Intimidation of Ta’isi, not reason

Invincible Strangers 38 Chapter 17.1

Olaf Nelson was Ta’isi to Sāmoans, ‘Fred’ to whites.

His Swedish-born father August Nilspiter Gustav Nelson had been a mariner before heading to Australia’s goldfields. With his gains, he moved to Āsau in 1838, marrying Sina Mose. Olaf was born on 23 February 1883, the only boy among the five children. He was sent to the Marist Brothers’ school in Āpia. Aged 13 he began working for DH&PG. When 17, he moved to Sāfune and with Utumapu, they had a daughter, Lucy. Later he married Rosabel Edith Moors, eldest daughter of Harry Moors. They had five daughters and a son who died in the influenza epidemic. His personal life was fraught and the role of Lucy in family life created tension. Olaf and Rosebel separated and by consent it was decided he would raise the children which he regarded as a ‘source of comfort and joy’. He was a large man, around 130 kilograms. Rowe said of him: ‘He had a large face, of dark olive, little hair, and a jowl wider than forehead. He appeared good natured and intelligent.’