Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Taken from the Western Times 
and the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1927

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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.

[Numbers in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs.]

Names Included:- Abbott; Allright; Arundell; Austin; Ayres; Baker; Barclay; Barry; Bateman; Beer; Bennett; Board; Bonfield; Brewer; Britton; Brooks; Broom; Brown; Brunn; Bubb; Buckley; Caine; Camp; Cann; Carter; Chaleel; Challenger; Childs; Clapp; Clarke; Cleave; Coles; Cox; Craddock; Crawford; Cross; Davey; Davy; Divine; Dodd; Dore; Drake; Dunning; Dunstan; Dyer(2); Edgecombe; Ellis; Etches; Fenton; Ferris; Fisher; Fry; Garner; Gilmore; Gloynes; Gordon; Goss; Guscott; Ham; Harding; Harrington; Harrison; Hartnell; Hayman; Heard; Hill(2); Hocking; Hooper(4); Hughes; Hugo; Hutchings; Huxham; James; Jeffery; Jefford; Jones; Jordan; Kemp(2); Kinch; Knee; Knight(2); Lambert-Gorwyn; Lane; Langdon; Langford; Laurence; Lawrence; Leach; Lefevre; Livermore; Lock; Madge; Matthews; McConnell; Messer; Miller(2); Morrish; Mortimore; Mugridge; Nex; Norton; Owens; Pengelley; Penleric; Penwarden; Pepperell; Perriman; Perry; Pittwood; Potter; Preddice; Prowse; Purser; Reed; Reynolds; Richards; Roach; Roberts; Robinson; Rogers(2); Salter; Scanes; Sercombe; Shepherd; Shortridge; Skedgell; Skinner; Smith; Southcott; Squire; Srodzinski; Stamp; Steed; Steward; Stone; Stradder; Strange; Stuart; Sutton; Thomas; Thompson; Towell; Treble; Turner; Tyler; Uglow; Veale; Warne; Warren; Waters; Weeks; Welch; West; White; Whitthorn; Widdicombe; Williams; Wollacott; Wotton; Wrayford; Wright; Yates; Yelland; Yeoman

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 January 1927
DARTMOUTH - Mr Arthur Davson, Coroner, held an inquest at Dartmouth on Saturday morning concerning the death of MR WILLIAM T. DUNNING, aged 60 years, off 1 Rose Glen, Victoria-road, who was found dead in bed the previous morning. WILLIAM GORDON DUNNING said he found his father at 7.30 a.m. lying on his back in bed dead. He retired from the Royal Navy with the rank of Lieutenant. Dr J. H. Harris attributed death to myocarditis, or degeneration of the heart. He had been treating deceased for gastric influenza. A verdict accordingly was returned. The funeral takes place tomorrow at Townstal.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 January 1927
TOTNES - Fatal Skid. Newton Man's Sad Death While Cycling. Inquest At Totnes. - At Totnes Guildhall yesterday, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest on LESLIE JOHN PROWSE, 22, bank clerk, Newton Abbot. - FREDERICK J. PROWSE, Gas Company collector, Newton Abbot, the deceased's father, gave evidence of identity. He said the deceased stayed five days a week at Kingsbridge and was on his way home at the time of the accident. - Dr H. R. Allingham, who saw the deceased at Totnes Cottage Hospital at 12.25 p.m., said he was quite unconscious and remained so until his death at 2 p.m. He had fractured the base of the skull and died from cerebral haemorrhage. There was no other injury except a few abrasions. It was a hopeless case. - Bertram Noah Beer, a mill hand, stated that he was near the bridge at Harbertonford and saw the deceased approaching from Kingsbridge on a motor cycle. He was travelling too fast to take the bend, where he was leaning to one side. The cycle skidded under him and then turned over. The deceased fell on his back with the cycle on him. He went to the assistance of deceased, who murmured that he wanted to go to sleep and then became unconscious. - Dr Allingham said the injury was explained by deceased being flung on the back of his head. - Samuel Harris, mill hand, said the deceased was not travelling too fast for a straight road but too rapidly for the bend. - P.C. Tolley said he found the deceased bleeding from the left ear but conscious. He complained of pains in his head. Cold water was applied, and he said he was much easier, and lapsed into unconsciousness. The skid of the motor cycle had extended for 60 feet. The road had a tarred surface with no defects and was level where the accident occurred. - The Deputy Coroner recorded that the deceased died from a fracture of the skull. He said the accident was apparently caused by error of judgment in going round a somewhat sharp bend too fast. He sympathised with the deceased's parents. - The deceased's father thanked the witnesses and particularly Dr Allingham and the Police, and also the Coroner for his sympathy.

Western Times, Friday 14 January 1927
TORQUAY - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, inn recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Torquay, Tuesday, on FREDERICK JAMES GOSS, 44 Kenwyn-road, Torquay, who died at Torbay Hospital from injuries received in coming into contact with a motor-car driven by Mr C. Perring in Lymington-road, said motorists had an obligation to carry out, and their actions must be governed by the rule of the road. They must remember that people with defective vision had to use the highway as well as cars and normal pedestrians. He thought Mr Perring did what many others might have done - committed an error of judgement - as if, according to Mr Perring's evidence he was travelling at 15 miles an hour in second gear, he (the Coroner) would have thought he could have pulled up immediately. - Charles Perring said he did not see MR GOSS until his car was within a couple of yards of him. MR GOSS stopped and witness thought it was a signal for him to proceed and he did so.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 January 1927
ALPHINGTON - Sad Fatality. Alphington Man Knocked Down By Cyclist. Story At Inquest. - Mr G. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Osborne's Cottage, Alphington, yesterday, on the death of JOHN WEST, aged 51, who died on January 12th. - SIDNEY GEORGE WEST, of Osborne's Cottage, farm labourer, son of deceased, said his father told him on the night of January 1st that he had had an accident at Pocombe Bridge. He said that a push-bike came down Pocombe-hill behind him, catching deceased's overcoat in the front wheel and sending him spinning into the wall. He did not know who the cyclist was. The cyclist had an oil lamp, but deceased could not describe him. He asked deceased if he was hurt. Deceased replied that he would be all right in a minute or two and the cyclist then went on his way. Deceased died on January 12th without giving any further information about the matter. - Harold Albert Beer, Cutteridge Cottage, said he met deceased on January 1st at Wheatley Farm, past Pocombe Bridge, at about 11.15 p.m. He was walking slowly towards his home and witness saw he kept wiping his face with his handkerchief, but noticed no blood. Deceased did not tell witness that anything had happened to him. He saw two cyclists only, and these, with gas lamps, were cycling slowly at the top of Pocombe-hill. - Dr L. P. Black said he saw deceased on January 2nd at his home. He was in bed, and both eyes were closed. There were abrasions on his forehead. The swelling went and deceased improved, until he developed congestion of the lungs, from which he died. Witness was of opinion that the congestion of the lungs was brought about as the result of deceased's injuries. Deceased told witness he had been knocked down by a push-bike. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with medical testimony, adding there was not enough evidence to show how deceased's injuries were caused. He was informed that the Police were making inquiries in the matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 January 1927
BAMPTON - Sad Death. Inquest At Bampton. - An Inquest was held at Bampton on Saturday on CLIFFORD WILLIAM HILL, 17, only son of MR and MRS W. H. HILL, Waterhouse Farm, Bampton, who died suddenly on Thursday night. - WILLIAM HENRY HILL said that his son seemed quite well at 9.30 p.m. Thursday, when, prior to leaving the house, he cleaned his gun and sang merrily the while. As he did not return after being absent 75 minutes witness went to look for him, but could find him nowhere. Thinking his son had gone away and would be back later, witness returned to the house. At 1 o'clock on Friday morning, however, he was still absent and witness resumed the search. He eventually found his son lying on the lavatory floor dead, with a lantern beside him. Deceased had been suffering from a slight cold, which made his speech thick, but he otherwise appeared to be quite alright and went about his work as usual. - Dr T. A. Fisher said that there was nothing to indicate the cause of death, except blood-stained froth at the mouth. Post-mortem examination showed that deceased's heart was dilated and there was disease of one of the valves. The left lung was congested and there were signs of pneumonia The cause of death was syncope, brought about by pneumonia affecting a diseased heart. The disease of the heart was in his opinion of long standing. - The Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

EXETER - Fractured Spine. Exeter Pensioner's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown, on ALBERT ALFRED STEED, naval pensioner, who died in Hospital on Thursday as the result of falling through a skylight at the Exeter Y.M.C.A., where he was employed, on December 13th. - Jesse James Spreadbury, secretary of the Exeter Y.M.C.A., described the circumstances of the fall, which occurred while he and deceased were on the roof of the billiard-room, which had two fanlights, repairing electric light fixtures. Witness did not see him actually fall. - A medical witness stated that deceased remained in a semi-conscious condition till the time of his death, and did not tell anyone how the accident occurred. He died through heart failure, following on general debility and infection of the bladder and kidneys as a result of a fractured spine.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 January 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Tragedy. Invalid's Sad Death At Newton Abbot. The Inquest. - At Blackpool School, Newton Abbot, yesterday, Mr Coroner Hutchings held an Inquest on EMMA AGNES ROSE DIVINE, 38, who was found dead in a few inches of water at the edge of a disused clay pit near Candy-cottages, Halford. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM HENRY DIVINE, a fitter in the G.P.O. telephone service, whose home is at Hammersmith. He explained that his wife had an illness in May and in August came to Halford to stay with her parents and had been there ever since. Arrangements had been made for her to go to a London Hospital yesterday for treatment. - MRS ELIZABETH BECKWITH, Candy-cottage, Halford, mother of the deceased, said she was very low spirited and was unable to help herself. On Monday evening, at 10 o'clock witness saw deceased comfortably in bed. The next morning, when she went to her room, deceased was not there and witness raised an alarm. - MRS SOPHIE WALDRON, deceased's sister, said deceased often said she was never going to get better and did not want to go to the hospital, as she said it would be useless and she did not want to leave her mother. She made that remark on Monday afternoon, but in the evening seemed quite composed. The doctor had told her often that she would get well if she would pull herself together. When her mother called her on the Tuesday morning witness ran across the fields to the disused clay-pit, and saw the deceased's pink dressing-jacket in or near the water. She ran back for assistance. Mr G. Powlesland, who responded to her call, said deceased was close to the bank in the water, which was only a few inches deep. The back portion of her clothes were quite dry. She was not lying straight out, but huddled up partly on her hands, and her face was only just touching the water. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said it did not appear to him that the woman had been drowned. He thought she had been trying to scramble out and fell forward. Monday night was very cold, with a sharp frost. - MRS WALDRON added to her evidence that deceased was subject to fainting fits. She was found in the same clothes as those she wore to bed the previous night. - Dr R. F. Higgin, who had been attending the deceased since August, said she was suffering from very great depression, but without suicidal tendency. She was completely unable to do anything for herself, and had quite lost her initiative. She was like a child, had to be dressed and undressed and nearly fed. She could not write a letter by herself. Witness did not think deceased viewed the Hospital with very great dread; she knew it was for her good. A woman in her condition, however, would not want to be disturbed. She would rather stay in bed than get up. Recently she had got weaker and her fainting fits were more frequent. She had lost all interest in life and although she had the power to get well, she had not the initiative to try. In reply to questions, Dr Higgin said for a woman in her condition to go out on a frosty night in her nightdress was sufficient to cause death from exposure and shock. He did not think a post-mortem would have assisted matters, as if the woman fell into the water through faintness, and her face was below the surface, water would enter the air passages. He thought the woman died from shock due to exposure. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was an extremely sad case. He thought it probable that the woman in her very low state woke up in the night and not wanting to leave her mother to go to the Hospital made mountains out of molehills, and decided to run away so that she should not be sent to the Hospital. People in ill-health liked to cling to their own relatives. Going out into the bitterly cold night, clad only in her nightdress, and dressing jacket, was enough to kill even a strong person. She might have looked at the water and become fascinated with it and fallen in from faintness. He found that death was due to Shock from Exposure, which was a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 21 January 1927


CREDITON - Fall Downstairs. Crediton Widow's Death From Syncope Following The Accident. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Crediton, Wednesday, respecting the death of MRS ELIZABETH WARNE, aged seventy, a widow. - HENRY JOHN VANSTONE said the deceased, his mother-in-law, lived with his wife and himself at 2 Bowden Hill-terrace, Crediton. She suffered from rheumatism and heart trouble and could not get about without help. On December 26th she went to bed about 11.30 p.m., witness and his wife following her up the stairs. The door of the two bedrooms were at the top of the stairs and were left open so that MRS WARNE could speak to witness and her daughter if she desired. About ten minutes later there was a scratching noise against the door or the floor and when MRS VANSTONE called out her mother replied that she could not find the bed. Almost immediately there was a fall and, going out, witness found the deceased in a kneeling position at the foot of the stairs. Deceased was helped upstairs, and to bed, and Dr Soady was called. Death took place on January 12th. - The evidence of Dr Soady was to the effect that no bones were broken, but MRS WARNE suffered much from shock. A bruise appeared over the right eye and a large bruise on the left buttock. A few days after the accident bronchitis developed and since then there had been several heart attacks. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Syncope, following bronchitis and accelerated by the fall downstairs."

GREAT TORRINGTON - Smothered In Blood. Sad Death Of A Winkleigh Woman: Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by the shock of a self-inflicted injury" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, at an Inquest at Torrington Poor Law Institution, on Monday, on SARAH JANE WEEKS, aged 69, of Mount Pleasant Cottage, Winkleigh. Her husband, CHARLES WEEKS, told the Coroner that deceased had for some time been under the care of Dr Lusk, suffering from heart trouble and had been laid up, while just 12 months ago she was for five months in an Asylum. She seemed to have recovered from her mental trouble. When he took her tea on January 8th she asked him for a pair of scissors, saying she had broken a nail and he gave them to her unsuspecting anything happening. About half an hour later, when he went to the bedroom again he found her smothered in blood. She did not say what she had done. - P.C. Newton, of Winkleigh, spoke to being sent for and to finding MRS WEEKS bleeding from a wound in the right temple, which had been inflicted with a pair of scissors, which she was holding. He rendered first-aid and later the nurse attended her, while the following day she was removed to the Poor Law Institution at Torrington. - Dr F. Pridham, of Torrington, who saw her on admission said it was a slight punctured wound right on the bone and it practically healed, but she was suffering from chronic heart disease and dropsy. She was not able to tell him anything, and he formed the opinion her mental condition was not very strong. She died on January 14th and after making a post-mortem examination which revealed an enlarged heart with the valves almost destroyed by disease, he attributed death to shock acting on such a weak and diseased heart. There was no evidence that the wound caused by the scissors had done any extensive injury. There was no doubt she tried to commit suicide. - In returning the verdict stated, the Coroner said it could not be one of Suicide as she did not actually die of the injury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 January 1927
EXETER - Sad Fatality. East Devon Farmer's Mishap Near Honiton. Exeter Inquest. - How an East Devon farmer met his death as the result of falling from a waggon he was driving, when the horse bolted, was related to Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, at an Inquest at the Court House last evening on FREDERICK BROWN, aged 52 years, of Overdale Farm, Luppitt, near Honiton, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday after an accident on December 15th. - LUCY ANN BROWN, widow gave evidence of identification, and said that on December 15th deceased left home about 8.30 a.m. with a waggon to go to Honiton. In the afternoon she heard he had been admitted to the local nursing home. Witness went to see him, and he explained to her that the horse shied at a pram, that it bolted, and that he fell first on to the horse's back and then on to the trunk of a tree in the road. - Agnes Leat, Combe Raleigh, said she was going towards Honiton, and when near Lanford Bridge she passed MR BROWN, who was standing up in the large waggon. Witness had a perambulator and the horse shied at it. It bolted and the driver fell out into the hedge. When she went to deceased he asked her to go and see to the horse and waggon. - Dr Bleasdale, House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said MR BROWN was admitted on the 16th instant, suffering from paralysis of both legs and some of the abdominal muscles. He improved to some extent, although he never had the use of his legs again. Congestion of the lungs and bladder trouble developed and he died on the 19th instant. He attributed death to bronchial pneumonia, as a direct result of the accident. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 January 1927
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Moreton Tragedy. Young Farmer's Sad End. - Mr Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquiry at Moretonhampstead, into the death of EDGAR WRAYFORD, aged 35, son of MR EDWIN WRAYFORD, of Pinmoor Farm, and who he assisted on the farm. Deceased left home on the morning of Thursday, at half-past 7, and as he did not return that night a search was made, with the result that his body was found in a copse a quarter of a mile from the farm at 2 p.m. the following day by his father and two workmen, together with Police-Sergt. West and Constable Searle, with severe wounds in the head and beside him a double-barrel gun with one barrel discharged. The evidence showed that deceased had never shown any tendency to take his life, but the receipt of a certain letter may have played upon his mind. The verdict was "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 January 1927 NORTH TAWTON - Plucky Act. Southtawton Girl's Attempt At Rescue. Jumped Into Water. - How a ten-year-old girl made a plucky but unsuccessful attempt to rescue a little playmate who had fallen into a swiftly-flowing mill stream by going into the water up to her waist was related to Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest held at Town Barton, Northtawton, yesterday, on the body of PEGGY VIOLA HOOPER, aged two years and five months, who was drowned in the mill stream at Southtawton on Saturday. - The body was identified by the father, ROBERT CHARLES GEORGE HOOPER, a labourer, of Southtawton village, while the principal witness was the ten-year-old girl, Doris Kellaway of Southtawton. The latter said that about 2.30 on Sunday afternoon she went for a walk, accompanied by her sister, deceased and three other children. They went down near the mills and played "roly-poly." When witness said it was time to go home, the deceased said she did not want to do so and slipped away from witness. There was a dip in the ground near the mill stream and the child jumped down on to it and fell into the river. Witness jumped into the stream and got hold of the child's coat. "The water was running very fast," continued witness, "and I could not keep hold of her, so I ran home and fetched MR HOOPER, who came down." - John Tarr Stanbury, farmer, of Blackhall Farm, said that while he was at the mill about a quarter to three on Sunday afternoon he heard some children shouting. One ran to his house and told him someone had fallen into the river. He went to the place and followed the stream down and found the body about 400 yards from the spot where the child fell in. The stream was a fast one. He got the body out and though life was evidently extinct he tried to restore animation. He estimated that the body was in the water about 15 or 20 minutes. - Dr T. S. Wright, Okehampton, attributed death to drowning. - The Deputy Coroner said death was due to Drowning, through Accidentally falling into the mill stream.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 January 1927
LYMPSTONE - At the Inquest at Lympstone on the body of NICODEMUS NORTON, 71, fisherman, who died suddenly, Dr Bellamy said the cause of death was disease of the arteries, which brought on heart failure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 February 1927
EXMINSTER - Lights Wanted. Coroner's Rider At Turf Inquest. Sailor Drowned. - A recommendation that the bridge over the lock-gates at Turf should be lit at night was made by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at an Inquest held at the Turf Hotel yesterday afternoon on JOSEPH PERRIMAN, of Lowestoft, whose body was found in the lock on Tuesday. PERRIMAN, who was third engineer on the s.s. James Tennant, apparently fell into the Canal while returning to his ship on Monday night. - The mate of the vessel, John Sussans, of Lowestoft, said the James Tennant, which was returning from Exeter to Newcastle-on-Tyne, stayed at Turf on the night of the tragedy on the advice of the pilot. At the suggestion of deceased, witness spent the evening at the Turf Hotel with him and three mother members of the crew, returning to the ship at 9.30 himself and leaving the others in the taproom. The following morning witness, who shared a cabin with deceased, noticed his berth was empty. The body was subsequently recovered from the lock. Witness told the Coroner that when he returned to the ship on Monday evening it was windy and raining and so dark that he had to feel his way over the bridge. Deceased, he added, was on good terms with his shipmates. - Corroborative evidence was given by Andrew Nicolson and William Renwick, seamen on the James Tennant. - William Benjamin Tapper, licensee of the Turf Hotel, stated that deceased was sober when he left the Hotel at 9.45. - After hearing medical evidence to the effect that the condition of the body was consistent with death from drowning, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding a rider that he considered the spot a very dangerous one, and recommending that lights should be put on the bridge at night.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 February 1927
EAST BUDLEIGH - Salterton Suicide. Carter's Sudden Act. - Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, yesterday afternoon held an Inquest at Budleigh Salterton touching the death of WILLIAM JOHN PREDDICE, aged 54 years, a carter. Evidence showed that deceased came from Chepstow on Saturday, and on Monday he started work as a carter for his brother, who carries on business as a haulier in Budleigh Salterton. Deceased, who had been out of work for some time, went out at his usual time, harnessed his horse and put it in the cart and helped another workman named Charles Pengilley to cut some chaff. He also spoke to another man named Alfred Follett, and seemed quite normal. At about 7.55 a.m. he left the two men and went into the stable, where they found him five minutes later with his throat cut. P.S. Holman, P.C. Turner and Dr T. C. C. Evans arrived a few minutes later, but PREDDICE was then dead, and an open razor lay beside him. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

OTTERY ST MARY - Sudden Death. Ottery Inquest. - JOHN IRELAND RICHARDS, aged 70 years, Army pensioner, of 28 Sandhill-street, Ottery St Mary, was found dead in bed at 6.30 a.m. on the 3rd instant, by John Dunford, his landlord. The case was reported to the Coroner, and an Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Ottery, yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr R. B. Dunning. Dunford said deceased had been in his usual state of health. He had complained of pains in the chest, but would not seek a doctor. Witness last saw deceased alive at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the 2nd. Alice Irene Dunford, wife of the last witness, corroborated. Dr R. R. Traill, who held a post-mortem, stated the cause of death was heart failure, caused by atheroma and angina pectoris. The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 February 1927
EXETER - Accidental. Inquest On Honiton Boy Injured In Street. Cyclist Exonerated. - The Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown, Inquired at Exeter yesterday afternoon into the death of EDMUND JOHN MILLER, aged 12 of 1 Perry Hale, Honiton, who was knocked down by a motor cycle in High-street, Honiton, on Thursday, and died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the following day. Mr F. P. Cottey appeared for the driver of the motor cycle. - BERTHA MILLER, mother of the deceased and a widow, said the boy left home to go to school at 8.45 a.m. At 12.30 p.m. she was told he had met with an accident. He was a healthy boy, without any sign of deafness. - May Stuart, of West End, Honiton, described the accident. Deceased, she said, ran from the pavement into the street opposite the World's Stores, followed by two other boys and collided with a motor cycle which was being ridden straight up the road on its correct side. Witness could not say whether the motor cyclist sounded his hooter, but he was driving very slowly. He dismounted after the collision. By Mr Cottey: The motor cyclist appeared to be in no way to blame, as the boy darted suddenly in front of him with his head down. - P.C. Honeywell, of Honiton, gave evidence of a conversation with the motor cyclist, who told him the boy ran in front of him and collided "before he knew where he was." Witness examined the brakes of the machine and found them in thoroughly good order. - Eva May Enticott, assistant at the World's Stores, who spoke to seeing the front wheel of the motor cycle strike deceased, stated, in answer to Mr Cottey, that she did not think the motor cyclist could have avoided the collision. - The driver of the motor cycle, Walter Sidney Frost, a fitter, of Cullompton, estimated his speed when the accident occurred at 10 to 15 miles per hour. He had no opportunity to stop or swerve. - Dr Bleasdale, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital unconscious and suffering from cerebral compression. A post-mortem examination showed death to be due to a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Deputy Coroner added that nobody was to blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 February 1927
BRADNINCH - An Inquest was held at Bradninch yesterday by Mr G. H. Stephens, concerning the death of FRANK BUBB, of Cullompton-hill, Bradninch. Medical evidence was to the effect that the child died from heart failure and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 February 1927
EXETER - Exonian's Sad Death. Result Of Accident. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Linford Brown, held an Inquest last evening at Exeter concerning the death of HERBERT H. LAMBERT-GORWYN of 11 Prince's Gardens, Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the previous day after a motor accident near Matford Corner, on the Exminster road. - HECTOR LAMBERT-GORWYN, identified the body, and said his brother was aged 33 years. On Sunday deceased left on a motor cycle with a view to going to Teignmouth. He was a pensioner and tubercular, but fit to ride a cycle. - Owen E. Coad, of Lyme Regis, stated that on the 13th inst. he saw deceased coming towards him on a motor cycle at a reasonable pace at Matford, Alphington. After going over some manure the machine wobbled for 49 paces and deceased fell on his head. - Charles Lyons said when he helped to pick deceased up he was unconscious. There was no other traffic on the road. - Philip W. H. Bleesdale, Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased died from a fracture of the base of the skull. He did not regain consciousness after admission to the Hospital. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death through the skidding of the motor cycle. - MR H. LAMBERT-GORWYN expressed his indebtedness to all who helped deceased after the accident and for the attention at the Institution.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 February 1927
ALPHINGTON - Inquest On Retired Miller At Exeter. Serious Suggestions. - An Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, at the Double Locks Hotel, Exeter, yesterday, on a retired miller, RICHARD CHARLES ADDAMS CLEAVE, who was found hanging at the old oil stores, on the Canal banks on Wednesday afternoon. - HARRY MOORE CLEAVE, son of deceased, living at 12 St Andrew's-road, Exwick, and a motor driver in the employ of the G.W.R., stated that deceased was a native of Chudleigh, but had lived at Exeter for 45 years. Until 1925 he had been employed as a miller at Exwick, but since then had followed no occupation. Witness last saw him alive on Monday, when he spoke to him in High-street. Deceased then complained of a cold on the chest, but was in high spirits. Deceased was 67 on the day before his death. - The Coroner: I see by a bank-book found on him that he once had a considerable sum of money. Did he ever complain of having lost any? Witness: Yes, about eight months ago he lost some. - Did he explain to you how he had lost it? - No, he came home at night and would not have any supper, saying he had lost all his money. - You have not received any communication since you saw him? - Nothing whatever. - Had you any reason lately to suppose he had been swindled out of his money? - I think he had. - What reason had you to think that? - What I had been told. - By people who knew him? - Yes, and by Detective Annett of the City Police Force. - You believe he had been swindled? - Yes. - Did you know a warrant had been issued against someone for swindling him? - So Detective Annett told me yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. - When was that warrant issued? - I could not say. Detective Annett said they could not find him yesterday. - Annie Thompson, of Newton Poppleford, said she had been staying since Christmas with her daughter who kept a lodging-house at 7 Paris-street, where deceased had been living since about a month before Christmas. She had never seen him depressed or heard him speak of suicide, and when she last saw him at 10.15 on Wednesday morning he seemed in very good spirits. Witness knew of no communication that deceased had left. - The finding of the body was described by Albert Dunscombe, a grocer's assistant of 9 Denver's-road, Topsham, who obtained assistance and cut down deceased. He saw the body at about 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon and thought it was somebody looking at the sky, until he noticed the rope, which was attached to an iron bar across the doorway of the oil stores. When taken down the body was warm. - P.C. Friendship, of Alphington, said that on the body he found two bank-books, which showed that deceased had at one time possessed a balance of about £500, but the whole of it had been withdrawn. The last sum he drew out was £10 on February 2nd, 1927, which left him with no balance. Witness added that he had been told deceased had been swindled, and had ascertained that a warrant was now out against a man with whom he had been associated. - Medical evidence by Dr L. P. Black showed that the condition of the body was consistent with suicide by hanging. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," commented that deceased was evidently at one time a man of means, but appeared to have got into the hands of "sharks" and to have been swindled. He had drawn all his money and had practically come to the end of his tether He (the Coroner) felt justified in coming to the conclusion that that had preyed upon him so that at the time of committing the act he was not of Sound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 February 1927
EXMOUTH - Died In Sleep. Doctor Not Needed For Twenty Years. Exmouth Record. - A fine record of health was revealed at an Exmouth Inquest yesterday, when MR G. PROCTER SMITH, of 6 Grange-terrace, giving evidence concerning the death of his wife, Mrs LIZZIE SHARMAN SMITH, which occurred during Friday night, said she had not seen a doctor for over 20 years and, in the course of 42 years of married life, she had not had six weeks' illness. On Friday, he said, deceased did a little housework in the morning and went for a walk in the park for an hour in the afternoon, complaining, on her return, that she was slightly short of breath. She had quite an easy day, ate light meals, and retired at 9.30 p.m. Witness was a light sleeper, and got up two or three times during the night, when he thought deceased was sleeping beautifully. AT 6 a.m., however, she appeared so quiet that he became suspicious and then found she was dead. She was 65 years of age and had enjoyed wonderful health. - Dr G. F. S. Walker said that death was due to angina pectoris, owing to degeneration of the heart muscle. There was slight congestion of the lungs, and possibly incipient pneumonia had set in. The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly to the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 February 1927
CHAGFORD - The Chagford Tragedy. Inquest Verdict. - Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry yesterday at the Dartmoor Sanatorium relative to the death of MARY SELINA THOMAS, wife of DR THOMAS JOHN THOMAS, of the R.A.F. Hospital, Cranwell, London, whose body was found the previous day in a pond in the Sanatorium grounds. Evidence was given by Annie Trantorn (nurse). Mary Hannah (Matron), Thomas James Smith (Secretary and Dr C. H. Berry. the latter stated that deceased had been under his care since December 6th. She was extremely apprehensive about herself and her mental condition was morbid. He was of opinion her mind was unbalanced and had been for some time. - The Deputy Coroner entered a verdict that deceased Drowned Herself while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 24 February 1927
EXETER - Workman's Death. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquest was conducted at the Exeter Court House yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, concerning the death of ROBERT EDWARD STAMP, of Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday. Mr T. J. W. Templeman represented deceased's employer and Mr C. G. Gates, H.M. Inspector of Factories, also watched the case. - The body was identified by deceased's father, WILLIAM STAMP, of Furze House, Rockbeare, an agricultural labourer, who said his son was 22 years old and in good health. On February 6th he came to witness's house and complained that he had knocked his elbow while at work the previous day. Deceased went back to his employment the same evening. Witness saw his son again on February 9th, when he was brought home in a car. Dr Case, of Whimple, subsequently ordered his removal to the Hospital. By Mr Templeman: He had a lump under his arm and a scratch on it. - Walter Maclaren, baker of 38 Alphington-street, said deceased had been in his employ for two years. He casually mentioned to witness that he had bumped his elbow and witness sent him to a chemist, who said he had poisoned glands and advised him to see a doctor Witness sent deceased to Dr Stokes. Deceased told witness that the lump under his arm was through rheumatism, caused by influenza. He was put to bed in witness's house, but his condition did not improve and he was later sent home. - Evidence was also given by George Ellis, a fellow-worker. - Dr Beasely (House Surgeon of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital) said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from cellulitis of the right side and blood poisoning, for which he was operated upon. Witness agreed with Mr Templeman that the cellulitis might not have been caused by the scratch, but there was no evidence of any other origin. - Mr Gates: Would you expect symptoms of cellulitis if iodine or general first-aid treatment had been used? - Witness considered it might possibly have made a difference. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to a Scratch." Sympathy was extended to the relatives by the Coroner, the Jury and by Mr Templeman on behalf of Mr Maclaren.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 February 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - "Having A Ride." Newton Abbot Boy's Fatal Prank. Skull Crushed. - Mr E. Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Newton Abbot, yesterday, on FREDERICK WILLIAM HUGO, seven years, of Torquay-road, Newton Abbot, who was killed on Wednesday evening. - WILLIAM GEORGE HUGO, father, gave evidence of identification. Witness left home early on Wednesday morning, and last saw deceased alive on Tuesday evening. Deceased was a scholar at Miss Ball's school at Mount Pleasant, Newton Abbot and in the afternoons left school at 3.45. - Dr James Culross said he was called to see the boy just after 5.30 on Wednesday evening. He was lying at the cross-roads in Torquay-road, outside Courtlands, and dead. His skull had been crushed and there was a wheel mark over his head. Death must have been instantaneous. The injuries were consistent with the assumption that a heavy vehicle had passed over him. - Bernard Amery, aged nine, of 12 Hillman's-road, a scholar at Wolborough Council School, Decoy, stated that he used to play with deceased every day. On Wednesday they met by Horton's shop after school, and then went into Torquay-road to spin their tops. They saw a lorry, with a trailer behind it coming down the road. Witness proceeded: "FREDDIE said to me, 'I am going to have a ride behind the cart.' He went between the lorry and the trailer, leaned over the bar, and tipsy-turvied over it. He fell on the ground and the wheel of the trailer went right over his nose. I went over and saw he was hurt and I went down and told the first person I saw - a woman. Then some other people came along. I have known FREDDIE do that sort of thing before and have a ride behind a cart. The lorry was not going very fast." - Answering further questions, witness said deceased, although only seven, was taller than witness. - The Coroner told witness he had given his evidence very plainly and clearly. - P.C. Davey said the road was 23 feet wide and the body was lying 13 feet from the near kerb, in the direction of which the lorry was proceeding. - David Duncombe Rew, of Hartop-road, St Marychurch, motor driver, in the employ of Messrs. Pickford, said he had had 25 years' experience of driving motor vehicles. On Wednesday evening he was driving a closed lorry and four-wheel trailer. The latter was attached to the lorry by a bar, about three feet in length. The lorry was loaded and there were three other men sitting in the front with witness. They were taking a load of furniture from College-road to Torquay, and had got nearly to the Railway bridge on the Torquay-road. At that point a lady attracted their attention by waving to them to stop. The speed of the vehicle was just over three miles an hour, being in lowest gear, and witness stopped the lorry immediately. The total weight of the two vehicles and the load would be over 11 tons. He had placed the lorry in low gear because he was going down the incline. Witness was told that somebody had been knocked down and he immediately jumped out and went back the road. The Constable told him a boy had been knocked down and witness then saw the boy lying in the road. Prior to that witness had not seen the boy; in fact there was no one in the road at all when they came along. Witness, replying to Mr Almy (for Messrs. Pickford) stated there were four brakes on the lorry and trailer, all operated by the driver. The vehicles were inspected every month and this particular vehicle was inspected two days before the accident. - Clarence George Stentiford, plumber, of 3 Addison-road, Newton Abbot, deposed that on Wednesday evening he was returning from work, being seated on the back of a motor lorry coming from Torquay. He had reached Torquay-road, Newton Abbot, when he saw a large motor lorry with trailer attached between the junction of Forde Park and Hillman's-road. The lorry was proceeding at between three and four miles an hour at the outside. Witness did not see the accident, but when his lorry stopped he saw the boy in the road. Witness ran after the other lorry and was easily able to catch it up. He came back with the driver of the lorry, and afterwards fetched Dr Culross. - William Ewart Blackler, of Torquay, employed by Messrs. Pickford, gave similar evidence. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the driver of the lorry was exonerated from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 February 1927
EXETER - Nurse And Doctor. Exeter Inquest. - The death of an infant, named MILLER, who was born on Wednesday night and died the next morning, was Inquired into on Saturday afternoon by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown, who returned a verdict that death was due to "Natural Causes." Evidence of identification was given by the father, FRANCIS LESLIE ROBERT MILLER, a labourer, of 12 Clinton-street, St Thomas. Nurse Hoare, of Alphington-road, who attended the mother, said the child was premature. When she left the house on Wednesday night the child was not looking very well. Asked by the Deputy Coroner why she did not call in a doctor, witness replied: "I don't know. I ought to have done." Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to deficient vitality at birth.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 March 1927
LUPPITT - Baby Drowned. Toddles Into The River At Luppitt. Plucky Labourer. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon on the body of REECE BROMFIELD DAVEY (the infant son of MR R. J. DAVEY, The Mills, Luppitt). The child's body was recovered from the mill stream on Friday. - MRS ETHEL DAVEY, the mother, stated that on Friday she saw the child playing in the kitchen of Luppitt Mill. She went upstairs for a few minutes, and, not hearing the deceased playing about, came down to see what he was doing. She found the door open and missed the child. She called her husband and a workman named Hancock, and informed them that the boy had disappeared. Later, after looking around herself, she met another workman, named Canniford carrying the boy. - Harry Canniford, employed by Mr Seward as farm labourer, deposed that he was told a baby had been lost. He went along the bank with Hancock for about a quarter of a mile, and there found the body caught in a stump in the middle of the river which was about 4ft. deep at that point and very rapid. He jumped in, released the boy, and carried him to his mother. The child appeared to be dead when he picked him up. - Bertram Fred Hancock corroborated. - Dr D. Steele-Perkins said he tried artificial respiration, with the assistance of P.S. Coppin, for over an hour, without result. He was of opinion that deceased died from drowning. - The Coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and sympathised with the parents in their loss. He also commended the action of Canniford, who could not swim, in jumping into the river, which was in flood.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 March 1927
EXETER - Exonian's Death. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Exeter Court House by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, concerning the death of MR JOHN HENRY SKINNER of 31 Rosebery-road, Exeter. MR SKINNER, it will be recalled, died suddenly while attending service at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday morning. - MRS EMMA SKINNER, the widow, said her husband was 77 years of age. He was formerly a member of the Cathedral Choir, enjoyed fair health and had not received medical attention for two years. - Thomas Sidney Moore, of 33 Toronto-road, who was on duty as a steward at the Cathedral, stated that he heard a noise like a snore and found the deceased in a state of collapse. With assistance he carried him outside the Cathedral. Dr Gordon, who was attending the service, was called, but could only pronounce life extinct. - Dr Pereira Gray, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure. He agreed with the Coroner that the windy morning probably brought about the collapse. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 7 March 1927
HOLNE - Holne Tragedy. A Sad Story. - Before drowning himself in a pond at Holne, SAMUEL TURNER, 50, a gardener who was formerly in the employ of the Hon. Mrs Dawson at Holne Park, scratched the following message, apparently with a match stick on a piece of paper:- "Dear Fred, I cam witched; I can't work or do nothing." - Deceased lived with his son, FREDERICK TURNER, and was accustomed to get up at five in the morning and go off to work. On Friday morning he was heard to go downstairs as usual, but later it was found that his boots had not gone. A search was made in the vicinity and then the Police were informed. In the afternoon the body was found in a pond at Holne Court Farm, about a hundred yards from deceased's house. - At the Inquest held on Saturday afternoon, evidence of identification was given by John Farmley, deceased's son being too ill to attend. It was stated that deceased lost his wife under rather tragic circumstances last August and had never got over his loss. He had been ill with neurasthenia for some time and had been sleepless. Evidence was given as to the search and the finding of the body by Mr Farley, Mr Haynes and P.C. Searle. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

