THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume 21, Issue 216, 21 March 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

N~oiv tJuit every mining district of ink portance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would, not, we presume, be out o/. 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 loi,i— owing, we think, mainly to the weak resistance offered— 'tve would draw tlteir attcntvm to the Export Duty of 2s. iid. an ounce on gold, which we think is an unjust tax on tlteir labour. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear fhe brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a busliel on wheat, oats, Sc. ? or so much 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 management of the Ooldfields. For ■ instance, 1 the admirable roads we have constructed to the same; also the eiwrmous expense of paying one Warden, am Gold Beoeiver,^ one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or Jfm^-^^rtocs^ tewft, a population of over four thousand. The re- " ■venue derived from rnineis' rights at wie pound shonld 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 the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners' rights to one-half f be drawn up, and Uvo or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dwr.edin on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men icho are determined to have justice done to their clans. Theg must not be put off with the ivorn-out sop of "Oh ! we will see into the matter , and let you know in a few weeks what can be done for 'you. 1 ' Now is fhe 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 and show, a bold front, tl\& Government dare iwt neglecl their demands for their rights. If that course 1 should be of no avail, we would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember Cox Bbos.» Storelceepers, Waipori. Down, with M»nopohj f — [Aovt.]

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