P. C. WEBB'S APPEAL.

Taihape Daily Times, 31 October 1917, Page 5

P. C. WEBB'S APPEAL.

At the sitting of the Military Service Board an appeal for exemption standing in the name of Mr P. C. "Webb M.P., was supported by Mr McCoombs, M.P., Webb did not appear. Mr McCoombs produced a petition from the electors of Grey, praying for the retention of Webb, stating it was essential to the welfare of a large number of people on the West Coast. Mr. Arbuckle, secretary of the CoalyMiners ’ Union, said he .represented the feeling of the whole of the miners of New Zealand when he urged that Webb was particularly qualified to be their representative In Parliament he had been a special value in introducing mining legislation making for better and safer working conditions. He was of opinion that the Huntly disaster could have been avoided if Webb’s advice had been heeded. If Webb resigned his scat, the miners would not be properly represented in Parliament. There were 8000 miners, with only one practical representative in the House.

Captain Baldwin intimated that he would ask Mr. McCombs to request Webb to attend. Mr McCoombs said he had no such intention. The Chairman: It may go’ agafhst you if you don’t. Mr. McCoombs said it was not a personal appeal, but by a constituency as employer. The Chairman: A personal appeal was put in. Mr. McCoombs: Yes, but withdrawn The Board suggested that Webb be called to say whether he would undertake to engage in an essential industry during the recess. Webb was then sent for, but did not appear. Mr Arbuckle said Webb was prepared to sign an undertaking to engage in coal-mining. Would that be sufficient? A member of the Board said, “Na” The Chairman said Mr. McCoombs must go on with the case or apply for an adjournment. Mr McCoombs decided to do the latter, and the case was adjourned till the afternoon. . . . , On resuming, Mr. McCombs stated that Mr Webb's personal appeal, would be withdrawn. Mr'Webb had been reluctant to appear in person. Mr McCoombs then read the following telegram from Denniston; ,; Min ers appeal for exemption from military service for P. C. Weuo., It is imperative we should have one practical miner, to represent miners in the House.” The Chairman: Are a man’s constituents his employers? Mr. McCombs: Strictly speaking, perhaps not; but the case is on a level with the case where a district appeals for a doctor. He would 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 Webb himself is concerned he is quite willing to go? ~ Mr McCombs: Well, I may say Mr Webb was very anxious to organise the 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, was asked -if he had ever disregarded any recommendations regarding the safety of miners. He replied, "Never,” Almost invariably he had supported the recommendations made by inspectors. Captain Baldwin: Has the Depart, ment sufficient competent officers 'to look to the safety of miners 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.

Replying to further questions, the witness said: Mr Webb is an experienced man, with a thorough knowledge of mining, and he is a useful man t® have in the House. I do not say the safety of the mines will be jeopardised if Mr Webb goes away, but I say he is a valuable aid to the department in mining matters. here 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 WEBB RESIGNS. Mr Webb, M.P. for Grey, lias sent the following letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives:“Sir, — I beg to tender my resignation as a member of the House of Representatives, to take effect i. from one week after the closing of the present session. I fake this step because it is abundantly clear, from the nature of the petitions and telegrams received from every part of my and from the gold and coalminers throughout. New Zealand, t t the general interests of the electorate and special interests should not be unrepresented in Parliament. —Yours/ "aithfully.