Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1902

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:-  Alford; Annear; Arthur; Atkins; Aveling; Axworthy(2); Babbage; Baggot; Baker(2); Ball; Barr; Barretto; Bassett; Battishill; Bawden; Bazzar; Beable; Beall; Beavis; Bell; Bennett(2); Berry; Berryman; Binmore; Bird; Bishop(2); Blackler; Blanchard; Blant; Blight(2); Blyde; Body; Boney; Boyce; Bradford; Britton; Brokensha; Bull; Burge; Butland; Byatt; Camp; Carter; Casey; Catchpole; Chesterfield; Chivers; Chope; Clark; Clarke(2); Clist; Collins; Connett; Connolly; Coombes(2); Cooper; Copeland; Cornelius; Costello; Coyde; Craze; Cross(3); Cruize; Cuming; Curtis; Daniels; Davey; Davidson; Daw; Dawson; Deacon; Delbridge; Dight; Dimond; Dodd; Doidge; Dore; Dorset; Drake; Dunstan; Dyer; Eade; Eastcott; Easterbrook; Easton; Elford; Elliott; Ellis; Embleton; England; Evans(2); Everitt; Fidler; Fisher; Foale; Foster; Friday; Frood; Frost; Furse; Gammon; Gard; Gater; Gee; Gill; Glass; Gloyn; Godolphin; Gooding; Green; Greenway; Gregory; Griffiths(2); Gullett; Gulley; Hall; Hammett; Hannaford; Hannen; Hardisty; Harris(2); Head; Heard; Hele; Hellier; Hern; Hill; Hine; Hitchcock; Hoare(2); Hockaday; Hocking; Hockings; Hole; Holloway; Hookway; Horridge; Horsham; Hurrell; James; Jasper; Jenkin; John; Johnson(2); Jolly; Jones(2); Kay; Kennard; Kitt; Lane; Langley; Laskey; Lawrence; Lee; Le Grice; Lewis(2); Lillis; Littlejohns; Lott; Lovering; Lucas(2); Lugger(2); Luscombe; Mandley; Manley; Marks; Marles;  Martin(2); May; McCaffery; McCarthy; McMullen; McNulty; Mildren; Minhinnick; Mitchell(2); Monk; Moore(2); Morgan(2); Mortimer; Mortimore(2); Moxey; Mugridge(2); Mussell; Nelson; Nicholson; Ninnis; Northway; O'Brien; Olsen; Paddon; Parnell(2); Pawley; Peacock; Pearce; Penfound; Pengelly; Pennery; Pennington; Penrose; Penwarne; Perring; Petherbridge; Phillips; Pile(2);  Pincombe; Pinn; Podgers; Purver; Pye; Radford; Rambridge; Rapper; Reed; Reeve; Rendle; Rich; Richards; Rider; Roberts; Robinson; Rolestone; Rookes; Rowell; Rowsell; Rundle;  Ryder; Sanders; Seward; Sherwill; Short; Shute; Skelley; Smale; Smith(4); Snell; Soper(2); Sparkes; Spike; Spiller; Splatt; Spurrell; Stanley; Steer(2); Steere; Stephens; Stevens; Stewart; Stroud; Sullivan; Swift; Swinburne; Symons(3); Tancock; Taw; Taylor; Tobin; Totten; Treen; Tretheway; Tucker; Valley; Venning; Vincent; Wakeham; Waldron; Walsh; Walters; Warley; Warren; Watts; Weatherdon; Welch; Wellington; Welsham; Westlake; Whitnell; Wilkinson; Willcocks; Williams(3); Wilson; Wingate; Winterbourne; Wright; Yabsley; Young.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 January 1902 ARLINGTON - Domestic Servants Sad Death. - The death of ETHEL ANNIE PILE, domestic servant at Arlington Rectory, near Barnstaple, was Inquired into by the County Coroner (Mr J. F. Bromham) yesterday. - Rev. T. de L. Spryse, rector, stated that deceased had been in his service as parlourmaid about three months. PILE was missed about 9 p.m. on Monday, and as her hat and jacket were in the house, witness suggested a search and shortly afterwards his son and the stable-boy returned with the message that she was in the stick-house groaning. Going into the outhouse, witness found deceased lying on a heap of sticks, and an eight-ounce bottle of carbolic acid two-thirds of which were gone) and a cup, in which a tablespoonful of carbolic remained by her side. Witness assisted the girl into the rectory and sent for medical aid, but PILE expired in about half an hour. The bottle of carbolic did not belong to the rectory. Had not noticed anything peculiar in deceased's manner. A letter in PILE'S dress, addressed to a fellow servant, ran - "I am broken-hearted: all for Ned, he is gone. Good-bye to you all. I am tired of my life." - Mary Ann Irwin, cook at the rectory, stated that about a fortnight ago deceased said a young man (whom she named) would be the cause of her death, adding that she would tell her about the trouble she was in one day. She saw her last on Monday afternoon, but had not the slightest idea she contemplated suicide. - P.S. Adams, of Parracombe, spoke to finding several love-letters in deceased's bedroom, all dated from Combmartin. The last letter (December 5th) invited her to walk to Combmartin on the following Sunday and asked what was the matter with her. He had ascertained that PILE did not obtain the carbolic acid at Combmartin. - Dr Manning stated that a post-mortem shewed death to be due to taking carbolic acid, whilst deceased was enciente. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry at the Guildhall yesterday touching the death of ELIZABETH LETHBRIDGE REEVE, aged 39, of 22 Stanley-street, who died suddenly on Monday evening. - EDWARD REEVE, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, said the deceased, his sister, was a charwoman. She was in very good health and quite cheerful when he saw her last Friday. She was at work nearly every day and was a very strong woman. He did not remember a doctor ever having attended her. - Martha Mason, 14 Clowance-street, said deceased came to her house every Monday to do washing. On the previous day she appeared to be in very good spirits. Just after tea witness was talking to deceased. She afterwards went upstairs and her daughter, while looking for her, fell over deceased in the court-yard. Witness went to look at deceased, but could not move her. She was afterwards taken into the house and some brandy given her, but without effect. Witness had always found deceased a hardworking and trustworthy woman. - Dr E. S. Saunders said death was due to a clot of blood on the heart, caused through an aneurism in the pericardium. Death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 January 1902 KINGSTEIGNTON - Suffocated At Kingsteignton. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Kingsteignton yesterday on LILY DORE, 3 ½ months old, found dead in bed by the side of her mother on Tuesday morning. The mother said after nursing the deceased she went to sleep with the child at her breast. Mr E. Hunt, Surgeon, said the child, which was healthy and well developed, died from suffocation, which might have been the result of being overlaid or of the pressure of the bedclothes only. The Coroner drew attention to the danger of a mother taking her baby into bed with her instead of placing it in a cradle, and said the number of deaths that resulted from the practice was a very serious matter. A verdict of "Death by Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1902 TORQUAY - At Torquay yesterday an Inquest was held on JOSEPH PETHERBRIDGE of Ellacombe. Deceased had been unable to leave the house for eighteen months and latterly had been much depressed. His wife left him at 3.20 in the afternoon. Twenty minutes later she found him on his knees at the foot of the bed, with a rope round his neck, dead. Dr G. Y. Eales gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EXETER - The Exeter Level Crossing Fatality. The Inquest. - At Exeter last evening Mr Gould held an Inquest on FLORENCE HANNAH BLANT, aged 20. Chief District Inspector Shattock watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway, and Mr L. D. Thomas for persons interested in the level crossing. - HANNAH BLANT, wife of a carter living at 23 Frog-street, said the deceased, her daughter, was employed at the County Steam Laundry at Exwick. She was in the habit of going to and from her work by way of the level railway crossing. Charles Frederick, signalman at the crossing, said he saw females come inside the wicket gate on the Exwick side, and he shouted to them twice as loud as he could. There was a strong wind blowing, and a South Western goods passing into Exeter. A light engine was also coming from the opposite direction, and just before it reached the level crossing its whistle was blown. Just as it passed the crossing he heard a scream. He went down the line and found the deceased being supported by the fireman of the engine. The goods train was very heavy and running very slowly, having been stopped beyond the signal. - Thomas Pezzack, 7 Wake-street, Plymouth, the fireman of the engine, said the engine was detached from an up Plymouth goods train to go to the locomotive shed. Seeing a female about to cross the line he blew the whistle. The engine was about twenty yards away from the crossing at the time. Immediately on passing the crossing he heard screams, and found the deceased on the line supported by a porter. It was possible for the engine to have been brought up within twenty yards, but it was not done, because, having regard to its slow speed, the girl should have had plenty of time to have got out of the way. There appeared to be no immediate danger, but the whistle was blown to warn the young woman and to prevent her from crossing, or to hurry her over the line. - William Henry Way, shunter, said he found the deceased lying on the up line close to the right rail, eighteen yards from the Exwick Gate. She was conscious and said "Oh! Father help me." One leg was cut off and the other appeared to be nearly off. The engine pulled up a few yards beyond the level crossing. There were other girls coming along behind. - Mace-Sergeant Salter said he had ascertained that the girl was returning home by herself. - Chief Inspector Shattock said it was not a public crossing, but the public used it. There was no signal box on the Exwick side. By the Jury: The main gates were worked and interlocked, but there was no contrivance to keep the wicket gates shut. If there were pedestrians would often be kept waiting for a considerable time owing to the large number of trains passing. They had to "hang up" the vehicular traffic a good deal owing to the heavy train traffic. The crossing was well lighted. - Mr W. H. Marsden, Assistant House Surgeon, said the deceased was dead when brought to the Hospital. She was terribly injured, both legs having been severed. - The Coroner, in summing up, said so far as he could see nobody was to blame. It seemed to be a common occurrence for drivers to see people crossing the line and that was doubtless the reason for the engine not being pulled up when the whistle was blown. - Signalman Frederick said he had cautioned young women coming from Exwick time after time, but they appeared to take no notice whatever. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to the driver or fireman of the engine.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 January 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Old Man's Death. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN SPURRELL, 72, a carter, of 21 Pym-street, Morice Town. Anne Ferris said the deceased, her uncle, was in receipt of parish relief. Six weeks ago deceased was reading a newspaper when his spectacles fell off. While searching for them with a candle, he caught his whiskers and necktie on fire, and burnt his chest. A neighbour attended to him and he seemed little the worse for his injury, as he went to receive his parish pay the next day. Dr T. Rolston was afterwards sent for, and deceased apparently recovered. He was unwell on Boxing-day, and the doctor was again summoned. Dr Rolston said deceased had suffered considerably from shock and had never recovered from the effects of the burns. The heart was diseased and the left lung saturated with blood. Death was due to pulmonary apoplexy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 January 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Improper Feeding Of Infants. - At Devonport yesterday the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN SPIKE, aged 20 days. ETHEL SPIKE, living at 12 Ormonde-terrace, said the child was born on the 15th ult., witness being attended by a midwife. The baby appeared to be in good health until Saturday lat, when she noticed it was breathing indifferently. After putting him to bed she went about her work and an hour later found the child dead. She had fed the baby at 10 p.m. the previous day with cornflour and he had a bottle of milk during the night. Dr Edward McCulloch, who had made a post-mortem examination, found deceased had suffered from pneumonia and from inflammation of the bowels. The cause of death was in the brain, where there had been haemorrhage into the cerebral ventricle. The inflammation was due to improper feeding. Cornflour should not have been given to such a young child. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 January 1902 TAVISTOCK - A Tavistock Widow's Death. Her Son Censured. - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on SUSAN DOIDGE, the widow of a well-known tradesman of the town. - WILLIAM HENRY DOIDGE, hairdresser, and tobacconist, 82 West-street, said deceased, 80 years of age, was his mother. She had always resided with him and on Wednesday morning was found dead in bed dressed. On Tuesday the deceased was in bed all day poorly. His aunt, Mrs Ralph and Mrs Mudge were in attendance. No doctor was sent for, as witness did not consider she was seriously ill. She had been ailing for some time, but had not been under medical treatment. He did not know the deceased's room was dirty. He had not been drinking excessively: he had been unwell. - Jane Ralph said deceased was her sister. She went to see her on Tuesday morning, having received a message that she was very unwell. She found deceased semi-conscious, lying on the bed dressed. The room and the deceased were both dirty. She remained with her sister until six o'clock, when she went to sleep. - Deceased screamed, and would not be touched or have a doctor. The son promised to send for one in the morning. Witness did not see her alive again, and found her dead when she went into the room with the son on Wednesday morning. - Dr Snowden-Smith said the bedroom, clothes and bedding were very dirty and shewed neglect. The body was fairly well nourished for an aged woman. There were no marks of violence. Death was due to heart disease. There was no food in the stomach. The liver was diseased, shewing that she was in the habit of taking stimulants. He had noticed the deceased getting more feeble and not able to look after herself. - The Coroner said the case was a very sad one indeed. There was no doubt deceased died from heart disease, but the evidence as to her condition when found dead in bed was most revolting. It was the duty of the son to have seen that his mother was provided with medical treatment and proper necessaries. This he had neglected to do and very grave reflection rested upon him for having allowed his aged parent to be found in the state described. - The Jury (Mr W. Winney, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and censured the son. - The Coroner, addressing MR DOIDGE, said the Jury had taken a very lenient view of the case. He believed the condition in which deceased was found was due to his having given way to drinking and he hoped it would be a lesson to him and that he would give up his intemperate habits, which could only have one possible ending - that of ruin.

PLYMOUTH - An Aged Plymouth Lady's Death. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on FRANCES ANNE PURVER, aged 82, daughter of a paymaster, R.N., residing at 47 Torrington-place. - Mr Hemsley H. Shanks, Paymaster-in-chief, R.N., retired, said on Wednesday evening MISS PURVER was walking about her room, when she was heard to fall. Her maid found her lying on the floor conscious. He was sent for, got deceased on to the bed and called a doctor. MISS PURVER died at 2.30 yesterday morning. Dr W. C. Hamilton said on being called found her conscious. She told him she had had a fall. Her hip was fractured and she died from heart failure, the result of the shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 January 1902 PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on ALBERT MARKS, driver, aged 38, of 38 Union-street, Stonehouse. - MRS LOUISA MARKS, the widow, said deceased met with an accident and was first attended by Dr Lambert at his home and was taken to the Hospital last Monday week. - Mrs Edith Widger, 19 Wolseley-terrace, Mutley, said that some boys outside her house on the 17th inst. told her the deceased had fallen off a horse. A lady told her that deceased was riding furiously down Torrington-place just before and she wondered he did not come to grief sooner. - P.C. Hitchcock said that on 17th ult. he saw a crowd outside Wolseley-terrace, and found deceased lying in the road. He was told he had fallen off a horse. Deceased, although dazed, did not seem much hurt, and he was taken home by a friend. The man's head was slightly hurt and witness thought he had been drinking. Dr F. C. Hitchins, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted in a deeply unconscious condition, from which he never rallied. A post-mortem examination revealed an extensive fracture of the base of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Extension Works Fatality. An Unforeseen Accident. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on JOHN WILLIAM HOOKWAY, 50, crane-driver, employed at Keyham Extension Works, of 26 Neswick-street, Plymouth. Mr E. T. Peck represented Sir John Jackson (Limited). Mr Sidney Shuter, the Home-office, Mr F. G. Tarn, the relatives. - MARY JANE HOOKWAY said deceased, her husband, had been engaged on the Manchester Ship Canal and Burrator Waterworks. She had three children, aged 17, 12 and 7 years. - Thomas Clark, fireman, 47 James-street, said he was employed with deceased on No. 540 derrick crane. At 11.30 p.m. on Wednesday they were jibbing round with the empty skip to go down into the caisson, when there was suddenly a crash, and the jib fell on a wagon and broke in two. Somebody asked where the driver was. they could not see him on the crane. he was found at the bottom of the caisson chamber. The jib was fastened to the crane by two shackles. - Mr Brooks (for Sir John Jackson, Limited), explained that the accident was believed to have been caused by the loosening of the pawl which was connected with the ratchet (or toothed wheel), in the drum, which held the jib chains. - Alfred Gribble, excavator, said he was working in the bottom of the caisson chamber of No. 5 dock on Wednesday night when he heard a rattle and the men ran away. They found deceased lying on the rock in the centre of the chamber. He must have fallen between 60 and 70 feet. - Alfred Sharman, mechanical foreman, whose duty it was to examine the machinery at the works, said about the middle of December the jib chain of that crane was taken down and cleaned. Up to two or three weeks ago the crane worked well, but deceased then reported that the vertical jibbing shaft was in need of repair. A fitter did the work of repair, deceased assisting. The day before the accident, the day shift driver reported that the collar of the winding drum was slack and a fitter tightened it. The pawl could not be dropped with safety while the drum was revolving, and he thought that whilst lowering the jib deceased must have let the pawl, which he was obliged to lift, fall on the ratchet, one of the teeth of the ratchet being broken. By Mr Shuter: Deceased might have both hands and a foot engaged at the same time. To reach the pawl the driver stepped on a block of wood. If the block were irregular or slipped when the driver stepped on it, it might easily account for the pawl being allowed to slip on the ratchet. He did not know of a better system. - By Mr Peck: The collar of the drum was still intact. - Dr C. A. B. Horsford said deceased died at 3.30 a.m. on Thursday at the Royal Albert Hospital. the left thigh, both legs, and three ribs were fractured, the liver was ruptured and there was a large scalp wound. - Mr Shuter said he could not advocate any change in the working of the crane which would prevent such an accident. - The Coroner remarked that the men deserved great credit for the prompt manner in which they had conveyed deceased to the Hospital. There did not appear to be any certainty as to how the accident occurred, though the assumption that it was due to the pawl falling was the likely explanation. They must be satisfied that the crane was in proper working order after the evidence they had heard. - The Foreman (Mr Hayes) explained to the Jury nothing was being carried by the jib. Deceased was thrown by the jerk of the machinery suddenly stopping. The accident was one of those unforeseen, but which occasionally took place. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury joined the Coroner in a vote of sympathy with the widow and family. Mr Peck expressed the firm's and employees' sympathy.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 January 1902 PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Saturday on ELLEN WALSH, widow, aged 61, of 5 Pinns-lane, Plymouth. - Mrs B. Shepherd, of 3 Lucknow-street, said on Christmas-eve deceased fell and hurt her wrist, but no notice was taken of it. The following Monday Dr Cuming was called, but deceased died on Thursday morning. - Dr Cuming said he found deceased's left wrist broken, and she was also suffering from bronchitis. She was quite helpless and the wrist was almost too painful to be touched. Death was caused by bronchitis, coupled with the shock of the accident. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by the injuries received" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Pensioner Drowned At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Saturday on an unknown man, aged about 50. Ellen Soper, of Orlando-cottages, Plymouth, said on Friday morning, about nine o'clock, whilst walking along the Laira Embankment, she saw the body lying on the shore. - P.C. Beer said the body, lying near the water, was fully clothed, but there was nothing whatever in the pockets by which it could be identified. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. - After the Inquest the body was identified by Richard Hallett, of the Gipsy Inn, Albert-road, Devonport as of THOMAS ELFORD, pensioner, who at one time lived with him. Recently deceased had been living at Weeks's Lodging-house, King-street, Plymouth, and since he took up his pension at the beginning of the month he had not been seen.

TEIGNMOUTH - Death From Lockjaw. - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth on Tuesday on CHARLIE MARLES, aged 13, son of MR JASON MARLES, of 10 Bitton-street. Deceased and his playmates went with a pony belonging to Mr Hooper to go to the garden in the Exeter-road on December 30th. Nearing the Cemetery, deceased, walking behind the pony and carrying a stick, is believed to have touched the animal, and was seen to fall just as the pony jumped. No one saw the actual kick, but the lad had received a nasty cut on the left side of the skull. Mr Charles Holmes, the House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased, who had received a bad fracture of the skull, evidently by the kick of a horse, improved and had almost recovered, but on January 8th, the tetanus bacilli attacked the wound, lockjaw set in and the lad died in two days. A verdict of "Death from Tetanus, the result of a kick by a pony" was returned. The Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, joined the Jury in an expression of sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 January 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - CATHERINE NELSON, aged 82, a widow, of 11 Church-street, had recently been feeble, although very bright. Her only complaint was that she could not stand. Last Friday evening, Jane Armstrong, who lived in the same house, went to deceased's room and found her lying on the floor dead. Dr T. R. Rolston made a post-mortem examination, and at the Inquest yesterday said death was due to syncope, due to heart disease of long standing. Death from Natural Causes was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - HENRIETTA MUSSELL, 33, a single woman, of 19 Clowance-street, Devonport, had been living for a year with Edward Hosking, coal porter. On Sunday afternoon she complained of rheumatism in her left arm, and Hosking rubbed on some embrocation. In the evening he went out, returning at 10.15. Between 12 and 1 o'clock yesterday morning, while getting out of bed she fell, and shortly afterwards he found she was dead. - Dr E. S. Sanders, at the Inquest, said there were no signs of violence. Deceased suffered from consumption, but death was due to pneumonia. The whole of the right lung was closely adhered to the chest, and there were signs of old pleurisy in both cavities. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on MARGARET RUNDLE, aged 43, of 14 Park-street, Plymouth. - ALFRED RUNDLE, a chef, the husband, said he last saw his wife alive about 2.25 on Sunday afternoon, when he went out. Returning about five o'clock and not finding her in the bedroom, he went to the drawing-room. He had some trouble in opening the door, and when he got in the room he found his wife hanging from a peg behind the door. He cut her down and sent for a doctor. - Replying to the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) he said about three months ago his wife attempted to commit suicide. She was brought before the magistrates, but the charge was withdrawn, upon his promising to look after her. Since that time she had been going on all right. There had been differences between his wife and her children. He was her second husband. Her son was in the Royal Navy, but neither he nor his sister ever came to see their mother, who was of an excitable disposition. He attributed the deceased's act to the conduct of her children, who had always been well cared for. He and his wife lived happily together. She was worth her weight in gold. - Dr Player said the deceased was dead when he arrived. She must have been hanging for the best part of an hour before she was cut down. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Pilot's Death. Found Adrift In An Open Boat. - An Inquest was held at Ilfracombe yesterday on WILLIAM WILLIAMS, a well-known port pilot and boatman. Dr Slade King, the Deputy Coroner, said they all knew WILLIAMS as a very able sailor, an active and capable man, a credit to the port and they were sorry to hear of his sudden death whilst doing his duty. - T. WILLIAMS, boatman, son of the deceased, said his father was 68 years of age. He saw him at 4.30 yesterday morning, when deceased was in his small boat in the range off the pier waiting for the ketch Trio. Witness was on board the Gorey Lass, and his father came on board as well and remained about an hour. He was in his usual health, but complained a few days ago of pains in his side. He had a cup of tea and some bread and butter on the Gorey Lass before proceeding up channel towards Beacon Point in his boat Lizzie. Samuel Buck, Bristol pilot, said whilst he was cruising about two miles off Ilfracombe yesterday morning he saw, at about 7.45 a small boat, heading N.N.E. The unspritted sail attracted his attention, and he made for the boat which he reached in about ten minutes. Deceased was sitting in the bottom of the boat very white and wet through and apparently dead. There was no answer when witness hailed the boat and he then took her in tow after placing one of his men on board. WILLIAMS was sitting with his face towards the stern, and he could sail the boat in this position. The body was cold and appeared stiff, but was undisturbed. Mr Alf. Price, one of the Jury, said deceased told him last week that he was suffering from a weak heart and could not do much work, but had to take things very quietly. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 January 1902 WALKHAMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Walkhampton yesterday on RICHARD GEORGE RAPPER, journeyman gardener, aged 71. - The widow stated that deceased remained in bed, as usual, on Sunday morning, and ate a good breakfast. About 1.25 p.m., whilst getting the dinner, she heard a cry in the bedroom and, going up, found deceased unconscious, and he died in a few minutes. He was at work last week and had not complained. - Dr g. T. Revell, Horrabridge, said he attended deceased about a year since for a sharp attack of pleurisy. As the result of a post-mortem examination, he attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 January 1902 PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - ARTHUR BLIGHT, the five-month-old child of a journeyman carpenter, of 16 Winey-view, Compton Gifford, was found dead in bed on Monday morning. Two hours before it seemed all right. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Colin Lindsey attributed death to congestion of both lungs.

STOKE DAMEREL - JOHN HENRY GULLETT, aged nine weeks, the child of JOHN GULLETT, engine driver at Keyham Extension Works, and living at 57 Victory-street East, Devonport, died suddenly on Tuesday morning. At an Inquest yesterday, Dr Hanham said a post-mortem examination shewed that death was caused by intestinal obstruction, due to rupture. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

TEIGNMOUTH - Children And Unprotected Fires. - A Teignmouth Case. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on VIDIA ELIZABETH DODD, a child aged two years and three months, who died as the result of burns sustained at her parents' house in Mulberry-street on Tuesday morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Coroner commented on the lack of prudence shewn by parents in leaving their children before fires unprotected by a guard. It was a matter to which the Home Secretary had called attention, as during the winter months the number of deaths of children was something appalling.

ASHBURTON - Suicide Near Ashburton. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on ROSA BEAVIS, 21, dressmaker, found in the River Dart on Wednesday. Deceased's brother, CHARLES BEAVIS, his wife and Mrs Wilcox, her employer, deposed to deceased being unusually quiet since Christmas. In answer to their inquiries she said she was not troubling about anything. She had walked out for about two months with a young man, who left the town at Christmas, and no correspondence had taken place. George Routley and James Rowe said they saw a young woman at Holne Bridge, and the first named said she had no hat or jacket on. Charles Pomroy said he picked up the hat, jacket and boa produced on the bridge. Dr Ranson said there was no foundation for the rumour that deceased was in trouble. The Coroner having commented on the mysterious nature of the case, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 January 1902 PLYMOUTH - MRS BAGGOT, of 33 Tracey-street, Plymouth, was bathing her child (aged seven months) on Thursday when it was taken with convulsions. Dr Wagner was sent for, but the child died before his arrival. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Wagner attributed death to pneumonia, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 January 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - Death On A Torpedo Boat. Inquest Adjourned. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest respecting the death of THOMAS PORTER GEE, aged about 20, third-class domestic on the destroyer Ostrich, who was found dead on board his ship on Friday morning. Deceased was a native of Manchester. - Lieut. J. R. P. Hawksley said he was in command of the Ostrich at Devonport. On Thursday morning the deceased complained of feeling unwell, suffering from pains in the head. Witness sent him to the Royal Naval Barracks and he returned the same morning. Witness told him to keep quiet for a couple of days, but the same afternoon the deceased performed his duties voluntarily and appeared in good spirits in the evening. He was found dead in his hammock at 7.45 next morning. - The Coroner was informed that the post-mortem examination of the deceased could not be finished for some time, as the contents of the stomach had to be analysed. The stomach and smaller intestines appeared inflamed. - Other evidence was taken in order that the Ostrich might proceed to sea. - Surg. C. S. Facey, of the Royal Naval Barracks, said he saw the deceased on Thursday morning and he was satisfied there was not much the matter with him. He gave him an aperient draught. - John James Regan, chief petty officer of the Ostrich, said deceased complained of a headache on Thursday morning but he was able to move about. There was no indication that he had taken poison or had been vomiting. - Lieut. Hawksley, recalled, said the medicine chest on the Ostrich contained no deadly poison. Evidence having been tendered as to finding the deceased dead in his hammock, the Inquest was adjourned until four o'clock this afternoon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 January 1902 PLYMOUTH - Playing With Fire At Turnchapel. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on GLADYS VIOLET ATKINS, aged ten months. LILLEY ATKINS, wife of a corporal R.A., living at Turnchapel, said on Saturday afternoon she left her daughter in a room while she went to throw away dirty water. Her son, aged three and a half years, came out and said his little sister was on fire. She thought her son, in lighting paper at the fire, caught the little girl's clothes alight. Replying to the Coroner, she said the boy was always playing with the fire. Dr Hitchens, House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall hospital, said deceased was admitted on Saturday suffering from extensive burns about the face, arms and body. The case was hopeless from the first and death resulted the same night. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Death On A Torpedo-Boat. Inquest Again Adjourned. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the Inquest, adjourned from Saturday, respecting the death of THOMAS PORTER GEE, aged about 20, third class domestic, who was found dead in his bunk on the destroyer Ostrich on Friday. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty, and Mr c. G. Brian appeared for Messrs. Rooker, Matthews, Harrison, and Co., who are acting for a Manchester solicitor on behalf of the relatives. The Coroner said it would be necessary to again adjourn the Inquest as the result of the post-mortem examination by Dr C. E. Bean could not yet be made known. The Inquest was adjourned until 4 p.m. next Monday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 January 1902 PLYMPTON ST MAURICE - JAMES ARCHIBALD CATCHPOLE, aged 9 weeks, the child of J. M. CATCHPOLE of Plympton St Maurice, was taken from the cradle by its mother - whose rest had been much broken of late - into bed with her at 5 a.m. on Sunday. three hours later she awoke and found the child dead. Dr Stamp found that death was due to suffocation, and at the Inquest yesterday the Jury found that this was owing to the child being overlaid.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 January 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of Quartermaster-Sergeant MCCAFFERY. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Military Station Hospital last evening on Quartermaster-Sergt. JOSEPH THOMAS MCCAFFERY, R.G.A., 38, staff clerk at Plymouth Citadel. Deceased was admitted to the Hospital on Wednesday week, suffering from the effects of vegetable poisoning. He did on Tuesday last, and, as the death was not reported to the Coroner, he communicated on Thursday evening with the officer in command of the Hospital, who replied that the actual cause of death was heart disease following pneumonia. The deceased had recovered from the effects of the poisoning, and the officials of the Hospital had thought it unnecessary to communicate with the Coroner. The funeral had been arranged to take place at 10.30 a.m. yesterday, but it was postponed on receipt of the Coroner's notice. - Sergt.-Maj. WILLIAM ROBERT MCCAFFERY, A.O.D., staff clerk in the Director of Ordnance Department at the War-office, gave evidence of identification. Deceased, who was his brother, was a single man. Witness last saw deceased alive last summer, when he was in good health and spirits. He had been in Plymouth about a year. Deceased had an attack of influenza during the summer of 1900, after which he suffered a great deal from insomnia. Witness had heard nothing about him lately. Deceased was a native of Charlton, Kent. He had not heard of his having suffered recently from insomnia. As far as witness knew, deceased had no financial or any other worries. - Regimental-Quartermaster-Sergt. Thomas Humphreys, R.A., said he had known deceased since he had been stationed at the Citadel, where they were employed at the same office. Witness did not consider deceased a man of good health. He complained a great deal of sleeplessness, and on witness's advice he had consulted a doctor. He irregularly took medicine, and kept some about his office. Deceased had also complained of his liver and want of appetite, which was what he took the medicine for. Witness did not know whether he took laudanum. He last saw him on the afternoon of the 14th inst., when he seemed no different from usual. He did not go to the office at 9 a.m. the next day, and a non-commissioned officer was sent early in the afternoon to his lodgings. They were very confidential, but deceased had never said anything which would give witness any idea that he would take poison. Deceased might have been upset because of one of the clerks leaving, which would cause him extra work. He had also been elected president of the sergeants' mess and he did not care for the post, and witness thought that the two extra duties might have worried him. In October last he was tried by court-martial for absence without leave, but was acquitted. - By the Jury: Deceased had gone home from the office not feeling well on several occasions, but was never reported sick. - Anita Beatrice Woolfe, living at Liddicoat's Hotel, Plymouth, said she had known deceased since he came to Plymouth. During the past few months deceased had complained frequently of pains in his head. She had seen medicine bottles, but never saw any bottles marked "poison." He suffered a great deal from sleeplessness, and for some nights did not sleep at all. On the 15th inst. she called deceased at 8.30 a.m., as usual, and he came downstairs about 9, and after that she did not see him. He left as usual to go to the office, as she thought. At 11.45 he returned and shortly afterwards she saw him to ascertain the cause of his return. She went into his room and found him sitting on the side of his bed looking very strange. He was drinking something in a glass which she thought was a sleeping draught, as he had been taking them for ten days. Witness asked him what he was taking, but he did not reply, and apparently did not notice her. She then saw the bottle, after which she called for assistance, when mustard and water was given him. A chemist gave deceased an emetic. Dr Turner was called in and deceased was taken to the Military Hospital. Deceased seemed to have been worried a great deal lately, and had complained that his work was too much for him. He had no financial or other troubles. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Detective-Sergeant A. W. Martin said that on the 17th inst. he was sent to make inquiries. He saw Miss Woolfe, and she made a statement. He received two laudanum bottles from Dr Turner, and saw Mr Foster, chemist, of Bank of England-place, who told him that he served deceased with 3d. worth of laudanum at 9.30 a.m. on 15th inst. He said he was suffering from a bad headache. Mr Allen, chemist, George-street, said that deceased came to his shop about the same time and was served with 2d. worth of laudanum. He said he wanted it for toothache, and only used one drop at a time. The same morning Mr Maurice, chemist, Bedford-street, also supplied him with 3d. worth of laudanum for toothache. the chemist also gave him some wine for toothache. At that time he was said to be recovering. No inquiries were made at the Hospital by the Police, and, if it had been said that deceased made a statement to the Police, it was not correct. - Lieut.-Col. W. C. T. Poole, R.A.M.C., said he first saw deceased at the Hospital on the morning of the 16th inst. Deceased was then getting over the effects of opium poisoning. He gradually got better until the morning of the 20th, when pneumonia set in. He got worse, and died at 2.45 on the afternoon of the 21st. Witness had made a post-mortem examination, and found that the lungs shewed signs of pneumonia, the heart was dilated and deposits in the ascending aorta were indicative of drink. He could see that deceased had taken opium, and the smell was intensely strong. The primary cause of death was opium poisoning, the secondary cause pneumonia, and the immediate cause was syncope, through the pressure of the congested lung on the weakened heart. One of the bottles (produced) contained an ounce, and the other a half-ounce of laudanum. One dram was sufficient to cause death. He had assumed that deceased took an ounce and a half of the poison. A dose of laudanum was from half a grain to two grains. In conversation deceased told witness he had had a great deal of worry and overwork, which depressed him. He also said that one of the clerks had been taken away from the office, which had necessitated his doing work which he did not understand. Witness did not ask deceased his intention when taking the poison, but he had no doubt that it was with the idea of doing away with himself. - Miss Woolfe, recalled, said deceased was as a rule a temperate man. - Quartermaster-Sergeant Humphreys said deceased had ten years' service. - The Coroner, after reviewing the evidence, said that with the exception of his attacks of sleeplessness it seemed that deceased was a man who enjoyed good health. The Court-martial in October was an incident which might have caused him depression. He was president of the mess, an office which he had before held when he was court-martialled, and which caused him worry. There was the additional worry caused by the removal of a clerk and the consequent increase of duties. In all those facts deceased had sufficient to cause him to worry considerably, and, in addition, he was troubled with sleepless nights, which no doubt caused depression. The Jury would have no trouble in satisfying themselves as to the cause of death. Although pneumonia set in, there could be no doubt that the poison was the cause of the pneumonia, as the medical officer had said the poison was the primary cause of death. The real cause, therefore, was opium poisoning. Their second consideration was what state of mind deceased was in when he took the poison, and whether he meant to take his life or cure himself of sleeplessness? He personally did not think that if a man wanted to sleep he would take a draught at that time in the morning. If he only wanted a sleeping draught he would not go to three separate chemists' shops to get the laudanum. He (the Coroner) had been in telegraphic communication with Mr Allen, chemist, who said that deceased had asked him for a larger quantity, which was refused, and that was no doubt the reason deceased went to three establishments. If the Jury came to the conclusion that deceased's death was due to poisoning, there could be no doubt as to his state of mind. On the other hand, if they did not consider he intended to take his own life, they could return a verdict of "Death by misadventure." - A relative said it was owing to deceased's long illness that he was transferred from the War-office to Plymouth. - The Foreman advised the Jury to return a verdict of Misadventure. - The Coroner: I can't say that I agree with you. - After a few minutes' deliberation in private, the Foreman said the Jury considered that death was due to syncope and pneumonia following poisoning by opium, administered by himself, but whether intentionally or accidentally there was not sufficient evidence to shew. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives. The funeral will probably take place today.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned In Plymouth Sound. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday on MARY SMITH, 63, widow of a naval pensioner of 35 Cannon-street, Devonport. - WILLIAM E. SMITH (son of the deceased) said his mother had been living with him. He last saw her alive on Wednesday evening in Fore-street, Devonport, when he spoke to her, and she seemed all right. Deceased had been peculiar for some time past, but it did not cause anxiety and she had never threatened to take her life. Witness thought deceased must have wandered near the water and fallen in. She had at times fallen off her chair. - Philip Holten, pilot's boatsman, of Turnchapel, stated that the previous morning, at 8.30, he was in his boat outside the Breakwater, when he noticed a body in the water between Knap Buoy and Penlee Point. It was taken in tow and landed at the Barbican. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 January 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sudden Death On The Ostrich. - The adjourned Inquest touching the death of THOMAS PORTER GEE, 3rd class domestic, of the torpedo destroyer Ostrich, who was found dead in his hammock on the 17th inst., was concluded by Mr Coroner Rodd at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday. The Inquiry was adjourned in order that the contents of deceased's stomach and intestines might be analysed on account of the inflammatory condition of these organs. - The Coroner read the report of Dr C. B. Bean, Borough Analyst for Plymouth. His analysis shewed that there was no poison of any kind in the stomach, and death could not be accounted for by poisoning. There were large fragments of ham, bread and apple pips in the stomach. Some were very large and suggested rapid eating. - Lieut.-Commander Hawksley said the compartment in which deceased was found dead was his (witness's) bathroom. It was ten feet broad, five feet long and 6 ½ feet deep, with a cubic space of 325 feet. From the deck to this room was a ladder with a hatchway and on one side a door leading to witness's room, and on the other a manhole, the entrance to the watertight compartment. When deceased was found the hatchway was down and the scuttles and the door in his room were closed. The only means of ventilation was thus the manhole leading to the watertight compartment and deceased could not get much fresh air from that. Deceased had been sleeping in this room for three or four days, being allowed to do so as a privilege. - In answer to Mr J. P. Goldsmith (for the Admiralty) witness said there was no need for deceased to shut up every means of ventilation, as they were in port, although it was cold. - By Mr C. G. Brian, representing Messrs. Rooker Matthews and Harrison (for the relatives of deceased). He had never heard deceased complain before during the three or four months he had acted as his servant. Deceased had a very good meal on the evening before his death. - Wm. Henry Fidler, second class petty officer, said deceased came on board the tiger on the evening of the 16th between seven and eight o'clock and had some ham, bread and butter, and tea. He did not eat heartily and said he felt a pain in his head. - Arthur H. H. Vizard, Surgeon at the Naval Hospital, having regard to his post-mortem and the analysis of the stomach, attributed death to syncope. The want of ventilation would put a man suffering from syncope at a disadvantage, but would not cause death. - The Coroner said the mystery that appeared to attach to the case had now been satisfactorily explained. With the analysis of Dr Bean and the evidence of Surg. Vizard, the Jury would have no difficulty in returning a verdict that death was due to natural causes. If sleeping in the confined area in any way accelerated death through the absence of ventilation, it was the act of deceased himself. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 January 1902 PLYMOUTH - The Late MR J. BLANCHARD. A Fatal Fall. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) yesterday held an Inquest on MR JOHN BLANCHARD, draper, aged 69, of 11 St Lawrence-road. Sydney Albert Stephens, a driver, 12 Halwell-street, said on Saturday night, just before eleven o'clock he met MR BLANCHARD in Chester-place, with two ladies. Deceased spoke to him, but he could not remember what he said. Witness asked him if he was going up the road, and he said he was. He then wished the ladies good night. He and deceased walked together up the road, the ladies crossing Mutley-plain. They had not gone far when deceased said he wished to see the ladies again, and asked him to accompany him to a house. He did so, and when they arrived there deceased asked if Mrs King was in. The servant said she was not, and they left the house and walked across the road. They met the two ladies again, and the latter asked them if they would come back to the house. Witness followed the ladies into the house, and, turning round to see if deceased were coming, he saw him fall back. - The Coroner: Did he have a fit? - No. I should say he slipped, owing to the greasy condition of the steps. Continuing, witness said he ran to his assistance and got him up. Brandy was administered and a doctor sent for. Deceased was removed into the house, but he was dead by then. - The Coroner: You think the fall was entirely due to the state of the steps? - Yes. - A Juryman: How many steps were there? - About half a dozen. - did he fall from the top? - No; from about half way. In falling his head struck the wall. - Dr Gardner said deceased was dead when he arrived. A post-mortem examination revealed cerebral haemorrhage as the cause of death. The injuries might have been caused by a fall such as had been described. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 February 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday on GEORGE JAMES TOBIN, 42, of 130 Albert-road, Morice Town. The widow stated that deceased, a naval pensioner and a skilled labourer in Keyham Dockyard, had for the past 12 months been in failing health. Dr McElwaine saw him three weeks ago. Since then he had been working, and was apparently better. On Wednesday evening he returned from work, had tea, and went to bed. At 8 p.m. deceased called her and said he was not feeling well. James Clarke said deceased had a violent fit of coughing and was gasping for breath. Dr Rolston was sent for, but death occurred before his arrival. Dr T. Rolston said all deceased's organs were diseased and death was due to syncope from acute congestion of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 3 February 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - WILLIAM DUNSTAN, aged 78, retired lighterman, 19 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, fell dead on Friday morning almost immediately on returning home after visiting his daughter in Emma-place. Mr H. Pearse, Surgeon, at the Inquest on Saturday, attributed death to syncope, accelerated by the cold weather. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 February 1902 PENNYCROSS - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Pennycross last evening on BEATRICE BERRY, aged 3, of 17 Hawthorn-grove, Pennycross. The mother stated that deceased was well until Friday when she caught a cold. On Saturday she seemed better, but at night was unwell again. Early on Sunday morning she was taken worse and at 5.30 her husband went for a doctor, but the child died before he returned. Dr F. E. Row said death was due to syncope, caused by pneumonia, of which there were signs in both lungs. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 February 1902 TAVISTOCK - WILLIAM HENRY HEARD, aged 71, veterinary surgeon, of Pepper-street, Tavistock, died whilst sitting in his chair on Sunday evening. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Richards attributed death to valvular disease of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday touching the death of CHARLES EMBLETON, nine months, of 68 Warlegh-avenue. SARAH EMBLETON identified deceased as her son and said he had had good health since birth. On Friday morning he was sick and she gave him castor oil. He seemed well again afterwards, but in the afternoon he was again taken ill, and his body began to twitch. Dr Wagner was sent for, but the child died before his arrival. Dr Wagner said death was due to convulsions, caused by teething. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - Burning Fatality At Tavistock. Danger Of Leaving Children Alone. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquiry at Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday respecting the death of ETHEL MAUD CROSS, aged three years. - POLLY LAURA CROSS, the mother, stated that she was the wife of ALEXANDER CROSS, a groom, living at Trelawny Cottages, Tavistock. On Friday, about 4 p.m., she went out marketing, leaving her three children, aged seven, five and three, at home alone. They were in the kitchen, where there was a small fire. She usually took her children with her, particularly deceased. She was away about three quarters of an hour. On her return she was informed by one of the children that the deceased had put a piece of paper in the fire, that BEATTIE, the second child, opened the door of the stove, and that the flames came out and caught the deceased's apron on fire. She was not accustomed to leave the children alone, except for a few minutes. When she went out her mother frequently looked after them. - Annie Ash, a neighbour, stated that she found the deceased in MRS CROSS'S garden with her clothes on fire and she extinguished the flames. The parents of the child were respectable people, their house was very clean, and the children were well clothes and taken care of. Dr C. C. Brodrick said the child was badly burned about the face, arms, and shoulders, and death resulted from shock. He had been attending the family for six years, and one child for six months at a time, and he had never found the children home alone, the mother or the grandmother being always with them. MRS CROSS was a most industrious woman. Both parents seemed very fond of their children, and they were well looked after. - The Coroner thought it was very much to be regretted that MRS CROSS left the children in the house alone. It was a case in which the parents should be cautioned as a warning to themselves and others. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner, in expressing sympathy with the father, said certain rumours which had prevailed concerning his wife had been cleared up to the satisfaction of the Jury. Inspector J. F. Watts, of Plymouth, watched the proceedings on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Keyham Extension Works Fatality. A Mysterious Soldier. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday touching the death of CHARLES PEACOCK, 28, a labourer at Keyham Extension Works, who was run over by a locomotive last Thursday, and died on the same night. - Mr E. T. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) watched the case for Sir John Jackson (Limited); Mr W. Brooks represented the firm, and Mr Sidney Shuter the Home-office. - William Walter Landrey, labourer at the Extension Works, said deceased had lived with him at 41 Keyham-street. He was formerly in the 3rd Worcestershire Regiment. Witness saw deceased timber cutting on Thursday morning and he was only a few yards away when the accident occurred. He heard a shout and when he looked round he saw a locomotive and two wagons go over deceased, who was lying on the rails with his head outside. Witness had seen deceased pass the wagon he was on only a few minutes before. With assistance he carried deceased to the Hospital. PEACOCK had been in good health and was very cheerful. He had had a love affair about twelve months before, but it did not affect him much, although he had been troubled because he was discharged from the army. Deceased told witness in the surgery that he had been discharged with disgrace from the army. He did not know it before, although he had known deceased for years. He had never spoken about his relatives, except to say he had a brother and a sister. Witness asked him at the surgery where his relations lived, but he refused to say. He was conscious the whole time. - By the Jury: There was no need for deceased to cross the rails while at work. He was a sober man and very well behaved. - John Henry Colley, rope-runner, said he was employed on the engine that went over deceased. He and the engine driver saw deceased, and he was quite clear of the line. The whistle was blown twice. Deceased stood still by the rails and was quite out of danger. Somebody shouted and witness saw deceased step back in front of the engine when it was almost upon him. The buffer twisted him round and he fell on the line, the engine going over him before it could be pulled up. They were going at the rate of two miles an hour. - By a Juror: The shouting of the man and the scream of the whistle probably confused deceased. - Alfred Kendall, ganger, said deceased was under his charge. He would have to go past the lines to get to the tool-box. - Dr C. A. Horsford, House Surgeon, said that when deceased was brought to the Hospital both legs were amputated above the knees. He was suffering very severely from shock and it was considered inadvisable to operate upon him. they had no hope for him, although he lived longer than they expected. He was conscious the greater part of the time and died at 8.45 on the night of which he was admitted. - The Coroner told the Jury that there was nothing to shew that deceased stepped back on the rails purposely. He was probably thinking of something and stepped back absent-mindedly. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was found and the Jury expressed the opinion that nobody concerned could be considered negligent.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 February 1902 PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday an Inquest was held on HENRY WINGATE, aged two , son of a labourer, of 2 Thistle Park-road. The mother said that between nine and ten o'clock on Monday morning deceased was taken ill and died before a doctor arrived. Dr G. Bates said on Monday at ten o'clock he was called to see the deceased, but having an operation to perform he could not go immediately. He went at eleven o'clock and he then found that the child had been dead about an hour. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to convulsions and heart failure. the body weighed 16lb. without the blood, whereas it should have weighed 2 stone 4 ½ lb. The blood would account for about 3lb. The body was well nourished, but the chest was extremely contracted. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on FRANK BONEY, newsvendor, aged about 42, who died suddenly on Monday morning at the Round Tree Inn, Frog-street, where he was lodging, Mr Pereira, Surgeon, attributed death to heart failure. At the time deceased was taken ill arrangements were being made for his removal to the Workhouse in accordance with his desire.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 February 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death In Keyham Dockyard. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. Pearce) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard, Devonport, yesterday, on THOMAS PARNELL, labourer, aged 33, of Millbrook. - William Lear of St John's, said a fortnight ago deceased was home ill for over a week. He returned to work in the Dockyard this week. F. G. Partridge, labourer, of St Budeaux, stated he and deceased were working together in Keyham Dockyard on Wednesday afternoon about half-past three. They were placing a small trolley on lines to move some timber. After the wheels were put on the metals, witness and deceased caught hold of the body of the trolley to place on the wheels, when the latter let go his hold and fell down. Witness procured assistance and deceased was put on the trolley and taken to the surgery. The body of the trolley weighed about three hundred weight. - Surgeon Ernest James Finch said he saw PARNELL about four o'clock on Wednesday and he was then dead. A post-mortem had been held and it was found that deceased had ruptured an aneurism ascending to the aorta, which would cause instant death. The heart valves were diseased and there were signs of the deceased having suffered from pleurisy. The lungs were congested and there were also traces of heart disease. Death was due to the rupture. - the Coroner: Is it possible that the bursting of the aneurism was due to the lifting of the weight? - Witness: Yes - The Coroner: If he had been in sound health would it have been sufficient to cause the bursting? - Witness: There must have been something the matter with the man to have caused it. - A Juryman asked if the deceased had not been employed in lifting a weight, whether the aneurism would have bursted, and the Doctor said that it was bound to break sooner or later and if it had not broken when it did, it would probably have happened when he was getting aboard the steamer to go to Millbrook. A Juryman inquired whether the lifting of the weight accelerated the rupture and the doctor replied that he thought so. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and Mr Ledley, Foreman, expressed the Jury's sympathy with the deceased's wife and father-in-law in their sad bereavement.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 February 1902 AVETON GIFFORD - At Aveton Gifford on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWARD MOORE, child of SAMUEL MOORE, labourer. Deceased, only ten days old, was taken ill with convulsions on Wednesday and died within a few hours. Dr Miles, of Modbury, attended the child. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 February 1902 EXETER - An Exeter Woman's Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter on ELIZABETH SULLIVAN, alias CROSS, a widow, aged 66, Eliza Dyer of 8 Mary Arches-street, a tenement house in which deceased lived, said on Saturday night the woman was ill, destitute and dirty and she reported her condition to the Police. They brought a cab to remove her to the Workhouse Infirmary, but she refused to go. About midday on Monday witness found her in a sitting position at the bottom of some stairs. She was returning to her room with some beer in her hand and said she was told to fetch it by a man with whom she was living. Witness assisted her upstairs, but she died before reaching the top. The deceased had previously complained of pains in her stomach and said that about a month ago she was in the Corn Exchange where a man pulled her against a table, and her side was injured by a piece of tin. P.C. Fouracre, who was called in when deceased was found ill in the stairs, said the woman had 2s. in silver and 7 ½d. in bronze in her possession. Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said the probable cause of death was heart failure. There were no marks of violence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Tinned Milk Poisoning At Plymouth. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on OSCAR CHARLES GEORGE LUGGER, aged 2 months, the son of MARY JANE LUGGER, of 13 Laira-street. - The mother said on Sunday she took the child to Dr Stubbs and by his orders, she ceased to give it tinned milk. It had been fed on the "Pet Brand." On Monday the baby became worse and died in the afternoon. Dr Stubbs said the deceased when brought to him on Sunday had boils all over the body and was in a very bad condition. The mother told him it had been fed on tinned milk. He ordered for it cow's milk, mixed with water. On Monday morning he called to see the child and found it dead. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to ptomaine poisoning, the result of drinking the tinned milk. The child died in a convulsion. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

EXETER - The Death Of An Exeter Servant. A Painful Case. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on EDITH GEORGINA LASKEY, aged 15, a domestic servant. WALTER LASKEY, labourer of the Triangle, St Thomas, said the deceased, his step-daughter, spent the afternoon at home on Sunday as was usual, and left at ten minutes past six. She was of a cheerful disposition, and there was nothing unusual in her manner on Sunday afternoon. He could in no way account for her being found in the water. When she left home she kissed the children, which she did not often do, and wished them goodbye. She had never made any complaint of her situation, but always spoke highly of her employer, Mr Blacking, of High-street. - Louisa Hurford, widow, of Marsh Barton, a travelling hawker, said on Sunday night at 8.50 she was returning from chapel when she found a hat and a pair of gloves on the Haven banks, just beyond the Mission to Seamen Institute. She gave information to the Police. - P.C. Webber said he, with a young man named Tremayne, took a fur boa out of the river near the bank where the articles were found. - Thomas Carne, mariner, Old Brewery-place, said he dragged the body out of the river, about ten or twelve feet away, and in about seven feet of water, on Monday night. It was dressed, with the exception of the articles named. - Mr Walter Blacking, licensed victualler, said the deceased was in very good spirits when he last saw her in his dining-room at 2.30 on Sunday afternoon. There had been reports respecting her and on the Saturday afternoon, in the presence of the housekeeper, she was questioned about the matter, and she denied one part, but admitted another. She had not been under notice to leave. - Mary Ann Pethybridge, Exe View-terrace, Haven Banks, said she had been in the habit of going out with the deceased, and on Sunday afternoon she went out for a walk with her through Exwick Fields and back by way of Bonhay-road. they parted at the Triangle at 5.30, and on witness asking her to call at her house afterwards she replied "All right." Witness saw nothing of her afterwards. She had not complained of any trouble, nor had she spoken of suicide. Dr Pereira said death was due to drowning. There was no external evidence that deceased was enciente. - The Coroner said it was a very mysterious case, for although the fact of the hat and gloves being placed on the bank rather pointed to a premeditated act, still it might not be so; deceased was a young girl, and there was no apparent reason for her to have committed suicide, though there might be some undisclosed reason. At the Coroner's suggestion the Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 February 1902 PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WINIFRED HELENA SHORT, the seven months' old daughter of JOHN SHORT, barman, of 55 Richmond-street, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday. Dr W. H. Brenton stated that death was due to convulsions caused by pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 February 1902 EXMOUTH - Child Neglect At Exmouth. Labourer's Wife Severely Censured. - At Exmouth yesterday an Inquest was held on PERCY JOHN GOODING, the infant child of WALTER GOODING, labourer, George-street, Exmouth, which died on Tuesday evening. Mr S. Pimm was Foreman of the Jury. - Elizabeth Ann Pannell, certificated midwife, spoke to attending the birth of the child on November 1st 1901. It was not a strong child and was small, but was thriving when witness left it a week after birth. She told the mother that she thought it would live with care. It was a very large boned child and not much under the average weight. - Emma Maria Street, MRS GOODING'S sister, who was also in attendance at the birth, said that just after the child's birth the last witness said to her, "Your sister's child will never live, but don't you tell your sister, or else you'll put her out, and it'll make her bad. " The child was a very small one, she had had children seven times as big (Laughter). Witness was the mother of fifteen. From a fortnight after birth the deceased was fed with raw milk (three-parts with one part water), as the mother's milk failed at that time. The child gradually pined away. She did not know that it was in a filthy condition, nor that it had sores upon its thighs through filth. The child did not always seem to enjoy its food; it sometimes refused it. She had never seen the mother washing the child when undressed. - Dr Oliver Eaton deposed to being suddenly called in to see the deceased about two months or ten weeks ago and finding it apparently dead. He was told it had been convulsed. After examining it he performed artificial respiration, and after a time it breathed two or three times and apparently got over the attack. witness did not then expect the child to live. He had not seen it since. On the 18th inst., about 7.15 the mother came to his surgery, said the child was dead and wanted a certificate. He declined to give a certificate, and told her to communicate with the Police. He had made a post-mortem examination. Externally the child was exceedingly dirty. Upon its buttocks was caked filth; its buttocks, thighs and legs were raw (the legs only in places), and there were patches of ulceration. The body weighed lb 8 ½ oz. and an ordinary child of its age should weigh from 11 ½ lb. to 12 lb. It was a good 2lb less than an average child's weight at birth. The child was extremely emaciated. There was not a particle of fat to be seen externally, nor upon its internal organs. In the stomach was some food, the nature of which he could not distinguish. He thought the immediate cause of death was suffocation, probably due to convulsions. He had not the slightest doubt that the child was neglected; the appearance of the body was quite enough to prove that. Death was undoubtedly accelerated by neglect. A child kept in the state of this child would naturally be subject to convulsions. The condition of the body was such as would be found in absolute starvation, though witness would not say that it had been starved in this case. The child might have taken a good deal of food, but it would not be able to assimilate it. The state of the legs and thighs was simply due to accumulated filth. - HELENA GOODING, the mother, was now called. - The Coroner remarking that this was a serious matter, told her she would be given the option of giving evidence or of not giving evidence. Everything pointed to serious neglect. She need not answer any question or questions she did not wish to answer. - The mother said the child was washed every morning with warm water and soap and its clothes changed two or three times a day. Witness attributed the bad places to its clothes having on one occasion been washed in soda water. When she was at the Clarence Inn with her sister (just previous to deceased death, the child was left in charge of witness's little sister, aged 11. She went to the inn sometimes but not often, because her husband did not allow drink in the house, being a teetotaler. Witness used to have half a pint of best new milk for the baby every morning about a quarter-pint at dinner time and a half-pint in the evening, all of which was consumed by the child. Deceased was insured in the Prudential Insurance Company. It would get a certain amount on attaining the age of 15. If its death occurred after being insured for three months, £2 would be paid by the company. Witness's other two children were insured in the company. The agent had called after the child's birth, but it was not until December 2nd that she consented to have it insured. In speaking to the agent yesterday, she found that nothing was due on the child, it not having been insured three months. In regard to the midwife's evidence, she heard her say to her (witness's) sister EMILY, "What a little doll, it will never live." - WALTER GOODING, the father, said whenever he came home he always found the child had had plenty of milk, and every morning at a quarter-past five he would warm about a quarter pint of new milk and take up for is bottle. he had had no knowledge that the child was kept in a filthy state. His other two children were healthy and had been so from birth. - Susan Jane Daveridge said the child was very small from birth and she never thought it would live. - Charles Salter, landlord of the Clarence Inn, and P.S. Chammings also gave evidence, the latter bearing out the statement respecting the regular purchase of milk by MRS GOODING as stated. - The Coroner (Mr Cox) characterised the case as a shocking one. The neglect did not lie in the feeding of the child, but in the filthy condition in which it was allowed to be. - The Jury found that death was due to Suffocation caused by Convulsions, and that it was accelerated by the filthy condition in which the child was kept by reason of the neglect of the mother. They were unanimous in wishing the Coroner to severely censure the mother. - The Coroner spoke of the case as being most shocking and terrible. There had been a very great question whether or not they should return a verdict of manslaughter.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 February 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport on Saturday on SIDNEY JAMES WARREN, 31, licensed waterman of 15 Fort-street. Alice Hart, deceased's sister, said he was a single man. He had been ill for two years but had not been medically attended. At 1.30 p.m. on Friday she went to see him, he having fallen down in the lane near the house. He expired in her presence shortly afterwards. Dr E. S. Saunders said he heard deceased give a few gasps before he died. His body was much emaciated, there not being a vestige of fat on it. Death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis and heart failure. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 February 1902 PLYMOUTH - EMMA DRAKE, 75, widow, whose sight was defective, was walking on the Barbican, Plymouth, on February 15th, when she missed her footing and fell into Sutton Pool. A fisherman named Horatio Matthews, of 7 Vauxhall-street, hearing the splash, jumped in after her, and with assistance got her out. She was restored by means of artificial respiration and then taken to the Workhouse Hospital, but died on Friday. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Cooke said deceased died of pneumonia, death being accelerated by the immersion. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 February 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on FLORENCE ANNETTA LAVINIA ROWELL, aged 3 months, of 7 Albany-street. ROSINA ROWELL said the child slept with her and her husband on Saturday night and at about five a.m. on Sunday she awoke and found the baby looking strange. She called a neighbour and afterwards Dr Wilson, who said the child was dead, and had passed away just before he arrived. The body was quite warm. Dr E. J. C. Wilson said death was due to convulsions, which might have been caused by wind on the stomach. The child was well nourished. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 February 1902 BRIXTON - Death Of An Aged Widow At Brixton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixton yesterday on ANN SYMONS, aged 88, widow of JOSHUA SYMONS, farmer of Elmsleigh. The deceased's daughter, AGNES COLMAN, stated that on February 8th she heard a noise in her mother's room at 6.30 in the morning and on going there deceased informed her that she had felt giddy and fell. In trying to save herself she upset a lamp, which had gone out. The chimney was smashed. Deceased complained of having hurt her knee. She had enjoyed good health and up to three weeks ago had never had a doctor's attention. - Dr W. S. Langworth attended the deceased on February 9th, and found her suffering from shock. She had bruises on the right knee, elbow and shoulder, but he could not detect any fractures. He attributed death to shock and old age, accelerated by the injuries sustained by the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 March 1902 TOTNES - JOHN EVANS 73, of Dartmouth, an inmate of Totnes Workhouse for nearly two years, slipped in the men's yard on Saturday, February 6th, and falling, fractured his right thigh. He died on Friday last, and at the Inquest on Saturday the Jury (Mr A. B. Niner, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BROADHEMPSTON - MR JOHN HERN, aged 69, a retired innkeeper, of Kingsteignton, was on a visit to his nephew, Mr Isaac, of Broadhempston. Early on Saturday morning he entered his nephew's bedroom, saying "John, I am going," and died shortly afterwards. At the Inquest in the evening the Jury (Mr R. Palk, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 March 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - A Stonehouse Child's Death. Strong Remarks By The Coroner. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday in Stonehouse Townhall on MARGARET EVA JONES, aged nine weeks. JENNIE JONES, wife of a journeyman plumber, living at No. 4 Barrack-place, Stonehouse, mother of the child, said it had been delicate from birth. On January 13th she took it to Dr Pearse, who prescribed for her. She took the child to him again on February 15th, and the doctor then told her she was in a dying condition. - The Coroner: Did he tell you that she required more careful treatment than she had been receiving? - I cannot remember it. - Did he tell you that if she died there would have to be an Inquest? - Not on the Saturday, but on the Monday following. - Witness, continuing, said the doctor saw the child twice afterwards. She had two other children living and four had died in infancy. She fed the child on raw milk, always put into a clean bottle. - Kate Williams, also of 4 Barrack-place, said she took the baby to Dr Pearse's on February 15th. It was very ill and he advised that it should be given brandy and milk. The doctor's instructions were all carried out. MRS JONES looked after her children in a proper manner. - Dr Henry Pearse said he prescribed for deceased on January 13th for convulsions. On February 15th he saw the child again and told the mother it was dying and she ought to have brought it to him before, as it was then too far gone for medical aid. If the infant had received medical treatment before it would not have been in the condition in which he found it. He cautioned the mother as to her treatment of it, and since then she had been more careful, and in consequence the child's life was prolonged until Friday. As a result of a post-mortem examination, he found the child was small and in an emaciated condition, but the organs were healthy. Death was due to malnutrition. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that when the doctor saw the child on February 15th he formed the opinion that it had not been properly treated, but since then the mother had, by carefully following his advice, kept the child alive. - A Juryman, interrupting, said he thought it was a case where the doctor might have given a certificate without informing the Coroner. - The Coroner: I don't agree with you. I don't think the child has had that care it ought to have had. Continuing, the Coroner said they would no doubt be of the opinion that the child died from natural causes, but at the same time he did think it was a reflection upon the mother to see her child wasting away as that little one must have been, and not letting a doctor see it. The body of a child he viewed last week which had only lived twenty-four hours was larger than that one which was nine weeks old. No doubt in returning their verdict, the majority of the Jury would consider there was a reflection resting upon the mother for not taking proper care of it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and were unanimously of the opinion that the mother ought to be censured for not calling in a doctor before. - The Coroner, addressing the mother, said he quite agreed with the Jury. She ought never to have let the child get into such a condition without calling in a doctor. She had practically left it until the infant was dead, and when she had had four other children die in the same way, she ought to have been more careful. He hoped it would be a warning to her. It was very suspicious that she had had five children die in that way.

TORQUAY - The Fatality On The Camperdown. Inquest At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry concerning the death of HENRY BARR, second class petty officer on the battleship Camperdown, who died suddenly on Saturday afternoon. - David Lewis, first class petty officer, stated that after the return of the fleet to Torbay on Saturday afternoon he was sent away in charge of a whaler and a boat's crew, with orders to pull round the battle squadron. Deceased was in the boat, pulling stroke oar. On returning, they went on board the ship, and deceased reported his boat's crew and dismissed them. Deceased then crossed the deck to speak to witness, but when about three yards off he fell on the deck. He spoke to witness quite rationally about a hundred yards from the ship. No doubt he was excited as their boat was the first round the fleet and they tried to keep first. - A Juryman: It was a race, then? - Witness: It was in one sense and yet it was not a race. We had orders to pull round the fleet, and we tried to be first. But it was not intended to be a race. - Lieut. Sweny, R.N.R., of the Camperdown, said deceased reported his crew to him and fell dead almost directly. Deceased was thirty years of age, and last year entered for a second term of ten years in the navy. - Fleet-Surgeon McKinlay stated that when he was called deceased was unconscious and was perspiring as though he had been rowing hard. There were no marks of violence on the body. A post-mortem examination revealed a very weak heart. Owing to the violent exertion of rowing the heart stopped and did not start again. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Heart Disease. The funeral took place immediately after the Inquest, and was attended by several officers and a firing party.

