Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1924-1925

Articles taken from North Devon Journal

Inquests

Coroner's Inquests were usually held within the space of 48 hours following a death that appeared to be of a suspicious or unexplained nature. They were usually held in a local public-house, ale house, municipal building, or parish workhouse, but sometimes in the building where the death occurred. The Coroner usually came from a legal or medical background and more often than not, appointed for life by the respective County. The Coroner and a Jury of between 12 and 24 persons, usually men of substantial standing, were empanelled to examine the body, hear witnesses, and the Jury then to come to a Verdict as to Cause of Death. The account of the Inquest appearing in local newspapers, included the name of the deceased, where they died, and how they died. Sometimes, age, occupation, parish or address, and other relatives' names can be found. In later years when Hospitals appear, people can be dying away from their parish after having been admitted to that institution, and the Inquest is therefore conducted where the death occurred, rather than where the person was living.

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included: Adams; Andrew; Bennett Berry; Bird; Blanchard; Bouette; Brayley; Bryant; Buse; Butler(2); Chapple; Cousins; Crick; Daniel; Dark; Davie; Down; Dyer; Easton; Ebsary; Edwards; Finnamore; Foster; Friend; Frost; Garbett; Gibson; Grant; Griffiths; Hall; Hamm; Harlow; Harries; Hart; Harvey; Haydon; Headon; Hewitt; Hill; Hooper; Jarvis; Jewell; Jones; Julian; Keen; Kidwell; Kinsman; Laramy; Legge; Lewis; Lock; Luxton; Malone; Marshall; Matthews; Milman; Moore(2); Morrish; Muxworthy; Naughton; Norman; Ottley; Pickard; Pitts; Prideaux(2); Rendall; Richards; Ridd; Robbins; Scoines; Shepard; Skinner; Smith(2); Spaven; Stacey; Stoneman; Sutton; Symons; Tarr; Thorne; Tidball; Tucker; Vickery; Vodden; Walker; Wallis; Ward; Watkins; Webber(2); Willcocks; Williams(2); Woolcombe; Worth; Wybron.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 January 1924
MARIANSLEIGH - North Devon Farmer's Sad End. Mariansleigh Inquest Story. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an inquiry on Monday, at Eastacott Farm, Mariansleigh, concerning the death of CHARLES EDWARD HILL, aged 49, a farmer, who was found hanging in a shippen on Saturday morning. - Thos. Moore, farmer, of Wampford, Kingsnympton, brother-in-law of the deceased, stated that about 9 a.m. on Saturday he went into a shippen and saw his brother-in-law hanging by a rope in front of the cows. He cut down the body and sent for the Police and Dr Seal. He saw his brother-in-law about half an hour before, when he passed through the house and he then seemed all right. - MRS HILL, the widow, said her husband had been much worried by proceedings against him by a Southmolton merchant who had been pressing him for the payment of a debt of £22 incurred in the spring. In consequence of pressure, deceased had decided to file his petition in bankruptcy and went to Southmolton on Friday to attend before the Official Receiver. On his return he seemed very much depressed. Deceased left four young children. - Dr Seal said deceased's neck was dislocated. - P.C. Setter said the end of the rope was fastened to a threshing machine in the barn above, and deceased had dropped from a trap door used for feeding cattle, his feet being about 2 ft. from the ground. - A verdict was returned of "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind." - Deceased's public examination in bankruptcy had been fixed for January 17th. His statement of affairs showed that he was owing £434 and his deficiency was £390. Among the causes of failure were ill-health of his wife, slump in prices and poor seasons and loss about three years ago of about £60 on cattle and sheep.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 January 1924
LANDKEY - Octogenarian's Death At Landkey. - News of the death of MR WILLIAM TUCKER, of East Bradninch, Landkey, on Sunday, was received with deep regret, particularly by the older generation of the parish and district. Formerly a well-known and esteemed farmer, the deceased (who was 89 years of age) had lived in retirement for some years. MR TUCKER appeared to be in his usual health when he awoke on Sunday morning, but a little later passed away with tragic suddenness. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, RICHARD TUCKER, son, stated that his father had enjoyed perfectly good health up to Sunday. When he saw him in bed at 8 a.m. on Sunday he was quite well and cheerful, but on his grandson going upstairs to wash his face a little later he sat up and suddenly expired. - Dr J. R. Harper, Barnstaple, who conducted the post-mortem, said deceased was suffering from chronic pleurisy and congestion of the right lung, and the cause of death was cardiac failure. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 January 1924
PETROCKSTOWE - At Petrockstowe on Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on MARIAN EVELYN BUSE, the eight months' old daughter of a thatcher. The child was being nursed by the grandmother when it suddenly expired. Dr Jeffriss attributed death to bronchial pneumonia and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET - Late MISS J. H. WILLIAMS. Funeral At Northam. - The funeral of the late MISS J. H. WILLIAMS, formerly well known at Northam and Bideford, but who died at Bournemouth on Monday week, took place in the Northam Churchyard on Friday, Rev. G. G. Payne Cook, R.D., Vicar of Northam, performing the obsequies. - MISS JANE HOARE WILLIAMS, was the last of the three daughters of the late MR THOMAS WILLIAMS, of Northam. MISS WILLIAMS carried on a business as bookseller and stationer at 16 High-street, Bideford, for a number of years, retired and spent some time at Kingsdown, Abbotsham-road. Following the death of her young sister, MISS ANNIE WILLIAMS, L.R.A.M., she left Bideford some ten or so years ago and went to reside in Bournemouth. While at Bideford, MISS WILLIAMS centred a great deal of her interest in the Sunday School at the Lavington Congregational Church, where for many years she conducted and commanded life-long respect from a women's Bible Class. She was for a long time a member of the church choir. An ardent temperance worker, she spared no effort in its interests, and took an active part in the British Women's Temperance Association during her long sojourn in Bournemouth. MISS WILLIAMS came of a musical family. A brass tablet on a wall of Lavington Congregational Church commemorates the lives of her two sisters, the elder of whom died about two years ago and also of their long service to the church as organists. - Those attending the funeral were Mr Harry Hunt (cousin), Mr J. R. Wheeler, Rev. F. and Mrs Morrish )Congregational), Mr and Mrs G. Boyle, Misses Roskruge, Mr F. Reed and Miss Reed, Misses Picard (Bay View Terrace, Northam), Miss E. Tardrew, Miss Sandercock, Mrs Howe (Appledore), Miss Beara (Appledore), and others. - The circumstances attending MISS WILLIAMS'S death which occurred suddenly, were Enquired into by the Bournemouth Borough Coroner, Mr G. F. Lefroy, on Wednesday. The evidence showed that the deceased lady, who was 75 years of age, seemed in her usual state of health on Sunday when she attended church. She retired to bed at 10.30 and was found the following morning to have passed away. - Dr Duncan, who attended deceased in February 1923, said that from a post-mortem examination he was satisfied that death was due to arteriosclerosis and syncope. - Evidence of identification was given by Mr Harry Parnell Hunt, of Brixton, a cousin of deceased, and a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, in accordance with the medical evidence, was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 February 1924
LONDON - Death Of LADY HEWITT. A Fatal Fall. - Widespread sorrow is felt over the whole countryside round Lynton and Lynmouth at the sad and tragic death of LADY HEWITT, of The Hoe, Lynton, N. Devon, and of 9 Queensgate, London, S.W. - While paying a visit to her daughter-in-law, Mrs Heathcote George Hewitt at her house on Sunday last, she was ascending some stairs and fell backwards, receiving fatal injuries to the base of the skull and passed away the same evening at 8. Her ladyship, whose maiden name was FANNY DUGARDE POWLES, was the daughter of the late MR JOHN DISTON POWLES, of Eastwood Park, Yorkshire, and was 73 years of age. She married SIR THOMAS HEWITT, K.C. in 1869, and they spent their honeymoon at Lynton, when, like most people, they fell in love with this unique beauty-spot. SIR THOMAS built a beautiful home on the cliff by the North Walk, and overlooking the Channel. Here, much of their time was passed, the last few years of a long, happy and blessed married life being almost entirely spent here, and terminating in January, 1923 when SIR THOMAS, after a distinguished legal career, passed to the great Unseen, to be followed by his devoted wife some 13 months later. - SIR THOMAS and LADY HEWITT leave as issue - Messrs. Halford Hewitt, Copley D. Hewitt and Heathcote George Hewitt, Lieutenant Commander, R.N. The deceased lady was of the most charming personality and was universally beloved. In the North Devon district around Lynton and Lynmouth, her name was a household world. Of a happy, genial and affectionate disposition, she was also open-minded, willing and eager to find something good in everybody, always searching for reasonable excuse for apparent failure. Bearing no malice, but very forgiving, she was yet firm to condemn neglect or incompetency and spared no efforts to promote goodwill between erstwhile friends. A worthy helpmate to her clever husband, he owed much of his success to her inspiration and loving sympathy. Prominent in society, a charming hostess, a brilliant conversationalist, an accomplished musician and artist, well read, she will long live in the hearts of her friends, high and humble, for her splendid philanthropy. Church activities, Temperance work, Schools, the Hospital, nursing funds, the G.F.S., Boy Scouts, the Mothers' Union were a few of the objects receiving from her liberal and unstinted help. In fact, everyone interested in good works found in LADY HEWITT a ready listener and generous helper. In the Great War she and SIR THOMAS were prominent in recruiting work for hospital needs, care for the sick and wounded and the many War funds. She will be terribly missed at Lynton. The utmost sympathy is felt with the bereaved sons, who, growing up as it were amongst us, are much esteemed by all. The body was brought from London last night and left in the Parish Church, the funeral taking place today (Thursday). - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest on Tuesday. - Mr Wilfred Nicholas, Albert-road, Regent's Park, said LADY HEWITT was a friend of his sister-in-law, and occasionally visited his house. On Sunday afternoon she left at 5.30. He was about to accompany her down the steps of the house when he saw her fall. When picked up she was unconscious. - It was stated that LADY HEWITT was taken to the London Temperance Hospital and Dr Grosvenor said that when she arrived life was extinct. Death was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. There was a fracture of the right temple bone extending across the base of the skull.

BIDEFORD - Bideford Tragedy. Naval Pensioner's Wife Killed By Motor 'Bus. - A distressing accident attended by fatal results occurred at Bideford on Saturday. - MRS ELIZABETH DANIEL, aged 77 years, wife of a Nava pensioner, MR WILLIAM DANIEL, of Park-lane, Bideford, had travelled by motor 'bus from Northam towards Bideford, and alighted at the end of Chanter's-lane. She was moving towards the pavement on the left hand side when she was knocked down by another motor 'bus proceeding from Bideford to Northam. MRS DANIEL was instantly killed. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and a Jury on Monday completely exonerated from blame the driver of the motor 'bus concerned in the accident. The Jury was assisted by a plan of the spot and position of the vehicles, prepared by the Police, and which showed that deceased might have gone down Chanter's-lane instead of crossing behind the 'bus she had travelled by to get to the pavement on the other side. In doing so she walked in front of another 'bus driven by Fredk. Lloyd. - MISS FLORENCE DANIEL, daughter, said her mother had good sight and other faculties, but could not move as quickly as some people. Witness had no idea why she should have walked to the pavement. - Philip Teeling, conductor of the 'bus on which deceased travelled from Westward Ho! to Chanter's-lane, said they stopped there at deceased's request, and he got off and helped her down. He immediately got on the 'bus again and signalled the driver to proceed. After they had started he heard a car pull up sharply. From where the 'bus stopped deceased could have proceeded right down Chanter's-lane. - Mrs Kate Godard, of Northam, a passenger in the front of Mr Lloyd's 'bus, said deceased came out from the back of the other 'bus and walked right in front of them. The driver had sounded his horn. He could not possibly have avoided the accident. He pulled up immediately and deceased was taken out from under the vehicle. - Chas. H. Tuplin, of Northam, another passenger on Lloyd's 'bus estimated the speed at 8 to 10 miles an hour. Deceased, who appeared to be looking straight ahead at the pavement, walked right into the 'bus, and Lloyd had not the slightest chance of avoiding her. - Fredk. Lloyd, motor 'bus proprietor of Chanter's-lane, who was driving, said he saw the other 'bus stationary at Chanter's-lane. Before he reached it he sounded his horn and the road was perfectly clear as he was going past. When alongside the 'bus, however, deceased came out from behind it and made straight for the footpath. He was driving about eight miles an hour and had no opportunity of avoiding her. He pulled up immediately, and only the front wheel went over her. - Dr Ellis Pearson, describing the injuries, said the base of the skull was fractured and four ribs, this and shock being the cause of death. - Inspector Doidge said he had known Lloyd for 10 ½ years. He was a most careful driver and witness had never received a single complaint against him. - The Coroner explained that he had called a Jury because they knew the wild talk which occurred in places like Bideford and Barnstaple and towns of that size, and it was always the people with the wild imaginations - but who had never seen the accident - who were always able to tell them all about it. In no shape or form could he suggest the evidence showed any blame on Lloyd's part. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," with no blame of any kind attaching to the driver. They expressed sympathy with the husband and relatives of the deceased. - MR SHORT, a brother of the deceased, said after hearing the evidence he was perfectly satisfied the accident was one which could not have been avoided.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 February 1924
BARNSTAPLE - Braunton Lady's Sad Death. The Undesirability Of Old People Living Alone. - Found with a severe scalp wound at the foot of her staircase on the morning of January 9th, MISS CHARLOTTE ASHPLANT WEBBER, aged 73, of Heanton-street, Braunton, was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, where she passed away on Tuesday in last week, the Inquest being conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft on Thursday afternoon. - MR CHAS. WEBBER, aged 81, stated that his sister (deceased) formerly carried on dressmaking, but for some years after her mother's death acted as housekeeper for their father. Subsequently, she lived alone in Heanton-street. Witness saw her on January 8th, when she was suffering from rheumatism and he advised her to stay in bed. She was being attended by Mrs Clarke, a neighbour. He again saw her after the accident about nine o'clock the next morning and she was attended by Dr Traill, who advised her removal to the Infirmary. His sister had a large wound at the side of her head and he understood the doctor reckoned it was a hopeless case. Witness, whose trade was that of a carpenter, examined the stairs after the accident. There was a steep bend from the bedroom, and in his opinion it was a very dangerous construction. His sister, who was "more dead than alive" after the accident, had stated she had had "no accident and no fall." - The Coroner remarked that frequently people in the same condition could not remember anything that had occurred. - Mrs Ann Clarke, of East-street, Braunton, stated that she had known MISS WEBBER for some years and visited her the night before the accident. She was suffering from rheumatism, and found it a great trouble to get up and down the stairs. MISS WEBBER told her to light up the fire on coming next morning, saying she would then be all right when she came downstairs. Witness quite expected her to remain in bed and intended to take up her breakfast before she got out of bed. On unlocking the door next morning she at once found MISS WEBBER at the foot of the stairs, and exclaimed "Oh, MISS WEBBER, why did you get out of bed," to receive the reply "Oh, help me up; I am so cold." She had a bad cut at the back of the head, and was lying in a pool of blood. Witness could get no explanation of the accident, but MISS WEBBER must have fallen down over the winding stairs, into the kitchen, her head striking the stone floor. Dr Traill, after treating MISS WEBBER, ordered her removal to the Infirmary, to which Institution she was accompanied by the District Nurse. Witness had seen her at the Institution nearly every day since the accident. - Dr Maurice Killard Leavey, the new House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, stated that MISS WEBBER had been under his care for the past thirteen days. Suffering from a large scalp wound at the back of the head, she had had periods of unconsciousness and coma, and her temperature had been very high. Death occurred on Tuesday, being due to blood poisoning following the injuries and cardiac failure. - The Coroner said his sympathy went out to the brother and other members of the family in this very sad and distressing case. There could be no doubt that MISS WEBBER fell downstairs on January 9th, and the verdict was "Accidental Death." He would like to say that for a very long time he had seen the great undesirability of old people over seventy living alone. Probably, in this case, if anyone had been at hand to have got for MISS WEBBER something she apparently required, the accident would not have occurred. "Some (he added) may perhaps think I am putting matters rather strongly and say that such a thing would be impossible of accomplishment, but I deliberately say I think there ought to be a law passed against people over 70 years of age living in houses by themselves." - The Funeral. - Amid many signs of sympathy and respect, the funeral took place in St Brannock's Churchyard on Saturday last. The coffin was conveyed from the Infirmary to the Braunton Congregational Church, with which deceased had been connected all her life. There the first part of the burial service was taken by the Rev. J. Morley Davies (Pastor), Mrs G. G. Clarke being at the organ. The principal mourners were: Mr J. Webber (brother), Mr Arthur Webber (nephew), Mrs Evitt (niece), the Misses Robbins (2), Mrs T. Clarke.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 March 1924
MORTEHOE - Death Of MISS WILLCOCKS At Morte-Hoe. - Much regret has been expressed at the sudden death at Morte-Hoe on Wednesday last, of MISS ELIZABETH WILLCOCKS. The deceased, who was much respected, had resided in the parish for about 40 years. For a great number of years she was a valued and trusted servant and friend in the family of the late Vicar (Rev. T. W. Pigot), and had taken a great interest in all that appertained to the Parish Church. She was visiting at a friend's house and giving assistance in the arrangements for a function on behalf of the organ fund, when she was suddenly called to her rest. At an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, Dr B. S. Sanders gave evidence that the cause of death was fatty degeneration of the heart. A spirited protest was made at the Inquest by MR E. WILLCOCKS (a brother of the deceased), at the action of the doctor in having the body taken direct to the Mortuary, instead of to the deceased's own home, stating that the relatives were deeply grieved and resented very much what they considered a very high-handed and unnecessary proceeding. - The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, and, despite the very wintry weather, was attended by a large number of sympathising friends. The service, which was fully choral, the deceased having been a member of the choir for many years, was conducted by the Vicar (Rev. T. F. Daffen). Psalm 39 was chanted and the hymn, "Love divine, all love excelling," was sung. The interment was made in the Cemetery. The family mourners present were Mrs Bishop (sister), Mr J. Willcocks (brother), Mrs Beavis (sister), Mr and Mrs E. Willcocks (brother and sister-in-law), Mr T. Beavis (brother-in-law), Misses D. and G. Willcocks (nieces), Mrs Fitzmaurice and Mr Frank D. Pigot. The coffin bore the inscription: "ELIZABETH WILLCOCKS; died 27th Feb., 1924; aged 66 years."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 March 1924
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Tragedy. The Inquest. - GEORGE KINSMAN, aged 48, a motor vanman, employed by Messrs. Woodward and Son, the West-End Laundry, Ilfracombe, committed suicide in a loft on the firm's premises on Wednesday by drinking oxalic acid (salts of lemon). - The Inquest was held on Thursday at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, who sat without a Jury. - The first witness was the widow, MRS MARY KINSMAN, who stated that her husband had never threatened to commit suicide, but had suffered from sleeplessness due to neuralgia and pains in the head. He had not been attended by a doctor for 12 months, and seemed in his usual health that morning. About a fortnight ago she had occasion to look in his pocket for a pencil and found a pocket-book which contained a note addressed to Mr Frank Woodward, a member of the firm. This note contained the words: "My wife has nothing to do with what you accuse her of, so I hope you will show her respect when I am gone." - In reply to the Coroner, witness said she did not understand the meaning of the words, as she had never been accused by the firm of anything. She asked her husband what it meant and he then contradicted it and said the firm had never accused her. He again denied the statement as recently as last Sunday night. - Mr Brown asked why she had kept the book and not asked the firm about the statement. Witness replied that she intended to do so, but kept putting it off. Her husband was very depressed lately, and had not said anything to her about his accounts. He was not in debt and seldom took anything to drink. He served in the War, and was gassed in France. Further questioned, witness said that she had no suspicions that he would commit suicide, because he was so fond of his home and children. - Fred Davolls, an employee of the firm, said that deceased was at work there on Wednesday morning, cleaning carpets. He had rather a queer look in his eye, but had always been morose. About 11.35 he was told to look for deceased, and went to the rear of the buildings, without success. He was again sent about 11.50, and found him in a loft adjoining the laundry, which was always kept closed. He was lying on his back, dead, and appeared quite peaceful. - Mr Frank Woodward, a member of the firm, said KINSMAN had been with them about 15 years. It was part of his duty to collect accounts and witness has had occasion to complain about them lately. He found that people had paid accounts, and deceased had failed to put their names down. He thought deceased had really got into a muddle perhaps some years ago, and had been trying to put things right by taking money from recent accounts to square the old ones. Witness found that accounts had been paid and not accounted for, and he also found that leaves had been torn out of the pass-books. The last time witness complained was about a month ago and he told deceased if it happened again he would be dismissed. Deceased did not make any reply. Witness asked him to tell him everything, and as a result deceased was paying 5s. a week to wipe off the debt. Witness had not said anything to him this week, but they had since found that deceased had received two sums of 10s. and £2 for which he had not accounted. Witness said he could not give any explanation of the words in deceased's pocket-book; he had never accused MRS KINSMAN of anything. He last saw deceased about nine o'clock on Wednesday morning and as he wished to give KINSMAN some orders he sent the previous witness to find him. The firm occasionally used oxalic acid for cleaning purposes, but had not used any for some months now. When he looked for it, after the occurrence, he could not find any. - P.C. Middlewick stated that he searched the body, but found nothing on it. He found the glass jar with white powder adhering to the bottom, under the seat of the motor van. The powder was damp and appeared as if it had been just drank from. - Dr Osborne said deceased was a perfectly healthy man. In his opinion death was due to his having drunk oxalic acid. - Mr J. Woodward, J.P., speaking on behalf of the firm, expressed the deepest regret at the sad occurrence. He said before the War there was not the slightest cause for complaint with regard to deceased. He held a responsible position and had the handling of a lot of money and his accounts were quite correct. KINSMAN was called up and his berth was kept open for him. When he came back to the firm he seemed a changed man. When spoken to, he would answer sometimes and more often not. He was sullen and morose and witness put it down to his War service. Mr Woodward added that he had not taken much part in the business for some years, but in moving about the town he had heard many complaints about the man's sullenness. He had put the best side on it, because the man had been so long with him. - Summing up, the Coroner said: Before the War deceased's character was satisfactory, but it appeared that lately he allowed himself to work in a loose manner, in regard to the accounts. The firm had treated him exceedingly well, they had found out the discrepancy and had allowed him to attempt to pay back by instalments. One would have thought that would have been a lesson to him, but it appeared it was not and that he continued to collect and not account for the money. He had even done so that week. He (the Coroner) presumed that deceased knew from the warning he had received that when it was found out he would be dismissed and that had induced him to take his life. The note in his pocket-book contained a vague statement and one would have thought the first thing the wife would have done would be to go to the firm and ask the meaning of it, because it looked as if he meant to do away with himself; but she took no such step. It was a most unpleasant thing for the firm, because there was not the slightest ground for any complaint about the wife. It had been proved there was no foundation for this statement: Messrs Woodward had treated the man exceedingly well. The verdict would be "Suicide from Oxalic Poisoning."

BARNSTAPLE - Boy Accidentally Drowned At Barnstaple. - From the river Taw just off Rock Park, Barnstaple, on Sunday afternoon, was recovered the lifeless body of KINGSLEY SUTTON, aged 12. The boy, who was the son of MR ERNEST SUTTON, tailor, of 32 Lower Maudlin-street, had been missing from his home since the previous day, and was last seen on Saturday evening playing by a boat near the boathouse, not far from where the body was found. - The body was conveyed to the North Devon Infirmary, where Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, conducted the inquest on Monday. - MRS LOUISA SUTTON, the mother, who was greatly distressed, stated that her son, who attended the Grosvenor-street school, had his dinner as usual on Saturday, and left home about 2.30, saying he was going out to play and to change some comic papers. He said he should not be long and as he had not returned at tea-time she went in search of him, and afterwards reported to the Police that he was missing. Although very spirited, he was not a strong boy. He was nervous and had had fits, the lat - a bad one - being about two years ago. - Wm. Jarvis, aged 12, of Lower Maudlin-street, deposed that he and some other boys went to Coddon Hill on Saturday, and they were passing the boathouse on the way home about six o'clock when he saw SUTTON standing near a flat-bottomed boat poking the sand with a stick. Did not see SUTTON get into the boat. - James Lakeman, 14, however, stated that just afterwards he actually saw SUTTON playing about in the boat, which was on shore close to the water's edge. Another boy asked SUTTON where he was going, deceased replying, "Mind your own business." Witness said, "I am going on," and the others followed, leaving deceased in the boat. - George Mock, an elderly fisherman, informed the Coroner that the tide would be up about 6.30 p.m. on Saturday. He heard on Sunday that a boy had been drowned, and about two o'clock he found the body lying in about 3 ft. of water about 100 yards above the boathouse, where no doubt it had been carried by the tide. Witness thought the tide, which was very strong at the point, might have swung the boat round and that the boy, in endeavouring to again reach the slip, might have fallen into the water. It was evident that someone had been meddling with the boats near; someone had put a canoe in the water. It was getting dark when SUTTON was at the spot on Saturday evening, and no one could have noticed him in the water. - Inspector Leach, who was in Rock Park when the body was brought ashore, said there was every appearance of drowning. With assistance he had the body conveyed to the Mortuary at the Infirmary. MRS SUTTON reported to the Police about 11.30 p.m. on Saturday that her son was missing and every inquiry was made regarding him. The mother spent the greater part of the night looking for the boy. - Dr Killard Leavey, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, attributed death to suffocation by drowning. - The Coroner said it was a sad case. The poor little fellow was evidently playing in the boat, and he thought it probable that the tide came and swung out the boat, and that in trying to jump ashore he over-balanced himself. The verdict was "Accidental Death by Drowning." No words were wanted to emphasise the great danger of boys playing by the river, especially in and out of the boats when the tides were about. The spring tides came very strongly, making it very difficult to do anything against them.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 March 1924
LYNTON - Council Employee's Sad Death At Lynton. Buried By Fall Of Earth. - Buried by a fall of earth whilst engaged in road widening at the bottom of Station Hill, Lynton, RICHARD JARVIS, an employee of Lynton Urban Council, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. JARVIS, with other men, was digging into the side of the road, which is about 20 feet high, last Tuesday, when over a ton of earth fell on him and caused severe internal injuries. - An Inquest was held at Lynton on Monday by Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - The widow stated that her husband, who was 61, never made any complaint as to the way the work was being done. - John Durman, motor lorry driver, who was employed by the Council to shift the earth being excavated, said deceased was standing on a platform about three feet high digging and witness, who was in the act of reversing his lorry, and looking through the peephole at the back of the seat, saw the lump of earth fall right on JARVIS, burying him, with the exception of his head and shoulders. - Asked if deceased had undercut the material much before, witness replied about a foot or 18 inches. The earth gave no warning of its coming down. - Arthur Edward Gibbs, Surveyor to Lynton Urban Council, stated the men were engaged on widening the corner and the material was also being used for ballast for the roads. He told the men the day before to go there and dig some binding. - The Coroner: You gave no special instructions? - Not on this particular occasion, but they have always been told to be careful about working underneath anywhere. Deceased, who had been used to quarry work, had worked for them since the end of last year. Witness saw that deceased had been undercutting. The stuff was very hard. - Asked if he thought the frost had had anything to do with it, witness said it might have had a little. - Dr A. P. Cummings said a post-mortem examination revealed internal haemorrhage, ruptured diaphragm, injured pelvis and other injuries due to the severe crushing. Death was due to heart failure, the result of the injuries. - The Coroner, who described the case as a particularly sad one, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the widow, in which Mr W. B. Pulkinghorne, on behalf of the Lynton Urban Council, concurred.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 March 1924
PETROCKSTOWE - Widow's Sad Death At Petrockstowe. - Evidence of a widow of 66 dying at her work preparing rabbit skins, her death being accelerated by want, was given at an Inquest held on Wednesday at Petrockstowe by Mr George W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on ELIZABETH STACEY. - A son, RICHARD STACEY, clay worker, said his mother lived in Moor-mill Cottage alone with her 12 years-old grandson. She appeared quite well last Saturday, when he last saw her. About 9 at night on Tuesday, he found his mother sitting in a chair by the fire quite dead. In front of her was a board with a rabbit-skin partly nailed on it. A nail was in her hand and a hammer lay where it had dropped by her side. His mother received 10s. per week from the Guardians and the father of his sister's child paid 3s. a week. Out of this his mother had to maintain herself and clothe and feed the boy. Her rent was £6 a year. - HERBERT STACEY, the grandson, said his grandmother could only afford meat once a week. - Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, said death was due to cardiac syncope, accelerated by want and bad feeding. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," commented on the difficulty deceased must have found in existing. The clothing of the boy alone would have taken up the money. It was no wonder the boy was in so emaciated a condition. The matter should be the subject of an inquiry by the Guardians, and he would communicate with Torrington Board of Guardians.

CHULMLEIGH - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, has held an Inquest here concerning the death of JOHN DOWN, blacksmith, of Great Shute, who was found hanging by his daughter-in-law (ELLEN DOWN) on Saturday, at 12.30 p.m., in an out-house adjoining his dwelling-house. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was recorded.

KNOWSTONE - Child Drowned in A Tub. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at an Inquest on Tuesday, at Middlehills Farm, Knowstone, on the 16-months-old child of HENRY LUXTON, farmer. - MRS ELIZA MIDDLETON, grandmother, said on Saturday afternoon, whilst the child's father was in the garden and its mother in the dairy, the child was crawling about the kitchen floor. On going to the back-door a little later witness saw that the child had over-balanced into a tub containing about a foot of water. The body was resting on the edge of the tub, with the head under water.

