CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5137, 10 September 1877, Page 3

CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —I will answer “ Inquirer’s ” questions as clearly as I can. The University of New Zealand holds three examinations in the year —one for matriculation, one for scholarships, and one for the B.A, degree. The standard for the first of these, as far as it is fixed by the University, is very low ; and moreover, the papers are set and all the details arranged by different examiners in each of seven centres, and consequently it does not represent any definite standard of attainment. The requirements of the B.A. examination, on the other hand, are naturally too high both as to age and attainments for more than a very small number of our boys. The scholarship examination is purely competitive, and success in it is best attained by not taking up more than two subjects, and therefore while it affords a very fair test of the qualifications in special subjects of our best boys as compared with those from other schools in New Zealand, it does not afford any fixed standard by wjiich to try the general work of the school. The Cambridge examination requires proficiency in the elementary but necessary subjects of reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, and English grammar. . It further requires every candidate to pass in not less than two or. more than six other subjects, and all those who come up to a certain standard obtain certificates, while those who distinguish themselves either generally or in special subjects are classed accordingly ; and lastly, a point of great importance, we obtain full particulars of the causes of failure in the case of all those who are unsuccessful. Moreover, these examinations having been established for more than fifteen years, have acquired a definiteness of standard which renders them an excellent test of general work. I hope the day is not far distant when every school in New Zealand, public and private, primary and secondary, will be open to regular and authorised inspection, which would perhaps be best entrusted to the University. When that time arrives it will no longer be “ necessary,” though I question whether it would not still be'‘desirable,” to have recourse to Cambridge. • With regard to the position taken by the pupils of the Wellington College in the two examinations, I am not conscious of any “very marked success” in the one case, or “orcomparative failure ” in the other, which requires explanation, and if I were, such explanation would be found in its proper place, that is, the annual report on the condition of the College. As to my own connection with the papers I shall be most happy to give the fullest explanation of the method of conducting the examination to “ Inquirer,” or anyone else who will apply to me personally. Meanwhile, so long as the University of Cambridge is satisfied as to the fairness of the examination, I do not think those who hold her certificates need distress themselves about people talking “ loosely” or otherwise on the subject.—l am, &c., Kenneth Wilson, M.A., Local Secretary. Wellington, Sept. 8.

TO THE EDITOII OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES.

Sin, —In several letters which have appeared in your paper recently on this subject, and more especially the last, it appears to me the Principal of the Wellington College has scarcely received even-handed justice. By establishing this system of local examinations in connection with one of the great seats of learning, Mr. Wilson has rendered good service to the public and to the cause of education generally. By this means an unerring test can bo applied to the work of our local institutions, which cannot be obtained elsewhere. By means of

these local examinations' also our colonial schools and colleges may be brought-into “immediate connection with those time-honored institutions of. the oldcountry which are surrounded with associations of a high antiquity and au illustrious name. When the Wellington College was made a, “ centre ” of the Cambridge Local Examinations, circulars were sent to all the schools within the province, drawing the attention of teachers to the fact, and explaining the object and conditions. Recently Mr,. Wilson urged upon those masters of public schools with whom he came in contact the desirability of inducing their pupil teachers to take honors at Cambridge, urging that by that means they may obtain a status in the profession not otherwise obtainable, and expressing his willingness to; give every facility and information.. It will therefore be seen that there has been no attempt at concealment, nor has there been any desire on his part to monopolise the credit and; benefits accruing from these examinations. Moreover, all similar institutions throughout the colony can obtain like advantages fey doing as Mr. Wilson did, namely, by the principals placing themselves in communication with the Cambridge authorities. A word about the manner in. which the examinations are conducted, and then I have done. The examination papers are forwarded from Cambridge to his Excellency the Governor, who appoints the local supervisor. When the examination is over the papers are sealed up aud returned to Cambridge through the same channel.—X am, &c., Wellington. ■