Western Times, Friday 11 March 1927


DARTMOUTH - A farm labourer of Cornworthy, named WILLIAM ROBERT SKEDGELL, aged 56 years, died in Dartmouth Cottage Hospital, on Monday from injuries sustained through being kicked by a horse. It appears that deceased with another labourer was in charge of a wagon, and three horses. While unhooking the chain of the leading animals he was kicked in the abdomen, and, as stated, died shortly afterwards in the Hospital. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Sales Manager Who Feared Deafness. - That his loss of hearing had preyed upon his mind greatly depressing him, was the evidence of witnesses at an Inquest at Exeter, Wednesday, on WILLIAM CHARLES SCANES, aged 51, of 118 Pinhoe-road, who was found on Tuesday evening, hanging from a beam at Messrs. Mansfields' antique shop, 38 North-street, where he was sales manager. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. - John Walker, 93 Sandford-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of his sister's husband,. and said deceased was sales manager at Mr Mansfield's antique shop at 38 North-street. Witness saw deceased on Sunday morning, when he complained of his hearing. He seemed very depressed. Deceased was totally deaf in one ear and thought he was going deaf in the other. - JACK GUSCOTT SCANES said he lived with his father, the deceased, who had recently been complaining of deafness and noises in the head. He had been under medical attention. Witness last saw deceased at midday on Tuesday. He complained of his hearing and noises in his head. He was depressed then and had been so since an illness two months ago. He had scarcely any sleep during the past fortnight. Witness had never heard deceased suggest committing suicide. He was ill on Monday night and did not know witness for an hour. He had no business worries, but he worried to an extent that he thought if his deafness increased he would have to give up business. - Dr Pereira Gray said he was called to Messrs. Mansfields' shop at 9 o'clock on Tuesday night. Deceased was dead and lying on the floor in a top room. He had a mark as if a rope had been around his neck. The body had apparently just been cut down. In witness's opinion, death was due to hanging. - Ernest James Mansfield, of 38 North-street, said deceased had been in his employ for about 27 years. He was sales manager. Witness last saw deceased about 4.30 on Tuesday. He had previously complained of noises in his head and had been distressed because he could not hear what customers were saying,. Witness had no doubt that that preyed upon the mind of the deceased, who was a greatly valued servant. - P.C. Skinner said he searched Mr Mansfield's shop about 8.20. He found deceased hanging by a piece of string from a small beam about seven feet from the floor.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 March 1927
TIVERTON - Tiverton Death. Old Lady Who Picked Up Potato Peelings. Difficult Case. - The Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest at Tiverton last evening, concerning the death of MRS JANE GLOYNES, 76, who died in the Poor-law Institution Infirmary on Tuesday. - ELIZABETH JOSEPHINE SLATER, of 79 Chapel-street, Tiverton, said deceased, her sister, lived with MRS GLOYNES of 24 Park-street. Witness called there six weeks ago and was surprised to hear her sister shrieking and knocking a door upstairs. She was going on like a child put there for punishment. When her sister came downstairs she was trembling and told witness she was cold and wanted a drink. MRS GLOYNES gave deceased some bread and butter, which she ate ravenously. MRS GLOYNES told witness that deceased had her breakfast and dinner and always had a good appetite. - By the Coroner: Witness considered her sister was not well looked after or well fed. - The Coroner: She was a little difficult to manage. - Witness: Yes, I quite admit that. - The Coroner: She had softening of the brain? - Witness: Yes. She added that deceased would go out and eat potato peelings. - The Coroner: It does not follow that she did not have enough to eat. Witness: I don't know; you are not likely to do that if you are fed in a proper manner. - ADA WIFFEN, of Lillie-road, Fulham, said she saw her mother, the deceased, in September. She did not think deceased had sufficient to eat; otherwise she could not account for her being in the emaciated condition she was. - The Coroner asked witness why, in view of this statement, she did not look into the matter earlier and while deceased was living. - Witness replied she did not want to upset MRS GLOYNES because of her mother. MRS GLOYNES was paid for her mother's keep from money left for that purpose. - MRS KATE GLOYNES of 24 Park-road, wife of deceased's brother-in-law, said deceased came to her about four years ago. She received at first 30s. a week, but later accepted 5s. a week less in order to make the money last longer. - The Coroner said Mrs W. Thorne, who was responsible for the payments, had told him that the last payment was made on the 9th April last. - Witness said that was so, and added that since then she had received 15s. a week in respect of old age and factory pensions. - Deceased's bodily health was good and she always had a good appetite. On February 4th she had a heart attack and fell and bruised her side. A doctor was summoned. On March 4th deceased was sent to the Union Infirmary because witness had influenza and could not give her the attention which she needed. - Questioned by the Coroner as to the potato skins, witness said deceased would pick up anything and put in her mouth as a matter of habit. - Nurse Edgecombe said that when deceased arrived at the Workhouse Infirmary she was very weak and all she could say was "No, no." to everything. She seemed very frightened. There were several sores and spots about her body. During the three days that deceased was at the Infirmary she had a good appetite and ate everything that was given her. - Dr Hamilton said that in his opinion death was due to natural causes - senility and cerebral softening. - In reply to the Coroner, he said it was possible for a person to become emaciated without being starved and it was not an uncommon thing for them to have patients at the Poor-law Institution suffering from senility and cerebral softening, who had fallen to such a condition that they were unable to assimilate their food. He considered that the deceased's condition was progressive, and it did not follow that she did not have sufficient food. He thought that medical aid might have been summoned before, but considered that it might only have been a question of prolonging life a few weeks. - MRS KATE GLOYNES, recalled, said that her husband had deceased's life insured. The policy was taken out when she first came to them. - The Coroner described the case as very sad and unsatisfactory. He had no doubt, he said, that death was due to natural causes, and probably whatever treatment had been given deceased would have died within a short time. There was no absolute evidence of bad treatment, but, in view of the condition in which deceased was found when taken to the Infirmary, he could not but feel that medical aid should have been invoked earlier. It was a difficult case, particularly because for some years deceased had been of weak mind. Mrs Thorne had told him that some years ago deceased used to shout out in the way described by her sister. One could not help feeling that MR and MRS GLOYNES had committed an error of judgment in not having constant medical attention for deceased, but, under the circumstances, he returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes"

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 March 1927
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Victim's Sleeplessness. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was last evening returned at the Inquest at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on the body of JOSEPH BUCKLEY, 36, licensee of the Black Horse Inn, who was found with his throat cut on Saturday. Mr J. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted the inquiry. - The widow stated that on Saturday morning at 5 o'clock she called a neighbour to go for a doctor, as her husband was a little light-headed at times. He had had no sleep for three nights. Dr E. Morton Palmer gave him a sleeping draught, which had no effect. At ten minutes past 112 her husband went into the bathroom and locked the door. This was unusual. She became alarmed and called for assistance. - Dr Morton Palmer said death was due to the severing of the artery of the neck, the cut extending from ear to ear. He had been attending the family for three years, and he had always found MR and MRS BUCKLEY a very happy couple. The wound was evidently self-inflicted. In his opinion deceased suffered from a sudden attack of insanity. - Edward McGirk said when he went to the landing of the Inn the bathroom door opened and deceased collapsed. He was bleeding from a wound in the throat. - Frederick Enon, dairyman, said when he went to deceased at 5 a.m. on Saturday he was on the landing and witness got him back to bed before going for a doctor. Deceased asked him if there was a mental home in the town.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 March 1927
EXETER - Fatal Fish Bone. Exonian's Death. - MRS SARAH OWENS of Temple-road, Exeter, swallowed a fish bone on March 10th. She was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, but died on Tuesday, an abscess in the throat supervening. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 21 March 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Inquest. Farmer's Sad Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on THOMAS WRIGHT, a retired farmer, of Glengar, Keyberry Park, Newton Abbot, who died as a result of shock sustained by falling into a cellar at his house. - MISS ANNIE E. WRIGHT, daughter, said that at about 11 a.m. on Friday she heard her father, who was aged 82 fall. He had no recollection of his fall. After 2.30 on Saturday morning he became restless and died peacefully at 7.15. - Dr Edgar Haydon said that after his fall deceased was unable to move his limbs and could only speak in a whisper. Death was caused by the shock.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 March 1927
EXETER - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest yesterday afternoon on MISS ANNIE HUXHAM of 33 Longbrook-street, Exeter, who died at a concert at the Barnfield Hall on Tuesday evening. Dr R. K. Foulkes said he considered MISS HUXHAM died from heart failure.

HUNTSHAW - Huntshaw Inquest. Coroner And Medical Aid. - At Waggadon Farm, Huntshaw, Mr G. W.F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquiry concerning the death of MISS BESSIE PITTWOOD, 51, which took place before the arrival of a doctor. - WILLIAM HENRY PITTWOOD, brother, said his sister was taken ill on Wednesday with a cold and went to bed. On Sunday he called the doctor. - The Coroner: What was the use of calling the doctor when your sister was dead? - Witness replied she was not dead when they sent for him. His sister was very obstinate and against him getting the doctor. She had never had any illness before. Mrs C. Hooper and MARGARET ELLEN PITTWOOD (Bideford), sister of deceased, also gave evidence. The latter said she found deceased suffering from influenza. On the Saturday night she appeared much better and took her food well. About 6.45 the following morning she refused food and when the doctor arrived had been dead about 20 minutes. - Dr A. B. Pugh (Torrington), who made a post-mortem, attributed death to heart failure following influenza. - Returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner said that no doubt deceased was obstinate about having a doctor. Had she been properly cared for life might have been saved. It only showed the necessity of calling medical aid earlier.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, - Monday 28 March 1927
DAWLISH - Found Dead. Starcross Inquest. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Vennbridge Farm, Starcross, on THOMAS REYNOLDS, who was found dead in his cottage on Thursday morning. - WILLIAM LANG, of Southbrook Cottage, Starcross, night attendant at the Western Counties' Institution, identified the body as that of his father-in-law, who was 74 years of age, lived alone at the Old Toll House and followed the occupation of chimney sweep. Witness saw him last alive on Tuesday afternoon, when they walked together in the garden. Deceased said he had pains in the stomach and when advised to see a doctor replied he would be all right in a day or two. On Thursday morning witness visited the cottage at 7.50 and, getting no reply to his shouting, entered by the back door. Going upstairs, he found deceased out of bed and dead. Deceased had always enjoyed good health and never had a doctor. - Dr J. H. Iles, Starcross, said he arrived at the cottage about 10 a.m. and examined the body. He considered deceased had been dead three or four hours. He held a post-mortem and found the left pleural cavity full of clear fluid which compressed the lung and embarrassed the heart. This was sufficient to cause death. He had no doubt the cause of death was syncope. - ROSE LANG, daughter, said she saw her father on Tuesday and was with him again on Wednesday. As he complained of pains and would not see the doctor, she got him a bottle of medicine from the chemist and gave him a dose. He took another dose afterwards. She told him he ought to be in bed. He replied that he was better downstairs. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 March 1927
EXETER - The death of CHARLES HENRY MATTHEWS, of Salisbury-road, Exeter, a clerk, which took place suddenly at the Exeter Gas Company's works, Haven Banks, on Friday, was Inquired into by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Exeter Court House, yesterday. A cousin, MR B. C. MATTHEWS of 166 Sidwell-street, considered deceased's health to be fairly good A fellow employee stated that deceased collapsed after attending to a carter. In accordance with the evidence of Dr Stokes that death was due to sudden failure of a diseased heart, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 March 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Kingsteignton Death. Inquest Adjourned. - At Newton Abbot yesterday the South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, opened an Inquest on CHARLES CAMP, aged 65, whose death occurred at a bungalow in Exeter-road, Kingsteignton, after vomiting and illness. He had only been resident at Kingsteignton since March 24th. - Evidence of identification was given by Frederick Reed Hebdon, who said deceased was a retired chief clerk from Manchester and lived with him at Kingsteignton. - The Coroner said that was all the evidence he proposed to take and he would adjourn the Inquiry until next Tuesday afternoon.

TIVERTON - Witheridge Accident. Aged Farm Hand's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest last evening at Tiverton on FREDERICK CARTER, aged 70, farm labourer, of Witheridge. He died on the way to Tiverton Hospital on Saturday, following an accident while in the employ of Mr Hugh Maunders, of Middlewick Farm, Witheridge. - The evidence showed that deceased had taken a load of manure from a yard to a field and was in charge of a cart drawn by two horses. - Herbert Roberts, son-in-law of deceased, said he was riding a motor cycle from the main road into a lane leading to Middlewick Farm and saw the front horse plunging as it entered the lane from the field. He immediately closed his throttle and turned into a wall to prevent frightening the animal further. Witness could not say what frightened the horse, although in reply to the Coroner he said it was possible his horn did so. The next thing he saw was deceased standing against a gate post and he afterwards dropped backward into the field. - Dr Hill, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to shock. - The Coroner said deceased was probably pushed against the gate post through the front horse suddenly taking fright. There was no blame attached to the motor cyclist.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 April 1927
EXETER - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday at the Court House, Exeter in regard to the death of MRS HANNAH JORDAN of 3 Brewer's-court, Cowick-street. He returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," the medical evidence being that deceased suffered from a malignant disease.

EXETER - Child Swallows Coin. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of BERTIE LEONARD LANGFORD, aged 3 years, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Tuesday. The child swallowed a halfpenny a little over a week previous. - GEORGE WALTER FISHER of 5 Wellington-road, Exeter, said deceased was his adopted child and the son of the late MR W. G. LANGFORD. On Monday, the 21st, witness left deceased in the breakfast-room, having given him a halfpenny to play with. Suddenly witness's other son, who was also in the room, ran out and said deceased had swallowed the coin. Witness turned the child upside-down to make it vomit up the coin, but without success. - Dr E. S. Frischmann, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was operated upon on the 25th, and the halfpenny was removed, but a second operation had to be performed owing to an obvious obstruction. The child was very ill. the obstruction - which was due to spasm - was removed, but deceased got worse and died. Witness had since held a post-mortem examination and he found the same conditions as at the second operation - only more extensive. Death was due to spasmodic contraction of the intestines which was caused, in the first place, by swallowing the coin. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - Chilsworthy Boy Knocked Down By Car. Fatal Result. - "It does seem that some test should be enforced before people can get a license to drive," said the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, when conducting an Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of HAROLD KENNETH UGLOW, a 12-year-old Chilsworthy schoolboy, who was knocked down by a car on Saturday afternoon and died on Sunday in the Tavistock Hospital. - FREDERICK ARTHUR UGLOW, a younger brother of the deceased, said they were on their way home and his brother went out into the road to pick up a stick, when the car struck him. - Noah Hunn, aged 19, labourer, said he occasionally drove a car for Mrs Woolcott. He had obtained his first license to drive in February and had not yet driven 500 miles. He was driving at 12 miles per hour when he saw the boys a hundred yards distant, and slowed down to eight miles per hour. The deceased had started to run across the road, and had stopped to pick up a stick, the car striking him as he was stooping. - Edward Russell Brailey, passenger in the car, corroborated the evidence of the former witness as to speed, saying he had looked at the speedometer at the time. He had shouted at the boy to get out of the way, and the boy had turned and then made as though to return to his brother. He did not think the driver could have done anything to have averted the accident. - P.S. Piper said he had since tested the brakes of the car on a gradient of one in eight and each brake would pull the car up in its own length. - Dr Wilfrid Gough attributed death to haemorrhage of the brain at the base of the skull. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the father, and said he did not think anyone could find the driver of the car to blame. Remarking on the necessity for a test for drivers, he said that the driver admitted that he had never driven a car until a month previously. Drivers were able simply to pay a license fee and drive off as soon as they had done so. It seemed to be asking for trouble.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 April 1927
BEAWORTHY - Child's Death. Falls Into Boiling Water At Pancrasweek. Inquest Evidence. - At Halwill Hospital, Beaworthy, yesterday, Mr H. C. Brown, without a Jury, conducted an Inquest on FLORENCE SABINA CANN, aged 2 years and 7 months, who died there on Saturday. - MABEL CANN, wife of WILLIAM THOMAS CANN, now of Rusty Bank, Luffincott and until recently of Dixbear Cottage, Pancrasweek, mother of deceased, said on March 25th, about 1 p.m., she was in the kitchen of Dixbear Cottage, when deceased and other children were there. Witness placed a pan of boiling water on the floor. While she was attending to other children the deceased fell into the pan. Witness did not actually see the child fall, but she pulled it out at once and saw it was badly scalded on the back. Witness put some butter on the scalds and sent for Dr E. O. Kingdon, of Holsworthy. The latter, on arrival, ordered the child to be taken to the Halwill Hospital, where she lived until April 2nd. - Dr E. O. Kingdon said he found the child to be suffering from extensive scalds. She was under his treatment at the Hospital until her death, which was caused by shock due to the scalds - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Shock resulting from Scalds Accidentally received."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 April 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Kingsteignton Death. Inquest Verdict. - The South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, resumed the Inquest yesterday at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, concerning the death of CHARLES CAMP, aged 65, retired Chief Clerk of Manchester, who died at Kingsteignton on Sunday, March 27th. - Frederick R. Hebdon, of Ellettra, Exeter-road, Kingsteignton, (recalled) said deceased arrived at his home on the Thursday previous to his death. - Dr Pocock said he was called to see deceased late on the afternoon of the 26th ult. He was then vomiting and in considerable pain. Witness was with him for about an hour, and when he paid another visit about midnight deceased was still sick and much the same as he was earlier. On the Sunday morning about 10 o'clock he was in almost the same state. At 4 p.m. witness received a telephone call, and on arrival found deceased dying from heart failure owing to excessive vomiting. A post-mortem examination conducted by himself and Dr Whitmore, of Torquay, revealed the fact that an artery of the heart was diseased. There was also some inflammation in the stomach. The liver did not appear to be normal, but he could not say at the time what was wrong with it. Mrs Hebdon nursed deceased as carefully as if it had been her own father. - Dr Whitmore (Torquay) gave corroborative evidence. The liver, he said, showed very extensive disease, and it was in a condition probably caused by acute inflammation due to an infection. The cause of death was heart failure, due to the condition of the liver. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

ROSE ASH - Roseash Tragedy. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest at Middle Down Farm, Roseash, yesterday, concerning the death of JAMES SQUIRE LEACH, an old-age pensioner, aged 71. - Herbert Chapple, farmer, stated that on March 29th deceased called at his farm and asked if he could give him some work, stating he had come from Ilfracombe. He looked down and out, and witness taking pity on him gave him a job. LEACH appeared happy and comfortable and went to bed about 9 p.m. on Saturday. The next morning witness heard his wife scream and she called to him that deceased's body was hanging from a ladder in the barn. Witness ran out and undid the knot, but he was dead. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said deceased had not threatened to take his life. He told him he had been living with his wife at Ilfracombe, but had had a row and she had turned him out. - Evidence was given by Florence May Coles (housekeeper) and P.C. Abbott, the latter stating he found £2 in money on deceased. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging," stating there was no evidence to show the state of the man's mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 April 1927
SEATON AND BEER - Seatonian's Death. Victim Of Neuritis And Insomnia. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Seaton yesterday by Mr C. N. Tweed, sitting without a Jury, concerning the death of CHARLES EDWARD CLAPP, 40, bachelor, assistant jobmaster, who was found hanging in his father's stables. - MRS E. A. REAL (wife of Mr W. Real), sister, giving evidence of identification, said her brother lived with her. She last saw him alive at half-past ten on Wednesday night, when they retired for the night. Deceased came up to bed last and witness heard him close the door of his bedroom. Deceased always brought up a cup of tea in the morning and as he did not do so on Thursday morning she rang up his brother at the stables, who on going to the phone saw deceased hanging from the hatchway of the loft. Deceased had not been the same since he had his teeth extracted six weeks ago and he had been greatly depressed. Witness explained that deceased had a young lady and that upset him. - The Coroner: Was he engaged? - Witness: He had never brought her home. - Coroner: Had he been going out with her? - Witness: Just a time or two; about three weeks. - Coroner: Did they quarrel? - Witness: I don't know. - Coroner: Was she very young? - About 19. - Coroner: And he was 40. Was there any trouble? - Witness: I don't think so. I don't think she really wanted him and that preyed on his mind. - Coroner: She did not reciprocate his affections? - Yes. Witness added she had never known him threaten to commit suicide. - HENRY ABBOTT CLAPP, brother, said he saw his brother about 10.15 on Wednesday night. Deceased was depressed and witness could hardly get a word out of him. Of late he had been rather absent-minded. Witness was going to water his horses on Thursday morning when the phone rang. He had to go through the entrance of the loft to reach the receiver, and there saw his brother hanging from a beam. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he asked deceased some weeks ago if he thought seriously of the girl, and he said "Yes," and witness, as an elder brother, talked to him as a father would to a son. - SAMUEL CLAPP, brother, gave similar evidence, but said he had had no conversation with him about the girl. - Ernest Harris, dairyman, Fore-street, Seaton, said he last saw deceased between 6.15 and 6.20 on Thursday morning. He was walking towards the stables, but too far away to speak. On Monday deceased seemed like a chap wandering. - Dr Smart said he had attended deceased on and off for the last three years for neuritis and insomnia. About six weeks ago deceased developed boils behind the ear, which would not heal and on the advice of a dentist his teeth were extracted. The boils then healed and he thought he had recovered his ordinary health. About a week ago deceased had a recurrence of the ear trouble in a lesser way, but witness noticed nothing abnormal in his condition. - By the Coroner: Neuritis had a tendency to upset the balance of mind Death was due to dislocation of the neck. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 April 1927
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner yesterday conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary concerning the death of CHARLES GORDON, the nineteen-months-old son of a carpenter, living at Hardaway-head, Barnstaple, who was stated to have sustained a fall on March 18th, which resulted in meningitis supervening. Death took place at the Infirmary. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 April 1927
EXMOUTH - Old Man's Death Coroner On Folly Of Living Alone. Exmouth Inquest. - "It shows how foolish it is for elderly people to live by themselves, especially when they have heart trouble," commented Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, who held an Inquest at Exmouth concerning the death of THOMAS LAWRENCE, a retired labourer, aged 77 years, who was found dead in his house at Danby-terrace, Exmouth, on Sunday morning. Deceased, who lived alone, was not a native of the town, but had resided in Exmouth for just seven years, and took keen interest in local affairs. For well over 35 years he had been a sidesman of Holy Trinity Church. - Mrs Charlotte Jane Macdougal of 18 New-street, Exmouth, a cousin of deceased, was the first witness at the Inquest. She said that shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday deceased came to her house, as he frequently did. He complained of shortness of breath, which had troubled him for some time and said he realised he was not so good a man as he was a year ago, and that he felt himself going. Deceased lived by himself, but boarded out with Mrs Gatter of Shute Meadow-street. On Sunday morning it was found deceased had not gone to Mrs Gatter's for his breakfast and the Police entered his house and found him dead. Deceased was a retired labourer, aged 77. He was not well off, but had money, and was of a happy disposition. - Mrs Charlotte Maria Gatter, of 7 Shute Meadow-street, said deceased took his meals with her. He was provided with tea on Saturday night and left her house at about 6.45 p.m. He had complained to witness that his breath was short. He usually came to breakfast at 9.30 on Sunday mornings and when he had not come by 11 o'clock she went to his house and rang the bell several times, but could not make anyone hear. Eventually the Police were called and they had to break into the house. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said deceased had an attack of bronchitis some weeks ago. She said to him, "Why don't you go to a doctor?" and he replied, "Oh, the doctors can't do me any good." - P.C. Pack said that on Sunday morning he was called by Mrs Macdougal. He climbed through the window and found deceased lying on the stairs with his head downward. His hands were clasping the banister rails and he was bleeding from the nose. - Dr G. F. C. Walker said he found deceased had been treated by another doctor for heart trouble. Deceased was fully clothes and witness formed the impression that he went to bed, and, feeling sick, tried to get downstairs again, and in doing so fell. As the result of an autopsy he found death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by gastritis. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 April 1927
EXETER - Misadventure. Death Of Patient At Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Throat Trouble. - "Death from Misadventure in accordance with the medical evidence" was the verdict returned by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, at the Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Saturday, on EMILY ANNIE HOOPER, who died at the Institution on Thursday. It was stated that deceased, who was 49 years of age, and a cook, had been living at No. 1 The Flats, Manchester-place, Exmouth. She had a swelling in her throat, and had been attended by Dr Smythe. On March 8th she attended as an out-patient at the Hospital. The opinion there was that she was suffering from a growth in the throat, and she was put on the vacancy list to go into the Hospital for a careful examination, being admitted for that purpose last Wednesday. The following day she was examined under an anaesthetic after an examination to see if she were fit. She did not take the anaesthetic properly and was taken back to the ward, where she died a few hours later. - Dr P. W. H. Bleasdale, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he made a post-mortem and found that deceased had a large cancerous growth at the back of her throat, which obstructed the air and food passages. The Coroner: Was the condition of her throat sufficient to cause death? - Witness: I think it was. It was the sort of condition that might at any time have caused stoppage in the throat. - If the anaesthetic had not been administered she might have been alive now? - Yes. - It was the condition of the throat plus the anaesthetic? - I should say so, yes; but I should say the condition of the throat was the chief thing. She had a very light anaesthetic. - In returning the Misadventure verdict, the Coroner said that the anaesthetic was properly and necessarily administered. - It was stated that deceased's parents were both dead. They had lived at Stroud, where also resided a brother, who was too ill to attend the Inquest.

Western Times, Friday 22 April 1927


EXETER - Exeter Lad Drowned In Mill Leat. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr H Linford Brown, at an Inquest held last evening at the Court House, Exeter, concerning the death of the four-year-old boy, EDWARD GORDON SQUIRE, who, on Wednesday afternoon fell into the mill leat behind the Custom House near the Exeter quay and was drowned. - ALBERT ERNEST SQUIRE, 31 Commercial-road, groom chauffeur, identified the body as that of his son, and said deceased had gone out to play with his brother. - Robert Southard of 4 York Place, Coombe-street, said deceased was walking along the edge of the leat inside the railings and the other boy was trying to get in to him. Witness did not see deceased actually fall into the leat, but hearing a splash turned round and saw him in the water, which was deep at the spot. The other boy had got over the railings and was crying, "Oh, my TOMMY". Detective Hodder said there were railings between the public path and the leat. There was nothing to prevent a child getting between the railings. - Dr Stokes said no doubt deceased died by drowning and the Coroner returned a verdict as stated.

PAIGNTON - Of No Use To Anyone. Pathetic Unemployment Tragedy At Paignton. - Leaving his home in Lymington-road, Torquay on Easter Sunday morning, HENRY THOMAS KINCH, aged 60, a coachman, said to his wife, "It seems to me I am of no use to anyone." Two days later his body was found hanging in Brown's Wood, Marldon, near Paignton, and a tragic story of depression caused by unemployment was told to the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at a Paignton Inquest on Wednesday. - LILY KINCH said her husband had been out of work for two years and was very depressed. - John Herbert Bond, of Paignton, said he was shooting in Brown's Wood when he saw a man's hat and coat hanging on a bank. There was a disused quarry near and when he reached the spot he found KINCH hanging over the side of the cliff. He and another man took the body down. - Constable Perryman said there was no doubt that the man secured a rope to a blackthorn bush and jumped into the pit. Found in the clothes was a pocket diary, and under the date of Easter Sunday were the words, "Good-bye LIL," written in pencil. - The verdict was that KINCH committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane. No doubt, added the Coroner, he was worried and depressed at being out of employment.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 April 1927
BRADNINCH - Sudden Death. - Valvular disease of the heart and cirrhosis of the liver and kidneys were given as the cause of death at an Inquest at Bradninch on a resident who, it was stated, had enjoyed good health and had not seen a doctor for years. Deceased, EMMA MORSE HOOPER, 69, of Forcehayes Cottage, Trinity Village, Bradninch, was found dead in her pantry on Saturday evening by her son, HENRY EDWARD HOOPER, a retired farmer, who told the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, that, except for an occasional cold, his mother had never complained of ill-health. Dr Lowsley of Bradninch, who performed a post-mortem, said the condition of the heart was sufficient to cause death. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 April 1927
CHUDLEIGH - Motorist Killed. Inquest On Victim Of Chudleigh Accident. Coroner's Comment. - A motor- cyclist, WILFRED HARRISON, aged 24 years, with whom was riding as pillion a man named Lakin, collided with a motor car at Chudleigh, while on the way from Newcastle to Plymouth. Both men were thrown, but HARRISON'S injuries proved fatal. - An Inquest was held at Stokelake House, Chudleigh, last evening, by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner. Mr H. G. Michelmore represented Mrs Sheepshanks, and expressed her deep regret at the accident and her sympathy with the relatives. - Frank Elson, chauffeur, in the employ of Mrs Sheepshanks, said he had been in her employ for 33 years, and had driven a car for 20 years without any mishap. On arriving near the entrance to the drive he saw a car coming behind and motioned it on, as he was going to turn in. The car went past and witness began to turn the car into the entrance to the drive. The motor bicycle came up, hit the front mudguard and the two men were shot off. Replying to the Coroner, witness said he had no idea a cycle was behind the car. He looked in the mirror after the car had passed, but saw nothing on the road. - MR HARRISON suggested that as the car was being turned the mirror would only show a short distance along the road. - Asked if he wished to put any questions, witness said he was quite satisfied that the chauffeur had given his evidence fairly. He did not impute blame to anyone. It seemed to be a pure accident and unavoidable. - Dr H. B. Walters said death was due to a compressed fracture of the skull, deceased having also sustained a fracture of the shoulder joint. Replying to the Coroner, witness said the deceased evidently pitched on one of the loose stones on the footpath and this caused the fracture of the skull, which was not larger than a five-shilling piece. The footpath was so rough that no pedestrians used it,. - In giving a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said no blame was attached to the driver of the car. He considered it his duty to draw the attention of the authorities to the opinion expressed by the doctor that the fracture of the skull was caused by the deceased striking his head upon the rough surface of the footpath. The path near the house entrance was not fit for anyone to use. It seemed to him that on a new road which offered a temptation to motorists to go fast a footpath which had been provided should be completed in such a manner that it could be used by pedestrians. He had no doubt that when he called the attention of the County Council to the matter they would consider it.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 May 1927
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr H. Linford Brown, at 12 Buller-road, St Thomas, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of MRS JESSIE HOCKING, who died suddenly in the passage of her house. Medical evidence was to the effect that death was probably due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 May 1927
HITTISLEIGH - Hittisleigh Tragedy. Fall From A Bridge. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at an Inquest at Hittisleigh Mill House on JAMES BEER, of Cheriton Bishop, who was found dead in the stream of Hittisleigh Mill on Sunday. - Stafford Lambert Gorwyn, farm bailiff, of Hittisleigh, said deceased, who was 70 years old and a widower, lodged at Lower West Pillon. Witness saw BEER on Saturday night when he called at his place on the way from work and had some bread, cheese and cider. Deceased left at about 9 p.m., and was bright and cheerful. - Walter Courtney, butcher, of Hittisleigh Mill, said he went to the stream on Sunday morning, as a result of information from MRS BEER, a sister-in-law of deceased, and saw BEER lying dead, face downwards in the water, to the right of the bridge dividing Cheriton Bishop and Hittisleigh parishes. Deceased would have had to cross this bridge on his way home. Deceased was highly respected and on good terms with everyone. MRS BEER was in bed, and too unwell to attend the Inquest. She said she found deceased in the brook when she went to fetch water. - Dr H. F. L. Hugo, of Crediton, said deceased had injuries consistent with a fall from the bridge into the brook. Witness thought a bruise over deceased's left eye was sufficient to render him unconscious. Death was due to drowning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 May 1927
LIFTON - Fatal Tree Felling. Lifton Inquest. - "Death from Shock, arising from internal injuries received Accidentally through the limb of a tree falling on him," was the verdict at an Inquest at the Fox and Grapes Inn, Lifton, on JOHN GEORGE HAM, aged 57, the licensee of that Inn, who was killed almost instantaneously, at North Park Wood, Stowford, while helping with two other men in tree-felling operations.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 May 1927
EXETER - Inquest Adjourned. Sampford Peverell Spill. - The Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, opened an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, into the death of THOMAS HARDING, aged 28, engine cleaner of South View, Willand. Deceased was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital some time ago suffering from injuries sustained in a motor-cycling accident near Sampford Peverell, on November 1st, and succumbed last Wednesday. After evidence of identification had been given, the inquiry was adjourned until Thursday next at 4 p.m., to enable investigations to be completed.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Road Dangers. Moreton Child's Death. - THOMAS CLIFFORD YEOMAN, aged three years, son of MR and MRS A. C. YEOMAN, of Cross-street, Moretonhampstead, while playing with other children in the Exeter-road, near the almshouses, Moreton, the evening before last, met with a fatal accident. It is stated that the child suddenly ran across the road in front of a motor driven by a London gentleman. The driver pulled up dead and it was found a front wheel had passed over the child, while a back wheel was resting on his stomach. P.C. Ley, who lives near the spot, ran out and had the child removed to Hospital, where it died immediately after admission. - An Inquest was formally opened yesterday and adjourned to Wednesday afternoon to admit of the attendance of the car driver. Only evidence of identification was taken.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 May 1927
DIPTFORD - Diptford Inquest. Tragic Death Of Former Mayoress Of Plymouth. The Verdict. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, held an Inquest at Diptford on Saturday concerning the death of MRS LOVELL DUNSTAN, of the Manor House, Diptford, who was Mayoress of Plymouth in 1920. Evidence of identification was given by MR L. R. DUNSTAN, who said his wife was 42 years of age. On Thursday evening he returned home about 6.30 and found that she was not quite her usual self. She sat in an easy chair reading a paper until 7.55 and then went upstairs. Within five minutes witness went upstairs to fetch some papers from his deed-box and found deceased sitting on the side of the bed undressing. He said to her, "You are going to bed very early tonight, IVY," but she did not make any response. Witness then went downstairs and went on with his writing. About ten minutes later he went up again with a weekly journal and found her in bed unconscious. He looked about the room and found a bottle on the lamp table marked "Poison. Pure Phenol." Witness said he had learned since how the carbolic acid came into the house. MRS DUNSTAN got it on Monday and brought it home with her. The first time he saw the bottle was when he discovered it near the bed. Witness took a "Book of the Home" and turned up "Poisons and Antidotes," but as he had no Epsom salts in the house, sent his son at once for Dr Style at South Brent. His son returned with a message to say that hot water and salt should be given and that the doctor was following immediately. Dr Style arrived about 9.15 and a nurse was sent for, but deceased died at 12.45. - MR L. R. DUNSTAN, son, gave corroborative evidence. - Dr F. W. Style of South Brent, said on being called to see deceased he found her in bed unconscious, pulseless and cold. The lips and tongue showed signs of burning by some acid, and in witness's opinion death was due to carbolic acid poisoning. Answering the Coroner, Dr Styles said he had never noticed any signs of insanity in the deceased. - P.S. Burrows (South Brent) said the chemist who had supplied the carbolic acid stated that MRS DUNSTAN entered his shop at about 2.30 p.m. on Monday and asked if he sold Phenol, and what it was. She was told that it was pure carbolic acid. Asked for what purpose it was wanted, deceased said that she had been recommended to keep it handy when the cow calved. Witness added that it was not a poison that one was required to sign for. - The Coroner returned a verdict as follows:- "Deceased Committed Suicide by Poisoning Herself, but there is not sufficient evidence to show what was her state of Mind at the time." - Deceased was a daughter of MR L. RUSDEN, of Newcastle-on-Tyne and had been residing at Diptford for the benefit of her health. During the time she was Mayoress of Plymouth she proved a valued helpmate to her husband and though not fond of public life carried through the duties pertaining to the office to the satisfaction of all.

