it has become impossible to keep pace with public demands for both Imperial and Colonial Coinages without a further enlargement of the Mint involving considerable initial expenditure, which, in present circumstances, My Lords do not feel justified in incurring.
My Lords observe that the Orders in Council regulating the currency of Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements, the two Colonies from which the largest demands for subsidiary coinages arise, provide that the coins may be manufactured either under the directions of
the Master of the Mint or at one of the Mints of
British India, and I am to suggest that the Governments of these Colonies might find it convenient to avail themselves of this provision instead of or in addition to the employment of private firms in England under the direction of the Master of the Mint.
I am to point out that, as the existing
Indian Mints are not at present fully employed owing to the
recent change in the Monetary standard of India, the Indian Government might be glad to undertake commissions
for Colonial Coinages, while the greater proximity of
India to the Colonies concerned should have the effect of
obviating delay and reducing charges for freight &c.
My Lords desire to invite Mr Chamberlain's special consideration to the adoption of this alternative.
commends itself to him, he will probably place himself in
communication with the Secretary of State for India in
Council, with a view to the conclusion of some arrangement.
In the meantime, the Mint will make every
If it
effort to execute the commissions entrusted to them,
but as regards the present large requisition from Hong
93
Kong they see no prospect of being able to make any delivery before July next, nor can they thereafter under take the fortnightly deliveries suggested. It is hoped, however, that it will be found possible to supply about 2,500,000 ten-cent pieces per month from July onwards.
I am,
sir,
Your obedient servant,
Enterielle
Kong
u73