9/1/1949
I made over charge of the school to Mr Paine and left for Calcutta to
interview parents and for other business.
8/2/1949
I received a telegram recalling me, as Mr Paine was ill.
15/2/1949
I took over from Miss Harley who had previously taken over charge of
the office from Mr Paine, who is still ill.
Mr
& Mrs Moore, (Steward and Housekeeper) have just resigned as they
are leaving for Australia. This leaves me with a very pleasing prospect
for the opening of the School: No Steward, no Housekeeper, no Matron
for A & B dormitories, no Games Master, no Art Teacher, no 2nd Standard
Mistress, and no successor appointed for Mr Bloud who goes on leave
on March 5th.
20/2/1949
Closing day for receipts of applications for the two posts of matrons.
Mr Paine taken up to Victoria Hospital, Darjeeling.
23/2/1949
Standing Committee approve my recommendations: Mrs Watts – Matron;
Mrs Renconte – Matron; her husband Steward on temporary basis,
Mrs Thomas, Housekeeper on temporary basis.
27/2/1949
Mr & Mrs Renconte and five children and a Great Dane arrive. Mr
Renconte told he must dispose of the dog. Two lovely warm sunny days
after cold, bleak weather.
28/2/1949
My Accountant complained to me today that taking advantage of his absence
on Friday, the Head Clerk had entered his house and tried to make love
to and kiss his wife. Shall investigate.
1/3/1949
A cold cloudy afternoon, with a drizzle in the evening.
The
P.W.D. contractors this year have been most obliging and nice and have
done their work excellently. But no attempt yet has been made to repair
leaking roofs.
2/3/1949
The first party (49boys) arrived at 3 pm in the charge of Mr Murray-Smith.
A bright, warm day.
3/3/1949
Mr Higgins brought 41 boys up at 3 pm today.
A
new Master, Mr Ross who is to take the place of Mr Bloud came up with
the party. Without any warning, he brought with him three children,
sister-in-law and young brother-in-law. The school will certainly be
short of children this year.
6/3/1949
“Lost” featuring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello was shown on
our new silver painted screen which proved a great success. Dow Hill
were present.
7/3/1949
Mr Lochner and with all my Clerks in Kurseong helping with a local by-election.
Net
practice with Rev. Solomon coaching.
10/3/1949
A time-table is in use with all my staff helping out with Std II –
a deplorable state of affairs. No Art Teacher, no Games Master, no Std
II teacher, and my second Master, Mt Paine ill – and I am expected
to run the School!
The
weather, too, is against one. Cloudy, misty and cold.
A
few boys in hospital with coughs and colds.
19/3/1949
“For me and my girl” was shown tonight
22/3/1949
The weather seems at least to have changed for the better. Today was
areal summer’s day.
Instead
of issuing orders piece-meal and having to repeat them periodically,
I issued “Standing Orders” for the Staff” which read:
Punctuality – Punctuality
for all duties in imperative.
Class Time – Class
Time must not be used for duties other than teaching, and classes must
never be left unattended. Spare periods must be used for additional
duties including visits to my office.
Smoking – Smoking in
class rooms, verandahs and corridors is not permitted.
Furniture – The Staff
are individually responsible for the furniture in their quarters. Furniture
may not be moved into or from quarters without my written permission.
Guests – Guests may
not be invited to stay in staff quarters without my permission.
At
lunch time Mr Lochner, one of the most junior members of my staff came
up to my house to say his quarters were his home and he would not ask
permission for guests. I told him that this was the rule in Victoria
for ages and that if he did not wish to obey the orders he should submit
his resignation. He said that he would not resign but that he certainly
would not ask permission. My reply was that if I found he had disobeyed
this order I would dismiss him immediately. He then asked if he might
report the matter to the Dept. and if he would have to write through
me. To both of which I replied in the affirmative.
Mr
Lochner is a disgruntled, quarrelsome and mean-natured man who tried
to give me trouble last year also. It is strange that no other member
of staff – and there are several with a better claim to voicing
their opinion – should have resented this order which has been
in existence as long as I know, and which Mr Clark though fit to put
in the Order Book in 1946. Mr Lochner is very intolerant of authority
and is inclined to question all orders. Whenever I have drawn up a new
timetable he had come to me to say he has been given too many periods
or more periods than so and so.