ALVERDISCOTT - Boy Killed Near Barnstaple. - FRANCIS FRIEND, the 12 year old son of MR ERNEST FRIEND, of Luppincott, Alverdiscott, near Barnstaple, was going to school on Monday morning, when, to get a lift, he jumped on to a butt, the horse drawing which was being driven by one of his father's labourers, named Thorne. A few moments later the horse bolted and upset the butt, which fell on the lad, killing him instantly. His body was taken back to the farm, where an Inquest was held on Tuesday evening, a verdict of "Accidental Death" being returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 May 1924
WOOLACOMBE - Sad Death Of MR JOSEPH TARR at Woolacombe. - The whole of the inhabitants of Woolacombe were deeply shocked on Sunday morning to learn that MR JOSEPH TARR, cab proprietor, aged 74, a much respected inhabitant, was found hanging in his stable. His daughter on taking a cup of tea in the morning to his bedroom learnt from her mother that he had gone out some little time before; she immediately went to the stable to call him and was horrified at the sight which met her. A gloom was cast over the whole village and the deepest sympathy extended to the bereaved family. - At the Inquest on Monday, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." Deceased had been attending to his business up to the previous night, though for some time under the care of Dr Sanders for pains in his head.

LANDKEY - Death Of MR WILLIAM MORRISH At Landkey. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held on Tuesday an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death at Landkey, on the previous day, of MR WILLIAM MORRISH, mason, of Landkey. - MRS MORRISH, widow, stated that on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. her husband was about to assist her mangling clothes. He sat on the end of the table while she folded a sheet and suddenly fell back dead. He had not complained of feeling ill. - Dr Shaw, of Barnstaple, made a post-mortem examination and found that the coronary arteries were much diseased, causing sudden heart failure. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, and expressed sympathy with the bereaved widow and family. - MR MORRISH was a devoted member for many years of Landkey Wesleyan Church and no man was held in higher esteem in the parish and district. In addition to working as a mason, MR MORRISH was a small holder, whilst he was widely known as a breeder and exhibitor of poultry and his services as a judge were in request at many shows. The fact that his brother, MR JAMES MORRISH, also passed away suddenly a few weeks ago, lends additional pathos to MR MORRISH'S death. The deceased leaves a widow and son to mourn their loss.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 May 1924
WITHERIDGE - The Witheridge Tragedy. Woman & Two Children Drowned. Mother's Delusions: Verdict Of Murder And Suicide. - The story of how a woman's delusions led her to take her own life and that of her two children was unfolded before Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, at an Inquest at Witheridge on Friday. - The deceased were LAURA ADAMS, wife of BERT ADAMS, a blacksmith, and their two young daughters, who were found drowned in a mill leat on Tuesday, with the mother clasping the children in her arms. - "No man living could have done more than he did for his wife," was the Foreman of the Jury's comment on the behaviour of the husband. - A verdict was returned against the mother of "Murder and Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - BERT ADAMS said his wife was aged 29, and the children three years ten months and ten months respectively. The last occasion on which he saw them alive was about 3.45 p.m. on Tuesday. His wife was then getting tea. She asked him to go back to work until five o'clock, when tea would be laid for him. He returned at that hour and found tea waiting for him, but his wife and children were not there. - The Coroner: Did that occasion you any alarm? - No. I looked through the house and around the shippens. - No communication had been left for him, and he continued his search in the garden. Subsequently, he learned that the bodies of his wife and children had been found in the mill leat. - The Coroner: Had there been any disagreements between you and your wife? - It started on the Sunday night, when she left me and slept the night at the house of a friend with the children. She arranged that she should be taken to Southmolton by motor transport. - Why did she leave you? - I do not know. - Was there any quarrel between you? - It did not matter what I did for her, she was always "up in arms." We had scores of quarrels. She had an idea in her head that everyone was running her down and that I was thick with them. - You had no quarrel beyond that? - She cooked the dinner on Sunday and I told her in a nice manner that I did not feel like eating it. She took that up. - She was under the impression that you and everyone else were against her? - Yes. - Witness explained that his wife returned home on the Monday morning, and having given the children some food they drove away in a horse and cart, driven by a Mrs Joyce. She would not say where she was going. - Did you ask Mrs Joyce? - Mrs Joyce heard me ask her, but she did not say. On the following morning his wife was brought home by her father from Southmolton. Witness added that he had never heard his wife threaten to take her life. - WILLIAM NORMAN, contractor, of Charles, near Southmolton, father of the deceased woman, said she came to his house with the two children, about eight o'clock on the Monday night. She wanted him to return to Witheridge with her that night because she was afraid of her husband. On his suggestion she remained overnight and he returned with her to Witheridge the following morning. He found her husband at work and he told him he had brought back his wife and children. The husband replied: "It is time, isn't it?" - Witness explained that he "spoke a kindly word to them," and so far as he knew, they were all right when he left. Her husband received her kindly when he took her back. - Did she say she would be all right? - I fancy she said she would like someone with her. She said she would try to be happy and comfortable. - Did she suffer from delusions at any time? - Not that I am aware of. - Is there any insanity in your family on one side or the other? - Yes. A sister is now in the Asylum. - So far as witness knew, the only differences between his deceased daughter and her husband were of a domestic nature. - Leonard Alfred Webber, Relieving Officer, Southmolton, deposed that the deceased woman called on him the previous Monday, saying her husband had been acting strangely and that they could not live comfortably together. She asked witness to see him to ascertain if he was in his right mind. At that time she was perfectly rational. The following day he saw the husband and the wife, and advised them to try and live happily together. - Ethel Baker, wife of a local blacksmith, said she saw the deceased woman leave her home on the afternoon of the tragedy with one of the children. She picked up the other child, who was playing in the road, and putting her in the perambulator, went up through the village. - P.C. West, Witheridge, spoke of recovering the bodies from the mill leat. They were close to the wheel, and lying in about three feet of water. He tried artificial respiration on the woman without success. - About a quarter of a mile away in a field he found the perambulator, and in it a note in the deceased woman's handwriting. - The Coroner said the note was somewhat incoherent. It went on to say:- "It is others that have done this. I and my dear little children would have been and wee happy. I will not be severed from my children by my husband's falseness and my own and his family neglect. I am right and my husband is wrong and the dear children shall never have the worry I have had. I clasp them in my arms, and the slippery old Webber and the cursed torturers in Witheridge. I can die and be with God, and not with the villain that my husband and enemies are." - Dr A. E. Price attributed death to drowning. There were no marks of violence on the bodies. - The Coroner put the following questions to the Jury:- Did the deceased woman take the life of the children? - Are you satisfied she took her own life? - If so, what was the state of her mind at the time? - It seemed to him that the note threw a good deal of light on the deceased woman's mental capacity. She was apparently under the impression that everyone was against her, not only her husband and other people in Witheridge, but Mr Webber, who showed her the greatest consideration and did everything possible. That could not be the act of a woman in her right senses. - The Jury returned a verdict against the mother of "Murder and Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - The Foreman (Mr H. T. Trawin, said that no man living could have done more than the husband did for his wife. - At the funeral of MRS ADAMS and her two children at the Parish Church, there was a large attendance. The Rev. Mark W. Melrose officiated. It was a pathetic sight to see the three coffins carried by the eight bearers - young men of the village. The husband was much affected. He was accompanied by Mr and Mrs Norman (father-in-law and mother-in-law), his late wife's two sisters, and their husbands, and his sister. Many beautiful wreaths were sent by the relatives and friends. Much sympathy is felt for MR ADAMS.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 May 1924
ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death Of Ilfracombe Resident At Berrynarbor. - An Inquest was held on Monday afternoon at the Ilfracombe Cottage Hospital on GEORGE WYBRON, aged 56, retired Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who died suddenly on the previous Saturday at Berrynarbor. - The first witness called was EMILY WYBRON, widow of deceased, who said that her husband left his home at Brookfield Cottages, Ilfracombe, on Saturday morning about 11.0, to go to Berrynarbor. He had not been attended by a doctor. He retired from the Navy in August 1922. She was informed later in the day as to what had happened. He had gone to Berrynarbor to see about someone else's property. - Mr Treweek, Combe Martin, said he met deceased by appointment at Berrynarbor, and he was pointing out certain repairs needed to be done when he fell down. Witness understood that deceased had first come up a steep hill. Witness helped to take him into a cottage. - Dr Fawckner Langridge said that he had made a post mortem examination of the deceased, and found a diseased heart, quite enough to account for the sudden death, which was due to syncope, following exertion. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said that the death was from Natural Causes, in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 May 1924
SOUTH MOLTON - Infant's Death At Southmolton. Coroner's Observations. - At Southmolton Poor Law Institution on Monday, Mr G. W. F. Brown held an inquest concerning the death of a three-year-old child, ERNEST FREDERICK MUXWORTHY, son of MR FREDERICK ERNEST MUXWORTHY of Southmolton. The mother, MRS HANNAH MUXWORTHY said the child had been attended by doctors since birth and had also been treated at the North Devon Infirmary. He had rickets and was weak. During Saturday night the boy drank frequently. At 7.30 on Sunday morning, just after she went downstairs, her husband told her he was dead. Replying to the Coroner, the mother said she had six children living, the eldest being 13 years and the youngest three months. Her husband had been out of work for a long time. She received 3s. a week for milking two cows and was allowed a can of scald milk a day. She also received 1s. 6d. a week for spring cleaning. Altogether her weekly income was about 6s. and a pint of milk per day from the Infant Welfare Centre. - Mr W. W. Holdup said the family last had parochial relief on January 12th. Questioned by the Coroner as to her husband's earnings, MRS MUXWORTHY said he brought home what he earned, but could get only an occasional day's work. The Coroner said it was a mystery how the family were maintained on so slender means. - An Inspector from the N.S.P.C.C. said another child went to the infirmary "full of rickets." The fault was that the infants had been fed on bread-sops. MRS MUXWORTHY said she did not continue getting relief because she was averse to making application for it. She had no complaint whatever against the Relieving Officer, who treated her courteously. A representative of the Co-operative Insurance Society said the child was insured, the amount payable under the policy being £6 13s. 4d. The premiums were in arrear, but he put that right. - Dr Mortimer said the cause of death was congenital disease of the heart. In returning a verdict accordingly, the Coroner told MRS MUXWORTHY he thought she was very much to blame for not having applied for relief. She was simply bringing up a family of weaklings. He thought, too, that the husband should smoke fewer cigarettes until his means improved.

STOKE RIVERS - Sad Tragedy At Stoke Rivers. Farmer's Wife Ends Her Life. - A sad tragedy was revealed at Stoke Rivers on Wednesday afternoon, when the lifeless body of MRS MARY PRIDEAUX, wife of MR JOHN TOSSEL PRIDEAUX, of South Horridge Farm, was found in a pond. The deceased, who was 61 years of age, had been in ill-health for some time; and in their tragic bereavement, deep sympathy is expressed with the husband and family. MR and MRS PRIDEAUX formerly resided at Martin's Hill, Bishopstawton, for some years. - At the Inquest held before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Thursday, MR PRIDEAUX said his wife had been very unwell since the end of October, her nerves seemingly having completely broken down. She complained of various illnesses, although four doctors all agreed there was no disease of any sort, but it was simply a question of neurasthenia. The previous morning he was working in the barn, and saw her going towards the orchard. In about 10 minutes, when he had finished the work he was doing, he went to meet her to try and interest her in the poultry, but searched through the fields for her without result. Witness called his son, who assisted in the search, going, among other places to a neighbour's house, thinking deceased might be there. In a field below the house he found her lying in a pond on her face and hands in about four feet of water, quite dead. Her hat was hanging in the hedge near. On Saturday he took her to Combe Martin for a change and there Dr Manning examined her, but found nothing the matter with her beyond nerves. She always had an idea she would never get well again. - JOHN PRIDEAUX, a son, gave supporting evidence. - Dr Gompertz, of Barnstaple, said he had attended deceased since October and then she was suffering from bronchitis. After that she complained, but there was no sign of any disease. Death was due to drowning. Deceased never showed any signs of suicidal tendencies and he should never have thought that she would have committed this rash act. - The Coroner commented on the sadness of the case, and said it was obvious that MRS PRIDEAUX had imagined she was suffering from some complaint, and that this had caused her to commit the act. There was no doubt deceased was not in a normal state at the time and the verdict was "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - The Funeral - Amid signs of great sorrow, the funeral of the late MRS MARY PRIDEAUX took place in the Stoke Rivers Parish Churchyard on Saturday afternoon last. There was a large attendance of parishioners and others to pay their last respects to the deceased who was known and loved by all. The principal mourners were the husband, Lizzie, Murian, Nell, Annie and Phil (daughters), Jack (son), H. Warren, J. Kemble, G. Latham, J. Gubb and F. Lock (sons-in-law), Mr and Mrs Thorne (sister and brother-in-law), J. Stanbury (nephew), W. Prideaux, C. Prideaux, T. Prideaux, and H. Steer (grandchildren), James Stanbury (cousin); Miss E. Prideaux (daughter) was unable to attend the funeral owing to being unwell and two other sons (Harry and Willie) are away in America. - [A list of other mourners followed].

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 June 1924
BARNSTAPLE - Death In Train Near Barnstaple. - Whilst taking a horse to Bideford races, MR WM. THOMAS MOORE, 56, a well-known trainer of racing ponies, of Dittisham, near Dartmouth, died with tragic suddenness in a train on the Southern Railway when nearing Barnstaple on Friday. He was taken suddenly ill near Eggesford and a doctor was sent for to meet the train at Barnstaple Junction Station. Dr Shaw was in attendance, but could only pronounce life extinct. - At the Inquest before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, at the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday evening, the widow said her husband had been attended for three years by a doctor for angina pectoris and the jockey (Wakeley) who was in the same compartment with deceased, said he gave him capsules, which MOORE carried for such an emergency, but he collapsed and died. - Dr Shaw was of opinion that death was due to the heart trouble named and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Boy's Sad Death. The Inquest. - On Thursday Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at Southmolton concerning the death of REGINALD JOHN BRAYLEY, of 1 Amory-place, Southmolton, aged 14. HENRY BRAYLEY said that on June 3rd, about 9 a.m., he left home with a horse and cart to go to Brayford. The deceased was with him, in charge of another horse and cart. At Brayford both carts were loaded with poles and a start for home was made about 5 p.m. On the road, witness was in front and deceased was sitting on poles on the second cart. All went well till they came to a horse-shoe bend near Hunstone, where deceased's mare became fractious. Witness went back and walked alongside the mare till they came to the bend. Soon after, he looked back and saw the deceased's mare was coming forward between the first cart and the hedge. The boy was holding on to the reins, trying to pull up. Witness again jumped off his cart and seized the reins. As he did so a wheel was going up the hedge and as he got hold of the mare's head the cart turned over. The boy was pulling the correct rein and the reins were not twisted. He fell free of the cart, but was knocked by three of the poles, one of which struck his head. At the time there was no one about. Presently a motor char-a-banc came along. - The Coroner: Do you think he was killed outright? - Instantly. - Had the boy driven the mare before? - Yes, for a month. - Do you think any part of the load was touching her quarters? - I think not. She wanted to go ahead and I should have let her go if it had not been for the slippery state of Deerhills. We are going to have the mare destroyed now. - Dr Baker, Southmolton, said he examined the body on the previous day. There was a large abrasion on the left side of the head and an extensive fracture on the base of the skull, with laceration of the brain. He did not think the neck was broken. - The Coroner said it was a pure accident, and no one was to blame. It appeared that the mare was fidgety, although MR BRAYLEY did all he possibly could. Before he could there the wheel had gone over the hedge and the cart was upset. Deceased sustained a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain, which caused his death. The verdict would be one of Accidental Death. - There was a large attendance at the funeral at Southmolton on Sunday. Rev. Stanley P. Scott, Vicar, officiated. - The mourners were Mr and Mrs Brayley, Miss Beatrice Brayley, Mrs Baker, Mr and Mrs W. Holcombe, Mr and Mrs J. Holcombe, Mr and Mrs R. Colwill, Mr and Mrs J. Westacott, Mr and Mrs W. Brayley, Mr and Mrs George Brayley, Mr and Mrs R. Colwill, Messrs. H. Brayley, H. Cobley, F. Brayley Willmetts, T. Brayley Willmetts, C. Brayley Willmetts, Mrs G. Bulled, Mr and Mrs R. Prout, Mrs R. Hulland, Mrs E. Holcombe, Miss Copp, Mrs Spear, Mr and Mrs Taylor, Mrs C. Gibbett, Masters. J. Boucher, J. W. Webber, M. S. Matthews, F. Colwill.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 June 1924
TAUNTON, SOMERSET - Barnstaple Bank Clerk's Sad Death. Inquest Story Of Fatal Motor Cycle Accident. - As a sequel to the death of MR WILLIAM BURNET HAMM, of the staff of Lloyd's Bank, Barnstaple, which occurred at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital on Tuesday, following injuries received in a motor-cycle accident the previous day (reported in our last issue) an Inquest was held at Taunton on Thursday evening. MR HAMM, who was an experienced rider, motored from Barnstaple to his home at Exford for the Whitsun holiday. Deceased was well-known at Bideford, where he was on the staff of Lloyd's Bank prior to being moved to Barnstaple. Much sympathy will be extended to the bereaved parents. - Mr Foster Barnham, Coroner for West Somerset, conducted the inquiry. It was stated that the deceased, who was 20 years of age, was motor-cycling, when he met two persons riding push-bikes near a bend in the road between Bishops Lydeard and Lydeard St. Lawrence. - Miss Dorothy Burton of Bishops Lydeard, stated that she was cycling with David Burnett of Lydeard St Lawrence, and she was more on the right side of the road than the left when nearing the bend where the accident occurred. She and Burnett were riding down hill towards Bishops Lydeard, her companion being about 20 yards behind and on his proper side. Deceased came round the bend on his proper side, but seeing her swerved over to the right to allow her to pass him. Immediately afterwards she heard a crash and found the motor-cyclist had collided with Mr Burnett. Both men were hurt and witness fetched Dr Froosard, of Bishops Lydeard, who ordered the removal of the deceased to the Taunton and Somerset Hospital. - It was stated by P.S. Gadd that the road was 14 feet in width at the spot where the collision occurred. Witness had interviewed David Burnett, who could not attend the Inquest, and received a statement from him to the effect that the collision occurred through each of them trying to avoid the other. - Dr Elizabeth Clarke, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to cerebral injuries, the skull being fractured and there being a large haemorrhage on the right side. Replying to a relative, the doctor said nothing could have been done to save his life. - The Coroner said it seemed quite clear from the evidence that the deceased found, when he rounded the bend of the road, that there was a lady riding towards him on her wrong side, and he did the gentlemanly thing in passing her on the wrong side. Upon observing the other cyclist behind the girl, he again swerved to try and get clear and in the collision which followed, his head probably struck the handlebar of the bicycle. - "I go about the country a good deal," said the Coroner, "and I find there are many people who do not appear to understand the rule of the road. They seem to think they can wander about just as they please. I class them more or less with cattle and dogs and children in that they seem to be wanting in intelligence. I always expect, on going round a corner, to find two or three people cycling abreast all over the road. If this young lady had conformed to the rules of the road, this accident would not have occurred." - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

HARTLAND - Mystery Of The Sea. Inquest At Hartland On Captain Of Missing Ship. - The steamer Nunnington, CAPT. HENRY INGO GIBSON, aged 43, of 22 Tamer Mather-terrace, South Shields, owned by the Nunnington steamship Co., of Newcastle-on-Tyne, sailed from Swansea on April 17 for Sables d'Olonne, France. No news has been hard of the vessel since, and she was posted as missing at Lloyd's on May 23rd. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Saturday, held an Inquest at Stoke Barton, Hartland, on the body of CAPTAIN GIBSON, which was found under the cliffs at Dixonwell, between Elmscott and South Hole by Charles Giffard, a farmer's son. - Witness said he saw the body below high-water mark, but did not know how long it had been there, for he had not been near that spot for months. - P.C. Crook brought the body up the Cliffs, and said in the clothing he found a wallet, which contained, besides money, a master mariner's certificate, bearing the number 003944. The features were unrecognisable. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

PARRACOMBE - Sad Tragedy At Parracombe. - The inhabitants of Parracombe were greatly shocked and grieved on Saturday to hear of the death, under pathetic circumstances, of MRS ANNIE MARIA HAYDON, wife of MR WILLIAM J. HAYDON, of West Bodley Farm. MRS HAYDON, who had been in ill-health for some little time, was found by her husband in the courtyard suffering from severe injuries to the throat, and she passed away in a few minutes. Aged sixty, she was greatly beloved for her good work in various spheres, and sympathy with the husband and family in their tragic bereavement is general in a wide district. Deceased was a valued and devoted worker in connection with the Wesleyan cause and took also a keen interest in public matters. - At the Inquest, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, MR HAYDON stated that his wife had been unwell for several days and had been attended by Dr Cummings, of Lynton, for sleeplessness. He (witness) had been in close attendance on her during her illness and on Saturday was with her all the morning. They had dinner about two o'clock and he then just went to the farmyard, leaving his wife in the sitting-room. Immediately on MRS HAYDON leaving the room he was called by the servant, Ellen Richards, to look for her and found her lying on the ground in the yard bleeding profusely from the neck. She died within a few minutes. Lying on the ground by her side was a razor, which witness generally kept on a shelf inside the dairy door. Since her mother's death deceased had said she wishes she was with her, but had never attempted to take her life. - The servant, Ellen Richards, said she noticed nothing peculiar about MRS HAYDON on Saturday. After dinner she went upstairs and then came down and sat in her chair. About ten minutes later she got up and went to the back door. Witness at once called MR HAYDON, who came in, went o the yard and found MRS HAYDON as described. - Dr Cummings deposed that he had attended MRS HAYDON for sleeplessness. He saw her on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week, and had recommended her to go to her sister's for a change, and she was to have gone on the Saturday. She appeared to worry over her mother's death. Witness did not think she had suicidal tendencies and was surprised to hear she had taken her life. From an examination of the body he found she had severed the jugular vein on the left side, where there was a wound about five inches long. The cause of death was haemorrhage from the wound. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 July 1924
KNOWSTONE - North Devon Farmer's Death On Lonely Moor. - The story of how a North Devon farmer, whilst fetching the cows for the evening milking, dropped dead on a lonely moor and was not discovered until next morning, was told at an Inquest held at Poole Farm, Knowstone, on Saturday, on THOMAS TIDBALL, aged 51. - Deceased had been at Poole Farm for some years and Geo. Gard, a labourer, said on Wednesday he saw his master with the dog going for the cows. The cows arrived alone and were milked. The dog came back also, but witness did not know anything was wrong. As deceased did not appear, witness searched for him on the moor for two hours. At a quarter to four the next morning he continued the search and about half-past eight found his master dead in the middle of the moor about half a mile from the farm. He was holding his walking-stick and had fallen forward and there was no sign of a struggle. - Dr Seale, Southmolton, said death was due to syncope and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Railway Vanman Shoots Himself. A Barnstaple Tragedy. - Clutching a double-barrelled gun, SIDNEY WARD, a railway vanman employed for many years at the Great Western Station, Barnstaple, was found dead in a field near the Bear-street road on Monday afternoon. A native of the town and living for a long period in the Newport district, deceased was 53 years of age, and unmarried. The body was removed to the mortuary at the North Devon Infirmary, where the inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft. Mr John Adams, Stationmaster at the Great Western Station, attended on behalf of the Company, Inspector Leach and P.S. Milford being also present. - Harry Lock, of 24 Sunflower-road, employed in the G.W.R. goods shed, stated that WARD had lodged with him about ten months, and his health had been all right. In bed at 7 o'clock on Monday morning, WARD asked him to tell the foreman at the Station that he should not be at work that day, but he did not say why. Witness did not notice anything peculiar about him. As a rule WARD had dinner at the house, but leaving home just after 7.30 a.m. on Monday, he failed to return. Deceased seemed to have as much money as he wanted. - The Coroner: I knew he was not a teetotaller. Should you say he was an intemperate man or not? - No, sir. He used to have a glass of beer, but I have never seen him come home intoxicated. - As far as you could see he was a temperate man? - Yes. WARD went out as usual on Sunday. - Ernest A. Jeffery, labourer, of Princes-street, working at Sowden, said that shortly before two o'clock on Monday afternoon he saw WARD going up Bear-street road. WARD was talking and mumbling to himself and just before turning up Sowden Lane witness asked him what he was doing up that way, to receive the reply that he was not very well and was under the doctor. Witness had been in WARD'S company a good many times, but had never previously heard him mumbling. He could not hear what WARD was mumbling, but he thought he was unwell. WARD was quite sober. - Wm. Beer, dairyman, had known WARD all his life and they had been rather close friends. Sometimes WARD would join him at rabbiting, getting half a day off. Witness last saw him alive on Sunday in Alexandra-road. He (Mr Beer) was driving, and they merely passed the time of day. WARD appeared to be in his usual health. Witness had some fields just above Fort Hill Lodge and a lad working there reported to him that when he left at 1.30 on Monday the linhay door was locked. Later, however, the lad notified him at Ashleigh Lawn that at 2.30 he found that the "stape" of the door had been drawn, and proceeding to the fields for hay-making about 3.30 witness discovered WARD'S body lying under a pear tree, about forty yards from the linhay. Life was quite extinct, but witness at once went and reported the matter to the Police. WARD was lying on his back, with witness's double barrelled gun on him, his left hand gripping the barrel. The piece of stick produced was between the two triggers of the gun and WARD had evidently discharged the weapon by pulling the other end of the stick towards him. The shot had gone through the head, entering at the left ear and coming out at the right. The "stape" of the linhay door had been forced, as stated by the lad, and the gun, which witness had not used for some time and had left unloaded, taken from its proper place in the rack. Witness's cartridges were kept in a cupboard; but WARD had used different cartridges. In answer to the Coroner, Mr Beer said WARD knew he kept the gun in the linhay, but he did not think he knew there were cartridges there. He had not been out rabbiting with witness this season. He believed WARD had a gun license last year and whenever he had been out with him deceased used his own cartridges. In the past he had told WARD there were rabbits about; and said "Why don't you go up," but he did not know whether he had ever previously been up there alone. - P.C. Wilshire, who was called to the spot about 4.15 on Monday, confirmed Mr Beer's evidence as to the position of the body and the gun. The right barrel had been discharged, an empty cartridge case remaining and the left one was cocked but unloaded. On the left side of deceased's head was a black scorching mark, showing that the gun must have been fired very close. Five yards from the body witness found the empty cartridge produced. In WARD'S pockets, witness found 14s. 7d. in money, four live cartridges similar to the others, and a half-pint bottle containing spirits. There was no note of any kind to account for the occurrence. Witness ascertained from Mr Gale, of Joy-street, that WARD purchased six live cartridges from him between 10 and 10.15 on Monday. With the assistance of P.C. Squires, witness removed to the body to the Mortuary. He presumed WARD shot himself whilst in a sitting position. - Wilfred Laramy Lile, chief goods clerk at the G.W.R. Station, said WARD had worked for the Company about 27 years and he had known him most of the time. WARD had had days off occasionally, but not for a considerable period and it was unusual for him to stop away. Lock brought a message on Monday that WARD was not coming to work that day. When witness last saw him about midday on Saturday, WARD appeared to be quite all right. WARD was a good workman and his accounts were in order. Witness had never received any complaints regarding him, and was quite surprised at what had occurred. - The Coroner thought it perfectly clear that WARD died from a gunshot wound, self-inflicted; but it was not so clear what his state of mind was at the time. It looked rather as if there was some premeditation by reason of WARD buying cartridges on Monday morning: but on the other hand they knew that WARD was accustomed, when he went rabbiting with his friend, Mr Beer, to buy his own cartridges. Whilst Mr Beer would not have expected WARD to force the "stape" of the linhay door and take the gun, deceased might perhaps have thought that, knowing Mr Beer as he did, there was no harm in this. However that may be, as there was no adequate reason for committing this act, it must have been the result of an impulse of some sort, sudden or otherwise. Unfortunately, they knew that these sudden impulses did come upon people, but nobody could say why. WARD had said he was out of health and he thought he must have been more unwell than appeared from the evidence. He thought WARD must have been depressed and that he made up his mind to take his life. In any case, his state of mind amounted to unsoundness and his verdict was that WARD died of a Gunshot Wound, Self-inflicted, whilst of Unsound Mind. He knew deceased and thought all would agree that it was a very sad case.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 31 July 1924
GEORGEHAM - Sudden Death Of MR H. HALL At Georgeham. - Parishioners were deeply shocked at hearing of the tragically sudden death on Wednesday evening of MR HARRY HALL, of the Georgeham Post Office. MR HALL was taking a stroll with his wife and a doctor who was on a visit to the district, when he dropped dead outside Mr Budd's garage. MR and MRS HALL were only married in February last and public sympathy in fullest measure goes out to the widow in her bereavement. - The deceased was 51 years of age. - At the Inquest before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MRS MARIAN HALL stated that her husband, who was then in his usual health, went to Barnstaple on Wednesday morning, returning home about 4 o'clock. About 7 p.m. they started out for a walk, being joined by Dr Wood, of Manchester, who was staying in the district. They had gone a short distance up the road, when deceased suddenly fell into the hedge and expired. - Dr Wood also stated that they had walked up the hill just past his house when MR HALL complained of indigestion and tightness in the chest. At the same time he fell into the hedge and died within a few moments. In his opinion the cause of death was cardiac failure, due to aortic valvular disease. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 August 1924
LYNTON - Honeymoon Tragedy At Lynmouth. Heroic Rescuers Eulogised At Inquest. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Lynton, conducted an Inquest on the body of ALFRED ERNEST BUTLER, aged 33, chartered accountant of Thornton Heath, Surrey, who was drowned whilst bathing at Sillery Beach, near Lynmouth, on Tuesday, whilst on his honeymoon at Lynton, and promised to bring to the notice of the Royal Humane Society the heroism displayed by two visitors, Mr Joseph Goddard Osborne, of Leicester and Mr Harold Sidney Lanning, of Watford, who went to the assistant of MR and MRS BUTLER, and succeeded in saving the life of the latter. - Mr Osborne said he happened to be at Sillery Beach on the morning of the tragedy and saw MR and MRS BUTLER enter the sea. Shortly afterwards witness's attention was called by his fiancée to the shouts of the lady in the water, but for some minutes he thought they were only playing about until his fiancée was convinced they were in difficulty and then he told Mr Pullman, the bathing attendant, to get the life-saving corks. Witness having stripped, took them, and went out to their assistance. Mr Lanning, who was coming in at the time, called to witness to "Hurry up," and it was not until then that witness fully realised the seriousness of the situation. MRS BUTLER was about 50 yards out from the shore, and on reaching her he found her floating on her face quite unconscious and immediately underneath her at the bottom, witness could see MR BUTLER'S body "sprawled" out. Apparently he had sunk since Mr Lanning had left them. Witness estimated the depth of the water about 12 to 15 feet there, and described how he got MRS BUTLER to the shore, where he handed her over to two fellows, who had waded into the water to receive her. Witness then returned to see if he could find MR BUTLER, but having lost sense of direction, he failed. The tide was coming in at the time. Witness only felt a slight cross-current which brought MR BUTLER'S body in, about 30 yards away, half an hour later. - Questioned whether there was any danger at the spot, witness said sand shoaled very gradually and he thought about thirty or forty yards from the shore it suddenly got deeper. He should not call it treacherous. - Gerald Lamp, a brother-in-law, who gave evidence of identification, said deceased was a fairly strong swimmer, but his wife could swim only a little. They had bathed several times during the honeymoon, but he did not know whether it was at the same spot. Deceased was a strong, healthy man. - Harold Sidney Lanning, a visitor from Watford, said he had been bathing with his daughter at Sillery and was just dressing when he heard that someone was in difficulties. He at once went to their assistance, and on reaching MRS BUTLER found her evidently keeping her husband afloat. She shouted to him, "Come! Oh do come!" On reaching her she clutched hold of him and both went under the water. It was fairly deep at the spot because they did not reach the bottom. Witness said MR BUTLER must have been unconscious when he reached him as his head was under water. When witness came to the surface again he managed to get MRS BUTLER on her back and tried to bring her in, but could make no progress and feeling his strength was failing him, he shouted but could not seem to make anyone hear on the beach. - He did not think people present realised the seriousness of the matter and consequently he left MRS BUTLER and on his way into the shore met Mr Osborne going out to their assistance. MRS BUTLER was conscious when witness left her, but, unfortunately, witness was not a strong swimmer, and, moreover, having been in the water for half-an-hour previously was tired out and he had no experience of rescue work. - Fredk. W. Pullman, who has charge of the bathing at Sillery Beach, said the life-saving apparatus was kept under the cliffs on the spot, and it was his custom to take it out in readiness should it be required. There was a rush of bathers that morning, which made him very busy just as he was about to get them ready. - The Coroner said he understood it was some distance to the water's edge at low tide from the spot where the appliances were kept, but witness said they could be got in "in a few minutes," as they were on this occasion. - The Coroner said it would be advisable for witness to see that in future the appliances were in readiness as soon as bathing commenced, and witness promised that this should be done. Witness explained that he warned the bathers if the sea was rough at all, but there was no current on the day in question as far as he knew, and he had never known a bathing fatality there before. - Referring to the shout for help witness said bathers generally enjoyed themselves and shouted so much that it was difficult to know if they were requiring help or not. - Dr Courtenay said although MR BUTLER'S body was under water for half-an-hour at the least, and from the first there was no sign of life, artificial respiration was kept up for two hours. He publicly thanked several people for their kind assistance. It was difficult to carry MRS BUTLER and deceased on stretchers 800 feet up a very steep cliff path. Everyone present did their utmost. - Mr Lamp associated himself with these remarks. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," said Sillery, under ordinary circumstances, was a safe place for bathing. He thought that, unfortunately MR BUTLER got beyond his depth, something went wrong, and both himself and his wife got into difficulties. He could quite realise why their cries for help were not answered before, because he knew persons bathing shouted and screamed and no one knew whether they wanted assistance or not. As soon as the danger MR and MRS BUTLER were in was observed, Mr Lanning and Mr Osborne, especially, with others, did all they could, and he eulogised their plucky conduct. The general kindness displayed was prodigious. There was no blame attaching to anyone.

