SAMOAN SHOOTING AFFRAY

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXVII, Issue 7960, 4 February 1930, Page 2

SAMOAN SHOOTING AFFRAY

REFERRED TO IN AUCKLAND SUPREME COURT THREATS TO KILL BY MAU ; By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, this day. The recent shooting affray in Samoa was referred to in the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon in connection with an application for thb adjournment of the claim of the Hon. O. F. Nelson for £IO,OOO for alleged libel against the New Zealand Herald sine die. The adjournment was sought on behalf of the plaintiff on the ground that “material witnesses in support of his case had taken to the bush because of the Administrator’s proclamation and could not be obtained.” After hearing argument Mr Justice Herdman allowed Mr Hall Skelton, counsel for plaintiff, until 10 o’clock to-morrow morning to file an affidavit on oath, giving the names and addresses and evidence expected of these witnesses. His Honour commented strongly on the publication of a report in which the Herald witnesses were, described as rogues and stating that they would be gaoled on reaching Auckland. He said that the persons responsible for the publication were Interfering with the course of justice and proceedings would have to be taken against them. An affidavit filed by the defence of Ainuie Tasi, a Samoan high chief, was-to the effect that if he gave evidence he was warned by members of the Mau that his life would be in danger, and Mr 'Richmond, for the defence, said’ that threats to kill witnesses giving evidence against Nelson had been made by members of the Mau.