CO129-409 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [1-3] — Page 329

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considered desirable to take powers to restrict import in the manner indicated. On further consideration however it has appear- -ed probable thet, if circulation is strictly prohibited, the unrestricted import and possession of Chinese coins would have no effect upon the rehabilitation of the Colony's subsidiary coin, which is the sole end in view, and that accordingly the somewhat troublesome system of licences would be an unnecessary precaution. The present Ordinance therefore gives the Governor-in-Council power to suspend the operation of the Principal Ordinance as regards import and possession, with liberty to reimpose the system of licences if at a later date such a course should be deemed to

be advisable.

4.

I propose to give the system of free import a trial and I stated publicly in the Legislative Council that if the experiment is not successful, other measures will be adopted. I am not without hopes that Chinese Merchants and Traders will co-operate to make the experiment a success. ER

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Domag

Governor,&c.