MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1917, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

P. C. WEBB'S APPEAL.

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. Mr. McCombs produced a petition from the electors of Grey praying for the retention 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 the whole of the miners of -New Zealand, and in (his opinion Webb was particularly qualified to be their representative in the House. He bad been of special value in introducing mining legislation making for the better and safer working conditions, there ivna an opinion that the Himtly disaster 1 could have been avoided if Webb's ittivice had been heeded.- • If Webb resigned, the miners would not properly Iks represented in Parliament, there being 8000 miners with only one practical representative in the House. To Captain Baldwin, witness said if theie was a fnan in Parliament with Webb's knowledge" of mining he would be content. Webb obtained a block miners vote at last election. Captain Baldwin intimated he would ask Mr. McCombß 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, i The chairman: A personal appeal was put in. Mr. McCombs: Yes but it was withdrawn. The Board suggested Webb should be called to say whether he would undertake 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 No. The chairman said Mr. McCombs must go> on with the ease or apply for an adjournment. Mr. McCombs decided to do the latter, and the case was adjourned till the afternoon.