1908-01-24 — Page 7

Hongkong Telegraph 港電新報 士蔑新聞 All

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY JANUARY 24 1908.

HONGKONG'S SUBSIDIARY

CURRENCY.

RECOMMENDATIONS

BY COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.

GREAT DIVERGENCE OF

OPINION.

MATTER TO BE DISCUSSED BY EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.

(signatorisa to Resort I on the farmer --| kara) 19 ન

HOMSON,!

in

The Honourable prezi

The Colonial Secretary,

A

CAR

explanation

diteri

The standard is any country is and take them seriailm, and that the minority appears to require some further practically worth only its bullion value, The will record their via wao where they do not Persons (under section 6) more alloy therefore the lower the valas of the "gres with the majority

Legally Impor When: I have the specified

quantities of prohibited coint, and committee's reply to this memo, — which 1 presumably under

under the Licences referred to India at the rate of as to the huis pro think can be quickly answered will consider there when canilor Police fiel

15 6. prize question in Executive Corucil, Theme-

thorised. How in far above its ballion, value and it must the14 mo, should be printed and distributed, sa that midate between the coins circulated alter fore be in these circumstances:

each daber iday consider the points and import and those circulated after: illegal inte abbaidiary coin, or token,'

come to the meeting with bis views.clear on port Clearly the only resoures available to a each laque,

person who F. D

Raks legally importedly In gaantities less than scribed or under licence) to change i-at once for legal tender, the object being to create a large demand for legal tender and so to re- habilitate the hongkong

THE MAJORITY REFORT. We'the budersigned members of the comm mittée have the honour to report as follows

1. Subsidiary calmage is solely for the par pose of the internal retail trade and other small

within the Colony transactions

mpaignerbagai in past years the Hongkong tree that in pas subsidiary colos

( coinage played ́a' considérable' part; in the trade with Canton; but judging from thei; frouble that has kilsen in the last two years ili would appear to have been an economic mis

directed it from its true purpose. 3. Just what quantity may from time to time. be required is a matter of experience, but the chief lest is the value of the coin in the open! market.makeupl

30 have

#. It may however be taken that is per head is sufficient" in" a "community whose standard coin is St and where the is $2. 200

legal limit of tender: 5. Taking roughly the population of.. thai Colony al

1 th November, 1907.

Ré Enclosure 2. It is essential to cr to cur that the subsidiary coin cannot be of the standard coin otherwise is would cease to be

bellion value proportionately as the 'subsidiary coinage in the true sense plate The mema, referred to in the foregoing

value as the standard would email a large (vi.

· so-called- Bubsidiary coinage of the same minute is as follows

The papar submitted consist of recommend tisl expense with constant recurrence, dud isations by four members (which I will call the unaocasiaty if the present coinage is rehabili. majority report),

of a second set of I recommend. ations (the minority report) and'veparate notas: by two members (the Independents) will take the principal recommendations and en- deavour to shew where divergence or concessus of opinion was expressed, and in what particu» lars Governmeal would desire faller informa tlonjakke againg

It is perfectly certain that Chion would nevas listen to ike proposal.

AMT.

AJRA

W. A YUK

RIPORT BY MI, J, ARMSTRONG.':

|

be

this m

I maka a large proft to the clans? and (as above suggested) should not this be simulianoonely mit by a heavy (ax, on this class? Would, the committes agree that the probibition

bition of circulation, should be temporarily deferred in order to prevent (a) disincation of trade, (5) hardship to ignorant and poor sons and undus interference, with the Jadivi- dual, and (e) influx China which, avon

stances be

wonld in such

Oroposed with

– It is clear that such a Billas could only be introduced simultaneously

which regolations would indicais the extent to which the powers conferred by the Bills were

; report and minutes by the Governor wore in⋅ / far they can make their meetings open to the 400,000 it would, therefore, appearation of Chinesa' eubsidiary 'coln" without thicks Nk would be effective? Both; in. to be exercised. It is therefore necessary · In

