}! I OF THE FRAMJI COWASJI BANAJI, BY HIS GREAT GRANDSON KHOSHRU NAVROSJI BANAJI. FEINTED AT THE BOMBAY GAZETTE STEAM PRINTING WORKS. 1892. (All rights reserved \J .1 HENRY MORSE STEFHEWS 512645 r T DR. THOMAS BLANEY, J,R, &c. &c. &c. "V/ho has always evinced a great interest in the welfare of the Parsee Community, and to whom the writer has been long connected by ties of friendship, this work has been humbly dedicated as a token of the appreciation of his many noble qualities, by his friend and admirer, K. N. BANAJI. CONTENTS, 1PAGES Introduction ... .... ... ... .., 1-4 CHAPTER I. The origin and establishment of the Banaji family in Bombay. Framji's ancestors. Their coi> nection with the Dady Setts ., 5-11 CHAPTER II. His parentage, early life and mercantile propen- sities ... ... ... ... ... ... 12-15 CHAPTER III. Framji's brothers and their career ... ... 16-20 CHAPTER IV. Framji's connection with the Elphinstone Institute and the Parsee Panchayat. How he supported native education ... ... ... 21-27 CHAPTER V. Loss of his son Edalji. Supplying water to the Two Tanks, from Moogbhat Oart 28-32 CHAPTER VL The grant of the Poway Estate 33-57 CHAPTER VII. Framji's minor charities ... ... ... ... 58-64 CHAPTER VIII. Building of the " Tower of Silence " and the "Fire Temple" 65-66 ii 'CONTENTS. PAGES CHAPTER IX. His connection with Public Adventures ... ... 67-70 CHAPTER X. His Disposition, the last days of his life, His Wife and Children 71-74 CHAPTER XL His Obituary Notice 75-77 CHAPTER XII. Some of the correspondences between Mr. Framji Cowasji and the Government about Abkaree ... 78-87 CHAPTER XIII. The Framji Cowasji Testimonial 88-106 CHAPTER XIV. Correspondence with Government, the Collector of Land Revenues, the Director of Public Instruc- tion and the Municipal Commissioners, on the subject of the Framji Cowasji Institute ... 107-150 CHAPTER XY. Correspondence with the Board of Commissioners. 151-157 CHAPTER XYI. Miscellaneous Correspondence ... ... ... 158- 71 CHAPTER XVII. The laying of the Foundation Stone of the Framji Cowasji Institute ... ... ... ... ... 172-175 c?. INTRODUCTION. MY aim in this book is tor *ive irbm " dHwicte -tie memoirs of the late Framji Cowasji Banaji, whose long and splendid career has long since ended, and he has departed this transient life, for a happier one in the next. This will at once convey to the mind of many, that the capacity of a near relative, in which I stand to the deceased gentleman, has induced me to undertake this difficult task ; but I think, I cannot pay a better tribute of respect to his memory, than to draw out his memoir in an impartial light, holding up at the same time his good and amiable qualities, for the imitation, as well as the admiration, of the public. For a life of his, there has been a public call, for the sudden gloom, which overspread the Indian communi- ties here, by his death, had called forth the sweetest expressions of sorrow, mingled with the admiration cf bis many good and noble qualities, not only from the Parsee community, of which he was for a very long time the cherished friend and champion, and on whom they looked with pride and endearment, as a patriarch, but from every other caste. Indian biography is almost a novel thing among the natives here, and the difficulties, besetting the path of a person, undertaking to write out an Indian biography, are so many that the person, weary of his task, leaves the subject aside, and so, many brilliant personages in Indian History have been left to the working scythe of time, to work out its mouldering decay, and consequently many eminent personages have been altogether blotted out from memory, leaving, if any, very faint recollections, as mere hearsays of their past and brilliant deeds, The Parsees do, indeed, boast of at present of havin. bygone, times, pei-soiis Ijke a Dadysett, and Muneckji Hett, t\ Pesionji a'nd a Hormasji "Wadia, Sir Jamshedji Jeejibhov J>ait , .mo many others, who had. by their individual enter- prise, raised themselves from obscurity to distinction : but alas ! their distinctions have died with them, and no record.* are now left for us to judge of them, and such will still be the case with many more, until the taste of the Indian communities be refined. The present case of Framji would have fallen a sacrifice to the same prevailing spirit, had I not kept firm arid stable in my resolve. It is, therefore, my object to furnish to the public an impartial picture of one, whom they held in high veneration, and I fully trust that it will bear with it the solemn stamp of impartiality and truth. However humble may be my merits, the value of my contribution cannot be estimated too highly, if by only stating the facts with a careful accuracy, and drawing the inferences there- irom, it will be a lesson to those who have acquired an unrivalled ascendency over their countrymen, and with whom the welfare of their country is closely connected, to regard their duties as of paramount importance to their own personal interests, while on the other hand it will be a signal punishment to those who in such positions are entrapped in vices, and therefore have become the slaves- of ambition and avarice. The many objections in the way of undertaking this work have made the attempt a very difficult one, though it may not be found to be altogether hopeless. Thus labour- ing under a choice of evils, I have at last made up my mind to write out this life or memoir of one, whom I hold in high estimation, and to whom I am mostly endeared by ties very sacred viz., of parentage ; but nothing of these will in any way act prejudicially upon ray mind, in giving out a true narrative of facts, which, distinguished this great and good man, great and good we call him, because his many good and amiable qualities had truly rendered him great and good. I could have gladly given over the task to a mere stranger, but in so doing, I would be transferring it to hands, who could not have baen actuated by any feelings of a personal kind towards the deceased, and thus the subject would have baen left to one, who, if not altogether incap- able of performing it satisfactorily, at least, would do it incomparably inferior in the giving of that vivid likeness in its true and graphic colours. At least this m3m:>ir, though not claiming to itself the high merits of history, may itself furnish sufficient mate- rials for the purpose ; as the rise of this revered gentleman has been one of the most remarkable epochs in the history of the Parsee community, since tney have come more and more in contact with the more civilized nations of the West, and were held to be the most enterprising people in India as to its future advancement, which I may safely and with pride say has been realized to a very great extent by that community alone. It may at the same time furnish future writers with facts illustrative of the times, unbiased with any influence to work out upon them, from other contemporary testimonies. I may here conscientiously declare, that I have considered this a very sacred duty to perform, and have therefore attempted, as much as it lay in my power, to adhere to the truth, and give a true and faithful resemblance of the character, without either exaggeration or concealment, and have at the same time attempted to write this, as if, I were in no immediate connection with the deceased gentleman ; but notwithstanding this, if any prejudices of a personal land have acted upon my mind, I. in fact, am altogether unconscious of them. I have great pleasure in acknowledging the obliga- tion I owe to my much esteemed and respected father, the late Naorosji Nanabhoy Framji, who with tender and reverent care gathered together and recorded the particulars of this memoir. In conclusion, I take this occasion of acknowledging my warm thanks for the kindness and courtsey, with which H. E. the Right Hon'ble Lord Northbrook, E.G., C.S.I., &c., has assisted me in my work, and also my cousin, Mr. Heerjibhoy Maneckji Rustomji of Calcutta, who has from the beginning evinced a great and lively interest in this work. I must further own the assistance I have received from the valued work, " The Par see Prakash" of my friend Mr. Bomanji Byramji Patel, K. N. B. 5 CHAPTER L The origin and establishment of the Banaji family in Bombay. FramjCs ancestors. Their connection with the Dady Setts. First of all, I will attempt to give a brief sketch of the birth and parentage of our memoir. Though I have been labouring, day after day, to collect all the possible facts related to this, yet I have failed, and failed materially, notwithstanding which I will try to do the best, with what little I already know about it. The late Franiji Cowasji Banaji, whose death has been a subject of regret with the European and Native communi- ties, not only of Bombay, but of the Mofussil also, belonged to the Family of Banaji, which, with that of Wadia and Dadysett, have been long distinguished for their wealth and commercial enterprise : and m works of charity and benevolence, have been second only to that very remarkable man, Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, Bart. Although Franiji never had the wealth with which to provide for the physical comfort of his countrymen he was very constantly foremost in energy, for their mental culture and moral improvement, as will be seen later on, when his life is narrated in connection with the Native Education in Bombay. The present family surname derives its origin from one of the elderly and distinguished members of this family by the name of Banaji, who was the great grand-father of the deceased. As to the exact date of the establishment of this family in Bombay, nothing as to ensure certainty is at present known. 6 This family can at present trace its antiquity to upwards of a century, beyond which it is a known fact no other P arsee family of any consequence can at the present clay boast to trace its antiquity. Banaji Limji, the great grand-father of Mr. Framji, was the true founder of the Banaji Family. He came to Bombay about the year 169*0 from the village of Bhagva. dandee near Surat,and took some service under the East India Company. Shortly after, he left the desk for mercantile enterprise, and opened his own firm and carried on extensive business under the name and style of i( Banaji Limji/'' He was the first Parsee gentleman who is said to have travelled over the sea to- Pegu for extending his business. The first Parsee Panchayat was formed in his time., and he was elected their president, Mr. Banajee was consequently )< nown by the familiar name of Davar. He died on the 30th July 1734, at the age of 80. The ancient monument perpetuating the name of this family, now existing in Bombay,, raised by its founder Banaji, is the small Fire-temple, called after the name of Banaji, " The Banaji Adarian " or Agiavi, built about 25th June 1709. This Agiari having corns to a delapidated condition, the members of the Banaji family subscribed a fund amongst themselves of R& 23,000 and thoroughly re- built it on the 15th of April 1845, Framji and his brother* Curshedji and Rustomji each having contributed Rs. 5,000. Prior to the establishment of this family in Bombay und'31 1 their ancestor Limji, they had resided in " Bhagwa ' r a small village, in the vicinity of Surat. This family ha< also received the surname of the " Goga," the origin of which is a very late one, -and at the same time a very curious one. Cowasji Bawa (as he was familiarly called). the father of the deceased; was carrying on an extensive trade with " Groga " the chief mart in Gujrat, from which he received the surnara.3 of " Goga." While there are some who attribute it to the hoarse voice of Cowasji. It so happened, that on one occasion a dispute arose between Mr. Cowasji and an Englishman, when Mr. Cowasji in a rage -viid in a hoarse tone, "Go"! Go 1 " and hence his friends nicnamed him :( Goga." Whatever be the origin of this .surname, the surname itself is a very curious one, and neither Framji nor his brothers liked to be called by that epithet ; they, therefore, generally assumed for them- selves the ancient family surname of " Banaji," which the deceased also used in his signature. Tracing the ancestries of this family, I come to Liniji, beyond which nothing is known, and even, what little is known, is very uncertain and doubtful. JN T o authanticated particulars of Lirnji are to be found at the present day, except those already stated below. Banaji had three sons, of whom Byramji the eldest had five sons, viz., Nanabhoy, Muncherji, Dadabhoy, Rustomji, and CowasjL Byramji was one of the most distinguished members of this family. He joined his father's business in the firm of Banaji Limji in 1734. It is believed that in his time Dady Kusservanji, afterwards deservedly called Dady Sett, came to Bombay. He was employed by Byramji, who had great regard for him, and it is believed that Dady first took a start under Byramji, and after his death, began to carry on an extensive trade on his own personal risk in China, and other places ; as also being at the sime time, held in high estimation by the Company's agents here, who were carrying on extensive trade in their monopoly acts at the time, and was one of their principal Dubashes or brokers. Like his father, Byramji was also the President of the 8 Parsee Panchayat. He died at the age of 72, on the 12ih of May 1753. A Parsee writer in a letter to one of his European friends speaks of Dady Sett as follows : fc Late Dady Sett, it may well and safely be said, was the founder of the Parsee eminence in Bombay. He was the first, who by his enterprise in commerce in connection with the European merchants of the day, the late Daniel Scott & Co., of England, and A damson & Co., of Bombay, and by his other acts of munificence, for which he was pre- eminently distinguished 60 years ago, first drew the atten- tion of the Europeans towards Parseemen's enterprise and rendered Bombay from that date "Parseemen's Glory." It is believed that Dady's immediate ancestors were not in so good circumstances as himself, for it is known that his father followed the profession of a petty Dubash, and it was principally under Byramji Banaji that Dady began to prosper, and after his death, took up all the business which Byramji had carried on, and extended it by his own peculiar intellect and bold enterprise in commerce. Dady has been also remarkable for his singular generosity and benevolence of spirit. It is said that in his time the Parsee Fire- temple, which is known by the name of the "Dady Sett's Atash Behram," was first proposed to be built con- jointly by Dady and some of the influential members of the Parsee community, chiefly of the Wadia family, who had all agreed to throw off that invidious distinction of sect the Rushmees, and the Cadmees and acknowledge the Cadmee date as the correct date, which would have been much to the advantage of both parties, and would have at the same time reconciled the ill-feelings : but unfortu- nately on account of some disputes regarding the heavy expenses incurred on it, the other parties kept aloof, and Dady himself, much to his credit, though his circumstances 9 Were not very easy at the time, bore the costs of its erec- tion, and completed this work of National Worship for his sect of the Parsees. r Jhis was the first " Atash Eehrain " of the Parsees in Bombay built on the 17th day of the first month of the year 1153 Yazadazard (of the Cudinee sect) i.e., 29th September 1783. It will thus be seen, that Dadysett owed his rise to the family of Banaji, but he did not forget the obligation, he was labouring under an obligation to this family, for in his own days of power, he repaid that obligation amply, by supporting the young members of this family, amongst whom was Framji. Framji readily acknowledged this, as will be seen from the following extract of a letter written by him to Thomas Wedding, Esq., dated 29th August 1->21, on a separation of his partnership with Curshedji and Jehangir Ardeshir Sett : DEAR SIR, Considering you to be one of my sincere old friends, who at all times will promote my views, and contribute to my welfare, under these circumstances I address you an account of some misunderstanding which took place between Cur- shedji and Jehangir Ardeshir and myself, of which I shall state here the particulars. Since the death of Ardeshir Dady in 1810, the business for the " Commanders of India-men-of-war " has been carried on by Curshedji and Jehangir Ardeshir (sons of the late Ardeshir) jointly with me, and since Mr. Milburn's arrival at this place, I recommended Curshedji and Jehan- gir Ardeshir strongly to him. Liniji Cowasji my brother, who is managing under Curshedjee and Jehangir. acts at the same time for Mr. Mil burn, and had lately the management for Captain Larkins of the Cornoden, who had some quarrel with Liniji and others, for the sale of some 10 cotton goods. I was requested to interfere in the matter, an i succeeded to bring them to terms : but since, they have given me to understand that they wish in future to act separately, and as Limji's transactions have lately caused my displeasure, I therefore intend to leave that concern, and believe, I shall do equally as well without them, and be free of all further blame. As to Curshedji and Jehangir Ardeshir their grandfather and father were my particular friends, and assisted me a great deal in the commencement of my mercantile transactions in consequence I feel myself bound to do as much good to his sons as it lies in my power, without injury to myself. In another letter to Thomas Price, Esq., dated llth September 18.22 Framji states as follows : THOMAS PRICE, Esq., Richmond, Near London. MY DFATI SIR, Convinced of your good intentions to serve an old ac- quaintance of yours, to promote his views in a mercantile object, I shall venture to state here a few circumstances, which I hope will convince you that I deserve your friendly assistance. It will be well known to you that I have been concerned for many years in the transactions carried on by the sons of the la*e Ardeshir Dady (Curshedji and Jehangir Ardeshir) for the management of East Indiarnen, which were chiefly recommended to them through my influence, and not only this, but the laborious task I under- took to settle deranged affairs of the late Ardeshir Dady, will be a proof that I wished to do as much good to the sons of my benefactor (Ardeshir Dady) as lay in my power. From these two letters it will clearly be observed what were Framji's feelings towards his benefactors, and there are still many more expressions of the same sentiments 11 towards them, but I shall be content with these only. It also shows that singular frankness and openness of heart, for which he was so remarkable. He had no artificial disguise or concealment to hide his motives ; but spoke out boldly and frankly whatever his sentiments were regardless to any one, adhering always to the truth. This was one of the most remarkable and conspicuous trait in his character. It was not only so far back as 1822, that he expressed these sentiments towards his benefactors, but he bore the same sentiments of respect and gratitude up to the last m mient of his life. Although a great family dissension arose between him in the latter days of his life, and the surviving members of that renowned family of Dady Sett, owing to some domestic disagreement, even then, he did not lower the estimation he hud for them, but continued to speak of them with all respect and esteem and keeping in his mind the feelings of gratitude he owed to those noble Setts Dady and Ardeshir calling them always his bene- factors. Cowasji Byramji was the youngest son of Byramji Banaji Limji, familiarly known as Cowasji Goga. Mr. Cowasji commenced life by joining his father's firm known as the Banaji Limji, with his brothers and cousins. But owing to some dispute having arisen among the partners, he severed his connection with the firm in 1800, and opened a grand shop of Knglish goods at Bazar Gate Street. Mr. Cowasji passed the latter part of his life rather solitarily, and died at an advanced age of 90, on 10th December IS 34. Having deviated much frrm the subject, I will now go back and trace the birth and early life of Mr. Framji in the next chapter. 12 CHAPTER II. His parentage, early Ufe and mercantile porpensities- Framji, the eldest son of Cowasji Byraraji Banaji, was born in Bombay, in his maternal grandfather's residence in Todd Street (Byramji Homji Street) within the Fort, on the 22nd day of 7th month of the year 1137 Yazdazard (Cudmee), i.e. 1767 A.D. From his father's side, he was a descendant of the Banaji family and from his mother's side that of the Dady Sett. His parents were not in very affluent circumstances. His father possessed some small landed property, and lived respectably. Of Framji's early career very little is now known. But this much is certain, that from his very infancy he showed signs of his future greatness In those days, when education was of a low standard in Bombay, an*d men's minds were chiefly bent only on money making (for those are the days still calling fresh, in the memory of the old, as the good old times) it is scarcely possible to believe that Framji could have received the rudiments of a high education. He, however, went through the usual routine in those days, the education imparted in Mehtaji School (scarcely deserving the name of education) . He commenced receiving the rudiments of education, at the age of seven, in the school of a Brahamin Mehtaji, by name Bapubhai Sobharam whom he greatly respected in his days of pros- parity. Having remained there for nearly four years, he was then transferred at the age of eleven, to a higher school, the Pantuji's PathshalJa. At the age of twelve, he was put under the charge of Mr. La Ford to learn English. He was, indeed, by nature destined to be no insignificant a character, and it was by his own strong penetration and 13 sound judgment, notwithstanding, the very crude education he must have received, he shone forth in the leading van of his country, and in his ideas of reformation in his own community, as well as the Indian communities in general, he shot far ahead of his age. This trait of a naturally fertile genius, which would have much improved by a better and more sound education, cannot still be underrated, far from what he has done, and left behind him for his community, nay more ! for his country, it is obvious that he has clone a great deal more than any other man of his time. Notwithstanding, the sudden encomiums, by which the withdrawal of this great and good man, from the scene of life, in which he displayed a conspicuous part, may have been followed, and the condemnation which malice might dictate, of which there is yet none, we do leave him to an impartial tribune in posterity, when all the presiding influences have passed away, to pass a calm and matured verdict, and no doubt they will pronounce him to be the most honest man who ever lived, a man who had the good of his country and countrymen at heart, and one who knew his duties towards them, and performed them satisfactorily and creditably. It will be the height of presumption in me, to call him the most perfect man, for whoever came upon the stage of this world, was never perfect, and so he was not, there were in him his relative blemishes, but these instead of pointing out as marked defects, and overshadowing the picture, rather added lustre to the dazzling brilliancy of his career. After receiving the then education of reading and writing Grujrati and English, at the age of twenty, Framji thought of launching into the world, and trying his chance as a merchant. He first started in life as a Dubash under his maternal uncle Dady Sett, who vastly traded with Eng- 14 land and China. Having spent eight years as a D uba.sk, in the years 1796 and 1798 Framji twice went to China as an a -ei.it to-Dady Sett in his own ship " 'I he Shah Ardeshir." In these two trips to China, he acquired a vast knowledge of the different branches of trade, which proved very beneficial to his master. Before his return from the second trip to China, Dady Sett died, and Ardeshir Sett engaged him as his assistant, and chiefly kept him in Bombay. In 1804 Ardeshir Sett gave Mr. Framji a small house in Todd Street in the Fort (the house in which he was born) at a very low price, and which he improved according to his own taste. In the year 1801 Framji was employed as a Dubash to the East India Company's ships. At the age of 38, in the year 1806, Framji threw off all yoke of dependence, and started in business at his own risk and responsibility. At the persuation of several merchant friends Framji in partnership with his brother Mr. Nusser- vanji bought in the year 1807 a ship called " Salamani," weighing 679 tons, from an Arab merchant by name Husan Abdulla, for Rs. 1,33,000, in which they exported cotton to China. On this occasion several other merchants had also sent to sea three vessels, by name " Asia,'* " James Drumond," and " Brunswick," for the port of China. At this time a War was raging on between the English and the French. Three of the vessels fell victim in the hands of the French, but " Salamani " which was a very speedy one, fortunately escaped and reached China safely. It so happened, that owing to this incident, the value of cotton went up so high in the mart of China, that the owners of the vessel as well as the merchants almost made a fortune. From this fortu- nate circumstance, both the brothers separated the partner- 15 ship, and Framji carried on business on his own account, In the year 1811, Framji opened a branch at Calcutta, where he first sent his brother Mr. Byramji as his agent, irom whence he was transferred to China, and Mr. Cur- shedji, the third brother, Was sent to Calcutta. Thus one after the other. Mr. Xavroji, Mr. liustomji and Mr. Limji, together with the other three abovenamed brothers, were st-nt by Framji. as his agents to Calcutta and China by turns. All of tliese six brothers owe their rise to their eldest brother Framji. Framji's trade was not only limited to China and Cal- cutta, but extended over Madras, lingland and many other places. In all Framji was master of six large vessels, viz., *ulamani," ;; Minerva," Bombay Castle," Golconda," " Buckinghamshire," and " Sharah." In the year 18J9 Framji sold his firm at Calcutta to his younger brother Mr, Rustoinji Cowasji, who henceforth carried on extensive trade on that side, and was reckoned amongst one of the millionaires of the time. 16 CHAPTER III. Framji's brothers and their career. Here I think it will not be out of place to give a short sketch of the career of Framji's younger brothers, who, though owed their rise to him, have left a good name behind them. Nusservanji Cowasji ftanaji was the second son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji. From the very beginning he