Miss C. Madden, F.L.A.
Mrs. Laughton Mathews, M.B.E.
Mrs. O'Connor.
Miss Monica O'Connor. Mrs. Shattock, M.B., B.S.
The Rt. Hon.
(Non-Party)
55 BERNERS STREET,
OXFORD STREET, W.1
Lord Pas field,M.F., Colonial, office, Woogling street,
Oh recups -pus on file /itons
Hours for callers:
Daily, 3-5 p.m., or by appointment. Saturdays, 10-30 a.m.—12-30 p.m.
March 20th 1931
I am instructed to send you the following
resolutions which were passed unanimously at the
20th Annual Meeting of St. Joan's Social and Political
Alliance held on March 14th: ✈
State Regulation of Vice.
St. Joan's Social
& Political Alliance calls upon the Government to hasten the abolition of all brothels known to the Authorities within the jurisdiction of the British Empire.
Slavery.
(a) St. Joan's S.P.A. calls upon the Government
to take all possible steps to discountenance among indigenous peoples any practices whatsoever involving the bartering of women and children into domestic or other forms of slavery.
(b) Mui Tsai. (1) St Joan's S.P.A. demands that registration of Mui Tsai, including "adopted daughters" should be made compulsory; (2) that an adequate system of inspection, control and remuneration be enforced; (3) that all Mui Tsai be informed personally that they are now free, and that proper accommodation and training for them be provided.
Yours faithfully
Kolem Bare &
Hon. Secretary
Telegraph:
50 CITIZENRY, CHURTON, LONDON,
Telephone:
VICTORIA 6065.
REC LIVED
17...AR.931 COL.OFFICE
ACKD. BY P.C.
The Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society
in which are incorporated the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society and the Aborigines Protection Society.)
Hon. Secretary : Travers Buxton, M. A.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY: John H. Harris.
DENISON HOUSE,
296, VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD,
LONDON, S.W.1.
(CLOSE TO VICTORIA STATIONS.)
16th March, 1931.
The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
In reference to our correspondence with the
Department on the lui sai system in Hong Kong, and your 8 letter of the 7th ultimo, we beg leave to ask whether any
reply has yet been received from the Governor upon the
questions raised in our letter of the 12th January, of
wages paid to and hours worked by the lui sai; also
whether any steps have been taken to provide an Inspector
or Inspectors to watch over the treatment of the registered
Mui Tsai wno, we understand, according to the latest figures,
number 4, 117.
According to our information, the regulations made
for the welfare of the lui Tsai are not evoking that measure
of opposition which we had been assured would follow any
attempt to secure radical reforms, and we trust, therefore,
that there will be no hesitation in pressing forward all
measures designed to bring about a complete abolition of
the evils of the system.
Cur Committee has recently had its attention drawn
to the authoritative statements that large numbers of dead
children are being constantly picked up in the streets of
Hong Kong. The figures supplied to us are as follows:
making a total of 6,708.in five years.
It appears to be clear that this serious and
deplorable state of affairs can have no connection whatever
with registration, as the figures relate to a period prior
to registration; indeed, we believe that complete registration
of both Mui Tsai and adopted children, coupled with adequate
inspection, may lead to the amelioration of conditions under
which these thousands of dead bodies of little children are
found in the streets of Hong Long.
We trust it may be possible for His Majesty's
Government to consider what action can be taken to deal with
this evil, which appears to our Committee to constitute grave
evidence of the neglect of girl children in Hong Kong, and to
cast a slur upon the administration of the Colony.
We have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
Traverer Buxton
Hon. Secretary.
John se semis.
Parliamentary Secretary.
Mr. Martin
Mr. Ellis
82759/31 HK.
Mr. Sir Gilbert Grindle 2/
Mr. Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Sir G. Grindle.
Permt. U.S. of S.
T.ES, 23.3.31
Parly. U.S. of S. T Secretary of State.
2 DRAFT, conson
9.T. CAMPBELL, ESQ., M. P.
(30ml.3.file)
For Dr. Shiel's signature.
Downing Street,
23rd March, 1931.
Dear Campbell,
I was somewhat surprised
at the allegation in your
Parliamentary question on the
12th of March that the
instructions contained in the
Secretary of State's despatch
dated the 22nd August, 1929,
on the subject of muTsai in
Hong Kong had not yet been
carried out by the Governor.
You have told me in con-
versation that your resolles-
the suggestion
was supplied
to you by one of your
constituents
and was based
on a statement alleged to have
been made by Lady Jimon in Jom
Labour constituency. I cannot
understand how this could have
haffened
jeme te bo made, as, so far
as I know, Lady Simon must
be aware of the steps which
have been taken to carry
out Lord Passfield's directions.
The following is a brief
history of what has happened.
The question of Tsai in
Hong Kong had been under
consideration for several years
and was the subject of instructions
by various Secretaries of State.
In August, 1929, Lord Passfield
sent out a despatch (which
is printed in Cmd. 3424 and is If course the dest. referred to
instructing the Governor that the
Your Question/
third part of the Domestic Servant
Ordinance should be brought into
force forthwith (providing for the
registration
and remuneration
registration inaction and
of a Tsai,etc.),
and that special care should
be taken to inform the
population generally that
it was in force and that
it would not be allowed to
be a dead letter. The
Governor was instructed,at
the same time, to proceed
at once to make regulations
under the Ordinance for the
keeping of the registers of Mui-
-Tsai, for their remuneration
and for their inspection and
control.
The Ordinance
be amended so as to
forbid the bringing into the
Colony of any Tsai.
Proposals for the institution
of a society in Hong Kong
on the same lines the
Royal Society for the/Prevention
Prevention of Cruelty to
Children in this country were
also approved.
These instructions were
carried out. The Ordinance
was amended to prohibit the
introduction into the Colony
of new -Tsai. Part III
Ordinance was brought into force
as from the 1st December,
1929 (registration of -Tsai
thereupon becoming compulsory),
and regulations were published
under the Ordinance providing
(a) Registration and accompanying
system of reports by employers on death or disappearance of M-Tsai etc.:
(b) reports on change of employer of Mui- Toai
Owing to death etc.:
(c) remuneration of Tsai at
fixed rates:
(d) compulsory production of Mai-Tsai by employers
on demand by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
It was made clear by froclamation, advertisement and pamphlet
the from autention
that it way
If the Goot to enforce the law with reference to Mui- Trai,
The staff of the Secretary
for Chinese Affairs was
specially strengthened by
the appointment of an
additional cadet officer.
Hong Kong Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children was inaugurated.
regulations
The new s were put
into force, and while there
was considerable doubt in
some quarters as to the
possibility of enforcing them,
the response was very
satisfactory and the enrolment
was carried through with
gratifying success.
A report on 6 months'
working of the new rules has,
as you know, been placed in
the Library of the House of
Commons, and so far as 1
know nothing but satisfaction
has been expressed at the
very great success which
has attended our efforts to
deal with this difficult
question. The position
is that no -Tsai is
permitted to be bought or
sold in Hong Kong. All
already there before the
regulations were enforced
must be registered and
must be paid fixed wages and in the event of
ill treatment
maffect doict to the Secretary for Clinise Affants.
All the necessary steps are
taken to ensure that these
provisions are carried out and there have already been several proscentions in cases where offences
In view of these circumstances,
I consider that any complaints
such as have been indicated,
are unjust. There is reason
for congratulation at the success
achieved and every reason to hope
were detected.
that the position will
ultimately be satisfactory.
Meanwhile, I need hardly say
that it is ver, undesirable
that criticism based on
imperfect knowledge and
information should be circulated,
as it is discouraging to the Colonial
Le Government in their
sincere and earnest effort to
deal with what, in view of
local circumstances, is a
problem of special diet,
delicacy and difficulty.
I remain
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) T. DRUMMOND SHIELS.
[Handed To Do Fractings's private secretary on 21/3]
21st March 1937.
Dear Dr Somerville Hastings,
I heard from ir George Mathers
yest day that you wanted the draft of a letter which you could send to the "ditor of the "Berkshire Chronicle" shout Jui Tsai in Jong Kong.
Dr Shicle is away in his
constitum.cy at present; but I have had letter presarad in the Department which I hope will serve your purpose. have not held it up to show to Dr Shiels as I understand that you want to post it today or tomorrow so that it may appear in Tuesday's issue of the newspaper.
Yours very truly,
Fr Somerville Hastings, .P.
(Sgd.) P. H. MORRIS,
Private Secretary.
I was surprised to read in your issue of the 20th March a report of a meeting at Reading on the 16th at which Lady Simon stated that slavery was condoned by Hong Kong where there were some 10,000 child slaves owned by the Chinese.
I immediately consulted the Colonial Office conform my rinfresco
to disbever that there was no foundation for this
startling allegation.
It appeared that Lady Simon's
statement referred to the existence of Mui-Tsai in
Hong Kong.AMui-Tsai is family domestic servant in return for whose services payment has been made to her parent or guardian. It has been repeatedly denied that the employment of Mui-Tsai, as it exists in Hong Kong, could be called slavery except by gross misuse of that term. In Hong Kong the law recognises no rights of ownership whatsoever in favour of the employer as against the Mui-Tsai or as against her parents. The
If status of the Mui-Tsai is entirely a free status. a Mui-Tsai wishes to leave her employer there is no legal obstacle to her doing so at any moment.
The employment of the Mui-Tsai is a recognised custom in China. The Mui-Tsai are, in general, well treated, the very name means "little sister", and it is considered by Chinese public opinion to be obligatory on their employers to see that they are married or suitably provided for when they are about 18 years of age. The institution is, however,
admittedly
THE EDITOR,
THE BERKSHIRE CHRONICLE.
admittedly repugnant to English ideas, and successive
Secretaries of State for the Colonies have considered
how so deeply rooted an institution could be ended.
In 1923 an Ordinance was passed in the Colony providing that no person should in the future take into his
employment any Hui-Tsai, that any ui-Tsai who wished
to be restored to the custody of her parent or natural
guardian and any Mui-Tsai under the age of 18 whose
parent or natural guardian wished her to be restored
to his custody should without any payment whatsoever
be restored to such custody unless the Secretary for
Chinese Affairs saw some grave objection in the interest
of such Mui-Tsai to such restoration. At the same time
the right of every Mui-Tsai to appeal to the Secretary
for Chinese Affairs was reaffirmed and imprisonment
was prescribed as the penalty for gross illtreatment
of a Mui-Tsai.
