Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1903

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:-  Adams; Aggett; Allen; Anderson; Angel; Ash; Astbury; Attis; Baker(5); Banfield(2); Bann; Barkell; Barker; Bartle; Bartlett; Bastard; Basten; Beard; Beer; Bell; Bending; Benett; Bennett; Bistle; Blanrock; Blatchford; Blower; Bond; Bonner; Bowden; Bray; Brealey; Breen; Brewer; Brinley; Brown(3); Butler; Buttle; Campbell; Cann(2); Capron; Carey; Carter(2); Caseley; Cator; Chapman; Cherry; Chester; Ching; Clack; Clapp; Clark; Clarkson; Cockram; Collins; Cook; Coombes; Cork; Cottle; Cox; Coysh; Crimp; Cross; Cuming; Curling; Curran; Dagnall; Darrell; Dart; Davey(2); Davies; Dawe; Dean; Delafeild; Doughty; Duckworth; Durant; Earle; Eccles; Edgcombe; Edwards; Elliott; Ellis; Ferris; Field; Foley(2); Force; Fox; Francis; French; Friendship; Fuge; Gange; Garland; Garrish; Gilbert; Giles(2); Gill; Gimblet; Glanville(2); Godfrey(2); Goings; Gould; Gray; Green(3); Greenwood; Grimster; Groves; Guard; Haddy; Halliday; Hamlyn; Hammett; Harcourt; Harley; Harper; Harris(2); Hart; Harvey(3); Hawke; Hawken; Hayes; Hayward; Heath; Henwood; Heriot; Hewitt; Hewlett; Hill; Hindley; Hiscox; Hodge; Holford; Honeywill; Horam; Horton; House; Irish; Jewson; Johns(2); Johnson; Jones; Keen; Kemp; Kent; Kentspeer; King; Knight(3); Lake; Lambert; Lamble; Lane(2); Lang; Lavers; Law; Lawry; Leat; Lees; Lockyer; Lovelock; Loving; Luscombe(4); Madge; Mansell; Mapp; Martin; Matthias; McClounan; Medlin(2); Mills; Mitchell; Moody; Morris; Mullins; Murton; Nicholls(2); Nichols; Northcott(2); Nute; Offord; Oldfield(2); Opie; Osborn; Ostler; Palmer(2); Parnell; Parsons; Perring; Perryman; Pethybridge; Pike; Pinkham; Poor; Potter(2); Powley; Preston; Pulley; Pye; Randell; Rawlings; Reid; Rendle; Richards; Rickard(2); Roach(2); Roberts; Robinson; Rodda; Rogers(2); Rowell; Rowse; Ruby; Ruse; Sammels(2); Sanders(2); Satterly; Scantlebury; Schofield; Shaddick; Sheldon; Sherrell; Shillabeer; Shute(2); Skinner(2); Skjeldso; Sloggett; Smale; Smallridge; Smith(3); Snell(2); Sprague; Squires; Stapleton; Steer; Step; Sitson; Strawbridge; Stribling; Sullivan; Sykes; Symons(2); Taylor; Terry; Thomas; Thompson; Thorne; Torpey; Townsend; Traford; Trethowan; Tucker; Turpin; Tyson; Vaughan; Vines; Wakeham(3); Ward; Warden; Warne; Warren(2); Watkins; Webber(2); Wellington; Wells; Westcott; Western; White; Wigley; Wilce; Williams(4); Willis; Wills(2); Wilmott; Wilson; Wingrove; Winzer; Wood; Woodley; Woolcock; Wright; Wyatt; Yabsley; Yeo.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 January 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Child Neglect At Newton Abbot. A Drunken Nurse: Mother Severely Censured. - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot last evening on ALICE GERTRUDE, the five-year-old daughter of SARAH JANE LANE, 5 Court, Wolborough-street, Mrs Short, a neighbour, deposed that the child had had measles. On Boxing-day, the mother asked her to stay with the child while she went out. She could not do so, and on going to see how the child was later in the afternoon, she found the mother out and Mrs Gaye, very drunk, in charge. The fire was out, although the doctor had ordered the child to be kept warm. - Amy White said when she went to the house in the afternoon she found the woman Gaye on her hands and knees very drunk. The fire was out and the child apparently asleep. She went to three inns in search of her mother. - P.C. Berry said he visited the house with Amy White. There was neither fire nor light in the house. Mrs Gaye was very drunk. The bedding was wet and dirty. Gaye was last week convicted of drunkenness. The mother came in whilst he was there and said she left Mrs Gaye sober, but a bottle left full of beer was empty. - Dr Culross said when first he attended deceased on December 23rd she was suffering from bronchial catarrh. The mother was at work and he gave all directions to the neighbour who was in the house. On Christmas-day he was away. A messenger was sent to his house on that day for him to visit deceased. The messenger was told to go to Dr Nisbet, who was acting for him. the latter, however, never received the message. On Friday evening he went to see the deceased himself and she had then developed bronchial pneumonia. The mother was there and the fire was in that evening. He told her the child was not likely to live through the night, but she lingered until Monday. - He did not think it was possible for the bronchial pneumonia to have been the result of that afternoon's neglect and it would take day or two to develop to the stage he found it. If properly nursed, the child would have had a greater chance of recovery, but with the best of nursing he could not say it would have recovered, as it had had the same complaint and bronchitis before. - Inspector Brown, N.S.P.C.C., said Nurse Smith deposed to visiting the child on the evening of the neglect, when she was quite cold. - William H. Wyatt, Insurance agent, said the child was insured and he had paid over £4 10s. to the mother on receipt of the registrar's certificate. - Dr Culross said he gave a certificate of the cause of death. - The Coroner (Mr Hacker): Did it not strike you that the case was one for Inquiry? - No; I knew the cause of death. - The Coroner: When there are circumstances of doubt in a case, though you may know the actual cause of death, it is well recognised by the profession that it is not a proper practice to give a certificate. - Dr Culross: I think we are bound to give it, if we know the cause. - The Coroner: Oh, no, certainly not. do you mean to suggest that if you found, in the course of practice, a case of grave suspicion, although he might know the cause of death, that you would give a certificate? - No. But I knew that the authorities were aware of the matter. The Policeman told me that. - The Coroner: That is not sufficient. That does not prevent the child being registered and it might have been buried if the matter had been hurried on. In that way crime might be committed. - Dr Culross: If I had seen any evidence of neglect myself I should have communicated with you. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" adding that they considered the conduct of the mother on Boxing Day most disgraceful and they asked the Coroner to censure her severely.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 January 1903
CLYST ST GEORGE. - The Clyst St George Suicide. A Quarrel And A Tragedy. - At the Inquest held at Addlepole Farm, Clyst St. George, yesterday, on HARRY STEER, builder and farmer, JOHN STEER said deceased (his brother) had been a joint occupier of his farm for about twelve years. - The Coroner: It has been reported to me that you had some words with deceased on the day he died about some cider. Is that so? - Yes. - Tell me all that took place. - Witness said his brother came to him and asked him to send a hogshead of cider. Witness told him that he could not do so, as there had been too much cider wasted. - In what state was deceased in regard to sobriety? - I think he was sober. Continuing, witness said when he told deceased he could have no cider, he asked "What am I to do?" Deceased then became very excited and seemed to fly into a terrible passion. He took witness hold by the shoulder and began to handle him roughly. Witness shook him off and he fell to the ground, after which he was taken to the pump-shed. Deceased was of a very excitable disposition, but sometimes appeared to be quite rational. Witness heard nothing more about him until deceased's son, age about 13, came to him and said, "Uncle, please come down. Dad has gone into the allotment and done something." On 29th December another son of the deceased came to him and said, "Mother has sent me to ask you to come down, as dad has gone out with a gun and threatened to do something." Witness told him to go home and take the gun that was kept in the house up to witness's wife, which he did. Deceased never said that he had any intentions. - Asked by a Juror whether deceased lost a child about three years ago, and if it preyed on his mind, witness replied that something was noticed in deceased's health previous to that, but he had not been the same man since. - Miss Lucy Elma Pidsley, who lives close to deceased's house, said on Wednesday, about four o'clock , MR STEER came to her house and asked if he could borrow the gun. Witness let him have it, as she thought he wanted to go shooting and he had a dog with him. She noticed nothing wrong with deceased at the time and he was sober. - William John Spiller, groom, stated that he saw deceased going in the direction of the allotment on Wednesday afternoon, but he was not carrying a gun. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at 56 Belgrave-road, Mutley, Plymouth, on GEORGE NEVILLE DAWE found dead in his bedroom on Thursday. Deceased was an insurance agent and recently kept a coffee shop at West Hoe. It was not a success and his wife had to resume her occupation as a nurse. That undoubtedly preyed on his mind a good deal. - Mrs Jane Treleaven stated that on Thursday morning she took deceased's laundry things to the landing leading to his bedroom and told him they were there. In the afternoon she noticed the things were in the same place. She then opened the bedroom door and found deceased hanging by a piece of sash cord to the bedpost. She called Mrs Ellis, a neighbour and she at once went for deceased's wife, who was nursing a patient at West Hoe and sent for the doctor. - Dr Mariette, who said he was called about five o'clock on Thursday afternoon, said he thought deceased had been dead four or five hours. Suffocation was the cause of death. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 January 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Teignmouth. A Remarkable Statement. - At Teignmouth on Saturday an Inquest was held on THOMAS WILLIAMS, a seaman, of the steamer Player. - Charles Evans, a sailor on board the Annie, of Bideford, said he had declared goodnight on the Quay at about 11.15 on the last night of the old year. He had not walked many yards, when he heard a cry "man overboard," and running back where the Player was lying, heard a splashing in the water between the side of the ship and the quay. He got down on the fender and grabbed at the collar of the coat deceased was wearing. Witness was at least five minutes shouting for help. Three sailors came and they got the man out of the water, and laid him on the deck. They got a quart of water out of him. Two Constables came and they carried him into the forecastle. He (witness) asked one of the crew to look after the man, and he replied, "He is not in my department." There did not appear to be anyone in authority on board. Deceased was perfectly sober when witness left him on the jetty. The ladder from the steamer to the quay was perfectly safe. The man who said WILLIAMS was not in his department was, he believed, one of the engineers. The crew on board seemed to be foreigners. - P.C. Moore said on boarding the steamer, he found the man lying on the deck, gasping for breath. They tried artificial means to restore him and put him in blankets in his bunk. The man was removed to the Hospital the next morning. Dr Hayward, had been called to see the man. - Chas. H. Badcock, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was brought in about 11.30 on the morning of January 1st in a collapsed condition. He had every appearance of suffering from asphyxia, having been in the water 15 minutes it was said. He was in great pain and conscious. Water remained in his lungs and his chest was injured. There were signs of internal injuries, but no post-mortem had been made. Deceased never rallied and died on Friday morning. - The Coroner thought it strange that the water should have remained in his lungs for 12 hours, and ordered a post-mortem to be made at once. - Mr Geo. Player, registered owner of the ship, explained that the Player has sailed for Swansea, and was chartered for Rouen. She would be returning to Teignmouth or some port near, and he would have the second engineer (whom he presumed was the man referred to by the description given by the witness) attend the Inquest. - The Coroner (Mr Hacker) adjourned the Inquiry until Monday next. - The Foreman (Mr R. W. Pedrick) said the Jury considered the witness Evans deserved the highest praise in rescuing WILLIAMS so promptly. - The Coroner concurred. He hoped every Englishman would be animated by the same spirit as Evans was, and shew their pluck in helping a fellow creature when in difficulties.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 January 1903
PLYMOUTH - ALVENA ANNIE WELLS, the four-months-old child of KATE EVELYN MABEL WELLS, 10 Penlee-place, Plymouth, which had been delicate from birth, had a fit on Monday night and died almost immediately. At the Inquest, yesterday, Dr Palmer, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to convulsions and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Suicide At Newton Workhouse. A Sad Story. - At the Inquest held last evening on RICHARD HARVEY, in Newton Workhouse, WILLIAM J. HARVEY, of Liskeard, his son, stated up to about 12 months ago deceased lived at Abbotskerswell. As he was suffering from softening of the brain, he then went to Liskeard, to reside with witness. He became worse, and kept talking about committing suicide. On one occasion he nearly hanged himself and was removed to Bodmin Asylum. At the end of four months he was discharged as all right. In the meantime an order had been obtained for his transfer to the Exminster Asylum; but the medical superintendent said if witness could give him a comfortable home he might return with him. Witness took him home, but he became as bad as ever; and witness applied for his readmission to Bodmin. The doctor, however, would not certify him, and recommended that he should be put into Liskeard Infirmary. As deceased was not destitute, however, the Workhouse authorities refused to admit him. Ultimately, he took him to the Newton Workhouse, as he thought that was the best way of getting him into Exminster Asylum. - Frederick W. Scott, the Master of the Workhouse, stated that deceased was admitted on December 16th. He was not told that he was a lunatic with suicidal tendency. After the medical officer saw him he was placed in the old men's infirm ward, where there was a male officer. On Monday deceased hung himself in the lavatory. Some alterations were being effected in one of the wards, where he probably obtained a sash-cord. - William Brenton, builder, and James Leeker, engineer, gave evidence of finding deceased and cutting him down. - Dr Stephens stated that he found deceased suffering from a weak intellect, but he shewed no signs of suicidal or homicidal mania. - Mr F. Horner, clerk to the Guardians, stated that the procedure followed in bringing the man to Newton was most irregular. Had the man been a lunatic he should have been taken through the Liskeard Union to Bodmin, and then transferred to Exminster. As the man was brought to Newton, witness ordered that he should be admitted to the House. The son in his correspondence mentioned nothing about an attempt to commit suicide. - William Oliver, Mr Horner's chief clerk, denied that deceased's son told him he had attempted to commit suicide, or had any suicidal tendency. - James Clampitt, an inmate, said just before deceased hung himself, he said if he could get a rope he would put it around his neck. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

MALBOROUGH - The Kingsbridge Estuary Fatality. A Dangerous Practice. - At the Inquest held at Salcombe yesterday on GORDON VICTOR ROBINSON, aged 21, a labourer, his mother stated that he left home in his sailing boat on Friday morning about half-past nine to go to Castle Wood for firewood he had purchased. He said he would be back for dinner. As he did not return she thought he had gone on to Kingsbridge to see the young woman with whom he kept company. She wired to Kingsbridge on Saturday to know if he was there and received a reply in the negative. - Alice Gillard, of Kingsbridge, said ROBINSON came to see her on Friday morning, but did not stay long, as he was afraid of his boat grounding. He left her about 11 o'clock. - John Parsons, of Kingsbridge, said he saw deceased get into his boat and sail away. He did not see any accident. The weather was squally, with misty rain. - Wm. Johnson, boatman, Salcombe, deposed to finding the body at the entrance of Bowcombe Lake, and to assisting to raise deceased's boat, a good safe one, fitted with a centre plate. When raised the mizzen and jib sheets were fastened. So also was the mainsail, but it was very slack. ROBINSON could manage a boat fairly well, but was not like an experienced hand. He had heard he could swim very well. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said there would be no difficulty at arriving at a verdict. As the sheets were fast, which should not have been the case, - a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, and Messrs. Johnson and Distin were thanked for recovering the body on Sunday in very bad weather. Others who help in the search were also thanked.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 January 1903
CHUDLEIGH - At the Inquest at Chudleigh yesterday on THOMAS MARSHALL COYSH, who met with his death by falling from an ash pollard when cutting a branch, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's father.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 January 1903
TOTNES - Totnes Railway Fatality. Suggested Insomnia: An Open Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Totnes yesterday on ROWLAND HILL, of Cheddar, who was found dead on the G.W.R. main line some distance from Totnes Station on Thursday morning. - William Sargeant, of Cheddar, said deceased, his nephew, was 19 years of age. He went to Totnes on Saturday last, it being the first time he had been away from home. The parents received a letter from him on Tuesday, and he appeared to be very happy. Witness thought that perhaps deceased had over-studied, as he worked hard for the King's scholarship examination, which took place just before Christmas. - Mrs Ash, of Ashleigh Villas, Totnes, stated that the deceased took lodgings with her family on Saturday last. On Monday and Tuesday mornings he got up early and on Wednesday morning, when witness came down about 7.20 a.m., she noticed that deceased had gone out. She did not think there was anything unusual about it at the time, but as he did not return to breakfast, she made inquiries about him. - Richard King, a ganger on the G.W.R., deposed to finding the body near the Totnes Cemetery, about half a mile from the Station. Deceased was on his face and hands in the middle of the down line. One leg was cut off, and a cap was in the path. There was a curve on the line where the deceased was. - Fredk. Hewood, engine driver, of the front engine of the 3.45 a.m. fast train from Newton Abbot, said the train would have passed Totnes about 4.1 a.m. It was very dark. On returning to Totnes about 8 a.m. he heard of the discovery, and had a look at his engine. He found marks of blood on the lifeguard and also on the buffer plank, but there was nothing on the wheels. He detected nothing when driving to Plymouth. - Wm. J. Phillips, head master at the Totnes Board School, had an impression that deceased had over-studied. He seemed very nervous at school and was excitable. He performed his duties well and on Wednesday told witness he was happy. - Dr W. R. Edmond, who made an examination of the body, stated that there were contusions on the forehead and face, both jaws were badly fractured. The left leg was amputated below the knee and the lower part of the thigh was separated from the upper part and there was also a compound fracture of the right leg. He suggested insomnia from the evidence. - P.S. Webber said there were no letters on deceased, and in his box there was £5 5s. and good fit-out of clothing. The Jury returned an Open Verdict, that the deceased was found killed on the railway, and that there was no evidence to show how he got there.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Mystery. An Open Verdict. - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN PELLEW LAWRY. JOHN LEAN LAWRY said deceased, his son, was 21 years of age and left home on Tuesday morning with the intention of going to Millbay Docks to seek work. He knew of no reason why he should take his life. He was quite happy at home, and had no troubles, although he had been suffering from a severe cold. - William Martin said on Thursday he found the body in Lipson Marshes. The water was about three or four feet deep. On the arrival of P.C. Beer, he undressed himself and brought the body to the bank. Deceased was quite dead when first seen. Dr e. A. Travers Stubbs said death was due to drowning. There was slight cuts on each hand, the left leg and two on the neck, the last being about an inch long, and evidently inflicted with a sharp instrument. the cuts had nothing to do with the death. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water, and by his advice the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Two days before the body was found deceased's blood-stained razor and vest were found in a field at Mount Gould.

IPPLEPEN - "Accidentally Suffocated" was the verdict returned by a Coroner's Jury at Ipplepen yesterday in the case of ETHEL, infant daughter of MR and MRS T. IRISH, found dead in bed. The Jury expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 January 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Fatality. Contempt Of Court. - The Inquest on THOS. WILLIAMS, who died from the effects of falling overboard from the steamer Player, was resumed yesterday. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said the Inquiry had been adjourned to give them an opportunity of obtaining the evidence of the second engineer on board the vessel. The steamer, however, had not arrived in England, and it would be necessary to again adjourn the Inquiry. Mr Player, the registered owner of the steamship, had committed a very grave indiscretion by sending a letter to a Plymouth paper as to the Inquiry. The case is under judicial consideration and he had no right to say the Jury were satisfied on any point. By so doing he has committed a serious contempt of Court and would have to stand by the penalties. but as he (the Coroner) never cared to do things in a great hurry, it would be a question for later consideration. The letter contained the imprudent statement that at the Inquest it was proved to the satisfaction of the Jury that the means of going on board the ship at the time of the accident were perfectly safe. Mr Player must have known that nothing whatever was proved. Mr Player had no right to make remarks on a case, which was under the consideration of a legal tribunal and the only course he should take would be made known later on. - Mr Player said his letter was a reply to a statement by an anonymous correspondent, which was not justified, more especially as every precaution was taken. - The Coroner: I cannot hear you now, Mr Player. You had better do your best to get the witnesses here. It will be the better for your own sake, as the case will be thoroughly gone into. The inspector of factories will be present to watch the case, and he will expect some evidence. It would be better to have the captain or the mate, someone in authority or else the evidence of the second engineer would be unsupported. - Mr Player said the vessel was on her way from Rouen, and he had given instructions that the second engineer, who was the only man on board who knew anything of the circumstances, to be landed at any port between Teignmouth and Plymouth. - He (Mr Player) could give evidence as to the gangway. - The Coroner: But there was no gangway. - A Juryman: It was given in evidence that there was a ladder but was there a watchman? - Mr Player: It is customary to most ports to have a watchman to look after the ship-s gear, but not in Teignmouth, as they were honest people. The ladder and plank were there at five o'clock, as I crossed to and fro to the quay myself. The ladder was so placed as to rise and fall with the ship. There was a lamp at each end. - The Coroner: If you can give evidence to that effect, we may take it. - Mr Player: The captain and mate can only say it was placed there for the men, but if they won't use it, that is another matter. - Charles H. Badcock, House Surgeon, stated that he made a post-mortem examination, and found a superficial injury behind the left ear. There were no internal injuries, but the lungs were in a state of acute congestion, brought about by the immersion in the cold water when deceased fell overboard. The dirty water he took in would also help it. There was some pleurisy. The idea that death was the result of the fall was erroneous. - A Juryman: Were there any signs of his having taken intoxicants? - No trace of alcohol could be detected. - Do you think if the doctor had been earlier it would have mattered? - That is a difficult question, but I think not. - The Coroner was of opinion that the doctor was called within reasonable time, and that everything was done that could be done. - The Inquest was adjourned until 2.30 on Saturday next. - Mr Hartnoll, a Juror, asked the Coroner whether he could allow any fee to the funds of the Hospital. When an Inquest was held and outside medical gentlemen were summoned there were fees, whilst there was not a penny for the House Surgeon even if he made a post-mortem. Then again, it was within the province of the Coroner to pay for a room, except when held at the public-hall. But in that Institution there was the wear and tear, and nothing for it, whilst the funds were low and those cases were a big drain upon the funds of that Institution, which had to rely entirely upon charity. - The Coroner thought it was a proper question, but the law did not permit of payment of medical gentlemen in public institutions, and he was bound to hold the Inquiry when death occurred in that Institution. - Mr Hartnoll thanked the Coroner for his reply and said he put the question in the interests of the subscribers, as sailors seemed to forget there was such an Institution unless the ship brokers asked them. - The Coroner said it was an Institution open to receive accidents and he did not see how he could help them except by allowing a trifle for cleaning the room. - Mr Hartnoll: Thank you, sir, that will be something for the asking.

PLYMOUTH - The Cattedown Fatality. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital yesterday on SIDNEY HERBERT SMITH, aged 41, of 24 High-street, Stonehouse, labourer, in the employ of Mr C. L. Duke, contractor. - Dr H. S. Gabb (House Surgeon) said deceased died half an hour after admission. Three of his ribs were broken, both hip bones were smashed and he was suffering from internal haemorrhage. - John F. Pittwood, shunter, said on Friday morning he was regulating the trucks at Victoria Wharves, Cattedown. The men were employed taking stones away from a heap, the trucks being drawn by horses. He had removed one truck, and warned the men by shouting "Keep clear, there!" The heap was at the end of a siding, which was on the slope. The truck had run down to the stones, a pile of which formed a buffer, and remained there. It had struck the buffer, and bounced back a few feet. He did not see deceased. He sent down the second truck shortly afterwards, and after it had struck the first one he heard the men shouting. Deceased had been injured through getting between the first truck and the stones. He understood that deceased went between the stones and the truck to get one of his tools left near the lines. Deceased had been working there about six months, and knew how the trucks were shunted. - Frederick Cann, crane-driver, said he heard Pittwood shout to the men to keep clear. It was blowing hard at the time, and he was doubtful if deceased heard the warning. The men were always warned when shunting was to take place. - Replying to a Juror, witness said the trucks were always attended by a brakesman, and the brakes were put on before the trucks passed the points, and ran down the incline. It was very slippery, and the wheels did not "bite" well. - A Juror: It seems to me there has been some carelessness. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and Mr C. L. Croft, expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives on behalf of Mr Duke. It was, he said, the first accident that had happened at the place, showing that the work was done with care.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 January 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Man's Death. A Victim To Alcohol. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on HERBERT SAWYER SHUTE, aged 58, journeyman carpenter. The widow said she had lived apart from her husband for about seven years in consequence of his drunken habits. Last Saturday evening he came to her house at 23 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, and he was ejected by a neighbour, as he was drunk. He was a good workman, but had ruined his career through drink. When sober he greatly respected himself. Deceased had frequently been an inmate of Devonport Workhouse. - Arthur Wood, of 59 High-street, Stonehouse, said he saw deceased outside Stonehouse Workhouse at half-past five on Monday evening drunk. he said "For God's sake save my life and give me a copper." Witness refused, thinking he wanted it for drink. - Richard Stroude, carter, 54 High-street, found SHUTE dead at the bottom of the steps in the passage leading from the street into the house. - In reply to Mr W. Barnes (Foreman of the Jury) witness said there was a light in the passage, but it did not light the steps. - Mr O. Matthews (a Juryman) thought the steps should be lighted, as there were tenants in the house. - The Coroner pointed out that deceased was not a tenant in the house and had no business there. The passage was private property. - Dr Waterfield deposed to finding bloodstains on the wall and steps and he was of opinion deceased was going hurriedly up the steps when he ruptured the walls of the heart and fell back. there was a scalp wound about four inches long at the back of the head, which he received simultaneously with death. The body was terribly emaciated and every organ smelt extensively of alcohol. Death was due to syncope as the result of chronic alcoholism. The Coroner characterised the case as a sad one. Deceased had ruined his career, and his life had been suddenly terminated through excessive drinking. A verdict in accordance with medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 January 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide At Stonehouse. - At about noon yesterday, SIDNEY SMALE, aged 74, journeyman tailor, was found hanging by a silk handkerchief in his room at 74 George-street, Stonehouse. When found by his landlady he was quite dead and the body cold. In the afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest. - Dr S. Leah attributed death to suffocation by hanging, and said deceased had been dead about twelve hours when discovered. - Elizabeth Parsons, living in the same house as SMALE, said he occupied one room and lived quite alone. At five p.m. the previous day she saw him going downstairs for water. She referred to the cold weather, but he did not say anything. He was active for his age, but very reserved and rarely conversed with the neighbours. Lately she had noticed that he had been quieter than usual. He always retired early and she heard nothing of him after about five o'clock on Thursday evening. In the morning she did not hear deceased about as usual, and called him shortly after eleven. She received no answer, and opening the door found him hanging. Deceased lost his wife about a year ago; also a favourite grandson and had grieved about them. - James Gray, labourer, said he was called at 11.45 and found deceased hanging in a room on the first floor. He was in a stooping position and his legs were resting on a box. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Monday 19 January 1903
PENNYCROSS - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Pennycross on Saturday on CLARA SAMMELS, aged three days, daughter of FREDERICK SAMMELS, coachman to Colonel Swiney, Burrington Park. The child was born during the exceedingly cold weather on Monday. It had breathed with difficulty, and at 6.30 on Thursday morning the parents found it dead in bed by their side. The mother was attended by a midwife only at the birth. A post-mortem examination by Mr T. Olver, Surgeon, Crownhill, showed that the child appeared to have received proper attention and that the cause of death was double pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 January 1903
PLYMOUTH - A Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. JAMES WILLIAMS WILLS, 74, journeyman carpenter, of 59 Wolsdon-street, fell down whilst out walking on Friday morning. When he arrived home he was given a little whisky, and seemed better. He died during the afternoon. He had never complained of his heart and only occasionally of rheumatism. - Mr H. R. Corbett, Surgeon, said a post-mortem examination revealed acute congestion of the lungs, which had acted on his heart and brought about death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on ELIZABETH JOHANNA CANN, aged 79 of 9 Sutherland-terrace, who sustained injuries through a fall on Friday. Dr Connell Whipple said he saw the deceased on Friday. She was suffering from haemorrhage on the brain, caused by a fall. Her forehead had struck the pavement. She died on Saturday morning. - AGNES ANN CANN, daughter of the deceased, said she was out walking with her mother in Victoria-terrace on Friday. She appeared to be driven along by the high wind and after running a few steps fell. With assistance the deceased returned home and when in bed became unconscious. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 January 1903
BUCKFASTLEIGH - At the Inquest held on Saturday at Buckfastleigh on WILLIAM CATOR, aged 58, John Bowden, his half-brother, said deceased was a farm labourer up to the last two years and since then had worked in Hamlyn Bros. mill as a wool comber. He saw him last on Wednesday night and he seemed all right and cheerful. About two or three years ago deceased had a sunstroke or seizure, and had never been the same man since, appearing often depressed and wandering in his mind. He lost his wife six months after the seizure and had since lived alone, witness's daughter looking after him. Deceased also had had trouble with his son and son's wife. - Mary Watts said she saw deceased daily. Had not noticed any difference in his manner. She prepared his dinner on Thursday, saw him sit down to eat it, apparently as usual. - William Henry Madick, a fellow-workman, said deceased asked him for a piece of cord on Thursday morning, which he gave him, and now identified as that with which he hanged himself. He appeared then peculiar in his manner and did not look at witness. - William Watts, a mill operative, stated that he was informed deceased had not returned after dinner to his work, so he at once went to look for him, finding the door locked. After searching around he called P.C. Bugler. - P.C. bugler said on entering the house by the window he found CATOR hanging from the stairs, the rope tied around the joists, with his feet touching the ground, and body bent forward. He at once cut him down and artificial respiration was tried without success. On searching the body a newspaper containing the report of a suicide dated May 8th, 1900, of his son's wife's brother was found a letter. Cash in a purse value 5s. 6d. was also found on him and £5 in a purse in a drawer, also a Co-operative investment-book. Mary Dart, of Staverton, said she had known deceased for the last twenty years. She saw him last a short time ago on a Saturday, when he complained of being in trouble and told her not to be frightened to hear at any time he had committed suicide, as he had been tempted to many times. He also said his son's wife was the trouble, she wanting to live with him. - Dr. T M. Pearce, surgeon, said deceased when found had been dead about three hours. He had no doubt that deceased died from strangulation. The Jury (Mr W. Bradford, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Friday 23 January 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Petty Officer's Wife's Sudden Death. Sad Case At Stonehouse. - At Stonehouse yesterday an Inquest was held on MARY RAWLINGS, age 32, 16 Brownlow-street, wife of a first-class petty officer on the cruiser, Forte, Chatham. - Selina de St. Croix, deceased's mother, said MRS RAWLINGS went to Millbay Station at 7.30 on Wednesday evening to see her husband off to Chatham; he had been on ten days' leave. On returning home deceased went to witness's house, in the same street, and said she felt very bad and had pains in her side and between her shoulders. At 9.50 deceased went home with her sister. Witness was called at about 1 a.m. yesterday, and when she got to the house her daughter was dead. Deceased, who had one child, had been unwell since her confinement, complaining mostly of a difficulty in breathing. She had been attended by Dr Leah on Monday. Before her confinement deceased had never had a day's illness in her life. - Susan Byrne, 16 Brownlow-street, said deceased complained of feeling unwell when she came home on Wednesday evening. About 12.50 a.m. deceased opened her bedroom door and called to witness "I'm dying." Witness told her to go into bed, which she did. Witness then got hot water and sent for Dr Leah. Deceased did not speak again after she called at the door. Deceased's baby was in the bed. She lived only for about ten minutes after she got into bed, when she appeared to faint. - Dr T. Noy Leah said that on Monday deceased told him she was suffering from indigestion. He had made a post-mortem examination and found death was due to syncope through heart disease. The excitement of seeing her husband off might have accelerated death. Her right lung was inflamed and the substance of the heart was diseased. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 January 1903
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS EDWARD WILLS, aged 41, a dockyard messenger of 16 John-street. Elizabeth Brown, living in the same house, said at eight o'clock on Wednesday evening deceased seemed quite well. Two hours later while talking he suddenly became ill and died almost immediately. Dr E. B. Thomson said death was due to syncope. He had attended deceased during the past two months. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - JOHN HAMILTON WARREN, Dockyard labourer, residing at 6 Frobisher-terrace, Plymouth, left his room at a quarter to six on Thursday morning, intending to go to work. His wife heard him call and found him lying unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. Regaining consciousness he told her he became giddy and fell. In ten minutes he again became insensible and died. Deceased had complained of pains in his head for some time. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Burke said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Ford. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at Ford on ALFRED EDWARD MADGE, five months, son of HERBERT J. S. MADGE, first class stoker mechanic, 38 Warleigh-avenue. The mother stated that the child had been delicate for the past three months and three weeks ago had convulsions. On Tuesday last she thought the baby had a cold and rubbed on the chest camphorated oil and gave it castor oil. During the night it had convulsions. Dr E. McCulloch was sent for early on Wednesday morning and the child died the same day. She had fed the baby on condensed milk. Three months ago she gave deceased a specially prepared biscuit for infants, but it did not agree with it. She had reared two other children on condensed milk, they were strong and healthy and this kind of milk appeared to agree better with her children than cow's milk. - Dr McCulloch said when he saw the infant on Wednesday morning it was in a moribund condition and appeared to be recovering from convulsions. He had made a post-mortem examination. The stomach and bowels were in a catarrhal condition, and the lungs showed signs of bronchitis and broncho-pneumonia. The brain was also congested. Death was due to convulsions following broncho-pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Scalding Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr J. G. Graves (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on ALFRED MILLS, age 15, of 1 Home Park-terrace, Egg Buckland, a boy labourer at Plymouth Gasworks. - Charles Henry Colmer, foreman, stated that deceased was engaged in a house working crystal plant. About half-past six on Thursday morning the deceased was at his usual work removing some crystals from a tank, into the washing tank. Another boy labourer named Bignell was working at another tank near deceased, and he had removed two small planks from the liquor well, which was 5 feet 2 inches wide and 3 feet deep. The tank was nearly full, the liquor being about 9 inches from the top. The liquor was hot, but usually the liquor in that tank was cold. Witness was running off some liquor from another tank, and requiring assistance for a minute or so, called Bignell, who, before coming, remarked to the deceased and another boy who was working with him, "Mind, I have taken two planks up. Don't get stepping in, as it is warm. Just after he heard deceased screaming, "Charlie, Charlie," meaning witness, and on his way to the spot he met the deceased running towards him. His clothes were wet and steaming and witness said to the deceased, "Didn't you hear Bignell say the boards were up?" He replied, "Yes, I did, but I forgot it." Witness took off deceased's clothes and applied oil and he was then taken to the Hospital. - The Deputy Coroner: You said it was a cold liquor tank; how came it to be hot? - Witness explained that near this tank was a steam pipe and it was, on examination, found to have a leak in it. The tank was made of iron and covered with planks and on a level with the floor of the steam pipe. He attributed the accident to the steam from a waste pipe getting into the liquor pipe and thus the contents of the liquor tank were heated by steam fro that pipe. - A Juror: Are the boards on the top of the tank kept loose? - The Manger (Mr Hoyte): The boards sink into a "rabbet," and are perfectly safe. - Percy Sydney Hoyte, engineer and manager at the works, said the cover of the liquor tank into which the boy fell was level with the brick floor. the liquor in the tank became heated by the steam from the leaky pipe, which entered the liquor tank between the top of the tank and the bottom of the cover. The injuries could not have been sustained had it not been for the leaky joint. The cold liquor would not have been injurious to the skin. - Henry James Bignell, boy labourer at the works, stated he and another boy were attending to the hot liquor tank into which deceased fell and he was about to fill the buckets with liquor when he was called by Colmer to assist him for a moment. Before going he said to deceased and the other boy, "Mind, I have taken two planks up and the liquor is hot." The deceased went over to fetch a pick. Witness discovered the liquor was hot about five minutes before the occurrence; he had never known it hot before and did not think it very dangerous. - Dr G. M. Soper, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, deposed to receiving the deceased at about 7.30 on Thursday morning suffering from extensive scalds on the lower part of the abdomen and the legs. He was in a state of collapse and died at 8.45 the same evening. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Hoyte, on behalf of the Company, expressed sympathy with deceased's parents, and regret that there should have been such an occurrence.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 January 1903
PAIGNTON - Suicide Near Paignton. A Singular Story. - At Paignton last night, an Inquiry was held on ROBERT POTTER, aged 74, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased had been an inmate of Newton Workhouse, off and on, for a long time past, and he left on Saturday, and told a niece at Newton that he should try to get work. A labourer named Lew saw him at Compton on Tuesday night. It was raining, the old man was wet through and was crying, saying he had nowhere to go to. Witness showed him a linhay, in which he took shelter and witness saw him there at eight the next morning. He was all right then, but said he wanted something to drink. Very shortly afterwards he stopped at the house of Emma Middlewick, and made signs for a drink. He held a coloured handkerchief to his neck and on removing it she saw his throat was cut and bleeding. She gave him tea, but he could not swallow. P.C. Pile was communicated with and went to the spot and found the man bleeding from a wound in the neck. On being asked who did it, he murmured, "Two men in the night." Witness got a conveyance and took him to Paignton Hospital. Witness found a bloodstained knife and fourpence in his clothes, and a pool of blood in the linhay where he slept. - Dr Cosens said there were two deep cuts in the middle of the throat, which might have been self-inflicted, but it was unusual for cuts to be in the middle. Asked how it happened, deceased said he was assaulted by two men in the night, who entered the linhay and cut his throat. He told the same story to Sergeant Gerry, and described the men as of middle height and age, but witness did not attach much credence to the statement. He examined the linhay and could see no marks of a struggle. - After some consultation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - The Deputy Coroner (Mr G. F. Kellock) remarked on the danger of letting people sleep in linhays. - The Jury gave their fees to the cottage hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 January 1903
TAVISTOCK - The Tavistock Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY BENDING, aged 62, house painter. - MRS MARY BENDING, the widow, stated that deceased had a severe bilious attack on Wednesday week and complained of feeling giddy. He left the house shortly before eight o'clock last Wednesday morning and two hours later was brought home suffering from injuries to the head. When he went to work he was well and bright. - George Muzzlewhite, master painter, deposed that deceased was standing on a ladder painting a window, and witness was under a shed over which the deceased was working, when he saw him fall to the ground. On going to the deceased he found him quite unconscious, and had him taken home at once. Deceased probably rested his foot on the roof while he shifted the ladder, which was securely tied, but in such a way that it could be slightly shifted. Witness had worked with the deceased for 30 years and knew him to be a very careful and experienced workman. - Dr Snowden Smith described the injuries to the head. The deceased regained consciousness sufficiently to walk upstairs and get into bed. Later in the day he got out of bed, after which he suddenly collapsed. The exertion might have induced the haemorrhage which followed, and resulted in death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner expressed his sympathy with the widow. Mr R. Darton, deceased's employer, was present.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 February 1903
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth Workhouse. - At Plymouth Workhouse yesterday, Mr. R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM STEP, aged 63, an inmate, of weak mind. - Mr Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, said deceased, who was a naval pensioner, came into the House on November 13th. He had previously been an inmate, and was in the habit of coming back when he found his condition of mind getting worse. - William H. Turpin, assistant attendant, stated that at a quarter to one o'clock that morning he saw deceased going to the lavatory. Witness asked him how he was and STEP replied, "Not very well." Just then a boy downstairs had a fit, and witness went to attend him. On returning to the ward about eight minutes afterwards he saw deceased hanging by a cord to one of the windows. He immediately cut him down. Deceased gave one quiver and died. Several times he had threatened to take his life, and they had been obliged to take away his scarf and other things. Lately, however, he had been better. Dr C. J. Cooks, medical officer of the House, said there was a bruise across deceased's throat extending from ear to ear, caused by the pressure of the cord. Death was due to suffocation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. A Bricklayer's Sad Death. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWARD CHARLES MEDLIN, 25, wall mason, employed by Matcham and Co., contractors for the erection of a plumber's shop in Devonport Dockyard. - EMILY ROSA MEDLIN, 4 Florence-terrace, Lower Compton, deceased's widow, said her husband had only been employed on the job three weeks. They had one child. - Alfred Melhuish, foreman for Matcham and Co., said on Friday morning deceased was on the scaffolding of the plumbers' shop, about 18 feet from the ground, and doing bricklaying work. MEDLIN, coming towards him, reeled and fell off to the ground. He tried to grasp him, but failed. He at once went to the deceased, and found him unconscious. The scaffold was four or five feet wide. There were pieces of brick lying about the scaffold from where the deceased fell. He could not say whether MEDLIN tripped up or not. Deceased was a very steady man, and, he believed, a teetotaler. - James Mowbray, labourer, assisting MEDLIN, said he heard the foreman shout, "Look out," and saw the deceased step upon some hard substances and reel off the scaffold. It was very probable he had stepped upon a piece of brick, thereby losing his balance. - Wm. J. Guswell, foreman of works, D.W. Department, Admiralty, superintending the erection of the plumbers' shop, said the scaffold was perfectly in order. It was about five feet across and the boards were close together. - Hugh Apthorpe, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said MEDLIN did not recover consciousness and died about midnight on the day of the accident. A post-mortem examination showed a severe fracture of the vault of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury and Mr Thomson, on behalf of Matcham and Co., expressed deepest sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 February 1903
PLYMPTON - A Labourer's Sad End. Inquest At Plympton. - An Inquest was held at Plympton yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY BURRIDGE HORTON, aged 69, a farm labourer. - William Kingwell said deceased had been in his employ 15 years. Last Wednesday deceased left the farm with a wagon load of hay for Mr J. McAndrew, Lukesland, Ivybridge, and was driving a pair of horses. He was brought home about 6.309 the same evening suffering from injuries to his head and he had since been under the treatment of Dr Stevens. He died on Sunday evening about six o'clock. The horses were perfectly quiet, the shaft horse being about 14 years old. Deceased was quite capable of working them. - Samuel Peter Clarke, baker, of Ivybridge, stated as he was on his round at Harford on Wednesday last about 5 p.m. he saw deceased in an empty wagon going towards Ivybridge with one horse attached to the shafts and one following on loose behind. Deceased was sitting on the front part of the wagon, and he was pulling heavily at the reins and appeared to have lost control of the shaft horse, which was going down a steep incline at a canter. Suddenly deceased fell off the wagon. The vehicle passed witness's bread cart in a thoroughfare just wide enough for two to pass. Witness went to deceased, who had received an extensive cut at the back of his head and was unconscious. Witness sat him against the hedge and sent for Dr Cooper, of Ivybridge and the Police. Deceased was attended to and removed to Venton Farm. Witness found the front lade of the wagon in the road and his opinion was that the lade jerked out and knocked deceased off the wagon. He did not know why the horse bolted, but a train had just passed. - Dr C. H. Stevens, Ridgeway, said he found deceased suffering from a scalp wound at the back of the head about two inches long. Deceased also complained of pain about the ribs, which were not broken. He was suffering from bronchitis and emphysema and died on Sunday night. Death was due to bronchitis, and was accelerated by the injuries to the head and by the exposure which was unavoidable. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

COLOMBO, CEYLON - The Murder Of A Plymothian In Ceylon. - We have received a special cablegram from Colombo confirming the sad news of the murder of MR REGINALD GLANVILLE, son of Major-General Glanville, of Leigham-street, Plymouth, in his bungalow on the Stratbeltie Estate in Ceylon, on Tuesday 27th ult. The servants at the bungalow have been arrested, but at the Magisterial Inquiry which was held on Saturday, very little evidence was forthcoming. MR GLANVILLE was buried at Kandy on Thursday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 February 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Ford yesterday on DOROTHY JONES, daughter of RICHARD CHARLES JONES, a skilled labourer in Devonport Dockyard. Annie Maria Wheatley, widow of 13 Church-street, Stoke, said on Thursday morning she was called to 25 Alfred-road, where MRS JONES was living apart from her husband. She reached there about 7.10 and found that MRS JONES had given birth to a female child. MRS JONES was alone, and said the child was born at six o'clock. No one was present at the birth and the mother had no attention until witness arrived. The baby was dead when witness came. - Bessie Mountjoy, 25 Alfred-road, said MRS JONES came to live at her house about seven months ago and remained there until a month since, when she went to the Workhouse. She left the Workhouse about a week ago and came to witness's house again. MRS JONES was in the habit of spending the days at her mother's home and witness had not seen her for several days until Thursday morning, when witness took her a cup of tea. She then went to MRS JONES'S mother and asked that a nurse be sent for. MR JONES had not been to the house while his wife had been there. He sent her 3s. a week sometimes, and last week 5s., but nothing the previous week. Witness had not received any rent for seven weeks. - Dr H. Gard said the body of the child was in a shocking condition and never had an independent existence. It was decomposed at birth. The Jury found that the child was stillborn.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Accident On The Hood. Mysterious Circumstances: Inquest Adjourned. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on BYRON THOMAS BLOWER, 44, electrical fitter, of 5 Albert-road, Devonport. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty. - Alfred Samuel Blatchford, inspector of shipwrights at Devonport dockyard, said on Tuesday last deceased was working on the battleship Hood, which is being refitted and about 8 p.m. he was found at the bottom of an accommodation hoist. The opening to the hoist was oval-shaped with diameters of 3ft. 3in. and 2ft. 3in. on the boat deck and the drop was 18ft. 8in. There was a combing round the opening sixteen inches above the deck and an electric light was about twelve feet from the opening, two men being at work there, but the pumps were working and prevented anyone from hearing the fall. Nobody had been working at the hoist since the previous Friday, and when witness inspected it at 5.15 on Tuesday evening he found it was additionally protected, according to regulations, by an iron grating. Deceased was one of 150 men who were working overtime until 8.45. - The Coroner asked whether, assuming that the man did not know the hole was there, he might not have fallen into the hoist if he tripped in the combing. - Witness replied in the affirmative, but pointed out that it was possible for a man to fall down the hoist if he tripped just before coming to the aperture. - The Coroner suggested that there was nothing near the hoist over which deceased could have tripped and witness replied that that was so. - The Coroner said it seemed to him that deceased knew the hoist had not been worked and, assuming the grating was covering it, jumped down from the bridge above and fell into it. - Witness said there were ladders leading down from the bridge. - The Coroner: These men do not always use the ladders? - Witness: They are supposed to. - The Coroner asked witness if he could suggest any reason for the grating being taken off after five o'clock on Tuesday evening, and witness replied that perhaps someone wanted to use the hoist. He was not able to ascertain who removed the grating. Deceased would have no occasion to use the hoist. Had he (witness) known that the aperture was exposed, a light would have been placed near it, according to regulations. - Replying to Mr Goldsmith, witness said he had seen men drop down to the deck from the bridge. - Thomas Bethell, plumber's mate, said he was passing the hoist when he heard groans. Deceased was found at the bottom. - In reply to a Juryman witness said if deceased jumped from the bridge he would have taken it for granted that the grating was over the hole. - John Barry, plumber's mate, also employed on the Hood at the time of the occurrence, said his attention was called to the hoist by the last witness and he went down to the assistance of the deceased, who was doubled up. - By the Coroner: He could not say whether or not deceased fell head foremost. He knew of the regulation that the gratings should be placed over the hoists when the majority of the men left, but he had not noticed whether they were so placed on that evening. As to the suggestion that deceased jumped from the bridge, witness had done so himself; it was not an uncommon thing. It was possible that deceased tripped in going up steps from below, was stunned in falling on the deck and, rising, having partially recovered, fell down the hoist. - The Coroner said the assumption was that deceased was proceeding to where two men were working under his direction near the hoist. - Surg. J. Mowat said he treated deceased at the Dockyard Surgery after the occurrence. The skull was fractured and BLOWER, in an unconscious condition, was removed to the Royal Naval Hospital, where he died next day. - There was a blow on the top of the head and he was inclined to believe the theory of the last witness that deceased was first stunned by falling and fell down the hoist after partially recovering. The blow on the top of the head was sufficient to stun him. - The Coroner: Has there been any inquiry into this in the Dockyard? - Mr T. Broomfield (foreman in charge of the workmen on the ship): There has been no official inquiry, except that I have inquired into the circumstances myself. - The Coroner: It seems to me to be rather a serious matter if openings are to be inspected and, without any reason, coverings removed afterwards, and a man falls down and gets killed. There surely ought to be an official inquiry into it. - Mr Broomfield: As foreman of the ship, I reported it in the usual way. - The Coroner: It does seem a serious thing that a responsible man like Mr Blatchford should make his inspection according to regulations and find everything right and then without any justification whatever a man falls down, the grating being off. Mr Rodd added that he should direct an open verdict to be returned, as there was no evidence to show how deceased got down the hoist. - MR H. W. BLOWER pointed out that the two men who were working near the hoist under his brother's direction had not been called. - The Jury thought these men should give evidence and the Inquest was adjourned until Monday. - The Jury subsequently visited the Hood to inspect the scene of the accident.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 February 1903
AXMINSTER - The Tragedy Near Axminster. Inquest And Verdict: Statement By Accused. - An Inquest was held at Heathstock, near Axminster, on Saturday, by Mr C. E. Cox, of Honiton, o the body of TOM STRAWBRIDGE, a carpenter, of Stockland, aged 37, who died under tragic circumstances in the early hours of Thursday morning. James Veryard, blacksmith, of Smallridge, Axminster, who is under remand on bail charged with the murder of the deceased, attended the Inquest and was represented by Mr c. N. Tweed, of Honiton. - Superintendent de Schmid, of Honiton, watched the case on behalf of the Police, and suggested it would be in the interests of all parties if the landlord of the Globe Inn were summoned to attend. - The Coroner agreed. - ALBERT STRAWBRIDGE, brother of the deceased, said on Wednesday last, between nine and ten in the morning, they went to the Globe Inn. Witness assisted his brother in taking down the signboard. They had two quarts of cider between them, and left about 10.45, returning in about an hour or so. They spent practically the remainder of the day there drinking, singing and chatting. Other persons joined them, including Charles Darke, and James Veryard, in the evening. The latter's girl, Lucy Goff, was assisting at the Inn and he supposed Veryard went there to see her. All were supplied with liquor. They remained at the Inn until closing time and Veryard asked witness to go out to Darke's house to a party, but he at first declined. Veryard stated that his girl was going and that deceased had promised to go. After great pressure on the part of Darke, witness consented to accompany them. The party consisted of deceased, Veryard, Darke, G. Gamon, Lucy Goff and witness. They all remained jovial together; there was not a cross word spoken for the night. Witness had tea, but the others drank cider. No liquor was taken from the Inn. Altogether, he supposed about two or three quarts were drank in the house. Deceased suggested to witness they should have a "snooze" and go back early in the morning. They sat in the chimney corner, witness resting his head on deceased's shoulder. They afterwards changed position and Veryard sat down opposite. Lucy Goff and Gamon commenced a game of cards. Veryard began playing good naturedly with deceased, and pulled him off the seat in front of the fire. Deceased too it in good part. Witness did not attach much importance to this play on Veryard's part as he had been "iteming" with him all the night. Deceased then got up and sat in a chair close to witness, who was dozing, when he was suddenly aroused by the report of a gun, his brother being to the best of his belief still seated on the chair. When witness closed his eyes Veryard was sitting in the chimney corner. On hearing the report witness was much shocked, but the first thing he saw was Veryard still sitting in the chimney corner with a gun between his legs. The stock was on the ground and Veryard was holding the muzzle in his hand. Witness stood up and, putting his left hand on deceased's shoulder, said "TOM." At the same time he heard a noise as of something running and then noticed that his face was all shot away. Witness exclaimed, "Oh! dear, you have killed TOM." Veryard then seemed frightened and cried and shouted. Witness asked what they could do and Darke said they must send for the Policeman. Veryard said "Yes, go for the Policeman, I am the chap that done it." He also remarked that he did not know the gun was loaded. He did not say why he took down the gun: he was like a "mazed" man, terribly grieved at what had taken place. Witness went for the Policeman, accompanied part way by Gamon and the remainder by Giles Strawbridge a farmer, whom he aroused. Witness returned to the house with the Police constable, Strawbridge going for the doctor. Witness knew that the gun was loaded soon after he went into the house because Darke made some remark to that effect, but he could not say that Veryard was in the room at the time. Witness said to Darke, "What makes you keep it loaded?" He replied that he always did and witness said he did not think he ought to. The gun was hanging up inside the chimney. This conversation took place a good while before the accident, which occurred about 1.30. - By the Jury: Veryard was not drunk, but was a little bit merry: he was what he would call "Between the two." Deceased was also a bit merry. Witness was perfectly sober and Darke had not had so much drink as his brother and Veryard. The girl was in no way the worse for liquor, neither was Gamon. Deceased and Veryard were always the best of friends. The gun had a fairly easy pull. - By Supt. de Schmid: Lucy Goff and deceased were not skylarking. They were all joking together. - Charles Darke, thatcher, in whose house the tragedy took place, said he invited Lucy Goff and James Veryard to his house on the previous Sunday evening, but no one else. On the night of the party, however, it was at Veryard's suggestion that the brothers STRAWBRIDGE came. The gun had been hung up in the house loaded for more than two months ready for foxes and crows who might come after his chicken. When the gun was loaded it was always full cocked. As a rule the gun was hung up loaded. It had never occurred to him that it was a dangerous practice. - The Coroner: Then it is quite time it did. - Witness further stated that he did not tell anyone but the last witness that the gun was loaded. Veryard was out of the room at the time. He was often in the habit of visiting his house, but witness had never told him the gun was loaded. At the time the gun went off witness was looking at Gamon and Lucy Goff playing cards. The cartridge was smokeless and noiseless and the weapon only went off with a snap. Veryard exclaimed, "Good God, I've shoot 'em", and deceased's brother replied, "Why, he's head's a blowed abroad." Veryard was sitting beside witness. There was no quarrelling. They were all good tempered, and had a sing-song. The company were not the worse for drink: they had a little. he did not see Veryard take down the gun. - A Juror remarked that it was a very strange thing. They would not hear of one case in a thousand in which there were four or five people in a room and not one of them saw a gun being taken down. - By P.C. Moulding: He did not know at what time the conversation took place about the gun. - The Constable remarked that Darke's evidence on this point contradicted a statement which he made to him and Sergeant Cridland. - James Veryard, the accused, sworn and cautioned, corroborated the evidence of the previous witnesses. He heard nothing of the conversation between deceased's brother and Darke as to the gun being loaded. He was not aware it was hung up in the chimney until he looked up. He at once took it down and was in the act of sitting down when the gun went off. He simply took it down to look at it out of curiosity. He could not account for the gun going off. He did not think t was dangerous to take down the gun; he did so as innocent as a baby would. he did not think anything about its being loaded. He was the best of friends with the deceased. He was not accustomed to handling guns. - Dr Gordon, of Dalwood, said he found deceased sitting on a chair. His brains had been blown out. All the men except Casson were in drink. Veryard's nervous system gave away, and he became hysterical. The wound in deceased's head was ghastly; it was one of the worst cases he had ever seen. The muzzle of the gun must have been within an inch of the deceased's head. - Lucy Goff said she was the only female in the house. There was no quarrelling. She was playing cards when the gun went off. There was no reason for jealousy on the part of the accused. - George Gamon, in the employ of Darke, said the company were all jolly; there was no anger. - Joshua Long, landlord of the Globe Inn, said the parties were not under the influence of liquor when they left his house. - The Coroner said he thought it his duty to warn the witness to be careful, because the evidence went to show clearly that the parties had more drink than was good for them. - P.C. Moulder said he placed Veryard under arrest on the charge of killing the deceased. At Axminster he was charged with Wilful Murder and remanded until today. Prisoner was so excited that witness dared not leave him a moment. - The Coroner, summing up, pointed out that the evidence went strongly to show there was no ill-feeling whatever between the deceased and Veryard. The only important question which had to be considered was not any question of wilful murder, but whether or not there was neglect in the case such as amounted on the part of any person or persons to the crime of manslaughter. No gun ought to be kept loaded in a house under any circumstances. He did not think they would have the slightest doubt that Veryard did not at all consider the question of the gun being loaded, but he suggested that there was a certain amount of negligence both on the part of Veryard and Darke. The evidence given by the latter as to the gun being loaded was surprising, but the question was whether the negligence in the case amounted to criminal negligence. - The Jury deliberated for half an hour, when the Foreman said they had unanimously come to the conclusion that death was caused Accidentally, but they were of opinion that there was great neglect, which, however, was not sufficient to warrant anything criminal They desired the Coroner to severely censure Veryard and Darke. - The Coroner said the Jury had evidently considered the question of whether or not they should bring in a verdict of manslaughter against both of them, and they had most properly expressed a desire that at least both should be severely censured. He would imagine that the terrible spectacle Veryard had witnessed would be a fearful recollection to him for the rest of his life and be a terrible warning to him never to interfere with a gun which he did not know was unloaded. The Jury had certainly taken a most lenient view in regard to him. To Darke the case might not perhaps have made so fearful an impression on his mind from the fact of his not handling the gun when it went off, but he was no less guilty in any degree of neglect than the man in whose hands it went off. A loaded gun of such a dangerous description, kept in the house under such circumstances, was nothing less than a death-trap, and Darke must consider himself most fortunate in the view the Jury had taken. - The Inquest lasted about seven hours.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Tragedy. A Sergeant's Suicide. Worried By A Pay List. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, relative to the death of THOMAS SYKES, acting pay-sergeant of the 1st Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who shot himself with a rifle at South Raglan Barracks, on Friday morning. - Sergeant-Major Ernest C. Mudge, 1st Loyal Lancashire Regiment, said he had known deceased for eight years. According to records, deceased was 34 years of age, and witness believed he was a native of Manchester. Witness last saw him alive about 8.50 on Friday morning, when he was in the passage leading up to his bunk. Deceased was then going up to his bunk, and witness did not notice anything strange then. On the previous day witness thought he did not look quite himself. About 9.20 a.m. on Friday, Quartermaster Sergeant Hill came to witness's bunk and said SYKES had shot himself. Witness immediately sent to Dr Sandford and the commanding officer. Going to deceased's bunk with the medical officer, witness saw deceased lying in a pool of blood, with the rifle produced by his side. A piece of cord tied to the trigger was round his foot. Witness noticed that there was a bullet wound at the back of his head and found an empty cartridge case in the chamber of the rifle. Witness locked the door until the Police arrived, and the body was afterwards removed to the Station Hospital. Deceased had for three weeks been performing the duties of pay-sergeant, during the absence of his colour-sergeant, whose furlough had been extended in consequence of sickness. These duties were not additional to the duties of a sergeant, and for performing them deceased received 1s. 6d. a day extra. It was, therefore, like a temporary promotion. No one was ever forced to take the duties of pay-sergeant, as there were always plenty of sergeants ready to take them. Deceased had to furnish the monthly pay lists at ten o'clock on Friday morning. The money did not pass through the sergeant's hands, the actual paying being done by an officer. The work was rather intricate for anyone not acquainted with it. Colour-sergeants were always ready to help an acting pay-sergeant. Deceased was quite sufficiently educated to do the accounts, but everyone required to go to another pay-sergeant when taking on the duties. Witness believed deceased did not go to anyone, and no one knew he had any trouble in compiling the statement. The pay list was not ready on Friday; it was simply behind. Allowance was always made for an acting pay-sergeant and assistance would have been given if thought necessary. Deceased was of very good character; and had been a sergeant since 1894. He went through the South African campaign without a break, and had had 15 ½ years' service and 12 years' continuous service abroad. On Thursday witness thought he seemed worried when on the commanding officer's parade, but he had no idea what it was from. It did not make sufficient impression upon witness for him to say anything to deceased, and when he saw him later he seemed quite himself again. Deceased went through the campaign without going into Hospital. He was thoroughly well liked by his comrades in the battalion and respected by the officers. - EDITH SYKES, residing in the married quarters at Raglan Barracks, said deceased was her husband, and she last saw him alive about 6.45 on Friday morning. He then seemed to be the same as usual. He had said the accounts were worrying him to death and he could not get them right. She said to him, "Why don't you give them up?" and he said he would do so. When he knew he was to be acting pay-sergeant he seemed pleased, and said he would do his best; but he had no idea that he would have to perform the duties for so long. He told witness he had to get the pay list in and did not know how he was going to do it. He would not ask anyone to help him. He had never threatened to take his life, but always seemed worried, and had not appeared to be the same since he came from the war, although he seemed happy enough in the regiment. - Private Matthew Bateson said he saw deceased about 9.15 a.m. on Friday in his bunk. Deceased asked witness if he knew where Private Fletcher's clothing was that had to be handed into the quartermaster's stores. Witness got the clothing and deceased said he would take the clothing to the store himself. Deceased was writing at the table at the time, and appeared to be quite well. - Quartermaster-Sergeant Arnold Hill said that about 9.20 a.m., on Friday he went to see deceased on a matter of duty, and found him lying on his back. At first witness thought he was in a fit, but on going up to him, saw the rifle and deceased's foot in the string. Witness had not noticed anything wrong with deceased. He had made no complaint. It was impossible to say how he got hold of the cartridge. All the ammunition was locked up, and the quartermaster had the keys of the magazine; but men did get hold of ammunition; goodness knows how they got it. Having come off active service, where the men would have 150 rounds of ammunition, they would find a few rounds, especially among colour-sergeants, but it was their duty to return it to the quartermaster; they were not allowed to have the ammunition. - The Coroner: It seems to me that men who want it for this purpose are always able to get it. - Witness: Yes, at the present time we have four companies at Tregantle with 26,000 rounds of ammunition, and if a man wished to commit such an act he would be able to get hold of cartridges. Everything is done that is possible to be done. I would have been only too pleased to help him with the pay list if he had asked me. There is nothing very difficult about the list except the balance-sheet, and that is rather intricate, because of our coming off active service. To the ordinary colour-sergeant, who knows what is likely to come before him, there was nothing difficult about it. I do not think there is very much in it. He has only the marking up of the pay; there is no worry as to money. I think an ordinary level-headed man could carry it out, especially a man qualified as he was, with a second-class certificate for education. The colour-sergeant was not expected to be away so long; he is in hospital on Lancashire. When the deceased took on the duties he did not bargain for the pay list. - By the Jury: He could not have got the cartridge in a short time; he must have had it in his possession. If there is any ammunition to be issued the requisition has to be sent to the quartermaster and signed by an officer. Deceased could not go to any person and get a cartridge at any time. It was a Lee-Enfield rifle and was not deceased's own weapon. No one heard the report. A sergeant who had been in the next store for half an hour did not hear it. I do not think he was stricken down with fever while on foreign service. - Dr g. C. Sandford, civil surgeon, attached to the R.A.M.C., said he had medical charge of the troops at Raglan Barracks. At 9.35 on Friday morning he was called to H block, where he saw deceased lying on the floor. There was a rifle lying across deceased's legs. Witness found a wound in the mouth and another at the back of the head. Deceased was quite dead and death was due to gunshot wound. - The Coroner, summing up, said there could be no doubt that the wound was caused by the deceased himself, and the Jury must be perfectly satisfied that deceased must have been very considerably worried as to the preparation of the list. A man not used to accounts, when put to get out a balance-sheet, would be considerably worried. The question arose in his (the Coroner's) mind whether it would not be better to have a man attached to each regiment whose duties should be connected with accounts only. A colour-sergeant had other duties to perform as well as keeping accounts. This was a particularly sad case. Deceased was a man of very good character and many years' continuous service. That he should have met with his death in such a manner, after going through the South African campaign without a break, was especially sad. All would feel the deepest sympathy with the widow. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity; and expressed their sympathy with MRS SYKES. - The Coroner, addressing Sergeant-Major Mudge, tendered the sympathy of the Jury and himself with him and the sergeants of the battalion in the loss of a comrade. - The funeral will take place this morning, the cortege leaving the Military Hospital for Plymouth Cemetery at 11.30.

