The Headmaster's Diary - 1910 Victoria School - Kurseong. |
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1910
The winter holidays passed without any particular incident calling for record, except perhaps for the visit of General Gray - Inspector General of Volunteers - who inspected the school armoury towards the end of February and expressed himself pleased with the arrangements. 27th February The first party arrived in charge of Mr Price. 1st March The second party arrived in charge of Mr Little. 3rd March School reopened. I arranged the classes as follows; Infants & 1st Std. Mrs Sharp 2nd Std. Mr D'Abrue 3rd Std. Mr Sharp 4th Std. Mr Price 5th Std. Mr Barker 6th Std. Mr Little 7th Std. Mr Pinto Technical Dept Messrs Greene and Elliott. 4th March A vile letter written by B. Almeida, a boy who left Victoria School in 1908 was handed in to me by Mr Hall. The letter had apparently been sent last year to another boy, B. Gregory, who had seemingly left it in a locker in A and B. dormitory. The insinuations and language of the letter was so offensive that I felt it my duty to hold a short enquiry and to report the proceedings to the Inspector of European Schools. In the presence of most of my teaching staff, I examined the only two boys mentioned in the letter who are now n Victoria School. Both boys solemnly denied any knowledge or participation in the offences referred to in the letter. They signed statements to this effect to which those of the staff present, attached their names as witnesses. Later I sent the whole case, with Almeida's letter, to the Inspector of European Schools. P & C. 8th March The Reverend Arthur Waite, deputed temporarily by the Lord Bishop of Calcutta to act for the Reverend W. H. Careless, at present on leave, held the first service of the year in the School Hall. 9th March A case of measles - G. Burke - reported at once to the Inspector of European Schools. 17th March I gave the school a holiday. Chicken-pox has started. 19th March Several fresh cases of chickenpox. I am glad to say there has only been one case of measles, so far, that of the G. Burke. Mrs Sharp who has been laid up with a chill for a few days, returned to work. 25th March Good Friday - a holiday. 26th March Holiday. 28th March Holiday. Nurse arrived for chickenpox and measles cases. 29th March Mrs Atkinson declared to be a measles case - the second in a month. School as usual. There has been heavy rain during the last few days and I greatly hope it will have a beneficial effect upon the epidemic. 2nd April The chickenpox has spread. The work of the school is progressing very nicely. 9th April we have had all the 30 cases of chickenpox up to date plus 4 cases of measles. The numbers of boys in school has now passed 170 and in another fortnights time the school will, I hope, be fairly full. There has been so much sickness on the plains amongst children, that several of my boys have been detained thereby. The Reverend A. Waite is still taking the school services. 13th April There are 177 boys in school and about 12 more to come. The chickenpox has died down and measles are taking its place. There are five cases of the latter. It is extraordinary how difficult it is to get boys to keep their bowels open. Some of the worst cases in hospital this year have been boys who have actually gone on for a week at a time without going near the bathroom - and these are not little children but boys as old as 16. I have one dormitory dosed with Mag-Sulph, every week, but even that does not seem to be sufficient. Work is going on steadily and the weather is warming up. There was heavy rain with hail last night. 14th April The Reverend Mr Waite very kindly came down from Darjeeling and held service here. The measles are spreading rapidly. The class work is being greatly hampered by these continuous epidemics. 21st April Heard a grand arithmetic lesson in Std. 7. Another case of chickenpox. Thirty-two cases of measles under treatment. The doctor considered the cases all progressing well. 22nd April About 37 cases of measles today. There have been over 40 in all up-to-date. I heard a nice lesson to Std. 4 on the Subject and Predicate by Mr Price. 25th April Letters as usual. I witnessed part of a lesson in English in Std. 4 an hour-long discussion with Mr Price as to the work and capabilities of his boys. I witnessed a carpentry lesson in the Shops to Techs. 