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Appendix No. 2. Letter
Colonial Secretary to Chairman.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONG KONG, 14th March, 1935.
No. 1961/1910.
FIR.
Number and date should be quoted
in reference to this letter.
With reference to my letter of even number dated 3rd December, 1934, I am directed to enquire whether your Committee sees any objection to the immediate in- traduction of amending legislation with a view to ensuring that any girl on attaining the age of eighteen shall automatically cease to be a Mui-tsai, in accordance with the first of Sir George Maxwell's suggestions contained in the print which accompanied my letter under reference.
I am, Sir, Your obedient servant,
F. H. LOSEBY, Esq.,
Messrs. Russ & Co.,
6. Des Voeux Road Central,
Hong Kong.
R. A. C. NORTH,
p. Colonial Secretary.
Appendix No. 3. Letter
Chairman to Colonial Secretary.
21st March, 1935.
THE HONOURABLE,
SIR,
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
I have the honour to reply to your letter of the 14th March, 1935 (No. 1961/1910), enquiring "whether the Committee sees any objection to the immediate introduction of amending legislation with a view to ensuring that any girl on attaining the age of eighteen shall automatically cease to be a Mui-tsai, in accordance with the first of Sir George Maxwell's suggestions."
""
The Committee considers that children between eighteen and twenty-one need the protection of the guardianship of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs at that period pro- bably more than during their earlier years. The Committee fears that the adoption of Sir George Maxwell's suggestion may have the effect of depriving these children of that guardianship. The powers and duties of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, as legal guardian of these children, have still to receive much further consideration. The Committee hopes that any immediate decision that might alter the position may be deferred for the present.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
F. H. LOSEBY,
Chairman.
MUI-TSAI COMMITTEE.