At the meeting of the Legislative Council lestations should obviously be 'cosfidential until Thursday afternoon the report of the Bubsidiary Government has decided upon the courie of: Cola Committee was laid on the table as action is proposes to adopt. ssssional” paper No. of The minority

1908.

will be for the committee to decide how corporated in the same paper. As this vexed public without endangering free discussion of the subsidiary coinage of the and interchange of opinion. The object may Colony ls of general interest we reproduce in perhaps be attained by a précis of the dis- "the present issue as much of the paper as will cussion of each day being communicated to

rounding any scheme for the reform of the contingent expenses (reporting, typewriting, local subsidiary currency. The draft Bill etc.) to the lowent practicable limit. referred to in the majority report (A) for want

F. D. LUGARD. · of space and time, has been omitted i

that a total of $2,000,000 at any one time is sufficient and assuming that the life of a coin is 20 years (which owing to past circostances cannot yet be verified) a supply of $103,000

1-ACTION AS REGARDS CHINA RA The majority report oppose any matormenta with Pek og of Canton (para. 18) while the I think it is desirable to probibit the important in Tour of negotiation and

is strongly favour permit from the Government gen

Subsidiary cola e used principally for independents are in favour of negotiation, Mr. Com mature of the regulations which

considering (ibe. proposals, to

to consider at the Amstrong qualifying this by urging that action" termal circulation: it is only the medium of ex- should not be delayed pending the result of would give practical effect to it, and it is st change for goods to a small extant: sellers of such efforts, and Mr. Osboms desiring a time this object that I have indicated what further in Hongkong.currency: sellers of sugar 6. The issue outstanding during the last 40 etc, here are willing to accept Chinase sub report is opposed to negotiation para. 13 of the this head,

-III,÷WITHDRAWAL OF HONGKONG COINB)), years is $30,000,000 of which about $30,000,000 sidiary coin in payment, that is their affair, and chairman's forms on which the report is based were issued in the ten years prior to 100 and their refusal to do so world in eb WEY PIT... that Government' should take whatever' FROM: CIRCULATION BY GOVERNMENT. the coinage has been during the past two years judice our

our.. ganeral-bas

business-relations with steps are possible to unge China to reform berit was stated by the chairman that 1 had

• ■f'a discount

Corrency. There is in any case a mejonte urged this course, but reference, to my name. It is proved without doubt that the bulk of of the minority report? The latter with Mr. subject. It was on the other hand the accepted favour of negotiation, on the lines i presume will show that I expressed no view on the the Chinese subsidiary coin now circulating in Osborne desire to defer any action for six the Colony has not been brought hern for the months till the result is known. The majority i Policy of the Govammant before my aniver And it received the approval: of the Secretary

afford a clear conception of the difficulties sur- the Press. Cara will be taken to keep down.uld be ampla ander present Circula: silk in Carton insist on payment being made: un of six months. Although the majorite and more preciso information is inquired (an

THE GOVERNOR'S MINUTE.

OBJECT OF COMMITTEE. The object of appointing a Committee is goi only to advise Government on the steps to be taken, but also to dispose of impracticable pro- posals by pointing out why they are impractic able, and so, to put an end to controversy by the waight, altaching to the opinion of so re- presentative body of public and expert epiolan

PRESENT PROPOSALS,

2. Some of the courses suggested, with the arguments advanced against them, are very briefly as follows:-

20th August, 1907.

· [Enclosure ¿]

MR. MANSFIELD'S SUGGESTIONS. 1. That either the Government or the Banka

issue fractional notes of different sizes for 50, 25, 10, and 5 cents ip sufficient quantity for the requirements of the Colony. Such notes to be legal tender for any amount.

3

cent., 20ing from.9 par ceat to 4 per Canton,

7. From these facts-it may be justly inferred' that there is in existence under present circum- sidiary coinage. stances a large over-issue of Hongkong sub-

1

saya.

and their coinage uniform In

A

purpose of buying goods, but by speculators 8. Forttasona unnecessary to state la datacs / who buy the coin in Canion at a discount with with MD Armstrong would desire to take ac of State ft lavofres of conso an annual

money they rem

e negotiations. There lay of revenue. The majority report approves remit from here which they attain independently of the it is obvi un that it is desirable to rebabilitate

get

is thus a majority of one for the latter couro, a dis

discount and are able to circulate the

this course, with however the very important 3. That a proclamation be made that from the currency of the Colony and it only remains

cola here at a profit.

