CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900 — Page 292

sir,

Col: Treasurer to Col: Secretary

Hong Kong

C.0.

41755

REC:

20285

BFG 21 DEC 00

Treasury,

3rd March 1898

With reference to my minute of the 2nd February

1898 calling attention to the charges of the Birmingham

Mint in connection with the minting of recent supplies of

subsidiary coins, I have the honour to enclose copy of a

statement of the cost of supplying $300,000 in ten cent

picces shipped por 9. S. "Britannia" 2nd December 1897, to

call attention to the item of £60. 1. 10. contained therein,

being the charges of an Inspector for supervising manufac-.

ture,

and to request that an explanation of this charge may

be obtained.

I may add that if this item wore deducted, and

the bill reduced to about £27,900, the cost to the Govern- mont of £27,900 at yesterday's exchange rate of 1/10s to the dollar would be something like $300,100, which would

yield a loss to the Government of at least $100, and a

larger sum if the item of £60. 1. 10, is retained. It is

clear therefore that unless the Birmingham Mint reduces

its charges and unless the extra charge for superintendence

is averted, the Government cannot, at ruling rates, avoid a

loss by dealing with the Birmingham Mint.

I have &c. &c.

(Sa) T. Sercombe Smith

Treasurer.

-6-

Hong Kong

}