The Henson Journals

[135]

Friday, October 31st, 1930.

I spent the morning on the Redcar speech. My difficulty is, not the paucity, but the plenitude of material. After lunch, I motored to Durham, and, there presided over the Education Board. It was not a pleasant meeting, for the "Die–hards" – Lomax, Leake, Cosgrave, and Tymms – were very insistent, and gave me to know in clear terms that they thought me pusillanimous & unfaithful in not exerting myself "to save the schools". But Colonel Thomlinson, the Treasurer, made a very clear statement, showing that we really had no money, & no expectation of money; and I thought it advisable to "put my foot down". I said that I would not sanction any appeal for the schools, and, on the whole the Board supported me : Though they dearly love the luxury of tall–talking, and are brought to give it up with difficulty!

After the meeting, I motored to Newcastle, where I recovered my watch, & visited the hair dresser. After tea, in the Hotel, I returned to Auckland. Leslie Wilson came to see me. He has a fortnight's holiday, & is visiting his home. He is very loyal to the Castle.

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