Headmasters Diary

Winter Vacation 1937 – 1938

Officers in charge:
Dec 4th – 31st – Mr V.C. Prins
Jan 1st – Feb 11th – Mr J. Heywood

Quadrennial repairs were undertaken during the winter by the Public Works Department and for perhaps the first time repairs were completed before the 1938 term began. These repairs included complete external painting, internal whitewashing and xxx xxx of the xxx to the Chapel. In my opinion 4 years is too long an interval between these repairs – the School building for example, requires repainting at least once every two years.

2. Certain appointments were made during the vacation.

a. Art and Manual. Although no official intimation has been received when term began, it is practically certain that Mrs Clark (Preparatory School Mistress) would take the Art of the School - when the time table was drawn up, her name was included for this work.

b. These posts have yet to be filled.
1. Science post. Mr Nugent proceeds on leave on March 15th.
2. Games Master. Mr Heywood proceeds on leave on April 1st

Matron. Mrs Heywood proceeds on leave on April 1st.

2/3/1938
Term began with the arrival of 60 boys in the first party in charge of Messrs Staynor and Heywood.

3/31938
Some 50 boys arrived today in the 2nd Party in charge of Messrs Prins and Clark.

New Prefects for the year.

L. Hutton - Head Boy
D. Lamb
E. Jaust (?)
M. Rassaby
L. Bufford
D. Dirj (?)
A. Ferris
G. Hunt
N. Clark
D. Taylor

R. Murdoch at the Junior School

4/3/1938
Attended a Staff Meeting in my room at 9 o’clock. Discussed Time Table, Examination results, dates etc…

Classes began at 12.30. 111 boys in School on this day.

The day was misty and cold – as it is at the beginning of term.

6/3/1938
Two services were held in the School Chapel today.

7/3/1938
No. of boys in School = 135.

New arrangements for Preparation came into force today:

At:
2.40 until 3.10 - Preparation
3.10 - Tea
6 – 7 – Preparation
7 pm – Dinner
7.30 – Prayers
8 – 8.45 – Preparation for Cambridge Classes

This change enables the duties of the Master-on-duty to be eased.

9/3/1938
Boys general meeting held after Prayers.

12/3/1938
Games Committee Meeting. Mr Staynor selected Secretary in place of Mr Nugent who is proceeding on leave.

14/3/1938
I was informed today that at a meeting of the Staff, Mr Clark had been elected Staff representative on the Governing Body.

15/3/1938
Mr T.D. Nugent, Science Master, left for leave and Mr T.R. Gasper took over charge of his office. I have as yet no information from the Education Dept: that Mr Gasper has been appointed to act in the Science vacancy. Mr Gasper had however a letter of appointment from the Director dated the 8th March.

16/3/1938
Boys General Meeting. I have allowed boys in the Cambridge classes to go out during their lesson hours.

18/3/1938
A very severe hailstorm this evening.

19/3/1938
I gave a lantern lecture in the Hall this evening. The whole School attended.

20/3/1938
The usual services were held today in the School Chapel. In anticipation of sanction by Government have allowed the work of erecting the Stained Glass window to proceed. It is anticipated the window will be in place for Easter Sunday.

21/3/1938
Desmond Lamb left School today to join the Royal Corps of Signals. This is the first post the careers Dept has obtained so far this year.

22/3/1938
The Entertainment Committee consisting of 3 members of the Staff and three boys elected in the General Meeting met today to draw up a programme of entertainment.

23/3/1938
Mostly dry.

25/3/1938
I attended a meeting of the Standing Committee in Kurseong this morning.

28th – 29th
With the permission of the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, I was absent from Headquarters for three days. Mr E.V. Staynor remained in charge during my absence. Everything was very satisfactory when I returned.

30/3/1938
Mostly dry. – most of the final bills (?) were presented.

31/3/1938
Last day of the financial year.

The P.W.D. were notified (by) me that once again there is a serious water shortage and that this supply of water will be cut off at certain times during the day and night. This situation has arrived every year and very little seems to have been done to provide an adequate supply of water at all times of the year. There is to me something unusual in this matter of water shortage – the annual average rainfall here at Victoria is 193 inches.

1/4/1938
Despatched to the Inspector, Confidential reports on members of the Staff.

3/4/1938
Mr Harkers (?), the new Games Master and P.T. Instructor arrived today. He will take over charge tomorrow.

4/4/1938
Mr and Mrs Heywood went on leave after handing over charge of their offices.

Mr Heywood, Games and P.T., Instructor – Mr Harkers took charge.