On
one occasion his innate disaffection caused him to miscalculate his
periods. But even this did not shame him. For decades families have
occupied the old hospital building and never have I heard of any quarrelling
or unpleasantness, and yet Mr Lochner was not in these quarters a week
when he picked a quarrel with Mrs Watts, who occupies the set of rooms
below, over the plot of ground in front of the building. On speaking
to Mrs Watts I discovered there had been no quarrel. Mr Lochner had
tried to be petty, but finding he had not got his way complained to
me, exaggerating he whole incident with a view to getting me to act
officially in his favour. Neither of these did I do, for I have come
to know this man’s mean, petty nature.
30/3/1949
On Mr Paine (the Staff representative’s) telling me that some
of the members appeared discontented over my order and that they wanted
me to call a meeting. I called a full meeting of the Staff this morning
and enquired of each member individually if he objected to this order
which has been in existence in Victoria for years. Not a single soul,
except Mr Lochner whom, of course, I had nee need to question, had any
objection. I then dismissed the meeting. Even this exposure does not
seem to abash Mr Lochner a bit.
Mr Lochner, why I don’t know brought me his letter of protest
to The Inspector of European Schools, this evening for me to read and
see if it was all right. I really have come to the conclusion that this
man is not normal.
31/3/1949
Mr Lochner handed over his protest this morning for onward transmission
to the Inspector.
1/4/1949
From today the postage rate has been increased to 2 annas per letter
and all first class mail is now to go by air. This probably means that
no letters now will be delivered. Previously air letters at least, were
reaching.
“Mr
Deeds Goes to Own” arrived today and will be shown in Dow Hill
tomorrow and in Victoria on Sunday – the result of one case of
chicken pox in Victoria.
The
Higher Grade Final Detailed Results arrived. All of our boys were successful.
4/4/1949
Finding Mr Lochner’s protest was entirely centred round the word
“permission”, I decided to alter the word for “inform”
and Mr Lochner accordingly withdrew his letter.
5/4/1949
Heard the cuckoo this morning for the first time this year though we
are certainly having anything but summer weather. Thunder and rain-storms
have made it quite cold, and a few boys have been wearing overcoats.
6/4/1949
The Cambridge results and arrived and were an unpleasant surprise –
only 6 passing out of 11 in the Seniors and 9 out of 17 in the Juniors.
I cannot explain these disastrous results and am anxiously awaiting
the cross sheets.
7/4/1949
Received a telegram appointing Mrs Gwynne of Dow Hill a Music Mistress
here. This is the first time that Victoria is having a music teacher!
9/4/1949
Mrs Gwynne joined us today – a very welcome addition to our staff.
14/4/1949
The Easter holidays began this evening. As no more cases of chicken
pox were reported. Quarantine was over today and boys were able to go
home for Easter.
16/4/1949
Catholic boys of Std III and upwards, attended mass at St Mary’s.
There
was a remarkably good conjuring performance this evening given by a
Mr Vonague. Dow Hill attended.
17/4/1949
Educational films got from British Information Service were shown this
evening. Not very good.
18/4/1949
We are having typical monsoon weather, with very heavy rain at night.
Goethals
School played us in cricket today. The game had to be interrupted at
noon on account of rain, but it was continued in very uncertain weather
after lunch. We declared for 5 wickets at 2.30 p.m. Goethals School
were all out for ? at 4 p.m.
They remained to see the picture at 5.30 p.m.(“Make Mine Music”).
Easter Holidays ended this evening.
19/4/1949
The wretched weather continues. It has been a very bad April.
The
poor old cuckoo is to be heard for only a very short time in the morning
on some days.
Twenty five Scouts, with Mr Higgins in charge, went to camp in Wood
Cot on Sunday after morning Services and returned this afternoon.
20/4/1949
The catholic boys entered on their Retreat this evening. Fr Daly S.J.
is conducting the retreat.
23/4/1949
The Retreat ended at Mass this morning.
27/4/1949
Now that Miss Lawrence has very kindly offered to take Std II (there
is still no teacher appointed though it is two months since the beginning
of Term), even though she will receive no salary, it is possible to
introduce a fuller timetable, which was brought into use today. Still
no Art Teacher and no Games and P.T. Master.
