Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1926-1927

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: Arthurs; Atter; Baker(2); Bale; Balman; Beamish; Braddick; Braunton; Brimmacombe; Brown(2); Caddy; Cawsey; Chidgey; Chugg; Cleeton; Clements; Conibear; Court(2); Crang; Crocker; Dart; Dascombe; Davidson; Down; Drew; Easton; Gibbs; Gomer; Gough; Harris; Harvey; Hill; Hilton; Hurcomb; Husband; Irwin; James; Jones; Kenny; Kingdon; Land; Ley; Lock; Marriott; May; McMurtree; Newcombe(2); Northcott; Parkes; Pellow; Perrien; Phillips; Pinn; Rippon; Sanders(2); Short; Skinner; Somerwill; Souch; Stephens; Stuart; Summerill; Thomas; Toms; Vellacott; Watts; Wignall; Willie; Wilson; Winsborrow; Withecombe; Withycombe; Zerffi.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 January 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Tragic Death Of MR J. BALE, of Fremington. Inquest At Ilfracombe. - The death of MR JOHN BALE of Lydacott, Fremington, occurred with tragic suddenness at Ilfracombe on Tuesday. MR BALE was just about to go to Fremington in a motor-car, when he collapsed. He died before reaching the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital. - At the Inquest, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, yesterday, evidence as given to the effect that the deceased went to the pictures on December 24th, when he slipped and fell, dislocating his shoulder. He was attended by a doctor at 2 Collingdale-avenue, Ilfracombe, when his shoulder seemed to be mending. On Tuesday he was helped from the house where he was staying, to a motor-car waiting to take him to Fremington, but he collapsed and died. - Dr Osborne, who held a post-mortem examination of the body, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," in accordance with the medical evidence.

BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death Of Barnstaple Man. After Witnessing Football Match. - MR ERNEST JOHN CLEMENTS, aged 44, of 39 Newington-street, Barnstaple, died with tragic suddenness at his residence early on Saturday evening. A lace twister by trade, MR CLEMENTS had the same afternoon witnessed the Barnstaple - Tiverton Rugby football match. He was himself an old footballer, and played for the "Silver Stars," when a few seasons ago they won the "Soares " Cup. The utmost sympathy is expressed for the widow and five children in their great sorrow. - At the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Tuesday, MRS CLEMENTS stated that her husband had been out of work for some time, but, had been healthy and well until recently so far as she knew. About five weeks since he complained of pains in the head, but would not see a doctor. He had not had indigestion and had not gone off his food. Her husband went to the football match on Saturday, and on returning at five o'clock had his tea, with some cake. Subsequently, he nursed one child whilst she bathed the other four. About seven o'clock he said "I shall go to bed, as I have a pain in the head." Witness got him some ginger ale, but he did not drink it. At 7.45 she went upstairs with the little boy who usually went to bed with her husband, but when she spoke to him she got no answer, and she found he was dead. Her husband had some brawn for dinner, and tea and bread and butter for breakfast. Witness sent for Dr Thomas. - Dr F. L. Thomas, who arrived at the house about eight p.m., expressed the opinion that MR CLEMENTS had then been dead for about half-an-hour. There was nothing to show the cause of death, and under the Coroner's direction he had made a post-mortem examination. All the ordinary organs were healthy, but the heart and right side were dilated. There was no trace of poisoning of any kind, and his view was that gas in the stomach pressing on the heart caused death. The body was properly nourished. The cause of death was heart failure, accelerated by flatulency. - The Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" referred to the startling suddenness of the sad affair, and said he was sure all would greatly sympathise with the widow and children in their bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 January 1926
NORTH MOLTON - Southmolton Man's Sudden Death. - On Saturday, SERGT.-MAJOR WILLIAM CRANG (North Garrison Artillery), who had been Borough Bailiff of Southmolton since 1917, was found dead at Northmolton. Suffering from neurasthenia, he was staying for a time with his sister, MRS HOLLOWAY, at Northmolton, and appeared to be making satisfactory progress. On Saturday morning he went out, saying he would take a walk. As he did not return either for dinner or tea, information was given to P.C. Lemon, who eventually found him hanging in a linhay near Coombeshead, about a mile and a quarter from the house. He appeared to have been dead for some hours. Dr Baker was summoned from Southmolton and after the body had been examined it was removed, with the assistance of Sergeant-Major Venton, to Northmolton, where an Inquest will be held. - SERGT.-MAJOR CRANG had served in India and during the early part of the War was a successful recruiting sergeant at Southmolton. He leaves a widow and grown-up family. - On Monday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Northmolton. - MRS HOLLOWAY, sister, who identified the body, said that the deceased was 57 years of age. He came to stay with her at Northmolton on January 20th. On Saturday, about 11 a.m., he went out for a walk and then appeared to be quite normal. As he did not return at tea-time, she communicated with P.C. Lemon (Northmolton) and the body was brought to witness's house at about 8 p.m. On the Thursday, she added, the deceased visited Heasley Mill and seemed to be improving in health. - MARY JANE CRANG, widow, said her husband went to Northmolton for a change. He had been ill for some time previously and then had a bad cough. Two years ago he attempted to commit suicide by gassing himself. There was no trouble at home, but her husband used to worry a good deal over things. On Friday she received a letter from him. It was written in a cheerful way and in it he expressed the hope that he would get on alright, adding that he was looking forward to coming home again. - P.C. Lemon said he found the body in a linhay on "Deepy Ground," Northmolton, about 6 p.m. on Saturday. It was cold and stiff. He had not found any communication from deceased. The Constable produced a scarf which was found around the deceased's neck, which MRS HOLLOWAY identified as her brother's property. - WILLIAM HOLLOWAY, a nephew, said that when his uncle came to Heasleigh Mill on Thursday, he appeared to be alright. Witness assisted in the search for the body and corroborated the evidence given by P.C. Lemon. - Dr Baker, of Southmolton, said he saw the body in the linhay. There was a mark round the neck and an abrasion under the chin - marks such as would be caused by the scarf. The cause of death was strangulation: the neck was not broken. The Doctor added that he had attended the deceased for three weeks. On Wednesday he had a typical nervous breakdown, and was suffering from insomnia. He also saw him at Northmolton on Thursday when he appeared to be better. - The Town Clerk of Southmolton (Mr Attree Powell) said that everything connected with SERGT.-MAJOR CRANG'S office as bailiff was in perfect order and the deceased had carried out his duties satisfactorily. But he was given to worrying over trifles. - The verdict was "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 February 1926
COMBE MARTIN - Child Fatally Scalded At Combe Martin. - Inquiries into the sad death of IVAN THOMAS ROY TOMS, the three-year-old son of WILLIAM IVAN TOMS, Air Force mechanic and MRS TOMS, of Combe Martin, were made on Monday evening by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - The mother stated on Thursday the child was on a couch in the kitchen and she was getting tea at the table. There was a kettle of water on an American stove. The child must have crawled along the couch and put his hand on a stool, which over-balanced and catching hold of the kettle the child pulled it over, severely scalding himself. - Dr E. Hoerman, who said the scalds were extensive, and that death was due to shock, wished to commend Mrs Gregory for her prompt rendering of first-aid and successful nursing afterwards which was a very great help. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner pointed out the requirements of the law in regard to the provision of fireguards where there were young children.

LYNTON - Barnstaple Merchant's Tragic End. Found Drowned At Woolhanger. - Throughout North Devon, where he was well-known as a corn merchant and agricultural traveller, the news of the discovery of the lifeless body in Woolhanger pond, Lynton, of MR RICHARD GEORGE COURT, of Warwick-terrace, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, caused a painful sensation on Sunday. MR COURT left home on Saturday morning, and, catching the Lynton train, alighted at Parracombe, his body being found at midnight. - A member of an old Parracombe family, MR COURT, formerly conducted the Woody Bay Hotel, whilst in turn he was the landlord of the Royal (now Golden Bay) Hotel, Westward Ho!; the New Inn Hotel, Bideford; and the King's Arms Hotel at Barnstaple. He was a man of most kindly disposition and his tragic death comes as a great shock to a large circle of friends. He leaves a widow, two sons (one of whom is in the Metropolitan Police Force) and a daughter, and lost one son in the War. With the entire family, sympathy is general in a wide area. - The Inquest: Sad Story. - A sad story was told at the Inquest held before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Woolhanger Barton, Lynton, on Monday afternoon. - FREDERICK GEORGE COURT, son, stated that on Saturday his father left home at 8.10 a.m., and said he was going to his office. Later in the day witness received a message from Mr Snell (a neighbour), who handed him a letter in his father's handwriting. He telephoned to deceased's two brothers at Parracombe and Blackmoor, and himself went out. In the meanwhile search was being made in the pond at Parracombe Rectory. His father had financial worries, but had not been pressed. The firm for which his father sold corn on commission failed in December and this worried him a lot. Customers sent away money and did not get their goods, and though this was nothing to do with his father, he naturally worried over it. - In a letter written by deceased, the phrase occurred "You know I am dead to the world," and the Coroner asked if deceased was in such a state that he did not know where the next lot of money was coming from. Witness replied his father had no money. - Charles Bendle Snell, the next door neighbour, said on Saturday he received the letter from deceased, which read:- "Break the dreadful news to my darling wife that I am in the Rectory Pond, Parracombe." There was an enclosure for the wife and witness immediately informed the son. - Wm. Parr, guard on the 8.45 Lynton train on Saturday, spoke to MR COURT taking the train to Parracombe and on alighting handing him a letter to deliver to Mr Snell. MR COURT appeared quite as usual and said "You won't forget it." Witness sent over the note on his return. - It further transpired that MR COURT also wrote the two words, "Woolhanger Pond" on a piece of paper with his name, and addressed it to his brother at Parracombe, posting it at the letter-box. - In the letter to his wife, which was enclosed in the one he had handed the guard, deceased said: "The promises I have made cannot be fulfilled. It is killing me by inches." - Arthur Gammon spoke to seeing deceased and speaking to him on the road to Parracombe siding on Saturday. About a quarter of an hour later he saw him in the same place. He would then have had time to have gone to the Rectory Pond and back. - P.C. Abrahams stated that about 7.15 p.m. deceased coat and hat were found on the bank at Woolhanger Pond and about 9 o'clock the body was recovered in four feet of water and two feet from the hat. It was partly obscured by bushes. - Dr Courtney, Lynton, attributed death to drowning. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," the Coroner said it was one of those sad cases of a man getting rather at the end of his tether and he must have been quite determined to take his life when he left Barnstaple. - Largely attended was the funeral yesterday, the interment being made in Parracombe churchyard, Rev. Jackson officiating. The principal mourners were Mrs R. G. Court (widow), Messrs, F. R. Court, H. B. Court (London), sons; Mrs A. Whitton (daughter); Mrs Gooding (London), sister; Messrs H. W. Court (Parracombe) and F. J. Court (Blackmoor Gate), brothers; Supt. A. W. Gooding, London (brother-in-law; Mrs F. J. Court, sister-in-law; Mr A. Whitton (Barnstaple), son-in-law; Mrs W. Chilcott (Codford), sister-in-law; Messrs. F. Burnell (Ilkerton) and J. Ridd Jones, brothers-in-law; Sid Sloley (Furzehill), nephew; Miss E. Ridd Jones (Braunton), niece; Mr E. W. Whitton (Blatchford). The bearers were Mesrs F. Gammon, T. Lock (Holwell), R. Ridd (Middleton), J. Bray (Wallner), J. H. Smyth (The Laurels) and F. Cromcombe (Parracombe).

