The Henson Journals

[116]

Monday, December 15th, 1924.

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"The Fiery Cross movement seems almost idolatrous – and shows what the Party is out for i.e. a drastic and truculent propaganda. Our late Bishop – Woods – would (I think) have taken part of it. Barnes will not. People turn out to see these shows in the spirit in which they would turn out to see a travelling circus: the religious impression is nil".

So writes Fawkes in a letter received this morning.

I spent the morning in finishing the address on Sermons for the Ordination candidates: & (the weather becoming very wet and blustering) I wrote letters & read during the afternoon. At 5.30 p.m. Clayton & I left the Castle, and motored to Durham, where we had tea with Wilson, & then went to St Margaret's for the Institution & Induction of the new Rector. In spite of the weather there was a fair congregation. Two former Rectors – Robson & Watson – were present. Thurlow carried himself like a sincere man, and the general impression of the service was hopeful. We returned to Auckland as soon as the service was over. Headlam has a considerable letter in the Times. He is very much in evidence just now. Is the 'Times' running him for the Primacy? Well, there might be worse things, though I would rather see him at London.

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