The
weather is in keeping with the times – no staff, no sunshine !
Typical monsoon weather with rain and heavy mist.
28/4/1949
The Annual Staff Vs School Cricket Match was played today. The Staff
batted first and scored 65 only. All seemed set for an easy victory
for the boys. But with the early dismissal of Fisher, the School became
shaky and were all out for 72 runs. The School side went down to the
pictures in the evening.
30/4/1949
Our First XI, with Rev Solomon in charge, went up by bus to Darjeeling
to play North Point in Cricket. (N.P. 87 all out before lunch. VS 61
for 8 when rain interfered with play).
Mr
N. Ghosh, our new Arts Master arrived last evening, and to my horror
I discovered that he can teach nothing but Art.
A
Pagal Gymkhana was held this evening for Stds II & III, and a Table
Tennis Tournament for Stds V, VI and VII.
3/5/1949
Quite an invasion today: Mr Chakravarty, the new Games and P.T. Master
reported this afternoon. Later Mr Barrow, Secretary and Inspector to
the Inter-Provisional Board for A-I Education, accompanied by Mr Staynor,
Inspector of A-I Schools, West Bengal, arrived. The inspector of Colleges,
Calcutta Univ., too, was due to inspect the College Dept today, but
did not put in an appearance.
5/5/1949
The Inspector of A-I Schools, West Bengal., inspected the Private accounts
of the School yesterday, and the School this morning. Mr Barrow visited
the School and the various classes this afternoon. Both left for Calcutta
at 3.30 p.m.
7/5/1949
North Point’s under 15 Cricket XI played ours here today. N.P.
106 for 7 declared. V.S. 50 for 9 when stumps were drawn.
“The
Thin Man goes to town” screened this evening.
The
first nice day for centuries.
9/5/1949
This morning Mr Lochner (this quarrelsome, troublesome man again) asked
me what was happening about the election of the Staff Representative.
When I said that only a frivolous nomination had been received, I had
nominated M Paine. He then said that Mr. Burnett (who had been responsible
for the frivolous nomination, together with Mr Murray-Smith) affirms
he was quite serious. This took me aback for I was sure the nominations
– one nominating the other – on the same scarp of paper
were meant as a joke. I informed Mr Lochner that the Headmaster had
the power to set aside the decision of an election whereupon he asked
if he might be shown the rule.
I then told him he was too fond of questioning the H.M’s orders
and that I would put him before the Inspector. He then went off and
carried to Messrs Burnett and Murray-Smith what I was supposed to have
said, obviously merely to cause mischief. Messrs Burnett and Murray-Smith
then came into my office and expressed surprise that I should have considered
their nominations which were made in all seriousness should be considered
frivolous and tried to argue against anything to the contrary. Mr Paine
later told me that Mr Burnett had the previous day at lunch said the
nominations were only a joke. But when Mr Paine in front of the staff
who were assembled on the wall during the break tackled Mr. B. the latter
denied having told him that it was a joke.
10/5/1949
Mr Burnett came up to my house this afternoon to discuss the whole affair
with reference to a remark I was supposed to have passed when Mr Lochner
and he came to see me this morning. We thrashed the matter out and Mr
Burnett admitted the nominations were only a joke and also that he had
told Mr Paine that they were meant as a joke, but he tried to justify
his actions in telling me in the presence of Mr Murray-Smith that the
nominations were serious, by some queer argument. It is obvious that
Mr Burnett feeling that by his orgiversations he had caused a great
deal of unpleasantness had come up to try to smooth things out.
It is strange that Mr Lochner who had not nominated anyone should wish
to take up the cudgels on behalf of some one who wasn’t in the
slightest interested. Mr Lochner remarked he was merely fighting for
his rights. This is not the first time this man has set the Staff by
the ears. He is a most undesirable influence among the Staff, and I
shall be glad to see the last of him.
The Cricket House Tournament commenced today.
13/5/1949
Mr Staynor arrived today for tomorrow’s meeting of the Governing
Body. He spoke to Messrs Burnett and Murray-Smith re. their frivolous
nominations.
14/5/1949
The Governing Body Meeting due to start at 11 am started at 12.30 pm.