worked in partnership with his elder brother, Framji, and had through him gone to China also. In 1811, he severed his partnership and carried on his own business. He died at an early age of 42, on the 9th December 1818. Navrosji Cowasji Banaji was the third son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji. He also commenced life as a partner in the firm of his elder brother, Framji, and in 1808 had gone to China, as his agent. After remaining for about four years in China, he came to Calcutta in 1812 ; where he carried on his own business. He died at the early age of 41, on the 7th February 1819. Behramji Cowasji Banaji was the fourth son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji. In the beginning, he joined his eldest brother, Framji, in business, but soon after carried on at his own account an extensive trade with Calcutta and China. He owned a grand vessel called " John Bannerman," built after his own style and model of invention at Surat, and had also two smaller ones. On the 28th of June 1830, he took from the Government the village of Anik, on a yearly rental of Rs. 800, and had greatly enhanced its value by cultivating the land. After his death, the Government handed over the village to his family for Rs. 10,000, but in 1837 it was 17 purchased by the la'e Framji Xusservanji Patel. Behramji was familiarly known by the name of " Behramji Amba." In 1824 he sank several wells in different parts of the city of Bombay, owing to the then great scarcity of water. He, in the later part of his life, used to import Arab horses from Arabia and had a big stable at Bhendy Bazar, but this business did not prove profitable. He was among the foremost of his enlightened countrymen, the Parsees, to whose general enterprise and liberality, he added the ingenuity of a European artist, and the manly frankness of European manners. During the greater part of his career, his munificence and charity were as large as his fortune : and though in the autumn of his life misfortune overtook him, and a princely estate, fell like his years, " into the seir and yellow leaf," his generosity, and independence of character never forsook him ; he died even more honored and more beloved in poverty, than he had been in wealth, a rare and unerring test of genuine worth. He died at the age of 53, on the 3rd December 1833. Lirnji Cowasji Banaji was the fifth son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji. He first joined in business with his father-in-law. Mr. Ardeshir Dady Sett, and after his death in 1810, Limji carried on his own business, and was a broker to Messrs. Rimington and Crawford, Messrs. Mil burn & Co. ? and Messrs. Adam Sikner. He died at the comparatively early age of 4o, on the 7th June 1828. Curshedji Cowasji Banaji was the sixth son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji. He first did the petty business of a Dubash, bufc afterwards joined his brother, Framji, in business. On the death of his brother Limji, he was ap- pointed broker to Messrs. Remington & Co. Jn 1838, he opened his own firm called " Curshedji Cowasji & Co." in partnership with Messrs. Framjee Pestonji Patak and Muncherji Framji Cama, and carried on an extensive trade 18 with England, China and Calcutta. In 1842, he took over the firm to himself and called it " Messrs Curshedji Cowasji and Sons." He owned six large vessels, called " Arcleshir/ ? " Charles Grant," " Castle Huntley," " Kandhar," " Captain Herbert/' and "Pearl." He was the owner of the large build* ing at Oolaba known as the " Grant Buildings." In 1830, he received from Government seven villages in the island of Salsett, on a yearly rental of Rs. 2,708, but as he greatly improved the land, the Government handed him over those villages for the sum of Rs. 80,000 on the 23rd September 1813. He was nominated one of the first twelve Justices of Peace in 1834, and was a leading member on the Board of the Parsee Panchayat. He was a man of sterling probity and uprightness, of great liberality and kindness of dis- position, and of an evenness of temper, scarcely capable of being disturbed. He was well known to nearly the whole of the European community, and respected wherever he was known. His enlarged heart and liberal hand recognised no distinction of colour or of creed, but were ever open as day to melting charity, and accessible to all who had suffering or misfortune, on which to found their claims. His demise was of universal regret, which took place on the 4th of December 1847. Rustomji Cowasji Banaji, the youngest son of Cowasji Behramji Banaji, entered his eldest brother, Framji's busi- ness in 1807, and first travelled over to Calcutta in the year 1812. From thence he went over twice to China, and once to Madras and Ceylon, and returning from his travels in 1817, he settled for good in Calcutta. He first joined his brother, Navrosji, in business at Calcutta, but after his death in 1819, opened his own firm in the name and style of Messrs. Rustomji Turner & Co., in partnership with Mr. Robert Turner. In 1827, he opened a branch office at China, in the name of his two sons, Maneckji and Dadabhoy Rus- 19 ttfmji. He with several other leading merchants of Cal- cutta bought a big dock at Kiderpore, belonging to Mr. James Kid, for ivs. 3,5l,OuO, and also another known as " Shalkia Dock " belonging to Messrs Curry and Co., for Rs. 2,03,000 and under his Secretary-ship was opened the " Calcutta Docking Company " in 1837 ; he also established the first insurance company called the " Sim Insurance Company " in 1834. He was the owner of no less than twenty-seven big vessels, fifteen of which were chartered for Rs. 1,15,000 a year by the British Government during the first Chinese War. He had further opened the first " Cotton Pressing Factory," and also a f< Paper Manufac- turing Company " in Calcutta. In 1838 he called over his whole family to Calcutta and the ladies of his family were the first to cross the seas over to Calcutta. Writing on this subject the Bombay Gazette of the 16th July 1838 says : " Our Parsee friends who have so long been foremost among the natives of this country in everything connected with commercial enter- prise, are now about to set an example in what may at first sight be considered a purely domestic matter, but which will in all probability in its ulterior results from throwing aside the trammels of ancient prejudices, be productive of singular changes. The Lady of Rustomji Cowasji, Esq., the distinguished and liberal minded merchant in Calcutta? is about to sail from Bombay for that port, in a few days, accompanied by the wife of his son and a Cortege of female attendants to those who remember that but a few years ago no Parsee female of respectability would proceed even to the Deccan, the contemplated trip of these fair voyagers will afford much food for speculation upon the rapid change which the march of opinion has effected." 20 In 1839 he built a small Fi -e-temple for the use of his community. He had reside 1 for over thirty years in Calcutta, and for a greater part of that time, carried on a very extensive business as a merchant and shipowner, and f )r his activity and enterprise was well known to men of business all over the East. During his prosperity, he sought European society and breaking through the res- traints, usual among his countrymen, did not hesitate to introduce the ladies of his family to his guests, among whom the Governor General of India had more than once been present. Rustomji was extremely liberal, while he had the means, and there might be many yet, who have felt his kindness, when it was of the utmost value to them. He died on the 15th April 1852, at the age of 60. si CHAPTER IV. firamji's connection with the Elphmstone Institute and the Par see Panchayai. How he supported native education* Not only did Framji make a name in his mercantile capacity, but also in the advancement and improvement in the social condition of his countrymen. He was a man, who never sought for honour, but was one of those, who are sought for being honoured. Through his influence, he got into employment all his brothers and relatives, and was ever ready to do all, he can to relieve and redress the grie- vances of the poor. Though engaged so deeply, he did not neglect for a moment the welfare of his country and countrymen. The public measure of the greatest utility, with which Fraraji's name is closely associated, is the early advo- cacy of the cause of native education in this island, not only male education, but also female education, at a time when there was scarcely one to be found amongst us, who could openly declare himself in favour of it. What Framji has done in the cause of native education, has. I believe, been so eminently recorded on the files of the FUphinstone Institution, of which he was not only an original member, but a staunch supporter, and one of the few, who took the initiative in its formation. The same may be said as regards the Grant Medical College, the K alive Public Dispensary, the Agri-Horticultural Society, and many others. In short, in his days of power, he stood foremost in Ijis evertions, and unsparing in his purse in the furtherance of objects calculated to benefit his fellow- beings. In tjie year 1820 Framji was appointed a member on the board of " Native School Book and School Society." 22 Under the presidency of the Rt. Hon'ble Mountstuart Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, and the Secretary- ship of Capt. Jarvis, Framji in the year 1827 opened the first Anglo-Gu jrati School, under the name of " The Native Education Society." Framji was appointed a member of the Board of Directors, which honour he enjoyed for a period of twenty-eight years,, and which he resigned only seven months prior to his death. When Mr. Liget, the President of the Board, together with the Chief Justice the Hon'ble Sir Askin Pery, and the Hon'ble Mr. Jugunath Sunkersett, sent an application to H. E. the Governor of Bombay, for the approval of the appointment of Mr, Bo.nanji Hormasji Wadia, in place of the deceased gentle- man, with words of estimation for hi& pas-t services, the Secretary to H. E. the Governor wrote as follows : " I have been directed to inform you that the honour which the Board have paid to the late Mr Framji Cowasji Banaji is thoroughly worthy of the memory of the deceased. His Excellency and the Council themselves, together with tho&3 who have gone before them, have expressed their highest opinion about the merits of this honoured gentle- man, and the very same opinion is still entertained. Pro- moting the advancement of one's own country is serving right his country was the idea of this gentleman, and in accordance to it he has acted, and so we all appreciate the worth of so good a gentleman." From the time when the genius of the Rt. Hon'ble Mountstuart Elphinstone sought to invite the upper class of Natives to measures for the introduction of National Eductation, Framji Cowasji was distinguished as the most active promoter of this object. He was an original mem- ber of the well-known Elphinstone Institute, which he joined in 1835, and until advancing years and increasing infirmit'es induced him to retire, was year after year elect- 23 ed by his countrymen to represent them at the Board of Education. He was the first Parsee gentleman who educated the females of his family. As already noticed Framji was a great enthusiast in the cause of Native Educa- tion, both male and female. It was his opinion that educa- tion should be given to every person according to his abilities and means. He had very liberal views on the subject of Female education, and notwithstanding the strong opposition from every quarter, he set on foot in- structing his daughters and grand -daughters in English. His efforts at the time proved unsuccessful, but later on they were matured. He had even independently of the strong opposition from his country-men, publicly declared in his capacity of a Member of the Board of Education, his opinion in favour of female education, and set the noble example in his own family circle. Framji contributed the sum of Rs. 10,000 towards the maintenance and support of the " Native Education Society," and also gave large sums of money for establishing profes- sorships at the Elphinstone Institution. Framji \\as the first among the Natives, who boldly came forward as an advocate for firmly establishing the rights and claims of the Natives upon Government, and warmly discussing the then topic of making Natives eligible for members of the " Grand Jury " and other officers of trust and responsibility under Government. He headed the list of the requisition sent in to the House of Commons, through Sir Charles Forbes, on 31st December 1829, asking for the admission of Natives to the Grand Jury, and for making them Justices of Peace, and also give them high and responsible posts under the Government and for the im- proving of justice in the Mofussil. Framji was one of twelve Natives, namely : Messrs. Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, Navrosji Jamshedji Wadia, Bomanji 24 Hormusji Wadia, Curshedji Cowasji Banaji, Curshedji Ard'e- shir Dady, Dadabhoy Pestonji Wadia, Hovmusji lihieajs Chinoy, Curshedji Rustomji Wadia, Juggunath Sunk er sett, Dhakji Dadaji, Mohmudally Roghey, and Mohmud Ibrahim Mueba, who first held the Commission of the Peace in the year 1834, and those who have set on the Bench with him r remember the independence, and impartiality, with which he administered justice. On the llth of July 1836 Framji, in co-operation with Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy and Jeejibhoy Dadabhoy, opened a? school, for the religious training of the youths of his com- munity called the " Zand School " for which he contributed the sum of Rs. 3,000 In 1841 Framjl was elected a member of the Board of Education. The Parsees, as a distinct communit}^ looked up to him as- their leader, who was ever ready to render his services- for the general good of the community, and his exertions for introducing various reforms in his own community, in his capacity of a leading member of the Parsee Panehayak Framji was likewise the foremost HI bringing; about the Parsee Panchayat once more into existence, and was elected a member of that Institution on the 4th of March 1818, and was in 1821 nominated a Trustee of its Funds, Asa member of the Parsee Panchayat, Framji exercised so beneficial an influence over the morals of the Parsee community, that the records of that old and once respected Institution arc stamped with many tokens of his strong sense and excellent Judgment. The Parsee Panchayat exercised for a time a sovereign power, and was a tribunal for the settlement of all social and matrimonial questions among Parsees; but afterwards, instead of directing their labours und energies to a right 25 end. had much abused their power, when Framji in disgust tendered his resignation along with Mr. Nowrosji Jamsetji AVadia in the year 1836, passing a very strong censure on the mismanagement of that body. A correspondent under the nom de plume Q in the Corner contributes to the Bombay Times of 1845 an English translation of Mr, Framji's minute which is as follows : Framji says : " I have resigned from the Board of the Parsee Panchayat along with Mr. 2s avroji Jamshedji Wadia, and if I were to enu- merate the reasons for my so doing, it would fill up a big volume. For some time past, we have failed in bringing about profitable arrangements in our community, and to ^peak more plainly, we have rather done evil than any good. Various evils have creeped into our community and many are the bad results arising from them, and I do not think it advisable to dwell at length upon those. There are at present many instances of forsaking one's own wife and residing with another and of taking into the Zorastriaii religion children born of kept mistresses. The Panchayat seems to take no notice of such evil-doers nor punish them, but they freely join with us in the Gumbhar feasts and even enter the sacred precincts of our fire-temples. The past dread has gone, because the Panchayat does not take them to task. Consequently sucti crimes daily increase, and I think that within ten or twenty years henceforth, the ladies of our community will come forward to dance in public as those of Hindoos and Mahornedans. It is a matter of great regret that in such advanced times we could not check such crimes, nor give impartial justice to the aggrieved. The main cause of this is that there is discord and disunion amongst ourselves, the leaders of the community. In short, I must say again that we are rather doing evil than any good, and we will be responsible for the same before the Al- mighty. All this disorder and miscarriage is owing to the 26 want of union amongst us. We had the means to stop these evils but we did not use them." The next year a reconciliation was brought about, and both these gentlemen rejoined the Parsee Panchayat, but since then, it has been dwindling into almost a defunct body. Framji ever displayed in a remarkable degree that characteristic and genuine warmth of feeling, of an honest mind, one who deeply felt for his fellow- beings, and wanted to do them as much good as it lay in his power. There are several records of the late Parsee Panchayat, illustrative of the depth of penetration and a true love for his country and countrymen, which he possessed in no small a degree. He deserves still a higher credit than this, for the very object of which in the present state of the Parsee community, the society called " The Rahanumahe Mazliashna Sabha 5; a guide to the followers of Maz- diashna religion is brought into existence, occupied his thoughts all the while, and he had to a very great extent effected the very reforms, which they have now introduced, and would have even so far succeeded to bring about a complete reformation, as to leave a permanent effect on the Parsee mind, but he failed in that laudable effort, owing to the discord and disunion, which then prevailed among his other colleagues in the Panchayat. Notwithstanding the sterling virtues in Framji's character, there was a weak point to be marked in it, that often times the kindness and benevolence of his disposition prevailed over strict and firm resolution. Great men are often not without peculiar defects, which they can- not see for themselves, for no man can clearly point out all his faults ; and under the influence, of these 27 they sometimes fall into very serious mistakes, which it is impossible for them to rectify afterwards, and there are a few only who, when their mistakes are clearly pointed out to them, do acknowledge their faults and re- pent for them ; but there are also some, who under these circumstances, still persist in maintaining their wrong and erroneous opinions, notwithstanding the clear way in which their faults are brought home to them. This distinguished man, of whom I am speaking, was not of the latter sort, for when his faults were pointed out to him, he on being con- vinced, readily acknowledged them and tried as far as pos- sible in future to keep aloof from them. Notwithstanding his own precautions, he was often entrapped in the snares of disguise, conceit, and cunning of others. This simplicity of a kind disposition was often worked upon by other enti- cing persons to serve their own peculiar ends ; for the true frankness of his heart and the openness of his mind never for a moment doubted the motives or objects of others, though many a time he fell a victim to their deceit. Another admirable and peculiar feature in his character con- sisted in his too kind and forgiving a disposition He was ever confident in others that is, placed too much reliance in his dealings with others and when he came to understand that they betrayed the trust reposed in them, he had no other recourse but to blame himself for it. 28 CHAPTER V. Loss of his son Edalji. Suppyling water to the Two Tanks, from Mooybhai Oart* On the 3rd of April 1824, Edalji, the second son of Framji, while returning on foot from Madras, died at the age of 30, at the village of Chock, about eight miles from JPanwal, by the accidental bursting of a rifle. Framji, to perpetuate the memory of his beloved son, did a very noble act of charity, which has handed down his name to posterity. At the time we are speaking of, there was a great scarcity of water, and the inhabitants of Kamateepoora, Grant Road and Girgaum, had to go about from place to place in search of water. Framji took to heart their want, and remedied the evil. He bought the spacious ground, called the Moog* bhat Wadi, opposite the Cowasji Patel's Tank, and there sank three big wells, from which through water pipes (at a time when such a thing was but a novelty) he carried water by means of steam-engines and cattle-wheels to the Two Tanks at Kamateepoora. On this he is said to have spent more than thirty thousand rupees, and moreover maintained it at a monthly cost of Rs. 200. He carried on this maintenance till the year 1831, when thinking, that his descendants should perhaps fail to carry on this work of charity, he, in the month of October of the same year, wrote to Mr. Charles Norris, the Chief Secretary to the Bombay Govern- ment, saying that he had spent over a lack and a half for the improvement of his Poway estate, for which he had to pay to the Government the sum of Rs. 4,797-2-0 every year* and that neither he nor his descendants had any hope of recovering the amount already spent ; he therefore request- ed the Government to hand over that estate to him as a 29 free-hold, on payment of Ks. 46,000, and that during his life-time, he would carry on supplying water to the Two Tanks and that after his death, he would set aside a yearly income of Rs. 2,400 from his Poway estate for the main- tenance of the same. Writing on the subject to the Government, Framji says : " I beg to state that from a charitable motive I was led, many years ago, to sink wells for the better and constant supply of fresh water from my Oart called Moogbhat, through the aqueduct of the two reservoirs situated on the (new town) Duncan Road, for the use of the inhabitants of Kamateepoora. For the pur- pose, I obtained every assistance from Major Dickinson, and by his advice sank three wells in the said Oart, Moogbhat, and set up a steam engine and four wheels with cattle to draw water, the whole of which work was not completed under an outlay of about Rupees thirty thousand, in addi- tion to which, I have, all along, maintained an establish- ment at a monthly charge of about Rupees two hundred or Rupees two thousand and four hundred per annum. The supply of fresh water leads from the aforesaid Mooogbhat through aqueduct to the two Reservoirs erected on the Duncan Road, by the late Major Hawkins from the bequest of Uslaji, deceased. These reservoirs were delivered to my charge on the 7th May, 1825, by Major Bellasis, and ever since I have continued the supply of fresh water. The con- tinuance of these useful works during my life-time in the same spirit, which first prompted me to undertake them, is certain, but without in any degree wishing to detract from the benevolent intentions of those who may succeed me, I may, I trust, be excused for expressing a desire for wishing to perpetuate them. Whatever may be the disposition of my heirs, I cannot reasonably expect that they should contribute thus materially to the public welfare without some consideration from a liberal and enlightened Govern- 30 ment. Looking, therefore, to the importance of these works to the great and essential benefit resulting from them and to the desirableness of rendering them, as far as practicable, lasting. I cannot but entertain a live!}- hope that the pro- position I am desirous of making toward accomplishing so important an object will, if coming within the bounds of reason and moderation, be received and viewed with that consideration and liberal attention which I am fully sensible it is the desire and wish of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council to extend towards all propositions of public utility emanating from the natives of the country. " The Poway Estate, it will be remembered, was originally conferred on the late Doctor Scott, but resumed in conseqence of a failure on the part of his heirs or agents in paying the assessment of Government revenue ; impressed, therefore with the hopes to which my past exertions have given rise and with an anxiety to avoid any such failure on the part of my family, I beg to propose that instead of paying a yearly revenue of Rupees four thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, two quarters and twenty- four reas, I hope I may be permitted to discharge the amount of ten years' purchase or Rupees forty-six thousand, the net amount, and henceforward to hold it as Free Hold Estate, and a deed may be made by the Government, to be continued to me and my heirs, and farther, I would beg to propose on the expiration of the forty years rent free Lease, under which I held the waste land connected with the Estate and the rent on the same may be fixed, and my heirs may be permitted to redeem it in like manner by payment of the amount of ten years' purchase. The proposal made by me, which is under the expectation to a perpetual and perma- nent provision in order to continue the supply of fresh water from my charitable Oart called Moogbhat, through the acqueducts to those Reservoirs built by the late Major 31 IIuvHuns from the bequest of the said Uslajee, I intend td insert in my last Will and Testament about the charitable object in the manner as follows : That my children may receive the revenue from my Poway Estate on Salsette and out of which is to defray the expense for the establishment kept at the charitable Oart, Moogbhat, and in default thereof I intend to empower the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that they will compell on my heirs, if the supply of water will be neglected to continue for ever from my said Oart, Moogbhat, and an expense for the said establishment to be paid from the collection of the revenue of my Poway Estate on Salsette." In reply to this Mr. Williams, the Secretary to the Bombay Government, wrote to Mr. Erarnji on the 16th November 1831 : " In reply I am desired to acquaint you that observing with great satisfaction your exertions for the extension of cultivation and general improvement of Salsette and appre- ciating the Public spirit you have manifested and the charitable motives which prompt you to perpetuate so great a benefit to the inhabitants of the populous districts in which the reservoirs are situated as that which they now enjoy, through your memo. The Right Honorable the Governor in Council will have much pleasure in bringing your application to the favourable notice of the Honourable Court of Directors, with a strong recommen 1 uion from this Government that your request may bj complied with." On the 28th of October 1835, the Court of Directors sent the following despatch complying with Mr. Framji's re- quest : " With respect to the proposal of Framji to purchase the Poway Estate which has been already granted to him in 32 perpetuity, a proposal which he appears to have made with a laudable intention of providing for ever a supply of fresh water for the public reservoirs on the Duncan Road in the new town, we are disposed, as a special case, to accede to his request on the terms he has offered, namely, to pay a sum equal to ten years' purchase of the Estate, which on the annual rental (Rupees four thousand seven hundred and forty-seven) will amount to Rupees forty seven thousand four hundred and seventy." Thus the supply of fresh water to the Two Tanks from Framji's charitable Oart, Moogbhat, was carried on till recently by his descendants. The following is the tablet on one of the Two Tanks at Duncan Road. THE WELLS FROM WHICH THESE RESERVOIRS ARE SUPPLIED, and the Establishment for drawing the water are maintained By FRAMJEE COWASJEE, In commemoration of whose Liberality THIS TABLET IS PLACED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. 