P. C. WEBB'S CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1918, Page 4

P. C. WEBB'S CASE.

MINERS THREATEN TO STRIKE. IF HE GOES TO CAMP. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A number of telegrams have passec between Ministers and t.he miners' re. presentative, regarding the demand fol the release of Mr. P. C. Wsbb, M.P., fron military service. A message from the secretary of the Blackball Miners' Union stated that tht miners at a stop-work meeting demnndeii the exemption of Webb, and insisted on the constitutional rights to choose theit own representative for Parliament, anc concluded: "We will resent any inter, ference by an immediate industrial re. volt." The replies of Ministers pointed out that the question of exempting Webt had been before the tribunal provided by law, and its decision nfnst lie observed by Webb, just as by any other membei of the community drawn for military service. A message from the secretary of the Miners' Union (W. Allen) stated that th« Miners' Union demands the rehearing of \\ ebb's case before the Appeal Board tailing which the union will act. The Minister replied to the effect that the Military Service Board was the only authority having power to grant exemption irom military service, and he was unable, therefore, to interfere in tha matter.