DEATH ON A TRANSPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14083, 12 June 1919, Page 5

DEATH ON A TRANSPORT

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. Bv Telegraph—Press Association. " WELLINGTON, Wednesday. In the Magistrate's Court to-day Sergeant Edward George Furling Marsden appeared on remand on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of Staff-Sergeant-Major Samuel Stanley Choate on the transport Pakeha on May 26. Chief Detective Bodham, in opening the 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 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," took a civilian cap off his head, and placed it on Choate's 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 re a liar," and 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, got up, and struck Choate again. Choatfe slipped and fell, striking his head on the side of the latrine. The deck was fairly wet. The two men had always been frfendly prior to this. Soldiers "had slipped on deck while wearing service boots. Choate exhibited mo* temper than Marsden. Company S. M. Mackay and Sergeant Lockett gave corroborative evidence. Owing to the non-apoaarance of the onlv other witness. Surgeon-Captain Gordon, from the South, the further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow.