The Henson Journals

[206]

Friday, November 18th, 1927.

I spent the day at this unsavoury committee, where we had the evidence of the Magistrates from the metropolitan Courts, Bow Street & Marlborough Street, which have most to do with "strict offences". They impressed me as able, conscientious, and sympathetic men, who could be trusted to act justly and mercifully. The two least satisfactory features of the system they administer – the almost total dependence on the Police, and the practical futility of the Appeal which the law provides – appear to be almost irreformable.

I dined with the Lawrences at 49 Marsham Street. The other guests were Hugh Macmillan & his wife, Sir William & Lady Clarke, the Dean of Westminster & Mrs Norris, & Miss Fry. We had much interesting conversation, mainly about politics. Hugh Macmillan told us the history of his curious situation during the Labour Government when he, though a professed Conservative, held office as Lord Advocate of Scotland. Miss Fry and I shared a taxi as far as Park Lane.