Might need to call BS on this one, although I've seen a good deal of tests like it online. And, I agree that it's good info, and most of today's adults (myself included) would be hard pressed to answer all of the questions from memory, without a calculator.
But, a reference to "metres" on an 1895 exam, I think, would be unlikely, as the measurements weren't standardized internationally until 1875 or so, and never have gotten standard usage in the US.
If I remember correctly, my generation was the first to get wide "indoctrination" in using the metric system....as a kid I remember show after show, lesson after lesson, on the need to use "meters" instead of "feet", "liters" instead of "gallons", and so on.
Didn't work, LOL. I'm going to go on my 2 mile lunch walk, then put about 10 gallons of gas in my car.
.....What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft.. Long at $20 per metre?.....
It is even more bogus. A meter is a measurement of length. Lumber is sold by the board foot. Since no thickness for the board was given, there is inadequate data to calculate a value.