MR. P. C. WEBB, M.P.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 131, 20 February 1918, Page 8

MR. P. C. WEBB, M.P.

AND MILITARY SERVICE

MINERS DEMAND HIS

EXEMPTION

THREAT OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLT

The truth about tho demand made by the miners on the West Coast to the Government for the release of Mr. .1 , . C. Webb from military service is told in the following telegrams received by Ministers, and the replies of the Ministers to them. Tho effect of the replies is that whatever happens M.r. Webb must go into camp' like any other citizen. The .telegrams follow: Copy of telegram from tho secretary, Miners' Union, Blackball, to the IU. Hon. AV. 1 ,, . Massey, Prime Minister. Wellington, February 6, 1918:— Blackball miners at stop-work meeting yesterday demand .exemption AA'ebb. Insist on our constitutional right* to choose own representative for Parliament. AVill resent any interference by immedialo industrial revolt.—(Sgd.) Baldeistone. Reply: February 7, 1918: — Your telegram received. I hope that wiser counsels will prevail than the counit* you suggest. Parliament decided by statute that so far as compulsory service is concerned there should' be no discrimination between the Parliamentary representative and those he represents. In a crisis such as this members of Parliament should show a good example to private citizens. There are many members of Parliament from this and other British countries in tho fighting line today, and they glory in what they are doing, while their constituents approve of and are proud of them. AVestlaud has put up a good record during tho war, and I trust nothing will he clone to lesson the credit which your provincial district has so far deserved. The question of exempting your representative lias already been before the tribunal provided by law, and its decision must be observed by Mr. Webb, just as by any other member of the community wiio lias been drawn for military service.—(Sgd.) AV. F. Massey.

Copy of , telegram from the secretary, Miners' Union, Blackball, to the Hon. the Minister of Defence, Wellington, dated February 6, 191S: —

Blackball miners at stop-work meeting yesterday demand exemption AVcbb. Insist on our constitutional rights to choose owu representative for Parliament. AVill resent any interference by immediate industrial revolt.—(Sgd.) Baldei'btoue.

Beply: February 1, 1918.

Tho Prime Minister and tho Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister of Mines, have replied to your telegram of yesterday/ The Prime Minister's reply was sent alter tho question had been considered in Cabinet. It is difficult for me to beliuvo that Mr. Webb approves of the- telegram sent by you or of your, action in endeavouring to have* him oxemptcd. The Military Service Act provides that unmarried' fit men, whatever their station in life, unless exempted by tho Military Service Boards must do their duty in this time when their country needs them in its defence. The appeal on behalf of Mr. Webb has been heard by an impartial tribunal and dismissed. Like nil others iji a similar position, Mr. Webb' must obey the law, and 1 am satisfied that willing acquiescence on tho part of the Blackball miners will reflect honour on your representative and on yourselves. (Sgd.) J. Allen.

Copy of telegram from the secretary, Miners' Union, Blackball, to the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, tinted February 6, 1918:-

Blackball miners, at stop-work meeting yesterday, demand exemption Webb. Insist on our constitutional rights to choose own representative for Parliament. Will resent any interference by immediate industrial revolt. (Sgd-) Balderstone.

Reply: February 6, 1918,

Received your wire ve exemption Webb, M.P. 'Regret to hear miners' demand. It would be well to remember that when we demand constitutional rights we can only obtain these rights by abiding by the constitutional laws of the Dominion. I would strongly urge in the interest of democracy and in the general interest of the workers, and especially the miners, that no action should be taken by them which will cause industrial trouble during the present Empire crisis. I shall be pleased to place your representations before Cabinet for consideration, but as I stated in my previous telegram your member has the same tribunal to deal with his case as all other reservists in the country, and at that tribunal Mr. Webb will receive consideration and justice.—(Sgd.) W. D. g. Mac Donald. Copy of telegram from the secretary of the Roa Miners' 'Union, Blackball to the Hon. Sir James Allen. Wellington, dated February 12, 1918 :— Miners' Union demands rehearitm of Webh liofore Appeal Boa r cl, failing union will net.— (Sad.) Smith. Reply. February 12, 1018.— Your telegram io Mr. Webb, M.P., received. I have to point out that Military Service Board is only authority that has power To grant exemption from military service. It is the tribunal proI'ided by law. and its decision must be übsMvei! by Mr. Webb just ns by any nther member of the community who has beon called up for military service. Hoard has considered application for rchroirinjr. and has refused it. ' I am unable, tlii'reforr, to interfere in t.liis matter.—(Sgd. J. Allen.