HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, AUGUST"
MUI TSAI
TSAL SYSTEM
REPORT TO BRITISH
GOVERNMENT
Adoption And Purchase
''
The Commission appointed by Mr. J. H. Thomas, as Colonial Secretary, to report on the “mui tsai''. system in Malaya and Hong Kong has completed its investiga- tions, and the 'members are now on their way back to England. The report will come before Mr. Ormsby- Gore, and Malaya is curious to know whether the new Colonial Secretary is as convinced as was his predeces- sor that this system of buying young girls as domestic servants shelters a form of slavery intolerable in the Empire.
г
Malaya welcomed the appoint-economic burdens, and fathers are ment of a Commission, and gave willing to sell the little girls to full assistance to the visiting.mem- richer men tor use as unpaid do- bers in their investigations. In the mestic servanta until they are 18 case of Malaya at least the Com-year mission was expected. to recognize the need for a clearer distinction
berween the status of a "mui tsal" and on adopted child.
The "mul taal" system is an an- elent factor in the social and economic life of the Chinese, who are. perhaps, the most prolific race in the world. As child after child
born into coolle familles, daugh- ters fall deeper into disfavour as
P. W. D.
ald. These girls are
tsal. They are defined as female domestic servants whose custody, possession, control, or guardian- ship has been acquired either directly or indirectly by way of pledge or in settlement of debt. They live and are fed in the homes where they work. Since this an- clent custom
to Malaya spread from China most "mui tsal" have
lived happlly and healthily, and
ISSUES
A Comprehensive Survey
the
The annual report of the Dir- ector of Public Works for 1935 was among
papers laid on the table at yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Couns):-
The report states:
BUILDINGS
37.
Anti-Malarial
work in
many have chosen u stay in the familles ol their masters after reaching the age of freedom. Some, indeed, have been taken as wives. But the evil possibilities of the sys- ten are apparent. and occasionally have been allowed to develop.
THE "LITTLE SISTERS" In 1933 Malaya passed" an Ordi- nance making the "mui tsa!" sys- tem
illegal. It was generally thought that it would be easier to abolish the system In Malays than in Hong Kong. Because there are fever Chinese in this country, and less abject poverty, and Malaya ja farther away from China, where the practice is se deeply rooted. Enactments rarely hasten changes in thought and custom dependent so largely on economic conditions, and little sisters" continue to find their way into wealthy homes among the Chinese. Those who know the Chinese declare that Malaya is disposed to abolish the the place of "mut practice, but tsal" must be taken by adopted il-a change that will be slow of accomplishment until the status of the adopted girls in raised and more clearly 'defined.
In Chinese law an adopted girl is entitled to all the privileges of a member of the family, and if the head of the house dies Intestate she is given her share of the in- heritance. This legal grant of full status to adopted children deters adults from using adoption to dis- gulse "m'il taal" practice. British
law gives no such recognition to the adopted child, and in Malaya it is often difficult to detect the culprit who claims to have adopted a girl, but has really bought her. The Commission has recognizes this, and has recognized too the benefits of adoption as a means of bringing education and food to many poor children. Taking as its main purpose the prevention of buying and selling children, the Commission has searched for loop hoirs in the Ordinance allowing the "mui tsal" system to be practised under the guise of adoption.
28, 1936.
OBITUARY
Old Local Resident » Passes Away
MRS. ROSE WHITE
It is with deep regret that we record che death of Mrs. Rose Emma White, mother of Mr. Her-
Kowloon Hotel. which took place man J. White, manager of the
yesterday morning at her re- sidence, No. 5 Chan Kwong Road, Happy Valley, at the
age of 65 years. niter a residence in the Colony for 62 years
The late Mrs. White was prefe
White in 1905, and leaves three ceased by her husband, H.-J. B.
sons and three daughters. with
sympathy will
whom extended.
much
be
The late Mrs. White had been The members of the Commissioul
ta indifferent health for some are Str. R. W. Woods, Mr. C. A Wills, and Miss E. Pieton-Turber-away from a heart attack.
considerable time, and she passed ville. They have held consultations death will come as a, shock to a Her
with Government officials, Legia-large circle of felends. lative and Federal Councillors, and prominent citizens. "questionnaires," and paid surprise They issued visits to Chinese homes where they spoke through Interpreters to mul taal" they found-there. They have spoken to fathers by adoption, and learned that the Chinese often adopt children for the sake of ancestral worship, which
has a wholesome influence on the masses. Dubbed members of the "Nothing to Tsal" Commission, because of their secrecy, Str W. W. Woods and Hanssociates have taken. the greatest pains: Malaya expects that their recommendations, if accept- ed. will still the voice of reformers in Britain and reflect the economic requirements" of the Chinese.
mourners.
