The Henson Journals

[48]

Friday, November 26th, 1920.

This is William's Birthday, & he attains the dignity of 20 years. I gave him Wells' History of the World. The pictures will interest him if nothing else!

I dictated letters to Fearne before motoring to Durham in order to catch the train to Newcastle, where I presided over a meeting of the Governors of the N.E. County School. I got back to Auckland about 3.30 p.m.

Archdeacon Watkins sent me a copy of his letter to Bishop Moule protesting against Dr Jowett's preaching in Durham Cathedral. It was a very oily document, virulently designed though lovingly expressed. I sent it back with civil acknowledgements!

Ella & Fearne went out to some Masonic entertainment to which Lady Thurlow had invited them. I seized the opportunity to clear off some private letters. I wrote to George Nimmins, who has been rather neglected of late. The hustle in which I live seems to leave no time for writing anything but diocesan and public letters. Also I wrote to Cecil Fortescue, who had told me of the completion of the work of restoring the parish church of Leysters. That young man would, I think, be glad to come into this diocese, & (though he is rather feather–headed, & would probably develope into a "Catholick") he might be very useful if charged with a new district. It is absurd on the face of it that a man of his years & temperament should be set down in a village of 130 people.

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