1905

The winter 1904 – 1905 was a busy time for me. The remaining classrooms were panelled, pictured & printed. In addition the hospital was thoroughly renovated & equipped with new beds and a ‘partial stack' of bed linen. The walls were coloured and & new pictures hung. The dormitories in the main building were stocked with new sheets, etc.. at a cost of 500 Rupees, & and a few new beds were added.

The PWD began the extensions to the dining room, which should be completed by the end of March at the latest. They also laid the foundations of the new Commercial building, which ought to ready for occupation by the 1st March 1906.

A much needed improvement was also carried out during the winter in the ‘recovering’ (? 2) of the dormitory staircases with a consequent widening of the main passages to the dining room and gymnasium.

In Feb.. the new block of Masters’ quarters was begun below the School & the fitting up of the old dhobi house for a clerk & munshi was completed.

In the technical Department great additions were made in the direction of panelling, almirahs, seats, tables & apparatus. In the shops ‘forges’ for the 2nd year boys were taken in hand & completed.

The class-rooms were fitted throughout with new lamps & at together it may be safely be said that in the matter of equipment & decoration the School has never been in a more forward state than at the beginning of the 1905 term.

28 February

All (?) arrived on this date with the first party of boys in charge of Mr Price.

3rd March

The second party of boys arrived – 102 in number in charge of Mr Green.

4 March

School opened. I arranged the boys in their classes to the best of my knowledge, requesting the teachers in charge to keep me acquainted with the progress of those who appeared doubtful so that further change might be made if necessary. Registers opened.

6 March

Dr Humphrey paid the School a visit & was greatly impressed with the improvements in the Hospital.

I notified the staff that they should take a few days to study their time-tables using last years time-table as a basis and then should hand in to me their suggestions for alternatives on or by the 13th inst. From these suggestions and from the last years time-table I propose to construct the new time-table for 1905.

7 March

I issued a notice to the staff inviting their close attention to my last years circular upon the subject of discipline. drill, behaviour of boys, duty, etc. One of my greatest difficulties is the maintenance of uniformity in punishment and discipline generally. One master is lax – another severe & to try to establish a happy medium, I have to maintain a constant watchfulness. Luckily the staff is a loyal one taking a keen interest in the welfare of he School & so my suggestions are usually received in the spirit with which they are offered. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mr Pinto as one class – the 3rd Std is without a teacher,

Mr Greene is new teacher of Science & Mathematics in the Technical class & Mr Pinto will take up in the School the work Mr Greene has laid down. The Technical class so far, in both years, number 13. I have therefore the following staff for 1905:-

The Head Master

The Headmistress

Mr Sharp

Mr Little

Mr Price

Mr Greene

Mt Finnegan

Mr Pinto

Mrs Sharp

Mr Hall (Gym)

Mr Whittaker (Steward)

Mrs Whittaker (Matron)

Miss Von Bibre (Matron) (? 1)

Mrs Hall (Nurse)

A Supply Teacher is urgently required for the School, which at present is worked by a very small staff in view of the fact that it contains over 200 boys. As things are at the present, no teacher may fall ill or take a days leave without seriously handicapping the rest who have to take on the entire duty and teaching to the detriment of their own work.

I may add that the classes here are so large that no two classes can be combined so the absence of a single teacher means dislocation to the work of is class for the time being. I of course do my best to replace the absentee but I am constantly being called here there & everywhere & the class necessarily suffers. The services of a supply teacher would be extremely useful even when the whole staff were well and present and he could take the backward boys in Stds 4 & 7 (the examination classes) and push them on, leaving the teachers of these classes freer hands to deal with their promising boys.

8 March

I placed Mr Hall in charge of the whole athletic outfit of the School in addition to his other duties. The weighments & measurements of the boys were taken. I had to speak sharply to Mr Whittaker about the lack of discipline in the dining room

The Saturday’s physical drill I have allotted to as follows.

Indian Clubs – Mr Hall

Bar-Bells – Mr Finnegan

Vaults – Mr Price

Dumb-Bells (A) – Mr Sharp

Dumb-Bells (B) – Mr Little

Mr Hall drew up his Gymnastics lists & submitted them.

9 March

The Senior cricket has been entrusted to Mr Little & the Juniors to Mr Price.

The Victoria School results were sent out to the parents.

I went to carefully through the classes, spending the whole day therein. I found everything in a very encouraging state, the classes fairly intelligent, & the teachers keen. The boys seem to be well distributed & none of the classes are abnormally large. We have a very promising 7th this year & the 4th is not bad. The 2nd seems to be a capital class & in the hands of the headmistress should make rapid progress. In the evening I took the 7th Latin and later stayed through the last meal of the day. The food was plentiful & well served.

14 March

Mr Pinto reported his arrival. I put him in charge of the 3rd Std. He is very young but seems willing.

16th March

Circulars were sent round to the staff asking for Schemes of work to be sent in by the 1st April & informing them that I wished the weekly examinations to begin from the same date.

27th March

I have just recovered from a severe attack of pleurisy & haemorrhage which necessitated my absence from School for a few days. All went on as usual under the supervision of the Assistant Head Master.

A very disagreeable incident occurred today. The scorer at cricket - a boy named Ellis – scored unfairly & after the match Mr Little who was captaining one side accused Mr Sharp who was captaining the other side, of being privy to this unfairness. I made a thorough enquiry & could not elicit one tittle of evidence to support Mr Little’s charge. This was quite what I expected & I wrote & told Mr Little my opinion of the whole business. I also punished Ellis severely & outlined for Mr Little’s benefit (he being in charge of the senior cricket) certain precautions connected with the scoring which I thought he ought to observe in order to prevent similar trouble in future.

On the same day I made a thorough inspection of the classes & was greatly pleased to find work progressing well all along the line, except perhaps in the 3rd Standard where Mr Pinto who is young & new has much to learn. Day by day I have been giving Mr Pinto advice upon the subject of class management & have listened to his teaching & criticised it freely. He is of course crude and awkward but I have hopes that when he gets a better grip on his class and gets to know his boys better he will develop into a teacher.

