The Henson Journals

[116]

Wednesday, March 31st, 1920.

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Major Hamilton came to see me about this hapless Vicar of Breinton. He seems to have behaved beautifully himself, spending time & money freely in the poor man's service, & putting himself to an infinity of discomfort and exertion. But the position is impossible. The expenditure of money cannot be less than £10 weekly in the home where he is now placed: & the net income of his benefice is £204.

I kept indoors all day being hors de combat with a monstrous cold, contracted last Saturday at Bridstow, and worsened by the series of confirmations & the strange weather.

Bowen came to see me, & suggested that I should invite Dr Jones of Bournemouth to stay here when he comes to edify the sectaries next week! It might be worth doing.

Bannister came to inquire whether anything could be done to establish a branch of Gore's Social Reform society: & I was wholly unsympathetic. What is the use of my pretending to agree with these socialists?

Alington writes to ask that he may see me in the interest of a new vague, windy project for saving the world which Baker–Wilbraham and the Evangelicals are floating. I could but tell him that I was asphyxiated with societies, and blasé with good works!

Finally, Lady Croft's daughter, Lady Nicholson, writes to ask for an interview in order that she may stir me up for a fresh effort for the Y.W.C.A. It is too much: these endless societies are killing all sincerity among us, & making life a squirrel's cage of futile and ceaseless activity.

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