The Headmaster's Diary - 1929 Victoria School - Kurseong. |
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Feb 1st Took over charge of the School from Mr. O’Riordan. In the afternoon Babu Kirtiman Pradhan struggled up here to see him. He appears to be suffering from bronchitis. Feb 4th Mr. O’Riordan left Kurseong. Lofts in bed with “flu” Feb 5th Lofts better. Feb 6th Lofts much better. Was able to move out of his rooms for an hour or so. Feb 7th The Babu still away. Feb 8th Heavy work in the office. Very handicapped without the head clerk. Feb 14th A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Club. Present were Messrs Nicoll’s, Stoddard, Harris, Miss Davies and myself. Feb 21st The Head Clerk Submits an application for one year’s furlough on M.C. which Dr Mukerjee does not recommend. Feb 23rd I referred the matter to the Standing committee. Feb 24th Arrival of Rev. G.B. Elliot. Feb 25th Head Clerk Submits application for two years leave (without M.C.) The first party of 67 boys arrived today. Price and Lofts in Charge. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport accompanied them. Visited Dormitories at 8.30pm. Feb 26th Second party of 47 boys. Staynor and Texiera in charge. Mrs. and Miss Baker, Miss Taylor, Miss Jackson.travelled with the party. Visited Dormitories at 8.30 pm (app) Feb 27th Reported to the Inspector that Clerk’s absence on M.C. opened school. Standard IV without a teacher, owing to the delay in the appointment of Coombes. Having decided on the distribution of the work in Standards V and the time allotted to each Subject, Messrs Staynor Nugent and Price were asked to draw it up. Time table has to provide for Std.IX (no Std IX last term) on Course of Scripture. Visited Dormitories at about 9pm. Feb 28th Last term’s timetable is being followed till the new one is ready. Nineteen boys were vaccinated. The whole School (Servants as well) were last vaccinated in 1927. t= The second clerk at Dow Hill assisted our second Clerk to prepare new accounts books to the opened tomorrow. Temporary arrangements in classes V to X as follows:- Mr. Staynor Maths Std's. IX, X Std's. And in Std VII Mr. Price English and Latin Std’s IX, X. Mr. Price History, Std’s VI to X, English and Latin in Std V Mr. Davenport. Geography Std's V - VIII Maths in Std’s V &VI Mr. Gardiner English Std’s VI.VII, Latin Std’s. VI - VIII Mr. Greene Geography Std’s IX - X, History Std’sV, Lower School Mr. Greene Std IV Class Masters (i.e. those responsible for the general tidiness of the class room, register, Keys, letters) as follows:- Mr. Staynor. Std’s IX &X March 1st I arranged for the out door dispensary room to accommodate StdVIII, Std IX to move into 8th class room and the Day lavatory (which is never used) to be used temporarily as the dispensary. Hitherto Std IX had to be taken in the Assembly Hall which was not satisfactory. Visited dormitories A,,B,C,D Dormitories about 8pm. March 2nd School till 10.30am, Office, Salaries, from 12.30 to 2.30pm Visited Commercial Dormitory at about 8.30pm. March 3rd Holy Communion at 8.30am, Evensong at 4pm. Letters 12.30. I spent an hour going round the School premises between 10-11am and again between 3 & 4pm. Visited dormitories A,B,C, D. at 8.30pm. March 4th From today, for a week, prayers at 8.15am Normal class hours 8.30am till 11.10am and from 12.25 till 2.25pm Evening study only from 7 till 8pm Dormitories visited about 9pm. March 8th I spent the afternoon checking the boys, bills, and; the morning in School. Visited the Commercial dormitory and D & B dormitory at 8.30 pm Interviewed Mrs. Gibbs who brought her two boys up from Calcutta. Seventeen were vaccinated in the servants’ lines. March 11th The Clerk told me yesterday that he saw Alburn passing eggs to another boy under a fence behind the Padre’s quarters. Evidently these were taken from Mr. Berry’s poultry yard. On investigation I found Bapty and Meltiven were his accomplices. The two Gibbs left the School sometime this afternoon. They were last seen at about 3.15pm Mr. Texiera detected their absence when the boys assembled for afternoon prep. I wired to Station Master Siliguri to stop them proceeding further and to Station Master, Kgni (?). There was some rain in the early part of the day. It has been unusually cold. On Saturday (10th) Dr Mukerjee visited the School and left instructions regarding Barraclough whose left eye is extremely week. A few boys were vaccinated. March 12th Wired to parents of the Gibbs boys, that they were not to return to the School. Visited Dormitories about 9pm. March 13th Dormitories at 9.15pm. March 14th I have visited classes pretty regularly, and do not miss an opportunity whenever I have a minute to spare of going down the corridors to observe how the work is getting on. Everybody is punctual and working very steadily. March 16th A few boys arrived with the first party of girls. March 17th About a dozen boys arrived with the second party of girls. The two Schools should agree to open within a day or two of each other or that parents could more easily easily arrange to send boys and girls together. March 18th Visited the Evening Study. Mr. . Lofts in charge till 7.30pm Dormitories at 9 pm. March 19th I caned two boys one for deliberately scribbling on a library book, and the other for tearing out a page from a new class book and writing his name in