Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1922-1923

Articles taken from North Devon Journal

Inquests

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

Provided by Lindsey Withers

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

Names Included: Ackland; Alderman; Anderson; Atkins; Badcock; Balsdon; Beckerley; Beer; Berry; Boundy; Bowman; Bright; Butler; Challacombe; Chappell; Clarke; Coats; Cook; Cooke; Copp; Cottingham; Crang; Creek; Crook; Cutcliffe; Davey; Davie; Davies; Delbridge; De Silva; Down; Dunn; Dymond; Eccles; Ensor; Galliford; Gammon; Gardner; Gilbert; Giles; Gill; Gordon; Gould; Grenney; Grist; Gunn; Harris(4); Hawkins; Heal; Heard; Heddon; Hewitt; Hobbs; Hockridge; Hulland; Isaac; Jeafferson; Jeffrey; Jewell; Johns; Jones; Judd; Kersey; Knight; Lewis(2); Lovell; Melhuish; Milton; Mitchell; Moore(2); Oke; Parkhouse; Parkin; Paske; Pelke; Percival; Perkins; Philp; Philpott; Pim; Poole; Prance; Pugsley; Purves; Quick; Ralph; Reddaway; Rew; Reynolds; Richards; Ridd; Sanders; Seton; Shore; Slee; Smale(2); Smith(2); Squire; Stapleton; Stevens(3); Strange; Symons; Tapp; Taylor; Thomas; Thorne; Tucker; Turner; Uden; Underhill; Vevers; Waldron; Watts(2); Willis; Wilson.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 January 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - At Hatchmoor Cottage last evening, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an inquest on FLOSSIE EVELYN BOWMAN, aged 30, daughter of MR JNO. BOWMAN, retired farmer. The evidence showed that deceased had been subject to fits since the age of 13. She was in her usual health on going to bed on Monday night, but next morning she was found dead in bed with her head buried in the pillow. Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, was of opinion that deceased had a severe fit, from which she must have fallen on her face, causing suffocation. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to Suffocation, the result of an epileptic fit."

DOLTON - Fatal Accident At Dolton. - At Tockley Farm, Dolton, on Monday, Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of ERNEST LEWIS (the fourteen year old son of FREDERICK LEWIS, farmer), who met his death under tragic circumstances on Friday. - Walter Wm. Cornish, aged 12, stated that he was staying at the farm house with the deceased, and on Friday last, when in the farm yard, they saw a flock of starlings in a field adjoining. Deceased went in and got his father's gun with which to shoot some of the birds, and witness and deceased proceeded to the field, but by this time the starlings had gone into another field. Deceased put the gun on the hedge and proceeded to climb up. As soon as he got up on the hedge there was a loud report and deceased fell down. Witness immediately ran for help. - FREDK. LEWIS, the father, said he found his son lying at the foot of the fence quite dead with a terrible wound in his neck. The gun was on the other side of the fence. He had previously cautioned the deceased not to use the gun in his absence. It was kept in the passage behind the door and the cartridges on the top of a glass case in the kitchen. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and extended sympathy to the father in his sad loss. The deceased had only left school at Christmas in order to help his father on the farm. - The Coroner advised MR LEWIS to keep the cartridges under lock and key for the future, and the gun in a safe place also, remarking that boys were always desirous of meddling with firearms.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 February 1922
INSTOW - Sad Death Of Mr J. Smale, At Instow. Pricked By A Thorn. - Under tragic circumstances, the death occurred at Instow on Monday, of MR JOHN SMALE, of the Black House. A well-known and highly respected inhabitant, MR SMALE was 55 years of age; the greatest sympathy is expressed with the widow and son (MR WM. SMALE) in their bereavement. The deceased was a very popular figure in the parish, rendering good service in connection with the Cricket and Football Clubs. An ardent Liberal, he acted as sub-agent for the district at the last election for Capt. Tudor Rees. He was a native of Westleigh, where the interment will be made today. - An Inquest was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Tuesday. Inspector Pring was present on behalf of the L. and S.W.R. Co., and Mr S. A. Copp, solicitor, of Barnstaple, watched the proceedings in the interests of the relatives. - WM. SMALE stated that on January 16th his father was working on the railway just below Instow Station, repairing the hedge and complained to him of having run a thorn into his leg. His father stayed at home the next day, and the District Nurse attended to his knee, and, called on the following day. Dr Toye was in constant attendance afterwards. - Nurse Kennedy said MR SMALE had a small wound on the right knee. She applied fomentations and poultices and on her advice, a doctor was called in. MR SMALE appeared to go on all right until 24th January, when he complained of a pain on the left side of his chest. - DR E. J. Toye, of Bideford, spoke to deceased's knee being inflamed and septic when he saw him on the 18th. Made daily visits until the 24th, when MR SMALE appeared to have developed pleuro-pneumonia, having a high temperature. Afterwards MR SMALE seemed to be getting better up to the 29th, when he suddenly collapsed, expiring the following day. In his opinion death was due to a septic wound in the knee, followed by pleuro-pneumonia. Prior to the occurrence, MR SMALE had always been a very healthy man. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 February 1922
BARNSTAPLE - The Drowning Fatality At Barnstaple. Light Recommended On Castle Quay. - Having Inquired into the death of ALBON CLARKE, bargeman, aged 31, of the Rock, Pilton, who was drowned by falling over Castle Quay, a Coroner's Jury at Barnstaple on Thursday afternoon returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider recommending the Town Council to place a light at the end of the stone depot and that dangerous pits on the Quay should be levelled up. - Addressing the Jury (of which Mr L. W. Wallis was Foreman) at the North Devon Infirmary, Mr Coroner T. A. R. Bencraft said it was a very sad case. It appeared that on Tuesday evening Mr Moyses, the employer and CLARKE brought a load of gravel up the river and as the tide was not a very high one they had to discharge at the lower end of the Quay, just opposite the end of the wall of the Town Council's stone depot. It was very dark there at the time. The unloading finished, CLARKE went a little further down the Quay to moor the barge more securely to a high post; and shortly afterwards Mr Moyses (who was on board with a lantern) heard a splash in the water. MR CLARKE seemed to have gone along the edge of the Quay, which was very irregular, with big pits several inches deep, and it was supposed that in the dark deceased hitched his toe and fell into the river. Mr Moyses rushed to the spot when he heard the splash, but could see no trace of MR CLARKE, the body not being recovered until the following afternoon. He did not know if one could say that had there been a public light at the spot it would have made no difference. It was undoubtedly a pure accident, but he was strongly of the opinion that there ought to be a light at the spot and he should ask the Jury to consider the matter and to say whether they thought a representation ought to be made to the Town Council, who, no doubt, would give the question their best attention. Further up, the Quay was too high to permit of unloading barges except on the very highest tide; and hence the necessity for a light when work of this kind was being undertaken at the point indicated. - MRS CLARKE, the widow, who was deeply affected whilst giving evidence, stated that her husband had been in the Merchant Service, including the War period. Having been out of employment since last July, he started working for Mr Moyses. Her husband had always enjoyed good health. He was, she believed, a swimmer, as last summer he talked about teaching their little son the way to swim. - Richard J. Moyses, of 2 Well-street, explained that he owned and worked a small barge, having in the past few weeks had the assistance of CLARKE. They brought a load of rough gravel up the river on Tuesday evening and as it was not a very high tide they discharged at the lower end of the Quay, where the gravel could be put out more easily. The barge was moved close to, with her bow pointing down the river. He (Mr Moyses) was at the stern and sent CLARKE to make her more securely to a big post a little further down. CLARKE went towards the post and made the rope fast; and coming back must have hitched his foot, and slipped over the Quay. At the spot there was a deep square pit and the ditching was gone close by. Witness heard a splash right between the bow of the barge and the Quay, and hurried to the spot with his lantern, but could see nothing of deceased. A light outside the electric light works gave a very good light, but being in one's eyes it might upset the sight a bit. Below the barge there was an eddy at the time, and he thought CLARKE must have been carried under by the eddy, this accounting for his not rising again after falling in the water. Deceased appeared to be a very healthy and sober man. - The Coroner: Do you think if there had been a better light at the spot CLARKE might not have stumbled? - Witness agreed it would be better if there was a light by the end of the stone depot. At the spot there was not sufficient light. - William Moore, boatman, spoke to finding, with the assistance of Mr Ovey, the body, in about six feet of water, close to the spot where CLARKE fell in. Witness mentioned that on locating the body with a grapple, there was some little difficulty in starting it and it seemed as if CLARKE clutched the chain in falling into the river, as when the body came to the surface the hands were partly open, and closed immediately afterwards. Witness thought pits in the Quay were very dangerous; there were three of them about ten inches deep. The Quay was "pitch dark" on the top; and it was not safe for anyone to walk up and down in the dark. CLARKE would have to walk over two of the pits, or on the edge of the Quay, in mooring the barge. Fishermen took their boats to this part of the Quay more than they used to and there was a good deal of traffic at the spot. - The Coroner: A light at the end of the council's wall would be a big improvement? - Yes, sir. Witness added that the other things referred to could also be remedied. - The Coroner: I am afraid there are a good many things that want putting right. - Witness (facetiously): And they cannot get any labour to do it, can they? (Laughter). - Dr Harold Holtby, House Surgeon at North Devon Infirmary, attributed death to asphyxia, through drowning; and P.C. Taylor spoke to having, with assistance, removed the body to the Mortuary. - The Coroner thought it perfectly clear that CLARKE fell over the Quay, and that Mr Moyses did everything possible to save him. Deceased was a comparative stranger to the Quay, and probably if he had been more accustomed to the spot he would not have fallen in. It was, however, impossible to say that if there had been a good light, and the Quay had been in a better state of repair, that the accident would not have occurred; and he did not think they could attach criminal blame to anyone. If the Jury thought, having heard the evidence, that for the safety of bargemen and others using the spot the Town Council should fix a light at the end of the stone depot, he (the Coroner) should be pleased to forward the recommendation, and he had no doubt the Council would give the same consideration they always did to anything which affected the interests of the inhabitants. It was essential that the Quay should be in a state to be used in a reasonable and proper manner by the public and bargemen and it seemed to him that in the general interests there should be a light at the spot. No doubt the poor fellow was drowned by accidentally falling over the Quay into the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," joined with the Coroner in an expression of deep sympathy with the widow and family in their bereavement; and also added a rider embodying the recommendation to the Town Council previously referred to. - Amid general manifestations of sympathy for the bereaved family, the interment was made in Pilton Churchyard. The chief mourners were Mrs A. Clarke (widow), Mrs Webb, Mrs Noble, and Mrs Wright (sisters), Mrs Pile (mother-in-law), Mr G. Pile (brother-in-law). The bearers were Messrs. W. Jones, W. Ridd, E. Sanders, and E. Stribling. The floral tributes were as follows:- Family Cross to my darling husband, from his sorrowing wife and children, "One of the dearest one of the best, May God grant him eternal rest"; In loving memory of our dear brother, from his sisters (London); With love from dear little sonnie; With deepest sympathy, from Mrs Gregory and Mrs Williams.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 February 1922
TWITCHEN - Twitchen Child's Death. - At Beaconscott, Twitchen, on Tuesday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Inquired into the death of JOYCE IRENE GUNN, infant daughter of ROBERT GUNN, farmer, who stated that it had been exceptionally strong from birth. On Saturday morning he brought the child downstairs, and handed it to his wife. Whilst in its mother's arms, the child stretched out suddenly and his wife handed it back to him, when it gave one little cough and died. - Dr Baker, of Southmolton, said a post mortem examination revealed that every organ was quite sound with the exception of the thymus gland, which was much enlarged. In his opinion death was due to status lymphaticus. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, remarked that no doctor could have diagnosed that the child was suffering from this enlarged gland, and it was only by reason of the post mortem examination that the fact was revealed.

ILFRACOMBE - Tradesman's Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Monday, by the North Devon Crooner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, touching the death of MR ARTHUR PUGSLEY, 32, grocer, of 1 Shaftesbury Road, Ilfracombe, who passed away suddenly on Sunday morning. - The widow stated that her husband was about as usual on Saturday. He left work about 9 o'clock, when he had a good supper and went to bed. Just before midnight he complained of a violent pain in his head and stomach. She went for a neighbour and on returning a few minutes later she found her husband dead. During the war he was struck in the head with a piece of shell, and had since complained of pains in his head. He had never complained of heart trouble. He had had a cold lately. - Dr A. Osborne, who had made a post mortem examination, said there were evidences of chronic meningitis, no doubt due to injuries received while on active service. Death was due to syncope, following chronic meningitis and probably influenza. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Sad Fatality At Combe Martin. Pinned 'Neath Falling Log. - WILLIAM THOMAS, labourer, of Star Cottage, Combe Martin, whilst engaged in cutting timber for Mr Wm. Laramy, coal merchant, on East Challacombe Farm, Combe Martin, on Friday afternoon, was caught by a big log which slipped down from a hedge, sustaining grave injuries, that resulted in his death the same night at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple. Inhabitants learnt of the sad affair with deep regret, and sympathy is general with the bereaved widow, daughter and three sons. MR THOMAS was 60 years of age. The circumstances attending MR THOMAS'S death were Inquired into at the North Devon Infirmary, on Monday afternoon, by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner. - Dr H. Holtby, House Surgeon, stated that MR THOMAS was admitted to the Infirmary at about 9.15 p.m. on Friday, having been fetched from Combe Martin in the motor ambulance. He had evidently received proper attention, but was in a condition of extreme collapse. For about half an hour there was a small improvement; death occurred at about 10.15 the same night. Both femurs were fractured and there were bruises about the body. Death was due to shock, the result of the injuries. - WILLIAM THOMAS, jun., labourer, spoke to helping his father (the deceased) to cut up some trees at East Challacombe Farm on Friday One tree, about 20 ft. long, was lying on the top of a hedge, about 6 ft. up from the ground. They had cut one piece and lopped off a side branch, when at about 4 o'clock, the log suddenly rolled into the road. His father tried to run out of the way, but before he had time he was knocked down by the piece of timber, which pinned him by the legs. Witness tried, but was unable to remove the timber and he then went for help. He was not present when the tree was removed. P.C. Jarman rendered first aid, and later, on the orders of Dr Manning, his father was removed to the Infirmary, being accompanied by another son. - Mr Donovan Westby, of North Challacombe Farm, who was summoned to the scene of the accident by the last witness explained that MR THOMAS was lying with the piece of timber on both of his legs. Witness and his son could only release one leg at first, but with help they freed MR THOMAS in about a quarter of an hour and later witness removed him to his home in a trap. - P.C. A. E. Jarman, who met MR THOMAS being conveyed through High-street on his way home, spoke to applying splints and bandages. Dr Manning arrived at the house at about 6.30 and having administered an injection, ordered the patient's removal to the North Devon Infirmary. Witness assisted THOMAS into the ambulance at 8.30 p.m., the ambulance having arrived at Combe Martin within 1 ¼ hours of being sent for. [The Coroner thought this "very good."] Heard THOMAS remark that he was a long time underneath the tree before they got him out. Deceased became unconscious about 7.30 p.m. - The Coroner thought it clear that after sawing the log on the top of the hedge, deceased also cut off a branch, which had the effect or releasing it, and causing it to roll down on top of him. It was a pure accident, but a very lamentable one. MR THOMAS seemed to have had considerable experience, and one would have thought he was acting in a perfectly safe way. Tree felling and cutting was, however, always dangerous; whatever care was taken there was a certain number of inevitable accidents and this was one of them. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 March 1922
BIDEFORD - Bideford Child's Death Through Falling Into Hot Water. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at an Inquest at Bideford on Thursday on ALFRED RAYMOND PRANCE, the two years and ten months old child of ALFRED JAMES and MRS PRANCE of Buckland Brewer, who died in Hospital the previous day from scalds. The evidence showed that MRS PRANCE was removing clothes from a boiler on the floor when the child stepped back in play and fell into the hot water, its back and legs being very severely scalded.

BRADWORTHY - Suicide At Bradworthy. Worried About Brother's Affairs. Echo Of The Hopper Bankruptcy. - At Bradworthy, on Thursday, the Inquest on GEORGE HOCKRIDGE, 56, single, a farmer, of Holyrood Farm, was held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - ELAM HOCKRIDGE, a brother, said deceased worried about another brother's affairs with Mr Hopper, solicitor. Deceased appeared to be as usual on Tuesday morning, but did not come in to lunch and NELLIE HOCKRIDGE, his niece, said when she went to the barn to get corn to feed the fowls she found her uncle hanging, and gave the alarm. - ELAM HOCKRIDGE said his brother worried about another brother, ALBERT ERNEST, who bought the farm, and who died last December. That brother paid the deposit for the farm to Mr Hopper, and the purchase had since been settled by Messrs. Peter and Peter and Letcher. Asked what deceased had to worry about, witness said about September or October 1920, Mr Hopper wrote his other brother a letter that he wanted to see him very particularly at Holsworthy. Without saying anything to deceased, the brother went to Holsworthy and Mr Hopper wanted £600 from him, saying, "Your money is lying dormant in the bank; if you will let me have this before January I will give you six per cent; you will never know any difference. I am getting the balance for the place" - you see, added witness, he was getting a mortgage - "and I will hand the money right over to you in January." Some time later the brother, when he was will, told deceased there was a note in his pocket and would he take it out. On it he just saw "six per cent.," and the brother said, "Look here, that is all I am going to have of the £600" and threw the note on the ground. Deceased worried nearly as much as his brother over it, though none of his money had gone with it. - The Coroner: And that £600 is gone? - Oh, yes; and that has been the worry of both all the time. - Witness said his brother ALBERT died from something of the brain, by troubling so. - Dr Betts said ALBERT died of an unusual cerebral condition which resembled general paralysis. - Witness said his brother's death further worried deceased, particularly in regard to the children - he worried about them as much as any husband. He had never threatened to take his life and witness thought he must have made up his mind all at once and taken the cord from his pocket; there was none in the barn. - ELAM ERNEST HOCKRIDGE, nephew of deceased, who cut the body down, said his uncle was quite dead. Deceased was the last man he should have thought would have done a thing like that. - Dr L. B. Betts attributed death to strangulation. He had never attended deceased, but knew him as quite a normal man. - P.C. Hannaford also gave evidence. - The Coroner described the case as a very sad one, and was afraid the worry caused by the loss of this money by deceased's brother, and his brother's death, had caused him to take his own life. He was afraid it was only one of the aftermaths of the terrible state of affairs created by the bankruptcy of Mr Hopper. - MR ELAM HOCKRIDGE: I wish I could get at Hopper. - The Coroner continued that it seemed to have preyed on his mind what was to come to the children of his brother. His verdict was one of "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind."

COMBE MARTIN - Baby's Tragic Death At Combe Martin. Verdict of "Misadventure." - A tragic story was revealed at the Inquest held at Combe Martin on Friday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, respecting the death of WILFRED LUTHER HEWITT, 11 months, one of the twin children of a farm labourer, of Holdstone Down. The father said his wife had had 10 children, six of whom were now living. The eldest was 10 years old and the youngest born last Sunday. Witness earned the equivalent of 34s. a week. There had been a good deal of sickness in the family. - The circumstances leading to the death of the child were described by two little children, who said they were left in the kitchen on Monday. LEONARD, aged 9, started blowing the fire with a bellows, and his four-years-old brother, GILBERT, was trying to put the fire out. "I told him to stop" said the elder boy, "and pushed him back, whereupon GILBERT took up the poker (a piece of iron about 2 ½ feet long and with a sharp point) and tried to hit me with it. He missed me and the poker struck the baby's head. Baby was in the carriage just behind me. A sister of the deceased corroborated and said GILBERT threatened to throw the poker at LEONARD and she attempted to take it away. GILBERT threw the poker and witness found it in the baby's forehead. Witness went to the carriage at once and took out the poker and carried the baby upstairs to the mother, who bathed the wound. - Ivy Berry, midwife, who had attended MRS HEWITT, spoke to attending to the injury next day. At first the wound seemed to heal. - Dr Manning said death was due to a punctured wound in the brain in the left temple. There was also a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner said it was an exceedingly sad case. HEWITT appeared to have tried to get someone to come in and look after the house, which was, however, so isolated that no one felt inclined to go. After having seen the condition of the house and the surroundings, he could not imagine any decent woman would sleep in the house. It was in a deplorable state, even after a woman had been cleaning there for two days. There was practically no furniture in the house and only a broken table, three chairs and three beds, and the coverings of the latter were most insufficient. - The Coroner commented on the fact that the father did not think it necessary to send for the doctor until Wednesday morning, although he was informed that the poker had actually stuck in the child's head. GILBERT, the child responsible for the infant's injury, being only four years of age, was deemed in the eyes of the law incapable of committing a crime, but had he been older he would have had to answer to a charge of manslaughter. It was evident he had no intention of committing such a crime and it would be futile to return a verdict against him. His verdict would, therefore, be one of "Misadventure." - Continuing, the Coroner said the condition of affairs revealed was very terrible, and he hoped the Inspector of the R.S.P.C.C. who was present at the Inquest, would take the matter in hand. He pointed out to the father that there was no fireguard in the house, although the hearth was an open one, and he warned him of the consequences which might arise. He also thought it a great pity that Dr Manning's advice that the woman and children should go to the Workhouse until after the confinement was refused by MRS HEWITT, and said the husband should have insisted upon this being done, seeing that there was no one to look after the children.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 March 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Sensation. Young Woman Drowned On Eve Of Wedding. - A sensation was caused at Torrington on Friday by the discovery in the River Torridge, near the Town Mills Bridge, of the body of MISS VALENTINE COPP, aged 26, daughter of the late MR JOHN and of MRS COPP, of the Gribble Inn, Little Torrington. Deceased was fully dressed and only a short time before the discovery of the body the report was received by the Torrington Police that she was missing. The young lady was to have been married at Bideford on Saturday morning and was last seen about 7.30 a.m., when she left home. The discovery was made by a workman named Barnabas Hutchings and P.S. Brown and P.C. Morris removed the body to the Mortuary at Torrington Cottage Hospital. - At the Cottage Hospital, Torrington, on Saturday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on VALENTINE ANNIE FISHER COPP, 26, belonging to Little Torrington, who, on the eve of her wedding day, was found drowned in the River Torridge. - Her sister, MRS HILDA MARY CUDMORE, of Yard Cottages, Petersmarland, said deceased had been in domestic service and had lately been living with her. She was about to be married to Thos. Wooland, and arrangements were made on the 13th February, but it was put off for no reason at all that witness knew, except that deceased said she never intended to marry. There was no one forcing her to marry. Wooland came over to see her on March 15th, and the wedding was then fixed for Saturday. After this she seemed brighter and relieved, and said she was glad she saw her young man, was sorry she had treated him so and that it was a shame. Later, however, deceased said, "I can't get married; it's no use," but she gave no reason. She cried and was depressed. On Thursday night she woke witness up, crying, and would not stay away from her room. She came downstairs about six the next morning, very depressed and said she wished she was dead. She said she would drink poison if she could get it and that she would drown herself. - Asked by the Coroner if she did not think it rather serious then, witness said, "Yes," and when deceased put on her hat she followed her. Deceased then said, "What are you following me for; can't I go for a walk?" She went to her aunt's, who was in bed, and a cousin there asked where she was going and she said for a walk, and would come straight back. Witness had two young children at home and had to go back to look after them and also dress herself, when she went to look for her sister. - The Coroner: Why didn't your husband stay and look after her; the woman appeared demented? - Witness replied one would not have thought there was anything wrong, for deceased brightened up. - The Coroner: Having threatened to take poison or drown herself and knowing you had the two children to look after, why didn't your husband stay? - Witness: She did not say it in front of him. - Asked if her uncle or cousin, whom they saw at her aunt/'s, tried to restrain deceased, witness said they all tried to talk to her, but did not use any force to keep her in. Witness followed her along the road and found she had passed the Gribble inn, but did not stop. Witness got into Torrington and informed the Police. - The Coroner: What I cannot understand is why all these people, your husband, uncle and a male cousin, should have left all this to you - who had two children in your own house to look after - and done nothing themselves; the woman was then completely off her head. - Witness: I am afraid she was. She agreed she thought it serious enough to follow deceased up. - John Lock, postman, spoke to meeting deceased about 8.15 on Little Torrington Hill, when she spoke to him in passing. It would then take her about a quarter of an hour to the place where Barnabas Hutchings said he found the body about 10.45. - Dr O'Flartey said death was due to drowning. - Thos. Wooland, decorator, Meddon Street, Bideford, said he had known deceased 18 months or two years, meeting her when she was in service at Bideford, keeping company with her on and off and the banns were put up for them to be married on 13th February. Because of money matters and at deceased's request, the wedding was put off. He saw her almost every day afterwards, and sometimes she wanted to be married and sometimes not, but she gave no reason why she did not want to be. He visited her on the 15th, when she arranged to meet him at Bideford on Friday, and to be married on Saturday, and he was to make the arrangements about it. She had never threatened to take her life in his presence, but she had said she wished she was dead. - The Coroner: Didn't you think that a curious thing in a person about to be married? - Yes, but the next moment she would say she wished to be married. She had suffered from pains in the head, but he never thought she would do anything rash. - The Coroner said he was not at all satisfied as to the conduct of Mrs Cudmore's husband or the uncle and the cousin, which required explanation and he should adjourn the Inquest for their presence, for them to give an explanation why they went off in that apparently callous manner, leaving the whole responsibility to Mrs Cudmore who had two small children in bed and was herself only partially dressed, following the deceased about the road. - Mrs Cudmore said her husband could not leave his work like that; he would have to tell his master. - The Coroner: Don't you think the losing of 5s. counterbalances the saving of a life? He will have to explain his reasons. - The Inquest was accordingly adjourned until Monday. - At the adjourned inquiry on Monday, the Coroner first called William Cudmore, brother-in-law of the deceased, and husband of the principal witness who gave evidence on Saturday. He said deceased seemed pleased to think she had "made it up" with her young man, Thos. Wooland, to get married and had a chat with witness regarding it on Thursday night on the way home from the Gribble, where they went to fetch her dress-case. Witness declared that he knew nothing of the deceased's statement to his wife that she wished she were dead or of her threat to take her life. On Thursday night, when she twice came into their room, she complained of a pain in her side and again next morning when she came down. She was restless during the night and did not seem to get any sleep. She did not cry or remark anything about the wedding to him then. In regard to the pain she complained of, witness begged her to see a doctor, but she would not hear of it. When witness left to go to work about 6.40 a.m., he advised her to cheer up, have some tea, and lie down again. - The Coroner: Was she depressed? - Witness: It seemed that there was something troubling her, but what it was I could not say. - Do you think it was right to leave your wife, who had two small children, to look after her? - A.: I didn't think there was anything wrong, or that she was going to do anything like this. - Further questioned by the Coroner, witness said the only thing he could get out of her was that she didn't think she could get married. Witness talked to her about the matter, and told her that not one man in a dozen would have come back to her again as Wooland had after she had once put the wedding off. "I offered to do all I could for her," proceeded witness, "and even offered her a home with us until she could get a house." Witness added that he never suspected the girl taking her life. - Henry Hooper, of Park Cottages, uncle of the deceased, said deceased seemed a little pale and depressed when she called there on Friday morning, and he told her to cheer up. He did not consider that there was much amiss with her, or that she needed watching. Mrs Cudmore also came in, but said nothing to him about the girl. Witness went on with his work, not suspecting anything wrong. - Lewis Hooper, a cousin, said when deceased went out of the house about 20 minutes to eight she said she was going for a nice walk, and noticing nothing unusual about her, he suspected nothing. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, said Mrs Cudmore evidently thought there was something wrong with the deceased, inasmuch as she followed her and reported the matter to the Police. She apparently had suspicion, if no one else had, but whether she related to the Hoopers what was in her mind he (the Coroner) did not know, but he did not think she would have kept it to herself. It was not a woman's way to do so. He thought it most extraordinary that no one else seemed to have been informed of the girl's threat. He could not conceive that Mrs Cudmore would have kept the information to herself, but the other witnesses said they knew nothing about it, and he must take their evidence. He, therefore, returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst of Unsound Mind," and added that Mr Cudmore would have done well if he had sent for a doctor, and that if the girl had been restrained on Friday morning she would have been alive today. It was a life thrown away.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 April 1922
BARNSTAPLE - Man Shoots Himself At Barnstaple. "Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind." - A sad tragedy was revealed at the Waverley Hotel, Joy Street, Barnstaple, yesterday morning, when WILLIAM HENRY GRENNEY, aged 42, who had been lodging at the hotel for some time, was found dead in his bedroom with a revolver wound in his head, the weapon being clasped in his right hand. Deceased, who was the second son of the late MR CHARLES GRENNEY, of Bear Street, and MRS GRENNEY, of High Street, served in the Devons in India for four years during the War. He returned home in ill-health in 1920 and had been under medical care. - At the Inquest before Mr Coroner T. A. R. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary yesterday afternoon, MRS FLORENCE BEATRICE CANN, of 18 High Street, stated that deceased (her brother), went to America as a young man, returning home ten or twelve years ago with independent means. He resided with his mother at 14 Grosvenor Terrace, up to about six months ago, when he sold the house and furniture and went to live at the Waverley Hotel. Witness believed the house realised about £680 and the furniture £200. Her brother's health had been very poor since returning from Army service in Indie, where he had malaria. He had a pension from the Army. Latterly, she thought, he had developed dropsy; and he was not too careful in his living. At times her brother was fairly cheerful, and at others very depressed. Had no idea that he ever thought of taking his life, and did not know that he had a revolver. - Mr C. H. Thomas, proprietor of the Waverley Hotel, said deceased had resided in the Hotel since the middle of November, occupying a bedroom on the top floor. With regard to his health, sometimes he would be all right for two or three weeks, and then he would be depressed. On Saturday night he complained of an awful pain in his leg and on witness's advice he remained in bed on Sunday and Monday. On Monday witness advised him to send for Dr Shaw, but GRENNEY said he did not think it would be much good. He got out of bed for a little while on Tuesday, looking very bad. Witness, however, thought it was just a usual attack. Had not the slightest idea that he contemplated taking his life, and did not know he had a revolver. That morning he received complaints from the occupiers of Nos. 5 and 10 bedrooms, the first saying that during the night GRENNEY had come there and did not seem to know where he was and the other referring to windows and things banging in the night. Witness should imagine that GRENNEY had been wandering about delirious. At 7.45 that morning, the boots who generally took MR GRENNEY a glass of hot water, came down and reported that he could not make him hear. Witness concluded he must be asleep and thought it better not to disturb him for a time. Going to the bedroom at a quarter to nine, witness knocked at the door, which was locked and could get no answer. He then sent for the Police, and P.C. Baker coming, they forced the door, to find GRENNEY lying dead on the bed, in his pyjamas and dressing gown. The Constable, on examination, discovered GRENNEY had shot himself through the temple, the revolver being in his right hand. Witness could not find any letter bearing on the matter, and he had now locked up the room, pending the arrival of the relatives. GRENNEY had always paid his bill and did not appear to be in any financial difficulty. In answer to the Coroner, witness said GRENNEY had been accustomed to keep a bottle of spirit in his room and had everything he wanted. No shot was heard during the night. - Dr Shaw (of the firm Harper, Jonas and Gibbs) spoke to GRENNEY consulting him about six months ago. He complained of depression and an abdominal pain, the latter being due to an enlarged liver. His condition was such as would give rise to severe mental depression at times; he did not appear to have any other trouble. Witness last visited him on March 17th, when he had dropsy, both legs being slightly swollen. Found him as described that morning. There was a gunshot wound in the right temple, with blood issuing from the left ear. There was no exit hole, the bullet, evidently fired at close range, having lodged in the brain. It was a small five-chambered revolver. The body was quite warm and death had occurred, he should think, within three hours. Death was due to a gunshot wound in the head; and he should say that GRENNEY was certainly not of sound mind when he committed the act. - P.C. Baker, who with P.C. Corney had conveyed the body to the Mortuary on an ambulance, said GRENNEY was lying on the bed with his head in a pool of blood and the American revolver (produced) contained four live cartridges and one spent one. Witness could not find any note of any sort. - The Coroner said it was very sad that GRENNEY should have taken his life; and it was undoubtedly due to an unsound state of mind, induced by his state of health. His verdict was "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." Nobody had any reason to believe that the poor fellow intended to take his life and no one was to blame in the matter. He was sure everybody sympathised deeply with the family in their terrible bereavement.

HARTLAND - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Hartland on Thursday on ALBERT JEFFERY, aged 20, in the employ of Mr Allin, Stoke Barton. Deceased and Richard Jones, farm labourer, were engaged in threshing, when a load suddenly tipped over and JEFFERY fell on the prongs of a fork. This happened on March 15 and JEFFERY succumbed to the injuries on March 29th. Septic poisoning set in and pleurisy and pneumonia supervened. The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death and said no blame was attributable to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 April 1922
BRAUNTON - Inquest At Braunton. The Fatality Of January 27th. - "Accidentally Drowned through his boat capsizing on January 27th," was the verdict returned by Mr George Brown, the North Devon Coroner, on Tuesday, at an Inquest held at Braunton, on the body of BERNARD GEORGE TUCKER, 27, mariner, found on Monday by William Scobling at Crowe, not far from where he lost his life. - Scobling thought the body had been "sanded" all the time and had been cast up by that morning's tide. - ROBERT TUCKER, uncle, said he had no difficulty in identifying the body, which was still fully clothed. - William H. Stribling, a Barnstaple mariner, who happened to be standing on the river bank just off Braunton Pill on January 27th, said he saw the deceased in a boat rather heavily laden with seaweed trying to enter the Pill. It was blowing a gale of wind and there was a heavy sea running. A big wave filled the boat, which went under two or three times, and then remained under for about five minutes. When it rose again TUCKER had disappeared. Witness ran up the river to try to put off a boat to go to his assistance, but failed and on returning, saw no more of him. - P.S. Hall said he should like to thank the men, numbering over 100, who carried out an extensive search for the body at the time. - The Coroner remarked that everything had been done by everybody to try to recover the body and it must be a source of satisfaction to the relatives to know that it had been found at last.

SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE - Wedding Eve Tragedy. Torrington Man Killed on Railway Line. - The Deputy Coroner for Southampton (Mr A. H. Emanuel) held an inquest on March 27th concerning the death of SIDNEY BRANHAM STEVENS (23), a fireman, employed by the Railway Company, who lived at Eastleigh, Southampton, and was a native of Torrington, being a son of MR and MRS S. STEVENS. He was well-known at Torrington, where he was much esteemed and where the news of his sad death was received with much sorrow. His only brother is a fireman on the L. and S.W. Railway. The deceased left home on March 22nd, saying he was going to get a shave. He was to be married next day to Kathleen Filsell, of Millbrook Road, but he failed to put in an appearance at church, and the wedding did not take place. For some time he had been in ill-health. He would hold his head between his hands and be strange in his manner. He had bought no furniture saying he could not get the house he wanted, and it was arranged between him and his intended wife that the purchase of furniture should be postponed. They were to live in two rooms with his wife's people. While in the Army, STEVENS had been slightly gassed. - KATHLEEN FILSELL, of 244 Millbrook Road, to whom the deceased was engaged, told the Court that she last saw STEVENS alive on the Thursday evening, about 7.55 when he came to her father's door and asked if he could come in. He had failed to turn up at the church and witness shut the door in his face. Deceased was strange in his manner on Tuesday evening and seemed as if he could not sit still. About a fortnight before this he told her that he could not get the house he wanted and asked whether they should postpone the wedding or not. Witness replied that as everything was ready they had better go on with it. MISS FILSELL added that he seemed unsettled while he was in the house and once or twice he told her he did not like her looking at him. He had complained of headaches and of sleeplessness very often. - A porter at Swaythling Station, John McCutcheon, said that in consequence of a report he received he walked up the railway line towards Eastleigh, and discovered the mutilated remains of the deceased. - Dr W. R. Y. Ives, Senior Police Surgeon, said death was due to shock owing to decapitation and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Carter's Death From Tetanus. The Inquest. - In our last issue we announced the death from tetanus (lock-jaw) of WILLIAM EDWARD SMALE, of 12 Western Terrace, Pilton, Barnstaple, a carter in the employ of Knill and co., coal merchants. The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary, where SMALE passed away on Friday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft. - MRS SMALE stated that her husband, aged 49, first complained to her on Tuesday week that his left foot was very painful. She examined it and found it was festering, there being a black spot between the big toe and the next one. Witness bathed the wound and put on a little vaseline. Her husband said he had a little bit of coal in the bottom of his boot; the boot was quite sound. Witness did not think it necessary for her husband to go to a doctor until the following day. He went to work on the following day, but came home early, and as the foot was still painful she again bathed it. Subsequently their son-in-law came home and on his advice her husband went to the doctor. The wound was festering very much; something black in the wound looked like a little lump of coal, whilst there was a streak like coal-dust. Deceased continued to work, remaining on the van whilst another man delivered the coal; and he had the wound dressed each evening at the surgery until Saturday. Her husband left home to feed the horses on Sunday morning and returning said he felt as if he had something in his throat and could not swallow anything. He could not eat his dinner on that day. The next morning (Monday) she sent for a doctor and Dr Shaw on coming prescribed some medicine and a gargle and said he would send Dr Jonas. The latter came at four o'clock and told them not to worry; but her husband gradually got worse. They again sent for Dr Shaw at 10.30 p.m., and the doctor ordered a poultice for the throat which was then the trouble, as the wound in the toe was healing. Her husband was very ill all day on Tuesday, and on Dr Shaw's advice, he was removed to the Infirmary in the ambulance in the evening. Their son accompanied him to the Infirmary and she did not see her husband alive afterwards, death occurring on Wednesday morning. - In answer to Dr S. R. Gibbs, MRS SMALE said her husband had never walked about without his boots on and there had never been anything the matter with him previously. - Samuel Inch Knill, a director of Knill and Co., Ltd., stated that up to the previous Tuesday week, SMALE appeared to be in good health and did the delivery work by himself. About midday on the Wednesday SMALE rode up to his house in a butt and asked if he could have a man to help him, as he had something in his foot and could not carry the coal. Witness told him to cease work and see a doctor, which he did, but on Thursday, Friday and Saturday deceased sat on the wagon and directed deliveries. SMALE told him the doctor advised him to give up; but on his explaining the circumstances he was in, the doctor allowed him to ride in the waggon. SMALE did not say what the injury was. - The Coroner: He told his wife apparently that a bit of coal had got into his boot? - "I heard it afterwards. SMALE did not tell me that until the coal had been extracted. I heard it then. He told me he thought he had something in his foot." - Mr Knill proceeded that SMALE was not at work on Monday, April 3rd, and he found him in bed, and unable to speak clearly. MRS SMALE said her daughter was going for the doctor; and witness remarking, "I will go," went to the surgery himself. When he called again in the afternoon MR SMALE was unable to see him. Dr Jonas, who was at the house, told witness to advise the Insurance Company of the case. Witness did not know anything about any coal getting into his boot, beyond what SMALE said. He agreed that working in a coal-yard it was possible a piece of coal might have got into his boot. The only way in which he could account for it was that SMALE might have driven it into his foot in jumping off the waggon. "It is only what I suppose," added Mr Knill. - The Coroner: He did not tell you specifically where he had picked up this bit of coal? - No. - Did you notice his boots - whether they were water-tight? - No. - Dr S. R. Gibbs (Harper, Jonas and Gibbs) said he first saw deceased on Wednesday week, when he had a small punctured wound on the sole of his left foot between the big toe and the next. It was a tiny round hole, full of coal dust and looked as if it had a bit of coal in it at the time, but none was found with the forceps. In his (witness's) opinion, undoubtedly a sharp piece of coal had caused the original wound. The wound was septic and unhealthy, but did not appear to be of long standing; probably he had had it for a couple of days. - Deceased had some secondary inflammation up his leg, and complained of tenderness in the groin, which one would expect with a septic wound on the bottom of the foot. Disinfectants were used and hot fomentations applied, SMALE being told to come again next day. There were no signs of tetanus then - it was just an ordinary septic wound. SMALE appeared to be a strong, healthy man. Deceased was not clear how he got the coal in his foot; witness thought he probably got a bit of coal inside his sock and this made the little wound and irritated it. - The Coroner: It might have been a little bit of gravel or ordinary dirt? - It might have been; but the wound was full of coal dust. There were lots of little bits of coal in the wound. SMALE said he had felt pain for two or three days, but did not tell him definitely how the injury happened. Witness told SMALE as it would be an insurance job he had better inform his employers. Next evening he again saw SMALE, whose foot did not appear to be very much better. When witness found SMALE was still at work he "went for him," and told him he ought to be resting and would have to go home. SMALE then said there were difficulties about knowing the coal round, and one thing and another against resting, and very reluctantly witness told him he could sit on the cart whilst another man delivered, on condition he came and saw him in the evening. The tetanus had an extremely quick onset. Witness explained that, generally, if he was treating wounds bearing road dirt or earth, he gave anti-tetanus serum, but not for a wound of this sort. - The Coroner: Supposing it was coal in the wound, would it not be rather unusual for a piece of coal to have the germs about it? - Yes, it really would be, but the tetanus bacillus grows in every septic wound. The quicker the tetanus supervenes the more hopeless is a case and in this case it was very quick. Tetanus did not sometimes develop for four or five weeks. - Dr S. C. Shaw said he first saw deceased on April 3rd, in Dr Gibbs' absence, both being members of the same medical firm. The wound was perfectly healed; SMALE informed him the wound came through having some coal in his boot. SMALE told him, in discussing how it may have been caused, that he had been walking about in the mud and wet and had got his feet wet. That was how, witness thought, the tetanus got into the wound. He had no signs of tetanus then, except a slight closure of the jaw, which he took a rather serious view of. There was plenty of evidence in a mouthful of bad teeth to point the trouble, which included a sore throat, to dental origin. To have given him serum with his bad throat would have been attended with grave risk, while, on the other hand, to wait was a risk, but the latter was the lesser, and they waited until the following day, when deceased had undoubted tetanus, and he (witness) administered injections of anti-serum. The tetanus, however, developed so rapidly that however much serum he had received, it would have made no difference in the result. It was a hopeless case. There was evidence that the wound was the actual site from which the tetanus entered the body, because the muscular rigidity was much more marked in the left leg and came on earlier on the left side, than on the right. - The Coroner: There is no doubt, then, it was due to the wound? - Witness agreed. In his opinion the cause of death was tetanus, following the injury to the left foot. - Answering further questions by the Coroner, witness said the serum had no effect whatever. To take effect rapidly, it had to be injected into the spine and to do that needed an anaesthetic. There was so much swelling in deceased's throat that to have persisted in the attempt would have killed him on the spot. They did the best they could without avail. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Tetanus, developed from a wound in the sole of the left foot, accidentally sustained." The deceased, he added, was a fine man, and it was a very sad case. The widow and family had his deepest sympathy and he was sure the whole town would join in this expression.

ILFRACOMBE - Body Recovered From The Sea At Ilfracombe. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Saturday on the body of an unknown man found floating in the Bristol Channel off Ilfracombe. Evidence was given by a boatman named Geo. Comer and by P.C. Milton, as to recovering the body from the sea, and conveying it to the Mortuary. - Dr Soltau, who examined the body said it was that of a man between 40 and 60 years of age, about 5ft. 10in. in height, with grey hair and moustache. He thought the body must have been in the water for about four weeks. The clothing included a pair of brown tweed trousers and a grey flannel shirt with a tab on which were the words: "C.W.S. Real Welsh. Made in Cardiff." - The Coroner's verdict was "Found Drowned," there being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 April 1922
ILFRACOMBE - Identification Of Boy Picked Up Off Ilfracombe. - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Thursday morning, reopened the Inquest held by him at Ilfracombe on Saturday last on the body of a then unknown man found floating in the sea off the Capstone. - DANIEL JAS. LEWIS, a collier's assistant, of Llwyncelyn Porth, Glamorgan, deposed that he saw the body on Tuesday last at the Ilfracombe Mortuary and identified it as that of his father, WILLIAM LEWIS, a surface labourer, aged 59, of the same address. He last saw him alive about 5.45 p.m. on March 1st when he left home to go for a walk, being then in good health. He also identified the clothing and boot found on the body as that his father was then wearing. On the night previous to March 1st there was a slight difference of opinion between witness's mother and father concerning their daughter, but it passed over by the morning. Witness knew of no reason whatever that would have caused deceased to have taken his own life. The River Rhondda was in flood on the night in question and a portion of the bank along which deceased would have returned home fell in, but he did not know whether this was the cause of the fatality. Witness thought his father must have fallen in the river. The spot in question was about 17 miles up the river from the Bristol Channel. - Arthur Mortimer, of Cymmes Porth, son-in-law of the deceased, also gave evidence of identification and said he knew of no reason that would have led deceased to have taken his life. Witness could only think he fell into the river Rhondda, which was in heavy flood that night. - The Coroner altered his previous Open Verdict, to one "That the body was that of WILLIAM LEWIS, who was Found Drowned in the Bristol Channel on April 6th and there was no evidence to show how he got into the water."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 April 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - Suicide At Torrington. - At an Inquest on Tuesday evening at Taddiport, near Torrington, on JAMES DYMOND, 55, general labourer, who was found drowned in the river close by earlier in the day, evidence was given that deceased had been in ill-health for nine weeks, suffering from influenza and worried because he could not work. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the Coroner, while deploring the tragedy, said it was refreshing to find someone anxious to return to work. Nowadays it did not seem to trouble some people very much whether they returned to work or not. - At the same spot fifteen years ago a child of the deceased was accidentally drowned. - MRS DYMOND, the widow, said she had never heard her husband threaten to take his life, but he had said he wished he was dead and worried because he was unable to work. - On the Monday deceased saw the doctor and Mrs Davey, a neighbour, to whom he spoke afterwards, said h e told her he was crippled up and better out of it. The pain was more than he could bear. - Dr Pridham, of Torrington, said he had been attending deceased for about nine weeks. Four weeks ago he tried to work, but had to give it up. He took a gloomy view of life and there was no doubt he was upset and depressed. Witness had warned him against taking beer. - George Hancock found deceased's pipe and cap on the river bank. - Mrs Grace Short, landlady of the Buckingham Arms, said the evening before deceased had a half-pint of cider and later one drop of whisky, leaving the house at ten o'clock perfectly sober. - The Coroner thought the illness must have preyed on the man's mind, and that when he left the Inn he went straight to the river just outside and threw himself in. He returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

CHALLACOMBE - Suicide Of A Farm Labourer At Challacombe. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Saturday held an Inquest at Barton Town Cottage, Challacombe, on DAVID JOHN HOBBS, farm labourer, aged 36. ANNIE HOBBS, the widow, stated that her husband left home about 7.30 a.m. on the 19th inst., to go to his work at Mr Comer's, Barton Farm. She waited up for him until about midnight, but he did not return, and thinking he was assisting Mr Comer, as he often did, she went to bed. At the farm next morning she found that her husband had left work at 6 p.m., and later she was informed that he had been found hanging in a linhay. Her husband had not been ill and she had observed nothing unusual about him. He was quite bright the morning he left for work and had never threatened to take his life. - William Comer, farmer, stated that HOBBS, who had been in his employ about seven months, worked all day on the 19th, and was cheerful and bright. Before leaving at six p.m., HOBBS arranged what next day he should do in the field on which they had been working. Next morning witness and Amos Leworthy made a search and in a linhay two fields out of deceased's way to get home they found the body hanging by cord from a beam. The cord, produced, was that used by rabbit trappers for making snares; deceased had more of it in his pocket. - Amos Leworthy corroborating, said HOBBS must have stood on a manger, fastened himself to a beam and then jumped off. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide caused by Suffocation from Hanging."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 May 1922
ROMANSLEIGH - At Romansleigh yesterday Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Inquired into the death of ELIZABETH G. CROOK, wife of SAMUEL CROOK, farm labourer. The husband stated that for about twelve months his wife had been suffering from fits. She went to Tiverton Hospital about six weeks ago, and, returning the first week in April, then seemed better. On 24th and 25th April, however, she had a series of fits, passing away early on the morning of the 26th. Dr Seal, of Southmolton, who had attended MRS CROOK since last October, said a post mortem examination showed death to be due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

WESTWARD HO! - Sad Tragedy At Abbotsham. Domestic Servant Takes Her Life. - MARGARET GRACE COOK, aged 49, of Chanter's Lane, Northam, domestic servant in the employ for the past three months of Col. and Mrs Simpson, of Straiton House, Bickleigh, Abbotsham, was on Tuesday found with her throat cut, the injuries being so severe that death ensued within a short time. The Inquest was conducted at Westward Ho! last evening by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - FREDERICK COOK, gardener, cousin of the deceased, said he saw her on Monday night, when she appeared to have been crying, but she said nothing to him of any trouble. She seemed to be otherwise normal, but when he told her he might not be around the following night, she replied, "You might be here all right, but I may be in Jericho." He did not ask her what she meant, not suspecting anything. On Tuesday morning he received a message asking if he could take her for a time, as the doctor had ordered her home. He was subsequently sent for and on going to her room at her master's house, found the door locked. In response to his calls she admitted him and on entering the room he found her on her hands and knees bleeding from a wound in her throat. She said, "Fred, what can I do?" and he asked her what made her do such a thing, to which she merely shook her head. - The Coroner here elicited that two notes were left by the deceased, one, written on an envelope in pencil, stating "You have made me take my life. You have worried me so all over your silly rubbish." The note, however, was not addressed to anyone. - Witness said he knew of nothing to cause COOK any worry. On the contrary, he had heard her say she was happy and comfortable in her situation. - Police Inspector Doidge elicited that a brother of the deceased committed suicide about 2 ½ years ago at Welcombe; and that months ago, deceased said she had half a mind to drown herself. - Bessie Harris, deceased's fellow servant, also spoke to deceased appearing to be happy and comfortable, but said for the last two or three days she had been queer in her head. Witness reported the matter to her mistress, and Dr Toye was sent for. Deceased said everyone was against her and detectives were watching her and were going to put her in prison, and then in a lunatic asylum. Witness told her it was nothing but nonsense. Some time ago witness heard her remark that everyone was against her and one day she would go to Westward Ho! and drown herself. Witness had several times asked her what she meant, but failed to get any satisfactory answer. - A brother-in-law here interposed that deceased was subject to delusions. - Miss Harris added that deceased, who was of a reserved disposition, was a spinster and had no male friends. When witness called her to her dinner on Tuesday, about 1.20 she found the door locked and heard peculiar noises inside the room. Witness called her, but got no answer, and assistance was summoned. On witness going to her own room during the afternoon, she found a note, written in ink on an envelope also, stating, "I herewith leave my two insurance policies to Bessie Harris," deceased's signature being attached. - Dr C. W. Wilson, of Bideford and P.C. Uglow also gave evidence, the latter stating that he found a hand mirror, a large table knife and a penknife near a wash basin beside deceased, all bloodstained. When spoken to, her only reply was "Oh, my head, my head." She had no financial trouble, for among her possessions was a savings bank book showing a deposit of about £100 and she was also heavily insured. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that the poor woman had become rather mentally deranged. The evidence was not wholly satisfactory and he thought much valuable time was lost by the door of the room not being immediately forced open when no answer was forthcoming. He could not help thinking that Col. Simpson should have at once forced the door. - Col. Simpson remarked that he did not realise what had happened. - The Coroner also commented on the fact that after the discovery was made, Col. Simpson did not go into the room to assist, adding that he thought he was rather remiss in not going in, and seeing for himself if any aid could have been given. He was sorry to have to make these remarks. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 May 1922
BIDEFORD - Fatal Accident At Bideford. - THOS. EDWIN KERSEY, the four years old child of GEORGE HERBERT KERSEY, mariner, and MRS KERSEY, of Vinegar Hill, East-the-Water, Bideford, was killed by a motor char-a-banc in Barnstaple Street, Bideford, on Tuesday. A Foden steam waggon was just turning into the Devon Trading Co's. yard when the child, apparently not noticing the approach of a char-a-banc, ran off the pavement as if to cross the road, and follow the waggon and going right in front of the char-a-banc, was knocked down by its front wheel and although Dr Pearson was quickly in attendance, speedily succumbed to its injuries. The char-a-banc was bringing the band from Exeter to the yeomanry Camp at Westward Ho! No blame whatever was attached to the driver, Frank Passmore, of Bideford. - At the Inquest yesterday, evidence was given by the father that he had only left the child on the pavement walking towards home within five minutes of its being knocked down and killed by a motor char-a-banc. - The accident occurred in Barnstaple Street and Frank Passmore, 2 Railway Terrace, Bideford, the driver, said he saw the child on the pavement, when it suddenly ran into the road as if going after a lorry passing on the other side, and ran against the front near wheel of the char-a-banc. He was going about five or six miles an hour and sounded his horn, but there was no possibility of avoiding the accident. - Bandmaster Geo. Wallace Newan, who was in the char-a-banc with members of the 96th Brigade R.F.A. Band going into camp at Westward Ho! said he saw what happened, and the driver's evidence was correct in every detail, except that he personally did not think he was going as fast as five or six miles an hour. When the child got in front of the char-a-banc it seemed to realise the danger, and put up its little hands as if to protect itself, when struck in the head by the front wheel. - Wm. John Way, who was just outside his coal stores at the time, said he continually saw children looking out to try and get a ride behind lorries and no doubt the deceased ran off the pavement for that purpose. The char-a-banc was going at a reasonable pace. He did not hear the horn, but it was doubtful if he could, owing to the noise of the lorry, which was empty and that would also very likely have prevented the boy hearing it. There was no blame attached to anyone. - Dr Ellis Pearson said death was due to fracture of the skull and lower jaw. - Evidence that the road was 22 feet wide was given by P.C. Adlam, who said the char-a-banc was pulled up six yards and a foot from where the boy was struck. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, said it was surprising there were not more fatalities, seeing the way children ran across streets in front of motors and lorries in attempts to get hold of the back of passing vehicles. The driver in this case was absolutely free from any blame, as was apparent from his own evidence and that of independent witnesses. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Major J. C. Walford, Adjutant of the 96th Brigade, on behalf of Lt-Col. Mardon, O.C., expressed very great sympathy with the parents. The char-a-banc was in no sense under military control ,the members of the band paying their fares as ordinary passengers. The occurrence had cast a gloom over their first day's camp, and all ranks in the Brigade would like to express their great sympathy.

ILFRACOMBE - Cliff Tragedy At Ilfracombe. - The body of a man, about 22 years of age, was discovered on Tuesday evening at the foot of Hillsborough Cliffs, Ilfracombe, in a terribly shattered condition, he having evidently fallen from a height of about 400 feet. - A coat and trilby hat were found at the top of the cliff. - According to cards and correspondence in a wallet, deceased's name is ROBERT A. DE SILVA, of 2 Barons Court-road, London, ". He was wearing a brown suit. - Also found on the body was a receipt for Income-tax, with the name ROBERT DE SILVA, Shaw and Kilburn Ltd. Deceased was apparently unknown in Ilfracombe. - The Inquest Verdict of Suicide. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, held the Inquest at the Ilfracombe Police Station yesterday afternoon. - The first witness called was deceased's father, MR ANDREW WIJITUNGE DE SILVA, caterer of 2 Barons Court, West Kensington, London, a native of Ceylon, who said that he identified the body as that of his son, ROBERT ANDREW WIJITUNGE DE SILVA. He was 22 years of age and was in the employ of Messrs. Shaw and Kilburn, motor engineers, as a clerk in their sales department. He last saw deceased alive on Monday morning at 9 o'clock, when he told witness he was going to business. Deceased had complained of illness on the Sunday, when witness was away from home and his mother had sent for a doctor, but on the Monday morning deceased said he was feeling better. His son did not return home on Monday night. He was unmarried. - The Coroner: Did you know anything about his coming here? - Witness: No, sir. - He did not say anything about it? - No, sir. - Had he been to Ilfracombe before? - He was here last year. - Had he any friends or relatives here? - No, sir. - The Coroner produced some letters which he stated were found on the body. Witness said they were in his son's writing, but they showed evidence of agitation, as he usually wrote better than that. - Witness said he would like to mention that deceased joined the Imperial Cadet Yeomanry during the War, and served two years. He did well while in the Army. He had a lot of very rough riding to do and said he thought that one horse in particular would have killed him. When he was demobilised and came home he suffered considerably from bleeding at the nose and witness sent him to a specialist, who treated him, and for the last six months there was not the slightest sign of anything being wrong with him. Deceased was a most amiable and clever boy and behaved well at home. He was a good musician, good at drawing and a keen chess player. For the past six months he had spent most of his leisure at home and used to play the piano for hours. Witness continued that he could not understand his son doing such a thing: it seemed to him the last thing he would have done. - The Coroner asked if deceased had any business worries, but witness replied that the Secretary of the Company, by whom his son was employed, had informed him that his son was getting on well. - The Coroner then read a pathetic letter received by MRS DE SILVA on Tuesday evening. It had been posted in Ilfracombe on Monday night after the London mail left, evidently as deceased was on his way to Hillsborough Hill. the letter was as follows:- "My dearest darling mammy, - By the time you have this I shall have ceased to exist on this earth. I don't think I have had one night's sleep for two months and I am so so tired. I am going to sleep for all time now. I am simply thinking of you all, but it will be for the best that I go to my Maker..... I am not afraid to die, but I cannot help crying when I think of what you have done for me. I am quite sure if I had stayed in London and faced the music I should not have lived long..... BOBBIE." - Mr Brown asked witness if deceased had been in any trouble at the motor works? - Witness replied that he had made enquiries and was informed that everything was all right there. - The Coroner: Has he been connected with any woman? - Witness: I do not know. - Shown a photograph by the Coroner, witness was asked if he knew the woman standing next to deceased. Witness replied in the negative. Most of the people in the photo were employees at the motor works, he thought; he did not know any of them. - The Coroner read other letters which were found in deceased's coat:- "God knows I have done wrong, but why is he so hard on me. I die without seeing my darling mammy and daddie. Perhaps if I had someone who loved me by me now I would still fight, but there is no one, and I am alone with a breaking heart, and I am so tired. This will be the first time I have really slept for two months." - "To the best brother in the world. - Forgive me and pray for me and for God's sake keep Milton away from women. I am writing this on Hillsborough and contemplating the tremendous distance into eternity. Pray for me sometimes". - The Coroner: It appears as if he had got into trouble with some woman. Did he ever bring anyone to the house? - Witness: No, sir. - You did not know he was going with anyone? - No, sir. - Do you know of any reason other than what he states here that would drive him to take his life? - Except what I pointed out to you, no. He had a lot of rough riding and falls when in the Army, and he had bleeding at the nose for six months, which made him quite pale and ill. - Has he ever been peculiar? - Just the opposite; very sensible. - The Coroner then produced a letter found in deceased's pocket, from a girl named May, written from an address at Bow. It referred to an appointment at which she had been late and was dated last October. There was also a slip of paper with the name Flora Drew on it, but witness said he did not know anything about either of the girls; he had never heard the names before. - The Coroner: From his letters he appears to have been perfectly happy at home. - Witness: Oh, perfectly. Happier at home than out. - You never knew he had any woman friends? - I never knew at all. - Did he go to dances? - No, sir. During the last six months he has spent most of his time at home. - I see he suffered from influenza in February. - Yes. He was at home for about a week. - When he was here last year, were any members of your family with him? - Yes. My three sons were here. - This concluded the father's evidence, and in reply to the Coroner, a brother of deceased, whose name was not mentioned, said he could not add anything to what his father had said; he was completely in the dark about what had caused his brother to commit the deed. His brother did not belong to any dance club or go to dances, he spent most of his spare time playing the piano at home. - P.C. Champion stated that deceased must have gone straight to Hillsborough on arriving at Ilfracombe on Monday; no evidence had been found of his having called anywhere. The first letter to his mother must have been posted between 8 and 8.30 at the St James Place Post Office, when deceased was on his way to Hillsborough. - A young man named Cecil White of 5 Foxbeare Road, Ilfracombe, was the next witness. He stated that he was on Hillsborough Hill on Tuesday between 3 and 4 and on looking over the cliff saw the body of a man lying on the beach below. He went down to the beach and found deceased, who was terribly cut about and quite dead. Witness was going to inform the Police when he met a Mr Lawless and they both went down to the beach again. They came up again and witness was going to 'phone the Police Station, but Mr Lawless said he would inform the Police as he could then describe where the body was. - Further questioned, witness said deceased only had a shirt, trousers and braces and waistcoat on. The latter was very much torn. He had no coat or shoes on. - Dr Osborne stated that he had examined the body at the Mortuary. Nearly every bone was broken, but the skull was not fractured. Deceased must have pitched on his feet. The neck was not broken. The cause of death was shock and loss of blood. There were no signs of deceased having taken any poison. Death must have been practically instantaneous. - P.C. Richard Hardy said he went to Hillsborough Beach, accompanied by P.C. Champion, in consequence of information received from Mr Lawless, and they brought the body to the Mortuary. He then went up the cliff to a spot immediately above where the body was found, a height of 400 feet, where he found a coat neatly folded and laid on the grass. On the left of it was a trilby hat with a linen collar round it. There was a note placed inside the coat, just in the pocket. - Sergt. Champion said that £1 6s. in cash and some other papers were found on the clothing, but nothing that threw any light on the case further than what had been read by the Coroner. - Summing up, the Coroner characterised the case as a particularly sad one. Here was a young fellow who for some reason or other left London without saying a word to his parents or brothers and sisters, and came down here with something on his mind. He must have proceeded to Hillsborough and written these notes, though the first one to his mother must have been written previously and posted on his way to the hill. The other notes, he says, were written on Hillsborough. It appeared from these notes that he had evidently got into some trouble with a woman, what it was he could not say. The father and brothers did not know anything about it. Two letters from women were found on him. One of these said the writer was "more than sorry so much time and money had been wasted." Whether that meant that he had got into some financial difficulty, he (the Coroner) could not say, but that he had got into a difficulty of some kind the letter to his mother showed. Mr Brown added that he was afraid he could not agree with what deceased said n his letters about being quite sane, for it he meant to take his life it was an extraordinary thing for a sane person to do to come all the way from London to Ilfracombe to do it. The correspondence showed clearly he had come here with that intention. The verdict could not be other than one of "Suicide by Throwing himself over the cliff while of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 May 1922
HOLSWORTHY - Sudden Death Of North Devon Schoolmaster. - MR R. B. GILES, headmaster at the Holsworthy National School, died at 5 o'clock on Thursday morning. MR GILES was for many years headmaster at the St. Giles-in-the-Wood National School and only three weeks ago arrived at Holsworthy to take up his new appointment. Deceased was on the bowling green at 9 o'clock on Wednesday evening apparently in the best of health. After partaking of a light supper he retired, but at midnight Mr and Mrs J. H. Parsons, with whom he was staying, were aroused by unusual sounds and found MR GILES vomiting and complaining of severe pains in the head. Dr E. O. Kingdon was quickly in attendance and remained practically to the end. MR GILES was about 40 years of age and leaves a widow and two children, to whom the greatest sympathy will be extended. - Mr G. Brown, District coroner, held an Inquest at Holsworthy on Friday evening, touching the death of MR RICHARD BAWDEN GILES, schoolmaster at the National School, who died almost suddenly on Wednesday morning. - Mr H. A. Edwards, undertaker, Bideford, said deceased was his brother-in-law. He was 40 years of age and took up his duties at Holsworthy about three weeks ago, leaving his wife and family at St Giles-in-the-Wood )where he had been headmaster for many years) because there was no house available at Holsworthy. Deceased saw Army service in India, Mesopotamia and Palestine. Prior to joining the Army he enjoyed perfect health, but since demobilisation he had been a changed man, being sallow in face and complained of pains in the head and heart and had to give up cycling. Dr Mortimer, of Torrington, had treated him for heart strain and twelve months ago insisted on his taking a rest, for which purpose deceased went to Yelverton for six weeks. He did not apply for a disability pension, being content to rely on his profession. - Mr J. H. Parsons, butcher, said MR GILES had lived with him since coming to Holsworthy. He was always of a cheerful disposition, but complained of nervous attacks and bad nights. On one occasion he said he had the war to thank for it all; there was nothing the matter with him before he joined the Army. About midnight on Wednesday witness heard a noise and found MR GILES on the first landing vomiting. Deceased was groaning and said, "Oh my head!" - Dr E. O. Kingdon deposed that he found deceased unconscious. He had a series of convulsions between one and two, probably caused by cerebral trouble. It was a hopeless case from the first. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, said it was a very sad case. Deceased had evidently suffered from his service in the East. - The Funeral At St. Giles. - Amidst every manifestation of profound regret and sympathy, the funeral took place at St. Giles-in-the-Wood on Saturday. There was a large attendance at the graveside, the deceased being highly respected by everyone in the district. Rev. C. Walker officiated, being assisted by Revs. T. S. Kendall (Holsworthy) and T. E. Fox (Shebbear). The full surpliced choir attended, deceased being for years a member. The hymns sung were "O God, our help in ages past," and "Thou whose almighty word." As the cortege left the church, Miss D. Luxton (organist) rendered the Dead March. The bearers were churchwardens and sidesmen of the church: Messrs. J. Millman, G. Hookway, W. Page, C. E. Tanton, L. Hookway and W. Hookway. The immediate family mourners were Mrs Giles (widow), Keith, Gerald and Willie (sons), Miss Giles (sister), Mrs Wannacott (sister), Mr H. A. Edwards (brother-in-law), Miss Falkeiner (aunt), Rev. Crosse Crosse (Petrockstowe), Mr J. Brooks, Mr W. Trace (Petrockstowe).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 June 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - Dairyman's Sad Death At Torrington. - The inhabitants of Torrington learnt with much regret of the death of MR THOMAS REDDAWAY, dairyman, of South-street, which occurred on Monday at the age of 64. A popular figure in the district, MR REDDAWAY was held in the highest esteem by all; and general sympathy is expressed with the widow and family in their bereavement. - Deceased was a devoted worker in connection with the Baptist Church, of which he was a deacon for many years. - The circumstances of MR REDDAWAY'S death necessitated an Inquest held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - MRS REDDAWAY, the widow, stated that on May 29th her husband left home on his pony for the purpose of visiting his ground; and later in the afternoon was brought back by Mr Jury in a cart. Her husband told her that whilst riding in Watery-lane, he met four pigs straying and one of them ran against the pony's legs, causing it to suddenly turn round. He added that it pulled him on to the pummel of the saddle and the pony's neck and that he had been injured in the groin. He remained in bed next day and Dr Pridham was sent for and attended him daily. Her husband appeared to improve and got out of bed once or twice and sat in a chair. When he got out of bed on the 5th inst., about noon, he said he felt faint and she helped him back to bed again. Later he again tried to get out of bed, but fell back and died. - Wm. Jury spoke to seeing MR REDDAWAY sitting by the side of the road at Castle Garden-lane on May 29th. He complained of feeling unwell and said he had met with an accident as the result of pigs running against his cob's legs and frightening it. Witness assisted him into his cart and drove him home. - Dr Pridham informed the Coroner that he attended MR REDDAWAY on the 30th instant. He was in a good deal of pain, and there was considerable bruising on the upper part of his left thigh and groin. He seemed to be getting all right during the following week and got out of bed several times and sat in the chair. When witness last saw him alive between four and five o'clock on June 4th, he was comfortable and easy, but complained of the excessive heat. On the 5th instant, witness was sent for about 2 o'clock and on arrival found that MR REDDAWAY had passed away. A post-mortem examination disclosed that all the organs were healthy with the exception of the heart, which was fatty and dilated. Witness could see no signs of any internal injury as the result of the accident; and the cause of death was shock acting on a fatty and dilated heart. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BIDEFORD - Bideford Boy Scout's Death From Tetanus. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at an Inquest at Bideford on Tuesday evening on JOHN BUTLER, the 11 year old son of Councillor R. and MRS BUTLER, of the Torridge Inn. - The lad went to a Scouts' camp at Parkham on Saturday apparently in the best of health, and played cricket in the afternoon, but early the next morning complained of a sore throat and had difficulty in swallowing. A stimulant was given him by Scoutmaster Ash, who took him in a motor car to his home, where Drs. Grose and Pearson treated him for tetanus. The anti-tetanus toxin which was injected, however, had no effect and the lad died on Monday morning from tetanus. - It transpired that on Thursday last while riding a bicycle, which was a birthday present, with another boy up behind, BUTLER fell at the steep junction of Grenville Street and High Street, Bideford, bruising his left leg above the knee and sustaining a very slight gravel rash on the knee. He made nothing of it, apparently suffered no pain and did not tell his parents anything about it, possibly fearing if he did he would not be allowed to go to camp. He was a very healthy and high-spirited boy. - Dr Grose had no hesitation in certifying the cause of death, and was of opinion that the germ got into the blood through the abrasion of the knee. He thought the best course was adopted in bringing the boy at once to Bideford, the nearest place where the toxin, the only possible treatment holding out any hope of success, could be obtained. - In recording his verdict, the Coroner emphasised the necessity of even the slightest abrasion open to infection being antiseptically treated. - MR BUTLER expressed his thanks to the Scoutmaster and the other officers at the camp for having rendered all the assistance they possibly could.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 June 1922
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Horse Dealer's Fatal Fall. - MR ERNEST JOHN RALPH, horse dealer, of Fore-street, Ilfracombe, died at Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Wednesday from injuries received through being thrown from his horse on Tuesday night. - At the Inquest on Thursday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, HERBERT RALPH, brother, said on Tuesday evening deceased asked him to look after his stables for a little while, as he was going to Torrington. - Fredk. George Verney, farmer, of Fairview, West Down, said deceased had been staying with him for some weeks. He met RALPH about 8.40 on Tuesday night at his stables and afterwards went to the Railway Hotel, where they had two or three glasses of beer. Deceased was a very moderate drinker and was quite sober. Shortly after ten o'clock they started to ride to Fairview Farm, by way of Marlborough-road. RALPH'S horse evidently bolted and galloped up the road. The horse, apparently, wanted to go along St Brannock Park-road, and deceased tried to turn it up Marlborough-road, towards Two Potts. At the junction of the roads the horse got on to the pavement and slipped, throwing deceased to ground. He did not think RALPH struck the wall. - The Coroner: Were you trying to race? - Witness: Oh no, sir. - Witness added that the horse had never been broken to harness, but had been trained for racing. Deceased was an experienced rider. The horse was somewhat difficult to pull up and had bolted once before to witness's knowledge. - Wm. John Tucker, labourer, said that when he brought the horses to last witness and deceased RALPH'S horse appeared to be restive, but deceased got into the saddle safely. The horse galloped at a great pace up the hill. Deceased was thrown clear of the horse when the animal slipped on the pavement. When witness came up the horse was standing quite quietly by the side of deceased. - Dr Langridge, jun., said deceased's skull was not fractured, but on the left side of the brain there was laceration and haemorrhage, which was the cause of death. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