KINGSBRIDGE - The Suicide At Kingsbridge. A Prey To Melancholia. - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge on Saturday on SUSAN LEES, of Manor Cottage, Fore-street, wife of THOMAS LEES, district superintendent of the British Workmen's Life Assurance Society. - MR LEES said deceased was 58 years of age. They had been married 31 years and had a grown-up family. He and his wife and a daughter were the only inmates at the house. Deceased had been a little low-spirited at times for some years and on Friday morning called in the doctor because she appeared a little unwell. She had nothing to trouble her that he knew of, and he never noticed any suicidal tendency. She appeared troubled because she could not do her work as well as formerly, but there was no occasion for her to do it. They had breakfast and dinner together on Friday and she appeared in better health than usual. He left her at three o'clock in the house alone, telling her he would be home at half-pat five. On returning at that time he heard something had happened at his house, and found deceased on the floor, and doctors trying to restore animation. Deceased had no domestic troubles of any shape or form, and heard at intervals from her children, all of whom were doing well. - MABEL LEES, daughter, said her mother had been low-spirited, but not so much so as to make witness think she would do what she had done. They always treated her kindly, but sometimes she appeared as if unwilling to speak to anyone. Witness was employed in a shop and went to tea at five o'clock. When she arrived home she found the front door locked. She went round to the back, and on opening the door saw her mother hanging. She spoke to her, but there was no response, and witness immediately obtained assistance. Mr T. Yatland cut deceased down, and efforts were made to restore her to consciousness. There was a chair near by and a box, which had apparently been kicked off the chair. Witness's father's scarf was round deceased's neck. Deceased had been melancholy for about a month and on Thursday night did not sleep much; this was the reason she went to the doctor on Friday morning. - Thos. Yatland, marble mason, living opposite, said at the request of the last witness he went over to her house and found deceased on a chair with the scarf round her neck, and her hands clutching it. He quickly cut her down, the daughter holding her. There was no slip-knot, but the scarf was tied tightly. He worked her arms until the doctors came, but she did not recover, although quite warm. The family always appeared to have lived happily together and he never heard any disturbance in the house. - Dr L. Harston said deceased was suffering from melancholia, and would worry over trifles. There had not seemed to be any sufficient cause to put her under restraint. Death was due to strangulation, caused by the weight of her body upon the scarf tied round her neck. He had attended the LEES, and consider they were a happy family. Melancholia was a form of insanity, and was the disease from which deceased was suffering. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

ERMINGTON - At Penquit Farm, Ermington, on Saturday, an Inquest was held on MARY ANN LAVERS, aged 69, spinster, who lived with her brother, JOHN LAVERS, a farmer. Elizabeth Ann Bunker, widow, of Ermington, said she was at the house nursing the brother last Thursday night, when deceased complained of feeling ill, and died before a medical man arrived. Dr Andrews of Modbury, said death was due to inflammation of the right lung and syncope. A verdict in accordance with this evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 February 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM TYSON, 47, naval pensioner. WM. TYSON, of 2 Hamilton-place, Plymouth, son of deceased, said he stayed with his father at 48 Pembroke-street, Devonport, until four o'clock on Sunday morning. Deceased was very ill. He returned later and found him dead. P.C. Geo. Sandy said he was called into 48 Pembroke-street, and immediately summoned Dr Saunders, who pronounced life extinct. Dr Saunders stated that he had made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased had been suffering from influenza, which brought on syncope, death resulting therefrom. Deceased was not a strong man. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Accident On The Hood. Conflicting Evidence: Inquest Again Adjourned. - The Coroner's Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of BYRON THOMAS BLOWER, electrical fitter, of 5 Albert-road, Devonport, was resumed yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse. The Inquest was adjourned from Friday, that additional evidence might be procured. Deceased, it will be remembered, died from injuries received through falling down the ammunition hoist on board the battleship Hood, in Devonport Dockyard, on Tuesday last. - Walter Deacon, skilled labourer, said he was working on the Hood all day on Tuesday last, under the direction of the deceased. He was working on the boat deck, which was 24 ft. from the ammunition hoist down which the deceased fell. He did not see the deceased fall, nor could he say whether the grating was on or off the hoist. He did not notice the grating on the deck. He last saw deceased about 5.30 p.m. Although working so near to the hoist, he did not hear BLOWER fall or give any alarm. There was a coil of wire rope between the hatchway and the opening of the hoist, over which he might have tripped. - Asked if he saw an electric light by the hoist when the accident occurred, witness replied that he did not. It was rather dark that night. - The Coroner (Mr Rodd) said he believed the light had been placed there since the accident happened. - Answering further questions, Deacon said he did not think one man would be able to remove the grating; it would require two men to do it. - The Foreman: The inspector has sworn that the grating was on at 5.15. - The Coroner remarked that if the grating had been in position, according to the regulations, there would have been no necessity for a light. - John Foley, skilled labourer, said he was working on the Hood until 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The grating was off all day. - Mr r. A. H. Frood, warrant officer and carpenter of the Hood, said he went round the ship on Tuesday, between 5.15 and 5.30, and noticed that the grating was on. - C. B. King, electrical fitter, said that on Tuesday, at 5 p.m., he noticed that the iron grating of the water-tight door and the ammunition hoist was off. He could not see the grating anywhere. - W. E. Mason, electrical fitter, having given evidence, Foley was recalled, and stated that at 5.30 on Tuesday evening he drew the attention of some of the men, with whom he was working, to the fact that the grating was off. He then remarked to his mates upon the great danger of it. He also saw it off on the Monday night previous. On Wednesday, when the grating was being put on, he made the remark to some of the men, two of whom he mentioned, that "the door of the stable was being closed after the horse had bolted." - The Coroner thought it very important that the Inquiry should be again adjourned in order to get the evidence of the men to whom Foley had spoken of the open grating. - The Jury concurred and the Inquest was adjourned until 4 p.m. today.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 February 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Accident On The Hood. More Conflicting Evidence. Verdict Of Negligence. - The third day's Coroner's Inquiry into the death of BYRON THOMAS BLOWER, 44, electrical fitter, who died at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on Wednesday last, from injuries received through falling down the ammunition hoist on board the battleship Hood at Devonport, was held yesterday at the Hospital, before Mr R. R. Rodd, the Coroner. Mr E. K. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Charles George Cleave, skilled labourer, said he was at work on the Hood on Tuesday, the 3rd inst., and was engaged on the spar deck. The ammunition hoist was open all day, and wire rope was coiled around it. He left the ship at 5.30, and the grating was still off. His attention was drawn to the open grating by a man named Foley. The grating was off all day on Monday, and to the best of his belief it had not been on for three or four days. The coil of wire rope was right in the way of a man coming up the hatchway, and anyone would be liable to trip over it. - The Coroner: Why did you not volunteer this evidence before? There was no evidence whatever forthcoming on the first day of the Inquiry. - A.: I was not asked to come then. - The Foreman: Have you ever stumbled over that wire rope yourself? - Yes. - The Foreman: Was it dark at the time? - They had a light down below the hatchway, and coming up from the light into the darkness you would not be able to see the rope. - The Foreman: If anyone told you that the grating was on the hoist, what would you say? - I should say most emphatically that it was not. - Witness further stated that when he got on board on Thursday morning the wire rope had been put to one side, and a light had been placed over it. He was not at work on Wednesday. - George Stephen West, skilled labourer, said that on the 3rd inst. he was working on the Hood all day. He remembered the watertight cover of the ammunition hoist being laid at the side, but the iron grating was not there. He saw the grating put on, on Wednesday, but had never seen it prior to that. He had been on the ship a fortnight. He should say that the deceased tripped over the wire rope and fell down the hatchway. - The Foreman: It has been stated that the grating was only two feet away from the hoist? - That is not true, because I saw two men bringing it the next day. - Chas. Bell, fitter, said he joined the Hood on January 28th, and from that time up to and including the day of the accident, he never saw the grating, nor did he believe it was in its place. - The Coroner remarked that all this evidence should have been given at the first Inquiry. It was very unsatisfactory in large works like the Dockyard, where accidents frequently happened, that information should be kept back. The Jury had only one duty to perform, and such serious affairs ought not to be left in mystery. - By Mr Peck: Witness did not think it was possible to light up ships when they were being fitted, such as it would be when the ship was commissioned. - Hy. Potter and Albert Edward Day, skilled labourers, gave evidence that the grating was not on during the whole of the day in question, Day stating that his attention was drawn to the danger of the hoist being open by Foley, who gave evidence on Monday. - At this point Mr Blatchford, the inspector, said someone gave the doctor a report that the depth of the hold was 30 feet, and in order that he might have the depth measured, he removed the grating. No doubt that was when the witnesses saw him there. - Hy. Thos. Piper, fitter, said the grating was not on the next day at 7.30 when he went on board. - Gunner Wm. Honer, of the Hood, said he was going his rounds on the spar deck on the day in question between 5.10 and 5.30 p.m. He then noticed that the grating was covering the aperture of the ammunition hoist. - Thomas Giles, chargeman of the shipwrights, said the grating was on at 5.15. - The Coroner: Have you been able to find anyone who took it off? - No, sir. - Nor whether anybody had any necessity for taking the grating off after you saw it? - No, sir. - The Coroner, summing up, said that since the Inquiry had been opened the Jury had had an opportunity of visiting the Hood, and they had heard the evidence of the two men who were working with the deceased. He thought the evidence of these two men had been corroborated to a very large extent by witnesses who had since been called, that the grating had not been on the aperture during the whole of the day on which the accident occurred. Then, on the other hand, they had the evidence of Inspector Blatchford, and also of the carpenter of the ship, the gunner and the chargeman, who had borne out in some degree the sworn statement of Mr Blatchford, who stated positively that the grating was on the hoist. With the conflicting evidence they would have to very carefully consider the matter. If they believed the statement of Mr Blatchford and his witnesses, then no blame would attach to the inspector, but if they were satisfied of the truthfulness of the other witnesses, then Mr Blatchford had been negligent in not seeing that the grating was in its proper place. If they were of opinion that Mr Blatchford had been guilty of culpable and gross negligence, in law that would be manslaughter. But he did not anticipate that the Jury would take such a serious view as that. There had been no evidence to show who put the grating on, on the Wednesday, or if it was on, on the Tuesday, there was no evidence to show who took it off. - After thirty-five minutes' private consultation, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death in consequence of the iron grating of the ammunition hoist not being in its place to protect the opening. There had been negligence on the part of the responsible persons on board the ship in not seeing that the hoist was properly protected, but such negligence was not culpable.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 February 1903
PLYMOUTH - The Blackadon Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth Borough Lunatic Asylum at Blackadon yesterday on HARRY OLDFIELD, who was fatally injured on the asylum extension works on Tuesday. The evidence of the clerk of works (W. Martin) and C. Leach (foreman) showed that deceased fell off a portion of the side timbers used to protect the sides of the excavation for the building of a manhole. - The Jury, after visiting the place where the accident occurred, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding a rider that they considered those in charge should exercise more care in fixing the timbering.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 February 1903
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A Moreton Woman's Sad Death. Dangers of Flannelette. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Moretonhampstead on ANN LEAT, aged 75. - Jane Woodley, widow, who waited on deceased, said she rose between 7 and 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning and went into deceased's bedroom to ask whether she should get her breakfast. Deceased was not there. Going downstairs, she found her sitting in the armchair, with her flannelette night clothes burnt off her. Deceased did not answer when spoken to. In the outhouse she found the charred remains of deceased's basket and dress. - Elizabeth Woodley said on being called by her mother-in-law, she found MRS LEAT in the chair, her nightdress burnt off her. She told witness she could not sleep and came down and lit her fire and went out for more sticks, and caught herself alight. - Dr Lee Victor Laurie said he had deceased removed to the Cottage Hospital, where she died from heart failure on Thursday, as a result of shock and burns. He had no hope of her recovery from the first. - The Coroner thought the moral of this case, as of so many more, was the great danger of wearing flannelette garments, especially by children or old people. - The Jury (Mr W. Stapleton, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child's Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on MINNIE KNIGHT, five months old, who died on Wednesday morning. MINNIE KNIGHT said she was a single woman and lived at 11 Victory-street, Devonport. For four years she had lived with Nicholas Warren Opie, a married man, labourer at the Keyham Extension Works. Deceased was their child and was born on September 3rd. last. It had been very delicate since birth. Opie left her on Tuesday last, and said he was going home to his mother at Redruth. They had had a quarrel. He took their other child with him and said he would return at the end of this week. Witness called in a Police Constable because Opie had taken away the child and the officer told her to go to the Workhouse, but she did not. Opie had locked her out of the room. She, however, got a key, and put the child to bed about nine o'clock, first lighting a fire in the room. She went to bed with the child, after giving it some milk. At 3.45 on Wednesday morning she awoke and found the child dead. She called Mrs Gidley who lives in the same house. - Florence Gidley, 11 Victory-street, said she was called by the previous witness on Wednesday morning about 4 o'clock, and upon going to the room found the child dead. The mother had been very attentive to the child. Witness saw the child the night before it died, and it then seemed to be as usual. - Dr Kenrick said he saw the deceased child on Tuesday evening. It was delicate and puny. On Wednesday morning the mother informed him that the child had died. He made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that death was due to asphyxia. There were no marks of violence. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 February 1903
PLYMOUTH - The Fatality At Plymouth Borough Asylum. - At the Inquest held at Blackadon Asylum on GEORGE HENRY OLDFIELD, a young workman in the employ of Messrs. Dart and Pollard, contractors for the asylum extensions. William Richard Drew, a labourer, working with the deceased on Tuesday, the 10th inst., and within a few inches of him when the timber collapsed, stated that before going up from the manhole they were constructing the deceased and himself placed bricks on the staging overhead, so as to leave the ground clear for the earth work. Two men were shovelling in the earth whilst the other was ramming. About 2.5 p.m. the timbering fell in suddenly and a small quantity of earth with it. Some bricks struck him, but he received no injury. Examined by Mr Dart, he stated that the deceased wore a soft cap. There was no time to get out of the way as the thing happened so suddenly, the platform that fell was only two feet above them. - Mr Martin, the asylum clerk of works, said the timbering was exceedingly well constructed. Great forethought and care had been used in its construction. The shaft in which the accident happened was 16 feet deep and with the same kind of timbering it could have been carried to a depth of 60 feet with safety. There were various stages in the shaft used for the excavation of the earth, and at 11.15 a.m. on the day of the accident he saw the 8ft. stage in its original position and perfectly safe. He went down the manhole himself and inspected the work. - Another bricklayer named Andrews, who had been engaged in the shaft with deceased, said before leaving off for dinner the platform was divided in two, and one half placed on each side of the bearing timbers to allow the skip or bucket to descend with cement. - Mr Leach, foreman in charge of the works, also gave evidence to the same effect. - Dr H. B. Wilkinson, second medical officer of the Asylum, said the blow from the falling timbers dislocated deceased's spine and slightly fractured his skull. Death was absolutely instantaneous. - A labourer named Jackson said deceased was got out in a few minutes, and was then quite dead. Drew, embedded in the debris within a few inches of deceased, was quite uninjured. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that it would be well for the foreman in charge of timbered earthworks to examine it from time to time to see that nothing had shifted from the way in which it was originally done. - Mr W. J. Dart, on behalf of the firm, thanked the Coroner (Mr Hacker) for the courtesy afforded him at the examination, and the Jury for the attention they had given, and expressed the firm's deep sympathy for the loss of OLDFIELD to whom he was personally attached. he was a very promising young fellow and would have been of inestimable value to the firm as a good workman. - The funeral took place at Slapton Churchyard yesterday, and the employees of Messrs Dart and Pollard sent a wreath.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 February 1903 ASHBURTON - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Caton, Ashburton yesterday on ROBERT PETHYBRIDGE, 78, who died, according to the evidence of Dr Wilson Ranson, from shock to the system sustained by falling on the highway on December 31st last. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was entered.

MODBURY - Woman Drowned At Modbury. - At an Inquest held on Saturday on SUSAN FOX, 69, widow, of 17 Poundwell-street, Modbury, Minnie E. Brown of the Swan Inn, said the deceased, her mother, was tenant of the mill near Swan Bridge, and the weather being fine last Thursday she went for a walk. - William Thomas Davis, wheelwright of Modbury, said he saw deceased on her way to the mill, and when he spoke to her she seemed all right. - William Hurrell, age 14, in the employ of the deceased, said on going to the mill with the keys he saw his mistress in the brook. - Eli Lowry, labourer, deposed to taking the body from the water. - Dr W. H. Andrews, of Modbury, said death was due to drowning. The valves of the heart were extensively diseased, and it was possible she fainted and fell into the brook. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 February 1903
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth last evening an Inquest was held on ELIZABETH BOWDEN, aged 77, of 77 Cobourg-street. Deceased, who was found dead in a water closet at her home the previous afternoon, had suffered from heart complaint, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Coxside, Plymouth, yesterday on WILFRID CARTER, the three-days' old son of WILLIAM HE. CARTER, 43 Oakfield-terrace. Elizabeth Sargent, midwife, said she had attended deceased's mother and the child had appeared well. The mother nursed deceased between eight and nine a.m. on Sunday, but when witness arrived at 9.30 she found the baby dead. Dr Stubbs attributed death to convulsions and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 February 1903
PLYMPTON ST MAURICE - Death Of A Crimean Veteran At Plympton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, at Plympton St Maurice yesterday, held an Inquest on WILLIAM WEBBER, aged 72, a naval pensioner, who possessed the Crimean medal with a clasp for Balaclava. - Mrs Bowers, his daughter, stated that on Wednesday morning he walked to Ridgway and back. After dinner he complained of severe pains in the region of the heart and went into the orchard and said he would walk it off. He was seen to fall and died almost immediately. - Dr W. D. Stamp, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury (Mr Phillip J. Turner, Foreman) joined in an expression of sympathy with the widow and other relatives. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon.

ERMINGTON - Sad Fatality At Ermington. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at Westlake Farm, Ermington, on ELIZABETH LUSCOMBE, the wife of EDWIN LUSCOMBE, retired farmer. - Elizabeth Percy, in the employ of deceased, said that on Monday, 12th ult., deceased was sitting in front of the stove, which was burning coal, the door being open. Witness went out for about five minutes and heard deceased crying out, "Quick, come to me." She went at once and found MRS LUSCOMBE with her apron and dress on fire. The flames were up to her neck and face. Witness picked up a bag, at the request of the deceased, and put out the fire. The apron and the front part of the dress were burnt. The deceased bathed her face in cold water and witness then applied linseed oil. She had dinner and in the evening laid down. Next day she could not get up and gradually got worse and died on Tuesday lat. Dr W. H. Andrews, of Modbury, said on the 13th he found MRS LUSCOMBE was suffering from severe burns to the throat, face, mouth and right hand. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 February 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ETHEL MINNIE ROBERTS, he one-month-old child of ELSA SELINA and EDWIN MARTIN ROBERTS, of 42 Mount-street, Devonport, found dead in her mother's arms in bed on Saturday morning, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 February 1903
PLYMSTOCK - Drowning Of Plymouth Fishermen. The Firing From Bovisand Fort. - At Mount Batten, Mr R. R. Rodd, County coroner, opened an Inquest yesterday on JOHN BARTLETT. Mr H. Watts was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said BARTLETT and Mr Roach, his employer, left Plymouth in a small boat on January 27th, to go fishing off the east end of the Breakwater and they were not seen or heard of until Saturday, when Mr Roach's body was seen in Whitsand Bay. BARTLETT'S body was found on Monday on the Bovisand coast. He believed that a day or two after their disappearance a portion of their boat was discovered near Bovisand. It had been remarked since they were missing that possibly the boat may have been hit by a shot from the Bovisand Fort or firing range, and for that reason he had decided to take that day only sufficient evidence for identification and then adjourn until Saturday and go fully into the evidence. In the meanwhile every inquiry would be made concerning any firing that took place from Bovisand on the day the men were supposed to have met with their death. - FREDERICK THOMAS BARTLETT, journeyman butcher, said the deceased, his brother, was 23 years of age, and lived at 52 High-street, Plymouth. Deceased, whom he identified by his clothing, was employed as a crabber by Mr W. Roach, and left home about 7.30 a.m. on Monday, the 26th ult. to go crab fishing with his employer. The portions of a boat picked up at Bovisand were parts of the boat in which deceased and his employer went to sea. - James Roach, smack-owner, 27 Clarence-street, Plymouth, said BARTLETT was in the employ of his brother, Wm. Roach, whose body had been discovered at Whitsand Bay. The boat in which the two went crabbing on the day they were missed was about 16ft. long by 5ft. 6in. beam, and carried a mainsail and foresail, with a drop keel, and about 4cwt. of ballast. It was a well-constructed boat and had been overhauled recently. He saw his brother and deceased about 400 yards north of the Shagstone hauling their lobster pots about 9.45 on the day in question. There was a little ground sea, but it was a fair day for such work, with a fresh breeze from the south. Witness left in another boat to go crabbing at the same time as his brother. While they were fishing the tug Slenthound was towing targets, but he could not say whether there was any firing from Bovisand during the morning. He heard none, but was to windward. The portions of boat recovered belonged to his brother and were picked up by witness in five fathoms of water, 300 yards from the shore, and about the spot where he passed it afloat in the morning. He could not say how his brother and deceased came to be drowned, as Roach was a man of experience and there was no sea, at the time to cause risk to the boat. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said he had had cause to complain of the shooting whilst fishing and he had heard his brother complain and make representations to Mr Duke, M.P., as to the danger experienced by the firing from the fort. - Dr S. Noy Scott, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed BARTLETT'S death to drowning. There were no marks of violence or wounds caused before death. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Saturday.

MILLBROOK - The Inquest At Millbrook. - At Millbrook yesterday, Mr A. de Castro Glubb opened an Inquest on WILLIAM ROACH, found under Freathy Cliff, Whitsand Bay, on Sunday. Deceased's widow and five children were represented by Mr E. H. Milman, of Plymouth. Mr C. Dean was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - P.C. Sparks stated that on Saturday evening last he received information that a body had been washed up on Freathy beach. He went to the beach with some men but was unable to find it, as it was very dark. Next morning, however, they found it lying on the sands. Deceased had on a pair of trousers, drawers, and sea boots. he also had on a fragment of a shirt and two guernseys, and an oilskin was attached to the back part of his head. - The Coroner: You have noticed that there is a tremendous gash or wound on the left side of the body? - Yes. It is larger now than when the body was found. The wound has been further opened by the journey up the cliffs, as we were obliged to carry the body on two sticks. - Continuing, witness said he should think the wound was about 4 inches across when he first saw it. He could see nothing to indicate what had caused the wound. - Mr E. H. Milman, 64 Desborough-road, Plymouth, said deceased left his home on the 26th ult. to overhaul his crab and lobster posts outside Plymouth Breakwater. Portions of his boat were recovered on Wednesday and Thursday afterwards. - The Coroner said the Jury could see that it was necessary for the Inquest to be adjourned. There had been a suggestion - he believed on the part of the relatives - that the large wound on the side of deceased's body had been caused by some means other than the action of the sea, in fact by a shell, which it was asserted might have struck the boat and sunk it, thus causing the death of deceased. In order that there might be the fullest investigation of the matter, the post-mortem examination would be made by Dr Simpson today, and he would adjourn the Inquest until Friday next, at 2.15, by which time the military authorities would be communicated with and asked to attend. At the same time the portions of the boat which had been recovered would be produced by the relatives.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Fall At Newton. - THOMAS PERRYMAN, 65, Wolborough-street, Newton Abbot, last Wednesday returned home at 10.30 p.m. rather the worse for drink and when half way upstairs fell back pitching on his head. He sustained a wound at the back of the head, and was rendered unconscious. He died on Sunday. The medical evidence shewed that the wound in the head caused haemorrhage on the brain, paralysis supervening. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the stairs were dangerous, and calling the attention of the owners, the Wolborough Feoffices to the fact.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 February 1903
PENNYCROSS - A Sad Case At Devonport. - At Pennycross yesterday an Inquest was held on JAMES HENRY SMALLRIDGE, aged six years, of 31 Hawthorn-grove, Pennycross. The mother said deceased had been suffering from a severe cold, but a medical man had not attended him. The child died suddenly on Tuesday. Her husband had gone away to look for work, and, in reply to the Coroner, witness admitted he had given way to drink. - P.C. Martin said there were eight children and the family were in poor circumstances. Dr F. E. Row said the case was a sad one. There was another child apparently dying. Deceased was very poorly nourished and witness described the unhealthy state of many of the organs. The immediate cause of death was a clot of blood in the brain through a diseased heart. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) agreed the case was a sad one, and thought it was another instance where others had to suffer through the drinking habits of a husband and father. He only wished they could have had deceased's father there. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned and, at the suggestion of a Juror, the Coroner promised to advise the mother as to obtaining relief.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 February 1903
MILLBROOK - The Plymouth Boating Disaster. Resumed Inquest At Millbrook. Military Evidence. - At Millbrook yesterday, the adjourned Inquest was held on WILLIAM ROACH, lobster merchant, 4 Gascoyne-place, Plymouth, who was missed with JOHN BARTLETT in Plymouth Sound when crabbing on January 26th. The Coroner was Mr A. de C. Glubb, Liskeard. Mr Eric Wood (Plymouth) appeared for the relatives and Lieutenant Hugh Craig Parson, R.G.A., was present. - Dr F. A Simpson Anderton, said he made a post-mortem examination on February 25th. There was a wound on the left side five and a half inches long and seven inches deep. It was highly improbable that the wound was caused by any violence before death. The condition and appearance of the wound were such as to suggest that it was caused at a later date than when the body was first immersed in water. The wound was probably caused by the body floating about the rocks. The cause of death was drowning. No ribs were fractured. There were no marks whatever to shew that the deceased was hit by a shot or shell. If a shot or shell had struck deceased it must have fractured a rib or bone in the vicinity. He was of opinion from his examination that death was due to drowning and not to a shot wound. - JAS. ROACH, lobster fisherman, 27 Clarence-street, Plymouth, brother of deceased, said on 26th January his brother went crabbing. Witness and deceased left the Cattewater in separate boats at 8.30 a.m., both to go crabbing. His brother had a faster boat and out-sailed that of witness. JOHN BARTLETT accompanied the deceased, and the boat was in thorough repair. It was 16 feet long with a beam of 5 feet 6 inches, and ought to give a free board of two feet when the crab-pots were being hauled in. There was a fresh breeze during the day; good weather for crabbing. The ground swell was not heavy. At 9.45 he passed deceased crabbing a quarter of a mile north of the Shagstone, and 300 yards from the shore. His brother had then three crab-pots in the boat. The whole string would contain eleven. Deceased ought to have completed his work in half-an-hour. Deceased had another line of pots about 100 yards further towards the shore. Witness proceeded a mile or a mile and a half further to sea, and returned to the Barbican about 2 p.m. The same morning he saw the tug Sleuthhound towing targets. He did not hear any firing from the forts. Shots had fallen near him when he had been crabbing. A few months ago he wrote to the newspapers complaining that a shot from a gunboat fell near him. Shots from the guns of Fort Bovisand had also come very close to his boat. This was four months ago. On the morning after deceased was missed he went to Bovisand and identified pieces of board in the charge of the coastguard as part of his brother's boat. Two days later he went to the spot where his brother had been crabbing and using the grappling irons found a part of the boat. Witness could only find eight crab pots and was of opinion that the boat went down when there were three pots in it. Deceased was a good swimmer. There was about 4 cwt. of ballast in the boat. he did not recognise any shot marks on the boat. - Lieutenant H. C. Pearson, R.G.A., said on 26th January he was the officer in charge at Bovisand Fort. Firing commenced at 10.10 a.m. from one-inch aiming rifles from two five-inch guns. This was a kind of Morris-tube practice. The shot was one inch in diameter and one and a half to two inches long. firing ceased at 11.7. It was about low tide at the time; and the guns from which the men were firing were 11.5 feet above mean sea level. The warning that there was to be firing appeared in the naval and military intelligence of the "Western Morning News"; a red flag was hoisted on the top of the battery, one on the launch of the tug Sleuthhound, and two on each side of the battery. All the regulations were complied with. The projectile was not explosive. It was possible that if one of the shots hit the boat it would sink it; but he should say that it was extremely improbable. If the boat was where the last witness stated, it was impossible for it to have been hit from the fort. He saw every shot drop. Sixty-eight rounds were fired. It was very seldom that there was a ricochet; on the day in question there were none. He did not see any boat in the line of fire. There was a stiff breeze blowing and a heavy swell; the weather was distinctly rough. - By Mr Ward: The red flat on the battery was all that the public at sea had to look for to warn them of firing. Good practice was made on the day in question. The guns were firing at a range of about 1,600 yards and there would not be a ricochet from an advancing wave. - Bombardier J. E. Turner, R.G.A., Bovisand, said his duty was to search the range of fire with a telescope and see if there were any boats within the firing limit. On the morning of 26th January the range was particularly clear. He did not see a ricochet on the day in question. It was a rough day. - Gunner J. Edwards, R.G.A., stated that he was on board the Sleuthhound, which was towing the targets on 26th January and his duty was to record the shots. There were no boats in the line of fire. - Wm. George Daymond, Captain of the tug Sleuthhound, said the fort commenced firing about 9.40 or 9.50 and it lasted an hour. The tug did not go within 400 yards of the Shagstone and the targets would not have been nearer than 420 yards. He was not certain, but he believed that a gunboat was firing by the Mewstone on Monday the 26th, or the Friday previous. There was a boat outside the Shagstone on the morning in question, but nothing inside. A nasty ground sea was on, but he had seen boats there in similar weather. - Coastguard Henry Lock, stationed at Bovisand, said the weather on the 26th January was very rough - blowing a gale of wind. There was a very heavy swell on. He went on duty at nine a.m. and remained until one p.m., and all the time had full command of the bay. He saw a crabbing boat at 9.30 at the east end of the Breakwater and kept it under close observation in consequence of the rough weather. Later the boat worked near the Plymouth side of the Shagstone and he saw it there about eleven o'clock. There was sufficient sea on to swamp such a crabbing boat as that of deceased's. It was impossible that there could have been a collision with deceased's and another boat without witness seeing it. - JOHN ROACH, boat owner, 4 Sussex-place, Plymouth, brother of deceased, said he had seen shots on the land near the Shagstone. On one occasion he saw three, and they were nearly one cwt. each. - Lieutenant Pearson remarked that they could not have been fired from Bovisand. - The Coroner said it had been suggested that deceased was killed by a shot fired; and it was further suggested that MR ROACH met his death by drowning. The military authorities had told them that the boat was out of the line of fire, and that it was impossible it could have been struck by a ricochet. - The Jury after deliberating in private returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and added that they could not suggest what took place to cause the drowning.

LYDFORD - Death From Exposure At Princetown. Callous Conduct Of A Frenchman. - At Wheal Lucky Cottage, Princetown, last evening Mr R. R. Rodd, County Corner, held an Inquest on SYDNEY WILLIAMS, aged 31, stonemason. - JAMES WILLIAMS, stonemason of Gunnislake, said the deceased, his son, worked for Pethick Bros., stone merchants and lived at Foggin Tor, Walkhampton. - Ernest Coby, a Frenchman, set maker, employed by Pethick Brothers, said he had lodged with deceased at Mrs Eva's for three weeks. On Thursday they had their wages and he saw deceased in the Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown about nine o'clock in the evening. He was there about ten minutes and deceased left before him. Witness saw him sleeping in the roadway (close to where he was found the following morning). Witness had been drinking and when he reached home he told nobody about deceased. - The Coroner rebuked the witness for the light-hearted manner in which he treated the affair, and told him it was a serious matter. - Dr J. S. Smith, Tavistock, who had made a post-mortem examination, said, in his opinion, death was due to exposure. The stomach smelt strongly of alcohol. There was a bruise on the forehead and an abrasion on the cheek, probably due to a slight fall. Deceased's clothes were saturated with rain. - Harry White, stonecutter, of Rundlestone, found WILLIAMS dead in the roadway between Rundlestone and Wheal Lucky Cottage that morning about 6.15 on his way to work. Deceased was in a leaning posture, face downwards. There were no signs of a struggle. There had been a gale of wind and very heavy rains during the night. - It was stated that another Frenchman was in the company of the deceased and Coby, but it was believed he had left the neighbourhood that day. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Wednesday next to enable the Police to make further inquiries and expressed the opinion that Coby acted in a very cowardly way.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ELIZABETH RANDELL, aged 77, a St Thomas widow, who died while washing clothes on Thursday, Dr Stokes attributed death to apoplexy.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 March 1903
PLYMSTOCK - The Plymouth Boating Disaster. Second Inquest. The Gunshot Theory. - At Mount Batten on Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County coroner, resumed the Inquest on JOHN BARTLETT, fisherman, Plymouth, who with WILLIAM ROACH, lobster merchant, lost his life while crabbing near the Shagstone, on January 26th. Mr E. R. Ward appeared for the relatives and MR J. ROACH was also present. - Lieut. Pearson, officer in charge of the firing party at Fort Bovisand on January 26th, stated that firing commenced just after ten o'clock in the morning from a 1-in. aiming rifle of the 5-in. guns and ceased at two minutes past eleven. Two targets, 20ft. apart, were used and the shots were aimed to pass between them. If a shot struck the ways carrying the targets it might ricochet, but not one shot in 500 which struck the water ricocheted and then not further than 100 yards. No shot that day went wide of the target. There was no boat in the line of fire, and they had not to cease fire to allow any boat to pass. A strong breeze and heavy sea prevailed. No shot was fired eastward of the Shagstone. - By Mr Ward: It was extremely improbable that a ricochet occurred without his noticing it. - William George Daymond, master of the tug Sleuthhound, engaged in towing the targets during the firing on January 26th, deposed that no vessel or boat came within 300 yards of the range during the practice. there was a small boat midway between the Shagstone and Mewstone. The wind was blowing fresh from the south-south-west, with a heavy ground swell. - By Mr Ward: There was no danger in the state of the weather to boats crabbing. - Gunner J. Edwards, R.G.A., who was on board the Sleuthhound recording the shots, stated that 68 shots were fired, and he watched each one, part of his duty being to see whether the shot fell short or passed over the targets. There was no boat in the line of fire. - Lieut. Pearson: Every shot fired can be accounted for. - George Edwards, cross-examined, said it was not necessary to look for a ricochet when practising with the 1-in gun. Had only seen the projectile ricochet when it struck the target, but never on striking the water. - Bombardier James R. Trusham, R.G.A., Bovisand, deposed to searching the range with a telescope during the firing. No boat came within the range. - By Mr Ward: The guns were fitted with stops, which made it impossible for them to be traversed east of the Shagstone. - Coastguard Henry Locks, stationed at Bovisand, deposed to seeing a crabbing-boat under sail pass the east end of the Breakwater at half-past nine o'clock. As the weather was rough he kept the boat under observation. Near the Shagstone the boat lowered its sail, and one of the men in her proceeded to haul up the crab-pots, while the other rowed. Witness last saw the boat still in the same vicinity just before eleven o'clock. Did not think of looking for her afterwards. On the beach near the Shagstone he picked up the sails, mast, oars, boards and benches of the boat, and also portion of the gunwhale. - Cross-examined: It was blowing a gale at the time. - The Coroner said he did not propose to call further evidence. - Mr Ward remarked that on ROACH was a wound of an extraordinary character, and suggested whether it was not advisable to call the doctor who gave evidence at the Inquest at Millbrook. - The coroner said there was no suggestion in the medical evidence that death was due to gunshot. - Mr Ward said on behalf of the relatives he did suggest that the death of these two men was the result of an accident in connection with the firing. The theory he put forward was that ROACH was actually struck by a ricochet shot while hauling in the crab-pots, and fell over the gunwhale, and BARTLETT jumping up to save him, the boat upset. It was either that, or the shot also went through the boat as well as through ROACH'S side. There was nothing else to account for the wound found on ROACH. - The Coroner: There is nothing to support that theory. - Mr Ward: You don't generally find a man with a large piece out of his side. - The Coroner pointed out that the body had been floating in the water among the rocks for some time and the wound might, therefore, have been caused after death. - Mr Ward: But it is a wound going right in abdominally. - The Coroner said in the evidence before the Jury that day there was nothing to show either that the boat was hit by a shot or that it was swamped. The doctor at Millbrook stated definitely that in his opinion the cause of death was drowning and not a gunshot wound. - Mr Ward: I am not suggesting that ROACH was killed by the shot. - The Coroner: No; the doctor says he believes the wound was caused after death. - Mr Ward: You are quoting from "The Western Morning News" report, which is inaccurate and incomplete. - The Coroner offered, if the Jury thought it necessary, to call the medical man. - A Juror: If a shot struck MR ROACH, would it not go through him? - Mr Ward: That is just what it did. - The Coroner: The medical gentleman has made a post-mortem examination of the body. - Mr Ward: And he is not prepared to say whether it is a fatal wound or a post-mortem wound. - The Coroner: Do you agree this is correctly reported. " He was of opinion from his examination that death was due to drowning and not to a shot wound." - Mr Ward: Quite so. The man may be drowned and not killed by the shot, and yet the drowning may be due to the shot. - The Coroner: But the doctor says it is not a shot wound. - Mr Ward: The shot may have tumbled him into the sea, and so drowned him. You would not then say he was shot, but the shot would be responsible for his death. I take this attitude more or less at the request of Mr Duke, member for the Borough, who has taken a great interest in the case. - Lieut. Pearson: What attitude do you take? - Mr Ward: That of asking that the whole matter shall be thrashed out at the Inquest, because it is a matter that must be inquired into further. Whether reasonable or not, complaints have been made of damage sustained by fishermen on these very crabbing grounds. - The Coroner said personally he did not think it necessary to call the doctor. - Replying to a question, MR J. ROACH said the crabbers were usually on the ground in the morning, and did not remain after noon. - The Coroner: would it inconvenience the military authorities if the firing were postponed until the afternoon? - Lieut. Pearson: A considerable inconvenience. - The Coroner, summing up, said it must be apparent to all who had heard the evidence of the military witnesses, which had been given in a very fair way, that it was highly improbable that the boat in which the deceased and MR ROACH were was struck by a shot. It was more than likely that while the two men were engaged in hauling in their crab-pots the boat was swamped and sank. But there was no direct evidence to support either theory, and no doubt the Jury would return an open verdict. - After deliberating in private the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and, through the Coroner, expressed their deepest sympathy with the relatives. The Jury also gave their fees to the deceased's mother.

TOTNES - The Totnes Mystery. A Housemaid's Fate. - At Totnes on Saturday an Inquest was held on JANE FOLEY, housemaid at Redworth. - William W. Hill, gardener, stated that about eight o'clock on Friday morning while going to Dartington Hall he found deceased's hat, fur, and gloves and called William hatch. About 12ft. away, in a pool of floodwater, they discovered the deceased's body. There were no signs of a struggle near. - William Hatch, gardener, said on such a rough night he should not have thought the hat would have stayed for five minutes where it was found. - GEORGE FOLEY, bricklayer, Herne Bay, deceased's father, said she was 25 years of age, and the last time he saw her was five years ago. He was left a widower with nine children. Deceased kept home for him for six years. She had an idea he intended to marry again, and as she talked about it to the children he told her it was time they parted. She remained in the house nine months without speaking half a dozen words to him, and her manner was so peculiar that he did not think she could be right in her mind. - Emily Isaacs, cook, at Redworth, said she last saw deceased on Thursday at 7 p.m., talking to William Owen. She was on speaking terms with the deceased until she (witness) had to see that an order by Mrs Stapylton, that all servants should be in by 7 o'clock, was carried out. Deceased resented the order and had never recognised it. She made enemies of her fellow-servants by her own actions and was not popular with them. She had a child to keep and that was a great trouble to her. - William Owen, printer, said he had known deceased since September 21st and she reckoned him as the only friend she had in Totnes. She had told him her history, and understood they were only friends. She had said many times she wished she was dead, that life was not worth living, as she had only trouble before her. On Thursday, when he left work, he saw the deceased at 6.35 p.m., and walked to Redworth Lodge gates with her. She told him when she went in the previous night the door was locked against her by the cook. He left her a few minutes after seven, and had not seen her since. - In reply to the Deputy Coroner (Mr G. F. Kellock) witness said she was always more or less down-hearted, and was not on friendly terms with the other servants. She told him she had given notice to leave. He had met her as a friend - out of sympathy with her. The trouble about the child preyed on her mind a good deal. When he left her she promised to meet him that night. - Dr Edmond said the girl had been dead for some hours when taken out of the water. There were no external marks of violence, and nothing wrong internally. His examination pointed to a determination to drown herself. If there had been any inclination to get out of the water the state of the ground would not have made it difficult. - Mrs Hill said she found in deceased's pockets a mourning card for deceased's mother. - P.C. Sandercock said the water at the time was 20 inches deep, but there was only six inches there now. - Martin Frederick Stapylton, deceased's employer, said the girl had been in his service 17 months, and for 12 months there was no fault to find with her. It was found that she was going out after dark with some man, and a week or ten days ago she was given a month's notice. When he returned home at 10.30 p.m. on Thursday he was told deceased was not there, and he waited until midnight, keeping the lights burning and then shut the door himself. There may have been some slight friction among the servants, but he thought if there had been great trouble deceased would have told them, as they had befriended her. She justified her going out against orders by saying she was going to be engaged in January. - Owen, recalled, denied that she was going to be engaged to him. They were only friends. She never asked him to marry her, and marriage was never mentioned. - Deceased's father, recalled, said he heard of her misfortune through a son's wife. He had not refused his home to her and had not remarried. She left home without his knowledge. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane, and Mr W. Reeves, the Foreman, said they considered the witnesses had given their evidence satisfactorily. - Owen said if he had not known the circumstances, no doubt he would have been engaged to deceased. - Mr Reeves: We looked at it in that light.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 March 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Painful Case At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on CLAUDE H. G. MANSELL, 12 years of age, No. 14 Holman's-buildings. - The father, WILLIAM HENRY MANSELL, naval pensioner, said his son complained of weakness about four months ago and he took him to a doctor. The boy improved a little, but four weeks ago he became worse and again received medical attention. He again improved and on Friday night last went to bed as usual. During the night deceased asked for a drink and when he (witness) awoke about six o'clock on Saturday morning he found him dead. His (witness's) wife and children (six in number) were now all dead. - Mary Mounter, wife of a labourer, of 14 Holman's-buildings said the boy was very weakly. So far as she knew there was no one to look after the child when the father was at work. Another neighbour and herself often gave the boy things to eat. The boy told her his father left money at home for him to buy things with. She thought that the father of deceased should have made provision for the boy to be looked after. - Dr H. J. Hinvest, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was caused by repeated attacks of pleuro-pneumonia. The boy had been ill for a considerable period. - In reply to the Coroner, MR MANSELL said he asked the doctor, when he took him to be examined, to call and see the lad. - This the doctor denied. - MR MANSELL still adhered to this statement. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and the Coroner expressed, on their behalf, the opinion that better provision should have been made by the father for the care of the boy. They also expressed their thanks to Mrs Mounter for her care of the child.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 March 1903
PLYMOUTH - Norwegian Captain's Fate. Inquest At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on ERICK OLSEN SKJELDSO, Captain of the Norwegian barque Vasco de Gama, who was drowned last Friday. Eilert Formaan, the mate, said the deceased was about 44 years of age. On Friday morning last, when about 300 miles westward of Plymouth, the captain was aloft doing something to the sails. There was a heavy sea but no wind. Mr Stewart, who was in the galley-room, shouted that the captain was overboard, and the crew immediately threw overboard a lifebuoy and a hook. Not being able to reach the captain by those means, they launched a boat and recovered the body. Deceased was then dead. The ship was rolling very heavily and he thought the deceased must have got a knock on his arm from something aloft. After they got deceased aboard they tried to get him round, but to no purpose. They then made for Plymouth, where they arrived on Sunday afternoon. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 March 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Dartmouth Pensioner's Sad Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on JAMES EDWIN WILLS PYE, 57 years of age, naval pensioner of 10 Prospect-row, Devonport. - MARY PYE, widow of deceased, said they had lived at Dartmouth for seventeen years and only came to Devonport last Friday week. They first went to lodge in Clowance-street until they obtained rooms at Prospect-row. Her husband appeared to be in good health during that time and on Monday night when they went to bed he still seemed to be in his usual health. When she awoke about 8.30 on Tuesday morning she found her husband dead. - Dr Saunders said he saw deceased about nine o'clock on Tuesday morning; he had then been dead some hours. From a post-mortem examination he found deceased had died from rupture of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

LYDFORD - Death From Exposure Near Princetown. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of SIDNEY WILLIAMS, who was found dead by the roadside, was resumed by the Coroner (Mr Rodd) at Princetown yesterday. According to the evidence deceased left Princetown on Thursday in a drunken condition in company with a Frenchman, and the Frenchman left him lying on the road. - Mr Symons, Prince of Wales Hotel, Princetown, stated that WILLIAMS came to his House on Thursday evening about 9. He refused to serve him as he was already drunk. Deceased left his house in company with two Frenchmen. - The Coroner complimented Mr Symons on his conduct. - Fredk. Knowling, stone-dresser, Merivale Bridge, stated that he passed Gohy (the Frenchman) and showed him the way to his lodgings. The Frenchman made no remark as to the deceased being on the ground. He could not say whether the Frenchman was capable of helping WILLIAMS. - William Watson, civil guard, H.M. Prison, stated that he found WILLIAMS lying by the gate of a neighbour's house with a lantern beside him. The Frenchman was inside the gateway of the house. He helped deceased to get up and gave him a fresh candle for his lantern and lighted it. The Frenchman seemed under the influence of drink and made no remark. - Samuel Cooper, Red Cottages, stated that he was returning with a friend from Princetown about 10 p.m. Just below Rundlestone they walked over a man whom they found to be WILLIAMS. They tried for sometime to persuade WILLIAMS to get up. His companion went on and after trying for another half hour to get WILLIAMS along Cooper said that he placed him by the hedge side and left him, not getting home himself until 11.30. In answer to the Coroner, Cooper said that he was tired of trying to get WILLIAMS along and did not think of calling for assistance at any of the cottages. he and his neighbour were done up by the force of the storm. - The Coroner in summing up said that it was a sad end for such a young man. He thought Cooper had acted in a cruel manner in leaving WILLIAMS by the roadside in such weather. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Exposure" and censured both the Frenchman (Gohy) and Samuel Cooper for leaving WILLIAMS.

