208 
Weights and Measures [no. 4, kew series, 
ficient. To my o^vn knowledge, when the subject was under in- 
vestigation at Madras, Reports were received from two Districts, 
most positively asserting that the Government Standards were in 
use ; but on subsequently sending for Measures actually used in 
the bazaars, it was ascertained that the Civil authorities had been 
misinformed completely. The statements of Native subordinates 
cannot be depended upon in these matters, and they err often from 
sheer ignorance ; if it is \nshed really to ascertain whether certain 
Weights and Measures are in use, the magistrate must not hear 
with his ears, but see %vith his eyes, and notliing less ought to 
satisfy Government. 
Having thus given my reasons for believing that it is hopeless 
to expect a reform of so great a magnitude as uniformity of Weight 
and Measure throughout India, without some Legal enactment, I 
would not be unmindful of the fact that great caution would be 
requisite in carrying out that object. No Government should 
promulgate any law which it is not able to enforce, or any which 
cannot be enforced without oppression and tyranny. For these 
reasons, the enactment of a compulsory law as regards uniformity 
of Weight and Measure to take effect all over Indian and at onccy 
would be highly objectionable. It could not be enforced at all in 
remote and thinly inhabited districts, and in many localities where 
it could be enforced, the advantage to be derived from it would not 
compensate for the inconvenience and annoyance resulting from 
its compulsory introduction. I would therefore advocate a move- 
ment to be made determinedly, but gradually, both as regards 
place and time. 
The enactment might be made applicable in the first instance, 
only to the to\Mis of Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, and Agra ; to all 
Military Cantonments and to such towns as the Government of 
each Presidency might think fit to recommend ; and a distant but 
distinct dat;e (say one year prospectively) should be fixed for the 
commencement of its operation. 
By limiting the immediate action of the law to the principal 
To\\'ns and Cantonments, its enforcement will be practicable, and 
benefit to be gained, sufficient to justify the employment of what 
may be to some an unpalatable exercise of authority. It may be 
