THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 237, 15 August 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 they could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of Neiv Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour hbt — owkcg, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — J would draw their attention to the Export Duty of 2s. &d an ounce on gold, which I 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 bushel on wheat, oats, Sc. ? or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so tlmt it will be divided ? It will be answered that it is necessary to continue tlie Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for the management of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we have constructed to tlie same; also the enormous expense of paying oi\e Warden, one Gold Rwm&V s one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a populatiou of over four thousand. The revenue derived from miners' rights at one pound should be reduced at least to one-half. Applications, registrations of claims and toater 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. I would suggest that petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners' rights to one-Jialf, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, accdrdiny to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dunedinon a day ugreed upon, to present tlie petitions. Let tlieni be nvm wlw are determiwd to h- eve justice done £■> tlmr class. They must not he put off with the worn out sop of "Oh! w-i will' see into the matter, and let yon knauj in a few weeks wliat can be done for you." Now is the tvtne 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 wouW advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. Cox, 'Storekeeper, Waipori. Down with Mo nopoly!— [Aj>vt.J