The Henson Journals

[216]

Sexagesima, February 15th, 1925.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. I completed the letter to George, which I had begun in the Athenaeum, and sent it off. Also, I prepared some notes for tonight, and wrote to Frank Berry & Sir Charles Ballance. After lunch I walked in the Park for more than an hour, the mildness of the air & the sunshine making the walk delightful. Jimmie accompanied me to Gateshead, where I had tea with the Westcotts in the rather squalid house, which does duty for a vicarage before going to the rickety hut which serves for a church. The building was filled but mainly with girls, and the congregation was attentive. I am not sure whether there is really much advantage in making a parish here, or much prospect of doing so. But the decision has been taken, and must stand. After service we returned to Auckland, that is, I did, for Jimmie was dropped in Spennymoor.

I finished the novel which I read in the train yesterday – "The Four Feathers" by A. E. W. Mason. It is quite a good story.

Lord Haldane wrote a civil letter in acknowledgement of the Primary Charge. He cordially agrees with what I say about the Enabling Act, but is less accordant with my observations on Copec.

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