Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1904

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(2); Andrew; Ash; Ashton; Ashwood; Avent; Axon; Backaller; Baker; Barnacott; Barrow; Barry; Baskwill; Bates(2); Beal(2); Bedford; Beer; Bennett; Bestard; Billing; Bishop; Blagdon; Blank; Blight; Boarder; Bolt; Bolton; Bond(2); Boon; Boorman; Booth; Bowden; Bowden-Williams; Boyle; Bradford; Bridgman; Briggs; Brooks(2); Buckpit; Burrell; Camp; Candy; Cane; Carpenter; Casey; Chamberlain; Chappell; Chenhalls; Clarke(2); Clift; Coaker; Codd; Cole; Coles; Collier; Collings; Compton; Coombe; Copp; Corber; Courtier; Coward; Crabbe; Crapp; Craze; Cridford; Cridland; Cundy; Dann; Darling; Darton; Daw; Dawe; Dennis; Dew; Dicker; Dicks; Doidge; Down(2); Dunn; Dunstan; Eades; Easton; Edgecombe; Ellicombe; Ellis; Evans(2); Ewins; Fairweather; Feaver; Felkman; Fisher; Flower; Flynn; Foote; Ford; Foxcroft; Friend; Fruling; Gardiner; Gear; Gee; Gerry; Gibbs; Gibson; Gillard; Gilley; Gliddon; Goad; Goff; Golesworthy; Gorham; Goss(2); Gray; Green; Griffiths; Grubb; Ham; Hannaford; Hannam; Harris(4); Harvey; Haydon; Hayes(2); Hayward; Helmore; Hendy; Henley; Henwood; Hicklin; Hider; Higman; Hill; Hoare; Holman; Holmes; Howard(2); Hughes; Jane; Jewell; Johns(2); Johnson(2); Jordan; Kearley; Keeley; Kelly; Knapman; Knott; Kurki; Lacey; Lachlan; Lambert; Langdon; Lawden; Lean; Lee; Legrass; Lewis; Little; Liverton; Lockley; Lothman; Luscombe; Luxon; Luxton; Lyons; Mabin; Macrae; Maker; Martin; Matters; Maunder; McDonald; McKay; McLean; McNair; McNeill; Memery(2); Metcalfe; Miller(2); Morgan; Moses; Moyse; Mullins; Murch; Murphy; Neall; Nethercott; Newton; Nicholls; Northcott; Northmore; O'Connel; Oliver(2); Osborne; Oxland(2); Palmer; Parkin; Pascoe(2); Pearce(3); Pearson; Penny; Pethick; Petrie; Pett; Phillips; Pierce; Pike(2); Plumber; Pope; Potter; Powell; Pritchard; Prowse; Pruce; Prynn; Raffill; Rattenberry; Rattenbury; Raw; Rawlinson; Ray; Reynolds; Rich; Riley; Rippin; Roach; Robbins; Rogers; Roose; Rowe(2); Rundle; Ryder; Sanders(2); Scourse; Searle; Selley; Silba; Smith(4); Spence; Spencer; Spurr; Stamp; Stanbury; Stwert; Sutton; Symons; Tatte; Taw; Taylor; Thomas; Thorne; Tompkins; Tonkin; Townsend(4); Tozer; Tregidgo; Tremeer(2); Trott; Tucker(2); Vallance; Vickery; Walke; Walling(2); Warne; Warr; Watson; Wayboarn; Webb; Weeks; Welland; Westcott(2); White; Wilkinson; Williams(9); Willis; Wilton; Winterbourne; Woollams; Wood(2); Worden; Wotton; Wyatt; Young

Western Morning News, Friday 1 January 1904
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. - Mr J. D. Johnstone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison on JOHN THOMAS, a prisoner, who died in the Infirmary on December 28th. Mr W. H. Grey was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr R. A. Gibbs, senior clerk, stated that the deceased was received at Dartmoor on August 25th, 1903, having been sentenced to three years' penal servitude at the Northumberland Assizes on February 25th of that year for having obtained money by false pretences. He was a miner by trade and had been nine times previously convicted. At Dartmoor his conduct had been exemplary. He had been employed there at stone-dressing. Deceased was 49 years of age, and had no friends or relations. - Dr F. E. Forward, deputy Medical Officer, deposed that the deceased when he entered Dartmoor Prison, was suffering from fistula and another complaint. He was admitted into Hospital on December 3rd and died on December 28th. The post-mortem examination showed prostetic abscess with a secondary abscess in the brain. - Assistant Warder Riley and the Infirmary orderly stated that the deceased had received everything ordered by the doctor and had made no complaint. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 January 1904
PLYMSTOCK - At an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, at Oreston yesterday, on EDITH EMILY DICKS, aged six months, the daughter of JOHN R. DICKS, 238 Beaumont-road, Plymouth, journeyman carpenter, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, Dr S. Noy Scott, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to pneumonia, both lungs showing evidence of bronchial pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WILLAND - A Willand Man's Death. Accelerated By The Cold Weather. - Mr Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at Willand yesterday on BENJAMIN JORDAN, dairyman, Willand, aged 58. FRED JORDAN, aged about 11, said on Wednesday morning, about seven o'clock he went with his father, the deceased, to a field in Jaycroft-lane, Willand. After the deceased had given the cows some barleymeal he started to clean out the sheds and whilst doing so fell forward on the manure pick he was using. After about a minute witness, believing his father was death, went home and told his mother. - Dr Eugene Tracey, of Willand, said he found the deceased dead. There was a small incised wound on the forehead, in all probability caused by the fall. Deceased had a feeble constitution and his heart was weak. Death was probably due to syncope and was accelerated by the intense cold. There were 11 degrees of frost that morning. - Verdict accordingly. The Jury gave their fees to the widow, who is left with three children.

STOKE DAMEREL - Scalding Fatality At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on BEATRICE WINIFRED ROW, 4 years, the daughter of a naval stoker. The mother, MAUD ROW, said on Monday they were staying at her mother's house at 39 York-road, Devonport. Her four children were playing about the room, when she heard the deceased scream. Looking round she saw that the kettle of water, which was boiling, had fallen over her. - GLADYS ROW, age 10, said her sister was going from one end of the room to the other and stooped down to avoid a chair. In straightening herself, her head knocked the kettle off the stove. - Dr H. M. Major, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said when deceased was admitted she was suffering from severe scalds. She never recovered, and died on Thursday evening from shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on CLIFFORD LITTLE, the one-year-old son of REV. R. LITTLE, Bible Christian Minister, 60 King-gardens, Dr R. H. Wagner attributed death to double pneumonia, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Boy's Death. - An Inquest was held by the Devonport borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday on CHARLES CECIL STIDEVER, aged 3 years, the son of FRANK ERNEST STIDEVER, pawnbroker, 43 Albert-road. - Mary L. Harries, nurse girl, age 15, said she was looking after the two children. In Charlotte-street, the deceased was sitting on a toy horse, which was in the middle of a very narrow pavement. He looked very cold. They had only been there a few minutes when he fell off into the gutter. A cart came along and the wheel struck the back of the boy's head. She was with her sister, but was not talking to her. - J. W. B. Montgomery said he was coming down Charlotte-street, leading the horse. The animals head had passed the children and they seemed safe. He heard a scream and looking round, saw the child lying on its side with its head wedged in front of the wheel. - Dr N. Morris said when brought to the Royal Albert Hospital the child was dead. The skull was quite broken, and death must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 January 1904
BARNSTAPLE - A North Devon Child's Death. - At Barnstaple on Tuesday evening an Inquest was held on RICHARD LUXTON, aged 9 months, son of a farm labourer, living at Waggadon, Huntshaw. On November 15th the mother left the child tied to a chair, three or four feet from the fire, while she went to a neighbouring farm for butter and milk. She had not been away six minutes when one of the other children came to tell her the baby was on fire. Witness hurried back and the doctor was fetched. Deceased's dress, the mother said, must have been ignited by a spark from the wood fire. The child was taken to the Infirmary where it made good progress until December 28th when diarrhoea and vomiting supervened and the child died on Monday. - Dr Mary e. H. Morris, the House Surgeon, said teething might have caused the diarrhoea, but for which she thought deceased would have recovered. Death was due to inflammation of the bowels. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Burning Fatality At Plymouth. The Danger Of Flannelette. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM H. STANBURY, 43 Post-office clerk, of 23 Clarence-street, who died on Monday. - Rebecca A. Martin, widow, 2 Regent-terrace, said she had been attending on deceased for two months. She left him about 4.45 p.m. on Sunday, sitting in front of the fire in his bedroom, and comparatively well. She returned about 6 o'clock, and found deceased in the passage very badly burnt. His nightshirt was in two parts, having apparently been torn off and saturated with water. - Dr T. H. Williams, who had attended deceased for some time for a diseased liver and dropsy, said on Sunday evening he found him burnt from head to foot. The skin had been burnt off both his shoulders and his chest and thighs were also badly burnt. He explained that while sitting in front of his fire he noticed the clock on the mantelpiece had stopped and stood up to wind it up. his flannelette shirt caught fire and he was instantly ablaze. Death occurred on Monday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

YELVERTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on FANNY LANGDON, aged 65, wife of JOHN LANGDON, farm labourer, of Milton Coombe, Yelverton. FRANCIS LANGDON, son of deceased, stated that his mother, seated on a chair, fell off and died immediately. Dr H. J. S. Liddell said death was due to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 January 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. Adjourned Inquest. Mother's Sorrowful Condition. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The adjourned Inquest on DENNIS VIVIAN TOWNSEND, aged twelve months, son of WILLIAM CHARLES TOWNSEND, an assistant-superintendent of the Pearl Life Insurance Company of 5 Leyden-avenue, Mutley, was held at Plymouth Mortuary, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday. The child was found dead in its mother's arms, under peculiarly distressing circumstances, on December 22nd. The Inquest was opened on the following day, when only evidence of identification was given. Chief Constable Sowerby attended. MRS TOWNSEND, whose condition still gives grave cause for anxiety, was not present. - MR TOWNSEND, recalled, said he last saw his wife before the child's death at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22nd. She was very bright when he left home - apparently quite well. - Had she been depressed at all? - She had been low-spirited ever since I have been in Plymouth. I came to Plymouth on July 6th last. - Can you account for her depressed state in any way? - for one thing, she did not like Plymouth, nor the neighbourhood in which we lived. Then there was the loneliness. I had a situation which took me away every week from Monday to Friday. - You never heard her threaten to take the life of this child in any way? - No. Nor did I hear her threaten to take her own life. The first intimation I heard of this was when I came home at five o'clock in the evening. - The Foreman (Mr W. G. Southern): Had she shown any signs of insanity previously? - Never. She was only low-spirited. - Mr Samuel Stanton, temperance secretary of 6 Leyden-avenue, said at 1.25 p.m. one of his children came in to say that MRS TOWNSEND wanted to see Mrs Stanton, who went immediately and then came back and asked witness to go. He did so at once. He went into the bathroom and found MRS TOWNSEND in a kneeling position in the bath, which was nearly filled with cold water. With the exception of her bodice, she was fully clothed. Mrs Stanton took the baby from her arms. It appeared to be dead; there were no signs of life. He spoke to MRS TOWNSEND, but she was dazed, and did not understand. He tried to get her to stand up, but she seemed to have no power to do so, and he had to lift her bodily out of the bath. She remained in a dazed condition. He unfastened the out-side clothing and then went down to see if anything could be done for the child. He took the child and cut the clothes off. He tried artificial respiration, but that was without effect. They then laid the child in a blanket in front of a fire, and applied hot water to the feet, and continued to try artificial respiration until Dr Dawe came. On his arrival he confirmed their opinion that the child was dead. - Were you in the habit of seeing the accused? - Yes, ever since they came to the house. I believe on the day she came to Plymouth she entered our house. I noticed that she was depressed, and that she got much thinner and haggard. She gave no reason for that to me, but I believe she told a neighbour that she did not like the place. - Mrs Margaret Stanton, wife of the previous witness, stated that when she entered the bathroom MRS TOWNSEND was in the bath with the child in her arms. MRS TOWNSEND said to her "What can you do for my baby?" Witness made no reply. - Dr J. H. Dawe, Alexandra-road, Plymouth, said he was called by a messenger from Mr Stanton to MRS TOWNSEND'S house. He first entered the backroom, where he found the infant, wrapped in a blanket, lying on the hearthrug in front of the fire. He examined it and found it dead and cold. There was a little froth and water issuing from the nostrils and the lips and gums were blue. He attributed death to suffocation from drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Foreman: Did the doctor see the mother? - The Coroner: I don't think that affects us. Continuing, he said he understood after this unhappy and unfortunate event Mr Sowerby took charge of the woman and sent her to the Infirmary at the Workhouse. Last Monday she was formally charged before the justices, and the case was adjourned, no doubt, to await the result of the Inquest. She had been sent to the Prison Infirmary, where she would be put under the observation of two nurses day and night and where she would probably remain until the trial at the Assizes. Before going further, he would like to say how deeply he sympathised with MR TOWNSEND and his wife. He had no doubt that MRS TOWNSEND at the time was no-compos mentis, but he was afraid that that had nothing to do with them. They had to Inquire as to the cause which brought about the child's death. He had been looking up the cases carefully and he wanted to give one quotation. It was as follows:- "The question whether compos mentis or not is a question of fact for the Jury upon the trial, but does not fall within the province of the Coroner's Jury, except in cases of suicide, where the fact may be found by them and stated in the Inquisition. In other cases, if they are of opinion that the acts done are such as, if they had been done by a person of sound mind, would have amounted to murder or manslaughter, it is their duty to find a verdict of murder or manslaughter, otherwise they do not afford to the public the security of the arrest of the accused person under the Coroner's warrant, and his ultimate confinement, if found insane by the Jury at the trial." - Of course, that was the law. It was perfectly clear and obvious for this reason, that neither the Coroner nor the Jury had any power to deal with the person, of putting him in an Asylum. There was a strong case cited in reference to the London County Asylum, where a man, named John James, an actual inmate of the Asylum, struck a warder on the head and so caused his death. It was held that all a Coroner's Jury could do was to bring in a verdict of murder, which they did, and the Assize Court dealt with it afterwards. The Assizes would shortly be on. The only course open to them was to bring in a verdict of wilful murder. - The Foreman: At the same time we can add a rider? - The Coroner: Exactly, as in the Wilce case. We never for a moment believed it was wilful murder, and the verdict was set aside. I think we owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr and Mrs Stanton for the humane way in which they acted. (Hear, hear). - The Jury retired to consider their verdict. - On their return, the Foreman said: The Jury are unanimous in their verdict of Wilful Murder, but at the same time they desire to express their strong opinion that they believe that the woman was insane at the time she committed the act. - The Coroner: You add a rider to that effect? - The Foreman: yes. We also desire to thank Mr and Mrs Stanton for the action which they , and to express sympathy with the husband and family. - The Coroner: I wish you could have brought in some other verdict, but you cannot do it. - The Foreman: The Jury would have willingly brought in another verdict if they could. They look upon it as a painful duty to have to perform. - With the binding over of the witnesses to appear at the Assizes, the Inquiry was closed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 January 1904
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth on the two-days-old daughter of HENRY C CODD, carrier, 14 Hoe-street, a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated whilst in bed with its mother" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - JOHN CAMP, 47, coal dealer, of 32 East-street, Stonehouse, met with an accident about twelve months since, and through the injury he then received, died suddenly on Thursday night. At an Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, Dr Waterfield said death was due to the rupture of a large aneurism of the aorta.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 January 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on WM. CHAS GILLEY, 58, railway signalman, employed at Keyham Dockyard. MAUD M. E. GILLEY, his daughter, said her father lived with her at 6 Queen-street. He enjoyed good health, but had complained of a pain in his leg. On Saturday he went to the bar of the Queen's Arms public-house, called for some liquor and sat down. Three minutes later he fell to the ground dead. - Dr J. Wilson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, the result of fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TAVISTOCK - Burning Fatality At Tavistock. Inquest: Coroner And Fire-Guards. - At Tavistock yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on HILDA MAY LANG, aged 6 years, who died at the Cottage Hospital. - JAMES H. COOMBE, carter, residing at Paul's-buildings, Tavistock, proved leaving his house on Friday morning last about seven o'clock, after having lit the fire in an open grate in the kitchen. His wife, deceased, and two other children, were upstairs at the time. There was no fire-guard to the grate. - MARY COOMBE, wife of the last witness, said deceased and another young child, soon after the father left, went into the kitchen. She heard the deceased scream, and on going into the kitchen found her in flames, which she extinguished as quickly as possible. She thought deceased, while playing with the fire, caught her flannelette nightdress on fire. - Mr J. S. Smith, Surgeon, said the child was burned all over the body and was in a state of collapse. She died the same day. - Replying to the Coroner, Mr Snowden-Smith agreed as to the inflammable nature of flannelette. Parents did not seem to recognise that in many instances so-called flannelette was only cotton goods patched up into fluffy stuff. - The Coroner, in summing up, commented on the need of fire-guards, especially where young children were allowed to wander about as the deceased and her younger brother were evidently in the habit of doing. While he sympathised with the parents, he felt it to be his duty to say the mother had manifested carelessness. He would ask her to see that the fire-grates were properly protected. - The Foreman of the Jury suggested that all fire-grates should be properly protected where there were young children. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 January 1904
BARNSTAPLE - A Barnstaple Widow's Death. Suffocated Whilst Drunk. - At Barnstaple last evening Mr Bencraft held an Inquest on MARY ANN BOWDEN, aged 52, the widow of a grocer, of 52 Fort-street. - Dr J. R. Harper stated that on Tuesday morning he was called, and found that deceased, who was lying in a corner of the back sitting-room, had been dead seven or eight hours. She was on her right side, with her head and neck doubled forward on her chest. The face was discoloured and he came to the conclusion she had died from asphyxia. Judging from what he had been told, her position would be that of a person who had fallen in a state of intoxication. - BESSIE BOWDEN, daughter of the deceased, stated that on going to bed about quarter-past ten on Monday night, she left her mother in the sitting-room, under the influence of liquor, as she had done many times before, expecting her to come on to bed later. Before witness and a little girl retired, deceased had slipped on the floor between two chairs and as they could not raise her they left her there. She was sitting erect: when witness found her dead the next morning she was in exactly the same position, only her face was slightly inclined. - The Coroner said it was perfectly clear the poor woman, greatly under the influence of alcohol, slipped out of her chair and was left, as she had been left before without any bad results. It was a great pity that people intoxicated should be left by themselves under any circumstances. He had known in his experience many cases in which people so situated had set themselves on fire and killed themselves, to the great danger of other people as well. In this instance it was hard to apportion any blame to the daughter, who would naturally obey her mother and go to bed when told. - The Jury found that deceased died from Accidental Suffocation whilst under the influence of drink.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 January 1904
