The Henson Journals

[75]

Thursday, February 19th, 1931.

I worked at the Lenten Sermon, and paid a visit to the dentist. After lunch I walked in the Park, and then prepared notes for a Confirmation address.

Ella and Fearne returned home after an absence of 3 weeks.

Charles and I went to Eldon, where I confirmed 80 persons from the parishes of Eldon, Shildon & New Shildon. Browne, the new vicar of Eldon, is certainly an unattractive fellow enough, and his manner of speaking is deplorably rough. I fear the parishioners are very depressed by his appointment.

I received from the Deans of Norwich & Rochester replies to my inquiry about the meaning of "residence" in their cathedrals. The latter was rather surprising, & I wrote for further information.

The Education Bill was rejected in the House of Lords by a very large majority – 168 to 22. I did not think it worth while to go up for the debate, nor was I anxious to be forced to vote one way or the other. Most of the money now expended on the education of the people I suspect to be money thrown away, since most of the children in the schools are not really able to absorb effectively more than 'the three R's".

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