Miss
GORDONS
DRY GIN
LONDO
if it's
II
WHITEST
PUREST
& BEST
The Largest Gin
Distillers in the World
Gordon's
GIN
you know what you're drinking
NO COLOURING MATTER NO INJURIOUS INGREDIENTS
Mrs. A. May, Madame Leirts, Mr. He was an Associate Member of Matha Lyen and family, L. the Australasian Institute of Lammert, E T. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Mining and Metallurgy. J. S. Landolt and Wallace, Mr and Mrs. W.. H. Peters, Mr. and joined the Hop Sang Coal Mining
About three years ago Mr. Kim
Rozario, Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. G. T. Padgett, Mme. E. L. do Co. in Kwangsi as Chler Mining Rakusen, Mr. and Mrs. E A. dos month azo
N. Engineer. and resigned only a Remedios. Mr. and Mrs. J. R.health."
account of M-
Sulter, Miss L M. de Souza, Mr. |
M.
There was" a large attendance at the funeral yesterday afternoon. at the Protestant Cemetery. The Rev. Cyril Brown Chap.in of the Missions to Seamen officiated at the graveside. The deceased's three sons, Messrs. H. J. White, N... B White and G. H. White and two daughters, Mrs. M. A. R. Souza and Mrs. L. C. R. Souza, were the White, second daughter of the Maude deceased was unable to
attend owing to illness. Other mourners included. Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. In addition to minor works the law) Mr. W. Allen (brother of the Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Silva, Mr. and H. A. Allen (brother and sister-in-Arthur Samy. Mrs. V. L Spink, Usua maintenance of Wireless
deceased), Stations, telephones, lights, fans. C. R. Souza (sons-in-law).
Messrs. M. A. R. and Mrs. Tutchings, Mr. C. W. H. bells. Lifts, terry pler hoists, trame
Wilson. C. da Roza, O. M. Rozario. "Among those present were Mr.
M. Remedios, Mrs. K. Way, Mrs. satisfactory supply maintained to lights, etc., was carried out. The the end of the year.
i installations were all maintained and Mrs. F. Elliott, Mr. J. Maxwels,
M. B. Xavier, Members of the Mr. and Mrs... 9. Landolt, Mr.
Local Staff, good order.
L. Gardiner, Mr. W. K Way, Mr. BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE R. Basa, Mr. C. A. Rodrigues, Mr. C. A. S. Alves, M. F. Schnepal, Miss A. "Ismail, Mr. H Kew, Mrs C. Muliar and many others.
REPORT
A small supply scheme for Cas- tle Peak was investigated.
The second sections of the Hong Dragon's Back and Mount Parker Kong was completed at Sookunpoo | Catchwaters were completed dur- and continued at Mount Parkering the year thus completing the total cerruction of catchwaters under Streams were trained to a length of 12.921 feet with 3,522 the scheme. Two roller sluice feet at subsoll drains. At Kowloon gates were ordered from England Tong work Was continued-nul- to bypass the discharge of the lahs, "channels, pipe drains and Tytam Tuk East Catchwater when
constructed to Tytam Tuk Reservoir.. is full. culverts were length of 3672 feet, and "cutting
The laying of the second Cross and filing" amounting
Harbour Pipe (18" diameter) was cubic yards was carried out.
completed during the first half of WORKS
WATER
to
A
2.300
In Hong Kong the following lengths of new mains were laid to improve distribution:-676 feet of 12, 774 feet of 10", 3,048 feet of 8", 1.012 feet of e" and 3,302 feet of 4" and under. 1022 feet of subsidiary mulus were also laid in back lanes
since.
the year.
