Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/80

Rh and I would have them remember me as one who, though severed from them by sea and by clime, will be ever ready to assist their efforts to advance the interests of their country, and I would assure them that they may ever rely upon my most cordial cooperation. And now, Mr. Vice Chancellor, Gentlemen of the Senate, and Members of the University, it remains for me only to conclude with the wish—Floreat Academia; and with these parting words I wish you all farewell.

 

Mr. Vice-Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Senate,—It affords me much pleasure, on this the first occasion of my having the honour to take part in the proceedings of this University, to think that in the report we have just heard read, there is much that must be satisfactory as regards the past, and as regards the future very encouraging to those by whom I am surrounded to persevere in the efforts they have long been making to spread the benefits of education among the people of this Presidency. And first I will notice, though indeed it stands last in the report, the very generous donation which in the course of last year the University received from His Highness the Rao of Kutch. I do not forget that the thanks of the University were duly tendered with their acceptance of the gift, but standing here as I do on the occasion, and being as it were for the time the mouthpiece of the Government, and in this case, of those whom I have the honour to address, it would ill become me to pass over in silence this generous donation. It is not alone for the money that the gift is so valuable. It is still more acceptable as the indication of the interest taken by the Rao in the efforts which Her Majesty's Government is making to extend education, as the pledge that he is anxious to assist his own subjects in obtaining education, and finally as a proof that he will be ready to give protection and encouragement to those who after the satisfactory completion of their studies may return to his territories. Our best thanks are therefore due to His Highness, and we may trust that his example may well find willing followers. Turning to the statement given in this report of the result of the Matriculation Examination, it is very gratifying to observe the greatly increased proportion which the successful candidates bear to the whole number examined, when contrasted with the results of former years. It 