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Q.-How about a poor woman who comes here quite destitute and friendless? Is she not to be kept in the Pó Léung Kuk?
A. I say there would be no objection to that form of proceeding if the place was opened freely to inspection.
Q.-Have you ever applied to the Pó Léung Kuk to enter the place?
A-I have not.
Q.—Then you don't know whether it is open to anybody?
A-I dont know.
Q.-So that if the place is opened by this Ordinance you would not know that that was not the practice at present?
A.-I don't know what takes place at present. I may say that I must correct myself on one point. I did on one occasion ask if I might go down to the Pó Léung Kuk. I asked it through my old compradore, and he enquired and said "No, they don't like you to come."
Q.--That information is second hand?
A.--I asked purposely on that one occasion.
Q.You say you asked your old compradore to enquire ?
A. Yes, and he came back and said they did not wish anyone to go.
Q-Are you sure the compradore ever did ask?
A-Of course if you ask me for evidence I cannot bring it. The compradore is dead. It is not likely that he did not ask. I doubt that very much.
Q-If you can give me the year I can ask the Committee if there is any record of such refusal.
A. Of course I cannot. It is not of any importance. I mention it merely to correct what I stated-that I had never asked.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Are you under the impression that their proceedings have been carried on in secret?
A. My belief is that there has been nothing published about their meetings or sittings. I have never heard of it.
The CHAIRMAN.--You are not aware that they publish every year an annual statement and account of every girl who has entered the Institution, and what has been done with her?*
A. No, I was not aware of that.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.--Are you aware that there is in Hongkong a benevolent Society managed by a Committee of ladies?
A. Yes.
Q.-If the Pó Léung Kuk's duties were confined to benevolent work and the police- functions, which they now carry out, entrusted to the Police, would it not be preferable?
A.-I think that is not the object. The two things are totally different. The Benevolent Society gives relief to those who ask for it, but they do not undertake to find out kidnappers.
The CHAIRMAN.-Do you know that only last month the Pó Léung Kuk and the Benevolent Society co-operated?
A.-I think the Benevolent Society confines itself to giving help.
* Sec Appendix 42.
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