The Henson Journals

[122]

Tuesday, January 18th, 1921.

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I spent the morning in dictating letters, and interviews with 1) Revd Cyril L. T. Barclay. 2) Revd L. S. Merrefield. The latter came to report the situation as touching his curate, a deacon, (Revd C. R. Coates) ordained by Bishop Moule's authority last Trinity, who has developed epileptic fits, and is really "impossible"! I look up his 'dossier', & it is woeful. After being twice rejected at the Deacon's examination, he was passed at the almost bullying insistence of his friend the Vicar of Escomb. He failed at the Advent examn for Priests. Now it is abundantly clear that he must not be encouraged to suppose that, in any circumstances, he could be ordained to the Priesthood. Here is one more example of Bishop Moule's weakness.

Freddie Macdonald came to lunch. He is 6 foot 2 in: but still recognizable. He matriculates at Oriel in October.

I received an affectionate letter from George posted at Port Said. Also, a rather quaintly–worded letter from the youngish clergyman who, I thought, addressed me with undue freedom last night. It appears that he had not comprehended who I was!

I ordered 6 bottles of Communion Wine from Hicks & Co, 27 George Street, Plymouth. Also, on J. G. Wilson's recommendation, 4 dozen white wine @ 39/– per dozen from Ehrmanns, 43 & 44 Finsbury Square E.C.2.: and an experimental bottle of port @ 96/– from Mr Edward Shildon, Wine–merchant, Shipston–on–Stour.

[123]

The account for the removal of our furniture from Hereford to Auckland came in from Robson & Sons Ltd. It is no less that £450 and is accompanied by an explanatory letter, which in view of the fact that in 1918 the same furniture had been transported the same distance for £250 must be considered requisite.

"Making comparison with our charge for your previous removal, we wd respectfully point out to your lordship that since that removal, railway rates have increased by 100%, also the cost of labour & haulage has risen considerably."

The explanation is adequate, and I ruefully sent the cheque, but how difficult the whole position is becoming! The cost of entering this Bishoprick mounts steadily:

Fees	£273.14.6	£2269.16.1
Removal	450.0.0	19.11.0
Workmen	296.7.7	£2289.7.1
Furniture	1249.14.0	£2269.16.1

Beside the cost of travelling to & fro, ourselves & servants:

Against this must be set the Income received during the vacancy i.e. from May 8th to July 27th poudsign1616.16.11 minus taxes & divers charges. The net amount was not more than £1000. We sold to my successor at Hereford furniture &c to the amount of £942. So that on the balance about £400 has to be charged to the income of the current year.

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