§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can indicate the nature of the instruction given in the primary schools of the Tonga Islands; and whether other subjects are taught in addition to reading, writing, arithmetic, singing and needle work?
§ Mr. AMERYThe primary schools provide elementary education on a vernacular basis. The Tongan syllabus introduced in 1927 is compulsory in all the schools. An English syllabus is also provided for use in any school where there is a teacher competent to take it. The subjects laid down in the syllabus are reading, spelling, dictation, composition, grammar, writing, mathematics, geography, history, drawing, singing and music, moral instruction, health, native arts, needlework, carpentry, and agriculture.
§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in the Tonga Islands compulsory education for all Tongans between the ages of six and 2637W 14 years is effectively enforced; if not, in what particulars the enforcement fails; whether compulsion applies to girls as well as boys; and whether he can give the number of boys and girls between the ages of six and 14?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Education Act applies to girls as well as boys. The other information requested is not available in the Colonial Office, and inquiry is being made of the High Commissioner for the. Western Pacific.
§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, under the Act providing for the education of the native children of the Tonga Islands, any middle schools for the purpose of providing an elementary education in England have yet been established; and, if so, whether particulars are available?
§ Mr. AMERYNo Government middle schools had been established by the end of 1927. I am inquiring of the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific whether any have since been opened.
§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which universities are available for the students of Tonga Islands in connection with the scholarship scheme: whether the scheme includes travelling expenses; whether the selection is based exclusively on competitive examination; and what number of students are offering themselves for examination?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Tongan Government scholarships are tenable at any educational institution, training institution, school or college in Australia or New Zealand selected by the scholar and approved by the Education Board. Scholars are allowed the cost of passages at the commencement and termination of the scholarships. Applicants whose certificates and testimonials are found to be satisfactory are required to take the scholarship examination. A report on the examination is made by the Board of Examiners to the Education Board. The applicants are then interviewed by the Education Board for the purpose of arriving at an opinion as to the suitability of the applicants for education abroad, and a, report is forwarded to the Premier of Tonga. The information requested in the last part of the2638W question is not available in the Colonial Office, but inquiry will be made of the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific.