MATRICULATION EXAM

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8338, 25 January 1913, Page 2

MATRICULATION EXAM

THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION. INTERESTING DISCUSSION BY UNIVERSITY SENATE. Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 24. The character of the matriculation examination as a test .of qualification for entrance iiuo tne L was discussed during the silling of the Senate. 'file subject of debate was actually only one aspect of the question, namely, that of allowing compensation, but 1 proposal was introduced as a measure of relief for the stringency of the examination of which complaint has been made. It was explained that compensation ns allowed by transferring marks gained in one subject to another to enable a candidate to pass, but the principle is applied oply in groups of cognate subjects, in case of failure in one subjeer, and pass in a similar subject, hali the excess of marks above the minimum is added to these gained in the former, and if this compensation supplies the deficiency a pass is allowed. Dr F- Fatehett moved. "That in deter-’ wining the results of matriculation examinations the principle of compensation be applied generally, instead of being applied to cognate subjects only, as at present.” He declared that the manner in which the door of tho University had been slammed in the face of many young people was deplorable. Dr Fitchett remarked that there was a growing impression that the University was tending to become a class institution. Mr 11. F. Vonllaast : What lias class to do with an examination ? Dr Fitchett said he thought it was a {also ■ impression, and he was anxious that it should be removed. Dr McDowell seconded the motion, remarking that bo had always advocated that the entrance examination should be within tho ability of as large a number as possible. The Chancellor (Sir Robert Stout) otrougly opposed tho proposal. Dealing with one point, he said that the Medical Council would not recognise degrees conferred by the University if the standard was mad© lower, for it bad specifically required that an. absolute pass should be obtained in a certain subject. In hie opinion, no scholar should be allowed To pass from a secondary school into tho University until he was ready to proceed with higher education. Sir Robert Stout cases in which young men had maintained themselves while studying for matriculation, and added tho remark that if a man had any grit he would win his way into the University. Hard work was no disgrace to anyone. Dr Chilton recommended that a committee should be appointed each year by tho Senate to consider tho results of entrants’ examination. (Hear, hear.) He moved an amendment to this effect, and providing that the committee should consider tho question of compensation. Professor J. Macmillan Brown seconded the amendment. Mr G. Hogben said the amendment was unnecessary because a resolution to exactly the same effect had been passed by tho Senate and no effect had been given to it. hut he agreed that a committee should be brought into active existence. Professor F. D. Brown expressed approval of the compensation system, but ho considered it should not be applied unless exceptional merit was displayed In some subject. The motion was defeated by 17 votes to 5, and Dr Chilton’s proposal was carried on the voices.