Diaries of the Joint Commissioner at Ladakh [‎127v] (8/22)

I have mentioned these particulars both because the circumstances seem to
promise the introduction of a new element among the Ladakh traders, and also
because the facts present a fair sample of the kind of difficulties which now
present themselves in this traffic.
To encourage written contracts, I have proposed to Mr. Drew that we should
establish a simple svstem of registration of documents in the Joint-Commis-
sioner’s Court. This will give greater security that contracts will be performed
and lead to greater freedom in making payments in advance. Thus the con
stant contention between the merchant or the buyer, who refuses or delays to
I pay, and the carrier or the seller, who refuses to perform his contract or deliver
his goods, will be stopped to some extent.
With reference to the latter part of the petition of the 7th August (No. 7),
I may state that Mr. Drew has agreed to establish a Government store, at which
supplies of all kinds can be purchased at fixed rates and for Ghilkee rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. .
Le h ; ^
The 12>th August 1871. )
(Signed) R. B. SHAW,
Joint- Commissioner, Ladakh.