The Henson Journals

[95]

Thursday, March 5th, 1931.

I wrote to Mrs Hodgson suggesting that Kenneth might use his enforced leisure in order to learn shorthand, & thus qualify himself for earning his living as a shorthand reporter. Also, I suggested that he might seek for a post as usher in a school, by writing to the scholastic agents, Messrs Gabbitas & Thring. I added that I didn't wish to see him until he had shown some evidence of self–respecting determination to play a man's part in the world.

I motored to Durham, and presided at a meeting of the Bede College Committee: and then went to the Bishop of Jarrow, & discussed diocesan business for an hour.

Slack, the librarian, told me that I figure in the Russian newspapers in some queer variant of my name!

Charles and I motored to Willingdon where I confirmed 78 persons in the parish church. They came from the parishes of Willingdon, Sunnybrow, and Hunwick. A number of C.L.B. lads in uniform made a fine show. The sexes were about evenly divided. Save for the atmosphere, which was asphyxiating, I was pleased with the service, for the candidates had an appearance of determination & sincerity which was very pleasing, & the congregation was attentive & evidently sympathetic.

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