As the D.P.I. was late in getting up from Siliguri. Mr Staynor spoke
to Mr Lochner re. the latter’s behaviour reported above. He returned
to Calcutta in the afternoon.
A Social – the first of the year – was held at Dow Hill,
Stds V to IX attending.
17/5/1949
I listened to Mr Ross giving the VI Std a lesson in English Grammar
and was quite satisfied with his treatment of the subject.
19/5/1949
The Cricket XI left for Darjeeling this morning. Victoria batted first
and scored 163. Rain prevented North Point from commencing their innings.
The team is being put up at North Point
20/5/1949
After a miserable early morning the day improved. The School was given
a half holiday. In the match against the Planters we scored 127 runs.
The Planters were hard to put to it to win, which they did after a very
thrilling match. Right to the end it looked as if we would win.
21/5/1949
North Point went in to bat this morning and scored 129 runs. Our team
returned at 5.30. in time to see “Random Harvest”.
23/4/1949
The first Term exams began this morning.
27/4/1949
The Exams ended at noon today and the holidays commenced.
A
number of boys went home.
The
Rev. G.B. Elliott gave a song recital which was much enjoyed. Dow Hill
were present.
28/5/1949
Fr. De Mellow took 20 boys down to Ambootia for the annual picnic for
Catholic boys. They returned at 4 pm drenched. Stds II, III, IV attended
a Social at Dow Hill and Stds V upwards went to the town cinema.
29/5/1949
Fourteen boys left with Mr Burnett on a hike to Tiger Hill. An educational
film “Instruments of the Orchestra” was shown this evening,
Dow Hill being present.
30/5/1949
It was reported to me a couple of days ago that a boy in B Dormitory
had lost some of his toilet requisites from his attache case in the
dressing room, and that Clayton and McSwains
had been seen entering the dormitory from the back the same day, and
also that Clayton was suspected of selling toilet requisites in the
bazaar. I investigated this evening. Both Clayton
and McSwains admitted to selling goods
in the bazaar.
31/5/1949
McSwains, afraid of a caning, ran away
this morning at 7.15. I was informed of this at 7.45. I informed the
police here and the Railway Authorities in Siliguri immediately.
1/6/1949
McSwains, who had returned last night was
brought back this morning by his sister with whom he had spent the night.
I have written to Mrs Clayton to remove
her son from School as early as possible. This is not the first or second
time this boy has been found stealing.
4/6/1949
“Hollywood Canteen” was shown this evening.
5/6/1949
A debate was held this evening, with Rev. Elliott in the Chair. “It
is better to live in extreme heat than in extreme cold” was the
topic. The motion was lost by 12 to 14.
9/6/1949
The King’s birthday - a public holiday. H.E., The Governor of
W. Bengal visited the School at 11.50 am today. He was shown around
the buildings; and then entered the Assembly Hall where the whole School
was assembled . After a few words of Welcome by the Headmaster, H.E.
replied. Later a photo was taken, at H.E’s request, of himself
with the Staff and Prefects. His party then had tea with the Headmaster,
and left at 1.30 pm. The rest of the day was a holiday.
10/6/1949
A Holiday was granted by H.E. the Governor.
The
Football Season opened this morning, the last match of the Cricket Season
having been played yesterday when the Irvine ran out victorious in the
cricket tournament.
11/6/1949
A Social was held here this evening from 6 to 8.15, the boys had decorated
the Assembly Hall very well and a very enjoyable evening was spent.
15/6/1949
A Kalimpong XI beat us today in Football (2 – 1). Young injured
his wrist.
18/6/1949
“The Show Off” was shown today.
19/6/1949
The Archbishop of Calcutta confirmed 4 girls and 1 boy of Dow Hill in
our Chapel this morning. A debate was held at night.
25/6/1949
A Social for Stds II to IV from here and Stds II to V from Dow Hill
was held here from 4.15 to 6.15 pm.
Stds
VIII and IX went to the Town Cinema.
27/6/1949
A game of soccer with the Forest School whom we beat 3 – 1.
2/7/1949
A Senior Social at Dow Hill.
4/7/1949
Vert heavy rain all night. Our rain gauge overflowed so the correct
amount could not be registered, but Kurseong registered 11.5 inches.
5/7/1949
The EXN (?) from Darjeeling visited the school and saw our “sieve”
for himself. He has instructed the Asst. Eng. To strip parts of the
ceiling to try to locate the leaks. The heavy rain comntinues.
6/7/1949
In the first of our series of Soccer matches with Goethals our 2nd XI
were beaten (4 – 1) at Goethals.
7/7/1949
Our 3rd XI were beaten here (5 – 1) on a very wet evening.
8/7/1949
As the morning promised fine a holiday was granted; but the afternoon
being wet, classes were held as usual from 1.15 onwards.
Boxing
at night.
9/7/1949
“Mrs Minerva” was much enjoyed this evening.
Some very fine Australian Educational films, including the Great Barrier
Reef – a magnificent picture in technicolour, were shown to the
boys on Thursday night in place of study.
10/7/1949
We have been threatened by a dhobi strike. Some days ago all the Schools
in Darjeeling and Kurseong received registered letters emanating from
the so-called Razak (Dhobi) Samily (?) (Association) saying that unless
satisfactory replies were received by July 8th dhobis would cease work
on July 15th. The satisfactory reply demanded was an acceding to their
demand for enhanced (very much so) rates.I contacted the local Schools
and later North Point from whom I found that the leader of this union
was none other than their Head Dhobi; and our decision to ignore the
required registered letters was approved. Nothing more was heard till
I learned last week that our dhobis were informing our Staff that they
would have to pay Rs 12/8 per 100 pieces in the future. The Dow Hill
dhobis, too, were acting in a like manner. On sending for my dhobis
and asking them I found they were very much in the hands of the Union
and would not give me their final decision as to whether they would
work or clear out until they had consulted their Union which is supposed
to be holding a meeting in Kurseong today. So it seems as if these,
our best servants of the past, have at last been got at and that we
are in for a packet of trouble.
11/7/1949
The dhobis are now supposed to be infavour of breaking away from the
Union but are demanding Rs 6/4 per 100 for the School and Rs 12/8 for
the Staff. Am probing into the matter still further, (I found the dissatisfaction
has been caused mainly by under payment of the Staff, some of whom have
obviously been exploiting these unfortunates. This is unfortunately,
in keeping with the meanness of our present Staff. I find, however,
that other dhobis in Kurseong are still working on a per capita basis.
Our 1st XI was beaten by St Alphonsus' (2 – 1)
13/7/1949
A fair weather holiday. It turned out a lovely afternoon. Our 4th XI
was beaten at Goethals (10 – 0)
My accountant, an excellent man, handed over to the 3rd Clerk in the
absence of his successor who, I hear, is getting out of coming. This
means we shall be one clerk short, and goodness knows how long this
state of affairs will last.
14/7/1949
A lovely morning and so I gave another “fair weather” holiday
as the boys have been behaving themselves very well and as the weather
has all this year given us no opportunity of a “fair weather”
holiday. The whole school was sent out for a walk or a swim in the charge
of members of the Staff.
16/7/1949
The whole School was kept occupied this evening: Stds II & III were
given a pagal gymkhana, and others a whist drive and a table tennis
tournament – all supervised by the prefects.
17/7/1949
An Inter-School debate was held this eveing at Dow Hill at 7 pm. “The
Cinema Does More Harm Than Good” was the subject. Though Victoria
won by ½ a point (151 – 150½) the decision was in
favour of Dow Hill because two of the three judges (Fr Coffey, S.J.,
Rev. Solomon and myself) had voted for Dow Hill – a most unexpected
and unfair decision, as the debate was to be decided on points.
The boys (A. Essau, B. Barraclough, M. Robinson and R. Dunbar) spoke
magnificently and fully deserved the victory, the denial to them of
which has driven them to the belief that no matter what they do the
victory will always be given to the girls. B. Barraclough was adjudged
the best speaker. Earlier in the day Goethals Firsts beat us (4 –
1) here.
19/7/1949
The dhobi’s refused my efforts to increase their wages to Rs 2/6
per boy and an appreciable increase in the rates payable by the Staff;
so I dismissed them and wired down to Calcutta for a new set. I am sorry
to lose the old dhobis who have served Victoria faithfully for 50 years,
but they have evidently been got at, probably by communists.
No accountant yet – the man appointed having backed out.