In August, 1929, Lord Passfield sent out a
despatch to the Governor (which is printed along with
other correspondence on the subject as a White Paper Cmd.3424, Price 1/3d) instructing the Governor that a
third part of this Ordinance should be brought into
force immediately providing for the registration and
that remuneration of existing Mui-Tsai and/special care should be taken to inform the population generally that
the law was in force and that it would not be allowed
to be a dead letter. The Governor was instructed at the
same time to proceed at once to make regulations for the register of Mui-Tsai, for their remuneration, for
their inspection and control. The Ordinance was also
to be amended so as to forbid the bringing into the
Colony of any new Mui-Tsai. Proposals for the institution of a Society in Hong Kong on the same
lines as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in this country were also approved
These instructions were carried out,
registration of existing Mui-Tsai became compulsory
as from the 1st December, 1929 and no new Mui-Tsai could
now be introduced. I am informed by the Colonial Office that the number of Hui-Tsai registered at the beginning of July last was 4,299 and by the end of
November the number had already been reduced to
hadbeen, 4,117. Thus, while there was considerable doubt in
some quarters as to the possibility of enforcing the new regulations, the response was very satisfactory and the registration was carried through with gratifying
success. It was made clear by proclamation, adver- tisement, and pamphlet, that it was the firm inten-
tion of the Government to enforce the law. In view of
these circumstances I consider that any statement
such as that attributed to Lady Simon is not only unfounded, but also unjust to the Colonial Government, which deserves congratulation on its sincer and
earnest effort to deal with what in view of local
circumstances is a very difficult problem, and on the
success which attended it.
In conclusion may I quote the following
Proclamation which was issued by the Government of Hong Kong in 1929, and is, I understand, permanently
displayed at Police Stations, Steamer harves and other
public places:-
"Slavery is not allowed to exist in the British
Empire and therefore it must be understood that
mui-tsai are not the property of their employers.
Any mui-tsai who wish to leave their employers
and to return to their parents are entitled to do so at any time without the payment of money, but they should go to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or the nearest Police Station in order that this may be arranged.
Mui-tsai are warned that they must not leave their present homes without going to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or nearest Police Station in order that they may not fall into the hands of ill- disposed persons.
Masters and mistresses are specially warned against any attempt to prevent mui-tsai from seeing the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or applying at a Police Station."
Your obedient servant,
Mr. Martin,
I have received a message from Mr. Geo.
Mathers, .P., Parliamentary Private Secretary to
Dr. Drummond shiels, drawing my attention to the
report which appeared in the "Berkshire Chronicle",
an extract of which is attached.
He told me that Dr. Somerville astiros Ar
wants: -
Now dealt
with. Lee copy of
to Dr H, dated
21/3/31.
Parliamentary
(1) advice as to a form of question which he
could put down on Monday, for oral answer on
Wednesday, which would meet the criticism of Hong
Kong made by Lady simon;
to the Berkshire Ohronicle (2) The draft of a letter which would give,■ in
fairly comprehensive outline, the history of the
problem and the steps being taken by the Government.
He would like to be able to despatch this letter on
M Saturday or Sunday.
Lord Kinnoull also wants similar advice
as to a question which ne could put to Lord
Passfield one day next week in the Lords.
As you are already preparing a letter
for Dr. Shiels to Mr. Campbell, M.P., such as that
required by Dr. Somerville Hastings, perhaps you
would deal with both things together, and also
suggest what forms of Parliamentary question could
be suggested to Dr. Somerville dastings and
Lord Kinnoull.
If at all possible, these drafts
should reach Dr. Shiels first thing on Monday
morning.
P.H.Moins
20/3/31.
Telegraph:
50 CITIZENRY, CHURTON, LONDON.
Telephone:
VICTORIA 6065.
The Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society (07
(in which are incorporated the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society and the Aborigines Protection Society.)
HON. SECRETARY:
Travers Buxton, M.A.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY:
John H. Harris.
DENISON HOUSE,
296, VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD,
LONDON, S.W. I.
(CLOSE TO VICTORIA STATIONS.)
3rd March, 1931.
28 82758/
In reference to the reply given on the 25th/in
the House of Commons by the Under Secretary of State
to Mr. Day's question on the Mui Tsai system in Hong
Kong, I beg to ask on behalf of my Committee whether
they may be allowed to see a copy of the report of the
the Governor of Hong Kong of the 4th December last,
which is, we understand, one of the six-monthly reports
sent in regularly to His Majesty's Government.
Axsd 31+
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Traves Burlan
Hon. Secretary.
The Under Secretary,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
Miles 16/2
Caldes 17.2.
Mr. Ellis
Mr. Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Sir G. Grindle.
Permt. U.S. of S.
82759/31
ando 2 2
ctc to refer
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
the subject of
the 12th
in thoug
the remuneration
Secy League of
Nations Union
by the Governor in
Mui Trai rystem in
As regards
inspection o contest of mui trai,
request you to done the attention to do atention
t your executive Committe
the Regulations marchion
the two Now. 1529, of which
numbers 5
and fo read
537/ and
foot-an-4(2) 9
atrached]
Lord Passfield caseder
tost, in general, it must rest
organizations Sartor
Anti- mui- Trai Society, the
Society for the Protection of
tu. Po Lenns kuk o
Children,
the Schvatin
to bring to the urtice of
the authorities
cases of
Suspected ill- treatment. The
regulations give the Governmet
ample Lower to conduct the
accessory investigations.
to and bout
full account of the first
Yeart work of
the Protection of
tu. Society for
Children was
hublishes in the Hous
hachcher of
the Ice Jan.
(Signed) WALTER O. ELLIS
Sort han
LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION
Honorary Presidents :
Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin, M.P. Rt. Hon. J. R. Clynes, M.P.
Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, O.M., M.P.
In reply please quote
INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER
15, Grosvenor Crescent London, S.W.1
Telegrams: "Freenat, Knights, London"
Telephone: Sloane 6161
Joint Presidents:
Rt. Hon. the Viscount Grey of Fallodon, K.G. Rt. Hon. the Viscount Cecil, K.C.
Chairman of Executive Committee:
Professor Gilbert Murray, LL.D., D.Litt. Secretary:
J. C. Maxwell Garnett, C.B.E., Sc.D. to whom all communications should be addressed.
RECEIVED
My Lord,
1 3FEB 1931
12th February, 1931.
I am desired by the Executive Committee of the
League of Nations Union to refer to two communications
on the subject of the Mui Tsai system in Hong-Kong
180 42759/50 addressed to you on May 26th and August 1st, 1930, and,
in this connection, to express the satisfaction of the
Executive Committee at the publication of the Report of the Governor of Hong-Kong, dated June 25th, 1930.
The Committee notes that 4,000 Mui Tsai have been
registered and that, in the opinion of the Governor, no further measures are at present required to promote the policy expressed in the existing law.
At the same time the Committee recalls Section 8
of your Despatch to the Governor, dated August 22nd, 1929, which reads as follows:-
I must, therefore, direct that the third part of the Domestic Ordinance should be brought into force forthwith, and special care must be taken to inform the population generally that it is in force, and that it will not be allowed to be a dead letter. You should also at once proceed to make Regula- tions under Section 12 of the Ordinance for the keeping of the Registers for the remunera- tion of Mui Tsai, and for their inspection and control. It will be doubtless necessary for you to appoint additional officers in the Department of the Secretary for Chinese
Affairs to carry out the work of registration and inspection.
Having regard to the fact that, in his Report, the Governor deals only with the question of re- gistration and makes no reference to the other points
On 62758/689
mentioned in Section 12 of the Ordinance, the
Committee would be glad to receive information on
the present position with regard to remuneration,
inspection and control of Mui Tsai and to know whether
Regulations dealing with these points have been made
or are under contemplation.
The Committee are anxious to receive information
with regard to the activities of the Hong-Kong Society
for the Protection of Children which it understands was
inaugurated with the approval and support of the
Hong-Kong Government, and begs leave to suggest that
the Governor be asked to include such information in
his next Report.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Rt. Hon.the Lord Passfield,
Colonial office,
Downing Street,
Your obedient servant,
January 1, 1931]
S.P.C.C. MEETING.
WORK OF SOCIETY
REVIEWED.
CREASING need of funds,
The first annual meeting of the Hong Kong Society for the Pro- | tection of Children was held on Tuesday at the City Hall and was largely attended. The President, Sir Shou-son Chow, in moving adoption of the report and counts, said:
President's Speech.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT
the Magistrates, 172 had previously appeared in Court. In 1929 no fewer than 131 boys and 5 girls under 16 years of age were sent to prison.
We feel that much expense night be saved and much good done by binding over many of these youth ful offenders and appointing pro- bation officers who would keep them under observation, advise them and help them to lead honest lives.
Finances.
Turning to finance, I need only say that we started the tenth month of our existence with the very satis- actory balance of over $20,000. The expenses of the first nine months have been very small, being slightly under $1,400.
mittees, treasurer and secretaries named in this year's annual report were elected to their respective offices for the ensuing year, with the exception of Mr. A. Č. Hynes and Mr. B. D. F. Beith, whose places are to be filled by Mr. V. M.Gray- burn and the Hon. Mr. Paterson.
Messrs. Lee Yau Tsun and Fung Ping Shun were elected members of the Executive Committee.
A vote of thanks for the useful work contributed by the Chairman terminated the business of the meeting.
FIRST REPORT OF LOCAL
SOCIETY.
Honorary Secretaries, has express-Hong Kong Society for the Protec-
Prior, one of our joint
The first annual report of the ed his desire to resign. The work
tion of children states that the first
You will recollect that the Society was formed only at the end of last January, and when you review the work which has been done during the period covered by the report Inccessarily entails great demands on the Secretary's time, and I wish would ask you to bear in mind that the Society was
to express our thanks to Mr. Prior an entirely new Society and that we have to learn Society during the
for all that he has done for the
to walk before we can run.
The first tasks of the Executive Committee were
decide the methods by which the aims of the Society would best be achieved, and to collect the funds necessary for carrying out the work.
