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in my report last year, it has been necessary to use temporary accommodation to meet the most pressing needs. Relief has been given to Auckland University College by the removal of the Engineering School to the R.N.Z.A.F. station at Ardmore. The new south block of the Otago University Medical School, commenced some years ago, was •opened in September, 1948. It is expected that good progress will be made with the new buildings at Canterbury Agricultural College during 1949. I have hopes that the planning of permanent buildings for the other University colleges may be so far advanced as to permit structural work to commence within the next two years. Before new buildings can be erected, or even planned, it will be necessary to decide whether expansion should take place on the existing sites of the colleges or whether new sites should be •obtained. The College Councils have these problems under consideration, and I expect to be able to report on agreed schemes during 1949. During 1948 a Consultative Committee was set up to consider the education, training, and supply of professional engineers. The report of this Committee, which is expected to be available early in 1949, should have important suggestions to make, some of which will no doubt have a bearing on future policy governing the schools of •engineering. The general purpose grants to University colleges were again increased in 1948. I am convinced that, as soon as possible, these grants should be determined so as to •cover not a single year, but a period of four to five years. The National Council of Adult Education, set up under a special Act in 1947, has •commenced its work, and has appointed a National Secretary. The way would now seem to be clear for development of this important branch of education. Maori Schools Maori schools are now being administered from Auckland by the new branch of the Education Department established there in May, 1948. The number of pupils in Maori schools continues to increase. The total for 1948 was 13,254, 84 more than the figures for 1947. Although no new district high schools were established during the year, every -effort was made to consolidate and extend the work of those already in existence. Each year they are taking a more important share in the post-primary education of the Maori. The Maori people are quickly coming to realize the value of higher education for their -children, and there is an increasing demand for all types of Government scholarships. It is pleasing to note also that an increasing number of post-primary pupils are going on to reach School Certificate standard, and to win even higher qualifications. Last year thirty-five Maori students were admitted to training college, having passed School 'Certificate, and four were awarded University scholarships, having passed the University Entrance Examination. These figures represent a steady increase over all preceding years. They demonstrate the proof of the Maori child's ability to attain academic success when proper opportunity and encouragement are provided. Correspondence Schools The Correspondence School is now serving more than five thousand pupils who are unable, by reason of distance or of physical handicap, to attend the ordinary schools. The visiting teacher service, by which Correspondence School pupils and their parents from time to time have the advantage of personal help and guidance, has been extended. During February and March, 1949, a party of thirty-seven Form I and II boys from remote districts was brought to a residential school at Otaki for four weeks. Those who were concerned in this experiment and who saw the effect on the children believe that it was very well worth-while. The Technical Correspondence School is performing a valuable role, but it is not yet fully developed. The student roll at the end of April, 1949, was 819.

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