E.—l.

The examination branch of the Department assists in the arrangements necessary for carrying out the Wiremen's Registration Examinations conducted by the Electrical Wiremen's Registration Board. In addition to those certificates issued as a result of the examinations given in Table Z 2, certificates were also issued in the following cases to candidates who were recommended by Principals of post-primary schools and approved by the Department's Inspectors. The award of lower leaving certificates was discontinued in 1935.

Table Z3. —Number of Certificates issued by accrediting.

In regard to examinations conducted by the University of New Zealand the following shows the position in 1934 and 1935 : —

Table Z4. —University Examinations.

36. CHILD WELFARE. The total number of children under the supervision of the Child Welfare Branch as at 31st March, 1936, was 7,272, classed under the following headings : — State wards— In foster-homes, hostels, and with friends .. .. .. .. 2,660 In situations (includes 14 absent without leave) .. . . .. 948 In Government institutions, receiving-homes, &c. .. . . .. 203 In private institutions .. .. .. .. .. .. 150 Inmates in special schools for backward children .. .. .. 240 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. .. . . .. .. 61 At School for Deaf, Surnner ~ ~ .. ~ .. 7 4,269

32

(These are in addition to those awarded as a result of examination.) Number of Certificates issued. Certificate. . Stage of Course at which Certificate is issued. 1934. 1935. Intermediate .. At end of Form IV — i.e., at the end of at least the second 6,451 6,622 year of approved post-primary course Higher leaving .. At the end of Form VI — i.e., at the end of at least the fourth 970 993 year of approved post-primary course

_ . ,. Stage in Course at which Examina- -. T _. . „ ,., , ino . ino . Examination. s tion is normally taken. Number of Candidates. 1934. 1935. ■ .■ University Entrance At end of Form V—i.e., at end (a) Who presented them- 4,610 4,602 Examination. of at least.the third year of selves for examination post-primary course (only the (b) Who passed .. 2,071 2,122 very best third-year pupils (c) Who failed .. .. 2,539 2,480 succeed in passing) Entrance Scholarship At end of Form VI —i.e., at end (a) Who presented them- 280 297 Examination of at least the fourth year of selves for examination post-primary course (6) Who obtained at least a 138* 133* pass with credit (c) Who qualified only for 72 84 University entrance as a result of the examination (d) Who failed .. .. 70 80 Other University During University course . . (a) Who presented them- 7,927 8,266 examinations selves for examination (b) Who obtained complete 5,229 5,251 or partial successes * Thirty scholarships arc awarded yearly.