215
DOMESTIC.
C.O.
HONG KONG
14807
RECO
Mint, so that should other Colonial orders come in, it will become a question whether it will be possible to execute them.
I am further to request that the attention of the Colonial authorities may be called to the apparent want of consideration for the position of the Mint which is shewn in the Acting Treasurer's statement that "shipments can be stopped at any time should circumstances dictate that course". The Colonial Government would seem to lose sight of the fact that large quantities of silver have to be purchased beforehand for the execution of such orders and that the work of coinage has to be effected in advance of the dates for Shipment.
Lords would have great hesitation about allowing such a commission to be undertaken by the Mint if there were reason to believe that the Colonial Government had not exercised the utmost care in estimating their probable requirements; and They cannot admit the right of the Colonial Government to countermand any portion of their order without such reasonable notice as may be necessary to save the Mint from loss.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
E. Wingfield.
Individual.
399
No. 14807
(Subject.)
Note Issue
RECEIVED 10 JUN 29
does not consider it desirable to allow Mercantile Bank suggests extension of Order.
[Minutes.]
Before considering this, telegraph to Governor, Singapore, as follows:
What is amount of note issue in the Colony at present time by Hongkong & Shanghai Bank and Chartered Bank respectively?
Reply at once.
10/6
15111
*064–15000-12-2