BURLESCOMBE - Burlescombe Suicide. "A Hard Life." - At Burlescombe Railway Station on Saturday, Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of ALBERT JAMES MADGE, aged 18 last November, whose decapitated body was found the previous morning on the down Great Western line between Whiteball Tunnel and Burlescombe Station. - George Oatway, who made the discovery on his way from the tunnel signal box after night duty, said the lad's head was in the four-foot way and the body outside the left down rail on its stomach, while the shoulders were close to the rail. This position indicated deliberately placing of the neck on the rail. - LAURA HUCKER, second cousin to deceased, said MADGE had lodged with her since the beginning of April. On Thursday night her husband missed a knife sharpener. At first deceased said he had not seen it, but later produced it. He did not return to his lodge that night. The lad's mother, said witness, died when he was about 8, while his father died a year ago and he had had a rather hard life. At the age of 14 he entered St Boniface Home, Sampford Peverell and was there about 2 ½ years (till November 1924). Since then he had done farm work, and lately quarry work. He did not seem very happy in the latter until he changed quarries. He seemed to think some in the first quarry were unkind to him. Deceased had suffered from face-ache and during the last fortnight seemed in a "stud" when spoken to. He had said to witness that there was nobody like a mother. He was a well-behaved boy. - Dr Browne said he had had medical charge of the St Boniface Home for 14 years, and he remembered MADGE as one who had only suffered the minor ailments of youth. The boys were always well looked after and fed. - The Deputy Coroner said it was distressing that a boy of 18 should take his life, but that was the conclusion he had come to, and that he was of unsound mind when he did so. Whether the little incident about the knife sharpener affected him or not he (the Deputy Coroner) could not say; it was difficult to realise what did pass through the brain sometimes and led to sudden deliberate acts. The boy lost his mother when young, and appeared to have had a hard life. The Deputy Coroner expressed sympathy with MRS HUCKER. - Inspector Mapledoram, for the G.W.R., and P.S. Wilde for the Police, were at the inquiry.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 May 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Gamekeeper's Death. Newton Inquest Adjourned. - The Inquest was opened at Newton Abbot last evening concerning the death of MR EDWARD GARNER, 26, keeper on the Lindridge Estate, who died in Hospital on Sunday following an accident at Ideford on Wednesday. Deceased was motor cycling, with his wife on the pillion, when he came into collision with a push bicycle ridden by Mr Frederick Baker, of Ideford. The Inquest was adjourned for a fortnight.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 May 1927
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Roadside Fatality. Moreton Child's Death. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest with a Jury at Moretonhampstead yesterday afternoon concerning the death of THOMAS CLIFFORD YEOMAN, aged three, who was killed while playing in the street by a passing motor car. - Dinandus J. Monshouwer, of London, said he was driving a car in the direction of Exeter and had almost passed a group of children playing by the roadside when deceased ran across in front of him. When he stopped one of the rear wheels of his car was resting on the child's stomach. - This evidence was corroborated by Norah Ellen Crouch, aged 11 (one of the children playing). Other witnesses said the car crossed the road in an endeavour to avoid the child, who was said to be driving a toy barrow. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury adding a rider that the driver did all he could to avoid the accident. Mr T. J. W. Templeman, of Exeter, represented the driver.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 May 1927
EXETER - Sampford Smash. Willand Railwayman's Death From Injuries. The Inquest. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an adjourned Inquiry, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, into the death of THOMAS HARDING, aged 29, engine cleaner, of South View, Willand, Deceased met with injuries while motor-cycling at Sampford Peverell on November 1st, and died on May 11th. The Inquest was opened last week, but only formal evidence of identification was then given. - The Deputy Coroner explained that deceased was first in Tiverton Hospital, but got better for a time. Subsequently he entered the West of England Eye Infirmary and then went to the Exeter Hospital. - Walter Pillar, of Holbrook Farm, Burlescombe, farmer, said that on November 1st he left home about 9 o'clock in the evening on a motor-cycle combination to go to Sampford Peverell. He had the deceased with him. They called at the New Inn, Sampford, to have a drink, and got there about 9.10. They left before closing time. All witness's three lights were burning well. The intention was to return to Holbrook, where deceased was to stay the night. It was an awfully wet night. They went about 200 or 300 yards from the Inn and had to take a sharp, right-hand turn. The machine skidded and the side-car dipped, the rear wheel of the cycle lifting. The next thing witness saw was HARDING standing up bleeding. Deceased said he had cut his head. Witness stopped his machine; he did not fall off. They went into a nearby house and witness fetched Dr Drown, of Sampford Peverell. :Deceased was taken to the Tiverton Hospital. - Mysterious Fall. - The Deputy Coroner: Do you remember what you had to drink at the New Inn? - Witness: One pint of beer. - What about HARDING? - TOM had two. - Then it was nothing to do with what you had? - No. - The Deputy Coroner said he could not see how deceased fell out of the side-car. - Witness said he could not make it out. - What sort of side-car was it? - A little sports model. You could lie down in it. There was plenty of cover and there is a wind-screen you could look through. - Did he go over the top of the windscreen? - I could not say. I have no idea. - The wind-screen was not hurt? - No. - Witness, in reply to the Foreman of the Jury, said he did not run against anything. He did not put on his brakes as he was going in second gear and very steady. He could not say whether deceased was in the act of getting out. - The Deputy Coroner said that, seeing it was a rough night and HARDING felt himself suddenly going round a sharp corner, he might have got the "wind-up" and tried to get out. That, however, was pure conjecture. - Robert Tamlin, licensee of the New Inn, Sampford Peverell, said Pillar had one pint of beer and deceased two on the night in question. - Francis Albert Edward Rammell, of High Cross House, Sampford Peverell, said he, his wife and daughter were reading when they heard a swish and a thud. Witness's wife said it was an accident and they went out and saw HARDING standing by the gate bleeding. They took him in, and HARDING said, "I would not have had this happen for £10 or £100." Neither Pillar nor deceased offered any explanation of what had happened. - Pillar was recalled and in reply to the Deputy Coroner, said he did not run into railings and did not think deceased hit himself on the machine. He might, however, have struck the lamp on the side-car, which was "bowed down" - Brother's Questions. - JOHN HARDING, of Axminster, brother of deceased, said he saw his brother when he was at the Eye Infirmary and asked him what had happened. Deceased said he got pitched out of a motor-cycle and side-car but did not know how. He said, "We were going round a corner and the next thing I found out was that I was on the ground with my head cut. They took me into a house nearby and washed it out." When witness asked if they were going at a terrific speed, deceased did not say "yes" or "no." - Witness added: "He kept back all he could from me, although I tackled him pretty tight on the matter." Witness did not press deceased for any more information as he thought he would have another chance of doing so. - Dr Bleasdale, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that deceased was in the Hospital from April 2nd until May 11th, when he had haemorrhage and died. Witness made a post-mortem examination and found a large scar, about six or seven inches long, on the right side of the forehead. Deceased was extremely anaemic and had a crack, though the base of the skull in the front, which was going down into the roof of the nose. Death was due to recurrent bleeding from the nose due to the crack in the skull. That was caused by the blow received in the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. Machinery Kills Stoker. - Stoker PATRICK YATES, aged 36, whose home was at Croydon, was killed on H.M.S. Albany, minesweeper, in Dartmouth Harbour, through slipping into the winch machinery. The decks were wet at the time. At the Inquest held on the ship, a verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 May 1927
CULLOMPTON - Cullompton Tragedy. Driver Exonerated. - Yesterday, at Cullompton, Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of FREDERICK ARTHUR NEX, aged 6, son of MR and MRS A. NEX, Exeter-road, Cullompton, who was knocked down and killed by a motor car near his home on Saturday afternoon. - ARTHUR NEX, carpenter, father of the boy, said deceased went to the Cinema. - W. C. Bowden, labourer, Bradninch, said the deceased rushed across the road just as a car approached from the direction of Exeter. He was knocked down and soon died. The car was going at a moderate speed and was pulled up in its length. - Winifred Rowe said a motor cycle and side-car passed, and she shouted to the boy. He stopped till it had gone and then ran into the road. She did not see the car coming, as a hedge blocked her view. - Mr G. R. V. Vaughan, of Long Ashton, Bristol, said he was driving the car, the other occupant being his 75-year old mother. Suddenly the boy seemed to come from nowhere, hesitated and then made a rush across the road, but was knocked down, the off fore wheel probably going over his neck. - Dr Alleyne said the boy's neck was broken and he had a fractured skull and other injuries. Haemorrhage alone was sufficient to cause death. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame. They added a rider that the road should be widened. - The Coroner, Jury and the driver (the latter through Mr F. P. Cottey, Exeter) expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 May 1927
EXETER - Cracked Skull. Stoke Canon Trap Accident Inquiry. "Accidental." - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Exeter Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, into the death of LEWIS HENRY FENTON, 21, labourer, lodging at 5 Chapel-buildings, Exeter, who died as the result of head injuries sustained by falling from a trap at Stoke Canon on Monday. - EDGAR JOHN WILLIAM FENTON, 29 Market-street, Devonport, father, gave evidence of identification. - James Henry Ball, 5 Chapel-buildings, St David's-hill, hawker, with whom deceased lodged, said the latter and himself drove to Thorverton last Monday, leaving Exeter about 2.30 in the afternoon, in a pony and trap, and brought back another trap and harness attached to the vehicle witness was driving. They stopped at Stoke Canon on the homeward journey about 6.30 and had a drink. Between the three-mile stone and Cowley Bridge the pony slipped and lurched and the seat deceased was sitting on over-balanced backwards. Both witness and deceased were thrown out, and one of the wheels of the second trap caught deceased's head. Someone came along in a car and took deceased to the Hospital at Exeter. There were no holes or pins fastening the seat to the trap. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr Pemberthy: It is usual to have holes and pins in the seats and it strikes one that if the pins had been there the accident may have been prevented? - Witness: Yes, but the seat was not the one for my trap. It was a little too big for my trap. It was made for the trap I was bringing home. - Dr Bleasdale, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated deceased was conscious when admitted to the Hospital. Witness could find no wound on deceased's head. After a while deceased began to lose consciousness and an operation was performed, but deceased passed away about three-quarters of an hour afterwards. A post-mortem examination revealed a crack across the skull, extending to its base and death was due to this fracture. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the father of deceased.

Western Times, Friday 27 May 1927


DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Tragedy. Inquest Opened And Adjourned: Mother's Condition. - The Borough Coroner, Mr H. Davson, on Tuesday opened the Inquest at Dartmouth on the two child victims whose bodies were found in their parents' house with their heads battered in, while the mother was discovered in a bath with injuries to her throat. - The mother was called MRS SRODZINSKI, wife of an insurance agent and the dead children were KATHLEEN MARY, aged 4 years, and JULIA MAY, aged ten months. - The Coroner, in opening the case, said at 9.30 a.m. on Monday, MR FREDERICK ALBERT SRODZINSKI of No. 1 Meadowside, Victoria-street, Dartmouth, left his home to proceed to his work in the town, leaving his wife in the house with her two children. She appeared to be in her usual health and spirit. When the husband returned home at 1.15 he found the two children lying in a bed, the skulls having been fractured by blows from a hammer. Later the husband found his wife in a partially filled bath unconscious and with a wound in her throat. She had partly taken some disinfectant, for an empty tin stood by the side of the bath. - MRS SRODZINSKI was, continued the Coroner, now in the Dartmouth Cottage Hospital. Dr Cadman, who was attending her, had informed him (the Coroner) that there was every probability that she would recover, and having regard to that fact the Inquest would have to be adjourned. Dr Cadman was of opinion that the mother might be in a fit condition to appear in court in a fortnight. Therefore he (the Coroner) proposed to adjourn the Inquest. - FREDERICK ALBERT SRODZINSKI, husband, gave formal evidence of identification and the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until June 14th.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 June 1927
BURRINGTON - At an Inquest concerning the death of CLARA ELIZABETH ROBINSON, aged 75, who died suddenly at her sister's residence, Oak Cottage, Burrington, the Coroner, Mr G. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXMINSTER - Exminster Inquest. Inmate's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest yesterday at the Devon Mental Hospital, Exminster, concerning the death of an inmate, SIDNEY JOHN MORRISH. - James Wilson Murdock, a pathologist and assistant Medical Officer, said deceased was admitted in February 1908 from the Newton Abbot Workhouse and previously lived at High Bickington. He was a butler and 79 years of age. In November 1926 he had a fall, and his right thigh-bone was broken, and he had been confined to bed ever since. Deceased constantly complained of pain and witness thought the bone had not united. He also had a weak heart and suffered from bronchitis. Witness considered deceased died from an enlarged incompetent heart and bronchitis. His death was not accelerated by the fall, but probably prolonged by the rest consequent on the fall. - William Henry Laidman gave evidence, and a verdict was recorded as stated.

Western Times, Friday 3 June 1927


PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. - A verdict of "Suicide" and that there was no evidence to show their state of mind, was returned by the Plymouth Coroner on Tuesday at an Inquest on REGINALD RICHARD GUSCOTT, 25, married, tram conductor, and ELEANOR BENNETT, 23, wife of a dockyard labourer, who were found suffering from the effects of gas poisoning at Guscott's House last Saturday week. - The woman's husband collapsed when giving evidence and after receiving attention was removed on an ambulance. - Evidence was given that the door of the bedroom in which the couple were found was locked. The chimney and the bottom of the door were stuffed with clothing

NEWTON ABBOT - Poisoned By Lysol. Newton Woman Who Was Depressed And Could Not Sleep. - Mr T. Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, returned "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest on AMY LOUISE VEALE, aged 39, of Fisher-road, Newton Abbot, who died in the local Infirmary on Sunday from lysol poisoning. - FRANCIS L. VEALE, the husband, said that his wife was confined in March, a week before which her sister died from consumption She had suffered from sleeplessness and depression since. Last Friday morning about 7.30 he got up to make some tea. He heard glass clink and he ran upstairs and found his wife leaning against a washstand in a different room. She had taken lysol. At the Infirmary on Sunday his wife said she was dreadfully sorry to have brought trouble on him, but she did not know what she was doing. - Dr Colin King said deceased had been in a depressed mental condition.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 June 1927
EXETER - Fatal Spill. Cyclists Collide And Fall Before Car. Kirtonian's Last Ride. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Exeter Coroner, conducted an Inquest with a Jury at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on WILLIAM GILMORE, aged 60, of 89 High-street, Crediton, a painter and decorator, who died on the way to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on June 1st, after an accident near Crediton. - HAROLD WILLIAM GILMORE, Starcross, son, gave evidence of identification and said his father had no physical defects. - Ernest Charles Hedger, 69 High-street, Crediton, painter and decorator, said he had been recently working with deceased at Morchard Bishop and was there with him on June 1st. At 5 p.m. they left Morchard with a man called Provis to cycle to Crediton. When on Frogmire-hill deceased was a little behind witness and Provis. Witness saw a car coming towards them at a moderate speed and on its correct side. The car decreased its speed and passed witness, leaving plenty of space for a cyclist to do so. Then witness heard a knock, as though GILMORE'S machine had hit Provis's. He looked round, fell off his bicycle and saw the two men falling towards the car. When he got up he saw deceased was under the car. Deceased was then taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - By Mr W. G. G. Seager (appearing for the driver of the car): The road was very narrow, and, in his opinion, the driver had taken every possible care to avoid an accident. - P.C. Henley stated there were marks of a car on the near side of the road, in the direction the car involved would have been taking. The road was nine feet wide. - Arthur Percival Provis, High-street, Crediton, the third cyclist, said he saw the car about 60 yards off. As the car was about to pass something knocked the back wheel of his machine and he was thrown off. Deceased also fell off towards the car. When witness picked himself up GILMORE was under the car. The driver had sounded his horn. - By Mr Seager: Witness narrowly escaped injury himself. There was no fault on the part of the driver. - Francis Beedell Coleman, Upton Hellions, near Crediton, said he was driving a car towards Morchard, and was ascending Frogmire-hill, when he slowed down to allow the three cyclists to pass. The first passed him, but the third caught the wheel of the second's bicycle and both were thrown off - deceased immediately in front of the car. - Dr Robinson, Casualty Officer, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was dead when brought in at 6.35 p.m. on the 1st inst. He had five broken ribs and other injuries. The actual cause of death was loss of blood and an injury to the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver of the car from blame. - The Jury and Mr Seager (on behalf of the driver of the car) expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 June 1927
EXETER - Excursionist's Death. Inquest At Exeter. - Medical evidence that death was caused by exceptionally early rising was given at an Inquest at Exeter, yesterday, on ALBERT BRITTON, a tobacco operative, aged 30, of Bristol, who collapsed in the train while on a Whit-Monday excursion to Paignton. - Edwin Charles Brain, of Bristol, told the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, that deceased, who was his brother-in-law, fell forward in the train between Wellington and Tiverton Junction and failed to revive, when brandy was administered. From Tiverton Junction a doctor was summoned by telephone to meet the train on arrival at Exeter. - Dr Pereira Gray said that when he examined deceased at St David's Station at 7.45 a.m., he was dead, but could not have long expired. Deceased was not a healthy man, had an abscess in the middle of the left kidney, gall-stones in the bladder and an enlarged heart and spleen. Death was caused by heart failure, owing to the condition of the liver, and was, probably, brought on by getting up unusually early in the morning. - Chief-Inspector Mapledoram watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company.

Western Times, Friday 10 June 1927


NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Man's Death. Due To A Collection Of Fluid On The Brain. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, with a Jury, of which Mr J. Dolbear was Foreman, on Wednesday, held an Enquiry at Newton Abbot into the death of LEWIS MOGRIDGE, aged 66, of 18b. Highweek-road, Newton Abbot, which took place on June 3rd. - The evidence of Edward James Phillips, of Fairfield-terrace, Newton Abbot, showed that when deceased was drawing skins from one vat to another at Messrs. Vicary's Tanneries on April 2nd he fell and was stunned. - Dr Colin King said he saw deceased two days after the accident, and found him suffering from the effects of concussion. He treated him until May 2nd, when he appeared fit and returned to work. Witness was called again on May 18th, and deceased gradually got worse, and after becoming unconscious died on June 3rd. A post-mortem examination showed that there were no marks of external violence and no fracture of the skull, but there was a collection of blood and fluid between the brain and inner membrane. There was evidence of blood clot, some of which was in process of organisation. Some of the haemorrhage was of comparatively old standing - anything up to two months. Death was due to pressure on the brain caused by the collection of fluid, which was directly attributable to the accident. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was passed, and the Jury handed their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 June 1927
EXETER - Honiton Butcher. Death Under Anaesthetic. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest yesterday, at Exeter, on WALTER STUART, aged 46 years, butcher, of New-street, Honiton, aged 46, who died under anaesthetic at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday. The body was identified by DONALD STUART, who said his brother had for some years suffered from stomach trouble and had been attended by Dr Steele Perkins, who ordered his removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Dr Morton, House Physician, said deceased, who was admitted on Saturday suffering from abdominal pains, vomited after application of the anaesthetic and was asphyxiated immediately.

EXETER - Patting A Horse. Poltimore Fatality. - At an Inquest at Exeter, yesterday, on ALFRED FREDERICK CHARLES FERRIS, aged 6, son of LEWIS JOHN FERRIS, of Home Farm, Poltimore, evidence was given by Vincent Shapland, aged 7, of Home Farm Cottages, Poltimore, that deceased and himself went on June 8th to play in Mr Lee's field in which was a horse. FREDDIE said, "Let us go chasing that horse," and proceeded to do so. Deceased went afterwards to pat another horse, called Madam, and it kicked him in the head. Herbert Shapland, father of the last witness, said he found deceased with a wound in the forehead. Thomas Mortimore Lee, farmer, said that, in the ordinary course, the horse was quite quiet. The lads were trespassing. Dr Bleasedale, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, to which deceased was removed, stated that death, which occurred on June 10th, was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Deputy Coroner added that Mr Lee was not in any way to blame.

NEWTON ABBOT - Rough Road. Coroner's Jury And Fatality At Ideford. Keeper's Death. - At Newton Abbot yesterday Mr Ernest Hutchings sat with a Jury to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of EDWIN TYRRELL GARNER, aged 26, gamekeeper at Lindridge, who died at Newton Abbot Hospital on May 15th following injuries received in an accident at Ideford Arch on May 11th. MRS GARNER said she was riding on the back of a motor cycle driven by her husband. As they approached Ideford Arch witness saw a light at the top of the hill and coming towards them on the wrong side of the road. She did not think there was a collision, but that her husband swerved to avoid a collision and was thrown off. - Fredk. A. W. Baker, rural postman, of Ideford, said he was riding a push cycle towards Chudleigh and was on his proper side of the road. The motor cycle, which he estimated was travelling at 20 miles an hour, approached him on the wrong side of the road. He considered that the handlebars of the motor-cycle caught his knee, causing the accident. He (witness) did not have a lamp on his machine. - Witness was asked by the Coroner why he told the Police he had a lamp and in reply he said: "I was so worried; I didn't know what to do. I was afraid of getting into trouble because I hadn't a light." - The Coroner: You are more likely to get into trouble by telling lies. You have caused endless inquiries because of your statement. Later the Coroner said it was only fair to state that there was no necessity for Baker to have a light on his bicycle at the time of the accident. - Several witnesses spoke as to the rough state of the road and other evidence was given by P.C. Cockram and George Snell, of Long Thorn, Ugbrooke. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to call the attention of the authority concerned to the condition of the road at the spot.

Western Times, Friday 17 June 1927


DAWLISH - Found Drowned At Dawlish. - At an Inquest held at Dawlish, last evening, on the body of JOHN FRANK COX, aged 54, of Fernlea, Brunswick-place, Dawlish, found in the sea near Smugglers' Lane, the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - In reply to the Coroner the widow remarked that they had been a little unfortunate in business but beyond the possible state of deceased's health he had nothing to worry about.

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Drowned In The Dart. - At the Inquest at Buckfastleigh on Wednesday concerning the death of THOMAS HAYMAN, aged 73 years, whose dead body was found in the river Dart near Buckfastleigh on Monday evening, the Coroner, Mr T. H. Edmonds, returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning," but did not consider the evidence sufficient to show the state of deceased's mind. In the course of the evidence it was stated that on Monday deceased left his daughter's house at eight o'clock in the morning to proceed to work. He did not return and eventually the body was recovered from the river by P.C. Squires. Deceased, as far as could be ascertained, had no worries.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 June 1927
LIFTON - Mr A. C. Brown, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM HENRY KNIGHT, aged 51, labourer. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes arising from heart failure" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Pedlar's Fatal Fall Into River While Eating. Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on ALFRED CAINE, a pedlar, who died on Friday after being rescued from the River Exe. - JOHN CAINE of 6 New-buildings, Lion's Holt, Exeter, said his brother, who was 64, had enjoyed good health. - George Taylor, of the Exe Island lodging house, Exeter, stated deceased had stayed at his house on and off for some time and he seemed all right and not troubled in any way. On Thursday night he was not drunk, but had had a drink or two. - Ethel Russell, a schoolgirl of 5 Weirfield Cottages, Exeter, said about dinner time on Friday, while walking along the Quay, she saw deceased sitting on the wall eating, with his back to the river. When she had passed she heard a splash and saw that deceased had fallen into the water. - Alfred John Langdon, 19 Beacon-lane, Exeter, said he was cycling along the Quay when he heard some children saying there was a man in the water. Witness ran for the grappling-pole and, with the assistance of others, got deceased from the water. Artificial respiration was tried. - P.C. Sangster said he arrived at the scene when the others were trying artificial respiration and CAINE was nearly dead. Witness then tried artificial respiration. There were various pieces of food on the wall, which was 3ft. 6in. high and 1 ft. 3in. wide; and, apparently, deceased had been having a meal when he fell over. - The Coroner: The wall is quite a safe place to sit? - Yes. - Dr Bleasdale, of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where deceased was conveyed, said death was due to shock and exposure, following immersion in the water.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 June 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Road Accident. Kingsteignton Inquest. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Kingsteignton into the circumstances attending the death of SIDNEY GEORGE COLES, aged 10 years, son of MRS COLES, widow, of Fore-street, Kingsteignton. Deceased died at Newton Abbot Hospital from injuries received through being knocked down by a car in Brookside-road. - Leonard John Farleigh, of Lea Grange, Kingsteignton, who was standing at the spot where the accident occurred, said a car driven by Mr Boucher came up the road at from eight to ten miles an hour and crossed to its right side to pass a stationary car. There were two children in the road at the time, deceased being about two feet from the railings on the driver's off side of the road. As the car passed the stationary vehicle the off-wing caught deceased and pushed him along the road. Witness did not think the boy heard or saw the car. - Edward Willis, of Exeter-road, Kingsteignton, gave similar evidence. - Alec Mason, aged 13, who was playing with deceased, said he shouted to him that the car was coming and deceased stood still. Witness thought it would be a "narrow squeak," because of the stationary car, and so he ran up the road. At the time deceased was about a foot from the railings. - The driver of the car, Albert Edward Boucher, farmer, of Little Lindridge, said that just as he came to the boy he stepped quickly backwards and was caught by the front of the wing. Witness estimated his speed at not more than five miles an hour and he considered he had plenty of space in which to get through. It was possible the car might have lurched owing to the contour of the road at the spot. - P.C. Woolland stated that the mark made by the car was 3ft. 9ins from the railings. - The Coroner asked the Jury to answer two questions (1) Did Mr Boucher take an unnecessary risk? and (2) was it an inevitable accident? - On their return the Foreman, Mr F. H. Greenhill, said that by a majority the Jury found that it was an inevitable accident and that Mr Boucher did not take an unnecessary risk. - The Coroner said the Jury must return a unanimous verdict under the New Act. - At the Coroner's request the Jury again retired and, after 30 minutes' deliberation, the Foreman announced a unanimous decision that Mr Boucher, in the circumstances, did take an unnecessary risk. - The Coroner said this amounted to a verdict of "Accidental Death." He agreed with the Jury that Mr Boucher committed an error of judgment, but there was no question of passing any vote of censure on him The Jury gave their fees to the mother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 June 1927
KINGSKERSWELL - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquest concerning the death of ROBERT ALBERT LEYTON STONE, the two-year-old son of ROBERT ARTHUR STONE, motor mechanic, of Whilborough. Deceased was found floating dead in a tank in the garden, about 10 yards from the house. The father said he could not give any details of the accident as he was at work at the time. - ROBERT STONE, grandfather, said he missed the child while at tea on Sunday. He looked out of the window and saw him playing with a bucket of water. Later he went into the garden and found deceased floating in the tank. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The Deputy Coroner said it was very unfortunate something was not done to make the tank more secure, for as it was it was a death trap for a child. The grandfather said that the landlord had commenced fencing the tank, but the work was never completed.

Western Times, Friday 24 June 1927


TIVERTON - Tiverton Suicide. Woman Ends Her Life After Ten Years' Illness. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest at Tiverton on Monday on ALICE BERTHA KNEE, aged 57, of 33 Westexe South, Tiverton, who was found hanging from the ceiling of her bedroom with a rope round her neck on Saturday. - Dr Richard B. Cullin, Tiverton, said death was caused by hanging. He had attended deceased for 20 years. She was more or less of a neurotic disposition. - MAY ALICE KNEE told the Coroner, Mr Clutsom, that she last saw her mother alive about 9.45 p.m. on Friday, when she was standing near the window of her bedroom. She took her a cup of cocoa as usual. Getting up at 8.15 a.m. next day she again went to the bedroom and saw her mother hanging by a rope from a hook in the ceiling. There was usually a table under the hook, but it had been moved. She summoned her brother. Deceased did not enjoy good health and sometimes got depressed. - GEORGE KNEE, general dealer, 33 Westexe South, Tiverton, said that he last saw his wife alive at 8.30 on Friday evening, when he returned from Exeter. She suffered much pain and had been ill for about 10 years. She could not even bear anyone to sit on her bed. The sudden death of her father some time ago affected her greatly. She suffered greatly from "nerves."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 June 1927
TEIGNMOUTH - Found Drowned. Teignmouth Inquest. - At the Town Hall, last night, Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, at the Inquest on MRS ELIZABETH JANE SERCOMBE, wife of MR WILLIAM HENRY SERCOMBE, labourer, of Higher Brook-street, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." The body was found in one of the docks at the Old Quay yesterday morning at 5.30. - The husband stated that he retired to rest with the deceased just after 10 o'clock on Sunday night, but, on walking up at 5.50 a.m. yesterday, she was missing. His wife had been drinking heavily of late. She was of morbid tendencies but had never talked of taking her life. When he realised his wife was missing the Police came and told him the body was at the Mortuary. - Charles Brewer, stevedore at the Quay, proved to finding the body and Dr Stanley Piggott said death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Coroner thanked Mr Brewer for his promptitude.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 June 1927
TOTNES - Totnes Inquest. Boy's Sad Death. - Yesterday at Totnes Guildhall, an Inquest was held by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of RODERICK GEORGE HILL. - HERBERT E. E. HILL, labourer, Warland, said the deceased was two years and ten months old and on Monday evening went to play with his sister, aged five years, who came in and said he had been knocked down by a car. - James Henry King said the car was pulled up dead. The child was under it, between the hind wheels and showed no signs of life. - Arthur Charles Wilson said the car was in the centre of the road. - Dr W. Chapman stated that the cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. - Charles Austen Leigh, Priestaford, Ashburton, stated that he was driving at 10 to 12 miles an hour. He saw the little boy on the pavement and when within seven or eight yards of the boy the latter commenced to run across the road. Witness slowed down to allow the lad to do so, which he did. Then to witness's horror, the lad suddenly wheeled around and ran back in front of the car. Witness stopped instantly, but had no chance to avoid him. - James Salt, Dean Prior, who was with Mr Leigh, corroborated. The car had almost stopped and the accident could not have been avoided. - The Coroner said it seemed to him to have been a pure accident, with no blame attached to the driver of the car, who seemed to have done all he could. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to the driver. They expressed sympathy with the parents, and Mr S. Mason (on behalf of Mr Leigh) joined in the expression.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 30 June 1927
EXETER - Fatal Fall. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday on the body of MRS SARAH ANN ROGERS of 2 South View-terrace, Lion's Holt, Exeter, who passed away at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday night, following a fall at her home. - ALFRED ROGERS of 2 South View-terrace, Lion's Holt, son, gave evidence of identification and said his mother was a widow, aged 85. On being told deceased had fallen down the stairs, he found her lying on her back at the bottom of the stairs, and he picked her up and fetched a doctor, who advised her removal to the Hospital. Deceased was in good health. - Dr E. S. Frischmann, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the deceased was admitted to the Hospital just before 10 o'clock on Sunday evening. She was suffering from a fracture at the base of the skull and was unconscious. She died at 11.15. Death was due to the fracture. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. The Inquest: Deceased's Neck Broken. The Bullet Found. - The Inquest was opened at the Court House, Exeter yesterday, on the body of JAMES LIVERMORE of 11 Morgon's-buildings, South Wonford, who was found dead in an allotment at Wonford, on Sunday, and in connection with whose death Reginald Morey, of Paris-street, a gardener, was charged on Monday with murder and remanded for a week. - Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the Police and Chief Inspector Collins, of Scotland Yard, was also present. Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, conducted the inquiry, which was before a Jury. - JOHN LEVER, of 11 Morgon's-buildings, a labourer, identified the body. He said LIVERMORE was his father-in-law, and a gardener, aged 61 years. He last saw him alive on Sunday, between 2.30 p.m. and 3 p.m., asleep in his armchair. Deceased afterwards went out, saying he was going to the garden at the top of Salter's-hill. In the evening, in consequence of what he had been told, witness went to the garden and found deceased. The Police arrived shortly afterwards. Deceased was lying on his back and was afterwards conveyed away in an ambulance. - Dr Pereira Gray, Police Surgeon, stated that he went to Wonford and in the allotment found LIVERMORE lying dead. He was on the ground covered with some sacks. At the time he made a rough examination of the body and told the Police Officer he must make a further examination. He ordered the body to be removed to the Mortuary. There he was told there was a wound in the man's back, and holes in the coat, waistcoat, vest, and trousers were corresponding. At the post-mortem examination Mr C. E. Bell and Dr Date were present. The last-named attended deceased previous to his death. No disease was found and the organs were apparently normal. - The Coroner: Did you come to any conclusion as to the cause of the wound in the back? - Witness: From the direction of the wound I came to the conclusion that it was a shot and not a stab. The chief object of the post-mortem was to find the bullet. We knew the bullet was inside the body and we were determined to find it. We found that the vertebrae of the neck was broken in splinters and we thought the bullet must be close by. After a prolonged search we turned the body over and bullet fell out. The cause of death was fracture of the vertebrae column. - The Deputy Coroner remarked that the Jury were aware that there was a charge of murder in connection with the death of the man. He had had formal notice from the Magistrates to this effect under the Coroners Amendment Act. The duty of the Jury was therefore limited that day to taking some evidence. He would adjourn the Inquest until the determination of whatever criminal proceedings might be taken. He had power to adjourn the Inquest as long as he liked and also to discharge the Jury if he wished. He would discharge them, and would call them again or another Jury if necessary later on. - He adjourned the Inquest until October 5th.

