1921-10-29 — Page 3

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THE WAR MEMORIAL. URSING HOME DECIDED UPON.

In amplification of the brief report we published yesterday we give the following -details ...

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TE, 1931.

"

THE POLICEMAN'S " PIC-NIC."

DARK" DOINGS- ON A BALIPAN.

DISAPPEARANCE OF THE FAMILY HEIRLOOMS.”

"A Policeman's Pio-nia!"; that's what

In inky darkness, on the night of

A meeting of subscribers to the Colony's War Memorial was held in the Board she fisherman said he thought it was Room at Mesers--Jardins Matheson's. Whether the policeman found it exactly on Thursday afternoon. There were pienie the reader will be able to about twenty, pernous present, represent judge. ing $139,795 out of the total sim of $155,700 subscribed (which does not in clade money paid over from the Peace Celebrations). The meeting was presided over by Mr. D. 6. M. Bernard (in the absence from the Colony of the Hon. Sir Raul Chater, C.M.G.), and others who

attended were

DS

"CARRYING LOADS TO THE PEAK

THE OBSERVATIONS OF THE REV. H. R. WELLS.

The Rav. H. R. Wells, a member of the Commission on Child Labour made a visit of inspection to one of the halts where people carrying loads to the Peak were resting and the following notes by him are included among the appendices

the Report:-

It

Teu

· CHILD `· LABOUR · IN E

HONGKONG.

MR. CHOW SHOU SET'S VIEWE

Mr. Chow Shou Sen, one of the man- bers of the Committee of Inquiry into Child Labour in Hongkong, wrote the following comments which are given among the Appendices to the Report

I should like, in conclusion, to make a few general observations in elaboration et those contained in the draft report.

October 24th. Polies Sergeant Carey, oftast heard that children were At the start, let me say that I un as the Water Police, going to and fro on carrying loads to the Peak, I milde anxious as anyone else in this Colony to the face of the waters, put in at Chase visit to one of their halts, A number see this hard lot of some of the poor way Bay. There were sampans there of wouen and children ware sitting children in this Colony improved, and I with no lights. Borrowing a dinghy, he down, and my attention was first called an sure that all the Chinese here will boarded soms of them and on one he to a boy who seemed to be very weak, do everything possible towards that end. the Hoa. Mr. found a box which seemed rather heavy.it. not ill. He was eating a cake, but But we must take lacte as they exist, Rollock, K.C., Hon. Mr. H. W. Bird, The asked the sumpan woman to open it; seemed to have little appetite for it, the and not allow Hon. Mr. Ho Fook, Hon. Mr. Lau Chu she did not do so, but handed her keys Dine was about 9.30 am. His motherfect our considered judgment. Owing 0117 Sentiments to Pak, Ho Mr. A. G. Stephen (Hon to another woman who opened the box, was sitting beside him, evidently some to its proximity to the Kwongtung Pro- Treasurer), Col. L G. Bird, Dr. G. M.

A game of " snap seems to have what anxious about him. "I asked his Harston,

rince, there is a constant flow of Chinese Rev. J. Kirk Maconachie, lesers, C. Montague Ede, R. M. Dyer, followed, and the first woman won Nonge, and she said about sine or

(Chinese reckoning). On being asked of all classes into this Colony, most of E. J. Chapman, Percy Smith, A. Dennisoner had the lid been lifted than the which burden the boy was carrying, she whom come here in order to find work woman made a grab at something. The ser pointed to many loads and said that son, E. P. C. Horaill. "F. Hull and M. J.grant grasped it after her: it was some- one," adding there are many more, ask to keep themselves from starvation. The Brend (Hon. Secretary): "

thing hard and heavy. He was between them." I looked about and saw a very present conditions of the two Kwongs The CHARAN, said: This meeting, bas the two women: they both set upon him small boy, he was eight years of age further aggravates the situation. The been called to pay before you a schuras to gain possession of the mysterions (English reckoning, say about 6 years), children who are earnings wages are for a war memorial, which I hope will parcel: The next moment, the sergeant he was with his mother, and she said that essential to the scheme, of things in fast with your fail support. Perhaps was attacked from behind by a fisherman he must work, or he would not have food the daily life of the poor, and withous

from the next sampun The fisherman to eat. ar apology is due to you for the 100 reized him. dragged him away from the

The mother was a widow and them is would mean so much less income came to Hongkong to get work, and find to feed the family! One would like to delay in submitting a scheme to you, but

you will remember, in addition to the two women and fell with him through ing that the boy could also get work,

