E.—3

14. Buildings. During 1937 many obsolete class-rooms were replaced by modern open-air rooms generously equipped with cupboard and cloak-room accommodation. One new school, the Anaura Bay Native School, was opened. At the Kaikohe Native School the replacement of the old school building by a modern structure permitted the conversion of the old building into a woodworkroom, a cookery-roorn, and a bathroom equipped with separate hot and cold shower-baths for boys and girls. The list of completed works is as follows :— (1) New School : Anaura Bay Native School (one-roomed school). (2) Additional Glass-rooms : Matapihi, Matawaia, Mohaka, Omaio, Omarumutu, Rotokawa, Te Tii, Tokomaru Bay, Waiomatatini, Whangamarino. (3) Replacements of Existing Accommodation : Kaikohe (five open-air rooms), Rangitukia (lour open-air rooms), Takahiwai (school and residence), Te Whait.i (new residence), Karetu (new residence), Poroporo (three open-air rooms). (4) Schools remodelled to provide Open-air Conditions or Improved Ventilation and Lighting : Manaia, Ratana Pa, Te Mahia, Waitahanui. 15. Pacific Islands Inspections. In 1937, Mr. A. H. Denne paid an inspection visit to Fiji for the purpose of grading the New Zealand teachers who are employed by the Government of Fiji under the scheme of co-operation. During the year I visited the Cook Islands in order to' report upon the present system of education which was inaugurated in 1936, and to grade the New Zealand teachers. I received every assistance from the Cook Islands Administration, and in particular I should like to record my appreciation of the help and co-operation given me by Mr. S. J. Smith, Resident Commissioner, Mr. R. Walker, Acting Education Officer, and the teachers both European and Native. 16. Conclusion. During the year all Native schools were visited by the Inspectors. I should like to express my gratitude for the sympathetic and generous co-operation of my colleagues, Mr. A. H. Denne and Mr. T. A. Fletcher, and for the whole-hearted support of the Native Schools Branch of the Education Department, whose burden has been becoming increasingly heavy in recent years. D. G. BALL, Senior Inspector of Native Schools. The Director of Education, Wellington.

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