been
formed in Madras for the purpose of encouraging a healthier tone
amongst the poorer Eurasian lads. It is hoped that by bringing proper
influence to bear upon them, they may be induced to lay aside their
class prejudices against hard work, and practise sobriety. For those
who hold out promise that reform will be permanent, employment is
found, and their career watched with interest. The recommendation of
this society should have weight with employers, who are thus guarded
against taking into their service men who would, in all probability,
not be worth their salt. Of course it will be understood that I am
speaking only of the poorest of the Eurasian population of Madras ; the
class from which alone such labour is likely to be drawn.
Experienced
European miners will always be necessary, in order to take the lead,
and educate by their example the natives, who, it must be remembered,
will necessarily always form the bulk of the working staff. Stress must
be laid upon example. The men sent out should clearly
understand that their duty will be work, and not supervision. This
latter is a mistaken idea that not unfrequently possesses them. I have
had considerable experience in dealing with the natives of India in
various descriptions of work, and I unhesitatingly say that the power
of example has succeeded when every other course must have
failed utterly. Upon this principle, the true value of the English
miner will be found to
F
