THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 223, 9 May 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now tlmt every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, vac proawmc, be out of place to point out a way in which they could confer a, lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since tlieir agikdion on the Chinese Question has proved to be labour lout — owing, we think, mainly to the weak resist' ance 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 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 busliel on wheat, oats, £c. ? or so much on preserved meats t in fact, put an export' duty on all provincial produce, so that it will be divided? It will be answered tlmt it is necessary to continue tlie Export duty on gold to meet the extra- ' cost entailed on Government for the man- | agement of tlie Goldfields. For instance, tlie admirable roads we have constructed to the same; also the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of tlie Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a population of over four thousaiid. The revsnue derived from mineis 1 rights at one pound should be reduced at leant to one-lialf. 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 tlte Export Duty on gold, also far the reduction of miners' rights to one-half, be drawn tip, 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 who are determined to have justice done 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 weeks what can be done for you." Nma. is the '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, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. If that course slyyiild be of no avail, we would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, wa* ranted to go off. Remember Cox Bros., Storekeepers, Waipori. Down with Monopoly /— £Ai>vt.]

Strangers paying a visit to Dunedin are often at a loss to know what is the best establishment to visit for the purchase of drapery and clothing. Herbert, Haynes, and Co. offer special advantages to the public that can be met with noiohere else in tlte- city. They keep at all times the largest and best assorted stock of every class of goods, imported direct from the leading manufacturers and warehousemen at home, which being bought entirely upon cash terms, they are enabled to offer goeds ■ of such sterling value as cannot be equalled by any other house in the trade. Every article in stock is marked at a fixed price for ready money, from which no abatement is ever made, so th<d the most inexperienced buy their goods at the sameprices as the best judges. The, terms are — net cash, without discount or reductions of any kind. A fiiUer description of ' their stock will be*fonnd in an advertise | ment on the' third page of this paper. — [Advt.]