OPPRESSIVE LAWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22203, 5 March 1934, Page 9

OPPRESSIVE LAWS

MR NELSON'S DEFENCE ' A DISCURSIVE SPEECH (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) APIA, March 1. Mr Nelson addressed the CQurt to-day, advancing his defence on the basis of justifying his own attitude and that of the Samoans. He blamed the Administration and the New Zealand Government for what he alleged was the result of wrong policy, oppressive laws and dictatorial methods. Speaking for three hours, he traversed a wide field, rarely touching the, present charges, but presenting a detailed resume of the political events during the past 10 years in the same manner as set out in the petitions and pamphlets issued overseas during : the period of. deportation. : , The court adjourned. The address swill not be completed till Friday. Judgment will be delivered later.

CONVICTED ON THREE CHARGES. SENTENCE DEFERRED. "' APIA, March 2. (Received March 4, at 6.30 p.m.) Mr Nelson .concluded his address today. He referred to himself throughout scapegoat. He stated that the Mau would never rest until its. grievances were redressed. Where legitimate wrongs rexieted no amount of suppression would ever crush the Mau. ;He had acted in good faith throughout, believing that the laws relating to sedition had been suspended owing to an attempt to convene a meeting with'the Administration/The Mau felt it was its duty to strive for the welfare and liberty of the Samoans. There was no intentional guilt. He could not take what happened to him lying dowm He,thanked the judge for the court's indulgence and for the patient hearing given to him. The court adjourned until to-morrow. APIA, March 3. (Received March 4, at 7.20 p.m.) Mr Nelson was convicted on three of the eight charges. fThe judge delivered an interim judgment. Sentence was deferred until Wednesday, March 7. Further bail was refused, and Mr Nelson was remanded in custody.