COMBEINTEIGNHEAD - Youth's Sad Death. Coombeinteignhead Shooting Tragedy. Coroner's Remarks. - Last evening Mr E. Hutchings conducted an Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM WALTER WHITE, a boy of 14, employed at Mr Palmer's fruit and flower gardens, at Coombeinteignhead. After evidence of identification had been given, Dr Mayo (Shaldon)_ said death was due to laceration of the brain. The case was hopeless from the first, as the shot would scatter after passing through the skull. - Albert Callard, aged 14, also employed by Mr Palmer, said as he was going to work with his father, just before seven on Tuesday morning he saw WHITE in front of him. WHITE passed by the entrance to the lower garden and went on. Witness concluded he was going to work at another garden some distance away. Witness's father unlocked the shed and went to the top of the garden. Witness then took a shot gun, which was kept in the shed and also a cartridge from a box and went to see if there were birds among the raspberries. Seeing a bird rise from the ground he fired. He heard something fall behind the raspberry bushes and going there found deceased on the path unconscious with a wound in his head. His father hurried for assistance. Replying to the Coroner, witness said the gun had been there about a fortnight. He and deceased had been told not to touch the gun, but witness had fired it twice previously, and deceased a few more times. He had no idea deceased was in the garden. - Albert Callard (father of the last witness) and Mr H. C. Palmer gave evidence. Mr Palmer said he put the gun in the shed a fortnight ago with some cartridges for the foreman (Mr Searle) to use to frighten birds from the ripening fruit. He told Searle that he was not to allow the two boys to touch the gun. - The Coroner: Most of us see the danger of young people getting hold of firearms. Don't you think it was very indiscreet - I won't say more at the moment - to take the trouble to give orders that the boys were not to use the gun and yet leave the gun and ammunition in a place where they could get at it? - Witness replied that he did not think the boys would have a chance to use it when men were about. He had no idea the boys had used the gun previously. - Ernest Albert Searle (foreman) said when the gun was brought to the shed he told both boys not to touch it. One morning when going to work he thought he heard a gun fired in the garden, but deceased denied it. A few mornings later he caught deceased using the gun, and told him he would report him to Mr Palmer, but he did not do so as he did not want to get the boy into trouble. Replying to further questions, witness said it was difficult to understand how it was that Callard did not see WHITE coming towards him. It might have been that he stooped to pick a raspberry and rose just as the shot was fired. A boy not used to a gun would possibly lose sight of everything except the bird that rose. - P.C. Callard said WHITE was 5ft. 3in. in height. The raspberry canes were 4ft. 6in. to 5ft. high and the netting was hung on poles 5ft. 6in. high. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" said it was accidental in the sense that when Callard fired the shot he had no idea deceased was near him. Otherwise it might have been very much more serious for him. Callard had been perfectly frank about it and admitted he was disobeying orders. Young people should realise that they must obey orders when told not to touch dangerous weapons. Continuing, the Coroner said, "I think it is a most reprehensible thing - I go so far as that - that people who have taken the trouble to warn two lads about the danger of using a dangerous weapon like a gun should be so careless as to leave, not only the gun, but the ammunition in a place where these boys, if they were so minded, could get possession of them. What is the use of telling a boy not to do dangerous things if you leave ample opportunity for him to do it? Nothing would have been simpler than to have kept those cartridges under lock and key. It was not done, and I think it was extremely careless. If there are any other persons who employ young boys it is their duty on every possible ground to see that the temptation to play with dangerous firearms is not placed in their way. I do not want to be unduly severe, and I won't say more."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 July 1927
EXETER - Exeter Inquest. Motor Accident Sequel. - The Inquest was opened by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at Exeter, yesterday, on MR HUBERT GEORGE KEMP, of Woodhayes Cottages, Whimple. MR KEMP, with his wife and six-year-old daughter, were the victims of an accident at the junction of the Broadclyst Station-road with the Exeter - Honiton main road, in which MR KEMP'S motor cycle combination collided with a car driven by Mr Simpson (County Surveyor) on June 27th. MR KEMP died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Friday. Evidence of identification was given by BERTIE EDWARD DAVY of 29 Dean-street, Crediton, a brother-in-law of deceased. Witness said when he saw deceased at the Hospital he said: "It was not my fault; I was on my right side." Deceased was employed as Manager of a smallholding. The Inquest was adjourned until Friday to enable other witnesses to be present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 July 1927
EXETER - Broadclyst Crash. Verdict of "Accidental Death" At Inquest. Conflict Of Evidence. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, resumed the Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of MR HUBERT GEORGE KEMP, Manager of a small-holding and residing at Woodhayes Cottage, Whimple, who was the victim of an accident at the junction of the Broadclyst Station-road and Exeter-Honiton main road, on June 26th. Mr M. J. McGahey (Messrs. Dunn and Baker) represented the relatives of the deceased, and Mr J. Woolland (Plymouth) the driver of the car concerned. When the Inquiry was opened evidence of identification was given by BERTIE EDWARD DAVY, of 29 Dean-street, Crediton, who stated deceased said at the Hospital: "It was not my fault; I was on my right side." - P.C. Palmer said he visited the scene of the accident at 10.45 a.m. and saw an Austin saloon car standing seven feet from the near side hedge and about six feet from the off hedge. There was a mark in the road where the front tyre of the car had burst, and the car pushed along a foot. The front wheel of a motor-cycle combination, which he also saw, was buckled, one of the springs at the top of the forks was broken, the front of the side-car was smashed and lifted clean off the chassis, and the stay between the cycle and the side-car was snapped. It was in bottom gear. From the Austin car he saw wheel-marks leading back to the near hedge for a distance of 39 feet. They commenced at the corner, 3ft. out from the near hedge, and practically kept that position up to the scene of the accident, where there was a sudden swerve. - By Mr Woolland: The swerve was right at the scene of the accident. - By Mr McGahey: The side-car was smashed to matchwood, and must have had a very severe blow. The fact that the side-car received most damage showed that that received the heaviest blow. The car when he saw it was occupying at least 14ft. of the road, which was 20ft. wide. He was not able to trace the tracks of the combination. From the tracks in the road it appeared that the brakes had only been applied for a foot - or less - before the collision occurred. The man in the car could have seen the combination for 30 yards before reaching the scene of the accident. - Mr McGahey: Can you give any reason why he did not apply his brakes until the point of collision? - Witness: No, I can't. - The Coroner: On the other hand, the cycle could have seen the car for the same distance? - Yes, sir. - By Mr Woolland: If at the moment before impact the motor cycle was on the wrong side of the road, it would appear suddenly before the car, which might swerve to avoid it. That would be consistent with the marks made by the car. - Widow's Evidence. - MRS ALICE KEMP, the widow of deceased, who was in the side-car of the combination with her little daughter, said they were driving slowly towards Broadclyst Station. At the bend where the accident occurred the combination was on its correct side. They had passed the pathfield gate, when they saw the car coming at a terrific speed. She did not notice how far from the hedge the car was. Her husband sounded his horn, but she did not hear the driver of the car sound his. - By Mr McGahey: She was absolutely certain that the combination was on its correct side. The on-coming car seemed to have got all the road; it was not on its proper side. Witness was knocked senseless, her little girl was injured and her husband was lying under the car. - Mr Thomas Hewstone, haulage contractor, of London, who said he wished to give evidence, said he was driving an Austin saloon car on the day in question. On approaching the bend he thought he was within two feet of his near hedge. His speed was from 10 to 15 miles an hour, and was proceeding cautiously because he had been warned of the bends. At the corner he suddenly saw a motor cycle combination coming at him on his near side. He waited to see if the driver would get on his correct side and as he made no attempt to do so, witness stopped dead. As he did so the impact came. The motor combination ran into the car. When he first saw the cycle it was within a foot of the hedge on its wrong side. - By the Jury: He could have pulled up, but did not do so as he gave the combination the freedom of the road. - Driver's Story. - By Mr McGahey: He was not trying to make up the time he had lost through taking the wrong road. He attributed the severeness of the blow to the speed at which the motor cyclist was travelling. He did not know that there was a mark four feet six inches long under the car when it was stopped, which he (Mr McGahey) suggested was caused by the car forcing the cycle backwards. If there was such a mark he could not account for it. - Mr McGahey: It would be easily accounted for if your story was not accurate. - By Mr Woolland: He was sounding his horn. - By the Coroner: He did not think the motor cyclist swerved. - Mr Cyril Francis Henry, temporarily of Broadclyst, said he was called upon by the last witness to give him some assistance. When he got to the scene of the accident the machines had not been moved. The front wheel of the cycle was under the near front wing of the car, and the combination was lying on its wrong side of the road. Witness thought the tracks of the car were even less than three feet from its proper side of the road. The mark referred to by Mr McGahey could have been caused by the car dragging the combination. The opinion he arrived at was that the car was on its correct side and the combination on its wrong side. If the car had been going at a "terrific pace" it would not have been pulled up in the space it was. There was room on either side of the car for the combination to pass. - Mr McGahey's questions and interruptions were several times objected to by the Coroner, and at the conclusion of this witness's evidence the solicitor said he would ask no more questions. - Accustomed To Smashes. - Reginald Brooks Wrenford, Ferndale, Honiton Clyst, said he saw wheel tracks by the motor cycle combination on the wrong side of the road. These tracks were visible ten to fifteen feet before the collision occurred, within two or three feet from its off (and wrong) side. In his impression it was a case of corner-cutting. Witness said they were getting quite used to the sounds of smashes in their district. - After this witness Mr McGahey rose to his feet and was asked by the Coroner if he had altered his mind. Mr McGahey said he must do his duty by his client in spite of any feeling he had. - Answering Mr McGahey, witness said he followed the tracks up to the motor cycle. - By Mr Woolland: He could see nothing to suggest that the driver of the care was to blame, and everything to suggest that the motor cyclist was to blame. - Mr Frederick Edward Simpson, Cotleigh, Honiton Clyst, County Surveyor, who was on the scene almost at once, said he should judge that the front of the car was standing practically in the centre of the road. The motor cycle combination was partly under the car. There was no doubt in his mind that the motor cycle was on the wrong side of the road. - Dr E. Frischmann, Senior House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted on June 26th. He had a compound depressed fracture of the skull, and was operated on the same morning. Until the morning of July 1st he did very well indeed, but died at 6 p.m. on that day. The cause of death was a complication following the fracture - in all probability, meningitis., - Mrs Hewstone, wife of the driver of the car, who was with her husband, said she did not see the combination until it was upon them. It was on its wrong side of the road in front of them, and only gave her husband time to swerve to the centre of the road before the impact. If the car had not swerved there would have been a head-on collision. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he had every sympathy with MRS KEMP, and they had heard her evidence, which, unfortunately for her, was not borne out either by the driver of the car or by the independent evidence which had been called. All the evidence was favourable to the driver of the car, Mr Hewstone. He suggested that if they could not agree they should have an adjournment to visit the scene of the accident. - After a short deliberation in private the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the driver was not to blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 July 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Fatality. - MRS JANE BENNETT BARCLAY, 39, of Fishwick House Kingsteignton, died at the Newton Abbot Hospital on Wednesday night from injuries received in an accident which occurred near The Bungalow on the Newton Abbot - Bovey Tracey road. Deceased was in the act of crossing the road to take a paper from the driver of a stationary car when she was knocked down by Mr L. J. Bickford, of East-street, Newton Abbot, who came round the corner on a motor bicycle from the direction of Bovey Tracey MRS BARCLAY was attended by Ambulance-officer Shapley and A.A. Patrol Goodere, and was afterwards taken to the Newton Hospital. - At the Inquest the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and came to the conclusion that the corner was rendered somewhat dangerous by the growth from the hedge. They asked the Coroner to communicate with those concerned asking that the hedge should be properly cut back.

Western Times, Friday 15 July 1927


LAMBETH, SURREY - Death Of A Devonian. Fatal Result Of Polo Injuries Sustained In India. - MR CHARLES BISSELL BARRY, aged 40, a Deputy Commissioner in the Indian Civil Service, of Bukit Ramah, Newton Ferrers, Devon, was playing polo at Cambellpore, India, when his pony stumbled and rolled over him, injuring his spine. He was treated at the Hospital and afterwards brought home and died in London on July 6th. - At the Inquest at Lambeth on Monday, a brother, MR ROBERT BARRY, Chislehurst, said deceased had been in India for 15 years. On June 17th he came to London and was operated on by a Harley-street Surgeon, at St Thomas' Home. He progressed favourably until July 2nd, when he was again operated on. He had a relapse, however, and died four days later from a fracture of the spine. The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 July 1927
EXMOUTH - 'Bus And Cycle. Jury's Verdict In Exmouth Road Tragedy. Driver Exonerated. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, conducted the inquest into the circumstances of the death of GEORGE SIDNEY CLARKE, gardener, of Ebford, who was killed in collision with a Devon General omnibus while motor-cycling home from his work at Exmouth. Mr H. J. Appleby was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Mr H. Linford Brown represented the relatives of deceased, Mr A. Martin Alford appeared for the driver of the 'bus and the Devon General Omnibus Company and Mr P. H. Nicholls was for Mr Nash-Peake, the owner of adjoining property. - WALTER GIBBINGS, manure works foreman, of Ebford and brother-in-law of deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said he last saw deceased alive on Friday evening. Deceased was 42 years of age and a gardener in the employ of Mrs Chichester, of Marpool Hall, Exmouth. - Charles Brown, photographer, of Exmouth, proved photographs of the scene of the accident, taken at the request of the Police at about 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. - Frank Pain, aged 15, of 150 Exeter-road, Exmouth, said he was returning home on a cycle, and when near the front gate of his house heard the Devon General 'bus coming down the road sounding the horn. Witness dismounted to get out of the way and the 'bus was then halfway between Hulham-road and Gipsy-lane. Just as the 'bus got to Gipsy-lane a motor-cyclist came out at a rather fast speed. The 'bus was travelling at a normal speed, and witness heard the brakes applied before the collision. The motor-cyclist tried to get round in front of the 'bus, but failed to do so. The 'bus pulled up after striking the motor-cyclist. Witness did not notice the motor-cyclist sound his horn. As far as witness could see the motor-cyclist was trying to go up the Exeter-road and would have to cross the road to get on to his proper side. The 'bus was travelling on its proper side. After the collision witness saw that the motor-cyclist was bleeding from the face. Witness went to fetch Dr Beesley and on his return found that Dr Thomas had arrived. - Replying to Mr Linford Brown, witness said the near wheel of the 'bus was not more than 6ft. from the pavement on the proper side. The motor-cyclist came out of Gipsy-lane on his left side and then swerved to go to the left side of Exeter-road. He could not say if the 'bus swerved. - Why It Happened. - By Mr A. Martin Alford: The driver of the 'bus applied his brakes as soon as the motor-cyclist came in sight and witness heard the screech of the brakes before the sound of the crash. Witness did not see the 'bus swerve to the right. The accident happened because the motor-cyclist tried to cut in front of the 'bus. - Mr Alford: If he had stopped it would not have happened? - Witness: If he could have stopped. - You say he was coming out at a rather fast pace? - Yes. - Witness, replying to Inspector Bastin, said a milk cart had passed Gipsy-lane, and there was only a motor car in addition present - that of Mr W. W. Doble. - Inspector Bastin pointed out on one of the photographs the actual spot of the collision, as evidenced by the dig in the road, which was roughly about 9ft. from the right-hand side of the road, looking towards Exmouth. From the dig in the road for a distance of about 70ft. there was a drag-mark to where the 'bus pulled in to the left-hand kerb, looking towards Exmouth, as shown by a pool of oil. From the first mark on the photograph there was a faint trace of a wheel-mark, and it appeared as if the wheels were in an angle facing right, as if the driver had swerved to the right. The track of the motor-cycle in Gipsy-lane showed that the deceased kept to the left hand side of the road fairly well until he got over the brow of the hill, when he made a left turn to go across Exeter-road. At the point of impact the 'bus was apparently in a diagonal position 3ft. from the right side of the road, as if the driver had swerved. The 'bus was not then on its proper side. Witness thought the driver and the motor-cyclist saw one another at the same moment and one went to the left and the other to the right. The cyclist undoubtedly did all he could to get out of the way. In answer to Mr Alford, witness said he was positive the wheel-marks shown on the photographs were those of the 'bus which was in the collision, and also as to the spot of the collision, for there was not a trace of a mark on the road until the mark of the collision. - Cyclist's Hesitation. - Cyril Thorn of Parry's Farm, Hulham, said he was driving a milk float up the Exeter-road from Exmouth, and noticed the 'bus on its proper side approaching him. The motor cyclist came from Gipsy-lane, hesitated a little when he saw the 'bus, turned to the left and crashed into the 'bus. The motor cyclist was going fast when he crossed the road, and apparently accelerated after hesitating when he came out of Gipsy-lane. The 'bus was going at running pace, about six miles an hour and sounded a horn at Hulham-road. Witness did not hear the motor cyclist give warning. He agreed with the witness Pain that the cyclist tried to cross the road to get to his proper side. His impression was that the collision took place nearer to the left of the road than was indicated by the photograph. He believed it was nearer the left-hand pavement than the other. The 'bus pulled up on its left-hand side after swerving a little to the right. - By Mr Linford Brown: Witness agreed there was a view around the corner of Gipsy-lane before one got over the brow of the hill, but not a great deal of the Exeter-road could be seen. - By Inspector Bastin: The motor cycle and the man went right under the 'bus. Witness was still under the impression the collision occurred nearer the left than the right of the road. - Fractured Skull. - Dr R. S. Thomas, of Exmouth, said he was returning to Exmouth and saw a body lying in the Exeter-road. There was no sign of life, and there was a bad wound in the head, and his face was smeared with blood. Death was due to a fracture of the front of the skull. - Edgar Edwards said he was walking towards Exeter, and when some yards below Gipsy-lane the collision occurred, and he had an unobstructed view of it from a distance of 140 yards. The ';bus was nearly in the kerb on the wrong side of the road and the motor cyclist on his proper side when the collision occurred. The time was about 12 minutes past 1 o'clock. Witness saw nothing before the actual collision, but he fancied the 'bus was more on its wrong side than the photograph indicated. He did not see the 'bus swerve before the collision, and the first thing that attracted his attention was the crash of the collision. He then exclaimed: "Oh! that man's killed!" The 'bus did not stop until it pulled in to its left side. - Walter Doble, Sanctuary Farm, Colaton Raleigh, said he was motoring along the Exeter-road slowly and saw a cart and two motor cars in front of him. He also saw the top of the 'bus approaching. The two cars passed the 'bus before the collision. The driver of the 'bus and the conductor got out and signalled witness to stop, up to which time witness was not aware there had been an accident. Witness estimated the speed of the 'bus at from ten to twelve miles an hour. Witness subsequently fetched a doctor and helped to put the body into the ambulance. The marks of the collision was 12ft. from the right-hand pavement and there was a distance of 25ft. from the mark of the collision to the spot where the body lay. - A Furious Rate. - Inspector Bastin said it might be as well if the Jury visited the scene to assure themselves the marks were placed correctly on the photographs, as he felt very strongly on the subject. - The Coroner said he had visited the spot, and if necessary at a later stage the Jury could do so. - Ernest Alfred West, veterinary surgeon, of 8 Morton-crescent, Exmouth, said he was a passenger on the 'bus and his impression was the motor cyclist came at a very rapid rate out of Gipsy-lane. The ;bus struck the cyclist and then pulled up, with a great scrunching of gears, on the left-hand side of the road. When the collision occurred the 'bus was in the middle of the road and inclining slightly to the left. Witness did not notice what part of the road the 'bus was on before he looked up and saw an accident was inevitable. The motor cyclist was travelling at a furious rate and not looking. He was apparently riding headlong, and witness could not discern what his intentions were. The whole thing happened like a flash, and no one could have done anything to have avoided the accident. - By Inspector Bastin: Witness had no comment to make on the dig in the road. He was stating what he saw and to the best of his recollection the collision did not occur at the spot where the dig was shown in the road. Witness commented that he was there to say what he thought he ought to say, and not what Inspector Bastin thought he ought to say. It would not be correct to say he did not observe the thing accurately. - Frederick Greenslade, labourer, of Black Dog, Crediton, and a passenger on the 'bus, said he saw the motor cyclist come out of the side road at about the middle of the road at a fast rate just as the 'bus got to the side road. The motor cyclist tried to get around in front of the 'bus and was going faster than he ought not have been in coming out of a side road. The 'bus was going at a normal rate, and the horn was sounded several times before the corner was reached. The driver swerved slightly to the right on seeing the cyclist, and witness's impression was that the collision took place in the middle of the road. The man might have been caught before the mark was made in the road. The driver did all he could to avoid the collision, and afterwards someone shouted the man was clear of the 'bus, so the driver drew in to the side of the road, although he could have stopped before. - The Driver's Version. - Samuel Charles Garland, of Archibald-road, Exeter, who was cautioned by the Coroner that he need not incriminate himself, said he was driving 'bus No. T.T. 2236, the 12.15 'bus from Exeter to Exmouth on Saturday and on reaching Gipsy-lane was driving very steadily and sounded his horn four or five times. He was just on the point of passing the corner when a motor cyclist shot out at a terrible speed. Witness immediately applied his brakes, swerved slightly to the right to try and avoid the cyclist, but before he could come completely to a standstill the motor cyclist came straight to him and bashed straight into him on the near side. With the same, French, the conductor, shouted "All clear"!" and witness released the brake and let the 'bus run to the left side of the road, so as not to cause obstruction to the traffic. He could have stopped dead and the only reason he did not was not to cause further obstruction. He had no idea of how the body was carried 25ft., and he did not see the body until he got down from the 'bus. He had the 'bus in top gear and his impression was the collision took place in the middle of the road. The speed of the 'bus was six miles an hour, because witness recognised the corner as one of the worst on the road. - The Damaged Cycle. - At this stage deceased's damaged motor cycle was brought into Court and Mr Brown called attention to the fact that most of the damage was on the off side. Garland, in reply, said he could not explain how the damage was done, but suggested it was probably caused when under the 'bus. Witness informed Mr Alford he had been 'bus driving for five years and had never been warned or cautioned. Witness swerved to the right because he felt that otherwise he would have hit the cyclist with his radiator. - George French, the 'bus conductor, said he was making up his waybill, when, happening to look up, he saw a motor cyclist shoot out of gipsy-lane at a fast pace. The cyclist appeared to be on his proper side coming out of the side road, but he came straight across the Exeter-road in front of the 'bus. He was lost to witness's sight for a moment, but witness knew he was "bound to get it," and he at once jumped into the road, and then shouted to the driver, "He's clear, Sammy," and instantly dashed back to the man. When he got there he spoke to the man, who did not begin to show any signs. There was a cut on his cheek, and blood began to well up, but witness at first had no idea the injury was so serious. The driver then came back. Witness did not consider the man was carried by the 'bus one inch. His opinion was the man hit the front spring of the 'bus and glanced off. It was not a direct head-on collision, but more or less a semi-head-on collision, and witness thought deceased rebounded with terrible force. He agreed with the Coroner the impact would have been sufficient to turn the motor cycle sideways. As a motor cyclist, he claimed it was absolutely futile for deceased to have negotiated the corner and to have attempted to pass in front of the 'bus at the speed he was going. It was witness's theory that he was attempting to go up the Exeter-road and he was going much too fast. If he had been going at half the rate, and had had the presence of mind, he could have stolen his way on the other side of the 'bus quite easily. - Ridiculous Suggestion. - The Coroner: What do you think of the suggestion that the 'bus might have been turned into Gipsy-lane? - Witness: It is ridiculous. You could not have turned a perambulator into Gipsy-lane from the point of the collision. the front of the 'bus was almost at the lower end of Gipsy-lane when the cyclist came out. Even if it was possible for the driver to have stopped at the first moment he saw the cyclist, the latter could not have got round, and he must have crashed well before he got as high at the lamp-post. The road he cut out for himself was absolutely impossible. The speed of the 'bus was not more than six or seven miles an hour. - The Coroner: Can you offer a suggestion as to the body having been carried 25 feet? - Witness: After hitting the 'bus with such a crash he must have rebounded. - The Coroner: What? Twenty-five feet? - Witness: I don't think it was 25 ft. - The Coroner: Those are the actual measurements. - Witness said he could not for the life of him think the motor cycle made the digs in the road. After he had been down to the Police Station and made his report he was astounded to find where the marks were. He agreed with Mr Linford Brown it was extraordinary the cyclist came out at such a pace and he commented at the time that he must have been an inexperienced rider. He had since learned deceased was an experienced rider and he was surprised. He only saw deceased for a flash, but he considered the cycle was travelling at not less than 25 miles an hour. Witness informed Inspector Bastin he could not account for the marks being in such a position, and, in reply to a suggestion that he had forgotten what he actually saw, said he would never forget it. - Conflict Of Evidence. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Jury could do no other than return a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence as to the cause of death, but their duty went farther than that, for they had to determine whether the accident might have been avoided with reasonable care taken by either the deceased or the driver of the 'bus. He pointed out that they had to be careful in sifting the evidence, because if they found the driver was guilty of culpable negligence it would be tantamount to a verdict of "Manslaughter." - Unfortunately, there was a slight conflict of evidence, but not, he suggested, on what was material. The boy Pain, who had given his evidence intelligently and clearly, and appeared to have a good grasp of what took place, had said the collision took place nearer the left than the right side of the road, and this was corroborated by the veterinary surgeon and by Cyril Thorn, but other witnesses disagreed on the point. Inspector Bastin had, quite rightly, suggested the 'bus might have been turned into Gipsy-lane, but the Jury had to take into consideration whether the driver, who had a good reputation, was likely to suddenly turn into a careless and negligent driver. There was a certain amount that was puzzling with regard to the marks in the road, and it looked as if the 'bus must have dragged the body from one place to the other; but, even if the 'bus was much more on the right than the left side of the road, was that necessarily evidence of carelessness? - Suppose the motor cyclist came out of the side road at a rapid rate, and the driver swerved to the right in order to avoid him, was not that a perfectly natural thing to happen? - The Verdict. - The Jury retired for ten minutes and on their return the Foreman said they were perfectly satisfied it was an Accidental Death. - They did not attach any blame to the driver or the conductor of the 'bus, nor did they think it was possible for the 'bus to have turned down Gipsy-lane, seeing it was so far on. - The Coroner: I entirely agree with your conclusions. - The Foreman said the Jury also wished to bring to the notice of Exmouth Urban Council the desirability of seeing if it was possible to improve the corner, which was rather dangerous. - Mr P. H. Nicholls, in reply to the Coroner, said the corner was not nearly one of the most dangerous corners in Exmouth. From fifty yards down Gipsy-lane it was possible to see 70ft up Exeter-road, which was plenty of room. It was a wide road, and there was no danger about it if people came up slowly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 July 1927
EXETER - Road Tragedy. Willand Lady's Death: Jury And Pedestrians. Inquest Story. - The Inquest was conducted yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stevens, at Exeter, on MRS EMMA REED, of Willand, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday. The Jury decided that deceased met her death as a result of being knocked down by a bicycle ridden by Stanley Suxpitch Stogdon, of High Elms, Burlescombe and that death was Accidental through the negligent riding of Stogdon, but not so as to render him criminally negligent. The Jury added a rider pointing out the danger of pedestrians walking on the near side of the road. - Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the Postmaster-General. - Stogdon, who appeared with his head bandaged, was not legally represented and on the advice of his father elected not to give evidence. - MISS IRENE REED of Willand, identified the body as that of her mother, aged 61, the wife of WALTER REED, gardener, of Willand. Deceased did a morning post round and was in fairly good health. Her sight and hearing were good. About 7.30 a.m. a boy, Norman Clist, informed witness that her mother had had a slight accident. Witness found deceased about a mile from Willand lying on the ground unconscious and the Constable and Dr Laidlaw were present. Deceased was removed to her home and later to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - William Moore, mason, of Crowbridge, Cullompton, said he was working at the Halfway House on the Wellington side of Willand and about 7.25 a.m. saw Stogdon pass on his bicycle towards Cullompton. He could not say in what position he was riding and he was going at a speed "just like anyone would down a gradient." He was going fairly fast, but not faster than anyone else would go. Witness thought the scene of the accident was about 80 yards away and the road was fairly level after coming down the gradient near the Halfway House. Witness and Mr Clist were the first to arrive at the scene of the accident. Deceased was lying on her back on the left-hand side of the road near the grass border. Stogdon was also lying in the road unconscious about a yard from deceased on the same side of the road with the bicycle on top of him. - Mr M. J. McGahey asked witness if in a statement to P.C. Needs he had said Stogdon's head was down. Witness replied he might have done, but it had slipped his memory. Witness admitted telling two Post-office officials that he had seen Stogdon riding with his head down but not on that day. - Answering the Coroner, witness recalled that Stogdon had his head down. - By the Foreman: The bicycle was an ordinary roadster. There was no bend in the road from the Halfway House to the scene of the accident. - William Clist, blacksmith, of The Forge, Willand, said his son told him a boy had run into MRS REED. - By Mr McGahey: Witness had seen Stogdon riding with his head down. He had had conversations about this boy before, and he was a strong rider. - Norman Clist, the 13-year-old son of the previous witness, said Stogdon was going fairly fast and was leaning forward. As he passed he spoke to witness. Witness saw MRS REED going in the same direction as the cyclist and both were on the left side of the road. Witness saw the cyclist was going straight for MRS REED and he went indoors and told his mother. Asked why he went indoors, witness said he thought the cyclist would have gone round MRS REED. He did not hear his bell. - P.C. Needs of Uffculme, said he was called to the scene of the accident. Stogdon had been taken to the Halfway House, but deceased was lying in the road. The road was 20 feet wide. The bicycle was a roadster, with three-speed gear and straight handlebars, the only damage being that the front forks were bent back. Answering Mr McGahey, witness said Stogdon had 80 yards clear view of the deceased. - Dr Frischmann, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted unconscious on Tuesday. So far as witness could ascertain she had sustained a blow at the back of the head and a cut scalp, which had been stitched. Deceased died on Wednesday. The cause of death was haemorrhage inside the skull. The injuries were consistent with deceased having been knocked down by a cyclist and the wound by the head striking the ground. - Mr M. J. McGahey, on behalf of the Postmaster-General, expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased, and said she had been a part-time Post-office employee for 20 years and was held in high esteem. Sympathy was also expressed by the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 July 1927
EXETER - Luppitt Crash. Young Farm Labourer Dies From Injuries. Cycles Collide. - At the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday, the Deputy City Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, who had the assistance of a Jury, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of FRED BROOM, aged 17, who passed away at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on the 14th inst., following a collision on the previous Sunday at Luppitt between the bicycle he was riding and one ridden by Alfred Manley, a young farmer of Luppitt. At the time of the accident a youth named Watson was riding on the step of deceased's bicycle. - WILLIAM BROOM, farm labourer, of Littletown, Luppitt, identified the body as that of his son, who lived with him. He said that about 1.30 p.m. deceased and Gerald Cooper Watson left after a service at the Mission Room, Halsdon, Luppitt, for Upottery. Deceased had a bicycle. They had to cross a field, and the accident happened by the bridge on the road leading to the beacon. Watson fetched witness, who found deceased lying apparently unconscious by the side of the road. Alfred Manley was holding his head. Their cycles were inter-locked. Dr D. Steele-Perkins, of Honiton, was sent for, and deceased was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Witness saw him there, but his son did not properly regain consciousness. - Alfred Manley, farmer, of Smithenhayes Farm, Luppitt, who elected to give evidence, said that on the 10th inst. he left Mr Dampier's farm, at Luppitt about 1.15 p.m. on his pedal bicycle, which was in good order except for a slight puncture in the front tyre. In consequence of this, he used his brake all the way down the hill. He had no reason to hurry and was travelling at quite an ordinary speed. Mr Dampier was in front on his motor cycle. Witness saw him go down over the first hill, but then he lost sight of him. The road to the bridge was narrow and witness kept to his left. He heard Mr Dampier sound his hooter at the bridge. Witness rang his bell as he approached the bridge. He did not hear the bell of deceased's cycle rung. He saw a bicycle approaching him. There were two young men on it, Watson being behind. As the cycle approached it seemed to swerve across the road straight for him (witness). Consequently, witness swerved to his right and his front wheel caught the left pedal of the other machine. The cycles became locked. Witness was thrown and when he got up saw deceased on the ground and Watson standing against a post of the bridge. Witness believed he lifted up deceased's head, but he could not remember clearly as he lost consciousness soon afterwards, as a result of concussion. - By the Coroner: Witness could not have avoided the accident. If he had kept his ordinary course he felt sure the deceased would have ridden right into him. - By the Foreman: He fully believed that the fact that there were two on the deceased's cycle caused it to take a bigger sweep of the corner than would otherwise have been the case. The lad Watson was 6 st. or 8 st. in weight. - Gerald Cooper Watson, of High-street, Honiton, an electrician, said he had his left foot on the step and is knee on the carrier of the bicycle, and he caught hold of the deceased's shoulders. they had ridden like that several times before. He could not remember if deceased had the brake on at the corner, but he should think he had. He should say they were travelling at a reasonable speed. Witness saw Manley "when he was right on top of them," and he could not remember exactly how the collision occurred. He was partly stunned. - Dr Morton, House Physician at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted towards the evening of the 10th inst. He was unconscious. Witness examined him thoroughly and found very little external injury. Deceased lingered until the 14th without becoming really conscious. A post-mortem examination revealed that there was no fracture of any bone of the body. There was no actual sign of a blow anywhere. There was, however, haemorrhage into the brain on both sides, which was typical of a fall and concussion. Haemorrhage of the brain was the cause of death. He was told that the deceased's cap was cut at the back. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, expressed the view that Manley could do no other than swerve as he did, and by so doing he nearly succeeded in preventing the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Manley from blame. Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of deceased.

