Blazon of the Arms of Victoria School,

School prefects for 1935

Head Boy W. Bayford
Prefects L. Smart Captain of Games
M.C. Jacob Vice Captain
R. Rennick
P. Earle
L. Lake
L. Twede
H. Bancroft
L. Halton (?)
B. Robinson

This log book was started at the instance of the Inspector of European
Schools, Bengal, (Mr R Wolfenden I.E.S.), who pointed out in his Inspection
report that Chapter XII of the Code of Regulations for European Schools in
Bengal requires that certain records to be maintained in every school. An old
log book has come to light but contains no entry later than 1929. While the
record for the years 1918 to ’29 is both sketchy and incomplete. It may
therefore be recorded here that Mr. P.M. O’Riordan resigned his position as
Headmaster in March 1930 and that Mr. W.E. Griffiths I.E.S. held the
appointment until July 20, 1931.

On that date, I, Edward Charles Garrat (?) Ian Hessing took over the charge of
the Victoria School. I found 150 boys on the rolls of the School out of a
maximum of 190 (a subsequent search for the maximum number of boys
permissible was unsuccessful). Mr Griffiths before he left, explained to me that,
in the circumstances of the beginning of the enquiry of 1929 and 1930, he had
concentrated his attention on the office (?),(?). I afterwards learned to
appreciate, admissible results. The intervening four years (from 1931 to 1935)
have been spent in maintaining and improving the office conditions, and in
providing the School with a reputation and organisation in which it was so
lacking in 1931. Distinguished visitors to the school on the occasions of the
Speech Day Celebrations (Sir Stanley Jackson, Governor of Bengal )1931), Sir
John Woodhead, (?) Member 1933, and Mr J.M. Bottomly, Director of Public
Instruction) have done much towards restoring the School’s reputation.

2/3/1935
The first party of boys (in number 73) arrived under the care of Messrs Staynor
and Bloud.

3/3/1935
The second party (in number 80) arrived in the care of Messrs Prins and Baillie
A staff meeting was held at 2.30. Copies of the new time table were
distributed, classes allotted , and the general work of the year discussed.

Distribution of the classes

A.

College Dept. I.A. Class. The Headmaster
Class VIII (Senior Cambridge) Mr Staynor.
Class VII (Junior Cambridge) Mr Clark
Class VIa Mr Price
Class VIb Mr Prins
Class V Mr Bloud
Class IV Mr Vyse
Class III Mr Baillie
Class II Mrs Clark
Class I Mrs Taylor

B.

The following constituted the Staff for 1935:

Headmaster Mr E.C.G.I. Hessing
(History, I.A. Class)

Second (?) Master. Mr E.V. Staynor
(Mathematics, Upper School)

Science Master. Mr T.D. Nugent
(Science, Mid And Upper School)

English Master Mr T.W. Clark
(English Upper School, Latin)

Geography Master (Officiating)
Mr C. A. Price.
(Geography Mid and upper School), Latin and Maths

History Master V.C. Prins
(History mid and Upper school. Latin

Art Master T (?)
Drawing and Manual III – VIII

Vernacular Master R.B. Singh
(Hindi throughout)

Middle School Masters.
C.A. Bloud }
J.C. Vyse }
H.M. Baillie }
General Form Subjects.

Games Master J. Heywood
(P.T., Cadets, Games)

Preparatory School Mistresses
Mrs Clark. Class II
Miss Taylor. Class I

C.

The Domestic Staff consists of.

Steward. Mr (?)
House Keeper. Mrs Barker
Matrons
Mrs Heywood A and B Dormitory
Mrs (?) Commercial

D.

House Masters

Kellas House Mr C.A. Price
Irvine House Mr T.W. Clark
Mallory House Mr E.V. Staynor

(It may be recorded that three Houses were created in 1928 named after those who had lost their lives in the attempt to reach the summit of Everest. In 1932 I obtained from Mrs Mallory as a memento of Mallory himself, the gift of a compass used by Mallory on his last expedition. This compass was deposited with Mr Prins. House Master of Mallory House in 1933 for safe keeping)

E.

Allotment of duties.

1. Master on Duty routine – Mr Staynor
2. Stationery – Mr Staynor
3. Text Books – M Clark
4. Science Room Stock – Mr Nugent
5. Geography room Stock – Mr Price
6. Art and manual Room Stock – Teixeisa (?)
7. Library – Mt Prins
8. Furniture – Office
9. Boys letter paper and envelopes.

Members of the Staff ordinarily take a keen interest in the games and other
activities of the School; and consequently duties in respect of this side of
School life would be unnecessary. The Games Master never looks to
assistance of members of the staff

F.

