-७१० महात्मा फुले : समग्र वाङ्मय The first Classes of Scools Nos. 2nd 1 respectively were then Examined in the different subjects enumerated in the Appendix No. 1. At the conclusion of the examination the Chairman distributed Prizes of Books and Clothes to the children and then rising up delivered the following speech. "I rise to express the gratification afforded me by what we have just witnessed and I doubt not all here present have been also well pleased. We are aware that Public Examinations are necessarily cursory and do not fully show the advancement of the Scholars and the attention that has been bestowed upon them by their instructors, but on the present occasion, we have not been left in any doubt on the subject for Captain Lester's opinion formed after a strict and careful Examination of the Schools, which we have just heard read by the Secretary, is a most satisfactory one. There is only one matter connected with the day's proceedings which is not a subject of congratulation. I allude to the falling off of subscriptions referred to in the Committee's Report, which may, they fear, render it necessary to close one of the three Schools. I most sincerely hope that this will not be necessary. The subscriptions of Europeans must necessarily fluctuate with the Society; but those of the Native supporters of the schools should not fall off, but increase both in number and amount with the advance of that liberal and enlightened spirit which is inseparable from a cultivated intellect. To prevent such a Catastrophy as the closing of one of the Schools. I shall be happy either by calling a public meeting on behalf of these Schools or in any other way the Committee will point out to aid them. I would now briefly notice the suggestion of the Committee that an industrial institution should be attached to these Schools with a view to instruct the boys attending them, in trades which will, on leaving them, enable at once to provide for themselves. This proposition appears to me well worthy of consideration with a view to its adoption as soon as the funds of the society will admit. The disinterested efforts of the Founder of these schools and of the Native Gentlemen who are acting with him and who form the Committee are, I consider, worthy of all praise. They have my entire
