"Are our faces grave, and our eyes intent?
Is every ounce that is in us bent
On the uttermost pitch of accomplishment?
_Though it's long and long the day is._
Ah! we know what it means if we fool or slack;
--A rifle jammed--and one comes not back;
And we never forget--it's for us they gave.
And so we will slave, and slave, and slave,
Lest the men at the front should rue it.
Their all they gave, and their lives we'll save,
If the hardest of work can do it;--
_Though it's long and long the day is._"

--JOHN OXENHAM.




CHAPTER VII

THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY


The Ministry of Munitions has a great department devoted to the work
of looking after our workers' interests.

This department of the Ministry was established by Mr. Lloyd George.
Mr. Rowntree, whose work is so well known, was put in charge.