Note Are the negotiations with Peking to consider the best practica le means for this While I agree to the proposal to approach undertaking contained in Att. If of the Mackay here connote does it mean prohibition of certain fixed date no subsidiary coins of any

proviso that to urge the fulfilment

of the vague bition is enforced. What does "prohibition

Wit will be a failure unless probi- merely lo kind can be accepted in the Government purpose.

the Chinese Government either direct or Treaty ? or does the committee suggest that we offices, ali foreign enterprises isau ng similar existing currency as any scheme for, the subs-through our Minister in Feking, I think it now should urge that all. Provincial Miate should import only and of both Chinese and Hong

9. There in Do

on necessity to demonetise the notices.

desirable that the Government should act in- That the Government when that date titution of a dew coinaga must necessarily prova | dependently and at past, as bodoubtedly timed be under central control, their outpat limited. | kong colas, or the former only? In so important

more expensive than the rebabilitation of the will be lost in approaching the officials in and face value. Or that a gold standard should

in essential The proviso absolute clearness weight, fineness,

mlaority

consider withdrawal by prescot coinage unless, indeed, it

apparently is proposed Peklog.

Government annecessary?

ty? and consider that it be urged, or any other proposals? I do not would simply cause Hongkong colo to he re I therefore recommend that the Government think that at this stage it prohibit the importation of all coins not being possible to second an officer to go to

would be useful or

placed by Chiness; in which view 1 under- legal tender in this Colony, except with garde Caning the proposals of Peking, stand the majority to concar in law of the

referred to, In the provisa the

·la' report are clear

committee. then minutes other points were raised. Is it suggested that the Viceroy should-be asked to withdraw any. of the colpa now in circulation? I assume act.

dollars?

expires undertake to repurchase for melting (4.) That Hongkong subsidiary coinage be- Hongkong subsidiary coinage at such premium „, ing. in excess of currency demands should be over its intrinsic value as the Colony estimates withdrawni (4) By exporting all resit can afford. It is believed that this will have gradually ceived by Government as revenue within the the effect of firaits, of legal tender; (8) By purchasing and Colony much of the Colonial cold on the fect of gradually drawing back to the Additional cous as revenue permits. nearer mainland and will have a tendency to Argumentai-Assuming that Hongkongcoins further depreciate the Canton coleswhich, are thus rebabilitated will this benefit trade suffering under so many disabilities, will be even though benefits raves

ravente (by decreasing likely to leave the Colony. Once the trams,

the discount oa

baidiary COLOR

to repudiata a proportion of the latter, counse most objectionable attending to which is lower the credit and honour of the depressed condition of the subsidiary cola is 10. One of the circumstances of the present notoriously the excessive circulation in the Colony of small-coins struck at the Canton

MioL

permit.

30th October, 1907,

J. A.

'As

of meetingsposed to the present policy of

unless prohibition is enforced) It most Important for the Government, to be

it, Thèse do not really constitata a sub- Osborne who had left the Colony before the Should bea (as suggested) be asked to coin and quite clay on this point iso in the case of

revenue) sinca sobnidiary Chinese ceios ampans,"chairs, rickshas and the`large shops | sidiary coinage as there is no legal standard in

existance to which they are subsidiary, but are

fato' the Colony and-form render? Some once relegated to the small Chinose shops and simply no Imitation of the currency of the

should

Coleny manufactured by a local Government sitterly ignorant of the first principles of one wafte of these cofus is therefore simply

value

be

money,

15.

