The Henson Journals

[117]

Thursday, July 17th, 1924.

I worked on a sermon for the Liverpool sectaries, but to little effect. Then, after an early lunch, we all motored to Durham to attend the marriage in the Cathedral at 2 p.m. I united Alister Straker to Jean Adam Ritson in marriage, & afterwards went to the bride's home, & proposed her health. Then I walked to the Castle, where I was hailed by Bob Bineham, one of the old choirboys of St Margaret's, Westminster. He has come safely thorough the war, and has returned to his bank clerkship. His description of the German Army as "Just a crowd of harmless bank–clerks like our own" interested me. Like most of the soldiers I meet he was severe on the French, & disposed to be magnanimously merciful to the Germans. I had an interview with a young miner, Joseph Maughan, who aspires to be ordained, though he has no more education than the elementary school had given him when he left it at 14, and is now 22 years & 6 months old. I was not very encouraging, though I liked the lad. After this I went to East Rainton, and consecrated an addition to the churchyard. In my address to the people, I emphasised the importance of keeping the burial ground in good order, & excluding glass globes! After the function, I returned to Auckland where I arrived in good time for dinner.