The Henson Journals

[205]

Wednesday, December 17th, 1930.

School Confirmation.

There was a considerable fog at daybreak, but it had mostly cleared by 10.40 p.m. [sic] when I left the Castle in order to motor to Durham for the School Confirmation, a function which generally gives me pleasure.

Only 27 boys and 3 choristers were presented – the smallest number on record. But the number of the School has fallen rather seriously, & we are entering on the "lean years" of the War, when few boys were born. I spoke on the Collect for the week, & was listened to very attentively. On the whole I was pleased with the service. Afterwards, I had a few words with Derek.

Then I went to the Castle, & licensed five assistant curates, after which I returned to Auckland.

I wrote a short letter to Mr Baldwin, thanking him for the decision to vote so handsome a contribution out of the Harkness Fund to the Durham Castle Fund.

The fog had again become dense when Charles & I left the Castle at 6 p.m. in order to go to Stockton. There I dedicated a Mission Room. Bott had got together five of his young men, all educated at the Secondary School, who are now preparing for Ordination.

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