STOKE DAMEREL - Feeding Of Young Children. - MRS MURTON, wife of JOHN SAMPSON MURTON, inspector of the Devonport and District Tramways, 24 Warleigh-avenue, was nursing her nine week old daughter on Monday evening, when she noticed her go black in the face. The child was placed in a bath, but died before a doctor could arrive. - At the Inquest yesterday, the mother informed the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) that for three weeks she had fed the child on boiled bread and milk. - The Coroner said bread ought not to be given to young children. - Dr King, who made a post-mortem examination, found that death was caused by convulsions, due to cerebral haemorrhage. he did not think the feeding had anything to do with the death. He was constantly cautioning people against using boiled bread, but it was very difficult to get them to see it. He advised mothers to scald the bread, as in that way they got rid of the alum. Boiling only made the bread pasty, but he did not recommend bread for young children. The child was well nourished. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 March 1903
PLYMPTON - Suicide Of A Plympton Hotel Proprietor. Domestic And Business Troubles. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon on HARRY EARLE, aged 51, late proprietor of the George Hotel, Ridgeway, Plympton. - MISS EVELINE MAUDE EARLE, daughter of the deceased, said her father seemed very depressed on Wednesday. She had dinner with him, and he afterwards went upstairs to lie down. Witness did not see him afterwards. - The Coroner: There has been domestic trouble in the family. - Witness: There has. - That has worried him a good deal? - He has been a great deal worried through business; more so over the business than other things. - Alice Miller, domestic servant, said she knew the deceased went to his room to lie down, and about five o'clock she went to ask him what he would like for tea. Witness received no reply to her knock to the door, behind which a chair had been placed, and which she pushed open. There was a bottle containing spirit on the table. On the floor, at the bottom of the bed, was deceased, lying in a pool of blood. There was a razor on the floor. She asked him what was the matter, and receiving no reply ran for help. - By the Coroner: The bottle of spirit was similar to those kept in the bar. - The Coroner: He is not in the habit of keeping spirit in his bedroom? - No. - You think he must have taken it up with him after dinner? - Yes. - Replying to further questions, witness said her master had been depressed for several days and he told her that morning that he had not been able to sleep for nights past. - Wm. Jellyman, coachman, in the deceased's employ, deposed to being called by Miss Miller and finding his master on the bedroom floor with his throat cut. Deceased had been worried about his business. - The Coroner: Has it been falling off? - No, I don't think sop; he's been trying to sell it I believe. - Sergeant Newberry went to the Hotel in company with P.C. Vernon, and said deceased was lying on an ordinary travelling rug on the floor, and the razor was close by. The bottle was about half filled with brandy. Deceased smelt very strongly of alcohol. - Dr W. D. Stamp, Plympton, said he had known deceased for some time, and could speak as to his having been depressed for a long period. Deceased had suffered from melancholia, which attacks frequently had a suicidal tendency. - The Coroner: Knowing the history of the case, I suppose you were not surprised? - I cannot say it surprised me much. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - The foreman of the Jury (Mr J. Pudifin) expressed sympathy on behalf of his colleagues with the widow and children.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 March 1903
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Heavitree Drowning Case. Brothers' Laxity. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Oakbeare House, Butts-road, Heavitree, on MISS ELIZABETH TURNER CAPRON, aged 38. - JOHN CAPRON, her brother, stated that when he went downstairs on Wednesday morning he saw a skirt hanging out of the water cistern. he did not take the body out, but went for assistance which was secured in two minutes. Mrs Hall and the Police-sergeant took the body out. Mrs Hall, who lived next door, said deceased had been distressed at her mother's recent death and had complained of pains in her head. - Dr Andrews said death was due to drowning. - P.S. Pratt said he used artificial means of respiration, but without avail. - The Coroner said the brother should have taken the body from the water as soon as he saw the skirt. There might have been a possibility of saving her life, because a matter of two or three minutes was of the utmost importance in such cases. The brother had said he was frightened, but he did not think that was any excuse for a man, though it might be for a woman. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and added that they were of opinion that the brothers were a little lax in not at once going to deceased. - The Coroner: Everyone must agree with that.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 March 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. A Disturbance And Its Sequel. - An Inquest was held on Saturday on JESSIE PALMER, married, 43 years of age, of 28a St. John-street, Devonport. - Lilian Ellen Holmes, 14 Princes-street, said the deceased was her mother. Her father, a boilermaker, was in South Africa. Her mother had been suffering from rheumatic fever since Christmas. About two o'clock on Thursday afternoon her mother sent for her and asked her to stay, as she had had a disturbance with her neighbours. Some time afterwards deceased went on to the stair landing. Her lips turned pale; she over-balanced, and fell right over the stairs. - P.C. Palmer said he was sent to 28a St John-street on Thursday afternoon. Whilst at the foot of the stairs speaking to a sailor named Callaway, he heard someone fall at the top of the house. He ran up and found deceased on the landing dead. A disturbance had been going on at the house, and he had been sent there previously on account of similar rows. - Dr McElwaine said he had made a post-mortem examination. At the back of the head there was a scalp wound, about three-quarters of an inch in length. He attributed death to syncope, due to pericarditis, with effusion. Excitement and worry would hasten death. He thought deceased was dead when she fell, and that the wound was inflicted after death. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce): the fall did not accelerate death? - No. - The Coroner, summing up, said steps ought to be taken by the Police to ascertain if the alleged carryings-on at the house were true. - A son of the deceased complained that his sister, the first witness, had been struck by Callaway, she receiving a blow intended for her mother. - The Coroner advised her to summon Callaway, and then she would be able to inform the magistrates what kind of a house it was. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of the doctor, and expressed sympathy with deceased's children.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 March 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Mutley, Plymouth, on ALEXANDER ADAMS, retired grocer, of 8 Moor View-terrace, Dr Aldous attributed death to syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 March 1903
OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held at Ottery St Mary yesterday on ROBERT BAKER, the infant son of THOMAS JOHN BAKER, coal merchant's carter. The child, which was delicate, was born on Sunday morning, and on Monday morning was found dead by the side of its mother. Dr Bartlett said he was of opinion that death was caused by suffocation, and the Jury (Mr w. Warden, Foreman) returned a verdict to that effect. - The Coroner strongly condemned the practice of mother's pressing your children so closely to them and covering them with clothes.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on SAMUEL JAS. SPRAGUE, 47 Admiralty-street, Stonehouse, naval pensioner and marine store dealer. On Sunday he was about as usual, but complained of pains between the shoulders and in the stomach. The same evening deceased became restive and died within a few minutes. For some time deceased had complained of pains and he attributed them to indigestion. Dr T. Leah, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 March 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ALICE RICKARD, nineteen months old, daughter of HARRY RICKARD, engineroom artificer, of 95 Charlotte-street, Devonport, it was stated that the child, one of twins, had suffered from measles. On Tuesday morning she had a fit and died before Dr Rae could arrive. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, caused by congestion of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 March 1903
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Plymouth Railway Porter. - At the Inquest yesterday, Chief Inspector Scantlebury assured the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) that no reason was known why JOHN SCANTLEBURY, aged 34, cloak-room porter at Millbay Great Western Railway Station, committed suicide. The Coroner informed the Jury that he had known the deceased for years and he was the last person he should have thought would have done such a thing. - John Stacey, a porter, stated that at 11.55 a.m. on Thursday, SCANTLEBURY seemed all right, but looked pale. - A Juror mentioned that the same morning he saw deceased who looked very pale, but was cheerful. He (the Juror) told him he ought to lay up for a week. - Henry Stanlake, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said that at 12.5 p.m. on Thursday, on Gist, a porter, telling him SCANTLEBURY was hanging in the lumber-room, he went and cut him down. Although he believed he was then dead, he tried artificial respiration. - Mr c. E. Russel Rendle, Surgeon, said on being called he also tried artificial respiration, but to no purpose. Death was due to strangulation. The Jury (Mr Banfield, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Shipwright's Fate. Body Recovered After Three Months. - At Devonport yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS JOHN HAYES, aged 65, a shipwright. - Louisa Searle, 25 Gasking-street, Plymouth, married, said deceased had lived with her for eighteen years. He was a widower. On 18th December he left to go to work. They were on the very best terms when he left home. He had suffered from an ulcerated leg from March last year, and had to frequently stay from work. - Thomas Hodder, electrical fitter, said he was working aboard the battleship Queen, in Devonport Dockyard, with deceased. He last saw him below deck, on the prison flat, at about 4.15 p.m. on December 18th. Deceased was then going right aft. - George P. Bruck, painter's assistant, said just before dinner on December 18th deceased was rubbing his leg and remarked "it's more than I can stand." A few hours afterwards, however, he said he was all right. Deceased had frequently complained that his leg was getting worse and he was not able to stand it. - Thomas Short, chargeman of shipwrights, said deceased belonged to his gang. Deceased had applied for twelve days' leave. On the day of his disappearance deceased's coat was found right forward on the upper deck. that was a good way from his work. - Harry Samuels, leading seaman, H.M.S. Inconstant, said on Thursday morning he found the body floating in the Hamoaze. - Dr F. E. Row said the body was very much decomposed. Around the neck was a rope, about five feet long, with a slip knot in it. The end, which was made into a noose, was perfectly sound. In the middle of the rope was a knot and from that to the other end the rope was all ragged and frayed away. The strands of the rope were embedded in the decomposed flesh. he could not say what was the actual cause of death. - The Coroner said there were circumstances which pointed to suicide. His (deceased's) coat was found in a part of the ship where it was not necessary for him to go for his work. At that particular part of the ship were wire guards, so that, unless he had purposely thrown himself, it was almost impossible to fall over. The fact of there being a rope round his neck led one to suppose that he placed something at the other end of the rope, probably a heavy weight, to ensure his sinking. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 March 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Sad Death At Newton Abbot. - JOSEPH JAMES SAMMELS, a shunter on the Great Western Railway at Newton Abbot, returned home last Friday and complained of having struck his head against the buffers when coupling some trucks. Next evening he had pains in the head and ear. He went to bed and his wife woke up about four o'clock in the morning and found him dying. Within a few minutes he expired. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Stephens said deceased, who was 35 years of age, had been suffering from bronchitis and heart disease and only started work last Thursday, after having been on the sick list for a month. He died from syncope and the blow on the head had nothing to do with the cause of death. There was no haemorrhage, nor anything to show that the blow affected the brain. It was rather unusual for death from syncope to occur when a person was in bed. Had it happened directly after the blow the shock might have caused syncope, but in this case a day and a half intervened. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner (Mr Hacker) pointing out that apart from the blow having nothing to do with death, the deceased disregarded the Company's regulations in going between the trucks to couple them.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 March 1903
TOPSHAM - The Topsham Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Topsham yesterday on GEORGE CLAPP, who hanged himself on Tuesday. - MARY JANE CLAPP, the widow, said deceased was 68 years old and by trade a carpenter. He got up on Tuesday morning about six o'clock and appeared in his usual state of health. About eight witness came downstairs to take up the milk, and finding no fire lit, went and looked for the deceased, whom she found hanging from a beam in the workshop. He had never threatened to commit suicide. He had been unable to work for some time owing to rheumatism. - Dr Frood stated that on his arrival he found the deceased suspended from a beam. He immediately cut him down, but he considered deceased had been dead an hour. A verdict was returned that the deceased committed Suicide, but there was no evidence to show the state of his mind.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 March 1903
TOTNES - The Totnes Suicide. A pathetic Farewell Letter. - At Totnes yesterday Mr S. Hacker (County Coroner) held an Inquest on MR JEFFREY JOHN JORDAIN BRINLEY, photographer, Fore-street. MRS BRINLEY said the deceased, 48 years of age, had not been well since September. He suffered from pressure on his head and was dreadfully bad on Monday. On Tuesday he was about his usual work and was very quiet. About 3.30 p.m. she saw him go out to the studio, and soon afterwards heard a noise like a chair falling. Hearing no more she went out and found him lying in the dressing-room in the studio. She asked what had happened, and receiving no reply went for assistance. The pistol was kept on a shelf in the kitchen, and the deceased had used it for sporting purposes. The note produced was in the deceased's handwriting. He had not had anything special to worry him. Dr Hingston (Plymouth) had said that he was suffering from his brain and advised him to go away for a time and keep very quiet. - The Coroner read the note, written in pencil, as follows: - My darling, - I can't stand this worry in my head any longer. Good-bye, God watch over you and the dear children. - John blight, of the King William IV Inn, said he was called and found deceased lying on his back, bleeding copiously from a wound in the forehead. The pistol was on the floor near his right hand. Deceased was unconscious. - Dr Edmond said when he arrived Drs. Gibson and Johnson were there and deceased was dying. He had a bullet wound on the right side of the head, and the bullet had passed through the brain and fractured the left side of the skull. Deceased had been under his care since September, suffering from incipient paralysis due to the brain and spinal disease, which must have become worse. There was nothing to show a suicidal tendency, but the knowledge that he had a fatal disease would have a tendency to depress him. He had not threatened suicide. He had been advised to go away, as he was not fit for business. - P.C. Stoneman said the pistol had three loaded and one discharged cartridges. The note produced he found on a book in the studio. - The Coroner said the note placed what happened beyond doubt. - The Jury (Mr f. Colliver, Foreman) found that deceased shot himself while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 March 1903
EGG BUCKLAND - Found In The River Plym. Plymouth Labourer's Death. - Mr C. G. Brian, Deputy County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Rising Sun Inn, Egg Buckland, last evening on JOHN HENRY ROGERS, 54, labourer, of 1 Carter's-terrace, Lower Compton, Plymouth. - Deceased's son, HENRY JAMES ROGERS, gardener, said he last saw his father alive in bed early on Wednesday morning. His father had work at Honicknowle, but on Tuesday evening said he thought he would go over to Spiddlestone about a fresh job. - By the Coroner: His father was a steady man. - Charles James Hunt, army pensioner, of the Volunteer Inn, Crabtree, said he found the body on Thursday afternoon. He was walking along the bank of the river Plym about 200 yards below the railway bridge when he saw it in about 12 inches of water, seven or eight feet from the bank. He informed the Police and recovered the body with a boat-hook. - Replying to Superintendent Hacon, witness said the bank of the river rose to a considerable height near the railway bridge. - Dr W. D. Stamp, Plympton, said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull and exposure, and not to drowning. there was a wound on the head. Either the deceased fell on his head or something went against his head by force. Witness thought he must have fallen, because if he had been struck at there would have been greater damage to the skull. It was a zig-zag wound, and he was quite sure the man fell on some hard substance. - Caroline Buckland of Lake Cottage, Crabtree, said deceased called at her house about 11.30 on Wednesday morning and asked her to give him some hot tea. she gave him tea and bread and butter and he then went towards Plymouth. - Superintendent Hacon said he had ascertained that deceased had been promised work at Spiddlestone. - The Coroner thought there was no suspicion of foul play, and the Jury returned an Open Verdict. We are asked to state that Mr Tothill, the landlord of the Rising Sun Inn, received the body on its recovery, and had it placed in his house.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 March 1903
KILMINGTON - Found Dead Near Axminster. Coroner's Definition Of "Drunk." - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Clifthorne Farm, Kilmington, near Axminster, on JAMES LANE, 64, farm labourer, who was found dead on the hill-side near the farm on Wednesday. - GEORGE LANE, deceased's brother, said he was with him last Tuesday, when he seemed in very good health. He called in at the Baggoton Inn, Stockland, a little before four p.m. on that date and found his brother there. He did not drink with him and he only saw the landlord bring deceased one pint of ale. As witness was leaving his brother called out, "I suppose I shan't see you again today, GEORGE?" and he replied that he shouldn't be long. He then went to Walwood and when he returned about seven p.m. his brother was gone. He heard of his death on Wednesday. - RICHARD LANE, nephew of deceased, said he was at Baggoton Inn, in company with deceased on Tuesday. They drank two pints of cider together. Deceased stayed until about five p.m., when he said he was going home and they wished each other good night. Deceased did not complain of any illness and had only a little to drink. William Gill, landlord of the Baggoton Inn, said deceased came there about 11.15 on Tuesday and remained until five o'clock. He had several pints of cider during the day. - The Coroner (Mr C. Cox) said it seemed to him that deceased had had rather more than was good for him at the House. - In answer to the Coroner witness said deceased was not drunk, but had had enough. he could walk all right. - The Coroner remarked that there seemed to be a great difference of opinion as to what "drunk" was. In his opinion if a man was not sober he must be considered drunk. - Witness, continuing, said deceased had not complained of feeling ill. - William Thomas Sweetland, mason, said he saw deceased in the Inn. He saw him later going towards Clifthorne. He was then "half drunk." Deceased asked him to go home with him, but he refused. He had seen him on several occasions the worse for liquor. - Miss Louisa Trott spoke to finding deceased quite dead, lying flat on his hands and face in a field on the hillside. - Dr Langran said he had attended deceased once or twice, but not for any serious complaint. He had seen him occasionally under the influence of drink. He made a post-mortem examination. There were no recent marks of violence. The liver was more than half as large again as it ought to be and deceased had a fatty heart. Death was, in witness's opinion, due to syncope or failure of the heart. Both the liver and heart showed that deceased was in the habit of drinking a great deal. - The Coroner said no doubt deceased had had a considerable amount of liquor and the evidence of Sweetland especially showed that he was under the influence of drink. It was very necessary in a case like this to caution the Landlord of the Inn, as deceased took more than was good for him at the House. This should be a warning to Gill in the future. A verdict was returned in accordance with the doctor's evidence that death was due to Syncope caused by the fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 March 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death On The Cruiser Isis. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, last evening, Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on ALBERT VICTOR CURLING, domestic servant, who died suddenly on the cruiser Isis. - Staff-Surg. A. S. Nance, of the Isis, said deceased, who was about thirty years old, went ashore on Saturday morning and returned to the ship yesterday morning about nine o'clock. While being conveyed to the vessel he complained of pains in the chest. On reaching the ship he was put to bed, the pains became more violent and he died while under medical examination. Death was due to heart failure and a verdict to that effect was returned. - Mr E. V. Peck (Messrs. Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) attended the Inquest on behalf of the Admiralty.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on BESSIE WINIFRED ANDERSON, the three months' old daughter of MARY ELLEN ANDERSON, 4 Clifton-street, Dr Spencer attributed death to convulsions.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 March 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Devonport Octogenarian. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of MARY ANN CLARK, a spinster, aged 83, of 18 Morice-square. - Betsy Bunsall, widow, living at the same house, said deceased, who was her aunt, had been paralysed on one side for fifteen years. On the 19th ult. deceased got out of bed, and as she was being put back again her foot by some means got under her. Witness put both legs straight, covered her up, and gave her dinner. She afterwards said her leg was hurting her, and witness sent for Dr Kirton. - Dr M. A. Kirton said he found deceased suffering from a severe strain of the ankle. Witness treated her for it, but she was in a state of shock for some time. She had hypostatic congestion of the lungs, which caused her death. The actual cause of death was congestion of the lungs, accelerated by shock, following the sprain. Death occurred on Monday. Deceased was well looked after and he wished every room was as well kept. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 March 1903
PLYMOUTH - THOS. FUGE, 64, of 17 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, was taken suddenly ill on Wednesday morning. Dr Corbett was sent for, and deceased expired before his arrival. An examination showed that FUGE died from syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 March 1903
YELVERTON - The Late MR G. LAMBLE, Of Plymouth. Inquest At Yelverton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at Yelverton on GEORGE LAMBLE, 61, of 34 Lisson-grove, Mutley. - HARRY LAMBLE said his father had always enjoyed the best of health and his family were not aware he suffered from heart disease. - George Ledington, sewing machine manufacturer, of Plymouth, said he accompanied deceased to Yelverton on Friday afternoon, and they walked slowly up the hill on to the downs. They walked with Rev. J. Edwards and deceased was taken with coughing. He experienced difficulty in breathing. They rested several times, but deceased made an effort to continue the walk. He became too ill to do so, and witness went to Pounds Lodge for assistance, leaving deceased with Mr Edwards. Witness stopped a lady cyclist and sent her for a doctor and a conveyance, returning about twenty minutes later to find MR LAMBLE dead. - Rev. J. Edwards, Plymouth, added that deceased passed peacefully away without the slightest struggle. - Dr J. J. Blagden attributed death to valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict accordingly was returned. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family. - Mr Ledington acknowledge the sympathetic expression and expressed the family's gratitude to all who had kindly assisted to procure help for deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 April 1903
EAST ANSTEY - Child's Death From Alcoholic Poisoning. - At the Inquest on BESSIE SKINNER, aged five, who died at East Anstey, through drinking gin, the father, JAMES HENRY SKINNER, labourer, stated that on Wednesday he left Rackenford for East Anstey. His wife went in a trap with four children and he followed with the furniture. When he reached East Anstey his wife told him BESSIE was unwell, having apparently drunk some gin from a bottle containing a third of a pint. The bottle had been placed in an open basket with some provisions. Deceased remained asleep some hours. The next morning he fetched Dr Down, of Bampton. The child died on Friday. She had never drunk spirits before, except when he had given her a sip out of his glass, and this only once or twice. - MR SKINNER, the mother, deposed that on the journey from Rackenford the deceased and another child were at the back of the cart. She did not notice anything wrong until they reached Anstey, and then she found BESSIE was giddy and could not stand. She afterwards discovered that the bottle which had contained the gin was uncorked and empty. The older child, EVELINE (age 6) told her that BESSIE drank some of the gin and that she had some herself. - Dr A. R. Down said that on Thursday he found the child in a state of coma. Death was due to alcoholic poisoning. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 April 1903
ST BUDEAUX - A St. Budeaux Widow's Death. Died While Playing "Passing Away." - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at St. Budeaux yesterday on MARY PALMER, aged 76, widow of GEORGE PALMER, naval warrant officer. Frances Beatrice Donne, The Firs, Riverside, said deceased lived at 4 Buckingham-place. She last saw her alive on March 8th when she went to church with her. She appeared to be very light-hearted and bright, but said she was rather worried as to whether she would have to leave the house in which she was living. - Mrs A. J. Roberts, of 49 Victoria-terrace, said she last saw deceased about 1 p.m. on Sunday. She appeared very cheerful, but said she was rather wearied, as she walked to Stoke in boisterous weather on Friday. In January deceased fell down in the road, and had complained ever since of feeling a pain in her side. During the past week she said she thought she was going to have an attack of pleurisy. - Mrs M. Wilson, of 3 Buckingham-place, said the landlord of No. 4 came to her to see if she could get into MRS PALMER'S room, as she had not been seen since Sunday. As the door was fastened, she opened the window, and entered. She found the deceased in the front room. - Dr H. Gard said on Tuesday he was called to the house. Deceased was lying dead on the floor with her glasses on. Apparently she had been playing on the piano a piece called "Passing Away." Either she had died suddenly and fallen off the music-stool, or had fainted and died through no one being there to attend to her. The heart was in a fatty state of degeneration, and the liver very much enlarged. Death was due to syncope, and he considered deceased died on Sunday night. There were no marks of violence on the body. - P.C. Barker said in the house he found a cash-box containing £3 11s., a purse containing 5s. 0 ½d., a lady's gold watch, two gold lockets and chains, a gentleman's gold watch and chain, four gold rings, a pair of gold earrings, and sundry trinkets. Deceased's wedding ring was on her finger. He also found a pass-book in the Plymouth Mutual Co-operative and Industrial Society, No. 10, 667, showing a balance in deceased's favour of £97, and sundry other papers. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Coroner said he would retain possession of the deceased's belongings for the next-of-kind.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 April 1903
REVELSTOKE - The female child of MRS ALBERT ROWSE, of Noss Mayo, Revelstoke, was born early on Wednesday morning, and on the arrival of the nurse and doctor was found to be dead. A post-mortem examination by Dr Gladstone showed that the infant had been accidentally suffocated and a verdict to that effect was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 April 1903
PLYMPTON - A Tragedy At Plympton. Lunatic's Escape And Death. Cut To Pieces By A Train. - MISS ELLEN SARAH COX, 30 years of age, and the daughter of MR H. H. COX, retired marine engineer, of Limpley Stoke, near Bath, was confined in the private asylum at Plympton on December 12th, suffering from melancholia, with a suicidal tendency. She was under the delusion that she was a nuisance to her fellow creatures: but had so greatly improved lately that her removal from the House was contemplated. MISS COX retired to rest on Friday night in a dormitory occupied by four other inmates and an attendant, the sleeping apartment being under the periodical supervision, with other dormitories, of another attendant in a room close by. The latter made an inspection of the dormitory at 3.30 on Saturday morning and was under the impression that MISS COX was in bed; but returning twenty minutes later, she discovered she had been misled by the appearance of the bed and that MISS COX had escaped. The Plympton Police were informed, a search party was organised, and the roads in the district scoured. About seven o'clock the driver of a down train informed the Stationmaster at Plympton that he had seen portions of a human body on the line at Torridge, about a mile up the line, and Walter Treleaven, ganger, proceeding to the spot, met a shocking spectacle. The body of MISS COX was cut in halves, about the waist, the lower portion lying between the metals of the up line, and the other part about three feet outside. The remains were removed to the Asylum. MISS COX had put on the dress of the attendant sleeping in her apartment and the Institution authorities have no doubt that she made her way out of the dormitory by means of the emergency fire exit leading on to an iron staircase into the garden. Clambering over the boundary hedge, of normal height, it is surmised she struck across a field into the turnpike road, and wandered along George-lane on to the line, where she either fell or laid herself across one of the metals. A train passed up about 12.30 with the consequences related. As to how she was able to effect an escape through the emergency exit remains a mystery. The door, a converted window - was supposed to be kept locked, each attendant being supplied with a key, which was carefully guarded. No keys are missing and the two attendants say their keys were not out of their possession. The only deduction is that the door was not locked. After MISS COX'S disappearance it was found shut, but unlocked. To get out that way the lady had to get over a dressing table, upon which was a portable looking-glass. She had previously attempted to escape. Great sympathy is expressed with the parents and the Asylum authorities, who had not experienced such an accident for nearly thirty years. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held at the Asylum on Saturday evening by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. Mr S. Hicks was Foreman of the Jury. Chief Inspector W. Scantlebury and Inspector G. Flewellen represented the railway authorities. - Dr C. Aldridge said deceased was confined under a magistrates' order. During the past month she had improved very materially, and on Friday was bright, cheerful and apparently well, conversing in a perfectly rational manner. Deceased slept in a dormitory with other inmates and with one attendant sleeping n the room, and another in an adjoining room on duty with the door open. Throughout Friday deceased had been employing herself. She was very clever. she played the piano and harp and sang a few songs in the evening. - The Coroner: Would she have free access to the grounds? - Not unattended. - How would she get outside the grounds as she must have done? - The door of the emergency fire staircase was found open early this morning, and no doubt deceased got out there. - How would that be secured? - Locked with a pass key. - It is not easy to break the lock in case of fire? - No. Each attendant has a key. - It had been unlocked? - It had been unlocked, but no keys are missing. After descending the emergency staircase, from the dormitory into the garden, deceased must have got over the hedge and into a field which led into the turnpike road. The tendency nowadays is to do away with high walls as boundaries for an Asylum. - The Coroner: I suppose extra precautions were taken to safeguard deceased? - She was never left during the day and was visited frequently during the night by the night nurse. The night nurse visited the dormitory at half-past three, closed the door of her room, and went to see other patients. She returned to find deceased was gone. - Will there be any evidence as to how she opened the door? - I cannot explain how she opened the door. There is no key missing. It is a mortise lock. - And the lock has not been tampered with? - No, the lock opens perfectly well by a key now. - I suppose none of the attendants had used it? - It is not used; it is only an emergency fire exit. - Is it a short cut anywhere, and an attendant might have gone out there? - No, it is not a short cut. It is opened sometimes, but on that particular day it was not opened. - The only people there who had keys were the two attendants? - The one in bed had her keys under the mattress in the usual place, and she found them in the morning. - The Coroner: It is extraordinary. The door must have been left open. - Dr Aldridge: It easily opens if it is unlocked. - Have you ever had any trouble while she has been here. Has she attempted to escape before? - yes, but we were able to secure her. - Did she give any reason for that? - No, only that she was a nuisance to everybody. - Had she a suicidal tendency? - Yes. She thought she would be better killed and out of the way. - Dr Aldridge added that she had been going for walks outside the Asylum, and went down the lane leading to the railway about three weeks ago with her brother. She told her brother everybody seemed to like her and did not know why they did, because she had given a good deal of trouble. MISS COX was very amiable. She was a native of Limpley Stoke, near Bath, and the death of a brother from typhoid fever seemed to have affected her mind. - The Foreman of the Jury: don't you think she could have had a key? - We don't miss one. We only have a certain number. - The Coroner: The door must have been open. Was she fully dressed? - No, half-dressed. She put on some of the nurse's clothes. - Margaret Thomas, attendant at the Institution for two and a half years, said MISS COX was in bed when she went on duty at ten o'clock on Friday night. There were four other inmates and a nurse sleeping in the dormitory and witness sat up in a room close at hand with the door open. She had five other dormitories to visit through the night and each inspection would occupy between ten and fifteen minutes. - The Coroner and Jury here inspected the dormitory and the emergency exit. - Resuming, witness said she went into deceased's dormitory about 3.30 on Saturday morning and thought she was in bed with the pillow over her head. Returning twenty minutes later, she discovered that MISS COX had gone, the bed being apparently left as if someone was in it. Deceased could have left the dormitory without witness seeing her. The key of the emergency door, which she did not examine on Friday night, was never out of her possession. - Was she at all cunning in her actions? - Well, I haven't much experience of that by night. - Has she ever attempted to deceive you? - No. - Dr Aldridge remarked that MISS COX was rather destructive at one time. She was in an agitated state, and found expression in that way. Deceased must have got over the dressing-table to get out the emergency door. - Mabel Young, the other attendant, who slept in deceased's dormitory, said the inmates were in bed at 9.30 on Friday night, with the exception of MISS COX. Witness had a conversation with her before retiring. She believed the emergency door was closed and she put her key beneath the mattress of her bed. During the night deceased put on her (witness's) dress, and left the room without disturbing her. - By a Juror: It would have been impossible to have obtained her key of the emergency door without disturbing her. - Walter Bicknell, engine-driver on the Great Western Railway, said he drove the 12.5 train out of Plymouth on Saturday morning and he passed where deceased was found about 12.23, but he felt no shock. Upon examination of the engine at Newton Abbot, a little hair and congealed blood was found on the front. - Inspector Flewellen: That was the only engine upon which anything of that kind was found. - Walter Treleaven, ganger, Great Western Railway, deposed to finding the remains on the railway line at Torridge. The body had been cut in halves. The lower portion and one arm were between the up metals, and the remainder about three feet outside. He thought deceased must have got on the line from George-lane. She would have had t climb railings. - The Coroner said there was no doubt MISS COX was killed by a passing train. He thought they would probably be of opinion it ought to be impossible for an inmate of an Asylum to get beyond the boundaries, but, as Dr Aldridge had stated, the Lunacy Commissioners had been advocating for all boundaries to be reduced to normal size. However, he thought it should be impossible for an inmate who was able to escape from the house to get beyond the grounds. No doubt, in considering their verdict the Jury would think it their duty to suggest to the authorities that a course should be adopted to ensure that patients would not be able to escape in a similar way. Their verdict should be an open one. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," and, through the Coroner, asked for Dr Aldridge's assurance that steps would be taken to ensure the emergency door being secured for the night in the future. - Dr Aldridge promised it should be done and the Coroner said the Jury desired to express their sympathy with MR COX and the members of his family and with Dr Aldridge that such a sad affair should have happened. - Dr Aldridge said it was a great shock to them. They had been nearly thirty years without an accident of that kind. - The deceased young lady was the daughter of MR H. H. COX, J.P., formerly of Hillside, Falmouth, and connected with the firm of Cox and Co., iron founders, and who left Cornwall for Bath about five years ago. The deceased had many relatives and friends at Falmouth, and the news of her death came as a great shock to them. Much sympathy is felt with the family.

STOKE DAMEREL - JOHN NICHOLLS, 50, labourer, of 49 Cannon-street, Devonport, died suddenly in bed on Thursday night ,after getting out to give the child a drink, and Dr J. E .C. Wilson, at the Inquest on Saturday, attributed death to heart disease.

PENNYCROSS - ETHEL MARY DAVEY, single, age 19, of 32 hawthorn Erme, Pennycross, Devonport, gave birth to a child on Thursday morning, being attended by Mrs Williams, midwife. In the afternoon the girl's mother found her asleep and the child dead. At the Inquest on Saturday Dr Lander attributed death to suffocation.

STOKE DAMEREL - Shipwright's Fatal Fall At Devonport. - At Devonport on Saturday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on GEORGE THOMAS DOUGHTY, 49, of 61 Chapel-street, who was killed on Friday, though falling down one of the coal bunkers on board the battleship Queen. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr Sidney Shuter, inspector of factories, was also present. Deceased and a shipwright, named William James Burt, were on Friday morning fixing a "strainer" to the upper part of the bunker on the Queen, and deceased was standing with one foot on a plank staging and the other on a "coal break". The plank "canted," and deceased fell a distance of 18 feet, fracturing his skull. - Mr Shuter said he had seen the staging and he considered that it was perfectly safe to stand on. Considering that it was a temporary job, he should think the staging was firm, and safe enough. He thought it was rather an absurdity to expect a strong stage to be rigged up for a small job on a ship like the Queen. He did not consider there was the slightest blame attaching to anyone. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner, on behalf of the Jury and himself, expressed their deep sympathy with the family of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 April 1903
PLYMOUTH - LILIAN A WILMOT GILES, aged three months, daughter of a spinster and machinist, residing at 49 Palace-street, Plymouth, was found dead by its mother in bed on Sunday morning. At the Inquest yesterday Dr John Round attributed death to suffocation, probably due to overlying. There were no marks of violence. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 April 1903
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Commercial Traveller At Plymouth. The Inquest. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth mortuary on JOHN RUSSELL HARRIS, 42, of 21 Knighton-road, St Jude's, who shot himself on Monday morning at his residence. - JOSEPH HARRIS, brother of deceased, corn merchant, Marsh Mills, said the deceased returned from the Cape about five years ago, and had since been engaged as commercial traveller to Rank and Co., Hull. Deceased sent his wife with two orders to Mr Nicholls, Farmers' Home, on Monday morning and asked her to return as soon as possible. On her return she found the office door locked. She met Mrs Thomas, who burst open the door and found the deceased lying on the floor. Witness knew no reason why his brother took his life. He had been very quiet lately. He knew of no financial difficulties. Deceased was in Johannesburg at the time of the Jameson raid. he looked very well on his return. - Mrs Thomas, 1 Drake-terrace, said she saw MRS HARRIS, who told her the office door was locked, with the key on the inside. Witness burst open the door and found the deceased lying in a pool of blood with a revolver in his right hand. She had noticed nothing strange about MR HARRIS. - Sergt. Gerry said two chambers of the revolver had been loaded and one been discharged. Deceased had shot himself in the forehead. - Dr Glynn, 43 Salisbury-road, stated that the bullet had passed right through the deceased's head. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show when the revolver was purchased. The suicide was undoubtedly premeditated. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Jury, who accorded the widow, children and relatives their deepest sympathy.

PLYMPTON ST MARY - An Infant's Death At Lee Mill. Neglect To Call In A Doctor. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Lee Mill on MAY CERITA HARPER, the eleven months' old daughter of FRANCIS EDWARD HARPER, labourer, of Kilburn-cottages. - LOTTIE LOUISA HARPER, the mother, stated that the child was suffering from measles, and on Sunday morning, about two o'clock, she gave it some milk, after taking which, it went to sleep. About five o'clock the same morning they found it dead in its cot. The child, although suffering from measles, was not attended to by any medical man, and was insured for a benefit less than £1. - The Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd): Why didn't you have a doctor for her? - Witness: Because I thought a doctor was not wanted. - The Coroner: Was it a question of means? - Witness: My husband earns 18s. a week, but I did not think a doctor necessary. My other two children have had the measles and I only had the doctor for one of them. - A Juror: Has the child been very delicate? - Witness: Yes, it has. - The Coroner: That is all the more reason why you should have had a doctor. - Dr C. H. G. Prance, Ridgway, Plympton, said he had made a post-mortem examination. The body was poorly nourished, owing to a weak constitution, and not to neglect and in his opinion death was due to debility, aggravated by measles. The child ought to have been under medical treatment. - The father of the deceased said the reason he did not apply to the parish for a doctor was that on a former occasion when he asked the relieving officer for Dr Prance to attend one of his children the officer snapped at him; so, that he was ashamed to ask him on this occasion. - The Coroner (to the parents): I hope this will be a lesson to you. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and added a rider to the effect that the parents ought to have called in a doctor to see the deceased.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 April 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. The Work Of A Dockyard Writer. - At the Inquest held on Saturday on ISRAEL JAMES DAVIES, aged 56 years, first class writer in Devonport Dockyard, who resided at 8 West Ham-terrace, Camel's Head, Devonport, evidence was given that deceased was found by his wife in a wash-house at the rear of the premises on Thursday morning. He was sitting in a chair, perfectly upright, but quite dead, he having cut his throat, apparently with a shoemaker's knife, which was lying on the floor. Since Christmas deceased had been subject to fits of mental depression, and he used to say his brain felt on fire. He had complained of the extra work which he had to do at the Dockyard, and had been working overtime until 7.30 and 8 o'clock at night. Deceased had been married over three years, and had no financial or domestic troubles. - From Mr H. J. Northcott, Deputy expense accounts officer of the Dockyard, some interesting facts of the working of the expense department were obtained. In addition to a good many summaries, deceased had to prepare statements of the ages of 400 or 500 workmen. Last week had been exceedingly heavy, in consequence of the near approach of the end of the financial year. They only had a broken week in which to do the work, and had double the usual week's work to do in four days. Four or five extra writers were, however, drafted into the department. The ordinary office hours were from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with half an hour interval for lunch. There had been a great increase in the wages paid in the yard, and as a natural result there had been a great increase of work. To cope with this four additional writers had been placed on summary work in deceased's section since 1897. During the last two or three weeks another two writers had been permanently drafted into deceased's department. - A Juror asked if questions could be put to witness as to other cases. - The Coroner: Have there been other cases of suicide by men employed in this particular section? - A Juror: No, but of lunacy. - The Coroner: I am afraid we cannot go into that. - Mr Northcott, however, said there had been two cases of lunacy; though one, he believed, was caused by domestic trouble. - The Coroner declined to allow the discussion to go further on that point. - Mr Northcott stated that the work which deceased had to perform was not onerous, but monotonous and exhausting. He did not believe the work was injurious to health. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest opened on Saturday on FREDERICK C. SNELL, aged 32, a labourer, of 12 Buckingham-place, Stonehouse, was adjourned until tomorrow. A small yacht fell over on him at Richmond Walk whilst it was being launched.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 April 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Abbot Fatality. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on JOHN GODFREY, the wife stated deceased told her he was leading his horse down the College-road, when a College boy jumped out from the hedge and frightened the horse. It ran away and knocked him down. - Richard Lee said he saw the horse galloping down the road. Deceased was holding the reins in one hand and had hold of the cart with the other. When within 60 yards of witness he fell down and the wheel passed over him. - Dr Margrave stated that when deceased was admitted to the Hospital he was suffering from a lacerated wound on the leg. The main bone was broken in three places. Witness tried to save the leg by wiring the bones, but gangrene set in and it had to be amputated on Friday evening. Deceased died from shock, the result of the operation, on Saturday morning. The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) pointed out that the boy should not intentionally jump out to frighten the animal. He was probably leaving the playing fields. The Police had been unable to ascertain his name. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 April 1903
PLYMOUTH - A Stonehouse Labourer's Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on the body of FREDERICK CHARLES SNELL, 32, labourer, of 12 Buckingham-place, Stonehouse. - William Russell Clew, painter, in the employ of Mr Kellett, contractor who keeps his yacht stored at Chant's Yard, Stonehouse, said on the 8th int. deceased and five other men were engaged in launching the yacht, using for this purpose roller and stools. During the launching one of the rollers broke and owing to this the yacht turned over and pinned the deceased against a wall. The rollers and stools were examined and they could not see anything wrong with them. The centre roller must have twisted round, with the result that the yacht fell over. They eased the yacht up and the deceased extricated himself and sat down. Dr W. F. Corbett (Stonehouse) was sent for and examined the deceased, and ordered him home to bed. Afterwards he was attended by Dr Corbett, of North-road, who ordered his removal to the Hospital. - By the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns): The roller was defective, but the defect was not previously apparent? - Witness: Yes. - Coroner; Do you think that if you had practical men the accident would have happened? - Foreman of the Works: It would have in any case if the roller broke. - Asked by the Coroner if he had any experience of launching yachts, the foreman replied that he had had about five years, but he could not speak for the men he had working under him. - Mr Harry S. Gabb, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was admitted there on Wednesday, suffering from severe shock and serious abdominal injuries, and died on Thursday evening. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 April 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Young Girl's Suicide At Newton Abbot. A Strange Delusion. - At Newton Abbot last evening Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on ANNIE GEORGINA PINKHAM. - MRS PINKHAM, a widow, of East-street, said the deceased, who was 17 years old last November, was in service at Torquay, in the Vansittart-road, for some time; but for eight or nine weeks she had been home. She last saw her alive about five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. About half-past six she went to the garret, and there saw deceased hanging by the neck. Witness was too frightened to see much, or to do anything. She immediately rushed down the stairs and called her son, who cut down the deceased. The Policeman who was called in thought she was nearly dead. Deceased left her last situation at Torquay without giving notice. She came home one Saturday night, without telling her mistress she was leaving. Witness questioned her and she said a young man named Inch, residing at Torquay, had ruined her. The next morning witness sent her back to Torquay to explain to Mrs Keslake, her mistress, why she had left. Deceased returned, saying she had seen her mistress. There was no cause for the fears deceased had about her condition. Witness explained that to her the first week she was home, but she was very low-spirited at times and seemed unable to believe what witness told her. Deceased kept indoors a great deal. Last Sunday evening she went out for a walk. When witness came downstairs, after deceased had gone, she found a note on the table. Witness burnt it the same evening. Deceased had written:- "Goodbye, mother, I hope the others will not worry you as I have done." There were also some crosses. Witness was telling another daughter to go to look for deceased, when deceased came in. She appeared quite cool and unconcerned. Witness asked what made her write such a note, and said how much she (the mother) had been frightened. Deceased replied, "Oh, have I?" Witness said she hoped she would never do such a thing again. After that deceased seemed to be all right. On Monday and Tuesday deceased remained in all day. On Wednesday afternoon she became quarrelsome with her elder sister, and persisted in trying to throw something at her. Deceased frequently behaved like that. During the afternoon deceased went upstairs, taking a newspaper with her. Witness thought she was going up to read, and she did not call her down to tea until the other children had finished their meal. Her sister then went upstairs for deceased, but could not find her. Witness then went up calling for her. On going to the garret, she saw deceased hanging from one of the rafters. - CHARLES PINKHAM, brother of the deceased, said deceased was hanging from one of the rafters. A chair was near her. He ran downstairs for a knife and then cut her down. - EDITH PINKHAM, sister of the deceased, said deceased did not seem very unhappy about her supposed trouble. Deceased made no statement to her about anything. She had said she was keeping company with a young man named Inch. - A young carriage driver named Inch, residing at Torquay, said he knew deceased, but did not keep company with her. He had known her about two months, and always found her very quiet. He had walked in the street with her and had met her at the back door of the residence where she lived. The last time he saw her was the night she left Torquay. She said she was leaving, but did not say why. Witness did not think deceased had any reason to be jealous of him. She said she was leaving because she did not like the place. He did not even know her name. He had nothing to say about what the mother had said. He had seen her with other young fellows. - By the Foreman: When deceased left Torquay she said she might never see him again. - By P.S. Coles: There was no truth in the statement that he had taken advantage of the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Fatality. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on NORMAN JAMES CARTER, aged 23 years, of 20 First-avenue, Second-street, Camel's Head, and son of SAMUEL C. CARTER, hawker, Exmouth. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared for Sir John Jackson (Limited). On Wednesday morning a platform, 28 feet by 15 feet, used for carrying concrete, was being moved by twenty-nine men. Deceased and others were under the platform pushing the cross-beams, whilst the majority were at the back of the platform. Deceased had evidently tried to get between one of the beams of the platform and a block of concrete, to get out of the way of a shutter. He became jammed and sustained fatal injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury strongly recommended that in future care should be taken to have all obstructions removed when such work was in progress.

STOKE DAMEREL - WILLIAM TRETHOWAN, aged 81, superannuated shipwright from Devonport Dockyard and residing at 12 Alexandra-road, died suddenly on Tuesday. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Death from Syncope" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Farmer's Suicide. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Langford Farm, Tavistock, yesterday on JOHN CUMING, farmer, aged 69, who had occupied the farm for 35 years. Mr E. H. Harris was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM CUMING, dairyman, of Plymouth, stated that deceased was his uncle. A fortnight ago witness came to the farm with his wife with a view of purchasing the stock and finishing deceased's twelve months' tenancy of the farm. His uncle suffered from chronic rheumatism and was much depressed. he was missed after breakfast on Tuesday. Witness, with a farm labourer, went in search, and found the body in a quarry pond on the farm. The deceased had no financial trouble. - P.C. Glandfield deposed to finding some writing on the deceased and over £5. The deceased wrote that ever since his wife died he had been in trouble, that his head had quite gone wrong and that he could not stand it any longer. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane, and they expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 April 1903
TOTNES - A Seaman's Death At Totnes. - At Totnes on Saturday was held an Inquest on JOHN GROVES, of the ketch Rochester Castle. - Henry Columbus the captain of the vessel, stated that the deceased described himself as aged 42 years and a native of Bristol. He understood the deceased was previously discharged from a Falmouth vessel May Faning. On Thursday about midnight he heard someone shout "Throw a rope." Going on deck, he found that a man was overboard. The cook and mate lowered the boat, but could not discover the body. A day or two previous, the deceased threatened to murder all on the vessel, but when he became sober he repented and with tears in his eyes, asked the captain to forgive him. On Thursday he had no meals until teatime. He (the captain) pressed him to eat something as he had been working hard all day, and eventually he had a little tea. Witness advanced him 5s., and that was the last he saw of him. He had caused some trouble to him. - The Mate (John Cornwall) stated that he did his best to rescue the man. - Dr Smith, who had made a post-mortem examination and said death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. - P.S. Webber said he saw the deceased going in the direction of the vessel on Thursday about 11 p.m. and W. Harper deposed that at 8.15 p.m. the deceased paid him 2s. 9d. for repairing a pair of shoes. - The Coroner said he had telegraphed to Bristol, but the Police had been unable to trace any relatives of the deceased. A verdict was returned of "Accidental Death," the Foreman adding that the Jury were of opinion that deceased fell into the river whilst going aboard.

PLYMOUTH - The Cycling Fatality At Plymouth. - At Plymouth on Saturday Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on SELINA SANDERS, aged 50, of 31 Tavistock-place, Plymouth. Mr A. E. S. Akaster represented deceased's family and Mr T. W. Ginn, Mr W. H. Shaddock, contractor, of Seymour-road, Mannamead. - THOS, SANDERS, the husband, said deceased was an active woman, and in perfect health. - Henry Hughes, 8 Alton-road, Plymouth, said he was standing on the pavement by the Revenue Inn, Tavistock-road, on Friday morning, when he saw deceased step off the footpath into the roadway. At that moment a bicycle dashed into her and knocked her down. - By the Coroner: He did not hear a bell ring, but he heard a shout. He did not see at what rate the cyclist was going. - Replying to questions by Jurymen, witness said the thoroughfare was very full of vehicles. The cyclist had perfect control of the machine. The impact did not throw the rider or the cycle down. The deceased appeared to be somewhat confused on seeing the bicycle. - Millie Annier, shop assistant, 46 Old Town-street, said on hearing the ringing of a bicycle bell and hearing someone shouting, she turned round and saw deceased lying in the roadway. - Dr Gabb, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said the woman died shortly after her admission to the Institution from head injuries. - Charles Wilson, of 2 Hampton-street, and caretaker, Plymouth Corn Exchange, said he heard the cyclist ring his bell and heard shouting, but when he looked round deceased was on the ground. - William Henry Shaddock said when riding down the hill, and near Clarence-street, he saw deceased standing on the footpath. As she was about to cross the thoroughfare, he applied both brakes and rang his bell. When she was in the roadway he pulled up slowly and again rang his bell. he saw he could pass between her and the pavement - a distance of several feet - but she stepped back in front of the bicycle. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said when he first put on the brakes he was about thirty yards from her, and was not going more than seven miles an hour, but when the machine struck her his speed was about three miles. It was the weight of the bicycle and himself that knocked her down. The impact only threw him on his hands, and he at once lifted the woman from the ground. - Asked what he thought made deceased turn back in her course across the roadway, witness said he did not think she heard the bell at first, but that she seemed to recover from deep thought, turn round and jump in his path. - By a Juryman: He was on his right side, and she practically knocked him down. - In answer to Mr Ginn, witness said if the woman had stood still, or even proceeded across the road, he would have passed her all right. - The Coroner remarked that decease did not apparently hear the bell until the cyclist was almost upon her, and then she became confused and stepped back in front of the machine. - A Juryman thought the bicycle should be produced, and Mr Shaddock offered to do so, but the Coroner did not think it necessary. - Another Juror expressed a wish to hear independent evidence as to the speed Mr Shaddock was going, and the Coroner offered to adjourn the Inquiry if it was possible to obtain such evidence. - P.C. Poad said he had been unable to obtain such evidence, and Mr Akaster did not think an adjournment necessary. The matter could be reopened if they found evidence contrary to that of Mr Shaddock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with deceased's family, the Coroner concurring. A Juryman called attention to the "terrific" pace at which cyclists went down over Tavistock-road, but the Coroner said they were bound to dismiss all prejudice from their minds. - Mr Shaddock promised to do all he could for deceased's family.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport on Saturday an Inquest was held on JOHN FOLEY, 39, Dockyard labourer, of 48 Pembroke-street, who died somewhat suddenly on Friday morning. A verdict that deceased died from perforation of a duodenal ulcer and general peritonitis, s stated by Dr Saunders, was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on Saturday, at Plymouth, on CORNELIUS THOMPSON, aged 62, army pensioner, 132 King-street, Dr Henry Pearse attributed death to syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death On The Lion. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, last evening, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on SIDNEY HERBERT WARREN, 15, a native of Wellington, and second-class boy on the training-ship Lion. - Surg. J. M. G. Swainson, of the Lion, said deceased joined the service in October last. He attended the boy on Friday, and finding him suffering from slight constipation, placed him under observation. The lad was apparently better in the evening, but died on Saturday morning from intestinal obstruction caused by adhesion due to former peritonitis. - A verdict in accordance with this evidence was returned by the Jury, of which Mr W. Barnes was Foreman. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty.

IVYBRIDGE - A Cyclist's Death Near Ivybridge. - Last evening at Ivybridge, Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on CHARLES HENRY KEMP, 19, whose parents reside at Dartmouth, and who was found dead in the main road near Ivybridge on Saturday by the side of his bicycle. Mr H. Brown was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM ROBERT KEMP, Devonport, said the deceased, like himself, was a fitter in the Dockyard. He started from Devonport on SAturday afternoon on a bicycle for Dartmouth and did not intend to return. He was then in good health. He had on several occasions complained of heart weakness and palpitation when he had been running. - William Frank Johns, Ugborough, deposed that on Saturday about ten minutes past three he was riding a cycle from Bittaford Bridge to Ivybridge, when he noticed a bicycle near the side of the road, not far from David's Cross. He saw the rider, lying partly under it. He jumped off and found he was quite dead. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said it appeared to him as though the deceased had intended to ride over the hedge and dismount and that he fell in the act of dismounting. - P.C. Harvey said there were no signs of any disturbance at the spot. - Dr C. H. Cooper deposed that deceased had disease of the heart and there was also pleurisy in the lungs, apparently of long standing. He attributed death to heart failure. Probably the exertion of riding the hill, which was a mile long, was too much for the deceased. Questioned by the deceased's brother, Dr Cooper said if deceased had done heavy work he might have died from over-exertion, but the cycle-riding was the more likely to bring this about. - In reply to the Coroner, deceased's brother said the bicycle was uninjured and was apparently in just the same condition as when the deceased left Devonport. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". The Coroner said they all deeply sympathised with the family of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Deaths. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, yesterday held three Inquests on persons who had died suddenly. The first case was that of ALFRED DARRELL, aged 45, a cabman, residing at 9 Rendle-street. ELIZABETH DARRELL, mother of the deceased, stated on Saturday she went to fetch Dr Plant for him, and on her return she found him dead. He had been an invalid for years and had been worse of late. Dr J. R. Plant, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to degeneration of the heart and liver, caused by the chronic disease of the leg, which was badly ulcerated and neglected. "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on ELIZABETH MARY ELLIS, aged 46 years, wife of HENRY ELLIS, master mariner, 51 Desborough-road, JANE ELLIS said deceased, her daughter-in-law was demented, but otherwise fairly well up to Friday last. Dr Wilkinson was then sent for and came immediately, but she died before the doctor arrived. Dr T. B. P. Wilkinson said he made a post-mortem examination and found death was due to syncope. She had been well looked after. "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - In the case of SOPHIA VINSON STAPLETON, aged 73, of 66 Greenbank-avenue, the wife of JOHN STAPLETON, Louisa Lashbrook, widow, residing in the same house, said the deceased left home on Saturday afternoon, apparently quite well, for a walk in Beaumont Park. Deceased had never complained of her heart and had not been attended to by a doctor for some years. - Henry Lang, keeper of the park, stated that on Saturday he saw deceased supporting herself against railings. Shortly afterwards he saw the deceased being supported by a postman. He immediately went to her assistance, but by the time he arrived she was practically dead, and he immediately sent for Dr Ward. - By a Juror: Is there an ambulance in the park? - No. - Do you think there ought to be an ambulance there? - Yes. - In about five minutes the Police ambulance from the Harbour-avenue Police Station arrived. - Dr J. P.S. Ward said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - Mr W. Addiscott, the Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Councillor W. C. Harris thanked the Jury. "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Sad Death. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on LEAH DUCKWORTH, four years old. - The mother, ANNIE DUCKWORTH, who resides at 2 Catherine-street-ope, said her husband, a hammerman in the Dockyard, deserted her recently. On Wednesday last, whilst having a cup of tea in a neighbour's room, she heard screams and going up to her own room found deceased's clothing in flames. The deceased was immediately taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. Her husband earned a guinea a week, but sometimes did not bring 2 ½d. home. She had two other children. - Robert Doidge, who assisted in extinguishing the flames, said the deceased was literally roasted. - Medical evidence showed that the child had burns on the arms, face, abdomen and one of its legs, and that it died from acute septic poisoning on Saturday. The Coroner said this was another case where there was no fireguard to protect the children. Even before her husband left her the mother had apparently no means to provide a fireguard. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 April 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth on GEORGE GIMBLET, the infant son of HENRY E. R. GIMBLET, journeyman mason, 9 Morley-place, Dr Wagner attributed death to congenital heart disease.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on AMELIA RICKARD, 72, of 29 Cambridge-road, Ford, who died suddenly whilst preparing dinner on Sunday. Dr Williams, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 April 1903
EXETER - Death From Lockjaw At Exeter. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on LILIAN JANE WINGROVE, aged 8, of Silverton, it was stated that whilst running along the road on the 18th inst., she fell down, and a wood spar used for thatching ricks injured her face just under the eye. She was conveyed to the Exeter Eye Infirmary next day and afterwards transferred to the Hospital. She was suffering from lockjaw, the result of a wound in the orbit of the eye, which however, had then healed. She died on Thursday afternoon. her father was dead, and her mother was too ill to attend the Inquest. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Suffocation By Gas. Inquest At Plymouth. - Mr J. G. Graves, Deputy Coroner of Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday on MARY ANN EDGCOMBE, aged 84. MRS EMILY EDGCOMBE, wife of a music teacher, residing at 41 Cobourg-street, stated that the deceased was her mother-in-law and lived with them. Deceased used to keep the gas burning in her bedroom during the night. Lately the deceased told her she had given that up, as it made the room too warm. Yesterday morning, when she went to the deceased's bedroom, the smell was very strong and found deceased apparently dead. The gas tap was partly turned on, but not alight. All the doors and windows were closed and there was no fireplace in the room. - Dr W. H. Brenton said deceased had evidently been dead for some hours when found. From superficial examination of the body and the surrounding circumstances, he attributed death to poisoning from ordinary illuminating gas. - A verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated by Gas" was returned. - Mr Graves said it was perfectly clear that the deceased must have, after turning out the light, turned the tap partly on again.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 April 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on AMY LOUISA GARRISH, the wife of FRED GARRISH, cab proprietor, 12 Hastings-street, Dr R. H. Wagner attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 April 1903
PLYMSTOCK - Fatal Accident At Elburton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Elburton on HANNAH BLATCHFORD, aged 70, wife of WILLIAM BLATCHFORD, labourer. On March 31st the husband went to bed early and was followed at ten o'clock by his son, deceased being left alone in the kitchen. Half an hour later the husband told the son that his mother was calling and on his going downstairs he found she had tripped and fallen. Although unable to stand she did not appear to be in pain. Next morning Dr Noy Scott found she was suffering from an impacted fracture of the neck of the thigh bone. Deceased progressed favourably for a fortnight, when pneumonia set in, causing death, which was accelerated by the injury. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. A Mother's Fright. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Camel's Head yesterday relative to the death of MAY OFFORD, the child of WILLIAM SAMUEL OFFORD, chief cook at the R.N. Barracks and living at 25 Second-street, First-avenue. The father said the child was born at 9 p.m. on Saturday. There was a midwife in attendance but no medical man. His wages were 25s. a week. - The Coroner: Do you make more than that? - Witness: I could not say. - Why? - I might go to one ship and find little things out. Twenty-five shillings a week is all I can speak about. It is nothing to do with outsiders if I can make a few shillings a week. - We shall see. I am not asking out of curiosity. I want to find out whether your means are sufficient to warrant your engaging a medical man when your wife was going to be confined. - If my wife had listened to me she would have had a medical man. She said if I engaged a doctor he should not come near her. After the confinement the midwife called me and said she had done all she could, but she believed the child was dead. My wife had a fright on the previous day in consequence of a coal trolley having upset while the children were in the street. The deceased was born prematurely. - Sarah Uren, midwife, 28 Victoria-terrace, St. Budeaux, cautioned by the Coroner, said she desired to tell the truth. The child was born feet first and there was a cord round the neck. She did not notice any mark on the neck when the child was born, but she saw a mark on Monday. The mark must have been caused by a fold in the nightdress. She informed the Police when she found the child was dead. The officials at the cemetery would not accept certificates from midwives. - The Coroner: I am very glad to hear that. - Dr F. E. Row said the child was not large but moderately well developed. He found a wound 1 ¼ inches long on the right side of the neck, extending across the windpipe, and beneath the wound the muscles were bruised very slightly. In one lung was a minute portion of air. The child was born without sufficient vitality to live and to all practical purposes was born dead. When children were born feet first the danger was great and the danger was increased by the cord around the neck. The treatment after birth described by the midwife was correct. He was inclined to think the mark on the neck was caused by the edge of the bath. - The Coroner thought that after the straightforward manner in which Mrs Uren had given her evidence, the Jury would have no difficulty in agreeing with Dr Row. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 April 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on MARY JANE GILBERT, aged 47, of 19 Tavistock-street, wife of a coal dealer who is an inmate of the Asylum. Deceased had been in indifferent health, and remained in bed all day on Monday. She vomited badly and next morning was found to be dead. A post-mortem examination by Dr Hinvest showed that the liver and digestive organs were very much diseased and the bowels ulcerated. The immediate cause of death was syncope, due to the rupture of one of the ulcers, probably caused by the vomiting.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 May 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowned In Stonehouse Creek. A Vagrant's End. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on JOHN ROGERS, aged 84, a former inmate of Devonport Workhouse. - Josiah Taylor, foreman in the employ of Fox, Eliott and Co. (Limited), timber merchants, stated that early yesterday morning while floating timber in the creek above the Halfpenny Bridge he saw deceased in the water just below the Military Hospital. P.C. Gorrill said in the pockets were deceased's baptismal certificate, a certificate of marriage of his father and mother, and letters addressed to the County Court judge. - The Coroner said deceased evidently had an idea that he was entitled to property near that belonging to the Duke of Bedford. - Replying to the Coroner, P.C. Gorrill said deceased had been cautioned on several occasions for vagrancy. - P.C. Pike saw ROGERS making his way towards the Halfpenny Bridge about half-past two yesterday morning. - Richard Osborne, collector at the Halfpenny Bridge, said shortly after that he saw a man whom he believed to be deceased. near an opening on the Devonport side of the bridge leading down to the creek. Witness thought ROGERS must have been seeking shelter under the railway arch when he slipped down the bank. - Inspector Leyman said deceased was convicted of sleeping out in July last, and he then told witness he was claiming some property in the vicinity of Tavistock. He was chargeable at Devonport Workhouse from October last to the 22nd inst. - Dr W. E. Corbett said long cuts on the right side of the forehead and on the lower side of the right jaw were consistent with a fall. Death was due to drowning. - "Found Drowned" was the verdict returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on JOHN BARTLE, aged 60, a carter, of 2 Richmond-street, Plymouth, his wife said on Wednesday he left home quite well. He had only complained of pain in the shoulder. Mr G. Andrews, agent of Lord St. Levan, in whose employ deceased had been for two months, said on Wednesday morning BARTLE was near Avondale-terrace, driving a horse and cart. Going up the hill he rested his horse, and was patting it when he swerved and fell on his face dead. Mr F. E. Row said deceased had heart disease of long standing, both lungs had grown to the side extensively and there was a small cancer on the right lung. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 May 1903
CO. CORK, IRELAND - Plymouth Seaman Suffocated. - At Courtmacaberry, a small port on the coast of Cork, an Inquest was held on Thursday on THOMAS BENNETT, mate of the schooner Excelsior, whose death occurred through suffocation on board that vessel. Captain Bull, master of the schooner, said the vessel had brought a cargo of manure to Courtmacaberry, where the ship was duly berthed. The deceased was a native of Plymouth, aged about 29 years, and was not married. Some time after midnight witness noticed smoke and fire issuing from the part of the ship where the deceased was sleeping. he immediately raised an alarm and with some of the crew endeavoured to reach the berth occupied by the deceased, but this was found to be impossible owing to the smoke and the intense heat. He then sent to the Police for assistance. Sergeant P. Rouke and Constable Fahy were quickly on the scene, and with great promptitude and courage succeeded in making their way down the narrow ladder at great personal risk and danger, through blinding and suffocating smoke, and reached the bunk on which deceased was lying. They found him unconscious and brought him up on deck; but all efforts at resuscitation were unavailing. The Police also were instrumental in checking the further progress of the fire on the vessel, but considerable damage has been done on board. - The Coroner, Captain Bull, and Dr O'Driscoll commended the action of the Police. The Jury found that death was due to Suffocation caused by the berth having taken fire, and commended the gallant conduct of the Police.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held on Saturday at the Laira Hotel, Plymouth, on WILLIAM FRANK LOCKYER, the two-months-old son of GEORGE LOCKYER, labourer, 6 Radford-avenue, Dr Tavers Stubbs attributed death to convulsions.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 May 1903
ASHBURTON - Lockjaw At Ashburton. - During the temporary absence of their mother, on April 24th, the two sons, aged 8 and 6 respectively of a farm labourer named ROACH, of Denbury, got hold of a garden fork, and the elder boy ran it into the foot of the other, causing a slight wound on the great toe, which the mother dressed. The little fellow played about as usual until May 1st, when he complained of pain in the stomach. A doctor ordered him to be sent to the Cottage Hospital, where he died on the following day. - Mr Hacker, the County Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday, elicited from the brother that he ran the fork into deceased's foot when picking up some weed. - Dr Wilson Ranson said that when call d he found the boy suffering from partial lockjaw, doubtless the result of the accident, and, this developing, caused his death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

MOREBATH - A Fatal Draught Of Brandy. - Mr A. Burrow, Coroner for the Cullompton division, held an Inquest on Monday evening on the four-year-old daughter of FRANCIS COCKRAM, a haulier, of Exbridge. She had been unwell and a half-quartern of brandy was obtained for her. It was divided in two parts. One part was diluted with water., the other was left in the bottle. On Thursday the child complained of pain and thirst, and a little of the diluted brandy was given. Early on Friday morning she drank the whole of the neat brandy, standing in a bottle on a table in the bedroom. She never recovered consciousness and died on Friday. The Jury (Mr W. H. Marsh, Chemical Works, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - Old Lady's Sad Death At Plymouth. - At the Connaught Nurses' Home, Mutley, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of LOUISA MARIA GREEN, spinster, aged 92, an inmate of the Institution. - Mr T. Wolferstan watched the proceedings for Mrs E. L. H. Gill, proprietress of the Home. - Mrs Gill stated that deceased had been in the Home just over twelve months. She came from Yelverton, but was a native of Maidstone. On April 24th witness left her sitting in a chair by the side of the fireplace in her bedroom. On returning after an absence of only a minute or two she found her sitting on the bed with the sleeve of her dressing-gown in flames. Witness tried unsuccessfully to put out the flames and then called a nurse, with whose assistance she cut off the burning clothes. Deceased did not say how it happened. She lingered until Wednesday, when she died. There was a guard to the fire and witness could not say how deceased's clothes became ignited. - Dr Simpson stated that he had attended MISS GREEN for a year, visiting her regularly once a month, and oftener when necessary. She was suffering from senile decay. On April 24th he was called by telephone, and found deceased in bed. Her right arm was burned from the wrist to within a couple of inches of the shoulder. He attended her until her death, of which the burning was the primary cause. Witness did not think deceased fell into the grate, because if she had fallen she would not have been able to get up again. Probably she was playing with the fire and set herself alight. When discovered she was sitting on the bed and had, in fact, set the bed on fire. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on JAMES WILLIAM GLANVILLE, aged 46 years, a naval pensioner, residing at 19 Windham-square. - ELLEN GLANVILLE, sister of the deceased, stated that on Monday about 5.30 p.m. one of the deceased's brothers asked him where he was going. He replied, "To water the garden," and he was seen doing it a short time afterwards. That was the last time he was seen alive. On opening a back door she found him hanging to a beam, and she immediately sent for P.C. Hannaford. Deceased had been under the care of Dr Burke for some time, and seemed to have an idea that he would be permanently laid up, but had never threatened to take his life. - Dr. A. E. Ash said on arriving he found GLANVILLE dead. Death was due to strangulation. The Constable had tried artificial means of respiration but to no purpose. - P.C. Hannaford said when he arrived the deceased was cut down. he believed the man was then dead. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. A Little Girl's Sad Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, last evening relative to the death of JANE HARRIS GRIMSTER, aged three years, daughter of a labourer, WM. GRIMSTER, 15 Collingwood-avenue, Plymouth. The deceased was on Wednesday morning in Elliott-road, Prince Rock. Richard Knott, a scavenger, in the employ of Plymouth Corporation, was walking his horse and cart along the thoroughfare, when the child ran directly under the feet of the horse. The wagon jumped a little and before Knott had time to pull up the child was under the cart. The horse was backed and the child was taken to the Hospital. Death was due to a complicated fracture of the skull. A witness stated that the dustcart was proceeding slowly and the child ran in front of it. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner said he could not see that any blame attached to the driver and the Jury agreed. Mr Eric Ward represented Plymouth Corporation.

