It is of the greatest importance to exercise extreme care in employing new but responsible & reliable people - further the appliances and patterns for Mint Machinery (being rarely required) are in few hands.
I was much guided by Mr Graham's advice, and great experience in these matters. Take for instance the "Weighing apparatus" there are only two houses here who could undertake the order.
Moreover one Messrs De Grave required two years to execute it, at a higher price than Meser Ladd & Bertling (a house of equal standing) who undertook to complete the work in four months! Some of the articles to be let out are patented, as Stamilton's Locks - Maguire's State Chimney pieces - Macfarlane's Patent Closet & Jennings' ... these & similar cases we have to decide upon the relative merits & advantages of the various inventions and, if adopted, have to comply with the Patentees' terms.
In every case Mr. Graham will sign his approval of the tenders recommended for acceptance, and the necessary recommendations shall be supplied for those already passed.
I now enclose a list of the persons who have sent in their prices for the various articles already contracted for - which I trust will afford the required information.
I have the honour to be, most obedient Servant, your obedient Master of the Mint, Hong Kong.
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