27 JANUARY 1933, Page 3

Examinations Quis custodiet ipsos custodes ? Who shall examine the

examiners ? The Carnegie Corporation and a branch of Columbia University arc gallantly prepared to answer the question. They have set up committees in England, Scotland, France, Germany and Switzerland to study the principles and methods of examinations in these countries. And they arc hopeful enough to believe that they may " diminish the element of chance " which, as every candidate knows, enters into every class-list. The English Committee is a strong one and it has an experienced director in Sir Philip Hartog. But our examination-ridden youth will be slow to expect helpful results from such an inquiry. Personality counts for all too 'much in the system, both in the examiner and the examinee. The trouble is that no satisfactory alter- native can be devised.