WATER LICENSES—TEN SHILLINGS PER SLUICE HEAD.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1085, 1 July 1873, Page 3

WATER LICENSES—TEN SHILLINGS PER SLUICE HEAD.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times.) Sie, —It appears by yOur issue of the 20th that it is the intention of our model Government, in its wisdom to endeavour to impose an additional tax on the miner in the shape of a water license. The proposal of such a tax to an ordinary mortal seems a most impolitic proceeding, founded, not on the fitness of things, but on the unfitness of legislators. It is a Wellknown fact that we are already taxed-at least three times as heavy as our fellowcolonists, who are more fortunate than to have to reside on the goldfields. But why is a question that cannot easily be answered. Is it because we are so wealthy that we do not feel excessive taxation ? Is it because golddigging pays better than ordinary labourers' work ? Or is it because we are comparatively unrepresented in the House of Representatives ? The last seems the only plausible reason why an additional imposition should be palmed upon by far the most industrious and enterprising, though worst paid, portion of the population of this colony. No doubt it is very desirable to have a new Goldfields Bill, but great care should be taken tbat Government should not only reduce taxation but should aid and facilitate the miner in following his unenviable occupation by constructing water races and reservoirs and letting them to him at a nominal rent. Such, I believe, was done in Victoria after the rich patches were worked out, and the diggings in that country had become poor like ours at the present time. If similar treatment be not accorded us without additional taxation, the gold diggings of New Zealand will become nearly deserted in a very few years. Sir, it appears to me that we stand in need of a thorough reform in goldfield administration, accompanied by a repeal of all extra taxation, as much as England did thirty years ago of the repeal of the corn law, but unfortunately w r e have no Mr Peel to persuade and convince our squatocracy that it would have the same beneficial effect on this country as the repeal had on England. At all events let our rulers act cautiously in making law a crude undigested measure, and bear in mind that we can act as well as they. The provident among us are not chained, and should they go Government may be called on to open soup kitchens and poor houses for the rest, for our burdens are greater than we can bear, after paying the present extortionate taxes, which they fain would increase but cannot. Let them also remember that the gold miner has done more real good for this colony than he gets credit for, and while ho has given an impetus to it more valuable than can be estimated, its Government seems to be determined to drive him away blighted and heart-sick.—l am, &c, Sam.