EXAMINATION PAPERS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 556, 13 January 1891, Page 2

EXAMINATION PAPERS.

We notice that many of our contemporaries have taken up the subject of the stiff geography paper set for the recent matriculation examination, upon which we commented at the time. The Napier News had a strong article condemning the paper as ridiculously stiff. The Post, in a late issue, states “From all parts of the colony a chorus of discontent is raised regarding the character of the geography paper set for the recent matriculation of the New Zealand University, The verdict regarding it is unanimous, and it is one of unequivocal condemnation. The author of the ten questions is Mr Henry O. Forbes, F.R.G.S., who is custodian of the Canterbury Museum. A notice on the paper intimates that the ‘candidates are expected to attempt all the questions.’ The time allowed for this attempt is three hours, or exactly 18 minutes per question. We do not believe that the examiner himself could write an intelligent answer to any two of the last six questions within 18 minutes, although he may be Resumed to be well coached up in his facts. To expect any candidate to do all these ten questions in the three hours is to expect the impossible. Mr Forbes, if he is qualified for the position of an examiner, ought to be perfectly aware of this. Setting such an impossible paper is a gross injustice to the candidates, and tends to bring the University itself into public contempt. Some years ago, if we remember rightly, the Senate had to practically set aside a Latin paper, as demanding impossibilities, and determine the results irrespectively of the failure to answer it. If they are either wise or just they will treat Mr Forbes’ paper on geography in the same manner. It will be unjust to record a failure against any candidate on account of inability to answer his preposterous questions. Really the Senate ought to have some one to examine the examiners, or at least their papers before they are set, so as to prevent the examination becoming a farce.”