Mrs Heywood – Matron - Mrs Doyle took charge.

The Adjutant of the N.B.M.R., Major Campbell Harris (?) visited the School today, inspected the Cadet Corps and checked the Armoury Stores. he expressed his satisfaction.

At my suggestion he is attempting to xxx the Baker (?) Shield Competition for Cadet Platoons as it existed prior to last year.

5/4/1938
Spent most of the day checking the stock book of Boarding: Checking for each month requires almost a complete day.

6/4/1938
Busy with annual returns and boys bills.

Mr Harkers, the new Games Master appears to have settled down at his work and the life of the School quite well. Then I would like to refer to the good work being done by Cpl Morrison of the K.O.S.B. (Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Johnf) who is attached to us as an Instructor to the Cadet Corps. He is the type of man who (se) usefulness in a School of this kind becomes at once apparent. He gives assistance not only with the Cadet Corps but also with the Physical training. The boys like him well – they are no mean judges.

8/4/1938
Issued stationery this morning.

The stained glass window was in position for the first time today and the screen which covers it at present will not be removed until Easter Sunday.

9/4/1938
The first House Meetings were held today.

10/4/1938
The School entertained the Planters today who came to play cricket (with) them. The result of the game was a victory for the School.

12/4/1938
Gave the first holiday of the year. Attended the Governor's reception in Darjeeling during the afternoon.

15/4/1938
Good Friday. The Easter holidays commenced today and will continue until Monday evening. The normal services were held in the School Chapels, and the Scouts went into camp on Scouts Plain, which adjoins the School compound

17/4/1938
Easter Sunday. The usual services in the Chapels. In the Anglican Chapel, the Stained Glass window was unveiled for the first time. This window will serve as a memorial to those of the School who served in the Great War.

18/4/1938
A dance was held this evening in the School Hall. Dow Hill School attended.

19/4/1938
Classes were resumed today after the Easter holidays. The weather, which has been excellent throughout the holidays, continues fine.

20/4/1938
Mostly dry.

21/4/1938
Attended the Court today in connection with thefts of clothes from the School dormitories, with three members of Staff and three boys, I was at the Court from 10 am until 2 pm

23/4/1938
The School Cricket XI visited Darjeeling today and played St Pauls School. The School was given a xxx half holiday.

25/4/1938
Mrs Clark went on leave (maternity) today. No appointment has yet been made to the Art post and I’ve been asked by the Inspector to keep Mrs Clark available.

30/4/1938
Mostly dry.

2/5/1938
The Governing Body meeting was held at Victoria. A copy of the minutes of this meeting will be found in the minute book, at the office.

This has also been mainly dry.

3/5/1938
The Inspection of Parents Accounts was to have begun today but the Inspector decided to deal with the Dow Hill accounts first. He will come to Victoria on Friday.

4/5/1938
The whole School attended the cinema (which I had previously reserved) at Kurseong to see the film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs).

5/5/1938
I attended a meeting in K’g of a sub committee of the governing Body to consider the teaching of Bengali and Hindi in both Victoria and Dow Hill Schools

6th - 9th
Dr Thomas’s Inspection of Accounts. News of Mrs Curtis (?) appointed to the post of Mistress for 3 months, was received on Saturday the 6th. Mrs Curtis will join her appointment on Tuesday, 10th.

13/5/1938
Received news today that the two I.A Candidates, Hugh Rassaby and Ashley (?) Moddie (?) had obtained 1st Class Honours in the recent examinations.

These then are the main results for last year.

College Department.
I.A. Calcutta University

Two Candidates

Hugh Rassaby – 1st Division
Ashley (Aspley?) Modilie 1st Division

School Certificates:

Seven Candidates.

6 Passes
M. Rassaby Grade I Top in Bengal
W. Wilson-Wright Grade II
E. Jacob Grade II
M. Jacob Grade II
S. Malins Grade II
D. Waleski Grade II

1 Failure R. Swanton.

Juniors
Thirteen Candidates: 9 Passes

Air Force
1 Candidate One Pass

15/5/1938
For the first time for many years, St Josephs College XI visited the School and played a game against our XI. Both teams were composed entirely of boys.

16/5/1938
Very heavy rain this morning – the monsoon appears to have broken :- 3 ½ inches in 2 hours.

18/5/1938
A hockey team from Parbatipim (?) visited the School today. They were defeated by the 5 goals to nil by the School team.

19/5/1938
Another day of very heavy rain.

