CO537-2188 — Page 231

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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 which branding was done away with and the ordinance not made applicable to any secret society other than the Triad."

+ Ibid.

Norton-Kyshe "History of the Laws and Courts of Hong Kong."