The following Nota is by the Hon. Mr. E

third meeting -

to exist in

EDWARD OSBORNE..

sae

II.—PROHIBITION-IMPORT, EXPORT, AND

CIRCULATION.

of

my

formabl

memo., as

momo,, i bare carefully avoided the. expression of my private viawi. My object in the former mimo. was to my before the com theories advanced, in order that they might mittas, as concisely as possible, few of the record their view on each: My oblatz fo The present memd. is to make it quite clear what the recommendations of the committes where th and to ask for a fuller expression of their views cision. I desire therefore that the committee

require

ire amplificallos

comm should meet once again and formulate replies

hop

that to the questions I have asked and 1 those who dissent from the majority report will nevertheless be so good as to give their views on the points raised. Later when the matter is discussed in Executive and debuted in Legis. intive Council it will be fime enough for me to express my personal

Tad ke 4. P. LUGARD,

th November, 1907,

THE REPLY.

His Excellency's memo, of the 16th November, 1907, reads

The reply of majority report signatorias' to

IL-PROHIBITION.-IMPORT, EXPORT AND

CIRCULATION, ARLES (a.); Import: of: Chinese subsidiary colók.

quarter of the amounts Indebted for, 80. that the Secretary of State has been recommend the renalakong, is probably SAUNARI for. i would suflet, and that Hongkong is 100 in- | ingen legitimate, exchange business in the

that

it

Colony; that there should be no licence fee:

and that so such fee would be justifiable in nice as it would be a tez on legitimate business, which would fis

Lederspred unduly thereby.

coins flow generally insist on all payments being la a medium of ex* notes, t

the debased Caston currency will be.

1 egros entirely with the Chairman's Memo change, even though not legal

randum, at being the only practical solution of maintain that withdrawal would stimulate the even from them would probably in time dis-

the difficulty, and consider that the Colony infida of Chinnie colas and if these are debas- appear.

should either protect its currency or else ru and I assume from para 14 that the draft Bill The majority report recommends prohibition, ad others hold that they would oust tau better】 The inconvenience of the very small notes is

linquish it altogether, and do what Shanghai, submitted (which i have, not seen before) is coinage. Others again think that as Hong. acknowledged, but Japan has or bad them to

Hankow and other commercial centres do the approximate form which they desire that kong color would be worth more bere than in as low a value as to sen.. To obviate this in

and solely their value as bullion.

“At the sama *time, I recognise that if the the Legislators should take. Mr. Osborns they would be attracted here. If some degree the 5 cent noies might be

12. From a political point of view it would Chinese Government will withdraw from cir desirable to exculde this alian coinage which culation some of the coins already in existence air months. Mr. Armstrong agrees to prohible agrees with them, but would delet action for Coins were rababilitated the econo-made very this, and be bound is title books

is to a certain extent responsible for the de- and promise to regulate its fatare issues so an import (but says nothing about export or position of Hongkong wired-vis Carloz of zo like the ricksha tickets in Shanghai, would be improved, and debased coin might After being torn out, however, the loose ones

pression in the market value of the Colony's to maintain the value of its small coin, the circulation does be agres regarding these?) cease to be accepted?-or be heavily dis should be redeemable at

once

at some special 13. Also, from the retail point of view at all difficulty solves itself without any action on our except under permit which is provided in, sec. counted.

office. Arrangement should also be made that

und for that reason I would support Mr. | 6 (3) of the draft Dill all di (8.)

there can be an objection to its ex- Law resolutions provided & time limit (say 6 Hongkong subsidiary That

dirty coine

Bod

events, ragged fractional cotes passing

CODIG, Hir clusion

He angreplication

to be licences be made up limited legal tender and Govern thmagh the Government offres and Banks

on commercial grounds provided that meaths) be added, at the sxpinion of which, if granted on application without restriction with mant should redeem at par.

a supply of Hongkong coinage is maintained, the Chinese have accomplished nething, it be destroyed and now ones issued in Arguments:—A Government pledge would their stead.

a view to proving that the import is not solely and there is no evidence to show that any loss agreed that the Chairman's recommendations or chiefly from Canton, and shat it is done by be necessary or the currency would fall to the

or damage would occur to International trade be adopted. The argument that the Government into intrinsic valus, of the subsidiary coins? Result blame for the excessive issue of subsidiary

on account of such exclusion.

