Diary entries made by
During the years of 1905-1953
1905, 7th March
I have the following staff for the year
1905.
The Headmistress, Mr.
Sharp, Mr. Little, Mr. Price, Mr. Greene, Mr. Finnigan, Mr. Pinto, Mrs. Sharp,
Mr. Hall (Gym), Mr. Whittaker (Steward), Mrs. Whittaker (Matrons), Mrs. Von
Bibra (Matrons), Mrs. Hall (Nurse).
1905, 2nd April
(Outbreak of
Plague 6 boys affected by the 5th April. Chief Medical
Officer from
1905, 8th April
Order
from Government to send boys in to camps. 3 camps to be
pitched. Circular of instruction
to masters sent, appointing them to their several camps.
(The camps were established in the
cryptomaria forests surrounding the school property)
1905, 21st April
Thirteen cases of
plague reported until today and there are indications to show that the pest is
ceasing its ravages. Thank God we have
had no death up to date. 6 camps have been established.
1905, 25th April
The camps were splendidly managed by the masters-in-charge
throughout.
Any mention of the
plague here which did not include the name of Mrs. Hall would be incomplete
indeed. During the earlier stages of the
epidemic she actually nursed from one to six cases single handed, day and
night, and she was not relieved until upon the point of break-down. The Doctor is of opinion that more than one
of the patients owe their lives to Mrs. Hall.
1905, 26th May
I am not at all easy in my mind about
the water supply. In spite of our
closing all supplies for 12 hours out of the 24 and in spite of the fact that
the spring has been abnormally cold and wet the supply of water in the tank sinks
lower and lower daily. Today there are
only 12 inches between us and trouble and I am getting more and more convinced
that this subject needs dealing with promptly.
My experience has been that a low tank means a sick school. I am not quite prepared to say why but dregs
are dregs and nobody seems to thrive on them. I have written to the Inspector
upon the subject.
(There is shortage of water even
these days. An augmentation scheme is being implemented by the Public Health
Dept)-Editor
1905, 16th June
The Executive Engineer, PWD, Mr.
Cross is in favour of capturing the small spring close to the
(This is a method which is being
followed now in some of augmentation scheme in the hill areas)-Editor
1905, 26th June
The King's Birthday, a holiday was
given. The boys sang "God save the
King" and gave three cheers for His Majesty.
1905, 5th August
It has always been a difficult
problem to keep the boys in their dormitories at night. Long ago I introduced
the practice of locking the doors back and front but even then it has not
proved difficult for an active lad to lower himself from a window on to the
verandah and there to the ground. The staff have been very helpful from time to time in aiding me
to catch intending wanderers and this year I have further increasing the
difficulty of getting out by riveting the dormitory lamps so that they cannot
be moved and by putting a man upon watch from 10 P.M. to 5 A.M. This duty is
not to catch boys but simply to report at once to Mr. Sharp if a boy leaves his
dormitory. When dressing rooms and
bathroom are provided the difficulty will of course be lightened as I can then
lock the boys clothes and boots in the dressing
rooms. They would hardly venture to get
out with bare feet and in their night clothes. The matter could of course be
settled by barring up the windows but that would leave no exit in case of
fire. I am glad to say that the boys are
so well behaved that the idea of trying to get out has only occurred to three
in four of the more adventurous spirits.
(I am glad to say that
even after 75 years no method has proved effective in keeping the boys in when
they want to bunk!)-Editor
1905, 10th August
On holidays three roll-calls are now held and two on schooldays
instead of two and one respectively. The
night preparation has been slightly lengthened and the master-on-duty now
supervises all the meals except chota-hazari, being responsible for order,
marching in and out etc. I find the gain
immense.
1905, 26th August
I think it would be
an improvement if the Inspector can see his way to sanction the erection of a
proper water boiling apparatus for drinking purposes. A very good one is supplied by the Alipore
Jail for about Rs. 200. It is in use in
Jails and Cantonments.
1905, 18th September
Mr. Neville - war correspondent of
the Graphie gave an extremely interesting lecture to the boys entitled, The War
( Boer ) as I saw it."
1905, 26th September
Some time ago I wrote to the Forest Officer,
Kurseong, pointing out to him that constant thefts were taking place in the
school forest. The outside natives were
responsible who I believe take the wood to the bazar and sell it. The Forest Officer Mr. Baner saying that he
has issued the strictest orders to his menial staff and Rangers about the
preservation of our forest.
1905, 11th October
The rains seem to be about -
over. We have had 220 inches. From my experience here I should put our
average fall at 200 ins. annually.
(Dow hill area still has the highest
rainfall in the district)-Editor
1906, 8th March
The Commercial Class was
started. I am greatly hampered by the
non-completion of the new Corn. building by the P. W.
Dept. I find it difficult to keep the
place clean, there being so much building going on all around us.
