CO129-572-6 Hong Kong Seamen's Union- proposed proscription 22-1-1938 - 30-8-1938 — Page 21

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rest, Hong Kong is hardly yet sufficiently industrialised,

and conditions are not yet sufficiently favourable, for

the institution, even with official support, of

satisfactorily conducted unions on the English Model.

In so far as the societies which now exist

function as friendly societies providing assistance in

case of death, sickness or unemployment they serve a

useful purpose and may in due time provide the foundation

for organisations which may help to raise the standard of

living for their members. This has not normally been

the case hitherto, and it will not be the case until the

unions are controlled by men with a better standard of

education and a higher sense of duty, and until the name

"Labour Union" ceases to be associated with the

traditions of political intrigue, blackmail and organised

crime which it has inherited from the societies from which

it originated.

Appendix II is a translation of the rules and

regulations of a typical Labour Union.

Appendix III is a resume of a list of societies compiled by the Police Department early in 1938.

Signed: R.A.C.North. Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

15.8.38.