March
On the afternoon of the 5th March 1948, under telegraphic instructions
from the Inspector of European Schools, West Bengal, I, Colin Anthony
Price, took over the school from Mr T.W. Clark who left on leave preparatory
to retirement after 23 years service.
The
partition of Bengal and the exodus from India of Europeans and Anglo-Indian
families, have affected our numbers very adversely – only 100
at the moment.
Staff
complete except for the Geography Master and the Matron of A & B
dormitories – the latter vacancy caused by the promotion of Mrs
Purves Lochner who is now teaching Std III.
14/3/1948
The fiercest hail storm I remember. Dormitories leaked badly, and gardens
cut to bits.
15/3/1948
Night study shortened because of bitter cold.
20/3/1948
Because of transport difficulties MGM were unable to send the film ordered
for today. This has been our second disappointment, so there has been
no cinema show this year. The Senior boys allowed to the cinema in town.
Mrs
Watts assumed duties of Matron A & B dormitories on the 18th, we
were very pleased to get her.
22/3/1948
The film expected on Saturday arrived today and was shown in the evening.
Dow Hill were present.
25/3/1948
Fire drill held in the forenoon.
31/3/1948
Easter Holidays from evening of Thursday 25th to the evening of Monday
29th. Easter services in both churches.
1/4/1948
Rain and hail. Still very cold. We are experiencing great difficulty
in getting fire wood. There is no wood in the Forest Wood Depot and
the wood from Begora cannot be transported because of petrol shortages.
Phoned District Forest Officer today about our critical position. He
hopes to be able to supply some wood in a day or so. We are threatened
also with a complete stoppage of beef. The Municipality has announced
by beat of drum that the slaughter of cows within the Municipality area
will be forbidden next week. If this happens it will spell disaster
for the school, for we are already suffering from a shortage of flour.
I have written to the Civil Directors of Food Supplies, Calcutta, asking
for an additional allotment of flour and to the Chairman of the Kurseong
Municipality protesting very strongly against his new order.
3/4/1948
A Social at Dow Hill Stds VI upwards attended.
5/4/1948
Mr Higgins who has been sent to Calcutta to purchase and collect stationery
etc. which we are unable to get up because of customs and transport
restrictions returned yesterday. The Cine Club started by Mr Higgins
held its inaugural performance this evening from 6 to 7 pm. The performance
was much appreciated particularly “Victoria News”, which
was a film of topical interest: the school party at Siliguri; members
of the staff and their families etc..
7/4/1948
The first fine day for weeks. A whole holiday, utilised for a cricket
match.
8/4/1948
I was informed that Mr Paine had been elected Staff Representative on
the Governing Body.
10/4/1948
A few silent films brought by Mrs Harley from Calcutta were shown to
the junior pupils of both schools from 4 to 5 pm. “Boy’s
Town” was shown later to the two schools.
11/4/1948
There is no particular record to which one can turn for information
regarding past – and present – pupils. Seeing this want,
I have introduced a “log book” which will contain a complete
record of every boy from the moment he arrives in school for the first
time to the time he leaves Victoria.
13/4/1948
I invited the Staff to Tennis and Tea. The weather, xxx xxx (?) was
fine.
14/4/1948
The Govt Auditors arrived on Saturday but did not commence auditing
our accounts till Monday 12th, Y’day and today being Govt Holidays,
no audit work was done.
Still
without fire wood, and there is a shortage also of steam coal.
16/4/1948
A whole holiday taken up with the Annual Staff vs School Cricket Match.
The boys played very well and scored 188 runs but were beaten by 6 wickets
mainly the result of the brilliant partnership of Rev. Solomons and
Mr Murray-Smith. The standard of cricket this year is very satisfactory
due to the intensive and able coaching of Rev. Solomon. (For the boys:
Dozey, 89; for the Staff Rev. Solomons 113, Mr Murray-Smith 52 not out.)
18/4/1948
The first of our fortnightly lectures this term was delivered this evening
by Mr Hill. “Birds” was the subject and the epidiascope
was used in the presentation of it. A very interesting and educational
lecture, in the preparation of which Mr Hill obviously spent much time.
The
weather is more like monsoon – than April weather.
24/4/1948
Goethals played us in Cricket this afternoon on our ground, the game
commencing at 12 noon. As Goethals were so weak last year we fielded
a weak team captained by R. Frost. Goethals, however, were better than
anticipated and scored 89 runs, all out. Rain then interrupted play
and though we went in and made 18 runs for the fall of no wicket, the
game had to be abandoned.
“Always
in my Heart” was shown in the evening.
25/4/1948
The Debating Society in its first debate of the year showed promise
when its motion “The future of the A. Indian Community in India
is a source of anxiety and the only solution for the problem is emigration”
though very ably proposed by T.Y. Pemba, was lost by 17 votes to 3.