1906, 4th April
During the 3 months ending February,
1906 the under mentioned
1. Open competitive
exam for Sub-overseer's certificate,
2. Open exam for
admission into the
3. Middle School exam P. Kelly - 3rd
in
4. Primary School
exam - 0. Piperno - 1st in
1906, 10th May
Mr. Earle, Director of Public
Instruction, Mr. Green Sup. Engineer, P. W. D. & Mr, Hodson Ex. Engineer P. W. D. arrived. The day was spent largely in visiting the
proposed sites for the Preparatory School and the
(The training
College referred to was the Dow hill
1906, 30th June
Mr. Clarkson - Sanitary Commissioner Bengal
- inspected the sites for the new hospital and went round the school. Seemed very pleased.
1906, 30th July
Mr. Hallward - Inspector of Schools
visited us and accompanied by the C. M. 0. and the
Assistant Engineer, he went and saw the
proposed hospital sites.
1906, 19th August
A day spent in dealing with bills and
food. The cooking does not seem to give
satisfaction to the staff although they admit the material is good. It is difficult to satisfy so many
tastes. What suits one does not suit the
other.
( The same problem persists with the boys
even today! )-Editor
1906, 23rd September
One or two cases have been admitted
to hospital lately which Dr, Humphry considers bear a strong resemblance to
Beri-Beri. The Doctor expressed the
opinion that it might be due to using
1906, 24th September
I find the change in
the boys' diet entails an extra expenditure of about three hundred rupees a
month.
1906, 7th October
Two suspected cases of [3eri-[3eri reported,
1906, 10th
October
(Rice is the staple died nowadays ! )-Editor
1906, 17th November
The saddest day in
the whole year. William James Mitchell-age 15 yrs. only son
of Mrs. Mitchell, a widow residing at Gulzarbagh,
1908, 21st April
The Pugla Jhora water pipes were
linked up with our school supply after the Civil Medical Officer had given
permission.
1908, 12th May
Three out of five candidates
presented from
1908, 27th May
I am glad to note
that nearly all my assistant masters are making use of the new tennis
court. It is played upon nearly every
day. From the exercise and enjoyment it
appears to give, I think it is serving a good purpose in bringing the men
together and in promoting fellowship.
1908, 4th July
It is unfortunate that the prevailing
financial dearth has left the projected new Gymnasium so badly needed, in a
condition of suspended animation but I hope that the sanction and money may be
forthcoming in the next financial year.
1908, 24th September
I have failed to mention that in the open
essay competition, inaugurated and conducted by the S.P.C.A. in this district,
C. Luaikue of Victoria School has taken the 1st place in the 1st Div. three
other of our boys receiving honourable mention.
1908, 17th November
Inspected servants.
This I do twice a week. The
Steward parades them and I walk down the line and reprove any servant who is
not clean and smart. I insist upon all
the servants dressing in white except the masalchis who have a blue uniform.
1909, 12th May
We propose having a sudden-fire drill
at 10-30 A.M. to-day.
Careful rehearsals have been undertaken by Mr. Barker who has drawn out
the scheme of fire drill for the school.
There are now 189 boys in the dormitories.
1909, 28th May
I was glad to find the chapel complete,
except the front which is nearing completion, and the organ is in process of
erection. It is to be hoped that the
supply of the furniture and fittings will not be much longer delayed.
(The Anglican Church)-Editor
The cost of fruit and of mutton is
now so high in kurseong that whereas both articles could be given occasionally
few years ago, both are entirely excluded from the diet of both the boys and
girls. Eggs, again, are now given
sparingly where they were formerly given liberally having risen in price within
say 10 years, from 5 to 8 annas a dozen.
This leaves beef in sole possession, and the quality of beef procured
here is poor. I examined a piece in the
larder with Dr. Humphry. It weighed some
45 lbs and was a mere skeleton, not a tenth part was meat. I think it is clear that if the quality of
the diet given in former years is to be maintained, the boarding allowance will
have to be increased.
1909, 19th July
Heard by letter of
the death of Mr. Edward Pegler for over 20 years the beloved Headmaster of
Victoria and
1910, 22nd April
About 37 cases of
measles till today. There have been over 40 in all up-to-date.
1910, 14th May
The school was visited by the D.P.I.,
1910, 7th July
I gave the school a
holiday the day being fine and fine days being rare.
(The good old
tradition of a 'Sunshine
1910, 22nd September
News arrived during the week that
1911, 12th March
The fact of
1911, 23rd March
It is very odd that the cold cloudy weather of early spring and
late autumn and the reeking misty months of the rains are the healthy times for the boys at
(Present day statistics may prove
otherwise!)-Editor
1911, 17th April
The rest of the day was pleasantly
spent in a match at cricket between
1911, 24th May
A magic lantern exhibition was
arranged. The latter had to be postponed
owing to a failure in the acetylene gas lighting arrangement.
(There was no electricity I )-Editor
1911, 2nd June
The school was visited by the
Honorable Mr. Slacke C.S.I., Mrs. Slacke and the Honorable Mr. Kuchler D.P.I.