BRISTOL - Dartmouth Man Found Drowned. - The Bristol Deputy Coroner held an Inquest yesterday on the body of JOHN MANDLEY, 43, a nursing attendant, formerly of Port View House, Bear's Cove, Dartmouth. The evidence shewed that the deceased man was seen at Kingswear Station on January 9th, when he was going to Bristol, being an attendant at Dr Fox's asylum and elsewhere. He had shewn no suicidal tendencies and had no worries. Nothing was heard of him by his wife after January 11th until on Saturday last his dead body was found in the River Avon near Rownham Ferry, having apparently been in the water about a fortnight. In his pockets were found four pawn-tickets, issued on January 13th and 14th at Bristol. Dr Barker, the Police Surgeon, could not definitely assign the cause of death, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead in the River Avon."

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 March 1902 PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Accident. Boy Killed By A Motor Car. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest respecting the death of STANLEY HOCKING, of 46 Mainstone-avenue, seven years of age. Mr J. D. Sowerby, Chief Constable of Plymouth, was present. - Sidney Kneebone of Wyndham-square, motor-car driver, of the Plymouth Motor Car Company, said he was driving a car through Beaumont-road, opposite Friary Station, the previous evening, at a quarter to seven. He came level to a 'bus, and deceased ran out from the back of the 'bus and almost immediately in front of the wheels of the motor car. Witness hardly saw deceased before he was under the car. The motor car was only going from five to six miles an hour. This was slower than the ordinary rate, as he had a little distance back, about 50 yards, stopped to take up a passenger who wished to go into Plymouth. The car was fitted with a band and also a wheel brake. With the first brake, applied by the pedal, he could stop the car almost instantly. He always kept his foot on the pedal and when he noticed the boy he brought the car up. Witness believed that two wheels must have gone over the boy, as he was picked up at the back of the car. It was impossible for him to have avoided the sad occurrence, as the deceased ran from the 'bus directly in front of the car. - Ludwig Knorr, waiter at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, said he was a passenger on the motor car driven by the last witness. He was sitting on the front seat beside the driver and saw the 'bus coming towards Friary Station, the motor car going to Derry's Clock. Before the two vehicles came abreast of each other he saw no person in front of the car. Just as the car and 'bus were about to pass each other he saw a boy run from behind the 'bus and against the wheels of the motor car. The latter was immediately stopped, because it was not going fast at the time. Certainly the speed, in his opinion, was not unreasonable. He did not know whether boys were in the habit of jumping on the back of 'buses and getting free rides. - Dr Harry Secretan Gabb, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to the Institution at 7.30 p.m. He was unconscious and obviously suffering from shock and internal injuries. There were also bruises on the face and a cut over the eyes. The right arm and right leg were broken, and the boy died an hour after admission. - The Coroner said it was a very sad and most unfortunate accident. No fault, however, could, from what had been ascertained, be attached to anyone but to the poor boy himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner said it appeared that no blame could be attached to the driver. - The Foreman (Mr C. Pawlby) stated that so far as the evidence went there was not the slightest blame attached to the driver of the motor car. It was an unfortunate matter, but a pure accident.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 March 1902 PLYMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Plymouth. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ARTHUR HENRY EASTCOTT, aged 36, of 7 Ilbert-street, Plymouth. MR T. W. EASTCOTT, father of the deceased, minister at the Catholic Apostolic Church, said his son returned home on Friday night about eleven o'clock apparently in his usual health, and after chatting a short time, went to bed. The following morning at 8.15, his wife went to call her son, and noticed a strong smell of gas in the room. He was called and after opening a window found the deceased was dead and lying on his face. The gas bracket was near the window and the tap was turned on. His son must have turned the gas off, and then accidentally turned it on again. He was evidently very tired on Friday night. Deceased had only slept in the room about three weeks. Dr E. Square attributed death to asphyxia, due to gas poisoning. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

MODBURY - Child Burnt to Death At Modbury. The Mother Censured. - The County Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) held an Inquest yesterday at Modbury on THOMAS SAMUEL SHUTE, aged nine months. SARAH JANE SHUTE, living at Back-street, Modbury, wife of SIDNEY SHUTE, a journeyman carpenter, said on Friday night she put her three eldest children to bed in an upstair room, and left the baby in its cradle in the kitchen, close to three sheets spread over two chairs to air in front of the fire. There was a large fireguard in the room, but she did not use it. There was also a curtain suspended from the ceiling to keep out the draught. She left the house for twenty minutes to see a firework display on the green. On returning she found the kitchen on fire. The sheets were burnt and the basket cradle in which the child had been placed was in flames. The bed-clothes were destroyed and the baby severely burned. He died early the following morning. Before she left the house she placed the deceased in what she believed was a safe position. - Dr H. P. Miles said the child was almost burnt to pieces. - The Coroner said the case was a sad one. He was prepared to accept the mother's statement that she placed the child in what she thought would have been a safe position, and probably the Jury would do the same. Referring to the dangerous practice of airing clothes in front of an unprotected fire, the Coroner said in the present case it was miraculous that the whole cottage was not destroyed, and the three other children burned to death. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," censured the mother for leaving the child in the manner she had done.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fall At Stonehouse. - The County Coroner, (Mr R. R. Rodd) held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on JOHN HENRY MARTIN, labourer, aged 39, of 16 Adelaide-street. - ANNIE ELIZA MARTIN, the widow, said her husband on returning home on Saturday afternoon asked her if the chimney was still smoking. She said it was, and he said he would endeavour to remove the remaining portion of a broken chimneypot, as that was the cause of the nuisance. Deceased climbed over the fowls' house roof and thence on to the wash-house roof, the chimneypot being about 10 feet above. He attempted to drive two nails into the wall to climb to the chimney, but they would not hold. - The Coroner: He was attempting an impossibility. - Witness, continuing, said her husband then asked for a ladder, which was obtained from next door. The next thing witness heard was her husband calling her, as he fell from the roof to the ground, a distance of about 12 feet. She had two children, aged 3 and 7 respectively, and was quite unprovided for. - John Wm. Orchard of 17 Adelaide-street, who took the ladder to the deceased, stated that deceased placed the ladder on the wash-house roof, but it slipped and MARTIN fell to the ground upon his head. - Mr w. H. Waterfield, Surgeon, said deceased fractured the base of his skull. Death must have been instantaneous. The Coroner said the case was a very sad one, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Foreman (Mr F. W. Thuell) expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the widow, to whom they presented their fees.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death On H.M.S. Hyacinth. Nearly £200 Found On The Body. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest yesterday at Keyham Dockyard on FREDERICK JOHN HARDISTY, chief stoker on H.M.S. Hyacinth. Mr Peck represented the Admiralty. - ANNIE ELIZABETH HARDISTY, of No. 2 Shearer-road, Portsmouth, widow, said the deceased, her son, was thirty years of age. He was married, but had no children, and was home about a fortnight ago. Except for a cold, he appeared to be in good health. - Alexander Kays, stoker, H.M.S. Hyacinth, said he last saw deceased alive at one a.m. on Friday morning. He was then in the ship's bathroom, and seemed to be in his usual health. - Henry Richards, second class leading stoker, H.M.S. Hyacinth, said deceased told him on Thursday night that he was going to the Hospital, but did not say why. Early on Friday morning witness went into the bathroom. It was quite dark and he put his foot on something soft. Obtaining a light, he found that HARDISTY was lying on the floor on his right side, his head resting on an iron bulkhead. Deceased was dressed. Witness sent for the ship's police and sick bay steward. Life was found to be extinct. - P.C. Frederick Wheller said on the body he found in one purse £186 in gold, and another contained half a sovereign, 19s. 6d. in silver and a halfpenny. - Surgeon William Bastian, H.M.S. Hyacinth, said deceased had apparently fallen against a bulkhead, as he had sustained a slight scalp wound. As the result of a post-mortem examination, he considered that death was due to syncope, resulting from fatty degeneration of the heart. The other organs were fairly healthy, considering the condition of the heart. Deceased had been under treatment two days previously for slight sore throat. On Thursday night, when deceased complained of the pain in his throat and his temperature was found to be 100, witness promised that he would send him to the Hospital the next morning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their sympathy with the widow and mother. The Coroner concurred in this opinion, and said the money found on deceased would be kept by him and handed over to the person legally entitled to it.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 March 1902 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on WINIFRED MAUD YOUNG, aged 6 weeks, daughter of FLORENCE ELLEN YOUNG, of 55 High-street, Plymouth. The mother said that about 1.30 a.m. on Sunday she fed the deceased, and afterwards they both went to sleep. On waking between six and seven o'clock she found the child lying across her chest dead. - Dr C. J. Cooke, who made a post-mortem examination, said he found deceased was extremely well nourished. Death was due to suffocation, probably caused by overlaying. A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on WILLIAM SNELL, aged 3 months, son of a general labourer, of 27 St Jude's-place, Plymouth. BESSIE SNELL, mother of the deceased, said that on Sunday when she awoke she found her son lying dead in bed by her side. Dr T. A. Wilkinson said from a post-mortem examination he found that deceased died from pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held touching the death of MARY JANE FOALE, aged 67, widow, of 25 Looe-street, Plymouth. Mrs Louisa Sambells, who lived in the same house, said that for some time deceased had been unwell, but she was never bad enough to require a doctor's services. She was taken suddenly ill and died early on Monday afternoon. - Dr Cummings said he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to pleurisy and pneumonia, which was of about fourteen days' standing. Deceased had several old complaints. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Workhouse yesterday an Inquest was held on LOUISA MARIA COPELAND, aged 79, of 16 Francis-street, Plymouth. Mr P. Hellings (Master of the Workhouse) said deceased was brought to the workhouse on the 1st inst., suffering from injuries. She remained in the Workhouse and died on Sunday. - Henry Trace, labourer, of 16 Francis-street, said that last Saturday week at 6.15 p.m. he heard a noise outside his door and on going out found the deceased lying on her face on the landing, apparently insensible. She was conveyed to the Hospital. Deceased was afterwards taken to the Workhouse. Dr C. J. Cooke said that on the 1st inst. he saw the deceased, when she was suffering from a wound on the temple, which might have been caused by a fall. Deceased was more or less unconscious the whole time she was in the Infirmary. A post-mortem examination shewed that there was an effusion of blood on the brain, which was the cause of death. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 March 1902 STOKE GABRIEL - At the Inquest at Stoke Gabriel on Tuesday on GEORGE LEWIS, butcher, aged 67, whose body was found in the Dart on Monday by a fisherman, deceased's widow stated that he left home on February 27th and had not been seen since. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

WHITCHURCH - The Longford Quarry Fatality. Inquest Adjourned. - At Pennycomequick, Whitchurch, yesterday, an Inquest was opened on GEORGE PENGELLY, killed at Longford Quarry on the previous morning. - Henry Oxenham, deceased's brother-in-law, said he was 39 years old, and was a general labourer and carter. Dr C. C. Brodrick, Tavistock, said deceased received a compound fracture of the skull on the left side and the facial bones were also fractured. Death was instantaneous. - The Coroner, in expressing sympathy with the widow, said the Inquiry would be an important one, and he proposed to adjourn it until Wednesday next, when the relatives desired to be legally represented. Mr J. D. Johnstone, clerk to Tavistock Rural District Council, represented that body, for whom deceased was working at the time of the accident and Mr H. Walker, Assistant Inspector of Mines, was present.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 March 1902 PLYMOUTH - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES WATTS, aged 76, journeyman painter of 5 Green-street. The deceased's son said his father was taken ill on Tuesday, and was given a little brandy. As he got worse, a doctor was sent for. Dr Player said when called he found deceased extremely ill. He prescribed for the man, but death soon followed. On examination, he was satisfied that death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 March 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - MARY JANE STEVENS, 66, wife of THOMAS STEVENS, naval pensioner, 49 George-street, Devonport, who had been ailing for some time, on Friday morning said she felt unwell and Dr E. J. Hinvest was called. She died an hour after he left. At the Inquest on Saturday Dr Hinvest said death was due to syncope through fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 March 1902 HONITON - A Honiton Farmer Shot. Sad And Mysterious. - At the Inquest held at Heathfield Farm, near Honiton yesterday on ROBERT ROLESTONE, a farmer, aged 40, Edwin Channon, platelayer, L, and S.W.R., stated that on Saturday someone told him something had happened in the front of the farmhouse. On going there he saw MRS ROLESTONE, deceased's mother, by the closet. Deceased was inside sitting down. He had a wound in the lower part of the face from which blood was freely blowing. Assisted him indoors. He was able to walk. Pressed by the Jury witness said he heard someone say a gun had gone off and deceased must have been shot, but he did not hear it said that deceased had shot himself. - P.S. Cridland said Channon told him someone said deceased had shot himself and the Coroner commented on the unsatisfactory manner in which Channon had given his evidence. - THOMAS COX ROLESTONE, the father, said deceased, who was married, lived with him. He had not recently been ill, and there had had been nothing unusual in his manner. At breakfast on Saturday deceased was in his customary spirits. - He (witness) was in the sitting-room reading about half-past ten when he heard the report of a gun, but took no notice of it, as it was usual in corn-sowing time for deceased t do so to scare birds. He afterwards heard a struggling noise in the direction of the garden, and called to his wife to go and see what was the matter as he had a crippled leg. He did not go himself. Deceased was brought into the sitting-room, but never spoke, though he appeared conscious. He was shockingly injured about the lower jaw and bled profusely. A gun, a double-barrelled breechloader, was found by his side. There was a discharged cartridge in it. - The Jury examined the gun and found it would not go off at half-cock. - MRS JANE ROLESTONE, mother of the deceased, said her son had nothing to trouble him. A few minutes before he was shot she was with him in the yard. He then told her he was not going to market that day. That was not unusual. Deceased afterwards went into the house and she saw no more of him before the accident. A few days before deceased had some something about shooting the cats, which had been troublesome of late with the chicken, and he shot one a week ago, but nothing was said about it on Saturday. A little while after she parted with her son she was called by her husband, and she went to the closet, where she found her son bleeding from a wound in the face. Her son rose and walked in with the assistance of herself and Channon. She did not then notice the gun or the marks of shot in the ceiling. Deceased never spoke, except to say "yes" once and "no," but he was perfectly conscious. He died in the afternoon. - Mabel Sparks, servant to MR ROLESTONE, had never observed anything unusual with deceased. On Saturday Miss Davey called her, saying "MR ROBERT has shot himself." She went and noticed the gun in a corner, with the barrels pointing upward. She never heard deceased say anything that would lead one to suppose that he contemplated taking his life. - Miss Lily Maud Davey, niece of MR ROLESTONE, sen., said after breakfast she met deceased in the passage with a gun. She asked him if it was loaded and he said it was. Later she heard a report and she told her uncle of it. - By the Foreman: She thought deceased was shooting rooks. She did not think anything was wrong. She did not think the gun was discharged practically in the house, although it sounded near. - By the Coroner: She told the servant MR ROBERT had shot himself. That was after her uncle had heard groans and said he thought something was the matter. - The Jury went to examine the place where deceased was found and the marks of shot in the ceiling. - Albert Edward Moore, a lad employed on the farm, said he saw deceased about ten minutes before the occurrence and he then said he was going up to Gubb's with another man. - Dr Shortridge said he was told that when deceased heard the word Hospital mentioned, he rose from his chair and walked upstairs. The whole of the front of the larynx was bared, the upper part being considerably torn and the jaw for a considerable distance was blown away, the jaws being separated. The muscles that supported the tongue were reduced to pulp, the front teeth were blown out and the end of the nose partly gone and split. The direction the shot had taken was upwards and slightly outwards, and not inwards towards the head. - In answer to the Coroner, Dr Shortridge said the injuries might have been self-inflicted. He had seen a good deal of deceased lately, and he was always very cheery and he saw nothing to lead him to think he contemplated suicide. - Deceased's wife was in a hysterical condition, it was resolved not to call her. - The Coroner, summing up, said the place and the position of the wound rather pointed to suicide. - A Juror suggested that it would be better to discuss the matter in the absence of deceased's father. - The Coroner (Mr Cox): I should like MR ROLESTONE and, indeed, every member of the family, to hear what I have to say. My duty is a painful one, but I cannot allow an Inquest over which I preside to be a farce, or for a verdict to be returned in accordance with the sympathies of individuals. I should have liked a great deal more evidence, but what there is in my view strongly suggests suicide. I do not, however, wish to dictate to the Jury, and I do not say the evidence is absolutely conclusive. - The Jury, after a short consultation, found that deceased died of a gunshot wound, but there was not sufficient evidence to show how it was inflicted.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Deaths. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held three Inquests last evening. The first was on WILLIAM HENRY PEARCE, aged 82, a superannuated postman, 44 Pembroke-street. Herbert Elcott, 7 Whittington-street, said deceased, who was his father-in-law, had been in indifferent health for the last four or five months. On Sunday night he was suffering from a severe cold and at nine o'clock Dr Saunders was called. The doctor said deceased could not live long and he passed away ten minutes after he left the house. Witness noticed nothing when he saw deceased in the afternoon except a change in his voice. - Dr E. S. Saunders said that when he saw deceased he was in extremis and unconscious and it was useless for him to do anything. Death was due to aortic valvular disease of the heart. The organs were all fatty through senile decay. He was liable to die suddenly at any time. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The next Inquiry had reference to the death of JAMES FREDERICK HITCHCOCK, 9 months old, the son of WILLIAM JAMES HITCHCOCK, leading seaman, R.N., living at 21 Mount-street. The mother said the child had been in very good health lately. It had a slight cough and on Saturday morning it had a violent fit of coughing while sitting in its chair. She lifted it up and saw that its mouth was blue. She took it to her landlady, in whose arms it died. It all happened in less than ten minutes. Dr Saunders was called and arrived immediately. She had fed deceased with a little boiled bread. Dr Saunders said the child was well nourished and there were no signs of disturbance from bad feeding. Death was due to a convulsion, but he could not give the reason for it. There was a haemorrhage of the lungs, but the other organs were healthy. The baby was a very fine child. Bread was not the right food to give the child, but he could not find that it had affected him in any way. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The death of WILLIAM JOHN NINNIS, 14 months, of 76 Fore-street, was the subject of the third Inquiry. MARY ANN NINNIS said the child had been in good health until a few days ago. On Saturday she took it to a chemist and when it went to bed it seemed well again. During the night it was restless and her husband went for a doctor, but before one could be summoned the child died in her arms. She had six other children. - Dr R. P. Ryan said death was due to inflammation of the lungs. The child was well nourished. Verdict "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 March 1902 KINGSTEIGNTON - A Kingsteignton Fatality. - At Kingsteignton, PHOEBE MOORE, aged 59, an inmate of Mackrell's Almshouses, Newton Abbot, died on Monday evening from injuries sustained by burning. At the Inquest yesterday it was stated that deceased, who was residing with her sister, Mrs Evans, at Kingsteignton, got out of bed on Monday morning to light a spirit lamp to warm milk. Her flannelette nightdress became ignited and she was severely burnt. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said people who wore flannelette should be especially careful, as it was a most inflammable material and highly dangerous. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday an Inquest was held on SAMUEL JOHN HOCKINGS, 14. The father, ERNEST HOCKINGS, of 3 New Buildings, said deceased complained of pains in the head on Sunday and Monday mornings. On each occasion he went to bed. The lad did not appear to have any serious illness. On Monday morning Dr Player was sent for, but the lad died before he arrived. Dr Player attributed death to pneumonia, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES CONNOLLY, aged one month, the child of HENRY CONNOLLY, labourer, 93 Townsend-avenue. On Sunday the mother took the baby to Dr King, who said it was dying. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to convulsions, caused by meningitis. The child was in an emaciated condition and very thin, but this was not due to neglect. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Late MR CECIL LANE. - Mr R. B. Johns (the Coroner) at an Inquest at 8 West Hoe-terrace, Plymouth, yesterday, on FRANCIS CECIL LANE, solicitor, said it was most melancholy and painful for him, the deceased being a highly-esteemed brother solicitor, well-known in Plymouth. - Mr Charles Edward Cottier, deceased's partner, said deceased, 52 years of age, on Sunday morning last came downstairs at eight o'clock, let his dog into the street, and appeared to be in his usual good health. About nine o'clock he went to the bathroom, it having been his custom for years to have a cold bath every morning. Later MRS LANE went to the room and found deceased dead and in a nude state. Mr Charles E. Russel Rendle, Surgeon, was immediately sent for by colonel Currie, C.B., 9 West Hoe-terrace, who on hearing of the sad news rendered every assistance. - Mr C. E. Russel Rendle said he had made a post-mortem examination and found a pleural effusion on the left side, which had pressed against the heart and caused death. The pleural effusion must have been of some weeks standing. A sudden stopping or bending would cause the heart to stop. A cold bath as not a good thing for anyone suffering from pleural effusion, but he did not know it had anything to do with the actual cause of death in this case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - Mr G. T. Light said it was the desire of the Jury that their deepest sympathy should be extended to MRS LANE and daughter. Mr Cottier thanked the Jury for their kind expression of sympathy. He would convey it to deceased's relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 March 1902 WHITCHURCH - The Whitchurch Quarry Fatality. A Question Of Responsibility. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, at Whitchurch yesterday resumed the Inquest on GEORGE PENGELLY, aged 39, carter and labourer, of Pennycomequick, Whitchurch, killed at Longford Quarry on Tuesday, 11th inst. Deceased leaves a widow and four young children. Mr J. D. Johnstone appeared on behalf of Tavistock Rural District Council, and Mr Percy T. Pearce for Mr W. H. Batten, surveyor to the Council. - Mr Wm. Henry Batten, Whitchurch, surveyor, in the employ of the Tavistock Rural District Council, said he was in charge of Longford Quarry. He had over 30 others to superintend. The certified rules were tacked to woodwork inside a hut to which there was no door, and where the employees of the quarry resorted for their meals and shelter. At the time of the accident there was only a portion of the copy of the certified rules in the hut, the rough weather having defaced and torn the other part. The Council had been aware of the difficulty of preserving paper copies of the rules in quarries, and had supplied copies painted on iron. One of these was fixed the morning after the fatal accident to PENGELLY. Deceased was employed and paid by the Rural District Council to draw unbroken stone from the quarry at thirteenpence per yard, deceased supplying his own horse and cart. He at other times did day work removing rubble, at 6s. per day. The accident to deceased occurred on March 11th, and a fortnight before this witness visited the quarry. Within that period 200 yards of stone were raised. When at the quarry he told the workmen (John James Friend, Wm. Foot and George Hortop) to be sure and keep the quarry square back so as to satisfy H.M. Inspector at any time he might visit the quarry. On making an inspection he saw nothing dangerous. On hearing that deceased had been killed he visited the quarry and found the workmen had removed rubble from the top of the quarry, and that a quantity of stone had fallen from the over-burden, eleven feet high, and on to deceased, who was near with his horse and cart. The side of cutting of the quarry had been put out of perpendicular. About half a ton of stone had fallen from under the over-burden. The over-burden had not been cleared back in accordance with the rules. About that matter he gave the workmen special instructions. He considered that deceased was working in a dangerous position and had witness been present before the accident he would not have allowed PENGELLY to go near the place and stopped the work. There was no hurrying of the work in the quarry and he had never received a complaint from the Inspector. - By Mr Pearce: He had over 100 labourers to supervise in his district and to measure up the whole of their work and pay their wages. His district contained 96,000 acres and 270 miles of road. He could not visit a quarry much oftener than once a fortnight. He had particularly cautioned the men about "squaring" back in working a quarry. Friend had ten years' experience, Foot, five and Hortop twelve months. He had been a district surveyor seventeen years, and never before had an accident happened in a quarry under his supervision. The thirty quarries were worked daily. - Mr Henry Walker said on the 12th March, the day after the accident, he visited he quarry. The overburden in a cutting was overhanging four feet. That was a contravention of the Act. It was most dangerous for anyone to be working near the overburden. At the point opposite where deceased was killed the overburden hung four feet. - William Foot, quarryman, Tavistock, said in the morning he blasted a hole with dynamite in the cutting. The depth of the hole was eighteen inches, but the effect of the explosion was very little. Six or seven minutes afterwards deceased arrived at the cutting in the quarry with his horse and cart, and commenced loading stone. Whilst doing this there was a crash, and about half a ton of stones had fallen from under the overburden upon the deceased. The stone struck deceased on the head, killing him. John Friend told him that Mr Batten had given special instructions about clearing back, or "squaring". He had read the rules, and thought he was working safely. Deceased had frequently been to the hut, where the rules were exposed. The concussion by the explosion might have loosened the stones, and caused them to fall. - George Hortop, labourer, Tavistock, corroborated. - John James Friend, labourer, Whitchurch, said Mr Batten gave instructions that all overburden from the edge of the quarry was to be removed and witness and other workmen removed sufficient to, in their opinion, to make it safe for persons to work near. - The Coroner said it appeared from the evidence that certain regulations and rules for working the quarry had not been carried out. It did not appear that these rules and regulations had been properly exhibited or enforced at the quarry such as the Act of Parliament required. The notice in the hut had been torn and defaced a fortnight before the accident. If the quarry had been worked in a proper manner the stone would not have fallen from the overburden and killed the deceased. Were the Jury satisfied that there had been a contravention of the special rules and regulations, and that the death of PENGELLY was brought about by this contravention? If they did then the verdict would be one of manslaughter. They must, however, be perfectly satisfied that the man's death was brought about as a result of a contravention. Mr Batten had frankly told them that he had many duties to perform: to supervise 270 miles of roads, and 30 quarries, that he had 100 men under his control in these quarries, and that his district covered an acreage of 96,000 acres, and that he had to keep different sets of books of accounts. Mr Batten also said he was only able to visit the quarries once a fortnight. If the Jury believed that in enforcing the rules he had done the best in his power, and that there had been no contravention of the Act, they would then come to the conclusion that deceased met his death accidentally. - After a long deliberation the Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their opinion that Mr Batten had done the best in his power to enforce the rules and regulations. - Mr Johnstone, on behalf of the Rural District Council, expressed sympathy with the widow and family. The Coroner remarked that it was a very sad case, and he would see that the expression of sympathy was sent to the widow, who had been left with four little children. He hoped the District Council would also be practical in their sympathy to the widow and children. Mr Johnstone said he also hoped so, and nothing would be wanting on his part to bring it about. - Mr Pearce, on behalf of Mr Batten, also expressed sympathy. The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 March 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HEAD, 68, a journeyman plasterer, of No., 6a. back of Albert-road. ELIZABETH HEAD, the widow, said her husband on Wednesday morning was taking away some creepers from the windows at the back of the house, as new windows were to be put in. He was on a ladder, which was very rotten, but he did not think it was as bad as it was. She spoke to him about it, but he said he had made it perfectly safe. She told him not to trouble about taking the creeper down, as the men could do it, but he insisted upon doing it and said they would spoil it. Just before noon she heard a thud and going downstairs found her husband in the courtlage lying down, bleeding from the mouth and apparently dead. - Replying to the Foreman, she said the ladder had rotted through exposure. Deceased had patched it and prided himself that he had made it safe. - Dr G. Thorn said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - In his remarks the Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow and said deceased came to his death through his solicitude for the creeper. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" associated themselves with the Coroner's expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Lamp-Throwing At Devonport. A Verdict Of Manslaughter. - Devonport borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on FLORENCE ELIZABETH FREEMAN, aged 21. Mr Samuel J. Sowden was Foreman of a Jury of 17. - WILLIAM GEORGE GREENWAY, deceased's brother, who was apprehended on the night of the 6th inst., on a charge of assault, and been remanded three times since for the presence of deceased as a witness, was present in the custody of warders from Plymouth Prison. The prisoner seemed to feel his position acutely. - Harriett Arch, 38 Mount-street, said deceased was the wife of Driver FRANCIS FREEMAN, Army Service Corps, and lived with her parents at 103 Pembroke-street. Her husband had been in South Africa for 2 ½ years. - GEORGE HENRY GREENWAY, naval pensioner, who is still an inmate of the Hospital, said at about 9.30 p.m. on 6th inst. he was in his room at 103 Pembroke-street, with his wife, deceased and another daughter. they were then having a pint of beer together, when his son, WILLIAM GEORGE HENRY GREENWAY, entered the room from the street, where he had been mixed up in a row. He said he had been fighting with a man, and that he was going to strike his mother. He was drunk and very excited and tried to get at her, but deceased stood up between them and said, "Don't you strike mother!" Deceased then moved from in front of her mother towards witness, and the son then rushed towards them and struck deceased over witness's shoulder with his fist. Witness dragged him away and a scuffle ensued. He advised deceased to go to her own room, but she would not, as she thought the son would strike witness or his mother. He tried to strike witness, and he kept him off with difficulty. Deceased endeavoured to drag witness from him and in the scuffle they all fell on the bed. Witness then got hold of his daughter and was taking her out of the room. As they got outside the door he felt himself on fire about the head and neck. His wife put her apron over his head and stopped the burning. She then took him across the street to her sister's but he did not see what became of deceased. Dr Saunders was called and sent him to the Hospital. His son remained in the room until he was taken away. He returned home after being attended at the Hospital, and next morning saw them picking up pieces of the lamp. The lamp, an ordinary paraffin one, was burning on the dressing table of the room during the evening. When he saw his son in the room before being attended to there were flames in the room, but he did not know where the lamp was. When in drink his son was not responsible for his actions. There was no reason for any row, and he had no idea why his son wanted to strike his mother. She gave him no provocation nor did deceased, though the two had never been on friendly terms since childhood. When not in drink his son was very quiet. He had been a warrant officer's servant on H.M.S. Barossa on the West Coast of Africa, and had only been violent when in drink since then. - By the Foreman: Witness and his wife both tried to persuade deceased to leave the room. It would not have been possible for deceased to have caught hold of the lamp and upset it as she was being pushed out of the room. He could not say whether the lamp was knocked over by anybody else. - Witness's son was asked if he had any questions to put to his father, but was warned to consider the advisability of saying anything. The son seemed about to question the witness, but decided not to do so. - By the Coroner: Witness did not hear deceased call her brother any names or provoke him in any way. - MARIA EMILY GREENWAY, mother of deceased, who was brought into the room in an almost prostrate condition, said she, her husband and two daughters were sitting in the room when her son entered. They were not drinking, and there was no beer in the house. He was a little the worse for drink, and as a result of something he said there was a squabble between him, her husband and deceased. Witness went to part them and put her husband out of the room, and called for someone in the house. Mrs Whittle came up. She asked deceased to go into the street. She did so, and remained there for some little time, witness following. Her husband was also in the street. Witness tried to induce deceased not to go to the room again, but she would insist upon doing so. Witness followed her, and when she got to the landing told her to go to her own room. Deceased's father, who also returned to the house, went in the room first, and the deceased, who would not go to her room, followed, witness being the last to enter. Her son was sitting in a large chair and Mrs Whittle was talking to him. Deceased stood at the side of the bed and said, "You will not strike a woman" to her brother. He then struck her very gently on the face and the father interfered. A scuffle on the bed followed. She pulled her husband away with one hand and deceased with the other. Her husband was then on the landing and deceased close to the door. As witness got to the door deceased placed her hand out to prevent witness putting her outside the room. Then her son got up and said he couldn't stand the two, and said, putting his hand out, "I must do something." - At this point witness said she could say no more, and was allowed to rest a few minutes. - Witness, continuing, said she did not see anything thrown, but heard a crash of glass. She then saw deceased's hair was on fire, and turned round to get a jacket to extinguish the flames. In the meanwhile deceased had rushed into the street. The lamp had been on the dressing table, from which they were at some distance when the crash occurred. The lamp was nearer her son than her daughter. - The Coroner: Did your son try and strike you when he entered the room? - No. - Did he say anything to you or threaten you? - I don't know, I can't remember anything then. I went upstairs when he came in. - Did he say he had been fighting with a man in Pembroke-street? - No. He only said he had been having a noise with a man. - The Chief Constable: Are your husband and son on very good terms? - As far as I know they are on the best of terms. They are very quiet in the house. My husband was perfectly sober. My son was slightly elevated. I have seen him worse, but he had had enough. - Was your daughter sober? - yes, as far as I know. I believe so. - Susan Whittle, 103 Pembroke-street, said she was called upstairs to the GREENWAY'S rooms by their youngest daughter. She saw the brother and sister fighting, and she and the last witness separated them. The son was induced to sit down and the daughter was put outside. Shortly afterwards she returned with her father and shewed him what her brother had done to her. The father then struck the son in the face, and the three fell on a little iron bed. They got up from the bed together, and the son said "I can't stand this; it is two to one." The son then threw the lamp at the wall close to the door. The father and daughter were then standing close to the door. She saw the son take the lamp off a dressing table. - The Coroner: Did it appear to you that he threw the lamp at his father and sister? - He threw it at the wall. - But people don't throw lamps at walls. Who did he throw it at? - He threw it in their direction, and it struck the wall, quite close to them. They both caught fire immediately, and there was soon a blaze. Deceased ran into the street, and I followed, as she was frightened, and went to her own rooms. When the son took up the lamp he was very excited, as the three of them were. - Where was MRS GREENWAY when the lamp was thrown? - close to me by the fireside, at some distance from the door. - If she had been near the door she would also have been burnt? - I expect so. - If MRS GREENWAY says she was near the door when the lamp was thrown it would not be correct? - She was not near the door. - I suppose she had an equal opportunity of seeing what occurred? - She told me she didn't seem the lamp thrown. The room is a fairly large one. - The Chief Constable: Was the lamp a large one? - I could not say. I had never been in the room before. - The metal stand of the lamp was produced and witness recognised it as the one that was in the room. - Did you hear GREENWAY make any threat? - No! I only heard him say "I can't stand this any longer. It is two on one." - P.C. Pearce said he heard deceased screaming in Pembroke-street. She said, "Oh Policeman, me and my brother have been quarrelling, and he has thrown a lighted paraffin lamp at me, burning me like this." Her right arm and neck were both badly burnt. He took her to the Royal Albert Hospital. Afterwards at 103 Pembroke-street, he charged deceased's brother with throwing a lighted paraffin lamp at his sister and father. He made no reply, but at the Police Station, where he was again charged, he said, "If I did that, I ought to be hanged, but I didn't do it. It was an accident." - Dr C. A. B. Horsford, House Surgeon, said when admitted deceased was suffering from burns on the right arm and hand, the right side of the neck and face, back of the head, upper part of the back and left hand. She suffered severely from shock the first two days, and then slowly began to improve. Until the evening of the 20th inst. her progress was favourable, but then her condition suddenly got worse and she died at 5.30 a.m. on the 22nd. At 1.30 a.m. there were signs of heart failure. He had made a post-mortem examination in the presence of Dr F. E. Row, Police Surgeon, and found there was inflammation of the surface of the lining of the heart, this having recently developed. There were signs of pneumonia in the base of the left lung, and the liver and kidneys were in a condition of fever. The heart affection was sufficient to cause death, the primary cause being the burns. - The Coroner: The affection of the heart would not have occurred but for the burns? - No. - The Chief Constable: What was the condition of deceased at 1.30 on the 21st inst.? - Exceedingly restless, and her pulse was poor. - Did it strike you it was necessary to send for the Police? - No. I had heard that during the scuffle a lamp was thrown at her. - I presume you know it was your duty to communicate with the Police when the patient was sinking? - It did not occur to me that she was so bad, and I hoped that, with the increase of stimulants, she would have recovered. She had done so once or twice before under apparently similar circumstances. He was surprised when he heard deceased had passed away. - Dr F. E. Row said he examined the body and internal organs, in conjunction with the last witness. His opinion was that the cause of death was inflammation of the lining of the heart, inside and outside. That was the result of burns previously received, which were very extensive. - VIOLET GREENWAY, aged 9, was called as a witness, but her evidence was not taken because of her youth. - WILLIAM GEORGE GREENWAY, asked if he would give evidence, said: I only want to say I did not do it. - He declined to make any further statement. - The Coroner said the evidence was a little conflicting as to how the quarrel commenced, but the Jury need only concern themselves with what happened after deceased returned to the house. The son was then said to have struck his sister gently and a scuffle ensued, of which the outcome was the burning of deceased and her father. It was for them to consider whether the lamp was thrown with a purpose - with the intention of striking either deceased or her father. If they considered that was the case they would have to hold GREENWAY responsible for his act. If they did not think he was responsible then the verdict would have to be accidental death. There was a quarrel, the son was drunk and in a very excited state, and he was heard to say he could not stand it any longer with two to one on him, and then take the lamp and throw it in the direction of the door where his father and sister were standing. People even in temper did not usually throw lighted lamps at one another. If it was accidental why was the lamp not thrown in some other part of the room? If he did it with the idea of doing someone injury whether the lamp struck the wall, and not deceased, was immaterial. If an article was thrown with a purpose and it struck something before it reached the object aimed at, the intention was there, and the result was immaterial. If they found that GREENWAY did throw the lamp with the intention of striking his sister and father then would come the question which of two verdicts they should choose. Anyone deliberately throwing a lighted lamp at another and causing their death was guilty of wilful murder. If it was accidentally done it was called homicide, but there was lawful and unlawful homicide. If a person caused the death of another it was primarily murder and there could only be a verdict of manslaughter when the death occurred under circumstances which provoked the person to act in the heat of temper and when he did not know what he was doing at the time of the act. In the present instance there must have been a quarrel. He did not think the Jury could depend much upon the evidence of MRS GREENWAY. During this quarrel GREENWAY threw the lamp and the death of his sister had ensued. He should advise the Jury that they would be justified in bringing in a verdict of manslaughter against GREENWAY. It was done at a time when he was excited. He was drunk, though that was no excuse, and there had been a quarrel. Bearing those circumstances in mind, if they found that death arose primarily from burns through the lamp being thrown, they would be justified in bringing in a verdict of manslaughter. If they, on the other hand, thought the lamp was not thrown either at the father or sister, and that it was smashed against the wall accidentally, then they should find a verdict that deceased met her death accidentally. - After a brief deliberation the Jury found that deceased died from Inflammation of the Heart, due to Burns received from a lighted paraffin lamp, thrown at her by WILLIAM GEORGE HENRY GREENWAY. - The Coroner observed that that verdict was one of Manslaughter against GREENWAY, and that was the unanimous opinion of the Jurors. - GREENWAY will be charged with Manslaughter at Devonport Petty Sessions tomorrow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 March 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - MARY BODY, wife of WILLIAM BODY, journeyman blacksmith of 20 Princes-street, Devonport, was making a purchase in a shop in Marlborough-street on Monday, when she placed her hand to her head, saying she felt giddy and fell on the floor. A constable was fetched, and he sent for Dr Ryan, but before the doctor arrived deceased died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Ryan said death was due to heart disease of long standing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

NORTH BOVEY - North Bovey Farmer's Suicide. Influenza And Depression. - At North Bovey yesterday Mr Hacker held an Inquest on ELIAS CUMING, aged 58, a farmer, of Blackaller Farm, found dead in an outhouse attached to the farm on Monday morning. The widow stated that deceased for about a month had suffered from pains in the head. Last year he had an attack of influenza, but recovered without medical aid. A few weeks ago he was attacked again in the same way. She regretted they did not call in a doctor. Deceased had sleepless nights and was very low spirited. He worried because the farm work was behind, and appeared to think he was not succeeding so well as formerly. There was no reason for worry in these respects. She tried to persuade him that nothing was wrong, but he would not hear of it. On Sunday he went to his son's at Moreton, returning about nine o'clock. On Monday morning he said he had not slept very well. As he came downstairs he called up his sons. Witness came down immediately after and prepared to lay the breakfast. Seeing his watch and purse on the table and thinking he had forgotten them, she went to the back-door and called him, but got no response. Having laid the breakfast, she called to her sons in the court, but they had not seen their father. Going to the closet at the rear she found her husband sitting there dead. All she remembered seeing were his eyes, which were nearly out of his head. She did not know what caused his death until she was told later on. Her screams brought her children to her very quickly. None of them had heard the report of the gun. - The Coroner: How do you account for his death? - Witness: I don't think he had any intention of killing himself when he left the bedroom. It must have been something that took him after he came downstairs. His mother's brother and cousin shot themselves. - ALBERT CUMING, son, identified the gun produced. It was kept hung up in the kitchen. - ELIAS JOHN CUMING, the eldest son, of Moreton, said deceased spent Sunday with him. He appeared low-spirited. One of his sons lost his life in the war, but he did not know that deceased worried about that. - Dr W. J. Stephens, of Moretonhampstead, said the gun was between deceased's knees, with the butt end on the ground. The muzzle was about a foot from the face. It was probably in deceased's mouth when the gun was fired, for the face was split from the inside in several directions, and the charge had gone through the roof of the mouth into the brain. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner: How did he manage to pull the trigger? - One of the Jurymen shewed that it could have been pulled easily by the deceased, as the barrel was a short one. - P.S. Thomas said the body had been removed into the house when he arrived about eight o'clock. Dr Stephens and a man named Frost had carried it in. - The Coroner said it was not advisable as a rule to move bodies before the arrival of the Police. - Dr Stephens: After I had done it I thought it was not the right thing to do, but I did it to save the feelings of the sons. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 March 1902 PINHOE - The Fatality Near Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Pinhoe on Thursday evening on THOMAS HARRIS, a dairyman, aged 40 years. WILLIAM HARRIS, labourer of Broadclyst, said the deceased, his brother, only moved into Pinhoe from Broadclyst on the previous day. His horse was a spirited animal. - Emma Stiles, of Pinhoe, said on Wednesday afternoon she saw the horse defendant was driving give a plunge. Deceased fell out and the trap went over him. There was lumber in the trap. When she got up to him he was still alive, but he said nothing and died about five minutes afterwards. His body was doubled up. The horse ran away. Deceased was driving towards her and a horse and cart passed at the same time. The reins were broken. - Police-Sergeant Yelland said the right leg was badly broken and he also sustained injuries to his head. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 March 1902 ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Fatality. - At the Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday on MR CHAS. SYMONS, Mr E. J. Tamlyn, of the Montebello, Ilfracombe, said deceased, about 45 years of age, was a very precise man, and a frequent visitor to Ilfracombe. - George H. Jones, draper's assistant, of Buckingham Palace-road, London, said he was a fellow passenger with deceased on Thursday last. When the train was level with Ilfracombe platform, the deceased took his bag, opened the door, and jumped out of the train whilst it was in motion. Witness told a porter what had happened and walked back the platform and saw him on the line. The platform was lit, as usual, and extended the whole length of the train. The deceased did not seem flurried in any way. - Dr Clayton Jones stated the right arm of the deceased was crushed below the elbow. He was insensible. Dr Toller was called and with witness decided to amputate the arm. Death was due to fracture of the skull. He did not think that the train passed over the deceased, but the arm was much mutilated, as if rubbed against a rough substance. - William Parkhouse, railway porter, said he saw a door open almost as soon as the last train on Thursday entered the platform, and he shouted to the passengers to keep their seats. At the same time, he saw a man step out from the carriage with the open door. He fell on the platform, and rolled under the train. - Mr Percival, on behalf of the London and South Western Railway, asked if the deceased fell between the carriages or under the footboard. - Witness said it was dark, and he could not say. - By the Coroner: there were five vehicles and deceased was in the rear of the train. Mr J. Lock, Stationmaster, stated that he found that the deceased was lying 54 yards from the south end of the platform, and the carriage from which deceased alighted was 72 yards from where he fell. The train was going a steady speed of five miles per hour between the signal-box and platform. - The Jury found "That deceased met with his death through leaving a train in motion, and no blame was attached to anyone."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 April 1902 PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM JOSEPH STEWART, aged 30, storekeeper of 3 Radford-road, Plymouth, had frequently complained of headaches and on Saturday asked if he could go into Hospital. On Sunday he got worse and died before a doctor arrived. Dr Parsloe made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to apoplexy, which would account for deceased's headaches. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 April 1902 EXETER - An Exeter Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on ELLEN TOTTEN, aged 20, West-street. Mrs Joslin, sister, Rack-street, said on Monday afternoon deceased came to her house and took her two children out to the fair. Two months ago she complained of pains in her head, but on Monday appeared to be in good health. Beatrice Joslin, aged 10, said she accompanied her aunt to the fair. Deceased went up in a swinging boat and afterwards complained of giddiness and headache. She became sick and on her way home had to rest. - Mr H. B. Harrison, Surgeon, said death took place about half-past eleven on Monday night. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found the brain congested. A clot filled up the whole of the interior of the left lateral ventricle, and there was a small one in the right. That was sufficient to cause death. There was nothing to shew that deceased had had a fall. It was possible that if deceased had not gone in the swinging boat she might have been still alive. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - JEMIMA CLIST, of Newton Abbot, 54 years of age, had on Tuesday evening just paid her rent to her landlady, Miss Cull, and was shewing Miss Cull the kitchen, when she dropped down and died within a few minutes. Dr Martin, at the Inquest yesterday, stated that a post-mortem examination shewed that all the organs were healthy, but deceased died from angina pectoris, or spasms of the heart, from which a person may suffer, although the heart may be healthy. The Jury returned as their verdict "Death by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 April 1902 EXETER - An Exeter Lady's Death. Singular Case. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on MISS ALICE MORTIMER, aged 39, of 6 Silver-terrace, Richmond-road, daughter of the late MR WILLIAM MORTIMER, woollen draper. MRS MORTIMER, mother, said her daughter had for three weeks been suffering from the effects of influenza, and on Tuesday morning she left her in bed. Shortly after one o'clock, when she again went to her room, she found her lying on the floor dead. She had no reason to suppose her daughter would commit suicide. She was treated for mental affliction through influenza about four years ago for nearly twelve months. She left no letter. Did not know anything about a bottle of hair-wash, but there was no poison in the room which deceased could get at. - EDITH MORTIMER, sister of deceased, said the bottle of hair-wash belonged to her. It was always kept in the bedroom and the contents were much the same as regards quantity as when she last saw the bottle. Dr R. Dyball said the face of the deceased was bluish and livid, and there was a mark around the neck such as might have been caused by a narrow band like the piece of tape found in a drawer in the room. The mark was double, and there was a depression as if caused by a knot. He had made a post-mortem examination and the signs were not conclusive that death was caused by asphyxia. The deceased had suffered from heart trouble and he was of opinion that she died from cardiac failure, the result of an attempt to take her life by strangulation. It would have been possible if great force had not been used for deceased to have put the string into the drawer. There were no definite signs of poison in the stomach. - MRS MORTIMER, recalled, denied all knowledge of the string, but MISS MORTIMER said it belonged to the deceased. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr Gould) said it was a sad case and very singular, but on the doctor's evidence the Jury must come to the conclusion that the death was not a natural one, that the primary cause was attempted strangulation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Baby's Death. Father Severely Censured. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport, on RICHARD HENRY CASEY, aged 10 weeks, the son of JOHN CASEY, a labourer at Keyham Extension Works. The father, who lives at 54 Mount-street, said he had had some drink and went to bed on Tuesday night, instead of going to work. - The mother said as her husband "had a drop of beer in him," she passed he night in another room. Placing the baby in bed with her daughter, aged 12, she sat up. During the night she saw the baby asleep. She must have fallen off to sleep and on waking went to the child and found it under the arm of her daughter dead. - MARY, the daughter, said the discovery was made at half-past eight in the morning, when her mother called her to get up. - Dr E. S. Saunders said CASEY came to him about ten o'clock on Wednesday morning and told him he thought the baby had been suffocated. He (the Doctor) found that the child had been dead some hours, and that death was due to suffocation. The room in which he saw the baby was very dirty. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated," and severely censured the father for his drunkenness. The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) said the child's death was indirectly due to the disgraceful and selfish conduct of his father.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 April 1902 PLYMOUTH - Child Suffocated At Plymouth. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE RICHARD TUCKER, aged ten weeks, son of WILLIAM TUCKER, foreman at the telephone works, of 22 Walker-terrace, West Hoe. - MARY TUCKER, the mother, said between four and five o'clock yesterday morning, when she awoke, the child was apparently all right. Two hours later she found him lying dead by her side. Dr H. Parsloe said from a post-mortem examination he had made he was satisfied that death was due to asphyxia. The child was well cared for, and there were no marks of violence on the body. He had no doubt that death was accidentally brought about. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 April 1902 TORQUAY - The Torquay Suicide. - The Inquest on ALFRED VALLEY, aged 28, who on Monday was found hanging in the confectionery stores of his father, MR JOSEPH VALLEY, in Upton Church-road, Torquay, was held yesterday by Mr Sidney Hacker. It appeared from the evidence given by deceased's father and brother that he had lived alternately with his brothers in Torquay and Newton Abbot and that since Christmas he had been at Torquay, where he had been attacked by influenza, pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs. He became greatly depressed. He was engaged to a young lady at Exeter, but he had no love troubles. At noon on Monday he was left in the store by his brother, who told him to be home for dinner at one o'clock. When he did not return inquiries were made, with the result that a milkman's boy, named Hammett, found deceased hanging from a rail on the top of the stairs in the store. When seen by Dr Thistle ten minutes later he was dead. Verdict: "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday on SUSAN GRIFFITHS, aged 73, a widow, of 12 Bayswater-terrace, Plymouth, MISS GRIFFITHS, her daughter, said that deceased had been ailing for some time past, but refused to see a doctor. On Saturday she was taken worse and a doctor was sent for, but death occurred before his arrival. Dr Wagner said a post-mortem examination satisfied him that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 April 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Of A Member Of The Boys' Brigade. Inquest At Stonehouse. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Workhouse yesterday relative to the death of JAMES EDWIN EVERITT, aged 15, whose parents live at 75 High-street, Stonehouse. Mr A. Edmund Spender, Lieutenant of the 1st Stonehouse Company of the Boys' Brigade (of which deceased was a member) and battalion secretary, was present. - The Coroner said the case was reported to him by Dr Leah on Monday morning to the effect that he had been attending deceased for a few days for influenza. The boy recovered from that and was able to get about again, and then quite unexpectedly he developed fits, from which he died. Dr Leah further reported to him that deceased was a member of the Stonehouse Boys' Brigade, and that, whilst they were in the country on Easter Monday, some little disturbance arose between deceased and another member of the brigade, named William Joseph French, who, he believed, struck deceased with a bugle, the result of the blow being some bruising about the ear and side of the face. Knowing this fact, Dr Leah very properly withheld a certificate of death and reported the case to him and he (the Coroner) thought it proper that the circumstances should be Inquired into, particularly as Dr Leah could not satisfy him that the blow had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death unless he made a post-mortem examination. He therefore ordered such an examination to be made and the Inquest to be held. He believed the result of the post-mortem examination was that the injury to the face had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death so that the present Inquiry would consequently be much simplified. - LOUISA EVERITT, mother of deceased, said on Easter Monday her son went with the Boys' Brigade to Ivybridge and returned home about 7.30 p.m. Noticing a swelling on the left side of his face, she asked him how it had been produced and he said a boy named French had struck him. Deceased had been very poorly for some time previously and had complained of headache. As he had a feverish cold next morning she kept him in bed and sent for Dr Leah. On Thursday deceased said he was feeling better and got up and went to his work at the Eagle Brewery, Devonport, where he was a bottler in the cellar. He also worked on Friday and Saturday and when he returned home on Saturday evening he complained of sickness, which continued during the night. Witness went to the doctor on Sunday and got him some medicine. The sickness stopped, but about 1.30 p.m. deceased was seized with a fit and became unconscious. He had eleven more fits, and died about 1.30 on Monday morning. He had complained of difficulty in breathing saying he could hardly catch his breath whilst going up the hill at Ivybridge. - In reply to the Jury MRS EVERITT said about three years ago deceased fell over the Halfpenny Gate Bridge, which caused a large swelling in his head, but she took no notice of it being very spirited and lively. - Dr Thos. Noy Leah said he saw deceased on Easter Tuesday and found that he was suffering from severe headache and was feverish. There was a bruise about the left ear, which deceased told him was caused by a boy named French, who struck him the previous day. Witness prescribed for him and asked to be sent for if he did not get better. At that time the symptoms were not alarming. On Sunday deceased's mother called on witness and he prescribed for the boy's sickness. He was sent for in the afternoon, as convulsions had supervened. He saw deceased about 8 p.m., and he was then semi-conscious and very ill. The convulsions continued and the lad died early next morning. He had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to convulsions, caused by a clot of blood having been detached from the heart, (which was diseased) and carried to the brain. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the injury to the face had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death either directly or indirectly. The disease of the heart was of some standing. - By the Jury: He did not think the fall from the bridge three years ago had anything to do with the cause of death, but that it was entirely due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with the parents of deceased, the Coroner concurring, and remarking that it was very sad for them to lose such a promising boy. - The funeral will take place at Plymouth Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, when the Boys' Brigade Company and band will attend.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 April 1902 IVYBRIDGE - MARY ANN PHILLIPS, 19, single woman, of Harris's-cottages, Ivybridge, took her nine months' old daughter, IVY LOUISA, to bed with her on Tuesday night and on Wednesday about 5 a.m. discovered it was dead. Dr Cooper made a post-mortem examination, and at the Inquest stated that death was due to suffocation. A verdict that "Death was due to Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 April 1902 NEWTON ABBOT - Suicide At Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on TOM GREGORY WEATHERDON, mason of Highweek. The widow stated that deceased was 56 years of age, and had suffered a great deal from pains in the head during the past two or three months. He was also worried about money matters, though his debts were small. He had plenty of work, and for a great many years he was a teetotaler. She did not know when he began to drink, but for some months he had at times indulged considerably. - TOM G. WEATHERDON, son of the deceased, stated that at his father's store in Victoria-place on Saturday morning at 10.40 he found his father hanging from a ladder leading to the loft. The rope was behind the ladder, with his feet about eight inches from the ground. - Frances Burridge stated that she saw deceased enter the store about 10 o'clock. - Dr Nesbit said he attended deceased in the early part of the winter for bronchitis and there was then no evidence of his having been drinking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." Deceased was a member of Highweek Parish Council from its formation until the parish was added to the Newton urban district. For 40 years he belonged to the Highweek Fire Brigade, being in later years an honorary member.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 April 1902 BICKLEIGH (NEAR PLYMOUTH) - The Bickleigh Fatality. Heroic Attempt To Save A Sister. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the house of the Bickleigh Stationmaster (Mr wm. Doney) yesterday on WM. GREGORY, a clay labourer. - The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Chief Inspector Scantlebury (Plymouth), Inspector Flewellen, Permanent Way, Inspector A. Walters and Locomotive Foreman J. Cole (Plymouth.) - GEORGE GREGORY, farmer, of Leebeer Farm, Bickleigh, said his brother was 59 years of age, and was employed at the Clay Works. He resided at Bickleigh, and was married. His sister ANNIE GREGORY lived with him (witness) and he was drawing coal on Saturday. He was driving back from Shaugh Bridge to the Station and overtook his brother WILLIAM, the deceased. Witness saw his sister, who was very deaf, coming across a field with his dinner. When he came further along the road he saw his sister on the opposite side of the line. Witness tried to attract her attention, but could not and his brother WILLIAM ran up over the railway embankment. The train dashed down and knocked his brother off the line. - The Coroner: Has your sister been in the habit of coming that way? - No, first time she ever came there. - She's a nervous shy woman, isn't she? - Yes. - Henry Pritchard, engine driver, Great Western Railway Company, stated that on Saturday he was driving the 1 p.m. from Tavistock. He saw the woman by the line above Bickleigh Station, and about 20 or 30 yards in front of the engine. He blew his whistle, but apparently she took no notice. She was coming along in the footway by the side of the line and would not have been hurt if she had stayed there. - By the Coroner: there was a bit of a footpath leading up over the embankment and over the line towards the roadway. - Continuing, witness said the woman made a step forward in front of the engine just before it came to her. The engine struck her and threw her into the footway. - By the Coroner: she had a basket in her hand. He did not see the deceased. The line was on the curve and he believed if she was looking that way that she would have a clear view of the train when it came out from the tunnel. Could not see her until almost within a short distance. The engine did not go over the man. The side of the engine was splashed with blood. They were running about 35 miles an hour. - Orlando Percy Hockin, of Plymouth, and the fireman on the engine, said he felt a shock to the engine and looking over the side saw they had knocked down a man. - Chief Inspector Scantlebury (Plymouth) said the deceased and his sister were trespassing by being on the line. - Mr H. J. S. Liddell, Surgeon, of Yelverton, said the top of deceased's skull was cleft open and the brains were splashed upon the ground and a post by the side of the line. The legs were also crushed. Death must have been instantaneous. The woman had been conveyed to the Tavistock Cottage Hospital. One of her knee caps was fractured and she had a wound in the head, being also bruised considerably about the body. It was a wonder she was not killed. - The Coroner said it was clear that deceased had made a heroic attempt to save his sister and in doing so sacrificed his own life. - The Jury (Mr w. H. Treasure, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - A Juryman: No blame attached to the driver. - The Coroner: There is no suggestion of that. If it was a level crossing the driver would look out for that, but you don't find people at every point and where they are not likely to be. - The deceased leaves a widow, to whom Sir Massey Lopes has sent £5. The deceased was for 20 years water bailiff on the Rivers Meavy, Cad and Plym, and was well known to fishermen of the district.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 April 1902 PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Flare-Lamp Explosion. Inquest On The Victims. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on HENRY MILDREN, aged 28, of 47 St Leonard's-road, and HENRY STROUD, aged 40 of 16 Lipson Vale. Mr Percy Pearce represented the Corporation and amongst those present were Mr S. Phillips (chairman of the Works Committee), Chief Constable Sowerby, Mr J. Paton (Borough Surveyor), and Mr E. Foster (Town Clerk's Department). - Mr Jones was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr Paton demonstrated the working of the flare-light apparatus by means of a lamp similar to the one which exploded. - The Coroner, opening the Inquest said it was one of the saddest cases they had ever had in the Borough. On the 7th instant a ganger and 13 men were in Treville-street laying wooden blocks. They were on night work, and it was necessary to employ such a lamp as Mr Paton had shown them. It was customary at 5 o'clock in the morning to sound a whistle to announce to the men that it was time for a relaxation of work. Bray, in charge of the lamp, was told to put it out. Bray seemed to have got hold of the gauge, with the result that there was a flow of oil from the machine and that ignited. There was an explosion, and several men were injured. The machine was made by a well-known London firm with the exception of the container, which was made locally. It was supplied by the Corporation, and no doubt was as good as could be obtained. Several of the men injured were got to the Hospital, but as far as he could gather not exactly in the best possible way. It seemed to him monstrous that in an important borough like Plymouth no ambulances should be provided. Apparently there was only one ambulance which belonged to the Corporation and that was at Hawker's-avenue. The Chief Constable had told him they had stretchers, but no ambulances. One of the injured men did quite a heroic thing. Although he had an opportunity of being conveyed to the Hospital, he gave over the stretcher to one of the other men whom he thought was injured more than himself, and walked to the Hospital. - A Juror: That was Orchard. - Mr Pearce said the Corporation was most anxious to render all the information they could. Mr Phillips was there as chairman of the Works Committee, and he was sure he would take the opportunity of bringing the question of ambulances before the committee responsible. - Mr James Paton, Borough Surveyor, said the oil used to feed the lamp was the best Royal Daylight petroleum, which would not ignite by the application of a naked light. Mr Paton produced some of the oil and applied a lighted taper, the only effect being to put the light out. The oil, he said, only burned when brought into contact with some combustible material, or when heated to boiling point. The lamp was built up by the Corporation workmen. the whole of the fittings, except the container, were supplied by the Wells Light Company, and the lamp was similar in every respect to the lamp inspected by the Jury. The container was made locally and held about 17 gallons of oil. In his experience of many years he had never known of a similar explosion. He had known the lamps catch fire through the oil supply not being properly regulated. The primary cause of the accident was the ignition of the creosoted wooden blocks close to the container. How the blocks became ignited he had been unable to find out. He could only put forward the theory that the oil supply for the burner was greater than could be consumed, and that the flame passed down the lamp and ignited the blocks. - The Coroner: Do you think the removal of the gauge contributed to the explosion? - Yes, in this way. That it saturated the blocks near the container and made them more inflammable. It is highly probable that the oil in the lamp was raised to an exceedingly high temperature, and that it had vaporised inside. If that had taken place the vapour would also take fire and assist the blocks, and also assist to heat the oil in the container. The result of the raising of the temperature of the oil inside the container was to create a greater pressure than the container could stand, and it exploded. The working pressure varied from 15lb. to 25lb. to the square inch, the pressure gradually falling as the oil was consumed. - I suppose your foreman was a competent man? - He has been with us for four years and is a competent man. He was under the control of Mr Goad, the inspector of works. The container was blown over a house of three storeys, and the pressure gauge was not attached to the burner. - A Juryman: Was there a leakage? - there always is a leakage. The oil works through an asbestos packing, which will get slack, and it could be tightened up occasionally. Such a leakage would not account for an explosion, because the oil would not ignite by the application of a light. No matter what the leakage was, it could not fire the lamp, and could not cause the explosion. - Who was responsible for the lamp? - Bray. A lighted match thrown down by a workman who might be smoking might have caught the blocks. If the men had had time enough to pull the lamp away from the blocks the flames could easily have been put out. - By Mr Pearce: The whole of the apparatus of the lamp was overhauled on the 2nd inst. His instructions were that the lamps should not be sent out until they had been thoroughly cleaned, tested and examined. - William Sandell, ganger, residing at Egg Buckland, who appeared with his head and hands bandaged, having sustained injuries by the explosion, said he had been in the employ of the Corporation for four years. He was in charge of 13 men in Treville-street on the night of the 6th inst. Bray was in charge of the flare-light and about two minutes to five on the morning of the 7th inst., he gave him instructions to put the light out, and the whistle was sounded for the men to have the usual half an hour's rest. He and some of the men went to the box to have their breakfast, and when he looked round he saw fire spouting up like a fountain and Bray trying to screw the gauge in. - The Coroner: What was the reason for his having taken that off? - I asked him if he pulled it out and he said, "No, it fell out." - What was the condition of the lamp when he had the gauge in his hands? - The fire was just beginning to catch round the lamp. - Where were the flames coming from? - From the pipe where the gauge came out. - Were the creosoted blocks on fire? - A few of them. As I thought we should not be able to put the fire out, I called the men to put some of the blocks aside, that the fire should not spread any further. The men commenced to remove the blocks. I had never looked after one of those lamps, but I knew the working of them fairly well. - Was Bray competent to look after this lamp? - He told me he had looked after them before. On the Wednesday night a competent man was put on to instruct Bray how to work the lamp. - How many days had Bray been with this other man? - Only that once. - Only received instructions that one day? - That's all. Bray told me he had looked after one of those lamps at Sir John Jackson's. - By Mr Pearce: At the time I ordered the whistle to blow, the lamp was burning all right. Before the explosion occurred I should think the men had been engaged in throwing back the blocks about three minutes. There was a tremendous heat close to the retainer. - In reply to a Juryman, the Coroner said he had communicated with the Board of Trade, but they were not represented at the Inquiry. At their request he was going to send them a report of the proceedings. - Fred Bray, who was in charge of the lamp and who was uninjured said he had been in the Corporation's employ about six months as a labourer. He told Sandell (the foreman) when he asked him about the lamp, that he did not know much about that particular kind of lamp. - The Coroner: Who put you in charge of this lamp? - the foreman. When I told the foreman that I did not know much about the lamp, he said "Someone must work it." - How did you get the gauge in your hand? - When it caught fire. - Was it all right when the whistle blew? - Friday night it was leaking streams. - When you found it was leaking did you make any complaint to the foreman? - Yes. He said he told Mr Goad about it. - Was anything done to rectify it? - I put some red lead around it on Friday. That stopped it temporarily, and as the oil washed it away I renewed it. The lamp was leaking on Friday and Sunday nights and the Monday morning. The lamp should have been attended to by the fitter, and I spoke about it. - Did you think it was dangerous, when you were working it? - No. - How did you get the gauge off? Did you unscrew it? - When the thing was on fire it began to boil from the gauge, and I didn't know whether I was unscrewing it or screwing it up. In the excitement I didn't know really what I did. I went to the higher side and threw back some of the blocks. - By Mr Pearce: He had given a full explanation of the matter, and the statement he had signed. In this statement he said he drew Mr Goad's attention on the Wednesday to a leak, and that that was repaired the following day. He had said that it was leaking on Friday, but he got some red lead and repaired it. With that exception, he had no difficulty with the lamp. Mr Mallett had shown him how to work the lamp, and he told him he had had no difficulty with it whatever. he meant to screw up the pressure gauge. - Mr Pearce: the lamp was put in thorough working order on the Thursday. - A Juryman: The fact that the gauge was taken out possibly caused the explosion? - Mr Pearce: that is what we think. If the Jury wished it they could hear the man who had repaired the lamp. - A Juryman observed that the machine was apparently efficient, but the man in charge was incompetent. - Sandell, recalled, said he was quite satisfied that Bray told him he was competent to work the lamp, or else he should not have put him in charge of it. - The Jury expressed a wish to hear the man who repaired the lamp and Mr Pearce called Thomas Bennett, a fitter, in the employ of the Corporation for 20 years. He said he had had 25 years' experience of flare-lamps. He thoroughly overhauled and examined this particular lamp in January last, and he then tested it to 40lb pressure. The ordinary pressure was about half of that. On 2nd inst. he took the lamp to pieces and cleaned it and it was fit for work. - John Moxey, of Mutley, plumber, deposed to mending a fracture of the jointure of the uptake pipe. It was quite safe and reliable. - Mr Pearce said they had a number of witnesses who could prove that Bray was given instructions in the use of the lamp. He should not like it to go forth that the Corporation employed incompetent men. - A Juryman said if Bray was given instruction, that did not alter the fact that he was not a competent man. - Mr Pearce said the man had instruction, and he represented himself as a competent man. - The Coroner did not think Plymouth Corporation would employ men not competent for their work, but he did not think Bray was capable of looking after the lamp. He was quite satisfied that instruction had been given Bray, and that he satisfied Mallett and the foreman that he was capable of working the lamp. The evidence had been given in a fair and proper way. The explosion was due to something which could not be reasonably detected. There was not much doubt that the lamp was in proper working order. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that in future the Corporation should examine the man and see that he was competent to have charge of such lamps. The considered Bray was not competent. - The Coroner: It is only fair to say that bray gave the impression that he was competent. - The Jury concurred, and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased men. - Mr Pearce said he was sure the Corporation extended their sympathy to the relatives. Dealing with the question of ambulances, he said every police station was supplied with an ambulance or stretcher and pointed out that if such an accident as that occurred, it must take time to procure stretchers. - The Chief Constable supported the statement. Two of his men and two ambulances were quickly on the scene. The other men did not wait for the ambulances, but hobbled away. - The Corner said he made no reflection on the Police. If the ambulances had been there, those men would not have hobbled away. There should be ambulances. If there were, so much the better. One gathered from the local Press that morning that there weren't any. - The Chief Constable: That account in the Press is rather misleading. - The Jury commended the conduct of P.C. Willcocks, who wrapped his cape around two of the men and extinguished the flames.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 April 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Death Under Chloroform At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN SAMUEL JOHNSON, 38, rope-maker in the Dockyard of Hollywood-terrace, Plymouth. - Dr G. M. Soper, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased was suffering from varicose ulcer and varicose veins when admitted on Monday week. An operation was commenced on Tuesday. Witness gave chloroform to deceased and when he had been taking it for five minutes, and was not quite a quarter under, he commenced to struggle, became blue and stopped breathing. Witness at once ceased administering the anaesthetic and commenced artificial respiration. Drs. A. J. Rider and G. Thom, who were in the building, were called and the treatment was continued for forty-five minutes, but the patient did not recover. A post-mortem examination shewed that some organs were deeply congested, especially the kidneys. The heart and lungs were normal. Death was due to a spasm of the respiratory muscles, caused through the vapour of the chloroform. He had administered chloroform over 100 times. Mr Horsford, the House Surgeon, had satisfied himself that deceased was a fit subject to receive chloroform. The average patient would be under the anaesthetic from ten to fifteen minutes before the operation would be commenced. At the time Dr Thom was in and out of the room, as he was going to perform the operation. - Replying to the Coroner, Dr Horsford said it was not customary to communicate with the relatives when a man came into the Institution to have an operation performed. - The Coroner: As it turns out the deceased was not a fit person to have the chloroform administered? - He was as far as it is possible to tell. It is impossible to find out by any previous examination whether chloroform is likely to cause a spasm which would be fatal. - Does death always ensue after a spasm? - Not always. - Deceased's brother-in-law: No anaesthetic was necessary. He could have sat down and had the veins cut out. I saw him on Sunday and he was then in the best of health. - The Coroner (to witness): What kind of operation were you going to perform? - The enlarged vein would be cut and removed and the upper and lower parts tied. - Was it necessary to administer chloroform? - Certainly. Otherwise there would be too much pain, and the shock to the system afterwards would be too great. - Have you ever known a case where varicose veins have been removed without anaesthetics? - Never. - The Coroner said he had Inquired into such cases before, but very few. The main point for the Jury to consider was whether it was necessary for an anaesthetic to have been administered for deceased to undergo the operation, and whether it was properly administered. They must all sympathise with MRS JOHNSON and the relatives in their very sad bereavement. They could understand that there might be a feeling that MRS JOHNSON ought to have been communicated with, but, they could see that deceased came there with the object of having an operation performed, and was allowed to remain eight days before it was commenced. - Deceased's brother-in-law: I beg your pardon. He was not there eight days. - The Coroner: You must be quiet or you will be removed from the Court. The Doctors considered deceased fit to be operated upon, and it was not possible to ascertain whether what had occurred was likely to occur. In my opinion no blame attaches to the Hospital authorities. - The Jury found that deceased died from a spasm of the respiratory muscles while under the influence of chloroform, preparatory to undergoing an operation. On the suggestion of Mr Palmer, the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives and exonerated the medical staff from all blame.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Mother's Memory. Severe Censure. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening on ETHEL VENNING, aged 7, daughter of RICHARD HENRY VENNING, journeyman painter, 11 York-street, MARIA VENNING, the mother, said about 18 months ago, deceased was ridden over by a cab, and received injuries to the head. On Sunday she was out, but remained in bed on Monday, and died at 10.30 on Tuesday morning. She had had eight children and three were dead. she did not remember who attended the other two. Both were girls, one aged 11 and the other nine. - The Coroner: What was the name of the eldest one? - ALICE. - And the other? - It is so far back I cannot remember. - Do you really say you have forgotten the name of a girl who died when nine years old? - Yes. - Did Mr Wilson attend the child? - No, he attended ALICE. - If Dr Wilson states that a medical man ought to have been called long before Tuesday, as the child was very ill indeed, what is your answer? - I did not know she was so ill. - In reply to Mr Lamb (a Juror) the witness said although her daughter slept with her she did not notice she was ill. She only complained of a pain in her head. Deceased had never looked the same child since she was run over. She had often complained of pains in her head, but witness did not get any medical advice. - Mr Lamb: I consider you have been very negligent. - In reply to Mr Palmer (the Foreman of the Jury), the witness said deceased attended school on the Wednesday before her death. - RICHARD HENRY VENNING, the father, said he had just got work, but had done nothing since the week before the Royal visit, when he had a fortnight's employment. Before then he had done nothing since October. He had a pension of £20 a year from the navy, and earned 23s. a week when at work. he noticed a change in deceased on Monday at dinner time, but only thought she had a cold. - The Coroner: She must have been very bad, and yet you did not notice it. - Mr Lamb: Is your wife a drinking woman? - She is not a teetotaler, but I have never known her frequent public-houses. - Mary Jane Durant, living in the same house, said last Saturday deceased was looking very ill. MRS VENNING called me at about ten o'clock on Tuesday morning and said the child had taken a turn for the worse. I went into the room and saw the little girl was dead. I called a Constable, who sent me for Dr Wilson. - The Coroner: Then MRS VENNING did not even then send for a doctor? - No, she did not say a word about it. - Witness said she would most decidedly have sent for a doctor if her child had been so bad. MRS VENNING was quite sober. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said the child had been dead half an hour when he arrived. Death was due to acute pneumonia of two or three days' standing. He could not understand how it was the mother had not noticed her child's illness. He ought to have seen deceased on Saturday or Sunday. He could not say she would have recovered if she had been attended to, but she would certainly have stood a better chance. The child was delicate. - The Coroner said it was for the Jury to consider whether the parents ought not to have noticed the child was ill and sent for a medical man earlier. It was absurd for the parents to say they did not know the child was so bad until the time of death. A neighbour noticed how ill the child was on Saturday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," adding that there had been very great negligence. - The Coroner, addressing the mother, said he could not censure her too strongly for her conduct. If the doctor's evidence had been a little stronger, he should have advised the Jury to bring in a verdict of manslaughter. - Deceased's father complained that he could not get an undertaker to bury the child, and he did not think the parish would do so. - The Coroner said the parish would certainly not bury the deceased, as the man was in a position to pay for the interment.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 April 1902 PLYMOUTH - Death Through Poisoning At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JAMES SWIFT, hawker, aged 42, of 48 Rendle-street, Plymouth, who died at the Hospital on Tuesday. ELIZA SWIFT, wife of the deceased, said she last saw her husband alive on Monday last, when he was suffering from the effects of drink. Deceased asked his wife for some money, but she told him she had none. Witness did not know that deceased was going to the Hospital on Tuesday, but knew he had been there previously to have his hand dressed. - Clara Mills, nurse at the Hospital, said on Tuesday evening she was in the operating theatre, and saw the deceased ringing the accident bell and shouting. Witness ran to see what was the matter, and found him looking very excited and gesticulating, but he could not then speak. The nurse took the deceased to Dr Smith, who attended him. When witness entered the operating theatre she saw some bottles of drugs with their stoppers out, and deceased gave her to understand that he had taken the drugs. Deceased had no right to go into the operating-room unaccompanied. - George Smith, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased came to the Hospital on Tuesday evening to have an injury to his hand attended to. He went into the out-patients' ward and as there was no one there he left, and going outside the accident ward rang the bell and shouted. Death was due to the drugs taken, atropine and cocaine, which resulted in poisoning. A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 April 1902 ASHBURTON - The Ashburton Inn Fatality. - At Lower Mead Farm, Ashburton, yesterday, an Inquest was held on JOHN ROGERS WAKEHAM, aged 2 ½ son of the occupier, MR JOHN WAKEHAM. The latter stated that he took his gun out to scare birds and returning home for dinner left it loaded in the butt of a cart. he had only been indoors a few minutes when Brimicombe, the farm lad, ran in to say the child was shot. Witness usually loaded his gun before leaving home, but was not in the habit of leaving it about in that condition. - MRS WAKEHAM corroborated. - Dr Ranson said the child must have been killed instantly, one side of the face being blow off. - P.S. Prew said he cautioned Brimicombe, who told him that he took the gun from the cart, and not knowing it was loaded pointed it at the child in fun. - Fred Brimicombe said he took the gun from the cart for the purpose of carrying it indoors, when he pointed it at the child and it immediately went off. - Witness first stated that the child touched the gun with a stick, but afterwards he told the doctor and Police how it was done. - The Coroner (Mr Sidney Hacker) commented on the careless way in which loaded guns were frequently left about and the Jury, in returning a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," hoped the Press would notice the Coroner's remarks.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 April 1902 WHITESTONE - The Suicide Near Exeter. - At the Inquest on Saturday on GEORGE SEWARD, a widower, aged 70, of Higher Home Farm, Whitestone, RICHD. J. SEWARD said he alone lived with his father, who for the past two months had suffered from heart weakness and at times was low-spirited. About ten o'clock on Thursday night witness retired to rest, and deceased said he would come directly, but about an hour afterwards witness heard the report of a gun and on going downstairs found his father lying dead on the floor, with the gun under him. Both barrels had been loaded and to the left trigger a piece of string was attached, with a loop tied in it and it was evident that the deceased had put his foot into the loop in order to fire the gun. Mr M. Farrant, jun., Surgeon, said the right side of deceased's face and head were blown away. After considerable deliberation the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 April 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE JOHN MARTIN PAWLEY, aged 74, a superannuated inspector of shipwrights, Devonport Dockyard, of 46 George-street. Mrs Eleanor A. Smallbridge who had kept house for deceased, a widower, for 13 years, said he had been unwell for some time. On the 9th ult. deceased, who was somewhat feeble, fell over on the stairs. he was in the habit of walking downstairs backwards. When she heard deceased call, she went and found him in a sitting position on the floor with an ottoman, usually kept on the landing, lying across his leg. Deceased died on Monday. Dr James Edward Wilson said deceased, who had fractured his hip joint, progressed favourably until Saturday, when his heart commenced to fail and he died in his presence on Monday. Death was due to heart disease of long standing, accelerated by the shock due to the accident. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - The Fatality At Plymouth G.W.R. Docks. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on HUGH RICHARD MCMULLEN, 37, who was killed at the Great Western Docks on Tuesday. Chief Inspector Scantlebury represented the Great Western Railway. - SUSAN ANN MCMULLEN, of 64 Neswick-street, widow of deceased, said he was employed as a journeyman labourer at the Great Western Docks. - George Bird, foreman of labourers at Fox, Elliot and Co.'s Timber Works, said that the previous evening at five o'clock he saw deceased near Worthington's stores, standing between the rails leading from the main line to the cattle siding, about two and a half feet from and with his back towards an engine at a standstill, the bunker part of it being towards him. Witness heard the shunter call out "Right back!" and immediately he shouted to the deceased. "Look out, MAC!" MCMULLEN jumped, but was knocked down by the engine. He made three ineffectual attempts to get out of the way. Witness could not say whether the engine's whistle was blown. Deceased was a man of medium height and the top of the bunker would be above his head. The engine driver heard witness shout and immediately pulled the engine up. Deceased had stopped to cut up some tobacco in his hand, and witness thought this accounted for his not seeing the engine. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said that after the trucks were shunted back the engine remained stationary for two or three minutes. - Joseph William Webber, shunter, 6 Hastings-street, Plymouth, said the previous evening he was shunting trucks outside Worthington's stores. The engine had been stationary for about thirty seconds for the purpose of detaching some wagons, when witness gave the hand signal to the fireman to go back. Witness did not see anyone on the line behind the locomotive , although he was standing about opposite the middle of the engine. Shunting had been carried on for about a quarter of an hour at the spot when the accident occurred. When the engine started witness walked alongside it and when he got to the tail, noticed the deceased quite close to the engine. The shunter shouted to him, and he attempted to jump clear, but the engine knocked him down. He was killed almost instantaneously. The engine was not going more than two miles an hour when the accident occurred. he did not know if the whistle was blown or not, although it was customary to do so. He heard the whistle blown so frequently that he never took any notice of it. - John Gluyes, of 3 Melbourne-cottages, engine driver, in the employ of the G.W.R., said on Tuesday the fireman gave him the order "Right back." Witness looked behind him, blew the whistle, and started to go back. After moving a few yards witness heard shouts and immediately pulled the engine up. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he was quite sure that he blew the whistle. He always made a practice of doing it. From the eye-glass at the end of the engine he could not see anyone standing on the line within twenty feet of the locomotive. - Charles Henry Rowe, 11 Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, fireman, corroborated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the engine driver and shunter were exonerated from all blame.

STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Seaman's Death. - The Coroner for Devonport (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry at Keyham Dockyard last evening into the death of MAURICE MCNULTY, aged 28, A.B., of the cruiser Hyacinth. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty and Lieut. Armitage, of the Hyacinth was also present. - Frederick [?] master-at-arms of the Hyacinth, said he last saw deceased alive on the night of March 31st when he was on the upper-deck of the vessel. Witness ordered him to his hammock and deceased complied. MCNULTY had been ashore that day and returned at 11.30 p.m. - By the Coroner: He was quite sober. He bore a very good character, was of a cheerful disposition and had not been punished lately. The ship was then lying in the south basin of Keyham Dockyard. MCNULTY had leave for the night, so that he had returned early. In answer to further questions by the Coroner, witness said that if deceased had wished to use a convenience he would have to go to one nearer the north basin than the south. Witness went there about 11.55, but could see nothing of MCNULTY. The night was very dark. Deceased was missing in the morning and his hammock showed that it had not been used during the night. The ship was searched and the north basin dragged, but without success. - Lance-Corpl. Jones, R.M.L.I., of the Hyacinth, said he was on duty at midnight on March 31st and saw deceased leave the vessel for the convenience. - The Coroner: Was he sober? - witness: The man had been drinking but was not drunk. - Able Seaman Robert Kippen of the Benbow, said he was standing on the forecastle about one o'clock on Tuesday when he saw the deceased's body in the basin. - P.S. Evans, Metropolitan Police, deposed to conveying the body to the mortuary. - By the Coroner: The spot was very well lighted. - Inspector Wedlake: As a matter of fact it is the best lighted place in the whole Dockyard. - In answer to a Juryman, Inspector Wedlake said there was no need for any more lights at that spot. - Mr E. J. Finch, Surgeon, R.N., found that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner did not think it was probable that the man would have fallen into the water if he had known what he was about. - An Open Verdict was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 May 1902 EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Bicycle Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth on Saturday on WILFRED DAW, aged 16, killed at Withycombe on Thursday night. Mr Ford, of Exeter, solicitor, was present on behalf of Miss Bryce. - MR JOHN HENRY DAW, of Hele, West Sandford, Crediton, said his son came to Exmouth on Monday last to stay for a time with his grandmother. He had only ridden a bicycle two or three times. - Miss Bragg, aunt, said her sister and nephew (the deceased) rode to St John's on cycles. Coming back deceased rode on ahead and she did not see the accident. - Miss Mary Bryce, of Bystock, said she noticed the deceased about 20 yards before the collision occurred. He was on the wrong side. The road was narrow, but there was room for him to pass. His machine wobbled and his bicycle ran into the hind legs of her horse. She observed him hanging on to the [?] and when they came to the lamp-post there was a violent shock, caused by the near front wheel coming in contact with it. The coachman had jumped off just before to try to stop the horse. She only succeeded in pulling up a quarter of a mile or more further on. - Dr Eaton said he arrived a few minutes after the accident, and found the lad living, but unconscious. There was a bruise in the centre of the chest and the base of the skull was fractured, having come in contact with the lamp-post. - The Coroner (Mr Cox) said deceased was evidently an inexperienced cyclist and it was pretty clear that he was on the wrong side of the road, while it was equally certain that Miss Bryce was driving in a proper manner. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame attached to Miss Bryce. They drew the attention of the authorities to the narrowness of the road and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased and with Miss Bryce.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - LILIAN JESSIE SMITH, the nine-months'-old daughter of MABEL SMITH, single woman, of 11 Mount-street, Plymouth, died suddenly in its perambulator on Sunday of pneumonia and pericarditis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at two Devonport Inquests yesterday. One was on THOMAS GEORGE ELLIS, the two-months-old child of a mason's labourer, living at 15 Clowance-lane, which died of convulsions, due to a distended stomach. The other was on LENA MAY MORTIMORE, the two-year-old daughter of JAMES MORTIMORE, labourer at Keyham Extension Works, of 34 Warleigh-avenue, Keyham Barton, the cause of death in this case being syncope, due to whooping cough and pleurisy.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 May 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - Accident On The Argonaut. Inquest At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on CHARLES JOLLY, 22, able seaman, invalided from the cruiser Argonaut on the China Station. - WILLIAM JOLLY, commercial traveller, of 87 Ravenscroft-road, Canning Town, London E., and a brother of the deceased, said he saw him six weeks ago at the Hospital, when he said he had been injured in the lowering of a launch. Deceased added that it was not his fault and that an officer had been dismissed the ship. - Alfred Mutton said he was an ordinary seaman and an in-patient of the Hospital. He was on the Argonaut in June last, when the accident occurred. They were lowering a sailing launch, when the bottom chains gave way and one of the slings struck the deceased in the back. The full boat's crew was in the launch at the time and another man was knocked overboard, but was uninjured. - By the Coroner: The boat was lowered nearly every day, and had been used on the previous day. The slings were fastened to eyebolts fore, aft and amidships and the three eyebolts parted from the boat simultaneously. The accident was momentary and he could not account for the eyebolts giving way. - Answering a Juryman, witness said they had ten only been in commission just over a year, so that everything was practically new. No more than the ordinary crew were in the boat when the accident occurred. - By the Coroner: He left the ship about two months later, when he was sick, but no Inquiry into the cause of the accident had then been held. - At this stage of the proceedings Mr J. P. Goldsmith, representing the Admiralty, appeared, and after a consultation with him, the Coroner suggested an adjournment to enable Mr Goldsmith to communicate with the Admiralty to find out whether there was any documentary evidence of a court of Inquiry as to the accident. It was strange that the three eyebolts should have parted from the boat simultaneously, the craft being practically new. - Mutton further explained that no steam was put on the capstan to lower the boat, but they paid out the wire pennant through their hands. There were four turns of wire on the capstan, which was stationary and it jerked during the lowering of the boat. - A Juror asked why the steam was not put on the capstan, and witness replied that the officer in charge ordered that there should be no steam. Of course, he knew best. - Mr Goldsmith: What could be his reason? - Witness: I don't know; the officer knows best, sir. - Witness added that if the boat had been lowered by means of rope, there probably would have been no accident, but wire, being stiff, there were occasional jerks. - A Juror: did you ever know of one being lowered by hand before? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: I think it will be more satisfactory to adjourn the Inquiry. - Another Juror: It might amount to a breach of regulations on the part of the officer. - After the evidence of Deputy Surg.-Gen. T. Dermond Gimlette, R.N., who said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on January 1st suffering from a fracture of the spine and died on May 4th from paralysis as the result of the injury, the Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday next, at noon.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 May 1902 ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Suicide. - Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at Mullacott Farm on MRS MARY ANN SMITH, aged 64 years, wife of THOMAS SMITH, dairyman farmer. - MR SMITH said he left the farm shortly after seven o'clock on Thursday morning for his Ilfracombe milk round. Deceased helped him to load the milk. When he returned at 10 a.m. he found both doors locked, and as he could not get in he drove to Mr R. Blackmore, his neighbour. they broke open the front door and witness saw his wife hanging by a rope from a hook in the ceiling. She had been in low spirits since Christmas and the doctor had advised a change, and she had intended going to Southmolton that day, if it had not been so rough. - Rd. Blackmore, farmer, said in the back kitchen he saw the deceased hanging, her feet about six inches from the ground. A small box was near from which she had evidently swung. She was quite dead when they found her. A piece of tea paper was on the table with the following words written in pencil:- "Don't punish no one for me." The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Monday 12 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr J. Graves) held an Inquest in Plymouth on Saturday on GEORGE NICHOLAS LUSCOMBE, aged 28, stoker in the Royal Navy, living at 24 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth. The widow said her husband had been unwell ever since he returned from the Cape a year ago. On Thursday morning he had an attack of haemorrhage and died within a quarter of an hour. Deceased served in the South African war as one of the crew of H.M.S. Doris, and he received a medal and two clasps. - Dr Corbett said a post-mortem examination revealed an ulcer, which had eaten into a large blood-vessel in the abdomen. Syncope from haemorrhage was the cause of death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. Mr Peck (Venning, Goldsmith, and Peck) represented the Admiralty.

EGG BUCKLAND - The Suicide At Crownhill. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Crownhill on Saturday on JOHN COLLINS, aged 79, retired market gardener, who lived at 3 South-view. - JOHN H. COLLINS, successor to his father in the market gardening business, said he last saw deceased alive at nine o'clock on Thursday night. He had been under medical treatment for an affection of the bladder, from which he had at times suffered a good deal of pain. Deceased had all the care that was necessary. Witness and his wife visited him regularly and they offered to sit up with him on Thursday night, but he said it was not necessary. Deceased was in receipt of 1s. 6d. a week, parochial relief, and witness supplied the rest. - John Reynolds said deceased occupied the front room downstairs. He took a cup of tea to him, as usual, about 5.30 on Friday morning, when he found him hanging by the neck from a nail over his bed. Witness cut him down at once, but he was quite dead. Deceased's relatives treated him well and he wanted for nothing. He would talk by the hour and never said anything which led witness to think he would commit suicide. - Thomas Oliver, medical practitioner, said deceased, who had been under his treatment for four days, suffered a good deal of pain, which would cause depression. The neck was not dislocated, and death was due to strangulation. When he saw the body at 6.30 on Friday morning death had not taken place long before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst in a condition of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - CLAUDE WELLINGTON, aged five months, son of WILLIAM HENRY WELLINGTON, warehouseman of 38 Grenville-road, Plymouth, was taken ill with a fit on Friday and died before a doctor arrived. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr G. Bate, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to convulsions and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - A Fatal Fall At Kenton. - At the Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on JOHN MILTON CRAZE, 48, 19 Radford-road, Exeter, James Webber, painter, Lower North-street, Exeter, said on Thursday he was working with the deceased on a verandah at Warborough House, Kenton. They were standing on a plank supported by a pair of steps at one end and tied into a ladder at the other. They were painting the roof of the verandah and the deceased appeared to have put too much weight on his left hand, which he was resting against the wall as he painted. The steps overbalanced and both of them fell to the ground, deceased pitching on his head on the cement floor. The plank was 7ft. 6in. from the ground. It was not fastened to the steps and there was no one to see it did not slip. Mr N. E. Gibbs, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased had a fractured skull and died on Sunday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that painters should safeguard and secure both ends of a plank and the ladders.

WALKHAMPTON - Swell Tor Quarry Fatality. The Inquest. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, opened an Inquest yesterday at the residence of Mr George Mitchell, Walkhampton, near Princetown, manager of Swell Tor Quarry, relative to the death of WILLIAM HENRY JONAS COOPER, aged 46, a quarry labourer, in the employ of Pethick Bros. Mr H. Walker, Assistant Inspector of Mines and Quarries for the southern district, attended and Mr W. H. Baron, electrical engineer, Plymouth, represented Pethick Bros., lessees of the quarry. Mr Albert Bolt, Princetown, was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - SAMUEL JOHN COOPER, engine driver, in the employ of Pethick Bros., living at Red cottages, Walkhampton, brother of deceased, stated that on Saturday morning he was at Swell Tor Quarry with deceased. At about 10.15, whilst witness was on the crane, deceased said he was going to charge the hole, which was from 20 to 30 feet up the side of the quarry, and 11 feet deep and 3 inches in diameter. Its drilling by hand with steel drills had then been completed about three quarters of an hour. There was an explosion about 20 minutes later without the usual danger notice having been given. Deceased was thrown into the bottom of the quarry and was dead when witness went to him. He had had 17 ½ years' experience in quarry work and blasting and was considered a very experienced and careful man. He had left a widow and four young children. - Francis Edward Forward, Medical Practitioner, Princetown, said he was called to the quarry. Deceased had lacerated and contused wounds on the head and face, the skin being blackened and charred while the principal portion of the right side of the face, including the bony structures and soft tissues, were completely blown away. The right arm was broken in several places and was hanging only by the skin and muscles. There were several other minor contusions on the upper part of the body, the principal one being over the region of the heart. The injuries caused instantaneous death. John Worth, the other man who was working with deceased, and sustained injuries, was improving a great deal, but had permanently lost the use of his left eye. He also had a contusion over the ribs and a wound on the right arm, but this was healing up. He had got over the shock and was fairly comfortable, but he would not be in a fit state to give evidence for a week or ten days. He told witness he was holding a cap and was standing about two or three feet away at the time of the explosion. - Yewing Gregory, quarry labourer, Princetown, said he saw deceased and Worth working at the hole about eighty yards away. He saw deceased charging the hole and "stemming" the powder with a wooden rod, broken and charred pieces of which were produced, for three or four minutes. Worth had been "stemming" the charge previously. Whilst deceased was actually engaged in "stemming" there was an explosion and he was thrown up into the air about twenty-five feet and then fell into the quarry. The two men were on a platform of rock about eight feet wide. Worth was standing just to the left of deceased and was blown against the wall of the quarry. The effect of the explosion was to break the "collar" of the hole and to throw up some granite, but not the quantity there would have been had the full charge been in. - Witness had had 10 years' experience and had never known or heard of a similar accident. There was no misfire. the hole was thoroughly cleaned out before any powder was put into it. Deceased did his work carefully and there was not the least neglect. - The Coroner: Do you think the explosion might have been due to the presence of some foreign substance in the hole which would cause friction? Have you ever known a piece of steel break off from the drill and remain in a hole? - I have known a piece of the steel break off. It was not left in the hole, but always taken out. Every quarryman in the habit of boring was very careful in this respect. - A Juryman produced a very small piece of granite spar which was found in a broken piece of the "stemming" rod, but it was suggested that this might have been blown into it since the explosion. - Witness thought the occurrence was a pure accident. He did not think there was anything deceased could have done that he left undone. No doubt the explosion was caused by friction of some sort, but how it was produced he could not say. The quarrymen were paid their wages on the Friday, so that there was no occasion for hurrying the work that morning. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said it was the usual thing when two men were engaged in charging a hole as deceased and Worth were to change about in their work. - A piece of a detonator found in a portion of deceased's waistcoat was produced and Mr Walker drew attention to the fact that according to the Government regulations, detonators should be kept in boxes in the quarry store and he suggested that, after being taken therefrom for use in blasting operations, they should be carried enclosed in a case instead of loose. - The Coroner remarked that although this did not affect the Inquiry, Mr Walker's suggestion was a very good one, an expression of opinion in which several of the Jury concurred. - This was all the evidence obtainable and the Coroner consulted the Jury as to whether they thought it was sufficient, or if they desired to have the testimony of Worth. - The Foreman replied that they considered it was desirable, as there had been considerable talk in the neighbourhood. - The Coroner said he should be pleased to comply with the wishes of the Jury and to further suit their convenience he adjourned the Inquest for a fortnight to the Duchy Hotel, Princetown, at 4 p.m. He observed that the circumstances in connection with the death were very sad and he thought the Jury would not care to leave without expressing their sympathy with the widow and family of deceased in the extremely heavy loss they had sustained. The Foreman endorsed these remarks on behalf of the Jury, and it was agreed that the expression of sympathy should be conveyed.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tramway Fatality. An Unfortunate Car. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on ELSIE MAUD PENNINGTON, aged 12 years. Mr A. W. Stanbury was allowed to question the witnesses on behalf of the parents. - JAMES H. PENNINGTON, joiner in the Dockyard, living at 37 Palmerston-street, said deceased, his daughter, left home with him at 7.10 on Friday evening and he left her in the back lane of Wilton-street going towards Pennycomequick. Deceased had a bundle of mangling, which she was taking to a house. Witness went to Plymouth. Deceased was an intelligent girl and was exceptionally careful in avoiding vehicles, as a sister had been knocked down by a bicycle. It was quite light when he left her. - By the Foreman (Mr J. Ledley): deceased was not hard of hearing, but very sharp. - John Horton, in the employ of the Dean Stone Co., said on Friday evening he was watchman at the east end of Wilton-street, where there was a watchman's box. Between 7 and 7.30 he saw deceased running by the side of the tramline, about two cars length in front of a car running towards her. She passed behind the watch-box, and ran around, apparently with the intention of crossing the road. The car knocked her down in front. Witness shouted "Stop," and the driver did his best to pull the car up. Witness tried to save the girl, but it was too late. The tram was stopped, but deceased was too far underneath to be removed and jacks were sent for to lift the car. The watch-box, about four feet wide, was partly on the pavement and partly on the gutter. The outside end was four feet from the tram line. He believed the child was under the impression that the car was not so near. the watch-box was removed about one o'clock on the following day. The car was not travelling very fast. It was pulled up in about three lengths of the car. The driver shouted to the little girl when he saw her come round the box, put on his brake and pulled up, but it was too late. Witness was so accustomed to hearing the tram bells ringing that he did not notice whether it was rung on this occasion. Witness had been at work in Wilton-street about a week and had not seen the trams going unduly fast at that spot. Fitted to the car was a guard, which pushed the child about a couple of yards. After passing round the watch-box deceased might have continued running on the footpath. There was ample room between the box and the tram line when a car was passing. - By Mr J. W. Endean, manager of the Devonport and District Tramways: From the spot where the child fell to where the body was removed was about twenty paces of 3ft. each. - The Coroner: Have you been interviewed by anyone from the Tramway Company? - No, but I have had a form from Mr Endean to fill in, stating what occurred and I stated what I have said now. - Mr Endean: Here is the form. - Mr Trisk (Juryman): I think it is out of place to tamper with witnesses. - The Coroner: There can be no objection to the superintendent endeavouring to get at the facts. There is nothing to which anyone can take exception. - The Foreman (to the witness): Was there any pressure brought to bear upon you give your evidence? - No; no one has endeavoured to tamper with me. - The Coroner read the form, which consisted of questions put to people who had seen the occurrence in any ordinary accident. - James Padfield, the driver of the car (No. 18), said when it was alongside the watchman's hut deceased ran from behind the box. He had not noticed her before. He brought the car to a standstill as near the length of the car as possible. The car struck the child on the temple. It was travelling from 4 to 5 miles an hour, which was the usual speed at that spot. Witness had been in the employ of the company since last June. The regulation speed in coming round the corner was two miles an hour. The maximum speed in Wilton-street was eight miles an hour. There were two Inspectors to see that the cars did not exceed the proper speed. Witness had had six months' experience of car driving in Bristol. The guard was intended to save people who were struck by the car, but it had not done so in this case. - The Coroner: Are the guards sufficient for the purpose for which they are fixed? As they failed they are not carrying out the purpose they were intended for. - Can you account for the child getting under the guard? - She had a blow on the temple and went over like a tumbler pigeon would and the legs passed under the guard. I felt the car jump. there was more vibration than I should have expected from a small human frame. It was a very sickening sensation. - Had you been sounding the gong? - No. I was going steadily and watching the box. - Would it not have been wise to sound the gong when coming to the box? - There was no sign of children at the time. - have you had any accidents before? - There was a sailor under the influence of drink on the Saturday previous. he came under the tail end of Easterbrook's trolley, but I had more time in that case, because he ran across the other track. He was only slightly bruised. This is the car I was driving when the sailor was knocked down. It is the same as that which ran down Albert-road, and the body of the car is the same as that which ran into the railway station wall. - This is the most unfortunate car of the lot? - It seems unfortunate. - Is there anything wrong with its construction? - I have never found anything wrong. I was not the driver when it went down Albert-road or into the railway wall. - By the Jury: the guard is two or three inches above the ground. I cannot suggest any improvement in the guard. The child was extricated about half an hour after being knocked down. I believe I could have used a jack if there had been one on the car. I did not hear the watchman call out. - George Austin, foreman for the Dean Stone Company, said the box was put on the spot about a week ago. No one selected the position, but the men put it on the kerb. It was moved on Saturday because the paving was finished. He did not know it was not usual to move anything without an order from the Coroner. In future he would take care to put the box in such a position as would allow ample room between the box and the tram line. - P.C. Holbeton said the child was under the front motor of the car and perfectly dead. From the spot where the car struck the child and the spot where the car stopped was about 26 yards. the watch-box might just as well have been placed against the railings and then, he believed, the accident would not have happened. - Dr r. B. Wagner said he went to the spot with P.C. Holbeton. The child was then under the car dead. About twenty minutes later the body was removed. Death was due to fracture of the spine and compound fracture of all four limbs. - Mr Endean said the speed allowed by the Board of Trade at this spot was six miles an hour and the maximum speed for any part of the street was eight miles. Taking into consideration the distance in which the car was stopped, it would be travelling at the rate of about four miles an hour. - The Coroner: Do your drivers at any time exceed the maximum speed? - At times I suppose they do when we are not around. I have never seen them exceed the speed. - Have you ever had complaints of cars going at excessive speed? - Yes. I am around the lines a good deal, and the inspectors. there are often Board of Trade Inspectors here, and if any cars are seen going too fast the drivers are generally suspended. Two Inspectors for the system are sufficient. The drivers are often changed. - The Coroner: that does not inspire confidence with the public? - That is for the public to judge. - If I say so, what can be done to inspire this confidence? - I should say if a man is a reckless driver and does not carry out the regulations, it would not inspire confidence if I kept him on. It is my duty to discharge such drivers and get competent ones. - One hears from time to time that the drivers on the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport cars are men we see year in and year out, whereas on this particular system they are being frequently changed - It is hardly fair to point to the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport system as against the Devonport and District, because ours is a much more difficult one to operate. We have one of the most difficult systems in Great Britain, and it takes extraordinary care and precaution to avoid accidents. - That is all the greater reason for having perfectly competent men, and you say you do your best to get competent men? - Yes. - And if you find they are incompetent? - We get rid of them at once. Witness added that he could not suggest a better system of guards. The question had been before the tramway world for many years, and there had never been yet invented a guard which would absolutely save life. The guards now used on the system had picked up three children. Had the deceased fallen directly across the track, there was no question that she would have been picked up; but she fell with her head away from the car and her feet underneath. The guard being on springs, was raised over the child's body. If the guard were rigid it would kill anyone it strikes. It was necessary for the guard to be two inches above the road because of the crown of the road and the gradients. the driver was perfectly competent and steady. - Mr [?], a Juror, said he had seen the guard of No. 5 car lashed in position with a piece of rope. Mr Endean said it was the Juryman's duty in that case to have brought that to his notice. It would have had his immediate attention. The driver had resigned and had not been given notice. He would give [large part of the document faded and unreadable] - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver and company from all blame. the Jury and Mr Endean, on behalf of the Company and Employees, endorsed the Coroner's expressions of sympathy.

TIVERTON - Remarkable Suicide AT Tiverton. - At the Inquest held at Tiverton yesterday on WALTER MORGAN, of Kentisbeare, aged 22, Henry Kerslake, farm labourer, said on Saturday he found deceased tied to a gate in Lower Branscombe, a few yards from the road. He was tied by the neck to the top bar of the gate and his knees just touched the ground. It seemed as if he tied the noose and then let himself fall. The body was cold and he (Kerslake) went to fetch his master. - The Coroner (Mr L. Mackenzie): You should have cut the man down at once. - Mr G. Chilcott, of Warnicombe, said on being called by Kerslake he at once cut the body down. Deceased's head was about nine inches from the gate and 18 inches from the ground. Both hands just touched the ground. His hat and tool bag were close by. Thomas Marks, landlord of Barrington Bell, said deceased, who lodged with him a week, left on Friday last to go home, sane, well and sober. - Recruiting-sergeant Wallis, R.M.L.I., said on Monday last deceased, who wished to join the Royal Marines was quite well and sensible. - SAMUEL MORGAN, dairyman, Kentisbeare, said deceased about a year ago was invalided out of the Royal Marines with lung disease and since then had worked as a mason's labourer at Uffculme. His mind seemed set on rejoining the service. - The Jury found that MORGAN committed suicide, but there was no evidence to show the sate of his mind at the time.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Plymouth Miller. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN HENRY BALL, aged 47, partner in the firm of J. and R. Risdon, millers, West Hoe, residing at 23 Walker-terrace, Plymouth, Mr R. R. Rodd watched the case for the relatives. - SIDNEY MITCHELL BALL, son of the deceased, said about 6.30 p.m. on Sunday, he and his father were at home by themselves. deceased sent him out to fetch him a box of pills. On his return he was unable to get into the house, as the doors were locked. He stayed outside the house, not knowing what to do. About eight o'clock a neighbour entered the house by the window. - Mr William Maude, of Balfour House, Pier-street, a journeyman miller, said on entering 23 Walker-terrace, through a window, he went through a passage and opened the back-door. He then hit the gas and returning through the passage again found MR BALL hanging by his neck from the balusters, by a piece of rope. Deceased was dead. Assisted by a man called Chubb, he cut MR BALL down. - Dr H. Parsloe said he had attended the deceased since February 17th, since when he had been unable to go to business. Deceased suffered from fits of melancholy, and had been greatly depressed since the sudden death of Mr Richard Risdon. He last attended deceased on March 17th and he cautioned the friends to watch him. MR BALL had never been left alone until Sunday. - The Deputy coroner (Mr J. Graves) said there seemed to be no other cause for this sad affair except depression of spirits. A verdict of "Suicide whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity" was returned. - We are asked to state that the deceased was not a relative of Mr Risdon, the late Mayor of Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 May 1902 TORQUAY - Mysterious Deaths At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest on MISS EMMA BABBAGE, aged 33, who had resided with her parents at Lisburne-square, and found drowned in Torbay on Thursday morning. - W. H. P. BABBAGE, brother of the deceased, said he last saw his sister alive at 7.30 on Wednesday evening. She was then writing a letter in the sitting-room at her father's house. On Thursday morning his mother told him deceased had not been home all night. His brother had been searching until three o'clock in the morning. As he was about to leave to make inquiries an apprentice told him a young woman had been found in the bay. He went to the mortuary and identified his sister. On Wednesday evening deceased seemed cheerful. She was a milliner and looked after her father's books. He could throw no light on her death. As far as he knew she had no love troubles. The letter she wrote was postponing a visit to the country owing to the delicate state of her father's health. - Mrs Griffin, of Lisburne-crescent, stated that she met deceased at 8.20 on Wednesday evening. Deceased was going to the Post-office and said she had some photographs to post. She appeared bright and cheerful. - John Dart, fisherman, said as he was going out to his fishing net near the Princess Pier on Thursday morning he saw the body of the deceased floating on its back. It was close to his net. He returned to the harbour for help, and the body was then "towed" in. - The Foreman (Mr Hill): I do not think the body should have been left in that way. - Witness: I do not like handling dead bodies. If she had been alive it would have been different. - EDITH BABBAGE, sister of the deceased, said deceased was subject to fainting fits. She had never been engaged and had no lover. Deceased never went on the pier. she must have got into the water accidentally. - Maud Best, Happaway-road, said in passing Livermead on Wednesday night about ten o'clock she heard a gurgling sound in the sea and saw a body in the water. She thought it was a dog and a man whose attention she called to it also thought it was an animal. - Mrs Milward, of Abbey-place, said she had a note from deceased on Wednesday evening, stating that she was too busy to call, but would look in on Friday or Saturday. - Mr J. E. Long, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said death was due to drowning. Deceased was expecting to become a mother. - P.C. Boaden, who searched the body, found nothing on it that would throw any light on the affair. there was no jewellery on the body, and deceased's ring and bracelet had not been found at home. - The Coroner said they were assured that deceased had no troubles, but if everybody had said what they knew he could not help thinking some explanation could be given. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

TORQUAY - An Inquiry was then held concerning the death of THOMAS CHESTERFIELD, carpenter, of Melville-street, who was found in the sea under Daddy Hole plain. - FREDERICK WILLIAM CHESTERFIELD, carpenter, son of the deceased, said his father did not come home all day on Wednesday. During the night witness and his brother searched for deceased. At midday yesterday he found his father's body floating in what was known as the Thunder Hole, at the foot of the cliffs under Daddy Hole plain. Deceased's arms were over his head and he looked as though he had been calling for help. His clothes were torn and his hat was found lodged about half-way up the cliff. Witness thought deceased had fallen from the top of the cliff. His head was badly battered. - MRS CHESTERFIELD, wife of the deceased, said deceased came home to dinner on Wednesday. The meal was not ready, and deceased went out to see a gentleman at the bank, saying he would be back in twenty minutes. He did not return. She had ascertained that he did not go to the bank. It was not true to say deceased was annoyed because the dinner was not ready. He was in to dinner half an hour before his usual time. - James Clinnick, of Lymington-terrace, said he saw deceased going down the path leading to the beach at the foot of the cliffs between Daddy Hole and Meadfoot beach. He had frequently seen deceased there when working in that direction. It was about one o'clock when he saw him. - Mr W. Berry, one of the Jurymen, said it was a very usual thing for working men to walk round the cliffs in the dinner hour. Some years ago there was a scare about gold being found around the cliffs, and since then working men had frequently gone there. He had done so himself many times and possibly deceased was walking there and had a fall. - Witness did not think deceased fell into the water. The lapping of the tide probably damaged his head by knocking it against the rocks. - Jurymen pointed out that that would not account for the torn clothes, or for the hat being found higher up the cliffs. - Mr Long, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said there was a large superficial wound on the head, apparently done after death. Death was due to drowning. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 May 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - Impregnable Boy's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on FREDERICK JAMES LUCAS, 15, second-class boy, of the Impregnable. - Fleet-Surg. G. F. Wales, said the boy was brought to him on Saturday morning and complained of headache, alternating sensations of heat and chill, nausea, and constipation since the previous night. He sent him to his hammock, gave him a draught and ordered him a low diet. About 6 p.m. his attention was again called to the deceased, who had been crying out from time to time. He found the boy unconscious and having diagnosed the case as one of meningitis, ordered his removal to the Hospital. - Mr E. Sutton, Surgeon at the Hospital, said the boy died on Sunday morning abut two o'clock and a post-mortem examination revealed the fact that death was due to meningitis, but there was no evidence that it was accelerated directly or indirectly by any injury. There was a little bronchial pneumonia of the right lung, but the body was well nourished and the other organs were perfectly healthy. - Allen Walter Campbell, second class boy, Impregnable, stated that on Tuesday last the deceased was suffering great pain through toothache and in rolling about in his bunk fell out and injured his head. - First Class Petty Officer Wm. Truscott, of the Impregnable, stated, however, that deceased did not hurt himself when he fell out of his berth and was able to do his work throughout the week. He noticed nothing wrong with the boy until the Saturday morning, when he went to the Doctor. deceased had been in the service about two months. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 May 1902 PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at 37 Headland-park, Plymouth, on JANE GULLEY, aged 52, wife of WILLIAM LAWRENCE GULLEY. - Ada Spratt, domestic servant, said the previous afternoon her mistress was brought home in a cab and died within a few minutes. - Edwin Cater, porter at Mutley Railway Station, said on Tuesday afternoon shortly before three o'clock deceased was leaning against the wall outside the Station, and said "I am so unwell." At her wish he obtained a cab, helped her into it and rode with her home. - Dr J. Gardiner said on being called he found deceased was dying and she died within a few seconds. He was of opinion that death was due to heart disease. - Mr Joseph Greenwood (a Juror) said he thought the Jury should pass a vote of censure as the Inquest was held in the house of mourning. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr J. Graves) said it was a stupid interference. There was no public-house in the neighbourhood and the Inquest had to be held at the residence of the deceased. The Foreman should keep the Jury in order and Mr Greenwood should be a little more discreet. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The St Budeaux Fatality - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on HERBERT JAMES ENGLAND, aged 16, of 18 Edith-terrace, St Budeaux, a railway porter, employed on the London and South Western Railway. - JONATHAN P. ENGLAND, of Instow, said deceased, his son, had been a railway porter for nearly two years, and had been at St. Budeaux for about thirteen months. - Mr Edmund Tolley, Stationmaster, St Budeaux, said the deceased on Monday, about 10.30 p.m. went into the booking-office immediately before the arrival of a special train from Yeoford, due at St Budeaux at 10.38 p.m. Deceased left the office and went down to the platform. All the lamps on the platform were lit. It was deceased's duty to assist in loading and unloading the train. He had also to cross on to the up platform to collect tickets. The up train was due at 10.33 p.m., but was thirteen minutes late. On being informed that someone was hurt he crossed the metals and found the deceased lying unconscious in the six-footway about 40 feet from the level-crossing. His cap and lamp were about 22 feet away. The train which knocked him down ran only from Friary to St Budeaux. Deceased was a very steady lad, and he had every confidence in him. Deceased probably went to cross the metals from the down line behind the special train and walked into the train from Friary. He had told the porter never to cross behind a train until he saw the other line was clear. Deceased was knocked down at the western end of the Station, and he (witness) did not know why he crossed there, as there were steps in the middle of the platform. - Replying to a question, the Stationmaster said incoming trains usually whistled about ten or twenty yards from the Station. The traffic was rather quiet on Monday. - John James Woolway, Signalman, St Budeaux, said on Monday, about 10.46 p.m. he was walking up the platform, when he found deceased lying between the rails. About ten minutes previously deceased came into the signal-box to ask how the up train was running. Witness told him it was a bit late. That was before the down train was in. A bell was rung when the up train left Devonport, so that porters would know when the trains were coming. It was a general rule for engines to whistle as they entered a Station. - Alfred Cann, engine driver, said on Monday he drove the 10.5 p.m. train from Friary to St Budeaux. On approaching the Station the signals were at danger and witness blew the whistle about five hundred yards from the Station. The signals were very soon taken off and the train went into the Station. Witness saw nobody on the line. It was a nice moonlight night. The whistle would be easily heard at the Station. On being told that someone had been injured he examined the engine and found a slight mark on the dirt under the front, bottom, right step of the engine, as if it had struck a ribbed jacket. - Richard Harris, a labourer, said on Monday at 10.45 p.m. he was near the St Budeaux booking-office watching the down train leave, when he thought he saw someone run across the crossing behind the train going out. Just then the up train came in, and witness thought he saw something knocked up the line. He did not hear the up train coming in. - Mr Cyril Arthur B. Horsford, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased had a large scalp wound on the head and the skull was fractured. He died early on Tuesday morning. Deceased never regained consciousness. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury agreed that no blame attached to anybody.

TIVERTON - The Inquest on MR R. DAVEY, of Tiverton, who died from eating porridge made by his daughter from oatmeal mixed with arsenic, for killing beetles, resulted in a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." The rest of the family intended to have eaten similar porridge for breakfast but changed their minds.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 May 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. SYMONS And The Murdered Woman. - The Inquest touching the deaths of NELLIE BERTHA PODGERS, aged 27, and WILLIAM EDWARD SYMONS, aged 25, the victims of the Devonport Tragedy, was held by the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) at the Police-court yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. - Mr J. G. Jackson appeared in the interests of the relatives of the deceased woman, and Mr F. C. Tarn on behalf of the relatives of the man SYMONS. - Mr William Curry was chosen Foreman of a Jury of 16, who adjourned to the mortuary to view the bodies of the victims. - MARK PODGERS, a billposter, residing at 9 Third-avenue, Rectory, identified the body of the deceased woman as that of his wife, who was 27 years of age. He last saw her alive on Tuesday morning before he went to work at a quarter to eight o'clock. She appeared to be in her usual health. He first knew SYMONS nearly twelve months ago, when he came to lodge with him. SYMONS was then a shipwright in the Dockyard. He lodged with them up to the time he was arrested and convicted at Torpoint for stealing, being sent to prison for two months. Witness first saw him after he came out of prison during the dinner hour of Monday week. It was near the Stonehouse side of the Halfpenny Bridge where he met him. SYMONS was coming along the street and witness asked him where he was going. He did not reply, and then witness told him not to go to his (witness's) house as he would see him in the evening. - The Coroner: Why did you tell him not to go home? - Witness: Having other men there, they objected to his presence. - What answer did he give to your request that he should not go there? - He said; "All right." He afterwards sent down a message to say he would meet me at the Terminus Inn at 7 o'clock. - Witness went to the Inn and saw SYMONS. - The Coroner: What transpired there? - Is it necessary I should say that? - The Coroner: Yes. - Witness: I only told him to act the man and stop crying and snivelling. Witness tried to arrange what SYMONS should do. His clothes were at witness's house in the bedroom. - The Coroner: had he asked you about his things? - Yes; he wanted them so as to go home and change. I objected then, and put him off until the following day, when I got half a day. - What did he say to that? - He agreed to that. - Was anything said about his coming back to lodge on that Monday night? - No, I think he understood that; we were talking on the understanding that he would not go back again. - Was MRS PODGERS'S name mentioned at the interview? - No. - Up to that time had he asked to have his things returned to him? - No, he said he wanted to change and on the following Wednesday I let him do that. - Witness met him casually on the following day (Tuesday) and also on the Wednesday. SYMONS then told him he was going up to the Prisoners' Aid Society about work. - Witness left work on the Wednesday at 2 o'clock, and arrived home about half an hour later. He found SYMONS at his house; he had just arrived. His wife first objected to SYMONS changing, thinking " we had done a little too much, because he didn't show he was glad of it." - The Coroner: he didn't show himself thankful for the favours you had bestowed upon him? - No. - Witness said that SYMONS did afterwards change. - Why didn't you allow him to take all his things away? - Because I wanted something for my money. - Continuing, witness said that SYMONS met him on the Thursday, and he then said he had been to the Docks, but he could not get work. On the Sunday witness's little girl saw SYMONS on the Brickfields, and they sent him up some dinner. He saw SYMONS on the morning of the affair, but failed to get him a job as a bill-poster. SYMONS said he was going to see a skipper about a job, and he was going to return at one o'clock to tell witness if he was successful. Nothing was said about calling at the house. - How much was he in arrears with his lodging money? - £6. - Had you been pressing him for payment? - Yes, the Sunday before he was taken up we gave him notice. - Since he has been out of prison was anything said about the money that was due to you? - No, we gave him some in and out. - Can you explain why he was found in the bedroom at all in any way? - Merely that he went there to wash or shave. That is only my suggestion. He would only go to that room because he could not go anywhere else. - Witness said it was his wife's wish that SYMONS should not come to the house, and he could not explain why she allowed him to come in. His wife and SYMONS got on fairly well except that there was sometimes friction about the money. - The Coroner: I am obliged to ask you this question: Have you had any occasion to complain of MRS PODGERS being too friendly with him? - Witness shook his head in the negative. - Witness said that SYMONS was away from his people, and he met him on the Saturday when SYMONS asked him to go to his father or sister and try to intercede for him. he would not go and his wife went to SYMONS'S sister, but she would not do anything. He did not know whether SYMONS accompanied his wife. The razor was the property of SYMONS and it was kept in the bedroom. SYMONS said when he came out of prison that he wished he were dead. Rather than steal again he said he would kill himself. Witness said he had been to SYMONS'S father on behalf of him, but without success. - Mr Tarn: What was SYMONS'S general condition or demeanour when he saw you? - Depressed, down-hearted. - George Richard Archer, of the Lifeboat Tavern, Fore-street, Devonport, gave evidence of identification regarding SYMONS, who, he said, was a shipwright formerly in the Dockyard and was 25 years of age. Witness saw by the papers that SYMONS, who was his brother-in-law, had been convicted at Torpoint for theft. He had not seen him since he came out of prison. Witness last saw him alive about four or five months ago in the street. They had not been on friendly terms for about two years. He was a single man. - The Coroner: He was looked upon as a bit of a black sheep by the family? - Witness: Yes. - They had nothing to do with him? - No, sir. - Witness stated that Mrs Hellen, a sister of the deceased man, came to the Lifeboat Tavern the previous evening. She was ill, and came in a cab. - The Coroner: do you know that MRS PODGERS went to see Mrs Hellen on Saturday last? - No, sir. - The Coroner: I want to find out if possible whether MRS PODGERS visited Mrs Hellen last Saturday, and, if so, was she alone or accompanied by SYMONS, and what was the nature of the interview she had with MRS PODGERS. - Witness: Mr Hellen is here. SYMONS had been abroad, but he could not say how long he was away. - John Henry Hellen, licensed victualler of Morice Town, deposed to MRS PODGERS coming to his house on Saturday last. He was in the bar and his wife went to speak to her. She said she had come regarding Mrs Hellen's brother, and asked her whether she would give SYMONS some money. Witness's wife asked MRS PODGERS whether he had spent the 34s. which he received from the Dockyard. MRS PODGERS replied that he had spent that, and had also pawned his watch for 7s. 6d. He practically had nothing. Mrs Hellen said she would not do anything without consulting her father, which she said she would do on the Sunday. MRS PODGERS asked her whether she would like to see her brother, as he was outside walking up and down. Witness then went into the bar and left MRS PODGERS talking to his wife. Witness heard MRS PODGERS say that he was the best lodger she had ever had and she would do anything for him. She said she had been into the Dockyard and had drawn his money and taken away his tools. - The Coroner: So, evidently, they had come there together? - Oh, yes, they had. - Did she appear to be on good terms with SYMONS? - yes, she appeared to be; she came down on his behalf to see the wife. - By Mr Jackson: Mrs Hellen went to see her father about him on the Sunday, and I think they decided to send him away. They had had so much trouble with him that Mrs Hellen would not give him money to squander away. - By Mr Tarn: SYMONS was of a quiet nature. He used to prowl about all night. - Blanche Trewin, widow of 8 Third-avenue, Rectory, said she knew MRS PODGERS as a neighbour and she knew SYMONS by sight. She saw him go into the house on the morning of the affair about a quarter to nine o'clock. About half an hour after witness went to MRS PODGERS and asked her to get some fish for her. She told witness she was in a hurry, as she was going to make SYMONS something to eat. She wanted, she said, to get rid of him, as another lodger had come home unexpectedly and she did not want him to see SYMONS. Witness went upon a short errand and just on her return two neighbours rushed in and said something had occurred to MRS PODGERS. As she was entering the door of No. 9 she met the lodger, who said, "SYMONS has murdered MRS PODGERS." Witness called Mrs Beer, who went into the house. That was at 10 o'clock, so he had been there quite an hour and a quarter. - By the Coroner: MRS PODGERS did not seem excited or flurried when she went to speak to her, nor did she seem to resent the presence of SYMONS. On the day that SYMONS came out of prison she saw him at No. 9 and witness remarked to MRS PODGERS, "I thought you were not going to have him here again." MRS PODGERS replied, "Well, poor devil, what could anybody do?" - James Siddall Mason, who is a little deaf, said he lodged at No. 9 Third-avenue, and was a machine driller in the Dockyard. He had known SYMONS nearly twelve months. On Tuesday witness went to work about a quarter to nine a.m., and upon returning at 9.30 because there was no work, he met MRS PODGERS in the passage. She said, "Don't come out in the kitchen as I am speaking to a neighbour there." Witness went upstairs and she followed. When he got to his bedroom she said, "I'll see you late." She shut the bedroom door and went downstairs. It was strange of her to follow him up and pass the remark she did. He went downstairs and called out but got no answer. He went up again and then heard some glass smashing. He went into the yard and saw that the window was broken. There was a comb on the sill and a watch guard hanging through the aperture. He did not take much notice of it, thinking someone had been changing. Shortly after, he heard more glass break and going out and looking through the curtains saw a lot of blood. He then went round to the door, which was locked and burst it open. the side of the large bed was covered with blood. MRS PODGERS was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, and SYMONS was on the child's bed with his throat cut. MRS PODGERS was on her right side, and when he turned her over a blood-stained razor fell out of her hand. He put it on the washstand. - By the Coroner: The razor was in the right hand which was on her breast. There was no instrument near SYMONS. - The Coroner: Had you any ill-feeling against SYMONS? - None at all. - Witness said they objected to his coming into the house because he was a "rogue." there had been petty thefts in the house. - By a Juror: The razor was open. She was not grasping it. - P.C. Ashton deposed to being called about 10.40 on the Tuesday morning to the house, and finding MRS PODGERS lying partly on her right side in a pool of blood. Turning her on her back, he saw she had a severe gash in the throat. Her face and hands were covered with blood. He saw that she was dead. SYMONS was lying on a small single bed in the room on his back, with a severe cut in his throat. He was not dead. Witness attended to him and sent for a doctor and an ambulance and assistance at the Police Station. He also sent for the husband. Dr Lander soon arrived and ordered the removal of SYMONS to the Royal Albert Hospital. There were two panes of broken glass and a broken soap dish just below the window. He found an open blood-stained razor on the wash-stand. The broken glass was scattered a considerable distance in the yard. - By Chief Inspector Mutten: They were lying with their feet almost together. Apparently a big struggle had taken place, several articles being displaced. - Chief Inspector Mutten, who had been watching the proceedings on behalf of the Police, gave evidence as to the position of the beds in the room and the victims. The woman had a large wound in her throat and she was dead. Her clothing, hands and face, were covered with blood. SYMONS had also a cut throat. His coat and waistcoat were off, his braces loose, and the trousers were partially disarranged. There was a great quantity of blood on the floor. SYMONS'S shirt sleeves were saturated. Witness spoke to him, but there was no reply. The side of the big bed, which was stained with blood, represented the appearance of having been sat upon. - P.C. Ashton stated that the key of the door was in the lock on the inside. - In answer to a Juror, Inspector Mutten stated that the woman's clothes came as far as the knees, but that might have occurred in a struggle. - By Mr Tarn: Judging from the blood on the bed he should think the affair had occurred at the head of the large bed and the greater portion of the blood was near the window. He could find no distinct trails; they had run one into the other. - Mr Archer, recalled, said as far as he knew SYMONS was right-handed, and Mr Hellen, also recalled, said he was sure SYMONS was right-handed. MR PODGERS said he believed his wife was right-handed. - Mr Charles Llewellyn Lander, Surgeon, of Devonport, stated that between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday he was in the vicinity of Third-avenue when he was called to No. 9. The door of the room could not be fully opened on account of the deceased woman lying close behind it. He was enabled to get in, and upon examination found a huge gash in her throat, and satisfied himself that she was quite dead. The man was lying on his back on the small bed with his throat cut, but was not dead. There was then no bleeding of the wound, and he ordered his removal to the Royal Albert Hospital. The legs of the man were drawn up upon the bed. the large vessels of his neck were not cut. There were signs of a struggle having taken place. He had made a post-mortem examination of the deceased woman and found that there was a very large deep cut in the neck extending down to the back and right side. The carotid artery and jugular vein on the right were severed, as also was the windpipe and gullet. There was a small bit of steel in the deepest part of the wound. the whole of the front neck muscles were divided. The large wound on the right side was a very extensive one, and it was rare to find such a large self-inflicted one. It was a clean cut and regular wound. There was a small cut on the right hand thumb, but he believed that was an old one. There were no appearances that she had endeavoured to prevent anyone from using a razor. There was no other bruise on the body. A self-inflicted wound generally went from left to right and this wound was from left to right. It was almost horizontal. - The Coroner: do you think it possible that after cutting the woman's throat the man could cut his own throat and then place the razor in the hand of the woman? - Witness: I think it is quite possible. - Having seen the position of the woman in this case and the position of the man on your first arrival can you say it would be possible in this case? - I think so. - Witness stated that the wound had touched the bones of the spinal column and in answer to Mr Tarn said there was a cut on the left forearm, which was just through the skin. - Mr Gerald Morgan Soper, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said SYMONS died two minutes after admission. he had made an external examination and found a large wound across the lower part of the neck, completely severing the upper part of the windpipe and the larger branch of the main vessel of the neck. There was a cut on the left forearm just above the wrist, but it was only skin deep. It ran transversely. The wound in the neck started close under the angle of the right side of the jaw to nearly the angle of the left jaw. It had a down-and-up tendency. The gullet was partially cut, but it had not touched the carotid artery and jugular vein. It was not so extensive as the cut in the woman's neck. The cut was clean except at one end. It was more severe than was usual in case of suicide. The cut in his opinion went from right to left. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there must be a good deal of speculation in the case, because they had no evidence as to why deceased went to the house without mentioning the fact to the husband. They had also been told that he went to the house on the same day on which he came out of prison, which visit the husband seemed to be unaware of. It appeared that MRS PODGERS had been out with SYMONS with a view to going to his sister to see if anything could be done for him. The husband seemed to be unaware of that, but he did not think they should attach too much importance to it, because probably the woman was desirous of befriending SYMONS. Although money was owing to the PODGERS from SYMONS, they seemed to be living on good terms. They had heard that the deaths were due to extensive wounds, and the point for serious consideration was the cause of the wounds. Were they self-inflicted in each case, or was one death caused by the other person, who then inflicted a wound upon his or her throat? The wounds in the neck of the woman was very extensive indeed and went from left to right, and if they adopted the theory that the woman was murdered and the man cut his own throat, then it would appear that he should be a left-handed man. There was, however, no evidence to show SYMONS was a left-handed man. Dr Lander said it was possible that the man could have put the razor in the woman's hand after cutting his throat. They had this difficulty that the wound in the woman's neck was in the same direction as it would probably be in the case of suicide, and that the wound in the neck of the man was in the opposite direction. As against this they had the fact that the extensive cut in the woman's throat was most unusual in suicidal cases, while the man's cut was not so extensive. If they found that he took his own life they should consider whether or not he was of unsound mind during the time. If they found that he took the life of the woman and, after cutting his own throat, actually placed the razor in the hand of the woman in order to draw suspicion towards her as having committed the act, then they should conclude that the man was not of unsound mind. - The Jury, after deliberating in private, found that the deceased woman died from haemorrhage, caused by a wound in the throat, inflicted by SYMONS with intent to murder. In the case of SYMONS they returned a verdict of Felo De Se. - In todays "Western Weekly News" is given a portrait of SYMONS, from a recent photograph and a sketch of the house where the crime was committed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 May 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on EDWIN HERBERT GODOLPHIN, 47, male nurse at the Military Station Hospital, and a naval pensioner. Henrietta Elizabeth Chapman, 9 College-road, Keyham, with whom deceased lived, said he had been in fair health until about two months' ago, since when he had complained of violent pains in his side. He intended to get leave in a few days. He left for work at 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning, after a restless night. Denis Nolan, gunner, R.A., a patient at the Hospital, said deceased was seized with violent coughing at 5.25 p.m., and he called the doctor. Deceased died shortly afterwards. - James Lilwall-Cormac, civil surgeon, said death was due to the bursting of an aneurism in the aorta. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 May 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At St. Budeaux. - At an Inquest held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on HENRY PENWARNE, aged 37, stableman of 53 Chapel-street, Thomas W. Hutchings, of St. Budeaux, a labourer, said on the 10th inst. he saw the deceased in a field at Little Ash Farm, on a horse and trolley, loaded with live rabbits for coursing. Deceased in getting off the trolley fell. he said his leg was broken and some men put him up on the trolley. The horse and trolley were still, but as deceased was getting off the horse moved slightly. A train was passing and the horse was, perhaps, frightened by it. - P.C. Barkell of St. Budeaux, said he found that deceased's leg was fractured, and with the aid of P.S. Wallis he put it in splints and had PENWARNE conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital on the trolley. - Dr C. A. B. Horsford, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said both bones of the right leg were broken. About two days afterwards delirium tremens commenced and two days later he very nearly died. He recovered, however, and then pneumonia set in, from which he died on Saturday. It was obvious at his admission that he was a man who had drunk considerably in his time. A verdict of "Death from Pneumonia and Delirium, following on fractured leg" was returned.

