Sessional_Paper_1929 — Page 236

228

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-And it may convey a suggestion that laws not specifically mentioned do not apply.

The amendment was carried.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL suggested that the earlier Ordinance should be men- tioned first.

This was agreed to.

It was agreed to transfer the whole of clause 7 into Part III of the Bill.

HON. MR. POLLOCK-There might seem to be some conflict between clause 12 and clause 2 if we do not substitute the words "any age",

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-Leave out "any age" and say "any mui-tsai" may with the sanction of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

HON. MR. POLLOCK-My reason is this that it would not do for a mui-tsai as it were to walk out of doors without any protection at all. There must be some sanction- ing authority and the proper one would be the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-The point is not without difficulty. We have declared that the payment of a sum of money confers no right of property. Now if one of these mui-tsai, being of ripe age, says "I intend to leave my employer and the views of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs do not interest me", what is to be done?

HON. MR. HOLYOAK-Has any estimate been formed of the increase of Secretarial staff made necessary by the Bill?

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-You may take it there has been no estimate made by any one in authority.

HON. MR. HOLYOAK-I think we shall have to very materially increase the staff.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-Well, I have my opinion.

HON. MR. POLLOCK-I rather differ from my hon. friend. I think, as a matter of fact, the vast majority of mui-tsai will be content to remain where they are. I ap- preciate the difficulties pointed out; the only trouble is that there must be some authority.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR—To do what?

HON. MR. POLLOCK---To control in some way.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-When does a Chinese girl arrive at years of discretion? -(Laughter).

HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON-That is putting a big question. Eighteen years is not the age of discretion; that is the worst age.--(Laughter).

H.E. THE GOVERNOR-Do you think the clause would be improved if we sub- stituted, say, 21? (To Hon. Mr. Hallifax): Has the matter come before you?

THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS-No, Sir.

It occurs to

HON. MR. POLLOCK-I am quite prepared to leave the words out. me that it is a very short general statement of the rights of mui-tsai. Any mui-tsai may leave her employment at any time whatever without payment.

The Committee then discussed transferring various clauses to other parts of the Bill from those in which they appeared. It was agreed that these changes would neces- sitate reprinting the Bill and at this stage it was decided to adjourn and to resume the Committee stage at the next meeting.