E.—l

50

The examinations were held at fifty-seven centres in 1922-23. The total number of entries for all examinations was 11,114, of which number 9,285 candidates actually presented themselves for examination. A certain proportion of the absentees is due to the practice of the accrediting principle by which candidates for senior free places may be exempted from an. external examination, as may also training-college students who are candidates for the teachers' examinations. Approximately 2,609 candidates were exempted in this manner from the necessity of passing the Intermediate Examination, of which number 998 are not included in the total of examination entries given above. The number of candidates actually presenting themselves for the various examinations during the last three years is shown below : — 1920-21. 1021-22. 1922-23. Junior National Scholarships and junior free places .. .. 2,298 2,282 2,500 Public Service Entrance, Senior National Scholarships, and Intermediate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,999 3,419 3,541 Teachers D and C .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,365 2,921 3,227 Public Service Senior . . . . .. .. .. .. 78 28 Kindergarten. Certificate Examination .. .. .. .. 1 2 5 Special Public Service Entrance Examination in June .. .. 204 248 Special Public Service Entrance Examination for return soldiers .. 73 London University Examinations .. . . .. .. 2 2 Qualifying Examination Railway, Engineering Cadets .. .... .. 9 8,020 8,902 9,285 Of the 2,115 candidates for Junior National Scholarships in 1922 231 obtained the scholarship qualification, 963 qualified for a free place in the scholarship examination, and 921 failed. There were also 385 candidates for free places only, of whom 58 qualified and 327 failed. Of the 908 candidates for Senior National Scholarships 130 gained scholarships, 583 qualified for senior free places, and 195 failed. Only eleven, of the total number of candidates were examined on the Scheme B (Rural and Domestic) Course, none of whom qualified for scholarships. There were 2,726 entries for the Intermediate Examination, only 1,483 candidates presenting themselves, of which number 340 passed and 1,143 failed to do so. The number present at the Public Service Entrance Examination was 1,153, 711 of the number passing and 442 failing the examination. By arrangement with the General Manager, New Zealand Railways, a qualifying examination was held for Railway Engineering Cadets. Out of the nine candidates who presented themselves for examination five passed and four obtained partial passes. The number of candidates who sat for the different stages of the teachers' certificate examinations was 3,227 (477 for the whole or part of Class C and 2,750 for Class D). Of the total number 428 obtained complete passes in Class D, 83 in Class C, 14 in Class B, and lin Class A. 1,977 improved their status and 724 failed to improve their status. The cost of conducting the examinations was as follows : — Total expenses, including cost of additional clerical services temporarily £ employed, but omitting other salaries .. .. .. . . 7,225 Less amounts received or to be received— £ Fees paid by candidates for teachers' certificates and others .. 3,999 Contributed by Public Service Commissioner for expenses of conducting Public Service Examinations, the fees for which, amounting to £1,187, were credited to him. .. 1,539 5,538 Net cost to Department .. . . .. .. £1 ,687 In addition to the examinations referred to above, the Department also conducted, on behalf of the City and Guilds of London Institute, examinations in technological subjects, particulars of which are given in E.-5 (Technical Education). Teachers' Superannuation Fund. Under the provisions of section 54 of the Finance Act, 1922, the financial year now closes on the 31st January, instead of on the 31st December as formerly. The figures quoted in the statements following are therefore for a period of thirteen months. The change makes the financial year coincide with the salary year of the majority of the contributors, and very considerably reduces the clerical work in connection with the keeping of the accounts.