The
Forrest Department is at last able to supply us with firewood again,
and while flour is slowly appearing on the market, up to the present,
the bread made of atta has been almost inedible.
28/4/1948
The Annual retreat for the Roman Catholic boys preached by Rev. Fr.
Coffee SJ., commenced at 6 pm today. There are 25 boys attending.
29/4/1948
A Staff meeting was held today to discuss the progress of every boy
in the upper school (Stds V upwards). A real break of the monsoon storm
all morning. Bad weather has been exceptional this year.
1/5/1948
“Ziegfeld Follies” shown by the cine club this evening was
attended by both schools.
2/5/1948
The Planters who have not visited the school since the war years played
us at cricket today. A late start (12 noon) was made which prevented
the game being finished by 5 pm when stumps were drawn. The visitors
scored 150 all out. We were left with one and a half hours, but couldn’t
make it, scoring 117 for 5 in the time. It was, however, a most enjoyable
day, with even the weather, for a wonder, behaving itself.
The
Retreat ended this evening.
6/5/1948
Ascension Thursday: Services in both Chapels.
St
Joseph’s, Darjeeling, played us (without staff) in cricket on
our ground. St Joseph’s batted first and scored 241 for 7, they
then declared. We scored only 47. Our boys who were without the services
of B. Dozey, who had injured a finger earlier in the week, played atrociously.
7/5/1948
Had occasion to birch a boy publicly: D. Matthews of Std IX was caught
smoking.
8/5/1948
The Head Clerk reported to me at 4 pm that his ayer been molested by
some boys earlier in the afternoon. I started investigations immediately.
“Little
Nellie Kelly”, quite an entertaining picture was shown this evening.
9/5/1948
A complaint from Dow Hill that one of their ayahs too, had been molested
the previous afternoon.
Mrs
Clark delivered a very interesting lecture on Jamine Roy (?) this evening.
10/5/1948
The results of the exam held by the Royal Drawing Society last November
arrived some days ago. A. Sassoon had gained honours in five out of
the six sections for which he appeared. He was awarded a Bronze Stars
for his portrait and figure, both of which were exhibited in the Guildhall.
Tonight I addressed the school and read out to them, an extract from
the Sunday Statesman’s “London Letter” of May 9th
which referred to the excellent work of three Indian children, and in
particular, to the outstanding work (portrait and figure) of a boy of
Victoria School, Kurseong (sic) for which he had been awarded two Bronze
Stars, a most unusual honour.
11/5/1948
An identification parade was held this morning, in which P.
James was identified by the Dow Hill ayah as the boy who had
molested her on Saturday when he was in the company of three other boys.
His father is being written to, to remove the boy from school.
12/5/1948
The Cricket House Tournament which commenced on Friday 7th continues.
13/5/1948
Mr Staynor I.E.S. arrived today for his annual inspection of the school.
He brought the Cambridge results with him. In the School Certificate
Exam – all 14 boys presented passed – 7 in Grade 1, 4 in
Grade II and 3 in Grade III. In the Juniors 15 out of 20 passed.
14/5/1948
Mr Staynor inspected the school.
15/5/1948
The accounts of the school were audited. In the evening a Senior Social
for Stds VI upwards was held. Dow Hill attended
16/5/1948
A meeting of the Debating Society.
17/5/1948
The Governing Body met. The Govt have not yet decided on the future
of these schools, but the D.P.I. gave an assurance that permanent Govt
servants need not worry for they would be absorbed. It would appear
that Govt. is considering converting Victoria into a Public School.
[What sort of school was it before that time? Editor]
18/5/1948
The first really fine day since the middle of march. A full holiday
in honour of the excellent Cambridge results.
19/5/1948
The Inspector of Schools left for Calcutta.
Mr
Clark arrived back from the plains.
21/5/1948
The First Terminal Exams commenced this afternoon.
A
rainstorm, sharp and fierce, swept over Kurseong last evening. Though
the main School Building and Old Hospital were unaffected, the rest
of the school was without electricity all day. The Company was phoned
and a mistri sent up at 8 pm. The H.M’s house and the Commercial
had their current restored but Mr Hill’s and Mr Paine’s
bungalow had no light all night.
22/5/1948
A miserable, wet, monsoon morning. “Goodbye Mr Chips” was
shown this evening to a crowded house. It was much appreciated by everyone.
26/5/1948
Mr & Mrs Hill and family left for England – Mr Hill on leave
till the end of the Term. We are in consequence, without a Games and
P.T. and Manual Master, and a Std II teacher. And with Mrs Clark leaving
in a few days we shall be without an Art Teacher also. I have therefore
had to recast the syllabus completely, reverting to the 7 period day
and putting Mr Paine onto Games, Mr Murray-Smith, P.T., and Mr Lochner,
Manual, and asking Rev. Solomon to help out in Education. This short
handedness will naturally affect very adversely the boy’s education.