24/5/1938
Empire Day. I gave the School a holiday. The seniors and middle School boys went to a dance at Dow Hill School.

28/5/1938
Spent the morning checking the Boarding Stock Books with the bills.

29/5/1938
The usual services were held today in the School Chapels.

30/8/1938
The first term examinations started today. All classes were examined. I attended during the morning a Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong.

This is the third successive day of rain. Already we have had 40 inches of rain during this month. The average is 12 inches.

1/6/1938
Mostly dry.

4/6/1938
The School football XI played its first match against Goethals School – and lost 2 goals to 1.

5/6/1938
Whitsunday Services in the School Chapel News was received that the Most Rev. the Lord Bishop of Calcutta had been taken ill in Darjeeling, and the confirmation services would not be held as had been arranged.

9/6/1938
The School celebrated the King’s Birthday with a holiday.

10/6/1938
Classes were resumed after the holiday.

12/6/1938
The usual services in the School Chapel. In the afternoon, a team from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers visited the School for a football match with the School XI

13/6/1938
Inspectors from the University of Calcutta visited the School today. They remained with me for an hour and then left for Darjeeling,

16/6/1938
A.G.Bs auditors arrived today and began work on the Government Accounts. During the morning I checked the Stock Book of Boarding, in the afternoon, paid the Boarding Contractors.

17/6/1938
Continued today with checking the boarding stock book.

18/6/1938
Today we had one of the heaviest storms of rain I can remember. Dow Hill School went into quarantine today with chicken pox.

20/6/1938
Examination reports were today despatched to parents.

23/6/1938
Bishop Templar (?) conducted Confirmation Services in the afternoon. Owing to quarantine conditions, separate services were held for boys and girls.

27/6/1938
It has been raining for days, almost without ceasing. Xxx we have had 100 inches of rain, and the monsoons have only just begun. Conditions within the School building are indescribable.

29/6/1938
Our football team played Goethals School today and drew.

30/6/1938
I attended a meeting of the Anti-tuberculosis Committee in Kurseong this morning and agreed to allow the boys to attend the concert in aid of the Fund at St Helen’s Concert on July 10th.

The A.G.B’s audit ended today. The report was entirely satisfactory, being the shortest since the audit of the School accounts was begun.

2/7/1938
Mainly dry.

3/7/1938
Usual services were held in the School Chapels.

Spent most of the morning paying salaries to the domestic staff and servants.

Rogers. W. is seriously ill in the School hospital. The doctor has not yet fully diagnosed the case. His illness is causing me some concern.

7/7/1938
I gave the School a holiday today. The morning was fine.

13/7/1938
The monsoon continues to be a record one. – To date, 132 inches of rain has fallen, this is 60 inches above the average.

16/7/1938
Paid Boarding Contractors during the morning.

The hockey season began today.

18/7/1938
Today there began a special examination of those boys in the Cambridge class who in the first term, failed to justify their entry for the December Examinations.

It still rains.

19/7/1938
A meeting was held this morning in my office of the Site Selection Committee for the Servants Lines. The Committee visited the site selected – to the south of Mr Staynor's Quarters and agreed that this was the best site available. Recommendations of the Committee have been forwarded to the P.W.D. to the Executive Engineer for plans and estimates.

Mrs Clark applied for extension of leave for a month beyond the grant of maternity leave already enjoyed by her.

23/7/1938
The special examination ended this morning. Games were held for the Junior School in the Hall this evening.

24/7/1938
The usual service were held in the School Chapel.

25/7/1938
Mostly dry. I held a meeting in the afternoon to discuss the results of the special examinations held last week. It was decided that all the Junior boys with the exception of Berk (?) should be included: but only 1 additional Junior candidate should be allowed to sit.

30/7/1938
A whist drive for boys and staff was held in the School Hall this evening.

1/8/1938
Mainly dry.

The monsoon continues to establish new rainfall records. Xxx we have had 170 inches since the year began. For days the boy’s games have been impossible.

7/8/1938
The usual services in the School Chapels.

10/8/1938
Our first Hockey XI defeated Goethals School by 3 goals to nil on our ground.

12/8/1938
The first fine day for months. Victoria defeated St Marys during the afternoon.

13/8/1938
Mr Price lectured in the evening to the Upper School.

24/8/1938
I attended a Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong this morning.

28/8/1938
The usual services were held in the School Chapels today. Perhaps I might mention that the are:

Roman Catholic Mass at 7.30 (Rev Fathers Gilxxx and Barri S.J.)
Anglican Chapel Communion at 8.30
Evensong 5.30. Rev. Elliott.

