THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 252, 28 November 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Noio that every mining district of importance can boast of ihepr Mining Associations, it. would not, I --presume, be. out of place to point out a icay in which they could confer a fasting benefit oh the miners of New Zealand. Since thevr agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to be labour lo& — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistaticc offered— l would draw their attention to the Expoit Duty of 2s, 6d an ounce on goldj which I think is an unjust tax on j their labour. If tlie Treastiry 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 tluxt it u-ill 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 w& have constructed -io the same; also the enormout expense of paying one Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of the Court, and three policemen to look after four or fioa districts, with a population of over four thousand. The revenue derived from minirtf rjghte at one pound siwuld be reduced at least to one-half. Applications, registrations of claims and water races must be somethin j considerable^ not calculating tJie attioittit of dutiable goods consumed by miners, which istnore tha.i an eqnvoahnt for all f/iey receive. I would suggest that petitions for the abolition of the ExpoH Duty on gold, also for the reduction of miners' rljhU to one-half, he drawn up, and two or three delegates, ac* cording to population, be appointed from each district, all of ichom to meet in Dunedin on a day agreed vpon, to present the petitions. Let them, be men who are de-tei-minfid to have justice done to their class. Tliey must not be put off with the workout sop of " Oh!- loe vjiU see into the matter, and let yon know hi a few weeks witiat can be done for you." Now is th» time for every miner inHhe Proela':e to rise up agaiust this unjust' imposition. Let thehi resolve to agitate until it is removed. If they but act in unison and shown bold * front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. If that course sliould be of no avail, I would advise them to lay in a stuck of gunpowder tea, warranted to go off. Remember J. C§£, Storekeeper > Wahpori. Down with Ma nopoly /— [ .\ x>yt. J