Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 545

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With regard to the subsidiary coin, my supply has hitherto been sufficient to meet all Public requirements (Naval and Military). I would, however, suggest the desirability of a larger proportion of twenty cent pieces being issued.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Assistant Military Secretary,

&C.,

fc.,

&c.,

HONGKONG.

AUG. P. MURRAY,

Lt.-Colonel, Chief Paymaster.

Major GELSTON,

Paymaster,

2nd Bat. The Buffs.

Will you be kind enough to state in the margin hereof whether you experience any difficulty in obtaining One Dollar Notes for your payments on the Public Service, and, if so, the extent of the inconvenience resulting therefrom.

Army Pay Office,

By Order,

Hongkong, 17th October, 1883.

AUG. P. MURRAY, Lt.-Colonel, Chief Paymaster.

Lt.-Colonel MURRAY,

Chief Paymaster.

I have not been able to obtain One Dollar Notes from the Bank for the payment of the Troops for nearly Twelve months. The inconvenience occasioned is immense, as, owing to the cumbersome nature of the silver Dollar, an escort is necessary when I fetch specie, whereas the One Dollar Note can be easily concealed in a bag. and carried with ease and safety.

The Company Officer has just as much trouble in the matter when I give him a cheque, as he too must realize in Silver.

There is a special convenience in the One Dollar Note currency, in as much as it diminishes the risk of taking bad dollars, of which there are so many in circula-

tion.

A. GELSTON, Major,

Paymaster,

2nd Bat. The Buffs. E.K.R.