South Canterbury Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1883.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3322, 24 November 1883, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1883.

Ouu readers are aware that the authorities of the University of New Zealand recently constituted Tiraaru a centre at which matriculation and junior scholarship examinations might be held, and appointed the Rev. Mr Gillies supervisor for the occasion. We understand that, in granting this concession, the University Senate made it a condition that there should bo, at least, seven or eight candidates prepared to avail themselves of it. Eleven candidates have notified their intention to present themselves at the forthcoming examination, on 10th prox. It is with much surprise (and, we may add, with as much regret) that we hear it rumored that two or three of these candidates have, since handing in their names, informed the University authorities that they will after all, not sit here, but in Dunedin. The alleged reason for this determination, is distrust of the supervisor ; and a belief that he, having power to influence

their chance of “ passing,” will use it against them. This, we are informed, has been gravely put forward by the parents of one or more of the candidates. We were loth to believe that any such statement had been made, asit had not been made to ourselves, but be this as it may, it is certain that two or three Timaru candidates for matriculation say they will not sit here, but in Dunedin. Putting aside the alleged reason above referred to, it is difficult to understand why anyone should go to the expense and inconvenience of a journey to Dunedin or Christchurch, to undergo an examination for which facilities are provided at their own doors. It is certainly absurd, as far as they are themselves concerned, and unpatriotic too, for if the number of candidates remaining does not exceed the minimum fixed by the University, it is quite probable that in future no examinations will be held here ; (the more so as there was some difficulty in getting the authorities to grant the concession at all), and this we should regard as nothing less than a public misfortune. Whatever differences of opinion on some matters, may exist between Mr Gillies and ourselves, we have always appreciated his action in the matter of these examinations. In obtaining the concession, he gained a a real benefit; and now it is obtained, we hope it will not slip out of our hands. While on the subject of the University examinations, we may remark that considerable ignorance seems to prevail as to the functions of a supervisor. It appears to be believed by some people that this officer takes part in the examination. Those who have any knowledge whatever of public examinations, need not, of course, be told what are the real functions of a supervisor. They are briefly—to provide material, preserve order, and take charge of and dispatch the candidates’ papers We transcribe Hales 11, 12, 14, 16 and 17, from the Regulations under which all the examinations are conducted. Those who know anything of University matters, are aware that these rules are observed with most scrupulous exactness. Here are the sections :

On receiving each candidate’s paper, the supervisor is to verify the number of sheets and then to place them in one of the envelopes provided for that purpose, seal it up, and write the name, number, &c., on the outside.

The supervisor is not to answer any enquiry having reference to any question in any examination paper. If at any time a candidate wishes to communicate with the supervisor, he is to hold up his hand, and the supervisor will go to him. Each paper of questions is to be given out on the day and at the hour specified in the time table, and no packet of examination papers is on any account to be opened before the hour appointed, when the seal is to be broken, and the packet opened in the presence of the candidates; the door of the examination room having been previously looked.

None but the candidates and the supervisor shall at any time be present in the examination room, unless it be some member of the Senate, or someone specially authorised to be present by the Chancellor, or the Chancellor’s appointee.

We sincerely trust a perusal of these rules will set at rest any doubts which may be entertained as to the functions of a supervisor. At the same time we cannot help remarking that Mr Gillies has himself to thank, in a great measure, for the disfavor with which his appointment by the University has been received. If he had conciliated people instead of alienating them so persistently, everybody would have rejoiced at his appointment.

One of the most complete defeats on record, is that just inflicted by El Mahdi, the Prophet of the Soudan, upon the Egyptian Army under Hicks Pasha. That unfortunate General and his ten thousand soldiers, endured the annihilation without gaining any of the glory, of Leonidas and his three hundred at Thermopylm. What will be the immediate consequence of this annihilation of the Egyptian Army, it is impossible to forsee, but most probably El Mahdi will sweep everything before him, until a powerful force is sent out against him. There is some warm work in store for the British troops, that is certain ; for although this is a domestic quarrel between El Mahdi and the Egyptians, it will never do to allow the former to traverse the land with fire and sword. We may soon expect to hear of him at the gates of Cairo or Alexandria ; and as there is hut a handful of British troops in garrison at the former town,some warm work may be expected. That the Government of Tewfik will be able to meet a contingency like this, no one for a moment supposes, and as England has undertaken to protect Egypt, and set her on her legs again, she will not improbably have to dispatch another army corps to thrash these troublesome rebels of the Soudan.

The case of Scott v. the Northern Steamship Go., finally decided yesterday, in the Court of Wellington, ought to be noted by all who are accustomed to travel by coastal steamers, Scott, it seems, lost a package of jewellery on the voyage from Tauranga to Auckland, in one of the Company’s steamers. Ho brought a Supreme Court action against the Company, in Auckland, and Judge Gillies gave judgment for the Company. Against this, Scott appealed, and the Appeal Court upheld the Judge’s decision. The loss of packages is by no means uncommon, in the New Zealand coastal steamers ; and if we are to accept the assurances of a good many people, the proprietors are not over careful about passengers’ luggage. lie this as it may, however, people are themselves to blame in almost all cases of missing baggage. Mr Scott, it seems, placed his jewellery package among his ordinary luggage, and took no stop to inform the Company of its special value. One would suppose be would have secured himself against such a contingency as has actually occurred, by registering the package in some way. It is absurd for people to set the law in motion to recoup or defend themselves, when they have neglected to follow out the course which common sense dictates, or to take ordinary precautions for themselves.