52
Rogister of intended emigrants.
Signature of indenture,
&c.
Medical inspection.
Vessels conveying emigrants.
Appointment
of Chinese Consuls.
LABOUR CONVENTION.
engagement and shipment of the emigrants, and in which the Chinese Inspector and his staff shall have suitable accommodation for carrying on their duties.
IV. (1) There shall be posted up in conspicuous places throughout the Emigration Agency, and more especially in that part of it called the Dêpot, destined for the reception of intending emigrants, copies of the Indenture to be entered into with the emigrant, drawn up in the Chinese and English languages, together with copies of the special Ordinance, if any, relating to immigration into the particular Colony or Protectorate for which the emigrants are required.
(2) There shall be kept a register in English and in Chinese, in which the names of intending indentured emigrants shall be inscribed, and in this register there shall not be inscribed the name of any person who is under 20 years of age, unless he shall have produced proof of his having obtained the consent of his parents or other lawful guardians to emigrate, or, in default of these, of the Magistrate of the district to which he belongs. After signature of the indenture according to the Chinese manner, the emigrant shall not be permitted to leave the Depot, previously to his embarkation, without a pass signed by the Chinese Inspector, and countersigned by the British Consular Officer or his delegate, unless he shall have, through the Chinese Inspector, renounced his agreement and withdrawn his name from the register of emigrants.
(3) Before the sailing of the ship each emigrant shall be carefully examined by a qualified medical officer nominated by the British Consular Officer or his delegate. The emigrants shall be paraded before the British Consular Officer or his delegate and the Chinese Inspector or his delegate, and questioned with a view to ascertain their perfect understanding of the indenture.
V. All ships employed in the conveyance of indentured emigrants from China under this Convention shall engage and embark them only at a Treaty Port, and shall comply with the Regulations contained in the schedule hereto annexed and forming part of the Convention.
VI. For the better protection of the emigrant, and of any other Chinese subject who may happen to be residing in the Colony or Protectorate to which the emigration is to take place, it shall be competent to the Emperor of China to appoint a Consul or Vice-Consul to watch over their interests and well-being, and such Consul or Vice-Consul shall have all the rights and privileges accorded to the Consuls of other nations.
VII. Every indenture entered into under the present Articles shall specify clearly the name of the country for which the labourer is required, the duration of the engagement, and, if renewable, on what terms, the number of hours of labour per working day, the nature of the work, the conditions of engagement.