28th, 29th, 30th March

I paid daily visits to all the classes hearing an excellent algebra lesson by Mr Greene in the Technical Department, a Latin lesson by Mr Little to the 4th, a Grammar and analysis lesson to the 6th by Mr Price, & a lesson on Writing to the 3rd by Mr Pinto. I pointed out to the latter that he must use the black board more & suggested that he should be more careful in his own writing as children naturally copy their teacher’s work to the best of their ability.

The hospital is well managed by Mrs Hall & is now I am glad to say nearly empty.

2nd April

Bracey was put under observation by Dr Humphrey for plague. I immediately isolated him & took every precaution possible under the circumstances.

3rd April

Bracey’s declared to be plague. Parents wired to. Mr Perrott, the Sub-Division at Office of Kurseong visited the School & issued instructions.

Mr Little asked me to withdraw his accusation of unfairness against Mr Sharp. I was very pleased at this & sincerely hope a better understanding will prevail in future between these two men.

4th April

Vieux, McCann, & Mr Smith under observation for plague. Dr Maynard, CMO Darjeeling visited the School & pronounced Bracey’s case as plague & reported the School which he inspected in a state of sanitary efficiency.

Received an official letter of instructions from Mr Perrott. Instructed by Dr Maynard, I wired to the Inspector of European Schools for sanction for two extra temporary nurses. I received sanction by wire the same evening.

5th April

Blair & Lard suspected of plague, Vieux & McCann declared.

The Magistrate of Kurseong visited the School again & issued further instructions.

6th April

Hant, Scutt, & Whittaker declared to have plague. 6 cases in all.

7th April

Circular to parents, retailing circumstances of the outbreak. Telegrams to all the parents asking leave to inoculate. 6 cases in all.

8th April

Order from Govt. to send the boys into camp. 3 camps to be pitched. Circular of instructions to masters sent , appointing them to their several camps. Visit of Mr Marindin (? 6) Commissioner of Rajshage (? 5) & Mr Perrott. Informed by Mr Marindin (? 6) that Government would meet expenses incurred. Mr Price’s camp formed.

9th April

Mr Little’s camp pitched.

10th April

Mr Greene’s camp pitched.

11th April

Dr Costa declared infected.

Seven cases of plague in all. Dr Clements visited the School & issued orders

12th April

Mr Finnegan’s camp pitched on the land of the lakes. Seth smitten with plague.

14th April

Deverinne (? 9) declared plague infected.

15th April

Marklin (? 10) L (plague)

16th April

Received an official from the Joint Magistrate, Kurseong, ordering a continuance of the same segregation rules for another 10 days.

17th April

Mr McGuire C (plague)

18th April

Fisher (plague)

21st April

Fulton (plague)

This makes thirteen cases & there are indications to show that the pest is ceasing its ravages. Thank God we have had no death up to date. I have issued a series of circulars to date, acquainting

The parents & guardians with the exact state of things here & in fact taking every step I could to allay panic.

22nd April

The camps have been subdivided & stand thus:-

1. Helen’s Lodge.(Mr Greene & the Nurse)

2. Forest (Mr Elliott & Mr Pinto)

3. Park (Mr Little)

4. Technical (Mr Price)

5. Playground (Mr Mrs Whittaker)

6. Choudhuri (Mr Finnegan)

Camp No 1 was inoculated in those cases where permission had been granted.

7th May

On Sunday the 7th May the last camp was struck & the last boy moved back into School. It was a matter of great thankfulness to me that no lives had been lost either from plague on the hand or exposure upon the other. The work of moving in the camps & reducing establishment, identifying clothes, replacing furniture, counting up losses etc. etc. has been a heavy one & still remains unfinished. Numbers of small articles have disappeared and a good many large ones. The School furniture bears heavy traces of the wear and tear of the camps & I fear that the School will come out of the affair a heavy loser as it is impossible to get fully compensated for all the damage done directly or indirectly.

I have been furnished with a copy of the report of the San Com Bengal (sanitary commission ?) upon the plague here and its spread. He is of the opinion that overcrowding in the dormitories was responsible for the spread of the disease after its first introduction. I communicated this information to the Inspector of European Schools & in putting the boys back in the dormitories I was careful to keep within the limits of the figures laid down by Dr Clemisha this left 30 boys to be accommodated elsewhere. For them, room had to be made in the classrooms. In future it appears that the School may only accommodate 140 boys instead of the 200 previously admitted. In view of the fact that about 100 boys were waiting for admission when the plague began, the reduction to 140 will hit the parents very hard.

8th May

Drs Clemisha (? 15) & Masoon (? 16) visited the School

School reopened. I heard a Latin lesson in the 6th given by Mr Pinto. He seems to me to shape up very poorly indeed.

May 8 1905

Dr (? 18)Visited the School. School reopened.

I heard a lesson in the 6th given by Mr Pinto. He seems to me to shape up very poorly indeed.

May 15

Mr V.H. Jackson - Officiating Assistant Director of Public Instruction accompanied by Mr W.W. Horwell - Inspector of European Schools, arrived and went through most of the rooms of the building. Later, in my office they informed me the Government contemplate putting the staff of this School (Upper and Subsidiary) upon an allowance. I was asked to state what I considered a sufficient sum. Speaking from (? 19) imperfect knowledge and into the fact that the food accounts of the staff have never hitherto been separated from girls or the boys, I estimated the monthly cost of the food at the high table at Rs25/- per head, exclusive of fuel and lighting. I am quite prepared to hear that my estimate is too low. Both Mr Jackson and Mr Horwell appeared to think it too high. In the case of the other separate tables of the staff (Sharps, Whittakers, Mrs (? 20) Hall and Miss Von Bilera (? 21) the cost in my opinion would be much more.

Kurseong is a dear station, being 2 miles away from Kurseong is a dear place.

I heard a good lesson in Mr Sharp's class on the MS Poetry (? 22) The boys are a smart lot and they ought to do well.