1st year. The measles are still holding their ground but, as the fresh cases are few, we look to get rid of a large number of patients on Saturday next. 26th April Mr Waite kindly came down from Darjeeling and held service. I visited one or two of the classes and in the afternoon I played a game of cricket with the boys. The quality of the school cricket has fallen off this year and now that my health has somewhat improved, I propose to join in the matches more regularly, as I have noticed that in this, as in other things, if I stand out, interest seems to flag. We have three matches arranged to be played in the month of May - two against the Military and one against the Planters. 27th April Very cold with heavy rain. Most unfortunate, as there is bound to be an increase in the Measles Roll. Nurse Barrett is still with us. Several boys who had not joined the school, a few weeks ago, are still being kept away through fear of infection. I feel it a pleasant duty to note the motherly care given to the overflow patients in the dormitories, by Mrs Whitaker and Mrs Hall. No nurses could have been more attentive, although the work has formed a heavy addition to the other duties. The work of the school is progressing steadily although the absence of so many through sickness has naturally proved a drawback. 2nd May I again visited several of the classes and listened to the teaching. I spent the whole day in Std. 4, taking lessons in L.C.M., Mental Arithmetic, Geography, English etc,. and am satisfied that the class is progressing well. 3rd May Took further work in Std. 4. The Reverend Mr Canon C.M.S. took service. I gave a half holiday in honour of Mr Little's appointment as Headmaster of the Madrassa, Murshidabad. So far no word has come as to the date of Mr Little's departure, nor have I heard who will take his place. 4th May Concentrated all the over flow of patients from the dormitories in the hospital, after discharging several. There are now 14 cases of measles under treatment, the grand total of cases being 58 up to date. Nurse Barrett is still here and I have already written to the CMO asking for instructions as to her retention. Report on measles sent to the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. I visited Technical Classes. There are now six boys in these, four in the first year and two in the second year. A cricket match against the Royal Artillery, Katapahar. We lost by about 30 runs. A half holiday. At the close of the match, the terrible news of the death of our beloved King was communicated to me. 10th May The Reverend Mr Canon took service here and made a most impressive reference to the loss the nation in particular, and humanity in general, had suffered by the death of King Edward. At the close of the service, the Dead March in Saul was played by Mr Green, the whole congregation remaining standing throughout. I cancelled the cricket match against the District which was fixed for Monday the next - the 16th inst: out of respect to his late Majesty's memory and I propose to close school on the day of the funeral. The measles appear to have died down, there being now only five cases in hospital. Nurse Barrett will go tomorrow if Nurse Hall who has been unwell, is fit by then, to go on single handed. 12th May Nurse Barrett left. Proclamation of George V, I made a short speech to boys, called for three cheers and then all standing, we sang the National Anthem. I gave the boys a whole holiday in honour of the event. 14th May The school was visited by the DPI Bengal and Mr Gourley, ICS. 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. The first case was settled by deciding the Forest Department to tap the overflow, under certain close, but necessary restrictions. The second scheme was decided to be an impossible one to carry out with safety and the visitors after hearing the arguments against it did not even trouble to go and view the building. 16th May Letters as usual. The weather is wet and cold and there are many colds and coughs amongst the boys. 17th May Mr E. L. Preston - Officiating Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. Inspected the school for two days. We discussed the new building plans, and several points I brought before him. 18th May The classes were inspected on the 18th and appeared to give satisfaction. 19th May Mr Gooch arrived to take up work here in Mr Little's place. He is a married man but so far has not been allowed to bring his family along with them. I took the 6th Std. all day as Mr Little had packing to do. 20th May An official holiday held as a day of solemn mourning for our departed King Emperor. Whooping cough declared. 