SERGEANT-MAJOR CHOATE'S DEATH

Evening Star, Issue 17067, 11 June 1919, Page 4

SERGEANT-MAJOR CHOATE'S DEATH

A GHABOE OF MANSLAUGHTER, [Per United Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, June 11. On remand Sergeant Edward George. Furling Mnisdon appealed in the Magi?; U'tUo's Court this morning on a charge ot manslaughter in connection with the death, of Staff Sergeant-major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Fakeha on the 26th Mav. Chief Detective Bcdd'am. in opening, .-aid there was no evidence to justify the slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermiu-.ter-scrger.nt G. L. Messenger, who was on the Pakehn. said that on the 2.6 th Mav fie was talking to Marsden on the deck near one of the latrines, which, was built of wood and bolted to the deck with iron rods. Choate came alorur. and, taking Marsden by the arm, said 7 <! Have vou anv property of mine?'' Choate asked "Marsden if the latter had a mirror of his. Marsden said "No," and Choate, who appeared to get excited. replied. "You're a liar." Marsden asked Choate to take the words back. Choate refused, and Marsden struck, him with his fist. Choate struck back, hitting Marsden. The- latter slipped, and fell, but- got up and struck Choate again. Choate slipped and fell, striking his head on the side of the. latrine. The deck was fairlv 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. Gompanv Sergeant MacTay and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence.

Owing to the non-appearance of the only other witness. Surgeon-captain Gordon, from the. south, the further heaving was adjourned till to-morrow.