The Headmaster's Diary - 1909 Victoria School - Kurseong. |
||
1909 8th March The parties of boys for Victoria School having arrived on the 5th. & 7th of March, school reopened on the 8th Monday. I had previously circularised the Calcutta parents regarding vaccination in view of the great epidemic of small-pox of there. The classes etc., are arranged as follows:- Technical 1st & 2nd Years. Messrs Greene and Elliott Infants & 1st Std Mrs Sharp 2nd Std Mr Little 3rd Std Mr Price 4th Std Mr Barker 5th Std Mr D'Abrue 6th Std Mr Pinto 7th Std Mr Sharp Hindi Munshi Prasama (?) Deb Gymnastics Mr Hall Hospital Nurse Hall Steward Mr Whitaker Matron A & B Mrs S. Hall Matron C & D Mrs Whitaker Lady Housekeeper Mrs Boyle Mrs S. Hall took over charge in place of Mrs Cunliffe, resigned, on the 5th of March 10th , 11th March I took the work in Std 3 for Mr Price who was laid up with fever. I tested the class in all its subjects and found the boys a good level lot, almost without the usual class tail. 13th March The Civil Medical Officer examined the vaccination marks of all the boys in the school for several hours. He highly approved. 16th March The Reverend Mr Careless held his first service in the Assembly Hall, for the year. The PWD have been more dilatory than usual in getting the school ready. They have certainly had extra work to do in stripping all walls of plaster and refacing them, in the classrooms, the 3 months would appear sufficient even for that. They are still at work here however and are likely to be, for another week or so. 18th March Boys have been dropping in, day by day, and we now number 177 borders. I am glad to say that the hospital has been empty up to this and I trust it will continue so. I have kept a close eye on the new matron's work and so far I am particularly pleased with it. I have never seen the dormitories (A and B) in a more spotless state. Everything is now in good going order. I took a Latin lesson in Std 7. The results in this class for 1908 reflected great credit upon Mr Little. They are as follows. Middle Scholarships First Class. 6th E. L. Campbell - Scholarship 8th O. Paperno (?) - Scholarship 9th T.S. Smith - Scholarship 10th C. M. Thyne – Scholarship Second Class 8th T.C. Paull 3rd Class 1st G. S. Seth 6th G. W. Kemp 14th H. Blackwell 18th S. Beatley 23rd J. Reid 24th D. Limond 26th E. Abrahams 27th C. S. Smith 28th L.G. Hole 31st R. W. Curtis 32nd J. E. Danter 33rd H.G. Bowen In the PS Examination we failed to secure any scholarships and I must in part attribute this to Mr D'Abrue’s deficiency in teaching power. I wrote to him very strongly upon the subject of keeping better discipline - during the holidays - and received a reply, promising his best endeavours. 24th March Hospital still nearly empty. Our water supply is holding out admirably in spite of a drought more intense than the District has experienced since 1888. I took the lesson on a Latin Syntax in Std 7 and visited classes as usual. 25th March A pleasant lesson on the Physical Features of England in Std 4 by myself. 26th March I took the 3rd Std in tables etc and arithmetic. During the week, I have been collating prices of everything used by the school from the bazaar. The staff easily defeated the boys at cricket. 27th March All going on well and work in full swing. 29th March I visited the Technical Department and thoroughly inspected what was being done. 30th March I was occupied in Std 1 and infants most of the day owing to the absence of Mrs Sharp who's little daughter has been suddenly taken ill. 31st March Dr Humphrey notified to me that Norah Sharp was down with Diphtheria and that her parents must be quarantined. I arranged accordingly and shall take the work in Std 7 and Infants with the help of some of the staff. I notified the Inspector of European Schools, officially. White arrived. 1st April Norah Sharp undoubtedly appears to have contracted Diphtheria. As the child lives away from the main school and is a daily pupil of the Dow Hill School and as there have been no traces of an outbreak of Diphtheria here, I can only conclude that the case is an imported one. 8th April I have been very pressed during the past week and I have taken the whole of the work in Std 7 besides keeping an eye on Stds 1 and Infants. 9th April Good Friday, Whole holiday. 10th April Half holiday. 12th Ap Whole holiday. 13th April Received a letter from Dr Humphrey stating that Mrs Sharp should not return to work for another 15 days. Mr Sharp returned to duty. Mr Steward, a popular and prominent planter and volunteer, and a great friend of the school to which he has presented several cups, etc., having died suddenly, I sent a firing party of the Cadets down to the funeral at the request of the Military Authorities. This necessitated a half holiday. I attended the funeral myself. 