The Henson Journals

[100]

Tuesday, December 2nd, 1924.

[symbol]

I occupied myself all the morning in writing letters, and preparing my speeches. After lunch I motored to Darlington, and there distributed prizes to the boys of the Secondary School. There was a large attendance of parents. I made a speech on "The by–products of education," in the course of which I said many true and some unwise things. However everybody seemed to be pleased, & I came away amid expressions of goodwill.

The afternoon post brought me a letter from J.D. expressed in terms of romantic devotion. The writer, now a man of 23, retains the same childish love which filled him when a choirboy of 12. It is in its way rather wonderful, and, while it pleases, also humbles me.

The "Times" reports some amazing acts of heroism in the rescue of miners in the flooded Welsh mine. Certainly we do not need War as a school of the highest courage. I took the cutting with me to Stockton, where I addressed a meeting in advocacy of the League of Nations, and used it effectively. Mr Clynes Jun: was announced as second speaker, but he was announced to be suddenly indisposed. I was informed privately that he had arrived on the scene too drunk to be produced!

---