it. when it belonged to another boy. I spoke to the whole school about the proper care of all books entrusted to them. Visited dormitories at about 9 pm. Inspected the School at about 4.30 pm. March 20th Miss Baker complained about Harewood who is making no progress, and who appears mentally deficient. His Elder brother informed me that he had been dumb till about the age of seven. After an operation for adenoids he began to talk. I am afraid he must leave school. His not happy here. I was busy with the 4th Standard fro the best part of the morning. In the afternoon accounts in the office, finishing up with a Geography lesson to Standards IX and X. Asked about half the Staff to tennis, but only five were able to come up. March 21st Took a lesson in history with standards 4 & 5 and a singing lesson with the Junior School. Interviewed Nunn, Assistant Engineer, on the subject of alterations in the Commercial room for the Chaplain’s quarters, and; the proposal to have a cinema show once a month in the School Hall. He thought this would not be permitted unless certain precautions against fire, according to regulations, were instilled. Later I saw Spencer, who said he would discuss the matter with Nunn. He (Spencer) thought that it would not be necessary for occasional shows. There was a meeting on the Standing Committee fixed for this afternoon, but only Miss Davies and I met at the Club for it. I shall try to arrange for one on Monday 25th. instead. Stoddard (?) woke up in the morning to say he could not attend owing to urgent work. Swinton fainted at Drill in the gymnasium probably due to the heat. Edmunds (Jnr) has developed measles. Mukerjee will see him tomorrow. Two more in hospital with measles. Dr Mukerjee advises observing quarantine between the schools. He prohibits boys spending the Easter holiday at the Station and has asked the C.S. Darjeeling whether it would be advisable for any boys to spend their holidays in Darjeeling. Spent the morning with the IV Standard, and most of the afternoon in the office. The Padre and Mrs. Butler take one period each for me with IV th Standard in the afternoons. The third period is drill with Berry. Visited the dormitories about 9.45pm. March 23rd Office and singing lesson up to the breakfast. Took part in a very enjoyable tennis tournament Masters Vs Boys. The former won easily. Miss McKenzie reports 9 cases of headache and fever, which Dr Mukerjee thinks is due to the Sun. This morning I had warned the whole School not to sit out of doors without topees. A case of measles developed at the Dow Hill today. The quarantine is off (?). March 24th Visited the hospital after service this afternoon. All the patients are doing well. Five were sent up today with the same symptoms of headache and temperature. It rained heavily with hail. This will probably put an end to the epidemic of headaches. Two cases of measles in hospital. Blackford and Edmunds (Junior). The fathers of the Murray’s and Bayford saw me today and Mrs. Malin. Mr. . Murray brought his boys to School, admitting the 2nd boy today for the first time. Spent hour in the office with the Clerk (Sunday). March 25th Interviewed Mr. Roy who particularly wants his son to attend all religious instruction. He was asked by Desai’s (?) parents to tell me that they want their son to do the same. Interviewed the manage of the Scientific and Educational Film Society and arranged with him for one show per month at Rs50. each. Spent the afternoon at the Club at a School Committee Meeting. Office and Singing lesson before I left at 1pm. Second Clerk absent on account of Holi festival. It is far from Satisfactory. March 26th School from 7.45 am to 9am. Office till 10.30 and Office again till 11.15am. I heard Mr. Gardiner’s lesson in Latin to Std VII. The boys were translating “Fabullae Faciles “ Quite satisfactorily. I introduced a break of half an hour for recreation into the time table after lower school. 7.45 to 11.10 am is far too long a session for little boys. Only 2 cases of measles so far and no more sun glare cases. There was considerable rain this afternoon. The weather is much cooler. Martin admitted to Hospital. Dr Mukerjee had a long talk with me (3 - 4pm) on the health of the School. He suspects tubercular trouble in the case of Martin. The greater part of my time at the morning session was devoted to StdIV. Normal timetable commenced yesterday. March 27th On receipt of a telegram from the DPI (?) stating that Coombes may join his appointment in anticipation of Govt Sanction, I wired to Coombes to leave Calcutta this evening. March 28th Mr. and Mrs. Gorey interviewed me on the subject of their son’s poor marks in drawing and manual work, and asked that he might drop both subjects which of course I would not agree to. They complained of Texiera’s harsh treatment towards their boy. He accompanied them down to Whiston (?) home where he will spend the holidays. I missed my lesson in IX and Xon account of their visit. March 29th Combes arrived this morning (Easter Friday). First day of the Easter holidays. Scouts left for Camp, under Berry and Price. after breakfast. March 30th Many willing hands, under the direction of the Padre spent a considerable time decorating the church which has never looked so fine on Easter Day. The Scouts returned in the evening were present at service on Easter morning. Spent