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At A Plymouth Wedding Party. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on MARY DICKER, 52, of 56 Embankment-road, Plymouth. The husband stated that she attended a party at the Union Inn, Drake-street on Wednesday evening in celebration of his daughter's wedding that day. She had suffered from a heart complaint, but during the past twelve months had been better than usual. - Thomas Menhenitt, naval pensioner, 15 Drake-street, said his son was married to deceased's daughter on Wednesday, and in the evening there was a party. Somebody asked the deceased to sing, and whilst singing quite low, her head fell forward into a friend's lap. Several thought she had fainted, but as soon as he lifted her up he saw she was dead. She appeared quite well before, was laughing and seemed overjoyed. - Dr C. G. Symons, who had made a post mortem examination, said deceased's heart was very much diseased. Excitement had contributed to death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, at Plymouth, on GEORGE ALEXANDER VICKERY, the three-weeks old son of WILLIAM EDWIN VICKERY, a leading seaman, R.N. The evidence showed that the child received injuries to the head through a fall at birth, the mother being alone at the time.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 January 1904
BRIXHAM - A Child's Death At Brixham. Serious Allegations. - An Inquest was held at Brixham on Saturday on MAYBER RUTH GOSS, aged seven years, the daughter of JOHN and EMMA GOSS, who came to reside at Brixham from Totnes about four months ago. - The mother said her husband was a labourer. She had had twelve children. Deceased was not insured. Of the twelve children, three were living, aged respectively 15, 5 and 3 years; her eldest child died when about two years old, the others died at nine months of age. None of them were insured. They were weakly from birth. Deceased became ill a fortnight ago with bronchitis, and was attended to by the parish doctor. She gave it beef tea and milk as far as their means would allow. A pint of new milk a day was divided between her three children. Sometimes she bought two pints, but could not afford it every day. The doctor told her the milk given deceased was not sufficient. The child lived a week without taking in anything. When she told the doctor she could not afford to buy more than a pint of new milk a day he gave her an order to take to Mr Marks, the relieving officer, who twice refused to grant her relief. - Dr G. C. Searle, attributed death to bronchitis. The body weighed 32lb., about 10lb below the average weight of a healthy child at the same age. - By the Coroner: The mother obeyed his directions as far as he could judge. There was another child seriously ill and likely to die. - A Juror: Is it not usual for the relieving officer to accept the doctor's recommendation? - Witness: He does just as he likes. I gave the recommendation for milk as a medical necessity. All the children are, more or less, badly nourished. - James J. Brown, Inspector, N.S.P.C.C. said on Friday, January 8th, the mother told him the deceased was fed on half a pint of new milk a day, purchased from Mr Tully. This he found to be untrue, as only on two occasions had milk been purchased from him. Two days later the father told him he had no means to get milk for his sick child and he (the Inspector) told him he ought to be ashamed to say it. GOSS then took two-pence from his pocket and witness remonstrated with him for not sending for milk. He was earning 3s. a day, but refused to work on Friday, saying he was not going to get wet with rain. The house was then in a filthy state and the child was dirty. - JOHN GOSS, the father, said he could not remember whether his family numbered eleven or twelve, but they lost all but three by vaccination and measles at Totnes. He accounted for the emaciated condition of his child by his being unable to obtain work. He had only earned 7s. that week and 9s. the week before, all of which he took home. - George F. Marks, relieving officer, said he received the recommendation from Dr Searle for milk, but refused it as GOSS was an able-bodied man, whose wife told him he was earning 2s. 9d. a day. - The Coroner: Don't you think it was a dangerous thing to refuse the recommendation? - No, sir; I don't see why the ratepayers should have to pay for the milk when GOSS is earning 2s. 9d a day. - But this was a matter of life and death? - They had the means to get the milk. the wife told me on Tuesday morning the husband earned 2s. 9d. a day, and I advised them to spend less money on beer. I had seen the man very drunk. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Jury added that death was accelerated by the habitual neglect of the parents, but did not amount to criminal neglect; and that the relieving officer ought to have acted on the recommendation of Dr Searle in such an extreme case.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 January 1904
EXETER - An Exeter Recluse. Shocking End Of A Surgeon's Daughter. Witnesses Censured. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on LOUISA ASHWOOD, spinster, aged 66, of 8 Elm Grove-terrace. MISS HARRIETT F. ASHWOOD, of Clifton, said deceased , her sister, was the daughter of the late MR JOHN N. ASHWOOD, a Surgeon of the Church Missionary Society, formerly of Appledore, who died at Sierra Leone. She had not seen her for five years. Deceased was a little peculiar and liked to keep to herself. She had small means, but sufficient to maintain herself. Deceased had written her once or twice a month. She had never asked for money. - Miss Susan Wright, fruiterer, who was cautioned by the Coroner that the evidence she might give might possibly be used against her, said she had known deceased for about ten years, and for the past 4 ½ years deceased had lodged in her house. She lived in one furnished room and used another room for storage. Deceased paid 4s. a week. Witness last saw her alive last Saturday fortnight. Deceased boarded herself. She was on the landing outside her room when witness saw her and said she was pretty well except that she had the toothache. Witness had never been in her room and deceased refused to let anyone in. She spoke to her yesterday week. Deceased was inside her room and had the door locked. She was groaning and when asked what was the matter, replied, "I am dying of the toothache." Witness said, "Are you ill? If you are, I will fetch the doctor." She answered, "Don't fetch the doctor, for God's sake; it's the toothache and I shall soon be better." Later in the day witness went to her room, but she would not answer her. Last Thursday morning witness went to the room again, and deceased said she was better, but refused to see her. The next morning she again said she was better, but at 5.30 in the evening a girl named Hugo, who fetched the deceased's errands, stated that she had knocked to her door and failed to get an answer. Witness sent for the girl's mother and they burst the door open and found deceased dead in bed. In the room was money tied up in a handkerchief; also a quantity of cooked and uncooked food. - MISS ASHWOOD, recalled, said she received £80 belonging to the deceased from the last witness. - Miss Wright stated that a short time since deceased refused to see the vicar of St. David's, but passed a two shilling piece out under the door for the poor-box, also a receipt which she had to sign relating to a pension she received from a London hospital. - Hettie Hugo, a girl, of 5 Chapple's Buildings, St David's-hill, said she had fetched errands for deceased for 15 or 16 months. She had purchased articles of food on different days during the past fortnight. She was not allowed in deceased's room. - Dr J. Moone said when he was called the body was cold. He had made a post-mortem examination. The body was greatly emaciated and extremely dirty. The stomach was empty. Miss Wright told him deceased had not eaten anything for twelve days. Death was due to neglect and starvation. - By Chief Inspector Dymond: He did not think the room was so dirty as he should have imagine considering the condition of the body. He did not see any food in the room. - Mrs Mary Hugo deposed to bursting open the door and finding deceased in bed dead. There were meat, bread and other articles of food in the room. She had spoken to deceased from time to time outside the door, but had not seen her for three years. Witness did the deceased's washing. - Roland O'Connor, of independent means, also lodging in Miss Wright's house, said he did not know deceased lived in the house until a fortnight ago. One morning while he was in bed he heard Miss Wright say, "If you are dying you must have a doctor; remember you are under my roof." He did not hear that deceased made any reply. - Did you speak to Miss Wright about it afterwards? - It had nothing to do with me. - Let her die, I suppose? It made no impression? - No impression. - Do you mean to say you stayed there in your bed and heard this woman Wright suggesting another woman was dying and did nothing? - It was nothing to do with me; nothing whatever, nothing whatever. - You did not think it was your duty as a man to go for a doctor? - Most certainly not; most certainly not. I am a lodger in the house, that is all. - You told me you were a gentleman; I am surprised at you, that is all. - You can put what construction you like upon it. - You took no steps whatever? - I took no steps whatever. - Chief Inspector Dymond said the Coroner had asked the question he intended asking, but he certainly thought the gentleman would have made inquiries. - The witness (to the Coroner): You have given a definition of me from the Bench, which you have no right to give. - The Coroner: I will ask you to behave yourself as I shall deal with you in a manner you will regret tomorrow morning. - Miss Wright, recalled, said she did not know the woman was dead before the girl Hugo came to her. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was an exceedingly sad case. The deceased appeared to have had plenty of means and there was no need for her to have died of starvation and neglect. Her death seemed to him to reflect very much on the people who lived in the house. Deceased was known to Miss Wright to be eccentric and it was a very great pity a person like that was not taken care of, and put into an Institution where she would be properly looked after. It was a very serious thing in Miss Wright not to have sent for a doctor. The statement made by Mr O'Connor was most astounding and put a far more serious complexion upon the affair than Miss Wright put herself. Although he heard the suggestion that the woman was dying, he did not consider it his duty to do anything. Where a person had a legal duty to perform towards another person - that was to say, if a person had another person in a house and was keeping that person - it was the duty of the one responsible to see that that person did not come to any harm by reason of neglect and if a person who had a legal duty to look after and take charge of any person neglected to perform that duty the question was whether it was such as to amount to manslaughter. In the present case, however, it was admitted that Miss Wright did not provide the deceased with food, but although they might come to the conclusion that Miss Wright had no legal obligation upon her, they might think that there was a moral obligation upon her to see that the deceased fed herself, to send for a doctor, or see that she did not come to any harm. It was also a question whether there was not also a moral obligation placed on Mr O'Connor. - Whilst the Jury were considering their verdict it transpired that on Thursday deceased's sister received a wire from Miss Wright and on Friday a wire for her to come to deceased. - The Jury found that "Deceased died from Starvation while Temporarily Insane," and they considered that Miss Wright should be censured, also Mr O'Connor, especially being a gentleman." The Coroner concurred and censured the witnesses named.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 January 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Ford Pensioner's Death. A Noisy Witness Ejected. - At Ford yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on HENRY JAMES PASCOE, 74, navy pensioner, of 1 Alexandra-place, Ford. - RICHARD H. PASCOE, Dockyard joiner, 37 Glenmore-avenue, said his mother died at the beginning of the present month, and his father (the deceased) had always refused to have medical assistance. He was on friendly terms with his father. - Witness was continually interrupted by his younger brother, WM. JAMES PASCOE, labourer, of 42 Morley-place, Plymouth, who was eventually ejected from the room by the order of the Coroner. - Frederick J. Scrivens said deceased resided in his house. In consequence of PASCOE'S ill-health during the last few days he asked the relieving officer, Mr Brown, to see him. As deceased was not destitute Mr Brown said he could not do anything for him, and deceased flatly refused to have a doctor. PASCOE was found dead in bed on Monday morning. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said it was deceased's wish that he should not send for the sons, he believed for family reasons. - P.C. Harding said he found £1 10s. in deceased's room. In reply to the Coroner, he did not give WM. JAMES PASCOE, the younger son, a good character. - PASCOE, called in to give evidence, commenced abusing his brother and others, and the Coroner threatened to have him again ejected if he did not behave himself. - Witness: You can turn me out if you like. - By the Coroner's orders PASCOE was ejected. - Mr F. McCulloch, Surgeon, deposed to death being due to syncope, the result of heart and lung disease of long-standing. - The Coroner said his reason for calling the younger PASCOE was to give him the same opportunity as the elder son, but it was not their business to consider family disputes. Deceased was an obdurate man in refusing to see a medical man. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - A Youth's Death At Newton. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on FRANK WOTTON, aged 18, of Brixham, an engine cleaner in the employ of the G.W.R. Company, the evidence showed that since Thursday last he had suffered from a cold, and remained in bed on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday morning Mr Penaligon, with whom he lodged, found that his breathing was most laborious. Dr Martin was then called in, but on arriving WOTTON was dead. A post-mortem examination revealed pleurisy. A quantity of fluid had escaped and formed a thrombus on the right side of the heart, causing death. had the deceased had medical attendance the fluid might have been removed and deceased's life saved, as there was no valvular disease of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and expressed the opinion that deceased received every attention from Mr Penaligon.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 January 1904
AVETON GIFFORD - An Inquest was held last evening at Aveton Gifford on LILLIAN L. HARVEY, aged 11 weeks, daughter of MARK B. HARVEY, petty officer, H.M.S. Bonaventure. The mother on Monday morning awoke and found the child dead by her side. Dr W. H. A[?]s, Musbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to suffocation, being overlain. The parents were very responsible people. The Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) strongly condemned the practice of parents taking young children into bed with them. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Death At Devonport Workhouse. Nearly Thirty Years An Inmate. - At the Devonport Workhouse yesterday afternoon, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest touching the death of an inmate named CHARLOTTE PEARSON. - Charles Fredk. Whenmouth, Master of the Workhouse, said he had known deceased for 24 years. She was 74 years of age, and was admitted to the House in 1875. Deceased was taken ill on Monday and died the following day. - Miss Emma James, trainer in the girls' division at the Workhouse, deposed to taking charge of the female lunatics on Monday afternoon in the absence of the proper attendant. About three o'clock deceased was taken ill with a bilious attack and expressed a wish to be put to bed. This was complied with. Witness was subsequently informed that deceased was out of bed and on the floor and on going to the room she saw deceased apparently in a fit. - Nurse Pappin said she had deceased removed to the Hospital in an unconscious condition and a medical man called. Deceased passed away on Tuesday morning without regaining consciousness. - Dr C. Sandford, Deputy Medical Officer, said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 February 1904
IVYBRIDGE - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Ivybridge on Saturday on WILLIAM RYDER, shoemaker, aged 62. F. J. RYDER, son of deceased, said his father came home drunk on Friday and he and his brother put him to bed. On their returning about eleven o'clock they looked into their father's bedroom, as was their custom when he had been drinking, and not hearing him breathing, sent for Dr Cooper. Dr cooper said deceased's liver was in a bad state through drink and death was due to alcoholism. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR METCALFE, aged 14 months, the child of JOHN METCALFE, a labourer, employed at the Keyham Extension Works. The child, brought from Sunderland just before Christmas, was then in a delicate state of health. He seemed to improve, but on Friday became worse and the mother went for Dr Nixon Morris, who promised to see the child on Saturday, as the mother did not think it was seriously ill. When he arrived on Saturday he found it dead. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope following pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident at Devonport. An Employer Criticised. - An Inquest was held by the Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on ELLEN PRYNN, a widow, aged 75, who lived with her daughter, at 19 Portland-place, Morice Town. - William H. Martin, of 104 Exeter-street, Plymouth, a carter, employed by Huxham and Co., general carriers, of Plymouth, said he was driving a covered wagon from Tamar-street into William-street, on January 27th, and a tramcar was coming towards him from Keyham. Deceased was crossing the road in William-street, and he called out to her as loudly as possible. She had an umbrella up. As he shouted she stepped back against the point of the shaft. She was knocked down and before he could pull up, the front off wheel passed over her legs. He did his utmost to pull the horse up, and a Policeman came to his assistance. - The Coroner remarked that Martin's employers should have been represented at the proceedings. - P.C. M[?] said he heard the driver shout to the deceased, who stepped back instead of onto the pavement. He assisted the driver in holding the horse and some Royal Marines, who were standing by, picked up the deceased, who was taken to the Hospital on a stretcher. The horse was going at a very slow pace and the driver did all he could to prevent the accident. - Dr Shields, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased, when admitted to the Hospital, was suffering from shock and injuries to the head and legs. She was never quite conscious and died early on Monday morning. Death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and absolved the driver from any blame. - The Coroner thought in a case of this kind, where death had occurred through an accident, it would only be courteous on the part of the employer to be present, no t only to look after his own interests, but those of his servant. He was rather surprised that Mr Huxham had not seen fit to attend.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN SPENCER, aged 76, of Corporation Buildings, Green-street, Dr Brenton attributed death to heart disease.

PLYMSTOCK - At an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at Turnchapel yesterday afternoon on WINNIFRED DORIS BENNETT, aged four months, daughter of MR and MRS BENNETT of 3 Arscott's-cottages, Hooe, found dead n bed the previous day, Mr Noye Scott who made a post-mortem examination, said there were no signs of suffocation, but the heart was diseased.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ALICE SPENCE, 33, widow, of 33 George-street, Stonehouse, who, Dr W. H. Waterfield said, died from syncope, occasioned by pleurisy. Private J. Perry, R.M.L.I., of H.M.S. Howe, said he had lived with deceased three or four years. On Wednesday evening she complained of being unwell and he attended her, but awaking the following morning he found her dead.

PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Pensioner's Death. the Inquest. - At Jubilee Recreation Room, Turnchapel, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on BENJAMIN OXLAND, 66, employed by Emerson and Co., coal merchants, Plymouth. Deceased, on Monday last, was working in the Cattewater on the steamer Velocity, discharging coal into a hulk, and whilst standing on a plank guiding the baskets of coal as they were swung up from the hold, overbalanced himself and fell into the hold, sustaining injuries from which he died on Thursday. - The widow stated that deceased did not suggest that anyone was to blame for the accident. He made no complaint whatever in regard to the breaking of the rope or plank. - William E. Skelton, foreman to Emerson and Co., said deceased was standing on a plank of the usual size placed over the hatchway. He had just given the order to heave a basket of coal, and in trying to catch the rope fell into the hold. There was no chance of the plank upon which deceased was working slipping; the plank did not tilt or give way. The manner in which the coal was hoisted was the usual one adopted in such work, and there was nothing he could suggest which would have prevented the accident. Witness had told deceased during the day to be very careful and not to over-reach himself as he appeared somewhat eager to reach out to catch the runners. - Mr Noy Scott, surgeon, said death was due to concussion of the spinal cord and general shock, caused by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching blame to no one. - Mr Arthur Geake, on behalf of Messrs. Emerson and Co., expressed condolence with the widow in her bereavement.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Suicides. Young Wife's Sad Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Compton Inn, Plymouth, on ANNIE FOX WILLIS, aged 23. - MR S. J. WILLIS, master butcher, 8 Carter-terrace, Compton, her husband, stated that she was confined on the 24th ult, and attended by Dr Mariette. About 1.30 a.m. on Saturday she seemed better and he left her with her mother and the nurse. About three o'clock he was called and found his wife with her throat cut. - Elizabeth Pascoe, widow, 6 Lambhay-hill, the nurse, said on Friday night deceased seemed better and her mother sat up with the deceased while witness took a little rest. Witness gave the deceased a drink at three o'clock, and she then seemed quite well. She went to sleep, but was awoke by a dreadful shriek, and saw the deceased standing by the glass with her throat cut and found a razor on the floor. She had never heard the deceased threaten to take her life and she had known her since she was a child. She sent for Dr Mariette, but before his arrival she died. - Dr E. P. A. Mariette said he attended the deceased on her confinement. After the first week she got a little feverish and became seriously ill. On Friday night she seemed slightly better, and was with the nurse. On Saturday morning, about three o'clock, he was sent for, and on his arrival found the deceased in bed with two cuts in her throat. The principal cut severed the windpipe and death must have occurred in a few minutes. The cuts were undoubtedly inflicted by a razor. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - A Van Driver's Bets. - Mr Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM J. BEAL, aged 40, residing in Belgrave-road, Plymouth, van driver. Mr W. Banfield, baker, 5 North Hill, said the deceased had been in his employ for nine months. At 8.15 a.m. on Saturday he seemed quite rational. At 9.30 he went round to the stable to see the deceased, and found him suspended to a beam by the thong of his whip. He had never heard BEAL threaten to take his life. Some irregularities in his accounts he (Mr Banfield) attributed to the deceased's betting. The matter might have preyed on deceased's mind. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - MARY MCDONALD, a widow, aged 79, fell down eight or nine stairs at 30 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, on January 23rd, fracturing her thigh. She died on Sunday. At the Inquest yesterday, Mrs Collins, her daughter, said she suffered from giddiness, and Dr R. H. Wagner attributed death to congestion of the lungs, following the fracture. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

WEST ALVINGTON - A West Alvington Nonagenarian. - SARAH BLANK, aged 90, had lived by herself for over twenty years in a room in West Alvington village, entered from the outside by stone steps and generally known as "The Prophet's Room." May Gillard, residing next door, took deceased a cup of tea on Friday morning. At half-past two o'clock the same afternoon somebody came with eggs for the old woman, but could make no one hear, although she heard deceased lock the door just before. On Saturday morning the door was broken open and she saw deceased lying in bed, quite dead, nothing being disturbed and no signs of a struggle with the remains of a biscuit in her hand. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Grey said death was due to failure of the heart's action through old age.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - GEORGE LACEY, aged 93, labourer, of Hill-street, Plymouth, died suddenly on Tuesday evening. At an Inquest yesterday, Dr Symons said death was due to syncope.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport Townhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on THOMAS BOARDER, the infant son of ALFRED JOHN BOARDER, an inspector of engine fitters in the Dockyard. Dr Octavius Hall attributed death to congenital malformation of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 15 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - The Risks Of False Teeth. A Ford Fatality. - At Ford, Devonport, on Saturday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on SARAH HICKLIN, 35, who lived with her sister, Mrs B. Russell at 5 Nepean-street. On Thursday afternoon Mrs Russell said she went upstairs to dress leaving her sister downstairs with her baby. She heard a noise and going downstairs found her sister had swallowed her false teeth. Witness sent for a doctor, but before he could arrive deceased got the teeth out of her throat. She rested on the couch and the witness went to tell the doctor that her sister had got the teeth up. However, as she seemed to be very ill witness again sent for the doctor, but before he could arrive the deceased had died. - Dr Edgar Down said death was caused by a rupture of a wall of the heart. The strain following the accident was the cause of the rupture. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - Death Of Two Crimean Veterans At Plymouth. As briefly reported yesterday, two Crimean veterans died at Plymouth on Sunday. - William Robert Ball, a naval pensioner, who resided In Cambridge-street, and WILLIAM GEE, an army pensioner, who lived in a model lodging-house, King-street. Ball, 68 years of age, entered the navy when 11 years old and left it in 1874. he fought throughout the Crimean war and brought home as relics a rifle and bayonet he picked up on one of the battlefields. He served on board the old troopship Tamar, now stationed at Hongkong, and took part in the Ashanti war, 1873-74. WILLIAM GEE'S death took place suddenly, and at the Inquest yesterday Niel Providence, manager of the house, stated that deceased had lodged at the house for eighteen months. He came in about 11 p.m. on Saturday and he appeared in his usual health, with the exception of a slight cold. At 11.45 he was taken seriously ill and died before medical aid could be summoned. Dr Waterfield, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to chronic lung disease.

REVELSTOKE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Revelstoke yesterday on MRS MARY HAYES. The deceased, who was about 63 years of age, had for several months waited on her aged invalid husband. On Saturday morning she was discovered by a little girl who ran her errands lying in a heap in a corner of one of the rooms. Help was procured and a doctor sent for, but death took place before his arrival. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had for a considerable time suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. Death was no doubt hastened by the severe strain of tending her husband. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Much sympathy has been expressed with MR HAYES, who is hopelessly bedridden.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday on JOHN TOZER, the child of WILLIAM TOZER, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, and living at 5 Clowance cottages. The child, who was born on November 15th last, was taken ill on Saturday and although he rallied, died next morning before a doctor could be fetched. Dr G. S. Saunders found that the child was poorly nourished through ill-health and that death was due to bronchial pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Old Man's Fall Downstairs. - The Borough Coroner held an Inquiry relative to the death of CHARLES PEARCE, aged 72, formerly a ropemaker in the Dockyard, of 4 Cornwall-street. HARRIET CHANDLER, wife of a naval stoker, said deceased was her father, and lived with her. On 23rd ult. he seemed unwell and suffered from pains in the head. Some years ago he had an eye removed at the Hospital, and since then his head had given him trouble. On the evening of 23rd ult witness went shopping and during her absence her father fell on the stairs on his way to bed. Since then he had been only semi-conscious and died on Saturday morning. Harry Wheeler, general dealer, who lives in the same house, heard a noise and on going to the landing at the bottom of the stairs, found the deceased lying there. Blood was coming from his mouth and witness sent for a doctor. - Dr R. P. Ryan, who was called to the house, said he found deceased lying on the landing, with a cut three inches long on the left temple, exposing the bone. There was a good deal of blood lying about and the left elbow was bruised. Deceased was unconscious. Witness dressed the wound and ordered his removal to bed, where he remained until his death. On making a post-mortem examination witness found old-standing senile disease of the brain and this was aggravated by the fall. Death was due to meningitis. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on ALFRED CECIL, the six months' old son of ALFRED F. P. NORTHCOTT, labourer, 19 Garden-crescent. Dr J. S. Pearse attributed death to convulsions, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" as returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Johns held an Inquest on LETITA FLYNN, the one year old daughter of ELLEN FLYNN, single woman, 19 Bishop's-place. The child was taken ill on Monday morning and died in about ten minutes. Dr W. H. Richards said death was due to convulsions and a verdict accordingly was returned.

