CO129-532-5 Mui Tsai system- resolutions and correspondence with private individuals 23-7-1931 - 18-12-1931 — Page 30

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does not therefore carry with it any special taint of

In this connection I enclose a translation

trafficking.

of the document recording the transaction, in which the intermediary Lam Lin is described as the guarantor, i.e. of the bona fides of either party.

4. The Secretary for Chinese Affairs who carried out the preliminary investigations formed the opinion that the girl's parents had parted with her in the genuine belief that she would be treated as a daughter. He did not therefore

advise that proceedings should be taken against them. The possibility of action against Chau Ming on this ground was not considered at the time in view of the more serious charge

brought against him.

Chau Ming stood his trial on this

charge and was acquitted, and I am not satisfied that a further prosecution on other grounds would at this late hour be advisable.

5. Chau Tsoi Fung has been placed by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs in the Po Leung Kuk where she still remains.

6. There is no legal provision requiring compulsory registration of adoptions coming within the scope of Section 32 of the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance (Ordinance ↳ of 1897 as amended by Ordinance 21 of 1929). The question has already been raised in the form of a proposal for the registration of all adopted daughters. I have already indicated in paragraph 2 of this despatch some of the difficulties standing in the way of this proposal.

my

I have the honour to be,

Sir.

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Governor, &c.

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