Floor...

An unusually high standard was reached in the speech of Mr. Jack, who was well known in debates here before the war. His arguments were clearly thought out and he carried the house with him throughout. He insisted that there must be some standard in judging this question, and carried his point by comparing New Zealand's effort with that of other nations in a manner that left no possibility of refutation.

Mr. Williams quoted figures for production and for the number of men in the forces. He escaped the dullness usually associated with figures, was forceful and to the point.

Mr. Chorlton, speaking as a returned soldier, made a plea for equality of sacrifice. He would like to see all industries under army control.

Mr. O'Kane blamed the individuals for not co-operating with the government and thought the manpower division was making the wrong approach.

Mr. O'Leary, intensely formal and severe, blamed the government for not training unfit men to replace fit men in essential industries. He considers the manpower regulations interfere unnecessarily with workers' lives, especially in unplanned transferring of manpower.

Mr. Eaton Hurley, who judged the debate, offered advice and criticism to the speakers but considered the standard fairly high and all the speakers promising. He placed the first five as follows:—Mr. Jack, Miss Crompton, Mr. Williams, Mr. Ziman, Mr. Miller.