PLYMOUTH - Drowned In A Reservoir. - At the Mortuary, Mr Johns held an Inquest on ERNEST JOHN GOULD, aged 12, son of SAMUEL ISAAC GOULD, 'bus driver, of 10 Wesley-avenue. The lad was found drowned in Stonehouse old reservoir, at Pounds. The father stated that deceased left home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening, saying he was going to catch minnows. When the boy did not return search was made for him, and information was given the Police. P.C. Lyle stated that he recovered the body from the reservoir in several feet of water. The body was in a stooping position and it appeared as if deceased had endeavoured after he fell into the water to get back to the bank again. In his opinion the reservoir was not sufficiently guarded. There was a notice board warning trespassers. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned and the Jury added a rider that the reservoir should be efficiently protected to prevent children getting near it. Mr O. Wilcocks was present, representing Messrs. Shellabear, who are considerable owners of property in the district. Sympathy was expressed with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - Cyclist Crushed By A Tramcar. - An Inquest was held at the Homeopathic Hospital on EDWIN GEORGE DELAFEILD, 13, son of MR C. H. DELAFEILD, bootmaker, Frankfort-street, Plymouth, and of Revelstoke-terrace. Mr Eric Ward watched the proceedings on behalf of the Plymouth Corporation. - The driver of the car was Samuel Lobb, 11 Claremont street, who said he was going around Princess-square to Westwell-street. As he was turning the corner near the Prince's Hall, he noticed deceased riding only a few yards from him. the machine of deceased either got caught in the rails or skidded, and young DELAFEILD fell over. Witness did his utmost to pull up, but before he could do so deceased came in contact with the car, head foremost. - By the Jury: The car was 20 yards distant from deceased when he was pulling up, but he had no idea that young DELAFEILD would fall . - By Mr Ward: He believed that deceased endeavoured to avoid the car and in turning skidded. - Henry Rodda, painter, Windsor-place, said he saw the lad endeavouring to turn the corner, coming from the direction of Westwell-street, riding quite six miles an hour. He could not say the rate exactly that the car was going, but it pulled up in the ordinary way to round Princess-square. In his opinion the wheel of deceased's bicycle caught between the metals, or else the machine skidded, the ground being damp at the time. he was sure the wheels of the bicycle did not strike the car. Deceased appeared to fall head foremost against the ar. Witness ran forward to render assistance. He could not explain why the guard or fender of the car did not catch up the deceased. There was certainly no blame to be attached to the driver, who exercised discretion throughout. The driver pulled up in a remarkable manner, had he not done so the lad would have been cut in two. The driver showed most commendable skill in bringing the car to a standstill. - Mr C.R. Everson, manager of the Plymouth Corporation Tramways, said the guards attached to the Plymouth electric cars were approved by the Board of Trade. There were four or five different kinds of guards, but that of the Plymouth cars was of the most approved and recently adopted kind. He did not know of a better or more effective type. Drivers had the fullest instructions to prepare for any emergency in case of accident. The guard must have been lowered, otherwise the boy would have been cut in pieces. - Dr Thos. George Miles, resident Medical Officer of the Homoeopathic Hospital, said deceased had injuries to the right hip, the bowels were lacerated and there was a general shock. From the first the case was hopeless. - The Coroner said it appeared that the driver did his utmost to bring the car to a standstill. The car was going at a slow rate. There appeared to be no blame attached to the driver: and it was stated that the guard of the car was one of the most effective in use. Their deepest sympathy would be extended to the relatives of the deceased. - Mr Everson said the Plymouth Corporation deeply regretted the fatal accident and wished to sympathise with the parents. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and did not attach any blame to the driver of the car. Mr J. Elworthy (the Foreman) said the Jury wished to add their expression of sympathy with the deceased's relatives in their sad bereavement.

TOTNES - Totnes Labourer's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Totnes yesterday on SAMUEL NICHOLAS SHILLABEER, aged 67 years, the widow said deceased followed his employment as a labourer until a fortnight ago. Two years since he had an accident, and his eye was removed. He had complained of pains in the head, and during Tuesday night he said his head was like fire. At 9.20 a.m. on Wednesday he called down and asked the time and at a quarter to ten, on going to give him a message from a fellow-workman, she found him lying on the floor with a small piece of rope attached to the bed, around his neck. - MABEL SHILLABEER, deceased's daughter-in-law, said when she took him some tea he then said he did not feel very well in his head. - Dr Gibson did not consider the pains due to the removal of the eye, but to natural degeneration due to his hard work and age. - Deceased had suffered from dizziness and weakness in the legs and that would have a tendency to depress him. He was always contented and cheerful and made little of his complaints. There was no sign of a struggle and death must have been very rapid. He considered the act due to a sudden impulse and that deceased could not have been responsible for his actions at the time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

TAVISTOCK - Mr Rodd held an Inquiry at Tavistock yesterday on CHARLES HENRY NORTHCOTT, aged eight weeks, child of WILLIAM HENRY NORTHCOTT, labourer. Dr Snowden Smith attributed death to overlying, and said it was very improper for parents to let young children sleep with them. The mother said she was a heavy sleeper. She fed the child at 4 a.m., and found it dead at six. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - Drowned On Easter Monday. Inquest At Plymouth. - Mr J. G. Graves (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD PRESTON, aged 28, an able seaman, of H.M.S. Royal Oak. - Hetty Brock, widow, 4 Peel-street, Stonehouse, said she had known the deceased for years. He was a native of Brent. On Easter Monday last the deceased, Mrs Ash and herself, went out in a boat to see H.M.S. Renown, lying in Plymouth Sound. About four o'clock they were nearing the Cattewater Pier to land when the deceased stood up in the boat to get something from his trousers pocket. The boat gave a lurch and the deceased fell overboard. She threw a paddle to him, but he did not catch it. He made no attempt to swim, although he was sober and able to swim. She saw him rise twice and then suddenly disappear. The sea was rough. - P.C. Denner said the body, which was identified by the clothing was picked up near the end of the Breakwater. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1903
IDEFORD - Drowned Whilst In A Fit. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Olchard, near Ideford, on BESSIE COOMBES, spinster, aged 29. Her sister, KATIE COOMBES, deposed she had suffered from fits since she was three years old. She often fell and became unconscious. She had been in a London Hospital. On Saturday evening she went out to pick flowers about seven o'clock and fell into a stream under a hedge. Mrs Maria Partridge found her lying in a gutter on her face and hands in the water. - Dr Dory, who made a post-mortem examination, said there was no sign of injury to the head and death was due to drowning whilst in an epileptic fit. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMPTON - A Young Driver's Sad Fate. Inquest At Sparkwell. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Sparkwell, Plympton, on THOMAS GARLAND, aged 12 years, son of WILLIAM GARLAND, farm labourer, in the employ of Mr W. Rowe, Beechwood Farm. - Dr C. H. G. Prance said deceased had on the right side three fractured ribs, which penetrated the lung. He was a very capable boy physically. - The father of the deceased said his son had holiday from school on Saturdays and had been coming to the farm to work for about four months. On Saturday he was drawing manure from the farmyard to a field, about a quarter-mile away. The deceased was driving a very quiet, and not a young horse. - Samuel Phillips, master mason, Lee Mill, said while driving a cart containing scaffold poles he met deceased and another youth named Collings, coming towards him, driving carts laden with manure. He pulled in, and Collins passed all right. Deceased, who was riding on the cart, in passing pulled too hard on the reins and one of the wheels went up the side of the hedge. Witness shouted to the deceased to be careful, or he would upset. Deceased passed all right and must then have pulled the wrong rein, and he wheel going further up the side of the hedge, caused the cart to capsize on the top of the lad. The boy had not the experience to drive when there was any danger attached to it. - Thomas Collings, aged 15, labourer, in the employ of Mr Rowe, said Mr Phillips pulled up his horse and cart. There was plenty of room to pass. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Jury would doubtless consider whether a lad so young should have been entrusted to drive a horse and cart. He probably might have been physically fit to do so, but he seemed to lack the experience and care necessary. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and at the suggestion of Mr R. D. Ford, the Foreman, gave their fees to the parents to whom their sincerest sympathy was tendered. The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents and also with Mr Rowe.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 May 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Doctors Action Criticised. A Remarkable Story. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on the twin children of ROSINA MEDLIN, single, of 48 Bridwell-road. - EMMA MEDLIN said the mother of the children was her sister. The children were born on Saturday morning and Dr Kenrick was fetched. Dr Kenrick was examining the bodies and witness asked him what she should do with them. The doctor replied, "Go out and dig a pit in the garden and bury it." She smiled as she did not think the doctor meant what he said. The doctor then told her to get a box - a soap-box would do - and he would put the children into it; then get some tin tacks, nail them down and take the box to St Budeaux Churchyard. The sexton there would bury them for a fee of about 1s. 6d. Dr Kenrick gave a certificate of death on Monday morning. By the Coroner: Dr Kenrick did not say bury them: he said bury it. - Mrs Hingston, 61 Bridwell-road, a midwife for 20 years, said when she arrived the second child had just been born. Both were then dead. The doctor said the children were dead and they should dig a pit and bury them in the garden. Witness said to him, "No; there is a great law against that. If the children are dead now, they have been alive and a doctor is supposed to give a certificate." Witness put her hand out and the doctor gave it a shove, saying he would not be dictated to by her. She did not think the doctor's words were said as a joke. He got quite angry with her when she said she would not have the children buried. - A Juror: Are you quite clear the doctor referred to the children when he made the remark about burying? - Witness (emphatically): Yes. - Is there any prejudice between you and the doctor? - Not at all. - Dr Kenrick said when he arrived he found that the children had been prematurely born. The whole of the conversation in the room was carried on in whispers, so that the brother should not hear. the remark about burying it in the garden did not refer to the children. He said they should get a box to put the children in. The sister then got a large cardboard box and the bodies were put into it. He told them to take it to the sexton at the churchyard. He gave a certificate of death. - The Coroner: The certificate you gave states that you were present at the birth of the two children. It is hardly right to say that. I consider this certificate is certainly one which should not have been given. The matter should have been reported to me. In a case of a single woman it is all the more necessary to be most particular. As a matter of fact, could you say these children were born dead? - They were dead when I got there. - At the time of your attendance could you positively say the second child was born dead? - No. - Then why did you give a certificate that such child was born dead? - As far as I could reasonably judge, it had been born dead. - This is a very serious matter. Supposing this child had been suffocated, could you have told at that moment whether the child had been suffocated or not? - Not without a post-mortem examination. - Then you had no right whatever to give such a certificate, had you? - No. I did not think of it at the time. It is generally the way I have done. - Then it is a way that must be stopped. There is never any difficulty with reference to any case where a child has been born dead and there has been no suspicious circumstances, but in the case of a child of a single woman one has to be most careful. In cases where you are not actually present at the birth, and you find the child dead, you are always to report the matter to me, and it is for me to say whether the child should be buried with or without an Inquest. What you say is that the expression you used referred not to the bodies? - Yes. - The Coroner: What I do complain of is that you stated that you delivered this woman of these children, whereas you were not actually present. - Dr row said he saw the bodies on Monday. The body of the female was much decomposed. The children were born prematurely. His opinion was that the children did not breathe. Taking all the facts into consideration, he thought a doctor would be justified in not troubling the Coroner. He thought he himself would have given a similar certificate, though probably not in exactly the same words. He should, of course, have hesitated in the case of an unmarried woman. In the present case he considered the certificate should have been withheld. - EMMA MEDLIN, recalled, said she was sure that the doctor used the word "it," whilst Mrs Hingston was equally positive that the doctor referred to the babies. - The Coroner, summing up, said there was certainly a descrepancy in the evidence regarding that point. He hoped Dr Kenrick would in future always report such cases to him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Stillborn," and recommended that Dr Kenrick should be warned. Dr Kenrick undertook to report all similar cases to the Coroner in future.

REVELSTOKE - Plymouth Man's Death At Noss. Business Irregularities. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Noss Mayo on WALTER EDWARD JEWSON, aged about 33, of 4 Patna-place, Plymouth, manager for Searle and Co., tailors and outfitters of 144 Union-street, Plymouth. Henry J. Brewer, secretary to Holloway Bros. Limited, of Stroud, stated that deceased was manager of the firm's business at Union-street, Plymouth. Deceased failing to make the usual returns concerning the business, witness paid a surprise visit there last Friday. He found things irregular and deceased promised to make up certain books and meet him the following morning. Deceased failed to keep the appointment. - The Coroner: Without going deeply into the matter, the Jury may take it his cash is wrong? - That is so. Witness added that deceased appeared upset upon his visit, but was perfectly rational. MR JEWSON remarked that he would stay up until midnight if necessary to get the books done. The books, however, had not been touched. Deceased had been with them about five years, having managed the Plymouth business about two years, and previous to that having been engaged at Exeter and Sheffield. - Is there any proof amongst his papers of gambling? - Not that I am aware of. There are no papers at all, except those connected with business. - Mr J. Harrison (Foreman of the Jury): Is this the first time such a thing has occurred? - We had perfect confidence in him until quite recently. - Albert Edward Osborn, assistant at Searle and Co.'s Plymouth business, said he reached the premises about nine o'clock on Saturday morning and deceased was there in his office. He came out and said, "I'm glad you're come," and as he went out said he would return shortly. He had not seen him since. - The Coroner: Do you know anything of the irregularities? - Nothing whatever. I had nothing to do with the accounts. - Was he a man who has been attentive to his business of late? - Yes. - Has he been addicted to drink at all? - Not excessively to my knowledge. I had no conversation with him after Mr Brewer's visit on Friday. - Thomas Matthews, master baker, Newton Ferrers, said on Saturday evening at Noss deceased asked him where he could get a bed for the weekend. Seeing he was a respectable person, he offered him shelter at his house. After tea deceased went out until nine o'clock, when he went to bed. After a light breakfast on Sunday morning, deceased, whose manner was rather strange, paid his bill and said he might not return that way again. Witness was surprised at his rather abrupt departure. - Jane Serena Wilson, of Battery Cottage, The Cellars, stated that between eleven and twelve on Sunday deceased came to the back entrance of the house and asked for a drink of water. She gave him a glass of water, and as he appeared tired she asked him if he would like anything else. He asked for another glass of water, which she gave him. - John Edmonds, fisherman, of Noss, said on Monday morning off the eastern cove of the Old Cellars Bay he found the body floating in the water. - Mr A. E. Gladstone, Surgeon, Newton Ferrers, said the base of the skull was fractured and there were bruises and abrasions, probably caused by a fall from a considerable height, or by collision with rocks in a rough sea. Death was not due to drowning, but to those injuries. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that he thought business worries created temporary insanity, and the poor fellow destroyed himself. If the Jury, however, elected they might return an open verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." -

Western Morning News, Monday 25 May 1903
BRISTOL - Devonshire Girl's Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was opened at Bristol on Saturday on MARY LUSCOMBE, aged about 23 years, a tailor's presser, whose parents live at Braunton. The Coroner said he had ordered a post-mortem examination to be made. According to the report made to him it would appear that the girl had died under suspicious circumstances. - Emily Kennedy, living at Bedminster, stated that the deceased had lodged with her for the last seven or eight months, during which time she had never seemed in good health, staying away from work on many occasions. On Sunday week she was taken ill and during the week she had several visits from a Mrs Nares. Witness thought Mrs Nares was coming simply as a friend. On Monday morning the girl appeared very ill and witness summoned some of the neighbours, but death took place very soon after. On Thursday she received a letter from the deceased's father, MR THOMAS LUSCOMBE, of Chapel-street, Braunton, and another from her sister-in-law. The father regretted that witness had not let him know the girl was ill, as he would like to have seen her alive. On the Wednesday night witness took Mrs Nares to the factory where deceased was employed, at the request of the manager (Mr Bishop). Mr Bishop said he could not help them as the girl had not worked long enough, and he mentioned some rumours which were abroad in the factory. On Friday the body was removed to the mortuary and when Mrs Nares called later witness told her of this, and added that "there was something funny going on." Mrs Nares said the deceased ought to have been buried by the parish, as she would have been buried by Friday and there would have been no bother. On one occasion, just before Christmas, the deceased brought Mrs Nares to the house, and with them was a man she called her brother, who had now gone away to sea. The Inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday.

EXETER - An Exeter Lady's Death. Fall From A Bedroom Window. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday afternoon on EMILIE BEATRICE HARVEY, a maiden lady, aged about 48, of 33 Southernhay West. - MR JAMES EMLYN HARVEY, architect , said deceased (his cousin) resided alone with her servants and Dr Davy had been attending her for rheumatic troubles and insomnia. - Edith Ellen Monkley, domestic servant, said she last saw her mistress alive at ten o'clock on Friday night in her bedroom. On Saturday morning, about 8.40 she found deceased lying in the backyard under the kitchen window. Dr Brash residing near by, was at once fetched. Deceased's bedroom was at the front of the house. The windows at the back of the house were shut up on Friday night, but on Saturday morning, subsequent to the finding of the body, she found the top window at the back open. Deceased had suffered from rheumatism and sleeplessness. Witness had never heard her speak of suicide. She had been depressed for the past two or three days, but witness did not know the cause for it. No letter had been left behind by deceased. Witness remembered bolting the window in question on Friday night. - Alice Dymond, domestic servant, said she noticed nothing unusual in deceased's manner when she retired to rest on Friday night. Her bed had been slept in. - Dr E. A. Brash said he found deceased dead. The body was warm. there was a compound fracture of one leg, and the base and top of the skull were fractured. The face and body were much bruised. She evidently met her death by falling out of the window. he knew deceased was in the habit of getting giddy and falling about. She had made arrangements to go to Teignmouth on Saturday with her cousin. The windows at the back of these houses were low and dangerous. - The Coroner, in reply to a Juror, said there was no evidence that deceased had been in the habit of walking in her sleep. The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 May 1903
ASHBURTON - ELIZABETH ANN POTTER, 74, wife of a labourer, occupying an upstairs tenement at North-street, Ashburton, fell whilst carrying a pail of water upstairs on May 6th and bruised her right temple and back. The accident caused effusion of blood on the brain and death ensued. At the Inquest yesterday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and advised that the attention of the owner of the house be called to the need of a stair-rail.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 May 1903
BRISTOL - Braunton Girl's Death At Bristol. The Inquest Again Adjourned. - The Bristol Coroner yesterday resumed his Inquiry into the death of a young woman named MARY LUSCOMBE, a tailor's presser, whose father and relatives reside at Chapel-street, Braunton. - Dr Hedley Hill, the divisional police surgeon for Bedminster, detailed the results of the post-mortem examination, and said that the deceased had undoubtedly been the subject of an illegal operation, which he thought very unlikely to have been self-performed. - Dr George Cawley, who was called in to see the deceased, said that she had got wet through and had gone to work in her wet clothes. He formed the opinion that she was dangerously ill and was suffering from consumption and recommended her removal to the Hospital. He gave a certificate that death was due primarily to acute phthises, and secondarily to syncope, but after receiving a visit from the Coroner's Officer, he withdrew that certificate and now agreed with Dr Hill as to the facts of the post-mortem examination, and to the conclusions as to the cause of death formed by Dr Hill. - In answer to Mr Crompton, the witness said that Mrs Nares seemed anxious about the girl, and paid him his fee. - The Coroner said the case was assuming a very serious aspect and Mr Tyrrell, for the Police, said that in the face of the evidence, they were bound to ask for a further adjournment. - Mr Crompton said that unfortunately certain rumours had found their way into the papers, and people were putting a pasty construction on the case, and in consequence Mrs Nares was most anxious to give evidence. The Inquest was adjourned until June 11th.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 May 1903
PLYMOUTH - Drowned In Cattewater. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on JAMES DART, 63, wheelwright. - William Hy. Blight, 53 Clare-buildings, Coxside, said he gave the deceased tea at his home on Tuesday evening. He had come out of the Workhouse a few days before, and was in receipt of out-relief. He was very depressed and did not at times seem quite himself. Witness advised him to return to the Workhouse, but he appeared to have a dread of doing so. Deceased complained of pains in his head and side and wished himself dead. Witness had known him for twenty years. He was formerly a writer in the Dockyard. He believed DART had said he would rather drown himself than return to the Workhouse. - Wm. John Pascho, waterman, of Turnchapel, found the body in Cattewater at 5.30 on Wednesday morning. It had apparently only been in the water a few hours. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on JOHN UPTON VAUGHAN, 49, of 2 John-street, Plymouth, who complained of feeling unwell on Tuesday afternoon, and died within an hour, Dr W. H. Brenton said he attended the deceased last January for heart disease. Death was due to valvular disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 June 1903
BICKINGTON - Strange Death Near Newton Abbot. A Brothers' Quarrel. - JOSHUA ROWELL, a farm labourer, of Bickington, a little village, four miles from Newton Abbot, died on Friday morning, after a short illness. On Wednesday last Dr Nisbet was called in, and attended him until he died. He certified that deceased died from apoplexy, but neighbours afterwards informed him that on the Monday evening deceased had a quarrel with a brother, with whom he lived, and was apparently knocked down. They went to his assistance and found him stretched on the floor insensible, and from that time he never recovered sufficiently to explain what had occurred. The doctor immediately withdrew his certificate, and gave information to the Police. The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, ordered a post-mortem examination, but on Saturday evening, when the Inquest was held at Bickington, this had not been completed and it was decided to call in a second doctor to assist in completing it yesterday morning. - In opening the Inquiry, the Deputy Coroner, gave the Jury thoroughly to understand that they must put out of their minds all that they had heard and deal with the case according to the evidence brought before them. Whether deceased's death resulted from injuries received during the quarrel between the two brothers would rest entirely upon the medical evidence. The case was a very serious one, needing very careful investigation. - FRANK ROWELL, the brother of deceased, was cautioned by the Coroner that he was at liberty to say what he liked or he need not say more than he liked. - Witness; I don't know any more than that I did not knock him. On Tuesday morning he complained of being ill and of a pain in his forehead. On Wednesday witness sent for a doctor, and deceased died at ten minutes to two on Friday morning. - FRANK ROWELL, son of last witness, in reply to the Deputy Coroner, said he was a farm labourer, and could neither read nor write. he knew what it was to speak the truth. When he returned home on Monday evening he heard his father call deceased to get up. Witness went in and asked what was the matter, and his father said deceased had fallen down. He could not say whether they were drunk or sober. - Jane Christophers, wife of an ex-policeman, stated that she heard the two brothers using very bad language towards one another. FRANK was out at the front door and she heard him say, "When I come in I will let you know." She heard a great fall, and FRANK, said: "JOSH, I don't mean no harm to you. Get up, JOSH." Witness heard no reply, nor did she hear JOSHUA speak before that. She went to see what was the matter, and deceased was on the floor, with FRANK behind holding him up. He appeared to have been injured very much. - John Christophers stated that he heard a great fall, as if deceased had thrown a bag of coals or a log of wood on the floor. Witness went into the house at the request of his wife, and saw deceased lying flat on his back on the floor, and FRANK standing by his side. Witness said: "What on earth have you done, FRANK?" and he replied: "I didn't knock him very hard, John, I didn't think he would have went down." Witness said, "Why don't you lift him up?" and he replied: "I can't, he's drunk." Witness placed deceased in a chair and saw that blood was oozing from his mouth. Witness said: "You have knocked him hard enough, FRANK, to fetch blood from his mouth." In reply, FRANK said: "Well, John, I didn't knock him very hard; I didn't think I had hurt him very much." The only thing that deceased said was "Leave me alone." As he was leaving witness said "This is a bad job, FRANK," and the latter replied "I believe it was." Witness had had occasion to go into the house before on account of the brothers continually quarrelling. They were both given to drink. Deceased had been drinking, but witness could not say he was drunk. - Susan Denley, wife of the landlord of the Jolly Sailor Inn, stated that she went to the house on Wednesday, at the request of FRANK and assisted attended deceased until he died. He was at her house on the night of the quarrel and left apparently all right. The Deputy Coroner said he proposed to adjourn the Inquest until next Wednesday as there was a lot more to be elicited.

EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse on Saturday on JOHN EDWARD KENT, aged two months, the child of a labourer, 3 Adelaide-cottages. The child was said to have been delicate from birth, and subject to convulsions. It slept with its parents and at 4 a.m. that morning the mother awoke and found the child sick, and it died shortly afterwards. Dr T. Leah attributed death to suffocation, probably caused either by being overlaid or by obstruction of its mouth with a shawl. The Deputy Coroner (Mr c. G. Brian) said it seemed a pity that mothers would persist in taking their infants into bed with them, especially when, as in this case, they were being artificially fed. The dangerous practice was frequently pointed out by Coroners, and yet parents took no heed of the warning. A verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at Plymouth on Saturday on ELLEN ELIZA OSTLER, aged 33, wife of GERALD OSTLER, colour-sergeant, in the Rifle Brigade, stationed at the Tower of London. Deceased was at Plymouth on a visit to her parents, and died from syncope in the house of a friend.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned At Plymouth. - John Bunt, a fisherman, was attending to his crab-pots off the shore below Plymouth Citadel on Saturday morning when he was summoned to the beach. Pulling in he discovered in the water between the rocks, the body of CAROLINE JANE GILES, widow of ROBERT GILES, journeyman shipwright of Prince Rock. Artificial respiration was tried without avail. - At the Inquest ALFRED EDWARD GILES, ironmonger, 97 Salisbury-road, said deceased was his mother. He had not been on friendly terms with her for some time, and last saw her alive twelve months ago. He did not know where she lived, but he presumed she resided at No. 2 Wentworth-place, Embankment-road, as a paper bearing that address was found in her pocket. - John Devereux, labourer, said he saw deceased cross the North Quay about ten o'clock on Saturday morning. She was carrying a cape and had an umbrella. She did not appear to be sober, but he would not swear she was drunk. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Suicide. Suggestion Of Overwork. - Mr E. Ernest Gard (Deputy Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on CHARLES BERNARD HAMMETT, 30 years, of 1 Auckland-road, Ford, an assistant at the Co-operative Society's store at Princes-street, Devonport. - MRS HAMMETT, the widow, said she last saw her husband on Saturday, when he left home after dinner to return to the store, where he had been employed about eighteen months. He was then in the best of spirits and had no trouble. She believed he had been overworked during the week, as Mr Honey, the manager, had been away, and was a betting man. Deceased had a dread of going into the shop from the first and said he would rather go anywhere else, because he and Mr Honey did not get on. - The Foreman: Are we to understand that Mr Honey, in charge of that shop, is a betting man? - Yes. - By the Jury: There was no bad feeling, but Mr Honey was away from the shop so many hours, and my husband was responsible. There were not always stoppages. My husband liked a drop of beer; he was not a teetotaler. I was at the shop at eight o'clock on Saturday evening, and Mr Honey said my husband had been drinking, and he had sent him upstairs and locked him in. I asked him if I should wait and he replied that I need not worry, but could go home. Two of deceased's cousins have been insane,; one is now in an asylum and the other is dead. - Mr A. Wonnacott, general secretary of Plymouth Mutual Co-operative Society, asked whether deceased made any complaint to the officials of the society that he was overworked. It was not the rule of the society to overwork people. - MRS HAMMETT said she did not know that her husband had made a complaint to the officials. - Alfred J. Honey, who had been manager of the store for three years and a half, said deceased did his work very satisfactorily, and had never complained of being overworked. Deceased left the shop at 5.45 p.m. on Saturday and returned about 7.30, when witness told him he was rather late. He seemed to be excited, and in witness's opinion had been drinking. At 7.50 witness, considering deceased was not in a fit state to serve customers, called him outside, told him he was intoxicated, and that he would have to report him. Witness told him to go upstairs, and lie down for an hour. Deceased replied that he was very sorry, but he could not resist the drink, and that he (witness) had been his best friend. Deceased then went upstairs, but witness did not lock the door, there was no key. At 10 p.m. witness went upstairs to rouse deceased, thinking he was asleep. Deceased was in a corner of the room, and witness thought he was sitting on a box, but on shaking him saw a rope fixed to the top of the swinging door of a cupboard, and deceased appeared dead. - By the Coroner: I am not absent very much from business, but had two days' holiday last week. Deceased had not been overworked in consequence of my absence. We got on well together, except that sometimes I fancied he had a drink at dinner-time. I have never had occasion to report him to the society. - The Foreman: It has been stated that you were in the habit of betting. Under those circumstances you must have absented yourself from business for that purpose. I want to give you an opportunity of vindicating yourself. - I am not in the habit of betting. I did not tell MRS HAMMETT her husband was locked in the room. - Detective-Sergt. W. Rundle, who was called to the store and unhung the body, said the cord was round deceased's neck and kept him in a sitting position. The loop was not tight round the neck. Artificial respiration was tried without effect. In witness's opinion deceased hanged himself. Deceased could reach the top of the cupboard door, which was seven feet high. - Dr P. E. Ryan said deceased appeared to have been dead about an hour when he was called. Death was due to asphyxia caused by hanging. Witness saw no traces of drink. - The Coroner, summing up, said deceased seemed to have had a lot of trouble, real or imaginary and on this occasion was not himself. - Verdict, "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 June 1903
ST BUDEAUX - At an Inquest at St Budeaux yesterday on HENRY JOHN BARKELL, aged two months, the child of P.C. W. H. BARKELL, of King's Tamerton, the mother stated that on waking at 4.20 on Tuesday morning she found the child was dead. Dr Henry Gard found that death was due to asphyxia. There were no marks of violence and the child was well nourished. The Jury found that the child was Accidentally Suffocated.

NEWTON ABBOT - Mania For Drink. A Sad Case. - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on MARIA LUSCOMBE TURPIN, her husband, TOM TURPIN, a local tradesman, stated that on Monday morning, May 18th, deceased had the appearance of having been drinking heavily. He persuaded her to remain in bed on Tuesday, but on Wednesday she left the house whilst the family were at breakfast. Witness went to look for her in various places, amongst them the Golden Lion Inn. The landlady's mother told him that she was not there, and witness saw nothing of deceased until 11.15 on Saturday night, when the sergeant of the Police told him she was at the Golden Lion. He went there and found his wife in bed fully dressed. He asked her to return home, but she refused to do so until Monday morning. She did not then return and on Thursday the landlord told him that she was apparently ill and unless he fetched her he should turn her out. He took her home, put her to bed, and sent for a doctor. She was very weak and could not explain why she left home. Prior to her leaving home on Wednesday she had eaten nothing since Monday. She gradually got worse and died on Monday last. Previous to May 18th he was not aware she had taken spirits for five or six years, when she drank heavily and had delirium tremens. She only drank when the mania came on. She was able to get drink without his knowing it as she served in the shop. When she returned this time, she said she had made a fool of herself. He did not ask her if she was at the Golden Lion when he inquired for her as he concluded she was, as she was seen going in that direction. - Dr Nisbet stated that when he was called to see deceased she was on the verge of delirium tremens. The stated that she had been drinking heavily and in reply to his query what she had been taking she replied mostly port, and had practically taken no food for a week. She gradually got weaker, was unable to take nourishment, became jaundiced, developed inflammation of the right lung and died on Monday morning. Her temperature at the time of death was 106.2., which was exceptionally high. The result of a post-mortem showed that the cause of death was inflammation of the right lung complicated by congestion of the liver and loss of blood, all arising from alcoholic poisoning. The Inquest was adjourned until tomorrow.

BICKINGTON - Fatal Quarrel At Bickington. Verdict Of Manslaughter. - At Bickington, a village between Newton Abbot and Haytor, the school was crowded last evening, when Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy County Coroner, resumed the Inquest on JOSHUA ROWELL, a labourer, who died last Friday. Mr J. F. W. Bickford was Foreman of the Jury. Deceased was 55 years of age. he resided in the village with his brother, FRANK, a rough-looking man of about the same age. With them lived the son of FRANK, a youth, who admitted that he could neither read nor write. Last Monday week, about ten o'clock at night, neighbours heard the brothers quarrelling. FRANK was heard to say - "When I come in I will let you know." After he went in a heavy fall was heard. John Christopher, an ex-police constable went into the house and found JOSHUA lying on his back on the floor. FRANK, who was standing by, said - "I didn't knock him very hard." There was blood coming from JOSHUA'S mouth. Christopher helped him up, FRANK alleging that his brother was drunk. JOSHUA was unable to get up next day and he died on Friday. It was stated at the opening of the Inquest on Saturday that the brothers lived in a loose way and were always quarrelling. At the resumed hearing last night - Louisa Chudleigh, wife of a labourer, stated that on Monday, May 25th, she was at the Jolly Sailor Inn and saw deceased leave about 9.30. He appeared to be perfectly sober. - FRANK ROWELL, jun., recalled, was questioned by the Coroner. He said he lived with the deceased and his father. - The Coroner: What was the row that made you run up to the house? - I heard father calling to him to get up. - Was there any disturbance or quarrel? - No, sir, there was no quarrel at all. - What made you run to the house? - To see whether there was a row or not. I was down by the well, about fifty yards away. There was no row. My uncle went home "jolly," but I could not say that he was drunk. - What were they quarrelling about? - There was no quarrel. It is not quarrelling to ask a man to get up. - The Coroner: You have heard what the other witnesses have said. you admit you heard a row? - Yes, but there was no quarrelling. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said deceased went to bed by himself. Deceased made no complaint until about daylight next morning. then he complained of pains in his head. - Dr Nisbet, of Newton Abbot, stated that he was called to deceased on Wednesday, May 27th. He arrived soon after midday and found deceased deeply comatose and unconscious. His face was flushed, he breathed hard and was feverish. There was a slight bruise on the lower lip, but no swelling. The symptoms pointed to a rupture of a blood-vessel in the brain. There was no hope of his recovery. Mrs Dendle was looking after deceased. Deceased's brother told witness that on Monday night deceased fell down in the kitchen. On Thursday deceased was rapidly sinking. There was then a wound on the buttock but it was clearly a bedsore. There were no external marks of violence, except the bruise on the lips. After death witness gave a certificate that deceased died from cerebral haemorrhage. Up to that time he had heard nothing about a quarrel. It was deceased's brother at Newton who informed witness that there were rumours about the death. Witness then reported the case to the Coroner and withdrew his certificate. he had since made a post-mortem examination. There was a thin fracture of the skull on the right side. Inside the skull, under the crack, there was a blood clot. The outer covering of the brain had blood-stained fluid: and the whole right lobe of the brain was congested. There was considerable bleeding over the back of the brain, as far down as the spinal cord. Two small fractures were also found at the base of the skull. The arteries and the valves of the heart were degenerated. - The Coroner: What was the cause of these injuries? - It must have been a severe blow or fall: more likely a fall than a blow, in the absence of any external signs. Deceased probably struck the floor with his head. Death was undoubtedly due to the injuries. - Dr Fitzpatrick, Ashburton, who assisted in the post-mortem examination, gave similar evidence. Replying to a Juryman, witness said it was quite likely that deceased would get a bedsore after being in bed two days. It was due to moisture in the bed and the want of proper attention. - Dr Nisbet said he had seen a bedsore formed in two hours after a patient had been put in one position. - FRANK ROWELL, brother of the deceased, was recalled. The evidence was read over to him. He denied saying to Christopher that he did not knock deceased very hard. - The Coroner: Have you any explanation to offer? - Witness: No, sir. - Charles Adams, farmer, said deceased worked for him. He never complained of having anything the matter with his arm. - The Coroner, summing up, said the evidence of young ROWELL was rather remarkable. He heard a row, and ran to the house, but he said he then heard nothing but his father say, "Get up." That was very unsatisfactory, but it was all he was going to tell them. The evidence of neighbours was very different. Mrs Christophers heard FRANK ROWELL say to deceased, "When I come in I will let you know." Then, after the fall in the house, she heard the brother say, "JOSH, I don't mean no harm. Get up, JOSH." Mr Christopher, an ex-policeman, had also given clear evidence about what he saw when he went into the house. When the doctor was called FRANK did not tell him all about the matter. What was his motive in concealing the facts? If death was the result of a blow by the brother, then the Jury had to say whether the blow was the result of malice or of temper. If it was due to malice, then their verdict would be one of murder; but if the blow was struck in a fit of temper, and was unpremeditated, the proper verdict would be one of manslaughter. - The room was cleared while the Jury considered their verdict. They decided that it was a case of Manslaughter, and ROWELL was taken in custody to Newton Abbot.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Plymouth Girl's Tragic Death. Takes Carbolic Acid. - Mr R. R. Rodd yesterday held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall on HARRIETT MAY BROWN, aged 23, domestic servant in the employ of Spearman and company, George-street, Plymouth, who was found dead near Devil's Point, Stonehouse, on Tuesday night. Colonel Spearman was present at the Inquiry. - GEORGE HENRY BROWN, engine fitter, 10 Maristowe-avenue, Keyham Barton, Devonport, brother of deceased, said he last saw her alive on Saturday, the 17th ult. She then appeared to be all right. He had heard from his other sisters that deceased was depressed and that she had complained of being worried. He did not know of anything that could worry her. He recognised the handwriting in the following letter, which was found in deceased's hand, as her writing:- "My dearest sisters, - Just a line for the last time. I am very sick of living. Don't grieve for me, my dears, as I shall be better off. I cannot bear to live any longer. I have worried more lately than ever I did in my life, but may the Lord have mercy on my poor soul, and forgive me for doing this, as I have been driven to it. don't run away with the idea that this place is too hard, because it is not, but I fell so lonely and miserable lately, what with one thing and another. I should be better off. Dear Nell, let this be a warning to you; all I hope is that you and Bert will stick together till death, and do forgive me, as I feel so queer. Poor Bert, may God give her health and strength to bear this. So love to all. Good-bye. Kiss the dear children for me." - Hannah Sage, domestic servant, also in the employ of Spearman and Co., said she knew deceased well, and occupied the same room. Deceased came to Messrs. Spearman's on Tuesday night, about ten minutes past ten, and then went out again, stating that she had forgotten to post a letter. She did not return. Witness did not know of anything that would cause deceased to take her life. On Tuesday night she seemed morose, and a little paler than usual. - Joseph Thomas Jarvis, master gunner, R.G.A., stationed at Staddon, said the deceased, accompanied by her sister, came to Staddon on Monday afternoon, about two o'clock, and remained there until about nine o'clock in the evening. She was a girl of very excitable temperament, sometimes depressed and at other times quite lively. Deceased spoke most highly of her employers, especially the housekeeper. - Mrs Sweet, housekeeper for Spearman and Col, said the girl was highly respectable and she had never had to find any fault with her. - Albert Geo. Sullivan, coastguard, stationed at Devil's Point, said he was going back to his station about 20 minutes past eleven on Tuesday night, and when about 100 yards past the entrance to Devil's Point he noticed a dark form in front of him. As he approached he saw it move, and as he got up to it, it was leaning against the wall. It was deceased, and he took hold of her and spoke, but received no reply. He believed she was then dead. - Dr W. E. Corbett stated that he was called on Tuesday night and found that the deceased had died from carbolic acid poisoning. He had made a post-mortem examination, but could assign no reason why deceased should take her life. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 June 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Singular Case At Newton Abbot. Concealed At A Public House. - At Newton Abbot last evening Mr S. Hacker resumed the Inquiry concerning the death of MRS TURPIN, wife of a pork butcher and baker, of Wolborough-street, Newton Abbot. Mr J. Hutchings represented the landlord of the Golden Lion Inn. The evidence given on Wednesday showed that deceased was away from home for several days and that then her husband was told she was at the Golden Lion Inn. He found her in bed at the Inn with her clothes on; and five days later took her home in a cab. She was seriously ill and died last Monday evening, death being due to excessive drinking. - The husband, recalled, and examined by Mr Hutchings, said he lived fifty yards from the Golden Lion. He went to the Inn on Saturday night at 11.15 with the Police Sergeant, having then heard that she was there. She refused to leave unless force was used. consequently he left her until the following Thursday. During her absence he took any amount of trouble to find her. At least half a dozen applications for her were made at the Golden Lion on the day that she left home. After she refused to leave the Inn he made no inquiry there for her. He did not know she was ill. When deceased left home she had not a black eye. There was a bruise on her forehead caused by her running against a wall. - KATHERINE SCOTT, married daughter of the deceased, said she knew nothing of her mother's alleged drinking habits. When her mother gave way to drink five years ago, witness was away. On Monday, May 18th her mother remained in bed, complaining of headache. On Wednesday morning she asked witness for brandy, but she refused to get it. Deceased then got up, went out, and remained away several days. After learning that deceased was at the Inn, witness did not go to see her. She thought it best to stay away, and that her mother would come home as soon as her money was gone. She did not know her mother was ill, or she would have visited her. After being brought home witness nursed her. She said she had had nothing to eat while she was away, and seemed too weak to talk. As far as witness knew deceased had no reason for leaving home. On the Wednesday she left deceased said she would stay in bed if witness would get her brandy. Her father had said that deceased was not to have drink, and witness thought she had been having some. - By Mr Hutchings: On Monday and Tuesday, before deceased left home, she had nothing to eat, but drank tea with raw eggs in it. - FREDERICK TURPIN, son, said he went to the Golden Lion to look for his mother. He did not ask for her, but looked round the place. So far as he knew, his mother had not been to the Golden Lion for two years. - Thomas Scott, son-in-law, stated that on the night deceased left home he went to the Golden Lion, and saw the landlord, who told him MRS TURPIN was not there. He thought he could rely on the answer, and made no further inquiry there. - Lily Maud Parnell, niece of deceased, said she called at the Golden Lion four times on the Wednesday. The landlady told her she had not seen deceased. - Ethel Searle, servant at the Golden Lion, said MRS TURPIN came there about 9.30 on Wednesday morning. She asked for Mrs Walling, the landlady, who was then at the market. Witness shewed deceased into a private room, where she remained until the landlady came. She was then taken up to the best bedroom, where she went to bed with her clothes on. Deceased had nothing to eat all day, but had a bottle of stout in the evening. Next day witness got her a shilling's worth of brandy and a sleeping draught. The landlady supplied the brandy, but deceased told witness to put it under the bed so that the landlady should not see it. - Cross-examined: When deceased arrived at the Inn she had two black-eyes. The landlady put water in the brandy deceased had. Except on two nights, witness went out every night for a sleeping draught for deceased. All the time deceased was at the Inn she had nothing to eat. On the last morning she had eggs and brandy. - Bessie Walling, wife of the landlord of the Golden Lion, said deceased asked if she could have a room where no one could see her. She said they had been kicking up a row at home, and that she had been locked up for two days. She had got away at the first chance. Deceased had marks under her eyes and on her cheeks. She asked for sixpennyworth of brandy. Witness gave her half that quantity in water. Deceased said she wanted it neat. Oranges were supplied to her, as well as some bread and butter. As witness refused to let her have any more brandy, deceased told the girl to go to the Globe for some. Witness then let the girl have brandy. She told callers that MRS TURPIN was not there because deceased had asked her to say so. Deceased drank stout during the day, but had brandy on three evenings. On Saturday evening, as deceased had had so little to eat, witness went to the Police about her. - The Coroner: Why didn't you go to her husband? - Witness: They had not been to look for her, and they didn't seem to care about her. - But they had made inquiries? - Yes, but not after the Wednesday. - You had told them she was not there? - yes, but if they had come again I should have told them. - Deceased refused to go home on the Saturday night, and kept saying she would go next day. It was not until Thursday that the husband was sent for. Witness had threatened to put her outside. - By Mr Hutchings: Could not say how much deceased spent in the house. She sent down three separate shillings for brandy, and also paid for stout. On the Friday witness lent her 2s. She did her best to get rid of deceased on the Saturday. - Henry Walling, landlord of the Golden Lion, said it was not until after Scott called that he found out deceased was in his house. - Dr Nisbet, recalled, said there were no marks on deceased's face when he saw her. - Cross-examined: A bruise on the eye eight days before would have passed off. - P.S. Cole said when he saw deceased on the Saturday night she was sober. She refused to say why she declined to go home. She was in bed with her clothes on. The landlord was anxious to get her home and to do what he could for both parties. - The Coroner, summing up, said the drink had a worse effect on deceased as she took no food. - After some deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Alcoholic Poisoning," and by a majority decided that they would add no rider.

PLYMOUTH - The Compton Trap Accident. Fatal Result. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, last evening, on JOHN FRIENDSHIP, 68, dairyman, of Compton, who died on the previous evening, as the results of an accident on May 16th. - Walter T. Leaman, shipping agent, Millbay-road, said he witnessed the accident at Lower Compton-road, when Messrs. Stidston's horse, attached to a bread van, bolted and after colliding with a lamp-post, smashed into MR FRIENDSHIP'S horse and trap, killing the horse and throwing the occupant into the road. The driver of the van was 40 or 50 yards away, hopelessly in the rear. - Thomas Hatch, employed by Messrs. Stidston, bakers, Old Town-street, said he was delivering bread at some cottages about a hundred yards from where he tied up the horse. On his return he discovered that the animal had broken the bridle and bolted. - P.C. Parker said MR FRIENDSHIP was unable to get out of the way, it being a narrow part of the road. - Gerald Morgan Soper, House Surgeon of the Hospital, said deceased when admitted was suffering from fracture of the neck of the right thigh bone and was progressing favourably up to Thursday evening, when he was taken suddenly ill and died within fifteen minutes. A post-mortem examination revealed a clot of blood on the heart which caused death. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Pensioner's Death. Married At Seventy-Five. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on REUBEN RUBY, aged 75, naval pensioner, of 6 Nelson Mews, Stoke. - ANNIE LACEY said deceased married her mother on April 3rd. he was taken ill the same day and was brought to witness's house in a cab. He recovered and had since been well up to the time of his death. At 7 a.m. on Saturday she found him dead. Witness's mother had returned to Ireland. Deceased had a pension of £44 8s. a year. Dr a. G. Rider said that when he was called on Saturday morning deceased was cold and had been dead some hours. A post-mortem examination showed that the heart was extensively diseased and there were signs of old inflammation of the chest and abdomen. Death was due to syncope, the result of heart disease of long standing. On the previous Tuesday deceased came to him, and he advised him to go to the Hospital, but he would not do so. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 June 1903
MAKER, CORNWALL - Accidentally Drowned Near Millbrook. - At the South Down Brickworks, near Millbrook, last evening, an Inquest was held by the Deputy Coroner (Mr A. de C. Glubb) on WM. JOHN WRIGHT, 43, traveller, in the employ of the Singer Manufacturing Company, whose body was found in the Hamoaze on Monday afternoon. - FANNY WRIGHT, residing at 8 Upper Knollys-terrace, Pennycomequick, widow of deceased, said he left home on Monday in the usual way to proceed on his rounds. He generally hired a boat, and often rowed it himself. She did not see him alive again. - Clara Fleming, boat owner, Bromley's-cottages, Mount Wise, said deceased hired a boat from her on Monday morning about 10.30. He said he was going to the Impregnable in order to put a female on board, and that he was also going to Mutton Cove. She had never let deceased have a boat before. - Mr J. Sandercock, Empacombe, Mount Edgcumbe, said he saw deceased struggling in the water about three hundred yards from the shore, with the empty boat ten yards off. Witness shouted to some bargemen, who picked up the boat, but they evidently did not see the body. A steamer came along and shortly afterwards recovered the body. - Samuel Burge, captain of one of the red-funnel steamers, plying between Mutton Cove and Millbrook, gave evidence as to recovering the body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Hamoaze Drowning Case. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN WILLIAMS, 44 years, a retired timberman of 19 Cecil-avenue, Plymouth, who was found drowned in the Hamoaze on Monday. - FRANCIS E. WILLIAMS, fireman on the G.W.R., of 25 Staddon-terrace, said deceased was his brother, but he could not say whether he was married or not. He last saw him alive three weeks ago, when he appeared to be in good health and spirits, and he knew of no reason for his taking his life. Search had been made for any paper left behind, but nothing had been found. - Lily Compton, widow, said she had been living with deceased as his wife for five years. She last saw him alive at ten o'clock on Sunday night, when he went out to the back of the house to have a smoke. He could not rest, and had not slept for a long time. As he did not return at 10.30 she made a search but could not find him, and early next morning reported to the Police that he was missing. He had never threatened to take his life, and was in no financial difficulties. They lived very happily together. Deceased enjoyed good bodily health, and had a good supper at nine o'clock. He was a temperate man. He had asked her to marry him, but she refused, as she wanted to leave him and go back to her people at Southampton. She had kept him for five years, and had offered him £1 a week. - Dr F. E. Row aid he made a superficial examination of the body on Monday afternoon, when, in his opinion, deceased had been dead about 24 hours. Blood-stained froth was coming from the nose and mouth, and there were several superficial abrasions over the left temple. He had since made a post-mortem examination. There were no other marks of violence, and he had no doubt deceased died from suffocation due to drowning. He had a very good meal almost immediately before death. - Harry Brown, petty officer, H.M.S. Collingwood, said that at 3.40 p.m. on Monday he was coming from the Sound up harbour in a steam pinnace, and about 200 yards off Devil's Point saw the body floating in the water. He picked it up and took it to P.C. Bundy, of the Metropolitan Police. - The Coroner said the fact that deceased had been refused in marriage by Mrs Compton and that she was about to leave him, as well as the fact that he suffered from insomnia, no doubt caused deceased to become depressed and he might have left the house with the intention of taking his life. - Verdict, "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 12 June 1903
LODDISWELL - An Inquest was held at Higher Hatch, near Loddiswell, on Wednesday, on MR E. WINZER, a retired butcher. The deceased was assisting his son and others in loading a wagon with packs of wool, when he missed his hold of the pack, and fell out of the wagon on to some paving stones, and dislocated his spine. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. A cordial vote of sympathy with the relatives was unanimously passed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. More Hospital Accommodation Needed. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on FREDERICK JAMES SHUTE, the two years and eight months old child of JAMES THOMAS SHUTE, of Government House, Mount Wise, Devonport, butler to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Butler, K.C.B. The evidence showed that the child and his mother were in the kitchen, about noon, on May 28th. The mother was writing a letter and the child was standing by a chair scribbling on a piece of paper. A kettle was on an oil stove in the kitchen and the chair was near the stove. the child must have fallen backwards and pushed the fender against the stove, thereby upsetting the kettle, the child's back being severely scalded. Dr Saunders, in view of the seriousness of the injuries, advised the removal of the child to the Hospital. The child was taken to that Institution, but the mother was informed that he could not be taken in, as all the beds were full up. Dr Saunders attended the little fellow until the following Saturday week, when Dr rider was called in, and stated that the boy was not likely to recover. Lady Butler then wrote to the Hospital authorities, and the child was immediately admitted. That was on Monday last. Deceased was suffering from severe scalds on the right shoulder and arm, the left forearm, and the right ankle. Inflammation of the brain eventually developed. - Dr Saunders said he knew there were no cots vacant when the child was first brought to the Hospital. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce): This is the first time that I have known of a serious case of this kind being refused admission. - Dr Saunders, continuing, said he did not think that if the deceased had been admitted to the Hospital he would have lived. - Dr Bradley, House Surgeon, said that on the first occasion when the child was brought, the Hospital was full, and it was impossible to admit further patients. As a matter of fact, during that week they had to refuse two or three serious cases, one of a child seriously burnt and the other a broken leg. He attributed death to septic poisoning, resulting from the scalds. - The Coroner: Is the children's ward smaller now than it has been? - No, but those cases seem to come with rushes. We now have 12 applications for admission, which we cannot at present take in. Proceeding, Dr Bradley said Lady Butler's letter had no effect, as, without her application, the child would have been admitted as a bed fell vacant that morning. - The Coroner, summing up, said that in the whole of his experience as Borough Coroner, he did not remember holding an Inquest on any person whose admission to the Hospital had had to be refused on account of the wards being full. They must, however, admit that if the wards were all full it was impossible to take any more patients in. The fault lay in the limited accommodation which the Hospital provided, and until the funds of that Institution were increased and more subscriptions were forthcoming that accommodation could not be had. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 June 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - At an Inquest held yesterday at Stonehouse on FLORRIE CHAPMAN, the infant daughter of CHARLES CHAPMAN, 1st class P.O., R.N., residing at 26 Clarence-place, Eliza Bunker, midwife, and Dr Noy Leah gave evidence, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - SARAH JANE JOHNS, 80, of 34 Mount-street, Devonport, widow of CHRISTOPHER JOHNS, shipwright, went out for a walk on Sunday evening, and the following morning was found dead in bed. At an Inquest yesterday Dr J. E. C. Wilson attributed death to syncope, due to long-standing disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 June 1903
ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death of LIEUT. COL. W. H. CLARKSON. Inquest At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Clarence Hotel, Ilfracombe, yesterday on a visitor, LIEUT.-COL. WILLIAM HENRY CLARKSON, of the East Lancashire Regiment, who died suddenly on Tuesday evening. - MRS CHARLOTTE CLARKSON, the widow, stated that they resided at Wellesley-road, Croydon. She came with her husband to Ilfracombe on the 2nd instant. Deceased was in his usual health until Tuesday evening, when he was taken ill in his bedroom, complaining of his breathing. Dr Cole-Baker was sent for and her husband passed away about ten minutes after he came. She did not know that he suffered from heart disease. - Dr Cole-Baker said he found deceased suffering from very great difficulty in breathing. Deceased told him that he had frequent attacks of asthma and there were loud noises all over the chest, which prevented his hearing the heart sounds. Death was due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". - LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CLARKSON obtained his commission in 1849 and became a lieutenant in 1854, a captain in 1858 , major in 1872 and lieutenant-colonel in 1878.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 June 1903
CARDIFF, WALES - Devon Widow's Suicide. - At Cardiff on Wednesday, an Inquest was held on the body of SUSAN ALLEN, 44, widow of a quarryman, who has come to Cardiff from Newton Abbot. - Mrs Fanny Matthews, a sister-in-law, deposed that MRS ALLEN had been staying with her. She was generally depressed and low-spirited, complained that everybody was looking at her and would never go out. On Monday witness saw her crying, but she would not say what was the matter. Later in the day she was found lying on the floor of the bathroom and when a doctor was sent for she said she had taken red precipitate. She was taken to the Workhouse Infirmary. - The Coroner read a letter which had been found pinned to the wall, as follows:- "I cannot live any longer. I know I am not in my right mind. I purchased this powder in a chemist's shop at Stonehouse, Plymouth. Forgive me all. - SUSAN ALLEN." - Verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 June 1903
BRIXHAM - The Brixham Suicide. Deceased Ties His Own Hands. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on WILLIAM LOWREY BELL. - SAMUEL BELL said the deceased, his brother, aged 49, lived with his father, and managed the farm. He last saw him alive at a quarter to nine o'clock on Thursday morning last. Deceased then told him he was going up in a field scuffling potatoes. He had been working day and night, early and late, for many weeks to get his crops in, and that weighed upon his mind. As deceased did not come home to his dinner up to three p.m., the family became alarmed, and search parties went out on the hills to look for him. Years ago deceased complained of pains in the head, but he got better, and never showed any desire to take his life. Their father, who is very old, recently made a will and was about to sell up his property, and that with other things seemed to have worried the deceased. - The Coroner read the following letter found in the trousers pocket of deceased:- "I am the man that has caused all the troubles. It is not my dear father's fault at all. No doubt his little alteration has brought all my sins to remembrance. I have no rest day nor night. I am very guilty of bringing heaps of trouble upon my father and my dear wife, a better little woman there could not be. Somehow I have got into it and cannot get out. Life is a great burden; the evil heart has deceived me. - W. BELL." - Charles R. Matthews, shoeing smith, said the writing was that of deceased. - G. Blacker Elliott, surgeon, said he saw the body on Sunday. Deceased must have been dead a considerable time. Strangulation was the cause of death. There were no marks on the body other than those caused by the rope around the neck. The day before his death he was called to his house to see deceased. He appeared to be entirely broken down and was suffering from a weak heart and brain fag. He elicited that he had been working 20 hours a day for several weeks to get his crops in. - He (Dr Elliott) advised him to take absolute rest and a holiday, which he promised to do. - James wood said he was at Southdown hoeing mangolds at noon on Thursday, when deceased came up and spoke to him on his way to his field. He appeared perfectly rational and talked to him about crops, &c. - Samuel Perring, wagoner, said that he found deceased on Saturday at Coombe Lake, Southdown, hanging to a tree in a cover part way down a steep cliff. His feet were three feet from the ground. he at once ran for the Police. - The Coroner: Why did you not cut him down at once? - The place was so steep that the body would have rolled out over and I consider he must have been quite dead after being missing so many days. - Richard Harris, who cut the body down, said deceased must have climbed the tree and sat on a limb while he adjusted the rope to the tree and around his neck, and then have slid off. - Police Sergeant Newbury said in addition to the rope round the neck, deceased's hands were tied round his waist. - The Coroner: Does not that look as though someone else had to do with it? In these cases people do not usually tie their own hands before hanging themselves. A criminal who wanted to murder a man would no doubt tie the hands of his intended victim. How was the rope tied? Was there any sign of a scuffle? - Sergeant Newbury said the rope was tied around the waist, quite slack, with the knot in front. That made it possible to put the hands in or take them out very easily. There were no signs of any scuffle. - Some of the Jurors, who saw the deceased before the rope was removed from his waist, corroborated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," the Foreman (Mr W. Cann) remarking that he had known deceased for many years as a devout Christian. The Jury expressed their sincere sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest on ALICE MAUD TRAFORD, the child of Private GEORGE TRAFORD, 1st. D.C.L.I., now in South Africa. Born on Monday morning, it died in the evening, before the arrival of Dr McElwaine, who attributed death to insufficient vitality arising from premature birth.

