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On perusal of this Correspondence Mr Stanhope will observe that the Colonial Postmaster General, while ready to adopt the suggestion of this department for establishing at Hongkong a reserve of Postal Orders to the extent of £5000, expresses doubts as to the wish to make requisitions for fresh supplies of Orders half yearly, instead of quarterly as recommended by this Department.
On this point the Postmaster General desires me to remark, for Mr Stanhope's information, that a six months' supply of Postal Orders would amount to about £3000, the adoption of the alternative course proposed by Mr Foster would result in Postal Orders of a total value of £8000 being placed at one time in the custody of the Colonial Post Office, - that is to say a six months supply £3000 in addition to the proposed reserve of £5000.
Having regard to the large responsibility involved Mr. Rance does not feel justified in acceding to this proposal without consulting the Secretary of State, who may perhaps think it advisable...