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50. At the combined training centre and hostel, 13 blinded men have completed their training from the commencement- of the scheme up to the 31st March, 1948. During the twelve months preceding that date 5 men completed, and the number in training at the 31st March, 1948, was 21. Of the men training, 4 were resident at the hostel and 17 living out. The majority of those living out were married, and special housing arrangements have been made for these men. SECTION VII.—EDUCATION (i) General 51. In the sphere of education the year under review has been a very busy one. In addition to the steady volume of new applications for educational assistance, considerable work was involved in connection with bursaries granted during previous years. 52. Although the various returns of assistance granted show a decrease upon the previous year's figures in respect of new applications, it can be recorded that during the year 399 bursaries were granted for full-time study in New Zealand and a further 95 ex-servicemen were granted assistance to study overseas. However, it is naturally by part-time study within New Zealand at local University colleges and institutions that the great majority of the ex-servicemen desire to improve their trade and professional qualifications, and the year's activities saw 3,061 new applications approved for this class of assistance. 53. The renewals of educational facilities granted in previous years now form the bulk of the work on the education side, and will continue to do so in the future. For the year under review, 984 full-time bursaries were renewed. Over the past twelve months, 4,996 renewals of part-time bursaries were effected and 98 miscellaneous small grants, such as travelling-expenses, adjustments to examination fees, &c., were made. 54. The Board is still maintaining a close watch upon the absorptive capacity of the various professional groups, and in some occupations will not approve applications for courses of study unless there is guaranteed employment upon completion of study. 55. Table VIII sets out the total facilities granted as at 31st March, 1948. (ii) Extra Tutorial Assistance 56. Following representations from the University colleges and ex-servicemen, the matter of continuing special tutorial classes for ex-servicemen for 1948, in addition to the ordinary University classes, was reviewed, and it was decided to make available assistances up to £lO,OOO for extra tutorial assistance at University colleges. With the reduction in the size of classes and the smaller number of ex-servicemen students who it is anticipated will attend Universities in 1949, it is considered that 1948 may be the last year in which such assistance will be required, but the matter will be carefully reviewed at the end of this year. (iii) Examination Results 57. A survey of the 1946 examination results of ex-servicemen assisted by the Board was completed, and indicated that full-time students were successful in 70-8 per cent, of the total number of subjects attempted and part-time students in 60-2 per cent. These figures compare favourably with those of civilian students. 58. The examination results for 1947 are not fully complete, but a preliminary survey again indicates the very creditable efforts of ex-servicemen students. 59. It is also gratifying to record that an ex-serviceman who had graduated with rehabilitation assistance was awarded a Bhodes Scholarship. Another pleasing example of the keenness and ability of ex-servicemen in their studies is noted in the 1947 awards
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