THE TAX ON GOLD.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 66, 6 May 1870, Page 3

THE TAX ON GOLD.

We are glad to see so important a matter as the repeal of the gold export duty, is exciting atl ention in the Lake District, and that Mr. Haughton, who took up the subject some, sessions both in the Council and Assembly, is \ being requested to open the case. We

hopevthis will be done, and -fcb.it -other members connected with tae Goidfidds will (give the subject, a sincere support. If this duty were removed, our miners —less freight -and insurance—would be placed on an equal footing with the other Colonies in dealing with her Majesty's Eoyal Mint in Melbourne. Thin would be an appreciable boon and highly beneficial in its results. It should always be borne in mind that the Melbourne Mint is to be the Royal Manfrof England, and wholly under English control. Victoria only furnishes the buildings: all eke is under the m the English GovernTisnfc and the staff appointed by it. It is a pity, therefore, that the export duty should prevent free access to'tho Mint. What is the use of sending the gold to England, and mulcting the miners in heavy costs, while in future the coiirof the realm 'ia to be manufactured in Melbourne ? The banks don't like it, but the fact is they .did'nt know anything about this until too late. We want to see the hardworking minor u-et the full value of his produce? We cannot, therefore;- consider the question whether the banks'are pleased" or not. The general good must have our first consideration; and so have evidently thought the English Government. Now, the case wall be that the miner can go to the Mint by himself, or through his agent, and if the banks want to- remit, why their is the sovereign. It will not pay them so well: granted, because ■they will have to pay shipping expenses, &c, instead of, as at present, the minerbut then justice will be done to a numerous class. It may also largely interfere with the note circulation of the banks if they are obstinate. Thus it will-be seen that important matters are involved in the subject of the repeal of the gold duty.- The miner has all to. gain—something to lose however : and a meeting or two would wonderfully assist the cause he has at heart. • Why, then, is he not up and doing?—' Cromwell Argus.' '