EXETER - Plymouth Postal Clerk's Death. An Unsolved Mystery. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on THOMAS ANNEAR, of 69 Seymour-avenue, Lipson, Plymouth. Chief District Inspector Shattock watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - AMELIA MARGARET ANNEAR, the widow, said her husband was a Post-office clerk, aged 46. On Thursday last he was called to go on duty on the mail between Plymouth and Bristol, and he left at noon. When she first saw him at the Hospital he recognised her, but he seemed too dazed to say anything. - Walter Richards, of Hele and Bradninch, signalman G.W.R., said about eight minutes past three on Friday morning he heard groans proceeding from the railroad. He went down and found the deceased lying between the two sets of metals. The head appeared covered in blood. Witness could get nothing out of him at first as to how he came there, but some time afterwards, when witness asked him if he had fallen out of a train, he said yes. Asked what train, he made no answer. Witness went on duty at ten o'clock and four passenger trains passed down between that time and three o'clock - one from Yeovil, one from Bristol and two from London, via Bristol. A special goods train was stopped at 3.17 and deceased was conveyed by it to Exeter. There were no traces of blood on the line, except where the deceased was lying. - Inspector Shattock said he had not been able to ascertain by what train deceased travelled. Nothing had been found wrong with any of the trains on arrival at Exeter. The mark in the ballast caused by the fall was 96 feet from where the deceased was found. He must have bounded along by the force of the train. Witness did not see any blood along this track except where the deceased was found. It was not an exceptional thing to find no blood along the track where the body bounded along after the fall from the train. - Benjamin John Gribbell, Greenbank-avenue, Plymouth, Assistant-Superintendent of the Post-office at Plymouth, said deceased was called at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday last to proceed to the Great Western docks to assist in the disposal of the West Indian mails. he left by the 2.15 train from Plymouth to Bristol. Witness gave him his pass, and his official time to return from Bristol was 9 p.m., but he asked for permission to remain until a later train, as he wanted to see a friend on H.M.S. Daedalus, and permission was given. He did not say what train. He would return as an ordinary passenger from Bristol. there were four other Plymouth officers returning from Bristol the same night. One officer returned presumably by the same train as deceased, but he said he did not see the deceased. He left by the 1.15 out of Bristol, due at Exeter at 3.27. The officers travelled second class. It was very unusual for an officer to travel alone when there were other officers travelling in the same line; in fact, he never knew of a case. Witness had travelled with him for over 20 years. Deceased was a steady man. - John Hooper, who examined the trains from London and Bristol on arrival at Exeter on Thursday night and Friday morning, said he found no carriages open on the side deceased apparently fell out. The doors were not self-closing, and he was of opinion that a door could not shut of itself. - Mr Gribbell, recalled, said deceased did not carry any luggage. - Norman E. Gibbs, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased's chief injury was to the chest. He had five or six ribs broken, and there were many scalp wounds, exposing the bone. There were scratches about the hands. He was in a condition of shock and very dazed. He was conscious at times and asked for his friends, but never gave a lucid account of the accident. He died from the injuries to the chest, which affected the lungs, on Sunday morning at 7.25. - The Coroner said if the Jury wished the Inquest adjourned for the attendance of the official who presumably travelled in the same train as deceased, he would do so. Otherwise, in the absence of any definite information as to how the deceased came on the line, it would be best to return an open verdict. - The Jury deliberated in private and on reassembling, Mr Gibbs was recalled and in reply to the Coroner, said the nurse found upon the deceased some papers, a railway pass, watch and chain, pocket-book, tobacco pouch, knife, keys, 15s. 10d. in money and a scarf-pin. - The Jury then found that deceased died from injuries received on the railway, but under what circumstances there was not sufficient evidence to show.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 June 1902 TEIGNMOUTH - A Teignmouth Tragedy. Death Of Mother And Daughter. - Early yesterday morning, by an outbreak of fire at Northumberland House, a lodging-house in Northumberland-place, Teignmouth, two of the occupants lost their lives. The house was occupied by MRS SELINA LANGLEY, a widow and her daughter; as well as by their young servant whom they took from the Newton Abbot Workhouse some months ago. The girl retired to rest at the very top of the house, on the third floor, about nine o'clock, and MRS LANGLEY and her daughter followed soon after. They slept on the second floor. during the night the girl suffered from toothache and so was kept awake. Just before one o'clock she smelt fire and hurriedly put on some of her clothes and descended the narrow stair leading from her bedroom to the floor on which her mistress slept. She roused MRS and MISS LANGLEY, who occupied the same room, overlooking the street, and then tried to descend the stairs, but was driven back by flames coming up the stairs. The narrow stairway was acting almost as a funnel and the flames were darting up the sides in a fearful manner. The girl was very young, but appears to have acted with considerable presence of mind. She rushed back to her mistress, went into her room, threw up the window and screamed for help. MRS and MISS LANGLEY had also tried to descend the stairway and then sought shelter in the room adjoining their bedroom and also overlooking the road. - The girl's screams attracted the attention of neighbours and of P.C. Moore, who was at the London Hotel corner. Moore hurried to Northumberland-place and saw the girl at the window shouting frantically for help. J. H. Easterling, a coachman, summoned the fire brigade, who responded promptly under the captain, Mr Drake. They got quickly to work. The escape was run up to the window and a fireman named Stainthorpe and Samuel Coombes went up and brought the girl down. She was almost wild with fright and had been scorched by the flames which were then entering the bedroom. The girl indicated that her mistress was in the next room. The firemen could not get in by the window of the room in which MRS and MISS LANGLEY were. They got through on the floor below, carrying a hose with them and gradually drove back the fire until they could mount the stairs to the rooms above. There, with the aid of a lantern, they saw the bodies of MRS and MISS LANGLEY on the floor of the room adjoining their bedroom. They were apparently unconscious and were got out as quickly as possible, although the rescuers had a difficult task. Every effort was made to revive them, but without success. They had apparently been suffocated and Dr Hayward certified that both were dead. - The fire brigade had meanwhile dealt with the fire, and considering the hold it had got of the lower portion of the house they must have worked extremely hard to have saved as much of the house as they did. The fierceness of the fire is indicated by the way in which the furniture in the top bedrooms is blistered. The back room downstairs in which the fire is supposed to have started, was completely gutted, and the stairs were badly burnt. - Last evening at the Townhall Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, opened the Inquest. - Mr Charles E. Gowings, manager of a wine merchant's business, said MRS LANGLEY was a widow and he believed she formerly came from Newfoundland. She was over 70 years of age. Her daughter was about 50. - Mary Dore, the servant, said the kitchen fire was let out at noon on Monday. There was no other fire lit after that. Her mistress had a small oil stove, which she kept in the fender of the back room on the ground floor. MRS LANGLEY lit the stove just before witness went to bed at nine o'clock. There had been no lodgers in the house for two months. During the night she was kept awake by toothache. She remembered smoke coming into her bedroom at the top of the house and she ran down to call her mistress. MISS LANGLEY went out and tried to go downstairs and then screamed out "Fire." MRS LANGLEY also got out, and went to the next room, and called out "Save me, if its fire." Witness threw up the window of her mistress's bedroom and called for help. She called to the old lady to ask if she was all right, but received no answer. She could see nothing for the smoke. After MISS LANGLEY left the bedroom to go downstairs, witness did not see her again. - John Henry Easterling, a coachman, who lives near, said he was aroused by the screams for help. He saw two or three females looking out of a bedroom window at the top of the house and screaming for help. They shouted to him and asked if they should jump out. He advised them not to and said he would run for the fire escape. On returning he tried to enter the house by the back, but the interior was a mass of flames. - P.C. Moore said when he arrived he tried to burst open the front door, but without success. He then went to the back and forced the door. He went up to about the middle storey, and then found himself enveloped in flames. There was fire both above and below him and he got out as quickly as he could. The firemen had then arrived with the escape and rescued the girl. - George Stainthorpe, a member of the Fire Brigade, said he arrived at the Station first and hurried off with the escape and was assisted by a young man named Coombe. They hoisted the escape and rescued the girl, who was screaming at the window. She said "Thank you, you have saved me." He asked if there were any more in the room and she said "No." As soon as they got her down they shifted the escape, thinking there was no one else in the house. Someone asked the girl where MRS LANGLEY was and she said "In the house, in the next room." They hoisted the escape again as quickly as possible, and went up to the window of the room indicated. They could not open the window, and so he chopped it open. The room was so full of smoke they could see nothing. The heat was also too great for anyone to get into the room. They lowered the escape to the room below and got in through the window. Coombes followed him. They got a hose and with the aid of the water fought their way up the stairs to the bedrooms above. They searched two bedrooms without finding anyone. In the third bedroom, which they had previously tried to enter, they found the two bodies. Both were kneeling, with their faces on the floor. MISS LANGLEY was close to the window. Coombes found MRS LANGLEY near the bed in the middle of the room. Captain Drake and Fireman Coombes were on the escape outside and helped take the bodies through the window. MISS LANGLEY made no sound, but the old lady groaned as she was being lowered. - Samuel John Coombes gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Hayward attributed death to suffocation. Both were dead when rescued. Deceased apparently shut the window and opened the door of the bedroom, which was the worst thing they could have done. - The Coroner: Yes. They might have been saved if they had remained where they were. - Dr Hayward thought the Fire Brigade deserved commendation for the extremely prompt way in which they responded to the call. They could not have been more than seven or eight minutes and to respond so promptly at one o'clock in the morning was smart work. (Hear, hear.) Special praise was due to Stainthorpe and Coombes for their efforts to rescue the deceased. (Hear, hear). - The Coroner: Decidedly. I think the Jury will probably have something to say about it. - The servant maid, recalled, said she knew nothing about the oil stove. MISS LANGLEY always attended to it. - The Coroner, summing up, said the girl had given her evidence splendidly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their highest praise and commendation of the bravery of Stainthorpe and Coombes, and their appreciation of the activity of the Fire Brigade generally. The Foreman also praised the conduct of Dr Hayward and of the members of the coastguard who worked so hard to restore the deceased to life. - The Coroner agreed with the Jury, and referred again to the clearness with which the servant maid had given her evidence. It reflected great credit on those responsible for her training. (Hear, hear.) He also commended the action of Easterling, who behaved like a man, and of the Police. - Captain Drake acknowledge the reference to the brigade, and said Stainthorpe and Coombes were fairly exhausted at the end of their labours.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 June 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Improper Feeding Of Infants. A Devonport Case. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on MAUD VICTORIA LOTT, two months, the child of J. E. LOTT, pensioner and draper's porter, 47 Fleet-street East. Deceased was one of twins and had been very delicate from birth, but a doctor had not been called. After nursing the child on Monday afternoon the mother saw that she was foaming at the mouth and went for Dr Davis, but before he could arrive the child died. The mother said she had given the child boiled bread and had fed all her children in this way. - Dr Davis said the child died from convulsions, due to improper feeding. Children should not be given boiled bread until twelve months old. - The Coroner said that no matter what doctors said, mothers fancied that they knew better than anybody else, and he supposed that to end of the world they would continue to give infants boiled bread. In this case it was no doubt due to an error of judgment on the part of the mother. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 June 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Camel's Head. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Camel's Head yesterday, on SARAH ANN PADDON, aged 25, of 33 Third-avenue, Camel's Head. - FREDERICK PADDON, the husband, engine-driver at Keyham Extension Works, said since his wife was confined three weeks ago, she had been very weak and depressed. He did not have a doctor attend her until Tuesday night. Last Tuesday he was called from his work by a lodger, who said his wife looked very strange. During the night witness had to watch her closely, as whenever he dozed she got out of bed and went over to the window. They were not in monetary difficulties. Deceased was always roaming about the house and was never still for two minutes. He last saw her on Wednesday afternoon, when she was standing in the doorway. he then went out and on returning found she had left the house by getting out of the bedroom window. As she had threatened all night to jump over Camel's Head Bridge, he ran towards the bridge and saw his wife jump into the water. - Mrs Louisa Turner, of 3 Fourth-avenue, Camel's Head, said she first noticed the deceased was strange on Monday. The following day she came to her and said she wanted to die. Dr Davis was called, and he attributed her condition to weakness, but did not think it absolutely necessary that anyone need stop with her. - George May, a driver on the Devonport and district Tramways Co., said shortly before four o'clock on Wednesday afternoon at Camel's Head he heard people shouting that a woman was drowning herself. He jumped over the fence and saw the woman in the dyke. Two men were there watching her and he supposed they could not swim. He plunged in without taking off any of his clothes and with difficulty swam with the woman to the bank. P.C. Edwards said on going to the beach he found the woman in a bad state and artificial respiration was used. She rallied somewhat and he sent for a doctor. She was by the doctor's orders removed to her home. - Dr J. H. Kenrick said at deceased's home artificial respiration was continued. After some considerable time she seemed to improve, and he left. The husband fetched him in about an hour and a half, and he found the woman dying. Evidently pneumonia had set in and before witness could get her medicine she died. Deceased's strangeness was due to her confinement. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the driver of the tram was to be commended for his prompt efforts to rescue the woman. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity" was returned, and the Jury, after commending the action of the driver May, requested the Coroner to forward the particulars to the company he worked for, with a view to their communicating with the Royal Humane Society. The Jury also passed a vote of sympathy with deceased's relatives and commended the Police Constable for his assistance.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 June 1902 LYDFORD - Walkhampton Quarry Fatality. The Evidence Of Worth. - At the Duchy Hotel, Princetown, on Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the Inquiry into the death of WM. H. J. COOPER, aged 44, quarryman, killed by an explosion during blasting operations on May 10th at Swell Tor Quarry, Walkhampton. Mr H. M. Walker, assistant inspector of mines was present and Mr Mitchell watched the proceedings for Pethick Bros., the owners of the quarry. - John Worth, quarryman, injured by the explosion, stated that on May 10th he was working with deceased at Swell Tor quarry. About half-past ten o'clock they were engaged together charging a hole 10ft. 9in. deep and 3 inches in diameter with rock powder. Just previously witness had completed drilling the hole and cleaned it thoroughly and dry, and fetched the powder, electric wire and cap. Deceased commenced charging the hole, while witness stemmed it with the rod. When COOPER had charged the hole nearly 5 feet they changed stemming rods, the second being shorter. Deceased then stemmed the hole for several seconds, while witness went to the rear of him to get the wire and cap ready for use. Then an explosion occurred. Neither COOPER nor witness was smoking at the time. Deceased had had considerable experience and was careful. He took all reasonable precautions on that occasion. The stemming rod was cleaned before it was used. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the same hole had been charged about three days before, but the powder got damp. It was fired by means of a fuse and burnt without exploding. Afterwards the hole was deepened. they did not on the day of the accident stem the powder too vigorously. - The Coroner in summing up, said the evidence of Worth threw no additional light on the circumstances and apparently the actual cause of the explosion would remain a mystery. Possibly it was due to the presence in the hole of some foreign substance causing friction. In any case it was beyond doubt that deceased was a man of experience and careful, and at the time of the explosion he was using rock powder, the safest explosive he could use. It also appeared from the evidence that he took all reasonable precautions. - The Jury (Mr Bolt, Foreman) returned as their verdict that deceased died from injuries Accidentally Received through an explosion, the cause of which was unknown.

STOKE DAMEREL - WILLIAM SPILLER, aged 69, naval pensioner, of 116a Alexandra-road, Ford, ate a good supper before going to bed on Thursday night, but during the night complained of pains, which he thought were due to rheumatism. Dr E. Down, who was called in on the following day, stated at an Inquest on Saturday that when he arrived MR SPILLER was just breathing his last, death being due to pleurisy and inflammation of the valves of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXMOUTH - Yeomanry Captain's Suicide At Exmouth. - At the Inquest at Exmouth on Saturday on WILLIAM MILLWARD SWINBURNE, aged 36, a captain in the Imperial Yeomanry, Miss Florence Bendle, of 30 Morton-road, said since he came home from South Africa, last July, he had resided with her mother. She last saw him about 6.45 on Friday morning. He was then in his bedroom standing by the table. He was not dressed, but had his military overcoat on. She asked him if he would have a bath. he said he had no time, as he was going to London by the 7 train, but would have a lick and a promise and have a bath in London. She told him a cab was waiting for him at the door, and he said the cabman had better drive around for a few minutes. The cabman (named Hill) looked at his watch and said there was no time to spare and, on her informing the deceased, he replied, "All right, I will go." She then went into the kitchen and shortly afterwards heard a loud report of a firearm in deceased's bedroom. She ran up and said, "What has happened?" Deceased was lying on his side in bed, a revolver in his right hand, and a wound in his forehead. He was not then dead, but was unconscious. He breathed once or twice, and opened his eyes after she entered the room. He had hung his overcoat behind the door and had only his pyjamas on. The revolver was one he brought home from South Africa. She had never heard him speak of suicide, nor had he any trouble that she knew of. He was worried because he had missed a train the day before. For some time he had been troubled with neuralgic pains in the head and had also suffered with insomnia for which he had taken sleeping draughts, but she did not think he had taken any since March. The deceased made no statement, nor did he leave any letter behind. - Dr J. W. Hodgson said the evolver had been discharged by deceased's thumb. The bullet had passed through his head and had struck the wall behind and then the ceiling and the witness found it on the mat. Sometimes people suffering from insomnia would develop suicidal tendencies. Mr C. E. Pine-Coffin said he knew the deceased very well. On Thursday last he told him he felt very depressed and in the evening deceased was much quieter than usual. The deceased had on many occasions complained that he had not slept all night. - The Coroner said other witnesses present cold give evidence of a similar nature, but he did not propose to call them unless the Jury wished. - The Foreman said the Jury were satisfied with the evidence given. - The Jury found the deceased committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity, expressed their sympathy with the relatives and gave their fees to the Maud Hospital.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 June 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Boy's Shocking Death. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES WILLIAM HALL, aged 8, son of GEORGE HENRY HALL, stoker mechanic of 33 John-street. Deceased left home at 3.30 on Saturday afternoon, and as he did not return, his father searched for him until after midnight and renewed the search next morning, but without success. The father said the boy was in the habit of remaining away from home until late at night. - James Henry Easton, labourer, 9 Jolie-cottages, said he was on the Corporation quay at the Tamar Canal from 1.45 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, when the hopper Jubilee was moored in the canal. On the following morning he went to the Corporation yard and there found a basket (produced) obtaining pieces of wood. He recognised one piece of wood as having been on the hopper on the previous day. About 1 p.m. on Sunday he saw the body of deceased dug out from under the hopper. Witness had previously seen the boy there picking up pieces of wood. - Alfred Hatherley said he and two other boys were picking up wood on Sunday when he saw the legs of deceased protruding from under the hopper. - P.C. Pryor, who dug out the body, said the body and head were completely hidden under the hopper. It took an hour and twenty minutes to dig the body out, and picks and shovels had to be used. - James Kellway said he saw a boy dressed similarly to deceased with the basket on Saturday. - Dr F. E. Row said he had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found a fracture of the skull, a compound fracture of the lower jaw and a fracture of the left arm and collar-bone. Nearly all the ribs were broken, the liver was ruptured and the lungs were perforated by the ribs and contained a lot of frothy mucous. Witness's opinion was that death was due to suffocation caused by drowning and that the injuries were received afterwards. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the parents of deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 June 1902 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) yesterday held an Inquest on ENSLIE AVELING, 50, bottle merchant, 60 King-street. WILLIAM CHARLES AVELING said his father appeared quite well on Monday night. Ernest Mealand, labourer, said when, as usual, he took deceased's letters to him on Tuesday morning, he found him lying across the bed dead. He had never heard him complain of illness. Dr Burke said deceased's heart was in a bad state and death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Leap At Stonehouse. Master Mariner's Sad Death. - At No. 74 Durnford-street, yesterday, the County coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) held an Inquest on THOMAS ARTHUR BAWDEN, aged 55, retired master mariner. - Mr E. Gard, Devonport, represented the family. - The widow said for about three years deceased had been failing mentally and at seven o'clock yesterday morning he got out of bed and went to the window. He remained there until about 9.15 without speaking, she being in bed in the same room - the back room of the second floor. He then smashed one of the panes of glass with his fists and jumped out, head first. She immediately rushed to him, and caught hold of one of his feet, but the weight was too great and she was obliged to release her grasp. He fell to the yard below and was instantly killed. Dr Wagner had been attending him for some time and she had had other medical men for the nervous depression, brought about through the severe strain while nursing his brother-in-law. Only quite recently she found him getting out of the window and at once prevented him from going further. - Mr T. Leah, said on being called he found deceased lying on the flagstones of the courtyard dead. The base of the skull was fractured, death having been instantaneous. - Wm. Abbott, painter, 2 Stoke-gardens, Plymouth, said whilst at work at the back of the house he heard glass smashed. Deceased came from the window and pitched to a lead roof, nearly 20 feet down, and thence to the courtyard, nine feet below. - The Coroner said it was a very determined act, but there could be no doubt that deceased was of unsound mind at the time. - The Jury (Mr S. Bishop, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow.

PLYMOUTH - MRS SUSANNA DEACON, aged 60, wife of a carrier's agent, and residing at Ivy Cottage, Woods-road, Launceston, was suddenly taken ill at 13 Russell-street, Plymouth, on Monday morning. Mary Jane Crowdy, with whom she was sleeping, sent for Dr W. H. Brenton, but death occurred before he arrived. At an Inquest yesterday, Dr Brenton, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to the bursting of a blood vessel into the pericardium. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Improper Feeding Of Children. Another Devonport Case. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on HORACE JAMES DORSET, 5 months, the child of ELIZA JANE DORSET, 8 Morice-square. The mother said her husband was JAMES WILLIAM DORSET, a bandsman in the navy. The child had been ailing since birth. She had been feeding him on flake oatmeal. In March he was taken to the Hospital suffering from a bad eye. She was not able to take him herself because she had not received any maintenance from her husband since March 6th and had to go out to work. She had applied to her husband for maintenance, but had received no reply. She saw a change in the child at 9 a.m. on Monday, and fetched Dr Hinvest. She had given the child various foods and was advised to give him oatmeal. - Lucy Preece, who lived with MRS DORSET, said the child had a fit on Monday morning. - Dr Hinvest said he was called at 10.55 a.m. on Monday morning and found the child in a dying condition. He found that nothing could be done for the child and had not previously attended it. On making a post-mortem examination he found that the body was in an extremely emaciated condition, weighing only 6lbs. The child had been suffering from congenital disease from birth. The intestines were perfectly free from fat and empty. The liver was very much enlarged, but otherwise the internal organs were in a normal condition. Death was due to exhaustion, caused by congenital disease inherited, together with improper feeding and absence of medical and other comforts. - The Foreman: Do you think if the child had had proper care and a doctor had been called, it would have been saved? - Witness: The child ought to have weighed 12 lbs., and with our knowledge in combating hereditary disease, we should have been able to put a stop to it, and if it had had proper food there is no reason why it should not have been living now. There was no organic disease. The child should have had nothing but boiled milk. Why do we want oats rammed down our stomachs simply because it is advertised like many other things. - The Coroner thought there could be no doubt that if the child had had comforts such as most children had he might have been in a better condition, but if the mother was not in a position to get the comforts which the child ought to have had she could not be blamed for that. The question was whether she had done all she could or whether there was any blame attaching to her. Professionally he knew something of the case. There had been an unfortunate dispute between the husband and wife and he acted for the husband in proceedings that lasted over a considerable period. He knew MRS DORSET had had considerable worry. He had written to the husband asking him if he could not make some allowance for his wife, but he could not see his way to do so. MRS DORSET had been in a condition of extreme poverty and had only had such money as she had gone out to work for. He advised that she should see the relieving officer and get assistance, but some people did not like to do that except in the last extremity. - A Juror said he did not think children ought to suffer for differences between parents, but he did not consider there had been culpable negligence. Another Juryman thought the mother did as much as her means would allow. - The Mother said she did not apply to the parish because she knew her husband would be on leave shortly, and she was told that if she applied for relief she would be ordered into the Workhouse. - The Coroner: It is a pity you did not call in a medical man. - The Mother: I had not the means. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 June 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce on JOHN GEORGE WINTERBOURNE, aged 67, retired inspector of shipwrights. H.M. Dockyard and living at 6 Pasley-street, Morice Town. EDITH [?] WINTERBOURNE, daughter of the deceased, said since the death of her mother, fifteen months ago, her father had been in indifferent health. On Tuesday morning, as he did not get up, she went into his room and found him lying across the bed dead. Dr G. A. Rey said deceased's position indicated that he got out of bed to get something and being overcome, fell back. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to a rupture of the aneurism of the ascending aorta. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 June 1902 LYDFORD - A Dartmoor Convicts Death. - ARTHUR EADE, a convict, died suddenly in the Dartmoor Prisons, Princetown, on Tuesday, and at the Inquest held by Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, on Thursday, the medical officer, said a post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to sudden failure of the heart. A warder who was present at the death swore that EADE made no complaints of his treatment. - Several convicts availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them of giving evidence. One said EADE told him he hardly knew how to do his work, but the medical officer had ordered him out. Another swore that he heard deceased complain to the doctor, who, however, said there was nothing the matter with him. The same witness said he believed a warder, who was guilty of negligence, struck deceased. One of the convicts gave it as his opinion that small cells and the diet supplied gave rise to heart disease among convicts. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 June 1902 KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge yesterday on the infant child of JAMES CAMP, jun., of Dodbrooke. The father said his wife fell downstairs about two months ago. Rebecca Legassick, a midwife for 30 years, said the birth was all right. The child cried when born and she gave it sugar and water. Dr H. Grey said when called he saw no apparent reason for death, but there was blood in the nostrils and a collection in the mouth. A post-mortem showed that the lungs were gorged with blood, and the brain was congested and that there was slight inflammation. Either was sufficient to cause death. Concussion of the brain might easily happen to one only a few hours old. It was rather an obscure case and unusual. Death might have resulted from a cause which a medical man would have remedied at once. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 June 1902 PLYMOUTH - JOHN EDWARD GARD, aged 55, licensed victualler of 4 Barbican, Plymouth, was taken ill shortly before 1 a.m. yesterday and although his wife gave him brandy he soon died. He had complained about the state of his heart for some time. At the Inquest Dr C. J. Cooke said death was due to syncope. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 June 1902 MALBOROUGH - The Salcombe Suicide. Verdict Of Temporary Insanity. - An Inquest was held at Salcombe yesterday on MR J. W. ELLIOTT, proprietor of posting stables, who was found dead on the floor of a barn on Wednesday afternoon with shocking injuries to his head and a discharged gun by his side. - MARY ELLIOTT, the widow, said deceased was 65 years of age. On Wednesday he had dinner with the rest of the family as usual. Afterwards he went into the garden, and she to the orchard close by. They were close enough to talk and passed some casual remarks. She left him in the garden and went indoors. Later she was upstairs, when her daughter came to her and asked if she had heard the report of a gun. After changing her dress she looked round the outbuildings and noticed the door of a loft was open. This was unusual, and, going in, she found her husband lying on the floor with a gun at his feet. She called her son, who sent for a doctor. Deceased had complained of dreadful pains in his head for some months: he seemed strange when so affected and would exclaim, "Oh, my head." He had never threatened in any way to take his life. He had been troubling about business, and sometimes was very depressed. There were no domestic troubles and no letter or communication had been found since. - PERCY ELLIOTT, son, said the gun was his (witness's) property. he kept it in an adjacent tool-house, the gate of which was locked. In order to get at the gun deceased had taken the hinges off the gate. He had worried a good deal over business matters, especially over horses. He had never heard him threaten to take his life. An extra 'bus had to be put on between Kingsbridge and Salcombe for mails and this had considerably added to the worry. - Dr Vincent Twining said he found MR ELLIOTT lying across a bundle of pea-sticks, fully dressed. Between the finger and thumb of the right hand there was a stick, with a notch cut in the end. At his feet was a discharged double-barrelled gun. In the right barrel was an empty cartridge: the left was unloaded. The left side of the face was blown away, with the roof of the skull and brain. Death was instantaneous. From the position of the body he should say deceased lay on his back and pushed the trigger with the notched stick. He did not consider the barrel was put in the mouth, but held about a foot from the right cheek. On June 1st MR ELLIOTT came to him for advice. He stated that his nerves were all to pieces, complained of headache and inability to sleep. On June 4th he came again, and said he was no better. Dr Twining advised him to get right away from business and take a holiday. He complained of business worries. Taking into consideration subsequent events, he should say his mental balance was unhinged. - MRS ELLIOTT, recalled, said about four or five years since a nephew of her husband's had shot himself as the result of worry. - The Jury found "That deceased shot himself whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 June 1902 PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Suicide. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOSEPH BUTLAND, butcher, 25 Morley-street. - FREDERICK BUTLAND, dairyman, 47 Wolsdon-street, deceased's nephew, said he last saw him alive on Saturday morning in his shop. He seemed very depressed and had been so for some weeks, due, he thought, to business losses. - John W. H. Jones, hairdresser, 23 Morley-street, said he saw deceased on Monday evening. He had been depressed for some time and told witness he would as soon cut his throat as do anything. On Tuesday morning witness looked through the blinds of deceased's shop and saw him hanging from a hook. When cut down he was quite dead and cold. Replying to questions, witness said deceased drank heavily. - Dr W. H. Brenton said death was due to strangulation. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 June 1902 MALBOROUGH - Salcombe Master Mariner's End. Suicide While Temporarily Insane. - An Inquest was held at Salcombe yesterday on JOHN HUXHAM RIDER, master mariner, aged 67, who was found lying in a furze brake about one mile out of the town with his throat cut. MARY JANE RIDER, widow, said deceased came home from his ship at Teignmouth about nine weeks since ill with bronchitis. He got better from that, but then became ill and complained of acute pains in the head. He could not sleep at night. On Sunday and Monday he was unusually depressed and on Monday night he scarcely slept at all. On Tuesday morning he said he should visit the doctor, and asked witness if she would accompany him and go for a walk. She said "No." Deceased then kissed her and wished her good morning. this was unusual on his just going to the doctor's. Deceased rather worried as he was expecting a letter instructing him to rejoin his ship. He also was afraid because of illness he would be unable to go to sea again. He once remarked he was afraid everyone had forsaken him, but the morning after he was dead a postcard came offering him a berth. The razor produced was the property of her husband and was used by him. It was kept in a drawer in a spare room, but must have been in his possession when he wished her good morning. She did not at the time think deceased meant doing any harm to himself, but, according to subsequent events, she should now say he did. She had found no letter left by deceased. She became uneasy when he did not return, and asked some neighbours and P.C. Webber to search for him. - Dr Vincent Twining said he had not seen RIDER for about a month. Prior to that he attended him for a slight bronchial trouble. There was then nothing to point to any derangement. He was called on Tuesday to see the body and found a wound of about 5in. in the throat, apparently self inflicted, and from left to right. All the important vessels on the left side were severed. The widow's evidence as to her husband's state of mind would point to mental derangement. - Charles Friend, a neighbour, who was asked to search for RIDER, found the body in a furze bush, said he spoke to deceased in the morning. He had never noticed him strange in his manner. - The Coroner (Mr Hacker) said this was the second suicide at Salcombe within one week. It was worth considering if the fact of one suicide would not have an effect on a person whose mind was slightly unhinged. They had no medical evidence to go one, but the wife's evidence as to pains in the head and depression was significant. It was fortunate MRS RIDER did not accompany deceased on his walk, as asked, or there might have been a double tragedy. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 July 1902 PLYMSTOCK - The Death Of A R.N. Stoker. - At Mount Batten last evening the County Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) resumed the Inquest on GEORGE WEST LILLIS, second class leading stoker on H.M.S. Niobe, whose body was found on the beach at Bovisand on June 22nd. Mr J. Cochrane (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Ernest John Willcocks, stoker, H.M.S. Niobe, said about 20 minutes past seven on the night of May 28th, he and others in the steam pinnace returned to the ship in Plymouth Sound from Millbay. Deceased was left in charge of the pinnace, which was made fast to the boom. Witness never saw deceased after, but his boots were found on the hatchway. He was not missed until after eight o'clock. Deceased was rather nervous of walking the boom, and probably he either tried to pull the pinnace to the ship's side with a boathook, or else to push her off from the vessel, and fell into the water. He was perfectly sober. Nobody saw him fall. - Patrick Toomey, able seaman, H.M.S. Niobe, said he was on board and noticed a boathook and cap floating. The former was picked up. Afterwards deceased was missed. - Isaac Ernest Brown, signalman on the Niobe, said he last saw deceased alive about twenty minutes to eight. He was then in the stokehold of the pinnace, which was made fast to the starboard boom. There was a slack tide at the time. Witness thought deceased must have struck his head against something. - The Coroner mentioned that the captain of the Niobe had written him that deceased could swim. - An officer in court said if deceased had fallen overboard close to the ship it would have been impossible for anyone to have seen him when he came up again, owing to the projection of the storage place for the torpedo [?]. The Coroner remarked that the evidence did not throw any further light upon how deceased got into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed the opinion that some provision ought to be made for carrying dead bodies. - The Coroner promised to bring the matter before the proper authority.

DARTMOUTH - The Fatality On The Racer. - At Dartmouth yesterday Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of WALTER CLAVILL BEALL, cook's mate on the sloop Racer, who died on Monday night under singular circumstances. - Ernest Francis Flynn, first-class petty officer, said deceased slung his hammock on deck between the galley and the capstan. About ten minutes past ten witness, who had piped down for everyone to turn in, saw deceased going to his hammock. From the galley he saw deceased swing himself to jump into his hammock, and then he heard a thud, and, going to the spot, found deceased lying on the deck upon his right side. The hammock was about four feet from the deck. Deceased rose without assistance, though he seemed a bit stunned. He explained to witness the cause of his fall. He rested one hand on a meat safe and it slipped as his weight came off the ground. He got into his hammock again from the other side, where there was a bench from which he could get to the hammock quite easily. Shortly afterwards witness heard him vomiting, but apparently he got all right again, and witness heard nothing more, and, being relieved, turned in about midnight. A few minutes after three he was called and found deceased down by the steerage, with the doctor attending him. He died at 4.15. - Questioned by the Jury, witness said he saw no reason at the time to state to the quartermaster who relieved him that deceased had fallen from his hammock. There was nothing to indicate that he had seriously hurt himself. - Edward Horrill, first class petty officer, who relieved Flynn, said about ten minutes past one deceased vomited and turned out of his hammock. He did not answer when he asked him what was the matter. He went to the closet and witness called the sick-bay steward. - Surgeon Arthur L. T. Darley, borne on the Racer, said he examined deceased but found nothing exterior to show that he had had a fall of any kind. He did all he could for deceased, and when breathing stopped he tried artificial respiration for some time. He had made a post-mortem examination and found that the skull was fractured, and that a clot of blood had consequently formed in the brain. Deceased died through compression of the brain, due to haemorrhage. There was nothing in the symptoms to lead the quartermaster to suppose that he was seriously ill. - William A. Kepper, sick-bay attendant, said when he came to deceased he was unconscious, and continued so until he died. - The Coroner said it was remarkable that there were no outward signs of such a blow as deceased must have had to cause his death, but although he had only fallen from a height of four feet it was perfectly clear that he must have fallen very heavily. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 July 1902 EXMOUTH - Railway Fatality At Exmouth. - HENRY MORGAN, who met with an accident on the Exmouth-Budleigh Salterton Railway works at Exmouth, on Thursday evening, died at the Maud Hospital the following evening. At an Inquest held on Saturday (Mr E. G. Balmano, Foreman of the Jury), William Stratford (foreman of navvies) said deceased was working near the steam navvy and as one of the trucks filled with soil was being drawn away deceased was in the 4ft. way. He (witness) shouted to him, but he did not seem to understand, and did not get out of the way. Deceased put his hands up against the truck as it came up to him, and he was pushed between the bank and the truck. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. MORGAN was a native of Salisbury.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Drowned At Camel's Head. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Camel's Head, Devonport, last evening on WILLIAM ROBERT SKELLEY, aged five years, son of ROBERT SKELLEY, labourer, 23 Northumberland-street. The mother sent the boy an errand on Friday evening and later saw him near the house playing with other lads. They got on the embankment near the London and South Western Railway bridge, across the creek. Deceased slid down the embankment into the water. - William Vogwell, a lad, saw him carried by the tide from one bridge to the other and then sink. There were no men present and some of the boys ran to the house of deceased's parents. - Frederick G. Moore, carpenter's labourer, 3 Northumberland-street, when he heard the alarm ran to the spot and saw the deceased in the water near Braund's quay, below Camel's Head Bridge, and he jumped in and brought the body ashore. P.C. Joy used artificial respiration and sent for a doctor. The artificial respiration was continued for a long time, but without success. At the time the boys were able to get up the embankment, a nine-inch board having been removed by them. The board had since been replaced. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," commended Moore and P.C. Joy and expressed sympathy with the parents. The Coroner remarked that most of the constables of Devonport had passed the examinations of the St. John Ambulance Society, and knew how to render first-aid.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 July 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH HILL, aged 60, wife of a labourer in the Dockyard, of 22 back of Cornwall-street. The husband said deceased had been unwell for eight or nine months. On Saturday she became worse and Dr Hinvest was called in. She died on Monday morning. Dr Hinvest said death was due to syncope, through cirrhosis of the liver, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Death From The Heat. - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening on WILFRED RICHARD KENNARD, aged two years, the son of ERNEST ALFRED KENNARD, carpenter, 88 Desborough-road. The mother said she took the infant out last Sunday. On returning, however, it apparently had a fit, and died at half-past eleven. Dr Wilkinson considered that the excessive heat of Sunday last and the delicate health of the child caused convulsions, from which death ensued. The Jury (Mr Samuel Roach, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 July 1902 BUCKFASTLEIGH - Drowned At Buckfastleigh. - Mr S. Hacker (County Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN and WILLIAM HOARE, the brothers found drowned in Cattaford Pool, near Abbotsmede, about a mile from Buckfastleigh, on Tuesday morning. After the Jury had viewed the pool in which the boys were found, MR JOHN HOARE, the father, said JOHN was 9 years of age and WILLIAM 6. About 7 p.m. on Monday he sent them down to change bullocks into Sherwill's field. They were in the habit of changing bullocks from one field to another. About 8 p.m. he passed Sherwill's field, and saw the bullocks were there. The lads frequently played with the cottagers' children, who lived close by. As at 9 p.m. they had not returned home, he sent to the cottages to know if they were there. A message was sent back that they had not been seen since between 7 and 8 p.m. thinking they might have gone to their relatives at Buckfastleigh, he sent there, but they had not seen them. Search was made all night without success. Mr Warren, of Rill Farm, about 4 a.m. on Tuesday morning with two or three of his men searched around the fields and along the riverside. At the pool they discovered a cap which belonged to WILLIAM. The Police were sent for and recovered the bodies from the pool. He believed that after shifting the bullocks the boys crossed the turnpike-road and went to the river. He was told there was a dipchick's nest close to the pool and he considered the youngest boy must have been running about there and fell into the pool and that the older boy went in after him. They had been warned not to go on the railway or by the river. - John Taylor, 8 years of age, said he went as far as Totnes road, about 7 p.m. with the boys, to shift the bullocks. After doing so they went into the field and left him. He said he would wait for them if they were not long. As they did not return quickly, he went home. - John C. Warren, farmer, said the pool was very deep. - P.C.'s Radford and Bugler said they found an addled egg in the nest and some young birds in the pool. Dr H. Ubsdell said he found a few marks about the face of JOHN. He considered the appearance of both bodies was characteristic of drowning. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned by the Jury. - The Foreman (Mr John B. Pearce) remarked on the danger of the pool, which he said ought to be fenced. The Coroner said this was impracticable. The only remedy was for parents to keep their children from such places. - A vote of condolence, proposed by Mr Pearce, seconded by Mr Warren, and supported by the Coroner, was passed to the bereaved parents.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 July 1902 MERTON - RICHARD SMALE, aged 80, who resided with his daughter and her husband at Merton Mills, died suddenly on Sunday evening. At the Inquest Dr Macdonald attributed death to Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Sad Case At Plymouth. - MARY VINCENT, aged 25, died in Plymouth Workhouse early on Wednesday morning, and at an Inquest yesterday Mary Jane Easton, widow, 50 High-street, said deceased, who represented herself as a stoker's wife, took a room about five weeks ago in the same house. She was a perfect stranger to them all and said she earned her living by sewing, but witness saw very little of her. On Monday week she was confined. She went on satisfactorily until Saturday. Cornflour was prepared for her, but she ate very little. On Tuesday Dr Cuming was called and ordered her removal to the Workhouse. Martha White, a midwife, was present at the birth. - Mr J. P. S. Ward, Deputy Medical Officer of the Workhouse, said when admitted the woman was in a collapsed and delirious condition and covered in vermin. It was an absolutely hopeless case from the first. Death was due to blood poisoning. The child was quite healthy and remained in the house. - The Police had been unable to ascertain whether deceased was married or single or where her relatives are, but it is believed she came from Cornwall. A verdict of "Death from Blood Poisoning" was returned.

MONKOKEHAMPTON - Sad Case Near Hatherleigh. - At an Inquest held at Monkokehampton yesterday on HENRY TANCOCK, aged 58, a widower with no family, Thomas Ellacott, a grandson of deceased's employer, said on June 27th he and deceased went to cut a field of grass, deceased driving the mowing machine. As they came to the top of the hill he believed the whipple tree pressed against the horses' legs. The youngest horse, which he (the witness) was leading, started kicking. As he was carrying the knife of the machine, he had to let go and the horses bolted. Deceased was jerked off the seat and falling in front of the machine, was dragged about 20 land yards, his leg being caught in the wheel. Deceased managed to pull up the horses and to free himself. - Dr Aitkins, of Hatherleigh, said deceased had a very severe lacerated wound in the left leg. He got along very well until Monday last, when tetanus rapidly set in and he died early on Tuesday morning. The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed its appreciation of the attention Mr Ellacott and his family gave deceased.

PLYMOUTH - A Frithelstock Incident. - In the South Devon and E. C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on WILLIAM RICE AXWORTHY, 35, farm labourer, who died on Tuesday. Mary Maria Beare, wife of George Beare, miller, 3 Washington-place, Plymouth, said three months ago deceased was struck in the stomach by a bull in Frithelstock parish. She understood the bull intended to toss a dog, but AXWORTHY received the attack. - Mr E. G. Smith, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted on 2nd inst. suffering from injuries to the stomach. A post-mortem examination revealed cancer, to which death was due. The blow undoubtedly accelerated death. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on FLORA MAY PENNERY, aged five months, daughter of WILLIAM PENNERY, mason's labourer, 23 Union-street, Stonehouse. The mother said the child was apparently well when she went to bed on Wednesday, but early yesterday morning on awaking she found it was dead. Dr W. H. Waterfield said he vaccinated the child two months ago, directly after which it had chicken-pox. Death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, at Stonehouse last evening on JOHN HANNEN, 47, stableman of 1 Anna-cottages, Union-place. - CAROLINE HANNEN said deceased on his return from work on Saturday evening seemed strange, but took off his coat and sat down, giving her his wages. He was not a drinking man, but had been somewhat strange during the past three months. They had humoured him rather than annoyed him. Witness had six children, one of the sons, aged 23, being idle, troublesome and given to drinking. This had worried deceased. Ironing, with her back to him, she did not see him drink from the bottle, but turned in time to see him fall. He was quite sober and she could suggest no reason for his act. Knew of no insanity in the family, but had heard him threaten his life previously. - By Mr O. Matthews, the Foreman: Had seen father and son come to blows. - James Everett, cellarman, a neighbour, said he rushed in and found HANNEN on the ground with a bottle by his side. He was breathing heavily and his neck was swollen. Witness unbuttoned his collar and Inspector Leyman gave him hot water and salt, but it had no effect. Had known deceased for years as a sober and cheerful man. - Frank P. Collings, veterinary surgeon, Princess-street, Plymouth, said deceased was in his employ about four years. Was a steady workman until the last six months, when he had altered greatly. He was discharged a week ago for drunkenness and incivility, and the engagement terminated on Saturday. He appeared sorry to leave, and was under the impression he would be kept on. On hearing of his death from poison, witness searched his surgery cupboard, and missed a bottle labelled "Hydrocyanic acid," or prussic acid, kept for destroying dogs. The cupboard had not been broken open. On May 26th witness accused HANNEN of poisoning a dog in his absence and he admitted it. At that time the key was hung in the room, the bottle must, therefore, have been in his possession ever since, as witness had carried the key for the last seven weeks. Deceased was naturally a reserved man, and very good when sober, but it took very little to worry him. - Mr W. H. Waterfield, Surgeon, said on his arrival the place smelt strong of prussic acid. Deceased was in a dying condition, perfectly unconscious and turning blue. He died within ten minutes. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to paralysis of the heart, through taking at least a drachm of poison. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned. The Jury handed their fees to the widow.

PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM FRANK COOMBE BEABLE, aged 5 months, son of WILLIAM BEABLE, journeyman mason of 19 Wesley-avenue, Plymouth, was taken with a fit on Friday and died almost immediately. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr E. P. A. Mariette attributed death to convulsions, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Twins At Plymouth. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM FROOD, aged ten hours, and JOHN FROOD, aged three days, the twin sons of MARY JANE FROOD, a single woman, of 18 Bath-lane. - Ellen O'Brien, widow, 18 Bath-lane, said FROOD told her a few days ago that she would not be confined for two months. On Thursday she complained of feeling ill, and witness advised her to go into the Workhouse, but she refused to do so. The following day Mrs O'Brien went to see her and found her in bed with two newly-born children. She at once sent for a doctor. MARY FROOD'S father was in the habit of bringing his daughter six shillings every week. The child WILLIAM died on Friday. She stayed with the mother and did all she could for her. The other child died yesterday. Dr J. Steele Pearce said on Friday morning he was called to see the children. WILLIAM was in an extreme condition. In each case death was due to premature birth, no doubt accelerated by inattention at birth, no one having been present at the time. - The Coroner said there was no reflection on anybody. Mrs O'Brien seemed to have done all that she could. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Boy's Death. Boy's Remarkable Conduct: Hint To Schoolmasters. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening relative to the death of JOHN W. C. A. TAYLOR, 3 years, son of CHARLES HENRY TAYLOR, carpenter, 38 Moon-street. - The father said the child was missed about 8 p.m. on Friday, and while searching for him he heard a child had been seen by other children in the water near Messrs. James' timber-yard at Morice Town. One woman, whose young son was believed to have seen the child in the water, refused to allow her boy to come and shew where the child fell in. Two other boys, therefore, had to be fetched from Ford. They explained where deceased was seen in the water, and witness jumped in and endeavoured to recover the body, but without success. The body was recovered with grapplers about 11 p.m., and witness wrapped it in his coat and carried it home. On three occasions lately children had fallen into the water at the same spot. The place ought to be railed off. - Dr O. J. Hall, who was called about 11 p.m., said deceased was quite dead, and had apparently been dead for some time. Death was due to drowning. - Emily Gaynor, grandmother of deceased, spoke of the search for the child and said the mother of the children living near, who saw deceased in the water, said, "Don't take any notice of children's yarns," and almost refused to let witness see the children. If witness had known earlier she believed she could have saved deceased, as she could swim when a child. The mother of the children ought to have encouraged them to speak. - Robert Evans, aged 11, 2 Warleigh-avenue, said he went with his brother to slip to fetch salt water about 8 .m. and saw a child in the water with his hands up. He then sank and did not rise again. Witness was very much frightened and did not tell anybody what he had seen. The Coroner said he was surprised that witness did not give an alarm when he saw deceased in the water. - A Juryman thought it would be a good thing if masters of elementary schools would give lectures on such matters and so induce presence of mind among children. This boy had no doubt had lessons on many subjects, but one thing that would be of great importance as long as they lived, appeared to have been forgotten. - Mrs Evans, wife of a stoker, and mother of the last witness, said the boy had fits. When the children told her about having seen a child drown she left home to make inquiries and afterwards took them out of bed to point out the spot. Last witness told her that he did not tell her earlier what he had seen because he was frightened. - The Coroner said Mrs Evans was to be commended for the action she took as soon as her son spoke to her. - Joseph Alfred Wilcox, coal porter, said that with a boat and grapplers he recovered the body. - George Ellis, age 14, of 36 St Levan-road, said he was with the boy Evans, and saw a little boy come up from water and go down again. The boy had both hands up. Witness did nothing, as he could not swim. He went to another spot for salt water and said nothing to anybody until he met his mother on his way home. He did not shout out when he saw the boy in the water, for fear he should be accused of pushing the boy over. He fell overboard himself a couple of weeks ago and another boy was then accused of pushing him overboard. - The Coroner: Where did you go to school? - Johnston-terrace until last January, when I was 14. - The Coroner: I am surprised that a boy 14 ½ years of age should have made no attempt to save the boy, not by jumping into the water, but by calling for assistance. The life of this poor little boy would have been saved if you had only shouted out "Somebody drowning." - Witness: We told another boy to go and tell his father. There were a good many women on the quay at the time. I did not speak to them. I thought it was a boy swimming. - The Foreman (Mr Trusk): The boy deserves a flogging. - The Coroner (to witness): You have got yourself to thank that this boy's life was lost. - The woman who was alleged to have refused to allow her children to give information as to where the child sank was sent for, but was away at work. - The Coroner, summing up, said he could not understand the action of Ellis. It was not what they expected of English boys of that age. In such cases most boys would have done what they could to save the boy and if they could not swim would have shouted for help. If that had been done it was quite possible the child would now have been alive. The spot seemed to be very dangerous when the tide was in. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," expressed their sympathy with the parents, and suggested that the Town Council should protect the spot at Moon's Cove, where the accident occurred. - The Coroner, at the suggestion of the Jury, admonished the boy Ellis, and said many boys of his age had received medals from the Humane Society for saving life. - The father of deceased thanked the Coroner and Jury for their sympathy, and said he saved a child when he was twelve years of age. Since then he had rescued to other persons, but he had not the good fortune to be able to save his own child.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 July 1902 TORQUAY - The Fatality At Torquay. Accident On The Galatea. - At Torquay last evening Mr S. Hacker opened an Inquiry concerning the death of WALTER CHARLES FRIDAY, aged 23, an able seaman on H.M.S. Galatea, who died in Torbay Hospital on Monday as the result of an accident which occurred on the ship last week. Mr W. H. Jenkins was Foreman of the Jury. - Ernest Lightfoot, first class boy, on H.M.S. Galatea, who was also injured in the accident, gave evidence of identification. He said he had known deceased about five months. Last Tuesday evening, about 6.30 deceased and other men were in a boat when the derrick fell striking deceased, and pinning him between the derrick and the boat. Witness's left hand was injured. Deceased was taken to the sick-bay and afterwards was removed to the Hospital. The derrick was a spar which ran out from the mast and was used for hoisting boats in and out of the ship. Commander Hunt was in charge at the time, and was giving orders to the coxswain of the boat, named Findlay. Witness did not know the cause of the accident, but had been told that the derrick was not properly fastened. - Dr Alexander Lyons, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from severe abdominal pains and collapse when admitted to the Hospital. On Wednesday he seemed a little better, but on Thursday he became worse and was operated upon. He gradually sank, and died from ruptured intestines and peritonitis. - The Coroner said as the Galatea was away at sea it would be impossible to close the Inquiry. Therefore, he should adjourn it until Saturday morning, by which time the ship would be back. They could then have the cause of the accident explained, and could clear up whether anyone was to blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 July 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Mystery. The Fate Of A Stonehouse Woman. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on JANE ELIZA PERRY CORNELIUS, aged 52, of 10 High-street, Stonehouse. Chief-Inspector B. Mutton watched the case on behalf of the Police. - STEPHEN J. CORNELIUS, of 15 Edinburgh-road, Devonport, said the deceased, his sister, was unmarried. - Elizabeth Quick, who lived with deceased, said on Friday night about ten o'clock they walked to Devonport and went into a public-house in Granby-street,. Deceased left there alone, having complained of pains in her head. Witness next saw her in Morice-square, about eleven o'clock, lying flat on her back. She was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. Deceased was quite sober. - Dr G. M. Soper, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased, when admitted, was under the influence of alcohol. there was a small contused wound at the back of the head and some haemorrhage from her left ear. Early on Saturday morning she became comatose, from which she was never aroused and died early on Tuesday morning. A post-mortem examination revealed a large collection of blood under the skull, causing compression of the brain. Death was due to that. The wound on the head might have been caused by a fall, although the deceased said she was kicked by a sailor. - P.C. Edwin Harper said he had not been able to find out anything with regard to deceased's statement. Deceased had apparently fallen on the kerb in Morice-square. there was some blood at the spot. The verdict returned by the Jury was "Death caused by haemorrhage on the brain, but how the injuries were received there was no evidence to show."

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 July 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Stonehouse Child's Death. - Devonport Borough Coroner, (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday relative to the death of MATILDA HARRIET MILLS, 4 years, the child of HENRY MILLS, plasterer, 2 George-street, Stonehouse. The mother said that on the evening of 18th ult., deceased left home with her elder sister, age 10, who returned some time afterwards and said deceased had fallen over the quay. The child was taken to Dr Leah, on whose advice she was afterwards taken to the Hospital. - John Balsdon, age 8, said he was in a boat off Stonehouse Quay, when he saw deceased lying on the quay, and shortly afterwards he saw her lying on the stones below the quay, the tide being out. Witness picked her up and a sailor took charge of her. There was a little girl on the quay at the time. - The mother said the child told her while in Hospital that a boy pushed her over. - The witness said he did not see a boy there. Deceased was lying flat on the quay looking over. - The Coroner said the boy acted very properly when the accident occurred and had given his evidence very well. - P.C. Higman, who saw the child immediately after the accident, took her to the doctor's, and afterwards carried her to her home. He had made inquiries, but had heard nothing to confirm the rumour that the child was pushed over. Children were not supposed to be on the quay, but it was difficult to keep them out. - Dr E. McCullock said that when admitted to the Hospital deceased was suffering from a cut forehead and depressed fracture of the skull. She was also in convulsions and completely comatose. She was immediately operated upon to raise the depressed bone and this was successfully done. There was no relief at the time, but after a few hours convulsions ceased. She progressed very satisfactorily and there were hopes of her recovery until Wednesday, when convulsions returned. The child died at 10 a.m. on Thursday. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to commencing septic meningitis, caused by the poison from the wound. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 July 1902 PLYMOUTH - MRS ELIZABETH H. HANNAFORD, aged 68, of 66 North-road, Plymouth, was on Friday found dead in bed by Mrs Mary Rutter, her daughter, who slept with her, and at the Inquest on Saturday Dr Corbett attributed death to apoplexy, no doubt due to the excessive heat of last week.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Woman's Death. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on Saturday relative to the death of ELIZA JANE BASSETT, aged seventy, of 14 Granby-street, wife of FRANCIS BASSETT, shipwright, 10 William-street. Deceased had been living apart from her husband for the past 30 years. On Wednesday she complained to Minnie Williams, who lived in the same house, of pains in her head and commenced to vomit. On Friday there was a great change in her. Dr McElwaine, who was sent for, arrived at 11.15 a.m., after death had occurred. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart.

TORQUAY - The Galatea Fatality. Inquest At Torquay. Carelessness Or Misjudgement? - At Torquay on Saturday, Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, resumed the Inquiry concerning the death of WALTER CHARLES FRIDAY, able seaman, on the Galatea, who died at the Torbay Hospital last Monday as a result of injuries received in an accident on the ship on July 8th. Deceased and two other men were crushed by the fall of a derrick used for hosting boats in and out of the ship. - Commander George P. E. Hunt, D.S.O., of the Galatea, stated that at the time of the accident he was on deck. He did not see the accident. The derrick was being lowered to re-stow it. There was absolutely no weight on it at the time. The boat had just been got in and lowered by the derrick. He gathered that the derrick was lowered too rapidly. He did not see it himself, but he had ascertained that from the evidence he had taken on the ship. - The Coroner: I think you had better tell me just what you saw. - The Commander: I did not know anybody had been injured until I saw the men being carried away. The derrick was lowered too rapidly for the last four or five feet. - Who was in charge of the derrick? - The first lieutenant. He is not present. - The Coroner: Obviously I ought to have his evidence. - Commander Hunt: I told the Police yesterday I saw nothing of the accident, and suggested that another officer should be called. - The first lieutenant is the officer who knows all about it? - I do not say he saw the accident, but he was attending to the lowering of the derrick. - The Foreman: Did the petty officer or the first lieutenant give the orders for the lowering of the derrick? - The lieutenant gave the order. - The Coroner: then he would be the responsible man. He would be able to tell us why the derrick was being lowered in this unusual way. I think we ought to have him. - Commander Hunt: I can tell you why. - The Coroner: But you did not see it, and were not in charge. - Commander Hunt: I was in general charge, but not of this particular work. - The Coroner: Can we send for the first lieutenant? - Certainly. There are three men here who were in the boat and who can give the clearest evidence. - The Coroner: But these men were not responsible. It would be more satisfactory to have the officer in charge. We will take the evidence we have, and see how far we can go. I should like your opinion as to the cause of the accident from the investigations you have made. - Commander Hunt: Well, the cause of the derrick coming down too rapidly was that the men who had the rope in hand were not putting sufficient weight on it. They did not lay back on the rope sufficiently. - It slipped through the men's hands? - They let it run through their hands. there would be a hundred men on the rope at the time. - And they were unable to prevent the derrick running down? - They did not prevent it. - The Foreman: It was a misjudgement, I suppose? - No answer was given. - The Coroner: Was the reason the rope ran down that there were too few men on it? - Certainly not. There were plenty of men. - A Juryman: It was carelessness, then? - The Foreman: No, misjudgement, I should think. - The Coroner: We will discuss that afterwards. We will take the evidence now. - The Coroner: In your opinion did the rope slip through their hands? - Commander Hunt: They did not put sufficient weight on it. When the derrick is first being lowered it does not require much weight to keep it from coming down rapidly, but as it gets lower the weight increases. - Is the derrick a heavy, cumbersome boom? - This was a light derrick compared with many in the fleet. - John James Flaherty, second class petty officer, said he was in the boat with deceased and other men. The boat had been hoisted on board, and the derrick was being lowered a few feet to enable them to unhook the boat. Someone shouted, and he looked up and saw the derrick coming down unusually quick. He tried to get out underneath, but the wire guy was over his shoulder, and knocked him down in the boat. The derrick came down over the outside of the boat, and so witness escaped. - The Foreman: If the derrick fell outside the boat, how could it injure deceased in the boat? - Deceased was nearer the derrick than I was. He must have been caught between the derrick and the edge of the boat. If King (the other man injured) had had his head a foot higher it would have been chopped right off. Witness thought the derrick caught on the edge of a ventilator and rested a moment. No doubt the men considered it had got to its proper position and eased off. - Mr T. Priston: could not the men who were lowering see when the derrick was in position? - I do not think they could. They might get a glimpse of it through the spars. - The Inquiry was adjourned at this point to get further evidence from the ship, and when the Court re-assembled - Lieut. C. R. Curtis said he was in charge of the fore guys of the derrick when the accident occurred. - The Coroner: Who was in charge of the derrick, then? Witness: Commander Hunt. - Who gave the orders to lower? - The Commander, I presume, but I could not see him. - Who was in charge if anything was going wrong? - Commander Hunt primarily. If I had seen anything wrong I should have given the order to stop lowering, being the officer nearest the men. The men who were lowering let the rope run too quickly. - The Coroner: It has been suggested that the derrick caught on the ventilator? - That might or might not have been. I could not see the ventilator. If the men had remained in the boat they would have been all right, but they made a rush over to the side. I gave no order to let go because the derrick was not down in position. I saw no check at all, and I do not think the derrick caught anything. The derrick was down before I could give an order to hold on. - The Coroner: It seems inexplicable that men should take their weight off unless there was a hitch. Can you give any other explanation? - Men sometimes will take their weight off. - Should there not be an officer stationed to see that the men do their duty? - There are officers stationed along the gangway. But if the men suddenly let go the officers cannot help it. At the time I considered the accident was due to lack of duty on the part of the men. Even if the derrick had got home the men had no right to let go until they had the order to do so. If the men in the boat had had time to reflect they would have known the derrick would not have touched them. - An able seaman named Holt said the derrick struck the ventilator and left a mark on it. - Henry Beadell, seaman, said the derrick was "running away" just before it reached the ventilator. - Some of the Jurymen complained because they had to wait for other witnesses from the ship who had been sent for two hours before. They were business men, and were being seriously inconvenienced. - The Coroner: It is only a question of a little patience, gentlemen. - Thomas Clevedon, first-class petty officer, said the rope that was lowering the derrick, being dry and warm, the men let it go through their hands a bit. Suddenly the order was given to "hang on", but for some reason the men did not hang on. It was the men's fault that the derrick came down. - The Coroner: And this poor fellow was killed. - Witness: By his own shipmates, sir. - Witness, questioned further, said marines and stokers were among those hanging on the rope. They would not know if they let the rope go that they might kill someone. They would not know the topper lift from the purchase. "They don't know what they are doing." - The Coroner: They know they are pulling on a rope? - Witness: And that is about as much as they do know. - But surely they know if they let go someone may be killed? - I doubt it. - Witness added that he should have known the derrick was not home, but stokers, marines, and "idlers" would not know. - By the Foreman: The derrick could not be worked by machinery. - Capt. R. S.D. Cumming came forward at this point, and said many questions had been asked the men which he could have replied to much easier. Having been sworn, the Captain said in his opinion neglect on the part of the men was the cause of the accident. They ought not to have let go before the order was given. At the inquiries on the ship there had been no suggestion whatever about the derrick having been hung up on the ventilator. - The Coroner: I think it is well established that it was hung up. - Capt. Cumming: Only one man says he saw it hung up. It is supposition on the part of the other witnesses. It is an extraordinary thing that I should have heard nothing about the ventilator, although there have been two inquiries. - The Coroner: Have you taken the evidence given here? - Capt. Cumming: The first witness called here was our most important witness. - Flaherty was recalled and asked by Capt. Cumming: When did you first get this idea about the derrick catching the ventilator? - Flaherty: He asked me my opinion as to how it occurred. - But you told the Coroner you saw it on the ventilator? - No sir. - Clevedon, recalled, said he did not see the derrick strike the ventilator. The topper-lift hung up for a second and he knew it must have hung up somewhere. - Capt. Cumming: Did you mention that at the inquiry? - No, sir. I only answered the questions put to me. - Holt, recalled, said he saw the derrick strike the ventilator. He had not told anyone on the ship about it. - Capt. Cumming said it was his firm opinion that the accident occurred through the men letting the rope go before they were told to. He should not like it to be thought that they in any way realised that by letting the rope go they would injure anyone. The work was foreign to them. They only had to pull and obey orders. - Alfred Nicholetta and Thomas McCall also gave evidence. - Commander Hunt, recalled, said he did not think the derrick could have struck the ventilator without his seeing it. - By Mr Priston: If it had struck the ventilator it would probably have carried it away. - The Foreman: If it requires a hundred men to raise the derrick the ventilator would not be strong enough to support it. - The Coroner, summing up, thought the evidence of the sailors was very convincing and straightforward. Weighing the whole evidence the probability was that the derrick caught in the ventilator. - The Foreman: But what made it "run away" before it struck the ventilator? - The Coroner: that is for you to consider. - The Jury retired for twenty minutes and decided "That deceased came to his death Accidentally in consequence of the derrick falling on him through striking the ventilator."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 July 1902 PLYMOUTH - MAUD MAY ELIZABETH WARLEY, aged six weeks, daughter of a labourer of 8 Lucas-terrace, Plymouth, was seized with a fit on Saturday morning and died almost immediately. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Stubbs attributed death to convulsions.

