THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 253, 5 December 1872, Page 9

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it xcould •not, I presume, be out of place to point out a way in which tliey could confer a lasting benefit on the miners of New Zealand. Since tlieir agitation on the Chinese Questions has proved to belabour lod — owing, I think, mainly to the weak resistance offered — J would draw their attention to the JExpoit Duty of 2s. Gd an ounce on gold, lohich 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, oat3 t <£c. f or so much on preserved meats ? in fact, put an export duty on all provincial produce, so tliat 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 cm Government for the management of the Goldfields. For instance, the admirable roa-is we have constructed to the sa/twR ; also the enormous expense of paying one Warden, one Chid Receiver, one Clerk of tlie Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a population of over four thousand. Tiie 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 would suggest that petitions for the abolition of the Export Duty on gold, also fot the reduction of miners' rights to one-lialf, be dravm up, and two or three delegates, according to population, he appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in JJuri' edin on a day agreed upon, to present the petitions. Let them he men who are determined to have justice done to their class. Th-ey must not be ptii off tenth the ■worn out sop of " Oh ! we ttnll see t»/o the matter } and let yon know vn a few weeks whdt can be done for you. 7 ' Now is Hie time for every miner in the Province to rise up against this unjust imposition. Let them, resolve to agitate until it is removed. If they but act in unison and shoxo a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their demands for their rights. . If that courte should be of no avail, I would advise- titem to lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, 'warranted to go off. Remember J., Car,. Storekeeper, Waipori. Down %oitk Afeno P oly!-[AnYT.y "~*- .^