TEN REASONS FOR PROSPERITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3509, 10 July 1926, Page 4

TEN REASONS FOR PROSPERITY.

PICTURE OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY. Recently two British engineers, Bertram Austin and \Y. Francis Lloyd, visited the United States t'or the purpose of inquiring into the conditions of American industry. In a book they have published, they draw a glowing picture of the prosperity they witnessed in that country. Incidentally they tell that the Ford Motor Company employs 200,000 workers whose minimum wage is 29s 2d a day. This is not an isolated instance of high wage rates being paid for it is presented that good wages and a high standaid of living arc very general. These two young investigators say they “know no reason why Gfeat Britain should not reach the peak of prosperity already attained by the United States.” Probably they would say the same with respect to New Zealand were their attention drawn to this country. At any rate the lessons they draw f»om their exploring expedition to “The States” are not for the people in the Homeland alone. The following statements of theirs may be applied to those in the Dominions oyer-seas, and for such reason ive should give them full eonsideintion: —

“The organisation of cheaper production on American lines must be accepted, and restrictions on individual out-put must be swept away.

“With our national resources, our world-wide Imperial connections, and aptitude of our workers, and energetic abilities everywhere to be had for the asking, we have it in our power to double the prosperitj of the land within the next 20 years.” THE TEN CAUSES. The writers of the book “Secrets of High Wages” not only set forth many sterling facts relating to Amreica’s prosperity, but they present what they consider are the chief causes of the great industrial activity and general wealthiness of the people. The following are the reasons they give for America’s present prosperity. 1. Promotion in America is by merit. >

2. America, sticks to the principle of small profits and quick returns, and wealth is made by fine margins of profit on immense and rapid turnover.

3. Rapid turnover is secured by simplification and cheapening of processes, which necessitates less capital for a given output.

4. America shows endless keenness in devising time-saving and trouble-saving appliances. 5. The American employer is not hostile to high wages. (i. The American worker is favourable to producing the greatest output.

7. American manufacturers cooperate by exchanging ideas. 8. Americans are vigilant and acute in eliminating waste and in conserving time, energy and space.

9. American welfare methods double high wages in their stimulative effect by surrounding the work ers with cleanliness and light, and by seeking in every way to increase their conveniences and satisfaction. 10. Americans encourage research with magnificent intelligence, scouring the world to obtain the best research brains. What strikes us as the most sal ient features of these reasons is the spirit which.]they indicate on the side of both employers and the employed. Political motive and prejudices arc excluded and all engaged in the business of producing recognise they have a partnership interest in the concern. There is a combined effort to produce the goods and small wonder is it that success should follow if a people are honestly intent on so acting. When the workers are favourable to giving their best in honest labour and the employers to return full measure in high wages a basis of harmony is reached between the two partners in the deal. Payment by results here becomes a safe, sane and beneficial principle for collaboration.

In Australia and New Zealand the industrialists have for a long time been concentrating on how they shall distribute the proceeds on industry, taking the “cost of living” as a kind of compass to steer by! Did they give their attention unitedly to the producing end of the problem they would come quicker to the end they have in view of overtaking this seeming “will o’ the wisp”-—the cost of living. Ameri ea’s example should not be lost sight of by the people of our Do-

minion. (Contributed by the New Zealand

Welfare League)