Evidence Ended In Vincent’s Trial (Press, 5 March 1964)

On 5 March 1964, the Supreme Court in Wellington heard testimony regarding the murder charges against 20-year-old John Vincent, a deckhand on the New Zealand Star, concerning the death of chief steward David Alan Rowe on 1 January. Officer James Edward Clews recounted that during an investigation on 28 January at Napier, he had approached Vincent about some foodstuffs he was carrying. Vincent indicated that he was "clearing out" and expressed that he hitch-hiked back to the ship. Clews labelled Vincent the “chief suspect” in Rowe's murder, referring to Vincent's admission of motive. During testimonies, Vincent suggested he had been “seduced” while aboard the ship but did not clarify any details about the person involved. Melvyn Morgan, an able seaman, recalled a conversation in a cabin where Vincent commented on drinking with a murderer, but he could not provide precise recollections of the events discussed concerning Rowe's murder. Roland Granville, a representative of the British Seamen’s Union, testified that Vincent expressed reluctance to associate with certain crew members whom he derogatorily referred to, stating “I hate queers and that job on board ship was a job well done,” implying a level of discomfort regarding homosexuals. The acting superintendent of the Fiji Police Force, William Wallace Caldwell, stated in court that he questioned Vincent about his sexuality. Vincent vehemently denied the suggestion that he was homosexual, expressing anger at the insinuation. Caldwell also noted that Vincent had stated he felt uncomfortable in a situation of undress with Rowe but claimed to have reconciled the feelings over time. The persistent questioning about Vincent’s attitudes toward homosexuals suggested that it was a key aspect of the investigation, leading to substantial focus from Caldwell. He confirmed that he conducted additional interviews with various passengers on the ship as part of the inquiry into Rowe’s murder. As the Crown presented its case concluding with the testimony of constable Clews, Vincent's senior counsel, Mr G. C. Kent, indicated that they would not call any further evidence. The court proceedings were set to conclude with final addresses by counsel and a summation by Mr Justice Haslam, setting the stage for a resolution in this high-profile murder case at sea.

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