MILTON ABBOT - Milton Abbot Woman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Milton Abbot on ELIZABETH MAUNDER, aged 64, the wife of JOHN C. MAUNDER, agricultural labourer, Edgcumbe-terrace, Milton Abbot. - The husband stated that on returning home on Saturday evening he found the deceased very ill and vomiting. She died within half an hour. At dinner time she was all right. Deceased had for some time complained of pains in the head, but was not bad enough to need medical attendance. She always did her household work. - Dr C. B. T. Musgrave, of Lifton, who had made a post-mortem examination, said there was a slight bruise on the upper part of the back skull, no doubt caused when the deceased fell. the fall had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death. Death was the result of an effusion of blood between the brain and its membrane. the kidneys showed long standing disease and as a result the blood vessels were diseased and softened. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 February 1904
ASHBURTON - Burning Fatality At Ashburton. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on EMILY FRANCIS JEWELL 3 ½ years of age, the daughter of a labourer. - BESSIE JEWELL, the mother, said she left deceased in a room with two other children whilst she went into a neighbours on Tuesday afternoon. She was absent 10 or 15 minutes and on returning found the room full of smoke and deceased on the bed with her clothes on fire. - Dr Wilcox said the child was badly burnt and died the same night. It transpired that one of the other children had fallen against the fire quite recently and in giving a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Jury added a rider that MRS JEWELL should exercise greater care and also provide a fire-guard.

TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Infant's Death. Inquest On The Exhumed Body. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Cottage Hospital, Tavistock, yesterday afternoon on MARY ELLEN CUNDY, aged 28 hours, daughter of EDWARD JAMES CUNDY, general dealer of 38 Westbridge-street, Tavistock. - EDWARD JAMES CUNDY said deceased was born on Saturday, January 30th and he went for Mrs Routley, district nurse, who came in about ten minutes time. The nurse looked after the baby and things went on all right during the day. On Sunday morning between eight and nine o'clock Mrs Routley washed and dressed the child and suggested calling in a doctor. - Why did you not do so? - I went to get my wife a cup of tea. - It did not take you an hour and a quarter to make a cup of tea? - No, sir. The child passed away, and I went for Mr Dashper, the sexton. I told him I had a child for burial. He asked me if it was stillborn and I said "No, it lived a few hours." I also said I had had the child baptised. Mr Dashper referred me to Mr Cranch, clerk to the Burial Board. I then returned to my home, told Nurse Routley what Mr Dashper said, and she said she would see Mr Cranch. In the morning my wife gave Nurse Routley particulars of mine and her names, also the child's, and a half-crown for the fee. The order for the coffin was given on the Sunday. - Who took the child for burial? - I did so on Tuesday evening. - Is it the usual thing to take the children for burial in the evening at Tavistock? - I don't know. It seems that there was a trap for me. - The Coroner: Nonsense. - Witness, continuing, said he gave the body to Mrs Dashper. - The Coroner: It is an extraordinary way of burying a child that had lived. That is all I can say. Is it the first child you have had? - No, sir. I have lost children before. - By the Jury: He had it baptised early, because the nurse told him that it was an eight months child and might not live after the first twenty-four hours. He was positive the child lived and he would like to have it now. - The Coroner: You disposed of it in a very peculiar way. - Eliza Routley, district nurse, stated that the child was weak and did not seem to cry naturally. MRS CUNDY told her that it was a premature birth. At half-past five in the evening she told them that the child would not live and advised them again to send for a doctor. That same evening they had the child baptised. She attended to the child on the Sunday morning and later was informed of its death. At CUNDY'S request, she went to Mr Cranch to register the death. Mr Cranch said it was 4s. Witness replied that it was 2s. 6d. Mr Cranch, jun., thereupon said, "No father, stillborn; eight months baby?" Witness said "Yes." She did not do this intentionally. It was the first death she had ever registered. It was not done with the intention of saving the expenses of a burial. It was merely an act of kindness on her part. - By the Jury: She had nothing to gain through the transaction. - Rev. John Henry Snow deposed that he privately baptised the child about 5.30 p.m. He afterwards heard that it had been buried and he told the mother that she ought not to have allowed it to be buried without Christian burial. He did not know that the child had been buried as stillborn. - Thomas Henry Cranch, clerk to the Joint Burial Committee, Tavistock, said the child was registered as stillborn by Nurse Routley. - John Collacott, undertaker, deposed that CUNDY told him that he wanted a box for a child that was "dead-born," and he made one. - Sergt. T. Hill said in consequence of rumours that the child had met with a violent death and had been buried as stillborn, he reported the fact to the Coroner, who issued an order for the body to be exhumed. - Dr J. S. Smith said he had made a post-mortem examination. There were no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due to debility consequent upon premature birth. - The Coroner said the fact that the nurse made a false declaration would be dealt with elsewhere, but he could not refrain from expressing his great surprise that a nurse should have attempted to act as she appeared to have done. - Several of the Jury expressed sympathy with the nurse and the Coroner said they could rely upon her case being impartially dealt with by another tribunal. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded and the Jury expressed the opinion that the father should be reprimanded for neglecting to call in a doctor. - The Coroner cautioned CUNDY as to his future conduct. A very grave reflection rested upon CUNDY as a citizen of Tavistock by reason of his having disposed of his off-spring in such a way.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WALTER W. H. MURCH, the infant son of ALICE ANNIE MURCH, Mainstone-avenue. Deceased had a fit on Friday and died from convulsions. Dr Travers Stubbs stated that death was due to convulsions. The child had been well-nourished and cared for. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, 8 Cromwell-road, 66 years old, a widow, died on Friday evening. In November last Dr Wagner attended her for heart complaint. On Thursday last she was out of doors. Whilst sitting in a chair reading on Friday evening she suddenly expired. Dr Wagner was able to state that death was due to heart disease and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - MRS ELIZABETH ANN CHENHALLS, 57 years old, wife of MR JOHN SNELL CHENHALLS, engineer, Ebrington-street, died on Sunday, as the result of burns received and epileptic fits. The husband stated that his wife had been subject to epileptic fits for some years. On 23rd January she was in the sitting-room about noon seated before the fire. He went into the room and saw deceased holding up one of her hands. Asking her what was the matter, she replied that she had burnt her arm. The burns were not serious and witness dressed the arm with linseed oil and lint. On the following Monday she said she was in considerable pain and then for the first time she told him that as well as burning her arm she also had burnt herself accidentally, whilst in front of the fire, about the body. He immediately sent for Dr Eccles. - Dr Eccles said he made an examination of deceased and found there were severe burns about the lower portion of the body. MRS CHENHALLS died from shock of the burns, accelerated by epileptic attacks. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Man's Shocking End. - An Inquest was held yesterday on EDWARD ARTHUR PARKIN, jeweller, aged 49, and a widower of 17 Summerland. Deceased, a man of intemperate habits, fell down in the street on Saturday evening. He was carried into his shop close by and afterwards removed by the Police to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he died from haemorrhage of the brain. There was no sanitary accommodation at deceased's premises which consisted only of a shop, divided by a glass partition. One side was used as a workshop and in the other deceased resided. The latter measured about eight feet long by five and was in a dirty condition. It contained a couch. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 February 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Keyham Extension Works. - The circumstances relating to the death of THOMAS GEORGE LOCKLEY, a labourer employed at the Keyham Extension Works, and living at 4 St John-street, Plymouth, who fell from a wall at the works on Friday afternoon last, were investigated by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, yesterday afternoon. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared for Sir John Jackson (Ltd.) and Mr I Foot, of Plymouth, watched the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's family. - ELIZABETH THURSA LOCKLEY, the deceased's wife, said her husband was about 64 years of age. He did not suffer from fits or giddiness, but two years ago he had an accident in which he dislocated his shoulder and broke some ribs. On Saturday she asked him how the accident happened and he said a ladder on which he was standing gave way. She asked him if he fell from the ladder and he said no, he clung to the ladder and brought it down with him. He was a total abstainer. - Henry Clark, 43 College-road, Keyham Barton, a labourer, said he was working at the top of No. 7 camber on Monday. The deceased was concreting on the top of the camber and was sent by the ganger to put some more water on the concrete, a distance of about fifty yards. He went to the mixture, which was at the bottom of the dock and this necessitated him going down the ladder fixed at the side of the dock. He returned and had safely got up the two firm ladders, but when getting on the third the ladder gave way and he fell to the bottom. At the bottom of each ladder there was a piece of wood nailed to some timber bolted to the wall, placed there to prevent the ladder from slipping. He could not account for the ladder slipping, as he had been up and down it two or three times on that afternoon and it looked perfectly safe. The top of the third ladder was not secured at the top of the dock at the time and it fell to the bottom when deceased fell. In reply to a Juror, witness said that the piece of wood at the bottom of the ladder did not break loose, but the ladder fell back. The ladder was still not secured. - By Mr Goldsmith: He told the deceased to come up the last ladder steadily. - Herbert Normington, 18 Maristow-avenue, Keyham, a ganger at the Extension Works, said he sent the deceased to the mixture, but did not see the accident. The two ladders at the bottom were secured at the top with a piece of three-inch plank, which was secured to the wall. A gang of sixteen were up and down the ladders frequently on that day. He did not think the top ladder was secured at the top probably because the side of the dock was getting higher and higher and the ladders had to be constantly moved. If he had thought it unsafe he would not have allowed the men to use it. - Mr A. Shields, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said when the deceased was admitted he complained of pains in his neck and had very little power over his arms or legs. He grew gradually worse and became completely paralysed in both his legs and arms on Friday night. Next morning he was unconscious, and remained so until his death. Death was due to a dislocation of the neck, which produced injuries to the spinal cord. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that a recommendation should be given by the officials at the works to the employees to see that in future such ladders were fastened at the top.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - Farmer's Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS DAW, aged 77, farmer, of East Mount Gold Farm. Deceased was admitted to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital on Tuesday suffering from serious injuries sustained through falling about 50 feet into a railway siding near Arnold's Point, Laira. MR HARRY DAW stated that the place where his father fell was at the bottom of his own garden. It must have been purely an accident. Dr Day, assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted suffering from compression of the brain and minor injuries. He died about 4.30 yesterday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - At An Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on IVEY ROACH, aged 2 days, the daughter of GEORGE ROACH, constable, of 23 Beaumont-avenue, Plymouth, Dr Rupert Palmer attributed death to Suffocation, probably caused through the pressure of the bedclothes on the child.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 February 1904
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lady's Sudden Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MARY ANNE JULIA RATTENBERRY, aged 57 years, spinster, of Moorfield, Mannamead, Plymouth. - John Northmore, jun., solicitor, 3 Townsend-crescent, Plymouth, stated that he saw the deceased at 6 p.m. on Monday, when she was apparently in perfect health. Whilst he was at the house she suddenly staggered forward and witness and others caught her as she fell. - Dr s. Wolferstan said he was satisfied that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 February 1904
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatality Near Newton Abbot. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on WILLIAM SEARLE, HENRY SEARLE, his son, stated that deceased, aged 73, on Wednesday drove from Torquay to Newton with a load of withies. - In reply to Mr E. Windeatt, who represented Hexter, Humpherson and Co., he denied that the reins were of cocoa-nut matting traced. - Wm. Ford, Newton Abbot, stated that on Wednesday he drove a light locomotive from Newton. About 300 yards from Aller Sand Pits deceased tried to drive past him. The wheel of the trap went up over the bank and deceased was shot out. Deceased was picked up insensible and taken to Newton Hospital. The reins with which he was driving was of traced cocoa-nut matting. - Thomas Woodford, Babbacombe, said there was sufficient room between the engine and the hedge for two traps to pass. Henry S. Clay, stated that he met deceased at Barton Cross, and held the pony whilst he got into the trap. The harness was good and the reins of leather. - Dr MacPhail said deceased died from concussion of the brain. - In reply to the son, he admitted he did not see deceased between the time he was brought into the Hospital on Wednesday and his death on Thursday morning. - The son said that was very neglectful. He asked several times through the night if the doctor would come. - Dr MacPhail said it was arranged that the sister should send a note to say how the patient was. That she did, but he did not get the message until next morning. - The Coroner said seeing the man was unconscious he thought the doctor would have gone without waiting for a message. - Dr MacPhail said it was no use, as he did everything he possibly could for the deceased when he was admitted. - Sister King explained that she sent a note to Dr Nisbet, the Surgeon on duty, to say the patient was exactly the same. She did not send to Dr MacPhail, as he was not on the staff, but attended the case in the absence of Dr Nisbet, his partner. She did not see any necessity for sending for the doctor, as there was nothing he could do. - The Coroner said there had been a mistake, but it was clearly explained. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attached no blame to the driver of the locomotive.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sudden Death Of A Royal Marine. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, relative to the death of OLIVER EWINS, a private in the Royal Marines, who died suddenly on the previous day at his residence, 10 Edgcumbe-cottages, Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse. - Surgeon F. F. Lobb, R.M.L.I., who made a post-mortem examination of the body said death was due to acute inflammation of the lungs and air passages. As deceased was occupied as a painter he especially looked for signs of lead poisoning, but there were none. The deceased caught a violent chill which developed info inflammation and caused his death. The Jury returned a verdict that Death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquests yesterday at Mutley on JANE OLIVER, widow of THOMAS OLIVER, a farmer, aged 84. Philip J. Jory, commercial traveller, 9 Alexandra-road, Mutley, stated that the deceased, his mother-in-law, had for some time resided with him. On Saturday she appeared in her usual health. On Sunday morning, on being called by his wife to deceased's room, he found her fully dressed, seated in a chair, quite dead. - Dr J. Gardiner said death was due to syncope, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 March 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Collision In The Hamoaze. Evidence Of The Lieutenant And Coxswain. The Rule Of The Road. - The circumstances under which the destroyer Vixen and the picket-boat of the cruiser Edgar collided in the Hamoaze on Monday afternoon formed the subject of Inquiry at an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse yesterday, on JOHN RUNDLE, leading stoker, 1st class, of the Edgar. After the collision RUNDLE, who was unmarried, and belonged to Par, Cornwall, was rescued by Private Reed, R.M.L.I., of the Magnificent, who jumped into the water from a launch. RUNDLE was badly injured, however, and died soon after his admission to the R.N. Hospital. The body of Arthur Ernest Tucker, who was drowned as the result of the collision, has not yet been recovered. Mr J. B. Grant, R.N., was chosen as Foreman of the Jury, who yesterday Inquired into the circumstances of Leading Stoker RUNDLE'S death. Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - William Francis Williams, first class petty officer, of the Edgar, said deceased was about 38 years of age. About 1.45 p.m. on Monday the Edgar's picket-boat, of which witness was coxswain, left the cruiser. The boat had a single screw, and was capable of doing 14 knots. Witness took in the boat a working party of thirty men to the battleship Magnificent, which was moored close to the Cambridge, and delivered them safely on the starboard side, the stern of the Magnificent being up stream. The tide was flood at the time. Witness then went astern and there were then on the boat six other men, including deceased and the missing man Tucker. When sufficiently astern to clear the Magnificent, witness starboarded his helm, and went ahead for the Dockyard. When in mid-stream, after clearing the Magnificent, he saw the destroyer Vixen coming down the stream and kept on his course, as was his duty. There was nothing between the Vixen and witness's boat. The Vixen was then about 200 or 300 yards away. According to the rule of the road it was the duty of the Vixen to have gone under witness's boat's stern and kept clear of him. To do this it would have been necessary for the Vixen to port her helm, and there was nothing in the way to prevent that course being followed. Witness was steaming from five to six knots, and the tide was setting him up towards the Vixen. Witness kept his course until he saw the Vixen was not noticing him and a collision was inevitable. He then put his helm to port, so that the boat would come to starboard, and would run down the stream in the direction in which the Vixen was going, but there was not sufficient distance between them to carry out that evolution successfully. - The Coroner: Why did you not stop when you saw her 200 yards away? - Witness: If I had done so, and she had ported her helm, according to the rule of the road, she would have caught me. Witness, continuing, said there was not sufficient time to get out of the Vixen's way, and she struck the boat near the engine, cutting it clean in two. All were rescued except the missing man Tucker, but the deceased, who was in the engine-room at the time of the collision, was badly injured. Tucker was in the stern and witness was steering. He was unable to blow his whistle without leaving the wheel. He called out to a man to blow the whistle, but the order was not heard. A Royal Marine private named Reed, belonging to the Magnificent, jumped from a launch and pluckily rescued deceased. Prompt assistance was rendered by ships about and Dockyard boats. The picket-boat was about midway between the Magnificent and the Dockyard when struck. - The Coroner: The Vixen showed no signs of altering her course? - No. - At what speed was she travelling? - fourteen or fifteen knots. I cannot say what was their idea. If I had given way I should have been wrong. She never went astern nor altered her course until after she had passed through the boat. So far as I could see the captain and navigating officer were standing on the bridge with their hands on the rail. I noticed one man on the forecastle. - By the Jury: The destroyer did not sound her whistle or give any alarm at all. If I had gone full--speed astern I could not have pulled myself up in time. It takes a long time to get her astern or slow her. It was the Vixen's duty to steer clear of me. - By Mr Goldsmith: I would not swear the destroyer was going 14 knots, but that is my estimate. One of Jackson's tugs was coming up close to the Dockyard, near the Rubble Bank Buoy. - The Coroner: How would that affect the situation? - Witness: Not at all. She blew one short blast on her siren to intimate she was bearing to starboard. The tug had a hopper in tow. - The Coroner said it seemed to have been a tight corner from the time they first sighted each other. - The Foreman said that if the boat would have gone astern easily it might have got out of the way. - Witness said that if it had been a turn-about boat he would have got out of the way easily, but she was an old-fashioned picket-boat, with square stern. - Lieut. g. B. S. Samson, R.N., of the vixen, said the destroyer left the starboard side of the coal hulk Himalaya, which was moored low up harbour. Witness was on the bridge with Sub-Lieut. Venn, the torpedo cosxain, signalman and two telegraph men. There was no look-out man except the signalman, but there were men at work on the forecastle. After coaling and getting clear of the Himalaya, witness rounded her bow at about five knots, their minimum speed and