MODBURY - At an Inquest held yesterday at Modbury by Mr. R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, on MARIA WAKEHAM, aged 78 years, wife of RICHARD WAKEHAM, builder, Modbury, Dr r. N. Weekes, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

LYDFORD - An Inquest was held yesterday on MR ELIAS FRENCH, of Smith-hill Cottage, near Princetown, who died suddenly on Saturday. Dr Liddell, of Yelverton, said he attended the deceased last August, when he met with an accident, by falling from his horse. In his opinion death was due to heart disease accelerated by indigestion. The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

PLYMOUTH - Accident At Port Said. Inquest At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on LAWRENCE KING, aged 32, lately a draper's manager at Darjeeling, India, who met with an accident on the voyage home from India, which he made in the P. and O. steamer Himalaya. Deceased described the accident in a letter to his brother, written when the steamer reached Marseilles, as follows: "I cannot travel overland owing to the fact that I have hurt myself rather badly. I was helping a lame fellow-passenger into a small boat from the Port Said wharf. He had hold of my right hand and when he got down into the boat he slipped and pulled me (unexpectedly on my part, as I thought he was all right) on to the stern of the boat. I fell with all my force and weight on my stomach, my legs going into the water. I struggled out again - how, I don't know, as I was in awful agony. My companions got me back on board somehow." The ship's surgeon attended the deceased until the Himalaya's arrival at Plymouth, where he was landed and removed to the Hospital. This was on June 11th. Deceased was seen at the Hospital by his brother, OWEN KING, wood carver, of 73 Stanhope-road, Wandsworth, London, whom he told that no one was to blame. He succumbed to his injuries on June 20th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 June 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatality At Keyham Extension Works. Killed By A Railway Truck. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on JOHN HAWKE, 23, blacksmith, of 2 Keyham-cottages. Mr S. Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present, and Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared for Sir John Jackson (Limited.) - CHARLES S. HAWKE, 74 Wilton-street, Stoke, said the deceased, his brother, was a volunteer attached to the Saltash Company D.C.L.I., and went through the South African war as a volunteer without sickness or injury. - William Charles Ashford, blacksmith, of 33 Bradwell-road, St Budeaux, stated that about two o'clock on Tuesday he was standing outside a small shed near the smithy and the railway metals. Deceased was standing on the railway line, being engaged in pulling some chains towards his forge for repair. An engine and some trucks were standing on the line and when witness saw him first the deceased was facing the train. He (deceased) called for someone to help him and then immediately turned round with his back to the train to pull the chains with a hook. The driver of the engine then sounded the whistle and started the train, pushing the trucks. When the train was about three feet from the deceased, witness shouted, but there was another engine standing by, blowing off steam and he failed to hear him. the tail board of the first truck caught deceased between the shoulder blades and knocked him down. He then endeavoured to get clear of the truck and managed to clear the left part of his body from the wheel. Deceased was, however, caught on the right thigh and the train was going so slowly that the wheel could not mount his hip. It, however, pushed him along about six feet and then the wheel went over his hip and into the small of his back. - William James Jones, the driver of the engine, said he started the engine at the signal of the rope-runner, who had coupled up the loaded trucks. He sounded the whistle and started the engine, which moved back at the rate of about a mile and a half an hour. Witness saw a man standing with his back to the rails pulling a chain. He took two or three paces backward, and stopped in front of the first truck. Witness pulled up before the truck touched deceased, but the loaded trucks ran back a little way in consequence of the slack couplings. Deceased was not in danger when the engine was started. - Frederick Avery stated that he gave the signal for the engine to start after seeing that the line was clear. He saw deceased standing about two feet from the line, and as the train moved he stepped back in front of the trucks. - The Coroner thought it was clear that the engine must have been going slowly. The driver kept the whistle going, thinking deceased would clear the line as the other men had, but he did not know how it was he did not hear the whistle, unless he was confused by the noise of the other locomotive's whistle. There was no evidence of blame towards anyone, it seemed to be a pure accident. - Mr Shuter remarked that one unfortunately must expect such accidents at works of that kind. - Mr W. Hay (Foreman of the Jury) thought the only way to prevent such accidents was for employees to suspend operations when trains were near. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives, in which the Coroner concurred. - Mr Goldsmith said Sir John Jackson sincerely sympathised with the relatives of the deceased, and deeply regretted the accident.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 June 1903
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY LAMBERT, aged five months. The mother, the wife of W. R. LAMBERT, labourer, of 8 Wolsdon-street, stated that she found the child dead when she awoke in the morning. Dr J. Steele Parse, of 153 Union-street, attributed death to congestion of the lungs and convulsions, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Workhouse Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN BONNER, aged 79, an inmate of the Workhouse. After dinner on Sunday deceased left the room, and with a piece of cord hanged himself from an iron door catch. - Frederick C. Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, stated that a little while ago deceased lost his wife. It seemed to prey on his mind and he was depressed. He (witness) had learnt since Sunday that deceased had previously threatened his life. - Sydney Foster, an inmate, said he found BONNER on Sunday afternoon in the back-lane on his knees with a piece of cord tied around his neck and quite dead. The rope had evidently been fastened to the iron catch of the door and with the weight of deceased's body, the cord must have broken. He had several times previously told him he was tired of his life, and would commit suicide, but as he thought the deceased was only joking, he did not report it to the Master. - Dr H. W. Webber, 4 Woodland-terrace, said on being called he found BONNER dead. Death was due to asphyxia, from hanging. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 July 1903
HARWICH, ESSEX - Death Of MR C. H. BENETT. Verdict Of The Jury. - Mr Coroner Harrison held an Inquest at Harwich yesterday upon the body of CHARLES HENRY BENETT, solicitor, practising at Devonport and clerk to the Saltash Bench of Magistrates and residing at 5 Elliot-street, The Hoe, Plymouth, who met with his death under somewhat mysterious circumstances on Dovercourt Beach on Sunday afternoon. Deceased's relatives were represented by his brother-in-law and his son, ARTHUR MORRIS BENETT. - The Coroner said deceased came from the Continent on Sunday morning and visited Dovercourt where he had luncheon and afterwards entered a bathing machine for the purpose of bathing. he got into the water, but in a few minutes fell forward on to his face, and although taken from the water very quickly life was extinct. In accordance with his (the Coroner's) instructions, a post-mortem had been held, the result of which pointed conclusively to the face that death was due to natural causes, namely heart failure. Fragments of a letter had been picked up, and there had been suggestions as to suicide, but he was of opinion that they could not go contrary to the medical testimony. - The first witness called was deceased's son, ARTHUR MORRIS BENETT, a medical student attached to Guy's Hospital, who said his father was nearly fifty-six years of age. Witness had no knowledge of his business or financial affairs. he had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. Deceased had been ailing for some time, and at the time of his death was on a holiday. Witness saw him in London on Friday last. - H. H. Packer, proprietor of the Cliff Hotel, Dovercourt, said deceased partook of a light luncheon on Sunday morning and left about 3, stating he was going to bathe. Deceased appeared rational and did not give any suspicion of an intention to commit suicide. Joseph May, a visitor to Dovercourt from London, deposed that he was reading on Dovercourt Beach when deceased sat down beside him and conversed about the local places of interest. Deceased then appeared to doze, after which he entered a bathing machine. Witness saw him get in the water and splash about, and then missed him. He assisted to get the body out of the water, which was done in a very few minutes. There was then no sign of life. - Dr Joseph Dixon, of Dovercourt, deposed that he found deceased on Dovercourt Beach. His post-mortem examination disclosed that deceased had a badly diseased heart and liver. There was no water in the lungs and in his opinion death was due to heart failure from shock, doubtless caused by immersion in the water after a heavy meal. Judging from the largeness of his liver, deceased had been a free drinker. - The Coroner briefly summed up, and advised the Jury to return a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The Jury expressed a wish to see the fragments of the letter and their wish was complied with. They were, however, told by the Coroner that it had no bearing on the facts of the case. Anyone could write a letter, the Coroner said, but it did not prove there was a contemplation of suicide. - The Jury returned as their verdict that death was due to syncope. - The body will be interred in Dovercourt Cemetery.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on the child of EDWARD CHARLES SULLIVAN, of 40 William-street, Plymouth, Dr R. H. Wagner, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday on OWEN ERIC, the two-months old son of ALFRED E. BROWN, music teacher, Elford House, North-road, Dr Wagner attributed death to convulsions.

PAIGNTON - Suicide At Paignton. Son's Sad Letter To His Mother. - Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Paignton on THOMAS HENRY PARNELL, 18, seaman, of H.M.S. Hogue. - MRS JANE PARNELL, a widow, said that deceased, her son, was home on leave. He did not seem to care about returning to his ship. He kept putting it off, but she got everything ready for him and urged him to go. He should have been back by Monday night, but he came home about 10 o'clock, refused supper and went to bed. On Tuesday morning when called at six, it was found he had left his bed and she found him hanging in a linhay across the garden, from a beam. - George Davis, a neighbour, cut him down. The following letter was found in his pocket:- "Dear mother, I tell you straight that I am tired of my life and now I am going to end my days by hanging myself and you know what I have done it for. It is all because you are always like a dog barking when I am on leave. So now I am gone I hope you will enjoy yourself for the future. Good-bye to all here at Paignton." The mother said she had done all she could for him. The week before he had threatened to drown himself. - CHARLES F. PARNELL, a brother, said deceased seemed happy enough but was strangely unwilling to go back to his ship. - Lieut. Prowse, of the Hogue, said deceased bore a good character up to date. - The Coroner said Mr Justice Hawkins had laid it down that Jurymen should have some sort of evidence before saying a man was temporarily insane. - The Jury returned a simple verdict of "Suicide."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death On The Cruiser Euryalus. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on EDWIN JOHN BAKER, aged 41 years, who resided with his mother, of whom he was the sole support at 25 Clowance-lane, Devonport. Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. The death occurred whilst the Euryalus was on her gun and steam trials on Wednesday. - JAMES BAKER, licensed boatman, 52 James-street, Devonport, stated that the deceased was his nephew. He had enjoyed good health. The Inquest was adjourned until today.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 July 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sudden Death On The Euryalus. - the Inquest on EDWIN JOHN BAKER, who died suddenly on the cruiser Euryalus during her recent trials, was resumed yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, before Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Edward Mitchell, a labourer, employed by Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim, stated that on Wednesday last he was employed with the deceased and others on board the Euryalus, on steam trials. The deceased, Frank Nicholls, George Dickson and himself were in No. 1 boiler-room for the purpose of oiling the fan engines. Dickson and witness about 11.30 a.m. left for dinner and the deceased and Nicholls remained in the boiler-room. On Mitchell's return, about 11.55, he asked Nicholls where the deceased was and Nicholls replied "I last saw him round the other side." Witness was about to oil the fan engine on the post side when he saw deceased lying on the gratings below, face downwards. On going down he found that he was dead. Deceased appeared in perfect health when witness left him only a short time before. He was a very stout man, but the heat was not excessive in the boiler-room, nor did he hear deceased make any complaint. - Robert Artis, chargeman of fitters, in the employ of Vickers, Sons and Maxim, said the heat in the boiler-room was only about 75 degrees, which was not excessive. Frank Nicholls, apprentice fitter, of Barrow, also gave evidence, after which Surgeon George C. Cumberland Ross, B.A., M.B., of the battleship Magnificent, said he was on duty on the Euryalus on Wednesday last. About 12.20 he was called to see the deceased in the sick bay, where he had been taken from below. He tried artificial means of restoration, but without success. He made a post-mortem examination and found the heart very fatty, as were all the other superficial parts of his body and in his opinion death was due to heat apoplexy. There were no marks of violence, with the exception of a slight bruise over the left eyebrow. The Jury, of which Mr Orlando Matthews was Foreman, returned a verdict of Death from "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 July 1903
PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death At Plymouth. - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth on SAMUEL H. NORTHCOTT, aged 54, a naval pensioner, 22 Hampton-street, GEORGE NORTHCOTT, the father of deceased, stated that he last saw his son alive on Saturday, asleep in a chair. He had been drinking. Dr J. Williams attributed death to syncope, following alcoholism, and want of food, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TOTNES - Bathing Fatality At Totnes. Exciting Struggle In The Dart. - A sad bathing fatality occurred in the Dart, at Totnes, yesterday. The non-tidal portion of the river immediately above the Weir, notwithstanding its dangers, is frequently used by bathers, and yesterday morning THOMAS TERRY, the booking clerk at Totnes Railway Station, went there with two porters, named Roberts and Rowse. All were able to swim to some extent, and although the water was chilly, they remained in it for several minutes. All were in midstream when TERRY called to Roberts to come to him. he went to his aid and endeavoured to secure a hold, but before he could do so TERRY had clasped him tightly round the neck. Seeing their difficulties, Rowse swam to them to lend his assistance, but just as he reached them he received a severe kick from TERRY, and had to make for the bank, which he regained with difficulty. For some time Roberts endeavoured to free himself, so that he could rescue TERRY, but the latter clung to him as tenaciously that it was only after having been dragged underwater frequently that he got clear, and TERRY unfortunately sank out of sight. By this time Roberts, though a strong swimmer, was much fatigued and realised that if he did not swim ashore he would be also drowned. He reached the bank only to fall there in an exhausted state. Several who had witnessed the sad occurrence summoned assistance and a boat was drawn over the Weir from the fishery and a search for the body commenced. It was not, however, until nearly an hour had elapsed that it was found, in a dozen feet of water, by a fisherman named Hill. Deceased, a young man of a very genial disposition, went to Totnes from St Austell about two years since, and during his residence in the town had made himself very popular with the railway staff and the public. His father is a guard on the Cornishman, and resides at Penzance. - At the Inquest last evening, deceased's father said his son was 21 years of age and a fair swimmer. - John Roberts said deceased when he had swam nearly to the centre of the river called out "Come here, Jack." he went to him and asked what was the matter. Deceased clutched him round the neck and they went under. He freed himself and went to deceased again, but was again pulled down. he got free again and swam away and then back, but the deceased had then disappeared. He should think they were struggling not more than five minutes. Deceased seemed to be able to swim all right. He believed deceased was nervous and saw no signs of cramp. - The Foreman (Mr J. Clark): Is it a safe place to bathe? - Yes, provided anyone can swim. - Ernest Rowse, porter, said he had previously bathed with the deceased, who could swim across the river below the weir. He heard deceased call Roberts and then the latter called him. As he was swimming round to catch TERRY by the head, deceased kicked him and it was as much as he could do to struggle to the bank. He saw the deceased and Roberts go under twice. When Roberts came out of the water he was properly worn out, and had to lie on the bank to get breath. He did not know if deceased had been in fresh water before. The Coroner: We all know the difference between it and the tidal-way. Do you think that had anything to do with it? - Roberts: It may have. He swam into the centre of the river without hesitation. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case. The evidence seemed to show that it was the first time deceased had tried to swim across the river in the deep water and in mid-stream became nervous. Roberts must have had a desperate struggle. He did his very best and it was with deep regret that they were not able to compliment him on having saved this poor fellow's life. No doubt if the deceased had kept his head with a little guidance and help he might have got ashore. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, and the Jury expressed condolence with the bereaved family, and commended Roberts for what he did in trying to save the deceased. - The Coroner concurred and said Roberts and Rowse did their very utmost and were not men who would shirk responsibility.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 July 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HAWKEN, aged 65, naval pensioner, who lived with his son, ALFRED E. HAWKEN, painter, R.N., at 7 Third-avenue, Rectory. Deceased had had very good health and the son had never heard of his having had a doctor. He was unwell on Saturday and Sunday, but on Monday had apparently recovered. In the evening he said he was never better in his life, and had lamb for supper, about 10.30 p.m. After going to bed, his wife found he was ill and called her son. Ten minutes later he became unconscious and Dr Lander, who was called, pronounced life extinct. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, caused by heart failure. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

BERE FERRERS - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Weir Quay, Bere Ferrers, last evening, on GEORGE CHESTER, journeyman gardener, aged 37. Deceased, who returned home on Monday evening apparently quite well, had been engaged fruit-picking during the day. He retired to bed at 9.30 and an hour later awoke with pains in his stomach. His wife gave him brandy, but he died not long afterwards. Dr Rowland Hill said death was due to haemorrhage owing to pressure from an enlarged liver. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday into the death of FELIX SYMONS, 59, plasterer, 5 Norley-place, Plymouth. - MRS LOUISA SYMONS, widow of deceased, said she last saw her husband alive at a quarter to nine on the previous morning. He was then just as usual, but had been very much depressed lately and complained of pains in his head. He was out of work and worried a good deal about it. Since his brother died, five weeks ago, he had been very despondent, but had never threatened to take his life. On returning from work, about five o'clock on the previous evening, she went to the bedroom and found her husband lying dead on the floor with a rope round his neck. - Dr Williams, who was immediately sent for, said deceased had been dead about an hour. Death was due to strangulation. - P.C. Quantick, who was also sent for, and arrived before the doctor, said he took the rope from deceased's neck. Attached to it was a nail. SYMONS had evidently hanged himself with the rope suspended from a nail in the wall and had afterwards fallen, pulling the nail out. On the table in the room was a piece of paper on which was written:- "The Lord only knows how I have suffered in my head for years. God bless you all. Bless Ethel. The Lord have mercy on me." On the other side was the message: - "Dear Lu, - It is not your fault, but mine. God bless you." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Monday 13 July 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Death In Devonport Workhouse.- At an Inquest on Saturday on HENRIETTA WOOD, spinster, aged 4, who was admitted to Devonport Workhouse in 1880, and had been on the lunatic list since 1893, it was stated that she suffered from epileptic fits, and had special treatment and a special attendant. She was last seen alive by Miss Metters, attendant in the female imbecile ward at 7.45 on Thursday evening, when she was in her usual health. At six o'clock next morning Miss Metters found her dead, lying on her face, which was much discoloured. Dr F. E. Row said death was due to suffocation during an epileptic fit. Deceased had lately become very stout and this made the fits more dangerous. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A Terrible Fall At Plymouth. - At the S.D. and E.C. Hospital on Saturday morning Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest on BENJAMIN YEO, 23, grocer's assistant at Wills and Co., George-street, and residing at 5 Queen's-cottages, who fell from the walls at cliff-road, West Hoe, early on Friday morning. - Wm. H. Gunn, of Amato House, West Hoe, said while walking down Cliff-road between 12 and 1 on Friday morning he saw a man fall down into the quarry. He fancied he heard a revolver shot, but it must have been deceased's boots striking the rocks as he fell. He heard groans and whistled with his fingers in imitation of a police whistle, and Police and watermen came. Deceased was found lying on his back, and lighting a match witness and deceased recognised one another. Nobody else was on the road when YEO fell from the wall. Deceased asked for some water, which was supplied him. - P.C. Cutts said YEO told him he was sitting on the wall above, and must have dozed and fallen over. - Mr H. J. Barnball, who lodged with YEO, said deceased usually came home about 11. He was all right when he left business at 7 o'clock on Thursday evening, and there was nothing unusual in his being out late. - Dr H. H. Serpell, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was admitted between two and three on Friday morning and died a few hours later. Both legs, his right thigh, and his right wrist were broken, and he was suffering from internal injuries. It was a hopeless case. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Jury and Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, and MR ALFRED YEO (Holsworthy), brother, expressed his thanks and acknowledged the kind treatment given his brother at the Hospital by subscribing £2 2s. to the funds. - Mr Gunn mentioned that there was no ambulance kept on the Hoe. the Police had to go to the Central Station to get one to convey the deceased to the Hospital. - The Coroner said he certainly thought there was an ambulance at the Police Station on the Hoe. The matter had come before him previously and he had communicated with the proper authorities. He would write again, as an ambulance was certainly needed in the vicinity.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tramway Fatality. Lifeguards And Jacks. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on HENRY SLOGGETT, aged 78, of 32 Charlotte-street, Morice Town. Mr T. H. Gill represented the Devonport and District Tramways, whose manager (Mr J. W. Endean) was also present. William J. Taylor said deceased was his brother-in-law and was deaf. - John Gillard, chief petty officer, R.N. Barracks, said that at 4.20 p.m. on Thursday he was on the top of No. 3 car, which was proceeding in the direction of Morice-square. Just as the car had passed St James' Church he heard the driver shout and, looking over the front, he saw an old gentleman crossing the rails from the church side to the opposite side of the road. The car was then three or four yards from deceased, and he was knocked down and the car went over him. Witness assisted in getting him from under the car. Deceased's right leg was on the guard, while the left leg was jammed up under the "trigger," and he was hanging on to the grating in front with his left hand. After he had been placed on the footpath they put his leg in splints, for which purpose a walking stick and handkerchief were used. He was then taken on the same car to the Royal Albert Hospital. At the time of the accident the car was proceeding at about an ordinary walking pace. The gong was sounded before the accident happened. Deceased was walking diagonally and could not have seen the tram without turning. The driver did everything he could to prevent the accident, and no blame attached to him. In reply to Mr Gill, witness said deceased did not turn round when the driver shouted. - Arthur S. Grigg, postman, 3 Morice-square, gave similar evidence, and said the car was proceeding at the rate of about four miles an hour. - Alfred George Lee, 3 Meavy-villas, Crownhill, the driver of the car, said he stopped at the top of the hill by Lamorna-place. On approaching St James'-ope he rung the bell and just after saw deceased step out from the footpath. He shouted and rang his bell when deceased was the length of a car away. Witness applied the emergency brake and the car was brought up within two yards, but deceased was knocked down. Under ordinary conditions people got out of the way when the bell rang. He had the hand brake on at the time and was driving at the rate of about four miles an hour. He had been a driver eleven months. There was no "jack" on the cars for use in case of accident. They were allowed fifteen minutes to go from Morice-square to Camel's Head. - Replying to Mr Gill, witness said there was no need of a "jack" on the present occasion. - P.C. Warwick, who saw deceased at the Hospital after the accident, said he put several questions to him, and had to shout very loudly to make him hear. - Dr O. Shields, House Surgeon, said deceased was suffering from shock and compound fracture of the left leg. Considering the man's age and the shock, he regarded it as a hopeless case from the first. - The Coroner said the accident was no doubt due to deceased's deafness. There did not appear to be any blame attaching to the driver. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said great praise was due to Mr Gillard for his promptitude in getting deceased from under the car. - Mr Endean remarked that the latest and best pattern lifeguard was supplied to each car, and the guard would have picked deceased up if he had let go altogether. In several cases where children had been knocked down the guards had picked them up. - The Foreman (Mr Hay) said that some time ago Mr Endean promised to provide a "jack" for each car. - Mr Endean said that for seven months they experimented with "jacks," and they were now procuring some from the United States, which would be delivered by the 18th instant. He hoped that on the 20th every car would be fitted with an absolutely perfect reliable "jack." They had minimised the need of "jacks" by providing the best possible lifeguard. The Foreman, in reply to Mr Endean, said the Jury considered that no blame attached to the driver.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 July 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Devonport Sailor. Waiting For An Examination. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS HALLIDAY, 24, able seaman of the gunnery-ship Cambridge and the son of a hammerman in Keyham Dockyard. Mr Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. - MATILDA HALLIDAY of 60 Corporation Buildings, Ordnance-street, said deceased came ashore at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon and she noticed no change in him. About 8.30 he said he thought he would go to bed as he was not feeling very well and he had plenty of work to do. he went to bed and took his navy books with him At 10.30 p.m. he was reading in bed and she then bade him goodnight. About three o'clock next morning he was still reading and she spoke to him and told him he ought to take more rest. He remained in bed all day on Sunday with his books, until 5.30. He shaved himself in the evening and prepared to go out. Thinking he was very quiet about 6.30 she went into the bedroom and found him hanging by his bundle-handkerchief. She then called a neighbour, who went for assistance. Deceased was not engaged to be married and had no love worries. She had said to him, "You are always at those books," and he replied, "Well, I want to get on." They often heard him talking to himself as if repeating gunnery lessons. He had never threatened to commit suicide. He did not eat much on Sunday. - Corpl. J. Stark, A.S.C., who was called to the room, by the last witness, said he found deceased suspended by a handkerchief, tied round his neck and attached to a peg in a cupboard. His feet were on the ground. - Dr Ryan said he found the man apparently dead, but with the assistance of the Police he tried to restore animation for over an hour, but without success. Death was due to asphyxia, caused by strangulation. - P.C. Guffey said he had made a search of the house, but could find nothing to show what had caused the man to commit such an act. - Richard McNally, able seaman on the Cambridge, said he noticed no change in deceased on Friday night. He was of a cheerful disposition. Witness had never heard deceased complain that his work was too difficult or that he had too much study. - Mr Nicholas Southwood, a warrant officer on the Cambridge, said deceased passed through the gunnery-ship in 1900 when he passed for seaman gunner second class. When in barracks early this year he re-qualified for seaman gunner first class and went into the Cambridge again. On Friday he completed his whole gunnery course and was awaiting his examination which would probably have taken place that day (Monday) or Tuesday. There was no difficulty in the books. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that deceased took his own life. There might have been some suspicion in his mind that he would not pass his examination and it was possible that this caused him to get into such a state of mind that he did not know what he was doing. There would be the deepest sympathy with the parents and family. - Verdict, "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Boating Fatality Near Saltash. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on PRIVATE W. FIELD, R.M.L.I., aged 27, of the cruiser Forth. Mr K. E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) appeared for the Admiralty and Capt. O. Lees represented the Royal Marines. - P.C. William Spier of Bere Ferrers, said he had examined the deceased's clothing and found the name "WM. FIELD, R.M.L.I." inside the tunic. The body had been missing since the 4th inst., and was found in the Tavy last Saturday morning. - Henry Bailey, labourer, of Tavistock, said he was standing on the L. and S.W.R. bridge crossing the Tavy on Saturday morning, when he saw the body floating down and recovered it. - Robt. J. Jefford, bargeman, of Saltash, stated that on the 4th inst. he was ashore at Neal Point, near Cargreen, and saw two Royal Marines in a skiff going towards Saltash with the tide. One was sitting in the stern and the other rowing with a pair of paddles. They appeared to be going steadily and when about 200 yards from him he saw the man who was sitting in the stern rise up and go towards the other man, apparently to row. The boat lurched and the man went overboard. His comrade seemingly made an endeavour to row back and save him, but failing, proceeded back to Saltash. Witness at first did not think the man had fallen overboard, but had gone for a swim, or he would have made for the spot at once. - The Coroner: From what you noticed it was a pure accident? - Witness: Oh! I think so. - The Coroner remarked that it was a foolish practice for persons to try and change places in a boat of the description deceased and his comrade were using. - Private D. Heron, R.M.L.I., of the Forth, said he hired a boat on the 4th inst. at Saltash from a man named Pope. Deceased and he rowed up to Cargreen, and arrived there just after two o'clock. They were perfectly sober when they left for Saltash, about four o'clock, witness rowing, and deceased sitting in the stern. Off the point below Cargreen deceased was going to relieve him of the sculls and when he stood up the boat threw him into the water. Witness was thrown partially into the water and by the time he righted the boat FIELD had disappeared. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 July 1903
CHURCHSTOW - Alleged Child Murder At Churchstow. - A woman named BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS, residing at Sorley, Churchstow, has confessed that she was recently delivered of a child, which she said she had destroyed by burning in a stove. She is housekeeper to Robert Mitchelmore, who is employed by Mr Nosworthy at the farm. The Rev. H. C. Stevens, Duncombe lecturer, who also acts as curate of Churchstow, paid a visit to the cottage during last week and remarked to the woman that she appeared unwell, when she made the statement already mentioned. The reverend gentleman communicated with the Police, to whom the woman made a similar statement and she was removed to the Police Station, and charged with concealment of birth. Robert Mitchelmore, when questioned, denied all knowledge of what had become of the child, but admitted digging a pit three fields away from the house. In this pit the Police found the body of a newly-born female child and it was taken to Kingsbridge, where a post-mortem examination was made on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime Mitchelmore was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the crime. The woman, who had been released on bail, was re-arrested and taken to the Workhouse, where she now remains in custody. - Robert Mitchelmore was on Saturday charged before Mr Thomas Adams with aiding and abetting in concealing the birth of the child and remanded, no evidence being taken. Mr W. Davies has been engaged for the defence. - The Inquest was opened on Saturday afternoon before Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner. The evidence showed that when the body of the child had been dug up it was found that it's throat had been cut. The medical witnesses, Messrs. J. W. Pettinger and W. H. Webb, stated that the child was undoubtedly born alive, and that death was caused by the wound in the throat. The wound which was four inches long was a very deep one and required some force to inflict. P.S. Yendall, P.C. Waldron and the Rev. H. C. Stevens also gave evidence and the Inquiry was adjourned until Friday next, or until the woman is in a fit state to appear, the Coroner remarking that it was very desirable she should be present.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 July 1903
KINGSBRIDGE - Alleged Infanticide At Churchstow. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - At the adjourned Inquest held at Kingsbridge last evening on the child of BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS, of Churchstow, the mother of the child was present, having been conveyed from the Workhouse in a carriage. Robert Mitchelmore, for whom the woman was housekeeper, was also present in custody. Mr W. Davies watched the proceedings on behalf of both. Evidence already taken was read over by the Coroner (Mr S. Hacker), during which the woman was visibly affected. P.S. Yendell and P.C. Greenslade repeated the evidence, to which publicity has already been given, and evidence was also given by Dr Webb, Annie Mitchelmore and Ernest Easterbrook. - The Coroner having carefully reviewed the whole of the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS, and she was committed for trial at the Exeter Assizes on the Coroner's warrant. Her mother, who was in court, was terribly distressed and groaned pitifully.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 July 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Bathing Fatality. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BERTRAM AUSTIN HENWOOD, 16 years of age, son of JAMES AUSTIN HENWOOD, engine fitter, 27 James-street. Deceased left home about 10.30 on Sunday morning to bathe at Mount Wise. He was in excellent health and spirits. He was able to swim and had been a fairly regular bather for three years. He was subject to epileptic fits. Deceased was seen floating on the water face down by Walter Woodgate, who shouted to James Fairclough, bathing near. Deceased was brought ashore and two constables failed to restore animation. - Dr Saunders said death was due to suffocation from drowning, probably the result of an epileptic fit. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 July 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall AT Devonport. - ELIZABETH CHING, 80 years of age, of 21 Moon-street, Morice Town, on the 7th inst., while seating herself on a chair, fell to the ground. Dr Hall found that she had broken her right leg. She was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where she was detained until the 10th inst., when she was conveyed to the Devonport Workhouse Infirmary. Deceased died on Saturday night. At the Inquest yesterday Dr T. R. Rolston attributed death to exhaustion following delirium, the result of shock, due to the fractured thigh.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 August 1903
BRIXHAM - Suicide At Brixham. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on the body of SUSAN BARTLETT LAKE, aged 37, the wife of a fisherman named FREDERICK LAKE, who committed suicide by hanging herself. Elizabeth Bond said the deceased, who was her sister, had been somewhat depressed for the past four months, since her husband went away in a yacht. On Thursday witness found the deceased kneeling at the side of the bed. She was cold. - John Bubeer, naval pensioner, who was called into the house by the last witness, said the deceased was tied by the neck to the head rail of the bedstead with a green picture cord. The woman was dead. - Dr w. J. Quicke deposed that the deceased had been suffering from melancholy. She had delusions. Death was the result of strangulation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 August 1903
TALATON - An Inquest was held at Talaton yesterday on JOHN ASH, aged 40, labourer, of Ivy Cottage, who was found by his wife in an unconscious state in his garden, dying about five minutes later. Mr. G. Mitchell, Surgeon, said death was due to chronic heart disease.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on STANLEY WILLIAM BARKER, aged six weeks. The mother, the wife of THOMAS BARKER, tram driver, 43 Cambridge-street, said the child was healthy from its birth, but when she awoke that morning she found the infant dead. Dr J. R. Plant, of St George's-terrace, attributed death to suffocation by being over-layed. The body was well nourished and in healthy condition. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 August 1903
ST BUDEAUX - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at St Budeaux on Tuesday on THOMAS PERCY HEWLETT, aged four, son of RICHARD HEWLETT, laundryman of 16 Whitleigh-terrace, St Budeaux. Dr J. Heelas testified that death was due to convulsions, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport Workhouse on JOSEPH WARNE, aged 52, general labourer, of no fixed address. GEORGE HENRY WARNE, plumber in the Dockyard Reserve, said the deceased, who was his brother, had been a heavy drinker for years. It appeared from the evidence of other witnesses that the deceased was found very drunk on Sunday evening and taken to the Central Police Station. On Monday he was admitted to the Infirmary, where he died, the primary cause of death being apoplexy, followed by haemorrhage, the result of a fractured skull. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 August 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM ARTHUR GOINGS, the 23 days' old son of BEATRICE ANNIE GOINGS, domestic servant, of 63 Palmerston-street, Devonport, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from convulsions.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 August 1903
BRIXHAM - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on SAMUEL HARLEY, master of the L. and S.W. Railway Company's mail packet, Laura, who died at Granville, France, on Sunday. Mr W. J Quicke, Surgeon, said the cause of death was heart disease. The Coroner read a letter from Dr Le Tor[?], of Granville, who saw the deceased on board the vessel, expressing a similar opinion. An extract from the log-book of the Laura, made by the chief mate, shewed that the deceased died while at breakfast on Sunday. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 August 1903
EXETER - At an Inquest last evening on SARAH HOLFORD, aged 7, single woman, of Weston's Court, Cowick-street, Exeter, who died suddenly on the previous afternoon, Dr Stokes attributed death to natural causes. Deceased was a native of Braunton, but had resided at Exeter for the past 50 years.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY ATTIS, who died suddenly on Wednesday after witnessing the swimming matches off the Hoe, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 August 1903
PENZANCE, CORNWALL - ELLEN BANFIELD, aged 49, wife of WILLIAM BANFIELD, engine driver, of Sydney-street, Plymouth, died suddenly on Friday morning at the residence of her brother-in-law, JOHN BANFIELD, 61 St James-street, Penzance. At the Inquest held on Saturday it was stated that deceased had been in bad health for several years, but had seemed better since her stay at Penzance. Medical evidence was given to the effect that death was due to heart disease and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 August 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Boy's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening on ALFRED HENRY KNIGHT, 8 years and 11 months, the child of ALMA KNIGHT, Dockyard labourer, 9 John-street. Deceased, after taking his father's tea at six o'clock on Friday evening, left home to go playing, and was warned by his mother not to go near the quay. Deceased was nearly always on the quay, and his parents could not keep him away. Shortly before eight o'clock he was seen by a boy named William Harris, trying to get a basket out of the canal with a piece of cord tied to a stone, but the cord fell into the water. The two boys then left the quay, but deceased afterwards returned to the quay and was not seen again. Deceased, it was stated, could swim like a duck. When he was missed, his father searched until three o'clock next morning, but without success. About 1 p.m. on Saturday Frederick Matters, bargeman, 8 John-street, saw the body of deceased in the canal, when there was about two feet of water at the spot. Deceased was lying on his left side, with his right hand raised. He was fully dressed and had his hat on, which tended to show that he fell head first into the water. There was eight feet of water in the canal at 8 p.m. on Friday. Matters said he frequently saw children playing on the quay, and it was a wonder that more were not drowned. - P.C. Gully said it was reported at 10 p.m. on Friday that deceased was missing, and the report was circulated among the night duty men. At six o'clock next morning witness searched the canal, but did not find the body. Constables frequently visited the spot. - A Juryman suggested that drags and lifebuoys should be kept near the canal. The Constable said lifebuoys were kept on the pontoon. - Dr T. Rolston, who made a superficial examination of the body, said the skin was broken over the eyes and a portion of the lower lip was eaten away. It was difficult to say whether the bruising was caused by a blow or by a crab. The body had the appearance of having struck something and witness was convinced that deceased did not struggle. - The Coroner said boys, of course, ought not to play on the edge of the canal, but he supposed they would continue to do so to the end of the chapter, with the result that occasionally an accident would happen. It was marvellous that there were not more accidents. - The Jury found that the boy was Accidentally Drowned, and the Coroner promised to see if drags could be provided.

RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT - Ryde Boating Accident. Inquest And Verdict. An Inquest was held at Ryde yesterday afternoon by the Acting-Coroner Mr F. A. Joyce, respecting the death of ROBERT RUSE, aged 53, of 4 High-street, Plymouth, master of the yacht Merrie Duchess, who was drowned on Friday night. - John Sherwill Reed, Rosary Lodge, Stoke, Devonport, owner of the yacht, said deceased had only been in his employ this season. Witness was at Southsea when the accident happened. The men had apparently gone to Ryde to spend the evening, as he told them they could do as they liked while he was away. - Charles Oliver Lodder, toll collector at Ryde Pier gates, stated that on Friday night about 10 o'clock he saw three men belonging to the Merrie Duchess, including the skipper, get in a dinghy to go aboard. The appeared to be sober. It was a very rough night and squally. - George Thomas Mew, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, deposed that four of them left the yacht on Friday between 7 and 8 o'clock. ? Witness and Seaman Ridd, whose body has not been recovered, had to fetch the skipper and steward at ten o'clock, but the latter had asked permission not to return. On the way down the pier they met a man named Grainger, whom they put on board the Blue Rock. The accident happened after they left the Blue Rock to go to their own yacht. They were talking about sailing, and the skipper got up from the stern sheets to say something, and instead of sitting right back he sat on the gunwale, and the dinghy was immediately overturned. Witness managed to shove himself clear of the dinghy and shouted for help, but did not remember anything after. - The Coroner: What was the cause of the captain's standing up like that? - I don't know. He had a way like that. If he was aboard he was always moving about when talking. He was a fine chap. I have been with him three years. There was no quarrelling. - By the Jury: It was dark at the time, and there was a good lop on. Neither he nor Ridd could swim, but he believed the captain could. The yacht was a thousand yards from the pier. - Wm. Cranfield, of Colchester, seaman on board the yacht Namara, said that on hearing cries for help on Friday night he and another man rowed to the spot and found the dinghy bottom upwards. Another boat from the yacht Valdorn was there, and had saved the previous witness. He was told that three had been drowned, and turned the dinghy over to see if there was anyone there. He then saw another boat, the occupants of which informed him they had a dead man on board. - Superintendent Hinks stated that the deceased was taken aboard the Valdorn. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that the men were to be complimented on the way they acted on a dark night. He did not think blame was attributable to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

ST MARYCHURCH - Fatal Fall At St Marychurch - An Inquest was held at St Marychurch yesterday on ROSA CROSS, 52, wife of ALFRED CROSS, a hawker. - Lydia Wrackley said on Saturday morning deceased was about to go downstairs when she fell from top to bottom. Witness jumped out of bed and went down to her. Deceased exclaimed, "I think I have killed myself." She managed to get her up t bed. - Dr Hugh Steele said on being called he found deceased unconscious and suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull. She died on Sunday morning. He thought her feet slipped from under her, and she fell on to the back of her head against one of the stairs. - The husband said on arriving home he found his wife sat on the floor of the bedroom and unconscious. Mrs Wrackley, recalled, made rambling statements, which the Deputy Coroner (Mr Kellock) characterised as unsatisfactory. - Dr Steele explained that unconsciousness gradually came on, and when deceased was placed on the bed she must have been dazed and fell off the bed on to the floor. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner and Jury agreed that the staircase was a dangerous one.

COFFINSWELL - Suicide Of A Newton Farmer. - MR WM. BOND, of Manor Farm, Coffinswell, Newton Abbot, who was found last Tuesday in his garden with the lower part of his face shot away, died on Sunday night. At the Inquest held yesterday JAMES LANG BOND, son of deceased, stated that at seven o'clock in the morning he was called by his sister and found his father in a kneeling position in a tool-house in the garden. He was shot and could not speak, but with witness's help got up and walked indoors. Witness afterwards found a gun and a cricket stump on the spot. The gun belonged to witness, and was usually kept in the farmhouse. His father was not accustomed to use it, and witness thought he took it to scare the birds. Witness saw an empty cartridge, but he could not say whether the gun had been fired, as he did not examine it. He saw no other cartridges about and deceased had none in his pockets. Deceased had been depressed during the last three or four weeks. As far as he knew, his father had no trouble, and was not in difficulties. The widow stated that she heard what might have been the report of the gun and a cry, and going to the tool-house saw her husband on the ground. She lifted him up. About an hour before she had taken tea upstairs to him, and she did not see him come down and go out. Her husband had been unwell for some time. Daniel Milton, labourer, stated that deceased gave him orders as to his work at 7.5 a.m., and quickly afterwards he heard the report of a gun. - Dr Hunt stated that he had been attending deceased on and off for the last seven or eight years. About a fortnight since witness treated him for internal influenza. He was depressed. On Tuesday last witness, on being called, found him in bed. The lower part of the jaw was blown away and a portion of the tongue torn. The injuries themselves were not fatal, but the absorption of the poison from the wound was. The gun must have been held close to the chin. Deceased did not speak, but would answer questions by shaking his head. If he had been able to speak he was sufficiently clear in his mind to make himself understood. Death was due to the injuries. - MRS BOND, recalled, stated deceased left nothing in writing to throw any light on the occurrence, but he wrote what he wanted after being shot. The writing was produced at the request of the Jury, and amongst other things deceased wrote "Pray for my death,", "I am not going to die," and "I shall go to the Hospital tomorrow." - The Coroner said the inference to be drawn was that the gun was fired with the aid of the cricket stumps. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

ST BUDEAUX - At an Inquest held at Honicknowle yesterday, on WM. HY. P. GRAY, the three months old child of ALICE A. GRAY of 2 Round House, Honicknowle, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suffocation through having been Accidentally Overlain."

ILFRACOMBE - At Ilfracombe yesterday an Inquest was held on JOHN THOMAS HISCOX, aged 53, contractor of 28 Ashley-place, Westminster, who with his wife was spending a holiday at Ilfracombe. MR HISCOX came down from London on Thursday and when his brother-in-law parted from him at Salisbury he was apparently in good health. On Saturday morning, whilst writing in the smoking-room of the Ilfracombe Hotel, another visitor heard a noise and on looking around saw that deceased at another table had collapsed. He died within two minutes. Dr E. Gardner, who was called, ascertained from deceased's medical man in London that he had been treated for diabetes. He had been under medical care for some time, and on Saturday morning complained of tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. Dr Gardner expressed the opinion that death was due to angina pectoris, and consequent heart failure and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on HENRY HECTOR COOK, aged two, son of WM. HENRY COOK, fish hawker, of 17 Annis-street, Plymouth. The child was taken ill on Sunday and died before the arrival of a doctor. After the evidence of Dr J. S. Pearse, the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. A Sad Case. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on EMILY BEER, 32, wife of THOMAS BEER, naval pensioner, of 9 Cannon-street. Deceased, who was the last of thirteen children, had not been well for some time and for about 14 weeks had been more or less in bed. About six months ago Dr Hinvest was called in and recommended that deceased should be removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. She was not removed, but had been taking medicine for some time. She died on Monday morning. - Dr Hinvest found, as the result of a post-mortem examination, that death was due to chronic tuberculosis, and a verdict was returned accordingly. The Coroner tendered to Mrs Booth, a widow, aged 82, the mother of deceased, the sympathy of the Jury and himself, and said it was especially sad that Mrs Booth should have lost her husband and thirteen children.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 August 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest on WILLIAM CRIMP, aged 66, shipping clerk, 8 Coburg-lane, Dr Plant attributed death to syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Exmouth. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Exmouth on MRS MARY JANE DURANT, aged 76 years. On June 2nd deceased tripped in a rug in a bedroom and fell heavily on to the floor. A day or two later it was found that her leg was splintered, and she was attended daily by a doctor up to the time of her death. Dr Tomms said death was due to a bedsore, caused by deceased having to keep her bed in consequence of the accident. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 21 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - Infants Sad Death At Plymouth. Unsustained Allegations. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on JOHN NICHOLLS, a newly-born infant, which died in Plymouth Workhouse. At Tuesday's Plymouth Guardians' meeting the death of the child was discussed, remarks being made respecting a certificate given by Dr H. Woolmington Webber. The infant was buried, but certain facts having been brought to the notice of the Coroner, the body was exhumed. At yesterday's Inquest Mr Robert S. Harris was chosen Foreman of the Jury, while the proceedings were watched on behalf of Plymouth Guardians by Mr E. Croft. - The Coroner said the deceased was the child of ROSINA NICHOLLS, domestic servant, in the employ of Mrs Hewlett Stone, 3 Torrington-place, Plymouth, and had lived about six hours. He referred to the Guardians' meeting and pointed out how possible it was for a large body of gentlemen like the Guardians, when discussing questions, to make statements not quite in accordance with what actually occurred. It was the case in the present instance. It was not correct to say that the child was born in the Workhouse; it was born at No. 3 Torrington-place, before Dr Webber had arrived. But when the last-named medical gentleman did arrive he found that the child had received injuries to its head. At first Dr Webber did not think it necessary to remove the mother or the child, but when it was pointed out that if the mother remained in the house she would have to be removed three storeys upstairs, he and Dr Griffin concluded that it would be well to send her to the Workhouse, especially as there was no apparent danger in removal. The woman and child was removed to the Workhouse and the latter had died there. The removal was properly carried out, and the woman properly attended to and well wrapped up. As there appeared from the discussion which took place at the Guardians' meeting that reflections had been cast upon a medical gentleman, and inasmuch as a resolution had been passed, he (the Coroner) thought an investigation by a Jury should take place, with a view to clearing the matter up. - Mrs Hewlett Stone, 3 Torrington-place, deposed to the girl ROSINA NICHOLLS giving birth to a child at her house. A medical man was at once sent for and both Drs. Griffin and Webber arrived. - Dr Henry Woolmington Webber, No. 4 Woodland-terrace, Plymouth, said on Tuesday evening, the 11th inst., at about 9.30 he was called to see the deceased. The child was then living and being held by a nurse. When its head was lifted blood came from the nose and left ear. Dr Griffin had been there previously, and had attended to the mother. It was not considered any further complications would arise. Witness and Dr Griffin had a consultation as to the removal of the mother and child, and when it was pointed out that the mother, if she remained in the house in which she had been confined, would have to be removed three storeys upstairs, they came to the conclusion that it would be better for her if she were taken to the Workhouse. The removal was duly carried out and the following day witness gave a certificate of the death of the child. He had, acting on the Coroner's instructions, made a post-mortem examination and found deceased had sustained a fracture at the base of the skull. The fracture was undoubtedly caused by the child's head coming into contact with some hard substance at the time it was born. - Dr Montague Griffin, 3 North Devon-terrace, Plymouth, corroborated the statement of the previous witness. - Mr Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, was asked by the Coroner as to whether he had been misinformed or misreported respecting the statement that he made at the meeting of the Plymouth Guardians, to the effect that Dr Webber did not advocate the removal of the woman to the Workhouse. - Mr Hellings: I do not think that Mr Webber advocated the removal at the outset, but after consultation he acquiesced. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport last evening on the body of EDWARD HORAM, 57 years of age, naval pensioner, who died suddenly at 21 Hotham-place, on Monday morning, the Jury returned a verdict that death was due to haemorrhage from the lungs due to old-standing phthisis.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 August 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr C. G. Brian, Deputy Coroner, on Saturday investigated the circumstances attending the death of JOHN HEWITT, labourer, aged 30, of 15 Chapel-street, Stonehouse. Deceased was employed in the fitter's shop in the establishment of Mr E. R. Loster, government contractor, in Cremyll-street and on Thursday was there talking to Swiney Harris, a carpenter, of 18 Warne-street, Plymouth, when he was taken suddenly ill, and died almost immediately. Dr Thomas Leah testified that death was due to failure of the heart's action and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes". Deceased leaves a widow and one child.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - Child Neglect At Plymouth. Parents Severely Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at Hyde Park Hotel, Plymouth, on LOUISA IRENE LOVELOCK, aged four months, daughter of CHARLES and ELLEN LOVELOCK, caretakers of Carisbrook, Wilderness-road, Mannamead. - ELLEN LOVELOCK, the mother, stated that the child had been delicate since birth. She fed it on Mellin's food, but on Saturday night it could not retain it. - Dr A. V. Crossing, 3 Hyde Park-road, said he was called at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, and on his arrival found that the child had been dead about four hours. At the time both the father and the mother of the deceased were the worse for liquor; also when he made the post-mortem examination. The child was extremely emaciated and there was very little flesh on the bones. It was possible that this might have been caused by natural causes, if the child had been extremely delicate at birth. ~All the organs were healthy, but the intestines were devoid of food. If the child had been fed as described by the mother, undoubtedly food would have been found in the intestines. He attributed death to neglect and to want of proper food. - Mrs Aharn stated that she saw the mother feed the child with Mellin's food on Tuesday last twice in four hours. The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a case that required severe censure. He (Mr Johns) was quite certain that Dr Crossing would not make a statement on oath that both persons were intoxicated if they were not. The Coroner added that he would not like to place much confidence in either the father or the mother. It was the Jury's place to find whether death was due to natural cases of not. If the child did not retain anything, it was the parents' place to have called in a medical man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes", due to exhaustion and severely censured the parents. - The Coroner told both the father and the mother that it had been a very narrow escape for them of being charged with serious offences. MRS LOVELOCK was very excitable and wept during the proceedings.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 August 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Sad Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on JAMES GUARD, 37, naval pensioner, of 20 Ross-street. Deceased's wife stated that her husband had been in ill-health since his return from South Africa on the Doris. He formed one of the Naval Brigade in the South African war, for which he possessed a medal. He was pensioned on the 12th inst., and was at home from that day until Monday last, when he went to work in the Dockyard as a labourer. He returned home on Monday to dinner and vomited a good deal. he persisted, however, in going back to work, and on his return in the evening he was again very sick. He went to bed and fell asleep, but subsequently his wife noticed him jumping and sent for Dr Rae. - Dr Rae said he was called yesterday morning at two o'clock. He saw deceased almost immediately afterwards, but he was then dead. He had made a post-mortem examination, and was of opinion that death resulted from syncope, due to the formation of a clot of blood in the pulmonary artery, causing rupture of the right ventricle. A verdict accordingly was returned.

SILVERTON - Fatality At Silverton. - At Silverton Station, on the Great Western Railway, on Monday afternoon, MISS MARY BAKER, aged 53, housekeeper to Mr Webber, retired farmer, of Silverton, was killed by a passing engine. After making certain inquiries of the Stationmaster, MISS BAKER appears to have proceeded down the up platform, and the driver of a light bank engine proceeding, tender first, from White Ball tunnel, sounded his whistle before coming to the level crossing and a signalman seems to have shouted from his box by the line. Despite these warnings, however, the woman tried to cross the line, and was knocked down by the engine. She was instantly killed and her body was terribly mutilated. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the railway officials being exonerated from blame.