money changers and money lenders who do not would be that the dollar would be finally oust coinage and cannot therefore in jaktice demo-

affect trade.. In the Jatter view Mr. Osborne $4,"Taking this last saini dim. 1918, gelulozit juruang

14th October; 1907-*** the must be put into force giving the

„Mr.Armatrona's romady apparently od and upheldiary.caina,would be rule, che i volivat hbia water."It implies that the

ibe Governor-is-Council the powers already con

is that: Government should fix. "TAID, Of..SR- THE MINORITY REPORT. Inure are insufficient dollars to redeest with. ernment knowingly and for the sake of profit ferred on the Governor-in-Council of the Straits

change and establish a Bureau. This in effect The Government liability would be acknown flooded Hongkong and the mainland with aub the impers and circulation of alt alien submitee appointed by His Excellancy, the. Gor with the minority, which appear fear in

Settlements, with a view to the

We the undersigned members of the com- is that be is opposed to probibliion, and sides prohibition of and enormous, as all Hongkong colus in Can-sidiary coinage, but this was not the case. To

from too would be collected and sent here? There is the writer's own knowledge, and the fact will idiary coinage whatever (imitation or other), depreciation of the subsidiary coinage of the licence system really amounts only to registra.

ereor to inquire into the causes of the his remaris. on page 9 of

37 no obligation on Government to take so drastic be borne out by the Treasury, archives, before with the exception of the Chinese Cash, (which, Colony and to advise as to what means can be tion of imports as in cplum; &c. The votes on 1 step is it only imported coins in accordance the opening of the Chinese minis it was found standard, and not a subsidiary coln), dere taken, with due regard to the interests of trade, this subject are therefore 5 for and 4 galost. zwith the demand at the time.

That paper money should be issued insidiary coinage for local use, and the Home

Impossible to keep in Hongkong sufficient substandard

while admitting

ting There, is therefore a majority in It le understood that at present Govern. 10 rehabilitate such coinage, accordance Mt. Mansfield's proposals. En Government grudgingly supplied perhaps. subsidiary coin received as revenge and that estimated by the chairman of the commites in the minority report on the grounds are issued only to the extent necessary for carry mant is now, withdrawing from circulation all that the amount of British subsidiary coin, prohibition. (This was opposed emphatically The majority consider that permits should be closure, 1.

Arguments:--That such a proposal could the Colony was always on short commons, not be adopted until all Hongkong coins bad which t

to permit the redemption at market value of a

requirements of the Colony caupot the public greatly resented. The ports

pot admit timately associated with South China to render it is desirable, in the first instance, to uke been redeemed?

sum not to exceed $1,000,000 yearly,

possible for us to exclude Chinese colo, fd That importation and circulation of Chi-mother, Foochow Amoy, Beatow and

Any action that might result in the further which would depreciats Chinese coins.) have taken enormous many other

16.We approve of this course, (which, how-

ADY ness. coins should be made illegal-ride Straits quantities of the coinage if the Banks

ever, will be a failure unless prohibition is depreciation of coin casal (hese coins for the such legislation were bardly sufficiently debat coinage of the Note The practical dificulties in enforcing Ordinance.

Two Kwang provinces së have obtained them from the

anforced), provided that, when the coinage Treasury. Argumenta:-That this would dislocate trade,

chief, if pet the only, medium of payment by should be

be divided into 4, stop.

The proposal may the consumers of goods bought ped and a reserve of coin be

And

· be kept

exported

(b). Import of colus which are legal tender. have been supplied long ago by that country.

heads are all

and equally practicable equally That the Chizess might retaliate; that it would t is estimated that some 43 million dollars

so as to prevent a shortage in the supply and The trade of Hongkong

useful? 11 which should be tried first,

andepudiation of our coltage can be enter cause great discontent among the Chinese worth of coins ware issued, but it must be re-

avold the possibility of the coinage being at

closely con-

with what inital modifications?

