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utility (as utility is conceived by the Maori) they are prepared to condone the holding of peculiar views of European origin concerning matters of food and dress—perhaps with the hope that these views will wear down later on. It is worthy of remark, just here, that the scholars from some of our schools seem to find favour in the eyes of their parents, and other candid friends, just because they have brought home with them somewhat increased powers of being useful in the settlement at such work as planting, road-making, &c. The discussion of matters of this kind in a report will, possibly, seem out of place ; but if our reports are to have any considerable utility it must be because they point out places where injurious action frequently occurs, and suggest how it may be obviated. There is one other question of a somewhat delicate nature that requires, on account of its real importance, at least brief mention : A few of the young people at boarding-schools have parents very well off. But there is good reason for believing that this does not hold in a majority or even a considerable number of instances. But, as is the case in other spheres, a kind of " fashion " is set by the sons and daughters of parents best able to afford expensive outfits, and these are supplied, with not unpleasing outward results, even in the case of those whose poverty causes them to lag a long way behiud. But, the question must be asked, Is it desirable that this kind of competition should exist ? Is it salutary either for those who proudly set the fashion, or for those who limp behind, attempting to follow it ? It may be suggested that the best cure for the evil here hinted at, —for evil it is,—would probably be a simple uniform, pretty and tasteful, but not too costly. This long section may well close with a reference to a danger that is sometimes encountered by young Maori lads when their school work has just come to an end. A kind of final vacation naturally closes the scholar's secondary school career. Ordinarily, that is in the late scholar's previous year's residence at a higher school, there has been a definite conclusion of the holidays through the arrival of the day for reopening. Now, however, the case is different. The reopening has come, certainly, but not for him. Also nothing else has turned up ;no Government billet, for instance. Why should he not extend his holiday a little and take a further ride round ; and perhaps even visit every settlement at which relatives of his reside ? The adoption of this plan is a very great mistake ; none the less because the path chosen is a very pleasant one—for a time, at all events. But like so many other pleasant paths, it may lead to very rugged country later on. Indeed, many people who are well informed about such matters think that there is no more demoralising agency to be found for a young man than the habit of riding about from settlement to settlement, living on friends and doing no work; and this is how, in some cases, at all events, promising young Maoris' careers of usefulness have literally ended before they have begun. The really safe thing for a young man to do after leaving such an institution as Te Aute or St. Stephen's is to get to work soon —as soon as possible. " True," says a young Maori, perhaps ; " but how ? You may fairly hold that when the ' carpenters' shops ' and other technical aids that we have been told about are in full swing there will be no difficulty; but what are we to do now? " The answer is, that no earnest seeker after work has in New Zealand, at the present time at all events, to go far or to wait long for something to do. If the worst comes there is generally plenty of work of one kind or another waiting to be done in the neighbourhood of every settlement, and if a young Maori shows himself always first on hand when there is something to be done, and always ready to look for work when it is not quite to hand, he is in a thoroughly good way; he will find his niche by-and-by ; also (and this is a most important thing) he will generally find that he is not very far from having the thorough respect and affection of his people, who will be much more ready to follow his lead—to receive his really valuable help—in matters that they do not understand but he does, than they would if he were always last at work and first at football, races, and tangihangas. Some pictures, mostly taken from photographs by amateurs, are attached to this report. They give some idea of Maori schools, a Maori School Committee, Maori children, and kindergarten and hand-work in Maori schools. I have, &c, James H. Pope.