parliamentary career. If you will allow me to add a note or two at the right places quoting your authority, I think that wd be the best method of incorporating the substance of what you have written. The MS. is now in the printer's hands so that any considerable addition or change of plan is scarcely possible: but what you have written is far too good to be lost, and your name wd be more than acceptable.

Yours sincerely,

H. H. Hereford

[47]

November 24th, 1919.

My dear Prebendary,

I fear that my shield will not add to the interest or the beauty of your collection, for it will be blank. My forbears were Devonshire farmers & small landowners for generations beyond counting, & they carried no arms. I cannot depart from their practice now.

As to the seal, I could not get one cut during the War, & now, when the artists are again available, I can't afford the money (£40) which it would cost. So I continue for the present to use the temporary seal – a mitre over my initial with the usual inscription.

Yours sincerely,

H. H. Hereford

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