Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/51

Rh surveying would probably be, that we should make him a very indifferent physician and a very indifferent surveyor.—[Book O. page 127.] 8th July, 1837.

Surveying.—I do not object to the proposed letter. My opinion is that if the Government will provide a good instructor or instructors, a proper apparatus and a place for meeting, a large surveying class will soon be formed. I think this a much better course than to connect the study of surveying with the existing schools. Such a general surveying class as I spoke of would include the Hindus, Mahomedans and Christians. If we form a surveying class at the Hindu College, that class will contain only Hindoos. If we form one at the Madrassa it will contain only Mahomedans. The expense of forming a really good surveying class at either of those institutions would probably be nearly as great as the expense of forming a class such as I propose, which would include students of all races and religions.—[Book O. page 131.] 21st July, 1837.

Application for a Mastership.—Mr. —————— seems indeed to be so little concerned about proselytising, that he does not even know how to spell the word, a circumstance which, if I did not suppose it to be a slip of the pen, I should think a more serious objection than the Reverend which formerly stood before his name. I am quite content with his assurances.—[Book M. page 144.] 2nd September, 1837.

School library available to the public.—I would allow strangers to take books under such regulations as may protect the interest of the school which is the first object, but I would in all such cases require a payment to be applied to the purpose of buying fresh books.—[Book O. page 186.] 8th August, 1837.

Proposed increase of the Secretary's Salary.—Mr. Sutherland states very correctly that of late his duties have increased, and no addition has been made to the salary of his office. But after considering the whole subject with a most sincere desire to do justice both to our Secretary and to the public, I cannot say that I should feel myself justified in proposing an increase. The question of course is to be considered not merely as it affects an existing incumbent, but generally. For it is much easier to keep a salary down than to cut it down when it has been increased. The real point to be determined is whether, in the existing state of the demand and supply of intellectual labour in India, 500 Rupees a month and a house, (for that I think is the present remuneration of our Secretary) be sufficient to procure good and efficient services.

It is to be remembered that the business of our Secretary by no means occupies the whole of the principal part of the time