COLLEGE ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1926, Page 3

COLLEGE ENQUIRY

[«v TELncn.u’ri —i-eu press association.] AUCKLAND. September 2S. At the Technical College inquiry. Mr Finlay, reverting to the general management of the college, said that at the 1921 Intermediate and Public Service Entrance examinations, more than half the Technical College candidates tailed. The failures amounted to 73 per cent, in the Agricultural Classes, 62 per cent, in the English classes, and GO per cent, in the Commercial classes. The candidates had all had two years’ secondary education. At the .same examination the Kowliai Junior High School had only ten per cent, of failures although its candidates had been only one year in the secondary grade. As the candidates who failed m the intermediate examination would ordinarily be deprived of further secondary education, a large number of them were “ accredited.” In fact, it was understood that the accrediting system bad been abused to some extent at the college in consequence of t'e failure*. Mr lating declared that the Board was not fully apprised of the position, lie said that the 1921 pass figures submitted Lo it did not tally with those compiled by the teachers, and that an effort bad been made to conceal 1920

Mr lating gave evidence on tbe lines of counsel's statement. Mr Leary, in cross examining, produced an unfavourable report by the lale Direelor of the College. George George, upon the work ol Allen. Witness remarked llml George him self had been dismissed nr at least had resigned under pressure. Mr Leary: “lie was in about the same position as yourscl! ? ” Witness: “Yes.” Mr Lcarv: “Are you aware that George deposed Allen from the position of head of tbe engineering department ” Witness said he was. About the time of Park’s appointment as Director. he heard predictions that instructions would be brought up from Wanganui to tbe college, and that Park would proceed to turn the college into a High Hr’iuol. ( ross-exnmination was continued at length. In reply to a question. Lning denied In' was by nature loud ol trouble and contention. .Mr Leary: “ Is it not a fact that in the engineering shop you used to take delight in setting the apprentices to tight in order to see the fun r Being: “ I did not. Nothing of the sort.” The inquiry was adjourned until to-