Anything in the draft Bill inconsistent with here; would lead to an excessive number of membered that those are scattered over many

(a) Import of Chinese subsidiary coins-In the report should be modified, but the Bill only premium. As an additional precaution the pected with that of the Two Kwang provinces prosecutions; that it would "constitute.am arbl.

export of floogkong com might be prohibited. that any attempt to rehabilitate: the Colony's what way do those member who described the trary interference with the rights of the Inditionsands of square miles, and the writer does

not believe that one-tenth of that Amount will Application for coin from such reserva should subsidiary coinags by restricting or probibiting provisions of sec. 6 as too drastic suggest that gives powers which may or may not be exer dual to part with his

be strictly kept down to a maximum for each under penalties the use of. Canton coins in the restriction should bear lean hardly, pther. The report does not advies that probiblion "sideration

he likes; for whatever

though 'importation ever return to Hongkong even though a good

premium were offered for them,

application.

wise than by reduction of penalties? Since the Hongkong, as provided for in the proposed prohiblled possession or

Circulation

17. 11 is

Ordinance submitted by the chairman, would majority recommend this course what modifics-import of our own coin 'should be imposed at all events in the present circumstances of cannot be unless it is fraudulently tendered

[Enclosure..]

in the opinion of the undersigned, bring about tons or tentative measures would the sign the case, but if the words in the Bill are debased or spurious colos) and that it EXTRACT FROM MENO, BY SIR F. LUGARD.

of retaliation by the Canton authorities, ad- notice be given to all parties concerand exceps lead to financial disabilities, if sol to measures | exicut at first be issued? Should there be a part of coins which are legal tender.—-

further depreciation of these coins and might tories of the minority report suggest? To what thought objectionable they can be deleted would amount to confiscation of private pro-

do the majority consider that permits which is admissible only if the article is,

(JUNE, 1977.)

If any

ad- should at

i is a mattor similar to the deleterious to morals or dangerous (eg, l'quor,

it is clearly of importance as regards the

licence fee? If it is true that Chinesa subsidi commendation is made in the repert

above. No re versely affecting the trade of the Colony, arms, opium, &c.). Prohibition of importation future, that continual efforts should be made

to" pro 18. It does not appear that there would be. It is, therefore, advised by the undersigned colas are largely imported by leaders or bibit export in present circumstances it was is Impracticable Tina a free port and without by H.M.B.'s Minister at Peking to urge the any advantage to the Colony to attempt to

that the Government al. Hongkong should special and costly preventive services?

do Chinese Government to give effect to Article come to agreements on this question with the

licence fee for impost in bulk be justified such in case it (4.) That the remedy lies in bands of indivi. 11 of the Mackay Convention. In this con- authorities either at Canton of Peking

ment through the moni official channels_the and duals, who should refuse Chinese coins or ac-naction it seems to me that a anggestion might

urgent necessity of China reforming her Currself to check over-large imports without re- discount.

The majority de at

of be made that when reforming the currency

f the Mackay Trea3Y, in accordance with economic principles, reucy in terms

o not advise any agreem sorting to prohibition at first? high fifth with the Government of the Two Kwang in the game That a complete boycott is not Chink should undertake to make all subsidy

3. Enter into Degotiation with the Imperial

(Import of coins which are linna anomer as they consider the question one for feasible, and if partial the firm refating drives coinsge minted of the same millesimal fineness

Chinese Government:

ong Government alone positioned a to the Hongkong custom

arriving at an amonat to repudiation, against which the Com.There is not the slightest fear of any gras -a..view:.to 6.g., 10 ten-cent pieces must equal one dollar

the Chinese Imperial millen is unanimous (see note of minority on That nothing should be done, and that to weight, in order to abolish the disparity in in

para 9 of majority report). Some members export business so long as the colonge is at 5X

ers discount, and subsidiary coins will then depreciate to the builion or intrinsic valus between the two,

coin from the Canton Mint antar wek mensabili Feara. period :of.grace after not arise till it is at pary or at premfúnis VER

the output of subsidiary suggesteden fra extent of their difference in bullion value from This would do away with the exining discount, the dollar and remain stationary? it will then which paturally tends to approximate to the

repudiations I proposal was abandoned by all it Government has a large coantity of coins "no longer pay the Cantop, mint to coin them. difference between the intrinsic and the face