I have already had to drop Project Work and considerably reduce the
number of periods of P.T. I have sent urgent messages to the Inspector
of European Schools about the present position, both by post which cannot
be relied on these days and by hand.
27/5/1948
The exams gave over this afternoon and a few boys went out for the four
days holiday.
28/5/1948
The first of the holidays, a bright warm day. A conjuring performance
attended by Dow Hill and Victoria, was held here this evening.
29/5/1948
Another lovely day. The last of the House cricket matches was played
this morning. There was a social at Dow Hill from 4 to 6 pm for Stds
2 to 5. I went up to Darjeeling leaving Mr Paine in charge of the school.
On my return I learnt that a mad dog had bitten our chuprassi’s
son and had torn the clothes of the Butee Bearer (?). Both had been
sent to the Civil Dispensary at once and received anti-rabies treatment.
I am told the dog was later killed near Dow Hill.
30/5/1948
A warm, May morning ushered in the soccer season with a match between
the Prefects and the Rest. The former where lucky to win (1 –
0).
A
most interesting lecture on Alpine glaciers was given by Rev. Fr. Putz
of St. Mary’s.
31/5/1948
The last day of the holidays. A party of boys, with Mr Lockner in charge,
went down to the Goomtee for a swim, while the Catholics of Stds 3 upwards
had a picnic in Woodcut. Mr Clark spoke to the boys and some Dow Hill
girls on “Bengal Literature”. The lecture was much appreciated
by all present.
1/6/1948
Owing to reduced staff a new timetable with only seven periods a day
was introduced.
2/6/1948
Greatly relieved to receive a telegram from the Inspector approving
of the appointment on a temporary basis of Mrs Pymm as Art Teacher and
Mrs Taylor as Second Standard Teacher.
4/6/1948
Mrs Pymm and Mrs Taylor started work this morning much to my relief.
“Captains
Courageous” was shown this evening instead of Saturday because
of Saturdays Farewell function.
5/6/1948
Mr & Mrs Clark, on the eve of their departure for England on retirement,
were entertained to dinner and a small concert. A delightful evening
was spent.
6/6/1948
Cambridge Entry forms (12 Seniors and 19 Juniors despatched to the Inspector
of Schools today.
A
lecture “History with a Pickaxe” was delivered this evening
by Miss B. Rowe M.A. (Oxon) of a Woman’s College in Madras. It
was a learner discourse, but, unfortunately, much above the heads of
the youthful audience.
7/6/1948
No class in the afternoon. The Senior boys went down to the station
to see Mr & Mrs Clark off, while the rest of the school assembled
on the Dow Hill road to cheer Mr & Mrs Clark on their way.
10/6/1948
A holiday in honour of the King’s Birthday. A Fancy dress Football
Match between Staff and boys arranged for this morning had to be cancelled
because of heavy rain all morning. This is certainly the monsoon, but
it has come in without any accompaniment. The afternoon was fairly fine.
A dance was held from 6 to 8.30 pm. Boys and girls of Stds V upwards
attended. At 6 pm Green, one of the prefects, came up to my house to
complain that Mr Lochner had objected to his (Green’s) wearing
side-locks and said he was not to attend the dance unless the side-locks
were removed. Thinking that Green had been given no notice of this I
considered this most unreasonable especially as it was not Mr Lochner’s
duty and moreover I had myself held a dress inspection only the day
before. I told Green that I did not approve of side-locks myself and
that he would certainly have to remove them later but that he might
attend the dance as he was.
A
few minutes later Mr Lochner came up to my house and said he had told
Green at 2 pm to remove the locks and that it would be impossible to
maintain discipline if the matter remained as it was. I remarked that
Mr Lochner was not on duty and as such his action was not in order;
on which Mr Lochner said he thought a master was always on duty and
walked out.
11/6/1948
Mr Lochner came to my lower office at 9.15 am to say he had taken the
liberty (which he had no right to do) of addressing the School and telling
them that I had thought fit to reprimand him and that in future he would
take no cognisance of any breaches of discipline except when on duty.