Bells – Weekdays
6 am Rising Bell
6.30 am Physical training
7.10 am End of PT
7.30 am Chota Hazri
8 am Prayers
8.20 am 1st Period
9.0 am 2nd Period
9.40 – 10.0 am Break
10 am, 3rd period
10.40 4th period
11.30 am Breakfast
12.30 am 5th Period
1.10 pm 6th Period
1.50 pm 7th Period
2.35 pm Tea
3 pm Afternoon Prep (in March and November, A. Prep is held at 5.15)
4 pm games
6.15 pm Dinner
6.40 pm Evening Prayers
6.45 pm Night study for classes IV –VIII, Class III to bed.
7.45 End of night study for classes IV to VIa inclusive.
8.35 pm End of Night Study. All boys to bed.
9.30 pm Silence in Dormitories.

A slight variation of this routine (?) with Classes I and II situated in the
Commercial Building.

As compared with 1934, the following changes have occurred on the Staff,
Messrs Clark and Tex(?) have returned from leave; Mr Robson and Mr Paxton
have left:

Anticipated changes this term: Messrs Prins and Baillie will go on leave, on
April 1st and March 11th respectively. Their places will be taken by Mr D. Prins
and Mr W. Coldresa (?).

4/3/1935
Term began with 170 boys on the rolls. Many will be joining the School during
the current week – illness being partly responsible for late arrivals. School
examined by Dr Mukerjee.

7/3/1935
190 boys in the School, a number having arrived with their sisters on the Dow
Hill School parties. Work has progressed steadily since School opened on
Monday.

11/3/1935
Standing Committee meeting in Kurseong. Mr Baillie left for England on leave.
No cases yet of infectious illness and only one boy in hospital.

21/3/1935
Nothing unusual has occurred since the last entry. Today the Hospital reported
the first case of measles – Callow Jr. from the Commercial side. It is
extraordinary that year after year, in spite of health certificates and freedom
from infectious slips, quarantine conditions descend on the School. Last year –
1934 – appears to have been the first year that the School escaped. Measures
have been taken to isolate the Commercial Dormitory – not a difficult task in
view of the normal arrangements.

23/3/1935
The first House meetings were held today. The competitive system introduced
last year and outlined below was re-introduced.

House Points

Work 300
Hockey 100
Cricket 100
Athletics 100

Kellas house was Cock House during 1934.

1/4/1935
Reports and Bills despatched. I would note here that monthly reports, based
on class marks are prepared and despatched to parents with their bills.
Additional reports based on their terminal examinations in June, September
and November are sent to parents.

5/4/1935
The number of Boarders – 219 – now exceeds by 14 the sanctioned strength
of the School. The difficulty then is two-fold – (1) the absence during the
vacation of the Headmaster and (2) an average of thirty applications for
admission in each year are not taken up, with the result that if only the
sanctioned strength is accepted, the School is liable to be seriously short in
numbers. This year there has been An unusual demand for places, and at
least a hundred applications were refused. Two hundred and thirty five were
accepted for admission with the result noted above.

7/4/1935
Mr V.C. Prins handed over charge of his office of the History Master and
proceeded on leave. Mr D. Prins took over charge as History Master, (Offg).

8/4/1935
House cricket matches began today.

12/4/1935
Preliminary tests of intelligence was held to-day for classes V to VIII.

14/4/1935
Cricket match today – School Vs Mr Webb’s XI for (?) Darjeeling. Rain spoilt
the game.

16/4/1935
Intelligence Tests this afternoon in the Hall. The results will not be known until
the beginning of May. Six boys in Hospital – the measles epidemic has now
extended to A + B dormitory of the main school.

18/4/1935
Hitherto Classes III and IV have had P.T. during the last period in the morning
(10.40 – 11.20). The new arrangement by which they do P.T. from 3.15 to 4
pm (instead of afternoon preparation) came into force today. This will obviate
the confusion caused by the break-up of classes at 10.40, the late arrival of the
Juniors to breakfast: attendant upon dressing after P.T.

(April 19th – 22nd inclusive Easter Holidays)

24/4/1935
The “University Occasionals” Cricket Teams visited the School today and
played a game with the School XI. The School lost by five wickets. A case of
enteric (H. Smith) in the School Hospital.

1/5/1935
The usual monthly reports and bills despatched today. This afternoon Laszlo
Schwartz gave a violin recital in the School Hall.