Western Times, Friday 22 July 1927


BRANSCOMBE - A gloom was cast over the village on Saturday, when it was reported that MRS EMMA HARTNELL of Rockenhayne Farm, had been found by her daughter outside the back door of their farm, dead, with a double barrelled sporting gun by her side. MR HARTNELL went to the hayfield with his two sons after breakfast, left his wife at home with her daughter. Deceased appeared to be in her usual spirits. Later in the morning the daughter was called to the hayfield by her brother to lend a hand, and on her return about an hour later found her mother dead. On Monday Mr C. W. Tweed, Coroner of Honiton, held the Inquest at Rockenhayne Farm and returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Insane". Great sympathy is felt for the husband and children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 July 1927
BERE FERRERS - Death At Lunch. Bere Alston Farmer. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone (Tavistock District Coroner) conducted an Inquest yesterday, on EDMUND JOHN MESSER, 64, of The Grange, Plympton, who passed away at the Bere Ferrers horticultural show luncheon on the previous day, while responding to the toast of "The Judges." He had recently been medically attended by Dr W. D. Stamp, of Plympton. - Frederick William Edward Rich, of Elfordleigh, Plympton, said MR MESSER was replying to the toast of "The Judges," when he suddenly lurched forward and then just recovered his balance and fell back into witness's arms. He died about half an hour later. Dr Shanks of Bere Alston, attributed death to syncope and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Friday 22 July 1927


EXETER - Plymtree Fatality. Inquest Story On Carpenter Killed At Work. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Exeter City Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on FRANCIS RICHARD KNIGHT, 50, carpenter, of Plymtree, who met with a fatal accident on Monday while sawing timber at Saungishayes Farm, Plymtree, for Mr George Sanders, agricultural machine agent and repairer. - Mr C. G. Gates, of Exeter, Inspector of Factories, was present and Mr R. McGahey represented the employer. - Thomas Bray, agricultural engine driver, of Plymtree, working with deceased at the machine bench, said a piece of timber was fastened by a "dog" driven into the timber and a chain attached to it. Deceased's duty was to turn the handle of the bench. He struck the "dog" with a sledge-hammer, and witness saw the piece of timber roll and strike deceased, who fell. Witness went to the assistance of deceased, who said he was hurt and that he thought when he struck the blow that the "dog" was coming out. - By Mr McGahey: He had never seen any other precautions taken than those on this occasion. - By the Coroner: These precautions had always proved secure. - Leonard Glanville, 16, of Plymtree, an apprentice working with deceased and previous witness, also gave evidence. - Dr R. H. Robinson, acting House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased died early on Tuesday morning. A post mortem examination showed that the pelvic bones were badly fractured and this caused other internal injury. He attributed death to shock and loss of blood. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death"

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 July 1927
SOUTH TAWTON - "An Open Mind." Coroner's Advice To Jury At Dartmoor Inquest. Field Tragedy. - "You are called here today in circumstances without precedent in this quiet neighbourhood," observed Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy District Coroner, addressing the Jury when he opened the Inquest at Thorne Farm, Southtawton, yesterday afternoon, on MISS EMMA LANE, the Southtawton visitor who was found shot in a field near Throwleigh early the previous morning, with her brother, RICHARD LANE, beside her, seriously wounded. The hearing was adjourned until September 16th at 4 o'clock. - Before taking the Jury to view the body the Deputy Coroner said it was not proposed, and it would not be proper, for them to go fully that day into the facts or to draw inferences from them. Certain facts would be laid before them, and from those they would be asked to come to a conclusion that would enable a certificate of burial to be issued, after which the Inquest would be adjourned. They would, therefore, not be called upon to give any verdict, and he asked them to keep their minds quite open. The time for considering a verdict would come later and it would not be proper, possible, or just to form an opinion without giving MR LANE an opportunity of attending and hearing the evidence, and, if he so desired, making a statement. The facts, continued Mr Atkinson, could be stated quite shortly. Two days ago MR and MISS LANE were staying in the house in which they were then met. At the present moment MISS LANE was lying dead and her brother was in Hospital with serious injuries. Evidence would be given that on Wednesday night, at about 7.30 MR and MISS LANE went out together with the expressed intention of going to Whiddon Down to ascertain what time the 'buses went to Exeter in order that they might go to London the following day. As time went on and they did not return, the inmates of the house became anxious. A search was made and about 2 a.m. a dreadful discovery was made. The bodies were found in a lonely spot. MISS LANE was dead and her brother very seriously injured and unconscious. Both wound were believed to have been caused by a shot-gun, which was found lying on the ground with both barrels discharged. - Evidence of identification was given by Miss Mary Louisa Knapman, of Thorne Farm, with whom deceased had been staying for the last seven weeks. Witness said she had known MISS LANE, who was 68 years of age, for many years and deceased had stayed at her house on many occasions. She was unmarried, and, having no permanent address of her own, had been living with different friends for the last five years. MR LANE came to the farm on Friday and on Wednesday night he and his sister went out together at about 7.30, he carrying a gun. - The discovery of the body was described by P.C. Brewer of South Zeal. In consequence of a report received at 12.20 a.m. on Thursday he set out with five other people in search of MR and MISS LANE, whom he found at Pitts Head, Wells Farm, between 2 and 2.30. The woman was dead, and the man was unconscious but showed faint signs of life. Both had apparently been shot with a shot-gun, and on the ground lay a double-barrelled gun (produced), with a bootlace attached to the right-hand barrel trigger. Both barrels had been discharged. The Constable went on to describe the position in which the bodies were found and produced a bowler hat with a shattered brim, which was identified by Mrs Knapman as having belong to LANE. - Dr Hughes of Chagford, said that when he examined the bodies at Pitts Head about 4.30 on Thursday morning deceased had an entry wound of a size corresponding to the muzzle of a gun, situated about two and a half inches behind the left ear and an exit wound taking in the whole of the right cheek, which contained pellets. Death must have been instantaneous. Witness added that the man, who was also suffering from gunshot wounds and was unconscious when found, was now in the Okehampton Cottage Hospital in a very critical condition, and, in witness's opinion, it would be five or six weeks before he was in a position to give evidence. - The hearing was accordingly adjourned as stated, the Deputy Coroner remarking that if fresh circumstances supervened the Jury could be called again in the meantime. - The funeral of MISS LANE will take place at Throwleigh on Monday afternoon. - On inquiry at the Okehampton Cottage Hospital last night we were informed that MR LANE was fairly comfortable.

STOCKLAND - Stockland Tragedy. Inquest Verdict. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, has held an Inquest at Stockland concerning the death of WALSLEY WELCH, of Cummins Farm, Stockland, and who was found in the River Yarty with his throat cut. - Evidence of identification was given by the widow, who said her husband was 39 years of age and a farmer. He left the farm on Thursday morning and as he did not come in to breakfast she went to look for him. After searching for some time without success she informed Mr Northcote. Her husband, so far as she knew, had no trouble, but during the last week had been quieter than usual. She thought the heat on Sunday and Monday affected him. - Ernest Northcote, of Rakehill Farm, Stockland, said he made a search with Mr Sutton. They found a hat, which was recognised as belonging to deceased by the River Yarty, near Kase Bridge. Eventually, the body was found in the river in about six feet of water. On recovery, it was found there was a deep cut right across the throat. - Laurence Sutton of East Horner, Stockland, and Reginald Beer, of North-hill Farm, Membury, corroborated. - Dr A. L. Crockford, of Axminster, stated that deceased had a wide cut extending across his throat. the windpipe was severed, but none of the big vessels of the neck had been cut. In his opinion deceased died of drowning. The family history showed that there was insanity in the family. - A verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Drowning after cutting his throat, while of Unsound Mind was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 July 1927
EXETER - Haldon Smash. Inquest Story: Brake Linings Burned Out. Driver Exonerated. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, sitting with a Jury at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of CHARLES HENRY DRAKE, mason's labourer, aged 28, of St George's Well, Cullompton, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday following injuries sustained in a runaway motor lorry accident on Haldon the same day. Deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Plumpton and Sons, builders of Cullompton. - Mr A. Burrow (Cullompton) appeared on behalf of Mr Salter (who was driving the lorry). Mr M. J. McGahey (Exeter) appeared for Messrs. Plumpton. - WILLIAM DRAKE, St George's Well, Cullompton, father, identified the body. - Arthur W. Salter, member of the firm of Messrs. Plumpton, said he went to the Ashburton district to bring back men and material from a job the firm was engaged on there. He left Cullompton about 8 o'clock in the morning, driving a ton Ford lorry. The homeward journey was commenced about 11 o'clock, the lorry being loaded with well-sinking material, weighing between 12 cwt. and 14 cwt. With witness were Jack Chick (another employee), riding by his side, and deceased on the load. Everything seemed to go well up to the top of Haldon Hill, the brakes acting satisfactorily. When descending the hill witness put the lorry into low gear and applied both brakes. - The Coroner: When did anything happen to cause you any alarm? - Witness: I cannot judge distance. She seemed to take her head after about ten minutes. - Answering further questions, witness said the lorry seemed to take charge about half-way down the hill, and gradually gained speed. Witness tried to take the bend above the Lodge, but the back wheel skidded against the hedge and the lorry turned over on its right side. Witness could not see deceased, but heard his voice under the load. DRAKE was extricated, and witness telephoned for an ambulance. He had no idea what caused the lorry to get out of control. - The Coroner: Do you remember when you last examined the brakes of the car? - Witness: I believe they were done quite recently. - By whom? - By the garage that usually does our repairs. - But you cannot say definitely? - Mr Burrow: I have the garage proprietor here. - The Coroner: Did you examine it at all? - Witness: No. If there was anything wrong it immediately went into the garage. - Answering Inspector Champion (Teignmouth), witness said the load was fastened by ropes. If the road had been 15ft. to 20ft. wider it would have given him a better chance of negotiating the bend. - Replying to Mr Burrow witness agreed the lorry was fitted with a contrivance which had the effect of making the normal low gear lower and the second gear higher. At the time of the lorry turning over he thought it was travelling about 30 miles an hour. - Inspector Champion: Do you remember passing a remark to the man who was sitting beside you? - Witness: I said the brakes were not acting. - Mr Chick has made a statement in which he says "The driver done something to the car and looked to me and said: 'Darn it, the brakes won't hold; its gaining speed.'" Will you explain what you did? - Witness: I might have put my hand on the Roxall (the contrivance referred to) lever to see if it was back in its proper place. I could not get the Roxall lever any further back. - John Chick, another employee of Messrs. Plumpton, said the tail of the lorry seemed to swerve round at the bend before it overturned. - Inspector Champion: Could you explain your statement? - "The driver done something to the car"? Witness: What he done was to put his hand to the brakes. - P.C. G. Ellis, Kennford, said the roadway at the point of the accident was 24ft. wide and there were skid marks made by the lorry for a distance of 26 yards. - Answering Mr Burrow, witness agreed that the camber of the road was the wrong way for anything going down the hill. - Inspector Champion: Some attempt has been made to improve the corner? Witness: Yes, sir. - What has been the effect thus far? - Well, not very much to the road, it has simply made a clearer view for anything proceeding up or down. - But not for traffic? - No. - Geo. Roberts, motor mechanic, Messrs. Parkers' Garage, Exeter, spoke to examining the lorry and to finding the foot brake burnt out but the side ones holding. The lining was very thin, but he should say the lorry was alright in the morning. - Can you account for the brake not holding? - Witness: It was burnt out coming down the hill. - What would have caused it to be burnt out? - They were very thin in the first place and the extra friction coming down the hill burnt it out right away. - George Rutley, garage proprietor, Cullompton, spoke to examining the lorry last Wednesday, to tightening up the brakes and to testing the lorry subsequently. New brake linings were fitted last May. - Dr Frischmann, House Surgeon, R.D. and E. Hospital, said deceased was suffering from a fractured spine. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the driver was exonerated from blame. - Expressions of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased were tendered by Mr McGahey (on behalf of Messrs. Plumpton) and Mr Burrow (on behalf of the driver). The Coroner and Jury concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 1 August 1927
BRANSCOMBE - Plunge To Death. London Visitor's Fate In Midnight Crash. Branscombe Inquest. - The details of a circular motor tour in Devon and Dorset, which ended at Branscombe at midnight in the car plunging over a low hedge into a field 7ft. below and fatally injuring a passenger, were related to the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N Tweed, at an Inquest on Saturday at The Lookout, Branscombe, (the residence of Capt. L. R. W. Loyd, the driver of the car), on ARUNDELL DREW ARUNDELL, of the Savage Club, London, who died in a Seaton Nursing Home on Thursday morning. Mr Clement Ford was elected Foreman of the Jury of seven. Mr F. P. Cottey (Exeter) represented Capt. Loyd. - DENNIS DREW ARUNDELL of Cambridge, son of deceased, who identified the body, said he last saw his father alive in 1919. He was about 57 years of age and a professional singer. - Lewis Richard William Loyd, who appeared to be stiff and shaken, and had bad cuts on his face, was the next witness. He said he was an author. On Thursday last he left home in the morning about 11 o'clock with the deceased in an Alvis motor car. They went to Bridport to look for a friend of deceased's - Joseph Wilson - and arrived there about 12.30. They made inquiries at the Greyhound, Bridport, and afterwards MR ARUNDELL went to the Club, where he found his friend. Witness remained at the Greyhound, where he had a glass of beer, while at the Club he had a whisky and soda. They lunched at the Greyhound. He had nothing to drink with lunch. After lunch they went for a circular tour, coming back through Abbotsbury to Morcombe Lake, where Mr Wilson lived. They stopped there for about an hour and a half and both witness and deceased had a whisky and soda. Witness's drink was a very mild one. They then went to Axminster, where witness had one whisky and soda at the George Hotel. Going to Musbury, they called on Major Soper. Witness was pretty sure he did not have a drink there, but he thought deceased did. They then went to Sidmouth and dined at the London Hotel, but neither of them had anything to drink there. - Driver's Sobriety. - Witness, in answer to the Coroner, who said he had an object in asking, stated he thought they had soup, chicken and cheese for dinner. They sat talking for some time with the proprietor, and then went to the Cinema, where they stayed until about 10.30 p.m. They went back to the London for their caps and coats, which were wet, and witness had a whisky and an apollinaris "with the management," and then fetched his car at the Western Garage. - The Coroner: Do you consider that, at the time when you went to fetch your car, you were quite sober? - Witness: Absolutely sober. - Quite certain? - Perfectly. I should never attempt to drive a car if I wasn't. I think people will bear me out that a person who wasn't sober could not drive a car up Trow-hill, through the village and up this hill. It is very narrow. What I had to drink sounds alarming, but it is a standing joke the amount of water I put in my drinks. - Describing what happened after leaving Sidmouth, witness said he drove by the lower road to Branscombe, by Trow Cottages and when he passed through the Square in Branscombe knew perfectly well what he was doing. He remembered changing gear at the top of Castle-hill and going up Mounts-hill, for he noticed how well the car climbed. He could not remember reaching the top, and knew no more until finding himself on the grass. He knew he went to Quick's house; he could remember coming across the fields; it must have been sub-consciously. He had no idea then what part of the world he was in. He thought he must have been half-unconscious all the time; he must have hit his head for he had a great bruise on it. From that moment he could remember nothing. - The Coroner: Are things coming back to you? - Witness: Not very much. I have no recollection whatever of being thrown out of the car. - Witness, in answer to further questions, said he went back to the scene of the accident with Quick. The lights of the car had gone out. He had known deceased for about 18 months, but deceased had only been at witness's house for one night. Witness's general health had been very good and he had had no sudden lapses of memory. - The Coroner: How do you suggest the accident happened? - Witness: It might have been that I saw, or thought I saw, something coming and went to avoid it, or my lights failed. This has occurred before. - Are you accustomed to taking plenty of whisky? - Not a great deal. - Do you consider you took more on this occasion than usual? - Sometimes I don't take any for some days. - Further questioned, witness said he did not think he had ever drunk a double whisky in his life. He had been driving for 25 years and had an absolutely clean record. He had driven his present car 30,000 miles in the last two years in this part of the country. - By Mr Cottey: He had no drinks between 8.30 and some time after 10 p.m. It was a clear night but very dark. - "I am Cold; Get Me Away. - Walter Quick, market gardener, of Little [?]side, Branscombe, said he was aroused at about 11.45 p.m. by Capt. Loyd, who said there had been a car mishap. His face was covered with blood and witness recognised his voice more than his features. He went with Capt. Loyd to Seaside-lane, where in a field deceased lay on his back with the car across his feet. They lifted the car, and, after calling a man named Leonard, witness remained with deceased, who mumbled a lot, and kept on saying, "I am cold; get me away." Later deceased was taken to Seaton by Leonard in the car. - Bernard Dagworthy, motor mechanic, of Western Garage, Sidmouth, said he saw Capt. Loyd garage his car about 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday. He was quite sober and in witness's opinion he was sober when he came for the car soon after 10 o'clock. He backed the car out of the garage all right. - William Robert Giles, 5 Council Cottages, Seaton, motor mechanic, said he examined the car on Thursday morning. It was in third gear. Damage was done to the radiator, mudguard, bonnet and windscreen. The brakes were all right and the car was steered back all right. In witness's opinion the accident was due to a skid. The car got on grass beside the road and "away she went." There was no control then. - Dr Arthur H. J. Smart, of Seaton, said he found deceased lying on his back, groaning with pain and unable to move. Witness put a splint on his leg, gave him morphia and removed him by stretcher and car to St Margaret's Nursing Home, Seaton. He was suffering very much from shock, which witness treated by stimulants. At 3.30 witness called his partner, Dr E. H. Walker, to give him an anaesthetic as he thought he had recovered sufficiently from shock to stand it. He had a dislocated right hip (which witness reduced), a fractured right wrist (which he set) a broken tenth rib on the right side, and signs of injury to his left lung, where probably another rib was broken. He was confused but not unconscious. He said nothing to throw any light upon the accident, and died soon after six o'clock. He had come round from the anaesthetic, talked to the nurse, asked for a cup of tea and then died rather suddenly and unexpectedly. The cause of death, in witness's opinion, was the shock of multiple injuries and exposure. Mr Loyd had a bruised back, a bad bruise on the top of the head and cuts about the head. On the Thursday Capt. Loyd had seemed rather confused and his memory about the accident was very vague. It was possible that if Capt. Loyd had concussion there would be a tendency to forget what had happened prior to the accident. - A statement by P.S. Taylor, of Seaton showed that the car ran on the grass for 66ft. before falling over. The tyre of the off front wheel was worn, which might account for it, being unable to get out of the grass again. - P.S. Taylor agreed with Mr McGahey that there were two gullies and a pit in the grass which would be sufficient to knock the steering wheel out of the driver's hands. - After a retirement, the Jury found that the occurrence was a pure accident, caused by no neglect whatever and with no blame attaching to anyone. Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of deceased. - The Coroner said that, in view of the evidence as a whole, he concurred. He associated himself with the expression of sympathy. - Mr Cottey said Cap. Loyd also desired to express his sympathy. The matter had been a great shock to him.

CHUDLEIGH - Fall From Window. Chudleigh Septuagenarian Dies From Injuries. Inquest Evidence. - PETER WIDDICOMBE, 72, of 49 Fore-street, Chudleigh, fell from his bedroom window and became impaled by the knee of the railings below. He received terrible injuries, from which he died. The Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Chudleigh, on Saturday evening by the District Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings. - Evidence of identification was given by URIAH JOSEPH WIDDICOMBE, son of deceased, a licensed victualler, of Wrecclesham, Surrey. He said his father, a carpenter, had not followed his occupation for some years. His general health was good, but it was possible that he had some mental aberration of a slight character. He seemed to have lost all will power and initiative. - MRS ELIZABETH MARY WOTTON, 49 Fore-street, Chudleigh, daughter of the deceased, said about ten years ago her father met with an accident, which resulted in a fracture of the base of the skull. Since then he had never been the same sort of man as before, and it was obvious that the accident affected him. His sight was very bad. On Thursday they were having their tea about five o'clock. Deceased had a cup of tea with them and then left the room. He could go upstairs without them knowing. Soon afterwards somebody came in and said her father was lying on the pavement outside. When she went out she found that he had been picked up. In the bedroom a flowerpot had been removed from the window, but it had been placed on the floor in exactly the same way as her mother usually placed it when she sat at the window. Witness could not say who moved the plant, and her mother could not remember whether she placed it on the floor. The window was open. Deceased often looked out of the window and spent a lot of time at the window with his wife when the latter was sewing. Deceased behaved as usual on Thursday. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Mary Manning, domestic servant, employed at The Elms, Chudleigh, stated that on Thursday evening she was talking to somebody in Fore-street, when she saw something fall from the top window of deceased's house. She first thought it was a duster, and then realised it was a man. She went down and saw he was injured, and then called at the house for help. She afterwards went for a doctor. - The Coroner: Do you think you first saw a duster or something fall from the window? - Witness: Yes; and then I saw the man fall. - Was anything picked up afterwards? - Yes, deceased's cap. - William John Shepherd, licensee of the Plymouth Inn, Chudleigh, said he heard the last witness shouting that somebody had fallen out of a window and he at once proceeded to the spot. Deceased was lying between the house and the railings, his leg being impaled on the railings. With the assistance of two others, witness got deceased on to the pavement. - Dr H. B. Walters described the terrible injuries sustained by deceased and said the case was hopeless from the start. Deceased died from shock as the result of the accident. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said it was difficult to see how anybody could fall out of the window. On the other hand it was possible that deceased might have been looking out, that his cap fell off and that in looking for it he over-balanced and fell.

Western Times, Friday 12 August 1927


BARNSTAPLE - Tragic Death Of Ilfracombe Seaman. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary yesterday afternoon on THOMAS WILLIAM AUSTIN, a former seaman, and later a kitchen porter at the Runnacleave Hotel, Ilfracombe, aged 70, of Hiern's-lane, Ilfracombe, whose death took place at the Infirmary on Wednesday. Evidence was given by the widow, which showed that deceased came home from work on the 30th of last month tired out, he had no supper, but taking two cups in his hand he went up over the stairs. Witness, who was in the kitchen, then heard a crash. On going up the stairs she found he had fallen backwards to the bottom of a flight of stairs and lay with his head against the wall. He was unconscious and was later attended by Dr King, of Ilfracombe, who attended him for several days. He lay very ill and was later ordered to the North Devon Infirmary for an X-ray examination. - Dr Dickinson, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that deceased complained of pains in his throat and it was not advisable to have an X-ray examination as he was in a weak condition. He became weaker and through the accumulation in his lungs, which he could not clear, he breathed with difficulty and died the next morning. After a subsequent examination he thought he had fractured the base of his skull. - The Coroner said it was a very distressing accident which befel this gallant old man, and his verdict would be that he died from the result of injuries to his head sustained through an Accidental Fall.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 August 1927
UFFCULME - Uffculme Shooting Affair: Sudden Impulse. "Temporary Insanity." - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, conducted an Inquest at Uffculme on FRANCIS WALLIS KEMP, who was found shot in a barn on Saturday morning. - The widow said her husband brought her a cup of tea at 6 on Saturday morning and as he had to catch a train at 6.45 and had not come in at 7.15 she went to look for him. The barn door was open and she saw her husband lying inside with a gun near him Deceased had never threatened to take his life, but had told her he did not know how he could get over his trouble. He had been worried because he was in financial difficulties and had filed his petition in bankruptcy. On the Saturday he was due to go to Exeter to see the Official Receiver. Several people had been previously pressing him for money. - Robert Cross, a labourer, of Hackpin Mills, said he knew deceased was in financial trouble, but the last time witness saw him he was quite cheerful. - P.C. Hoyle spoke to finding a double-barrelled gun lying beside deceased and a stick near by. The cartridge in the left hand barrel was discharged. - Dr Laidlaw said the back of deceased's head on the right hand side, had been blown to bits. Witness had attended deceased for an accident in February and for minor illness since. Although he was a robust looking man, deceased did not enjoy the best of health. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" said the fact that deceased was due to go to Exeter on Saturday morning, probably to see the Official Receiver, might have brought about a sudden impulse to commit suicide, although he might not have previously intended committing such an act.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 August 1927
CULLOMPTON - Guard's Death. Theories Advanced At Cullompton Inquest. Pole Or Footplate? - An Inquest was held at the Station, Cullompton, yesterday, by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, and a Jury, on the body of SAMUEL ALFRED SUTTON, of Bonhay-road, Exeter, a guard in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, who was killed, at Cullompton, by an express train, in the early hours of Thursday morning. - Mr Mapledoram, Chief Inspector of the Exeter District, and Mr W. J. Cook, Locomotive Inspector, represented the Great Western Railway Company, and Mr A. B. Bulrow (Cullompton) represented the widow. - ALBERT ERNEST SUTTON, of Frome, brother, gave evidence of identification. - Richard John Porter, guard on the Great Western Railway, of Albermarle-road, Taunton, said deceased was an assistant goods guard. He was working with witness on the 12.45 a.m. goods train from Exeter on Thursday. They reached Cullompton at 3.43 and stopped at the up-signal box, cut off and went back into the up-siding. Deceased had to call the driver back to couple-up waggons waiting and then wait for a signal from witness. Witness gave it and then heard the signalman shouting, so he stopped the train. The signalman said he thought he saw deceased walk across in front of the down train. - The Coroner: Had he to cross the down-line in pursuit of his duty? - Witness: Yes, to switch. He must have gone over just before we started work. - Would part of his duty be to switch on the light on the down-line? - Yes, either he or me. - Did you instruct him to do it? - No, he did it as a matter of course. The light on the down-side is always put on before shunting is commenced. - Did you see him light the lamps? - No. - After the signalman had shouted to you did you notice the light was on? - Yes, two lights. - Continuing, witness said he went to investigate and found SUTTON lying on the six-foot way. He was dead. An express goods train passed through the Station on the down-line just as witness's train stopped. The lights on the down side served the purpose of lighting both lines. They always coupled up in the siding before lighting the lamps. The accident would not have been avoided had the lamps been lighted before the coupling operations commenced. - The Coroner: The deceased was used to the work? - Witness: Yes, he has worked the train for the past 12 months. - In reply to Mr Mapledoram, witness said the lights on the down side illuminated the up-side also. - Frederick Francis Harker, signalman, of Cullompton, said he was on duty in the signal-box at Cullompton on Thursday morning when the up goods train arrived. He did not see SUTTON pass over to light the yard lamps, but noticed him returning. As the down goods express was approaching, and deceased was on the down main line, he shouted twice without avail. There had been a fair breeze all night and deceased did not appear to hear the warning. Witness did not see the express knock SUTTON down. Witness had no chance of signalling the express to stop. He recognised deceased with the aid of the yard lamps., It was the duty of the guards to light those lamps. Deceased had a good view of the signal. - Mr Mapledoram explained that guards did not look out for signals because when a fixed signal was taken off in the dark it did not show a light on both sides. The yard lamps provided all the necessary lighting. - Jesse Beavan Smith, of London, the driver of the down express goods train, which ran from Paddington to Laira, Plymouth, said he saw nothing whatever of SUTTON, but sounded his whistle as he approached the Station, because he saw shunting was being carried on. There were two white lights on his engine. There were no marks on it. - Dr G. G. Gidley, of Cullompton, said the top of deceased's skull was knocked off. The body was all right otherwise. Witness was of opinion that deceased was carrying his shunting pole on his right shoulder and that this was caught by the engine and knocked against his head. The head was struck lower on the right side than on the left. - Harker, recalled, said he did not see whether SUTTON had a pole. - Porter said they found a pole in the six-foot way but there was no blood on it. - Mr Mapledoram advanced the theory that SUTTON had re-crossed the down-line and that the footplate of the express engine - which projected about 18 inches - struck him on the head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said it was a clear accident and expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives. Mr Mapledoram and the Jury associated themselves with those remarks.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 August 1927
ASHTON - Ashton Tragedy. Windsor Man Killed At Railway Crossing. Inquest And Verdict. - A tragic termination to a camping-out holiday occurred at Ashton late the evening before last. A party of four young men, three of them coming from Windsor, camped out in a field on Mr Howard's farm. To reach the field an accommodation crossing has to be used, and while doing so on Tuesday night one of the party on a motor-cycle - MR ARTHUR PURSER, of Manor Farm, Old Windsor - was knocked down by one of the Teign Valley trains and died within a short time. The Inquest was held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, and a Jury at the Manor Inn, Ashton, last night. Mr Mapledoram, (Chief Divisional Inspector, Exeter) represented the G.W.R. Company. - The body was identified by Robert McManus, 139 Arthur-road, Windsor, shop assistant, who said deceased lived at the Manor Farm, Old Windsor, and was a motor mechanic. He was unmarried and aged 24. Witness had come with deceased and two others for a holiday at Ashton. They arrived last Sunday afternoon, and camped out in Mr Howard's field at Ashton Mills. Witness had never been there before, but the others had. They all had motor-bicycles and went to different places by day. On Tuesday they went to Haytor. They arrived back about 8 p.m. - It was nearly nine when they went to the field where they were camping. To reach the field they went across the line. Three of them were on motor bicycles and had to go over the level crossing. After being at the camp about a quarter of an hour, to pack the tents, etc., they left, as they had decided to move to another field in the village. They had seen trains going up and down the line while they were in the field, but had not been in the field at that time on a week-day before and were not aware a train was due. About 9.25 p.m. they were leaving the camp. Deceased left to cross the line by the level crossing. He was on a motor cycle combination and no one was in the side-car. Witness went in front, on foot, to open the gate, which opened away from the railway line. He took no particular notice and when he had opened the gate stood back to keep it open. Deceased then moved off. As he was moving off one of the others who was immediately behind deceased with a motor bicycle called out to say he was going in to see the farmer. Witness turned around. "Deceased was moving at the time," he continued. "At the same time I heard a crash. I looked towards the line and saw the motor cycle on the grass slope. Deceased was lying on his back on the slope beside the motor bicycle. I then saw a train going down the line. I did not actually see the collision, but heard the crash. I went to deceased's assistance. He was unconscious." Witness added that he sent for a doctor. When he opened the gate he gave a casual glance along the line, but not with the thought that a train was due or likely to be. It was not dark at the time. He had seen there was a signal, but had not taken particular notice. He had crossed the line at least three of four times. - The Coroner: You had not noticed all the time whether the signal was down or up? - I cannot say we had. - If you had looked last night you would have been able to see if the signal were up or down? - I think so. - Probably you could not from where you opened the gate? - No. Unless I went on to the line. - By Mr Mapledoram: From the time he commenced to open the gate to the time he saw deceased on the slope was only a few seconds. - Mr Howard had not warned them about the trains. - By the Coroner: They did not think about a train because it was late in the evening. He heard nothing of the train until after the crash as all the three motor cycle engines were running. - William George Morgan, of Newton Abbot, driver of the train, said he sounded his whistle near the distant signal, 175 yards above Howard's accommodation crossing. He did not remember striking anything, but heard a noise and thought something had gone wrong with the engine, which he examined at Ashton Station, and found two cylinder drain pipes on the right side bent. - Dr Arthur Burnell Carter (locum tenens for Dr Walters, of Chudleigh) said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", and with the Deputy Coroner, expressed sympathy with the parents and colleagues of the deceased. - The father of the deceased arrived at Ashton yesterday afternoon and the body will be conveyed to Windsor today.

Western Times, Friday 19 August 1927


ALPHINGTON - Exeter Man's Delusion. Deceased's Pathetic Letter To His Wife. "My Head Is Going." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest conducted by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Double Locks Hotel, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of HARRY WOOLLACOTT, aged 51, of 9 School-road, St Thomas, Exeter, whose body was recovered from Salmon Pool on Wednesday. A metal worker by trade, deceased had, it was stated, been a patient at the City Mental Hospital from which he had been out on leave for a month. - Deceased's son - HARRY STANLEY WOOLLACOTT, of School-road - gave evidence of identification, and said his father was due to have reported himself to the Mental Hospital doctor on Thursday. He seemed to hate the thought of having to see the gentleman who sent him to the Asylum, and feared that he might be detained. He left home at 10.30 on Wednesday morning and was not seen again. It had been arranged that deceased's wife should accompany him to the river. - Santy Cooper, St Thomas Fairfield, stated that she saw the deceased clinging to the bank by the salmon pool drawbridge, apparently trying to hold himself out from the water. She immediately ran for assistance and went to two other girls who were further along the river bank. However, when they reached the scene of the tragedy again, they were too late and could not see anything. - P.C. Latham, to whom the matter was reported, deposed to dragging the river with other assistance. Witness observed that the body was discovered at 4.45 p.m. and it was fully clothed. Deceased's walking stick and watch had been found on the bank earlier, but had been taken away prior to witness's arrival. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he searched the deceased's clothing and in a waistcoat pocket found the following note:- "To my dear wife, - Forgive me for this. My head is going and I am worse than I tell you, my dear. You are one of the best that ever walked God's earth, my love. I have suffered more than anyone knows. My back and stomach is getting worse every day. Doctors don't understand my case. I don't know why this has come on us. Always done that which is right." - Dr McKinlay Reid, City Mental Hospital, said deceased was admitted to that Institution on May 2nd suffering from depression. He had a delusion that he was suffering from some serious disease which might be cancer, but witness understood there was a previous illness consistent with a mild attack of sleepy sickness. After a month at the Hospital deceased changed for the better and at the beginning of July his expression had quite changed. In consequence he was placed before a discharging Committee on July 18th and was allowed out on trial for a month. It was a common practice to grant leave of absence to convalescent patients. - The Coroner: Are there any statistics to show what percentage of patients on leave commit suicide? - Witness: It must be very few. The system adopted was strongly recommended by the Board of Control. - Deceased's son, in answer to Dr Reid, said his father had spoken with gratitude of what had been done for him at the Hospital.

EXETER - Driver Exonerated. Exeter Man Knocked Down By Car. Ran Right In Front. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, and a Jury, at Exeter yesterday Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of HARRY WOODLEY SOUTHCOTT of 12 Oxford-street, St Thomas, Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, after being knocked down by a motor car on Monday evening. - George West, master decorator, of "The Cross, Alphington, said deceased was in his employ. Witness was driving a motor cycle and trailer with deceased. He pulled up at "The Cross" and deceased got out, presumably to cross the road, although witness did not see him. The road was clear when witness pulled up. Deceased was abreast of witness when he (witness) saw a light car approaching. He could not estimate its speed, but it struck deceased and pulled up. He heard a shout, but could not say from whom it came. There was no sound of a motor horn. Deceased was picked up unconscious. - In reply to Mr Alford (for the driver of the car), witness said the driver could have done nothing more than he did to avoid an accident. He thought he was to be commended on what he did do. - Wm. R. Kelteridge, of East Ham, said he saw the car approach and deceased run in front of it. The car was on its correct side and was not travelling fast. - Frederick George Blashford, master at Uppingham School, Rutland, the driver of the car, said he was travelling from Ashburton to Exeter with his wife and daughter. He was proceeding at 15 m.p.h. He saw deceased jump out of the trailer and witness shouted, at the same time applying both brakes and swerving, but could not avoid deceased. - Dr Bleasdale, of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was unconscious and suffering from concussion when brought to the Hospital. He never regained consciousness. The cause of death was a fractured skull and laceration of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 August 1927
EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Suicide Following Wife's Death. Pathetic Features. - At the Inquest yesterday on FRANCIS JAMES ABBOTT, aged about 53, of 2 Elm-place, Cowick-street, Exeter, who was found dead on the floor of one of the rooms in his house on Saturday, with a gas tube near his mouth, a verdict of "Death from Gas Poisoning while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - Evidence given by a neighbour, Mrs E. J. Northey, showed that deceased did not like living alone as he had done since his wife was removed to St Thomas Poor-law Institution a fortnight ago. She was buried last Friday and Mrs Northey told the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Brown, that MR ABBOTT did not attend the funeral, although they expected him to do so. Since his wife's removal to the Institution, MR ABBOTT had not stayed in the house more than a few minutes at a time. On the Thursday morning - the day before his wife was buried - he was very depressed, and said, "I cannot stay in the house alone; it is an awful feeling." About 10 o'clock that evening she heard him talking to someone. So far as she knew he had no relatives. He came from the Bridgwater district. - P.S. Underhill said on Saturday he went to No. 2 Elm-place and through a window saw deceased lying on the floor. Witness burst open the door, and found the man was dead. There was an overcoat over the head and upper part of the body, and a gas tube, which had been detached from a gas ring on the stove near his mouth. The other part of the tube was attached to the gas pipe. The gas pipes were fully on; the gas was supplied from a penny-in-the-slot meter and all the gas had been used. In one of his pockets was a letter from the Master of the St Thomas Workhouse stating that MRS ABBOTT would be buried at 3 p.m. on Friday. - Dr Ambrose, locum tenens for Dr Pereira Gray, attributed death to gas poisoning, and considered the man died in the early hours of Friday morning. - In returning a verdict of Suicide through Gas Poisoning, Mr Brown said deceased was evidently of unsound mind at the time and depressed at living alone. The fact that his wife died, coupled with the letter about her burial, was the last straw, and he became temporarily of unsound mind and committed suicide.

