THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 210, 8 February 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of inkportance can boast of their Mining Associations, it ivould not, we presume, be out of 'place to "point out a xoay in rohich they could confer a lasting benefit on thzminers of New Zealand. Since tlieir agitation on the Chinese Question has proved to be labour lost — owing, wa think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — we loould draw their attention to the Export Duty of 2s. Qd. an ounce on gold, which we think is an unjust tax on their labour. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all ? IVhy not charge so much a busliel on wheat, oats. So. ? or so mush on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it will be divided ? It will be answered that it is necessary to continue the Export duty on gold to meet tlie extra cost entailed, on Government for the man agement of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable rodds we have constructed to the same ; also the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of the Court, • and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a population ofovsr four tlwusand. The revenue derived from minets' rights at one pound should be redmed at least to one-half. Applications, registrations of claims and water races must be something considerable, not calculating tlie amount of dutiable goods consiimed by miners, which is more than an equivalent for all they receive. We would suggest that petitions for the abolition of tlie 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 Dunedin 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 the 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 forevery 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 neglecl tlievr demands for their rights. If that course should be of no avail, we would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, war ranted to go off. ■ Remember Cox Bros., Storekeepers, Waipori. Down with Monopoly ! — [At>vt.]