This was obviously done to frighten me into retracting what I had said,
into sideing with him and punishing Green. If this was his intention
he failed. I explained to him that breaches of school discipline (and
I did not consider the wearing of side-locks as a breach of discipline)
should at all times be taken notice of and reported either to the Master
on Duty or to me but that he shouldn’t punish the boy himself,
when not on duty. He then left the office; but probably feeling he had
not got his own way returned and asked if he might be excused from taking
Boxing classes for a time as he felt that his authority had been undermined
and that he couldn’t be expected to have any intimate dealings
with Green which he would have to have as Green is his Boxing right
hand man. I suggested postponing the Senior Classes or all classes and
said that the undermining of authority, if any, was his own work when
he undertook to acquaint the school with the happenings, of which they
as a school would otherwise have been ignorant. He, however, didn’t
wish the Classes to be postponed, as the boys had already had no boxing
for a long time. I assured him there was absolutely no fear of an undermining
of authority and that the boys would behave as usual. He, too, in his
heart of hearts must have felt that, but his pride kept him from admitting
it, When I then said I would speak to Green about his not mentioning
to me that Mr Lochner had spoken to him as early as 2 pm he said, “Well,
that’s something” and consented to taking the Boxing Classes
tonight as usual. I told Mr Lochner that the prefects should not be
treated like the rest of the school and that cases involving the prefects
should ordinarily be left to me. I have recorded this in detail not
because I consider it serious but because this is the third occasion
on which there has been friction between Mr Lochner and the prefects
(there has been no trouble with any other member of staff and the prefects)
and because I fear there may be trouble again in spite of the fact that
I have made clear to Mr Lochner that the prefects should, except when
they are guilty with other boys, be left to me. I also told Mr Lochner
that instead of his high handed action, he should have taken no notice
of Greens presence in the Dance hall and reported the boy to me next
morning for disobedience. I hope I shall have no further trouble, for
the prefects are a fine body of boys and most tractable and reasonable.
12/6/1948
Twenty four Senior boys attended a Beetle Drive at Dow Hill.
13/6/1948
The Archbishop of Calcutta, the Rt. Revd. Perier S.J., said Mass and
confirmed three boys in the School Chapel this morning.
An interschool Debate on “There is more joy than sorrow in Life”
was held at 7.30 pm., the Girls who spoke against the motion winning.
14/6/1948
Mr Moore who had told me sometime previous that his Tuck Shop had been
burgled informed me that three boys – Randolph,
Hayes and Claymore – were the culprits. I investigated
and found that this was correct except that Claymore
hadn’t actually stolen but had aided and abetted. I was also informed
that Rs 9/- had been stolen in B dormitory. I discovered later that
Randolph was guilty.
15/6/1948
The Archbishop’s Holiday. A Fancy dress Football match between
the Staff and Boys was played and enjoyed by both players and spectators.
At 7 pm I was informed by the Master on Duty that Randolph
and Hayes had run away at 4.45 pm. I got in touch immediately
with the Railway authorities in Kurseong and Siliguri and sent prefects
out in search. The two prefects who went to Kurseong returned at 9.30
p, unsuccessful.
16/6/1948
At 10 am I received a phone message to the effect that the other batch
of prefects Had found the runaways at Tindharia and were brining them
back by mail. They arrived back at 2.30 pm. I assembled the School and
caned Randolph and Hayes publicly. I had
intended doing this the previous night. This is the second time Hand
has stolen, the first time being a month ago when he stole a classmates
pencil which had cost Rs 4/4. I am writing to the parents of both these
boys.
Our
1st Soccer XI drew unexpectedly with Goethals at Goethals. W expected
a big defeat.
17/6/1948
Goethals 2nd XI played ours here and won comfortably (3 – 1).
J. Beverage was guilty of ungentlemanly behaviour and was turned off
the field. He had previously fouled a boy who fell and broke his wrist
and had to be attended to in the hospital here and later taken to Darjeeling.
18/6/1948
I got Beveridge, who came in this morning to apologise to me for his
behaviour yesterday, to write an apology to Goethals.
19/6/1948
“Sergeant York” was shown today.
20/6/1948
A very interesting lecture on “The Orchestra” was given
by the Rev. A Solomon.
21/6/1948
Twenty two Catholic boys attended Pontifical High Mass at St Mary’s
this morning.
23/6/1948
Our under 15 eleven were badly beaten at Goethals by Goethals (6 –
0).
An
extraordinary monsoon: only 17 inches of rain out of a month’s
average of 37. A beautiful evening with the snows distinctly visible.
It is more like September than June. I have never known such a June.
Quite
a few of our staff, including the Head Clerk, applying for Emergency
posts in the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police advertised
by Delhi.
24/6/1948
Goethals under 13’s draw (1 –1) with ours today.
25/6/1948
Prefects allowed down to see “The Valley of Decision”. No
boxing, a cine club show instead.
26/6/1948
A Pagal Gymkhana for Stds 2 to 5 and a Whist Drive for Stds 6 &
7 run by the Prefects were very successful. The Prep Seniors and the
Seniors allowed to the pictures in town. Very heavy rain all last night
and today.
27/6/1948
The cyclonic weather continues. The Debating Society met to decide whether
women should take part in politics or not. By an overwhelming majority
the ‘Noes’ won.
30/6/1948
Our under 15’s were badly beaten (6 – 0) at Goethals.
1/7/1948
An interesting and evenly contested match resulting in a draw (1 –1)
was played here between the under 13’s of Goethals and ourselves.
3/7/1948
A Senior Social at Dow Hill. Only 53 of our Class V upwards attended.
