Whitcombe and Tombs’ Difficulty.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 58, 15 August 1890, Page 2

Whitcombe and Tombs’ Difficulty.

At our present writing we do not know how matters will, be settled witli the above firm; but, whichever way a settlement of the difficulty may be arrived at, the question presents itself as to whether two men, by persistent obstinacy, are going to be permitted to set the whole country, into a state of civil commotion. In the evidence taken before the Sweating Commission it was clearly shown that this firm treated their employees in a most harsh and unjustifiable manner. Heavy fines were inflicted on their employees for the most trivial offence, and, altogether, they were treated in a most inhuman manner. Such being the pase, is this firm going to be allowed to inflict a wrong on the whole country and cause an expense which could only

be equalled by a civil war ? We are decidedly of opinion that no maudlin sentiment should be allowed to intervene to prevent such a catastrophe as stopping the whole business of the country. The Government have already admitted the principle of State interference as between labour and capital and employer and employed, and they should put their foot down in the present instance and nip in the bud a trouble which promises to assume large dimensions and cause a serious loss. Everything has been done that it was possible to do to settle the affair in an amicable manner, and it is against all reason to suppose that such inhumanity, as' practised by Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs towards their employees, will be permitted to go on, when a large majority of the people of the country have asserted that fair and square treatment must be accorded to every man, woman, and child. It is simply a question as to whether slavery—we can call it by no milder name—is going to be allowed to exist amongst us. Many similar cases may occur in the future if something is not done in the present instance to prevent future trouble. It only requires to be acknowledged by legislation that people must not be illused financially any more than bodily, especially when it is. against the health and happiness of the rising generation, and in direct opposition to the wishes of the community.