THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 242, 19 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 c'oiild confer a lasting betiefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on the Cliinese Question lias proved to be labour hbt — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — I would draw their attention to tlie Expoit Duty of 2s. 6d an ov/nce on gold, which I think is an unjust tax on tlieir labour. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all? Why not cliarge so much a bushel on wlieat, oats, t&c. ? or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it ivill be divided ? It will be answered that it is necessary to continue the Export duty on gold to meet the extra cost entailed on Government for tlietnanagement of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roads we liave 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 populatiou of oveffoiir thousand. The 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 they receive. I xoould suggest' that petitions for the abolition of the Expert Ditty on gold, also for tlie reduction of miners' .rights to one-half, be draionup, and two or three delegates, ac■cording t6 '.population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dunedinon. a..d<xy agreed upon, to presents the petitions. ~ Let thani be men who are determined to have justice done to their dais. They must not be put off with the worn out sop of " Oh ! w& will see into ,the matter, 'and let yctt, know in a few weeks what can ■be> done, for you."- Now is the time for every miner m the Province .to rise wp against this unjywt imposition. Let them resolve to agitate until it it removed. If they but act in ■ unison and show a boil front, the Government dare not neglect their detmt&'fc&iiheiriktyivtfr' If that course should be of nojueail, I would advise them to &#* W d stock of gunpowder tea, warn ratvtod topjo off* ■ Bemtmber J. Cox, Storekeeper, Wawori. Down with Mo\ nopoly /•— {Adtt. J ♦