which it is particularly desirable that we should have the opinion of gentlemen who are on the spot. I propose that the Secretary should write forthwith on this subject. I should wish the Local Committee also to be requested to take into their consideration the expediency of establishing the monitorial system. It is quite plain that we have not funds which will enable us to supply every thirty boys with a master. If we do this at Dacca, we shall have similar calls from other places.
It is possible that Mr. Ridge may dislike the monitorial system. It is a system which requires considerable exertion on the part of the Head-master, and which may therefore be less agreeable to him than a system under which he is suffered to transfer a portion of his own responsibility to an assistant. But it is my decided opinion, that, on this point we must make no concession to the prejudices or to the indolence of those who are in our employment. The monitorial system, and that system alone, can succeed here. If the present masters are not disposed to carry it rigorously into effect, we must find masters who will, though we should have to send to England for them.—[Book H. page 155.] 18th November, 1835.
Change from Sicca Rupees to Company’s Rupees.—I am in considerable doubt as to the mode in which the Government order ought to be construed with respect to the forms employed by us, and after blotting a good deal of paper I can recommend nothing but a reference to the Governor-General in Council.—[Book H. page 150.] 3rd November, 1835.
Patna School. The Lancastrian system and prizes.—I agree with the Secretary in thinking that the Committee at Patna ask for more than we ought to give. I would let them have a good Moonshee for the purpose of giving instruction in the vernacular language. Such a Moonshee may be procured, I imagine, for 50 Rupees a month. If the number of pupils is too great for him to teach directly, the monitorial system must be used in that as in other departments. Whatever objections may be made to that system, as a mode of conveying instruction in the higher walks of literature and science, none can be made to it as a mode of teaching lads to read and write their mother tongue. The vernacular school at Patna will be exactly what one of Mr. Lancaster’s schools was in England.
As to the 400 Rupees which are asked for prizes, I think the sum large, and I cannot help fearing that it may be injudiciously laid out. I should wish the Local Committee to be asked how many prizes they propose to give, and how often. The practice of giving almost as many prizes as they are students is in the highest degree pernicious. It destroys all emulation. It is also a heavy expense to us. The most
