The Henson Journals

[292]

Wednesday, December 22nd, 1926.

The result of the Smethwick By–election is certainly disconcerting, for the Labour poll has been largely increased, and the Conservative poll largely reduced. The Liberal of course was nowhere.

Oswald Mosley (Labour)	16,077 (14,491)
Marshall J. Pike (Conservative)	9,495 (13,238)
Mr Edwin Bayliss (Liberal)	2,600 –

It is obvious that neither the tergiversations of the Labour Party, nor the gross excesses of Mr Cook, have in the smallest degree alienated support from "Labour".

I walked round the Park with Lionel. Tom Hay arrived with his dog at tea–time.

Lionel and I motored to Stockton, where I consecrated the new St Paul's Church. There was a good muster of the local clergy, a considerable congregation, and an impressive service. I preached from the Chancel step, and was well listened to. After the service we dined with Sir Frank Brown. He seemed well and cheerful, but his intonation is defective, & I found it difficult to understand what he said. He evidently has a very mean opinion of the Durham mine–owners, but his dislike of them must probably be discounted on the ground of his political prejudices. For they are Conservatives, & he is a Liberal. We got back to the Castle shortly after 10.30 p.m.

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