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The CHAIRMAN.-Was it not the desire of the Chinese that they should have a recognised status?
A. (To the CHAIRMAN). You must know all about it. The Chinese come to you and want your guidance and protection. The Chinese have no faith in what they themselves do. If you did not take up the matter, no one would dare to carry on the work as it is. If the Registrar General does not look after what is lawful and what is right, the Society would be accused of being a Triad Society or something of that sort. They are trying to do the best for the Colony, and that is all. We have seen lately, in a great many papers, that it has been called a Secret Society.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-That will be quite explained. A.—I know that the Chinese are greatly hurt by the word.
Q. What the Society is doing is perfectly legal, otherwise we should have had the directors brought to the Police Court. The Registrar General is always consulted in all matters to keep you straight, if possible, on legal points?
A. Yes, that is so.
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Q.-That being so, do you think there is any necessity for the present Ordinance outside of voting money?
A.-I think the Ordinance would put the Society in better form and on a better footing in a legal sense. But whether you have this Ordinance or not, the Chinese are simply acting as well as they can, and they want to point out that they don't wish the public to give them a bad name. They were charged by this name.
"Secret Society, so we are in favour of the present Ordinance.
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Q.-Would it make any difference to the good you are doing to-day if that Ordinance were not passed? I am not alluding to the vote of money yet. Would it make any difference to the Society?
A.-We would rather have the Ordinance. We want this Ordinance to put the Society on a better footing and save all future disputes or charges, false charges.
Q.-Is the present building where these unfortunate women are kept suitable for them ?
A.-No. We have often petitioned the Government, and the Government said "We have no funds at present."
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Q.-You get your subscriptions from the members?
A.-Certainly.
Q.-$10 a year?
A.--$10 is for life.
Q. How many members are there?
A.-I cannot tell
you.
Q. How do you maintain the establishment?
A.-The Tung Wa Hospital has spent more than $2,000 from its funds every year until they are unable to pay. The Tung Wa Hospital expects to be relieved of it.
Q.-Have you seen the new building which has been erected?
A. Yes.
Q-Is it suitable?
A.-No, it is not suitable.
Q.-Why?
A.-It is so high.
who is to protect them. anything to happen.
Suppose a fire happens, who is to take care of these girls, and And you must know that, in that locality, you may expect