23/7/1949
“Casablanca” was screend today.
No
games played this week in an attempt not to dirty clothes. Dow Hill
has weakened and compromised with their dhobi’s.
24/7/1949
Mr Burnett spoke this evening on “Photography as a hobby”.
I
phoned Darjeeling and was told North Point had got their new dhobi’s
(Muslims) from Calcutta and that our men were coming down this evening.
They have not arrived.
25/7/1949
I phoned Darjeeling to enquire about dhobi’s only to learn the
contractor had underestimated the work to be done and had not brought
sufficient dhobis for North Point, Loreto and ourselves and that he
had only then wired for reinforcements. Seeing how unsatisfactory this
was and realising that the new dhobis would be no less expensive and
certainly not half as good as our old men contacted our dhobis who were
only too willing to compromise and accepted terms similar to but more
favourable towards us than Dow Hill’s. I am delighted, for it
has been a nerve-racking week of uncertainty.
26/7/1949
A fairish morning, so a holiday was granted.
28/7/1949
A lovely bright, hot, sunny day – a most amazing break in the
monsoon. A thunderstorm in the evening, cutting off telephones.
Our
2nd XI was beaten by Goethals (5 – 1).
29/7/1949
Another lovely day, with a terrific thunderstorm at 4 pm.
30/7/1949
The Senior classes went to the pictures in town, the Juniors attended
a Social at Dow Hill, while Stds V & VI had a table tennis tournament
which however, could not be completed owing to a failure of the electricity.
31/7/1949
The usual fortnightly debate could not be held tonight because of no
lights.
5/8/1949
The whole School went down to a special matinee at the Plaza to see
“The XIV Olympiad”.
6/8/1949
“Courage of Lassie” was shown today in glorious weather.
Goethals
III Std came to play our III Std in soccer. We won 5 love. The visiting
team stayed on to tea and the pictures.
7/8/1949
Mr Ross spoke on “The Importance of Little things”.
11/8/1949
The House Tournaments concluded this evening with an exceptional and
most interesting result: the winners this evening were to win the tournament.
The houses were Irvine and Mallory. But the matches in the three divisions
left neither victorious. In the Juniors Irvine won 1 – 0 after
a most exciting finish. On the middle field Mallory won 2 love, while
in the very last match of the season Mallory Seniors most unexpectedly
drew with Irvine.
12/8/1949
Mrs Lochner had to leave suddenly today for her confinement in Darjeeling.
She will be away for a month or six weeks. Her husband is to leave for
England in the beginning of September. This means there’ll be
a two short on the Staff; and of course, officially we are still without
a Second Standard teacher. Though I asked the Department three months
ago for permission to recruit someone to fill Mrs Lochner’s post
during her absence. I have not even heard whether her leave has been
sanctioned. It is quite impossible to run a School on these lines.
13/8/1949
A dance in honour of Independence Day was held from 6 to 8.30 pm. Organised
by Rev. Solomon and the Prefects, it was a big success.
15/8/1949
Feast of the Assumption and Independence Day – a holiday. Mass
at 7.30 am. A concert at Dow Hill.
16/8/1949
The Hockey Season opened with a match between the Prefects and the rest
of the School.
20/8/1949
“Love Laughs at Andy Hardy” was screened today.
22/8/1949
The Second Term Exams began today.
27/8/1949
Second Term holidays commenced this morning at 9. In the evening there
was a Junior Social at Victoria.
28/8/1949
The Rev. A. Solomon gave a very interesting talk and gramophone recital
this evening.
30/8/1949
The holiday ended at 5 pm.
2/9/1949
The Inter-House boxing Finals were held this evening. Two of the three
judges were unconnected with the School. R. Fisher was given the prize
for the Most Scientific Boxer in the Senior Division, and N. Sarkar,
the Best Loser. In the Junior Section, the prizes were awarded to awarded
to S. Fisher and D.W. Avery respectively. Two prizes were awarded to
xxx who had not already won prizes – S. Herbert and A.(?) Fisher
being the winners.
There
was a baptism in the Anglican Chapel last evening, when the Lochner’s
baby was Christened, John Victor.
3/9/1949
After a bad start the day brightened early in the afternoon and we had
bright weather for our fete. A very enjoyable day.