LANDKEY - Tragic Death Of Retired Farmer's Wife At Landkey. Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind. - To MR JOHN SYMONS, retired farmer, of Moorland House, Landkey, widespread sympathy is extended in the death of his wife, which occurred under tragic circumstances on Thursday last. MRS MARY J. SYMONS, who had been under medical care for some time, was 66 years of age. Having regard to the circumstances an Inquest was held, following a post mortem examination of the body, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Friday afternoon. - MR SYMONS stated that his wife had been ill and very depressed for about two months, and for the past fortnight had had a nurse looking after her. She appeared to be better, and he last saw her alive in the house on Tuesday about 10 a.m. About 11.30 he was called by the nurse, who informed him that his wife had taken some carbolic liquid. With the nurse he endeavoured to get her to take an emetic, but she refused. They then tried to force the emetic into her mouth, but were not very successful. Witness asked his wife what she had taken, but she would not tell him. A bottle containing sheep fly lotion was kept in a loft in the yard at the back of the house, and when he last saw the bottle it was nearly full. He immediately sent for Dr Thomas, who did all that was possible. MRS SYMONS gradually got weaker and died on Thursday. She had never made any actual attempt to take her life, but had often said life was not worth living. She had complained of great pain in her back and said she could not bear the pain any longer. - Nurse Templeton agreed that MRS SYMONS had been very depressed. She had complained of a continual pain in her back and had often said it was no use to go on living. On Tuesday she appeared to be somewhat better, and for the first time she helped in the household duties. On Tuesday morning witness prepared her a cup of patent food and then went upstairs to make her bed, being absent about five minutes. On returning witness found that MRS SYMONS had not taken the food and had left the kitchen. She immediately went to look for her and met her coming across the back yard from the direction of the loft. MRS SYMONS looked very demented and witness noticed a dark liquid stain in the corners of her mouth and on her chin. Witness asked her what she had done, but received no answer. Witness got her indoors, and tried to give her an emetic, but she would not take it. She then called MR SYMONS, and they both tried to force the emetic into her mouth, but only got a little down her throat. MR SYMONS then sent for a doctor. Later, MRS SYMONS said she wanted to die, and asked witness not to get her better, as she wanted to get out of her misery. Gradually getting weaker, she passed away as stated. - Dr F. L. Thomas, of Barnstaple, stated that, summoned about noon on Tuesday, he applied suitable remedies, and again, saw MRS SYMONS in the afternoon. Her mouth, lips and tongue were burnt as with a corrosive fluid, and she gradually sank. A post mortem examination revealed that not only the mouth and throat were injured, but the lining of the stomach was destroyed. Death was due to collapse, following the taking of a preparation containing crude tar products. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 August 1924
BIDEFORD - Bideford Road Tragedy. Motor Cyclist Killed in Collision With A Car. - CEDRIC MARK GEORGE STONEMAN, 25, employed as a clerk in a solicitor's office at Chard, and son of MR GEORGE STONEMAN of 25 Broomfield-street, Bideford, died in Bideford Hospital on Sunday night as a result of injuries sustained in a motor accident on the road between Bideford and Clovelly. - He was riding a motor cycle on Sunday to Clovelly, having his fiancée, Miss Carrie Trott, daughter of Mr W. J. Trott, hairdresser, of Bideford, as a pillion passenger. Near Hoop's Hill, some few miles from Bideford, a collision occurred between his machine and a motor-car driven by Mr L. Heath, of Richmond, Surrey, and he was thrown heavily into the road. - At the inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Hospital on Monday evening, the proceedings were watched by Mr T. A. Goaman, solicitor, on behalf of Mr Heath and by Mr O. W. Ward, of Messrs. Hole, Seldon and Ward, for deceased's parents. - MR GEORGE STONEMAN said his son had been riding a motor cycle six or seven years and on Sunday his young lady rode as a pillion passenger astride, there being a proper pillion seat and footrests for that purpose. His son wore glasses, but was not very short-sighted. - Dr E. J. Toye said he saw deceased at 14 Myrtle-grove, Bideford, after the accident. He was then conscious and could talk rationally. There was profuse haemorrhage from the right ear, indicating a fractured base of the skull. Witness removed him in his own car to the Hospital. He was put to bed and rapidly became unconscious. Witness got two other members of the medical staff to see him in consultation. They agreed that the case was hopeless and that nothing further could be done. He died the same night, the cause of death being a fractured base of the skull, with internal haemorrhage into the brain. The cause of the fracture was a direct blow on the right side of the head. There was no external wound. It was such an injury as might be caused by a blow through a fall or a direct blow from a blunt object. Deceased made no statement to him as to the cause of the accident, although he was sufficiently conscious to have done so when witness first saw him. The young man was able to walk and talk, and but for the haemorrhage there was nothing to indicate that the injury was so grave as it subsequently proved. - Mr Heath, the driver of the car, said he left Ilfracombe on Sunday morning for Bude, and after a bathe at Saunton he lunched at the Victoria Hotel at Barnstaple, the only drink he took being a pint of cider. Witness, who evidently felt keenly about the accident, was understood to say he was a teetotaller, the Coroner remarking that cider was not called a teetotal drink. Witness said he was perfectly sober. Leaving Barnstaple in the afternoon, he passed through Bideford. He stopped at the top of Hoop's Hill on the Bideford side, and was just re-starting when deceased passed him. His passenger was riding astride as far as he noticed. He saw them disappear round the corner. When he got around there was a long stretch of road in front of him, perfectly clear of traffic except for deceased, who was riding in the middle of the road. Witness, who was alone in his car, sounded his horn to pass, and he thought the young lady heard him, as she looked around and deceased appeared to pull in to his near side. There was ample room for witness to pass, and he was doing so when deceased's front wheel swerved to the right and caught the left-hand mud-guard of witness's car, just grazing it. The cycle seemed to hang on to the car and witness pulled to the right to try to clear it, going up against the hedge on his off-side. The cycle did not upset at once, but after travelling about its own length, practically touching the car, went over. Witness stopped and went back, finding the cycle in the middle of the road and deceased lying on the ground and the young lady bending over him, helping him. Deceased was dazed and did not say anything about how the accident happened. Several motorists came up. Witness offered to take deceased back to Bideford, but he said he was all right and that he did not want to go. It was thought better he should go back in another car and this was done. The young lady was on the cycle when it collided with the car, and he did not see her fall off. Deceased was not knocked right off, but seemed to lose his balance after the impact. Witness was not going at more than 15 miles an hour, if that, and deceased was certainly not going fast when witness overtook him, though he thought his speed varied. There was a graze on the near front of the motor car, where it struck the motor cycle, a scratch on the tyre and on the rear mud-guard. - Mr Ward: Deceased was not racing you? - Witness: Oh, no. - Witness added that he drove a car six years ago and he had driven his present car since February 7th, and had done 8,500 miles. The only accidents he had had, had been slight mishaps in London traffic. The width of the front of the car was 5 ft. - Police Sergeant Warren said Mr Heath came to his Station at 3.30 on Sunday afternoon and informed him of the accident. He drove witness back to where it had happened. He was perfectly sober and had perfect control of the car, although he seemed much worried and upset about the accident. The road was 18 feet wide from hedge to hedge and straight for 210 yards behind and 120 yards in front from where the accident occurred. The surface was very good indeed, but the hot weather had softened the tarred macadam and made it greasy. On the left-hand side was a ditch two feet wide, varying in depth from six to 18 inches. There had been several cars and char-a-bancs in the ditch and it was a job to get them out. People who knew it, both car and motor cycle drivers, kept out to the middle of the road. The cycle, which had sports' model handle-bars, had been struck on the front mud-guard just by the number plate, which was turned outwards and the lamp and foot-rests had been bent. Otherwise the machine was in perfect condition. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest to August 25th, for the evidence of Miss Trott, who was too unwell to appear on Monday, as she was suffering from severe shock.

GEORGEHAM - Bathing Tragedy At Croyde. Visitor Drowned On Last Day Of Holidays. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Georgeham, on Saturday afternoon conducted an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM JOHN LEGGE, aged 29, mechanical engineer, of Stanley-street, Bristol, who was drowned when bathing on Croyde Beach on Friday, whilst on a holiday with his wife and little boy. They were due to return to Bristol the following day (Saturday)on which the inquest was held. - MRS LILIAN LEGGE, the widow, stated that they had been at Croyde on a visit since the previous Saturday. On Friday, at about 11.30 a.m., her husband went for a bathe at the Down-end portion of Croyde Beach. He was a good swimmer and had bathed in the same place two or three times before. He was in the water swimming and appeared to be coming back, when he suddenly disappeared about 12 yards beyond the rocks. Two ladies who were in the water cried for help, and Mr E. Shepperd, of Bristol, went out to try to assist him. By the time he got to the end of the rocks, however, LEGGE had been swept round the corner out of sight by the tide. It was only about three minutes after he entered the water that he was drowned. - The Coroner: Did you see a notice warning people about bathing in that part of the beach? - Witness: There is a notice there. - Mrs Sheppard, a visitor from Bristol, said she was paddling at the time. She saw deceased coming to bathe and spoke to him. Afterwards she thought he had gone out too far, and beckoned to him, shouting, "come in," but he replied that he was all right, so she turned away. When she looked back again, he was gone. - The Coroner: Why did you call him? - Witness: I thought he was beckoning to me. He was heading towards shore. My husband went out, but he was too late to save him. - The Coroner: Was the tide coming in or going out? - Witness: I think it was coming in. - A visitor stated that as it was high tide on that day at 11.30 a.m., it must have been just on the ebb. The tides at this time of the year were low. - Ernest Sheppard, of 60 Roseberry Park, Bristol, stated that he was on the beach bathing at about 11 a.m., and as he came out of the water at about 11.30, deceased passed him on his way to the sea. "When I came out of the tent" (witness proceeded)"I saw he was too far out, so I shouted to him to come in. He turned, but the current took him out past the rocks. I went out to the end of the rocks, but by that time he had disappeared round the corner towards Downend. I could not see anything of him." The body was washed up two hours afterwards, about 50 yards further towards Downend. Artificial respiration was attempted for two hours until Dr Traill arrived and pronounced life to be extinct. - The Coroner: Had you seen the notice put up to prevent bathing? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Had you bathed there before? - Witness: Yes, several times. - The Coroner: Have you ever felt the current? - Witness: Nothing to speak of. - The Coroner stated that when the tide was coming in it was dangerous to bathe at that particular spot, because of deep pits that occurred in unexpected places. Everything had been done that could be done. - Dr Traill said that he saw the body at 2.30 p.m. and artificial respiration was being applied - but without result. He examined the man, and saw that he was dead. The body had the appearance of death from drowning. There was no sign whatsoever of cramp and deceased must have just been dragged under by the current. There was no sign of any marks about him to indicate that he had hurt himself on the rocks and he (Dr Traill) thought the cause of death was suffocation by drowning. The man was in perfectly good health at the time and there was no question of his having a weak heart; he was a very good swimmer. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes, Suffocation from Drowning," said that that was one of those sad cases that they got almost yearly along our coasts and he was sure the sympathy of all would be extended to the widow and relations of the dead man. Everything that could possibly have been done had been done by Mr Shepperd and others who had helped. It was suggested that a life line should be kept at that end of the beach, but the Coroner pointed out that the authorities did not wish to encourage people to bathe there. There was a life-saving apparatus there, but it had been there for so many years that it was falling to pieces. There was a reliable one at the other end of the beach.

SAUNTON - Saunton Farmer Shoots Himself. Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind. - MRS LARAMY, wife of MR RICHARD LARAMY, of North Lobb, Saunton, was awakened early yesterday morning by a report as of a gunshot; and the son hastened downstairs to find in the yard at the rear of the house the lifeless body of his father, with a double-barrelled gun by his side. A doctor was at once summoned, but MR LARAMY was beyond human aid. MR LARAMY, who was 48 years of age, had been in ill-health for some little time. He had farmed North Lobb, of which he was the owner, for the past sixteen years and for his many sterling qualities was a man held in high esteem. For the bereaved widow and son general sympathy is expressed in the district. - At the Inquest before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MRS LARAMY, the widow, stated that her husband had been unwell for some time, suffering from nerves and depression. - The Coroner: Was there any serious cause for his depression? - Not at all that I know of. Nothing particular; only ordinary things. You know what it is in business; things do not go right sometimes. - "There would be very few of us left if we all worried like this," commented the Coroner. - MRS LARAMY, proceeding, said she retired about 10.30 on Tuesday evening and a little later called down to her husband in the kitchen to come to bed. He said he was sitting down reading the paper a bit. When she again called her husband replied that he would be up presently, and she then went to sleep. About 4 a.m. she was awakened by a noise, which she thought was the report of a gun. Witness called her son, who was accompanied downstairs by Mr Elliott, a visitor; and they afterwards told her what had happened. Her husband had never threatened to take his life. He owned the farm. - The Coroner: Was he in any difficulties about it, or was he worrying about anything in connection with the farm? - He was down in this low nervous state that everything worried him. Everything was going wrong; but there were not any difficulties, really. When in perfect health her husband battled with things, but in a farm there were things always going wrong. they had had things a bit against them this year, with sickness. - WILLIAM LARAMY, the son, spoke to finding the lifeless body of his father lying on the steps behind the house, with his head against the wall. His gun was near by. Everything was going on all right on the farm, but his father thought not. - Mr J. J. Elliott, staying at North Lobb with his family, stated his wife woke him that morning, saying she thought there was trouble in the house. MR LARAMY was lying on the steps as described, and there was a large quantity of blood near by. - Dr Wright, of Braunton, who was called about 4.30 a.m., stated that the whole of the vault of the skull had been blown off. Had attended MR LARAMY for mental depression; deceased had never shown any signs of suicidal tendencies. Last saw him on SAturday; he was quite rational in his talk. In accordance with witness' advice, he said he would dress and get up instead of remaining in bed all the time. Lying a little to the right of the body that morning was a gun, containing an empty cartridge. The cause of death was destruction of the brain. - P.S. Summers, of Braunton, who visited the scene with P.S. Eddey about 5 a.m., also spoke to the position of the body and the gun, and said a portion of the skull was blown 20 yards away. Witness found no note whatever. - MRS LARAMY, in answer to the Coroner, said she had also searched without result. - The Coroner remarked that it was one of those sad cases one met with only too frequently now. MR LARAMY was depressed apparently without any real reason. He appeared to have sat up all night meditating on whether he would take his life or not, and then ultimately decided to do so, with the result stated. There was only one conclusion - that deceased Committed Suicide by Shooting Himself, and that at the time he was of Unsound Mind.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 August 1924
BIDEFORD - The Bideford Motor-Cycling Tragedy. "Accidental Death." - At Bideford on Monday afternoon the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown resumed his Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of CEDRIC M. G. STONEMAN, a young Bidefordian, who sustained fatal injuries to the head in an accident while motor cycling on the Bideford- Clovelly main road on August 11th whilst on a weekend visit to his home from Chard, where he had latterly been working. - MR STONEMAN was formerly hon. secretary of the Kingsley District Association Football League, for three years and on his ill-fated ride had with him his fiancée, Miss Carrie Trott, daughter of Mr W. J. Trott, of Bideford, who was riding pillion. She was suffering so severely from shock, and some bruising, as to be unable to attend the Inquest on August 12th, and an adjournment had accordingly to be made for her evidence to be taken. - At the previous hearing, Mr L. Heath, a manufacturer's agent, of Richmond, Surrey, whose light car was involved in the accident, stated that on approaching the motor cycle near Hoop's School he sounded his horn to pass, and deceased appeared to pull in to his near side, leaving ample room for witness to go by, but as he was doing so deceased's front wheel swerved to the right, touching the left-hand mudguard of witness's car, thus causing the accident. - Miss Caroline Trott, deceased's fiancée, who was riding pillion astride, said at Mr Heaths car approached, MR STONEMAN was proceeding along the left side of the road at the rate of about 15 to 1 miles per hour. She considered the car struck the front of the motor cycle in passing, not throwing them off immediately. Both deceased and herself were thrown to the ground on the right side of the road. No horn was sounded by the approaching car, which she first noticed when practically up to them, but she made no communication to MR STONEMAN. Witness was not injured by the car. On going to deceased's assistance, he remarked, "Oh, Carrie, what have I done?" She considered the car had plenty of room to pass them, and said she had been in the habit of riding pillion for two years. MR STONEMAN, who was quite stunned, did not attribute any blame at the time to the driver of the car. - The Coroner: Do you consider Mr Heath was negligent in any way? - I should say he was, to pass as he did. - The Coroner: The road was quite clear in front of you? - Yes. - Questioned by Mr Goaman, witness said MR STONEMAN and herself knew the road well, but she could not say whether he knew of the existence of a ditch on the left-hand side. She did not notice MR STONEMAN pull in to the left, swerve, and strike the car. - How do you suggest Mr Heath was negligent? - In passing us as he did. - There was, as you say, ample room? - He did not sound his horn. - He might have done so and you might not have heard it? - There was no horn sounded. - How do you suggest the car came into you? You say it was the front wheel that struck the front mudguard of the car? - The car passed me all right. - If the car had run into you, you would have been the first person injured? - He ran into the front wheel of the car. - Witness further stated that MR STONEMAN tried to right himself. - Mr Goaman: Don't you agree it is rather dangerous riding pillion? - Not astride as I do. - You don't know whether your being on the back could not have upset the balance of the machine? - I did not try to get off the machine, but was thrown off. - Question: You do not suggest that the driver of the car was butting across the road/ - I should say the car turned slightly. - Mr Goaman: There was no reason why he should? - The road was clear. - Mr Goaman: I am suggesting it was your front wheel which swerved after Mr Heath had passed the back of your bicycle? - No. I say the car came across a little. - The Coroner suggested that if the car had struck the bicycle as stated by witness the effect would have been to throw the riders off the machine to the left. - George Glover, Hoops School, spoke to rendering assistance and mentioned that the County Council workmen had been filling up the ditch on the side of the road since the accident. - The Coroner, summing up, said Mr Heath on the last occasion declared he sounded his horn and that Miss Trott looked around. The Coroner thought the correct solution to the accident was that MR STONEMAN must have inadvertently just slightly turned his handles as Mr Heath was passing, and thereby touching the car. If the car had struck the bicycle as stated by Miss Trott, he would most assuredly have knocked MR STONEMAN to the left instead of which deceased was found on the right hand side of the road. Between the opening of the Inquest and today he had carefully considered the matter and he could not see that any blame attached to anyone. The driver of the car drove, he thought, in a reasonable manner. It was not suggested by anyone he was driving at an excessive speed and that he tried to cut in as some drivers did with danger. The road was clear and he had no reason to do that. The Coroner came to the conclusion that MR STONEMAN involuntarily turned his wheel and just clipped the mudguard of the motor car. That would be sufficient to make him wobble and before he could properly right himself again the cycle turned over to the right, throwing both riders off. He expressed sympathy with Miss Trott and the relatives and said he could not attribute any negligence to Mr Heath. The verdict must be one of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Tuesday, by Mr G. W. Brown, North Devon Coroner, into the death of WILLIAM EDGAR AUGUSTUS WOOLCOMBE, aged 50, of 63 St Brannock's Park, Ilfracombe, employed at the Osborne Garage, Northfield-road, whose death took place suddenly there on Saturday afternoon. - The first witness called was MRS GERTRUDE WOOLCOMBE, the widow, who identified the body and said deceased was a house decorator by trade and had been employed as a booking clerk at the Osborne Garage. He left home after dinner about two o'clock in his usual health. He was home for three days in January with neuralgia; he had also had a slight cough, but never complained of illness. - George White, in charge of the garage, said he saw deceased outside the garage talking to two ladies about 4 o'clock. He left them and walked back into the garage and sat down on a chair and almost immediately fell over. Witness assisted him and sent for Dr Fawckner Langridge. He had not complained of being unwell. - Dr Fawckner Langridge said he went to the garage in response to the call. WOOLCOMBE died within five minutes of his arrival. A post-mortem examination which he made showed acute congestion of the lungs, which caused syncope, due to a very degenerated heart muscle. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 September 1924
ILFRACOMBE - Motor Car And Bicycle Collide Near Lynton. Arlington Man's Sad Death. - As the result of an accident whilst cycling near Hunters' Inn on Tuesday in last week, MR GEORGE PARKER FOSTER, aged 58, of Arlington, died at Ilfracombe Cottage Hospital on Thursday. Through colliding with a motor-car, he was thrown from his machine, receiving severe injuries and being rendered unconscious. After being attended by Dr Manning, of Combe Martin, he was brought to Ilfracombe, where an operation was performed by Dr Soltau. - At the Inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Thursday evening, Joseph Henry Legg, motor driver of Ilfracombe, said he was going to Hunters' Inn with four passengers. At Old Stone Corner he sounded his horn and was on his left side. Just after getting round the corner he saw deceased. Witness was in third gear and going about 10 miles an hour. Deceased was free-wheeling, and had got hold of one handle-bar only. He had eight or nine feet of room in which to pass. Deceased was looking downwards. Whether he saw witness or not he could not say. - Mr Fredk. Sturgeon, one of the passengers in the car, thought deceased swerved as if taken by surprise as he got to the car. Witness did not hear any sound of the impact. He did not think the slightest blame attached to the driver. - Dr Soltau said deceased had a large scalp wound on the right hand side and a compound fracture of the skull with laceration of the brain. The injuries had been caused by contact with some protruding portion of the car. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said deceased had evidently been riding in a pre-occupied manner and did not awake to the fact that something was coming until too late. The car was going at a reasonable rate and no blame whatever attached to the driver.

