SCOTTISH DICTIONARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1940, Page 3

SCOTTISH DICTIONARY

REMARKABLE PROJECTS. What the Burns Federation is doing for Scottish literature, especially for the completion of the Scottish National Dictionary, was outlined recently by Mr John McVie. secretary of the federation. It is estimated, said Mr McVie. that the cost of compiling and publishing the ten volumes of the National Dictionary will be at least £30.000. of which only £lO,OOO has been subscribed. Through the Burns Federation a scheme has been launched for the formation of a League of Donors to the Dictionary, the members of which contribute one shilling annually. “Because of the war." said Mr McVie, “the Scottish Dictionary is one scheme which might be completely held up if funds were not forthcoming every year. This would be a calamity which those who profess interest in Scottish literature should do all they can to avert. The war will come to an end — but the Dictionary will go on for ever.” The federation has done much to encourage the study of Scots literature, history, art. and music in schools. Last year 28.000 children from 286 schools took part in competitions as a result of which 85 medals and more than 1100 book prizes were presented. In Edinburgh alone last year 7400 pupils from 68 schools took part in competitions arranged by the federation.