The Henson Journals

[19]

Tuesday, April 29th, 1924.

A fine still morning, which, if its promise be fulfilled, will be ideal for motoring, and I must abandon the car for the train, the country for the town, and the familiar comradeship of my wife and William for the grimacing humbug of a public luncheon. Oh dear! And what is Byron to me, or I to Byron, that I should do this, and waste five pounds on railway fares in the bargain?

We left the Priory after breakfast. I caught the 10.5 a.m. train to Stroud, and travelled to London: Ella continued her journey homeward in the car. The Byron Centenary Luncheon was held in the Victoria Hall, Charing Cross. Mr Baldwin presided over a numerous company. I made a speech which was not particularly successful. Ld Ernle spoke well, but was rather too declamatory. I had my hair cut, and, then, after tea in the Athenaeum, caught the 5.30 p.m. express to Bishop Auckland, where I arrived shortly after 11 p.m.

I beguiled the journey by reading Henry Ford's remarkable book, "My life and work". He means well, but his head has been turned by the immense success of his motor–industry, which he seems to misunderstand, & he bases on his misunderstanding opinions about the organization of industry, which cannot be sound. Life in his vast factories, though the workmen are paid profusely, must be horrible.

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