This is a receipt issued by the Ghee Khee Kwang Hok Kongsi, a Chinese secret society, recognising a monetary contribution to it. The Ghee Khee Kwang Hok Kongsi was formed by the Hokkien. This receipt certifies that 50 cents was paid to the organisation for the establishment of the Hong society, and its stamp can be seen on the lower right corner of the receipt. The origins of Chinese secret societies in Singapore can be traced to the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) in China, which bound its members together in a sworn fraternity with the common cause of overthrowing the Qing dynasty. With increased Chinese migration to Singapore, the local society became a form of mutual-aid and support. Various splinter groups (hui or kongsi) subsequently emerged among the main dialect groups.