Aubsidiary coins reach par vaine, must be remembered that we have made locked up whereas it might be reduced: 10 Argumen! **That depreciation is largely due value. In order to encourage the Chinese Go- to temporary causes which will, tight them- verament to do this it might be worth while to give an undertaking that 14 and when China or CRIFA.

this proposal, any subsidiary

with Chian which is essential to Hongkong very abvious want in Chipa, which should reaches par value, redemption the Colony from Hongkong for use in these provincës. “

MAY

110

111

It is recommended that, whatever course of action be adopted by: Government, das perhaps in the case of the import of alien coins "arose in particular instances due consideration would be given so such.

1

19. Until Chips has properly initiated a cur

.cised..

بار

Impress on the Imperial Chinese Governors, for discount proft would not a very | only advised that power might be taken to i

usefull Would anch a fee be suscient in in the falam i might be considered necesIES.

resci no proper agreement is evan possible and it is always probable that if one ware entered into profit therefrom might accrue to the a authorities agreement concerned.

Tivals. 15, Roy Caso custom je as the dollar and of equal proportional weight. - it would be evaded or abrogated according as 'ter at: Paking through ♬. B/M.%.Minis Rafusal to admit our own coins would seem to.

British

As the action of China is the originstadog future should also be of the

and

cause of this difficulty, it would be well for the sams Committee to record their view as to what dollar. If China

in

10. The regulation of its subsidiary coinago * purely an internal affair of the Colony and it would appear to be, at least, undignified for this Government to rely on assistance from Foreign Power to ensure its rehabilitation avan if such assistance were practicable and fork- coming.

21. Whatever the Government can do, how- Lever, to urge the inception of a

proper currency

vo further, and agree

coinage already cir to urge on Paklog,

the culated by hex mints, might to interests of that covalement ofde Minute at the same. The advantage has made would be

course of action it is desirable and practicable to ra-misz-tbonate

weight as the Fin China should be dopo...

to

great, and assuming that not more than 20.

A. M. THOMSON, Chairman; ROOT. SHEWAN, A. J. RAYMOND,

·WEI A YOK,

26th October, 1907:

The argument, there set out is 1 billon dollars worth of Hongkong subsidiary fro endorsed by:sir T. tackson. coinage. It issued #

pass value' than has be of incoinage, is still in circulation,,' the cost of REPLY OF THE 4 MEMBERS WHO BIGNED.",

101

If a new bar silver to avoid redeaming, and replacing it would not be an and subsidiary, coins should not be excessive price to pay for the benefit.

[Notes on Governor's Minute of 20th Acgost, 1907.)

·

Pars: 1. (a). Sus Report A

Government

bo

(which in open under these into circulation, tricate B-portting thesa calas' how

of the andersigned profit of two millions on putting these c Bid | Bare-a

they will do

"and mstaanders); BOOB THE CHA view of these remarks are

she committne. prepared to withdraw these

the

agreemant

fithe) questions would therefore

business of the Colony,

of the probiblison would

of prohibited coins-No.

ab tau Acoing suficient la moat the ousted from circiliation: As Messrs. Showen | difficulty arises as circulation is to be probibit. :

10

Exchange purpotere

any more

In consideration of the Hongkong words from the draft Bill? Of course, restric-be largely a matter of experience, but the Government agreeing not to issue tions on import of Hongkong colos could be giving of rewardus to informers as contous more subsidiary coin except for the temporarily withdrawn if more such coins were

own use; to only mint new required in order to replace the Chinese cejas plated is very effective mearored vasthou

(d): Circulation: public: delcand

to maintain the and Armstrong point, out, It in the principled in foto of coins at

costained in the words which give tower to Coins imported ender licence are only to be Theenden igstd feather desire to recommend prohibit import of legal tender to which I refer us to the Government that the second proposal Sisco