29/8/1938
The School Hockey XI played Goethals XI today and defeated Goethals School by 5 goals to 2.

31/8/1938
Our first Pliva Shield match against St Josephs team in Darjeeling. Result – Drew 2 all.

1/9/1938
Mainly dry.

2/9/1938
The School team today defeated St Josephs “B” in a replay of a Pliva Shield match.
I paid salaries today.

The School team lost to the District XI today in the Pliva Shield Tournament. In fairness to the team it might be recorded that this was its third match in four days – and all the games were played in Darjeeling.

5/9/1938
Boys bills made ready and despatched.

8/9/1938
I visited in the morning the P.T. class – a voluntary class run by Mr xxx, who is officiating for Mr Heywood. Mr xxx’s work with these boys – with all in the School for that matter – has been excellent.

9/9/1938
Hockey House matches began today.

12/9/1938
Governing Body Meeting today at Dow Hill. The business had finished by 12.15.

13/9/1938
The Inspector decided no to visit the School today. He had earlier intended to spend the day here.

15/9/1938
A busy morning, paying Boarding Contractors. Such a task as this requires the whole morning and should not be among the duties of a Headmaster.

19th – 21st
Heavy rain fell for two days. No post was delivered on either 20th or 21st. – Letters arrived for the first time for three days on the morning of the 22nd.

24/9/1938
The whole School attended a fete at Dow Hill during the afternoon.

25/9/1938
The Entertainments Committee arranged and gave a Gramophone recital in the School Hall.

26/9/1938
Examinations began today.

30/9/1938
Examinations ended.

1/10/1938
The Pujah holidays commenced and will continue until the morning of the 9th. This a is very difficult period in the School Year

10/10/1938
Classes were resumed today after holiday activities over 9 days. The weather for the holidays has been brilliantly fine and warm.

The usual complaint of damage to the forests plants have been received from the Forest Officer. Each year its time to xxx such complaints. I’ve decided now to ask for an estimate of the damage done and make the boys concerned pay.

During the holidays a team of 4 from Victoria competed in the Open Events at the D.D. & A.A. Sports. The team gained more points in these events than any other team – 3 first places and 3 seconds.

12/10/1938
The Heats for the School Sports were run today.

15/10/1938
Boys in the Middle and Upper School attended Dow Hill Sports Day celebrations.

19/10/1938
The Middle and Upper School went to Goethals School for Sports Day. Victoria won the Open Relay.

22/10/1938
A very successful Sports Day at Victoria. A. Davis’ time for the “A” Division Hurdles is worth mentioning here: 15.8 seconds.

24/10/1938
I attended a Standing Committee Meeting in K’g this morning.

The Bishop of Calcutta visited the School this afternoon and confirmed a number so boys at a Confirmation Service in the Chapel.

30/10/1938
The Rev. Father Jubins (?) told me this morning that there were still difficulties in the way of the R.C. Chapel. He appears to have had correspondence and interviews which suggest that it will be some time before the Chapel is built.

2/11/1938
The Baker Shield Team today competed for the Shield in the School Range Score: 290 out of a possible 480: This I understand is the best so far.

5/11/1938
A concert was given in the School Hall this evening.

8/11/1938
Spent the day, apart from routine duties, preparing the worksheet (?) for Boarding xxx. This is a big job and takes time.

9/11/1938
We were officially informed today that we had won the Baker Shield.

11/11/1938
Armistice Day. The 2 minutes Silence was observed at 11 o’clock.

12/11/1938
A Gymnastic Display was given in the School this afternoon, and was hugely (?) attended. The display was a fine tribute to the work of Mr. Harkess (?) this year.

14/11/1938
A minor fire occurred in Mr Harkess’ room this afternoon. A wooden beam which projected into the chimney caught fire. The boys were orderly paraded and the fire put out with extinguishers. Mr Gasper (?) Offi. Science Master, handed over charge of his office.

18/11/1938
Holiday in commemoration of the death of Kemal Attaturk - Government ordered the holiday.

20/11/1938
The usual services in the School Chapel.

21/11/1938
Final Examination began today. For the Cambridge Forms, classes were held as usual.

26/11/1938
Examinations ended yesterday and class work was resumed.

28th – 29th
Nativity Play in the Evenings in the Anglican Chapel.

30/1938
Last day of term – Prize giving in the evening, followed by a dinner and bonfire.

1/12/1938
The first party left today.

2/12/1938
The second party left today. I handed over charge of my office to Mr. E.V. Staynor and proceeded on leave.


