E.—l,

The following table shows the number of schools, with the enrolment, as at the Ist July, 1935, and Ist July, 1936 : —

European children to the number of 1,099 were in attendance at Native schools at Ist July, 1936, 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 19,207 compared with 16,897 in 1935. The average attendance at Native schools was maintained at a creditably high percentage, 90 per cent, of the average weekly roll. 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 408 pupils, of whom 139 held Government scholarships. The Maori child who has obtained a proficiency certificate is also entitled to the usual facilities for secondary education provided at a post-primary school. In addition, five Maori boys held University scholarships, two at Victoria University College, and three at Auckland University College, each taking a course in arts, and four Maoris held Agricultural Scholarships, two being tenable at St. Stephen's College, one at Wesley College, and one at Te Aute College. One nursing scholar was in training at Napier Hospital. 24. REGISTERED PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. The following table summarizes the returns furnished by registered private primary schools with respect to the year 1936 :—

Table S.

The number of schools at the end of the previous year was 310, and the total enrolment 26,869. There has been a decrease of 1 in the number of registered private primary schools when compared with the number at the end of 1935,

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1935. j 1936. Schools. | Roll. Schools. j Roll. Native village schools .. .. ..I 138 7,852 140 9,098 Mission and boarding schools (primary) .. 11 577 12 674 Public schools with Native children enrolled 814 9,422 851 10,534 Totals .. .. .. .. 963 17,851 1,003 20,306

Undenomi- Catholic Other national Church Church Total. Schools. Schools. Schools. I Number of schools .. .. .. 30 224 55 309 Roll at December— Boys .. .. .. .. 362 11,611 1,425 13,398 Girls .. .. .. 591 12,117 1,603 14,311 Total .. .. .. .. 953 23,728 3,028 27,709 Average attendance .. .. .. 818 21,222 2,703 24,743 Teachers (inclusive of head teachers) — Men .. .. .. .. .. 9 49 57 115 Women .. .. .. .. 59 706 112 877 Total .. .. .. .. 68 755 169 992