RECLAMATIONS
The volume of new building
а
works coming under the jurisdic tion of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, shewed slight decline when compared with 1934. The industry was neverthe less fairly actively engaged.".
The plans approved were largely for works of alteration and addi- tions to existing domestic build- Ings. In contrast to this however, many works of magnitude in the nature of Banks, Once Blocks and Factories etc.. were dealt with.
new Central British School од
to St.
Three wreaths, one from the and Herman, were interned with famly, and one each from Maude the remains.
L.
The following sent Moral tributes: Rose, Lulci, Lulz. and Elaine, Lena and B, Grace and Marte. Dot.
Chartered Bank: Portuguese Staff, Chartered Bank: The "Mess," Ah Wing's; Captain and Officers, as. Kwong Sat; The
Staff
Kowloon Hotel, Chinese Staff, "Homeville."
MR. J. E. L. KIM
The death of Mr. J. P. L. Kim whien occurred on Wednesday afternoon, at the French Hospital. will come as a blow to a large The late Mr.
circle of friends. Dr. V. N.
Works completed were:-Upper
June and Arthur, Levels Police Station; Latrines at
Winnie, Marcus, Eric and George, two new bathing beaches; cold
Wilma and Ronnie, storage rcoms
Central at the
Atienza, W. Allen. Mrs. C. F. Easto, Medical Store; Outpatients Depart-
Mr. and "Mr. A. H. Basto, Mr. ment.at the Kowloon Hospital; a Furniture Workshop and Store at
Amongst the more important and Mrs. B. Basto, Mr. and Mrs. works for which plans wore ap-J. J. Basto, R. Basa, L. E. Basto. Hung Hom; quarters for gardeners
A sea will extending 700 eastwards from ML 431 was con-
feet proved were:-New Factory of the F. Ballimoria. H. Charrington. Mr. at the Kowloon Hospital; and a
British American Tobacco Co., and Mrs. F. Clero, M. A. Cairns. the
structed to low water level on the Ltd. on Gloucester Road; new Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Coates, Miss V. system new hot water
to Maternity Block of the Victoria
seaward limit of the area reclaimed at North Point, about Causeway Bay: new station and Elett and family, E. 8. Ford, Mr. to be quarters at the French Convent, Charrington, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hospital...
Works under construction were:
two acres of this area was reclaim- ate at the Lower Peak Tramway and Mrs. F. A. Hamer and family, -Gaol at Stanley: Queen Mary
ed. The construction of a length Station, Garden Road; new J. Gonsalves, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hospital; Market at Wancha!: The Jardines Lookout Section of of about 700 lineal feet of sea Church at Causeway Bay; Indus- Gosling, Tony Gomes, Mr. and Mrs. Trade School; and a Magistracythe Eastern Pumping Scheme was wall at Kennedy Town together trial School on Third Street: office Kwok Chan, Rose and Hope Kew. at Kowloon,
completed in February and has with a live stock landing were block at No. 10 Queen's Road. Mrs. S. E. Irmal and Miss A. H. „COMMUNICATIONS
worked satisfactorily
The completed to cope level and ap- Central; school for the Italian Ismail, W. B.. Jenkins, L. Jenkins, Middie Gap and Mt. Cameron proximately one acre of the aren Convent on Caine Road; large Mrs. J. McKenzie and family, Mr. "Works completed were:-King's Sections of the Scheme were pro at the back of the sea wall was block of fats and garages on Plan- and Mrs. J. J. Maxwell and family, Road (formerly called Shaukiwan | ceęded with and were almost com- reclaimed. About 300 feet of sea tation Road; new building for the Mr. and Mrs, G, Miller and family. Road) from North Point House to pleted by the end of thhe year. and quay walling were completed Salesian Fathers on Island Road. Mr. and Mrs. H. W. B. Muskett Taiko Sugar Rednery:" Approach These sections comprise two hur- at Ma Tau Kok and an aren of Shaukiwan, swimming pool and Mr. and Mrs. G. T. May, Leonor Road to the proposed Government bine driven ram pumps each cap-approximately me acre reclaimed, retaining walls at Repulse Bay: Montalto de Jesus and family, House Bite at Magazine Gap; sur-able of delivering 3,000 gallons per The rubble foundations of the sea facing, kerbing and channelling to hour from Eastern Fiter Beds wall at Kun Tong were extended a Argyle Street, extension streets in front of new houses in through a 5" diameter rising main distance of 800 feet. making" a | Mary's School on Austin Road. School at Aberdeen;. “Rest House" Kowloon and New Kowloon: sur- about 3,000 feet in length to 2 total of 3.500 lineal feet and the Maryknoll
