E.—6

6

Scholarships held at Secondary Schools and District High Schools. (See also Tables K4 and L 5.) These scholarships are of three kinds, — (i.) National Scholarships awarded by the Government : (ii.) Foundation (or Governors') Scholarships, given by the governing bodies of secondary schools ; (iii.) Private scholarships, endowed by private owners. National Scholarships. Junior and Senior National Scholarships in the proportion of 9 to 5 are awarded on the results of annual examinations, the junior examination being of a standard somewhat higher than that, of the certificate of proficiency, and the senior examination being of a standard comparable with the standard, of the Public Service Entrance Examination. Scholarships are awarded to all candidates reaching a certain standard, the standard of award being determined so as approximately to provide one scholarship for every 500 children in attendance at all public schools. In the case of pupils from sole-teacher schools—i.e., schools with an average attendance of under 36 —the standard of award, is made 10 per cent, lower than the general standard. The standard of qualification fixed for the 1918 examinations were 02| per cent, for junior scholarships (general standard) and (><).', per cent, for senior scholarships. The results of the examination were as follows: 214 candidates qualified for -Junior National Scholarships, as compared, with 240 in 1917, of which number 9 were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and 67 were pupils of secondary schools. The number of successful candidates from sole-teacher schools was again lower than in the previous year, and, as has been stated before, represents too small a proportion of the number of scholarships being won by pupils of small schools. The number of successful candidates from secondary schools, on the other hand, was greater than in the previous year. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 120, of which number 5 qualified on the alternative programme provided specially to suit the needs of those taking a rural or domestic course. Junior and Senior National Scholarships are tenable at secondary schools and district high schools, each for three years, provided that the total tenure of the two scholarships in the case of one person must not exceed five years. In addition to tuition fees, the holder receives £5 per annum if a, junior scholar, or £10 per annum if a senior scholar, with a. further sum of £35 per annum in each case if obliged to live away from home. The figures below indicate the number and the value of scholarships current in December, 1917, and December, 1918, respectively. The number of scholarshipholders is, of course, included in the number of free-place holders shown in the preceding section. Number of scholarship-holders 1917. L9lB. Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. 103 486 Girls .. .. .. .. .. .. 235 310 Totals .. .. .. .. 638 790 Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total) .. .. .. .. .. .. 211 239 Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included) .. 29 47 Number held at public secondary schools .. .. .. 512 087 Number held at other registered secondary schools . . . . 19 23 Number held at district high schools .. .. .. 77 80 Total annual rate of payment .. .. .. .. £11,077 £13,130 Private Hchula.fsh.ips. These are derived from funds provided by private donors at certain schools, by bequest or otherwise. The number of foundation and private scholarships in the last term of 1918 was 1.52. Of the holders sixty-five were also Government free pupils under the regulations. The total annual value of the scholarships in