BIDEFORD - Bideford Fatality. - GEORGE HENRY PHILP, the young Polruan seaman, who was injured in the winch of the Newquay motor schooner "Katie" lying at Bideford, succumbed to his injuries in Bideford Hospital on Thursday. - At the Inquest, Dr Ellis Pearson said death was due to shock following injuries, which included a right arm practically torn off and two or three ribs broken. - Walter Olfen, the master of the vessel, of Polruan, said the conclusion he formed was that PHILIP, in leaning over to pour water into the cooling tank of the engine, had one foot on a rope and his other foot on the deck slipped, so that he fell sideways on the cogwheel of the winch. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said there was no blame attached to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 June 1922
LYNTON - The Fatal Motor Accident Near Lynton. Car Overturned On Shambleway Hill. Coroner's Useful Suggestion. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, made a useful suggestion at the Inquest on Thursday arising out of the sad motoring fatality near Lynton that hotel proprietors and lodging-house keepers who had visitors bringing their own cars should specially warm them to overhaul their brakes, etc., after a long run to reach North Devon, and before taking their cars out again on the severe gradients in the neighbourhood. - The Inquest was on WILLIAM ECCLES, 59, a retired papermaker of Chilworth Rectory Avenue, High Wycombe, whose car got out of control on Shambleway Hill, approaching the Watersmeet Road, and, overturning, threw MR ECCLES and his son, who was with him, into the road, MR ECCLES sustaining such injuries that he died in a few hours. From the very damaged appearance of the car it would appear to have turned over and rolled some way. - JOHN ECCLES, the son, said his father had driven for about 15 years and this was a 1921 car. they had only come to Lynton the previous day, and were intending to go to Dulverton. The brakes acted all right before going down Shambleway Hill, which his father was doing in top gear. He put on both hand and foot brakes, but neither worked and the car gathered speed. His father then tried to engage his bottom gear, but was unable to get it in. Witness only remembered the car hitting the side once, when he thought he must have been thrown out. when he got up, before anyone else came, his father was under the car. They had never been in that part before, but had hills almost as steep where they came from. They had one 1 in 9. - Wm. Squires said the car had struck the hedge in two or three places and a gap was made in the wall in one place. The car was right way up when he saw it, but the wheels were smashed. - The Coroner remarked that it seemed strange that the car had hit the hedge three times, all on the same side. - Albert Stevens spoke to finding on the hill, half a mile from where the accident took place, a piece of metal, afterwards described as a cardan block. - John Moule, an engineer, who had examined the car, said the brakes were good and the steering was all right, and what he suggested caused the accident was that the torque rod, which held the back axle, gave way. This was in a ball joint and he thought the male part, which was a little flat, came out of the cup. this let the axle drop and the cardan shaft and the cardan blocks came off. What happened then was that the drive was away from the transmission and it was no good engaging low gear. The same thing - the axle dropping - rendered the brakes ineffectual. - Dr Falkiner attributed death to fracture of the skull. - P.C. Perriam said the car evidently struck the hedge three times in a distance of 120 feet. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," thought it was absolutely necessary to call the attention of people who came down in the summer in cars, knowing nothing about that county, to see that their brakes, etc., were in order before going down hills without being fully acquainted of their steepness. There was not only a danger to themselves, but to other people. It was very lucky there was no one coming up the hill meeting this car. Hotel keepers and boarding-house keepers, where people were staying with cars of their own should warn them when they came to have their brakes examined before they proceeded on a further journey in that neighbourhood. It was to their own advantage, because they did not want these accidents, which, unfortunate in themselves, might frighten other people. - Attention was called by the Police to the position of the sign, which the Coroner thought should be further up the hill to give more warning.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 July 1922
SOUTH MOLTON - Death Of MR H. ARNOLD THORNE At Southmolton. - On Friday Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Southmolton concerning the death of MR H. ARNOLD THORNE, Veterinary Surgeon, whose sudden death we recorded last week. The deceased was the eldest son of the late MR ARNOLD THORNE, architect and surveyor, of Barnstaple. - The Hon. WILLIAM THORNE (brother) a member of the Penang Legislature, said the deceased was 40 years of age. He last saw him alive at Southmolton Railway Station on June 24th, when he appeared to be in perfectly good health except for the disability from which he had suffered since the War. - Frederick Ernest Muxworthy, in the employ of deceased, said that on the previous Wednesday MR THORNE went out to ride and returned at about 4.20 p.m. When witness went into the yard MR THORNE called to him from a bedroom window and he (Muxworthy) immediately proceeded to the room. MR THORNE said he feared he was going to have one of his old attacks. He asked witness to get the housekeeper to bring him a cup of tea. Witness went downstairs, when deceased called again and asked him to fetch Dr Baker. When witness returned to the room MR THORNE was lying on the floor near the bed. He died in a few minutes. - Dr Baker, Southmolton, said that when he was called he went straight to the house, and found the deceased on the floor unconscious. He had removed his coat and waistcoat and folded them. It looked as if he had then sat on the bed to remove his boots and fallen forward. He was unconscious and breathed only 7 or 8 times after he (Dr Baker) entered the room. He had made a post-mortem examination. The heart was normal, except for a slight enlargement. The valves were normal. There was trouble in one of the legs. MR THORNE had had a heavy meal just before. - The Coroner: Was there any foreign substance in the stomach? - Dr Baker: Only a meal - undigested food; there was nothing else at all. Proceeding, Dr Baker said that the brain was perfectly normal. The cause of death was embolism of the pulmonary artery. - Mr F. Boucher stated that deceased started out to ride about 2 o'clock just after lunch. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of Death from Natural Causes. - Interment At Bishopstawton. - The funeral took place on Saturday of CAPT. H. ARNOLD THORNE, M.R.C.V.S., of Southmolton, whose death with tragic suddenness was recorded in our last issue. Eldest son of the late MR ARNOLD THORNE, a former Borough Surveyor and of MRS ARNOLD THORNE, of Orchard Terrace, Barnstaple, the deceased gentleman served in the South African War and throughout the late War, retiring with the rank of Captain. CAPTAIN ARNOLD THORNE was held in high esteem in Southmolton and district; and evidences of sympathy with the bereaved family were general at the funeral. The mortal remains were removed from Southmolton to Barnstaple on Friday evening, the first portion of the funeral service being held in St Mary's Catholic Church, and the interment being made in the family vault at Bishopstawton. Rev. Father Leahy impressively officiated. - The family mourners were Mrs Arnold Thorne (mother), the Hon. W. H. Thorne and Mrs Thorne, of Penang (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs H. J. Bird, of Southmolton (brother-in-law and sister), Miss Dorothy Thorne (sister), Mr H. K. Thorne (uncle), Misses Thorne 2, aunts, Messrs. Alec Lawrence, (a close personal friend of the deceased), of Canada; L. Barrett, F. E. Muxworthy (deceased's groom), F. J. Boucher and Nurse Howard. Mr W. Moor, Mayor of Southmolton, attended. - The many beautiful floral tributes were:- From his sorrowing mother and sister Dorothy - "Why will be done"; From his brothers, overseas, Hugh and Brian Thorne; From his brother Harman Thorne; From Harry and Mary, "Whatever is, is best"; With love, from aunties and H. K. T.; From his niece and nephews, Margaret, Arnold, Leonard; From Mr and Mrs W. H. Thorne; With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs P. Penhale and family, Castle-street, Barnstaple; From the frozen prairies of the great North West, from Canada's far flung shore he was always my pal, back to the Homeland and into the mysteries of the great Beyond, he will always remain my pal, his broken-hearted comrade, Alick; With deepest sympathy, Dorothy B. Reed; With deepest sympathy, Sir Richard and Lady Archer Julian; With deepest sympathy and in affectionate remembrance of our dear friend, from Mr and Mrs Fred F. J. Sanders and Hettie Loughrigg, Southmolton; With deepest sympathy, from F. and B. Boucher and family; Mr and Mrs Tynmouth Blyth, Northumberland; With sincere sympathy, Dr and Mrs T. Frederick C. J. Baker, Molford House, Southmolton; With sincere sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Harry Sanders, East Johnstone, Bishopsnympton; With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Aubrey Johnson; With deepest sympathy, from Mrs Batten and family; With sincere sympathy from Mr John Brady and family; With loving sympathy, from Mrs John Rude; With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Barrett and family; With deep regret, Mrs G. O. Neill; With deepest sympathy, from Major and Mrs J. C. Southcombe, Barnstaple; In loving remembrance of Arnie, from Mrs Smoldon and Francie; With sincere sympathy from Mr and Mrs J. J. H. Sanders. - The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. W. Sanders and Son, of Southmolton.

UMBERLEIGH - Fatal Motor Accident Near Umberleigh. Bishopstawton Man Killed. - At Umberleigh on Saturday, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Inquired into the circumstances of the death of ARTHUR DUNN, who was knocked down by a motor car on Thursday while walking along the main road, near Umberleigh Barton, on his way to his allotment and died within a few minutes. The deceased had for some years past resided at Bishopstawton. - Mrs Rose Tanner, of Barnstaple, niece, giving evidence of identification, said deceased, aged 69, was a marine engineer in his younger days. She believed he had a wife, a son and a daughter, but witness had not heard from them for some years and did not now know where they were. - Mr Wm. L. Nicholls, a gentleman living at Hallsannery, near Bideford, the driver of the car, describing the accident, said he was on his way to Exeter on Thursday morning with his wife and other relatives in the car. When part way between Chapelton and Umberleigh he observed deceased walking in the same direction on the off side of the road. On witness sounding his horn, deceased commenced to cross the road and on reaching the centre of it started to run. Witness sounded his horn again and turned to the right to pass him, whereupon deceased jumped back in the direction from which he had come right in front of the off wing of the car, which was travelling about five or six miles an hour. Deceased was knocked down. Witness at once pulled up and every assistance was rendered, but death occurred within a few minutes. It was impossible to avoid the accident. Questioned by P.C. Challice, witness said the accident was entirely due to deceased's undecided crossing of the road. - Mrs Margaret Loosemore, who resides near the spot where the fatality occurred, and witnessed the accident, gave evidence which bore out that of the previous witness, and she did not think any blame attached to Mr Nicholls. - Dr Good, of High Bickington, said the injuries included a fractured right cheek bone and neck, caused, he should think, by falling on his face, deceased being a very heavy man, weighing nearly 18st. - P.C. Challice of Bishopstawton, gave the measurements of the road and said the wheel marks of the car showed that the brakes had been applied hard and bore out Mr Nicholls' statement of what occurred. Deceased, whom he had known for about three and a half years, was slightly deaf and his eyesight poor, and when walking on the road he had a very hesitating, undecided manner as to which side of the road he would keep to. - The Coroner said from the evidence of a perfectly independent witness it was clear there was no blame attaching to the driver of the car. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Nicholls expressed his sincere sympathy with the relatives. - The funeral of MR A. DUNN took place in Bishopstawton Parish Churchyard on Sunday. The principal mourners were Mr J. Dunn (brother), Mrs Braund (sister), Mrs Tanner, Mrs Degen, Mrs Wicketts, Mr A. C. Braund (nieces and nephew).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 July 1922 ILFRACOMBE - Inquest At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday into the death of MRS HARRIET EMMA PASKE, aged 54, who died at that Institution the same morning. - MR AMOS PASKE, retired provision merchant, of 32 Wanstead Park Avenue, London, stated that his wife and himself who had been on holiday at Ilfracombe, met with a motor accident at Killington Hill, between Lynton and Hunters' Inn, on June 25th, being thrown out and pinned beneath the car. His wife had been confined to bed since with two broken ribs and bruises. On Tuesday she complained of pain in the abdomen and on the advice of Dr Fawckner Langridge, who was attending her, she was removed to the Cottage Hospital, and an operation performed. - Dr Langridge said that death was not due to the motor accident, although it might have slightly hastened the growth of the internal stricture from which deceased was suffering. Death was due to toxaemia and shock. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 July 1922
BIDEFORD - Bideford Tragedy. Drowned In The Torridge. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Bideford, on Monday evening, held an Inquest into the circumstances of the sad death of MRS MARY ANN WALDRON, wife of MR AUGUSTUS WALDRON, of Park Lane, Bideford, who, after being missing for a week was found drowned in the River Torridge, near Landcross, on Sunday. Deceased was well respected and the Police, Bideford and Northam Boy Scouts, elder scholars from the schools had been unremitting in their search for her whereabouts. - When her husband was called up as a reservist to serve in the Navy during the War, MRS WALDRON was one of the first from the district to cheerfully volunteer to go anywhere on munition work and exerted herself strenuously on that work during the War. - MR WALDON told the Coroner that his wife, who was 55, in August last became an inmate of Exminster Mental Hospital, remaining until 20th December, when she was discharged as cured and fit to be returned to her home. She went on all right until six or eight weeks ago, when, at the doctor's suggestion, she went to Bideford Workhouse infirmary, returning home again in a week apparently all right. On Monday of last week she performed her household duties, but appeared to have left the house unobserved about 4 o'clock. About an hour afterwards she was spoken to by a Mr Adams on the New Road, and in reply to a remark that she was strolling, said it was a pity to let such a nice evening slip. She had never attempted or threatened to attempt suicide - quite the reverse - and there was no reason to think she would leave home. On the contrary, there was every inducement for her to stay, as only four or five days before her son had returned from foreign service. She took no food with her and he had been unable to find that she obtained food anywhere during the week. - Ralph Braund, a lad, of Weare Gifford, said on Sunday morning, about 10 o'clock, from a field on the other side of the river he saw a woman, with no hat, sitting on a rock by the river bank, dipping some leaves in the water and putting them to her mouth, as if drinking. The tide was up at the time and the water would be salt. Having heard of MRS WALDON being missing, he cycled to Bideford and informed the Police. - Inspector Doidge, who went up the river in a motor boat, spoke to finding, just before 1 o'clock, deceased floating on her face on the receding tide, about 200 yards the Weare Gifford side of the railway bridge. Artificial respiration was attempted, but without result. The body was fully clothed, except that deceased was wearing no hat or boots. He wished to thank the public for the assistance rendered the Police in the search and especially Colonel Bassett and the Boy Scouts. The search had been continued since the previous Monday, and the adjoining wood (Lilly Wood) was searched on Thursday. He thought deceased must have been in hiding by day. - P.C. Hillman said he found deceased's hat, boots, coat, umbrella and two handkerchiefs in different parts of the wood on Sunday, and a pair of gloves close to the water's edge. Stepping stones to the rock on which Braund saw deceased sitting showed signs of having slipped and he thought deceased might have fallen in. There were bare footmarks near the banks at other places, but none leading to the water. - The Coroner who said it was a particularly sad case and expressed his sympathy with the family, said his verdict must be one of "Suicide by Drowning, whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 July 1922
BIDEFORD - Little Boy Killed. Falls Under Motor On Bideford Bridge. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital on Saturday on a three year old child named REGINALD EDWARD, son of THOMAS BECKERLEY, labourer of 6 Union-street, Bideford, who received fatal injuries by running under a motor car on Bideford Bridge the previous afternoon. The child is usually fetched from school by its mother, but on this occasion MRS BECKERLEY had been asked to run for a friend of a neighbour who was dying, and it was while she was doing this that her child came out of school and went on the Bridge. - The father stated that the child was three years old on 4th of last April. He went to the Infant's School, Church Walk. His mother usually took him and fetched him, Friday being the first time she had not fetched him. - The Coroner: Why do you send a child of three years to school; you are not compelled to. - Witness: His mother thought he would be out of mischief at school. - Dr A. A. Bearne, of Falmouth, who is on a visit to Westward Ho! said he was driving a car to Barnstaple on Friday afternoon, and turned the corner to go on the Bridge about 4 o'clock. A cart was approaching him on the Bridge and another little boy coming from behind the cart crossed in front of his car. A man on the pavement just swung this boy out of the way. He had a narrow escape. The next thing he knew was that the car had gone over something. It was immediately after turning the corner, and he was going dead slow and pulled up immediately. Someone was then lifting the child from the road just behind. He had not seen the deceased child at all, and could not possibly have avoided it. Nurse Johns was there with a car and took the child straight to the Hospital. He wished to express his sincere sympathy with the parents. - Mr C. P. Milsom, Abbotsham Road, said he saw the deceased standing with three other lads on the pavement of the Bridge. He should say one of the children was about 8 or 9 years of age and the other two about four. A coal cart was coming over the Bridge. The three children other than the deceased ran across the road to the pavement on the other side of the bridge, getting over safely in front of a car, which was preceding Dr Bearne's car. One of these children was pulled in out of the way by someone standing on the pavement. Immediately after the first car had passed Dr Bearne's car came along and the deceased child stepped off the pavement at the rear of the coal cart and immediately fell with fright under the back wheel of the doctors car, the wheel going over his head or neck. The car, which was close by the kerb on its proper side and was travelling dead slow, stopped immediately within twelve feet. The driver could not possibly have avoided the accident. - Augustus Branch, 3 Cornwall Terrace, Clovelly Road, who was on the opposite side of the Bridge to the last witness, corroborated Mr Milsom's evidence. He (witness) shouted to the boy when he saw him leave the footpath but he did not think he heard. He quite agreed there was no blame whatever attached to the driver. - Dr Ellis Pearson said he was at the Hospital when the child was brought in. Apparently the wheel had gone over his head. He had a fracture of the base of the skull and died about ten minutes after admission. Witness agreed with the Coroner that it was a wonder there were not more similar accidents seeing the number of young children who ran across the streets. - The Coroner said it was perfectly clear deceased met his death in an accidental manner by falling under a car driven by Dr Bearne. This was the third similar enquiry he had held at Bideford and with the way children were allowed to run about the streets and cross behind other vehicles and directly in front of motors, it was a wonder there was not an accident every day. Blame was generally attributed to the motors, but however, careful a man was, as Dr Bearne was in this case, such accidents could not be avoided by drivers. It was extraordinary that parents let the children at the age of 3 years run the streets as they did. This child had been to school, but was there any possible use in sending a child of the age of 3 to school . His verdict was one of "Accidental Death," with no blame attaching to the driver of the car.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 August 1922
CHITTLEHAMPTON - Sad Tragedy At Chittlehampton. Young Man Drowns Himself. - A painful sensation was caused on Sunday when it became known that the lifeless body of MR GEORGE PHILIP STAPLETON, elder son of MR and MRS STAPLETON of Winson Farm (formerly of Pristacott Farm, Torrington), had been found in a pond on the farm. Aged 24 and an ex-soldier and engineer, the deceased had been in delicate health for 2 ½ years, suffering from neurasthenia. On Saturday he was sent by his father to post a letter at the pillar box, and as he failed to return a search was instituted, MR STAPLETON, however, failing to find his son and calling in the Police about two hours later. Late at night deceased's hat and stick were found by the side of Hudscott Pond, about 200 yards from the house; whilst on the pond being dragged on Sunday morning, the body was found lying in about 8ft. of water. Deceased had tied his hands together with a handkerchief and life was quite extinct. MR and MRS STAPLETON have the sympathy of the parishioners generally in their great bereavement. - At the Inquest held before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, on Tuesday, Dr Mortimer, of Southmolton, stated that he had been attending deceased for the past two years. He attributed death to drowning. Other evidence having been given, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst Temporarily Insane."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 August 1922
SHEBBEAR - Sudden Death Of A Holsworthy Local Preacher At Shebbear. The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest on Tuesday into the circumstances surrounding the death (referred to in another column) of MR JAMES HARRIS, cattle-dealer, a native of Holsworthy. - THOMAS HARRIS, son of the deceased, stated that his father was 75 years of age, and identified the body. He last saw his father alive on Sunday when he appeared to be in his usual health. - Walter William Batten, another witness, deposed that he was attending the evening service at the Shebbear United Methodist Chapel on Sunday. Deceased was about to conduct the service, and was in the pulpit, and on preparing to announce the first hymn, the hymn-book fell out of the preacher's hands and he appeared to sink into his seat. Witness ran to his assistance and laid him on the floor of the pulpit. He did almost immediately. Deceased had conducted the afternoon service and apparently was quite well and cheerful. - Dr I. M. Jefferiss, of Shebbear, stated that he was sent for on Sunday evening, and arrived at the Chapel just after 6.30 p.m. Deceased was lying on the floor of the pulpit, quite dead. He had made a post mortem examination of the body and all the organs were perfectly healthy, with the exception of the mitral valve of the heart, which was much diseased. In his opinion, therefore, death was due to mitral disease of the heart. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes and expressed his sympathy with the family of the deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 31 August 1922
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Lift Accident At Ilfracombe. Visitor's Tragic Death On His Honeymoon. - A distressing fatality happened at a Hotel in Ilfracombe on Saturday, a visitor on his honeymoon losing his life as the result of a lift accident. The victim was MR JOHN ARCHIBALD CHAPPELL, aged 41, undertaker, of 122 Breakspear-road, Brockley, London, S.E. - The Inquest was held at the Town Hall on Monday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. Mr S. A. Copp, solicitor of Barnstaple, represented the family of the deceased, and Mr W. F. Watts (Rowe and Warren) represented Mr L. Parsons, lessee of the Imperial Hotel, where the accident happened. Col. Kaye was chosen Foreman of the Jury, who were seven in number. - The Coroner said the deceased and his wife arrived at the Hotel on August 16th on their honeymoon. On Saturday last they came back from Woolacombe and just after 6 p.m. they called the porter to use the lift. The wife entered first and by some means or other the lift started before MR CHAPPELL was properly inside and he was caught between the lift and the surrounding woodwork. With some trouble he was freed and a medical man was called, on whose advice MR CHAPPELL was removed to the Cottage Hospital. - The Jury then left the Hall to view the body, which was lying at the Cottage Hospital Mortuary and on returning to the Hall were requested by the Coroner to visit the Imperial Hotel and inspect the lift. - This having been done, the first witness called was MRS CHAPPELL, the widow of the deceased, who said that on Saturday last they went to Woolacombe, returning to the Hotel at 5.15 p.m. They asked the porter to take them up in the lift and both entered. No one else was there at the time. The attendant had one foot in the lift and put his hand on the lever, which caused the lift to move. Witness saw the man as the lift moved and her husband pushed him out on to the ground. The lift continued to move and her husband was caught between the lift and the floor above. - By the Coroner: She did not touch the lever, and it had never on any occasion been started until they were in it. The attendant went to the next floor and the lift was lowered to enable her husband's body to be removed. He was laid in the hall and a doctor was fetched, after which he was taken to the Hospital. - By Mr Watts: Witness was quite sure she did not touch the lever. - Leonard Moore, second boots at the Hotel, said MR and MRS CHAPPELL came in and asked him to run them up in the lift. MRS CHAPPELL got inside and stood there. Witness was getting into the lift, but his hand was not on the lever. The lift began to move while witness had his foot on the step, with the left foot on the landing outside it. Witness could not say whether MR CHAPPELL was in the lift and could not say whether MRS CHAPPELL had her hand on the lever. It had never been known to start of itself, and the lever must have been touched in some way. Witness's left hand was by his side, and his right across the gentleman's back. Neither was near the lever. The lift went up about 3 ft. before witness took his foot off and then fell on his back in the hall. He did not recollect being pushed off, but when he fell some of the ornamental ironwork came down. He could not see how far the lift went before it stopped. The gentleman's legs were hanging over the edge of the lift. Witness went to the next landing, but could not open the gate there at once, as he had not the key, but it was opened almost directly. The lever could not be moved at once, as something had jammed. MR CHAPPELL was conscious when taken out, but witness did not hear him say anything. He had never heard of anyone starting the lift by putting their back against the lever. He was sure he did not himself start the lift, but could not say who did. MRS CHAPPELL was standing a t the time. Witness had worked the lift for 14 weeks, and had never known it start without the lever being touched. By Col. Kaye: At the time the lift started, MRS CHAPPELL was inside, but deceased had not fully entered, just as in his own case. As far as witness could see MRS CHAPPELL'S hand was not on the lever. When she got in to the lift, witness remembered her saying "I think I can work this," and witness replied "half a minute." At this time the lift was actually in motion. Witness felt the moving, but could not recollect anything between that and when he found himself on the ground. So far as his knowledge went MR CHAPPELL was partly inside when the lift began to move. By Mr Copp: No other attendant was in the hall when MR and MRS CHAPPELL spoke to him. It was after MRS CHAPPELL got inside that she said she could work the lift. He was sure he himself did not touch the lever. When he went on duty at 4 p.m. the gate of the lift was open, as it was occasionally, but he never knew anyone use it without the attendant. He could not say that MRS CHAPPELL started the lift before her husband and witness were inside. By the Coroner: There was a notice in the lift that visitors were not allowed to use it without the attendant. This was produced. - Mr L. Parsons, lessee of the Hotel, said that on Saturday last, about six p.m. he was in the office and heard screaming, which at first he thought was in the street. On turning round he saw the bottom of the lift about 8 ft. above the ground and there were legs protruding below it. He found on examination that the lift was jammed, owing to the fusing of the wire carrying the current. He put in a new fuse and the lift was brought low enough to put the legs of the body inside and then it was brought to the ground level. The motion of the lift had been retarded and this caused the fusing. MR CHAPPELL was lying at the bottom of the lift and was taken out into the hall. The doctor was sent for and came at once. Just before MR CHAPPELL was taken away to the Hospital, he asked witness to take charge of some money he had with him and witness did so, telling him the amount. He did not appear to be in great suffering. The lift was started by putting the lever over, to left or right, as the Jury had seen that morning. On releasing the lever, it flew back to the normal position, and stopped immediately, with about three inches play at most The notice produced was put by his orders in the lift. He had often heard visitors say that they could use the lift, and had known it done. One lift boy had occasionally started it with his hands behind him and witness was very angry. He had not been able to find out that anyone was in the hall at the time the attendant was spoken to on the occasion in question. The attendant Moore was very careful, though a bit slow, and witness could trust him to work the lift properly. He could not say whether the attendant started the lift or not, as he was not there. He had never known the lift to start of itself. By Col. Kaye: He had never heard of a lift-handle staying back when put to the right or left. By Mr Copp: When the visitors returned the gate was open, but the lift boy was there. He put up a notice like the one produced every season. When the lift boy fell off that would not have retarded the lever. - Mr C. I. Peacock, electrical engineer, Bury, Lancs., said he was a visitor at the Hotel, and was coming down the stairs at the time of the accident. He was asked to help in connection with the accident, and told the porter to support the body, while he went down to look at the mechanism, but the lift had moved before witness could get down. He helped to get the body out of the lift; it was lying with the legs to the left. Replying to Col. Kaye: In a lift of this make the lever could only remain over if the spring was not broken, in this case it was not. He could not think of any other way, and the pressure must have been on the lever to get the lift up to any height at all. Witness went to the Hotel and tested the time of ascending and found that 5 ½ secs. elapsed from the start of the lift to its reaching where it jammed. - Mr A. Barrett, Putney, said he was a visitor at the Hotel and saw MR and MRS CHAPPELL come in. Shortly after he heard a scream, and going in saw that the lift had stopped, but did not see deceased at first. Then witness saw that he was jammed across the hips, between the lift and the floor above, some 8 ft. from the ground. Witness helped to get the deceased out when the lift reached the ground. The body was lying on the right, with the face to the left where the handle was. MRS CHAPPELL standing at the back, on the left. Witness had proved that it was quite possible for anyone leaning against the regulator-handle to move it right or left, without actually knowing it. By Mr Copp: He thought deceased must have fallen after he got in the lift. - Mr W. Turner, Westcliff-on-Sea, also a visitor, said he saw the hall porter on the ground: he saw that the lift was jammed and the lower part of deceased's body was projecting. It was on the right hand side of the lift. MRS CHAPPELL was at the back, about the middle. Deceased made some remark about being hurt, after he was taken out of the lift. - Dr Fawckner Langridge said he was called to the Imperial Hotel shortly after six p.m. He found deceased lying on blankets in the hall, but he made no statement as to the cause of the accident. Witness had him removed to the Hospital, after making superficial examination of the injuries. On reaching the Hospital witness made a thorough examination. there were no injuries on the upper part of the body, but there was a deep indentation on the left side of the groin and the pelvic region; there were also abrasions on the legs and thighs, with a great deal of shock to the system. Everything possible was done, but deceased died at 3.45 a.m. on Sunday. Witness made a post-mortem examination, the actual cause of death being haemorrhage following the injuries and the shock. - Thomas Gibbs, boots at the Imperial Hotel, said he was in the kitchen about six p.m. on Saturday and heard screaming. Going out he saw that the lift was jammed just below the first floor. Having got the key, witness opened the door and found deceased lying on the right hand side of the life, opposite the lever. Witness tried to lower the lift and found it would not move, so he called Mr Parsons. He had never known the lift refuse to work before and he had worked it for four or five years. By Mr Copp: He had heard of visitors going up in the lift in the absence of the attendant. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was a conflict of evidence as to how the lift was actually started. MRS CHAPPELL said she and her husband were both inside and the man had his foot on the step; she said that he was in danger and her husband pushed him off. If his hand had been on the lever at the time, his falling would release the lever and it would stop. The lift man could not say whether MR CHAPPELL was in the lift or only partly so, but he said that his arm was behind MR CHAPPELL at the time; if that were true, MR CHAPPELL must have been entirely inside. If anyone started the lever before the occupants were in, it would be a criminal thing. When the lever was started it would it would spring back at once when the pressure was removed and stop within three inches, as they had seen that morning. The actual cause of death was shock following the injuries described by Dr Langridge. - The Jury retired for consultation and on returning to the Court, after a lapse of 20 minutes, gave their verdict as follows:- "The Jury are of the opinion that the deceased met with an accident which resulted in his death, owing to the starting lever of the lift having been unintentionally pushed into the operating position and there retained, but the evidence before them is insufficient to prove by whom this was done. They attach no blame to the lift-attendant, who had previously fallen out of the lift, or to the Hotel management." - On behalf of the Jury, Col. Kaye said that they desired to offer their deep sympathy to the widow, and the Coroner added his condolences. On behalf of the widow and friends, Mr Copp thanked the Coroner for his careful and patient attention to the case. - Mr Parsons also said how deeply he regretted the sad occurrence and had done everything in his power to guard against such accidents.

GEORGEHAM - Sad Fatality At A Georgeham Fete. Boy Killed By Collapse Of Pillow-Fight Pole. - One of those happily infrequent but very distressing fatal accidents which sometimes cast a gloom over events which are intended for the pleasure of the public occurred during a fete held at Georgeham on Wednesday last in the Glebe Field. The Fete was organised by the Rector of Georgeham and friends for the benefit of the school children of the parish and had been an annual event for some years past. During the tea-hour, when most of the fete officials and others were in the tea-tent, a pillow-fight pole constructed on the grounds collapsed without warning, falling upon a five year old boy, who was on a visit to the district, killing him almost immediately. The tragic occurrence naturally had a mournful effect upon the proceedings. - The Inquest Story. - The story of the sad happening was told at the Inquest held into the circumstances by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on the morning following the fatality. The deceased boy was named MERVYN DAVIES, the five year old son of MR and MRS THOMAS EVANS DAVIES, of 62 Alexandra-terrace, Swansea. - MRS DAVIES, the boy's mother, stated that she was on a visit to Braunton, with her little son, staying at Mr Robert Dyer's in Church-street. With her son she attended the fete held in the Glebe Field at Georgeham on Wednesday afternoon. At about 5 p.m. she was standing near the pole and cross-bars which had been erected for the purpose of a pillow-fighting competition. Her little boy was standing close to the cross-bars. She saw two small children on the pole playing when the pole suddenly collapsed and fell on her child. The unfortunate lad was immediately taken out from under the pole, and as he seemed to be seriously injured, a motor-car was hastily obtained and he was put into it to be taken to Braunton. He died, however, almost immediately and before the car had left the fete field. The construction of the pole and cross-bars as the children were playing on it appeared to her to be "wobbly." - DR F. R. Elliston Wright, of Braunton, stated that he examined the child on reaching Braunton The boy was then dead and an examination of the body showed that the child had sustained a very bad fracture of the base of the skull. - Walter Brown, builder, said he, with several helpers, supplied the materials and erected the pole and cross-bars for the pillow-fighting competition. Each cross-bar was supported at each end by a stay-piece let into the ground, and the whole were lashed together with strong ropes in the same way as he would erect a scaffold. The pole was tested by a lot of workmen on Tuesday evening and found to be quite firm. During the afternoon on Wednesday a pillow-fighting competition had taken place upon it, completed at about four o'clock. At 5 p.m. most of the stewards had gone to tea. No one was left in charge of the pole, but children had been warned not to interfere with it during tea-time. When witness last saw the pole, after the pillow-fight, it was quite firm and the ropes were in their proper position. He could only account for the accident by suggesting that someone had loosened the rope and so allowed the pole to slip. - Dorothy Brown, another witness, sated that she was standing near the pole and cross-bars at about 5 p.m. She saw two children laying about on the pole and suddenly the construction collapsed. "I cannot say what caused it to do so," she added in reply to the Coroner. - Rev. Alfred Rose, Rector of Georgeham, said he organised the fete on Wednesday afternoon.. He was assisted by many of the villagers as committeemen, and the arrangements for the pillow-fighting competition were in the hands of the committee. He saw the pole and cross-bars on the previous afternoon and also during the afternoon at the fete, and everything seemed very firm and substantial. He again saw it immediately after the pillow-fighting competition in the afternoon and it was then still quite firm and safe. He could only suppose that the accident happened on account of somebody loosening the rope splicing the pole and cross-bars together and thus allowing the pole to slip. - The Coroner said it was a most unfortunate accident, especially in view of the fact that it had taken place during an entertainment which had been got up for the benefit of the Georgeham schools. It would appear that everything reasonable had been done to render the pole and cross-bars safe, and that they had stood the strain of the competition during the afternoon. Evidently the rope must have got out of place - whether it was loosened by someone or not was not known - and unfortunately the pole fell upon the deceased child. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said that no criminal blame attached to anyone. - The Coroner, the Rector and all concerned expressed their sympathy with MRS DAVIES in the sad affair.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 September 1922
COMBE MARTIN - Combe Martin Cliff Tragedy. The Inquest. - The danger which visitors incur by climbing Devonshire cliffs was commented on by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Inquest at Combe Martin on Thursday, on JOYCE ETHELWYN VEVERS, the 14-year-old daughter of MR EDWARD GWYNE VEVERS, civil engineer, of Henleaze Gardens, Bristol, who was killed by falling from Newberry Cliffs on Tuesday. The girl had been staying at Combe Martin with her uncle, Mr G. M. A. Matson, of Moreton-on-Thames, Surrey. - Miss Clare McCarthy-Barry, a visitor, said on Tuesday she was on Newberry Beach with deceased and others, and later saw the girl on the cliff. Witness was surprised to see her there, but it did not seem very dangerous. Witness turned to speak to another child and looking round again, found that deceased had disappeared. - Mr W. Hall, of North Finchley, another visitor, said he saw deceased on the cliff and thinking it dangerous called out to her. He believed she heard, for she turned slightly. A few minutes later a lady near by called out "Oh! she is falling," and he looked round in time to see the girl slide down the grass and tumble over the edge, dropping 40 feet in a crevice in the rocks. He ran to her and found she had very bad injuries to the head, and was unconscious. - Dr N. Manning, who was called, said there were terrible injuries, the skull being fractured. It was a hopeless case from the first and the girl died without regaining consciousness. - P.C. Jarman said fishermen had many times this summer warned visitors of the danger of climbing the cliffs, but people continued to clamber about them. - In this case the girl was brought home on an improvised stretcher. He pointed out that there was a proper stretcher kept at Combe Martin, keys being with the coastguard and the Police, but this did not seem to be generally known. - The Coroner described the affair as one of those sad accidents which happen at the seaside when visitors get slightly too venturesome. He would communicate with the parish authorities asking if they could put up notices warning visitors of the danger of climbing the cliffs. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