33 CHAPTER YL The grant of the Poway Estate. The East India Company had in the year 1799 A. D. granted to an old British Officer, Surgeon Hellins Scott, several villages in the island of Salsette on a yearly rental of Rs. 3,200-4-0. Surgeon Scott enjoyed the income of these villages till the year 1816, when he went home and died there shortly after. As the deseendents of Surgeon Scott could not continue paying the amount, in the year 1826 Mr. Simmonds, the Collector of North Concon, resumed the possession of those villages. Framji Cowasji sent in an application to the Government of Bombay on the llth June 1829, asking to have those villages transferred to him on the same conditions as those with Surgeon Scott. In reply to this application, the Bombay Government through Mr. George Gilber, the then Collector of Concon, on the 15th of the same month, offered those villages to Mr. Framji, on a yearly rental of Rs. 4,001, and the following conditions : " You will promote the happiness and prosperity of the Ryots, and erect buildings, sink tanks, and wells, build embankments of fields and introduce the cultivation of superior articles of produce and extend the present culti- vation. Should you not attempt any of the improvements above mentioned within the period of ten years, the Govern- ment is at liberty to resume the grant within the period of ten years, should you expend capital in buildings, &c., as above the grant of the villages and lands will be considered confirmed to your Heirs and Assigns, &c., in perpetuity. You will make annual reports to the Hoozoor of whatever improvements you have made during the preceding year ; the Collector will inspect and cause entries of the same to 34 be recorded in the Duftur, you are not at liberty to dis- pose of in any way the above property to any other persons within the period of ten years. You will receive the same rates of assessment as at present in force and no more and introduce no innovation in the particular without express sanction. The Abkari has been included in the lease given to you. You are at liberty to sell liquor to the Ryots of your Estate only, and not to the other contractors without first obtaining permission of the Collector. If any farmer or contractor requires liquor, he must make application to the Sirkar, and permission shall be granted in the event of there being a general scarcity of this commodity, in the other parts of the Salsette Prant, should you export it beyond the limits of Salsette Talooka, you will pay the established export fee, besides you must adhere to the Rules establish- ed, and to be established with the liquor contractors in Salsette. You will continue the Davustans, Dharmadaes and Pal- dars as at present." After this on the 20th of November 1829,Framji applied for a grant of the two adjoining villages of Toongwy and Puspolie. These two villages were also granted to Mr. Framji on the 22nd March 1830 on a yearly rental of Rs. 1,787, and on the following conditions : " You are properly to protect the Ryots of the villages and to execute the undermentioned works therein. In the Village of Toongwy, you are to build and repair Tanks, and to build a Dhurmsala, and to sink in the waste lands as many "Wells, as may be required, to bring them into cul- tivation. In the Village of Puspolie, you are to sink ten Wells of stone and mortar at the rate of one Well per annum for the irrigation of the waste lands, you are to pre- 35 pare the Tanks, Dhurmasala and Wells as above and by every means to introduce valuable products into the villages, or in failure of doing so to assign satisfactory reason to Government." On the 5th of July 1830 the Government through Mr. Boyd, the then Collector, made a reduction of Rs. 990, for waste lands and thereby fixed the yearly assessment on the seven villages at Rs. 4,797-9-0. ICapjJfreciation of Framji's public spirit, and the chari- table motives which ever prompted him to redress and remedy the grievances of his fellow beings, the Court of Directors, as stated in the preceding pages, handed over the Poway Estate, including Poway and the seven adjoin- ing villages, to Framji as a Free-hold estate on payment of a sum of Rs. 47,470 on the 15th of February 1837. The following is the deed by which the " East India Company " transferred to Framji the sole right of the Foway Estate : " CI/IS JflrttttttlltJl) made the Fifteenth day of February in the year of Christ one thousand Eight hundred and thirty- seven Between the Honorable East India Company of the one part and Framji Cowasji Banaji Esquire of Bombay Parsee Merchant of the other part. WHEREAS by a Deed bearing date the thirteenth day of August one thou- sand seven hundred and ninety-nine purporting to be a grant to Helenus Scott had been for some time therein described as Surgeon in the service of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies after Reciting therein that the said Helenus Scott had been for some time and was then in allowed possession of certain spot or parcels of ground situate in the limits of the Villages of Poway, Terandaz Comprey, Pospowly and Chandowley, included in the district of Marole Coorlim 36 and Moolly and in that of Trombay in the Island of Salsetfe which spots or parcels of ground were the Property of the said Company. It is declared that the said Company did thereby unalienably grant and make over to the said Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors Administrators and As. signs, all and sundry the aforesaid parcels or spots of ground situated in the said Villages with a temporary exception only in respect to certain spots of Serotore Tenure, which were not to become his until he could satisfy and buy out the then incumbents and subject to an annual payment of the sum of three thousand and two hundred Rupees, three quarters, and twelve reas, which was declared to be the settled quit rent of the above grounds, on their reduced assessments and it was thereby further agreed and deter- mined upon by and between the said parties thereto that if the said Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors, Adminis- trators and Assigns, should fail to pay and make good all or any part of the aforesaid assessment or quit rent in manner therein mentioned within one month of the time therein specified the Collector or other revenue officer for the time being of Salsette, was thereby authorized to seize, or sell any part of the aforesaid ground, or the tenements or buildings, which might be thereon erected or the materials which might thereto belong, in order to satisfy and make good the amount of the said assessments or quit rent which might then be due and owing. And it was thereby further declared andagreed that WHEREAS over and above the assessment on the above granted parcels of land or spots of ground the Honorable Company had exercised and then exercised a right of taxing certain Brab Trees growing thereon at different rates according to their produce or situation,- and that the said Helenus Scott by felling of wood, and draining of lands had brought forward with much labour and expense, a considerable part of the grounds 37 included in the above grants into a state of great cultivation and consequent productiveness the said Company thereby relinquished all Property in the Brab or other Trees situat- ed on any of the said lands and the said Trees, and such trees as might be produced thereafter were thereby declared and acknowledged to be the sole property of the said Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators and Assigns AND WHEHE AS the said Helenus Scott continu- ed in possession of the said Estate and duly paid the said rent so received as aforesaid up to and until some time in or about the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen when he proceeded to England where he afterwards departed this life and no further payment on account of the said rents was thereafter made by the said Eelenus Scott or by his Heirs or by any person or persons on his behalf, AND WHEREAS James Bruce Simson, Esquire, as Collector of the Northern Concan some time in the year one thousand Eight hundred and twenty-six in consequence of the large amount of arrears of such rent then due and owing to the said Company, entered into and upon and seized and took possession of the said Estate and Tillages and of all the Buildings and other Pro- perty thereon and continued in possession thereof on behalf of the said Company AND "WHEREAS the said Framji Cowasji in a letter bearing date the Eleventh day of June one thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine addressed to Wil- liam Newnham, Esquire, Secretary to Government, stated as follows. I beg leave to propose to the Honorable the Gover- nor in Council to take on a Lease for Ever the land of Poway, situated at Salsette near Bhandock (which was formerly held and occupied by late Doctor Scott declared on the following terms, that is to say upon paying annually the amount of present Revenue to the Government which is to the extent of Rupees Three thousand five hundred and nine, two quarters 38 and eighty eight reas, including of the Thoka on the Paddy field at the rate of twenty Rupees per a Mcora and all the Grass and waste land appertaining thereto together with all the trees of every description to be allowed rne free from pay- ing any kind of Tax whatsoever as in the same privilege and manner as was granted to Doctor Scott, I also beg leave to state for the information of the Honorable the Governor in Council that the said Poway Village from its situation now appears to be in a ruined state in consequence of which it will be necessary to put it in proper order, and for the improve*' ment of the said Village requires a large sum of money all which I will do myself, I therefore beg leave to request that the Honorable the Governor in Council will be pleased to take my proposal into his serious consideration and should he think it proper to let it out upon the same terms and conditions as it was formerly granted to Doctor Scott I am- under such supposition willing to become in occupation o that Village for Ever and Ever, and a regular lease will be' duly executed AND WHEREAS by a certain instrument in writing called a Cowl bearing date Soor Sun SuIIaseeii Myalen Vu aleef A. D. One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine and thirty (1829-30) Shuck one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one (1751) Nerody nam Sumvuseer purporting to be granted by George Gilberne, Esq., Collec- tor of the Northern Con can to the said Framji Cowasji therein described as Framji Cowasji Merchant of Bombay it is stated as follows. You having preferred an application in the English language dated the Eleventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine, soliciting cer^ tain Villages and lands situated in the Turuf Marole Talook Salsette and known by the name of Poway Estate on the same terms as the same was granted to Doctor Scott with a request to include the Abkaree the amount to be paid for which to be regulated according to its average receipts for 9 several years. I reported on the subject on the Twenty- ninth day of the same month and received orders dated the Tenth and fifteenth day of July following to transfer the Tillages and lands &c., according to the fixed bounda- ries of the Estate to you on lease. The following consti- tues the Estate, Mowja Poway, 2 Copre Coorah, 3 Terenda Lands, 4 Lands in the Mowza Puspowlee, 5 Mowza Sankee, 6 certain Brab Trees in the Mowza Tukerolee. The above has accordingly been given to you on tease from the current year Sun Sullasee A. I). One thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine and thirty (1829-30) on the conditions hereinafter provided for and in and by the said Cowl after setting forth therein the revenue which is thereby calculated to amount in the whole to four thousand and one Bupees on account of Tillages and lands and Abkaree, to be paid annually into the Treasury of the Salsette Talook, on the First day of April in every year, the said Cowl proceeds as follows, Second you will promote the happiness and prosperity of the Ryots, and erect build- ings, sink tanks and wells, build embankment of fields and introduce the cultivation of superior articles of pro- duce and extend the present cultivation. Should jon not attempt any of the improvements above mentioned within the period of Ten years the Government is at liberty to re- sume the grant within the period of Ten years, should you expend capital in buildings &c., as above the grant of the Tillages and lands will be considered confirmed to you and to your Heirs and Assigns &c.., in perpetuity. You will make annual reports to the Hoozoor of whatever improvements you have made during the preceding year the Collector will inspect and cause entries of the same to be recorded in the Duf ter, you are not at liberty to dispose of in any way the above property to any other persons within the period of Ten years. Third you will receive the same rates of Assess- 40 ment as at present in force and no more and; introduce no innovation in the particular without express sanction^ Fourth, The Abkaree has been included in the lease given to you. You are at liberty to sell Liquor to the Ryots of your Estate only and not to the other contractors without first obtaining permission of the Collector. If any farmer or contractor requires liquor he must make application to the Sirkar and permission shall be granted in the event of there* being a general scarcity of this commodity, m the other parts of the Salsette Prank Should you export ft beyond the limits; of the Salsette Talook, you will pay the Established export fee, besides you must adhere to the Rules- established and to be established with the Liquor contractors in Salsette., Fifth. You will continue the Davustans, Dhurmadaes and Paldorsasat present. AND WHEREAS, by a certain other instrument in wirting bearing date the Fifth day of July One thousand Eight hundred and thirty purporting to be additional elauses r it is stated amongst other things as follows : First. In the amount of Lease of the Poway Estate the Assessment of the waste land has been included in this subject. Mr. Boyd, the Collector, wrote to Govern- ment on the Eighteenth day of February One thousand Eight hundred and thirty, and procured an order dated the twenty-second day of March of the same year that this; Assessment on the waste should be deducted from the amount of the Lease as was the case in the lease of the- Villages Veyar and others of Turuf Marolee granted by Mi\ Langford, Assistant Collector in charge, to Merwanjee Rus- tomjee in conformity to this order Rupees Nine hundred and ninety, one quarter and seventy- six reas should be de~ ducted from the amount of the Lease Rupees Four thousand and one leaving Rupees three thousand and ten, two quar- ters and twenty-four reas which you are to pay annually and far which you will receive a receipt. Second. In orde? 41 that the whole of the waste land in the abovementioned. villages may be brought into cultivation a term of 40 years has been fixed during which no assessment will be levied thereon from the forty-first year after deducting the land totally incapable of cultivation the remainder whether culti* vated or waste will be assessed according to the usual rates and such assessment will be levied annually. You are moreover to bring one-fourth of the waste into cultivation in ten years from the date of this Lease. Third. The revenue of all Cowls of Mofee Istawa which have been granted in the above Villages is to be paid by you as it becomes due above the amount of your Lease. On the twentieth of November One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine you presented an English Petition in Bombay requesting a Lease of the Villages of Toongaye and Pushpolee of Turuf Marole Talooka Salsette which was reported upon on the Eighteenth day of February One thousand Eight hundred and thirty by Mr. Boyd and an order from Government was received dated the twenty-second day of March One thousand Eight hundred and thirty, directing the Villages to be granted to you. The villages are therefore leased to you as follows : The Village of Toongwy the whole Village of Puspolee of which certain lands were granted to you by the lease dated Fifth day of September One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine. Those two Villages have been granted to you in Lease from the current year One thousand Eight hundred and thirty-one, on the following terms and the said Instru- ment after stating the particulars of the Revenue including Abkaree of the said Villages which is thereby calculated to amount to Rupees one thousand and seven hundred, three quarters and forty eight reas proceeds as follows. This sum of seventeen hundred and eighty-seven Rupees you are to pay every year on or before the first day of April in the Currency receivable in the Salsette Treasury, in default of 42 which you will be proceeded against agreeably to the re- gulations. You are properly to protect the Ryots of the villages and to execute the undermentioned works therein. In the Tillage Toongwy you are to build and repair the Tanks and to build a Dhurmsala and to sink in the waste lands as many Wells as maybe required to bring them in to cultivation in the Village Puspolee you are to sink 10 Wells of stone and mortar at the rate of one Well per annum for the irre- gation of the waste lands you are to prepare the Tank Dhur- amsala and Wells as above and by every means to introduce valuable products into the villages or in failure of doing so to assign satisfactory reason to Government should you fail in any of these provisions within ten years from the date of this Lease Government will be at liberty to resume the Villages from you and you will be liable to a fine as far as five hundred Rupees (500) for every Well not prepared ac- cording to agreement. Should you act up to the above con- dition the abovenamed Villages will be continued to you and your Heirs in perpetuity you are to report annually to the Collector the improvement you may have made in order that that Officer may should he deem it necessary enquire with them and record them in the office you are not permit- ted in any way to transfer these villages within ten years you are to adhere in regard to these two villages to the after jnentjoned clause of the Lease granted to you of the Poway Estate of the fifth September One thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine, Clauses, Third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth. AND WHEREAS the said Instrument after giving an account of the land population and Houses of the villages thereby leased proceeds as follows. This waste land is to be free of Assessment during forty years. The Assessment will be levied from the forty-first year, as stipulated in the second Additional Article and that pn land held under Cowls of Mafee Istowa as in the third 43 additional article. AND WHEREAS the said Framji Cowasji has since the date of the said Cowls expended large sums of money in improving the Land so granted to him and in complying with the conditions thereof and also in the erection of several large and commodious Bungalows in the Villages of Poway and Sank ay also in the construction of Roads in digging and clearing out wells building and re- paring Tanks and making other great and extensive improve- ments on the said Poway Estate and has thereby greatly con- tributed to the comfort, happiness and prosperity of the in- habitants of the aforesaid Villages AND WHEREAS the said Framji Cowasji in the month of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one wrote and forwarded to Charles Norris, Esq., the then Chief Secretary to Government a letter in which he stated as follows : I am induced to trespass on your attention for a short time to bring to the notice of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council the following cir- cumstances and to entreat his indulgent consideration to the request which I most respectfully beg to prefer to enable me with more certainty to perpetuate my charitable intentions and to render my present humble efforts both more permanently and effectually beneficial to my Family. I beg to state that from a charitable motive I was led many years ago to sink wells for the better and constant supply of fresh water from my Oart called Moogbhat through the aqueduct of the two Reserviors situated on the (New Town) Duncan Road for the use of the Inhabitants of Camateepoora. For the purpose I obtained every assis-. tance from Major Dickinson and by his advice sank three wells in the said Oart Moogbhat and set up a steam Engine and four wheels with cattle to draw water the whole o f which work was not completed under an outlay of about Rupees thirty thousand in addition to which I have all along maintained an Establishment at a monthly charge 44 of about Rupees Two hundred or Rupees Two thousand and four hundred per annum. The supply of fresh water leads from the aforesaid Mugbhat through aqueduct to the two Reserviors erected on the Duncan Road by the late Major Hawkins from the bequest of Uslajee deceased. These Reserviors were delivered to my charge on the seventeenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five by Major Bellasis and ever since I have con- tinued the supply of fresh water. The continuance of these useful works during my life time in the same spirit which first prompted me to undertake them is certain, but without in any degree wishing to detract from the bene- volent intentions of those who may succeed me, I may, I trust, be excused for expressing a desire for wishing to perpetuate them. Whatever may be the disposition of my Heirs I cannot reasonably expect that they should contri- bute thus materially to the public welfare without some consideration from a liberal and enlightened Government. Looking therefore to the importance of these works to the great and essential benefit resulting from them and to the desirableness of rendering them as far as practicable last- ing I cannot but entertain a lively hope that the proposi- tion I am desirous of making towards accomplishing so important an object will if coming within the bounds of Teason and moderation be received and viewed with that consideration and liberal attention which I am fully sensi- ble it is the desire and wish of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council to extend towards all propositions of public utility emanating from the Natives of the country. Government has been pleased to grant me seven Villages the chief of which is called Poway Estate on the Island of Salsette, in my endeavours to improve which the accompany- ing substantial Translation of my Report to the Principal Collector of the Konkan through the Komavesdar of Sal- 45 gette will I hope give the full information about the expen- diture incurred during the two years it has been under my management the amount of which is nearly one and a half lac of Kupees I beg to observe that it is not my intention to limit my endeavours as regards the improvements I hope to be able to sink many more Wells but in those which have been already sunk I have been obliged to cut through the solid Rock twenty to thirty feet and even then ex- perienced a scarcity of water during the month of April and May. Government having kindly directed me to be supplied with Boring Rods from Guncarriage manufactory I tried the experiment and got down as low as twenty feet, but some of the wells I was experienced with water. How- ever, by the next April or May when the spring sinking down, I will try then again with the Boring Rods as low as to sixty or seventy feet, and when I have no doubt the lowest fountain will rise or flow up, but for the execution of this I have instructed my Agent in England to send me out a complete set of the best Boring Rods which I expect to receive very soon. Thus to forward the views of Govern- ment, for it was with such intention that the estate was originally conferred on me though I am free to confess not without sanguine hopes of benefiting myself or my children I have expended very near one and a half Lack of Rupees. But the result from such improvements and the general be. neficial effects to be anticipated from them in the dissemina- tion of a new spirit of enterprise throughout the country in the better cultivation of the Land in the introduction of new and superior articles of produce and in the general improve- ment of the cultivating classes, results to be reckoned upon from undertakings of such spirit and magnitude may form some claim on the liberality of Government. This Estate, it will be remembered, was originally conferred on the late Doctor Scott, but resumed in consequence of a failure on the 46 part of his Heirs or Agents in paying the assessment of Q-overnment Revenue. Impressed therefore with the hopes to which my past exertions have given rise and with an anxie- ty to avoid any such failure on the part of my family I beg to propose that instead of paying a yearly revenue of Rupees Four thousand seven hundred and ninenty seven, two quarters and twenty-four reas I may be allowed to deduct, say, about t wo hundred Rupees as for a compensation for the ground used in cutting Roads to my Village as well as for the custo- mary allowance to the Hereditary Offices as Patell and Mallaras of the said Tillage which was omitted to be inserted in the Lease executed of the said Village and after the deduc- tion of the above sum it will remain about four thousand and six hundred Rupees or yearly to be paid by me which I hope I may be permitted at once to discharge the amount of ten years purchase or Rupees forty-six thousand, the net amount