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: must be made in small sums during the three months ensuing and as the demand for these subsidiary Coins is specially urgent about the period of the Chinese New Year when at times they fetch a premium of ten per cent - it is of great importance that the Treasurer should receive a consignment before that date.
Avad may perhaps be permitted to observe that if the whole consignment of small coin usually sent for the use of the Colony were forwarded to the Imperial Treasury at this Station, it would not in any way prove prejudicial to Imperial interests. The Colonial Treasurer could obtain therefrom the amount required by him for Colonial purposes and the balance over and above his wants - instead of being put up to tender as per enclosed copy of the Government Gazette - might more fittingly be disposed of by giving a more liberal issue of small coin to the Troops and the Royal Navy than is now possible owing to this Department not being able heretofore to obtain from the Colonial Treasurer the whole of the supply they have asked for and which has necessitated the purchase by the Royal Navy of the requisite small coin at a considerable premium.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant.
(Sd) AR. Therinton L'Col. Asst: Com: General.