CO129-476 - Acting Governor Claud Severn & Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [8-12] — Page 136

MINUTES.

MINUTES NOT TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE.

Telegram from the Deputy to the Governor,

C.O

135

45231 Rife Hong Kong 11 SEP 22)

to the Secretary of State for the Colonie

Dated 9th September, 1922 (Received Colonial Office 1.10.p.m.9th September, 1922)

Chinese representatives regard Muitsai as Members of family and anticipate that if this status is altered

to that of hired female domestic servants Parental

authority and care now exercised will disappear and girls would be much more liable to kidnapping ill-treatment and

prostitution. Parents in necessitous circumstances

welcome prospects of education and marriage usually attached to status of Muitsai but employers of labour hired if servants would refuse any responsibility in this

respect and there would be revival of custom of drowning infant daughters. Muitsai system is the outcome of

centuries of adjustments to economic conditions.

social point of view Hong Kong cannot be separated from

China and would be disastrous for the Government to act

indirect opposition to overwhelmed public opinion.

?Do you wish the Bill to be sent to you with the

detailed objections signed by the ?representatives

of the Chinese Community

From

SEVERN