THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 240, 5 September 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it wotdd not, I presume, be out of place to point out a way in which they could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour lod — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — I would draw their attention to tlte Expott Duty of 2s. Qd 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 tlie brwit of all f Why not charge so much a bushel on wheat, oats, <&c. f or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it will be divided t It will be answered tlmt 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 ive have constructed to tlie same; also the enormous expense of paying 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. The revenue derived from miners' rights at one pound should be reduced at least to one-half. Applications, registrations of claims and waier races must be something considerable, not cnlculating 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 reductioii of miners' rights to one-ludf, be drawn' up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of xohom to meet in Dunedin on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men who are determined to have jvstke done to their class. Tliey must not be put off with the worn mii sop of "Oh! we will see info the matter, and let yon knoio in a few weeks ivhat can be done for you. 1 ' Now is the time for every -ihvner- in 1 the- Province to rise up against this wnjust 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 (heir demands for their rights. If th-at course, should be of im dwU r I would advise th-em to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warnunted to go off. Rememb&: J. Cox, Storekeeper; Wmporl. Dotm swith Mp nopqly /— f Advt.-J