I got to state that on Friday the 12th I heard a lesson given by Mr Pinto to the 3rd Std. It was prepared but was sketchy in character and it was delivered without any of that snap and go so necessary in dealing with a young class. The subject of the lesson was the parts of speech in English grammar. I was finally compelled to take the lesson out of Mr Pinto’s hands and complete it myself. I afterwards pointed out to him his mistakes and the opportunities he had missed to make his lesson into interesting, and impressed upon him the intense importance when dealing with children of:

a. of being clear

b. of being bright and if possible, interesting

c. of taking marking (? 24) for granted, but by repetitive and back questioning to make sure that he does understand and that the class was learning something

d. of carefully preparing his lessons beforehand on the principle that an inaccurate teacher makes a slipshod class and that the shallowness on the one-sided results in emptiness (? 24) on the other.

18th May

Heard a lesson in the 7th Std upon the Court Members Ghost (? 25). The boys answered well and thoughtfully, a lesson on the poetry for the year in the 3rd Std appeared to be ill-learnt, void of expression, and not well understood.

19th May

I heard a more encouraging lesson in the 3rd Std - Subject - Mental Arithmetic. The answering was rapid and correct - and very well known. I was glad to observe that Mr Pinto was making some attempt to put whose work upon the blackboard in a legible form. I have twice pointed out him that anyone may be a bad a writer but no one need be careless. Perhaps my words are beginning to bear fruit.

20th May

Cricket match against Planters. The School lost.

(Different handwriting.  Editor: JF)

21st May

I visited the School on May 19th with Mr Jackson and Don Monday, May 21st alone (? 26) and discussed many points in connection with the School with the Head Master, especially the question of boarding and of the free education which is now allowed to the members of School staff, on which point I am now addressing Government. The School seems to be completely recovered its normal condition after the plague. The verdict of the Sanitary Commissioner as to the capacity of the dormitories is a very serious matter. It means a reducing the School by 60 boys, for when the Commercial Class Building is completed the School will only accommodate 170 boys, instead of 230 as contemplated and this when 100 boys were refused admission this year. The Head Master upon being shown the Sanitary Commissioners Report by the Civil Medical Officer immediately wrote to me for orders.

I replied that the Sanitary Commissioners orders must be carried out. This has been done by refusing to readmit boys who were removed by their parents at the time of the plague outbreak and by accommodating some of the boys in classrooms. Twenty-six boys have thus been dismissed from the School, at least temporarily, and this is a naturally caused a considerable amount of ill feeling among the parents. The number accommodated in the 4 dormitories is now 140 i.e. 35 in each as prescribed by the Sanitary Commissioner . As regards the question of why this overcrowding has been allowed to continue so along unchallenged, it must be said in justification of the Head Master that the building was designed to accommodate 200 boys and that accordingly has never been suggested by any Civil or Medical Officers who have during the last few years inspected the School. During the whole of this period the numbers have been up to 200.

As regards the Technical Class I have sanctioned the temporary employment, on a salary of Rs25/- a month from today’s of a local blacksmith. This man will help Mr Elliott with the work until the arrival of the blacksmith whose appointment is now before Govt. The charge will be met from the Special Grant for the Technical Classes. There is a rumour that the Masters appointed for Commercial Classes may be expected shortly from England. If they do come before the Forest Bungalow is ready for occupation there will be no accommodation whatever for them.

The Head Master suggests as a temporary measure housing them at Helen’s Lodge. I have asked the Head Master to come up to me with definite suggestions as soon as any thing definite is known about the arrival of these Masters. I looked through some of the classwork and was quite satisfied except with the work of Mr Pinto, who wants careful watching and attention. I am sorry to read not altogether good accounts of him. I am asking the Head Master to watch his work carefully and let me have a report upon him when the time of his probation is concluded.

I have no objection to the few parents who desire to have their boys learn music, making private arrangements with Mr Greene, provided that no extra expense to government is incurred and none of the ordinary School time broken into. Only three boys learn at present, when the number of applicants exceed six, information should be sent to me.

W.W. Horwell.

Inspector European Schools

22/5/1905

Head Master's writing.

25th May

I spent an hour in Std 3 listening to a class poetry (? 27) of Mr Pinto is explanations of it. It was a relief to pass into Std ? And hear a lucid and interesting the lesson upon the subject of Map Drawing. Europe was in Delta. An Arithmetic lesson in Std (? 28) Prefect and have seemed to be understood by the class.

26th May

I am not at all at easy in my mind about the water supply. In spite of our closing all supplies for 12 hours out of 24 and in spite of the fact that the spring has been abnormally cold and wet - the supply of water into the tanks (? 29)lower and lower daily. Today there are only 12 inches between us and trouble and I am getting more and more convinced that this subject needs dealing with promptly.

My experience has been that a low tank means as sick School. I am not quite prepared to say why - but dregs are dregs - and nobody seems to thrive on these. I have written to the Inspector upon the subject.

27th May

The usual weekly examination were resumed today. It will be into arresting see when the corrected papers come in, how camping out as affected the School.

29th May

I have given orders for Helen's Lodge, our last plague camp to be (? 30) today.

Scott, Dacosta, Fisher, Fulton and at a McGuire leave for Calcutta today in charge of Messer's McGuire.

The rest of the (? 31) boys came back to School, Mc? And Seth (out of these) leave School this week. Helped by Mr Green, Mr Whitaker and my clerks, I am still tackling the food question in the hope all being able to provide the Inspector with the information he needs with regard to the cost of the several tables here. The difficulties are (? 32) chiefly owing to the fact that all the supplies are pooled here and are cooked too, except in my own and case, at a common stove. I am gradually getting things disentangled and shall be able to give an approximate table of cost in the course of a few days.

The Bruce company gave a (? 33) entertainment to the boys in the Assembly Hall, paid for out of boy’s pocket money and donations from staff.

Different hand writing.

5th June

Visited the School, Mr Little in an interview which he had with me, made direct accusations against Mr Sharp in connection with the case recorded on (? 34) five and seven in this log book. I spoke to Mr Little and spoke to him in the presence of Mr Barnes. I told them that either these accusations were true in which case they constitute a serious indictment against the general condition of the School or they were false, in which case they were malicious and a libellous and I have called for Mr Little either to state clearly his charges and substantiate them all to submit a direct statement to the effect that they are withdrawn.

Signed. W.W, Horwell,

Head Master’s hand-writing resumes.

I heard a capital lesson in the Technical Class by Mr Green (Euclid Bk iii). The class seemed to or along capitally with the teacher.