about an hour preparing the music for tomorrow with the whole school. Brothers visit their sisters at Dow Hill. March 31st Easter Day. The Chapel was full at the Choral Communion service at 8am. There were 80 communicants. Scouts returned to camp in the afternoon. April 1st 12 Senior boys with the Padre went out to tea to the Scouts camp. The remainder of the School were escorted by Gardiner for a walk into the forest up to breakfast time. Three cases of fever admitted into hospital. This in spite of the greatest care to see that every boys has on his topee out of doors. Parry continues to run a high temperature. In office all day. Clerks attended. Price left for Calcutta to interview the D.P.I. about his leave. April 2nd An extra holiday as the boys did not have the usual holiday on St Patricks Day, and the last Saturday it was one of the Easter holidays. The Prefects came up to us for tennis. At 5pm it was discovered that McNally and Johnson had absconded. I sent Lofts, Gardiner and Summery down to Siliguri by car for them. They were discovered under the seat of a 3rd Class compartment in the mail train at Siliguri by the Railway Police Sergeant, Visited the C & D dormitories at 9pm. Scouts returned at 5pm. April 3rd Opened School after the holidays. McNally and Johnson arrived back at about 10am. Both declared they left school because they do not like the Kurseong climate. I caned both in the Hall. Most of the afternoon was spent in the office at accounts and paying Salaries. Mrs. Parry took her son down to Calcutta. Hazar is suspected. [Kala-azar - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visceral_leishmaniasis] Another case of measles, the 3rd. I have put Gardiner to Std IV, and Combes took over Gardiner’s work in the middle School i.e. April 4th Office till 9am after Prayers. 9 - 9.50 through the School and interview with Mr. Jacob who arrived to withdraw his sons on account of a sudden transfer to Rangoon. History class till 10.30 and Singing till 11.10. Office from 12-1.30pm. Geography 1.45 - 2.25pm Clarke left today. Cambridge results arrive. Checking boys’ bills 9.10pm. April 5th Seven cases of measles in hospital today. After prayers School office Cyclstyled music. [Editor See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclostyle_(copier) ] Singing lesson. Afternoon checking boys’ bills. Darcey Clarke admitted. Interviewed the mother. Visited all the dormitories at 9.30pm. April 6th School till 10.30 (Saturday) Fire alarm at 10.25 the practice was quite satisfactory. April 7th Twenty in hospital. Murtough is running a high temperature. Visited School for an hour before boys’ dinner. April 8th School whole morning. Afternoon - Office till1.30. Geography lesson 1.45pm to 2.25pm. April 9th Mr. Papworth arrived at 3pm. In School from 7.45am to 2.30pm April 10th The Inspector went round the School (visiting each class, the shops, Chapel) during the morning session. Afternoon session with him in the office. Mrs. Murtough arrived this morning and spent the night with the Staynors. Her son in great pain. Abscess on thigh suspected. Decided to take him to General Hospital, Calcutta tomorrow. Seven men of the staff to tennis in the afternoon. April 11th Traditional holiday in honour of the Success at the Cambridge exams last Dec. Cricket match Staff vs Boys which latter won. Ten of the Staff played, myself included who has not handled a bat since 1907. Inspector at Dow Hill today. April 12th School first session. Office with Inspector in the afternoon. Visited the dormitories at 9pm. April 13th School first session. With Inspector in the office in the afternoon. He left today. Flower show which the boys could not attend on account of quarantine. April 14th Wired to Mrs. Taylor, Cawnpore, that Dr advises her son’s removal to the plains to check his croup. Cricket match against Mr. Webs IX for Darjeeling. it had to be abandoned at 1pm on account of wet weather. April 15th School all day with intervals in the office cleaning up oceans of correspondence. April 16th Chilly weather. About 12 boys admitted into hospital in the last six hours suffering from ague. Measles still going on. The oder boys are being attacked now. April 17th Mrs. Taylor arrived this morning to find her son with measles. Which developed only this morning. One hour with Mrs. Davies this morning discussing proposed letter from Standing Committee to the Director regarding the electric light scheme and papers relating to the advertisement for the Language Mistress. April 18th School all morning. I was obliged to circulate to the Staff the DP.I.’s letter regarding corporal Punishment. Inspector’s holiday in the afternoon. I spent it in the Clerk’s office. 6.45 - 8pm. first show of Film Art Society which was a failure. The lighting was unsatisfactory. No fresh cases of measles. There have been 40 so far. April 19th I have been very busy, with short intervals for tea and breakfast from 7.45am to 5 pm. Interviewed Mr. Algort regarding regular cinema shows for the boys, and Mrs. Taylor who will probably take her son down to the P.G.H. tomorrow. Visited evening study at 8pm. April 20th Left at 9.30 am (Saturday) for the day in Darjeeling. Mrs. Taylor took her son down. All faring well in hospital. April 21st Visited A and B Dormitories at 9.30pm April 22nd School all day. Office after till 4pm. April 23rd Heavy day in office. April 24th Martin reported to be coughing up blood. Nurse put him to bed in the Commercial Dormitory. April 25th Martin about the same. Mrs. Hodges took her son back. Head Clerk away. I discovered Cove about 7pm. at back of the dining Hall arranging with servants for biscuits from servants lines. I addressed the School regarding the danger of eating anything emanating from the Servant’s lines. April 26th I caned Cove. School all morning, office afternoon. 