For the first time in living memory the banks were closed for four days – from Monday to Friday – to make arrangements for the emergency currency work. When they reopened on Friday there was nothing in the way of a ‘run’. The following notice was posted at the various banks:

Under the new law bankers are authorised not to make any cash payments but they are willing to make small payments for present necessities until the Government notes for £1 and 10s are printed and distributed in sufficient quantities.

Banbury Guardian, August 1914