3/5/1935
The School A.D.C., in the presence of H.E. the Governor of Bengal, his Staff
and many distinguished visitors, among whom were Sir John Woodhead and
Lady Woodhead, presented the full three act play, “The Late Christopher
Bean”, at the Gymkhana Club, Darjeeling. Sir John Anderson, in thanking the
School, stated that he had thoroughly enjoyed the play and was much
impressed by the performance by of D. Doig as Gwenny and of D. Hine Butler
(?) as “Dr Huggett” (?). The entire proceeds will be given to His Majesties
Jubilee Fund through the Darjeeling Committee. The names of the Producers,
managers and cast are given below.

Producers:
Mrs Clark and Elliott

Stage Manager:
Mr Heywood

Costumes and Dressers:
Mrs Hessing and Mrs Clark

Cast:
Gewnny D. Doig
Dr Huggett D. Hine Butler
Mrs Huggett R. Webster
Ada N. Campbell
Susan A. Moddie
Bruce McRae L. Lake
Mr Davenport H. Bancroft
Mr Tallent J. Row
Rosen M.C. Jacob

5.5.1935
The performance of “Christopher Bean” was repeated to a large and
appreciative audience at the Kurseong Amusement Club this evening. The
entire proceeds (which I learnt after the show, amounted to Rs148/-) will be
given to H.M. Silver Jubilee Fund through the Kurseong Committee.

6 + 7/5/1935
Two whole holidays were given in honour of their Majesties Silver Jubilee.
Thanksgiving Services were held in the School Chapels (Anglican and Roman
Catholic) on Monday 6th and special meals were arranged for the two days. On
Tuesday, the 7th the Cadet Corps went to Darjeeling to take part in the Jubilee
Parade.

Mr E.V. Staynor and I attended the Investiture in the evening at Government
House and were invested by His Excellency with H.M. the King’s Jubilee
Medal.

8/5/1935
School returned today after the Jubilee Holidays. The A.D.C. presented its play
at Dow Hill School in the evening.

15/5/1935
During the past week work has progressed steadily. Nothing of note to record.

20/5/1935
First meeting of the Governing Body, at Victoria. Minutes of these meetings
can be found in the book kept for that purpose in the office.

21/5/1935
Inspection of the School by the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, Mr R.
Wolfenden, MBE., M.Sc., IES. Bar-at-Law. Mr Wolfenden, during these three
days made a test audit of the Government accounts and inspected the
classes.

23/5/1935
Accountant generals audit of the School accounts began. This will continue
until June 6th. Our last audit occurred in May 1933; henceforward audits will
be held annually.

25/5/1935
H. Smith – ill with enteric is now convalescent; but we have two more cases, J.
Ross and R. Murdoch. Ross’ condition is causing us some anxiety.

28/5/1935
The audit is passing off very smoothly. Mr S.K. Dey is exhaustive and critical,
but he is helpful - a welcome change after out experience in 1933, when the
audit staff required 25 days to examine our accounts.

31/5/1935
This morning certain members of the Staff were late for class. I have on a
number of occasions repeated a warning on the very subject of unpunctuality.
Today I warned the members who were late and circulated the list (this will be
found in the Order Book against Order Number 2. dated 31.5.35).

3/6/1935
Whole holiday in honour of His Majesty’s Birthday. The day was wet and the
boys found the Reading Room and indoor games especially valuable. I
attended the Jubilee reception in the evening at Government House,
Darjeeling.

4/6/1935
Our Football XI visited Goethals School this afternoon, and won the game
three goals to two.

6/6/1935
The first terminal Examinations began today and will continue until tomorrow
week.

The Metropolitan of India the Most Rev. Dr Joss Westerlt (?) visited the School
and will stay the night. Service held in the School Chapel at 5 pm.
Confirmation has been postponed until October when the Bishop will again
visit us.

9/6/1935
Out first team entertained Goethals School to football. The school was
victorious.

10/6/1935
Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong. Nothing of note was discussed. The
minutes may be found in the book kept for that purpose in the office.

13/6/1935
I circulated this morning a request to class masters that the first period be
devoted to an inspection of boys desks, the contents of which had appeared to
me during my visits to the classrooms to have been very varied in character
and untidily disposed. To maintain tidiness I further suggested a weekly
inspection.

15/6/1935
Goethals School Cricket team visited the School today. Victoria won an
interesting game by 5 wickets. All our enteric cases are either well or in a
condition of advanced convalescence. Four cases have occurred, but no
satisfactory explanation of the source of infection has yet been made. Two of
the boys, Ross and Murdoch belong to class VIa, while Smith and Bird, the
first and last case belong to classes 4 and 5 respectively.

19/6/1935
Report of the two A.G.B’s audit occurred today – probably the shortest and
least contentious in the history of the School.