PLYMOUTH - ANNIE NICHOLSON, aged 52, of 5 Martin-street, Plymouth, was taken ill on Sunday and died almost immediately. At the Inquest yesterday, JOHN W. NICHOLSON, the husband, said she had frequently complained about her heart, and Dr J. S. Pearse, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman Drowned. - At an Inquest at Plymouth mortuary yesterday on MARY ANN ALFORD, aged 45, the husband, JOHN ALFORD, coal porter, 33 Exeter-street, said he last saw his wife alive on Saturday afternoon. She then seemed in her usual health. Since Christmas the deceased had appeared "quite lost," but she had never threatened to take her life. - John Scott, caretaker, Corporation bathing houses under the Hoe, said on Sunday morning, about 9.30 he was informed that there was a woman's body floating near the iron steps at Shackey Pool. It was fully dressed. He pulled it out and it was removed to a bathing shed. Artificial respiration was not tried as the deceased was quite dead. - Dr Soltau, who was called, said deceased had been dead about six hours. Death was due to drowning. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Death Of An Aged Bather. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES THOMAS BROKENSHA, aged 72, plasterer. of 3 Stoke-road, Plymouth. - RICHARD K. BROKENSHA, son of the deceased, said his mother last saw deceased alive about noon on Saturday. It was his father's habit to go swimming under the Hoe, and he had never heard him complain about his heart. - G. Bulley, of the private bathing houses under the Hoe, said he had seen deceased bathing for the past year or two. On Saturday deceased told him he had no money with him, and asked for the loan of a costume and towel. These were lent him, and after undressing he went on to the diving-board to have his photograph taken. Whilst having the photograph taken he fell down. Witness at once gave him some brandy and sent for a doctor, but he died within two minutes. When deceased came out of the bathing house he walked with a stick, and witness thought he seemed somewhat peculiar. - Dr Soltau said a post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 July 1902 PLYMOUTH - GLADYS JESSIE MANLEY, aged 23 months, daughter of WILLIAM MANLEY, labourer, 4 Henry-street, Plymouth, was seized with a fit on Saturday morning and died immediately. At the Inquest yesterday Dr A. A. Barclay attributed death to convulsions and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 July 1902 TORQUAY - The Fatality On The Rainbow. A Defective Lug. - At the Upton Parish-room last evening Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM BLYDE, 28, able seaman of the cruiser Rainbow, who died in the Torbay Hospital, from injuries received whilst engaged in coaling on Monday. - Lieut. Brian Money, of the Rainbow, said he witnessed the occurrence which caused BLYDE'S death. He was in charge of No. 3 hold of the collier from which the Rainbow was coaling. After coaling they were unrigging the derrick of the collier preparatory to the latter leaving the side of the Rainbow. Witness was on the deck of the collier. BLYDE and another man were sent aloft to unshackle the chain topping lift of the derrick in order to lower the derrick to the deck to un-rig it, and also to unshackle the iron leading block. To enable them to unshackle the chain topping lift there was a light purchase. Receiving some information about the winches, witness moved away to give an order. He had not returned to his former position more than a second or so when he heard a shout and BLYDE fell from the rigging of the collier to the deck almost at witness's feet. He had only heard from evidence given at the inquiry on board what caused the accident. The upper part of the purchase was hooked to a lug, secured horizontally to the iron mast of the collier by rivets, five-eighths of an inch in diameter at each end. The lug carried away, and the block fell on deceased's head and knocked him off the mast. BLYDE fell about 35 feet. The lug should stand a strain of twenty tons, but there were only four men pulling upon it. - The lug was produced and several Jurymen remarked that it was very defective. - Witness, continuing, said he thought deceased's head must have struck the port drum of the winch. The medical officer of the Prince George was sent for, and BLYDE was removed to the Torbay Hospital. The collier was in the employ of the Admiralty. She had her own crew, but the coaling was done by the naval seamen. He imagined the collier was surveyed, but he knew nothing about the contracts. As far as he knew the officers of the colliers were responsible for the condition of their ships. - Dr A. Lyons, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said when deceased was admitted he was quite unconscious. He was suffering from compound fractures of the right side and base of the skull and right arm. He was operated upon without success and death ensued on the following morning from fracture of the base of the skull. - Charles Marks, able seaman, said he went aloft on the collier with BLYDE. He was in the port and deceased in the starboard rigging. they went up to unshackle the chain topping lift. When the weight of the derrick was taken upon the purchase the lug carried away, and the block fell on BLYDE'S head. - The Coroner: The two rivets in the lug are small, and they look rotten. - Chief Engineer John Horsey Dalrymple, of the Rainbow, said he did not know who was responsible for the condition of the colliers. He had examined the defective lug and was of opinion that one rivet had corroded right through. The rivets were of wrought iron, but now it was more usual to make them of mild steel, which was much stronger. In its condition the lug was perfectly unsafe and would stand no strain at all. The second rivet was bad: it was made of defective material. If the rivets had been perfect, even if they were made of wrought iron, they would stand eight tons. - A Juror: They are only wrought iron and they should be steel. - Witness, continuing, said the four men below had stopped hauling. The block was only just above deceased's head, but its fall was sufficient to knock him off the rigging. He fell about thirty-five feet on to the port side of the deck. - Lieut. F. A. Powlet said the block would only weight about 15lb. The force of the blow would be considerable owing to the sudden release f the chain from the derrick, which weighed about half a ton. It would not be usual, however, to place a strain of more than two tons upon it. The rivets for such a lug should have been an inch in diameter. Looking at the lug on the mast it would be assumed that it would hold tons, and that the rivets would be in proportion to its size. Anyone inspecting the collier would think that the lug would bear a very heavy weight. It would take a very long time to test all the rivets. It would be difficult to say what the age of the lug was. Ships built by contract were often scamped. - Capt. T. Y. Greet said the colliers were chartered by the Admiralty and they were examined simply as to their suitability as coaling ships. This was his idea, although he could to swear to it. The crews of the warships ran all the risk of defective gear, for they did the coaling. If colliers were badly reported on by the ships they would not be taken again. No one could say the lug was bad unless he tapped it with a hammer. The collier was, he believed, called the Castleford, of Cardiff. She was a big boat, carrying 2,500 tons. He did not know the owners. - The Coroner said he could not help thinking that this accident never ought to have happened. The rivets in the lug were not only small, but worn. He did not think the Jury could do anything, but he presumed the occurrence would bear its own punishment. A full report would go to the Admiralty, and the owner of the collier would be put on the black list, or, at all events, it was not likely that he would be trusted again or his ship chartered. - Capt. Greet said there had been an inquiry on board the Rainbow, a report of which would be forwarded to the Admiralty. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BOVEY TRACEY - The Bovey Tracey Fatality. Cut In Two On The Railway. - At Bovey Tracey yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on GEORGE HOLE, aged 39, a labourer who resided at Wrayland, Lustleigh, and killed on the railway on Monday night. Mr W. Sercombe was Foreman of the Jury. - ALBERT HOLE, gardener, Waldon Castle, Torquay, said deceased served twelve years in the army, of which over ten years was spent in India. Deceased occasionally suffered from ague. He had been in work until last Saturday and was then discharged as the work was finished. On Monday he had been to Bovey to look for work. - MRS HOLE, deceased's mother, said her son had never had a bottle of medicine in his life. On Monday morning he left home to look for work at Bovey Waterworks. - John Courtier, driver of the Moretonhampstead branch line train, stated that on Monday he was driving the 4.5 p.m. train from Moreton to Newton. Just before reaching Bovey Station, as they were rounding a curve, he saw a man lying on his back on the left rail. He was within twenty or thirty yards of deceased when he first saw him. He at once applied the brake and sounded his whistle. Did not see deceased sufficiently well to be able to say how his arms were. His back was right across the rail. He could not pull up the train in time and passed over deceased at about thirty miles an hour. Deceased did not move so far as witness could see. He went back, and found the body cut in two pieces right across the back. After witness saw him there was no time for deceased to get up. The train was on him within a second or so. - Dr Goodwyn said deceased might have tripped and fallen on the line, and have been stunned. But in that case he would hardly have been on his back. There was also a slight wound on the head, which might, or might not, have been caused at the time of the accident. - Alfred Steer, groom, asserted that he spoke to deceased in the yard at the Dolphin Hotel about 3.45 p.m. Deceased had a quart cup of beer, but did not seem fuddled at all. he was not absolutely sober. - Samuel Heath, an elderly pensioner, said deceased, as he was leaving to go home, seemed all right and said he should be down again soon. - C. R. Causely, insurance agent, saw deceased in Station-road, going towards the Station. Afterwards he saw deceased going round the goods shed at the Station, and ten minutes later heard of the accident. Deceased appeared a little sleepy. - Mr W. Scantlebury, Chief Inspector, Great Western Railway in the Plymouth district, said there was no public footpath along the line. The path along the side of the line was about seven feet wide owing to the narrowing of the gauge, but it was only for the use of the railway workmen. - E. P. Crocker, fireman on the train, corroborated the evidence of the driver. - P.C. Finch proved that nothing of any consequence was found on the body except a razor. - MRS HOLE, recalled, said it was a razor deceased had sharpened for another person. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," with the statement that there was no evidence to indicate how he came under the train. The Coroner: Was it accidental or otherwise? - An Open Verdict means that you do not know how death was caused. You know here that the train ran over him. - The Foreman: We are convinced it was an Accidental Death. We believe he probably laid down there to go to sleep. - The Coroner: That is a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 July 1902 EXMOUTH - Buried Alive At Exmouth. - At an Inquest held an Exmouth on Saturday on WILLIAM RENDLE, aged 40, George Lindsey, foreman at Withycombe Brick Works, said on Friday morning deceased was taking out sand from the fall of the back in the yard. As it did not look safe, he told deceased to go to the top and use a bar, which would take a little longer, but would be safer. Deceased said: "It won't fall." Five minutes later he was told the fall had given way. Three or four cart-loads had fallen. When deceased was dug out he was dead. He also cautioned RENDLE on Wednesday last. - Frank Pengilley said he heard the foreman caution the deceased. - Dr Horsefell said deceased's neck was fractured, and his left leg and the neck of the left thigh bone were broken. Death was instantaneous. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr W. H. Gould) said it was clear that had deceased taken notice of the caution given him he would still be living. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 August 1902 TORQUAY - Sad Story At Torquay. A Young Girl's Death. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on FRANCES MARY ROBERTS, aged 17, whose body was found in the bay on Thursday. - WILLIAM HENRY ROBERTS, claycutter, of Highweek, identified the body. Although there was no flesh on the face, he could recognise the body by the loss of one of the front teeth. She lost it when biting a crust, and he had it at home. She was 17 last Christmas. Since March last she had been in service at Gibbons's Hotel. At the end of June she was home for a week. - The Coroner: Has she ever threatened to commit suicide? - Not that I know. - MRS ROBERTS: She did threaten to once, when she was twelve years old. - The Coroner: Didn't your wife tell you? - Witness: No. - MRS ROBERTS: I used to keep a good deal to myself. - MRS ROBERTS stated that when deceased was 12 years old she took some of her grandfather's money. When chastised she threatened to destroy herself. She last saw deceased three weeks ago at the shows on Stentiford's-hill. She had then been discharged for having men in the house. Witness was searching the town, and found deceased in a swinging-boat with a sailor. She refused to go home and witness never saw her again, although she looked for her on subsequent days and left messages for her. - Thomas Lear, fisherman, of Ellacombe, while fishing on Thursday morning, had his attention called to a body in the sea. He found deceased floating about four hundred yards from the pier head and brought the body ashore. - Jessie Cooper, a young woman lodging in Pimlico, who said her home was at Brixham, asserted that she had known deceased about three weeks. Did not know where deceased lodged, but on the Friday before her clothes were found deceased slept with witness. On the previous Tuesday she went to Exeter with an Exeter man. She last saw deceased at noon on Saturday, July 12th. Deceased was then going out to the laundry to get work. - Mr W. Brown, the Foreman, elicited the statement that the witness was waiting in Torquay to get another situation. The Coroner: People don't usually take servants from common lodging-houses. - Several Jurymen suggested that witness should take deceased's fate as a warning. - Questioned further, witness said deceased seemed "moody" on Friday evening after William Henley, a private in the Devon Regiment, had returned to Exeter. - Mr Heale, one of the Jurymen, offered to pay witness's fare to Brixham if she would return to her parents. - Dr Lyons, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the body was greatly decomposed. He was satisfied death was due to drowning. There was no apparent reason why deceased should have drowned herself. - Mr F. Crickett, R.N., chief officer of coastguard, stated that last Sunday week a gentleman informed him he had found some wearing apparel near Daddy Hole. He went to the place indicated and on as eat found the clothes produced, including a grey skirt, hat and boots. In the lining of the hat were a watch and chain and a brooch, all carefully concealed. The watch was going. - F. J. Gibbs, landlord of Gibbons's Hotel, said deceased was discharged on July 7th for keeping late hours. - Beatrice Webber, another young woman, said the soldier Henley bought the watch for deceased at Newton Abbot on the Thursday before the clothes were found. She cried because he had to return to his regiment. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - Fatal Kick By A Horse At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday on ERNEST JOHN RICHARDS, aged 12, son of FREDERICK RICHARDS, a foreman of 29 Cambridge-street, Plymouth. - The father stated that his son was the previous morning, about ten o'clock, engaged sweeping up a stable belonging to Mr Watts, in Cambridge-street, Plymouth, when one of the horses kicked him in the stomach. Witness was just behind him as he fell and caught him. Deceased was used to horses and had been practically brought up in the stable. The horse was a very quiet one, and witness had not known it kick before. - Dr E. Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was admitted to the Hospital the previous day suffering from collapse. He died the following morning. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was caused through injuries to the intestines. A verdict of "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received" was returned.

SIDMOUTH - A Bluejacket's Accidental Death. - At Sidmouth on Friday evening, ERNEST TOM EVANS, a native of Branscombe, six miles from Sidmouth, and a stoker on the destroyer Opossum, met with a fatal accident. He had been on leave and left his home about midday on Friday for Sidmouth, from which place he intended to leave by the 8.20 p.m. train. He met with some other sailors, two of whom were accompanying him to the railway station, and when the 'bus with the mails overtook them, they asked for a lift. The driver pulled up and told them to get on by the side. Instead of doing this they climbed up over the back of the vehicle. One of the sailors, named West, and a Greenwich schoolboy, named Brown, got up safely, one sitting by the driver and the other on one of the mail baskets. When the deceased called out "all right," the driver restarted. It appears. however, that deceased caught hold of a basket (the supposition being that he thought it was full, instead of which it was empty), and in pulling himself up the basket gave way, and he fell to the ground. He was taken to the Victoria Cottage Hospital, near by, and Dr Watson was sent for and attended him at once, but he died on Saturday morning about five o'clock. An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon before Deputy Coroner Gould and a Jury of whom Mr W. Cook was Foreman. It was stated that the deceased was sober and that there was no skylarking on the 'bus to cause the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Deceased was only 24 years of age. The Admiralty was represented at the Inquiry by Chief Officer Pearce of the Sidmouth coastguard.

TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - At Torquay on Saturday Mr S. Hacker opened an Inquiry relative to the death of JAMES COSTELLO, aged 32, an able seaman, belonging to the Majestic, who was admitted to the Torbay Hospital on July 23rd. Deceased was among the first of the men given general leave while the Channel and Cruiser squadrons were in Torbay. He spent his first afternoon ashore cycling with some of his shipmates. While so doing he fell off his machine and cut his head badly. His companions took him to the Torbay Hospital, where he arrived in a dazed condition. He subsequently became unconscious. Regaining consciousness slightly he told his name and age and that he came from Glasgow. He gradually became worse and died on Saturday morning. These facts were detailed by Dr Lyon, House Surgeon, and Miss Sordy, one of the nurses. - Dr Lyons said death was due to pneumonia, following upon the injuries he sustained. Another sailor from the Majestic, named Taylor, who was also in Hospital, gave evidence of identification. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry for the attendance of the men who were cycling with the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 August 1902 IPPLEPEN - At Dainton Farm, near Ipplepen, yesterday, an Inquest was held on JOSEPH BLACKLER, aged 33, for a long time in the service of Mr R. Maddicott. BLACKLER was a splendid fellow, standing nearly 6 feet in height, steady, industrious and very much respected by all who knew him. He and his wife were at Ipplepen on Saturday evening, doing their usual weekend business. About 2 a.m. on Sunday MRS BLACKLER was awakened by a gurgling sound, caused by her husband. She at once raised his head and tried to administer brandy, but the poor fellow could not swallow and almost immediately expired. A post-mortem examination shewed the cause of death to be an enlarged heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes", and expressed their sympathy with MRS BLACKLER.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry at the Guildhall yesterday touching the death of ISABELLA CHARLOTTE HAMMETT, 62, widow of a retired warrant officer in the navy, of 12 Marlborough-street. Emily Callaghan, niece of deceased, said a fortnight ago MRS HAMMETT complained of a swelling in her feet and legs Dr Hinvest had attended her, but not recently. Athelia Oxford said she saw deceased, who was poorly, on Saturday night. She called again at 10 a.m. on Sunday and found deceased's bed had not been slept in. Deceased was lying in the fender apparently dead. P.C. Smallacombe was called and found she was quite dead. Dr Hinvest said death was due to an effusion of blood into the brain through long-standing heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Extension works Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - An Inquiry was held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, concerning the death on Friday last of WILLIAM JOHN SMITH, engine driver, from injuries received when a locomotive left the line at Keyham Extension Works. Mr K. E. Peck represented Sir John Jackson, contractor for the Dockyard Extension Works, and Mr T. D. Gill (Okehampton) the National Amalgamated Union of Enginemen. - William Reeves, roperunner at the yard, who appeared with his head bandaged, said he was working with SMITH on Friday. Deceased was driving the "Clyde," and fetching a truck from the large to the small canteen. They had covered half the distance, when the engine came off the rails on the left hand side. On coming to himself he was lying at the bottom of the dock. (Mr Gill: 45 feet deep I am told.) The engine had run on the same road and crossed by a bridge the same dock several times previously that day. The bridge was over the chamber into which they fell. The box on the left-hand leading wheel was tight. He had noticed there was no weight on the springs of this wheel, and had watched it and found a vacant space between the rail and the wheel. SMITH had complained, but not in his presence, to the foreman after taking the engine into the shed. Rail washers had been asked for, and the reply of the foreman (Mr Dowling) was that they could have them. A washer was a pipe carrying a stream of water over the metals. They had been asked for about a month ago, but not yet supplied. This particular engine had left the rails some twenty or thirty times, sometimes two and three times a day, but had always gone on hard ground. "Slashers" were present, so there was no need for the driver to officially report such occurrences. Although dangerous he had never refused to work on the engine, because someone else would have quickly been placed there. SMITH had refused to work the engine one night. they always proceeded slowly. The engine always left on the one side. Other engines passed the spot safely. The failing of the spring was in his opinion the cause of the accident. Asked why he did not protest against working in such a dangerous position, he replied that the foreman knew as much about it as he did, and he would have been dismissed and another man found for his place. He had seen deceased with the oiler lubricating the wheel because it was tight and he had heard complaints made to the "slashers." - By Mr Peck: He had no experience except on two engines. He did not know they varied in weight. - By a Juryman: If he, in a subordinate position, had taken upon himself to make complaints they would have ate me. - The Coroner thought he should have reported such a danger and risked the consequences. - William George Rosewarren, Elliot-street, Weston Mills, was signalling that day, and saw the engine approach the bridge. She canted a little and toppled over on a network of timber, the men falling into the chamber. He had never heard of her leaving the rail before. He knew both men, but never conversed about the engine. - James Dowling, mechanical foreman, 36 Avondale-terrace, said the Clyde was built about 1882, and had been on the works during the last five years, doing casual work. During May and June she underwent a thorough repair at their fitting shop, coming out on June 17th, and was inspected then by Mr Talbot. SMITH was a very steady, cautious man. There was a verbal complaint on July 3rd. Witness asked the driver how the engine was running and he said a little stiffly still. The little box was reported tight and he believed the engine came in that night. The pillars were lengthened and the necessary repairs accomplished. Since then no complaint had been made. He had never head since her fitting out of her running off the rails, but she had previously done so. He had seen her once off at a very sharp curve. It was the "slashers" duty to report if one engine left the line 20 or 30 times, but a subordinate was perfectly justified in speaking his mind, and would not be dismissed. He, personally, had nothing to do with the "slashers." - The Coroner: Here is an engine constantly running off, and consequently dangerous. The driver is said to have made complaints, but to whom would the roperunner complain? - Witness: If the engine was not fit to work the "slasher" would send her into the shop. He had formed no opinion, but there might be two or three causes of running off - excessive speed, or being brought up sharp, or a very dry rail on a very sharp curve. He had been asked for washers, but they had not been put on, because there was no time. If these had been fixed it would have probably helped the engine round, or possibly have prevented the accident. A month was scarcely sufficient for casting them. He had since examined the spring, and found it worked slightly stiff. - By Mr Peck: He had never heard this engine was so bad. All the engines were the best obtainable. He had never heard of a man being dismissed for making a complaint. Engines should be equally balanced and it was scarcely likely that this one went out of the shop unevenly balanced. - By a Juryman: The "slasher" was like a traffic manager. - Thomas Talbot, fitter-shop foreman, 71 Admiralty-street, said the "Clyde" was turned out in good condition on June 17th. He made a minute inspection of every part. She had two new leading wheels and the spring pillars had been altered, but that was an every-day occurrence. - H. L. Apthorp, Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was admitted there suffering from a severe scalp wound, fracture of hip bone and internal injuries in the abdomen. There was practically no hope and he died at 10.40 the same night. He made no statement. - The Jury brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death," but considered there was unnecessary delay in providing the rail washers asked for by the deceased, and recommended that necessary repairs should receive more speedy attention. They expressed their sympathy with the family, an expression which the Coroner thoroughly endorsed. Mr Peck, on behalf of the contractor, also expressed sympathy and promised that careful and prompt attention should be given to the Jury's recommendation.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Infant's Death. The Father Reprimanded. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Guildhall yesterday touching the death of WILLIAM WILKINSON, a newly-born child, whose parents reside at 31 Northumberland-street. THOMAS JAMES WILKINSON, the father, a mason at Keyham Extension Works, said he was at home when the child was born, about 1 a.m. on Wednesday,. Caroline Truran, his mother-in-law, was present. No medical man was engaged and no other midwife but his mother-in-law. - By the Coroner: His wages were 8d. an hour, averaging 36s. weekly in the summer. he had five children living, the eldest being 12 years old. A medical man was engaged for the first child. Two of his children had died, one a few months ago at the age of 18 months, and the other three years ago, when four days old. - CAROLINE JANE TRURAN said she had had thirty years experience of midwifery, but did not hold herself out to be a midwife. She did not think the child ever breathed. She gave it a warm bath. - Dr R. S. Pullen said he had made a post-mortem examination, but which he found that deceased's lungs showed no evidence of having received air. The other organs were quite healthy and the child well formed. He was of opinion that if a medical man had been present at the birth the child might have been still alive by means of artificial respiration. He did not consider Mrs Truran a fit person to attend confinements. - In summing up, the Coroner reprimanded the husband, and said that in the interests of his wife and child he should have arranged for the attendance of a qualified midwife or a medical man. - The Jury found that the child died from want of proper attention at birth.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on ROBERT GEORGE BAZZAR, the child of THOMAS and SARAH JANE BAZZAR, of 2 High-street. According to the evidence of the father and mother, the child was apparently well until last Saturday. It developed a rash, and was then taken to a doctor. Dr e. J. Hinvest said the child died from exhaustion due to a congenital disease. It ought to have been attended to from birth, and the mother ought not to have nourished it. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK WILLIAM BURGE, aged 14 months, the child of a plasterer of 9 Amity-place, Plymouth. KATE E. BURGE, mother, said that last Tuesday morning she left deceased in bed whilst she got her husband's breakfast. She heard a fall and on going into the bedroom found the deceased had fallen out of bed and was lying on the floor. The child's head was injured and she took it to the Hospital, but would not allow it to be detained. Dr H. Williams said he attended the child until it died on Friday from convulsions, due to the injuries to head, caused by falling out of bed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Football Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on BERTRAM HENRY FROST, 19, mason of 5 Durham-avenue, Plymouth. Frederick Howards, plasterer's apprentice, of 16 Richmond-street, said that on Saturday he, the deceased and others were playing Association football at Mount Gould. Witness and deceased were playing on the same side. The ball was kicked towards where the deceased and Howards stood and witness shouted "Let it go, BERT; I will take it." Deceased, however, could not have heard it and endeavoured to head the ball away. At the same time witness raised his foot and missing the ball, kicked FROST on the neck. The deceased dropped to the ground and witness knelt beside him and tried to make him speak, but found that he was unconscious. Howards ran and got some water and others went for a doctor. - James Jocelyn, who was watching the game, corroborated the last witness's statement. He distinctly heard Howards say "Let the ball go, I will take it." What happened afterwards was purely an accident. - Dr W. Annersley said that when he saw the deceased at Mount Gould on Saturday he was dead. Death was due to the kick on the neck. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) said that it appeared a pure accident, and he sympathised as much with Howards as with the deceased's relatives. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury passed a vote of sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on ALFRED WALDRON, journeyman plasterer, aged 26, of 11 Wyndham-street, Plymouth. FREDERICK ALBERT WALDRON (brother of deceased) said he last saw his brother alive on Saturday evening, about seven o'clock, when he appeared to be in his usual health. Later in the evening, not seeing deceased, witness went to look for him, and after some time found him hanging by a rope from a clamp in the wash-house wall, apparently dead. Witness cut him down. Deceased had suffered a lot from influenza, and for the last seven years had done no work. He used to be a long distance swimmer and high diver and through this he injured himself. The family had been told by a doctor to brighten the deceased up as much as possible, and this they were always trying to do. - Dr H. R. Corbett said that he was called to see the deceased on Saturday and found him dead. Witness examined his neck and found round it the marks of a rope. Death was due to strangulation through hanging. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned and the Jury passed a vote of sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. A Popular Error. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of BEATRICE MABEL NORTHWAY, aged one month, the child of JABEZ BROAD NORTHWAY, steam crane fireman at Keyham Extension Works, and living at 23 Fleet-street East. the father said the child developed measles a fortnight ago. No medical man was called in, as his other children had had measles and had got on satisfactorily, and he thought deceased had got better two or three days before he fetched a doctor. On Saturday he found that deceased would not take her milk and on Sunday morning he sent for Dr Davis, who came, but the child died nine hours afterwards. Saffron tea and brandy were given to the child for measles. - The Coroner said it was a pity the parents did not have medical advice, especially as they might have obtained a doctor from the works free of charge. He saw no excuse for not calling in the doctor. - The mother said she was not attended by a medical man in her confinement. She had measles at the same time as the deceased, but did not think it necessary to call in a doctor. - Dr Davis said when he was called he told the mother there was no hope for the child, but gave her instructions how she should be treated. He also told her that if the child lived until next day she had better call in her own medical man. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to inflammation of the lungs following measles. There were also signs of the child having had convulsions. If the child had been treated for measles by a medical man it was possible that she might have been living now. He was afraid people looked upon measles too lightly. There was a common idea that saffron tea drove out the measles, but it had absolutely no effect whatever; and they might as well give water. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The Coroner hoped that in future the father would call in a medical man, however slight the disease of his children might be.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatality On The Impregnable. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on HENRY ERNEST JONES, second class boy of the training-ship Impregnable. Mr K. E. Peck appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Surgeon Albert X. Lavertine, of the Impregnable, stated that about 9.35 on Monday morning, deceased was removed to the sick bay suffering from injuries to the head, having fallen from aloft. He did within seven minutes. A post-mortem examination revealed the organs of the body to be healthy. The skull was fractured and there was a laceration of the brain, which caused death. One of the fingers was fractured, and there were contusions about the knees. The deceased's skull was unusually thin. - Charles Edward Pengelly, first class petty officer, and instructor on the Impregnable, said there was the usual sail drill on Monday morning and soon after nine he went aloft to the port side of the foreyard. Deceased and other boys came up afterwards, the former being second boy from the port end of the laying out mark, with five others inside him. On the starboard side of the yard there were the same number of boys, under another petty officer. There were some boys, with a petty officer, on the topsailyard above them. There was a studding-sail boom, which should be hoisted to enable the boys to lay out clear. Whilst he was engaged in taking the clew hanger off, a rope came about his neck, and on looking up he saw the topgallant studding-sail boom coming down. He sang out to the boys he was in charge of to hold on and lean back, but deceased must have mistaken his order, for he leaned forward, and the boom knocked him off the yard to the forecastle deck, 33 feet below. Witness caught the heel of the boom, and prevented it falling to the deck. - The Coroner: It is the duty of a boy in the foretop, when he gets the order to trice up, to unfasten the end of the tricing rope and trice up? - Witness: Yes, sir. - He would have no right to have this end in his hand ready to trice up until he got the order? - No, sir. - The Jury commended the action of Pengelly in seizing the boom as he did, thus escaping being knocked off the boom himself and saving the other boys. - Lieut. Cecil Henry Fox, of the Impregnable, said he was in charge of the deck at the time of the accident. He corroborated the evidence of Pengelly regarding the position of the boys on the yards. He gave no order to trice up and lay out and until the order was given the boom should not have been triced. - Alfred Bradshaw, 2nd class boy, was in charge of the tricing line and it would not be his duty to touch the line until the order was given. - The Coroner: It is always the duty of a boy to attend to that line? - Witness: Oh! Yes. - It is quite a simple matter if he follows instructions? - Yes. They drill in slow time, so as to avoid accidents. I was about to give the order. - Then the boy must have anticipated your order? - I should think so. - In reply to a further question by the Coroner, witness said the boy had been in the ship about four months. - Francis James Lugent, leading seaman, said he was instructor on the port side of the topsailyard and was getting ready for tricing up, when the boom took charge. this was not due to him or to his boys, as far as he knew. - Instructor Pengelly, recalled, said the deceased was very active aloft. - James Kirby, gunner of the Impregnable, said the order to trice up and lay out had not been given and the boys were waiting for it. The cause of the boom falling was through the tricing line being let go in the foretop. - Lieut. Fox stated that the principal witnesses, including Bradshaw, were attending a court of inquiry on board the Impregnable into the circumstances of the accident and the Coroner thereupon adjourned the Inquest until tomorrow at 12.30.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on FLORENCE JESSE CHIVERS, aged two years of 4 Friary-green, Plymouth. Ellen Drake, wife of a fisherman, living at the above address, said the child was taken ill on Monday night and she went for a doctor. She saw Dr Ward and asked him to come and see the deceased, but he refused. Dr Wilkinson and Dr Palmer also refused to see the child. Witness knew deceased had a rash, but did not know it was the measles. Dr C. E. Player said he was called to see deceased on Tuesday morning, but on his arrival found the child dead. From an examination made he was satisfied that death was due to bronchitis following measles. The child had been well cared for. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatality On The Impregnable. - An adjourned Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on HENRY ERNEST JONES, second class boy of the training ship Impregnable. The Inquiry was adjourned from Tuesday, as two of the principal witnesses were attending a court of inquiry on that day on board the Impregnable into the cause of the accident. - Mr K. E. Peck again appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Lieut. C. H. Fox and Lieut. Wells, of the Impregnable, were present, as also was Superintendent Hacon. - Richard Edward Philip Ransom, first class petty officer, said he was acting as captain of the foretop when the accident occurred. There were four boys with him, two trice-line boys and two others. The first he saw of the accident was the falling of the studding-sail boom on the foreyard. He could not say what the four boys in the foretop were doing because his attention had been called away through the royalyard fouling, but the jamming of this had nothing to do with the boom falling. On receiving instructions from the officer on deck, he repeated them to the boys. The trice-line boy should take a turn off and keep the boom back until triced up. When given the order to do this it was his duty and not before, to cast off the tricing-line, and hoist. No such order was received or given on that occasion. Alfred Bradshaw was in charge of the line on the port side and it was the port boom that came down. Witness could not account for its falling. The lad did not hoist the boom; he let it go. The tricing-line was secured before the boys went into the foretop. - Alfred Bradshaw, first class boy, said he was engaged in sail drill as tricing-line boy on the port side in the foretop. It was the second time of his doing such duty. They started drill about 9.20 and shortly afterwards P.O. Ransom told him to let go the boom back line and he did so. He then heard, as he believed, the order to let go the trice-line, and he obeyed with the result that the boom fell to the fore-yard. The trice boy's duty was to trice up and then cast off, but he cast off and let go altogether. Witness could offer no explanation for this act, and some surprise was manifested by the Jury at his inability to explain. - Lieut. Fox said the boy's duty was to do as he was ordered and fulfil the instructions received from his instructor. Apparently he thought he heard an order given, and obeyed it. - The Coroner: Then if orders were given him to cast off he did not understand the consequences. - Petty Officer Ransom, recalled, said he never spoke to the boy at all. In his general instructions of trice-line duty Bradshaw had been told never to cast off. - Bradshaw, continuing, admitted receiving instructions on first going to the trice-line to keep the boom back fast until the boom was triced up with the tricing-line. He let go, but could not explain why. There was no skylarking. He was not nervous aloft. - A Juryman: The boy evidently did not know his work. - Replying to Mr Peck, Lieut. Fox said he frequently found boys let go the wrong rope, but luckily the officers generally noticed it in time, or the results might have been serious. Boys in general were very careless, but there were several ropes to deal with. - The Jury thought the boy must have been flurried and having received the order to let go the tricing-line, let go the rope, without understanding the consequences. - The Coroner reminded them of the action of Instructor Pengelly in seizing the boom and preventing its descent to the deck. His coolness and prompt action averted a far more serious calamity. - The Jury returned a verdict that JONES died from injuries received, caused by the boom falling, due to the negligent performance of his duty by the trice-line boy, Alfred Bradshaw, but that such negligence was not culpable. They endorsed the remarks of the Coroner concerning the prompt action of First Class Petty Officer Pengelly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Shipwright's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport last evening on SAMUEL HEATH MITCHELL, 59, shipwright in Devonport Dockyard, of 33 St John-street, who died suddenly early yesterday morning. William Henry Taylor, naval pensioner, employed at the Dockyard, said at 10.45 the previous evening deceased retired, apparently in his usual health. There had been no recent complaint concerning his health. Yesterday morning about six o'clock, their usual time for rising, witness was surprised on going into MITCHELL'S room to find him lying dead in his bed. He was undressed. - Dr J. E. Cheyne Wilson stated that he made an external examination of the body and found no marks of violence and as he had attended deceased previously for heart disease, he was of opinion that death was due to that. - The coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) said deceased was well known in Devonport and highly respected. He was for years people's churchwarden at St John's Church. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and at the instance of the Foreman (Mr J Hellier) passed a vote of condolence with deceased's relatives. MR MITCHELL was an active politician, having been chairman of St John's Ward conservative Association and was connected with the St John's Recreation Club.

TAVISTOCK - At Tavistock yesterday at Inquest was held on THOMAS CRUIZE, labourer, aged 72, found on Wednesday afternoon dead in his newtake, with a shovel in his hand, by his step-daughter, Maria Martin. The latter stated that deceased slipped in the Market three weeks ago and injured his left side. Dr Snowden Smith stated that the deceased had a weak heart and his death was accelerated by the shock caused by the fall. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - St Budeaux Railway Accident. Killed In A Fog. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Guildhall on SAturday relative to the death of PAUL PENROSE, 60 years, a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Lang and co., railway constructors. Inspector Scantlebury represented the Great Western Railway Company. - EMILY PENROSE, 14 High-street, Stonehouse, said the deceased, who was her husband, left home just after four o'clock on Friday morning to go to his work on the railway at Saltash. He was in good health and spirits when he left and he could hear all right. - Maroni Chalker, engine-driver in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said he left North-road at 5.16 a.m. on Friday and the train did not stop until they reached a spot between the St. Budeaux and Royal Albert Bridge signal-boxes, when he saw a man walking between the two rails four or five yards in front on the engine. There was a very thick fog. They were travelling at the usual speed of about 18 miles an hour. As soon as he saw the man witness applied the steam and vacuum brakes and did his best to pull up. He felt a bit of a jerk and, concluding that the man had been run over, went to the front of the engine when the train stopped and saw hair and blood about the buffer plank. He then sent the fireman back to see if they could render assistance. The fireman returned shortly afterwards and said: "It's no good. The poor fellow is dead; his brains are knocked out." Witness took the train to the Royal Albert signal-box and reported the case there. It was so foggy that morning that it was impossible to see a signal until quite under it. There was a curve near the spot. Deceased did not take any action of the whistle and probably did not know whether it was an up or a down train. Witness pulled up the train in about 110 yards. - Frank Herbert Burnett, 37 Newman's-road, Newton Abbot, said he was a first-class fireman on the Great Western Railway and was fireman to the last witness on the previous day. When he saw the driver stop the train, he asked what he had done that for, to which he replied that they had knocked a man down. Witness went back and found deceased lying in the 4ft way, with his head near the inside rail and his feet close to the outside rail. Witness could see that the man was beyond all earthy aid. The morning was so foggy that they could hardly see the length of the engine in front. The "rush" of the train was quite sufficient for the man to hear a long while before the train came to him. - Samuel John Taylor, 10 Florence-street, St. Budeaux, a labourer, in the employ of Messrs. Lang, said the firm was engaged in doubling the line beyond Saltash. The men had to begin work at 6 a.m. and witness got on the line just on the St. Budeaux side of the Royal Albert Bridge. He did not know where deceased got on the line, but he had met him crossing the bridge on previous occasions. Deceased had recently appeared well and "as lively as a young man." On Friday morning witness had reached the bridge, when he heard the fireman of the train report that somebody had been killed. Witness went back and found deceased lying in the 4ft. way dead. Witness waited until the arrival of the doctor, who pronounced life extinct. The body was afterwards placed on an ambulance and taken in a van to Devonport. Witness understood that there was a pass to allow a certain number of men to walk over the bridge. He had never been stopped by the company's officials. Friday morning was very foggy, but witness did not think it was possible for deceased to be under the impression that he was in the 6ft. way. - Charles George McVenie, signalman at the St. Budeaux signal-box, said after the first mail train had passed on Friday morning he saw some workmen walk down the line, as they did almost every morning. The deceased was the first to pass. About four minutes later witness gave the 10 p.m. Paddington train "line clear." After it passed witness went out for the electric train-staff, and as he was returning to the cabin he heard the whistle of the engine blowing, and also heard that the train had stopped. When witness reached his cabin the Albert Bridge signalman was calling him on the telephone and inquiring why the train had stopped. Witness replied that he did not know, unless the train had knocked one of the workmen. He afterwards telephoned to witness that that was what had happened and witness fetched Dr Smith and then ran back to his cabin. Witness had cautioned the men time after time that they should walk on the "up" line. Deceased was on the "down" line when witness saw him. - Dr A. Festing Smith stated that about 5.30 a.m. on Friday he was called by the last witness, and immediately proceeded to the scene of the accident. Deceased was dead. He had a fractured skull and the brain was lacerated, and portions were lying about within several yards of where he was lying. He also had a broken leg. Death was due to a fractured skull and must have been instantaneous. Deceased was probably struck at the back of the head. The train had not passed over the body. - Inspector Scantlebury, replying to the Coroner, said he understood from Messrs. Lang's foreman that he held a pass for 40 men to pass over the bridge. It was nothing extraordinary for the men to be on the line on their way to work, but they had to exercise due care, such as all had when employed on such work. Deceased should have walked on the "up" line. - The Coroner thought the deceased could not have heard the train approaching, and before he had time to get out of the way the train must have been on him. He did not think there could be the slightest blame attached to anybody. - Inspector Scantlebury, in reply to a Juryman, said there was room for the men to walk at the side of the lines. - The Foreman said all the witnesses had given their evidence in the most straightforward manner and no one was at fault. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated all from blame, and expressed their gratification at the manner in which all the witnesses acted. Sympathy was also expressed with the widow. - The Coroner endorsed the remarks of the Jury. The railway company's employees who had given evidence thanked the Coroner and Jury and asked that their fees as witnesses should be handed to the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on MARY ANN BIRD, aged 4 weeks, daughter of WILLIAM BIRD, stoker in the Royal Navy, of 13 Moon-street, Plymouth. The mother stated that, that morning between three and four o'clock she fed the child and an hour later found it dead by her side. Dr c. E. Player said death was caused by suffocation due to overlying. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at the Workhouse yesterday on RICHARD DAVIDSON, aged 35, a hawker. When deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on Friday he appeared to have lost the use of his limbs, but could speak. Deceased had been an inmate for some time and only left on the previous day. He died about five hours after admission. Dr C. T. Cocke said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to apoplexy. He had previously attended the deceased for pleurisy, but that had nothing to do with his death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS STEER, aged 80, a superannuated dockyard shipwright of 14 Warren-street. Alice Turner, living in the same house as deceased, said she gave him a cup of tea in bed on Saturday morning, when he appeared well. About half an hour later she called to him, asking if he was going to get up and he did not answer. She went into the room and found he had just passed away. She had not heard him complain at all. Dr Octavius Hall attributed death to syncope, due to the exertion of suddenly getting out of bed, through senile decay. He had attended him for rheumatism and weakness of the heart's action. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1902 TORQUAY - Fatal Cycling Accident At Torquay. - In Upton Parish Rooms yesterday Mr Hacker, Coroner, resumed the Inquest on the naval stoker COSTELLO, who met with a cycling accident during the visit of the fleet in July. A stoker named Driscoll stated that he and deceased hired bicycles and rode to Newton and back. The owner of the cycles was not at home when they returned, so they took a ride round the town. In Torwood-street deceased fell, but witness did not notice the occurrence until his attention was called to it by a passer-by. He went back and found COSTELLO lying unconscious. He was removed to the Hospital. A cabman named Medwayn said he heard deceased fall and took him to the Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - An Exeter Infant's Death. Body found In A Tub. - Mr Gould, Deputy Coroner, resumed an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on a newly-born infant found in a tub in an outhouse at 15 Cowick-street, on July 24th. The Inquest had been adjourned for the attendance of the mother, LUCY SANDERS. - Mrs Elliott, 15 Cowick-street, said she engaged SANDERS in April as a servant. About six weeks' afterwards she noticed her condition and spoke to her, but she denied that there was anything the matter with her. On July 24th witness went to bed, leaving the girl downstairs to let the assistants into the house. About 10.30 Frank Harris, one of her employees, called her downstairs. She found the girl sitting on a chair in the dining-room. Harris said there was something lying in the passage when he came in. Witness found nothing. Harris said it must have been hidden away by the girl. The girl would not answer any questions. - Frank Harris, the assistant, said he entered the house at 10.15. He was admitted by SANDERS. Noticing a lot of blood about the dining-room floor, he questioned the girl, who said her nose had been bleeding very badly. On going into the back he saw something lying in the middle of a large pool of blood. Asked what it was, she said, "A bullock's brain." Witness then called his mistress, and on returning to the back found that the object had been removed. It was afterwards discovered in a tub in the back house. He heard no child cry. SANDERS was by herself. - Dr c. J. Vlieland said when he arrived at the house he found the girl weak and faint. Asked if she had been confined the girl gave no direct answer, but he found she had. After some hesitation she told him the child was in the tub, which was half full of house refuse. There were no marks of violence on the body. It was a well-developed child. He was certain it breathed, but he could not say it had a separate existence. It died from want of proper care and attention at birth. - Mrs Elliott, recalled, said a wooden bucket had been placed in the tub on top of the body. - The girl SANDERS was present, and the Coroner, whilst asking her if she desired to give any evidence, advised her that it would be best for her to say nothing. - SANDERS: I was too faint to know anything. - The Coroner advised the Jury that, in the absence of proof that the child had had a separate existence, the only verdict they could return was that the child died from want of sufficient care and attention at birth. There might be a charge of concealment brought against the girl, but that had nothing to do with that Court. - The Jury returned a verdict as suggested by the Coroner. - We understand that, having regard to the evidence given at the Inquest, the Chief Constable has decided not to take proceedings against the girl

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on THOMAS STEPHENS, a naval pensioner, aged 50, whose body was found floating in the Tamar Canal. - Deceased's wife, SARAH ANN STEPHENS, of 23 John-street, said deceased had been strange in his manner of late, and particularly so on Sunday last. He worked for James Bros., and Co. Five months ago he was brought home from his work by two men, having had a paralytic stroke. Dr McElwaine told her there was something forming on his brain and he must be watched. He frequently fell during his work and finally left his employment on that account. Just before his going out on Monday afternoon she suggested his applying to the parish for work - stone cracking or street sweeping. there were eight children and his pension was only £4 15s. per quarter. He told her he would go to Sir John Jackson's and try for a place. - By the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce): She might have said to the Policeman she hoped he had not got into the canal, but there was no quarrel, neither had she heard him threaten his life. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness denied having received any message from her husband or being in a public-house during this his absence. She became rather anxious at two o'clock in the morning but made no inquiries, as she thought he might have obtained a night job. He had never gone to a public-house to fetch her. - Caroline Bates, a neighbour, said deceased on Monday afternoon remarked to her, "You won't see me alive tomorrow morning." Having got as far as the window, he returned, and holding out his hand endeavoured to say something, but witness could not understand him. He was sobbing, bitterly. His actions of late showed that he was not right, so she took very little notice of his remarks. He frequently talked to himself and had threatened to hang himself. The family lived comfortably together as far as she knew. - By the Foreman: Had never seen him the worse for drink. Although formerly a very careful man, he had of late been very careless. - John Nowell said he was drawing the barge across the canal with a rope the body came up, the two hands grasping the rope. There was about ten feet of water in the canal. - Dr Frederick Everard Row said there were on the body no marks of violence. Death was due to suffocation from drowning. The widow, recalled, said her husband was insured for £20. - The Jury remarked on the fact that the man's mind was known to have been wrong for a long time, but no notice was taken. Someone should have been called in to certify to his condition, for his wife admitted watching him hourly. there had been a laxity on the part of his friends. - The Coroner agreed, and asked if anyone had been called in. - The reply was not since Dr McElwaine. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Insane" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on LAURA HOOK JAMES, aged 45, of 22 Birch-street, Southville, Bristol, who died suddenly on the platform of the Newton Railway Station on Tuesday, MR JOHN JAMES, the husband, said she had been subject to heart trouble for some years. She was returning from a visit to friends at St. Marychurch. Dr E. Hunt, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased was suffering from general congestion of the intestines in an advanced state. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 22 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Laira yesterday on FREDERICK CHARLES LAWRENCE, 57, navy pensioner of 1 Lawn-terrace, Laira, labourer, in the employ of the Oreston Steamboat company. The widow said her husband, on arriving home late on Tuesday night, complained of feeling unwell and went to bed without supper. During the night she found him dead by her side. Dr Withers attributed death to syncope, and said the shortness of breath from which deceased suffered indicated heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death In A Devonport Chapel. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on ELLEN JANE COYDE, aged 47, the wife of a naval pensioner and skilled labourer, of 10 Jackson-place. - JOSEPH COYDE said he last saw his wife alive at 8.30 on Tuesday evening, when she was in exceptionally good spirits. She then left home to go to her class meeting at Morice Town Chapel. He arranged to meet her at 9.30 and went to the Park steps, where they usually met. Whilst waiting he received a message saying she had been taken very ill. When he arrived at the Chapel she had passed away. - George F. Truscott, 45 Marlborough-street, said whilst at the meeting he saw deceased roll over in her seat at about nine o'clock. He ran over and found her on her left side, looking very pale. Thinking she was faint, he gave her water and took her outside to get some air. Others assisted and brandy was administered, but deceased never moved after she rolled over. Dr Kirton arrived shortly after and pronounced life extinct. - Dr F. E. Row said he had attended deceased for heart disease, but had not seen her for six or seven months. Death was due to heart disease of long standing. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 August 1902 PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Laira. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Old Laira yesterday as to the death of JOSIAH HURRELL, aged 49, of 1 Rigs-terrace, Laira. - LUCY HURRELL, the widow, said her husband had been drinking heavily for some time past. When he was drunk he acted like a madman. On Sunday morning deceased got up early and made a cup of tea. She (witness) got up before eight o'clock and then missed her husband. As he did not answer her when she called, she sent her little boy to find him. Hearing a noise in the water closet, she found the door locked and called a neighbour, who broke it open and deceased was found in a kneeling position, his head resting on one arm and his throat cut. He was then dead. A table knife was found near the body. - P.C. Prout did not think the deceased was addicted to drink as his wife had stated; he was a quiet, inoffensive man. Dr Mariette said there was a small, vertical wound near the windpipe, which was probably produced by a blunt knife. A large blood-vessel was severed. - Replying to a Juror, witness said he had not noticed two wounds, one each side of the waist. He had not made a post-mortem examination. - The Inquest was adjourned for a few minutes in order to enable the doctor to further examine the body. Upon resuming, Dr Mariette said one wound was a mere scratch and the other was a deeper wound, penetrating the abdominal wall. It was probably done at the same time as the wound in the throat. Witness thought that the man to use such a blunt knife must have had a disordered mind. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of MR JAMES SHERWILL. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Stoke yesterday touching the sudden death of MR JAMES HAMLYN SHERWILL, aged 60, provision caterer at Keyham Extension Works, which took place on Sunday night at his residence, 12 Somerset-place. - IDA SHERWILL, daughter of deceased, said she last saw her father alive at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday, when he was in the best of spirits. He then left the house and visited Mr W. J. Lamb, a neighbour, afterwards going to the Keyham Extension Works. He returned home about 10.30, had supper and went to bed in his usual good health. Her mother came into the witness's bedroom at 7.30 on Monday morning, and said she thought deceased was faint. Witness went into her father's room and saw that he had passed away. Drs. Lander and Rendle were called and the former pronounced life extinct. Deceased met with a slight accident on Saturday night. Whilst talking with some friends he rose from the chair on which he was sitting. While he was standing up somebody behind him removed the chair, not knowing that deceased intended to use it again. Deceased went to sit down and fell to the floor. the accident gave deceased a shaking, and witness thought he hurt his back and head, though he did not complain. - Dr Arthur Rendle said that when he saw deceased at eight o'clock on Monday morning he appeared to have been dead several hours. He had made an examination of the body and found that death was due to long standing valvular disease of the heart. He was of opinion that the accident had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death. There was no trace of any injuries on the body or the head. - The Coroner said he wished to tender to the relatives of the deceased his sympathy with them in the loss they had sustained of one who was so well known and respected in the borough. - The Foreman (Mr H. Pyle) said deceased was an old friend of his. The Jury would heartily support the vote of sympathy. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. The funeral will take place this afternoon.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 August 1902 BRIXHAM - Inquest At Brixham. Complaint By The Jury. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixham on Tuesday evening on CHARLES W. K. HELE, who died at the Brixham Cottage Hospital on Saturday after a long illness, occasioned by a fall in Higher-street on June 7th. Mr Hamilton was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - After the Jury had viewed the body at the Hospital mortuary, Mr H. M. Smardon, a Juror, said the Jury wanted to know why the Inquest had not been held sooner, deceased having died on Saturday. - The Coroner: That is what I also want to know. I did not get the information until the evening post on Monday. - P.C. Luxton said the Police were not informed of the death until about 1 p.m. - The Corner: But I got the information by post last evening. - P.C. Luxton: It was too late for a constable to go to Newton by train and return the same evening. I posted the letter at Brixham at 6.25 on Sunday. - The Coroner: Then there must be some irregularity through the post. - Mr Smardon said the principal grievance of the Jury was the state of the Hospital mortuary, which was a wooden outhouse with a corrugated iron roof, and was badly ventilated. The body was in such a bad condition that the Jury were upset - in fact, some had vomited. P.C. Cole was so bad that he had to leave the Court. - The Coroner: Why was not the body taken to the public mortuary? That is a clean and wholesome place. You remember we had to keep agitating for this until we got it. The Police should be informed whether it is necessary to move the body to the public mortuary. - Dr Quicke said the body could not be removed unless the Coroner ordered it. - The Coroner: As the medical man in charge of the case you should have recommended its removal there. - Replying to the Coroner, Dr Quicke said he saw the message stating that deceased was dead when he returned home from treating a patient, at 3.30 a.m. on Sunday, and he informed the Police at noon after he visited the Hospital. - SARAH KING HELE, sister of deceased, said his age was fifty-one, and he had been in ill-health for many years. He fell down in Higher-street in June last and broke his leg and was taken to the Hospital, where he died. She did not inform the Police of his death. She thought the Hospital nurse would do that. She did not know it was her duty to do it. - P.C. Cole said he saw deceased fall in Higher-street, and rendered first aid by stopping an artery from bleeding and putting the broken leg in temporary splints. - Dr Quicke said that he found deceased had broken his leg in three places. Inflammation of the bladder and blood poisoning supervened and on Saturday deceased died from exhaustion. He had been kept alive by the devoted attention of the matron and nurses at the Hospital. - Nurse Birmingham, in charge of the Hospital, said deceased died at 8 pm., and she wrote to Dr Quicke 15 minutes after. She did not inform the Police, because she did not think it her duty to do so. She had been at the Hospital three years and the matron had never done it. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was the duty of the Hospital Matron to communicate with the Police in all cases where death ensued from unnatural causes, and if she thought that any body placed in the mortuary was likely to get into a bad state, this, too, should be reported to the Police, so that he (the Coroner) might order its removal. In this case the shed had got into a very unhealthy state and the body in a terrible condition and there appeared to be no disinfectant placed there, which would have made things a little better. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, with a rider to the effect that the Jury highly commended P.C. Cole for the skilful and effective manner in which he rendered first aid to the deceased who would undoubtedly have bled to death before the arrival of the doctor had it not been for the constable's promptitude.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 August 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Found Drowned At Devonport. Peculiar Circumstances. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on WILLIAM YABSLEY, aged 49, recently a labourer in the Dockyard, whose body was found in the Tamar Canal on Thursday morning. - Dr F. E. Row, Police Surgeon, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to drowning, which must have taken place on Thursday. the body was in a dirty condition. - CAROLINE YABSLEY, of 14 Cannon-street, widow of deceased, said she saw her husband at ten o'clock on Wednesday night in King-street. Deceased had had 22 years' service in the yard and was formerly in the army. He got into arrears with their rent and as he had an opportunity of getting work on Monday and did not take it, the landlord kept him out of doors on Monday and Tuesday nights. Deceased had been discharged from the Dockyard and had done no work for three months. He told the landlord he was not well enough to go to work. - The Coroner pointed out to the witness that the landlord had no right to keep deceased out of doors. - Witness said she supposed he did it for punishment. She had told him to go to the Infirmary if he was ill, but he would not go. Deceased told her he sent the two nights on the Brickfields and in the Park. On Wednesday night she asked him where he was going, and he replied, "I must wander about as I have the last two nights." Deceased first came out of the yard at the time of the Coronation holiday in June. He started drinking and made himself ill, never returning to his work. He always said he was too ill to go to the Dockyard. Deceased had stayed away from the yard before, the last time being about twelve months ago. He had had two or three chances, but would not return to work. He had been starving himself for a long time. She had been receiving help from her sister, and had given all she could to her husband. - The Coroner: Why did you not go on the parish? Your husband could have got work on the streets. - Witness: he would not do so. - The Coroner: Did you not know that the landlord could not keep your husband out of the house? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: You should have had some consideration for him. - Witness, continuing, said the landlord did not bolt the door in the evening, but he stood in the doorway until eleven, and then shut the door. She had never heard deceased threaten to commit suicide. - By the Jury: She considered that the landlord stood at the door with the intention of keeping her husband away. She had entreated her husband to report himself sick at the Dockyard. He refused to do so and when he was discharged he grieved about it a good deal. He walked about hungry and was eating a piece of dry bread when she last saw him. Deceased knocked at the door at about one o'clock on Wednesday morning, but she did not go downstairs as she thought the landlord would not let him in. - Richard Henry Rice gave evidence of finding the body, which was on the mud, about twelve feet away from the wall. - Replying to the Foreman, witness could not say whether deceased fell or jumped in the water. The tide may have taken him out as far as he was. He was seen on the steps at the Canal at 11 o'clock on Wednesday night. - MRS YABSLEY, asked by the Jury to account for the dirty condition of deceased, said he would not take his clothes off and he had pawned practically everything he had. He very rarely undressed, but had been sleeping in his clothes. She did not think he ever had a bath. - Robert Croxson, working tailor, landlord of the house, said deceased and his wife had been tenants since last March. Deceased was out of work for ten weeks by his own neglect, and he had a job offered to him on Monday and would not go to it. Witness told him that if he would not work he could not come in the house. He had not prevented deceased from entering the house. It was his custom to have a smoke at his front door at about eleven o'clock and at 11.15 close the door. He knew somebody knocked at the door, but he did not take any notice. MRS YABSLEY could have answered the door if she wished. - The Coroner: did you know you have no right to keep anybody out of their rooms? - Witness: I had given him a fortnight's notice and the time had expired. I considered it mistaken charity on my part to keep him. - The Coroner: You can get rid of tenants in a legal way, but you have no right to keep a man from the occupancy of his room. The deceased was told by you not to go to the house any more. He was kept out and obliged to wander about so much that by Wednesday morning he got tired of it and something happened. Supposing he had come to the house while you were at the door would you have let him in? - Witness: I don't know that I should have kept him out. - By the Jury: He was not at the door all the evening, but only from 10.55 to 11.15 and then he was not there to keep deceased out. - The Coroner said it appeared that both deceased and his wife had taken the landlord's remark rather too literally. He could understand that Croxson was hurt when deceased would not go to work. He thought MRS YABSLEY might have persuaded her husband or made some effort to get him home, rather than let him wander about all night. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 1 September 1902 SIDMOUTH - Holiday Disaster. The Bathing Fatality At Sidmouth. - An Inquest was held at Sidmouth on Saturday on MR ERNEST BYATT, 19, a clerk in the Civil Service of Stoke Newington, who was drowned at Sidmouth on Friday. - The evidence of the father of the deceased, MR JOHN BYATT, of Lambeth, was that his son and himself bathed together at 9.30 on Friday morning and the deceased went for a walk over the Peak Hill, and said he might have another dip before coming to the lodgings in Salcombe-road. As he did not return the father and his two daughters walked on the shingle about three o'clock, and saw deceased's clothes on the beach and the body floating on the water, face downwards. The place was a very safe one for bathing. The father got the body ashore, but deceased was dead. - Dr A. C. Bird gave evidence that death was due to drowning. The Coroner and Jury expressed their condolence with the father and a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

HONITON - At Honiton on Saturday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM CONNETT, who died after a few minutes' illness. Death was due to gastric ulcers, and the doctor stated that he found a small bone button in deceased's stomach.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Mystery. A Shocking Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on CLARA WILLCOCKS, aged 55, of no fixed abode. - Mary Jane Dowd, 2 York-street, said deceased and her husband lived at her house for eleven weeks. Six weeks ago the husband left deceased and witness gave deceased notice to leave, because she drank and go rid of the things in her room. Deceased was sent to prison for a month for stealing articles belonging to witness. On the Saturday after she came out of prison deceased came to see witness and came again on Saturday 16th ult. As deceased had behaved so badly witness asked her not to come to the house again, and she had not seen her since. Deceased's husband was very good, and gave all his money to his wife, but she spent it in drink. - Louisa Stapleton, 10 Octagon-street, Plymouth, said that a month ago deceased came to her house for lodgings, stayed three days, paid up and left, saying she had taken a room in Granby-street. Witness last saw deceased at the Octagon at 9 p.m. on Friday, when she said she was going to Devonport. Deceased seemed well then. - Frederick Oakenfold, lamplighter, 46 Queen-street, said that about 5.30 on Saturday morning he saw the body of deceased between two baulks of timber at the New Cut, Richmond Walk. She was lying on her right side and her clothes were disarranged. Blood was issuing from the nose. After finishing his work witness reported the matter at the Police Station. On a previous occasion witness had seen a woman sleeping there. Deceased would not have to climb over timber to reach the spot where he saw the body. - P.S. Brown, who went to the spot on receiving information from the last witness, said the body was cold and stiff. Both arms were up beside her head. He found deceased's hat about 30ft from the body. There was a possibility of deceased walking along a stack of timber and falling over. The face was very much discoloured, almost black. A constable passed along Richmond Walk every hour and another passed the top of New Cut every half-hour. There were no signs of a struggle. Two broken ginger-beer bottles were found near, and had apparently been thrown there some time before. Deceased had frequently been seen near there. On the body witness found 3d., a pawn-ticket and a handkerchief, on which there was a little blood. There was no blood on the timber. - Dr F. E. Row, who made a post-mortem examination, said that externally he found one or two trivial scratches on the left hand, dropsy of both legs and a patch of dry mud on the right temple. On washing off the mud he found a bruise, about half an inch in diameter, which was quite recent. Bleeding had extended nearly to the bone. There was a little blood-stained fluid coming from the nose, and the mouth and lips were covered with blood-stained froth. The face and neck were bluey-black. Practically every organ of the body was terribly diseased. The immediate cause of death was heart failure due to congestion of the right lung. The kidneys were dreadfully diseased. There were evidences of chronic alcoholism. He did not think the bruise on the forehead had anything to do with death. She probably fell while in the act of dying. The bleeding and froth were also due to the act of dying. Alcoholism was the primary cause of all her troubles. She was lying on the right side in order to breathe with the left lung. He could find no evidence of foul play. He believed she died on Friday night. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that from the facts it would appear that it was a natural death, as there did not seem to have been foul play. - The Jury found that death was caused by syncope, due to congestion of the right lung, accelerated by alcoholism.

