TNAG-0455-FCO40-520-Minting-of-new-coins-for-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 51

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14.

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We were also anxious to give members of the public an opportunity of stating their views because a change in the coinage is something which affects every member of the community. We were advised by Mr. A.K. Chui, Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary, Public Affairs, that the City District Offices, through the operation of their Area Committees, would be able to play a valuable part in ascertaining public opinion. To this end a press release was issued on 15th January, 1974, inviting any member of the public, and in particular operators or those with an interest in the use of coin- operated machines, to write to the Secretary of the Committee or to communicate with the City District Offices. Although this release, and further press reports on 12th February, 1974, aroused considerable interest amongst those organisations specialising in coinage metals, it is disappointing to report that the only other written response was the receipt of a letter from the Director of Social Welfare who wrote to us on behalf of The Hong Kong Society for The Blind.

15.

As a result of an article which appeared in a Chinese newspaper in May, several members of the public submitted suggestions for the shape and design of Hong Kong coins. In view of the unsuitability to present day needs of the majority of shapes submitted, we were not able to support any of these suggestions.

16.

At an early stage in our deliberations we informed the Royal Mint of the formation of the Committee and invited their advice. The general paper submitted by the Mint, setting out considerations that should influence the choice of coinage specifications, and giving details of the range of materials available and an indication of their relative costs, is reproduced at Appendix 2. Reference is made to this paper, and to other correspondence with the Mint, throughout the remainder of the Report.

Legislation

17.

The governing enactment is the Hong Kong (Coinage) Order 1936 which came into operation on 8th January, 1937. The Order also makes provision for the minting of new coins.

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