SHIRWELL - Found Dead In A Wood. Final Scenes In Barnstaple Mystery. Wild Rumours Strongly Criticised By The Coroner. - At Coxleigh Farm, Shirwell, on Thursday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, with a Jury, Inquired into the cause of death of MRS MARY HARVEY, the Barnstaple octogenarian, whose decomposed body was found in Coxleigh Woods two days previously by P.C. Hocking of Shirwell. MRS HARVEY, it will be remembered, disappeared mysteriously in the second week of September last, whilst blackberry picking at Coxleigh Woods. - Following the appointment of Mr G. H. Plaister as Foreman of the Jury, the Coroner recalled the consternation occasioned by the disappearance of deceased. On September 11th, in company with Mrs Hart, with whom she lived, MRS HARVEY walked from Barnstaple towards Snapper and went to Raleigh and Coxleigh Woods with a view to picking blackberries. Towards evening they became separated, MRS HARVEY evidently taking one path and Mrs Hart going along another. As it was getting late, Mrs Hart became anxious as to the other's whereabouts, and walked towards Kingdon Gardens, where she met Mr and Miss Salt, who were at that time living at the Gardens. Enquiries were made as to whether they had seen the old lady, and they said they had, and told Mrs Hart the direction in which she had gone. After search had been made and it was becoming dark, Mrs Hart became still more anxious and on returning to Barnstaple in formed the Police of the disappearance. Search was at once taken up that night by Police, Boy Scouts and others, but without success. The search was continued the next day and for many days and they would no doubt remember a systematic search was made by about sixty people throughout a whole day, yet nothing was discovered as to the old lady's whereabouts. - Spiritualist and "Wilful Lies." - The Jury had, no doubt, heard of the wild rumours spread about from time to time as to what had happened to deceased - rumours which, in many ways, caused great trouble and inconvenience to the Police, and also considerable trouble, annoyance, and misery to Mr and Miss Salt. Then, they got a person who came along, himself a spiritualist, who definitely stated his views as to what had happened to MRS HARVEY, and where she could be found. Needless to say, those views were entirely unfounded, with the usual pack of wilful lies which had been invariably proved against those spiritualists. Everyone said it was a great shame the body had not been found and that the Police had not searched properly, but the Police did not always publish in the papers what they were doing, nor post up their methods outside the Police Station. Careful and systematic search had been kept up for months and the last search of P.C. Hocking was rewarded, when he discovered the body lying in a thicket of brambles about 25 yards from the top hedge in Coxleigh Wood. - Body Hidden By Brambles. - The Coroner said he thought members of the Jury knew the Woods and their condition. He, personally, had known them for a good many years, and thought the condition had not improved during the years. The under-growth and brambles had grown enormously and he could quite see why the body had not been discovered before, because until one came right on to the body it was impossible to see anything at all. The body was lying in a dense mass of thicket and when the leaf was on and until that leaf had fallen the body must have been almost entirely hidden. - How Death Occurred: A Theory. - Continuing to describe the position of the body, the Coroner stated that he accompanied the Police to see the exact spot where MRS HARVEY was found, and had photographs taken of the place to show the Jury the nature of the dense mass of under-growth surrounding the body. Just above where the body was found the Constable saw a bonnet and scarf under a little ash bush. As they knew, ash had not much under-growth, and this spot was a little clearer than anywhere else around. He should say the old lady had rambled on for some time until she became exhausted and then sat or lay down under the bush. She might either have lost her hat in the scramble through the bramble, or taken it off and when she felt herself sufficiently rested, she tried to get down over the Wood. Evidently seeing the lights of Snapper opposite, or hearing voices, she made a final effort to get through the thicket and apparently caught her foot in the brambles and fell forward. The body was lying in an absolutely natural position, just as if she had fallen - the left arm out and the right arm doubled in under her; her head was lying down the hill, whilst her toes, well dug into the soil, were in exactly the position one would expect if a person fell down on her face. Either before or at the time of the fall, MRS HARVEY had fractured her left arm just above the wrist, because the hand had come off, and the fracture could be seen clearly in the photograph. During the time that had elapsed, the body had been attacked by rats and birds such as carrion crows, and gradually it had partly disappeared. The left hand had evidently been carried away by rats when it dropped off towards a rat's hole about 10 ft. away, where it was found afterwards. By the body was deceased's coat and blouse. Evidently, she got very hot in tearing her way through the brambles and was carrying them on her arm. Everything pointed to her having fallen. It was very hard for the doctors to form any definite opinion as to the cause of death owing to the decomposed state of the body, and the time that had elapsed since MRS HARVEY was first lost. The Jury would, he thought, come to the conclusion that deceased fell, and that where she fell there she lay and never moved again. There was no doubt in the world the body had been there some considerable time, for all the ground was saturated with the remains and rats had been travelling from the body to their holes for a long time. - Photographs Shown To Jury. - Before witnesses were called the Coroner showed the photographs of the spot where the body was found, and especially drew attention to one taken before any of the brambles were cut away, thus disposing of the wild stories that the body had been placed there quite recently. He might tell them from his own observations that the brambles had spread across the body and rooted on the other side, and had to be cut away with a hook before a clear photograph could be obtained. - Statement By Mrs Hart. - Mrs Hart identified certain articles of clothing found on the body, and said a brooch which was produced by the Police was worn by MRS HARVEY on the day of her disappearance. Deceased's boots were the same as those in the photograph, being high and of the laced variety. Deceased was eighty-one years of age, and an old age pensioner and had lived with witness for just over three years. On September 11th they went blackberry-picking, and about 4.30 reached the Wood. They took the centre path, but found no blackberries and they were told by two women they would find some further on, and they did so. They came to some cross paths, and MRS HARVEY went along one and herself the other. After a few minutes, she called to deceased and received an answer. Ten minutes later she called again, but got no reply. She went along in the direction MRS HARVEY had taken, but could not see her nor get any answer to her calls. She saw Miss Salt, who said she had seen an old lady and directed her back along the path. Witness said she continued shouting, but never saw or heard deceased again. She did not see Mr Salt. When she got back to Barnstaple she informed the Police. MRS HARVEY had at times complained of feeling giddy, but not recently, and she was alright on the afternoon they went out. Deceased was wearing two rings. - The Coroner explained that the finger on which the rings were was missing from the hand, which was found some way from the body. The rings might have been carried off by a magpie. - Witness added that hundreds of people, friends of hers and others had helped in the search. - The Coroner: Many wild rumours have been circulated and amongst them you have been supposed to have disposed of MRS HARVEY? - Yes, I was. - The Coroner: Amongst other people? - Yes. - Witness added that she walked out from Barnstaple with MRS HARVEY. Deceased was a wonderful walker, in fact she was a wonderful old lady, but she could not imagine her going up the steep Wood. Witness identified a basket found by the Police. - In answer to a question put by Supt. Shutler, as to the state of deceased's eyesight, witness said she could see well enough to sew, but a relative interposed, stating MRS HARVEY was totally blind in one eye, and had been told that she would in a short time become blind in the other. - James Bernard Salt said he made a statement to the Police just after the occurrence that he was a florist and fruiterer, at 33 Boutport-street, Barnstaple, and rented a market garden at Kingdon Gardens, adjoining Coxleigh Woods. On September 11th about 3 p.m., he went to Snapper Halt with his sister, leaving the car by the roadside. He attended to his live stock and green houses, and remained at Kingdon Gardens until 6.20 when, accompanied by his sister, he left. About fifty yards along the lane leading to Snapper they met an old lady, who appeared to him to be about sixty years of age, and who asked them if they knew where there were any blackberries. Miss Salt directed her to a spot and told her she could sit down in the dry and pick as many as she wanted. the woman said she had a friend just on the top and he said that if she went the way they had directed, she would come to where her friend was. They said good evening and went on, and when he was getting into the car he heard someone calling and his sister told him the lady had asked her if she had seen an old lady in the Woods. At 9.30 he asked his sister to go up to the Police Station and lodge a complaint with reference to damage and apple-stealing in his garden. At ten o'clock he saw a jeweller, who told him an old lady had been lost in the Wood. Finding she had not been found, after having enquired for her, he got his car and took two Boy Scouts, his sister and friends, and went to assist the Police to try to find the woman till 2.30. Since then he and his sister had rendered every assistance to the Police in the search. - Business Affected. - The Coroner: Have you been ever since considerably annoyed by unfair criticism being levelled against you? - Yes, tremendous. I have had to close down through it. - The Coroner: I believe you did then, and have ever since, rendered every aid to the Police. - Everything I could, and also my sister. - Coroner: Do you remember a spiritualist gentleman coming out there? - I was not at home; my sister was. - Coroner: I believe that he was quite definite in pointing out the spot where the body had been buried? - I believe so, sir. - In answer to the Jury, witness said he could not swear that the lady he saw was MRS HARVEY. He had never seen her before in his life. She appeared to have her faculties. - Miss Margaret Salt corroborated her brother's evidence. Mrs Hart asked her if she had seen an old lady, as she had lost her, witness telling her not to worry and that she was along the lane. Mrs Hart went back that way and witness went to Barnstaple with her brother. - How The Body Was Found. - P.C. Hocking deposed to finding the body. From October 19th he had been continually searching the Woods, and on October 29th he found a wicker basket about fifty or sixty yards from where the body was found. It was not near the path, but on about the same level as the spot where the body was found. On the date of his discovering the body he found the scarf and bonnet and about five feet away from these articles was the body. The body was under a thick mass of undergrowth and brambles, and by the side of it was the deceased's jacket and blouse. The left hand was missing and found near a rat hole some ten feet away; the ring-finger was missing. A gold pin, produced, was in the scarf. - Supt. Shutler: Had there been any attempt to conceal the body? - None whatever. The earth beneath it was saturated black as if the body had been there for months. - Witness further stated that where the bonnet and scarf were found deceased could have slipped down or crawled under the bushes. That was the only way she could have got there. The under-growth was on every side of the body and the brambles had to be cut to get it removed. - Efforts Of Police. - Supt. Shutler, describing the work of the Police during the searches, said on some days between 60 and 70 organised helpers - Boy Scouts, special constables and others - took part, whilst for some weeks he had five or six constables out in the Wood. When Constable Hocking came to Shirwell he ordered him to make a thorough search of the Woods and also told him he did not mind how long he was at it, but he wanted every yard of the ground searched. In the past week he (Supt. Shutler) had seen the Constable and again told him to go over the whole of the Wood with a big hook and pull back all the growth to make sure the body was not buried under the rotten ferns. The day he found the body was the fourth day of his special search. The Superintendent said he was determined to find the body before the under-growth began growing up again in the spring, for he thought that if it was not found before then they would not find it at all, since a new growth of brambles would grown up and the body buried for ever. - Giving various measurements for the guidance of the Jury, the Superintendent said the body was 30 yards up from the higher path leading through Collar Bridge to Kingdon Gardens. There was a very thin growth by the narrow path leading up to this spot, which could be traversed by pushing the bushes aside. He thought it possible MRS HARVEY might have groped down in the darkness, seeing the light at Snapper, her idea being to get down to the path. Immediately, on emerging from the high growth she appeared to have tripped and fallen straight forward into the thick bramble mass, and did not appear to have moved again. One arm was broken and poking up and the other was by her side. The head was disconnected from the trunk through the vertebrae, having become separated and the flesh gone. The body was not hurt in any way. Deceased had just an hour before dark been picking blackberries and he thought she rambled altogether about 1,400 yards and it must have been very dark before she got where she was found. She might have tried to get over the hedge at the top, but this was impossible for a woman. - In answer to the Jury, Supt. Shutler thought that MRS HARVEY wandered about hoping to meet her friend and when she did lose herself wanted to get home. - The Medical Evidence. - Dr F. L. Thomas said he went with the Coroner and Dr Leavey to the spot where the body was found. The body was very decomposed, and the left hand was missing. The skull was intact and there were no apparent injuries to it; the only injury was to the left arm, which was broken in two places. The cause of the injury was, he surmised, due to a fall. It was impossible to state definitely what MRS HARVEY died from, as the most important organs were missing; there was, however, no evidence of external violence. He thought she died from shock through breaking her arm, exposure and exhaustion. She was in all probability powerless to raise herself after the fall. It was very unlikely she had a stroke, for it she had her arm would probably have been limp and she would not have broken it. As it was it looked as if she made an effort to save herself from falling by putting out her arm and so broke it. - The Foreman: Do you think it possible in an old lady like MRS HARVEY for her memory to go and that she wandered on in a dazed condition, being scarcely responsible for what she was doing? - Witness: I should probably think it would frighten her when it began to get dark. It would take her quite an hour to go the distance she did if she was in the thicket. If she got out of the Woods to the fields she would not have gone into the thicket again even if she was in a dazed condition. - Supt. Shutler asked if the skull was perfectly clean, witness replying that there was no fracture on it. - The Foreman: Had she been strangled there would have been nothing to show? - Witness: No, but I think you can put that out of court. I think she was conscious when she fell. I am sure that had she been strangled her arm would have been limp and would not have been broken in two places, as it was. - Dr Killeard Leavey did not think it possible to form any definite conclusion as to the cause of death, but corroborated the evidence of Dr Thomas. - Supt. Shutler said the body was hidden by the under-growth; he had to go within a few feet of the body before he could see it. - P.S. Milford, of Barnstaple, said the basket, which had been identified by Mrs Hart that day as the one carried by deceased, had been taken to Mrs Hart previously, when she said: "It seems something like my basket, but mine was a newer basket and smaller. I am sure it is not mine." He also spoke to dragging the brooks and organising searches. - Supt. Shutler said he was always of opinion it was the basket, although Mrs Hart did not identify it at the time. He was surprised she had identified it that day. - Mrs Hart explained that when she first saw the basket it had been exposed to the weather and was wet. Now, she had seen it again she was of opinion it was the basket carried by MRS HARVEY. - Coroner's Criticism Of Spiritualist. - Mr Brown said there had been a mass of opinion formed as to the whereabouts of the old lady, and as to how she met her death. Most mischievous statements were made by a so-called spiritualist, of Cardiff, and such statements were absolutely glaring falsehoods. Not only did this man state them publicly, but actually visited this part and almost definitely stated where the body was, and that someone had done away with her. "I do not know," said the Coroner, "what his spirits will say to him now that the body has been found in a different position and under different circumstances, but I think he had better confine himself to the spirits he can obtain in a bottle with a label on it. It has caused a great deal of misery and inconvenience to Mr and Miss Salt." - Continuing, he said that he had himself heard it stated definitely that Mr Salt had done away with MRS HARVEY, and even on the night the body was found there were people who were perfectly willing to assure others definitely that the Police had been over to the Woods, dug exactly in the spot where the spiritualist stated and found the body. It was the dangerous and wicked statements of these people that had caused a great deal of trouble to the Police, for the Police did not pass a thing by casually, but every side was investigated to see if there was a vestige of truth in it. They could see what a vast amount of trouble had been caused. Ever since the general hue and cry was raised the search had been kept up by the Police. Looking at the extent of the Woods, 250 acres, it had been a difficult task, but systematic work had now met with success. - The Verdict. - In further remarks, he said he was inclined to agree with the evidence of the doctors that the old lady had fallen, fractured her arm, and the shock of that injury, together with exhaustion from the long journey up through the wood, caused her death. The only verdict they could give was one of "Found Dead," and that there was no direct evidence to show the cause of death, although they felt it was a natural cause. - The Jury, without retiring, returned a verdict to this effect. - Comments On The Spiritualist. - The Coroner said some people were perfectly convinced that the spiritualist was the only man who knew about the affair. Reading from a letter which this person wrote to the Superintendent of Police, the Coroner remarked that the spiritualist stated definitely he had had a second interview with the spirit. He (the Coroner) did not know which spirit - it was evidently a very strong kind - but it had told him that MRS HARVEY had been beaten to death by blows on the head, buried during the night and when all was quiet, carried on a man's back to the river. The body was then weighted with stones and thrown into a pit in the river. They could attach the "greatest" of value to the interview with the spirit - it was, however, slightly out of its reckoning. - MR H. J. HARVEY, J.P., of Blackburn, deceased's step-son, said he had had scores of letters from spiritualists from various parts of the country, one exactly giving the name of the person who had murdered the deceased. He wished they were all far, far away. - Superintendent Shutler said the pit in the river referred to in the letter was just a mile and a quarter away from the place where the body was found. He wished to thank those who had assisted them in the search. - MR HARVEY said as the step-son, he had been much harassed and concerned. It had been a long time, but it was satisfactory to know the Police had discovered the body. He knew there had been rumours of a man and despicable character concerning Mr Salt which were entirely without truth. - The Coroner and Jury also expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Speculation as to the whereabouts of two gold rings MRS HARVEY was wearing at the time of her disappearance has been dispelled by the findings, at all events of one of the rings. Mr W. Tanner, of Newington-street, visited Coxleigh Wood on Friday and as the result of a search discovered the wedding ring lying at the spot where the body was found. He promptly handed the ring to P.C. Hockin, of Shirwell and subsequently reported the find at the Police Headquarters at Barnstaple. - Having regard to the extraordinarily morbid and unnatural interest taken in the affair by a certain section of the public, the date of the funeral was, quite rightly, not allowed to transpire. with Rev. J. A. Dobson (United Methodist) impressively officiating, the interment was made in the Cemetery on Friday morning, the mourners present being Mr H. Harvey, J.P., and Mrs Harvey (step-son and daughter-in-law), Miss B. Panting (niece) and Mrs Hart.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 February 1926
LYNTON - Sudden Death Of MR W. H. NORTHCOTT At Lynton. Inquest Yesterday. - Pained surprise, with deep general sorrow, was expressed in the wide Lynton district yesterday morning, when it became known that MR WILLIAM HENRY NORTHCOTT, of Lynmouth, had passed away with tragic suddenness after attending a meeting of Lyn Lodge, 3251, of which he was a P.P.G.D., and the esteemed organist, the previous evening. For well over a quarter-of-a-century the popular headmaster of Lynmouth School, and organist at St John's Church, Lynmouth, for even a longer period, MR NORTHCOTT was a commanding figure in the public life of the district. There was scarcely any institution of note with which he was not identified, and with whatever cause he was associated, he was veritably a tower of strength. - MR NORTHCOTT succeeded the late Mr A. L. Ford, J.P., in the chairmanship of Countisbury Parish meeting, being its representative on Barnstaple Rural District Council and Board of Guardians. He was Overseer for the Parish of Countisbury and a former joint secretary of the Lynton Pony Show. MR NORTHCOTT was the Chairman of Lynmouth Institute Committee and of several other organisations. MR NORTHCOTT was for many years the valued correspondent of "The North Devon Journal" for the Lynton district, and he was a facile and beautiful writer. A man of most warm-hearted disposition, beloved by hundreds of old pupils, who had passed through his hands and held in peculiar regard and esteem by the inhabitants of the twin villages, it is safe to say that no citizen will be more greatly missed. - Public sympathy is widespread with the widow and daughter, who herself is a widow with two daughters. MR NORTHCOTT was 61 years of age. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held in the Town Hall, Lynton, yesterday, before Mr G. W.F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - Mr Richard Slee stated that on Tuesday night deceased attended the Masonic Lodge meeting at Lynton and afterwards supper at the Royal Castle Hotel. He appeared to be in his usual health and was very cheerful. Just after supper when the speeches were in progress, MR NORTHCOTT collapsed in his chair and although Dr Courtney arrived within a few minutes, life was extinct. - Dr Courtney stated that a post-mortem examination revealed that deceased's heart was much dilated and there was disease of the arteries. In his opinion death was due to sudden heart failure. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The funeral has been arranged for Saturday.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 February 1926
BRIXTON, LONDON - Barnstaple Man's Tragic Death. - MR RALPH EASTON, who was found dead with his throat cut at his residence, Angel Road, Brixton, on Saturday, was a son of the late MR ARTHUR EASTON, formerly solicitor's clerk, of Victoria Road, Barnstaple. He served in the merchant service for some years, coming to the war with the Australian contingent and afterwards returning to London, where he secured employment and married. The deceased had occupied a large semi-detached residence for about six months, and had let out several of the rooms to lodgers. On Saturday, finding no response to his knocking on EASTON'S door, one lodger opened it, and was horrified to find him lying dead on his bed with a severe wound in his throat. EASTON was fully clothes, wearing even his overcoat. The Police were called in and medical inspection showed the man had been dead for some hours. On the floor of the room the Police found a razor. In addition to the wife, there is one daughter. - At the Inquest yesterday, the widow spoke to her husband having suffered from neurasthenia, the effects of the war, being very depressed as the result. It was further stated that deceased, whilst serving in France, gave his blood to save a companion's life. EASTON was in receipt of a pension and was in communication with the Minister of Health at the time of his death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Lady's Sad Fate. MISS STUART'S Body Found In A Wood At Filleigh. Supposed Death From Exposure & Exhaustion. Inquest Opened And Adjourned. - MISS ETHEL MARGARET STUART, aged 48, a sister of the Hon. MRS DENYS SCOTT, of "The Holt," Appledore (with whom she had been staying) disappeared whilst on a railway journey from Bideford to Dawlish on January 20th. Exhaustive inquiries by the Police failed to locate MISS STUART'S whereabouts; and on Friday afternoon it fell to the lot of Mr Fred Davey, gamekeeper to Earl Fortescue, to accidentally come across the lady's lifeless body in Yollacombe Wood, which adjoins the main road at Filleigh. Medical evidence at the Inquest opened on Saturday, suggests that MISS STUART had only been dead about three days. From the trampled nature of portions of the Wood she appears to have been there some time, her presence being unobserved, although the spot is within 90 yards of a busy main road, with a regular 'bus service over it. There, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, remarked, it seemed terrible to think the poor creature had been dying by inches for three weeks. After considerable evidence, the Inquest was adjourned until today (Thursday) for further inquiries and the evidence of MRS DENYS SCOTT, who, being absent in France, could not be present on Saturday. What MISS STUART did or how she existed after her disappearance is a complete mystery up to the present: and the Press are asked by the Police to state that they will appreciate any information from persons who may have seen MISS STUART at any time since January 20th, particularly on the road, or in any public conveyance in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple, Swymbridge or Filleigh. MISS STUART was 5 ft. 11 in. in height, with brown bobbed hair and was wearing a long peacock-blue coat, trimmed with fur, brown hat with quill, brown costume, white woollen jumper, brown shoes and stockings and she carried a "dumpy" umbrella and coloured shopping basket. Information should be at once communicated to any Police Station or Police Officer. - The Inquest was commenced at Kerscott Farm, Swymbridge, where the body had been removed, on Saturday, before the County Coroner for North Devon, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and a Jury, which comprised Messrs. J. Shapland (Foreman), F. R. Harding Nott, W. Congram, D. Densem, W. F. Pidler, W. Russell Shapland and W. Dyer. Also present were Supt. Shutler and Mr H. R. Bazeley, who represented the family of the deceased. - Coroner's Opening Statement. "Dying By Inches For At Least Three Weeks." - The Coroner said the Jury were called together to Inquire into the circumstances of the death of a lady - MISS ETHEL MARGARET STUART, aged, he believed, 48. No doubt some of them would have seen in the papers that the lady had been missing from Appledore since 20th January last. He should put before the Jury that day evidence that MISS STUART had from time to time been in a mental home. She was not absolutely insane, but at times she was, and rather frequently she got into such a condition that she was unable to control herself, and in 1924 she entered Wonford House - a house for mental cases at Exeter. From there she was transferred to a home at Dawlish, which was run in connection with Wonford House, but was rather more of a private nature. They would hear from the Matron of the Home that from the time MISS STUART entered the Home in May 1924, she made frequent visits to various friends and stayed away generally, it seemed, about a fortnight. In the last of those visits she left the Home on 22nd December, in order to proceed to Appledore to stay with her sister, MRS DENYS SCOTT. Evidence would be given that she arrived there and did stay until the 20th January, when she was seen off at Bideford Station. A ticket was taken for her to Exeter (Queen Street),and her luggage was placed in the train. The Jury would have evidence that a £1 note was given her by her sister on that day and also evidence by the Police that 19s. 6d. in silver was found on the body when discovered. He believed they would also hear that she changed the £1 note at Bideford Station before she left; so that there was a small sum of 6d. to account for. It might be rather important, that 6d., because the Jury would hear that MISS STUART having left Bideford, the Matron of the Home at Dawlish (Miss Nicholls) was to have met her at Queen-street Station. She would tell them that MISS STUART did not arrive, and thinking she might have got out at the other station (St David's) she proceeded down there. There was, however, no sign of her having detrained at St David's, and Miss Nicholls at once informed the sister at Appledore that she had not arrived. There the trouble began. Instead of the sister at once informing the Police at Bideford that MISS STUART was missing, no notice was given to them at all. Miss Nicholls also rightly informed the Police at Dawlish, where her Home was. The Police, of course, made inquiries that end, but it was not for some considerable time afterwards that the local Police were informed that this lady was missing, so that valuable time was lost in making inquiries. As they now knew, the body of the deceased lady was eventually found in Yollacombe Wood, a short distance away, the previous afternoon. Although they had made all the inquiries possible up to the present, they had not yet been able to find anyone who saw MISS STUART get out of the train at Barnstaple. He should here point out that the 10.30 train in which the deceased travelled only stopped at three places between Bideford and Exeter, namely, at Instow, Barnstaple and Yeoford. It was quite impossible that she could have got out at Instow Station; she was a tall woman, wearing a conspicuous blue coat, with a fur collar, and being known at Instow, she would have been noticed there at once. He (the Coroner) thought that she must have detrained at Barnstaple, but how she got to Swymbridge was the part of the story which they were unable to fit in at present. Of course, on alighting at Barnstaple MISS STUART might have gone to the Great Western Station and come out by train, or she might have travelled by 'bus, or walked out: and he mentioned the missing 6d., because it might have been paid in a 'bus or train fare. He (Mr Brown) had seen a notice in a newspaper that the lady was missing and any person who had seen or heard of her was asked to communicate with the Police at Exeter. Here, again, he thought that a mistake, because surely the local Police in North Devon were the people to communicate with. If they had been informed that this lady was missing the same day, they would have come to the conclusion that she must have got out at one of the three stations and diligent inquiries could have been made the same day, and when people's minds were fresh, they might have remembered seeing such a person. Nothing was done, and nobody knew what part of the world between Bideford and Exeter had to be searched. On the previous day, Fredk. Davey was proceeding through Yollacombe Wood, when he discovered the body. The Jury would know the road where it came around the bend, and the hunting gate near the plantation, a little way down past the bend, with a path going down by the side. About 100 yards down was a little gutter conveying water from a spring in the Wood and rising about six feet from where the body was found lying across the gutter. A further search revealed undoubted indications of two places in the Wood where this poor woman had been sitting about for some considerable time. The ground was trampled down and MISS STUART had evidently been sitting on the ground and leaning against an old stump. In the last place, about 6 ft. from the gutter, he should say she went from time to time to get water; and this was her last resting place. They could imagine the state of this poor woman with no food with her when she left Bideford, at this spot since January 20th. Dr Thomas would tell them that from the appearance of the body he did not think she could have been dead long. For a week or a fortnight, at least, she had been in the Wood without food, although she had been able to drink because there was water at the spot. They all knew the nature of the weather which had been experienced in North Devon of late, and although he was not yet certain as to the actual cause of death, he should say it was due to starvation and exposure. It was very terrible to think that the spot where MISS STUART had been sitting about was not more than 50 yards from the path, and not more than 90 yards from the highway, where there was traffic passing unceasingly all day. The gamekeeper would tell the Jury that he passed through the Wood many times during the period between the 20th January and the previous day. MRS SCOTT, deceased's sister, was away in France, and after calling certain evidence he (the Coroner) proposed to adjourn the Inquest. He should ask for MRS SCOTT'S attendance, because he knew the Jury would want to have the whole of the evidence possible why this lady who was known to be of weak intellect, was allowed first of all to proceed by herself from Bideford to Exeter and why inquiries were not made of the local Police at once on the 20th of January. "I am sure (concluded the Coroner) you will want to be satisfied as to that, because I think it is a terrible thing to think that this poor creature has been in the Wood dying by inches for at least three weeks." - Evidence By Matron Of Mental Home. - Miss Nicholls, Matron of Plantation House Mental Home, Dawlish, run in conjunction with Wonford House, Exeter, stated that she believed deceased first came to her on 28th May, 1924, having previously been at Wonford since January 1924. She left for a visit to her friends on 17th July 1924, and returned again on 8th August. She left again on 15th September and returned on 9th October. She left once more on October 29th, and returned on January 2nd 1925. She then went out for a short holiday on 28th February, returning on the 2nd March, and again on the 27th April, returning on 18th May. MISS STUART went out again on 17th October, returning on November 23rd, whilst she left for her final visit to her sister, MRS SCOTT, on December 22nd last, and was to have returned on January 20th. On that date witness went to Queen-street Station, Exeter, to meet her from the train arriving at 12.25. She was not in the train and witness then went down to St David's to see if she had got out there. She could not get any news of her. The train had left for Dawlish at 12.25. Witness first telephoned to Plantation House to tell them to take care and look down the line, and then she telephoned to MRS SCOTT. - The Coroner: You wanted to see if she had gone past Dawlish? - Yes. - Did MRS SCOTT give any instructions? - No; she told me MISS STUART had left on the 10.30 train, and she was making every inquiry at this end. - During this lady's residence with you, did she have frequent periods of lapse of memory? - Yes. - When she got like that what condition did she get in? - She used to lay in bed and would not take any interest in anything. - Would she take food? - Yes, as a rule she took her food quite all right. - How long would those fits last? - As a rule they lasted from two to three months before she was really herself again. - then she would come round quite normal again? - Yes; quite normal. - When was the last fit she had before this? - She began to be bad in May of last year and did not get really over it until about October. It was about September she began to pull up again. - In December when she left was she normal then? - Yes, she was normal then. - When she was in this mood was she fit to be left alone? - No; not to be allowed out. She could be left in her bedroom alone, but of course she could not go out. - Did these fits come on gradually? - Yes; they only came on gradually. She began to take less interest in things and did not take food so well. Instead of being bright and cheerful, she was very quiet. - And appeared dull I suppose? - Yes. - Had she ever been lost before? - Not when she was with one. - Had she any money of her own, or was she supplied from time to time? - She was supplied with money from time to time. - By her relatives? - Yes. - Was she fit to travel by herself? - When she left me, oh, yes. - But when she was getting these mental fits of course she would not be? - No; she never went away when she had got those. - Supt. Shutler: Do you know that once she left The Holt, Appledore? - She told me so. - About 3 years ago? - Yes, it would have been about that. - And she was then found at the Y.M.C.A. in Exeter? - Yes; she told me so. - Witness (on reflection) said she thought it would be about two years ago. - I believe, Miss Nicholls, you took some steps to get the British Broadcasting Company to broadcast her disappearance on January 20th? - MRS SCOTT thought that would be a good thing. She went to Scotland Yard and it had to be done from the Plymouth Broadcasting Station. It was done. - The Coroner: That is the very place, Plymouth, where you could not get it wirelessed from. - A man present here remarked that he agreed that it was said that it was useless, but one person in Appledore had told him MISS STUART'S disappearance had been broadcast to him through Plymouth. - Supt. Shutler said he had mentioned this fact to show that MRS SCOTT did what she could. Perhaps she did not know it was useless for North Devon. - "It was supposed to be broadcast through Daventry," the man previously referred to here remarked. - Miss Nicholls further stated that MRS SCOTT went to Scotland Yard but it was nothing to do with them. She then wrote me to have it done. I went to the Deputy Chief Constable at Exeter and it was done through the Chief Constable at Plymouth. - Supt. Shutler: You informed the Police at once at the Dawlish end? - Yes; and they met the later trains for me. - Mr H. R. Bazeley (to Miss Nicholls): You have mentioned that this unfortunate lady paid several visits while with you? - Yes. - I believe she travelled from Exeter alone, and back to you alone, frequently? - Yes, except once. - It was nothing unusual her travelling by herself? - Oh, no; she frequently had done it. She frequently met MRS SCOTT at Exeter and had lunch and returned to Dawlish. - At times her mental condition was such that there could be no possible harm in her doing so? - No, I considered there was no fear. - The Coroner: Has she ever been certified as a lunatic? - That I do not know. I have only known her since she came from Wonford. - Mr Bazeley: When she was at The Holt this time did you hear from MRS DENYS SCOTT about her condition? - MRS SCOTT wrote and said she was coming back. She was just a little quiet, but was quite well. - So that there would have been no reason why she should have come with her? - No; MISS STUART sent me a postcard. She did not say she was coming back, but was quite herself. She wrote a friend at Torquay saying she was coming back to me and would come to see her later. - Supt. Shutler, to Miss Nicholls: MISS STUART was a little bit off at times, and that was why she was at the Home? - Yes. - Nurse Who Saw MISS STUART Leave Bideford. - Ann Knight Poulter, nurse to MRS SCOTT'S children at The Holt, Appledore, stated that deceased came to stay with MRS SCOTT on the 22nd day of December and left on the 20th January. Witness went to the Station with her and MRS SCOTT also went and took a ticket for her from Bideford to Queen-street, Exeter. MRS SCOTT told her she had given her £1. MISS STUART left by the 10.30 train and witness saw her in the railway carriage. - The Coroner: Was there anybody else in the carriage? - I do not think there was. - Mr Bazeley: During her visits did you see her frequently? - Yes, sir, at different times. - Was she quite normal? - Quite; and in fact she remarked she was looking so well. - When she left on the 20th, she was quite all right? - Quite right. - Not quiet? - No. She got in the carriage, kissed the little boy and said "Goodbye" and shook hands with me. Before the train left I took the little boy past the engine and as it passed she waved her hand. - What had she with her? - Witness replied a basket, which she now identified, with various articles in contained. Among other things also identified were deceased's gold wristlet watch and diary, whilst 19s. 6d. in money was also shown. - The Coroner asked a question with regard to the luggage, to be informed by Miss NIcholls that this was put out at St David's because it was marked "Dawlish." - The Coroner next drew attention to the condition of the articles found in the handbag. In spite of being out of doors since the 20th of January, and the rain experienced, the articles were not soaked, most of the things being fairly dry. He thought MISS STUART must have had the basket under her protection and kept it dry for some considerable time, and that he thought also showed that she had been alive until recently. - Mr Fredk. Davey, who found the body, explained that the basket was surrounded by ferns and was covered by deceased's hat. Her pair of gloves were, he said, thoroughly soaked. - At this stage the Jury adjourned for the purpose of viewing the body, which Miss Nicholls identified as that of MISS ETHEL MARGARET STUART. She was 48 years of age. - The Coroner: Is she looking very different to when you last saw her? - Yes. - The Coroner: In what respect, thinner? - Yes. Witness also identified deceased's coat. - Mr Davey explained that the coat was lying between deceased's basket and her body. - The Coroner to Nurse Poulter: When did MRS DENYS SCOTT leave Bideford? - On Friday, January 22nd. - To go abroad, I believe? - Yes. - Do you know if the local Police at Bideford were informed? - I do not know. - Mr Bazeley: Did MRS SCOTT tell you she had made arrangements to have the fact that MISS STUART was missing broadcasted? - She did. - And did she also tell you that Miss Nicholls had communicated with the Police at Exeter? - Yes. Miss Nicholls had put it in the hands of the Exeter Police and she (MRS SCOTT) was sending up a letter for broadcasting. - And having put it in the hands of the Exeter Police they would communicate direct with the local Police? - Yes, I think so. MRS DENYS SCOTT thought broadcasting would be much quicker than putting it in the papers. - The Coroner: Yes; I was wondering why they had not broadcasted. - The Gamekeeper's Story. - Mr Fred Davey, gamekeeper, in the employ of Lord Fortescue, stated that on the previous afternoon he was ferreting about 2.30 in Yollacombe Wood, when he found the body. His attention was first attracted by the basket with hat on it, and on looking further about he found the coat and umbrella. - The Coroner: Where was the coat, was it spread out? - Yes, sir; it looked as if she had dragged herself out of it. A little further on was the body just below a little gutter. Deceased's shoes were on the left of the body, and her string of beads were two or three trees away between the coat and the body. - How was the body lying? - Right across the gutter, and the shoulders were in the gutter. There was very little water there. - Could you see places where MISS STUART had evidently been sitting and lying by the stumps of the trees? - Yes; and you could see where she had made a place to drink. - Have you been in that Wood frequently? - Oh, yes; sometimes twice a day. - Between the 20th of January and yesterday? - I have passed there perhaps twenty times since at all hours, night and day, and never heard anything. Witness further explained that MISS STUART might have been able to have looked up through the growth and seen him, but he would not have been able to see her. - You have never heard a sound? - Nothing. - Did you ever have a dog with you? - Yes, sir. - Did the dog ever show any signs of anybody near? - No; and I never noticed anything. Witness further added that about a fortnight previously he had burnt a tar barrel only a few yards where the body was found. - In the ordinary way you have passed pretty close to that place? - Every day practically. She must have seen me. - And could have heard you? - Yes; I have been there hours at a time and I have shot within a few yards of her. I have recently wired the path and hung rabbits up there and she must have seen me doing it. - Supt. Shutler: You saw beaten spots near the clothing as if someone had laid or sat there? - Yes, against the stumps of an old tree. - There were two other smaller spots? - As if she had rolled there. There was also a withy bush, which she seemed to have caught hold of and fallen back. - The Coroner: The spring of the water was only about six feet from where the body lay? - Quite right. Witness added that after the discovery he went up on the road and stopped a car going to Southmolton for them to inform the Police there. He did not see any car going to Barnstaple. - The Coroner here asked Miss Nicholls if she thought it likely that MISS STUART would have taken any notice of anyone when in the Wood. - No. - Is it consistent with her behaviour in mental fits not to have called out to Mr Davey? - Quite consistent. - She would have no fear, and not call out to him? - No, sir. - Post Mortem Revelations. - Dr F. L. Thomas, of Barnstaple, stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the body. He could not find signs of any internal injury, and there was no sign of any external violence. - The Coroner: How long do you think MISS STUART had been dead? - Not under three days, I should think. The organs were normal and healthy, but the body was poorly nourished. - In your opinion death was due to exposure and exhaustion? - Yes. - The heart was quite healthy? - Yes; everything appeared to be perfectly normal. - MISS STUART was missed on 20th Jan., and as far as we can gather she had no food with her. I suppose it is possible for her to have existed on water only? - I should not have thought she could have gone so long as that. - Supt. Shutler: About twenty days. - Dr Thomas: I think she must have had some food. There was a certain amount of fat about her, and she must have got some food somehow. - The Coroner: I saw an old paper bag lying about near the spot. - Mr Davey said he had often noticed paper bags in the wood. He had not missed any food he had taken with him in the Wood. - Supt. Shutler pointed out that there was 6d. missing from the £1 given MISS STUART by her sister. - The Coroner thought that this might have been expended in food. - Police Constables Depositions. - P.C. Durgess deposed that he was informed of the discovery about 3 p.m. the previous day, and going at once to the Wood, he saw the body as described. The basket produced was 25 yards from the body and contained the various articles mentioned. Witness also saw the coat and the places where MISS STUART had been sitting about. One could also see her footmarks quite plainly. - Mr Davey explained that there was nothing of this sort to be seen further up in the wood. - P.C. Durgess also stated that deceased jewellery was intact on the clothing - two little brooches on the jumper. - Supt. Shutler: She could easily walk into the wood from the main road through the gate. - Yes, sir. - Statement By Supt. Shutler. - Supt. Shutler, head of "A" Division, Devon Constabulary, stated that they received information that MISS STUART was missing on January 25th by the first post, through headquarters. Inquiries were immediately made, and the Constable at Appledore called The Holt, to find that MRS DENYS SCOTT had left home. After obtaining information the Constable communicated with witness. They at once made inquiries at the Railway Station at Barnstaple, but could not get any information, as it was too long afterwards. They also made inquiries on the 'buses, and at every Hotel, boarding-house and farm throughout the whole of North Devon, but no information could be gained. His men had been at it the whole time to try and discover the whereabouts of MISS STUART. - The Coroner: There was no direct inquiry made either to you or the Inspector at Bideford? - No; we received information through Exeter. - The Adjournment. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said that this was all the evidence he could put before them that day. As he had previously said deceased's sister was away and as he thought her evidence ought to be given he proposed to adjourn the Inquest until Thursday to give her time to get back. He also thought the Police would make further inquiries with the object of ascertaining if there was anyone who might have seen MISS STUART proceeding that way. It was quite evidence that she got there by some means or other, possibly by train or 'bus, if she did not walk; and he repeated that they should endeavour to ascertain how she got there. The extraordinary thing from the appearance of the body and the doctor's opinion, was that she had only been dead some three days. He accordingly adjourned the Inquest to the old Schoolroom, Swymbridge, on the following Thursday, at 2.30. - Nurse Poulter finally remarked that the Inspector at Bideford told her they had information that after MISS STUART'S ticket had been taken at Bideford on January 20th, she changed a £1 note. - The Coroner: She might have had a note or two extra.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 February 1926
SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Lady's Sad Fate. Fresh Evidence AT Adjourned Inquest. Inquiry Again Adjourned. - The adjourned Inquest concerning the death of MISS ETHEL MARGARET STUART, whose body was found last week in Yollacombe Wood, Filleigh, after she had been missing since January 20th, was held at Swymbridge, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, and a Jury, on Thursday afternoon. The deceased lady, aged 48, had been staying with her sister, the HON. MRS DENYS SCOTT, at "The Holt", Appledore, and she disappeared whilst on a railway journey from Barnstaple to Exeter. The Inquiry was adjourned on February 18th for the attendance of MRS DENYS SCOTT, who was at Cannes, and, in her unavoidable absence, through illness, Thursday's hearing was attended by her husband, the Hon. DENYS SCOTT, who gave evidence. The Jury, however, came to the conclusion that the attendance of MRS SCOTT was essential and the Inquest was further adjourned for another week. - The Coroner, Mr Brown, opening the Inquiry, said a cablegram was received from France, stating that MRS SCOTT was unwell and unable to travel, promising a medical certificate. Up to the present (proceeded the Coroner) they had not had the medical certificate, but he noticed that MR DENYS SCOTT was present. He had been able to gather more evidence since the last sitting, which proved that the deceased got out of the train at Barnstaple, and proceeded to walk from Barnstaple to Swymbridge. She had been seen crossing the Bridge at Barnstaple, at Landkey and at Swymbridge. - Mrs Annie Stevens, of Landkey, said a tall person passed her at the Castle Inn, Landkey, and was going in the direction of Swymbridge. She was dressed in a long blanket coat, of a colour which she (witness) would call peacock green. The coat had two or three rows of fur, fur cuffs and fur collar. The lady was carrying something, but what it was she could not say; whether it was a bag or basket, she did not know. - Mrs Ellen Fulford said she was walking up Barnstaple Hill, Swymbridge, on the date in question, and just above the Swymbridge School House she noticed a stranger going towards the village. She was a tall person and was carrying a muff, and she wore a coat, trimmed with fur. The coat was here produced, and witness said she recognised the fur, but not the colour. - Miss Ivy Chown (who was with Mrs Fulford at the time) said her attention was drawn to the lady by the bright blue coat she was wearing. The coat was of rather an unusual colour. She was also very tall and it was rather unusual to see a muff nowadays. - Robt. Gregory, cabman, of Barnstaple, said he remembered the arrival of the 10.57 train on January 20th last. There were, perhaps, six or eight persons alighted from the train. After he had been about five minutes a lady came walking out, and as she approached to pass him, he said "Cab, lady?" She made no answer. She was dressed in blue - a long blue jacket, he was sure of that. The coast was again produced, witness saying that it was very like the one he saw. The lady looked very conspicuous. She had a muff, he was positive of that, and was carrying two or three light articles in her hands. - Supt. Shutler: Did you notice whether she had an umbrella in her hand? - Yes, she had, sir. - Supt. Shutler: Did you take particular notice of her? - I did, sir, yes. - Matron Of Home Called. - Miss Nicholls, Matron of the Plantation House Mental Home, Dawlish, said she had asked MRS SCOTT on the 'phone if she had informed the Police at Bideford. - The Coroner: Do you know what the answer was? - The answer was - "Yes, we have made every enquiry." - The Coroner: "We have made?" It was either "we have made", or "we are making". - The Coroner: Had she been absolutely happy and comfortable at your Home? - Always, sir. - Did she make herself happy and comfortable with the other patients? - Yes, sir. - I believe she was a favourite and a personal friend of your own? - Oh, yes, sir. - During the time she was there who paid for her maintenance? - That I do not know; all that came through the treasurer, and not through me. - Have you had any enquiry at all from her mother? - No. - Not since her disappearance? - No. - Mr Bazeley (solicitor for the family): Is it of your own personal knowledge that MRS SCOTT has shown every personal kindness? - She has been splendid and MISS STUART was devoted to MRS SCOTT. - Reginald Hopkins, garage proprietor, of Dawlish, spoke to making inquiries for MISS STUART at Newton Abbot, Torre, and Torquay Stations. On his return, Miss Nicholls asked him to telephone to MR SCOTT at Appledore. MR SCOTT answered the telephone and witness told him what he had done, his reply being, "Yes, yes." Witness asked him if he could give any suggestion and he replied, "No; you appear to have done everything you can do." - Miss Nicholls also spoke to MR SCOTT. Witness afterwards went to the Police. - The Coroner: What did you say to the Constable? - I told him that Sergt. Phillips might know MISS STUART personally and would be able to make enquiries, without making it generally known. - Did you ask him not to publish anything? - Yes. - Did you say "You did not want any inquiries made or anything done about MISS STUART as MRS DENYS SCOTT had been informed that she is missing"? - Yes. - P.C. Mitchell (Dawlish) stated that when he found nothing had come through from headquarters, on the 24th, he telephoned all the facts to headquarters. The reason he did not report to headquarters before was because Miss Nicholls said the Police had been informed at Northam, and he thought everything was being done from that end. - Supt. Shutler: The 24th was a Sunday and as a result of your telephone message to headquarters this was circulated throughout the West of England? - Yes. - That would be received at Barnstaple on the 25th? - Yes. - P.C. Thomas (Dawlish) corroborated. - P.C. Wilcocks, stationed at Appledore, said he first received information of MISS STUART'S disappearance on Wednesday, January 27th from Sergt. Challis, who had received information from the county headquarters at Exeter. He made every inquiry at boarding-houses all round, but without result. - Captain, the HON DENYS SCOTT, the brother-in-law of the deceased, said MISS STUART came to stay at his house on December 22nd and left on the 20th of January. Her condition during that time was perfectly normal; she was very well and quite happy. Just prior to the 20th she might have been a little quiet, but nothing noticeable. She seemed to eat alright. MISS STUART was quite normal on the morning of January 209th when she shook hands and thanked him for the visit. MRS SCOTT later received a telephone message from Miss Nichols to the effect that she had not arrived, and witness received a later telephone message, evidently from Mr Hopkins, garage proprietor, Dawlish, although he did not then know who it was. - The Coroner: As a matter of fact, were the Police at Northam or Bideford informed? - They were not informed. - Why? - Because we heard that Miss Nichols was informing the police. - I believe MISS STUART had disappeared before? - Yes, for about a week. - After you had heard on the 20th, did you do nothing to wards locating her? - Well, of course, we had no idea where to look for her. All we knew was that the Police had been informed about it, and we were in telephone communication with the Home at Dawlish frequently that afternoon and evening. - And the next day? - The next day we telephoned again and my eldest boy wrote a short letter to the Broadcasting Company in London, asking them to broadcast the fact. - As a matter of fact it was not broadcast from London or Daventry, but from Plymouth? - Yes. - Did you make any inquiries at the places where the train stopped to know where she had gone? - No, that did not occur to us at all. We thought she had gone right on to Exeter, and missed Miss Nicholls. It never occurred to us that she might not have been on the way, that she had not arrived. - MRS SCOTT received a notification from the Police on Saturday last of the finding of the body and a request to attend today. Now, will you tell the Jury why she is not here? - When I opened the telegram and read it to MRS SCOTT, she completely collapsed. I saw she was not in a fit state to travel and so I went to see the Vice-Consul, and he said it would be alright, and that he would get a medical certificate saying that she was not fit to travel, which he sent to the Police. - It has not been received yet; when did you leave? - I left on Tuesday. - She was not fit to travel then? - No, completely knocked up. - The Coroner: Do you know who paid for MISS STUART'S maintenance? - I understand her mother did. - I believe you and MRS SCOTT left Bideford on your way to France on the 22nd? - Yes, sir; we spent some few days in London. - and while in France did you get any news as the result of the inquiries? - We were receiving our letters regularly, but heard no news until we received the telegram announcing her death. - Didn't you think it necessary to take some further steps? - Well, one didn't know what further steps to take. We were told the same day that the Police had been informed, and we were quite powerless to do anything, whatever happened. We did not know where to look. She might have been anywhere. The same thing happened before; we felt perfectly certain that everything was all right, and that at any moment she might return. - Do you know that the previous occasion when she disappeared she was put in an Asylum and certified as a lunatic? - Not after she disappeared. - Mr Bazeley (interposing): I understand she was certified and then disappeared. - Did you think it was perfectly safe to send her by herself to Exeter? - Yes, I did. - You could have sent her, of course, by car? - Yes, it would have been possible. - And do you know what money she had on her? - So far as I am aware, I do not know that she had more than £1. My wife gave her £1 and bought her railway ticket for her. - Did you know that that train only stopped at four stations between here and Exeter? - I was not aware of that. - If you had been would you have made inquiries at those four different places to see if she got out at either? - Certainly. - An Error In Broadcasting. - MR DENYS SCOTT, proceeding, said his wife went with him to the Broadcasting Company, and asked them to broadcast a message and they said they could not do it without the authority of Scotland Yard, where they went and asked for authority and were told they could not do it without the permission of the Exeter Police. They suggested it should be broadcast from Plymouth, which was done. - Supt. Shutler: They did not know North Devon did not get Plymouth broadcast. - Witness: Scotland Yard did not. It was apparently broadcast from Plymouth, but it never reached North Devon. - Answering Mr Bazeley, MR SCOTT said that after visiting the broadcasting people and Scotland Yard, and taking all possible steps he could, he did not see how he could do any possible good by remaining in England. - Mr Bazeley: You thought MISS STUART would turn up? - Yes. - And you, I think, would take the full responsibility upon yourself of going abroad? - Certainly. - Did you mention the matter to your wife? - Yes, and I put it to her that I did not see that we could do any good. We discussed whether we should stay and I said "I don't think we can do any more," and my wife gave in to me and we went abroad. - And it is an absolute fact that the state of your wife's health renders it absolutely impossible for her to be here today? - Quite right. - And may I still further say that the state of your wife's health is such that you cannot, with equanimity, contemplate her being put to this ordeal, even at any future date? - I don't think she could possibly stand it. - And you have come here as soon as you possibly can, travelling almost night and day? - Yes. - You made the fullest inquiry into the matter? - Certainly. - And if there is error of judgment? - I take the full responsibility. - The Coroner: At the end of the first week after you got over to France, were you anxious that she had not been found? - Yes, sir. And at the end of the second week didn't you think it your bounden duty to come back? - It is a very difficult question, because when she had disappeared before everything had turned out well. Naturally, one is always anxious when someone disappears, one knows, but, taking into consideration the previous cases, I thought almost every day we should get news that she had come back. - Knowing this woman had been, since 1909, a person of unsound mind, at the end of the third week didn't you really think one of you ought to have come back? - Well, one didn't know what to think. - When you remember it was your wife's sister and she was staying in your house when last seen, and she left your house and was never seen again, didn't it occur to you that "I must see to this woman. I am responsible? " - I must say that I could not see what I could possibly do. I knew perfectly well the Police had been informed the same day and I didn't know what one could do. If I had come back, what could I have done, if I had hunted the whole coast of Devon? - The Coroner: There seems a terrible disparity of evidence. You did not make sure by informing the Police at Bideford or Appledore, and the Police at Dawlish were given the limited information that they were not to do anything. Witness: I was not aware of that. - The Coroner: You did not inform the Police at Bideford or Appledore? - I did not think she was at our end at all. - But you knew that man (Mr Hopkins) made inquiries at St David's and down the line while the scent was hot and with negative results? - You did not give the Police fair play? - I could not tell. I did not know that she had not gone beyond Exeter. - But we could have narrowed it down to between Barnstaple and Exeter? - There was nothing to tell us she had not got out and missed Miss Nicholls at Exeter. - Coroner: The instant I heard of it I made up my mind she had got out at Barnstaple. - It never occurred to us at all that the Police at our end had not been informed. - That seems the pity of it - not making quite sure. - Mr Bazeley: There was MISS STUART'S mother in Scotland, a brother in England and another sister of MISS STUART also in England and you were not the only people - except for the fact that she left your house - you were not the only people who were responsible for her? - No. - The Coroner: Was the mother informed? - Her mother was informed, of course. - She seems to take a light view? - Yes; I am afraid she has not taken much trouble. - Supt. Shutler gave particulars of MISS STUART'S mental history. She was certified in 1909 going to Isleworth and had been in several homes. In 1920 she escaped and was found staying with her sister at Crowborough. Again she had absconded, and engaged herself in a situation in London in domestic service. She was sent to the Surrey County Hospital, where she was constantly muttering to herself in an unintelligible manner. At times she was noisy and destructive and had thrown food over the nurses when they attempted to feed her. He mentioned that as a possible explanation of why she did not get food when she was missing, although she had money in her pocket. In 1923 she appeared to have gone to The Holt, Appledore, and to have gone away from there, when she was found in Exeter in the Y.W.C.A. Then she was sent back to the Surrey County Hospital again until October 1923 and later came under the care of Wonford, where she went in voluntarily and was not certified. - Upon the Jury coming into Court after a short retirement, they considered that MRS SCOTT should attend. - The Coroner thereupon fixed the date of the adjournment for today (Thursday). - Mr Bazeley: If the doctor's certificate says she is unable to travel, you will have to be satisfied with the medical evidence. - The Coroner thought it would be in the interests of all concerned to get the matter cleared up.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Guildhall Tragedy. Yeovil Gentleman Expires Suddenly. - Marked by a tragic occurrence was the conclusion of the public examination of Mr Percy Lee, coal merchant, of Bideford, at the sitting of Barnstaple Bankruptcy Court, held at the Guildhall on Tuesday. During the hearing a number of questions were put to debtor by MR SAMUEL WILLIE, managing director of the Direct Coals Supply Ltd., of Yeovil and Cardiff, one of the principal creditors. The examination was closed and the Deputy Registrar (Mr H.S. Barrington) had in fact left the Court, when MR WILLIE suddenly collapsed on the floor. Officials in Court and the debtor at once went to MR WILLIE'S assistance, whilst Dr Shaw was sent for, but death occurred within a few minutes. The body was subsequently removed on ambulance to the North Devon Infirmary, where the Inquest was held by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, yesterday afternoon. - MRS ADA ROSE WILLIE, the widow, of Yeovil, stated that her husband, aged 62, had a nervous breakdown six years ago, this affecting his heart to a certain extent. Leaving on Tuesday, he was in the best of health, though naturally worried to a certain extent by the business in which he was engaged. - Other witnesses were Mr F. T. Cole (official reporter at the Bankruptcy Court), Detective Bulgin and Dr Shaw, who attributed death to apoplexy. A verdict was accordingly returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 March 1926
SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Lady's Sad Fate. Inquiry Concluded: The Jury's Findings. - Concluded by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and a Jury at Swimbridge on Thursday, was the Inquiry into the death of MISS ETHEL MARGARET STUART, 48, whose body was found in Yollacombe Wood, Filleigh, after she had been missing three weeks. MISS STUART was a sister of the Hon. MRS DENYS SCOTT, of "The Holt," Appledore, with whom she had been staying on holiday and disappeared on January 20th whilst returning to a Mental Home at Dawlish. The Inquest had stood adjourned for the attendance of MRS DENYS SCOTT, who, when the body of her sister was discovered was absent in France, and had been detained there by illness. Accompanied by her husband, MRS DENYS SCOTT was present on Thursday and whilst giving evidence once completely broke down and wept for some minutes. She was again represented by Mr H. R. Bazeley (Bazeley, Barnes and Bazeley), solicitor of Bideford. - Supt. Shutler, Devon Constabulary, produced at the outset a medical certificate stating that MRS SCOTT was not in a fit state to travel when asked to attend the previous hearing. The delay in forwarding the certificate was due to the doctor's temporary absence from home. - MRS DENYS SCOTT'S Evidence. - The Hon. MRS DENYS SCOTT stated that her sister was with her from December 22nd to January 20th, and was very well indeed - in fact particularly well. She was quite happy at the Home. Witness saw her off at the Station, and took her ticket, having previously arranged for Miss Nicholls, the Matron of the Home, to meet her at Exeter. Witness gave her sister a £1 note and did not know that she had any other money, although she might have. She did not believe her sister changed the note at Bideford. - The Coroner: We have evidence she did at the booking office. - Witness added that as far as she knew her sister had no food with her. She had offered to prepare some sandwiches, but her sister declined, saying she would lunch with Miss Nicholls at Exeter. - The Coroner: On that morning did you think she was thoroughly fit to travel by herself? - Yes; or I would not have thought of sending her alone. I have always gone with her if I thought she was the least bit ill. - You knew she has disappeared before? - Oh yes, she has gone away several times, but she was so free at this Home I did not think she had anything to run away for. She was allowed to do exactly as she liked there. - Later in the day were you informed she had not arrived? - Yes, Miss Nicholls rang me up just as we were finishing lunch. - Did you do anything? - Well, I did not know what there was to do. I never thought of her having got out anywhere nearer than Exeter St David's. - Later in the day did they telephone you? - Miss Nicholls rang up late in the evening. She said she was informing the Police and I said that that was much the best thing to do. - Did she ask you to inform the Police down here? - No. I cannot remember her saying anything about the Police down here at all. - Miss NIcholls, in her evidence, says she asked you to inform the Police? - Yes, but I never heard her say anything about that. I said that was much the best thing to do when she said she was informing the Police. - You had no idea where she could have got out then? - Well, I thought St David's would be the first place she would have got out. - What was your reason for not informing the local Police? - I didn't think it was the least good. She had left Appledore and Bideford. - You didn't know she had left Barnstaple? - I never had it in my mind that she would get out so near as Barnstaple. When Miss Nicholls said she was informing the Police, I thought the whole Police everywhere would know. - You didn't think it at all likely she would have got out at Barnstaple? - No, I never thought of that. - As there was no news of her the next day, didn't you think it advisable to ask the Police if they had heard anything? - I never thought about it at all. The following day she went to London and at St David's Station asked the ticket-collector there whether he remembered seeing a tall lady in a blue coat having a ticket for Queen-street, and he said he could not remember seeing anyone so described. - Didn't that give you the idea she had got out elsewhere? - I thought the ticket collector might have forgotten about it. I still didn't think that she had got out elsewhere. - Witness proceeded to relate the steps taken to have her sister's disappearance broadcasted, remarking that she was told at Scotland Yard, Plymouth would be the best station for the message to be sent out. She did not know that messages from Plymouth were ineffectual so far as North Devon was concerned. - Having had no news at the end of the next week, didn't you think it was getting rather serious? - My sister had been away so often, even for three months at a time, that we didn't really think it was frightfully serious. - The last time, I believe , she was eventually put in an Asylum? - I think when she was away for three months she was in one of those mental places and they put her in another one when she was found. - Did you take any steps to find out from them? - No, I never thought of it. MISS STUART could never bear that place. Witness thought if she had gone or been taken back to anywhere where she had been before, she would have been recognised and information sent to them. Witness went on to say that her nurse wrote to witness the whole time she was in France telling her what was being done. "I didn't know what there was to be done," added MRS SCOTT. Letters took so long to reach her in France. Even the summons to attend the Inquest did not arrive for five days after it was sent. - The Coroner said if information had been given to the local Police at once they could have immediately set inquiries on foot. - MR SCOTT said so few people seemed to notice other people these days - they were so full of themselves. - The Coroner said he should have thought at least one hundred people could have seen such a lady as MISS STUART, conspicuously attired as she was, and carrying a bright basket. - Do you think Miss NIcholls did all that was possible? - Well, she seems to have kept it so quiet. - Was that at your request? - No; I did not wish to keep it quiet at all. I think if you inform the Police it is better to let them all know, don't you? - Decidedly. The evidence was that the Police Constable at Dawlish was told, and was asked not to make any inquiries? - Yes, I thought that seemed extraordinary. It seems such a stupid sort of thing to do. - Yes, that is what I want to get at, why there was this silence; it was through no instructions of yours? - No; it was nothing to do with me. - Mr Bazeley: May I suggest a possible reason it was kept more or less quiet at that end, was that at these Homes they do not like it known that patients in their care have got away? - Yes, it must be something like that. - The Coroner: Was your mother averse to her coming to you? - Yes, she did not like her coming out of these Homes at all. - Your mother knew she had gone off before, and was nervous? - Yes, she said she was always afraid she might run away or do anything like that. - Would it not have been better for someone to have gone up with her or sent her by car? - Well, she has been so often alone. I felt it was not like the Home before, where she was behind locked doors and not allowed to do anything. She was allowed to go out and do as she liked at Dawlish. She was absolutely free, that I never thought she had anything to run away for there. - Asked whether deceased had refused food, witness said when she had these extraordinary attacks she would not eat anything. Why she was in these Homes was she had to be forcibly fed at times. Once she (witness) was sent for at a Home where she was nearly dying and she was then like a skeleton. - The Coroner: Was your objection to informing the Police this end because you had trouble before? - No; when she ran away before I told the Police. - Didn't you rather complain the Police had worried you? - They asked a lot of questions and searched the gardens, which I thought absolutely unnecessary. I knew myself she was not in the gardens. - Mr Bazeley: You really had no objection whatever to informing the Police? - No. - Your reason for not informing the Police at your end was because you had been rung up by Miss Nicholls, and she had said she had informed the Police at her end, and you naturally thought, I suppose, if the Police were informed at her end then they would communicate with the Police down here? - Yes, that is just what I did think. - Witness added that apart from these attacks her sister was of a very happy nature. Her sole reason in inviting deceased to Appledore was to make her life a little brighter and she was terribly shocked and upset when she heard of her death. She did not know what she could have done had she remained in England. She expected to have heard that her sister had got into some work and would be found. She imagined her having gone to Torquay, as she always made for towns. - The Verdict. - The Coroner said it had been a long and trying Enquiry, but it was one of those cases which had to be probed to the bottom. Even if the Police at Dawlish had been informed, he thought the North Devon Police as well, should have been advised at once and every enquiry set on foot whilst the disappearance was fresh. The difference in the evidence was Miss NIcholls said she asked MRS SCOTT to inform the Police, and witness had said she thought Miss Nicholls said she was informing the Police, and that witness said "Yes, quite right." There might have been an omission, but he did not think a verdict attaching any criminal responsibility was justified in this case. - The Jury found that deceased was found in Yollacombe Wood on 12th February and they thought she had been dead three or four days when found. The cause of death was exhaustion through exposure and starvation. - In reply to the question as to whether there was anyone to blame in the matter by not giving full details of deceased's loss to the local Police, the Jury said, "Yes, there is blame due to someone not giving proper information to the Local Police." - Another question was: "Having regard to the deceased's past history, was she in a fit condition of mind to travel by herself," and the Jury's answer was: "People in her condition should never be allowed to travel alone in future." In regard to this, one Juror observed that they rather disagreed. - "Was there a duty cast upon any person to see that deceased was safely delivered to Plantation House?" was another question, and the Jury replied, "We cannot say that there was." - The Jury found that there was no blame at all attaching to the Police in the execution of their duty. - The Coroner thought it a very right and proper verdict. He thought there must have been some error between Miss Nicholls and MRS SCOTT as to really what transpired in regard to the telephone conversation, and it was an honest belief that each gave the proper version. Miss Nicholls did everything that was possible in sending the car down the line and informing the Police, but there was that rather foolish restriction that they were not to make any active inquiries. Otherwise, he thought the whole thing had been satisfactorily explained.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 March 1926
BARNSTAPLE - The Sad Marwood Accident. Death Of MR CONIBEAR - The sad accident (recorded in our last issue) to MR JOHN CONIBEAR, of Metcombe, Marwood, terminated fatally at the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple on Sunday. MR CONIBEAR was one of Marwood's best-known agriculturists and he was a familiar figure at Barnstaple. Succeeding his father (retired), he first farmed Burland for some time and for the last four years had been at Metcombe. He took the greatest interest in all affairs relating to the parish, and that he was held in the highest regard and esteem is shown by the innumerable sympathetic inquiries regarding him after the accident both at his home and at the Infirmary. Aged 55, he leaves a widow and two sons to mourn their loss. - At the Inquest on Monday, before Mr T. A. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, ERNEST REDVERS CONIBEAR, son of deceased, said his father told him he was driving a butt, containing three-quarters of a load of mangolds along a lane near his farmhouse, when he fell between the shafts and one wheel of the vehicle went over his head. His father had complained in December of heart trouble and had been medically attended. He had had fainting fits and had been in bed several days. After the accident the horse came home fairly quiet; it was the horse his father always worked. - Mrs Ivy Braunton, of Metcombe, Marwood, said on the date of the occurrence she was in the house and heard the cart upset outside. She called MRS CONIBEAR, who asked her if she would go and see where her husband was. She went down the lane about sixty or seventy yards from the mangold pit and saw MR CONIBEAR crawling on his hands and knees towards home, and he asked her to fetch his wife and Mr Brailey to help him home. She then ran for help and while she was away her husband arrived on the scene. MR CONIBEAR was bleeding from the forehead. They managed to carry him home and a car afterwards took him to the North Devon Infirmary. She asked MR CONIBEAR how the accident occurred and he replied he did not know. She did not think the accident was anything to do with the horse. Witness saw him about half-an-hour before, and he was singing and quite jolly. He had, however, said a few days before that his heart was not as it should be. - Mr John Braunton, husband of the previous witness, said he was in a field tying wood when he heard a shout. He immediately ran down over the field and jumped over the hedge, and saw MR CONIBEAR crawling on his hands and knees. He asked witness what he had done, witness replying: "You have knocked abroad the side of your face." Witness carried him himself for about sixty yards; then MRS CONIBEAR came and deceased did not seem to know her or understand what she said. He never said anything about how it happened. - Dr M. O'Neill, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, said MR CONIBEAR was admitted to the Institution suffering from severe shock and haemorrhage and when they got him to the operating theatre they found that the left side of the scalp was almost completely torn off. Death, which occurred on the 21st at three p.m., was caused by laceration of the brain, due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - P.C. Hocking, of Shirwell, said there were marks of blood in the road fifty yards from the mangold pit towards deceased's house. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said what had most probably happened was that MR CONIBEAR had loaded up his cart and was driving down the lane, sitting on the front of the cart, when he had an attack of heart failure and fainting evidently fell forward between the shafts and the wheel passed over his head. - He (the Coroner) did not think the horse was to blame in any way. It was a very sad case and he expressed his sympathy and sorrow with the widow and family in their tragically sudden bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Wednesday 31 March 1926
BIDEFORD - A Bideford Motor Fatality. Death Of A Little Boy. Coroner On "A Horrible Silence." - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital on Saturday into the circumstances surrounding the death of a five-year-old child, RICHARD JOHN CHIDGEY, who was run over by a British Petroleum Company's motor lorry on Friday. - The Coroner, briefly outlining the sad facts of the occurrence, said it appeared that the lorry, which had been stopped facing a wall, had to be backed before it could proceed, and before starting up to reverse, the driver (Leslie Rowland Kitt) went to the back and observed no children. His assistant also looked out from the cab before the lorry was started. The child had evidently gone unnoticed to the back of the lorry and the first intimation of the accident was the assistant noticing an eight-year-old brother of the deceased crying on the pavement and pointing to the ground where deceased's body was then seen between the front and near wheels, the latter having passed over it. Death took place about three hours later. - The driver, replying to a question by the Coroner, said he did not inform the Police. He thought if he reported it to the Company it would be quite sufficient. After going to the Hospital with the boy he reported the accident to the superintendent of his Company when he came back to Bideford later in the day. His instructions were to report accidents to the Company. - By Inspector Parr: He got those instructions from the printed book of rules. - Are the Police mentioned in the rules? - Yes. - In the event of your driving over a child and causing its death, you are placed in an invidious position, aren't you, by not reporting it at once to the Police? - Witness made no reply. - In any case, he Inspector added, witness did not report the matter to his manager until about three o'clock, although the manager's office was quite close to where the accident happened. - Mr Hunt (the local manager) said there was nothing in the rules about not reporting to the Police or not giving them information. The regulations were that they should not volunteer statements. - You quite see (commented Inspector Parr) the difficulty the Police have in making inquiries about these cases if they are not promptly informed? The first they heard about it was when someone casually asked them about it. - The Foreman (Mr R. Harper) asked the driver why he did not report to the Police, Kitt replying that he did not think the accident was so serious and he was studying the Company's regulations. - Wm. Geo. Ford, of Plymouth, manager for the Company for the South-Western district, quoted from the Company's rules, that should a driver be involved in an accident, every possible assistance was to be rendered to any person or any vehicle that was in any way hurt, but particular care must be taken that such assistance did not render the Company responsible for any expense incurred thereby, or that by such act they assumed liability for the consequences arising out of the accident. - The Coroner: That the driver should inform his superintendent at once? - Witness: At the earliest possible moment. - Do you object to their informing the Police that an accident has taken place? - It is the first thing they should do after rendering assistance. I will most certainly emphasize the instruction which already exists. - The Coroner said everybody had been inconvenienced by this - he would not call it conspiracy of silence - this horrible silence which seemed to have fallen upon everybody from the time the accident happened. He pointed out how important it was that the Police should have early information, so that inquiries might be made at first hand, measurements taken, and other evidence taken before it was obliterated. He did not see that any blame attached to anyone as far as the actual accident was concerned, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 April 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man Takes His Life. Gas Poisoning. - Going downstairs at 10 Summerland-street, Barnstaple, on Saturday morning, Mr Stanley Chas. Holway, a lodger, was startled to find MR GEORGE HENRY ESSERY NEWCOMBE lying in the kitchen with a piece of gas tubing in his mouth and the jet full on. Medical and other help which was promptly forthcoming proved unavailing and the body was subsequently removed to the North Devon Infirmary. A cabinet-maker by trade, MR NEWCOMBE had, since the removal of his wife to a mental institution some years ago, been living with his aged widow mother. He was fifty-six years of age. - At the Inquest held before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on Saturday evening, MRS MARY ELLEN NEWCOMBE, deceased's mother, who was deeply distressed, said her son had been rather depressed lately, his business having worried him. He seemed very low, and did not have very much to say. She thought he might have had financial troubles. His wife had been in an Asylum for 23 years, and sometimes he scarcely knew what to do with himself. On Friday night before they went to bed, they had supper together, he seemed quite all right and went to bed about ten minutes to ten. Her son had a cup of tea and she had no notion of anything being wrong. Deceased generally brought her up a cup of tea and when she did not get it in the morning she got up to see the time - and it was eight o'clock. When she got to the head of the stairs she saw a Policeman. - Mr Stanley James Holway, a lorry driver for Messrs. Starkey, Knight and Ford Ltd., said he did not see him a lot. The last time he (witness) saw NEWCOMBE alive was a day or so before, when deceased walked to Fremington. He seemed quite all right then. That morning he found NEWCOMBE just before seven o'clock in the kitchen. There was a strong smell of gas. The tube was disconnected from the gas ring and was connected from the bracket to deceased's mouth. He was lying on his left side. The gas was on full, and witness, having turned it off, opened the back door and took deceased outside. He then opened his shirt collar and vest and ran for the doctor and on the way informed the Police. Dr Leavey came immediately and applied artificial respiration, being assisted later by P.C. Squires. - Dr Killard Leavey stated that on his arrival NEWCOMBE appeared to be dead, but rigour mortis had not set in, the body being quite warm. Assisted by P.C. Squires he applied artificial respiration without result for about three-quarters of an hour. It was very obviously a case of gas poisoning. - P.C. Squires, who had searched all the living rooms, and deceased's bedroom, and workshop in Joy-street, informed the Coroner he had found nothing to throw any light on the affair. There was 6 ½ d. in coppers in deceased's pocket. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide by Gas Poisoning whilst Temporarily Insane," was sure all were deeply sorry for the relatives in their sudden bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 April 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Fatality At Barnstaple. Man Crushed By Lawn Roller. - There was a tragic occurrence on the tennis ground of Barnstaple Grammar School on Monday morning. FREDERICK WILLIAM LAND, 39 years of age, and single, in the employ of Mr L. Hopgood, jobbing master, was rolling the ground with a roller, weighing about a ton when the horse he was using for the purpose bolted, with the result that LAND was thrown, the roller passing over his head, causing instantaneous death. Mr John Worth rendered help and Dr Killard Leavey was summoned, but the man was beyond human aid. P.S. Milford also rendered assistance. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary, on Tuesday, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, WILLIAM LAND, of Chelfham Barton, uncle of deceased, said his nephew was quite competent to look after a horse dragging a roller. - Lewis Hopgood, deceased's employer, said LAND was an exceptionally capable man with horses; he was above the average man and was quiet, steady and sober. The horse was quiet in harness and had been constantly in the roller. Witness sent up a man named Gammon with deceased to help put boots on the horse. - Geo. Henry Gammon, also in the employ of the last-named witness, said he helped LAND harness the horse at the Grammar School. While he was there the horse was perfectly quiet. - John Worth, caretaker at the Grammar School, who witnessed the accident, said the horse, which had previously been at work quietly, suddenly made one tremendous leap and started into a wild gallop, drawing LAND in front of it. LAND had no control whatever. The horse knocked him into a wire standard and deceased fell on his back, and the roller went right over his head. The horse carried on and was like a wild thing. - Dr Gompertz, in the unavoidable absence of Dr Leavey, who had been called away to London on important business, said death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he did not think anyone could possibly be blamed for what happened.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 May 1926
ILFRACOMBE - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at an Inquest on the body of MR WILLIAM BAKER, farmer, aged 64, of Lyncombe Farm, Higher Slade, Ilfracombe, on Tuesday. - MRS BAKER, the widow, stated that on Monday her husband complained of a sore throat, and went to bed at about 4 p.m. At 6.30 the next morning he awoke and got out of bed, saying he was choking; shortly after he collapsed. When witness laid him back on the bed he died immediately.

