-C 2
cases
invariably prosecutes the offenders who have in many without concealment themselves acquainted us with their offence. In all such cases action is taken in the best interests of the girl. This may take the form of allowing her to remain in a household where she is obviously happy provided the persons concerned leave the colony under official supervision,
During the year 25 prosecutions were brought under the Muitsai Ordinance (1 of 1923) with 22 convictions.
Under the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance (4 of 1897) 16 prosecutions were brought with 14 convictions. These were cases of harbouring or procuring.
Further, under Ordinance 2 of 1865, particularly under the new Section 45A of Ordinance 2 of 1865, which was passed towards the end of 1929, 22 cases were brought on charges connected with trafficking in minors, and 26 convictions were obtained.
5. For a fuller report on the work of the Po Leung Kuk see Annexe A of this report.
EMIGRATION.
(Ordinance 30 of 1915).
(1)--EMIGRATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
(Table IV).
6. The number of female and minor passengers examined and allowed to proceed shows a decrease of 4.2% over the figures for 1929. Of the female emigrants 70.5% went with or to join relatives, 21% were maid servants and the remainder consisted of tailoresses, farmers and hairdressers. 36 women were detained for enquiries as compared with 131 in 1929. The number repatriated during the year was 84.
(ii)--ASSISTED EMIGRATION.
(Table V).
7. The figures for the year show a decrease of 51% as compared with 1929.
CHINESE BOARDING HOUSES.
(Ordinance 23 of 1917).
(Table VI).
8. During the year 10 convictions were obtained under the ordinance as compared with 12 in 1929. These convictions were mainly for keeping a Boarding House without a licence and for failing to enter names in the register.