4/9/1949
Some very interesting educational films borrowed from the Central Film
Library, Govt of India, New Delhi were shown today.
5/9/1949
Mr Lochner left for England. The 4th Std and a couple of the senior
boys were allowed down to the station to see him off.
The
Y.M.A. played us in hockey and beat us 2 – 1.
8/9/1949
Goethals VIII Std drew with our VIII in hockey (0 – 0) on our
ground.
A
fierce thunderstorm at night. A tree above the day lavatories was cut
in two by lightening.
9/9/1949
Educational films tonight.
10/9/1949
“Lost Horizons” could not be completed because of a failure
of electric current.
16/9/1949
Cyclonic rain after a spell of bright weather.
17/9/1949
A mixed debate was held at Dow Hill at 7 pm. The motion was “School
days are not the happiest days of our lives”. B. Barraclough very
deservedly was adjudged the best speaker. The motion was lost.
18/9/1949
Mr Higgins gave a lengthy but very interesting talk on “Abstracts
of International Law”.
19/91949
The house (Hockey) Tournaments began today. K. Pathe (Std 4) was baptised
in the Anglican Chapel this evening.
22/9/1949
The Metropolitan of India, the Rt. Rev. G. Hubback, confirmed 8 Dow
Hill girls and the following boys in the Anglican Chapel today: Barraclough
C., Beale D., Boardman W., Douglas L., Footman A., Orr A., Prins A.,
Robinson M.
23/9/1949
Barraclough C. (Preparatory), Avery D.W. (Preparatory) and Falloon R.
(Senior) went down to Goethals School this morning for their Trinity
College of Music Exam. All three passed with honours, the first two
gaining 89 marks each, and the last 88 marks. Mrs Gwynne is to be congratulated
on their excellent results.
24/9/1949
“Bringing up baby” was shown this evening; or, at least,
two thirds of it, for the electric current failed in the course of the
performance.
25/9/1949
No lights again.
26/9/1949
The whole School attended a concert at Goethals. No lights yet.
27/9/1949
Poojah Holidays commenced at 3 pm. Today.
29/9/1949
A filthy day. Yesterday, too, was a wet day.
Last
evening some educational films were shown to both Victoria and Dow Hill
and were much appreciated. “Treasure Island” shown this
evening.
The
wet weather continues. 7 inches of rain fell yesterday.
30/9/1949
Educational films (Australian) shown after another wet miserable day.
1/10/1949
“Devil’s Brother” was much enjoyed by the boys and
girls.
The
Scouts who went out with Mr Higgins on Tuesday afternoon returned this
evening. They had been up to Senchal, with visits to Darjeeling and
Wood Cot where they spent the last two nights.
2/10/1949
Boys returning from the Poojahs. Some unable to return because of dislocation
of traffic due to several landslides on both railway and road between
Kurseong and Siliguri.
4/10/1949
A Dress Rehearsal of our concert was held at 5 pm. And was attended
by Goethals. The Convent were unable to come because of a fancy Dress
Dance they were holding.
5/10/1949
The Concert, very well attended, was a great success. “Ten Minute
Alibi” adapted by Rev. Solomon was acted by the Senior Boys, and
a little sketch written and produced by Mr Burnett was acted by the
Junior Cambridge.
6/10/1949
A holiday granted. The morning was taken up in running and jumping practice.
The actors were allowed to the Cinema. Lovely weather.
8/10/1949
Dow Hill Fete and Dance.
9/10/1949
The final debate of the year. The subject was “That this School
should be organised and managed by the boys with masters in an advisory
capacity only.” The judges were Miss Harley, Miss clayton and
Mrs Solomon. They all considered the standard of debating very high.
The subject was disclosed only an hour before the debate, so that speeches
were almost extempore. B. Barraclough (Std VIII) was adjudged the best
speaker in the senior division, and C. Barraclough (Std VI) in the junior
division. The motion was later put to the vote and lost by an overwhelming
majority.
T.
Barton and R. Fisher were invited to play for Darjeeling against a Calcutta
side in cricket. Darjeeling was beaten easily.
Rain
in the afternoon which made the road near the Dow Hill P.O. quite unmotorable.
10/10/1949
A very warm morning. The heats were run off. Rain in the afternoon.
