an industrious man is able to devote to business. Mr. Sutherland, as we all know finds it possible to unite the discharge of his duties as Secretary with other very laborious pursuits. I should imagine from what I see of the business that it would not require, on an average, two hours a day. And the business differs from the business of a public officer of a Court of law, in this very important circumstance, that it is business for which a man can chuse (sic) his time. Mr. Prinsep must be at Council at eleven on Wednesday. The Chief Justice must be in Court on a certain day at a certain hour. Mr. Trevelyan must attend the Board of Revenue regularly for a certain time. But the Secretary of the Education Committee can chuse his own day and hour for doing his work,—can, if he pleases transact it before breakfast, or keep it for the evening, clear it off day by day, or suffer it to accumulate during a few days, while he is engaged with other business and then clear it off by giving one uninterrupted morning to it.
Considering these things, and considering that the salary of our Secretary and the other advantages which he has amount very nearly to the pay of a Chaplain of the Company, I can hardly think that an increase is necessary. I am inclined to think that many qualified men both in the Civil and Military Services, would be heartily glad to obtain, such an addition to their incomes, and would find it possible to spare from their other avocations time sufficient for the proper performance of the duties.
I fully admit the value of Mr. Sutherland's services as an examiner; and I admit also that it is a description of work which requires skill and knowledge. But the salary, as now fixed, would be immoderately high, if it were paid for any but a very high description of labour. It is only because literary and scientific acquirements are required in our Secretary, that his remuneration is so large as it is. For if drafting letters of business and keeping our accounts were all that we require, we might certainly have those duties well performed for a smaller salary by a very inferior person.
If my colleagues differ from me, I shall have real pleasure in seeing myself out voted.
But, as at present advised, I shall not think myself justified in recommending any change.
I approve of what is proposed as to the establishment of new Schools.—[1][Book O. page 139.] 18th August, 1837.
- ↑ [Besides being Secretary to the Committee of Public Instruction, Mr. Sutherland was also Secretary to the Law Commission, which was his principal appointment.—H. W.]