An appeal for support was made to a very limited number of per- sons, and so generous was the re- sponse that by the end of March over $15,000 had been contributed. I might say that practically every person appealed to contributed to the Society, which seems a clear in- dication that the public is keenly interested in the welfare of children.
Work of Inspector.
The Executive Committee con- sidered it essential that the Society should, as soon as possible, have an Inspector who could devote the whole of his or her time to the investigation of cases, and they thought it best to seek the services of a woman who had experience of child welfare matters. Some difficulty was experienced in finding the right type of person, but in August the Committee secured the services of Miss Seto Wai Sheung, who possesses excellent qualifica- tions, and whose work has been most satisfactory.
The number of cases is increasing cach month and is likely to continue to increase as the work of the Society becomes better known. Up to Christmas the total number was 39. The work of investigation is cumulative, as old cases have to be kept under supervision. It seems highly probable that by next sum-
shall require a
Inspector.
Juvenile Courts. Our members have urged in the Legislative Council the need for special treatment of child delin- quents, and His Excellency the Governor has now appointed a Committee to report on the mea- sures required for the institution of Juvenile Courts. The Society has submitted to the Government draft Bill which indicates the mea- sures that we think necessary.
The Government is also taking active steps to secure the early in- stitution of an Industrial Home for boys.
The figures for the year 1929 show that of 985 boys who came before
Those who have worked with him know the keen interest which he has shown, and I personally hope that he will continue to help a.s an active member of the Executive Committee.
The General Committee has asked Mr. Hazlerigg to join Mr. T. N. Chau as Hon. Secretary, and as it is with you it decide whether you will elect him, I will ask him now to address you and also to second the adoption of the Report and Balance Sheet.
object of the Committee was to raise
sufficient funds to admit of the
Society engaging the services of an Inspector. The Government con- tributed a sum of $3,000 and by the end of April the generous response of those to whom the Society appeal- ed for assistance produced a sum which justified the Committee in engaging an Inspector and equip- ping an office. In this connection the Committee particularly desires his handsome donation of $10,000. to thank Mr. Wai Shiu Pak for
Dealing with juvenile offenders, the Committee expresses the view that, though the imprisonment of some few incorrigible juvenile offenders may be inevitable, the im- ad-prisonment of youthful offenders in
general is wrong in principle.
Mui Tsai Problem. Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg also dressed the meeting and mentioned that the Society was interested in the welfare of the young, whether the child-was a mui tsai or not. The
Society was not formed to mitigate the mui tsai nuisance, as there was already an institution for this pur- pose, and that reports of maltreat- ment to little mui tsais would be attended to as in cases regarding other children.
Juvenile Courts.
be provided under the Bill for im- prisonment as now inflicted. The Committee has forwarded this Bill to the Government for considera- tion.
The Committee has had under consideration a Bill drafted by Mr. Hazlerigg making provision for the institution of Juvenile Courts, the segregation of youthful offen- ders before and during trial, the appointment of probation officers charged with the duty of supervis- Continuing, he said that there ing youthful offenders released on was quite a big field for the activi- probation, and the substitution of ties of the Society, and that pre-custody in a place of detention to vention of tuberculosis in children by providing well ventilated places and a sanatorum for victims might bc considered by the Society. He pointed out that in the annual re- port of the Inspector General of Police it was stated that there had been no less than 1851 cases of babies picked up in the streets. Such a state of affairs was quite alarming compared to other places in Europe, and he thought that the Society would do well to take steps to remove this evil, and that the subject should be gone into thoroughly, and investigations made as to why there had been such lack of registration of births and deaths. The report and accounts were duly seconded and passed animously.
The total number of cases inves- tigated between August 1 and November 14 was 27. These cases affected the welfare of 27 children
and involved 49 offenders or per- sons advised. In 26 cases parents were advised or warned, and in 11 of these the Inspector arranged for medical treatment, on several oc- casions accompanying the parents pital. No prosecutions were on their taking the children to hos-
sidered necessary.
The Inspector made 63 un-
vision visits.
Certain amendments to the rules and regulations of the Society were proposed and seconded and had the approval of members present.
Officers Elected. Proposals that H.E. Sir William and Lady Peel be re-elected patrons and that Sir Cecil Clementi be elected an hon. vice president met with the unanimous approval of the meeting.
The patrons, presidents, vice pre- sidents, general and executive com-
The Committee, while recognising the danger of indiscriminate relief, has felt it necessary to allocate certain funds in order to make provision for relief in urgent cases where there is dire poverty. Re- lief will be made in kind and no money given. The problem of ob- taining proper medical attention in cases of tuberculosis which require lengthy institutional treatment is one which presents the greatest difficulty.
TRAFFIC IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
COMMISSION ARRIVES IN
HONG KONG.
The commission of enquiry into the traffic in women and children in the East arrived in Hong Kong
Saturday. Any person or organisation wishing to meet the commission is requested to municate with the Secretary, Mr. W. von Schmieden at the Peninsula Hotel.
International collaboration in the combat against the traffic in women and children has only been in existence for about 30 years.
On several occasions the Assembly of the League of Nations has ex- pressed the hope that it would be possible to extend the enquiries to countries where no enquiry had yet taken place. In pursuance of this recommendation the Secretary- General of the League communicat- ed in the Near, Middle and Far East and asked whether they would be prepared to accept and co-operate in an enquiry of this nature, it being understood that enquiries would be strictly confined to the international aspect of the question.
China, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Per- sia, Portugal, Siam and the United States stated that they were prepar- ed to authorise such an enquiry in their territories.
Personnel of Commission.
The League of Nations has en- trusted this enquiry in the coun- tries of the East to a travelling commission of three members. They are:-Mr. Bascom Johnson, Ameri- can, Chairman; Dr. Alma Sund- quist, Swedish; and Mr. Karol Pindor, Polish. Mr. Bascom John- son carried out the previous en- quiry in Europe and America; Madame Sundquist is a well-known physician who has specially in trested herself in women's' social questions in her own country; and Mr. Pindor is a diplomat who has spent 25 years of his life in various Asiatic countries.
In each of the countries to be visited the Government has appoint- ed an official representative who will receive the commission and act as the channel through which all official information will be ob- tained.
The commission arrived in the East at the end of October where it intends to spend 18 months visit- ing the various countries and con- ducting its enquiry.
On its return to Geneva the com- mission will draw up a report for submission to the League of Nations giving the results of its enquiry.
THE HONG KONG WEEKLY PRESS &
ARSON TRIAL AT SESSIONS.
FATHER AND SON AMONG THE ACCUSED.
ALLEGED CONSPIRACY TO
DEFRAUD.
Allegations of an attempt to set fire to a building in order to de- fraud insurance companies were made when the trial opened at the Criminal Sessions on Monday of three men, including a father and his son.
The trial was before the Acting Chief Justice (Mr. Justice Wood) and a jury comprising Messrs. J. L. McPherson (foreman), S. Gidley, James Sloan, F. Wilkin- son, H. J. Howard, Louis Kai Hing and Ip Fook Ling.
Mr. Somerset Fitzroy, appearing for the Crown, stated that the pre- mises had been preserved exactly as found, with festoons of shavings and palm leaves, spread out for the purpose of burning the place down. In outlining the case for the Crown, Mr. Fitzroy said that three persons, of whom the second accus- ed was one, interviewed the owner of the premises on July 8 and they took the whole house. As soon as they took possession they set to work to prepare for the fire. A staircase on the ground floor was pulled down and altered. Cubicles and cooklofts were erected on the premises.
They obtained insurance on the premises and stock-in-trade with two companies to the value of $31,000-the larger part of which was the stock-in-trade, which con- sisted of Chinese medicines.
Petrol and Palm Leaves. Counsel went on to say that the accused secured other premises at 63, Connaught Road West, first accused taking it over, and describ- ed other incidents which he said went to show that the new place was to be used as a "bolt hole" when No. 77 burnt down. Fifteen bales of palm leaves, petrol and kerosene distributed about the place in jars were found. Counsel also exhibited some samples of the palm leaves and a camp bed burnt at one end.
Describing what took place about midnight, Mr. Fitzroy said that a policeman rushed to the house on hearing a whistle blown by a man in the street. The policeman succeeded in smothering the flames with a blanket which he found on the camp bed. While this was going on the third accused was seen in the street with account books under his arm in company with an- other man. They were chased, but only accused was caught.
The plan failed because there was a gap left in the chain of inflam- mable material, and the quick ac tion of the policeman also frustrat- ed it. Further the alarm was sounded before the place was well alight. Counsel explained that the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade had expressed the opinion that in a matter of a few minutes the pre-, mises would have been a seething mass of flames and adjoining houses would have been in serious danger.
[January 1, 1931
Identification Difficulty.
The owner of the premises, who was called as a witness, said that three men called on him to rent the house. After a close look at thought the second accused was on the prisoners, witness said that he,
of the men.
Cross-examined by Mr. Jenkin, witness said that he attended an identification parade, but he could not recognise the second accused on that occasion.
At the second day's hearing, a witness named Leung Luk Tsun was subjected to a lengthy cross- examination on the subject of an alleged conversation which he stated took place between him and the first defendant.
Witness said that they met at a restaurant next to the Wing On Company on August 25 or 26, when the defendant asked him about the rules of insurance in Hong Kong. He replied that the rules were about the same in every case and that de- fendant could get them by applying to the companies. Later, the de- fendant asked if the commission of arson was a very serious crime. Witness replied that, it would mean ten years' imprisonment.
Witness concluded his evidence by saying that he had come forward as a voluntary witness, adding that first defendant owes him money.
Witness Cross-examined.
In cross-examination by Mr. Jenkin, witness said that he came to know defendant in connection with a small ship known as the Wah San which was sold to the defend- ant.
The purchase price was $7,500 in cash and $2,250 in addition, for which a promissory note was issued in favour of the seller, who was a friend of witness. It was agreed that defendant should pay witness $500 after completing the deal at the end of August. The money was payable on September 1, but wit- ness had not yet been paid. Wit- ness had a writ issued on September 7 or 8, but the defendant could not be found.
Mr. Jenkin: What light did you think you could throw on the path of justice ?—I wanted to assist in the arrest of the defendant, not because he owed me $500, but be- cause of the $2,500 owing to my friend on the promissory note of which I was a witness, and I was being blamed for defendant's de- fault.