He cut down as much as possible the work- cenotaph, the idea was to build a club the awning of his own sampaa. By this had set him to earn what he could. for the use of the Army, Navy and civili time the coxswam of the police launch had two loads of twenty-two catties (9 18 hours of these children, but unforta- We have just been informed that bad arrived and the sampan people gave Ibs. each), these loads he took one by aately there is a limit beyond which one thy Authorities have a scheme in hand over. The mysterious package, however, one, carrying each a short distance, and cannot go without doing more harm than which has made it necessary for us to had vanished into thin air, or, more then returning for the other. Further good. As a rule these children do piece- work they are paid according to the to the bandon this idea of a club.

enquiry elicited information The Com- probably, water. mittee now have in view, as an alterna- The fisherman and one of the sampan efféer that he had his breakfast at 6 a.m. amount of hours of work they put in. tive. the erection of a first class nursing women were charged, before Mr. Orme, und began to carry at a place near thaif, for instance, you bulve their working home, where mediul and oursing attensesterday morning, with obstructing the central market, on the sen front, at six hours of, say, 70 hours a week, you would tion would be provided in the aost up police in the execution of their duty, and am, and had got so far, his work would reduce their income by 50 per cent.; to-date and practical manner, It is felt ergo. Carey told the story related above, be finished at about five p.m. He could and where there is more than one child that this would be a great boon to the What made you search this particular earu eight cents for a day's work, carry earning such wages it may mean the loss Colony, and such an institution cannot boat?" asked Air. A. E. Hall, who de-ing fifty-eight pounds (forty-four catties) of the wherewithal to pay rent.

weight of coal to the Peak. It was be expected from private enterprise nor fended. Instinct, I supposes?

There has been a great deal of talk in Hongkong. as a Government proposition alone. His

stated that he could caly work about about "sweated labour Excellency the Governor has been con-

ten days a month, and that women could Except a few isolated cases which one sulted, and has promised his support.

only work about twenty days. The child way come across here and there, the wurbed eight wents a day, or eighty cents | work which the childrez in the Colony month, but he had to get some lunch, are doing cannot be so described. The and it was said that this night cost work is hard no doubt, but where it three cents a day, so that his clear cara constitutes the alternative to stavation, inge would only be about fifty cents ait should be allowed, if greater harm is month. This sum seems hardly sufficient not to be wrought. The struggle for to pay for medicine for him, if, as seems

children who work in the interior are probable, he should have occasional sick-existence in China is intense, and the nesses. It seems to be a wicked way to mostly worse off than those earning use the time and energy of such a child.

That is why the Other boys and girls of ten, eleven and wages in Hongkong. twelve years of age were in the neigh Commission do not recommend the total bourhood at work, it was said that a prohibition at child labour, but rather twelve year old girl could earn twelve suggest its regulation." cents a day. A general conversation with men and women was held, and it trans-pulsory education in the Colony." The pired that they get eighteen cents for a fond of one hundred catties (133 lbs.). and that a man could carry two loads, and a women about 150 catlier, the man would earn thirty-six (26) cents a day, and a women in good health about twenty-seven (27)_conts:

You could put it down to instinet," said the sergeant.

*** FRUM" TITTER" "ELFERIERON

"Have you heard of a sampan man having the dudacity to attack a European policeman inquired Mr. Hall.

Yea, I have; too true replied the witness, ruefully. I myself———— **

However, Mr. Hall did not want to hear how the witness was once attack with a chopper by one of these mild- mannered boat-dwellers

women, too?"

I put it to you, that you hit the No, I don't hit women," said the

The witness, in reply to further ques tions, denied that he first put his hand

This brings me to the question of com- idea is very attractive but a little con- sideration will show that it cannot be worked. Situated, geographically, as Hongkong is, with its door over open to the teeming million from China, the problem of accommention alone will be

found to be most difficult of solution. Then there would be the question of expense which would be enormous, and the difficulty of training the large pumber of teachers that would be requir

The CHAIRMAN read a letter from HE. the Governor to Sir Paul Chater, approv ing the suggestion and saying, provided that the Committee were able to get a satisfactory scheme, he would he willing to recommend to the Council that the Government contribute dollar for dollar for the money subscribed by the public subject to a maximum of 8200,000, and also to provide a site if a suitable one could be found. This promise was made "You submitted to that treatment,' on the understanding that the Govern- said Mr. Hall, scornfully. meat would not be called upon to make I hit him, any further contribution in the future admit that," said the sergeant.

to protect myself; and that the institution would be manag. ed in the interests of the community and not with a view to making a profit.

