Bill, as we all know, was the outcome of discussions suggested by a former Vice-Chancellor, who, since the day when he first became associated with us, has never ceased to take the keenest interest in the growth and expansion of this University. The University can never forget what it owes to Sir Raymond West; but it will, I think, always reckon among his chief gifts the measure of self-government which it is the object of the Bill to secure. The Bill, as it was finally agreed to by the Senate and sent to the Government, was not such a Bill as to command his entire assent. But such as it was, it has come back to us with the candid criticisms of the Bombay Government and the Government of India, and we are now asked by the Government of India to reconsider its terms in consultation with the Bombay Government. The Committee appointed by the Senate is prepared to suggest a few modifications, which, it is hoped, will be assented to by both the Government and the Senate. If that desirable end is attained, we may hope that the Bill will become law before the end of the year.
In conclusion, gentlemen, I would wish to say a very few words about our benefactions. Benefactions. Those which have been accepted during the past year amount to Rs. 26,895 those which have been offered for our acceptance and are still under consideration amount to Rs. 23,500; and I have this day had the pleasure to receive a letter from Mr.M. M. Bhownuggree in which he communicates the offer by Mr. Lallubhai Samaldas of Rs. 5,000 for the benefit of female medical students. Our benefactions mostly take the form of scholarships endowed in the names of individuals. I would, however, myself wish to see the stream of benevolence diverted into fresh channels. The wants of the University. There are objects besides the provision of scholarships for deserving students which are worthy the attention of philanthropists. We want, for instance, fellowships on the English principle, like the Manguldas Nathoobhoy Fellowship, to enable students to prosecute their studies after they have taken their degrees. Again we want money to make our library a good working library, where every member of the University may find the book he seeks, and receive that aid from books which the present library does not afford. Again, we want professorships; but, most of all, we want a University chest for the general purposes of the University, we want to be lifted out of a position of financial dependence and to become a self-supporting institution. At this very moment we have no funds of our own to pay for the lighting of the clock in our beautiful Rajaba Tower, wePage:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/273
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University of Bombay.
