THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 243, 26 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 tlie miners of New Zealand. Since tlieir agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour lod — oioiug, I think t mainly to the weak resistance offered- — I would draw tlieir attention to the Export Duty of 2s. Qd an ounce on gold, which I think is an unjust tax on their labour. If the Treasury Offices are hw, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a bushel on wheat, oats, i&c. ? 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 the 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 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. Tlie 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 cnlculaUngthe amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which is more tlian an equivalent for all tliey receive. I would suggest that petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also foi the reduction of miners' rights to one-lialf, 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 are determined to have justice done to their class. If tliey but act in unison and show a bold front, the Government dare not negle-ct their demands for tlieir rights. If that course should be of iw avail, I would advise them to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go, off. Remember J. Cox, Storekeeper, Waipori. Down with Mo nopoly /— [Advt.]

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