Counsel reminded the witness that when he gave evidence in the Police Court he stated that the conver- sation about arson took place on September 20. Asked to explain why he should now say that the conversation took place on August 25 or 26, witness said that a mis- take was made in the Police Court in writing down the date which he gave according to the Chinese calen- dar.
The insurance was effected on September 5 and I put it to you that it is impossible for the defend- ant to ask you on September 20 about the methods of insurance?- No, the conversation took place in August as I could not find the de- fendant after September 1 on which date I was to get the $500.
I put it to you that having told the Magistrate this interview took place on September 20 you have
The Guildhouse,
Eccleston Square, S.W.1
anuary 28th., 1931
I beg to submit a resolution passed by the members of the Guildhouse Women Citizens Society and others at a meeting held by
em on Monday, Jan. 26th. at the above address:-
I am, Sir,
Yours truly,
a. Helen ward
Hon. Sec. G.W.C.S,
That this meeting of the Guildhouse Women Citizens' Society urges upon the Colonial Government that the laws against the Mui
ai system in Hong Kong should be enforced without further delay ånd, in particulat, those referring to remuneration of the Mui Tsai, and to their inspection and control, and that among the oficers appointed for this purpose there should be qualified women.
Signed:-
a. Helen Ward
The Right Hon.
The Lord Passfield,
The Colonial Office, Whitehall,
Jan. 26th 1931
Mr. Delahunt.
Mr. Bickle
Mr. Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Sir G. Grindle.
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
30. 1.31.
82759/31.
HONG KONG.
Downing Street,
January, 1931.
THE HON. SECRETARY,
THE ANTI-SLAVERY AND
ABORIGINES PROTECTION
SOCIETY.
I am &c. to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the
12th of January regarding the Mui
Tsai system in Hong Kong, and to
inform you that a copy is being sent
to the Governor of Hong Kong for
Copy (4) to Gov. LF.
+ & drafts.
his consideration.
further letter will be
sent to you on řeceipt of the
Governor's
Governor's reply.
In reply to
your letter of the 15th of January,
I am to inform you that the Secretary
of State's despatch of the 5th of
March, 1930, to the Governor of
Hong Kong has not been published,
I am &c.,
(Signed) WALTER D. ELLIS
"1⁄21⁄2 ts.
M Tomlinson.
Sir C. Bottomley.
Sir J. Shuckburgh.
Sir G. Grindle.
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
8 Feb. 1931
That to your like 1 511
unclosing extends from the
Mr. CBL Haslewood
s. Chra Moring Pool containing
acconal-
Annual Meeting
Anti- Mui îsai.
held on the
2.4 ou.. 1930,
adice commcaling up on it
(Signed) WALTER D. ELLIS
ORGAN-" The Catholic Citizen "-2d. Monthly.
Tel.-Museum 4181.
St. Joan's Social & Political Alliance.
Exetive Committee-
Miss L Mora de Alberti.
Gordon, M.A., Chairman.
Miss Barry, Hon. Secretary.
Miss Pauline M. Brandt.
Miss E. Butler-Bowdon,
Miss Barclay Carter, Lic-ès L.
Miss Fedden.
Miss Douglas Irvine, M.A., Hon. Press Secretary.
Miss Sheilah Hynes.
Miss Jeffery.
Mrs. McMahon.
Mrs. Laughton Mathews, M.B.E., Hon. Treasurer.
Mrs. O'Connor.
Miss Monica O'Connor,
My Lord,
(Non-Party)
55, BERNERS STREET,
OXFORD STREET, W. 1.
Hours for callers :
Daily, 3-5 p.m., or by appointment. Saturdays, 10-30 a.m.-12-30 p.m.
20th January, 1931.
I am instructed by my committee to express our dissatisfaction with the Governor's Report of the position of "Mui Tsai" as published in Cmd.3735. December 1930.
We deeply regret that the pledges given for the release of the Mui Tsai have not to any considerable degree been honoured.
May we beg that you would insist on the complete registration of Mui Tsai including the so-called "adopted daughters", and that you will further insist on an adequate system of inspection for which task we think suitable women should be appointed.
Your Lordship's obedient servant,
Hrence Pare
HON. SECRETARY.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Passfield,
Secretary of State for the Colonies,
Colonial Office,
Downing Street, S.W.1.
Telegraph:
50 CITIZENRY, CHURTON, LONDON.
Telephone:
VICTORIA 6065.
ACKIE P.C.
16JAN 1931,
The Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society
(in which are incorporated the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society and the Aborigines Protection Society.)
HON. SECRETARY:
Travers Buxton, M.A.
PARLIAMENTary SecretaRY :
John H. Harris.
DENISON HOUSE,
296, VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD,
The Under-Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
LONDON, S. W. 1.
(CLOSE TO VICTORIA STATIONS.)
15th January, 1931.
470n 7275740.
With reference to your communication
6. 72759/30 of the 24th November last, I beg to
ask whether Lord Passfield's despatch of the 5th
March last, referred to in the Report of the Governor
of Hong Kong of 25th June, has been published, and
if so, whether we may be allowed to see a copy of
this doc ume nt?
I am, Sir,
Ausd. (a
Your obedient Servant,
فس المسالة
Parliamentary Secretary.
Telegraph :
50 CITIZENRY, CHURTON, LONDON.
Telephone :
VICTORIA 6065.
The Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society
HON, SECRETARY:
Travers Buxton, M.A.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY: John H. Harris.
in which are incorporated the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society and the Aborigines Protection Society.)
AJAN 1931
DENISON HOUSE,
296, VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD,
LONDON, S.W.I.
(CLOSE TO VICTORIA STATIONS.)
12th January, 1931.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Passfield,
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of
State for the Colonies,
Colonial Office,
My Lord,
72759/30have
MUI TSAI THE PRESENT POSITION.
Our Committee has had under consideration the Report
upon the position of the Mui Tsai in Hong Kong which you
been good enough to send to us. We desire, in the
first instance, to express our appreciation of the fact that
at last efforts appear to have been made to deal with the
evils of this system.
In the second place, we cannot accept the local defence
that the system in question is not a form of slavery, for
after all, these young people are sold for a cash payment.
Moreover, the words "sale" "sold" "purchase" appear in
the official records of the Administration and the Courts,
and also in the deeds of transfer. We are therefore still
of the opinion expressed by Lord Kimberley :-
"I cannot doubt that in the majority of these trans-
actions the sellers have believed that they have. validly sold, and the buyers that they have validly. bought that for which money has passed, and the children themselves can scarcely help believing that they are in bond to their possessors.'
Nor do we find it possible to accept the view that the
figure of 10,000 as the number of Mui Tsai is based solely
on guess-work, and that the correct number is probably about
4,000. Lord Irwin (then the Hon. Edward Wood), gave the
precise figure 8,000 to 9,000 in 1922. That figure must
repose upon some reliable official data, and we trust
that every effort may be made to secure the complete
registration of all Mui Tsai in Hong Kong. We think it
possible that the conflicting estimates may be due to
the difficulty of distinguishing between an adopted
daughter" and a "Mui Tsai." It would therefore seem to
be necessary to proceed with the registration of these
"adopted daughters" especially in view of the information
in our possession that these adopted daughters are also
the victims of sale and purchase.
In view of the fact, notwithstanding the assertions
to the contrary, that this sale and purchase constitutes
a property right in persons bought and sold, and thus
comes within the scope of Article I of the Anti-Slavery
Convention, we beg to urge that the total abolition of
such practices should be the objective of the Hong Kong
Government. But pending abolition of the Mui Tsai system,
and that of adoption by means of purchase, we beg leave
to put forward the following constructive suggestions.
(a) We have not yet seen any Report upon the
activities of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of
Children, the inauguration of which, we understand, received
pronounced official support.
We beg to suggest that the Governor might be able to
include with his Report to the Secretary of State, copies
of any Reports from this Society which, as Patron, he may
receive upon the beneficent work done by this institution.
(8) The time seems to have arrived for the fullest
possible application of Part 3 of the amended Ordinance
of 1923.
1. Remuneration. We have not yet observed that any
Report has been issued upon the effect of the Proclamation
under which existing Mui Tsai were to be paid wages. The
payment of a wage of about 4d per week is small enough,
but of its actual payment there appears to be no evidence.
2. Hours of Labour. Following upon the question of wages,
we suggest that the Administration might now place a more
rigid restriction upon the hours of labour. In the
opinion of our Committee, no child should be compelled to
labour for longer than a few hours each day.
3. Inspection. Our Committee attaches great importance
to the question of inspection.
Here again we have not
observed that the Governor has taken any administrative
action upon the question of Inspection and Control, ag
instructed in your Despatch of 22nd August, 1929. In this
connection we have noted with interest that a sub-Committee
of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children
was appointed as far back as 28th April of last year, in
order to examine and report upon the question. We trust
that the Report of this sub-Committee is now in the hands
of the Government and that without delay suitable persons
will be secured to undertake this inspection of treatment.
We are informed that Lady Chow and Mrs. R.H. Kotewall have
been giving some oversight to the girls taken to the Po
Leung Kuk, and it is probable that they would be willing
to place their experience at the disposal of the Government
in order to assist in securing a suitable inspection of
the 4,000 Mui Tsai already registered.
We have not observed that any steps are being taken
to provide adequate accommodation for Mui Tsai who may
be abandoned or who may be the victims of ill-treatment,
but our information leads us to fear that if and when
adequate inspection is organised, this need will be con-
siderable, and our Committee would appreciate being
informed what steps the Hong Kong Government propose to
take, in order to meet such difficulty.
In addition to the foregoing, we venture to urge
that a very much closer watch should be kept upon the
transfer of Mui Tsai to the registered Brothels of Hong
Kong. We note that it is frequently denied in official
correspondence that such incidents occur upon any considerable
scale. The least we can say upon this is that the evidence
is very conflicting, and in our view does not tend to con-
firm the official statement that Mui Tsai are not so
transferred.
Indeed, if reference is made to the case of
the sale of a girl on or about 30th September last, it
will be found that the girl in question (a Mui Tsai) appealed.
to a man to redeem her, because she feared she was about to
be transferred to a Brothel.
