Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/68

Rh the Local Committee should have been so egregiously mistaken in their estimate of the cost of running up bungalows.

I have had abundant opportunities of learning since I have been in this country that some of the executive engineers are very unreasonable in their charges, and I cannot help thinking that this must be the case with Captain T——————. I would rather allow house-rent than assent to the proposition of the LcoalLocal [sic] Committee.—[Book K. page 66.] 30th April, 1836.

Donation of Rupees 500 from the Agra Bank.—Yes, if they have no globes. It seems to me that we should not act wisely in throwing a present of this sort, not large in amount, yet very handsomely given, into the general fund and employing it to pay School-masters at Dacca or to buy stationery for Ghazipore. I think that it should be laid out in procuring something which, while it is of use, may also continue for a considerable time, to remind people of the liberal conduct of the Agra Bank. Two handsome globes for the Agra College would do exceedingly well. We might ask the Local Committee what we shall do with the surplus. Some scientific apparatus may perhaps be required.—[Book L. page 17.] 28th April, 1836.

Arabic Teachers at Agra College.—I do not understand from the letter that there are several classes. The Committee speak only of one. But we ought to be fully satisfied that there is not a demand for the services of an Arabic teacher before we recommend to Government the abolition of the office. It is not enough that the Local Committee think, as I think, that the money may be more usefully spent. What we have to ascertain, under the orders of Government is, whether the teacher will have a respectable number of pupils if we appoint him. I think that we should point this out to the Local Committee and call for fuller information.—[Book O. page 12]. 31st May, 1836.

At Agra College, boys of the same creed sit together.—I approve generally.—I quite disapprove of the exacting of payment from Christians as such. As to the separation which Mr. Woollaston has made between Christian and native pupils, I should wish for more information before I decide. We are in the habit of showing considerable indulgence to the prejudices, as we think them, of people whose religion differs from ours; and if the Christians who send their children to school at Agra wish them to sit together, and not to be mingled with the natives, I should be inclined to comply with their wish, just as I would comply with a similar wish on the part of Hindoos or Musalmans. The general rule, however, clearly ought to be that all classes should be treated alike and should be suffered to intermingle freely. I would call for explanation on this