The series reflects the development and activities of the Vernon Preparatory School for boys and the lives of its proprietors, Augustine (1879-1965) and Hugh (1882-1971) Mackie.

The records include a list of pupils, a copy of the school register, sample pupil reports, an account book, clipping books, and miscellaneous notebooks. It also includes numerous notebooks filled with sermons and talks to the boys by Augustine Mackie. Some of the sermons were from his period as a priest in England prior to emigrating to Canada. School materials include complete runs of the Old Boys' News Letter (1951-1961) and the Chronicle of the Vernon Preparatory School (1918-1950). There is also considerable private material relating to Mackie family members, both those in Canada and in England. This includes correspondence, genealogical material, a marriage contract (1871), diaries, journals, scrapbooks and clipping books. Augustine was a devoted conservationist and fish and game enthusiast and there are copies of several articles written by him on the topic.

Diaries (5 vols.): Aug 5, 1862 - Apr 3, 1863, and Apr 1 - Sep 12, 1867; Nov 24, 1867 - Apr 15, 1868, and Jun 28-29, 1868; 1862; 1883; and 1884. Entries describe Marriner's voyage from England around Cape Horn to Victoria in 1862 and his life, work, expenditures and receipts at his farms at Somenos and Cowichan Bay. Volume 2, 1867-1868, contains detailed reports of sermons heard at Anglican Church services he attended.

Series consists of personal correspondence, business papers, letters of introduction (many to federal government cabinet ministers), testimonials, newspaper dispatches and clippings, poems, sermons, memorial cards, inspirational notes, share certificates and related documents. The records also include genealogical notes, along with correspondence between Norris family members in England, Quebec and British Columbia.