The Henson Journals

[157]

Wednesday, March 12th, 1930.

Ella, Pattinson and I motored to Gateshead, where I presided over a meeting of the Preventive & Rescue Association in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance. Mrs Temple was the principal speaker, and acquitted herself very well. She has a pleasant voice, a frank winning manner, & a good presence. The Mayor, a scrubby–looking Wesleyan, moved a vote of thanks to her: & the deputy Mayor, did as much for me. When the meeting was over, we all had tea with the Mayor in his official parlour. Then Ella went to pay calls, & I walked to the Rectory, and remained there until it was time for me to go to S. Cuthbert's, Hebburn, for the Confirmation. I confirmed nearly 100 persons from the three parishes into which Hebburn is divided. There was a crowded congregation. I always feel that there is a genuinely religious spirit in this Church. The Vicar, Marr, is an Anglo–Catholick of a genuine spiritual type. [inserted in margin: Marr died in Aug: 1930, to my great regret.] We returned to Auckland.

John Simpson came to say, Goodbye. He goes to his new employment tomorrow. We said prayers, & parted Christianly. I think he is really sorry to go, but – and this is the abiding shadow on all relations with young persons – the relentless movement of the years makes a "move on" indispensable.

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