The Henson Journals

[172]

Monday, March 19th, 1923.

Still the fine weather, and the cold cutting wind. We left Rose Castle at 9.30 a.m., and motored to Auckland Castle, arriving at 1.50 p.m. After lunch Clayton and I motored to Witton–le–Wear, where I confirmed 52 candidates in the parish church. Then we had tea with the Vicar and Mrs Wilkinson in the newly–built Vicarage, a small but sufficient house. We returned to Auckland, only to go out again to a Confirmation at Shildon. Here I confirmed 112 candidates. The service was hearty, the candidates were earnest & devout, and the considerable congregation sympathetic & attentive. I think such a service can hardly be wholly unblessed to the parish. We went back to Auckland after the service, arriving shortly after 8.30 p.m.

The demand for super–tax was awaiting me. The amount – £502:4:0.– was considerably less than I had anticipated. I sent a cheque with comparative satisfaction! The half–year's Income tax is £684.1.6. i.e. £1368:3:0, making up a total for the year of £1870.7.0, which is certainly a substantial reduction on last year, when I paid Super–tax £739.1.6 and Income Tax £1446.6.0 = £2185.7.6 a total gain of £315.0.6. I also paid on March 3rd £69.6.2: and on July 17 £58.16.4, a total of £127.2.6 on account of taxation. If this sum be not exacted this year, my gain will be by so much increased: but the ways of the Commissioners for Income Tax are 'past finding out', & I dare not be optimistic.

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