DAWLISH - "Found Drowned." Inquest On Body Of Retired Schoolmaster. Warren Tragedy. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, yesterday, on the body of MR SAMUEL PENWARDEN, a retired schoolmaster, aged 63, of 80 St Andrew's-road, Exmouth, who was found on the foreshore at Dawlish Warren on Sunday morning. - Dr B. L. Thurlow, of Dawlish, said a post-mortem examination revealed that deceased died by drowning. - MR WILLIAM RICHARD PENWARDEN, son, said he last saw his father alive on Saturday about 5.45 p.m. He was then in High-street, Exmouth, and seemed in his usual health. Deceased said he was going for a walk, but did not return home that night. He had been under a doctor for ten years for nervous breakdown, but he had not appeared unduly depressed. There had been no trouble. - Mr Walter McConnell, schoolmaster, residing at Dawlish Warren, said he was on the beach at the Warren about 6.15 on Sunday morning when he found a body lying on the sands near the restaurant. It was possible to fall into the sea from the top of the breakwater. - The Coroner remarked it appeared that deceased had got into the sea at Exmouth and was brought across by the tide. - P.S. Phillips agreed and added that it had been impossible to trace deceased having crossed the river either by the ferry to Starcross or by one of the small boats. - P.C. Thomas said the body was fully clothed, but no papers were found to prove identity. A watch had stopped at ten minutes to eleven. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," stating there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water. - Sergt. Phillips on behalf of the Police thanked Mr McConnell for his assistance.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 August 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Motorist Killed. Collision On Torquay - Newton Main Road. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr E. Hutchings opened at Newton Abbot last evening an Inquest on ALBERT THOMAS HUGHES, 19, of 17 Braddon-street, Torquay, who was killed while motor cycling near the Half-way House Inn, Kingskerswell, on the main Torquay - Newton Abbot road, on Monday night, reference to which appears in Page 4. A Jury was empanelled. - Mr Coombe asked if there was likely to be any contradictory evidence in the case. - The Coroner replied that he should imagine there would be from what he knew, but the accident only occurred the previous night and it had not been possible to make full inquiries. An inspection of the scene of the collision between deceased's motor bicycle and a motor car seemed to show - he must not be taken as saying that it was so; he did not wish to prejudice anyone - the collision took place on a part of the road that was certainly a little bit over the centre of the road so far as the driver of the motor car was concerned. It also seemed to show that, from the point of impact, the motor cyclist was carried a distance of probably 130 ft. Those two facts, which might be satisfactorily explained to the Jury, were sufficient to indicate that it was a matter for careful inquiry. - Evidence of identification was given by HERBERT HUGHES of 17 Braddon-street, Torquay, who said the deceased, his son, was his right-hand man in his business as a grocer and lodging-house keeper. The Inquest was adjourned to next Tuesday.

Western Times, Friday 26 August 1927


BIDEFORD - Fits Of Depression. Sad Story Told At A Bideford Inquest. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Inquest at Bideford yesterday on ARTHUR GEORGE WILLIAMS, aged 20, dental mechanic, who was found hanging in a workshop in High-street, the previous evening. - MR G. A. WILLIAMS, the father, said deceased had suffered from a violent form of epilepsy from a child, the attacks leaving him very depressed. For the last eighteen months the fits had left him entirely. Recently he lost the sight of his left eye through an accident whilst at work, and that, and fear for the sight of his other eye, had greatly depressed him, but he had not actually threatened to take his life. His actions were at times not normal for a lad of his age. Witness noticed nothing unusually depressed about him when he went out on Wednesday, on the contrary he seemed rather cheerful. - Dr Robert Gallimore, locum tenens for Dr Gross, said deceased was dead when he arrived at 5.15. There was danger during the depression after an epileptic fit, and he suggested that it was possible deceased had a fit after his parents had gone out. - Dr Wilson, who had been told the history of the case by the parents and that deceased had been taking medicine prescribed for him, and who was called in during the eye trouble, also spoke to deceased's depression, and the Coroner returned a verdict as stated.

AXMINSTER - Axminster Fatality. Octogenarian Dies After Being Knocked Down By Car. No Blame On Driver. - At the Axminster Police Station on Friday, Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of HENRY BONFIELD, eighty-five, retired blacksmith, which occurred on Wednesday, August 17th, as the result of an accident which occurred the previous Friday, when he was knocked down by a motor-car in Western-road, Axminster. Mr W. H. Hern was chosen as Foreman of the Jury. - Joseph Henry Thomas, sales manager to the K.O. Cereal Company, Limited, Battersea, stated on Friday August 12th he was driving an Overland car from Cornwall in the direction of London. He knew the road well. Having passed Axminster Station, he began to ascend Station-hill, when another car was about fifty to sixty feet in front. Seeing this car make a swerve towards the right, witness naturally followed suit and as soon as his vision was clear from the car he saw an old man step out in front of him. He was then twenty to thirty feet away. Witness sounded his horn and at once applied the brakes. At the time witness struck deceased the car was practically stopped. Witness took deceased to the Cottage Hospital in his car. - Dr Langran said deceased, when admitted to the Hospital, was suffering from a compound complicated fracture of the right leg midway from the knee. Dr Crockford was called in, and having decided that amputation was necessary, the operation was performed. Deceased lived five days and died on Wednesday from heart failure accelerated by the accident. Shock was not the cause, as he was quite sensible; there was a slight concussion, but nothing serious. - Replying to the Coroner, Thomas said he had been driving for five years, having covered thousands of miles, had a clear license, and had never struck a soul. Last year he over-turned his car in a successful attempt to avoid a girl. - EDWIN BONFIELD (sen), with whom deceased was living, said his father was slightly deaf, but not so bad as not to have heard a motor horn. - Police Sergeant Rendell asked whether it might not have been that a common fracture was converted into a compound one by the removal of the patient before the limb had been properly set up. - Dr Langran: I can scarcely say in this case, but very often it is so. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." No blame whatever could be attached to the driver, who had done all he could to avert an accident. They desired to express their sympathy with the relatives. - Mr C. Forward, who represented Thomas, expressed his deep regret at the accident and the loss sustained.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 31 August 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Road Crash. Torquay Motorist's Death At Kingskerswell. Futile Inquiry. - Sitting with a Jury at Newton Abbot last night, Mr Ernest Hutchings, the South Devon Coroner, resumed the Inquest on ALBERT THOMAS HUGHES, aged 19, of 17 Braddon-street, Torquay, who was killed while motor cycling on the Newton- Torquay road near the Half Way Inn on August 22nd, as the result of colliding with a motor car driven by Charles D'Arcy Garside, of Ipplepen. - Dr Hatfield, Kingskerswell, said deceased had a large wound in the back and a fracture of the pelvis on the left side. The cause of death was haemorrhage caused by the fracture. If a dumb iron of the car was found embedded in deceased that would account for the injuries. The dumb iron of the car was covered with blood. - By Mr P. W. H. Almy (for the relatives): The driver of the car was very excited, but that was natural under the circumstances. There was a white line at the point. - By Inspector Hannaford: The dumb iron was very low, and deceased must have been off the bicycle or very low down when struck. - Albert Bibbings, licensee of the Half Way Inn, Kingskerswell, said he heard the loud crash and saw the motor cycle underneath the front of the car. Deceased was against the bonnet and witness noticed that the dumb-iron had entered his body. Deceased was then alive, and gave them a little message. - The Coroner: Don't tell us what he said; it has nothing to do with the cause of the accident, and we don't want to add to people's pain in these cases. - Witness, continuing, said there had been some rain, and the road was very slippery. - The Coroner: Have you noticed that it seems to be a common practice to come round that corner in the middle of the road? - Witness: It is an everyday occurrence. He added that his surmise was that deceased's machine skidded, that the driver fell off and that he was struck by the dumb-iron of the car while he was on the ground. - An Experiment. - P.C. Carpenter (Newton Abbot) said the car was a closed Sunbeam. Deceased was lying 14 ft. from the right-hand side of the road going to Torquay. The width of the road was 30 ft. From the off-side front wheel of the car to the off-side kerb was 11 ft., and from the near wheel to the near kerb 13 ft. 3in. The car's near lamp was smashed. From the centre of the lamp to the ground was 2 ft. 3 in., while the dumb-iron was 1 ft. 3 in. from the ground. At 1 a.m. on August 23rd witness and others made a test in the Square and when going at 30 miles an hour the car was pulled up in 29 feet. Witness found a mark in the road at the scene of the accident extending for 154 feet back from the pool of blood. - The doctor, at the request of the coroner, took measurements on a Constable lying on the floor. From the ground to the height of the wound, the doctor said was 1 ft. 3 in. - In reply to a Juryman, the Coroner said it was an absolute certainty that from some cause the motor cycle got broadside on to the road. - P.C. Carpenter said the driver of the care was perfectly sober. - By Mr Almy: It might have been that the bicycle was struck at one point and the deceased in another. There was no indication that the body had been dragged for any distance. - Charles David Peach, motor mechanic, who went to the scene with Mr Bibbings, said deceased died in his arms. - By Mr Mason: The brakes would be practically useless on a road in the state that this one was. - Leslie Archibald Bartlett (Ipplepen) who was in the car concerned, said there were four occupants, including the driver. Witness, who was sitting in front, did not see the motor cyclist before the crash. - Miss Dorothy Webb, of Denbury, a passenger in the car, who was sitting behind the driver, said when near the Halfway House Inn, she saw a faint light in the distance, and then it went out. Then she suddenly saw the shadow of a motor cycle swerve from its proper side in front of the car. - No Agreement Reached. - Mr Garside, the driver of the car, said he saw nothing of the deceased until after the crash. He was travelling at from 20 to 25 miles an hour in the centre of the road, which was quite clear. He applied his brakes at once. - P.C. Carpenter, recalled, said Garside was the most careful driver in the town. - The Coroner gave the Jury the following questions to answer:- Was the driver of the motor car negligent? If so, in what way? - The Jury retired just after ten p.m. and returning at 10.50, the Foreman said they were unable to agree. - The Coroner then retired with the Jury, but at 11.15 they again returned without reaching an agreement. Mr Hutchings, in discharging the Jury, said he would have to hold a further Inquest.

Western Times, Friday 2 September 1927


PAIGNTON - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned at an Inquest held at Paignton, on Monday, on MR SYDNEY PENLERIC, aged 55, civil mining engineer, who was found dead on Sunday at No. 3 The Triangle, Dartmouth-road, Paignton. The son made the discovery of his father hanging dead from a rope. Deceased, who lived for many years in the Tropics, had imaginary worries. The son knew no cause for his father worrying except, perhaps, on account of poor health.

EXETER - Exeter Suicide Who Could Not Bear The Pain. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr. H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at Exeter Court House, on Friday, relative to the death of JOHN THOMAS AYRES, 70, of Ropers Place, Exeter, who was found on Wednesday evening hanging from a rafter in a loft of the Valiant Soldier Inn, Exeter. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned. - MR HENRY AYRES, Grantham-road, Eastleigh, Hants, said his brother was a carpenter by trade, but during the last few years was a jobbing builder. On August 7th, when witness last saw him, he was in great pain, of which he kept complaining. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. - John M. Merrifield, of 6a. Holloway-street, said he and deceased were very friendly. On Wednesday deceased arranged with witness to meet at the Valiant Soldier if it were fine, but as it was wet he did not see him. When asked later in the day if he (witness) had seen AYRES, he said no, and on going to the loft, found him dead, hanging from a rafter. - John Arnold, 18 Holloway-street, who helped cut down the body, said deceased had said to him he wished to be out of it, he was in so much pain. - P.C. Lovick said he found two letters on deceased, each referring to the awful and constant pain he suffered. - Dr Kelly said death was due to strangulation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 September 1927
EXETER - An Inquest on MRS ARABELLA CHALLENGER, of 71 South-street, Exeter, who died on Friday as the result of injuries caused through being knocked down by a motor-cycle near Livery Dole, Heavitree, on August Bank Holiday, was opened by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown yesterday and adjourned until Thursday to enable the motor-cyclist, who lives at Bristol to attend.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 September 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Road Crash. Torquay Motorist's Death At Kingskerswell The Verdict. - The fresh Inquest in connection with the fatal accident at Kingskerswell, on the Torquay - Newton road, was held last evening. Last week, after an Inquiry lasting five hours, the Jury failed to agree and were discharged. Deceased was ALBERT THOMAS HUGHES, aged 19, living with his parents at Braddon-street, Torquay, and his death occurred a few minutes after he collided with a motor car owned and driven by Mr D. C. Garside, of Ipplepen. - The evidence given at the last Inquiry was repeated by the witnesses. - P.C. Carpenter added to his evidence that at 10.30 on the night of September 1st. Mr Garside went to the scene of the accident by arrangement. Witness and the coroner rode along the road in Mr Garside's car. The conditions were not the same as on the night of the accident, as the road was dry instead of greasy and it was a starlit night instead of being dark and misty. Mr Garside's car had two acetylene lamps and two side oil lamps. The lamps were not powerful lamps and the jets were placed far back, so that the light was confined to a beam of light. Experiments showed that a man fifteen paces in front of the car, with his back to the car, was difficult to see and the car might pass anyone standing by the side of the road without the driver seeing him. - A new witness, Joseph Allbrighton, Exeter-road, Newton Abbot, was called at the instance of Mr P. H. W. Almy. He said he was a night watchman for Messrs. Wimpey and Co., road contractors, and on August 22nd he was on duty about 60 paces on the Torquay side of the Half Way House. About 10.40 he was by his cabin and heard the crash and a dragging noise and ran down. He had nothing new to add. - Charles Garside, motor engineer, of Ipplepen, repeated the evidence given by him on the last occasion. - The Coroner, in summing up, expressed the opinion that the primary cause of the accident was that the motor cyclist skidded, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to have been broadside across the road. - After a retirement of eight minutes the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 September 1927
EXETER - Chulmleigh Accident. Hammer Blow And Tetanus. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by a Jury at an Inquest held by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, yesterday, on ALFRED JOHN ROGERS, 20, mason's labourer, of East-street, Chulmleigh, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday, as the result of lockjaw. - Sydney Ford, of Fore-street, Chulmleigh, son of deceased's employer, deposed to having accidentally struck deceased on a finger with a hammer while the deceased was helping him to fix some planks. - Dr Frieschman, House Surgeon at the Hospital, was of opinion that tetanus entered deceased's system as a result of the blow. - In returning the verdict the Jury added a rider, however, that there was no evidence to show how the tetanus entered.

EXETER - Motorist Exonerated. Exeter Lady's Death. - The Inquest adjourned from Monday concerning the death of MRS ARABELLA CHALLENGER, aged 65, of 71 South-street, Exeter, as the result of being knocked down by a motor cycle at Livery Dole, Heavitree, on August Bank Holiday, was resumed yesterday by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown. - MRS LACEY, a daughter of deceased, said she and her mother stepped off the pavement to cross the road in order to board a tram. :Witness did not see the motor cycle until it struck her mother. - The rider of the motor cycle (John Edward Fitzgerald, a bank clerk, of Clifton, Bristol), said that when he first saw MRS CHALLENGER he was travelling at about 15 miles per hour. "She stepped off the kerb about four yards in front of me, without looking round. I sounded my horn and applied the brake gently. She took no notice, so I applied my brake harder. Then I skidded and knocked her down." - Dr Date said that when he examined MRS CHALLENGER he found a scalp wound and a leg injury which he suspected to be a fracture. He ordered her removal to Hospital, where her leg was found to be fractured. After her discharge from Hospital witness attended her daily. She complained of pains in her chest and witness found signs of pneumonia in the base of the left lung. A post-mortem examination revealed fluid in the chest, with signs of pleurisy and pneumonia. In his opinion death was caused by syncope, due to pleurisy and pneumonia. Indirectly, the accident might have had something to do with death, but it would be almost impossible to say to what extent. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the motor cyclist.

Western Times, Friday 9 September 1927


NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Tragedy. Ex-Postmaster Who Imagined Trouble. Pathetic Last Letter. - "I can't stand this strain any longer, so I am going out of it." - These words, together with others relative to personal and business affairs and the disposal of his property, were contained in a letter left by MR THOMAS ERNEST PENGELLEY, aged 61, ex-Postmaster, of Garston Avenue, Newton Abbot, whose dead body was found in the Teign Canal, Newton Abbot, yesterday week. - At the Inquest on Friday, conducted by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, Dr F. R. Higgins gave evidence of identification and said death was due to drowning. The note left by deceased, said witness, was not in is usual handwriting and was evidence that MR PENGELLEY was obviously in distress and must have been temporarily deranged at the time. As far as witness knew, deceased had no cause to worry. - Witness agreed with the Coroner that the fact that deceased imagining he had something to worry about, when he had not, would be evidence of instability. - The Coroner: He was a man who had occupied a responsible position, and a man generally esteemed and respected? - Yes. - MISS PENGELLEY, cousin of deceased, said he had resided with her for some years. These last few weeks he appeared to be worried and depressed, although she knew he had no need to worry, unless it was something imaginative. He left home at 10.15 on Thursday morning, saying he was going to the bank to draw his pension. - George Bowden of 1 Spencer-road, Newton Abbot, said at the top of East-street, ME PENGELLEY stopped him and said "You will be passing the Post Office; will you drop this in for me?" Witness expected to be handed letters, but was given a wallet in which there were some Treasury notes. Deceased requested that these should be given to Mr Taylor at the Post Office to keep under cover for MISS PENGELLEY. - Afterwards deceased gave witness several letters which he asked to be posted at the pillar-box by the Institution. - The Coroner: Did you wonder what made him give you the wallet? - Witness: I did for the moment and then I thought he might be going away by train and it was something he wanted MISS PENGELLEY to have. - Replying to further questions, witness said deceased seemed quite rational. When he handed the wallet over to Mr Taylor he remarked what an extraordinary thing, so witness immediately reported the incident at the Police Station. - Mrs Prout of 59 Hillmans-road, Newton Abbot, said after seeing deceased's coat, waistcoat, hat and walking stick on the canal bank she noticed a body in the water and ran to the Electric Power Station to report the discovery. - A man named Hobbs, who was walking near by, deposed that the body was floating face downwards, and with a man named Moist they recovered the body and tried artificial respiration with no result. - P.C. Rookes said he found a letter in deceased's coat pocket as well as a key and an envelope At deceased's house witness found nothing to show he was financially embarrassed; on the contrary, there were signs he was not. When Mr Bowden reported the incident of the wallet and before he had any information of MR PENGELLEY being found in the water, witness had an interview with MISS PENGELLEY and also made enquiries in the town. - The Coroner: I think you acted with commendable promptitude. - Mr Hutchings, returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," said it was a very sad case. MR PENGELLEY was well known and most highly respected in Newton Abbot, and he was sure everybody deeply deplored the tragic occurrence. He was perfectly satisfied, not from a merely sentimental point of view, but on the evidence, that at the time MR PENGELLEY went into the water he was not in his right mind. Often the worse form of worry was that which existed only in imagination. He expressed his sympathy with MISS PENGELLEY and his thanks to Mrs Prout and Messrs. Bowden and Hobbs for their efforts. - Mr T. H. R. Player, on behalf of the Postmaster and staff at Newton Abbot Post Office, also expressed sympathy with the relatives at MR PENGELLEY'S untimely end. - The funeral took place at Highweek, Newton Abbot, on Saturday, of the late MR T. E. PENGELLEY, aged 61, of Garston Avenue, a former Postmaster, whose death occurred in tragic circumstances last week. - The immediate mourners were: Mr C. Pengelley, Mr T. Pengelley (brothers); Mrs Sullock (sister); Miss Pengelley, Mr and Mrs H. S. Pellow, Mr J. Pellow, Mr J. Maddick, Mr and Mrs B. Maddick (cousins), Mr and Mrs Hawkins, B. Pellow, Mrs Taverner and Mrs Lewis.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 September 1927
TOTNES - Cyclist's Death. Ugborough Accident. - On Saturday afternoon, at Totnes Guildhall, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, sat with a Jury to Inquire into the death of WILFRED JAMES LAURENCE, of Church-street, South Brent, who died at Totnes Cottage Hospital following injuries received in a cycle accident at Ugborough. Dr Miles, of Modbury, said when he saw the deceased he was unconscious and had all the signs of a fracture of the base of the skull and a severe abrasion over the left eye. He was removed next day to the Totnes Cottage Hospital. - P.C. McCrea, Ugborough, gave it as his opinion that the front wheel of deceased's cycle struck a stone and he was thrown. - The Coroner said no one saw the accident, but in all probability it was caused by the stone. - The Jury, of which Mr J. S. Clarke was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 September 1927
EXMOUTH - Farm Tragedy. Death Through Losing Control Of A Tractor. Exmouth Inquest. - The theory that MR GUY PASCHAL ETCHES was crushed to death because he over-balanced and momentarily lost control of a tractor was accepted by Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, who conducted an Inquest at Exmouth Court House yesterday afternoon. There was no Jury. - CAPTAIN F. H. MAYNARD, brother-in-law of deceased, of The Grange, Teignmouth, gave evidence of identification, and said he did not know how long his brother-in-law had had a motor tractor. He was not new to motor tractors, and had used them in Africa, but he did not believe deceased was accustomed to the small English fields. - James Beer, an employee of deceased at Bassett's Dairy Farm, Withycombe Raleigh, said that on Monday afternoon he was haymaking in an adjoining field when he heard shouts requesting him to bring horses and chains. When he reached deceased he found the tractor in the hedge, with the front wheel sin the air, while deceased was pinned between the tractor and the plough, with his chest under the steering wheel. Witness took an iron bar and broke the steering wheel and then they had to get nine or ten men to get the tractor away. Mr Weeks and himself then released deceased, who was quite dead when they took him out. - The Coroner: What, in your opinion, happened? - Witness: I consider that as he came to the end of the furrow he turned to lift the lever that released the plough, over-balanced and lost control of the engine. The lever, witness explained, had nothing to do with the engine, but simply lifted the plough out of the furrow. The engine would still be working and would probably go faster because it was out of "work." In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said he saw MR ETCHES in the yard after dinner. Deceased used the tractor plough for a couple of hours on Friday and that was the first time he had used it on Bassett's Farm. He had told witness he was used to tractors and he was a very careful man, as far as witness knew. The engine would probably have a tendency to jump away when the plough was released from the soil. - William Henry Weeks said he was working in the same field, and deceased spoke to him on the opposite side of the field just before beginning the furrow. Witness continued to burn stubble, and did not see anything happen, but he heard deceased cry out, and then saw the wheels of the tractor in the air. When he got there MR ETCHES was under the thing and did not speak. The engine was stopped and when deceased shouted it all seemed to stop. Witness shouted for assistance and several helpers came. They had to lift the tractor, the weight of which was on his chest. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said he knew nothing about engines, but there was something like oil dripping down from the engine. Deceased had worked with the tractor all the morning and was getting on well with it. - CAPT. MAYNARD, recalled, said deceased was doing the work for himself. He was a master man. - Dr G. R. Gray, of Exmouth, said he received a telephone message at 2.30 on Monday afternoon and found deceased dead and still under the tractor. There was a bar, which he understood was what was left of the steering wheel on his chest, which was impeding his removal. A great number of men were necessary to lift the tractor sufficiently to enable the body to be removed. In witness's opinion the pressure on the chest prevented him breathing and killed him. Asphyxia was probably the immediate cause of death. It might have been damage to the chest, but asphyxia would have been sufficient and death was practically instantaneous. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, said it was obvious deceased must have lost control of the tractor. He had apparently had experience with motor tractors, but this particular tractor was new, and possibly he was not accustomed to dealing with it. The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives in an extremely sad case.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 September 1927
TIVERTON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Tiverton yesterday on DAN STRADDER, aged 23, of Abbotskerswell, who died at Tiverton Hospital on Monday from injuries sustained through being thrown from his motor-cycle between Waterloo Cross and Brickfield Cross, Burlescombe. The Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, conducted the Inquiry, and Mr H. Clarke was Foreman of the Jury.

ASHBURTON - Unique Suicide. Newton Man Uses Car To Gas Himself. Ashburton Drama. - At Ashburton last evening Mr Edmonds conducted an Inquiry into the death of CHARLES HENRY HARRINGTON, aged 46, commercial traveller, of Abbotsbury-road, Newton Abbot. - His widow, giving evidence of identification, said she did not know that deceased had any worry, but during the last twelve months he had suffered from very bad headaches. He left home on August 14th on his rounds as usual, and she last heard from him on September 3rd, when he wired her money. Witness handed the Coroner a letter found in the car addressed to her. - The Coroner said it was evidently a farewell letter. Deceased seemed to have had some worry and trouble, as the letter ended: "I have written to Grannie and told her I don't know what. My head is beastly. Good-bye all." - Dr Ellis (Ashburton) said death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning, that being the principal poison in exhaust gases. He considered death took place on Monday night. - MISS MARY HARRINGTON, :Cheltenham, deceased's sister, produced a letter received by her mother from deceased. - The Coroner said it was another farewell letter in which he expressed his intention of ending his life. - William Henry Mogridge, postman, of Ashburton, said he was on his round at 9.45 on Tuesday morning, when he noticed a small saloon car drawn up off the road at Cold East Corner, just at the entrance to the moor, 2 ½ miles from Ashburton, on the way to Widecombe. Thinking the car had broken down, he took little notice of it. - What The Sergeant Found. - P.S. Hall (Ashburton) said at 9 p.m. on Tuesday he received a report that a car had been on the moor the whole day and that there appeared to be a man asleep in it. Witness went to the spot and found the doors of the car closed and the curtains drawn over the windows. Deceased was lying on the back seat as if asleep. His head was propped up by a suitcase, and overcoat, and he was partly covered by a rug. Deceased had evidently been dead for some hours. There were no signs of a struggle and no outward sign of the cause of death. Witness obtained a driver so that the car could be got into Ashburton, but it was found there was not a drop of petrol in the tank and the car had to be towed home. On examining the car witness found a piece of rubber tubing attached to the exhaust pipe and brought up through the floor to the inside of the car. The floor had been sawn through to allow the pipe to pass. The end of the tube was just above the level of the back seat. A foot-mat had been jammed into the hole to prevent the gas escaping and all the crevices were plugged. There was soot on the cushions. Witness formed the opinion that the engine ran until the petrol gave out. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 September 1927
BARNSTAPLE - Child's Fatal Fall. North Devon Inquest. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest yesterday afternoon on WILLIAM HENRY DYER, aged 6, of Slade-road, Ilfracombe. WILLIAM JOHN DYER, the father, said while returning from work on Thursday night he saw a lady and gentleman holding a little boy He found it was his son and that he had fallen from a wire fence surmounting a wall ten feet high. On the advice of Dr King the boy was removed to the North Devon Infirmary to be X-rayed. He passed away early on Sunday morning. Ruby Hewett, a little girl, said deceased fell from the fence into the roadway. No one pushed him. Dr J. C. G. Dickinson, House Surgeon, said the child's right thigh was fractured, and he suspected the base of the skull was fractured. The boy seemed extremely fit when brought into the Institution, but he collapsed and became unconscious on Saturday. The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said had the boy fallen inwards instead of outwards he would have landed in a field and would probably not have been hurt.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 September 1927
EXETER - Fall From Bridge. Inquest On Pocombe Fatality Victim. Father's First Aid. - An Inquest concerning the death of NORMAN HENRY WHITTHORN, of 87 East John-street, Exeter, the nine-year-old boy who was killed as a result of falling from the parapet of Pocombe Bridge on Saturday afternoon was held yesterday by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown. - The body was identified by deceased's father, ARTHUR HENRY WHITTHORN, an A.A. patrol, who while on duty in the neighbourhood arrived on the bridge just after his son had fallen and rendered first-aid before sending him to Hospital. - Cyril Jenkins, aged 11 of 89 Sanford-street, said deceased, who was his cousin, had just walked along the length of the parapet of the bridge and was walking back, but fell when half-way. - P.S. Ridd, of the Devon Constabulary, described the parapet, which was of stone, with a slightly bevelled top, 1 ft. 5 in. wide. The top of the parapet was 15 ft. 6 in. from the water. - Dr Robinson, Casualty Officer at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was brought to the Hospital on Saturday afternoon unconscious with a large contusion at the top of the scalp. His condition was so serious that an operation was necessary that night and early the next morning he died. A post-mortem showed a large haemorrhage pressing on the brain, due to a fracture at the base of the skull, which would be sufficient to cause death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 September 1927
SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE - Fatal Turn. Sad Sequel To Crediton Visit. - An Inquest has been held on MR A. T. BATEMAN, 45, of Sevenoaks, who met with his death when returning home after a fortnight's visit to his father, MR H. T. BATEMAN, of Westwood, Crediton. He was driving a motor cycle, with his wife and little son in the sidecar, and had reached Nether Wallop, Hants, when, as he was crossing the road, a motor car, coming behind, ran into him. MR BATEMAN sustained a fracture of the skull, succumbing to his injuries in Salisbury Hospital. MRS BATEMAN was also injured, but the little boy was unhurt. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest.

Western Times, Friday 23 September 1927


HATHERLEIGH - Hatherleigh Tragedy. Woman Takes Her Life During Temporary Insanity. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned at an Inquest at Hatherleigh on Tuesday, held by Mr H. C. Brown, on the body of MRS SELINA ANNIE YELLAND, aged 28 years, wife of MR JAMES YELLAND, harness maker of High-street, Hatherleigh, found drowned in the river Lew on Monday. - The husband said deceased had been suffering from a nervous breakdown for some months past. On Monday morning she went to the doctor about 9.30 to get some medicine. As she had not returned by 12 o'clock he (witness) became uneasy and began making enquiries. Being told deceased had gone in the direction of Meeth, he followed in that direction, but was unable to find her. Later he found her hat and a medicine bottle on the river bank below Heywooda. He then informed the Police, who took up the search and afterwards found the body. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that deceased and himself had always lived on the most affectionate terms. - P.C. Manning gave evidence as to finding the body 15 feet from the bank, it being caught by some growth and bracken. There was every indication that she had been dead a considerable time. - The Coroner, in returning the verdict, expressed sympathy with the relatives in their bereavement.

SIDMOUTH - Sidmouth Fatality. Collapse And Death Of Young Man While Bathing. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at Sidmouth Police Station on Saturday, on FRANK CHRISTIAN BAILEY STRANGE, who died suddenly following a bathe at Sidmouth on Friday last. - Reginald Arthur Lord, a schoolmaster, said he was on holiday at Sidmouth in company with the deceased, whose home was at "Riplingham Meads," Eastbourne, and whose age was 22 years. They had bathed together regularly daily and on Friday went for their usual dip. STRANGE went out seaward about 50 yards, while witness kept close in. He noticed that STRANGE had commenced to come inwards and was surprised to hear him suddenly shout "Reg," as if in distress. The sea was calm, and witness went at once to his friend's assistance, and aided him to the beach, where he collapsed and died. As far as witness knew, STRANGE had never suffered from heart trouble; he regarded him as a well developed and strong young man. - William Edward Coles, beach inspector, said he was called to the western beach at the request of the last witness and found a young man quite lifeless. He, however, tried artificial respiration, and sent for an ambulance. - FRANK STRANGE, father, said his son left home about a month ago, to spend a holiday at Sidmouth. He was perfectly well, and had never had heart trouble. In fact he had never had an illness, except for a little indigestion. He had certainly never been forbidden to bathe. - Dr L. McLeod said a post-mortem examination revealed every organ in the body to be healthy. He presumed death was due to sudden shock and heart failure, although he could not say how the shock precisely came, or why the heart ceased to function. - Summing up, the Coroner said it was a very sad and somewhat perplexing case, and he recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 September 1927
ZEAL MONACHORUM - Hanging From Tree. Zeal Monachorum Man's Fear Of Stroke. Inquest Evidence. - At an Inquest at Zeal Monachorum the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" in the case of MR CHARLES SHORTRIDGE, a gardener, who was found hanging from a tree in an orchard belonging to Miss Goule. - Mrs Edith Florence Owens said deceased had resided with her husband and herself for about eight weeks, but had lived in the village for many years. He had complained of having a stroke and was afraid of having another. On Sunday he looked dazed, and witness asked if she could do anything for him. He replied that he could do for himself. He did not go out after dinner-time, and went to bed at 6.30 which was earlier than usual. About 3.30 the next morning she heard a kind of scuffle in his bedroom, but thought nothing of it, as he frequently got out of bed at night. About 4.30 she heard him go out, which was not unusual. The rope produced was used around a tin box in his bedroom. - Evidence was also given by Mr William Edward Owens, who said on Sunday night SHORTRIDGE complained of pains in his back, but said he hoped they would be better in the morning. - Mr Sidney Snell, farmer, spoke to Miss Westcott telling him there was something wrong in Miss Goule's orchard and that she thought someone was hanging there. He found deceased hanging from a tree with a rope around his neck. Witness cut down deceased, but he appeared to be dead. Mr Hooper (the Postmaster) sent for a doctor and the Police. Witness had known deceased for 20 years. - Dr Bastard said he found the body was cold. The man had evidently been dead some hours. Death was due to strangulation. Witness attended SHORTRIDGE for a slight stroke in April and May.

TOTNES - Signalman's Death. Fatality Near Totnes. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest with a Jury, of whom Mr P. Higham was Foreman, concerning the death of ALBERT EDWARD ELLIS, aged 35, G.W.R. Signalman, who lost his life under distressing circumstances on the line at Tigley signal box near Totnes. - Arthur Osborne, signalman, of Totnes, said that at 10.53 a.m. deceased telephoned to him from Tigley signal box asking him to send a line-clear book by the banking engine of the next goods train to Tigley. This was before the deceased was due on duty. He gave him the line-clear signal for a goods train from Plymouth at 11.13 a.m., when he was on duty. - Frederick Williams, of 13 Addington-road, Newton Abbot, deposed to taking the book to deliver to deceased. He saw him between the steps of the signal box and the rails. Deceased walked on to the line to get the book from him and witness noticed another goods train coming behind him. There was a corner at the spot and witness did not see the train until it came around the corner, as the train he was pushing in front of his engine blocked the view. He blew his whistle several times and deceased looked around and saw the train, but it was too late for him to save himself, though he evidently tried to get down between the rails before the train got to him. - William Edward Chudley, of Newton Abbot, driver of the goods train from Plymouth, said he reached Tigley about 11.18 or 11.19 a.m. He caught sight of deceased on the line when he was about an engine length away. He was not far enough across the line for him to see him before, and was on the opposite side of the engine. Deceased must have come out of the signal box without looking down the line. They were not going very fast and he stopped the train in about its own length, and saw deceased was very badly knocked about the head and arms. He thought he must have been killed instantaneously. - Cyril George Came, the fireman, said deceased was looking in the opposite direction to that in which the train was coming and stepping off as he did he had no chance to clear himself. - John James, Laira, guard of the train, gave evidence, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives. - Inspector Henwood (Newton Abbot) on behalf of the G.W.R. Co., Mr F. Shute, for the N.U.R., and Mr F. Millman (Drivers' and Fireman's Association) joined in the expression of sympathy. - The witnesses gave their fees to the widow.