	The Headmaster's Diary - 1938. Victoria School - Kurseong.

	Winter Vacation 1937 – 1938 Officers in charge: Dec 4th – 31st – Mr V.C. Prins Jan 1st – Feb 11th – Mr J. Heywood 1. Quadrennial repairs were undertaken during the winter by the Public Works Department and for perhaps the first time repairs were completed before the 1938 term began. These repairs included complete external painting, internal whitewashing and xxx xxx of the xxx to the Chapel. In my opinion 4 years is too long an interval between these repairs – the School building for example, requires repainting at least once every two years. 2. Certain appointments were made during the vacation. a. Art and Manual. Although no official intimation has been received when term began, it is practically certain that Mrs Clark (Preparatory School Mistress) would take the Art of the School - when the time table was drawn up, her name was included for this work. b. These posts have yet to be filled. 1. Science post. Mr Nugent proceeds on leave on March 15th. 2. Games Master. Mr Heywood proceeds on leave on April 1st Matron. Mrs Heywood proceeds on leave on April 1st. 2/3/1938 Term began with the arrival of 60 boys in the first party in charge of Messrs Staynor and Heywood. 3/31938 Some 50 boys arrived today in the 2nd Party in charge of Messrs Prins and Clark. New Prefects for the year. L. Hutton - Head Boy D. Lamb E. Jaust (?) M. Rassaby L. Bufford D. Dirj (?) A. Ferris G. Hunt N. Clark D. Taylor R. Murdoch at the Junior School 4/3/1938 Attended a Staff Meeting in my room at 9 o’clock. Discussed Time Table, Examination results, dates etc… Classes began at 12.30. 111 boys in School on this day. The day was misty and cold – as it is at the beginning of term. 6/3/1938 Two services were held in the School Chapel today. 7/3/1938 No. of boys in School = 135. New arrangements for Preparation came into force today: At: 2.40 until 3.10 - Preparation 3.10 - Tea 6 – 7 – Preparation 7 pm – Dinner 7.30 – Prayers 8 – 8.45 – Preparation for Cambridge Classes This change enables the duties of the Master-on-duty to be eased. 9/3/1938 Boys general meeting held after Prayers. 12/3/1938 Games Committee Meeting. Mr Staynor selected Secretary in place of Mr Nugent who is proceeding on leave. 14/3/1938 I was informed today that at a meeting of the Staff, Mr Clark had been elected Staff representative on the Governing Body. 15/3/1938 Mr T.D. Nugent, Science Master, left for leave and Mr T.R. Gasper took over charge of his office. I have as yet no information from the Education Dept: that Mr Gasper has been appointed to act in the Science vacancy. Mr Gasper had however a letter of appointment from the Director dated the 8th March. 16/3/1938 Boys General Meeting. I have allowed boys in the Cambridge classes to go out during their lesson hours. 18/3/1938 A very severe hailstorm this evening. 19/3/1938 I gave a lantern lecture in the Hall this evening. The whole School attended. 20/3/1938 The usual services were held today in the School Chapel. In anticipation of sanction by Government have allowed the work of erecting the Stained Glass window to proceed. It is anticipated the window will be in place for Easter Sunday. 21/3/1938 Desmond Lamb left School today to join the Royal Corps of Signals. This is the first post the careers Dept has obtained so far this year. 22/3/1938 The Entertainment Committee consisting of 3 members of the Staff and three boys elected in the General Meeting met today to draw up a programme of entertainment. 23/3/1938 Mostly dry. 25/3/1938 I attended a meeting of the Standing Committee in Kurseong this morning. 28th – 29th With the permission of the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal, I was absent from Headquarters for three days. Mr E.V. Staynor remained in charge during my absence. Everything was very satisfactory when I returned. 30/3/1938 Mostly dry. – most of the final bills (?) were presented. 31/3/1938 Last day of the financial year. The P.W.D. were notified (by) me that once again there is a serious water shortage and that this supply of water will be cut off at certain times during the day and night. This situation has arrived every year and very little seems to have been done to provide an adequate supply of water at all times of the year. There is to me something unusual in this matter of water shortage – the annual average rainfall here at Victoria is 193 inches. 1/4/1938 Despatched to the Inspector, Confidential reports on members of the Staff. 3/4/1938 Mr Harkers (?), the new Games Master and P.T. Instructor arrived today. He will take over charge tomorrow. 