We are receiving representations that a considerable
number of Mui Tsai are taken from Hong Kong to the Straits
Settlements and other territories for sale, and we are happy
to note that the Government of the Straits Settlements has
issued a warning forbidding this practice. We trust it may
be possible for the Hong Kong Government/to issue a further
warning against this in Hong Kong itself, and thus reinforce
the action of the Government of the Straits Settlements.
We have the honour to be, My Lord,
Your humble and obedient Servants,
Travers Buxlãn
Hon. Secretary.
den testamis
Parliamentary Secretary.
72759/30
5.Sydney Buildings.
January 5th, 1931.
The Under Secretary of State.
Colonial Office.
Dear Sir,
wtention &
I am sending for your information an
account of the Annual Meeting of the Anti-Mui
Tsai Society in Hong Kong which took place on
October 25th, 1930, together with a leading
article commenting upon it.
yours faithfully
as levores.
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1930.
WELFARE OF MUI TSAI.
LOCAL CO-OPERATION OF THE
PROTECTION BODIES NECESSARY.
SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEETING.
Emphasising that the mui tsai is unquestionably part of the child welfare problem and urging co-ordination of efforts between various institutions interested in neglected children, the Hon. English Secretary of the Anti-Mui Tsai Society, Mr. J. D. Bush, addressed a big gathering at the annual meeting of this Society in the auditorium of the Chinese Y.M.C.A. on Saturday afternoon. He said that the Anti-Mui-Tsai Society is working for the eventual enforcement of law to protect mui tsai throughout South China.
Commenting on the work of the local Child Welfare Society, the speaker said he hoped to see more officers specially selected and trained to carry on the work of the Society.
S.C.A.'S HELP APPRECIATED.
to see it live up more to the ideal of being the Champion of the Child, as it sets out to be. Instead of having just one young lady ful- filling the duty of an Inspector, there should be at least a dozen or more officers (men and women)
selected and trained because of their special aptitude for the posts they have to fill. Then, also, there should be more men who are thoroughly interested in champion- ing the cause of every child, whe ther mui-tsai or any sort of neg lected child, who suffers. We want genuine and enthusiastic supporters of the child welfare work in the Colony. So far as there is a dif- ference between the work of the Child Welfare Society and our Society at all, it is a difference in thoroughness, although we have the same aims and object in view. I offer these remarks in the spirit of friendly criticism, without the least intention of being flippant cynical.
The Army Home, This Society has noted with more than ordinary feelings of satisfac- tion that the Salvation Arn.y Women's Industrial Home, on Prince Edward Road, Kowloon, bas come into existence since we met here last year. There are at pre- sent nirteen girls in this Insticu- tion. The Hongkong Government is contributing $200 monthly wards its support and maintenance. For all this our hearts are glad. It is hoped that there will be con- The meeting was presided over Society coming from Lt. Comdr. tributions forthcoming from other by Mr. S. C. Yeung, the Chairman and Mrs. H. L. Haslewood, the quarters to keep up and expand the of the Anti-Mui-Tsai Society, who Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Pro- good work of this Home. The was supported by the Hon. tection Society, the Young "glistening tear in a neglected English Secretary, Mr. J. D. Bush, Women's Christian Association ofhild's eye" has called this, and and the Hon. Chinese Secretary, Great Britain, Lady Simons and our
Society into existence. Mr. Wong She-tin. A general members of the House of Com- pressure of this duty, the force of
Chairman's Speech.
This Society also wishes to re- port to you, in a spirit of gratitude, that considerable success has tended the efforts to get in closer touch with the Social Service Bureau in Canton. The ready e- sponse to our appeal for enforce- ment of mui-tsai protection in Canton is deeply appreciated. Similar relationship with the Gov- ernment in Macao is hoped for in the immediate future.
Returning to our work in Hong kong, relations with the S.C.A. are excellent and most cordial co- operation has been established between us. This arises mainly from the fact that the officers in charge have exercised the utmost patience and adopted the most to- lerant and tactful attitude towards cases brought before them.
committee consisting of thirty mons, is largely responsible for the children's claim, make the ap well known local residents in- bringing the unbelievable crueltyeal all the more urgent terested in child welfare work was of the mui-tsai system to the elected, including Messrs. S. C. attention of the British Govern- Yeung, Ho Iu, J. D. Bush, Wong ment at Home, which resulted in She-tin, Lam Woo, Hung To-fay, the latter's final order for its Woo Yee-tung, Wat Lok-hing, abolition. Tsak Tai-kwong, Wong Shum-kan, "I would like to thank all the Wong Kam-ying, Mak Mui-sang, Christian Church unions, the Cheung Kat-shing, Yung Ting various educational institutions sang, Moffat Tsui, Cheuk Yan-ko, and individuals for their financial J. M. Wong, Ngan Kwan-yu, Chen assistance and circulation of Kon-sang, Li Shiu-pak, Chan leaflets and literature in our cam- Ming-shan, Mrs. Tso She-kwong. paign against the mui-tsai system. Mrs. Yung Yeung Yuk-sín, Rev. All these efforts are directly Wong Oi-tone. Rev. Li Kau-yan, responsible for bringing this Rev. Cheung Chuk-ling, and Drs. odious system to the notice of the Fok Wing-kan, Ma Luk, Chau Wai- British Government, resulting in cheung, and L. S. Shin.
the Colonial Secretary and Hong- kong Government signifying their In addressing the gathering, the approval of the suggested regis- Chairman, Mr. S. C. Yeung, said: tration of all mui-tsai in the "Ladies and gentlemen, Before British Colony. The registration proceeding with the election of will undoubtedly result in the cfficials for the coming year and Jabolition of the mui-tsai system The Adopted Daughter. presenting to you the general re- fand realisation of a great aim of
Of course, the Society's greatest port of the past year it gives me this Society. Despite this success desire is that a right__modus the greatest pleasure to witness we hope that all enthusiastic supperandi
be found to the big gathering of members and porters of this great cause will deal with cases concerning the Bupporters to-day. Your interest continue their unselfish work to elusive "adopted daughter" and the and enthusiasm are encouraging to disseminate helpful information anonymous communications report my fellow-workers and to me. and remove misunderstanding Thanks to all co-workers I have among our people. We look for- been able to continue with this ward with confidence towards the uphill fight for the sake of restoration of freedom to the four humanity, acting as chairman of thousand registered mui-tsais, to this Society for all these years, put them on an equal footing with and despite my inefficiency the their sisters and to make this fore- keen interest taken by the many most free-port in the Far East a supporters of this Society for the port of freedom for mui-tsais. welfare of the mui-tsai in Hong- kong has made possible the regis- tration of mui-tsai, the beneficial results of which afford great satisfaction to all lovers of humanity.
Past Achievements.
Secretary's Report. The Honorary English Secretary, Mr. J. D. Bush, said:
Ladies and gentlemen: Looking back on the records of work of this Society, there is legitimate ca.use "I would like to take this first for some satisfaction at what has opportunity of mentioning the been accomplished during the year valued assistance which I have under review. Registration is now secured from our English Secre- an accomplished fact, with tary, Mr. J. D. Bush, whose con- mui-tsai actually registered, and stant advice and untiring effort to the courts in the Colony are do social service have been to me tive in enforcing the law and a lasting memory and great help. bringing to justice any gross I think all members to-day agree of extreme brutality. On the whole with me that without the unremit- these neglected children are placed ting efforts of Mr. Bush the under more effective protection by accomplishment of registration the Female Domestics Ordinance. for the mul-tsai of Hongkong Anyone following closely the re- would not have been possible. ports in the local English and Chinese press could not but take "Our Chinese Secretary, Mr. note of the punishment meted out Wong She-tin, has shown deep in stubborn cases of cruelty and interest in this form of work, to flagrant breaches of the law in non- serve the less fortunate section of registration and in buying and the community, and despite his selling of mui-tsai. In the two out- short connexion with this Society standing cases deserving more than he is able to-day to present the passing notice
defendant records of the past year in a re-was fined $500 for buying and markable manner. On a happy selling and the other met the occasion like this I cannot but stern penalty of six months' recall some of the past achieve-imprisonment
for treating ments of this Society, which was child of six in a brutal fashion. first inaugurated under the able The melancholy condition of the direction of Mr. J. M. Wong on child really horrified everyone in August 8, 1921, and the foresight court at the time. Our Chinese of Mr. Wong is, therefore, to a Secretary has dealt in detail with large extent responsible for the the number of cases reported subsequent achievement of this the Society during the past twelve Society.
months and it is needless for me to dwell on that point further.
ing cases
Society will not have done its duty until the knowledge is possessed by all that it is not a charity but an agent for justice, seeking the wel- fare of a certain section of happy and down-trodden children. with I conclude
words these from notable champion of the child in England: "No credit is taken for all this. It is as it should be. The eleven thousand lady collectors and the hundred thou- sand contributors are moved by a deep love for children in suffering and need. It is due to them, as to the little sufferers in whose in- terests they join hands, that the and application of common sense practical methods should load to use, to the best advantage, of every penny given to the Society."
Statistics.
In his report of the events corded in the past year, the Chinese Secretary, Mr. Wong She-tin, said:
"Once again we are gathered
here to tell you of the accomplish- ments during the year just past. It is pleasing to be able to say that we have succeeded in having registration enforced, which doubt helps to improve the lot of the mui-tsai in the Colony to a considerable extent.
