CO129-514-2 Mui Tsai system- suggested regulations and possible abolition 9-1-1929 - 16-5-1929 — Page 109

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would not Thes. Our Day

i

Vino u

hat

mui-tsai

are abolished

jy

no

Hong Kong and in particular that any abolition

compulsion

of any kind to prevent girls over the age of 12 leaving their adopted parents at any time will

not be allowed".

This was carried out.

He further said: "Although it is obvious that an old established cust on camot be altered

at a moment's notice. I desire to make it clear

that both the Governor and I are determined to effect the abolition of the system at the earliest practicable date, and I have indicated to the Governor that I expect the change to be carried out within a year.

In so far as it is a pledge, it is a pledge sh to abolition the system at the earliest practicable date which he expected to be possible within a year. It is still the determination of the Colonial

Government to give effect to this pledge, but

experience has shown that a much longer interval must pass before it can be completely carried out, though, within the limits of effective Government action, the system has been rid of its bad features and of the opportunities for abusing it without transgressing the law. The employment of Mui Tsai as a social custom has not, admittedly, been abolished but that remains the aim of the Government.

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