27th April, I dismissed 2nd temporary Clerk and the apprentice Clerk. both have been extremely slack and inefficient. Former walked into office 3/4 hour late. Informed standing Committee. Saw Rev Furnice (?) about Alexander Mackenzie He accompanied me to his house when I decided that he should commence work on the 29th. April 28th Bivar (?) arrives Martins’ brother took him down to Tindharia. April 29th Alexander Bukhia (?) commences work. Three lessons and office. April 30th Visited Dormitories at 10pm. May 1st, Meeting of Sports Committee and Billiards Club at 10.30 am. May 2nd Half holiday. Home Cricket matches. There has been great enthusiasm over these games. They are well organised, , and competition is keen. May 3rd Meeting of Masters at 1.45pm When arrangements were decided on for the first term examination. More concerted action in supervision out of class-hours was agreed upon. I was assured by all present that the discipline of the School is quite satisfactory. Visited afternoon Study at 5.15pm Arranged for 4th Standard to study at this time in their classroom, with a senior boy in charge. The Hall is over crowded. May 4th Visited Dormitories at 9.30pm May 5th Dormitories at 10.15pm May 6th Holiday, There are many convalescents who require fresh air and rest. Senior boys’ tennis tournament. May 7th School all morning. Office afternoon. Catley admitted. Morgan (W.) met with a nasty accident (at cricket) to his eue. May 8th Office all day. Engaged with the complicated file regarding expenditure on art and manual classes in the last three years. Three lessons. Office. Duty for Price till 5.45pm. Indian Puppet Show for the little boys. Seniors at Dow Hill for hockey match Girls vs Victoria Staff. May 10th Padre Duty. May 11th Farewell entertainment at Dow Hill given by Indian staff in honour of Mrs. Davies. Senior Cambridge boys present May 12th No services, Padre in bed. May 13th Dormitories at 9.45pm May 14th Carlisle Jacob admitted. Visited Commercial Dormitory at 10pm and Prins looked in here (Dormitory) at 11.30pm Two Clarke boys arrived. Primary School Distribution of Prizes. Apprentice Clerk Commenced work. May 15th Padre Elliot not fit for work yet. I have taken the prayers Daily since 10th. May 16th First term examination begins. May 17th Staff “At Home” to Miss Davies. May 18th No boys in hospital. Twenty cases of measles on the Girls side. I have taken prayers daily to date. May 19th Services as usual. Padre much better. Cricket match vs Webbs IX from Darjeeling School won. May 20th Auditors arrived this evening. May 21st. Treasury Day. Auditors will commence work tomorrow. They have even counted cash Rs37/4 in excess in safe. On account of this I was busy and could not attend the lunch at the Club for Miss Davies. May 22nd Miss Davies left. Hockey match school vs Local team. May 23rd Went over the School and grounds in the afternoon and arranged for the Platoon to leave tomorrow for Camp. Examinations end. May 24th Holiday. Empire Day. Platoon left at 8.30am. Remainder of School (with Boy Scouts) and Primary School paraded before Union Jack at 9.30am when I addressed them on the Subject of the Empire. Price visited the Commercial Dormitory last night at 11.15pm. May 25th Last Saturday. Whole School went down to the Cinema at 11am. Mr. Papworth was expected today but only his clerk arrived. I was obliged to The Auditors were occupying the room adjoining the Common Room. May 26th I visited the boys in Camp at Tindharie. They were all fit and cheery. It has been a welcome break after a strenuous examination week. May 27th Dismissed sweeper (temporary man) in Mrs. Berry’s dormitory. His work was very unsatisfactory and I notice his manner was extremely insolent. Caned Newton for disorderly conduct in Mrs. Berry’s Dormitory. Punished 12 boys for wandering down towards Mr. Staynor’s house when they should have been with the rest of the School out for a walk under Mr. Texiera’s Supervision. Mr. Papworth interviewed Mrs. Butler on the loss of her registers. May 28th Meeting of the Governing Body at Dow Hill. Returned at about 5pm. Commenced at 11am. May 29th Busy day in office. (?) correspondence, and writing up the minutes. of yesterdays meeting. Mr. Papworth and I spent a considerable time discussing ways and means of recovering fees from parents and guardians. May 30th Mr. Papworth and I had a long talk with Mr. Day (Accounts Office) on the subject of the accounts of the School. He saw the Cash book which had not been balanced since October 1928. May 31st Mr. Staynor told me he visited the Commercial Dormitory on the 18th May at 10.15 pm and found all well. I asked members of the Staff to pay surprise visits to the dormitories whether they were on duty or not. Mr. . Staynor was not on duty today. Mr. . Papworth left this morning. June 1st Today being Treasury Day the clerks were at work all day. June 2nd