The Prince of Wales and the Headmaster, G E Blanche.
He was, according to his obituary, “a great worker, and a kindly soul, even amid the petty irritations or schoolboy pranks and untidiness”. 24 The Board Minutes of 6 December record what had been going on behind the scenes. The kitchen staff, under the supervision of Miss Bell, had made soups, jellies, and invalid food for the Central Depot in the city where it had been distributed to those in need. The Bursar placed on record the “services rendered” by the Matrons, Miss Young and Miss Bull and many of the Masters and household staff. 25 If 1918 was disrupted, then 1920 was no better. The expectation of parents of the 107 new entrants must have been that the risk of influenza was long past, especially the parents of boarders who had travelled from as far afield as Blackball, Epsom and Masterton. Hardly had the term started when the Chaplain, Stephen Parr, mentioned in the Chapel Service Register that on 8 February, there was an influenza scare and the newspaper reported that about 60 boys were affected. 26 The boarders, having so recently arrived were not sent home, but camped on Upper “under military discipline” and attended
College during the morning and the afternoons were largely free. Cricket games were organised, sing-songs and campfire concerts occupied the afternoons and evenings. One evening, heavy rain meant that the tents had to be evacuated – they were rather old and rotten – and refuge was taken inside the Houses. 27 A fortnight later, the dayboys returned for a 15-week term, so organised to be open for the visit by the Prince of Wales. The Board Minutes of 15 April record that by that date, there were already 55 boys with another round of influenza and the number was increasing. A “peremptory” order had been received from the Health Officer and “the attendance of all dayboys was to cease forthwith”. 28 The Headmaster decided that the autumn holidays would begin immediately and include the 10 days or so of quarantine. 29 Despite the arrival of the Prince of Wales in the extended holidays on 16 May, about 100 cadets paraded and were joined by Old Boys and parents. There was more to come. Mumps appeared in the second term and in the third term, two dozen School
24 Christ’s College Register December 1918 pp105–106. A plaque was set into the side of Big School recording William Vagg, a faithful servant of this school. See also Teal, FJ. 2012 William Vagg, In Black & White No 34. 25 Christ’s College Board Minutes 6 December 1918. 26 Christ’s College Chapel Service Register Term 1 1920; Sunday 16 April 1920.
27 Christ’s College Register April 1920 p329. 28 Christ’s College Board Minutes 15 April 1920. 29 Christ’s College Register April 1920 p300.
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