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As mentioned above, Maori children living in European settlements attend the ordinary public schools, the total number so attending in 1921 being 5,577, or 491 more than in the previous year. The majority of these pupils are in the North. Island schools, about half of them being in the Auckland District. The total number of Maori children receiving primary education at the end of 1921, including pupils of Native village schools, mission schools, and public schools, was thus 11,636, the corresponding number for the previous year being 10,134. Classification of Pupils. The statistics of the classification of the pupils of Native schools show that a higher percentage of the pupils are in the lower classes than is the case in public schools, and that a proportionately smaller number of pupils reach the higher standards. Likewise, the average age of the pupils in the various classes is higher. The difference, however, is not greater than can be reasonably accounted for by the peculiar conditions of Maori life, and if the comparison were made with public schools of similar size in country districts the difference would, be much less marked. A comparison of the classification of Maoris in their own schools and in the public schools shows a much smaller percentage of Maoris reaching the higher classes in public schools, and is fairly conclusive evidence of the superiority of the schools specially instituted for them in meeting the particular needs of the Maori children. The following table shows in summary form the classification of pupils in Native schools, the percentages of pupils in the various classes in public schools and in the case of Natives attending public schools being also shown for comparison .--■

Inspection of the Schools. Native village schools were inspected as usual by the departmental officers, who report that the general very satisfactory efficiency of the schools was well maintained, and that in a number of schools where there was previously room for improvement increased efficiency was noticed. The methods of teaching are judged by a high standard, and results as good as those obtained in public schools are expected, and are obtained, in the majority of cases. The fact that the number of certificated teachers in this service is increasing will tend also to raise the standard of the school-work. The Inspectors classified the schools as follows : Excellent, 10 ; very good, 35 ; good, 30 ; very fair, 26 ; fair, ]2 ; inferior to weak, 10. The pupils of S6 were examined for the award of certificates of proficiency and competency, eighty-two of the former and forty-four of the latter class of certificate being awarded ; these figures' represent a distinct improvement on the results of the previous year.

Classes. Pupils attending Native Schools. Percentage of Roll i. Native Schools. Public Schools. Natives attending Public Schools. 'reparatory Standard 1 II „ HI „ IV v „ VI „ VII 2,659 718 673 617 466 373 259 57 45-7 12-3 11-6 10-6 8-0 6-4 4-4 1-0 34-4 12-7 12-2 12-0 11-2 10-0 7-4 0-1 54-0 16-2 11-3 8-7 5-1 3-2 1-5 Totals 5,822 5,822 100-0 100-0 100-0