I would tell the Local Committee that we approve of the principle of requiring pay from those who can afford it; but that we cannot sanction a distinction between Europeans as such and natives as such.—[Book K. page 88.] 28th July 1836.
Dismissal of a Master for beating a boy.—I vote for dismissing Mr. * * * *. The tone of his letter shews that he is not in the least sensible of the gross impropriety of his conduct.—[Book L. page 22.] 9th May, 1836.
Inexpediency of excluding Clergymen from Local Committees.—I do not like general rules for excluding classes of people from our Local Committees. As the people at Dacca recommend Mr. Sheppard, I am disposed to comply, unless something can be urged against him, besides the fact of his being a clergyman.—[Book L. page 23.] 9th May, 1836.
Stipendiaries should pay for their School Books.—I cannot quite agree with Mr. Sutherland in thinking that to make the stipendiaries pay for books is the same thing with reducing their stipends. I would treat the stipends as property. We have determined that those who have the means shall buy their own books. Whether the means come from a stipend or from an estate, seems to me to be indifferent to the question. Nevertheless, if this matter strikes others differently, I would not commit what might be considered, though in my opinion erroneously, as a breach of faith. I quite agree with the Secretary in thinking that the Delhi indents ought to come to us for sanction.—[Book N. page 24.] 21st June, 1836.
Proposition that boys should buy their school books.—I approve of Mr. Sutherland's propositions. Of course the practice of taking books away must be prevented. The best way of preventing it would be to make the students buy their own books.—[Book M. page 97.] 17th. February, 1837.
The expediency of Masters residing in the School House.—I differ from Mr. Sutherland as to the expediency of lodging the Master in the School House. In a climate like this, it will probably make the difference of ten or twelve days’ attendance every year. A slight indisposition which would not prevent a person from doing business under his own roof, often renders it inconvenient and dangerous for him to go a mile from home. I am therefore for giving Mr. Nichol apartments in the School House.
The question of his allowances is distinct, and, though he seems to be a valuable teacher, I doubt whether the Local Committee is not too ready to favour him at the expense of our general funds. This will always be the tendency of Local Committees. They think of no School but their own; and