I heard a good lesson by Mr Finnegan in Std 5 on the Latin pronouns (? 36).

(? 37) June

I sent Mr Little the letter called for by the Inspector, asking the former either to withdraw all to substantiate his previous charges against Mr Sharp.

(? 38) June

The correspondence etc connected with the Little - Sharp case were forwarded by me under a double cover with my letter No. 81.

I heard a lesson by Mr Price on (? 39) to Std VI.

(? 40) June

I heard a portion of a dictation lesson in Std 4. I notice an improvement in the writing of this class.

Mr Sharp who had been ill for two or three days returned it to work today.

During the week I have been steadily observing the classes and their teachers. I notice a slight improvement in Std 3. Work is progressing well all along the line. The hospital is practically empty. Mr White, Sanitary expert visited the School. I sent Mr Sharp out with him as a guide to a spring we have discovered.

I took the 1st Year Technical boys in 6 Text today. They seem to be improving.

16th June

The Ex Engineer, Mr Cross arrived with Mr Blenkinsop and I had a long discussion with them regarding the water supply about which I have recently written up to the PW Department. Mr Cross are visited the Land of the Lakes and seems to be of the opinion that ? tanks there will not be necessary but that a heavy masonry dam built across the mouth of the gully will be sufficient. This, of course, if feasible will largely relieve case (? 41). My only fear is that the soil, being of a porous nature the water may drain away through it. Mr Cross is also in favour of exploring the small spring close to the Commercial Building and utilising it for the benefit of those living in there. With these two additional sources of supply the School's troubles under this head should be largely mitigated.

17th June

The usual weekly examination was held at today.

Class Five - Geography - Mr Price

Class Six - Euclid - Mr Little

Class Seven - Euclid - Mr Sharp

Class Four - English Grammar - Mr Finnegan

Class Three – Arithmetic - Mr Pinto

Technical 1st Year - Science - Mr Greene

Technical 2nd Year - Engineering - Mr Elliott

20th June

The chaplain who has been ill for some weeks took service here.

I received a P&C (? 42) letter from the Inspector of Schools about the “Sharp – Little” case.

21st June

Letter of Inspector transmitted (? 43) To Mr Little in original.

Inspection of the boys by the Inspector General (officiating) Col. Woolcombe who expressed to me his satisfaction with the boys and their officers after the parade.

22nd June

One case of dysentery in hospital. I heard a capital lesson to the second year Technicals on rust by Mr Green - on rapid series of experiments, in which the boys helped, were shown.

Received the report upon the plague - a report in which the Lieutenant Governor thanks all learned for their work in connection therewith.

I gave out the marks to the boys, class and by class - in the recent examinations. I was glad to notice an improvement all along the line.

23rd June

Mr Stapleton went through a School and expressed himself very pleased with it.

24th June

The usual weekly examination.

I forgot to mention that Mr Stapleton has kindly offered a price for the 2nd Year Technicals in Chemistry and Physics.

26th June

The King’s Birthday. A holiday was given. The boys sang “ God Save the King,” and gave three cheers for His Majesty. Officiating Inspector General had asked me to give a holiday on account of the drill of the boys. As time is precious with us just now, I combined the two. (Rotten sod: Editor, JF).

28th June

I heard a grand lesson on Algebraic Factions in Std 6, one on the Latin (? 45) in Std 5 and it looked over some map drawing (England) in Std 4.

29th June

I gave the usual Scripture Lesson to half the School. I think next year it would be advisable to take two half hours a week instead of a one 3/4 hour for this subject. One lesson might be devoted to the Old and one to the New Testament.

30th June

I spent a long time this morning trying to drive the principles of Division into the tail end of Std 3. Pullen (? 46) In arithmetic seemed to be hopeless. His other subjects however are good. Mr Pinto appears to me to be improving. I shall be able to form a better opinion after the half yearly examinations to be held in July. He has plenty of confidence but lacks in”

a. method

b. knowledge

I have requested him to make a point of preparing his lessons and advised him to read. A lad who has hardly moved out of a mofussil station during his short life can scarcely be expected to have much mental width. Reading (? 47) With those whose thought and experience over a wider range will doubtless help to remedy this defect.

1st of July

The usual weekly examinations.

Std 3 England - Mr Little

Std 4 Geography - Mr Finnegan

Std 5 Latin - Mr Sharp

Std 6 Latin - Mr Pinto

Std 7 Latin - Mr Price

The also issued the following notice regarding the half yearly examinations.

“The usual half yearly examinations will begin on the 17th of July, Monday. The question papers should be handed in to me on the 10th of July and the question papers, corrected answer papers and reports should be handed in to me on the 31st of July.”

The classes are allotted as followers.

3rd Mr Price

4th Mr Greene

5th Mr Pinto

6th Mr Little

7th Mr Finnegan

Technical Class - Maths and drawing - first and second years Mr Sharp

Technical Class - Engineering, carpentry, and as smithy work, Mr Elliott

The health of the School continues good. The annual football match has been postponed at the last moment until the eighth of July.

4th July

Mr Sharp started the Calcutta to see Mr Horwell with regard to his case with Mr Little.

I took the 7th Std in Mr Sharp’s absence which lasted until Friday morning. I made a rapid review of the classes work. The arithmetic appears good but inaccurate at times, the Geography is poor – very, and the English, especially the text, was satisfactory.

7th July

Mr Sharp returned. I heard a lesson on Geography Std 3. The subject was the physical features and states of India. I found Mr Pinto falling into the same old fault of hurrying on without testing the class step-by-step, to see if it was keeping pace with him. He is improving slightly nonetheless. Two boys, (? 48) Bowen and Collett made a feeble attempt to run away because, for the first time in 18 months they had been promised a caning by their Class Master who was about to hand them up to me. They were brought back and caned ignominiously.

11th July

I received a signed apology from Mr Little which I sent on the same day to the Inspector.

Mr Owen held the usual weekly service.

13th July

Having received a letter from Mr Pegler, (the first Head Master of Victoria School . Editor, JF), expressing his regrets at his inability to preside at our Prize Giving which was originally fixed to take place in April but had been put off on account of the plague. I got Mr Owen to preside today and the distribution was followed by a concert. The attendance was huge in spite of rain on the whole affair went off successfully.