The visit passed off most successfully, Mr. Slacke expressed himself as greatly
pleased and made sundry promises of gifts to the school such as 1 00/-yearly
for the Reference Library, the new Encyclopedia Britannica, the Oxford
Dictionary and sundry cups for volunteering and athletics.
1911, 27th June
The Maharaja of Burdwan visited the
school and gave a donation of 500/-towards a picnic for the boys and the Pegier
memorial.
1912, 29th June
I gave the morning
school off in order to allow the staff and some of the boys to go to
1913, 18th October
The schools were honoured by a visit
from their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Carmichael accompanied by Mr. Gourlay
(Private Secretary) Mr. French ( Commissioner ) Mr. Patterson ( Joint Magistrate,
Kurseong and Mr. Plawden (S.P.) went around Victoria after being received by
the Headmaster and the Cadets under Captain Greene. His Excellency expressed himself as pleased
with his visit.
1914, 17th March
School reopened with
about 170 boys present-any easy record in attendance for this or perhaps any
other school in
1914, 4th April
Our long spell of
fine weather broke to day in rain and thunder.
There are 181 boys in the school to-day including one day-boy. The hospital is nearly empty.
1915, 17th March
The new sanitary
installations are now in full blast and the school is far from being in order
but a fortnight or three weeks should see the work finished.
1915, 4th August
1916, 24th October
Received notice that 3 of our boys
obtained prizes in the S.P.C.A. Essay competition.
1916, 9th December
The Prize Distribution was held in
the school Hall, presided over by Mr. Blomfield I.C.S.-a good attendance.
1917, 29th March
I have just received
news that James Wilson, an old boy, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous
gallantry in the western front.
1917, 11th October
Amongst other things discussed with
Mr. Merces Inspector of European Schools was the opening of ninth Class. I was instructed to admit boys for this
class.
1918, 1st May
Two of the little children of the
Tank Chowkidar were drowned in the school tank.
Only one body has so far been recovered I reported the matter to the
authorities concerned.
(This refers to the school tank neat
Range which is the site where the reservoir for the new water supply scheme has
been built recently)-Editor
1918, 10th May
Mr. Price left Kurseong on long
leave. I gave Thursday (yesterday) as a
holiday in honour of Mr. Price who has worked here admirably for 23 years
without once taking furlough.
(Mr.
Price was class 5 teacher then)-Editor
1918, 29th July
The new time table for meals started.
Tiffin-2.35 p.m.
Dinner-6.15 p.m.
3rd school to be
from 3.15 - 4 p.m. now and 5.15 - 6 when the evenings are dark. Prayers - 8.45 p.m,
1918, 2nd August
I saw the lighting
of the Hall. It is very poor even with
the lights lowered. I shall experiment
with the No. 40 lamps from my office.
Reflection instead of opaque globes would help to improve them.
(There were kerosene lamps. There was no electricity then)-Editor
1918, 5th August
No notice seems to be taken of
parents who come to visit their sons. I
have started a book in which they may enter their names, and have given
instructions that the master on duty shall send the book up to me as soon as a
visitor enters his or her name so that I may see them if I wish.
1918, 17th August
I also note that the older boys have
been trained at all to have any sense of responsibility. There should be prefects properly advised and
trained.
1918, 28th August
I am much impressed
by the lack of provision for indoor recreations. The school is in session all though the rains
and good provision for the boys should be made.
One of the best things would be half a dozen covered Fives courts which
could be built near the present gymnasium.
A properly equipped Gymnasium as is planned,
will be a great help and a swimming bath near the school site will be
built. Besides these indoor recreations,
amusements of all kinds should be encouraged, carpentry, carving etc, and games
like chess.
(The Headmaster was perhaps more
likely 'unimpressed' with the lack of recreational facilities) -Editor
1918, 31st August
There is a project to make the
Commercial into a
The immediate advantage would be as follows
(i) The difficulty of
boys going across in wet weather to and from school would be done away
with. I am given to understand that
serious illness has been caused from time to time by the boys getting wet in
this way.
(i i) With
only boys from 1 2 upwards in the upper school the question of age could be
neglected in the dormitories and boys could remain through the whole of their school career in the same
dormitory. In this way the dormitories
could be regarded as Houses, and the House system introduced. This is very much to be desired for in the
Houses prefects could be trained to a sense of responsibility and the House
rivalry in all games would produce an interest in school life which is
lacking at present, all the more so as the situation of the school prevents any
outside matches except with Goethals'. I
believe that house competitions to include junior as well as senior boys in
cricket, hockey, football, fives, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, chess and
perhaps other things would alter the whole tone of the school.
1918, 4th October
I was called by
the nurse at 2.30 a.m. today that F.E. Matthews had died suddenly as nurse
Brown was feeding him. I should have noted
that nurse Brown arrived on 3rd October.
I immediately went to the hospital. My next difficulty was to know when
the parents would arrive from Ranikhet.
