1921-02-16 — Page 4

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[88

"SWEATED LABOUR IN HONGKONG.

(Continued from page d.)

11.-SERVANT GIRLY.. There remains the vexed question of servant girls. Two years ago I said that slavery is impossible under the British flag, and that every slave coming under that flag becomes free antomatically.

I have no doubt of the accuracy of that statement. But although property in human beings cannot exist in Hong. kong, it cannot be disputed that the pos. session, and custody of children is passed from hand to hand amongst the Chinese for monetary and other considerations, and that the master or mistress who thùs acquires control over a child' regards the child as property.

We are told that the Republic of China has prohibited slavery; that may be so, but the custom above described exists and

must be dealt with.

We know that a local committee has been appointed to consider this question, but I venture to suggest a few points for the consideration of that committee. We are told that registration of ser vant girls would be useless without ins pection involving entry into private homes, which the Chinese would very much resent. I agree, if the inspectors were men, possibly ignorant of Chiusse language and custome

But if women of education and tact, sponking Chinese, were employed for this duty I think the resentment would vanish, and the Chinese ladies might easily be led to take a greater interest

in the welfare of their maid-servanta

It has been stated that no wages are

*

paid to the servant girls, and the only liability which the law of 1913 casts at present on the masters and mistresses is to refrain from cruelty and to provide adequate food, clothing and lodging. I submit that the servant girls should be given the status of apprentices, and that the employers should be obliged to train them either a trade, or as sempstressca, hairdressers, cooks, or the like, and to provide elementary education, reasonable pocket-money and leisure. At a suitable. age the girl should be free to take up employment elsewhere, or marry..

It is most unfair to regard the cases which appear in the Police Court as typical of the treatment of servant girls; the majority are probably well cared for, but the exceptional cases prove the need for inspection and control.

It should also be made obligatory upon aid, this is the rule in England, and having regard to the excellent hospitals, and public dispensaries, which exist in Hongkong, I can see no good reason for the omission of this provision from the 1913 Act.

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14, DES VEUX, BOAD CENTRAL,

SOLE AGENTS FOR HONGKONG. AND SOUTH CHINA

(19

12.-EDUCATION.

Mr.

But the impulse must come from the In reply to a question by Mr. E. F. China there was very little cruelty te community as a whole: don't leave it AUCOTT as whether any information was animals; it could not compare with the to the Government and then blame them available as to the scale of wages paid cruelty of fox-hunting at Home. for inaction. Each of us has a tongue to women and children toiling up the Bowley suffered from the bacillus để and a pen: the officials are not unap Peak with heavy loads, Mr. BowLzy suit inspection; that had not worked very well proachable, and we have our own unoff he had no

Agures on this point in England, and here there was the added The Legislative because "no figures existed. cial representatives,

That was difficulty of dealing with a native popula Council, unlike the House of Commous, one of his chief grounds of complaint; tiou. For the Chinese to have a foreigner does not appear to be overwhelmed with there were no statistics, so far as he inspecting their households was enough to work; I have not heard of any all-night knew, in the Colony. That was why he bring about Bolshevism and anarchy-that ye sittinga

had inserted resolution No. 3, suggesting ought to result from such an idiotic

system. (Laughter.) that a committee should be appointed to make inquiries.

"Every individual citizen should take his part in forming the public opinion of the community, and I specially appeal to Hongkong Women's Guild and Minis tering Children's League, and its graci ous President, to take the lead in

these matters.

I must apologise for detaining you so long. My excuse is that this is prob. ably the last time I shall have the privilege of addressing you, and I hope that others will take up more ably the subjects that I have tried to bring before you, and carry out some of the much needed reforms.

#t

In order to give point to this meeting and to facilitate discussion I have drawn up the following series of resolutions for your consideration.

RESOLUTIONS.

1That in view of the terms of the Treaty of Peace, and particularly of the provisions of the League Covenant and Labour Convention contained therein, it is desirable that steps should be taken in Hongkong to secure and maintain fair and humane conditions of labour for women and children in the Colony.