Sunday. The Clerks and I have been at work till 2.30pm from about 9am. Salaries were paid out. Interviewed Mr. O’ Driscole whom I advised to take his son down.Mukerjee suspects serious lung trouble. June 3rd Kings birthday and therefore a full holiday. The Cadets, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides and Primary School paraded on the cricket flat at 10am. It was quite the best parade that I can remember. After breakfast there was a tennis match on my court. Victoria boys vs.. Dow Hill girls which the latter won. A very enjoyable impromptu concert from 6.30pm till 8.30pm Concluded the day. June 4th I visited all the dormitories at 9pm. The Auditors are still busy in the office. The Office Head Clerk has put in extremely hard work. June 5th Nothing to note. June 6th Meeting of the Standing Committee at the Club. Mr. . Papworth accompanied me back to stay the night with us. June 7th Mr. Papworth left at 3.30pm. I was busy with him up to the time he left discussing School Affairs. June 8th School from 7.45am to 10. 30am. Office till 4pm. Clerks worked till 5.45pm. They were here at 9am. Daily. June 9th At my request Mukerjee saw Kirtiman yesterday. He found nothing wrong with his heart or nerves. Dow Hill did not attend Morning Service on account of the bad weather. I spent an hour going through the School before breakfast. and in the Office after it till 2.30pm. June 10th I had an unpleasant interview with Mr. Lofts. I have written in separate note on the subject which is in my confidential file. June 11th Caned Renben (?) , McNally, Willox (?) for disgraceful results in first term examinations which pointed to deliberate slackness and negligence. I put Smart, Willox, McNally down from Std V to Std IV, Johnston, Keelan from IV to III. Rice and Mitchell from VII toVI. I visited all the classes this morning and spent the afternoon in office. Visited Commercial Dormitory at about 10pm. June 12th Caned Beck for giving a pair of his boots to a bearer (?) Reported by Mrs. Berry. Also Oakley reported by Mr. Texiera for slackness and gross negligence at his work. Clerk spent afternoon paying tradesman’s bills. Two Pradhans withdrawn. The father heard written poor results in the first term examinations and decided to send them to a school in Calcutta. My letter to D.P.I. regarding Chaplains Quarters. June 13th Blackford left today. he was withdrawn as his Aunt who visited him a few days ago evidently reported to his mother that he was not looking fit. he has had an attack of measles. Admitted Desmond and Jack Armour. Interviewed the mother this morning. I have been replying to the auditors’ objections for most part of the day. Mrs. Malin, grandmother of Cyril Malins came down from Darjeeling to see me. There is trouble between her and Malin’s Uncle regarding the guardianship of the boy. June 15th The pantry door and boy’s revision cupboard were opened last night and a bottle of Scott’s Emulsion taken. There happened when nothing else in the Cupboard to make away with. It was discovered in investigation that Cave Brendish (Snr) and F Smith were the culprits. Cave being the ring leader who used one of his large collection of keys to open the locks. I have decided to insist on Care’s removal from the School. I do not consider he is a desirable boy to have in the place. June 16th Confirmation by the Bishop of Calcutta at 4.30pm in the School Chapel. 15 Boys and 9 girls. He together with his Chaplain (Rev. Mackenzie) and wife stayed the night with us. June 17th Full holiday which the Bishop annually asks for at his visit. Holy Communion 8am. at which there were the record number of 104. The Bishop met the Staff and confirmed candidates at tea (in the Dining hall) at 3pm. and left at 4.15pm. June 18th Auditors all day. They left my office at 9.30pm. June 19th Auditors left at 11.30am. Mrs. Nugent down with measles. My informant was Miss Pilkington whom I met out for a walk in the afternoon. Berry granted 4 days casual leave to see his boy off from Calcutta. He is among the Boy Scouts from Bengal to be present at the Great Scout Rally in London in a month or so. Editors Note: The “3rd World Scout Jamboree” was called to commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the Founding of the Scout Movement. The Jamboree was held in Arrowe Park in Upton, Merseyside. June 21st The School is at last declared to be out of quarantine. It continued since about Easter time. I arranged for Darjeeling and local boys to leave their week end. (?). Singing class 10.30 - 11am. June 22nd Full holiday. Cinema for boys not out for the weekend. Visited A,B.C, and D, Dormitories at 9pm. June 23rd Sunday. In office till 3pm. June 24th Office till 5pm since I came up at 8.30am from the School Holy Communion at 7am. John the Baptist’s Day. June 25th Interviewed Mrs. Hazelword. Intercepted two filthy letters from two Martiniére boys addressed to E. Brown. I gathered from them that Day Scholars are posting letters for the boys. I shall take steps to try and stop this. and have sent the letters intercepted to the Principal at the Martiniére, Calcutta. June 26th Office till 5pm. Through the School and grounds from 5.45pm till 6.20pm. Mr. Lofts was absent at 6pm when he should have been in charge of the boys. He apologised next morning and explained that he was with visitors and could not come down just