It is remarkable how many boys are not keen on dancing.
4/7/1948
Mr Burnett spoke very interestingly on “The Tragic Cycle”.
5/7/1948
A Standing Committee Meeting in the D.H.Ry Office. A fine day.
7/7/1948
A holiday – fine weather rather than sunshine.
10/7/1948
Goethals Hockey (?) team played our first XI and won (4 – 3).
“San
Antonio” shown.
12/7/1948
A Staff meeting to discuss arrangements for a fete to be held on Aug
30th.
13/7/1948
St Paul’s A & B teams played ours at soccer here. Our B won
(4 – 1) but our A lost (1 – 2), our goal being scored within
30 secs of the final whistle. Owing to the unsportsman-like and ill-disciplined
behaviour of St Paul’s first XI and the complete inability of
their staff to control them we have cancelled the Boxing contest we
had previously fixed for Sept 3rd at St Paul’s.
14/7/1948
No coal. Charcoal or wood to be had. Nothing but rain. Our House Tournaments
(Soccer) commenced two days ago. It is pitiful to see the small boys
we have to include in our Seniors now. Without them we shouldn’t
be able to form a team.
15/7/1948
The Darjeeling Police played our 1st XI here and were beaten (3 –2).
It was a very clean and enjoyable game, in great contrast to St Paul’s.
16/7/1948
The House Boxing Tournament commenced at 7 pm.
17/7/1948
A few educational films got from the Information Bureaux of Australia,
USA, and West Bengal were shown this evening after dinner. We hope to
show a few of these from time to time.
18/7/1948
A bit of sunshine after weeks. I gave an epidiascope lecture on “Things
seen in S. Africa”.
19/7/1948
A thunderstorm last night followed by a clear morning and bright sunshine
all afternoon. I had to speak to Mr Burnett for being late for class
this afternoon. He is given to slight unpunctuality.
22/7/1948
I held a meeting of the Ladies’ Committee in connection with the
fete. A telegram received from the Inspector saying, “Mrs Doyle’s
further extension disallowed. Mrs Wheeler being appointed to take over
from her”. This comes after the Governing Body in May had recommended
an extension till the end of Term. I have written in protesting; but,
fear, in vain.
23/7/1948
Some very good fights in the House Boxing Tournament.
24/7/1948
“Captain Blood” was shown this evening.
Tested
five applicants for the post of Extras Clerk vacated by Mr Pradhan,
who after holding the post for four years, was appointed as Third Clerk
in Dow Hill on the 16th.
25/7/1948
The Debating Society this evening decided that Gandhi was a greater
man than Churchill.
26/7/1948
A sunshine holiday. The Staff with the help of an old boy – C.
Jacob – beat the Boys in soccer (3 – 2). Mr Burnett took
a batch of boys down to Goomtee. Some remarkably fine films of educational
value shown this evening.
Mrs
Lochner left for Calcutta to be interviewed by the Public Service Commission.
27/7/1948
A bright morning, but an afternoon of cyclonic rain.
Experiencing
great difficulty in getting wood and coal.
Mr
Bloud was called down to Calcutta by wire as his brother was dying.
He left immediately by air.
This
has left us with two members short on the staff.
28/7/1948
I caned five boys of Std 6 & 7 for raiding some four servants maize
fields in the early hours of this morning.
The
scouts are functioning again with renewed vigour, under Mr Higgins.
While Mr Murray-Smith has been “Cubbing” since the beginning
of the Term. Scouting was not begun till a week ago.
A
day of heavy rain.
29/7/1948
Seven inches of rain recorded this morning.
Mr
Lochner was on duty yesterday. There was a lengthy report in the Master
on Duty’s Report Book re: the unsatisfactory behaviour of Green,
a prefect with whom he had a brush-up at the dance on June 11th. (an
incident recorded elsewhere in this book). The misdemeanour and minor
irregularities committed by the boy have been reported as “humming
at his work in the carpentry shed”, “sitting on a stool
while at carpentry, when all others stand”, “chewing gum
in the class-room”, “writing a list for boxing during study”,
etc..
It
would appear that Mr Lochner, failing to find any real fault with the
boy but goaded by a spirit of vindictiveness, thinks he might get at
him by referring to a manner of piffling trivialities. I have spoken
to Greene but naturally cannot take a serious view of such a trifling
report.
31/7/1948
A pagal gymkhana for Stds 2 to 4 of Dow Hill and ourselves in the Assembly
Hall from 4 to 6 pm.
1/8/1948
Mr Murray-Smith spoke on “Photographic Processing”
4/8/1948
Mr Bloud returned from Calcutta.
Experiencing
great difficulty in the matter of fuel. Wood is now coming in but coal
is not to be had.
5/8/1948
The boys drew (2 – 2) with St Alphonsus’ School in hockey.
