The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1923

(To the Editor of "The Spike.") Wellington, June 5th, 1923

(To the Editor of "The Spike.")

Wellington, June 5th, 1923.

Dear Sir,—On behalf of all students who intend sitting for degree examinations, I would like to make it known that a precedent has been established in the matter of appealing against the adverse decision of an examiner. As you will know from the College Calendar, there is a way of doing this—a recount may be ordered on payment of a guinea. Another appeal, the personal "ad misericordiam" appeal, can be made, and has been made, but it seems to me both undignified and unjust, and it is on the latter count that I take exception to it. If once begun, where may it end? Where will the Senate be able conscientiously to draw the line? An examination and its result should be a purely impersonal affair. If a student is dissatisfied with the decision of an examiner and feels that it does not represent his true ability, his professor will be able, under the system of internal examinations, to see that justice is done him. The student of to-day is more fortunate than the student of past terms, who had patiently to Suffer defeat by one mark or two, nor ever dreamed of importuning for a pass. It is a good thing that an appeal is allowed, but let it be impersonally made and impersonally granted.—I am, etc.,

Marjory Hannah.