THE GOLD DUTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 263, 13 February 1873, Page 2

THE GOLD DUTY.

Now that every mining district of importance can boast of their Mining Associations, it would not, I presume, be mtt of place to point oiit a way in which they could confer a lasting benefit on tlie miners of New Zealand. Since their agitation on tlie Chinese Questions, has in'.oved-to belabour lod — owing, I think, mflinly to tlie weak resistance offered — I vjotild dram their attention to theExpott Duty of 2s. 6d an ounce on gold, which I think is an. unjust ta& on their labour. If the Treasury Offices are tow, and need replenishing, why should one class bear tlie 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 tlmt it* will be divided? It will he answered that it is necessary to continue i/te Export duty on gold to meet the eqtra c.oss entailed on Government for the mpmr agemei# of the Goldfields. For instance, the advjaxpbte roads we lime constructed, to the same, also the enormous expense of paying one, Warden, one Gold Receiver, one Clerk of, tlie Court, and three policemen to look after four or five districts, with a population of over four thousand. Tlie revenue derived fjrorii mjners* rights at one pound should be reduced, at least to one-half. 'Applications, registrations of claims and water races must' b&sompthing considerable, not calculating the amount of dutiable goods consumed by miners^ which is more than an equivalent for all they receive. J* wo}dd suggest that petitions for. tl\& abolition, of Ijhe ExpC)-t Duty on gold, also for tlie reduction of viiners' rights to, oiie-lt-alf, be drawn up, and two or tyree delegates, according to populujfion., be appointed from each district, all of whom to meet in Dunedin on a day agreed upon 3 to.present the. petitions. Let ttem be men xvho are determined to have justice done to their class. They, miist not be put off with the worn out sop of?*" Oh! we will $ce r into the matter, qnd let ypn.hwiv in a few vxeks ivlmt can be-dpne for you. 7 ' Now is the time fur every r miner in tlie Province, to rise up ygalnst this vr<-just imposition. Let tliem resolve to agitate until it is removed. If they \d acLiio uaiso;\ and show a bold front, the Government dare not neglect their 'danyinds for tlieir rights. If thai coarse should he of no avail, I would advise them to x lay in a stock of gunpowder tea, warranted to go. off. Remember J. Cox, .^torelceeper, Waipori. Down with Mo iffipoly!— [Adyt.J