for payments for wages to labourers are at present first cashed : so that a certain proportion of the parts of the sum due may be given in copper coinage).

These payments take place in the Cashier's Office in presence not only of Staff but also in the presence of an Officer of the Survey Department, who witnesses the transaction, and signs the Vouchers.

As a rule, I may say, when this is done - though not actually standing by during the counting of the notes, dollars, or copper coinage. Under the system of payment by cheques there cannot, I conceive, be any fear of fraud.

Regarding the payments into the Treasury they consist almost entirely of fees on Licenses, which are known, fixed amounts. Parties do not come to the Treasury applying for information as to the amount to pay. They know beforehand when taking out a License, or by the Rates, and receiving notice to pay the principal sends his servant with the sum due. Each document whether license or Rating paper bears on the face of it in English and Chinese the sum to be paid : The Shroff has nothing to do with making out the papers or sum to be paid.

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