CO129-532-4 Mui Tsai system- resolution and correspondence with private individuals 27-10-1930 - 24-6-1931 — Page 60

56

the rate of infant morality are very high,particularly

among the lower classes of Chinese and it is perhaps

inevitable in the circumstances that the population

as a whole, should be less inclined to incur trouble

or expense in connection with the disposal of the

boules of infants.

This problem has for many years been a matter

of grave concern to the Hong kong Government, parti-

cularly from the point of view of the future spread

of epidemics and constant efforts have been made to

enlist the support of the representatives of the

more enlightened Chinese opinion to combat the

evil. Special notices were issue. in March 1930

in Ching pointing out the illegality of the practice.

avery abandoned corpse is removed to the Fublic

Lortuary for post mortem investigation, but in almost

every case, no cause is discovered for suspicion that

a ueath resulted from other than natural causes.

very case is reported to the Coroner, but in no

single instance in 1928 aid he see any necessity for a

formal death enquiry.

This question has no connection at all with the

custom Mui-tsai ystem and is not peculiar to Hong Long. In

the Metro,olitan Folice aistrict about 700 uead

annually

boules are discovered, beth In the streets and other

public places of which a considerable proportion are

those of newly born infants.

If

Page 60Page 61