MUI TSAI
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There exists among the Chinese a custom by which young girls are handed over by their parents to wealthier households in return for a money payment, usually in accordance with a "deed of presentation". These girls are known as mui tsai. (More detailed particulars of the custom can be supplied if required). Following on parliamentary and other agitation regarding the custom in Hong Kong, Churchill made in the House of Commons on 21st March 1922 an announcement ending with
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the statement "Although it is obvious that an old eatablished custom cannot be altered at a moment's notice, I desire to make it clear that both the Governor and I are determined to effect the abolition of the
system at the earliest practicable date, and I have indicated to the Governor that I expect the change to be carried out within a year". An Ordinance (No.1 of 1923) was accordingly passed in Hong Kong in February 1923 dealing with the position of mui tsai, and prohibiting any person from taking any mui tsai into employment thereafter. We are now calling for a report on the working of the Ordinance.
In the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States the custom also exists (with local variations
due mainly to the greater distance from China). The Governor reported last July that the question of special
legislation was receiving the close attention of the local Governments and that his proposals would be
submitted