PLYMSTOCK - The Sudden Death Of MR F. WYATT At Plymstock. The Inquest. - The Inquest on MR FRANCIS EPHRAIM WYATT, aged 38, Schoolmaster of St John's School, Hooe, in Plymstock, who died while presiding over Plymstock Parish Council on Monday, was held yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. G. Brian. - In opening the Inquiry, the Coroner said he was very sorry to have to hold an Inquest, but in a case of that kind it was absolutely necessary. The deceased gentleman was well known to them all, and he was highly respected. They all deeply deplored his loss. - Robert Ford, brother-in-law of the deceased, described as a schoolmaster, living at Sparkwell, identified the body. He last saw him alive in London about sixteen days before his death. He was then in the best of health. About fifteen years ago deceased had rheumatic fever, which the doctors said had left him with a slight heart trouble. - John Cooms, clerk to the Parish Council of Plymstock, residing at Oreston, said he had known the deceased intimately for ten years. He had never heard MR WYATT complain of ill-health, and was always under the impression that he was a strong man. Before the day of his death witness had not seen him for about seventeen days. On Monday evening he met deceased about 7 o'clock at Dean Cross, in company with Mr Westlake and Mr Watts. Witness asked him how he had enjoyed his holidays and he replied very much. As they had some time to spare before the Parish Council meeting commenced, they inspected some water-colour drawings which were on exhibition in an adjoining room. At 7.30 they adjourned to the Dean Schoolroom, where the meeting was held. Informal business having been gone through, the question of the election of managers under the new Education Act came forward, and MR WYATT addressed the meeting. Mr Hine then proposed the name of a gentleman for the position, when witness noticed deceased give a "lurch" and his pencil dropped on the floor. Witness thought he was stooping to pick it up. He remained in that position until witness thought it was rather strange and went over to him and touched him on the shoulder and said "MR WYATT aren't you well?" He received no reply. Several of the councillors present then came forward to his aid. A doctor was sent for, who arrived almost immediately. Witness was afraid he was dead as soon as they raised him from his stooping position. - The Coroner said that he understood the doctor could not say positively what was the cause of death without a post-mortem. He asked the Jury whether the Inquest should be adjourned for one to be held, and after a brief discussion the Jury retired to consider the question, and on returning announced that they had agreed to hear the doctor's evidence before deciding. - Dr Edgar John Donvabond, who is in practice at Plymstock with Dr Scott, stated he was called to see the deceased and found on his arrival, that he was dead. He made a superficial examination and, in his opinion, death was due to sudden heart failure, probably due to unsuspected heart disease. - In reply to a question from the Coroner, he said he felt quite certain death was due to heart failure. - The Foreman, after consulting the Jury, said they were satisfied with the evidence and a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned. - The Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, expressed his sincere sympathy with the deceased's relatives. MR WYATT was a man highly respected in that neighbourhood and his loss would be keenly felt. - The Coroner endorsed the sentiments of the Foreman, and Mr Ford, on behalf of the widow, expressed his thanks for the kind expressions of sympathy. - MR WYATT was president of the Plymouth division of the N.U.T., and was one of the first to join the recently consecrated Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge (2669) of Freemasons.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday on HENRY LUSCOMBE, aged 48, journeyman butcher, 6 Drake's-terrace, Hill-street, Plymouth, Dr J. Round, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 August 1903
EXETER - The Exeter Drowning Case. - Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquest last evening on EDWARD JOHN WATKINS, aged six years, son of MR THOMAS WATKINS of 27 Preston-street. The lad went to the ferry steps on the Quay with a little girl, Beattie Sercombe, to fish and he was endeavouring to recover a fishing line when he fell into the water. Arthur Mulland, ferryman, went to the rescue of the boy, but he was unable to save him. Replying to a question, Mulland said that about six children had fallen into the river at this spot during the [?]. Mr Gould thought some reasonable representation should be made to the City Council for the spot to be protected. Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Jury desired the Coroner to make representation to the Council for protecting the steps.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 August 1903
DARTMOUTH - Crushed To Death At Dartmouth. - At the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE PERRING, a member of the Dartmouth Fire Brigade, Charles Favis, also a member, said the brigade received a call to a fire at Townstal on Thursday afternoon. When they started driving the engine up Victoria-road deceased was riding on the front. There were five men, all told, on the engine. Near Mr Jackman's garden, deceased stood up and leant forward, taking the whip from witness to touch the horses up. Then he slipped from the shaft and fell under the wheels, with his head outwards. The wheels went over his body. They were travelling smartly at the time. - J. H. Wallis, assistant-superintendent of the brigade, said he saw deceased fall under the engine, and, jumping off at once, endeavoured to extricate him before the hind wheel went over him, but it was beyond his power. The fore wheel had already gone over his chest. - The Coroner: What would be the weight of the engine? - Thirty cwt., without counting the men. Deceased expired while they were taking him to his (witness's) house, close at hand. - Dr G. B. Soper said several ribs and the main chest bone were fractured, and deceased died from a ruptured heart. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A Suicide At Plymouth. At Hyde Park Hotel, Plymouth, yesterday morning, the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, held an Inquest on WILLIAM DAW GILL, market gardener, 4 The Parade, Plymouth, who hanged himself on Wednesday evening. MR JAMES ANTHONY DAW GILL identified the body as that of his father, aged 66. Witness last saw him alive on the evening of his death, when he appeared to be in his usual health. Deceased of late had been somewhat depressed, consequent upon the failure of his market garden crop. - MR ALBERT EDRED GILL, who lived with the deceased, said he found his father hanging to a beam in a stable in Hyde Park-road, rented by deceased. Witness cut his father down, but life was extinct. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." - Mr t. H. Geake watched the proceedings on behalf of the family, while Mr C. G. Brian was present as representing one of the sons of deceased.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Drowning Fatality. Mystery Still Unsolved. Inquest Adjourned. - The mystery surrounding the deaths of Detective JOHN CHERRY, of Hull Police force, aged 41, and MISS SARAH THORNE, aged 28, daughter of a keelman of the same Yorkshire town, whose bodies were picked up off Ilfracombe pier on Wednesday was partially investigated yesterday at Inquests held in a small, crowded room, at Ilfracombe Police Station by Dr E. J. Slade-King, Deputy Coroner. - Superintendent Hobbs was present on behalf of the Police. Mr J. D. Grant was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Evidence connected with the death of CHERRY was first taken, the Coroner stating that there were reasons why he should follow this course. - RICHARD CHERRY, brother of the deceased, shipwright, of Kingston-on-Hull, gave evidence of identification, stating that it was about a month ago he last saw his brother in the Market-place. Witness was not aware that deceased had come to Ilfracombe. He was in very good health and in no pecuniary difficulties. Deceased was married. He was a cheerful man, and, so far as witness knew, had nothing on his mind. - Mrs Diana Macaulay, wife of a furniture dealer of 87a. High-street, Ilfracombe, stated that the deceased man had been lodging at her house. She last saw him alive at about 6.30 on Tuesday evening. He came to her house on Monday, the 17th, in company with a woman. The two were on good terms with one another: she heard no quarrelling between them. There was nothing in his manner to denote depression. On Tuesday evening deceased, who was a man of few words, consented to a statement made by the woman in witness's presence. The statement was, "We are going to Hillsborough for the last time." They did not say anything then about leaving the town, but previously CHERRY had asked for the bill, requesting her to make it up to the Wednesday, and had paid it. there was nothing in the manner of either to show that they were otherwise than happy, and they appeared to be jolly when they left the house in the evening. As they had not returned, however, by 11.30 at night, her husband went out and made inquiries of a couple of Policemen. - By the Foreman: The deceased CHERRY gave neither name or address when he came to lodge with her. - In answer to other Jurymen, witness said the rooms were taken by the week. The remark about going to Hillsborough was made in a casual way. There was nothing to indicate that there was anything behind it. - Daniel Lovering, boatman, of Ilfracombe, said whilst standing on the pier outside the turnstiles about midday on Wednesday he heard someone call out that there was a body under the pier. He got his boat and secured the body of CHERRY, which was in a sitting position, the tide being low. When he removed the body from the water witness noticed a good deal of blood running from the top of deceased's left eye. The water around was also discoloured with blood. The body was only about a foot under water, and appeared not to have been in the water long, he thought about an hour. Witness did not think the body had been washed far from where it was found. Information was given to the Police and the body taken to the Mortuary. - The Coroner: Are you of opinion that the body had been washed across from Hillsborough or that it had entered the sea within the limits of the harbour? - Witness: Within the limits of the harbour. - In answer to a Juryman, he was so sure that the body was not washed in from outside the harbour because there was more outset than inset in the tide. - In answer to Mr R Barrett (a Juryman) witness said the new hoarding erected on the old pier impeded the view of the body from that place. If a man were struggling in the water it would take longer to localise whence his cries were coming and to give him help in consequence of the hoarding. When witness rescued the body he thought the blow over the eye was caused by CHERRY striking his head against the wall whilst falling. - By P.S. Jeffery: The steamship Brighton came in to the pier, near to where the body was found, about an hour prior to the discovery. It was not possible for her paddle-wheel to have struck the man. - The Coroner at this point had the Court cleared, and, after a consultation with the Jury, he announced that they had deceased that a post-mortem examination was desirable. For this purpose he adjourned the Inquest to six o'clock on Monday evening. - The Inquest on SARAH THORNE was then proceeded with. - RICHARD CHERRY identified the body, stating that deceased was single and a dressmaker. He last saw her in Hull six weeks ago in company with his brother's wife. He knew nothing of her subsequent movements. His brother and MISS THORNE were on friendly terms. Deceased, who lived with her father, had been on very intimate terms with his brother's family for the past eight years. - Thomas Rudd, boatman, of Ilfracombe, said when coming into the harbour on returning from fishing, about half-past twelve on Wednesday, and crossing from the old pier head, where he landed a gentleman, to the new pier, he noticed in the water what appeared to be a mackintosh. On endeavouring to pick it up he was surprised to find it was the body of a woman - MISS THORNE. It was not floating, but on the bottom in about three feet of water. He dragged the body to the beach and it was afterwards taken to the mortuary. The body, which was bleeding over the right eye, appeared to have been in the water for about three or four hours. Witness was on the pier the night before, and heard nothing particular there or in Hillsborough. He had seen no marks of blood or signs of an accident having occurred on the stones at the pier head. - By Mr Barrett: It was low tide at 2 a.m. If a person fell over the pier steps and was injured the body might be washed off the next morning into the position in which deceased was found. Her hair was full of the small shingle found at the bottom of the harbour. - In answer to another Juryman, witness said the pier steps were frequented very little late at night at this time of the year, and it was quite feasible that an injured person might lie there until washed off by the rising tide. Deceased's hat was on, and her clothing was intact. He did not think the hat would have kept on if she had been washed there from under Hillsborough. It would be possible for a person sitting in conversation on the edge of the pier to tumble over on to the steps, a depth of twelve or fourteen feet. The lower steps were protected by a bar. - Mrs Mary Beaumont, wife of a pit banksman, of Garforth, near Leeds, stated that she saw deceased, her sister, alive for the last time on the 13th, when she was on a visit to witness. She knew nothing of her subsequent movements. Deceased was on very intimate terms with CHERRY'S wife. She was of lively temperament. Witness knew nothing of any attachment with CHERRY and had never known of his being away with her sister before. She had no reason to think there was any unpleasantness between MRS CHERRY and the deceased. - The Coroner: There is nothing that you can tell us that could have led to these two persons not wishing to return to Hull? - Witness: Not in the least. Deceased had not been away from home before, except they had known where she was. On the 13th she left Garforth stating that she was going to have a day in Leeds. She did not say anything about going to Ilfracombe. - The Coroner: Did it strike you as an odd thing that your sister should have been absent from your house and also your mother's without anyone knowing where she was? - Witness: Well, I was surprised she didn't turn up; but not hearing from her I thought she had gone back to my mother. - The Coroner: Did your mother express any surprise as to where she was? - Witness: Not in the least. My mother thought she was with me all the time. - The Coroner: Then your mother thought that she was with you and you thought she might be with your mother. - Witness: Quite so. - Richard Souch, boatman, stated that he was on the new pier about ten o'clock on Wednesday night, and noticed the deceased and CHERRY walk across the pier towards the harbour side. They were walking a considerable distance apart, but joined and rejoined and he thought they were larking. He noticed them go down over the stone bench, the portion of the pier at which the Brighton usually landed her passengers, but did not see them again. There was no one else about. They were talking, but what about he could not say. They looked as though the woman wanted to do something to which the man was not willing. Anyone subsequently leaving the pier must have been noticed by the watchman at the gate. It might be possible for persons walking in the direction in which deceased were going to fall over the steps by the stone bench. They went towards the only unprotected place on the pier, and it was not lighted there. The only part of the pier where the public had a right to go was, however, well lit. There was nothing to attract his attention about the pair more than about other couples he had seen there. - MRS JESSIE CHERRY, wife of the deceased stated that she last saw her husband on the 13th, when he told her he was going to Hamburg. She had not the slightest suspicion of any undue intimacy between him and MISS THORNE. The latter and witness were like sisters. She was on very good terms with her husband, who was on his annual leave. She did not know he was in Ilfracombe. - George Pine, night watchman at the pier, said the bulk of the people left the Kursaal before 9.40 on Wednesday evening. No one could leave the pier unless he saw them and no one answering the description of the deceased left after the witness Souch. - This Inquest was also adjourned to Monday evening. - A Hull correspondent telegraphs:- The dead man CHERRY was earlier in life in the Metropolitan Police, and also in the service of the British Embassy at Paris. MISS THORNE was about ten years his junior. Both parties lived in the same part of the city, and had been on friendly terms for a considerable time. MISS THORNE used to pose as a friend of MRS CHERRY, and constantly was admitted in CHERRY'S house on terms of great intimacy. MRS CHERRY, however, had no suspicion that there was any liaison between her husband and MISS THORNE. On Wednesday, August 12th, she was astonished to find her husband packing a new portmanteau, and, in reply to her request for an explanation, he told her he was going to Hamburg. The statement is also made that he said he was going for a prisoner on an extradition warrant. Next morning he left and that was the last MRS CHERRY saw of him. At the same time MISS THORNE was telling her parents that she proposed to pay a visit to a married sister living in Leeds. There was nothing unusual in this, and they, therefore, acquiesced. Ten days elapsed, and nothing untoward occurred. Then MRS CHERRY, visiting THORNE'S house, incidentally mentioned that her husband had been away for that length of time. MRS THORNE became suspicious, and took the first train to Leeds. She learnt that her daughter had not visited there. That was on Wednesday, the day of the discovery of the bodies, and her husband, who met her at the Station on returning, imparted the news to her. The same day MRS CHERRY received a letter from her husband intimating that he would be home next day. The letter contained £25. The possession of this large sum of money at the end of an expensive holiday caused some surprise, but it has been ascertained that MISS THORNE drew about that amount from the bank before leaving Hull. No doubt is entertained that the visit to Ilfracombe was deliberately planned, and the stories concocted accordingly. MRS CHERRY had no idea of the relations which existed between her husband and MISS THORNE, but facts which have come to light show how the latter had abused the confidence she reposed in her. The opinion of the chief Hull police officials is that the couple committed suicide. They think MISS THORNE may have urged CHERRY not to return to Hull again, but to stay with her, or that they both feared to present themselves at home again. The bodies will be interred at Ilfracombe.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Brushmaker's Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on CHARLES HENRY POOR, 58 years of age, master brushmaker, of 52 Mount-street, Devonport, who was found dead in bed on Thursday morning. - REGINALD POOR, son, said his father had been in failing health for a considerable time past, and some months ago Dr Gard attended him. Deceased went to bed on Wednesday evening about eleven o'clock, complaining of great pains in his back, which prevented him standing upright. witness slept with deceased, who fell asleep between two and three o'clock. Witness soon afterwards went to sleep himself and when he awoke, shortly after eight o'clock he found his father quite cold and dead. Deceased had complained of shortness of breath, but was able to follow his trade. - Dr Gard said deceased had died from syncope, due to an old-standing heart and lung disease. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 August 1903
PLYMOUTH - The report of the Inquest held on IRENE LOVELOCK at Mutley on 24th inst., may possibly be misread as reflecting on Mellin's Food, and we are requested to state that Dr Crossing had no intention whatever in his evidence to suggest that it was not a proper food for children. On the contrary, his opinion is that the neglect was in not giving the deceased that food at a much earlier stage of its illness.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 September 1903
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. Inquest and Verdict. - The circumstances connected with the tragic death of P.C. EDWIN GEORGE WILCE were investigated by the Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) at the Mortuary, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, last evening. Mr Pengelly was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Robert Humphries, who is accused of causing the officers death, was present in custody. Prisoner who was handcuffed, was the object f a hostile demonstration from a large crowd outside both on his arrival and departure in a cab. - The Coroner, in opening, said the deceased was 40 years of age, and a member of the Plymouth Police Force. On Saturday night, shortly after twelve o'clock, WILCE heard a disturbance in the house occupied by Robert Humphries. On going there he was, he understood, pulled inside by the prisoner, and was subsequently seen being thrust out again. Dr Cooke, who was called in, found that WILCE was dead. He afterwards examined the prisoner and found that he was perfectly sober. As Dr Cooke was unable to satisfy himself as to what actually was the cause of death, he had, in conjunction with Dr Wolferstan, made a post-mortem examination. There were no marks of violence on the body, but deceased had apparently suffered for a long time from heart disease to such an extent that if he had walked hurriedly or rushed to catch a train, death might have happened at any moment. But the Jury had to consider the circumstances under which the man died. He was an Officer of the Police Force summoned to quell a disturbance. Assuming, as they must assume, that he was suffering physically from heart disease, if in their opinion prisoner used force which acted on that disease, and so unlawfully caused his death, then they had no alternative but to bring in a verdict of wilful murder. It was not necessary for the body to be bruised. If sufficient force was used to cause death it constituted murder, and the means and manner of death were immaterial. If the use of force hastened a man's death when he was suffering from disease, his death could not be put down to natural causes, nor was a man bound to have his body in such a condition as to stand any unwarrantable attack that might be made upon him. If the Jury were satisfied that Humphries used such force as accelerated death they would bring in a verdict of wilful murder, but if such an amount of force was not used it would be a case of manslaughter. - Dr Cooke stated that on Sunday morning at 12.30 he was summoned by the Police to go to Castle-street. In Southside-street he met the Police carrying deceased. WILCE then appeared to be dead. He accompanied the body to the Police Station, where he made a further examination. The body was on a stretcher, and he examined it as it lay, and was satisfied that death had taken place. With Dr Wolferstan he had since made a post-mortem examination. There were no external marks of violence. There was a slight contusion on the surface of the brain, but not sufficient to cause death. The heart was somewhat fatty, its walls were rather thin and two valves of the heart were more or less diseased. The disease was probably of long standing. The heart was so diseased that any great excitement might at any time have caused death. The other organs were healthy with the exception of one lung, which was very slightly congested. The large blood vessel leading from the heart was affected with the same disease as the valves. If deceased had been struck or caught hold of in a struggle it would have been sufficient to cause death. - Dr Sedley Wolferstan, Police Surgeon, corroborated, adding that he quite concurred in Dr Cooke's description of the condition of the body and the opinions he had expressed. - By the Chief Constable: The fact that deceased had been engaged in a struggle would accelerate death. But for that he might now have been alive. - By the Jury: Had never attended deceased for heart disease. WILCE had been in the force nineteen years, but had only been on the sick list six days during that period, when he was laid up with a cold. That was some years ago. - The Foreman asked if either of the doctors visited the house in Castle-street after the occurrence. - Both medical witnesses replied in the negative. - The Foreman: It is stated in the papers that there were large pools of blood on the floor. Would it be possible for the sight of those pools of blood to give deceased a shock which would cause death? - Dr Wolferstan: I should not think the mere sight of blood would be enough to cause death. He had been in the force a good many years, and must have seen blood before. - Mr Sowerby said he visited the house fifteen minutes after the occurrence, and had to strike a match before he could see the blood, so that WILCE going in, in the dark, could not possibly see it. - Samuel J. Farrant, fish hawker, living at 5 Castle-street, next door to the Humphries, repeated the evidence which he gave before the Magistrates in the morning. Witness added that when Humphries came down to the door he exclaimed, "Let's see the Policeman. Let's have a go at him. I will see who is the best man. I will give him something for interfering between man and wife." WILCE replied "Go upstairs, my good man, and be peaceable to your wife and be quiet." Humphries cursed and swore at the Policeman, grabbed him by the throat or collar, and dragged him into the passage. He heard no more except a cry for help, before the Policeman was thrust out again. - By the Jury: It was not possible in the position in which he was for him to see whether the door was shut when WILCE was pulled in, but he heard it slam. Not more than two minutes elapsed from the time WILCE was dragged into the passage until he fell down in the court. - Pressed on the point, witness said 20 seconds only elapsed while the officer was in the passage. - Humphries, asked if he had any questions to put, said: I did not drag the Policeman at all. - The Coroner: You will have an opportunity to make a statement directly. - Jessie Richards, wife of a chief naval stoker, 5 Castle-street, deposed to hearing Mrs Humphries, about a quarter of an hour after midnight on Saturday, shouting "Murder" in her room. Soon afterwards her husband, who was looking out of the window, told her a Policeman was coming down the street. Looking out she saw the Policeman standing at Humphries door. Humphries himself was leaning out of his window. Directly afterwards Humphries came downstairs and stood on the doorstep with his arms folded. He said to the Policeman, "Don't you come here interfering with me and my wife. The Officer replied, "I don't want to come here for any rows at all. Go upstairs, there's a good man and be happy together." Humphries made use of bad language towards the Constable, and going closer towards him exclaimed, "It would take two such men as you to take me." The Policeman said, "If you don't go upstairs, I will." Humphries then grabbed WILCE by the neck with both hands, and dragged him into the passage. She could not see whether the door was shut, but she heart it go bang. Both men disappeared from her sight. There was a street lamp within a few feet, and she could see everything that happened outside the door. She heard WILCE cry "Help!"" three times in a gruff voice, as if he was choking. She knew the man, and could recognise his voice. Within three minutes she saw the Policeman coming out backwards and Humphries, in his shirt sleeves, pushing him out. Deceased, with his hand on his staff, staggered a few yards down the street, and dropped into the arms of a young man. Meanwhile Humphries returned to his room, and again leaned out of the window. Before the Officer fell Humphries exclaimed, "Don't you ever come and interfere with me or my wife again." He did not say "I have broken your neck." - By the Jury: No one went to the Policeman's assistance when he called for help. There was a watchman near, but he was too frightened and did not come out of his box. - Questioned as to the length of time WILCE was in the passage with Humphries, witness replied two minutes. - The Chief Constable shut a door and asked witness to state when she thought the length of time the constable was in the passage had elapsed. Tested by this means the interval was found to be 20 seconds. - Witness added that Humphries was drunk. Asked what made her think he was drunk, she replied that he must have been drunk or he would not have done it. He had the appearance of a drunken man because he rolled. - Frederick J. Channings, hawker, 19 Home Sweet Home, stated that at a quarter past twelve on Sunday morning he was standing in the archway adjoining Castle-street. While there he heard a quarrel further up the street and cries for help. Going into Castle-street, he saw deceased coming towards him. WILCE looked ill and white and he asked him what was the matter. Witness took him by the shoulders to lean him against the wall, when he fell into his arms, apparently lifeless. He laid him on the ground in the archway. Five minutes afterwards P.C. Ryan arrived. - By the Jury: Deceased made no statement to him. - P.C. Albert Ryan said he was called from the Parade at 20 minutes past twelve. On arriving in Castle-street he found deceased lying on the ground, with the last witness and others around him. WILCE'S face was flushed, and witness thought he was breathing. Other Constables came, an ambulance was procured and deceased conveyed to the Central Station. On the way they met Dr Cooke in Southside-street. - The Coroner asked Humphries if he had any statement to make, but cautioned him that it would be used in evidence against him, and advised him to reserve his statement. - Humphries: All I have to say is that when he let go my arm I thought he was in a fit. - The Coroner: I think you had better not say anything at all. - A Juror asked Dr Wolferstan whether sufficient force could have been used to cause death without any marks of violence being apparent on the body. - Dr Wolferstan replied in the affirmative. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was for the Jury to consider whether the handling of deceased by Humphries, if he did handle him, considering the disease he was suffering from, was the cause of death. - A Juror: If prisoner got hold of deceased by the throat and the fright, suffering as he was from heart disease, caused death, would that be murder? - The Coroner: Yes, clearly. - The Jury, after a quarter of an hour's deliberation in private, found that the death of P.C. WILCE was caused by heart disease accelerated by the unlawful violence of the prisoner. - The Coroner said that was a verdict of murder, and the Jury then formally returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against Robert Humphries. - The Foreman expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the widow and family of deceased.

ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Mystery. Remarkable Medical Evidence. - The adjourned Inquiries into the circumstances attending the deaths of DETECTIVE JOHN CHERRY, of the Hull Police Force, and MISS SARAH THORNE, of the same town, whose bodies were picked up in Ilfracombe Harbour last Wednesday, was resumed by Dr E. J. Slade-King (Deputy Coroner) at Ilfracombe last evening. Mr J. F. Ffinch appeared for the Harbour Authorities. - Dr Ernest Gardner stated that as the result of the post-mortem examination he had made on the body of the man he was of opinion that death was due to drowning. There was no external injury except a superficial lacerated wound over one of the eyes. There was no fracture of the skull, nor were any bones broken. In answer to the Coroner, witness said there was no evidence of any poison having been taken. - The Coroner said, although the Inquest was a separate one from that on SARAH THORNE, he had reasons why he thought it desirable the Jury should hear the medical evidence as regarded her death, and then consider their verdicts. - Dr F. W. Langridge stated that the body of the woman showed no sign of external violence, with the exception of an abrasion at the root of the nose There was no fracture of the brain, no bones were broken, and there were no signs of any corrosive poison having been taken. From the result of his examination he was of opinion that death was most probably due to syncope, the result of a shock. Deceased had a small heart. there was no evidence of external injuries sufficient to cause death and none of the signs of death by drowning were present. - The Coroner: Then your opinion is that the death was not due to drowning or violence? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner: The deceased was not enceinte? - Witness: No, sir; nor was there any evidence of her ever having been. - A Juryman inquired whether death happened before the body reached the water. - Witness said it might have been due to the impact with the water, the shock of perhaps falling from a height on to the water. The lungs were absolutely unlike those of a drowned person. - The Coroner remarked that from the superficial examination he had made of the body before the Inquest he was struck with the fact that the woman did not have the appearance of a drowned person. - Witness, in answer to the Jury, said the wound was probably caused by grazing against something. It was merely a scrape. - The Coroner commented upon the material difference in the cause of death in the two cases, and said it was pretty certain that, in whatever state of mind the woman was, she died from shock, having a very small heart. If she had either been pushed in the water or had gone in, in a state of sensibility, her hands would have been found to be clutched, but the medical evidence showed that the hands were not clutched. He should deduce nothing from this, but would leave the Jury to settle what occurred on that evening between ten and twenty minutes past ten. They knew the extreme benevolent kindness of the wife, who for the sake of her dearest friend would not have broken up the house. The deceaseds' methods of concealing their departure were so managed that under ordinary circumstances, and had there not been a determining cause at the end, suddenly arising on the pier, they might have returned to their own homes and nothing would have been known. What that determining cause was they (the Jury) would never know, but they must guess at it, and draw an inference from the evidence they had heard. - The Jury found that CHERRY died from Drowning between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., but how he entered the water there was no evidence to show; and that SARAH THORNE died between the same hours from Heart Failure produced by shock, but what caused the shock there was no evidence to show.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 September 1903
TOPSHAM - The Devonport Mystery. Inquest on LIEUT. JOHNSON. - The Inquest on LIEUT. GUY DE L. ORMSBY JOHNSON, of the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, was held at Topsham last evening. Lieut. A. Hambly, R.N., represented the Royal Naval Barracks authorities, and deceased's two brothers, Major F. C. ORMSBY JOHNSON, R.M.L.I., and Lieut. R. W. JOHNSON, R.N., were present. Inspector Percival watched the proceedings for the London and South Western Railway Company. - Lieut. ROBT. WARREN JOHNSON, R.N., of Portsmouth, said the deceased, his brother, was 33 years of age. He last saw him alive on December 31st, 1902, but heard from him about July 28th last. He had asked him to go up the Thames for a few days, but deceased said he was afraid he could not get away. There was nothing in the letter to throw any light on his death. - The Coroner ) Mr A. Burrow): Had he any trouble that you know of? - None, except that last year he had a court-martial for what he considered a very trivial offence, and that certainly depressed him for some time. Last time I saw him he seemed to have forgotten all about it, and did not allude to it as far as I can remember. - Was there any punishment following that court-martial he has felt? - He was dismissed his ship and immediately after appointed to the Naval Barracks at Devonport. That is considered a very trifling offence in the navy, comparatively. Do you think that affected him mentally? You saw him after that. Did you see any change in his manner? - I have seen a change for many years. For some years he has been irritable, and at other times in extraordinarily good spirits. He used to be a man of much more even disposition when he was younger. I have not seen so much of him lately. - There is nothing which you know which you think would depress him? - I have been under the impression that that court-martial, which is really not thought much of in the navy, might have put him out of his mind, but I am now convinced it had nothing to do with the present affair, and that it had been forgotten. - Did he tell you he was leaving Plymouth? - I understood he was going on leave, and would probably meet me. Then he wrote and said he did not think he would be able to get away. - He took a ticket, I understand, from Devonport to London. You do not know if he had any business in London? - I think it is highly improbable that he had any business in London. He did not have a London tailor or any business in London. - Can you account for his being in this neighbourhood? - No, I cannot. It is quite the last place, assuming I had heard of his death, I should have thought of. - He has never said anything to lead you to suppose he would destroy himself? - Never. - As far as you know, he had no worry or bother of any kind? - As far as I know, no. - Lieut. A. Hambly, of the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, said he had known the deceased since May of last year and he had seen him daily up to August 13th. Deceased then appeared to be in the very best health and spirits. He left Devonport on Saturday, the 15th, having put his name down in the book for 48 hours' leave. Witness did not know where he was going. Deceased did not return, and nothing was heard of him until last Sunday. Deceased certainly never complained. He thought deceased worried a good deal over the court-martial, but he was better when he came to the Royal Naval Barracks. - The Coroner: There was no disgrace, was there? - None at all. - Have you heard any statement by anyone else in the Barracks as to his change? - No. - Is it a mystery so far as the authorities at the Barracks are concerned? - Quite. The captain said MR JOHNSON had conducted his duties to his entire satisfaction up to the time he left. - Nothing whatever has transpired since to throw any light on this Inquiry. - No. - Frank R. Harris, thatcher, of Elford, deposed that on Sunday morning he was walking along the bank of the River Exe, when he saw the body in some bushes. Deceased was on his back with his right arm raised to the chest, and an open razor in his hand. It was by the railway bank. - P.C. Rice, Devon Constabulary, stationed at Woodbury, stated that deceased was fairly concealed from view, except from the water. On the body he found a silver matchbox, bearing the deceased's name. Deceased was fully dressed, except that his hat was missing. There were no communications of any kind, but there was a second class return ticket from Devonport to Waterloo and back. The date was obliterated. - Mr D. McArthur, Surgeon, of Topsham, stated that on Sunday morning he examined the body and judged that death resulted about a fortnight previously. All the tissues of the neck were destroyed, nearly as far back as the spine. The wound was evidently caused with a very sharp instrument. The cut was almost from ear to ear. The injuries were undoubtedly self-inflicted. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was an extremely painful case. There they had a young man holding a good position and apparently very well connected. As far as they knew he seemed to have had no serious worry or bother of any kind. He got leave and came into that neighbourhood, and, he thought they would have no doubt, destroyed himself. It was most deplorable that a man apparently with everything before him, and a man holding such a position in his Majesty's service, should have had such an end. The question was as to the state of his mind. It did not follow because a man destroyed himself that of necessity he was of unsound mind. They were entitled to take into consideration everything stated in the evidence as to worry, trouble, or anxiety and give due weight to it. He expressed his sympathy, which he was sure the Jury shared, with the relatives in such a deplorable case. - A Juror asked whether deceased had had any serious illness and LIEUT. JOHNSON stated that about six or seven years ago deceased was in Haslar Hospital with a bad attack of influenza, and he suffered from depression. - Deceased had an operation performed upon him in Bombay for fistula ten years ago, but he did not think that had had any effect on him. - After a short deliberation the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

BRADNINCH - A Bradninch Drinking Bout. Fatal Result. - An Inquest was held at Bradninch on Monday evening on WILLIAM FORCE, 36, labourer. Deceased, employed at the Silverton Paper Mills, left work about eight o'clock on Saturday night and was drinking with a man named Vinnicombe, who bought and took away a bottle of gin. Vinnicombe left FORCE'S cottage about midnight. - MRS FORCE said as she could not get her husband to bed she left him in the kitchen in a chair. About 2.30 a.m. she found him lying on the floor, in the middle of the kitchen. She put a pillow under his head and then at 5 a.m., she found her husband dead. The medical evidence showed that the deceased, a strong, healthy man, was suffocated by undigested food, that of his Saturday's dinner being vomited and blocking the wind pipe. - The Coroner said he was not satisfied with the way Vinnicombe had given his evidence. The deceased evidently fell down and his death was no doubt directly due to hard drinking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Suffocation, caused by Excessive Drinking."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 September 1903
TORQUAY - Sudden Death Of A Torquay Architect. The Inquest. - MR EDWARD RICHARDS, architect of Torquay, who died early yesterday morning, at the age of 61 years, was well known and much respected. As an architect, he had been identified with many public buildings in the town. His competition design a few years since for a pavilion was selected, but the scheme was afterwards abandoned. He was also architect to the Haldon manor for many years, an excellent vocalist and a member of St John's Lodge of Freemasons. He sought on one or two occasions to enter the Town Council, but his candidature was not successful. He was a prominent Conservative and the flag at the Constitutional Club was at half-mast yesterday. - At the Inquest, held by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, in the evening, Mr G. H. Hex, Solicitor, attended on behalf of the family. - MRS JESSIE RICHARDS, the widow, who was much distressed, stated that deceased enjoyed very good health up to Saturday last, when he met with an accident. He was driving her home from Kingswear in their pony trap, and when going down a slight hill near Lupton Lodge, Churston, the pony suddenly fell and deceased was thrown out. He fell on his left wrist, spraining it badly and also on his chest. She jumped out and was at the pony's head before deceased got up. He tried to unbuckle the harness to free the pony, when the animal struggled and kicked him in the back of the head. This knocked him over again and it raised a swelling as large as an egg just behind the right ear. Two cyclists came along and tendered assistance, as also did Mr Grist, who was driving a gentleman. Mr Grist helped to get the pony up and she drove him very slowly, deceased sitting by her side, the shaft and splash board being broken. When they got home deceased was suffering from pain in the wrist, chest and head, and also much from shock. She suggested she should send for a doctor, but deceased said he thought rest and attention would put him right. He had a hot bath and took some medicine, and stayed in bed nearly the whole of Sunday. The next day he was better and went to this office and to Dartmouth on business. He kept about at business also on Tuesday and Wednesday, although still complaining of pain in his chest, head and eyes. His excuse for not having a doctor was that he preferred her nursing. During the whole of Wednesday afternoon deceased laid down and in the evening he was very low and depressed, and said he felt as if something terrible was going to happen as the result of the accident. She suggested that, to cheer him, they should go to the theatre, and they did so. Deceased did not complain whilst in the theatre, and he appeared to enjoy the performance very much. They walked home, had supper and went to bed, deceased seeming better. He slept until quarter to two, when he awoke witness and asked her to get up and turn on the gas, as he was feeling very ill. He complained of terrible pain in the chest and back of his head. She gave him a hot bath and a dose of Jamaica ginger. He sat in an easy chair and witness wished to send for a doctor, but he said he would rather wait until later in the morning. He had a cup of tea, and then said he felt a little easier, and asked her to write a letter for him on business matters. He dictated this letter just before 3 a.m. and all she had to write more was the word, 'tomorrow,' deceased said, "My darling, come to me!" She saw that he was dying and at once went to him and he fell back unconscious and died in her arms within two or three minutes. Just before he died she sent the servant to telephone for Dr Horton, who came directly. - Dr Horton said deceased's head and shoulders were very much discoloured, giving the appearance of a man who had died in a fit. A post-mortem examination showed that the organs of the chest were healthy, but congested. There was an extensive bruising of the scalp, corresponding to the lump behind the ear. Witness was unable to detect any fracture of the skull. The brain was in a state of extreme congestion, but he could not find any evidence of injury to that organ. Witness was of opinion that deceased died in a fit, probably of an epileptic form, consequent upon the blow received by the kick of the pony at the back of the head, and which caused disturbance to the function of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner, (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest on THOMAS WILLIAMS, 74, naval and Dockyard pensioner of No. 1 Cannon-street-ope. Evidence was given to the effect that up to a week ago deceased seemed in fairly good health, but during the past week he had kept to his room. On Tuesday evening last he was found dying in his room by his son-in-law. Dr E. J. Hinvest had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to pleuro-pneumonia. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 September 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on WM. TUCKER, 48, plumber, in the employ of the Devonport Corporation. The widow, residing at 13 Mount-street, stated that about five o'clock on Saturday evening her husband, who was sober, came into the passage and fell downstairs. She thought he must have tripped over the canvas. He was rendered unconscious and died during the evening. - George Evans, residing in the same house, said he heard a fall and a scream, and when he went to the bottom of the stairs found deceased lying in a pool of blood. - P.C. Gulley stated that there were ten stairs, at the foot of which deceased was found. - Mr E. G. Symes Saunders, Surgeon, said he found deceased bleeding from nose and mouth and he had a large bruise at the back of his head. A post-mortem examination revealed a laceration of the brain and haemorrhage, due to a fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - SUSAN MORRIS, aged 94, of 53 Duke-street, Devonport, died suddenly last Saturday, and at the Inquest yesterday it was stated that death was due to syncope as the result of fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 September 1903
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at the Plymouth Mortuary on the body of BARTHOLOMEW MULLINS, aged 36 years, a labourer, residing at King-street. - John Cornall, foreman in the employ of Messrs. Nash and Son, said the deceased was engaged at the G.W. Docks in unloading a cargo of potatoes on Wednesday and was in the act of tying a bag when he suddenly seemed to have a fit and expired. The organs were more or less all unhealthy. The cause of death was heart disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes".#

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 September 1903
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY JANE MAPP, wife of THOMAS MAPP, general dealer, of 3 Willow-cottages. Shortly after 6.30 a.m. on Saturday deceased complained of pains in her head. Before medical aid could be summoned she expired, death being due to syncope. After hearing the evidence of Dr Plant, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM SMITH, aged 63 years, naval pensioner. On Friday evening deceased was found dead in his bedroom. - Dr Waterfield deposed that the cause of death was syncope. Verdict accordingly.

TOTNES - Fatal Trap Accident At Totnes. - At Totnes Cottage Hospital yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on EMILY BUTTLE, housemaid to the Hon. Mrs Smith, who sustained fatal injuries in a trap accident at Totnes on Friday night. Elizabeth Wallis of Little Barton, Essex, identified the body as that of her half-sister, who was 19 years of age. - Ellen Dunkerton, lady's maid, said they were returning from Totnes Races in a two-wheeled trap. Witness sat in front with the deceased and the driver and Miss Clarke and Mr Coaker behind. When near Follaton she considered the horse shied in passing a brake and all were thrown out. Amy Clarke, cook at Sandwell, said she believed that the wheel of the trap went up the hedge and the next thing she knew they were on the ground. She considered the horse shied. Hodge, the driver was quite sober. Frederick Geo. Sloggett, employed by Mr Sloggett of Stonehouse, said he was in charge of the brake and pulled in to let the trap pass. It passed the hind wheels and then the horse shied and trap went up the bank. The people must have been thrown between the wheels of the brake. - George Eden, telegraph messenger, said the wheel of the trap was turned up the hedge by a projecting stone and overturned. he saw the wheels of the brake go over the deceased. - Dr K. R. Smith said when he arrived the deceased was in a state of collapse, and was taken into Follaton House, where she died about 10.30 p.m. from internal injuries, the wheels of the brake having evidently passed over her. Sydney Hodge, the groom, who broke his right thigh, said there was plenty of room to pass the brake, but the mare shied and swerved into the hedge, the trap turning over on its side. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury stating there was no blame attaching to anybody.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Late LIEUT. MACKAY HERIOT. Inquest At Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Abbot Townhall yesterday afternoon relative to the death of LIEUT. OSCAR MACKAY HERIOT, son of MAJOR-GENERAL MACKAY HERIOT, of Elmcroft, Newton Abbot, who was thrown from a horse after attending a meet of hounds on Monday morning in the neighbourhood of Chudleigh and whose body had been brought to his father's residence during the morning. MRS MORTIMER MACKAY HERIOT, wife of Captain GLANVILLE MACKAY HERIOT, R.M.L.I., brother of deceased, now in China, gave evidence of identification of deceased, who, she said, was 23 years of age, and was an officer in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. he had been home twelve months on sick leave, and was unmarried. He was invalided home after service in South Africa, and suffered from debility and weakness. - Frank Hellier, farmer, Harcombe, Chudleigh, stated that he was informed when near Ashcombe Cross that deceased's horse had run away with him. He rode on in the direction he was told deceased had gone, on the Exeter-road. After he had ridden about a mile downhill he saw a man's hat lying in the roadway and a quarter of a mile farther on he saw deceased lying near the hedge on the left side of the road. The horse was not to be seen. Witness jumped off his horse and looked at deceased, who was lying partly on his side and stomach. He was bleeding from the nose and there was much blood about. Witness rode back for assistance, when he met a man driving a gentleman in a pony trap. Witness afterwards went into Chudleigh for a doctor. He did not think deceased was dead when he left him, he seemed to be breathing. - Frank Dunford, driver at the London Hotel Mews, Dawlish, said he was driving a gentleman in a dogcart at the meet of the Haldon Harriers at Ideford village. He saw deceased there riding a horse and also saw him go on to Haldon after the hounds with the rest at different places. He also saw him by Ashcombe Cover walking and leading his horse. Deceased remarked that the horse was a little too much for him and that he should take it to the bottom of the hill and give a gallop up, as he thought that would quiet it a bit. The hounds drew off and just as they turned to go to Chudleigh, he saw deceased's horse cantering up the hill. As he passed witness and went down the hill he called out and said he could not stop the horse. He was sitting all right on the animal, which did not seem to be "tearing" at all, nor was it galloping. Deceased dropped his hunting crop just after he had passed and witness picked it up. By this time deceased was out of sight, going in another direction. Subsequently witness met Hellier, and told him deceased's horse had run away with him. The spot where deceased passed him was near Ashcombe. Witness followed Hellier after he had gone and drove up to deceased. He spoke to him, but received no answer, as he was unconscious, and blood was coming from his mouth. He was lying on his side with his head on his left arm. Witness got water from a cottage near and bathed away the blood. Deceased never regained consciousness and soon afterwards he seemed to pass away. The horse did not appear to have bolted, but deceased did not seem strong enough to keep it in. - Dr Jas. Hutchison Walker, Chudleigh, said he was called by Mr Hellier and drove at once to the spot, near Ashcombe Cross, where deceased was lying against the side of the road. He had been dead for some little time and apparently had died when he was removed from the centre of the road, where there was a large pool of blood. There was a scalp wound at the back of the head. He had been bleeding from this wound, but more from the nose and ear. The pupils of the eyes were widely dilated, pointing to injury to the brain. He concluded, from external appearances, that deceased's neck was broken or dislocated and that there was also fracture of the base of the skull. Death must have been very speedy. About a couple of yards from the spot were marks of the horse's feet, as if it had stopped suddenly and deceased had been thrown over its head. There were no signs of his having been dragged. He had one spur on and the other was found in his pocket. - Frederick Bulley, horse dealer, Newton Abbot, said whilst he was on the road to the meet, Mr Baron Webster, Master of the Harriers, asked him to wait for deceased, as he was riding a cob that was rather fresh. He waited for deceased, who on coming up said, in regard to the animal he was riding, "I've got a handful," and witness replied, "So it seems." The cob was very excitable and boring, and was wearing the man out. It would have taken a fairly strong man to have steadied the animal until it got over its restlessness. As they rode on together to the meet, witness saw that the cob was too much for deceased, and that he could not properly hold it and he (witness) caught hold of the reins at times. He advised deceased to take the animal back, as it was too much for him in his condition. Deceased replied that he would ride as far as the meet with witness and then go home. He went to the meet, and, as witness did not see him again, he concluded he had gone home. The cob had on a Pelham bit; it was a thick-set, strong animal and fairly fresh. - Cranley Williams, livery stable keeper, Newton Abbot, said he kept the cob for Mr Dobson, its owner. Mr Dobson lent it to deceased. The cob was perfectly quiet, and would pass anything on the road, but it had a hard mouth and pulled a bit. Witness thought the hounds upset the cob somewhat. About two hours after the accident it was found coming from Harcombe Bottom with the saddle, and bridle, and everything on. Nothing was broken and the animal was not scratched. - P.C. Joslin, Chudleigh, said he found one of deceased's spurs in his pocket. It seemed as if he had taken it off. - Mr Dobson, owner of the cob, said he had had it for two years, and it was the quietest animal in the county. It had been ridden to hounds before, and had never bolted. It was, of course, easy to be wise after the event; but the fact was that, after twelve months' illness, deceased was not fit to ride and he ought not to have been on horseback at all Hitherto money would not have purchased the cob, but after what had happened he intended to get rid of it. - Mr Baron Webster, Master of the Haldon Harriers, offered to corroborate Mr Dobson's statement as to the cob, but the Coroner said he did not think it necessary. - The Coroner, summing up, observed that deceased had been such a great invalid that at one time it was hardly known whether he would pull through. Of course, he was accustomed to riding, but evidently he was exhausted, and had not sufficient strength to pull in the animal, and this seemed the explanation of this calamitous accident. - His strength being gone, he must have fallen very heavily on his head. - The Jury, of whom Mr W. H. Lander was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They expressed the opinion that there was no one to blame, and passed a vote of condolence and sympathy with Major General MACKAY HERIOT and family.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN BROWN, aged 66 years, wife of JOHN BROWN, lodge-keeper, Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse Cemetery, who died suddenly on Monday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - At Torquay yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held Inquests concerning the sudden deaths of HENRY FERRIS, mason, Ellacombe Church-road, and WILLIAM WIGLEY, retired solicitor's clerk, Chelston. Both were elderly men. It was shown that heart affection was the cause of death in both cases, and verdicts of "Death from Natural Causes" were returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 September 1903
PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at St Joseph's Home, Hartley, Plymouth, on ANN CURRAN, aged 63 years, a sister, residing at the Home. Deceased had been a resident of the Home about five years. On June 24th deceased fell down in the workroom, breaking and dislocating one of her thighs. She was seen the same day by Dr R. R. Burge, who yesterday deposed that death was due to bed sores and exhaustion, caused by the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS GREEN, 30 years of age, army pensioner, of 66 Chapel-street, Devonport. Deceased who had taken part in the South African war, receiving several bullet wounds in one of his legs, often complained of pain. He was taken ill shortly after midnight on Tuesday and by Dr Ryan's advice he was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. Deceased was a native of Exminster and had been a lance-sergeant in the Somersetshire Light Infantry. He was discharged from the army in May 1902, medically unfit. Dr shields, House Surgeon, deposed that GREEN died from a dilated heart. Deceased who had been an alcoholic subject, evidently overdosed himself in South Africa, where he had suffered from typhoid fever. Deceased was a very powerful man. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 September 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Coroner for Devonport) held an Inquest at Ford yesterday on SAMUEL EDWARD ASTBURY, aged 54, engine-fitter in the Dockyard, of 1 Julian-place, Cambridge-road. Deceased returned from work on Saturday, and, after eating a good dinner, went into the garden and picked some nasturtium seeds. Complaining of feeling tired, he went upstairs to lie down. His wife noticing that his head was thrown back, sent for a doctor. Before Dr Lander could arrive he died, and a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to heart disease. Verdict, "Natural Causes." Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 September 1903 PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on WILLIAM JOHN HENRY BAKER, the one-month-old child of HENRY LOCK BAKER, postman of 25 Clifton-place, Plymouth, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased died whilst under the influence of chloroform, properly administered, death being accelerated by convulsions and congestion of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 September 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Infant's Death. Fed On Water And Sugar. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday on HARRY WESTCOTT, child of FREDERICK WESTCOTT, general labourer, 48 Pembroke-street. - The father said the child was born at 7.45 p.m. on Monday. Mrs Holmes, a midwife, was engaged by his wife, but no medical man. His wages were £1 a week, and he had four other children living. At 1.45 that morning his wife called him and said there was something the matter with the baby, and witness found it was dead. Deceased was fed with sugar and water by the nurse's instructions. - Ann Holmes, midwife, George-street, said that after the child was born an hour elapsed before she could "get life into it." As a rule, milk was not a fit food to give to infants in the first place and she had been in the habit of giving sugar and water after birth. - The Coroner: the child was born on Monday and now it is Thursday. You do not consider sugar and water proper food for a child several days' old? - Witness: I have been told by doctors to give it. I have had 36 years at it, and have had some hundreds of cases. I had intended to fetch Dr Ryan today. - Dr Ryan said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that the cause of death was convulsions probably due to distension of the stomach. Both lungs were congested, probably as the result of the convulsions. He was not prepared to say what the distension of the stomach was due to, but probably it was the sugar. Water and sugar were utterly unfit for the food of the infant, especially ordinary sugar. - Mrs Holmes: It was white sugar. - The Coroner: Will you remember that in future? - Mrs Holmes: Yes, sir. - Dr Ryan said it was a fairly well-developed child, and under ordinary conditions ought to have lived. He had seen Mrs Holmes among poor people and she was always most careful. - The Coroner said the Jury would feel that whatever Mrs Holmes did was done with the best intention, but it took a long time to eradicate views as to food. - Mr Trusk (a Juryman) said it was an old custom to give sugar and water to children. - The Coroner: We are living in rather a more enlightened age now. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 September 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth on PERCY LAW, the six weeks' old son of CHARLES LAW, shoemaker, 14 Cattedown-road, Dr Wilkinson attributed death to convulsions and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - The Fatal Accident At Torquay. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on PERCY BASTARD, aged four, the son of EDWARD ERNEST BASTARD, tailor, Temperance-street. On Wednesday evening about six o'clock Frederick John Passmore and Henry Bowden, carters in the employ of Farrant and co., carriers, brought their empty wagon back to Temperance-street and placed it on a small piece of land, the private property of Farrant and Co., opposite the house of deceased's parents. After one of the men had locked the hind wheel tight and so apparently made the wagon secure, the other took out the horse and placed the shaft against the wall. About 20 minutes afterwards three little children, including deceased, all under four years of age, were playing about the spot, when the wagon moved forward down over the hill several feet, the chain on the hind wheel having become slackened. At the time deceased was under the wagon and before he could get out the wheel went over his body. He was taken to the Torbay Hospital, and died within a minute or two of his arrival. The mother and two neighbours spoke to seeing the wagon moving, but neither could explain the cause. In reply to the Coroner, one of the carters said it was impossible for a child of three or four years of age to have undone the chain unless someone else first pulled out the shafts from the wall. The children, however, could easily have lifted the shafts. - The Coroner said there could not be the slightest doubt that some person or persons moved the shafts and undid the chain. It was for the Jury to say whether it was a pure accident or if anybody was to blame. So far as the evidence was concerned, there was not the slightest blame attached to anybody. The wagon was on private property, and the children had no right there. It might, however, he thought dangerous to leave a wagon with an unlocked chain exposed to the public highway and in an unfenced spot. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding a recommendation that a wagon should not be left so adjacent to the public road without some proper security being provided, such as locking the wheel chain, so that the vehicle could not be moved even if any persons tried to do so.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 September 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - MRS EMMA VINES, aged 73, from Gloucester, died suddenly at Chammonieux, the residence of her daughter, in the New-road, Teignmouth. She had been sitting in the garden and had remarked that she never felt better in her life. On entering the house she was taken with a spasm, and died. At the Inquest on Saturday, Dr G. W. A. Rudkin said death was caused by fatty degeneration of the heart.

BARNSTAPLE - A Barnstaple Bargeman's Death. - "Accidentally Drowned" was the verdict of the Barnstaple Jury on Saturday at the Inquest on JOHN L. STRIBLING, bargeman and pilot, of Barnstaple, drowned in the Taw on 16th inst., the night of the gale, by the swamping of his barge. Deceased's nephew was taken off to another barge (owned by R. Kivell, of Bideford) by means of a rope, which broke when he was safe. STRIBLING'S barge then sank, and deceased, who had first got his nephew off safely, found in impossible to swim half a mile to the shore with his heavy clothes on. Kivell threw planks into the water for him, but STRIBLING sank when about three or four hundred yards from Kivell's barge. - The Coroner (Mr A. Bencraft) said Kivell appeared to have done everything possible. Neither of the barges seemed to have small boats, and he considered that a dangerous omission.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 September 1903
BONDLEIGH - The Death Of A Bondleigh Farmer. Sisters' Lonely Midnight Watch. - At the Inquest held at Cholhouse Farm, Bondleigh, yesterday on HENRY WESTERN, farmer, his sister FRANCES stated that deceased, aged 54, came into the house about 6 o'clock and said he thought of going to bed. As she was writing a letter he said he would not bother her and went out. As he had not returned in half an hour, and the cows were not in the shippen, she and her sister went to look for him and found him in a field lying partly on his side. They were greatly alarmed and thought he had a fit. - Asked by Mr J. D. Prickman, the Coroner, why she did not get assistance until 11 o'clock at night, witness said her sister would not let her leave her, as no one lived in the house but themselves. They got straw, a pillow and a rug, and made deceased as comfortable as they could on the ground. They gave him no stimulants. About 11 o'clock she saw a change in him. Then she left her sister and called Mrs Kemp, who lived a quarter of a mile away. - ELIZABETH WESTERN, the other sister, corroborated. - Mrs Ellen Kemp, wife of a farm labourer, said on arriving she believed MR WESTERN was dead. She poured a little brandy into his mouth and with hot water bathed his hands. - Charles Brook, farm labourer, employed at Cholhouse, said deceased, himself and a man named Tancock were on Friday in a barn combing reed. - The Coroner: did you notice that your master had been drinking? - No. - In reply to P.C. Richards, witness admitted that there were a few words between the men and the deceased. After that they resumed work for a short time. Then the horses stopped and deceased said they had better be taken out. The last he saw of his master alive was when he was crossing the court. - P.C. Richards said on being called to Cholhouse at one o'clock in the morning deceased was still lying on the ground. He applied artificial respiration, without avail. - Dr Cutliffe of Northtawton, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to haemorrhage on the brain - apoplexy. There were no marks of violence on the body. Asked whether the non-removal of deceased to a place of shelter hastened his death, the witness said he did not think so, but he should not like the Jury to believe that much exposure was a good thing. - The Coroner, summing up, said he sympathised with the deceased's sisters in their lonely position, and felt that no blame attached to them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". The funeral is fixed for this afternoon.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Camel's Head Fatality. A Defective Bolt. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on GEORGE WILLIS, aged 50, a ganger in the employ of Matcham and Co., contractors for the new bridge at Camel's Head. - Richard Roscoe, 4 William-lane, Plymouth, a labourer, said he and deceased were on Friday working a hand crane lifting a pipe, when a bolt in the leg of the crane broke and the jib fell and struck deceased on the back, knocking him down. - It was deceased's duty to examine the bolts every day, but witness did not see him examine the crane that day. The crane had been working all the morning, lifting about 15cwt.; it was registered to lift 30cwt. It had been fixed about a fortnight and had been in use since Monday. Only two pipes had been fixed in position; but they were lifting pipes constantly. - In reply to Mr A. N. F. Goodman, for the relatives, witness said there were two steam cranes on the works. - Mr Goodman: Are all the cranes in the same state as this rusty bolt? - They are all the same sort of bolts. - Mr Goodman: Then although they are tested to 30cwt. they are likely to break at 15cwt? - The Coroner: simply because this crane has broken, it does not follow that the others are going to break. This man is a labourer. Any information as to the condition of the apparatus we will get from Mr Marshall. - Robert Thorne, labourer, Tamerton Foliot, said he had to jump to clear himself. Deceased and witness put the crane up and deceased put in the bolt produced. A Juryman: The bolt has been broken for months. - A. E. Marshall, 17 Maristow-avenue. in charge of the works at Camel's Head for Messrs. Matcham, said deceased had been in the employ of the firm for some years and was a steady and reliable man. Witness could not say what was the age of the crane, but it was in sound, good working order. It had been on the works for some months. Deceased had had charge of the carne and had taken it down and re-fixed it from time to time. The pipes weighed about 16cwt. All bolts would pass through deceased's hands, and it would be his duty to see them placed in position. If he found anything weak or defective it would be his duty to cast it aside. There appeared to have been a fracture in the bolt for some little time, but he was not prepared to say whether it was visible or not. Deceased would not have used the bolt if he had detected the flaw. - The Foreman: Some of my fellow Jurymen and myself are of opinion that this is a weld and a very bad one. Although deceased was a ganger, he knew nothing about such matters as this. Upon this bolt rests the whole affair. If a blacksmith had examined it, he would possibly have thrown the bolt on one side. - Witness said after a bolt was made by the blacksmith it was tested. - Mr Debnam (Matcham and Co.): It is hardly likely our blacksmith made the bolt. We buy them in Staffordshire. - Witness: That bolt was not made at our works. - Mr Davey (a Juryman): I doubt whether the deceased saw that bolt, or he would have detected it. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said bolts when received were examined generally and passed through the hands of the smith or foreman in charge to see that they were sound. - Mr Goodman: The only precaution you take apparently is taking the word of an inexperienced man? - No, it had been used and tested. - Mr Debnam: We do not test every bolt. The experienced man in charge is the tester. - Dr O. Shields, House Surgeon, said deceased, when brought to the Royal Albert Hospital, was conscious, but in too collapsed a condition to be examined. he did half an hour after admission. A post-mortem examination revealed that his spine and nine ribs were broken. - The Coroner said it was deceased's duty to ascertain whether the crane was in working order. There was no direct evidence to show that this particular bolt passed through his hands; possibly he put it into position without testing it at all. He might have tested it and, owing to its rusty condition, not observed the flaw. The point arose whether there were sufficient tests at the works for detecting any flaws in iron work or other work - whether the contractors did everything in their power to provide proper working apparatus, or whether there was any blame attaching to them in connection with the accident. - A Juryman said the bolt was one of the commonest he had seen. A steel bolt should have used instead of one of common iron. - The Jury found that the death was purely accidental, and advised the contractors that more supervision should be used in the issue of ironwork and other work. - The Coroner remarked that the Jury did not attach any blame to the firm. - Mr Debnam remarked that the workmen could have anything they wanted, and the orders of the firm were not to use anything with regard to which there was the faintest idea that it would not do for the work. They did all they could to prevent accidents and deeply regretted this. - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased

PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth on WILLIAM MCCLOUNAN, aged 62, a journeyman stonemason of 36 Looe-street. - Beatrice Steer, spinster, 36 Looe-street, said on Saturday morning about 10.20 she went into the wash-house, and saw deceased hanging by a rope from a beam. There was a chair close by. Deceased had apparently stood on it and then kicked it away. He appeared to be dead. She obtained assistance and he was cut down. The death of his wife about eight months ago seemed to prey on deceased's mind. - William T. Matthews, licensed victualler, 31 Looe-street, stated that on being called he, with the help of a man named James Smith, cut the body down. He was quite dead. - Deceased always seemed to be in fairly good spirits. - The Jury (Mr T. J. Beer, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 September 1903
THURLESTONE - The Bantham Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on HALLIDAY HARCOURT, at the deceased's residence, Annecross House, Thurlestone. CLARENCE HARCOURT, of Roehampton, Surrey, solicitor, said the deceased, his brother, was a retired solicitor, 37 years of age. - GRACE ELLEN HARCOURT, the widow, said the last time she saw her husband alive was on Friday night, when they went to bed. When she woke, about seven o'clock next morning, deceased had left the room. he told her the day before he wished he left earlier and it would be about the time for him to get his boat out to go over the bar. - George Burgoyne, of Thurlestone, a farmer, said on Saturday, a little after two o'clock p.m., he was told that deceased was missing. He took a horse and went to the Creek-road, and there following footmarks for about half a mile saw the deceased lying on the sand. It was below high-water mark. Believing he was dead he (witness) did not get off the horse, but rode back. Deceased was lying about six feet off in the lake. It was on the river Avon, but in a creek, not sea-shore. The road was commonly used to go to the creeks, but not where the deceased kept his boat. - By the Foreman (Mr f. H. Hewett): There were rocks about six or seven land-yards off from the body. There was water all round where deceased was lying. - By MR HARCOURT: I have known deceased ten years. I don't think he was a man likely to commit suicide. - Samuel Woodley, farmer, Bantham, said the body was found in Slithycombe Creek, and he went out and brought it ashore. The tide was right out. The body was without boots or hat. Blood was coming from his mouth. He did not notice any wounds. Deceased was lying on his face and hands. His hands were not clenched. - The Coroner: How far from this house was it where you saw the last footmark? - From a quarter to a half-mile, and to the creek it was quarter of a mile further. Where I saw the body was quite three-quarters of a mile from the house. The lane only leads to the creek; there is no landing-place. It is a path leading to Aveton Gifford. - MR HARCOURT: Was the gate shut? - Yes. - Was he found opposite the end of the lane, and is it deep water there? - No; some way further down. It is deep water at the end of the lane. - James Elliott, labourer, Buckland, deposed to finding deceased's bags in the lane outside the gate about 7 o'clock in the morning. There was blood about the bags, and on the fishing tackle. He found deceased's shoes in the road. The boots and bags were scattered about. - Mabel Umfreviaad, London, visitor at Annecross House, said while searching for deceased she found a pistol in a stubble field just inside the hedge, about 30 yards down the road towards Bantham. She had never seen it before. - MR HARCOURT: There are some exploded cartridges in it, but it is not loaded. - Elliott said the pistol was found not far from the road where he found the bags and boots. - By MR HARCOURT: Deceased told me on Friday night he was going fishing next morning. The last time I was here something was said about the roads being safe, and he said, "I don't think it is, and I should not care to go about unarmed." - Dr L. de Courcy Harston, Surgeon, Kingsbridge, said deceased had been suffering for three years from an injury to the head, caused by a fall from a horse. He had been subject to epileptic fits and up to the date of death was being treated for them. His memory was defective and words would not come readily to him. On making a post-mortem examination he found a small incised wound behind the right ear. It was done by a small, blunt instrument not by a bullet. To produce the mark it would not be possible to do it with the pistol. There were no other marks about the body. Internally the whole of the membranes were congested. The brain showed present and past congested trouble. There was a small patch of softening on the left lobe, otherwise healthy. There was no sign of fracture about the skull. There was no wound whatever in the mouth, but there was frothy blood extending to the lungs. Haemorrhage of the right lung accounted for the blood in the mouth. Death was undoubtedly due to drowning. There was no mark of violence on the body, and the blood caused by the haemorrhage accounted for the blood on the baskets. - By the Foreman: Was the mark on the face caused by powder? - I think so. - MR HARCOURT: In regard to the wound, would that indicate sufficient force to stun him? - Yes. - Would that be a blow from behind? - Yes. - Would that be sufficient to cause him to drop anything? - Yes. - MR HARCOURT: What would the haemorrhage cause him to do? - Some are very cool and others excitable over it. I should expect the deceased to be very much alarmed at the sign of blood. The blood coming from the mouth and nose would make it difficult to articulate. - Would it be sufficient to cause him to run down the lane? - It would unhinge him for a time. He did not faint, but probably had a fit. - How do you account for the body being found on its face and hands? - That would be caused by the tide. - Mr Sheriff: We have not heard how many loaded cartridges were in the pistol. - The Coroner: Four were discharged. - Dr Harston: The cartridges were rusted in. - MRS HARCOURT: The pistol belonged to my father. I did not know my husband was carrying it about with him. His mother, who is almost an invalid, was here on a visit and he was most anxious to save her any trouble. I think he went out of the front door without his boots on so as to save waking anyone in the house. He had no provisions with him. I expected he would come back to breakfast, as he intended to go down and put the boat outside, so that he could go out fishing at any time. - MR HARCOURT said he was anxious that the Jury should know everything. His brother had trouble with a man in the district and he wrote asking for a pistol, which he advised him not to have. Deceased had no business cares to trouble him. - After a brief consultation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst of Unsound Mind," and gave it as their opinion that the deceased first attempted to take his life by a revolver shot. - The Jury passed a unanimous vote of sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased gentleman. - After a short service in Thurlestone Church today, the remains will be taken by train to London for interment.

