MR WEBB'S APPEAL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1160, 30 October 1917, Page 5

MR WEBB'S APPEAL.

DISMISSED BY BOARD. MINERS' REPRESENTATION IN HOUSE. Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 29. At the sitting of the Military Service Board, the appeal for exemption standing in the name of Mr P. C. Webb, M.P., was supported by Mr J. McCombs, M.P. Mr Webb did not appear. On the resumption of the hearing Mr McCombs stated that Mr Webb's personal appeal would be withdrawn. Mr Webb had been reluctant to appeal in person. Mr McCombs read the following telegram from Denniston, which, he said, gave a good idea of the contents of other telegrams received: —"In regard to the appeal_for exemption from military service of Mr P. C. Webb, it is imperative that we should have one practical miner to represent the miners in the House." The chairman: Are a man's constitu-_ ents his employers! Mr McCombs: Strictly speaking, perhaps not. But this is on a level with a case where a district appeals for doctors. He said he did not like to think that Mr 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 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 Reed, chief Inspector of Mines, called by Captain Baldwin, and asked if he had disregarded the recommendations regarding the safety of miners, replied, '' Never.'' Almost invariably he had supported the recommendations of inspectors. Captain Baldwin: Has the department sufficient competent officers to look to the safety of the mines without the assistance of Mr Webb? Witness: I consider our inspectors are competent, otherwise they would not be where they are. Captain Baldwin: Are they men of practical experience? Yes. In reply to a further question witness said "I say that Mr Webb is an experienced man, with a thorough knowledge of mining, and he is a useful man to have in the House. Ido not say that the safety of the mines will be jeopardised if Mr Webb goes away, but I do 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. Mr P. C. Webb, asked to-night what he intended doing in view of the decision of the Military Service Board, said he was convinced that the' miners ought to have someone in Parliament to look after their interests, and such being the case he would probably resign, when the session was over, in order that his constituents might be able to elect one to speak and vote for them in the House, when matters concerning their welfare were under consideration.