An innovation this year has been the opening of the Library cupboards and the
accessibility of books to the middle and upper Schools. Hitherto, the
cupboards have been kept locked. In my opinion, the time has come to trust
the boys and thus far I have had no cause to regret the removal of the books.
The reading room is well stocked with current literature, books, reviews,
magazines and daily newspapers. The room is well patronised and well kept.
The Prefects, Luke and Twede assisted by J. Row of the VII, watch over the
well being of the room.

26/6/1935
The last of our enteric cases, M. Bird, left for home today. E. McDonald also
left for gland treatment.
Victoria and Goethals School played their last football match today. Victoria
won the series 3 matches to two in a close contest played in the best spirit by
both sides.

27/6/1935
On my visit to the dining room this morning, I found the food cold and
uneatable. Mrs Barker was not available. I reported the matter to her later,
pointing out that the complete absence of supervision at dinner time (I have
not thus far found Mrs Barker present at dinner time), gives an entirely free
hand to the bearers.

29/6/1935
Dow Hill School repaid the compliment of our Christopher Bean performance
by inviting the boys to dance there this evening. Some 40 boys attended.

1/7/1935
Office Holiday.
During the day I visited Classes V, VII, VIII during lessons given by Mr Prins.
As a result, I have spoken to Mr Prins on the need for more vigorous
exposition, blackboard work, use of time charts etc.. The teaching of History by
class reading from text books is long out of date.

2/7/1935
Reports and bills despatched today. Examination question and answer papers
filed for the Inspector.

3/7/1935
Visited today the following classes:

Class V.
Mr Bloud – English.
The class was reading Julius Caesar” with occasional explanation from Mr
Bloud, whose questions were too quickly asked and therefore indistinct. Mr
Bloud’s impatience and the expression of it are objectionable.

Class V
Mr Vyse. Latin
The class was being tested in Grammar the declensions and conjugations
appear to be well known and the class keen to answer.

4/7/1935
Paid salaries today. As the Head Clerk has only limited security I have
personally to pay all salaries, boarding payments etc.

5/7/1935
In company with the Steward I made a complete inspection of the School
buildings and compounds; gave instructions for a general cleaning. Mr Shears
(?) willingly undertakes to do what he is asked; but his work lacks initiative. He
fails completely to supervise the work of the servants and seems unable to
manage labour successfully.

I found Mrs Clark and Mrs Taylor enjoyed a prolonged recess this morning. No
attempt had been made to bring the boys to class at 10.5mthey were still
playing on the ‘flat’. My letter to Mrs Clark and Mrs Taylor may be found on
page 29 of the order book.

6/7/1935
I passed the first period with Mr Bloud in class VIa My comments on his work
with class V obtain (? Definitely not ‘apply’, Editor) with equal force here.

8/7/1935
New arrangement in connection with the routine of the master-on-duty. Any
proposed changes in the order of duty must first be referred to Mr Staynor,
who will then consult me on the suggestion.

In the absence of Mr D. Prins who was granted casual leave. I took Classes
VII and VIII in History.

9/7/1935
The wettest day this year. The School building as always on these occasions
more nearly resembled a swamp than anything else. The Gymnasium and
Manual Shop are thus rendered unusable; the verandahs which are all open
are of course saturated. Education under these conditions such as these is
impossible. I have complained, others before me have complained. The
answer appears always to be the same – that it is not possible adequately to
repair the present roof.

10/7/1935
Mrs Nugent’s illness declared to be typhoid. I wrote to Dr Mukerjee asking him
to examine the septic tank as a possible source of enteric infection. The Staff –
particularly those living in close proximity to the tank – have reported bad
smells, and an excessive number of flies and mosquitoes. At various times
during the term, I have requested the overseer (PWD) to report on the
condition of the tank – He has always declared it to be satisfactory. The
Municipality has reported to the PWD the unsatisfactory state of the tank.
This is the third successive day of rain.

11/7/1935
Rain has continued throughout the day. It would be difficult to find a dry spot
anywhere. I sincerely wish the Inspector could be here on days such as these.
15/7/1935

Standing committee in Kurseong. Mrs Webb and I reported two matters of
importance to the committee.

1. The condition of the Septic Tank
2. The proposal for a T.B. Hospital at Helen’s Lodge

The minutes can be found in the office.

18/7/1935
The School played St Mary’s XI at Hockey and won an interesting game.