15th July

The usual weekly examinations were omitted as the mid-term examinations begins on Monday next. I received a D.O. (? 49) From the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. Requesting me in closing Little – Sharp case to copy his letter No 2 and Mr Little’s apology in the School log book.

The health of the School continues good. One case of measles – Kelly - in the hospital. The worst seems to be over and progressing nicely all around, though the examination results in Std 3 are still below par.

Letter No 2.

From: Mr W.W. Horwell Esq. B.A, (Oxon). Inspector of European Schools, Bengal.

To: The Head Master , Victoria School, Kurseong .

Calcutta, the 29th June 1905.

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge was thanks the receipt of your letter dated the 27th June, 1905 with which was forwarded a letter from Mr Little dated the 25th June, 1905. I am extremely gratifying to read in Mr Little’s letter under reply that “ all aspersions, written or spoken against the character of Mr Sharp are withdrawn,” and I am nonetheless pleased to note that Mr Sharp is willing to admit that Mr Little's conduct was not adduced in by “base motives” nor prompted “by malice”. Kindly in on Mr Little that whose withdrawal is accepted in the spirit of sincerity in which I believe it is offered, and that I shall signal more of the incident which led to his inquiry except as an example of rash utterances, withdrawn on sober reflection and therefore (? 50). Those regards Mr Sharp, I have the honour to request you to inform him that Mr Little has withdrawn all aspersions, written or spoken against his character and that no shadow of suspicion as regards his conduct in connection with the cricket score incident can be entertained. In conclusion, I have the honour to request that you will ask both Mr Sharp and Mr Little to let bygones be bygones and have a future to (? 51) such personal feelings for the sake of the School, the welfare of which I am sure they both have at heart. Kindly have this letter copied into the School log book.

I have the honour to be, Sir.

Your most obedient Servant.

Sd: W.W. Horwell.

Inspector of European Schools, Bengal.

No. 3.

From: Mr W.W. Horwell Esq. B.A, (Oxon). Inspector of European Schools, Bengal.

To: The Head Master , Victoria School, Kurseong .

Calcutta, the 6th July, 1905.

Sir,

With reference to your D.O. letter dated the first of July 1905 and the previous correspondence, I have the honour to request you to ask Mr Little to sign the paper which is attached. At the same time I have to ask you to kindly to inform Mr Little that in his statement of withdrawal any pronouncement as to motives is out of place.

As responsible to Government for the proper conduct of the School, I am not primarily concerned with Mr Little's motives. The first of all I wish to be as sure that Mr Little entertains an old charges against Mr Sharp and secondly, I wish to feel quite certain that Mr Little will not at any future time allude to the cricket score incident to the prejudice either of Mr Sharp's character all the reputation of the School. As regards motives however, if Mr Little signs the attached paper and returns it to me without further ado, I am prepared to repeal (? 52) And officially chronicle among the confidential papers of this office, the view of his conduct expressed in my letter No. 2. dated June 29, 1905, namely that “I should think nor more of the incidents which led to the inquiry except as examples of rash utterances was drawn on sober reflections and therefore (? 53).”

2. Mr Sharp whom I have interviewed on this point desires that this incident may now be regarded as an entirely close and he has undertaken never to refer to this matter to the detriment of Mr Little. Mr Little must however clearly understand that in the event of his making any attempt in the future, to defame the character of Mr Sharp, Mr Sharp will not consider himself bound by this undertaking. I have the honour to request you to inform Mr Little of this.

I have the honour to be, Sir.

Your most obedient Servant.

Sd: W.W. Horwell.

Inspector of European Schools, Bengal.

Copy of Mr Little’s apology.

I withdraw all statements written or spoken which I have made against the character of Mr Sharp and I promise that in the future I will neither in writing or in speaking allude directly or indirectly to the incidents connected with the scoring at the cricket matches played on March 24, 1905 and March 27, 1905 to the prejudice either of Mr Sharp or the Victoria Boys School, Kurseong .

This promise is given on the assurance of Mr W.W. Horwell, Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, that longer is the promise is kept to the fact of this inquiry all the incidents which led to it will not be used against me to my prejudice by any persons connected therewith.

Sd: J.H. Little.

17th July

Class 1 - Mr Sharp

Class 2 - Papers – the Head Master – Reading etc. Mrs Peglar

Class 3 - Mr Sharp

Class 4 - Mr Price

Class 5 - Mr Pinto

Class 6 - Mr Little

Class 7 - Mr Finnegan

Technical 1st & 2nd Years Science & Maths, Mr Greene. Engineering, Carpentry and Smithy, Mr Elliott

21st July

Examinations.

I received a letter from the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, informing me that an anonymous letter had been received by the Director of Public Instruction, in which, amongst other things it was mentioned that two boys had recently ran away from Victoria School. The Inspector further called upon me to detail the circumstances connected with the occurrence and to explain why I had not reported the matter to him. I detailed the circumstances as required and stated in addition that:

a. as I had entered of the matter in my log

b. as I had caught the offender

c. as I always understood of that my predecessors in office have not reported the seven similar cases I remember here, therefore I had not deemed it necessary to make it the basis for an official of report. I have however, made his entry as a guide for future action should similar circumstances arise.

22nd July

The close of the examinations.

In the 2nd Std. Is it only appeared to be weak, reading good, writing good, and arithmetic moderate.

I had to call Mr Pinto was a attention to the state of his due books. They had been scribbled pen and had some leaves missing. I pointed out to him that I expected him to see that Government property was treated in a very different way from this. I handed the books back to him was a request that he would at once have the scribbling remove. I'd also asked him to make it his business in future to hold regular inspections of the class books with a view to their better treatment in future.

The health of the School continues good.

On Friday the 21st, I lectured to the Dow Hill Training College and Staff on “The Training of the Child.”

Went through letters as usual.

Further ground that lesson on Euclid’s defs (? 54) Std 5 by Mr Finnegan and lessons on Analysis under 16 Prop (? 55) Bk 1 in Std 6, by Mr Price. Mr Pinto reports the rest of the books in Std 3 in the fairly good order.

The doctor came and expressed the opinion that V. Lyons should be operated upon for Hernia. I have written to the boy's mother who seems to have been very careless in allowing the boy’s Hernia to go on treated for years past. The boy is a new boy here.

