THE TAX ON GOLD.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 24, 27 April 1870, Page 5

THE TAX ON GOLD.

We are glad to see so important a matter as the repeal of the gold export duty i; exciting attention in the Lake District, and that Mr Hauoiitox, who took up the subject some sessions ago both in the Council and Assembly, is being requested to re-open the case, Wo hope this will be done, and that other members connected with the Gold-fields will give the subject a sincere support. If this duty was removed, our miners—less freight and insurance—would bo placed on an equal footing with the other Colonies in dealing with Her Majesty’s Royal Mint in Melbourne. This would be an appreciable boon, and highly beneficial in its results. It should always be borne in mind that the Melbourne Mint is to be the Royal Mint of England, and wholly under English control. Victoria only furnishes the buildings: all else is under the management of the English Government and the staff appointed by it. It is a pity, therefore, that the export duty should prevent free access to the Mint. What is the use of sending the gold to England and m ulcting the miners in heavy costs, when in future/the coin of the realm is to be manufactured in Melbourne 1 The Banks don’t like it, but the fact is they didn’t know anything about this until too late. We want to see the hard-working miner get the full value of his produce. We cannot, therefore, consider the question whether the Banks are pleased or not. The general good must have our first consideration ; and so have evidently thought the English Government. Now, the case will be that the miner can go to the Mint by himself or through his agent, and if the Banks wans to remit, wliy there is the sovereign. It will not pay them so well : granted, because they will have to pay shipping expenses, &0., instead of, as at present, the miner; but then justice will be done to a numerous class. It may also largely interfere with the note circulation of the Banks, if they are obstinate. Thus it will be seen that important matters are involved in the subject of the repeal of the gold duty. s riie miner has all to gain—something to lose, however; and a meeting or two would wonderfully assist the cause he has at heart. Why, then, is lie not up and doing 1