a: Stanley; Club House at Kowloon Convent School on facing market area at Taipo Mar- covered service reservoir at Middle, sea wall to protect the souther Waterloo
Tong; Gas holder and tar tanks at Road ·and Boundary ket; erection of village nameplates Gap 778 A.OD. and of 200.000 section of the reclamation
To Kwa Wan; motor bus shelters was Street; substation for the China and sign-posts in New Territories; gallons capacity. Two electrically constructed for a distance of 990 Light and Power
at Tsim Sha Taul: widening and Co., Ltd... on strengthening and improving the driven ram pumps are housed be- lineat feet. Over 2.000.000 cube Chatham Road; engineering work Wharf and Godown Co., Ltd, block lengthening of pier at the Kowloon Fanling-Sha Tau Kok Road below Middle, Gap Service Reservoir. yards of harbour, dredging have shop for the China Light and tween Au Ha Gap and Sha Tau Each pump is capable of deliver been dumped within the protected Power Co., Ltd. on Dyer Avenue: of twenty-four European houses at Kok Police Station: widening of ing 1.800 gallons per hour through area bringing an area of about site formation for large residential
Shamshulpo. Taipo Market to Fanling Road. a 3" diameter rising main about twenty acres up to the level of low and day school at Hau Pui Loong:
Occupation permits were issued between Nam Sha Po and Fanling 2000 feet in length to a covered water approximately.
motor bus shelters at Tsim Sha
for 158 Chinese tenement houses, or cross roads; improvements to dan- service reservoir 1323. A.D.D. on
this number sixty-one were erected Taul; private hospital on Kiu Klang in Kowloon and ninety-seven on gerous bends at 51, 64 and 73 miles Mt. Cameron This reservoir has
ELECTRICAL WORKS
Street; widening and lengthening the island, of the latter number. on the Talpo Road, streets at a capacity of 100,000 gallons and Works in band completed of pier at the Kowloon Wharf and Talpo Market and Un Long were la connected by 1.25% feet of 3′′
were:-Installations for the new Godown Co., Ltd.: "Chinese hotel eleven were erected on the Praya surfaced, kerbed and channelled diameter piping to the Peak dis-buildings constructed under
East Reclamation, making a total the on Nathan Road; and Dispensary to date on this area of 1,016 houses. in front of new houses; and in-tribution system,
Architectural Office and rewiring on Yee Kuk Street. -
There was a slight increase in the proving bends on road to Sha Tin A scheme to Improve the. Stan- a number of Hospital, Police and Gap. Following upon the general ley District Water Supply was Quarters etc. blocks in Hong Kong
number of occupation permits is development of the Island and approved and a Paterson Pressure and Kowloon,
sued for European type houses, Buildings of importance com-thirty-five being erected on the Is-
·Mainland, kërbing, surfacing and Filtration Plant to deal with 200,-
Improvements and additions pleted were:-New Hong Kong and land und fifty-nine in Kowloon. channelling were laid where re-000 gallons per day was ordered were made in twenty-two build Shanghal Bank on Queen's Road quired. Queen's College recrea- from England. Tenders for the
There was a decrease in the nium- inge in Hong Kong, six buildings and Des Voeux Road, Central: her of non-domestic type buildings tion ground was levelled and re-construction of two covered ser- in Kowloon and five buildings in
Cheero Club on Queen's Road, Cen-completed when compared with the vice reservoirs were called for at New Territories. Bixty fans and tral; new factory of the British returns of the preceding year. Works under construction were: the end of the year, one of 200.000 thirteen telephones were install-American Tobacco Co., Ltd on -King's Road from Causeway Bay gallons capacity and the other of
The number of water flushed to North Point Power House and 80.000 gallons capacity. The lat- tion work was carried out in con- Soldiers and Sailors Home on Hen- amounted to 2,331
ed in various buildings. Illumina- Gloucester Road; extension to the sanitary appliances approved improvements to various subsidiary ter is intended principally for the nection with the Jubilee Celebra-ssy Road; site development and
New Prison. During the year the
main following lengths of
were lald at Stanley:-714 feet of 8". 1,248 feet of 5", 2,433 feet of 4 and 4.148 feet of 3".
