4574
Summary of conclusions of the Committee appointed by the Governor of Hong Kong to consider Sir George Maxwell's proposals on the subject of mui tsai in Hong Kong and to report on these and kindred matters.
1. An officer of the Hong Kong Government should
be detailed to make a full inquiry into the sale and
adoption of Chinese girls, the legal, moral and social
consequences, and the best method of avoiding the dangers
likely to follow from a hastening by official action of
the changes of thought and custom now taking place. The
officer's report to be personal and not official but he
to be given every assistance by Government and the public.
2. The guardianship of all children (not excluding
boys), up to the age of twenty-one, sold, given away or
adopted to be vested in an Official Guardian with
unlimited powers who should be associated with a committee
including one European and one Chinese lady. The Official
Guardian to be able to enforce his rights as guardian in
a summary way either in the Supreme Court or before a
magistrate and to render full and well-classified
returns.
3. Mui tsai, i.e., girls bought and used as
domestic servants, to be secured by law economic wages or
higher wages, but the Official Guardian to be given
discretionary powers.
4. An effort to be made to provide every ward of
the Official Guardian with a savings bank account.
5. The Official Guardian to co-operate in suitable
cases with charitable organisations in the Colony to
assist