(7)
15. "Provisional regulations for the settlement of disputes
between employers and employees were promulgated in 1928 and later
revised and promulgated as a national law. A Labour Union Law
developed from the regulations concerning the organisation of
labour unions was promulgated in 1929, and regulations were passed
regarding the organisation of special trade unions such as seamen,
miners, postal workers, railway workers and telegraph workers.
16.
"The hostilities in 1937-8 have led to the Chinese government
authorizing the Commission of Military Affairs to administer farming,
mining, industrial, and commercial enterprises during war time in
accordance with some twenty ordinances specially proclaimed by the
Government. Strikes, suspension of business, slackness and
intimidation are forbidden under penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
The chief change, however, is that in order to rouse the patriotic
enthusiasm of the workers and increase production the Government has
reversed its policy and given orders to the various provincial cities
that the organization of labour unions is to be encouraged. +
SOCIETIES IN HONG KONG.
17. "The history of societies and trade unions in Hong Kong runs
parallel with that in China. As early as 1845 it was found necessary
to pass an ordinance to curb the activities of the Triad and other
secret societies. This ordinance was necessarily severe, branding
being provided for, and causing much discussion, but in October following
doubtless upon instructions from Home, an amendment was effected by
17A.
The direct descendant of that ordinance through the Triad and Unlawful Societies Ordinance 1887 was the Societies Ordinance No. 47 of 1911, which was passed in order to control the political activities of certain associ- ations. Under the Ordinance all societies were compelled to register or obtain exemption from registration.
Section 4 (4) reads:
"The Governor in Council shall not refuse permission to any society to be registered under this Ordinance unless it shall appear that such society is likely to be used for unlawful purposes incompatible with the peace or good order of the Colony or that its action and proceedings are calculated to excite tumult or disorder in China or to excite persons to crime in China. "
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