E.—l

4

In order to save the State the heavy cost due to the inflation of land-values by the opening of new railways and generally to closer settlement in districts being opened up, the Department has extended its policy of purchasing new sites in advance of settlement. The Department has continued its policy of centralizing schools in localities where the condition of the roads, the location of the existing schools, the suitability of train services, and other material factors render such a course advisable and economical. The Department is giving careful consideration to the fresh-air type of schooli.e., a building one side of which can practically be thrown open if weather conditions are suitable. Arrangements have been made to note from time to time the effect of this type of school on the health of the pupils as against the Department's normal type of open-air building. The greater part of the secondary and technical school building-work was carried out by the Architectural Branch of the Public Works Department. The following table shows for the year ended 31st March, 1928, the amount expended by the Department on new buildings, additions, sites, and teachers' residences :— £ Primary schools .. .. .. .. .. 190,940 Secondary schools .. .. .. .. 93,878 Technical schools .. .. .. .. .. 30,060 Training colleges . . .. .. . . .. 6,349 Universities .. .. .. .. ..23,208 Native schools .. .. .. .. .. 11,430 Special schools .. .. .. .. .. 3,510 Free kindergartens . . . . . . . . Nil. Massey Agricultural College .. .. •■ 9,104 Total .. .. .. .. £368,479