The Henson Journals

[9]

Thursday, January 8th, 1930 [sic] [1931].

I made a few final alterations in my letter for the 'Bishoprick', left the MS. with Carter as I passed through Durham on my way to Newcastle. After lunching with the Bishop, who is more provokingly contented and optimistic than ever, I accompanied him to the Victoria Infirmary where the new wing for the accommodation of the Nurses was to be formally opened by Sir Walter Runciman, the donor of £ 50,000 towards the expense. The room was densely crowded, and, the atmosphere really asphyxiating. I made a short speech in moving a vote of thanks to Sir Walter Runciman. After the meeting I returned to Auckland.

I motored to Eldon, and there instituted the Revd William Brown to the perpetual curacy, to which he had been nominated by 'the Crown', i.e. "Labour". There was a fair attendance, and a good service, but all the while there was a consciousness that everybody resented the appointment, & looked forward to the new Ministry with apprehension. I felt quite woefully unreal, a 'particeps criminis': but what can one do?

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