THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 212, 22 February 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of mi-> portance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, we ynsmnc, be out of plaze to point out a ivay in which they could confer a lasting benefit on tlie miners of New Zealand. Since tlteir agibitbion on Uie Chinese Question has proved to be labour loai — owing, we think, mainly iv the weak resistance offered— we would draw their attention to the Export Duty of 2s. 6d. an ounce on gold, which we think is an unjust tax on tlteir lahoiir. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need rcpleyiishivg, why should one class bear thi brunt of all? Why not charge so much a bushel on wheat, oats, Sc. ? 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 tlie 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 samz; a'so the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of tlie Ccnirt, and three policemen to look afterfmir or five districts, with a population of over four thousand. Tlie revenue derived from minets' rights at one pound shonld be reduced at least to one-half Ajyplications, 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 reccua. We would suggest that petitions for the 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 Dunedin on a day agreed upon, to present the petition-}. Let them, be men who are determined to have justice done to their cla?s. Theg must not be put off with thz worn-out sop of "Oh ! we. will see into tlie matter, and let you know in a few weelcs what can be done for you." Note 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 iliey bub act in unison and shovj a bold front, the Government dare nob neglect their demands for their rights. If that course sliould be of no avail, we would advise them to lay ia a stock of gunpowder tea, war ranted to go off. Remembe.r Cox. Bros. , Storekeepers, Waipori. Down with Manopoly ! — [At>vt.]