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threat to demolish had hitherto frequently brought them, has undoubtedly been for the welfare of tenants and a more complete fulfilment of the spirit of the original ordinance.
BRITISH NORTH BORNEO.
As a result of the visit paid by Mr. Hallifax to British North Borneo in July 1923 at the request of the British North Borneo Government, a deputation of elders from the Shing-Mun group of villages in the New Territory went to Borneo as guests of the Borneo Government with a view to the encouragement of migration to Borneo by Chinese families of a good farming class. The deputation was away for several weeks, and on its return the members reported that they had received the most generous and friendly treatment from the Borneo Government, and that no pains had been spared to show them all that was required : but after full consideration and discussion with their fellow-villagers, they came to the conclusion that the prospects were not such as to justify them in removing their homes to that country. Other investigations, having in view the same object, that is to say, the encouragement of good Chinese emigration into North Borneo, were made during the year by Mr. Lo Shun Wing on behalf of certain Chinese gentlemen in this Colony. A full and interesting report was drawn up after his return, and has been sent to the Borneo Government.
PASSENGER PASSES TO SINGAPORE.
At the request of the Singapore Government, an experiment was tried of issuing passenger passes to 1st and 2nd Class passengers from Hongkong to Singapore. In due course it will no doubt be clear whether these passes are of material assistance to the Singapore Government, and whether it is desirable to continue to issue them.
REGULATION OF FACTORIES.
Industrial Employment of Children Ordinance.-The administration of this Ordinance has proceeded smoothly throughout the year. There are 28 factories, 8 in Hongkong and 20 in Kowloon, which employ altogether about 300 children.
As against 1923 there is a slight increase in the number of factories concerned, principally in the knitting industry; but the number of children employed has been considerably reduced. All the factories have become well accustomed to the keeping of a register of the children they employ.
The employment of children in glass factories is prohibited by the Ordinance, and constant visits were paid to the 34 glass factories of the Colony. It is noted that the number of glass factories has nearly doubled during the year, and all of them seem to do a brisk trade.