turfed.
roads on the mainland,
DRAINAGE
tion,
or
BUILDINGS
|
on
LAID TO REST
A large number of friends pald their last respects at a funeral held yesterday at the "Protestan Cemetery. The Rev. L L Nash officiated at the graveside.
Dr. Irvin Kew (brother-in-law) was the chief mourner and was
attended by Mr. G. C. White and P. Rathsom, close friends of the. deceased.
Among those present were Messrs. W. H. Young, R. Nazarin. Kwok Kwan Hing. A. Ismail, E Lim, G. Rocha, G. 6. Ford, F Rapp, J. S. White, and many others.
Wreaths were sent by the follow- ing:- "Your sorrowful wife,” Lily and Peter, your loving sister, Nary and Teddy. Grace and Henry, Kim, who was 54 years of age, was
Panay Esmail, Lens and family, Maude and Henry, Rose and born in Haddon, and was educated
Jimmy, Edith, Miss L. G. Ablong, in Baliarst, Victoria, Australia.
H Ching, Mrs. H.-M. H. Bemail Deceased leaves a widow in Hong and family, J. A. Fraser, Mr. and Kong and a sister (Mrs. Joyce Mra. G. S. Ford, Mrs. S. E. Ismail, Forster) in Australia. to whom and Miss A.. H. Yamall, J. M. Hall. sympathy will be extended.
H. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. The late Mr. Kim came to Hong Kew. George W. Kew and family. Kong in 1913, and was for some Dr. Irvin Kew and family. Lots time working for the late Sir Paul M. Leong. Misa A. Lee, P. S. Lee, Chater as a mining engineer in A. H. Lee, Mr. and Mra G. Lee, the New Territories at the Needle Mr. and Mrs. V. T Low, V. Mac- Hill wolfram mine. He was also kenzie. F. Rapp. G. E., Rocha, J. employed by the Kwok family In Pestonjee, H Stainfeld, Mrs their coal business, and
then
awanston. Miss Wu Pul Chi, Wong. worked for the late Mr. Charles Wel Hing. W. H. Young, Li Yün Richardson as Chief Mining En-Sang. The China Dispensary, The gineer at the Kai Ping Lead Mine Hong Kong Practical Psychology in Swatow. Mr. Kim was the Club, Jardine Matheson and Co.. promoter of the Ma On Shan iron Ltd.. Import Department, and the mine in the New Territories. Wah Hing Company.
Seven minor collapses occurred previous surveys make a total area Only in one instance was loss of of approximately 12,660 acres sur life reported.
veyed on fixed lines: Of this total Reclamation of Inland Lots Nos. 10,900 acres comprise the area 3538, 3539 and 3540 and Kowloon within Harbour Limits and 1.760 Reclamation of Kowloon Marine hour Limits. Marine Lot No. 102 were completed, acres are outside the Western Har-
Lot No. 97. is still in progress.
TOWN PLANNING
A landsily occurred on Kowloon Inland Lot No. 3311. There were
Town planning work has, in the no casualties.
main, consisted of dealing with The Chinese Cemeteries in Hong small areas, either in conformity Kong. Kowloon and New Kowloon with or as amendments and addi- were maintained in good order, tions to the recommendations of provision was made for additional the Town Planning Comintttee of burial areas where required. A: 1922. new area to be known as New Kow- loon Cemetery No. 7, situated to lopment schemes were prepared for During the year possible deve- the last of Ngau Bhi Wan, has been the following areas:-Morrison Hill, laid of Development of this Inland Lot 201, Arsenal Street, Cemetery will be undertaken durLower Peak Tram Station, Kow- ing 1936.
