THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 1179, 4 July 1874, Page 11

THE SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP.

The following letter from Mr Hay, secre. tary to the Scholarship Committee, was read by the Chancellor of the University, at the meeting of the Council, on Tuesday evening :— " Dunedin, June 20th. " Sir— l have much pleasure in informing you that I have paid in to-day to the University account £121 2s, being the amount raised by the amateur dramatic performance in aid of the Sir Walter Scott Scholarship Fund. I have seen the hon. secretary and treasurer of the Scott Scholarship Committee, and find they have £103 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 nvxt 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 Hay, 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 bo 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 £204 10s is a measure of the respect in which Scott's memory is held. I feel sure were every reader of Scott's poems or novels only to subscribe half-a-crown each, we might raise a sum which would be a source of pride, and apply a lasting stimulant to the students of the English language and literature. I hope that 1 shall be privileged m a short time to send yon a receipt for at least double the amount of the enclosed. The hearts oE the people are loj al to the memory of Scott, and I feel sure a house-to-house visitation would amply reward the gentletqen who would undertake the duty."