[ LXXXI ]
Suggestions by Mr. John J. Francis for the Organization of the proposed Chinese Society for the Protection of Women and Children.
1. That the promoters form themselves into a Company under "The Companies Ordinance, 1865." Any seven persons associated together for any lawful purpose may do this. It need not necessarily be for any trading or manufacturing purpose.
2. All subscribers of 10 dollars to the funds of the Association should be members thereof, with power to vote, &c., but should not be liable for any further subscriptions or for any contribution during the existence of the Society, but, in the event of the Company being wound up, and money being needed to pay off any liabilities, all existing members ought to become liable to pay a further sum of 10 dollars each.
(a.) This would be a Society or Company limited by guarantee.
(b.) The advantages of forming a company are manifold. The Association
would thus obtain-
Corporate existence and definite legal status,
Perpetual succession,
A common seal.
and with this, more prompt and cordial recognition from the Government and the public.
3. That the objects of the Society should be the protection of women and children generally :-
1. By labouring for the suppression and detection of kidnapping and kid-
nappers.
2. By undertaking the restoration to their homes of all women and children decoyed or kidnapped into the Colony for purposes of prostitution, emigration, or slavery.
3. By providing for the maintenance and support of women and children
pending investigation and restoration to their homes.
4. By undertaking to marry or set out in life women and children who could
not safely be returned to their homes or families.
The establishment of a refuge for homeless women and children.
The raising of funds for all or any of these purposes.
The propagation by books, fly sheets, &c. &c., of a knowledge of the English law on the subject of kidnapping and slavery among the Chinese here and on the mainland.
4. That the Society be managed by a Committee of seven members. The first members to be the signers of the memorandum of association. Two to retire annually, and their places to be filled by election by the votes of the shareholders.
5. That the Governor have a veto on the election of any member.
6. That the proceedings of the Committee be regularly recorded in detail, and be always open to inspection of the Government.
7. That annual accounts be furnished to the Government.
8. That the Society engages and pays its own officers and detectives, who, if approved by the Government, and guaranteed by the Society in the sum of $100 each, be sworn in as special constables, but to be used for the sole purpose of suppressing kidnapping and detecting kidnappers.
Such detectives to report daily to the police superintendent, but not to be otherwise under his orders.