'It seems a shadowy existence we once led together in the House of Commons, & I have well nigh forgotten all about it'. The post-war world is 'a very horrid one'.
Thanks for sympathy on death of brother. Has come to the Riviera for the benefit of his wife. Does John Herbert Lewis read Horace? His tastes in classical authors. The affairs of the University of Wales. The work of the Press Board and the Board of Celtic Studies on behalf of the Welsh language. The utilization of the old Welsh Industries Association Fund as a nucleus for a movement to put new life into the rural weavers' trade.
Is touched by John Herbert Lewis's care for Tom Nefyn. Over £600 has been collected in response to his appeal. At Tumble subscriptions have been collected towards a Ty'r Cymundeb. Tom is making the best of his very short time at Woodbrooke and hopes the future emergence of 'seeking groups' in south Wales will not lead to schismatic feuds. The Darian 'has fallen on evil days owing to the repeated Strikes and poverty'. It is the only surviving Welsh paper of its kind. Is enclosing an appeal to assist the paper. Returns to south Wales in the morning 'the "most distressful country that ever yet was seen" and still the place where the hight of sympathy, courage, companion is shining brightly'.
Would like Mr Mostyn Lewis's Sarlun to put in Oriel y Sorfa Fach as the children would like to see it. Recalls spending a Sunday with John Herbert Lewis at Mostyn and John Herbert Lewis's kindness to him at the House of Commons. Welsh.
Is sorry to learn of John Herbert Lewis's incapacity. Thanks for congratulations. Is delighted that his two sons have been re-elected for the seats which they represented in 1924.
The Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion will always recall with gratitude the 'splendid and disinterested work' which John Herbert Lewis has done for it in the past. Thanks for the donation to the Society's Records Fund. The House of Commons is in a pickle.
Thanks for order for Pregethau Edward Mathews. Would like to hear John Herbert Lewis's opinion on the book. Is sorry to hear of John Herbert Lewis's disability.
Thanks for message of congratulations. Some of the Labour members are agitating for the abolition of University representation. There is much of interest at Westminster 'in the opening days of a new Parliament - especially when there is also a new Government in office'. The Ministry has not begun well. Expects Lloyd George and Churchill to be 'the two dominating figures in the Parliament'. There is greater unity in the Liberal camp and the Liberal MPs attend more regularly.
Thanks for the copy of Plenydd's Cofiant. There has been a marked 'decay in Temperance speaking' in north Wales except among the ladies. Local News. Mrs Foylkes Jones, 'one of the ablest women of her time in Wales', was buried at Machynlleth last Monday. Describes in detail 'Salop and its Celebrities'. It seems that Wales has permeated Shropshire more than is generally thought'. Plans to go to Aberystwyth tomorrow to see the National Library.
Thanks for letter and the kind words about the volume he has written about 'the devoted labours of the old Fathers who spent themselves in the service of the churches in Liverpool'. R. A. Jones and the Rhosland family, and the Ragged School supported by Edward Lewis. Believes the Child Marriage Bill to be 'a well-nigh incredible reform in Indian life'. Returns the letter from Richard Hughes, Jerusalem. Hopes John Herbert Lewis remains strong.
Has received a copy of Hanes Methodistiaeth Liverpool. Lord Clwyd was at the monthly meeting at Llangaffo last Sunday, a meeting which is better attended every year. Is to take two WEA classes next winter. Has found the books sent from the National Library of great assistance. Welsh.
Thanks for Fisher's book. Discussed John Herbert Lewis with Bigge recently. Plans to move the school are very time-consuming, but should be worthwhile eventually. Agrees with the raising of the school-leaving age to fifteen, but it has occurred 'rather sooner than anyone expected'.
'The work will be responsible but it will not take much time & will not interfere with my other activities. No doubt I shall once again know what it means to be abused'.
Thanks for message. Now often thinks of John Herbert Lewis as he occupies the same room as when he was Private Secretary to John Herbert Lewis. Recalls John Herbert Lewis piloting through Parliament the first Town Planning Bill in 1909. His period at the Local Government Board was 'easily the happiest time for me in the Service'. Recently met a clergyman from John Herbert Lewis's neighbourhood.
Belated thanks for the book. Christmas and New Year greetings. The new principal at Aberystwyth 'has already created a good impression and is most energetic'.
Recalls John Herbert Lewis's performance as 'an exemplary Minister'. Gives details of Trevelyan's Education Bill. Has been to the Guildhall and Mansion House to see Ramsay MacDonald and Philip Snowden receive the Freedom of the City - 'I don't suppose that anywhere except in England would an ultra-capitalist Corporation so honour two socialists. But we are a good humoured and magnanimous people ordinarily'. Next year will be an anxious time in India.
