110
conclusion of the prosecution in each case.
in two cases, in both of which the employers were
thoroughly respectable, the girls were entrusted to their
care, but not as muitsai, and were allowed to reminin in the
Colony.
6. In two cases in which there was strong suspicion
that the girls concerned were nuitsai, but in which the
alleged employers claimed to be the natural mother and
mether-in-law respectively, charges of ill-treatment wore
brought under the Offenses against the Person Ordinance
(No. 2 of 1865). The first failed through lack of direct
evidence of assault, but in the second a conviction was
obtained and the defendant was sentenced to one month's
imprisentent and a further fine of gb.
7. The registered employers of muitsai have continued
to report changes of status, return to parents, etc. of
their muitsai. All reports of disappearance have been
very osrefully investigated, and to those, the observations
in paragraph 9 of my despatah No. 622 of 4th December, 1930,
are equally applicable.
8. Most cases of non-registration or alleged 111-
treatment came to the notice of the Secretary for Chinese
Affairs through the 2olice, all stations exercising very
considerable vigilance. Several reports were made by the
girls concerned, or by persons on their behalf, direct to
the Secretariat. One oase of 1l1-treatment was reported
through the Hong Kong Society for the Frotection of Children,
but the alleged employer could not be traced. Eine reports
were made by the Hong Kong Anti-Muiteni Soolety, of which
only two could be proceeded with - these being on charges of
non-registration. Convictions were obtained in both cas 08 .
The
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