WEBB'S APPEAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10119, 29 October 1917, Page 5

WEBB'S APPEAL.

(Pub Prbhb Association.) WELLINGTON, 0ct.^,29. At the sitting of the Military Servcio Board an appeal for exemption, standing in the name of P. C. Webb. M.P., was supported bv Mr McCombs. M.P. Webb did not appear. Mr McCombs ) produced a petition from the electors of Grey praying for the retention of Webb. It stated that he was essential to the welfare of a large number of people on the West Coast. Mr Arbuckle, secretary of the New Zealand Coalminers' Union, said he represented the feeling of the whole of the miners of New Zealand, and, in his opinion, V\ eOb was particularly qualified to be their representative. In the House he had been of special value in introducing mining legislation, making for better and safer working conditions. He was of opnwou that, the Huntlv disaster could have been avoided if Webb's advice had been heeded If Webb resigned the miners would not bo properlv represented in Parliament. There were 8000 miners with only ono practical representative in the House To Captain Baldwin: Witness said that [ they had a man in. Parliament with Webb's knowledge of mining they would bo content. Webb obtained a block minors vote last election. , . , Captain Baldwin intimated that he would ask Mr McCombs to request Webb to att6Mr McCombs said he had no such in'"ivChairuian : It may go against you if .aid it was not- a personal appeal, but. by a constituency as P mp oyer. ■hie Chairman: A personal appeal waa nut in? , ... , Mr McCombs: Yes, but withdrawn. The Board suggested that Wobb be called to sav whether he would undertake to engage in an essential industry during tho reCC Webb was then sent for, but did not appear. , , , . . Mr Arbuckle said Webb was prepared to sign an undertaking to engage in coalmining. Would that be sufficient? (> A member of the Board said. No. The Chairman said Mr McCombs must, go on with tho case or apply for an adjourn'"Vl'r McCombs decided to do the latter, and the case was adjourned till the afternoon.