NORTHAM - Sudden Death At Westward Ho! SIR GEORGE B. BUTLER. - SIR GEORGE BERESFORD BUTLER, late of Clifden, co. Galway, who had been staying for the past three weeks at "Rowena," Westward Ho!, made no answer when called on Monday morning and was found to have died in his sleep. - SIR GEORGE BUTLER was a member of the old family of Butlers of Cloughgrenan, whose baronetcy dates from the 17th century. Born in 1857, he was appointed in 1889 a resident magistrate in Ireland and held that office until 1921, in which year he received the honour of knighthood. He married in 1896 Rosabel Mary, only daughter of Capt. Charles Walker, of the 21st Fusiliers. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Northam on Monday evening. - Mrs Hutchings of "Rowena," said she went to call deceased at 7.30 a.m. She got no answer and asked Sir Wyndham Dunston, who was also staying at "Rowena" to go to SIR GEORGE, who was found lying dead. - Sir Wyndham Dunston said SIR GEORGE had remarked to him on Sunday that he never felt better in his life. - Dr M. W. Littlewood said death was due to uraemia following kidney disease. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BIDEFORD - Petersmarland Infant's Death. - After being fed with milk, CHARLES JOHN WATKINS, infant son of MR RICHARD E. WATKINS, day sorter, of Lower Lodge, Petersmarland, died suddenly at Bideford. At the time the mother, with the child, was on a visit to her sister, MRS COLE, of Myrtle-grove. The Inquest was held before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Thursday. - MRS WATKINS stated that the child appeared to be perfectly all right on the 26th instant, and slept all night. When it awoke about 7.30 she gave it a bottle of warm milk; but after taking the milk the child attempted to vomit. Witness called her sister, and they put the child in a warm bath of water, but it turned blue about the lips and died before the doctor could arrive. - Dr Wilson, who arrived about 8 a.m., said the child had then just died. - A post mortem examination revealed a portion of curdled milk in the trachea; this caused choking whilst the child was trying to vomit. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 September 1924
LANGTREE - The Langtree Tragedy. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Langtree on Wednesday evening in last week, relative to the death of JOHN HENRY VODDEN, 73, a retired farmer, of Thorn Farm, Langtree. - Thos. Pope (brother-in-law) stated that deceased had been living with him for the past twelve months since had had a stroke, following which he had never been the same in health. He suffered from the delusion that there was always someone coming for him. Deceased was missed on Monday afternoon and a search was made, but he could not be found and it was then thought he had gone to Torrington. Enquiries were made there, but he had not been seen. Further search resulted in his being eventually found hanging from a tree in the corner of a field, quite dead. - Mrs Pope said on Monday afternoon deceased enquired of her where her husband was working. He had nothing to worry him, but he had delusions. - A verdict of "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 October 1924
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Fall From A Cart At Tawstock. - MR CHARLES BENNETT, of Deer Park Cottages, Tawstock, labourer, in the employ of Mr Redford, at Park Gate Farm, passed away at the North Devon Infirmary on Thursday as the result of an accident sustained whilst at work on September 29th. The deceased was a man who was held in high esteem at Tawstock, and parishioners learnt of the sad news with profound regret, sympathy for the widow in her tragic bereavement being general. - At the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, Dr W. J. Harper, who was summoned to BENNETT'S house after the accident, stated that he found him sitting on a chair in the kitchen and he had completely lost the use of his legs. With the help of his chauffeur, witness got him up into his bedroom. BENNETT, who was in a state of collapse, told him he had fallen off a cart. Witness paid two visits the following day and found he was suffering from concussion and probably haemorrhage of the spine. Next day witness called in Dr Jonas, and they agreed it would be better for the injured man to go to the Infirmary. Nothing more could have been done for him. - MRS E. BENNETT, the widow, informed the Coroner that her husband had been employed at Park Gate Farm about five years. He left home on September 29th in his usual good health and spirits but about four o'clock was brought home in a cart. Her husband told her he was very ill and was going to die. - Ex-P.C. H. E. Tolley stated that on the date named Mr Bedford asked him to help load a cart with corn. He was assisting BENNETT with the fourth load about 3.30: deceased was treading the corn. As he (witness) moved the horse forward to another lot of corn he shouted to BENNETT to hold on, the reply being "all right." Witness had just stopped the animal three or four yards away, and was on the point of loading some more sheaves, when the horse again moved on. Heard BENNETT shout to the animal to stop and a moment later there was a bump on the ground. BENNETT fell back over the cart, about 6 ft. There was a very high wind blowing at the time. Witness could not say what made the horse move. Witness immediately went to BENNETT'S assistance and found him more or less unconscious. Asked if he was all right, he replied "I shall be all right in a minute or two." He further said it was the horse moving that caused him to fall. - Mr Wm. Bedford, of Park Gate, stated that he saw Tolley and BENNETT loading the corn. Heard someone shout to the horse and just as he looked around saw BENNETT toppling back over the cart. He thought BENNETT'S head must have struck the back of the cart, causing him to turn a somersault. After the accident, BENNETT said the horse moved, and he fell back. Aged eighteen, the horse was an ordinary farm animal, and very quiet. He (Mr Bedford) thought the horse might have moved on to get a mouthful from another shock of corn. Deceased was a good man - one of the best. - The Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 October 1924
BARNSTAPLE - Distressing Fatal Accident At Bishopstawton. Little Boy The Victim. - Accidentally knocked down at Bishopstawton about one o'clock on Friday by a motor lorry driven by Mr A. Darch of Landkey, HERBERT CLAUDE PICKARD, the 7 ½ year old son of MR H. H. PICKARD, of Fairview, Bishopstawton, died as the result of his injuries at the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday morning. The deceased was a bright little fellow and sympathy with the family in their bereavement is general. - At the Inquest before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr M. Hardy was Foreman, at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, MR PICKARD stated that he was at work at Sticklepath, when sent for on Friday afternoon. On the advice of Dr Jonas, he removed his son to the Infirmary, Mr Waldron kindly providing a car for the purpose. Deceased, a healthy and robust lad, was very careful and cautious. - Cyril James Lock, 13, stated that he and his little brother were in the road behind the Chichester Arms on Friday, when deceased came along. Told they were going to pick up leaves, PICKARD said he would come with them. He ran on a little bit and then stopped for them about 12 feet from the corner of the road known as Sentry-lane, leading from Bishopstawton to Landkey. PICKARD then started running down the steep hill towards the main road, when a lorry came up the hill on its proper side. Deceased tried to get past the front of the vehicle, but was knocked down, the left front wheel going over his stomach. Witness did not hear any motor-horn sounded; there were high stone walls at the spot. They did not see the lorry until they came almost on the corner; it was coming rather fast, but stopped within 16 ft. after the accident. PICKARD said nothing about the accident afterwards, but told them his father and mother were not at home and they took him to his grandmother's house. - MR PICKARD, recalled, said he asked his son whether he heard the car coming, the reply being "No, dad." - Albert Lock, the last-named witness's little seven-year-old brother, gave similar evidence. - Miss Blanche Tucker, living in Sentry-lane, stated that from the house she saw PICKARD running fairly fast down over the hill, which was rather steep. The motor lorry passed the window at the same time and then stopped, following the accident. Mr Darch, the driver of the lorry brought the little boy down the road in his arms. It was possible Mr Darch sounded his horn, but she did not hear it. She really did not take any notice. - By Inspector Leach: She did not actually see Mr Darch pick PICKARD up. Electing to give evidence, Mr Arthur Darch, miller, of the Mills, Landkey, stated that on Friday he was driving a one-ton Ford motor lorry, in which was 1 ½ cwt. of meal. Coming from the direction of New Bridge, witness sounded the hooter as he turned off the main road, and about half-way up the side road. It was a strong electric hooter. Witness slackened speed from top to bottom gear in front of the Chichester Arms, and should imagine he was going up the side road at about eight miles an hour. He was in about the centre of the road, when suddenly PICKARD came around the corner, it seemed like a flash and ran right in front of the lorry. Witness at once put on the brakes and pulled the lorry up in about a length. After stopping the engine, he went back to the boy's assistance. Lock, who as holding him up, said PICKARD had tried to crawl out under the car. Witness noticed some dust on the boy's chest, but did not think at the time that he was injured. After taking PICKARD to his grandmother's house in the lorry, he 'phoned from Bishopstawton for Dr Jonas, of Barnstaple. - In answer to Inspector Leach, Mr Darch said he had driven for about six months. - P.C. Tucker of Bishopstawton, stated that Mr Darch's signed statement to him after the accident agreed with the evidence he had given. The gradient at different points on the side road was one in twelve, one in twenty and one in six and the boy's speed in running would be accelerated when he came to the corner. The hooter of the lorry was in working order and the brakes were also in good condition. The width of the road varied from 19 ft. to 29 ft. 6 ins.; the lorry was 5 ft. ins. wide, and 13 feet long. - Dr H. Shirlaw, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that PICKARD was admitted to the Institution suffering from shock, but superficially one could see nothing wrong. A post-mortem examination, however, showed that death was due to rupture on the right side of the liver and haemorrhage. - Mr G. B. Oerton, solicitor, watched the interests of the deceased boy's family and put several questions to witnesses, being afterwards thanked by the Coroner for the assistance he had given. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a most distressing accident. Mr Darch had given his evidence very fairly, and the poor little fellow appeared to have run right out into the road without considering whether there was anything coming up the road or not. It was, perhaps, unfortunate that Mr Darch did not sound his hooter a little nearer the corner, but he did not think anyone could say he was going at an unreasonable speed under the circumstances. - The Jury, said the Foreman, came to the conclusion that death was Accidental and they also thought the driver of the lorry should be exonerated from any blame. The fact was that the child ran into the road so fast that nobody could be blamed for what occurred. All sympathised with deceased's parents in their bereavement. - The Coroner, concurring with the views expressed by the Jury, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - MR and MRS H. H. PICKARD and PERCY desire to Return sincere thanks to the many Friends who by Letter and in other ways expressed Sympathy in their recent great and sudden Bereavement; also for the beautiful Floral Tributes sent. - Fairview, Bishopstawton.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 November 1924
TAWSTOCK - Sad Tragedy At Tawstock. Retired Farmer's Accidental Death. - A sad tragedy was revealed at St John's Chapel, Tawstock, on Saturday morning, when the body of MR WILLIAM BERRY, a retired farmer, was found lying in about 3 ½ feet of water in a ditch. MR BERRY, who was 72 years of age, went to Barnstaple on Friday but failed to return home, and his relatives, becoming anxious, instituted a search, which was without avail until the discovery referred to was made. For the family in their bereavement general sympathy is expressed. - At the Inquest on Monday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Mrs Mary Jane Smallridge, a cousin, with whom deceased had lived for about eight years, spoke to his leaving to go to Barnstaple on Friday morning, and how he was taken in by a Mr Laramy who passed in his car. As he did not return in the evening search was made, but the body was not discovered until midday on Saturday. This witness identified the body. - William John Scoynes, of Tawstock, said he was going to Barnstaple about 6.30 on Friday evening and on Roundswell Plain, at a spot near where the body was subsequently discovered, saw a man sitting on the ground beside the road mumbling to himself. He did not speak to him, and on returning home the man was gone. - John W. Smallridge said that on examining the spot near which the previous witness had seen someone he found the body in the ditch. Deceased was lying face downwards in about three feet of water. - Dr Shaw, of Barnstaple, said there were a few superficial scratches on the face, but otherwise no injury, and in his opinion death was due to drowning. The scratches on the dead man's face might have been obtained when he was taken out of the ditch. - Detective-Constable Bulgin said there was £7 10s. in Treasury notes, two cheque books, besides silver and copper, in deceased's pockets. - A verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Elderly Lady's Death At Barnstaple. - At the North Devon Infirmary on Thursday, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Barnstaple Borough Coroner, inquired into the circumstances attending the death of MRS MARY AGNES BLANCHARD, aged 84, of 38 Queen-street. - MR ALFRED J. BLANCHARD, tailor, stated that his mother (the deceased) was fairly well on October 7th, but a little feeble on account of her age, and she had complained for years of giddiness. Witness was upstairs at work, when about 4.10 p.m. his little girl came running up and said "Granny has fallen on the floor." Going downstairs immediately, witness found his mother on the floor and thought she must have slipped on the linoleum. He lifted her on a chair and did not think at the time there was anything seriously wrong with her. Dr Thomas, however, was summoned and attended her until Friday, when he ordered her removal to the North Devon Infirmary, where she remained until her death. - MRS ANNIE BLANCHARD gave supporting evidence. - Dr Thomas stated that MRS BLANCHARD complained of pain in the right leg and he thought she had knocked it. Next day he found that the femur was broken. On the Friday he ordered MRS BLANCHARD'S removal to the Infirmary where he attended her. She had every care, but got worse, and died rather suddenly. In his opinion she died of shock supervening the fracture of the femur. - Dr Herbert Shirlaw, the House Surgeon of the North Devon Infirmary, said MRS BLANCHARD got very weak, but the end came rather suddenly. Her death was due to heart failure and partly to shock, due to old age. It was seldom that an old person recovered from a fracture of the femur. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 November 1924
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Suicide. Nurseryman's Tragic End. - Considerable sensation was caused at Ilfracombe on Monday, by the news that MR ROBERT HEDDON LEWIS, well-known as the owner of the Chambercombe Nurseries, had committed suicide in the early hours of the morning. - A sad story of insomnia and depression following a severe attack of influenza and pneumonia in the spring, was told at the Inquest held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Tuesday, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - The widow, MRS EMMA LEWIS, stated that deceased was 46 and they resided at 80 Chambercombe-road. Speaking with much emotion, witness said her husband had not been in good health for two years, and had had medical attention. They went for a walk together on Sunday evening, returning home about 10 o'clock. Deceased was very restless during the night, and got up several times. She begged him to lie still, but he did not do so for long. Between 5.30 and 6 he jumped out of bed and went over to the looking-glass. She did not see what he did. She did not see him take up a razor, for he had his back turned, but she instantly jumped out of bed and went to him. He fell on the floor with the razor in his hand. Witness took it from him. He had never threatened to take his life. He had suffered from sleeplessness for a long time. He had nothing to worry about, but he felt he had no strength to work as he wanted to do. He often complained of his head. - ROBERT H. LEWIS, a son, said he heard the sound of his father falling and went into the room. His father was lying on his back on the floor, and witness saw that he had cut his throat. Deceased was speaking, but witness said he could not remember what he said. Witness went to the Post Office down the road and got them to telephone for Dr Langridge, while his mother called ex-P.S. Pike, who lived close by. His mother had taken away one razor, but there was another in its case on the dressing-table. His mother tried to stop the bleeding with her hands. He had never heard his father threaten to take his life. - Ex-P.S. Pike spoke to being called and corroborated the last witness's statement about the second razor. He only saw one large wound on deceased's throat. He held deceased until the doctor came. - Dr Fawckner Langridge stated that he reached the house at 6.40. Deceased was lying on the floor and was conscious. He was very restless and had lost a great deal of blood. There was a deep gash in the neck, but the wind-pipe had not been severed. Owing to deceased's restlessness, which made it difficult to do anything for him, witness had him removed to the Hospital, but he died soon after reaching there. Nothing could have saved his life, in view of the injuries, unless a doctor had been on the spot at the moment he committed the deed; and even then it was doubtful if it could have been done, because deceased resented treatment up to the end. Witness had attended him for some time. He was suffering from extreme depression following influenza and pneumonia at the beginning of this year, the effects of which he had never quite got over. The sleeplessness was due to the depression. - Summing up, the Coroner said it was a particularly sad case of a man who had been ill and had never properly recovered. This caused the depression and he was unable to follow his occupation, which, again, caused sleeplessness. MRS LEWIS had done what she could, but it was a serious wound and bound to prove fatal. The verdict would be "Suicide by Cutting his Throat while of Unsound Mind."

BARNSTAPLE - Found Dead In Bed At Barnstaple. - STANLEY HERBERT JEWELL, aged 34, was found dead in bed at his lodgings, 10 Queen-street, Barnstaple, on Sunday morning. - Mrs G. G. Bennett, deceased's landlady, informed the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday that when JEWELL retired to bed on Saturday night he appeared to be all right. JEWELL occupied a bedroom with another lodger, who coming downstairs about 8.30 on Sunday morning in answer to witness said he was still sleeping. As JEWELL had not appeared shortly before eleven o'clock, witness went upstairs and called to him. There was, however, no reply, and on feeling his hand, which was outside the bedclothes, witness discovered that he had passed away. Witness sent for deceased's father, who was followed by Dr Gibbs. - MR WM. H. JEWELL, deceased's father, said his son had been very delicate, especially in his younger days. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, who arrived at the house shortly after midday, on Sunday, stated that JEWELL had then evidently been dead a good many hours. The post mortem examination showed death to be due to heart failure, accounted for by tubercular lung trouble of long standing. JEWELL must have passed away quietly after he had gone to sleep. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, and said MR and MRS JEWELL (who was confined to her bed through illness) would have general sympathy in this distressing event.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 January 1925
LYNTON - Lynmouth Resident's Sudden Death. - MR HENRY MOORE, boarding-house proprietor, of Nelson Cottage, Lynmouth, passed away with tragic suddenness on Saturday morning. Deceased, aged 59, was a highly esteemed citizen and the utmost sympathy is expressed for the family in their bereavement. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Lynton Town Hall on Monday, WM. MOORE, deceased's nephew, stated that on Saturday morning about 7 o'clock his uncle came across to his house to see if the tide was encroaching on their premises. MR MOORE then retired to his own house and shortly afterwards witness was called and told he had collapsed. Witness found him lying on the floor of the sitting-room apparently quite dead. He at once sent for Dr Cummings. - Miss L. Lanham, staying at the house, said about 7 a.m. on Saturday she and MR MOORE were in the sitting-room looking out of the window at the very high tide. Presently MR MOORE saw a very large wave coming and remarked "I believe it will come over the garden wall." With the same he collapsed and fell, and died immediately. - Dr Cummings stated that on his arrival life was extinct. A post mortem examination showed death to be due to angina pectoris. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXMINSTER - Mystery Of Barnstaple Man's Death. Found On Railway Trace Near Exminster: Inquest Adjourned. - Mr G. W. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, sitting without a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Railway Inn, Exminster, on Monday afternoon, on REGINALD HART, who was found lying dead on the G.W.R. line from Exeter to Plymouth, a short distance below Exminster on Saturday. The G.W.R. Company were represented by Chief Inspector Mapledoram (Traffic Department, Exeter) and Inspector Bowditch (Engineering Department). - Alfred Passmore, baker of 40 Gaydon-street, Barnstaple, identified the body of deceased, who, he said, was a general labourer and lived in Grosvenor-street, Barnstaple, with his grandmother, and was 20 years of age. Witness last saw him during the evening of Christmas Day. Deceased had enjoyed good health. Although he had known him all his life, witness had never seen any signs of his being intemperate, but knew he drank intoxicating liquor. HART had been unemployed off and on for some time, but was not worried by the fact, and had never suffered from lapse of memory. - Leonard Harris, labourer, of 6 Belle Meadow, Barnstaple, said he travelled from Barnstaple to Exeter with deceased, whom he knew well, on Boxing Day. Deceased was wearing a cap, but he could not say whether he had an overcoat. He said he was going to Exeter for the day, but witness did not know whether he had a return ticket. He was in normal health. At Exeter he left witness opposite a public house, but witness did not see him enter it. Witness called at a public house at 9.40 p.m. and found HART there, under the influence of liquor. On leaving ten minutes later witness said, "Don't forget the train, REG," and deceased replied, "Oh, I shan't miss the train." While witness was in the bar he heard deceased telling some women he was a Devonport man working at Devonport Dockyard, but witness made no comment on that. He was wearing a cap, but witness could not remember seeing an overcoat. Witness saw deceased produce two £1 notes and some silver in the bar. He could not express an opinion as to whether deceased was capable of looking after himself. - Wm. Madge, a ganger on the Great Western Railway, residing at Exe-view, Exminster, described how he found the body lying on the left-hand side of the down-line at the foot of the embankment, about a mile and three-quarters below Exminster Station. Deceased was lying on his back with his head towards Exeter and his legs doubled up. He was dead, cold and stiff and fully dressed, but had no cap or overcoat. Witness fetched a Constable and when they returned he saw blood under deceased's head which had evidently come through both ears. From the carriage door to the ground would be about 7 ft. there was a path beside the line made of ashes, and in it there was an indent about 10 to 12 feet from where the body lay, in the direction of Exminster, which might have been caused by the body falling. The spot where the body was found was about 4 ft. below the rail level and about 10 ft. away from the rail. Although witness made a careful search in the vicinity, he found no clothing or personal belongings. - P.C. Willis, of Exminster, deposed to making an examination of the body. There were, he said, injuries to the head and right arm, but no signs of a struggle. Witness found 4s. 7d. in cash on the body, but no pound notes or railway ticket. There were two trains which left St David's (Exeter) for Plymouth on Friday night - the 10.44 and 10.59. The Barnstaple train was due to leave at 10.55. - Dr John Hyde Iles said the right side of deceased's skull was badly fractured and blood had come from his ears and nose, indicating a fracture of the base of the skull. There was a small cut on the side of the skull and the right arm was dislocated. These injuries were consistent with his having fallen from a train, but not with his having been knocked down by a train. - Inspector Mapledoram said he had made enquiries and found there were no empty third-class compartments on either of the Exeter - Plymouth trains on Friday evening. - The Inquest was adjourned for a week to enable the Police to make further enquiries. - The Deputy Chief Constable of Devon is desirous of getting into communication with any persons who travelled by the 10.44 p.m. and 10.59 p.m. trains off St David's, Exeter to Plymouth, on the 26th December, and who may be able to give any information concerning the under-described man who was found dead on the railway at Exminster on the morning of the 27th inst: - REGINALD HART, aged 20 years, height 5 ft. 6 in.; full face, clean shaven; dress, dark grey mixture suit, black boots, nearly new, cap, soft white collar, blue tie and black and white scarf. Any information sent to the Deputy Chief at the Constabulary Headquarters, Exeter, will be appreciated. - The Funeral: - The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday), the interment being preceded by a service at the Grosvenor-street Meeting House, Mr A. Frayne, officiating. The immediate mourners were: Mr A. Passmore (uncle), Miss Marjorie Hart (sister), Mrs Thorne (aunt), Miss Eva Passmore (cousin), Mr and Mrs F. Hart (uncle and aunt), Mr H. Hart (uncle). Others present included a number of Bible class members of the Meeting House, Mrs Fewings, Mrs Huxtable, Mrs Peterson, Mrs Burgess and many others. The bearers were Messrs. F. Chugg. S. Stevens, F. Stone, B. Sprague, R. Stanbury, H. Guard, all members of the Conservative Club. The beautiful floral tributes were as follows:- With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Mock and family; From Alf, Edie and family; In remembrance, from past and present members of the Richmond Bible Class; from Grandmother and Marjorie; all at 6 Rolle-street, all at 23 Yeo Vale and 11 Holland-street; and the member of the Conservative Club. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr W. H. Hammett.

ILFRACOMBE - Elderly Lady's Death At Ilfracombe. - Much regret is expressed in Ilfracombe and district, at the death, following an accident, of MISS ANNE NORMAN, of 68 Fore-street, at the age of 72. Herself totally blind, MISS NORMAN had for years been accustomed to collect for the Blind Institution at Ilfracombe, her valued services being greatly appreciated. - At the Inquest at the Cottage Hospital on Monday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, BESSIE NORMAN, step-sister, stated that deceased had resided at 68 Fore-street, with Mr Winstone and his aunt, Miss Rudd. On the evening of the 23rd inst., her step-sister seemed very excited in regard to the receipt of a parcel of goods for Christmas from the Blind institution. Witness accompanied her home, but later was informed she had met with an accident, and was taken to the Hospital. She was quite unconscious and remained so practically until her death on the 29th instant. - Miss Rudd deposed that after MISS NORMAN retired upstairs about 9 p.m. on the 23rd inst., she heard her walking about her room for some little time. Presently, witness heard a noise as of something falling; and witness and deceased's nephew, (Mr Vanstone) found MISS NORMAN on the landing at the bottom of the second flight of stairs. Dr Soltau, who was sent for, ordered MISS NORMAN to be removed to the Hospital. - Dr Soltau spoke to finding MISS NORMAN unconscious. She had an extensive scalp wound at the back of the right side of the head and a contusion of the right forearm. He dressed the wounds. MISS NORMAN had received every attention. On a post-mortem examination, the heart showed signs of old-standing disease and the lungs evidence of chronic pleurisy. In his opinion MISS NORMAN had a fit of giddiness and fell downstairs. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NORTHAM - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday morning, on MR DAVID COUSINS, an old sailor, of 84, who lived alone in New-street, Appledore. On Saturday evening it was stated deceased called at a neighbour's to borrow matches about 10 o'clock. The following morning when a dinner, provided by Capt. Hobbs, of Myrtle-terrace, was sent up no response was forthcoming from the inside of the house. An entrance was forced and deceased was discovered lying at the foot of the staircase. Dr Valentine was sent for and could only pronounce life extinct. A verdict was given of "Accidental Death," namely, syncope, following a stunning blow received by falling downstairs.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 January 1925
EXMINSTER - At the adjourned Inquest at Exminster on Monday, on REGINALD HART, 20, general labourer, of Grosvenor-street, Barnstaple, (whose body was found on the G.W.R. line, between Exminster and Starcross at 10.15 a.m. on December 27th), no further light was thrown on the mystery; and the Coroner, remarking that it would not prevent the Police from investigating the case, returned an Open Verdict of "Found Dead."

NORTH MOLTON - "Death from Natural Causes" was the Coroner's verdict in the case of the 11-weeks-old child of MR G. R. LOCK, of The Stores, Northmolton. It was stated that the child was fed at 2.30 in the morning, but when the mother woke at half-past seven he was dead. The child had not been ill. The cause of death was an enlarged gland in the throat. - The Rev. E. Bell officiated at the funeral at Northmolton on Sunday afternoon of GILBERT WILLIAM, the infant son of MR and MRS RAY LOCK of the Stores. The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Lock (father and mother), Mrs Sampson (grandmother) Mr and Mrs W. Watts, Mr and Mrs Waldron (uncles and aunts), Miss Sampson, Mrs W. Westcott (aunts), Misses Crossman (cousin). Much sympathy is felt with MR and MRS LOCK in their bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 January 1925
GREAT TORRINGTON - Old Lady's Fatal Fall At Torrington. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquiry at the Torrington Cottage Hospital on Friday evening into the death of MARY ANN SHEPARD, aged 91 years. - CHARLES WILLIAM SHEPARD, only son of deceased, stated that his mother, who was a resident of the Town Alms House, on Monday evening fell down stairs. The following morning she was removed to the Hospital and she passed away that day about 1 p.m. - Elizabeth Smale, another aged resident of the Alms House, said about 8.30 on Monday last deceased was coming downstairs, when nearly at the bottom she tipped over. - With help she was carried to bed and a doctor sent for. - Dr F. Pridham stated on Monday, the 12th inst., about 9.15 p.m., he saw the deceased. She appeared in great pain and suffering from shock. From that time he thought she had dislocated a limb and the following morning he examined her at the Hospital and found she had fractured the neck of the thigh bone, an injury to which all old people were liable. In his opinion the cause of death was shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 January 1925
COMBE MARTIN - Inquest at Combe Martin. The Late MR R. R. H. OTTLEY. - The Inquest was held at Combe Martin on Thursday last by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on the body of RICHARD REGINALD HENRY OTTLEY, aged 60, a gentleman of independent means. - Wm. George Parkin stated that on the 16th December last he was going home at about 11 p.m.; when just outside "Glendoor House" he observed someone lying in the road. He went over and found it was a man lying unconscious. He called for help and a light and then found it was MR OTTLEY. He saw a bruise over his eye and there was blood on the road. Mr Evans, chemist, gave him restoratives, but he did not "come round," and they took him home and sent for Dr Manning. Dr Manning stated that he saw MR OTTLEY at about 11.30 p.m. He was then quite unconscious and was suffering from a large bruise on the side of his head and on the right eye. He attended him daily up to about a week ago, and he progressed favourably. Then, however, he got an attack of inflammation of the liver and peritonitis, and he gradually sank and died on the 20th January. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and in his opinion the cause of death was acute inflammation of the liver and peritonitis. - P.C. Boult said that on the day following the accident he saw MR OTTLEY in bed. He then said that he was walking down the street, when he suddenly fell off the pavement on to his face in the road. No one touched him, nor was there anyone near at the time. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and held that there was no blame attaching to anyone in any way. - The Funeral - The funeral took place in the Parish Church on Friday afternoon. A large number of personal friends of the deceased joined the funeral procession to the Church, where the service, which was a most impressive one was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. R. Seymour. The principal mourners were: - The Rev. W. B. Robinson, of London (brother), Mr and Mrs T. H. Rooke; their son and daughter and Nurse Board. The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass mountings and bore the inscription:- R. R. H. OTTLEY died Jan. 20th, 1925, aged 60. - The deceased had lived in the parish upwards of 25 years and will be greatly missed by the numerous visitors to the church in the summer months, as MR OTTLEY had a wonderful and accurate knowledge of things connected with the sacred edifice. He was of great assistance in collecting funds for the new peal of bells and also for the church clock.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 February 1925
BISHOPS TAWTON - Bishopstawton Widow's Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Council School, Bishopstawton, on Monday afternoon, relative to the death of REBECCA VICKERY, a widow, aged 84. Mrs Muxworthy of 2 Westacott Vilas, stated that she lived with deceased for seven years. On Sunday, MRS VICKERY appeared to be in her usual health, and witness saw her at about 4.30 p.m., lighting her bedroom lamp, but when downstairs she heard a noise and returning found deceased lying on the bed unconscious. Mrs Muxworthy called Mrs Isaac, a neighbour, but deceased died immediately. Dr F. L. Thomas, Barnstaple, said in his opinion, death resulted from syncope, due to senile decay. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Inquest. - The Inquest on the late MR JAS. JEWELL BRYANT, whose sudden death (as recorded by us last week) occurred on Wednesday evening, was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoon by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - MR W. H. BRYANT, nephew of the deceased, identified the body and said his uncle lived at 57 Fore-street, Ilfracombe and was a dairyman. He last saw him on Friday morning, when he appeared to be in the best of health. He was 71 years of age and had not been attended by a doctor for over 20 years. - Mr Chas. Harold Bourck gave evidence that he went with deceased to Combe Martin on Wednesday to take part in a clay pigeon shoot at Park Farm. MR BRYANT took part in the first sweepstake, but did not take part in any others, because he considered he was not good enough. He appeared to be in the best of health and was particularly jocular up to within a few moments of his death. They left Combe Martin about 5 p.m. in a car and it was about three minutes afterwards that MR BRYANT fell forward. They at once conveyed him to Dr Kennedy, who pronounced life extinct. He had not been exerting himself in any way. - Dr K. G. Yeo, who made a post mortem examination of the deceased, said the vessels of the heart were very degenerated and he thought death was due to syncope, following a sudden clotting of blood in the left artery. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly - that of "Death from natural Causes." - The funeral of the deceased gentleman took place on Saturday, the service being held in the Parish Church, the Rev. E. W. Perry officiating. The interment was made in the Parish Churchyard, Mr R. M. Rowe, C.C., reading the service of the Independent Order of Oddfellows at the graveside. The immediate mourners were Messrs. W. H. Bryant, A. Bryant, B. Bryant, G. Pine (nephews), Mr H. Braund (son-in-law), Messrs. W. Jewell and W. Redmore (cousins). -

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 February 1925
BIDEFORD - Tragedy At Bideford. - JOSEPH RENDALL, a haulier, aged 65 years, who resided in Meddon-street, Bideford, was on Sunday afternoon found hanging from a beam in his stables at the rear of the New Ring of Bells, Meddon-street. - The Inquest was held on Monday before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - Replying to the Coroner, the widow said she went through her husband's pockets when the body was found and did not think there was any harm - he was her husband. Asked why she made such haste, she said she did it without thought. There was nothing in the pockets except his purse, which she had not touched. There was no note. She did not know that there was anything worrying her husband except that his nerves were bad and he could not sleep. - ERNEST RENDALL, a son, said his father came to his house about 2.30 on Sunday and stayed about ten minutes. After kissing the children his father went away. He seemed quite cheerful with the children. Witness knew of no reason why he should take his life, except that his nerves were bad. He had been kicked by his horse and had been on sick-pay since a fortnight before Christmas. - John Luxton, who took the body down, said there was a pad of shavings between the rope and the deceased's chin. - Dr Anderson considered RENDALL had been dead several hours when he saw him at seven o'clock. He had evidently worried over the accident. - The Coroner said it did not seem deceased had anything to worry him or any unpleasantness at home, except that he had been laid aside through illness. He returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging."

SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Lady's Death. - MRS MARY ANN SMITH, 86, widow of an architect, living alone at 54 North-street, Southmolton, has died as the result of an accident. - At the Inquest yesterday, it transpired that the little daughter of Mrs Emily Robinson, on January 24th, went to see if MRS SMITH would like a little bit of dinner and looking through the keyhole, saw her lying on the floor. MRS SMITH said she had fallen downstairs and Dr Mortimer found a fracture of the left hip. Death, on Tuesday, was due to congestion of the lungs and heart failure. - Mr Coroner Brown, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," thought it most undesirable that old people should live by themselves.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 February 1925
PARRACOMBE - A Parracombe Tragedy. Man's Body Found In A Pond. - The mystery attaching to the disappearance of HERBERT JOHN JONES, a smallholder, of Parracombe, who had been missing for four days, was solved by the discovery on Thursday, of his body in Woolhanger Pond, about three miles from his home. Deceased, who had been alone for a lengthy period, was 52 years of age and a bachelor. - At the Inquest conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Friday, MRS BERRY, (JONES' sister) of Bickington, said she last saw her brother alive three weeks ago, when she visited him at his holding. She resided at Ranscombe, Wooda Bay, up to the 14th of January and used to visit him two or three times a week. She promised on the occasion of her last visit to come the following week, but had not been able to owing to the "'flu." When she last saw her brother he was quite all right and she knew of nothing to cause him to worry. - Mrs Bessie Davey, of Parracombe, said when on Sunday, February 15th, she called at the house about nine o'clock, she found deceased sitting by the fire and he appeared to be quite normal. - Mrs Mary Connack, of Parracombe, testified to JONES, between eight and nine a.m. on Sunday morning, calling at her house for his bread, which she had been in the habit of taking up for him. He mentioned he was not very well and said he could not get his food down his throat. He further said he did not want any bread until the following Thursday, as he still had some left at home. - George Crocombe, of Woolhanger, stated that he found the body about 5 o'clock p.m. on the 19th in Woolhanger Pond, which was not near the public footway. The body was in about eight feet of water and about 15 or 16 feet from the edge of the pond. He at once informed the Police, who recovered the body. - P.C. Abrahams said the body was fully clothes and his hat was lying alongside the pond. There was 15s. 4d. in cash in his pockets and three pipes and two pocket-knives were also found on him. There were no letters on the body. Deceased's watch had stopped at 7.7. - P.S. Holman said nothing could be found in the house to throw any light on the occurrence. - Dr j. M. Courtenay attributed death to suffocation through drowning. He had superficially examined the man's throat, but could find no trace of any serious trouble; there was a little inflammation, but no growth, as far as he could see. He had never attended deceased. - Deceased's sister here interposed that he had not had a doctor for several years. - The Coroner said it was one of those mysterious cases which occurred with great frequency nowadays. Reviewing the evidence, he said there seemed to be no reason whatsoever why the deceased should have taken his life. There were no evidences of difficulty. There was stock at the farm (about fifty sheep) and everything, as far as they could see, was going on well. His verdict, therefore, would be one of "Suicide by Drowning." - P.S. Holman said he should like to express thanks to the many friends who had rendered assistance in searching for the deceased. - The Funeral. - The funeral took place on Sunday last at the Old Churchyard. The Rector (Rev. E. E. Jackson) officiated. The immediate mourners were Miss Rosie Jones and Mrs L. Berry (sisters), Messrs. Sidney and Richard Jones (brothers), Mrs M. Jones and Mrs L. Jones (sisters-in-law), Mr H. Berry (brother-in-law), Miss Edith Jones (niece), Messrs. Albert, William, and Bert Jones and Bert Thomas (nephews), Mr Latham and Mr Jack Jones (cousins), and Mrs S. Antell.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - Chittlehampton Tragedy. Husband Found Hanging By Wife. - At Chittlehampton on Thursday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Enquired into the death of WILLIAM DYER, a gardener, aged 70, who was found hanging. - The widow stated that the previous morning, at 7.30 her husband brought her a cup of tea in bed and on going to the woodhouse an hour later she saw his body hanging from a beam. She let the body down and sent for assistance at once. Her husband had been in ill-health and worried because the wet prevented him from working. - P.C. Holmes spoke to trying artificial respiration for three-quarters of an hour without success. He made a search, but found nothing to throw any light on the tragedy. - Dr Mortimer, who had attended deceased for upwards of twelve months for pains in the legs, said he did not improve much. He seemed quite normal. - A verdict of "Suicide by Hanging" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 March 1925
GOODLEIGH - Railway Worker's Death At Goodleigh. - MR CHARLES FREDERICK KIDWELL, railway packer, of Cross Cottage, Goodleigh, died with tragic suddenness early on Sunday morning. Born at Shirwell and aged 42, MR KIDWELL had worked on the Lynton Railway for twenty years, being a highly-esteemed employee. For the widow and three children general sympathy are expressed. At the Inquest on Monday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MRS KIDWELL stated that her husband retired to bed about 10 p.m. on Saturday. She was in an adjoining room putting the children to bed, when she heard a noise and found that her husband had a fit. She gave him some brandy and subsequently called in a neighbour (Mr Norman) who went for Dr Shaw. Death occurred about one a.m. on Sunday. Her husband had been subject to fits for years, but had not been attended by a doctor since 1921. Dr Shaw, of Barnstaple, attributed death to heart failure, following exhaustion through successive fits; and "Natural Causes" was the verdict. - The interment took place on Tuesday afternoon, the 3rd inst., in Goodleigh Churchyard, the Rev. A. W. M. Drew (Stoke Rivers) officiating in the unavoidable absence of the Rector of Goodleigh. The immediate mourners were the widow, Mr and Mrs Kidwell (father and mother), Mrs Bonham (mother-in-law), Mr J. Kidwell (brother), Mrs Bessie Davie (sister), Miss Winnie Snell (step-daughter), Mrs E. Crook (cousin).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 March 1925
BISHOPS TAWTON - MR GEORGE THORNE, aged 73, formerly of Instow, lately residing at Bishopstawton, died on Saturday. At the Inquest it transpired that deceased was knocked down by a bicycle on December 27th, 1924, but death was due to general debility. Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" spoke of the carelessness with which boys rode bicycles in and out of Barnstaple.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 March 1925
ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Inquest. - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on MRS A. M. MATTHEWS, aged 46 years, widow of the late REV. CHAS. MATTHEWS. - The first witness was MISS E. MATTHEWS, daughter, who said they had been living in Ilfracombe since October 1923. On Saturday she was in the kitchen and her mother was in the wash-house, when she heard her mother call "ELLA, come here!" She found her mother on the floor. Witness called Mrs Price, a neighbour, and also telephoned for a doctor. Her mother was unconscious and never regained consciousness, but died the same day. She had not been unwell for some years; she had not been attended by a doctor for two years, when she underwent an operation for appendicitis. - Dr F. W. Langbridge stated that he saw deceased at 11.15 a.m. she was then unconscious and past help. She died the same afternoon. The lungs were intensely congested and full of blood-stained serum. Death was due to a pulmonary embolism. It was quite recent, and had nothing to do with the previous operation. Nothing could have been done for the deceased. - The Coroner said it was quite clear, from the medical evidence, that death was due to Natural Causes, and returned a verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 March 1925
ABERBARGOED, CAERPHILLY, WALES - Death Of An Old Barumite. - We regret to announce the death, under tragic circumstances, of an old Barumite, MR ALFRED A. RIDD, of 3 Pengam-road, Penpedowhal, Pengam, who passed away at the P.D. Workmen's Cottage Hospital, Aber-bargoed, South Wales, on the 16th instant. It was whilst following his employment, as a repairer, at the Penallta Colliery, that he sustained a small cut on his right thumb, on the 24th December last, which at the time seemed trifling, but subsequently proved fatal. Septic poisoning set in and on the 15th of February he was removed to Hospital, in a dangerous condition. After enduring three or four operations, in which his right thumb and left leg were amputated, he finally passed away. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The interment took place at Gellygaw Church on Friday last. Being a highly respected resident, the funeral was a very large and representative one. Deceased leaves a widow, two daughters, and a son - one of the daughters being married. Amongst the many floral tributes sent, was a large harp, with a broken string, from his sorrowing widow and family; a large anchor from the neighbours and a beautiful wreath from his Barnstaple relatives, Mr and Mrs H. Hall.

HIGH BRAY - A Highbray Tragedy. - WILLIAM ALFRED PRIDEAUX, farm labourer, aged 62, on Saturday afternoon, was found by his employer, Mr William Robins, hanging from a beam in a loft. - At the Inquest at Gratton, Highbray, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, Dr Seal stated that he had been attending deceased for bronchitis and signed him off as fit to re-start work again on Thursday, March 19th. - Arthur Chas. Dymond (son-in-law) said on Thursday he saw deceased after his return from the doctor and he seemed a little upset, saying his master had complained to him of his not being always available for work. After a short talk, deceased seemed all right. - William Robins said deceased had worked for him for about five years, and often stayed at home ill. He had merely pointed out to him how inconvenient it was not having a man on whom he could always depend to do his work when he was busy. He thought deceased had been failing a good deal of late and could not really do a full day's work. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging, whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 April 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death Of MR L. W. WALLIS At Barnstaple. - A painful sensation was caused at Barnstaple on Sunday, when it became known that on returning from Goodleigh Church (where he had played the organ at the morning service), MR LEONARD WILLIAM WALLIS, newsagent and stationer, of Church Corner (Butchers' Row) had died with tragic suddenness. Aged 63, and a native of Wormleighton, Warwickshire, MR WALLIS had resided in North Devon for a good half of his life. He first lived at Clovelly, where he was organist of the Parish Church, and he had resided at Barnstaple for the past twenty-seven years. A man of most genial disposition, MR WALLIS took the keenest interest in the affairs of the municipality, identifying himself with many institutions in the town and district. A Churchman, he had at different times acted as organist at Fremington and Swymbridge Churches and at other churches he was accustomed to give temporary help which was greatly appreciated. In politics MR WALLIS was a Conservative and an active worker at Barnstaple Conservative Club. He was the Secretary of the local branch of the Newsagents' Federation. To the widow, two sons, and daughter, the sympathy of the townspeople goes out in fullest measure in their terrible bereavement. - Opening the Inquest on Monday, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, said he had known MR WALLIS for a great number of years, and he respected and liked him very much. He voiced the general sympathy with the widow and family. - MRS ELLEN WALLIS, the widow, stated that just after Christmas, her husband complained of a pain in his chest but this passed off. On Sunday morning about 10.15, he cycled to Goodleigh Church to play the organ, deputising for the wife of the Vicar, who had been very ill. On returning about a quarter to one, her husband said if it had been up hill instead of down he should have had to lay in the hedge as he felt so bad in his chest. After having a little brandy, he said he felt almost right again. He had just commenced dinner when, in her temporary absence, he collapsed in her son's arms, death occurring in about ten minutes. - NORTON J. H. WALLIS deceased's son, also gave evidence and Dr A. J. Kendrew, who was summoned on Sunday, expressed the opinion that death was due to angina pectoris. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" said nothing could have been done to save MR WALLIS'S life.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 April 1925
SOUTH MOLTON - A Southmolton Fatality. Well-Known Sportsman Killed. - We regret to record the death of MR CHARLES WILLIAMS, provision merchant, of Southmolton, which occurred on Sunday evening, following an accident. About four o'clock in the afternoon MR WILLIAMS was walking on the Barnstaple road, near the foot of Deerhills, in company with his daughters, MRS ELLIOTT and MISS DOROTHY WILLIAMS and MR ELLIOTT. The party was walking abreast. Behind them was Mr James Richards of Charles, who was riding a bicycle. On approaching, Mr Richards rang his bell. The others turned in, but it appears that as he was about to do so, MR WILLIAMS looked back and was knocked violently on the side by the handle-bars of the bicycle, falling on the back of the head. MR WILLIAMS was picked up unconscious and obviously seriously injured. The cyclist, who was thrown off, also received injuries. - The proprietor of an extensive and successful business, MR WILLIAMS was well-known as a sportsman. On the previous day he attended the first meet of the Dulverton Foxhounds at Northmolton, being in the saddle from 10 till 5. formerly he hunted with Southmolton Harriers. For many years he acted as clerk of the scales at Southmolton Races. The earliest record of a local football match of importance was between Southmolton and Devon County (now West Buckland) School, on February 8th, 1872, when he played a good game for Southmolton. MR WILLIAMS was a Churchman and Conservative and a man of excellent business capacity. His wife pre-deceased him on February 17th, 1923. - The Inquest. - On Tuesday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Southmolton, concerning the death of MR WILLIAMS. Evidence of identification was given by MR FRANK WILLIAMS (son), who stated that the deceased was 77 years of age. - Evidence was given by JOHN ELLIOTT (son-in-law), P.-Sergt. Venton, MISS DOROTHY WILLIAMS, James Richards and Dr Mortimer. - Summing up, the Coroner said it was a regrettable accident. The evidence showed clearly that it was a pure accident and that there was no wilful or dangerous fast riding on the part of Mr Richards. It appeared that MR WILLIAMS and members of his family were walking in the middle of the road, as they were perfectly entitled to do. The cyclist, who approached from behind, rang his bell, as he should have done, and he did not appear to have been going at an excessive speed. The bell was heard by three of the party and MISS WILLIAMS called her father's attention to it. He hesitated and then turned round. The cyclist thought there was room for him to pass, but owing to the deceased turning round and being unable to make up his mind which way to move, the cyclist ran into him. the impact could not have been very great and the cycle could not have been travelling at any very great speed because there were no bruises on deceased's body, and the cyclist was not thrown off heavily: he was merely thrown against a hedge and was able to put out a leg and save himself. He (the Coroner) thought the accident occurred in that way - MR WILLIAMS not having heard the bell the same as the other members of the party did, and having his attention called to the cycle, hesitated which way to go, and unfortunately he was caught by the handle-bars and thrown to the ground. It was unfortunate that he should fall on the back of his head which fractured the base of the skull. He was attended by Dr Mortimer and everything possible was done for him. - The verdict would be "Death from Accidental Causes." No blame attached to the cyclist in any way whatsoever; he was riding carefully and did the correct thing in making his presence known. Thinking that everyone heard the bell, he was proceeding to pass. Unfortunately the deceased hesitated at a fatal moment. He had said that the party was walking in the middle of the road, as they were justly entitled to do. There seemed at times an impression that the road was meant for vehicular traffic. That was not so. Pedestrians, as well as vehicles of every description, could use the road; but they must all do so in a careful manner, and not to the detriment of anyone else who might be using it. There was an impression "Why can't people keep on the footpath?" but that was not necessary at all. Everyone was entitled to the King's highway. They must, however, use it in a fair and reasonable manner - as Mr Richards was doing. It was a pure accident.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 April 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Well-Known Barnstaple Man Hangs Himself. A Sad Story. - A painful sensation was caused at Barnstaple on Tuesday afternoon, when it became known that MR ARTHUR REED EASTON, of Victoria-road, a well-known resident and a familiar figure in the borough for many years, had taken his life by hanging. Aged 67, MR EASTON was formerly a solicitor's clerk, and latterly, until ill-health intervened, had acted as an accountant. MRS EASTON died some years ago, and a son and two daughters are left. - The Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Supt. Shutler and inspector Leach being also present. - MISS PAULINE EASTON, daughter, stated that she last saw her father alive about 3.30 the previous afternoon, when he left a room in order, as she thought, to go into the garden. About five o'clock, she went to tell him there was a letter for him, and she found him in the lavatory hanging from a beam dead. She went for assistance and cut him down. Since an illness last October, when she believed he had a slight stroke, he had threatened to take his life, but she did not pay serious attention to what he said, as she did not think he had sufficient nerve to do it. - The Coroner understood MR EASTON had had a seizure when in the street and in a letter which had been found he wrote of his disease as incurable and said he might live for years, or go suddenly - he was hoping the latter. - Witness replied that her father had suffered from a nervous complaint. The doctor had stated he was not sure what it was; sometimes her father was restless and depressed. Since his illness he had been unable to go out as much as formerly and had lost touch with people for whom he did work. He had not been able to get much to do, and that had preyed on his mind. - The Coroner: As he had no work and no particular private means his circumstances were somewhat straightened? - He was really destitute. Had her father been well and in his right mind he would have been the last man to have done such a thing. Before his illness he had never threatened to commit suicide. The previous day, after dinner, he seemed very depressed, but after speaking to her for some time he was more composed and normal again. - A letter read by the Coroner, witness said, was addressed to a former governess. In it he spoke of his illness and said he would have to go into lodgings. The letter proceeded:- "I have not done a stroke of work since last October. Consequently, there is no money coming in and I have no provision for old age." - The Coroner added that on the back of an envelope deceased had written: "To my darling PAULINE. I cannot stand this awful worry of my illness and no work to do any longer." This, the Coroner said, was written on Easter Sunday night. - Robt. A. J. Savage, retired Army officer, and next-door neighbour, said MR EASTON was rather depressed and always pessimistic. On Sunday night he said something about not knowing what the end would be for him. Witness also spoke to being called by MISS EASTON the previous day. After the body was cut down he fetched the doctor. - Dr J. C. Dixey was of opinion that MR EASTON had been dead for about an hour when he was summoned. Death was due to suffocation and he should say, having regard to his depressed condition, that his mind was unbalanced at the time. - P.C. Eady stated that he found on the body the note (addressed to the daughter) which had been read. The rope was simply wound several times round the beam and was not tied. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind," said the circumstances were very sad indeed and he was sure he was expressing the general feeling when he said they sympathised very greatly with the family in their distress.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 April 1925
BIDEFORD - Fatal Fall At Northam. Sad Death Of MR W. H. WORTH - We much regret to report that MR WILLIAM HENRY WORTH, of 3 Searle-terrace, Northam, met with a fatal accident whilst at work in the garden of his employer, Mr C. S. Carnegie, at "Clevelands" on Friday. MR WORTH was washing the rockery just above a green-house, when his foot slipped from a board he was standing on, and he fell head first through the glass. He was immediately taken to Bideford Hospital, where he was attended to by Dr Littlewood, but succumbed to his injuries early next morning. Deceased, who was 62 years of age, had been in Mr Carnegie's employ for 39 years, and was an active member of the Northam Flower Show Committee. He leaves a widow, for whom much sympathy is felt. - At the Inquest on Monday, William Henry Turner, who was working with the deceased at the time of the accident, said that MR WORTH remarked that the board was not safe, and was turning round to get off when he either over-balanced or his foot slipped and he fell. - Frank Braund, mason's labourer, of Northam, said he was working a little way away from the garden, when he heard a crash and on running into Mr Carnegie's garden saw deceased sitting on the ground. The only words he said were: "I want to lie down." - Dr Littlewood said he saw WORTH on his admission to Hospital and an operation was performed to relieve the pressure of blood on the brain. He died at 3.30 next morning, the cause of death being compression and laceration of the brain. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr H. R. Bazeley watched the proceedings on behalf of Mr Carnegie.

BARNSTAPLE - Tawstock Labourer's Sad Death. The Inquest. - MR HENRY BIRD, aged 58, an esteemed agricultural labourer, of Bridgetown Cottage, Tawstock, expired in the North Devon Infirmary, on Sunday, as the result of an accident sustained near Newbridge, Bishopstawton, the previous day. BIRD was cycling at the time, and the motor car involved in the accident was driven by Mr Jas. Putnam, of Farrington House, near Exeter. Mr Putnam, who was returning home with his two young sons after a motoring tour, at once placed the man in his car and drove him to the infirmary after the accident. - At the Inquest before the Barnstaple Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury, of which Mr M. Ffoulkes, J.P., was Foreman, on Tuesday, Supt. Shutler watched the proceedings for the Police, Mr M. J. McGahey (Exeter) representing Mr Putnam. - MRS ANN BIRD, the widow, stated that her husband had been a farm labourer, in the employ of Mr G. Lovering, of Wick Farm. He had had a bicycle for some years, knew the road well and at the time of the accident was on his way to a sale at Bishopstawton. - Mr Putnam said he was driving his car towards Exeter at a speed of about 15 to 20 miles an hour and finding there were a lot of corners on the road, started to charge his electric horn. On approaching the corner where the accident occurred, he sounded his hooter and at the corner hooted again. Immediately he got round the corner he saw the man on the bicycle, who was on his wrong side and had, apparently, not heard the hooter or seen the car. Witness saw that if he kept on he was bound to go over him, and, naturally, he swerved to the right side of the road. He thought he had missed the man, but the bicycle wobbled and deceased seemed to lose control and fall, as he (witness) got the car by him. The cyclist was riding about a couple of feet on the wrong side of the road. Witness stated, in answer to Mr McGahey, that when he saw deceased they were only about 10 to 15 yards apart. The man could not have crossed to his proper side; had he stopped on his wrong side nothing would have happened. - James Eric Putnam, aged 15, the previous witness's son, corroborated his father's statements. - P.C. Tucker said he had noticed a mark on the car, which he should think was made by the bicycle. - The House Surgeon of the North Devon Infirmary, Dr. A. L. Cowen, said deceased recovered consciousness within a few hours of the accident, and he (witness) thought he was doing well. On Sunday night, however, the man died from haemorrhage and a post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the inner part of the skull. There was no evidence of a fracture on the outer table. There were no signs which would lead him to think the man had been struck by the wheel of the car. - WILLIAM BIRD, a son of the deceased, said he was with his father on Sunday afternoon, but the only statement the deceased made was "I shan't be out for a day or two." Nothing was said about the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and were unanimously of the opinion that no blame attached to Mr Putnam. - Mr McGahey expressed the deep regret of Mr Putnam and said that although there was no liability, Mr Putnam was prepared to meet all expenses in connection with the funeral. - The Jury also expressed their sympathy with the bereaved family and gave their fees to the widow.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 May 1925
LYNTON - Motor Disaster On Countisbury Hill. One Lady Killed: Four Others Injured. - The picturesque and beautiful, but long and dangerously steep descent to Lynmouth, known as Countisbury Hill, was about 8.30 on Thursday evening the scene of a shocking motor accident, as the result of which one lady sustained fatal injuries, whilst the remaining four members of the party were more or less seriously injured. Driving a Ford car, JOHN ALBERT GARBETT, Insurance Manager of 47 Grange-road, West Bromwich, was on his way to Ilfracombe for the purpose of attending the annual conference of the Royal Liver Society at Ilfracombe, when by some means the vehicle got out of control in descending the hill. Travelling at a great pace, the car, on reaching the bottom, dashed against the wall at the entrance to Manor House, and bounding struck the wall on the other side of the road, which guards the wall of Lyndale Bridge. - The impact was terrific and two ladies were hurled over the wall into the river Lyn, the remaining three being thrown against the wall and very badly injured. The car, which turned completely round after striking the wall, was a total wreck. - Help was soon available and the ladies were rescued from the Lyn, one having been carried some distance by the current. - MRS GARBETT expired on the way to the Cottage Hospital and others injured were: - LILIAN GARBETT, fractured right thigh. Mrs Slimm, both legs broken. Nellie Vera Butler, slightly grazed and suffering from shock and bruising. JOHN ALBERT GARBETT, serious scalp wound and slight concussion. - On Friday, Mrs Slimm and MISS GARBETT were conveyed to the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple for the purposes of an X-ray examination and on inquiry on Saturday it was elicited that they were making as good progress as could be expected under the circumstances. - Interviews. - Eye-witnesses of the occurrence were interviewed by an "Express and Echo" (Exeter) representative on Friday morning. - Mrs Rudall, wife of a gardener, living at Glen Lyn Lodge, stated that she was standing by the Lodge gates, which faces the bottom of Countisbury Hill, on Thursday evening, waiting for her husband, when suddenly a car dashed round the bend at the foot of the hill and crashed into the pillar at the end of the Walk, at the entrance to Manor House on the right-hand side of the road. It re-bounded into the road and finally stopped, a complete wreck, against the parapet of the bridge spanning the river Lyn. The car did not overturn, but swung right round, coming to a standstill with the engine facing the hill. "I screamed," said Mrs Rudall, "For the sight was awful. I saw one of the occupants of the car, a lady, shot right up into the air by the force of the impact and drop into the Lyn, but I did not notice the little girl, who also was thrown into the river. It all happened so suddenly and was so terrible that I could not tell you what else happened." Mrs Rudall added that she went to call her husband, who was only a few yards distant, but he had also heard the crash, as also did a number of other people, who promptly ran to the spot and rendered every help possible. All the occupants of the car were thrown out. Mrs Rudall added that it was extremely fortunate that there was no-one or any other vehicle at the foot of the hill at the time, for they could not have escaped, so suddenly did the car appear. - The terrified shouts of the occupants of the car, as it careered down the hill, were heard by a number of people in the vicinity. Messrs. Tom and Charles Bevan, who reside near the foot of the hill, were amongst the first on the scene, and the latter got down into the river. He was attending to MRS GARBETT, who had evidently been hurled against a boulder and was severely injured, when he observed the arm of the child, as it was being swept down the Lyn. At that moment, Mr Samuel Watts, a master baker, who also lives alongside the Lyn, and Mr Slann, went to her rescue and Mr Watts succeeded in bringing her to the bank about 60 yards from where she was shot into the stream. - Inquest Opened On MRS GARBETT. - The Inquest on MRS GARBETT was opened at Lynton on Saturday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. Mr K. S. McClare, Assistant Engineer, Ministry of Transport (Roads Department, Exeter) watched the proceedings on behalf of that body. Supt. Shutler, Devon Constabulary, was also present. - Evidence of identification was given by ERNEST GARBETT, of Birmingham-street, Oldbury, a brother-in-law of the deceased, aged 44. He said his brother was visiting North Devon to attend the Conference of the Royal Liver Friendly Society at Ilfracombe. He had seen his brother, who is in Hospital at Lynton, suffering from scalp wounds and he had told him that the brakes of the car acted all right on the journey down from West Bromwich until he got to Countisbury. When he started descending the hill he applied his brakes, but found they were not controlling the car. He kept the car going practically to the bottom, and then he did not know what happened until he found himself in Hospital. He did not say what gear he descended the hill on. His brother had been driving for about ten years, and witness understood he had had this car for about a year, but he did not know whether it was new when he bought it. - Supt. Shutler said as far as he could gather, the car must be four or five years old. - Linda Jones, living at 2 Watersmeet-road, Lynmouth, said she was walking down Countisbury Hill on Thursday night, about 7.46, and when near the bend at the bottom, her attention was attracted to an oncoming car by screams. She looked back, saw the car approaching and sprang into the hedge. As it was travelling at a furious rate and coming straight towards where she was walking, she was afraid she would be knocked down. The car was on the side opposite to the cliff and she could not see what the occupants were doing. It was like a flash when the car passed by. Later she heard a crash, but she could not see anything as the bend obscured her view of Lyn Bridge. She could not say whether the occupants of the car were standing up or not. - Joseph Barratt Stennett, of London, on a visit to the district, said he was standing by a window of the Lyndale Hotel, about 7.45 on Thursday evening, when he heard a "tearing" sound, saw a cloud of dust, and objects fly into the air. A motor car went up into the air and swung around, the engine facing up the hill. Something went over the bridge into the Lyn, but he did not know it was deceased. Witness ran out and rendered assistance. - Dr A. P. Cummings spoke to being called and finding deceased on a stretcher. She had a contused forehead, a fractured wrist and two fractures of the right leg and was then in a dying condition. She passed away on the journey to the Hospital. Death was due to a fractured pelvis and internal haemorrhage. The little girl was practically unhurt. Dr Cummings said steps should be taken to prevent the congestion on Lyn Bridge, as there would be a frightful smash one day. If a car had run down the hill after the accident between 200 and 300 would have been injured, as they could not have got out of the way. - Dr Courtenay said he came down the hill three-quarters of an hour after the accident, and there were about 100 people on the bridge. Witness also complained of the London newspaper men telephoning late at night to the Hospital for information. The Hospital was small and there was a small staff and the bell could be heard all over the place. - The Coroner remarked that the telephone was a necessary evil. - Supt. Shutler said with regard to people congregating on Lyn Bridge notices might prove effective, but it might not be possible for a Police Constable to reach there immediately. On arrival they did what was necessary. If they had to send a Police Constable to every danger spot they would have to increase the Force, and instead it had already been cut down. They were doing the best they could with the numbers at their disposal. - The Coroner said the husband of the deceased was unable to attend, and according to Dr Cummings he could not give evidence for another week. Mr Brown expressed sympathy with the relatives. He could not say definitely the cause of the accident until the Inquest was complete and he had heard what the driver of the car had to say about it. He had had the car examined by an expert, who would be called and would be able to tell what its condition was as well as that of the brakes. This would pretty well explain the cause of the accident. Perhaps the Press would take notice of the remarks made by Dr Cummings. - The Inquest was adjourned to May 27th at 12.30.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 June 1925
LYNTON - Jury's Verdict In Countisbury Hill Inquest. "Insufficient And Misleading Signs." Banking Of Road Recommended. - The resumed inquest on the body of MRS EMMA GARBETT, aged 44, wife of MR JOHN A. GARBETT, Insurance manager of Grange-road, West Bromwich, who was killed in a motor accident which occurred whilst descending Countisbury Hill, near Lynton, on May 14th, was held at Lynton on Thursday. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the outset of the proceedings said he thought it was advisable to empanel a Jury, as this was not the first accident that had occurred on this Hill, and in case the Jury should wish to make a report, if they thought it advisable, for the safety of the public who visited the locality by that road. - The Evidence. - Alfred Cook, a local motor engineer, who examined the car and produced portions of the brakes which he had dismantled, said the first speed and reverse, together with the brake on the back wheel, were out of action. The car had no effective mechanism for stopping. The brake and speed bands were worn out. The first speed was burnt and the reverse was half burnt, and was not sufficient to be any good. The back brake was in a rusty condition and had never been properly in action. - The Coroner: Had it been working at all? - Not for some time. - Witness went on to say that the brakes were lined with ordinary Ford canvas, which he did not consider sufficient for hills such as Countisbury. He thought that when the car got to the top of Countisbury Hill it must have practically been out of control. - The Coroner asked whether the gear would have been affected by ascending Porlock Hill, and witness said there would be a certain amount of slip in the first speed, which would have worn it very considerably. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said on a hill like Countisbury, the brakes as they were may have held a little, but one could not possibly have pulled up with them. The car would gather speed. - Mr W. Jones, a Juryman, said in his opinion if the brakes were out of order on the top of the hill an accident would have occurred before it had gone two miles. Witness said there would be a certain amount of grip on the reverse, but it was not sufficiently effective to stop the car. - Mr G. F. Lefroy said he supposed this canvass stuff wore very easily and witness agreed that it did on long hills. Witness said local people used Ferodo brake lining, which he recommended for use on this sort of hill. - Supt. Shutler said the ordinary linings were all right for flat country, but, in his opinion, not for use on hills two miles long. - Mr Tom Bevan said as a motorist and with great experience of visitors coming into that district, he did not think the existing notices on the hill were proper or suitable to give real indications of the nature of the hill to strangers. He suggested that, in addition to the danger notices at the top, which gave the gradient of one in 4 ½, there should be another on reaching the more level portions, stating that the hill was not yet over and further down there should be a warning to drivers to go into bottom gear. Motorists generally got into low gear at the top on seeing the A.A. sign, and on finding the descent was gradual they got into high gear again and then suddenly found themselves in the more dangerous part. The general opinion amongst local motorists was that if a notice was placed by the entrance to Mr Strick's drive, warning motorists of the very steep descent and that they should drop into low gear, it would serve a useful purpose. Witness said the trouble was that they saw the danger warnings on all sorts of hill which were not nearly so steep as Countisbury, and were likely to be careless. - P.C. Perriam said there was A.A. sign at the top of the hill, another 300 yards below and on reaching the steep part just below Mr Strick's house there were three notices stating the gradient. There had been no complaints as to any insufficiency of notices. - JOHN GARBETT, husband of deceased and the driver of the car, said he had it in September 1923 and it was dated two years prior thereto. He made the journey via Porlock and came up the drive route on low gear. The car worked perfectly until he got to the last bit of Countisbury Hill. He saw the notice and the car was under perfect control until reaching 100 yards before where he crashed. He always used his low gear on hills and did so on this occasion. On reaching the last portion he found the car was gaining speed and that his brake was ineffectual, and he was utterly amazed. The brake acted slightly at first and then the car got ahead. He tried to reverse, but that seemed to have no effect. He told his daughter he believed the brakes had given out. He remembered struggling to keep the car in the middle of the road. The hub of the wheel and wing caught the side of the wall as he was taking a wide sweep to get around the bend at the bottom and that was all he remembered. His brakes were re-lined at Christmas and he had not used the car until April 1st. He had been about a good bit before commencing his journey and amongst the hills he took was the Snowden mountain path about three weeks previously. The brakes were re-adjusted before he left home and he was absolutely amazed to find that the brake linings taken out by Mr Cook were not of Ferodo, as he had this material put in by his brother-in-law in his own presence. Since then, however, the car had been in another garage for repairs, but he gave no instructions for anything to be done to the brakes. - Mr Cook said there was no doubt that the linings he found were not Ferodo and MR GARBETT said it was a mystery to him. - Replying to a Juryman, MR GARBETT said if it had not been for the acute bend at the bottom of the hill he could have steered the car across the bridge and had the road been banked he thought he could have got round. - Answering Supt. Shutler, witness said he found the bottom gear slipped on Porlock and this would account for its not holding when he came to the steep portion of Countisbury. - The Coroner said the evidence of Mr Cook and MR GARBETT clearly showed the cause of the accident. It was a terrible thing for MR GARBETT to find he was driving with brakes with another material to that which he saw put into them. He thought the condition of the brakes was sufficiently accounted for by the journey up Porlock. That finished all there was to be finished in them. The Coroner added that he thought they were all perfectly agreed that Countisbury Hill was perfectly safe to descend if approached in a proper manner. If people came down too fast and did not get into lower gear at the proper time, cars very soon got out of control and brakes burned out, and then they were lucky to escape a very serious accident. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," with no blame attaching to anyone, and expressing sympathy with MR GARBETT, the Jury added a rider that they considered the signs on Countisbury Hill were insufficient and misleading and urged that action should be immediately taken to remedy the matter. The bottom of the road, they thought, should be banked, the corner taken off and the bridge widened on the lower side. The Jury regretted, and felt very strongly on the matter, that the Ferodo linings were changed for other linings, and this, it appeared from the evidence, must have happened at the garage where the engines were overhauled and unknown to the owner. - The Coroner said he quite agreed with the verdict and would forward it to the proper quarter.

