SURVEYORS' EXAMINATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18235, 31 October 1922, Page 3

SURVEYORS' EXAMINATIONS.

Sir, —Some persons seem to be exercised in their minds as to the questions set for examination of candidates for surveyors' certificates. It is further hinted thai the surveyors get these questions made so hard that no one can pass, and thus a close corporation method is established. The trouble mainly is that tho questions for candidates are made out in tho six States of jthe Australian Commonwealth and New Zealand. Each State in succession sets the questions for the year. The idea is that the New Zealand surveyor's license- would enable the holder to practise anywhere in Australia as well as New Zealand. The late Hon. G. F. Bichardson was very anxious to see an Imperial certificate to enable a surveyor to practise anywhere. In Canada there are two classes of certificates—Dominion and Provincial South Africa considers they are a "cut" above everybody- because only university men can go up for examination, and yet their land transfer plans are inexact. The trouble is the terms used in the Australian States and New Zealand differ, the method of survey is different and ;, catch questions" are sometimes asked. On the other hand, is not the necessary general knowledge among New Zealand candidates. Mathematics is the bedrock of survey work. Yet one year not one in 16 applicants passed in mathematics. Practical astronomy is another rock that wrecks tho applicant. Yet the time will come when instead of travelling up to a trig station to get * bearing it will be fixed from sun or stars to a minute of a zimuth. It had to be done in heavy bush in Taranaki 50 years No other method but star work. Lastly, with increased knowl&age and accuracy we shall have instruments that will do away with, chainagc. What young candidates want is a few monthn ■at a university evening class and they, could pass all the exam, in one year„ Old-time Surveyor.