THE PAKEHA TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1919, Page 4

THE PAKEHA TRAGEDY.

CHARGE-OF MANSLAUGHTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, June 11. On remand Sergeant Edward George Furlong Marsden appeared, in the Magistrate's Court this morning 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 Boddam, in opening, said there was no evidence to justify the slightest buspicion of animosity between the men.

Quartermaster-Sergeant L. Messenger, who was on the Pakeha, said that on May 26 he was talking to Marsden on the deck near one of the latrines, which were 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, 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 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, SurgeonCaptain Gordon, from the South, the further hearing was adjourned till tomorrow.