SCOTCH PHILANTHOPIST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 154, 1 June 1937, Page 8

SCOTCH PHILANTHOPIST.

SIR A. GRANT'S GIFTS. Sir Alexander Grant, the Scottish philanthopist, whose death has occurred was a p ; oneer in the introduction of workers’ welfare schemes. Ho was born at Forres, Morayshire, in October, 1864. His father was in a humble station, and when the lad had received some education at the Forres Academy he was apprenticed to a baker and confectioner. Obtaining employment with Robert McVit'e, biscuit manufacturer, of Edinburgh, he devoted his spare time, with his employer’s encouragement, to attending college and studying chemistry. When, in 1910, the firm was converted into a limited company, he was made chairman and managing-director. Later he took over full financial control. Institutions in Sir Alexander’s native town and in Edinburgh had already benefited by substant : al gifts from him. In June, 1923, he added to them by making a donation of £IOO,000 to the Scottish National Library scheme. The Faculty of Advocates had asked the Government some time before to take over the famous Advocates Library as a public institution, but financial d’fficulties had intervened Sir Alexander’s handsome gift removed that obstacle. In July, 1928, he made a further donation of £IOO,OOO to provide a suitable building in which to house the many rich treasures which the library contains. In 1924 a baronetcy was conferred on him. Edinburgh University honoured him with the degree of LL.D. It will be recalled that it was Sir Alexander who presented Mr Ramsay • MacDonald, when he first became Premier, with a motorcar. The heir to the baronetcy is bir Alexander’s son, Mr Robert McVitie Grant, who was born in October, 1894.