46.
201
47.
of
the
place is
a very fair ground
for increasing
the
pay
and allowances;
but I think it better for many
reasons
that this increase should
be given in the shape
of an actual
addition instead of by the issue of Dollars below their real value.
I would recommend therefore that after
careful consideration of all the circumstances
the case a
China rate of pay and
allowances be established, and that if
possible it be announced in dollars,
the currency of the place, instead of in Sterling which has to be converted into Dollars at a given par and which must always give rise to unpleasantness and dissatisfaction.
29.
The withdrawal of the existing
Proclamation would be a good opportunity
for accommodating
the Post Office in the Colony
to the general currency of
the place. The Postal revenue belongs to the Imperial Government and a proportion (one penny in each half-ounce letter) is allowed to the Colony to pay
the expenses of the local establishment. The Postal
rates are
fixed by Treasury warrant in
Sterling and as
long as the Proclamation
remains unrepealed, sterling money
cannot be refused if tendered at the
Post Office.
There
is, however, so little
British Sterling money in circulation
and the saving that would be effected
by obtaining it is a matter
of so little
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