MILITARY SERVICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1917, Page 2

MILITARY SERVICE.

P. C. WEBB, M.P. t APPEAL DISMISSED. [per press association.—coptbight.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. j Mr J. McCombs, on behalf of the j constituents of Mr P. C. Webb, i member for Grey, appealed before the Third Wellington Military Service Board to-day against his conscription. Mr R. Arbuckle, secretary of the Now Zealand Coal Miners’ Federation produced petitions signed by 2000 , electors asking for Mr Webb’s exemption on the ground that it was absolute- j ly essential to have a member of Par- ‘ liament with expert knowledge of ' mining. Witness said that Mr Webb was reelected during war time. The Board pointed out that there was no direct representation of other classes in Parliament. One of the members of the Board asked if Mr Webb would sign an undertaking to engage in an essential industry during the recess. Mr McCombs replied that Mr Webb, had intended doing so last recess.

Mr Webb did not, appeal, it being explained that his constituents were appealing. Further hearing was adjourned to Iseoure Mr Webb’s appearance; also evidence from the Minister of Mines regarding Mr. Webb’s services in connection with mining legislation. Mr Arbuckle, in the course of his evidence, said He was of the opinion that the Huntly disaster could have been avoided if Mr Webb’s advice had been heeded. If Mr Webb signed, the miners would not be properly represented in Parliament. There were 8000 miners, with only one practical representative in the House. To Captain Baldwin, witness said if a man was in Parliament with Mr Wefcb’s knowledge of mining . tlhey would be content. Mr Webb obtained a block miners’ vote last election.

Captain (Baldwin intimated that he would ask Mr McCombs to request Mr Webb to attend. Mr. McCombs said he had no such intention.

The Chairman: It may go against you if you don’t. Mr McCombs: Tt is not a personal appeal, but by the constituency, his employers. The Chairman: A personal appeal was put in. Mr McCombs: Yes, but withdrawn. Mr Webb was then sent for but failed to appear.

Mr Arbuckle said that Mr Webb was prepared to sign an undertaking to engage in coal mining/ Would that be sufficient? A member of the Board said: No. 'The Chairman said Mr AficOombs must go on with the case or apply for an adjournment.

Mr McCombs decided on the latter and the case was adjourned till the afternoon.

The Board considered it desirable that Webb should attend personally to say if he would engage in an essential industry during the. recess. Appellant did not appear and the case was adjourned. WELLINGTON, Oct. 29.

On the resumption of the hearing of Webb’s appeal by the Military Board, Mr McCombs stated that Webb’s personal appeal would be withdrawn. Webb had been reluctant to appeal in person.

McCombs read the following telegram from Denniston which be said gave a good idea of the contents of other telegrams received, in which were appeals for the exemption from military Service of Mr P. C. Webb:—“lt is imperative we should have one practical miner to represent the miners in the House.” The Chairman: Are a man’s constituents his employer ? Mr McCombs: Strictly speaking, perhaps not, but these are on a level with the case where a district appeals for doctors.

Mr McCombs said be 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, 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 which went away.

I The Chairman: There may be an opportunity for him yet. The war may ! not be over for a long while. | Frank Reid, Chief Inspector of 1 Mines, called by Captain Baldwin, was 1 asked if he had discarded the reeom- [ mendations regarding tfhe safety of miners, replied: Newer J” Almost invariably he had supported the recommendations by the inspectors. Captain Baldwin: Has the Department sufficient- competent officers without the assistance of Mr. Webb ? Witness: I consider our inspectors are competent, otherwise they need not be where they are. Captain Bald-win: Are they men of practical experience? Witness: Yes.

Replying to further questions the 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 t-ho House. I do not say the safety of the mines will be jeopardised if Mr Webb goes away, but I say he is Tt 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 he granted leave till December 12th.

MR W'BBiB INTERVIEWED

WILL PROBABLY RESIGN. WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. | Mr Webb was asked tonight what ' he intended in view of the decision of i the Military Service Board. He said I he was convinced the miners ought to havc\ someone in Parliament to look after Their interests, and such being the case he would probably resign when session was over in order that his constituents might be able to elect one to speak and vote for them in the Hour© When matters concerning their welfare were under consideration.