The Henson Journals

[33]

Monday, November 15th, 1920.

The cab failed to turn up. Alexander and I raced to the station through the rain, & just succeeded in catching the train. My journey to King's Cross in a crowded smoking carriage was comfortless. On arrival I went to Garland's, & deposited my luggage. Then I walked to Westminster, and attended the meeting of the National Assembly. There was a large attendance, and evidently the members were in the mood to hustle through much business. We adopted the Standing Orders on Ld Hugh Cecil's motion: & gave a general approval to a Bill for reforming the Lower Houses of convocation on the motion of the Dean of Westminster. Then Ld Parmoor introduced the pièce de résistance, the Bill for giving Powers to the new Parochial Councils. I asked whether names shd by sent in for speaking, & was told that convenience was served best by that practice. Then Inskip spoke in criticism of the Bill, & then the inevitable Wolmer. I came away with the understanding that I would speak tomorrow morning.

I dined at the Athenaeum, the Bishop of Chester sitting opposite to me. He asked me whether I was dining at "Nobody's", & seemed surprised when I told him that I had not been asked to be a member. Charles was in the Club brandishing proofs of his Sermon on Divorce, & bubbling over with the subject! I wrote a few letters, turned over a few books, & so went back to the Hotel.

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