SAMOAN TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1933, Page 5

SAMOAN TRIAL

HON. 0. NELSON’S CASE OPENS

SEDITION CHARGE PREFERRED

‘(Australian Press Association),

APIA, December 19

In The trial of O. Nelson, opened yesterday, the opening address by Mr MacCarthy, for the -police, (concluded to-day ,at 10 a.m. Mr Klinkmiller appeared for Nelson. Mr MacCarthy made reference to letter seized by the police at T-uae-fu. The defence objected to- the admission of other than documents signed by Nelson. Th e objection was over-ruled where any letters were found ,ip the possession,, oL Nelson and involved and connected him with Mau activities. Abstracts from documents were read by Mr MacCarthy. Inspector Brais'hy, the first .witness for the prosecution, outlined the history of the Mau from 1926, including the principal events that followed to 1930, when the Mau was declared a seditious organisation. He referred to the creation of disturbed areas, to a naval visit made to assist the civil police, and to .a subsequent quiet period during 1931 and 1932. On return of Nelson on May 16, witness mentioned that receptions had followed, and he stated khere was renewed activity of the Mau, including unlawful faalo]o, 3 on September 13 and 27, the concentration of the Mau, and .a, recre.L organising of a new Mau Government at Vaimosn. There was also the -organisation -of Mau malagas around Upolu and ;8 va'i to develop Mau aoH'vities. Witness detailed a police search of Tusefu and a seizure of .ppuars ard documents. Approximately 120 of documents followed the arrest of Nelson. Documents relating to Nelson a n d Mau activities were read in Court. The evidence had not concluded when the Court adjourned at 4 p.m.