and henceforth to hold it as Free Estate and a Deed may be made by the Government to be continued to me and my Heirs and further I would beg to propose that on the expiration of the Forty years rent free Lease under which I held the waste land connected with the Estate and the rent on the same may be fixed and my heirs may be permitted to redeem it in like manner by payment of the amount of ten years purchase. The proposal made by me which is under the expectation to a perpetual and permanent provision in order to continue the supply of fresh water from my charitable Oart called Mugbhut through the aqueducts to those Reservoirs built by the late Major Haw- kins from the bequest of the said Uslaji, I intend to insert in my last Will and Testament about the charitable object in the manner as following : That my children may receive the revenue from my Poway Estate on Salsette and out of which is to defray the expense for the establishment kept at the charitable Oart Mugbhat, and in default 47 thereof I intend to empower the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that they will compell on my Heirs if the supply of water will be neglected to continue for ever from my said Oart Mugbhat and an expense for the said Establishment to be paid from the collection of the Revenue of my Poway Estate on Salsette. Should the Right Honora- ble the G-overnor in Council be graciously pleased to consi- der my request with a view to giving permanency to the charitable work alluded to in the first part of this letter as such as to encourage the efforts I have made and am still desirous of making to secure the consideration of Govern- ment I beg to assure him of the grateful and proud feeling with which the same will be for ever remembered. But if the Right Honorable the Governor in Council is unable to accede with my request without submitting it to the Honor- able the Court of Directors I humbly solicit that they will be pleased to forward this to the favorable submission of the Honorable the Court of Directors. AND WHEREAS Mr. Williamson, the then Secretary to Government by his letter bearing date the sixteenth day of November One thousand Eight hundred and thirty-one addressed to the said Frarnji Cowasji was pleased to signify as follows : " I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to Mr. Chief Secretary Norris dated in last month soliciting that the Poway Estate may be made over to you and your Heirs in perpetuity on payment of the amount of Government Revenue for ten years as purchase money and stating that your principal object in preferring this request is to pro- vide from a permanent source for the maintenance for ever of an establishment which has been kept up by you for some time past to supply with fresh water the Public Reservoirs on the Duncan Road. In reply I am desired to acquaint you that observing with great satisfaction your 48 exertions for the extension of cultivation and general improvement of Salsette and appreciating the public spirit you have manifested and the charitable motives which prompt you to perpetuate so great a benefit to the inhabi- tants of the populous districts in which the reservoirs are situated as that which they now enjoy, through your memo. The Right Honorable the Governor in Conncil will have much pleasure in bringing your application to the favorable notice of the Honorable Court of Directors with a strong recommendation from this Government that your request may be complied with. AND WHEREAS the Right Honorable the Governor in Council having forwarded the application of the said Framji Cowasji to the Honorable the Court of Directors of the said East India Company the said Honorable Court by their letter bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five were pleased to signify as follows. With respect to the proposal of Framji to purchase the Poway Estate which has been already granted to him in perpe- tuity a proposal which he appears to have made with the laudable intention of providing for ever supply of fresh water for the public reservoirs on the Duncan Road in the new Town we are disposed as special case to accede to his request on the terms he has offered namely to pay a sum equal to ten years purchase of the Estate which on the annual rental (Rupees four thousand seven hundred and forty-seven) will amount to Rupees forty-seven thousand four hundred and seventy AND WHEREAS the said Framji Cowasji has requested that a Deed of conveyance may accordingly be executed to him granting the said Estate to him and His Heirs for ever which the Right Honorable the Governor in Council on behalf of the said Honorable Company has agreed to execute on his entering into a covenant to execute such Deed or other instrument as 49 may be requisite to ensure his keeping up a supply of water for the inhabitants of the Duncan Road as aforesaid. SOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that in pur- suance of the said agreement and for carrying the same into execution and also for and in consideration of the said sum of Forty-seven thousand four hundred and seventy Rupees of lawful current money of Bombay aforesaid by the said Frarnji Cowasji to the Honorable East India Company well and truly paid at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents the receipt whereof the said Company do hereby acknowledge and thereof and of and from every part thereof do Release, acquit and discharge the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns and every of them for ever by these presents they the said Company have granted, bargained, sold, released and con- firmed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, release and confirm unto the said Framji Cowasji in his actual Possession and occupation now being all those adjacent Tillages and lands as well inhabited as waste Lands as also cultivated and uncultivated Gardens Roads Paths Passages Tanks Wells buildings Erections Privileges and all and singular the appurtenances thereunto in any wise belonging described in the hereinbefore in part recited Cowls bearing date respectively the fifth day of September One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine and the fifth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty and denominated and being as follows that is to say All that village called Sankee containing by admeasurement three hundred Begas one quarter of a Bega and one Pond be the same little more or less all that other Village called Tonguy contain- ing by admeasurement four hundred and thirty-six Begas three quarters of a Bega and three and a half Ponds be the same little more or less And that other Village called Kompree containing by admeasurement one hundred and 50 *eventyone Begas three quarters of a Bega and four Ponds be the same little more or less all that other Village called Poway containing by admeasurement six hundred and eighty-two Begas two quarters of a Bega and three ponds be the same little more or less. All that other Village called Terundaz containing by admeasurement five hundred and fifty-eight Begas one Pond and three quarters of a Pond be the same little more or less And all that village called Puspoflee containing by admeasurement Eleven hun- dred and eighty-six Begas and three Ponds be the same little more or less the description and boundaries whereof are particularly inserted and delineated in and by the Map or Plan of the Revenue survey of the Island Of Salsette dated in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty and deposited in the Office of the Collector of the Northern Concan at Tannah on the Island of Salsette and are cir- cumscribed and included by a line on the North by which they are separated from the Lands belonging partly to the village of Soy and partly to that of Veear on the South partly by the Land of Mahole partly by that of Ghaut Kopur partly by that of Chendowlie and partly by that of Merole on the West partly by the Land of Murole and partly by that of Moroshee and on the East partly by the Land of Hur- reealy and partly by that of Kanjoor. Together with all the Waste Land described in and by the aforesaid Cowl bearing date the Fifth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty and all other waste land of every description and all and singular (Houses, out-houses, Edifices, Buildings, stables, Yards, Gardens, Compounds, Wells, Tanks, Brab Trees, Date Trees, and all other Trees, ways, water courses, paths, commons, common of pasture and other commonable rights, passages, privileges, and appurtenances, whatsoever to the said villages lands hereditaments and premises hereby re- leased or otherwise assured or intended to be or to anv of 51 them belonging or in anywise appurtaining and the rever- sion and reversions remainder and remainders Bents issues and profits of the said Village Lands hereditaments and premises and every part and parcel of the same with their and every of their rights members and appurtenances and all the Estate right title Interest Term and Terms for years property possession and Equity of Redemption claim and demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity of the said Company of in to out of or upon the said Lands or Tillages or any of them or any part thereof Together with all Deeds evidences and writings now in the custody or power of the said Company relating to or concerning the same. To have and to hold the Villages Lands inhabited and waste cultivated and uncultivated hereditaments and pre- mises mentioned to be hereby granted and released with their appurtenance unto the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors administrators and assigns To the only proper use and behoof of the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors administrators and assigns for ever free from all Rent arrears of Rent reserved and also from the Abkaree and all other rates taxes dues duties and assessments of what nature or kindsoever but subject Nevertheless to the restrictions in and by the said Cowls imposed and also to all such other Restrictions as the said Company shall at any time think fit to impose with respect to the sale of Liquor in the said Island of Salsette or any part thereof. And the said Company for themselves their successors and assigns do hereby covenant promise and agree to and with the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors Administra- tors and Assigns that the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors administrators and assigns shall and may at all times hereinafter have and enjoy the absolute property and right of ownership of into and over all Brab Trees Date Trees and other trees now growing standing or beino- or 52 which shall at any time or times hereinafter grow or be on any of the Lands or Grounds hereditaments and premises herby released or intended so to be and shall and may at all times receive take and enjoy the rents produce and profits thereof to his and their own use and benefit free and absolutely discharged of and from all such rent Taxes rates dues duties assessments and impositions as aforesaid or otherwise howsoever and that they the said Company their successors or assigns shall not nor will at any time or times hereafter seize sequester or take possession of any of the aforesaid Tillages Lands hereditaments and premises hereby granted and released or intended so to be or any part thereof for or by reason of any rent or arrears of rent debt or debts or other liabilities whatsoever due or demand- able from any cultivator or cultivators residing on the said Lands hereditaments and premises any part thereof and further that for and notwithstanding any act Deed matter or thing whatsoever by the said Company or by any person or persons claiming for under or in trust for them made done committed or suffered to the contrary they the said Company have in themselve good right full power and lawful and absolute authority to grant bargain sell release and assure the said Lands Villages and premises mentioned to be hereby gran- ted and released and every part and parcel of the same with their and every of their appurtenances unto and to the use of the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors administrators and assigns in manner aforesaid according to the true intent and meaning of these presents (and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs executors administrators and as- signs peaceably and quietly to enter into and upon have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said Lands and Tillages hereby released or otherwise assured or intended so to be and 53 to receive and take the rents issues and profits thereof and of every part thereof to and for his and their own use and bene- fit and without any let suit trouble eviction ejection expul- sion hinderance interruption claim or demand whatsoever of or by the said Company or of or by any person or persons lawfully claiming from or under or in trust for them (and that free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted exonerat- ed released and for ever discharged of from and against all other gifts grants bargains sales Leases mortgages Bents arrears of Rents judgments executions extents suits Decrees Debts of record debts to the King's Majesty sequestrations Estates Titles Troubles trusts grants Bargains sales charges or incumbrances whatsoever had made done committed occasioned permitted or suffered by the said Company or by any person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim from or under in trust for them and further that the said Company their successors and assigns and all and every other person or persons whomsoever having or claiming or who shall or may have or claim any estate right Title or interest at Law or in equity into or out of the said Villages Lands hereditaments and premises hereby released or otherwise assured or intended so to be or any part thereof by from through under or in trust for them shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter upon the reasonable request and at the proper costs and charges nevertheless of the said Framji Cawasji his Heirs Executors administra- tors and assigns make do and execute or cause and procure to be made done and executed all such further and other lawful and reasonable acts Deeds conveyan ces and assurances in the Law whatsoever for the further better more perfectly lawfully and absolutely or satisfactorily granting releasing and confirming or otherwise assuring the said Lands and Tillages unto and to the use of the said Framji Cowasji 54 his Heirs Excutors administrators and assigns as by the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs executors administrators and assigns or his or their Counsel learned in the Law shall be reasonably advised devised or required. And this Indenture further witnesseth and the said Framji Cowasji for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth, hereby promise covenant and agree to and with the said Honorable Company their successors and assigns that he the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors and ad- ministrators shall and will when and so soon as he or they or any of them shall be thereunto required by the said Company their successors or assigns make sign seal and deliver such Deed or other sufficient Instrument for securing the due supply of water for the purposes and in manner herein before in that behalf particularly mentioned as by the said Company their Successors or assigns their Counsel learned in the Law shall be deemed reasonable expedient in that behalf IN WITNESS wherof the Right Honorable the Gfovernor in Council at Bombay aforesaid for and on behali of the said East India Company hath, caused the common seal of the said Company to be set and affixed to one part thereof remaining with the said Framji Cowasji and the said Framji Cowasji hath set his hand and seal to the other part hereof remaining with the said Governor in Council the day and year first above written. Sealed and delivered (Sd.) E. H. TOWKSEND, in the presence of Acting Secretary to Government. (Sd.) W. BLOWERS. ( ji ) JOWDEEN NARKER, 55 At the time of Framji's coming in possession of 'the Poway Estate^ it had at the most a population of about one hundred souls, and an income scarcely equal to the annuity laid on it. By his personal exertion and application, it was soon changed into a (t LAND OF GOLD." He first of all had a fine crop of sugarcane, from which he manufactured red sugar, he then planted and grew indigo, opium and cefFee. Next he planted Mulberry and reared silk-worms, and thus by and bye transferred the waste land into a true Celestial city. Not only these, but he had all sorts of vegetation and fruits, even tea and Nilgiri potatoes grown there. He had innumerable Mango trees planted on his Estate, and every year gave his tenants these sweet friuts free. Framji is said to have spent up- wards of five laks of rupees in improving and fertilizing his Estate. He had sunk several wells, made smooth and levelled the roads, built some fine bungalows, and a large /spacious one for travellers. Scarcely any distinguished *nan, who happened to put his foot in Bombay, had not done him the honor to visit his Estate and speak in high terms of its fertility. It was Framji's pride to speak to his friends " I have one lak of Mango-trees planted on my Estate and supposing for a time, that each tree yields a profit of one rupee a year, I would be leaving to my family an yearly income of a lak of rupees." From this it can be seen how splendid and valuable this estate had been in the time of FranijL Sir John Malcolm, the then Governor of Bombay, paid a visit with his staff to Framji's Poway estate on the 3rd of December 1830. He was highly delighted with the improvements made therein, as well as the Machinery for Manufacturing sugar, and as an appreciation of Mr. Fram- ji's good work, he presented him with a gold watch and chain, he had with him at the time. On the 17th of 56 November 1831, the Earl of Clare, the then Governor of Bombay, together with his staff, visited Framji's Poway estate. He went all round with Framji and greatly ad- mired the distillery for producing country-liquor, and was highly pleased to see Framji growing sugar, indigo, opium, tea, coffee, &c. also rearing silk-worms. His Excellency observed that it was a wonder that in the short space of only a couple of years, Framji had brought about so ex- tensive an improvement. After taking lunch with Framji, His Excellency presented him with a shawl valued at Rs. 1,400 in appreciation of his good services. Framji in a few appropriate words thanked His Excellency for hi& kind- ness. After remaining the whole day as the guest oi Framjij His Excellency returned highly pleased Framji had received several prizes from the "Agri Horti- cultural Society" amongst which may be noticed : A prize of R&. 30 for growing Nilgiri Potatoes on the 24th of February 1831. A prize of Rs. 130 for rearing silk- worms and producing silk therefrom and also for growing rice, opium, &c., on the 13th of May 1831. A prize of Rs. 50 for producing the best loaf-sugar on the 24th January 1832. A prize of Rs. 30 for growing the best Mangoes on the 27th May 1832. A prizeof Rs. 50 for growing coffee, Chinese Lime, Oranges, Apples and other fruits on the 6th of January 1835. A prize of Rs. 35 for producing silk-worms reared on his soil on the 5th of May 1835. Framji Cowasji was the first Parsee, nay the first Native of India, who on the 18th of May 1838 ventured to send a present of that sweet and delicious fruit the Bombay mangoes to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen-Empress. 57 The following is the document, which accompanied the offering : To HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, The improvement and extension of steam navigation have now happily brought your Majesty's dominions at home and your dominions in the Eastern world so closely together, that I venture most humbly and most respect- fully to lay at your Majesty's feet some specimens of the celebrated Bombay Mangoes, in the earnest hope that this delicious fruit, which has never been transmitted to Europe may reach your Majesty in a state of preservation and prove acceptable. Such precautions have been adopted to preserve the fruit as appear most efficacious, but if the botanists of your Majesty's dominions at home can pre- scribe a preferable method, it shall be adopted in the trans- mission of further supplies of this or any other kind of fruit peculiar to the country which has not hitherto been seen in Great Britain. Your Majesty's most obedient and faithful, Eastern Subject, BOMBAY, 18th May 1838. (Sd.) FRAMJI COWASJI. " In acknowledgment of this present, the master of the household conveyed to him the Queen's approbation of the zeal and enterprise evinced by him, and Her Majesty's gratification at the dutiful expression of loyalty by which it was accompanied." Indeed, splendid was the Poway Estate, and would no doubt have continued the same, if proper care and attention were paid to it, but alas ! for the discord and disunion going on among the several of the leading descendants of this ever respected and noble gentleman, the estate has been in litigation for upwards of twenty years, and Poway is now but a shadow of its past greatness and splendour, 58 CHAPTER VII. Framji's minor charities. Framji's charity was universal, he held no distinction of caste or creed, wherever he saw a necessity he was ever ready to render a helping hand. His benevolence was not merely limited to the Fraternity of which he was a mem- ber, nor did it terminate in his own country. Besides the several great works of Public utility narrated in the fore- gone pages, he at times did many more smaller acts of charity. He was ever foremost in all matters concerning public interest. Framji gave the first Kadmi Ghimbar feast on the 22nd of October 1805. In the year 1811, Framji along with others contributed to a " service plate " worth Rs. 15,750, presented to Sir Charles Forbes on his retiring after twenty-two years of public life in Bombay, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,250 towards the relief of the famine-stricken people of the North on the 10th December 1812. On the 24th of May 1814, Framji with several other leading Native gentlemen protested against the Police Zulum in carrying away stray dogs, cows and such other domestic animals. In the year 1814, Framji was elected a Director of the " Bombay Insurance Society." On the 9th of September 1815, Framji gave the sum of Rs. 200 towards the fund for building the " Calidpnian Asylum " for the orphans of the Scottish Army and Navy, 59 Frainji contributed in 1816, Rs. 200 towards the fund for supporting the family of those soldiers who fought under the Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo. On the 8th of June 1816, Fraruji was nominated along with three others to a Committee to appeal to the Imperial Government against the wrong done by the Bombay Government. In the year 1823 Frainji contributed to a memorial and " Plate " worth 400 Guineas presented to the Hon'ble Mr. Alexander Bell on his departure from Bombay. On the 10th August 1820, Framji was elected a Member of the " Native School and School Book Committee." In the year 1824, Framji subscribed to a " Piece of Plate " worth 700 Guineas presented to me, James Henry Crawford, a retiring Merchant and Magistrate of Bombay. On the loth of April 1825, Framji subscribed to a " Piece of Plate " worth 500 presented to Lieutenant Colonel William Brooks, Civil Architect, who retired after forty- two years' service in Bombay. On the 21st of September 1825, Framji subscribed Rs. 300 towards the " Native Education Society's Building Fund." Framji contributed 5 15s. towards the " Royal National Institute " on the 21st January 1826. He was one of the two contributors to the fund, Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy being the other. On the 16th of August 1827, Framji gave Rs, 10$ towards the relief of the sick and strange sailors in England. Framji on the 28th August J82a, subscribed Rs. 7,000 for perpetuating the memory of the Right Hon'ble Mount- steuart Elptunstone, the then retiring Governor of Bombay. 60 On the 30th of May 1828, Framji gave Rs. 100 towards the improvement of " East Indians." Framji was elected the Vice -President of the Indian Agricultural and Horticultural Society on the 4th February 1830. Framji subscribed to a " Piece of Plate " valued at 300 Guineas presented to Dr. William Jafferson on the 5th of June 1830, on his retiring from the Ophthalmic Institution in Bombay. On the 15th November 1830, Framji let out a floor of his house at Meadow Street, for the use of the " Bombay General Library " on a nominal rent of Rs. 75 a month. Framji subscribed Rs. 100 towards the furnishing of the " Bombay Theatre House " on the 27th November 1830. On the 14th of January 1832, Framji subscribed to a " Piece of Plate " valued at 1,500 presented to the Hon'ble John Romer, the retiring member of Council. On the 3rd January 1831 Framji built the Tower of Silence at a cost of Rs. 20,000 in memory of his deceased daughter Bai Dinbai. Framji on the 3rd May 1832, gave Rs. 1,000 to the Parsee Panchayafc for reparing the surrounding of the " Towers of Silence " and Rs. 1,000 to the Fire Temple at Persia. Framji gave a sum of Rs. 200 towards the " Famine Relief Fund " in the Southern Districts on the 25th July 1833. On the 28th Jane 1834, Framji was appointed to the Committee for suggesting the improvements in roads. On the 30th of October 1834, Framji with some other leading natives came forward to establish the " Panjrapole " in Bombay. 61 Framji gave Rs. 500 at the Oothamna ceremony of his father on the 18th December 1835 in several Panchayat charity funds. On the 28th of February 1835 Framji subscribed Bs. 1,000 to the establishment of the "Earl of Clare Scholarship " in connection with the Elphinstone College. On the 3rd of October 1835, Framji was chosen a Mem- ber on the board of " Bombay Native Dispensary." On the 2nd of May 1836, Framji subscribed Rs. 1.000 towards the brodening of the City Gates of Bombay at Church Gate and Bazaar Gate. On the 24th September 1836, Framji was elected a Mem- ber of the " Bombay Chamber of Commerce." Framji contributed Rs. 200 towards the Captain Chand's Testimonial Fund on the 27th December 1886. On the 1 st of January 1 837, Framji was elected a non- resident member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Framji, on the 22nd April 1837, subscribed Rs. 200 towards Captain James Hersbery's memorial. On the 3rd May 1837, Framji gave Rs. 3,000 towards the " Surat FirB Relief Fund." Framji contributed Rs. 200 on the 6th of Janury 1838, towards putting up a new clock in St. Thomas' Cathedral in the Fort. On the 29th March 1838, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 towards the North- West Provinces Famine Relief Fund. Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to the Sir Robert Grant's Memorial Fund on the 28th of July 1838. 62 Framji gave Rs. 1,500 at the Oothamna ceremony of his friend Framji Dossabhoy Jamshedji Wadia, on the 13th of August 1838, towards the building of a new Tower of Silence^ In January 1839, . Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to the " Bombay District Benevolent Society," and was elected a Life Governor and a Vice-President of the Society. It is said that the big tank known as the " Dhobi Talao " situated near Marine Quarters, opposite the Money School, was dug during the time of the Portugese Government, by a washerman for the use of his fellow countrymen, and was hence known after him as Dhobi Talao. Owing to the filthy use of the people, the waters had become quite dirty, and owing to a scarcity of water in the year 1839 this tank had almost dried up. On the 18th of April 1839, Framji undertook to have it cleansed and deepened at his own expense. At a cost of nearly Rs. 40,000, Framji had the tank thoroughly rebuilt on a larger scale and handed it over to the Govern- ment for the public use. In recognition of this noble act the well was henceforth known as " The Framji Cowasji Tank." On the 8th of January 1840 Sir J. R. Carnack, the then Governor of Bombay, paid a visit to this newly built tank and also Framji's Mugbhat Oart, and was highly pleased with the arrangement for water supply made by Framji. He in few appropriate words eulogised Mr. Framji's work and presented him with a shawl. The following is the tablet attached on the tank : FRAMJI COWASJI TANK. That tank was so called by order of Government, to commemorate the late Framji Cowasji's liberality, in expending a large sum of money, on its reconstruction, in the year 1839. 63 On the 16th September 1839, Framji contributed Rs. 300 towards the building of a Fire-Temple at Calcutta by his brother Rustomji. Framji was one of the bold and warm projectors among the natives in the establishment of the " Bank of Bombay," in which he then subscribed 159 shares, to the extent of a lac and fifty thousand rupees, and which establishment has since then become productive of so many salutory results to the mercantile community of this island. It was opened in the year 1840 and Framji was elected a Director. On the 6th of April 1840, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 towards the erecting of Sir Charles Forbes' Statue. In 1841 Framji was nominated an " Honorary Com- missioner of the Court of Requests." On the 22nd April 1841, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to Sir J. R. Carnack's Memorial. Framji gave a sum of Rs 500 to Sir J. J. Translation Fund on the 5th of June 1842. On the 13th of June 1842, Framji contributed Rs. 300 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Mr. James Mathewson. In July 1842, Framji entertained Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, Bart., to a party in honour of his gaining the Knighthood. In 1843 Framji was appointed a Director of the " Bank of Western India." Framji on the 4th of June 1844 gave Rs. 100 towards the Elphinstone Institution Endowment Fund. Framji contributed Rs. 300 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to the Hon'ble Mr. J. W. Anderson on the 10th February 1844. On the 28th of March 1844, Framji contributed Rs. 150 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Dr. William M aerie." 64 Framji gave the sum of Rs. 101 to be distributed amongst the officers of the Q-arrison and Navy, who assisted in putting out the great fire in the Port on the 2nd of April 1844. On the 24th of August 1844, Framji contributed Rs. 100 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Major General Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart. On the 17th September 1844, Framji built the Fire-Tem- ple at Churney Road. Framji gave the sum of Rs. 1,500 towards the building of the Lady Jamsetjee Road at Mahim on the 8th April 1845. On the 15th of April 1845, Framji contributed the sum of Rs. 5,000 towards the rebuilding of the " Banaji Agiari." Framji subscribed Rs. 2,000 to the " Grumbhar Funds," in memory of his deceased daughter Maneckbai, on the 8th of June 1845. Framji headed the list of a protest sent the Court of Directors against the increase in opium duty from Rs. 125 to Rs. 200 in the year 1845. On the 30th of October 1845, Framji gave the sum of Rs. 300 towards the " Patan Panjrapole." Framji contributed Rs. 1,150 towards the Ireland Famine Fund, on the 4th of June 1846. In 1848 Framji founded a prize for regularity in the "Grant Medical College," and also subscribed Rs. 100 to the Students' Literary and Scientific Society's Funds. Framji contributed Rs. 100 to the Reed Scholarship. In 1850 Framji gave the sum of Rs. 100 for establishing a Lying-in Hospital. 65 CHAPTER VIII. Building of the " Tower of Silence " and tlie "Fire Temple." The Fire Temple raised by Framji Cowasji and his brothers, to facilitate the worship of God after the manner of their fathers, and the Tower of Silence constructed for the reception of the body after death, at a cost of over four lacs of rupees, are permanent memorials of his piety and his respect for the usages of his ancient religion. On the 6th of May 1831 Framji lost his daughter Dinbai, and to perpetuate the memory of his beloved daughter, Framji thought of erecting a Tower of Silence. He set aside a sum of Rs. 20,003 for the purpose and promised to pay more, if requred. For this, Framji wrote to Bai Buchubai, the widow of the late Ardeshir Dadysett, asking her to give him a plot of land on the Chowpati Hill, for the building of the Tower of Silence, which was readily granted. On the 3rd of June of the same year the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the Tower of Silence was performed, where more than twelve thousand Parsees had gathered together from different parts of the country, to witness the ceremony. On the 3rd of May 1832 the build- ing was completed and it was consecrated by Dustoor Rus- tomji Kaikobadji Mullafeeroz, before a large gathering of Parsees brought from far and distant villages. Framji had, by advertising in the local papers, invited his castemen from all quarters ; not only that, but had through his in- fluence got all the Parsees, either in Government service or private firms, a holiday. Framji had several tents pitched all over the Panchayat ground for his guests from up- country, and entertained them all during their stay in Bombay. The Tower of Silence was designed and built under the superintendence of Mr. Sorabji Dhunjibhoy Poonagur, one of the first batch of Parsee engineers in Bombay. On the 13th of April 1832, the Rt. Hon'ble the 00 Earl of Clare, the then Governor of Bombay, visited the " Banaji Tower of Silence," and on the 17th of December 1833, a wooden model of this Tower was sent through the Hon'ble Sir William Newnham to be put at the " Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland," As a grateful son, Framji thought of perpetuating the names of his respected parents Cowasji and BaiJaiji in connection with some sacred building. With this view he y in part with his brothers, Messrs. Curshedji and Rustomji and his nephew M r. Dadabhoy Rustomji, erected the great " Fire Temple" known as the Banaji Aiash Behram" situated at Churney Road, opposite the Railway station. It was in- augurated in great pomp before a large gathering on the 1 3th of December 1845 by Dustur Jamsetji Edalji Jam- aspasana, assisted by Dustur Bezonji Rustomji, who was afterwards put in the charge of it. The inauguration cere- mony was a grand and interesting one. The total cost of this building is said to have gone to about two lacs and a, half, of which Framji alone subscribed a lac, and moreover set aside the two villages Kanjur and Yikhrote yielding an income of Rs. 2,500 per annum for its daily maintenance. He further set apart a large sum of money for holding Gumbhars (caste-feasts) and Jasans, which fund now amounts to about Rs. 75,000. On the 12th of July 1842 Kramji had a " Deed-pole " executed by Mr. William Auckland, the then Advocate-General, by which he appointed his two sons Pestonji and Nanabhoy Framji, and his nephew Dada- bhoy Rustomji Banaji, as Managers, and Messrs. Rustomji Cowasji Banaji, Maneckji Rustomji Banaji, and Dhunjibhoy Behramji Rana, as trustees of the same. On the 4th of November 1858, at the Oothamna ceremony of Bai Buchubai, the widow of late Framji Cowasji, her grandsons Messrs. Navrosji Nanabhoy Framji, Sorabji Pes- tonji Framji, Behramji Nanabhoy Framji, and Honmisji Pestonji Framji, subscribed amongst themselves a fund of about Rs. 5,000, for buildiug a house in the compound of the Fire Temple, for the resi^nce of the Eustoor in charge. 67 CHAPTER IX. His connection with Public Adventures. Framji was one of the bold adventurers among the natives in embarking his capital with the few Europeans in the establishment of the " Great Eastern Peninsula Railway,'" which was the first start of its kind in Bombay. He had in the year 1844. taken up 200 shares of the Company to the extent of a lac of rupees ; but much to the discredit of other subscribers, who kept altogether backwards at the moment of difficulty experienced in cutting the line through the Ghats, which eventually led to the breaking up of the Company, he warmly expensed this object and worked with energy and assiduity with Mr. Clarke, the then Railway Engineer. Notwithstanding his exertions, the scheme fell to the ground, till at last it was taken up in 1 ngland by the "Great Indian Peninsula Railway Com- pany," who are now greatly extending the line to the great advantage of national utility and importance. The follow- ing is a letter from Mr. T. Williamson, speaking highly of Mr. Framji's public spirit : MY DEAR FHAMJI, LONDON, 3rd June 1845. At my suggestion a Prospectus of the " Great Indian Railway " has been sent you. I am in hopes this Company will form a junction with Mr. Clarke and give its views, strength and support. I admired your public spirit in following Mr. Clarke's undertaking, disregarding the apprehensions and prejudices, which, I understand, have hampered that gentleman, and thrown obstacles in the way of a great work calculated to be of such benefit to the agricultural and commercial interests of India generally, and Bombay particularly. I would give a good deal to pass through " Poway " and again witness your improve- ments. Believe me, with kind regards to you, My Dear Framji, Yours very sincerely, (Sd.) THOMAS WILLIAMSON, 69 Sis ever active mind and penetrating genius was not at rest even here, it soon paved the way for another bold and daring enterprise of the above kind the " Cotton Spinning and Weaving Company/' in which he had taken up 100 shares of the aggregate value of Ks. 50,000. But it also soon met the sad fate of its sister scheme, on account of the lukewarm interest of the several subscribers to it. It came into existence and died soon after, but did not live long enough to thrive and bear the sweet fruits it promised. It is generally the case, that great and novel undertakings have always been hindered in the first start with obstacles very serious, which, if not judiciously overcome in the very beginning, take a firmer root, and put the whole scheme, however beneficial it may be, to the ground. Such was the sad fate with which both these schemes of the greatest im- portance and benefit to the interests of Bombay met, and at last fell to the ground. Another thing, greatly to be deplor- ed in the native society here, is that they have not the enterprising spirit to take to a great and hazardous under- taking. They are wanting in the spirit and energy to continue the same zeal and anxiety with which they started it, and thus many a great undertaking has been allowed to be entombed in its very cradle. Under these circumstances individual exertions are of little avail and, as must naturally be the case, the scale of balance always turns to the greater side, and popular side gains the triumph, whether true or false. The case with India is as yet different from that of other countries in Europe ; it cannot yet be ] ut on a stand- ard of equality with them ; the populace of India is not a thinking one, it does not think for itself ; it is led by some single individuals. These leaders must be such as could judiciously guard against the sudden changes of popular opinion. India has but yet produced few leaders of this type. In Frainji, Bombay at least found such a leader as we speak 69 of. His active mind was not at res*-, till it had achieved some mighty object of the greatest national utility and importance. He failed in some, but we can, under no circumstances allude these failures to his want of energy, tact, or perse- verance. We said it once, and we say it again, that it will take a long long time for the populace of India to be a thinking body, He exerted his spirits to the utmost but was grieved to see national works of the gravest importance fall to the ground on account of the cold-heartedness of a large multitude of his countrymen, but what could individual exertions do before so large a multitude, whose minds were biased by the slightest suspicion in a great and enterprising under- taking. In Frarnji were nurtured the embryo thought of a " Poly- technic Institute " and the " School of Industry." He had at heart the establishment of an Institute of the sort now started amongst us. Many a time and oft he expressed his opinion to establish an Institution, where the different branches of artistic professions may be taught on the improved plan of similar Institutions in Europe, and this was really a sad want amongst us. This will at once convey to the minds of our readers, the strength of a naturally fertile genius, though uncultivated by the sublimities of a refined education and a ripe and profound science. Framji was equally fond of pleasure as he was of mercantile enterprise. In the year 1842, he introduced gas-light in his residence at Mazagon, which was then look- ed with surprise and astonishment. Crowds of people of all caste and creed thronged at his place to have a sight of this " novel light." 70 Framji was himself fond of studying English and Vernacular works, and he cultivated this taste to a great extent, not only in himself, but as already noted, in his family also. Though not a great scholar, he could write and speak English very correctly. Framji was at the same time a staunch Zorastrian, and did every thing in his power to promote his religion. With a view to spread the knowledge of Zorastrian ism among his community, he had, at great expense, several Zand, Persian and Phelvi works of great authors translated into Gujrati. The first of these works, which he gave to the reading public, was the Gujrati translation of " Tajkartol Hookma," a Persian philosophical work, translated by Mr. Dossabhoy Sorabji Munshee in the year 1818. Framji further gave a sum of Rs. 5,000 for the translation of several religious works, such as " The Yandidad " and the " Yajasnee*" - - 71 CHAPTER X. His Disposition, the last days of his life, Bis Wife and Children. Though haughty in appearance, Framji was very kind ana always forgiving. He was so great an enthusiast of truth and independence, that he not for a moment hesitated to point out the defects and wrong doings of his best friends, nearest relatives, and even those of the richest men. He ever adhered to the truth, and under no circumstances, how- over trying, severed an inch from the path of honesty. He had always a great aversion to mean flatterers or sycophants,, but was ever ready to render a helping hand to even the meanest of his countrymen, when he saw that he was reallv in need. He held the rich and the poor alike. Simple in his diet, he thought it one of the accomplishments to go about in as simple a dress as possible. Though not born in affluent circumstances, by shere perseverance, honesty and diligence, he rose to be one of the greatest and respected merchants of the day. Not only was his fame confined to his own community in Bombay, but it had spread itself among all classes of Europeans and natives in even far and remote countries. In latter part of his career, he fell a victim to the vicissitudes of time ; he bore it with patience, and even then, did not shrink for a time from those noble qualities. The latter part of his life was rather a troubled one, both from pecuniary loss, and domestic quarrels. He was not pleased with .the con- duct of his sons, especially that of the eldest one. A very interesting and at the same time remarkable instance, of the way in which Framji administered justice in his capacity, as the leading member of the Parsee Pan- ehayat, is related as follows. On one occasion, a Parsee applied to the Panckayat for separation froni his wife, the other Settias r referred him to Framji, being* questioned by that gentleman the grounds OQ which he claimed separa- tion from his wife, the Parsee after some hesitation said that she was black and] he did not like her. Framji after some consideration, asked that Parsee to call on a certain day at his place. As previously arranged, Framji called the wife of that Parsee and her parents to his place that day? prior to that man's coming. Framji had them silted in a room and took his seat by the- side of his wife in the front hall. The other members of the Punchayat were also* invited on that occasion, and made to sit in another room,. Framji then sent for tke Parsee and made him sit near him,, and once more asked him on wkat grounds he claimed separation from his wife, after some hesitation, he repeated that she was black and he did not like her. Pointing to his own wife, who- was sitting next to> him, Framji said " I hope your wife is- not blacker than the lady sitting- here. Do you know who she is ? She is- my wife. It is through her that I command so much influence and respect, Perhaps it might be in your lot some better prospects through her. Go, take her with you and respect and love her as your true wife." The Parsee was greatly ashamed of his folly and is said to Lave shed tears. Framji then, summoned his other colleagues and the wife of that man and her parents together and joined the couple hand in hand,, and after treating them to dinner, made tke couple presents of wedding clothes and sent them home. This will show what a good and magnanimous heart Framji Lad. Framji was labouring for some time under an incurable urine disease, and was under the treatment of the best medical men, who paid him every attention and care. Their efforts, at last, proved unsuccessful, and he departed this life on tke 12th February 1851, at tke matured age of eigkty- 73 five, at his residence at Mazagon. lie was greatly dissatis- fied with the misconduct of his sons, and in the last Will which he was preparing some time prior to his death, he intended to set aside all his sons and nominate two of his grandsons, Messrs. Naorosji Nanabhoy Framji, and Sorabji Pestonji Framji, as his heirs and executors, along with his widow, but unfortunately this Will remained unexecuted at the last moment. Though his death was an expected one, it came all of a sudden. A little before his demise, he rose with all intention to sign this new Will, in the presence of his solicitor and doctor, but to the great surprise and sud- ness of all those present, while coming from the water closet, he fell never to rise again. Under these circum- stances the new Will remained unexecuted, and an old Will of a remote date, so far back as the year 1828 A.D., was resorted to. By this Will his widow became the sole executrix, the court appointing Mr. Cursetji Nusservanji Cam a, a respectable merchant of Bombay, her legal attorney to wind up the affairs of the deceased. The s s. Suliman was wrecked on the coast of Madras on the 24th of May 1850, and the s.s. Buckingham ^as dis- troyed by fire at Calcutta in the year 1851. These two serious losses told heavily on Framji. Framji left a large amount of debt behind him, but so extensive was his estate, that after his death all his credi- tors were paid in full with interest. Thus ended the brilliant and splendid career of a truely great and glorious man, kind and bestowing in his nature, one in whom there was a store of genius and activity, one who was familiar with all the topics of the day, one who was resorted to for justice, one in whom were centered uprightness, faith- fulness and fidelity, one who adorned each and every as- sembly, and one who was the head of his community. 74 Like her husband, Bai Buchubai, the wife of Framji, was kind-hearted and benevolent. She considered her happiness in the welfare of her husband and in relieving the distress of the aggrieved. To her arbitration many intricate cases of family disunion and discord were resorted to and both the parties returned satisfied with her decision. She was a very religious lady and till the last moment of her death she observed strict piety. She had given away large sums of money to poor relatives. On the 2nd of November 1858 she breathed her last at the good old age of 92. It was her last solace and consolation to learn from her constituted attorney, that all the creditors of her late husband were paid in full, and she was only satisfied as to the truth of this statement, when all the creditors were called before her to varify it. Framji had four sons, namely, Jehangir, Edalji, Kanabhoy and Pestonji, and five daughters, namely. Rut- onbai, the wife of Nusservanji Rustomji Pana, Kavajbai, the wife of Dhanjibhoy Byramji Rana, Meherbai, the wife of Pestonji Navrosji Banaji, Maneckbai, the wife of Dadabhoy Rustomji Banaji, and Peerojbai, the wife of Ardeshir Ourshedji Dadysett. 75 CHAPTER XI. His ( } kitudry Notice. The Bombay Times of 13th February 185 i says : It is with much regret that we have to intimate the demise of one of the most venerable and respected members of our native community, Framji Cowasji Banaji, Esq., of Bandhoop (Poway), who died at his residence, Mazagon, yesterday morning, in the 82nd year of his age. Framji Cowasji commenced business as a merchant about the year 1790 ; in 1795 we find him agent for the Hon'ble the East India Company, and down to within a few months of the present time he has, for considerably upwards of half a cen- tury, been one of the most able and upright of our mer- chants, and one of the most zealous and indefatigable pro- moters of moral and physical improvement. He was one of the most active of those who shared or assisted in the great educational movement, at its height in the bright and memorable era of our history, Mr. Elphinstone's time to which so many auspicious events are referred, and on which the memory so delights to dwell. He was a member of the Education Board from the time of its establishment till advancing years and increasing infirmities induced him a few months since to withdraw, when he found himself unable longer to discharge the duties in the manner he desired. His notions of native education were from the outset in strict accordance with the views so often expressed in these columns, and nearly a quarter of a century ago, he recommended a system of instruction similar to that only now beginning to make its appearance amongst us, that which enables the pupil in after life to earn his bread, or add to his resources or comforts. He, some sixteen years ago, proposed to Lord Clare, a branch establishment to our other seminaries, precisely similar to that embraced in the 76 plan of our Polytechnic Institute, where carpenters, black- smiths, glaziers and other artificers should be taught to perform the tasks assigned to them, better, or with a less expenditure, of time or labour, than heretofore ; and here those classes of the community, who must look to the labour of their hands the means of their support, should learn how to do so with most advantage and effect. The luxury of literature, or accomplishments of abstract science, he re- served for those who had time, leisure and wealth enough for their attainment or enjoyment. Common sense views such as these, long scouted in practice, have since been fully recognised by Sir Erskine Perry and Mr. Willougby, as they have not only been recognised, but acted on, with infinite advantage by Colonel Jervis the three distin- guished men, we have named respectively representing the three great sections of the educationists amongst us. Framji Cowasji was one of the greatest of our agricultural improvers, and the efforts he made on his estate of Poway in Salsette, and its neighbourhood, long justly entitled him to the name of the Lord Leicester of Western India. A vast addition to the number of the European community, and increase to the mercantile enter- prise of the presidency, having been occasioned by the operations of the New Charter, fostered as they were by the exertions of a succession of able and patriotic adminis- trations in the period just preceding 1840, it became apparent that new life blood was wanted in the press, and that newspapers must from henceforth have much more important tasks to perform than the announcement of the reliefs of the Army, the chronicling of the move- ments of the Governor, or festivals at Government House, the accidents of the chase, or calamities of famine or con- flagration. A free press was desiderated for the advocacy of public measures, now that freedom of discussion had 77 "been permitted to newspapers, and a public created for their perusal, while the opening up of the overland com- munication was beginning to permit the transmission of enlightenment to the people at home through the journals of India. To this, as to all other changes in the political sky, the subject of our notice was fully alive, and Framji Cowasji was one of the first of those who exerted himself to bring into existence the journal which now chronicles his demise. He lived to receive back again seven times told the amount of his original investments from an adventure entered on without view to profit. With a feel- ing of fraternal duty which does them honor, Frainji and Curshedji Cowasji had become securities for their brother Rustomji Cowasji, a distinguished Calcutta merchant, chiefly engaged in the China trade, whose good- ness of heart and integrity are celebrated by all who know him. Four years since Rustomji overtaken by one of those commercial reverses which often prove fatal to the most circumspect and honorable, became unable to meet the claims against him ; and his brothers in their efforts to assist him became involved to an extent they had never dreamt of. Curshedji Cowasji died three years since ; Framji is now cut off in a ripe old age, but though not in poverty, with a fortune vastly reduced from what he had possessed through the greater part of his life. The intelli- gence, kind-heartedness, and benevolence, which formed such distinguished traits in his character, honorable as they were eclipsed by the stern integrity, the candour, truth, and perfect frankness, for which through life he was con- spicuous. Though old age had of late years made him garrulous, it had diminished none of the qualities by which he had all along been marked ; and the same clear views of things ; the same sound sense and far seeing sagacity for which through life he had been remarkable, continued to mainfest themselves to the last. 78 CHAPTER XII, Some of the correspondences between Mr. Framji Cowasji and the Government about Alkaree. No. 1113 of 1838. To FRAMJI COWASJI, ESQUIHE, &c., &c., &c., Bombay. SlK, You have, I believe, been for some time past in the knowledge that the Hon'ble the Court of Directors are desirous of entering into an arrangement with you re- specting a repurchase of the rights of Abkaree conveyed to you by Government in a deed of Sale of your Poway Estate. My Assistant Mr. Davies has likewise stated to you the wishes of the Government that such an arrange- ment should be effected as soon as it conveniently could be ; may I now request the favour of your expressing your views upon this subject, having had a considerable time to take the same into your consideration. