E.—3.

in agriculture and general farm work was provided. There were five of these scholarships each of an annual value of £35, but in 1931 this number was reduced to four, of an annual value of £31 10s. each. For girls, Nursing Scholarships were established in 1901. The object of these scholarships is to give selected girls an introduction to nursing in the public hospitals, with a view to their ultimately taking up the profession in the interests of their race. The tenure of these scholarships is for one year, after which, if the girls have proved satisfactory, they are admitted to the hospital staff as probationers. The following table indicates the provision now made by the Department for the secondary education of Maori children attending Native schools—that is, for Maori children in outlying districts who are unable to take advantage of the European facilities for secondary education.

In addition to the scholarships referred to above, there are sixteen Junior Scholarships, of an annual value of £31 10s., tenable for two years at a higher school approved by the Hon. Minister and awarded to deserving Maori children attending other than Native schools. The Junior Scholarships are tenable at the following schools : Boys—Te Aute College, Pukehou, Hawke's Bay ; St. Stephen's School, Bombay, Auckland; Wesley College, Paerata, Auckland. Girls—Hukarere Maori Girls' School, Napier ; Queen Victoria Maori Girls' School, Auckland ; St. Joseph's Convent, Napier; Turakina College, Marton ; Otaki College (mixed). The Agricultural Scholarships are tenable at Te Aute College, Wesley College, and St. Stephen's School. Within recent years secondary schools for boys have reorganized their curricula, and considerably raised the standard of instruction. Valuable" courses in practical and theoretical agriculture are now provided, and in this type of instruction, which is likely to prove of most value to the Maori community, the majority of the boys are enrolled. Suitable academic courses are arranged for those who have the ability and the desire" to enter the professions. The secondary schools for girls provide training of a domestic and social nature, but their curricula are not so well planned' as those of the boys' secondary schools. They lack, in addition, a wellgraded academic course. The main aim of the secondary schools has been focused more on the provision of a superior social environment than on an academic or vocational secondary course. The residence for two years at a boarding-school consolidates to a considerable extent the right habits of conduct and living first inculcated at the Native school. This must continue to be the main function of the secondary schools, but the time has now arrived in the transition stage of the Maori when more exact motivation is necessary. The brightest Maori boys and girls should be given definite objectives either in the academic or vocational field and, therefore, better-planned and more intensive courses of study should be provided. Table H 4 indicates the schools at which secondary education for Maori children is provided. The roll number at the 31st December, 1932, of these schools was 305, of whom 118 were Government scholars. 17. Scholarships. In 1932, 123 Junior Scholarships were held by pupils attending the boarding-schools. In addition, there were four Agricultural Scholarship holders and one University Scholarship was awarded to a student attending Victoria College. The Junior Te Makarini Scholarship was won by Heretaunga H. Raimona, of Te Aute College, and the Senior Te Makarini Scholarship was won by Henare Ngata, also of Te Aute College. This year no Buller Scholarship was awarded. 18. Chatham Islands. Five schools in the Chatham Islands are administered and controlled by the Education Department. At the 31st December, 1932, the total roll number was 146, composed of eighty-one Maoris and sixty-five Europeans. The average attendance for the year was 133, and the percentage of regularity 91-1. The staffing of the Chatham Islands schools consists of seven teachers, all of whom are certificated. In 1932 one visit of inspection was made. In such an isolated position as the Chatham Islands, where communication with the mainland is infrequent and where no roads are available for vehicular traffic, much depends upon the faithful service of the teachers. They have little opportunityof getting advice from outside, nor have they many chances of meeting to discuss their difficulties. The standard of instruction was generally satisfactory, though varying a little between school and school. Conclusion. Further minor improvements in the administration and organization of Native schools have been effected this year. The inspection and examination of Native schools has been conducted in the usual manner. In this connection lam indebted to the unremitting and most valuable assistance given by Mr. T. A. Fletcher, who, throughout the year, continued to assist temporarily in the inspection and examination of Native schools. The Native Schools Branch of Head Office has always had at heart the interests and advancement of the Service. I have to record its willing co-operation and valuable assistance throughout the year. I have, &c., D. G. Ball, Inspector of Native Schools. The Director of Education.

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——■ Number. Amount. Tenure. ; . - ' ' » * £ s. d. Years. Junior Scholarships . . . . .. .. 136 31 10 0 2 Agricultural Scholarships . . .. .. 4 31 10 0 2 Nursing Scholarships .. .. .. .. 1 35 0 0 2 (Now held) I