E.—l.

4. SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND SITES. As far as funds permitted, the policy of providing additional accommodation where the attendance had increased has been continued ; also the provision of accommodation in newly-settled districts. Some of the more out-of-date buildings have been remodelled, and a few have been replaced, but in view of financial stringency these works had to give precedence to the provision of accommodation where none already existed or where existing accommodation was inadequate for the number of pupils in attendance. The expenditure this year included the completion of the following large works : Rebuilding of Wellington Boys' College, Te Aro Main School (Wellington), Takaka and Nelson Central (Nelson), Blackball (Canterbury) ; addition to Christchurch West (Canterbury), Greymouth, and Feilding Technical . Schools ; the completion of hostels at Nelson Boys' College, Wanganui Technical School, and additional hostel accommodation at the New Plymouth Boys' High School. The Massey Agricultural College main building was also completed. The following schools damaged by the Hawke's Bay earthquakes were rebuilt in wood: Hastings West, Napier Central, and Nelson Park. Hastings High School was reconditioned and strengthened. Other large works in hand are the rebuilding of New Plymouth Central (destroyed by fire) ; additions to Kurow (Otago), Oxford (Canterbury), Rangiora High School, Nelson Girls' College, Takapuna Grammar School, Otahuhu Junior High School; new workshops at Petone Technical School; and reconstruction of main school and additional accommodation in Palmerston. North Central (Wanganui). In accordance with the policy of securing sites in advance of movement of population, a site has been acquired at Miramar North (Wellington). During the period under review the Government Fire Fund was drawn upon to the extent of £7,770 to replace or repair school buildings and residences destroyed or damaged by fire. The following table shows for the years ended 31st March, 1931 and 1932, the amount expended by the Department on new buildings, additions, sites, and teachers' residences : — 1931. 1932. £ £ Public schools . . . . . . 202,229 126,778 Secondary schools . . . . . . 125,742 65,030 Technical schools . . . . . . 77,729 44,507 Training colleges . . . . . . 9,080 1,228 Universities . . . . . . . . 241 Native schools . . . . . . 8,872 14,433 Schools for mentally backward . . . . 5,110 199 Child-welfare institutions .. .. 1,660 714 Kindergartens.. .. .. .. 1,747 54 Massey Agricultural College . . . . 68,825 9,622 Canterbury Agricultural College . . 109 Totals .. .. ..£501,344 £262,565 The total for 1932 is thus only a little more than half the amount expended on new buildings, &c., during the previous financial year. 5. NUMBER OF SCHOOLS. The following table gives the number of public primary schools (classified according to grade) and of junior high schools and departments. The yearly average attendance is also shown : —

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