To the Editor of the "Norra-Cuind Dairy News."
Sir,—It was with deep regret I learnt in this morning's paper of the sudden death of our old Head Master Geo.. Lanning.
In life he was quiet and unassuming and his personal magnetism was such that he controlled the boys with ease and had no need to recourse to punishment.
I remember on one occasion he was to give us a lesson in English literature and was a few minutes late in coming to the class room when a youth thought of amusing by throwing booke about, it quickly developed into an inter form fight and soon the air was dark with flying books and excitement ran high, when suddenly there was silence and every boy had found his seat and was poring assiduously over his book, this complete change was caused by Mr. Lanning's entrance. Only ome I saw him use a cane and he did so, I believe, at the request of the boy's father and then 1 knew that Mr, Lanning could cane effectively if he wished.
He called us by our names and not surnames; which brought master and pupil closer and to encourage, us at times he gave us er medals" in the shape of ten cent pieces. Some of these "medals" are still cherished by his "boys"
-day.
He was upright and just, boys of whatever colour received the same courteous treatment.
He wished to educate us on broad lines and give us much' general knowledge 60 that we could in a measure feel that there was a greater life beyond our small sphere.
Well may his "boys" emulate his good example and thereby carry on the teachings he inculeat-
I am. ete., R. D. Apranam. Shanghai, Jan. 19.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.