The Henson Journals

[333]

The Sunday next before Advent, November 22nd, 1925.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. After breakfast I motored to Gateshead, and preached at Christ Church, prefacing my sermon by a few words about Queen Alexandra. After the service the 'Dead March' was played on the organ. I returned at once to Auckland Castle, where our reduced party came to lunch viz. the High Sheriff & Mrs Stobart, General Thwaites, Captain & Mrs Bradford. After the guests had departed Wilson and I walked round the Park. On returning to the Castle I wrote to the Archbishop of York explaining that I should not attend the meeting of the Commission, and making some criticisms of the draft–report. I indicated my disagreement with the proposed constitution of the Final Court. On this point I feel strongly enough to sign a separate Report, if the majority of the Commission adhere to the draft.

My pusillanimous decision to absent myself from the Commission will give me four days, which had otherwise been spent in London, and will save me perhaps as much as £8. If, as seems not improbable, there develops a considerable fog, I shall be spared much discomfort and some risk. Nevertheless, to "cut engagements is ever a base performance!

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