Former Teacher Biographies

Jane Murrion Finlayson ( - ), Lady Superintendent and Infant Mistress
 

The Presentation to Miss Finlayson.

An interesting function took place in the Marine Hotel on the evening of Friday, 15th January, when Miss Finlayson, the lady superintendent of the College and the headmistress of the Kindergarten School, was presented with a handsome solid silver tea and coffee service by the former pupils (girls) in recognition of her semi-jubilee. The company numbered seventy, and were the guests of Miss Finlayson. On her entry into the drawing-room Miss Finlayson was presented with an exquisite shower bouquet by Miss Grizel Blackwook Murray.

Miss Linder, in making the presentation, said that they were met to do honour to one who had long acted as their guide, philosopher, and friend. It was at all times a pleasing task to do honour to those they esteemed, and the pleasure was very much increased when it was found that this feeling was shared by many others. It was now over twenty-five years since Miss Finlayson had begun her duties in Madras College ; and through the many changes that had taken place there she had formed a strong link between present and past pupils. In concluding, Miss Linder expressed the hope that Miss Finlayson would long be spared to use the gifts which were, after all, but a feeble token of the regard which they had for her.

In reply Miss Finlayson prefaced an interesting and reminiscent speech by a gracefully expressed appreciation of the kindness which had prompted such a valuable proof of their esteem. The words of Miss Linder had afforded her great comfort. She held often been helped by the kindly counsel and appreciative words of the parents and by the loving sympathy of the pupils. It was a matter of great satisfaction to her to read the names of so many Kindergarten boys in the school "Roll of Honour." Their thoughts turned to them at that critical time, and they wished them God-speed and a safe return. The girls did not have their names inscribed on the Roll, but she was quite sure they were "doing their bit." Miss Finlayson recalled many interesting details of past days connected with school life within and without the classrooms, and in concluding said that Madras College lay as near her heart as it did twenty-five years ago, and that her work, which had been so appreciated by them, had been inspired by the words of the hero of Lucknow, who wished to have inscribed on his tomb—"Henry Lawrence, who had tried to do his duty."

The following inscription is engraved on the teapot of the service :—" Presented to Miss J. M. Finlayson 011 the completion of twenty-five years as Lady Superintendent, by the Madras College F.P. (Girls) as a token of their appreciation. St. Andrews, 25/6/14."

 

The Madras College Magazine for June 1928 reports:

On June 24th, 1927, there was a gathering of Madras F.P.'s in the Gymnasium to honour Miss Finlayson, who, a short time before, had resigned from the position she held for so long in the Madras College. On behalf of the Former Girls and Old Boys Miss Simpson presented Miss Finlayson with a Grandmother Clock. A happy evening was spent, and the music contributed by Miss Sturrock and Messrs. Foster was greatly appreciated.

To the Former Girls Miss Finlayson's name will always be associated with their Club. Since its foundation, for which she is responsible, she has never ceased to work for its success, and only those who have been office-bearers can fully appreciate how much is due to her. Miss Finlayson has the good wishes of all her old pupils.