MR WEBB AND MILITARY SERVICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17148, 30 October 1917, Page 4

MR WEBB AND MILITARY SERVICE.

APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION.

BOARD. DISMISSES THE APPEAL.

(Fbom Ouh Own Coeeb3pondent.)

WELLINGTON, October 23.

At the Third Military Board this morning tho name of Patrick Charles Webb, M.P. for Grey, was called to support an appeal for exemption from military service standing in his name. Mr J. M'Combs, M.P., who represented the appellant, produced a petition from the electors of Greymouth praying for the retention of Mr Webb.

Mr H. J. Bcsvvick (chairman): On what ground is the appeal based? Mr M'Combs handed in a written statement. It was stated that Webb was essential to tho welfare of a largo number of people on the West Coast.

John Arbucklo (secretary of tho New Zealand Coal Miners' Union) was called. Witness said he represented the feeling of the whole of the coal miners in New Zealand, and in his opinion Webb was particularly qualified to be their representative in tho House. Ho had been of exceptional value m introducing special mining legislation making for better and safer working conditions. Ho knew Webb to be a practical coal miner, and had worked side by sido With him.

Mr M'Combs: Do you think the Hnntly disaster could have been avoided if Mr Webbs advice had been heeded?—l certainly do.

Mr Beswick: If Mr Webb resigned, do you consider the miners of New Zealand would not be properly represented hi Par [lament?—l do think so. Webb has the confidence of the miners.

Captain Baldwin: Do you suggest that Mr Webb is the only one in New Zealand who has the confidence of the miners? Well, 1 would hardly go as far as that. Mr Beswick pointed out that thero were other occupations quite as important as raining which were not represented in the House. The seamen, for instance, followed \ ono of the most hazardous occupations of all. \

Witness: Well, only recently Webb saved tho country from a grave industrial crisis. The witness then proceeded to give the board an idea of the work carried out in the mines by Mr Webb, when Captain Baldwin interjected with the query: Are you appealing for Mr Webb as a member of Parliament or, as a mining expert?" Witness: Both.

Captain Baldwin: If you had a man in. Parliament with Mr Webb's knowledge of mining would you be content?— Yes, certainly.

Plavo yon got men with his experience and knowledge ?—Yes, but not possessing the eame confidence of the men.

Captain Baldwin intimated that he would ask Mr M'Combs to tell Webb to attend. He wanted to know how long ago it was that Webb undertook active mining. Mr M'Combs said he had no intention of calling Mr Webb. . • The Chairman: It may go against you if you don't.

Mr M'Combs: It is not a personal appeal, but an appeal by the constituency as employers. v

Mr Mack: "We suggest that you should call Webb in order to see "whether he will undertake to engage in an essential industry during the recess if the court wishes it.—l will do so.

There was considerable delay, but Webb did not put in an appearance, although a search was instituted.

Mr Arbueklo said that Webb was quite prepared to sign an undertaking to engage in coal-mining. Would that be sufficient? Mr Considine: No. We want to have Webb before ua.

There was somo further, delay, and it was eventually decided to resume the hearing of the case in the afternoon. When the board resumed, Mr M'Combs stated that Webb had all along been unwilling to appeal on personal grounds, and had now denitely withdrawn his own appeal. The court had therefore , to cdnsider the appeal of Mr "Webb's constituents for his exemption on tho ground of his special qualifications as a mining representative. Mr M'Combs said he had received telegrams from miners all over New Zealand asking for Webb's exemption. Frank Reed (chief inspector of mines)' gave evidence regarding the precautions taken by his department for tho safety of the miners.

Captain Baldwin asked Mr Heed whether Webb's special knowledge mining was \ essential to the proper carrying on of mining in New Zealand. Mr Reed replied that Webb was a _ competent man whose practical experience fitted him for watching over the interests of the miners. He was a useful and necessary man to represent them, and his presence in the House was of material benefit to the coal miners of New Zealand. After a brief deliberation the board declared that it saw no reason _for_ granting exemption. The appeal was dismissed, and, Webb was called upon to go into camp on December 12. . It is understood that there will be no draft on December 12, and that Webb will not be called up until January 10. He has announced his intention of resigning his seat at the end of the session. His reason ■for adopting this course is that the miners nrq entitled to proper representation in Parliament.