CO129-097 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1864 [1-2] & Sir Robinson - 1864 [1-3] — Page 31

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Sir F. Rogers to Mr. Hamilton.

I have settled this draft in communication with the Master of the Mint as directed by the Secretary of State. DOWNING STREET, 30th March, 1863, Mexican Dollars now the only legal tender in Hongkong-are quoted at present in London at 5/6 per oz., while Bar Silver a copy of a letter received from Sir H. Robinson, Governor of Hongkong, proposing the establishment of a Mint at Honghty, and they bear a still higher premium in China; and the heavy loss which, in consequence of the scarcity of this coin, SIR,-I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to annex for the consideration of the Lords Comunissioners of the Trest 5/1 At this price Mexican Dollars are at a premium of about 13 per cent beyond their intrinsic value, even in this

for the Coinage of British Dollars.

not only on all engaged in the foreign trade of China, but also on the Imperial Exchequer renders it very desirable to

This question being one within their Lordships peculiar cognizance His Grace will only observe that the care forward the project of a Mint at Hongkong with the utmost despatch. ability which Sir H. Robinson has brought to the consideration of the currency question gives considerable weight I recommend therefore that this draft ordinance with a copy of the correspondence which has passed on the subject be opinion on the present subject. If their Lordships desire any further enquiry to be made into the subject in the Ciutarded by the next Mail to the Officer administering the Government of the Colony to be laid before the Legislative

Grace will be ready to send out the necessary instructions.--I am, &c.,

G. A. HAMILTON, ESQ.,

&c., &c.

&c.,

(Copy.)

(Signed) F. ROGERS,

Sir F. Rogers to Sir H. Robinson.

cil.

I would advise also in view of the heavy loss which is at present falling on the Imperial Exchequer, a loss which I bly estimate at the rate of between £30,000 and £40,000 per annum, that a Master be appointed at once without waiting he return of the Ordinance to this country, and also that the arrangements which must be made here, such as determining tandard and ordering the machinery and dies should be proceeded with without delay. The Master of the Royal Mint is of opinion that the appointment of a Master is the first step necessary, as he considers the arrangements before referred to should be carried out under the immediate superintendence of the Master; and he is DOWNING STREET, 30th March, 1869, er of opinion that these arrangements will take about six months to complete. establishment of a Mint at Hongkong for the coinage of British Dollars, and I am directed to inform you that your lette at be determined at present, and the cost of the Machinery and Plant can only be ascertained by calling for tenders from SIR,I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to acknowledge your letter dated the 20th instant, proposing The number of subordinate Officers and servants that may be required, in addition to the five chief's named in the Ordinance,

been referred for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury,-I am, &c.,

SIR H. ROBINSON, Bletchington Park, Oxford.

Sir F. Rogers to Sir H. Robinson.

(Signed) F. ROGERS.

principal Manufacturers in this country.—I have, &c.,

SIR FREDERIC ROGERS, BART. &c., &c., &c.

(Signed) HERCULES G. R. ROBINSON.

Draft Ordinance-Hongkong Mint.

SIR,-With reference to your letter dated the 20th ultimo, proposing the establishment of a Mint at Hongkong for 1. That a Mint be established in Hongkong on such site as the Governor or Officer administering the Government of the

DOWNING STREET, 18th April, 1863. Be it enacted: coinage of British Dollars, I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to annex a copy of a letter from the Board of Treny for the time being may approve; that a chief Officer thereof shall be appointed under the title of Master, who shall be made by the Lords Commissioners in the same letter, that you will submit to this Department after conferring with the Majesty, from dies to be furnished by the Master of the Royal Mint under such Regulations as may be prescribed by the Lords

dated the 10th instant expressing concurrence in your views, and I am directed to request in accordance with the suggest

of the Mint the details of the measures which you would recommend, together with the heads of a local ordinance, so you can suggest them for carrying your proposal into effect.-1 am, &c.,

(Signed) F. ROGERS.

SIR H. ROBINSON.

Mr. Brand to Sir F. Rogers.

far

powered to coin Silver Coin of such Weight and fineness and of such designs as may from time to time be approved by Her

missioners of Her Majesty's Treasury.

2. That it may be lawful for the Governor or Officer administering the Government of the Colony for the time being, to be regulations under which the Mint shall receive Silver Bullion and coin the same; and to authorize the retention hout reference to any charge which may be imposed for the expense of refining such Bullion) of such proportion thereof, of the Coin struck therefrom, by way of a Mint charge or seignorage, as shall be sufficient to defray the expenses attending

coinage; and to alter or amend such regulations from time to time as may be found necessary. TREASURY CHAMBERS, 10th April, 1863.