Western Times, Friday 30 September 1927


DARTMOUTH - Fatal Shipyard Accident At Dartmouth. - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth on Wednesday relative to the death of MR EDWIN ERNEST PEPPERELL, aged 33, of Newcomen-road, Dartmouth, who died in Dartmouth Cottage Hospital late on Monday night from injuries received in an accident at the Sandquay shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Philip and Son earlier in the day. - MR PEPPERELL, a fitter, was engaged in putting in a new iron bed for a saw pit, when the bed slipped and crushed him. He sustained a fracture of the right thigh, compound fracture of the left leg and severely crushed ribs on the left side. - He was a son-in-law of Alderman G. H. Marshall, of Dartmouth and leaves a widow and two children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 October 1927
EXETER - Fatal Injuries. Sequel To A Collision At Broadclyst Cross. Exeter Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Inquest at Exeter yesterday concerning the death of SIDNEY ALLRIGHT, aged 48, postal clerk, living at 101 Cowick-lane, St Thomas, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday as a result of injuries sustained the previous evening at Broadclyst Cross. Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the relatives of deceased and Mrs Warren (the driver of the car) was represented by Mr F. P. Cottey. - The body was identified by FREDERICK WILLIAM ALLRIGHT, brother, of Reading. He said when he last saw his brother two years ago his health, sight and hearing were good. - Mrs Ida Winifred Warren, High-street, Honiton, said she was driving a Rover 9 towards Honiton from Exeter on Tuesday, leaving Exeter just after 6. When approaching the corner where the accident occurred witness was travelling at from 15 to 20 miles an hour uphill in top gear. She was in the centre of the turning when a cyclist appeared to come out suddenly in front of her and came in contact with the bonnet. The cyclist was thrown on to the other side of the road and witness swerved to avoid him and practically stopped the car. Deceased fell into the ditch. She could have pulled up where the man fell, but drove to the left of the road before stopping. Her idea was to get away from the man and leave the car in safety on the left. The cycle and car were entangled and the brakes did not seem to act properly, which witness supposed was due to the bicycle. She went back to the deceased. No one else was present when the accident happened. - P.C. Palmer (Broadclyst) said when he arrived deceased was lying in the water channel on the right-hand side of the road looking towards Honiton, with his head towards Exeter. The car was on the left, tight against the hedge beyond the turning. At the scene of the accident the main road was 18 feet wide. witness saw a mark where the impact took place, caused by the front tyre of the cycle. The side road was 18 ft. wide at the junction. From the place of impact to where deceased lay the distance was 37 ft.; from the deceased to where the marks on the road showed the brakes had been applied was 37 ft., and from there to where the car finally stopped was 30 ft. Both roads had good surfaces and there was a slight down gradient from the side road to the main road. - Answering Mr McGahey witness said the point of impact was ten feet from the motor car's near side and eight feet from the other side. Deceased was carried 37 feet further on the wrong side of the road. There were no marks on the road of any application of brakes for 99 feet. Deceased was conscious, but only able to give his name and witness took him to the Hospital. - Replying to Mr Cottey, witness agreed that the fact that Mrs Warren said she had deliberately driven the car into safety was in keeping with its position. - William John Hunt, of Coachfield House, Broadclyst, said he heard a crash while in Station-road. He did not hear any bell or hooter. When the cyclist passed witness previously he was travelling at about ten miles an hour. - Medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - Mrs Warren, recalled, said, in answer to Mr McGahey, she had been driving since April and was on her right side. - How came you to carry deceased nearly 37 feet? - I could have pulled up. - I suggest you were going much too fast? - I was not. - Mr Cottey objected to further questions by Mr McGahey, which, he alleged, cast reflections upon his client's capabilities as a motorist. - By the Coroner: Witness was pulling up for the first 37 feet which deceased was carried and when he fell off she was nearly at a standstill. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner pointed out that at the particular spot anyone coming from the side road would have to use great caution. While it was always incumbent upon the user of the main road to use it reasonably, side-road traffic should give way to that of the main road. He did not think there was any criminal negligence on the part of Mrs Warren. - Expressions of sympathy for the relatives of the deceased were made by the Postmaster of Exeter (Mr F. L. Freeling) on behalf of the Postmaster-General and local postal employees, and by Mr F. P. Cottey, on behalf of Mrs Warren.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 October 1927
OKEHAMPTON - Child Drowned. Okehampton Tragedy. - MARION EMILY JEFFERY, aged three years, daughter of MR LESLIE JOHN JEFFERY, motor mechanic, of 47 North-street, Okehampton, was drowned in East Okement River, at the rear of her father's house, about midday the day before yesterday. The child was at play with another little girl, aged four, and her brother, aged 5, and, apparently, fell backwards from a fence into the river, a drop of about 20 feet. She was carried a distance of nearly 400 yards down the stream, where the body was caught in a rock, and, ultimately, recovered by Mrs E. E. Tothill, a neighbour. - Artificial means of respiration were tried to restore life, but Dr J. L. J. Routh, who was called in, pronounced life extinct. - At the Inquest held last evening by Mr H. C. Brown, a verdict was recorded that death was due to Drowning caused by the child Accidentally falling into the river. Mrs Tothill was commended by the Coroner for her action in entering the river to recover the body.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 October 1927
MORCHARD BISHOP - "Accidental." Verdict In Copplestone Road Tragedy. Motor-Cyclist's Fate. - The circumstances attending the death of CHARLES PARTRIDGE BREWER, an insurance agent, 43, of Morchard Bishop, were investigated by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Morchard Bishop yesterday afternoon. Deceased met his death while motor-cycling along the Exeter-Barnstaple main road near Copplestone, on Monday. A Jury was empanelled. Mr H. T. Michelmore )Messrs. Michelmore (Exeter) represented the employers of the driver of the motor-lorry, between which and the deceased there was a collision. - The widow gave evidence of identification and stated that when her husband was brought home on Monday he made no statement as to what had happened to him. His left hand was deformed - the fingers having grown together - but he could use the hand without difficulty and could grip anything tightly. He had been riding a motor-cycle about two years. Deceased left home about 8.30 on Monday morning saying he was going to Copplestone. He was brought home unconscious in the evening. - Donald Steven Bell, 70 Eton Park-road, Palmer's Green, London, commercial traveller, in the employ of Messrs. Meredith and Drewe, London, deposed that he was driving a motor lorry through Copplestone on Monday towards Barnstaple. Rounding a bend on the Barnstaple side of the village h observed a motor-cyclist proceeding in the same direction as himself, but on the wrong side of the road. "I sounded by horn," proceeded witness, "and he looked round over his left shoulder. He seemed to lose control and cut right in front of me. I swerved to the right in an effort to avoid him and my near-side front wheel caught his back wheel." Witness added that he applied his brakes, got out of the lorry, went to the man's assistance and found him lying face downwards on the road. A passing car was stopped and a doctor and Policeman were summoned. - Witness, answering P.S. Warren, confirmed his own speed at between 12 and 15 miles an hour and that of the deceased at between 10 and 12 miles an hour. - P.C. Nicholls stated that when he reached the spot deceased had recovered consciousness sufficiently to be able to say: "Oh! my heart," but nothing more. A Crediton doctor arrived and advised deceased's removal to his home. - Dr C.C. Pratt, Morchard Bishop, said there appeared to be no broken bones, although there were small scalp wounds and some facial abrasions. Witness attributed death to shock. Deceased was, apparently, a perfectly healthy man. Witness did not think deceased's left hand was a handicap in his motor-cycling. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the deceased's widow and relatives. The Coroner concurred and Mr Michelmore also tendered sympathy on behalf of his clients.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 October 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Rail Tragedy. Tragic Story Related At Newton Inquest. Jury's Verdict. - An Inquest was conducted at Newton Abbot yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, sitting with a Jury, of which Mr H. Warren was Foreman, concerning the death of WILLIAM RUSSELL WATERS, aged 31 years, of Broadlands-avenue, Newton Abbot, fireman employed by the G.W.R. at Newton Abbot, from injuries received in an accident at the locomotive sheds. Inspector Cook represented the Railway Company, and Mr Ivor Gregory attended on behalf of the A.S.L.E. and F. - Evidence of identification was given by ALFRED WATERS, father of deceased, who said he visited his son at the Hospital and he was then conscious and stated that he was at the rear of the engine putting on his lamp when the other engine caught him between the buffers. He added that the other engine was moved without any warning, no whistle being blown. He also remarked "There will be a row about this. It was the second squeeze that did it." - The Deputy Coroner: Was he hit twice? - Witness: He told me he was crushed twice. A metal tea can in his pocket was squashed flat. - Was anyone else present when this conversation took place? - Yes, his wife. - FLORENCE ANNIE WATERS, widow, said she saw her husband at the Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He was in great pain, but conscious. Witness then went on to relate the conversation which took place between them, corroborating the evidence given by the previous witness. Her husband was quite definite that no whistle was sounded when the other engine was moved. He passed away at 7.15 on Wednesday evening. - Dr Walter Patey said he was called to the Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning to see deceased. He found him suffering from abdominal injuries and shock, and his condition was hopeless from the first. The internal injuries were very extensive and were such as might have been caused through his being crushed between the buffers of the engines. - Walter Cecil Bewhay, engine cleaner of 25 Ellacombe-road, Torquay, said on Tuesday night he was cleaning the smoke boxes and ash pans. At the time there were two engines close together. It was necessary for him to move his engine on to the inspection pit. He looked round before moving the engine and walked round it, but there was nobody about at the time. He then got on the engine, took off the handbrake on the tender, blew the whistle and also shouted a warning, "Look out, 5396." Two men were coming on duty to work the engine which he was cleaning and they heard the whistle. After giving the warning witness commenced to move the engine slowly. It was possible that deceased did not hear the whistle, because he came from the shed, having been there to report on duty. He must have come towards the engine with his lamps and was caught on the fireman's side of the engine by the buffers of the tender. Shunting operations were going on at the time and there was also a lot of steam escaping which would make it more difficult for the whistle to be heard. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said it was necessary for him to move the engine a matter of eight feet to get it over the inspection pit. The engine was just moving when Driver Willott came on the footplate. Before they reached the other engine a shed labourer saw a man between the buffers and shouted "Whoa; go ahead." Driver Willott reversed the lever and witness opened the regulator to go ahead. Deceased was then released from his position. The buffers of the engines did not actually meet. Deceased could have hung up the lamp easier from the side of the engine. There was no need to get in front of a buffer in order to put the lamp on, and, in fact, it was against regulations. If deceased had been in his right position no accident would have occurred. - Answering the Foreman, witness said he did not see deceased, or anybody else when he looked about. It was not usual for cleaners to move engines, but they did so to get on with the work. - Mr Gregory: Did you walk round the engine, which you were likely to touch, when moving? - No. - What regulation did deceased break? - A regulation that men shall not stand between the buffers. - Will you be surprised to hear that there is no such regulation? - I have always been told that there is. - Witness was then asked to read a regulation which was posted in the shed and under which only certain employees were allowed to move an engine. He admitted that cleaners were not allowed to move engines, and on this occasion he was not specially authorised to do so, but he wanted to get on with the work. - You knew you were breaking a regulation? - I was ignorant of the fact. - You knew what the deceased ought to have been doing, but you did not know your own regulations? - We have to get the work done. This regulation is broken every day. - Didn't the driver jump on the engine just as you started moving it? - Yes. - Why did you move it without being specially authorised to do so? - To get on with the work. - Mr Gregory remarked that copies of the regulation had been specially posted in the sheds, and had been supplemented by a special instruction because the regulation had been continually broken. - Inspector Cook said witness had done 200 turns of duty as a fireman, and, apparently, supposed that in that capacity he would be allowed to move the engine. - The Foreman: Is he perfectly capable of moving an engine? - Yes. - Sidney Blackler, shed labourer, of The Grove, Newton Abbot, said about 11.35 he went into the shed and when he came outside the first thing he saw was the deceased in between the buffers., He shouted to the engine 5396 to go ahead. Witness did not hear any whistle sounded. At the time he must have been in the shed. - Sidney Harold Palmer, fireman of 32 Bushel-road, stated that as he was coming towards the engines he heard the whistle sounded. He subsequently heard someone shout "Go ahead," and then saw that deceased had been caught. The cleaner had plenty of time in which to get the engine ready, and it was not a matter of urgency to move it. The engine could not have been moved more carefully. - In reply to Inspector Hannaford, witness said he passed close to the engines but did not see deceased. - William Willott, engine driver, of Fisher-road, Newton Abbot, said he heard the whistle. He reached the engine just as it commenced to move and jumped on to the footplate. Shortly afterwards he heard someone shout "Go ahead" and he reversed the engine and went forward. The engine was moved in a proper way. If it had been moved in a careless way witness would have taken charge of it. - The Coroner: Your opinion is that the accident would have happened just the same if someone else had been moving the engine? - Yes. - Evidence was also given by Joseph Henry Odone, locomotive foreman, who said if he had seen Bewhay moving the engine he would not have reported the matter, because he considered him capable of doing it. Answering Mr A. W. Wareham (a Juryman), witness said deceased was a conscientious fireman and a man whose whole mind was on his job. Witness believed that on the occasion of the accident deceased was so concentrated on his work that he was not thinking of anything else. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a case in which their deepest sympathy went out to the widow and other relatives. He believed the Jury would agree it was perfectly clear Bewhay sounded the whistle, because several witnesses heard it. It was probable deceased did not hear it. Apparently Bewhay was not authorised to move the engine, but he did it with the best of intentions and appeared to take all the usual precautions. - After a short retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Gas Poisoning. Retired Naval Officer's Death. Heavitree Inquest. - A verdict that deceased took his life while temporarily insane was recorded at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday, conducted by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, concerning the death of ALFRED LEFEVRE, of 2 Crosspark-terrace, Heavitree. - MRS GWENDOLINE MAY VINCENT, who identified the body as that of her father, said he was a retired naval officer, and had suffered pain from heart trouble. On Thursday witness went to bed about 10 o'clock. Her mother called her and said she smelt gas. Witness went downstairs and found her father lying on the floor in the kitchen with a piece of rubber tubing in his mouth and a cloth over his head. She noticed he had lately been distressed over his illness and was depressed when he had his heart spasms. - Mr Tom Castle, a neighbour, and P.C. Carpenter having given formal evidence, Dr Hipwell said he had attended deceased for some years and latterly for heart trouble. He was not depressed more than the average man who was very ill. He was frightened by the pain. Witness saw deceased on Thursday morning, and he came to the conclusion he would not live long. Deceased died of Gas Poisoning.

Western Times, Friday 14 October 1927


IPPLEPEN - Ipplepen Woman's Suicide. Cut Her Throat In Front Of Looking Glass. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest at Ipplepen, Tuesday, on MRS DOROTHY MAY CHILDS, aged 29, of Blackstone, Ipplepen, who was found in a bedroom of her home on Saturday with her throat cut. - SAMUEL GEORGE CHILDS, husband of deceased, a builder, stated that his wife rose earlier from bed than usual, and when he mentioned it she said, "I know I have done wrong, SAM. I am suffering from all my troubles." Witness had fetched his bicycle to proceed to his work, when he heard screams and returned to the house, where he was told his wife had cut her throat. He found she had done this in front of a looking glass in a bedroom and a doctor was summoned. - In reply to Mr E Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, witness stated his wife had been ill several months. - Dr A. L. M. Sealy said death was due to shock and loss of blood.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 October 1927
TOPSHAM - Topsham Fatality. Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, at an Inquest at Topsham on Saturday on JOHN MCCONNELL, cook of the steamer Isabella, who was found drowned the previous morning in Messrs. Heywood's dock at Topsham. - William Lewis, master of the Isabella, who gave evidence of identification, said deceased was not used to a seafaring life, but had been with witness since July 22nd, and had previously been on another vessel, which got lost. He was 32 years of age and married, but living apart from his wife. He enjoyed good health and, as far as witness knew, had no troubles. Had there been any noise that evening witness would have heard it, as he did not go to sleep until midnight. - William George Bradley, of Crewe, an able seaman, belonging to the Isabella, said he spent Thursday evening with deceased in a public-house in Topsham, and left him quite sober at 10.20 p.m. On returning to the ship witness found the ladder which was used for boarding the vessel leaning against the rail in a slanting position, so that he had to shift it before he could get aboard. When the crew went ashore it was usual to place the ladder on the quay, and as it was propped against the ship witness assumed that MCCONNELL had already used it to return to the vessel, and left it for witness to get aboard. Witness did not see him in the forecastle, but had no suspicion that he was missing until the following morning. Deceased was able to swim. - Cecil Thomas Turner, of Topsham, mate of the Isabella, who was with Bradley and deceased on Thursday evening, said he first heard of MCCONNELL'S disappearance from Bradley the following morning. Soon after he was told that deceased's hat had been found in the dock and later he recovered the body from the water. Witness identified a shoe, the sole of which was badly split, which was found on the body, as that which was always worn by deceased, although witness had never noticed that it was broken. - P,.C. Wheeler, of Topsham, said he walked to the dock gates with deceased on Thursday evening after the three men parted company. After leaving him at the dock gates witness noticed that deceased did not walk near the edge of the dock in going to the ship. He was quite sober and witness saw nothing unusual with him. - Dr R. C. Worsley, of Topsham, attributed death to drowning. The body bore no marks of violence and had evidently been some hours in the water when found. - The Deputy Coroner said he attributed a good deal of importance to the position in which the ladder was found by Bradley. Probably the ladder slipped while deceased was mounting it, and caused him to fall into the water. It was possible also that the boot had hitched in a rung and made him fall.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 October 1927
TAVISTOCK - Motorist's Death. Sequel To Collision Near Horrabridge. Jury's Verdict. - An adjourned Inquest was held by the Tavistock District Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, concerning the death of JACK JOHN JONES, 27, builder's assistant, of 54 Llanhydrock-road, Plymouth, who died at Tavistock Hospital from injuries received when his motor cycle (on which riding as pillion was William Thomas Dowson, of 12 Old Town-street, Plymouth) collided with a motor car at Harwood, near Horrabridge, on October 9th. Dr C. S. Anderson, the driver of the car, was represented by Mr Maybourne Pearce (Plymouth). Mr David Foot Nash (Plymouth) appeared for the relatives and P.S. Lake represented the Police. - Dr Charles Spencer Anderson said after the accident he attended deceased, who had injuries on the left side of the skull and a small scalp wound. There were other injuries, in the form of broken limbs. Deceased died the next morning as a result of cerebral haemorrhage. There was a small fracture of the skull. On the Sunday witness was travelling on his rounds near Yelverton, about 10.30 a.m., accompanied in his car by Sister Mitchell, of the Tavistock Hospital. He estimated his speed, at 20 miles an hour, and his car was on the left of the road, which appeared clear. He heard a noise, and found that his emergency case - a tin box - had fallen over. Witness did not bend down, but lowered his head. Immediately afterwards he heard an appalling noise and the next moment seemed to be almost on top of another car. He did not see what had hit him, nor did he see a motor cycle. Witness did not know his exact position in the road, but thought he was on his left side. He struck the car on its off side and back and his car came to a standstill a little distance beyond the point of impact,. He was unable to see the relative position of the other machine. On getting out of his car he was surprised to see a motor cycle and two men stretched on the ground beyond it. He had been driving a car for six or seven years and had had one accident before. He often covered 500 miles a week and sometimes more. - Answering Mr Nash, witness denied that he was on his wrong side before he looked down. Witness immediately applied his footbrake, although he admitted travelling 50 ft. until the car was stopped by the wheel hitting the hedge. He did not hit it with much force. He did not agree that the accident was caused by his looking away. Replying to Mr Nash's suggestion that it was imprudent to look away for a few seconds, witness said it was done by all motorists. The road was very wide, and he considered it would be safe to drive in the middle. He did not remember saying to Mr Occleshaw, "I would rather anything should have happened than this." - Replying to Mr Pearce, witness said after hearing the noise which caused him to look down he could not get the car to turn to the left. - Answering the Foreman, witness denied that he had tried to cut the corner. - Evidence was given by Edith Mitchell, a nurse at the Tavistock Hospital, who accompanied the last witness. - Thomas Occleshaw, of 3 Yeoman's-terrace, St Budeaux, spoke to going from Plymouth to Tavistock in a Morris-Oxford car. There was room for the motor-cycle to pass the car, but the car ran into the motor-cycle, striking it on the side. Witness next felt a bump himself and his car ended up in front of the motor-cycle on the left of the road. The car and the motor-cycle appeared to be going at normal speeds. Witness asked Dr Anderson, "Whatever made you come across the road?" The motor-cyclist was hugging the hedge and witness was quite close in. What attracted witness's attention to Dr Anderson's car was the fact that the wheels were "looking" towards the motor-cycle and the care was rather towards the wrong side of the road. - Sidney Occleshaw, son of the previous witness, gave evidence, and, in reply to the Coroner, said that had Dr Anderson straightened his steering wheel there would have been no collision. - Wisdom Smith, a licensed hawker, having given evidence, - William Thomas Dowson, the pillion rider, whose depositions were taken at the Tavistock Hospital, said the motor cycle had just passed a car when the accident happened. They had been drawing over to their own side when he had a momentary vision of a car right on top of them. It was impossible for him to place any blame. - Evidence was also given by P.C. White (Horrabridge) and Ernest Hobart Gain, motor engineer, of Tavistock. - The Jury, after an absence of three-quarters of an hour, found that deceased met his death by collision with Dr Anderson's car, Dr Anderson's attention being momentarily distracted by his emergency case falling off on to the floor of his car, and that there was no culpable negligence on the part of the doctor. In their opinion the accident would not have occurred but for the bend in the road and suggested that some mark of the danger should be exhibited. - The Jury, Coroner, Mr Pearce (for Dr Anderson) and Police expressed sympathy with the relatives, and the Coroner wished it publicly known that he appreciated the services of Police Sergt. Lake and P.C. White in the matter. - The hearing lasted six and a half hours.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 October 1927
ALPHINGTON - Teeth Clue. Identification Of Exeter Dyke Victim. Totnes Samaritan - A remarkable story of how a Totnes man, after befriending a down-and-out stranger, learned that his own father and the father of the man he had helped were old friends and business associates in Birmingham, came out during the Inquest at the Double Locks Hotel, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, concerning the death of the man found drowned in 3 ft. of water in a dyke adjoining the Canal, between Double Locks and Countess Wear, on Saturday morning. Although the body was too decomposed to be recognisable, gold fillings in some of the teeth were identified by two witnesses as similar to those of JAMES ARTHUR FISHER, a signwriter, aged 37, of no fixed abode, but a native of Birmingham. The Inquest was conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, and the Police were represented by P.S. Ridd (Alphington) and P.C. Willis (Exminster), the latter of whom removed the body from the dyke. - Medical evidence was given by Dr L. P. Black of St Thomas, who said the body, which had apparently been in the water less than a week, bore no marks of violence, but had the appearance of an ordinary case of drowning. - Harold William Doody, no occupation, of Dawn, Dartington, Totnes, said that although the body was unrecognisable, the teeth were similar to those of JAMES ARTHUR FISHER, whom witness found walking in an extremely weak state across the road at Dartmouth last December and looked after him until about April. "When I saw him," said witness, "I spoke to him out of sympathy. I asked him where he came from and where he was going. He said he had come from Birmingham and was walking to Plymouth to get a job as a lithographic artist. I took him in and maintained him. Until April he was totally unfit for work." Witness noticed that FISHER had three gold-filled top teeth, two of which he could identify in the mouth of deceased. Those teeth, remarked witness, were filled by the Army authorities after the man's discharge, since when he had been, accordingly to his own story, in several hospitals. Upon leaving witness's house, FISHER walked to Plymouth, where he was admitted to Hospital on witness's recommendation. About eight or ten weeks later FISHER called upon witness and said he was going back to Birmingham. Witness's sister saw him at Kingsteignton a few days later and witness and his wife had the impression that they saw him while driving through Buckfastleigh last Saturday week. During the time FISHER was with witness he made no mention of a wife, but often spoke of his sister, who lived at Birmingham, and was married to a man whom he called Leonard. - "We were both Birmingham men," added witness, explaining his interest in FISHER, "and both our fathers were jewellers; in fact, our fathers were friends." - "A Roaming Life." - Leonard Pennery, labourer, of Birmingham, expressed a "slight opinion" - based upon a similarity of teeth, nose and forehead - that the body was that of his brother-in-law, a signwriter, named JAMES ARTHUR FISHER. He was 37 and as far as he knew unmarried. Since the age of 16 he led a roaming life, which he resumed upon leaving the Army. He often went to Plymouth, and when he last visited his (witness's) house, about seven weeks ago, said he was going on there. A photograph found among the effects left by FISHER at Totnes was identified by witness as being that of his wife. - P.C. Willis produced articles found on the body, including a Common Prayer Book, mental wristlet watch and leather wallet. None of these was identified by either of the witnesses. - Returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Deputy Coroner pointed out that there was no evidence as to how he came into the water. With regard to identification the case presented some difficulty, but he had very little doubt that the body was that of JAMES ARTHUR FISHER. Mr Doody was very emphatic that it was the body of the man who stayed with him and there was no doubt that that man was Mr Pennery's brother-in-law. Mr Stephens commented on the help given by Mr Doody to FISHER. "One does not often hear," he said, "of one man befriending another as Mr Doody has done." Mr Doody has also taken the trouble to come to Exeter to identify the body. - Further appreciation of Mr Doody's conduct was expressed by Mr Pennery and by P.S. Ridd, who also thanked the Press for its assistance by circulating information and Mr Heywood, who was the first person to come forward with identification.

LAUNCESTON, CORNWALL - Cyclist's Death. Sequel To A Collision Near Launceston. Inquest Adjourned. - Sitting with a Jury, DR W. F. Thompson, County Coroner, held an Inquiry, at Launceston, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of LEWIS HENRY FRY, aged 25, farm labourer, of West Panson, St Giles on the Heath. He was riding a push bicycle on Saturday night at a point just above the bend leading towards Dutson-hill and came into collision with John Rendell, aged 65, of New Inn Gardens, Holsworthy, employed by Mrs Neale, Kelly, Lifton, who was either walking along or lying in the road. FRY, who sustained such injuries that he died in Launceston Hospital, on Sunday night, was accompanied by two other cyclists - his brother, SAMUEL GEORGE FRY and Albert Gredicott - but as he was ahead of them and out of sight round the bend, neither could throw any light on the cause of the accident. Rendell also sustained some injuries, and in view of the importance of his evidence the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until he is able to attend. - Another reason for adjournment was provided by the fact that evidence was elicited that just before FRY came to Rendell, the latter must have been passed by a motor car, as a few minutes before the cyclists reached the scene of the accident they and some pedestrians met a motor car going towards Launceston, and the Jury suggested the driver of this car might be able to give useful evidence. The Police would be glad if the driver of the car, described as grey in colour, with a hood, but number unknown, would come forward and give what information he can on the matter. - After some evidence had been taken the Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday, November 8th.

ASHWATER - Ashwater Inquest. Okehampton Lady's Death. - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner for Okehampton district, held an Inquest yesterday at Ashmill, Ashwater, concerning the death of MISS EMILY TREBLE, 55, of 10 New-road, Okehampton, who died on Sunday morning. Deceased had been staying with Miss Annie Fry at Ashmill since the 11th inst., and on Saturday morning was preparing to return to Okehampton when Miss Fry heard a noise at the foot of the stairs. On going there she found deceased lying on the floor. She said she felt giddy and had fallen. - Dr Routh said there were severe bruises at the back of the head such as might have been sustained by falling down the stairs. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 October 1927
EXMOUTH - "Impossible." Aged Exmouth Resident's Tragic Decision. Illness & Bereavement. - A note stating that owing to his great suffering life had become impossible was read at an Exmouth Inquest yesterday on MR JOHN BROOKS, aged 81, who was found in the gas-filled scullery of his house, 112 St Andrew's-road, Exmouth, on Tuesday evening. The Coroner, Mr Cyril N. Tweed, commented that illness and bereavement had evidently preyed upon the mind of deceased, but he had appeared normal, and no greater care could have been taken by the relatives. Deceased, who was formerly for many years Hon. Secretary of the Exmouth Conservative Club, and during the war gave great assistance in supplying parcels t British soldiers in German prison camps, was of a genial and kindly disposition, and literally beloved by all who knew him. His breakdown in health had been a cause of much distress to his many friends and he experienced the deepest grief at the death of his wife about a month ago, since when he had been living with his son, MR JOHN E. BROOKS of 49 Rolle-street. The Inquest was conducted without a Jury. - JOHN E. BROOKS said that on Tuesday morning his father could not sit up in bed and complained of great pain with sciatica. He had been about the previous day. On returning home in the afternoon witness learned his father had gone out, saying he would not return for his midday meal. Witness then drove to Exeter, and on again returning at 6 p.m. and finding his father was still absent went to deceased's house, 112 St Andrew's-road, where his father went almost every day. On arrival there witness found the front door closed, but unlocked and the inner door locked, with the key on the inside. Getting no reply to his knocks, witness entered the house by the front window and saw a pencilled note, "Gas; don't light match," lying on the table. Witness went quickly through the rooms and entered the scullery, where there was an over-powering smell of gas. It was dark and witness almost stumbled over the body of deceased. Dr Thomas was sent for, but deceased showed no sign of life when witness tried to revive him, and Dr Thomas, on his arrival, pronounced life extinct. Another note was afterwards found on the kitchen dresser close to the scullery door and, in view of deceased's physical difficulty in writing, it probably took him an hour to write. Deceased lost his wife about a month ago and also suffered severely from a complaint which he realised would probably prove fatal within a short time. He had not the slightest financial worry. He had never made the faintest suggestion that he would take his life, but had intimated he would welcome release from his sufferings. Deceased was 81 years of age and a retired engineer. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said there was nothing unusual in deceased's absence on Tuesday, as he often went out with friends. Witness merely went to 112 St Andrew's-road, to pick him up in the car and save him the trouble of walking to witness's home, not because he was at all apprehensive. - Ida Rendell, domestic servant in the employ of the last witness, said deceased left 49 Rolle-street, at about 12.30 on Tuesday, saying he would not be back for luncheon. He was, apparently, in his ordinary condition and witness had not noticed that he had been depressed. - Dr R. S. Thomas stated the cause of death was coal-gas poisoning. Deceased might have been dead an hour when found. He was a great sufferer and was very depressed during his wife's illness. They were a very devoted couple. - The Coroner recorded a verdict that deceased took his life while of Unsound Mind and commented that MR J. E. BROOKS did everything possible and no greater care could have been taken of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 October 1927
EXETER - Motor Horn Noise. Boy's Story At Exeter Inquest On Nonagenarian. Accidental Death. - An Inquest was held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, concerning the death of WILLIAM WOTTON, aged 91, a retired gardener, of 32 Cleveland-street, St Thomas, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday. - A nine-year-old boy, Gordon Lovett, of Clarence-road, St Thomas, said on Wednesday, October 17th, he was selling tickets in Drake's-road, St Thomas, and asked deceased to buy one. As the "old gent" did not answer, witness made "a noise like a motor horn." Deceased swung round, apparently to hit the boy and caught his stick in a gulley which ran across the pavement. He fell down, and witness, with the help of someone who came along, assisted deceased into a baker's cart and he was taken to the Hospital. On the way deceased said, "These boys always interfere with me when I pass." - Death was attributed to heart failure following a fractured thigh sustained by the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 October 1927
EGGESFORD - Youth's Death. Eggesford Discovery. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens conducted an Inquest on Saturday concerning the death of WILLIAM JOHN BOARD, aged 18, son of MR W. BOARD, of The Lodge, Eggesford. The father said deceased had suffered from epileptic fits since he was 18 months old. On Friday morning, in consequence of what another son told him, he went into the bedroom which adjoining his and found his son dead, with his face in the pillow. - CLIFFORD BOARD, aged 12, who slept in the same room said when he got up about 7.30 a.m. he thought his brother was asleep. At 9 o'clock he went to call him, and found he was still and cold with his face buried in the pillow. - Dr W. H. Bush, of Chulmleigh, said he had formed the opinion that during the night deceased had had a fit and passing into semi-comatose sleep became suffocated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 November 1927
EXETER - Cyclist's Death. Curious Accident On The Topsham-road. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, on WILLIAM JOHN CRAWFORD, 38, of 6 George's-square, Stepcote-hill, Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday as the result of a collision with a motor-car while cycling along Topsham-road on the previous Monday. Mr F. P. Cottey appeared for Col. Richard Elles, the driver of the car, and the relatives of deceased were represented by Mr R. J. McGahey. - SIDNEY JAMES CRAWFORD, a soldier in the R.A.M.C., stationed at Woolwich, brother of deceased, gave evidence of identification. Deceased, he said, was a labourer in the employ of the Exeter Gas Company and had good sight and hearing. - Thomas Burnett, of 11 Artisans'-dwellings, Cowick-street, employed by the Gas Company in work proceeding on the Topsham-road, said that yesterday week he was coming home from work, having left at about 5.30 p.m., with a man named Gurling, when they had a lift in a car towards Exeter. The car had lights, and when near the entrance to Topsham Barracks witness saw a man on a bicycle not far ahead of the car. Witness had no time to raise an alarm before the car hit him. The car was travelling at 15 miles per hour on the left-hand side of the road. It was a fairly dark night and witness did not think there was a rear light on the cycle. One was not found after the accident. By the Foreman: Witness was in the rear seat of the car. - "Almost On Top." - Bert Brown, of 1 Brewer's-cottages, Cowick-street, also employed by the Gas Company, said he also had a lift in the car, and sat in front. At Topsham Barracks the car was going at 15 to 20 miles per hour. It had two side-lamps lighted. When opposite the entrance to the barracks witness saw the cyclist ahead. They were then "almost on top of him." The car was pulled up within a few yards. By a Juryman: It was not possible to see far with the lamps on the car, as they were only sidelights. - By Mr McGahey: A couple of cars, one with very bright lights, passed in the opposite direction. - By Mr Cottey: The driver of the car only spoke to witness once, and they were not talking at the time of the accident. The driver pulled up immediately. - William Gurling, of St Thomas's, an employee of the Gas Company, who also was in the car, said he did not see the cyclist before he was struck. The car was going at a reasonable pace. It was not lighting-up time, the accident occurring at about 5.40 p.m. By Mr McGahey: The car was stopped opposite the entrance to the barracks. By Mr Cottey: He did not notice the lamp lighted at the corner of Barrack-lane. - Lieut. J.B. Hobbs said he was motoring from Exeter to Topsham Barracks. He had headlights on and as he turned into the Barracks entrance he head brakes applied rather violently. He got out, and found a car stopped with a man on the ground underneath it. He did not see the cyclist previous to this. - P.S. Annett said that, in response to a telephone message at 5.44 p.m. he went to the scene of the accident with the ambulance. Deceased was sitting beside the road in a semi-conscious condition. The accident occurred opposite the gates of the Barracks and the car was pulled up four feet from the side of the road. Both electric side-lamps were burning, and a spot-light. The road was 33 ½ feet wide. At the rear of the car he measured a mark resembling a skid 23 feet in length. It showed the car had kept three feet from the side of the road for that distance. Four feet immediately in front of the car was a pool of blood, this being apparently the point of impact,. Witness spoke to the driver, who explained that he didn't see the man until he was two or three feet from him. He had no chance to pull up or avoid him in any way, although he jammed on his foot brake. He was travelling at 15 to 18 miles per hour, not more. There was a light at the corner of Barrack-lane. By a Juryman: There was no lamp on the bicycle or near it. He should think the car hit the cycle fair and square in the back judging by the damage. By Mr McGahey: The pool of blood was about six or seven feet from the side of the road. - Driver's Evidence. - Arthur Warre Elles, of Alverstoke, Gosport, now staying at Baring-crescent, Exeter, a retired Colonel, said he was driving a Standard car from Topsham. He put his lights on early on the way to Topsham. He first saw deceased at about a couple of yards in front of the bonnet. It was quite impossible to do anything. He put his foot-brake on hard. The car pulled up all right, the brakes having been over-hauled a few days before. He should estimate his speed at 18 miles per hour at the outside. The side-lights and spot-light of the car were burning. By Mr McGahey: He did not explain the accident through being dazzled. He was keeping a good look-out all the time. He was a very careful driver. The spot-light shone for about 15 yards ahead. Mr McGahey: Why didn't you see this man? - Witness: There is a certain amount of the road lit up at the crossing of the lights, and if by chance one's eyes happens to be off, looking say, at the spot-light a person or thing in the road might get nearer the car than the crossing of the lights, and possibly not be picked up. - The only explanation is, then, that this man came in the "blind" spot between your lights. Isn't the explanation that you were looking at the side of the road and not the front? - I don't think so. I may have been looking to the left when this man came within the lights. I didn't see anything on the road. According to the evidence of the man beside me he didn't either and he had nothing else to do. - Dr Maneschewitz said deceased had a fracture at the base of the skull. There was also a clot of blood within the skull pressing on the brain, as well as haemorrhage in the brain. - Col. Elles, recalled, said his eyesight was good. - The Deputy Coroner, in his summing up, said it was a mystery why lights did not show up more at times and why Col. Elles did not see the man. - After a brief consultation the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased. Mr F. P. Cottey associated himself with the remarks on behalf of Col. Elles. The Foreman of the Jury added that, in view of the fact that Col. Elles picked up workmen, he was not travelling at any great speed.

