CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5134, 6 September 1877, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —In.reply to a letter in your issue of this morning asking for information about the Cambridge Local Examinations, I have much pleasure in giving the following particulars : The examiners are a Board of forty-tour gentlemen, appointed from time to time by the University, most of them being resident Fellows of the different Colleges. The examinations are held annually at more than eighty different centres in England, and six in the colonies ; and in the case of the latter the papers are sent by the University through the Colonial Office to the Governor of each colony, who appoints a supervisor to conduct the examination ; and the answers of the candidates are sent back to Cambridge through the same channels ; and printed regulations for the conduct of the examination in the most minute details are furnished by the University to each supervisor. The total number of candidates at all the centres last year was 4002, of whom 2093 passed. I shall be glad to give any further information in my power to your correspondent, or to any one else who may apply to me. I enclose the class lists of the last examination.—l am, &c., Kenneth Wilson, M.A., Local Secretary for the Cambridge University Local Examinations. ■Wellington, Sept. 6. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —According to the recently-published list of candidates who competed at the late Cambridge Local Examination, it appears that the Wellington College was the only institution representing New Zealand. Does it not seem surprising that _so excellent, a scholastic test should not be more widely sought after ? Although, as must be admitted, the examinations as conducted at present are little better than a farce, yet steps: might be taken, and should be taken without delay, to memoralise the Cambridge Syndicate with the view of having its standards placed on a fairer basis here, and thus secure a boon of great value to our ' schools. As it is, Wellington College gathers her laurels (?) at will, and of outsiders only the moat favored have the ghost of a show.—l am, &c., Observer.