THE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3565, 21 June 1872, Page 3

THE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LYTTELTON TIMES

Sir, —Without wishing in any way to abrogate from the ability or wish to serve of the gentlemen appointed to set the questions for the late Government University scholarships, or, without in any way desiring to dictate or suppose I could do better myself, yet I would wish to ask you and the public at large whether it may not be a question—which time, perhaps, may rectify—whether the first and late examination, the result of which has not yet been made public, has not included subjects beyond the range of boys educated here, or even in England. For instance, to examine a boy in a language—German—which has never been studied at the school of which he is a member, or to give him abstruse questions in sciences only just commenced to be taught, appears to me a great mistake. Chemistry, botany, geology, and a whole train of ologies, may be, and are very useful branches of knowledge, but if a lad has never given them an hour’s further study than he lias picked up in his general reading, how can he be expected to give intelligent papers on these various subjects ? As far as my experience goes, young men educated in the home universities, are never examined on subjects foreign to their studies, and we have surely all known men of solid attainments emanating from such schools; but of the solidity or depth of attainment of our New Zealand youth, I cannot but fear there is small chance, if such a superficial svstem is pursued. ' Some of the more useful subjects, and which have been studied—such as geography—are omitted, while in other matters, as I have before observed, time has been wasted in endeavouring to answer questions, the subject matter of which the youths arc in blissful ignorance. Our Christchurch College is without doubt a most excellent school, and competes most favourably with grammar schools at home. To the head master, the Rev. W. C. Harris, wo all owe a debt of gratitude for the laborious care he has given to those under his charge ; and I cannot but think that wore his opinion asked on what I have advanced, he would strongly advocate the examination ou subjects only such as had been taught in his school. In this instance, I happen to hail from Trinity College, Dublin, which has produced, as has been allowed, some of our best men, and I certainly never knew any examination on subjects out of the course of study, and of which due notice hod not been given. It is very true that the plan pursued for our university scholarships gives an equal chance of success, and that what is good for the gooso is good for the gander; still, 1 imagine the prize in view is not the sole object, but that the general advancement of the pupils, and the raising the standard of education to a. greater height of perfection, is another and primary intention. ' I have made those remarks for what they may bo worth j some with mo may hope that these things should be taken into considero* tion for a future occasion. Your obedient servant, AN ALUMNUS OF T%TT „ TTW TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN.