TUB GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 215, 14 March 1872, Page 7

TUB GOLD DUTY.

j 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 which tliey could, confer a lading benefit on tlie miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Question has proved to be labour lost — oioing, we think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — we would draw their attention to the Export Duty of 2s. Gd. an ounce on gold, which we think is an unjust tax en 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 icheat, oats, <&c. 'i or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it ivill be divided ? It. will be answered that it is necessary to continue th-e Export duty on gold to meet tlie extra cost entailed on Government for the ma?tage?nent of tlie Goldfields. For instaiice, the admirable roads w& 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, toith a population of over four thousand. The revznue derived from miners' 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 tlian an equivalent for all they receive. We would suggest that petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also fur tlie 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 tliem be men who are determined to have justice done to their class. Theg must not be put off with the worn-out sop of u Oh! xoe xoill see into the matter, and let you know in a few weeks what can he done for i/oit." Noio is the time for every miner in the Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Lei '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 gnnpowJer tea, warranted to go off. Remember Cox Bnos. y Storekeepers, Waipori. Down with Mvnopoly /— [A«vt.]