SUPERVISORS BLAMED

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1934, Page 6

SUPERVISORS BLAMED

CANDIDATES’ PROTEST HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD’S SUPPORT. CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS. COMPLAINT TO THE DEPARTMENT. Alleged laxity of supervisors at State examinations was the subject of strong protest last night at a meeting of the New Plymouth High Schools Board. The attention of me board was drawn to the matter by the monthly report of the principal of the girls’ school, Miss D. N. Allan. It stated dissatisfaction had Deen expressed by candidates in the recent examinations for training college entrance and for sanior free place. They protested against prolonged conversations oeing held in the examination room by the supervisors. They said it unfitted them tor concentration. One candidate actually asked for silence and said he could no do his work. “The future of the candidates depends in many cases on the results of these examinations,” stated the report. They pay an entrance fee, and it is only just that they should be given a fair opportunity to do their work.” Miss Allan quoted a particular case that had come under her notice. She brought forward confirmatory evidence from the parent of another pupil. The position, she said, was ridiculous. The supervisors were highly paid by the department for their work, but complaints been received before of the manner in which they performed their' duties. Mr. Moyes agreed. Objections had been raised before, he said, and he thought the strongest protest should be lodged by the board. He knew from experience how upsetting unnecessary noise was to candidates, and he thought all the details of the matter should be made public. Candidates paid 25s to sit for the examination, and this sum was a big one to some people nowadays, added Miss Allan. It was unfair that this should bcJ wasted* The loss of time and the handicap that such an experience might prove to some children throughout their lives was the greatest consideration, said other members. The utmost care should be exercised in the appointment of supervisors. In some cases there was practically no supervision at all. Mr. P. E. Stainton moved this Miss Allan’s protest be forwarded to the department with a strong recommendation from the board that something be done to remedy the position. It was decided that further evidence should be collected as the board was making a definite charge against some person in forwarding the complaint.