ABOLITION OF GOLD DUTY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2548, 8 June 1882, Page 3

ABOLITION OF GOLD DUTY.

WELLINGTON, June 7. A deputation of goldfields members waited to-day on the Premier and the Minister for Mines. Fifteen attended. Mr DeLautour acted as spokesman. Referring to the allusion in the Governor's speech to mining development, the deputation expressed a desire to know how far the Government were disposed to go in this direction, including assistance to bona fide prospecting. The abolition of gold duties and other matters were referred to. The Premier said several important matters relating to goldfields were under the consideration of the Government, but they would liko to know what tho deputation proposed to substitute for the gold duty, if that were abolished. It yielded a large local revenue, and local bodies depended on it, and some had large Bank overdrafts on its security. In f aot, it was a main souroe of revenue to such local bodies, and oither that revenue would be wholly lost or else recourse must be had to rating gold mining property. There was no objection to tho unification of goldfields laws, but it was doubtful whether a Bill to effect this could be carried. Further explanation was needed as to the views of members ; for instance, if tho gold duty was abolished that surely would be ample reduction of taxation, and they surely would not ask for more. However, he would refer them to the Minister of Mines. The Hon. Mr Rolleston then said he had been endeavoring to ascertain the chief requirements of the goldfields since he took the portfolio of mines. Much had been done to develope that industry, but muoh more remained to do. The Government would give all assistance in their power, but members must consider what would be the result of doing away with the gold duty, whioh, with the Government subsidy, produced £120,000 for gold field purposes.

The deputation pointed out that there were many other special taxes in the shape of various licenses. The Hon. Mr Holies! on remarked that there was a reason why miners should be, in some respects, specially taxed, because it was not a permanent industry, like agrioulture, for instance.

To this the deputation rejoined, it might have been so twelve or fifteen years ago, but mining now was not merely alluvial, but was carried on with large capital. Mr Weston pointed out that most of the West Coasb was fit for little but mining, and but for that would still be a mere desert.

Mr Shoeban observed that the deputation oould not expect all their wishes to bo complied with, but should be satisfied if they could obtain the principal points sought, and should support the Government in carrying through suoh reforms. It was finally agreed that the deputation Bhould submit their views in writing, and then learn those of the Government on the question. Tho deputation then witl dra v.