25th July

Witnessed a carpentry lesson to Std 6 in the Shops also a lesson upon Analysis to Std 7.

26th July

Heard a lesson upon a portion (?) of the physical features of England in Std 4 by Mr Little. The boy is as seemed a backward in some instances. Witnessed a lesson on carpentry to Std 5 in the Shops.

The better lighting of the classrooms in the daytime by enlarging the present window was ought really to be attended to. The many misty days of the rains here higher especially trying to boys and teachers in class, as it is at all times are really difficult to see well.

Heard a letter on Analysis in the 6th Std, Mr Price, and one upon addition in Algebra in Std 5 by Mr Finnegan. Witnessed a carpentry lesson in the 1st year Technical, Mr Elliott.

27th July

I noticed an improvement in the Arithmetic of Std 3, Mr Pinto. The teaching seems to be growing firmer and less obscure in this Std and I shall be greatly pleased if Mr Pinto after all, turns out suitable. He certainly made a very unpromising start but he is very young and seems to be adaptable.

30th July

Mr Owen took early communion. The eleven communicants. The choir attended.

31st July

Went through letters as usual and heard several good lessons. Amongst others are capital lesson on the verb inflections in Latin to Std 5 by Mr Finnegan. Inspected some pretty racks in the Shops made by Technical boys without any help whatsoever.

77 inches of rain for July.

1st August

The two Lyons and Hart left - the, to undergo operations and the latter, no reason assigned.

Heard it a lesson on Algebraic problems (Simple rules) in Std 6 by Mr Price.

5th August

Mr Finnegan and list of all went to Darjeeling to see the dentist.

It has always been a difficult problem to keep the boys in their dormitories at night. Long ago I introduced the suggestion of locking the dorms back and front, but even then it has not proved difficult for an active land to lower himself from a window onto the verandah and thence to the ground. The staff have been very helpful from time to time in aiding me to catch in defending wanderers and this year I have further increased the difficulty of getting out by riveting the dormitory lamps so that they cannot be moved and by putting a man upon watch from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.. This duty is not to catch boys but simply to report at once to Mr Sharp if a boy leaves his dormitory. Mr Sharp by visiting the boys can of course settle at once who is away. I am glad to say it that the number of attempts to get out seems to have diminished but the whole subject is a great worry to me and I earnestly wish I could (? 56) Are really reliable method of dealing with problem. When dressing rooms and bathrooms are provided the difficulty will of course be lightened as I can then check (?) the boy’s clothes and boots in the dressing-rooms. They would (? 57) to get out with bare feet and in their night clothes.

The matter could of course be settled by boarding up the window but that that would leave no exit in case of the fire. I am glad to say that the boys are so well-behaved that the idea of trying to get out has only occurred to three or four of the more adventurous spirits!

7th August

I have now received all the marked papers and reports connected with the Mid Term Exams and must admit that the result is on the hall is satisfactory. The arithmetic and spelling in Std 3 are very weak, Std 4 is a good all round. The papers set to Std 5 were a little stiff and the marking equally so. In spite of this is the result of the fair. Std 6 is poor all round. I have gone thoroughly into the matter with the Class Teachers and as the results are quite different from the also obtained in the weekly exams. I am inclined to agree with Mr Price that the class as classes will, was for the nonce, off-colour. I shall watch them carefully. The results were not bad but not what I had a right to expect. Std 7 with the exception of reading and recitation handled all those subjects well. The Technical boys and Stds 1 & 2 show a steady and satisfactory improvement.

The Mid Term weighments (weighing of the boys. Editor), have been highly satisfactory. It is usual in the rain for boys laid somewhat physically. 4 out of 170 boys upon the occasion, only about half a dozen show a marked decrease in weight. These I have put upon extra diet. In the matter of increase in weight, Gray MA, tops the School. In four months he has increased 1 stone 2 lbs (7.25 Kg). The increase in chest measurement has been most marked, in almost every case.

I have been reading the Duke's book upon hospital of accommodation etc, for Schools. He seems to think 20% of beds necessary, (we have 10%) 4 (?) - that infection cases should be allowed 2000 cubic feet, non-infectious cases receiving1000 cubic feet and the nurse 600 cubic feet of space. This I fear, so far as India is concerned is a (? 58) of perfection.

Dr Humphrey made his usual monthly inspection of the boys.

Hockey began.

10th August

I have been through the classes regularly and all seems to be doing on well. During the year I have increased the outside and inside “duty” of the Staff somewhat and I fear the additions made are not very popular that they seem to me necessary and they are of course will press less heavily as the teaching staff growers in numbers. On holidays three roll calls are now held and two on School days instead of two and one respectively.

The night preparation has been slightly lengthened and the Master-on-Duty now supervises all the meals except Chota-Hazri, being responsible for order, marching in and out etc. I find the gain immense (? 59). The roll calls have reduce the slipping out of bounds very markedly the quarter of an hour and extra preparation for the seniors has helped them in getting up their work and the improvement in the dining hall discipline and in the manners of the boys at table is marked. My wife has been giving me great help in looking after the boy’s food and in suggesting new dishes. With limited means at my disposal, it is very difficult to introduce much variety into the School food but I believe that all that can be done is done and several of the boys have come up and thanked me lately for the improvement in the cooking. Samples of the food, taken out of the boy’s dekchis, are now sent to me daily and in some cases I have substituted these samples for the dishes I would otherwise have eaten. I'd find a food good and palatable. The difficulty is in cooking for such a number, to keep the cook up to the mark.

It has been raining now steadily from a fortnight and everything here is more or less mouldy.

10th August

The football match having fallen through (against the Planters), I have now written to try and get up a hockey match against the outside world. One of the great difficulties connected with efficiency in games here is the extreme difficulty in getting an occasional outside match. If interSchool matches are persisted in year after year, interest seems to flag and the quality of the play to deteriorate. The Goethals School will possibly in the future and give us an occasional chance of rectifying all this.

15th August

I left Kurseong for Calcutta with the object of buying prizes at etc and icons are in with the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal regarding the proposed new food arrangements, the Commercial School, the Technical Examinations etc., I left Mr Sharp in charge.

