THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 213, 29 February 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of im- * portance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, we presume, be out of place to point out a way in whidi they could confer a tasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Question lias proved to be labour lout— owing, we think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — we would draw their attention to the Export Duty of 25. . 6c?. 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 mveh on preserved meats t 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 roads 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 ofvver four thousand. The revenue derived from, miners' rights at one pound should be reduced at hast to one-half. Applications; registrations of claims and water races must be something, considerable, not calculating the amoiint of dutiable-goods consumed 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 re- . duction 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 wlio are. determined to have justice done to their class. Theg must not be put off with the warn-out sop of"Oh ! we will see into the matter, and let you know in a few weeks what can be done for yo«." Now is the time for every miner in the Province to rise up ajainst 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 their demands for their rights. If. that course should be of no avail, we would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, > tear. ranted to go off. Bemembw Cox Bbos. v - Storekeepers, Wcdpori. Down with Mbnopoly ! — [Anvr.]