THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 234, 25 July 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now 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 thexj could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the CM nese Questions has proved to be labour lobt— owiug, I think, mainly to the weak resis'ance offered — I ivould draw iheir attention to the Export Duty of 2s. 6d an ounce on gold, which I think 'is an unjust tax 0.% 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 wheat, outs, <?;c. ? or so much on preserved meats? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it xvill be divided ? It ivill be answered thai it is necessary to continue the Export duty on gold io meet the extra cost entailed on Government for the manacjzment of the GoldfieMs. For instance, the admirable roads we have constructed io the same ; also the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen io look after four or five districts, with a populatiou 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 cnlculating the amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which is more than an equivalent for all tliey receive. I would suggest tlmt petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the 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 wlwm to meet in Dunedin on a day agreed vpon, to present the petitions. Let tliem be men who are determined to have justice done to their class . They must not be put off with the worn out sop of " Oh! "we will see into the matter, and let yon know in a few weeks wlmt can be- done for you.'" Now 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. If they but act in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. If that course should be of no avail, I would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. Cox, Storekeeper, Waipori. Down with Mo nopoly /— [Advt.]