8.—2

8

extension of the free-place system at technical scl ools and classes to afford such children some training in subjects related to industrial, occupations. From 100 to 150 ree places were granted under the new regulations in 1.918, and a further extension of the scheme is anticipated. Examination of Pupils. S6 examinations for proficiency and competency are usually conducted by the Department's Inspectors, the pupils being examined in English and arithmetic, at least, by means of written tests. The closing of the schools owing to the influenza epidemic at the end of 1918 prevented, in most.cases, the examinations being held by the Inspectors, and certificates were awarded on the teachers' recommendations based on examinations held during the year, and where possible after consultation between the teachers and Inspectors. In some cases subsequent examinations were also held. On the whole the scheme worked well, but naturally it was a difficult matter for inexperienced teachers to arrive at correct estimates, and a general tendency in other cases to accept too low a standard of merit is remarked upon. Inspectors are generally of the opinion that the usual method of awarding these certificates is still to be preferred and should not be materially departed from. As a result of the unusual conditions the number of pupils obtaining certificates of proficiency—lo,4oo, or 73-6 per cent, of the number of candidates —was higher than usual, the percentage for the previous year being 67. The percentage ranged in the various education districts from 60-1 per cent, to 81-5 per cent., showing a range difference of 21-4 per cent., as compared with 25-7 per cent, in 1917. The number of certificates of competency granted was 2,043, or 14-5 per cent, of the number of candidates ; of this number 303 were endorsed for merit in science and handwork. Registered Primary Private Schools. (Tables 111 and 1)2.) The number of primary private schools (excluding private schools for Natives referred to elsewhere) registered under the Education. Act, 1914, in 1918 was 210, compared with 197 in 1917. For the purpose of ensuring that children who do not attend public schools, wherein the State is willing to provide for them, are receiving adequate instruction elsewhere, private schools are inspected by the Department's Inspectors, upon the character of whose reports the registration largely depends. Pupils in S6 are also examined by the Inspectors for certificates of proficiency and competency. The following are the statistics relative to these schools:— 1917. 1918. Number of schools .. .. .. 197 210 Roll number at end of year—Boys .. 8,195 9,042 Girls.. .. 10,399 11,034 18,594 20,076 Average attendance .. .. .. 16,429 .. 17,441 Number. Percentage. Number. Percentage. Children under seven years of age .. .. 3,582 192 3,957 20-0 Children from seven to ien years of age .. 6,091 32-8 6,684 330 Children over ten years of age .. .. 8,921 480 9,435 47-0 Children in preparatory classes .. .. 6,019 324 6,380 32-0 Males. Females. Males. Females. Number of full-time teachers .. .. 58 573 44 639 Average number of pupils per teacher .. 26 26 S6 pupils presented for examination .. il ,190 1,471 Number. Percentage. Number. Percentage. Proficiency certificates issued .. ... 761 64 1,076 74-0 Competency certificates issued .. ..' 228 30 227 16-0 Tables Dl and 1)2 give particulars of the schools in the various districts. A list of registered private schools is published each year in the New Zealand, Gazette.