DEATH ON A TRANSPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17185, 12 June 1919, Page 6

DEATH ON A TRANSPORT.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER WORDS LEAD TO BLOWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PuESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Staff-Sergeant-Major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakeha on May 26, Sergeant j Edward George- Furling Marsden appeared on remand in the Magistrate's Court to-day. Chief-Detective Corf/iam, in opening tha case, said there was no evidence to justify the slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. The quartermaster-sergeant (L. Messenger), who was on the Pakeha, said that on May 26 he was talking to Marsden on deck near ono of the latrine*, which was built of wood and bolted to the deck with iron rods. Choato came along, and, taking Marsden by the arm. said, "Have you any property of mine?" adding, in reply to Marsden, that he meant a cap. Marsden said " Yes," took a civilian cap off his head, and placed it on Choate'a i head. Choate then asked Marsden if the latter had a mirror of his. Marsden said " No," and Choate, who appeared to get excited, replied, "You'ie a -- liar." Marsden asked Choato to take the words back, Choate refused, and Marsden struck him. with his fist. Choate struck hate, hitting Marsden. The latter slipped and fell, got up, and struck Choato acain. Choate slipped and fell, striking his head on the side of the latrine. The deck was fairly wet. The two men had always been friendly prior to this. Soldiers hail slipped on deck while wearing servica boots. Choate exhibited more temper than Marsden.

Company-Sergeant-Major Mackay and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence

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