1918, 30th October
I had a long talk
with Mr. O'Riordan (i) We arranged for the windows of
the workshop to be made more secure. (ii) He suggested that all boys going to
Hospital should have a letter from the Headmaster, or the Master-on-duty as
their going unchecked was liable to lead to abuse some perhaps going un
necessarily, others not receiving sufficient attention.
1918, 4th November
Time of 3rd school shifted to 5.1 5 - 6 p.m. Night study 7 -
8.30. Started a system of prefects, and appointed N.
P. Deaves (Senior), Swaries, Watkins Ball, Douglas, A. Muir, Marsh. Their duties to be :
(i) General maintenance of order and good tone in the school (ii) To relieve
master-on-duty by taking charge in pairs in the afternoon. The master to be responsible and not go far
away, but be freer than hitherto (iii) Superintendent night study from 7
O'clock till the arrival of the master-on-duty about 7.30 (iv) Act as go
between for the Headmaster and boys in regard to general complaints or
petitions.
1918, 15th November
Friday and
Saturday were kept as holidays in commemoration of the armistice with
1918, 15th December
I, P.M.O'Riordan took
over charge of the school from Mr, Carpenter in Mr. Mercer's presence.
1919, 18th April
Mr.
1919, 25th May
O Ewing (Jr)
admitted to hospital. He died after
twelve days in hospital. Regarding his
treatment his mother said more could not have been done for her son. "I am most grateful to you all for your devoted attention."
1924, 15th March
Unfortunate
accident today. Gasper ran down the Khud from the main school
flat to the cricket flat, but did not reckon on the sudden change of slope
about 8 to 10 ft. from the bottom. He
fell heavily on the lower flat sustaining serious injury to both one leg and
joint. The boys were about to commence a
cricket match. Mr.
(Years later, Nalin Kohli committed
the same folly. He however did not
sustain any serious injury) .-Editor
1924, 31st May
Mr.
1924, 10th August
Mrs.
1924, 12th August
Held a close enquiry
on the death of Tarr. Could not discover what might have caused
ptomaine poisoning. Nobody saw him eat
any tinned food.
The remainder of the parcel that he had from home a few days
before his death was handed to me. It
consisted of the following :- Two tins Herrings, 2
tins tooth paste, one bottle chutney, one tin soap. The statements of the boys and staff are on
record in the school office.
1924, llth November
the best all round junior choir. Senior choir took first place in part
singing.
1929, 16th November
Crombes shot a bear near the hospital this morning. This the third that
had been shot near the school.
Constable shot one each near the Dow Hill Police Station. Prins,
Prins shot at a big one but missed it.
The following constituted the Staff
for 1935
Headmaster Mr.
E. C. G. J. Hessing (History /. A, Class)
Second Master Mr.
E. V. Staynor (Mathematics
upper School)
Science Master Mr.
T. D. Nugent (
English Master Mr.
T. W. Clark (
(Latin Allid. School)
Geography Master (offg.) Mr.
C. A. Price (Geography, Latin &
Maths)
History Master Mr.
V. C. Prins (
(Latin)
Art Master Mr.
Texierer (Drawing & Manual //- Vlfl)
Vernacular Master Mr.
R. B. Singh (Hindi throughout)
Middle School Masters Mr.
C. A. Bloud, Mr. J. C. Vyas, Mr. H. M. Barlhi
(General Subject)
Games Master Mr.
J. Heywood P. T Cadets and Games
Preparatory School Mistress Mrs.
Clark Class
--do- Miss.
Taylor Class
Steward Mr.
Gleves
Housekeeper Mrs.
Barker
Matrons Mrs.
Heywood A & B Dormitory
Matrons Mrs.
Heywood Commercial
Kellas House Mr.
C. A. Bloud
Mallory House Mr. E. V. Staynor
It may be recorded that the three Houses were created in 1928
and named after those who had lost their lives in the attempt to reach the
summit of Everest. In 1933 1 obtained
from Mrs. Mallory as memento of Mallory himself, the gift of a Compass used by
Mallory on his last expedition. This
Compass was deposited with Mr. Prins. Housemaster of Mallory House in 1933 for safe keeping.
6 a.m. Rising
6.30 a. m. Physical
Training 4.00 p.m. Games
7.10 a. m. end of P.T. 6.15 p.m. Dinner
7.30 a.m. Chota
Hazari 6.40
p. m. Evening Prayers
8.00 a.m. Prayers 6.45 p.m. Night study (for classes IV-VIII Class
/// bed)
8.20 a.m. 1st
Period 7.45
p.m. End of night study for classes
IV to VI a inclusive.
9.00 a.m. 2nd
Period 7.55 p.m. Night
study for classes Vil Et VIII.
9.40-10 a.m. Break 8.35 p.m.
End of night study. All boys to bed.
10.00 a.m. 3rd Period
10.40 a.m. 4th
Period 9.30 p.m. Silence in dormitories.
