19th Instant to Your Lordship.
Mr. Gardiner Austin and
I have also had a conference with the managers of the Banks and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.
6.
In the event of Her Majesty's Government declining to coin dollars for circulation in China I venture to ask Your Lordship to reconsider the old scheme of my predecessor, Sir Hercules Robinson, — the Hongkong Mint.
17
No doubt if the Government of the Straits Settlements would co-operate, a local mint might be established here at a smaller outlay than was contemplated in 1866.
The successful establishment of such a mint would possibly be the best cure for the serious evil felt by the growing commercial community in this and the neighbouring colonies. I shall however await Your Lordship's instructions before reopening the question.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most Obedient humble Servant.