THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 211, 15 February 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

Noiu that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, we presume, bz out of place to point out a way in which they could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Question has proved to be labour lo*i — oioing, we think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — tve would 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 ? Why not charge so much a bushel on wheat, oats, &c. '{ or so mveh 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 necessai~y to continue the Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for the man agement of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we have constructed to the same ; ' also the enormou? 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 of over four thousand. The revenue derived from minets' rights at one pound should be reduced at least to one-half. Applications, registrations of claims and water races must be something considerable, not calculating the amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which is more than an equivalent for all they receive. We would suggest that petitions for tlie abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners' rights to one-lmlf, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of ivhoiji to meet in Dunedbb on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men who are determined to have justice dune 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 v)eeks wlmt can be done for you." .Now is tlie 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 avd show a bold front, tlic Government dare not neglecl their demands for tlieir rights. If tltat 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. y Storekeepers, Waipori. Down ivith Monopoly ! — [Auvt.]