THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP.

Evening Star, Issue 3538, 25 June 1874, Page 2

THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP.

Tbeftillowihg letter fromMr Hay,' Retire* tary to the Scholarship Gommitte. wait read by the Chancellor of the University, at the meeting of the Council, on Tuesday eve* ning : e . - , , , Dunedin, June2o. oiv,—l nave much pleasure in informing ytiii that I have paid in to-day to the University . account I*l2l 2s, being the amount raised by the amateur dramatic performance in aid of the Sir Walter Scott Scholarship Fund. I have Been the hon. secretary and treasurer of the Scatt Scholarship Committee, and find they have -LlO3 8s to the credit of the fund, which they intend handing over to you. I may mention that the Commercial Building Society' of Otago allows eight per cent interest to debenture holders. The security is thoroughly good. With the interest from this source a scholarship would be available for the next session of the University, Perhaps I may be allowed to suggest to the University Council the propriety of giving the English language and literature a prominent place in the subjects for examination. The Chancellor, in replying to Mr Huy, after acknowledging the receipt of the letter, goes on to say— I beg you will tender to the gentlemen concerned the hearty thanks of the Council for their generous exertions. Perhaps it may be out of place, and, if so, I know you will excuse me, when I express my conviction that the fund cannot be allowed to remain at the amount represented by the two sums. When I remember the deep enthusiasm which prevailed at the centenary commemoration dinner, and the liberal donations then promised, I cannot bring myself to believe that in a Province in which Scott’s countrymen largely predominate, the sum of L 204 10s is a measure of the respect in which Scott’s memory is held. I feel sure were every reader of Scott’s pqenu or novels only to subscribe half-a-crown each, we might raise a sum which weald be a soqrpe of pnde, and apply a lasting stimulant 'to the students of the English language and literafnre. I hope that I shall be privileged in a short time to send you a receipt for at least double the amount of the enclosed. The hearts the people are loyal to the memory of Scott, an< * J feel sure a house-to-house visitation would amply regard the gentlemen who would undertake' the duty.