CO129-431 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [1-2] — Page 651

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Report by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

Hon: C.S.

648

It makes a 2year contract, as well as a 1 year, clearly possible.

This point does not really make the difference it appears to make. The old contract was "for 360 daily tasks: the labourer in any event to work to the end of the financial year in which these 360 tasks are completed". 360 daily tasks must take over one year (counting holidays etc.) to complete. The contract therefore was practically one of at least 14 years: and (if the coolies work began with the financial year) for 2 years: and there are circumstances which make it extend conceivably to even 3 years, or over 2. The new contract, even for 2 years, becomes therefore little more than the clearing up of an ambiguity, and inflicts no hardship on the labourer.

(SD.) E. R. Hallifar.

S.C.A.

13.2.16