E.—l

European children to the number of 1,025 were in attendance at Native village schools at Ist July, 1938, and are included in the above figures. If these be deducted, the total enrolment of Native children in all primary schools at Ist July becomes 20,868, compared with 20,094 in 1937. In addition there were 103 pupils in the primary department of Maori secondary schools. The average attendance at Native schools was 86-6 per cent, of the average weekly roll. The attendance was affected to a considerable extent by the illness of pupils caused chiefly by the epidemic of measles. In the circumstances the regularity of attendance, although low when compared with that of previous years, was commendable. Boarding schools for the secondary education of the Maoris have been established by religious denominations, and the Government provides a number of scholarships tenable at these schools, which are inspected by the Department's officers. There were eight schools at the end of last year with an enrolment of 560 pupils, of whom 229 held Government scholarships. Six Maori boys held University scholarships —two at Auckland University College, and four at Otago University, those at Auckland taking a course in arts and of those at Otago two taking a medical course and two a dental course. Seven Maoris held agricultural scholarships —four being tenable at St. Stephens' College, and three at Wesley College. Ten Maori girls were holding nursing scholarships—four being held at St. Joseph's School, Napier, two at Queen Victoria School, Aiickland, two at Turakina School, Marton, and two at Hukarere School, Napier. 24. REGISTERED PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. The following table summarizes the returns furnished by registered private primary schools with respect to the year 1938 : —

Table S.

The number of schools at the end of the previous year was 306, and the total enrolment 27,931. There has been an increase of one in the number of registered private primary schools when compared with the number at the end of 1937.

39

Undenomi- Catholic Other national Church Churoh Total. Schools. Schools. Schools. Number of schools .. .. .. 26 226 55 307 Roll at December — Boys .. .. .. .. 389 11,749 1,605 13,743 Girls .. .. .. .. 599 12,323 1,721 14,643 Totals .. .. .. .. 988 24,072 3,326 28,386 Average attendance .. .. .. 824 20,729 2,889 24,442 Teachers (inclusive of head teachers) — Men .. .. .. .. .. 10 60 68 138 Women .. .. .. .. 60 709 139 908 Totals .. .. .. .. 70 769 207 1,046