19/7/1935
This morning the A Ex Engineer, Kurseong reported that the septic tank was in
good working order. After consulting Mr Staynor we decided to visit the tank in
the afternoon. This we did and found:

1. A large crack in the wall of the antiseptic tank.
2. Broken spray pipes over the filter bed, causing an overflow of unfiltered
water to the effluent drain.
3. An all pervading smell of refuse.

I learnt today that an old boy of the School, Thomas Fulton has been awarded
the Indian Police Medal for Gallantry.

20/7/1935
The Joint Inspectors of Calcutta University – Mr H.C. Mookerjee and Mr
Bannerjee today visited the School and inspected the College Department.

21/7/1935
The Asst director of Public Health conducted an enquiry into the cause of the
enteric infection. He visited the septic tank and in spite of frantic last minute
efforts of the PWD to replace (?) pipes etc, had to agree that the tank was not
working properly. His recommendation for preventative measures will be found
in the appropriate file

26/7/1935
In consultation with the Staff, the following dates in the School Calendar were
fixed.

Speech Day Sept 26th
Sports day Oct 19th
Pujah Holidays Oct 5th – 13th inclusive.

As there appeared to be some confusion in the days allotted to Rugby Football
and Hockey, it was decided today to play Rugby on the following afternoons:-
Sunday, Tuesday and Friday; Hockey on the following days:- Monday,
Thursday and Saturday. I have been more and more convinced that a boy’s
time is too much organised for him – that there are very few minutes during the
day during which he can feel that he is free. This term with two main games
(Rugby and Hockey), Cadets, Scouts and other activities, a boy’s time is fully
occupied. With the object therefore of allowing a few hours of freedom, I have
cancelled Preparation (afternoon and night) on Wednesdays and confined
detention to Saturdays.

I transferred today the Cub Pack from the charge of Mr Vyse to that of Mr
Prins. I have for some time been convinced that the former with activities in
connection with the Rugby Football and the distribution, weekly, of pocket-
money, has too little time to devote to the cubs - ?

I gave Mr Vyse permission to go to Calcutta – his brother had died during the
morning.

31/7/1935
I have been busy with reports and the normal routine work since the 29th.
Today Mr Texeisa (?) complained that his workshop had not been swept for
the last two days. I spoke to Mr F(?) about this, but he appeared to think that
the cleaning of the workshop was not one of his duties.

Necessary instructions have been given to Mr Geaves (?).

Received today the Inspectors Report of the Asst Director of Public Health. His
recommendations received earlier are being carried out.

The new Art Room was for the first time brought into use today. This is the
best we can do in a building that is inadequately lighted on the brightest day.

1/8/1935
Bills and reports despatched today. Reports of Classes IV and V will have to
wait the return of Mr Vyse.

2/8/1935
Held a Staff Meeting this afternoon and discussed among other things the
desirability of proceeding with Rugby Football in view of (1) the apparent low
standard of our hockey and (2) the concurrent duties of our proposed Rugby
Tour in Calcutta and the Pliva Shield Hockey Tournament in Darjeeling.
Members almost unanimously decided to drop Rugby, at least for the time
being and concentrate on hockey. I am not myself convinced that rugby is the
cause of our present failure in hockey and if failure it is (we defeated St Mary’s
today by 7 goals to 2) - ; it seems now thus (?) probable, that the nursery of
hockey on the upper flat has been neglected for the more comfortable setting
of the Reading Room. I have arranged to close the latter on all except wet
days, Saturdays and Sundays.

74 boys received today their first dose of Bhraccine, permission having first
been obtained from their parents. The vaccine is being administered in
accordance with the recommendation of the A.D.P.H.

The School Pliva Shield Team played St Mary’s today and won 5 – 2.

5/8/1935
Temperatures of Staff, Boys and Servants taken during the first period this
morning – again in accordance with the recommendations of the A.D.P.H. This
will be a daily routine until further orders are received from the M.O.

Monsoon conditions again after a spell of magnificent weather.

6/8/1935
Our School first XI visited Goethals School this afternoon and defeated their
first XI 2 gaols to nil. Our Hockey team appears to have recovered its old
vigour and standard.

8/8/1935
Granted a half holiday today – a welcome break in four days of incessant rain.

10/8/1935
We held a fete and tea dance this afternoon – the first of its kind at Victoria –
to raise funds for our Entertainments. One of my difficulties here is find money
to pay for Speech Day visitors tea, dramatic performances etc.. Today’s fete
realized over Rs 400/- clear profit and the future of our entertainment appears
to be safe. I must place on record the magnificent co-operation and skill of the
Staff in this matter as in almost every other. At no time in the past have I
received such unanimous and willing help from members as I have this year.

12/8/1935
It has rained incessantly since the 8th. The Gymnasium is unusable and the
Hall partly under water.

