THE MINT, HONGKONG,
9th November, 1867.
SIR, I have the honour to inform you that on the 6th instant I found I had omitted to charge for some Pyr pieces sent to London in May last, and had otherwise paid a small aum in excess to Mr. Davies, whereby the Bullion- office was indebted to me some $16.74.
On explaining my views to Mr. Davies, be said his accounts could not possibly be wrong, and refused to refund the small overpaid balance due to me; ultimately he became very insalting in his manner, and also insubordinate, refusing any explanation and repeatedly assert- ing that I had charged him with dishonesty, which I most distinctly deny. In consequence | of Mr. Davies' refusal to enter into an explana- tion, I applied to you for the services of an auditor.
The statement of the account is enclosed; this was placed in the hand of Mr. Silva, the auditor, with the instructions attached. Mr. Silva audited the account and annexed his report, which shew that my claim was correct.
Mr. Davies has addressed a document to the auditor, which is also attached.
The $10 for Pyx pieces sent to London having since been paid to me; I have called on Mr. Davies to refund the remaining six dollars ninety two cents, which I have paid to him in excess on the items of the account. Mr. Davies refuses to do this, unless I give him an additional order for the amount on the Government funds. This is impossible, as the balance is no new item. it is simply the result of Mr. Davies' claim, which I paid on the 6th, having been in excess of what was really due to bim.
Not only does Mr. Davies refuse to pay the amount, but his conduct to myself in the pre- sence of Mr. Silva was most insulting and in- subordinate, with great volubility using vague threats about other persons, and expressing a hope that I would bring him before His Ex- cellency the Governor for his insubordinate conduct of yesterday, &c., and calling on Mr. Silva as a Government official to take note of bis proceedings.
As an excuse for omitting in his accounts the Pyx pieces sent by me to London from time to time, and which by the auditor's report do not appear in his books, Mr. Davies a serts that I had ordered him not to enter them, and that he knew nothing about them, &c., with many other equally incorrect statements,
It is scarcely reasonable to suppose, that I should give an order to bring the cost of the Pyx pieces on myself, and with the exception of the case before referred to, I have invariably sent a statement to Mr. Davies of all Pyx pieces transmitted to London; and, further, the memo- randa for the very items he has failed to enter are signed by himself, and copies of them are in bis office, endorsed "Coins taken from Pyx pieces for transmission to London.”
In former accounts these amounts have been regularly entered, and there are several docu- ments in my possession shewing it was his practice to do so.
I deeply regret having again to trouble His Excellency with Mr. Davies' affairs, but there are some important points involved which ren- der it absolutely necessary to do so in this
case.
I have, &o.,
(Signed) THOS. WM. KINDER,
Master of the Mint.
The Honourable,
THE ACTING COLONIAL-SECRETARY,
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