NORTHAM - Inquest At Appledore. - How death ensued from a slight scald on the foot was revealed on Thursday to Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, who held an Inquest at Appledore on ALICE MARY ELIZABETH SMITH, aged 11. - MARY ANN SMITH, the mother, said on August 25th her daughter visited her at Northam, where she was working, and a saucepan of hot water slipped whilst in witness' hand. She shouted to warn her child, but she was rather deaf and did not hear and a small drop of the water fell on her foot, very slightly scalding it. The skin was not broken, and the scald was so small that Mrs Penhorwood, who dressed it with iodex, could hardly see it. The girl walked back with her mother to Appledore the same night. The foot was dressed daily with linseed oil and showed no signs of inflammation until Tuesday, when Dr Valentine was called in, more on account of the child's general health than the scald. Some years ago the child had to have an operation owing to blood poisoning after an injury to her knee. She also suffered from a weak heart. - Dr Valentine said when he was called in on Tuesday the child was in a high fever and very ill and the right instep was inflamed. Despite proper treatment, the child got worse. Death was due to acute septicaemia and heart failure. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 September 1922
BARNSTAPLE - Terrible Motor Fatality At Northmolton. Barnstaple Man The Victim: Others Injured. - The Northmolton district was the scene of a shocking motor accident on Monday afternoon, resulting in the death of one man and injury to three other occupants of a car belonging to Mr S. Searle , motor proprietor, of Barnstaple. Mr Searle was driving the car, the other members of the party being MR JOHN HENRY ISAAC (who has for some time resided alternately at Barnstaple with his late wife's parents, Mr and Mrs Nott, of 2 South-street, Newport, Barnstaple, and at Cardiff), his son, MASTER FRED ISAAC, aged 16 (who was on a visit to his grandparents from Cardiff), and Mr J. Bragg of the rose and Crown Inn, Newport, Barnstaple. - It appears that MR ISAAC visited Northmolton in order to purchase some produce to be sent to Cardiff; and the return journey to Barnstaple was being commenced when, near Nadrid Farm, one of the tyres of the front wheel burst, causing the car to swing round and turn a complete somersault. As the result MR ISAAC and his son were violently precipitated into the roadway, the father being struck by the car, whilst Mr Searle was buried underneath the vehicle with petrol streaming over him and Mr Bragg was pinned by the legs by the car. By a great effort, Mr Bragg managed to free himself, and levering the car up he succeeded in rescuing Mr Searle from his unenviable position underneath the car, as he was in danger of being burnt to death in the event of the petrol becoming ignited. In spite of the fact that he himself had sustained a fractured collar-bone, MASTER ISAAC pluckily went to his father's assistance. It was at once seen that MR ISAAC, senr., was very seriously injured; and in response to a message Mr Rogers, of Southmolton, at once despatched a car to the scene of the accident. MR ISAAC and his son were then taken to the residence of Dr Seal; and after careful attention MR ISAAC was motored by Mr Searle to Barnstaple, where unhappily he passed away shortly after arrival about eight p.m.; and Dr H. C. Jonas, when summoned, could only pronounce life to be extinct. MR ISAAC'S wife pre-deceased him some time ago, but he leaves several children to mourn their loss. The sad affair has aroused widespread regret and sympathy with the bereaved family is general. - The Inquest At Barnstaple: "Accidental Death." - The body was removed on Tuesday for the purposes of a post-mortem examination to the North Devon Infirmary, where the Inquest was conducted yesterday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a jury of which Mr M. Ffoulkes, J.P., was chosen Foreman. Mr B. T. James, solicitor, attended on behalf of Mr Searle. - The Coroner, in opening the Inquiry, remarked that it was a very sad accident, but one, happily, of a kind which did not occur frequently, although they were frequently having motor accidents in that district. He reviewed the circumstances as he understood them and said the Jury would have to carefully consider whether any person or persons were to blame for the accident. He was glad to see the composition of the Jury, some of whom were experts on driving and were as well qualified as any to judge the facts. - MRS LUCY ANN DELVE, widow, of Combe Martin, deceased's aunt, said MR ISAAC was a cabinet maker by trade and had resided at Cardiff. Aged 47, he retired about 12 months ago by reason of ill-health following on the sudden death of his wife. MR ISAAC'S eyesight was affected and he complained of a weak heart at times. - Samuel Searle, taxi-cab proprietor (who, through his solicitor, said he was only too pleased to give evidence, and to assist in the Inquiry as far as possible) stated that in response to an order given by MR ISAAC at his house at midday on Monday, he picked up MR ISAAC and his son and Mr Bragg at the Rose and Crown Inn, Newport, about 2.30. They proceeded in the taxi-cab up the main road to Aller Cross and then (through taking a wrong turning) to Northmolton. Going on to Flitton Mill, MR ISAAC did some business there; and they were then returning home, when about a mile from the Mill in a narrow road, they came to a corner. The County Council had widened the road at the spot, but there was a very sharp turning, whilst the road was very steep. As they got to the corner to go down the hill witness tried the brakes and he was proceeding at five or six miles an hour in order to take the corner properly. Just, however, as they got on the hill the cover of the tyre bursted on a solid ridge of stone and with the cover of the tyre twisted off the steering was affected and the car turned upside down right across the road. It was the near front tyre which burst. MR ISAAC and his son were thrown into the road and he (Mr Searle) was pinned under the car, whilst Mr Bragg was also partly underneath. When the car was lifted he managed to crawl out; and MR ISAAC was then back on the hedge. Mr Bragg at once summoned assistance, and in another car which was fetched MR ISAAC was taken to Southmolton for treatment, he (witness) who was much shaken up, following later. The Southmolton doctor, after attending to MR ISAAC, thought the best course was to remove him to Barnstaple, there being no Hospital at Southmolton. MR ISAAC seemed very sensible and witness did not think the matter was so serious. On arrival at the Rose and Crown Inn, MR ISAAC was rested on a settee whilst a bed was being prepared. Dr Jonas was sent for, but on his arrival he could only say that life was extinct. - By the Jury: They reached Northmolton about 3.15, and the accident occurred about four o'clock. The car turned over sideways, the accident taking place around the corner after he had put the brakes on. The banking of the road was against the car, and the road should have been levelled up even if rough stones were left. - By Mr James: He (witness) had had nothing of an intoxicating nature either at the Rose and Crown, Northmolton, or anywhere. - Joseph Bragg, licensee of the Rose and Crown, Newport, gave similar evidence. With regard to the accident, he said that all at once when the tyre burst, the car turned right around, and after the wheels struck the hedge it turned a complete somersault. They might have been going seven or eight miles an hour; they were proceeding steadily. As stated, witness's legs were pinned by the overturned car, and by wriggling he managed to get clear. MR ISAAC was then by the hedge; he believed he was struck by the car as it overturned. After getting Mr Searle out from under the car, he went for assistance for MR ISAAC. He was treated by Dr Seal at Southmolton; and on arriving at the Rose and Crown, MR ISAAC walked from the car into the Inn, and sat down in an arm chair. After his (witness's) wife suggested a doctor should be sent for, they assisted MR ISAAC on to a couch, but in less than five minutes he passed away. - The Coroner: Was Mr Searle driving carefully in your opinion? - "Yes, very; I have never seen anyone drive more carefully. But it is a very awkward road around that corner. Mr Searle appeared to be perfectly sober; he had had nothing to drink on the road before the accident happened." Witness thought a solid vein of rock across the road caused a skid, the car then turning right around. The road was a little bit higher on the side furthest from where the car upset. - Mr James: In your opinion was the ridge of rock the cause of putting the car out of its natural course, the puncture and the tyre bursting? - I should say so. - FREDK. T. ISAAC, deceased's 16-year-old son (who had one of his arms in a sling), also stated that the car skidded on a ridge in the road and turned over. He (witness)was thrown clear, but his father in falling was caught by the corner of the car. He squeezed himself out and witness helped him over to the hedge. The hill was steep just in the bend, and they were proceeding steadily at the time. - P.C. R. Vinto, of Southmolton, who saw the car after the accident, said the off front tyre had burst to the extent of 6 ½ inches. - Mr Searle here agreed that this was correct. - At the time it appeared to be the near side tyre, by reason of the car being upside down. - Mr W. Hill, a Juror and motor engineer, in answer to a remark by the Foreman, did not think it mattered which tyre burst, as it was bound to affect the steering and cause the car to overturn. - P.C. Vinto further stated that Dr Seal told him that neither of the persons he attended was under the influence of drink. - The Coroner: In other words, they were perfectly sober? - Yes. Witness thought the road where the accident occurred was in good average condition; there was one continuous slope from the extreme off edge to the near bank. He did not notice any ridge of rock running through the road. - Dr Eric M. Jenkins, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, stated that there were extensive fractures of the ribs on both sides of the chest, whilst there was haemorrhage and also a wound in the head. Death was due to haemorrhage and shock. - After a few minutes consultation in private, the Jury found that death was due to haemorrhage and a fracture of the ribs Accidentally sustained by the car overturning through the tyre bursting, and the Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of HERBERT JOHN PELKE, son of MR WILLIAM JNO. PELKE, of Station-road, Ilfracombe, motor proprietor. The Inquest was held at the Cottage Hospital. - The child's father stated that on Monday last he was sent for to come to his wife's mother's house as the child was ill. He immediately went there and sent for Dr Stevenson and a nurse, who came almost at once. The child was in convulsions and everything that could be done was done, but he died at 7 o'clock the same evening. - Nurse Marlow deposed that she was sent for at about two o'clock on Monday and found the child in convulsions. After a while he recovered from one attack, but soon had another, and continued to have convulsions at intervals until death ensued. - Dr Stevenson said he visited the child twice on Monday - the second time accompanied by Dr Yeo, when the boy's condition was serious. Everything possible was done by way of remedy, but to no purpose and the child eventually died as stated by the other witnesses. The post-mortem examination showed that the thymus gland was very much enlarged and in his opinion death was due to status lymphaticus. It was rather an unusual cause of death and one which gave no previous signs. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

WEST PUTFORD - Fatal Accident At West Putford. - Thrown out of her trap at West Putford on September 10th as the result of her horse being frightened by pigs suddenly crossing the road, MARY ANN HEARD, widow, aged 65, who had suffered from a weak heart, died from shock the same night. Her son, who was driving the horse at the time, had one of his legs fractured. - Mr Coroner G. W. F. Brown, returning a verdict of Accidental Death at the Inquest, pointed out the danger of allowing pigs to stray on the highway, adding that this was the second fatal accident of the same kind he had inquired into quite recently.

LANDKEY - An Inquest was held at Landkey on Tuesday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MARY FISHER REW, widow, aged 79 years of Hammett's, Landkey. LEWIS J. REW (stepson), stated that on the 21st of June last deceased, while going upstairs rested against the wall and suddenly fell backwards down the stairs. They sent for Dr Kendrew, of Barnstaple, who came out that evening and suggested that she should be taken to the North Devon Infirmary, which was done. She was put under x-ray treatment, and found to have sustained a fractured arm. She remained at the Infirmary a week and returned home and remained in bed up to the time of her death, which occurred on Monday last. - Dr Kendrey stated that he attended the deceased up to the time of her death. Gangrene had set in, in the arm and leg, and she died on the 18th instant, as a result of this, following on the effects of the fall. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

GREAT TORRINGTON - Inmate's Fatal Fall At Torrington. - At the Poor-law Institution, Torrington, on Friday, the North Devon Coroner, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, Inquired into the death of an inmate, ELLEN BRIGHT, a widow, aged 76, who was stated by Mr A. Harrison, the Master, to have been admitted last January. She was of very weak intellect, suffering from delusions that there was somebody staring at her. - Ivy Harris, nurse at the Institution, said on August 17th she saw deceased in the garden, standing by the railings, shouting, as usual, at an imaginary man. Deceased stepped backwards and in doing so knocked off from some bushes a towel belonging to Kate Daniels, another inmate, who was sitting in the garden knitting. Daniels got up, ran at the deceased, and pushed her away, deceased falling. - Witness took deceased to the ward and fetched a doctor, who attended her ever since. Daniels, who was an epileptic, had now been certified and sent to the County Asylum. Witness did not think the woman intended to knock deceased down, but merely to push her back. - Dr F. W. Pridham said there was an injury to the right thigh, where a bruise developed and gangrene set in. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said it was no good proceeding against the inmate Daniels, as she had been certified insane.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 October 1922
BARNSTAPLE - Atherington Cycling Fatality. The Inquest. - At North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, on Thursday afternoon, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Inquired into the death of CHARLES EDWIN QUICK, aged 38, rural postman, of Atherington, from injuries sustained in a cycling accident. - Mr H. F. Peake (Postmaster of Barnstaple) , Dr A. J. Kendrew and Mr G. Nicholls, J.P. (a member of the Barnstaple postal staff) were among those present. - Arthur Marlow, another postman, of Atherington, spoke to hearing QUICK cycling past his house at 4.20 a.m., on September 19th, on his way to catching the mails at Umberleigh. Later witness was walking down the road and had reached the bottom of the hill below Atherington village when in the darkness he saw something in the road. Striking a match, he saw QUICK lying flat on his face, with his head pointing up the hill. QUICK was unconscious and very cold; and after rubbing him for about ten minutes witness went to the nearest cottage for assistance and removed him to his home. He should think deceased had been lying in the road for about an hour and ten minutes. His eyes were closed and he did not regain consciousness whilst witness was present. After taking QUICK home, witness went to the Umberleigh Post Office and wired for Dr Good. Deceased's bicycle was lying close by him in the roadway, and had parted in two at the forks. In his opinion the machine broke, with the result that QUICK was thrown on his head. QUICK, an able bodied and very active man, used his own bicycle and he was a most careful rider. There was no evidence of a struggle, or of QUICK having collided with anything in the roadway. - P.C. Challice, of Bishopstawton, said from inquiries he should think that QUICK came down the hill and had released his brakes when the bicycle parted in two halves and threw him. Occupiers of the cottage near by heard no vehicle of any sort pass prior to or after the accident. Witness could find nothing to account for the accident, except the breaking of the bicycle. QUICK was a very careful and good rider. - Dr Jenkin, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, stated that QUICK was admitted to the Institution on the day of the accident. He was unconscious and suffering from concussion of the brain, with laceration and bruises on the face, nose and mouth, the injuries being consistent with having fallen off a bicycle. QUICK remained unconscious until his death on Wednesday afternoon. A post mortem examination had also revealed a small fracture of the skull and haemorrhage into the brain, and the cause of death was double pneumonia following on the accident. - The Coroner thought it perfectly clear that it was a pure accident, owing to the bicycle (by reason of defective forks) parting in two. No one appeared to be to blame, and his verdict was "Accidental Death," from the effects of a blow received by falling from the bicycle. - Mr H. F. Peake, Postmaster of Barnstaple, desired to offer a sincere expression of regret on behalf of the Postmaster General and staff with the widow and family in their bereavement. MR QUICK was a trustworthy and well-conducted officer in whom they had every confidence and he was highly respected by his colleagues. His death was a distinct loss to the Barnstaple postal district. He should like to say that directly they heard of the accident MR QUICK was placed under the care of their own medical officer (Dr Kendrew), who promptly went to Atherington, the sufferer being afterwards removed to the Infirmary. - The Coroner added his own expression of regret in regard to the sad accident and his sympathy with the family in their loss.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 October 1922
MESHAW - The sudden death at the age of 73 years, occurred on Tuesday morning of MRS MARY ANN MOORE, wife of MR JOHN MOORE, retired blacksmith, of the Village, Meshaw. At the Inquest yesterday, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

WESTLEIGH (NEAR BIDEFORD) - At an Inquest held on Tuesday into the circumstances attending the sudden death of MRS RHODA HARRIS, wife of MR JOHN HENRY HARRIS, quarryman, of Mills Row Cottages, Westleigh, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 November 1922
BRAUNTON - We regret to report that MISS CAROLINE STRANGE died at her residence in Park Villas on Thursday last, as the result of the injuries she received in falling from the train at Braunton Railway Station on Friday, October 13th. At the Inquest the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said there was no question of negligence. - The funeral, which was of a deeply impressive, yet simple character, took place on Tuesday in St Brannock's Churchyard, the Rev. J. H. Prince officiating. The principal mourners were MISS STRANGE (sister), Miss E. Strange (niece), Dr Ernest Strange (nephew), and Mrs Groser.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - Chittlehampton Infant's Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Inquired into the death of JOHN VERNON E. ENSOR, aged eight weeks, at Brightly Cottage, Chittlehampton, on Monday. - MRS ENSOR, the mother, stated that she took the child to bed with her on the 29th instant and fed it twice during the night. Lying on her left arm, the child appeared perfectly right at 7 a.m., but she awoke two hours later to find it dead. There were no clothes on the child's face. - Dr A. S. Goode, of High Bickington, who had made a post mortem examination, expressed the opinion that death was due to suffocation. - MRS ENSOR, who seemed very much upset, declared that this was impossible. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Suffocation by Overlaying.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 November 1922
LYNTON - Motor Lorry Crash On Countisbury Hill. One Man Killed: Another Injured. - Mr Lawrence, sen., and his son, coal hauliers, of Lee-on-Solent, with THOMAS TAYLOR, 54, naval pensioner of Glastonbury, were descending Countisbury Hill in a motor lorry just after 7.30 p.m. on Monday, when the vehicle first crashed into the side of the bank and then rolled over several times. TAYLOR was killed outright, Mr Lawrence, sen., received injuries for which he is being treated and making good progress in Lynton Cottage Hospital, whilst the driver, Mr Lawrence, jun. (who was not thrown out) miraculously escaped injury. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Lynton yesterday, WENSLEY H. LAWRENCE stated that at Glastonbury TAYLOR expressed a wish to accompany him and his father to Ilfracombe, from where they were fetching furniture. TAYLOR said he knew the road to Ilfracombe, but must have missed the way, going wrong somewhere about Bridgwater. In the darkness witness did not see any signs on Countisbury Hill. On the sharpest part the brakes gave out and he being unable to hold the lorry, his father told him to "run her on to the bank." He was doing this, when the car struck projecting rock, causing the accident. - Thos. Slann, of Lynmouth, who was following the lorry in a touring car, said his lights picked up the lorry about 7.30 p.m. on the top of Countisbury Hill. Seeing it was a strange lorry, witness blew his hooter loudly to warn the occupants with regard to the hill. They, however, went out of sight and a little later lamps waved in the road warned him of the crash that had occurred. - Dr Cumming stated that deceased's head was lacerated, whilst his ribs and collar-bone were fractured and there was internal haemorrhage. He suggested that in place of the ordinary danger sign on the hill, there should be a special sign warning drivers to stop, and engage low gear. - P.C.'s Perriam and Shambrook gave evidence, the former explaining what happened after the lorry struck the ledge. The accident happened about 210 ft. from the bottom of the hill, just below the scene of the last fatal accident. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of Accidental Death, said no blame attached to anyone. - Endorsing the remarks of Dr Cumming, he promised to call the attention of the proper authority to the suggestion that there should be a "Stop and Engage Low" notice on the hill. Of course in this particular case to have been of any service the sign would have had to be an illuminated one.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 November 1922
BARNSTAPLE - Terrible Gun Accident At Fremington. Gamekeeper Fatally Injured. - Unaware of the presence of MR JOHN SYMONS, gamekeeper, on his holding, Home Farm, Fremington, on Thursday morning, Mr John Bale, farmer, fired at a rabbit whilst in a gully, with the result that a portion of the charge struck MR SYMONS, who was standing on the bank overhead, behind some bushes. MR SYMONS, who received severe injuries in the thigh, was promptly conveyed in Lady Baird's car to the North Devon Infirmary, where it was hoped that the sufferer would, with care, pull through. Blood poisoning supervened, however, and MR SYMONS passed away at the Institution on Saturday morning. MR SYMONS was a life long resident of Fremington - indeed he had never once slept out of the parish from the time of his birth until Thursday - and he was a man held in very high esteem. Parishioners and other friends thus learnt of the tragic fatal accident with profound regret and sympathy for MRS SYMONS and the four sons and four daughters is general. MR SYMONS was 58 years of age. The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, and a jury of which Mr W. J. Parkhouse was chosen Foreman. The interests of Mr C. T. Bell, who holds the game rights on Home Farm, and of the SYMONS' family were respectively watched by Mr O. W. Ward, solicitor, of Bideford and Mr W. E. Pitts Tucker, solicitor of Barnstaple. - ROBERT J. SYMONS, deceased's son, having given formal evidence of identification, John Bale stated that he was the owner and occupier of Home Farm, Fremington and had the rabbit rights on the holding. About 12.30 on Thursday he was out shooting with Mr J. Huxtable, and they were in a gully about 15 feet deep when the accident occurred. He had last fired about five to eight minutes previously when a rabbit ran up from the gully. The first shot at the rabbit at the foot of the bank failed to take effect and he had another shot when the animal was about three parts up the bank. With the second shot, he hit the rabbit, but some of the scattering shot caught MR SYMONS whilst the latter was standing on the top of the bank. Bushes and undergrowth at the spot had prevented him seeing MR SYMONS and witness had no idea that he was in the vicinity. He had not seen him previous to the accident. MR SYMONS called out, "Send for the doctor," having been struck in the thigh. Witness at once went to Fremington House and Lady Baird came over in her car, in which he helped to remove MR SYMONS to the Infirmary. The gully was in a private road running down to the field where MR SYMONS had been feeding the pheasants. Witness further explained that Mr C. T. Bell had the game rights over the farm, and that deceased was one of the bailiffs. - By the Foreman: Witness fired upwards, in a direction from which he could not see or hear anyone approaching. - James Huxtable, farmer, of Westleigh, who was out with Mr Bale at the time, said Mr Bale had just fired the shot when someone shouted "Send for the doctor, " and Mr Bale ran up over the bank to find that MR SYMONS had been shot. He asked to be taken home, and did not in any way complain of having been shot other than accidentally. As a gamekeeper, MR SYMONS had a perfect right to be where he was at the time, but if he had only called out just before the shot was fired and made his presence known the accident would not have occurred. - Frank Gayton, another gamekeeper, spoke to seeing MR SYMONS about 10.30, whilst the latter was waiting for feed to take to the birds. After the accident, MR SYMONS remarked that he was going "to speak to them where they were rabbiting," but had not a chance before he was "shot down like a bullock." - By Mr Pitts-Tucker: Mr Bale and MR SYMONS were always on good terms. - MR SYMONS'S son added that there was not a farmer better liked than Mr Bale in Fremington. - P.C. Perring stated that Mr Bale had accompanied him to the scene of the accident, had pointed out the position and had willingly given all the information possible. - Dr E. M. Jenkin, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary said MR SYMONS was in a fairly collapsed condition on arrival at the Institution on Thursday. The whole thigh from the right knee to the hip joint was covered with shots and the cause of death was blood poisoning, supervening on the gun-shot wound. - The Coroner, summing up, said it seemed to him that it was a pure accident, but of course it was for the Jury to form their own conclusions in the matter. After the accident everything appeared to have been done to save MR SYMONS'S life, but unfortunately without effect. - After consulting in private, the Jury (through the Foreman) announced that they found that MR SYMONS was Accidentally Shot whilst in the execution of his duty. They did not attach any blame to anyone; and they expressed sincere sympathy with the bereaved family. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he desired to associate himself with what they had said. He also expressed sympathy with Mr Bale at being involved in the terrible accident. No one was to blame, however; it was a pure accident.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 November 1922
BRAUNTON - Fatal Accident To An Old Lady At Braunton. - The inhabitants of Braunton learnt with much regret of the death of Thursday, as the result of accidental burns, of MRS ELIZABETH ATKINS, widow, of North-street. The deceased lady, who was held in the highest esteem in the town and district, was 85 years of age. - At the Inquest held before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Saturday. - GEORGE ATKINS, son, stated that his mother had a cottage next door to him, but she always slept in his house. On the morning of November 12th, he saw her in her kitchen, and she was apparently quite all right He returned from church about 12.30 to find her in the street, with smoke coming from her clothes. Witness at once put out the fire, and asked what was the matter, but she was unable to tell him how the accident occurred. Temporary dressings having been put on, Dr Wright was sent for, and attended his mother until her death on the 23rd instant. - ALICE ATKINS stated that she saw MRS ATKINS on the 12th inst. about a quarter of an hour before the accident. There was an open hearth in the kitchen with the fire burning, and she could only presume that deceased must have sat close to the fire, fallen off to sleep and allowed her clothes to catch fire. - Dr Wright, who saw MRS ATKINS about one o'clock on the day of the accident, said she had severe burns all down her right leg. He treated her up to the time of her death on the 23rd inst., death being due to septic absorption from the burns. - The funeral took place in St Brannock's Churchyard on Monday. The immediate mourners were: - Mrs Cooper (daughter, Messrs. G. Atkins, W. Atkins and J. H. Atkins (sons),Mrs R. Laramy (niece), Sergeant-Major Atkins (grandson) J. C. Atkins, R. M. Atkins, K. Atkins, A. J. Atkins, Hy. C. Atkins (grandsons), Mrs W. Atkins, Mrs J. Atkins and Mrs J. H. Atkins (daughters-in-law).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 December 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Resident's Sudden Death At A Lecture. - A painful sensation was caused in the Torrington district on Tuesday evening when it became known that MR SILAS JUDD, of Calf-street, Torrington, had died suddenly, whilst attending the Wesleyan Church for the purpose of hearing a lecture by the Rev. F. W. Chudleigh (the well-known Supt. of the East London Mission). MR JUDD, who was 73 years of age, had followed his usual occupation, that of a glove cutter at Messrs. Vincent's (late Vaughan and Son's) factory, right up to the day of his death. In the evening, after the day's work, he walked to the Wesleyan Chapel and took his seat as one of the audience at the lecture. About ten minutes after so doing he was taken seriously ill. Members of the audience at once went to his assistance and medical aid was immediately sent for, but MR JUDD expired before the arrival of the doctors. The lecture was, of course, abandoned. Deceased was one of the oldest members of the Torrington Wesleyan Church and was one of the borough mace-bearers for many years. He was a twin brother of MR PAUL JUDD, who also died with tragic suddenness about 12 months ago. The greatest sympathy is felt for the widow, three daughters and one son who mourn his loss. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest in the Parlour of the Wesleyan Church last (Wednesday) evening. Evidence was given by Miss Parkhouse grand-daughter of the deceased, Miss Ethel Fenwick, nurse (who, being present when the deceased was taken ill, rendered valuable assistance), and Dr A. M. O'Flaherty. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

GREAT TORRINGTON - Yarnscombe Sensation. - The body of a newly-born female child, with a portion of a woman's suspender tied tightly round the neck, was discovered at Yarnscombe and removed to Torrington, where an Inquest was opened by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Tuesday. Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, said the elastic was tied so tightly round the neck, that he could not undo the knot with his fingers. In his opinion death was due to strangulation. The Coroner adjourning the Inquest to December 18th, said they must wait a reasonable time until the supposed mother was fit and he could give her a chance to appear before them.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 December 1922
ILFRACOMBE - At Ilfracombe Cottage Hospital, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, Inquired into the death of WARING BERNARD RICHARDS, 14, son of MR JOSEPH RICHARDS, of Heddon Mills, Braunton, who died as the result of a cycle accident on October 13th. As was reported in the "Journal" at the time, the front forks of the boy's cycle broke as he was delivering newspapers at Morte-Hoe. The bicycle was a lady's one, and, according to the Police evidence, very defective. Dr K. J. Yeo said the boy's injuries were such his case was practically hopeless from the first. Death was due to inflammation of the brain, following a compound fracture. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and said there was no doubt this was caused by riding this defective bicycle.

North Devon Journal, Wednesday 20 December 1922
GREAT TORRINGTON - North Devon Sensation. the Yarnscombe Tragedy: Coroner's Jury Returns Verdict Of "Wilful Murder." - At Torrington on Monday last Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, resumed the adjourned Inquest on the body of a newly-born female child found at Churchcombe Farm, Yarnscombe. It will be recalled that the child was found with a piece of a lady's suspender tied round its neck, the cause of death being attributed by the doctor at the opening of the inquiry to strangulation. - The first witness called was Mrs Amy Mallalieu, of the Firs, Alverdiscott, who said she had a girl named MARY ELIZABETH MITCHELL in her service as house-parlourmaid from June 19th to a date about the end of October, when she (witness) gave her notice owing to inefficiency. Witness had never noticed anything particular in the girl's condition. - Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, said that following the Inquest on December 5th he was sent for to see the girl MITCHELL, who was then at the house of Mrs Jennings, Huntshaw Water. She was in bed. Witness found her pulse and temperature normal. - Asked by the Coroner if she was in a weak state, witness said it was difficult to say. She looked a little pale, but not nearly as bad as one would expect if she had been recently confined without attention. He asked her to allow him to examine her, warning her at the same time that if she consented any incriminating appearance he found might be used in evidence against her. She replied that she would rather not be examined, whereupon witness prescribed her some medicine such as he would give anyone after confinement. On a subsequent occasion she again refused to be examined, despite her father's wish that she should. She was then going on satisfactorily, and from external appearances he could arrive at no conclusion. - The Coroner: Then your treatment of her, at the request of her parents, was not as effective as you would like because you didn't really know what was the matter? - The doctor said he could only assume that was the matter. The girl gave no reason for refusing to be examined. - Asked a further question in regard to the girl, witness replied, "Must I answer that? I ask on the ground of professional secrecy." - The Coroner did not press the question. - Evidence of finding the body covered with a bag in a seldom used privy in his garden at Churchcombe Farm, Yarnscombe on December 4th, was given by Mr Thomas J. Martin, farmer. Witness also said that whilst he was working in his field on November 15th the girl MITCHELL came to him and inquired the way to Alverdiscott. On learning that she was looking for a situation, he suggested that she should see his wife, who was in need of a maid. As a result, the girl came into their service on November 20th and on December 2nd, his wife, whose suspicions as to the girl's condition had been aroused, had fears of what might happen, and witness drove her to Mrs Jennings, at Huntshaw Waters. - Mrs Elizabeth Martin, wife of the previous witness, said she did not observe anything amiss with the girl's condition when she engaged her. She arrived to take up her post in a pony trap driven by a young man, with whom she later said she was keeping company. A week later witness spoke to her as to her condition, but the girl persisted that she was "quite all right." - Mrs Jennings, wife of a labourer, of Huntshaw, said that the girl stayed with her from October 19th onwards. Witness did not ask her any questions as to her condition until a week before she went to Mr Martin, when witness asked her if she was pregnant and the girl replied, "No." On December 2nd witness found her at her house sitting by the fire, looking white. She asked what was the matter and the girl replied, "Not much. I am going back to Mrs Martin's again." She remained for four days after she came to her house. Witness attended her as she would a person who had been confined. Asked if she was convinced in her own mind that she had been confined, witness said, "Yes." She did not know until the Police-Sergt. came on December 5th and warned her. Witness had since asked her about the baby and she said she did not know what had become of it. - Miss Grace Jennings, daughter of the last witness, said MITCHELL was her friend, but she had never questioned her, nor was she suspicious of her condition. She was normally rather a stout girl. - MRS ELIZA MITCHELL, of Merton, mother of MARY MITCHELL, said her daughter was 22 years of age. Whilst in service at Merton she had a child, now 16 months old. Witness knew nothing about her condition lately, and did not even know she had left her situation at Alverdiscott. - MR JAMES MITCHELL, the girl MARY'S father, said the first he knew of anything about the matter was the statement in the newspapers. - MRS ALICE M. MITCHELL, of Bideford, a relative, said she spoke to the girl last Whitsuntide, but she denied that anything was wrong. - The Coroner said the post-mortem examination indicated that the child had breathed, and that death was caused by asphyxiation by strangulation with a suspender. If the child had not been born alive, there would have been no occasion to use the suspender. He criticised the evidence of Mrs Jennings, who stood in the place of the girl's mother, and should have been the first to send for a doctor, but who, when he came, received him curtly, the girl also refusing to be examined. If the Jury was satisfied that someone tied the suspender round the baby's neck while it was still alive it was their duty to return a verdict of murder against the person held to have done it. There was no doubt the baby was born alive, that it was the child of MARY MITCHELL and that she placed it where it was discovered. - After a brief retirement, the Jury returned a verdict that the child had had a separate existence and that death was caused by strangulation by the tying of a suspender round the neck. They found that the child was that of MARY ELIZABETH JANE MITCHELL and that she killed the child. Therefore they returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against her. - The Coroner mentioned that in view of this verdict, it was his duty to issue a warrant for the arrest of MARY MITCHELL.

BIDEFORD - MRS SQUIRE, aged 48, wife of MR THOMAS SQUIRE, labourer, of Torridge, died suddenly on Saturday from an attack of haemorrhage. At an Inquest conducted on Monday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 December 1922
BIDEFORD - Fatal Accident At Appledore. - At the adjourned Inquest at Bideford on Thursday on the 14 ½ year old lad, GEORGE HENRY POOLE, who met with a fatal accident at the Hansen's Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Yard at Appledore on Tuesday by falling into the hold of a vessel, Mr E. Hayes, works manager, said he saw the work in progress on the vessel immediately before the accident and everything was going on satisfactorily. A man was let down the hold by a crane and brought up the boy across his knees, being hauled up in the same way. The boy had been got up before witness actually got back to the vessel. The men did not waste a minute. - Mr F. Cowell, H. M. Inspector of Factories, Plymouth, said he had been to the vessel that morning, inspected the scene condition of the accident and interviewed the men employed there and he could not see there had been any breach of regulations in connection with the accident. The hatches were necessarily removed for the work, and not more than was necessary. - Mr H. R. Bazeley (for the Company): You are quite satisfied the accident was not caused by any breach of the regulations? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown)said he thought it was quite clear that the boy was performing his proper duties allotted to him and unfortunately in reaching over the hold he stepped on the hatch, his foot slipped and he fell in. It was a pure accident, with no blame attaching to anyone, and his verdict was one of Death from Accidental Causes, a fracture of the base of the skull. He felt quite confident that everything was done at the yard by those in charge, but the injuries were such that the case was hopeless from the first. - Mr Bazeley (on behalf of the Company) expressed their sympathy with the parents and relatives and their very great regret at the accident. Since he had been in their employ the boy had been a very good lad and had done his work very well.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 January 1923
BISHOPS TAWTON - Sudden Death Of MR WILLIAM CHALLACOMBE, of Bishopstawton. - It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of MR WILLIAM CHALLACOMBE of Hill Farm, Bishopstawton, who passed away with startling suddenness on Tuesday last. MR CHALLACOMBE was in his usual health on Friday, when he attended Barnstaple Market as usual, and on Saturday he went to Croyde on a brief visit. He came to Barnstaple on Tuesday afternoon, intending to return to Croyde, but while in Barnstaple was taken ill. He was conveyed to his home at Hill Farm, where he passed away before the doctor who had been summoned, could reach the farm. Aged 59, the deceased was the eldest son of the late MR THOMAS CHALLACOMBE, who occupied Hill Farm for many years and afterwards removed to Fisherton, his son succeeding him in the old homestead. A successful farmer, he was well-known in agricultural circles throughout a wide district and was held in the highest esteem. He was one of the overseers for Bishopstawton. He was a devoted worker in connection with the Chapel at Little Hill, acting as Sunday School teacher for many years. His wife died 14 years ago, and by a sad coincidence he died on the same day of the month on which the wife's funeral took place (January 2nd). He leaves two sons and two daughters, who have the sympathy of the whole community in their bereavement. The funeral will take place on January 6th, leaving the house at 1 p.m. - An Inquest was necessitated, this being held at Hill Farm yesterday, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - ERNEST W. CHALLACOMBE (son), stated that his father left home on Saturday to stay with some relatives at Croyde and was then in excellent health. Witness next saw his father on Tuesday evening, when about nine o'clock he was brought home from Barnstaple by his cousin, Mr Chas. Dallyn, having been taken ill just outside the Station. His father seemed very unwell and they at once got him to bed. He appeared to go off to sleep at once, but died about 10 p.m. His father had never been attended by a doctor in his life; he was a man of very regular habits and always considered very healthy. Dr H. C. Jonas was sent for, but arrived after death. - Dr Desprez who had made a post-mortem examination on behalf of Dr Jonas, said deceased's organs were quite healthy, and there were no external marks of any sort on the body. A large blood vessel on the abdomen was ruptured and this was the cause of death. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Scalds To A Child At Barnstaple. - MR and MRS CHARLES J. HEDDON of 26 Reform-street, Barnstaple, have lost their little son, KENNETH JOHN HEDDON, aged 3 years months, under sad circumstances, investigated by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary on Friday afternoon. - EDITH E. HEDDON, the mother, stated that on Wednesday afternoon she went from the front to the back kitchen. there was an iron fire guard (about 3 ft. 6 ins. high) in front of the fire and a kettle was boiling on the bodley. Deceased was playing in the kitchen with a younger child and hearing a shout, she ran back to find him inside the guard, with the kettle on his back. The child must have climbed over the guard, overbalanced himself, and by some means upset the kettle. She called for assistance and Dr Shaw, who was sent for, arrived in about a quarter of an hour. The child was afterwards removed to the Infirmary and she did not see him again until that morning. - Dr Eric M. Jenkins, the House Surgeon, said the child had extensive burns on the back, buttock and thighs. It suddenly became worse about eight o'clock the previous evening and died at 7.10 a.m. that day from burns and shock consequent on the upsetting of the kettle. There was bad septic poisoning from the extensive wounds. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents in their loss. - The interment was made on Monday, Rev. R. C. W. L. Lamplugh officiating. The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Heddon (father and mother), Mr and Mrs Heddon (grandparents), Mr G. Davie (grand-dad), Miss Dora Heddon (aunt), Mr and Mrs Holmes, Mr and Mrs Edkins, and Mr and Mrs Tanton (uncles and aunts), Mr and Mrs Jenkins, Marwood (uncle and aunt), Mr F. Heddon (uncle), Mrs Slade, Fremington (aunt), and Mrs Richards, Newport (aunt) were unable to attend. The floral tokens were:- In ever-loving memory of our darling Kenneth, from his sorrowing mam, dad and Beatie. - "Safe in the arms of Jesus"; In ever-loving memory of our darling Kenneth from his loving grand-dad, grandma and family, Vicarage-street; To dear little Kenneth, from his sorrowing grand-dad, grandma and Aunt Dora, 13 Kingsley-avenue.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 January 1923
BARNSTAPLE - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Inquired at the North Devon Infirmary on Thursday, into the circumstances attending the death of IRIS GILBERT, the infant daughter of MR and MRS FREDERICK GILBERT of 23 Priory, Pilton. The evidence showed that whilst alone in the house on Wednesday, MRS GILBERT was suddenly taken ill and gave birth to the child; and although a nurse ( summoned by neighbours) arrived promptly, life was then extinct. Dr A. J. Kendrew, following a post-mortem examination, certified that the child had breathed, but had been accidentally suffocated. The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Misadventure.

