THE WEBB APPEAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 30 October 1917, Page 5

THE WEBB APPEAL.

DISMISSED BY MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 2^ Un the resumption of the hearing of \- . ,' Webb' s aPPeal, Mr McCombs stated that Webb's personal appeal would be withdrawn, as he had been reluctant to. appeal in.person. Mr McCombs " read the following telegram from Denmston, which, he said, gave a good idea of the contents of other telegrams received; "Miners appeal for ®xe^Ption from military service of P. C. Webb. It is imperative we should nave one practical miner to represent miners in the House."

The chairman: Are a man's constituents his employer? Mr McCombs: Strictly speaking, perhaps not, but the case is on a, level with a case where a district appeals for a doctor. Mr McCombs said he would not like to think that Webb was less essential than a policeman or a minister of religion. The chairman: May we take it that as far as Mr Webb himself is concerned he is quite willing to go? Mr McCombs: Well, I may say that Webb was very anxious to organise that tunnelling corps that went away. lhe chairman: There may be an opportunity for him yet, as the war may not be over for a long while. Frank Reed, chief inspector of mines, called by Captain Baldwin, was asked if he had disregarded the recommendations regarding the safety of miners, and he replied that he had never done so. He had almost invariably supported recommendations by inspections.

Captain Baldwin: Has the department sufficient competent; officers to look to the safety of the mines without the assistance of Mr Wehb? Witness: I consider our inspectors are competent, otherwise they would not ( be where they are. Captain Baldwin: Are they men of practical experience?— Yes. Replying to a further question witness sa«I: I say Webb is an experienced man with a thorough knowledge of mining and he is a useful man to have m the House. Ido not say the S £ wy i_? f the will be jeopardised it Webb goes away, but I say he is a valuable aid to the department in mining matters.

There was no further evidence and after consideration by the Board, the chairman announced : We see no reason for granting the exemption. The appeal will be dismissed, and he will be granted leave till December 12