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Pensioner's Death. - WILLIAM CHARLES BREWER, aged 61, a naval pensioner, was found dead in bed on Sunday and at the Inquest yesterday the widow said he had been mentally afflicted for some time. Had he lived he would have had to be taken to an asylum. He went to bed as usual on Saturday evening and the following morning she found he was dead. Dr W. N. Waterfield stated that he had treated deceased for softening of the brain. In his opinion death was due to a severe epileptic fit. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

ILFRACOMBE - Waiter's Sad Death At Ilfracombe. A Fatal Mistake. - Dr E. J. Slade-King held an Inquest at Ilfracombe yesterday on ROBERT GEORGE POWLEY, a season waiter at the Ilfracombe Hotel, and living at 11 Cambridge-grove. - The widow said the deceased (23 years of age) was on Monday a little sick. She attributed it to eating bad mutton on Sunday. At noon she went to the butcher's shop to change the meat, and returning heard her husband calling out "Fetch the doctor at once; I have taken oxalic acid instead of salts. I have made a mistake." She kept the acid in a bottle in the kitchen and used it for cleaning brass. Her husband bought and used it. A red label on the bottle was marked "poison." She did not know the salts were kept near the oxalic acid. - Dr Langridge said he found deceased vomiting badly. He said he had taken oxalic acid instead of Epsom salts. At ten p.m. he was called again and found POWLEY in great pain. He did at 10.30 p.m. from an irritant poison, probably oxalic acid. MRS POWLEY, recalled, said her husband was not depressed. He had finished the season at the Ilfracombe Hotel and was about to go to the Pump Room Hotel, Bath. He was in the habit of taking Epsom salts as a medicine. He belonged to Bath. - Mabel Garrett said deceased and his wife appeared to live happily. - Mr Grover, manager of the Ilfracombe Hotel, spoke highly of POWLEY as an excellent waiter. The Jury returned a verdict "Death through Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 October 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Wrong Message At Devonport. - At the Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on HARRY CECIL NICHOLLS GANGE, the four-month-old child of MABEL GANGE, of 29 Third-avenue, Camel's Head, the mother said on Friday she sent by a girl a message to Dr Davies, who had been attending the child, that it was worse, and asking for more medicine. But the message delivered was that the baby was much better and the result was that no medicine was sent. On Monday she went to fetch a sister at Pennycross, and on returning found the child dead. - Dr Davies attributed death to convulsions, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Fright At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, on MARINA WOOLCOCK, 66, a Dockyard Shipwright's widow, of 51 Clarence-street, Devonport. - JOHN D. WOOLCOCK, Dockyard shipwright, said on going home on Tuesday evening he saw smoke coming from his mother's room. Getting no reply to his call, he entered and found her lying on the floor. An oil stove had caught fire and some carpet thrown over it, to extinguish the flames, had caused the smoke. Assistance was immediately rendered by Mrs Lydia Sowden, a married daughter, but Dr Symes-Saunders pronounced life extinct. His mother had complained of pains in her right shoulder, which was dislocated twelve months ago. - Dr Symes-Saunders said a post-mortem revealed the fact that the heart and most of the other organs were fatty. There were also signs of old pleurisy. Death was from syncope due to fright. The top of the stove had un-soldered and the carpet was charred through. - A verdict of "Death from failure of the heart's action caused by fright" was passed. A vote of sympathy with the relatives was passed.

EAST STONEHOUSE - At the Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN BASTEN, the wife of JOHN BASTEN, general dealer, 2 Market-street, Stonehouse, Dr T. Leah attributed death to the rupture of a varicose vein in the stomach.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 October 1903
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Engineer's Sad Death. The Verdict. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM CURTIS HART, aged 26 years, electrical engineer, in the employ of the Corporation. Mr A. E. S. Akaster appeared for the relatives; Mr R. Rugg Monk, chairman of Plymouth Tramways Committee and Mr J. H. Ellis, Town clerk, represented the Corporation. - George Adams, labourer, in the employ of the Corporation, said on Sunday, about 1.15 a.m., he was engaged with deceased in tightening two overhead tram wires in Westwell-street, Plymouth, that they might be converted. The work was done with two clamps and a jack. The clamps held the wires and the jack (a powerful screw) was used to draw the wires together. Witness proceeded to descend the tower wagon when the wires were in position. Mr Everson, manager of the tramways, was also on the ladder. An order was given by deceased to witness to remove the ladder somewhere up the street. When witness was part way down, he heard a crash against the street suspension post. He looked down and saw deceased lying on the ground. - Did you observe the wires and the jack? - They were in the position we left them. - Had the wire snapped? - No, one of the double hangers had given way. The fitting is made of brass. - In your opinion is the metal sound? - Yes, I think so, sir. It does not disclose a flaw. - Is this the fitting invariably supplied for this purpose? - Yes. - Mr Akaster: Are these hangers ever tested? - I do not know, sir. I do not know how long the hanger had been in use. - Charles Robert Everson, manager Plymouth Corporation Tramways, said deceased asked him to go on the stage and strain up the wires. The wires had already been nearly sufficiently strained, and witness further tightened them. Witness then said there was sufficient strain on. Deceased replied, "I'll try it for myself." He then took a tommy bar, used as a handle and gave the jack screw two or three further turns, whilst Adams and Robert Thorp kept the wires from twisting. Deceased then ordered Adams and another man to move the trolley wagon and to Thorp he said, "You go after it, for fear anything should give way." Witness stooped to avoid a span wire and deceased was in the same position. He warned deceased to keep low. Witness heard something snap, and then saw deceased down below. - Deceased must have stood up? - No, but he probably raised himself. The top of the ladder is about 16 feet from the ground. The wires under repair were breast high to a man standing on the trolley staging. - Could the sides of the well be conveniently higher? - No. They are higher than usual. They were previously higher, but they had been lowered for convenience in working. - Have you any opinion to offer as to the hanger? - No, I have not. Deceased had fixed a separate wire from that which was being put direct to the hanger. From the appearance of the hanger it seems that this separate wire had twisted it and caused it to break. It is not usual to fix a separate wire in the manner described. Deceased was anxious to get the work done quickly. - Deceased was a practical man? - yes, he was a splendid mechanic. I should like to add that in an unconscious moment he must have placed himself on the side of the trolley where the jack was. He had previously cautioned two men not to do so. The deceased was struck by the jack with a force of about 25cwt. - A Juror: Do you think a well of 18 inches is sufficiently deep to work in? - I am not prepared to give an opinion; I am not an expert. The wagon was bought by the experts themselves. There is no danger to my mind. - Mr Akaster: Do you say there is no danger working on that wagon? - I should say not. - Why did the deceased say, "You get out of it for fear anything should give way?" - Because the man placed himself on the wrong side of the wire, like MR HART did. - By the Deputy Coroner: Deceased told him that he preferred working on this wagon to any other. - Mr Akaster asked whether a waist-belt should not be provided to prevent accidents.? - Witness replied that he would not like to give an opinion. MR HART had sole control of his staff. - Mr Hamilton Serpell, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was admitted to the Institution at 2.15 a.m. on September 27th suffering from a fractured base of the skull, a fractured thigh and shock. MR HART never regained consciousness and died from his injuries at 7.40 p.m. on Thursday. - The Deputy Coroner said the case was a very simple, but melancholy one. It seemed that the deceased died from excess of zeal: he gave two or three extra turns so as to make the wires, in his opinion, extra tight, and unfortunately, the bearing gave way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and through their Foreman (Mr R. Parsons) expressed sympathy with the relatives. - The Deputy Coroner: Yes, it is a most unfortunate thing. - The Town Clerk said, on behalf of the Chairman of the Tramways Committee, he desired to associate himself with that expression of opinion. There was no doubt the deceased was a most zealous, competent servant, and his anxiety to get a good job done, and done quickly, might have - he did not say did - hastened his death. At any rate, MR HART was a most zealous servant, and his loss would be most keenly felt by the Tramways Committee.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 October 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth on Saturday on HUGH BANN, aged 68 years, army pensioner, 36 Millbay-road, Dr J. Steele Parse attributed death to syncope, resulting from a badly diseased heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 October 1903
HAWKCHURCH (DORSET) - Village Life In East Devon. Shocking State Of Affairs. - An Inquest held at Hawkchurch yesterday on ANN LOVING, aged 68, a spinster, lasted over three hours. The deceased, who was in receipt of 2s. 6d. parish relief per week, lived with her illegitimate daughter in a cottage situate in a plantation. Several other relatives had been stopping there for the last month or so, and men and women were huddled together in two small bedrooms. - Quarrels were frequent and villagers and the Police had been appealed to for assistance. On Sunday week the deceased woman went for some milk, having to go a distance of about a mile for it. When she returned she seemed greatly upset and could not speak and went to bed. On the following morning she complained to her daughter that a man named Tom Evans had assaulted her. The woman remained in bed and although the daughter knew her mother was seriously ill she did not send for a doctor until Friday morning. Before the messenger reached Dr Podbury of Axminster, the woman had expired. Evans denied that he assaulted the woman and the village constable stated that one of the relatives informed him that another relative he named committed the assault. - The doctor said death was not due to an assault but to a clot of blood on the heart. The house was a perfect disgrace and not fit for habitation. The parties were also in a very filthy condition, and when he removed the deceased's clothing to make a post-mortem, the vermin "ran like fireworks." There were no beds in the house. The Policeman said the parties visited the public-house almost all day and one of the Jurymen said he had scarcely ever seen them sober. - The Coroner remarked that all the witnesses appeared to be liars, and if one of them was not so old he should deal severely with him. It was deplorable that such human beings existed. He had hardly ever known of such a horrible state of affairs and if the Jury considered the brought about the woman's death it was for them to say so. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, adding a rider that exonerated Evans from any assault and requested that the attention of the sanitary authorities should be called to the condition of the house.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tramway Fatality. The Inquest. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JOHN SATTERLY, aged 42, journeyman blacksmith, of 25 Millbay-road. - John Saunders, petty officer, R.N., said near the Octagon, just before ten o'clock on Sunday evening, he heard someone shout "Look out there," and, looking round, saw a tramcar knock down a man. It was blowing and raining very hard at the time and the car was travelling at between five and six miles an hour. The driver immediately stopped the car. - John Dickens, of Paisley-street, Devonport, said he was driving the car from Plymouth to Devonport and when about forty yards away saw deceased and another man approaching the rails. He rang the bell and eased up and the men appeared to be waiting for the car to pass. Just as he got within four yards of them, however, one man "skipped" across and the other attempted to follow him, but failed, and was knocked down. Witness stopped the car and found the man under the guard. - The Coroner: Is not the guard supposed to be for saving people? - The man must have got in under the side of the guard. - Mr G. Pearse (engineer of the company), asked by the Coroner how he accounted for deceased getting under the guard, replied that he must have been struck by the step at the side of the car, to which the guard did not extend. - Do you think this guard is effective? - Perfectly. - P.C. Symons, who witnessed the accident, said deceased was not under the guard, but in front of it. He was conscious and complained of his arm. He was not intoxicated. - Dr H. Gubb stated that deceased, on being received at the Hospital, was found to be suffering from shock, compound dislocation of the arm, severe injury to the head and fractured pelvis. He died about an hour after admittance. - The Coroner remarked that after the evidence of the Constable there could be no reflection on the company for not providing proper means to prevent a person getting under the car. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr A. E. Maddock, who represented the Tramway Company, in the absence of Mr T. H. Moreton, expressed regret at the accident, and added that he had no doubt the company would communicate with the widowed mother. Mr W. W. Blight, deceased's employer, attended the Inquiry.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at Laira, on OLIVE PULLEY, aged four years, daughter of CHARLES PULLEY, engine driver, 4 Moor View-cottages, Dr W. W. Forbes, Ridgeway, Plympton, attributed death to syncope.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 October 1903
ASHBURTON - At an Inquest on Saturday at Ashburton on MRS WHITE, aged 67, wife of MR F. WHITE, china merchant, who died suddenly on Friday morning, after hearing the evidence of Dr E. Wilcot, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed their sympathy with MR WHITE.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 October 1903
EXETER - An Exeter Traveller's Death. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on GEORGE CHARLES BISTLE, aged 38, of 23 Baker-street, Heavitree, a commercial traveller, in the employ of Messrs. Quick, leather merchants, Queen-street, who died suddenly that morning in the premises of the firm. Deceased had suffered from heart trouble and a doctor had told the widow that deceased might die at any moment. Arthur Penberthy, warehouseman, said deceased was quite cheerful when he came to business, but shortly afterwards was found lying on the floor dying. Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, attributed death to heart disease and remarked that his walking in from Heavitree, over a mile, in a quarter of an hour, after eating his breakfast, was quite enough to kill him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

DAWLISH - The Dawlish Suicide. - At an Inquest at Dawlish last evening on WILLIAM CASELEY, aged 46, an ex-sergeant of the army, GEORGE CASELEY, his brother, said deceased was invalided out of the army about 15 years ago. Some trouble recently had preyed on his mind. - Edward Stone, mason, of Teignmouth, deposed to finding the deceased dead on Saturday night in the Barton Lane. An empty mineral-water bottle was found beside deceased. Ed. V. Turner, chimney sweep, said about 7.30 on Saturday evening deceased at his lodgings said he was a little better. He refused to have anything to eat and after going upstairs for a short time went out, not saying a word. - George J. Cutcliffe, chemist, said on Thursday or Friday last deceased purchased an ounce of oxalic acid and an ounce of plate power, which he said were for cleaning brass. The oxalic acid was labelled "Poison," and he warned deceased. CASELEY reminded him that he'd bought it many times before. - Dr C. L. H. Tripp, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to poisoning by oxalic acid. The Jury (Mr H. Harlwill, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 October 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLOTTE CADAMY, aged 12 years, the daughter of EDWARD CADAMY, labourer, 5 Moon-lane, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 October 1903
TOTNES - Yesterday afternoon at Totnes, Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest on AGNES MAUD SHADDICK, daughter of FREDERICK HENRY SHADDICK, butcher. The Deputy Coroner said Dr Gibson had certified that death was due to injury to the brain at birth, and to convulsions, but as the registrar had not registered the death an Inquest was necessary. Dr Gibson gave evidence in support of his certificate and said the injury was unavoidable. The Jury (Mr J. Westaway, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 October 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Labourer's Sad Death. Overjoyed At Getting Work. - At the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday, before Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, an Inquest was held on WILLIAM HENRY FRANCIS COLLINS, aged 37 years, Dockyard labourer of 29 Corporation-buildings, Devonport. Mr J. W. Bickle represented the relatives. - A. E. Curle, telegraphist, 8 Durham-avenue, Plymouth, brother-in-law to deceased, said COLLINS was formerly a barman, and entered the yard last Monday. - Charles Shipman, skilled labourer at Keyham Factory, said on Friday the deceased was engaged scraping the flooring plates in the engine-room of the cruiser Badford. He was informed that deceased was unwell and later in the day witness found him on the upper deck, looking dazed and stupid. He spoke to deceased, but could get no answer. Witness went below to get deceased's coat and basket and on his return he found him in a fit. Witness considered the man excited and overjoyed at getting work. - Dr Shields, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to asphyxia, following on acute meningitis and congestion of both lungs. - MRS COLLINS said her husband was attended by Dr Wilson three months ago, but recovered from that illness and on Friday morning, when he left for work, he seemed quite well. On Thursday evening he served as a waiter at the Mayor's dinner. - Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes". The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

IVYBRIDGE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Woodlands, Ivybridge, last evening, on the five months' old son of First Class P.O. CHARLES REID, R.N. The child died suddenly on Saturday night. Dr Cooper, who made a post-mortem examination said death was due to pneumonia. Verdict accordingly.

AWLISCOMBE - East Devon Village Suicide. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Awliscombe on JOHN CANN, late rural postman and ex-policeman, who shot himself in the kitchen of his cottage on Saturday morning. The widow stated that her husband was apparently in his usual state of health and spirits in the morning, and that she could assign no reason for the rash act. Evidence was also given by Mr Danniells, village schoolmaster, Mr Dart and P.C. Sansum. Dr Macaulay deposed that the greater portion of the left hand side of the head was blown away. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 October 1903
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday afternoon on QUEENE AMELIA HADDY, aged five years, of 23 Raleigh-street. The father, a furniture dealer, said the child had always been delicate and died suddenly that morning. On the evidence of Dr Parsloe, the Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

PLYMOUTH - The coroner investigated the circumstances attending the death of BENJAMIN SHERRELL, aged 53, journeyman butcher. Elizabeth Kate Deveney, wife of Thomas Deveney, naval pensioner, of 47 Flora-street, with whom deceased lodged for many years, said she last saw SHERRELL alive on Monday afternoon, when he asked for some brandy. She gave it him and on returning to the house later in the afternoon found him dead. Dr Plant attributed death to heart disease of long standing, and added that deceased was a very unhealthy man. In this case the Jury found that Death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 October 1903
BATH, SOMERSET - Stonehouse Man's Death At Bath. - At Bath yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held concerning the death of CHARLES AGGETT, of Emma-place, Stonehouse, coachman, who died at the baths. he went to Bath on the 8th inst. for the baths for rheumatism, and on Monday evening was found flat on his face, about four inches under water, not fully undressed. The medical evidence showed that death was due to heart failure. The Coroner said there was no indication of drowning and it was clear that he had not taken his bath. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and thanked the baths attendant for his prompt assistance.

STOKE GABRIEL - Suicide At Stoke Gabriel - At an Inquest held at Stoke Gabriel on JOHN MITCHELL, retired baker, who shot himself on Tuesday morning, the widow stated that deceased who was 39 years of age, came home on Monday evening and ordered her and the children out of the house, adding that it was his intention to shoot himself. The deceased was of an excitable temperament, and she regarded what he said as a joke, although she knew that he possessed a gun and cartridges. - Fred Cruse, landlord of one of the village Inns, stated that deceased had told witness that he was tired of his life and that he could put up with his wife no longer. - Arthur Hill stated that he purchased cartridges for MITCHELL, but had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Dr Reynolds, of Totnes, said deceased must have held the gun horizontally and discharged it by pushing the trigger by means of a stick. - The Coroner referred in severe terms to the action of the widow in not informing the Police after she had left the house of deceased's threat, as it appeared very evident that he intended to commit suicide. A verdict of "Felo de Se" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Suicide In Plymouth Prison. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Prison yesterday on FRANK GREENWOOD, accountant, aged 63, of 39 Palmerston-street, Stoke, who was found dead in a cell in the prison. - Frank Baldwin, Stoke, identified the body and in reply to Mr F. G. Tarn, who represented the relatives of deceased, said he had been constantly seeing GREENWOOD recently, and had noticed that he had become rather childish. Deceased was also very excitable and used to get into terrible passions. - James Thomas Bennett, governor of the Prison, said he last saw the deceased alive early on Monday morning. He was advised of his death on Tuesday morning and immediately went to his cell. - William Powell, assistant warder, deposed to finding GREENWOOD lying dead on his bed. He had fastened together his necktie, towel and handkerchief. The tie was round his neck, while the towel was fastened to the table. Dr Wolferstan, Medical officer of the Prison, stated that when admitted on Saturday night deceased was quite cool and self-possessed, and made no complaint, except that his sight was defective. On Monday morning witness found that GREENWOOD had strangled himself. The Coroner said there was no doubt that the serious charge hanging over deceased had unhinged his mind. Verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 26 October 1903
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Saturday morning on ROBERT ANDREWS ANGEL, aged 56, labourer, of Crescent-avenue, who died suddenly on the previous Thursday evening. Dr Henry Robert Corbett stated that he attributed death to syncope. The heart was greatly enlarged and weighed 31 ounces, the normal weight being only twelve. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 October 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Pensioner's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on EDWIN SIDNEY ELLIOTT, 67, Royal Marine pensioner, of 29 Quarry-street, Stonehouse. He lived with William Derbyshire, carter, and was left in apparently good health on Thursday morning. Returning in the evening Derbyshire found that deceased had had a fall and was in bed. He became worse the following day, and died in the evening. According to witnesses, deceased when he drew his pension took to intoxicating liquors. - Dr W. E. Corbett said deceased had a nasty cut on the forehead due to the fall, which must have been severe. There were signs of chronic alcoholism when he made a post-mortem examination, and death, due to congestion of the lungs, was accelerated by the fall. Deceased's face was unwashed, and the room was in a neglected state. - The Coroner said what he might describe as the diabolical habit of drinking to excess had alienated deceased from his friends. That, however, did not justify Derbyshire, who was supposed to care for him and Mrs Prettyjohns, the landlady, leaving him in a neglected state and the room in such a dirty condition. If he had another old gentleman to care for he hoped Derbyshire would be more careful. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) on EMILY NICHOLS, the newly-born child of JOHN NICHOLS, labourer at Keyham Extension Works, of 19 Fourth-avenue, Camel's Head, Dr J. H. Kenrick stated that death was due to inanition through premature birth. The birth had been properly carried out by Mrs Avery, the midwife. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Coroner held an Inquiry into the death of MARY COTTLE, age 67, widow of a commercial traveller, of 12 William-street. Alfred Waterfield, ironmonger, said deceased was his mother-in-law, and had lived with him about two years, during which time her health had been fairly good. She had an attack of pleurisy about two years ago. On Saturday morning she complained of feeling ill and reluctantly went to bed. In the evening Dr McElwaine was sent for, and as he was away from home a message was left for him. They waited up until 2.30 a.m., when deceased advised them to go to bed. At 7.30 a.m. witness's wife gave her a cup of tea and she asked for a second, which was given her. After the bed had been made she returned to bed again, and sat up comfortably. A short time afterwards no answer could be got from her and Dr McElwaine was sent for, but she died about 10 a.m., before the doctor arrived. Dr McElwaine said he intended to go to the house on Sunday morning, but received a message before he started on his rounds. When he reached the house he found deceased had expired. A post-mortem examination showed that the right lung had collapsed owing to old-standing pleurisy. There was also recent pleurisy with effusion of the left lung, and the heart was displaced owing to the quantity of fluid. If he had gone on Saturday night nothing could have been done. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Hamoaze Fatality. Inquest On Stoker HOUSE. Captain Of The Steamer Exonerated. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on WILLIAM WALTER HENRY HOUSE, a native of Bristol, formerly a stoker on the torpedo-boat destroyer Lynx, and one of the victims of the accident which occurred off Bull Point on October 13th last. Deceased and four other service men were being towed in a whaler by the Saltash ferryboat Albert, when the barge Commerce, of Calstock, collided with the smaller boat, throwing the occupants into the water, HOUSE and another man, Henry James Matthias, both belonging to the Lynx, being drowned. Mr E. V. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) appeared for the Admiralty. - P.C. Spicer, Bere Ferrers, gave evidence as to the recovery of the body from the water at Hole's Hole, and finding the name "W. W. HOUSE," on the collar of the deceased's jumper. In a belt round the waist was 10s. 1d. The body was badly decomposed. - William John Russell, Government contractor, of Torpoint, stated that he was proceeding up the River Tamar early last Saturday morning, when he saw the body in the water about half a mile below Hole's Hole. - HENRY HOUSE, grocer, of 30 Mina-road, Bristol, stated that the deceased, his son, was 21 years of age. - John Limebear, first class leading stoker, of the destroyer Lynx, said on the 13th inst., he had to go to the Dockyard to draw blankets and the boat's crew included HOUSE, Matthias, Roberts, Northcote and himself. On returning at 11.30 a.m. he found a strong ebb tide and wind against him ,and he was faced with such great difficulty that he asked the captain of the ferryboat to take him in tow. This he kindly did, and when off Bull Point he saw three barges tacking from the Cornish side, and before he could do anything one of the barges, the Commerce, struck the whaler amidships with great force, cutting her in halves. The five of them were thrown into the water and he saved Roberts, the only man he could see afloat. A dinghy of the destroyer Thorn, moored close by, picked three of them up. - By the Coroner: At the time the Commerce struck the whaler the steamer could not have cleared the Thorn if her course had not been altered. Witness said they had about six feet of towing line from the whaler, and he could not see who was steering the Commerce. There was only the Thorn on the port side. - The Coroner: Supposing you had slipped your painter? - Witness: We did not have the time to do it. - The Coroner: Seeing these barges tacking across, and knowing they would come about, would it not have been more prudent and safer to proceed up on the Cornish side of the Thorn than between the buoys and the Thorn? - Witness: I could not say anything about it. To evade all accidents, I think the captain of the steamer did everything to the best of his ability. - Replying to a Juror, witness said a search was made for the bodies. - John Easton, master of the ferry steamer Albert, belonging to the Saltash Steamboat Company, and certificated pilot, said he took the whaler in tow. As he was nearing Bull Point, he saw the three barges, two of which were the Commerce and Mystery, on the starboard tack from the Cornish side to the red buoys off Bull Point limiting the navigation of vessels. he headed his steamer to pass under the stern of the barges upon their tacking down to come about, but when the Commerce came about the Mystery collided with her, and the former's boom became entangled in the Mystery's rigging. That brought the two barges up and he at once altered his course to pass outside them, thinking there would be time to make a safe passage. The Commerce, however, cleared herself more quickly than he anticipated and she came off on the port tack. He had to avoid the Thorn, and he put his helm hard to port. - By the Coroner: It would be doubtful if the Commerce could have been held clear of the whaler if the helm had been attended the whole time. He could not say whether the helm of the barge was attended when it collided with the whaler, but he noticed when the barges collided that the captain of the Commerce left his helm to endeavour to clear the rigging. It was through the Commerce clearing herself so quickly that drove them into such a tight corner. The Commerce came off on her wrong course, he thought, because she was not steered. The accident might have been avoided had she been steered. He did all in his power to avoid a collision. If there had been somebody aft and the painter slipped, the whaler would probably have cleared. - By the Foreman: The barges were on their proper course. - Reply to the Coroner, witness said the rule was that a steamer should keep clear of sailing vessels. - The Coroner: So that the Commerce is not to blame? - Witness: Not at all. - Thomas Foot, master of the barge Commerce, belonging to Perry, Spear and Co., said the wind was against him, but a strong ebb tide was in his favour, when he was going down the harbour. He tacked to Bull Point, but could not weather the buoy. The Mystery could not clear the buoy, and her rigging caught the boom of the Commerce. he was at the helm, and he left that to devote his attention to the boat behind. As soon as there was way on the Commerce he again had the helm, and he did not agree that he could have cleared the whaler. He did not see the steamer when he collided with the Mystery. When he saw the steamer crossing his bow he luffed, and struck the whaler. - The Coroner pointed out that he had not heard of the collision of the barges previous to the collision with the whaler until that morning, and the incident had not been even mentioned in the Press. He should like to have the evidence of the captain of the barge Mystery before the Inquiry was closed. - M. F. Sparow (a Juror): The evidence is altogether insufficient. - Witness stated that he had worked at his business for 45 years, and had never previously experienced any mishap. - The Coroner pointed out that the rule was that a steamer should avoid sailing vessels, and the Jury should carefully consider whether Capt. Easton shewed any degree of negligence. They all admitted it was a kindly act on his part in taking the whaler into tow against the strong tide, but it was his duty to exercise every care over the safety of the crew of the whaler. It was a matter for the Jury whether they would hear other evidence. If they said there was negligence on the part of Capt. Easton, he apprehended they would not say it was culpable, as that would amount to manslaughter. - After a private deliberation, the Coroner said the Jury had very carefully considered the evidence, and, seeing the difficult circumstances in which Capt. Easton was placed, they did not think he could be blamed. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning." - The Coroner and the Jury expressed deep sympathy with the relatives. - The body of Matthias, the other man who was drowned, is still missing.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 October 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - The Hamoaze Fatality. Inquest On Stoker MATTHIAS. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard on HENRY JAMES MATTHIAS, stoker, of the destroyer Lynx, who was drowned in the Hamoaze on the 13th inst., owing to a collision between the sailing barge Commerce of Calstock, and a whaler belonging to the Lynx, the latter boat at the time being in tow of the Saltash passenger steamer Albert. Two men were drowned, and three saved, the drowned men being Wm. Walter House, and HY. J. MATTHIAS. An Inquest was held on Monday at Stonehouse on the body of House. - FREDERICK GEORGE MATTHIAS, 7 Collingwood-avenue, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his brother, 22 years of age, who had just returned from China, having been paid off on August 4th. - John Limebeer, leading stoker, 1st class, said he went to the dockyard on the 13th inst., to draw stores. On returning at 11.30 he felt he was in difficulties with a strong head tide and wind, when between Northcorner and Newpassage. He hailed the captain of the Albert and obtained a tow. When off Bull Point he saw a sailing craft bearing down upon the whaler. He whistled and shouted to the Albert to let him slip, but before it could be done the Commerce struck them. The occupants of the whaler were thrown out, and when he came to the surface again he only saw one man, Roberts, whom he assisted away from the suction, and was then himself picked up by a dinghy from the Thorn. - John Easton, of Saltash, captain of the Albert, said he saw the Commerce on the starboard tack. She was trying to weather the red buoy off Bull Point. She failed to do that, and consequently went round on the port tack. He put his helm aport to go under the stern of the Commerce. At that moment witness saw the barge Mystery open out under the stern of the Thorn. He saw there was no room to clear the red buoy under the stern of the Commerce, so her reversed his helm and put it hard-a-starboard. By that time the Commerce's boom went into the Mystery's rigging. The two barges cleared each other, and the Commerce came off on the port tack very rapidly, as it was blowing very hard and there was a strong ebb tide. He had the Thorn broadside on to the river, so he had to reverse his helm again, throwing the starboard quarter of the Albert away from the Commerce's bow. He looked around and then saw the Commerce nearly striking the whaler, so he stopped his engine and went full-speed astern. Before he had given the order to stop, the Commerce had struck the whaler and the men were thrown into the water. He did all in his power to avert an accident. - George Goddard, 2nd class petty officer, of the battleship ~Dreadnought, said that just before seven a.m. on Tuesday he saw a body floating on the water. He was then just entering Moon Cove. He secured it and handed it over to the Metropolitan Police. - Sergt. Brown, Metropolitan Police, said he took charge of the body, which he recognised by the name MATTHIAS being on the clothing. - Richard Henry Woodridge, chief stoker on the destroyer Thorn, said he saw the collision and he was certain that the captain of the Albert did all he could to avert an accident. Had the whaler been hitched on to the Albert by a double rope, it might have been possible to let go the painter and clear the Commerce. - The Coroner, summing up, said he had known Capt. Easton for a long time and had always known him to be a capable and careful skipper. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner and Jury expressing sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 October 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held by Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday, on EDITH FLORENCE, the two-month-old child of P.C. CHAS. A. OSBORN, of 4 Clyde-street, Dr Lander stated that death was due to convulsions, resulting from diseased bowels, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 October 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on HENRY ELIAS BANFIELD, 83, retired journeyman cabinet-maker of 15 St Mary-street, Stonehouse, yesterday, at Stonehouse Townhall. Deceased lived alone, and died from syncope. Dr Waterfield said deceased was in a wasted condition and had apparently denied himself of the necessaries of life.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 November 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) yesterday held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard on ALBERT VICTOR TORPEY (16) of 15 Pembroke-street. Mr Penwell (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented Sir John Jackson (Limited). - FREDERICK J. TORPEY, labourer, at Keyham Extension Works, said deceased, his son, was a tool boy, and was working with him, pulling down timber from a gantry. He sent deceased for wedges to the sawmills, to get to which deceased had to cross the railway line. Within three or four minutes he was informed that his boy had been run over by an engine. Deceased was about 20 minutes beneath the engine, before being taken out. In wet weather, when the engine was coming along that part of the line, it was so silent that it was hardly possible to hear it. - James Edworthy, 30 St Vincent-street, locomotive driver, said he was on the engine "Lord Roberts," about eleven o'clock, when he saw the locomotive "Swansea" coming along the line. Suddenly he saw the deceased fall head foremost in front of the engine. The buffer struck the deceased and the sandpipe pushed him along. Witness shouted to the driver of the "Swansea" who turned round immediately and then stopped his engine. It was impossible for the driver of the "Swansea" to see the deceased. The deceased could not have been thinking where he was going, as had he only been a second later the buffer would have passed him and deceased would have been thrown off the line. - Thomas Reeves, driver of the engine "Swansea" stated that until he saw some men in front holding their arms up and shouting, he did not know what had happened. He had not seen anyone in front of the engine. Unless a man was about five yards in front of the engine, he could not see him. - Dr R. R. Fassom, R.N., said when brought to the surgery at the Extension Works deceased was dead. Death was apparently due to shock and fracture of the base of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner and Jury expressing their sympathy with the parents of deceased. Mr Penwell also expressed sympathy on behalf of Sir John Jackson (Limited).

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman's Suicide. - At the Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns on MRS MARY SELINA WARD, aged 46, of 84 Embankment-road, Plymouth, WM. E. WARD, foreman in the employ of Plymouth Gas Co., her husband, said he last saw her alive on Friday afternoon, when she seemed quite well. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. - Mrs Avery said deceased returned home on Friday evening and after passing a remark about the weather went upstairs. Shortly after she shouted down that she had poisoned herself. - Dr A. E. Travers-Stubbs stated that when he arrived deceased was in a semi-comatose condition, and told him she had poisoned herself. She was holding two empty bottles, one of which had contained chlorodyne and the other an imitation of chlorodyne, but containing no morphia. The quantity in the former bottle would be sufficient to cause death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on JAMES BRADSHAW WILMOTT, aged 68, pensioner from H.M. Customs, of 27 St Leonard's-road, Plymouth, who died suddenly on October 31st, Dr G. Bate attributed death to heart disease.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Bull Point yesterday on LETITIA THOMAS, aged 31, wife of G. H. THOMAS, of the Metropolitan Police, stationed at the Naval Ordnance Depot. Dr A. C. Festing Smith, after a post-mortem examination, attributed death to haemorrhage of the right lung, due to phthisis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the husband.

EXETER - Fatality At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on MARY WEBBER, aged 72 years, wife of SAMUEL WEBBER, an employee of the City Council, living at 59 Paris-street, who said on October 21st deceased fell down two stairs. - Dr Wreford said deceased sustained a fracture of the thigh, and she was also suffering from long-stand heart disease. He suggested her removal to the Hospital, but the deceased was averse to it. The nature of the fracture was such that there was no means of setting it. He attributed the primary cause of death to the accident and shock to the system caused thereby. - A Juror said he failed to see the reason for holding the Inquiry. - The Coroner: Where a certificate of death is presented to the registrar of deaths, and on the face of it death is attributable to an accident, the registrar is in duty bound to communicate such fact to the Coroner. The coroner is not a prophet and you must hear evidence first before deciding the issue. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". - Mr J. Roberts (Foreman of the Jury) congratulated Mr Brown on his appointment as Coroner.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 November 1903
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday on JOHN TURNER SYMONS, 80, retired master mariner, of 4 Harwell-street, Plymouth. Elizabeth Lombard, wife of Henry Lombard, residing in the same house, heard a fall, and proceeding upstairs found deceased had fallen over seven stairs. Dr R. B. Burke said deceased had broken both his shoulders, and death was due to shock. "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 November 1903
PLYMOUTH - A German Sailor's Fate. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on OTTO ROBERT BLANROCK, aged 20, a German sailor, who was drowned in the Cattewater on October 25th, and whose body was recovered on Wednesday. - Walter Henry Jago, secretary to the German Consul, proved that deceased was an able seaman on the S.S. Emil R. Retxlaff, and lived at Noelitz, Germany. Witness also produced the written statement of the master of the steamship, which showed that on the morning of October 25th, the vessel was getting under way, the deceased and another sailor being in the small boat unfastening the moorings. They had finished doing this and were hauled up under the stern of the vessel. By some means the small boat came into contact with the steamer's screw, and was smashed and sunk. One of the men saved himself by grasping a rope hanging from the vessel, but deceased was unable to reach this and jumped overboard. Being clad in heavy sea boots and oilskins, he immediately sank, and was not seen again. - Samuel Screech, boatman, St Germans, deposed to recovering the body, which he saw floating in Deadman's Bay, Cattewater, on Wednesday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Pilot's Death. Drowned In The Sound. - The Inquest on CHARLES HENRY SHELDON, aged 60, of 10 Notte-street, a master Trinity pilot, drowned in a recent gale in Plymouth Sound, whose body was recovered on Thursday morning, was held before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, today. - Wm. Henry George Brookes, Trinity pilot, 8 Frobisher-terrace, Plymouth, identified the body of the deceased, who was his uncle. - John Henry Macey Williams, master Trinity pilot, 11 New-street, Plymouth, stated that on October 24th whilst a gale was blowing from the southward, a vessel in the Sound signalled for a pilot. Deceased and witness, two brothers, went out, and one of the latter was put on board the vessel as pilot. The vessel then altered her course for the anchorage, with the boat towing alongside, SHELDON steering with a paddle. A heavy sea struck the boat and washed the paddle out of deceased's hands, the result being that the small craft steered alongside the vessel and capsized. Deceased sank beneath the waves, and was not seen again. - Wm. Burnett, chief officer on board a Government mud hopper and residing at 1 Park-place West, Park-terrace, Crownhill, said he saw the body of deceased floating between the Melampus buoy and Drake's Island. The hopper was put about and the body secured and taken to Sutton Pool, being subsequently conveyed to the mortuary. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was Accidentally Drowned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 November 1903
EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on WILLIAM DEAN, 49, cattle drover, Preston-street, who died suddenly in the Royal Oak Inn, St. Thomas, on Thursday night, Mr J. White, the landlord, said deceased did not have anything to drink in his house. He was sober. Other evidence showed that deceased was addicted to drink, and Dr Stokes attributed death to heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 November 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held on the infant son of CHARLES E. NUTE, journeyman baker, 22 Green-street, Plymouth, Dr J. round attributed death to congestion of the lungs and bronchitis.

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held Yesterday on GEORGE EDWARD LANG, single, aged 48 years, naval pensioner, 23 Tavistock-road, Devonport, Dr C. L. Lander attributed death to syncope, due to heart and kidney disease of long standing.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, (Borough Coroner) at the Galatea Inn, Plymouth, yesterday, on the body of GEORGE DAGNALL, aged about 60 years, manager of a lodging-house at 111 King-street, Plymouth, Dr H. H. Parsloe attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquiry yesterday into the death of MADALINE OLIVE ECCLES, aged eight months, the child of HENRY SANDERSON ECCLES, journeyman fitter, 27 Wolsdon-lane, Plymouth. Dr C. L. Lander, who made a post-mortem examination of the body, found it very wasted, no doubt due to errors in feeding in earlier life. Death was really attributable to bronchial pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 November 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on FRANCENIM SARAH WARDEN, aged 32, of 21 Edgcumbe-place. For the past eight years deceased had suffered from consumption, and had been attended by Dr R. B. Wagner, but since last February had not been seen by a medical man. About 10.30 p.m. on Monday she was going upstairs when she was seized with a fit of coughing, which broke a blood vessel and caused haemorrhage. On being carried upstairs she was found to be dead. Dr Wagner stated that death was the result of haemorrhage of the left lung, due to phthisis.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 November 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday, on HILDA MAY HINDLEY, aged 13 years, of 33 Monument-street, Dr E. J. C. Hinvest said death was caused by collapse, due to tuberculosis.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 November 1903 PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, on WM. HENRY KEEN, aged 75 years, 17 Francis-street, retired journeyman confectioner, Dr H. B. Corbett, 5 Westbury-terrace, Plymouth, attributed death to heart disease of long standing and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. A Dangerous Practice. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Devonport on FREDERICK BAKER, 43, of 2 John-street. - Sydney f. Medland, journeyman painter, stated that deceased was employed by witness's mother as foreman and was working at 3 Littleton-place, Devonport, last Friday, painting the back shutes and sashes. Deceased was standing on the sill of one of the top windows, holding with one hand and painting with the other, when he fell into the yard below, a distance of over twenty feet. This was the highest window and witness asked deceased whether they should lash two ladders together to reach it. Whilst they were doing that he replied he could paint the window. It was a dangerous practice to stand on a sill to paint a high window. He could not have influenced deceased to use a ladder. He had seen him in many more difficult places than this. - Mr H. M. Major, assistant house-surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased had a cut an inch long over the right eyebrow, a fracture of the right leg and a fracture of the base of the skull. He died early on Saturday morning. - Police-Sergeant E. G. Moore said the window sill was about seven or eight inches wide, and deceased had apparently broken his fall on a roof. The Coroner remarked that it was a common practice for workmen to run risks to save time or trouble. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death", the Jury (Mr Lamb, Foreman) joined the Coroner in expressing sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 November 1903
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman's Suicide. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN CLACK, aged 55, found strangled in her kitchen, 36 New-street, on Monday evening. - JAMES CLACK, fish hawker, her husband, stated that she had been somewhat despondent owing to a serious accident to her arm recently. - Ethel Ward, of 38 New-street, stated that on being called to MRS CLACK'S residence, she found her hanging by a bandage attached to a gas stove in the kitchen. She called her husband, who cut the bandage. - P.C. Palmer said, pending the arrival of Dr Cooke, he tried artificial respiration. Dr Cooke, on examining the body, found that death was due to strangling. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child Suffocated. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on EMMA LOUISA RENDLE, two months, daughter of JOHN RENDLE, shipwright, 13 Valletort-place. On waking on Sunday morning MRS RENDLE found the child looking rather strange and immediately put her in a warm bath and sent for Dr R. B. Wagner. On his arrival the doctor found that the child had been dead twenty minutes or half an hour. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the child was Accidentally Suffocated while in bed with her parents.

TIVERTON - Fatal Accident Near Tiverton. - Dr L. Mackenzie, Tiverton Borough Coroner, last night held an Inquest on WILLIAM WOODLEY, estate carpenter, Calverleigh. - J. T. WOODLEY said the deceased, his father, 59 years of age, was superintending the lopping of limbs from trees overhanging the Tiverton road at Beacon Down on November 9th. Witness's son had charge of the horse chained to a limb and deceased himself gave the word for the horse to haul it away. Deceased had apparently not noticed another limb half buried beneath, and, as the horse started, the limb which was being hauled struck deceased and knocked him over into the road, a drop of over four feet. Deceased was at once conveyed to Tiverton Infirmary. - Dr W. J. Inness, House Surgeon, said a post-mortem showed that deceased had seven ribs broken on one side and one the other and a leg was badly fractured. - The Jury (Mr H. Paul, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". - Deceased's death is greatly regretted by a wide circle of friends in Calverleigh, where for many years he held the offices of clerk and sexton, charity trustee and school manager.

TORQUAY - The Overlying Of Infants. Coroner And Juryman At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, on the three-weeks' old child of EDWIN and ELIZA GREEN of 4 Laurel-cottages. - The mother said the child, healthy from birth, went to sleep in her arms on Friday night, and when she awoke the next morning it was dead in the same position. She slept nearly right through the night and was sure she did not lie on the child. - Dr Winter stated that when he saw the child at nine a.m. on Saturday it had been dead five or six hours. The post-mortem examination showed death to be due to suffocation. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Winter said it was generally the practice of most parents to take their infant children into bed with them. Notwithstanding all that had been said in favour of children sleeping in cradles by the bedside he did not think there were more cradles than formerly. There was, however, of course, a certain number of people who used cradles. - The Coroner: And it is the opinion of the medical profession, is it not, that that is the only safe way of bringing up a child? - Dr Winter: There is no doubt about that. There is always serious risk where a child sleeps with its parents. - The Coroner said the loss of good, healthy children from overlying was tremendous, and that young parents would alter their ways if they only knew the risks they ran by such a practice. There was nothing sentimental in this, and in this instance the child ought to have slept in a cradle. - Mr Wyle, a Juryman, observed that it was very inconvenient to the mother, especially when the child cried, to have it in a cradle. Doctors were not infallible, and he would have his child in bed with him tomorrow. - The Coroner expressed regret at hearing these remarks. - It was not a question of the doctor, but a question of fact. The lives of between 1,000 and 1.500 infants were lost last year in England under circumstances similar to those in this case and it was therefore a very serious matter and a most appalling practice. Any man would carefully consider the risk that was run by following it. It was not a nice thing for a Juryman to say he would do it tomorrow. - Mr Wylie: Do you think any man or woman would go to bed with the intention of lying upon their child? - The Coroner replied that it was not a question of intention, and that Mr Wylie had missed the point altogether. A verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated " was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 November 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Destroyer And Trawler In Collision. Exciting Scene Off Start Point. Able Seaman Killed, And Two Men Injured. The Inquest - Opened And Adjourned. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on GEORGE BEARD, 23, able seaman, of the Falcon, and a native of St. Mawes, Cornwall. - Mr E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty and Mr O. R. Matthews was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said it appeared that the deceased was asleep in his berth early that morning, when his ship, the Falcon, was making her way to Plymouth. He understood that when off the Start a collision took place between the Falcon and a trawler. The Falcon, as a result, had her bows stove in, killing the deceased and injuring two other men, who, he believed, were resting at the time, and were now under treatment at that Hospital for injuries they received. He only proposed that afternoon to take sufficient evidence to identify the deceased with a view to his burial, and then he should adjourn the Inquiry until that day week. In the meantime, the Police would have ample opportunity of making inquiries into the sad affair and he should be able to determine what witnesses to call before them. - Charles Samuel Frederick Billing, 1st class petty officer, serving on board the Falcon, attached to the torpedo instructional flotilla, said deceased was an able seaman on the Falcon, 23 years old, and a native of St Mawes, Cornwall. Deceased was killed about 11.45 the previous night when the Falcon was off the Start. He was resting in his locker, fully dressed, on the starboard side, forward of the ship. A collision happened between the Falcon and a sailing trawler belonging to Brixham. - The Inquiry was then adjourned until Thursday next at 1 p.m.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 November 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Kingsteignton Fatality. - At an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on JAMES BRAY, the evidence of Frank Newton, George Bunclark, and James Potter showed that deceased was working at Kingsteignton on a clay pit 30ft. deep and 24ft. square. Water had burst through the side of the pit about half-way down and to drain if off Newton handed a heavy wooden shute to Bunclark to carry down a ladder. Bunclark went down a few rungs and then his hand slipped from the shute, which fell into the pit. BRAY was struck on the head by it. - In reply to the Coroner, (Mr S. Hacker) the witnesses said the men went up and down the pit in a 'bucket', but it could not be utilised for sending down the shute as it was fixed on the side of the pit opposite to that where the shute was to be used. - Mr w. H. Whiteway Wilkinson said the foreman acted to the best of his ability and disobeyed no orders. - Mr J. S. Martin, H.M. Inspector of mines, said it was certainly not desirable to carry on work above the heads of men working in a pit, but one must take the view that the foreman did not consider there was any danger in carrying the thing down the ladder. They might have put a scaffold and closed the pit over, but that would not be practicable every time it was necessary to carry anything down A hand-line might have been used, or the bucket and the shute carried across the stave, but the alternatives seemed just as dangerous. The only real remedy was to call the men up to the surface whilst the thing was carried down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attached no blame to anyone.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 November 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Railway Accident Near Newton. Platelayer's Dangers. Strong Remarks By The Coroner. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot on Saturday on ARTHUR ERNEST YABSLEY, aged 25, a platelayer in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, killed on Thursday at Aller Junction. Mr H. R. Armstrong, solicitor attended on behalf of the relatives. - Mr T. H. Gibbons, engineer, G.W.R., produced a plan of the junction, and stated that the body was carried 70 yards. - Albert E. Watts, fireman of the engine of the 11.55 a.m. train from Kingswear, due at Newton at 12.46, said he saw the engine of the Plymouth train strike deceased, who appeared to be working close to the outer rail. After being struck deceased went clean under the engine, head first. - James Rumbelow, foreman of the gang of platelayers, said they were levelling ballast between the sleepers. He knew a train was due, and he was about to call the men away. He could see along the line over a quarter of a mile. He was in the centre of the main line and looked in the direction of Plymouth. He saw the other train coming up on the Torquay branch, but no train coming on the main line. He turned away his eyes for a few seconds, again looked up, and then saw the main line train close upon them. - The Coroner: And yet you could see for over a quarter of a mile? - Yes, sir. I just cleared the train. - how is it you didn't hear the train? - I can't say I heard the Torquay train, but not the main line train. - Walter Bicknell, driver of the Plymouth train, said his train was going about 35 miles an hour and took about 25 or 30 seconds to run the quarter of a mile. - Rumbelow, continuing, said when he saw the train close upon him he shouted and jumped. Deceased was about 40 feet nearer Newton Abbot. One of the other men was standing between witness and deceased, but clear of the line. Witness was nearest the train. Webber heard him and jumped clear. When platelayers were in specially dangerous places, special precautions were taken for warning them with a horn, but witness did not call this a dangerous spot. - The Coroner: But if a train is to be on you in 25 seconds, it is a rather dangerous spot? - The distance in which it can be seen is considerably over a quarter of a mile. - Not the distance but the time constitutes the danger. You don't consider this a spot where you ought to have had a picket out to give warning? - I don't look at it as such. - The question of what is a dangerous spot is left to you. You could, I suppose, if you liked, have sent on one or more men with a horn? - Certainly, but I did not think it necessary. - Supposing the branch train had not been coming along at the time, do you think you would have heard the main line train any distance? - Very probably. I did not hear any warning whistle. - The Coroner: A quarter of a mile! There ought to have been a whistle! The engine of the Torquay train was not whistling either? - No. - The Coroner told witness he was allowing himself at the time to be doing something else instead of keeping a continual look out. That was where the error of judgment came in, and it was owing to his attention being taken off just for those few seconds that the accident happened. - I was doing my duty, levelling over the ballast. - That accounts for your neglecting to keep a constant look-out? - It must have done, sir. - In reply to the Foreman (Mr F. Horner), witness said the Torquay train did not take off his attention from the other. He should have thought that the driver and stoker of the train could have seen the men working at a distance of 200 or 300 yards. - Dr R. H. Grimbly said deceased's skull was so fractured that death must have been almost instantaneous. Both legs were crushed. One was completely severed from the body, and the other was hanging by a tendon. - Walter Bicknell, engine driver, said at Langford Bridge on his side of the engine he could see but a very short distance ahead because of the curve in the line. He did not see the packers at all. His attention was first drawn to what had happened by the stoker of the Torquay train signalling to him. He blew his whistle before he went under the bridge, but not afterwards. The whistle could have been heard at Newton Abbot. Had he seen the men half-way between the bridge and where they were at work he should have blown his whistle again, although he did not know whether it would have had much effect. - The Coroner: Why? - Because the men often stay until the last minute. - By the Jury: The whistle he blew ought to have been heard by these men. The steam of his engine was shut off. The engine of the Torquay train was steaming, as it was coming uphill. - Arthur Blackmore, fireman of the Plymouth train, corroborated as to the blowing of the whistle at the bridge. He looked out at this point from the left-hand side of the engine and did not observe anybody on the line, his view being obscured by a clump of trees and a hedge. - Mr Gibbons confirmed this, and said the trees were not the property of the railway company. - James Vinnicombe, platelayer, at work outside the rails near deceased, said he heard no whistle and did not hear the train or see it until it was whizzing past. He heard the ganger shout. - Samuel T. Cole, permanent way inspector, said he considered it safe for men to work at the spot without having a look-out man, the ganger being 550 yards from the bridge and nearest the danger. - The Coroner: But if it takes only 25 seconds for a train to be on the men, it does not look as if it is safe? - The Torquay train attracted their attention. - They say not. They could not have heard it more than 25 seconds before it was on them? - The whistle can be heard as far back as Langford Bridge under ordinary circumstances, and the noise of the Torquay train might have obscured the noise of the whistle. - By the Jury: These two trains were due to arrive at Newton about the same time. - The Coroner, summing up, said the ganger's attention should have been solely fixed on looking out. Evidently deceased did not hear him shout in time. It was for the Jury to say whether the circumstances disclosed such a manner of working as to be extremely dangerous to the workmen. It was a regulation that there should be a picket man put out to watch and warn platelayers of an approaching train. That was not done in this case, it being not considered necessary because the men could see so far. They could not, however, see so far as Langford Bridge with certainty, as the trees were in the way. Even if they could see this distance, it took a train only 25 seconds before it was on them. Surely that gave barely time for men to jump off. It was running things much too close - 25 seconds between them and death. This disclosed almost reckless danger. If the plan adopted on dangerous curves had been followed, and a picket had been put out and given plenty of notice, that would have seemed a reasonable course. Why was this not done? It was left to the discretion of the ganger, and he did not consider it necessary. Of course, there was something to be said that this unfortunate accident was partly contributed to by the fact that the Torquay train was coming in at the same time and obscured the sound of the train. Still, these trains were constantly running and such a thing might happen every time. - Mr Wareham (a Juryman) asked if there was any definite time given to platelayers to stop work prior to a train approaching, or whether it was left to the men's discretion. - Mr Cole replied that no definite time was specified. It was left to the ganger to look after his men. He was furnished every morning with the times at which all the trains would pass. In this instance the precaution taken by the ganger was sufficient without having a look-out man. The spreading of the ballast involved no work to detain the men in front of the train. - Mr Turner (a Juryman) expressed the opinion that these two trains meeting at this point and running parallel the same time made it a very dangerous spot, and especially if the trees obscured the vision of the lookout man. - Mr Cole explained that the trees were on the Newton side of the ganger and therefore did not obscure his view. - After retiring the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They also unanimously recommended that the Great Western Railway Company be asked to give instructions that every ganger shall leave off his work not less than five minutes prior to the time announced for the arrival of a passing train on the rails where he and his men are at work, so that he may devote his sole attention to watching, in order to warn the men under his charge of the train's approach. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with deceased's relatives, to whom they gave their fees.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 November 1903
BLACKAWTON - Blackawton Farmer's Fatal Fall. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN HERBERT LUSCOMBE, farmer, 60 years of age, of Bowden, near Blackawton. - SUSAN LUSCOMBE, daughter of the deceased, said on Friday they left Dartmouth about a quarter to six, her father driving. On the way home, he complained twice of pains in his head and neck, but did not say they were serious. They had to drive over some fields to get to the farmhouse. She dismounted at the first gate to open it. When she had opened the gate he drove through and she then heard him exclaim "I'm going," and found that her father had fallen out. Apparently he was dead. There was no jerk when the trap passed through the gateway and the horse had not moved after he had fallen out, for her father still held the reins. Her father met friends at Dartmouth market, but did not have a great deal to drink. He had rather less than usual, if anything. He drove home without the slightest difficulty, until the accident. - Joseph Bond, a farmer, residing close by, said he heard MISS LUSCOMBE call out and went to her aid. He believed deceased must have fallen on his head and turned completely over on his back. - Dr J. H. Harris, Dartmouth, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased's neck was broken. Death must have been instantaneous. Had attended deceased several times for accidents, but nothing else. Deceased might have had an attack of vertigo when in the trap, but there would be no sign of it in the post-mortem. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday on LILIAN WINIFRED HAYWARD, the four-month-old daughter of WILLIAM G. HAYWARD, 25 Home Sweet Home, Plymouth, Dr Bate attributed death to pericarditis.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 November 1903
PLYMOUTH - BEATRICE MAUD MARTIN, aged five months, the daughter of ELIZABETH MARTIN, 3 Seymour-terrace, Plymouth, had been delicate from birth and was taken ill on Friday last, and died the same day. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Aldous stated a post-mortem examination proved that death was due to pneumonia, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 27 November 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Falcon-Dove Collision. The Inquest And Verdict. Negligence On The Trawler. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on GEORGE DUNN BEARD, of Probus, able seaman in the Royal Navy, killed in the collision off the Start on 18th inst., between the destroyer Falcon and the Brixham trawler Dove. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty and Mr Wotton, owner of the trawler, were present. - Mr O. R. Matthews was Foreman of the Jury. - James Poole, trawler, of Brixham, stated that he was steering the sailing trawler Dove at 11.30 on the night of the 18th inst., about three miles south-south-east of Start Point. The boat was on the port tack, and he saw several white lights between the Dove and the shore. At that time, the red and green lights of the trawler were burning brightly, and a fresh breeze was taking them at the rate of about two knots an hour against an ebb tide. It was a clear and starlight night. He was then alone on deck, the captain, mate, and two boys being below. Suddenly he saw a destroyer, which proved to be the Falcon, coming up abreast of the trawler, eight or nine points on the port side, displaying white and green lights. Anticipating danger, he called the crew. The destroyer crashed into their port bow with a sliding blow, which sent them around on the other gib. The blow caused the port light to be extinguished, besides carrying away the bowsprit. A boat was launched to see if the sailing vessel was making water and it was a little later that he lighted the port light. The boat drifted away, but afterwards recovered by one of the destroyers, the officers and men of which rendered every assistance. - By Mr Goldsmith: He could see the light cast by the red lamp. - Witness replied to the Coroner that he did not alter his course when he saw the destroyer; he had no time to do so. - The Coroner: Besides, the unwritten law is that a steamer shall avoid a sailing vessel. - Wm. J. James, of Brixham, acting captain of the trawler, said before he went below, about ten o'clock, he saw that the lights were burning brightly and everything was going on smoothly. He told Poole to call him should anything happen, and later, when called, he was going up the companion ladder as the destroyer crashed into them. The port light was extinguished. He himself had put both lights up about 4.30, but it was not their custom to periodically examine the lamps; the man on watch kept an eye on them. - Replying to Mr Goldsmith, witness said there was a little haze on the land, but a light could have been seen, he should think, about a mile and a half. - Walter Stamp, Brixham, mate of the trawler, who ran to the deck when the alarm was raised, said he was there before the collision occurred. He saw the destroyers starboard light on their port bow, and he asked the man at the helm if the trawler's port light was burning and Poole replied, "Yes." He also saw himself the beam cast by the port light. When the boat that was launched went adrift he dived overboard, but the boat drifted faster than he could swim, and he had to get back to the trawler. - Sidney Smith, of Brixham, an apprentice on the trawler, said it was his duty to trim the lamps and he did so on the day of the collision. He passed them to the person who put them up just before dark, but who it was he did not remember. They had finished fishing during the afternoon. - Wm. Hannaford, of Brixham, youth, employed on the trawler, deposed to coming on deck from below after the collision, and to seeing the captain relight the port lamp. - The captain, mate and third hand were recalled and asked by the Coroner if they were allowed to fish within three miles of Start Point. The captain said they were not allowed to fish within three miles in Start Bay. They were not in Start Bay. - The Coroner: It is suggested you were in the improper limit and that you were fishing without lights; is that true or not? - Captain James: Nothing of the sort. - Samuel George Heath, of Brixham, who deposed to being on board the trawler Faithful, said he was keeping company with the Dove all the evening, and when the collision occurred he was about two miles outside her. He had noticed the destroyer flotilla coming down the Channel signalling to each other and had altered his course to go outside the destroyers. He saw both port and starboard lights of the Dove. - Commander W. H. Cowan, D.S.O., stated that he was in command of the Devonport destroyer flotilla on the passage down from Torbay to Cawsand Bay. There were eight destroyers and he was on board the Falcon. They left Torbay at 10.15 p.m., and, steaming clear of Berry Head, shaped course for Start Point south-west, quarter west. He took the usual bearings and found that he would pass two miles clear of the Start. He glanced at the bearing-plate when he saw a red light. - The Coroner: At that time were all your lights burning? - Yes. - Witness said the red light appeared on his starboard bow at a distance of about fifty yards. He was on the bridge at the time, accompanied by Mr Randell, gunner, officer of the watch and Albert McIlveen, yeoman of signals. The rule of the road would have been to put his helm to port to go under her stern, but it was too late as the trawler was too close and if he had done so the collision would have been more serious. He should have cut the sailing vessel in halves if he had done so, and his only hope was that he might clear her bow. This, however, he failed to do, the bowsprit of the trawler pierced the destroyer and the collision occurred. - The Coroner: There was no chance to stop or go astern? - Witness: It was too close altogether. By the time the engineer would have got the telegraphs we should have been into her. - The Coroner asked what would have been the effect if the helm had been put to starboard, and witness replied that he thought that would have meant a more serious collision. He pointed out that there was another destroyer coming on behind. As the result of the collision, Able Seaman BEARD was killed as he was sitting on a locker on the mess deck. One of the girders was torn away from the hull and deceased was crushed against a stanchion. - The Coroner: What is your view of the sudden appearance of this light? - Witness: My opinion is that it was either put up or previously obscured. - There was nothing that should obscure it? - No. My signalman had been specially cautioned to keep a strict look-out. I myself was keeping a strict look-out. - You were not manoeuvring under orders of the Admiralty without lights? - Oh, no. - Did you notice another fishing-boat outside the Dove? - We noticed several. - I take it that the utmost vigilance is observed aboard these destroyers? - Yes, the orders are most stringent. That particular night I had specially cautioned my own people. I had even given my officer of the watch orders not to look into the chart-table too much so that his eyes might be dazzled. - Do you suggest that the light was suddenly put up? - That is my impression, or that it might have been obscured by some accident. - George Randell, gunner, R.N., stated that he was on the bridge of the Falcon from the time of leaving Torbay until the collision occurred. He should think the destroyer was about fifteen or twenty yards from the Dove when they saw her port light. - The Coroner: What was done to avert a collision? - Witness: We kept on our course. Had we altered the course to starboard by porting our helm we should have cut her in two, and had we altered our course to port by starboarding our helm, she would have cut us down farther than she did. - The Coroner asked witness if the trawler had her port light whether he would have seen it, and witness replied in the affirmative. - I may take it the utmost care was exercised in looking out this night? - Yes, sir. We had strict orders from the captain to keep a good look-out for lights and not to look at the compass and chart table too much to allow the light to affect our eyes. - Witness said the Falcon was going at the rate of 12 knots an hour. Another destroyer was about 100 yards behind. - Robt. McIlveen, yeoman of signals, said he was also on the bridge of the Falcon and his duty was to look out for lights and make signals regarding the positions of other destroyers. He had had thirteen years/ experience with signals. A few seconds before the collision he noticed the port light of the trawler. - The Coroner: Why didn't you see the light before? - I don't think it was there. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said he had been using night-glasses just before. He was sure the Dove was not showing lights that he could observe. - Lieut.-Commander F. Kinahan, of the destroyer Vixen, one of the flotilla, said his boat was about 200 yards behind the Falcon. He did not see any lights in the vicinity of the Start until suddenly he saw a red light under the bow of the Falcon. The light disappeared and then appeared again, and he saw a trawler astern of the Falcon. He was on the bridge of the Vixen keeping a sharp look-out with glasses. Commander Cowan was given no chance, and he thought that under the circumstances the commander did what was best. - By Mr Goldsmith: He was sure he should have seen the light before if it had been exposed. - Harry John Ramsber, able seaman, who was at the helm of the Falcon at the time of the accident, said after the collision he saw the red light on the trawler and thought it was near the deck. Perhaps that accounted for the light not being seen. - The Coroner said the evidence was very conflicting, and it devolved upon them to very carefully consider it. He reviewed the evidence and pointed out that it was a coincidence that Stamp, the mate of the trawler, should have said to Poole on coming on deck, "Have you got your red light?" whilst he also said he saw the trawler had both her lights. If they came to the conclusion that there was blame attached to anyone they must go a step further and say whether or not there was any negligence on the part of the crew of the Dove or the Falcon, then their verdict would amount to one of manslaughter. - After the Jury had deliberated in private, the Coroner said the Jury had very carefully considered the evidence, and had unanimously come to the conclusion that BEARD died from injuries received in the collision, in consequence of the negligence of James Poole, the trawler, on watch on the Dove, in not having his lights burning, but considered that the negligence was not culpable. The Jury exonerated Commander Cowan and the crew of the Falcon from all blame. - The Coroner said the Jury had also desired him and he joined in their wish, to express their deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased in the distressing circumstances connected with his death, and the heavy loss which they no doubt had sustained. - The relatives thanked the Coroner and Jury for their sympathetic expression.

