Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

I wrote last week to the Surveyor of the Bloxham and Banbury Highway Board about the filthy condition of the pond opposite my house. He called this morning and said it was hardly the business of the Highway board to clean it out. I reminded him that the Board had done it once in consequence of an application made to them after a Vestry Meeting in Sibford Gower summoned for the purpose. He says it is not on the Highway, but on the “waste” and therefore it is not the business of the Highway Board. If it were a nuisance it would be the duty of the Rural Sanitary Authority to suppress it.

Mr Bonner called, and I told him I had written to the Local Government Board about Sally Green.

Visited Mrs Horsman. Received £51.1.10 from Simpkin Marshall and Co on account of sales of the Analytical Classical Series for half-year ending June 30th.

Visited Boys and Girls School. Humphrey Sabin’s boy Henry was there and one or two others in expectation of the Sunday School treat. although they have been going to the Methodists’ Sunday School. I told them I could not encourage such behaviour as that and  that only those who really belonged to our Sunday School would be allowed to come to our tea. The Methodists’ Sunday School have had their treat, and though they condescend to entice our children away, I will not lend myself to any reprisals of that kind.

Visited Susan Hunt and Mrs Shelswell.

Visited W. Fox. Drove Bell to Brailes and called at the Vicarage.

Harry behaved very badly today. He pays no attention to my wishes either as regards getting up in the morning or coming in at night and he does no study at all. His jealousy of Frank is most astonishing and wicked.

Ann Gardner gave notice to leave as she thinks of getting married.

Drove Bell to Banbury and brought out Mrs Henderson for a few days. She has been staying at Miss Brailey’s, Oxford Road, a Ladies’ School.

I also brought prizes for Sunday School children.

Harry was out again till after 11 pm at the Willy’s at Epwell, I suppose.

Harry did not come down till after prayers this morning. Then went out and brought Alex Willy here to dinner without having previously asked permission to do so.

Elizabeth Hancox of Hook Norton Road called. Her husband Ezekiel has got a situation at Rollwright whither they are about to remove. I therefore paid her her children’s Penny Bank money, Clothing Club money, etc.