Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Dull. Thaw. Inns called about spouting and WC. Langley called about Penny Bank prizes for regular attendance. I visited Sarah Hone, Thomas Henry Hone, Thomas Green, Widow Wyatt, John Lamb (out), Widow Hancox (out), John West Junior. A pretty general thaw has commenced and the atmosphere is intensely cold.

Mr Langley came down again this evening at my request about the premiums to school children for regularity of attendance during 1894. We agreed that no child should be considered at all “regular” who was absent more than once a week on the average during the year, in other words 90 per cent of attendances must be made and thus 1^d for every 5 absences should be deducted from the maximum premium of 2/6.

Ezra Green called and asked me to fill up a form of application for outdoor relief whilst the frost lasts. Jewell wrote again about the land. Henry Bishop came and I paid him for 2 tons coal for school, by cheque.

Bright sunshine. Thaw followed by frost. Visited Widow Hancock, Frederick Ward and saw his wife and baby, Joseph Green Senior and spoke to him about stones or bricks for a pathway in back premises of School-house. Visited Mr Woods at the Bishop Blaise as I was told he was very ill on Sunday night. He was better and gone out, but I saw his niece. Called at John Lamb’s.

Bell writes to Rosa that she will return on Friday or Saturday. Called to see boy Scruby who was up and out.

Fine. Thaw. Snow disappearing. I was in doors all day making up the Penny Bank accounts. Did not go out at all.