THE DISPUTE WITH WHITCOMBE AND TOMBS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 189, 12 August 1890, Page 4

THE DISPUTE WITH WHITCOMBE AND TOMBS.

CChrißtchurch Press, August 7.)

The all-absorbing subject of conversation at the present is the Whitcombe and Tombs' dispute and the threatened blockade of Lyttelton and Christchurch. As tho latter part of the question ia now overshadowing tbe former, and the effects of a general strike are beginning to be considered, tbe aspect of the difficulty is gradually changing. The views of the Labour Tnions are well known, and their contemplated action has been sevei al times stated in _ue?e columns; but as the fight is changing ground, and the dispute between Whitcombe and Tombs and the Typographical Association is giving way to a larger and more important issue between labour and capital, it will be of interest to ascertain what is the probable effect of extreme measures ns regards the general public. With a view of obtaining some iuform ttion from the point of view of leading business men in the city as to what wiil be the probable result upon the community of a blockade of the port and railways, a • representative of the Press called yesterday upon the heads of several financial and commercial establishments in Christchurch and gives below some of the opinions as ascertained. THE BANKS. The managers of the several Banks interviewed were of opinion that at present it was premature for them to give any information as to the effect of a strike among the railway men and those connected with the Port. Ifi would entirely depend upon circumstances. As to the question of restriction of credit to tradesmen it was stated that the Banks were not likely to be hard upon those who were in temporary difficulties, but were otherwise sound. The Banks, however, were not likely to be affected even in this respect until some little time had elapsed after the commence-r ment of the strike and tradesmen were beginning to feel its pressure. There was no doubt that a tradesman's relations with a Bank would be imperilled if his business were impeded by the strike. Except through their customers the Banks wouid not be seriously effected. The rumour that a boycott of Bank notes wouM be attempted was ridiculed by the managers to whom it was mentioned, and it was pointed out that all the Banks trading in the colony have but a comparatively small note issue in proportion to their reserve in coin and bullion, It was stated there was no truth in the rumour that the "sorew" was already being put on tradesmen with a view to restricting their credit in consequence of the threatened strike. For some time past it was noticeable that a larger amount of money was being placed on fixed deposit— money thut would otherwise have been put into business, but for the uncertainty for the past twelve months of the labour market. WHOLESALE WAREHOUSEMEN. Several wholesale warehousemen were called upon. One expressed the opinion that the dispute was one of those things that were sure to crop up sooner or later, and the sooner it was fought out the better. He thought, however, that business would not be so muoh paralysed as people imagined unless the import and export trade were stopped, in which case large numbers of people would be thrown out of work. As to the effect of the strike upon his business it would all depend upon its extent, and he was therefore unable to express an opinion. Another warehouseman said that the strike would to a large extent restrict purchases, as tradesmen would not buy largely not knowing what was go ng to hßppen. There was one point which bad apparently been overlooked in the disoussion that had taken place. If the steamers and railways were stopped all the factories and many wholesale businesses would shut up for want of coal. The shops in the outlying oountry districts would be practically closed on aocount of their being t«hut off from obtaining supplies from (own, unless traction engines and carriers could meet requirements. A large amount of money usually spent in trade would go out of circulation, and suburban shopkeepers, such as those in Sydenham, who depend to a large extent upon the monthly wages of tbe railway men, would feel severely the effects of the strike. Again, tradesmen wbo have engagements to meet would say, •• I must not buy, for I don't know how money will come in, " and would consequently make their purchases as small as possible. There was no doubt a strike wonld lead to an immeuEe restriction of business. He found that even at the present time money lenders deolined to make advances except at a higher rate of interest than has been ruling.