I have an opinion that it would be as great an irritant to alter the present weight of the Hong Kong dollar. The difficulties in our way are already almost insuperable. The Mint could not have been started in more adverse circumstances; any freak obstacle would only have risked the collapse of the undertaking.
I enclose herewith for transmission to His Lordship the Secretary of State the proportion of dollars that were asked for by the Master of the Royal Mint. They are seventeen in number and have been selected from a quantity consisting of one dollar out of every thousand struck, and thus represent a fair average of the worth produced.
Should the proposed change be decided, I shall be glad of early information so as to be prepared to commence the coinage of half dollars. I hope to be prepared in a few days.
I have the honor to be,
John Sermany
The Hon. Sir Robert Hart, K.C.M.G., Inspector General of Customs.
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