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| Wednesday, 29 September 2004 |
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Peter Harold Nonis - a life of service by Dr. N. D. Amerasekera To live for a time close to great minds is the best kind of education. - John Buchan Peter Harold Nonis was born on November 13, 1901 in the southern town of Matara. His father Rev. H. A. Nonis was then the Superintendent Minister in charge of the local Methodist church. His mother was Emily Nonis. Harold Nonis was the fourth in a family of six. He had a brother and a sister younger to him and 3 older sisters. Harold Nonis' first teacher was his father until he was enrolled in the fourth standard at Richmond College, Galle under the Principalship of Rev. W. J. T. Small. At Richmond he fell hopelessly in love with cricket and spent all his waking hours playing the game. When it came to exams he came out on top with the minimum of effort. The W. J. T. Small era was the finest period in the history of that school and his inspired leadership had a lasting impression on the young Harold Nonis. Little else is known of his life at Richmond except he topped the merit list in the Cambridge Junior Examination. He joined Wesley College in July 1918 and was placed in the 6th form during the 'reign' of Rev. Henry Highfield. There he soon excelled as an all rounder. Harold Nonis was scholar and a fine cricketer and captained the school 1st XI team in 1921. He was a talented left hand batsman and scored an unbeaten century against St. Joseph's College. Much has been written about his model innings of patience and concentration. To quote his son Harilal: "My father related an interesting story about the century of 103 runs which he scored against St. Joseph's. Apparently he did not know his score and was stuck on 99 runs for half an hour!! Several people in the pavilion were like cats on hot bricks and one person was muttering 'what is that chap Nonis doing instead of getting his century". Evidently he very nearly got a heart attack!! Finally my father scored a boundary and was out soon after." He was recognised as one of the best schoolboy cricketers in 1921 and went on to play for the Combined Colleges team against Trinity College. Rev. Highfield inspired him tremendously and his association with the school was a rewarding experience which served as an anchor in his later years. Harold Nonis became one of Highfield's best students and completed his brilliant career winning the Hill Medal for being 2the outstanding scholar in 1920 and also in his final year. He was the Senior Prefect in 1921. After leaving Wesley he played cricket briefly for the SSC. Harold Nonis graduated with a degree from the London University in Mathematics and Classics. For a brief spell (1921-23) he returned to his roots at Richmond College as a teacher. This was before the days of teacher training and in his words, "threw himself at the deep end." Kenneth de Lanerolle recalls being a Form 1 student at Richmond when Harold Nonis became his class master and Latin teacher. KDeL: "It must have been some charisma in the man which made us take him to our hearts without question, wait on his every word and write to him in the holidays - letters which he never failed to reply." Harold Nonis was appointed as a teacher at Wesley in September 1924. This was Henry Highfield's final year as Principal. Then there was neither a salary scale nor a pension scheme for teacher. Within a week of joining the staff, Rev. John Dalby, arrived as the new Vice Principal. Harold Nonis: "It was a joy for me to work with him at Wesley during the next 15 years." Rev. Highfield was his mentor and friend and his work ethic had a lasting effect on his life. Living in the hallowed grounds of Wesley, Harold Nonis immersed himself fully in the life of the school, supporting and encouraging sports despite his arduous administrative and teaching duties. The school recognised his commitment and he was promoted to be the Acting Principal in 1938 which he continued for 2 years. One of his outstanding achievements during this period was the purchase of the sports pavilion at Campbell Park from the Tamil Union Cricket Club, for which he will always be remembered. On looking back this was a move of exceptional wisdom as it paved the way for an outright purchase of the grounds when the situation arose. In 1942 he left Wesley to become the Principal of Kingswood College Kandy. Harold Nonis was the first Ceylonese to hold that position since its founder L. E. Blaze. A missionary colleague told him: "If you've got to live it is best to live in Kandy." Prof. K. M. de Silva in his many writings pays Harold Nonis the ultimate tribute as being one of the finest educationists of his time. When he was appointed to lead Kingswood, the school was in crisis. The senior staff members like J. C. A. Corea and Dudley de Silva (both became Principals of Royal College Colombo) left Kingswood having lost confidence in the leadership immediately prior to his arrival. The remaining senior teachers rallied round the new principal. Younger enthusiastic graduates were employed to improve academic standards and the school was saved from this spiral of decline. His record of dedicated service to the school, unmatched since the early years of its existence made him the obvious choice to fill the post of principal of his old school Wesley when it became vacant in 1957". To leave Kingswood after an enormously successful period where he was loved and respected, now at the twilight of his career, must have been an extremely difficult decision. Harold Nonis returned as Principal of his alma mater bringing with him a wealth of experience. It was a belated home coming to complete the work he started as the Vice Principal and to uphold the rich ideals of its founders. It must have been deeply nostalgic to address the assembly at the great hall and to walk the long corridors at Wesley, once again. Every head of school since Highfield has lived in the Principal's bungalow. It must have been awe inspiring to live in this 100 years old building, now a part of Wesley's rich heritage. I first met Mr. P.H. Nonis in 1957 as a Form IV student. He also brought with him a quiet dignity and courtesy which pervaded the entire school. It was a time of tremendous change in the country, after independence Education in general and the Missionary schools in particular suffered immeasurably. It was during his 'reign" the decision was taken to run Wesley as a private non-fee levying school, with all the problems it entailed. During these turbulent times he was a rock and an anchor in the tempests and trials in the life of the school. His clam integrity in situations often dominated by powerful politicians, old boys and parents is now a part of the folklore of the school. He was cool in times of strife and remained courageous to the very end. Harold Nonis retired as principal of Wesley on the 15th of December 1960 after 41 years of service to education. Being the son of a Methodist manse his life was inextricably linked to Richmond, Kingswood and Wesley. He gave of his best and served them with great distinction. With his genuine enthusiasm he excited and inspired generations of classicists. He gave much to many. As a scholar, sportsman, teacher, Principal and friend he made a lasting impression on us all. He will be remembered for his formidable intellect and the gentle way he tried to convey it to his pupils. His interest in everyone as an individual whether colleague or pupil and his permanent friendliness which he sustained throughout his career was a result of a very deep and real relationship with his Lord. He was a lay preacher and had a deep and unwavering faith. After retirement he spent a brief spell in England and returned home to live in Nugegoda. He kept in touch with many of his past pupils and took great pride in their achievements. During this time he celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary. Tribute must be paid to Mrs. Doris Nonis for her support for the school in all those years. Harold Nonis was an honoured guest at the many Wesley College prize giving and old boys celebrations which he enjoyed immensely. Above all he was a family man. He doted on his only grandchild who brought much happiness to his life. Harilal rose to become a Director of Mackwoods Estates and Agencies Ltd and Prasad worked for the Insurance Corporation. The time passed swiftly until his health finally failed. He retained his phenomenal memory and the pride and love for his school until the very end, Peter Harold Nonis died in April 1980 at the age of 79. His remains lay in state at the Wesley College Hall when past and present pupils and teachers, from Kingswood and Wesley, paid their respects. The funeral took place at kanatte on the 12th April. All who knew him mourned the loss of a dear friend, dedicated professional and a remarkably versatile human being. Grant him O Lord Eternal peace (I am deeply indebted to Harilal and Nilanthi Nonis for providing the information hitherto unavailable in the public domain. Credits are also due to Prof. K.M. de Silva and B.A. Thambapillai from whose accounts I drew much inspiration) |
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