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the standard of weight
which approximates closely to
that of Hong Kong, is well maintained. Bearing in mind the well-known skill of the Chinese in regard to the
"touch" of alloys of the precious metals, to which allusion is made in Mr. Rickett's letter of the 22nd of March
last, it is difficult to resist the conclusion that
the coins issued from the Canton Mint are manufactured
rather with a view to their being slightly superior to those of Hong Kong in intrinsic value than to being in
accordance with the standard prescribed by law. On the
other hand it appears from the Report of Her Majesty's
Consul at Foochow of the 21st of August, 1891, that the
Hong Kong coins are there considered to be of superior
"touch",
a fact which may arise from irregularity of
standard existing in the coins issued by the Chinese
Authorities.
Royal Mint,
22 July, 1892.
(Signed) C. W. Fremantle.
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