’VARSITY EXAMINATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12456, 26 May 1926, Page 11

’VARSITY EXAMINATIONS

STANDARD PASS MARK FIFTY PER CENT. NEGATIVED NEW ZEALAND SENATE MEETS The Senate of the New Zealand University met for th« May meeting at St. Andrew's schoolroom yesterday. Professor J. Macmillan Brown (Chancellor) presided, and those present were Professor J. Rankine-Broun (Vice-Chancellor). Sir Robert Stout, the Hon. J. A. Hunan, Messrs T. K. Sidey, M.P., W. P. Morrell. A. K. Flower, F. H. Bakewell, F. A. de La Mere, Professors T. A. Hunter, H. \V. Segar, R. M. Algie, J. Hight, W. Wall, J. K. Inglis, Dr AV. Anderson, Sir Lindo Ferguson, and the Hon. G. Fowlds. Discussion of the motion proposed by Professor T. A. Hunter, “That for nil University examinations other than matriculation and entrance examinations the pass mark shall be 50 per cent.,” occupied a considerable period. Professor Hunter, in proposing the motion, said that at the present time, there were two distinct pass marks—--40 per cent, and 50 per cent. It was the practice in medicine, law, and accountancy to require 50 per cent, as the mark. Professor Hunter considered that the University should maintain this standard in arts and science and adopt the 50 per cent, pass mark. Professor Wall, in opposing the motion, said that he did not consider the fixing of a standard desirable. The examiners might deem 60 per cent, desirable in some cases, and 40 per cent, in others. Professor Segar urged caution in making an alteration in the existing system. Sir Robert Stout favoured the fixing of a standard 50 per cent, basis, and thought that the Senate should state some standard for the guidance of the examiners. Professor Inglis and Air Morrell opposed the motion, which, upon being put to the vote, was negatived by 15 votes to 4. In regard to a recommendation of the Wellington committee as to certain alleged irregularities in connection with examinations, it was decided : “That the chief supervisor in each centre be requested to submit to the local committee his list of assistant supervisors and his proposed arrange ments, for approval.” The meeting will be continued at 9.45 this morning.