PAKEHA TRAGEDY.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8193, 12 June 1919, Page 3

PAKEHA TRAGEDY.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. CASE ADJOURNED. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, Yesterday. Sergeant Edward George Furling Marsden appeared on remand at the Magistrate’s' Court this morning on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of Staff SergeantMajor Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakeha on May 26th. Chief Detective Bodham, in opening the case, said there was no evidence to justify the slightest suspicion of animosity between the men. Quartermaster-Sergeant L. Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that on May 26th he was talking to Marsden on 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?” adding in reply to Marsden that he meant a cap. Marsden said “Yes” and took a civilian cap off his head and placed it on Choate’s. Choate then 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. He got up and struck Choate again. Choate slipped and fell, striking his head on the side of the latrines. The deck was fairly wet. The men had always been friendly prior to this. The soldiers had slipped on the deck while wearing service boots. Choate exhibited more temper than Marsden. Company Sergeant Mackay and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence. Owing to the non-appearance of the only other witness, Surgeon-Cap-tain Gordon, from the Smith, the further hearing of the case was adjourned till to-morrow.