S.M. CHOATE'S DEATH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9632, 12 June 1919, Page 3

S.M. CHOATE'S DEATH

ACCUSED BEFORE COURT.

WELLINGTON, June 11

Sergeant Edward George Furling Marsden appeared on remand at tho Court this morning on-a charge of manslaughter, in connection with the death of Staff-Sergeant-Major Samuel Stanley Choate, on the transport Pakeha on May 26. Chief-Detective Bodhaxn, in opening the case, said there was no evidence to justify the slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermaster-Sergeant G. L. s Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that on Slay 26 he was talking to ■Marsden on the deck, near one of the latrines, built of wood and bolted to the deck with iron rods. Choate came along, and taking Marsden by the /arm said, "Have you any property lof mine?" in reply Marsden said, "Yes," took a civilian cap off his head, and placed it on Clioate's head. Choate then asked Marsden if the latter had a mirror of his. Marsden said "No," and Choate, Avho appeared to. get excited, . replied, "You're a —— liar." Marsden asked Choate to take his words back. Choate refused, and 'Marsdeu struck him with his fist. Choate struck back, hitting Marsden. The latter slipped and fell, and then gob up and struck Choate again. Uhoate slipped and fell, striking. his head on the side of the latrine. The deck was fairly wet. The men had always been friendly prior to this. Soldiers had slipped on the deck while wearing service boots. Choate exhibited more temper than Marsden. Company-Sergeant MacKay and Sergeant Crockett gave corroborative evidence. ■■ ' Owing to the non-appearance of the only other other witness, burgeonCaptain Gordon, from the south, the further hearing of,'the case was adjourned till to-morrow.