REGISTRATION OF
MUI TSAI.
REMINDER FROM DISTRICT
WATCHMEN'S COMMITTEE.
Inquiries in official quarters re- veal the fact that during the past month the response from the Chi- nese population to the requirements of the law making it compulsory for the owner of mui tsai to register these girls with the Government has been very good.
Quite a number of neonle are now visiting the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs in order to effect the neces- sary registration. It is learned that to date from five to six hun- dred mui tsai have been registered at the offices of the S.C.A. alone. A large number have been also re- gistered at the various police stations.
The date for registration closes on June 1, and it is feared that although quite a number have regis tered or are registering, an equally large number are still entirely ignor- ant of the law. In this connection, the District Watchmen's Committee are issuing circulars to householders throughout the Colony, reminding them of their obligations. So far as can be ascertained, it seems that the Central district has been fairly well covered with these circulars and no doubt those living in the Eastern and Western districts will be reminded in due course. The circular, which is in Chinese, is worded as follows:-
"A Bill has been passed by the Hong Kong Government on Novem- ber 7, 1929. to the effect that owners of mui tsai must make the necessary registration on or before May 31 this vear. This is the best measure the Government can take for the protection of mui tsai.
It is found that there are many mui tsai in the Colony, and up to the present only about 200 have registered. In accordance with the law, the registration must be com- pleted by June 1 this year, in de- fault of which offenders will be liable to a fine not exceeding $250.
"The District Watchmen's Com- mittee feel that residents in this Colony may be unaware of this law, and in order to remind the owners to bring their mui tsai be- fore the Secretary for Chinese Affairs or District Officer at Taipo or the nearest police station for the necessary registration, they are sending out this notice. The pro- cedure for registration is very simple, requiring only the filling-in of a printed form, and no photo- graph is necessary.
"The Committee earnestly desire the owners of mui tsai to carry out the requirements of the law without further delay."
This circular is signed by Sir Shou-son Chow, Messrs. R. H. Kotewall, S. W. Tso, Li Yau Tsun, Wong Lai Chuen, Li Po Kwai, Ló Cheung Shiu, Fung Ping Shan, Wong Yiu Tong, Tong Yat Chuen, Ma Tsui Chuen, To Sze Duen, Li Yick Mui, and Tang Shiu Kin.
6
HONG KONG WEEKLY PRESS
MAY 2.
55
1930.
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