Appointment of H. D. Harness to be commissioner of Public Works in Ireland was dated 16 Aug. [Reply to JH's letter to Mr. Fitzgerald.]

Detained in travel; will return Monday. Recommends John Goldsmith as supplementary clerk. Advises against transferring Henry Finch or F. R. Brande from Coining to Melting departments.

Read enclosed draft of Treasury minutes to see if it correctly states JH's recommendations regarding signing of Mint checks. Please return CT's draft of minutes on Sydney branch mint. Encloses amusing letter from [W. N.] Forbes.

Encloses copy of act prohibiting defacing of coins. Advises JH to make use of Treasury solicitor in all legal matters affecting Mint.

Reply to enclosed 'Reference,' then return it to 'Memorialists' by 20 Sept. Papers must be sent to [C. Rivers] Wilson at Boulogne.

Treasury commissioners seek JH's advice on feasibility of proposed observatory at Nottingham, to be funded by public money.

Seeks instructions about return of the measures to the Royal Mint.

Drafting the Standards Commission report is taking up all of GA's spare time.

Approves JH's recommendation of John Goldsmith to position of supernumerary clerk in Mint office. Notify Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon].

Writes to JH to re-arrange a time for a meeting.

JH should receive authority soon for appointing John Goldsmith. George Rennie is angry that E. W. Ward gathered valuable information from Rennie regarding machinery for Sydney branch mint, but then gave contract to another manufacturer. Expect Treasury Board to ask JH for report on this. Perhaps Ward can 'pacify' Rennie.

Withdraws RM's request for leave. Complains of noxious fumes in Melting room and from nearby refinery. Objects to frequent changes in RM's assistants; none remain long enough to learn Melting room procedures. Recent loss of Mr. Aberdein.