13/1935
I paid the Boarding Contractors today.

Staff meeting at 2.30:- Among the subjects discussed were
(1.) The system of punishment and detention. Opinion was fairly unanimous
that the system, which obtains that (?) at present is (?) failing – there are
detentions for work, on Saturdays is adequate. (?)
(2) Rugby Football. The subject was again raised, and the idea of its removal
for this year opposed. This does not preclude a new beginning next year.
(3) Suggested contribution for the Entertainment Fund towards the Davies
Primary School. An opinion was expressed and found support from certain
members that the Davies Primary School had, by admitting children other than
sons and daughters of School (?) and servants exceeded its original
intentions. The suggestion of a contribution (?).
(4) Mr Staynor was elected Treasurer of the Entertainment Fund and the
money collected on April 10th handed over to him.

15/8/1935
Attended a Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong.

Our Hockey XI defeated a very strong St Mary’s team by 4 goals to 1.

18/8/1935
Rain continues – the 10th successive day of rain. The boys are feeling the
effects of close confinement and persistent damp. No place in the School is
dry.

19/8/1935
Rain ceased today. Arranged with the Steward for an organised cleaning of the
School building to include the cleaning of all paint work and floors.

24/8/1935
The M.O. gave permission for the taking of temperatures to cease today.
Temperatures have been taken for the last 3 weeks during the first period in
the morning. Work has suffered severely and we are all glad to be able to start
on Monday with a full seven period day.

25/8/1935
The Anglican Chaplain away. I took Evensong for the boys only.

26/8/1935
Granted a half holiday today – the first morning of sunshine for many weeks. It
was raining again by midday.

This afternoon our Pliva Shield team played that of Goethals School and won
by 7 goals to nil. This probably represents the heaviest defeat that Goethals
School has ever suffered at the hand of Victoria.

27/8/1935
A sad and unfortunate accident occurred this evening at about 5.40. It appears
that a runaway horse, knocked down and fractured the skull of Mrs Serge (?),
who was at that time walking along the road with her daughter and Mrs
Mackintosh (?). R. French seems to have been concerned in the some way (at
present I know not what way) with the accident. Informed the Sub-Divisional
Officer of the accident at 8.pm.

28/8/1935
In company with Mr E.V. Staynor I investigated the circumstance leading to the
accident which occurred last evening. My report which I despatched to the
Sub-Divisional Officer, Kurseong this afternoon, is given in full below:-

“I, in company with Mr E.V. Staynor, Mathematics master of this School this
morning held an enquiry into the circumstances leading to the accident which
occurred yesterday on the road between Victoria and Dow Hill Schools at
about 5.30 pm. A report of the accident itself was made to you last evening.
The rider, R. French, had earlier in the term been given permission to ride a
pony, his parents having first been consulted in the matter and the boy found
to be a capable rider. (It is necessary to state this permission as riding on
ponies is generally forbidden in the School). Latterly the boy been further
encouraged to look after the horse as an apprenticeship for his Scouts “Friend
to animals” badge. He has ridden this horse at intervals for the last few months
and has had no trouble.

Last evening he paid a visit to the School hospital to see his brother. On
leaving the hospital the boy states, he led the horse by the bridle down to the
road on which the accident occurred. While mounting the horse, a number of
Indian servants, returning from a hockey match at Victoria School, appeared
round a bend in the road and startled the horse. The horse got out of control
and proceeded in this condition down the road, the rider making every effort to
stop it. It was still uncontrolled when it passed two St Mary’s “Fathers” whose
names are given below, some thirty yards from the scene of the accident
fathers Indeken (?) and Cleary stated that when they passed the boy the horse
was out of control and that the boy was doing everything to check the horse.
Father Indeken confirmed this statement this morning on his own and Father
Cleary’s behalf in my presence and that of Mr Staynor. He added that in his
opinion no blame could attache to the boy, that the boy was keeping the horse
as near to the bank as possible and that their fears were for the safety of the
boy himself. It was only after the horse had passed them that they
remembered having just passed three ladies who would be, this time, some
thirty yards behind them, going in the same direction as the horse. They turned
back, fearing an accident: heard a shout round the bend of the road and
rushed up to find one of the ladies lying on the road with the other two ladies
and the boy around her. The horse had bolted. The boy was not aware of the
presence of these ladies as they were hidden by a bend in the road. On seeing
them, he shouted a warning while continuing to make frantic efforts to control
the horse.

The Ladies, I understand, would be unable to give evidence as to the
circumstances immediately preceding the accident as the horse came upon
them from behind, suddenly round a bend.