NORTH BOVEY - A Devon Farmer's Suicide. - At Lettaford, North Bovey, yesterday, an Inquest was held on WILLIAM HARVEY, a farmer. Deceased had been in low spirits lately, but had not mentioned anything in particular as the reason. He was out on the farm on Monday rabbiting with his brother, who came on a visit. Deceased never shot but only helped in sporting. They all had supper together. On Tuesday morning, just before seven o'clock Hannah Lentern, the housekeeper, saw deceased pass downstairs with a candle, and called out "Are you going down?" and he replied, "Yes, it's time now." Shortly afterwards on the farm-boy, George Henry Skerrett, going to the barn for fodder for the cattle he found the deceased there with half his head blown away. A lighted lantern was on the floor beside him. The boy raised an alarm, and SIDNEY HARVEY and Peter Hannaford, a neighbour, came and found deceased in a sitting posture, with the gun between his knees and quite dead. The gun had been taken from the kitchen table and two cartridges from a box on a shelf. One cartridge had been discharged and the other was in the gun. No noise had been heard. Deceased was summoned to appear at Petty Sessions that morning for allowing his cattle to stray, but the Coroner (Mr Hacker) remarked that that did not seem to have been troubling him. - The Jury (Mr R. Underhill of Chagford, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Monday 30 November 1903
TAVISTOCK - A Tavistock Woman's Death. Sad Result Of Ignorance. - At Tavistock on Saturday Mr Rodd held an Inquest on EMMA JANE WAKEHAM, aged 51, wife of JOHN WAKEHAM, agricultural labourer, in the employ of Mr Walkham, farmer, Hartshole Farm. On Thursday the deceased, who suffered from a varicose vein, was working in the farmhouse, when she knocked her leg against an article of furniture. Reaching home in the evening the leg began to bleed, and deceased's daughter called in Mrs Milford, a neighbour. The husband was also fetched and the wife died in his arms. - Dr Snowden Smith, who attributed death to haemorrhage, said if a string had been tied round the limb above the wound or if the leg had been kept in an elevated position her life might have been saved. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Burning Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, on Saturday on WILLIAM JAMES CORK, the five-year-old child of W. J. N. CORK, labourer in the employ of the Corporation, and living at 16 St Stephen's-street. On Wednesday morning the child got out of bed, lighted paper at the stove and set fire to his nightshirt. - The mother, in reply to the Coroner, said there was no guard to the stove, but the stove door enclosed the whole of the fire except the lowest bar. His father had frequently warned deceased against playing with fire. Deceased's nightshirt was of cotton. - FANNY M. CORK, aunt of deceased, said she heard the screams, and on going into the kitchen found the child lying on the rug all in flames. She singed her own clothes in putting out the flames. - Dr O. Shields, House Surgeon, said deceased was suffering from very severe and extensive burns, but was conscious up to within a few minutes of his death on Thursday night. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

PLYMPTON - Sad Death At Plympton. - At Plympton on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on ELIZABETH PARSONS, aged 51, a single woman of 3 Cheltenham-place, Plympton. Mrs Cox, a neighbour, nearly 85 years of age, said deceased had been unwell for some time and on Friday morning witness found her lying on the floor of her house. She went into the house, made up the fire and set her by it, while she (witness) prepared some bovril. When she came back with it she found deceased with her face and right shoulder on the fire. Witness pulled her away, put out the flames, and called for assistance. She only lived for six or seven minutes. - Dr Stevens said death was due to apoplexy, accelerated by burns. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and warmly commended the kindness and promptitude of Mrs Cox's action, especially considering her great age.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 December 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Abbot Suicide. A Verdict Of Felo-De-Se. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on HARRY BREALEY, his brother FRANK said deceased, 28 years of age, was an accountant in the employ of Pinsent and Sons, brewers; a bachelor and lived with his widowed mother. He last saw him alive at the constitutional Club on Friday evening, when they spoke of the prospects of the candidates at the coming election. About two months ago he had influenza, but could not be regarded as delicate. During the last three weeks there appeared to have been a difference in him. He was always of a very jokey disposition, but looking back over it now, it appeared as if his manner was forced to a certain extent. On Saturday at the Constitutional Club, on the door of the secretary's room being burst open, deceased was found seated in the chair, his head resting on his arms thrown across the table. On the table was a letter addressed to witness. It ran as follows:- November 25th. - My dear FRANK, - I am sorry I have not seen you before today re: what may occur. Please act for me. I leave my will to you. Destroy all letters in my drawer, please. - Yours, with love, HARRY. - There was an enclosure which read:- To FRANK BREALEY, - I leave everything I have to my mother, with the exception of my gold watch chain and also my illuminated address, which I leave to you, FRANK BREALEY. - Signed, HARRY BREALEY. - November 25th, 1903. - The Coroner: The writing is firm and the letter is dated three days before deceased's death. - Witness, continuing, said deceased, who was in the habit of doing some of the work of his brother JOHN, the secretary of the club, had no trouble whatever. He was not in debt, neither was he in the habit of drinking. He was not engaged to be married, so had no love troubles. On Friday he wrote to his brother in Swindon, showing that he was looking forward to the future. Before leaving home on Saturday morning he told his mother what sort of meat he would like for Sunday's dinner, and also that he would order some flowers, which they could place on his father's grave on Sunday. - MRS BREALEY said that so far as she knew her son had no trouble whatever. - John Williams, caretaker, said deceased came to the Constitutional Club about ten o'clock on Saturday morning, and proceeded to the secretary's room. A few minutes later he asked, through the speaking-tube, that a glass of water should be sent him. Witness took it to him and remarked that it was unusual to see him there on a Saturday morning. He replied, "Yes; we are busy now and I am going to help my brother owing to the election." Witness's wife saw deceased pass up and down the staircase about 11 or 11.30 and he passed a joke with her as usual, there being apparently nothing the matter with him. Witness also thought he heard deceased moving about the room at midday. When inquiries were made for him, witness discovered that the key was in the lock on the inside and thereupon sent for deceased's brother. - P.S. Hannaford stated that on the floor of the room he found a label marked "poison," and in the waste-paper basket another label torn into shreds, which, on being pieced together, was found to bear the words, "Poison - morphia - not to be taken." Dr Nisbet stated that the deceased died of morphia poisoning. - George A. Barnes, chemist, said deceased on Saturday morning, about quarter past ten, asked for morphia to poison a cat. He told deceased it was not usual to sell such a thing, but as he knew him very well he let him have five grains. He signed his name in the book and appeared to be in his normal health and spirits. - Wm. S. Pinsent, brewer, stated that deceased's accounts were perfectly correct. - JOHN BREALEY, brother, said the date of the letter must be incorrect. Deceased had used the club paper, but until Friday night, when witness placed a supply on the desk, there was none there, so he must have written the letter on Saturday morning. - The Coroner remarked that there was a total lack of evidence to show that deceased was either in trouble or depressed. - After 20 minutes' deliberation the Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased took his own life by taking morphia." - The Coroner: that is Felo-De-Se.

STOKE DAMEREL - Ford Man's Fatal Fall. A Dangerous Practice. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening on CHARLES WILLIAM BUTLER, age 22, able seaman, employed on a Dockyard dredger, of 122 Alexandra-road, Ford, whose death was caused by a fall from the sill of an upstair window on Saturday afternoon. MRS BUTLER said her husband was standing on the sill to clean the window and held the upper sash by one hand. She was in the room at the time, and, turning to the window, saw him disappear. She only saw his feet after he slipped. He had cleaned the windows in this way previously, and before his fall had cleaned one window on Saturday. She did not know it was dangerous, or she would have persuaded him not to do it. - JOSEPH BUTLER, deceased's father, and P.C. W. Harper having given evidence, Dr E. McCulloch who was called to the house immediately after the accident, said deceased was dead on his arrival. On making a post-mortem examination he found a severe compound fracture of the vertex and base of the skull. The skull was practically split, showing that deceased must have pitched on his head. The breaking of a window under the sill might have been due to deceased's foot striking it as the result of a convulsive movement of the leg. - MR BUTLER said the sash was not defective. - The Coroner said it was rather strange that this accident should have happened so soon after a similar accident at Stoke. Death must have been instantaneous. All must regret that an accident of this kind should have happened. It was a dangerous practice. It was done many times without fatal results or serious injuries, but there came a time when an accident happened and very often terminated fatally. Deceased being a sailor and used to climbing, no doubt, thought he was acting perfectly safely in going outside the window. Deceased had not been married very long and the Jury would feel very deeply for the widow and other relatives. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and joined in the Coroner's expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 December 1903
BICKINGTON - Devon Farm Labourer's Sad Fate. - At an Inquest held at Bourne Farm, Bickington, yesterday, on GEORGE HONEYWILL, farm labourer, 51 years of age, William Harris stated that on Monday he was in the barn feeding a threshing machine and deceased was outside in charge of the three horses working the wheel. Suddenly the machine stopped and on going out to see what was the matter witness saw deceased lying on his back on the ground with his left shoulder caught in the knuckle joint of the bar. He was quite dead. Deceased was leading the middle horse and had to walk round inside the wheel. - Dr Fitzpatrick, Ashburton, stated that the deceased's clothes had to be cut away before the body could be removed. Deceased had a deep lacerated wound in the head, his left ear was torn away, his left arm broken and his left knee dislocated. Death, which was due to fracture of the skull and shock, was probably instantaneous. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) characterised the work as most dangerous. In the modern machines the knuckle joint was protected. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that the knuckle joint should be protected with a covering, and a table erected over the centre of the machine, so that the driver could stand upon it and control his horses instead of walking round with them.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 December 1903
LYDFORD - Frozen To Death On Dartmoor. Inquest At Princetown. Plymouth Men's Walk On The Moor. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Imperial Hotel, Princetown, on ALFRED BREEN, 26, joiner, of 31 Well-street, Plymouth, who died from exposure on Dartmoor during the early part of the week. - Mr C. Hodge was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said he gathered from the report he had received relative to the death of BREEN and from a report in that excellent newspaper, the "Western Morning News," deceased left Plymouth, where he lived, by the 10.15 train on Monday morning, arriving at Princetown at 11.40. BREEN was found dead on the Moor near Cherrybrook Bridge, on the Ashburton-road, on Wednesday morning. He asked the Jury to direct their attention to the two points as to what deceased did from 11.40 to the time when he and his friend left Princetown, and how it was that he was left alone to be found dead on the Moor. - HENRIETTA BREEN, the widow, said she had three children, the eldest being seven years of age and the youngest ten months. Her husband had not done any constant work for four or five months prior to being employed about three months ago at the residence of Mrs Splatt, Badger's Holt, Dartmeet. He arrived home last Saturday and left on Monday morning for Princetown with 10s. which she gave him. He was a fairly strong man. - William H. Veitch, painter, of 20 Bishop's-place, West Hoe, Plymouth, said he had known deceased only recently through working with him at Badger's Holt. They both went to Plymouth last Saturday and they met again on the Monday morning by accident in Flora-street. They left Plymouth by the 10.15 train for Princetown, where they arrived at 11.40. Witness had 1s. 1d. in his possession. Having several parcels, he anticipated that a trap would have been sent to meet them, and they went to the Plume of Feathers Hotel. There they waited in the bar until quarter-past three, and at his suggestion they then started out to walk to Dartmeet. The parcels were left with the landlady. When they got to Two Bridges witness suggested they should have something to keep out the cold. - The Coroner: Having walked the very long distance of a mile and a half? - Witness: I do not know the distance. - What refreshments do you say you had at the Plume of Feathers? - All I paid for was two pints of beer. - How much did he pay for? - I did not see him pay for anything. - What did you drink altogether? - Two pints of ale. One was given to me. Witness added that he did not notice that deceased had more than a pint of ale, which he (witness) paid for. - When they left the Inn at Two Bridges, after having threepennyworth of spirit each, upon going up the hill deceased fell down and grazed his cheek-bone. They went on again, but deceased had another fall. It was very cold and the road was covered with ice, and he could not get deceased to his legs. Seeing the light of a cottage not far away, he went there and obtained the assistance of a gentleman who helped witness to get deceased up. They walked on either side of him for some distance and when deceased said he was all right the gentleman left them. Witness told deceased to hurry on, but he replied "You go on, I'll follow; I know the road." Knowing that BREEN was a timid man, he thought that if he went on deceased would follow him closely. When witness arrived at another cottage, at Brownberry, he asked the distance to Badger's Holt and was told it was a mile and a half. It was perfectly dark and he then found that deceased had not come on. He went back to try and find him, but failed, and, thinking he had gone back to the other cottage, witness proceeded to Badger's Holt. There he arrived between nine and ten o'clock, perfectly done up. - A Juror: How do you account for his falling down; was it the state of the road or not? - It was a mystery to me. I cannot say whether it was the drop of spirit he had or the effects of the weather. I should like to say positively if I could. - Albert Charles Houseman, clerk of the works at Badger's Holt, said it was not the custom to send a trap to meet deceased on his returning from Plymouth. Veitch told him on Monday night that he had accompanied deceased part of the way from Princetown, and had left him, but he felt sure he was safe, as he must have gone back to the cottage. Witness therefore did not think it necessary to send back for him. The night was very cold, but there was good moonlight. There was a lot of snow between Princetown and Two Bridges, but not so much between the latter place and Dartmeet. - The Coroner: If these men had been perfectly capable, what possible danger was there in walking from Princetown to Badger's Holt? - Witness: I do not see that there was any. There was good footing on the roads; I was out that night myself. Witness went on to say that deceased did not appear on the Tuesday, and he sent Veitch and another man to look for him at midday. At six o'clock they returned without result, and witness sent a telegram to deceased's wife asking her if he had been home. A reply was received stating that he had not returned and a search was made throughout the night. On Wednesday morning the body was discovered. The men should have walked to Dartmeet in two hours. - Jasper Crocker, landlord of the Plume of Feathers Hotel, Princetown, said Veitch and deceased each had two pints of ale in his house. - Mr A. C. Pearson, Surgeon, acting Deputy Medical Officer at the Convict Prison, stated that there was a slight abrasion on the left cheek of deceased. The appearances were quite consistent with death from exposure. - P.C. Goodman said he searched for the body with James Gregory until two o'clock on Wednesday morning, when witness, having business at Tavistock the same morning, left Gregory to continue the search. there was nearly 10s. on the body. - The Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday next, in order that a post-mortem examination might be made of the body, and for the attendance of other witnesses, including Gregory, who found the body, and who had gone to Barnstaple. - Veitch expressed a wish to attend the adjourned Inquest and the Coroner thought he should do so, adding that the view he took of the matter as it then stood was that the two men foolishly wasted their time instead of being at work and then got caught by the cold.

PLYMOUTH - At the Cobourg Inn, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, on CHARLES LESTER STITSON, aged three months, son of MRS CATHERINE ELIZA STITSON, 12 John-street, who died suddenly on Wednesday. Dr W. H. Brenton said death was due to convulsions and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 December 1903
CHUDLEIGH - At Chudleigh on Saturday Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on MARY ANN HEATH, aged 68, who was found dead in her house on Friday. Dr Walker attributed death to heart disease, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 December 1903
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth, on ELIZABETH JANE SQUIRES, aged 51, a native of Tavistock, who had been spending a holiday with friends at No. 1 Zion-cottages. Frederick Winton, in whose house deceased was stopping, said she went to bed on Sunday evening. He and his wife were awakened about 1 a.m. by hearing deceased groan. They went to her assistance, but she died before anything could be done for her. She had been in failing health for a long time. - Dr Cooper, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on JAMES GODFREY, aged 60, a labourer, of 4 Home-park, Egg Buckland. James Lugg of 2 Carter's-terrace, Lower Compton, said deceased lodged with him. He had been suffering from shortness of breath and had been advised to seek medical aid. He, however, had great faith in "Free Breath" patent medicine and procured some. It seemed to do him good. On Saturday he seemed better and decided to return home. He had hardly got outside the door when he fell into his (Lugg's) arms, and died in a few minutes. - Dr D. C. D. Lindsay said death was probably due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 December 1903
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Fatal Gun Accident. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry on Tuesday afternoon at Willastone Farm, Moretonhampstead, concerning the death of THOMAS WEBBER HAMLYN. - WILLIAM HAMLYN, a brother of deceased, said he and a younger brother, JAMES, went out rabitting with deceased. They only had a ferret and nets, but deceased had a gun. At about three o'clock in the afternoon deceased told JAMES to watch one burrow while the other two would go to another, which they proceeded to do. Deceased was putting down his gun to help witness with the nets, when the gun went off and deceased fell to the ground. - Dr L. V. Laurie, of Moretonhampstead, said when he arrived young HAMLYN was dead. The charge entered over the right eye and proceeded in an upward and backward direction and death must have been instantaneous. The gun, which was double-barrelled, was rather "tender" in discharging, especially the left trigger, which went off. - The Jury (Mr H. Hutton, of Coombe Farm, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Much sympathy is felt with the family.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Coxside yesterday on ALEXANDER J. MOODY, aged 27, labourer, 11 Commercial-street, Plymouth. Deceased went to bed on Sunday night and slept well until one o'clock next morning, when he had a fit of coughing. He brought up a large quantity of blood and died almost immediately. He was at work on Saturday. Dr F. B. Wilkinson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to haemorrhage, following on tuberculosis. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on JOHN PIKE, 78, labourer, of 19 Wolsdon-street. The widow left home on Monday morning, when he was all right. She returned at five o'clock in the evening and he was smoking his pipe and appeared to be well. Suddenly he fell forward from a chair and died. Dr R. H. Wagner said three months ago he attended deceased. Death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 December 1903
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of EMMA RODDA, spinster, who was found dead in bed at her residence, 6 Bath-street, Plymouth on Monday afternoon last. Dr Parsloe made a post-mortem examination and found that death resulted from acute bronchitis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

LYDFORD - Frozen To Death On Dartmoor. The Resumed Inquest. Deceased's Comrade Censured. - The Inquest on ALFRED BREEN, of Plymouth, found frozen on the banks of the Cherrybrook, on Dartmoor, on the 2nd inst., was resumed yesterday by Mr Prickman. P.C. Goodman said deceased's clothing was very light for the weather. - James Gregory, of Prince Hall Lodge, stated that on November 30th, William Veitch came to his house about 5.30 p.m. and asked him if he would mind his mate, who was lying down the road, while he went to Dartmeet and went back a trap for him. He (Gregory) refused, saying the man would freeze to death before a trap could get back from Dartmeet. He volunteered to go back with Veitch and they found deceased lying on a bank beside the road. They got him up and went on, BREEN only remarking "that he was all right, only a bit cold." BREEN seemed slightly the worse for drink, but nothing to prevent him taking care of himself. They went back to Gregory's house and BREEN had some tea and then all three went on the road to Dartmeet. By Cherrybrook Bridge, he left Veitch and BREEN and got back to his home about 7.10 p.m. BREEN had offered to pay him for his trouble, but he refused to accept anything. The roads were rather slippery, but the night was fine. He could give no idea why BREEN crossed the river, which was about 2ft. deep, as he could easily have seen the stream. Both Veitch and BREEN were quite capable of walking to Dartmeet, although both appeared to have had something to drink, more especially BREEN. - Edward Coaker (Brownberry) deposed that Veitch came to his house at 8.20 in the evening and inquired if he was on the right road to Dartmeet. On being told he was, he asked if he might be allowed to come in and sit down. He was given permission and stated that he and his mate had walked from Princetown, intending to go to Badger's Holt. Veitch went on to say his mate had fallen down drunk and that he had been into a cottage for help. A young man had come out and carried his mate into the cottage and the people there were going to take care of him for the night. Veitch further told witness that he had wandered from his way and had sat down for a time, but was afraid of being frozen, and had it not been for remembering that the moon should be on his right he would not have known which way to go. Veitch left Brownberry about 9 p.m. If Veitch had only said anything about his comrade being missing, a search could have at once been made for him. Veitch was not drunk. - Ellen Coaker, Mr Coaker's daughter, fully confirmed her father's evidence. - William Veitch, asked if he would like to put any questions to Mr and Miss Coaker, said he did not wish to , and that he had no recollection of having made the statements attributed to him by them. - Henry Trinaman, landlord of the Two Bridges Hotel, said the two men came to his House about 4 p.m. Veitch inquired if a trap from Dartmeet had called there and said he and BREEN had walked on with the idea of meeting a conveyance for them. The two men had two drops of whisky each and Veitch bought a shilling's worth in a bottle, which he put in his pocket. He then suggested that he and his comrade should have another drink, but he (Mr Trinaman) refused to supply any more, knowing the distance they had to go. He went with the two men to his garden, 50 yards on the road, and on returning saw them going on all right about 15-0 yards up the road. They were certainly not intoxicated. They left Two Bridges about 4.20 in good light. BREEN appeared to be a man who could not stand the effects of drink so well as his comrade, who was apparently perfectly sober. - Dr Pearson, temporary Deputy Medical officer at Dartmoor Prison, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased was a fairly well nourished man. The contents of the stomach showed that little food had been taken during the last few hours of deceased's life, and from the evidence he should think the deceased had had for him an excess of alcohol. Death was due to the gradual cessation of vital functions through exposure to cold. He could give no definite opinion as to the length of time that deceased had been on the banks of the stream before death took place. - Veitch, recalled, said he knew nothing of the bottle of spirits he was said to have bought. It was all a mystery to him. He would not willingly lead the Jury astray and had told the truth as far as he could remember. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he had received a communication which would be comforting to the poor widow, inasmuch as it pointed out that the deceased was a good, trustworthy man. A sad mistake had been made by both men in not going straight to their work, and blamed Veitch for leaving his comrade as he had done. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony and as a rider added: "That William H. Veitch is much to blame for having left deceased on the moor and having untruly stated to Mr Coaker that he had left him at Gregory's cottage for the night; that P.C. Goodman, Jas. Gregory, Mr Houseman and others engaged in the search to find the body are entitled to great praise, and further, that no blame is attachable to Mr Trinaman of Two Brides, or Mr Crocker of the Plume of Feathers Hotel." - The Jury, through Mr C. Hodge, Foreman, handed their fees to the representative of the "Western Morning News" for the fund on behalf of the widow and children.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 December 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest yesterday at Devonport on ELIZA SMITH (whose husband is now in South Africa) who lived with her daughter, Rose Porter, at 46 Queen-street, and who died suddenly on Saturday, Dr Patrick attributed death to syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 December 1903
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLOTTE B. W. HODGE, the eleven weeks' old child of ALBERT E. HODGE, journeyman joiner, 70 Rosebery-avenue, Dr C. F. Glinn attributed death to bronchitis.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on HUSTON FRANCIS CAREY, the seven months' old son of a tobacconist's assistant of 20 Carlton-terrace, Camel's Head. Dr J. H. Herrick attributed death to convulsions, due to teething.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 December 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Dockyard Fatality. Serious Allegations. "A Gross Piece Of Carelessness." - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS S. C. WILSON, age 23, carpenter, employed in the Dockyard. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty, and Mr Percy T. Pearce the relatives of deceased. - J. H. WILSON, tailor's foreman, 117 Salisbury-road, Plymouth, said deceased, who was his son, had been employed in the Dockyard about two years. He was to have been married at Easter. - Chas. E. Symons, carpenter in the director of works department, said he was working with deceased on Thursday in demolishing the old paint stores at Moon Cove. About 1.15 p.m. deceased and his mate and a party of labourers were about to lower a girder. These on the capstan had taken the weight of the girder, and seen that all was in order for lowering, after which the girder was again allowed to rest on the columns. Then the capstan again took the weight and the order was about to be given to lower, when one of the guys suddenly gave way, the girder swerved and the weight came on the other three guys. Deceased was on a ladder against the west column with a "pinch bar." As soon as there was a sign of the girder falling deceased jumped from the ladder, and after he had done so the tie rod from the wall, and connecting the two girders, broke away and struck him, knocking him in the debris. As he fell the by-pole also came across him. Within three minutes he was taken to the surgery, where he was found to be dead. In witness's opinion the apparatus was in good working order. The guy ropes were of four inches and were sent out new and of good material. The girder did not strike deceased. - By the Foreman: The guy rope broke. - The Foreman: In my opinion the rope is far from new. I do not want any man to incriminate himself, and I would not advise you or anybody else to say it was new. - Mr J. Trusk (a Juryman): Do you think it was safe to lower such a weight by a single derrick? - Witness: Yes. - Mr Couch: It is a "rumble" rope made of loose ends, not intended for carrying such a weight as this. The other guys were of hard rope. - The Coroner considered that the witness had given his evidence in an intelligent and straightforward manner. - In reply to Mr Goldsmith, witness said the work was being done in the usual and proper way. - By Mr Pearce: The weight of the girder is under two tons. - John Lucas said he was a mason doing chargeman's duties in charge of general work in the Dockyard, and overhauled the guy ropes occasionally. He believed he overhauled it on Wednesday. The four guy ropes were of the same size, quality and description - white Manila rope - and he considered them of sufficient strength for the purpose for which they were required. The girder weighed from 3 ½ to 4 tons. When he examined the rope about two days ago he thought it would last a bit longer to lower a few more girders. - The Coroner: So you had a doubt as to the actual strength then? - Witness: No; I was going by the time it had been out of the store. - The Foreman: The guy rope that broke was of the commonest Dockyard "rumble" that can be made. - A Juryman: It was a 3 ½ in. "rumble" rope, and it has parted as short as a carrot. - Mr Pearce (to witness): Can you really tell us who superintends this work? - Witness: Mr Rickard, a carpenter, gives me my orders. - Richard Gubbs, foreman, said the ropes used were very good. As they got poor the men were supplied with new ones. - The Foreman (after examining the rope): It is the softest rope possible. It is a "swab." - Witness considered the rope capable of carrying three or four tons, and the girder was not more than two tons. - The Foreman: Who is responsible for rigging shears and derricks for lifting heavy weights in your works? - Witness: No person is detailed off for particular work of that sort. - The Foreman: This guy was made fast to a moveable object. It was a gross piece of carelessness on the part of the man to make fast the guy to the eye-bolt of these derricks. - The Coroner: There seems to have been no one responsible. They can do just as they like. - Mr Pearce: That is just it. (To witness): Is there not a person who is able to calculate the weight of the girder - the breaking strain? It is perfectly clear that no one has been appointed who is capable of supervision. Here is a young man about to get married, whose life is lost through the negligence of somebody. Who is that somebody? - Witness: I cannot tell. - Whose duty was it to see that the proper gear was supplied? - The leading man's. - Then, why did you not see he did his duty? - If he did not get the proper materials he should have come to me. - There seems to me to be an absolute lack of supervision and gross neglect? - I do not think I am responsible. I may not be on the job for a day. - By Mr Goldsmith: I gave directions that the work was to be properly done, and told them to get what was necessary from the stores. - William H. Rickard, leading man, was warned that he need not give evidence unless he wished and that his evidence might be produced in subsequent proceedings. Witness said he desired to give his version. He had instructions from Mr Gubbs, who told him generally what to do. He supervised the taking down of the girders and in his opinion, one by--pole was sufficient. He asked for one coil of 4-inch Manila rope and understood that he got such rope. - The Coroner: Is that white Manila rope? - I would not like to say it is. It smells as if there is tar in it. - The Coroner said that in all Inquests he had held touching deaths at Keyham Extension Works witnesses had been able to supply minute information as to matters at the time of the accident, but in the present case no one had been able to give any definite information as to the position directly after the deceased was knocked down. - Witness said he was first on the spot. The cause of the accident was the rope breaking. He considered that the girder weighed 25cwt., and that the breaking strain of the rope was six tons. - Mr Pearce: Then how can you account for the breaking of the rope? - Witness: I cannot account for it. - Mr Pearce: Who is responsible? This exposes the grossest lack of supervision I have ever known in my life. That rope was not a safe and proper rope to be used for the purpose for which it was used. - I don't know that I should have used it. - Whose fault was it that it was used? - I cannot say. - But the Dockyard must have some responsible officials? - A man may have put that on without my knowing it. - You would not have allowed it to be used? - No, I did not know that we had such rope in the house. - Surely somebody supervises work in the Dockyard? - We have heard a lot from admirals and rear-admirals. - I demanded manila rope. - T. S. Barnes, carpenter, of 25 Kensington-terrace, and employed on the job, said he did not know who fixed the rope. - Mr Goldsmith applied for an adjournment for other witnesses to be called. - Mr Pearce: I think this is a very serious matter. There does not seem to be any supervision of any description. No one seems to know anything about anything. There seems to be an absolute laxity of system. - Surgeon R. R. Fasson, of the Dockyard, said that when brought to the surgery deceased's skull and spine were fractured and his left thigh and one of the bones of his right leg were broken. The cause of death was fracture of the skull. - The Foreman said they desired every information, particularly as to where the rope came from, and especially as the men did not draw rope of that description from the store. - The Inquest was adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on Monday, when it will be resumed at the Guildhall.

PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM SCHOFIELD, 51, merchant seaman, residing at the Sailors' Home, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, was taken ill on Monday and died on Wednesday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr C. H. Cuming attributed death to bronchial pneumonia acting on a weak heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 December 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Dockyard Fatality. More Supervision Wanted. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, yesterday resumed the Inquest on THOMAS WILSON, late of 117 Salisbury-road, Plymouth, a carpenter, employed in the director of works department at Keyham, who was killed last Thursday afternoon by an iron girder falling on him during the demolition of the paint store in the Dockyard. Mr Percy Pearce appeared for the deceased's relatives and Mr J. P. Goldsmith for the Admiralty. Mr J. A. Clarke, superintending civil engineer, Devonport Dockyard, represented the director of works department; and Mr S. Shooter, district inspector of factories, was also present. - James Charles Andrews, master rigger in the Dockyard, said he had examined all the four guy ropes used. Two of them were quite equal to new, and two others were about two-thirds worn. the two new ones were of the best white Italian hemp, as generally used in the service, the two others were of inferior quality and officially known as stage lashing. These ropes were used for lashing anything, but were not generally used as guy ropes. He had nothing to do with the issuing of ropes from the store. The standard breaking strain of the new lashing ropes was 2 tons 3cwt., and the breaking strain of the hemp ropes 5 tons 12cwt. The working strength could not be stated, as hemp directly it was worked commenced to deteriorate and when worked in the open was not so good as when worked under cover. The working strength was about one-sixth of the breaking strength. - By the Coroner: The rope for pulling up the girder was of the best quality Italian hemp. The stage lashing was what was known as "rumble." - In reply to Mr Goldsmith, witness said he tested the rope afterwards and it broke at 21 cwt. The rope would have been good enough had no great strain been put upon it, but it was not desirable to use it as a guy rope. He could not give an opinion as to how the rope broke, but his theory was that the bye[pole was not plumb, and this caused an extra strain on the rope. - By Mr Pearce: It is considered that the effect of a surge of the rope was to double the strain. Precautions ought to be taken against such an occurrence. - Mr Pearce: In other words, precautions that ought to be taken were not taken. - Arthur Willis, living at Home Park, Saltash, and storehouseman in the Dockyard, said that on the 11th November he received an order for white hemp laid, three-strand, 30 threat, 3 ½ inch, 24 fathoms. The rope was supplied to Mr Rickard, the leading man. On November 13th he received an order for 89 fathoms. The rope of the particular quality order was issued. The first was a portion of a coil and the second the balance of the same coil. He did not know where the other ropes that were used came from. They did not come from his store. The largest they kept of that sort there was 2 ½ inch., and the one which was broken was four inch. They did not keep such a rope in the store. - Thomas Barnes, carpenter, living at Saltash, said the four ropes were sent to him, but he had nothing to do with rigging the derrick. He only saw a big pile of rope lying near the work. There were three men outside the court who rigged the guy ropes. His work was to cast off the nuts from the girder, but he had to help in hoisting the derrick. After lifting off one girder they moved the derrick and then overhauled the ropes before removing the next. - By Mr Pearce: The leading man was responsible for erecting the derrick. It ought to have been done under his superintendence. - Mr Lucas, the chargeman, was supposed to see that everything was in order. There was no one there on that side of the dock responsible for the work, but they had someone superintending them nearly all the time. - In reply to Mr Goldsmith, witness said Mr Rickard gave them instructions to progress with the work. He had no separate instructions. the leading man was there over six times a day, and the chargeman was walking to and fro all the time, but at the time this girder was being lowered he was on the other side of the dock. When the guy ropes were being attached to the derrick the riggers saw that it was done properly. - Robert John Thomas, of 4 Waterloo-road, Saltash, one of the skilled labourers employed in rigging the derrick, said when the shifted the derrick they shifted the ropes with it, but there was no need to shift the ropes which were attached to the derrick. He fastened one of the ropes at the bottom when they were going to move this girder. He noticed before starting that the ropes were not of the same quality. Two of them wee brown and two were white. Personally he preferred a brown rope for out-of-door work, but he was not an expert on the subject. - By the Foreman: He did not take the responsibility of erecting the derrick more than any of the other men. He did not know who gave the order to heave round the capstan and thus start lifting. - By a Juryman: He thought the carpenter should give the order. He did not hear the order given by anybody. - The Juror: It appears that the men work as they like there. - Barnes, recalled, said what the men were doing was subject to his orders. He was on the girder and gave the order to take the strain, but it was not lifted at all. The strain was taken so that the guys could be tested. No order was given to heave around; the only order given was to tighten up. He and the deceased had to come down from the girder and stand clear before this could be done. - Joseph Major, a skilled labourer, living at Millbrook, said that hemp rope was used for the back guys and "rumble" for the other two. He thought that rumble was the best rope and he believed that deceased himself fastened the rope which broke. The rumble rope looked quite new, and it was there when he got there. - In reply to the Foreman, he said he was not too lazy to go and get hemp. - By Mr Pearce: They had hardly got the weight when the whole thing seemed to collapse. Deceased himself told them to start the capstan. - Mr Lucas, the chargeman, in reply to the Coroner, said he was not actually in charge of this work, as he never had orders to look after it particularly. The leading man was not always in charge, and in his absence Barnes would have been in charge. Witness was in charge of this job and several others as well. He overhauled the ropes a few days previously and he thought they would be strong enough for the work. He did not know much about ropes. - Mr William John Clarke, superintending civil engineer, said he gave orders for this work to be done, and after going through several hands it came down to the foreman of works, who was responsible for its being carried out in a proper manner. This was a small job, and the leading man would have other things to look after, but he would have the chargeman under him. This man would be practically constantly at the work, and in his absence the senior hand would take any orders. The immediate control would be under the chargeman, and he would have to report if they were using materials other than had been ordered for the job. The strain on any of the guys would not exceed a few cwt., so that the rope was strong enough to lift the girder, considering that their calculations were not upset. The weight of the girder was 30cwt. There would not be the slightest objection to the men getting more rope. The rope would stand a strain of 22cwt; therefore, the girder must have surged for the rope to break. They had a great deal of work going on in the yard, were spending £80,000 on departmental work and they had been very free from accidents on risky work. He considered that there was a big allowance for surging. - Mr S. Shooter, inspector of factories, who was present throughout the Inquiry, said he thought the matter had been thrashed out very carefully. He had examined the spot and he thought the plant was perfectly safe. In his opinion the four guys were safe enough, but he did not think the fall was. He thought in a Government establishment like this they should be able to fix the blame. - The Coroner, summing up, said in his opinion everybody had done all in their power to carry out the work in a proper manner. The rope that the leading man had applied for was not wholly used in the work. One would imagine that the chargeman would have seen to this. The leading man was often on the spot, but the chargeman was supposed to be there more often. If they considered there had been culpable negligence they would have to bring it home to some responsible person, and would then have to very seriously consider a verdict of manslaughter. - They might find that proper supervision had not been exercised and they could add a rider to this effect to their verdict. - The Jury found that WILSON'S death was due to a fracture of the skull whilst lowering an iron girder, and were of opinion that better supervision should be exercised in this class of work in future. They expressed condolence with the family in their bereavement. - Mr Clarke stated that the workmen in the Department had asked him to express their regret. - The Funeral: In Plymouth Cemetery yesterday the remains of WILSON (eldest son of MR J. H. WILSON, of 117 Salisbury-road), were laid to rest amid many manifestations of sorrow. The first part of the service was conducted in the U.M.F. Church, Ebrington-street, by Rev. R. Waters, the pastor, and Rev. A. Martin, of Wesley Church. The chief mourners were deceased's parents, sisters and brothers, and Mr and Mrs Major. A number of wreaths were from the relatives, Mr and Mrs c. H. Tozer and family, Mr and Mrs Major and family and others.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 December 1903
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. Distressing Condition Of The Accused. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday afternoon on DENNIS VIVIAN TOWNSEND, aged twelve months, son of WILLIAM CHARLES TOWNSEND, an assistant-superintendent of the Pearl Life Insurance Company, of 5 Byden-avenue, Alexandra-road, Mutley, who was drowned on the previous afternoon under circumstances of the most distressing character. - MRS ELLEN TOWNSEND, the mother, who is accused of taking the infant's life, is believed to be of unsound mind; at any rate, since her removal to the Workhouse Infirmary directly after the terrible tragedy became known to the Police, her condition has given rise to great anxiety. She appears to be totally unconscious of having committed any wrong against her baby, for whom she always showed the strongest affection. Occasionally, it is said, she asks for baby, her memory being a complete blank as to the incident in the bathroom of her own residence. MR TOWNSEND, a young man of gentlemanly appearance, looking very careworn, attended the Inquest. He was accompanied by a lady attired in mourning and a gentleman. The proceedings were pretty formal, occupying a few minutes. - After the Jury had viewed the body, the Coroner said that this appeared to be a very distressing case. As far as he had been able to gather the facts from the Press, they were briefly these. The child was the son of MR TOWNSEND, an assistant-superintendent of the Pearl Life Insurance Company in Plymouth and aged one year. Apparently soon after midday on Tuesday the mother sent out two other children of a family of three with a nurse girl, telling them to stay out some considerable period. During the absence of the nurse girl and the children, the mother's mind seemed to have become deranged - of that they would get evidence subsequently - at any rate, shortly afterwards the mother shouted out to a neighbour that she had drowned her child. Two neighbours, Mr and Mrs Stanton, who behaved in a most humane manner, found that the child had been immersed in water, with the result that it was quite dead. Dr Dawe, he believed, was called in, and the woman was subsequently removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. So far as they could go that day was to take evidence of identification and then the Police would make further inquiries. - WILLIAM CHARLES TOWNSEND said the deceased was his son, aged one year. - The Coroner: I think that is as far as we can go today. The question is, what is a suitable day for the adjournment? - A short discussion resulted in the Inquiry being adjourned until Wednesday, January 13th, at 4 p.m.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on CECIL WELLINGTON, the seven months' old child of WILLIAM WELLINGTON, mason's labourer, 8 John-street. On waking on Tuesday morning the mother found the child dead in her arms. A post-mortem examination by Dr T. R. Rolson showed that death was caused by convulsions, due to teething.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth on GEORGE PATRICK O'BRIEN KNIGHT, aged 5 months, son of ELIZABETH JANE KNIGHT, the evidence showed that the child was taken ill on Sunday last and died before medical aid could be summoned. Dr R. H. Wagner, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to pneumonia. The body was well nourished. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Woman's Death. Relatives Censured. - Mr E. Ernest Gard, Deputy Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest on Saturday on GRACE FRANCIS, aged 62, living at 14 John-street, Morice Town. - JOHN FRANCIS, the deceased's husband, said at eleven o'clock on Christmas morning she complained of being cold, but he could not get her to take anything and she died about four o'clock. - GEORGINA FRANCIS, the daughter, said she brought her mother home from the Morice Town Police Station at nine o'clock on Christmas morning. She did not say why she had been locked up, and only complained of being cold. At 12.30 she began to get worse and a doctor was sent for in the afternoon, and she put her mother into bed. She had heard that she had jumped into the sea. - In reply to the Chief Constable, witness said she was certain there was one blanket on the bed. She heard that her mother had been locked up, and she passed the Morice Town Police Station about twelve o'clock on Christmas-eve, but there was no one there as far as she could see. - P.C. Pryer, on duty in William-street, on Christmas afternoon, said he was informed by the husband that his old woman had dropped dead and he had better go and move her. The constable went to the house and found the woman lying in an attic. He held a looking glass to her mouth and found she was breathing slightly. - By the Foreman: There was a quilt and a sheet on the bed, which was very shaky. - By the Chief Constable: The room was 11ft. square, but very low. There could be no warmth from the clothing on the bed. - P.C. Langdon said the woman was very weak when she was liberated on bail and she wanted to stay where she was. She did not complain of being cold at the time. Just before eight in the morning she asked what she was there for, and wanted a drink of water. He had a difficulty in getting the husband to bail the woman out. - Dr T. R. Rolston, who had made a post-mortem examination, found the heart diseased. Death was due to syncope, accelerated by the shock of falling into the sea. If she had been well looked after when she left the Police Station she would probably have lived. - The Chief Constable said that when the woman was arrested, after falling into the sea, for being drunk, all her clothing was taken off and she had warm blankets put on her and a large fire kept burning all night. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and added that the Police did all in their power, but the relatives were guilty of negligence, and they severely censured them.

ILFRACOMBE - Dr Slade King held an Inquest on Saturday at Ilfracombe on MRS MARY ANN DAVEY, aged 85, a widow, of Croftside, who on the 10th inst., while walking through High-street, fell down. She being very stout, her left thigh was fractured. She was removed to her home and attended by Dr Toller, but died on Christmas-eve through exhaustion following a severe shock to the system. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 December 1903
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on LOUISA TAYLOR, 53, widow, of 32 George-street. Deceased was seen in her bedroom on Christmas night and was then in good health. In the morning she was found dead. Dr T. Leah attributed death to syncope.

EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on SOPHIA EDWARDS, aged 53, wife of JOHN EDWARDS, boot and shoemaker, Millbrook-cottages, Bartholomew-street, who died in the Mint on Boxing-day, while on her way to the Station to spend a holiday at Honiton, Dr Pereira said he had made a post-mortem examination, and found deceased had been suffering from bronchitis, congestion of the lung tissues and disease of the left side of the heart. The immediate cause of death was asphyxia, due to bronchitis.

TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last night on WM. HY. SKINNER of 3 John-terrace. His widow said he was 73 years of age and had worked in Tiverton lace factory for 58 years. On Sunday morning she found him partly dressed, lying on his back in his bedroom, dead. Deceased was dressing to go to church. - Dr G. F. Welsford said death was due to the left ventricle of the heart being ruptured. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned. The Coroner condoled with the widow and said that to know deceased was to respect him for he was a man of unblemished reputation.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 December 1903
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Sad Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on BEATRICE E. KENTSPEER, aged four years, the daughter of WILLIAM E. KENTSPEER, carpenter, 23 Wesley-place, Mutley. - The father stated that about ten o'clock on Sunday morning his wife and himself were upstairs. The deceased was in the kitchen in her nightdress, with two other children. The mother heard a scream, ran down and wrapped blankets around the deceased. Dr Mariette was sent for, and the child was removed to the Hospital, where she died the same day. It was believed that a piece of burning coal fell out of the fire, in front of which the deceased was standing, and ignited her nightdress. There was no guard in front of the fire. - Dr H. S. Gabb, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the child's burns extended over the chest and abdomen. It was a hopeless case from the first. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 December 1903
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Dockyard Fatality. Machinery Inspection. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport borough Coroner, held an Inquest in Keyham Dockyard yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN WAKEHAM, aged 29, a labourer who lived at 173 Embankment-road, Plymouth. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared for Sir John Jackson (Limited). - The widow said deceased had been working at the Keyham Extension Works for five or six years and had left a baby aged nine months. - Surgeon R. R. Fasson, R.N., said on being called to the works directly after the accident, he found WAKEHAM quite dead. His skull was fractured. - Charles J. Colerick, ganger, employed by Sir John Jackson, said his work was to supervise the getting out of blocks of concrete from the block-making shop. The men were using an over-head travelling crane. A small trolley was on the ground on rails and the travelling gear travelled the length of the shed and then into the middle of the room where wanted. That day they had lifted 17 blocks. A big wheel worked a smaller wheel. A small wheel fell, striking deceased on the head, while he was guiding a slack chain. The wheel had come off the shaft. The men were just in the act of pulling the ropes to work the machinery. The machinery had been working since November 4th. he did not know if it had been inspected, but every time they used the machinery they oiled it to make it work easily. The weight of the wheel was 44lb. - In reply to the Foreman, witness said the wheel was secured by a pin, which must have come out. He could not form any opinion as to its being slack or not. It was a key, not a pin, witness said in reply to the Coroner. The wheel fell about 15ft. The machinery was oiled the day before Christmas-day. They would not look at every part, but if he saw the key was loose he would have it put right, or send for a mechanic. Periodical examinations were made of the machinery. - Henry Beanson, mechanical engineer and inspector of machinery, employed by Sir John Jackson, said it was his duty to inspect all the machinery on the works once or more every week. His report-book (produced) showed that this particular machinery was examined for the week ending December 26th, or the week before the accident and found to be in working order. He did not go up to the shaft on that occasion and he was not expected to examine the machinery in its most minute detail. It was his custom to do so if anything went wrong, and it was reported to him. He could not have detected the key being out by just looking up at the machinery. - The Coroner: Ought you not to have gone up and seen that these wheels were in good working condition? - I cannot answer that question. - Otherwise your examination is of a very flimsy kind? - If I had taken a ladder and gone up to the machinery I should probably have found everything in good order. If I had to do that to the hundred or more machines I had to inspect I should never get the business finished. The workmen would go near the wheel in oiling and what it was necessary to do they would do it for their own advantage. If I could not detect any flaw I would report the machinery in working order. - The Coroner: It seems to be a very slight examination? - I have never been led to understand it was my duty to go up there. I did do so occasionally. - Colerick, recalled, said the men oiled the machinery whenever they got the blocks out. It would be about three times a fortnight. They would go fairly close to the key when oiling, but they did not detect that it was loose when oiling this time. - The Coroner, addressing Beanson, said he took that it was his duty to detect defects and remedy them. - The witness replied that it was his duty to take a general survey of all the machinery in the place. Every now and again there would be detailed inspections of the machinery. - In reply to the Foreman, the witness said it might have been months since the machinery was examined. He did not assume the key had been working out for weeks, as the wheel and the key came down together. He built the machine himself, about 18 months ago, but it had only been in use since November. - Mr S. Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, said from what he could gather the onus rested with the people who were working the machines, and they had to report defects. They should not expect a man to inspect all the keys and little details on works like these. In his opinion Beanson ought not to be blames in any way. Not all firms would take the trouble to have the machinery inspected as this one did. - By Mr Goldsmith: He had not received any complaint with reference to the machinery. - The Coroner, summing up, said there did not seem to be anyone to blame for the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the relatives. Mr Goldsmith did so also for the firm.

TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide Of A Clergyman's Brother. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Teignmouth Townhall by Mr S. Hacker, on ALFRED BARKER CAMPBELL, whose body was found by a fisherman in the River Teign on Monday. - REV. HUGH H. CAMPBELL, of Hognaston Vicarage, near Ashbourne, Derby, identified the body as that of his youngest brother, aged 35, a clerk in Smith's Union Bank, Lincoln, where he lived. He last saw him alive a week ago. Witness came to Shaldon a week ago and left deceased at that place. He was not in good health and was depressed, and it was recommended by his medical man to bring him to a seaside, and he was put under the care of Dr Thorn. Physically deceased was perfectly sound, but imagine he was not in good health and was suffering from some disorder of the nerves, which was largely imaginary. The partners at deceased's bank had about a month ago decided to give him three months' leave. At times deceased would be cheerful, but at others was very depressed. He had never shown any suicidal tendency, but seemed to think that he might become insane and feared he would not be able to go back to his work. He could not bring his mind to do any correspondence, but got Dr Thorn to write for him. It was the second time he had been in this condition. His doctors had said he might develop a suicidal tendency, and witness took away a razor he had about him, but he had since bought another. It was his opinion that deceased had thrown himself into the River Teign whilst in a state of depression. - Dr Flude Thorn, of Sand Park, Shaldon, said that deceased came to his house on Monday week last with his brother, the last witness, and was placed under his charge as a patient. He particularly asked the last witness if the deceased had shown any signs of insanity or whether he was suicidal and he most distinctly said "No." Witness would not have taken him if that had been the case, as he never took mental or dipsomaniacs. The deceased used to kick up a lot of row in the night, and witness came to the conclusion that deceased was shamming illness and there was nothing physically wrong with him. On Christmas night deceased was making such a noise in his room witness had to speak to him very straight and deceased begged him to give him a sleeping draught, but he refused, and deceased went to sleep naturally on that night and the next. Since then he had been his natural self. He had received a letter from deceased's medical man (Dr Parry Jones), of Lincoln, saying it was a bad case of delusion. A case of such as this was most likely develop into melancholia. Deceased, however, was apparently cheerful on Sunday night, and about 6.20 he said he would go to church, and left the house for the purpose. - Thos. Hitchcock, fisherman, said he was abreast of the Gasworks dredging, when he pulled the deceased up by the anchor rope. It would have been impossible for the deceased to have fallen in on the Shaldon side as the tide had only been an hour's flood. His body would have laid on the bank for hours, as it was uncovered. It was his opinion deceased jumped off Shaldon Bridge about half-way across. - Dr Hayward said death was due to drowning. - P.C. Friendship stated that he found a new razor on the deceased and 6d., and his watch had stopped at 7.10 p.m. Deceased had bought the razor on Saturday, saying he had missed his other, but it had been discovered that he had always been shaved by a barber since he had been in the village. - The Coroner said he thought it somewhat imprudent on the part of deceased's relatives not to have informed Dr Thorn as to deceased's state more than they did. True, it was not a case of lunacy at the time, but it was one such as might develop itself at any time and there was every appearance of a suicidal tendency coming on at any time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Dangerous Stairs At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Plymouth Mortuary on CATHERINE SANDERS, aged 59 years, 16 Higher-street, wife of a naval pensioner, who died on Saturday last. - Frederick W. Ozanne, merchant seaman, 16 Higher-street, stated that on Saturday about 10.45 p.m., he heard a dull sound, and on going to see what had happened, found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs in an unconscious condition. - Dr H. P. Palmer 61 Ebrington-street, said he found the deceased suffering from fracture of the base of the skull. She remained in an unconscious condition up to the time of her death. - In reply to a Juror, Dr Palmer said the stairs were certainly dangerous as there had been two accidents there during six months. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". - The Coroner instructed his officer to draw the attention of the landlord of the house to the condition of the staircase.

TORQUAY - The Fatality At A Torquay Railway Station. The Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay last evening on JOHN CROSSMAN HARRIS, marble mason, aged 22, who had been visiting his parents in Laburnum-street, Tor. - Driver Charles W. Shallett, Army Service Corps, stated that he met deceased at Tor at 10.15 on Monday evening and they went to the Station together to see witness's brother and another friend off by the train for Plymouth. Just before it started deceased shook hands with his brother and others in the carriage. Deceased then walked away towards the engine. As the train whistled witness shook hands with his brother, and after it had started he walked away. Just as he was doing so he heard a young lady say "Oh, my God! There's a young man down between the train!" Witness turned round, and saw a box hat between the edge of the platform and the footboard of the carriage. He took off his coat and tried to pick up deceased, but just as he was about to do so someone from behind caught hold of him and pulled him back. He consequently had to let deceased go, and he swung around. There was a good deal of shouting and the platform was in an uproar. The train did not stop. When taken up deceased was quite dead. Witness said he believed he might have save deceased with, perhaps a broken limb if he had not been pulled back. - The Coroner observed that the person who pulled witness back no doubt feared that he would have been pulled in himself. - Montey Cobley, draper, Union-street, said the whistle had been blown, and the train had started, and deceased was standing on the footboard of a carriage, holding on to the brass handle. Whilst thus riding along with the train deceased stepped off the footboard, and as he did so he threw up his arm, lost his balance, whirled around and fell down between the carriages. Women were screaming and the porter on duty was on the platform, but no one stopped the train and four carriages went over deceased. The porter could not have seen what had happened, and the guard was in his van. - Albert Wellington, Newton Abbot, guard of the train, said the platform was crowded with about 160 people. He went to the higher part of the platform, called to the passengers to take their seats, and then came down in front of the train, clearing away the people and closing the carriage doors on the way back to his van. He received from the porter the word "right," and started the train. Entering his van, he crossed it, looked out to see the time by the clock on the opposite platform, and made an entry of it in his pocket-book as the train was moving away. - He heard some shouting on the platform, but as that was general at Christmas time, when there was a large number of people about and especially with sailors, he took no particular notice of it. - Chief Inspector Scantlebury, Great Western Railway, remarked that at this holiday season railway officials knew of the considerable amount of noise which was made upon the starting of trains, more particularly by sailors. This was especially the case at Plymouth and Devonport Railway Stations, and therefore he could quite understand what the guard had stated. - Edward T. Bartlett, the porter on duty, said he saw nothing of what had happened to deceased until after the train had gone and he heard no more than the usual noise when the train was starting. There were a good many people on the platform and he did not see deceased standing on the footboard. - Dr F. Thistle said deceased had a compound fracture of both feet, which were nearly severed from the body; a large lacerated wound on the right thigh, and a compound fracture of the thigh bones, and probably internal injuries. Death was almost instantaneous. - The Coroner observed that everything had been clearly explained except the reason for deceased getting on the footboard of the carriage, from which he fell after wishing his friends farewell, but the probability was that he saw another friend whom he recognised. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said there was not the slightest blame attached to anyone in the employ of the railway company.