NORTH MOLTON - Infant's Death At Northmolton. The Inquest. - An Inquest was conducted at Flitton Mill, Northmolton, on Monday, concerning the death of REGINALD REYNOLDS, infant child of ELIZABETH ANNE REYNOLDS. The mother stated that the child was twelve days old, and on the night of January 1st it was taken ill with what she thought was a convulsion. She sent for the District Nurse at Northmolton, and the child seemed to get a bit better. The next day the baby appeared to be worse. In the evening she sent a message to the District Nurse to come again, but evidently there was a misunderstanding by the messenger, as the Nurse did not come until the next morning, after the child had died. She did not think it necessary to send for a doctor. - George Henry Gratton, with whom the last witness was living, said he did not think the child was ill enough for a doctor to be sent for. He thought the nurse would do. - It was stated that in the house, which had two rooms, there were living the man and woman, three grown-up sons of the man and a little girl of two. - Emily May Hall, District Nurse of Northmolton, said she went to see the child at 2 a.m. on the morning of the 2nd instant. She gave it a hot bath, and it seemed to get better. She received a further message between 5 and 6 p.m. that day to say the child had taken no food, but the messenger did not ask her to come to the house and she did not, therefore, go until the following morning, when she arrived just after the child had died. She did not think it necessary to send, or advise the family to send, for a doctor. - Dr Baker, of Southmolton, who was sent for on the morning of the 3rd instant, said that on arrival the baby was dead. He made a post-mortem examination and found the child had been suffering from two or three days from severe bronchial pneumonia. The infant should have been wrapped in cotton wool and kept in a warm atmosphere all the time. He thought it a great pity a doctor was not sent for before. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, addressing the man Gratton, told him that, in his opinion, he should have sent for a doctor on Tuesday morning, seeing that the child was ill, and n dealing with an infant so young it was impossible to know what was the matter with it until skilled assistance was obtained. - In returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," he said the circumstances were far from satisfactory.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 January 1923
ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Saturday on MRS SARAH GRIST, aged 84, an old-age pensioner, living at No. 1 Church-street. Dr Stevenson gave evidence to the effect that deceased fell on some stairs at the end of September fracturing her left thigh. She had been in bed ever since, and died on Friday from cerebral haemorrhage. The verdict was "Death from Cerebral Haemorrhage." - "GRANNY" GRIST, as deceased was generally called, was a well-known personality in the town. Her chief ambition for several years past had been to raise £100 for the Wesleyan Foreign Missionary Society by means of a collecting box. She had hardly accomplished this self-imposed task when she was laid up by the accident. - Friends, however, brought her small contributions from time to time, and at her death she had collected £100 11s. 3d.

BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - An Inquest was held at Bristol on Tuesday on GEORGE TETLEY JEAFFERSON, aged 16, late undergraduate at Bristol University, whose home was at Hill Top, Westward Ho! He was found dead in a bathroom on Saturday night, and the evidence showed that death was due to fumes from a geyser. When he went to bed on Saturday night he was in excellent spirits. It was stated at the Inquest that there was no chimney to carry off the fumes from the top of the geyser. - The Jury's verdict was that death was due to Carbonic Monoxide Poisoning as a result of incomplete combustion of the geyser, and added that the plumber should have seen that an instruction card was nailed on the wall.

ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrel Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, into the death of ELIZA RIDD, an elderly, single woman, who occupied a room in No. 7 Clarence Cottages, and who was found dead there on Saturday under circumstances which necessitated the Inquiry. She was identified by AMY RIDD, as her sister, whom she had not seen for three years owning to her living in the country. Witness said deceased's age was 56. - Thomas Jas. Berry, who said he occupied rooms in the same house, with his wife, stated that he last saw deceased alive on Wednesday. She was standing at her door and looked ill. Witness did not speak to her as she was a person who kept herself very much to herself. At midnight on Friday his wife told him that deceased's light was still burning. Witness called to her to put her light out and she replied that she was making her bed. The light was put out about 12.30 o'clock. On Saturday, about 12 o'clock, Mrs Barbeary, a neighbour, knocked at deceased's door, but could get no answer. Witness then knocked at the door and as there was no reply Mrs Barbeary called Dr W. F. Stevenson, who was in the neighbourhood. He came and opened the door. Deceased was lying on the floor. Deceased had never complained of illness to him; she was not in the habit of speaking to anyone. - Dr W. F. Stevenson said Mrs Barbeary told him she got no reply to her knock and he went with her to deceased's room. On entering the room he found deceased lying on the floor on her right side, with the mattress partially over her. It did not, however, interfere in any way with her breathing. She was only partly clothed and was dead and cold. It was possible she had fallen and the mattress had come down with her. He had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that deceased had chronic Bright's Disease and fatty degeneration of the heart. Death was due to syncope, following on the condition of the heart. The body was well nourished, but very dirty and neglected. The room, too, was filthy. He had never attended deceased, but believed that while he was on holiday his locum tenens saw her once or twice. - Mr J. Bussell, Relieving Officer, said MISS RIDD had been in receipt of parish relief of 7s. 6d. a week for some years. She had formerly been in domestic service. She called on him for her money on Monday - she did not like him to take it to her - and he then saw she seemed to be ill. He remarked on it, and advised her to go into the "House" but she said she was all right and "as happy as a bee." He had often advised her to go into the Workhouse, but she always refused. - P.C. Abrahams said he had searched the house, which was very dirty and verminous, and found a deposit receipt for £35 and 10s. ½d. in cash. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes," remarking that this seemed to be a case where the woman should not have been allowed to live alone. Judging from the state of deceased and the room, it was clearly a case where she would have been better in the Workhouse and he thought the Guardians would have been well advised to withdraw the relief. She had 7s. 6d. a week and paid 2s. rent out of it; it was not possible for anyone to exist nowadays on 5s. 6d. a week. - Mr Bussell remarked that he believed she had had help from friends. She absolutely refused to go into the Union, though he had done his best to persuade her. - Sergt. Champion represented the Police and P.C. Abrahams was Coroner's Officer.

MARWOOD - Sudden Death At Marwood. - MR RICHARD PARKIN, an esteemed farm labourer, died with tragic suddenness at Marwood on Friday. The deceased, aged 59, leaves a widow and grown-up family, with whom general sympathy is expressed in their bereavement. - At the Inquest on Friday afternoon, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, BEATRICE PARKIN, daughter, said she last saw her father alive the previous Sunday. He was then quite well and had had no illness for 12 months. - Robert H. Dummett, farm servant at Whitefield Barton, who was in the stable on Friday morning, spoke to deceased stopping and talking to him on his way to work. He seemed perfectly well, but as he was moving away from the door, fell backwards and died immediately. - Dr Desprez, acting for Dr F. B. Manning, said he had held a post mortem examination. In his opinion death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, caused by the bursting of a blood vessel into the brain. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes.

BRAUNTON - Braunton Suicide. Aged Labourer Victim To Insomnia. - At Braunton on Tuesday the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, investigated the circumstances surrounding the death of RICHARD ACKLAND, farm labourer, aged 79 years ,of Knowle, Braunton, whose body was found hanging the previous afternoon on a portion of the stump of a tree which had been felled at Knowle. - WILLIAM ACKLAND, of Braunton, a son of the deceased said he last saw him alive on Saturday, when he was perfectly all right. He knew of nothing which would drive deceased to commit a rash act. - William Avery, farmer of Knowle, stated that the deceased was working for him at wood-binding on Monday. He was with ACKLAND in the morning, and went home to dinner with him at 1 p.m., when he seemed quite all right. Just before 2 p.m. he saw deceased going across the field to his work again, and at 2.20 p.m., from what his son told him he went to a by-lane near the field and saw deceased hanging from an ash mote (stump) by the hedge. He immediately cut him down, but he was dead. The rope taken was a plough guide, but had not been taken from witness's premises. Deceased must have brought it there himself. A quiet, sober and industrious man, he had worked for witness for seven years. - Dr Traill deposed that death was due to asphyxia by hanging. Deceased, he thought, had been suffering from religious melancholia lately. His firm had for three months treated deceased for insomnia. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 January 1923
BERRYNARBOR - MRS MARGARET JOHNS, wife of MR EDWARD JOHNS, of Lower Lee Farm, Berrynarbor, passed away on Sunday, aged 68, to the great regret of the parishioners, sympathy with the bereaved family being general. The circumstances necessitated an Inquest which was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday. MR JOHNS stated that his wife, who had been in bad health for a year, in November fell whilst in the rick yard, fracturing her arm. Dr N. S. Manning, who had attended MRS JOHNS for some time for general weakness, said that after the accident the bone set all right, but the shock of the accident seemed to throw her back in health. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the accident. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 February 1923
NORTHAM - Appledore Seaman's Fatal Fall. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquiry on Monday, concerning the death of JOHN RICHARD BERRY, aged 59 years, an Appledore seaman, who succumbed to injuries recently sustained through a fall. - It appears that deceased, on February 5th, was walking near the lifeboat station, West Appledore, and, accidentally slipping, fell on the rocks. He was immediately picked up by Mr Stephen Bignell and removed to his home. Dr Valentine, who was called in to see him at the time, stated in evidence that he had attended deceased for several years past for neurasthenia and an affection of the eyes, which rendered him almost totally blind at times. On the day of the accident he was suffering from severe bruises, and never left his bed again, passing away on the 17th inst. from cerebral sclerosis (paralysis) following the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and promised to write to the Northam District Council pointing out the danger existing at the place where the accident occurred, and asking them to rail it off. It was remarked that this was the third accident at that spot.

BITTADON - Sudden Death Of The Rector Of Bittadon. - The REV. WILLIAM TEAGUE JONES, Rector of Bittadon since 1916, died suddenly on Sunday, at the age of 69. The deceased, who lived alone, complained of feeling unwell on Friday and consulted a doctor. On Sunday, though still ill, he got up and made arrangements with the churchwarden for the church to be prepared for the service. On the church-warden returning the Rector rose from the chair and suddenly expired. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest on Tuesday, when evidence of identification was given by MR DANIEL JONES, brother of the deceased. - Mr Albert Down, a farmer and church-warden of the parish, stated that while returning from Barnstaple Market last Friday and when about a quarter of a mile from the Rectory, he saw deceased standing in the road leaning on his stick. Witness could see he was ill and asked him to get into his trap. Deceased said he was feeling very ill. When he got home deceased asked him to send for Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, which he did. On Sunday morning, when witness called, deceased, who was sitting in his room, asked him to see that the fires were lighted and that everything was ready for service. At 11.15 a.m. witness returned to the Rectory and found deceased sitting in his chair. He again complained of feeling very ill. Deceased asked him to look after his affairs and, collapsing immediately afterwards, expired. - Dr Manning spoke to attending deceased on Friday, when he was suffering from bronchitis. He attributed death to heart failure, following bronchitis. It was stated that the deceased, who was aged 69 years, lived alone, having no relatives locally. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The late REV. W. T. JONES was educated at Hatfield College, Durham (1881). He was ordained deacon in 1881 by Bishop Ryan and priest in 1884 by Bishop Hellmuth. He was, prior to becoming Rector of Bittadon - of which living Lady Baird is patron, the population of the parish being about 60 - curate respectively of Batley, 1883-87; Studham, 1888 - 95; Thuroxton, 1898 -1901; Aberaman, 1902 - 09; Penmaen, 1910 -12; and Skewen, 1913 -16.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 March 1923
YARNSCOMBE - Fatal Accident At Yarnscombe. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Yarnscombe, on Tuesday, investigated the circumstances of a shocking accident which occurred on Saturday, when OLIVE ANNIE MOORE, the 13 year old daughter of LEWIS MOORE, of Ley Farm, in turning off a 5 horse power petrol engine, had her clothing entangled in the fly-wheel and was instantly killed, her head striking a stone wall, in an angle of which the engine was fixed. The child was found to have actually turned the petrol tap off, but a demonstration to the Jury showed that the engine would normally run for two minutes after the tap was turned. - LEWIS MOORE, the father, said he was cutting chaff on Saturday, deceased and his other little girl, aged 10, helping him. they threw the straw to him while he fed the machine. When he finished they went down from the loft and he told the elder girl to turn off the engine. He heard a noise and going down found the girl underneath the fly-wheel and quite free from it. She had been killed instantly. Her clothing had evidently caught in the wheel or the spindle as her apron was considerably torn. Deceased had several times turned the engine off before. He had no farm servant or boy, but had girls, and had to make use of them. - The Coroner: In a proper manner. Do you consider turning off an engine proper work for a girl of 13? - I don't know about that, sir. - Dr A. S. Good, High Bickington, said deceased's skull was fractured, and she had minor injuries. The girl had evidently been dashed against the wall. - IVY MOORE, the sister, age 10, said deceased's apron caught in the fly-wheel, which went round with her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman (Mr E. C. M. Balkwill) remarking that they did not think the father realised there was any danger. They expressed sympathy with the parents.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 March 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Tragedy At Barnstaple. A Butcher Asphyxiates Himself. - MR ALFRED SHORE, butcher, failed to return to his lodgings in Boutport-street, Barnstaple, on Monday night; and on is lock-up shop in the Butchers' Row being forced open by the Police on Tuesday morning, he was found with his head over a gas ring, which, unlighted, was full on. Dr J. R. Harper, on being summoned, could only pronounce life to be extinct and the body a little later was removed to the North Devon Infirmary. Aged 59, and a native of the town, MR SHORE spent several years in America, returning to Barnstaple about fifteen months since, and starting business in the Butchers' Row last Christmas. - Opening the Inquest at the Infirmary on Tuesday afternoon, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, said MR SHORE was well-known to them all and briefly detached the circumstances under which he understood the body was found. - JOHN SHORE, stated that he last saw his brother (the deceased) about five weeks ago, when he seemed to be all right. They then met casually in the street, and just passed the time of day. Witness knew nothing about his brother's business. - The Coroner: Unfortunately, he has not been living with his wife for some years? - That is so. - Dr J. R. Harper spoke to being called to the Butchers' Row at 10.30 that morning, and to finding deceased lying on his back at the rear of the shop. MR SHORE had evidently been lying on his side, the body being turned over by the Police before witness's arrival. His head was adjacent to the gas ring and with his face downward and the gas ring turned on it would be sufficient to cause death. The body was quite cold and rigid. There was still a smell of gas on his arrival. Witness last attended MR SHORE about twenty years ago and understood Dr Meadon treated him four or five weeks since. - The Coroner: He has recently had a very bad cold; we have evidence of that. - John Parkin, an old-age pensioner, of Well-street, stated that MR SHORE lodged with him for some little time and five or six weeks ago he got him quarters at Mr Allen's. Witness saw MR SHORE in High-street about 5.15 the previous day, and after about a quarter of an hour's chat arranged to meet him at his shop on business about eleven o'clock that morning. He noticed nothing peculiar about MR SHORE, whom he had known for many years. Summoned to the shop about ten o'clock that morning, witness found a Constable trying to force the door. On entering, they found MR SHORE lying right in front of the fireplace, turned over on his side, with the gas jet right under his mouth and turned full on. From where he was lying, MR SHORE could have reached the tap and turned on the gas quite easily. P.C. Squires turned the body over before the doctor came. So far as he knew, MR SHORE had no business trouble and had never said anything to him to this effect. Deceased seemed to have had a fair business, although for some time trade for butchers appeared to have been bad. MR SHORE had remarked to him, "If Things are going on like this I cannot stand it much longer"; and he had had a very bad cold, his voice appearing to have all but gone. He had had the cold about three or four days and witness should think it was influenza. MR SHORE had said he could not get warm; and he "was very quiet, although not seeming depressed, exactly." - George Lock, watchmaker and jeweller, whose shop under the Albert Hall is almost immediately opposite that of deceased, said he had known MR SHORE all his life. On the previous Friday afternoon, MR SHORE was holding a horse just outside the Pannier Market and spoke to him rather incoherently regarding the animal, witness being unable to make "head or tail" of what he meant. Deceased was very peculiar, but certainly not from drink, and witness was a little surprised at the difference from his usual speech. MR SHORE was suffering, he thought from a very bad influenza cold and complained bitterly of the cold in the shop. About seven o'clock the previous evening, witness seeing MR SHORE outside his shop, went across and spoke to him and deceased was still complaining of being bitterly cold. Witness advised him to go for a good smart walk, MR SHORE replying that even if he walked to Bideford and back he would not get warm. He did not appear to be under the slightest influence of drink and witness had not regarded him as being a drinker. Did not notice anything peculiar in his manner the previous evening. - P.C. J. Squires spoke to first seeing deceased's boot through the letter-box, and to forcing the shop door. MR SHORE was lying flat on his stomach, with his face on the gas ring and the tap full on. Over the gas ring a piece of sacking had been placed probably to form a rest for the face. Witness turned off the gas at once; but MR SHORE appeared to have been dead for some hours. There was no evidence of a struggle of any kind. After Dr Harper had pronounced life to be extinct, witness, with the assistance of P.C. Newberry, removed the body to the Mortuary. Witness searched the premises and deceased's pockets, but found nothing to throw any light on the matter. In the shop was £4 10s. 5 ½d. in money; and witness also produced deceased's gold watch and chain and rent and bank books. - The Coroner, examining the bank book, said it had not been made up since January 1st, when it showed a credit of just over £40. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a very distressing case. He had known MR SHORE since he was a boy, and his father before him; and as far as he knew he was a very good man. Unfortunately, deceased had had troubles, as they all had. MR SHORE'S troubles had apparently been domestic ones, whilst in addition he had been exceedingly unwell of late; and in his shop the previous night he must have succumbed to some terrible temptation, or whatever one liked to call it. At any rate, something overcame him, and he thought he would do away with himself and did so. Unfortunately one heard of this sort of case sometimes and this circumstance pointed to a very sudden resolution by MR SHORE to take his life, as only the previous evening he made the appointment with Mr Parkin, an intimate friend, to meet him at eleven o'clock that day. His verdict would be "Suicide by Gas Poisoning whilst in a state of Unsound Mind."

MARWOOD - Suicide At Marwood. Wife's Tragic Discovery. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was on Thursday returned by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon coroner, at an Inquest at Blakewell Cottage, Marwood, on the body of WILLIAM WATTS, aged 38, farm labourer, found hanging from a beam in a woodhouse the same morning. - ELLEN WATTS, the widow, said deceased went down about 6.45 a.m. to light the fire and left the house just before she got down an hour later. Calling him subsequently she got no answer and on going out found him hanging in the woodhouse. She called a neighbour, Sydney Squires, who cut him down and tried artificial respiration, but life was extinct. The deceased had no worry and seemed quite cheerful the previous night. He served during the war with the R.F.A and on the N.W. frontier of Indian for 3 ½ years. He had never complained of his nerves, nor was he depressed. Dr F. B. Manning, of Barnstaple, attributed death to fracture of the neck by hanging and said deceased's father shot himself many years ago.

MORTHOE - Elderly Woman's Death At Morte-Hoe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Morte-hoe yesterday afternoon, Inquired into the death of MARY GAMMON, wife of PHILIP GAMMON, retired farmer. - MR GAMMON stated that his wife had been peculiar and in failing health for some years and latterly she had entirely refused to take food. He had not called in any help until Saturday, when he sent for the doctor. He lived on his old age pension (10s.) and his wife came into her pension a fortnight ago. He admitted that they really had not had enough to live on. - Mrs Hill, step-niece, stated that calling on Saturday she found MRS GAMMON in bed very weak and Dr Sanders was sent for. Her aunt had refused anyone to come into the house or to take any food and was always very peculiar. - Dr Sanders said MRS GAMMON was dying when he was called and death was due to general tuberculosis, accelerated by starvation and neglect. - The Coroner having remarked that it would have been better if MR GAMMON had called in someone who would have insisted on his wife taking proper food, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 March 1923
MARWOOD - Child's Death At Marwood. - At Little Silver, Marwood, on Monday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Inquired into the death of FRANCES MARIA COATS, aged twelve months. - MRS COATS stated that on Sunday morning she fed the child about 8.30 and then put it back in bed again, but a few minutes later she found it was choking. She at once took the child downstairs and called a neighbour, but death occurred within a few minutes. The child was one of twins. - Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the child was small for its age. The heart was small and flabby and death was due to infantile convulsions. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Tragedy. Collector Of Taxes Commits Suicide By Poisoning. - At the Inquest, at Ilfracombe, on Friday evening, on the body of GEORGE WOOLWAY GARDNER, collector of taxes for Ilfracombe, it was stated that the cause of death was the self-administration of a very large dose of Lysol disinfectant, and the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - The widow gave deceased's age as 39, and said he remained in bed after she got up on Friday morning, as he had not slept during the night. About 8 a.m. she sent him a cup of tea by their little girl, but he refused it. About an hour later she noticed a strong smell of carbolic and on going to the bedroom found deceased breathing heavily and a large size bottle containing a little Lysol on the washstand, and an empty tumbler, which had evidently also contained Lysol, on the table by the bed. She spoke to him, but received no answer, and at once fetched a glass of salt and water and got him to take a little of it. She then summoned assistance. Deceased was ill before Christmas for about two months and since then had complained of being generally unwell. She knew nothing about his financial affairs, but for about two months he had had a girl clerk to assist him in his work. Deceased had suffered from insomnia since his illness at Christmas, but she knew of nothing that would cause him to take his life other than his illness and the sleeplessness. - Chas. Newcombe, a neighbour, who was called by MRS GARDNER, also gave evidence. - Dr F. Langbridge said deceased was in a state of collapse when he saw him. His lips and mouth were slightly burnt, and he smelt of carbolic or something like it. There were two bruises on the side of his neck, as if he had clutched at his throat. He died about 10 o'clock. "He must have taken practically eight ounces of Lysol," the doctor added. Deceased had been in a depressed condition on account of his poor state of health. - The Coroner remarked that deceased was physically a big man and inquired whether his heart was previously in a bad condition. - Witness replied that he had been attending deceased on and off for the past three years, and last saw him professionally on December 30th. He was not suffering from any organic disease, but was in a generally unhealthy condition. Witness could not even say he had degeneration of the heart, although it was probable. - Mr R. M. Rowe, solicitor, who appeared for the widow, asked a question regarding deceased's depressed condition arising from his illness and the Coroner remarked that under such circumstances any little worry would act a great deal more. - P.S. Champion said he found that deceased purchased the Lysol at a local chemist's on Wednesday last. He gave no reason for the purchase, and there was no necessity on the part of the person supplying it to inquire. - The Coroner mentioned that the inspector of Taxes had been down from Barnstaple but could not say anything as to the state of the collection of the taxes until he had audited the accounts, so that they did not know if there was any financial difficulty such as to cause him to take his life. - Mr Rowe said there was no suggestion of anything being wrong with deceased's accounts. - The Coroner added that the only thing the Inspector of Taxes said was that deceased had not balanced up his 1921-22 accounts, as he should have done, but that was no offence, only a trouble to the authorities. Apparently deceased could not settle himself to get the work finished, consequent on his ill-health. - Great regret is felt in the town at this sad occurrence, deceased being much respected. He carried out his duties as a public official with great courtesy and consideration and as lessee of the Alexandra Hall, he was always ready to do everything possible for the comfort and convenience of the public. Much sympathy has been shown to the bereaved widow and family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 March 1923
SOUTH MOLTON - Queensnympton Baby's Death. - The circumstances of the death of WILLIAM HENRY KNIGHT, the six weeks' infant of ELIZABETH ANNIE KNIGHT, residing with her parents at Little Frenchstone Farm, Queensnympton, near Southmolton, were Inquired into on Friday by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - The mother stated that she put the baby to bed at 7 o'clock on Wednesday night. She went to bed herself about 9.30 but did not feed the baby then. As soon as she got into bed she went to sleep and did not wake until 5.30 a.m. She then found the child lying dead by her side. Witness went downstairs and lit the fire as usual and came up, and, having dressed, went down again at 6.30. She did not tell her mother until about 8 a.m. that the child was dead. She did not hear the baby cry during the night and when she woke the clothes were not over its face. - MRS KNIGHT, mother of the last witness, said she came down about 7.30 on Thursday morning and was in the act of frying the breakfast when her daughter told her that the baby was dead. That was the first she had heard of it. She at once sent for the doctor. - Dr Baker said in his opinion death was due to suffocation. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but censured the mother of the child for not communicating the death at once.

BARNSTAPLE - Sad Barnstaple Tragedy. Little Girl Killed An Her Mother injured By Runaway Horse. - Queen-street, Barnstaple, a very narrow thoroughfare, was on Tuesday the scene of a terrible accident, which resulted in the death of DORIS E. GOULD, the little 2 ½ year old daughter of P.C. GOULD and severe injuries to her mother. Shortly before midday, men named Perryman and Radford were loading manure in Mr J. Hearn's stables, when the horse suddenly became restive and having knocked Perryman (who was at its head) into the stable doorway, it bolted into the street. At this moment MRS GOULD, leading her child, was about to enter the house near by of MRS GOULD, her mother-in-law, 14 Queen-street; and with the runaway making straight towards the, she made an heroic attempt to pick up her child and get within the comparative safety of the iron railings almost adjoining. Unhappily, however, she was a moment too late, both the mother and child being violently knocked down by the horse and butt. Sustaining grave injuries, the little girl was carried into a shop close by and Dr Shaw was sent for, but death ensued within a few minutes. MRS GOULD was removed to her home badly injured, medical attention being necessitated. After the distressing accident recorded, the horse continued its mad career towards Trinity-street, pedestrians having narrow escapes. At the junction of Summerland-street an Trinity-street, there was a further sensational incident, the butt first colliding with the kerbstone and partly overturning, one of the wheels becoming detached, and with added impetus crashing through the corner fried fish shop of Messrs R. Gregory and Sons, and finally falling over in the supper bar. The damage was considerable, the glass panelled entrance door being smashed and the wooden partition (with window) dividing the shop from the supper room being partially demolished. Miss Rose Gregory, who happened to be behind the counter, narrowly escaped injury. After going a few yards further, the runaway suddenly came to a standstill near another horse and was secured by Mr Morgan, a passer-by. In the tragic loss of their only child, P.C. GOULD (who is a highly esteemed member of the Devon Constabulary at Barnstaple) and MRS GOULD have the heartfelt sympathy of the townspeople generally. - The Inquest: Accidental Death. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr J. B. Clarke was chosen Foreman, investigated the child's death, at the North Devon Infirmary yesterday afternoon. - P.C. SYDNEY J. GOULD, father of the child, having given formal evidence, Francis H. Radford, horseman to Mr H. Russell, spoke to taking the horse from Mr Russell's to Mr L. Hopgood's premises the previous day. It was a big horse, 15.3 h.h., coming eight years. Mr Russell had had the animal about six weeks; previously it had been used to farm work. Since Mr Russell had had the horse it had been exercised every day. There was not the slightest vice with it; in the stable he could do anything with the animal. It had been arranged that the horse should be tried in a butt and Mr Hopgood held it whilst witness and a young man named Perryman put it in the shafts. They had no difficulty and on instructions from Mr Hopgood they then proceeded to Mr Hearn's yard in Queen-street to get a load of manure. They had just got the cart in position alongside the dung pit, when, with Perryman holding the head of the animal and witness in the pit, it started plunging, and, having knocked Perryman against the wall, it broke clear of his hands and bolted into Queen-street. Witness got out of the pit as quickly as possible, but did not see anything of the accident and was not aware it had happened until after he reached the runaway in Trinity-street. Returning, he first saw MRS GOULD and then Mrs Montagu with the child in a shop. - The Coroner: Were any directions given to you to be very careful with the horse? - None whatever. - The Foreman: You said that in going in one of your had the reins and another the bit? - That was to be cautious, because I did not know what the horse would be like in a cart in a narrow street. The animal had never bolted before. It was the first time it has been in a cart in the town, but Mr Russell told him the last owner had continually worked it in a butt and long-tailed cart. - Mr R. E. C. Balsdon, who accompanied P.C. GOULD, asked was it necessary for the purpose of loading the butt for the horse to be facing towards Queen-street? - Witness replied that he did not know whether it was necessary, but it was the general rule, to save turning round in the narrow yard with the load. - Mr Balsdon suggested that had the animal been turned the other way it could not have bolted, the witness replying that everybody always put a horse in the same way. - As far as you know, it was the first time the horse had been in shafts? - Yes; and it was tested in Mr Hopgood's yard. - John Edward Perryman, carter to Mr Hopgood, agreed that they had no trouble with the horse until they got to Mr Hearn's yard. Mr Radford had just got into the dung-pit and witness was holding the animal's halter when the left hand and patting it with the right, when all of a sudden it made a plunge and witness, knocked against the wall, lost control. The horse then bolted into the street, and as witness was left around the corner, he saw nothing of the accident. - By the Foreman: Whilst you were patting the animal was it inclined to be restive? - No; not at all. - By a Juror: Witness saw nothing to frighten the horse. - James Hearn stated that when the men arrived at his yard, Radford said he had brought a young horse belonging to Mr Russell, which Mr Hopgood had kindly consented to try for him. The men then placed the animal in position close to the pit and witness was about six feet away, when all of a sudden the horse reared its head and then plunged and bolted. It had been suggested that he (witness) should have caught the animal, but this was impossible, as it was immediately out of control. He had to run in front; as there was no room at the sides, to get out of the way, and how he escaped he did not know. He did not see what happened to Perryman, and he did not witness the accident. Mr Hopgood had done work for him for years and no accident had ever happened previously. The animal entered the yard very quietly. - Mrs Violet Emily Montagu, of Marwood, informed the Jury that she was chatting with a lady friend at the end of Bedford-row, which MRS GOULD and her little girl passed them in Queen-street. Then they heard the rattle of a cart and the horse with the cart attached then plunged into the street. Witness saw MRS GOULD, who was leading the child across the street, stand in front of the child as though to protect it; but the horse seemed to strike her with its foreleg and knock her on one side, whilst it then struck the little girl on the back. The butt came close to witness and if she had moved another foot she too would have been struck. The horse then dashed down the street, leaving MRS GOULD and the child against some railings. Witness carried the child into Mr Lock's shop and sent for Dr Shaw. Meanwhile she bathed the little girl's temples but she passed away in about seven or ten minutes after the accident. - Dr Shaw, who arrived about 20 minutes after the accident, stated that the child was then dead. It had marks of a blow in the back opposite the root of the lung, with blood coming from the nostrils and the indications were that it came from the lungs. In his opinion death was due to haemorrhage from the lungs caused by a blow in the back. - P.C. Southcombe and Mr Hearn had told him he could see that the horse was very restless and that it was not going to stand. Later, Mr Radford said he would not accept responsibility for driving the animal through the town in a cart. He added that he had had a row with Mr Russell before about it. It was a fresh horse and he had tried it at Tawstock in chains, but not in a cart. - Mr Hearn, recalled, said he might have made the statement referred to. The animal was described as a young horse and from that he suspected it would not stand very quiet. Every precaution was taken to keep it quiet. - Mr Radford, also recalled, said he had stated that, being practically an old man, he would not accept responsibility for taking the horse in the cart alone. For that reason Mr Hopgood put the animal in the cart and the other man accompanied him. Witness did not know anything about the horse, and had had no fuss regarding it with Mr Russell. - The Coroner said it was one of the most distressing cases he had ever been called upon to deal with, and it was indeed terrible that the little child should have lost its life in this way. One question for the Jury to consider was whether anyone was censurable; but personally he did not think there was anything which amounted to criminal negligence. If they thought there was any negligence it was for them to say so. "Of course" (he added) "It is easy for us after an event to say it would have been better if more precautions had been taken." - After a short consultation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman adding that they considered every precaution was taken by the men in charge of the horse. They extended their deepest sympathy with MR and MRS GOULD in their great bereavement. - The Coroner, in recording the verdict, said he heartily concurred with the Jury's sentiments.

ATHERINGTON - Tragedy At Atherington. Suicide Of Young Farmer. - A sad sensation was caused at Atherington on Monday by the news that ALFRED MILTON, a young farmer, had been found dead from a gunshot wound in the kitchen of South Knowle Farm. Deceased, aged only 24, was to have been married next Wednesday and his fiancée was apparently the last person who saw him alive. After kissing her good-bye he returned to wish her good-bye again, remarking, "God bless you, dear." - JOHN MILTON, a brother, said deceased drove his fiancée back to St. Giles on Sunday night, and witness, having gone to bed, did not hear him return. About 2 a.m. he heard the report of a gun in the house. Coming down immediately he found his brother on his back in the kitchen dead, with a double-barrelled breech-loading gun near by. Their father, who died in October, left no will, and therefore the ownership of South Knowle Farm and one at Bridgetown came to witness. There had, however, been no unpleasantness about this. Deceased had taken a farm at St. Giles, but was worried as to whether he would be able to manage it and pay the rent. - ROSE MILTON, a sister, said deceased's fiancée, came to tea on Sunday afternoon, and they were all quite jovial. There had been no dispute as to the division of her father's property. - Miss Annie Hookway, of St. Giles, said on the journey home on Sunday deceased seemed very quiet and she inquired whether he had any worry, but he replied, "No." - Dr A. S. Good, High Bickington, said there was no doubt that the wound on the top of the right collar-bone was self-inflicted. Witness considered that deceased fired the weapon with the aid of a stick which was found close by. - P.C. Tancock produced a note left by the deceased addressed to his sister, ROSE. It read:- "I cannot stand the strain any longer. You know, dear, that is of how our brother JOHN is going to treat us, keeping two-thirds of everything. So, dear, I wish that dear HARRY could get my share. - From yours ever, ALF." - Commenting on this note, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said it was only fair to the brother that he (the Coroner) should say that on the evidence adduced he did not think there was the slightest ground for suggesting that he was endeavouring to do anything unfair or unjust. The brother, JOHN, had, it appeared, gone even further than he need in dividing the property, and wished to help his brother in making a start in his new farm. It was a sad reflection for anyone to leave behind a suggestion such as was contained in that note, and the Coroner desired to say that he could not find that there was any blame whatever attaching to JOHN MILTON and he cleared him from any such stigma. - The verdict was that deceased "Committed Suicide by Shooting Himself."