21st May Mr Little left Victoria School to take up work as Headmaster of the Nawab's Madrassa, Murshidabad. I took a lesson in Std. 6. 23rd May Letters as usual. I visited several of the classes. 24th May I heard part of a Latin lesson in Std. 7 also a lesson on averages etc., in the Technical Department. I went through and distributed the weekly examination papers, visited Shops, the dormitories, kitchen, hospital, and inspected all the servants. Reverend Mr Canon took service. 25th May Witnessed a carpentry lesson to first-year Technicals, heard a short history lesson in Std. 6 (Mr Gooch). 26th May Scripture as usual. Visited Shops, Std. 6 and 7 and heard parts of lessons. Hospital nearly empty - four cases of whooping cough. 27th May Mr and Mrs Duckworth took their boys out for a month. They complained of lack of variety in the school food. I have already represented this matter to the Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. 28th May We close school at 10 a.m. to play a cricket match against the Kalahapahar ? team. (Kidharpahar ?). Weighed all the delicate boys in the school, finding in almost every case that the weights had gone up. Played a cricket match on our ground against the Katapahar and lost by 38 runs 30th May Played against the District in cricket, on our ground, giving a half holiday. We lost by about a hundred runs. The team feels a loss of Mr Little, a fine all round cricketer. 31st May Mr Eland of the CMS took service. 1st June Heard a composition lesson in Std. 2, it was a poor one in quality. Mr D'Albrue has no grip over his class as a teacher. Heard a lesson by Mr Gooch in Std. 6 on principal parts of verbs in Latin. Witnessed a carpentry lesson to first-year Technicals. Reported six cases of whooping cough to government 2nd June Heard part of a lesson in Std. 5 on the Geography of Europe (Mr Barker), also a lesson in algebra in Std. 7, took Scripture in upper school. Heard a lesson in Technical in Std. 6, and witnessed a Smithy lesson to second year Technical class. 3rd June Heavy rain almost daily. Whooping cough worsening slowly. Looked after Std. 4, Mr Price being unwell 4th June Went through the following weekly examination papers Technical
2nd Year. English and Mental Arithmetic Results fairly satisfactory. 6th June Letters as usual. No service as Reverend Mr Sandys was unwell. 7th June Went through the following examination papers. 1st - Arithmetic Papers showed good work in most cases. 8th June Heard a geography lesson in Std 4. 9th June Heard a spelling and geography lesson in Std. 2. Latin syntax in Std. 7 and in Std. 6 a well delivered lesson on Prop 21, book 1 (Euc). 10th June Major Guise address the school on behalf of the Sunday School Union, very interesting. 11th June I held an examination in Std. 3 in English and dictation. A nice class. Top boys very forward. 13th June Letters. I took a full lesson in Std. 5 on Decimal Fractions. 14th June The Reverend Mr Sandys took service. Dr Denning arrived and inspected our Technical Department. Expressed himself as pleased. 15th June I took full lessons in Std. 6 on English analysis and in Std. 7 in 'Stocks' (arithmetic). 18th June Went through weekly examination papers as usual during the week and took my usual lessons in the classes. Work going on well. Hospital practically empty and whooping cough on the wane. A week of heavy and continuous rain. 20th June The Scripture Union delegate, Major H. Guise gave a magic lantern entertainment in the school hall. 21st June Major Guise took the usual service in the absence of a chaplain. I took a lesson on English analysis in Std. 6. 22nd June Usual lesson on arithmetic (stocks), in Std. 7. Went through several of the classes. Visited Shops. 23rd June to lesson in paraphrasing in Std. 4. Held a short examination there. Scripture as usual. Went through all the sets of weekly examination papers carefully. 24th June Whole holiday in response to wire from Deputy Commissioner, sent up by Mr Byrne ICS. Gave a magic lantern display in the evening. All in honour of the birthday of the King Emperor. 27th June I took a lesson in decimals in Std. 5, visited the Shops, and dormitories. Letters as usual. 28th June Held an examination in paraphrasing in Std. 4 and a lesson in analysis in Std. 6. 29th June A lesson on stocks in Std. 7 with one on reading and poetry in Std. 4. 30th June Witnessed a writing lesson in Std. 2, a Latin lesson in Std. 3, analysis and Std. 6, and Euclid Prop 5 in Std. 5. 