THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 233, 18 July 1872, Page 7

THE GOLD DUTY.

JVojw that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it tconld Hot, I presume, be out of place to point out a way in which tliey could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since tlieir agitation on tlie Chinese Questions has proved to belabour lod — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — I would draw their attention to the Expo) t Duty of 2s. 6d an ounce on gold, which I think is an unjust tax on their labour. If tJie Treasury Offices are low, ami need replenishing, why, sliould one class bear tlie brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a busliel on wheat, oats, tt'c. ? or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so tliat it will be divided ? It will he 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 Jmve constructed to the same ; also the- enormous expense of pny'uig 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 thousand. 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 tlian an equivalent for all tiiey receive. I would suggest that petitions for tlie abolition of the, Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of mimrs' rights to one-half, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from eaih district, all of wliom 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. Tliey must not be put off with the worn out sop of "Oh! we will see into tlie matter, and let yon know in a fexo weeks ivhat can be done for you." Now is the time for every miner in ths Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Let them resolve to agitate until it is removed. If tliey but act in unison and show a boll front, tlie Government dare not neglect their demands for tlieir rights. If that course should be of no avail, I xoould advise them to lay in a 'stock of gunpoioder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. Cox, Storekeeper, Wahpori. Down with Mo ix '>poly !— [ \ v vt. J