CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3] — Page 300

46.

201

47.

of

the

place is

a very fair ground

for increasing

the

pay

and allowances;

but I think it better for many

reasons

that this increase should

be given in the shape

of an actual

addition instead of by the issue of Dollars below their real value.

I would recommend therefore that after

careful consideration of all the circumstances

the case a

China rate of pay and

allowances be established, and that if

possible it be announced in dollars,

the currency of the place, instead of in Sterling which has to be converted into Dollars at a given par and which must always give rise to unpleasantness and dissatisfaction.

29.

The withdrawal of the existing

Proclamation would be a good opportunity

for accommodating

the Post Office in the Colony

to the general currency of

the place. The Postal revenue belongs to the Imperial Government and a proportion (one penny in each half-ounce letter) is allowed to the Colony to pay

the expenses of the local establishment. The Postal

rates are

fixed by Treasury warrant in

Sterling and as

long as the Proclamation

remains unrepealed, sterling money

cannot be refused if tendered at the

Post Office.

There

is, however, so little

British Sterling money in circulation

and the saving that would be effected

by obtaining it is a matter

of so little

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