4/4/1938 Mr and Mrs Heywood went on leave after handing over charge of their offices. Mr Heywood, Games and P.T., Instructor – Mr Harkers took charge. Mrs Heywood – Matron - Mrs Doyle took charge. The Adjutant of the N.B.M.R., Major Campbell Harris (?) visited the School today, inspected the Cadet Corps and checked the Armoury Stores. he expressed his satisfaction. At my suggestion he is attempting to xxx the Baker (?) Shield Competition for Cadet Platoons as it existed prior to last year. 5/4/1938 Spent most of the day checking the stock book of Boarding: Checking for each month requires almost a complete day. 6/4/1938 Busy with annual returns and boys bills. Mr Harkers, the new Games Master appears to have settled down at his work and the life of the School quite well. Then I would like to refer to the good work being done by Cpl Morrison of the K.O.S.B. (Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Johnf) who is attached to us as an Instructor to the Cadet Corps. He is the type of man who (se) usefulness in a School of this kind becomes at once apparent. He gives assistance not only with the Cadet Corps but also with the Physical training. The boys like him well – they are no mean judges. 8/4/1938 Issued stationery this morning. The stained glass window was in position for the first time today and the screen which covers it at present will not be removed until Easter Sunday. 9/4/1938 The first House Meetings were held today. 10/4/1938 The School entertained the Planters today who came to play cricket (with) them. The result of the game was a victory for the School. 12/4/1938 Gave the first holiday of the year. Attended the Governor's reception in Darjeeling during the afternoon. 15/4/1938 Good Friday. The Easter holidays commenced today and will continue until Monday evening. The normal services were held in the School Chapels, and the Scouts went into camp on Scouts Plain, which adjoins the School compound 17/4/1938 Easter Sunday. The usual services in the Chapels. In the Anglican Chapel, the Stained Glass window was unveiled for the first time. This window will serve as a memorial to those of the School who served in the Great War. 18/4/1938 A dance was held this evening in the School Hall. Dow Hill School attended. 19/4/1938 Classes were resumed today after the Easter holidays. The weather, which has been excellent throughout the holidays, continues fine. 20/4/1938 Mostly dry. 21/4/1938 Attended the Court today in connection with thefts of clothes from the School dormitories, with three members of Staff and three boys, I was at the Court from 10 am until 2 pm 23/4/1938 The School Cricket XI visited Darjeeling today and played St Pauls School. The School was given a xxx half holiday. 25/4/1938 Mrs Clark went on leave (maternity) today. No appointment has yet been made to the Art post and I’ve been asked by the Inspector to keep Mrs Clark available. 30/4/1938 Mostly dry. 2/5/1938 The Governing Body meeting was held at Victoria. A copy of the minutes of this meeting will be found in the minute book, at the office. This has also been mainly dry. 3/5/1938 The Inspection of Parents Accounts was to have begun today but the Inspector decided to deal with the Dow Hill accounts first. He will come to Victoria on Friday. 4/5/1938 The whole School attended the cinema (which I had previously reserved) at Kurseong to see the film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs). 5/5/1938 I attended a meeting in K’g of a sub committee of the governing Body to consider the teaching of Bengali and Hindi in both Victoria and Dow Hill Schools 6th - 9th Dr Thomas’s Inspection of Accounts. News of Mrs Curtis (?) appointed to the post of Mistress for 3 months, was received on Saturday the 6th. Mrs Curtis will join her appointment on Tuesday, 10th. 13/5/1938 Received news today that the two I.A Candidates, Hugh Rassaby and Ashley (?) Moddie (?) had obtained 1st Class Honours in the recent examinations. These then are the main results for last year. College Department. I.A. Calcutta University Two Candidates Hugh Rassaby – 1st Division Ashley (Aspley?) Modilie 1st Division School Certificates: Seven Candidates. 6 Passes M. Rassaby Grade I Top in Bengal W. Wilson-Wright Grade II E. Jacob Grade II M. Jacob Grade II S. Malins Grade II D. Waleski Grade II 1 Failure R. Swanton. Juniors Thirteen Candidates: 9 Passes Air Force 1 Candidate One Pass 15/5/1938 For the first time for many years, St Josephs College XI visited the School and played a game against our XI. Both teams were composed entirely of boys. 16/5/1938 Very heavy rain this morning – the monsoon appears to have broken :- 3 ½ inches in 2 hours. 18/5/1938 A hockey team from Parbatipim (?) visited the School today. They were defeated by the 5 goals to nil by the School team. 19/5/1938 Another day of very heavy rain. 24/5/1938 Empire Day. I gave the School a holiday. The seniors and middle School boys went to a dance at Dow Hill School. 28/5/1938 Spent the morning checking the Boarding Stock Books with the bills. 