14th April Dr Humphries letter regarding Mrs Sharp to the Inspector of European Schools, officially. Hospital still empty - all round health of the school excellent. 17th April Good rain has fallen during the week and the water supply keeps good. Usual weekly examinations throughout the school. 19th April Health of the school excellent. I took an English grammar lesson in Std 5. 20th April Mr Careless took Service as usual. I taught in Std 6 (History). 21st April Work going on steadily. I went through the examination papers of all the classes from Std 2 upwards. 22nd April My daily lessons go on as usual. I visited the Technical classes and shops and watched a carpentry lesson in progress. School health still good Norah Sharp appears to be out of danger but the doctor still keeps Mrs Sharp away from work. 23rd April Examination as usual. 26 April Mrs Sharp returned to duty. Norah Sharp is now considered to be quite convalescent. Mr Bradley, D.S.P. Darjeeling visited the school in connection with the placing of a police patrol round the schools. He is of opinion that two constables for night duty would be sufficient. 27th April took a lesson in peculiarities of the Latin Declensions – (originally it said – “dick tensions” – the perils of using a voice recognition system to transcribe this Diary. Editor. Pensions), in Std 6. Service as usual. Only one boy in hospital. It has been showering lately for weeks and the thermometer still keeps low. I inspected the servants as usual on parade. All vacancies in the school are now filled up and I am refusing boys for this year. 28th April I witnessed lessons in the Technical Department and gave a lesson in Latin prose composition in Std 7. 29th April I took a lesson in Std 4 in Geography (England), and witnessed a lesson in Std 7 on physical Geography. I took the upper classes in Scripture. 30th April Heard tables etc in Std 3, visited shops, dormitories, etc. Health of the boys excellent. 1st May Examinations as usual. Rains still continues. April yielded 13 inches as against 4 inches last year. The new Std 1 is now practically finished but no grants has so far been sanctioned for the furniture author the approach road. Mr Little informed me, a day or two ago, that he has been offered and has accepted the Headmastership of the Nawab’s Madrassa, Murshidabad. I have so far heard nothing officially of the proposal. The assistant engineer on PWD has informed me that it is not proposed even to whitewash the school during the coming winter. This seems to me a very insanitary course to pursue and moreover it is contrary to all previous procedure. The hospital is nearly empty and work during the past week has been going on smoothly and well. I have fixed the Annual Cricket match against the District for the 17th inst is that the dates suit the planter's best. 2nd May Service by the Chaplain. 4th May Letters gone through, service, and a good lesson taken in Std 6 by me on Square Measure. (Arithmetic). 8th May I have been through the classes as usual during the week. Work is going on nicely. The health of the school is good and the weather has greatly improved. Heavy leaks have broken out at the south end of the main building and I am writing to the assistant engineer, PWD to have them attended to. I have visited the Technical Department daily and am pleased with the progress made by the students. 11th May service as usual. I drafted a letter to Dr Humphrey asking him to alter his visiting day from Tuesday to some other day in the week as I find it difficult on Tuesdays to get around with him. 12th May I went through the papers of Std 2 in drawing, Std 4 in English, Std 5 in Algebra, Std 6 Euclid, Std 7 in English composition, Technical, first-year Euclid and measurement and Technical second year in engineering. The general answering was good in the style of putting down satisfactory. Each class of course carries a certain number of passengers but the general body of the work done is good and the teachers in each case have done the marking carefully. 12th May We propose having a sudden fire drill at 10:30 a.m. today. Careful rehearsals have been undertaken by Mr Barker who has drawn out the scheme of fire drill for the school. There are now a 189 boys in the dormitories. 15th May Staff match against the school, a half holiday. 17th May Cricket match against the District. The school won by 26 runs. Whole holiday. 