The Henson Journals

[186]

Saturday July 6th, 1929.

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I began an article for the Bishoprick, on the name "Protestant" which passed into the vocabulary of Christendom just 400 years ago.

I accompanied Chelmsford to Mainsforth Colliery, where he formally opened the Pit–head Baths, which had been erected by the Miners' Welfare Fund. We began by going through the building, & being shown the numerous arrangements for the man's convenience and comfort. Then we lunched in a tent very pleasantly. I sate between the Chairman, Mr. Dorman, of the firm Dorman Long & Co which owns the mine, and Mr Ben Turner, the new Minister for Mines – a tubby little fat man with the expansive geniality & unctuous fervour of his professional mission–preacher. After lunch there was a meeting of the workmen, who attended in large numbers. I think there could hardly have been fewer than 2000 present. Chelmsford spoke, & then in succession Turner, Richardson, Robson, & Straker. The speakers seemed very [187] [symbol] anxious to pose as disinterested reformers of society & champions of the miners. They were evidently intrigued at seeing me there & worked in some references to my presence. After this function we returned to Auckland & had tea. Then we walked round the Park, deceiving the way with converse.

We had a dinner party. There dined

Lord Chelmsford & Sybil Lady Eden.

Dr Peel & Mrs Peel.

Dr McCullagh & Miss Headlam.

Pemberton & his wife.

Lionel & Fearne.

The Bishop & Mrs Hensley Henson.

[187]

Hodgson, in an interview which is reported in the local paper, attempts to justify his insults to his Bishop. His real motive, we are to understand, was an honest indignation at my attack on Socialism in the sermon preached 3 years ago at the re–opening of the Church, & a zeal for the Establishment! The notes from which the Sermon was preached were published in the Bishoprick. Socialism is not so much as named in them, but a parallel is suggested between Mohammedanism in the VIIIth Century and Bolshevism in the XXth.

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