18th August

I returned to Kurseong and found everything going on well.

19th August

The usual weekly examinations.

Technical - Algebra - Mr Greene

VII - English Grammar - Mr Sharp

VI - Arithmetic - Mr Little

V - Arithmetic - Mr Price

IV - Dictation and Grammar - Mr Finnegan

3 - Arithmetic - Mr Pinto

Result fair.

Hospital nearly empty. Rain still pouring down.

22nd August

Servce as usual. I have daily spent half a day in the Shop - for some time past and have been particularly been pleased with the progress of the work under Mr Elliott

23rd August

I wrote to Mr Whitaker about the smelly state of the boy’s latrine. Some time ago I cut down on the allowance of Phenyl. I believe disinfectants in most cases to be a mistake. They are made an excuse for laziness. One is my will is created to disguise another, the original dirt remaining. Water, soap and brushes are in my opinion the only cure and I have requested Mr Whitaker to see that they are applied so thoroughly that dirt and smells will cease to prevail in this compound.

26th August

The usual weekly examinations.

Hospital almost empty.

I think it would be an improvement if the inspector can see his way to sanction the erection of is purpose water boiling apparatus for drinking purposes. A very good one is supplied by the Alipore Jail for about Rs 200. It is in use in jails and cantonments and sanitaria all of the country.

26th August

I am greatly worried in mind over the 2nd Year Technical Class. We have I have 5 splendid lads in the class and they have been well taught and are in my opinion, above the average of the Sibpur candidates intellectually. The scheme for holding their examinations in December having fallen through, these 5 boys will be sent home to run wild for three months, and in all probability, at the end of which time, they and are expected to assemble from different parts of the country, and to present themselves for examinations at Sibpur College. Two of them, under these circumstances, are contemplating another line of work and I must admit that I view the prospects of the class in the future with apprehension.

1st September

A beautiful day after weeks of rain. I gave the School a half holiday to get my boys dry.

2nd September

The usual examinations.

Mr Little took casual leave for one day. I presided at his examinations, Mr Hall relieving me when I was called away.

3rd September

Mr Owen took the confirmation boys, 18 in number.

The hospital still empty except for one patient.

During the week I have been in and out of the classes as usual. The work is progressing capitally.

5th September

Dr Humphrey made his usual monthly tour of inspection round the classes. He remarked to me upon the unusually healthy appearance of the boys. In the rains we are accustomed to find the boys fall off a bit in some cases. This year however one and all appear to be steadily improving.

The Chaplain took service as usual.

7th September

It is interesting to know it year by year the steady physical improvement in the majority of the boys - a result due in large measure to the admirable training of Mr Hall.

An Assault at Arms was held today in the Assembly Hall the rain holding off, a very large audience witnessed the exhibition. It was generally remarked that the boys had never done better in similar exhibitions in the past and I was particularly struck with the admirable timing and steadiness of the performance.

8th September

I took round the marks and papers of the preceding weekly examinations and talked to the classes and teachers at some length. This I do every week and I think it encourages the boys to know that they are taking being carefully watched, not only by their own class Master, but by me.

8th September

I went carefully through the drawing books of Std 2, A marked improvement is visible week by week in the work of nearly every boy where you use at sea injuries as a way of the in the class

9th September

The usual weekly examinations.

Technical 1st Year Mensuration Mr Greene

Technical 2nd Year Trigonometry Mr Greene

Std VII Algebra Mr Little

Std VI Euclid Mr Price

Std V Euclid Mr Pinto

Std IV Geography Mr Finnegan

Std 3 arithmetic Mr Sharp

11th September

Look to 160 letters as usual.

12th September

Heard a lesson on (? 61) arithmetic in Std VI and saw a particularly good lesson on the construction of a bolt in the Smithy.

16th September

The usual weekly examinations took place.

18th September I found McCarthy and Daly (? 62) had been indulging in the practice of bullying boys younger than themselves, in one case bruising a boy's head very badly. Both boys are acknowledged that a fault. I gave both of them and a sound caning and informed them that a repetition of their fault would result in further and more unpleasant steps being taken by me.

Mr Neville, War Correspondent of The Graphic, gave an intensely interesting lecture to the boys entitled, “The War (Boer), as I saw it.”

19th September

Service as usual

20th September

A beautiful day at last. I gave a half-holiday.

21st September

Sudden and heavy outbreak of influenza.

Saw carpentry Std 7.

22nd September

32 cases in hospital.

23rd September

The usual weekly examinations took place.

Technical 1st Year Engineering. Mr Sharp

Technical 2nd Year. Science. Mr Greene

Std 7. Euclid. Mr Pinto

Std 6. English. Mr Sharp

Std 5. Latin. Mr Little

Std 4. English Composition and Grammar. Mr Finnegan

Std 3. English Grammar. Mr Price

25th September

Influenza diminishing. School letters as usual. I heard a lesson on Latin text in Std 7 and a one on Latin Grammar in Std 5.

26th September

Mr Owen took service.

I heard a good lesson on the Geography of Scotland to Std 4 by Mr Little. Mr Little is working hard and well with his class which is making capital progress.

From time to time I have dropped into Std 3 to hear Mr Pinto and to give him a word of advice. He is improving as a teacher but his class with two or three exceptions is a stupid one.

I visit the Technical classes daily. The 2nd Year class form one of the smartest lot of boys I have had for some time. In the class together excepting perhaps Hopewell. P. Bapty (to see another entry for Philip Bapty, click here : Editor JF), should be in a class by himself, head and shoulders above the rest.

I have been particularly struck with a marked improvement in the discipline of the School lately. The supervision of course has been likened somewhat and I spend every moment of my spare time out and about amongst the boys. The staff are working splendidly throughout and pleasing me greatly except perhaps in the case of one of the matrons, Miss Von Bibra, whose attitude towards me and my authority, will doubtless improve as time goes on.

Sometime ago I wrote to the Forest Officer, Kurseong, pointing out to him that constant thefts were taking place in the School's Forest on the part of outside natives who I believe take the wood to the bazaar and sell it. I asked the Forest Officer, Mr Banerjee to kindly deal with these people for me and he wrote saying that he has issued the strictest orders to his menial Staff and Rangers about the preservation of our forests. If the thefts continue he has threatened the latter with punishment.