BIDEFORD - An Appledore Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr George W. F. Brown, at the Inquest on CAPT. R. H. HOOPER, of 4 Richmond-road, Appledore, who died at Bideford Hospital on Sunday last, from spinal injuries received by a fall from the old "Revenge" in January last. - RICHARD HOOPER, son of the deceased, spoke to his father being 53 years of age and a master mariner, employed by Mr H. Hinks, master of the "Revenge". A. W. Goodwin, who was working with MR HOOPER at the time of his accident, said they were removing bolts from the ship's side, when HOOPER seemed to over-balance, and he fell some 24 feet. Help was soon obtained and the injured man was taken to the Lifeboat House and was subsequently removed to the Bideford Hospital. - Dr Valentine, who saw MR HOOPER at the Hospital on January 9th, found him suffering from a fracture of the spine, the fracture having occurred half-way down the back, causing paralysis to the lower part of the body.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 June 1925
NORTHAM - Bideford Man's Death At Northam. The Inquest. - ARTHUR EBSARY, aged 58, of Bideford, was found dead in a linhay on Fordland's Farm, Northam, on Saturday. - At the Inquest at the Working Men's Club, Northam, on Monday evening, MRS HAMLYN, of Higher Gunstone-street, Bideford, stated that she last saw her brother (the deceased) alive on the Bideford Quay on the 1st instant. He had recently come out of Bideford Workhouse Infirmary, and complained of being ill. Her daughter again saw him on Wednesday morning. He was looking for work and did what he could, although he had been in ill-health for some time. - Winifred Squires, of Fordland's Farm, Northam, said that on Saturday, in the company of Margaret Holloway, she went to a linhay on the farm to look for a missing dog, when she saw deceased leaning against a cart with his chin resting on the rail. Witness saw that the man was dead and at once went and informed the Police. From inquiries she did not think anyone had been to the Workhouse from the farm since Wednesday morning. - Margaret Holloway gave corroborative evidence. - Dr E. J. Toye explained that EBSARY was suffering from cancer of the stomach and he had had profuse haemorrhage. In his opinion death was due to syncope. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BARNSTAPLE - Motor Cycling Fatality At Barnstaple. Loxhore Man The Victim. - Lying in front of his motor-cycle and suffering from grave injuries to the head, HERBERT RICHARDS, 35, of Loxhore, was found in the roadway just outside Lansdowne Villas, Bear-street Road, Barnstaple, about ten o'clock on Saturday evening. Following temporary assistance, Dr J. R. Harper was summoned and the injured man was promptly removed to the North Devon Infirmary, where he passed away on Monday. RICHARDS, a married man, had been in the employ of the Shell Motor Spirit Co. as driver at Barnstaple and he was on his way home after leaving work, when (as he afterwards stated) he fell from his machine. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the Inquest.

HIGH BRAY - Fell Into Well At Highbray. Elderly Lady's Sad Death. - Regret was general throughout Brayford on Friday when it became known that MRS ANNE MARIA SKINNER had passed away, her body having been found in a well. The deceased, who was a widow, was 75 years of age. - At the Inquest before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Saturday, MR HENRY SKINNER, farmer of South Bray, stated that his mother, whilst in the kitchen about 3.30 on Friday, said she would go in the yard outside and draw a bucket of water from the well. She had only been away three or four minutes when witness passed through the yard and saw his mother's legs sticking out of the well. He immediately pulled her out and although he thought he felt her pulse beat she died before a doctor could come. His mother had been failing for some time and subject to giddy fits. There was a pail filled with water standing by her side at the well which she had evidently just dipped. Witness thought that after drawing up the water his mother must have felt giddy and fallen into the well. - Dr Baker, who saw MRS SKINNER about 5 p.m., said there was no sign of drowning; and there was no water coming from the nose or mouth,. In his opinion the cause of death was an attack of syncope, from shock, through falling into the well. - The Coroner's verdict was "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 June 1925
HATHERLEIGH - Torringtonian Accidentally Drowned. Territorials' Last Tribute. - At Hatherleigh on Wednesday night, a sad fatality occurred, the victim being a young Torrington man, named WALTER JAMES PITTS, engaged as a carpenter's mate on the Hatherleigh Railway, who was drowned while bathing in Simmon's Pit. - At the Inquest held on Thursday evening, at the New Inn, evidence of identification was given by MR WALTER PITTS of 103 Well-street, Torrington, who said deceased was 20 years of age. Witness did not think deceased could swim. - Wm. Parkhouse, labourer, of Torrington, working on the railway, said he was bathing in Simmon's Pit with the deceased about eight p.m. on Wednesday. On entering the water PITTS said he was going to give them an exhibition of swimming. Other bathers present warned him that the pit was deep and rocky. Witness entered the water and swam across to the opposite side. He then saw that deceased was in difficulties and went to his assistance, as did two others. PITTS was then face downwards and witness got his arm under his chest, while PITT'S arm was around his neck. They both began to sink and witness broke away from the drowning man. PITTS again rose to the surface and they got hold of deceased again. This time also they went under together. PITTS never rose again, until dragged out later in the evening. Neither witness nor PITTS had ever bathed in Simmon's Pit before. - Alfred Piper, Wm. Bolt, John Hurford and Leslie Cecil Tout gave corroborative evidence. The latter said he did not think PITTS could swim and asked him to wait and go in with him in a safe place. - Evidence was given as to the recovery of the body by means of a fishing hook attached to a pole. - Dr Mitchell said deceased died from asphyxiation by drowning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner remarking that it was most important that bathers should learn expert life-saving. It was evident none of the witnesses, in the present instance, was acquainted with this, although they had done their best to save the life of this unfortunate young man. Swimming was good sport, but life-saving was the most important thing for the swimmer to know. - Military Funeral. - The funeral took place at Torrington on Saturday and was largely attended. The Rev. Preb. F. Emlyn Jones (Vicar of Torrington Parish Church) officiated. Deceased, being a member of the Territorials, the coffin was draped with the Union Jack, on which were his cap and belt. A detachment of Territorials (under Sergt. R. G. Sewell) and a number of the R.F.A. (under Sergt. J. Sussex) escorted the cortege to the Cemetery. The bearers were six of deceased's old comrades. The family mourners were Mr and Mrs Walter Pitts (father and mother), John, Harry and Leslie (brothers), Florrie (sister). The numerous floral tributes were:- In affectionate remembrance of our dear son, JIM, from loving father and mother, brothers and sisters; Uncle Walter, Aunt Annie and family, Aunt lily and family; Uncle Ernest and family; grandfather and Aunt Florrie.

SOUTH MOLTON - Sudden Death Of General SIR O. JULIAN, of Southmolton. Tragic Result of Heat Stroke. - We regret to record the death of GENERAL SIR OLIVER RICHARD ARCHER JULIAN, K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G., of Ivydene, Southmolton, formerly of the Indian Medical Service, which occurred, unexpectedly, on Saturday. During the day, SIR RICHARD had been assisting the gardener on the lawn and appeared to be in his usual state of health. About four in the afternoon he was missed. The gardener found him in the study, reclining against a door. Medical aid was summoned, but SIR RICHARD expired. He was greatly shocked recently on hearing of the death of his son-in-law, who was about to come to Southmolton reside with him. Much sympathy is felt with LADY JULIAN in her sudden bereavement. SIR RICHARD was esteemed by all who knew him. He was 63 years of age. - GENERAL JULIAN, who was the son of the late CAPT. THOMAS A. JULIAN, of Ivybridge, had a distinguished military career. Entering the Army in 1887 he was promoted Major twelve years later. He served in South Africa, where he was mentioned in despatches twice. He was in the Zakka Khel expedition in 1908 and the Mohmand expedition of the same year, being mentioned in despatches and given the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel. In the Great War he was in France and Belgium from 1915 to 1917. He was mentioned in despatches and had the C.B. conferred on him. For the next two years he was a Deputy-Director of Medical Services in the Western Command, and from 1919 to 1921 was Director of Medical Services in Mesopotamia, being mentioned in despatches for his good work and given the K.B.E. He retired in 1921. From 1913 to 1915 he was physician and surgeon at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. - The Inquest. - On Monday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Southmolton into the circumstances of GENERAL JULIAN'S death. - Henry Hill, gardener, said SIR RICHARD was 62. All the morning and again in the afternoon till about half-past three, he assisted the witness in cutting grass on the lawn. A lawnmower was used. It was a very hot day. When SIR RICHARD left the lawn he did not say whether he intended to come back. Later, witness wanted to speak to SIR RICHARD and asked the girls in the house if they knew where he was. They did not know. Shortly after 4.30 he was told to make a search. Looking in at the study window he saw SIR RICHARD sitting up against a door. He (witness) had previously tried to open the study door but could not as there was something obstructing it. On entering the study SIR RICHARD appeared to be dead. His coat and waistcoat were partly removed. The face was discoloured. - Florrie Burgess, in LADY JULIAN'S employ, said no-one observed SIR RICHARD come into the house on Saturday afternoon. About 4.30 she sounded the gong for tea and as the deceased did not come she went in search of him. She was unable to open the study door as there was something behind it. On putting in her hand she could feel nothing, but presently she discovered SIR RICHARD'S legs through a small crevice. He had not complained to her of illness. - Recalled, Henry Hill said SIR RICHARD usually worked with him in the garden. On Saturday he made no complaint. He wore a hat while at work. - Dr Baker (Southmolton) said he saw SIR RICHARD at about 5.20 on Saturday. He was dead. The right side of the face was a little drawn. He had had a heat-stroke and died of asphyxia. He had been very grieved about the death of Col. Blair, his son-in-law, in Belgrade, about a week previously. - The Coroner said there was no doubt SIR RICHARD'S death was due to natural causes - asphyxia after a heat-stroke. He had been working the garden all day and probably the heat affected him very considerably.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 June 1925
ILFRACOMBE - Motor-Cycling Tragedy At Ilfracombe. Young Chemist's Death. - Thrown by some means from his motor-cycle, whilst proceeding from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple, on Monday morning, MR GEORGE G. WALKER, of the Carlton, Ilfracombe, sustained grave injuries, to which he succumbed at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Tuesday evening. MR WALKER, who was a chemist's assistant, in the employ of Mr Dyson, of Joy-street, Barnstaple, leaves a wife and child to mourn their loss. - The accident, around which is wrapped a certain element of mystery, occurred between seven forty-five and eight o'clock a.m., just after deceased had left for his work. The first to find deceased was Mr Hoskin (manager of the Royal Red Motors), who was going towards Barnstaple. A few minutes later a car driven by Mr L. Blackmore came upon the scene of the accident and Mr Blackmore, with the help of another young man, conveyed MR WALKER to the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, where he was attended to b y Drs. Soltau and Fawckner Langridge. An examination of the unfortunate man's injuries revealed that he was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull and concussion. - The Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - The widow, MRS MARJORIE ELIZABETH WALKER, explained that her husband left his house at about 7.45 a.m. to go to Barnstaple, where he was in the employ of Mr F. Dyson, chemist. He was 31 years of age. - Mr Lionel Blackmore stated that he was coming down Mullacott Hill in his car about 10 a.m., and when he got to the corner just above Wildercombe House, he saw a man lying in the road, with three other men beside him. A motor-cycle was also lying in the road, just out from the hedge and near the man. With the help of a friend he lifted the man into his car and took him to the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital. - Mr Fredk. John Hoskin said he was driving up the hill and on getting to the corner noticed a motor-cycle on the ground and a man in the road in a sitting position. He stopped his car, and found the man was unconscious and bleeding profusely from the head, which was crushed at the top. One thing that struck him was that the man and cycle were facing in the opposite direction to which they had apparently been travelling. There was a mark where the cycle had struck the hedge and the dust was disturbed. He had passed this motor cyclist frequently on other occasions: he was in the habit of riding at a fair pace. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said there were no indications of deceased having been struck by a car. No car had passed witness. - P.S. Snell said the cycle had been examined and was in good order. There was plenty of room for deceased to go round the corner. - P.C. Stewart produced a plan of the scene of the accident and stated there was a mark 40ft. down the road from where deceased struck the hedge. This mark gradually drew in from 9ft. from the hedge to the point where he struck. In his opinion, deceased was going fast and could not get round and he struck the hedge and the impact threw the cycle and rider right round. - Dr Fawckner Langridge stated that he examined deceased about 10.15 a.m. and found him to be suffering from a fracture at the base of the skull and shock. He was unconscious and never really rallied, gradually sinking and dying at 6.15 on Tuesday. - The Coroner, remarking that it was a very sad case, expressed the opinion that it was a pure accident. Deceased was evidently going round the corner too fast and struck the hedge. The verdict was "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - Out Of Work Worry And The Dole. Barnstaple Man's Suicide. - With the gas full on, and a length of India rubber tubing attached to the jet at one end and practically in his mouth at the other, ALBERT EDWARD DAVIE, was found in a dying condition in a bedroom of his residence, Highfield, Sticklepath, Barnstaple, about noon on Thursday. The tragic discovery was made by his wife and although medical assistance was speedily forthcoming, it was too late to be of any avail. Aged 34, MR DAVIE was for over twenty years employed at Derby Lace Factory, being until recently superintendent of the cotton winding department. In her terrible bereavement, profound general sympathy is expressed for the widow, who is left with three children. - At the Inquest conducted by the borough Corner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at deceased's residence on Friday afternoon, the widow, MRS NELLIE DAVIE, stated that her husband had until recently been superintendent of the cotton-winding department at Derby Lace Factory, and, including his apprenticeship period, had worked at the Factory about twenty years. About eighteen years ago he had an accident to fingers on the left hand, which had to some little extent incapacitated him at times, whilst influenza about ten weeks ago kept him home for a month, and he was always more or less on the moody side, little things depressing him. On the previous Monday he came home from the Factory very much upset because he had been dismissed from his employment. He had never threatened to take his life, and she never thought he would do such a thing, as they were so happy together. He had left no letter or note of any kind. On the previous Monday he was due to go to the Labour Exchange for the dole, and she understood he was to be accompanied by a friend. At nine o'clock she took him a cup of tea and some bread and butter. He did not touch the latter and had not eaten anything lately. Coming to the dining room a little later he said he was going to shave and then go to the Labour Exchange. Witness noticed her husband was very much depressed. Subsequently witness was in the under-ground part of the house and thought that her husband had gone out by the front door. After doing the downstairs work and preparing the dinner witness went upstairs for the purpose of making the beds. This was about twelve o'clock. She had never heard a sound during the morning, but her husband, instead of going out, had evidently gone upstairs. On trying to enter the bedroom witness found the door locked and smelt something, which might, she thought, have been gas. At the same time Mr Peake, grocer, called at the house and going upstairs he forced the door. Her husband was lying on the floor with his head towards the dressing table; whilst there was a piece of india rubber tubing attached to the gas bracket. The tubing, which was not there the night before when she put the children to bed, did not belong to the house so far as she was aware, and she did not know where her husband got it. Witness spoke to her husband, who was breathing very heavily, but he did not answer. Mr Peake went at once for Dr Thomas. Whilst he was away witness again went to the bedroom to see if her husband was alive, but she believed he had gone, as he had ceased breathing, apparently Dr Thomas came promptly and tried artificial respiration. - Mr F. Peake, grocer of Coronation-street, spoke to calling at the house about midday, to meet MRS DAVIE, who begged him to come upstairs. With keys of the other doors, he first tried to unlock the door of the bedroom in question, but failed; the key was on the lock inside. Witness then forced the door with his shoulder, and found MR DAVIE as stated. The rubber tubing produced as affixed to gas bracket above, and the other end was either in his mouth or close to it; whilst the gas was full on. There seemed to be a certain amount of life left in MR DAVIE, and after turning off the gas and opening the windows he thought it wise to at once summon the doctor. Witness spoke to MR DAVIE before leaving, but he was quite unconscious. Dr Thomas tried very hard to bring MR DAVIE around by artificial respiration. - MR W. H. DAVIE stated that his brother (deceased) in about the second year of his apprenticeship caught the forefinger of his left hand in a small lathe. Some time later he developed symptoms of Bright's disease and he underwent treatment at Brixton Hospital. This trouble had affected him a good deal at times. As the result of his dismissal from work on the previous Monday he was very much depressed and the thought of going to the Labour Exchange had also worried him a lot. Witness had no idea, however, that he would do anything of this sort. - The Coroner: Naturally a man would be depressed, losing his livelihood and having a wife and three children to look after. - In answer to another question, MR DAVIE also said his brother was a general fitter, having served his time at the Factory. - Dr F. L. Thomas said when he was called to the house, about 12.25, MR DAVIE had practically stopped breathing. Witness tried artificial respiration for about half-an-hour without effect. Death was due to asphyxiation from gas poisoning. In his opinion deceased committed the act in a fit of depression, not knowing what he was doing at the time. - The Coroner: That is to say that he was of unsound mind at the time. - P.S. Milford produced the piece of india rubber tubing. The burner of the gas jet to which the tubing was attached had previously been removed, and witness found it in deceased's waistcoat pocket. There was no letter or note to throw any light on the affair. - The Coroner thought it perfectly evident that MR DAVIE had committed Suicide by inhaling coal gas fumes, and that he was of Unsound Mind at the time. One could quite understand that MR DAVIE was terribly upset at dismissal from employment where he had been for over twenty years, especially when it was remembered that he had at times suffered from depression. He had only to add that it was a very sad case and he was sure that everyone in the town would sympathise very much with the widow and all the family in their terrible bereavement. He hoped MR W. H. DAVIE would kindly convey this message and say how sorry they all were. - MR DAVIE promised to do this and said he would like on behalf of the family to thank the Coroner very much for his very kind expressions. - The funeral took place at Barnstaple Cemetery on Monday, the Rev. B. Tattersall (Wesleyan Circuit Minister) officiating. The immediate mourners were Mr W. M. Davie (father); Messrs. W. H. Davie, C. S. Davie, L. Davie, A. Davie, S. Davie and H. Davie (brothers); Messrs. Sydney Davie (Bolton), J. S. Davie and Lue Davie (nephews); Messrs. J. Ward, A. Doran and D. Webster (brothers-in-law); Messrs. J. Slee, J. Phillips, J. Paltridge, W. Aze, L. Watts, F. E. Dobbs, L. Lock, F. Peake, R. Isaac (close friends). - The beautiful floral tributes were:- With all our love to darling Daddy, from your heart-broken Nell and little ones; In affectionate and loving memory of a good son, from mother, father and Mabel; In affectionate and loving memory from Will and Syd, Austonly; In loving memory of dear Albert, from all at home, 32 Sticklepath; In affectionate and loving memory of dear Albert, from brother Syd (London), and family; In affectionate and loving memory, from brother Lue (London) In loving memory of our darling brother, from Polly and Bert; In loving memory from Arthur and children; In loving remembrance from Stan, Alice, and Family; In loving memory from Alice, Dave and family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 July 1925
BIDEFORD - The Bideford Fatality. The Inquest. - "Accidental Death, by Drowning" was the verdict returned by the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Inquest on WILLIAM KEEN, aged eleven years, who was drowned in the river Torridge, Bideford, on Tuesday evening. - RICHARD HENRY KEEN, Lower Gunstone, the father, said the boy could only swim a little. He had several times been attended by a doctor for rheumatic fever. - Samuel Galiver, Park-Lane, Northam, boathouse proprietor, spoke to the boy coming down to bathe with friends about quarter-past five on the evening of the 7th. Deceased entered the water twice, the second time getting into difficulties. Witness went out in his boat, but the boy had sunk before he got to him. The tide was running very strongly. - Thomas Henry Mills, Howes Cottage, East-the-Water, spoke to finding the body just above Kynock's factory about 1.20 the following day. - Dr Ellis Pearson said there were no external marks of violence and, in his opinion, death was due to drowning. - The funeral took place at the East-the-Water Cemetery on Saturday, the Rev. C. B. Crofts officiating. His school-fellows at the Old Town School and companions at the Lavington )Congregational) Sunday School, attended and carried the numerous wreaths to the grave. The mourners included the mother and father, Mr and Mrs R. H. Keen, Percy, Clarence and Richard (brothers), Messrs. H. Scoins, A. Keen, P. Keen (Northam), J. Keen (Sherbourne), Mr and Mrs Kent, Mr and Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Denson, Mrs Keen (Appledore), uncles and aunts.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 August 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Canoe Capsizes At Barnstaple. One Boy Drowned: Narrow Escape Of Two Others. - Off Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple, shortly before 12.30, on Saturday, three boys boarded a canoe, which within a few minutes capsized near the boathouse a little further up the river, one boy CECIL DARK, 13, son of MR WILLIAM DARK, labourer, of 4 Litchdon-street, being drowned, and the others experiencing narrow escapes. Fishermen, Police and others were on the scene shortly after the tragic occurrence and the river was netted and dragged without result until Sunday afternoon, when the body of the missing boy, lying only a matter of yards from the point where he lost his life, was brought to the surface. - The circumstances were investigated on Thursday at the North Devon Infirmary by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft. Inspector Leach being also present; and formal evidence was in turn given by the father of deceased, who said he was a strong healthy boy; and by Dr Dixey, who attributed death to drowning. - George Moore, son of a boatman, stated that the canoe, built to hold three, had been in the river "tied up" to a motor-boat. The other boys, George Jury and CECIL DARK, first got in, and he then joined them and commenced paddling up the river. They had a double paddle and two singles. After getting just above the boat-house, they started turning round, when for some reason he did not know, the canoe upset, DARK falling into the river on one side and he and Jury on the other. Witness saved Jury by pushing him towards the canoe, and throw paddles to DARK, but he did not catch hold of them; at any rate witness did not see him do so. they all went under the water, and after DARK had sunk twice he did not again see him. The depth of water at the spot was about 6 ft. 3 ins. Witness shouted for help and two gentlemen came along. Another man "who was out swimming at the time ran ashore and did not come out and help." The two gentlemen came out in a boat from the boating stage and picked up Jury, who was still in danger of drowning. His (witness's) father, who owned the canoe, had not given them permission to use it. - Mr Avery here remarked that in witness's presence, Mr Moore, his son-in-law, had previously told the boys to have "nothing to do" with the canoe. - Mrs Jury explained that her boy was now awaiting an operation to his throat at the infirmary and was unable to attend. - The Coroner added that Jury had made a statement to the Police exactly similar to that of the boy Moore. - Aubrey G. Vanstone of Swansea, who was in the South Walk with a friend, Mr B. Jones, said they first noticed the three boys going up the river all right in the canoe, but turning around shortly afterwards his friend saw they had fallen into the river. Witness and Jones dashed to the boating station for a boat and when within three or four yards they saw DARK lose the oar he was holding and sink. At the same time Jury "let go" of the canoe and was in the water shouting. Jones quickly turned the boat around and pulled Jury in and by this time they lost sight of DARK. Meantime Moore had swam ashore. After taking Jury ashore, they searched for the missing boy for about half-an-hour, but without result. - Mr Gee spoke to finding the body and expressed the opinion that the canoe was "as safe as anything." He had seen three men in the canoe, which was 15 feet by 2 feet 6 inches. - The Coroner remarked on the sadness of the affair and supposed these drowning fatalities were "the price we pay for our big river." On behalf of the Borough he warmly thanked Mr Vanstone and Mr Jones for their prompt assistance, but for which the little boy Jury would probably have been drowned. His verdict was "Accidentally Drowned."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 August 1925
BARNSTAPLE - A Barnstaple Suicide. "Please Forgive Me." - JOHN LIGHTFOOT HARVEY, of Sunflower-road, Barnstaple, left his home on Friday and some 24 hours later his lifeless body was found hanging in a backyard of his niece's house in Bicton-street. Aged 60, the deceased was formerly for many years a member of the staff at Barnstaple Post Office, whilst subsequently he was for some time employed by Western Builders, Ltd. Latterly he had been out of work and had seemed very depressed. MR HARVEY leaves a widow, for whom deepest sympathy is expressed. - The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner. - Dr J. R. Harper, who was called in to examine deceased, said he found MR HARVEY had been dead about 24 hours, and that his death was due to strangulation. He thought MR HARVEY was not responsible for his action; he had been worrying because he had no work. - MARY MARTHA HARVEY, widow, said her husband had been unable to get work for the last eighteen months and since Easter he had not been picking up the "dole." He had a little private means, but he had been drawing on it and he was anxious to get work - he was not absolutely destitute, but very hard up. He was usually of a bright disposition, but she had noticed a change in him in the last fortnight, for he had seemed depressed. Some time last week her husband had said he was going to Cardiff to get work and when he did not return home on Friday night she thought he must have gone there. As she did not get a letter from him on Saturday, however, she became anxious and was later informed of his death. She last saw him on Friday morning, when she noticed he looked depressed. - The Coroner then read a note which the deceased had written to his wife in a little pocket book:- "Dear MARTHA, - Please forgive me, JACK. Mrs Marshall saw me last." - Mrs Emma Marshall of No. 15 Bicton-street, Barnstaple, said she saw the deceased at about four o'clock on Friday afternoon when she was feeding her fowls. He made some inquiries about her turkeys which had been lost through a recent storm, and he did not seem depressed. - Mrs Edith Blake, a niece by marriage of the dead man, who resided at 15 Bicton-street, stated she had been away for a week's holiday, and on her return had gone into the garden and seen MR HARVEY'S body hanging from the lavatory door. There were some bricks placed near by from which he would have stepped off. She ran for Mr Paltridge, who lived opposite and he came and cut deceased down. The back door was not bolted when she came back from her holidays, but she had bolted it when she left. The only way he could have got into the garden was by climbing over the wall. - Ex-Sergt. J. Paltridge also gave evidence, as did P.C. Baker. - The Coroner was sure they were all very sorry at what had occurred and sympathised deeply with the widow. It was perfectly clear that MR HARVEY got in a very depressed condition when he could obtain no work and he was of the same opinion as Dr Harper when he stated that deceased was not responsible for his action. His verdict would be "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 August 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death At Barnstaple. - DOUGLAS LEONARD EDWARDS, aged 40, sack manufacturer's agent, of Willow Bank, Freshfield, near Liverpool, a visitor to the town, died suddenly, while staying at the Victoria Hotel, Barnstaple, early on Thursday morning. - The widow stated at the Inquest on Thursday evening that with Mr and Mrs J. Finnimore, of Formby, her husband and herself had been on tour to Penzance and on Tuesday motored from there to Barnstaple. They were stopping at the Victoria Hotel and just after 5 a.m. she was awakened by the heavy breathing of her husband. She got assistance and attempted to apply restoratives, but her husband was unconscious and never spoke. He died before the doctor came. EDWARDS had never complained of a bad heart, but his father died suddenly of heart failure at the age of 72. - Mr John S. Finnimore, retired builder, of Formby, spoke of EDWARDS'S apparent good health. - Dr J. R. Harper said a post mortem examination revealed an enlarged heart and death was due to syncope, or sudden heart failure. - The Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, recording a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" expressed sympathy with the widow in her sudden bereavement.

