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15. .Staff (31st December, 1936). Three hundred and ninety-five teachers were employed, of whom 241 were certificated and 154 uncertificated. Of the total staff 37-22 per cent, were junior assistants, 31 of whom were fully qualified teachers, and 116 uncertificated. The percentage of head and class teachers holding certificates continues to increase, and is now 84-6 per cent., an increase of 1-6 per cent, for the year. 16. Buildings. During 1936 open-air detached class-rooms were erected at Karetu, Te Kao, and Te Reinga, respectively. Additional class-room accommodation was provided at Tuparoa and Pukehina, and a new school and residence at Matawaia. The usual maintenance-work was carried out. 17. Proficiency Examination. The total number of Proficiency candidates for 1936 was 304 (270 in 1935), of whom 212 were Maori children and 92 European children. The average age of the candidates at the time of the examination was fourteen years five months. Two hundred and forty-four candidates were awarded Proficiency Certificates and thirty-eight Competency Certificates. 18. Pacific Island Inspections. In 1936 the schools of the Chatham Islands and of Fiji were inspected by Mr. A. H. Denne. In August I visited Western Samoa for the purposes of inspection and grading of teachers and to report upon the present system of education and to make recommendations. I should like to record my appreciation of the assistance and co-operation given me by the officials of the External Affairs Department, the Acting Administrator, Mr. Turnbull ; Mr. D. A. J. Rutherford, Superintendent of Schools ; the teachers, both European and Native ; and by the various mission authorities. In December Mr. Rutherford retired after a long period of valuable service extending over eighteen years. His energy, enthusiasm, sympathy, and love of the Samoan people will long be remembered in Western Samoa. 19, Conclusion. During the year all Native schools were visited by the Inspectors. My colleagues, Mr. A. H. Denne and Mr. T. A. Fletcher, have ably supported me in the re organization being effected, and my thanks are due to them for their whole-hearted and untiring co-operation. The helpfulness and interest of the staff of the Native Schools Branch of the Education Department must also be acknowledged. D. G. Ball, The Director of Education, Wellington. Inspector of Native Schools.

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