20S 



IVeights and Measures [no. 4, new series, 



ficient. To my own 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 wished really to ascertain whether certain 

 Weights and Measures are in use, the magistrate must not hear 

 with his ears, but see with his eyes, and nothing 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 India, and at once, 

 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, 

 enly to the towns 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 date (say one year prospectively) should be fixed for the 

 commencement of its operation. 



By limiting the immediate action of the law to the principal 

 Towns 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 



