The Henson Journals

[63]

Friday, June 6th, 1924.

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In spite of the falling rain and hopeless sky, Ella and I motored to Rostrevor, and lunched with Sir John and Lady Ross with whom was their niece Mrs Lawrie. I was interested in the old man's conversation, for, although he is a papist, he talked very freely about Irish politics. He did not appear to be very hopeful about the future. After lunch he shewed us round his garden which was filled with rare & beautiful plants. The rain having ceased, & the sun at length shining, we were able to enjoy a spectacle of great beauty and variety. We returned to Mount Stewart in time for a late tea.

"The Ulster Protestant Voters' Defence Association" sent me a resolution signed by Sir R. Kennedy K.C.M.G., the President, and James Crossey, the Secretary. It is expressed in a style of stilted fanaticism, with which I am but too familiar in England. The Church Times will certainly get hold of it, and seize so excellent an opportunity for making me look ridiculous! I wrote a brief acknowledgement.

I has come talk with Hugh Cecil on ecclesiastical affairs. He is dogmatic, omniscient, and plausible, but quite hopelessly remote from the actual situation. The bishop of Worcester has a letter in the "Times" on the Winchester Division Measure, which went through the House of Commons after a farcical debate.

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