Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/148

 able indulgence to precocity. A year too soon at college is better than a year too long at school, and the choice rests virtually between these alternatives. Of the candidates under sixteen who have this year presented themselves, it is to be observed that a much larger than the average proportion have passed the examination.

While the path of the diligent student has thus been made smoother and instruction has been placed at his door, the positive encouragements held out to him have once more been increased. Not a year has passed since this University began to work, but some generous gift has added to its resources. The hall in which we are assembled—admirable in all respects save its acoustic properties; the neighbouring library with its noble tower—soon now to be furnished with its clock and peal of bells—and an increasing group of scholarships and other prizes—all these are testimonies to the interest felt in learning by the community of Western India, and of its confidence in the system of this University. This year Mr. Varjivandas Madhavdas comes forward with a gift of Rs. 5,000 to endow a scholarship to be held by a student proceeding from the first to the second examination for the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The donor desires that the scholarship may bear his name, and I know no more truly respectable mode by which a wealthy man can bring the correlation of forces into play in turning riches into fame, than by gaining a commemoration, and a blessing every year in this noble hall for his aid to the cause of enlightenment and progress. You will join me therefore, gentlemen, in a hearty acknowledgment of the bounty of Mr. Varjivandas Madhavdas. You will by-and-bye give effect to his intentions, and you will share my hope that the stream of generosity by which we have so Jargely benefited will continue to flow in undiminished volume in the years to come. Our library has this year been enriched by the collection made in honour of our late Vice-Chancellor. Its capacious shelves, however, still afford room for many other volumes, and if generosity is anywhere seeking an outlet or a worthy purpose at this moment, I venture to suggest that one may be found in adding to the treasures from which generation after generation of ardent scholars will, we may hope, draw instruction and encouragement.

The number of students who have succeeded in obtaining degrees this year in Arts and Law is rather smaller than usual. The credit is all the greater to those who have passed the ordeal, while those who have been sent back to study for another year, will