11.30 a.m. Breakfast
12.30 p.m. 5th Period
1.10 p.m. 6th
Period classes
I Et 11 standard at the Commercial Buildings
1.50 p.m. 7th
Period
2.35 p.m. Tea
The school A. D. C., in the presence of the H. E. the Governor
of Bengal, his Staff and many distinguished visitors, among whom were Sir
1935, 19th July
I learnt today that
an old boy of the school, Thomas Fulton, has been awarded the Indian Police
Medal for Gallantry.
1936, 4th
March
Classes commence after a short Staff meeting. At the meeting the
class time-table and other school routine were discussed.
The Headmaster explained the provision in the New
prospectus for a Remove Class between the Junior and Senior School Certificate
classes. This provision should be
interpreted for the present in such a way that promotion from the J. C. to the
S. C. should still be regarded as normal for the average boy of proper age.
The Staff however pointed out that the associations in the
school with the word Remove' were degrading and discouraging. They proposed that this class should be known
as the Preparatory S. C. The Headmaster agreed and this proposal has been
adopted.
The school Prefects were
appointed. Bayford W (Senior Prefect
Tinbers R., Jacob M. C., Eale P., Swanton R., Tisude L., and Ezekiel N.
1936, 11th March
The new
1936, 24th April
Advent of the electric light ! At 5-30 p.m.
the school takes a sudden bound towards modernization and efficiency.
1936, 24th July
Work resumed after the holidays Mr. H. Elton stayed at my House
and presented the school with a magnificent wireless set -one of his many gifts
to us. Only a short time ago, he
completed a promise made last year to present an electric Gramophone. This gift has been immensely popular.
1936, 16th December
In January I received permission to admit Indian pupils as
boarders, to a maximum of 15%. 1 have already a number of Indian day scholars
but it will obviously take time before that number is increased by Indian
Boarders.
1937. 31st March
The P. W. D. have notified me that
there is again a serious water shortage and that this supply of water will be cut
off for certain hours during the day and night.
There is to me something unusual in this matter of water shortage. The annual average rainfall here at
(The annual average rainfall is 184'
at present and the water shortage still exists)- Editor
1937, 17th April
Easter Sunday. In the Anglican Chapel, the stained glass
window was there for the first
time. This window will serve as a
memorial to those of the school who served in the
final war,
1937, 13th May
Received news today that two 1. A. candidates, H.
Rassaby and A. Moddi had obtained 1 st Class Honours in the recent examination.
1939, 3rd April
The first number of "The
Vic" appeared today.
1939, 23rd August
The stunning news was received by wireless this
morning of the Soviet-German non-aggression pact.
1939, 3rd September
1939, 13th October
Joint Junior Jubilee Sports held at Dow Hill.
1940, 2nd & 3rd March
R. Smart has been appointed Head Boy.
The Editor of the ,The Vic" N. St. Romaine.
Sub-Editors
:- 0. Dodsworth and R. Moulding.
Photographic Club ;- President-Rev. G. B. Elliot
Secretary-R. K. Stuart
1940, 18th April
The Adjutant inspected the Cadet-Corps. He was very pleased with
the efficiency of the Corps.
1940, 6th-9th May
The Scouts attended the All Bengal Jackson Shield Competition at
1940, 25th May
Mr. C. A. Price left to-day on military service (he goes to
Secunderabad)
( Later appointed Headmaster in early
50s)-Editor
1940, 27th May
Mr. J. Heywood (Games Master) left to-day on
military service.
1940, 31st May
I leave today on military service and
hand over the charge of the school to Mr. T. D. Nugent.
1940, 10th August
The grand Fete held in the school in aid
of the East India War Fund was a great success.
The Fete realized Rs. 1,620/- Mrs. Scott, wife of the S.D.O., Kurseong
opened the fete.
1940, 7th October
Large party of boys went to Castleton
Tank for a swim. We learnt yesterday
that Major H. Barnes, son of a former Headmaster of Victoria had been killed on
the N. W. Frontier of
1940, 28th October
I received definite information on
Saturday that Squadron Leader Albert De Gruyther, DFC an old boy of
Flight Sergeant F. Berry D.F.M.
Major H. Barnes C.I.E.
Squadron Leader A. De Gruyther DFC. The Roman Catholic Chapel is nearing
completion.
1941, 1st March
For the first time, the boys' luggage
and bedding will be brought up to the school by lorry. The magistrate at Kurseong has given me
permission to use the road for a lorry and I hope by this means to save both
time and money.
( Permission is still required for lorries to ply
on the Kurseong – Dow hill Road)-Editor
1941, 6th May
Results of December 1940 School
Certificate Examination received today, All 11 of our Senior
candidates passed, This result is very good.
1941, 10th May
The rains continue and the whole
school leaks. It has been impossible to
get hold of the C & W Overseer with the result that C
& D dormitories is almost swamped.
The broken window panes - which were reported earlier
in the book-make things worse.
(The school still leaks) -Editor
1941, 22nd May
The Honourable Fuzlul Haque, Chief Minister lunched with me
today.
