58 The Aristockacy of Southern India.
In the famine of 1896-97 the Kajah subscribed Kupees 10,000, to the Indian Famine Belief Charitable Fund, fed a vast multitude of poor people in the Samas- thanam Poor House, spent about Es. 25,000 on irrigation works, and sold grain at a very low rate to the Samas- thanam servants and to the poor of all classes.
In 1897 the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the late Queen Empress was celebrated with great eclat at Bobbili. A durbar was held, a large concourse of people being present at it. The Kajah evinced his loyalty and attachment to the British power by sending an address to Her Majesty enclosing it in a suitable casket.
On the 21st February 1898 the "Victoria Town Hall" was opened by H. E. Lord Haveiock. The following felicitous speech was made on the occasion by the Governor:—
"The Rajah has so fully and clearly explained the history and objects of this Town Hall that there remains little for me to say except that I feel it a pleasure and honour to be asked to consummate the work which was begun by my distinguished predecessor. I appreciate very heartily and deeply the sentiments which have moved the Rajah to carry out this work, and I trust that the usefulness of the building with which he has endowed the Town of Bobbili will be extensive and long-lasting. With these words I now declare the Victoria Town Hall to be duly opened."
The people of the Town and the Zemindari presented an address to His Excellency, and received a reply from him at the Town Hall. In his reply he said:—
"Representatives of people of the Town of Bobbili. — 1 thank you for your kind address of welcome.
