THE CALL TO SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10120, 30 October 1917, Page 2

THE CALL TO SERVICE.

APPEAL ON BEHAIF OF MR P. C. WEBB, M.P. DISMISSED BY THE BOARD, (Pier Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 21). On resumption of Ihe hearing of Mr Webb’s appeal by (he Military Service Board, Mr McCoinhs stated that Mr Webb’s personal appeal would be withdrawn. Mr Webb had been reluctant to appeal in person. Mr McCombs then road the following telegram from Demiision, which, he said,

gave a good idea of the contents of other telegrams received : “Miners appeal for exemption from military service tor P, (J. Webb. It is imperative we should have one practical miner to represent miners in the House.

The Chairman : Are a man's constituents Ids employers? Mr McCombs: Strictly speaking perhaps not; but the case is on a level with the case where a district appeals for a doe-

Mr McCombs said ho, would not like to think that Mr Webb was less essential than a policeman or a minister of religion. The Chairman: May wo take it that as far as Webb himself is concerned lie is quite willing to go? , Mr McCombs: Well. 1 may say Mr Webb was very anxious to organise that tunnelling corps that went, away. The Chairman; There may be an opportunity for him yet; the war may not be over for a long while. Frank Rend, Chief Inspector of Mines, called by Captain Baldwin, was asked if ho had ever disregarded any recommendations regarding the safety of the miners. He replied; “Never.’’ Almost invariably he bad supported die recommendations nude by inspectors. Captain Baldwin; Has (lie Department .efficient competent officers to look to the safety of mines without the assistance of dr Webb ?

Witness; 1 consider our inspectors arc impotent, otherwise they would not b<

.vhcro they are. Captain Baldwin : Arc they men ot prac- | leal experience? —Witness : Acs. Replying 1° further questions, the "'it' | mss said: “I say. that Mr Webb is an ex- j )orieneod man with a thorough knowledge j ,f mining, and lie is a useful man to have i in the House. Ido not say the safety i if the mines will be jeopardised u Mr | A’ebb goes away, but 1 say he's !1 valuable j aid to the Department in mining matters, j There was no further evidence, and attei ! consideration by the Board, the ( haii j man announced : “We see no reason for granting' the ex- I emption. The appeal will be (lisniis-s.M | and appellant will be granted leave MU | December 12. ’ Wild, BROBABIhV RESIGN. Mr p. C. Webh, when asked to-night what lie intended doing, in view of the decision of the Military Service Board , said he, was convinced the miners <mg ' *o have someone in Parliament to look iftor their interests, and such being Ihe ■ase he, would prnbalily resign when the session was over in order that his constitue.lts might be able to dee soiuemm o speak and vote for them in the Ibmsi ,vheu matters concerning their wellare weic under consideration MR WEBB'S' DECISION. Wild- RESIGN AND HK-C.'ONTKST SEAT. (From Oun Puiwamkntauv RmmTEn.) WKLUNGTON. OH. H i s reported this evening; on good authority tliut following; Iho dismissal ,f his appeal by the Military Service Hoard. Mr IN C. Webb lias decided to resign his seat after tile rising of I arlianicnt. He will he a candidate at the by-election if rerpiisil ioiied to stand, nul will leave it to tho electors to ileaide whether lie should go to Rarha•iH'iit or to the front. This is the way his friends out it. As a matter ol lael his re-erection would not affect his liability for Military Service at all.