No. 22

Your despatches noted in the margin

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relating to the establishment of an Assay Office in British Columbia
have been considered by Her Majesty's Government and a communication
will be immediately addressed to the Master of the Mint regarding the
arrangements necessary for giving effect to this design. Her Majesty's
Government have not overlooked the objections which suggest themselves
to the work of a refinery and Assay being undertaken by a Government
Establishment; but in view of the example derived from the experience of
California, and having regard to the advantage to the Miners in
ascertaining and realizing their treasure as well as to the facilities
which will be afforded in the collection of a Revenue from an export
duty on Gold Her Majesty's Government have given their sanction to the
measure.