BE VIEW OF THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3383, 25 October 1879, Page 2

BE VIEW OF THE WEEK.

Perhaps the most important event con*. nected with the mining world that hat occurred lately is the recent discussion in j the House of Representatives re'the abolition of the gold duty. Many goldfield*' members are. in favour of. the abolition of the impost. It is proposed next year to reduce the gold duiy^o It per ounce, and on the following year. >he export duty on tbe precious metal.will' be abolished. In times past the cbiumnt of this journal were devoted to an unceasing war with the supporters of the tax, which then found its way into tbe general coffers of the Colony, ' ther-aqjtual producers receiving a very infinitessimal amount of indirect benefit from it... A: tax imposed oh a special industry for the benefit of the colony at large was unjust, and it was opposed, and successfully too,:for after some agitation the gold duty wat. made local revenue, thus going to benefit the district in which it was raised, and the men who produced the gold. Though the tax was still wrong in the abstract^ it was found expedient, and. the great objection being removed, the .shafts .of its enemies were blunted, and, it has continued to exist in security still attacked in the House the other day. We agree with Mr Sheehan, that the mstter should be left in the hand* of ths people of the goldficlds. If they desire its abolition they will put men in their local bodies pledged to carry out wishes. In conclusion it may be added that, if is decided to abolish the impost, it will be absolutely necessary for the Legislature to find means of filling itt place in the treasures of local governing bodies. ' " -.":*-. ?i«' The general mining news of- the %£ek is of little importance. The reduction of the water in the shaft of the -Moanatairi Pumping Association it proceeding satisfactorily.. Tenders have been received for moving the Waio-Karaka Pump from the Piako to the Queen of Beauty shaft. The Queen of Beauty Company intend to vigorously proceed with the work, and then get the water forked and the shaft sunk as soon as possible. Operations will be carried on at a greater depth than the 400-feefc level at the Big Pump, bat as there is no communication between the two drainage systems below that level, no great difficulty from water" it' antitU pated. ' ''!-'■_