TRANSPORT FATALITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18121, 12 June 1919, Page 5

TRANSPORT FATALITY.

MAGISTERIAL PROCEEDINGS. [Pier Phvsb Association.] WELLINGTON, June 11. ■ Sergeant Edward George Furling Marsden appeared on remand at the Magistrate’s Court this rnornin" on a charge of manslaughter, in connection with the death of Staff-Sergeant-Major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakcha on .May 26. .. Chief-Detective Rodham, in opening the case, said there wns no evidence to justify the slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermaster-Sergeant G. L Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that on May. 26 be 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 of mineP” In reply Marsden said, “ Yes, took . a civilian cap off his head, and placet! it on Choates head. Choate then asked Marsden if the latter had a mirror of his. Marsden said, “ No,’ pad Choate, who appeared to get excited, replied, “You’re a ; bar.’ Jlnrsden asked Oho.nte to take the words back. Choate refused, and Marsjen struck him with his fist. Choate struck back, hitting Marsden.. The latter slipped and fell, and then got HP and struck Choate ngain. Choate 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. Ohonte exhibited more temper than Marsden. Company Sergeant Mackey and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence. Qiyine to the non-apnearance of the only other witness, Surgeon-Captain Gordon, from the south, the further heSfing. of the case waa adjourned till to-morrow.