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would not Thes. Our Day
i
Vino u
hat
mui-tsai
are abolished
jy
no
Hong Kong and in particular that any abolition
compulsion
of any kind to prevent girls over the age of 12 leaving their adopted parents at any time will
not be allowed".
This was carried out.
He further said: "Although it is obvious that an old established cust on camot 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.
In so far as it is a pledge, it is a pledge sh to abolition the system at the earliest practicable date which he expected to be possible within a year. It is still the determination of the Colonial
Government to give effect to this pledge, but
experience has shown that a much longer interval must pass before it can be completely carried out, though, within the limits of effective Government action, the system has been rid of its bad features and of the opportunities for abusing it without transgressing the law. The employment of Mui Tsai as a social custom has not, admittedly, been abolished but that remains the aim of the Government.
109
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inned on
following page)