BARNSTAPLE - Lady's Sad Death At Barnstaple. Fall Into Bath Of Cold Water. - Returning home from school on Thursday morning, MISS ALICE GALLIFORD, a teacher, was horrified to find her mother, MRS EMILY ANN GALLIFORD, had fallen into the bath in their house at Summerland-street, Barnstaple. Medical aid was at once summoned and efforts at artificial respiration were maintained for upwards of an hour, but unhappily without result. MRS GALLIFORD, who was 64 years of age, had been in ill-health for a lengthy period, and the sudden death of her husband, MR WILLIAM H. GALLIFORD, painter and decorator, last year proved a great blow to her. With the family, who are held in the highest esteem in the Borough, general sympathy is expressed in their latest bereavement. - At the Inquest before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, on Friday, MISS GALLIFORD stated that her mother had suffered for many years from a weak heart and had been in a frail state. She had never said anything - witness proceeded in answer to the Coroner - to lead me to suppose she contemplated suicide; she was not that kind of woman. Witness left home on the previous morning, her mother being alone as usual and she knew that she intended cleaning the bath. Her brothers were accustomed to pay a call at the house during the day, and one who did so at ten o'clock found her mother all right. When witness returned home at about 12.30 her mother was not downstairs and after looking everywhere else, she found her a few minutes later lying in the bath. She was so frightened that she could not tell the exact position of the body, but she caught sight of her mother's face, and saw that it was not under water. On making the discovery she screamed and her brother, FREDERICK, who was right behind her, came to her assistance. - FREDERICK J. GALLIFORD, clerk, informed the Coroner that his mother had been very low and weak in health of late. Witness left home about 9.30 the previous morning and returned about 12.35 to find his sister out of doors inquiring for his mother. Thinking she might have gone to his brother's in Braunton-road, witness cycled there and had just got indoors again when he heard his sister scream. He found his mother lying, fully dressed, in the bath, with her head at the foot of the bath and her face upwards. On measuring later, a Police Constable found that the water was only six inches deep; and his mother's mouth and nose were clear of the water. Witness believed his mother was dead when found. The water in the bath was dirty, as though his mother had been attempting to clean it out; there were utensils at the side brought there for the purpose. Witness thought that in leaning over the bath to clean it out his mother might have had a heart attack, which caused her to slip and fall in. Witness hurried away for the doctor and assisted to remove the body from the bath. - ARCHIBALD GALLIFORD , the eldest son, remarked that once during the War his mother was very ill in bed, and Dr Lemarchand, who was called in, said she had a badly diseased heart and was liable to pass away at any time. In consequence of this witness had been accustomed to make visits to the house during the day, in order to see if his mother was all right. She had always said she was all right, and did not know her heart was so bad. - Dr Shaw spoke to being called to the house at one o'clock the previous day, and finding MRS GALLIFORD as had been described, with her head immediately under the pipe of the geyser. Life was extinct, and the body was quite cold. With the aid of a Constable, he however, tried artificial respiration for upwards of an hour. In his opinion MRS GALLIFORD had a heart attack and fell into the bath and with the extra shock of the cold water she died from heart failure. As stated, the face, head and nose were all above the water in the bath; and the little water found in the lungs could be accounted for by the tap dripping on to her face after she fell in. Leaning over the bath for the purpose of cleaning it out was just the thing calculated to bring on a heart attack. He felt certain that death was not due to drowning. - P.C. Taylor having also given evidence, the Coroner remarked that it was a very distressing case, particularly having regard to the fact that it represented a double bereavement for the family within a very short time. MRS GALLIFORD had been proved to have been in a very weak state of health for some time, and as in Dr Shaw's opinion it was a case of heart failure, his verdict would be that of "Death from Natural Causes." He was sure he was expressing not only his own feelings, but of the whole of the townspeople of Barnstaple when he tendered to the family heartfelt sympathy in the terrible loss that they had sustained. - The interment was made at the Cemetery on Monday, Rev. A. Fenton (Wesleyan) officiating. The family mourners were: Messrs. A. W., A. L., and F. J. Galliford (sons); Mrs A. W. Galliford, Mrs A. L. Galliford (daughters-in-law); Messrs. A. Ridd (Bishopstawton), C. Ridd (Cardiff), brothers; Mrs B. Woolway (Bridgwater), sister; Messrs. J. and F. Galliford (brothers-in-law); F. C. Galliford (nephew); Mrs W. Clarke (Braunton), niece; Mrs Washer, Mrs Stone (cousins); and Mr W. Pollard and Miss Pollard. - The many beautiful floral tributes laid on the grave were:- To my darling mother with all my love, Alice; To our darling mother, from Arch and Ede, Perce and Lil, Arthur and Elsie, Fred and May; To our dear grandma, from Harry, Bruce, Winnie and Eric; In ever-loving memory from brother and sister, Charlie and Bessie.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 April 1923
ILFRACOMBE - Tragedy At Ilfracombe Pier. The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, opened an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Saturday, on EDMUND DAVIE, aged 45, landlord of the White Hart Hotel, the Quay, who was killed the previous afternoon through falling through the deck of the Pier. - The Coroner said that repairs were being carried out to the deck of the Pier, and in the course of those repairs planks had been removed. The deceased paid for admission to the Pier to catch a motor boat to Lee. It appeared that the boat had already left the Pier and in hurrying to catch it, he, by some means, fell through the hole to the rocks, a distance of about 25 ft., and was killed instantly - Dr Soltau said he arrived at the Pier soon after the accident, but deceased was then dead. His injuries included five ribs broken on the right-hand side, and a fracture of the back of the skull. The cause of death was fracture of the skull. - The Foreman asked witness if he detected any smell of alcohol. Witness: None whatever, neither externally nor in the stomach contents. - At this stage a telegram was handed to the Coroner, who explained that as the accident occurred on part of the Harbour it necessitated his notifying the Factory Inspector, as the Harbour came under his jurisdiction. He (the Coroner) had sent a message asking if the Inspector desired to be present. In consequence of the telegram he had received from the Inspector he was obliged to adjourn the Inquest until Tuesday morning. - The Inquest - Adjourned for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories (Capt. M. K. Pedlar) - was resumed on Tuesday morning. - John Galliver, Deputy Harbourmaster, stated he was at the toll-gate on Friday afternoon, when deceased paid for admission to the Pier, saying he wanted to catch Mr N. Burbeary's motor boat to Lee. Witness said to him "It is no use your going, as the motor boat has gone; it has gone away from the stone beach." Deceased replied, "I know N. Burbeary's motor boat to Lee." Witness directed him to the stone beach. He did not run, but was walking fast. He did not go to the stone beach as directed, but went towards the portion of the Pier that was undergoing repair. - The Foreman of the Jury (Capt. Crombie): Do you consider he was perfectly sober? - Witness: He may have had a little, sir. - The Foreman: Did you notice anything? - Witness: No, sir, except that he seemed to be a little excited when I told him the boat was gone. - In answer to other questions, witness said there was a notice board at a conspicuous place at the entrance to the portion of the Pier that was being repaired, stating there was no thoroughfare that way. There was also a rope across. - In answer to Mr G. Minshull (who represented the widow), witness said he did not warn deceased not to go to the portion of the Pier that was being repaired. - Mr Minshall remarked that the rope was down on one side, according to a photograph taken shortly after the accident. - Capt. C. Lewin (Harbourmaster) said he was working with some men underneath the wooden structure when he saw deceased fall through. Just before he heard someone shouting "Aye, Aye." He thought it must have been deceased. The motor boat had left the Pier a few minutes before. The notice stating there was no thoroughfare through that portion of the Pier had been there for three weeks. - By Mr Minshall: There was no wooden barrier. - By Capt. H. G. Brede (Clerk to the Ilfracombe Urban Council): Thousands of people had landed and embarked there during the Easter holidays, but he had not seen a single person on the portion of the Pier that was undergoing repair. - A Juryman: Was there anything there to warn them? - Witness: Nothing more than there was when the accident occurred on Friday last. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, outlined the evidence, and asked them to say whether there had been any criminal negligence on the part of the Urban Council or their employees. - In answer to the Foreman, Capt. Pedlar said it was doubtful if that portion of the Pier came under the Factories and Workshops Act. There was, apparently, a notice there stating that there was no thoroughfare, and there was a rope across. He did not see what more could be done. - The Jury, after retiring to consider the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They did not consider there was any contributory negligence on the part of the Harbour authorities. They expressed their condolence with the widow. - On behalf of the Urban Council, Capt. Brede also expressed sympathy with the widow and other relatives.

ILFRACOMBE - At the Inquest on MRS ELIZA WATTS, aged 72, of 6 Fore-street, on Tuesday, Dr Stevenson said death was due to arterio-sclerosis of the coronary arteries and he did not think an injury to deceased's finger which her daughter was bandaging when she expired, accelerated death. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr G. W. F. Brown.

BARNSTAPLE - Death Of MRS PHILPOTT At Barnstaple. - MRS MARY PHILPOTT, who died at 25 Hill's View, Barnstaple, on Saturday morning, in her 92nd year, was a daughter of the late MR and MRS JOHN LANGDON, of Woolacombe, and sister of the late MR JOHN LANGDON, of Great Potheridge, Merton. Her husband, MR JAMES PHILPOTT, of Stoke Pogus, predeceased her many years ago and she had been resident in Barnstaple for upwards of 20 years, and for the past three years or so lived with her sister-in-law, Mrs John Langdon, at 25 Hill's View. Just prior to Christmas she fell in her bedroom and sustained a fracture of the right thigh. Before the accident she could walk up and down stairs with comparative ease, though she was not in the habit of going out of doors. She belonged to the Brethren and was visited in her last illness by Messrs. Pearce and Fisher, of the Barnstaple Brethren. - At the Inquest, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, on Saturday evening, Dr J. B. Harper stated that he formerly attended deceased, whilst his partner (Dr S. R. Gibbs) saw her after the accident. She sustained a fracture of the neck of the right femur, the cause of death being cardiac failure. - Mrs Elizabeth L. Langdon spoke to deceased, her sister-in-law, going upstairs to her bedroom on December 20th. Later witness heard a moan, and proceeding upstairs found that MRS PHILPOTT had fallen in the bedroom. Witness's daughter assisted to get her into bed. Dr S. R. Gibbs being sent for. A nurse had also since been in attendance, but MRS PHILPOTT had gradually got worse, and passed away that morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BIDEFORD - Sudden Death At Bideford. - The death occurred suddenly at Bideford on Sunday morning of MR ROBERT PURVES, 38, son of the late MR ROBERT PURVES, who for some years was secretary of Bideford Conservative Club and the Cricket Club. The deceased had been in his usual health but on Sunday morning his wife heard him breathing heavily and before assistance could be summoned he had passed away. He had been for some years on the Council of the Conservative Working Men's Club, the flag at which was flown at half mast on Monday as an expression of sympathy. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest into deceased's death on Monday afternoon. Evidence given by the widow and Mr Edward E. Walter, brother-in-law, shewed that MR PURVES, who was a motor-car driver, served in the South African War, and again in the Devons in the Great War from 1914 to 1916, when he was invalided out, receiving a small pension, which was only made permanent a few weeks ago, for disability caused by irregular action of the heart. - Dr M. W. Littlewood, who was called in on Sunday morning, and who had since made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope from a dilated heart, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Much sympathy is felt for the relatives in their sad bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 April 1923
MARWOOD - Farmer's Suicide At Marwood. - An Inquest was held at Marwood on Saturday on the body of JOHN CUTCLIFFE, aged 57, farmer, of Guineaford, who was found hanging from a hook in the kitchen of his house, the hook being only 5 ft. 10 in. from the floor, on which deceased's knees were resting. GEORGE CUTCLIFFE, brother, who lived with deceased, both being bachelors, said they were working together the previous morning, when deceased seemed all right and he knew of no worries. Later he found him hanging in a crouching position, his head being only three feet from the floor. Dr Manning said the man was quite dead, having dislocated his neck. It was a mystery how he could have done it seeing the height of the hook. The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, pointed out that it was the second case of an unaccountable suicide in that parish in the last three weeks. He returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging."

LANDKEY - Landkey Farm Labourer's Sad End. Verdict Of Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest conducted on Monday afternoon at Landkey by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, concerning the death of WILLIAM PIM, aged 64, farm labourer. - Mr J. B. Webber, farmer, of Portmore Farm, Landkey, said deceased had been working for him for 41 years. About 12.45 p.m. on Sunday he was informed by MRS PIM that her husband was missing. Witness searched and finally went to the well in the orchard, where he saw deceased in a standing position. His shoulders were just above water, but his head was hanging down under the water. With help, witness got him out and tried artificial respiration, but without avail. - SARAH PIM, widow, said her husband had breakfast about 9 a.m., when he was quite all right. Witness left to go to church at 10.45 a.m., leaving him in the kitchen. When witness returned about 12.45 p.m. the door was locked and the key gone, and, as she could not find her husband, she told Mr Webber. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. He had been unwell for three weeks and seemed very weak and appeared to worry about his illness. - Dr S. C. Shaw, of Barnstaple, having given formal evidence, the Coroner remarked that this was another of those unaccountable cases of suicide which seemed to be terribly on the increase. People did not seem to be able to stand the slightest worry like they used to be able to do years ago.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 April 1923
ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Tragedy. Woman Jumps Over A Cliff. - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, touching the death of ANNIE HARRIS, domestic servant, belonging to Tonbridge Wells. - Mrs Thomas, of 58 Woodstock-terrace, Ilfracombe, said deceased, who was 56 years of age, was her cousin. She had been staying in Ilfracombe for about ten weeks for the benefit of her health, as she suffered from nervous depression. On Tuesday morning deceased came into her room and had a cup of tea. Witness asked her if she had had a good night, and she replied "Yes." Deceased returned to her bedroom, but when witness took up her breakfast about half-past nine she was missing. Witness had never heard her threaten to take her life. Deceased worried because she was not getting any better. - A youth, named Lenard John Webber, said he saw the body floating in the water in Blyth's Cove about 9.30 a.m. He informed Mr Nathaniel Lewis, who went out in his boat and brought the body to the shore. - Dr Satton said the head of the deceased was battered in and the left thigh was fractured. Death was caused by a fracture of the skull. - P.C. Brooks said deceased must have crept under some furze bushes to get to the edge of the cliff. Underneath the spot where she must have fallen over the cliff he found two combs which had belonged to the deceased. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." There was no doubt that deceased took her life by jumping over the cliff.

ILFRACOMBE - Suicide At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Thursday on the body of MRS LYDIA PARKIN JEWELL, a widow, of 4 Balmoral-terrace, who was found the previous day hanging from a banister of the stairs. - WILLIAM DENDLE, deceased's brother, said deceased, who was 65 years of age, had been suffering from nervous debility for some years, but she seemed better on Tuesday, the last time he saw her alive. At times she got very depressed. - The Coroner: Over anything in particular? - Witness: Only about her illness. - Did you suspect she had suicidal tendencies? - It was the last thing I should have considered she would have done. - Mrs Emily Dendle, daughter-in-law of the last witness, said she had lived with MRS JEWELL since February last. Sometimes she was very depressed, but she appeared rather better on Wednesday morning than for several days, though she was very quiet. Witness left the house just before 9 o'clock to go to work. Nothing whatever had happened to upset the deceased. Witness had never heard her threaten to take her life. - Reg. Hoskin, who lodged with deceased, said he came home to dinner on Wednesday about one o'clock but no meal was prepared. On going upstairs he saw deceased apparently sitting in the stairs. He did not notice the rope round her neck. He ascertained she was quite dead and went for a doctor. When he saw her at breakfast time that morning, she seemed better than she had been for some time. - P.C. Brown produced the rope with which MRS JEWELL had hanged herself. He said she must have tied the rope to the banister of the staircase and afterwards placed the rope round her neck. - Dr Stevenson said death was due to strangulation. It was stated that no document had been found that would throw any light on the tragedy. It was also stated that only a few days ago deceased had withdrawn some money from the bank in order to purchase a Post Office annuity. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death by Hanging." He remarked that there had been an extraordinary number of cases of suicide lately; that was the fourth case of suicide he had had that week. People seemed to value their lives very little, and committed suicide for the slightest cause. He did not know whether the times were too fast, or what it was. - Mr W. F. Watts (Messrs Rowe, Warren and Watts) watched the proceedings on behalf of the relatives and the Executor, Mr R. M. Rowe.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 May 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Missile At Barnstaple. Little Boy The Victim. - "Stone-throwing is very dangerous and I hope parents, teachers and others will do their utmost to discourage the practice," said Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Barnstaple Borough Coroner, at an Inquest on ALBERT HENRY COOKE, aged 8, at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon. Deceased was the son of MR GEORGE COOKE, of 27 Princess-street, a labourer in the employ of the Gas Co. - MRS KATE COOKE stated that her son (the deceased) attended St Mary Magdalene School and he came home from school on the morning of March 28th with his head bandaged up. She was informed that he had met with an accident, and that a nurse, after bathing his forehead, had sent him on to the Dispensary. Her son seemed quite all right, and after having dinner went to school again. Witness saw the wound on Good Friday, when it was untied by Dr Shaw. Her son did not seem quite so well on the following Sunday, and Mr Phillips, the dispenser at the North Devon Dispensary, said he ought to be home in bed. Dr Shaw could not then attend and in turn Drs. Thomas and Desprez attended, death, however, occurring at 2.15 on Sunday morning. In her opinion everything possible had been done to save her boy's life. Her son who was a strong, healthy boy, told her that on his return to the playground after lunch on March 28th children were throwing things and that a piece of iron pitched on his head. He added that it was done by a little boy named Passmore, and that they were all playing together, "to see who could throw the highest." - Ernest Passmore, aged ten, said other boys were throwing stones and in throwing back at them he hit COOKE with a bit of iron which he found in the playground. "I did not intend to hit him" he assured the Coroner. - Dr Shaw spoke to attending COOKE at the Infirmary before Easter for a small punctured wound extending down the front bone about the middle of the forehead. The wound was scratched but not broken, and although it had been cleaned out and appeared to be quite clean, it was septic, the bone being also affected. It was on his advice that Dr Thomas was later called in to attend the child. A post mortem examination showed that the infection had spread through the bone to the coverings of the brain, the cause of death being septic meningitis, the result of the injury. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case. Every care seemed to have been taken of the poor little fellow and everything done to save his life, but apparently it was a hopeless case from the very first. The bone of the forehead had been infected from the outside at the time of the accident, and no amount of washing or anything short of a very terrible operation would have been of any avail. It was perfectly clear that the child had died from septic meningitis, following on the wound accidentally sustained to its forehead whilst playing in the schoolyard. He did not know whether anything useful could be said with regard to preventing children throwing things at each other. Unfortunately they would do so, and unfortunately in this case it had proved fatal. He knew that the authorities at St Mary's, teachers and managers, would do anything they could to prevent things lying about for children to throw at each other. It appeared to have been a pure accident. Some boys near threw something at Passmore and he replied with a missile which was not intended for the boy who received the injury. Again calling Passmore before him, the Coroner said: You see how very dangerous it is to throw things about at people? - Yes, sir. - Will you promise me never to do anything of the sort again? - Yes, sir. - With the remark quoted at the outset, the Coroner then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

LYNTON - A Lynton Tragedy. Gardener's Body Found At Ringcliff Bay. - A sad tragedy was revealed at Lynton on Tuesday, when the lifeless body of WALTER JOHN DELBRIDGE, who had been employed as second gardener by Mr G. Schulizzi, of Glen Lyn, Lynmouth, was found on the sands at Ringcliff Bay, just under the famous Castle Rock. A watch carried by deceased had stopped at 8.7. On receiving a telephone message, Mr A. W. Gaydon, of the Lyndale Hotel, Lynmouth, communicated with the Police; and later, with the assistance of Messrs. Slee, C. Bevan, J. Cawse, and others, the body was taken up the cliff path and thence removed to the Mortuary. DELBRIDGE, aged 41, was a hard-working, respected man, and general sympathy is expressed for the bereaved widow and aged father, who resides at Lower Lee Lodge. - At the Inquest yesterday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, the widow, ANNIE DELBRIDGE, stated that after having his breakfast her husband left home at 7.15 the previous morning to proceed to his work. He seemed quite all right and she had noticed nothing unusual about him the day previously. Her husband had never threatened to take his life, and she could not give any reason why he should have done so. - Mr Schulizzi stated that DELBRIDGE had been in his employ as under gardener, and owing to the illness of the head gardener, had acted as head gardener for the last three or four weeks, managing the work very well indeed. He appeared one time last week to worry that the place was not looking so nice as it should; and witness told him not to worry, and gave him the help of another man. Going through the grounds with DELBRIDGE on Sunday, the head gardener thought how well they were looking and told deceased so. DELBRIDGE was a very good workman. - Wm. Priscott, baker, spoke to meeting DELBRIDGE going up the steep hill to Lynton about 7.25 on Tuesday morning, and said they wished each other "Good morning." - Mr Wm. Gordon Whittall, a visitor, stated that he went to Ringcliff Bay about eleven o'clock the previous morning, when he saw the body of a man lying face downwards on the beach; whilst P.C. Perriams informed the Court that on proceeding to the spot in company with P.C. Shambrook, he found life to be quite extinct. Deceased's mackintosh was neatly folded up on the rocks near by. DELBRIDGE had not left any note regarding the matter. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 May 1923
BIDEFORD - Suicide At Bideford. - When passing down the river bank at Bideford, on Saturday morning, just after 6 o'clock, Harry Colmer, a shipyard labourer, noticed the body of a man lying on the mud, face downwards He informed the Police and the body was identified as that of HARRY JAS. WILSON, 50 years of age, formerly a butler, employed by General Hammersley, at Durrant House, near Bideford. At the Inquest on Saturday evening, a daughter of deceased, residing at 10 Ladysmith-road, Exeter, said she had not seen her father for two years, and had not corresponded with him. He was a widower with no settled home. She did not know that he had any financial troubles and had never heard him threaten to take his life. Mrs Snell, of the Ship Tavern, Bideford, said deceased had resided there since April 14th. He seemed a very quiet man. Beatrice Maud Gammon, cook at Durrant House, said deceased met her on her arrival from Barnstaple by the last train 8.45 on Friday. He walked with her to Durrant and left about 10 o'clock. He did not make any threat to take his life and was usually of a cheerful disposition. He left Durrant in April because he did not exactly suit Mrs Hammersley, having been employed there from the previous January. P.S. Broad said there was no money on deceased nor at his lodgings, nor anything to indicate that he would take his life. He formerly belonged to the Royal Irish Constabulary and was discharged in January 1921, his conduct through all the papers being marked as good. Dr Pearson said death was undoubtedly due to drowning. the Coroner said it appeared to be a case of a man who had come to the end of his tether, and he returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 May 1923
ASHFORD - Ashford Farmer's Tragic Death. Found Drowned. - A painful sensation, combined with profound sympathy for the bereaved family, was caused at Ashford, near Barnstaple, on Sunday, when it became known that the lifeless body of MR WILLIAM BYNON BADCOCK, farmer, of Furzecroft Farm, had been found in a pond on the farm. MR BADCOCK, who had been a great sufferer, had a fit in the early morning and having recovered thought a little walk would do him good. As he failed to return a search was instituted, and the body was found as stated, MR BADCOCK having apparently fallen into the pond. MR BADCOCK, who was 54 years of age, was a member of a family which has had associations with the parish for many generations - and a family held in the highest esteem in a wide district. - At the Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Ashford on Monday afternoon, MISS AMELIA BADCOCK stated that deceased (her brother) had suffered from epileptic fits for several years and he had a fit about 4 a.m. on Sunday. Having recovered he dressed and went out about eight a.m., being apparently nothing the worse for the fit. As her brother did not return witness looked for him later, but as she could not find him she got others to search. The body was discovered in a pond close by about noon. - Chas. Babb spoke to finding the body in a pond at the bottom of a field a short distance from the house. MR BADCOCK'S hat was floating in the water; the pony was only about eighteen inches deep. - Dr J. R. Harper informed the Coroner that he had attended MR BADCOCK for several years for epilepsy. He examined the body after its removal from the pond on Sunday and he attributed death to asphyxia from drowning. He expressed the opinion that MR BADCOCK might have had another fit and fallen into the pond. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Drowning, remarking that there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 May 1923
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Railway Fatality. Inquest Story. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Saturday at Torrington adjourned until Tuesday for the attendance of the Inspector of Mines, the Inquest on CHARLES BOUNDY, a Bideford labourer, employed on the Torrington-Halwill Railway construction, who was killed on Friday evening through the derailment of a truck in which he was returning from work. - Two other workmen were injured - William Nethercott, of Monkleigh, who was taken to the Torrington Cottage Hospital, and who is making good progress, and Charles Glover of Northam, whose injuries were slight. - Mr Henry Holwill, manager of the North Devon Clay Co., the track of whose mineral line from Torrington is being followed by the new construction work, said he believed the line came under the Inspector of Mines, and he had reported the occurrence to the officials. - At the resumed Inquest on Tuesday, Dr O'Flaherty, Torrington, said a post-mortem examination revealed all the ribs on the left side fractured and the lungs badly injured. - Emerson G. Houlett, an engine driver, in the employ of Messrs. Anderson and Co., the contractors for the construction of the new railway, said on Friday evening last he was driving an engine which had four trucks belonging to the Clay Company and used for the purpose of conveying men to and from their work, attached. There were between 30 and 40 men in them at the time and deceased was one of about 10 or 15 riding on the truck next to the engine. The accident occurred near Bagbear Gate and at the time the train was travelling between three and four miles an hour. There was a crossing with points at the spot; the engine crossed all right, but the truck next to it ran off the metals and proceeded a distance of between 30 and 40 feet alongside, but did not turn over. Witness at once reversed the engine. Deceased was picked up between the metals, under the last truck. Two other occupants of the truck were also thrown out and sustained injuries. - The Coroner: Have you ever had any difficulty in crossing this place before? - No. I have always made it a practice to slow down there. - Are the points in good working order? - I don't think they are "extra great" myself. - P.S. Snell, Torrington, said on examining the spot where the accident occurred he saw marks where the truck had left the rails about 12 ft. from the points on the Torrington side. Witness saw the engine tried over the points, with the trucks, since the accident, and it did so quite safely. As far as he could see everything was in order. - Mr H. Holwill, manager of the Marland Clay Works, said he had no observation to make other than that the carrying capacity of the trucks was 3 tons 10 cwt. - Mr Thos, Dempster, representing Messrs. Anderson, said he had examined the permanent way with their chief engineer, and there was nothing that he could see, in a very close inspection, to account for the accident. The points were in first-class order. As far as he could gather the men were pretty evenly distributed in the trucks and he did not think there was anything to cause an accident in this respect. - Summing up, the Coroner said by some extraordinary means this truck became derailed. He thought deceased must have fallen between the truck and the engine. There was no evidence of any difficulty in crossing the points or approaching them, because the engine appeared to have gone over correctly. One thing which struck him as being somewhat dangerous was that the men sat on the side or the front of the trucks, because this railway was not a first-class one like any of the big railways and was somewhat jolty and with the lurching of the trucks they might easily be thrown out. He suggested that in future the men should sit at the bottom of the trucks. His verdict was one of "Accidental Causes," and he saw o blame attached to anyone. - The funeral of MR BOUNDY took place at Torrington Cemetery on Tuesday, the Rev. Preb. F. Emlyn Jones (Vicar) officiating. The funeral expenses were borne by the railway contractors.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 June 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Terrible Motor Cycle Accident At Barnstaple. A Young Man Fatally Injured. - A shocking accident, attended by fatal results, occurred on the railway bridge at the bottom of Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple, on Sunday night. Shortly after ten o'clock, MR JAMES SLEE, aged 23, a machine fitter at Derby Lace Factory, invited a friend (Mr F. W J. Goodman) to accompany him on his motor cycle for a short spin from the Square. With Mr Goodman riding pillion, they proceeded to the top of Sticklepath and had again reached the bottom of the hill, when MR SLEE, apparently in order to avoid the tar sprayed road, elected to take a course close in to the railway bridge on the right-hand side of the road. He was passing over the lower arch of the bridge when, unfortunately, (presumably as the result of the machine slipping) the motor cycle smashed against one of the concrete arches, MR SLEE being hurled against the wall before collapsing and Mr Goodman falling further out in the roadway. The smash was heard some distance away and Messrs. L. J.P. Easton, G. Mayne, G. Smyth and Nurse Passmore were almost immediately in attendance, and rendered all the help possible to MR SLEE, who had sustained grave injuries, Mr Goodman, fortunately escaping with nothing worse than cuts and bruises. Mr Shobrook also motor-cycled into the town for medical aid and MR SLEE having been treated by Dr F. L. Thomas was removed to the North Devon Infirmary on the borough ambulance. Unhappily, the case proved to be a hopeless one and MR SLEE passed away at the Infirmary just before 3 o'clock the following morning. A young man of fine physique and of exceptional ability and promise, MR SLEE was the second son of MR and MRS JAMES SLEE, of Hill's View, Barnstaple, with whom sympathy is general in their tragic bereavement. MR SLEE, sen., has for many years occupied an important position in the machine fitting department at Derby Lace Factory, whilst he is a well-known musician, having been accustomed to take part in orchestral work at Barnstaple for a long period. - At the Inquest held before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, JAMES SLEE, father of the deceased, stated that he last saw his son at home at dinner the previous day. He was in good health. His son had been motor-cycling for four years, having had the same machine the whole time. - Dr F. L. Thomas spoke to being called to Sticklepath between 10.30 and 11 p.m. the previous night and to finding MR SLEE semi-conscious and bleeding considerably from a cut on the forehead. He was also very much cut about on one side of his cheek and badly bruised. There was internal haemorrhage and the brain must have been torn. MR SLEE'S face was being bathed when witness arrived and after treatment he ordered his removal to the North Devon Infirmary. The cause of death was a fractured skull and injury to the brain. - Dr E. M. Jenkin, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, informed the Coroner that on arrival at the infirmary about 11.30 p.m., MR SLEE was suffering greatly from shock and numerous injuries. There were very severe cuts in the head and he was in a state of semi-unconsciousness. Dr Jonas was also in attendance. Death occurred at 2.55 that morning, the cause being laceration of the brain. Having regard to the extensive nature of the injuries, it was a hopeless case from the beginning. - George Mayne, fitter of 11 Sticklepath-terrace, stated that at about 10.25 p.m. on Sunday, a motor-cyclist passed him with someone riding pillion, almost outside the first house in Ladysmith-villas, Sticklepath. The motor-cycle was preceding at an ordinary pace, and but for the fact that he heard a crash almost immediately afterwards he should scarcely have noticed the machine. On going to the spot, witness saw deceased lying on the ground bleeding, with the machine near by. Witness at once sent his son for the ambulance at the Police Station. Witness was hoping that they would have met him with the ambulance when he followed on, but unfortunately there was only one Constable at the Police Station, and he had to send up to the town to get another Constable. Meanwhile witness obtained the key of the Fire Station, where the ambulance was kept in the Market and when the Constable arrived he had got the ambulance out. The Police then took charge of matters. - Frederick W. J. Goodman, motor driver of 1 Clifton-street, stated that he met MR SLEE in the Square a few minutes past ten the previous night, the deceased having come from Mr Bale's garage with his motor-cycle. Deceased asked where he was going and on witness replying "Home," he said "Jump up on the bike and I will take you home." Witness thereupon got on the carrier, and when they were proceeding over the Long Bridge he agreed, at deceased's suggestion, to go to the top of Sticklepath Hill. After turning the machine around and lighting up a cigarette, they commenced to return, proceeding down Sticklepath at about fifteen miles per hour and slackening up as they approached the corner near the bottom of the hill. Here there was a lot of tar about and MR SLEE went to the right-hand side of the road to avoid it. As the result, however, the motor cycle slipped and before they realised it the machine and MR SLEE struck one of the pillars of the wall, and after proceeding a few yards fell, witness being thrown into the roadway. Seeing that the road was clear, MR SLEE went to the wrong side of the road to avoid the tar, and the machine either slipped, or a stone turned the front wheel. MR SLEE and the machine were left lying about 4 ft. off the wall, witness falling outwards into the roadway. MR SLEE was badly injured, and medical aid was summoned. Witness was badly bruised. He noticed that the front wheel of the motor bicycle was buckled. - P.C. Baker spoke to conveying the ambulance to the scene of the accident and to removing MR SLEE to the North Devon Infirmary. On examining the roadway, witness was unable to find any signs of the motor-cycle skidding on the tar. On the concrete fencing there were apparently tyre marks, and it appeared to him that after the machine struck the pillar, it turned over on its side and skidded eight or nine feet to where MR SLEE was found lying in the roadway. - The Coroner asked would not the ambulance be more easily available if kept at the Police Station in Castle-street. - P.C. Baker replied that it was not far from the Police Station to the Market. It might take two or three minutes longer to get the ambulance out at present. - The Coroner said in certain cases a minute or two might make all the difference, although it did not in this particular case. - P.C. Baker said o doubt it would be more convenient if the ambulance were kept at the Police Station. - The Coroner: If there is only one Constable there at night he cannot leave the Police Station very well? - No, sir. - P.S. Milford explained that at present there was no accommodation for a wheeled ambulance under cover at the Police Station. - The Coroner: "That is what I was thinking; it might be provided." He certainly thought the ambulance would be more easily available if kept at the Police Station. At present the key was kept at the Police Station, whilst the ambulance was in the Market, some little distance away. Although it was not very far, it took an appreciable time - some few minutes - go to from the Police Station and get the ambulance out and it was quite conceivable that in certain cases delay might prove fatal. He trusted the Town Council or whoever was interested in the matter, would do their best to provide ambulance accommodation at the Police Station; it would e more convenient both for the public and the Police. With regard to the case, all would agree that it was a very sad matter. MR SLEE, sen., was a very old friend of his own, whilst he had known deceased for several years; and it was indeed sad that a young fellow of great promise should have met his death in this terrible way. All, he was sure, sympathised deeply with MR SLEE and the whole family in the great loss they had sustained. With regard to the accident, it appeared to him that the pace of fifteen miles per hour down Sticklepath Hill was somewhat excessive, especially having regard to the fact that another man was riding pillion. As to people taking others behind motor bicycles, he was not a motorist himself, but he had somewhat closely followed the record of accidents that had occurred, and it seemed to him it was certainly a dangerous practice A motor cycle was a very ticklish thing to steer, and sufficiently dangerous without any added danger by taking up anyone else behind. When the matter was brought up in Parliament some little while ago the Home Secretary expressed the opinion that accidents that had occurred up to that time by people riding pillion did not warrant any special legislation on the matter. All he (the Coroner) could say was that he did not agree. In his opinion, there should be legislation and people should not be allowed to ride pillion, especially women and children. There were no doubt two or three contributory causes to the present accident. The pace was perhaps under the circumstances rather excessive; there was the added trouble of tar upon the road (a skid or something causing the machine to slip over) and also the passenger on the seat. All these things seemed to have thrown MR SLEE out of his course. It was perfectly clear that it was a pure accident, and that no one was to blame in the matter. The verdict would be one of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 June 1923
BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," viz., syncope following valvular disease of the heart, in the case of |MR SAMUEL SETON, aged 74, a pianoforte maker, who died suddenly while in bed at 20 Old Town, Bideford, in the early hours of the 12th inst. Deceased had appeared quite in his usual health the night before, but a post-mortem examination showed him to have been suffering from heart disease of long standing.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 June 1923
FREMINGTON - Sudden Death At Fremington. - With pained surprise and deep regret parishioners of Fremington learnt of the sudden death of MR THOMAS STEVENS, of Mill Hill, which occurred on Saturday evening. MR STEVENS, who was a fisherman, was 59 years of age. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MRS STEVENS, the widow, stated that on Saturday her husband, who was in his usual good health, was working in the garden up to about 8.30 p.m. Shortly after coming indoors he went to bed, and she retired about 11 o'clock. Her husband was then quite all right, but after they had been talking for some time, she heard him make a peculiar noise. She got out of bed and lit the lamp and before she could get help her husband had passed away. Dr Gibbs was summoned. - Dr Gibbs, who had made a post mortem examination, said the heart was very diseased and the lungs showed signs of old pleurisy. In his opinion death was due to advanced heart disease. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 June 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Chulmleigh. - Admitted to the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple on Friday evening suffering from severe injuries to his throat, JOSHUA OKE, timber feller, aged 45 of Great Shute, Chulmleigh, passed away at the Institution on Saturday morning. - At the Inquest on Monday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, ARTHUR OKE, brother, stated that deceased had been depressed on account of his wife's illness and also because he had been home with blood-poisoning for 16 weeks. - Mrs Edith J. Vodden deposed to finding deceased lying in a shed. There was blood all over the wall and on his clothing. She at once fetched a doctor and sent her husband for the Police. - A Police witness said a blood-stained razor was found lying on deceased's right hand side. Deceased was a quiet, unassuming man and a good worker. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed the deepest sympathy with the relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 July 1923
BISHOPS TAWTON - Bishopstawton Woman's Sad End. "Suicide By Drowning." - The finding of the lifeless body in the River Taw of MRS FANNY HEAL caused a painful sensation at Bishopstawton on Monday afternoon. Deceased, aged 50, was the widow of a blacksmith who died in London about three years ago, and she had for some time resided with her sisters at Little Pill House, Bishopstawton. - The Inquest was held at Little Pill House on Tuesday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - RICHARD HEAL, uncle, stated that deceased left the house some time after seven o'clock on Monday morning, saying "Uncle DICK" to him as she passed on her way to the garden. He thought she intended to pick some flowers and gooseberries for the market. MRS HEAL seemed in her usual health; witness saw nothing amiss with her. Later her sister, MISS HOLLAND, called to her to come in to breakfast, but received no reply. Witness failed to find her in the garden or orchard and they concluded she had gone on to her brother's place at Barnstaple. MRS HEAL would often go away, either to her brother's or to Ilfracombe without saying anything. There had been nothing to upset her, that he knew of. Her sisters had treated her very kindly and she did very little work. - George Ash, labourer, of Barnstaple, told the Coroner that whilst helping to put in a water main near the bridge at Bishopstawton the previous afternoon he saw some children running towards the river. Thinking there was something wrong, he followed and saw the woman lying face downwards with her head on her arms in very little water, in the bed of the river. Deceased's clothes were up over her head. The children said the body was lying in the same spot at dinner-time, but of course witness knew nothing of this. - Clifford Passmore, a small schoolboy, who was sent for by the Coroner, stated that he went to the river bank with two other boys about 1.30, and saw what he thought to be a man lying on his face in the water. The head appeared to be covered up with something; they did not go close to the body. On returning to school they informed the schoolmaster, Mr Taylor, of what they had seen. - Charles Avery, another schoolboy, gave similar evidence. - P.C. Challice said Mr Taylor had informed him he attached no importance to the matter. Mr Taylor added that he thought what the boys had really noticed were bags or rubbish often seen in the river and he never thought for a moment there was a body there. He (witness) was confident that if Mr Taylor had had the slightest idea that there was anything wrong he would have obtained help. - Dr J. R. Harper, of Barnstaple, stated that passing Little Pill House at 6.30 p.m. the previous day, he was called in. On examining the body, he found life had been extinct for some time; and in his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, summing up, thought it was extraordinary that no one took any notice of a body in the river. Mr Taylor could have sent the bigger boy to the Police Constable, and he thought it rather remiss not to have sought to verify the children's story. His verdict would be one of "Suicide by Drowning."

