THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 241, 12 September 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 New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour loi>t — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — J would draw their attention to the Expott Duty of 2s. 6d an ounce on gold, which I think is an unjust tax on their labour. Jf the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all? Why not charge so much a busJiel on ivheat, oats, &c. f or so much on preserved meats? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so tliat it xoill be divided ? It xoill be answered that it is necessary to continue the Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for tlie management of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we have constructed to the 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 populatiou of over four thousand. The revenue derived from miners' rights at one pound should be reduced at least to oiie-half. Applications, registrations of claims and water races must be something considerable, not cnlculathigthe amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which is more than an equivalent for all they receive. I would sugjest that petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners 1 rights to one-h-ilf, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dunedin on a day agreed -upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men- who art dete)«mined to have justice done to their class. If they but act in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect (heir demands for their rights. If that cojirse should be of no avail, I would advisp 'them to lay in a stock of gunpowder* tea, warranted to go off. Hemetnber J. Cox, Storekeeper, Waipanri. Down with Ma nopoly /--[Advt. }