Diary entries made by Victoria’s Headmaster’s

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 Darjeeling visited the School)

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 Commercial Building and utilizing it for the benefit of those living there. With these new additional sources of supply the school's troubles under this head should be largely mitigated.

(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 Victoria School boys took high places in public examinations :-

1. Open competitive exam for Sub-overseer's certificate, B. E. College, Sibpur - P. Bapty - 1 st on the list.

2. Open exam for admission into the Medical College, Calcutta - A. D. Abren, second on the list.

3. Middle School exam P. Kelly - 3rd in Bengal.

4. Primary School exam - 0. Piperno - 1st in Bengal.

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 Training College and in discussing plans and other points connected with both institutions.

(The training College referred to was the Dow hill Training College)-Editor

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 Burma rice, I find that only Bengal rice is sent up here. In order to be safe. however, I have requested the Housekeeper to stop issuing rice daily and only to use it thrice a week. I have also ordered the nurse to altogether discontinue the use of rice in the Hospital.

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

Col. Clarksan, Sanitary Commissioner, Bengal expressed himself as pleased with the condition of the school and the appearance of the boys. I was recommended to eliminate rice from the school diet altogether.

(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, Patna died in the school Hospital at about 1 0 A.M. He had slept peacefully from 1 0 A.M. Saturday to 2-30 A.M. Sunday and then woke in same pain. At 6 A.M. he got worse and at 8 O'clock, I sent down for the Doctor at once and went to the Hospital. Later I went outside to wait for the Doctor but was summoned by the nurse at 10 A.M. to the Hospital. Mitchell died just as I entered the ward.

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 Victoria School have passed the Sibpur S. 0. Examination.

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 Dow Hill Schools. Mr. Pegler died at Cheltenham on the 29th of June.

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., Bengal and Mr. Gaurlay I.C.S. The visit was with the object of dealing with the application of the Forest Department to tap our water supply at the land of the lakes and to inspect the school Commercial Building with a view to test its suitability as a residence for the female students of the Dow Hill Training College.

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 Holiday'!)-Editor

1910, 22nd September

News arrived during the week that Victoria was to be fully recognized as a Secondary School.

1911, 12th March

The fact of Victoria School having been made a Secondary School has largely increased the number of applications for admission.

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 Victoria School. The sun is our greatest enemy here, cloudy weather means a clean bill of health-sunny weather a full hospital.

(Present day statistics may prove otherwise!)-Editor

1911, 17th April

The rest of the day was pleasantly spent in a match at cricket between Goethals School and Victoria, the latter winning a hollow' victory by an innings and 108 runs.

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 Darjeeling with the object of witnessing the Hockey match-Victoria Vs. the Middlesex. The match resulted in a victory for the school 3 goals to nil.

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 India for the first day.

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

Victoria School defeated Goethals' 1st XI in Hockey by 2 goals to 0. I forget to mention that on Wednesday the 4th August the Anniversary of the War, I gave a half holiday to allow several of my staff to parade in Darjeeling. There I had the Cadets turned out in uniform, I made the school a speech upon the war and its objects, there was a march past the flag was saluted and three cheers were given for the King Emperor.

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 Junior School, and the idea seems to have much in its favour.

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