THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 209, 1 February 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

Noiv that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, we presume, be out of place to point out a way in which they could confer a lasting benefit on,ihe miners of New Zealand. Since tlieir agitation on the Chinese Question has proved to be labour loai — ■ owing, we think, mainly to tlie weak resistance offered — we would draw their attention to tlie Export Duty of 2s. 6d. an ounce on gold, which we think is an unjust tax on tlieir labour. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a busliel on wheat, oats, <&c. ? or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial, produce, so that it will be divided ? It wilt be answered tliat it is necessary to continue tlie Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for the man agement of tlie Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we have constructed to tlie same; also tlie enoi'mous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of tlie Court, and three policemen, to look after four or five districts, with « population of over four thousand. The revenue derived from mineys' rights at one pound should be reduced at least to one-lialf. . Applications, registrations of claims and water races must bs something considerable, not calculating the amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which is more than an equivalent for all they recsim. We would suggest that petitions for tlie abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners' rights to one-half, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dunedirp on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men who are determined to have justice done to their class, Theg must not be put off with tlie worn-out sop of "Oh! we will see into the matter, and let you know in a few weeks what can be done for you." Now is the time for every miner in the Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Let them resolve to agitate until it is removed. It they but act in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for tlieir rights. If that course should be of no avail, we would advise them to lay in a stock of gnmpmvder tea, war ranted to go off. Remember Cox Bros., Storekeepers, Waipori. Down with Mo* nopoly ! — [Aovt.]