3. That the Master be empowered subject to the approval of the Governor or Officer administering the Government of the SIR, With reference to your letter of the 30th ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter from bir H. Both prony far the time being, to enter into such contracts and to establish such regulations for the orderly and convenient per- Hongkong, proposing the establishment of a Mint at Hongkong for the coinage of British Dollars, I am directed by the lance of the duties of the Mint as may be found necessary. Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that my Lords en 4. That four other principal Officers of the Mint shall be appointed. with His Grace in opinion that the care and ability which Sir Hercules Robinson has brought to the consideration of establishment of a Mint at Hongkong, as the revival under new and more favorable circumstances of a similar one which

1st. The Superintendent of the Bullion Office, who shall be responsible to the Master for the receipt of Bullion and the accurate record of all transactions with the public and with the assaying, melting and coining Departments of the Mint,

currency question give considerable weight to his opinion on the present subject and regarding his proposition for delivery of Coin by the Mint, the safe custody of the same while in charge of his department, the faithful conduct and made a few years ago by his predecessor Sir John Bowring, my Lords are not inclined to interpose the delay of a furt including the Store, Cash, Bullion, and other account, for the proper registering and safe custody of documents, and

reference to the Colony, before adopting a measure which if successful, will in their opinion tend to complete the meas which originated with this Board for putting the currency of Hongkong on & satisfactory footing, and may also, it may hoped, greatly facilitate the operations of British Trade throughout China and in Japan. My Lords are of opinion that proposed Mint should be established at Hongkong by local enactment to be approved by the Queen, and that it should placed under the control and supervision of the Master of the Mint, with a view to the assay and verification of the coins toi issued from it.

Their Lordships suggest that Sir H. Robinson should be invited to submit in detail the measures which he would prop for carrying into effect this important object, and they will instruct the Master of the Mint to give him every assistance in power in maturing the necessary arrangements.-I am, &c.,

SIR F. ROGERS, BART.

Hongkong No. 88.

as noted in the margin,* respecting the establishment of a Mint at Hongkong.

(Signed)

II. BRAND.

DOWNING STREET, 8th July, 1863,

SIR,- With reference to my Despatch of the 19th April, marked Confidential, I transmit copy of further correspondeat You will find annexed to Sir Hercules Robinson's letter of the 30th May, the draft of an ordinance which by my des he has prepared as necessary for establishing the Mint.

The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have signified their approval of this Draft, and of the proposed appointments, Superintending Officers, and of the Salaries to be assigned to them as recommended by Sir H. Robinson.

I have authorized Sir II. Robinson to place himself in communication with the Master of the Mint, with reference to th immediate selection of a Gentleman for the appointment of Master of the Miat, in order that they may superintend and with the arrangements that will have to be completed in England.

proce

I have to instruct you to submit to the Legislative Council the whole of this correspondence, for their consideration, with a view to the passing of an ordinance in accordance with the Draft now forwarded."

You will of course understand that the passing of this ordinance is only a preliminary step towards the establishment the Mint, and that you are not required to move further in the matter until you receive instructions on the subject fr myself. I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

The Officer administering the Government of Hongkong.

(Copy.)

Sir Hercules Robinson to Sir Frederic Rogers.

NEWCASTLE.

LONDON, 30th May, 1863.

for

the faithful and zealous discharge of any other duties which the Master may direct him to perform.

2nd, The Assayer who will be responsible to the Master for the correct assay of all Bullion brought to the Mint to be assayed or coined, for the correct assay of the Bars cast for rolling and of the Coin struck at the Mint, for the records thereof being kept with care and precision, and for the faithful and zealous discharge of any other duties which the Master may direct him to perform.

3rd. The Superintendent of the coining Department, and Machinery, who will be responsible to the Master for the weight, properly stamped with the authorized dies, for the safe custody and legitimate use of the dies, for than pratsios Bullion delivered into his charge by the Superintendent of the Bullion Office, for its conversion into Coin of the legal of his department being properly and economically conducted, for the records thereof being kept with care and precision and for the faithful and zealous discharge of any other duties which the Master or his representative may direct him to perform.

4th. The Superintendent of the Melting Department, who will be responsible to the Master for the skilful and econo mical direction of the operations of melting and refining, for the records thereof being kept with care and precision, and by the Governor or Officer administering the Government, subject to the approval and confirmation of the Secretary of State for the faithful and zealous discharge of any other duties which the Master or his representative may direct him to perform. 5th. That all such other Officers and servants of the Mint as may be necessary shall be appointed from time to time

for the Colonies.

6th. That the Master shall faithfully and without unnecessary delay after the expiration of each quarter prepare and forward to the Governor the following returns:-

Weight of Silver Bullion received from the public by the Bullion Office;

Weight melted previous to assay;

Weight assayed and valued, and value thereof;

Weight refined;

Weight and value of uncoined Bullion re-issued, and amount charged for melting, assaying and refining; Weight of each description of Coin produced;

Weight of each description of Coin delivered to the public, and the amount, if any, charged for coining; Copy of the reports of the assay of Coin;

Number and description of dies received or completed during the quarter, of dies worn out, of dies effectually defaced, and of serviceable dies in hand.

A return, shewing the waste during the quarter, distinguishing the waste arising in melting, in refining, in coining, and in assaying.

And he shall forward any other returns which the Governor or Officer administering the Government of the Colony may require.

7th. That with a view to ensure the careful observance of the standard in the Coin the Governor or Officer administering SIR,-In compliance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 18th ultimo I submit herewith a draft of t the Mint to the public without preference in the selection, specimen pieces, and that such specimens shall be forwarded from he Government of the Colony shall cause to be taken at uncertain times during each quarter from amongst the Coins issued ordinance for establishing a Mint in Hongkong,

ime to time to the Master of the Royal Mint in London, for such examination as the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury may direct.

* Sir H. Robinson, 30th May, 1863.

To Treasury, 6th June,

Treasury, 23rd

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