Western Times, Friday 4 November 1927


TOPSHAM - An Old Man's Tragic Death At Topsham. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict given at an Inquest held Wednesday afternoon at Topsham by the Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, touching the death of MR JAMES BAKER, aged 77, of High-street, Topsham, who was found hanging on Monday afternoon. - ELIZABETH BAKER, wife, said deceased had been a great sufferer from rheumatism, and on Monday morning seemed depressed and worried.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 November 1927
EXMINSTER - Patient's Death. Exminster Inquest. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was recorded at an Inquest conducted at the Devon Mental Hospital, Exminster, yesterday, by Mr G. H. Stephens, concerning the death of BEATRICE ELLEN LANGDON, who died there the previous day. - Robert Augustus Greenwood Penny, Assistant Medical Officer of the Devon Mental Hospital, said deceased, who was a spinster, aged 23, was admitted in May, 1924 from the St Thomas's Union. She suffered from epileptic fits and had the last previous to the night she died. Witness found deceased suffered from a very fatty heart and the muscle was thin. He did not think she died from suffocation, but in a fit. - Florence Tatum said she found deceased lying with her face buried in a pillow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 7 November 1927
OKEHAMPTON - Quarry Accident. Fatal Sticklepath Case. - At Okehampton Town Hall, Mr H. C. Brown, District Coroner, with a Jury, opened the Inquiry into the death of SAMUEL JOHN MORTIMORE, aged 26, a quarryman of No. 4 Council Cottages, Southtawton, who died at the Okehampton Cottage Hospital, on Thursday afternoon, following an accident to him on the 22nd ult., while working at Hayes Tor Quarry, Sticklepath. After evidence of identity had been taken, the Inquest was adjourned until Thursday, at the Town Hall, Okehampton, at 5.30, to afford an opportunity to the Inspector of Mines to attend if he so desires.

Western Times, Friday 11 November 1927


UGBOROUGH - Tragedy Of The Moor. Youth's Poignant Story At The Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held by Mr T. Edwards, the Totnes Coroner, at Ugborough, Friday, on the seven-year-old boy, IVOR GORDON THOMPSON, who was found dead on the moor on Thursday morning, after having been missing for forty-eight hours. - Russell Heath, aged sixteen years, who lives with his parents at Ugborough, said after breakfast he went on the moor with deceased to play football. They lost the ball, but eventually found it. The fog came on worse and they walked towards the river. Later they realised they had lost their way. They tried to get back to the cottage, but they had been going in the opposite direction. They walked on and on, but could see nothing of the cottage. They were walking all day and witness carried deceased, the boy complaining of being tired. They crossed a little stream, witness helping THOMPSON over. Proceeding on their way, they came to Brend Rock, which IVOR knew. After crossing the stream witness at times carried the boy, the distance between the stream and the rock being about two miles. Witness said he knew nothing about the moor. Evening came. They walked on and on until they came to a little rock. The little boy said, "We will lie down and sleep." Witness stated that he took off his coat, under which they slept. IVOR fell asleep first. In the morning, when witness woke up, little IVOR was not near and the coat was by the side of witness, who got up and shouted through the fog, but got no reply. He searched around for very nearly an hour. - The Coroner in returning the verdict, said death was evidently due to Exposure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 November 1927
EXETER - Alphington Man's Death. - The Inquest concerning the death of SAMUEL TOWELL, aged 62, of Alphington, was opened at Exeter Court House yesterday, and adjourned until next Wednesday afternoon. Deceased, a platelayer in the employ of the Great Western Railway, was struck by a motor train outside St Thomas Station when waiting for an express train to pass, and sustained injuries to the head. He was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he succumbed yesterday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 November 1927
TAVISTOCK - Rail Fatality. Tavistock Ganger Hurled Over Embankment. Lapse Of Memory. - A shocking fatality occurred near Tavistock yesterday morning, when JAMES ROACH, 50 years, a Southern Railway ganger, of Tavistock, was knocked down by a passenger train at Shillamill Bridge, falling headlong over the embankment into the road beneath. - Mr E. W. Chilcott, Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest last evening. - John Saunders, engine driver, Edwin James Thomas (fireman), and Frederick Horwell (traffic inspector), who were on the engine at the time, stated that the morning was very foggy and that deceased came into view five or six yards ahead, and was standing sideways at the time. There was single-way working at the time owing to repairs on the other line. - Albert John Oliver, permanent way inspector, said he had told deceased on the previous day that there would be single-line working for four hours. - Dr F. W. A. Watt, of Tavistock, described terrible injuries to the chest, side, abdomen and hips. The injuries to the chest were alone sufficient to have caused death, which he considered must have been instantaneous. - P.S. Lake said a notice board by the side of the line was broken in two, and a portion found in the hedge beneath. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death through coming in contact with the engine." They wee of opinion deceased had momentarily forgotten the train was working on the other set of metals. They expressed sympathy with the relatives. Other expressions of sympathy were voiced by the Coroner, P. S. Lake and Detective A. Newberry (Okehampton), who watched the proceedings for the Railway Company. - The Jury and railway witnesses directed that their fees be handed to the family of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 November 1927
EXETER - An adjourned Inquest at Exeter yesterday on SAMUEL TOWELL, aged 62, platelayer, of Burts' Cottage, Alphington, who died on November 11th as a result of injuries received while working on the Great Western Railway near St Thomas's Station, Exeter, on November 9th, resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death." James Isaac Floyd, 79 Regent-street, platelayer, who was standing on the platform of a neighbouring signal box, said deceased was in a place of safety, but, just as the train reached him, he turned round in a stooping position to blow his nose, and the motor struck him on the side of the head. Medical evidence showed deceased had a fracture of the base of the skull.

Western Times, Friday 18 November 1927


TIVERTON - Culmstock Man's Death. Cyclist Found Lying Unconscious On Main Road. - "it seems almost a case of culpable negligence" remarked the Foreman of the Jury, (Mr T. Kirk) at an Inquest conducted at Tiverton last evening by the Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, on JAMES SHEPHERD, aged 37, quarryman, of Prescott, Culmstock, who was found lying in the road by his bicycle early on Monday morning and died in Tiverton Hospital on Tuesday night. - Evidence showed that deceased was discovered unconscious by Mrs Mary Anne Brabham of Burlescombe, at 11.45 p.m. on Sunday, and deceased was not taken to the Hospital until 11 a.m. on Monday. - Edmund Coombes, quarryman, Southdown Cottages, Burlescombe, brother-in-law of deceased, said that on being awakened by Mrs Brabham about 1 a.m., deceased was found lying across the road on his back with dry blood on his face, unconscious. W witness sent for a motor-car and took deceased to his lodgings, three-quarters of a mile away. - Mrs Wright, of Prescott, Culmstock, with whom deceased had been lodging for about 15 months, said that when deceased was brought home he smelt strongly of cider. She did not think he could stand cider very well and he had promised to give it up. - William Henry Bowering, landlord of the Lamb Inn, Uffculme, said deceased came to the Inn on Sunday at 7.15 p.m., had three pints of cider and left at 9.55 p.m., perfectly sober. - Wilfred Albert Busby, House Surgeon at Tiverton Hospital, said deceased was admitted at 11 a.m. on Monday. His death was due to concussion, caused by a head injury, which was probably a fractured skull. - Mr T. Kirk, Foreman of the Jury: If he had had immediate attention, would the result have been different? - It is just possible, but I do not think it is likely. - Mr Kirk: There was a long time between the accident and the time he received attention. It seems almost a case of culpable negligence. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Skidding Lorry Causes Newton Man's Death On Torquay Road. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot, on Wednesday, on FREDERICK G. DORE, aged 57, labourer, of Bushell-road, Broadlands, Newton Abbot, who died in the local Hospital on Tuesday. - Deceased was injured on Saturday when a motor lorry containing workmen, over-turned on the Totnes-Newton Abbot main road, and five occupants were taken to the local Hospital. - Deceased and a fellow workman named T. Osborne, Exeter-road, Newton Abbot, who fractured several ribs, were the only ones detained. Deceased was employed by Mr R. E. Narracott, builder, of Torquay. - Brice Rundle, Daison Heights, Torquay, stated that on Saturday, with other employees of Mr Narracott, he was engaged in work at Abbotskerswell. A few minutes after 12 o'clock, witness, sitting with the driver, left with nine or ten men in the lorry. The road was greasy and the accident occurred at the four cross roads on the Totnes-Newton Abbot main road, just outside the Newton Abbot Cemetery. - The lorry was on the left hand side following a cyclist, and as it approached the cross roads the cyclist was almost in the middle of the road and he gradually pulled in to his left hand side. As the lorry got abreast of him his front wheel seemed to turn on the road and with the same the lorry driver pulled out to the right. The lorry wheels skidded, the vehicle shot across the road to the left and turned over. The front of the lorry was about three or four feet from the left hand hedge. All the men in the back of the lorry were thrown out, and when witness ran round they were all on top of each other, several of them being injured. Deceased was lying in the road at the tail end of the vehicle. He appeared to be very injured and three or four of the men were bleeding badly. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner: Did you see anything of the cyclist? - He put his cycle alongside the hedge. I said something about getting help and I did not see him after. - Was there, in your opinion, anything that the cyclist did that he ought not to have done? - I should not say so. - Witness added that the lorry was being driven in a careful way. - The driver of the lorry, Charles William Brooks, Higher Union-lane, Torquay, corroborated, and said that had he let the wheel of the lorry go the way it was skidding the vehicle would have gone into the Cemetery wall. - Victor A. Palmer, Rose Cottage, Abbotskerswell, said he was wheeling a cycle when the cyclist and the lorry passed him. There was nothing in the manner in which they were proceeding to attract attention. He heard a crash and went back to the scene of the accident. The speed of the vehicle was about 12 to 15 miles an hour. - Dr Tanner stated that deceased sustained a fracture at the base of the skull and an injury to the right shoulder. - The Jury, returning the verdict, expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives, as also did the Coroner, Sergt. Smith, on behalf of the Police and Mr R. E. Narracott, employer of deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Jury Alter Verdict. Launceston Motorist Involved In Plymouth Tragedy. - The circumstances attending the death of RICHARD CHARLES CRADDOCK, aged 45 years, baker's warehouseman, of Crownhill, near Plymouth, were Enquired into by Mr J. A. Pearce and a Jury at Plymouth on Monday. CRADDOCK met his death following injuries received through being knocked down by a car driven by Mr Lynden William George Cook, draper, of Launceston. - After a retirement of half-an-hour, the Jury announced a verdict of "Manslaughter," whereupon Mr Cook fainted and had to be assisted out of the Court. - Then followed a consultation between the Foreman of the Jury and the Coroner. The Jury retired again and later brought in a verdict that "CRADDOCK met his death through the excessive speed at which the car was driven, but that there was no culpable negligence on the part of the driver." - The Coroner said he quite agreed with the second verdict of the Jury. He was quite sure the verdict of "Manslaughter" could not in any circumstances have been sustained in a higher Court. - Mr Cook said when he had passed a 'bus at Roborough he saw a large car approaching with very powerful headlights. He dimmed his lights and pulled in slightly to the left. He did not see anyone on the road, but as he was passing the other car his wife said to him "You have hit a man." That was the first he knew of it. He felt no impact and had he been by himself he would have driven on. He was not going more than 25 miles per hour. He got out of the car, but could see no one. He then turned his car round and his headlights revealed a man lying in the road. Witness immediately went for assistance and sent for the Police. When witness dimmed his lights, the driver of the on-coming car did not show a like courtesy. - The Coroner, after commenting on the sadness of the case, said the evidence had been in every way straightforward.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 November 1927
EXETER - Dulford Man's Death. - Mr H. Linford Brown conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, on WILLIAM THOMAS CROSS, farm labourer, of Dulford village, near Broadhembury, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. It was stated that deceased was ill for two weeks under Dr Alleyne, of Cullompton, having a large abscess on the right side of his neck. An operation was performed by the House Surgeon, but the patient died from the effects. The cause of death was given as asphyxiation while under an anaesthetic, due to the abscess pressing on the throat. A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 November 1927
UPLYME - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held yesterday by Mr C. N. Tweed at the Village Hall, Uplyme, on MARTHA JEFFORD, 64, widow, residing with her son at Belle Vue, Uplyme, who was found hanging from a post on the railway embankment near Uplyme yesterday morning. Deceased went out on Thursday afternoon, it is supposed, to meet her grandson coming home from school. She did not return and her body was found on the embankment at half-past 7 yesterday morning by Thomas William Hoare, platelayer. Dr Lumley (Lyme Regis) said he had attended deceased, who seemed to have become depressed since she lost her daughter-in-law.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 November 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Death Follows Fall. Newton Inquest Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday concerning the death of WALTER WILLIAM EDGECOMBE, aged 44, accountant, of 6 Linden-terrace. John Johnson, labourer, of Waltham-road, said about 10.45 p.m. on Thursday he found deceased lying in the road at the entrance to back of Linden-terrace. It was very dark at the spot and there was a kerb near where deceased had fallen. Witness considered the man was dead and with assistance removed him to his home. - Dr J. J. Brown said there was a bruise on deceased's forehead between the eyes, which, in his opinion, was caused by a fall. There were no other marks of violence. As the result of a post mortem examination he found there was just a crack in deceased's skull extending from the front to the back. This caused haemorrhage of the brain, from which he died. The injury could have been sustained by falling heavily after tripping, and without any outside agency. There was nothing to suggest that he had been knocked by a vehicle. - Mrs Honeywill, of Wolborough-street, said about 10 p.m. she saw deceased walking along arm-in-arm with another man and going in the direction of his home. He was walking without difficulty and did not appear to be ill. - The Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, in returning his verdict, said the evidence of the doctor appeared quite conclusive.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 November 1927
TIVERTON - The Tiverton Coroner last evening registered a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in the case of HENRY HOOPER, 57, outfitter's assistant, an inmate of the Poor-law Institution. On November 7th while getting into bed HOOPER broke one of arms, upon which he was resting. Dr Seymour said HOOPER'S bones were brittle owing to a chronic disease from which he was suffering. The fracture of his arm had nothing to do with his death, which was due to myocarditis.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 December 1927
EXETER - Road Accident. Sequel To Stoke Canon Man's Death. Inquest Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday concerning the death of HENRY ARTHUR WARREN, aged 69, of The Retreat, Stoke Canon, who was knocked down by a motor-cycle combination at Stoke Canon on November 21st. - WILLIAM HENRY WARREN, tailor, of Fore-street, Heavitree, identified the body as that of his uncle. Deceased was a mill hand at the Stoke Canon Mills. He enjoyed good health, but was very deaf. - Tredway Fry, a mason, of Brampford Speke, said he was walking to Stoke Canon Mills about 8.30 a.m. He saw deceased come from the gate of his house and walk along in front of witness on the left of the road. A motor cycle passed witness at an "ordinary pace." Witness did not hear any horn. He saw deceased cross the road in front of the cyclist. Had deceased looked back he would have seen the cyclist, who went across the road to try and avoid deceased by passing him on the right side. Witness considered if the cyclist had kept his proper course deceased would still have been knocked down. - Allan Temple Willott, of Rewe, the driver of the motor-cycle combination, who was represented by Mr T. J. W. Templeman, said he was on his correct side. The road was fairly straight and witness could see beyond the paper mills. Witness pulled out to pass deceased, and when almost level with him deceased turned and ran straight across the road. Witness considered the only thing possible was to try to clear deceased by pulling towards the right hedge, and the side-car mudguard struck the back of deceased's leg. Witness did not think his machine knocked him down, but caused him to turn and lose his balance. Deceased became unconscious and after being examined by a doctor, was conveyed to Hospital. - Dr Maneschewitz. House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted unconscious, suffering from shock, with a scalp wound and injuries to the left shoulder. He considered the injuries due to the fall, and not the knock of the machine. His general condition was good until the morning of November 30th when he showed signs of heart failure and died the same night. A post-mortem examination showed a fracture of the left side of the skull and extensive bruising of the brain. There were signs of valvular disease of the heart and congestion of the lungs. Witness considered death was due to heart failure. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy City Coroner, pointed out that it was significant that deceased was in a hurry. - The driver was exonerated from all blame. Mr Templeman expressed the sympathy of his client with deceased's widow, and the Jury added their expressions of regret.

EXETER - Plymouth Man's Death. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquest was conducted yesterday at Exeter by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy City Coroner, concerning the death of SIDNEY ERNEST DODD, aged 20, electrical engineer, of the Corn Exchange Hotel, Plymouth. MR WILLIAM DODD, of 62 Paris-street, Exeter, stated deceased was his nephew, and came to Exeter to attend the funeral of his grandfather on November 28th. Witness noticed deceased was unwell, and, on the advice of Dr Harris, he was removed to Hospital. Deceased had been unwell for a few days previously. Dr Maneschewitz, House Surgeon of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said on the 30th November the man's condition was considered practically hopeless, and an operation was performed, an abscess being found on the brain. Deceased died soon after. Witness considered death was due to the cerebral abscess. A verdict accordingly was returned.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Suicide. A Pathetic Note. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Hylands, Teignmouth, last night concerning the death of MR CAESAR CHALEEL, of independent means, who was found dead in bed on Thursday. - Mr T. Shaw (Sunderland) said deceased was an excitable and highly-strung man. He was born of Greek parents at Jaffa, but was a naturalised Englishman. - Dr H. E. Goulden said he had treated MR CHALEEL for tuberculosis of the lung. He was neurotic and suffered from insomnia. Witness last saw him on November 14th, when he told him he was going to Palestine. He was then depressed, and witness tried to cheer him up. Death was caused by asphyxiation, due to taking tablets, 10 of which would prove a fatal dose. Witness had prescribed the tablets for him for insomnia. There was also a slight cut in the leg just below the knee, but that was not sufficient to accelerate death. - Mr H. Dring, chemist, said he supplied the tablets on a prescription from Dr Goulden. At first he supplied six, but on October 24th he let deceased have 100, as he said he was going to Palestine and wanted to take some with him. The prescription was the property of the patient. - Miss Alice Dawson, who was staying at Hylands as a friend of MRS CHALEEL, said when she went to bed on Thursday night deceased was in the dining-room. She heard him about at 5 on Friday morning and later she found a letter addressed to her, which read: "5 a.m. Dear Alice, - As I could not bear it any longer I committed suicide." - P.C. Phillips stated that a letter addressed to Inspector Champion read: "I committed suicide, and you will find the papers on my dressing table." - The Coroner said he did not propose to read the letters, but would impound them. They were of a personal matter and were painful reading. - P.C. Phillips added that in the conservatory was a piece of rope attached to an iron bar by a slip-knot and underneath was a pair of steps. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 December 1927
EXETER - Fatal Fall. Inquest On Exeter Woman. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Poor-law Institution by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, on an inmate, MARY BRUNN, aged 66, who died on Sunday. - Evidence of identification was given by MARY ANN SOUTHWELL, of Grendon-road Almshouses, sister of deceased. Her sister told witness she had fallen down near the Guildhall. - Dr Pereira Gray, Medical Officer of the Institution, said he attended deceased from November 9th. She told him she had fallen, and complained of pain in her back. He found a great bruise in her back, consistent with a fall. The pain grew worse and the bruise formed into an abscess, that burst about 10 days after the fall. He considered the fall hastened her death. She had been in the Institution for the greater part of five years and had very bad health, her heart being weak. Death was due to blood poisoning from the abscess following the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 December 1927
EXETER - Echo Of The Fog. Accident To Elderly Lady Near Clyst St George. Inquest Story. - Exeter and district's heavy fog on November 25th was recalled at an Inquest yesterday at Exeter, concerning the death of MIRIAM POTTER, who was knocked down by a motor-car on that date and subsequently died in Hospital. - MRS CHARLOTTE CLARKE, widow, of Grantlands, Clyst St George, identified deceased as her sister, who was the widow of a commission agent for the Midland Railway and aged 75. She lived with witness for about two years, and enjoyed fairly good health, sight and hearing for her age. She often went out for walks alone. On November 25th deceased caught a bus to go to Topsham Station about 1.30, and so far as witness knew went to Exeter. Deceased had previously walked back from Topsham Station after dark. She was brought home in the evening, and witness was told by Mr Bragg that he had knocked her down with his car. Deceased's left leg was bleeding and she told witness she was walking in the road and thought she was by the side of the footpath. The car was going in the same direction as deceased, who did not see it, and thought it had not got very good lights. The night was very foggy. - Dr Frischman, senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted suffering from a fractured left leg, bruises on the legs and temple, and shock. The wounds were consistent with her having been knocked down by a car. She died on December 7th from heart failure due to lying in bed. Witness thought the shock from which she was suffering was due to the journey to the Hospital. The ambulance could not fetch her owing to the fog and she had to be carried to Topsham Station. - Arthur James Soper Dunham, baker, of Topsham, said he was delivering bread from a car near the scene of the accident and heard a scream. He found another car on its correct side of the road and deceased lying in front on the right of the car. She was unconscious and being attended to by Mr Bragg. There was a footpath on both sides of the road, but witness did not think deceased could have been walking near the footpath. - Frederick Charles Bragg, fruiterer, of Exmouth, said he was driving from Exeter to Exmouth in a Rover car. It was slightly foggy when he left Exeter and became worse the other side of Topsham. It was in dense patches and witness was driving slowly. There were three bends in the road at the spot in question, and witness was on the last bend. He could not see beyond a few yards and hit deceased without seeing her. Had she been another ten yards up the road witness thought he might have avoided her. The fog and bend prevented him seeing deceased, who was walking in the centre of the road. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, commented that deceased was evidently walking home from Topsham - rather a long distance for a person of 75 in the dark. - The Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" exonerated the driver from blame, and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

OTTERTON - The body found lying on the beach at Sandy Cove, Ladram Bay, between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth was that of WILLIAM HENRY PERRY, an employee of the Tiverton Roller Mills, who had been missing from his home. Evidence of identification was given by MRS ELIZA PERRY at the Inquest conducted yesterday at Otterton by Mr C. N. Tweed, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

EXETER - Fatal Fall. Mystery Of Man's Collapse In Exeter Street. The Verdict. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on REGINALD CHARLES LOCK, aged 42, baker and confectioner, Ottery St Mary, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday. - MRS EMILY LOCK, Winsford House, Sidwell-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of her stepson, who was a single man. He had been staying with witness for about a month, having left the business at Ottery. He was never very strong, but enjoyed fairly good health. On Tuesday deceased went out after breakfast, and about 1 p.m. was brought home by a Policeman and another man. She was told he had been picked up in Sidwell-street. He was able to speak. Dr Bradford, who subsequently saw deceased three times the same day, stated he had had a bad fall. The next morning deceased was removed to the Hospital, where he died on Thursday morning. Deceased did not give any explanation of his fall. Questions seemed to bother him, and she did not think he knew. He was not subject to fits. - P.C. Reeve said he was on duty in Sidwell-street, on Tuesday morning, when he saw deceased walking towards the city. Suddenly deceased stopped and fell to the ground. Nobody was near him. Witness went to deceased and found he had the appearance of a man suffering from an epileptic fit. - Dr Maneschewitz, House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was unconscious when admitted and showed definite signs of cerebral compression,. Three hours later he was operated on, and died the next morning. Deceased had a fractured skull and an enormous blood-clot pressing on the brain. The fracture was consistent with a violent fall. - The Deputy Coroner said there was nothing to show what caused the man to fall, but the evidence was clear that while he was walking up Sidwell-street he did fall, with the result that he sustained the injuries from which he died three days later. The verdict would be one of "Accidental Death"

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 December 1927
TEIGNMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Teignmouth last night concerning the death of ROY DYER, aged 5 ½, son of MR and MRS W. R. DYER, of 24 Second-avenue, Teignmouth, who was knocked down by a motor car belonging to Mr W. Lock, of Starcross on Friday. Mr M. J. McGahey (Exeter) represented the owner of the car. -

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 December 1927
EXBOURNE - Well Tragedy. Little Boy's Sad Death At Exbourne. Inquest Verdict. - Mr G. J. Atkinson conducted an Inquiry yesterday at the Lethbridge Arms, Exbourne, into the circumstances attending the death of LEONARD FERNLEIGH JAMES, aged 6 ¾ years, son of MR F. F. JAMES. - The father said deceased had asked permission to go to play at a neighbour's house and as he did not return a search was made, with the result that the body was found in the well. - Mrs King, widow, of North-road Cottages, said after playing with her children and having tea deceased left about 6.45 p.m.. She saw him go along the footway. The well in which he was found was used for all three cottages. The railing round it broke down about nine years ago and had not been replaced. She was the owner and had had the cover of the well weighted so that children could not raise it. She had four children and there had never been a previous accident. She would have the well railed in at once. - Miss R. Hunkin, of Waterhouse, said she was walking her bicycle past North-road Cottages, when she saw a boy come from a doorway, walk towards the gate and turn to his left. She then lost sight of him and a little later heard a heavy splash and a cry of "Oh." Hearing nothing further she associated the sound with washing day. She did not know there was a well there. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 December 1927
EXETER - Turf Fatality. Protection Needed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest at Turf, near Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of ROBERT TYLER, married of 184 London-road, Grays, Essex, and an able seaman of the s.s. Pegrix. The evidence showed that the vessel, which had left Exeter, remained at Turf because it had missed the tide. Deceased went to Turf Hotel on Tuesday evening, where he had two pints of beer. He was perfectly sober when he left the Hotel, and apparently intended to return.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 December 1927
BRADNINCH - Laudanum. Bradninch Overdose. - A verdict that death resulted through Accidentally taking an Overdose of laudanum to induce sleep was returned by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at an Inquest at Bradninch yesterday on ELLEN MARY SALTER, of Wynns, Fore-street, Bradninch. - ARTHUR SALTER, chemist, said deceased was his wife and aged 55. Witness had been ill for some days and deceased had been nursing him, getting no sleep for several nights. On Wednesday deceased complained of feeling tired and went to another room to sleep. It was not customary for her to take drugs, but she obtained a bottle of laudanum from the shop and must have taken a dose from it. A glass by the side of her bed was empty and smelt of laudanum. Witness was sure deceased did not know what constituted a fatal dose. On Thursday morning witness's son drew his attention to the fact that deceased was sleeping heavily. Witness saw the sleep was not natural and summoned a doctor. - Dr M. M. Lowsley, of Bradninch, said deceased's condition was typical of laudanum poisoning, of which two drams had been known to prove fatal. Despite the usual measures deceased died.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 December 1927
BECKENHAM, KENT - "Misadventure." Tivertonian's Death. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest at Beckenham on LESLIE JAMES HEARD, aged 28, a commercial clerk of Lee-road, Blackheath, and a native of Tiverton. Deceased, who was Secretary of the Federation of Rambling Clubs and an experienced walker, and member of the Committee of the London Devonian Association, died from a fractured skull as the result of a motor car accident at West Wickham. The Coroner said that on December 4th eight members of the Devonian Rambling Club met at Haynes Station for a ramble. While passing through West Wickham on a narrow road a two-seater car passed the party, and HEARD, who was walking with a young woman, cried out and fell. The car was going at 10 to 15 miles an hour. - Miss Ethel Johnson, of Beauclere-road, Hammersmith, deposed to hearing deceased cry out as the car passed and seeing him fall heavily The driver of the car and a friend said they felt no bump or jolt, but after they had passed saw a man lying on the ground.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 December 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Body In Pool. Story At Kingskerswell Inquest. Coroner's Experience. - Mr E. Hutchings held an Inquest last evening at Newton Abbot concerning the death of ARTHUR ROBERTS, aged 50, a plasterer, engaged on the new Torbay Hospital, and lodging at Manor House, Kingskerswell. Evidence of identification was given by Mrs Emma Drake of the Manor House. - Frederick J. Clark, bricklayer, Water-lane, Kingskerswell, said he found the body in a shallow pool of water beside the hedge at 8.30 a.m. on Boxing Day. Replying to the Coroner witness said people might walk along the footpath and not see the man. - The Coroner: Could the man be seen from a motor-car travelling along the road at night? - No, he could not be seen from a car. - The Coroner said at 10.15 on Christmas night he was driving home in a car, and as he passed close to the spot where the body was found he noticed a man on his hands and knees apparently crawling. Thinking that perhaps the man had been knocked down by a car he turned back, but could see nothing of the man, and concluded that he had gone into a field. - Alfred E. Biggings, licensee of the Halfway Inn, said deceased - a quiet and sober man - called at his house occasionally. He came in on Christmas evening about 8.30 and left at 9.40 p.m. He was perfectly sober, and said he was going home early as he did not feel "up to the mark." - Dr J. E. R. Orchard, Barton, said the only external injury was an abrasion on the nose, which might have been caused by coming into contact with a branch or a telegraph pole, but not a fall. Death was due to exposure to cold, accelerated through being in a comatose or stuporous condition at the time. The man was well-nourished and witness did not think that lying in the cold for a night would have been sufficient to have caused death except for a comatose condition. He could not say definitely, but considered that he had probably had a stroke - the condition of the brain was consistent with that suggestion. There was no indication that the man was under the influence of drink and the condition of the organs showed that he was not in the habit of taking alcohol. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

BRAYFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday afternoon held an Inquest concerning the death of ROBERT STEWARD, butler, in the employ of Mr Roller, of Littlebray House, Brayford, who died in bed on Monday morning after being taken ill on returning from a walk. Medical evidence showed that death was due to haemorrhage of the brain, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. It was stated that a medical man was summoned from Barnstaple but found the road impassable as the result of snowdrifts.

PETROCKSTOWE - Infant In Hedge. Labourer's Discovery At Petrockstowe. Inquest Story. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, has held an Inquest at Marland Farm, Petrockstowe, concerning the death of a newly-born infant child, which, according to an admission said to have been made to the Police, was the child of GLADYS HUTCHINGS, aged 20, servant for the past two years in the employ of Mr and Mrs Martin, of Little Marland Farm. - Mrs Martin stated that some four or five months ago, noticing the girl was not well, she spoke to her, who denied her suggestion and gave an explanation. Mrs Martin suggested she should see a doctor, which the girl did and on her return she said the doctor had given her some medicine, and that she would get on all right. Things went on as usual until the day before Christmas Even, when Mrs Martin noticed the girl did not seem very well and spoke to her about it. She replied she was not feeling exactly up to things and that she would go to bed early. About 7 o'clock she retired to her room, and an hour later called down to Mrs Martin, who went up to her At 10 o'clock when witness went to bed she looked into the girl's room and she was sleeping comfortably. At 7 o'clock on Christmas Eve the girl came down and did her work as usual and in reply to Mr Martin's question, said she was much better. Mrs Martin said she could do all there was to be done there, and advised the girl to go to her room and lie down again. About 9 a.m. Walter Broome, a farm labourer, came in and told witness he had found the body of a baby in the hedge of an orchard about 150 yards from the house. Mrs Martin at once went to the girl's room and asked if it was anything to do with her, but she flatly denied it, remarking "I can testify it is not mine." Witness told her she thought there was something wrong and at once sent Broome for the girl's mother and the Police. - The girl's mother came very shortly afterwards, and a car was obtained. As the girl came to the door to enter the car the Constable arrived, and after cautioning her asked her if she knew anything about the baby. In the presence of her mother she replied, "Yes, it was mine; I took it there at 3 o'clock this morning." The girl was perfectly collected and did not seem in any way demented. - Walter Broome, farm labourer, in the employ of Mr Martin, spoke to finding the body, which was quite nude. To get to the hedge he had to cross a lot of swampy ground. - Dr Mortimer of Torrington, said somewhere about four months ago he was consulted by the girl, who came to him with her mother. He did not examine her as he was not asked to, but he had strong suspicions as to her condition and he put various questions to which he expected affirmative answers, but the girl denied everything. He prescribed for her, and did not see her again until one day he was passing the farm, and looked in and asked how she was. She said she was all right. On Christmas Eve he was called to Little Marland Farm and examined the body of the child, which was a female, newly-born and fully-developed. There were marks of bruising on the lips and jaw and a large bruise over the right elbow joint, which was fractured. There was blood on the face. He made a post-mortem examination and was of opinion the child had had a separate existence. There was extensive fracture of both parietal bones, with haemorrhage under the scalp and into the membranes of the brain. The injury must have been caused by some force being used, probably by the head being hit by some hard material such as a wall or the floor. - P.C. Redwood, of Merton, gave evidence as to the girl's conversation with him, when after being cautioned she said the child was hers. She appeared quite normal and was looking extremely well. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest to give the girl an opportunity to attend if she desired.