UNREST IN SAMOA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1934, Page 6

UNREST IN SAMOA.

The conviction of O. F. Nelson on three charges relating to his association with the Mau and its alleged activities shows that whatever opinion individuals mayhave concerning Samoan affairs the judicial opinion is definite that Nelson has broken the law in the cases under review. In the administration of the law the New Zealand judiciary has a splendid record of integrity and fearlessness, and complete independence from political or any other influence. The same may be said of the dispensing of justice in the Dominion’s dependencies, and in the recent Samoan case Nelson himself thanked the judge for the Court’s indulgence and patient hearing accorded him. It may be taken for granted that full and impartial consideration was given before a conviction was entered, particularly in view of the importance of and public interest in the issue involved. In reviewing the case it would be impossible not to take into account the plain fact that the recent banishment of a well known resident of the island was accompanied by a quietening of the activities of the Mau, and that on his return there was a recrudescence of activity. While this disturbing influence remains it seems that there is little chance of securing peace and contentment in the mandate. The nature of the judge’s sentence will not be known until tomorrow, but it is apparent that unless some steps are not taken to secure the prevention of the activities of the Mau that are contrary to the law the chances of the administration restoring happiness and goodwill are well nigh hopeless.