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) GEO. COLES, Acting 1st Asst. Collr. in Charge. COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 9th September 1838. 79 No. 279/47. To THE HOM'ELE GEORGE RUSSEL CLERK, Governor and President in Council, &c., &c., &c., Bombay, HOS'BLE SIR, As the Government are desirous that I should reconvey to Government the Abkaree and rights therewith connected which were made over to me with the Freehold of the Poway Estate on Salsette, I beg to /submit the following for your indulgent consideration. 2nd. The Poway Estate comprising several villages was granted to the late Dr. Scott, by the Bombay Government about 50 years ago, on a perpetual lease, subject to the payment of an annual rent to Government. 3rd. Dr. Scott having failed in the payment of his rent the Estate was resumed by Government, and made over to me in 1829/30, together with the Abkaree on a Lease in perpetuity, and the annual rental then fixed by Govern- ment being the average of the Revenue which had been realized during the ten previous years. 4th. From charitable motives I was led many years ago (in 18.23) to sink wells in my Cart called Moogbhat in Bombay, for the better and constant supply of fresh water through an aqueduct to the two Reservoirs situated on the Duncan Road, for the use of the inhabitants of Camatee- poora, and the neighbouring densely populated districts ; where owing to no drinking water being procurable from wells, owing to the brackish nature of the soil, much dis- tress prevailed from the extreme scarcity of that necessary of life. 80 5th. Three wells were sunk by me for this purpose and a Steam Engine set up to work a Pump, besides six Motts with six pairs of Bullocks worked to raise the water. The original outlay was Rs. 30,000 and the expenditure for establishment maintained by me up to the present time about Rs. 200 a month or Rs. 2,400 per annum. 6th. Anxious to secure the continuance of these works in perpetuity, I submitted to Government in a letter dated October 1831, the immense expenditure incurred by me in improvements on the Poway Estate, I solicited that I should be allowed to redeem the rental at 10 years purchase, proposing at the same time to appoint Government Trustees of the Estate so as to empower them to have the wells and establishment in the Oart Moogbhat kept up out of the revenues of the estate for ever. The proposition was re- ceived by the Government and the Hon'ble the Court of Directors in a liberal spirit and in the year 1837 the arrangement was completed by the Estate being made over to me in Freehold (on payment of the Government Revenue for 10 years) and a Trust Deed being executed by me to Government of the effect above stated. Thus a charitable object, involving an annual expense of Rs. 2,400 out of my estate has been perpetuated. 7th. Under the arrangement in question all that had been leased to me at an annual rental was (being redeemed by me at 10 years purchase) conveyed to me by Govern- ment in Freehold for ever, that is to say the Abharee as well as the said revenue of the Estate. 8th. It appears however that the Hon'ble Court of Directors afterwards requested the Government to try and get me to give up the Abkaree revenue, and on the Collec- tor of Tannah asking me in the year 1838 on what terms I would do so, I explained to him how great a sufferer I 81 should be if deprived of the Abkaree, the only source from which I could expect to obtain hereafter anything like a return for the immense sums expended by me on the Estate and I expressed a hope that the grant in freehold of villages to the amount of Rupees Fifty Thousand per annum, would not under the circumstances be deemed more than an equivalent for the Abkaree to which I chiefly looked to be eventually compensated in some degree for my heavy outlays some time afterwards I learnt from the Collector that the Hon'ble Court would not agree to these terms, the Abkaree of the Estate consequently continues with me, 9th. Tf the Hon'ble Court still wish me to resign the Abkaree, I beg to say that I shall not object to do so on such terms as may be considered fair and reasonable, but at the same time I would solicit favorable consideration on the following statement. 10th. In my letter of October 1831 above referred to (which was acknowledged by Government on the 16th Nov- ember following) my expenditure in improving the Fstate was detailed, amounting to Rupees One Lac, and forty five thou- sand, since then I have laid in other works of the same nature a further sum of Rupees One Lac, besides Rupees Sixty Thou- sand in* the construction of alt Pans in the village Kanjoor, making a total of about Rupees Three Lacs exclusive of Rupees 45,84'2-l-83 paid for the redemption of the rental of the Estate. llth. The interest on the above amount at the com- mercial rate greatly exceeds, what is at present (or even has been) realized by me annually from the Estate, the estate has therefore been to me a source of loss instead of gain. Such a result will scarcely appear surprising to any one acquainted with the peculiarities of the soil and climate 82 of Salsette, of which, (before I took the Estate) I had but an imperfect notion. Numerous were the endeavours made by me to raise more valuable produce than grain, and ex- portable articles such as Sugar, Indigo, as also to manu- facture Silk, &o., they promised fairly for a time bnt they all proved failures In the end. Again large numbers of people were brought from other parts at different times ? at great cost to me, to settlo on the Fstate in order to carry on the new works, but owing to the unhealthiness of Salsette to strangers especially from September to the close of the year, most of them sickened, u Iar c e portion died, and the rest abandoned the place. 12th. Although I have thus been a ^reat loser, Govern- ment has derived no small advantage from my outlays, In one of the tillages of the estate namaly Kanjoor, near Bhandoop, I have constructed salt works (commenced in 1839 and about 3 Miles all round) which cost me much trouble and anxiety as well as money. There is room for 5,003 evaporating Pans, of these 2,200 are finished at a cost of Rs. 69,000, and the remainder will be made as quickly as possible as soon as more cultivators are to be got, the further expenditure required on these accounts being esti- mated at .Rs. 80,000. These salt works were first brought into operation in 1842/43 when they produced 6531 Maunds of Salt and yielded a revenue to Government of Rs. 3,265-8-0. In 1843/44 the produce was 18765 Indian Maunds and the revenue thereon Rs. 9,382-12-0. In 1844/45 tbe produce was 22401 Indian Maunds, the revenue thereon Rs. 16,800. In 1845/46 the produce was 20168 Indian Maunds for which Government obtained in excise duty Rs. 15,126. In the year 1846/47 the produce was 42640 Indian Maunds on which the excise duty realized by Government amounted to Rs. 31,980-0-0. As the number of evaporating beds will be increased each year and as the 83 produce of each bed already made will go on increasing each year as it becomes saturated with saline particles and hardened, the quantity of Salt manufactured at these works will in a few years be such as to add to the excise revenue of Government at least Seventy-five Thousand Rupees per annum or more. 13th. When the Salt works at Kanjoor are completed I propose, if circumstances should allow, to construct simi- lar works at another village of my estate called Yickrolee near Hurreealy. One of the greatest difficulties I experi- enced however is the want of labourers and this want would be supplied if my estate comprized a few more villages. 14th. I need scarcely observe that while the advantage to Government is very great from the outlay of capital by me on such works, the benefits to the Ryots is also consider- able besides what they earn as labourers while the works are going on many afterwards find profitable employment as manufacturers of salt while they have no occupation dur- ign the dry season in their fields. 15th. Notwithstanding the disappointment I have experienced in respect to the profit which I expected from laying out so much money as has been expended by me on the Estate, I still hoped for some return eventually but these prospects are destroyed by the adoption of a line for the new road, so distant from Poway as to deprive the estate of the advantages it has hitherto enjoyed from the old road from Tannah to Bombay passing through it. On this subject I made a representation to Government but yielded to the wish your Honor was pleased to express that I should withdraw my objections. 16th. If the considerations above submitted should induce Government to make over to me villages yielding 84 Such an annual sum as would compensate me for the loss of the Abkaree of my Estate (and considering my future prospects from the Abkaree I cannot value it at less than Rupees Twenty-five Thousand per annum) or compensate me for such loss by making over to me villages on Salsette to that amount, or part of that amount, and in the latter ease, authorizing the payment to me of the remaining sum from the General Treasury I shall be glad to resign the Abkaree to Government as it has ever been a rule with me to pay the greatest attention in my power to the wishes of Government. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) FRAMJI COWASJL BOMBAY, 11 th December 1847. No. 205/48 WILLIAM COURTNEY, ESQUIKE, Secretary to Government, Bombay. SIR, Having received no reply to my letter to the Hon 5 ble the late Governor, Mr. Clerk, No. 279, dated the 17th December 1847, I beg to enclose herein a duplicate of the same, and to request that you will kindly take an early opportunity to submit it for the indulgent consideration of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council, 85 Should His Lordship in Council not approve of the terms on which I have proposed to comply with the wish of the Hon'ble the Court of Directors that I should give up the Abkaree of the Poway Estate, I shall be happy to recon- sider the matter with the Collector of Tanna or any other officer with whom Government may see fit to place me in communication on the subject. I have the honor to he, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) FRAMJI COWASJL BOM PAY, 30^ November 1848. ;No 1752 of 1849. TERRITORIAL DEPARTMENT, REVENUE. To FRAMJI COWASJI, ESQUIRE, Bombay. SIR, I have laid before the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council your letter No. 205 of the 30th November last, handing up the duplicate of one addressed by you to Gov- ernment on the 17th December proceeding, in which you offer to relinquish the Abkaree of your Poway Estate in Salsette, for an annual Compensation of Rupees (25,000) twenty-five thousand. '2. In reply I have been instructed to state that the amount of Compensation demanded by you for the relinquish- ment of the Abkaree of your Estate, appears to his Lord- ship in Council, exorbitant and cannot be entertained. 86 3. The Government, I am to add, would be willing to make some sacrifice of Revenue with this object in view, but when, as appears from a report made by the Collector of Tanna, Rupees (2,000) two thousand per annum would be more than a fair equivalent, it cannot consent to give a sum equal to more than twelve times that amount I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) W. COURTNEY, Acting Secretary to Government. BOMBAY CASTLE, IQlh March 1849. No. 449 of 1855, GENE.RAL DEPARTMENT. To BAEE BACHOOBAEE, Widow of FRAMJI COWASJI, Esq. MADAM, I am directed by the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council to communicate to you and to your Family, the great regret with which he had learnt, that the principal part of the large Country House at Poway, belonging to your late husband, was destroyed by fire on the 14th in- stant. I am, Madam, Your obdient Servant, (Signed) W. HART, Secretary to Government BOMBAY CASTLE, 31s January 1855, 8? WILLIAM HART, ESQUIRE, Secretary to Government, General Department. Sin, I have the \onor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, and in reply I beg you will be good enough to convey to His Lordship in Council the deep sense ^f gratitude I owe to His Lordship for the very kind and benevolent manner in which his Lordship in Council has shown his sympathy with me and my family on the occasion of the unfortunate occurrence we have met with by the re- cent destruction by fire of tke principal part of the Country House of my late husband at Poway, and with sentiments tff my sincere and heart-felt thanks to His Lordship for fche same, I have the honor to he, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Sd.) BUCHOOBAEE, WIDOW and Executrix of the late Framji Cowasji by her Attorney, Cursetji ^Nusserwanji Cama. BOMBAY, 3rd February 1855. 88 CHAPTER XIII The Framji Cuwasji Testimonial. Pursuant to notice published in the Newspapers, a number of the Friends of the late Framji Cowasji, Esq. r met at the Elphlnstone College, 22nd September 1852, ta consider the fittest mode of applying the sums which have been raised by subscription to pe-rpetuate his memory. The Chair was occupied by P. W, LeGeyt, Esq. Among tho^e who- attended the Meeting we- observed the- fallowing : The Hon'ble Sir E. Perry, Colonel Shorft, Dr. Morehead, Professor Patton, Captain French, Gregor Grant, Esq., Dr. Peet, G. H. Walker, Esq., Manockjee Lfmjee, Esq.. Juggonath Sunkersett, Esq. r Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Fsq. r Bomanjee Hormusjee, Esq., Narrayen Dinnanathjee, Esq, ? Rustomjee Jamsetjee, Esq., Yenaikerao Yassoodeo, Esq., Yenaikrao Jaggonath, Esq., Bappoo Josey Hao Bahadoor, Hormusjee Bamanjee, Esq., Nowrojee Furdonjee, Esq., Rustomjee Ruttonjee, Esq., SorabjeeRuttonjee, Esq., Sorabjee Pestonjee, Esq., Jamsetjee Coo-verjee, Fsq.,Dosabhoy Sorabjee Moonshee, Ruttonjee Furdoonjee Parruck, Yurjeevandas Maddo\vdas ; Esq., and Framjee Kus&ervanjee Patell, Esq. A number of Native gentlemen, among whom we observed all the grandsons of the late Framji Cowasji, Esq., and a large number of the Scholars of the Elphinstone Insitution headed by the Assistant Professor Dadabhai Nowrojee. P. AY. LeGreyt, Esquire, the Chairman, commenced the business of the Meeting with the following address i GENTLEMEN, We have met here to-day to pay respect to the memory of a very estimable and remarkable man, who has lately been taken away from us by death. You 89 have done me the honor to put me in the Chair on this intersting occasion ; and although I could have wished this om3e to have been confiled to some better and abler hands, yet a friendship of thirty years with the late Framji Co.vasji, give m3 th3 privilege of considering myself one of the oldest is not the oldest of his European friends in the Presidency. Framji Cowasji was so well known to all of us, that it would ba supsrflaous to usher in these proceed- ings by any sketch of his character and career ; but it will be more appropriate in this place to read to you a short extract from the Report of the Board of Education, of which he was long a distinguished member, notifying to Government his resignation of his seat at the Board ; and of the reply of Government conveying its opinion of his eminent and valuable services. The Board express them- selves as follows in the second paragraph of their report, dated the 29th May 1851. " At a later peri 4 d in the year, Framji Cowasji, Esquire, resigned his seat, in consequence of his advanced time of life, and the vacancy was filled up by the election of Bomanjee llormusjee, Esquire. The eminent and good citzen- ship, and zeal in supporting every measures for public improvement, which distinguished our late much esteemed colleague, are too well known to your Lordship in Council to need any notice from us ; but in recording his death, which subsequently occurred at the good old age of eighty- four, the Board feel a melancholy pleasure in thus publicly expressing the respect in which they hold his memory." The reply of Government to this notice is contained in the forty-fourth paragraph of Mr. Secretary Lumsden's letter No. 3480, dated the 6th September 1851 and is as follows: " In conclusion, I am instructed to observe, that the tribute which the Board have paid in the second paragraph of their Report, to the late Framji Cowasji, F$quire s has been 60 Very properly rendered on this occasion to the memory of an excellent and deserving man. The Right Honorable the Governor in Council gladly avails himself of this oppor- tunity again to express the high opinion entertained by himself and his predecessors of the worth of the deceased, as one who perceived that he could best serve his country by encouraging education, and who acted up to his persuation." The Chairman resumed his address as follows : These sentiments, Gentlemen, are, lam sure, fully concurred in by this meeting, and by a large portion of the community of Bombay, which has been abundantly proved by the ready way in which the proposal to perpetuate Framji Cowasji's memory was received by all classes of people. This is the first instance that has been known in which persons of the classes and denominations (Natives and Europeans) have come forward to raise posthumous Testimonial in honor of a Native of this Presidency. Professor Patton will explain to you immediately the nature of the Memorial which it is proposed to erect ; and I think you will agree with me, that it is a very appropriate one considering that Framji Cowasji's intelligent and active mind was ever alive to the improvement of his countrymen, and he was very constantly foremost in proposing measures for their mental culture and moral improvement. Witness too his many charities, his zeal for the spiritual welfare of his tribe, while the Dhobies' Tank and the reservoir on the Obelisk Road, to which water is conducted from an estate in Girgaum, the produce of which he set apart to secure a permanent supply of water to the public betokens that his benevolence was not limited to the community of which he was a member. These good works, completed in his lifetime, will doubtless be constantly remembered by a greatful community ; but the present Testimonial, of which I am certain he would himself have highly approved, 91 will in a peculiar manner in after ages perpetuate his memory, and bring forth the virtues of that good man constantly before your children and your children's grand- children. Such is the nature of the Testimonial to be pro- posed to your consideration, and I commend it to your adoption as members of an intelligent and enlightened community. Great Applause. The following resolution was then propossed by Juggonath Sunkersett, Esq., and seconded by Captain French. Resolved, That this meeting entertaining a high sense of the value of the services of the late Framji Cowasji, Esquire, to the cause of intellectual and social improvements in the country, are anxious to perpetuate his name in con- nection with some useful object which he would have approved. Professor Patlon was the next speaker, he said : MK. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN, Before deciding upon the means of carrying out the previous Resolution, we ought to weigh well the consequences of this day's determination. This is not an ordinary occasion : it is the first time, as far as I am aware, that people of all classes have united in their desire to erect a testimonial to a native of this country. I hope and believe that many similar meetings will be held to commemorate the sterling honesty and public spirit of many others equally deserving. In fact there is one amongst us that it would be impossible to pass over even if he lived in a nation of Howards. Looking forward then to the future, and remembering that the decision of this day will influence the appropriation of testimonials long after we ourselves shall have ceased to influence anything, let us give a precedent we shall be delighted to see followed on other occasions. You have already decided upon the test by which the merits of any proposed scheme must be tried. It must 92 be such as would have received the approbation of the worthy man whose name we have this day met to com- memorate. I do not know of any better that could have been adopted, for every thing which had for its object to improve the condition of this country, either intellectually, morally or physically, was approved of by him and received from him support as far as in his power. I am satisfied that the proposal I a'ih about to make, unites every requisite to secure your approbation. It is good in itself, and would have received the approbation of the late Framji Cowasji. But I shall first read the Resolution. " That the funds which have been already collected, and such others as may be subsequently added, be appropriated to the formation of a Museum in connection with the Students' Literary and Scientific Society, and that this meeting unite with them in requesting Government to erect a building to contain a Lecture room, a Laboratory, Museum of Arts and Industry, and library, and to permit the building to be called the Framji Cowasji Institute." This mode of commemorating the name of Framji seems to be peculiarly appropriate. When the Students' Literary and Scientific Society was in its infancy, and when many friends of education were either cold or unfavourable to it Framji Cowasji came forward and shewed his approval of their plans and objects, by presenting a number of lamps which he heard they required for their meetings. This first gift to the Society was the commencement of many others, and to the day of his death he took a warm interest in all their proceedings. During his long career (as you have heard detailed to-day) he was always foremost in every efforts to extend education in this country, and his views of what education ought to be, were characterised by an elevation, and at the same a practicality, that could 93 Scarcely have been expected i'rom the imperfect education he himself had received. He was one of the chief contri- butors to the erection of the building in \\hich we are now assembled, and which has, as was anticipated, risen to the rank of a College. Nearly a quarter of a century ago, when the Native community of Bombay met to consider the most appropriate method of attesting their affectionate and respectful sentiments towards the Hon'ble Mountstuart Elphinstone, Framji Cowasji in a speech replete with good sense and sound views, which in our testimonial-giving age might be worthy of attention, proposed that the most satisfactory and durable plan of carrying their wishes into effect, was to found one or two professorships for teaching the English language, the Arts, Science and Literature of Europe. The Students' Literary and Scientific Society is the direct result of that education, and a proof of the wisdom and foresight that suggested it. The education they have received at the Elphinstone College enables them, and their own actively benevolent dis- position prompts them, to spread among their less fortunate countrymen the benefits that they themselves have enjoyed. An enumeration of a few things that have been accomplish- ed during the three years in which the Society has been in existence, will enable you to appreciate the importance of having the Testimonial attached to a Society of active working men, who will go on adding to its value and im- portance instead of allowing it, as most other schemes in this country never fail to do to become useless when its original promoters are taken away. There is once a month a meeting for transaction of business and reading essays in English once a fortnight there are two meetings for a similar purpose in the vernacular. At these vernacular meetings large and interested audiences assemble, to see the experiments and illustrations exhibited. Seven Girls' 94 schools at present containing. . .children are supported by the Society, and three Boys' infant schools containing . . boys, although supported by others, are under the superintendence of the Society. Two school books in Marathi and Guzerati have been already printed, and a third is ready for the press. Two monthly publications are issued by the verna- cular branches, and the Society has lately undertaken to publish a series of papers in Marathi and Guzerati similar to Chambers' Information for the people. For this they have peculiar advantages having obtained from Messrs. Chambers stereotypes of the illustrations of their edu- cational course. A commencement has also been made of a Library and Museum of Art and Industry, and many valuable contributions have been received. The great difficulty with which the Society is now labouring is the insufficient accommodation for lectures and the want of a place to deposit the donation of books and Philosophical apparatus, and donations of various kinds which are present- ed to them. The Society has applied to Government to assist them in this difficulty, and strong hopes are enter- tained that something will be done ; but if an influential meeting like the present gave their support to the appli- cation, and ofler to grant the fund now collected for the testimonial to Framji Cowasji, to establish a Museum on the simple condition, that the building should be called the Framji Cowasji Institute. There can scarcely be a doubt that Government would erect a suitable building for the use of the Society. I believe that the motion of this Institute will be an era on the Educational history of Bombay. It will give that prominence to the study of Physical science which this age demands, and which is so essentially required by the genius of the people and the want of the country. The experi- ments of Natural Philosophy will have much