Wrote to the P.W.D. re: the appalling state of disrepair of the School.
Leaks reported over and over again are still as bad as ever. Nothing
is being done, nor can I get anything done.
The
P.W.D. come up very, very rarely, take a few measurements and nothing
more is seen of them.
6/8/1948
A case of fever (The Head Cook’s son) in the servants’ lines
pronounced, typhoid. The cook put off duty.
7/8/1948
Three more cases detected in the lines. Arranging for all servants and
those boys who were not done early this year to be inoculated.
A
very successful Table Tennis Tournament for Stds 8, 9 & 10 and a
whist drive for Stds 5, 6 & 7 were held this evening.
Heavy
rain all day.
8/8/1948
The usual fortnightly debate. The meeting decided that Capital Punishment
should be abolished.
9/8/1948
Most servants inoculated yesterday, remainder today.
10/8/1948
Drew again (1 – 1) with St Alphonsus’ School.
11/8/1948
A “fair weather” (not exactly “sunshine”) holiday
after days and days of unceasing rain.
13/8/48
A half holiday and an entertainment in honour of Independence Day. A
gymkhana for Stds 2 to 4 from 2 to 4 pm and a dance for Stds 5 upwards
in the evening Dow Hill joined in both. A lovely sunny afternoon.
14/8/1948
“David Copperfield” was shown today.
15/8/1948
Independence day: Services in both churches. A special Tea for the boys
and a free Cinema show in the evening after evening Service.
16/8/1948
The whole school attended a very enjoyable “Independence Day”
Concert, followed by a dance for the Senior boys, in Dow Hill.
17/8/1948
Another draw (0 – 0) with St Alphonsus’! No coal to be had.
The supplier says wagons, by some mistake of the Deputy Controller of
Coal Supplies, are not available. In the meanwhile we are using wood
at 9/4 a rudda.
19/8/1948
The Darjeeling Police, Captained by an Inspector Thompson, who was in
Victoria in 1918 – 22 in Mr O’Riordans time, beat us at
hockey here (3 – 0).
21/8/1948
Another eleven of the Darjeeling Police played us here today and won
(3 – 2). Our eleven this year is a purely boys side. We have been
enjoying a remarkable break in the monsoon for the last ten days.
22/8/1948
Mr Higgins delivered a lecture on “Indian Independence”.
Very few of the staff attend these lectures, unfortunately.
23/8/1948
The second Term examinations commenced today.
26/8/1948
The first XI beat Goethals (1 – 0) at Goethals.
27/8/1948
The exams gave over this afternoon. Educational films were shown in
the evening.
28/8/1948
The post exam holidays of four days commenced in fine weather. This
weather is exceptional for August. Drew with St Alphonusus’ (2
– 2).
“The
Son of Lassie” was screened this evening.
29/8/1948
A lovely day. 58 Scouts, with Mr Higgins in charge, left after church
for Woodcot.
30/8/1948
Another bright day though there was a sharp shower in the forenoon and
another at 4.15 pm just before an aerobatic and conjuring performance
by a Chinese troupe – a very fine show, indeed. Scouts returned
at 2 pm.
31/8/1948
Not quite so good a day though still exceptionally good for August.
Held a Dress Parade of Dining Room and kitchen servants. Holidays end.
3/9/1948
The finals of the House Boxing Tournament were held at 5 pm, with three
outsiders as judges. Mallory were first, Irvine second by only a few
points, and Kellas last. There were some very god fights. Mr Shaw, general
Manager, D.H.Ry., presented the prizes – two cups – to the
most scientific boxer, and the best loser.
4/9/1948
Nineteen boys attended a concert given at St Helen’s for the sisters
Superior’s feast.
5/9/1948
A Hat debate. A lovely day. [What is a Hat debate? Editor]
6/9/1948
Fete day. Though the previous ten days had been bright, today was a
typical monsoon day and the rain did its best to mar the fete. Though
all preparations had been made for stalls to be out in the open. The
gymnasium had at short notice, to house all these. In spite of the weather
Dow Hill, 20 girls from St Helen’s, and even a few people from
Darjeeling attended. The fete was an enormous success. The staff worked
remarkable well to make it a success.
7/9/1948
3.5 inches of rain recorded yesterday. Fete day; and yet today our fair
weather of pre-fete days began to return. A holiday for people to recover
from the fatigue of yesterday.
8/9/1948
A nice bright day. Our 1st XI went up to Darjeeling to play G.D.N.S,
an Indian team, in hockey. We won (3 –0).
11/9/1948
Beaten by the Y.M.C.A. (St Alphonsus’) (1 – 0) in Darjeeling.
Stds 4 upwards attended a talk on “My escape from the Japs”
given at Dow Hill by Rev. Johnstone of the CSSM.
12/9/1948
“Sea Hawk” shown at 6 pm after evening service. Wretched
weather again.
