The Henson Journals

[214]

Thursday, November 24th, 1927.

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The newspapers report the death of Sir Arthur Pease. It is an untoward event for his was a just–minded and statesmanlike man, much trusted in the county, and respected for his personal character. I considered him to be the most trust–deserving mine–owner in the diocese, & I gained much from talking with him. He was only 61 – three years younger than myself. I wrote a very sincere letter of condolence to Lady Pease.

Then I finished the sermon for S. Hilda's, S.Shields. Lord Selborne telegraphed for six copies of the "Open Letter" and these were sent to him forthwith.

Lionel and I motored to Sunderland, where Sinnamon took me to confirm a poor young woman, far gone in consumption who lived in a back street. Then we had tea at the Rectory. Wynne Willson has had his teeth out, & has just learned that he is really suffering from arthritis. So he was doubly depressed. However, he went with me to a conference about the schools in S. John's Parish. where we came to some necessary conclusions, and then, Lionel and I went on the South Shields, where I preached in S. Hilda's to a disappointingly small congregation, which, however, included the Mayor and Corporation. After the service I exchanged civil speeches with them in the vestry. Mr Gill brought an upstanding youth named Harvey to see me. He aspires to become a clergyman, & seeks to achieve his end by the path of Kelham. We then returned to Auckland, where we arrived at 9.35p.m.