CO129-539-4 Mui Tsai system 28-6-1932 - 28-11-1932 — Page 16

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REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR 1931.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

(Tables I-III).

The Government Revenue derived from all sources during the year was $18,771.59 and the Government Expenditure was $135,424.22.

2. As is evidenced by the numerous tables attached to this report, much of the work of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. is concerned with the administration of funds that may be called semi-official. The Revenue in these cases is in very large part a matter of voluntary subscription by the Chinese Community and outside the Government Estimates, with Expenditure at the discretion of the Department.

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.

(Table IV).

Ordinance No. 4 of 1897

Ordinance No. 21 of 1929

Ordinance No. 6 of 1893

Ordinance No. 1 of 1923

Ordinance No. 22 of 1929

Ordinance No. 2 of 1865

3. The number of persons reported to the Po Leung Kuk as missing during the year was twelve of whom none was found as compared with twenty-eight and two in 1930.

4. Nine names were added to the list of girls under bond. The number of names on the list on December 31st was forty.

5. At the beginning of the year some 4,000 girls were on our books as registered Mui Tsai. Throughout the year constant vigilance has been maintained in order that the declared policy of the Government may be strictly carried out. As a further means to this end, an officer from the Police was seconded in July for exclusive duty under the Secretary for Chinese Affairs as Mui Tsai Inspector. In October two Cantonese ladies, with

knowledge of English,

of English, were selected from a considerable number of candidates for two new appointments as Female Inspectors of Mui Tsai, working under the immediate direction of the Mui Tsai Inspector.

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