292
14
for Coinage in China, and cannot therefore offer an opinion as to the requisite extent of Mint at Hongkong.
but it would be the best policy to provide abundant steam power by high pressure engines.
The Machinery for Mint of equal power with that of Calcutta would be far less expensive now than formerly. Not only is the cost of Machinery generally reduced; but mint Machinery especially for Coining presses, has been greatly altered and simplified.
10th Tabular Statement of Coinage executed at this mint in any period would not properly exhibit its Capability since the demand for Coinage has been very variable. It is therefore better to state that the mint, working ordinary time is equal to 130,000 pieces of Silver and 200,000 pieces of Copper daily or to 250,000 pieces of silver alone, and may be considered for 260 days in the year.
Besides the Silver and Copper bullion, such quantities of Gold as are brought to the Mint are coined without hindrance to the other coinages.