P. C. WEBB'S CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1917, Page 5

P. C. WEBB'S CASE.

THE APPEAL' DISMISSED.

By Telegraph.—'Press Assqciation. Wellington, Yesterday. At the sitting of the. Military Service Board the appeal against exemption standing In the name of P. C. Webb, M.P., was supported by Mr. J. McCombs, M.P. Mr. Webb did not appear. Sir. McCoinbs produced a petition from the electors of Grey praying for the Tetention of Mr. Webb, which stated he was essential to the welfare of a large number of people on the West Coast. Mr. Arbuckle, secretary of the New Zealand Coalminers' Union said he represented the feeling of tho whole of tho miners of tfew Zealand, and in (his opinion Webb was particularly qunlified to be their representative in the House. He had been of special value in introducing mining legislation making for the better and safer working conditions, there was an opinion that the Huntly disaster could have been avoided if Webb's advice had been heeded. If Webb resigned, the miners would not properly be represented in Parliament, there being SOOO miners with only one practical representative in the House. To Captain Baldwin, witness said if there was a man in Parliament with Webb's knowledge of mining he #ould be content. Webb obtained a block miners vote at last election. Captain Baldwin intimated he would I 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; It is not a personal appeal but by the constituency as employers. The chairmah: A personal appeal was put in. Mr. McCombs: Yes but it was withdrawn. The Board suggested Wobb should b<S called to say whether ho would under-' take to engage in an essential industry during the recess. Mr. Webb was then sent for but did not appear. Mr. Arbuckle said Webb was prepared to sign an undertaking to engage in coalmining. Would that be sufficient? A member of the Board said Js T o, The chairman said Mr. McCombs must go on with the case or apply for an adjournment,. „ Mr. McCombs decided to do the latter, and the ease was adjourned till the afternoon.

Wellington, Last Xight. On the resumption of the hearing of P. C. Webb's appeal, Mr. McCombs stat< ed that Webb's personal appeal would be withdrawn, as he had been reluctant to appeal in person. Mr. McCombs' fSad the following telegram from Dcnnistb'n, which, he said, gave a good idea of the contents of other telegrams received: "Miners appeal for exemption from military service of P. C. Webb. It is iiriiperative we should have one practical miner to reprosent miners in the House." The chairman: Are a man's constituents his employer? Mr. McCombs: Strictly speaking', perhaps not, but the ease is on a level witli a case where a district appeals for a doctor. Mr. McCombs said he would not like to tliink that Webb Was less essential than a policeman or a minister of religion. « The chairman: May w e take it that as far as Mr. Webb himself is concerned ho is quite willifig to go? Mr. McCombs: Well, I may say that Webb was very anxious to organise that tunnelling corps that went away. The chairman: There may be an opportunity for him yet, as the war" may not be oyer for » long while. Frank Seed, chief inspector of irfinea,called by Captain Baldwin, was asked if he had disregarded the recommendations regarding the safety of miners, and he replied that he hnd never done so. He had almost invariably supported recommendations by inspections. Captain Baldwin: Ha* the department sufficient competent officers to look to the safety of the mines without the assistance of Mr. Webb? Witness: I consider Otir inspectors are competent, otherwise they would not be where they are. Captain Baldwin: Arc they men of practical experience?— Yes. Replying to a further question, witness said: I say Webb is ah experienced man with a thorough knowledge of mining, and he is a useful man to have in the House. I do not. say the safety of the mines will be jeopardised if Webb goes away, but I say he is a valuable oid to the department in mining matters. Thefe was no further evidence, and, after consideration by the board, th;e chairman announced: We see no reason for granting the exemption. The appeal will be dismissed, and he will foe granted leave till December 12.

| WILL PROBABLY RESIGN. _____ _ LEAVING ELECTORS TO DECTDEY By Wire.—Our Parliamentary Reporter. Wellingt6n, Last Night. It is reported this evening 6n good authority that, following the dismissal of his appeal by the Military Service Board, Mr. P. C. Webb has decided to resign his seat after the rising of Parliament. Ha will be a candidato at the bye-election, if requisitioned, and Will leave the electors to decide whether he should go to Parliament or go to the front. This is the way his friends put it. As a matter of fact, his re-election would not affect bis liability for military service at all