CLOVELLY - Child's Death At Clovelly. - MR J. C. HILTON, of the Estate Office, Clovelly, and MRS HILTON, have lost their little eight-months-old son under peculiarly sad circumstances. The child was left asleep in a perambulator on the lawn in front of the house, but in the last of several visits to ensure that matters were safe, MRS HILTON was horrified to find that the perambulator had overturned, whilst the child was dead. The Inquest was held yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 June 1926
BRATTON FLEMING - A Bratton Fleming Sensation. Inquest Adjourned. Ministry Of Health Analysis To Be Taken. - At Bratton Fleming yesterday, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Oxenpark Cottage, on ELIZABETH SKINNER, aged 72 years, widow of ALEXANDER SKINNER, who died on Tuesday, after an illness just over a week. - ADA HOLLOWAY, deceased's daughter, and the sister-in-law, ELIZA SKINNER, stated that deceased said she felt queer on May 29th, saying she had a headache. She did not sleep that night and next day complained of feeling very cold. About midday on Monday last, she further complained of sickness and as she did not get any better Dr Manning was called in on Tuesday morning. Deceased, it was stated, accompanied her daughter to Barnstaple on Friday, May 29th, and while in the town they each had a smoked ham sandwich and later a fresh pork sandwich, together with some tea and cake at two different restaurants. The sandwiches appeared to be quite alright. MRS HOLLOWAY purchased a pork steak at another shop, which they fried for supper. Her mother partook of a little, along with other members of the family. None of them felt any ill-effects of what they partook. All partook of the same pork on Saturday. Deceased had been a very healthy woman, but had been "failing of late." - Dr Manning deposed that when he saw deceased on June 1st she had a high temperature, and complained of pain and distensions, with headache and shivers. She improved under treatment until Monday night, when she became worse. - Dr F. L. Thomas, of Barnstaple, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to acute inflammation of the intestines with subsequent pneumonia. Deceased had evidently recovered from the inflammation when pneumonia supervened. He could not say what caused the inflammation to the intestines. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry in order that certain organs might be analysed by the Ministry of Health.

BARNSTAPLE - Little Barnstaple Boy Drowned. Fell Off Lynton Railway Quay. - MR A. E. DART of 18 Yeo Vale-road, Barnstaple and MRS DART (who is employed in the ticket office at the Theatre Royal) lost their little five-year old son, ALFRED THOMAS DART, under peculiarly sad circumstances on Saturday. With another boy, Leslie Squires (son of a member of the Police Force), DART was playing shortly after four o'clock on the little Quay situated between Braunton-road draw-bridge and Pilton Bridge, when he fell into the River Yeo, a drop of about fifteen feet. With the tide low, there was only a depth of about four feet of water at the spot, but the unfortunate boy was apparently stunned by the fall and sank immediately. His companion and Miss Easterbrook, of Grenville Avenue, Yeo Vale, at once raised an alarm, whilst the latter also hurried to the Police Station for assistance. Inspector Leach, P.C.'s Wilshire, Squires and Bingham were speedily on the scene and directed a search in a boat, whilst Mr Fred Passmore entered the water, but some little time elapsed before the body was located by means of an oar. Dr J. R. Harper, who was also promptly in attendance, could only pronounce life to be extinct when the body was taken out of the waster. DART, who was an exceptionally bright and intelligent little fellow, was a general favourite in the district and public sympathy in fullest measure goes out to the parents in their tragic bereavement. - At the Inquest on Monday at the home of deceased's parents, Mr B. T. James, Deputy Coroner, acting for the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, who was indisposed, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - ALFRED EDWIN DART, the father, who last saw his son alive on Saturday about ten minutes to four in Pilton Park, said he was then sitting on the grass playing with Leslie Squires. His boy was in very good health and never suffered from fainting or fits. - Dr J. R. Harper stated that he was passing along the road about twenty minutes to five, and seeing a crowd he stopped, to be told there was a child in the river. He waited until they had got the body out, which was only about a minute after he got there. He started to try and restore the child. It was, however, quite hopeless, as the boy was dead and in his opinion death was due to asphyxia from drowning. He saw no bruises, and he had had no intimation that the boy had been stunned. It was plainly evident that the boy had been drowned. There was no sign of any injury. - Leslie John Squires, aged nine, said after coming out of Pilton Park, DART and himself went to the quay just by the Lynton line, "ALFY was heaving stones into the water" when he (witness) was leaving the quay and asked deceased to come with him. After he had walked three paces he heard a splash and, turning round, missed DART. He ran back and saw him floating in the water, and shouted and a lady came along. The lady told some boys and a lifebuoy was thrown into the river. Witness then ran home and told the deceased's granny. - Miss Edith Easterbrook of 4 Grenville Avenue, said she was coming into the town on Saturday afternoon about a quarter after four, and she actually saw the boy fall into the water. She only saw the two boys on the quay and recognised both of them. Deceased was going to throw a stone, when he over-balanced, put up both arms and was gone. She could not get in over the quay, so she shouted to two ladies just passing the Lynton line, and screamed for help. She saw two boys and shouted to them and they came and scrambled over the wall, took the lifebuoy and threw it in. It was, however, of no use, because they had let go the rope. There was no one else on the quay. - Fred George Passmore of 4 Castle Cottages, deposed that he was coming home from his allotment and was going over the drawbridge when a man came running up to him and asked if he could swim. He (witness) said "Yes, why what's up?" and the man said a boy was drowning. He, however, could see no boy, only a lifebuoy floating down the "pill." He did not strip because he could see nothing, but he sent his brother down for his boat and they went out and tried to find the body with the paddles. Later a man came along and he borrowed a bathing suit and found the boy with his feet. There was no sign of life when he picked the boy up. It was the first rising tide of the spring and was half out, and there was about three feet of water. He had heard no shouting. - Sand On The Quay: Children's Playground. - P.C. Squires, in answer to P.S. Milford, said the barges usually unloaded sand on the quay, and there was some sand on this quay. It was a great attraction for children to go there and play, but it was a very dangerous place for them. From his own family experience, he knew that children would go on this quay and play with the sand. Children used it as a proper playground. - In answer to Mr Matthews, who represented the Southern Railway, witness said that the sand was at the Braunton-road end of the quay. This, Mr Matthews stated, belonged to the Borough Council. The Company's gates to the quay were locked at the time. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case indeed for the parents and their sympathy went out to them entirely in their bereavement. - Mr Matthews, on behalf of his Company, endorsed the Coroner's remarks.

COMBE MARTIN - Tragic Death Of Combe Martin Resident. Farewell Letter To Wife. - Gloom was cast over Combe Martin on Sunday morning when HENRY THOMAS LOCK, 34, an ex-soldier, was discovered dead with his head in a gas oven at the house of his father-in-law. Deceased, who left a pathetic farewell note to his wife, hoping that she, who had been very good to him, would forgive the act he was about to commit, has suffered from acute neurasthenia, and on account of this had been discharged from the Royal Engineers - a corps in which he had held the rank of Sergeant. For some time he and his wife and two small children had been residing with his father-in-law at Budd Cottage, Buzzacott-road, Combe Martin, and it was here the tragic discovery was made. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest on the body on Monday, when MRS JESSIE LOCK, the widow, stated deceased had been depressed of late and although under the care of Dr Manning, of Combe Martin, did not seem to get any better. He slept alone and on Sunday morning about eight o'clock he was found in the back kitchen with his head in the gas oven. A pillow was under his head and an eiderdown quilt over his body, whilst all the gas jets had been turned on and a tube from a gas ring near his head. He had never threatened to take his life before, although he had sometimes wished himself dead. His illness seemed to be more than he could bear. - ALFRED JEWELL, brother-in-law of deceased, said LOCK took no interest in life. - Dr Manning of Combe Martin, in his evidence, referred to his attending deceased ever since his discharge from the Army. He (witness) was called on Sunday morning at about 8 o'clock and found deceased in the yard at the back of the kitchen. He had been dead a few hours, death, in his opinion, being due to gas poisoning. LOCK worried a lot - some days he was better, others very bad. He had never said anything to witness about self-destruction. - The Coroner: The man who says he is going to never does. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," was returned by Mr Brown.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 June 1926
MERTON - Merton Child Accidentally Killed. - MICHAEL KENNY, aged seven, has died at Merton, as the result of being knocked down by a motor car on Sunday. At the inquest, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, yesterday, Mrs Nelson, wife of the Rector, stated that she was leading a little girl by the hand, and deceased, with his sister, was walking just ahead on their way to Church. Witness heard a motor car approaching from the rear and the horn sounded. Suddenly, without any warning, the little girl KENNY ran across the road, followed by her brother, who was knocked down by the car. The car, driven by Mr Alfred E. Parker, of Morte-Hoe, was travelling at a reasonable rate and no blame whatever attached to him. - Supporting evidence having been given, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attributed no blame to anyone. the Jury thought for the general safety warning notices to motorists to approach the village with care should be erected as the road was narrow and had dangerous corners.

HARTLAND - Appledore Man's Death From Sea Sickness. - WILLIAM JOHN DOWN, 22, plumber's assistant, of Appledore, on Tuesday died off Hartland on board the schooner, "Donald and Doris," whilst on a voyage from Appledore to Antwerp. At the Inquest Dr A. W. Valentine said the cause of death was heart failure due to sea sickness acting on a weakened heart. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 June 1926
BRATTON FLEMING - Bratton Lady's Death. - The County Coroner for North Devon, Mr G. W. F. Brown, announced, at the adjourned Inquest at Bratton Fleming, yesterday, on ELIZABETH SKINNER, widow, aged 72, of Oxenpark Cottage, that the Ministry of Health's pathologist, who had carried out an analysis of certain organs of deceased, reported that no food poisoning bacteria had been found in them. It might be concluded, the report added, that food poisoning was not the cause of death. - Supt. Shutler thought the fact that deceased ate three different lots of pork at her age was the cause of the trouble. - Dr F. B. Manning, of Barnstaple, said no doubt the symptoms were there of poisoning, but deceased made a good recovery until pneumonia supervened. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 July 1926
SOUTH MOLTON - On Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Southmolton touching the death of MRS SARAH KINGDON, the widow of MR JOSEPH KINGDON, whose death occurred at the age of 82. - MR JOSEPH J. KINGDON, son, said that up to March 13th the deceased had been strong enough to sit at the bottom of the bed while the bedding was receiving attention, but on that date, while sheets were being changed, the Nurse momentarily turned her back and, as a result of standing up, his mother slipped and fractured a leg. A nurse had been in constant attendance for the past fifteen years. A doctor was summoned immediately after the accident. - Nurse Effie Board said that she had been in attendance on the deceased, who had received every care and attention. - Dr Arthur Charles Goodwin, locum tenens for Dr Baker, said he saw the deceased, in company with Dr Baker on Thursday and again at about 11 a.m. on Friday. On March 13th MRS KINGDON was seen by another doctor. When witness saw her on Friday morning, she was in a dying condition. The cause of death was broncho-pneumonia, old age and heart failure. The fractured thigh did not cause death, but it entailed lying in bed and contributed to pneumonia. - The Coroner: She had had every attention. It was Accidental Death, the actual cause being broncho-pneumonia and heart failure.

