THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 239, 29 August 1872, Page 5

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 ivay in tohich they could confer a lasting benefit on tlie miners of New Zealand. Since tJi&ir agitation on the Chinese Question* Ims proved to be labour lost — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — I xoould draw their attention to the Expo) t Duty of 2s. §d an ounce on gold, which I think U an vnjust tax on tlieir labour. If the Treasury Offices are loiu, and need replenishing, why sJwuld one class bear tlie brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a bushel on tolieat, oats, Sc. ? or so much, on preserved meats? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that 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 toe have constructed to tlie same; also the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a population, of over four thousand. The revenue derived from miners' right 1 } 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 consiimed 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 foy the reduction of miners' rights to one-half, be drawn np, and two or three dele-gates, according to population, be appointed from \ each district, all of wlwm 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. I They must not be put off with tlie worn out sop of "Oh! we will see into the matter, and let yon know in a few weeks wliai can be done for you." Now is the time for ev&ry miner in the Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Let them resolve to agitate until it is removed. If tiiey but aft in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. If that c<mrse should be of no avail, I tvould advise them to lay in a stock of gunpoteder tea, warraAited to go . off. JRemembzr J. Cox, Storekeeper', Waipori. Down with Mo nopoly /— [ Ab vt. ]

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