THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 231, 4 July 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Nbio that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, I presume, be out of place to point out a way in which they could confer a lasting benefit on tlie miners of Neiv Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour lot>t — owing, I think, mainly to the ivealc resistance offered — I would draw their attention to the Export Duty of 2s. 6d an ounce on gold, lohich I think is an unjust tax on their labour. If tlie Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why slwnld one class bear tlie brunt of all? Why not charge so much a bushel on wlieat, oats, &c. ? or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it xoill be divided ? It will be answered that it is necessary to continue the Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for the management of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we liave constructed to the same; aho the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, 1 one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a populatiou of over four tltousand. Tlie revenue 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 than an equivalent for all tliey receive. I would suggest that petitions far the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners 1 rights to one-lialf, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dnnedin on a day agreed iqxin, to present tlie petitions. Let them be men who are determined to /wive justice done to their class. Tliey must not be put off with the worn out sop of " Oh I we will see into the matter, and let yon know in a few weeks wliat can be done for you." Now is the time for every miner in the Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Let tliem resolve to agitate until it is removed. If tliey but act in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect tlieir demands for their rights. If that course should be of no avail, I wauld advise tliem to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. Cox, Storekeeper, Waipori. Down with Mo nopoly ! — [Advx,]