(34)
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-In one case you say that she was taken out by a brother of a Committee man of the Pó Léung Kuk?
Honourable Ho KAI-Yes..
The CHAIRMAN.-If he has violated the bond he has of course rendered himself liable.
Honourable C. P. CHATER (to witness).-Do you know of any other members of the Committee, or their relatives, who have taken as concubines girls who have been inmates of the Home?
A.-No.
Honourable Ho KAI-I remember these cases because, at the time, I thought it was not quite proper, because if the Registrar General holds one rule it ought to be binding. I don't quite approve of the rule myself personally. Among the Chinese a girl, who is a reclaimed prostitute, has no chance of being married as a first wife.
The CHAIRMAN.—It has not been found to be impossible. Many girls have been married as first wives who have come down here as prostitutes for a short time.
Mr. Ho Fook. It would take a longer time.
The CHAIRMAN.-You must remember that the fact the man gets his wife for nothing weighs a good deal.
Honourable HO KAL-But such a wife would have no status at the house in the country, and they would degrade her. If any Chinese is known to have taken a prostitute as first wife, he would lose caste.
Honourable F. H. MAY.-Are you of opinion, Mr. Ho Fook, that we ought to do away with that restriction on concubines ?
WITNESS.-Yes, privately of course.
But there is the question of expediency.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Therefore that the decision should rest with the permanent Committee of the Pó Léung Kuk?
A. Yes, you might find a few men to take some of the girls as first wives, but if you have a girl who is old or ugly you will find some difficulty in disposing of her.
The CHAIRMAN,-Have you ever heard of a case in which one of the Committee has got possession of one of these girls improperly?
A.—No, I have never heard; I don't remember, but I may have heard it. If the name of the man was given to me it might refresh my memory.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-You don't know of your own knowledge that any member of the Committee, past or present, has as his concubine any woman who has been released from the Pó Léung Kuk under the bond which the Chairman has spoken of ?
A.-I haven't heard of any case.
Honourable Ho KAI.-I don't know whether she was released under a bond in this particular case.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Who signs and is responsible for the bond ?
The CHAIRMAN. I will show you a copy of the bond.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Who are security?
The CHAIRMAN.--That depends. Satisfactory security has always to be found. When the people go away to the mainland, it is rather difficult to keep any check on
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.