FREE SCHOLARSHIPS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10619, 14 March 1896, Page 3

FREE SCHOLARSHIPS.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sir, —Dr Brown, at the meeting of tha High School Board of Governors, held on Thursday last, gave notice of the following motion : — " That in view of the lessened revenue of the board through reduction of rents it ia necessary to reconsider the practice of granting free education to pupils who milje SO per cant, at the Education Board's scholarship examinations ; that in the opinion of the board 75 per cent, should be gained in order to secure the fteo scholarship."

Now, Sir, Dr Brown cannot have considered the efiect of the carrying of his resolution. In the past bad such a regulation been in force not a single candidate would have secured free education. As a matter of fact many of tha winuers of goholarships have not gained 75 per cent, of the attainable marks. If anyone cares to look through the examination returns for the last three years he will, I think, find that among the scholarship candidate! nons but scholarship winners gained even 60 per cent, of the attainable marks. If it is necessary or desirable to raise tha minimum number of marks entitling candidates to free education, I trust the High School Board of Governors will try 55 per cent, instead of, as suggested, 75 per cent. —I am, &c, March 9. W. B.