EXETER - A Soldier's Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Higher Barracks, Exeter, last evening on BYRON WALTERS, a private in the Devonshire Regiment. - Captain N. Z. Emmerson, D.S.O., represented the Commanding Officer (Colonel D. F. Kinder), and said the deceased had recently been transferred into the line from the militia. He was 18 years of age and was an Australian. He knew of no reason why deceased should have committed suicide. He made no complaint of any kind to him. - Private Albert Mitchell, Devonshire Regiment said he occupied the next cot to deceased. About 12 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, deceased took his rifle out of the rack, loaded it and presented it as if taking aim. Witness told him not to play with the rifle like that or it might go off. He replied, "You are not game enough to pull the trigger." Witness again warned him of the danger of playing with the rifle and he eventually extracted the cartridge and put the rifle back. In the evening deceased sat in the room talking with witness and other comrades, and eventually he said "I am going to make my bed down." He went to his bed and shortly afterwards witness head the report of a gun. He found deceased lying on his back with a bullet hole in his chest, whilst his rifle was lying against the wall with a cane through the trigger guard. For the past two days deceased appeared to be depressed, and he had told witness that he did not like the regiment. He had previously been in the merchant service and he said he would sooner be at sea again. There was a rifle rack to every cot in the room. Ball cartridges were not kept there and he did not know where deceased obtained the cartridge with which he shot himself. He did not make any report of deceased having had ball cartridge in his possession in the morning. There were only recruits in the room. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the witness should have made a report to a superior officer. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the deceased did not get on very well with the other men in the room, but there was no quarrelling, neither was deceased put upon by his comrades. - Mr Russell Coombs, acting Medical Officer to the troops, said on being summoned to the barracks he found deceased dead. A bullet had entered the left breast and made its exit just inside the left shoulder blade. There was a hole in the ceiling, said to have been caused by the bullet, and if that was so the wound must have been self-inflicted. Deceased must have been standing and leaning over the mouth of the rifle when he fired it. - Captain Emmerson, recalled, said deceased probably obtained the cartridge from the last batch of reservists from South Africa. Many men returning from the war had brought home cartridges and concealed them and anyone could really obtain a cartridge anywhere. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child's Death. Divided Opinions. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on ROSE BAKER, 7 months, daughter of THOMAS BAKER, yeoman of signals, R.N., 8 John-street. The father said deceased was borne a fine baby, but had since been weak and delicate. Since she was three or four months' old she had been fed with cow's milk and had never been given biscuits or any hard food. She gradually became smaller and died on Sunday morning. No doctor saw her until a fortnight before her death, when Dr Ryan came because the child had not been vaccinated. This time last year another child became weak and delicate and after being attended by Drs. Wilson and McElwaine went on very well. The health of deceased seemed to be generally good. Witness's pay was 19s. 2d. a week. The Coroner said, looking at the child as he had seen her, she did not appear to be one who had been strong and healthy, but one concerning whom medical advice should have been sought. The body looked thin, wan, and emaciated. The parents must have seen her gradually wasting away. The father got his pay regularly and there could be no excuse for not calling in a medical man. - The mother said a fortnight ago Dr Ryan came to vaccinate deceased without being sent for, but said she was not fit to be vaccinated, because she was delicate. Deceased took a quart of milk a day. On Sunday morning witness found the child was cold and Mrs Owen, living in the same house, who was called, said the child was dead. Dr Wilson was then sent for. - The Coroner: What was the good of sending for the doctor when the child was dead? - The mother: I know I ought to have sent for a doctor before, but I thought she would go on all right. - The Coroner: Here is a child wasting away from birth and you have no medical advice. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said about 8.30 a.m. on Sunday MR BAKER told him his child was dead and asked him to call when he was on his rounds. He found the child had been dead several hours. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to general atrophy, or wasting, also from a slightly congested state of the stomach and intestines. It was difficult to say that if the child had had medical attendance some time ago she might have been alive now. The child ought to have been fed differently. Cow's milk was often too rich and although a child might not have been sick or have had diarrhoea, it would not be nourishing her. Medicine would not have done much good, but medical advice would. The child should have been taken in the open air continually and certainly ought to have been medically attended. He did not think people could digest boiled milk; it ought to be just under the boiling point - that killed all the germs. - If he (witness) had been called in months before he might have prolonged life, but not if called in, in the last week. - The Foreman (Mr Trethewy): Is it not right that the milk should come from one cow? - Dr Wilson: That is all nonsense. Milk is milk, no matter how many cows it comes from and a[?]'s milk is better. - The Foreman: then there is a difference of opinion among doctors? - Dr Wilson: Certainly. - The Coroner, summing up, said this was a case in which the medical man was called in too late. It was a very serious case indeed, and one almost bordering on criminal neglect. It was for the Jury to say whether there had been neglect and, if so, whether it was culpable and would warrant a verdict of manslaughter. The father was in a good position and the parents ought to be seriously spoken to as to their neglect to call in the services of a medical man. - The Foreman could not say that the father was in a good position. He had had children of his own, and all the doctors in Devonport could not cure some. - The Coroner: If they had called in a doctor they would have done their duty, and their responsibility would have gone from them. Even apart from their position, if they had not the means to call in a medical man they could have got the parish doctor. - A Juryman: They are neighbours of mine, and I have heard that MRS BAKER is a good mother to her children. - The Foreman: Personally I would not pass any censure on the parents. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and decided not to censure the parents.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Girl's Death. Remarkable Evidence. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport Workhouse yesterday on ANNIE LEE, 18, of High-street, Stonehouse. - ALFRED LEE, working on board the barge Violet, said deceased was his daughter and was engaged at 17 Granby-street, Devonport, as a domestic servant. He did not know when she left, she was leading an immoral life. When he saw her on Saturday she told him she was living in a room at High-street, Stonehouse, and was going to the Hospital in consequence of her condition. He had previously tried to find her at Stonehouse. Witness was sent for to see his daughter on Tuesday, when she was lying in the court at 3 John-street. There were two constables present, and witness expressed the opinion that she should have been removed and the constables informed him that they could not remove her to the Workhouse without the permission of the relieving officer. Witness accepted the advice to send for a doctor and Dr Row sent him to the Parochial-office, with a note, but there was no one at home. He understood the authorities were gone to Exminster. It was then about 8 p.m., and he placed the note in the letter-box, and returned to the court, where his daughter was lying on a mattress, and at the advice of the neighbours he went again to the doctor, who told him to let her stay until the morning. Witness remained with his daughter and soon after 11 o'clock two constables took her away in a cab. - By the Coroner: She was in the court from 4.30 to that time. There was an empty room in the house, but they would not take her in because of her condition. - Susan Jones, of 3 John-street, Devonport, said she had known deceased for about five years. A few weeks ago deceased told her that she had left her last situation because she objected to being a servant girl. Deceased told her of the life she was leading. On Saturday she came to witness's house and stayed the whole of the afternoon. The following afternoon she again came to the house and remained some hours. When witness returned from her work on Monday she saw deceased in her room and she told witness she had had three or four fits that afternoon. Another neighbour and witness went to the Royal Albert Hospital about nine o'clock that evening, but the authorities informed her they could not see anyone at that time. When they were leaving the Institution the girl had a fit just outside the Hospital gate, and witness drew the attention of three constables, who were passing, to her. They said the best thing was for deceased to go to her lodgings, or to the Workhouse. Deceased remarked "I shall do nothing of the kind; I would rather walk the streets." She told witness she met two soldiers on the Devonport side of the Halfpenny Gate, who had assaulted her. Deceased went to Stonehouse and on the Tuesday afternoon witness returned home to find her in a fit in the court. Two constables were called in and they said they could not do anything, and as the girl was there the neighbours must look after her. - The Coroner: Why wasn't she taken indoors? - No one cared to take her in because of her condition. - Patience Smith, 36 John-street, Devonport, said she told a constable near Keyham Gate that the girl was lying, and he said he would "look down around by and bye." He, however, never appeared. - By the Coroner: She did not know his name. He was not doing anything at the time. She was sure it was a borough policeman. - P.C. Saunders corroborated the previous evidence as to what happened on Tuesday, and said that soon after 10 p.m. he went to the Parochial-office and was informed it was too late to obtain an order for the Workhouse. Witness saw P.S. Brown, and they obtained a cab and removed deceased to the Workhouse. - By the Coroner: She was ultimately taken to the Workhouse without an order. She was not taken there at once because the doctor said there must be an order. When he found no order could be obtained he waited for instructions from Sergeant Brown. He admitted that if he saw anybody in the street in a state of collapse he would take him to the Hospital, or to the Workhouse. The father was present, and he thought he would naturally be responsible. - The Coroner: There was no reason at all why the girl could not have been admitted to the Workhouse directly the Police came on the scene. - A Juror asked whether Dr Row had power to send a person straight to the Workhouse without obtaining an order, and the Coroner thought that he would in an emergency. - P.S. Brown said the first he heard of the case was at 10 p.m. He did not think the constable who was on the beat by the Keyham Gate made any report on the matter in the afternoon. If he had found anyone in the street in the same condition as deceased he should have removed her to the Hospital or the Workhouse at once. - Dr Row said when he saw deceased she was semi-conscious. He came to the conclusion that she was suffering from alcoholic poisoning, and suggested to those standing there that she should be removed inside one of the houses. There was no response to the suggestion. He gave a card to the father for the girl's removal to the Workhouse. Next morning at the Workhouse she was still more or less unconscious. She remained so during the day and had convulsive attacks. She was filthy before being admitted. She had a form of Bright's disease and continued in the same condition until Sunday, when she died. He was told of the supposed assault by soldiers, but he could find no marks of violence. The membranes of the brain were matted together, which would account for the fits. In his opinion she died from epileptic convulsions, accelerated by other diseases. - By the Coroner: He suggested that the father should go to the Parochial-office, and wrote "urgent" on the card. In half an hour, if there had been someone at the Parochial-office, she would have been removed. When he was informed that the order could not be obtained he was under the impression that deceased was inside some house. He would not have countenanced the girl remaining in the open all night. - Henry George Long, the Workhouse master's assistant, stated that in an urgent case the Master would admit any person with or without an order. - Susan Facey, caretaker of the Parochial-office, Devonport, said she was away at Exminster on duty on the Tuesday. She returned soon after nine and found Dr Row's card. She did not notice the writing on the back of the card stating the urgency of the case. - The Coroner said the case was an extraordinary one. The constable who saw deceased should have removed her instead of waiting for an order. Sergeant Brown did the right thing in taking immediate steps. That there was no one at the Parochial-office was due to Mrs Facey having lost her husband. Something should be done to investigate the alleged neglect of the constable, who was near Keyham Gate, and was informed of the girl's condition by Mrs Smith. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr G. e. Page) thought something should be done to suppress "the dens of infamy" which existed in the Three Towns. The people who let the room at Stonehouse to deceased must have known the sort of life she was leading. - The Coroner agreed. He felt sure the Police were doing everything in their power. It was very difficult to obtain information upon which to base a prosecution. - The Foreman: could not information be sent to the Stonehouse authorities regarding the house? - The Coroner: I do not think we had better do that. We have not inquired into the character of the house. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 September 1902 INSTOW - The Boating Fatality At Instow. - Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM GEORGE HENRY MITCHELL, tailor's apprentice, aged 17. THOMAS MITCHELL, labourer, of Bideford, father of deceased, said when his son left home on Wednesday morning he stated that he was going to Instow regatta later, if it was not too rough. - James Seldon, carpenter, said he left Bideford about a quarter to three with deceased in a boat belonging to the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club, of which deceased and himself were members. The boat, which had sliding seats, was large enough for four or five persons. After seeing the regatta they rowed across to Instow to look for friends who did not come, and then started to return to Bideford. The sea was very rough and when off Southfield-cottages, the boat began to take in water. It was soon half full and they made for the shore. After pulling two or three strokes the boat was swamped and deceased plunged overboard and made for the shore. the boat then turned turtle and witness also made for land. They swam together for some yards and then witness began to lose sight of deceased. He (witness) continued, and later heard MITCHELL shout "Jim, Jim!" He replied "Hullo!" but heard nothing further, and as he could not possibly render assistance to deceased, who was a long way off, he swam on to the shore. Deceased was a good swimmer; better than himself. - Charles Molland, mason, whilst at work on the roof of Southfield-cottages, saw the young men in the water. Before he could reach the beach deceased sank. - Alex Pedler, water bailiff, recovered the body at low tide. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and sympathy expressed with the deceased's relatives.

DARTMOUTH - Drowned In A Dartmouth Well. - Mr P. R. Hockin, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday on EDWIN JAMES HELLIER, of 37 Belgrave-road, Torquay, 37 years of age, in the employ, as a builder's foreman, of Mr Goss, of Torquay. - William Hamlin, labourer, Kingswear, said on Tuesday evening he went with deceased to Townstal to examine a well. Deceased got into the bucket and was lowered down the well to the surface of the water, which was about 15 feet deep. There was a winch for lowering the bucket. Deceased said he was all right and called to be pulled up. Witness hauled up a little way, when deceased cried "Halt." Just then the handle of the winch came off and the bucket fell to the bottom of the well. The nut fastening the handle was not tight enough, but did not come off, only slackened. Before deceased went down he tightened the nut with his fingers. Witness tried to hook deceased with the hook which was at the end of the rope, but the hook would not sink. After trying for some time, he went for assistance. - harry C. Goss, builder, Torquay, said he had given no instructions to deceased to go down the well. His orders were that no one should descend the well without having two men at the winch. - P.S. Hockridge and P.C. Ford gave evidence as to recovering the body by the aid of grappling irons. - Dr A. K. Crossfield said death was due to drowning. There was a scalp wound, but that was only sufficient to stun deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended that a brake be fixed to the windlass and exonerated Mr Goss and Hamlin from all blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 September 1902 EXETER - An Exeter Woman's Death. Serious Allegation Against Her Husband. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, an Inquest was held on JANE EMMA SPLATT, aged about 54, of Coombe-street. - WILLIAM ROBERT SPLATT, gasworks labourer, said he was informed that his wife had met with an accident by falling downstairs on Wednesday afternoon, but the last time he saw her was on Tuesday night at 8.30 when she appeared to have been drinking. he did not quarrel with his wife on Tuesday night. - By a Juror: The stairs were dangerous. - The Juror: I believe two or three people have been previously killed there. - Mr Marsden, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted into the Hospital at 12.30 on Wednesday, suffering from a fracture of the ribs. She said she had fallen downstairs on Tuesday night. She appeared to be in a good deal of pain and distress and died at eight o'clock next morning. Lillian Bayspoole, a nurse, who was in attendance on deceased, said at 5.30 on Wednesday evening she asked deceased how she fell. She said, "Me and my master had taken too much and he knocked me (or was going to) knock me when I stepped backwards and fell downstairs". She was in a collapsed condition at the time. - Eleanor Holwill, also a nurse, who was in attendance on deceased, said an hour after her admission to the ward witness asked deceased how she had met with her accident and she replied, "I was having a quarrel with my husband on Tuesday night and he knocked me and I stepped back and fell over the stairs." - The Coroner said that in view of this evidence it was a case for further investigation and adjourned the Inquest until Friday next.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 September 1902 PLYMPTON - At Plympton on Saturday an Inquest was held on EDITH MAUD WHITNELL, aged 28, daughter of MR FRANCIS J. WHITNELL. Deceased had been an invalid from birth, and suffered from epilepsy. She was seized with a fit, and died before medical assistance could be called. Dr W. D. Stamp said he had attended deceased for several years, and was convinced that death was due to epilepsy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the parents of the deceased who are old and respected inhabitants of Plympton.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 September 1902 ILFRACOMBE - A Rector's Sad Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held by Dr Slade King at Ilfracombe yesterday on REV. ALGERNON O'BRIEN, rector of Semer, Ipswich. It was stated that the deceased had been in Ilfracombe for a fortnight, and that, owing to his intemperate habits he had been compelled to frequently change his lodgings. On Thursday he went to the Lansdowne Hotel and the next day the landlady, hearing cries, went to his bedroom, where she found him in a deplorable state, with an empty whisky bottle by his side. Dr Jones was called in, but on Sunday morning MR O'BRIEN died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from alcoholic and Nicotine Poisoning."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Laira yesterday on CLARENCE ANDREW EASTERBROOK, aged three years, son of RICHARD EASTERBROOK, labourer, 36 Old-road. The mother said the child was taken ill on Saturday morning and a doctor was sent for, but it died before his arrival. Dr J. Bate said he was called at six o'clock on Saturday morning, but had to attend another case. When he saw the child he was dead. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, from heart disease of long standing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Boy's Sad Death. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday afternoon on GEORGE EDWIN BISHOP, aged 12 years, the son of JOHN H. BISHOP, shipwright, in the Dockyard, residing at 26 Market-street. - Deceased's mother stated that last Saturday week deceased and his elder brother were playing together, when, in endeavouring to touch his brother, deceased's sleeve caught the handle of the saucepan. The pan contained hot water, which was spilt over him. - CHARLES F. BISHOP, age 14, stated that he and deceased were sitting by the fire and the saucepan containing boiling water was knocked down through GEORGE trying to strike him. His brother fell down and he water went over him. They were skylarking. - Mr Hugh I. Apthorpe, House Surgeon, said the deceased's body was extensively scalded. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 September 1902 HOCKWORTHY - A Gipsy's Suicide. A Story Of Amazing Callousness. - At the Inquest held at Hockworthy yesterday on RICHARD STANLEY, gipsy, aged 33, the widow, ALICE STANLEY, said her husband was a chair and basket-maker travelling about the country. They left Tiverton on Saturday to camp on Chimney Down. He had not been well and on Sunday complained of pains in his head. Dr Grey gave her some medicine and told her the deceased must have nourishing food. When they got back to the caravan a strange man came and asked the price of a horse that was on the moor. Deceased said Sunday was not the day for a deal, and the visitor asked her to untie the horse, which was a few yards away and she went to do so. Turning round she saw that deceased had picked up a knife and was hacking at his throat. She screamed and almost fainted and appealed to the visitor to do something, but he turned away and ran across the moor. Her husband had always been very kind to her. She went up to him and asked, "My dear, what have you done this for?" and he gasped out, "I could not help it." She went to the nearest farmhouse, about two or three hundred yards away, for assistance, but a man there said "he could not go; he was busy milking and had to go to church." He told her there were two "able" men at a farm which he indicated and she went there, but could get no assistance, and eventually went nearly two miles to Mr and Mrs Howe, in the direction of Huntsham; who promptly returned with her and, going ahead, as she was weak and faint, returned to tell her that her husband had blown his brains out. She had locked the van door and hid the gun, but the deceased must have scrambled up the steps, broken open the door, loaded the gun and shot himself. She took her baby and four other children with her in searching for assistance. They had never had any quarrel, had everything they could desire and were in no financial difficulty. - William Bradford, retired farmer, the man who wished to buy the horse, said he was over 70 years of age, and he was too frightened to do anything. If they had given him the world he could have done nothing. - Herbert Howe, farmer, and Dr Greig (Holcombe Rogus) also gave evidence, the latter remarking that when the deceased came to him on Sunday he was depressed, and only pointed to his head when asked what was the matter. - The Coroner said it was clear that deceased took his own life, and that his mind was affected. Referring to the refusal of some farmers to render help, and to the running away of Bradford, he said there was no legal compulsion to interfere in a case of this kind, but it was extraordinary that people should have been unwilling to prevent a man taking his life. One of the men seemed to think milking more important than looking after the life of a human being. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and expressed their sense of the inhuman conduct of the young man who refused to give help. They were sorry that such a man bore the name of an Englishman. - The body was afterwards removed to Paignton for interment.

CHURSTON FERRERS - Mr Gilbert Tully, of Elbury Farm, Churston, on September 3rd found JOHN GILL, one of his labourers, lying at the bottom of a ladder in one of the cow-houses in a semi-conscious state. He remained in that state until his death on Saturday. At the Inquest on Monday Dr G. C. Searle said death was due to concussion of the brain and injury to the spine.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Tram Fatality At Devonport. No Fault Of The Driver: Valuable Suggestions. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ALEXANDER ROOKES, 4 years of 13 Summer-place, who was killed on the previous Tuesday. Mr Couch was Foreman of the Jury, and Mr J. W. Endean, manager, was present on behalf of Devonport and District Tramways Company. - The father of deceased, a steam-crane driver at the Keyham Extension Works, identified the body. Deceased attended Morice Town Board School, and when the accident occurred was with his other brother, two years old. Witness had frequently told deceased to be careful of the trams. - James May, Stoke, driver in the employ of Devonport and District Tramways Company, in answer to the Coroner, said he was perfectly willing to give evidence. On Tuesday afternoon he drove No. 8 car from Stuart-road to Camel's-head. The car left Stuart-road at 4.13. Just as he got to the top of Gashouse-hill, by the Keyham College, he noticed a butcher's trap waiting to go into the college gates. Witness almost came to a standstill and then sent the car forward again down the hill. As he started he noticed No. 13 car coming up the hill. From the rear of this car a boy ran out just as witness was passing. The lad was struck by the curve of the iron buffer of No. 8 car in the head. Deceased appeared to spin around and then fell between the rails of the front part of the car. Witness immediately lowered the slab and applied the brakes, but before he could pull up the car deceased was under it. The car was stopped within two or three yards. The boy's head was under the fender. P.S. Brown immediately came on the scene. Witness's car was travelling only three or four miles an hour, and the rate allowed for this part of the route was six miles. Directly he saw deceased emerge from the rear of No. 13 car he did his utmost to pull up. It appeared to him that immediately deceased saw No. 13 car had cleared he endeavoured to run across the road without seeing whether another car was approaching. The gongs of both cars were being sounded at the time. Witness had been a driver for 16 months, four months of which he had been on the Stuart-road and Camel's-head route. He had never injured a person before whilst driving a car. Children in that locality coming from school were frequently running after the cars. It was not necessary to raise the car to get the body out. There was an appliance for lifting the cars from the metals, but to get this it would be necessary to telephone to the depot, and this might occupy a quarter of an hour. - The father of deceased suggested that the cars should have attached to them nets instead of fenders. - The Coroner remarked that it was a pity someone had not invented a better system than the present one in use. - Police-Sergt. Brown, who was on the scene within a couple of minutes of the accident, said deceased was lying between the pilot board and motor of No. 8 car on his stomach. Witness was able to take the body from under the framework. He saw that the lad's head was fearfully crushed and sent for Dr Finch, Keyham-terrace, who immediately came and pronounced life extinct. The body was then removed to the mortuary. No. 8 car had just previously passed witness and at that time it was not travelling more than four miles an hour. At the point where the accident occurred there was generally a large number of children playing. They frequently ran after the cars to get on the iron buffer, and the Police did their best to put a stop to the practice. - Mr J. Swainson, chemist, Albert-road, stated that he was on the top of No. 8 car, riding in the front part, at the time of the accident. As No. 13 car passed witness noticed deceased run from behind it and against No. 8. He felt sure that the boy must meet with an accident, and ran from the top of the car. Deceased was under the front part of the car, and witness noticed that he was dead. Witness considered that at the time the car was going only two miles an hour and the bell was being continually sounded There was not the slightest fault attached to the driver, as the boy ran from the rear of No. 13 car straight against No. 8. In his opinion the blow which deceased received from the iron buffer caused instant death. - Dr Finch, Surgeon in the Royal Navy, said when informed of the accident, which occurred outside the college gates, he went to No. 8 car. P.S. Brown had taken the body from under the car. Death must have instantaneous. The skull of deceased was very badly fractured. - Tramway Inspector Mumford, Pennycross, stated that he was riding on the back of No. 13 car with the conductor. They passed No. 8 and immediately the deceased ran across the road and was struck by the car. There was a large number of children playing about at the time. When he passed No. 8 car it was almost at a standstill. - Similar evidence was given by Samuel George Wingate, painter, Stoke. - The Coroner said the Inquiry was not one of any difficulty. It had been proved that No. 8 car was going at a very slow pace at the time, and that immediately the driver saw deceased he put down the slab and applied the brakes, the car being brought up within three yards. He was sure they extended their deepest sympathy to the bereaved parents. On many occasions he had noticed children leaving school, particularly in the district where this fatal accident occurred, running after the cars to get a ride on the iron buffer, whilst conductors were engaged with passengers. The children appeared quite oblivious to the fact that a car or carriage might be coming in another direction. Personally he had warned children not to do such things and told them to be more careful, or they would be run over. The fact that there were not more accidents of the kind shewed that the drivers carried out their duties as carefully as possible. - The Foreman of the Jury said it appeared that everything possible was done by the driver of No. 8 car to avoid the accident. If all tram drivers were as careful, people might feel more comfortable when travelling by the cars. Children were most reckless in running after the cars when they noticed that the conductors were engaged. Personally he should like to see the policemen with canes and when they caught youngsters doing this kind of thing, give them a slight chastisement. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the parents of the deceased. - Mr J. W. Endean, on behalf of the employers and the company, also desired to extend sympathy to the parents. - The father thanked the Jury and Mr Endean for the expression of sympathy. - A Juror said the whole of the cars should be provided with jacks for lifting the cars from the rails in case of a serious accident. At present there was a delay of a quarter of an hour or more before the company's jack was brought from the depot. - The Coroner said the suggestion was worthy of fullest consideration. Some time ago there was a fatal accident and a similar suggestion made. - Mr Endean remarked that the company were now experimenting with four different kinds of jacks - two made in England and two in the United States. As soon as the most reliable one was decided upon, each car would be provided with it. - The Coroner said he took it that would be entirely satisfactory to the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 September 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sharpshooter Fatality. The Inquest. - At the Royal Naval Hospital on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of WM. JAMES MARTIN, stoker, of the gunboat Sharpshooter, who was killed in the engine-room on Thursday. Mr W. Barnes was chosen Foreman of the Jury and Mr H. E. Peck watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - MARY JANE MARTIN, widow of deceased, living at Linkinhorne, stated that her husband was 25 years old. He was a native of Looe. - Artificer-Engineer Wm. H. Windebank, serving on the Sharpshooter, aid deceased had been a stoker on board since last November. On Thursday last, about 1.30 p.m., they were "warming through" the main engine, preparatory to getting under way. Deceased was in the starboard engine-room. When witness reached the engine-room platform the machinery was in motion. Three minutes afterwards he heard a cry and Leading Stoker Little call out "MARTIN is jammed. Stop the links." Immediately Engine-room Artificer Bootyman shut the steam off and stopped the engine. Witness, with E.R.A. Searle, reversed the gear and released deceased. When the machinery was in motion MARTIN had no business where he was. He had no reason to go there and witness did not know what he was doing. No order was given to him to go there. Where deceased went was the easiest and quickest way to get at the bearings to fill the lubricators when the machinery was still, but dangerous when it was in motion. There was another and perfectly safe method of filling the lubricators when the machinery was in motion, but it necessitated going round to the other side of the engine. All the lubricators were reported full and there was absolutely no need for deceased to go there. It was a regulation in the engine-room for the person in charge to satisfy himself that everything and everybody was clear before the machinery was set in motion. Deceased was a capable stoker and a reliable, trustworthy man. - By Mr Peck: It was a service rule for the cups to be filled before the machinery was started. - By the Jury: It was deceased's duty to fill the cups, but not at that time. Deceased was caught between the engine stanchion and the link. It was quite possible that MARTIN might have forgotten to fill one of the lubricators and then have attempted to do so while the machinery was in motion. - John Little, leading stoker, stated that he went into the starboard engine-room at 1.34 p.m. The engines at that time were being warmed through. He did not notice the deceased, but a minute later he heard a cry. Turning round he saw MARTIN bending down between the links of the low-pressure engine. He was on his knees on the engine-room plate. Witness called out for the links to be stopped, but it had already been done. Deceased was jammed between the foremost stanchion of the low-pressure engine and the low-pressure link gear. By witness's order the links were reversed. Witness had not given deceased any orders to do anything near the links. It was not possible to fill the lubricators where deceased was when the machinery was in motion without courting injury. It was part of deceased's duty to fill the lubricators, but not when the machinery was in motion. Witness released deceased and carried him on deck. - By Mr Peck: There was an oil-can on the plates by his side. - By the Jury: Worsted was put in the oil to lubricate and it was possible that deceased went there to see if all the worsted was in the lubricating boxes. - Staff-Surg. Walter H. S. Stalkartt, serving on board the Medusa. deposed to being called to see the deceased immediately after the accident. Going on board the Sharpshooter he found MARTIN suffering from fracture of the skull. He was living, but died ten minutes afterwards. - John Searle, engine-room artificer, said he set the links of the starboard engine in motion at 1.25 p.m. Previously leading stoker Adams informed him that everything was ready. Witness called out "Stand clear of the main engine," and receiving the answer "All right," he set the machinery in motion. It had been running from five to ten minutes, when he heard a man squeal and the machinery was at once stopped. Witness then noticed the deceased jammed against the stanchion. Previously he had not seen him in the engine-room. Could only suppose deceased went there to see if the lubricators were full. - Wm. J. Brealey, stoker, testified to filling all the lubricators before the machinery was started. When the order to stand clear of the engines was given, witness relied, "All right." Deceased at that time was on deck. When the machinery had been running five or six minutes MARTIN came into the engine-room. Witness told him that the lubricators were filled and everything done. Deceased replied "All right." Witness turned round to fill a tin. Just as he filled the tin he heard someone shout "Oh." Turning round he saw deceased jammed in the machinery. Witness imagined that MARTIN went there to lift the cover of the lubricator box and satisfy himself that it had been filled. - Thos. G. Adams, leading stoker, said before the machinery was started he inspected all the lubricating boxes, and satisfied himself that they were supplied with worsted and filled with oil. He also went round the engine-room and saw that all was clear. - The Coroner, summing up, said the circumstances were very distressing, but it was evident that deceased was trying to examine the lubricator, and that in doing so exposed himself to danger, when he could easily have made the examination from a position of safety. It was quite clear that there was no person to blame. Why deceased should have run the risk he did was inconceivable, though perhaps he thought that even with the machinery in motion he would have time to examine the lubricator. It was a rash thing to do and he ought never to have attempted it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Stuart-road Board Schools, Devonport, last evening on ELIZA BAKER, 79, widow, of 2 Stuart-road. Deceased's grand-daughter, Lavinia E. Laughton, of 45 Norman-avenue, stated that deceased fell over two stairs on March 29th and gradually became worse. Dr H. R. Corbett said deceased broke her thigh in the fall, which accelerated dropsy, from which she died on Sunday. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 September 1902 MARWOOD - At an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS GAMMON, blacksmith of Marwood, near Barnstaple, who fell dead on Pilton-hill the previous morning, the evidence shewed that he had suffered from heart disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 September 1902 IVYBRIDGE - Plymouth Commercial Traveller's Sad Fate. The Inquest. - At Ivybridge yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of JOHN HENRY AXWORTHY, commercial traveller, of 11 Torrington-place, Plymouth, who was killed on the railway on Tuesday. Inspector Scantlebury represented the Great Western Railway Company, and Mr J. Cole the locomotive department. Superintendent Hacon also attended. - Charles B. Hodges, manager of Phillips and Ryall, wine and spirit merchants, Plymouth, stated that deceased, who was 45 years of age, had been in the employ of the firm as traveller for 25 years. On Tuesday last he was in Ivybridge on business for the firm. Deceased was trusted by his employers and generally liked and respected. His accounts were all correct and his domestic affairs were quite satisfactory. On Tuesday at one o'clock, when witness last saw him, he appeared well and cheerful. In his opinion there was no reason for supposing that he had committed suicide. - - Elizabeth Millbourne, landlady of the London Hotel, Ivybridge, stated that deceased called at her Hotel on Tuesday evening. He left at half-past eight o'clock for the Station. At her house he had a little refreshment, but was perfectly sober. He seemed well and there was nothing unusual in his conduct or appearance. - Arthur J. Osborne, porter on the Great Western Railway, stated that at Ivybridge Station there were independent approaches to the up and down platforms, and the two platforms were connected by a covered bridge over the railway. On each side of the Station was a notice forbidding the public to cross the railway except by the bridge. On Tuesday evening the London express, due to pass through the Station at 8.45 p.m., was late, and went through at 9.5 p.m. At 9.3 p.m. witness cross from the up to the down platform, but did not see the deceased. At that time the train was signalled. About a quarter of an hour after the train had gone through witness was returning to cross the line, when he picked up a hat on the down platform. On the slope at the end of the platform, close to the level crossing, used only by officials, he saw deceased lying dead. The body was clear of the line. The next down train, which deceased would have caught, went through at 9.44 p.m. - Mrs Millbourne mentioned that there was formerly a train going through at 9.3 p.m., and suggested that deceased probably expected to catch that train. - George Maxfield, engine-driver, said he was driving the London express to Plymouth on Tuesday evening last. Passing through Ivybridge Station just after nine o'clock he thought he saw something on the level crossing at the east end of the Station, but did not feel the engine strike anything. They were travelling at the time at about 40 mile an hour. When he noticed the object on the crossing the engine was only five or six yards away. Although neither the stoker nor himself felt any concussion he had a suspicion that they might have struck something and on arriving at Millbay he reported the matter. - Dr C. E. Cooper, Ivybridge, deposed to being called to see the deceased at Ivybridge Station. He was then dead. As the result of a post-mortem examination he found that death was due to fracture of the spine, which was broken into small fragments. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was a very sad one. Deceased was a man well known and liked and respected by all who knew him and if it was any consolation to the widow and family they had their deepest sympathy. The circumstances were tragic, but he could not see that any responsibility rested upon the Railway Company. Ivybridge Station was supplied by every facility for the safety of the travelling public. There was no reason why deceased should have crossed the line by the permanent way and it was incomprehensible why he should have taken the risk. The evidence was clear that his accounts with his firm were all straight, and his domestic affairs satisfactory, and therefore there could be no motive, as far as they could see, for suicide. If the Jury took that view they must say that deceased was accidentally killed whilst trespassing on the railway. - The Jury found as their verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed whilst trespassing on the permanent way at Ivybridge Station. One of the Jurymen, in signing the depositions afterwards, objected to the words "whilst trespassing" in the verdict, contending there was no evidence that deceased was trespassing. - The Coroner pointed out that to have been struck by the engine deceased must have been on the permanent way and therefore a trespasser. - Inspector Scantlebury, replying to the Jury, said the Company had the right to prosecute as trespassers people who crossed the line by the permanent way. - Albert W. Wilkins, stoker of the express, was called in, and stated that as they passed through the Station he saw something on the slope of the platform, but did not at the time think it was a man, nor did he think then that they had struck anything. After some discussion the Jury decided to eliminate the words "whilst trespassing" from their verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. A Plucky Woman. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES PETER SHEBBEAR MUGRIDGE, 58, naval pensioner, of 67 James-street. - The widow said deceased was a coachman in the employ of Mr W. Ford At six o'clock that morning he called his son, who worked in the Dockyard and shortly after seven o'clock got up, saying he must hurry as he was a bit late. He then went downstairs and witness was under the impression that he left the house, but a little after nine o'clock a neighbour found him hanging by a clothes line in the cellar. Witness immediately got a knife, cut him down and sent for a doctor. Deceased had had his head cut open three times. Lately he had had the idea that his sight was failing him and he appeared to get nervous about it. They had had no disturbance and she had no reason to expect that he would attempt to take his life. He had been a good, faithful husband for 34 years, and they had lived amicably together. Of eleven children, four sons were living - one now in the army in South Africa, two in the navy and the fourth in the Dockyard. Deceased was temperate, of a most cheerful disposition and had no financial troubles. He sometimes complained of headache. - Mary Ann Driskell and Jane Burt deposed discovering the body and the latter said that while a knife was being obtained she held deceased up. When he was cut down she put a mirror to his lips, but there was no sign of breathing. The rope was attached to a nail in the wall. Deceased's toes were touching the floor while he was suspended. There was a small chair near. - Dr McElwaine said he was fetched to the house and found the man dead. The body was fairly warm. There was a slight abrasion of the skin on both shins, and three scars on the scalp, one being very large. Around the neck was a deep mark with a depression of the skin. Death was due to asphyxia, caused by hanging. The scars on the scalp were old, while the abrasions on the shins might have been caused a day or two. - Mr ford said he felt he had lost one whom he had loved and valued for twenty years. He knew of nothing to cause deceased to take his life. - The Coroner said it was satisfactory to know that as soon as deceased was found hanging he was lifted up and then cut down. In some cases of this kind people got frightened and did nothing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family, and Mr Ford, and complimented Mrs Burt on the prompt steps she took.

Western Morning News, Monday 22 September 1902 NEWTON ABBOT - A Suicide Near Newton Abbot. Remarkable Story. - On Saturday evening an Inquest was held at Pontswine Farm, about three miles from Newton Abbot, on JOHN PYE, a farmer. The father of deceased stated that his son, 36 years of age, was a bachelor, residing at home. He was of very violent temper. On Friday afternoon witness assisted him to drive a pig to Ideford Coombe. Whether he was not going fast enough or not, he did not know, but deceased came back in a passion and said "I will corpse you." Witness replied, "Don't do that, JOHN; if that is how you are going to act, I'll go back again." Witness returned. About an hour or so later his son returned and went into the orchard to get a basket of apples. In returning, he passed witness in the court and without speaking, pushed him down. His mother intervened and he then pushed her down. Witness caught hold of him and deceased bit his hand. Both witness and his wife left him and deceased entered the house. He saw deceased leave the house with a gun, but it did not strike him that he was going to injure himself, although he never used the gun. The gun belonged to witness, and four or five days before he had loaded it for shooting a magpie. Witness went into the back yard and immediately heard the report of the gun. His wife called him and said JOHN had shot himself. Deceased had never threatened to shoot himself. The gun was not cocked, but it was possible deceased knocked the trigger. - HARRIET PYE, mother of the deceased, added that she did not remember removing the gun from the body, but might have done so. Her husband was at the back of the house and she was in the kitchen, when deceased went out the front. - Harriet Emma Bray, nine years of age, corroborated the evidence with regard to the position of the parties at the time of the occurrence. - Dr Edward G. Dutton, of Kingsteignton, stated that the injuries of deceased pointed to self-destruction. He was strongly of opinion that the muzzle of the gun must have been placed in the mouth to cause such wounds. - P.C. Cross and Geo. Harvey, of Ideford Coombe, also gave evidence, the latter stating that deceased said when he came to the farm, that his father came part way and had "gone back in the sulks." He complained that he could earn more if he were a farm labourer than by staying home. At the time deceased was looking very strange. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr G. F. Kellock) commented on the fact that although the father saw deceased with a loaded gun, which he was not accustomed to use, and although he knew of his peculiar temper, he made no remonstrance with him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" and added that no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 September 1902 BRIXHAM - A Brixham Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held at Brixham last evening on HARRIETT REED, wife of a trawler. WILLIAM HENRY REED, the husband, said deceased was 60 years of age. On the 6th inst. he came in from sea and heard that his wife had broken her thigh. She was attended by Dr Quick. She was a very drunken woman and had been drinking for a long time. - Ellen Lake, married, said that on the 6th inst. she saw deceased fall down when going into Chudleigh's bar, but she got up and managed to get to her home near by. P.C. R. Cole said he saw deceased at 11.10 in the evening sitting on her doorstep and asked her what was the matter, she was then very drunk. He saw her again the following Monday sitting on her chair in her house. She had been selling some of her things. - Dr W. J. Quicke said he was called to see deceased on 13th inst. at her niece's house. She complained of her feet being swollen, but this was not now, as she had been in that state for six months. On the Friday following he heard she had fallen and found she had sustained a fracture of the neck of the thigh bone. He treated her until she died. She was suffering from chronic alcoholism, Bright's disease, disease of the kidneys and heart disease, and to this he attributed death, which was accelerated by the fall. She even denied that she had had a fall until pressed, when she said, "Well, perhaps I did fall coming out of the public-house." - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Death Under Chloroform At Devonport. No Blame To The Medical Staff. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on BESSIE CROSS, aged 24, domestic servant. Mrs Elliott, Tresillian-street, Cattedown, said deceased was her orphan niece. A month ago deceased appeared to be a strong, healthy girl, and did not complain of anything. About a week ago she wrote that she had a bad knee and should go into the Royal Albert Hospital. - Edward Sabine, 34 Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, draper, said deceased had been his general servant for nearly two years. His wife told him some months ago that the girl had swollen veins in the legs, but nothing sufficient to cause her to give up work. Mr Sabine told the girl three weeks ago she ought to see a doctor. Deceased declined to have a medical gentleman, and his wife then said she would call one in herself. The girl eventually saw Dr Leah, and on his advice entered the Hospital. He understood she had been previously treated at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital for the same complaint. Deceased appeared to have a thorough dread of going to Hospital, because she might be put under chloroform. She stated that to Mrs Sabine and her daughter, and said she would rather undergo any pain than have an operation under chloroform. Deceased said she informed the nurses and doctors of this. Previously she had been under chloroform, and had a dread of it. To witness's little girl she said that if she had to undergo the operation under chloroform she would never see her again. - Dr Thos. Noy Leah, Stonehouse, Assistant Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that a little over a fortnight ago deceased came to him suffering from a housemaid's knee and varicose veins. He recommended her to go to the Hospital, and deceased was admitted the previous Thursday and knew thoroughly well that she would have to undergo an operation. After a preliminary rest the operation was arranged for the previous day. The operation was not a dangerous one, but would take an hour and was not possible without an anaesthetic. Witness commenced the operation after the anaesthetic was administered. Almost immediately he was told she was not taking the anaesthetic well and he at once suspended the operation, and with the assistance of Mr Apthorp, House Surgeon, and other members of the Hospital staff, attempted to restore animation, but without effect. These measures were continued for an hour, but no sign of life was manifested after the first few minutes. Witness had frequently carried out several similar operations with success. The anaesthetic was administered by the House Surgeon. The choice was left to deceased whether she had an operation performed or not and she consented to it. Deceased asked him if chloroform was necessary. He replied yes, and she did not pass any remark. Without being put under chloroform the operation would have been a most painful one. He could not have carried out the operation without the aid of the anaesthetic. - Dr H. L. Apthorp, House Surgeon, said he administered the chloroform. Deceased took it well for a quarter of an hour, when she suddenly turned blue, breathing stopped and the pulse was imperceptible. The administration was stopped at once and every effort was made to resuscitate the patient, but without success. Witness examined deceased just before the operation, and considered her in a proper state to undergo it. The girl mentioned to him that she had had chloroform before, but expressed no fear or dread of it. After the death he heard that the girl had told a nurse that she was nervous about taking chloroform. Half an ounce of chloroform was administered to deceased in a quarter of an hour. This was a medium quantity with the apparatus used. Some patients would take much more than half an ounce; but in the case of a very weak person not so much would be given. He had very frequently administered anaesthetics, but never previously had a fatal case. Adult patients in the Hospital had the option of saying whether or not they would have chloroform administered. - Annie Kate Bluett, nurse at the Hospital, said deceased told her she did not mind a bit if she took chloroform. Had never heard deceased say she was nervous of taking it. - The nurse Dr Apthorp referred to was not present in the Hospital at the time of the Inquiry. - Dr Apthorp said death was due to syncope - The Coroner said from his experience every care was taken with patients in that Hospital. The medical staff were gentlemen of great ability and although a very large number of operations were carried out under anaesthetics, it was very rarely that a fatal case occurred. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from syncope, due to the administration of chloroform, preparatory to an operation; that the chloroform was properly administered; and that no blame attached to the medical staff. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with Mr and Mrs Sabine, and Mrs Elliott, and also to deceased's brother. Mr Sabine had told him that it was his desire to bear the expenses of the funeral.

PLYMOUTH - Verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned yesterday at the Inquest on REBECCA BISHOP, aged seven months, of Tresillian-street, Plymouth, who died of diarrhoea and convulsions

STOKE DAMEREL - Verdict of "Death From Natural Causes" was returned yesterday at the Inquest on ELLEN MATILDA, the three months' old child of PRIVATE EDWARD WELSHAM, R.M.L.I., of 3 Ker-street, Devonport, who died of syncope, due to vomiting.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 September 1902 TAVISTOCK - The Tavistock Railway Fatality. Verdict of "Found Dead." - At Tavistock on Saturday an Inquest was held on SIMON WESTLAKE, a jobbing gardener, whose body was found on the London and South Western line on the previous day. JOHN WESTLAKE, saddler, Horrabridge, deceased's son, said his father's age was 61. - Charles Childs, labourer, of Launceston-road, Tavistock, saw deceased come out of a field about 5.30 on Friday morning. They wished each other good morning. Asked what he was doing out so early, deceased replied: "Oh, I don't know," and passed on in the direction of Tavistock. WESTLAKE struck him as appearing somewhat strange in his manner and he looked cold, as if he had been out all night. - Henry Hammett, a ganger on the South Western Railway, said that about 6.10 on the previous morning he found the body - which was still warm - lying beside the outer rail on the down side, about 30 yards from the Tavistock viaduct. The mail train leaving Tavistock at 5.21 a.m. was the only train that passed the spot between 5 o'clock and 6.10. Deceased could not have been seen from the Station owing to the curve. - Childs, recalled, stated that he could not be positive to a few minutes as to the time he saw the deceased. - George Lazenbury, engine-driver, who drove the 2.20 mail train from Exeter on Friday morning, said he left Tavistock at 5.21. The morning was dark and foggy and he did not notice anyone on the line. He had examined his engine, but had not found any mark on it. - Dr Snowden Smith deposed that the deceased's head was badly lacerated and the skull fractured. The injuries were such as might have been caused by the guard iron of an engine. Death must have been instantaneous. - P.S. Hill, in reply to the Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) stated that the deceased was summoned to appear at the Tavistock Police Court on Wednesday last on a charge of drunkenness and as he failed to appear a warrant was issued for his apprehension. - The Coroner said that there was no evidence whatever to shew how the deceased came on the line. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead." Mr E. Yelland was Foreman.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tramway Disaster. The Inquest Opened. A Suggestion By Jurors. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, yesterday opened the Inquest on HERBERT CHOPE, killed in the tramway accident near the Technical Schools on Saturday. Mr W. May was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Mr T. W. Gill was present on behalf of deceased's relatives. - The Coroner said he did not propose to go into the Inquiry at all fully that afternoon, because it was most important that the Inquiry should be a careful one. Not only was it important to the relatives of the deceased, but also to the inhabitants of the Borough generally. He therefore proposed to take evidence of identification only, and then to adjourn to an early date. - WM. JAMES CHOPE, 28 Herbert-place, first class domestic in the Royal Navy, identified the body as that of his brother, who was 31 years of age. Deceased was a dentist's assistant and lived at 28 Herbert-place. He was a single man. - The Foreman of the Jury said he should like to draw attention to the fact that it was really dangerous to the public that the section of the line on which the fatality had occurred should continue to be used in its present state. He had taken the opinion of most of the Jurors on this point and they took the same view. He thought it was advisable that the trams should stop at the top of the hill at Tamar-terrace, and there disconnect, while another tram could take up the passengers at the bottom, so that this part of the section should be disused until there was a Board of Trade Inquiry. He understood there had been another narrow escape of a serious accident at the point that day, and that the tram had showed indications of running away. There was therefore no security for the public until the line was altered. The inconvenience to the public which his suggestion would entail would be nothing as compared with the present danger. - The Coroner said it would be rather unwise at this juncture to pass any recommendation, as no evidence had been heard. After hearing the evidence, if the Jury thought fit to bring in a recommendation they would be at perfect liberty to do so. - The Foreman emphasised the importance of his suggestion. The distance over which the tram service would be disconnected was short, but it was a dangerous distance. There was still danger there, and that which had happened would happen again. They were not sure that these trams would not run away or skid at any time. - Mr C. Bartlett, another Juror, said he desired to follow up the remarks of the Foreman. It was the third accident that had occurred at the place in question, and it was a great mercy to the workmen at the Dockyard that they had escaped, seeing that there were sometimes as many as a hundred on a car at one time. There had been a want of consideration shown for the working classes in this matter. The men overcrowded the cars, but it was obvious that the reason for it was that there had not been the accommodation there ought to be. It was to be hoped that in future grater accommodation would be provided. The Police seemed to have no control and stood aghast at seeing the men hanging on to the rails of the cars. It was time the opinion of the public should be voiced in the matter. - The Coroner thought that any suggestions of the kind mentioned might be very well considered when they were arriving at their verdict. They would have an opportunity of carefully considering all the circumstances connected with what had happened, and of bringing in any recommendation they might think proper. After the remarks that had fallen, it was necessary, however, that the Inquest should be held at an early date. He thought the Tuesday of next week would be convenient, but if they preferred it should be held this week. - A Juryman asked whether there was any advantage in adjourning the Inquiry until next week. - The Coroner said he did not know of any real advantage, except that he at present did not know what course he should take as to communicating with the Board of Trade. He had only arrived from the country within the last hour or two, and had not had time to consider that matter yet. It was possible he might feel it necessary to communicate with the Board of Trade. - The same Juryman asked whether the Board of Trade would not hold their inquiry before the Coroner held his. The Coroner said he did not know what the Board of Trade would do. No doubt they had been properly communicated with, but he did not know what their course would be. He had never held an Inquiry - at any rate, not a tramway inquiry - at which the Board of Trade had been represented. - The Foreman thought next week would be convenient for holding the adjourned inquiry if in the meantime a suggestion was made by the Coroner that the service should be stopped on the short distance he had mentioned. Perhaps an informal suggestion by the Coroner to the tramway manager would have the desired effect. - The Corner said, of course, they must hear the tramway company with regard to that point. They might have sufficient answer to show that there was no real reason why the cars should be discontinued. He said nothing as to that, but if they preferred to have the Inquiry this week by all means let them hold it. What day would be most convenient to the Jury? - After a consultation the Jury decided upon next Tuesday and the Inquiry was accordingly adjourned until that day at 10 a.m. - The Coroner said he could not close the Inquiry that day without conveying his sympathy to the relatives of the deceased in the sad bereavement which they had sustained by reason of the death of MR CHOPE under such distressing circumstances. he had no doubt the Jury would desire to be associated in that expression of condolence. The Jury unanimously concurred and Mr Gill promised to convey the expression of sympathy to the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Sergeant At Devonport. - The Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday respecting the death of SERGT. JOSEPH HORRIDGE, 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, who died suddenly on Friday night. - ALICE HORRIDGE, of 6 York-street, stated that the deceased, her husband, arrived home from South Africa about a month ago. He did not appear in good health. He suffered from diarrhoea and complained of pains in the heart. Dr Saunders had prescribed for him. On Friday night he drank about half a pint of porter and smoked a cigarette. He had only been in bed a few minutes when he jumped out and fell on the floor. She moistened his lips with brandy and sent for Dr Saunders. Deceased had been in South Africa about 2 years and 10 months. Dr E. G. S. Saunders said the deceased was dead when he arrived. As the result of a post-mortem examination he found death was due to ulcerated endocardium. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 October 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The Accident Near The Garrison Church. The Inquest. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on ELIZA KATE BENNETT, aged 5 years, killed on the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport line near the Garrison Church on Saturday afternoon. Mr Sargeant was Foreman of the Jury. Mr G. H. Moreton (manager) represented the company and Mr J. G. Pearce (engineer of the line), Mr E. H. Chapell (Law Accident Society, Devonport and District Tramways) were also present. - ELIZA KATE BENNETT 18 St Stephen's-street, the wife of THOMAS EDWARD BENNETT, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, said deceased, their daughter, left home to go to play about half-past one on Saturday, and the next witness heard, about 3.15 p.m., was that she had been knocked down by a tramcar. Witness had cautioned deceased about the trams, although she had always gone previously in the direction of Mount Wise. When told that the child had been knocked down witness was buying a wreath for the funeral of her nephew. She believed deceased was being taken by other children to the scene of the other tramcar accident when she was knocked down. - Thomas Biddick, tramcar driver, 22 Glanville-street, Plymouth, said he was driving No. 11 car, which had reached the Garrison Church in proceeding to Plymouth, when he noticed two children on the side-walk on the left-hand side of the road. They were level with the car when he noticed them and one of them ran in front of the car. He applied the emergency brake and brought the car to a standstill. he got off the car and saw the child about a foot in front of the wheel. He took the jacks out of the car, but before he had time to take the strain on the jacks, the child was taken out. A gentleman on the car attended to the child, who was removed to the Hospital. The wheel had not gone over the child, who was between the pilot board and the wheel. He could not say whether the guard had caught the child. When deceased ran in front of the car she appeared to be looking for something, as her head was down. The two children seemed to see the car coming. Witness had been a driver about twelve months and had never had an accident before. He was travelling about five or six miles an hour when the accident occurred. The maximum speed on that section was eight miles. There were not many people in the street at the time, and he could see the children distinctly. As they were out of the way he did not sound the gong. He pulled up the car in a yard or two. - Staff-Surgeon W. A. Whitelegge, of the cruiser Hyacinth, said he was a passenger on the front seat of the car outside. He noticed two children playing on the pavement when about thirty yards away. They turned away for a moment and just when the car was abreast of them the deceased rushed with her head down, and he saw her disappear underneath. Witness shouted to the driver to stop and the car stopped almost immediately. He got down and some blue-jackets and other passengers assisted to get deceased out. She was lying in the middle of the track and the wheels had not apparently passed over her. Witness believed the child was crushed between the motor-box and the track. The car was going about six miles an hour at the time. The child was alive, but bleeding from the mouth, unconscious and evidently dying. - The Coroner: As an independent witness do you think the accident could have been prevented by the driver? - No: he had not a chance. The wheels would have gone over the child if the car had not been stopped so quickly. Apparently the child dived down right in between the guard and the wheel. I do not know whether she got in front at all. - Frederick Brooks, 69 Emma-place, Stonehouse, the conductor of the car, said when the car was stopped deceased was lying on her back with her feet outward. The car was going very slowly when the accident occurred. They always went over that spot at about half speed. - Mr H. L. Apthorpe, House Surgeon, said the child was dead on admission to the Hospital. There was extensive bruising of the head and right knee, a fracture of the left arm and left forearm, and an extensive fracture at the base of the skull. The fragments were separated and brain matter was passing through them. - The mother, recalled, said the child was clear of hearing. - Mr Moreton, replying to the Jury, said ten of the twelve cars carried jacks and there were never more than ten cars on at a time. If this particular car had happened to have no jack, the car following or crossing it would have had one. There were two jacks on each of the ten cars. The guard fitted to the cars had been passed by the Board of Trade. At present there was a great deal of controversy about guards, but the Board of Trade had not decided on any definite type. If any guard were brought out of which the Board of Trade said "that is the guard of which we approve," the directors of the company would have no hesitation in adopting it,. However, a car might be fitted, weighing eight or nine tons, and being loaded with passengers, it must knock about anything in the way, and, going even at a slow pace, must cause an indentation and he did not know any guard that would pick up without doing this. - The Coroner said this was the third fatal case of the kind since the introduction of electric tramcars into Devonport, and he was afraid that from time to time they must be prepared for similar cases, because children of five or six years were not careful enough of the cars, but played about in the neighbourhood of the streets through which the cars passed. These three accidents shewed the necessity for the parents impressing upon the children that they ought not to play in those streets. He thanked Dr Whitelegge for the assistance he immediately rendered to the child and for having voluntarily come forward to give evidence. Dr Whitelegge desired him to hand over to the parents the fee that would be allowed for his attendance. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame attached to the driver. - The Coroner expressed the sympathy of the Jury, himself, and the Tramway Company with the parents, and said Mr Moreton had placed in his hands a sum which he would hand to the parents.

HOLBETON - A Holbeton Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Holbeton yesterday on ALEC JOHN RYDER, aged 13. - JAMES RYDER, navy pensioner, of Holbeton, the boy's father, said he was employed by Mr Wroth of Coombe Farm, Holbeton, and was active and accustomed to driving horses. - Alice Rillson Lee, employed at Coombe Farm, stated that she was looking from the window of the house on Monday morning, when she saw deceased at the head of a horse attached to a cart loaded with manure. the horse appeared to have bolted and ran into the hedge. - William Slowman, labourer, said the deceased left the courtyard of the farm with a load of manure drawn by a quiet horse. While he was loading manure in the yard he heard shouts for help, and on going down the lane near by saw the boy kneeling in the thoroughfare. Deceased told him one of the cart wheels had gone over him, and he complained of pains in the back. The boy was leading the horse when he left the yard, and the saddle chain broke, causing the shafts to drop and the cart to take charge. Deceased was quick and used to horses. - Dr W. H. Andrews, of Modbury, attributed death to rupture of the spleen. The Jury (Mr T. Evens, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 October 1902 ASHBURTON - At the Inquest at Ashburton on WILLIAM MUGRIDGE, 73, farm labourer, George Thorning, carter, said on September 24th he and deceased were taking in a rick of corn. MUGRIDGE, while on the rick pitching the sheaves, fell forward on his head to the ground. The rick was only 5 ½ feet high. James Walker said MUGRIDGE told him he had fallen off the rick: and Dr Wilson Ranson said deceased, who broke his back and sustained internal injuries was conscious up to the night of September 27th and died the following day. The Deputy-Coroner (Mr Kellock) commented on the tremendous injuries resulting from so slight a fall, but did not see that blame attached to anyone. The Jury concurred and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

