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with perhaps a Maori girl as junior assistant, but the rolls have grown to such an extent that many of the schools now require one or more extra assistants. There has been a dual problem, not only that of getting fully qualified applicants, but also that of finding suitable accommodation. In certain districts, particularly those where district high schools have been established, the Department has been forced to buy houses for the use of our assistants. It has for some time past been the policy to encourage young Maori men and women to take up teaching as a career. In 1940, 4 Maori students were admitted to training college. From 1941-45 the numbers were 9, 18, 16, 19, and 16 respectively. Last year, however, there was a substantial increase, and the new entrants rose to 29. This result is very gratifying, as it demonstrates clearly the value of providing higher education for Maori scholars. The same standard of attainment is demanded as for pakeha trainees, and the Maori students are now beginning to realize the possibilities that lie ahead of them. It is pleasing to be able to report also that young Maori men are coming forward in increasing numbers for the teaching profession. Of the 398 teachers employed in Native schools (excluding probationary assistants and junior assistants), 347 hold a Teacher's Certificate, according to the following table :

2. Refresher Course for Teachers In 1945 the policy of providing refresher courses for Native-school teachers was revived by organizing a course at Kaikohe for the teachers in the North Auckland area. Last year another comprehensive refresher course was held at Rotorua, from the 25th February to the Ist March, for the benefit of the teachers in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, National Park, and Wanganui districts. More than 250 teachers were present, and 'the course was a great success in every way. A strong executive was formed in Rotorua to make all arrangements, and I should like to record my appreciation of the thoroughness of their organization. They entered into the work with enthusiasm, and to their efforts much of the success was due. A strong panel of lecturers was formed, which included not only visiting specialists, Native School Inspectors, and departmental officials, but also a number of Nativeschool teachers who had specialized in certain subjects with considerable success. Two evening lectures, by the Director of Education and by Mr. H. C. D. Somerset, Director of the Feilding Community Centre, were outstanding contributions. The other speakers and their subjects were : T. A. Fletcher, Senior Inspector : " Aims and Objects of Native Schools." F. T. Woodley, Inspector: "Teaching and School Organization." W. Parsonage, Inspector : " Vocabulary Training." W. A. B. Goodwin, Inspector: " The Teaching of English." Miss P. Hildreth : " Choral Speaking." 0. A. Banner : " School Arithmetic." Miss Gallagher : " Reading and Number for Infants." A. E. Lake, departmental officer : " School Correspondence." D. T. Alexander : " Maori Crafts, Games, &c." R, L, Middleweek ; " Nature Study for Infants."

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— M. E. Total. A Certificate 2 2 B Certificate 45 12 57 C Certificate 106 145 251 D Certificate .. .. 11 26 37 Uncertificated 4 47 51 Grand total 168 230 398