That as first step the limitation of the hours of employment of children under the age of 14 in factories and work shops to a maximum of 70 hours per week, and the prohibition of the employment of children in dangerous and unhealthy trades, as recommended by the Sanitary Board in May, 1919, should be enforced at once,

3. That the proprietors or masters of every factory or workshop employing women or children should be obliged by law to keep a register of the names, ages and sex of all persons employed, and of their hours of employment.

Mr. H. A. CARTWRIGHT Supported the marked that the very fact that resolutions proposals before the meeting, and re

demanding such elementary reforms had to be moved was in itself & condemnation'

of the Colony. He was particularly.con- cerned with the question of the children, and, unlike some of the previous speakers who thought Mr. Bowley went too far, he thought Mr. Bowfey did not go far enough. in regard to the mus tani, Mr.

That!

The Rev. Dr. Prance said, without criticising the timeliness or cogency of advisable to try and arouse pabi's opinion the resolutions, he thought it would be

in the Colony through the infuential leaders of the Chinese community. There was no doubt the Chinese had a cor science: they also had the sanctions of their own ancient classics, and these were full of humanitarian doctrines. If an attempt were made by literature specially Bowley said that slavery was impossible prepared to influence the people me under the British Hag, that as soon as a directly concerned the employers of lave entered any place under that flag inbour-by appeals to the sanctions of he or she ceased to be a slave. their classics possibly something might be might be legally true, but in this Colony dane to awaken and develop a better it was not actually true. It was no good attitude towards the labour of their saying that a child brought into the children. Dr. Pearce mentioned that the Colony and sold for the purpose of ex- leading Chinese newspapers had strongly ploiting its labour was free; in practice endorsed the action at a local medical that child was no better than a slave. practitioner who brought before the Court Subtle legal distinctions were raised, but recently a case in which he noticed a there was no real difference. Mr. Bowley child heavily over-laden. It was wonder. had expressed the opinion that the cases ful that, while practising so much active of cruelty brought before the Police Court benevolence in so many directions, the were not typical, and that it was probable Chinese should do so very little in others, the majurity of mut tani were well treated. especially in giving relief to toil-worn, The cases that came to light might not weeping children, whose lives were being be typical but they were very suggestive. Certainly they did not encourage the endangered by their toil.-(Applause.)

The question was raised whether those belief that the children, as a rule, were present who were not members of the well-treated. At present no steps were C.E.M.S. could vote, and the Chairman explained that this was not a meeting of the Society, but was one called under its auspices.

taken by the Government to ascertain how the children were treated. All that. happened was that the most glaring cases

came before the Courts, and it was rea Mr. JACKSON: I contend that the sonable to assume that behind them were

4-That the weights enrried by children Society is being used as a means for number of cases of lesser degree. The Government took no steps to ascertain employed as coolies should be controlled breeding industrial disaffection,

Mr. H. H. WELLS expressed especial the facta, and then said "There is no and regulated, and the carrying of ex-

tho cessivo weights by children prohibited in approval of second resolution, evidence." He did not think any humane

that Hongkong as it is in England.

and remarked

the fact that person could possibly agree that it was 5.That the Government should be there was at present asked to appoint committees to obtain of children under 14 working, stol up the Peak with heavy loads. One no guarantee right that Children should continue to the views of employers and employed with

view to fixing statutory scales of fair than 70 hours a week showed in itself realised that owing to the poverty of the minimum living wages and suitable con- that reform was needed. Two years ditions for women and children in the trades and gecupations in which women and children are employed, including coolie labour."

Mr

Wella

Chinese conditions were allowed to exist. ago the Sanitary Board made a recom mendation in this matter, but, apparent here which would not be tolerated at ly, nothing had been done. Great credit Home, but their worst features, at least, was due to Mr. Bowley for bringing the should be removed. At a previous meet 6.That parents of children, and per matter forward. It certainly had never ing of the Society one of those who de sons who employ children as domestic entered his mind that things were in such fended the existing system contended that

a bad state as they were. I believe this point is under the conservants, should be made legally respon- mentioned a case of "sweating" which form of healthful exercise in the open air; the children were enjoying a pleasant sideration of the Government.

sible not only for the provision of ade had come to his notice in the New Ter he was glad that none of the speakers quate food, clothing and lodging as at ritories, whereby an man was able to present, but also for the provision of ander-cut another who was giving his that evening had gone so far as that--

(Applause); adequate medical aid, and elementary employés reasonable treatment. As to education or suitable training (domestic mai taai ho thought the resolutions made Mr. BOWLEY, replying on the points or otherwine) for such children, and for the most modest requests that could be raised in the discussion, said he was their general good treatment.

aaked of the Government. This question" very glad to hea that" sweated Inbour" had been raised in the House of Commons did not exist in Hongkong on the autho- lately and would, no doubt, be mention.rity of Mr. Jackson.-(Laughter.)

