Page 9 Advertisements Column 2

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 250, 14 November 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 loutowing, I think, mainly to the weak resist' ance offered — J would draw their attention to the Expott Duty of 2s. 6d an cunce 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 the brunt of all ? Why not charge so much a bushel on wheat, oats, <£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 Jiave constructed io the same; also the enormous expense of puying 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 tlwusand. The revenue derived from miners 1 rights at one pound should be reduced at least to one-half. Application, registratiotis of claims and water races must be something considerable y 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 foi the reduction of miners' rights to one-half, be drawn up, and two or thr«e delegates, according to population, be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in lkaiedin on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them be men who are, deU^mitud Io liam justice done ia their class. They must not be put off with the worn cut sop of "Oh! we will see into the mattes, and let yon know in a few weeks what can be done for you. 1 ' Now is the time for every miner in the Province to rise up agahist this unjust 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 tlteir demands for their rights. If that course should be of no-^eail, I would adoisc them to lay in a stock' of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. Cox,, Storekeeper, Waipori. Down xoith Jlfo nopoly /— [ Advt. ]