Headmasters Diary

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.


	The Headmaster's Diary - 1948. Victoria School - Kurseong.

	Note: Where a name is written in red, instead of blue, that name has been changed. I do this so as to not harm that person if he or she are still alive, or, to hurt their descendants. Editor.


	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.

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