CO129-514-2 Mui Tsai system- suggested regulations and possible abolition 9-1-1929 - 16-5-1929 — Page 189

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Hong Kong will I feel convince any one of the

impossibility of tracing and keeping in touch with anyone who wishes to escape notice. Chinese families

occupying one or more cubicles in a tenement house can move bag and baggage at any time without trouble

or expense and do so constantly.

(f) Sections (7) and (8). Present the same difficulty.

The enforcement of such restrictions would involve

an almost daily search of all premises in that large

area of the city where the population is a floating

one.

The Po Leung Kuk has a daily average of some

40 inmates and can accommodate about 70 in all. The

number of Chinese entering and leaving Hong Kong is

several thousands daily.

Instances of genuine muitsai

(g) Part II, Sections (1) to (6). Present the same

difficulties as the proposed regulations regarding

muitsai. There is an even stronger objection to the

issue of certificates in the case of socalled

'adopted daughters'.

being disposed of as prostitutes are rarely met with;

but it is quite usual for persons who procure young girls to describe them as 'adopted daughters'. Such persons would be only too glad of the opportunity to secure an official certificate of adoption.

(Sd.) R. A. C. North,

Secretary for Chinese Affairs,

21st February, 1929.