29/5/1938 The usual services were held today in the School Chapels. 30/8/1938 The first term examinations started today. All classes were examined. I attended during the morning a Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong. This is the third successive day of rain. Already we have had 40 inches of rain during this month. The average is 12 inches. 1/6/1938 Mostly dry. 4/6/1938 The School football XI played its first match against Goethals School – and lost 2 goals to 1. 5/6/1938 Whitsunday Services in the School Chapel News was received that the Most Rev. the Lord Bishop of Calcutta had been taken ill in Darjeeling, and the confirmation services would not be held as had been arranged. 9/6/1938 The School celebrated the King’s Birthday with a holiday. 10/6/1938 Classes were resumed after the holiday. 12/6/1938 The usual services in the School Chapel. In the afternoon, a team from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers visited the School for a football match with the School XI 13/6/1938 Inspectors from the University of Calcutta visited the School today. They remained with me for an hour and then left for Darjeeling, 16/6/1938 A.G.Bs auditors arrived today and began work on the Government Accounts. During the morning I checked the Stock Book of Boarding, in the afternoon, paid the Boarding Contractors. 17/6/1938 Continued today with checking the boarding stock book. 18/6/1938 Today we had one of the heaviest storms of rain I can remember. Dow Hill School went into quarantine today with chicken pox. 20/6/1938 Examination reports were today despatched to parents. 23/6/1938 Bishop Templar (?) conducted Confirmation Services in the afternoon. Owing to quarantine conditions, separate services were held for boys and girls. 27/6/1938 It has been raining for days, almost without ceasing. Xxx we have had 100 inches of rain, and the monsoons have only just begun. Conditions within the School building are indescribable. 29/6/1938 Our football team played Goethals School today and drew. 30/6/1938 I attended a meeting of the Anti-tuberculosis Committee in Kurseong this morning and agreed to allow the boys to attend the concert in aid of the Fund at St Helen’s Concert on July 10th. The A.G.B’s audit ended today. The report was entirely satisfactory, being the shortest since the audit of the School accounts was begun. 2/7/1938 Mainly dry. 3/7/1938 Usual services were held in the School Chapels. Spent most of the morning paying salaries to the domestic staff and servants. Rogers. W. is seriously ill in the School hospital. The doctor has not yet fully diagnosed the case. His illness is causing me some concern. 7/7/1938 I gave the School a holiday today. The morning was fine. 13/7/1938 The monsoon continues to be a record one. – To date, 132 inches of rain has fallen, this is 60 inches above the average. 16/7/1938 Paid Boarding Contractors during the morning. The hockey season began today. 18/7/1938 Today there began a special examination of those boys in the Cambridge class who in the first term, failed to justify their entry for the December Examinations. It still rains. 19/7/1938 A meeting was held this morning in my office of the Site Selection Committee for the Servants Lines. The Committee visited the site selected – to the south of Mr Staynor's Quarters and agreed that this was the best site available. Recommendations of the Committee have been forwarded to the P.W.D. to the Executive Engineer for plans and estimates. Mrs Clark applied for extension of leave for a month beyond the grant of maternity leave already enjoyed by her. 23/7/1938 The special examination ended this morning. Games were held for the Junior School in the Hall this evening. 24/7/1938 The usual service were held in the School Chapel. 25/7/1938 Mostly dry. I held a meeting in the afternoon to discuss the results of the special examinations held last week. It was decided that all the Junior boys with the exception of Berk (?) should be included: but only 1 additional Junior candidate should be allowed to sit. 30/7/1938 A whist drive for boys and staff was held in the School Hall this evening. 1/8/1938 Mainly dry. The monsoon continues to establish new rainfall records. Xxx we have had 170 inches since the year began. For days the boy’s games have been impossible. 7/8/1938 The usual services in the School Chapels. 10/8/1938 Our first Hockey XI defeated Goethals School by 3 goals to nil on our ground. 12/8/1938 The first fine day for months. Victoria defeated St Marys during the afternoon. 13/8/1938 Mr Price lectured in the evening to the Upper School. 24/8/1938 I attended a Standing Committee Meeting in Kurseong this morning. 28/8/1938 The usual services were held in the School Chapels today. Perhaps I might mention that the are: Roman Catholic Mass at 7.30 (Rev Fathers Gilxxx and Barri S.J.) Anglican Chapel Communion at 8.30 Evensong 5.30. Rev. Elliott. 