Very quaint scholars are the dark-eyed, quick-glancing, brown-skinned little people sitting tied "to that dry drudgery at the desk's dull wood," which, if heredity counts for anything, must be so much harder to them than to the children of the _Pakeha_.[1] Three years ago the Government re-organized the native schools, had the children taught sanitary lessons with the help of magic lanterns, and gave power to committees of native villagers to prosecute the parents of truants.

The result has been a prompt, marked and growing improvement in the attendance and the general interest.

Better still, the educated Maori youths are awakening to the sad plight of their people.

Pathetic as their regrets are, the healthy discontent they show may lead to better things.
[Footnote 1: Foreigner.] [Illustration].