NEARING THE END

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18331, 24 February 1934, Page 5

NEARING THE END

CASE AGAINST NELSON SEDITION ALLEGATION s D NO DEFENCE EVIDENCE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Feb. 24, 11 ,a.m.) APIA, Feb: 22. The trial of O. F. Nelson on a charge of sedition was resumed to-day. ■Tuala, continuing his evidence, said he was present at meetings pf the Mau at the residence of Nelson when the defendant urged the natives to proceed with the fono themselves. The spokesman told Nelson* th&t the Mau declined to accept his .advice, and insisted that the defendant should be present. It was Nelson’s wish that a large body of men should not r trf(vel to the malaga parties.

Cross-examined, the witness said he had not heard Nelson’s name mentioned in connection with orders and arrangements for the malagas. He was present on an occasion when, tne Mau received Nelson’s message advising it to exclude him from - the representatives’ conference. . The Mau still desired to meet the Adminis? trator. Witness had been fined £l, in default three weeks’..goal, on his conviction for aiding Mau - activities; He served" his' tltiie, as lie preferred" prison to payment. * The Mau-would never agree to hold a fono without Nelson.

Tauiliili, secretary of the Savaii malaga party, who is serving a sentepee of six months’ goal,"stated, that ho read out the document 'signed at Tuala and others produced yesterday, in eight 'Savaii villages. „ A portion of the document was identical with otic found at Tuaefu headed, “Afalaga around Upolu.” The witness at first denied knowledge of the identity of the representative named therein, but finally admitted that it was Nelson. The witness said the Mau tages collected comprised 2s for each chief and Is for each young man. The main object of the malagas was to inspect plantations and to judge plantations. Every village was not inspected, but only those near the road. The Mau had collected taxes for years. Corrections were made in the Mau plans to avoid the commission of offences. Witness was told this by the Mavr secretary. He knew, also, that the number of the party was reduced at the wish of the defendant. * • *, TY

Sergeant Seiuli stated that he was for nine years in the German police and 20 years with the present administration. He was present at the taalolos given in honor of Nelson in September, and was also present on the occasion of Nelson’s departure, when he was deported. He heard Nelson say that he was leaving in obedience of tho order of the Administrator, but promised to return to victory, God willing. The Mau were told that victory was in their hands. Prior, to the adjournment, the defence intimated that it was not calling any evidence, but would present legal argument when the prosecution closed its case.-'

Mr McCarthy said he expected the Crown to finish to-morrow.