ABBOTSHAM - Nonagenarian's Fatal Fall. - The fatal fall of a nonagenarian inhabitant of Abbotsham was the subject of an Inquiry by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. MRS HARRIS, the deceased, 90 years of age, lived with her daughter and step-son, Mr and Mrs Moyse, at Claycott and enjoyed normal health considering her advanced age. Late at night, Mr Moyse heard a thud and promptly getting up, found MRS HARRIS at the bottom of the stairs. He carried her back to bed and Dr Ackland was sent for. It transpired from the statements deceased made, that she must have left her bed and gone to the head of the stairs while in a state of semi-somnolence. It was found that MRS HARRIS had sustained a broken right thigh and broken right forearm. She was made as comfortable as possible, but succumbed to the shock. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 July 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Cliff Suicide. Woman's Fear Of Unemployment And Old Age. A Pathetic Tale. - A sensation was caused in Ilfracombe on Sunday morning by the discovery of the body of a middle-aged woman at the base of the cliffs near the Tunnels Bathing Beach. It appears that the woman - whose identity for some hours was unknown - must have fallen from the Torrs Walk, for a young boy named Stanley Wright, who was on the beach at the time, witnessed the tragedy. The cliffs at the point where the fatality occurred rise almost sheer for a distance of about 250 feet, and death must have been instantaneous. When the Police were called by Mr Matthews, they found deceased on the rocks with terrible injuries to the face and body. Following investigations on the part of the Ilfracombe Police, it was ascertained that the deceased was HELENA JANE DAVIDSON, who had been residing in the town since Whitsuntide, and had also for a few weeks been employed as book-keeper at an Ilfracombe Hotel. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, a tragic story of depression, following a fear of old age and consistent inability to obtain employment was unfolded. - No evidence was given as to deceased's native town, but during the proceedings a telephone message was received from a brother-in-law in London. - Herbert Hancock, of Ilfracombe, at whose house deceased had lodged, identified the body. He knew deceased as MRS DAVIDSON, aged 52. She came to his house on May 25th and he knew she was out of a job and had endeavoured to get employment both in Ilfracombe and away. - The Coroner: Did she appear to be worried? - Witness: Yes, she was very depressed. - The Coroner: Did you hear her say anything about taking her life? - Witness: No. She got up about a quarter to ten on Sunday morning and had her breakfast. Then she said she had a headache and was going up on the Torrs, as it was her favourite walk, to "blow it off." Before going out she also mentioned that she was looking forward to a drive that afternoon. - Witness added that deceased was not pressed for money, and always paid up for her lodgings. She was, however, a woman who seemed "on pins and needles" - she wanted to do some work. One of her thoughts was that she was getting old and not wanted. - Capt. Archibald Vincent Crossman, Manager of an Ilfracombe Hotel, stated that deceased came to him on May 1st as a book-keeper in answer to an advertisement. She had come from another Hotel, but was not able to keep up with the work, being deaf and entirely unsuitable for the position. He gave her a week's notice after she had been with him a week. He had seen deceased walking about the town several times since, and on one occasion had stopped to chat with her. She had also called on him and said she was applying for another post and asked if he (witness) would say her work was satisfactory if referred to. She seemed a person of a depressed nature. - Stanley Wright, a young boy on a visit to Ilfracombe, gave evidence as to seeing deceased falling down the cliff face. He saw her when she was a little way down the cliff, and heard the crash of her body on the beach. - P.C. Clogg deposed as to searching deceased's property for letters, but found none; whilst the Police put in letters received that day at her address. One contained, the Coroner stated, a money order for £29 19s. 2d., evidently drawn on her account, whilst she also had a Post Office savings bank book with about £40 to her credit. P.C. Clogg also said that her insurance card, which identified her, had been torn up into small pieces. Her head was badly injured by the long fall, there were two compound fractures of the right leg, and the left thigh was broken. She was dead when picked up. He visited the top of the cliff after removing the body in the motor ambulance and found deceased's handbag. The spot where she must have fallen was opposite Beacon House and on a bank three feet high. - The Coroner said deceased had been depressed for some time, but had tried to get employment. One of the letters received that morning seemed to show she had tried to get into the convent of St John the Baptist at Clewer, near Windsor. the letter, evidently written by the Mother Superior, stated that on account of her age and health she would not be suitable as a worker to take the place of any sisters away on holiday. It appeared various things made her think she was too old to get employment, this apparently preyed upon her mind, and made her decide to take her life. She prepared for that by tearing up most of her correspondence. It could not have been on account of shortness of money that she took the step she did, as she had apparently sent notice of the withdrawal of the £29 19s. 2d. He had just had a telephone message from deceased's brother-in-law who said he was not surprised at what had happened as the inclination seemed to run in the family. He returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - P.S. Snell thanked all those who had assisted the Police in the removal of the body.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 July 1926
WELCOMBE - Visitor Drowned At Welcombe. Wife An Eye-Witness Of The Tragedy. - In the presence of his wife, who was also in the water at the time, MR FREDERICK GEORGE PARKES, aged 56, of Sandwell-road, Handsworth, Birmingham, cashier in a hardware firm was (as briefly reported in our last issue) drowned whilst bathing at Welcombe, North Devon, on Wednesday. - At the Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, on Thursday, MRS PARKES said about three in the afternoon she and her husband went into the water and her husband went a little further out into the sea than she did, getting amongst the breakers. He disappeared, and she saw nothing more of him. There was rather a high sea running. She immediately returned to the beach and called to Mr Oke and his brother-in-law, Mr Niemann. The latter entered the water and swam out to where she had last seen her husband. He found him floating and brought him in. Everything was done by Mr Niemann, Mr Oke and other visitors who were on the beach in the way of artificial respiration until the doctor arrived, but her husband showed no sign of life. - William Henry Niemann, a visitor to Welcombe, said he had seen MR PARKES bathing daily. Witness was on the beach preparing to bathe when he saw MR PARKES and his wife go into the water. He lost sight of MR PARKES, and within a few minutes MRS PARKES called to him and said her husband had disappeared. Swimming out to where he was last seen amongst the breakers, witness there found MR PARKES floating face downwards. A big wave then brought the body towards witness and he got him to land. Witness believed, however, he was dead then. During the attempt to revive him, it was found that MR PARKES had swallowed a lot of water. - Dr Holtby ,of Bude, who arrived about five o'clock, said artificial respiration was still being carried on, but it was evident MR PARKES was dead. The cause of death was suffocation from drowning. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning whilst Bathing," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 July 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. - Deepest sympathy was generally expressed with the bereaved widow and family when, on Monday morning, it became known that the lifeless body of MR GEORGE MAY, of 36 Coronation-street, Barnstaple, had been found hanging in one of the shed at the Pilton Goods Yard of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. MR MAY, who was 56 years of age, had for many years been an insurance representative at Barnstaple, being the principal agent of the Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society. A man held in the highest general esteem, he was always greatly interested in the affairs of the town, and for many years he was prominently identified with the Barnstaple Rugby Club, being in turn a member of the committee and joint hon. secretary. MR MAY was also a devoted Liberal, rendering particularly acceptable services during election times, and being in and out of season always ready to help the cause. MR MAY had had serious breakdowns in health in recent years and great pathos therefore attaches to his tragic death. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - GEORGE HENRY MAY (son), stated that for some time past - about two months in fact - deceased had been in rather bad health. At the beginning of June he had a serious heart attack at Ilfracombe, the result being that he lost his nerves. About ten years ago he was subject to neurasthenia for a period of nearly four years. He had lately been attended by Dr Dixey. He had never threatened to take his life. Since his attack at Ilfracombe, he had been very depressed, and was always talking about his illness, but on Sunday morning when he (witness) took him for a walk he was extraordinarily quiet, and did not even mention his depression. In the afternoon witness and his wife and child went for a walk and it afterwards transpired that they passed a house where his father and mother were visiting friends. His father saw them through the window and followed them with the expressed intention of continuing the walk with them. They, however, saw nothing of him, and when they returned home, his (witness's) mother was waiting for them, supposing of course that his father would be with them. They immediately went out to look for him, and failing to find him, reported the matter to the Police at about 7.30 the same evening. When they next went to the Police Station first thing on Monday morning they were informed of what had happened. - Mr Wm. Cooke, a signalman working on the Barnstaple- Lynton branch of the Southern Railway, stated that, that morning at about 6.30 he was walking across the Pilton goods yard to lock up the carriage shed, when he observed something hanging from one of the carriage doors. On going to investigate he found that it was the body of deceased. - P.C. Baker, who stated that he was accompanied by P.C. Squires on going to the goods yard, gave corroborative evidence. - Dr J. C. Dixey said that he first attended deceased after his seizure at Ilfracombe on June 1st, but he had warned him previously that he had a weak heart. About a fortnight after that he saw deceased again, when he was very depressed, and said that his mind was filled with black forebodings that he could not get away from. He saw him again on Sunday morning, when he simply said, "I am very much better" - a very unusual thing for him to say. He had a very marked tremor in his hand and could not look him (witness) in the face. He saw deceased's body that morning, and he should say death was due to hanging. MR MAY'S mind was undoubtedly unsound, in fact it had been unsound for some weeks past. When he saw him he should say he had been dead about ten hours. - The Coroner, in returning the above verdict, said that he had known deceased personally for a great number of years, and respected him highly. It was a very sad thing that he had been reduced to such a state of mind. He, personally - as he was sure everyone who had known MR MAY, would - sympathised deeply with the widow and family. - Detective Matthews, of the Police Department of the Southern Railway, extended the sympathy of all the Southern Railways' employees who had come into contact with MR MAY, whom they had always found to be of a most courteous and kindly disposition.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 August 1926
GREAT TORRINGTON - Motor Smash Near Torrington. Abbotsham Farmer and Two Sons Injured. - About two miles from Torrington, on the main road to Exeter, a serious accident occurred on Friday to MR SIDNEY WITHECOMBE, of Cockington Farm, Abbotsham, near Bideford, and his two sons, while motoring to Exeter market, the father being at the wheel. The car was by some means overturned and completely wrecked. One of the sons was found unconscious and the father and the other son were badly knocked about. A car belonging to the Torridge Vale Dairy Company conveyed the patients to the Torrington Cottage Hospital, where they were treated by Dr O. Flaherty. One of the sons was in a critical condition, suffering from a fractured skull, while the injuries to the father and other son were not so serious. - MR SIDNEY WITHECOMBE, one of the victims of the accident, passed away at Torrington Cottage Hospital on Saturday morning. - At the Inquest, before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, MR WITHECOMBE, senr., stated that his two sons and himself were motoring to Exeter and when approaching the corner the car began to gain speed. He put on his foot brake, when the deceased caught hold of the steering wheel. He (witness) remembered nothing more. The accident happened in an instant. - ARTHUR WITHECOMBE also gave evidence that he saw his brother grab the steering wheel. - P.C. Ford deposed that when he arrived at the scene of the accident the car was standing up the right way and all four wheels were torn off. The wind-screen and hood were broken. There was a mark in the road extending 75 feet which looked as if the tyre had burst and the car had been dragged along on the rim. In his opinion the car had capsized and again righted itself. - Dr O'Flaherty, who was called to the Hospital about eight a.m. on Friday, said he found deceased unconscious and bleeding profusely from the head. There was a fracture of the base of the skull. The sufferer regained consciousness, but died the same night at 11.50. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed his sympathy with the relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 August 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Drug Tragedy. Deprival Of Morphia Leads To Suicide Pact. - "The son shot his mother with a view to save her suffering, then shot himself, and at the time he was mentally unbalanced," was the Jury's finding at Thursday's Inquest on HENRY GUSTAVUS ZERFFI, aged 42, and his mother, MRS LILLIAN ZERFFI, aged 68, of Cama Villas, Ilfracombe, the two victims of a terrible shooting tragedy in the seaside town the previous day. As will be remembered, the mother and son were found shot through the head in their flat at Cama Villas and beside the lifeless body of the son was a Webly-Scott .455 revolver. MRS ZERFFI was the sister of COL. BOWYER, of East Bucks, whilst she has a nephew who is a Member of Parliament. - The Inquest was held in the son's bed-sitting-room, which was decorated with several clever, though fantastic, works of the son, who was an artist. The majority of the examples of the son's art were extremely futuristic, whilst one painting was particularly the work of an eccentric. Various daggers of curious design adorned the walls, and there was also the deceased's Army tunic, which bore the R.F.A. bade, Sergeant's stripes and the 1914-1915 ribbons. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, who conducted the Inquest at the ZERFFI'S flat on Thursday, at the outset described the whole affair to the Jury, of which Mr R. Fairbrass was Foreman. The woman and her son, said the Coroner, had been living in the town for some seven years, and there was evidence that the mother had been in the habit of taking morphia, and was attended first by one doctor and then was attended by another. She was attended first by Dr Osborne, then Dr Stevenson and directly after Dr Stevenson's departure from the town she consulted Drs. King and Gardiner. The result was, he supposed, that it having been found she was taking morphia in very large quantities, and having regard to the new Act of Parliament which dealt with the supply of drugs, the doctors naturally exercised great caution and did not give a certificate for any further supplies of morphia. There were letters left behind by the deceased which would bear out that she had been to the doctors and owing to their refusal to grant any more supplies, the ZERFFI'S became very upset and on Wednesday morning decided to do away with themselves. At 9 o'clock on the morning of the tragedy the son went into the kitchen and had a cup of tea with some whiskey in it, and then he appeared to have gone to his mother's room and very quickly fired two shots. The housekeeper could not get an entrance into the room because there was something obstructing the door - this afterwards turned out to be the male deceased's body - so she sent for the Police. On the arrival of the Police Sergeant and Constable they found the male deceased on the floor quite dead, with a bullet wound in his forehead, and the mother was sitting up in bed having been shot dead. She was shot in the head near to the left ear. There was a revolver close to the male deceased's body and two cartridges had been discharged. The remains of one bullet were picked up on the floor and the bullet which shot the mother was picked up in the bed. There was a letter addressed to him, as Coroner, in the handwriting of the son and in it he made certain allegations. He (the Coroner) was very cautious in dealing with a letter of this sort, and he treated it on the same lines as an anonymous letter. It required consideration when a person wrote a letter and made allegations of a very serious character against a professional man or men, especially when that person committed suicide and those against whom the allegations were made had no chance of disproving them, or recovering damage because the person was outside the pale of justice. He did not think it fair to disclose all the allegations which were made, but generally the son complained that in the first place a doctor had refused to give any more morphia, that Dr Stevenson took on the case and evidently supplied the drug up to the time he left the town and Drs. Gardner and King - acting perfectly within their rights and in a perfectly proper manner - refused to supply morphia in such large quantities as deceased had been in the habit of taking. The son alleged that the withholding of the morphia from his mother caused her pain in the body. People addicted to drugs, concluded Mr Brown, got into such a state that they could not do without them, and the dose went on getting stronger and stronger. When heavy drinkers were knocked off the drink suddenly they often became maniacs and it was the same with drug addicts. This was one of those very sad cases, and the evidence would show clearly that the male deceased had shot his mother and immediately afterwards committed suicide. - Edna Maude Bizley, housekeeper, referring to the habits of the deceased, with whom she had been some years, said the mother was the widow of HENRY CHARLES ZERFFI, and since she had a paralytic stroke 25 years ago had been taking morphia to "ease the pain in her bones," as she said. The medicine she obtained from the chemist's on doctors' prescriptions. On Thursday and Friday she was upset and said she was not having the medicine. She was depressed, and when not writing was crying nearly all the time up to Wednesday. On Saturday the son was very excited and seemed to lose his nerve. He cried for a very long time. - The Coroner: What about? - Because they could not get this medicine, he kept saying. - Witness added that he used to get very hysterical some days. On Wednesday morning about eight he came out into the passage and told witness his mother was asleep. He walked up and down the kitchen very excited, and in a second cup of tea put a little whisky, saying his heart was getting so bad he could not breathe, and was afraid he would drop. He brought the dog, which usually slept in his mother's room, to her to look after, and went to his mother's room. Almost immediately she heard the shot. She had never heard deceased say he was going to take his life lately, although three years ago he used to cry and threaten that he would do so. - The Foreman asked whether the son was also addicted to morphia, but the Coroner said he did not think there was any such suggestion. - P.C. Eddey, who, with P.S. Snell, forced an entry into the bedroom, which was blocked by the body of the son, described the scene in the room. MRS ZERFFI was sitting up in bed with a pillow in front of her on which was a novel, as though she had been reading. The book was Sapper's latest novel of "The Word Of Honour." On the floor was her son and near him a .455 Webley Scott automatic pistol. Both were dead, MRS ZERFFI having been shot behind the ear, and the son in the forehead. The bullet which killed MRS ZERFFI was found in the bed, and the other one went through the man's head and rebounded off the door-post across the room. There were two spent cases in the room, and four live cartridges in the pistol. A number of letters were found addressed for posting, and Mr Rowe (a London solicitor, attending on behalf of the relatives) said he knew the names of all the addresses. Other letters were addressed to the housekeeper, thanking her for her services and disposing of some personal effects to Stanley Coates, a friend. - In a letter addressed to the nurse, stated the Coroner, the female deceased wrote she was sorry to give her this shock, but there was no help for it. The letter added that the doctors of Ilfracombe, especially one she named, seemed to think suffering a joke. She thought otherwise, and thought doctors ought to try to alleviate pain and not to lengthen it. After a good deal more about morphia, the letter stated no doctor in the world would shut off a patient's morphia straight away. - The Coroner remarked it was a perfectly sanely written letter. - In another letter of five written pages to the housekeeper she asked the latter to tell the Colonel (deceased's brother) she could not face the suffering which stopping the morphia would mean and concluded, "Poor MR ZERFFI cannot bear to see me suffering, so that is why we are going together." - In a letter to Stanley Coates, the friend, she recommended he should have any money accruing from the sale of a book which was in the publisher's hands. - Mr Rowe remarked that there was a letter written at the same time and posted at his London office, expressing "thanks for all your kindness and patience," and giving directions for the disposal of the personal property. - Dr P. H. Gardner stated that he was in partnership with Dr King; the firm was Gardner, Stevenson and King a little time ago. Witness knew neither of deceased until July 21st when MR ZERFFI called, gave him an account of his mother's illness and her suffering, and told witness all about the morphia. This was with a view to getting further supplies rather than to his seeing deceased, witness thought, and in fact MR ZERFFI told him so. Witness said he could not do that, but the next day he called to see MRS ZERFFI, who was in bed. She said she took morphia four times a day, one grain, which was not a big dose for those addicted to it. She appeared to him to be an unusually intellectual woman. She was perfectly rational, in fact he would have called her a charming conversationalist. People addicted to morphia very often were. He found she had two "repeats" for bottles of morphia and that she had a third "repeat" signed by Dr Stevenson, to be sent to the chemist, when the second was out. Each of these bottles contained 160 grains of morphia, so he thought it his duty to go the chemist and stop the third repeat when she sent for it, making the excuse that Dr Stevenson had left the town. On July 25th he wrote MR ZERFFI a private and confidential letter to come and see him, which he did, and witness pointed out the enormous quantities that apparently were disappearing. Then MR ZERFFI said the chemist had refused to give the last repeat and witness told him that he (witness) was responsible for that. Witness admitted this and told him his mother ought to be in a home and pointed out on her own calculation of 20 minims four times a day, one bottle ought to last 24 days, instead of which it disappeared in five. Deceased pleaded very hard and in the end witness said he would order a half-strength solution on condition MR ZERFFI was referred to every time the patient wanted an injection and that he measured it. Witness did not know then he was not quite right; he did not know anything about him at all. He asked MR ZERFFI not to tell the patient about the reduced strength. Witness believed MR ZERFFI went straight from his house to Dr Adams and asked him to take over the case. Dr Adams came to him and witness gave him an outline and said the better course would be for him to go and judge for himself. - The Coroner: In those bottles was there enough to poison all present? - Witness: Enough to poison over 200 grown-up people. There were three bottles she could have without question from the chemist. I think the chemist was rather uneasy, but he had to obey orders. I think the three would have contained 480 grains of morphia. - The Foreman: Was this prescribed by a doctor? - Witness: The previous prescription had been prescribed by Dr Stevenson, who went away and he ordered one bottle and left he repeat orders for two others. Two had been had and there was still a repeat in the house and I thought it my duty to go to the chemist. - The Foreman: Is it fair to say it is rather unusual for a doctor to prescribe such a quantity as that? - Witness: I am bound to say I think it is. All I can say is I should not have thought of doing it myself. But he was going away and quite possibly may have thought it was all right. - The Foreman: Is it not beyond the law to prescribe so much as that? - The Coroner: The doctor can prescribe; it is the chemist who has to be protected. - The Doctor: I know of a case taking forty grains a day. An inspector goes around to inspect the poison prescriptions and the assistant at the chemist's said he did not quite like it, but he was bound to do it. - The Coroner addressing the Jury, said the son evidently decided to kill his mother and then kill himself. In a letter addressed to himself (the Coroner) there was nothing but abuse of all the doctors who had had anything to do with stopping the supply. He did not think it fair to publish abuse of a professional man who was unable to refute or clear his conduct; it would be manifestly unfair and would not lead to any good result or help them in their verdict that day. Dr Gardner and his partner, Dr King, did the correct thing in stopping the supplies, not only for the protection of the chemist, but for the protection of the people themselves. - The Jury found the verdict as stated.

