sir,
Col: Treasurer to Col: Secretary
Hong Kong
C.0.
41755
REC:
20285
BFG 21 DEC 00
Treasury,
3rd March 1898
With reference to my minute of the 2nd February
1898 calling attention to the charges of the Birmingham
Mint in connection with the minting of recent supplies of
subsidiary coins, I have the honour to enclose copy of a
statement of the cost of supplying $300,000 in ten cent
picces shipped por 9. S. "Britannia" 2nd December 1897, to
call attention to the item of £60. 1. 10. contained therein,
being the charges of an Inspector for supervising manufac-.
ture,
and to request that an explanation of this charge may
be obtained.
I may add that if this item wore deducted, and
the bill reduced to about £27,900, the cost to the Govern- mont of £27,900 at yesterday's exchange rate of 1/10s to the dollar would be something like $300,100, which would
yield a loss to the Government of at least $100, and a
larger sum if the item of £60. 1. 10, is retained. It is
clear therefore that unless the Birmingham Mint reduces
its charges and unless the extra charge for superintendence
is averted, the Government cannot, at ruling rates, avoid a
loss by dealing with the Birmingham Mint.
I have &c. &c.
(Sa) T. Sercombe Smith
Treasurer.
-6-
Hong Kong
}