The following constitutes the total number of mui-tsai cases dealt with through this Society since October 1929: Complaints made at this Society
by mui-tsais personally Complaints made by correspon-
Of these mui-tsais set free by their owners during the re- gistration period numbered 12 Mui-tsais liberated by order of
the Court Out of this number, girls have
been restored to their rela tives
The rest, not having any rela- tives, were entrusted to the custody of the Po Leung Kuk Cases favourably decided by the mui-tsais, left in the tem- porary custody of their
owners Mui-tsai returned to her rela-
tive after registration Owners fined or imprisoned for ill-treatment after registra- tion
Owners fined by Court for
cruelty before registration Cases reported to the S.C.A.
and discharged because of in- sufficient evidence Cases, action being taken Cases still being investigated 6
Only First Step. "From the foregoing, it will be noted with satisfaction the active interest taken in the mui-tsai. But
this is only a first step, and there is yet much to be done to reach the goal of complete emancipation. Why? Because, according to our original estimate, the number of quitsai in the Colony were about 8,000 or more, out of which only 4,299 have registered What has become of the remainder? We know that the more kindly owners have set free a goodly number, possibly before the enforcement of registration, yet there must be huge number being sent away sur- reptitiously elsewhere, while still others
purposely ignored registration. It is the fate of the
unregistered for whom we are most anxious. This explains what I mean when I say that our work is incomplete.
of ill-treatment of muí- tsai. More often than not, the enquiries made by the S.CA. into these cases, however reliable our informants may be, have proved to be fruitless. Greatly needed are the services of absolutely trained men whose instincts must be for the good of the children; without this qualification it is impossible to expect the general public to take an interest in child welfare and to use this Society by reporting cases There is no denying that these cases are complex and therefore require skilful handling. Time and again in so far as regards these cases, the S.C.A. have been led to raise the question: "Why don't these anonymous informants report direct to this Office." They would if they could. But in general, people lay-Hitherto our propaganda work ing the information of cruelty in & is directed mainly against the brutal certain neighbourhood do not wish
owners of inui-tsai. Nothing has been done to help the mui-tsai their names to be disclosed. There
is a shrinking fear. Human nature themselves to understand their own is the same all the world
legal position after registration. People hesitate to give their names Many of these girls are so cowed and addresses so as not to run the down by their owners that they risk of being called upon to appear have been left in total ignorance in the police court to give evidence. of the primary purpose of registra tion and therefore dare not go to the S.C.A. to also, there must be acores and scores of mui-tsai, who though re- gistered, are still groaning under the brutal hands of their mistresses. Something must be done to help these poor girls out of their fear in Kwangtung were also discuss- and ignorance This is the second ed, but the consensus of opinion reason for saying that our work is was that such a society at Canton incomplete.
Two Workers.
Let me have the pleasure of bring- ing to your notice a book from the pen of Lt. Comdr. and Mrs. H. L. Haslewood on the Mai Tsai Ques tion in Hongkong. I commend it highly to those of you who desire to have a complete record of this most complex and perplexing issue. As it is announced in the preface of the book that "Authors' profits will be devoted to the cause of the mui tsai" I would like to see many of you here take up a copy each. The book is obtainable Messrs. Kelly & Walsh, Ltd.
The position of the mui tsai in Hongkong from the legal point
of view, is now:
(1) No further mui tsai are to be taken into employment in the Colony.
(2) No mui tsai unless previously registered in the Colony is to be brought into the Colony. (3) Employers have no authority to keep a mui tsai if she wishes to leave.
(4) Existing mui tsai have all to
be registered.
(5) Existing mui tsai are to be
paid wages.
"In those days of pioneering dif- ficulties and undisguised opposi-
I will, however, supplement tion to our aims, the Society was the remarks of the previous fortunate in having as its English speakers by acquainting you with Secretary Mr. C. G. Anderson, other gratifying results and other who served us in this capacity for perplexities still confronting the seven years. His resignation on Society. There yet remains much the eye of the Government giving to be accomplished. The public in sanction to registration of mui- the Colony and in Canton have tsai is greatly to be regretted, but to be educated and inspired anew his work will always be held in to realize the social ignorance, the grateful remembrance.
callous indifference and apathy "Another loss to us is the towards child welfare. "When we resignation from the Chinese lose feeling for a child's sorrow we Secretaryship of Mr. Ngan Kwan- must blush crimson in deepest yu, who co-operated closely in shame.”
Lest the general public still have those seven long years with Mr.
A Comparison.
a hazy idea of the present position Anderson. The former Chinese I may add, in passing, there is of the mui tsai, I quote the above Secretary is known for his sound sadness in the reflection that the five essentials from the book that judgment and great enthusiasm. S.P.C.A. in the Colony can be more I wish to recommend to you. His keenness to serve this Society active than the S.P.C.C. If pro- We look forward with heightened is amply demonstrated by his tection of animals can stimulate interest to the day when there recent consent to compile a book so much interest and ardour in our shall be absolute co-ordination of recording the history of this midst. surely we can include in our effort between the S.C.A., the Society. We all agree that this purview the child as well. This Child Welfare Society and all those is a happy choice to have in Mr. leads me to a further consideration who are concerned in the work for Ngan. a willing worker and of the Child Welfare Society of the prevention of cruelty to scholarly man for such a book, Hongkong. We are heartily glad children. The mui tsai constitute a Foreign Supporters. of its coming into existence during preponderant part of the child wel the past year, but we would like fare problem in the Colony. This
"The unwearying support of this
register. Then,
should be first organised on the initiation of the Canton public, although the Hongkong Society pledges its strong support for similar work in Kwangtung.
Still Incomplete. "As a Chinese has it: To con- quer a city is not mightier than to captivate the heart of the people.' A similar expression in English is Touching on the point of the "Opinion is the queen of the world, numerous anonymous letters re- whilst force is only its tyrant.' ceived from time to time by the This remark applies forcibly to the Anti-Mui-tsai Society, it was present owners of mui-taai, who pointed out that if the senders must be made to realise the suffer-disclosed their names in the ings of the slaves in their hands.majority of cases they might The enforcement of the law is, render better assistance to the after all, only partially effective. work of the officers of the S.C.A. The hardest task before us and the Society. If they were therefore is to educate and awaken afraid to reveal their identity, it the public conscience to the wrongs might not be necessary for them done to mui-tsai and it is hoped to give evidence. in Court. that the word "Mui-tsai" will be During the meeting a concert dropped out of the Chinese voca- was given to vary the proceedings, bulary completely. This is my
A musical item was rendered in third reason for telling you delightful manner by Messrs. that our work in the cause of Peter Cheung, Chan Tak-kwong emancipating the mui-tsai is still and Lum On-ling. Chinese music incomplete.'
and singing by Messrs. Hung Kim- Future Plans.
chau, Lam Wan-lok, Chan Shiu, The meeting also discussed and Lam Liu-yee, and Lee Dic-sang resolved to continue with the cam- was warmly applauded. Others paign to secure more members of who contributed to make the con- the Society and anyone who is cert a success were Messrs. Tso interested in this form of child Ling-wai, Ng Chi-chiu, Lee Kwok- welfare work can become a mem-leung and Lum Tin-tsai, The ber by making a first and last con- concert concluded with another tribution of fifty cents to the Chinese musical item by Messrs. Society. The possibilities of Chu Hau-cheung, Pau Shin-chuen, opening a branch society at Can-and Chu Tak-cheung.
Light re- ton to look after child welfare freshments were served.
In Sound!
Brilliant in its Air Spectacle, Tender in its Romance, Mellow in its comedy, the most Appealing Love Story of the century.
MAJESTIC
MISSIONARIES
CAPTURED.
ANOTHER BANDIT
PRIEST ESCAPES OVER WALL.
LADY RELEASED.
Hankow. Oct. 25.
A Catholic Father who escaped from Loshan, in South Honan, ten minutes before the entry of bandits, reports that the Rev. K. N. Tvedt, and Miss Evenson, of the Lutheran United Mission, failed to
escape and, it is presumed, were captured.-— Reuter.
In Bandits' Hands.
Peking. Oct. 25. The U.S. Consul in Hankow re- reived a letter on October 24 from Luahan, signed by Father Tvedt and Miss Evenson, dated October 8, stating that they were in the sands of brigands belonging to the First Red Army, who were holding hem "because of financial difficul- The Reds demanded $100,-
les.' Do ransom.
The Rev. Tvedt says that he is Norwegian subject, though in an merican organisation.
It is understood that two Ameri- an Catholics are registered as be- g at Loshan-Thomas M. Megan nd Joseph V. Henkels No definite ews of them has been received, ut it is known that Megan was here on October 15.
One Catholic priest climbed over he city wall just as the bandits ere entering the town. He is be- eved to be one of these two.- leuter.
Lady Captive Released.
Hankow, Oct. 26. The American Consulate has re- eived a telegram stating that Miss Evenson has been released and has arrived at Sinjang. The Rev. Mr. Tvedt is still held captive.-Reuter. Missionary Freed.
Peking, Oct. 25. The Italian Legation announces that it has received the information of the that Father Brugnetti, Italian Catholic Mission at Nan-
yangfu, in south-west Honan, has
been liberated.
Father Brugnetti was captured by brigands sometime ago. The Lega- tion made representations to th Chinese Government on the matter. -Reuter
POLICE PENSIONS.
New Ordinance to Be Introduced.
REMOVING
ANOMALY.
MORNING POST. MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1930.
REBELS NOT YET
SUBDUED.
Attempt to Gather New Armies.
TROUBLESOME TRIO.
Peking, Oct. 25. Feng Yu-hsiang left Taiyuanfu on October 21 for south Shansi It is believed at Taiyuanfu that he in tends to collect armies and march to Sianfu.
It is also believed that Feng Yu- hsiang. Yen Hsi-shan and Wang Ching-wei are still working together and have decided to attempt to hold Shansi, Shensi, and Kausn against all comers.
Wang Ching-wei is at present liv- ing at an hotel in Taiyuanfu, and contemplates setting up his home
The discipline among the returned Shansi soldiers is bad. Recently 30 tried to force their way into a Ger man's house, and were got rid of with difficulties. They said that they wanted accommodation. The soldiers are protesting against living in barracks outside the rity, and desire billets in houses in the city. Reuter
Marshals to Meet.
Nanking, Oct. 25. The Central News Agency learns that Chiang Kai-shek and Chang Hsueh-liang will meet shortly to discuss outstanding political ques- tions, after which they will issue a joint circular telegram outlining their programme. The venue of the meeting is most likely to be Tsing- tao-Reuter.
RIOTS IN JAPAN.
Tokyo Strikers Clash With Police.
FORTY CASUALTIES.
Tokyo, Oct. 25. Riotous scenes were witnessed late last night in Kameido, ១. suburb of Tokyo, during a clash between the police and factory workers of the Toyo Muslin Co., who have been on strike for the past five weeks.
While the Police were attempt- ing to suppress groups of strikers who were parading the streets, singing Labur songs, other strik ers in the upper storeys of neigh- bouring buildings started throwing stones on the Police below.
The ensuing fight necessitated the temporary Buspension of traffic, as the strikers started stoning passing trams, six of which were damaged.