18/9/1948
A recital of gramophone records at 7.15 pm. Some Dow Hill girls attended.
A couple of fine days.
19/9/1948
A terrific thunder storm last night. Which has put our telephone out
of order.
20/9/1948
5 inches of rain fell last night. The school and staff quarters leaked
so frightfully as to render certain rooms almost uninhabitable. P.W.D.
have been written to over and over again, but nothing is ever done.
21/9/1948
House Tournament (Hockey) ended today with Irvine victors. Sports practice
commenced.
25/9/1948
“The Time, the Place and the Girl” was shown today. Never
have I seen such trash. And yet, I believe, the Calcutta public enjoyed
it. Ye Gods!
29/9/1948
Two slight earthquake shocks in close succession were felt at 3 am today.
30/9/1948
Wretched weather for the past four days.
2/10/1948
Seven boys & some Dow Hill girls confirmed by The Metropolitan.
4/10/1948
A Dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s concert was held this evening
for the Junior School at Dow Hill and our Commercial boys. Weather so
bad that I feel like postponing our Sports.
5/10/1948
The Inspector of Schools arrived this afternoon. Our School Concert
with the “Trial Scene” from the “Merchant of Venice”,
performed by boys of Stds V & VI and “I Want My Money Back”
by boys of Stds VIII & IX, was a huge success. Mr Burnett and Rev.
Solomons were the producers and deserve great credit for the high standard
of acting and elocution. So impressed was Mr Staynor that he wants us
to reproduce these plays in Calcutta during Education Week next January.
6/10/1948
The Autumn Governing Body Meeting was held at 1.30 pm today after lunch
in Dow Hill. The weather has broken and it has been decided to let the
Sports arrangements stand.
7/10/1948
Mr Staynor left for Calcutta
8/10/1948
A fine day. Is it a good or bad omen for tomorrow?
9/10/1948
Sports Day. A cloudless sky, and so it remained till 11 am. At 12.30
pm it commenced to rain and continued till 1.30 pm. We were able, however,
to start the High Jump at 1.40 pm and to go right through the day’s
programme without any interruption. Mr J. Shaw, General Manager, D.H.Ry.,
presided and Mrs Shaw distributed the prizes. A fair gathering without
overcrowding of former years. Tea followed by a dance till 8.30 pm.
A most successful and enjoyable day.
10/10/1948
Heavy rain all morning which delayed the Past vs Present Hockey match.
At 1 pm 17 sat down to the Annual Reunion Lunch, and then attended the
Annual Meeting of the O.V.A. A lovely warm sunny afternoon followed
by a chill, starry night.
11/10/1948
Present beat the Past in Soccer. Boys went to Goethals Concert.
12/10/1948
A cricket match in which the Present beat the past, assisted by several
members of the Staff.
“Lost
Angel” was shown this evening.
13/10/1948
Goethals Sports. 80 of our boys attended. We were beaten in the Inter-School
Relay.
Heavy
rain interrupted the programme.
14/10/1948
Another hocket match between Past and Present. The latter won (3 –
2) after extra time.
Two
Francis boys sent home for non-payment offences.
“Men
of Boys’ Town” shown.
15/10/1948
Dance at Dow Hill for 50 of our boys, and a dance here for Old Boys
and Staff.
A
wretched cold, wet day.
17/10/1948
End of our Poojah holidays. The first fair day.
18/10/1948
A lovely sunny day. It seems that the heavens are mocking us.
19/10/1948
Cloud and cold again.
20/10/1948
Thunder and rain in the afternoon. Wretched weather.
23/10/1948
A party of senior boys attended St Helen’s Sports in warm sunshine.
24/10/1948
Final Debate of the year judged by Fr Prior, Miss Christian of Dow Hill,
and our Mr Bloud. Y. Pemba, the Secretary of the Debating Society, was
adjudged the best in the Senior branch and G. White, in the Juniors.
25/10/1948
The finals of the Elocution Competition were held at 2 pm. Judges: Miss
Harley, Mrs Solomon, and Fr Coffy S.J. Seniors J. Beveridge, (and the
Head Prefect), B. Dozey; middles – G. White (Std VI) and M. Robinson
(Std V); Juniors – L. Hardy (Std III) and A. Tatum (Std II). Very
cold day. Electricity failed at 6pm. No Prep.
26/10/1948
Rain from 4 pm. Heavy at 8 pm. Bitterly cold.
The
school is in a dreadful state of disrepair, and yet we can get nothing
done. The P.W.D. just ignore all letters. In desperation, I have reported
the matter to the Inspector of Schools and asked for his intervention.
27/10/1948
Speech Day, with Mr W.E. Skipwith, Managing Director of Gillanders,
Arbuthnot & Co., presiding, and Mrs Skipwith distributing the prizes.