then. Mr. Coombes and Mr. Berry Duty and unable to attend work. Posted the last 5 objections statement to the Auditors. June 27th It has rained incessantly for the past 24 hours, or more. There was a break at 12. I let the boys out of class for a breath of fresh air. At 3pm it set in again for the remainder of the day. Caned Billingham for deliberately breaking his ruler and ordered 4 boys to replace their rulers from their pocket money. Summers saw Cove out (?) at the station. History lesson in 5, Singing lesson and office till 5pm. June 28th I addressed the boys on the serious offence of the breaking into the School pantry by Cove, Brendish, Smith. I caned the two later in the Hall. Singing lesson to Seniors and office till 5.30pm. June 29th 21 boys to Darjeeling, Macdonald to Manipure (?) Stewart Bibra (?) , Bealty(?) to their mothers in Kurseong. Very wet trying day. June 30th The Masters mess has broken up. Only 3 left to carry on Miss Taylor, Gardiner, Davenport. I consider the real Masters’ Mess is that of Price and Coombes. it was the Bachelors mess which helped the Davenports. Miss Taylor and others, when they were in difficulties at the beginning of the year. July 1st Singing 10.30am Geography IX Visited afternoon Study. Sent registers to Inspector. July 2nd Coombes back at work. History in V. July 3rd Geography IX and X. Through the lower School this morning. Mrs. Nugent returned to work. July 4th Gave the boys a holiday. it was the first break after a fortnight of almost continuous wet weather. July 5th Checked the numbers in the School. There are 178 boarders and 26 day Scholars. Singing class 10.30am. Visited all the classes in the afternoon. Through the School at 6pm. July 9th Parry returned from Calcutta. July 8th Saw Nicolls today about Gupter (?) . He agreed with all that I had done regarding holding up of Gupter’s bills. July 11th Singing History and Geography lessons. Addressed the School on the danger of raiding of ‘rampots' (?) and such fruits of the forrest. Caned three boys for breaking bounds and collecting rampots. July 12th Boys Platoon Dance. O’Driscole returned. He had been away some time to be treated for a persistent cough which would not yield to treatment here. July 14th Mr. and Mrs. Clark arrived today. July 15th Mrs. Clark resumes work after Casual leave. Singing and Geography classes. Visited all the Dormitories between 9 - 9.30pm. July 16th Mr. Clark Commences work. Mrs. Nugent stops from fore-noon. Former took over. English and Latin and singing classes from Mr. Price, who will carry on the work which Coombes has been doing since the beginning of the term. i.e. Latin and English of middle classes (Std 6 and 7) Coombes took over Std 3 from Mrs. Nugent. Visited evening study between 8 and 8.30 pm. Coombes on duty. July 17th First match of the Hirlihy Tournament. Our 2nd and IX won. by two goals. Lofts at Tindharia for early parade of N.B.M.R. [Northern Bengal Mounted Rifles]. Heard part of an arithmetic lesson in Std 2. Spoke to Gardner about exercise books in StdIV. Heard an English lesson in Std V. Mr. Prices Excellent lesson. Spent a few minutes with Davenport in Std VII (Geography Lesson) July 18th School 7.45 to 9.am History, singing lessons. Office till 5.30pm. July 19th School 7.45 0 10.30am Singing 10.30 till 11.10am Office 2.30 till 5.30pm. July 20th Mrs. Clark leaves for Kalimpong for a short change till Wednesday 24th. She has not been well since her return from Calcutta. Mrs. Nugent will take her class during these days. Stds. I- IV to tea at Dow Hill Office till 6.30pm. July 21st, I found no master on duty at 9.30am. It turned out to be Texiera’s duty He had made a mistake. July 22nd. Hockey match Staff vs Dow Hill Girls. Former won. Clark takes over the Master’s Library. July 23rd Meeting of the Standing Committee at the Club at 10.30 am Miss Macmillan did not attend. Holiday after a long spell and depressing weather. The boys attended a concert at Dow Hill in aid of the Assam Flood Relief Fund. Davenport reported three boys absent at roll call at 1.30pm. July 24th Punished 3 boys out of bounds yesterday. IV th IXs played their match. Goethals’ won by a goal. Addressed the boys on the subject of abusing holidays and money coming in to them in letters. Interviewed Mrs. D’Otez who treated my request to remove her 3rd son Clifford lightly. July 25th St James; Day Holy communion at 7am. July 26th Closed School at 1.45pm to enable the boys to go down to the Pictures (Beau Geste) which was fixed for 3pm. Attended rehearsal for concert on 2nd August . Heard Munshis lesson in Std V. July 27th Match against Goethals in hockey. Dissatisfaction at decisions of their referee was unanimous. Chinaman retired today making over charge to his son at 8.30am. July 28th I sent Clifford D’Ortex’s box down to his mother at the Rest House with a note requesting her on no account to send the boy back. Brothers visited their sisters at Dow Hill between 10 - 11am. July 29th Two D’Ortex boys returned this afternoon. The mother left today for Lalmonirhat taking Clifford with her. [Lalmonirhat is now in Bangladesh]. July 31st First elevens match. Victoria vs Goethals. Draw. Aug 1st First performance of concert. Present, our boys, Goethals boys 150 and 4 Brothers. Dow Hill girls Standards I toIV. Stopped all supplies from Gutter and Co. August 2nd Staynor left for Calcutta to sit for the M.A. Exam. Calcutta University Concert. A full house and a most enthusiastic audience. it was given in aid of funds for Chapels of both Schools. August 3rd. 5th and 6th play their match. We lost to Goethals’. Padre in bed suffering from chill. Mrs. Davenport left for Bangalore. The 2nd Clerk does not appear to be a reliable man. The Head Clerk reported this to me today. Suspects him of being dishonest. He is a most unsatisfactory worker. August 5th After a long talk with both clerks I decided to give the second clerk one more chance before dismissing him. August 7th The Head Clerk is still very uneasy about Mukhin. 