29/8/1938 The School Hockey XI played Goethals XI today and defeated Goethals School by 5 goals to 2. 31/8/1938 Our first Pliva Shield match against St Josephs team in Darjeeling. Result – Drew 2 all. 1/9/1938 Mainly dry. 2/9/1938 The School team today defeated St Josephs “B” in a replay of a Pliva Shield match. I paid salaries today. The School team lost to the District XI today in the Pliva Shield Tournament. In fairness to the team it might be recorded that this was its third match in four days – and all the games were played in Darjeeling. 5/9/1938 Boys bills made ready and despatched. 8/9/1938 I visited in the morning the P.T. class – a voluntary class run by Mr xxx, who is officiating for Mr Heywood. Mr xxx’s work with these boys – with all in the School for that matter – has been excellent. 9/9/1938 Hockey House matches began today. 12/9/1938 Governing Body Meeting today at Dow Hill. The business had finished by 12.15. 13/9/1938 The Inspector decided no to visit the School today. He had earlier intended to spend the day here. 15/9/1938 A busy morning, paying Boarding Contractors. Such a task as this requires the whole morning and should not be among the duties of a Headmaster. 19th – 21st Heavy rain fell for two days. No post was delivered on either 20th or 21st. – Letters arrived for the first time for three days on the morning of the 22nd. 24/9/1938 The whole School attended a fete at Dow Hill during the afternoon. 25/9/1938 The Entertainments Committee arranged and gave a Gramophone recital in the School Hall. 26/9/1938 Examinations began today. 30/9/1938 Examinations ended. 1/10/1938 The Pujah holidays commenced and will continue until the morning of the 9th. This a is very difficult period in the School Year 10/10/1938 Classes were resumed today after holiday activities over 9 days. The weather for the holidays has been brilliantly fine and warm. The usual complaint of damage to the forests plants have been received from the Forest Officer. Each year its time to xxx such complaints. I’ve decided now to ask for an estimate of the damage done and make the boys concerned pay. During the holidays a team of 4 from Victoria competed in the Open Events at the D.D. & A.A. Sports. The team gained more points in these events than any other team – 3 first places and 3 seconds. 12/10/1938 The Heats for the School Sports were run today. 15/10/1938 Boys in the Middle and Upper School attended Dow Hill Sports Day celebrations. 19/10/1938 The Middle and Upper School went to Goethals School for Sports Day. Victoria won the Open Relay. 22/10/1938 A very successful Sports Day at Victoria. A. Davis’ time for the “A” Division Hurdles is worth mentioning here: 15.8 seconds. 24/10/1938 I attended a Standing Committee Meeting in K’g this morning. The Bishop of Calcutta visited the School this afternoon and confirmed a number so boys at a Confirmation Service in the Chapel. 30/10/1938 The Rev. Father Jubins (?) told me this morning that there were still difficulties in the way of the R.C. Chapel. He appears to have had correspondence and interviews which suggest that it will be some time before the Chapel is built. 2/11/1938 The Baker Shield Team today competed for the Shield in the School Range Score: 290 out of a possible 480: This I understand is the best so far. 5/11/1938 A concert was given in the School Hall this evening. 8/11/1938 Spent the day, apart from routine duties, preparing the worksheet (?) for Boarding xxx. This is a big job and takes time. 9/11/1938 We were officially informed today that we had won the Baker Shield. 11/11/1938 Armistice Day. The 2 minutes Silence was observed at 11 o’clock. 12/11/1938 A Gymnastic Display was given in the School this afternoon, and was hugely (?) attended. The display was a fine tribute to the work of Mr. Harkess (?) this year. 14/11/1938 A minor fire occurred in Mr Harkess’ room this afternoon. A wooden beam which projected into the chimney caught fire. The boys were orderly paraded and the fire put out with extinguishers. Mr Gasper (?) Offi. Science Master, handed over charge of his office. 18/11/1938 Holiday in commemoration of the death of Kemal Attaturk - Government ordered the holiday. 20/11/1938 The usual services in the School Chapel. 21/11/1938 Final Examination began today. For the Cambridge Forms, classes were held as usual. 26/11/1938 Examinations ended yesterday and class work was resumed. 28th – 29th Nativity Play in the Evenings in the Anglican Chapel. 30/1938 Last day of term – Prize giving in the evening, followed by a dinner and bonfire. 1/12/1938 The first party left today. 2/12/1938 The second party left today. I handed over charge of my office to Mr. E.V. Staynor and proceeded on leave.

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