E.—l

32

were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and fifty-seven were pupils of secondary schools. The number of successful pupils from sole-teacher schools was greater than in the previous year, and the number from secondary schools considerably smaller. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 122, of which number only one 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 caiSe of one person must not exceed five years. 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, 1919, and December, 1920, 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— 1919. 1920 Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. 481 458 Girls .. .. .. .. .. .. 285 280 Totals .. .. .. .. 766 738 Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total) . . . . .. .. .. .. 221 201 Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included) .. 42 45 Number held at public secondary schools .. .. .. 661 627 Number lurid at other registered secondary schools .. . . 23 36 Number held at district high schools .. .. .. 82 75 Total annual rate of payment .. .. .. .. £12,913 £12,510 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 1920 was 147. Of the holders sixty-two were also Government free pupils under the regulations. The total annual value of the scholarships in cash was £1,647. In addition, free tuition was given by the schools to holders of foundation and private scholarships. 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 (b.) 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 (b), 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 (b) and (c) ; travelling-allowances varying from £5 to £10 per annum are also made when travelling is necessary. During 1920 the number of bursaries held at secondary schools was thirty-eight, the expenditure thereon being £646. 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 school, and who in general are qualified in attainment to receive a senior free place. The lower leaving-certificate may be issued to pupils who have satisfactorily completed a three-years course of secondary instruction, including not less than one