E. —3

1936. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION OF NATIVE CHILDREN (In continuation of E.-3, 1935).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

CONTENTS.

Page Page No. 1. —Report of Inspector of Native Schools .. 1 No. 2. —Detailed Tables—continued. Table H 5. Maori Children at Public Schools .. 7 No. 2. —Detailed Tables: — H 6. Proficiency Results .. .. 8 Table H 1. Number of Native Schools classified H 7. Classification of Maori Children at according to Grade, &c. .. 6 Public Schools .. .. 8 H 2. Attendance at Schools .. 6 H 8. Ages and Standards .. .. 9 H 3. Rolls of Maori Mission and Maori H 9. Certificates held by Teachers in Secondary Schools .. .. 6 Native Schools .. ..10 H 4. Number of Maori Pupils attending Maori Secondary Schools, &c. .. 7

No. 1. (REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF NATIVE SCHOOLS.) Sir, — I have the honour to present the following report on the Native Schools for the year 1935: — 1. Educational Aims. The aims of the revised curriculum, based upon the sociological needs of the Maori and the psychological needs of the individual, were indicated in detail in my report of last year. Throughout 1935 a determined effort was made to acquaint teachers with the implications of the revised policy and to further translate its spirit into action. The result has been an increase in the opportunities provided for the development of individual interests and activities, including creative and aesthetic outlets. The latter have found appropriate expression in Maori arts and crafts, music and dance. The so called " extra curricula " activities, which provide the means for the development of such traits as leadership, selfexpression, and co-operation, and which often demand participation in socially useful work, have become an indispensable part of the curriculum of Native schools. A significant factor in the introduction of the new policy has been its immediate success in intensifying the interest of the Maori parent in the education of his children and in engaging his co-operation. In order to assist in the introduction and the adoption of the new aims, approval was obtained for refresher courses to be held in February, 1936, for which the necessary detailed organization was completed in 1935. 2. Attendance. At the end of 1935, 138 Native schools were administered and maintained by the Education Department. The total roll number was 7,876 (7,587 in 1934) and the average attendance was 7,098 (6,799 in 1934). The average weekly roll number was maintained at 7,816, the percentage of regularity being 90 8. Of the 7,876 children enrolled at 31st December, 1935, 6,295 children were Maori, speaking the Maori language at home, and 594 Maori children speaking English in the home. The remainder (987) were European children. I—E. 3.