E—3

The tour was a triumphal one. At practically every school it was welcomed with traditional Maori custom, beginning with a lament for the fallen heroes and continuing with speeches and hakas of welcome. It was driven by Mr. Charles Bennett, who had driven it throughout the various campaigns in Egypt and Italy, and he also was welcomed by the Maori people as one dear to their hearts. He was able to give many interesting details about the history of the canteen, and absorbed the interest of parents and children alike. Returned Maori soldiers flocked to the schools to revive old memories, and they also were able to recount their many reminiscences to the children. Approximately half a day was spent at each school, and on all sides gratitude was expressed for the opportunity to see the canteen. To the Maori people it was an ample reward for any sacrifices they had made to contribute towards its cost. 7. Buildings Last year the building situation was very difficult and the programme we had planned for the year was not completed. The following works were, however, completed in 1946 : Lake Ohia, former Waikeri Native School building removed to Lake Ohia, remodelled, and re-erected ; Moawhango, additional class-room provided by the removal and remodelling of a disused school from elsewhere ; Nuhaka, new block of four open-air class-rooms ; Rotokakahi, residence from the former Waikeri Native School removed to Rotokakahi and re-erected; Waipoua, new one-roomed school and teacher's residence. 8. Thanks I have to express my thanks for the loyal support given to me by my three colleagues, Messrs. F. T. Woodley, W. A. B. Goodwin, and A. E. Golding, and also to the staff of the Native Schools Branch. I have, &c., T. A. Fletcher, Senior Inspector of Native Schools. The Director of Education. No. 2.

DETAILED TABLES Table H1 GRADE of Native Schools with Number of Teachers and average Number of Children per Teacher

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Grade of School. Number of Schools. Total Average Attendance, Year ended 31st December, 1946. Number of Teachers (exclusive of Probationary Assistants and Junior Assistants). Average Number of Children per Teacher. Number of Probationary Assistants. Number of Junior Assistants. II .. 12 198 12 16 3 IIIa 14 386 18 21 12 IIIB .. 63 2,699 117 23 34 IVA .. 38 2,687 95 28 35 IVB .. 17 2,126 70 30 8 17 IVc .. 6 1,020 36 28 3 8 VA .. 8 1,335 44 30 5 9 VB .. 1 196 6 32 1 1 Totals 159 10,647 398 26 17 119