CO129-470 - Public Offices - 1921 — Page 544

541

It should be noted that, while the law of 1910

affirmed in clear terms the illegalitybof purchasing a slave-child,

it provided for the legality of "hiring” a child for whatever

period of years remained between its age at the time of "hiring"

and the age of 25, the hire being paid in advance to the child's

father or mother in its entirety.

Finally it is of interest to note that when some

three years ago a large number of children ware brought to Paking

from a region which had suffered from flood, they were raportad

in the Chinese press as having been bought at ao much a head by

the charitable organization which was looking after them; and no

jugestion was made that this wis other than a most laudable

proceeding. A translation of the law of 1910 above-mentioned is

enclosed herewith.

I have the honour to be,

With the highest respect,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

[si] B. Aleton

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