YEALMPTON - A Yealmpton Lad's Death. - The County Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) held an Inquest at Dunstan House, Yealmpton, last evening, on JOHN STEWART GORDON FOSTER, aged nine years, only son of MR G. H. FOSTER, surveyor. The father stated that on Saturday deceased said he would get ready to go to the Railway Station with his wheelbarrow to meet his sister and aunt, and bring back some parcels. Upon his return he believed the boy had an accident, but he did not mention it to witness. Early on Sunday morning the lad came into his bedroom and complained of pains in the abdomen. He treated him, but there was a sudden change on Monday and the boy died before Dr Gladstone arrived. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he did not send for a doctor before, because he thought it was only a bilious attack. - GEORGINA MARY FOSTER, aged 14, sister of the deceased, stated that after her brother had met her and her aunt at the Station, he was putting his barrow away when it upset and he fell upon it. He seemed all right soon afterwards. - Dr A. E. Gladstone, of Newton Ferrers, who made a post-mortem examination, found that death was due to acute peritonitis, as the result of internal injuries, which would arise from such an accident as deceased had. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, who, with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 October 1902 BARNSTAPLE - AMELIA DELBRIDGE, an inmate of Barnstaple Workhouse, aged 81, some months ago fell and fractured her thigh. She was very feeble and suffered from softening of the brain and on Friday she died, the lying in bed on account of the accident accelerating her death. At the Inquest on Saturday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Soldier's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on PRIVATE JAMES MOXEY, aged 33, of the Somersetshire Light Infantry, stationed at Raglan Barracks. - Colour-Sergeant H. G. Monger, S.L.I., said deceased, who was single, had been in the battalion sixteen years and was a native of Moorlinch. He was regimental butcher. He never heard him complain and as far as he knew he was a healthy man. He was invalided from South Africa suffering from enteric fever, but apparently had quite recovered. - Private Ernest Brown, D.C.L.I., who slept next to deceased in the barrack-room, said MOXEY was the worse for drink when he went to bed, at 9.30 p.m., on Thursday. At six o'clock next morning witness went to wake him, but could not do so. A corporal was also unable to wake him and he was removed to the Hospital. - Mr P. G. Moran, civil surgeon at the Station Hospital, said at 6.30 a.m., on Friday, deceased was brought to the Hospital dead. On making a post-mortem examination he found the heart very much enlarged, being about seven ounces heavier than it should be. The principal opening connecting the heart with the aorta was diseased, and the heart was also fatty. The liver was very much enlarged, being about 20 ounces heavier than it should be. The kidneys were twice the normal size. The stomach and intestines were full of fluid and the remains of food. the fluid had rather an alcoholic odour and was very much in excess. The cause of death was syncope, due to the disease of the heart, accelerated by an excess of alcohol. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 October 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tramway Fatality. The Inquest And Verdict. - In Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, resumed the Inquest on HERBERT CHOPE, dentist, 28 Herbert-place, who was killed by a car over-turning on the Devonport and District Tramways on Saturday week. Mr Herbert Lee represented the Corporation, Mr R. J. James for Mr T. H. Gill, the relatives of deceased and for Mr C. Pitcher, one of the injured passengers, and Mr J. W. Bickle the Law Accident Insurance Company. Mr W. May was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner advised the Jury not to pay any attention to any report of the evidence given at the Board of Trade Inquiry, but to base their verdict entirely on the evidence that would be brought before them. He proposed to place the evidence before them in three sections - first, as to the state of the road at the place where the car left the rails; secondly, as to the condition of the car and its equipment when it left the depot that morning; and, thirdly, as to the manner in which the car was driven. - The State of the Road: Mr J. F. Burns, Borough Surveyor, said in his opinion the road was in good condition at the time of the accident, though the rails were very much worn. Just after the accident he noticed that the rails were very dry. He examined the rails because at a previous inquiry an accident was attributed to greasiness of the rails. He also noticed an absence of sand on the rails, but there was plenty of sand on the boxes. He also examined the brakes of the car, which was lying on its side on the ground. The iron brakes were tight on the wheels, but the slipper brake was off The point at which the car left the rails was 24ft. from the straight part of the rails. It had gone round the curve 24 ft. before leaving the rails. the super-elevation of the rails at that point was 1 ¼ inches. It gradually decreased to ½ inch where the Camel's Head track joined the Fore-street track. - Asked if that super-elevation was sufficient in his opinion, witness said the Board of Trade inspector, an expert, inspected the line, and was satisfied with it. It was possible to raise the track and give it so much super-elevation as to make the road dangerous for ordinary vehicular traffic. A cyclist complained the other day of having had a nasty fall owing to the drop from the rails to the kerb. That was through raising the rails so high. - The Coroner: Would there be any objection by the Council to the super-elevation being raised? - It would make it much more awkward for ordinary traffic. It would be far better to take in the land adjoining and make a better curve. The plans for the curve were approved by the Board of Trade previous to its construction. The work, however, had not been carried out in accordance with the plans. The company laid the curve flatter than was intended by taking off a piece of the field. There is no reason why it should not be made still flatter. - Is it proposed to take in a portion of that field? - Witness said he had seen a plan which provided that the present radius of 30 feet at the curve should be increased to 80 feet. That would necessitate taking in a large piece of the adjoining ground. - If the corner is taken off that field and the radius made greater, I presume there will be considerably less danger. - Yes; but even then, if the car came down the hill at the rate this car was supposed to be travelling, it would not keep the rails. Even with a bigger curve it would be necessary to drive the cars very slowly down the hill. Whatever is done, it is a dangerous corner, and great care will have to be exercised by the drivers. The rails at that point has a guard on the inner side, and the guard was half an inch above the wearing part of the rail itself. On one occasion he spoke to the engineer about it and he replied that the Board of Trade required the rail to be made in that shape. This raised part of the rail was very dangerous to ordinary vehicular traffic. - So really it amounts to this, that what is desirable for the tramway is undesirable for ordinary vehicular traffic? - Yes. - Continuing, witness said he was not aware that the Tramway Company had applied to raise the super-elevation, but as a matter of fact since the lines were laid the super-elevation had been increased. There had been no friction between the Corporation and the Company with regard to making the super-elevation higher. Judging from the position of the car, he thought the wheels struck the kerb, slid along and turned over. - A Juror: I have seen a good deal of the rail filed away since the accident. Why was that done? - I do not know. It was done by the Tramway Company. - A Juror: Is not the gradient on that hill too steep, and would not another course be advisable? - The gradient is 1 in 11. It is rather steep for cars to work, and all the more dangerous because of the very sharp curve at the bottom. Another route has been suggested and in company with the Tramway engineer, I went over it. It appeared to us both, however, that there would be greater danger on that route than on the present. - The Coroner: you mean to go down to the back of the Technical Schools and then turn round. - Yes. - Replying to further questions, Mr Burns said the Corporation had offered a piece of the field to the Tramway Company on one or two occasions. - Mr Endean, manager of the Tramway Company, pointed out that the super-elevation gradually decreased from 1 ¼ inches to ½ inch, on the curve, and suggested that if it was continued at 1 ¼ inches all round the curve the car would not have left the track. - Replying to the Coroner, Mr Burns said a super-elevation of 1 ¼ inches could be carried all round the curve, but it would be very dangerous for ordinary traffic. If the curve had been wider, and the car ran away, the accident might still have happened, but there would be less danger of it. - The Coroner asked if there was any prospect of the alteration to the curve being carried out soon. - Mr Lee said the Company's representative met the Tramway Committee the other day and said the alteration would be taken in hand at once. - A R.N.E. College Student's Story. - Patrick J. King, naval engineer student, stated that on September 27th he was on top of No. 7 car. After leaving the top of Albert-road the car proceeded at an ordinary speed past Tamar-terrace, and down the hill by the side of St. Michael's-terrace. It did not, however, stop at St Michael's-terrace. After crossing the Milehouse line, near St Michael's-terrace, the speed got gradually faster and half-way down the hill he saw the driver get off. They were going very fast then and when the driver got off, witness knew it was all up. Everyone on top stood up. Witness crossed over from the right side to the left, and clung on to the side rail. Then there was a smash and he found himself lying on the ground. The driver, or someone on the front platform, jumped off a long way before he reached the wall of the Technical Schools. Down over St Michael's-hill the car travelled at about 5 miles an hour. Did not remember whether the car stopped at Stopford-place. - By the Jury: Believed the man who jumped off in front was in uniform, but would not like to swear. So far as he knew the trolley arm was on the wire all the way down the hill. - The Coroner and the Jury congratulated Mr King on his escape. - After The Accident: A Worn Wheel. - James Walter Spark, Borough Electrical Engineer, deposed to seeing the car after the accident, lying on the ground. Witness examined the car. The controller handle, the emergency brake and the reversing handle had been removed. The slipper brake was off. There was wood in the slipper brake 1/8-inch beyond the steel holder tapering to ¼ inch. The ordinary hand brakes were on the block touching the wheel, and the ratchet pawl was not engaged in the ratchet wheel of either brake. As the driver applied the brakes he should press the pawl into the ratchet wheel so as to prevent the brake falling back. At the time he concluded that the brakes were held on the wheels by the car resting on some part of the mechanism. He accompanied the car to the depot and examined the slipper brake, which he found to be in apparently good condition. He tried the hand brake and found that the brake block answered to the movement from the driver's platform. Putting the hand brake as far down as he could, he found the block did not make contact over the whole surface. The wheel was worn to such an extent that the tread of the wheel was not true. Witness put a "feeler" between the brake block and the wheels. This shewed that with each wheel the brake block was touching at the higher points. By putting the brake on hard the driver must lock the wheels of the car. In his opinion the wheels of the car became locked when the driver applied the brake harder to stop the car at the stopping-place. Assuming the wheels were locked, and the slipper brake was the only safe-guard, if the car was going at twelve miles an hour it would not turn the corner safely. It would turn, however, at the normal speed. If the reverse current was on to its full extent, and the wheels were locked and everything in proper condition, there would have been evidence of it on the car, in the company's switchroom, or at the car station. But there was no such evidence at the station, and he was informed there was none at the switchroom or on the car. If the back current was on at the time of the accident, either the wheels were not locked or there was something wrong with the car. The electrical equipment of the car seemed in good condition. The wheels were too easily locked and there being only two sand-boxes, only one rail could be sanded, and the sand being large could not get between the slipper block and the rail. The car having once taken charge, the driver had not every facility to prevent a disaster. The most serious fault in the car was that there were only two sand-boxes, instead of four. If there had been four sand-boxes and the wheels in better condition, the car would have been easier to drive. If the driver had applied the slipper brake at the proper place the car would not have taken charge. The slipper brake ought to have been applied just before descending the hill. - Mr Lee said the question of additional sand-boxes was raised at the Board of Trade Inquiry, and it was stated that the additional boxes had been ordered, but not delivered. - Replying to the Jury, Mr Spark said he examined the rails after the accident, and found very little trace of sand. There was only a little sand, which might have been used on previous occasions. When the wheel was skidding it was useless to apply the emergency brake. - Replying to Mr Endean, witness said on the second occasion, when he went to the car depot, he found the main switches of the motor very dirty and suggested to the manager that there was a possibility of a doubtful contact on the main switches, which might reduce the efficiency of the emergency brake. - Mr Endean: Did not I say that the fact of the main motor switches being dusty had nothing whatever to do with the emergency brake? - No, you did not. Mr Spark added that from the diagram afterwards he found that the switches would not interfere with the emergency brake. - Mr Endean: did not you state to me at the tramway depot that as far as you could see the wheel brake, slipper brake and the controller connection and contacts were in perfect condition and you were entirely satisfied with them? - No: I certainly did not. - I have evidence to prove you did. Is it not a fact that you tried to put a feeler in between the brake block and the wheel and failed? - No, I certainly put the feeler in between. - Mr Endean explained with reference to the coarseness of the sane, that the sand fell four inches in front of the wheel, and was crushed before it went under the slipper brake. - The Story Of An Eye-Witness: - Captain J. Pike, 5th Provisional Battalion, who was cycling along Paradise-road towards the town, deposed to seeing the car descend the hill, turn the corner and fall over. When he first noticed the car it was half-way up the hill by the Technical Schools. It was then travelling at eight miles an hour. Had seen other cars turn the corner safely at that speed, and did not then think there was any danger. After leaving the rails the car ran about a yard and then fell. It did not mount the kerb. Had often thought the cars travelled at too great a speed when approaching that curve. He gave orders to a military ambulance, which happened to be passing, to render help. - The Coroner thanked Captain Pike for his orders as to the ambulance, and Mr Matters and Mr Endean endorsed the Coroner's thanks, the former remarking that the assistance rendered by the ambulance was of the utmost value. - A Conflict Of Testimony. - John Stretton, electrical clerk of works for the overhead equipment of the tramways at St. Budeaux, who arrived on the scene soon after the accident, deposed to examining the position of the controlling handles. He found the reversing switch pulled over to the back direction of that in which the car had been travelling, and the controller handle on the ninth notch. This showed that the driver had reversed the current of his motors. The brakes appeared tightly locked on the wheels. The slipper brake was not down when he saw it, but it might have been knocked up by the concussion. So far as he could see, the car appeared to be in ordinary working condition. There was plenty of timber in the block of the slipper brake. - By the Jury: The emergency brake had not been put on. When the wheels were locked the motors were prevented from revolving. If he was in charge of a car which took charge coming downhill, and found the wheels locked, he should apply the emergency brake and sand the ails. If the wheels were locked there was less likelihood of the car going round the curve than if they were free. - By Mr Endean: Could not say whether if the emergency brake was applied suddenly it would lock the wheels. - Charles Henry Scantlebury, night foreman at the tram depot, proved examining the car at the scene of the accident after it was replaced on the rails. He found al the brakes and controllers in perfect working order. At the depot afterwards Mr Spark made an examination, and said he could find nothing wrong with the brakes. Witness lent Mr Spark a "liner" to pass it between the wheel and the brake, but could not do so, because the block was tight on the wheel. Witness examined and repaired the car on the morning of the accident. He put on new back brakes, adjusted the hand brakes and cleaned the controller. Every night new slipper brakes were supplied. It was the duty of the driver to examine his car before taking it out of the depot. If he was not satisfied with it he could refuse to take it out. - By the Jury: If Mr Spark said he was able to insert the feeler between the brake block and the wheel it was false. He (witness) was brought up as a smith and fitter, but had electrical experience at Bristol before he came to Devonport. Pressed, witness admitted that he did not work as an electrical fitter at Bristol, but did at Worcester four years ago. - At the request of Mr Spark, the Coroner reminded witness that he was on his oath, and that if he made any statement which was untrue he was liable to be prosecuted for perjury. - Mr Spark: I emphatically deny that witness at any time lent me a "liner." The liner which I used was one of my own. - The Coroner: After what Mr Spark has said, do you still say you handed him a "liner," which he used? - Yes. - Mr Spark: Has the witness been in consultation with the tramway manager before giving his evidence? - (Applause.) - The Coroner: I cannot allow any applause and I am surprised that any member of the Jury should indulge in it. - Witness denied having consulted Mr Endean as to the evidence he should give. - Asked by Mr Spark upon his electrical knowledge, witness admitted he could not tell whether an emergency brake was in good condition unless the car was in motion, and the car was not in motion when he examined it. - Mr Bickle objected that the witness was being badgered. - Mr Spark declared that the witness was absolutely ignorant of theoretical laws as applied to electric cars, and was not qualified to state whether an emergency brake was in proper order. - Witness produced the "liner" which he said he lent Mr Spark and Mr Spark declared that he had never seen it before. - Mr Bickle asked that Mr spark should be reminded that he also was on his oath. Witness had been warned, and the same warning should be given to Mr Spark. The request of Mr Spark was a matter of intimidation. - The Coroner did not think there was any intimidation. There was often a diversity of opinion and when a witness was reminded that he was on his oath too much importance should not be attached to it. - A Passenger's Evidence. - Clarence E. Reed, clerk, an outside passenger on the car, said after passing the Milehouse line the car went exceedingly fast. Remarking that the car had bolted, he rushed down the back steps. There was a collision and he was thrown over the rail. Deceased was sitting in the half circle at the rear of the car. - By the Jury: The car went down over the hill with a swift rocking motion. - The Coroner congratulated Mr Reed on his escape. - The Story Of The Driver. - William Carhart, driver of the car, stated that before leaving the car shed he oiled the trolley and saw that the brakes were in order. He left the depot at 6.25 a.m. On the third journey, after leaving Albert-road he proceeded to Tamar-terrace at a speed of six miles an hour. Three poles from the brow of the hill he shut off the current, put on the stop brake and hand brake and reduced the speed to three miles an hour. All went well until about a pole and a half before the Board of Trade stop at St Michael's corner. He then fancied the car was going too fast to make the stop at that point, and put on the hand brake tighter. Immediately the car commenced to skid. He released the hand brake. By that time the car had reached the crossing. Finding the car was still skidding and gaining speed, he reversed his motor, and turned on nine notches of back current. By that time the car was nearly at the bottom of the hill, and he jumped off. He pitched on his feet and fell forward. On getting up, he saw deceased lying on the ground with a stone on top of him. He helped to lift the stone off and remove him on a stretcher. He did not stop at Stopford-place. The drivers were supposed to stop at the top of every gradient to put down the track brake. Witness did not stop at the gradient because he did not know that it was in the general orders. Did not know of this order until the Board of Trade inquiry last week. He looked at the general order-book a fortnight ago, but did not notice this order. Had not made himself acquainted with all the orders in the general order-book. Did not put on the emergency brake, because it would not be much good when the car was skidding. He jumped off the car just before she left the metals. He thought the car left the rails just as it reached the bend. The conductor left the car just in front of him. He (the conductor) jumped off the driver's platform, just before they reached the Technical School doorway. At that time he had six notches of back current on. did not apply the whole of the nine notches at once, because he thought five would have checked the car. Did not remember whether he used any sand or not. Had been a driver three months. Previously he was an engine driver for Messrs. Kellett on the main sewerage works at Plymouth. For ten days after entering the employ of the Tramway Company he accompanied another driver, who instructed him in his duties. Afterwards he was sent out in charge of a car. Had no instruction in the workshop. Did not know the action of the emergency brake, but understood it was to lock the wheels. - By the Jury: A printed copy of the Board of Trade regulations and instructions to drivers was given to each driver. On previous occasions this car had skidded, but he had no difficulty in stopping it. Could not tell the speed of the car, except by counting the poles as it went along. - By Mr Endean: Motormen were supplied with a book of instructions for working the car, and a set of diagrams showing the working of the controller. - The Conductor's Evidence. - Robert Binmore, conductor of the car estimated the speed at which it commenced to descend St Michael's-hill at three miles an hour. Afterwards the speed increased. When they passed the Board of Trade stop without stopping he saw that the car was not under control. After passing the crossing it ran down the hill at twelve miles an hour. He rushed down over the front stairs and warned the passengers that an accident was likely to happen. When level with the Technical Schools he jumped off. - By the Jury: Had been a driver before he was a conductor. Knew there was a sand-box on the car, but did not use the sand because there was no time. - The Car's Stability. - Edward J. Symons, assistant engineer, Great Western Railway, deposed to seeing the car at the depot on the afternoon of September 27th. He examined the car, and remarked upon its stability to have stood such a shock so well. Considered the car was in good condition in every respect, except the electrical appliances, of which he could not speak. He applied the handbrakes. They had good contact. He tried to press the point of a penknife between the brake blocks and the wheels, but could not do it. Feeling the surface of the wheels with his hand, he could not find any "flats" there. This went to prove that the wheels were not skidding when the car went down the hill. He had examined the curve at the Technical School, and found it in very fair condition, but lacking super-elevation in the outer rail. At least a super-elevation of 2 ½ inches was required. If that super-elevation could be obtained or the radius increased the danger of the curve would be minimised. While at the depot he heard Mr Spark remark upon the dirty condition of the switches, and Mr Endean tell him that had nothing to do with the emergency brake. After examining the car, Mr Spark said everything appeared to be in good order and good condition. - The Manager's Opinion. - John W. Endean, manager of the Devonport and District Tramways, said he heard of the accident three minutes after it occurred and was on the scene almost at once. The car was lying on its side. The brake blocks were hard against the wheels, the track brake was released and nine notches of reverse current were on. The car was taken at once to the Milehouse depot. With his permission, Mr Spark and Mr Smith came to the depot to make tests. Mr Spark remarked on the cleanliness of the controller, but suggested that the dirt on the main switches might prejudicially affect the emergency brake. Witness replied that that had nothing to do with the brake. After examining the car, Mr Spark said everything was in perfect condition. In his opinion, the wheels must have been revolving when the car jumped the track. Both sand-boxes on the car were in good working condition. There were four sand-boxes on some cars and four were to be placed on all the cars. They had not been put on all the cars yet, because they had not been delivered. Witness produced the book of instructions, illustrated by diagrams, issued to the drivers, together with a copy of the Board of Trade regulations. These regulations showed the drivers at what speed they were to travel on different parts of the route. - The Coroner: do you think that putting a man who is absolutely ignorant of trams with a driver for seven or eight days is sufficient to make him a competent driver? - If he passes the inspector's examination. - We have had no evidence that the inspector does put the driver through an examination? - Witness explained that a new driver was put through an examination by the inspector. Any man who had never seen a car before could be made a competent driver in ten days. If a driver did not know the action of the emergency brake he should not consider him competent. If a car was late at the terminus the driver could keep it there until the time for the next journey. Of 27 drivers in the employ of the company, six had been there since the date of opening, ten had been engaged a year or over, two nine months and over, five six months and over, two three months and over and two under three months. The frequent changing of drivers had been for the public good. Several men had been discharged for being under the influence of liquor and men had also been discharged for running past the Board of Trade stops and for fast driving. he intended to change them, if he had to change them every day, until he got men who recognised the Board of Trade regulations, and rove the passengers safely. It was not necessary for a driver to have any electrical knowledge and if any driver wanted to familiarise himself with the working of the motor, the company's works were always open to him. - A Juror suggested that car-drivers ought to be licensed. - Mr Endean said he should be only too pleased if a by-law were passed to licence drivers and conductors. Since the cars had been running on the Company's system they had carried over nine million passengers, and there had been one death through accident. Over 153,000 cars had gone over the curve at the Technical Schools and two cars had jumped one kerb and one the other kerb. That was not such a bad record. - A Juror complained of the overcrowding of the cars. - Mr Bickle objected that that matter was not relevant to the Inquiry and the Coroner pointed out that it was in the province of the Town Council to make by-laws to prevent overcrowding. - Mr Gould (another Juror) suggested that only experienced drivers should be put on the Camel's Head section. - Mr Endean said since the accident he had picked out the oldest and most experienced drivers for that section. - Replying further to the Jury, Mr Endean said when the car ran away the driver ought to have applied the emergency brake and sanded the rail. He (witness) did everything possible to prevent overcrowding, but it was impossible at times. - Mr Lee explained that the Corporation had been waiting to see the working of the trams before making by-laws, and a sub-committee had now been instructed to draw up by-laws an submit them to the Council. - Dr F. E. Row said deceased's skull and lower jaw were fractured. Just as he entered the Army Service wagon, in which he had been placed, deceased gave one convulsive movement and died. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence showed that the road was in good condition, although it was admitted that the super-elevation was not sufficient for so sharp a curve, and there could be no doubt that the car and its equipment when it left the depot in the morning was in a proper working condition. If that was so, the responsibility of the company, so far as the road and car were concerned, ceased. But there remained the important question of how the car was driven, and the Jury had to consider whether the driver was competent and did everything a competent driver ought to do. The driver used the hand brake, but failed to use the emergency brake and the sand lever, and therefore did not use all the means in his power to bring the car to a standstill. It was the duty of the company to employ as drivers men thoroughly competent to perform their duty. If the driver drove in such a reckless manner as to let the car run down a hill at so high a speed that he could not possibly stop it he would be criminally responsible, but the evidence tended to show that he was not driving at an exceedingly high rate of speed. The Jury had to consider whether there was any neglect on the part of the manager or driver, and if so, whether either of them was criminally responsible, or whether it was an accident which could not be helped. Mr Endean had rendered him every possible assistance. - The Verdict. - The Jury after more than half an hour's deliberation in private, returned as their verdict "That on the 27th of September, at Paradise-road, HERBERT CHOPE died from fracture of the skull, caused by injuries received through a runaway electric tramcar on which he was a passenger turning over and falling on a wall; that the car ran away through ignorance on the part of the driver, William Carhart, in not stopping at the necessary stop-places and not subsequently using the proper appliances for stopping the same; and the Jury are unanimously of opinion that the instruction given to new drivers is not sufficient to make them competent for the duties they have to perform. The Jurors also recommend that the radius of the curve should be increased as early as possible." - The Foreman expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the relatives of the deceased and the "injured" and thanked the Coroner for his courteous treatment of the Jury. - Mr James replied on behalf of deceased's family and Mr Endean, on behalf of the Tramway Company, associated himself with the sentiments expressed by the Jury. - The Inquiry lasted over ten hours.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 October 1902 TAVISTOCK - A Morwellham Mystery. Sad Fate Of A Linkinhorne Farmer. - At Morwellham, on Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the unidentified body found in the River Tamar on Thursday evening. - Thomas Martin, labourer, Morwellham, stated that he met deceased there on Wednesday evening and Mrs Higman asked him to put the deceased across in the ferryboat to the other side of the river. As deceased was dumb and apparently deaf, he gave him a piece of paper and pencil to write with. Witness wrote on the paper, "From Tavistock, river Caistock." Deceased merely pencilled the letter "E," and appeared as if he did not wish to write anything. Witness then took him to the riverside, but could not ascertain from him what he wanted. He appeared anxious that witness should understand and endeavoured by signs to make him do so, but did not succeed. Witness formed the opinion that deceased did not desire to cross the river, but to return in the direction of Tavistock. Witness then accompanied him, with Mr Cabot, beyond the Harvest Home public-house, about two and a half miles from Morwellham. they then left him and he appeared to know the road at that point. Deceased was 5ft. 9in. in height, fresh complexion, blue eyes, grey hair, upper lip clean shaven, whiskers and beard. He seemed well nourished and was about 12 stone in weight. Deceased was quite sober. When leaving he shook hands. He did not offer witness anything for his trouble, but evidently wished to release him three times before actually parting by offering to shake hands and motioning to witness and Mr Cabot to return. Deceased seemed in a very excited condition. Mr Cabot gave him hot milk and water, which he drank and some biscuits which he put in his pocket. It was 8.20 p.m. when they left Morwellham. Deceased appeared to understand the deaf and dumb alphabet. - Samuel F. Eddy, farmer, Morwellham, deposed that at 10.40 p.m. on Wednesday he was driving home from Tavistock Fair and met the deceased at Morwellham-cross, about midway between the Harvest Home and Morwellham. Asked him if he had lost his way, but received no reply. Deceased followed him to his yard gate, when he lost sight of him. On the following day, about 5 p.m., witness noticed something in the river and recovered deceased's body. - P.C. Loosemore, stationed at Tavistock, stated that on searching the clothes he found two nankeen purses, one containing £11 10s. in gold and the other 8s. in silver and 8 ½d. in coppers, a padlock key with a piece of white horn attached, apparently the end of a shaving brush, and a small door key. Deceased was wearing a black-ribbed suit bearing a label "Treleaven and Sons, outfitters, Launceston," lace-up boots, worsted socks, flannel vest and a cotton shirt, collar and front combined, and black knot tie, no jewellery, a coloured handkerchief, a few biscuits and a handbill of Mr Stranger, Tavistock and of Mr German, Tavistock. - Dr Snowden Smith, Tavistock, who had made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to drowning. - The Jury (Mr B. B. Richards, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and commended Mr Martin and Mr Cabot for the care they took of the deceased. - Mr F. Bartlett of Plusha-bridge, Linkinhorne, near Callington, called upon Mr Superintendent Nicholls, of Tavistock, yesterday and informed him that the deceased was EZEKIEL JOHN, a retired farmer, who resided alone in a cottage at Claradon Town, Linkinhorne. He was 66 years of age and in comfortable circumstances. He did not know the deaf and dumb alphabet, but could easily make his acquaintances understand what he meant. He attended Tavistock Goose Fair on Wednesday and evidently started from Tavistock with the intention of walking home. Mr Bartlett says no doubt the deceased mistook the Morwellham-road for the road to Gunnislake, and as the night was very dark, he walked over Morwellham quay, which is unprotected.

PAIGNTON - The Wreck In Torbay. Terrible Experience At Sea. - At Paignton on Saturday, Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy coroner, held an Inquest on HENRY PINN, the skipper of the ketch Thistle, of Topsham, drowned on Thursday night, when his vessel was wrecked on Paignton beach. Mr E. J. Wills was Foreman of the Jury. - William Voisey, of Topsham, the owner of the ketch, stated that deceased, a German, 63 years of age, had been skipper of the Thistle since August and had made two or three voyages in her. Luxon, the young man saved from the wreck, was the only other person on the vessel. Two hands were sufficient to manage the ship, but he provided three in winter. Deceased held a German certificate, but, as far as witness knew, no English certificate. - James Luxon, of Topsham, stated that the vessel was loaded with clay at Teignmouth and left last Monday for London. A third hand was engaged for the vessel, but he ran away the day they sailed. They left Teignmouth with a moderate N.W. breeze. On Wednesday a heavy sea came on, with squalls from the north-east. They were then near Portland. The main sheet was split and they put the ketch about and ran back down Channel before the wind with only the jib hoisted. They could not get the vessel under control until they got the mizzen up. - Then, the witness continued, we made for home. It was very thick and dirty, with rain. We should have gone into Exmouth had we been there in time. But we could not cross the bar, and were stopped at the Fairway Buoy. We got on to the bar but got off again and then made for Plymouth. The sail parted once more and we had to "blow" away again. When we got to windward of the Big Stone at the entrance to Torbay, I asked the skipper what the stone was, and he said it was the Mewstone, near Plymouth. When we got to windward of the Big Stone we headed for what we thought must be the Plymouth lights. The skipper pointed out what he said was the revolving light. But I could not see any revolving light and I told the skipper so. Presently we got under the lee-shore and tried to beat out with the foresail and jib. - Did you know where you were? - No, not before this morning properly. We thought we were handy for Plymouth. - You ran before the wind? - Yes, we blew right ashore, sir. - What happened then? - the bow went towards Brixham and she struck twice or three times and then listed over. The skipper said, "Get into the boat." He got into the boat with me and I cast her off. We tried to pull ashore. When we had got half-way to the shore the boat capsized us "in a heap." Both of us were thrown out and washed in over the breakwater there. I was knocked up there twice and did not see any more of the skipper. - After the boat capsized did you swim? - There was too much sea for swimming. We were in very broken water, and were washed right up over the breakwater,. - Could the skipper swim? - In don't know sir. - Could you swim? - I could in smooth water, but there was not much chance there: the sea was too broken. We were right on her beach in rough water. When I got on the sands down there I tried to creep along and to get up the wall, but I fell back on the beach. - Mr Langdon: did you burn any flares as a signal of distress? - No. We had no matches or anything. All we had were wet. We could not keep a light in the cabin, let alone on deck. It was blowing too hard. - Mr Stanbury: Could you not have hoisted a signal during the two days you were drifting about? - We never hoisted one. I had been on the ketch about two months. I had not been at sea very long. - What experience have you had of the sea? - I have only shipped as seaman for a couple or three voyages. I don't want to say much. - The Coroner: How many years have you been at sea? - All my life, fishing and soon. I first went to sea when I was 14 or 15. I have been at it ten years. I also belong to the Naval Reserve. - Mr Stanbury: Could you manage the ketch yourself? - Surely the skipper cannot be on deck all the time during a voyage to London? - We took turns on deck. When the skipper went below I took charge. - Mr Langdon: You think the ship was very well "found?" - Oh, yes. But I only had to do what I was told. - Mr Burridge: Was it daylight when you passed the Great Rock outside Torbay? - About six o'clock I should think. - You didn't try to get into Teignmouth? - We mistook the lights for Plymouth lights. - Mr Langdon: You say you had no lights? - Plenty of lights, but no matches. - Were you without food? - We had nothing to eat for 48 hours. There was food on board, but it was all wet. We could not light the fire to cook any meat because the sticks and matches were all wet. - Did the skipper attempt to burn flares or to hoist signals of distress? - Yes, we tried to get a light. The skipper went below to light up a flare, but the matches would not burn. - You were at the helm then? - yes, we took it in watches. - You were carrying no lights? - We had lamps but could not light them. - Replying to Mr Langdon, witness said the ketch did not make water until they touched Exmouth Bar. After that they could hardly keep her afloat. they were pumping all the time. - Mr Burridge: Didn't it occur to you to hoist a signal of distress when near the land? - No; I didn't say anything about it. - Didn't you think a signal should be hoisted? - It was the skipper's place to do that. I was at the pump and, of course, he could not leave the wheel. - The Coroner: Now we are getting at the weakness of the thing. It was the weakness of the crew that was the trouble. - A Juryman asked how old the boat was. - The owner replied that she was between ten and twelve years old. She was formerly a fishing smack. - Mr Burridge: Why was she sold out of the fishing service? - Because she wanted a brand new engine gear. They are selling all the trawlers at Brixham. There have been thousands sold in the last few years. It will not pay to renew the vessels. The Thistle was as nice a vessel as ever went to sea. - The Coroner (to Luxon): Was there no chance of getting help coming back from Portland? - No, sir. There was too much sea coming down. The boss could not see the land, and I don't think people on land could see us. - George Millman, landlord of the Pier Inn, Paignton, stated that about 10 on Thursday night a report reached him that a ship was ashore. With the captain of another vessel he rushed to Redcliffe Towers. there he saw the ketch close into the beach. The sea was very rough and deceased was on the beach. He thought he was alive at first. Deceased certainly landed alive. - The Coroner: Why? - He was out of the water when we found him. - He might have been washed up. - That was impossible. He had come up to the wall and had fallen backwards. His head was clear of the water. The tide was rising at the time. Deceased was on the Paignton side of Redcliffe, and Luxon landed on the Torquay side. When found deceased was several feet from the water. The ketch was breaking up and rolling so tremendously that there was no chance of saving anybody. - Dr Newling said he was at the harbour looking after the safety of his boat, and hearing of the wreck, he went to Redcliffe Towers. There he saw deceased lying against the wall on the beach. He came to the conclusion that life was extinct. Every possible means were taken to revive him. There were marks about the head. No doubt deceased had been buffeted about by the waves, and that probably accelerated death, which was due to drowning. - The Owner, replying to questions, said the ketch was only required to carry two hands. It was not necessary that both should be able to navigate the ship. When he went below the skipper told the other what course to steer and he could then manage as well as the skipper. Another hand would not have enabled them to save the ship,. He would have saved her because he would have known where he was. - Mr Burridge: Ought they not to have hoisted signal of distress? - They were going to launch the lifeboat for her at Exmouth when it was seen that the vessel had touched the bar; but she got off and was blown to sea. - The Coroner: Is there anything else the crew could have done? - They could have kept the vessel at sea. If they had steered S.S.E. they would have cleared everything. They ought to have known where they were by the compass. - Luxon: We could not see the compass. - The Owner: I would have put it where I could have seen it. - The Coroner said there was no doubt the ship was under-manned. It seemed to be beyond the power of two men to properly navigate such a ship. The Jury would have to see if there was anyone guilty of neglect in the case. If there was it was their duty to say so plainly. - The Jury retired for a quarter of an hour and then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the owner from all blame. The Coroner congratulated Luxon on his escape. - Captain Hesse Thomas of Torquay, on behalf of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, provided Luxon with the usual outfit and paid his fare home.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 October 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death Of A Devonport Swimmer. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM WIDDICOMBE MINHINNICK, aged 34, master baker, of 28 King-street, Devonport. - the widow said deceased had complained of a pain across his back from time to time, but nothing to speak of. Deceased got into bed about 12.45 on Sunday morning, and shortly afterwards witness heard him making a funny noise. Witness shook him and rubbed him and called assistance, but deceased seemed quite unconscious. A neighbour, who was also called, went to his room for spirit, but before he could bring it deceased had apparently passed away. Dr Ryan came and pronounced life extinct. Deceased had been a great swimmer and had won several prizes. - Dr Ryan said that when he was called about one a.m. deceased was in bed dead. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to heart disease of long standing. The stomach was very much distended, the liver was healthy. It was possible that the exercise in which deceased engaged as a swimmer had strained his heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes " was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 October 1902 NEWTON ABBOT - A Newton Abbot Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot on THOMAS PENFOUND, found in the morning hanging to a telephone-post in a yard adjoining the Exchange. - W. PENFOUND, the father, stated that deceased, 21 years of age, was a painter. Deceased was out for half an hour during Monday evening and when he returned he appeared very much depressed - different altogether from what he was at other times. Asked what was the matter, he did not reply. - WILLIAM PENFOUND, jun., said he slept in the same room as deceased. he got into bed a few minutes before witness, but never spoke. Witness was called at 1.30 a.m. to go on duty at the Railway Station. He could not say whether deceased was in his bed then as he was in a hurry and dressed with his back towards the part of the room in which deceased slept. Amelia Bowden stated that she kept company with deceased. She was with him the previous evening, but nothing happened to depress him at all. He appeared to be in his usual spirits and apparently had no trouble on his mind. - James Field, said his attention was called to deceased by a woman's screams. He found him hanging to the telephone pole at a height of about 14 feet. About four feet of rope was attached to one of the iron steps, or brackets, by which the men mount the pole to effect repairs. His feet were about three feet from the ground. He had evidently climbed up by the steps, attached the rope, and thrown himself down. Witness cut him down, and he was quite dead and icy cold. - Dr Nisbet said he had attended deceased many times, but there was nothing to account for his mental depression. Deceased must have been dead over two hours when found. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 October 1902 LYDFORD - Deaths In Dartmoor Prisons. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held Inquests on Tuesday in Dartmoor Prison on two prisoners, who died in the Infirmary on Sunday. Mr N. Pill was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The first case was that of JAMES GRIFFITHS, sentenced in 1897 at Hereford Assizes to seven years' penal servitude. His conduct at Dartmoor had been uniformly good and he had been employed on the prison farm, especially in connection with the stud. Dr Drew stated that prisoner was admitted to the Infirmary on October 3rd, having complained of sickness and neuralgia. Subsequently jaundice set in. Assistant-Warder Payton spoke as to the care and attention which deceased received and the convict sickroom orderly said the man was perfectly contented and pleased with his treatment in the Infirmary. The second case was that of WILLIAM MCCARTHY, who was convicted at the Old Bailey in 1900 of forgery. As his health had never been very good he was put to light labour and latterly had been employed in the book-binding shop. He was admitted to the Infirmary in August last, a tumour forming in his face. In each case the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 October 1902 KINGSTEIGNTON - An Inquest was held at Kingsteignton yesterday on ELLEN ROWSELL, aged 48, the widow of a stationmaster on the Great Northern Railway. Deceased, who had been housekeeper for nearly two years to Mr J. Mallett, was taken ill on Saturday morning and died before medical aid arrived. Dr Dutton had made a post-mortem examination and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Failure of the Heart due to Natural Causes." The Coroner (Mr Hacker), opening the Inquest in the Fore-street Reading-room, regretted that the schoolroom was not available. Mr Butland (Foreman of the Jury) said the managers would willingly lend one of the rooms when school was not being held, but it would be very inconvenient to have an Inquest during school hours. The Coroner agreed. The room in which they were assembled was unsuitable for the purpose and he adjourned the court to the King's Arms.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 October 1902 ILFRACOMBE - Child Burnt To Death At Ilfracombe. - BEATRICE CHARLOTTE FISHER, age nine, whose stepfather is a seaman, and whose mother keeps a small shop at 19 Fore-street, Ilfracombe, died at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital yesterday from burns received on the previous evening. She was putting the kettle on the fire in order to prepare her father's tea, when flames from the open grate caught her pinafore on fire. The flames immediately spread to her other clothing and her screams caused her mother, who was serving in the shop, to rush to the child's assistance. She endeavoured to pull the burning clothes off, but the frightened girl ran through the open door into the street, with her clothes ablaze. Daniel Fowler, of Appledore, a seaman on the ketch Kate, ran to her assistance, and dashed a bucket of water over the child just as P.C. Labdon, who had also hurried to the scene, was about to wrap his cap around the burning girl. The water quenched the flames and the constable promptly conveyed the sufferer into her mother's house, summoned a doctor, and skilfully dressed her extensive wounds with cotton wool and sweet oil, and wrapped her in blankets. When Dr Clayton Jones arrived he ordered the child's removal to the cottage Hospital, but nothing could save her life and she died from the shock caused by the burns, which extended over a large surface. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Deputy Coroner (Dr E. J. Slade-King) and the Jury highly commended P.C. Labdon for the promptness and skill with which he dressed the deceased's wounds.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 October 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The one-day-old male child of CHARLES LITTLEJOHNS, able seaman, R.N., of 3 York-road, Camel's Head, Devonport, died on Wednesday morning. Mr J. H. Kenrick, Surgeon, stated at an Inquest yesterday that a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to inanition, there being a defect in the action of one of the valves of the heart. A verdict of "Syncope due to inanition" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 October 1902 BUCKFASTLEIGH - At the Inquest at Buckfastleigh yesterday on HARRY BINMORE, who, as reported yesterday, died suddenly on Saturday, after returning from his work at the woollen mills, when about to go to Brixham to play football, a verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence, which was that death was due to haemorrhage of the brain.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest last evening on THOS. WM. GATER. - Mary Perry, wife of Thomas Perry, tailor, 2 Summerland-place, said deceased was her nephew, a labourer, aged 42. He was married, but had lived apart from his wife for some years. She did not think that had anything to do with his suicide. He had been strange in his habits for the last three weeks. - Annie Wellington, a domestic, said deceased left the kitchen just after nine o'clock on Saturday evening and about ten minutes later she heard him groan. Running upstairs to his room, she found him hanging to a peg behind his bedroom door. She endeavoured to undo the scarf around his neck, but failed and Mr Collings, of Union-terrace, came and cut him down. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, and knew of no reason for his doing so. - Dr Pearse, Flora-street, said death was due to strangulation. A verdict was returned of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Drowned In A Trench At Plymouth. Ineffectual Fencing. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth last evening on WM. HENRY CLARKE, the three-year-old son of the landlord of the Millbay Inn. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented the contractors. Mr J. P. Dobell the relatives of the deceased. - CHARLES CLARKE, father, said the child was out on Sunday evening playing with his elder sister. On hearing of the accident he went to the trench and saw the lad brought up, just after five o'clock. - George Tozer, jeweller, 24 Union-street, said he was near the spot conversing with a friend when he noticed a child disappear through a gap in the fencing, which was about two and a half feet from the ground. He rushed over and failing to see any trace drew the watchman's attention, but he (the watchman) contended that there was not sufficient room for the child to pass between the struts. After examining the sewers which are about fifteen feet deep the watchman told him there was no sign of a child below. On P.C. Luggar's arrival some energy was shown and the child was brought up. - By a Juryman: From the time he fell to the time he was taken out was from 20 to 30 minutes. Some time elapsed before he could impress upon anyone that a child had actually fallen in. - John Burley, watchman in the employ of Messrs. Lang, the contractors, said on being told that a child had gone over he went to the bottom of the trench, which contained eighteen inches of water, but failed to find the body until a long pole was obtained. The woodwork was removed to allow the child to be raised to the surface. The fencing poles were properly erected. There had not been a previous accident. The space from the ground to the pole was about two feet six inches. He considered it impossible for a child to pass through the struts, which were twelve feet below the surface and allowed a space between them of only seven inches. - Mr Tozer remarked that one was a plank, but the other was a rough piece of a tree. - Mr Dobell explained that if there was any case of negligence it was in the exterior. The width of the struts was immaterial. - Alfred Geach, labourer, 4 Victoria-street, said he attempted to pass through the struts and eventually succeeded. by the aid of a light he discovered the body lying in the water, and with assistance brought it to the surface. There was plenty of space between the ground and the pole for a child, even older than deceased, to walk under. The fencing was altogether insufficient. Had the watchman been facing his work he should have seen the lad fall in. - Henry Victor Prigg, engineer in charge of the Corporation drainage scheme, said it was an ordinary pole fencing, two and a half feet high, fixed on pedestals, and he considered it quite sufficient to keep people from walking into the trench. The fencing was the same as that generally carried out. - By a Juryman: There was sufficient space for a child to roll or crawl through. - By Mr Dobell: The fencing was precisely the same as in Union-street, but not as that under the Hoe. Close boarding would stop the progress of the work, so only the engine-yards were boarded in. The reason of Bath-street entrance being boarded was because it crossed a gangway. There was no necessity for that in Millbay-road. Having regard to the accident, he still thought the fencing sufficient. - By Mr Pearce: The works were being carried out under his supervision and he much regretted the occurrence, the first during his twenty years' experience. The fencing was not erected under his immediate direction, but he approved of it being six feet away from the trench, the further the better. A watchman was thee to prevent children from playing inside. - Dr Parsloe said when called he unsuccessfully tried artificial respiration. He attributed death to drowning. A fall of sixteen feet would have been sufficient to kill a child of that age, but drowning was the actual cause. - A Juryman remarked that a quantity of sand deposited at the spot would probably entice children to play there. - The Jury (Mr Cranch, Foreman) after viewing the spot, found that death was due to Drowning, that the fencing around the sewer was ineffectual and that the contractors were responsible for it, but were not culpably negligent.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 October 1902 NEWTON FERRERS - MRS HOCKADAY died suddenly on Monday at Newton Ferrers and at the Inquest yesterday her husband said she was 64 years of age and had suffered from a swollen leg. Dr Gladstone, called in on October 4th, suspected fractured thigh, but could do nothing owing to the great swelling. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, consequent upon a broken thigh.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned In Plymouth Sound. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday by Mr R. R. Johns on EDWIN HOLLOWAY, aged 50, a pensioner sergeant from the Royal Sussex Regiment, 48 Vicarage-street, Bedminster, Bristol. - Eliza Petnick, lodging-house keeper, 79 Pembroke-street, Devonport, said deceased had lodged with her about a week and she had not noticed anything peculiar about him. She last saw him alive on Monday morning about 3 o'clock, when he left for his work. He had been served with a summons to attend Bristol Petty Sessions for deserting his wife. She considered deceased a very temperate man. - Richard Bunt, fisherman, 39 Looe-street, Plymouth, said he was fishing in Jennycliffe Bay on Tuesday morning when one of a fleet of large boats passing hailed him, and said a body was floating near him. Having secured the body he towed it to the Barbican. - No evidence was forthcoming as to deceased's whereabouts after leaving his lodgings, and the Jury (Mr Edgar Church, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Morice Town yesterday on JACK LE GRICE, aged 12 months, of 7 Portland-place. BESSIE EMMA LE GRICE said deceased was well up to last Saturday night, when she found a small rash around his ears. She thought it was measles, and nursed him and gave him brandy and milk. On Wednesday afternoon deceased got worse and her husband arranged for Dr Wilson to call the next morning. Her husband went again for the doctor a little later, but the child died before he arrived. Dr J. E. C. Wilson said death was due to acute congestion of the lungs. Everything possible was done for the child by the mother. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMSTOCK - Quarryman's Suicide At Hooe. Found Dead In A Tunnel. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Hooe yesterday on FREDERICK CLARK, 26, quarryman, of Hooe. - Mr J. H. Clements, assistant manager, represented the Fairholme Quarry Company. ERNEST ALBERT CLARKE, mason, of Plymstock, stated that he last saw deceased (his brother) alive on Tuesday and he then appeared in good health and the best of spirits. He had no idea that his brother would take his life. There was no love affair, or domestic or monetary troubles. There was no insanity in the family. Six years ago his brother had typhoid fever, and annually he felt the effects. - Ernest Albert Dolton, quarryman, of Hooe, stated that about one o'clock on Thursday he was going through the tunnel in Hexton Quarry with a trolley, when he heard someone shouting in the tunnel. Another quarryman named Peters was with him and witness asked him who it was. He said it sounded like deceased's voice. Witness thereupon went back and, having obtained a light, found deceased lying on the ground with his head towards a well. When he and Peters pulled deceased back they saw his throat was cut. The foreman was sent for and witness went to Plymstock for Dr Scott. Witness saw him during the morning and he seemed the same as usual. He knew deceased carried a pocket knife. Deceased had never said anything to him that would lead one to think he would take his life. He was a steady man, and witness did not know of any reason for such an act. - By the Coroner: There had been no quarrel that morning and the men of the quarry worked amicably together. - Henry Albert Budge, quarryman of Staddiscombe, stated he was at work from 7.30 a.m. to noon with deceased and they then stopped for dinner. During the morning deceased complained of headache, but he was not reserved. They went to the Victoria Inn together and had a drink, deceased going back to the quarry. Witness could not account for the act. - Silas Andrews, stone cutter, of Yealm, deposed to speaking to deceased when they were having breakfast, deceased complaining that he was miserable. - Dr Noy Scott, of Plymstock deposed to examining the body. There was a severe cut on the left side of the throat, which he considered was self-inflicted. the typhoid fever may have produced occasional mental depression. - P.C. Vernon said no knife had been recovered, whatever had been used evidently having fallen down the well, where deceased's hat was found. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Jury, of which Mr Maddock was Foreman.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 November 1902 PLYMOUTH - "Death from Heart Failure, due to old age" was the verdict returned at an Inquest yesterday on BETSY CLARK, 82, widow, 13 Claremont-street, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed by a neighbour, Elizabeth Miles, on Saturday morning.

TORQUAY - A Torquay Fatality. Mysterious Fall At A Brewery. - At Torquay yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker on PHILIP DANIELS, a labourer, employed by Mr Jeffery, a farmer, of Goodrington, Paignton. Deceased died in Torbay Hospital on Sunday from blood poisoning, due to injuries sustained by a weight falling on him at the Plymouth Breweries malt-house in Temperance-street, Torquay, on October 10th. The Jury visited the scene of the accident. There it was stated that deceased took a wagon load of barley to the malt house. The sacks of barley were hoisted up into the malt-house by a pulley worked from the top storey. As deceased was on the wagon chaining up the sacks a 56lb. weight fell through the trap-doors on the top floor, through which the pulley worked and struck him on the head. - Mr J. Lee, the manager of the brewing department, shewed the Jury through the malt-house and explained that the weight might have been placed on the trap-doors to prevent the doors flapping and frightening the horses. - The Coroner suggested it would have been better to use a bolt. - Mr Lee replied that that was not necessary. - Mr Browne, one of the Jury, said the weight must have been used in that way sometimes because it was there when the accident happened. - Mr Lee replied that it was of no use there whatever. They did not know who put the weight there. The two men working there at the time denied putting the weight on the trap-door. - Mr Isidore Carter represented the widow, and Mr E. Hutchings the Brewery Company. - The evidence taken was as follows:- GEORGE DANIELS, of Curledge-street, Paignton, said for thirty years deceased, his brother, had been in the habit of carrying barley to the malt-house where the accident happened. - Dr Alexander Lyons, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said deceased came to the Hospital on October 10th. He was alone. He was suffering from a scalp wound which had laid bare the bone, and which he said was caused by a heavy weight falling on him. The wound was on the top of his head. He treated deceased as an out-patient for several days. As he got worse, witness thought he had better come into the Hospital. The weight could not have fallen straight on to his head, as he simply had a scalp wound. there was no concussion of the brain, but on subsequent examination he found a little crack in the skull. After deceased came into the Hospital, an operation was performed. Blood-poisoning set in, with pneumonia. The blood-poisoning was due to the pus which formed on the skull, and caused death. - By Mr Carter: He attributed death wholly to the injury to the head. - By Mr Hutchings: If he had been admitted to the Hospital directly after the accident there would have been less chance of blood-poisoning. - John Maddock, hind at the farm at which deceased was employed, said deceased was on the load, chaining the sacks of barley so that they could be drawn up into the malt-house. The chain hauling up the sacks apparently opened the trap doors at the top and a weight fell out. It pitched on deceased, who was in a stooping position. Deceased was not knocked down or stunned. The weight cut right through his hat. Witness inquired where the weight came from, but could not be told. Deceased walked up the Hospital. - Wm. James Cornish, carter, corroborated. - Jacob Langwasser, labourer, employed at the brewery, said he started the working of the pulley. No weight was then near the trap-door. - By Mr Carter: The trap door would lift up every time the chain went up if there was no weight on it, but he never knew a weight placed there. If deceased had gone up the stairs his companions must have known it. - Robert Roberts, another brewery employee, said he had never known a weight placed on the trap-doors. - James Lee, the manager, said there was never any reason for placing a weight on the doors. He could not suggest how the weight got there. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Fatality. The Inquest. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest at Keyham on JOHN BARRETTO, aged 19, a son of PETER BARRETTO of 78 West Hill-road, Plymouth, storehouse labourer at Devonport Dockyard. - Frederick Long, engine driver at the Keyham Extension Works, said deceased had been with him three weeks as fireman. About 11.30 on Monday morning they were on the engine Accrington. They had commenced at six o'clock and drove the engine until 11.30 without any hitch. Then a tube burst and the engine was enveloped in steam. The engine went about 150 yards before he stopped it and he then jumped off, and escaped without injury. The bursting of the tube might have been due to a flaw in the metal. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr Haynes): Could it have been from excessive pressure of steam? - Our pressure is 125 lb. of steam and we had about 120lb. on. - By Mr J. P. Dobell (for the relatives): The engine was going about seven or eight miles an hour. I do not know whether the furnace door was forced open by the explosion. - By Mr Peck (for Sir John Jackson): The tube burst in front of the funnel and anyone remaining on the plate would not have been affected. - George Commick, the roperunner, said he was standing on the left hand side of the engine on the footplate. As he was looking ahead he did not notice where deceased was. When the tube burst a great rush of steam prevented him from seeing what had happened. He made his way along the side of the engine until he saw his way clear to jump off. He had been attached to the engine for about eighteen months and nothing had happened during that time. - Mr William F. Brothers, of New York, a contractor, staying at the Royal Hotel, Devonport, said he saw the train coming and as he had to cross the track he waited for it to pass. He saw excessive steam, and heard a rumbling, which made him exclaim "Dear man." He ran along with the train and in a moment or two saw a man swinging out between two of the trucks. He was trying to get off and witness ran to his help. The man held out his hand, and he grabbed him, but he saw that the man had lost his right leg and had had his left arm injured. He tried to get him out and then the engine reversed and one of the wheels passed over the body of the man. With another person he got deceased out. He first thought the train came back through the engine being reversed, but he afterwards found it must have come back with its own weight. - Dr E. J. Finch, R.N., said deceased's back was broken; there were serious internal injuries; and the right leg was almost torn off below the knee. - Mr James Downing, mechanical foreman at the Extension Works, stated that the engine was built in 1885 at Leeds. The ordinary "life" of an engine of that stamp would be from twenty to thirty years. Two years ago it was rebuilt. It was a smoke tube of brass that burst. He considered the bursting was due to contraction or expansion causing it to become loosened from the tube-plate. - Could this accident have been prevented? - Scarcely. The tubes were examined on Sunday last and found all right. These bursts are common. Long is a careful driver and we never had a complaint about him. The Coroner said no doubt deceased thought there was danger in remaining on the engine and jumped from the right-hand side of the engine, as did the rope-runner on the left-hand side. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives, as did also Mr Peck for Sir John Jackson and the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. A Brother Strongly Censured. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest at the Devonport Police Court on a newly-born child. Chief Inspector Mutton watched the proceedings for the Police. - SARAH MAY, of Honicknowle, wife of WM. MAY, farmer, said her daughter, ELIZABETH ANN, a single woman, age 24, had resided at 1 Renown-street East, for about two years. She kept a greengrocer's shop there and her brother lived there. She saw her on Sunday week last, but had not the least suspicion of her condition. On Sunday morning last she found her daughter in bed. She did not ask her what was the matter, thinking she was tired after the hard work of Saturday. - She left the house without the slightest idea of what had happened. On Monday she found her still unwell, and on Tuesday. During Tuesday morning the Coroner's Officer (Mr Irish) came and asked her for the body of the baby in the house. She told him she did not know there was a baby. She did not quite know what took place after that, but her son eventually admitted there was one. - The Coroner: The admission was not made, was it, until a Constable had arrived? - I could not tell quite what took place. I was rather excited. My son had said nothing to me about the matter. A man and a boy who worked for us usually slept in the house. - By the Foreman (Mr Haynes): I know my daughter had been keeping company with a young man and was satisfied with the courtship. - JOHN C. MAY, of 1 Renown-street East, said he was aware of his sister's condition. Early on Sunday morning she knocked at his bedroom door and said she wanted to see a doctor. He went for Dr Kenrick, who afterwards informed him of the birth of the child. He believed the child was with his sister when his mother arrived. On his return from milking the cows his sister told him she believed the child was dead, and he went for Dr Kenrick, who came and found the child dead. - Why did you conceal it from your mother? - I asked her if I should tell mother and she said "No, don't say anything to mother. She will know it soon enough." - Do you mean to tell me that you, a man of 38 years of age, knowing your sister of 24 years of age was in that condition, would be influenced by her appeal not to tell your mother? Wasn't it your duty to tell your mother? - I could not, sir. She begged me not to say anything to mother. - For a man of your age to conceal the fact from your mother is disgraceful. What were you going to do with the body? - The doctor was going to give me papers to register the birth and death and I should have known what to have done with it. - Dr Kenrick stated that the daughter told him she would tell her mother of the birth. He tried to see the mother that he might tell her, but he could not see her. A post-mortem examination showed death was due to inanition and want of attention at birth. - P.C. W. Badcock said when on Tuesday morning he was called by the Coroner's Officer to the house, the brother produced he body. - The Coroner said MRS MAY seemed straightforward, and it was possible she did not know anything of the matter, although one would have thought that her suspicions would have been aroused by her daughter being in bed on the Sunday and Monday. As regarded the brother, he could not understand a man 38 years of age not informing his mother. It was the first thing he should have done. No doubt there was a conspiracy of silence between the brother and sister, who had made up their minds that, if possible, nothing should be said to the mother, so that if the child did die they could get it buried secretly without the mother knowing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and asked the Coroner to severely censure the brother for his conduct. - The Coroner said he agreed with the Jury that the brother should be strongly censured for his disgraceful conduct. The fact that he concealed the information from his mother both before and after birth could not be explained away by anything he might say. The duty he owed to his sister should have made it incumbent on him to have informed his mother, notwithstanding what his sister said. In all his experience as Coroner, he had never had to Inquire into such a case. It was questionable whether the brother was not criminally responsible for what he had done, which might be a matter for thereafter. If the medical evidence had been a little stronger there might have been a stronger verdict, and the brother might have been tried for a very serious offence. It was very fortunate for him that such was not the case.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH RADFORD, aged 56, labourer, of 8 Frederick-street. - ELIZABETH ANN RADFORD said she last saw the deceased, her husband, alive at 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday. He was then in bed. At 10 o'clock she saw him hanging by a piece of sash cord from a beam in the wash-house. She called Earnshaw, who came and cut him down. Deceased had suffered from rheumatism and pains in the head for many years. Deceased was depressed, having received a letter from his club to say that his usual pay of 4s. a week would be reduced to 3s. - J. Earnshaw, reservist, D.C.L.I., residing at 4 Frederick-street, Plymouth, said when called by MRS RADFORD he found deceased hanging from the beam and, he should think, quite dead. He tried every possible means of restoration, but without avail and Dr H. Pearse of Flora-street, was sent for. Dr Pearse said he found deceased quite dead. There was a distinct mark around the neck caused by the cord and death was due to strangulation. The Jury (Mr R. Percy, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

OTTERY ST MARY - An Ottery St. Mary Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Ottery St. Mary yesterday on ELSIE E. M. COOMBES, the two year old daughter of WILLIAM COOMBES, labourer, of Sandhill-street, who was run over by a baker's cart on October 25th. ANNIE COOMBES, the mother, said she was in her kitchen and saw the child run across the road, just in front of the horse's head and then fall down. The driver was doing his best to pull the horse up in time. Harry Carter, the driver, and Ernest Powlesland, who was with him, said they had just turned the horse round and saw the child about 12 yards ahead. Carter tried to pull up, but felt the wheel go over the child's head. Dr burns said deceased had scratches over the left eye and a bad bruise at the back of the head. Death was caused by a fracture of the base of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 November 1902 PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held yesterday on ERNEST ALFRED HORSHAM, the six-week-old son of WILLIAM HENRY HORSHAM, of 5 Baring-street, Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at 5 Brunswick-terrace, Plymouth, on JOHN PILE, steward, aged 80. Mary Jane Chubb stated that whilst going upstairs on October 25th, deceased tripped and fell. Dr Eccles said the deceased was severely bruised about the head and body, and suffering considerably from shock. He died that morning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman's Death. Her Husband And Daughter Censured. A Shocking Story. - At Plymouth yesterday the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) opening an Inquest on ELIZABETH CURTIS, who recently came from the Channel Islands with her husband to reside with their widowed daughter, EMILY JANE CORBETT, of 20 Clarence-street, said the case seemed to be a very sad one. Deceased, 56 years of age, was the wife of a retired engineer from the merchant service. The whole family, with the exception of the son, who lived away at Barnstaple, were in an intoxicated condition. As far as he could gather, the husband and the daughter were still in an intoxicated condition - in fact, they were in such a state that they were not fit to attend the Inquiry. The only matter for the consideration of the Jury was whether the action of the husband and daughter had accelerated in any way the death of the woman. He supposed they had been absolutely helplessly intoxicated, and had been one as bad as the other. - A Juror: I think the father and daughter should appear. - The Coroner: It is no good having them here if they had nothing to do with it. We have not to Inquire into their drunkenness. - CHARLES EDWARD CURTIS, indoor servant, of Barnstaple, said the deceased was his mother. The family had just come across from Jersey. His parents and sister had only recently taken to drink. He could assign no reason for their doing so. He had seen his father and sister that day, and they were both in an intoxicated condition. His father gained his livelihood by doing odd jobs about the Quay. - A Juror: I should think if he was anything of a man he would have been here himself. - The Coroner: It is entirely a question as to whether these people have been instrumental in bringing about this woman's death. As to whether they are dunk has nothing whatever to do with you or me. - Witness said he had been away from home for some time. His parents lived very respectably up to the time he left home. He found them in a proper condition of sobriety when he visited them about a month ago. - In reply to Mr Pengelly (the Foreman) he said his sister was, until recently, very respectable. - The Coroner: I am sure all sympathise with the witness. - Harriett Ness, of 20 Clarence-street, said MR and MRS CURTIS and their daughter had been residing at 20 Clarence-street, for a fortnight. They commenced drinking the first day they arrived. Entering their room on Thursday afternoon she found deceased lying on the floor in a sober condition. She thought the woman was ill, and told the husband that she thought she should be taken to bed. - The Coroner: What state was the father and daughter in then? - Both intoxicated. - In answer to the Coroner: I had never seen the deceased intoxicated. Dr Williams was sent for, but the woman was dead when he arrived. The husband and daughter did not now realise what had happened. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said Mrs Corbett stated drinking about July. - Dr T. H. Williams, 1 Gibbon-street, Plymouth, stated that when he went to the house both the father and daughter were drunk. He tried to tell them the woman was dead, but he could not get anything out of them. He tried to bring the daughter to her senses, but all she said was " Give me some whisky." The death was accelerated by want of attendance and food. Deceased was not a chronic drinker, but had been drinking lately. He was told the woman had been on the floor for days and that would have accelerated the complaint. If she had had proper attention she would probably have survived. - In answer to a Juror, witness said he did not think the husband or daughter, in their state, could have helped deceased, even if she could have told them of her condition. Mr Rice had to put the husband out of the room because he was shouting and singing a song, and he was stepping on his wife's body when he was getting off the bed. - Mr Ladd: Then it is perfectly true as represented by the "Western Morning News"? - Dr Williams: Yes, perfectly true. - Mr Ladd: The father and daughter should be severely censured. - The Coroner said the deceased had been unable to realise the condition she was in, and undoubtedly accelerated her own death. - Dr Williams said the smell of the room was so strong that it took his breath away. - The Foreman said the Jury were agreed upon a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". They expressed their abhorrence of the husband's and daughter's conduct, and desired to censure them. They could not find language strong enough to express disgust at their conduct. The Jury sympathised with the son. The Coroner fully concurred with what had been said by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 November 1902 EXETER - The Death From Lockjaw At Exeter. Medical Advice Ignored. - An Inquest was held at Exeter on Saturday afternoon on JOHN MATTHEW LOVERING, 14 Frog-street, a drover, aged 55. Mr W. H. Marsden, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased came to the Institution on October 30th suffering from a scalp wound eight inches long on the left side of the head. It was in a septic state and deceased said he sustained the injury in a trap accident on the previous Tuesday between Exeter and Exmouth. Asked why he did not come before, he said he felt too ill on the Wednesday, but that the wound was attended to at the Exmouth Hospital on the Tuesday. Deceased refused to remain in the Exeter Institution, although witness told him of the serious character of the wound. He was treated three times daily as an out-patient until Wednesday last, when he showed symptoms of tetanus. He was thereupon admitted into the Institution and died the following night. He said his domestic affairs would not permit of his remaining in the Institution. - William Drake, of Otterton, a cattle dealer, said he was driving from Exmouth to Woodbury and gave deceased a "lift." LOVERING had a dog with him and as he was passing a vehicle loaded with mangolds the dog rushed up and barked. Witness's pony shied and his trap collided with the other vehicle. Deceased and a young woman named Miss Smith were thrown out of the trap. - Alice Maud Smith, of Woodbury Salterton, the young woman, corroborated and said she sustained a dislocation of her right elbow. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1902 SEATON AND BEER - The Discovery On Seaton Beach. Body Identified. - Mr Cox, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquiry concerning the death of an unknown man, whose decomposed body was washed ashore at Seaton during Saturday's gale. George Baker, a Torquay yachtsman said that he lost his brother-in-law some time since and deceased might be the man. - WILLIAM THOMAS BELL, a Torquay saddler, was of opinion that deceased was his brother, at all events, the belt he was wearing was one witness gave to him. Deceased was 24 years of age and disappeared about a month ago. Dr G. V. A. Evans, who made the post mortem examination, said deceased had died from drowning. The Coroner, addressing the Jury, commented on the absence of a mortuary at Seaton. A seaside town such as that should certainly provide one. - The Jury came to the conclusion that the body was that of JOHN BELL, and that death was due to drowning. The foreman was asked to make a representation as to the provision of a mortuary.

DARTMOUTH - A Fatal Accident At Dartmouth. - At Dartmouth yesterday Mr A. M. Davson held an Inquest on JOSEPH FURSE, labourer, 36 years of age, employed by Philip and Son, engineers. - Leonard Down, plater, said deceased was assisting him to raise a plate of about 3 ½ cwt., to the stern of a vessel on October 1[?]th. The plate slipped and came down on deceased's right foot. All the tackle was in a satisfactory state. He could not account for the plate slipping, unless it was that a screw holding it in position came out. The appliances had only been in use two or three months. - Mr P. R. Hockin, for the firm, questioned the witness to show that every precaution had been taken. Witness said deceased need not have been standing as he was, under the plate. A nimbler man could easily have got out of the way, but deceased was not quick in his movements and was somewhat crippled. - Jas. Carter, plater, corroborated, and Alfred May, yard foreman, deposed that all the gear was in good order. Similar gear had been used for seven or eight years to his knowledge and had always worked all right. Dr A. K. Crossfield said deceased suffered from rheumatism and not able to get about readily. After the leg had been set, mortification set in on October 26th and it was found necessary to amputate it. Deceased died from blood poisoning on November 6th. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their belief that nobody was to blame. They sympathised with the widow. The Coroner and Mr Hockin (on behalf of the firm) also added an expression of sympathy.

PLYMPTON - A Yealmpton Woman's Death. Shocking Case Of Self-Neglect. - At Plympton Workhouse yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on MARY BOYCE, aged 74. - Ethel Netherton, her daughter-in-law, said deceased for years lived in a cottage at Tor Bridge, Yealmpton, with her son, who was not altogether accountable for his actions. Deceased went out to work, and she was in poor circumstances. She had repeatedly helped her mother-in-law, as had also the members of her family. Witness had spoken to deceased as to the dirty condition of the cottage, but she had resented all interference; in fact, she refused to allow witness admission to the room. Deceased, acting under advice, entered the Plympton Workhouse on November 5th, and died on Saturday last. - Mr C. E. Prance, Surgeon, said deceased when admitted to the Workhouse was in a filthy and emaciated condition. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to senile decay, but there could be no doubt that the neglect had hastened the end. - The Coroner said it seemed to him terrible to think that in these enlightened days a person like the deceased should so far neglect the essential of life - cleanliness - and allow herself to be discovered in a dying condition and in filth. Deceased would not allow anyone to do anything for her, and under the circumstances no one was to blame for the condition of affairs except deceased herself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by the neglect of the deceased herself." They attached no blame to anyone.

PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ROY EDWARD STEER, the one-month-old son of a barman residing at 15 Gibbons-street. Dr burke said deceased died of acute double pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 November 1902 HOLSWORTHY - At an Inquest at Holsworthy yesterday on MRS CECILIA PARNELL, who had been received into the Workhouse suffering from a broken arm and other injuries, it was stated that there had been frequent quarrels between deceased and Mrs Susan Petherick with whom she lived. Mrs Petherick stated that the injury was caused by a fall. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased appeared to have died from injuries received, but there was not sufficient evidence to convict any person. Deceased's daughter-in-law, MRS ANN PARNELL, was severely reprimanded for neglecting deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 November 1902 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Railway Fatality. The Mystery Unsolved. - At Plymouth yesterday the Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest on FRANK DYER, aged 21, second boots at the Central Hotel, Plymouth, killed at North-road Railway Station on Thursday evening. Chief Inspector Wm. Scantlebury and Inspector G. Flewellen and Mr J. Cole, locomotive department, watched the case on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - John Gregory, head boots, Central Hotel, said deceased had been employed at the same hotel about two years. He was a very steady man and he did not think the deceased was uneasy about anything. He lived in the Hotel. He saw him last about 6.40 p.m. on Thursday evening. He was then in the best of spirits and good health. - Thomas Weeks, porter, Great Western Railway, said deceased asked him and two other men on North-road Station platform on Thursday evening, if the incoming train was going to Plympton. He was told it was not . A few minutes later witness met the deceased, who spoke a few cheery words. He did not see him again alive. After the 7.15 train came in he heard the remark that a man was on the line. Jumping down he found deceased's body, with the head about six feet away, between the rails. He imagined the body was decapitated by the gear of the engine. Deceased was in no way peculiar, but appeared to be "in thought." He could not say if he fell or jumped between the rails. - James Addicott, fireman, Great Western Railway, said he was on the pilot engine attached to the 7.15 p.m. train for Plympton on Thursday evening. Passing through North-road Station his mate fancied they had struck a piece of ballast. The matter was mentioned to the Inspector. A lookout was kept on the engine, but nothing was seen on the line. - Other Great Western Railway officials present said they could throw no light on the matter. - In answer to a Juror, Gregory said the deceased had no friends at Plympton, but on different occasions he had known him go there and walk back. He was very fond of walking. - The Coroner said the newspapers seemed to indicate that the deceased was going to the theatre with a friend, and without any reason had thrown the idea up. - Gregory said the deceased had made an appointment to go to the theatre. So far as he knew, the deceased must have changed his mind without being able to see his friend. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was killed through being struck by an engine, but that there was no evidence to show how he got on the line. - At Broadhempston much sympathy is felt with deceased's mother, who has been a widow for a number of years, and is greatly respected in the village. Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 November 1902 - The Plymouth Railway Fatality. A Rumour. - Since the Inquest held on Friday last respecting the death of FRANK DYER, second boots at the Central Hotel, Plymouth, killed at North-road Station last Thursday, rumours have been in circulation that a postman saw the deceased jump from the platform to the rails just as the train going to Plympton entered the Station. From inquiries made we find that Mr Merryfield, of 9 Sydney-street, Plymouth, is the postman referred to. Yesterday he stated that what he had seen he had communicated to the Great Western Railway officials. He declined to state whether he saw the deceased jump from the platform. - Inspector W. Scantlebury, who represented the G.W.R. Company at the Inquest, stated lat evening that Mr Merrifield had not spoken to him on the matter, but rumour had reached him that a postman had seen the deceased jump from the platform. He had concluded that had anybody seen the deceased jump to the rails he would have come forward at the time. We communicated these facts yesterday to the Borough coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) who is causing inquiries to be made. [Note: Article on the funeral followed.]