27th September

Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. Arrived and had a talk with me at all the various points connected with the School. On the following morning I went to a the buildings with them accompanied by the Assistant Engineer PWD.

28th September

Instructed the Assistant Head Master to call a meeting of the male teachers with the object of forming a Sports Committee and taking over the whole of the Sports funds etc. This was done and Mr Little was elected general secretary and Mr Finnegan his Treasurer.

30th September

The usual weekly examinations took place.

Note from the Editor: This page was transcribed by me, one hundred years after it was written.

1st October

I handed over the sport to camps to Mr Finnegan absolutely free from debt and was a balance in the hand of Rs 20/0/3. I have been elected President of the new Sports Committee.

2nd October

I received notice that Mrs Pegler’s extension of service has been refused.

5th October

The Puja holidays began.

11th October

School reopened.

McIntyre who has been down with pneumonia quite out of danger.

The rains are seen to be almost overe have had 220 inches. From my experience here I should put our average fall at 200 inches annually.

The hospital is empty.

14th October

The usual weekly examinations was not held owing to the recent Pujas.

I took the papers of the last examination round the classes and spoke to the boys and masters. Miss Greene kindly invited all the boys over to the Girl’s School to witness an operetta.

16th October

Letters as usual.. I heard a grand lecture on the Geography of Africa in Std 7. The class seems forward in this subject.

17th October

The Lord Bishop of Calcutta arrived and stayed overnight with me. On Tuesday we held a Confirmation in the Assembly Hall (The Chapel had not been built at that time. Editor JF), at 3:30 p.m. at which 21 candidates, 17 boys and four girls, were presented for Confirmation. On the following morning the Bishop held communion for both Schools and left for Darjeeling the same day by the up-mail. Before leaving, His Lordship expressed his great pleasure at the arrangements made and that the singing and heartiness of the services. It was fortunate that I was able to show the Bishop the plan of the proposed church here, his Lordship made several interesting suggestions.

20th October

General Inspection of the School Cadet Company by General Hepburn (? 65). The General could only stay for a short time but before he left he said he was greatly pleased with what he had seen.

Mrs Pegler handed over to Mrs Barnes. Mrs Pegler retires after 26 years service in Kurseong. Her old pupils from many parts of India, England and Australia, presented her with a parting gift. The presentation was made by Mr Owen.

23rd October

Letters as usual.

I heard a grand lesson on logarythms to the 2nd Technicals by Mr Greene. I was particularly struck by the admirable answering of P. Bapty. He is not only the top boy in the School in lessons, but easily so.

24th October

I heard a lesson in and the 6th by Mr Price on the Geography of Africa and later took part in a lesson on the compound of eo (? 66) in the 6th with Mr Pinto. The latter shows improvement in his methods.

25th October

I spent some time with Mrs Barnes in Std 2. The classe is in good order and the work is being intelligently handled. (Mrs Barnes was his wife! Editor:JF).

Mr Pedler and the Superintendent Engineer PWD, paid a visit to the School, later they were met by Mr Hall well and Mr Chapman a Government Auditor.

26th October

Mr Horwell and Mr Chapman went into the subject of the School Accounts.

27th October

Mr Horwell and Mr Chapman again visited the School

28th October

Annual Sports - weather fine - audience large.

Mr Horwell and Mr Chapman again went into the accounts -a holiday.

30th October

The School defeated the District in cricket. A holiday.

31st October

School resumed.

Std 4 in their recent final examinations under Mr Sharp have done very well indeed. This must be encouraging to Mr Little who is in charge of them.

2nd November

I heard a grand lesson in the 6th Std on the Geography of Africa and the weather in the 7th Std. In the seventh Std Algebraic equations.

3rd November

A most interesting lesson on chemical compounds was given before me by Mr Green to the second year Technical boys.

7th November

The second year Technical boys left Kurseong left for Sukna, in charge of Mr Elliott.

Cholera having broken out at SILIGURI I was obliged to find other quarters for the class of the last moment. Luckily I was able to obtain the loan of the Forrestry Bungalow at SUKNA from Mr Jacob of the Forestry Department.

10th of November

A shadow was cast on the School by the departure of Mr Finnegan who has been promoted and transferred.

11th November

Mr Horwell were left Kurseong.

13th November

I trolleyed down to Sukna at 6 a.m. (? 69) the Survey party. Found them comfortably housed and provided for and came back by the “mixed” (? 70) The same day.

16th November

For the past week I have been taking the fifth Std addition to my other duties. I have gone thoroughly into the work of the year and I find the class in a state creditable to Mr Finnegan. This I expected.

Mis Weingarten student from the Technical College arrived today, relieving me greatly. I placed Mr Pinto in Std 5 and Miss W. in Std 3.

20th November

Government Examinations began.

1 H.S. Candidtes,

23 M/S/ Candidates

13 P.S. Cabididates.

The examiner, Reverend CH: Owen.

22nd November

A painful incident occurred yesterday. H.C. Robottham was removed from the examination room by Mr Owen who found him in possession of a page from a Euclid book. He confessed that he had copied a proposition from this page into his answer book (Prop 12. Bk i). I immediately reported the fact P&C to the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, and in addition to my report I sent:

a. A signed confession from Robottham

b. The answer book with Propositione 12 copied verbatim

c. Robottham's question paper

I also reported the affair to Mrs Robotham, Assam, giving her a full details. Robotham will of course, not be readmitted to the examination

Saturday being at an orphan day for the examination boys I gave a holiday in the morning.

28th November

The examinations came to a close. I sent the boxer papers to the station, the same day. The answer papers were sealed in wax-cloth, and sent to Calcutta registered, day by day, within 10 minutes of the close of each today's examinations. During the whole of the examinations no member of the Staff was allowed to enter the Examination Hall, The dictation was read to the primary candidates by Mr Owen.

3rd November

The usual volunteer picnic was held in the forest and the weather being fine it and its accompanying sham fight proved a success..

In the evening the vol prizes were distributed by Mrs Barnes.

December 5th,7th and 9th

The boys left for their holidays.

Copyright John Feltham – Australia - © 2005.