The CHAIRMAN proceeded to say: Up to the present time, subscriptions paid witness. and promised to the War Memorial The Alagistrate: I have board of amount to about $170,000, or a surplus, sampan men having the audacity to after paying for the Cenotaph, of about attack, or drag away, a European police $145,000. It is hoped that many who ma did not care to subscribe to the Club will

The problem of the formulation of a be found desirous of subscribing to what

plan for the protection of these children would unquestionably be of great benefit on the parcel, but he agreed that the difficult one to solve. It seems as to the community. As the proposition women set up cries of "Snatching." if the small load system might be stop now before you differs from the original Coxswain C421 spoke to hearing theped at the starting point, contracors and ed. Even if all these difficulties could it is necessary to ask the sub commotion and cries of "Spatching." employers should not be allowed to make be surmounted, then there would be the scribers, pernission to devote their sub- He met the sergeant's aid was the up child burdens. The lowest load question of feeding and clothing the seriptions to this purpose. Of course if coxswain came on the secne the position might be fixed at bfty cattics, and they thousands of children who would have this be approved. and some subscribers described in the old song was reversed, might be informed that only strong to give up their work, upon which they do not wish their subscription utilized It was a case of the policeman being carry the materials or goods. If seces in order to attend school. I should like, children of full age should be allowed to at present depend for their maintainance, for a nursing home, they may either nak"safe in the arms of the sampan man.' for it to be earmarked for the cenotaph

the system might be attacked grad- Mr. Hall (to the coxswain): You made ually, and the weight, and age limit be however, to see every child receive some or returned to them. I therefore now

no attempt to help the sergeant?

reached by slower steps.

education, if possible; but such should' beg to propose.

The witness: No.

young children can earn so little, That the subscriptions to the War

they would be rauch better employed involuntary attendance at Continuation Memorial over and above the amount required for the Cenotaph he devoted

schools where they could learn a little Classes in the evening or on Sundays.. about books, and what they teach, and to the erection of a Nursing Home."

if it were possible to give them some When this has been seconded. I shall

industrial training as part of their be pleased to hear any remarks or snswer Mr Hall asked the biagistrate to school training, so much the better. It any questions to the best of my ability. find that the charge of obstructing might be possible to teach a little about Mr. C. MONTAGUE EDE seconded the the police had not been made out. the cultivation of flowers and plants, the resolution, and mentioned that he went His defence, if called upon, would be that manufacture of small toys, or even ele- last week, with Sir Paul Chater, the there was a packet containing jewellerymentary work that would be useful for Hon. Mr. A. G, Stephen and Mr. Denni- and money in the box; the sergeant made their future life as artisans, and even son, to try and find a suitable site and grab at it and there was a struggle for perhaps enable them to earn a few cents they suggested what they considered to the packet. be an admirable site a little way above

a day after a short time." the hair-pio bend, which crosses Bowen Road. It was protected from the setting and open to the Southern breezen iä Bummer. It was about 150 feet above sea level and was below the fog line. It was easily reached by motor car, being about a twenty minute run from the Post Cffice.

11

Mr. Hall: You ought to be dismissed from the Force for neglect of duty.

The witness was understood to say that before he could get to the sergeant the sampan man released his hold

The Magistrate: What happened to the packet?

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THE FOX-TROT be achieved not by legislation but by

PUT YOURSELF IN-HER-

PLACE:" MAGISTRATE DOES IT AND DIS CHARGES THE 'DEFENDANT.

Mr. G. N. Orme indicated q change of view yesterday, with regard to a case carried over from the previous day. The polica had pursued a sampan" and the The Magistrate: I don't find that he passengers escaped leaving the sampan. woman with a considerable quantity of was taking things away.

Mr. Hall: According to my instruc-arms and ammunition. As the sampan tions, they were not told that the police-woman yulo-ed faster when called upon man was searching for contraband, to stop the police felt justified in charg- The Magistrate (drily): No, they ing her with unlawful possession of the thought he was out for a pic-nic. made up your mind, it is no use my Mr. Hall: If your Worship has already

going un

The Magistrate: Not in the least; call another witness by all means.

