TRAGEDY ON THE PAKEHA

Otago Witness, Issue 3405, 18 June 1919, Page 41

TRAGEDY ON THE PAKEHA

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. WELLINGTON, June 11. On remand, Sergeant Edward George Purling- Marsden appeared in the Magistrate's Court this morning on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of Staff Serg'sant-major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakeha on the 26th May. Chief Detective Roddam, in opening, said there was no evidence to justify {Tie slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermaster-sergeant G. L. Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that on tho 26th May he wa-s 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 along, and, taking Marsden by the arm, said: "Have you any property of mine?" Choate asked Marsden if the latter had a mirror of his. Marsden said "No," and Choate, who appeared to feet 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 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 MacTay and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence. Owing to the non-appearance _ of tho only other witness, Surgeon-captain Gordon, from the south, the further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow. June 12. Sergeant Edward G. F. Marsden appeared

in the Police Court to-day on remand, charged with the manslaughter of Sergeantmajor Choate on the transport Pakeha. The police asked for a further adjournment, as medical evidence as to the cause of death was not available. They had telegraphed to Dunedin re the appearance of Surgeon-captain Gordon, but that witness had not arrived. Tho Crown Solicitor had advised that it would not bo proper to close the case until medical evidence had been heard. A remand for a week was granted, but -.the case will be gone on with if medical evidence is available before that, time.