20 Tue Dec 2]
Found the roads rather greasy for the most part though there were decent patches. Stopped at Wallingford for lunch then went straight on to the river bank at Moulsford. The trials were timed to start at 2.15 but actually it was about 3.15 before they began. No 1 crew won by a bare 1/4 length. At times they were a full length ahead but No 2 made several effective spurts.
Got back to Oxford about 5.20 after stopping for light refreshment at Nuneham Courtenay.
Had tea, changed, and then wandered off to dine with Mr Parham at the house. Their hall looks excellent lighted up. It is all done by electric candles on the tables. The result is great.
After Hall we just had a look round the kitchen. They can roast 48 legs of mutton on the spits before the fire or 72 chickens (at once). The fire is only 4" in depth but is some feet long and about 2 or 3 ft high. The kitchen is 40' high 40' long 40' broad
Then we went on to the Musical Union where we had an excellent programme by the London String Quartet. I liked the 3rd movement of the Hayden best. Then the Tchaikovsky and least the Schuman though that was also very fine. It was really an excellent concert