D
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77
coins is to be resorted to, it will be best
to await the result of that measure before
proceeding with a Govt. note issue. If the mea-
sure is successful and the Chinese coins dis-
appear automatically as the foreign copper
coins have done, the Govt. will be in a much
better position to judge as to the advisabil-
ity and extent of a Govt. note issue, and
would feel greater confidence in the issue
being a success and achieving all its objects.
As regards the probition of the circulation
A
of foreign notes, Mr. H. does not understand
why the taking of this step should be depen-
dent on the approval of the issue of Govt.
notes to redeem subsidiary coins, and he pro-
poses to give the Gov. permission to pass
the Ord. when he eyn considers it necessary.
The matter is of importance, since there is
danger of the circulation of Chinese notes
being forced on individuals in the Colony
by methods of boycott and intimidation.
7
The Gov. will be reminded that a measure
to consolidate and amend the law of the Colony
in the matter of currency would take the form
not of a Colonial Ord. but of an 0. of H.M. in
Council.
8 I am to request the earliest possible
conson of this letter, since it is very desira- ble to give long notice of the intention to prohibit Chinese coins. (Sighed)TMH & READ,
for the Under Seoretary of State