Mr. JACKSON: I said on the authority ed again and again until something was done to safeguard these Chinese girls in of people competent to judge.". the terrible state of existence under

Mr. BowLEY: I would rather rely on which they lived. Of course there were

the opinion of ladies and gentlemen who kindly mistresses, but, on the other hand, bavo apent their lives working amongst many cases had come lately before the the poorest classes in the Colony, and Magistrates in which women were charged I think they would tell Mr. Jackson that with ill-treating their servants. Their the conditions of labour of the poores. power to do this ought to be restricted classes in the Colony are not satisfactory

-(Applause.I have been accused of Applause.)

cultivating the gortas of unrest; they exist already; I am trying to find the antidote, and the best antidote is to im-

No dission of the position of women and children would be complete without some reference to the important subject of Education, but I bave no time to deal with that now.

Suffice it to say that during the last 7. That in order to assist in the two years there appears to have been a enforcement of the provisions indicated great awakening on this subject. The above it is desirable that female inspec supply of schools is being rapidly, intors should be attached to the Police, creased, and the question of providing Secretariat of Chinese Affairs and Sani- trained teachers is being dealt with.

tary Board. Much, however, remains to be done, and there should be no stint of money, and no_slackening of effort.

That additional playgrounds and recreation grounds abould be provided, especially in congested urban districts, including shelters from sun and rain.

-That additional public baths and wash-houses for the use of women and children and facilities for swimming should be provided in or near congested.

Two incidents. strike, one as being of very happy augury for the future: The boys of St. Paul's College are themselves maintaining and teaching branch schools in various outlying districts, and the girls af St. Stephen's are doing a like good work for their own sex.

This shows that the spirit of civiliza-urban districts. tion is spreading in the rising getiers- tion, who are taking an interest in the welfare of the community.

14.--CONCLUSION.

4

||

Miss PITTs strongly supportal resolu- tions Nos. 6 and 7. As to resolution No. 7, the recalled that more than two

years ago the desirability was strongly prove the condition of the poor.--(Ap- urged of appointing female inspectors plause.)--Mr. Bowley added that he had Following the reading of the paper, ap for the factories and workrooms in which lived in the Colony for 28 years, and interesting discussion took place on the women and girls were employed. As to had come in contact with Chinese of all resolutions submitted by Mr. Bowley, No. 6, it was encouraging that there grades and occupations, and his admira- 13. RECREATION GROUNDS, ETC.--

was now a very strong feeling arising tion for them increased daily. Their which were seconded by Mr. W. Lamongst many of the leading Chinese liberality was extraordinary, their degre The bare provision of necessaries for

with regard to the employment of women of enlightenment in what was called the unskilled workers and the children Pattenden.

civilization WAS increasing is no doubt a frat charge upon the com Mr. W. JACKSON, in opposing the and children, and the much-vexed mu Western

teai question. She did not think it rapidly, and for the Chinese to adopt an munity, but the ideal of civilization goes resolutions, said that swented Inhur, would be very much use prohibiting the ideal system of taking care of women. far beyond that.

Modern communities provide not only in the strict literal interpretation latter system altogether, or setting and children it was only necessary that adrift all those who were domestic ser- they should hear what had been done schools, hospitals, roads and streets of the term, did not, in his opinionvants in private families. Much kind in other countries. Miss Pitts was anxi- police, water, drainage, light and facili ties of transport, but also the means of re- and in the opinion of these competentness was shown in many houses-medical pus to encourage the strong feeling that creation in the shape of public gardens to judge with whom he had discussed aid, a certain amount of education, and was growing amongst the Chinese. Did The some vocational training was givsh-and the meeting wish to encourage the Chin- play grounds, swimming pools, baths and the question, exist in Hongkong. wash-houses. The last mentioned are conditions of the industrial population schools, missionary societies, and private ese in their efforts, or did it not? His Chinese ladies were doing their best for object was to encourage Europeans and really essential to the health and comfort of the Colony were not such as to call for Chinese children. In proportion to the Chinese to work together until this be of the poorer classes.

any drastic measures of legislative inter number of children employed, the num-came an ideal Colony, and an example ference. Buch as be sympathised with ber of cases of ill-treatment was small, to the rest of the world.(Applause.

That was a high ideal, but unless one I have based my appeal for the im women and especially with women in an but, of course, every one was one too

stage of provement of the condition of unskilled advanced

pregnancy and many. (Hear, hear.) The remedy scem-had ideals to work up to nothing was labour, with special reference to women children whom one saw daily carrying ed to be compulsory education, especially done. Mr. Crook had made the mistaka and children, upon altruistic motives, heavy loads uphill for the palatial rest of a vocational character. An industrial of being born a hundred and fifty years but there are two more aspects to the dences on the Peak and the higher levels, settlement in Kowloon City had been too late his remarks would have been question. The first is that the uncon-it must be admitted by those conversant suggested; she believed it was before the received admirably by the House of Com trolled competition of factory hande in with native life in the interior of China Government and was likely to receive mons at any time during the struggle the Far East is not fair to the workers or even in the villages of the New Terri support. Miss Pitte mentioned that the for the Factory Acta Ho did not think and employers of the British Empiro, tories, that the women and children so principal difficulty with regard to the profession of golf caddie a very de- Europe or America. By allowing employed were not the "beasts of educating the children was, the shortago sirable occupation; it was "a blind swented labour in the East we are in- burden" which the resolutions would lead of suitable teachers and of school build-alloy employment.. creasing the unemployment of our own people to suppose. The air in Hongkongings.--(Applause.) kith and kin, and damaging the trade was now and for some time past had been

Mr. E. H. Chook said he entirely dis- of the Colony. The second is that the permeated with the germ of industrial agreed with most of what Mr. Bowley workers of the world are awakening to disaffection. It was a dangerous moment had said: he thought. Mr. Bowley had the hardships of their condition, the for this Society, whose membership could enormously exaggerated for his own pur spirit of Revolution and Bolshevism is abroad, even at our very doors. IP wo not be supposed to be equal to a know- poses the sufferings of Chinese children. disregard these amene, we shall indeed ledge of the industrial necessities of the He had drawn a dark picture and said, be sowing the wind of discontent and times, to be the medium for preparing the that from the time they were born until sedition, and in due scason we shall reap soil for the cultivation of the germ that they fell into an early grave they were the whirlwind of Revelation and might eat into the vitals of the industrial Anarchy.

and commercial activity of the Colony 11, on the other hand, we strive as a With the provision of more adequate community to “ trim," and feed the

accommodation and facilities embodied in of civilization, to raise our fellow on the last of the resolutions and for greater rens out of their state of degrada municipal amenities for the physical com tion into comparative comfort and well fort of the poorer working classes of the being, wo shall have earned our place Colony, he was entirely in sympathy and in the Council of the Nations, and shall agreement. Beyond an expression of that be fit to take part in the Federation of sympathy he did not think the C.E.M.8. the World for the good of mankind. shonhl at present go. —(Applause).

The resolutions were then put separately to the meeting, and all were carried with very few dimcntienth,

This concluded; the proceedings.

THE PHARIES,”

in misery and suffering, but he had no The Pharies" of H.M.S, Titania gavs figures to support his allegations. The an excellent entertainment at the Theatre easiest work for children was to act as Royal last might, under the patronage of golf caddies; if it was true that so much H.E. the Governor and Lady Stubby and sweating" existed, why was it to the senior naval and military ofljers difficult to get caddies! A to children The proceeds were devoted to the Paris carrying heavy loads up the Peak, Mr. mouth Disaster Fund for the depen lents Crook suggested that the remedy was for of men lost in Submarine "K. ." The Mr Bowley to come down to the plains Pharies" are a skilful pierrot troupe, (Laughter.)Mr. Bowley's economies, he and they will repeat their performance. added, were in a hopeless condition. In to-night.