THE APPEAL DISMISSED.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17126, 30 October 1917, Page 6

THE APPEAL DISMISSED.

LEAVE GRANTED TO DEC. 12th.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 29

On resumption of the heaving of the Webb appeal, by the Military Service Board, LVir McOombs stated that Mr. Webb's personal appeal will be withdrawn. Mr Webb Had been reiuctano to 'apeal m person. Mr McCombs read the following tele, gram from Denniston, -which, he said, gave a good idea of the contents oi other telegrams received: " Miners appeal for exemption from military service of P. Q. yVebb. it is imperative that we should have one practical miner to represent the miners in the House."

The Chairman: Are a man's constituents his: employer ? Mr McGom bs: Strictly speaking, perhaps not; but the case is on a level with a case where a district appeals for a doctor. > > ',

Mr McL'ombs said he-did "not like tc think 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 fox- a long while. Frank Reed,, Cniei inspector of Mines, called by Captain' Baldwin, was asked if he had disregarded recommendations regarding the safety of miners. He replied, "Never." Almost invariably he had supported recommendations by inspectors. Captain Baldwin: Has the Department sufficient competent officers to look to the safety of miners without the assistance of Mr Webb ?

Witness: 1 consider our inspectors are competent, otherwise they would not be where they are. Captain Baldwin: Are they men of practical experience?— Yes.

Replying to a further question, witness said: I say Mr Webb is an experienced man, with a thorough knowledge of mining, and he is a useful man to have in tne House. 1 do not say the safety of the miners will be jeopardised if Mr Webb goes away, but i say he is a valuable aid to the Department in mining matters.

There was no further evidence, and after consideration by the Hoard, tne Chairman announced: We see no reason for granting exemption. The appeal will be dismissed, and he will be granted leave until December 12th.

Mr. P.C. Webb, asked to-night what he intended doing in view of tile aeoi sion of the. Military Service Board^ said he,,was: convinced the miners ough* to have someone in Parliament to look after their interests and, such being the case, he wo uld probably resign wh^n the session was over, in order that his constituents might be able to elecs someone to speak and vote for them in. the House Avhen matters concerning' their welfare were under consideration.