greater 95 influence in disturbing the apathy that has reigned here for ages, and in creating a taste for reading, than any purely abstract speculations however beautiful. In the proposed Institute the artisan will see improved machines and im- proved tools for making them, while at the same time he will have an opportunity of learning the Mathematical and physical principles, without a knowledge of which they could never have been invented. The student who has learned the principles in the classroom, will there see the practical results they have led to and be brought to view in a proper light the dignity of labour. It is useless to detain you with a detailed account of the benefits that may be expected to Bombay from the proposed Institute, for you must be aware of them yourself ; but I would wish to draw your attention to another important advantage that might be taken of it, in the dissemination of knowledge in the Mofussil. During vacations at the College such instru- ments as would not be likely to suffer injury, might be sent to the various large towns throughout the Presidency, and courses of lectures might be delivered that would have immense influence in destroying prejudice and superstition, and giving more elevated ideas of the nature of education than now prevail. I shall now conclude by proposing that " Funds which have been already collected and others as may be subsequently added, be appropriated to the forma- tion of a Museum, in connection with " The Students' Literary and Scientific Society ;" and that this Meeting unite with them in requesting Government to erect a build- ing to contain a lecture-room, laboratory, and to permit the building to be called " The Framji Cowasji Institute." The Hon'ble SIR E. PERRY seconded this resolution in the following terms : I have been requested to second this resolution ; and tired as I am, having been sitting in Court many hours to-day, I 96 cannot be silent upon the subject of it. You, as his friend and as our colleague, Mr. Chairman, know how highly I estimated the character of our deceased friend (cheers). He was not a Fcholar, and for the last ten years of his life he was not a wealthy man : indeed he had fallen into evil days, and yet he managed to secure the esteem and love of all who came within his influence ; and the question which suggests itself is what were the qualities which won the esteem and love which he possessed of all the inhabitants of Bombay ? His eminent good citizenship. He possessed that virtue, not common among people now, in an eminent degree. It is a virtue too little exemplified by our Hindoo friends, who I hope will excuse me for so saying ; nor is it universal among the Parsees, but it is more so among them than among other classes. Framji Cowasji exercised that virtue more than others of his countyinen : he was a steady good citizen, bold enough to speak out his opinion, and energetic to exert himself to do his country good. These virtues we are desirous to see universal. Having said so much, it will naturally be a matter of wonder to some of my Native friends how is it that I figure so humbly in the subscription list to this Testimonial. It is a question which may well be asked, and I will assign the reason. For years past I have had a very great aversion to these testimonials : they have been carried too far, so as to appear ridiculous in the eyes of Society generally. They have usually been given to public men, official men ; and as a point of Policy I should much like to see the system of presenting these testimonials abolished. I have often thought that it would be better if the rule which prevails in the Army with re- spect to the presentation of testimonials to Officers there, should be extended to Civil Society and that it should be neither careful for them to accept, nor decorous for Society to present them with such testimonials. Though I have 07 subscribed, and not niggardly, to every testimonial which has been promulged, I held back when this was proposed ; and that is the reason, why the sum opposite my name in the list appears so insignificant. On reflection I think that in this instance I was wrong ; because the arguments I have alleged as leading me to think disparagingly of the system of pre- senting testimonials generally, do not apply to the individual to honour whose memory the present testimonials is pro- posed ; and when I to-day heard the objects aimed at by it recounted, I felt convinced that I was so ; and I feel myself called upon by a strong sense of approbation of those objects, to say how very desirous I am to see them fully realised. Our friend the Chairman has read a highly eulogistic notice of the late Framji Cowasji and his services ; and we have heard what a deep interest he took in the proceed- ings of these young men who have formed themselves into a Society for the object of conferring benefits upon their countrymen. It will, I am sure, be gratifying to them, and to Professor Patton who has gone hand in hand with them in all their efforts, to hear what Government says upon the subject. I catch the eye of one young man who especially, I know, will be gratified to hear this eulogium : '' The voluntary association of the educated youth of Bombay for the purpose of instructing their countrymen, and of bringing all within their influence justly appreciate the advantages of education, is very gratifying to Govern- ment, as it is honourable to the parties concerned. " In particular, the spontaneous institutions, by the same youngmen of Female School?, which they also entirely support, must be regarded as an epoch in the history of education at this Presidency, from which it is to be hoped will in due time be traced the commencement of a rapid, marked, and constant progress. 98 That is strong language from the Government of the Presidency, my friends. When we hear of the friends of that man proposing a plan in honor of his memory, where- by the Society of these young men may gain " a local habitation and a name," which will give them far more extended opportunities for the diffusion of science, for the reception and collection of Scientific objects, and a place of. accommodation for the truth-seeking, self-instructing classes of the Native community ; when we hear of a proposal like this-, it must command our admiration. There is one particular feature in this matter to which, if this is to be considered the inauguration of the building and the insti- tute, I must call attention. la those efforts which have been made by the young men of Bombay for the diffusion of knowledge and science, they have been assisted liberally and gladly by the elder portion of the community. This is not usually the case in ordinary undertakings and projects ; and it is a very satisfactory phenomenon, youth and age consorted together in the most useful and honorable occu- pation which could be pursued by them. We cannot but look upon this with admiration. There is a tendency in the hearts of youth to become inflated, and a desire to throw off their obedience to the just authority which be- longs to those who are older in life and riper in experience than themselves. It is, therefore, a complimentary homage to the individual to honour whom this Institute has been set on foot that the elders of Society come forward so gra- ciously, and unite hand in hand with the younger and more ardent members of Society for the advancement of their measures. As I before said, my apathy to subscribe to this testi- monial was a mistake on my part, or the argument I gave for any aversion to testimonials in general did not apply to this case ; and I have expressed as forcibly as I can, my 99 approbation of the scheme propose! to perpetuate the memory of Framji Cowasji. But it behoves us to act as well as to talk ; and I therefore beg that the Secretary will add another " " to the figures opposite my name in the subscription List. I have great pleasure in seconding this Resolution. Assistant Professor D idabhoy Nowrajee said : GENTLEMEN, i have the pleasure to lay before you a proposal from the " Students' Literary and Scientific Society," that the Society would be most happy in availing themselves of this opporiunity, to express their esteem of the worthy dead, whose name we have here assembled to commemorate in some way. Professor Patton at some length gave reasons for establishing a new Institution, the like of which has yet had no existence, in this Presidency at least, and perhaps not in the whole of India ; and which, he has endeavoured to show would have been most approved of by Framji himself. The Students' Society therefore, being in many ways indebted to Frame's support and benevolence, lays at the disposal of this Committee the sum of Rupees 6,000, that they have been able to collect, for providing the Branch Societies (or the Dnanprasaracs especially) with the means of fully illustrating the lectures delivered by the students of this Institution to hundreds of their own countrymen. This object, the Society see, will be more fully gained by an amalgamation of the two funds. The advantage likely to accrue to natives from the kind of Institution now contem- plated to be established, are so many, that I could scarcely feel myself competent to give a detailed description of them till. I might at least say, that if the Students' Society and its Branches, with its very limited pecuniary me ns, but 1 am proud to say both the zeal and efforts of some of 100 our best young men of this Institution, as its service, has been able to do something towards the diffusion of useful knowledge among the masses around it. It could be easily conceived, what the same zeal and efforts could do with better, I should rather say, more powerful means at its command. It has been often complained that English was taught to too many and that the price of service in offices had fallen very low. But it is no wonder that such should be the case an overstocked market can never call forth high prices ; and why it is asked should every body be quill-driver, and why should it be more difficult to find a hamal than a clerk. The reasan as I have already said. is very obvious : new opening must surely be made for the rising generation, and where are they to be looked for. Is India incapable of giving, at the least, a comfortable living to its children? No, India has plenty, but how could that plenty be availed.. Can a stone cry out and say : here am I, make use of me. Such and such are my pro- perties, and such and such are the uses to which I am capable of being applied ? No, that it cannot do, and yet it may be perhaps the fruitful source of the happiness of millions. And if it is the lot of man to live by the sweat of his brow, to depend but upon the material world around him, and when he has at the same time given him the power of supplying the demands implanted in him by nature, it rests with him alone to apply those powers, and to labour till he can find out what he requires. This very Institution that is now proposed to be erected would be notiirg but a mere pile of dead matter, if it be not animat- ed by the labor and energy of active men. The inference is clear enough, that man can find nothing that he does not seek for, and that in a proper way. India has plenty, and that plenty must be sought, and under a particular condition labour, by great and impresuming, but well applied, lot labour of those competent to perform the task. I con* gratulate on this occasion the Inhabitants of Bombay at least, that that same Framji Cowasji, to whom, with some Others, and to him. whose name this Institution bears, thoy are at this moment indebted for the advancement of education and sounder principles among them, is at the 8 .-.line time the founder of a new Institution suited to their present increased wants. Have not the people of India been impressed with the conviction, that its present arts are capable of being immensely improved and increased in number ? We have a proof of this conviction in this very -worthy man. Need I describe here the trouble he put himself to, and the liberality with which he left his purse always open for any useful purpose to introduce improve- ment in agriculture and even introduce new arts in India. If then the young men of the Students' 5 Society furnished with the means of studying most of the useful arts, manu- factures, be able to promulgate their knowledge in a I'M-actieal form, by means of lectures to hundreds ; what could ba thoaght more useful to the count y, whose good was, to his. Framji's heart. Imagine to yourself gentle- men, a Hall with 530 men collected in it, a young lecturer, ready to impart with a good grace and feeling, the results of his some days' labour at the fur nance. Let me next tarry you out of the Hall, an enterprising listener takes up the idea, consults the lecturer again, and in time becomes a blessing to the community around him, introduces, prac- tices a new art, and thus makes a new opening for the industrious, and gives the world the lesson afresh that the industrious shall never starve, a lesson more valuable than any tiling else. Imigine gentlemen again, another reading to the assembly a lesson on some of the principal moral daties of mm, claiming by his earnest exhortations some keart gone astray perstu cling with true vehemence to 102 abandon a pernicious custom, or giving more homely ? but not the les& useful lessons, such as that " Honesty is the best policy ; " and a third, exhorting to emulate [New- ton or Watt ; or to wse the move simple and more expressive words- of Framji himself, " to be able to count the very stars of Heaven." Ht wanting ; and it is a matter of great congratulation, that the supply is. forth- corning, as soon as the demand is made and felt, and more particularly because, from the same quarter to which we when young owe a great deal It might perhaps have been expected that, it would descant upon the many virtues, high spirit, and straightforwardness of Framji, but it is a matter already so ably dealt with by persons competent to> da it deserving justice, that I should blush to venture to- say a word upon the subject. Yet I cannot refrain myself iram expressing my sentiments towards this worthy man. I have had but once for all a talk with him, but the impression that that single visit made upon me and my friend Ardaseer, shall never wear off. It was for the purpose of asking support to our Female schools ; and how could I now describe a scene that could only be seen. Yet I shall try. We approached with great trepidation, knew not what should be the result of the visit, for we knew not the man, and it was our first visit But Framji shewed 103 that lie was always prepared to receive even a child with, pleasure that brought good tidings of any kind. Many were the sound advices he give us as to our conduct in tire undertaking, many hopes did he raise in us, and shewed, great concern that he could not stretch out as good an help- ing hand than as he was wont to do before. His advices, however, were more worth than anything else, and we have now the opportunity of expressing our obligations for the benefit with which we followed those advices : trifling as they might often appear, they are the forerunners of great things to come. Trifling as the Table Lamp present made to the Society might appear, it was the kindler of the first spark of hope, that an earnest desire and endeavour to do an useful thing shall never fail to be properly appreciated. For any holy however to say all that could be said upon so tempting a subject, requires the study of the life of that eminent man. That study however nobody is prepared to make, and nobody can do all the justice that it deserves ; much less therefore can I pretend to say all, I must there- fore stop, and only perform the pleasing task assigned me, by rep3ating, that the St-idents' Society have directed me to intimate, that they would be most happy to add to the sum already subscribed to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial, the sum of Rs. 6,000 which they have raised up for purposes similar to that which is now proposed to be carried out. The following motion was then pj-oposed by Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Esq., seconded by Manockjee Limjee, Esq., and passed, " That the following gentlemen be elected to form a Com- mittee to communicate with Government on the subject, and to make such arrangements as may be considered most expedient to carry out the wishes of the meeting. Mr. Warden, Mr. LeQ-eyt, Mr. Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Dr. McLsnnin, Mr. Juggmath Sunkersett, Captain French? 104 Mr. Bomanjee Hormusjee, Mr. Manockjee Limjee, Mr. Howard, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Manockjee Curse tjee, Mr. Cowie, Mr. Patton y Mr, JJarrayen Dinanathjee, Mr. Cursetjee Nusserwanjee Cama, Mr. Dadabhoy Nowrojee, Mr. Sorabjee Pestonjee Framjee and Mr. Rustomjee Jamsetjee. The fourth resolution was proposed by Bomonjee Hor- musjee, Esq., seconded by Mr. Manockjee Cursetjee, '' That a marble slab with an appropriate inscription in English, Guzerattee and Marathee, be erected in the Institute, to perpetuate the memory of the late Framji Co-was ji, Esq. The following is Mr. SQRA,BJE,E PE&TONJEE'S address* MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN, Before the proceed- ings of this meeting are concluded, I trust you will allow me to speak a few words, and with your permission, I shall at once proceed to read the paper in my hand. As it has fallen to my lot, Gentlemen, I rise to speak in behalf of my old grandmother, and the other members of the family of my reverend and lamented grandfather, the late Framji Cowasji, to commemorate whose name YOU have raised a fund, and have met here this day to adopt the best means of appropriating that money. His friends and the community who have shown their kind intentions of thus perpetuating the memory of the deceased gentleman, must have felt his loss ; but it is with extreme pain I say, that his loss to the family has been greater, for in him we have lost a kind patron, a beloved and the most affectionate of fathers, and the protector of many orphans, and widows, his loss, therefore, shall ever remain engraved on our hearts as long as we live. The severity of the afflictions of his aged widow, can be better imagined than described ; but she was not the less gratified when she heard that her husband's name was about to be perpetuated by a suitable testimonial from his friends and countrymen. Indeed this 105 tas proved a very great consolation to her, as she is coii- vinced that her dear companion did not (to use the Persian saving) conle into the world and go away without doing anything. As to his deeds and how praiseworthy they may be, I will not take upon myself to enter into parti- culars, although 1 have had ample opportunities of witness- ing many of them ; for however strong my voice may ]be in his favor, it would not sound so well and so gracefully as your's would. Moreover, our worthy Chairman, from his long acquaintance with the career of life of the deceased, as W3ll as the Hon'ble the Chief Justice, and the other gentle- men who have precarled me, have already said enough about his character, and who have, I have no doubt, left a suffi- cient impression upon vour minds, of the desirableness of thus publicly appreciating the goud services, which the decesasecl gentleman rendered to his fellow countrymen. It is the duty of every man, if it lay in his power to assist and devise means for the good of his fellow creatures, and it was with these pure and honest motives that the deceased devoted himself during his long life to do some service to his countrymen. And as deserving merits have never failed to meet with due reward, I am glad, nay proud to find, that for the little good the deceased may have been able to do while in the performance of his duties towards his fellow brethren, he is held in such high estimation in the eyes of you all, and that such a mark of tribute is paid by you to his departed life. This does not only preserve the name of the deceased, but also bestows a great and an everlasting honor on us, his dascendants, should we be so fortunate as to follow his footsteps. Allow me therefore, Gentlemen, to express to you in behalf of the old lady my grandmother, my father, and the other members of the family, allow me so to express their sincere and grateful thanks to you all, and to those Gentlemen individually who have since his 106 death, showed a great desire to perpetuate his memory. With regard to the object to which you have now resolved, Gentlemen, to appropriate the fund, I am happy to say it is just the very thing which the deceased Gentleman had always in his heart. For I remember well he often ex- pressed his earnest desire to make arrangements to teach the Students of this noble Institution every branch of knowledge, such as to use his own words, the science of calculating the movements of the stars, that is Astronomy, Navigation, and other similar sciences, his desire therefore is now, I am glad to say, about to be fulfilled by the hands of you his friends, and I trust that the " Framji Cowasji Institute " will henceforth prove to be a school for the advancement of the Students of the Elphinstone Institution, and through their medium it will, I venture to hope, be a source for diffusing scientific, useful knowledge among the natives of this country. And in conclusion, I hope and pray that the projectors of this Institution may be blessed with every success in their best intended endeavours. Thanks were then returned to the Chairman for his able conduct in the Chair, and the meeting broke up at half- past six o'clock. 107 CHAPTER XIV. Correspondence with Government, the Collector of Land Revenues, the Director of Public. Instruction and the Municipal Commissioners, on the subject of the Framji Co wasji In stitu te. No. 4577 of 1851. GENERAL DEPARTMENT. To JOSEPH PATTON, ESQUIRE, Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. SIR, I have been directed by the Eight Honorable the Gover- nor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the <51st November last, submitting certain Re- solutions passed at a late meeting of the subscribers to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial, and soliciting the aid of Government towards establishing a Museum in connection with the Students' Literary and Scientific Society. 2. The Government of India, have recently declined to sanction an allowance of Rupees (150) one hundred and fifty per mensem, solicited by the Students' Literary and Scientific Society, to meet the expense of a Building suitable for the purposes of a Library. Lecture Koom, and Laboratory, on the ground that that Institution was not of a nature to warrant such a grant to it from the Public Revenues. 3 This Resolution of the Government of India is equally applicable to the present request. The usefulness of the Students' Literary and Scientific Institution has no- where been more fully acknowledged than by the Govern- 108 msnt, and it is therefore with the greater regret that His Lordship in Council is compelled to refuse the Committee's application, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) A. RICHARDSON, Deputy Secry. to Govt. BOMBAY CASTLE, 2Jtk December 1851. To J. Q. LUMSDEN, ESQUIRE, Secretary to Government, General Department. SIR, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from A. Richardson, Esquire, Acting Secretary to Govern- ment, intimating that the Government of India had refused to sanction an allowance of Rs 150 per month, to the Students' Literary and Scientific Society for house rent, and that the Honorable the Governor in Council conceived a similar reply would be given to an application which I had the honor to submit on behalf of the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. In reply, I would take the liberty of stating, that the sum now collected for the Framji Cawasji Testimonial, amounts to nearly Rs. 10,000. and that there is not much hope of increasing this con- siderably. With this sum the Committee cannot carry out, even imperfectly, the plans which they had in contem- plation, and they earnestly request that Government taking into consideration the worth of Framji Cowasji in honor of whom the Testimonial has been proposed, and the highly useful labours of the Students' Literary and Scientific Society for whom the building is intended together with the general advantages to be expected from the Library, Lectures,, and Museum,, will grant a piece of ground for a 109 building, and make such a donation to the fund as will enable the Committee to erect a building suitable for the purposes proposed. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Sd.) JOSEPH PA'ITON, Secy, to the Committee. Elpliinstone Institution, Bombay, llli February 1852. No. 578 of 1852. GENERAL DEPARTMENT. To J. PATTOX, ESQUIRE, Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial Committee. SIR, I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 7th instant, and in reply to acquaint you, that as a mark of the approbation with which the Right Honorable the Governor in Council regards the exertions made by the members of the Literary and Scientific Society to promote the education of their countrymen, he is pleased to grant a donation of Rs. 4,000 to be added to the Fund of Rs. 10,000 which has been collected for the purpose of erecting a Museum, &c. 2. The decision of Government on the request of the Committee that Government will grant them a piece of ground as a site for the proposed building will be separately disposed of and communicated to you hereafter. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) J. G. LUMSDEN, Secy, to Govt. BOMFAY CASTLE, 28M February 1852. 110 To J. W. MCJSPRATT, ESQUIRE, G-eneral Paymaster. Si R, I have the honor to write to you that in a letter No. 578 of 1852, dated the 28th February 1852, addressed by J. Q-. Lumsden, Ksq., Secretary to Government, to my predecessor the late Professor Patton, it was intimated to him that the Right Honorable the Governor in Council was pleased to grant a donation of Rs. 4.000 to be added to the Frainj Cowasji Testimonial Fund. I beg therefore to request you will have the goodness to pay the amount to the bearer, whom I have authorized to receive it and pass a receipt for 'the same. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, NARAYEN DINANATHJI, BOMBAY, 18th January 1853. Acting Secretary. No. 276 of 1852. MEMORANDUM. The officer in charge Land Revenue Collector's office presents compliments to Professor Patton, and with refer- ence to the subjoined copy of a Memo : from Mr. Secretary Lumsden, No. 2635, dated the 16th instant, begs the favor of Professor Patton informing him, whether he has as yet made any selection of the ground which he was informed might be made over to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. A. D.ROBERTSON, In charge Land Revenue Collector's Office. BOMBA.Y COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 2lst July 1852. Ill To A. D. ROBERTSON, ESQWTRE, Acting Collector,, Land Revenue in Bombay, SIR, I have the honor to inform you that the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial have appointed P. \V. LeGreyt, Esq., Dr. McLenan, Jtiggunnath Sunkersett, Esq., and me, to make a selection of one of the pieces of ground offered them by Government, and that these gentlemen having resolved to meet at the country house of Jugg-unnath Sunkersett, Esq., on the Breach Road, at 5 o'clock P.M., on Monday, the 13th instant, and to proceed thence to exa- mine the pieces of ground, you have been requested to send your Deputy Surveyor or any other person you may think proper to meet them at the above mentioned place at the appointed time, and to give them any information they Inav require respecting the spots in question. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) NARAYENDINANATHJI, BOMBAY, Sih September 1852. Actino Secretary. No. 357 OF 1852. From A. D. ROBERTSON, ESQUIRE, In charge Land Revenue Collector's Office, To NARAYEN DINANATHJI, FSQTJIRE, Acting Secretary. SIR, In reply to your letter of this day's date, I beg to inform you, that I hive giv?.u orders for a Surve yorto be in attend- ance ou the gentlemen appointed by the Committee of 112 the Framji Cowasji Testimonial to select a piece of ground on the evening of the 13th instant, at the house of Juggun- nath Sunkersett, Esq. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, A. D. ROBERTSON, In charge Land Revenue, Collector's Office. BOM KAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, Slh September 1852. ]S T o. 191 of 1853. MEMORANDUM The Collector of Bombay presents his compliments to 1. Memo, from Mr. Robertson, the Secretary to the Coin- Officiating Collector to Professor . .. Patton, dated 2isr July 1852. mittee oi the < rainji Cowasji rrilft: Testimonial, and begs to be 8th September iJ- 52. informed, with reference to 3. Mr. Robertson's Reply No. 357, dated 8th September 1852. the correspondence noted in the margin, whether the committee have made any selection of the ground which they propose to ask Government to make over to them for the Framji Cowasji Testimonial F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 17 th May 1853. No. Ill OF 1854. To NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. SIR, With reference to your letter of the 16th ultimo, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to in* form me what has been done in respect to the selection of a piece of ground for the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. 113 2. I beg an early answer, which is required to enable me to reply to a further reference which has been made to me by Government. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 18th March 1854. No. 237 OF 1854. To NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. SIR, Adverting to my letter of the 18th ^larch last, to which I have yet received no reply, I have the honor to acquaint you that, I have received the instructions of Government to offer the Committee as a site for the proposed Testimonial, one of the spots of ground on the verge of the Esplanade, which were made over to several parties in 1836 on suffer- ence tenure and of which a plan may be seen in this office. 2. I request you will be good enough to inform me with as little delay as possible, which of those spots the Committee would wish to have for that purpose. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 26th June 1854. 114 To F. HUTCHINSON, ESQ., Collector of Land Revenue, Bombay. SIR, In reply to your letter No. 237 of 1854, dated the 26th June last, I have the honor to inform you by the direction of the Managing Committee of Framji Cowasji Institute, that they have chosen the spot marked 71 in your plan as a site for the proposed Institute, and shall feel obliged by your adopting early measures to put them in possession of it. I have been further directed to inform you, that it is their intention to erect on the spot, an upper roomed build- ing of the dimensions described in the accompanying plan. The Committee observe, that a small piece of ground adjoining that selected by them is not to be obtained with- out compensating the tenants, I allude to the spot marked No. 43 in your plan. As it is essential that the Committee should be placed in possession of this piece of ground, I shall be obliged by your informing me the amount of com- pensation that will be required to obtain it. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 3rd August 1854. 115 No. 318 of 1854 To NARAYEN D1NANATHJT, ESQUIRE, Secretary, Framji Cawasji Institute. Sin, With reference to the 3rd paragraph of your letter of the 3rd instant, I have the honor to state Mnnguldass Nathoo- bhoy, Fuaioodin Now- that the piece of ground therein alluded to belong? to Government and could be resumed, I think, by Government under the provisions of act XVII of 1850, I have made enquiry and find that the erections thereon, being tiled sheds used as shops, are the property of the persons named in the margin, whose aggre- gate rental therefrom is about Rupees eight hundred per annum. It is difficult to say what amount of Compensation would be awarded them by a Jury, but I have little doubt that the Committee might purchase the shops for less than the owner would expect from Government. 2. I beg to be informed at your earliest convenience whether the Committee desire the spot marked No. 71 in the plan shown to you in this office, for the Institute irres- pectively of their obtaining or not the piece of adjoining ground above alluded to. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 18th August 18o4. 116? No. 2789 of 1854. GENERAL DEPARTMENT. To THE SECRETARY to THE FRAMJI COWASJT TESTIMONIAL COMMITTEE, BOMBAY. SIR, With reference to paragraph 2nd of the letter from this department (No. 578), dated the 28th February, 1852, I am directed to refer the Committee to the Collector of Bombay, who has received the instructions of Government regarding the ground applied for. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, C. G. FRASER TYTLER, Offg. Secretary to Govt. BOMBAY CASTLE, 18th August 1854. To F. HUTCHINSON, ESQUIRE, Collector of Land Revenue, Bombay. SIR, I have the honor to inform you, that the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute have instructed me to accept the spot No. 71 for the Institute leaving the question of obtain- ing the adjoining spot for future consideration and to request the favour of your putting them in possession of the spot as early as possible. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, N AH A YEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 7th September 1854. 117 Ko. 442 of 1854. To KARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. With reference to your letter of the 7tli September last, I have the honor to inform you, that Government have inti- mated to me that the spot selected by the Committee can- not ba nude available for the purpose of the Institute. I have the honor to be, Sir, Tour most obedient Servant, F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. Bo>irAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 22nd November 1854. To H. YOUNG, ESQUIRE, Officiating Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay. SIR, I have the honor by desire of the Sob-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the information of his Lordship in Council, that some time ago they applied to Government for a piece of ground for the use of the In- stitute and Government was pleased to offer through the Collector of Bombay some of the spots on the verge of the Esplanade. The Committee thereupon selected one of them and intimated their determination to that officer, saguinely hoping, from two pressing letters addressed to them by that officer requesting them to come to an early determination in making their selection, that they would soon be put in possession of it, but the last letter of that officer intimated to the Committee, that the spot selected by them could not be made available for the purpose of the Institute, 118 Now the Committee beg again to bring to the notice of Government that the fund at their disposal is just sufficient for building and fitting up the proposed Institute and will hardly leave anything for the purchase of a piece of ground and they therefore earnestly request that Govern- ment, taking into consideration the worth of the late Framji Cowasji, Esq., in commemoration of whom the Institute has been proposed to be established and the useful labours of the Students' Literary and Scientific Society for whom the building is chiefly intended, as also the important advantages that the Native community in general will derive from the Library, Museum and Lectures in connection with the proposed Institute, will favour the Committee by complying with their request. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most obedient Servant, KARA YEN DINAKATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 22nd February 1855. To W. HART, ESQ., Officiating Chief Secretary to Government. Si*, With reference to my last letter to the address of your predecessor on the subject of a site for the Framji Cowasji Institute, I have the honor to state that having lately been in communication with the Collector of Bombay, I was given to understand that Government hav- ing permitted the heirs of the late Mahomed Ebrahim Muckba to retain on their payment to Government of a cer- tain amount of valuation, the spot of ground on the verge of the Esplanade which the Committee of the Framji 119 Cawasjee had applied for, the spot in question could not be made available for the purpose of the Institute. I was further informed that there was no other piece of ground belonging to Government that would suit the purposes of the Institute. Under these circumstances I have been directed by the Sub- Committee of the Frarnji Cowasji Institute to write to you, that as Government, having a due regard to the many excellent qualities of the individual in commemora- tion of whom the Institute is proposed to be founded as well as to the general usefulness of the Institute to the ^Natives at large, have kindly expressed their desire to pro- Tide the Committee with a piece of ground for the Institute and would have in fact given the piece of ground the Committee had applied for, had Government not shown an indulgent consideration to the claims to the ground of the Jieirs of the late Mahoiaed Ebrahini Muekba and as there is no other piece of Government ground available for the purpose, the Committee have no other alternative but most respectfully to lay that His Lordship in Council will kindly extend his support to the Institute so far as to make over to it a certain sum of money at least equal to which may be received by Government as the valuation of the spot of ground which they were prepared to give for the use of the Institue, in order to enable the Committee to purchase another piece of ground for the Institute in a suitable locality. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 15th May 1855. 120 No. 1795 OF 1855. G-ENERAL DEPARTMENT. To THE SECRETARY TO THE FRAMJI COWASJI INSTITUTE, In reply to your letter dated the 15th May 1855, I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to request that you will have the goodness to point out to the Collector of Bombay the spot of ground which the Committee would wish to negotiate for, were a pecuniary grant made to them as requested, in order to enable that officer to report whether it would not be feasible to obtain it from the owner by exchange of Government ground elsewhere, instead of by a money payment. I have the honor to be> Sir, Your most obedient Servant, "W. HART, Secretary to Government. BOMBAY CASTLE, 25th May 1855. No. 237 OF 1855. To NARAYEN DINANATHJI, FSQUIRE, Secretary to Framji Cowasji Institute. SIR, With reference to the request made by me to you, on several occasions since the receipt by you of Mr. Secretary Hart's letter, No. 1795, dated the 25th ultimo, that you would be so good as to point out to me the piece of ground for the obtainment of which the Committee would wish me to negociate with the owner, I have the honor to beg that I may be informed, as early as possible whether the Com- mittee have selected a site for the Institute, in order to enable me to submit a report which I have been directed to make to Government on the subject. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. BOMEAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 22nd June 1855. To F. HUTCHINSON ESQUIRE, Collector of Bombay. SIR, With reference to Mr. Secretary Hart's letter No. 1795, dated the 25th of May last, and yours of the 22nd June and llth July last, I have been directed by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to inform, that the following are the four spots of ground, one of which they would nego- tiate for, were a pecuniary grant made to them by Govern- ment as requested in their letter of the 13th of May last. 1. A piece of ground belonging to Mr. Tyebji Bhaee- meea situated on the Esplanade cross road and adjoining the Scotch Free Church. There are a number of small houses on this spot. 2. The spot of ground situated on the Girgaum road near Framji Cowasji Tank on which the present building of the Native General Library stands. It is owned by Mr. Chintoba Ramchundra Chapwalla. 3. Ditto Ditto. It belongs to the Estate of the late Ramchander Pondoosett 122 4. A spot of ground with a building standing thereon belonging to situated on the Girgaum road near the Fire Temple of the late Horrnusji Bomonji Esquire. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, KARA YEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 2lst July 1855. No. 1180 OF 1856. BOMBAY OFFICE OF THE DIRKCTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 26th June 1856. To THE SECRETARY TO THE FRAMJI COWASJI INSTITUTE. SIR, You informed me in the month of March last, that the total sum at the disposal of the Fraraji Cowasji Institute for building purposes is now about Rs. 16,000 exclusive of the Us. 4,000 grauted by Government in 1852. 2. Government have now agreed to expend on the pur- chase of a suitable site for the Institute, such a sum as may be necessary to secure an ample and convenient one pro- vided that the amount now required together with that formerly assigned, shall not together exceed the sum above quoted as the private capital of the Institute." 3. I have been authorized within this limit to conclude, in communication with the Committee, a final arrange- ment on this subject. I had hoped that you would have been able ere this to have pointed out an advantageous and available situation. Up to this time apparently you have not succeeded and all idea of purchasing the site originally contemplated has, I believe been abandoned, may I beg that 123 yon will consult the Committee on the subject without loss of time and let me know their wishes as soon as possible. 1 would suggest a reference if necessary to the Collector of Bombay. 4. I need hardly indicate the propriety of the Com- mittee after this liberal concession by Government making a hearty effort to add considerably to their private resources. I am confident that an appeal on this ground to the friends of the respected gentleman after whom the Institute is named would be warmly responded to. 5. Will you kindly favor me with a plan of the proposed building. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, C. J. ERSK1NE, Director of Public Instruction. To E. I. HOWARD, ESQ., Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. SIR, With reference to your letter No. 904 of 1857, dated the 23rd May 1857, I have been instructed by the Sub-Com- mittee of the Fiamji Cowasji Institute to inform you that after trying in vain for along time to secure a suitable site for the Framji Cowasji Institute they have at last succeeded in contracting for the purchase of a spot which they consider a very eligible site in every respect for the Institute. You will observe from the accompanying plan of the premises I have forwarded for your iuspection, that the spot in question colored red is situated at the South- West corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank, and a fine build- ing erected on it will be seen from almost every point on the Esplanade and its prominent situation appearing from a distance almost in a line with the two new buildings lately erected on the verge of the Esplanade by the Church Mission Society will greatly add to the beauty of the town when viewed from the Fort and whole of the Esplanade. On referring to the original title of the spot in question the Committee find that it is resumable by Government when required for public purposes by paying to the holder of it Rupees 2,500. The Committee therefore request you will be good enough to solicit Government on their behalf to give up their right of resuming the spot after it shall have been purchased for the Frarnji Cowasji Institute. If you approve of this site and make over to the Com- mittee the amount Government have been kind enough to promise to pay for purchasing a piece of ground for the Framji Cowasji Institute they will either purchase the buildings situated on the West of the site in question and enclosed within the pencil line drawn on the plan or obtain the permission of the Municipal Commissioners to allow the Committee to erect in the Tank 3 or 4 stone pillars marked in pencil 1. 2. 3. in the plan and to extend their proposed buildings over a portion of the Tank, to the pencil line marked A. B. in the plan, which concession, the Sub- Corn mitbee have every reason to believe, the Municipal Commissioners will have no objection to make, as this proposition, when carried out, will not only greatly add to the beauty of the Tank but also materially tend to the preservation of the water contained in it. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secietary. BOMBAY, Sth September 1857. 125 No. 1897 OP 1857. BOMBAY OFFICE cr THE DIRECTOR OP PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, loth Deceinler 1857. To NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIKE, Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. SIR, With reference to your letter dated 3rd September last, I have the houor to request that you will be kind enough to state for the information of the Right Honorable the G< vernor in Council whether under present circum- stances the fulfilment of the offer made by Government on behalf of the Framji Cowasji Institute, and which has been allowed to remain unavailable of so long, cannot be further postponed. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, E. I. HOWARD, Director of Public Instruction. To E. I. HOWARD, ESQUIRE, Director of Public Instruction. SIR, With reference to your lettter No. 1897 of 1857, dated 15th December 1857, I have been desired by the Sub-Com- mittee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the information of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council that under the circumstances alluded to in the letter under reply, that they cannot for a moment think of requesting his Lordship in Council to fulfil immediately the liberal offer, that has been made by Government. They are, how- ever, glad to have it in their power to state, that one of their Committee who is a member of the family of the late Framji 126 Cowasji, Esq.) has with a view to enable the Committee to commence with the building at once, offered to advance to them the amount promised to be paid by Government, on condition of Government repaying it to him, as soon as they can conveniently do so. The Sub-Committee therefore trust that in the event of there being no other difficulty in the way, His Lordship in Council will be pleased to sanction the proposed arrange- ment, and permit the Sub-Committee to complete at once the purchase of the site they have selected for the building for they apprehend that in the event of their losing the opportunity of securing the site they have now in view they will meet with a very great difficulty in fixing upon another one so well suited for the purpose of the Institute, a difficulty that has up to this time prevented them from making any progress in the cause of the Institute. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, NAKAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. BOMBAY, 15th January 1858. No. 298 OF 1858. GENERAL DEPARTMENT. To THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. THE CIVIL AUDITOR. BOMBAY CASTLE, 3rd February 1858. Letter from the Director of Public Instruction, No. 124, dated the 16th January 1858. Submits for the consideration of Government a request by the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute that, as Government desire to postpone the fulfilment of the offer 127 made by them to contribute towards the purchase of a site for the Institute, they may be allowed to accept an offer made by a member of the family of the late Framji Cowasji, Esquire, to advauce the sum promised by Government Rs. 12,000 on condition that it be repaid as soon as Govern- ment can conveniently do so. Resolution of Government en the above, dated the 29th January 1858. The Right Honorable the Governor in Council is pleased to accord his sanction to the arrangement proposed by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institution and re- commended by the Director of Public Instruction. 2nd. As requested in paragraph 3rd of Mr. Howard's letter No. 1732, dated 28th October of 1857, Governmeut undertake to give up their right of resuming the spot selected for the Institute as long as the ground be devoted bond-fide to the purposes for which the Institute is to be founded. 3. The necessary intimation should be made to the Revenue Department of the sanction accorded in para- graph 2. (True Copy) W. HART, Secretary to Government. (True Copy) E. I. HOWARD, Director of Public Instruction. 128 No. 341 of 1858. GKNEKAL DEPARTMENT. To THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. SIR, I am directed to remind you that Government approve of the recommendation made by you in your letter No. 124, dated 16th January 1858, and alluded to at the close of paragraph 1 of Government Resolution No. 298, dated 3rd February 1858, involves the adoption of your suggestion that interest is not to be paid by Government on the amount to be advanced by a member of the late Framji Cowasjr's Institute, and to request that the person who advances the money may be made to fully understand this (should he not do so already) before he pays it. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, W. HART, Secretary to Government. (True Copy) E. I. HOWARD, Director of Public Instruction. BOMBAY CASTLE, 8th February 1858. BOMBAY, 25th October 1858. E. I. HOWARD, ESQ., Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. SIR, I have been directed by the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the information of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council, that when they applied for the sanction of Government for the erection of a buildign 129 for the " Pramji Cowasji Institute" on the site of the Alma Hotel, at the South- West corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank, they intended to apply to the Municipal Commissioners for the use of the bullock shed at the south side of the Tank, in order that the view of the proposed building may not be obstructed by any high building between it and the Girgaum road, and accordingly when they wrote to the Commissioners for permission to extend the proposed build- ing of the Framji Cowasji Institute over a portion of the Tank, they requested that a portion of the bullock shed may be transferred to the Institution, and that permission may be granted for the construction of an open terrace on the top of the remaining portion of ifc. The Municipal Commissioners however while granting their permission to the Committee for the extension of the Framji Cowasji building over a portion of the Tank, inti- mated to them that the decision of the Commissioners with regard to the bullock shed would be communicated to them hereafter ; and they have since informed the Committee that, as they have made over the bullock shed to Govern- ment for the use of the Native Dispensary, they are unable to comply with the request of the Committee regarding the bullock shed. The Committee anticipating no difficulty in obtaining the bullock shed, or at least a portion of it, have not only pull- ed down the Alma Hotel (which cost them Rs. 5,500) for preparing the laud thereof for the intended Institute, but have erected a wall in the Tank and are about to fill it up, at an expense in all of about 2,000 Rupees. The Com- mittee have now to their great disappointment been given to understand that Government intend to construct one or two stories on the top of the bullock shed, for the accommo- dation of the Native Dispensary, which it is proposed to ISO remove from its present locality ; and as by its doing scf the view of the proposed building for the Framji Cowasjt Institute, from the Girgaum road will not only be greatly obstructed but the front part of the Institute can hardly be completed without taking in a portion of the bullock shed } they beg to make the following proposal far the favorable consideration of Government with an earnest hope that it may meet with his Lordship's approbation. That the bullock shed be made over to the Committee entirely for the use of the Framji Cowasji Institute, on condition of their providing for the use of the Native Dis- pensary a piece of ground out of the same Tank of the same area as that occupied by the bullock shed, at the North East corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank, by arching over or filling up at their own expense a portion of the Tank at that corner, As the adaption of this proposal by Government woukl not only prevent the interference of the two institutions with one another, but also secure very eligible sites for both, without subjecting either of them to any co-nsiderable addi- tional expense. The Committee most respectfully request, that you will do them the favour of submitting the proposal for the favorable consideration of Government, and of obtain- ing their sanction to the same, otherwise they will be under the necessity of giving up the idea of constructing on the present site the proposed building for an Institute, which has so long remained in abeyance for want of means and an eligible site. I have the honor to be, Sir Your most obedient Servant, NARAYEN DINANATHJF, Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute 131 No. 1561 OF 1858. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ARCHITECT'S OFFICE, BOMBAY, 4