2nd Clerk. Decided to discharge him and appoint a son of the retired head Clerk of Dow Hill. There was a certain amount of disorder last night in the Commercial and A & B, but have not had time to inquire into the case of the Commercial Dormitory. Aug 8th Visited all the Dormitories at 9pm. Padre in bed with a chill again. Clark was (at a sports Committee meeting) Elected Secretary of the Games Fund vice C.A. Price. proceeding shortly on leave. The Padre is better today. Aug 10th We had a very enjoyable concert by the Band of the York and Lancaster Regiment. The Padre had a temperature last night and had to stay in bed. August 11th Padre well enough to conduct both services today. August 12th A morning devoted to punishing boys. Dealt with six. Makhin discharged, Mangal Pradhan commenced work as temporary second Clerk. August 13th Meeting of Committee of the Primary School. August 14th Hockey match. Goethals’ vs. Victoria. 3rd IXs. August 15th I spent an hour in the Carpenters’ shop with Mr. Texiera . He was instructed to have doors put on the large Cupboard at once so that the tools can be kept under lock and key.Also to commence a stock book. No such has been maintained. Took my classes as usual. Staynor returned from Calcutta. August 16th Being exceptionally fine morning after four days of continual wet weather, there were no classes in the morning. Afternoon classes and Studies as usual. Visited the dormitories at 9.30pm. August 17th Elocution Competition. Stds VIII -X..Mrs. Clarke, Miss Perlzwing and I judged. The boys were well trained. Except the 3rd Hockey XI, the whole school went to the Pictures in the afternoon. The 3rd XI Drew with Goethals’ I went to the pictures for the 2nd time this year. The boys were well behaved. Mr. . Gardiner in charge. August 21st 5th Eleven drew with Goethals’ August 22nd Second term examinations begins. August 24th Victoria Vs St Josephs on the ground of the latter for the John’s Shield. Victoria won 3 - 0 . Visited the Commercial Dormitory at 9pm. August 26th and 27th Examination. August 28th Victoria vs York & Lancaster Regiment. which we won 6 - 2. Exam suspended. Ordinary School August 29th S.P.C.A. Essay Competition. Mr. . Price supervised. August 30th I detected Malins (Snr) and Walters intently getting help from one another during the Scripture exam today. They were turned out of the Hall and then papers destroyed. I shall cane them on Monday. August 31st. Victoria won the finals match in hockey against the District team for the John’s Shield by one goal, the score being 2-1. The game was played on the St Josephs; ground, Darjeeling. Practically the whole of the staff went up to witness the game, together with a fair number of servants and the Clerks. This is the first time that Victoria has won this trophy. Mr. . Price and I looked after the School today. September 3rd Goethals vs Victoria First Elevens the last match of the Hirhily tournament. Goethals won by a goal and hold the Cup for a year. I caned seventy four boys for helping and receiving help from one another during the recent 2nd term exam. September 4th Full holiday in honour of winning the John’s Shield. The boys had a small dance from 5 to 9pm. The girls were here from 5 to 7.30 pm. The standing committee meeting fixed for today is postponed till Friday the 6th instant. So that all members can attend. Lloyd arrived back today. He went away for a change as he can not get rid of his cough (whooping). Second Clerk sent in his resignation in order to take up another appointment. No hint was given of this before. September 5th Price gave over charge today to Mrs. Nugent and left by mail for Calcutta en-route to England. St Paul’s Eleven played Goethals’ in hockey and are spending the night with us. After their game against us tomorrow they will go back at 5pm. September 6th The match against St Paul’s resulted in a win for Victoria. 3 - 0. Standing Committee meeting 10.30 at the Club. Just formed a forum. Mrs. Macmillan, Nicoll’s, and myself, Student and Harris at the last moment found that that could not be present. September 7th Boys visited sisters 4- 5pm. September 9th Visited the afternoon study. Head Clerk seedy (?) this afternoon. September 10th Addressed the boys on the subject of panes of glass being broken in the School and warned them that if the ones responsible for these in the future are not discovered the whole School will be charged for them. September 11th Inspection of the School by Mr. Papworth, Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. 