The disturbance was finally quelled after the arrest of 150 strikers. About a dozen Police and 30 strikers were injured in the melee.-Bruter.
"REDS" RAID TOWN
IN HAINAN.
Driven Off by Garrison
With Heavy Loss.
LACK OF TROOPS.
Hainan, Oct. 22.
CHINESE REDS RIOT
IN MANILA.
Prominent Nationalists Mobbed and Stabbed.
SIX MEN WOUNDED.
Manila, Oct. 25.
The Chinese Communists last night attacked, mobbed, ard stabbed prominent meinbers of the Chinese Nationalist organisa- tion in Manila.
Six were wounded and taken to
hospital. Two of them were in critical condition.
The victims include Mr. Gan Bu-hong, the proprietor of the largest Chinese cigarette factory here as well as a school principal.
Both Mr. Ong Chuan-seng. leaders of the Kuomintang.
The first outbreak was believed to be a tong war, but later the victims asserted that the motives for the attack were purely poli- tical, having followed repeater
threats.
Police patrols are heavy and the duing the trouble since Chinatown constabulary may assist in sub-
is in an uproar.-Reuter.
CORRESPONDENCE.
The Boxer Indemnity.
(To the Editor, S. C. M. Post.)
DELIBERATE LIES IN COURT.
Witness Fined for Perjury in Assault Case.
DEFENDANT DISCHARGED.
The acquittal of the accused and the fining of one of the wit- ness of the prosecution for per- jury was the final result of the case in which Herbert Percival, stoker of H.M.S. Herald, was alleg- ed before Mr. Lindsell on Satur- day to have assaulted a barber of Wanchai.
The defendant was alleged to have obtained a packet of cigaret- tes from the complainant's stall and when asked for payment struck the seller.
Further evidence was given by Chan Fook, a barber in the com- plainant's employ. After cor- the witness roborative evidence was questioned by the Magistrate as to a cut on the defendant's cheek.
His Worship: Defendant's cheek explain was cut open; can you that?
Witness: I don't know.
You offer no explanation for that at all? Was there any trouble with anyone of the naval men except the one you saw take the cigarettes?—No.
You do not explain how his cheek was cut open? I don't know.
Any one strike him?-I did not see any one strike him.
Was he knocked down?-Pos-
Sir, The suggestion as put forward in your leader dated the 11th inst. referring to the employ-sibly; he may have been. ment of the entire or part of the grant to the Hongkong University What do you mean he may have from the Boxer Indemnity Fund been? Did you see him knocked
down? No.
for health purpose is certainly a rational and timely proposal.
It will be recalled that the Willingdon Delegation, following the investigation of conditions in China, recommended the allocation of 17% of the Fund for "education in medicine and public health and grants to hospitals." Viewed from various angles, and laying aside, pro tem, the question of the University's merit to secure such a windfall, your suggestion, if carried out, would perhaps "satisfy all demands."
Although details are not publish- ed pending the Chinese and British approval of the Governments' agreement which Dr. C. T. Wang and Sir Miles Lampson have recent- ly concluded for the satisfactory disposal of the Fund, yet it may safely be conjectured that the plan suggested by the Willingdon Dele- gation will not be closely followed as it is an open secret that the bulk of the money has already been definitely decided upon railway development enterprise. In other words, the hope of the allocation of the 17% of the Fund for health purposes is extremely remote.
You must have seen it, you were there. He may have fallen on the ground.
Fined for Perjury.
His Worship pointed out to the witness that it had been proved beyond doubt that the defendant
had had his cheek cut. The wit- ness replied, "I saw defendant knock against a glass show case as he struck the complainant."
His Worship reprimanded the witness and pointed out to him that a few minutes before he had
told the Court that he had no idea what had happened to the defen- dant's check. "Why do you lie like that?" sternly asked his Worship. "A minute ago you said you didn't know; you
Now did not see it. speak the truth! Did you see him cut his cheek or not?"
Witness: I did not see him."
His Worship: First you said you did not, then you said you did and now you say you did not again. Which is true?-I did not see.
Now that was just an absolute lie that the showcase was broken?
It was broken.
Detective Sergeant Clark in- formed his Worship that a show case had been broken, but if the defendant had fallen into it as alleged by the witness he would have had his face severely cut.
His Worship: How do you say that showcase came to be broken?
Witness: A piece of the stool flew against the glass.
He (defendant) did not fall against it as you said a minute ago? No.
Then you told a deliberate li just now when you said he banged against it. You told three dif ferent stories. I fine you $10; first one thing and then another. You keep contradicting yourself. Fined $10 or seven days.
Defendant Discharged.
The Gazette contains the draft
Located in a part of the world an Ordinance to amend the
where health conditions are de- olice Ordinance 1900.
plorable, surely there is no better This provides that Section 17
the Police Force
way for the University of using Ordinance,
the grant than to employ it for 900, be repealed and the follow-
scientific researches and the im- g section substituted therefor:
provement of public health. For 17-(1) It shall be lawful for
instance, at one of the Sanitary e Governor in Council to make
Board meetings a few months ago, gulations for the granting of
the Director of Medical and nsions to members of the Force,
Sanitary Services was in favour of in respect of service in the
the Government making arrange- orce, and to determine in special
ments with the authorities of Shek- where ses,
the regulations
to lung Leper Settlement take Admiral Chan Chak, who is in charge of lepers from Hongkong pear to the Governor in Council
be inapplicable or to require charge of the military affairs of
as a result of the total absence of odification, the amount (if any) the island left some time ago for
a leper hospital in the Colony. As the pension, the terms on which Canton after placing his special pointed out in my previous letter, shall be granted and the man- commissioner, Gen. Ziang in com- the carrying out of the scheme mand. The army at present does would mean the increase of the r in which it shall be paid. (2) Pensions granted under not seem enough to cope with all already teeming leper population of the greater this province. In adopting this is Ordinance shall be paid out of its enemies. So
are located in policy, the Colony is also open to of the part of the troops the general revenue
Mancheong and the towns near the charge that in boarding lony.
Kachek, which constitute the more imbeciles elsewhere, Hongkong, be- The Objects and Reasons heavily populated part of the sides contributing nothing towards ite:-Under section 17 of the island, and only a few garrison the the world-wide effort to stamp out lice Force Ordinance, 1900, west half of Hainan. So in the leprosy as far as research work is the Governor in Council not only eastern part of the island no open concerned, is attempting to pass on regulates the general conditions outbreak of Communism is tak to a neighbour something that it on which and the manner in which ing place, although guerilla war- regards as unpleasant to retain. pensions are to be granted to mem-fare is carried on, as evidenced by bers of the Force, but determines the wounded men being brought the question of granting a pension to Hoihow hospitals, day by day. and the amount thereof in each West of Hoihow troops are particular case. There does not stationed in Kin Kong, Fuk-san seem to be any sufficient reason and Lami-kow but in numbers they why members of the Police Force are not nearly as strong as the should be thus singled out from Commurist gang which rules the other pensionable public servants, forest near Fuk-San. On Oct. 18 or why the Governor in Council this band of Reds attacked Kin should have to deal with each case Kong, which is district city and of retirement especially where the largest town in Chen-mai district. pension is a mere matter of By surprise attack they gained the calculation,
east suburbs of the town but the troops got some machine guns into position and it is reported that the Reds were driven off with heavy loss. The Reds were said to number all the way from 600 to 1,000 but they had only two
Shanghai, Oct. 25. Kong defended by 300 troops.
After spending five nights Efforts have been made to re-
entertaining sing-song girls at the pair the main road of the west
Shang Shien Hotel, Chow Hu-wen (27), 2 dentist, part of the island but as soon as
addressed a any repair was completed
lengthy letter to the world in the Communists again wrecked the Kobe, Oct. 26.
general, advising young men not to degrade themselves by following In glorious weather, Emperor place. The military do not have Hirohito reviewed the Japanese men enough to guard the bridges poison. He was found dead yes- his example, and then swallowed navy, consisting of 165 war vessels, at night. Our Own Correspondent. Ferday afternoon and the inquest that his Worship could not con- The North-Eastern authorities pro- Sunday night and then spent until revealed that he rented a room on nose to erect a bronze statue of mory of his donation Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang in me- Friday morning surrounded by
of $2,500,000 sing-song girls and wine bottles.- to the University.
Our Own Correspondent.
BIG NAVAL REVIEW.
Japanese Emperor Views hundrel guns. Kin
165 War Vessels.
ALL MADE IN JAPAN.
aggregating 700,000 tons, every one of which was constructed Nathan Road. Phone 57222 wholly in Japan.
Seventy-two navy planes took part in an air parade.-Reuter.
Something has, therefore, to be done to solve this and similar pro- blems satisfactorily for the "mutal benefit" of both China and the British Colony. In view of the existing needs, the employment of the money for purposes as suggest- ed by you is, and as many
will doubtless agree, a legitimate pro- posal.
J. A. LEE.
HIS LAST FLINĠ.
Suicide's Open Letter to the World.
Mr. L. F. Quinn, butcher lon board the s.s. Doric Star, who was standing outside the Seamen's In- stitute, gave evidence on behalf of the defendant and intimated that he saw a crowd of Chinese attacking some sailors. He notic- ed the complainant strike the de- fendant from behind.
The defendant, in the witness hox, denied the charge and said that the complainant suddenly ac- cused him of having taken a packet of cigarettes. Witness, told the complainant that he must be mistaken as he (defendant) was a non-smoker.
His Worship said that whether or not the defendant was the man who had actually taken the packet of cigarettes without paying for it had not been established. Any- way the complainant and all his witnesses had deliberately tied to the Court in maintaining that they did not know how the defendant had come by his injuries and on
vict. If the prosecution told lies they could not get the assistance of the Court.
The defendant was ac. ¡dingly discharged
unts n is
SOUTH CHINA MORNING
SANITARY
APPLIANCES
such as-
BATHS, LAVATORY
BASINS, FLUSH
TOILETS, SOAP AND SPONGE HOLDERS, TOWEL RAILS,
MIRRORS AND
TUMBLER HOLDERS,
C. E. Warren &
Co., Ltd.
China Building. Tel. 20969.
