Free Enterprise Wins in Empire
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Australia Follows New Zealand in Rejecting State Ownership and Excessive Restrictive _Control
TWO smashing victories against nationalization and the depressing rigours and restrictive controls of Socialistic " economy " have been won for the Empire by the electors, first, of New Zealand, and, then, of Australia. They have been no half-hearted wins, but a complete reversal of the order of things as they have existed in these countries for many years.
What is particularly interesting in connection with the general election in Australia is that Mr. Chifley, the former Socialist Premier, stood largely upon his refusal to give any undertaking that, if returned to power, he would refrain from continuing his policy of nationalization in respect of the means for production, distribution and exchange.
Now, the electoral system in Australia is 'proportional representation, and the clear vote of the people has indicated in full measure that the State ownership of industry, transport and other activities is definitely neither appreciated nor wanted. The people, both of New Zealand and Australia, have had ample time in which to test the effects of practical Socialism, and it seems that they do not like it, but prefer what has been alluded to as traditional British democracy, from which we in Britain departed at a period of mental turmoil.
As a journal, we are not concerned with politics as such, hut only where they exercise either a good or bad effect upon the industry which we represent, and our emphatic conviction is that the appropriation by the State of a large section of our means for the transport of goods and passengers constitutes a tragedy, the consequences of which will be cumulative unless arrested.
Encouragement to the Industry It is most encouraging to us, and to the industry, that the experienced and freedom-loving nationals of two of the greatest-countries of our Empire have adopted the same view.
Points from the new Australian programme are a gradual reduction of controls over industry and commerce, the abolition of liquid-fuel rationing, and closer co-operation in the economic and political fields with other nations of the Empire. The last-mentioned would, of course, be difficult if the regime in the mother country remained so different from this new_ order. Those in Britain who have no faith in the inroads of the State into btisinessl and the repression of free enterprise, should take heart from these striking examples of knock-out blows delivered at them. They should, therefore, continue to do all in their power to gain a similar victory here. It.is, however, vitally important that there should be a united effort. Squabbles between factions, possibly over far less important matters, might open the way to another long period of enforced experimentation and regimentation, which, if this encouragement be given, would probably prove far more rigorous than any that we have seen so far.
All-powerful State UnwelcOme, The average Briton has never been enamoured of the principle of the all-powerful State. He has seen too much of the effects of this in other countries, where the individual is cowed and helpless. Many visitors to Australia and New Zealand during the past few years have told is of the uncomfortable conditions, the lack of the spirit of enterprise and incentive, and the feeling of lassitude which was prevailing amongst so many. Some of the ordinary, courtesies had disappeared, and small services were given grudgingly, All this was the result of an oppression which had begun to make itself felt ever more strongly. Now the wheel has turned, the people are throwing ' off their shackles, and a new spirit has arisen.
We have no doubt that trade and industry will benefit enormously as a result, for goodwill and good work do not go hand in hand with conditions of depression. Excessive restriction, heavy taxation which stifles initiative, and the removal of the responsibility of control from those best qualified to bear it, result in a flabbiness unsuited to a nation fighting the battle of recovery.
The opportunity of following the same course will soon be with us. Let us for once follow the example set by the .young and vigorous members of our Empire. Let us•-free. ourselves from the rigid trammels of a form of Government which tends more and more to repress individualism and is turning us into a nation of bureaucrats and servants.