Page:A Family History of Venkatagiri Rajas.djvu/196

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

connected with it, I am glad to be able to say that it has amply justified the expectation of its friends and well-wishers. It has earnestly devoted itself to forward the cause of Law and Order, further the welfare of the landholders and promote a spirit of friendliness and unity among them." He spent no little time and attention on its proper growth and usefulness. He erected a handsome building at a cost of more than Rs. 60,000 and made a free gift of it to the Association to form a regular premises for its deliberations. The laying of its Foundation Stone in January, 1916, and the opening of the building in March, 1917, were both conducted by the then Governor of Madras, Lord Pentland, who paid a warm tribute to the Maharajah's glory and character. It is needless to say that the Maharajah's untiring efforts in the Association as well as his influence in the Council Chamber contributed a good deal to the framing of the Impartible Estates Act, a boon to all