1941, 22nd June
His Grace the Archbishop of Calcutta allowed a solemn Blessing of
the new Roman Catholic Chapel. The
Chapel was named "Holy Trinity Chapel". A service of confirmation followed the Blessing of the Chapel.
1941, 1st October
On the morning of this date I resumed
charge of the office of the Headmaster. The
school was on holiday. Bengal time
adopted at
1941, 17th October
Speech Day.
The Hon'ble A. Fuziul Haque, Chief Minister of
1941, 21st October
The rumours of the death in Palestine
of W. M. Bayford who was Head Boy in 1935-36 were confirmed today.
1943, February
Mr. Hessing the Headmaster had been
called to military service with very little notice, he
was not in a position to hand over.
1943, 27th February
The food question threatens to be the
major problem of the school for 1943.
Mr. Morrison, Geography Master was summoned to military duties at the
end of the 1942 school terms and Mr. Frehner resigned with a months notice on
Feb. lst 1943 with the intention of joining the R,A.F.
1943, 26th March
Miss Christian gave a talk to the school on her experiences of a
Nazi internment camp, and the condition of things in
1943, 29th April
A Cyclone of unprecedented violence took place during last
night. Some sixteen large trees were
uprooted or had their stems broken off and were hurled in some cases more than
50 yards. One window was blown out from
C & D dormitories and large numbers of panes of glass were broken. Some of the corrugated sheeting of the
roofing of the same dormitories was blown over the building to a distance of
several yards. It was fortunate that the
storm took place during the night so that no body was injured. The servants' lines suffered considerable
damage. The Assistant Engineer, Kurseong
has been requested to have the damage repaired as early as possible.
1943, 3rd June
Rice and other food stuffs were given
to all non-gazetted Government Servants on Salaries of Rs. 300/- or less at a
reduced rate on ration card.
1943, 15th June
The bread position has been restored to normal since the
beginning of the month. There is very
great difficulty with the obtaining porridge substitutes. A landslip on the D. H. Railway threatens to
involve the school in very great difficulties in the supply of various
commodities. The cost of vegetables has reason abnormally.
1943, 14th August
An
1943, 9th September
A whole holiday in Celebration of the surrender of
1943, 4th November
Intimation received from the
Secretary Inter-Provincial Board Delhi that, there would probably be a delay in
the starting of the Cambridge Examination which had been scheduled for the lst
Dec. Papers sent by Sea Mail and also by
Air Mail in July have both been lost through enemy action.
1943, 18th November
Stoves for the
heating the Assembly Hall were introduced today. It is extremely improbable that these will
function, as there is no coal available in station.
1944, 4th March
It should be noted that Mr. Bloud former
Middle School Master returned from military service after two years absence
from the school.
1944, 24th August
The school got a holiday to celebrate the liberation of
1944, 2nd September
The 1st Eleven played the
“District" on
1944, 31st October
The Fete in aid of the Red Cross was
held. The proceeds combined with the
takings at the concert and Dramatic amounting to Rs. 2,200/- (Two thousand two
hundred) was forwarded to the Governor's Red Cross Fund,
1945, 5th April
Rev. A. Solomon arrived to take over the Chaplainry of the
school
1945, 8th May
The news of the end of the war in
Europe with the surrender of
1945, 9th May
V.E. Day was fittingly
celebrated. The hoisting of Flag in the
presence of a full attendance of Cadets, Boy Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides and Blue
Birds took place at 9.00 a.m. A matinee cinema performance was attended by the
whole school. A social and dance at Dow
Hill finished off the celebrations.
1945, 16th August
The news was received over the Radio
that the Japanese had surrendered and that the day should be marked as V. (J)
Day. The Governor of Bengal ordered two
days public holiday to celebrate the victory.
1945, 7th November
The Cadets had a shooting practice on
Rifle Range in preparation for tile Baker Shield Competition.
(The Baker Shield a prestigious trophy
in the District was won several times by
1945, 19th
November
I, Vernon Cyril Prins, took over charge
from Mr. T. D. Nugent.
As far as Government was concerned, it appeared to me, that this
business of taking over charge", which consisted of counting much money
and signing forms in triplicate, was all that mattered. When left to myself, I
reflected that this was a small part, though an important part, of my duties as
Headmaster. The 'Office' existed because there was a school of boys with
bodies, minds and souls,
There was a staff (teaching
& Administrative) to help me. Quoting
D I RT--Litter, untidiness in dress, uncleaned and unmended
boots (one boy was literally walking about without soles to his boots),
unwashed necks.
CONDUCT-Not standing up when spoken to by staff especially in
the dining room ; omitting to cap masters ;
unpunctuality, slouching with hands in pockets when moving from one place to
another.
UNSAVOURY
PRACTICES- Scribbling on
walls, especially in the latrines, kicking tennis balls
about in class rooms and throwing them about on walls ; going in
and out of class rooms out of class hours through the windows as a normal means
of ingress and egress. Cheatings ; lying stealing ; smoking.
