Tongan Lawyer

Clash Between Chief Justice and Tongan Lawyer

From Our Own Correspondent.

Nukualofa, Mar. 17.

THERE was an unexpected stir at the Quarterly Sessions of the Supreme Court here last month when a Ton gan lawyer, Uili Vea, clashed with Mr.

Ragnar Hyne, the Chief Justice.

Vea vigorously objected to. his client (a native youth) being tried bv the Chief Justice on a charge of illegally entering a dwelling at night. He alleged that Mr.

Hyne was instrumental in remanding the defendant in custody. Saying that Vea was misinformed, the C.J. replied that he had had nothing to do with the impris onment of the accused while awaiting trial. He declared that the case came under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and he therefore would proceed with it At this juncture, Vea formally told the Court that he declined to conduct the case, and then walked out. In order to give the native charged an opportunity to get a new lawyer, Mr. Hyne adjourned the case until the following day.

When the hearing next came before the Court, the accused said he did not want a lawyer other than Vea. He further re fused to be tried by Mr. Hyne. The case proceeded, however, and the native was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. He was also fined £5 for contempt of Court.

Before Vea left the Court, on the first day. he announced his intention of insti tuting a claim for damages against the Chief Justice for the unlawful imprison ment of his client. No further develop ment was made by him. however, before Mr. Hyne left Tonga by the last “Matua” on transfer to the Solomon Islands.

Mr. J. Russell, Director of Education

in Fiji, accompanied by Mrs. Russell,

left Suva by the “Aorangi” on March 25 for England on leave.

Mr. H. H. Vaskess, Secretary to the Western Pacific High Commission, re turned to Suva, Fiji, from short leave on March 25.