Signed E.C. Hessing
Headmaster

The police took their evidence away this morning. The boy making his
statement in my presence.

30/8/1935
Received news of the Pliva Shield draw. Our “B” team plays Mount Hermon,
and our “A” team the winners of that match. St Mary’s play St Josephs “A”, so
that for the second year in succession, we are in the same half of the
tournament as St Josephs “A”.

2/9/1935
Made ready and despatched Reports and Bills.

3/9/1935
Paid menials (?) and domestic staff this morning.

5/9/1935
Mrs George died at 1.30 am today. The whole School attended a special
service in the School Chapel, while the middle and upper School followed the
cortege to Kurseong cemetery. The match arranged for this day was
postponed.

9/9/1935
The Second Term examinations commenced today. It may be stated here that
three Examinations (In addition to the Cambridge Examinations) are held
during the year: in June, September and November.

The work this year has been consistently satisfactory and results should be
good.

11/9/1935
Our “A” Team defeated Mount Hermon School today by 8 goals to nil. Our
defeated “B” team having been beaten previously by Mount Hermon.

12/9/1935
As a result of the victory of St Mary’s over St Josephs “A” today we meet St
Mary’s in the semi final of the Pliva Shield tournament.

Examinations are progressing satisfactorily. The Examinees are in some
discomfort in the Assembly Hall owing to the multitude of leaks. The P.W.D.
does nothing about them.

16/9/1935
Our “A” team as a result of its victory over St Mary’s enters the final and will
play the winners of the game between St Paul’s and Goethals School. I visited
Darjeeling in the afternoon to see the team play.

18/9/1935
The September Examinations ended today. The results thus far announced
have been quite satisfactory.

Rev Cannon Pearson today visited the School.

21/9/1935
Victoria “A” Team, by defeating St Pauls in the Final, won the Pliva Shield for
1935. Eleven of Darjeeling’s best teams entered for this tournament. Not a
single goal was scored against our “A” team in this tournament, and
throughout the xxx the team has not lost a match. Standards VII and XIII were
allowed to Darjeeling to witness the game (?).

23/9/1935
Meeting of the Governing Body at Dow Hill School - Mr Bottomley in the Chair.
Minutes can be found in the appropriate file in the office.

Mr A.K. Chanda (?) arrived at the House. He will stay until tomorrow evening.

24/9/1935
Speech day. Mr Wilkinson C.I.E., I.E.S. Secretary to the Government in the
Education Department presided, and Mrs Palmer, wife of the S.D.O. Kurseong
gave away the prizes. There were present Mr A.K. Chandra, Asst Director of
Public Instruction, Bengal (deputising for the Director), Mr R. Wolfenden,
M.B.E., Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, members of the Governing
Body and a large number of visitors. A copy of my report can be found in the
appropriate file in the office.

27/9/1935
The septic tank appears for the time being to be completely out of action. The
P.W.D. overseer and the Steward have spent the whole day in an attempt to
clean the choked pipes.

1/10/1935
The Metropolitan of India, the Rev. Dr Foss Westcott (?) visited the School and
held a Confirmation Service in the School Chapel. Twelve candidates from
Victoria School were confirmed.

Bills and reports despatched today.

2/10/1935
Twenty College of Music Examinations held today. Victoria entered 5
candidates of whom 4 passed, 2 with Honours.

A party of Rover Scouts with G.A. Marsh in command passed through the
school.

6/10/1935
Pujah Holidays began this evening. A party of 16 Scouts under Mr Caldwin (?)
left for camp at Kalimpong. They will be away until next Saturday. Some 20
other boys were given exeats.

Field Event heats were decided this morning.

7/10/1935
Team of 16 went to Darjeeling today for the Darjeeling and District Athletic
Assn heats. Excellent results in the open events.

11/10/1935
Darjeeling and District Sports in Darjeeling. Victoria had a most successful day
in the open events. In competition with 4 other Schools and 2 Regiments
Victoria gained.

(1) The most points for the Open team.
Victoria 130 points. Black Watch 115 points, others 0 points.
(2)The Open Relay – won by a whole lap. Victoria Team: J. Creswell. Pitt, Petri
and T. Harewood.
(3) the second best athlete – L. Smart.

13/10/1935
All poojah exeats expired this morning. All boys had returned by 6 pm.

14/10/1935
Morning devoted to Heats for Sports. In the afternoon the School attended the
Dow Hill Sports.

15/10/1935
Classes recommenced.