Since It

spports to be at

be at variance with the The money changers should be taken in hand srst, and they respect. unanimous view regarding repudiation record business perhaps than they have been doing

ed by the committee.m Colony be seconded wilkout, delay to proceeds) Export of legal Lander Coins Are the recoily, but, in any case it would any from to Peking to

to farish H.B.M,'s Minister with majority onnimous in thinking prohibition of other legitimate business in the Colony by put e for Government to discriminates them “ from detailed dinformation during the negotiations,

uch cotal to: Da expedient or necessary? "ox to hele report of the majority is; modified In the event of the negotiations being with. cept as a misasure of reciprocity in case the **** dollar and the acceptance of the debased coin Commolites be called togeiber spala six months export of their coinage which would be im of circulation to be deferred for such time as This would result in the exclusion of the out resalt the undersigned recommend that the Two Kwang provinces undertook to prohibit by (paragraph:17. which would allow prébibiden only a of the subsidiary coinage of the Colony 1 have value say 11 per cent, discount. and if made of the same, proportionate the bonour to transmit for consideration of the

A copy of the chairman possible and chimerical? - The object being to Goverment considered.expedient@yZATE igs and finasuis, as the mandard it might overnment the following documents, viz

(6) MR Mansfelda: proposals 'involves rabeen supplied to us, is, altarbed; bearing our Etios wou that export to may jarge, extent of Hongkong.coin is say caso) —

be advantageous, and” it. A-Report of four members, and

pudiation which cannot be recommended.

improbable The note issue wonid" B-Draft

would take place, as in former years, Bill suggested in paragraph: 14and expense.

would become the standard of the

Bes Report A

VICTO

is expected shortly it is advisable that

this Government should decide exactly wint

It considers that it is practicable to orge,

Enclosure 2.

Treasury, Hongkong, 6th November, 1997. Sir-As chairman of the commitine appoint

My ?—That subsidiary coin imed to‘inquire into the, múlier of the condition' }ago as the standard of the Colony at its tris.hesca to further deliberang

drs, be mi rad down at any time according as value

of ballion factuated and thus involve great

trouble

vvvlosa, to GaraiomantizPo centra. It is urged ** wth fiction the Governor's minuts of the coinaga.MARTS, SP Jogal tender the summat

that both the windard and subsidiary silver coln should have, suficient alloy, to prevent 20th August, 19297400etang

Bbova bullion value...

D-Report by Mr_JFZ

Armstrong waight and freness in E-Note by the Hos, Mr. E. Osborne who Jess In vaine than the had left the Colony before the third meeting.! the impao, but on the F-Repon by throw members of the come

that the rupea itself is mittes.or

and is now itself a ly ferReporterly notes of proceedings

thres meetings held... [Not printed)

WRASER ELEy add that it would only mess an

Konizovalny, if the signatoria

reply 14/the.com.

A

galimited leral tende subsidiary Colonych ga

(*) The community has already been in formed by a public notification as to the trom value of Canton coin

(.) ke Cantou mist may Always, bo

the 10 lison whenever the price makes it proßsal

de les variation in the internal sach

annotation.

report, which bas rehabilitate our colag®, decrease 20

D.R. LAW. A. G. WOOD, JR. M.SMITH.

"Hongkong, 5th November, 1907.

MINUTE BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE

ETA GUMlls from my.

DOW

2he majority have no objection to the lófux

FIL-WITHDRAWAL OF HONOTONO COME!!

that China is flooded with a andsidiary cold. FROM CIRCULATION, nga: afd hir, own.?...' It is in fact admittedThe word "probibition" sa

the danger lies the other way wls, majority report means total prohibi of an infics of Hongkong coins from China culation (ditat dan nolics) and in addi

Their value" approaches per here? If assist such prohibition, panial wa/Hongkong: coins should, rise; sbors, par: Fimport of allen coins vega

the

they can be reduced in value by issues from Hongkong colas are not copsiderad, tadar the reserve, Proibition, export: would be

I desire export is I prosame meant to apply only after, and give Hongkos Colan TERCOOPE

Tisplation of prohibited.

Bocesjar to give

drculation, and that 35A PUC

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.