(Smoking has always been an old
Victorian weakness !)-Editor.
WORK-
Lack of preparation of home work ; inattention is class
untidiness in exercises. Their motto for the rest of term was to be
'work, more work and still more work." NO boy would be promoted in the
coming final examination, who did not satisfy the
examiners.
At the Staff meeting next morning I requested the following.
Masters to resume wearing Gowns when teaching.
The Master-on-duty
to visit the day latrines at least once a day and the night latrines when doing
his rounds.
That no classes
should be taken out in the sun. (It was an excuse for idleness Physically
it is very satisfying but mentally its effects are soporific).
I announced that I would hold a Headmaster's
inspection of the boys before class each morning. After a brief elucidation of certain points,
the meeting terminated.
I am confident all present felt they had left behind an
era of indifference. Much of what I
had said was, I know, common to many of them.
1945, 12th December
End of the
1945-46 Winter Vacation
On 29th, 30th & 31st January,
1946, 1 interviewed parents, by arrangement with the I.E.S.B. at Writers'
Buildings. There were two general trends
in the subjects of the interview. 1. Pleas of poverty the aftermath of war is already felt. 2. Poor progress on the part of their
sons. Many parents of course think that
their geese are swans! Some complaints
however revealed (a) the excess of freedom allowed here (b) lack of organized
punishment with regard to work (c) absence of supervision and guidance of the
work of younger masters. ‘Quis Custodiet
Custodes' I think it is very necessary to revive the system of inspection by
the Headmaster of (a) lessons (b) exercise books (c) examination question papers
& answers, not in the spirit of carping criticism but that of a guide,
philosopher and friend.
January 29th, 1946 was a Milestone in
the History of the school. The first Old
Boys' Dinner, run by the Calcutta Branch of the Old Boys' Association, formed the
day after Sports Day 1 945, was held at the Tea Rooms of Messrs White away
Laidlaw & Co. It was all very beautifully done. The credit for it is due to Rev. G. B. Elliot, Senior Chaplain,
( The Old Boys' Association has been revived
again. Thanks to Mr. Pronab Roy & Co )-Editor
Since 1941 1
have co-operated in sending out to old boys a list of those serving in the
Forces in World War 11. A copy of the,
issued in Nov. 1945 is placed at the back of this book along with the list of
those who served if) World War 1, placed there by Mr. Hessing the present list
includes 1 92 names with the names of 1 5 others, who paid the supreme
sacrifice. It includes one V.C. Leslie
Manner.
Grow more food campaign.
Sporadic and fruitless efforts have been made during the past
two to three years to make a contribution towards this campaign. The causes of failure have been our lack of
knowledge and skill, the disinterest of the ‘
1946, 28th March
I, Thomas W. Clark, took over charge it
10 a.m. on 28th March from Mr. E. V. Staynor.
1946, 6th June
The move to the Commercial was a great improvement. The original room was gloomy and created an
atmosphere which militated against successful work. At the time of the move arrangement were made
for std. 11 and Std. III
to have meals together in the old billiard room. Thus the two lower classes were segregated
from the upper school, with the exception of those boys in Std. III who were housed in A
Dormitory because the Commercial Dormitory was too small to take all the boys.
1946, 14th July
The Glee
Club was founded at this time. Senior
boys met once a week in the Headmaster's house to practice songs. It proved a valuable way of passing wet
monsoon evenings when there was no organized school activity.
1946, 15th October
A magnificent burst of speed in last
20 yards by Badiali gave
1946, 20th December
The batches departed on the 1st and 2nd as Usual. The
1947, 8th May
The school Cinema, owned jointly by Dow Hill and
1947, 10th October
We go on to Indian Standard Time. Finals of the Boxing Tournament held.
1948, 3rd March
The partitioning of
1948, 14th March
The fiercest
hail storm I remember. Dormitories
leaked badly, and gardens cut to bits.
1948,-10th May
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 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
those Indian Children and in particulars to the outstanding work ( portrait and
figure ) of a Victoria School, Kurseong (Sic) for which he had been awarded two
Bronze Stars-an unusual honour
1948, 17th May
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
1948, 29th September
Two slight earthquake shocks in close succession were felt it 3
a.m.
1948, 16th November
I got the boys up at 4 a.m. this morning
to see the Comet to be seen in the eastern sky.
We were disappointed because it could be seen only very faintly, perhaps
because of the bright moon.
1949, 7th April
Received a telegram
appointing Mrs. Gwynne of Dow Hill as Music Mistress here.
This is the first time that
1949, 3rd May
Quite an invasion
today. Mr. Chakravarty the new Games & P. T.
master reported this afternoon. Later
Mr. Barrow, Secy. & Inspector to the Inter Provincial Board for A. 1.
Education, accompanied by Mr. Staynor, Inspector of A 1. Schools, W. Bengal,
arrived.
1950, 17th January
R. Falloon, our only candidate for the Trinity College of Music
Theory Exam. (Junior Grade) passed
with Honours gaining 99%.