10” in 24 hours ending 8.30am. [Rain 10 inches = 254 mm] September 12th Second day of Inspection. September 14th Whole School went to Cinema. “King of Kings” September 18th Gymnastic Display at Dow Hill. September 19th Half holiday. Inspection of the Cadet Corps by the Col. and Adjutant, N.B.M.N. [Northern Bengal Mounted Rifles]. September 23rd Hockey Match against Goethals ended in a draw. September 27th A full holiday at the request of Mr. Papworth. Lofts on leave for today to go to Darjeeling. September 28th Mr. Papworth left today. The Brothers visited their sisters at Dow Hill. Visited the Dormitories at 10pm. September 30th Draw again against Goethals for the Newton Cup. Frs. Bampton and O’Grady referees. There was a good deal of criticism at the last match when Clark was on of the referees. Geography 8 hours IX and X Singing lower School. October 1st Mrs. F.J. Clarke came up from Calcutta to see me re the arrears of the fees owe to the School as she had been notified that her sons would be sent down to her. I was not impressed and scarcely believed the story of the death of her husband. History Stand 5, Visited classes 1,5,6,7,10. October 2nd Mrs. Clarke withdrew her second son for the remainder of the year. Lost the hockey match against Goethals for the Newton Cup. October 4th Buchanan, Director of Physical Education, arrived here at 3.45pm. and arranged to inspect Berry’s work tomorrow at 12.30pm. Mrs. Clark was indisposed and could not come to class. The students play at Dow Hill “Lord Richard in the Pantry. October 5th Investigated the case of the lenses being removed from the Science Room. Attended the Prize Distribution at the Forest School. Mrs. Clark is still (?). Lofts took casual leave to go up to Darjeeling. Dormitories at 9.30pm. October 6th It rained incessantly the whole day and yesterday. October 9th Meeting of the Standing Committee. October 10th Mr. and Mrs. Papworth and their children arrive. The Puja Holidays begin. October 19th Girls School Sports. October 23rd Meeting of the Governing Body. Mr. Stapleton spent the night with me. October 24th Mr. Stapleton inspected Mr. Clarks quarters for which certain improvements were approved by the Governing Body, and the room was converted into the Chaplains quarters. Interviewed the Head Clerk re the allegations against him by Gather and discussed with me two letters of Guffur (?) re extraordinary statements made about me in them. He left with me to reply To the Annual Athletic Sports. Mrs. Papworth distributed the Prizes. November 2nd Fine Gymnastic Display in aid of the funds of the Chapels. November 9th Singing Competition in Darjeeling. I November 10th Mr. and Mrs. Papworth left today. The Clarke boy was sent down with them as fees had not been paid. November 11th Armistice Day. Parade of Girls Guides, Scouts, Cadets and the remainder of both Schools before the Union Jack on the upper flat at 10.45am. November 12th School Final examination begins except for Standards VIII and X which carried on as usual. November 13th Inspected Dormitories at 9.30pm. November 15th About 30 boys went across to the Concert at Dow Hill. November 16th Coombes shot a bear near the Hospital this morning. This is the third that has been shot near the School. Berry and the Head Constable shot one each near the Dow Hill Police Station. Price, Combes, Berry and Padre were out till 2 am hunting bears. Price shot at a big one but missed it. A dozen Senior boys went down to the Club for the Girl Guides Competition organised by Mrs. Forbes. November 17th The Head Clerk left this afternoon to attend the case against him at the High Court Calcutta. He hopes to leave Calcutta by tomorrow nights mail. November 18th Paraded the whole school and confiscated a fair number of catapults. Sports meeting at 10.30am. November 19th Price left for Calcutta on receipt of a telegram that his brother is dying. Examinations end today. Keymer and Cresswell, left for the vacation. The Head Clerk returned from Calcutta. November 20th The Darjeeling books left today. (?) Also the Becks and Macdonald. Malin and Murray arrived from Khargpur. to escort their sons down. A Whitiker (?) the second son of Malins for next term. Mrs. Nugent indisposed and could not attend class. November 21st Most left for the vacation. November 23rd The Distribution of Prizes at which Mr. E. N. Beasly, Deputy Commissioner and Darjeeling presided. November 25th It has been an exceptionally cold, damp, misty November. I have allowed boys to leave after the final examination provided escort has been arranged for them.. November 27th A joint concert at Dow Hill - organised by Rev Elliot. Both Dow Hill and Victoria contributed items. Most enjoyable. November 28th Visited dormitories at 10pm. December 1st The first batch left today. December 2nd The second batch left. December 9th The Cambridge examinations commence. Fr Schokaert SJ presiding examiner. Mr. Berry assisting. Eleven from Victoria for the Senior School Certificate, and seven for the Junior. December 14th All the examination boys left for Calcutta, except Summers H., Gasper, Day, McKechan, who stayed back till 17th for the advanced papers in Maths. Mr. Lofts and Mrs. Butler accompanied the party. December 15th The last party left. I also left for Calcutta and returned on 31st December, leaving Mr. Berry in charge with the permission of the Inspector. [Editors Note: I had some excellent assistance from a friend of mine, Mrs Fay White who kindly typed in this year. Thanks Fay.]
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