1st July Witnessed arithmetic lessons in Std. 3. I took a lesson on £.S.D. in Std. 3. 2nd July Mr Barker left for Calcutta to sit for his Hindi examination. 3rd July Nurse Hall reported Sayers. E. (?) For immoral conduct of a gross nature I made a preliminary enquiry. 4th July I made a further inquiry into the Sayer's case in the presence of Mr Sharp and sent full report to Inspector of European Schools, Bengal. 5th - 6th July I took the 6 Std. in Mr Barker's absence. Class is not so forward as I should like. 6th July Mr Barker returned from Calcutta. 8th July The Director of Public Instruction, visited the school and I took him over parts of it. 7th July I gave the school a holiday the day being fine and fine days being rare. 9th July Mr Waite held service. Half yearly examinations began. 13th July I carried out the instructions, contained in the Inspector's letter regarding Sayers. 19th July The mid-term examination has been going on during the past week. I conducted portions of the examinations in Std. 1 and the infants. 20th July Regular work resumed and a very pleasant little concert in the whole. 21st July I gave the 1st Session as a holiday, the boys having been up late on the preceeding night. 22nd July Hospital practically empty. Work going on well. 25th July Letters as usual. Mr Waite held service. 26th July There has been incessant rain now for five days without a single break. 30th July All has gone well during the past week. The hospital is empty and the health of the school excellent. 1st August I completed the weighments of the boys. They are very satisfactory on the whole. No service, the chaplain not having come, owing to slips on the line. (Note: Landslides on the DHR line from Darjeeling). 8th August Lessons have gone steadily during the past week. I have taken some subjects daily in the classes and have been daily, a visitor in the Technical section. The hospital is nearly empty, though there are a few coughs and colds about. I took a lesson in Std. 5 on the Mediterranean. The class seems backward. 9th August Attended the funeral of Mr Kerr, an old and respected resident of Kurseong and a good friend to Victoria School. I also allowed a portion of the school choir to help in the funeral service. 10th August I completed a series of lessons which I have been giving to Std. 7 on stocks and shares. The class as a whole, appears to have got a very firm grip of what is usually a troublesome subject for boys to master. 11th August My usual lesson of Scripture and the catechism to the upper school. I have written in officially to the PW Department about the extra ordinary way in which the furniture for the new schools Chapel appears to have been cut down, not even the minimum sitting accommodation has been provided, nor any seats for the choir and staff. I have been in communication with the Goethal's School and the Kalimpong Homes regarding the holding of the theoretical part of the S.D. examination up here at the end of the term. As a minimum of 10 candidates are required for the joint Technical board to give us the examinations, I fear the matter will have to be held over for this year, there being only eight candidates in all, from the three schools. 16th August I had occasion to speak strongly to Mr D'Albrue upon the way in which the class books in his charge are treated year by year. The condition of some of these was very bad indeed. The day being fine, after a long spell of rain, I gave a half holiday. 17th August There seems to be no end to quarantine. The Girl's School is now undergoing the experience - for diphtheria. 19th August All going on well. Work well advanced. The health of the school is excellent. 22nd August I took the 6th Std. all day, Mr Gooch having asked for leave. The class shows signs of improvement in those subjects in which I tested them viz. Algebra, Arithmetic, Latin, Mental Arithmetic, Reading, and Geography. 26th August The hospital has not had a single patient for several days. Work is progressing nicely. 3rd September Examinations as usual. 4th September A new boy, Cumberland, arrived. 5th September A most successful gymnastic display was held in the school hall before a large audience. Weather fine. 9th September Work going on nicely. Hospital practically empty. 12th September I took an interesting lesson in analysis in Std. 5 and witnessed parts of lessons in Std. 2 and in the Shops. 