PAKEHA TRAGEDY

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 167, 11 June 1919, Page 4

PAKEHA TRAGEDY

CHAUCH OF MANSLAUGHTER.

[Pbksß Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 11. ( On remand,. Sergeant Edward George Furling Marsden appeared at the Magistrate's Court tliis morning on a charge of manslaughter in connection with tho death of Staff-Sergt.-Major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakelia on May 26. Chief-Detective Boddam, in opening, said that there was no evidence to justify the. slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermaster-Sergeant G. H» Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that, on May 26th he was talking to Marsdeiii on deck near one of the latrines, which, are built of wood and bolted to the deck with iron rods. Ohoate came along, and,* taking Marsden by the arm, said: "Have you any property- of mine?" adding, in reply to Marsden, that he meant his cap. Marsden said: "Yes." He took a civilian cap off his head and placed it oh Choate's head. Choate then asked Marsden if the latter had a mirror belonging to him. Marsden said that he had not, and Choate, who appeared to get excited, replied: "You are a ,liar." . Marsden asked Choate to take his words, back, but Ohoate refused, and Marsden. then struck him with his fist. Choate struck back, hitting Marsden. Tho latter slipped and fell, but, got up and struck Choate again. Choate slipped and fell, striking his head on the side of the latrines. Tlie 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 did Marsden. , Company-Sergeant ; Mackay and Sergt. Lockett gave corroborative evidence

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