BARNSTAPLE - AT an Inquest at Yelland, near Barnstaple, on Monday, on the five months' old son of EDWARD BALMAN, farm labourer, the Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 August 1926
ILFRACOMBE - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at the Inquest on MISS ELLEN LOUISA BROWN, aged 74 years, of 28 Church Road, Ilfracombe, (who died suddenly on Sunday evening), on Monday afternoon at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. - MR STEPHEN JOHN BROWN, brother, who identified the body, said he last saw her alive about a fortnight ago, when she appeared to be in the best of health. On Sunday evening he went to see his sister and found her dead on the floor, undressed. That was about eight p.m. - Miss Eva Conibear, with whom deceased lodged, said MISS BROWN came downstairs on Sunday and appeared very restless all day. She had a cup of tea, some bread and butter, and witness also took her some sago pudding, but she did not know whether deceased ate it. She last saw her alive about 5.30 p.m. when she saw her get into bed saying that she was going to go to bed early. She appeared to have been brighter then. - Dr H. B. Lewers said he was called about 8.10 p.m., and found deceased lying undressed and quite dead. He had made a post-mortem examination. The left ventricle of the heart was dilated and the valves were badly damaged, the mitral valves being practically non-existent. The kidneys were also in a very bad state and in his opinion death was due to heart failure, consequent on the condition of the kidneys. She might have died at any moment. - The Coroner returned the verdict as above. - P.S. Snell represented the Police.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 September 1926
NORTH MOLTON - Northmolton Fatality. Pensioner Dies As Result Of Fall. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest on WILLIAM DASCOMBE, 85, an old-age pensioner at Twitchen, Northmolton, last week. - Wm. Horne stated that on Thursday evening he was called by his daughter to deceased's house, as she had heard a noise as of someone falling. He forced the door and found DASCOMBE lying at the bottom of the stairs with his head against the door. - Dr Pratt Brooks, locum tenens for Dr Baker, of Southmolton, said he found a large bruise on the right side of deceased's head; death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. DASCOMBE died on the 6th inst. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BIDEFORD - North Devon Cliff Accident. Visitor's Fall At Bucks Mills. - A distressing cliff accident occurred at Bucks Mills on Monday, resulting in serious injuries to MR CLARENCE WIGNALL, 22, son of MR W. WIGNALL, of Messrs. W. Wignall and Son, well-known Manchester manufacturing stationers. MR WIGNALL, who has been staying alone at Torridge House, Westward Ho!, one of the centres of the Co-operative Holiday Association, had gone to Bucks Mills with one of the Association's excursions, some of the party having motored there and others walking out and motoring home. Between 11.30 a.m. and noon, while several were resting on the slip-way at Bucks, MR WIGNALL walked along the beach for a distance of twenty or thirty yards in the direction of Peppercombe. He eventually attempted to climb a cliff, but at a height of between 20 and 30 feet is presumed to have either become dizzy or lost his hold on the loose surface of the cliff face, and to have fallen down the cliff side, rebounding on to the pebbles below. - News of the accident soon spread, and willing helpers carried the unfortunate gentleman to Bucks, where the villagers provided every convenience. Dr W. Littlewood, of Bideford, who was in the neighbourhood at the time, was soon on the scene, later conveying MR WIGNALL to Bideford Hospital in his motor-car. It was found his skull had been severely fractured. - MR WIGNALL succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning. At the Inquest on Tuesday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - MR WM. WIGNALL, father of deceased, said his son arrived at Westward Ho! on Sept. 4th. He identified the body as that of his son. - Mr Edward James Price, of Wimbledon, on a visit to Torridge House, said he went with the party to Bucks Mills on the Monday. They had been resting on the beach for a little while, when deceased said he was going to climb the cliffs and asked witness if he would go with him. He replied, "No." Deceased went off alone and had climbed practically to the top when his feet appeared to slip and then his hands. Witness ran to the bottom of the pathway and found some of the party bending over WIGNALL. First-aid was rendered and then they obtained a ladder and carried him into the village. - Dr M. W. Littlewood said he saw deceased at Bideford Hospital about two o'clock in the afternoon. He was unconscious and there was an evidence of fracture to the skull. Everything possible was done for him, but he died at 1.30 a.m. next morning. Death was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the parents in their sad loss.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 September 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Motor Smash. Death Of Young Mechanic. Remarkable Evidence at Inquest. An Adjournment. - There was a terrible motor smash on Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple, on Thursday evening, involving the death of MR LEONARD COPP CAWSEY aged 21, of Huntshaw, situated between Barnstaple and Torrington. Dr Anderson, of Bideford, was motoring home from Barnstaple, whilst MR CAWSEY was motor-cycling into the borough, when part way up the hill the respective vehicles were in collision. Heavily thrown, MR CAWSEY sustained grave injuries. Help was immediately at hand, the unfortunate young man being removed to the North Devon Infirmary, at which Institution he passed away at 4 a.m. on Saturday. - MR CAWSEY had been in the employ of Messrs. Prideaux for about two years, and he was a young man who was generally liked. Twenty-one years of age, he was the eldest son of MR ROBERT P. CAWSEY, of Huntshaw, with whom and his family the deepest general sympathy is expressed in their tragic bereavement. - The Funeral. - The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Alverdiscott, the interment being made in the Churchyard, Rev. Oak Rhind (Rector of Alverdiscott) and the Rev. Davies (Rector of Huntshaw) officiating. The immediate mourners were the father and mother, and BRUCE CAWSEY (brother), Mr and Mrs C. Tanton, (uncle and aunt), Harry and Gladys Tanton (cousins), Mr and Mrs Yeo and Mr W. Yeo (uncle, aunt and cousin), Mr and Mrs Balman and Eddie Balman (uncle, aunt and cousin), Mrs Ruddicombe and Miss Copp (aunts), Mr and Mrs Ernie Cawsey and Bob (uncle, aunt and cousin), Mr and Mrs Percy Joce (cousins), Mr Jack Cawsey (uncle), Mr and Mrs Copp (uncle and aunt), and Miss Molly Copp (cousin), Mr Tucker, Bideford (uncle) , Mr Bater (uncle). [Note: Long description of other mourners and floral tributes followed]. - The Inquest was opened at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury comprising Mr C. H. Evans (who was chosen Foreman), Messrs. J. Turner, F. G. Smyth, F. W. Chapman, H. Dominick, H. J. Ackland, A. Slee, F. W. Channon, and F. W. Squire. Also present were Supt. Shutler and Inspector Leach (Devon Constabulary), Mr G. F. Lefroy and Mr Tom Oerton, jun., who respectively watched the interests of deceased's family and Dr Anderson. - The Coroner having briefly explained the facts:- MR ROBERT PERCY CAWSEY, deceased's father, gave formal evidence of identification. Twenty-one years of age last April, his son was a motor mechanic in the employ of Messrs. Prideaux, of Barnstaple, and living at home, went daily to Barnstaple for his work. - At this stage, the Coroner said he understood Mr Oerton desired to make an application. - Mr Oerton explained that he was really representing Mr McGahey, of Exeter, who was Dr Anderson's legal adviser. He went on to say that Mr McGahey was unable to attend that day, whilst another factor was that Dr Anderson had been seriously unwell since the occurrence and was not well enough to give evidence that afternoon. In answer to the coroner, Mr Oerton said he thought Dr Anderson would be able to give evidence on Wednesday. - Mr Lefroy remarked that Wednesday would be a most inconvenient day for him. He suggested Thursday for the adjourned inquest. - Mr Oerton said it would be very difficult for Mr McGahey to attend on Thursday and Mr Lefroy having promised to alter his plans accordingly, The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until 2.30 on Wednesday at the Guildhall. - There was an exceptionally large public attendance at the resumed Inquiry at the Guildhall yesterday. - The first witness was deceased's father, MR ROBERT P. CAWSEY, who was recalled. His son, a very strong young man and in good health, was a very careful rider and driver. He had been driving witness's car nearly four years, and also riding a motor-cycle. On the preceding Thursday his son returned home about 6.30 p.m., and having had his tea again left on his motor-cycle for Barnstaple, about six miles distant. At the Infirmary subsequently Dr Gompertz told him there was no hope for his son. - By Mr Lefroy: At the Infirmary on the evening of the 17th, witness asked Dr Anderson if he was the gentleman involved in the accident, and he replied: "Yes; he supposed he was." Witness said: "I suppose I have to thank you for killing my boy," and asked why he did not get out of the car and help the boy. The doctor's answer was: "I did not know there was anyone there." - Mr Lefroy: Did you notice or smell anything about the doctor that night? - I did. He smelt strong of drink. - Mr McGahey said his only duty was to tender on behalf of Dr Anderson his deep and sincere regret. - MR CAWSEY: Thank you; he did not that night. He did not say anything. - Mr McGahey: I do so now. - George H. Copp, farmer, of Roundswell Hill, Tawstock, stated that he was trimming his front hedge about a quarter to eight on Thursday evening, when the deceased (his nephew) passed along on his motor-cycle and said "Good night, uncle." CAWSEY was not riding fast and appeared to be all right. - Mr Supt. Shutler: It was about two miles from where the accident occurred. - Francis J. Redman, clerk, of Ladysmith Villas, Sticklepath, informed the Court that he was reading in a downstairs room between 8.15 and 8.30 when he heard a noise outside. Going to the front door, witness saw an accident had taken place a few yards above the house. A motor-car was facing up Sticklepath Hill on the right hand side close to the footpath. Witness ran up and found a motor-cyclist lying over his machine, with his foot trapped between the cycle and the motor-car. Two other gentlemen then appeared. They were unable to move the motor-cycle, and someone suggested backing the car. Dr Anderson twice started the engine, but CAWSEY could not bear the sound and it was stopped. The front wheels of the car were then eased and the car, then moved backwards; and in this way CAWSEY'S foot was released. Witness afterwards accompanied CAWSEY to the North Devon Infirmary in a waiting motor-car. He asked him if he was on the right side - meaning the correct side - when the accident occurred, CAWSEY answering "Yes." Witness said: "What happened after that," and CAWSEY replied: "I do not know." When witness first went out of his house, Dr Anderson was sitting in the car; afterwards he saw him walking by the side. - The Coroner: Did he give any assistance or anything of that sort? - Witness did not see him give any assistance except in connection with the car. - Mr Lefroy: You were the first person on the scene. did you see any vehicle proceeding up Sticklepath towards Bideford than the car in question when you first got out? - No. - Did you see any vehicle other than Mr Webber's taxi-cab lower down and proceeding up the hill? - No. - Further asked if Dr Anderson attempted to make any examination of CAWSEY, help to render first aid, or give any directions about taking him to the infirmary, witness replied "No." - The Coroner: Did you notice any car, horse and trap, or any vehicle with lights on it going up the hill the proper side of the road? - I did not notice anything. - Mr McGahey: Did you see the doctor hold up his hand and shout to a char-a-banc coming down the hill? - No. - It may have taken place before you came up? - Yes. - Rumour is very prevalent about this thing. Did you form any opinion as to the sobriety of the doctor? - No. - You did not notice anything in his condition as to justify you in saying he was the worse for liquor? - No. - How far was the car from the right-hand kerb when you came out of the house? - I cannot say - about six inches to one foot, roughly. - Kenneth G. Sanders, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, stated that CAWSEY was admitted to the Institution suffering from slight concussion, a fracture of the right thigh and lesser injuries. He was quite sensible that evening, but made no statement about the collision. About five o'clock next morning CAWSEY'S breathing changed, and he became unconscious. Dr Gompertz was also summoned. Death occurred at 3.50 the following morning. A post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the base of the skull. Death was due to compression of the brain. - Ernest Webber, a local taxi-cab driver, stated that he was on his way to Eastleigh when he observed that an accident had occurred and a man was holding up CAWSEY by the arms. Witness went on to speak of the help he gave and agreed that the car was about six inches from the kerb. - Mr Lefroy: When you first went to the car was there a Hardy-Colwill char-a-banc about? - None that I noticed. There was one when I finished. - Mr McGahey suggested that a Hardy-Colwill motor 'bus had been stopped by Dr Anderson before witness reached the scene. - Witness replied that he held up his hand and stopped the bus just before he left. - Arthur P. Kerslake, smith, of Sticklepath, who helped immediately after the collision, was next called. - Mr Lefroy: Do you remember a Hardy-Colwill bus coming on the scene? - I do not. - Miss Rose Gayton, of Bickington, stated that about 8.10 p.m. she was cycling into Barnstaple in company with Mr F. Pugsley. They were nearing the bottom of the hill when they saw a motor-car with two bright lights and travelling fairly fast coming towards them from Barnstaple. The car was on its wrong side and thinking it was coming into her she screamed and jumped off on the pavement. She did not know whether the car actually touched her, but the draught caused moved her clothes. Witness turned around and watched the car, and it continued straight up the hill until the smash occurred. She agreed with the previous evidence as to the position of affairs after the accident. Before leaving she hard Dr Anderson say: "I must get to Bideford." He then got into his car and started the engine and as the result first went forward on the pavement and then backward and up again. The road was quite clear at the time of the accident. - Mr Lefroy: There was nothing in the road to account for Dr Anderson being on his wrong side? - Nothing. - At the time o e impact was there anything else except the motor-cycle and the doctor's car in the road? - No. - Did you see Hardy-Colwill's char-a-banc coming from Bideford? - Nothing until the injured man was being put in the car. - Mr McGahey: The car did not come straight for you. It went by, but came a bit across? - If you like to put it that way. (Some laughter.) - Mr McGahey remarked that they were engaged in investigating the death of an unfortunate fellow creature and a professional man was gravely concerned. He suggested those present in Court should not indulge in sudden bursts of laughter. It was most improper. - The Coroner agreed that it was very wrong, not to say indecent for anyone to do anything in the nature of applause or indulge in any expression of opinion whatever. - Mr McGahey suggested that the car was two or three feet away when it passed witness? - Witness disagreed. She remarked to Mr Pugsley that there was going to be a smash, and almost immediately a collision occurred a little further up the hill. - If the doctor says he has a dim recollection of seeing a vehicle in front of him, ant hose in a char-a-banc say that coming down over the hill they saw the doctor's lights come out behind another vehicle to pass it, you could not be certain there was not another vehicle? - There was only one car after we came along, and that was the one that drive the injured man to the Hospital. - This answer was greeted with some applause in Court, and the Coroner gave a warning that if there was any further demonstration he would clear the Court. - Mr McGahey, to witness: Coming down over the hill before the accident, did you not pass some vehicle? - I am quite certain I did not. - In answer to Supt. Shutler, witness said it was not lighting-up time. There were several lamps on the hill. - The Coroner suggested that as there was a short bend just after going over the railway bridge, the lights of the doctor's car might have been turned a little toward witness as he passed her. - Frank Pugsley, railway fireman, gave similar evidence and insisted the Dr Anderson's car was close to the pavement on its wrong side. He judged the doctor's speed at 20 miles an hour. The char-a-banc came down Sticklepath some time after the smash. - Courtney J. Williams, music teacher, of Sticklepath, Barnstaple, also spoke to the position of the motor-car and the motor-cyclist after the accident. In trying to move away later the doctor's car went over the pavement nearly into his garden wall. Some of the people present protested that Dr Anderson was not fit to be in the car and on the advice of Mr Martin, the doctor got out. Witness admitted, in answer to Mr McGahey, that no doubt Dr Anderson had a shock as a result of the accident, and expressed the opinion that he was not normal. - Mr McGahey agreed that Dr Anderson was not normal and said he had not been normal since. - RICHARD E. CAWSEY, deceased's uncle, deposed that in the Infirmary after the accident, deceased told him he was coming down Sticklepath on the left side of the road, that the car ran into him and he did not remember anything afterwards. - Percival J. Blight, motor-driver for the Hardy-Colwill Company, stated that he was returning to Barnstaple on the evening of the occurrence and met two cares - one at the top of Sticklepath Hill, and the other about half-way down. A motor-cyclist passed him on the top and following on witness heard the smash. When witness got close to the stationary car, Dr Anderson help up his arm and shouted "stop." Witness pulled in behind and saw the injured motor-cyclist being put into a car. Witness later reported the matter to the Police. The care was on the wrong side of the road. From what he could see of Dr Anderson, he was shattered and flustered, but he could not tell whether he was drunk or not. - Supt. Shutler commented that one important statement by Blight that day was not included in his original statement. - Witness's reply was that he was not asked. He could see no reason for the doctor's car being on the wrong side of the road. - Mr W. H. H. Martin, schoolmaster, of Sticklepath, Barnstaple, stated that he left home in his car just after 8.15 p.m., accompanied by his wife and two daughters, and nearing the bottom of Sticklepath Hill he saw the car in question on its wrong side. Pulling up he saw the driver in the car and the engine was going very rapidly. Whilst there witness saw the driver engaging the gear and the car got on the pavement. Witness could not see the doctor's idea because immediately in front of him was a lamp-post. He went back and on speaking to him, realised he was not in a fit condition to drive the car. Witness suggested it would be better to leave the car where it was, and offered to give him a lift, which he accepted. Proceeding over the bridge, witness reported the incident to the Constable on point duty, and the Constable asked him to take the doctor to the Police Station, where witness expressed the opinion that the doctor was not in a fit condition to drive the car. - Questioned by Mr Lefroy, witness said that Dr Anderson's speech gave all signs of intoxication and he smelt of drink. On the way to the Police Station he told the doctor to pull himself together, although at that time witness had no idea of the nature of the accident. - "Did the doctor tell you what happened?" - He said very little except that the boy had run into him, and that he did not think he was hurt. He added "it was his fault; I was only going about two miles an hour." Dr Anderson said nothing about pulling out to pass a car. - Mr McGahey: Do you know how exceedingly difficult it is for anyone to come to a conclusion about drunkenness after an accident? - Yes. - Do you agree with him that anything else, any shock, has the same effect as alcohol? - I have had no experience. - If I prove that this man had had no sleep for three nights, that the only drink he had had was a small whiskey and soda, and after that a gin and vermouth, don't you think it might be more shock than drink? - I am not of that opinion at present. - With several witnesses remaining to be examined, the Inquiry - after lasting 5 ½ hours - was adjourned until today, at 11 o'clock.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 September 1926
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Motor Tragedy. Dramatic Evidence: Doctor's Love Affair. Jury's Verdict Of "Misadventure." - Before a crowded Court at the Guildhall on Thursday, the Inquiry was continued by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr C. H. Evans was Foreman, into the death of LEONARD COPP CAWSEY, 21, a motor-cyclist, of Huntshaw, near Bideford. On the evening of September 16th, MR CAWSEY, riding down Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple, was in collision with a motor-car driven by Dr Anderson, of Bideford. Death occurred in the North Devon Infirmary by the injuries sustained. At the Inquest re-opened on Wednesday, serious accusations were made by witnesses against the Doctor, one witness stating he "gave all the signs of intoxication, and smelt of drink." Following a hearing, lasting 5 ½ hours, the Inquest was adjourned until the Thursday. - At the commencement of the hearing, the Coroner said he thought it would be advisable if the Jury made an inspection of the damaged motor-car and motor-cycle, which were at Prideaux's garage and this was done. - An Eye-Witness's Evidence. - John Williams, motor mechanic, of Bideford, said on the evening of the accident, just before 8.15 he was with Percy Bright in a char-a-banc, in which there were no passengers, proceeding towards Barnstaple. He was sitting in the second seat behind the driver. At the bend at the top of Sticklepath Hill a motor-cycle overtook them at a spot about 250 yards from where he subsequently saw an accident had occurred. Witness saw the lights of another vehicle coming up the hill on the proper side of the road about 20 yards away from where the motor-cyclist had passed the char-a-banc. As witness proceeded down the hill he saw the lights of a car go straight across the road at the bottom of the hill and stop on the left-hand side as he was passing it. Another vehicle passed them going in the direction of Bideford before witness was aware of the accident. On the char-a-banc proceeding down the hill witness saw someone, whom he afterwards found was Dr Anderson, standing by the side of the car holding up his hand for them to stop. Witness then realised that there had been an accident, and he heard a motor-cyclist say: "Oh, my leg." Witness described the doctor's car as about six inches from the pavement on the wrong side of the road. He did not actually see the collision, nor did he hear the crash. When the motor-cyclist passed witness he was not riding more than 15 miles an hour. Witness helped to lift the front of the car and release deceased, who was underneath, his face being jammed between the axle and the engine. - Witness was questioned as to the other vehicle, Mr Lefroy pointing out that he and Bright, who was called on the previous day, were the only witnesses who had said anything about another vehicle, and witness replied he was sure of the vehicle because he saw the lights, but he could not say if it was a car. He was sure it was not Webber's taxi, which got there after he did. Mr Lefroy pointed out that two cyclists had said the road was clear, but witness reiterated that the vehicle passed, although he could not describe it. - Answering the Coroner, witness said one vehicle passed him at a bend on the hill and another about half way down. He thought the latter passed after the accident. The doctor said he was going to follow to the Infirmary in his car, but witness pointed out to him that he could not as his tyre was burst. The doctor walked to the car in which the boy was taken to the Infirmary, following people who carried deceased. Witness was positive about seeing the other vehicles, and at that time the two cyclists must have been nearly by the bridge at the bottom. - Supt. Shutler: Did you ever report to the Police that you saw the accident? - No. - Did Bright report to the Police that you were there and saw the accident? - Not to my knowledge. - I may tell you he did. Did you know that Bright told the Inspector he was alone in the car? - Witness said he sent Bright to report that there had been an accident. - The Superintendent suggested that witness was not the voluntary witness who came forward, as Mr McGahey made him out to be. He asked witness if he did not think it was his duty, if he saw the unfortunate affair, to report it to the Police, and not have left them to pick up knowledge in Barnstaple that a man named Williams was there. - Witness: When I sent Bright I understood he would say he thought I was with him. - The Superintendent: When the Inspector took his statement, Bright said he was alone. This was the day after the accident. - On Mr McGahey asking for the statement, which was produced, he elicited that on it Bright did not say whether he was alone or not. - Further, in reply to Supt. Shutler, witness estimated it was about 20 minutes from the time they were first at the accident, that Bright reported the matter to the Police. As Bright reported it at 8.15, Supt. Shutler commented that would place the accident at just before eight o'clock, which was before lighting-up time for number plates. Witness agreed there was no reason, as far as he could see, for the doctor being on the wrong side of the road. It was possible he pulled out long before he had any need to pass another car. - Supt. Shutler: Then he should have seen the motor-cyclist? - Unless he pulled out on top of him. - Motor Garage Proprietor. - John Henry Prideaux, garage proprietor, of Barnstaple, deposed as to seeing Dr Anderson with Mr Martin at his garage just after 8.30 on the night in question. Mr Martin told him what had happened, and suggested witness should fetch another car, saying he was taking the doctor to the Police Station to report the accident. On witness visiting the scene of the collision, he found the off-front wheel of the doctor's car on the pavement, the starting gear slightly bent, and engine smashed, but after adjustment he took the car to his garage under its own power. The motor-cycle was badly knocked about. Dr Anderson came to the garage later and asked witness if he could have his car that night, but was told it would take at least two days to repair. The doctor then asked for a car to take him to Bideford and as they were walking towards a taxi on the stand, Dr Anderson said he was only going two miles an hour at the time of the accident, and asked witness to claim heavily for damages. Witness replied that it was none of his business to claim. He had apparently been drinking and his breath smelt of spirits. "My impression was," added witness, "that he was in a muddled condition." - Mr Lefroy: On what grounds do you form your conclusions as to the doctor's condition? - The nature of his remarks. - Would you have let him driven his car away from your garage that night? - It is difficult to say. - In answer to Mr McGahey, witness said he had never been personally involved in a collision, and could not tell the effects of an accident upon a driver. He agreed that with the damage the car received, it was not surprising that it mounted the pavement when it started. - Supt. Shutler: Should you expect to see such extensive damage to the motor-car and the motor-cycle if the doctor had been only driving from two to five miles per hour? - No, I should not. - The Superintendent: Would you have liked to have ridden behind him if he was driving? - I should have preferred not. - At this stage the Court adjourned for lunch. - P.C. Abrahams gave evidence as to the measurements of the road at Sticklepath; it was a well-lighted road, he said. - Views Of The Police. - Police-Inspector Carr, of Bideford, spoke to seeing Dr Anderson at his residence at Bideford with reference to the accident. Witness told him the lad was injured and that his condition was critical. Dr Anderson commenced to make a statement, whereupon witness told him he need not say anything, but what he did say would be taken down in writing and might be given as evidence. The doctor said: "I don't want to make a statement, but I was simply crawling four or five miles an hour. He came round the corner and bashed into me, but he did not hurt me. I have had no sleep for the last night or two. Do you think I ought to go in and see him?" Witness told him that he must please himself as to that, and the doctor said he thought he would go and see the lad that afternoon. He added: "I was only crawling, I was in bottom gear, in fact I was waiting for a lady. Of course I am sorry the man is injured, but it was not my fault." - Mr Lefroy: What condition was the doctor in when you saw him? - Nervy, jerky. - Mr McGahey: Nervy and jerky? - He was very much so. - Mr McGahey: Would you be surprised in observing his condition to know that Dr Pearson, whom I am calling, will say that next day he was on the border line of sanity and insanity? - I can quite believe that from what I saw. My opinion may be wrong. - P.C. Taylor (Barnstaple) deposed at about 8.30 p.m. on the night of the accident Mr Martin, who gave evidence the previous day, accompanied by Dr Anderson, called at the Police Station and reported the accident. The doctor said he would like to make a voluntary statement, which witness typed. In it the doctor said: "At 8 p.m. on the 16th inst., I was proceeding from Barnstaple to Bideford, and on reaching Sticklepath Hill against the building site, driving at about five miles per hour, a motor-cyclist coming down the hill crashed into me. I immediately pulled up and then found the motor-cyclist under the steering-gear of the motor-car. He was extricated and conveyed to the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple. I have been driving a motor-car for three years." Dr Anderson signed this statement. - Mr Lefroy: Did you notice anything about the doctor's condition; was it normal? - No, sir. - In what respect was it abnormal? - He was not drunk, but he was certainly, in my opinion, under the influence of drink. - Mr McGahey inspected the signature appended to the statement and put it to witness that it was not that of a man under the influence of drink? - I should say not. - You say he was not drunk, but was certainly under the influence of drink? - Yes. - Asked to explain what was unusual about the doctor's manner, witness said he was throwing his hands about trying to indicate the way the motor-cyclist was going and mentioned that Mr Pitt, of Bideford, would see the matter through. - Further questioned, witness said Dr Anderson was gesticulating. - Mr McGahey: Then every Frenchman is drunk? - Witness: Not necessarily. Dr Anderson was unsteady in his gait, and was also thick in his speech when he was giving his statement. - Mr McGahey: If he was under the influence of drink, why did you not tell him he was not fit to drive? - Because the car was smashed. - You did not know that? - He told me so. - Why did you not detain him? - Because he was not drunk enough to detain, although he was under the influence of drink, in my opinion. - P.S. Milford, who saw Dr Anderson at the Police Station, said he appeared to witness as a man who had been drinking. - Mr McGahey: Have you had experience of shock at all? - Yes. - There is no possible doubt that the symptoms of shock are very similar to that of drink? - That is so. - What made you come to your conclusion that this man appeared to be drunk? - I would not say he was drunk. - I gather from what you say he was not fit for driving a car? - I do not think he was fit then to drive a car. - Whether his condition was due to drink you had no means of ascertaining? - No. - Supt. Shutler said Dr Anderson showed signs of having been drinking, but witness would not consider he was drunk in the real sense of the word. He had "had enough" and was a little muddled; his brain evidently was not right. - Two Doctors Called. - Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, said all Dr Anderson's talk about "two to four miles per hour" were symptoms of a dazed condition. Witness saw Dr Anderson on Saturday afternoon, and had Supt. Shutler seen him he would have probably said he was drunk, but he had had no drink since the accident. - Mr McGahey said it would have to come out, and he would ask witness if it were not a fact that Dr Anderson had conceived a most violent passion for a young lady? - Witness: I should imagine so by the way he talks to me. - Dr J. Grose, of Bideford, said Dr Anderson, who had been a partner with him for about three years, was not a teetotaller, but was a very moderate drinker. - Replying to Mr Lefroy as to whether it was prudent for Dr Anderson to go to Barnstaple alone, witness said he was able to look after himself. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said there was no suspicion that Dr Anderson took drugs. He knew that he had been up for three nights. - Thomas Beale, dispenser at the surgery where Dr Anderson lived, said the doctor had been different over a love affair lately. He had not had a night's sleep for weeks. The talk of his love affair had become boredom, he even spoke of it in his sleep. - Mrs E. Beale, wife of the previous witness, described the doctor as an abstemious man. Since conceiving his love passion, he had spoken about practically nothing else. He had not slept nor eaten anything, while he walked about the house at night. On the night of the accident, she begged him not to go to Barnstaple, as he looked so tired. He insisted on going, however, for "honour's sake." - Mrs Constance Pugsley, book-keeper at the Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple, said there was no doubt about the doctor's sobriety when he came to the Hotel. He there had a gin and Italian vermouth and later a whisky and soda. - Mr T. Oerton, solicitor, practising at Bideford, said Dr Anderson arranged to come to dinner, although witness must say he was not a welcome guest. He had this love affair and was boring to a degree in his talk about it and ridiculous in his behaviour. At the Hotel he started talking most foolishly about the girl. Witness never attributed his condition to drink. He was absolutely sober and fit to drive his car. - Dr Anderson As A Witness. - Dr Anderson, who gave his Christian names as James Colbourne, elected to give evidence, and stated he had been a doctor for eleven years, taking his degree at Edinburgh and practising as junior assistant at Bristol for some time. - The Coroner remarked that his name could not be found on the register for 1924, witness replying: "During the War I was supposed to be killed and was struck off the register in consequence." - Mr McGahey: He was a doctor all through the war. - The doctor, who spoke in a subdued voice throughout, submitted, in answer to his solicitor,, that it was a fact about his affection for a lady, and that he had not slept much for a month. On the Thursday he was engaged in professional work, and had had nothing to drink except the two drinks at Barnstaple. He wanted to go to Barnstaple, because he knew a certain lady would be there. - Mr McGahey: Can you give any reason why you were on the right-hand side of the road? - I have a vague idea that there was some motor in front of me, and I had to try and pass it. - How do you think you got to Barnstaple after the accident? - I walked down. - Did you see a lady on a bicycle? - I don't think so. - Do you remember anything about the collision? - I just saw a flash that struck me, when I pulled up immediately. - You have no recollection of going to the Police Station? - I cannot describe any individuals, but I recollect four or five Police Constables; I have a very faint recollection of a statement being taken. - Mr McGahey: You were as sober then as you are now? - As far as liquor was concerned, but not so clear in the head. - "You knew you were in an extremely nervous state" was Mr Lefroy's first question. - Dr Anderson replied that he knew he was very tired, and agreed that Mr and Mrs Beale asked him not to go to Barnstaple, but he wanted to because he had made a previous engagement and wanted to keep it. He thought by the time he got to Barnstaple he would probably be feeling better. He, however, did not feel better. - Don't you think it was a very rash thing, feeling tired and on an empty stomach, to take drink, especially spirits? - It was not much spirit. He thought if he had a drink or two it would buck him for dinner. His view when the accident occurred was affected by headlights, and he did not think at the time that the motor-cyclist was seriously injured. He did not remember somebody suggesting he was not in a fit condition to drive. The shock he had spoken of was the shock of running into the motor-cyclist. - Supt. Shutler remarked that they knew now that Dr Anderson had no injury that night. - This concluded the evidence. - Addresses To The Jury. - Mr Lefroy, addressing the Jury, first thanked them on behalf of his client and himself for the extremely careful way in which they had listened to the evidence. His position was not an easy one, because it was in no sense of the word a prosecution. But he would like to point out that whatever conclusion the Jury came to as to the fault of anybody in this accident, did not seriously affect that person thereafter. There were other tribunals which might have to sit in judgment upon this case, whether they brought in a verdict involving Dr Anderson, or whether they did not, though he wanted the Jury to wipe out of their minds any question of what the future might be for Dr Anderson, or, at the same time, what the effect of the accident had been for his clients. It was admitted that the doctor was driving on the wrong side, yet the utmost that had been said was a vehicle was sixty yards ahead of him in his course. That was not admitted evidence, but the utmost that could be said by any of the witnesses. When he (the doctor) took the wrong side of the road at that distance the onus was upon Dr Anderson to justify his position, and the explanation the Jury were asked to accept was that it was a sort of insanity, he being so upset about this young lady that he did not know what he was doing. The Jury had to say whether they believed Dr Anderson drove upon the right, if they thought that was the cause of the accident and whether there was any excuse or not. - Mr McGahey, also addressing the Court, said he could not but feel that he was surrounded, as he had been in the Court since that Inquiry started, by a hostile element. Even in his last word to the Coroner he heard a jeer and an insult from a man at the back of the Court. The Coroner had on several occasions threatened to clear the Court. Directly he (Mr McGahey) was instructed in the case and came to Barnstaple on his first visit in connection with the case, he was informed by a leading citizen of the town that his client had shot himself and he was informed of many other rumours concerning the doctor. He strongly appealed to the Jury to give a verdict in accordance with the evidence and nothing but the evidence. They must consider, he thought - he wanted to be perfectly fair, even acting as he was for Dr Anderson - that there was some degree of negligence against Dr Anderson, but he implored them that in considering the evidence not to find it was of such a nature as to mean culpable negligence and therefore manslaughter. - As to the doctor's sobriety, the Jury, he submitted, would be over-stepping their evidence before them if they found Dr Anderson was other than sober. It was unfortunate that his client's memory was so hazy. In his (Mr McGahey's) view the whole cause of the accident was Dr Anderson's mentality and the fact that he saw a car which he thought he was going to pass and pulled out, perhaps a little too soon, and as God willed it at that moment the cyclist, who had just before passed a char-a-banc on his right-hand side, and seeing on oncoming vehicle had quickly to make his way across to the proper side and would therefore be out of view of Dr Anderson's lights until he came out in front of the vehicle when the collision occurred. As to the doctor having driven on the pavement after the accident, that could be accounted for by the steering gear having gone wrong as the result of the collision. - The Coroner suggested that the fact of one of the tyres being down might have contributed to the car going on the footpath. - Mr McGahey, having expressed agreement, proceeded to closely analyse the evidence and said undoubtedly at the time Dr Anderson was suffering from shock caused by the accident, accelerated by the nervous condition in which he was, caused by want of sleep and the devouring passion of love for the lady referred to. He asked the Jury to accept the evidence of the witnesses Bright and Williams, who spoke emphatically to two vehicles coming up the hill as they were going down in the char-a-banc. Williams also stating that a motor-cyclist passed them on the right-hand side of the road and crossed quickly to the proper side and who would therefore be out of the vision of Dr Anderson, who essayed to pass another car, and hence the collision. Negligence on the part of Dr Anderson was admitted, but not of such a gross character as to constitute culpable negligence. - The Coroner's Directions. - The Coroner also thanked the Jury for the careful and patient way in which they had listened to the evidence, and also Mr Lefroy, Mr McGahey and Supt. Shutler for the assistance given. Briefly reviewing the circumstances of the case, Mr Bencraft pointed out that there was no question of law involved, and that they had to be the judges of the facts. It really resolved itself into the question - did Dr Anderson in all the circumstances of the case - his being ill, his having taken a little alcohol, and going on a road in which there was a great deal of traffic - take reasonable precautions against the occurrence of this accident? - If he did not take these reasonable precautions he was guilty of unlawful killing or manslaughter. If on the other hand he did, then he was entirely free of any responsibility. - Jury's Verdict: Misadventure. - The Jury, after an absence of over one hour from Court, announced (through the Foreman, Mr C. H. Evans) that their unanimous verdict was that "The deceased met his death by a collision with a motor-car driven by Dr Anderson, who, we consider, was driving negligently, but not to the extent of criminality. - The Coroner said that amounted to a verdict of Misadventure. - The Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased's family in their bereavement, the Foreman remarking that many of them knew deceased well. - The Coroner concurred and Mr Lefroy returned thanks on behalf of the relatives. - The Inquiry, which did not conclude until eight o'clock on Thursday evening, lasted in all thirteen hours. - On leaving the Guildhall, accompanied by friends and Police Officers, Dr Anderson was followed to a garage by a large crowd and was subjected to considerable hissing and booing. - Dr Anderson Cheered At Bideford. - Dr J. C. Anderson was given a sympathetic reception on his return to Bideford from the Inquest at Barnstaple on Thursday night and some cheers were raised.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 October 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Tragic Occurrence At Ilfracombe. Inquest Story Of Motor Lorry Fatality. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday afternoon into the death of the LESLIE T. VELLACOTT, five-year-old son of MR JOHN L. VELLACOTT of 16 St Brannock's-road, Ilfracombe, who was run over and killed by a lorry belonging to the Anglo-American Oil Co., in the Wilder-road, on Saturday afternoon last. - The Anglo-American Oil Company were represented by Mr R. J. McGahey (Exeter), Mr F. Northcote (District Manager, Barnstaple), and Cap. Preston (Branch Engineer). Sergt. Snell (Ilfracombe) represented the Police. - The first witness was MRS HELEN LOCKE, grandmother of the little boy, who identified the body. - Charles Edward Lancey, the driver of the lorry, said that on Saturday last, he was out with his lorry and was in Church-road about 12.30 p.m. He stopped at the top of Church-road and got off the lorry. He did not see any boys about and did not walk around the car before he got up again. He then proceeded down Church-road, along the Wilder-road, and up Northfield-road, and along the High-street to Mr Lake's office, at the top of Church-street. When he got into the Wilder-road he did not hear or see anything. He did not hear anyone shout or see anyone on the lorry. There was a step on each side of the lorry between the wheels. At the bottom of Northfield-road, witness added, the lorry skidded round and stopped the engine and they stopped there a couple of minutes, but he did not hear anyone call out. He had an assistant with him. In Wilder-road, the road was under repairs and the surface was very rough and it made the lorry bump. The first he heard of the accident was when he was told by the Sergeant, whilst having his dinner about 1.30 p.m. When he turned into the Wilder-road he was travelling about six to seven miles an hour. he had been driving four seasons. - Mr McGahey: I understand that you have instructions from the Anglo-American Oil Co., to be very careful when there are children about in the roads, and if you stop to send your assistant back to see if there are any hanging on? - Witness: Yes. - Mr McGahey; You stopped at the bottom of Northfield-road; how far would that be away from the scene of the accident? - Witness: About two or three hundred yards. - Mr McGahey: Within view? - Witness: Yes. - Clifford Comer, the driver's assistant, said he was on the lorry at the time. When they stopped in Church-road, he did not get off. He did not hear anyone call and saw no boys at all. - Alfred James Richards of 72 High-street, Ilfracombe, testified to being outside a butcher's shop in the Wilder-road on Saturday, about 12.30 p.m. He saw the lorry come along about six to eight miles an hour and also saw a little boy hanging to the top rail on the off-side of the lorry, in front of the rear wheel. He did not notice whether his feet were resting on anything. The lorry proceeded down Wilder-road and he saw the boy fall from the lorry about twenty feet away from where he stood. The lorry bounced on the rough road and the wheel went over the back of the child's head so far as he could see. The road was under repair and the lorry was bumping. He did not think the driver could see anything from where he was because the child was on the offside. He called out to the driver, but no-one looked out and the car went right on. Mr Coles came along and picked the child up, and he was taken to the Hospital. - Mr McGahey: When this accident happened, did you see any other traffic on the road? - Witness: Only a horse and cart passing. - Mr McGahey: So the lorry driver's attention would be attracted to that? - Witness: Yes. - Mr McGahey: As the lorry passed was it making a fair amount of noise? - Witness: Yes, on the rough road. - Mr McGahey: So you could quite understand the driver not hearing you call? - Witness: Yes. - Henry Coles, who was also on the spot at the time of the accident, said he saw the child clinging to the offside of the lorry, and he thought his feet were dangling. He saw him slip off and the lorry was bumping at the time. The child slipped between the two offside wheels which went over his head. He went to pick the child up and he thought he was dead then. He did not see any other traffic about. - Mr McGahey: Did you see the boy get on the lorry? - Witness: No. - Mr McGahey: Were there any other children about? - Witness: No. - Dr H. K.V. Soltau gave evidence that he saw the boy on his admission to the Hospital. He was then dead. The back of the head was crushed, there being a compound fracture and the left thigh was broken. Death must have been instantaneous. - Summing up, the Coroner said that was all the evidence necessary in this case, which was a sad loss of child life. There was no fault attached to anyone whatsoever. It was a wonder to him there were not more inquests - children would run after lorries and jump on them in spite of the warnings given in the schools. Boys had always done this and they would still go on doing it. It was a very sad thing, said Mr Brown. This little chap must have jumped on when they got to the rough road. The lorry jolted and he fell off as described by the witnesses, and the wheel passed over his head, crushing it to pieces, and death must have been instantaneous. The verdict was one of "Accidental Death," no blame being attached to the driver whatsoever. - Mr F. Northcote said he had been requested by the Company to come down and express their deep sympathy with the parents and relatives in their great sorrow. - Mr McGahey said he also expressed the sympathy of the Anglo-American Oil Co., and also the sympathy of the driver, who unwittingly caused the death of the child. - The parents of the child were too ill to attend the Inquest and were excused by the Coroner.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 October 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Death Of MR J. IRWIN, At Ilfracombe. - Residents of Ilfracombe were surprised and shocked to hear of the sudden death of MR JOHN IRWIN, of Homeleigh, Church-road, Ilfracombe, on Monday morning. MR IRWIN was found dead in a room at his house by occupants of the flat above. His body was lying on the floor, having apparently slipped from a chair in which he had been sitting. At the time MRS IRWIN was on holiday at Southsea, whilst his three sons were in business in different parts of the country. At the Inquest, before Mr G. W.F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Tuesday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - Aged about 64, deceased was for nearly 20 years rate collector for the Ilfracombe Council, whilst he also carried on business as auctioneer and valuer. Of a genial disposition, he was esteemed throughout the town and his death has caused widespread regret. He was also for many years a member of the Holy Trinity Church choir. The funeral takes place today (Thursday), leaving the house at two p.m.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 October 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, an Inquest was held on HORACE THOMAS HILL, jobbing gardener, who was found dead whilst at work in the garden of Mr Bruce Moore, on Saturday. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 November 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Fatality At Swymbridge Through Fall Of Stone In A Quarry. - There was a terribly sad accident in a quarry belonging to the Dennis estate at Swymbridge, on Thursday morning. JOHN RIPPON, aged 50, of Harford, Landkey, was hewing stone on a ledge about twelve feet from the ground, when suddenly a fall of stone precipitated the man to the ground, badly crushing him. His son, who was working with him at the time, at once ran for assistance, and procured a cart to convey him to the North Devon Infirmary. When some little distance had been covered, however, they met Mr Stafford Brown, who kindly motored MR RIPPON to the Infirmary, where he passed away about 8.30 the same evening. - The Inquest was held on Friday at the North Devon Infirmary, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr Cooke was Foreman. Mr King (Divisional Mines Inspector) was also present. - JOHN HENRY RIPPON, 21, deceased's son, said his father, a strong, healthy man, had been a market gardener. He had done similar work as on Thursday, but had only been working in this quarry, which was a disused one, for about six days. Deceased was working on a ledge about 18 inches wide, and about 12 feet high, when some shillet parted from the top, and knocked him down, a lot of the stone falling on him. Witness heard his father groaning and could see his leg was broken. He moved him as best he could over the stones towards the bottom of the quarry. - Mr R. King: Previous to working on the face of the quarry, did you work on the left hand side at the bottom? - Yes. - How long? - A day. Did you blast? - Yes. Put the explosive in holes? - Yes. What explosive - powder? - Yes. - Why did you leave the corner at the bottom where you had been working? - Because the stone was too tight; the quarry had been opened the wrong way about. Didn't you think it rather unwise to go where he was to work? - I don't know. - He was standing on this narrow ledge, 12 feet up, and the least touch he would have been bound to fall over. Did he have a rope? - He had a rope round him. Have you taken away anything since the accident? - No. - Mr King: Then he could not have been using a rope at the time, for there is none there. If he had have been, he could not have fallen down. - Did any of the shillet fall on other days? - Oh, yes. - Foreman: Do you consider 18 inches was wide enough for a ledge? - Inspector: No. It seems rather unwise to have gone on such a ledge. - Dr Sanders, House Surgeon, stated that death was due to internal haemorrhage, following fracture of the pelvis and shock. - The Foreman: With regard to the question of a rope, was there one there? - The widow, here interposing, said she took the rope from the bottom of the quarry herself, and carried it home. - Coroner: It is quite clear the rope was not used, or he could not have come down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that deceased did not use the rope and that he did not take the better stone on the ground level, although with more labour. It was certainly an accident, and he did not think anyone could possibly be to blame in the matter. Sincere thanks were due to Mr Stafford Brown for conveying the injured man to the Infirmary in his car. - Mr R. E. C. Balsdon, representing the Dennis estate trustees, said he wished to express deep sympathy to the widow and family. MR RIPPON had been a valued and trustworthy workman. - The interment was made in Swymbridge Churchyard on Monday, Rev. C. Curgenven (Vicar) officiating. Principal mourners were Mrs C. Rippon (widow), Messrs J. and A. Rippon (sons), Misses H. and F. Rippon (daughters), Mr W. Rippon (brother), Mr and Mrs H. Gammon, Mrs and Mrs Nott, Mr and Mrs Clarke, Mr and Mrs Davis (brothers-in-law and sisters), Messrs. W., G., J. and T. Rippon, J. Gammon, C. Dallyn (nephews), Mrs F. Fry (niece), Mr J. Avery (uncle), Mrs Davey (cousin). - Floral tributes were: - To dear father, from his broken-hearted wife and children; Walter and Florrie; Lizzie and Bill and Nell and Jack; Mr Gammon; Mrs Houle and family; Mr J. Rippon; Mr G. Rippon; Mr and Mrs Ley; and Mr Andrews. Mr H. Southwood, of Landkey, carried out the funeral arrangements.