21st May Mr Hallward, the Inspector of European Schools, arrived and visited some dormitories and the new Std 1. He also took away the transfer certificates for inspection. 24th May Empire Day. Cheers were given by the whole school for the King Emperor, the Cadets were paraded in uniform a feu-de-joie was fired, and the Cadets march past and saluted the flag. The day being a Holiday, the afternoon was utilised for a cricket match in which most of the staff took part. 25th May Mr Hallward again visited the school and went through the books. (Different hand writing. Editor) 26 May I visited the Victoria School on the 21st, 25th, and 28th of March and found 190 boys on the rolls, of whom 187 are in the school dormitories and 3 are living with members of the staff. The position of these 3 boys, Paul, Whitaker, and Sharp, is anomalous, for they are classed as day boys and yet have the boarding allowance drawn for them; the net result is that the government pays Rs 94/4 a month for the privilege of teaching and feeding them. I understand that the late Director passed orders that, pending the settlement of the boarding question, these children should pay only Rs 5/-a month; but the terms of the orders should have been looked into. I was glad to find the Std 1 complete, except the porch which is nearing completion, and the organ in process of erection. It is to be hoped that the supplier of furniture and fittings will not be much longer delayed. The drain outside the compound is inadequate and should heavy rain come, the compound will be flooded and there will lots of damage to the Std 1 and its foundations. Thus a matter of some urgency, as the rains are rapidly approaching. In looking through the books I notice that the arrears are very large, as high as Rs 1,495 in March last, and fully Rs 1,000 on average. Every legitimate means should be used to check out such accumulations of debt, including refusal to take boys back until debts are cleared in aggravated cases. I heard lessons in every class from Std 1 to Std 7 inclusive, and two in the highest class, a lesson in history from Mr Sharp and in Latin from the Headmaster; also noticed the First and Second Year Technical classes, in both of which, the time allotted to science, two hours a week, is too meagre. At both the government schools the diet is tending to suffer from the great rise in the cost of provisions, especially meat and eggs. The cost of fowls and of mutton is now so the high in Kurseong that, whereas both articles could be given occasionally a few years ago, bowls are now entirely excluded from the diet both of boys and girls; eggs, again, are now given sparingly where they were formerly given liberally, having risen in price within – say - 10 years from 5 to eight annas a dozen. This leaves beef in sole possession, and the quality of beef procurable here is poor. I examined a piece in the larder with Dr Humphrey; it weighed some 45 pounds and was a mere skeleton, not the 10th part was meat. I think it is clear that if the quality of the diet given in the former years is to be maintained the boarding allowance will have to be increased. 28.5.09 W. Hallward. 29th May Mr Hallward left Kurseong for Darjeeling. In the afternoon we played a cricket match against the R.G.A. from Kalapahar and defeated them. 6th June Mr Godber the Bishops chaplain took the usual monthly service, both schools being present. I had to rush off to Darjeeling, for a few hours to see the dentist. The dysentery cases in the hospital are doing well. 12th June I have been confined to the house for two or three days with severe neuralgia. Abnormally heavy rain - 35 inches - has fallen during the past week. The health of the school is good. The arrival of Howarth on the 9th filled the last bed available in the school. 12th June The School Chapel organ is now erected and seems a fine instrument. We are waiting for the furniture and the new road before formally occupying the building. I have requested Mr Barker to hold a fire drill regularly until the boys have learnt perfectly what to do. 14th June Letters as usual. I went round the dormitories, dining room, etc and found all in good order. 15th June Service by the Chaplain. I took a good lesson in Std 6 in Square Measure (arithmetic). The class is a good one. I have arranged to take two lessons a week in Std 7 in Latin, in place of the one weekly lesson previously arranged. The class in this subject seems to require hustling? 