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Fall At Bratton Fleming. - CLIFFORD NEWMAN ALDERMAN, the son of MR and MRS A. W. ALDERMAN, of Bratton Fleming, was engaged in lopping a tree on a farm at Bratton Fleming on May 31st, when he fell a distance of 30 feet and was badly injured. He lingered through the month of June in the North Devon Infirmary, where everything possible was done for him, passing away on Monday. The deceased was a strong and healthy young man, and was highly esteemed in the parish. He took a keen interest in the Cricket Club and was himself a playing member. With the parents and other relatives the deepest sympathy is expressed in their great bereavement. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, the Borough Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon infirmary on Tuesday afternoon, when ALF. WILLIAM ALDERMAN, father of the deceased, a farm bailiff, said his son was 24 years of age. The deceased had been in the Navy and was a strong, able-bodied young man. On May 31st he was employed by Mr Vickery, a Bratton Fleming farmer, in lopping some trees. About 9.30 witness was called to Town Tenement Farm, where he found his son lying under a tree in an unconscious condition. He had a big wound in his forehead. It was a large beech tree from which he fell. A message was at once sent to Dr Shaw, who arrived within three-quarters of an hour. The injured man was taken home, but the next day, under the doctor's orders, he was removed to the Infirmary, in an ambulance, at which Institution he died on July 2nd. Witness had visited his son several times in the Infirmary and was satisfied that everything possible had been done for him. - Wm. Vickery, farmer of Town Tenement Farm, Bratton Fleming, who employed deceased to lop the beech tree in question, said the tree was on a fence adjoining the road, and deceased was quite 30 feet up at the time he fell. He had not the least idea what caused MR ALDERMAN to fall, but it was almost simultaneously with the limb falling which had just been cut off. He did not fall on his head, but in the position of a man jumping off a wall - with his legs downwards and arms extended. Witness imagined that deceased's head must have come into contact with a large piece of wood. It was not the branch he had cut off which knocked him. - Dr Shaw spoke to operating and finding a fracture of the skull and pressure of bone on the right temple. Deceased was conscious in Hospital but not rational. He would pick up a newspaper to read but would hold it upside down. Subsequently deceased began to get generalised fits, showing widespread damage. These became worse until he died from exhaustion on Monday morning. Death was due to laceration of the brain. It was a hopeless case from the first. Even had deceased pulled through he would never have recovered his reason. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death. It was a very distressing case. The deceased seemed to be a very fine young man. He tendered his sympathy to the father and mother and other friends in their bereavement. The deceased was engaged in a dangerous occupation at the time of the accident, but accidents would happen, however careful they were.

EGGESFORD - Fatal Accident At Eggesford. - SIMON RICHARD STEVENS, aged 16, son of MR RICHARD HENRY STEVENS, farmer, of the Barton, Eggesford, was killed while assisting in hay-making on Saturday. He was assisting to collect hay for the forks of the elevator, while his brother led the horse attached to it, when, as the horse started, the pole fell, knocking down the deceased. The elevator was fastened to the ground by four ropes attached to the wires which connect with the pole of the elevator. The father stated at the Inquest that the elevator had been in use for 20 years. When the ropes became worn he put in new ones, but he had not done so this year as he considered they were all right. Dr Bush, who said the deceased did not regain consciousness, stated that death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. General sympathy is expressed with the bereaved family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 July 1923
ILFRACOMBE - We regret to record the death of MRS CHARLOTTE PERCIVAL, widow of the late MR E. D. PERCIVAL, photographer, formerly of 5 High-street, Ilfracombe, which took place on Wednesday morning of last week. An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoon by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, who returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 August 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Barnstaple Tragedy. Ex-Soldier Shoots Himself. - On going downstairs shortly after eight o'clock on Saturday morning, MRS JANE BEER of 6 St George's-terrace, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, heard a loud report from a gun at the rear of the house; and on assistance being summoned it was found that her husband, ALFRED JOHN BEER, aged 52, had shot himself in the head with a rifle. Dr Meaden was immediately sent for, but the injuries were of such a grave character that life was extinct on his arrival. It is a peculiarly sad case. Formerly as a young man an employee at Raleigh Cabinet Works, Barnstaple, MR BEER served twenty-one years in the Army, and took part in the South African War. For some time he was a Sergeant in the School of Musketry at Hythe; and he was enjoying a pension when the late War broke out. He again offered his services in 1914, and ill-health necessitated his retirement in 1918 after a long period of notable service. An improvement in health subsequently was unfortunately not maintained, and of late he had been greatly depressed, the change being noted with deep regret by a large circle of friends. In their tragic bereavement, profound sympathy is expressed with the widow and family. A son is a member of the 6th Devons and he was at camp for the annual training when the sad tragedy occurred. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, at deceased's residence, on Saturday evening, MRS BEER stated that her husband had done a little work as a carpenter of late, but he had been attended by Drs. Harper and Shaw for a long period. He contracted malaria and bronchitis in Mesopotamia and of late he had complained of sharp pains in his head. Between 4 and 5 a.m. on Saturday he told her he had not slept all night and she offered to get him a cup of tea, but he said it was too early. Dressing just before eight o'clock, he went downstairs and put the kettle on the oil stove. Witness heard him come upstairs again and go into a room where their son did a little bit of work and where he kept a rifle belonging to the Territorials. Being a drummer in the band, her son had not taken the rifle with him to camp. She went downstairs shortly afterwards and was preparing tea in the kitchen when she heard the report of a gun in the w.c. at the rear. Going to the door of the w.c. she found it bolted and smelt powder: and knowing something wrong had happened she ran across the road to Mr Luxton's shop for assistance. When Mr Luxton forced the door of the w.c., they found her husband in a sitting position, with the rifle by his side and a gunshot wound in his face. Her husband had never threatened to take his life, and she had no idea he would ever do such a thing. - MRS BEER was deeply affected whilst giving evidence, crying bitterly most of the time. - Mr Bert Luxton agreed that deceased had been greatly depressed for the last two months. MR BEER had told him he "felt rotten," and he had only done a little work. Witness found him as described in the w.c. that morning; the discharged rifle was resting by his side, muzzle upwards. He could not see deceased for a minute or so, as the place was full of smoke. Witness could not say how deceased fired the rifle; there was no attachment in the way of a wire or stick of any kind. The wound was on the right side of the face and BEER was groaning when he found him. Witness asked what he had done, but could get no answer and sent for Dr Meaden, who arrived within a few minutes. - Dr Meaden remembered attending MR BEER for some digestive disturbance when he returned home from Mesopotamia five or six years ago; but only then saw him once or twice. When witness arrived that morning life was extinct. The injuries showed that BEER had put the rifle close to his face before firing it; his face was scorched, and the bullet must have gone through the brain, causing almost instant death. From the length of the rife - a Lee-Metford service rifle - deceased could have easily held it in his hand and fired it off. BEER must have been suffering from some great mental affliction. Whilst he formerly used to always speak to witness, for the last month he had passed him looking downwards and had just muttered a greeting. Witness thought his condition amounted to unsoundness of mind when he took his life. - P.C. J. Fry, who responded to a telephone message received at the Police Station that morning, stated that the right side of deceased's face was blown away and there was a bullet wound through the top of the head. In the breech of the rifle there was merely one empty cartridge case. Witness removed the body to the sitting room and took charge of the rifle. In a search, witness could find nothing to throw any light on the tragedy. - The Coroner, summing up, said BEER had a good pension, and apparently a very good home; and there seemed to be no reason other than his illness for taking his life. He agreed with Dr Meaden that at the time he committed the act his condition amounted to unsoundness of mind, and his verdict would be "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." He offered his sincere sympathy to the widow and family in their bereavement.

BRAUNTON - North Devon Visitor's Sudden Death In Train. - MR PERCY WILLIAM ANDERSON, aged 42, and a cashier at Lloyd's Bank, Cirencester, on Thursday died suddenly in a train between Morte-Hoe and Braunton, on his homeward journey with his wife and family, after spending a holiday at Woolacombe. - At the Inquest at Braunton on Thursday evening, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, the widow said deceased, who had not complained of any illness previously, had what he thought was a violent attack of indigestion after breakfast on Thursday and on reaching Morte-Hoe Station vomited. He was given brandy, but died on reaching Braunton, the first station after leaving Morte-Hoe. She was unaware that her husband had heart trouble and mentioned that where they had been staying at Morte-Hoe necessitated the ascent of a steep hill each day. - Dr F. R. Wright stated that a post mortem on the body revealed heart trouble as the cause of death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" namely heart failure due to fatty degeneration.

LANDKEY - Sudden Death At Landkey. - Whilst on a visit to his brother at Wellesleigh Cottage, Landkey, MR FRED HAWKINS, a farm bailiff, aged 57, late of Aigburth, Liverpool, died suddenly on Wednesday. - At the Inquest conducted at Wellesleigh Cottage by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, the widow stated that the previous day her husband took a walk to Goodleigh and back. Her husband was in his usual health, but on their return he complained of pain in his chest, and, sitting down in a chair, expired almost immediately. - Dr Shaw, of Barnstaple, attributed death to heart failure arising from valvular disease. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 August 1923
GREAT TORRINGTON - Langtree Girl's Sad Death. - Under peculiarly sad circumstances the death has occurred of AMY MATILDA BALSDON, the 13 year old daughter of MR THOMAS BALSDON, of Muffworthy Farm, Langtree. The Inquest was commenced by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Torrington Town Hall on Monday. - MRS BALSDON, the mother, stated that on Tuesday the 14th instant, her daughter accompanied her to Bideford Market and after helping her with her baskets in the Market went out with some friends. Witness next saw her about 4 p.m., and when they left for home two hours later, she was quite well, as she was the next day. On coming downstairs on the morning of the 16th her daughter complained of feeling unwell and about eleven o'clock seemed to have a bilious attack. Witness gave her first some senna tea and then some cornflour. On the 15th deceased had ordinary food and some tinned peaches, the whole of which witness had previously been careful to turn into a dish. Everyone in the house partook of these and nobody else felt any ill-effects. Her daughter told her she had an ice in Bideford and also some plums. On Friday morning she did not seem so well, appearing to have a high temperature and being strange in her manner and at dinner-time her husband fetched Dr Grose of Bideford. Her daughter, who was unable to tell her anything she considered she had eaten or drunk that upset her, passed away on Saturday morning. - THOS. BALSDON, deceased's father, gave supporting evidence. - Lucy E. Andrew of Putshole Farm, Langtree, spoke to deceased and herself having an ice (of a plain white colour) in Bideford on August 14th. Later they had dinner of meat and vegetables and a piece of cake each. In the afternoon they had a pear each and some chocolate drops. Everything they ate appeared to be all right, and witness felt no ill-effects whatever. - The Coroner said this was as far as he could take the Inquest that day. Dr Grose had made a post mortem examination of the body and the contents of the stomach and intestines had been sent to Mr Tickell at Exeter for analysis. This would probably take a fortnight and he adjourned the Inquest until September 3rd. He expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family.

SOUTH MOLTON - Suicide At Southmolton. Remarkable Evidence. - On Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Southmolton, concerning the death of MRS EDITH MELHUISH, wife of MR HENRY JOHN MELHUISH, of 5 Parsonage-lane, Southmolton. The husband said his wife had been depressed for over 12 months, but lately had been somewhat better. On the morning of Friday she seemed to be as usual, but remarked that she did not want him to go to his work that day. When he returned about 1 o'clock she was sitting in the kitchen. She talked in an ordinary way and said that there was no dinner ready as she had not felt well enough to prepare it. He left the house at about half-past two and was fetched an hour later. He returned at once and found his wife hanging in a back kitchen. Her toes were touching the ground and the head inclining forward. She was dead. Her age was 48. At the time of the occurrence there was no one else in the house; but access could be had to a house quite close through a doorway leading to a garden. Witness added that his sister-in-law and an uncle had done all they could to assist while he was away at work, they having visited his wife four or five times a day. She had never threatened to take her life and was not regarded as having suicidal tendencies. The only thing she said was "You won't go away this afternoon?" and he replied that he had a job to finish and must go away. He had not been able to put in full time for a year owing to his wife's health; and she was now getting better. - Mr Wm. Henry Hawkes, 4 Alfred-place, Southmolton, said he was uncle to the husband. At a quarter past three on Friday MRS FRED MELHUISH came to him and asked him to go to Parsonage-lane, saying "EDITH is looking very funny." The doors were locked and he went through a garden to the window of the of the back kitchen. He spoke to MRS MELHUISH. She did not reply or move a muscle. He could not see that she was hanging and thought she was standing up. - The Coroner: Did you break open the door? - No; I told MRS MELHUISH I thought it was a bad job and fetched the husband. - The Coroner: Why did you not get in through the window? - I was taken on the spur of the moment and did not know quite what to do. I did not think she was hanging. - The Coroner: It was curious to see a person standing still, not answering questions and not go to her. - Sergt. Venton: It may assist you, sir, if I say that the witness has very bad sight. - MRS FRED R. MELHUISH said that when she went to the window she thought the deceased looked strange and appeared to be standing up. The door was locked and witness therefore fetched Mr Hawkes. - The Coroner: Could you not see what had happened/ - She was strange and her head drooped, but I could not see much of her. - The Coroner: Why not break open the window? - I couldn't see much of her. - Did you see any rope? - No. - She was not moving? - No. I spoke and she did not answer. - The Coroner: Under the circumstances she might have been living, you see. - Dr Seal, Southmolton, said he had been attending the deceased on and off for several months, but had not seen her recently, the last time having been in April. She had been in a very low-spirited condition. She was not suffering from any incurable ailment. Her condition was due largely to her time of life. He was called on Friday at 6.30. She had been dead three or four hours. The cause of death was strangulation by hanging. There was a deep mark under the chin, extending half-way round the neck behind each ear. There were no other marks. The weight of deceased's body had been o the rope, and her feet touched the ground. - P.C. Stratton produced the rope for the Coroner's inspection and said there was no sign of a struggle. He had searched the house but could find no note. - In reply to the Coroner, the husband said that the rope was kept outside the kitchen door. - Summing up, the Coroner said it was a very sad affair. MRS MELHUISH had been unwell and appeared to be getting better. On Friday she felt worse, and in the afternoon, in the absence of her husband, she must have hung herself as described. Mr Hawkes was handicapped by having bad sight and did not see what had taken place, neither did the other witness. They did not realise that anything serious had occurred. Of course, it would have been better if Mr Hawkes had broken open the door, because the woman would not have stood still all that time after being spoken to unless there was something amiss: it must have been apparent that she had done something serious. People got nervous when things happened. There was no alternative but to return a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 August 1923
BRATTON FLEMING - A Bratton Fleming Tragedy. Elderly Man Hangs Himself. - Inhabitants at Bratton Fleming were greatly shocked at hearing, on Sunday morning, that the lifeless body of MR WILLIAM GILL, carpenter and small farmer, had been found hanging in a linhay in a field. Aged 72, and a native of Bratton Fleming, MR GILL had lived in the parish practically all his life and there was no man who was better known or held in higher esteem in the district. He leaves three sons and for the family generally the deepest sympathy is expressed. - At the Inquest at Station-road, Bratton Fleming, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, ALFRED GILL, son, stated that his father, a widower, had intended to marry again shortly and the banns had actually been published. When he last saw his father the previous Thursday, he appeared to be perfectly well and witness knew of nothing to cause him to commit the rash act. - Mr George Ewens, baker, spoke to seeing deceased watching a cricket match on Saturday, when he appeared perfectly well and very jovial. MR GILL paid a visit to his shop on Saturday evening and bought some tea. About 9.30 on Sunday morning Mr George Camp, a neighbour, called to ask if he had seen MR GILL. Witness had not and after going to the house and not seeing him he proceeded to a linhay in MR GILL'S field close by, where he found the body hanging from a beam. He cut the body down, life being quite extinct. - Miss Nellie Davey, aged 28, stated that she had been engaged to MR GILL, and they were to be married very shortly. She last saw him the previous Thursday and he was very jovial and in good health. They had had no "tiff" of any sort and she, too, could not imagine why he had taken his life. - Dr Manning attributed death to strangulation by hanging. He had frequently treated MR GILL for bronchitis; he was a perfectly normal man mentally. - The Coroner thought it a very sad thing that a man who was about to be married should have committed this rash act for no reason whatever. He had no monetary troubles and it was hard to believe that his intended marriage had driven him to commit suicide. He returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging."

ILFRACOMBE - Boy's Tragic Death At Ilfracombe. Swept Away By Wave. Gallant Attempt At Rescue. - SIDNEY UDEN, aged 14, son of MR ALFRED UDEN, undertaker of 8 Kellerton-road, Manor Park, Lee, London, met his death under pathetic circumstances on Tuesday afternoon at Ilfracombe, where he was spending a holiday with his parents. Accompanied by his brother, MR A. C. UDEN, who is aged 23, SIDNEY went to the Tunnels Bathing Beaches, where, owing to the heavy sea running, bathing had been prohibited. SIDNEY and his brother, accompanied by a companion, were standing on the rocks between the Tunnels and Wildersmouth Beach - some distance from the bathing pools - when a huge wave swept them off their feet. The elder brother managed to scramble back on the rocks, but SIDNEY was carried away. The tragic occurrence was witness by many visitors and others, and a gallant attempt at rescue was made by Mr Raymond Johnson, attendant at the Tunnels Beach and by Messrs. Harold Higginson and Cyril Winn, two visitors. All three of the would-be rescuers sustained bad cuts and bruises from being dashed on to the rocks by the heavy seas. Some time elapsed before the body was recovered and Dr Osborne (who had been summoned) tried artificial respiration for two hours without avail. The body was subsequently conveyed to the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital. - At the Inquest yesterday before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, EDWARD C. UDEN stated that his brother (the deceased) and himself went to the Tunnels Beach about 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The sea was very rough indeed. They walked over the rocks towards the Ilfracombe Hotel and were standing on a rock when suddenly a very big wave came in and swept him and his brother into the water. Witness managed to scramble out, and on looking back saw his brother being carried out by the receding wave. Failing in an effort to reach him he then called for help, and Mr Raymond Johnson, the bathing attendant at the Tunnels Beach, went into the water and made a similar endeavour, but the waves dashed him back against the rocks again. Other visitors also attempted a rescue, but they were unable to fight against the waves. A little later the body was washed in and brought on shore. Artificial respiration was at once tried and Dr Osborne, on arriving, carried on this work for about two hours, but with no success. Everything possible was done by visitors and others. Witness repeated that the sea was very rough and it was impossible to swim against it. - P.S. Brown informed the Court that on hearing of the accident he at once went to the Beach, and he produced photographs of the sea and the men actually in the water attempting a rescue. The waves were tremendous and he (witness) was highly pleased at the way in which all the helpers attempted to reach the unfortunate young fellow. The conduct of the bathing attendant was particularly commendable, because he was dashed back against the rocks time after time. - Dr Osborne also stated that he carried on artificial respiration for at least two hours, but there was no sign of life. In his opinion death was due to suffocation from drowning. - The Coroner returning a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," expressed sympathy with the relatives in this very sad bereavement during their holiday. He also expressed high admiration of the attempts at rescue, specially eulogising the work of Mr Raymond Johnson, and of Messrs. Harold Higginson and Cyril Winn, visitors to Ilfracombe.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 September 1923
GREAT TORRINGTON - Inquest At Torrington. Little Girl's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the adjourned Inquest at Torrington on Monday, on the body of AMY HILDA BALSDON, the 13 year old daughter of MR and MRS THOMAS BALSDON of Muffery Farm, Langtree. - The girl accompanied her mother to Bideford Market on August 14th, and amongst the things she ate during the day were an ice, a pear and some chocolate drops. The following day all the family partook of tinned peaches and next morning the girl complained of sickness. - Dr J. S. Grose, of Bideford, told the Coroner this morning that he was called to see deceased on August 17th and found her delirious and with a temperature of 103 degrees, about 5 p.m. She had a dry-bound tongue and a rash all over her. Her heart and lungs were normal. He was informed that she started to vomit on the morning of the previous day, and had been sick off and on up to the time he saw her. She died at 6 a.m. on the 18th. As he was unable to satisfy himself that she died of natural causes, he communicated the facts to the Coroner, who ordered a post-mortem examination. This showed the girl was well nourished and rather fat. The heart was rather small, but there was no evidence of disease. The stomach was congested and bile-stained and the liver was also enlarged. The other organs were normal. In his opinion death was due to ptomaine poisoning from something she had eaten, but what that something was they did not seem to be able to get at. - The Coroner said Mr Tickle, of Exeter, who had analysed the contents of the stomach, could find no trace of poison. - Dr Grose said if the trouble had been due to the tinned peaches she had eaten the analyst would have found oxide of tin in the stomach. - The Coroner said the girl had lamb peas and potatoes for dinner at Bideford, then a pear, some chocolate drops and an ice. Another girl who ate similarly had felt no ill-effects. The Police had taken samples of the cornflower and vanilla essence used for the making of the ice cream and they were found to be in order. - Dr Grose said ptomaine seemed to be the only possible thing. - The Coroner said that was as far as he could carry the Enquiry. They had endeavoured to trace the source of the trouble as regarded what the girl had eaten, and the curious part of it was that the other girl who partook of practically the same food felt no ill-effects. Nor had any of the family who also ate of the same tin of peaches which was opened by the mother. The lapse of time between the 14th August and the 17th, when the doctor was called in, made the case more difficult, as the girl had vomited very frequently between that time and also had been purged. That left little in the stomach for the analyst to go upon. At all events, Mr Tickle could find no trace of any poison whatsoever in the contents of the stomach. So that it was as Dr Grose stated, they must get back to the fact that it was some food or other that she ate on Tuesday which affected her. His verdict, therefore, must be one of Misadventure - Ptomaine poisoning from some food, and that they did not know the source from whence it came. - Dr Grose said the finding of no poison in the stomach did not eliminate Ptomaine.

COMBE MARTIN - Combe Martin Man's Sad Death. Inquest Story. - CHARLES CREEK, market gardener, aged forty, died under unusual circumstances at Combe Martin on Sunday, an Inquest being held the following day by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - SAMUEL CREEK stated that he had not seen his brother (the deceased) for about a fortnight. Formerly the licensed holder of the London Inn, his brother had latterly been living by himself in a shed a short distance away. His brother had a little money on leaving the London Inn, but had evidently spent it. He had been drinking very heavily up to within the last fortnight or so. - John E. Genge, the present licensee of the London Inn, said CREEK had been accustomed to call at the house pretty frequently. Entering the Inn about 12.15 on Sunday, he complained of being very ill, and said he had vomited very much. Witness's wife made him some cocoa, which he drank; and as he was looking extremely ill, witness sent for Dr Manning, who arrived shortly afterwards. They made CREEK as comfortable as possible on a mattress in the barn, but death occurred about three o'clock. CREEK had not been drinking heavily for the past week or two. Occasionally he had had meals at the Inn. - Dr Manning, who had made a post-mortem examination, stated that there was a large clot of blood (about four inches in length) entangled in the valve on the right side of the heart. The liver showed considerable congestion and in his opinion death was due to chronic alcoholism, accelerated by being exposed to the wet and cold. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ALWINGTON - Alwington Woman Burnt To Death. - EMILY MAUD HARRIS, single, residing with her father at Fairy Cross Cottage, Alwington, met with a terrible death by burning on Monday. Almost a life-long partial cripple, MISS HARRIS was 36 years of age. - Deceased's father, CHARLES HARRIS, yesterday informed Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, that his daughter did the ordinary family washing on Monday, and he helped her to hang out the clothes about 11 a.m. She then went into the kitchen for lunch and he proceeded to a shed about 85 yards distant. Later he was called by Mr Woodyatt, of Bideford, and found his daughter lying dead on her back just outside the back door, with her clothes all smouldering. When witness left the wash-house the fire there had burnt itself out. There was a small fire in the kitchen, but the door of the range was closed. Witness could not conceive how his daughter had caught her clothes on fire. - Trevor Woodyatt, travelling tailor of Bideford, spoke to calling at the house at 12.30, and finding MISS HARRIS lying on the ground with her head in the gutter and her clothes smouldering. She was groaning and witness pulled off some of the burning clothes and called for help. Mrs Jeffery, a neighbour, who first arrived, wrapped a wet bag around the unfortunate woman. Previous to calling at the cottage, he had been at neighbour's houses at least half an hour and he heard no call or scream. - Mrs May Jeffery, of Swan Farm, just on the opposite side of the road, said she was called by Mr Reed, the baker, of Appledore, and running across, found deceased as described by the last witness. She wrapped a bag right round her and made out the smouldering, but deceased, who was just breathing when she came, died almost immediately. In witness's opinion the fire must have started on the blouse and worked downwards, because the bottom part of the skirt was untouched. Witness had been in and out of her own house all the morning as they were busy harvesting, but had heard nothing of deceased. She could easily have heard had she been calling out. - In reply to the Coroner witness said deceased was not at all likely to have set her clothes on fire herself. There was nothing like that about her and she was wonderfully careful, although she was a cripple. How her clothes caught fire was a mystery to witness. - DR J. C. Anderson, who was sent for from Bideford, said there were extensive but superficial burns on the head, neck, chest, abdomen and upper part of the thighs, and death was due to shock from the extensive burning. That she had died so quickly was not unusual having regard to the extensive nature of the injuries. He should have thought she would have been able to call out before she had been overcome, but she would have been unable to protect herself. - The Coroner asked of what material her blouse was and Mrs Jeffery said she believed it was flannelette, which the Coroner remarked would flare up like greased paper. It seemed an extraordinary case. It was a perfect mystery how the woman's clothes caught fire, as the fire in the wash-house was out and there was very little fire in the kitchen stove, the door of which was shut. It seemed remarkable also that she did not attract the attention of neighbours by calling out. The medical evidence was that death was due to shock as the result of the extensive burns, and his verdict must be one of "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - Motor Smash At Filleigh. East Buckland Man's Death From Injuries. - Emerging on Friday evening from Filleigh Mills bye-road into the main Southmolton - Barnstaple road, MR WILLIAM SANDERS, an East Buckland motor cyclist, came into collision with a motor car driven by Dr Percy R. Cooper, of Altrincham, Cheshire, and, heavily thrown on his head, sustained injuries which resulted in his death at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, about an hour later. The circumstances are peculiarly sad. SANDERS, who was 51 years of age and a bachelor, lived with his invalid sister (whose sole support he was) and a niece After previously serving 21 years in the Royal Navy, he was again called up in the late War. He saw much active service and was in the battle of the Falkland Islands and in the Dardanelles, being a gunner on H.M.S. "Canopus," and being 24 hours in the water before being rescued after the ship was torpedoed. - The Inquest was held before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr M. Ffoulkes, J.P., was Foreman, at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon. Supt. Shutler, of "A" Division, Devon Constabulary, was present and Mr B. T. James attended on behalf of deceased's relatives. - The Coroner first briefly detailed the circumstances of the fatality and said it would be for the Jury to determine whether it was an unavoidable accident or whether anyone was to blame in the matter. - George Hill, a smallholder, of East Buckland, stated that deceased, his brother-in-law, who had lived at East Buckland Cross, East Buckland, was a Naval pensioner and had latterly acted as a rabbit-trapper and casual labourer. Witness last saw him alive on Friday morning. SANDERS had had a motor-bicycle - an "A.J.S." 2 ¾ h.p. machine - about a month, and had never ridden one previously. He knew he intended going to Dennington, Swymbridge, towards Barnstaple, on Friday. Witness had met him on the road and he seemed to be able to handle the machine quite well. SANDERS'S sight was good, but witness thought he was a little thick in hearing on one side, attributable, he believed, to his vessel being torpedoes in the late War. - By Mr James: Witness had met him about half-a-dozen times on the road. He always had command over the machine and had ridden at a reasonable pace. - Robt. Ayre, miller, of Filleigh Mills, said he had known SANDERS by sight; and on Friday evening deceased passed him on his motor bicycle. when witness was walking from the Mills to the main road which was about 100 yards distant. SANDERS was going fairly steadily and seemed to have command of the machine. On nearing the main road witness saw Dr Cooper's motor car and the motor bicycle at the same time and they had just passed out of sight in the direction of Barnstaple when the crash came. Both machines met practically together on the main road. - The Coroner: At what pace was the motor car proceeding? - Witness could hardly estimate the pace, but he should think it was about 12 or 14 miles an hour. It might be a little more or a little less. It was not an excessive pace. On reaching the scene of the accident witness found the motor bicycle knocked clean into the rails, whilst SANDERS was on his back some yards further on, both being on the left-hand side of the road. The motor car had gone a little further on; witness should say it was pretty well in the centre of the road when travelling; when it pulled up it was on the left-hand side. Dr Cooper and his wife had got out of the car when witness reached the spot. SANDERS was bleeding and unconscious. The doctor attended to him, and witness helped SANDERS into another car belonging to Mr Bird, wool merchant, of Southmolton. Mr Bird had come from Barnstaple, but he turned his car and took the injured man to the North Devon Infirmary. SANDERS sounded his horn when passing witness on the Filleigh Mills road, and witness heard both deceased's and Dr Cooper's horns sounded just before they came to the corner. Witness should say they both saw each other coming; it was quite an open corner. - By Mr James: When SANDERS passed him he was going at seven or eight miles an hour. Afterwards witness noticed that the left front of the motor car was damaged. - Dr Percy R. Cooper, of Altrincham, Cheshire, informed the Court that, accompanied by his wife, he was driving a two-seater 12 h.p. Rover car from Southmolton to Barnstaple on Friday evening. As it was the first time he had been in this district, he was driving very carefully, keeping the car well under control and having his hand on the hand-brake, so as to be ready for any emergency. Witness kept sounding his horn and sounded it just before coming to the corner in question. Witness did not look at his speedometer, but he should not think he was proceeding at more than 12 miles an hour. - The Coroner: Certainly not an excessive speed? - No; no speed at all. The road in front was quite clear and fairly dry. Witness noticed the side road and as he had said, sounded his horn before coming to it, with the car well under control. He was slightly on his correct side of the main road, and the first intimation he had of anything coming around the side road was when the motor bicycle, which must have been going at a good pace, came right in front of him. SANDERS evidently tried to cross the motor car in order to get on the proper side of the road, and the car hit the motor bicycle almost immediately, almost at the corner, or at any rate just past. The whole thing happened in a few seconds, and witness certainly never heard SANDERS sounding any horn. Possibly with the hedges near witness and his wife could not hear the horn of the motor cycle. The crash broke off the starting handle of his car, dented in the mudguard slightly on the left-hand side and bent the number plate. SANDERS was apparently getting past him, when witness's car seemed to hit the motor bicycle in the centre. Dr Cooper further explained that he turned his car a little bit on the right to avoid SANDERS, and deceased went the other way and a little further on fell in the roadway. Witness considered he must have alighted on his head, on which he found several slight cuts, but no evidence of external fracture. SANDERS was suffering greatly from shock, and was absolutely unconscious. He was motionless at first, but after they got him into the car he moved his limbs a little. Mr Bird, who came along in a bigger car, very kindly stopped and offered to give any help possible and accompanied by witness, conveyed SANDERS to the North Devon Infirmary as soon as possible, SANDERS having a bed at the back of the car. Mrs Bird and his wife followed them in witness's smaller car. At the Infirmary the House Surgeon and Dr Gompertz did everything possible for SANDERS, who passed away within a few minutes, death being due, in witness's opinion, to cerebral haemorrhage and shock. - In answer to the Coroner, Dr Cooper said he could only suppose that at the time of the accident, SANDERS was trying to pass in front of him, or that he must have lost his head altogether. - By Mr James: He could not say at what rate SANDERS was travelling, but his impression was that he was going at too big a speed to round the corner into the main road. - Mrs Mabel Cooper (wife of Dr Cooper) who was much distressed, in detail bore out her husband's statement. She mentioned that she had driven a good deal herself and knowing that Devonshire lanes were very bad they proceeded very cautiously on Friday evening. By reason of the corners she remarked to her husband just before the accident, that it would be the last time they would come motoring in North Devon. Her husband was sounding his horn nearly the whole time; perhaps they did not hear SANDERS'S horn because theirs was an electric one. Witness noticed the side road as they approached and SANDERS came very quickly out of the lane. If she and her husband had been going at any speed they too would have been smashed up. The reason the motor car was left in front of the motor bicycle and SANDERS was because she drove on a few yards after her husband got out to attend to the injured man. - P.C. A. W. Stratton, D.C.M., of Southmolton, who went to Filleigh Bridge about 8 p.m. on Friday, said the motor cycle had been struck on the rear mud-guard just below the identification plate on the near or left-hand side and the handle-bars, foot-rest and kick-start lever on the right-hand side were badly damaged as though they had been in contact with the road. Near the bridge, Barnstaple side, the collision had apparently occurred, as here the tracks crossed. The point of contact was seven feet from the bridge and the car must have been fairly well on its correct side at the time. The width of the road here was 22 ft., and towards Barnstaple it varied slightly to 19 ft. He thought that for a short distance along the lane and road drivers could see each other, except at the corner, where there were some bushes. - Dr Date, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and shock. Several ribs were fractured and he believed there was also a fracture of the spine. - P.S. Milford, of Barnstaple, also gave evidence, and produced a new motor cycle license issued to deceased on 31st July. - Before the Jury retired to consider their verdict, the Foreman put the following question: If a motor car or cycle is coming out of a bye-lane and a car is going along the main road at the same time, which should give way to the other? - Supt. Shutler: The one coming off the lesser road. The one on main road has the right of the road, although there is no law on the matter. - Eventually the Foreman announced that the Jury were unanimously of opinion that the motor cyclist (deceased) showed want of judgment in trying to cross the road when he had not time to do so; whilst they also felt that Dr Cooper was not to blame for the accident. The verdict was "Accidental Death." - Dr Cooper, thanking the Jury, said he was extremely sorry that this fatality had occurred. So far from being to blame in any way, he did his utmost to prevent it; but the accident was absolutely unpreventable from the moment SANDERS came into the main road. - The Coroner was sure the Jury would join him in an expression of sympathy with the bereaved relatives. He was very much indebted to the Police for the assistance given, and especially for the sketch plan which had been provided. - Mr James, on behalf of the bereaved family, returned thanks for the remarks. Unfortunately, the deceased had been more or less responsible for the upkeep of an invalid sister, and he did not know what was going to happen to her. - Dr Cooper sympathetically asked to be furnished with addresses before the proceedings terminated.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 September 1923
SOUTH MOLTON - The Southmolton Fatality. Inquest On The Death Of COUNCILLOR WILLIAM HENRY HULLAND. - On Thursday the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at the Town Hall concerning the death of MR W. H. HULLAND, whose tragic death we recorded in our last issue. Evidence of identification was given by MRS FLORENCE M. MADGE, of South-street, Southmolton, a daughter of the deceased. She said her father, who was 74 years of age, left the house at about two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon to attend a funeral at Georgenympton. He was driving a pony. - Alfred James Webber, a young motor mechanic, in the employ of Mr J. S. Rogers, of Southmolton, said that on Wednesday afternoon he was driving a car containing four persons who were attending a funeral at Georgenympton. He left the town about 2 p.m. When he got half a mile out he saw MR HULLAND driving a trap in front. Witness thereupon sounded his horn two or three times. MR HULLAND was on his proper side of the road and witness was about to pass him. - The Coroner: What happened? - Just then the off-side front tyre burst and I collided with the trap. - The Coroner: The bursting of the tyre threw your steering gear out of action? - Yes. - Did the car swerve towards the trap? - Yes. Continuing, witness said the trap was knocked over on its side against a hedge and MR HULLAND was thrown out on to the road. He (witness) pulled up as soon as he could; the occupants of the car went to MR HULLAND'S aid, and later he was taken home in another car. The cause of the tyre bursting was ordinary wear and tear, but he had never observed a weak place in it. The wheels were blown up a couple of days before, when he noticed nothing wrong. - Dr Baker, of Southmolton, said he was sent for between 2 and half-past. He found MR HULLAND lying on the left side of the road just past "Fursebray" Gate. He was unconscious and bleeding from both ears and was taken home. - The Coroner: On further examination of the injuries what did you find? - A fractured base and laceration of the brain. He died shortly after being taken home. - The case was hopeless? - From the first. - Summing up, the Coroner said: That is all the evidence it is necessary to call. The facts are simple and particularly sad. It appears that MR HULLAND was about to attend the funeral of a friend at Georgenympton. Some other well-known gentlemen at Southmolton were also about to attend it. MR HULLAND was in a trap and they were in a car. About a mile out of town the car was about to pass the trap and through some cause the tyre burst exactly as the man was passing. This threw out his steering gear and the car collided with the trap with the consequence that MR HULLAND was thrown out into the road and sustained the severe injuries which Dr Baker has described. - The whole thing was a pure accident. No blame attaches to anyone at all. Tyres will burst; but was very unfortunate that it should have burst exactly as it passed the trap. That is no fault of the driver or of anybody. The verdict is one of "Accidental Death due to Fracture of the Base of the Skull." - Mr Fred B. Wyatt (Messrs. Crosse, Wyatt and Vellacott): I am sure the young man is glad to hear what you say; and MRS MADGE on behalf of herself and the members of the family, wishes me to say that they do not feel that any blame attaches to the driver. - The Funeral - The funeral of the late MR W. H. HULLAND took place on Monday afternoon, when there were general manifestations of sympathy. There was a large attendance, including the Mayor, Town Council (of which body MR HULLAND was a member), and borough officials. Rev. Stanley P. Scott, M.A., Vicar of Southmolton officiated. - The immediate mourners were MRS HULLAND (widow), Messrs. Joshua and Edwin Hulland (brothers); G. A. Madge (Sampson Farm), Mrs E. A. Madge, Misses Mary and Freda Madge, Mr and Mrs C. Tall, Messrs. Wm. Ayre (nephew), Arthur Ayre (nephew), Harold Bendle, John Ford, Reginald Edwin, and Seymour Passmore (Radleys), G. W. Shapland (Taunton), Mr and Mrs L. Baker, Mrs Rudd, Mrs F. Williams, Mr and Mrs Hill, (Burcombe), Mr and Mrs W. A. Madge (Kingsnympton), Mr E. Madge, Mrs G. A. Madge, Mr and Mrs Ayre (Holdridge).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 September 1923
COMBE MARTIN - Death Of MISS JANE WILLIS, Of Combe Martin. An Accidental Fall. - By the death on Monday, of MISS JANE WILLIS, at the age of 83, Combe Martin loses an interesting and highly esteemed personality. MISS WILLIS had carried on business as a market gardener for many years and in spite of her advanced age she continued her activities up to about a month ago. Until quite recently she was accustomed to ride her horse bare-backed to the field; by the irony of fate her death was the result of an accidental fall whilst walking in the street. A familiar figure in Combe Martin and district, she will be greatly missed. - At the Inquest, yesterday, MRS LEWIS (sister) stated that MISS WILLIS actively carried on business as a market gardener up to August 31st, when she attended Barnstaple Market. On Sunday, Sept. 2nd, witness was called into the street by a neighbour, to find her sister lying in the gutter helpless. Her sister told her she was about to cross the road, when she saw a motor coming, and thinking she might not have time to cross, turned around quickly and fell. No fault attached to the motor driver. MISS WILLIS was carried into the house, Dr Manning being sent for. Remaining in bed, her sister appeared to get on well up to the 24th inst., when, with the nurse attending to her, she suddenly fell back in bed and died. - Dr Manning stated that MISS WILLIS fractured the femur of her left thigh and this caused heart failure, from which death occurred. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - Fell Downstairs And Broke Her Neck. Elderly Woman's Sad Death At Barnstaple. - Left temporarily alone in the house by her daughter, with whom she resided, ELIZABETH TURNER, aged 70, of 23 Princess-street, Barnstaple, fell downstairs on Friday evening, sustaining such grave injuries that she died immediately. The sad affair caused a painful sensation in the Derby district, where MRS TURNER had resided for many years. The deceased was the widow of MR WILLIAM TURNER, lace hand, who passed away some 10 ½ years since. The body was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, where the tragedy was Inquired into by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner on Monday afternoon. Inspector Leach, of the Devon Constabulary, being also present. - MISS BEATRICE TURNER, deceased's daughter, stated that she left home about 8 o'clock on Friday evening. Her mother was then all right, and said she was going to bed. On witness returning, about 8.30, however, she found her mother downstairs dead. Dr Kendrew promptly arrived. Her mother had evidently attempted to go upstairs, and fallen, a candle being found near by. A hand-rail was attached to the stairs. On the top, however, the stairs were of a winding nature and witness had found them rather difficult. - Miss Maud Bracher, the next-door neighbour, spoke to hearing, about 8 p.m., a noise as of someone falling. Entering the house, she found MRS TURNER lying on the stone floor at the bottom of the stairs, with her legs on the second stair. She was on her face and bleeding at the nose and mouth. She did not move, and witness thought the fall killed her. Mrs Ovey, another neighbour, came, the body being removed into the kitchen and medical aid being summoned. - Mrs Sarah Ovey confirmed the last witness's evidence and added that MRS TURNER had been somewhat feeble for some time. - Dr A. J. Kendrew, who was called about 8.35 stated that MRS TURNER was dead on his arrival. She had received a very severe blow on the front of her face, the whole of which was very bruised; and a post-mortem examination revealed bruises down the right side and right arm, whilst her tongue had been cut in falling. There were also two fractures of the neck and death must have been instantaneous. The injuries were consistent with her having fallen downstairs, facing downwards at the time. - The Coroner returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said the tragically sudden death of MRS TURNER must be a great shock to her daughter, with whom he was sure, all deeply sympathised in her distress and trouble.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 October 1923
LYNTON - Fatal Accident To Lynton Farmer. - MR HERBERT JOHN CRANG, of East Ilkerton Farm, Lynton, attended the great sale at Blackmoor Gate on Monday, where Mr Herbert W. Court sold some stock for him, and he left the Auction Mart on horseback to ride home. As he was riding near Winter Top the girth band of the saddle broke and he was thrown heavily to the ground. Falling on his head, he sustained a fracture of the skull. MR CRANG was picked up by Messrs. Harris and Perkins, and conveyed to his home, passing away early on Tuesday morning. Aged 53, he leaves a widow and young children (the youngest of whom is two years old). The distressing news of the accident caused a painful sensation throughout the district, the deceased - who followed his father, who still lives in the district at Ilkerton Farm - being widely known and highly respected. The utmost sympathy is expressed for the widow and family in their tragic bereavement. - The Inquest was held on Tuesday evening by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - Thos. Handford, a rabbit trapper, said deceased passed him on the main road between Barbrook and Woody Bay, his horse just cantering along. He gave witness a salutation, and when about 100 yards further on the deceased suddenly fell off through the girth breaking. - The Coroner, having examined the girth band, said it seemed to have been hanging together by a few threads for some time and in another place it had been tied together with cord. The only wonder was that it had not broken before. In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner emphasised the advisability of farmers overlooking their harness and saddlery more often than many of them appeared to do.

