MR P. C. WEBB M.P.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 21, 15 March 1918, Page 2

MR P. C. WEBB M.P.

TAKEN OFF TO CAMP. Mr P. 0. Webb, the member for Grey, .who was in Wellington, received a notification that a motor-car would be sent to take him to Trentham. Mr Webb replied (reports the “Times”) that he would be at the Grand Central Hotel at 2.30 p.m. In the meantime Mr Webb notified his friends that he was to be arrested, and that he had decided not to take up arms. On receipt of the information a number of prominent unionists and Labour pressmen decided to entertain the M.P. at luncheon, and at a city hotel over a score of persons sat down to what was described as “Paddy’s last free meal" for some time. Brief speeches were made, and then an adjournment was made to the Grand Central Hotel, Cuba street, where Mr Webb, amidst much laughter, entered the military motor and was driven off.

A later message stated that Mr P. C. Webb, M.P., is in camp. He refuses to don uniform. He will bo court-martial-led in duo course. In a letter to Sir James Allen before going into camp Mr Webb announced his intention of disobeying orders and taking the consequences.