20th June Work has gone nicely during the week and I have been through the classes as usual. The heavy rain still continues and it is difficult to keep the boys dry. So far in June, we have had 40 inches of rain - a record. There are several diarrhoea cases in hospital due for the most part to chills and parents parcels. I have instituted a very careful supervision of the latter. On the whole the health of the school is still excellent. The Lord Bishop of Calcutta preached in the School Hall. 21st June The Lord Bishop left by the mail for Darjeeling after carefully inspecting the new Chapel. 22nd June I visited the shops and Technical classes and heard a good lesson in Std 6 in Analysis. 23rd June Health of school excellent. Dysentery cases all convalescent. 25th June King's B to irthday kept as a holiday. It fortunately proved fine. The Cadets were paraded, fired a feu-de-joie, cheered, and marched past. 28th June Examinations as usual. Workers been going on nicely during the week. 30th June The wettest June on record - 57.2 inches. I took Latin in Std 7. I now take a daily lesson on Tuesdays and Fridays and Wednesday and two lessons on Mondays and Thursdays, in addition to my daily supervision of the classes, etc. 5th July The mid-term examinations began and continued through the week. 7th July I examined Std 1 in reading and recitation. Results moderate. 8th July I gave the Steward a severe talking to upon the subject of regular and constant attention at the boy's meals. I'd also witnessed the working out of a paper in Euclid before the first year Technical class. Later, I gave the class a severe talking to upon the subject of their unsatisfactory marks in the weekly examinations and threatened them with drastic measures if immediate improvement was not recorded. 9th July Mr James, the Officiating Director of Public Instruction, paid a visit to the school and went carefully over it. His visit was made chiefly in connection with the changes likely to occur here in connection with the introduction of the New Code and also to settle about the road to the school Chapel. Mr James expressed great pleasure at the appearance of the school and expressed himself as highly pleased with his visit. 14th July I took a lesson in Latin translation in Std 7 and received a wire from the Director's office authorising the immediate putting in hand of the new road. I communicated at once with the Assistant Engineer. The health of the school has been good during the past period. Work has progressed steadily. Rain heavy. 17th July A most successful gymnastic display was held in the Assembly Hall under the direction of Mr Hall. Weather fine, attendance large. 19th July Heard by letter of the death of Mr Edward Pegler for over 20 years the beloved Head Master of Victoria and Dow Hill Schools. Mr Pegler died at Cheltenham on the 29th of June. 20th July I spent a large part of the day in going or the new road site with the Assistant Engineer. It was lucky I did so as I was able to get the gradient of the road of reduced. 24th July Examinations as usual. Note: The names of these two boys have been changed. Editor. I was terribly grieved and shocked to receive a report from Nurse Hall that Walter, T and McGrath, V. had been guilty, according to the admission of McGrath with grossly unnatural conduct. I held an inquiry at once. Bowls boys signed statement admitting their guilt. I communicated the same day with the Inspector of European schools. Sending him a report and copies of the confessions “ registered” and “confidential.” I also suspended Walter from his monitorship. On Monday, the 26th inst, Walter was withdrawn by a wire by his father. McGrath is still in hospital where he is being treated for fits. The doctor having advised his removal previously, I received a wire from his mother that she would shortly remove him. With Walter, went away his two younger brothers. While on Sunday, the 25th inst Hickmott (?) who has had severe head trouble lately, was taken away by his mother who before going expressed her deep gratitude for the care and kindness her son had received here. 26 July I sent an urgent telegram to the Inspector, informing him that Walter had been withdrawn by his father. 29th July I took up a Latin lesson in Std 6. Have not yet heard from the Inspector. 30th July McGrath was withdrawn by a relative. Work is going on steadily and well in the health of the school continues good. 4th August Mr Pinto received news of the death of his father. I gave him leave to proceed to his home. His class has been arranged for - between Mr Greene, Mr Elliott, and myself. I received a letter from the Inspector approving my action in the Walter case. I took lessons in Std 5 in Std 7. 