ILFRACOMBE - Tragedy At Ilfracombe. Verdict Of Suicide. - A painful sensation was caused at Ilfracombe on Friday by the news that MR JOHN BROOKE COTTINGHAM, 10 Hillsboro-terrace, had been found dead in his bed, death being due to a revolver shot. Deceased had lived in the town for a number of years past, and was well known. He took no part in town affairs, but had been formerly a sidesman at St. Peter's Church, and had held office as Ruling Councillor of the local branch of the Primrose League. - The Inquest was held at the house on Saturday morning by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. The first witness was MRS COTTINGHAM, widow of deceased, who said her husband was 64 years of age. He had been lately suffering from insomnia, and in August last consulted Dr Yeo. He had been rather worse lately, but varied from day to day, sometimes being much brighter. On Thursday morning he was away on business, and came home quite bright and cheerful. He retired about 10 p.m., occupying a separate room. Witness saw him about 8.30 on Friday morning; he said he had not had a good night. He had taken some medicine the night before. Since August he had not consulted a doctor, but had had a prescription to be made up. Witness was in and out of the bedroom several times during the morning. Shortly after 12.30 witness heard a noise and thought something had fallen. She went to the room and her husband was still in bed, a revolver being by his side. Witness raised him as well as she could, and called for help. Her husband lived for a few minutes after she saw him. He had the revolver for many years; witness believed that it belonged to his father. He had seemed very depressed and had suffered from liver trouble; he had no financial difficulties and had never threatened to take his life. In all his ordinary dealing she was of perfectly sound mind, and a good business man generally. Witness had noticed nothing in his behaviour earlier in the morning to account for his action, he had had fits of depression at various times. Witness had heard him moving in the room and she thought he was dressing. His usual exercise was going out shooting with friends, one of whom was expected on Monday, October 1st. Witness had told him he had been smoking too much and he agreed, she thought it made him muddle-headed. - Kate Fickling, house parlourmaid, said she took up deceased's breakfast at 9 on Friday morning. Deceased said he had not slept all night and it was a dreadful state to be in. He looked the same as usual and made no other remark; he ate his breakfast and witness took the tray away later, leaving deceased lying in bed quietly, he was not reading. Earlier in the week he had complained of sleeplessness. Witness had seen nothing unusual in deceased's behaviour. - Dr Yeo said that on August 20th deceased had complained of his liver and of sleeplessness; witness gave him a prescription, telling him to call again if he felt no better. He complained of heaviness in the head, the probable result of sleeplessness. Witness was called on Friday about 1 p.m., and found deceased lying in bed dead. There was a wound in the roof of the mouth, and another at the top of the head, where apparently a bullet had come out. There was no discolouration from powder, except in the mouth, where evidently the muzzle of the revolver had been put. The cause of death was laceration of the brain. Witness had never seen anything unusual in deceased's general demeanour. - The Coroner said that deceased had been seen frequently during the morning by his wife and servants, and seemed quite normal. - P.S. Brown said he was called to the house and saw deceased lying on the bed on his back, with a wound in his head. A revolver (Colt 6-chamber) was on the bed, containing one spent cartridge, and three live ones. Deceased had a permit to keep the revolver and a certain stock of ammunition. A card was found on a table by the bedside, containing the words: "My best friend has been my good, kind wife. I hope she will forgive me this trouble I bring, but I can get no sleep and lie awake all night and there seems no hope. (God forgive) my brain has gone. - J. B. C." - On the back was written, "My will is in the safe, left-hand drawer. - The Coroner said it was an extraordinary case. Deceased had consulted Dr Yeo, who prescribed, and he told his wife he thought that the medicine was doing him good. His widow said he was quite normal during the morning and no one suggested that he had a "kink" in his mind. The moving about in the room was no doubt when he got the revolver, and he could not see any reason for believing it to be other than suicide. The note left behind wasn't of an apparently sane man. The verdict was one of Suicide. - We are informed by a friend of the deceased that he was the son of ROBERT MARTIN JOHNSON COTTINGHAM, Essex, and not, as stated in the London press, the son of a wine-merchant in London.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 October 1923
SWIMBRIDGE - Killed By Falling Tree At Swymbridge. - Mr George W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Thursday held an Inquest on FANNY ROSAMUND UNDERHILL, single, aged 35, who, as reported in last week's issue, was killed through the falling of a tree at Swymbridge, blown down in Wednesday's gale. - Deceased farmed at Lower Hearson, Swymbridge, with her brother, JOHN UNDERHILL, and the latter stated his sister went to the orchard to pick up some apples. He went out five minutes later and found a large elm in the hedge had blown down and deceased was lying under it. A big limb was across her legs and she appeared to be dead. He had to get an axe and saw to cut away the branches. - Dr Dixie described the injuries. There was a compound fracture of the right leg, a cut on the head and the chest completely crushed in. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 November 1923
ASHREIGNEY - Ashreigney Farmer's Accidental Death. - At an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES PARKHOUSE, farmer, of Chichester's arm, Riddlecombe, Ashreigney, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Dr J Tucker (Chulmleigh) attributed death to suffocation while in a fit. - Deceased's father stated that about six years ago his son cycled to Barnstaple and on the way home had an accident, sustaining concussion of the brain. He was unconscious for a fortnight, and afterwards suffered from fits. On Sept. 19th, 1922, he went to Barnstaple and was knocked down by a motor-car, being again laid up for about a fortnight. On Tuesday deceased went to a field to prepare a place for storing mangold. As he had not returned by 7 p.m., witness went to look for him and found him lying on his face in the hedge trough, dead.

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident To Municipal Employee At Barnstaple. Boy Cyclist Censured By Coroner's Jury. - Knocked down by a boy cyclist whilst at work in Pilton-street, Barnstaple, on Saturday morning, JOHN DAVEY, of 11 Newington-street, a road sweeper in the employ of the Town Council, sustained injuries which resulted in his death shortly after admission to the North Devon Infirmary. Aged 67, MR DAVEY had been a municipal employee for a quarter of a century and he was a man held in high regard by his fellow workmen. The affair caused a painful sensation in the town, and the deepest sympathy is expressed for the widow and family in their tragic bereavement. - The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury, of which Mr James Slee was chosen Foreman. Inspector Leach, of the Devon Constabulary, was present, as were also Mr R. E. C. Balsdon (on behalf of Mogridge's employers) and Mr S. A. Copp (who appeared for Mogridge). - The Coroner at the outset gave a brief resume of the facts as he understood them, and said it would be for the Jury to consider whether the boy cyclist (Ernest E. H. Mogridge) was riding too fast and had not sufficient control of his machine, or, on the other hand, whether MR DAVEY might have contributed to some extent to the accident by walking towards the cyclist, or otherwise not taking sufficient care. - Charles Cann (printer), deceased's son-in-law, stated that MR DAVEY had been in the employ of the Town Council for about 25 years, having for some time been a horseman and for the past two years engage don scavenging work. His sight was good and his hearing was not affected. Shortly after 11 o'clock on Saturday morning the boy Mogridge called witness down from his work and told him that there had been an accident to MR DAVEY in Pilton-street, he (Mogridge) having knocked him down with his bicycle. When witness reached the scene the helpers were about to remove MR DAVEY to the Infirmary on an ambulance. MR DAVEY, who had previously been seen by Dr Shaw, then appeared to be unconscious, and had a tremendous swelling in the forehead. - Frederick J. Luxton, aged 12, of 9 Vicarage-street, stated that he was at the doorstep of his father's shop at 97 Pilton-street, which was at the bottom of the steep part of the hill, when between 11 and 11.30 he saw Harold Mogridge coming down the street riding a push bicycle which had a carrier in the front. Mogridge was proceeding at a fair rate - the wind was blowing strongly up the street at the time - and he was looking in front with his head up. Mogridge's hands were on the carrier; witness had not told anybody that he had his head down. He was in a racing position and was clutching the top part of the carrier with his hands. Witness called out, "Be careful, 'Bristol,'" which was his nickname, because he saw the road was choked a little in front of him. There was a fish cart on one side, while three road-sweepers, including the deceased, were at work on the road. After Mogridge passed him he moved his hands on to the handlebars, being then close to MR DAVEY, who was in the centre of the road, when he was struck by Mogridge. When witness called out to Mogridge he was about 25 yards from MR DAVEY. Witness did not think there was room for Mogridge to pass on either side of deceased; he believed there was a bakery cart in addition to the fish cart near by He (witness) was a cyclist, but did not think he should have gone at the same pace as Mogridge under the circumstances. Did not notice whether Mogridge had his brakes on at the time of the accident. Mogridge was thrown off his bicycle by the force of the impact. MR DAVEY was standing with his back towards the cyclist when knocked down, just outside Mr Hawkins's shop. He was sweeping at the time, being in a central position in the road. Mogridge swerved slightly before he came to MR DAVEY, in trying to get out of the way. - The Coroner: If he had put the brakes on at once, do you think he would have been able to stop? - I do not think so. - Mr Copp: You said Mogridge was proceeding at a fair rate. Do you mean the rate people usually travel? - I should say a little bit fast. - Did he sound his horn? - Not before he came to me, but before he got to MR DAVEY. - Ernest E. H. Mogridge, errand boy, of Rolle Quay, stated that on Saturday morning he went to Litttabourne, and returning down Pilton-street he was riding with one hand on the carrier and blowing the horn with the other. Wm. Gear was coming behind him. He (Mogridge) did not hear the last witness call out to him. The wind was very strong, but he applied his brakes by Howard's shop and kept them on steadily. He was proceeding at 9 or 10 miles an hour. He saw the men in the road, and the carts on each side. He blew his horn until he got close to the men, but the wind was against him and he could not tell whether MR DAVEY heard the horn. With his back against him MR DAVEY was in the middle of the road, and witness was about to pass him when he stepped in front of the bicycle. He (Mogridge) endeavoured to "slew" the machine around, but hit him in the side with the carrier. MR DAVEY fell on his head and he (Mogridge) fell sideways. He admitted trying to pass deceased on the left side down Pilton. He (Mogridge) was not injured, and at once went to MR DAVEY'S assistance. - A Juror: You said you had one hand on the carrier and the other on the horn? - When I got to Mr Howard's I used the brakes. - Seeing the men in the road why did you not put the brakes on altogether? - I thought MR DAVEY was going to stay in the middle of the road and I tried to pass him. There was a fish cart near by and a baker's cart a little higher up the street. Two other sweepers were working in the gutter, one on each side. - A juror further asked whether Mogridge's correct side in passing would not have been on the right hand side of the road, and he also suggested that MR DAVEY tried to step out of the way. Mogridge replied that the fish cart was near, whilst another sweeper was in the gutter. It was as easy to steer with the carrier as with the handlebars. He admitted, however, that one could not control the brakes so well, but said he put his hands n the brakes before he got to MR DAVEY. - Questioned by Mr Copp, Mogridge said that putting on the brake outside Mr Howard's shop was sufficient to give him control of the bicycle and he was satisfied that he had control. If MR DAVEY had not moved witness would have been able to clear him, there being about 6 ft. of space in the roadway. - James Parker, one of the street sweepers, said that the deceased, John Popham and witness, were all sweeping the road together at the time, with their backs towards the hill. Witness was in the right hand gutter with a fish cart in a line with him, while DAVEY was on the left hand quarter of the road and Popham in the gutter on the same side. There was about 4 ft. between DAVEY and Popham and this would have allowed room for Mogridge to pass. Witness did not see the boy coming and heard nothing until the crash came. MR DAVEY fell on his left side and had a bad blow in the head. Witness never heard any bell or hooter, but probably the wind made all the difference. Witness saw the bread cart referred to further up the street, near the Post Officer. Mr Stevens, a fish hawker, of Bideford, helped to pick MR DAVEY up and Dr Shaw came immediately afterwards and took charge of the case. MR DAVEY was a sufficiently active man to have got out of the way if he had heard anything coming. - A Juror: What distance was there between MR DAVEY and the fish cart? - About eight feet, I should say. - The Coroner: In your opinion oughtn't Mogridge to have put on his brakes and stopped, or was there reasonable room for him to pass? - If he did not see his way clear to pass he should have stopped. - Was there room for him to pass in a reasonable manner? - I should say there was room. The most room in the road was on the right hand side. - A Juror: And he passed on the left. - Dr Shaw stated that he came down Pilton to find a crowd of people at the spot and DAVEY lying unconscious on the edge of pavement. Seeing the man was seriously ill, witness had him removed on the ambulance to the North Devon Infirmary, where he found him to be suffering from bleeding into the brain. The pressure was relieved by treatment, but death occurred a little over half an hour after admission to the Institution. A post-mortem showed death to be due to haemorrhage of the brain, caused by the injuries. There was an extensive fracture of the skull and there must have been a strong impact to have caused such injuries. - Mr Copp: You mean the force with which DAVEY struck the ground? - Yes. - P.C. J. Brownscombe said the width of the road was 18 ft. from kerb to kerb and the vehicle which stood outside Mr Hawkins' shop was 5 ft. wide. Witness interviewed and cautioned Mogridge, whose statement was practically the same as to the Jury with the exception that he told witness he had both hands on the carrier in front of the machine and was leaning over the handlebars; that on passing Luxton's shop and seeing the sweepers he caught hold of the brakes and sounded his hooter; and that when he got to within five yards of MR DAVEY, the latter walked towards him. Witness had examined the bicycle, to find that it was in working order, and that the brakes were efficient. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was undoubtedly an accident, and the only question was whether the boy Mogridge was to blame in the matter. It was obvious, he thought, that the boy was going pretty fast, the impact being so strong that MR DAVEY was knocked down, whilst Mogridge was thrown off the bicycle. He had no doubt that the boy sounded his hooter and thought he had room to pass MR DAVEY. Looking at the consequences now, it might have been better for the boy to have pulled up altogether; and there might have been an error of judgment. He could not say, looking at the matter from a legal point of view, that Mogridge was in any way criminally liable; but it was for the Jury to say whether they thought he ought to be censured. - The Jury having consulted in private for some time, the Foreman announced that the verdict was "Accidental Death," but they considered Mogridge deserved a goodish amount of censure for the way he rode the bicycle down the steep hill. - The Coroner, calling Mogridge before him, said he happened to know something he had kept from the Jury until they had arrived at their verdict, namely that he had been cautioned by the Police for furious riding. [Mogridge: "No, sir.] "I know you have" (said the Coroner) "and were you not the boy who went into Mr Northcote's car?" ["Yes, sir," replied Mogridge]. That was a very unfortunate thing and a still more unfortunate thing was that Mogridge should have had this accident on Saturday. The Jury took the view that Mogridge ought to be severely censured; that in all the circumstances he was certainly going too fast, and not exercising the care that he should have done, seeing that people were in front of him. He (the Coroner) must say that in that expression of opinion he thoroughly concurred; and he trusted it would be a warning lesson to Mogridge and other boy cyclists in the future; and that when there was any danger of knocking people down they would not go on, but apply their brakes and stop. He hoped the press would make the censure by the Jury widely known, and his remarks as well. - Mr Balsdon, on behalf of Mogridge's employers, expressed deep sympathy with the deceased's family; whilst Mr Copp also offered the deep sympathy of the boy Mogridge and his family to the relatives. - The Coroner associated himself with these expressions, and said one point in the boy's favour was that he rendered all the help possible after the accident. - There were many evidences of regret and sympathy at the funeral yesterday, at which the last rites were performed by Rev. J. A. Dobson (United Methodist). The mourners were the widow, Mrs C. Cann (daughter), Fred, Agnes and Lily Cann (grandchildren), Mesdames M. Gray (Teignmouth) and L. Tregunna (sisters),, Messrs. Seymour Davey, James Davey and Ernest Davey (nephews), Mesdames Seymour Davey and Rose Osborne (Teignmouth), nieces, Miss E. Whitton (step-daughter), Mr C. Cann (son-in-law), Mrs Pennington and Mrs Cann (sisters-in-law), and Mr W. H. Cann.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 November 1923
CHAWLEIGH - Suicide At Chawleigh. - At Chawleigh on Wednesday morning, WILLIAM SMITH, aged 67 years, was found by Mr Thos. Baker hanging in the round house at the Barton. Mr Baker cut the rope at once, but found life quite extinct. Death must have been instantaneous, as deceased was seen in the village near by only a short time previously. SMITH, who had lived in the parish all his life, was well-known as a quiet, honest and trustworthy workman, who, for upwards of 40 years had acted as horseman at The Barton. For some months he had suffered severely from a malignant disease which neither local medical skill nor hospital treatment could cure. Doubtless this preyed on his mind, which suddenly became unhinged. He leaves a widow and several children, for whom much sympathy is felt. - An Inquest was held by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, at Chawleigh Police Station on Thursday. - The widow said her husband left the house about 10 o'clock, saying he would be back "in a minute." An hour and a half later Mr Baker, his former employer, came to tell her that he had found SMITH hanging in the round house. Deceased, she added, had not been able to work since February and had been in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for three months, being discharged on August 7th. Owing to his bad health he had often expressed the wish to be dead. - Mr Thos. Baker, retired farmer, who made the discovery, said he cut the body down at once, but there were no signs of life. - Dr Tucker, who had attended deceased since February, said SMITH was suffering from a cyst of 20 years' standing at the extremity of the spine. It was so deep-seated that an operation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital failed to remove it entirely and he seemed to have been in great pain of late. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Infant's Death At Barnstaple. - KATE DOWN, the one-month-old child of MR WILLIAM H. DOWN, butcher's assistant, and MRS DOWN of 28 Union-street, Barnstaple, was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. - At the Inquest before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary on Tuesday, MRS KATE DOWN, the mother, spoke to her husband awaking her shortly before eight o'clock on Sunday morning, when she discovered the child to be dead by her side. Weighing 8 ½ lbs. at birth, the child was well nourished, and took its food well. She last fed it about 3.30 a.m. on Sunday. It had, however, had a nasty cough since birth. On finding what had happened on Sunday morning, she called for assistance, and Mrs Cann, a neighbour, gave help. - Dr Shaw, also summoned, said under the Coroner's instructions he had made a post-mortem examination, to find that the cause of death was congenital malformation of the heart, accelerated by acute bronchitis. The doctor explained that there was a hole in the heart and nothing could have been done for the child, there being nothing to show there was anything seriously wrong. The parents were not to blame in any way. - The Coroner thought it clear that no one knew the child was in the state described. Only the post-mortem examination could disclose the actual cause of death, and his verdict was "Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 November 1923
FILLEIGH - Tragedy At Filleigh. Suicide Of Retired Doctor. - A painful sensation was caused at Filleigh on Sunday by the news that DR ROBERT HAYNES LOVELL, of North Lodge, Filleigh, had taken his life. The deceased, who was 66 years of age, was a son of the late MAJOR HAYNES LOVELL, who resided for some years at Barnstaple. He at one time had an extensive practice in the West End, London, but had lived in retirement for some y ears. - The tragic discovery was made by the servant who took hot water to the deceased's bedroom on Sunday morning. DR LOVELL was then propped up in the bed with pillows and the jugular vein had been severed with a razor. On the table was a note, which read:- "I am doing this because I know I am going mad. I am very sorry for the trouble I have caused everybody." - The widow stated that DR LOVELL had been a very hard worker, and was a most sensible man. She certainly did not think he was of unsound mind. He was out shooting with friends the previous day, and played bridge before going to bed. After tea he stretched himself and said, "It is horrible to feel like this." Having recently had some teeth extracted, he had remarked on feeling much better during the past week. Before retiring they had made arrangements for the following day's programme, and had intended attending the Armistice Day service at Filleigh Church. Their son's death four years ago was a great blow to them, but other than this she knew of nothing to throw any light on the reason for the occurrence. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Suicide," and that there was no evidence to show that deceased was otherwise than of sound mind.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 November 1923
SOUTH MOLTON - Fatality Near Southmolton. - About 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dr Mortimer, of Southmolton, was driving a motor car along the Bishopsnympton Road, near Mole Bridge. He was going slowly and sounding his hooter, as he intended stopping outside the Toll-house. the car was eight over to the left side. Suddenly, HAROLD TAPP, aged 2 ½ years, walked out from a gateway of Mole Farm and ran across the road. In the middle the child hesitated and half turned to go back, but hearing the hooter went on. Then, MRS ELIZA TAPP, of 67 East-street, Southmolton, rushed out from a gateway towards the boy. She ran with her head down and Dr Mortimer swerved his car from left to right in a successful effort to avoid knocking the boy, but in doing so caught the woman with the left front mudguard. MRS TAPP seemed to fall on the mudguard and after being carried about a yard fell on her left side. Before striking her Dr Mortimer had fully applied his brakes. At Mole Farmhouse MRS TAPP received medical attention from Dr Mortimer and later from Dr Seal, but died about 4 o'clock next morning. She was 81 years of age. At the Inquest Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." He said it was most unfortunate that Dr Mortimer should have been involved in such a sad occurrence, just as he had entered upon his Mayoralty. There was no more careful driver than Dr Mortimer and the evidence showed that the woman's death was due to a pure accident. He knew the difficulty that motorists had to avoid children who constantly ran out into the road unexpectedly, and then hesitated as to which way to proceed. The fact that Dr Mortimer was able to avoid the boy showed that he was not going too fast. He (the Coroner) entirely exonerated the driver of the car from any blame. The Coroner urged the need of a mortuary for the Borough, which he thought the Town Council should provide and asked Dr Mortimer, as Mayor, to use his influence to see that it was done. They ought not to have to use the Workhouse Mortuary for Borough cases. - Dr Mortimer said he would do his best in the matter. He expressed sorrow for the relatives of the deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 December 1923
LYNTON - Inquest At Lynton. Light Fails During Operation. - The dreadful experience of two Lynton doctors, who were at the most crucial point in an operation at night for appendicitis, when the electric light suddenly failed, and the operating theatre was plunged in darkness, was detailed at an Inquest, at Lynton, on Thursday evening, on the patient. Deceased was MARY ANN PERKINS, 56, wife of JOHN PERKINS, farmer, of Ilkerton, Lynton. - The husband stated that his wife was very ill, and Dr A. P. Cummings ordered her removal to Hospital, stating that an operation was necessary. The operation was performed on Saturday and witness was told that whilst it was being done the electric light failed and the operation was carried on the next morning. His wife died on Tuesday. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown: Do you attribute any neglect to anyone for this? - Witness: I don't see that I can. - Dr Cummings said the case was one of acute appendicitis. The matron told him the ambulance was not repaired and he had to get a car to remove the patient, who was cold and somewhat collapsed when she reached the Hospital. Dr J. M. Courtney saw her with him, and about 6.15 the operation commenced. There was great difficulty in finding the appendix owing to the very acute inflammation. Just as they had found and isolated it, the electric light failed. - The Coroner: What happened? - We had to get candles. I was giving the anaesthetic and holding a candle in the other hand. - I suppose you had to stop the operation? - We tried to stop the bleeding and after about a couple of hours I suggested to Dr Courtney that the patient could not stand much more and we decided to sew the cut and do the operation properly the next morning. - Deceased rallied and about 10.15 next morning they gave her chloroform and Dr Courtney finished the case properly. In the middle of the operation then, the light came on. Deceased went on all right apparently, until Tuesday afternoon, when she collapsed and died about 7.15. - Dr Courtney said that after the light went out there was naturally a little delay in getting candles, but considering everything, it was very short; three or four minutes at the outside. - The Coroner: I suppose that light was not sufficient for you? - Not really. One did the best one could. - Is there any secondary light provided at the Hospital? - There was not. There is now. The Hospital as it is at present (there has been a recent enlargement) had only been opened two or three months, and they had not got everything yet that they wanted, nor the money to get it with. - There really should have been secondary light for an operation? - There ought to be, of course, but in a place like this, where there is such little operating, one can usually arrange to do it in daylight. He did not think the failing of the light made the patient's chance of recovery any the worse. - If the light and everything had been all right, she would have had a far better chance of recovering? - Rather more, but even then I should not have been surprised if she had not recovered. - Mr Kimmins, the electrical engineer, said the town was divided into districts, and each district was supplied from a transformer. In this case the transformer broke down, and entirely cut off that district in which the Hospital was. It was a case they could not repair the same night. - The Coroner: It is one of those things unforeseen? - It is very rare for a transformer to break down. - Dr Cummings said Mr Kimmins had promised when next they had a cable in the street to give the Hospital a double supply, so that if one failed the other could be switched on. - The Coroner said their deepest sympathy went out to the husband in his loss and the two doctors concerned. It was a most trying experience for them. He did not think there was any blame attaching to the electric light company, for electric light did go wrong occasionally and did not give much warning. In regard to the ambulance, which he understood was run by a committee, it was essential that it should be always in perfect order. For a month it appeared to have had a tyre off. He hoped the people of Lynton would see if it was a matter of funds, that they provided sufficient to keep it in repair. There was no blame attached to the two doctors, who did all that was possible in the very trying circumstances in which they were placed. - He returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," with no blame attached to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 December 1923
BIDEFORD - Torrington Child's Death By Drowning. - The distressing story of a father's sad homecoming was unfolded at an Inquest at Bideford on Tuesday evening, on ALFRED ERNEST GORDON, aged two years and five months, the child of WILLIAM GORDON, a labourer, of 34 Mill-street, Torrington. - MR GORDON said on November 18th he was near the River Torridge, which was in flood and heard that a child had fallen in. With others he made a search, but without result, informing the Police when it was certain that the child must have been drowned. Returning home he was horrified to find that the victim was his own child, ALFRED, whom he had left quite a short while previously rocking a cradle, another child being in bed in the house ill with fever. ALFRED, who had apparently gone out with some other children, had never been known to leave the house like it before, but two elder brothers were strongly addicted to going to the river bank and severe measures had failed to deter them from the practice. On learning of his loss the father returned to the river and made a further search. He looked in vain for the body every day for the next fortnight. - Wm. Henry Kivell spoke to finding the body on Sunday morning on the river bank near Sandy Park, about a mile and a half up the river from Bideford. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."