13th September Heard a good lesson on the American War of Independence in Std. 6. I am having great difficulty in arranging accommodation for my survey party at Siliguri. The old bungalow has passed out of the control of the S.D.O. Kurseong, into that of the PWD and is I believed occupied. I have written to the Executive Engineer, but I am not hopeful of success. In any case I feel we shall have to face the cost of tents in the near future as we cannot hope to go on as we have been doing, relying upon others offering us accommodation, free of charge. 15th September A great many coughs and sore throats about. I believe other schools in the district are having a similar experience. Work is progressing well and the hospital is almost free from patients. I have fixed the annual sports for the 5th of November and the cricket match for the 7th of November. The first examination in all classes except the 4th and 7th will begin on the 31st October and the Prize Distribution will take place on the Saturday before the beginning of the Code Examinations. 16th September The weather still continues to be damp and misty. Inspected servants, hospital, and godowns etc., as usual. All in good order. Coughs and colds on the increase. 17th September The usual weekly examinations. 19th September Mr Waite took the weekly service. I witnessed several lessons in Std. six (algebra, arithmetic, Latin). 20th September Witnessed more lessons in Std. 6, 1 in Technical Science and one in Shops in carpentry. 22nd September Took Scripture as usual. The executive engineer has kindly consented to lend our survey party the Siliguri bungalow again. News arrived during the week that Victoria was to be fully recognised as a secondary school. Witnessed parts of lessons in various classes. 26th September Mr Waite held his last service here. He leaves for Calcutta on Friday. 28th September I took Std. 3 all the morning as I had sent Mr Sharp to make various enquiries about the Junior Cambridge locals to Darjeeling. 30th September I spent a large part of the morning in Std. 6 with Mr Gooch. Weekly examinations as usual. 1st October The hospital has been absolutely empty for some days and work has been going on steadily. The rains appeare to be almost over. 3rd October No services this week, Mr Waite having been transferred to Calcutta. 5th October I have been working daily in Mr Gooch's class endeavouring to brush up the Latin of the class which is in an exceptionally weak state. 6th October Scripture as usual by me also a long spell in Std. 6. 7th October Heavy rain again. Hospital still empty. Visited godowns etc. Lessons on accidence (?) in Std. 6. 8th October A number of boys were invited to witness a short play at the Goethal's Memorial School . 12th 13th 14th 15th October The Puja holidays began at Second School on the Wednesday and ran until the end of the week - three full days in all. 16th October The Rev R. Gee conducted service in the new chapel to both schools. 17th October Work resumed. Hospital empty. 22nd October Exams as usual. 26th October Mr Preston - carefully inspected Mr Gooch's class, the 6 Std.. 29th October Boys invited to Goethal's Memorial School Sports in the afternoon. Boys examined as usual. Hospital has been empty for about a month. I have had considerable trouble in finding anyone to preside at the Code Exams. I have at last got Mr G. Kerr to consent to officiate. 5th November Annual athletic sports held in brilliant weather. An unusual gathering. Everything very successful. Half holiday. 7th November Victoria School played the District at cricket and lost. Holiday. 12th November The usual volunteer picnic was held and was greatly enjoyed. The Rev J. Godber - Bishop's Chaplain - took service for the two schools in the new chapel. The latter has not yet been fully furnished although the money has been sanctioned. 15th November Work progressing well. Health or school good. 19th November The prize distribution. This was presided over by Mr J. Byrne ICS, the Sub Divisional Officer of Kurseong. The attendance was good, the result successful, and the weather fine. 21st November The government examinations began in the school hall under the superintendance of Mr G. Linberry (?) - Kerr of Monteviot. Victoria presented 18 candidates of whom one, C. Hill, fell out at the last moment through illness, leaving 17 of our candidates actually sitting. Of these five were P.S. candidates and 12 M.S. candidates. 1st 3rd December The usual parties of boys left for Calcutta in charge of Masters. All arrived safely.
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