SCHOLARSHIPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8367, 1 March 1913, Page 6

SCHOLARSHIPS

METHOD OF AWARDS MORE RATIONAL LINES REQUIRED. SHOULD HEADMASTERS SELECT? The method of awarding scholarships was a subject brought beioro the Wellington College Soar’d of Governors yesterday. . VV lien the question of appointing a scholarship committee was being considered, Mr R. Lee said there was a good deal more m education besides “ swatting up ” to pass class examinations. That being so, it seemed to him the great question was whether they should not try to start on what might be termed more rational lines, tie thought they should ask Mr Firth, headmaster of tno Roys’ College, to report as to whom the so scholarships should be awarded, instead of setting papers for class examinations. A headmaster could certify which pupils were the most brainy and most industrious, and altogether those possessing the most promise for the future. The master who had pupils in charge for year's knew exactly what they could do and could give much bettor advice as to which scholarship-holder was most likely to be a credit to the country. The chairman (Mr Brandon) said that this question had been talked over for many years, and it seemed to him they were just where they were, and would always bo where they were. In a scheme of that kind they must have the opinion of men who were not only men of practical experience in teaching but men who had had an extensive knowledge of human nature outside ■of the ■ schools. When they got those men they would say that examination was the only test which would give satisfactory results to everyone else. If they had a system of awarding prizes, it immediately gave rise to the charge of favouritism, and the suggestion by Mr Lee would put Mr Firth in a very invidious position if they were to ask him to select the holders of scholarships. They would have forty or fifty letters to the newspapers condemning the Board of Governors. ■

The chairman and Messrs Lee and Ward were appointed a scholarship committee.