The daughter of the two defendants features of her father's story but differed was then called. She supported the main

Mr. Hall: The defendants allege that the sergeant threw it everboard in the struggle. As to the charge of obstruc tion, they had every right to catch hold. of the sergeant if they thought he was going to mako away with the packet. Dr. HARSTON, supporting the proposal. The Magistrate: That would be very said there was a growing need for a dangerous doctrine. If we accepted that, nursing home in the Colony, and such searches by the police would be at an an up-to-date establishment as the Com- end. mittre "contemplated would be greatly appreciated. He suggested that the nurs ing home should not only be adequate evidence on his own behalf. He said: Mr. Hall called the fisherman to give for present day nords but have room for extension to meet the future needs launch and get into the dinghy. I "I saw the police sergeant moor the of our growing Colony."

I reply to a question by the Hon. Mr. thought he was going for a picnic." on points of detail. HW BIRD, the CHATMAN said it was Coming to the occurrences on the intended that patients in the home sampan, the defendt said, "I provided Bhould pay.

a light for the sergeant. The box was Mr. BIRD naked whether it would not opened and the sergeant scattered the be possible to make a rule whereby those things about When the women tried to who had served at the front might, be prevent the sergeant from taking away admitted free.

the packet containing jewellery, the sergeant fell backwards and pinned me down. The packages was dropped; don't know where it went to."

The Magistrate: What were thesa family heirloomsf Ars they all lost, Defendant I do not know; I have boen in custody ever since.

The CHAIRMAN Bid that the sugges tion would receive sympathetic consid cration. He mentioned later that the nursing home would be available for Chinese,and was not intended solely for the use of Europeans.

The proposal was agreed to unani- mously.

PORTUGUESE PORT DUES.

-BLOW TO THITISH SHIPPING.”,

.L..

.

The British Government has called the

now 1

Mr. Hali again sought to probe the Magisterial' mind.

"I am not favourably impressed with either of them said Mr. Orme.

Mr. Hall. It is no good my calling 20 witnesses if they don't impress you. I have two other witnesses outside.

The Magistrate hinted that he looked to quality rather than quantity in the matter of evidence.

Mr. Hall: We say the police took away all our valuables.

Arms.

thought the woman was bound to have The Magistrate had said that he

known, when the passengers wanted to conceal the packages on the boat, that the business in hand was unlawful. Yes- terday, however, without calling upon Orme said he had come to the conclusion Mr. A. E. Hall, for the defence, Mr. that, where the possessor of the arms was present, the person employed by him could not be held liable.

Inspector Spear: The prosecution has never admitted that the possessor was present

The Magistrate "thought there was no doubt that the persons who escaped were connected with the luggage. Because they had escaped, he did not think it would be right to make the sampan woman responsible.

Inspector Spear: Although she aided their escape by rowing faster i

The Magistrate: If there is an offence under her license, you can bring that against her, but that is a separate offence.

The Magistrate; I will do my best for you, Mr. Hall. I will put myself, in as credulous'a state de I can, but I have What did they consist of A dowry. no doubt, if the police sergeant knew the Yes, but what were they all heavy package only contained one pair Bangles, finger rings and a small quan- of bangles and three rings he would not

Putting himself in the position of a tily of money......

have bothered at all about it. I do not sampan navigator, Mr. Orme added, " If MrHall asked the-Magistrate-if he believe, for a moment, that he was trying a man with urins hires, my boat you wished to hear any evidence in corrobo- to take away their jewels met can't make me liable. That's how I look ration.

Mr. Hall protested against polico ́ovi-kat_it. attention of the Portuguese Government I believe the sergeant's story, I cannot evidence he had called.

The Magistrate: I tell you, frankly, dence being accepted in preference to the

The defendant was discharged. to the later's decree of August 6th,

slice to which enat's that all foreign ships enter believe the man's story. It does not im- The Magistrate said that if Mr. Hail, ing or anchoring in Portuguese porta press me at all. If you think the woman as he said, believed his clients were act- must pay port dues in gold. Portuguese will add to your case, by all means calling honestly the case had better be held by ladies, Messrs. Komor and Kamor. In deference, to representations made shins, however, continue to pay in the her

over (it was then after one o'clock) so will keep their store open for the re ordinary paper currency and thus" an Mr. Hall The policeman walked on that he could call all the evidence avail-under of their sale until 0 p.m. every unfavourable discrimination is "made board and started taking things away able. against foreign shipping: which is for without, giving any reason

An adjournment was granted until office hours to accompany their wives day in order to enable gentlemen after the mook-part British.-Router)

(Continued at foot of nest-column: to lay

when making purchases.

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