CO129-089 - Public Offices - 1862 — Page 319

in place of Chinese Cash, at the rate of 1000 to the dollar, appears to be - problematical and My Lordes are

to agree

very

dispoved

the

in the opinion cexprejsed by the Duke: of Newcastle that it will be the best course to Commence the proposed change of the monetary system at Wong Hong with the aid of Cent pieces only, leaving question of Coining other subsidiary picces for future Consideration." It appare important to preserve the separation here indicated of the dollar and "Cash" system of Currency suggestion made in the Governors despatch would amount to the Creation

a Mil

of a

4

оч

The

thousandth part of as dollar, but such a Coin should not

be Confounded in name or with the Chinese Cash...

otherwise

རྟོན་་་་

co

"Firest then of the Dollar Currency for Hong Kong. The introduction of a Cent piece appears desirable both with the view of supporting the dollar system- and also of fixing the decimal division . A Cent Can be recommended of bronze of

weight and sige as the British -halfpenny; having the effigies and titles of

the same

the Majesty

one on

side,

As on

316

the halfpenny,

with Hong Kong. Cone Cent 1862", and the

equivalent in Chinese characters

OTU

the

other side (see figure). The Cent described in the Governor's despatek is of Copper and analogous to the old Anglo Indian Coens . But the last are in Course of being altered, and in the Change it appears

of uniformity and of the Imperial character than formerly prevailed. The bronze Cent described Could be Coined with a Considerable

approved

well to maintain

more

profit. If the price was affrond by

- their Lordships the single die required: -might be engraved and the Coin be struck at the Mint within a few- weeks..

The subsidiary Coin to the dollar in Silver required by the Governor appears highly desirable and must w :sooner or later be supplied, but it is impossible to pround with Confidence at present in the preparation of such

piece.

With the view of advancing the question

а

a step, the following propoval is offered. Dearing in mind that it is the Mexican or

Spanish

이