LYNTON - Sad Affair At Lynton. Resident's Tragic Death. - At Lynton Town Hall on Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquiry touching the death of FRANCIS GEORGE SOMERWILL, late of Parracombe, who for the last eleven months resided with his son, LOUIS, at Lynton. The latter deposed that his father was a mason, aged 75, and as far as he knew, was quite well and comfortable. He had made no complaints of any kind, with the exception of a few words a day or so ago of a trifling nature. On Friday, the day of the tragedy, he appeared as usual, and he last saw him alive in the evening at 8.5 p.m., at Cavendish Square. After a few moments' conversation, he (witness) told him he was attending a committee meeting, his father replying, "Shall not see you again tonight." He wished him good-night, to which he responded. He (witness) reached home about twenty to ten. His father was gone to bed. His father-in-law, (Wm. Mogridge) who lodged with him, was in the house, and proceeded to go to bed, about quarter to ten. He occupied the room with witness's father, in separate beds. On reaching his bedroom he called to witness, who went to the top of the stairs, when his father-in-law told him what he had found. He asked him if he had cut the body down, to which he replied in the affirmative. He at once ran for Dr Courtney, and on the way met P.C. Marshall, to whom he reported the occurrence. Questioned whether his father had ever threatened to take his life, witness replied "No," but stated he was very childish. The Coroner asked witness if he knew deceased had left a letter - which was difficult to decipher or understand, the writing being in black-lead - conveying the impression that deceased was not happy. Witness, in reply, stated he left his home when about ten years of age, and was away most of the time up to the outbreak of the War, in which he served up to 1919. He had always done all he could to make his father happy and comfortable. MRS SUMMERWELL, wife of the last witness, said she knew of no unpleasantness, and had done all she could while deceased was with her to make him happy. She had never charged him anything for his lodging. He found himself in food. He seldom said much, but had never threatened to take his life. - Wm. Mogridge was next called and said he lived with the last witness, who was his daughter. At times deceased was a little miserable, but had never made any complaint to him, and to the best of his knowledge he was comfortable. They had their meals at the same table. On Friday, witness saw him at six p.m., in the street, when deceased said to him, "You're still trotting about," to which he replied "Yes." At eight p.m. he (witness) saw him at the Crown Hotel bar; the only remark deceased made was "You are alright, then." He did not stay long, probably about ten minutes. Witness arrived home soon after nine o'clock. Deceased had gone to bed and he went up about a quarter to ten. On going to his bedroom, he struck the foot of deceased. He had no light, as the candle was always left in the bedroom. Deceased was in a sitting position, lying sideways, with a piece of rope around his neck, the other end being made fast to the bed post. Witness at once cut the rope, but found him quite dead. Deceased had looked rather strange during the evening, but was quite sober. He could not understand what he meant in the letter about another man, but considered it was himself to whom he referred. He had never given him any reason for so doing, and had never spoken an unkind word to deceased. - P.C. Marshall deposed that on Friday he proceeded to the house of MR SUMMERWELL, who had fetched him, and on entering the bedroom saw the body of deceased, which had been cut down, and he found him quite dead. On searching his pockets he found the note already referred to. Deceased was fully dressed. - Dr Courtney stated that he was called to MR SUMMERWELL'S house somewhere about ten p.m., and found deceased quite dead, although warm. The rope around his neck was very tight, but there was no other injuries. Death was due to cerebral anaemia, through hanging. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 November 1926
ILFRACOMBE - Tragic Death Of Young Ilfracombe Man. Day After 21st Birthday. - Hanging from a piece of cord behind the kitchen door on Wednesday, THOMAS SOUCH, 21, of 4 Shaftesbury-road, Ilfracombe, was found by his mother. The Police were called and P.S. Snell, together with P.C's Stewart and Northey, applied artificial respiration under the supervision of Dr A. Osborne, but all efforts to preserve life proved unavailing. - Deceased, who was employed at the Ilfracombe Electric Light Works, was a keen Church-goer, being a server at St Peter's Church. He had only celebrated his twenty-first birthday the day previous to the tragedy. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, held at deceased's home, the first witness was the father, MR THOMAS J. M. SOUCH, who identified the body. He last saw deceased alive at 12 o'clock on Wednesday, when they were having dinner together; he appeared in his usual health and spirits. He (witness) went out at 12 o'clock and left MRS SOUCH with deceased. He returned home about 6.50 p.m. with his wife, who had gone out in the afternoon. The door was unlocked and he went into the kitchen and found his son hanging on the door in a nude condition. He did not cut him down because he was too frightened to do anything, but went out and called the next-door neighbour, Mr Morecroft. - The Coroner: Mr Morecroft was going to cut him down and did you prevent him? - Yes, I was too afraid to have anything done at the time. Something stopped me; I cannot think why I did it - I think I wanted to get more help, really. - The Coroner: If he had cut the rope, you might not have been too late. How long did he stay there after that? - Not many minutes. - Who eventually cut him down? - The Policemen. - They cut him down and tried artificial respiration? - Yes. - Do you know any reason why he should have done it? - None whatever. - Did he have any troubles? - None that I knew of. - Why was he out of his clothes? - He had just had a bath. - Was it his usual custom to have a bath then? - Yes. - He generally had it at that time of the day? - Yes. - Was he reading for an examination? - Yes. - did he stay out late? - No, only in his ordinary work at nights. Any other time he would be in bed at the ordinary time. - Did he go out much at night? - No; he spent his time on the wireless; he was very interested in that. - Did he have any love affairs? - Yes, he was not quite engaged, but nearly, I think. - You don't think there was anything in that that caused trouble? - Oh, no. - Sergt. Snell: There was no note left; we have not come across anything at all. - Witness: I believe he was having a sort of exercise after the bath. - MRS SOUCH, mother of the deceased, said her son was home all day and had dinner at 12 o'clock. In the morning he was helping her with her work and made no remarks at all. He was whistling and singing. After dinner he said he wanted a bath - he generally had it late at night. She went out about 4 o'clock and he said: "So long, mother!" He was supposed to go to work at 5.30 p.m. She met her husband later and came home about 7 o'clock. The house was in darkness and they both went into the kitchen and she ran out as soon as she touched him. Her husband went out to get help and she ran into the next door neighbours. - The Coroner: Was nothing said about cutting him down? - No; I did not stop long enough. I did not stop for the light to be put on. When I saw him on the door, I said, "TOMMY has hung himself," and ran out. I did not have the presence of mind to go into the kitchen. - Had he ever threatened to take his life? - No, I don't believe he did. I think he was having some physical "jerks" after his bath. - Had he got any worries? - None. He never intended to take his life when I went out. - Had he said anything about his tea? - He was going to get his own tea. - But he made no preparation? - No. - Did you see the chair? - No; it is always kept by the door. Whether he knocked it over in doing something and got hung up and could not get back, I don't know. - Did a little boy come in here called Brian Hobbs? - He comes in here always when he comes home from school. - does he come here every day? - Yes. - He must have come in just after you went out? - He usually comes in about five o'clock. - The next witness, Mr Joseph M. Morecroft, said he was home about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening and MRS SOUCH came running in, crying and screaming, and he could not get anything out of her, except, "Whatever did he do it for!" He ran in the next house and saw deceased hanging on the door. MR SOUCH was just regulating the light. The body was quite nude. MR SOUCH was very agitated and he (witness) wanted to cut the body down, but MR SOUCH would not let him do anything. - Did he say why? - No. I then saw the little boy coming in the door, so I took him to his home, and when I came back the Police had arrived. I then went to the Electric Light Works to tell them what had happened. - Did the little boy tell you he had seen the body before? - He said "TOMMY SOUCH hanged up." - Witness added that deceased was very interested in wireless. He was a quiet boy, and he thought one would have to go a long way to find another boy like him. He was a well-conducted boy. - Brian Hobbs, aged seven years, said he came home from school just after four o'clock and saw deceased hanging on the door. There was nobody else there. He did not speak. - Mr Bert Hobbs, father of the little boy, said he was coming up on the opposite side of the road, when Brian called him over. He was half-way in the passage, laughing. He said something about "TOMMY was hanging on the door," and witness naturally thought they were playing. He did not open the door, but went home. He did not see anybody as the kitchen door was not visible from the front door. - Mr B. Jones (representing the Ilfracombe Electric Light and Power Co), said deceased had been with them four years, and had always been well-conducted. There was not a scrap of fault against him. He was a good chap and a good pal to everyone. Nothing had transpired at the Works at all. - P.C. Northey gave evidence that he was informed of the tragedy by a Mr Wilson, about 7.10 p.m. In company with P.C. Stewart he went at once to the house and saw deceased suspended as already described. They cut the body down and applied artificial respiration until 8.45 p.m., without success. His feet were about four or five inches from the floor when they found him. He was blue around the mouth and his tongue was protruding slightly. His back was against the door. - Dr A. Osborne said he arrived there about 7.20 p.m., and found that artificial respiration was being applied, which was continued for an hour and a half. He listened to the heart and thought he detected just a few beats. There was a distinct mark around the neck. - In answer to the Coroner, as to whether death was caused by suffocation or cerebral anaemia, Dr Osborne said it was difficult to say, but the cord was so tight round the neck that death would probably be caused by cerebral anaemia or venous congestion, which in itself would have caused suffocation. Witness said he had attended deceased for minor ailments and had known him all his life. He was of normal intellect, but appeared very sensitive and would probably worry a great deal, but would not tell anyone for fear of hurting their feelings. He thought by the mark left by the cord that he had been there at least an hour. - Coroner's Comments. - Summing up, the Coroner said this was all the evidence necessary in this case. It was an extraordinary case, and there was no real explanation why this young fellow should commit this act. It appeared he was left at home having a bath, and was found as described. There was no evidence as to what induced him to do this. He had no worries, apparently, and the verdict would be one of "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind." The Coroner admonished the father for not allowing Mr Morecroft to cut the body down, and said he wished people would get the idea out of their heads that they must not touch or help to do anything until the Police arrived. "If a man is absolutely dead," added Mr Brown, "I quite agree - do not remove any valuable evidence until the Police come, but when there is a chance of saving anyone's life, everything should be done at the earliest opportunity to do your utmost to revive the man."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 December 1926
CAMBRIDGE - Braunton Family's Sad Loss. - Zoology mourns the loss of one of its most brilliant children and Cambridge that of one of its most prominent workers by the death at Cambridge on Sunday, at the age of 28, of DR CYRIL LUCKES WITHYCOMBE, lecturer in Advanced and Economic Entomology at Cambridge. The deceased was the only son of MR and MRS P. L. WITHYCOMBE, of "Manywells," Knowle, Braunton, formerly of Walthamstow; and sympathy with the family will be general in their tragic bereavement. At the Inquest a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 January 1927
PARKHAM - Sudden Death At Parkham. - MRS CAROLINE MCMURTREE, of Clifton, Bristol, a widow, aged 72, staying with her daughter at "The Hoops Inn," Parkham, went for a motor drive to Exeter on Monday, returning about six p.m., when she complained of feeling ill. Mrs Douton, wife of the proprietor, assisted MRS MCMURTREE to her bedroom, and was removing her cloak when she collapsed. Everything was done to revive her and the District Nurse was called, death, however, occurring before the arrival of Dr Pearson. A post-mortem revealed a diseased heart and at the Inquest held yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 January 1927
GREAT TORRINGTON - Terrible Torrington Accident. Railway Foreman Cut To Pieces By A Shunting Engine. - A ghastly accident occurred at Torrington Station on Tuesday, resulting in the death of ALBERT THOMAS WINSBORROW a foreman shunter. It appears that about 2.30 p.m. a light engine shunting back to join the 2.30 p.m. up-train knocked the deceased over, inflicting terrible injuries, from which he succumbed almost immediately. Deceased was about 54. - Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, was summoned, but of course, could only pronounce life extinct. The deceased, a married man, with two grown-up daughters, had been employed at Torrington for many years. - The wheels of the engine and tender passed over the unfortunate man's stomach, inflicting injuries which caused instantaneous death. So far as can be ascertained his spine was broken, his pelvis crushed and both legs were severed at the knees, in fact the body was almost cut in two. The upper part of his body had laid between the rails. The sad task of removing the remains was undertaken by P.S. Kingdon and P.C. Conibear, of Torrington, assisted by members of the Station staff. The body was removed to the Torrington Cottage Hospital Mortuary. - It is understood that deceased had been co-operating with the driver of the engine (Mr Henry Emerson) and fireman (Mr Herbert S. Bridger) in shunting operations. These over, he was seen by the signalman to be examining some trucks on the opposite side of the line. After this, although no-one appears to have noticed him do so, he must have come back over the rails. Then, it is conjectured, just as he arrived at the spot where the accident occurred, he must have slipped and fallen. This was at a point near the signal box, where the main and siding rails join, and the engine was at the moment coming down the siding to take water before connecting up with the train. The first intimation to those on the engine that something unusual had happened was when deceased's cap flew out from under the tender. The engine was pulled up immediately and deceased's body was found as stated. - A pathetic feature of the tragedy was that it occurred in full view of deceased's home. He had only returned from dinner a short time previously. - The affair has caused a painful sensation in the district, and had evoked widespread sympathy with the widow and relatives. - The Inquest proceedings yesterday were attended by Detective F. J. Matthews, for the Southern Railway Police Department, Inspector Edwards, Mr J. Granger (for the locomotive department), Mr S. A. Copp, solicitor of Barnstaple, representing the N.U.R., and Police-Inspector Parr. - Evidence was given by Harry Emerson (driver of the engine), Herbert S. Bridger (fireman), G. H. Yendle (signalman), and Dr O'Flaherty. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, described the case as a very sad one. The only verdict that could be returned was one of "Accidental Death." He exonerated everyone from blame. The driver neither saw deceased nor had he any chance of seeing him. He (Mr Brown) expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, and in this expression Mr Matthews joined on behalf of the Southern Railway Company.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 February 1927
HEANTON PUNCHARDON - Heanton Labourer Hangs Himself. - A sad tragedy revealed itself at Duckpool, Heanton, near Barnstaple, on Monday. THOMAS PILE SANDERS, farm labourer, aged 66, in the employ of Mr T. Dunn, C.C., being found hanging in a shed. - At the Inquest, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon County Coroner, in the afternoon, MRS SANDERS said her husband got up at 5.30, his usual time for going to work. He had been ill for five weeks and was re-starting work that day. - Charles Gear, son-in-law, said seeing a light in the shed he entered and found deceased hanging from a beam. - Dr Traill, who attended deceased for insomnia, attributed death to suffocation. Deceased had complained of headaches, but gave no impression of being likely to take his life. - Mr Dunn said deceased had been with him for over 30 years and was a very faithful servant. On the previous day he was as cheerful as witness had ever seen him. - The Coroner, describing the case as an extraordinary one, returned a verdict that deceased Hung himself whilst of Unsound Mind.

NOKE, OXFORDSHIRE - Tragic Fate Of Bratton Fleming Girl Near Oxford. Cowman Remanded On Murder Charge. - Throughout North Devon profound sympathy will be expressed with MR W. BAKER, of "Bragan," Bratton Fleming, near Barnstaple, in the tragic death of his daughter, MISS KATHERINE MARY BAKER, aged sixteen, at Noke, a village nine miles from Oxford. - Tall and fair, the young lady had been living for two years with her uncle and aunt, MR and MRS H. J. FRANKLIN, at Lower Farm, Noke. On Wednesday last she went for private lessons to the house of the village school-mistress. As she did not return at her accustomed hour, a search was made with the aid of hurricane lamps. The Police and others searched for hours without result. Early the next morning the body was found in a lane leading to her uncle's farm. Close by lay the girl's attaché case containing her books. A pocket handkerchief was tied tightly round her neck and her head was injured. - There was a dramatic sequel to the tragedy on Wednesday night, when Fredk. Boxall, 19, cowman, arrived at the County Police Station, Oxford, and gave himself up. Boxall, who is employed on MR FRANKLIN'S farm, appeared on the charge of murder at Oxford Police Court on Saturday. Police-Supt. Day stated that the same night as the young lady was missing, Boxall came to the Station and said: "I have choked a girl at Noke and left her under a hedge." - Early next morning he went with the Police to the spot where the body was discovered. - Boxall was remanded for a week. - Immediately on hearing of the tragedy, MR BAKER left North Devon for Oxford in order to attend the Inquest, and subsequent proceedings. MR BAKER, who has resided at Bratton for about three years, is a well-known member of the Cheriton Otter Hunt Committee and he was for some time Chairman of the North Devon Badger Club.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 February 1927
COMBE MARTIN - At an Inquest conducted by Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Combe Martin, on Monday evening, on WILLIAM LEY, 81, market gardener, who was found dead in bed on Saturday evening. - Dr N. S. Manning said a post-mortem examination revealed a rupture of the right ventricle of the heart - which was most unusual - a large clot of blood in the pericardium and signs of adhesions to the pleura. Death was probably instantaneous. - Deceased's niece, MRS WESTLAKE, with whom he resided, said he was at work all day on Friday, and was apparently quite well when he went to bed. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SWIMBRIDGE - Child's Death At Swymbridge. The Inquest. - At an Inquest held by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Kerscott Farm, Swymbridge, of Tuesday, on the infant child of MR and MRS WILLIAM CROCKER, gipsies, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" namely, heart failure following enteritis, was returned. - The Coroner explained that the verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence given by Dr F. H. Seal, of Southmolton, who conducted a post mortem examination, the death having occurred in a temporary dwelling. - The mother explained that the child was taken ill on Sunday morning at Aller Cross, and she saw Dr Seal, who prescribed for it. Subsequently, it seemed better, and she fed it before retiring for the night. When she woke up early next morning she found the child was dead.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 February 1927
BIDEFORD - Appledore Burning Fatality. Old Lady's Sad Death. - At the Inquest held at Bideford Hospital on Monday evening, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, into the circumstances attending the death of MISS MARGARET HUSBAND, aged 74, of Appledore, the body was identified by MR HUSBAND, a nephew of the deceased, who mentioned that his aunt, who was 74 years old, was a spinster and lived with her sister, who was 83 years old, at 3 Meeting-street, Appledore. - Thomas Robert Bailey, of 4 Meeting-street, said on the evening of the accident he had occasion to go to his backyard about 8.45 p.m., when he heard a curious exclamation from next door, but knowing the old lady was deaf he did not take any notice. Shortly afterwards he twice heard a cry "Come to me at once," and immediately he went through his house but could not gain admittance through the front door of No. 3, so he returned and got over the wall separating the backs of the houses and made an entrance that way. He could not see his way clearly for smoke. He knew his way about the house and shouted out, "Here I am, MISS HUSBAND, where are you?" but he received no reply. He got into the sitting room, and when about in the middle of the room he saw what appeared to him to bed a heap lying on the floor and then a voice came "Light the gas." He immediately raised the candle he was carrying and lit the gas. As soon as he did so he saw deceased lying in front of the fire place. He knelt down and found that she was exposed from her waist to her knees as if there had been a struggle in the burning of the clothes she had torn them off, but they were still hanging in shreds to her legs. He tore off all the burning fragments and stamped the fire out. Having done that he opened the shop doors and found his wife waiting outside. He sent for the doctor, at the same time calling for help. Returning to the deceased, he found by that time someone else had come in and he stripped off all the smouldering clothes from the deceased and covered the body with blankets. The deceased did not tell him how she caught her clothes on fire. She was quite conscious. There was no flame while he was there. There was a hole burning in the hearth-rug, which he put out. - Dr W. A. Valentine spoke to being called about nine p.m., and said he found deceased burnt from both thighs to her breast, back and front. She told him afterwards that she could not account for it all, but thought she must have caught her dress alight from the fire which was burning. The burns on the abdomen were very severe. He dressed her on the spot and gave directions for the ambulance to be sent and had her taken to the Hospital, where he attended her up to her death. Her heart failed the next day and she became gradually weaker. The cause of death was toxaemia, from extensive and severe burns. Her clothes were of black alpaca and would have burned like tinder. - P.C. Wilcox, who was called about 9.10 p.m., said deceased with difficulty told him "My apron caught on fire while I was in front of the fire." - The Coroner said the old lady must have caught her apron on fire as she stood in front of the fire, and the flames spread rapidly to her clothing. Everything possible was done for her and he returned a verdict of Accidental Death, in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 March 1927
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man's Sad Death. - The regrettable accident (recorded in our columns at the time) to MR HERBERT GEORGE SANDERS, aged 71, of Braunton-road, Barnstaple, has had a fatal termination, death occurring on Saturday last. - At the Inquest, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on Monday evening, MR A. G. TUCKER (son-in-law) said MR SANDERS was driving a quiet horse, 17 years old, attached to a butt loaded with mangolds, and apparently pulled a rein in trying to get up to ride on the butt, causing the animal to go into the hedge and overturn the vehicle. He was pinned underneath the shaft and injured his chest and arms. - Dr S. R. Gibbs said as the result of the accident one of deceased's lungs collapsed and the case was hopeless from the first. At deceased's request he was removed from the North Devon Infirmary to his home just before Christmas. The Coroner said it was evidently a pure accident. It was extraordinary the man lived so long after such an injury. He would never have done so but for the care and attention of Dr Gibbs, the Infirmary Staff and members of the family. - The late MR SANDERS, who leaves a widow, two sons and six daughters, was a member of an old Barnstaple family, being the youngest son of the late MR SAMUEL SANDERS of Holland-street. Deceased was one of the oldest members of the local Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters, which Friendly Society he joined upwards of fifty years ago. Had MR SANDERS been spared another few weeks he and his widow would have celebrated their golden wedding, for they would have been married fifty years on April 7th next. The deep sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to the widow and other members of the family in their great bereavement. The funeral will take place in Pilton Churchyard on Saturday next, leaving the house at 2.30.

BARNSTAPLE - Lady's Sad Death At Barnstaple. - MISS EDITH PERRIEN, of Mount Pleasant, near Barnstaple, had the sad experience on Friday morning of finding her sister, MISS ETHELIN BLANCHE PERRIEN, aged 52, dead in bed. A step-daughter of the late MR J. A. FOSTER of Chestwood, Barnstaple, the deceased lady had a large circle of friends, who heard of her tragic death with profound regret. - At the Inquest at Mount Pleasant on Friday before Mr G. W.F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MISS EDITH PERRIEN stated that deceased was in her usual state of health on Thursday. The next morning witness, hearing a snoring noise, went to deceased's room and found her dead with her face buried in the pillow. Deceased had not been medically attended for four years. - Dr J. C. Dixey said a post-mortem examination revealed the fact that deceased's heart was double the normal weight and showed signs of fatty degeneration. In his opinion deceased had a fainting attack and was in such a weak state that she was suffocated owing to her face being buried in the pillow. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 March 1927
MORTEHOE - Mystery Of Missing Morte-Hoe Lady. Found Drowned At Foot Of Cliffs. Open Verdict At Inquest. - The body of MISS MARY EDITH MARRIOTT, of Morte-Hoe, who disappeared from her home on Thursday, was on Saturday found by P.C. Hillman wedged between rocks at Coombes Gate Beach, Morte-Hoe. All through Thursday night search parties scoured the country-side and beaches in an effort to find MISS MARRIOTT, but their efforts were fruitless. - Mr G. W.F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, conducted the Inquest on Tuesday, and returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Miss Alice Roberts, deceased's companion, said MISS MARRIOTT was 54 years of age and lived with her at Wayside House, Morte-Hoe. On Thursday MISS MARRIOTT told witness she was going over to Coombe's Gate to see her mother. On witness asking if she must go she replied: "Yes, I promised mother this morning, and I must not break my word, but I won't stay long." Witness waited for MISS MARRIOTT'S return until 10 o'clock, as she sometimes stayed to supper with her mother. Then she made enquiries and in consequence a search was kept up through the night. When MISS MARRIOTT left home witness asked her if she would like a lantern. She replied, "No thank you, I have a flash lamp. I shall not be long." There were three possible routes deceased could have taken on returning from her mother's house. - In answer to the Coroner, Miss Roberts said she thought deceased got into the water whilst trying to recover her hat - a favourite of her mother's - which was insecure in windy weather. She thought the hat must have blown off when MISS MARRIOTT was returning home. - Speaking further to the question as to how deceased got into the water witness said that sometimes MISS MARRIOTT returned via Coombe side, and if she had taken that route on the night in question and her hat blew off it would have gone down opposite Coombes Gate. Deceased would have run down after it and, not knowing how far she was going, would have been over the cliffs in an instant. Then again if she had taken the route up the hill, where the fence was open, a similar thing might have occurred. Concluding witness stated that MISS MARRIOTT had suffered from eye trouble, wore spectacles and had difficulty in finding her way in the night. - P.C. Hillman said there was a 40 ft. drop to the beach at Coombes Gate, and at Sunnycliffe one of 100 feet. - Geoffrey Hillman said he found the body on Saturday morning wedged between rocks at Coombes Gate Beach. MISS MARRIOTT'S flash lamp and spectacles were in her pockets. Her basket was found on the same beach the previous morning. - The Coroner: If her hat blew off, would it not have blown away from the beach? - It would that night, because the wind was W.S.W. - Dr Sanders, who made a post-mortem, said whilst there were several contused wounds on the scalp and face, no bones were broken. - Death was due to asphyxiation from drowning. The Coroner, commenting on the suggestion that deceased's hat blew off and that she lost her life in trying to recover it, said he did not think they could take much notice of that, because he thought her hat would have blown the other way and not towards the sea that night. If she had gone over the cliffs at the spot at the bottom of the road she would have had a tremendous fall, and would have been bound to have received serious injuries. There was no evidence to show that she was seen anywhere near that place, or why she should have gone towards that part of the beach. - His verdict could only be one of "Found Drowned." There was no evidence to show how she got into the water. - Funeral Of MISS MARRIOTT - The mortal remains of MISS MARY EDITH MARRIOTT, whose death is reported in this issue, were laid to rest in the Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The first part of the service was held in the Parish Church, where the body had rested over-night. The officiating clergy were the Rev. W. R. Wright (late Vicar of Woolacombe) and F. Vivian Dodgson. The family mourners and sympathising friends present were MRS FINNEY (sister), Mr J. Marriott (brother), Miss Jeffries (aunt), plus others. The coffin bore the inscription: "MARY ELIZABETH MARRIOTT, died 3rd March 1927 , aged 55 years."

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Woman's Fatal Burns. Death In "Extraordinary Circumstances." - At an Inquest held before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, it was stated that though severely burned, MRS EDITH KATHLEEN JAMES, a widow, of Montpelier-road, Ilfracombe, did not know how she received her injuries. She died in the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on March 6th, four days after the accident. - ROCHE DOUGLAS JAMES, son of deceased, stated that his mother had suffered from epileptic fits for some time, and, in consequence, slept in the sitting room downstairs. He left his mother in the sitting-room at 10 p.m. on March 1st, when she said she was going to bed. The next morning he went into her room at nine o'clock, but as he heard no sound and the place was in darkness, he presumed she was asleep. - Deceased's daughter, DRUSELLA JAMES, deposed as to visiting her mother's room at about 9.30 a.m. on March 2nd, and found her mother sitting up in a chair fully dressed. The back of her mother's dress and other clothing was burnt, but deceased did not know how the clothing caught fire, or how the flames were extinguished. She did not complain of pain. Dr King ordered her removal to the Hospital. - Dr Hollingshead, who saw MRS JAMES on arrival at the Hospital, said deceased's back was badly burnt and scorched. In answer to the Coroner, witness thought MRS JAMES did not cry for help as she was in a fit, and by the time she had recovered her nerves were charred and numbed. She gradually sank, dying on March 6th of shock from extensive burns. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner remarked that the circumstances were most extraordinary.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 March 1927
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Tragedy. Landlord's Sad Death. - The sad circumstances under which MR JAMES SHORT, the landlord of the Buckingham Arms, Taddiport, Torrington, met with a tragic death on Sunday, were inquired into on Monday afternoon by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. MR SHORT, who was a native of Torrington, was 59 years of age. He leaves a widow and two young children, with whom much sympathy is felt in their bereavement. - MRS SHORT, the widow, who gave evidence of identification, said on Sunday morning her husband seemed in his usual health, but prior to this he had for about ten days been complaining of pains in his head. He rose at 7.15 on Sunday morning and did his usual Sunday morning work. She last saw him alive about 12 midday in the kitchen, when he spoke to them all. The target rifle and the gun were usually kept in the kitchen, but on Sunday morning deceased took them out, saying he was going to put them away. He had never threatened his life, and his only worry had been in regard to his health. He had been the licensee of the Buckingham Arms for about nine years. - Mr Wm. Lane, a lodger in the house, spoke to seeing deceased in the yard about 12.30, when he complained of pains in the head. About one p.m. witness went to fetch some firewood and on passing the stable, noticed deceased's legs and found him lying on his face with the small target rifle underneath him. He was dead. - P.C. Conbeer also gave evidence. - Dr O'Flaherty, who was called about 1.30, said he saw deceased in the stable with a wound in the head and bleeding from the mouth, where the shot had penetrated, passing through the brain and coming out through the forehead. Death was instantaneous. Witness stated that about five years ago he attended deceased for mental depression and a month ago he also suffered from a similar complaint, and was immensely depressed, apparently from the effects of malaria contracted in the South African War. It was more mental depression than disease. - The Coroner said it was a sad affair, deceased taking his life by shooting himself whilst of Unsound Mind, the cause of death being laceration of the brain. The funeral took place yesterday, amid manifestations of public sympathy.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Postman's Tragic Death. "Pure Accident" At Braunton. - There was a most distressing accident at Braunton on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the death of MR SAMUEL SUMMERILL, postman, of Lansdown-terrace, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple. MR SUMMERILL had just witnessed the Barnstaple - Ilfracombe Association football match, and was about to mount his bicycle when he was knocked down in the roadway by a young motor-cyclist, Mr T. J. Tucker, of Colley Park, Braunton. Members of Barnstaple Branch of St John Ambulance Association, who were on duty in the football field and others at once went to MR SUMMERILL'S assistance, and after further treatment by Dr Traill in a cottage near by he was motored by Mr Alfred Braunton to the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple. His injuries, however, were unfortunately so grave that he died shortly after admission to the Institution. Aged 48, MR SUMMERILL (an ex-Army man), entered the postal service at Bristol in 1911, and was transferred as postman to Southmolton in 1914. From July 1916 to September 1919 - the War period - he served as telegraphist in the Royal Engineers and also in Mesopotamia. He came to Barnstaple in 1921 as a town postman, and for his marked courtesy, geniality and reliability in his work, he was a most popular and highly esteemed public servant. A highly-esteemed member of Barnstaple Whist League, MR SUMMERILL was for two seasons the Hon. Secretary of the Postal Officials' Whist Club. For the widow and four children, heartfelt sympathy is expressed in their tragic bereavement. - The Inquest was held at the Infirmary on Monday afternoon, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr J. B. Clarke was chosen Foreman. Mr G. F. Lefroy represented the widow and Mr R. E. C. Balsdon watched the proceedings on behalf of the motor-cyclist. Police-Supt. E. Shutler (Devon Constabulary) and Mr Peake (Barnstaple Postmaster) were also present. - William Colwill, postman, Barnstaple, stated that deceased and himself, together with Messrs. F. Harding and J. H. Perkins, also postmen, cycled from Barnstaple to Braunton to see the Westward Ho cup semi-final match on Saturday, Barnstaple Town v. Ilfracombe. As full time ended in a draw and they were under the impression the game was finished, they came out from the main gate of the Recreation Field and rode their machines along the Braunton to Barnstaple road. Learning that extra time was to be played, when they got to the wicket gate near Park Villas-lane, they dismounted to put their machines beside the hedge and go on to the field again. Deceased, who was on the left-hand side of the road, said he should have to return to Barnstaple, as he was on duty at 5.30. Witness was about to enter the lane when he heard a motor cycle approach and, turning round, saw it collide with MR SUMMERILL. The motor cycle, he considered, was going at about 15 to 20 miles an hour, the impact occurring about 2 feet 6 inches from the left-hand side wall, looking towards Barnstaple. The road was practically clear except for a stationary motor van on the left-hand side and the motor-cycle knocked deceased along and both men crashed together some distance down the road. Witness ran up and held deceased until the St John Ambulance men (Messrs. Jewell, Ward, and Nott) came up. Blood was coming from deceased's head and ears. Dr Traill, of Braunton, was summoned, and ordered deceased to the North Devon Infirmary, where he was taken in the motor van, which belonged to Mr A. Braunton, of Barnstaple. The motor cyclist was travelling at a fairly good rate. While deceased was talking to his companions, he was looking over his right shoulder and was steadily pushing his cycle to the left all the time. - The Coroner: Then the motor cycle must have come around the middle of the road to pass Mr Braunton's van, and in order to collide with MR SUMMERILL, must have gone in towards the left in front of Mr Braunton's van? - That's about it. - Then how was it that, after going a considerable distance, they came down once more towards the other side of the road? - Witness: Because the young fellow turned his wheel in that direction. - Supt. Shutler: What caused the motor cyclist to take that sharp turn to the left after passing the van? - Witness: I don't know what his idea was. The road was perfectly clear. - Was there room for the motor cyclist to keep on his right-hand side? - Yes, sir. - Mr Balsdon: Were there not a good many people between the stationary van and where you came out of the park? - Not many, then. - By Mr Lefroy: When the motor cyclist came into the straight he must have seen three of the men making towards the entrance to the lane, and the deceased on the left-hand side of the road. - Replying to the Foreman, witness agreed the van might have obstructed the motor cyclist's view of the deceased, but he must have seen the three other men. - Mr Balsdon: How was deceased entangled in the motor cycle? - Witness: He might have been caught up in the handlebar. - Answering other questions, witness said he himself was a motor driver and he estimated Tucker's pace by the sound and also saw he was travelling at a fairly good rate. He (witness) would not have travelled at fifteen to twenty miles an hour at the spot at the time. MR SUMMERILL was dragged about 25 yards on his back. Witness also said Mr Perkins was nearest to MR SUMMERILL at the time, being about 3 ½ yards out in the road. - Supt. Shutler thought if this were so, the motor cyclist would not have much room to pass - about 3 ½ feet of the road clear. - John H. Perkins, another postman, giving similar evidence, said they were wishing MR SUMMERILL good-bye just as the accident occurred. He considered the motor cyclist had three-parts of the road clear. - The Coroner: Would Tucker have seen MR SUMMERILL go across the road? - He might have. Witness could not estimate the motor cyclist's pace; he was going at a fairly decent rate. - Supt. Shutler: Why did not the motor cyclist keep on the right-hand side of the deceased?- I cannot say. - Was it not because of the stationary car on one side and you on the other? - No; he had plenty of room. The motor cyclist had gone past the car, and had the other part of the road. - In reply to Mr Lefroy, witness should say the motor cyclist's speed was too fast, seeing it was quite possible people would be coming out of the football field. - Henry Ley, of Braunton, spoke to seeing Tucker first going up and then down the road again at a rather extraordinary rate. Witness did not hear any horn. SUMMERILL was wheeling his bicycle across the road when the motor cycle struck him. - The Coroner: Would you say the motor cyclist was going 15 to 20 miles an hour? - It would be that. - When the postmen say there was nothing in the road you do not agree? - There were people in the road, but nobody in the way. - James D. Reed, a student at Chaloner's School, Braunton, gave his estimate of the motor-cycle's speed as 20 miles per hour. MR SUMMERILL was pushing his machine from the other side of the road, and was just going to jump on his left pedal, having his machine in position in front of him, when the front wheel of the motor-cycle struck him. - By the Coroner: MR SUMMERILL appeared to come from the direction of Park Villa-lane. - Witness could not say how far MR SUMMERILL was across the road when he was struck. - Alfred C. Braunton, motor and garage proprietor of Barnstaple, who witnessed the accident from his motor-van, said the motor-cyclist came up and shouted and raised his hand - he did not know if because he had lost control or was pushing SUMMERILL away. The motor-cycle caught deceased in the side, carried and dragged him along and he pitched in the road on the back of his head, Tucker falling about three feet away. The motor-cyclist's speed was between eight and ten miles an hour; and witness heard the motor-horn. There were too many people about to get much speed up. Witness considered the right handlebar struck MR SUMMERILL. The motor-cyclist evidently tried to get on deceased's left-hand side. Another six inches would have cleared him, but deceased's bicycle blocked his movements on his right-hand side. Witness thought the postmen very much mistaken when they said the road was practically clear. The motor-cyclist was not going at any excessive speed, but tried to cut in on the left, and both went to that side at the same time. Mr Braunton further said there were a couple of children on the right-hand side of the road and Mr Tucker tried to cut in smartly on the left-hand side. The truth of the matter was that he lost his head. - Electing to give evidence, Thomas John Tucker, the motor-cyclist, stated that he was riding not his own machine, but one on which a friend said he could have a ride He experienced no difficulty with the machine. In getting into Wrafton-road he could see no-one on the left, but there were several people on the right. His speed was about fifteen miles per hour and he was in second gear. Witness slowed down in passing Mr Braunton's car and then saw MR SUMMERILL come out in front. In endeavouring to pass deceased, witness went a little to his left and deceased came across in front of him as he did so, and the accident seemed unavoidable. Witness had sounded his horn three or four times on approaching the motor-van. If MR SUMMERILL had stopped still witness could have passed him alright. Witness slowed up to about ten or eleven miles on passing the van, and "probably I lost my head in trying to avoid MR SUMMERILL." Witness thought deceased had come out of the lane; his view was obstructed by people on the hedge. - Mr Lefroy: Don't you think you were going too fast? - Not under the circumstances. - In point of fact you could not pull up? - I lost my head, I expect. - P.C. W. H. Lamb, who was on duty near the main entrance to the football field at the time, said just previous to the accident, Tucker motor-cycled down the road at 12 to 15 miles per hour, a reasonable speed. On hearing of the accident witness proceeded to the scene and found MR SUMMERILL being attended by ambulance men. Tucker had been licensed for a motor-cycle since December 14th and witness had never heard any complaints regarding his riding. A slight skid mark pointed out by the witness Colwill was in about the centre of the road and went on to about 28 ft., where there was a pool of blood. Witness had not examined the brakes of the motor-bike. - Dr Sanders, House Surgeon at the infirmary, stated that the base of deceased's skull was fractured. - Mr Lefroy observed that the evidence as to the speed Mr Tucker was travelling was contradictory. - The Foreman thought the Jury had enough evidence to enable them to come to a right decision. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was for the Jury to say whether it was a pure accident, or whether Tucker was to blame -whether he was taking sufficient care under the circumstances in riding down the road. He expressed his indebtedness to Supt. Shutler, Mr Balsdon and Mr Lefroy for the assistance they had given; and thought the ambulance men, who gave their services voluntarily, were very much to be commended for their action. - The Jury, after a brief retirement, announced that they considered it was a "pure accident." They joined in the sentiments expressed by the Coroner. - Mr Balsdon, on behalf of Mrs Tucker and her son, also expressed their very deep regret with the widow and family. - The Foreman added that the Jury extended their sympathy to all concerned, including the young man who was unfortunate enough to have the collision. - Mr Lefroy said he was very much obliged for the sympathy expressed for MRS SUMMERILL. All realised it was a terrible thing for the young motor-cyclist to be in this position.

