E.—6

6

The results of the examination were as follows : 217 candidates qualified for Junior National Scholarships, as compared with 214 in 1918, of which number 6 were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and 86 were pupils of secondary schools. The number of successful candidates from sole-teachers schools was again lower than in the previous year, and, as has been stated before, represents too small a proportion of the number of scholarships being won by pupils of small schools. The number of successful candidates from secondary schools, on the other hand, was greater than previously. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 122 ; of which number 6 qualified on the alternative programme provided specially to suit the needs of those taking a rural or domestic course. Junior and Senior National Scholarships are tenable at secondary schools and district high schools, each for three years, provided that the total tenure of the two scholarships in the case of one person must not exceed five years. In addition to tuition fees, the holder receives £5 per annum if a junior scholar, or £10 per annum if a senior scholar, with a further sum of £35 per annum in each case if obliged to live away from home. The figures below indicate the number and the value of scholarships current in December, 1918, and December, 1919, respectively. The number of scholarshipholders is, of course, included in the number of free-place holders shown in the preceding section. Number of scholarship-holders— 1918. 1019. Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. 486 481 Girls .. .. .. .. .. .. 310 285 Totals .. .. .. .. 796 766 Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total) .. .. .. .. .. .. 239 221 Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included) .. 47 42 Number held at public secondary schools .. .. .. 687 661 Number held at other registered secondary schools .. .. 23 23 Number held at district high schools .. .. .. 86 82 Total annual rate of payment .. .. .. .. £13,130 £12,913 Private Scholarships. Private scholarships are derived from funds provided at certain schools by private donors, by bequest or otherwise. The number of foundation and private scholarships in the last term of 1919 was 150. Of the holders fifty-one were also Government free pupils under the regulations. The total annual value of the scholarships in cash was £1,547. In addition, free tuition was given by the schools to holders of foundation and private scholarships to the value of £470, the value of the Government free places already mentioned not being included in this amount. War Bursaries for Soldiers' Dependants. Regulations which came into force in January, 1918, provided for the award of bursaries to dependants of killed or disabled members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. To qualify for a war bursary a child must be eligible for — (a.) Free education at technical classes ; or (6.) A free place at a secondary school, district high school, or technical high school; or (c.) A University or educational bursary at a University college. A bursary entitles the holder to an allowance, in addition to free tuition, of £l 10s. or £3 per annum in the case of those qualified under (a), £5 for those under (&), or £10 for those under (c). Lodging-allowance is also paid to bursars who are obliged to live away from home to attend school, at the rate of £15 per annum under (a) and £30 under (6) and (c) ; travelling-allowances varying from £5 to £10 per annum are also made when travelling is necessary. During 1919 the number of bursaries held at secondary schools was thirty-five, as compared with twenty-seven in 1918, the expenditure thereon being £524. Secondary-school Certificates. Three classes of certificates may be issued to free-place holders taking a secondary course of instruction. The intermediate certificate may be granted to junior-free-place holders who have satisfactorily completed under certain conditions a two-years course at a secondary school, district high school, or technical high