24
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a question put by Mr. Mander on the 7th of December. I
enclose a copy of the question and of my answer.
The Hui Tsai syetem to which reference is made in
Local
fitto
the letter iɛ, as you probably know, e/system ModLOR
which hes long existed among the Chinese. An immemoriel
social custom of this sort is not easily or quickly eradicated
from the Chinese population of Hong Kong, but the Colonial
Government may fairly claim to have made substantial progress
in the matter. It has abolished the servile status of exist-
ing Mui Tsai and has prohibited the acquisition of ner Mui Tsai
and of their introduction into the Colony. In other words,
the Yui Tsai system no longer obtains in Hong Kong. The
girls who formerly held the status of Mui Tsai in Hong Kong
households have been registered and are subject to inspection
It has been made compulsory to pay them
and supervision.
wages, and they are free to leave their employers if they wish
to return to their homes, or if they are subjected to any ill-
treatment. Their status is now that of free paid domestic
servants.
The Hong Kong Government is satisfied that no
serious