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Q.-However, the whole matter in a little time will set itself right now?
A.-Well, I am afraid it will go on in the way of one per cent. The copper will accumulate at the Bank. The copper is paid into the Bank from the various Government Departments, as collections of rates, taxes, and so on, paid in at par, and then the Bank asks the Government to relieve it of these accumulations. The Government cannot help itself. For instance, the Harbour Master grants licences for junks and cargo boats at 25 cents each, and these are paid for in copper.
Q.--Hon. F. B. JOHNSON.-You mean to say the Government has no means of getting rid of this copper unless it pays someone or another in copper?
A. Yes. We are bound to receive it if it is not more than a dollar.
Q. Hon. A. LISTER.-There was a very large accumulation at one time, was there
not?
A. Yes; we had a vault full up to the ceiling, $40,000 or $50,000 worth.
Q.-The importation of this copper has been stopped?
A. Yes.
Q-Don't you think it must set itself right in time, however, this copper is gradually disappearing, and there will be no more than is wanted for the circulation of
the town?
A.-I think so.
Q.-Can
Can you recollect who you last paid in copper?
A-I think it was in December last.
Q.-Will you tell us how Contractors are paid?
A.-In notes; no silver; all bank notes.
Q.-Do you superintend that payment yourself?
A. Yes, I can see it from my desk.
Q.-And you see every man gets his payment in notes?
A. Yes.
Q-Except the copper you give him as a matter of duty?
A.--Yes.
Q.-They don't like taking this copper?
A. Not that I know of. They are very glad to receive it. To have payments of 10 per cent in it they would not like, but now they are getting so little they don't grumble.
Q.---But they would prefer not to get any at all?
A. Of course, but they cannot help it.
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