BARNSTAPLE - Man Shoots Himself At Barnstaple. Inquest Story. - Much regret, coupled with sympathy with the bereaved family, was expressed at Barnstaple on Monday morning, when it became known that MR THOMAS PHILLIPS, carpenter, aged 76, of 18 Silver-street, Barnstaple, had been found shot at the rear of his premises. - At the Inquest, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Dr Shaw spoke to having attended MR PHILLIPS for influenza and bronchitis. Last week he was certainly getting better, but the illness had left behind profound mental depression. - ERNEST WEBBER (son-in-law) spoke to hearing from MRS PHILLIPS that her husband had gone downstairs at 12.45 a.m. and to finding his father-in-law stretched out in the lavatory. MR PHILLIPS' gun was near and witness seized it and went for the Police. - P.C. Baker stated that the charge had entered deceased's chest and left side; and there were two or three shots on the floor. A piece of string and stick were tired to the trigger, and MR PHILLIPS must have shot himself whilst sitting down and pulling the trigger with the stick. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," said all knew MR PHILLIPS, and everyone would join with the relatives in the regret that he should have had this unhappy conclusion to a long life.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 March 1927
BIDEFORD - Rescued In Vain. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, adjourned an Inquest at Bideford on Wednesday evening on the body of CAPTAIN ERNEST CADDY, aged 50, a native of Padstow, of the schooner "Isabella," who sustained injuries from a fall over the Appledore quayside about a month ago. - The only evidence taken was that of the widow, MRS CADDY, who identified the body, and Dr W. A. Valentine, who deposed to being called to the "Isabella," and ordering CAPT. CADDY'S removal to the Bideford and District Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries received at 1.15 on Wednesday morning. When he first saw deceased he was suffering from a scalp wound and from immersion. Artificial respiration was applied. The wound in due course healed up, but death was due to empyema as a result of the immersion. - The proceedings were adjourned for the evidence of the son, ERNEST CYRIL CADDY, Ernest Charles Pring (cook), of the "Isabella," returning from Antwerp to Plymouth and Mr Sydney Henry Harris, of Appledore.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 31 March 1927
LYNTON - We sincerely regret announcing the death of MRS SARAH HURCOMB, senr., of Lynton, who, some time ago, had a serious accident, falling and badly smashing her thigh. Her death took place on Sunday last at the Lynton Hospital, where she was admitted at the time of the accident. Heartfelt sympathy is expressed, especially as MRS HURCOMB was 87 years of age, and a native of Lynmouth. An Inquest was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W.F. Brown. - MISS HURCOMB (daughter of the deceased) deposed that her mother was the widow of the late MR HENRY HURCOMB and resided with her at Tennis-view, Lynton. On March 3rd deceased went into the garden, and on returning to the house witness heard her crying for help. She came downstairs and found deceased lying on the bottom step on the landing, trying to turn around. Witness tried to raise her. Deceased thought she was only bruised, but after several attempts to raise her Dr Cummings was sent for and with the assistance of Mr Slough, her mother was taken to her bedroom. After an examination by the doctor, she was removed to the Lynton Hospital, where she remained up to her death on Sunday last. Dr Courtney said he took over the case in Dr Cummings' absence, and found deceased was suffering from uraemia. Up to Friday last she appeared to be progressing favourably, but on Saturday was much worse and expired on Sunday at nine a.m. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 April 1927
BARNSTAPLE - Little Boy's Fatal Fall. - The victim of an accident on March 18th, CHARLES GORDON ARTHURS, aged one year and seven months, son of MR CHARLES THOMAS ARTHURS, carpenter, of Hardaway Head, Barnstaple, died in the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday. At the Inquest, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on Monday evening, DR J. C.G. Dickinson, House Surgeon, said the child had an abscess beneath the skin and meningitis supervened, causing death. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 April 1927
HARTLAND - Barumite's Sudden Death At Hartland. - With pained surprise his many friends at Barnstaple and elsewhere learnt of the sudden death at Hartland on Monday of MR JAMES HENRY THOMAS, of Victoria-road, Barnstaple. MR and MRS THOMAS left Barnstaple for Hartland in the weekend in order to spend Easter with their son-in-law and daughter, MR and MRS HUGGINS and at the Inquest on Tuesday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." A native of Barnstaple, and aged 61, MR THOMAS was a cabinet-maker by trade, having been employed for many years at the Raleigh Cabinet Works. He was a keen bowler. A man of sterling worth and character, he was held in high regard.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 April 1927
BRADNINCH - MISS MILDRED DREW, a sister of REV. A. W. M. DREW of Stoke Rivers, Barnstaple, was found drowned in a mill stream at Bradninch on Friday. At the Inquest on Saturday, evidence was given to the effect that MISS DREW, who was aged 57, and a nurse at St Peter's Sisterhood, had been on holiday at Stoke Rivers, following a nervous breakdown. During the time she was there she did not sleep well, and had delusions that she was being talked about. She seemed depressed, fearing that she would be unable to resume her duties. On Tuesday of last week she went to Bradninch to visit a cousin, and seemed worried. On Friday, she went out to pick primroses and the discovery of some of her clothing and a basket of primroses on the bank of the mill stream led to the finding of her body in the water. - The Coroner found that MISS DREW Drowned herself whilst of Unsound Mind.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 June 1927
BIDEFORD - A Northam Fatality. - MR RICHARD BRAUNTON, a middle-aged man, of North-street, Northam, met with serious injury in a tree-felling mishap at Northam on Wednesday evening. Mr Jesse Hearn and his son, Mr David Hearn, and MR RICHARD BRAUNTON were engaged in felling a large tree at the entrance to Windmill-lane, when the tree came down unexpectedly, carrying Mr D. Hearn, who was working in the branches, with it. The tree pinned MR BRAUNTON, who was at the foot of the tree, to the ground, and it was a marvel that he was not instantly killed. Plenty of help was at once forthcoming and after some strenuous work by digging and levering the weight of the tree was removed from him and he was extricated in an exhausted and unfortunately much injured condition. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" in the case of RICHARD BRAUNTON, 53, a single labourer, of Northam, who died in Bideford Hospital, from injuries sustained by being pinned down by earth displaced by a tree he was assisting to fell, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said it was an Accident, and he could not say there was any criminal neglect, although it was rather a risky performance to attempt.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 June 1927
BIDEFORD - A Bideford Fatality. Sad Death Of MR NOEL BRADDICK. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and Inspector Parr (on behalf of the Police), at an Inquest at Bideford Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, expressed their sympathy with MR W. T. BRADDICK, of Queen Anne's, High-street, in the death of his third son, NOEL MONTAGUE, which occurred the previous night as the result of a motor-cycling accident at Westward Ho! - The evidence showed that the deceased, who was 19 years of age, engaged as a clerk in the office of his father, who is the Rate Collector, was motor-cycling along the main road at a good pace. The road was perfectly clear and could be seen for 600 yards ahead. He nodded recognition to a young man whom he passed, and had just passed some young ladies standing outside the Haven, when they saw his machine swerve and then violently skid until he lost control of it and was thrown, pitching on his head after turning a somersault. He was unconscious when picked up and succumbed to his injuries within an hour from being taken to Hospital, a fracture of the skull being the cause of death. - Mr Wm. Percy West said deceased was going at a fair speed; nothing exceptional, but Miss Betty Taylor put it at about 45 miles an hour. - P.C. Prior said the total skid marks were 128 feet in length. The pillion seat of the bicycle was knocked off, the shock absorber broken, frame and front forks bent, lamp smashed, and footrests considerably worn where they had been dragged along the road. The brakes were in good condition. - MR W. T. BRADDICK said his son was not a faster driver than others, and was not a reckless driver. The same evening he had taken witness on the carrier, driving quite well and carefully. - The Constable thought deceased possibly tried to pull up to turn round and thus set up the skid. The road was in good condition, though there was a slight depression about ten feet before the commencement of the skid marks. - In returning a verdict of Accidental Death, the Coroner said it was an extremely sad case. From the damage caused the speed must have been high, but he pointed out that it was a perfectly clear road. He expressed appreciation of the way in which the evidence had been given, and of the sketch plan prepared by the Constable.

HARWICH, ESSEX - Ilfracombe Man's Death At Harwich. Coiled In Wire Of Ship's Winch. - An Inquiry was held on Thursday by Dr John Harrison, the Coroner for N.E. Essex, into the circumstances attending the death of ARTHUR NORMAN WILSON, an A.B. on board s.s. "River Fisher," who met with a serious accident when the ship was abreast of Pin Mill, Harwich and subsequently died in the local Hospital. - Deceased's father, JOHN WILSON, superintendent of tolls on the Pier at Ilfracombe, said his son was 27 years of age and had lived with him at Shaftesbury-road, Ilfracombe. He was in the employ of Messrs. James Fisher and Son, Barrow-in-Furness. He had not seen his son since he was at home last August. Last Saturday, about 8.30 a.m. he received information from the Captain of the ship that his son had been seriously hurt on board and was in Hospital. He caught the first train to Dovercourt, and saw the deceased in Hospital. He was then quite conscious. Witness asked him how the accident occurred, and his son told him that he slipped his foot and fell over sideways on to the drum of the winch. At the time, he said, he was lowering the derrick. Deceased appeared to have laid down some time before he was heard. Deceased did not blame anyone for the accident. - The evidence of the mate, Samuel Hunter, was read over. It was to the effect that at 4.45 p.m. on Friday, the vessel was proceeding from Ipswich, to the Tyne, and, when passing Pin Mill, witness was on the boat deck. Suddenly, he heard shouting and, looking round, saw deceased entangled in the wire hawser, which was several times around his legs. He must have started the winch himself. He shouted for help, informed the captain and obtained assistance. The winch was stopped, and the derrick lowered by hand. Witness found the wire rope five or six times round deceased's legs. Chisels and hammers were obtained and the wire cut as speedily as possible. Deceased, on arrival of the vessel at Harwich, was removed to Hospital. - Percy Cross, the second mate, said he was working on the fore deck, securing the port lifeboat. He heard shouts and saw the deceased in the winch. Grasping the situation, he rushed down the stairs, shut off steam, obtained assistance, and cut the wire rope around deceased's legs and the barrel of the winch with chisels and hammers. - The master, David Copling, gave similar evidence, adding that deceased's right leg was badly broken, and he was suffering from shock. - P.C. Ruddock said he went on board the vessel on arrival at Harwich, and took statements. The Captain demonstrated the operation of the winch, which appeared to be in working order. - Dr Ford Porter said that on deceased's arrival in Hospital, he found him suffering from very severe shock, severe bruising all over his back, a compound fracture of the right femur, and other injuries. Both legs were very sluggish in movement and partially paralysed. Next day he was placed under an anaesthetic and the leg set in splints. He appeared to be recovering, but suddenly collapsed on Wednesday afternoon from shock. - The Coroner (to the father): Are you satisfied that everything was done for your son? - Quite. - You do not think any negligence was due on the part of anyone? - No, I don't think so. - The father said he desired to publicly thank the doctor for the great skill and kindness he had shown his son. He also desired to thank the Matron and sisters of the Hospital for their great kindness. Had the deceased been their own flesh and blood they could not have done more for him. "The boy told me they were kindness itself, and on behalf of my wife and myself I should like to express my gratitude for the great kindness I have received all through." - The Coroner, after a careful review of the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing sympathy with the relatives, in which Supt. Joyce, who was present on behalf of the Police, sympathetically joined.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 July 1927
BARNSTAPLE - At an Inquest on MRS MAUD ELIZABETH PINN, aged 44, wife of FREDERICK JOHN PINN, a potter, at Barnstaple, on Tuesday evening, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. Bencraft, returned a verdict of Death from Meningitis, resulting from an accidental fall on July 8, at the Union Inn, Barnstaple. - The husband deposed that his wife had suffered from pains in the head and had been medically treated. About 9 p.m. on July 8, he was called to the Union Inn, and found her with a cut at the back of her head, the result of a fall. She told him it was not much and that she had fallen backwards from her chair and knocked her head against a barrel. As far as he gathered it was a pure accident. A few days later she saw Dr Thomas, as she again developed pains in the head, but after treatment improved. On Sunday morning she was worse, but was able to go out later. She died almost suddenly early on Monday morning. - Dr F. L. Thomas said a post-mortem revealed meningitis as the cause of death, resulting from the accident. - Edward James Passmore, of Union-street, said he saw MRS PINN get up and catch hold of Mrs Stevens, wife of the landlord, by the shoulders. They both swayed and fell to the ground, MRS PINN'S head striking a barrel. It was no fault of Mrs Stevens', but a pure accident. - Mrs Ellen Stevens, wife of the landlord of the Union Inn, said she had had a word or two with her husband that night and MRS PINN, with whom she had always been very friendly, caught her by the shoulders, evidently with good intention. Witness said: "Leave me alone, I have to look after my business," and went out. On returning to the taproom she saw MRS PINN on her back, and this was the first witness knew of her fall. - The Coroner said it was clearly a pure accident. MRS PINN evidently acted with good intention, with the idea of preventing what she thought might have been a disturbance and took Mrs Stevens by the shoulders, and, in doing so, fell, injuring her head and causing the subsequent meningitis. - The funeral was held yesterday, the interment taking place in the Cemetery, Rev. R. C. W. L. Lamplugh, Vicar of St Mary's, officiating. The immediate mourners were Mr Pinn (husband), Miss Queenie Pinn, daughter, Messrs. J. and T. Casinelli (brothers), Mrs Cassinelli (sister-in-law), Misses V. and B. Casinelli (nieces), Messrs. J. and A. Ford, Mesdames Fisher, J. Ford, Barrow and Badcock and B. Ford (cousins), Mr and Mrs J. Shaddick (uncle and aunt), Mrs Ford (aunt), Mr and Mrs Pinn and Mr and Mrs Lake (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 August 1927
BARNSTAPLE - Bishopstawton Cyclist's Tragic Death. Inquest Story. - MR FREDERICK GIBBS, market gardener and rabbit trapper, of Bishopstawton, was the victim of a terrible accident on Friday night. Having been at Barnstaple Market on business during the day, he was cycling home at about 11.20, when, in descending the hill just outside Bishopstawton Almshouses, he fell heavily in the roadway. Mr R. L. Balman, who at the time was driving a trap just in front of MR GIBBS, with others at once rendered assistance, and after treatment at his home, MR GIBBS, suffering from grave injuries, was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, where he passed away on Tuesday morning. MR GIBBS, aged about 45, was greatly respected in the district, and widespread sympathy is expressed with the widow in her great bereavement. - At the Inquest before Mr T. A. Bencraft, Barnstaple Borough Coroner, on Tuesday afternoon, MRS ALICE LOUISA GIBBS, the widow, spoke to being at Barnstaple Market on Friday with her husband. She returned home by 'bus, her husband, who had his bicycle, remaining behind for business. On hearing of the accident, witness proceeded to the scene and her husband was subsequently removed home. He was afterwards seen by Dr Dixey, and the following morning was removed to the infirmary. Witness saw her husband every day subsequently, and was with him when he passed away. Her husband did not once regain consciousness. Witness could not say whether her husband had his lamp on the bicycle, but had never known him come to Barnstaple without it. He had been cycling ever since he was a boy. - Miss Jessie May Balman, of Ford Gate, stated that returning from Barnstaple at 11.20 p.m. on Friday, she was cycling down the hill about nine or ten yards behind the trap which was being driven by her brother on the left-hand side of the road. They were going very slowly, as the hill was steep. She had an acetylene lamp with two red lights on each side of it, and she could see the trap outlined against the two trap lamps. Just as she was passing the Almshouses she heard a swish close to her left arm and then a crash. She was dazed after that and did not know what happened. The deceased had passed on her left-hand side - on the wrong side. Mr Taylor helped her brother to lay MR GIBBS in the hedge. He was unconscious. - Ronald Leslie Balman, a butcher at Ford Gate, corroborated his sister's evidence. He had two lamps in front of the trap and one red light behind. He did not know how far his sister was riding behind, as his attention was on the pony. When the crash occurred, his sister caught his arm and said, "Oh, May," thinking it was her sister. He pulled up the pony within about two feet. When witness jumped out of the trap MR GIBBS was lying nearly in the middle of the road, with the bicycle just above him. MR GIBBS might have struck the trap, but witness did not notice it. - Coroner: For all you know it might have been a skid? - Yes, sir. - Answering P.S. Milford, witness said he did not see any lamp on the deceased's bicycle. - Miss Annie Beatrice Balman, of Stourbridge, near Birmingham, stated she had just arrived home on holiday on Friday evening. Witness and her brother were in the trap and her sister was following on the "push bike." Witness heard no bell and only saw her sister's light. She could not account for the accident; deceased's bicycle might have skidded. There was plenty of room for MR GIBBS to have passed on the right side of the road. They did not feel any jar and only heard the crash. - Hubert R. Taylor, carpenter, of Bishopstawton, spoke to hearing the crash as he was proceeding home. Witness found MR GIBBS as described, and went for the Police and Dr Dixey. - P.C. C. S. Tucker, of Bishopstawton, stated that on examining the bicycle on Saturday morning, he found it was not damaged and the brakes and bell were in working order. There was no lamp attached. The road at the spot was 19 feet wide, the gradient being about one in twelve. Witness could find no marks of a collision on the rear of the trap, and there were no marks in the road. The road was tar macadamed, and was rather slippery. Witness thought MR GIBBS must have touched the trap before being thrown. - In reply to P.S. Milford, witness said it was a dark night and there was very little traffic about. MR GIBBS' bicycle had drop handle bars and in nine cases out of ten a person riding that sort of machine would be bending over. - Dr J. C. Dickinson, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that MR GIBBS was unconscious when admitted to the Institution and although able to ask for things, did not seem to hear anything said to him. The left collar-bone and the base of the skull were fractured; and it was a hopeless case from the start. - MRS GIBBS, in answer to the Coroner, stated that her husband's acetylene lamp was not at home and she presumed he took it to Barnstaple. - The Coroner, summing up, thought it perfectly clear that Mr and Miss Balman were not to blame in the matter. They had a proper light to their trap; and he thought it would probably be better if a law were made providing for all cyclists carrying a rear light. Probably MR GIBBS was in a hurry to get home and had no lamp, or he would have seen the vehicles in front of him. The injuries to MR GIBBS' shoulder seemed to indicate that in trying to get to the right he struck the trap and fell off, or in the sharp turn the bicycle skidded, resulting in the fall. In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," he was sure he was voicing the general feeling in expressing great sympathy with the widow in this distressing and sudden bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 August 1927
LYNTON - Countisbury Hill Fatality. Inquest Story. The Jury's Recommendations. - Although Countisbury Hill has not claimed a motoring fatality since 1925, a fatal accident happened on Friday last about eight p.m., the unfortunate victim being MR ERNEST GEORGE CLEETON, of 135 Bolton-road, Handsworth, Birmingham, who, with his wife, was on a visit to Lynmouth and was staying with Mrs S. Sheppard, of Hillside House, Lynmouth. - On the evening in question, MR CLEETON had hardly crossed the Lyndale Bridge with the intention of taking a walk up the Countisbury Hill, when he saw a car coming towards him at a terrific rate and out of control. He immediately turned back, undoubtedly with a view of escaping, but before this could be done the car was on him, pinning him against the parapet of the Bridge and killing him instantly. In a few moments several members of the St John's Ambulance were on the spot, closely followed by Dr Courtney, of Lynton, who pronounced life to be extinct. - Deceased, who was 47 years of age, intended to leave Lynmouth the next day for his home in Birmingham. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy is extended to MRS CLEETON by a large number of Lynmouthians, who, during the past few years had made the acquaintance of both MR and MRS CLEETON. - The Inquest. - The Inquest took place on Monday at the Town Hall, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, the Jury consisting of Messrs. W. Jones, M. Clapp, W. Latham, A. Moule, F. Lucas, Fisher and Grinstead. Mr W. Jones was Foreman of the Jury. - In opening the proceedings, Mr Brown outlined the sad affair, explaining from particulars received that a car containing Mr Coomber, of Dundee, who was driving, accompanied by his wife and a gentleman, lost control of the car, which caused the sad death of MR CLEETON. - MRS CLEETON, who identified the body as that of her husband, said they resided at 135 Bolton-road, Handsworth, Birmingham. They arrived at Lynmouth on July 30th with the intention of returning home on Saturday last. She was not with her husband at the time of the accident. He was 47 years of age and was a motor mechanic. - Mr Stephen Edward Coomber, of 83 Albert-street, Dundee, driver of the car, was next examined. He and his friends were on a visit to Lynton and Lynmouth. On Friday he was proceeding down Countisbury Hill at about 7.45 p.m., and was driving an Albert cart. He left MInehead early in the evening and on the hill in question he noticed various signs warning motorists, and was aware of the danger of the Hill. Accordingly he put his car into second gear on top of the hill. He came down slowly and safely until he reached the bend in the road opposite the Tors Garage, when the car began to skid and gain speed. He did not accelerate or move his foot from the brake. As he approached the Bridge he saw a man on the right-hand side of the road and near the Bridge, and considered he was standing. He shouted as well as he could to warn him. As soon as the man in question heard the shout he ran to the centre of the Bridge. Just then the car again skidded, as the road was slippery owing to the recent rain, and the tail of his car struck the Bridge and the man. The car skidded across the Bridge. Eventually, he managed to stop it outside the hotel. He also stated that from the top of the hill to the bottom the car was in second gear. - Asked by the Foreman of the Jury as to the gears of the car, witness said it had four gears and a reverse, and seeing the warning signals as to the dangerous hill, he was, up to the time of the first skid, going about ten miles per hour. - Asked by the Coroner as to the condition of his tyres, witness said they were in good condition and had done a very small mileage. - Dr Courtney was next called and deposed that on Friday at 7.55 he was sent for and found deceased lying on the ground close to the wall of the Bridge, being quite dead. On examination he found that his neck was broken, also his right arm, and was otherwise injured. He also spoke of the speedy arrival of a number of first-aid men on the scene. - Mr Newcombe, porter at the Lyndale Hotel, who witnessed the accident, said he saw the care swaying badly when coming around the bend at the foot of the hill and strike the man and Bridge and skid across same. He considered the tyres burst on impact. - The Coroner, after the conclusion of the evidence, pointed out that Mr Coomber had given a good account of the sad affair. Possibly the tyres burst on the first skid and became uncontrollable. Unfortunately a man was in the way. He also read a statement written by Mr Cook, motor engineer, of Lynmouth, who had examined the car, and gave it as his opinion that the back brakes were of little use, but he found the car in second gear as previously stated by the driver. - Jury's Recommendation. - After a lengthy retirement, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and strongly recommended that notice boards be fixed on the Lyndale Bridge warning pedestrians and others not to stand on the bridge, and that a number of sign-boards be erected between the top of the Cleave to the foot of the hill, advising car drivers that in case of a car becoming out of control to bank it at once. Thus the danger of injuring others would be greatly diminished. The Foreman of the Jury stated that they could not agree with Mr Clapp[s suggestion that a strip of land belonging to the Tors, which formed the bend in the road at the bottom of the hill be removed. The Foreman and remainder of the Jury considered if this was done any car out of control would dash across the Bridge and come in contact with traffic moving up or down the street by the Lyndale Hotel. It was Mr Clapp's opinion that if this corner was removed any vehicle or persons ascending the hill or any person on the end of the Bridge could see a car approaching and would have a chance to evade same. The Jurymen's fees were handed to the Cottage Hospital.

