CO129-532-3 Mui Tsai system 4-12-1930 - 9-11-1931 — Page 90

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conclusion of the prosecution in each case.

in two cases, in both of which the employers were

thoroughly respectable, the girls were entrusted to their

care, but not as muitsai, and were allowed to reminin in the

Colony.

6. In two cases in which there was strong suspicion

that the girls concerned were nuitsai, but in which the

alleged employers claimed to be the natural mother and

mether-in-law respectively, charges of ill-treatment wore

brought under the Offenses against the Person Ordinance

(No. 2 of 1865). The first failed through lack of direct

evidence of assault, but in the second a conviction was

obtained and the defendant was sentenced to one month's

imprisentent and a further fine of gb.

7. The registered employers of muitsai have continued

to report changes of status, return to parents, etc. of

their muitsai. All reports of disappearance have been

very osrefully investigated, and to those, the observations

in paragraph 9 of my despatah No. 622 of 4th December, 1930,

are equally applicable.

8. Most cases of non-registration or alleged 111-

treatment came to the notice of the Secretary for Chinese

Affairs through the 2olice, all stations exercising very

considerable vigilance. Several reports were made by the

girls concerned, or by persons on their behalf, direct to

the Secretariat. One oase of 1l1-treatment was reported

through the Hong Kong Society for the Frotection of Children,

but the alleged employer could not be traced. Eine reports

were made by the Hong Kong Anti-Muiteni Soolety, of which

only two could be proceeded with - these being on charges of

non-registration. Convictions were obtained in both cas 08 .

The

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