E—3

In order to increase the facilities for post-primary education for Maori pupils, the Department, realizing that further residential accommodation was impossible, established three district high schools in the East Coast area in 1941. At first only a very practical curriculum was provided, but with the alteration in the courses for the School Certificate it has been possible to retain the practical bias and yet provide the academic instruction necessary to pass this examination. Since then the movement has prospered, and in 1947 three additional district high schools were established at Te Kaha, Ruatoki, and Rangitahi (Murupara). A district high school had been established at Te Kao, in the Far North, in 1944. Thus, from 3 district high schools in 1941, with a total enrolment of 75, the Department in 1947 had 7 district high schools, with a total enrolment of 233. Form 111 classes have been established at other places as a foundation for a district high school when the roll reaches 21. There is no doubt that the success attained by those young Maori students of ten years ago has inspired those who have followed them, and to-day there is a growingconsciousness of the value of a full education among the Maori people. What was a small trickle in 1937 is now a steadily increasing stream, and the following figures taken recently (early in 1948) show the number of Maori pupils (from half-caste to full Maori) receiving post-primary education at the present time :

4. University Education The same upward tendency is to be noted with respect to University education. The Government has for many years made provision for the award of 3 new University scholarships annually for Maori students. These scholarships are renewable annually upon receipt of a certificate from the Chairman of the Professorial Board that the student has been diligent in his studies and has a reasonable prospect of completing the course. From 1931 to 1935 there was little demand for them. In 1936 the full quota of 3 was filled for the first time. In 1937-39 two were awarded each year, and then with the outbreak of war the demand was practically nil. One scholarship was awarded in 1942. In 1944, however, the demand was renewed in greater numbers, and in 1944-46, 3 were awarded each year. In 1945 and 1946 we had more well-qualified applicants than scholarships available, and as there was every prospect of the demand increasing the Government increased the annual allocation from 3to 6. Actually 4 scholarships were awarded. At the end of 1947, 11 scholarships were current, and for the following courses : 4 medical, 2 agricultural science, 2 arts, 1 science, 1 dentistry, and 1 home science. As a result of these University scholarships, the Maori race has, during the last four years, gained 3 fully qualified doctors (M.8., Ch.B.), 1 M.Sc. with Honours, 1 B.Sc., 1 M.A., and 2 B.A. (including our first Maori woman graduate). The figures given above refer to scholarship-holders only, and do not by any means represent the total number of Maori students at the University colleges. Indeed, it seems probable that there are at least 50 Maori students attending the University at the present time. Success by a few is often an inspiration to many, and I believe that our Maori students, having proved their ability, will be anxious to go on to even greater success.

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North Island. South Island. J Total. Public secondary and technical high schools 1,077 54 1,131 District high schools 1,093 63 1,156 Maori district high schools 263 263 Private Maori secondary colleges 580 33 613 Private secondary and technical high schools 86 8 94 3,099 158 3,257