Considerable weight is attached to his opinion on the present subject, and regarding his proposition for the mint at Hong Kong, as the revival under new and more favorable circumstances of a similar one which was proposed four years ago by his predecessor, Sir John Bowring, my Lords are not disposed to interpose the delay of a further reference to the Colony, before adopting a measure which, if successful, will in their opinion tend to complete the measures which originated with this Board for putting the currency of Hong Kong on a satisfactory footing, and may also, it may be hoped, equally facilitate the operations of British trade throughout China and in Japan.
May 320
Their Lordships are of opinion that the proposed mint should be established at Hong Kong by local enactment, ratified by the Crown, and that it should be placed under the control and supervision of the Master of the Mint, with a view to the assay and verification of the coin issued from it.
Their Lordships suggest that Mr. Robinson should be required to submit in detail the measures which he would propose for carrying into effect this important object, and they will instruct the Master of the Mint to give him every assistance in his power in maturing the necessary arrangements.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Brand