1950, 24th January
I hear there is dreadful confusion or rather chaos on the
railway as a result of the route
through
1950, 14th March
Some animal took away a very valuable
Pekinese belonging to Mr. Paine a short distance away from his bungalow at 7-30
p. m. It is probably the same animal that took away Miss Harley's Siamese cat.
1950, 2!st March
Another of Mr. Paine's dogs was carried
away at 5-30 p. m. today, but was rescued, Still no
knowing what this animal is.
(The animal was in all probability
was a leopard) -Editot,
1950, 10th June
Educational Films were shown this
evening, We heard via the Hospital the tragic news of Mr. V. C, Prins's death
by lightning (or thunderbolt ?) in Dacca while out camping with Scouts,
1950, 15th August
Independence Day a holiday. The scouts dressed and
were ready to go down to a rally in Kurseong where rain prevented their
attending. –Std’s. 11 a III
attended a Social at Dow Hill from 4 p. m. to 6 p. m, and a dance was held here for Stds. 4 upwards, Dow Hill attending at 7-45 p.m. While the dance was in progress an earthquake shock was
felt. Though it was severe and lasted a minute or two there was
absolutely no panic, in fact the dancers scarcely noticed it. We were surprised, therefore. to learn from the papers that it was a very severe
shock-the severest since 1897, severer than either the Bihar (1934) earthquake
or the
1950, 28th November
School Final Examinations and the
Middle School Exam, for Std. 5 commenced today.
1951, 22nd March
The Senior Cambridge results came in this morning.
First Grade :-K. Bala, N. Sarkar ( stood
3rd in
1951, lst April
Our new Bengali master, Mr. Bhattacharjee,
reported this morning for duty. Bengali
is being introduced into Victoria, and Hindi which has been taught ever since
the birth of the school is to be relegated to second place.
1951,14th
May
The J. C. detailed results arrived, and were excellent with
several A's in Arithmetic, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Geography. The History results alone were poor, half the
class failed. N. Pemba stood 2nd in
1951, 24th May
H.E. the Governor of W. Bengal
visited the school at 10-15 a.m. and remained till 11 a.m. He saw the
Commercial, had in the Headmaster's house, and then, dropped into the Assembly
Hall to see the school at their examination. He was very pleased with all he
saw and more than once remarked “This is an excellent institution". On leaving the Assembly Hall where the boys
were, of course, as quiet as mice, he turned to his party and smilingly said,
“There's no likely hood of brickbats being thrown here at the
invigilators".
1951, 24th October
Speech Day with H.
E. Dr. Katiu, Governor of West Bengal, presiding, a very successful day.
The Governor had tea with the prefects in the boy's dining room.
1951, 24th November
Bonfire and Farewell Dinner. While at dinner I was
called away to be told that a thief had been caught at the Commercial Dormitory
by the policeman on duty but had escaped after beating tip the
policeman. Nothing luckily had been stolen.
1952, 9th April
I heard the Cuckoo this
morning for the first time year, It is rather late in
the year. I was told he had been heard
in
1952, 28th April
Mr. M. Roy, the new Science Master, joined the
school. I showed him round the Science
room and discussed with him the suitable books and courses in the classes. I have also made him teach elementary
mathematics in the VII and VIII. The new
time table came into force from to-day.
1952, 18th May
His Excellency, Dr. H. C. Mookeriee, Governor of West Bengal accompanied by
Mrs. Mookerjee visited the school from 11.10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Their
Excellencies seemed very interested in the school and after I had read them an
address of welcome His Excellency gave the boys a short talk.
1952, 8th October
"Speech
Day". Their Excellencies and party arrived at 3.20
p.m. in the usual Kurseong rain. Tea for
their Excellencies, parents and visitors was served in the boys' dining hall after
the distribution of prizes.
1953, 7th March
David Monte Bello having swallowed an
anna bit a few days back was taken for an X'Ray to be taken at Sanatorium. The X'Ray showed that the anna bit was still
lodged in the stomach.
1953, 12th March
Monte
1953, 16th March
On my return to the office in the
morning after addressing the boys 1 found a note from Mrs. Green informing me
that her husband was seriously ill.
This was quite a shock to me as Mr. Green had taken orders for
the day from me at only 9 O'clock.
(Unfortunately Mr. Green passed away
before he could be evacuated to the
1953, llth April
A farewell to Rev. & Mrs, Solomon, The staff and senior boys played tennis on my courts and later had
tea on the lawns. The rest of
the school had a light tea.
1953, 3rd June
The Coronation, and conquest of Everest
by Hillary and Tenzing Norgay a sherpa heard over the radio.
1953, 27th June
“Joan of Arc" was screened at 5-30 p. m. The now projector
seems to have run itself in as the sound was good.
1953, 7th September
In view of my pending departure from
Compilation by Mrs. S.
Banerjee and Mr, A. Banerjee. Edited by Mr,
Maniish Gupta.