KINGSBRIDGE - Strange Fatality At Loddiswell. Knocked Down By A Ram. - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge last evening on HENRY HINE, of Topsham, Loddiswell, aged 76, formerly a farm labourer, who was admitted to the Workhouse with a broken leg on October 31st and died on Wednesday. - Sarah Squires, widow, sister of deceased, said he lived with her. About 10 a.m. on October 29th deceased went out and in a little while she heard him calling. She found him on his back in a field on Combe Farm, through which there was a public path leading to the road. There were sheep in the field. Mrs Martin and her husband helped him up and took him into the cottage and deceased said a sheep knocked him down. It was found afterwards that he had broken his leg. She had nobody to send for a doctor, not liking to trouble Mr Martin. The following day she sent to Mr Coombe, who got a doctor. The Coroner remarked somewhat severely that in the case of a broken leg it was her duty to have sent for a doctor at once, and not mind troubling people to fetch one at any time. - Witness, continuing, said deceased was afterwards removed to the Workhouse and she did not again see him alive. - Elizabeth Martin, Topsham, wife of a signalman on the Great Western Railway, said she helped to pick up deceased in the field, where there was a quantity of sheep and one ram, the latter grazing quietly at the time. She advised last witness and deceased to have a doctor, but being old fashioned people they did not think it necessary. Her husband thought it was a sprain and deceased walked by himself part of the distance with the assistance of herself and a stick. Thomas Matthews, Combe Farm, said the field was private, the path simply leading to the cottage. There was a ram in the field, but he never knew it to butt anyone, and it had been there all the summer. - Mrs Squires, recalled, said deceased told her the ram knocked him down. - Dr L. Harston stated that deceased had a simple fracture of the leg, which was in splints when he was admitted to the Workhouse. He was suffering from catarrh as a result of the injury and died from congestion of the lungs consequent on the fracture. - In reply to the Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) Mr L. Oldrieve, foreman of the Jury, a farmer, said he had been knocked down by a ram many times and this time of the year those animals were liable to be savage. A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 November 1902 EAST STONEHOUSE - The Death Of A Plymouth Marine. Injured While Scouting. - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on Saturday on Pte. J. H. DAWSON, R.M.L.I. - Pte. W. Brazell, R.M.L.I., said deceased was attached to a Co., which was undergoing field training at Fort Stamford. On the 6th inst. they were engaged in operations in the field and deceased was acting as a scout, when he noticed the enemy. In retiring over a fence he caught his finger in some barbed wire and told witness of the occurrence after his return from Plymouth the same evening. Then he complained of pains in his arm and body. Deceased returned to barracks after being seen by Dr Longfield, Surgeon. A. H. H. Vizard, R.N., said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 8th inst., suffering from blood poisoning, and he died last Wednesday. There was a small wound on the third finger of the right hand. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty. - PTE. DAWSON as subsequently buried at Plymouth Cemetery with naval honours. The service was conducted by the chaplain of the Royal Marines (Rev. T. Astin, M.A.), and the funeral was attended by a firing party of 13 Royal Marines, both bands of the division and several members of A. Co., to which deceased belonged, the whole being under the command of Capt. Rombulow-Pearse. The only mourner was deceased's brother, MR J. H. DAWSON, artist, of Bramhall, Cheshire.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth on MABEL DIGHT, the seven weeks' old child of FLORENCE MABEL DIGHT, single woman, 21 Penrose-street, a verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence of Dr R. B. Wagner, that death was due to pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 November 1902 HONITON - The Honiton Suicide. Fatal Jump From A Roof. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Honiton on MR R. DIMOND. Dr Hedden said on Sunday morning when called he found deceased unconscious. A scalp wound across the forehead exposed the bone, while there was a compound fracture of both ankles, the bones protruding through the skin. Both feet were broken. Deceased never regained consciousness and died half an hour after midnight. He was called in last Friday to attend deceased, who was suffering from insomnia and melancholia. He seemed very worried but he had no cause for worry. He advised a complete change and that deceased should be watched. Other evidence shewed that deceased, who had a serious illness some time ago, had been in a depressed state. On Sunday morning on the pretext of calling his son for early morning service, he left his bedroom quickly, slamming the door in his wife's face. She followed immediately and ran up a higher flight of stairs and got on the roof just in time to see him disappear into the street. Evidence was given by MRS DIMOND, the widow, who was greatly affected. Messrs. C. Gigg, who was passing when deceased made the fatal jump, and G. Newton, a next-door neighbour, the first to respond to Gigg's shout for help. The Jury (Mr E. Burrough, Foreman) returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Keyham. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening on ROBERT ROBINSON, 45, steam-navvy wheelsman, of 3[?] Elliott-street, Camel's Head. Mr E. K. Peck represented Sir John Jackson Limited. Wm. Hodge, ganger, said on October 9th he was in charge of a gang working a steam-navvy at the Extension Works. Deceased was standing on the table of the navvy when a landslip occurred. The navvy was tilted and deceased had to be extricated from between the machine and some wagons. He was quite conscious and told witness he thought his thigh was broken. By the Coroner: There was nothing to warn them of the landslip. - Mr J. H. Connolly, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was admitted with a compound fracture of the right thigh bone. All went well for a few days, but there were symptoms of blood poisoning from which he died on Saturday last. Deceased was a big man, weighing some nineteen stone. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury sympathised with Mr Hodge who had been a friend of the deceased for 25 years.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - In Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on PHILLIP GLASS, 72, naval pensioner. Richard Bibbings said deceased, his uncle, was a single man, and resided with him at 2 Morice-street. He went to bed on Tuesday night apparently in the best of health, but died early the following morning. Mr J. E. C. Wilson said death was due to syncope, and added that he had never before seen a heart so abnormally fatty.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Pearce afterwards held an Inquest at the Johnston-terrace Board schools on EVELYN MAUDE ARTHUR, infant daughter of JOHN HENRY ARTHUR of 61 Johnston-terrace. The child was born on Monday evening and died on Tuesday morning. Dr W. H. Davis said, from inanition. In each case a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At a third Inquest held at the Camel's Head Inn, Camel's Head, on MARGARET WELCH, infant daughter of FREDERICK WELCH, fitter of 21 Northumberland-street, Dr H. C. Sturdy said the child was stillborn.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 November 1902 NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At Kingsteignton. Engine-Driver Censured. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot regarding GEORGE TREEN, on Saturday. SARAH TREEN, the widow, said deceased, who had been living at Ilsington, was 52 years of age and left a family of 12 children, six of whom were unable to earn their living. - George Wrayford, deceased's employer, said on Friday morning they set out for Kingsteignton. Deceased drove a wagon and two horses tandem fashion and he followed with a horse and cart. They unloaded their corn at Kingsteignton and were returning by the Teignbridge-road. Opposite the clay pits a traction engine was standing on the right-hand side of the road. The horses showed no sign of fright until they got level with the engine. Witness did not notice it was emitting either steam or smoke, and so far as he could see there was no one near it. There was some packing about the road. Whether or not that frightened the horses he could not say, but the shaft horse shivered. Deceased had it by the head and the animal seemed to force him close to the hedge, where he hitched his foot in the root of a tree and fell, both wheels of the wagon going over him. The engine was on the wrong side of the road. If it had been on the right side deceased would probably have been able to clear himself. As it was he was jammed too close to the hedge and if he had had time he could not have got out of the way. The horses had been accustomed to work with an engine and had never taken fright before. If anyone had been in charge of the engine he could have rendered assistance in getting the horses past. - Cross-examined by Mr J. Hutchings, for witness and the family. The road was 21ft wide and 9ft. was occupied by the engine. He did not see anyone in charge of it, and the driver came out of a field with some claymen. Witness warned the driver of the engine that morning, because he drove so close that he nearly took the corner of the wagon off. - Thomas Kine, the driver, stated that the engine belonged to Rexton, Humpherson and Co.. He was standing between it and the hedge cleaning it when he heard a rush. He looked up and saw two horses and a wagon rush past and a man lying in the hedge. The engine was on the wrong side of the road in order to back it into the field. It was there half an hour. - P.C. Cross stated that he took the measurements and eleven feet of the road was left clear for the traffic. - Dr Grimbly stated that at the Hospital he found deceased in a state of total collapse. At least three ribs were broken and there was probably internal haemorrhage. Death occurred within half an hour. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) strongly commented on the irregularity of leaving the engine in the road for so long time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding "The Jury consider that the driver acted in an irregular manner in keeping his engine stationary on the wrong side of the road for so long a time and censures him for it." - The Coroner pointed out that the driver's course of conduct was not at all in accordance with what was required by the law. It was most careless and negligent to leave the engine on the wrong side of the road while it was being cleaned. The Jury gave the widow their fees, and Dr Grimbly and the Coroner handed her half a crown and a sovereign respectively.

ST BUDEAUX - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at St. Budeaux on Saturday on WINIFRED ALICE GLOYN, four months, the child of WILLIAM GLOYN, market gardener, 2 Highland-terrace. When put to bed on Thursday night deceased was apparently very well. Next morning the mother noticed that it was looking strange and on picking her up, found she was getting stiff. - Dr Gard, who made a post-mortem examination, said the child was well nourished and death was due to convulsions, through congestion of the lungs. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child's Death. - Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquest yesterday on JESSICA TRETHEWAY, aged 4, daughter of WILLIAM R. TRETHEWAY, Civil Service writer, 65 Townshend-avenue. - The Mother said the child had always enjoyed good health. Last Friday she went to Johnston-terrace School as usual, and when she returned home at 12.30 her sister said deceased had been sick in the playground. Deceased looked pale, but asked for her dinner. witness gave her a glass of warm milk, bathed her feet and put her to bed, which she placed near the fire. Deceased complained of being thirsty during the afternoon, but she vomited after taking milk. Her husband went for Dr Down, who gave him medicine, and told him to give the child arrowroot and said he would call the next morning. Shortly before midnight deceased complained of having cold feet. witness warmed them and as she laid deceased down she breathed her last quite peacefully. Dr Edgar Down said death was due to haemorrhage in the left lung and a clot of blood in the heart. Deceased had had an ordinary attack of vomiting with diarrhoea and in straining to vomit she had broken a blood vessel in the lung. The child was well nourished. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall Into A Ship's Hold. Inquest At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES JOHNSON, aged 56, of 20 Bath-street, who died from injuries received on November 21st through falling down the hold of the French barque Olivier de Clisson at the Great Western Docks. Mr G. B. Brian appeared for the relatives and the Great Western Railway Company and Mr A. Geake for the ship. - ELIZABETH JANE JOHNSON, the widow, said she saw deceased at the Hospital, and he attached no blame to anyone. - Mr Brian: Did he say it was the ship's fault? - Yes. - The Coroner: You said just now he blamed no one. - I misunderstood you. - Robert H. Pollard, Inspector of labour, in the employ of the G.W.R. Co., said he started to load the ship with china clay on Friday morning last. He had a crane put alongside and had the mid section of the hatchway removed. The other sections remained in their places. Deceased was appointed to control the crane, and the ship, being nearly empty, was very high in the water. He was stationed on the after section. After seeing that everything was perfectly satisfactory, he (witness) went about other duties. On his return, in about half an hour, he was told that deceased had fallen into the ship's hold. After assisting JOHNSON to the Hospital, he returned and found the whole of the hatches of the fore and aft beams of the after section had disappeared down the hold. It was the first time in his experience of over 20 years that he had known such a thing happen and he had never adopted any other plan of loading or unloading ships. - The Coroner: Did you ever know another plan? - yes, but none so safe as the one adopted. the cause of the accident was that the ship's carling was bent, causing the hatches to give way. - Mr Brian: If the carling was not bent the accident would not have occurred? - Decidedly not. - Nicholas Elliott, who was in charge of the crane, said he swung two casks, weighing half a ton each, over the hatch. Deceased gave him the signal to lower and he did so. Shortly afterwards he missed JOHNSON from his post. - Arthur G. Cole, Assistant Engineer, G.W.R., Co., stated that the left carling was an inch and a half out of its place. He could not tell when it happened but accounted for it by sea strain. - Francois Bernard, captain of the barque, whose evidence was interpreted by Mr J. A. Bellamy, stated that the stevedore of the Dock Co., caused the centre bar to be removed for loading the china clay. when the two casks came over the hatchway they were lowered and struck the hatches. He jumped out of the ay and the whole thing came down with a smash. He examined the carling after the accident and found it bent. It was not bent before the accident, if it was, the hatches would not have remained in their places. The stevedore should have had deals across the hatchways and it would then have been quite safe. - Joseph T. Shoebrook, in the employ of the Great Western Railway, said he was working in the hold and saw JOHNSON and the casks coming down with the carling. The casks and chains did not strike anything. The cross carlings were very defective. The method of loading adopted was the usual one. The ship was a new one, but very rotten. - Harry Gabb, House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said deceased when received was suffering from shock, injuries to his back, a deep cut over the left eye, and a fracture of the small bone of his left leg. He was crippled before the accident. - George Watson, marine surveyor, having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the Great Western Railway should be more careful in the system they adopted in loading and unloading cargoes. - Mr J. A. Bellamy, on behalf of the captain of the Olivier de Clisson, expressed sympathy with the widow of the deceased. - The Great Western Railway are recognising the widow's claim, although they are not insured against such cases.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 November 1902 HOLSWORTHY - At the Inquest at Holsworthy last evening on MR T. HARRIS, a cattle dealer, of Cawsand, Holsworthy, who died of injuries sustained through being thrown out of his trap near Coles Mill, whilst driving to Launceston market on Monday morning, it was stated that deceased recovered consciousness and explained that no blame attached to anyone; he struck the horse, which he had driven before, and it bolted. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at the Laira Hotel, Plymouth, yesterday, on the body of EDWIN MONK, the five-months-old son of THOMAS JEFFERY MONK, 186 embankment-road, Plymouth. The evidence of Dr Travers Stubbs went to show that death was due to convulsions and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - The Exeter Railway Fatality. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ROBERT W. SPARKES, labourer, 9 Arthur's-buildings, Pancras-lane, aged 51, Isaac Easterbrook, foreman of the gang with which deceased was working on the new Exeter railway on Wednesday, said the men were making piles for a new bridge at Alphington. Witness called the men to load some permanent rails about 100 yards away, but deceased remained and he was found where some earth had slipped, apparently dead. The earth had slipped outside the pits. There did not appear to be any need to take steps to prevent the earth from slipping. Deceased always seemed to have a desire to work alone and that was the only reason he could give for his not accompanying the other men to load the rails. - John Filer, contractors foreman, said he visited the locality before the accident and then saw no sign of subsidence. There was no need of timber supports in making these bridge pits. The slip was due to the rain. About four yards of earth, weighing about five tons, had fallen. Deceased was working about 8 feet up the bank. Dr C. Stokes said the whole of the right side of deceased's skull was broken in and a leg was fractured. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Devonport Child. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of MABEL EMILY ROWETT, 7 months, the child of CHARLES ROWETT, 1st class petty officer, of 23 Haddington-road. The mother said the child had been in good health until Tuesday, when witness saw she was losing breath. Deceased's feet and hands were rubbed and witness went for Dr Kirton, but on her return the child was dead. Dr Kirton said he was away from home when the mother called, but he went immediately he returned. He had made a post-mortem examination and found nothing in the organs to which death could be attributed: all were healthy, and the child was well nurtured. Death was due to convulsions through teething. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned and the Coroner and Jury tendered their sympathy to the parents on the loss of their only child.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 November 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Burning Fatality At Devonport. Warning To Parents. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE EASTON, the eleven month's old child of a carpenter residing at 1 Freemantle-place, Ford. The mother stated that last Tuesday week she left the child in the kitchen on a rug in front of an unprotected lighted stove. She had only been out of the room about five minutes when she heard the baby screaming. She rushed back and found that the child's clothes were on fire. She immediately put out the flame by wrapping a shawl round it. The child was taken to a doctor and afterwards to the Hospital. The accident occurred through another child dropping lighted paper on the clothes of the deceased. - The Coroner: have you read the newspapers lately? - Yes. - Have you read of several fatal accidents to children on account of their clothing catching fire through fires being with guards? - I cannot say. I have noticed several. - If you had had an ordinary fire guard, you could have possibly left the children in perfect safety. It must be manifestly dangerous to leave a child on a rug in front of a fire not protected. - The child was unable to walk and was well out of reach of the fire. - The Coroner: A guard would probably have prevented the other child from burning paper. - By a Juryman: She did not think the door of the fire was closed though she generally closed it before leaving the room. - Mr J. H. Connolly, Assistant House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said there were extensive burns on the child's right side. Death occurred on Wednesday. - The Coroner remarked that the case was similar to several others he had had to Inquire into where children met their death trough being left in front of unprotected fires. The experience of some coroners in that direction had been so serious that the Home office authorities were communicated with to see if steps could be taken to prevent so many deaths through this cause. The Coroners'' Society had been requested to ascertain how many children had died from burns during 1901 and 1900. Although returns were not sent in from many Coroners, it was found that in two years Inquests were held on no less than 1,684 young children whose deaths had resulted from burning. In 1,425 of those cases the fires were without guards. That was quite sufficient for them to constantly impress upon parents the absolute necessity of protecting the fire before leaving children there. It had been suggested by the Society that the Police authorities should issue a warning notice calling attention to the numbers of deaths that had occurred through that source. Mr Pearce read a bill issued by the Police Commissioner for London, and said he had approached the Devonport Watch Committee on the matter, with the result he was glad to say, that they were taking steps to circulate such bills through the Borough. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and sympathised with the parents.

TOTNES - Totnes Farmer's Daughter's Death. Witnesses Rebuked. - At the Inquest on PHOEBE HORSHAM SOPER, eldest daughter of MR A. SOPER, of Gerston Farm, near Totnes, held yesterday, the father stated that deceased had tea on Wednesday and about 7.30 was found missing. A search around the farm was without success. Then the water was let out of a pond near the house and the deceased was found dead at the bottom. His daughter had been perfectly happy. - Dr W. R. Edmond, of Totnes, stated that for some time he had medically attended the deceased. She was depressed and he thought some time back, before she came to reside with her father, she was overworked. There were no marks of violence on the body, and there was no doubt but that she met her death by drowning. - Two brothers of the deceased, who helped to get the body out of the pond, said the water was just over 4ft. deep. - The Coroner, who censured the father for prompting his son on a question which he (the Coroner) asked, complained that he had to drag out all the information from the witnesses, who seemed to wrap the whole thing up in mystery. It was a case for careful investigation and the witnesses ought surely to understand that it was a Court of Inquiry, and the Jury wanted straightforward information and they ought not to want to be constantly interrogated. He should adjourn the Court until nine o'clock in the evening at the Totnes Guildhall. - When the Inquiry was resumed, William Damerell stated that he found a purse about seven yards from the pond, but did not see any matches. - MARY SOPER, sister of the deceased, said she lost her purse once before, and on Wednesday night they missed it from the place where it was usually kept. - Dr Edmond stated that the result of the post-mortem confirmed his opinion that deceased was drowned. - P.C. Eastman said deceased's father said his daughter had no occasion to go near the pond, except for leeks. - Damerell, recalled, said the purse was on the top of the leeks. - The Coroner, summing up, said the medical evidence shewed that the deceased was alive when she went into the water. The case seemed clouded with a mystery they could not get rid of. - After an hour's consideration, during which the Foreman returned to consult the Coroner, they Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PLYMSTOCK - MR BATTISHILL'S Death. The Inquest. - At Plymstock last evening, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on SAMUEL BATTISHILL, aged 47, contractor, Bloomball House, Egg Buckland, who was missed from his home on Sunday morning and was found drowned in Chelson Meadows on Thursday morning. Superintendent Hacon, Devon Constabulary, was present. Mr Foster was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - SIDNEY ROBERT BATTISHILL, son of deceased, said his father left home last Saturday about 6.15 p.m. when he was in perfectly good health. He went to Plymouth, and his usual route to and fro was by way of Compton-lane. He believed his father got into a Compton car, and did not know it was bound for the depot at Prince Rock. - A Juryman, interposing, said he had heard on good authority that this was the case. - The Coroner remarked that the tramways were not represented. - Mr Coombs (a Juror) asked if it was usual to allow passengers on cars that were going to the shed. If so, he thought the conductor should inform passengers where the cars were going. - Witness, continuing, said he was positive that deceased had no domestic, monetary, or any other troubles that would cause him to take his life. - By the Foreman: He had no idea who entered the car with his father, and had no reply to the advertisement he had had published. - Richard Nicholas, collector at Modbury-road toll-gate, adjoining the Laira gate, said he saw deceased pass through his gate at 11.45 p.m. on Saturday. He did not pay the toll and witness hailed him, saying "there is a half-penny to pay." He was walking with his hands in his pockets and as he took no notice, witness got in front of him and spoke louder. He then took his hand from his trousers pocket and gave him the halfpenny. He walked from the middle of the road to the footpath and leaned against the wall for a minute or two and then walked on towards Laira Bridge. Deceased did not speak to witness at all. He appeared like a man lost, but walked fairly steady and witness did not smell drink. If deceased had taken the Embankment-road on leaving the car, he would have been on the right road for his home. He would have had to pay a toll at the Plympton-road gate. Witness could not say deceased was drunk, but he seemed stupid. - By the Foreman: He did not see anyone in the company of deceased. It was a rough night and very dark. - Ida Bradford, daughter of Wm. Bradford, toll-gate keeper at Laira Bridge, said deceased came to the gate shortly before midnight on Saturday. He stopped and she told him there was a penny to pay. He did not take any notice, though she repeated her demand several times. He stood for a minute or two and then walked on sharply and quite steadily. He was in a dazed condition and seemed very strange, not even lifting his head. She told her father. People often refused to pay the toll and she did not think it necessary to inform anyone else but her father. If people passed through when drunk they generally had something to say and were often noisy. - By the Foreman: She was sure deceased was the man. He was alone. - James Gregory, coachman, Byfield House, Mannamead, said he was with a search party on Thursday on the Saltram Estate. He was riding on the racecourse and saw deceased in the leat when about 200 yards up the road from the Laira Bridge entrance to the Chelson Meadow. The body was lying face downwards, and he could see deceased's shoulders, the back of his head and his coat tails which were above the surface of the water. There was a slope of about seven feet down to the water. It was a tidal leat. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said he went to that place to exercise his pony and thought he could do good service by searching the dykes in Chelson Meadow. - The Foreman said it was very creditable for witness to have assisted in the search. - The Coroner said there was a lot of traffic up the leat, but deceased might have lain there a long time without being found. - P.C. Blackmore, Oreston, stated that with assistance he removed deceased from the water. He was on his face and hands, in a kneeling position. The body was embedded in the mud to some extent. There was mud on the hands, knees and boots and deceased appeared to have fallen. There was a stone in the mud on the right of deceased's head, and it projected a few inches above the mud. He believed the mark on deceased's left upper eyelid was caused by the stone. - Mr S. BATTISHILL, recalled, said deceased had no such mark when he left home. - Witness, continuing, said there were no signs of struggling anywhere. There was a little hedge, about two feet high and after deceased had stepped over that he was bound to fall in the water. He could not have moved a foot after falling in. - The Foreman explained that the leat drained Chelson Meadow and at certain tides the salt water ran into it. The tide was high at midnight on Saturday and there was then about six feet of water. - Witness, continuing, said he searched deceased but found nothing but a box of matches and a handkerchief bearing his name. There were no occupied premises near except the lodge, the gate of which was left open that night for a gentleman to pass through in a carriage. If there was a light in the cottage on the racecourse he might have made for it, and, walking across, would have fallen into the dyke. - By the Foreman: The lodge-keeper did not see deceased. - By a Juror: MRS BATTISHILL had told him that she gave deceased 5s. before he left home and believed he had no other money. - Dr S. Noy Scott, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. He did not think the mark on the eye was the result of an injury which would have stunned deceased, but thought it was post-mortem. There were no other marks of violence. - The Coroner said there seemed no doubt that deceased got out to Prince Rock on the car. He paid the first toll without question, as he would have done if he had gone on the Embankment-road, but when he came to the second gate he seemed not to have understood, but went on until he came to the leat. Whether he saw the light and made for it, with the object of making inquiries, was only a matter of supposition. He could not see that the Jury could being in any other verdict than "Found Drowned." - The Jury concurred and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 December 1902 EXETER - At an Inquest held at Exeter yesterday on WILLIAM ALEXANDER FARLOW WILSON, aged 71, a retired printer, of 4 St. John's-villas, Heavitree, it was stated that on Sunday morning his daughter-in-law found him in his bedroom in a helpless condition and he died before the arrival of Dr Wolfe, who made a post-mortem, and found that he had a weak heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on ALFRED JOHN SOPER, aged two years, the child of EDWARD SOPER, of 5 Embankment-terrace, Laira. Dr Travers-Stubbs attributed death to broncho-pneumonia.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on HAROLD EDWIN BERRYMAN, aged 17 months, child of FREDERICK WILLIAM BERRYMAN, 18 Tollix-place, Laira, whose death Dr J. Gardiner attributed to pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 December 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. Mother Of Twenty. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS ROBERT BLIGHT, aged five weeks, the child of FREDERICK WALTER BLIGHT, coal porter, Morice Town. The mother said deceased was her twentieth child and eleven were living. Deceased had been suffering from a cold and as he looked strange at 2 a.m. on Tuesday her husband fetched Dr T. Rolston, but before he could arrive the child died. Dr Rolston, who went to the house immediately after he was called, said death was due to congestion of the lungs. All the other organs were healthy and there were no symptoms of the child having been overlaid. The child was well nourished and there was no negligence on the part of the mother in not sending for medical assistance earlier. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 December 1902 TORQUAY - A Torquay Baby's Death. - At Torquay lat evening Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the child of F. G. COOMBES, cab proprietor of Megla-villas, Ellacombe. MRS COOMBES stated that on Wednesday evening, about 8.30, she went out to get something for supper, leaving the baby, aged 9 months, in the cradle. The child was sound asleep. No one else was in her portion of the house. The cradle was near the table, and about four feet from the fire. She was absent about twenty-five minutes. On her return the room was full of smoke. The baby was leaning out over the side of the cradle, the head of which was burnt. The child's clothes were smouldering. It was her only child. She snatched the child out of the cradle, pulled all the clothes off it and rushed away to the Hospital. Dr Alexander Lyons, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, stated that the baby was brought to the Hospital suffering severely from shock, the result of burns on the abdomen, arms and legs and died about twenty minutes afterwards. It was a hopeless case. - MRS COOMBES, recalled, said when she returned to the house from fetching the supper, the lamp had been extinguished. She thought the baby must have stood up in the cradle and pulled the lamp over with the tablecloth. The baby was not crying, but was gasping for breath. It was a white oil reading lamp that she left on the table. - F. G. COOMBES, the father, stated that he met his wife as she was returning from getting the supper and went home with her. He found the kitchen in darkness and full of smoke. He opened the window and then took the baby from the cradle. The cradle was burning, as were also the tablecloth and a basket of clothes under the table. He extinguished the fire and found the lamp on the floor, smashed to pieces. It had fallen about four feet away from the baby. There were two tablecloths. As far as he could remember the charred remains of both tablecloths were on the table. He was too upset to notice very clearly. In his opinion the baby tried to pull himself up by taking hold of the tablecloth and so pulled the lamp off on to the floor. He thought it was the tablecloth that communicated the fire to the cradle. - The Coroner said it was very dangerous to leave a child alone with a lamp. No doubt the mother acted without thought in leaving the child. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 December 1902 PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS HENRY BRITTON, labourer, aged 68, of 51 Richmond-street. Deceased, on returning from work on Saturday evening, complained of feeling cold and faint and during the night he died rather suddenly. Dr R. H. Wagner, who was called after death and made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the severe weather. A verdict to this effect was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Burning Fatality At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on DAISY DORIS RAMBRIDGE, aged 3 years, daughter of WM. RAMBRIDGE, labourer, 20 Mount-street. About four o'clock on Thursday afternoon deceased's mother went out to get some fish, leaving in the kitchen deceased and three other little children, the eldest four years old. Soon after she had gone Mrs Heard, a neighbour, heard screams in the kitchen, and found deceased with her clothing in flames. There was no fireguard to the grate and the supposition was that deceased had stood on a stool in front of the fire to get a box on the mantelpiece, when her clothes became ignited. Mrs Heard put out the flames, by which time the mother, who said she was absent only five minutes, returned. She immediately wrapped the injured child up and took her to the Hospital, where it was found that she was suffering severely from extensive superficial burns on her face, neck, chest, abdomen and practically over all her body. Mr H. Gabb, the House Surgeon, regarded he case as hopeless from the first and the child died on Friday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 December 1902 PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, (Borough Coroner) held two Inquests yesterday. The first at the Mainstone Hotel was on ERNEST SAMUEL CARTER, the one year old son of WILLIAM H. CARTER, labourer, of 43 Oakfield-terrace. - AGNES WILLIS CARTER, mother of the deceased, said the child had been delicate from birth. He was taken ill on Sunday afternoon with a fit and died almost immediately. Dr E. A. Travers-Stubbs, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to convulsions. The child had been well cared for. The second Inquest was at the Crown Inn, on JOHN BENNETT, aged 34, a stableman, son of JOHN BENNETT, shoemaker, 17 Cambridge-lane East. ELIZABETH BENNETT, mother of deceased, said that her son had been home ill for a week, but saw no doctor until Sunday. Dr W. H. Brenton stated that when called on Sunday he found deceased in collapse and he died shortly afterwards. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to dropsy, caused by chronic disease to the liver . A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned in each case.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Woman's Death. Responsibilities Of Medical Men. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Camel's Head yesterday on MARIANNE JENKIN, age 36, wife of THOMAS JENKIN, assistant boilermaker, Keyham Factory and living at 27 Fourth-avenue. The husband said his wife expected to be confined early this month. Mrs Snawdon, midwife, was sent for on Saturday evening. The child was born about four o'clock next morning and between 4.30 and 5 a.m. the midwife told him she did not think his wife was going on well. he then went to fetch Mrs Jams, a nurse, but she was not at home. Witness then fetched Mrs Clasby, his sister. When he returned, between 5 and 5.30 the midwife said she thought a medical man ought to be called. He then went for Dr Davis and pressed the button in the night bell, but it was not until he rang the other bell that Dr Davis opened the window, after he had waited about half an hour. He told Dr Davis what had occurred and the doctor asked who was attending his wife. He could not remember the name of the midwife, but said it was a woman of Camel's Head. Dr Davis said, "Well, my fee is a guinea." Witness said, "I have not got the money about me now, but your money will be safe." The doctor then said there were a lot of people owing him money for such things, and he could not come under the circumstances. The doctor then shut down the window. Witness afterwards rang up Dr Kenrick, who came to the front door. Witness explained the circumstances fully and Dr Kenrick said "All right, I'll be there." Witness said, "For God's sake make haste, doctor, and I'll wait for you. After waiting twenty minutes or half an hour, witness ran home to see how his wife was going on. Finding she was not better he went back to Dr Kenrick's and twice pulled the bell until he thought he should pull it down. He waited twenty minutes longer, and, failing to get an answer, went to Devonport, where he saw Dr Wilson and explained the case to him. Dr Wilson advised him to go back home, as he had no doubt Dr Kenrick would come and if he (Dr Kenrick) did not arrive by the time he got home, he (Dr Wilson) would come. when he returned home he found that Dr Kenrick had not called. In the meantime witness's sister had gone to Dr Kenrick's and ascertained that he would not come without a fee of 10s. 6d. Then witness went to Devonport again and Dr Wilson came out with him in a hansom. Shortly after Dr Wilson arrived, deceased died. It was deceased's thirteenth child and seven were living. Witness's wages were 25s. a week. Witness was in the Bristol and West of England Society. Dr McElwaine was the doctor, but did not attend members' wives and children so far out. His wife had never had a medical man for a confinement. - The Coroner: You know, of course, there is a great reluctance on the part of medical men to go to strange cases without being paid something. You cannot expect a medical man whom you have not engaged, to come to you whenever required without payment. Hadn't you any fee that you could have given? - If Dr Davis had come he would have been paid down Unfortunately I had not enough money in the house at the time, but my sister would have let me have the money. - Why did not you go to your sister and get the money and then return? - I gave up all thought of Dr Davis, because he went back to his room and I went to Dr Kenrick. He told me he would come and I relied upon him. - Would it not have been better to have got the money and taken it to Dr Davis, because if he had not come then, unless he had a very valid excuse, there would have been a certain amount of responsibility upon his shoulders? - I went to Dr Kenrick, on the same road, and he told me he would come. - It was very wrong of Dr Kenrick to mislead you by saying he would come and then declining to come. You are sure he promised to come? - Yes, and I said I would wait for him. - You did not go back to Dr Davis again? - No. - If you had gone again and said it was an urgent cases probably he would have come, even if you were not prepared to pay his fee. You did not give him that chance? No, I relied on Dr Kenrick and he ignored me. - Elizabeth Snawdon, widow, 3 First-avenue, said she attended the deceased. After the birth of the child she found she was not equal to the case, and told the husband they must have a doctor. Deceased died about three quarters of an hour after Dr Wilson arrived. She (witness) was 67 years of age, had been a midwife twenty years and had probably attended a thousand confinements. She had attended 60 or 70 this year. She was not a certificated midwife. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said about 8.30 a.m. on Sunday MR JENKIN called and explained the position and he said, "If Dr Kenrick has promised you may be sure he will attend your wife. Probably he is attending another case first. If he has not come, come back and I will go with you at once." Witness went to the house about 10.30 a.m. and found that the confinement was not a normal one. Deceased had lost a great deal of blood. He stayed with her until she passed away. The nurse would not know that there was so much haemorrhage. He did not think any midwife, even if certificated, ought to attempt to do what he found to be necessary, nor did he think a woman like Mrs Snawdon ought to be trust with a confinement. He called her an ordinary house-woman, and not a midwife. Such women were "Jack of all trades;" they did a bit of scrubbing and attended the patient. If a medical man had been present at the confinement, it was very probable the life would have been saved. Death was due to syncope, from loss of blood. He knew MR JENKIN and nothing was said about the fee. - The Foreman: Do you think if Dr Davis had gone when he was called he would have saved the woman? - I would not like to say that, because she might have been bleeding internally at the time of the birth. - The Coroner said he had asked Dr Davis to be present, not as a witness. If he would like to say anything they would be glad to hear it. - Dr Davis said the Jury could hardly imagine how medical men were treated. It was a great shame. He had attended people almost dying and had been promised payment, but a week or two afterwards they left the neighbourhood or gave a false name. He told MR JENKIN he had been treated badly and that he would go if he would pay him after the confinement was over. MR JENKIN replied that he could not do that He (Dr Davis) waited to hear his decision and when he went away he shut the window. He thought MR JENKIN would go home and if the case was more dangerous would come again. In ordinary cases the fee was paid after the confinement. - In reply to a Juryman, Dr Davis said it was not necessarily the case that the money should be brought if a stranger came to his house. - The Coroner: He did not say "Pay me the fee beforehand," but "after the confinement is over, before leaving the house." - Dr Davis believed every doctor did that if he was not engaged for the confinement. - A Juryman said he had never been asked such a thing. He did not carry the money in his pocket. - The Coroner: You have probably had a medical man engaged, there is all the difference. - The Juryman: Then if a man has not the money in the house a woman must die? - The Coroner thought the case had probably originated in the fact that neither the husband nor wife previously engaged a medical man. There was a case in which there was engaged a woman nearly seventy years of age, and to whose qualifications to attend such a case there must be considerable doubt. It was very unfair to go to a medical man on a very cold morning and say, "My wife has been confined. There is some little trouble. Will you come and see her? The Medical man naturally said, "It is my rule, where I have not been previously engaged, to have my fee before I leave the house." MR JENKIN said he fee would be all right, but the doctor was perfectly within his right to say whether he thought the fee would be paid or hot. If MR JENKIN had said "Your fee shall be paid before you leave the house, after the confinement is over, Dr Davis would have attended the case. He could not say the same with regard to Dr Kenrick as he said of Dr Davis, because if they believed MR JENKIN'S evidence - and there was no reason to doubt it - Dr Kenrick absolutely promised to go and did not go. He gave Dr Kenrick the same opportunity of coming that afternoon to give his explanation, but he had not attended as Dr Davis had. They must be thankful that Dr Wilson, who knew MR JENKIN was able to go, but, unfortunately, it was too late to save the poor woman's life. He had always maintained that in cases in which the fee could be paid a medical man should be engaged to attend confinement cases. He had spoken before as to the wisdom of employing old women who were not fitted to attend such cases. Dr Wilson had told them his opinion on the subject, and yet Mrs Snawdon had attended a thousand cases, more or less, during the past twenty years. It might be said there were very few deaths, but there came a time when the danger appeared, and then they were unable to cope with it, as Mrs Snawdon was in this instance. If women would persist in engaging these old women, the "Sarey Gamps" of the olden days, to attend these cases, and not have medical men, they took the responsibility upon themselves and must not complain of a doctor not attending when his fee was not forthcoming. - The Foreman (Mr P. Burt): I should like to move a voice of censure on Dr Kenrick for not coming. - A Juror: I second that. - The Coroner: Dr Kenrick is not here and it is possible he might have a different version from MR JENKIN'S evidence. - Mr Irish (Coroner's Officer) said he informed Dr Kenrick personally of the Inquest. - The Coroner: I do not care for votes of censure on people in their absence. - The Foreman: He ought to have been here. If Dr Davis had not been here I should have moved the same in his case. - Mr R. Elley (Juryman): I have known Dr Kenrick since he has been here. He has attended some of my family and a more sympathetic and attentive man as a doctor I do not wish for. - The Coroner: Perhaps the expression of opinion of some of you will have as much weight as a vote of censure. If you wish, you can press your vote of censure. It is for you to find the verdict and comment on the evidence. - A Juryman thought the doctors ought to be protected where people could not pay the money down. A doctor ought to go whoever called him, in a case of this sort, and seek payment from the town officials. - Another Juryman: There is the County Court. - The Coroner: Then in your opinion the town officials ought to take the responsibility from the individuals? - Dr Wilson: I wish they would. - The Coroner: As a ratepayer, I should object to that. Married men have a responsibility devolving upon them and should, where they can afford it, see that a medical man is engaged to attend confinements. If they cannot afford it, the parish doctor can be called in. - A Juryman: We may die like a dog if we have not the money. Good old Dr Wilson went and did what was necessary. There was no question of fee with him. - Dr Wilson: I do not know that I should have been so ready to go if I had not known MR JENKIN. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and the vote of censure was not passed. - A Juryman: I think we might substitute a vote of thanks to Dr Wilson for coming out so readily. - This was carried unanimously and endorsed by the Coroner. - Dr Wilson thanked the Jury, but said it was a very difficult thing for a medical man to go to every call. If he did that he would be at work night and day. He had been called many times where there was absolutely no need. While attending that Inquest he had received two calls. - Dr Davis said if he had been told the woman was dying he would certainly have gone. Mrs Snawdon would tell them he had helped her out of many cases.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 December 1902 EXETER - Sad Burning Fatality At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last night on ANNIE MAUD TRYPHENA WRIGHT, a deaf mute, aged six, of the Triangle, St Thomas, the mother, the wife of a labourer, said a fortnight ago on Sunday last deceased was playing in the kitchen with her little brother, when, she told her to go upstairs with him, as she was expecting the doctor. The girl appeared to think she was scolding her. Within two minutes afterwards she heard groans, and rushing upstairs found the girl in flames. She wrapped her dress around her and extinguished the flames and in doing so set herself on fire. The boy had a piece of partly burnt paper in his hand, and it was supposed that he played with the fire in the room. There was only a fender in front of the fire. - The Coroner: And now you see the importance of a guard. - The witness explained that the deceased was not born deaf and dumb. When she was about one year and eight months old she had the whooping cough and measles, and the affliction was the result of that. - Mrs Green, a neighbour, said she took the deceased from the mother, and her husband tore off her smouldering clothing. Mr P. H. Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased had extensive burns on the face, head, right shoulder and arm and left hand. The child went on well until November 28th, when she developed scarlet fever, and was isolated. She died from exhaustion yesterday morning. She had recovered from the scarlet fever and he attributed death to the burns. She must have been sickening for scarlet fever at the time of admission. - The Coroner said the circumstances of the case were peculiarly sad and rather singular and they all afforded another illustration of how important it was that fires should be guarded in rooms where children were. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on EMMELINE ELIZAH LEWIS, aged 39, the wife of a cabdriver, living at 24 Stanley-street, Dr E. S. Saunders attributed death to syncope, as the result of fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 December 1902 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) yesterday held an Inquest on ELIZABETH JASPER, 65, 1 Moon-street, found dead in bed on Wednesday morning. Mary Jasper, niece, said she saw deceased he evening before her death and then she appeared to be well. Dr c. G. Brenton said death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Burning Fatality At Devonport. Necessity Of Fire Guards. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, yesterday on MABEL LUCAS, aged 8, daughter of P.C. SAMPSON LUCAS of the Borough Force, living at 20 Barrack-street. - ELIZA ANN LUCAS, mother of deceased, stated that on Friday evening last she undressed her little boy and went to another room to put him to bed, leaving deceased and the two other children in the kitchen. Hearing screams she returned to the kitchen and found deceased with her clothes in flames, mostly on the right side. She rushed away for the front door, where she was caught hold of by Mr Thomas, who put out the flames. There was a stove right out in the room, with the fire grate behind it. there was no fire-guard or other protection to the stove, the door of which was open when witness left the room. At that time deceased was combing her hair. In the Hospital she said she did not know how her clothes caught on fire. - The Coroner: You know there have been many instances of children catching fire when their mothers have left the room? - Yes, sir. - Have you read the remarks of myself as Coroner and of Jurymen as to the necessity of having a fireguard where there are young children? - Yes. - Have you seen the notices about signed by the Chief Constable, asking parents to provide fireguards where they can? - No; I have not seen them, nor has my husband spoken about them. The comb deceased was using was an ordinary one and was not burnt at all. - Replying to the Foreman (Mr T. Ledley), witness said deceased was the eldest child. The next oldest was age seven years and she too was unable to say how the accident happened. The weather being very cold, deceased was sitting close to the stove whilst combing her hair. - John B. Thomas, driller, who had his right hand bandaged, stated that he put out the flames with a mat. From the time he heard the screams to his extinguishing the flames only two minutes elapsed. - P.C. LUCAS, father of deceased, said he had not observed the notice issued by the Chief Constable as to parents providing fireguards. - The Coroner impressed upon him to have fireguard in future. - Herbert L. Lapthorpe, resident House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was brought there suffering from extensive burns upon the arms, right side of the chest, right thigh and the under part of the face and chin. The Coroner said this was the second case of fatal burning which had happened in Devonport within a very short period, and similar accidents had occurred recently in Plymouth. In nearly all these cases the accident had arisen through the absence of some protection from the fire, and, as the Jury knew, he had always advocated the provision of a fireguard where young children must necessarily be left in the room, if only for a very short time, whilst the parent was absent. The Watch committee had had notices posted throughout the town calling the attention of parents to the danger of leaving children in a room with an unprotected fire, and asking them where possible, to supply fireguards. He hoped that would have good effect. By any means, it was one's duty to impress upon the public generally the serious danger of leaving children in a room with an unprotected fire. In this case the girl was eight years of age and one could hardly understand how the accident could have happened, because she was really old enough to know that it would be dangerous to play with fire in any way. He was sure the Jury would wish to extend their deepest sympathy with the parents in their sad bereavement in losing a child of this age in such a sad way. He thought the parents would see the necessity of providing a fireguard, because there were other children and one could not be too particular in these days, when young children were so fond of getting near the fire and playing with it on the slightest opportunity. - The Foreman also urged that it was very necessary for the public to take all precautions when they had to leave their children even for the very shortest time. The Jury wished, with the Coroner, to express sympathy with the parents in this case, and they also desired to thank Mr Thomas and to commend him for his prompt action in rendering assistance. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - At the request of a Juryman the mother was recalled, and stated that at the time of the accident deceased was wearing a green cotton dress and other clothing of Melton cloth, but no flannellette. - One of the Jury suggested whether it would not be better that there should be a house to house distribution of the notices to parents instead of their being merely affixed to the posting stations. - The Coroner replied that that might be done, but nearly everybody read the newspapers.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 December 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of WILLIAM KING LUGGER, eight months old, the child of WILLIAM KING LUGGER, labourer at the Dockyard, and living at 6 York-street. Deceased had been delicate from birth and had suffered from bronchitis. Dr Saunders had attended the child three times. At six o'clock on Saturday morning the deceased had a fit, and died before Dr Saunders could arrive. Death was due to convulsions, from commencing pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 December 1902 STOKE DAMEREL - MRS TAW, wife of PETER TAW, journeyman butcher, of 46 James-street, Devonport, gave birth to a child at 7.30 on Sunday morning. Mrs Owen, midwife, 36 James-street, saw that the birth was premature, and advised the father to see a doctor as soon as he possibly could. Dr Saunders, on arriving at 11 o'clock found the child dead, owing to non-expansion of the lungs. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was returned.

TOTNES - At Totnes yesterday an Inquest was held on SERGT.-INSTRUCTOR FREDERICK GREEN, of Totnes Volunteers, who died suddenly on Saturday night, aged 38. A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence of Dr Reynolds, that the cause of death was syncope, due to a weak heart and malaria (contracted in Burmah). The Jury expressed deep sympathy with the widow as did also Capt. Windeatt, on behalf of the volunteers. The funeral will take place tomorrow with military honours.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on FLORENCE MARY KITT, aged 24, of 16 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse. The mother, a widow, said her daughter, always delicate, was worrying on Sunday because she had had notice to leave the laundry at which she worked. Witness was called from church on Sunday evening, and found her daughter dead. Edward Cosgrove, naval pensioner, said deceased was brought home very ill on Sunday evening, and died in a few minutes. Dr Waterfield deposed to death being due to syncope, caused by an enlargement of the heart, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

TOTNES - At Totnes Workhouse yesterday an Inquest was held on ANN PERRING, of Dartmouth. Mr W. Beer, Master, said deceased, aged 74 years, was the widow of a Dartmouth labourer, and had been in the Workhouse twelve months. Laura Webber, an inmate, deposed that after she had dressed deceased on November 18th, she sat her in a chair, from which she got up and fell between two beds. Dr W. R. Edmond said deceased fractured the neck of the left thigh, which could not be set. Such injuries generally resulted fatally sooner or later in the case of old people. Deceased was kept on a water-bed, but gradually grew weaker and died from exhaustion on Sunday. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

DAWLISH - Death From A Cut Finger At Dawlish. Consequence Of Refusing To See A Doctor. - At Dawlish yesterday an Inquest was held on JANE HOARE, butcher, of Old Town-street, Dawlish, who died on Monday. Deceased's brother, ROBERT MAY, of Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, said her age was 50. James Jennings, foreman butcher, who worked for deceased, said that last Friday fortnight she was helping him cut up the meat, when her left hand slipped and the saw cut her finger. She made light of it, but a week after she was taken ill as if with a cold. She went to bed, but only for a day, and worked last week, although not well. She would not have a doctor. On Friday she was taken worse and went to bed. The following day a neighbour, Elizabeth Willmet, who had been helping her, called in a doctor. - Dr C. I. I. H. Tripp said that when he saw deceased on Saturday she was very ill with blood-poisoning. She died on Monday morning. Had deceased been attended to earlier the poisoning would have been arrested. - Elizabeth Willmet said deceased would not have a doctor. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, Jennings being exonerated from all blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 December 1902 PLYMOUTH - How The Poor Live. Revolting Case At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) in opening an Inquest yesterday on JANE KAY, of 17 Richmond-street, the wife of PATRICK KAY, once a 'bus driver said so far he understood the facts of the case was of a sad and revolting character. - CHARLES KAY, billiard marker, son of the deceased, said he lived with her. He believed that his father was in the Workhouse. - He had not seen or heard of him for three years. He (witness) earned 12s. a week and supported his mother, who was unable to earn anything. She had been ill two years. They had been living at 17 Richmond-street for about five weeks. Deceased was attended by a doctor six months ago,. He went to work at 9.30 a.m., and returned after midnight. He did not know the condition of his mother. He was engaged in his work that he could do nothing. A Relieving Officer saw the deceased two weeks ago, but did nothing. His (the sons) room was not so bad as his mother's. He gave all his money to his mother and 3s. 6d. was paid for rent. A brother, aged 14, living with him, was not earning anything. - The Coroner: It ought to be a duty of someone to look into these haunts. It is a perfect disgrace that they are allowed to exist. - The Foreman (Mr W. G. Southern): All the Jury agree that it is the worst case they have ever seen. - Rebecca Beasely, wife of a labourer, said she resided in the same house as the deceased, but had only visited her twice. Last Wednesday she took deceased some tea She did not know she was lying amid such dirty surroundings as were revealed later. Deceased was only covered with a sack, but she did not complain to anyone, as she did not know whom to go to. - The Coroner: It is a great pity you did not make some complaint. - Witness, continuing, said she could get no reply when she knocked at deceased's door on Thursday morning, and she called in the Police. Mr Featherstone, of Hoegate-street, Plymouth, the landlord, collected the rents every week. He had remarked to her and the neighbours that deceased's rooms were in a very bad state. Mr Featherstone had given MRS KAY written notice to leave, but she was in bed and could not go. She had paid all her rent except one week. Deceased, a delicate woman, had only left her room on three occasions all the time she was in the house. She had never been attended by anyone. - Dr W. H. Brenton said when called to see the deceased on Thursday he found her in extremis. She was in a deplorable state, covered by a mere piece of sacking. The bed was very filthy, and the stench intolerable. No attempt apparently had been made to clean the room for some time. A room communicating with it was equally filthy. Its condition was beyond description. He had never found worse, if anything equal to it. The woman who showed him into the room was obliged to burn rags to make the atmosphere anything like tolerable. The Relieving Officer found it impossible to remove the woman, who was dying. They engaged a woman to attend to her and supplied milk and brandy at the expense of the Guardians. Death was due to long standing disease of the lungs and was accelerated by general neglect. The body was so covered with vermin that he was absolutely compelled to use a disinfectant before he could make a post-mortem examination. - A Juror: had she had any nourishment? - It is highly improbable that she had had any suitable nourishment. there was not a particle of fat on the body. - The Foreman: It seems as if she had been starved to death. - Dr Brenton: The lung disease would account in some measure for the emaciation. - The Foreman: Anyone would think she had been dead five years! - Dr Brenton: Her condition this morning was one moving mass. You should have seen her then. It is absolutely the worst case I ever remember. - The Coroner: It is the worst case I have ever heard of. It is a most monstrous thing that this state of things should be allowed to exist in the twentieth century. - Dr Brenton: I cannot conceive any person entering the room and not becoming acquainted with the state of things. - A Juryman: The son could have asked for help if he could not have done anything himself and he could at least have kept his own room decent. - CHARLES KAY having made a remark, the Coroner said: I cannot accept everything you have said. There is no reason now why anybody should be dirty or want for food. There is always the Workhouse. - The Foreman: It seems remarkable the breadwinner is in the Workhouse and the wife outside. - CHARLES KAY: My father ruined us in the first place. He was no good to us. - The Coroner: I cannot understand the landlord, who collected the rents every week, allowing such a state of affairs to go on. - Mrs Beasley: The Relieving Officer offered to remove the deceased to the Workhouse, but she would not go. - Several Jurymen expressed surprise that the Relieving Officer had not reported the case. Dr Brenton and Mr Russell, the officer, did not know anything about the condition of the woman until Thursday and then he did all that was possible. - The Coroner and Jury agreed that no blame whatever attached to the Relieving Officer. - A verdict of "Death due to Natural Causes, accelerated by Neglect" was returned.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - An Exeter Woman's Death. Alleged Starvation: Inquest Adjourned. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on HARRIET SALTER MORTIMORE, wife of CHARLES MORTIMORE, accountant, 14 Landscore-road, CHARLES FENWICK MORTIMORE, a tailor, said his mother died some time after eight on Wednesday morning. About five years ago Mr E. A. Brash attended her for loss of memory, but said there was no cure for her, and she had been getting worse ever since. She had been confined to bed about a month and had had a fit. - The Deputy Coroner: Have you seen any food taken to your mother since she had been a bed-lier? - Yes. - When was the last time you saw anything taken to her? - Last Tuesday dinner-time. - Who took it up then? - My sister. - What did she take up? - Beef and vegetables. Witness added that his mother was not capable of carrying on a conversation or making any complaint had she so desired. As far as he could observe deceased had plenty of food and proper care and attention. - ETHEL MORTIMORE, daughter, said she was in the habit of giving her mother food at dinner times, and the last occasion was Tuesday. She was not capable of feeding herself, and witness had to feed her. Her father gave his wife bovril on Tuesday night about eleven. Her father's step-sister, an elderly lady named Mrs Squires, was supposed to do anything that was required in nursing and to keep deceased clean. When witness's father got up on Wednesday morning he thought deceased was worse and sent for Dr Vlieland, but he was not at home. They also sent for Dr Farrant three times, but deceased died in the meantime. - Mr J. Pereira, Police Surgeon, said he examined deceased at the direction of the Police, and in the presence of the husband. He found the body very emaciated and there were two or three bedsores. He would not expect to see bedsores on a person who had been in bed a month if she had proper attention. The mattress on which deceased was lying was sodden. Witness, in conjunction with Dr Bell, had made a post-mortem examination and they found no cause of death from disease of any of the organs, which were perfectly healthy. There was no trace of food in the stomach. He should not expect to find traces of bovril taken the previous night or food in the dinner-time in the stomach of a healthy person, but he should have in a person in the condition of the deceased. There was nothing whatever to show any disease and in his opinion death was due to starvation and want of care. The bed-sores would not be the cause of death. - A Juror: Was there no sign of disease in the brain? - None whatever; it was a perfectly healthy brain. - did the general condition of the room suggest that she had plenty of care or was neglected? - It did not suggest to me that she had plenty of care. - The Deputy Coroner said he thought it was necessary and desirable that further evidence should be forthcoming, as it was certainly a case that should be cleared up. He therefore adjourned the Inquest until Monday next.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 December 1902 BURRINGTON - MR WM. PINCOMBE, sen., of Week Farm, Burrington, was attending to farm duties in a shippen, when he dropped down dead. At the Inquest it was shown that death was due to heart disease.

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Street Fatality. - Plymouth Borough coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at the Homoeopathic Hospital last evening on DAVID FIDLER, aged 4, son of MARK FIDLER, a Russian Jew, living at 16 Batter-street. - James Overington, driver in the employ of Messrs. Allsopp (represented by Mr J. P. Dobell) said between one and two o'clock on Saturday afternoon he was driving dray though Woolster-street at a trotting pace, when the child ran out of a doorway and was knocked down by the horse. Before he could pull up the front wheel passed over the child. There were about four hundredweight of full bottles and some empty ones on the cart. - Jessie Brimacombe said she saw the child run over, and believed it to be a pure accident. She did not consider the driver in any way to blame. - Dr T. G. Miles said when admitted to the Hospital the child was suffering from injuries to the head and arms and also from shock. He died at about ten o'clock on Sunday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" exonerating the driver from blame.

EXETER - An Exeter Woman's Death. Startling Development. Verdict of Manslaughter. - The Coroner's adjourned Inquest on HARRIETT SALTER MORTIMORE, 56, of Landscore-road, St Thomas, Exeter, who died on the 17th inst., was resumed at Exeter Police Court yesterday by Mr Deputy Coroner H. W. Gould. An adjournment had been ordered from Friday after the statement by a medical man that death was due to starvation. The Chief Constable represented the Police and Mr W. I. Brown the relatives. - Mr W. Salter, Foreman of the Jury, said it was their wish that all witnesses except the medical gentlemen should be ordered out of Court and the Coroner ordered that their wish should be complied with, although he said it was an unusual one. - CHARLES MORTIMORE, husband of deceased, an accountant, first called, was warned by the Coroner that anything he said might be given in evidence against him. After consultation with Mr Brown, he elected to give evidence and said his wife had been an invalid five or six years, suffering from loss of memory principally. - About six weeks after she became ill Dr Brash said nothing could be done for her and he supposed the case would end in the Asylum. Her general health was not affected, but she had to be relieved of all duties, and she gradually became weaker. They went to live at Landscore-road at the beginning of this quarter and she became a bed-lier barely three weeks before her death - not of her own accord, but because he thought she would be better there during the severe weather. She was then incapable of expressing any wish or desire and had been so for years. The day before deceased died witness took upstairs and he and his daughter gave her, her dinner of beef and vegetables and on coming home from business at eight o'clock he was told by his step-sister, Mrs Squire, who looked after deceased while he and his family were away, that she had had some tea. she was given a cup of bovril between 8.30 and 9, and another about 11. Deceased breathed heavily for a time about one o'clock, but became easier when he turned her round. About three o'clock the heavy breathing began again and witness fetched Mrs Squire. Between half-past five and six he sent his son for Dr Vlieland, but he was not at home and Dr Farrant was called three times. Whilst his son was gone the third time deceased breathed her last. She had taken a little warm milk and water during the night. - do you remember P.C. Discombe coming to your house about a month ago and complaining about a great noise there? - Yes, of a Saturday night; he lives next door. - Did he complain of a great noise and the screaming of a woman? - No, not of any screaming; neither was there any. Witness said the row was between himself and his son over money matters. Witness threatened to put his son out and his daughter came from her room and intervened, but there was no screaming. His wife's life was insured in the Prudential for about £10, he paying the premiums. - Maria Squire first gave her age as 65, but on a reminder by the previous witness said she was 75. She said deceased had everything she could wish for, and was fed five or six times a day. Witness did the cooking and attended to deceased. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said he was present at the post-mortem examination made by Mr Pereira. The body was greatly emaciated - in fact, the thinnest body he ever saw. The skin was parchment-like and shrivelled and there were two bedsores. The heart, liver, kidneys and spleen were all healthy, but shrunk. The fatty covering of the intestines had practically disappeared. The wall of the stomach was think, but healthy, and the coat of the intestines contracted and thin. The bladder was very contracted and empty. The lungs were quite healthy and speaking generally, there was no appearance of any disease, but of entire absence of fat. - What opinion have your formed, as the result of your examination, as to the cause of death? - She died from chronic starvation. That is the only conclusion one could come to from the examination. - Are the symptoms you have described consistent with death from starvation? - Certainly, they are the symptoms you would expect to find. - By Mr Brown: In the case of a person suffering from brain trouble, who had been in bed some months, there would be some emaciation. - Mr Pereira, recalled, said he found the gall bladder half full of bile, but in a case of chronic starvation that would signify nothing. - P.S. Guppy said he fetched the body and when he went into the room he had to open the window, for the smell was abominable and made him ill. The bedding was very dirty, excepting the quilt. The feathers of the mattress were uncovered and matted with filth. - Miss Jessie Buckley, Austwick House, Alphington, said MR MORTIMORE was a tenant of hers previous to October 1st. Deceased appeared to be quite helpless. She had occasionally taken her food, as she thought she wanted it. Deceased also ate it as if she wanted it. Witness told MR MORTIMORE and his daughter and son, as well as Mrs Squires, that she believed if deceased had more nourishment and had more care she would get all right again. So long as twelve months ago she had that opinion, which was shared by Mrs Daw, the lady guardian. Deceased simply appeared to be suffering from weakness. the house was in a dirty state. Mrs Squires was not suitable at all for a nurse. - The witness was asked whether Mrs Squires treated the deceased kindly or otherwise and it was with difficulty that the Coroner could get a definite answer, the witness stating that she was not there to judge other people. She objected to be made public property of, and her attendance that day would mean that she would be ill for a long time afterwards. Mrs Squires had a peculiar manner. She had heard rows in the house. - Asked by Mr Brown if it was not a fact that she was not on very good terms with MR MORTIMORE, the witness said she had been a true friend to him and his family. If they had listened to her they would have been spared the trouble they had now. - Mr W. J. Wreford, Inspector of Nuisances for the City, said he went to MR MORTIMORE'S house - Albany House, Alphington-road - in February last, in consequence of a complaint that the house was in a dirty state and that there was an invalid who was not receiving proper treatment. The house was in a very dirty state and in a backroom on the first floor he saw MRS MORTIMORE in bed. The bed and bedding were filthy. At his request Dr Vlieland visited the house and certified that the premises were in such a condition as to be a nuisance. A notice was served on MR MORTIMORE to abate the nuisance. The place was afterwards kept in a better condition for a while, but on May 24th on a complaint by the last witness, Dr Vlieland and witness again visited the place, which was in such a state as to be injurious to health. Witness told MR MORTIMORE that unless things were altered legal proceedings would be taken. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a case which deserved the careful attention given it. The case required thorough sifting. he thought they must come to the conclusion, after the evidence of the medical witnesses, that starvation was the cause of death. If the Jury were satisfied with that evidence, then they must consider whether there was evidence of responsibility on the part of anyone. The husband was primarily liable and responsible for the care and feeding of his wife. Of course, if he employed a responsible person to look after her and that person neglected his or her duty, the husband was not liable. On the other hand, if he employed an irresponsible person, then undoubtedly the husband was liable for the result of any want of care or attention. If they considered there had been want of care and attention on the part of anyone, either on the part of MR MORTIMORE and Mrs Squires, then of course they would be criminally responsible and they would have to bring in a verdict of manslaughter. On the other hand, if they thought that the evidence was not sufficient to justify them in bringing in such a verdict as that then they might bring in a sort of an open verdict that the deceased died from starvation, but that there was insufficient evidence of criminal neglect. - After nearly four hours/ hearing the Court was cleared for the Jury to consider their verdict, and was re-opened twenty minutes later. - The Foreman, Mr W. Salter, said: We find that the deceased died from Starvation, and that the husband has been guilty of neglect. - The Deputy Coroner: Then you consider the husband has been guilty of Manslaughter? - The Foreman: Yes. - A verdict of Manslaughter was then entered and the Deputy Coroner, in thanking the Jury for the attention they had given the case, intimated that he would absolve them from further service for two months. - MR MORTIMORE was then committed for trial on the Coroner's Inquisition for Manslaughter. - Mr Brown suggested the granting of bail, but the Deputy Coroner intimated that as the Police would in all probability arrest MR MORTIMORE afterwards, also on the charge of Manslaughter, it would be well to leave the question until the accused came before the Magistrates. - Upon the Court rising Chief Inspector Dymond arrested MR MORTIMORE on the charge of Manslaughter, and he will be brought before the Magistrates this morning, and probably remanded in order that the Public Prosecutor might be communicated with.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 December 1902 PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Plymouth Deputy Coroner (Mr John Graves) held an Inquest on Saturday on GEORGE RICH, 60, boilermakers' assistant, Keyham Dockyard, of 17 Albert-road. James S. Hellyer, living at the same house, said deceased got up on Boxing-day and appeared to be in good health. A little later peculiar noises were heard from an outhouse at the back and on the door being burst open deceased was found to be dead. Dr Plant was called and said death was due to heart disease, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr Graves at Laira held an Inquest on ARTHUR CHARLES BULL, the eleven weeks' old child of GUNNER HENRY BULL, R.G.A., 19 Nelson-terrace. The father said the child appeared to be all right when he and his wife went to bed at 10.30 on Christmas-eve. During the night the child was taken ill, and before witness could get a doctor he had passed away. Dr Henry Pearse said death was due to convulsions, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 December 1902 STOKENHAM - Fatal Accident At Chillington. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Chillington, Stokenham, on JAMES STEERE, about 16 years of age, found dead on Saturday underneath the shaft of a cart he had been driving, the whole weight of the vehicle, as well as the horse, being upon him. Mr Howard Skinner of Kingsbridge, discovered the lad. Deceased, who had been in the employ of Mr Stooke, of Coleridge, for three years, was driving the horse and cart through the gate leading into the courtyard. Turning the corner too sharply, the cart was turned over, deceased falling underneath the shaft and the horse on the top. A boy, four years old, in the cart, was thrown out and receiving no harm, ran away home, too frightened to say anything. - Dr Orford Jones said the cause of death was suffocation. No bones were broken and probably had immediate help been at hand, the lad's life might have been saved. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

DARTMOUTH - The Singular Drowning Case At Dartmouth. - At Dartmouth yesterday an Inquest was held on CAPT. RICHARD WILLIAMS, of the steamer Zephyr, lying in Dartmouth harbour. - RICHARD WILLIAMS, son of the deceased, said his father was 57 years of age, and in a fair state of health last time he saw him. - William Rogers, second engineer of the Zephyr, said deceased went on shore on Saturday afternoon with James Pollard, an able seaman belonging to the vessel. Witness saw no more of him alive. Deceased was apparently in his usual health and spirits. The boat in which they left the Zephyr was about 17 feet long and in every way satisfactory. - James Pollard said deceased and himself landed at Dartmouth Embankment about five o'clock. Deceased sculled the boat to shore and witness tied it up to a ladder north of the pontoon after landing deceased at the steps just above. They then went to the Union Inn together. Deceased had a small whisky and he (witness) a glass of beer. They had nothing more. Deceased left the Inn while witness was out at the back. He said he was going to get some provisions and asked witness not to be long. He saw nothing more of him alive. - Alfred Newland, a lumper, said he first saw a boat floating down the river near the South Embankment and afterwards noticed that there was a body underneath it. The man's head was under one side of the boat and his legs the other. Witness and a lad named Chase rowed out to the boat and on reaching it found two others in it. - Artificial respiration was tried but without success. - Chase was also called and said there was only one man in the boat when he and Newland reached her. - The Coroner (Mr A. M. Davson): Where did he come from? 0- Witness thought the man must have come from a schooner close by. - Dr G. M. Soper said he was called to the Embankment, and went immediately. Deceased was dead. He continued artificial respiration for some time without avail. Had a doctor been on the spot when deceased was taken out of the water he did not think life could have been saved. - Re-examined, witnesses stated that the paddles were placed in the boat in the usual way, and the painter was coiled up. There was no indication of any struggle and no water in the boat. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a singular and unfortunate case. Possibly deceased after getting into the boat and casting off, overbalanced himself and fell out. - Recalled, deceased's son said his father could not swim, and the Coroner commented strongly upon the fact that this was, unfortunately, the case with many men who chose the sea as a profession; while in a seaport town like Dartmouth it was surprising how many there were who could not swim. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," but that there was no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water. they commented upon the absence of a covering to the ambulance upon which the deceased was taken to the mortuary.

PLYMOUTH - ELIZABETH BRADFORD, widow, aged 83, of 79 Exeter-street, Plymouth, tripped and fell in her bedroom on Thursday night week and Dr G. Bate found that she had sustained a compound fracture of the ankle. Death ensued from senile decay, accelerated by the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

OKEHAMPTON - At Okehampton on Saturday Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest on LILY WILLIAMS, aged 7 days, the daughter of CHARLES WILLIAMS. Soon after birth the child was placed in hot water and scalded. The Jury, after hearing evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and absolved the nurse (Mrs Slee) from all blame, but recommended that the advice of a doctor as regards the use of hot water should in future be borne in mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 December 1902 EXETER - The body of FREDERICK OLSEN, aged 33, able seaman of the Ocean Wave, one of the two victims of the Exeter ferry rope accident on November 29th, has been recovered opposite the lime kiln by John Shorland and his father. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner was asked by the Jury to make a further representation to the Council that they would like the ferry rope removed before dark.