Rioting students? Not a problem for Mr Carey Francis

The first three headmasters of the Alliance High School (1926-70) from left: Carrey Francis-the father of mathematics, Rev G.W Grieve and Mr Francis. [File, Standard]

At a time when the country was literally burning and student riots were the order of the day, a former university don set out to quash this rebellion.

Edward Carey Francis was so strict that even teachers’ wives had to be mindful of the perfumes they wore, the colour of dress they chose for the school parade and, more importantly, the hemline–exposing the thigh could send Francis on the rampage. Then, it was mandatory for teachers’ spouses to attend school assemblies at Alliance High School.