BIDEFORD - Torrington Minister's Ordeal. Mother Killed In Motor Accident. Inquest Story. - Deep regret is felt throughout North Devon with the relatives of the late MRS BROWN, of Chapel Town-road, High Green, Sheffield, who was killed in a motor-car accident near Landcross, on Saturday, when being driven from Bideford to Torrington by her son, the REV. ALFRED BROWN, United Methodist minister at Torrington and formerly at Barnstaple. MRS BROWN, who was 61 years of age, was spending a holiday with her son, who is due at the end of the month to leave North Devon for a ministerial appointment at Louth. About 200 yards on the Torrington side of Monkleigh Cross, MR BROWN was passing a cart when the steering became inoperative, and after partly mounting the hedge, on its off-side, the car turned completely over, throwing out the driver and MRS BROWN. MR BROWN received some superficial injuries to his hands, but his mother sustained serious head injuries to which she speedily succumbed. Help was quickly at hand, and a passing motorist drove into Bideford and acquainted the Police and the Hospital ambulance, and Drs. E. J. Toye and Wilson were soon on the scene. MRS BROWN, however, passed away almost as soon as she was placed in the ambulance. At the Inquest at Bideford on Monday evening, the accident was attributed to the failure of a steering connection. - The Inquest: Coroner's Criticism. - Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford), Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest on the deceased in the Town Hall, Bideford, on Monday evening. - The REV. ALFRED BROWN said about one p.m. on Saturday he was driving his mother from Bideford to Torrington in a two-seater open car, and when about 200 yards on the Torrington side of the Monkleigh Road, came across a market cart being driven towards Torrington. He was travelling on his right side, but when about twelve yards from the cart he moved his car to the right in order to pass, and in the process of crossing, he added, "I felt the steering wheel go loose in my hands. I found I could not turn my car at all and went straight into the bank on my off-side, as the engine was still running. The car partly mounted the bank, turned over on its side and then completely overturned. I was fastened underneath the car, but my mother was thrown into the road." - Witness estimated his speed at about 20 to 22 miles an hour, there being a slight gradient. He had driven the car since April 9th, 1926. - The Deputy Coroner: Have you ever felt there was anything wrong with the steering? - No; it never gave us any warning. - His mother, continued witness, was sixty-one years of age, and lived at 139 Chapel Town-road, High Green, Sheffield. She was on a visit to him. Witness added that he would like to express thanks to the Police of Bideford and Torrington and others who had helped him in the unfortunate circumstances, on behalf of the relatives of the deceased and himself personally. They deeply appreciated all their kindness. - Mr John Abbott, South Green, Buckland Brewer, said he was driving with his sister, in a horse and cart in the direction of Torrington. He did not hear the car behind until there was the crash. His sister looked round and saw the car and he stopped his horse and got down as quickly as possible and ran to the upturned vehicle. MRS BROWN was lying on her back in the road, and was bleeding from her head. The car was close to the hedge on the off-side. He did not see anyone else, but heard someone underneath the car call out, whom he found to be MR BROWN. He lifted the car as well as he could to free his legs which were pinned, but as he was unable to release him, he ran for assistance. Mr Marshall, of Landcross, and, he believed, his son, came back with him, and together they were able to get MR BROWN out. He did not see how the accident occurred. He did not think the deceased was alive when he first saw her and did not know who sent for the doctor. - MR BROWN interposed that he informed the doctor and Police. - In answer to Inspector Perry, Abbott said the legs of deceased were partly under the car, but he was unable to release them until he got help. - Mr C. R. Marshall, Landcross, said the previous witness called at his house about one p.m., and told him there had been an accident over the road. He went to help and first lifted the off-side of the car for MR BROWN to crawl out, and then lifted it clear of MRS BROWN. Afterwards he fetched a bowl of water and another gentleman came along in a car and bathed MRS BROWN'S face. - In reply to Inspector Parr, witness said deceased was alive when he first saw her, but unconscious. There were distinct marks on the hedge where the car wheels had gone. - Mr Marshall added that he would like to express his admiration of the pluck and coolness of MR BROWN under trying circumstances, as the car might have caught fire. He thought he was very cool indeed. - Mr Ernest C. Redshaw, motor mechanic, in the employ of Messrs. Elliott and Sons, Bideford, spoke to inspecting the car in the road shortly after two o'clock. The steering drop arm had fallen off the shaft. He should say the camber of the road took the wheels of the car straight to the offside of the road. The steering drop arm, he added, in explanation, was held on to the shaft by a bolt pinching the two together. The shaft was square and there were four grooves into which the bolt should have fitted. On examination it was found that the bolt did not pass through the grooves to one-sixteenth of an inch. When he got back to the garage he found he was able to put the steering arm on and off without touching the bolt, showing how easy it was for it to have gone wrong. It was very liable to drop off, and he should say it was a defect in the design. There was nothing missing from it and nothing intended to hold it except the bolt passing through the grooves. That was the ordinary practice with the steering of the cars of today. The steering bars were horizontal with the shaft just out of the perpendicular. The only other time he had seen a similar happening was with a car of another make that was turned over on the Instow road, a man being killed. - The Deputy Coroner: If there had been a set screw or a nut this accident would never have occurred? - Yes, sir. - Dr Wilson deposed to being informed of the accident and at once motoring to the scene with his partner, Dr Toye, arriving about 1.30 p.m. Deceased was then dead Subsequent examination showed death was due to fracture of the base of the skull and shock. - The Deputy Coroner, in giving a verdict of "Accidental Death," in accordance with the medical evidence, by being thrown out of the motor-car, in which the steering wheel had gone wrong, and he was not quite satisfied in his own opinion, as a motorist, that the steering of the car was of a particularly good type, and he hoped the maker would get to know of it and would either satisfy them it was quite safe, or rectify it with a new type of steering.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Road Tragedy Inquest. Points Not Entirely Cleared Up. - The death of HECTOR FORD ATTER, armature winder, aged 27, of East Dulwich, South London, who whilst cycling collided with a motor-cyclist and was thrown under a coach on Mullacott Hill, formed the subject of an Inquest by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, at Ilfracombe, on Thursday. - Mr Mayburne Pearce, of Plymouth, represented the driver of the motor coach, Charles McDonald, Evelyn-place, Plymouth. - Charles Forward, motor salesman, Barnstaple, who was riding a motor-cycle in the same direction as the cyclist, said he saw the motor coach approaching on its proper side. The cyclist seemed to wobble, which witness attributed to his back-pedalling and having quite a fair weight of luggage on the back of the machine. The cyclist crashed into the motor-cyclist and fell under the motor coach. Had the cyclist kept straight there was plenty of room. - Charles McDonald, the motor coach driver, stated that he was returning with a party to Gunnislake. He was in low gear, climbing the hill at eight to ten miles an hour. He was so close to the hedge on his proper side that when he stopped the passengers could not open the doors properly. He did not think anyone gave any signal. The cyclist had control of his cycle when he first saw him, and was about to pass on his proper side. As he went abreast witness looked down on him and he seemed to go right across the road toward the coach and he could see he was in trouble. - He seemed to wobble as if he were trying to dodge something. There was plenty of room if everybody "did the right thing." - The Coroner thought the witness evidently did what was perfectly right. - Arthur Shelley, the motor-cyclist, staying at Moore Farm, Ilfracombe, said he did not sound his horn, but drew out to pass the vehicle when someone in it waved him on. He could not say it was the driver, but it was a man's hand. He did not see the cyclist until they collided. He was pitched over the handle-bars and his pillion passenger went over him. He could not say how the cyclist came between him and the motor coach. - The Coroner observed that people in motor-coaches were fond of being officious and taking on the duties of the driver. - Elsie May Page, the pillion rider, also said someone on the coach waved them on. She did not see the cyclist. - Dr H. B. Lewers described the extensive head injuries and said death was instantaneous. - The Coroner said it was a wonder, with the enormous traffic on the roads and the careless way in which a y employed every day on such cases. There was no doubt the motor coach was on its proper side, as close as it safely could be. He thought Shelley and the pillion rider must have seen something. He did not believe a person with 200 yards of clear road could have ridden on without seeing a cyclist until he actually bumped into him. He would leave it to the Jury to say what they thought. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," with no blame attaching to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 August 1927
SOUTH MOLTON -Southmolton Workman's Fatal Injury. The Inquest. - On Friday an Inquest was held at Southmolton by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, concerning the death of MR RICHARD GOUGH, aged 64, which occurred on the previous day, at the Poor-law Institution. Mr Fred B. Wyatt (Messrs. Crosse, Wyatt, Vellacott and Willey, solicitors, Southmolton) appeared for Messrs. Partridge and Co., electrical engineers and contractors, Exeter. Mr Attree Powell (Clerk to the Guardians) appeared for the Board. - Evidence of identification was given by MR THOMAS JAMES GOUGH, who added that his father met with an accident in January and another in February, but he (witness) did not see either of them. Deceased left a widow. - Frank Staddon, 3 Brook-street, Bampton, said that last February he was foreman on works that were being carried out at Southmolton by Messrs. Partridge and Co. He could not state the date of the accident without reference to the time-sheets, which were not in his custody. - Mr Wyatt: The first accident took place on January 27th. - Proceeding, witness said that on that date deceased was set with other men to unload a lorry of cement. He had to take the material into a building, and in doing so had to pass over a plank about eighteen inches high at one end and sloping till it was level with the ground. Witness did not see the accident, but deceased reported to him that he had fallen off the plank with a bag of cement on his back. Deceased complained of injuries and witness told him to have a rest, which he did. Later he resumed work and continued till the evening. He worked next day till 10 o'clock when he had another fall from a plank. Then witness put him on a lighter job. On the second occasion deceased was carrying a small quantity of materials for a mason to use. - The Coroner: Did he complain of injury then? - No; he sat down a bit and then carried on as usual. He finished out the day, but did not do any more work. - MR T. J. GOUGH: I beg pardon, but he worked till February 1st. The accident he died from was caused when he fell on walling stones. - Miss Partridge, a director of Messrs. Partridge and Co., electrical engineers and contractors (Exeter), consulting a wages book, said that deceased worked on the Thursday and Friday of the week ending January 29th, but did not work on the Saturday. He worked on the Monday and Tuesday of the week ending February 5th. Mr Wyatt: He was certified by Dr Mortimer on February 1st as suffering from a contusion of the back. - The Coroner, reading a document: Dr Mortimer says here that the accident happened on February 27th? - Mr Wyatt: It was on February 1st. - In reply to the Coroner, Miss Partridge said the second fall occurred on a Friday and that deceased did not work on the Saturday. The next day he worked was on the following Monday. - In answer to the Coroner, Mr Staddon said he, personally, could not say positively whether deceased did work on the Monday, remarking that he could tell from the time-sheets, which, however, he did not bring with him. He did not have anything to do with the time-sheets; they were kept at the office. - The Coroner: Was he sober? - Quite, sir. - Mr Wyatt: You have said that the deceased was sober: was he a good workman? - Yes, sir. - And a man of ordinary strength? - He was capable of doing anything reasonable. I had no complaint with him at all, and the job was within his powers. - Mr Wyatt: When you first found out about the accident, was it because deceased complained? - No; he had a bruise on his face and I asked him how he got it. - Mr Wyatt: Was there any occasion for him to go upstairs? - He need not; he was working on the ground all the time. - The plank would be used by others? - Yes. - A fair number of others? - Yes. - MR T. J. GOUGH: He was called to go upstairs, where they were going to put up a girder. - Mr Staddon: He was working on a small scaffold and I asked him to get on top. There were stones there. That was the second time. The first time I didn't see anything of it. The second time he was eighteen inches off the ground. We were just walling up a window. - Mr Wyatt: You have had no other accident? - Not that I am aware of. - The Coroner recalled MR T. J. GOUGH and asked him: Did your father tell you about the accident? - Yes, sir. - After the second one? - Yes. - did you see him directly after? - Yes; he got home about six and I was there at about a quarter to seven. That was on the night of February 1st, a Tuesday. The first accident, the plank one, was witnessed by a workman; he came straight and told me about the first accident. - The Coroner: Then he went the next day and fell off another? - I know nothing about that, sir. - What happened on the night of the accident, which you say was February 1st? - He said that he was on a bit of a platform, taking joists from the wall, and he fell back on to a heap of walling stones. He said he felt it strike on the spine and could feel pain going to the top of his head; also that a lump came into his throat. - When did he see Dr Mortimer? - We called him in the same evening. - Did he remain in bed the next day? - No, he could not stay there. - And did Dr Mortimer attend him? - Regularly, all the time, with the exception of when he was at Barnstaple. - Mr Wyatt: He was admitted to the North Devon Infirmary on April 14th. - The Coroner: How long did he stay there? - Witness: A fortnight and a day. The treatment was continued up to the 4th of August. - did he become worse just before that? - He was getting worse all the time. We had to do everything for him. For better nursing he was removed to the Poor-law Institution. My mother's health broke down under the strain. - Before this accident had he been a healthy man? - Yes, all his life. - Did he make any complaint as to a defective plank? - He said it was a very narrow one on which to walk with cement. - And the platform - was there any complaint as to that? - I can't say anything as to that. - (To Mr Staddon): Was it an ordinary nine-inch plank? - Yes. - Mr Wyatt: There was an accident on January 27th, which is not the one that caused the trouble and another on February 1st. Mr Staddon was standing near the deceased on February 1st. - The Coroner: I was confused, because we had it as Friday, January 28th: it now appears to be Tuesday, February 1st. - Mr Staddon (recalled): He did complain to me, and I put him on a lighter job. - MR T. J. GOUGH: You said at first that he did not complain. - The Coroner: You saw the bruise? - Yes. - And you asked him how it happened? - He told me that he fell with a bucket of cement. - What are they, 1 cwt. buckets? - Two cwts. - Did you see anything of the platform accident? - I saw him fall; he was passing up some material for a mason to use. I thought that while he was up on the scaffold he could give me a hand, but he slipped off when he was handing up the material for the mason to use. - Was there a heap of stones there? - Yes. - Did he fall on to those? - He might have done; I could not say. - Was he knocked out, or did he get up? - He carried on his work after he had rested awhile. - That would be the last day he worked? - It was the last day I saw him. - Dr Seal (Southmolton) said he saw deceased on his admission to the Poor-law Institution on August 4th. He was quite helpless; unable to move his legs and only just able to move his arms. He was paralysed completely, unable to articulate and could swallow only with great difficulty. He was suffering from bulbar paralysis and muscular atrophy and was in a very weak condition. He attended him till Wednesday, the day before he died. On the previous Sunday he began to develop pneumonia and gradually got worse, dying on Thursday morning. He made a post-mortem examination on Thursday evening. He found there was extensive pneumonia in both lungs, chiefly in the left. - The Coroner: Did you see the seat of the injury, the spine? - I examined it, but did not find anything; I did not expect to. The heart was diseased. - The Coroner: There was no tumour on the spine? - No; the brain was normal, but would probably show changes under a microscope. - What, in your opinion, was the cause of death? - Pneumonia, following bulbar paralysis, which is usually so in these cases. - And the paralysis, how was that produced? - It might have been from the accident, and it originated at the time of the accident. He seems to have been alright before that. - The Coroner: The blow on the spine, would that be likely to cause paralysis? - A severe blow is supposed to cause it sometimes. - But the post-mortem would not reveal that? - You would not expect it to. - He had every attention while here? - Yes. - Summing up, the Coroner said it appeared that while at work in January and February last, as described by Mr Staddon, the deceased had a fall. There seemed to be a little doubt about the day, but probably it was on February 1st, as stated. But he fell off a small platform, and fell on to some stones at the rear of the platform. He complained of injury to the spine and did not work after that day. He received treatment from Dr Mortimer, and was subsequently taken to the Infirmary and then back home again. Owing to his continued illness, he was removed to the Poor-law Institution for better nursing. He was admitted to that Institution on August 4th and received every possible treatment that was necessary. Dr Seal examined him and found him in a very bad condition, paralysed and in a very weak state. He died on the 11th instant. Dr Seal made a post-mortem examination and in his opinion the cause of death was pneumonia following paralysis. That was all the evidence it was possible to obtain in the case. No doubt the man did meet with the accident on February 1st, and he had not worked since. His (the Coroner's) verdict would be one of "Accidental Death," and no blame attached to anyone in the matter. - Mr Wyatt said that Miss Partridge, who was one of the directors of Messrs. Partridge and Co., attended the Inquiry in order to show her sympathy with the deceased's family and sorrow at his death. He (the speaker) was glad to hear from the Coroner's remarks that no blame attached to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 August 1927
BRAUNTON - Suicide's Despairing Message. Inquest On The Braunton Victim. - "I am a ruined man and unable to pay my way. I find that it is impossible to get the money from the Irish Court of Chancery. Also since I lost my mother I have not had a moment's peace. I cannot live without her. I only hope the only relation I have left will be able to pay the debts I leave behind. I must get out of this." A footnote broke off abruptly - "Don't let my ....." - This was the pathetic and despairing message (found in his trousers pocket) read from JOHN BERNARD BEAMISH, 62, retired Bank of England clerk, of Braunton (who was decapitated on the railway on Wednesday afternoon) by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at the Inquest at Braunton on Thursday morning. - Herbert George Johns, of Ilfracombe, fireman on the 1.30 p.m. train from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple on Wednesday, stated that as the train approached Buckland Bridge, near Braunton, he saw deceased suddenly emerge from behind the bridge, bend down and place his head on the rails. The train was then only about fifteen yards away and witness shouted to his driver, named Symes, who attempted to pull up the train, but the distance was too close to do so, and the incident was reported to the railwayman in charge of the level crossing a short distance further on. - P.C. Lane, who found the body, said the head was completely severed and the note read by the Coroner was in the man's trousers pocket. - Bessie Ann Spear, of 3 Field-lane, with whom the deceased had lodged since the 9th of April, said she did not know anything as to deceased's means of livelihood, but when he came to her he had a wallet full of pound notes and remarked that he did not believe in putting his money in the bank. She knew nothing about his affairs other than that deceased owed her for a month's board and lodging. Asked if he ever spoke about his relatives, witness said BEAMISH told her his wife was dead, but she learnt otherwise from another source, and she had reason to believe he received a letter from her since he had been lodging with her. Witness had no idea as to where the wife resided. BEAMISH left home about 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday and she expected him home for dinner as usual, but he did not return. He appeared to be in his usual health when he went out, and did not say anything about not returning. - The Coroner remarked that the Police had found no papers to throw any light as to identity and Mrs Spear said a week ago deceased burnt a quantity of papers. - Dr Wright spoke to death being due to the severance of the spinal column. He had occasionally signed papers for the deceased, which he thought had reference to a pension and concerned the Bank of England. Deceased was a man of normal intellect. - The Coroner could not say the man was of unsound mind. The note he left was quite a normal one. Deceased evidently waited for the approach of the train to take his life. The verdict was one of "Suicide."

BIDEFORD - Bideford Manager Takes His Life. "Worried Over Accounts." - WILLIAM JAMES STEPHENS, Manager of the local branch of the India China Tea Company, of 21a, High-street, Bideford, was found with his throat cut in the cellar of the premises at 1 p.m., on Sunday. Life was extinct, and the body was removed by the Police to the Mortuary. Aged 41, deceased was a familiar figure in the town, and of a very obliging disposition. He was married for the second time only last month. - At the Inquest on Monday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, the following note found on his desk in deceased's handwriting was read:- "I cannot stand any more worry of this branch. I am nearly mad. Good-bye everyone. Harry, look after the children. - WILL." - LUCY STEPHENS, the widow, stated that she last saw her husband alive in the house at 11 a.m., on Monday. He had been worried for a week or two because there were some accounts on his books he could not get in, and he seemed very depressed. At 1.15 p.m. she called him to dinner, but he did not reply and his son found him in the cellar with his throat cut. Her husband never threatened to commit suicide, and because he was so worried he had asked to be shifted to another branch. - WILLIAM JAMES STEPHENS (son), described how he had found his father, and Dr Marshall said death was due to haemorrhage. - Mr R. W. Saltern, of Shepton Mallet (district inspector for the tea company), mentioned he was present quite unofficially as far as his firm was concerned and stated he had never had occasion to find fault with deceased, and did not know there had been any trouble. There was no need for MR STEPHENS to have worried over accounts he could not get in, and there was certainly no question of his being dismissed. They could appreciate that it had been a very difficult matter, but he had not been pressed. Deceased was one of his best managers and witness considered him a splendid workman. - Mr T. A. Goaman (representing the widow): You say he found it was very difficult. Witness: Recently with reference to his duties, owing to the shipyards being closed. - Mr Goaman understood deceased gave weekly credit and some customers would not pay. - Witness: The weekly credits were not going back. The trouble was old outstanding accounts, but he did not know they were preying on deceased's mind. When he last saw MR STEPHENS on July 27 he asked witness if he could find him another place, and as a matter of fact he had a place in view for him at the end of the season. Witness did not say "He had better get his teeth into the job where he was," nor did any other representative say so. It was suggested he had better do his best at Bideford while they were looking for a place to which they could transfer him. - Summing up, the Coroner remarked if every tradesman was to worry over bad debts on his books as deceased had, he was afraid his time would be fully occupied in dealing with those who decided to take their lives. It seemed a very sad thing that a man should thus leave those who depended upon him and that he should take his life. - The verdict was "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 September 1927
BIDEFORD - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest on Tuesday n MISS ELIZABETH BRIMMACOMBE, aged 67, who expired suddenly in her bedroom the previous morning after having complained of feeling faint. Dr Wilson said a post-mortem examination disclosed a dilated and fatty heart and he attributed death to syncope.

WEST DOWN - Killed By Lightning. Westdown Farmer's Tragic Fate. - Whilst the great thunderstorm (details of which appear in page 3) was at its height in North Devon on Sunday morning, there was a terrible occurrence at Westdown, which is situated between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. MR CYRIL RICHARD NEWCOMBE CHUGG, aged 29, farmer, of West Dean, was returning with his pony and milk-cart from a milk-round at Ilfracombe, when he was struck down by lightning, death being instantaneous. No-one saw the actual tragedy, CHUGG'S body being subsequently discovered under the overturned milk-cart after the pony still partly harnessed, had been found running loose in the roadway. The deceased was a greatly respected young married farmer, and with the family so tragically bereaved general sympathy is expressed. - At the Inquest on Monday at West Dean Farm, before the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, RICHARD G. CHUGG, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification, and said he himself went to Ilfracombe on Sunday morning, and met his son coming back at Mullacott Cross at 8.30. There was a severe thunderstorm at the time and he was later informed of the accident. - Leonard Palmer Thomas, of Bradwell Mills, said that on Sunday morning he saw MR CHUGG'S horse outside his courtyard about nine o'clock. The horse was partly harnessed and he caught it and took it right back to the courtyard of West Dean, where he saw the trap upside-down and MR CHUGG underneath it. He called MRS CHUGG and with assistance they lifted up the cart and found deceased was quite dead. Asked how he thought the trap upset, witness said it appeared to have struck the corner of the garden wall. It was right outside the front of the farm house. He immediately went to telephone for medical aid. - George Philip Pile, of Cheglinch, said on the morning in question he was returning from Ilfracombe about quarter to nine and saw deceased on Twitchen Bridge. He (witness) went on towards Ilfracombe, but deceased proceeded on his way home to Westdown in his pony and trap. It was thundering and lightning all the way to Ilfracombe and back again, but there was no rain at the time. He recognised the hat produced (torn to ribbons) as one deceased was wearing at the time. - Dr H. K. V. Soltau spoke to being called on Sunday morning and to seeing the deceased between 10 and 10.30. He was then quite dead. On examination there were no marks of external bruising or wounds. There was a burn on the right side of the neck and on the inner side of the right arm and arborisations on the back. That was distinctive with death from electricity. In his opinion death was instantaneous due to shock through being struck by lightning. There was no dislocation of the neck and no fractures. - P.C. Westaway said that after he received information of the accident he went back to the Ilfracombe road and found deceased's hat about 100 to 150 yards up the main road towards Ilfracombe. It was afterwards identified by MRS CHUGG as the one her husband was wearing when he went away. - The Coroner said it was evident from the appearance of the hat, which was reduced to shreds, that he had been struck on the head by the lightning. A whip was afterwards found in the road. - In a discussion as to what attracted the lightning, Dr Soltau thought he might have been holding on to his head with the whip in his hand, and there may have been metal on the whip which attracted the lightning. - P.C. Westaway said that the whip was also found later in the roadway, but there was no metal on it, and an employee told the Coroner afterwards that there had been none on the whip for some time. The Coroner thought the lightning might have been attracted by the milk cans. It was a very sad affair. The verdict would be one of "Accidental Death," and the sympathy of everybody went out to MRS CHUGG, MRS CHUGG, Senr., and all the other relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 September 1927
PLYMOUTH - Barnstaple Lady Drowned Near Plymouth. - Second daughter of MR and MRS CAVALLO of 9 Brookdale-terrace, Barnstaple, MRS ERNEST PELLOW, of Furneaux-road, Swilly, Devonport, was drowned whilst bathing at Bovisand on Saturday. Aged 39 ½ years, MRS PELLOW was regarded as a strong swimmer, whilst she was a clever horsewoman, one of the foremost tennis players in the town, an amateur who had taken part in several of the productions of the Plymouth Amateur Operatic Society and a skilful bridge player. Her husband, a dockyard official at Devonport, left for Malta about two months ago and was to have been joined there shortly by his wife. - At the Inquest on Monday, Wilfred Johnson Banham, a captain of the Reserve of Officers (Indian Army) spoke to seeing Mr E. G. Hitchins and MRS PELLOW enter the water for the purpose of bathing. After they had been in water for about ten minutes they both shouted for help. At that time they were about 50 yards out and some distance from one another. - He (Capt. Banham) got into the water fully dressed and swam out to where he had seen them at first ,but after swimming for some time he came across Mr Hitchins, whom he dragged ashore. He went in again, but was unable to find MRS PELLOW. He believed MRS PELLOW and Mr Hitchins were good swimmers, but the waves were very big and were breaking, the sea being rough. - Ernest George Hitchins, Hoe Gardens, Plymouth, mechanical engineer, said on Saturday afternoon he was swimming about ten yards farther out than MRS PELLOW. He did not think they were 50 yards out when he heard her shout that she could not get in. He swam to her and told her to catch hold of his shoulder and he would swim in with her. He started swimming and then a big wave came and he felt her let go. He turned around to see if he could find her, but she was gone. He swam about but could not see her and he became exhausted. He knew nothing further until he found himself on the beach. - The Coroner remarked on the dangers of bathers swimming out to sea and in returning a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" congratulated Cap. Banham on his plucky behaviour.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 October 1927
BARNSTAPLE - Retired Farmer's Tragic End. Body Found On Railway At Barnstaple. - MR WILLIAM WATTS, aged 82, who for some time had been living with Mr J. Arthur at Sticklepath, Barnstaple, left home for his usual walk on Thursday morning and his body was subsequently found on the Southern Railway line, near Anchor Wood, about half a mile distant. He was a retired agriculturist, formerly of Chittlehampton (where he is stated to own property). - The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Friday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner and a Jury, of which Mr James Scott was chosen Foreman. Mr F. Matthews, of the Police Department of the Southern Railway, was present. - John Arthur, retired boot dealer, spoke to deceased having lodged with him for some time. He had worried a good deal and had fits of depression, scarcely knowing what to do with himself. MR WATTS last saw the doctor nearly twelve months ago and was, he thought, suffering from brain and nerve trouble and senile decay. On the previous evening MR WATTS remarked that if he had to leave him he should never have another home. He was afraid that he would have to leave, because of his (witness's) wife's illness. Witness had told him to cheer up and be as bright as possible, and they would try to keep him. MR WATTS had no financial troubles. Having had a better night than usual, he got up on Thursday morning quite normal, and left the house for a walk about 9.30, saying he would be returning about 11. - The Coroner: Would he be likely to go on the railway for a walk? - Mr Arthur: No, I have never heard him say anything to that effect. He was always very careful about vehicles, telling people to be careful, particularly with regard to motors. Witness had tried to console him all he could, having regard to his state of health, but had heard that he had suffered from fits of depression for many years. - Ernest Ward, of South Street, Newport, Barnstaple, stated that he first saw MR WATTS in the vicinity in which he was found on Wednesday morning. Witness was passing underneath the little railway bridge at Anchor Wood, when MR WATTS, who was near by, said that he knew the man who lived at the little white house at Anchor Wood, lower down, and asked whether they would say anything if he went down by the path on the railroad. He (witness) replied that he did not know, but they might not object. He (witness) was again at Anchor Wood on Thursday morning when near the dripping well, he saw MR WATTS walk from the bridge to the little gate on the Anchor Wood side, twenty or thirty times. MR WATTS then got up over the wire fence by a pillar on the top of which he put his Mac, and sat on it. They wished each other "good morning" as witness passed along and MR WATTS appeared to be alright. When witness got a little further along the bank MR WATTS was still sitting in the same position. - Frederick W. Pow, Naval Pensioner, of Trinity Street, informed the Court that he was on the bank leading to Anchor Wood the previous morning, when he saw the ten train go down to Bideford, and walking on a minute or so later saw the body of a man lying between the rails about twenty yards below the bridge. Mr L. Trevisick also happened to be in the vicinity and on his advice witness proceeded to the Junction Station and reported the matter. Later the Torrington-Exeter train came up and on witness signalling it stopped, the body being subsequently removed to the Junction Station. MR WATTS was lying in the centre of the rails, his head towards Barnstaple, his hat being a little further on the path on the river side. Witness thought that he must have been dragged some distance. Deceased's mac and stick were hanging on the Anchor Wood side of the railway. - Thomas Davey, engine driver, of Great Torrington, who was in charge of the 10.27 a.m. train from Barnstaple on Thursday, stated that he was on the look-out, but saw nothing in the way after leaving Barnstaple. If MR WATTS had been walking on the line witness thought that he would really have seen him, and if his train passed over him the probability was that he was lying on the railway at the time. Witness knew nothing of the case until he arrived at Torrington. - Mr Davey spoke to finding certain evidences on the brake rods when examining them later. - By P.S. Milford: If MR WATTS had been sitting between the rails it would have been difficult to see him from the engine, and probably if he had been walking at the time he would have been knocked off the line by the train. - P.S. Charles S. Tucker, Bishopstawton, spoke to terrible injuries to deceased's head and body. Marks on the railway indicated that he must have been struck by the train and carried approximately fifty yards. In witness's opinion deceased was first struck in the chest and head by the train. In deceased's wallet were envelopes addressed to his daughters in London, but there was no note of any sort. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that MR WATTS was killed by being run over by the train. At the time MR WATTS was a trespasser on the railway, but there was no direct evidence that he threw himself under the train. It was possible that, in a nervous and depressed state, he might have been straying on the line not knowing what he was doing and the train came and knocked him over. On the other hand there were things which seemed to show that the act was intentional. - The Jury having retired, the Foreman announced that they were of the opinion the verdict should be "Found Dead as the result of injuries sustained by being run over by a train." They did not attach any blame to the engine driver. - Another Juror said the verdict was "Accidental Death," but the Coroner did not think they could definitely say it was accidental or otherwise.

LANDKEY - Man Shoots Himself At Landkey. The Inquest Story. - The inhabitants of the little village of Landkey, in common with a wide local district, were shocked to hear on Sunday morning of a sad shooting tragedy in their midst. The unfortunate victim was ARCHIBALD CHARLES ANDERSON JONES, 45, of "The Hollies," Landkey, a lorry steersman, and he was found by his wife with his head blown to pieces in the kitchen. - The inquest. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, MRS JONES, the widow, said deceased had been working with a Barnstaple haulier for 16 years, leaving his employ about five weeks ago. About a fortnight ago deceased was employed for a week and four days, but had got weak and could not carry on. Continuing MRS JONES said that deceased had had no sleep ever since he had left his work. Rising at about quarter to nine on the day of the tragedy, her husband had his breakfast and walked with her to the bottom of the garden, and after they came back to the house, she proceeded again to the bottom of the garden, and had not been there two minutes when she heard the report of a gun. She ran back and saw deceased lying on the floor with a gun beside him quite dead. - Dr Desprez said deceased was lying half-way between two rooms right in the doorway. He had severe injuries to the head and the brain was scattered over the floor. In answer to the Coroner, Dr Desprez said the head was blown to pieces. Deceased had been attended, up till as recently as Saturday, for insomnia and neurasthenia. - P.C. Durgess said he found deceased lying, as the doctor had stated, with a double barrel gun by his feet. On examination, he found a discharged cartridge in the right barrel and a live in the left barrel, the trigger of which was cocked. Deceased had apparently suspended the gun by the means of a piece of bent wire attached to a beam in the ceiling, with one end attached to the trigger, and had pulled the gun towards him. There was no note or anything to suggest any cause why he should take his life. - The Coroner, in giving a verdict of "Suicide by Shooting Himself whilst of Unsound Mind," said it was an extremely sad case, and one of only too frequent occurrence. The poor man had been out of work and seemed to have taken it to heart.

HEANTON PUNCHARDON - Wrafton Licensee's Sad End. Inquest Story. - At the Exeter Inn, Wrafton, on Friday, the County Coroner for North Devon, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of MR BERTIE NEWCOMBE, 38, the licensee of the Exeter Inn, Wrafton. Deceased was found shot in a field adjoining the rear of his premises on Thursday evening. He leaves a widow and three children, for who the deepest general sympathy is felt. - MRS FLORENCE MAY NEWCOMBE, the widow, said she last saw her husband alive at quarter to twelve on Thursday morning, when he was leaving the house to go to Braunton. She thought he had taken his bicycle. She did not know the gun, which was kept in the cellar, was gone. Deceased did not come home to dinner, and she began to wonder where he was. Just before two p.m. she called Samuel Williams, a workman, and asked him when he had last seen deceased, he replying that he (Williams) had seen him in the morning. She found that the bicycle was not gone, so could not make out where her husband was. Between three and quarter past, when she was in the house at work, she heard the report of a gun, and she immediately went to the cellar and found that his (deceased's) gun was not there. She again went to the orchard and told the workman that she had heard the report of a gun and that she had noticed that her husband's gun was gone. The workman said he would go round and see if he could see him. About an hour afterwards she went to the orchard again and asked if had been there since she left, to be told no. Just before five p.m., the workman came in from the orchard and said he would search for him, and ten minutes later he (the workman) came back and said he had found him dead in the field, just outside the orchard. In answer to the Coroner, witness said there had been no "words". On the morning in question he got up a little earlier than was his usual custom, rising at quarter to five. She (witness) asked him the reason and he said he was going out to change some bullocks. She was certain there had been no quarrel - nothing out of the ordinary. Deceased had threatened to take his life when he had an illness two years ago, but not recently, and as far as she knew he had had nothing to worry him and had never complained of anything. She had got no idea why he had done it. As he was going out of the door he said:- "You will be alright, FLORRIE, won't you, and take care of the children." In answer to a question by the Coroner, she said she did not know what reason there was for the words. On the day before the occurrence when he went to the stable, he took a rope and when she asked him what he wanted it for, he said he was going to hang a gate. - Samuel Eli Williams, of Wrafton, the workman in question, said he did not think anything had happened to deceased, but when he went to the meadow he saw the dog lying with his head on MR NEWCOMBE'S dead body by the hedge, about three hundred yards from where he had been working. In the last two or three days before the tragedy he had seen a change in deceased. He seemed nervous. In answer to Mr G. W. F. Brown, witness said he did not go to look for deceased earlier because he was afraid there would have been trouble. - P.S. Wm. Challis, of Braunton, said that at 5.30 the previous evening he accompanied Dr Wright to the field, where they saw deceased lying on his back, slightly inclined to his left side. The face of deceased was blown away. His cap (produced) was lying on his right side, and the gun was lying immediately on his chest, with the muzzle towards the face. His both hands were lying on the body, clasping nothing. He made a search and there was nothing on the body save one live cartridge in his trousers' pocket. He examined the gun, and found a discharged cartridge in the right barrel. - Mr Sydney Gibbons, of Hart Farm, said he saw deceased about 10.30 in the orchard and had a talk with him. He (deceased) looked very strange, particularly strange and he had noticed the same look for a week or ten days. It was similar to the look he had had when he was ill two years ago. - Dr F. R. Elliston Wright of Braunton, said the greater part of the left side of deceased's head was blown away, from the mouth upwards. Witness thought that the muzzle of the gun found near the body was placed in his mouth, and the gun fired while he was lying on his back. He had not attended deceased professionally for about two years, but had seen him often and he seemed fairly well. Two years ago deceased suffered from neurasthenia, sleeplessness and nervous weakness, but from that he had quite recovered. The wound, in his opinion, was self-inflicted and death, he should say, was instantaneous. - The Coroner said that apparently the shot that MRS NEWCOMBE had heard was the shot with which deceased destroyed himself. He did not suppose it would have been of the slightest use, but he wondered why Williams did not go to look for him. His verdict would be one of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Wednesday 21 December 1927
BEAFORD - Beaford Fatality. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at an Inquest concerning the death of HENRY GOMER, naval pensioner, of Cann's Down, Beaford. - Deceased went out shooting with a double-barrelled gun and was later discovered lying dead facing the hedge of a field on Mr J. Jeffry's farm. The gun was between his legs, with the muzzle pointing towards his head and he had an empty cartridge case in his right hand. Deceased's 4 ½ years-old boy, who had accompanied his father, returned subsequently and made the tragic announcement to his mother: "Daddy's killed." - At the Inquest the widow, said her husband had never threatened to take his life and was in splendid spirits when leaving home. When the child made the statement she asked him to take her to the spot, but when they had gone a little distance she could not get him to proceed, as he seemed terrified and then contradicted his previous statement. The child had said nothing since about the occurrence, the shock having evidently been so great. - Dr Killard Leavey of Torrington, said the evidence pointed to death having been accidental. The face and head were extensively injured. - The Coroner said it had been suggested that deceased might have been going to give the empty cartridge case to his little boy over the hedge and slipped in getting down. He might have caught his heels in something, which caused him to fall backward. This theory was supported by the fact that his cap was found two yards behind him and there were no marks of gunshot on it.