NATIONALISATION AND SOCIAL REFORM.

STATE AS GRANDMOTHER.

Nationalisation of railways, mines, shipping, milk supply, and other industries is now being represented as the new testament of national prosperity and social betterment, to create a new England. It might be imagined that this was a fresh doctrine which had not been tested by experience, and that there was no valid argument against its acceptance except the selfish interest of capitalists, anxious to maintain the old regime.

Nationalisation has, however, been tested, and tested on a considerable scale, both before and during the war. In that connection, it is noteworthy that the Americans, having enjoyed all the advantages of State control of railways, ships, telegraphs, telephones, and other essential services, have now determined to have nothing more to do with it. The overwhelming majority of the Americans have come to the conclusion that State regulation is wasteful, inefficient, and soulless. We have cemented a friendship with the United States, but the Americans are going to be our severest competitors in trade. They realise that, if we do not. Had they concluded that nationalisation would result in increased efficiency, they would not have hesitated for a moment in developing along that line so as to get ahead of us. But, on the contrary, they will not have anything to do with nationalisation. We are blessed, on the other hand, with a State Post Office, and last week the Postmaster-general stated that the estimated loss for the past year on the telegraphs and telephones will be upwards of £1,500,000. The Americans leave these services to private enterprise, and not only do they get better facilities, but profits accrue.

A STRIKING CONTRAST.

Nationalised industries furnish a striking contrast to private enterprise. Private firms are now completing the change-over from war to peace, and absorbing more and more labour. And as to housing, the social investigator should go to the places where private employers are straining their utmost to produce this or the other article of commerce economically, while at the same time benefiting their workers. He would go probably to Bournville, the Cadbury colony near Birmingham; or Port Sunlight, Lord Leverhulme’s experiment; or York to study what the Rowntrees have done. The private employer is conscious, as no State department has ever shown itself conscious, of the necessity of improving the housing and other conditions of his workers if they are to work well. This movement was gathering impetus, and it was proceeding on economic lines, when the cry of nationalisation was raised. As a result many firms in all parts are quietly putting away plans which they had prepared.

What the country needs more than anything else at this moment is that the practical men of industry should be encouraged to devote all their energy and experience to the building up of a new England, and shall, at least, not run at a loss. Either a country must pay its way, or it must go under.