STATE-OWNED RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 8, 22 February 1908, Page 7

STATE-OWNED RAILWAYS.

Government’s Attitude. The resolution of Mr. G. A. Hardy (Liberal member for the Stowmarket - division-of Suffolk) in favour of an inquiry .into the question of the State purchase of railways was talked out, though it was elicited that Mr. Lloyd-George (President of the Board of Trade) had > offered to inquire how far evils coujd be remedied by any change in the relations between the railways and the State. RECENT INDICATIONS OF CHANGE. The Railway Servants’ Congress last October passed a resolution, with only two dissentients, in favour of the State ownership of British railways, on the grounds of certain evils, including (I) the tendency to pool profits; (2), the giving of preferential rates to foreign producers and manufacturers; and (3), the material effect of excessive competition on the position of the railway workers. At Liverpool last September Lord Brassey strongly urged the nationalisation of the railways before the Associated Chambers of Commerce. “We are per-

haps on the eve of a great change of policy. We see what is taking place in Continental Europe. In Germany and in Russia, in Belguim, and more recently in Italy, the railways have become the property of the State. The requirements of the public are fully considered. The results to the Exchequer have been satisfactory. “If we were taking a new departure today,” continued Lord Brassey, “there can hardly be a question as to what Parliament would do. It is difficult to change a policy to which we have long adhered.” Lord Brassey showed that.the capital value of the railways was twice the amount of the National debt, and suggested beginning with State ownership in Ireland.