POST. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1.930.
passed laws for the protection of children, but these are not being fully enforced. According to the Industrial Employment of Children Ordinance of 1922, no person shall employ a child un- der the age of ten years in any factory, children must not be employed in dangerous trades and children under twelve years of age must not be employed carrying coal or building ma- terial or debris. According to other Regulations, no females or children of either sex are per- mitted to take part in proces- sions unless they are seated on platforms or ride on horses. This regulation is not precisely "industrial:" it was apparently designed to exclude women and children from political or other risks. Nevertheless it may be used as a weapon by reformers. Even to-day; despite the Ordin- ances, children may be seen staggering under heavy weights, particularly in funeral proces- sions, wherein. some of them mere babies, they ride neither on horses nor platforms but in fact carry the platforms. Ut course, we shall be met with the old economic argument, that these children must work be- f cause their parents are too poor g to support them in idleness or N send them to school. We can-
The Dorning Post not, however, indulge indefinite-
28TH YEAR. HONGKONG.
No. 7,363.
O satisfy us es with Thy mercy; that w may rejoice and be glad all our days. Pe. 90:14.
ly these distressing faults in our economic state. At some point the economic problem must be attacked. Overpopulation, high rents, high cost of living, sweat- ed labour-if these defy refor mative pressure, then in the last resort it must be applied at the other end. When analysed the Protection of Children. aleged necessity for very young
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1930.
children to earn their living be- come less convincing. If, ac- The Society for the rescue of cording to their parents, they Mui-tsai displays a pleasing de- are employable at seven years, termination to continue its la- and the law stipulates ten or bours, and the figures quoted at twelve years, that means provi- the annual meeting of members sion for five years at the most. on Saturday indicate that there According to the 1921 Census, is still great need for vigilance. there were in Hongkong and According to the Society's ori-Kowloon (not including the Newä ginal estimate, there are about Territories), under 50,000 Chin-S 8,000 mui-tsai in Hongkong, but ese children under the age of v the total registrations under the fourteen, the year classes being t new Ordinance number only more or less equal (about 3,500). T 4,299. The remainder are prob- If we add a third, to compensate ably by now "adopted daugh- for omissions and for increase ters, a convenient term of since, the total
becomes ap- evasion which, however, does proximately 70,000, or 5,000 in not necessarily mean any im- each year-class. These figures, provement in the lot of the little however, include the children slaves. The fact that cases of of the wealthy. Calling them cruelty are still being discovered one-third, we reduce the totals is significant; and, unfortunate- again to 50,000 (3,500 in each ly, only a small percentage of year-class) who are too poor to the brutality comes to light. attend school or must assist Readers will have been struck their parents. Of the fourteen by the comparative paucity of classes, classes 1 to 5 are too the Society's results. During young to work even if their last year only 56 mui-tsai cases parents want them to, which re- were dealt with by the Society, duces our total (50,000 less and only three convictions were 17,500) to 32,500. Those be- obtained. It is, however, inter-tween 12 and 14 years of age esting to note that 43 cases may also be excluded and allow- arose from complaints made by ed to work until provision can be the mui-tsai themselves, indicat-made for them. By the employ- ing an encouraging awakening ment of vigilant inspectors we of the children to their position. might also compel parents to The Society's work suffers great-maintain at home the sixth and ly from the timidity of the pub-seventh classes, reducing the lic. Reports are made to the total further by 7,000 to 18,500. Society, but the informers, fear-Free schools, orphanages and ful of personal reprisals, will not such institutions to appear publicly. Some stiffen-date these should not be beyond ing of moral fibre is necessary, the community's means. or, alternatively, more inspectors should be employed, by Govern- B ment or by the Society, so as to permit observation of cases of M suspected ill-treatment. Since 28 half of the mui-tsai are now 01 "adopted daughters," however, st the Society's status is somewhat h doubtful. While the slavery'v evil still requires combatment, th the principal evil is cruelty; and, ti cruelty not being confined to to mui-tsai, the task of prevention T is one for a Society for the Pro-o tection of Children. Such a So- ciety was formed last year, but appears to be largely ornamental. According to the friends of the mui-tsai, the companion society employs but one inspector, a young lady, and the charge is made that its members are neither genuine nor enthusiastic. "There is a difference in thoroughness," said one of the speakers, and it would certainly appear that if the Society for the Protection of Children is do- ing anything, it is content to ac-s complish good by stealth. It is d
a pity that these two societies should not co-operate. Some months ago we urged an amal- gamation. There is no reason why the Society for the Protec- tion of Children should not also le condemn the mui-tsai system, an and the members of the Anti- in Mui-tsai Society would reinforce the combined organisation with sto the enthusiasm which the newer gu body needs. That there is work be for all friends of children in Hongkong should need no em- phasis. Compared with the wh friends of animals, these other Wo humanitarians are lamentably an Fa inactive. The Government has wit
accommo-
DIAL AD V
POST. TUESDAY,
28, 1930.
Questions at Sanitary Board Meeting.
FEARS OF CHINESE.
Problems connected with the chlorination of water, are to be
service of the rank and file of the liable is certainly true and many CHLORINATED WATER.
Te to religious minds would do well to accept this truth and readjust pru-some of their conceptions to agree the with it. God has without doubt one set limits to His omnipotence. how Certain things He will not do. An It important express train was about of to leave a terminus when a woman and arrived at the station-master's help office and asked to speak to the rain general manager. When she got the through to him, she begged him need to delay the train for a quarter of wo- an hour. She explained that her ives son had met with an accident and was not expected to live. His father was on his way, but could debt not arrive for a quarter of an the hour. The only chance of his see- of ing the boy alive was to catch the aber train. Could it not be delayed?
in The Manager replied that he ften was exceedingly sorry but that the e to train made several important con- e tonexions which would be lost if the of train did not start on time, and ense that there might be others on the and train to whom it was as important
is that the train should start on time with as it was for the father that it ould should be delayed. He concluded bear kindly but firmly by saying that cent. it was his business, in the in- and terests of the community, as a whole, to maintain as reliable a train service as possible.
hing und-
The Answer to Prayer, Similarly, God in His wisdom the maintains a reliable universe.
And yet God is infinitely greater ghts than a general manager. He knows that all men's need, and it is certain s it that He has ways of working hich i which we still cannot follow. it is Moreover He has taught
are through His son to pray about our inly needs.
Christ would not have
raised at to-day's meeting of the Sanitary Board when Mr. T. N., Chau, pursuant to notice, will ask:
"In view of the fear expressed by certain members of the Chinese community that the frequent drinking of chlorinated water might be injurious to health, will the Head of the Sanitary Depart- ment inform the Board:
i. Whether in the opinion of the Medical Officers of Health such is the case or, not?
ii. Whether the quantity of chlorinated lime used on: each and every occasion is prescribed and supervised by) expert officers?
iii. Whether there is any other
chemical substance of less' pronounced odour and taste! which could be effectively substituted for chlorinated lime?
iv. If the answer to question (ii) is in the negative, can anything be done to remove or lessen the very disagree- able odour and taste?"
CHINESE ESTATES.
Probate Granted in Three Cases.
ONE INTESTATE,
Tang Man-pong, late of No. 103,
s as given us the Lord's Prayer if it His were absurd to expect God to an ore swer our prayers. He taught s to say "Our Father, give us, our if daily bread and deliver us from Wanchai Road, who died at St. ugh evil."
While therefore the Chris-Paul's Hospital on January 11, this ject. tian realises that God is concerned year, left Hongkong estate which een about all His creation,
has been valued at $18,800. and, will having no favourites, will not act bate of the wil has been granted buld for the benefit of one to the detri- to Tang Shiu-shan and Tang Man- ment of another, yet he has no tun, father and elder brother yet hesitation in simply presenting to spectively, both of whom are liv ary his Heavenly Father either his ing at the Wanchai address, and vely own needs
or those of others.
the executors in the will. Testator
Then he just leaves the matter in gt God's hands, believing firmly that evil, a God of love will act for met benefit to His servant if to do so was left by Leung Lok-hing, alias Hongkong estate worth $17,300) His is consistent with His divine plans. Leung Cheong-kee, alias Leung ant It is thus that a Christian prays Hing-kee, alias Leung Shun-kee, ing for himself or others in sickness. who died at the Tai Leung Bazaar, all In conclusion let us return to Shun Tak District, Kwangtung, on
our starting point. We saw that
directs that everything shall go to a son to be adopted by the elder brother. the
the the Christian view of God as the August 26, last year.
Probate of
Man-shuk,
nd source of all health, the giver of the will has been granted to his life, forms the background for the who is temporarily residing at No.:
only daughter, Leung highest healing work. It forms 50. Bonham Road. Everything is the background also for the sick bequeathed to the petitioner, who is the sole executrix appointed in the
The Christian lives in a friendly will.
a God of love reigns. No amount
about June 23, 1928, at No. 7, Po
of age, who died intestate on or
Hing Fong, Hongkong, left local
universe in which and over which Fan Ho-tsun, a minor, 19 years
of pain and suffering can persuade him to adopt a harsh and bitter outlook on life. When suffering
od of any sort comes he finds peace
estate to the value of $9,300, this having been bequeathed to him
in the fellowship of Christ's suf- under another will of the year ferings. He knows himself to be 1915. Letters of administration
of treading the same path as his have been granted to his mother Lord, and he has with him con- and guardian, Fan Chan-shi, for tinually the sustaining and trium- the use and benefit of Fan Ho- edphing presence of Christ. IIe
tion take.
feels himself bound very closely tsun, also a minor.
Local estate worth $4,600
to his master. If he is released left by Ethel Ho, otherwise Ho of from sickness he rejoices in the Li Kwai Kiu (or Kau), late of
a triumph off the healing power of No. 77, Fong Lok Li, North God and is grateful; if suffering Szechuen Road, Shanghai, who -continues he faces it in the power formerly lived at No. 36, Mongkok to of God and praises Him for His
Road, Kowloon, and died at the
ce Sustaining love.
Thus it is that St. Paul, after Chinese Isolation Hospital, Shang- an much suffering, was able to say:
hai, on May 20, this year.
"I am persuaded that neither death, Probate of the will has been
14. now things present nor granted to Chong How-fo, of No.
to 1306. Young Street, Honolulu,
d, Hawaii. temporarily residing at
No. 2, Bonham Road.
succ wast
YES!-BUT VEI
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