ILFRACOMBE - Motor-Cycled To Death At Ilfracombe. First And Only Ride. Victim's Associations With Barnstaple. - Volunteering to test a 4 h.p. "Triumph" motor-bicycle which the owner had some difficulty in starting in High-street, Ilfracombe, on Saturday morning, FREDERICK SCOINES, aged 21, of Highfield Flats, Ilfracombe, within the space of a few minutes lost control of the machine and dashing into a tree in the Wilder-road, sustained injuries from which he died shortly after admission to the Cottage Hospital. MR and MRS SCOINES resided until recent years at Newington-street, Barnstaple and at the time their son worked in the Derby Lace Factory. The young man was, we understand, about to be married. - At the Inquest on Saturday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MR F. SCOINES, SEN., giving evidence of identification, said to his knowledge his son had never ridden a motor cycle previously. - Geo. Gammon, hairdresser, High-street, Ilfracombe, stated he was in the High-street about 8 a.m. and had a little difficulty in starting his motor-cycle. Deceased came along at the time, and said:- "I am a practical engineer; let me see what I can do." He took out the plug and the engine was got to start. Deceased then said: "Shall I run her a little way?" and, not liking to offend the man after his assistance, witness consented. The man got on the machine and rode up the street, and witness saw nothing more of him. thinking he had taken the bicycle away he informed the Police. Later in the morning he heard the man was in Hospital seriously injured. Witness did not know the man, but by the way he talked thought he knew all about motor bicycles. The steering and brakes were in perfect order. - Thomas Stanley Matthews, a butcher's assistant, who was proceeding from Torrs Park to Green-close-road at the time, stated that he saw SCOINES riding a motor cycle up the Wilder-road in a very shaky manner, at about 15 miles an hour. He passed witness on the correct side of the road and then let go the handle bars with one hand, apparently changing gear, when the machine suddenly shot away from him and crashed into a tree on the opposite side of the road, throwing SCOINES over the handle bars. Witness found him unconscious, bleeding from the mouth, ears and nose and a car coming along, the man was taken to the Cottage Hospital. - Dr Osborne stated SCOINES had a fracture of the skull and died a few hours later. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

KENSINGTON, LONDON. - Sudden Death Of COL. HOPE GRANT, Of Bideford. - News has been received at Bideford of the death in London, under tragically sudden circumstances, of COLONEL IAN HOPE GRANT, Indian Army, retired, of "Highlea," Bideford. COLONEL HOPE GRANT was a schoolmate of Rudyard Kipling at the United Services College, Westward Ho! and came to Bideford to reside some five years ago in order that his little son, who attends the junior school, Westward Ho! might also be educated in the district. An excellent croquet player, he was a member of the Torridge Vale Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and, turning his hobby of carpentry to good use greatly helped in the making of scenery for the plays organised by Mrs Drew for charitable and social objects in the Bideford district. COL. HOPE GRANT was on a visit to London, and on Wednesday was hurrying to a croquet ground. MRS HOPE GRANT, following a minute or so behind, saw people gathered round someone on the ground, and on going to the spot found it was her husband. He was unconscious and she went for a doctor. The Colonel was taken to the St. Mary Abbott's Hospital, Kensington, in an ambulance, but was dead when admitted. - COLONEL HOPE GRANT leaves a widow and one son, with whom much sympathy is expressed in their sad bereavement. - At the Inquest held by the West London Coroner at Kensington on Friday, MRS HOPE GRANT said her husband had had good health, but had complained of indigestion pains for some time past. - Albert Adams spoke to hearing someone fall in the street and to seeing deceased lying on the ground unconscious. - Dr Lawrence of the St Mary Abbott's Hospital, said a post-mortem examination showed the cause of death to be syncope consequent upon fatty degeneration of the heart. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned. - The funeral took place in London.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 August 1925
LYNTON - Lynton Visitor's Tragic Death. Illness Follows Meal: Cause Of Death Not Yet Determined. Inquest Stands Adjourned. - No fewer than twenty-three persons were taken ill after a meal at a Countisbury (Lynton) boarding-house on August 2nd and sixteen days later one of them, MISS LILIAN ANNE SPAVEN, aged fifty-seven, of No. 24, The Avenue, South Lowestoft, an art mistress at Bronfield Grammar School, Sheffield, expired at the Lynton Cottage Hospital. An Inquiry into the circumstances was opened by Mr G. W. F. Grown, County Coroner, on Thursday. - Miss Fanny Fewings, proprietress of Aberlyn Boarding House, Countisbury, stated that MISS SPAVEN came to her house as a boarder on July 29th for the benefit of her health, being ill. She was apparently in her usual health until Sunday, August 2nd, on which day, she partook, with other boarders in the house, of a joint of beef for the midday meal. It was from what was known as the "chandlers cut," and was served up with Yorkshire pudding, fresh peas, and potatoes. For desert they had raspberry and apple tart with cream and cheese and biscuits afterwards. The meat, continued witness, was obtained from Mr H. Medway, a local butcher and was delivered by his assistant at midday on August 1st. It was put in a large dish with a leg of mutton and placed in a larder. Witness noticed it had a "washed" look as if it had been in cold storage. It had not the fresh look about it. Witness had always had great confidence in Mr Medway and she took no particular notice of this joint and left it on a marble slab. On Sunday morning she put it on to cook and left it in charge of her daughter while she went to chapel. Witness carved the joint and served it to a party of five, after having cut off an outer crust. They were all subsequently taken ill. The next cut was served to four, who were not affected. Altogether, fourteen visitors and nine members of her own family and staff were taken ill during the night. Twelve others in the house who also partook of the beef were unaffected. She had never had cause for complaint of the quality of the meat from Mr Medway. Everyone remarked on its tenderness. Witness said there was not that beefy taste about it, although there was nothing unpleasant. Her son-in-law, who had not eaten any beef for 12 months, was prevailed upon to eat some and was amongst those affected. Continuing, witness said there was so little fat on the joint that her daughter had to baste it. - Mr J. H. L. Brewer, solicitor, of Barnstaple, who represented Mr Medway, asked many questions concerning the ventilation of the larder. Mr Brewer: Did you have something of the same thing occur about four years ago? Witness: No. - Nor at any time? - Last year a few people had bilious attacks, but that was through eating too much cream. - The Coroner (to witness): To what do you attribute the cause of the illnesses? - When the sickness started, the only thing that looked to be the cause was the beef, as it was difficult in cooking, and had to be basted. - Do you attribute the cause of the illness to the beef? - I do. - You can suggest nothing else? - Nothing. - Mr R. MacDonald (for Mrs Fewings) said samples of everything that had been eaten had been given to the Medical Officer of Health. The children had had vegetables only and they were not affected. Mrs Fewings had never had anything in the nature of a complaint from the sanitary authorities. - FRANK W. SPAVEN, of Southend, Lowestoft, the brother of the deceased, said he was taken ill at about 2.30 a.m. on Monday, August 3rd, having acute diarrhoea and violent sickness. He then found his sister was ill also. They were both removed to the Cottage Hospital. Witness added that he noticed no smell in it, but said in taste it was like London restaurant beef. Speaking of the salmon served for supper, witness said he did not partake of any because of the dressing, but Mrs Fewings interposed that only a little vinegar was added to the fish. - Dr K. Levey, of Barnstaple, spoke to having made a post-mortem examination and said he had taken portions of the spleen, liver, kidney and small intestines to be sent to the Ministry of Health for examination. A little part of the small intestines was inflamed and congested, and a part of the bowel was in the same condition. Asked if he was able to form any conclusion as to the cause of death, witness replied nothing, except that death was due to collapse owing to inflammation of the gut. The cause could only be determined by bacteriological investigation. - Gertrude Freeston, daughter of Mrs Fewings, describing the cooking of the joint, said after it had been in the oven a while she found there was no fat coming from it as there should have been, and she basted it with mutton fat from a basin left from the night before. She took it from the table close by. During the cooking there was no unpleasant smell from the meat. It was quite a nice piece, except that there was no fat on it. She could not say whether deceased was served with an early cut or not. She mentioned that she cooked a chicken for a private person at the same time and it was basted with the same mutton fat as the beef. No one who partook of that chicken suffered any ill effects. - Answering questions by Mr Brewer, witness said the gravy jug was perfectly clean and empty when she took it for use. The gravy was made from the beef with the addition of the mutton fat. - Edward John Morris, of North Finchley, who with his wife and family were among the boarders at the house who were also taken ill, said he gave a little of the beef to his terrier dog, which slept in his bedroom. It was taken ill about one o'clock on the following morning. Himself and other members of the family who had also eaten of the beef, were subsequently taken violently ill and he was still terribly weak. The children had got over it very well. He noticed nothing peculiar about the beef, and said it was only too well done for their liking. They had an early cut and it was dark in colour, but appeared perfectly good. He could not attribute his illness to having eaten or drunk anything else during the day. - Herbert Medway, butcher, Lynton, with a branch shop at Lynmouth, said the piece of meat in question was a portion of a maiden heifer slaughtered on the Tuesday. Prior to Saturday's delivery, it remained hanging in the slaughter-house until Friday. It was a healthy animal and its offal was also quite sound. The slaughter-house was frequently visited by the local sanitary authority. The whole of the carcase was sold to customers in Lynton and Brendon, and no other complaints concerning it had been received. No portion of it was put in the cold storage, and he was perfectly satisfied with the cleanliness of his establishment. - Norman H. Reed spoke to delivering this meat. The premises were well ventilated. He never dealt with imported meat, except during the war. - Wm. Fouracre, manager of Mr Medway's Lynmouth shop, corroborated and characterised meat as a "proper piece." - Norman H. Reed spoke to delivering this and other joints in an uncovered basket. Mrs Fewings on receiving it said it looked a nice piece of beef. - Dr Courtenay, Lynton, of which place he is the M.O.H., spoke to attending patients, twenty-three in number altogether. He said deceased had acute gastric enteritis. He reported the matter to the County M.O.H., and the M.O.H. for Barnstaple Rural District, in which district it came under. Dr Date, of the County M.O.H. department visited Lynton on Tuesday afternoon, August 11th and took samples of the beef which remained and also of some cream. These were sent to the London Laboratory of the Ministry of Health and Dr Date wrote:- "Doubtless you have now heard from D. Scott that he has isolated Bacillus Aertrycle from the beef, and also from the excreta you sent for examination and now the agglutination tests with four of the patients' blood appear to prove finally that infection of the meat by that organism was the cause of the outbreak. This bears out the result of our investigations, because you will remember the beef was the one article of which every patient had partaken. - Dr Courtenay said Dr Date told him that the outside of the beef was infected and the middle of it was not. - Questioned as to whether the beef could have been perfectly sound when it left the shop, and could have been infected between that time and its being delivered, the doctor replied: "Yes, quite easily." He had no other patients suffering from the same trouble in the neighbourhood. If the beef had been infected in the shop, you would have had other patients - I should have expected it. - By the Foreman: It was around the edges that the beef was affected? - By Mr Brewer: Inadequate ventilation or contamination by flies might have caused the infection. - Dr Scott said it was impossible from the analysis of the meat to state whether the meat was infected. - Mr Macdonald and Mr Brewer expressed sympathy with the relatives and the latter felt that Mr Medway was in no way to blame. - The Inquiry was adjourned until September 10th, it being stated that portions of the deceased's intestines were being sent to the Ministry of Health for examination.

BISHOPS TAWTON - Death Of MRS E. MARSHALL, At Bishopstawton. - Sympathy with the bereaved family is general in the death of MRS ELLEN MARSHALL, which occurred suddenly at Chestwood House, Bishopstawton, on Monday. The deceased lady was the daughter of the late MR and MRS SYDENHAM, of Tiverton, and the widow of MR JAMES MARSHALL, of Weston-super-Mare. Leaving Western-super-Mare some three or four years ago, she came to live with her son and daughter-in-law, MR and MRS F. MARSHALL at Chestwood. She leaves one son (MR F. MARSHALL) and two daughters. - At the Inquest, MRS MARGARET MARSHALL, daughter-in-law, stated that MRS MARSHALL appeared to be in her usual health when having breakfast in bed at 10 o'clock. About 10.40 MISS PHYLLIS MARSHALL also took her grandmother a glass of milk, but could then get no answer. Dr S. R. Gibbs, who was summoned, found MRS MARSHALL in bed as though asleep, and in his opinion death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

LYNTON - Bathing Fatality At Lynton. Gallantry Commended. - MR STANLEY NAUGHTON, aged 41, house furnisher and upholsterer, of Pine Grove, Prestwick, Lancashire, lost his life whilst bathing at Sillery Beach, Lynton, on Saturday. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Arthur Sutcliffe, brother-in-law, who was bathing with deceased at the time, stated that they entered the sea and began playing about in the waves. He remarked to deceased that the tide was coming in, and that they had better get in to remove their shoes. Just then a wave came over witness "like a blanket," and the sea beginning to choke him he felt that he was about to be drowned. Deceased called out, "You are all right, Arthur?" - Eventually witness was thrown out of the sea by a large wave. He saw deceased still swimming, and then he lost sight of him. They were not very far out. - Cecil Vance Vowles, an engineering student, of Oak Lodge, Stamford Hill, London, staying at Brendon, said on the day in question he was returning from Brendon after a bathe when he heard cries for help. He descended the cliff and rushed into the sea. He found deceased on his face and hands under the water. Witness pulled deceased out and got him ashore. Witness did not consider the place dangerous for bathing. - Fred Pullman, who let out bathing tents on Sillery sands, said he had life-belts there, but they were of little use because they could not get them out into the sea to be of any service. He did not warn bathers for, as a matter of fact, bathers told him to mind his own business when he suggested they should not go into the water. - Dr Courtney said they tried artificial respiration for over an hour and a half without success. Death was due to drowning. He thought a lot of accidents occurred through people, who led sedentary lives all the year, going into the sea when on holiday. Swimming, said Dr Courtney, was strenuous work, and it was too much for these people. - The Coroner returned a verdict that "Death was due to Drowning while Bathing," and commended Mr Vowles for his gallant conduct.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 September 1925
BIDEFORD - Tragedy At Clovelly. Sailor Falls 150 Feet Over Cliff. - MR FREDERICK HEADON, 52, a fisherman of 72 Independent-street, Clovelly, fell from the top of a cliff, 150 feet in height, on Sunday afternoon. The tragic occurrence was witnessed by a picnic party on the beach, the deceased falling quite close to them. Dr E. J. Toye, of Bideford, was summoned and ordered his removal to the Bideford Hospital, where he passed away the following day. MR HEADON, who leaves a widow and a grown-up adopted daughter, had lived in Clovelly all his life and the sympathy of the parishioners generally goes out to MRS HEADON in her sad bereavement. - At the Inquest on Tuesday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NORTHAM - Bideford Bathing Tragedy. Lady Visitor Drowned. - News of another sad bathing fatality on the North Devon coast, in which a gallant young lady gave her life in trying to save her friend, and a mother was bravely rescued by her 16-years-old daughter, comes from Northam. - A party of visitor, staying at Appledore, were bathing off the Burrows, between Appledore and Westward Ho!, opposite the sixth hole tee of the Royal North Devon Golf course, on Friday afternoon between four and five p.m. They included MRS RANDALL and her sister, MISS OLIVE ROBBINS, of Colchester House, Goldsmith-road, Leyton, E.10, Mrs Howarth and her 16-year-old daughter, Kathleen of Southampton and Mrs Tweedale and her little daughter Elaine from Rochdale. Other members of the party, Mrs Hodgson and little Miss Pat Randall, the five-years-old daughter of Mrs Randall, remained standing on the beach. - It appears that Mrs Howarth had suddenly found herself in difficulties and MISS ROBBINS, whom it was stated could not swim, went to her help, but was soon in serious trouble herself. Then Mrs Randall, who swims a little, tried to help them both, but in a moment the whole lot were in danger of being carried away and losing their lives. - Kathleen Howarth, who is a good swimmer, took charge of her mother and after a great effort managed to get her safely ashore. Mrs Tweedale and her daughter in the meantime also managed to gain the beach. - Mrs Randall was now making a great effort to get MISS OLIVE ROBBINS, but the tide was taking both of them out and at last MRS RANDALL, who was getting very exhausted, had to leave her sister and with very great difficulty herself struggled ashore. When last seen at this time MISS ROBBINS was being carried out to sea, floating face downwards. - Mrs Hodgson ran up the beach for help and found a man with a bicycle, who went off to the coastguard Station, some considerable distance away. After some time Jack Hammond, son of Mr Arthur Hammond of Hill Cliff Terrace, Appledore, and about 17 years of age, came on the scene and without divesting himself of any of his clothing, gallantly rushed into the water and swimming out, got hold of MISS ROBBINS, and after tremendous exertions succeeded in bringing her to the beach, in an unconscious and apparently drowned condition. - Four or five doctors, including Dr Martin (a visitor) and a lady, with Mr F. Mortimer (Board of Trade Officer) and others, worked strenuously for a very considerable period and as long as any hope existed, to restore animation, but without result and the body of the gallant, but unfortunate young lady was removed to Northam to await the Inquest. - The Inquest - At the Inquest by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Working Men's Club, Northam, on Saturday afternoon, MRS RANDALL said her sister OLIVE was 35 years of age and a stenographer. They came to North Devon on a visit a week ago and on Friday afternoon went out over Northam Burrows to bathe, reaching the sea about ten minutes to four. Six of the party went into the water, and had been in about eight or ten minutes and were standing and dancing about with the water a little over their waists when Mrs Howarth suddenly said, "Oh, I am out of my depth." Witness's sister (MISS ROBBINS) went to her and Mrs Howarth's daughter also caught hold of her. MISS ROBBINS was not so tall and got out of her depth and witness tried to get her in, and stopped quite a while trying but could not succeed. "I am not a good swimmer myself," she added. - "Your sister, in trying to help Mrs Howarth, got out of her depth as well?" asked the Coroner. "Yes, although it was only a matter of a foot or two; she was just on the edge and probably she might have got in the deep water in any case," explained witness. Her sister seemed still when she was carried away by the tide and witness had to fight hard to get back, owing to the strong under current. No sooner did they get going than a terrific wave would be on top of them and then they would be carried back. There was no one there to help for some while. There was just one boy on the beach bathing, but he could not swim at all and could not help. Witness was fighting to get out herself when the young man Hammond came from the Golf Links, passed her, and brought in her sister. Artificial respiration was tried for hours, help having been forthcoming in about twenty minutes. Miss Howarth and witness could swim. Witness had not bathed from the actual spot before, but had from the beach nearer Westward Ho! - Mrs Margaret Howard and John Hammond, 17, corroborated, the latter witness in answer to an observation by the Coroner remarking that when the tide was going out it was very dangerous there. - Dr Ralph Bolton, of St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, on a visit to Westward Ho! spoke to being called some time after five o'clock. He was told that artificial respiration had been tried for some time before his arrival without result, but he continued it for a short time. There was no sign of life and to all appearances death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning," remarked that the place was a dangerous one for non-swimmers, there being a considerable amount of undertow with receding tides. Everything possible was done by the ladies bathing at the time. - Great credit was due to the young man Hammond who did not know that the lady was dead when he got there and brought her in. He said he was not an expert swimmer, but he was evidently a good swimmer and, what was more, he had the pluck. He did very well indeed and he should have great pleasure in bringing his conduct to the notice of the Royal Humane Society, because he thought the more acts like that were recognised the better it was for the country and safety of the people. - The Vicar of Appledore, the Rev. Hugh C. A. S. Muller, on behalf of the relatives, thanked the Board of Trade Officers, the Police and all who had rendered assistance in the sad tragedy, and also expressed the sympathy of the people of Appledore with the relatives in their sad bereavement.

BARNSTAPLE - North Devon Motor-Cycling Fatality. Road Surfaces: Coroner's Advice To Motorists. - "Although it seems like a voice crying in the wilderness, I have tried to warn people on many occasions that the unavoidable badness of the roads in North Devon demands more care than the riding does in more favoured districts, the reason being that our local stone does not lend itself to the making of a good surface. I should, however, again like to warn the public, and especially strangers, that in their own interest, and in the interest of everybody else, they should take exceptional care and observe the condition of the roads when riding in this part of the country." - Thus remarked Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Barnstaple Borough Coroner, at the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Thursday on WILLIAM ARTHUR BOUETTE, aged 29, of Riversbank, Surrey, who died as the result of injuries sustained at Chulmleigh whilst taking part in the International Motor Cycling Reliability Trial on August 18th. - Edwin J. Pittock, of Palmer's Green, London, N., stated that deceased, his nephew, was like himself, a motor salesman and demonstrator. Serving in the War, BOUETTE was a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour of France and he held several other medals from the British and other governments. Deceased took part in the recent international motor cycle reliability trial and witness saw him at lunch-time (about 1.30) at Southmolton, prior to the accident in the afternoon. - BOUETTE had been to Beggar's Roost, Lynton, and was on the road back towards Taunton. He was in perfectly good health and showed no sign of over-strain. Witness, who was also motor-cycling, rode on in advance on the road on which deceased was about to follow to Chulmleigh and did not hear about the accident until night-time, when he reached Taunton. Coming to Barnstaple the following day (Wednesday) he saw his nephew in Hospital, and next day he accompanied P.S. Disney to the scene of the accident. He saw nothing the matter with the road - an ordinary second or third-class road - which was in quite good condition except for an ordinary pot-hole or depression in the road. It was nothing he should take exception to. - What in your opinion would be the cause of BOUETTE falling off his machine," asked the Coroner. - Witness replied he could practically give no opinion beyond surmise. BOUETTE might have been riding a bit loosely and come off, or possibly he might have been affected by the sun. He had been riding all Monday and Tuesday without a hat, as was his habit. It was quite the hottest part of the day when the accident happened. There was nothing in the machine or the road to account for the crash. - Coroner: He might possibly have been on the look-out for some checker in the trial when the accident occurred?" - "Quite possible," agreed Mr Pittock. BOUETTE recognised him perhaps for a few seconds on the Wednesday, but could give no account of the accident. Witness suggested, having regard to his condition, that his mother should be fetched, but deceased objected that it would bother her, and lapsed into unconsciousness again. He was perfectly satisfied that everything possible was done for his nephew by those who found him and at the Hospital and he should like to express their very great thanks to everybody concerned. - The Coroner observed that all realised the terrible nature of the accident. He should like Mr Pittock to express their sorrow to the family: he thought it a terrible thing the gallant young fellow should die in this way. - P.S. Disney, of Chulmleigh, who was notified about 2.45 on August 18th of the accident, said he tried to get local medical practitioners to accompany him, but unfortunately they were both out. Witness found BOUETTE attended to in a gateway about a mile out in the roadway between Chulmleigh and Bishopsnympton and seeing the condition he was in, he sent for Dr Baker, of Southmolton, who came as soon as possible. BOUETTE was propped up with some cushions which the Dutch gentlemen who found him had taken out of their car and friends were bathing his head with water obtained from a neighbouring farm. The Dutch people informed witness they found BOUETTE lying on the right-hand side of the road by his machine. Seeing that BOUETTE was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull, Dr Baker ordered his removal to the North Devon Infirmary which was promptly done. Semi-conscious, BOUETTE asked for an aspirin; he was apparently suffering terribly in his head. He said nothing about the accident. P.C. Davis accompanied deceased to the Hospital. The motor-cycle, a 6 h.p. Zenith, was slightly damaged, the right footrest, handle bar and tank being bent. The road was thirteen feet wide, with a 1 ½ ft. ditch on each side, and the surface at the spot generally good. About 45 yards from where BOUETTE was found there was a large pot-hole, about five inches deep and about 15 feet from the pot-hole there was evidence of a wobble, as though the motor cycle had gone into a pot-hole and started wobbling. In witness's opinion that was what had happened: after coming out of the pot-hole the motor cycle might have jumped, and BOUETTE need not necessarily have been going fast. Timed at eighteen miles an hour, deceased left Southmolton at two o'clock and the accident happened about 2.30, about eight miles out. Witness traced the wobble across the road and on to another pot-hole on the right side, about 114 feet from the first one. A little further on, where the accident occurred, witness saw evidence of blood. There was no evidence of any collision. The state of the road was good, except for these two pot-holes and there was no mud about. - In answer to P.S. Milford, of Barnstaple, witness said he found BOUETTE being attended to be the Dutch gentlemen previously referred to and other friends. - The Coroner: Should you call the state of the road in a general way dangerous? - No; it is a good road, except for the two pot-holes, which in his opinion had been thee six months or more. BOUETTE was bleeding from the nostrils and also vomiting. - Dr Cowan, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, also stated that there was haemorrhage from the nose and ear when BOUETTE was admitted to the Institution. He had bouts of consciousness, and then became partly unconscious and delirious. He denied at first that he had had a severe accident, but knew he had been injured and was in Hospital. Death occurred on the evening of August 25th, and a post-mortem examination disclosed a fracture of the base of the skull, with haemorrhage and softening of the brain. Having regard to the injuries, witness was of opinion that BOUETTE fell on his left side. The case was more or less a hopeless one from the first, and nothing more could have been done to save BOUETTE'S life. - The Coroner thought it clear that it was a pure accident, due either to the pot-holes or some other cause. Only the other day he read of a motorist being stung in the hand by a wasp, leading to an accident and there were a good many other ways in which this accident might be accounted for - a rabbit running across the road, or something of that sort. It might be that BOUETTE was dazed by the sun - he did not think he was exhausted. It was perfectly clear that for some reason or other he lost control of the machine and that the footrest on the right side struck the ground, and that, thrown off, he sustained the injuries in question. It appeared to have been a pure accident, with no one to blame and it was very sad that such a gallant ex-soldier should have met his death in this way. With the remark quoted at the commencement of this report, the coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - P.S. Disney, concurring with the Coroner's remarks, said some of the roads close to the principal main roads were nothing less than by-roads. In his opinion the authorities spent too much on the main turn-pikes. The road in question was supposed to be a main road between Chulmleigh and Southmolton, but parts of it were in a fearful state. Just at the point in question, however, it was fairly good. - The Coroner: We hear of many of these accidents and from others who have narrow shaves.

