Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Gave the postman and the policeman their usual Christmas box of 2/6 each.

Busy printing notices of Library tea-meeting and entertainment.

Took Frank for a walk.

Visited William Webb, at the Pig and Whistle.

… the building was mortgaged for £30,000, and of whom Montagu is one) and those who had placed money on deposit, and the other creditors will also, I fear be losers.

One of the countermen said it was a great shame – that the number and quality of clients were such that it might easily have paid 10 per cent to the Shareholders if it had been well managed. I have frequently had good from the Stores and have always been well pleased with their quality and price, but there have always been mistakes in the accounts and unusual delay in the execution of orders. Many of my clerical friends and neighbours are losers, the company having been originally started as the Clerical Co-op Association – but this name giving offence to many it was changed to the “Universities.”

The stock, about £20,000 in value is now being sold to shareholders and ticket holders at discounts varying from 10 to 40 per cent on store prices.

I called at the office of Robert Brown’s employers Grey Prideau and Co, in Lincoln’s Inn fields, having obtained his address from Mr Wright at the Mutual Loan Fund Office, and arranged to meet him at the Ludgate Hill Station at 6.15 pm. We met and went to Bushey Villa together where I stayed for the night.

Showery morning, but mild. Took Bus to Leigham Court Road and walked up and down it looking for a school …

… the balance of the cost being made up by Government grant and school pence. The total cost about £113.

Rosa is still unable to move without great pain in the hip joint, but is free from pain when she lies still. Bell is with her night and day.

I have a bad cold. Mrs Hiorns called this evening to explain something in reference to the amount her husband paid me for rent of farm in the summer. He is still confined to his bed.

Baptized an infant of Thomas Green’s privately as it has bronchitis.

Had a very bad night and lay in bed all day to get rid of my cold by “Sudorification” if possible.

Harry returned home late, having walked from Banbury.