E.—3.

The disabilities from which these schools have suffered during the last few years have seriously affected their general efficiency. The loss is a heavy one which the Maori race as a whole can ill afford to suffer. In all schools the instruction given to Government Scholarship pupils complied with section 114 of the regulations relating to Native schools, and was satisfactory. 17. Scholarships. In 1934 117 Junior Scholarships were held by pupils attending the boarding-schools. In addition there were four Agricultural Scholarship holders, one Nursing Scholarship holder, and one University Scholarship. The Junior Te Makarini Scholarship was won by Graham Mika, and the Senior Te Makarini Scholarship by Meta Francis. This year no Buller Scholarship was awarded. 18. Chatham Islands and Fiji. The Chatham Island Schools were inspected by Mr. D. Brown, of Waltham School, Canterbury, in February, 1934. In August, 1934, I paid an extended visit to Fiji for the purposes of inspection and grading of teachers. 19. Conclusion. On the Ist September, 1934, Mr. A. H. Denne, M.A., was appointed to the position of Inspector of Native Schools. The inspection and examination of Native schools have been conducted in the usual manner. In this connection I have to acknowledge the willing, co-operation and valuable assistance of Mr. A. H. Denne, and of Mr. T. A. Fletcher, who continued to assist throughout the year. The enthusiasm and interest of the Native School Branch of the Education Department have been responsible in no small measure for the general welfare of the Service and its smooth administration. D. G. Ball, Inspector of Native Schools.

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