CO129-551-2 Mui Tsai system 30-11-1934 - 22-11-1935 — Page 57

H

12

(6).

An enquiry into the minimum number of

periodical visits tothe girls; the number of inspectors r

required; and their salaries, qualiftations, duties and

powers.

It will be seen that an enquiry on these

lines (which I have only sketched very doughly to indicate my meaning) will cover the beginning, the middle and the end

of a mui tsai'scareer.

I would suggest that the terms of refer-

-ence contain an instruction to make a searching enquiry

into the fate of boys whose parents are compelled to part

with them.

57

Jemale

One of the terms of reference to the

tribunal will doubtless relate to the Committee's

proposal concerning an Official Guardian and dual control

by two separate Government Departments, and the cost of it.

I venture to make an alternative proposal.

/

A new Ordinance might retain the excellent title of

"The

he/Domestic Service Ordinance", but would proceed on

of 21years.

entirely different lines. It would cover all female

domestic service, irrespective of nationality, upto the age

If a servant lived within ten miles of her

parents' home, no Government action would be necessary,

for the reason that the parents would be in a position

to exercise supervision and to take action if there were

cause for complaint. (The arbitrary figure of ten miles

is selected as a reasonable distance for a day's journey

by the parents.) If the servant lived more than ten miles

away from her parents' home, the employer would be compelled

to register her as a "female domestic servant". (It would

be necessary to go into some detailsof arrangements when

parents or employers moved from one place to another, but

this should afford no difficulty.) If the child was an

orphan or illegitimate or "unwanted" for any reason, or if

This is based

the Cey bom

Refunt