VALUATIONS AND RESUMPTIONS
Joon Tral, New Post Office and Government Offices at Kowloon, Area at junction of Tal Kok Tsui, Road and Chatham Road Boule- vard..
EXPENDITURE
The total valuations made com- prised 787 bereditaments with a total estimated value of $11,239,- 101.50.
The expenditure on Public Works Gasometer for the Hong Kong and
TWELVE FIRES
Valuations were made for the has increased considerably during. China Gas Co., Ltd. at Smithfield; Twelve fires, causing structural purpose of resumption for street the last three decades,
The aver Sections of submarine cable were office block, and fats at Nos. 3. and damage, were reported. Loss of life widenings and the development of age annual expenditure during the New main sew CRS azd storm
ald
5 Duddell Street; office block at was occasioned in two instances. areas in accordance with the. ap- Years 1906 to 1915 was $2,072,475,- water drains were constructed in
Wireless: A beacon transmitter Nos. 15 to 19 Queen's Road, Cen-The most disastrous fire occurred proved Town Planning Scheme, for from 1916 to 1925 11 was $7,547,637. Hong Kong to a length of 10.210 In Kowloon and New Kowloon was installed at Cape D'Agullar. tral; extension to Sincere Co. at Now 1 to 7 Belchers Street, The anti-malaria works, and sundry while from 1928 to 1935 the average. feet. covered nullahs to a length the following mains were laid two new rebroadcasting receivers Building on Des Voeux Road, Cen-houses were of old type with wood- other purposes,
annual expenditure has been 38- of 276, feet and parapet walling to 850 feet of 12". 4.285 feet of 8" were received and installed. Two tral; Bank of East Asia Building on en floors, stairs and roofs. Casual- Valuations comprising 601 here- 201,920. open nullahs seventy-eight feet. 575 feet of 6 and 3,606 feet of 4 medium/long wave receivers and Des Voeux Road, Central; Gold and tea at this fire were two deaths ditaments with a total estimated In Kowloon, New Kowloon and C.128 Reet of subsidiary mains two short wave receivers were Bliver Exchange on Mercer Btrees; and three persons Injured. Na svalue of $10,855,216.23 were made New Territories, new main sewers were also laid in back lanes. At taken into use at Observatory | Lido Bathing Pavilions (1st Bec-Tung Shing Lane and No. 131 Main for sundry Government Depart- and storm water drains were con- the Air Port 920 feet of 6 main Marine and Meteorological W/Ttion) at Repulse Bay; Theological Street, Shaukiwan, were completely ments. structed to a length of 9.382 feet. were laid. At Talpo 3.857 feet of Station. W/T for Air Services in College on Stubbs Road; Headquar-gutted, by, fre. No casualties oc- open nullahs part section 580 feet. 8, 1.230 feet of 3 and 525 feet hand. New Creed transmitter ters of the St. John's Ambulance curred. It is of interest to note parapet walling 179
feet, earth of 2" piping were laid to complete and keyboard perfortors were in- Brigade on Tai Hang Road; Con-tsat fires occurring in houses of cutting 9,136 cubic yards, and a the scheme. At Un Long 450 feet stalled in the Radio Telegraph fuctus Hall at 8ookunpoo; Tungar reinforced cement concrete con large section open earth intercep- | of 67.-870 fest- of 5′′ and 1,370 feet. Omice. A Government W/T School Printing Press at North Point, struction were not of a serious ná- ting cut (part inverted and walled) of 4" mains were laid. The scheme was started in the General Post Buddhist Temple and Free School ture, and were mostly confined to for a length of 2.200 feet.
i was completed In June and a Office Building.
on Shan Kwong Road; Industrial the floor where the fire originated.
HARBOUR SURVETING Reference was made to this work
port. About 225 acres were sur- vesed, reduced and plotted during the year. This area together with
in paragraph 38 of last year's Re-
EVENING
Now the fields of evening Tremble with silver' And the sleeping sea Tosses and turns With dreams of silver also.
·Elizabeth-Ellen Long