E.—3

6

Teachers who have a knowledge of both notations should use, particularly in the upper classes, both notations, care being taken that every step in the staff notation has been explained as far as possible by the corresponding step in the tonic sol-fa notation. Voice-training and ear exercises do not receive the attention they deserve, and it is felt that much better results in singing would be obtained in many schools if daily practice of songs and musical exercises was more common. Secondary Education. No special schools to meet the particular needs of the Maori youth in the matter of secondary education have been established by the Government. Such schools, however, have been established by various denominational bodies for the purpose of providing an advanced course of instruction, and at such of them as are regarded as providing a suitable course the Government in order to promote this education has undertaken to provide a number of scholarships for the pupils from Native village schools (and, under certain conditions, from public schools) who have the necessary qualifications and are considered likely to benefit from the advanced course of training. The schools perform a very useful function, and the scholars in attendance cannot but benefit from the training they receive— a training designed to enable them to become useful members of the community, and thus assist in the progress of the Maori people. In the girls' schools the course of instruction is so arranged that the better-qualified girls may take the Public Service Entrance Examination. Special prominence, however, is given to a practical training in such subjects as needlework and dressmaking, with particular attention to instruction and practice in cutting out garments for the girls' own use. The training also includes cookery and domestic duties generally ; first-aid and nursing ; care and rearing of infants, and the preparation of suitable foods for infants and the sick ; sanitation, cleanliness, and personal hygiene. The girls also take as part of their practical training as large a share as possible of the work of the institutions. Physical instruction and organized games also play an important part in the training. Fine displays of needlework and cookery are features of the girls' work at the annual visits. A very fair number of the girls upon leaving school are employed as junior assistants in the village schools. In the boys' schools practical training also receives considerable attention, and takes the form of woodwork instruction and, where practicable, agricultural work, including farming operations. At Te Aute College, where the equipment for both theoretical and practical work in agriculture is good, it is to be regretted that a larger number of boys do not take the course, which is likely to be of far more benefit to the great majority of them, and the tendency to prefer the more academic type of education is to be deplored. At the boys' schools physical instruction and games receive special attention. All the schools referred to in this section are subject to inspection and examination by officers of the Department, whose reports indicate a high standard of work. At Te Aute College a few boys are prepared for the Matriculation course, with satisfactory results. At the end of the year the number of pupils in attendance at these secondary Native schools was 307 boys and 217 girls, a total of 524. Of this number 130 scholars were holders of scholarships provided by the Government. In addition to these scholarship-holders, pupils from the islands in the Pacific attend some of these schools as the holders of scholarships provided by the educational authorities of the islands. Scholarships. For the purpose of assisting the more promising Maori scholars to secure the advantages and benefits of higher education the Government has in vogue a system of scholarshijjs by means of which the scholars arc enabled to qualify themselves for employment which will be not only profitable, to themselves but will be a means of furthering the progress of the race. These scholarships are of various types, and are classified as follows: (1) Junior scholarships or free places; (2) senior scholarships, taking the form of (a) industrial scholarships (apprenticeships), (b) agricultural scholarships, (c) nursing scholarships ; (3) University scholarships. The junior scholarships, which are tenable at a number of the schools referred to in the previous section, are available for suitably qualified and accredited pupils from Native village schools or public schools. These scholarships are eagerly sought after by the parents of the pupils, and little difficulty is now experienced in filling the vacancies at the boarding-schools. During the past year 133 junior scholarships were current. Only a limited number of senior scholarships are available. The industrial scholarships, or apprenticeships, as has been the case for some years past, do not seem to be attractive to Maori boys. Two such scholarships were current at the end of the year, one lad being engaged in joinery and. cabinetmaking, the other in engineering. The agricultural scholarships are tenable at some State farm, or at a school or college where a suitable agricultural course is provided, or lads may be apprenticed to an approved farmer. This form of scholarship is not in great demand. Nursing scholarships may be awarded to suitably qualified girls who are anxious to work among their own people as nurses. Two Maori girls are probationers on the staff of the Napier Hospital, and arrangements have been made for another girl to commence as a day-pupil. With the same object in view the Hospital Department appoints Maori girls to the hospital staffs in various districts. A number of Maori nurses are now at work among their people as officers of the Health Department and are doing creditable work. Maori lads who have matriculated and are desirous of taking up some profession which will prove of benefit to the Maori race are eligible for University scholarships. Not more than two scholarships may be awarded in any one year. Six University scholarships were current at the end of last yeax ; 3(2 medicine, 1 law), Otago University; 3(2 law, 1 engineering), Canterbury College.