1912

1920

We are fortunate in securing as Mr. Duthic's successor Mr. John C. Caldwell, M.A., who was Dux of the School in 1899. Since then Mr. Caldwell has taken his degree with Honours in Classics, and has had some most successful experience as a teacher in Forfar Academy. Mr. Caldwell, besides being an excellent scholar and teacher, is an expert Rugby player, and played in the 1st XV at the University. He is both able and willing to help the boys in their games.

The Madras College Magazine for August 1947 reports on pages 2-3:

Mr Caldwell, whose culture and humanity were woven into the web and texture of our tradition, has just retired after being associated with the school as pupil and teacher for over half a century.

Mr. Caldwell

Many generations of pupils have been familiar with the imposing figure of Mr. J. C. Caldwell striding across the quadrangle of Madras College ; very many of those pupils were fortunate in having his guidance, deliberate and purposeful like his great stride, towards the understanding of, and feeling for, what is great in literature ; and still more of them felt his influence in the various school activities outside the classroom, especially in games and sports and in swimming. Most pupils could find in him a kindly friend and counsellor, and, though he is retiring at the end of the current session, old pupils can count on his continued interest in them and in their doings.

His relations with his colleagues and with people generally are such as might be expected in one who, though naturally reserved, is also by nature very kind and friendly and has the humanist's catholicity of taste and interest that does not disdain any thing that concerns mankind. Those who have heard him deliver a set speech could find, in the easy and unhurried flow of his periods, echoes of his master Cicero ; and, in his more recent pursuit of gardening, doubtless his grasp of the principles of that art is, or, in his impending leisure, will soon be, as sound as his Classical scholarship.

Madras College takes formal leave of Mr. Caldwell and wishes him all health and happiness in his retirement, but hopes that, when he has some time to spare, his feet may carry him to the precincts of Madras or to the Games field and the Step Hock. His welcome is assured.

J. D. McP
 

The Madras College Magazine for August 1948 reports on page 4:

It is fitting and proper that we record our profound grief at the death of Mr. Caldwell so soon after his retiral, and we extend our deep sympathy to his widow and family.