LUNDY - Lundy's First Inquest. Mysterious Death Of A Sea Captain. - Lundy Island has had its first Inquest. On Friday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, had occasion to visit the island for the purpose of conducting an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of CAPT. JOHN GRIFFITHS of Weston-super-Mare. The Coroner made the journey to Lundy in the mailboat "Lerina," accompanied by his clerk and a Press representative. - At the Inquest MR NOEL R. GRIFFITHS identified the body as that of his father, who was managing director of the Glynn-Cymric Shipping Company at Cardiff, and resided at Greystone, South Road, Weston-super-Mare. He was 62 years of age. Deceased left home on Wednesday morning, apparently intending to go to Cardiff, as was his custom. He was in good health and did not appear to have any worry. Until receiving information from the Police on Thursday, witness did not know but that he had gone to Cardiff. - James John Pascoe, foreman of the Fisheries of the Island, said he saw deceased about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday. He was then walking from the village towards the beach. He did not speak, but witness noticed nothing unusual about him. It struck witness that he might have missed Campbells' boat. - John Bourke said while aboard his vessel in Lundy Roads on Thursday morning, about 10 o'clock, he saw a punt belonging to them on the rocks. On going to recover it he saw something floating in the water and found it was the body of a man. An oar was missing from the boat, but it had not yet been found. - Alfred James Sleep, officer in charge of the signal station at Lundy, said artificial respiration proved unavailing. Deceased's watch stopped at 20 minutes to eleven. The punt referred to was kept in the slipway. Witness thought deceased might have taken the punt to try to reach a motor boat lying in the roads. Campbell's boat left in a dense fog at 5 p.m. No note or letter of any kind was found on the body, nor any money. If deceased had wanted information about getting away he could easily have obtained it. - Dr A. L. Cowan (Barnstaple) said the probable cause of death was drowning. - The Coroner said it was rather a mysterious case. Deceased evidently landed on Lundy Island from Campbell's pleasure steamer on Wednesday afternoon, and for some reason or other, did not go on board again. He did not appear to have spoken to anyone on the Island. There was no direct evidence to prove that he took the punt in order to reach a vessel in the roads, but he thought that a fair assumption was that, in some way or another during the fog, he must have fallen into the water. His verdict would be "Found Drowned," there being no evidence to show how deceased got into the water. - The Company of which deceased was managing director, purchased the first steamship built by Taw Shipyards, Ltd., at Barnstaple.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 September 1925
LYNTON - The Countisbury Tragedy. Mysterious Death Of Lady Visitor. Source Of Poison Unknown. - At the resumed inquest held on Thursday at Lynton by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MISS LILIAN ANNE SPAVEN, aged 51, of 24 The Avenue, South Lowestoft, an art mistress at Dronfield Grammar School, near Sheffield, who died at Lynton Cottage Hospital on August 18th from the effects of a mysterious illness which overtook 23 persons (14 visitors and nine members of the family of the proprietress, Mrs Fanny Fewings, and her staff) at the Aberlyn Boarding House, Countisbury, on the night of August 20th, the coroner, after hearing further evidence, submitted to the Jury, for their assistance in reaching a verdict, the following questions:- 1. What was the cause of the death of LILIAN ANNE SPAVEN? Was it collapse from inflammation of the large and small intestines? 2. How was she poisoned or infected with bacilli aertryck? Was it from eating beef on August 2nd last? If not beef what food was it? 3. If you are of opinion she was infected by eating beef on this day, was the beef sound, in good condition and unaffected by this bacilli aertryck when it was delivered by the butcher to Mrs Fewings? 4. If the answer to the last question is in the negative then you are of opinion that the butcher or his assistant was guilty of negligence amounting to criminal negligence by sending out beef in a dangerous condition and unfit for human consumption? 5. If the answer to question three is in the affirmative, can you say how the meat became infected? Was it by reason of want of proper care and protection after it was delivered at the boarding house, or by the condition of the premises or cooking utensils or ingredients used in cooking the meat or by some person(s) being a carrier of the germ? 6. Are you satisfied that everything possible has been done to prevent a further outbreak? If not, what do you suggest? The Jury requiring further evidence with regard to the sixth question, Mrs Fewings was recalled and stated that she had carried out Dr Harper's suggestion and taken no more boarders, but some of those who were in the house at the time had decided to remain, saying they knew all the circumstances and would take the risk. The kitchen had also been closed as suggested. She had not used the same utensils since advice had been obtained from an architect as to re-organising the basement; the staff of nine, who had been attacked, had all been examined and a mason was now doing away with the lavatory in the basement. - After a retirement the Jury, of which the Rev. C. E. Fairhurst was Foreman, found that the cause of death was collapse from inflammation of the intestines due to eating beef which was sound in condition when delivered, so that the fourth question did not apply. They could not say how the meat became infected - there was no evidence to prove this - but it was not from negligence, nor by the condition of the premises, cooking utensils or ingredients used in the cooking. The Jury recommended that Dr Harper's suggestions should be carried out, which they understood were being done. - Other interesting evidence was given at the opening of the Inquest to the effect that Dr Scott, of the Pathological Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, had isolated bacilli aertryck from the remains of a joint of roast beef which had been served at the midday meal of the boarding house on August 2nd, and of which everyone in the household had dined off, though some had been unaffected. Four of the patients' blood had been tested and had apparently proved that infection of the meat by that organism was the cause of the outbreak. The Coroner read the report of the bacteriologist of the Ministry of Health, London, which said: "Bacillus aertryck was obtained from the spleen, kidney and small intestines, of L. A. SPAVEN. The type of bacillus aertryck was the same as that found by Dr Scott in the beef and in the face of a patient from this outbreak of food poisoning"; whilst he also read a letter from the Assistant Medical Officer of Health for Devon (Dr Horton Date) which ran as follows:- "At your request I made a further visit to Aberlyn Boarding-house on the 27th ultimo and found that a further outbreak of a milder nature had occurred a few days before my visit, probably implicating about eight persons. Dr Harper, the District Medical Officer, had made such recommendations as regards the improvements of the sanitary condition of the house, the handling of food, the taking in of further visitors for the present, and also for the detection of a possible carrier to account for this second outbreak. As regards the sanitary arrangements, they are not all that one would wish in a boarding-house, in which much food has to be stored, handled and cooked, but at the same time I do not consider that the original outbreak was directly accounted for by these conditions and the infection of the meat by bacilli aertryck, which was the cause of the attacks of illness, was carried there either by human, animal or insect agency. This infection is quite distinct from any putrefactive change, and in the majority of recent reported outbreaks the food was not other than perfectly good to the physical senses. The beef which was the cause of the original outbreak and the remains of which I saw on August 4th showed no putrefactive changes. After careful inquiry into the original outbreak I am unable to suggest what was the particular agent by which infection was carried in this particular case." - Dr J. M. Courtney (Lynton) stated that he had been over the premises with Dr J. R. Harper, whilst Dr Date had also been down and also Dr Letham from the Ministry. On August 24th and 25th there was a second outbreak, but he (witness) only dealt with three cases ill enough for him to be called to. He had also heard there was one or two mild cases besides. He had sent up specimens and received a report that these fresh cases yielded bacillus aertryck. - In answer to a question from the Coroner as to whether he was able to trace the second outbreak, witness replied that he had. He had notified Dr Harper at once, and, acting on his instructions, sent up faeces of the nine members of the household who were originally ill (Mr and Mrs Fewings, family and the maids). They had received a report that eight of the people were negative and that Miss Cameron, the housemaid, yielded bacillus aertryck, proving conclusively that the second outbreak was due to Miss Cameron being a carrier. He had found Miss Cameron had been helping to cut up bread and butter and preparing tea before the second outbreak, and she had become immune from the first. It was the same as diphtheria and typhoid - a person could recover from either, yet remain a carrier of the disease. - Mr J. H. L. Brewer, who represented Mr Herbert Medway, the butcher who supplied the meat, asked if witness was satisfied that the second outbreak was not due to the meat. Dr Courtney replying that it was due to the carrier. - Mr Brewer: And the first attack might have been due to the carrier? - Witness: I don't think you can say that one way or the other. It might have been, but you cannot prove it now, of course. - The next witness, Mr R. McDonald, of Plymouth (for Mrs Fewings, proprietress of the boarding-house, asked if Miss Cameron would have become a carrier without first being infected with the ptomaine. - Witness: No, she must have had it. Personally, I think if she had been a carrier before the first attack they would have had the outbreak before. - Dr Harper stated that he had visited the boarding-house often since the outbreaks and he made certain suggestions to the proprietress as to the premises, one suggestion being the house should be closed at once and no further letting take place until the local conditions were normal and she had authority from the local sanitary officials. Witness pointed out he had no right to insist, but Mrs Fewings agreed to fall in with the suggestions and gave every facility for their investigation. Dr Lethem, of the Ministry of Health, afterwards confirmed the suggestions. - Witness said in answer to a question by the Coroner as to whether he would have expected to have found more cases if the outbreak had been caused by a diseased cow or maiden heifer that he would have expected more, and those widely separated. - In reply to the other questions, witness said that he had inspected Mr Medway's premises, and was perfectly satisfied, as also was the Ministry's inspector. The fact of the latrine at the boarding-house being so near the larder was not likely to cause the infection - it was not that type of bacillus. The bacillus was one which might be found in perfectly good fresh food. As far as human agency was concerned, it was quite an accidental occurrence. It might equally happen in the King's household as any other place. The boarding-house was built about 30 years ago, the plans being passed by witness's authority and they showed the arrangements as they at present existed. - Mr McDonald said that because of their having this case of ptomaine many of the suggestions had been made. He (witness) wanted to see there was no further opportunity of carrying it? - Witness: Yes. - Mr McDonald: Your suggestions being carried out, you consider will render this house quite free again from any possibility of a carrier. - Witness: As far as one can possibly tell; the carrier would be exhausted in a very few weeks. - Herbert Medway said he had no complaints of other customers being ill. The last time he supplied the boarding house was on August 19th. He also told his customers to put the meat away carefully from flies and contamination. - Mr McDonald remarked that meat was often exposed in shops, suggesting witness might practise what he preached generally, but witness said it was not in cut-up pieces in the shop and it was not near a sewer or rubbish heap. - Mr McDonald: I am not suggesting you did anything wrong. - George Fouracre, Mr Medway's manager, said that there were no complaints from any other customers.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 September 1925
SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Lawyer's Tragic Death. Motor Cycle And Car Collide. The Inquest. - As reported in our last issue, the tragic death occurred at Southmolton on Wednesday evening of MR EDWARD AUGUSTINE H. HARRIES, a member of the firm of Rickard and Son, solicitors, of Southmolton, and steward to Lord Poltimore, of Court Hall, Northmolton. The deceased gentleman was motor-cycling on the road between Southmolton and the G.W.R. Station, when he came into violent collision with a motor car driven by Mr Ernest Edward Shapland, farmer, of Woolacombe, sustaining terrible injuries, from which he expired a short time afterwards. MR HARRIES, who was aged 46, and leaves a widow and family, had resided at Barnstaple for some time, but had quite lately been lodging at Northmolton. - The Inquest was held at Southmolton Town Hall on Thursday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, who had the assistance of a Jury. - Mr Leslie Woodhouse, assistant to the deceased, stated that MR HARRIES was an experienced motorist, being a careful driver and rather nervous. He was riding a 2 ¾ h.p. Raleigh at the time of the accident. - Ernest E. Shapland, driver of the car, said he was returning from Southmolton Station to Woolacombe with his wife and daughter when the accident occurred. He was travelling at about 15 miles per hour on his correct side of the road. About four or five feet from the hedge he saw MR HARRIES approaching from the opposite direction on his motor-cycle about 100 yards distant, being on the same side of the road, and travelling, witness estimated, at 30 miles an hour. Witness applied his brakes, but deceased was right into his car before he knew what had happened. MR HARRIES' arm came through the windscreen and his head struck the hood. Had not that been up he would have gone right on top of witness's wife and daughter. The front off wheel of witness's car was knocked off and the motor-cycle then skidded across the road and stopped. - The Coroner: Did he make any attempt to get on his proper side? - No, definitely. He came straight at me. One half of the road on witness's side had recently been re-metalled and steam-rolled and it was on this piece that deceased was riding. There was a little rough edge between the re-metalled portion and the half that had not been metalled. Witness could not say if deceased had his motor cycle under control. - Questioned by Mr R. L. Rickard, who represented MRS HARRIES, the widow, witness said he slowed up when he saw the motor cycle, and applied his brakes as soon as he saw deceased did not try to avoid him. The force of the impact turned his car across the road. - In reply to Mr J. H. L. Vellacott, who represented him, witness said deceased must have been turning from right to left to have knocked witness's wheel off. Witness was travelling on second gear and consequently his speed could not have been very fast. He had been driving for five years and had never previously been involved in an accident. Witness was quite sober at the time. - Replying to Mr Attree Powell, the town Clerk, who appeared in the interests of the Southmolton Town Council, witness said he went down to the Station earlier in the evening on the un-metalled half of the road, which was all right. - By the Foreman: The deceased fell about 10 or 11 feet from the point of impact. - By Supt. Shutler: Witness said he stopped practically dead on applying his brakes. He could not say whether he had reached the re-metalled portion of the road when the collision occurred. - Do you think it was possible he was coming down on the newly-metalled part, to escape the ragged edge of the metalling, thinking he would clear you in crossing over to his proper side before you reached him? - It might have been so. - P.C. Phear said he found a mark for a distance of four feet, showing where the car had skidded, apparently when Mr Shapland applied his brakes. The near back wheel of the car was 7ft. 10in. from Mr Shapland's near hedge and the front wheel 10ft. 6in., the car being in a half-right position when it stopped. The road there was 20ft. wide and had been re-metalled and rolled to a width of about 12ft. 6in. The left-hand trough was filled with large stones to a width of 2ft. 10in. - By Mr Vellacott: Witness thought very probably deceased made an error of judgment in trying to avoid the edge of the loose stones. - By the Foreman: The unmetalled half of the road had not been sacrificed and was not sufficiently bad to justify anyone riding on the wrong side. It was perfectly good piece of road. - The latter statement was borne out by Mr Gormer, a Council labourer, who said that half the road was metalled and rolled in before they left work on Wednesday night, leaving no edge. - George Boucher, steam roller driver, said a rough edge was left to the half that had been remetalled and rolled. The other portion had no pot-holes. - Dr Mortimer of Southmolton, said deceased sustained a fracture of the nose and of both upper jaws; both eyes were destroyed and the brain was lacerated. Death was due to the latter and shock. - The Jury visited the scene of the accident. - The Coroner said only the occupants of the car witnessed the accident. It appeared MR HARRIES was riding on the remetalled piece of the road because he undoubtedly thought it was better, and he eventually hoped to have crossed over to his proper side before the car came up. He thought they must take it MR HARRIES was travelling at a rather fast pace, and ran into the car in the way described by Mr Shapland. The Coroner added that it was rather a scandalous thing that in a town of the size of Southmolton there was no mortuary. Through the kindness of Dr Mortimer, to whose house MR HARRIES was taken, the body had since remained there. Representations should be made to the Town Council to provide a place where post-mortem examinations could be made. - The Jury, after a brief statement, found that death was Accidental, and entirely exonerated Mr Shapland from any blame. Neither was any blame attached to the Town Council for the condition of the road. The Jury strongly urged the Southmolton Town Council to provide a public mortuary. They also expressed sincere condolence with the widow and family. - The Coroner said he quite concurred with the verdict, and associated himself with the expression of sympathy, remarking that MR HARRIES was much esteemed in the locality and his death would be keenly felt. The Southmolton Fatality. Funeral of MR E. A. HARRIES. - Notwithstanding very inclement weather, the funeral of the late MR E. A. HARRIES, solicitor, of Southmolton, which took place on Saturday afternoon, was largely attended. The high esteem in which MR HARRIES was held as a steward and professional man was evidenced by the presence of a large number of tenants from Bishopsnympton, Northmolton and Twitchen, and there were many beautiful wreaths. Rev. S. P. Scott, M.A., Vicar of Southmolton, officiated. - The immediate mourners were MRS HARRIES, (widow), Master E. W. Harries, (son), Miss J. Harries (daughter), Misses C. and F. Harries (sisters), and Mr R. Louis Riccard (Hawthornden). [A long list of other attendees at the funeral followed].

ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held at Ilfracombe on Monday, on the body of MR SAMUEL CHAPPLE, an elderly man of Greenclose-road, Ilfracombe. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 October 1925
GREAT TORRINGTON - Boiling Fat Causes Child's Death At Torrington. The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Torrington Cottage Hospital on Thursday evening into the death of KEITH VERNON FINNAMORE, aged 3 years, of East-street, Torrington. - MRS BEATRICE FINNAMORE (mother) stated that on Tuesday afternoon she had been boiling some beef, and her little boy was in the kitchen at the time. She placed the saucepan containing the boiling liquid on the table and whilst she was attending to her infant child in the cradle deceased climbed into a chair and dragged the contents of the saucepan over himself. She immediately called a neighbour, who helped her to attend to the burns. - Mrs M. Roberts stated that on Tuesday, at about 3.30 p.m., she was leaving her house when she heard the little boy screaming. She rushed to the house and, discovering what had happened, had all the doors in the house closed to prevent cold air entering and immediately removed the child's clothes and saturated the burns with olive oil. The lad was afterwards removed to the Cottage Hospital. - Dr O'Flaherty said he was called to the Hospital at about 4 in the afternoon and found the little fellow in a state of absolute collapse. The burns extended over the chest and abdomen and the right ear, cheek and arm. Everything possible was done, but the case was hopeless from the outset, and the child died the following morning, in his opinion, from shock. - The Coroner, expressing his sympathy, said it was a very sad case. No blame was attributed to the mother and his verdict was one of Accidental Death. - The funeral of KEITH VERNON FINNAMORE, the three-year-old son of MR and MRS BERTRAM FINNAMORE, of East-street, Torrington, took place on Tuesday. The young lad, who will be remembered as the victim of a most distressing burning accident, was of a bright disposition and liked by all who knew him. There was a large number of general sympathisers present, whilst the family mourners were:- Mr and Mrs B. Finnamore (father and mother), Bert and Annie (brother and sister), Mr and Mrs T. Finnamore (uncle and aunt) Mr and Mrs W. Finnamore (uncle and aunt), Mr A. Finnamore (uncle), Miss D. Radcliffe (niece), Mrs J. Gordon, Mrs Mills, Miss Train, Mrs Marshall.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 October 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Death of MRS E. A. ANDREW, At Barnstaple. - MRS EDITH ANNIE ANDREW, of Clarence House, Newport, Barnstaple, whose death occurred on Sunday afternoon, was the widow of ALDERMAN G. T. ANDREW, J.P., a former Mayor of the Borough, who passed away just two years ago. For long one of North Devon's beset-known and most highly esteemed public men, ALDERMAN ANDREW filled the civic chair at Barnstaple in 1906, being most worthily supported by his wife and their services eliciting the highest encomiums at the conclusion of their year of office. A devoted Wesleyan and a former organist at the Boutport-street Wesleyan Church - she attended service there last Sunday morning - MRS ANDREW for long did noble work in connection with Derby Mission School, of which her late husband was for many years Superintendent. Possessing in her prime a fine contralto voice, she was for many years a prominent member of Barnstaple Musical Festival Society and was a familiar figure on the concert platform in North Devon. A lady of charming personality and of most gracious disposition, MRS ANDREW, who was 59 years of age, will long be held in fond remembrance by all who knew her. She was the youngest daughter of the late MR and MRS PHILIP GARDINER, of Barnstaple and of her brothers and sisters only Mr W. F. Gardiner, J.P., of Barnstaple and Miss Gardiner (who resided with the deceased) survive. Deceased leaves two sons and a daughter - MR REX ANDREW (who is conducting the business founded by his father, MISS DAISY ANDREW and Master ROY ANDREW (who is attending Barnstaple Grammar School.) - It transpired at the Inquest on Monday that MRS ANDREW had been much depressed since the death of her husband and she had been under medical care. After dinner on Sunday she went upstairs to rest, and later she was seen by her daughter, who had gone to call her for tea, to fall from a bedroom window into the yard at the rear of the house. Dr H. C. Jonas was promptly in attendance, but could only pronounce life extinct. In the doctor's opinion, she was of unsound mind at the time, and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, The Coroner, as a dear old friend, expressed his great personal sympathy with the whole family, in which he felt certain he would be joined not only by the people of Barnstaple and North Devon but by friends much further afield. - The Funeral. - Public sorrow and sympathy, were reflected at the funeral yesterday, the family mourners being joined by many sympathising friends, many blinds of private residences being drawn in different parts of the borough and a large number of exquisite floral tributes were sent. The interment was made at the Cemetery, the very impressive service being conducted by Rev. A. N. Walton, Superintendent Minister of the Barnstaple Wesleyan Circuit. - The family mourners were Mr G. R. Andrew and Mr F. R. Andrew (sons), Messrs. J. L. Andrew (Umberleigh), W. A. Buckingham (Bittadon) W. Waldron (Bishopstawton), brothers-in-law; J. D. Andrew (Chapelton), W. T. Buckingham, J.P. (Landkey), Mr and Mrs A. D. Andrew (Boode, Braunton), Cousins and F. J. Codd. Mr W. F. Gardiner, J.P., (brother) and Mrs Gardiner (sister) were unable to be present. [Long list of other mourners attending.]

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 October 1925
BARNSTAPLE - Death Of MR J. MALONE At Barnstaple. - With sincere regret his many friends learnt of the death of MR JAMES MALONE, of 3 Pulchrass-street, Barnstaple, on Friday morning. A son of the late MR and MRS P. MALONE, of Dundalk, Ireland, the deceased had carried on business as an electrician at Barnstaple for probably twenty years, and he was a very familiar figure in the town. He was a devoted Roman Catholic and a staunch Liberal, spending most of his leisure time at the Cross-street Club. MR MALONE took part in a whist match on Thursday evening and friends noticed nothing amiss with him when wishing him "Good night." At the Inquest, however, Mary Stentiford, housekeeper to MR MALONE, who was a widower and 70 years of age, stated that he had chest trouble a few days previously and when he returned home on Thursday evening, she remarked, "You are not well; you are pale." MR MALONE rubbed his forehead and retired to bed a little later. Calling him on Friday morning, she got no answer and then going up to his room, about 10.20, she found him dead, with one foot out of bed. P.S. Milford, who was called to the house, said it looked as if MR MALONE had tried to get out of bed and had collapsed. Death must have occurred several hours previously. Dr Desprez attributed death to natural causes, namely heart failure; and the Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, returned a verdict accordingly, with a word of deep regret at the "passing" of MR MALONE. - Prior to the interment at the Barnstaple Cemetery on Tuesday, an impressive service was held in the Catholic Church, Rev. Father Leahy officiating. During the day the flag was at half-mast at the Liberal Club. The immediate mourners were Mr W. Malone (brother), Mrs Duddridge(sister), and Leo Duddridge (nephew).

COMBE MARTIN - A Combe Martin Tragedy. - MR EDWIN WILLIAM HARLOW, aged 58, of Hillside, Combe Martin, was found dead, under tragic circumstances, by his sister, on Wednesday last. The deceased gentleman formerly held an Eastern appointment and had resided at Combe Martin since May. - At the Inquest before Dr Ellis Pearson, North Devon Deputy Coroner, MISS ALICE HARLOW (sister), stated that at 10.30 the previous morning her brother was all right. On returning home at 11 o'clock witness smelt gas, and going into her brother's bedroom found him sitting in an arm-chair with a shawl over his head. Tied to the chair was the flexible gas tubing, one end being in his mouth. Witness turned off the gas and called in a neighbour. Her brother retired from business last May in ill-health and had since been constantly under doctor's care. - Florence Blackmore, the neighbour referred to, stated that she telephoned for the Police and Dr Manning, whilst Laura Woodward, nurse, also spoke to trying artificial respiration, without success. - Dr N. S. Manning attributed death to coal-gas poisoning and a verdict of "Suicide" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 December 1925
ILFRACOMBE - Tragic Death Of Ilfracombe Farmer. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held on the body of MR ROBERT MILMAN, a well-known agriculturist, of Francis Farm, Ilfracombe, at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Monday, the N. Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducting the proceedings. It is understood that by some means MR MILMAN lost his saddle whilst riding a horse from Ilfracombe to his farm on Saturday, and that despite medical attention succumbed to his injuries in the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Sunday. - MISS BEATRICE MILMAN, daughter of the deceased, said that her father, who was 52 years of age, appeared to be in his normal state of health when he left the farm for Ilfracombe. - Mrs Florence Anne Oates, of 3 Montpelier-terrace, Ilfracombe, stated that she met MR MILMAN in a shop and he came with her to see her son on business. He left the house about 5.10 and was apparently quite all right, his last words to her being that he would go to the Fat Stock Show at Barnstaple in her son's car. - Mr Albert Sydney Fry, of Berrynarbor, gave evidence as to his riding behind MR MILMAN up the Two Potts Road, and to his picking the deceased up, whilst Dr Yeo also deposed as to his attending MR MILMAN. The deceased was deeply unconscious and he (witness) had come to the conclusion that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - A brother of the deceased, MR JOHN MILMAN, of Torrington, said the horse ridden by the deceased was about fifteen years' old and rather high. He had noticed it stumble on one occasion and thought it quite possible the horse might have slipped at the time of the accident. - The Coroner, who brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death" said it was quite clear that MR MILMAN had lost his saddle by some means which they would never discover. No blame was attaching to anyone, not even the poor old horse. - MR JOHN MILMAN expressed his thanks to the Coroner, Mr Warren for conveying his brother to the Hospital, Mr Fray and also to P.-Sergt. Snell, of the Ilfracombe Police.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 December 1925
LYNMOUTH - Lynmouth Lifeboatman's Tragic End. - At the Inquest at Lynmouth on Thursday, on CHARLES CRICK, a member of the lifeboat crew, who was found hanging from a beam in the scullery of their house at Tylor's Cottage, MRS CRICK stated that last week her husband complained of illness and went to see Dr Cummings. Mr Walter Oxenham cut the body down. Her husband had never threatened to take his life. Dr Cummings said the previous Thursday CRICK complained of illness and witness examined him thoroughly, but could find nothing the matter. The following day CRICK appeared to think he had to undergo an operation; but witness told him no such thing was necessary, as there was nothing wrong with him, and he went away, apparently satisfied. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of Suicide.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 31 December 1925
BRAUNTON - Late MR CHAS. WEBBER Of Braunton. Inquest And Funeral. - At the Inquest at Braunton on Tuesday, on the late MR CHARLES WEBBER, of East-street, whose death we recorded last week, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes.". - MR CHARLES WEBBER of 23 Falmouth-road, Bishopston, Bristol, the eldest son, gave evidence of identification, and stated that he last saw deceased at the end of July. - Elizabeth Radmore of Braunton, stated that she saw deceased between half-past twelve and one o'clock on Sunday, 20th December and he seemed quite all right then. - P.C. Lamb, who went to the house at about 1.30 p.m. on Monday, the 21st, spoke to finding the front door shut and entering by the rear. Deceased, partly dressed, was lying dead on his face on the kitchen floor; the body was absolutely cold. Nearby was a chair and a small bath of water. It would appear that deceased had just finished washing himself when he collapsed. - Dr Wright saw deceased at about 2.15 p.m. on the Monday. He should say that he had been dead certainly twelve hours and probably a lot longer. He thought it probable that death occurred on Sunday evening. There were no marks about the body, but a post-mortem examination revealed that the deceased had aortic disease of the heart. The kidneys were also affected, but he should say that disease of the aortic valves of the heart was the cause of death. He had attended deceased up to about a few weeks ago. He was a very nice old man, and his death was regretted by many. - The late MR WEBBER, who was 83 years of age, was a well-known figure in Braunton. He was a highly-skilled carpenter, of the old and reliable type and a fine carver. The large sanctuary chair in St Brannock's Church, together with the chaste litany desk, are his work and at his home several fine specimens of carved oak furniture were to be seen. - The funeral took place on Christmas Eve at St Brannock's Churchyard. Previous to the interment, a short service was held in deceased's house in East-street, and was conducted by the Rev. J. Morley Davies, who also officiated at the graveside. The principal mourners were Mr Arthur and Mr Joseph Webber (sons) Mrs Irwin and Mrs Evett (daughters), Mrs Arthur Webber (daughter-in-law) Mr Alexander Webber (grandson).

BRAUNTON - A Barnstaple Mystery Solved. MR FROST'S Body Found In The River. - Yesterday morning Mrs Reston, of Strand Houses, Ashford, near Barnstaple, noticed the body of a man lying under a railway arch close by and adjoining the river. Mr P. F. Biddle, a driver of one of Colwill's 'busses, which happened to be passing along the road, conveyed the news to the Police at Braunton and later the body was identified as that of MR FRANK FROST of 20 Carlyle-avenue, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, who had been missing since December 1st. Aged 39, MR FROST was for many years a railway clerk, first in the employ of the Lynton Company and latterly the Southern Railway Co., whilst for some time prior to his death he was the esteemed Treasurer of Barnstaple Liberal Club. A native of Crediton (where his mother still resides), MR FROST leaves a widow, to whom public sympathy in fullest measure will be extended in her great sorrow. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest in the Braunton Parish Room, yesterday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, evidence of identification was given by the deceased's brother-in-law, MR FRANK EDWARDS. - MRS ETHEL FROST, the widow, said she and her husband left their home at about 7.10 p.m. on December 1st for the Liberal Club and on arriving there she went upstairs and he went to the billiard room. He told witness he would be up with her in a few minutes. As he did not come, later she made inquiries; people told her they did not see him leave the Club. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said her husband complained of feeling unwell when he came home from work. He had been suffering in his head for days and fell off his bicycle about two months ago, when something went wrong with his head. About fifteen years ago he had an accident when doing shunting work on the railway and sustained injuries to his head, from which he was laid up for twelve months. Only last summer he thought there was a piece of bone working out of his head. - The Coroner: Did he have any financial worries? - Witness: None that I know of. - The Coroner here mentioned that the deceased was Treasurer of the Barnstaple Liberal club and asked witness if the accounts were in order. MRS FROST answering that she had had no complaints. She had said when he disappeared she was afraid something had happened because of his head; he was becoming "down and out" with pain. - Witness, continuing, said another accident had worried him, for he had been kicked by a cow, and was told he had a tubercular rib. It was proved, however, that this was not correct, although the injury took twelve months to heal. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that the deceased had never threatened to take his life and had lived very happily with her, whilst he never did any gambling of any sort that she knew of. - Mrs Eliza Anne Reston, of Strand House, Ashford, spoke to seeing the body lying under the railway bridge. The tide had been a good way up the railway bridge. In her opinion the body came on shore that morning. - Mr Sidney Ridd, of Barnstaple, Hon. Secretary of the Barnstaple Liberal Club, stated he had been through the Club accounts, and found they were all in order. He had known the deceased for years and had frequently heard him complain of being unwell. - Dr Wright, of Braunton, expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. The face was decomposed and this would be natural if the body had been in the water some weeks. - P.C. Lamb, stationed at Braunton, who removed the body to the Mortuary at Braunton, was also called. - At this stage, P.S. Summers of Braunton, produced a wristlet watch, a belt and Treasury notes, which were found on the body. He informed the Coroner that the watch had stopped at 11.30 whilst the belt had MR FROST'S name on it . - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," said it was a mysterious case. They were at a loss to know how deceased got into the water - whether he fell in or not.

EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, and a Jury, at an Inquest held at the Devon Mental Hospital, yesterday morning, relative to the death of BETSY SMITH, aged 77 years, an inmate of the Institution, who died as the result of a fall. Dr J. W. Murdock, Assistant Medical Officer at the Hospital, said SMITH was admitted from the Poor Law Institution, Barnstaple, on the 22nd January 1924.