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The number of denominational Maori secondary schools was increased to ten by the opening of the Hato Paora Boys' College, Feilding. The total enrolment of the ten denominational colleges increased from 607 to 654, of whom 269 were Government Scholarship holders. The most serious handicap in the Maori district high schools is the lack of adequate, suitable buildings. Nearly every Maori district high school secondary department is overcrowded, and laboratory, library, and craft facilities are poor. Plans have been prepared to meet the existing deficiencies, and it is hoped to effect distinct improvements next year. Until then the increased supplies of library books, science apparatus, and craft materials cannot be used to fullest advantage. 5. Higher Education Reference has already been made to the increase in the number of students entering training college under the Maori Quota. During the year eleven Maori University scholarships were current as follows : Four medical, one veterinary science, two agricultural science, one home science, one dentistry, and two arts. Four new scholarships have been awarded this year. One of the scholars, Miss Sturm, graduated 8.A., she being the second Maori woman to obtain that degree. Another scholar, Peeti Walker, passed the examination for the B.D.S. Degree, this being, to my knowledge, the first degree in Dental Surgery as distinct from the Diploma, to be taken by a Maori. 6. Buildings During the year every effort was made to effect improvement in the schoolbuilding programme. To overcome delays in the drawing of plans for new buildings steps were taken to obtain a degree of standardization. Where it was clear that there would be considerable delay before permanent buildings could be supplied, and where there was already serious overcrowding or sub-standard accommodation, it was decided to supply a prefabricated type of class-room which could be erected in a few days. Special efforts were also made to obtain contractors for work in remote regions. In the case of schools in the East Coast area the difficulties regarding building labour were largely overcome through the willing assistance of the Maori Affairs Department, which has undertaken a large programme of work for school buildings in that district. Considerable help has also been received from the Ministry of Works, which has carried out a large volume of work at Maori schools, principally in the matter of ground-developments. An experienced Property Supervisor has been attached to the Auckland office of the Department for the purpose of inspecting Maori school buildings and grounds. Already an inspection has been made of 110 out of 112 Maori schools in the Auckland district, 25 out of 32 in the Hawkes Bay district, and 5 out of 13 in the Wanganui district. Reports on essential repairs to buildings, to ground improvements, and all relevent matters were provided to the respective Boards, but eventually, after full discussions amongst all concerned, it was decidied that the Department would take over direct control of all maintenance of Maori schools in the Auckland Province. Consequently a separate Maintenance Section was established in the Auckland office. To get the fullest information regarding Maori school buildings and grounds, a detailed questionnaire was sent to all Headmasters, and the information received was used as a basis for planning inspection, intineraries and, subsequently, the order of priority of work.

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