( 142 )
The CHAIRMAN.--Such as our Police Court proceedings?
A. Yes, as the Magistrate's Court or the Supreme Court. I think my main objection is removed at once.
Honourable Ho KAI.-And all other objections removed?
A. That great objection.
Q.-But as far as the other objections?
A.--As to conferring a status still I think there is an objection to that, because as I have stated, the masses would consider that as a sort of Government Department.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-And regard its acts?
A.-As part of the Government.
Honourable Ho KAI.-What harm would be done? You know in every Chinese town and village there are leading citizens to whom the masses look up and who transact their business for them?
A.-I say my main objection is overcome if there should be absolute publicity, if any house established, where girls were detained, was open to inspection at all reasonable times by Justices of the Peace, and members, and others. I think then that it might be allowed, might be worked.
Q.-Now, one thing I do not understand. Mr. WHITEHEAD asked you whether it would be well to permit enquiry into the private life, and family, and social concerns of the Chinese. Do you know as a matter of fact that that is done by the Pó Léung Kuk Society ?
A.-I do not know.
Q.-Have you asked any Chinaman whether that was done?
A.—I have heard sometimes that girls were interfered with. That is what I referred to by "their family and social life."
Q.-You don't call the life of girls in Taipingshan "family life," do you? A.--Suppose a man is suspicious that a girl in a house is a kidnapped girl. If there are any enquiries set on foot and are carried on in private I think it is interference.
Q.-That would occur if there was no Pó Leung Kuk in existence ?
A.—That is all right, if that interference results in anything and is brought to light by publicity it can pass perhaps, but the whole thing rests upon that. If the people have a status given to them, police and detectives at their service, and no publicity, I should say it is possible, not only in China but in England, that there would be inter- ference with the social and family life of the people.
The CHAIRMAN. You have said a good deal about the "status" of the Society. Do you know that the Pó Léung Kuk has at present a status, a Government status?
A. I know that its rules have been recognised by the Government. - Q.-And published in the Gazette ?
A. Yes.
Q. What would be the difference then between these rules, and the rules embodied in an Ordinance ?
A.-There would be a difference, I think, in the eyes of the Chinese.
Q.-Would you tell us what the difference would be in the eyes of the Chinese? A.--The difference would be that a law has been made and published giving this Society its status, and I consider that the masses...