The Henson Journals

[102]

Friday, June 27th, 1930.

The Rev. Percy S. Carden, superintendent Primitive Methodist minister at Stanley has written an "Open Letter to the Bishop", in which he 'lets himself go' for a column & more of the local paper on the subject of 'the unemployed, who by their poverty–stricken lives have so offended your (i.e. the Bishop's) sense of propriety'. It is a fine tirade in the popular preacher's best political style. As it happened I had occasion to go to Beamish (Stanley) in order to dedicate the foundation stone of the tower, & to preach. So I took the opportunity of replying to the Sectary, whom I did not so much as name. The clergy present were, I think, pleased: & the people impressed. I gave my notes to a reporter in order, if possible, to protect myself from misrepresentation. Squance informs me that the man Carden is not greatly regarded by the people, & that he has 'made a corner' in the local unemployed. The stone was laid by Arthur Joicey, the surviving son of old Lord Joicey. There was a fair, though not a crowded congregation & everybody seemed to be pleased.

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