EXAMINATION OF STUDENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 31 March 1936, Page 3

EXAMINATION OF STUDENTS

(To tte^Editor'

Sir. —The Nelson Rhuation Board continues to enhance its reputation ior indulging in the reprehensible practice cf giving publicity to the contents of confidential reports not written ior the public eye. Friends of those, who have become unfortunate enough to become the victims of these attentions are astonished by the imputations contained in the remarks by the members. Is it not alarming to know that the confidential reports of the lady doctor are discussed outside committee? At the recent meeting of the Board, we are told by Mr Carling, a full discussion took place. The chairman, secretary, inspector, and members all took part, followed by a lengthy statement by himself. Mr Carling was unanimously supported. “A most unfortunate wrong had been done to an exceptionally able candidate owing to the rigidity of the regulations and" partly through the embarrassment inevitable in the case of a sensitive candidate who has to submit to a lemrtidy examination by a woman doctor.” , . .

I contend that the highly sensitive young man has suffered far more embarrassment from the callous treatment of the Hoard. And the doctor whose one' mistake was to conscientiously do her duty, as a doctor, has had unenviable publicity thrust upon her. T would remind Mr Carling and other members that “discretion is often the belter part of valour.” Is it not a ’deplorable fact that so responsible a body as the Nelson Education board can' so far ignore the rights and feelings of others as to make this ail occasion to stiuje a public detente? the vonm 1 * candidate has suffered a giavc injustice. The picture Mr Carling draws for us at the close of his letter m rep y to “Vigilans” is anything, hut feathering to a. self respecting young man. lif conclusion it is comforting to note <hoi “(be Board arc goner to be equally firm that the girl candidates aim to be examined W n woman doctor As "Vicih'i’s” remarked ncihaps they disliked being examined by a. male doetoi, in the past, but if th did. they were fourapeons about d, and the discipline was good for tlicm,-I am, Nelson, 50t!r March.