The Henson Journals

[78]

Tuesday, November 11th, 1924.

The morning post brought me cheerful letters from William and Frank, which relieved an anxiety which had been growing in mind. When a young man throws up his work in England, and goes to a distant colony to seek his fortunes, he must either "make good" or fail utterly.

I motored in to Durham with Clayton, and attended the High Sherriff's luncheon, where I proposed his health in a more than commonly fatuous speech. But these little "side–talks" are the snares of the devil. Then we went on to West Hartlepool. I went to Grey's ship yard, and was shown over it by Maurice Gibb. He says that a certain amount of work has now come in, so that, of their normal staff of 2000, 1100 are at work. But for 3 years no dividend has been paid, and there is small probability of any being paid in the near future. This creates a situation of much difficulty for the new Baronet, who succeeds to a great property and no cash! Wm Gray, Macdonald, and I had an early dinner with Gibb: and then I went to St James', & instituted Prideaux to the Vicarage. There was a considerable congregation. After the service, we returned to Auckland arriving about 9.15 p.m.

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