But she becomes in a manner responsible for the proper conduct of the establishment, but the property in the girls does not rest in her except in the case of those girls to whom she may herself have purchased. The pocket mothers are the real proprietresses of their purchases, and a brothel keeper would not regard herself as in any way connected with such girls, beyond the obligation devolving upon her of registering the inmates.
The house, of which she as tenant owner was the proprietress. A Chinese brothel is in fact merely a collection under one roof of several different establishments constituting separate rents, consisting of the pocket mothers and their purchases, the pocket mothers being for the most part servants of their charges, administering to their daily wants, though in reality their mistresses, and their absolute owners.
I drew up a detailed account of these places for my own information some two or three years ago; I now enclose it for reference if required, with a request that it may be returned to me. I believe a copy of the report was forwarded to the Secretary of State by Sir Francis Wodehouse.
(Signed) H. E. Wodehouse, Special Magistrate.
To: H. M. O'Brien, Esq., Colonial Secretary.
GR1178/1922/32(III)
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