(94)
Q.-Then I think also we found out that copper was drifting back again into the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank?
A.-It was accumulating at the Bank from our own offices.
Q.-That is to say, the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, being the receiver for the Government, were obliged to receive copper?
A. Yes.
Q.-What was the large accumulation they complained of in 1881?
A.-About $2,000 worth, I think; between $2,000 and $3,000.
Q.-And we took that off their hands, did we not?
A.-Yes.
Q.-And that was handed to Contractors in the same way?
A.-Yes.
Q.-What amount of copper have you coming in now in that way?
A.-Very little.
Q.-What was the last lot you relieved the Bank of?
A.-$100.
Q.-And that was the accumulation of how long?
A.--A month or so.
Q.-The import of copper from England is stopped I think?
A. Yes, since 1882, about 18 months.
Q.-So this will set itself right in time?
A.-Yes.
Q. Do you ever pay Contractors now in copper?
A.-We give them very little, one or two per cent.
Q.-And that only sometimes?
A. Yes.
Q.-Does the Contractor have any warning he is going to get copper?
A.-No; they know perfectly well, because they are glad now to receive so little.
Q-Exactly, but some get paid without any copper?
A.—No; unless there are several payments in the month and the copper is all done. Then no one would get it.
Q.-Then don't you see what I mean? You may pay a man to-day and give him one per cent in copper, and another man to-morrow might get none at all.
A.—If you have no copper in the Treasury and none in the Bank several men would get none.