The Henson Journals

[90]

Monday, June 15th, 1925.

The Archbishop of York and Mr Page–Gourlay went off after breakfast. I wrote to that strange clergyman, Hodgson of Escombe, telling him politely not to make a fool of himself. Then I gave a final revision to so much of the Book as had been copied.

Jimmie wrote to me an ardent, affectionate letter about his decision to be ordained. We must now face the matter of his preparation.

The Vicar designate of Castle Eden came to inform me of the reasons why he had withdrawn his acceptance of the living. It appears that the income is no more than £349: that of this £50 is an annual contribution from Colonel Busdon which may be withdrawn at the donor's pleasure: that the Rectory is extremely dilapidated, & costs much to keep up. He appears to have heard disconcerting accounts of the patron, and the patron's wife. The one forgets his promises, & the other oppresses the parson!

I ordered Mr George Waine to set up the new Boiler of 75 gallons capacity at a cost of £57.10.0. This with the boiler which has been already placed for £23: makes a large & quite unforeseen expenditure. The sixpence off the income tax will be exhausted by "extraordinary" items, which had not come into my calculations. Jimmie's preparation for Holy Orders will certainly cost money.

---