12/10/1949
The monsoon seems to have returned. Preparation for the Sports being
held up by rain.
The
Royal Drawing Society Exam started today. D. Beale., R. Atkinson., R.
Dunbar and T. Barton are appearing.
15/10/1949
The morning broke fine and bright but clouds soon appeared and we were
kept in suspense all day; but there was no rain and the Sports went
off very successfully. Baptist won the Inter-School 220 yards for us
very comfortable. Both second and third places, however, went to Goethals.
Tea was followed by a dance. There were not very many visitors this
year.
16/10/1949
Past Vs Present soccer match which the former won (3 – 1). Their
team continued only four old boys, the rest being made up of our staff
and boys.
17/10/1949
A holiday. “Top Hat” was screened this evening but the film
was a very old one and the sound was very poor, indeed at 2 pm. We discovered
that one of the valves in our projector hadblown and so we had to ask
Goethals for their projector.
Days are cloudy, misty and cold, and the sun barely ever shines after
7 am. We started evening class for the S.C. and some weak boys of the
PSC and Std VI also.
No
coal here or in the station. Landslips during the Poojah have suspended
all carriage of goods. We have to go to wood (at Rs 10/0 a rudda (?))
20/10/1949
Goethals Sports. Eighty boys attended. We were beaten in the Inter-School
Relay. A fine day.
22/10/1949
On account of the impossibility of getting coal and the dearness of
fire wood we have had to reduce baths to one a week only. There is no
prospect of coal supplies being resumed for some time.
“Tarzan
the Apeman” was screened today.
26/10/1949
Dow Hill sports after which there was a dance.
Our Elocution Competition was held on Monday 24th. Miss Harley, Mrs
Solomon and Fr Daly were the judges. A very keen competition. The
judges found it difficult to arrive at decisions. Foll were the results;
Juniors: (1) M. French., (2) A. Tatum (the poem was “Good Night”);
Middles (1) M. Robinson., (2) L. Hardy (the poem “The Donkey”);
Seniors (1) K. Baptist, (2) R. Dunbar (the poem “Cargoes”)
29/10/1949
“A Night at the Opera” was shown today.
Our
bright weather has only too soon, alas, left us.
30/10/1949
A spot of rain this morning. Cloudy all day. Std IV upwards (Catholics)
attended the Corpus Christi procession at St. Helen’s at 3 pm.
1/11/1949
All Saints. Services in both churches.
Speech
Day with Lt. Col. R.I. MacAlpine presiding at 3 pm. And Mrs MacAlpine
distributing the prizes.
5/11/1949
Trinity College of Music, London, theory Exam at Goethals School at
10 am. Ronald Falloon the only candidate.
Dow
Hill’s Speech Day. Entertainment and Dance. Wonderful weather.
I have never seen the atmosphere clearer and the snows so distinct.
12/11/1949
Governing Body meeting at Dow Hill. Mr Staynor leaves.
“Sea of Grass” scheduled for today did not arrive. Another
western took its place. Our good weather continues.
14/11/1949
A picnic for Stds II & III with Miss Lawrence in charge. I joined
them on the range for tea.
17/11/1949
Though the days are bright and warm, the nights have become cold. No
coal at all. Stoves in the Assembly Hall cannot be used, so boys are
going to bed at 8 pm. Instead of at 8.30 pm and 9 pm.
21/11/1949
Cambridge papers arrive. Our final Examinations commence.
25/11/1949
Exams finish and books taken in. “Billy the Kid” shown at
5pm.
26/11/1949
Bonfire. Farewell Dinenr and a short Concert brought the year to a close.
Police patrols requisitioned and malis on guard prevent a recurrence
of last years thefts.
27/11/1949
Two boys left this morning by plane for Calcutta. The main party of
47, with Mr Higgins in charge, left at 12 noon.
28/11/1949
The second party (35), under Mr Ross, left today.
The
Cambridge Examinations commenced this morning at 9 am.
Glorious
warm sunshine.
9/12/1949
The exams gave over last evening. The lovely weather has lasted right
through till yesterday when clouds gathered and a few drops of rain
fell.
Today
again was a cold , bleak day, but only after the boys had left by the
North Bengal Express, with Mr Murray-Smith in charge.