THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 246, 17 October 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 lost — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — I would draw their attention to the Expott Duty of 2s. 6i? an ounce on gold, which I think is an unjust tax on timr labour. If the Treasury Offices are low, and need replenishing, why should one class bear the brunt of all? Why not charge so much a busJtel on wheat, oats, &c. ? or so much on preserved meats? in fact, pub an export duty on all provincial produce, so that it will be divided ? It will be answered that it is necessary to continue the Expert duly 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 the same ; also the enormous expense, of paying one Warden, one Gold Beceiver, one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a popnlatiou 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 water races must be something considerable, not cnlculatiny 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 foi the reduction of miners* rights to one-Juzlf, be drawn up, and two or three delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of ivhom to meet in Dun£din on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men who are determined to have justice done to their class. They must not be put off with the worn out sop of " Oh ! we will see into the matter, and let yon know in a few weeks what can be done for you." Now is the time for I every miner in the Province io rise up against this unjust imposition. Let them resolve to agitate until it U removzd. If they but act in unison and shoiv a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. If that course should b* of no avail, I tvoiOd admne ihem | to hy in a Stock of gunrx^ixirr ten, ttw1 ranted to go off, fleniemter if. I'oi, I Storekeeper, Waipori. Ddwn with Mo I nopoly /— [ A dvt. ] "•