Mr James Shaw, General Manager of the D.H.Ry. proposed a vote of thanks.
Exhibition of Art followed the distribution of prizes and was much admired
by all. The whole function was a huge success. “The School Song”
composed by Rev. Solomon had its inauguration today. It has already
won the hearts of the all the boys.
28/10/1948
A lovely day. A typical October day with bright warm sunshine and the
snows visible all morning. Nights very cold.
30/10/1948
Cinema: “Here comes Mr Jordan”. The exciter lamp petered
out so show postponed until tomorrow.
31/10/1948
The picture (above) was greatly enjoyed by boys and girls.
1/11/1948
The new routine with no morning prep came into force today. Services
in both churches for All Saints.
2/11/1948
All Souls’ Day. Services again in both churches.
3/11/1948
The whole school attended Dow Hill Sports.
Mr
Staynor I.E.S. arrived this morning.
4/11/1948
Dow Hill Speech Day over which Mr Staynor presided. The School was present
at both Distribution of Prizes and Entertainment. Almost 50 boys stayed
on for the dance.
5/11/1948
Mr Staynor left for Darjeeling.
I
had occasion to cane four Senior Cambridge boys this evening for leaving
the dormitory before the Rising Bell and playing Billiards in the Masters
Common Room.
6/11/1948
“Out West with the Hardys” shown this evening was considered
by some of the boys the best picture of the year. Concert boys were
given a picnic. I joined the party later.
8/11/1948
Mr Staynor retuned from Darjeeling this evening.
9/11/1948
Mr Staynor held a conference with Miss Harley and myself to discuss
matters re: Staff, fees etc…
10/11/1948
Mr Staynor left for Calcutta.
The
weather is lovely; not a bit cold.
13/11/1948
Seven educational films were shown to Dow Hill and Victoria, and were
much appreciated except West Bengal’s film, “The Silk Industry”.
India has a long way to go yet in the art of film making.
16/11/1948
I got the boys up at 4 this morning to see the comet to be seen in the
eastern sky. We were disappointed because it could be seen only very
faintly, probably because of the bright moon. It was reported to me
last evening that Mr Hastings had set a boy of 13 in Std V 6,000 lines
(Yes, 6,000), for using bad language. I called Mr Hastings in this morning
and he admitted it was no mistake. He thought it quite a proper punishment.
I told him, of course, he was to cancel the imposition forthwith. These
are so-called educators of boys! Why can we not get a staff worthy of
the name?
18/11/1948
The Higher Grade Final exams and the School exams commenced today.
20/11/1948
Class for examination boys. Others set out for walks under various teachers.
Suddenly
got very cold.
“Balalaika”
enjoyed by all.
21/11/1948
Twelve Catholic boys attended the Ordination Ceremony at St Mary’s
this morning. Miserable cold, misty day.
23/11/1948
Three Burma boys joined the North Point party en route for Rangoon.
25/11/1948
Examinations end.
27/11/1948
Bonfire, dinner, after which Prefects made speeches, and an impromptu
concert with each class contributing an item. A very pleasant evening’s
entertainment with the bonfire, unfortunately, spoilt by a high wind
blowing from all quarters. A fine ending to a fine year was spoilt by
7 rugs being stolen off the beds in A & B Dormitories and 2 in the
Commercial Dormitory during the concert. The Police were informed immediately
but their usual dilatory tactics served no purpose,
28/11/1948
Rain and bitter cold last night followed by a miserable cold, wet day.
The first party, under Mr Lochner, left at 12.45 pm. Their beddings
and the boxes of the second party went down in rain. All ready for the
Cambridge examinations.
The
Inspector of Police, Siliguri, came up this morning to investigate and
complained of the slow and wrong methods of the local police.
29/11/1948
A worse day – heavy rain and hail: 2.76 inches of rain recorded.
Cars refused to come up to take our smaller boys down to the Station.
I borrowed mackintoshes from Dow Hill another party under Mr Burnett,
left at 12.30 pm in a drizzle, and an ice covered road. Temperature
at 11 am inside was 39° F.
Cambridge
exams commenced in a thunder storm. Lights affected for a time. Candidates
had to be moved from their places because of the Assembly Hall leaking
so badly. The roof is in a dreadful state.
In
the morning I found that our Head Chuprassi who is usually in charge
of the hall arrangements for the Cambridge exams wasn’t present.
On enquiring I found he had been taken away by the Police last night
as a result of their search when a few exercise books had been found
in his house.
30/11/1948
A clear night with a lovely sunny morning with near by ranges covered
in white. A fair warm day but a cold night.
7/12/1948
Lovely weather all week. J.C exams finished this evening.
8/12/19
17 J.C. boys in the charge of Mr Higgins left by the NB Express at 10.30
am
11/12/1948
10 S.C. boys under Mr Murray-Smith left by the N.B Express at 10.30
am.