6th August All going on well. I visited dormitories, godowns, dining hall, etc. 14th August All has gone on well during the week. The work in Std 6 has been taken by Messrs Greene and Elliott and by me. The hospital is nearly empty. Today being the first fine day for a long time, I gave a half holiday to the school. 16th August Letters as usual. I took a Latin lesson in Std 7. Mr Pinto has been granted 20 days privilege leave dating from the 4th inst by the Inspector of European Schools.. 20th August The hospital is quite empty today. I have taken my usual lessons during the week with extra work in Std 6. 24th August Mr Pinto resumed duty. Following his absence, I have had ample time and opportunity to test the work of his class - the 6th Std - and I am quite satisfied with the progress that they have made. 28th August The hospital remains practically empty. Work has gone on as usual during the week. 1st September I went through the weekly examination papers of Stds to, 5, 7 and the Technical classes. Std 5 Geography – poor. 2nd September I took an interesting lesson in Std 4 on problems (arithmetic) and a Latin lesson in Std 7, besides scripture for the upper school. 4th September I took a reading lesson in Std 2 and was particularly struck by the qualities of the boys reading. It was much above the average. The hospital is practically empty and all is going on well. 22nd September The Lord Bishop of Calcutta held a confirmation service in the new Std 1. Nine boy candidates were presented and 17 in all. The health of the school still continues a good and work is progressing satisfactorily. Yesterday, Mr Price left for Calcutta to purchase school and sports prizes, etc. 24th September I went through the weekly examination papers - results fairly satisfactory. Hospital nearly empty. Work going on well. 5th October Mr Heaton, Principal, C. P. College, Silipur inspected our Technical Department and expressed himself as well pleased as therewith. 7th October General Callan inspected our Cadet Company. He was greatly pleased with the inspection. A most successful concert was given by our boys in the School Hall. A large audience was present. 8th October Mr Elliott and his Survey Party of nine boys left for Siliguri. 11th October The final examinations in Std 4 and 7 began. The rains are now over. 15th October The news of the Survey Party continues good. Work progressing well. 21st October The Puja Holidays began, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning being the days of holiday. 25th October School resumed. H. Barnes admitted. (This must have been Humphry Aston Barnes his son? See more information on Humphry, click here Editor.) 30 boys attended performances in the Station in aid of St Mary's Home's, Calcutta. 26th October A number of our boys attended the play at Goethal's Memorial School. 29th October The whole of the upper school was kindly invited by the Head Mistress to attend a Cantata at Dow Hill School. 30th October The annual athletic sports were held and went off most successfully. The weather was fine. 31st October Sunday. The best singers amongst our Cadets attended the Harvest Festival Service at Christ Church. 1st November A powerful District team was defeated at cricket by the school by the narrow margin of one run. 2nd November The Final School Examinations began in Stds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and the Technical Departments. Fires started in quarters. The hospital is practically empty. Weather bright and not too cold as it usually is at this time of the year. 6th November The whole school - after work went down to the Goethal's Memorial School Sports. The health of the school continues wonderfully good, the hospital being practically empty. Work progress is satisfactorily. 18th November All the final examinations lists are now in and the classes have all done fairly well. Mr Spry's prize for Mathematics falls to Campbell and Mr Careless’s prize for English to B. Eagleton. By slightly reducing the number of prizes, I have greatly improved their quality, all of them being leather bound. 20th November Our Annual Prize Giving presided over by Mr J. Byrne, ICS took place. It passed off very successfully, the weather being fine. 23rd November The examinations for the Middle School and Middle Scholarships began in the School Hall under the direction of the Reverend W. H. Careless. 27th November The Volunteer Picnic was held at the ‘Chimney’. Very enjoyable. 1st December The Government Examinations closed. The 1st party of boys left for their homes, in charge of Mr Pinto 3rd December 2nd party left in charge of Mr Elliott. 5th December 3rd party left in charge of Mr Greene.
|