The Henson Journals

[204]

Monday, July 10th, 1922.

I left Eton after breakfast. Ella remained in order to lunch with some friends. On arriving in London, I left my luggage in Park Lane, and Ella's in Eccleston Square. Then I visited the barber, called at Whippell's, & ordered shirts, finally went into the City, & got a cheque changed not without difficulty. After lunching in the Club, I walked to Westminster, & attended a meeting of the Patronage Committee. The Archbishop of Canterbury gave evidence, looking the while at every corner of the ceiling! We discussed Dibdin's draft of a Bill for prohibiting the sale of livings. I opposed the creation of Diocesan patronage boards, & though nobody admitted agreement with my opinions, it was finally decided to omit the clause which created the boards. I walked to Park Lane, & dined with mine host & hostess. A certain Mr Scovell also dined. He is one of Lloyd George's Secretariat, & is most concerned with organising his interest in the constituencies. He appeared an interesting & well–informed man. We discussed many things until 11 p.m., when he took his leave, and I retired to my room.

I saw Archbishop D'Arcy in the Athenaeum. He said that Ireland outside of Ulster was the prey of bands of banditti who pillaged the country at will. The retirement of the British forces had been followed by anarchy.

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