(This entry is followed by the signature etc..Editor)

R. Wolfenden, Inspector European Schools, Bengal. 18/10/35

15/10/1935
Work has been quietly resumed. It is indeed difficult to work during October:
Poojah holidays, Speech Days, Sports Days (our own and others) make
serious inroads to the Preparation for Examinations. I estimate that this, a
normal October, will provide only about 15 working days.

19/10/1935
Sports day. Sir John and lady Woodhead presided. Weather ideal, visitors
numerous, among them being Mr Bottomly (Director of Public Instruction),
Major (?) of the Black Watch, and many local friends. L. Smith established a
new record for the High Jump. (five foot seven and a half inches). In the last
three years, all School records except that of the long jump) have been
broken.

21/10/1935
Obtained leave of absence for the night from the I.E.S., B. to go to Darjeeling.

22/10/1935

Returned to school at midday. Mr E.V. Staynor has been in charge during my
absence and has well carried out his duty.

25/10/1935
Speech Day at Dow Hill School. All boys of Victoria attended.

27/10/1935
Visit of Mr Vincent (?) (P.W.D. Electrical), to the School. Survey for the
Electrical light scheme which should (?) function shortly.

31/10/1935
This afternoon I handed over charge of my office to Mr E.V. Staynor, who will
officiate as headmaster during my absence on leave.

A change of handwriting takes place.

I, Eryn Vere Staynor, took over charge of the office of Headmaster from Mr
Hessing this afternoon.

2/11/1935
I called a staff meeting today to announce certain changes in routine
necessitated primarily by my vacation of the mathematics post.

As a change was necessary in any case, I arranged the class routine so as to
provide one-hour periods for drawing, arithmetic, oral composition and essay
writing.

The middle form teachers were given a revision scheme to work to. T he
procedure set forth should develop the art of reference to books, argument,
individual and collective research and the organisation of a subject around its
salient points.

I have detailed certain teachers to take charge in turn, of the discipline and
decorum at the Anglican Chapel.

5/11/1935
The School at work and at play must have reached a condition of stability; a
change of headmaster has produced no disturbing effect.

There is one point, however, which still needs consideration. The domestic
management of the C and D dormitories is unsatisfactory. The School prefects
can hardly be expected to have the time and the knowledge to control the
domestic side of such a large group of boys. Yet I find they have undertaken
even the control of the ‘washing’. Moreover, the clothes lockers have no doors.
This was alright when these dormitories were occupied by the small boys of
the School. They were in the control of a matron. She used to control the
situation by keeping the main door to the locker room locked and giving out the
clothes herself. At present there is no one (in practise), in charge. Most of the
boys are still too young to take care of their own clothes and they have lost
clothes to a considerable extent.

Apart from the indiscipline engendered, it must be considered that the loss is
unfair to parents.

I propose insisting on the Steward who is allotted the adjoining quarters taking
more rigorous control of the domestic affairs of the dormitory. This, I anticipate,
will at first bring him and the prefects into conflict. I think, however, that they
can be guided into co-operation.

Next year I will approach the P.W. Department about putting door on to the
clothes lockers.

23/11/1935
We won the Barker Shield today.

27/11/1935
Our numbers are being depleted owing to the absence of many boys in
hospital with influenza.

30/11/1935
“Xmas tree at 7 pm for the Junior School. This function was founded by Mr
Hessing and is a most effective way of bringing the School together on the last
day of term. This years ‘tree’ was a big success due mainly to the generosity of
Mr Elliott, a friend of the School.

We did not have the usual bonfire as it was thought unwise to have the boys
out at such a late hour while the influenza epidemic was on.

Staff meeting in the morning to discuss class promotions.

1/12/1935
Departure if first party – Messrs Bloud and Vyse in charge.

2/12/1935
Departure of second party – Mr and Mrs Clark in charge

School work was dislocated during the last week of the session due to an
epidemic of influenza which started at Dow Hill and then spread to us. More
than thirty boys at a time had to take to bed. There was an overflow from the
hospital which we had to accommodate in the dormitories. Some boys had not
quite recovered by the time the batches were due to leave for the vacation. On
the advice of the doctor and the nurse I did not cancel the existing the existing
journey arrangements, but sent the boys down properly escorted. I am afraid
the Cambridge examinations classes had more than their proper share of
illness.

9/12/1935
The Cambridge Examinations commenced today.

Fr J. Indeken presiding – Mr Solomon BD assisting.

15/12/1935
Mrs Barker, Lady housekeeper, handed over charge of her Office this
afternoon. She is proceeding on leave.

18/12/1935
Cambridge Examinations terminate.
Cambridge Classes leave for the holidays.

Copyright John Feltham – Australia - © 2003.