8

" We require more explicit data as to the standards of education
at the various colleges and a clearer view of the number of men
likely to be required in the respective ranks before we can formulate
measures for fixing those standards, and before we can really make
recommendations for the necessary educational facilities.

" There would be many details to be worked out which would
necessarily include the revision of the various curricula and exami-
nation systems. I think every one will agree that for each standard
it is desirable to have uniformity, as far as possible, and I do not
consider that there would be any great difficulty in bringing that
about.

" These questions would ordinarily be dealt with suitably by
the head of the department, if there were one, as he would be in a
position to go round and study the various local conditions and
compare them. As we have no one in a position to do that, I am of
opinion that what is required is a small committee to visit the
different colleges and, in consultation with principals, to report on
the existing standards. Superintendents of provinces would be
consulted also, of course. One member of the committee should be
an officer of district experience, as it is mainly for the districts that
men are required. I do not think it would be advisable to include
a Principal of an existing college on the committee as he would
naturally be disposed to favour his own system and the committee
should be quite unbiased.

" There is at least one important point, however, on which this
Conference might usefully express an opinion. I consider that the
main issue at present is to decide whether we require two separate
courses of instruction, one higher and one lower, or not, or whether
it is possible to graft the required higher education on to the
existing one. It is perfectly clear that more highly educated men
have got to be provided in future in India to meet our requirements
for the provincial services.

" The Public Services Commission's report is very explicit on
this point, direct appointments to the higher ranks being advocated,
though I am inclined to think that a little service in the inferior
grades to give the men experience would be beneficial. Whether
these men would be admitted into the imperial service or not is a
matter for future discussion. It might be possible to select a few
who were capable of undergoing further instruction abroad or
possibly in India to fit them for such promotion, but that is not
feasible at present and I think we had better deal with nearer issues.
In the meantime, Indians who are to be appointed to the imperial
service should go abroad for their veterinary education.