started down-stream for Portland. Just before reaching the Magnificent, which was anchored in the stream stern up harbour, about 200 yards from the Dockyard, witness ordered half-speed, about 9 ½ knots. The signalman reported to him a tug with a lighter in tow on the port bow. Immediately afterwards there was reported a picket-boat on the starboard bow. Witness then heard the blast from the tug, which satisfied him that the tug was directing her course to starboard to clear him. At the same moment witness gave the order "Port ten degrees." Then witness looked at the picket-boat and found that the coxswain was still on the same course, crossing witness's bows. Witness then gave the order to stop, and, thinking to turn the ship quickly, gave the order "Slow astern starboard." Before effect could be given to this, witness gave the order "Full speed astern, both engines." Almost immediately the destroyer struck the boat about the after-end of the engine-room, cutting her stern clean off. The destroyer was going about four or five knots when she struck the boat. When he first saw the picket-boat he held up his hand to the coxswain to stop or keep that side, but he took no notice whatever. If the coxswain had put his helm to port or starboard he would have cleared the destroyer. The coxswain was right in standing on his course, except that the rule of the road did not apply on closed waters, where there was no water for a big ship to turn in. Had witness turned towards the Magnificent he would have rammed the battleship and sunk his own ship. In his (witness's) judgment it was absolutely impossible for him to get under the stern of the boat without ramming the Magnificent. If the coxswain could not turn in 200 yards there was something wrong with the boat. He believed the Vixen could be stopped in her own length at the speed they were going, but he had never been in a destroyer before. Had the channel been quite clear he would have obeyed the rule of the road, gone to starboard and gone up under the boat's stern; but it would have been a close shave then. Witness did not blow a whistle as he saw that the coxswain looked at him. Witness had since discovered that there was a special signal that witness could have made to warn the coxswain of the boat - a succession of short blasts, not less than four, on the steam whistle - but only having been in a post 24 hours, he was unaware of the signal, which was not a general signal but a port signal, and was intended to mean that the vessel using it, although liable to keep clear, could not possibly do so owing to the crowded state of the harbour. - The Coroner: That is a very fair statement. - The Coxswain Williams said he did not know this special signal. - Lieut. Simson said that had he known this rule it would have been useless on this occasion, as Williams was not aware of the signal. - The Coroner: In your judgment, could this collision have been avoided? - Witness: I think it could have been avoided by Williams stopping and going astern, or putting his helm hard over either way. As a midshipman, witness said he had a similar accident while in charge of a picket-boat and he could have avoided it then, but, like many people in charge of picket-boats, he thought it a nice thing to cross the bows of a boat. He lost his picket-boat and seniority. In this case there was certainly room for Williams to turn. The destroyer was not very badly damaged, but would be in dock about 21 days. Tucker's body had not been recovered. The divers had recovered the fore part of the boat, but witness believed Tucker was last seen in the after part of the boat, and that had not been recovered. - By the Foreman: I do not think I could possibly have passed astern of the Magnificent. - A Juryman: Is it not a breach of discipline for a petty officer to cross the bows of an officer? - Witness: It is not usually done, but when a man considers he has the rule of the road it is sometimes done. It is not the custom in the service to cross your superior officer's bows, and I never do it myself. - At this stage the Inquiry was adjourned until 10.30 a.m. next Wednesday and Lieut. Simson, at the request of the Coroner, said he would produce a chart of the harbour.

PLYMOUTH - Burning Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on RUPERT BEER, aged three months, son of CHARLES BEER, labourer, 23 Batter-street. The mother left home on Monday just before two o'clock to make purchases. The infant was in charge of her twelve year old daughter. The girl was sitting with the baby in front of a fire. It was an open fire and no guard in front of it. A spark flew from the fire and caught the baby's clothes. The little girl first tried to put out the flames, and afterwards ran out for assistance. Mrs Emma Kean, a neighbour, went into the house and finding the baby very much burnt took it to the Hospital. A mason named Michelmore had run into the house in response to the screams of the girl and endeavoured to put out the flames on the infant's clothing. Dr E. Weatherhead, the House Surgeon, found that the baby had received extensive burns and died on Tuesday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 March 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Collision In The Hamoaze. Inquest And Verdict. A Serious Error Of Judgment. Marine Highly Commended. - Mr R. R. Rodd, (County Coroner) resumed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, the Inquest on JOHN RUNDLE, leading stoker, first class, of the cruiser Edgar. After the collision between the destroyer Vixen and the picket-boat of the Edgar in the Hamoaze on the 29th ult., RUNDLE was rescued by Pte. H. Reid, R.M.L.I., of the battleship Magnificent and now of the Nile, but died soon after being admitted to the Hospital. The body of Arthur Ernest Tucker who was drowned as the result of the accident, has not yet been recovered. Mr J. B. Grant, R.N., was Foreman of the Jury and Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty. Lieut. G. B. S. Simson, who was in command of the Vixen at the time of the collision, and First class Petty Officer W. F. Williams, who had charge of the Edgar's picket-boat, were also present. Lieut. Simson produced a chart of the Hamoaze, showing the position of the Vixen, the picket-boat and other vessels shortly before the accident. - Fleet Surgeon W. Eames said the deceased was admitted to the R.N. Hospital about 3.30 p.m. on 29th ult. suffering from multiple injuries, from which he died within half an hour. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found a double fracture of five ribs on the right side, opening small vessels of the chest, also double fracture of three ribs on the left side, lacerating the left lung; an extensive lacerated wound of the lower part of the left thigh, opening the left knee joint and injuring the lower part of the left thigh bone, and tearing off the cartilage; and a severe compound fracture of both bones of the left leg. It was a complete smash up and the marvel was that he lived so long. The limb injuries were sufficient to cause death. - Sub-Lieut. Lindsay R. Venn, of the Vixen, said he was on the bridge of the destroyer when she left the hulk Himalaya after coaling. The destroyer rounded the bow of the Himalaya, which was up-stream and then came down the harbour for the Sound, keeping on the port side of the Magnificent. Their rate of speed was about 2 ½ knots. The Edgar's picket-boat was about 150 yards distant on their starboard bow when witness first saw her. Witness was attending to the storing of gear on the forecastle, and did not see the boat quite so soon as others. Before witness saw the picket-boat he heard the commander of the Vixen give the order "Port ten degrees." At the same time witness heard a short blast from Sir John Jackson's tug, towing a hopper on their port bow. Their courses were altered, and the tug was then clear of the Vixen. Immediately after witness sighted the picket-boat he noticed the coxswain grab his wheel and look at the destroyer. Then almost immediately the collision occurred. There was no blast blown on the Vixen, as they knew the coxswain saw them. - The Coroner thought that in a crowded way like that it would have been advisable to have sounded the siren as a warning. - Witness, continuing, said the picket-boat was going in the direction of the Dockyard. There was no craft between the Vixen and the picket-boat when witness first sighted the latter. - The Coroner: If the order had been 20 degrees to port instead of 10 degrees, what would have been the effect? - Nobody would do that in harbour. Besides, it was impossible for us to clear the stern of the picket-boat at the time I saw her without ramming the Magnificent. I considered the tug in most danger; the picket-boat ought not to have been crossing our bows. The rule of the road is not always adhered to in a crowded harbour. There is a rule of the road that a vessel should go down on the starboard side of the stream where safe and practicable. The coxswain adhered to the rule of the road. - You went down on the port side of the stream? - No. Could the collision have been avoided, and, if so, how? - In the position in which the boats were when the tug and picket-boat were well in my view, nothing could have saved it. - If you had sighted the picket-boat 300 yards away, do you think if you had been navigating the Vixen the helm could have been ported sufficiently to have cleared her stern? - I think it could have been done. The picket-boat was going about the same speed as ourselves. If the coxswain had turned the bow of the picket-boat down stream when he sighted the Vixen, that would have averted the collision. I have been on the destroyer about five months. She readily answers the helm and is a good boat for steering except in going astern. - Lieut. Simson, recalled, said the fairway in most harbours for all long ships was between the ten fathom lines. The five fathom line was considered their danger line. There were coal-lighters and other things on the starboard side, and he chose the open fairway. When he first saw the picket-boat, the boat was heading down stream, not crossing witness's bows, and that was why he did not stop when he first sighted the boat. - Petty Officer Williams, coxswain of the picket-boat, said he was steering straight across the harbour. - Lieut. Simson said that when he first sighted the picket-boat he thought whether he should go astern of the Magnificent, but considered it would not be safe to do so. He might have stopped dead, but the destroyer would have been out of hand when she had no way on her. - Williams said the destroyer could have gone astern of the picket-boat or the Magnificent. - Lieut. Simson said there was a port order requiring small boats to keep out of the way of ships. - Williams said that order only required him to keep out of the way of third class cruisers and above. - William Smith, qualified signalman on the Vixen, said he reported the tug and picket-boat. The latter was heading across the harbour for the Dockyard. The boat was then a little over 100 yards from the destroyer, and the captain then gave the order to stop. When he first sighted the boat he did not think a quick evolution of putting the helm to port and then almost immediately to starboard could have been done without ramming the Magnificent. - r. C. Nicholas, chief engine-room artificer, 1st class of the Vixen, said the engine-room register recorded the following orders given by the commanding officer on the day in question: - 1.40 p.m., slow ahead; 1.42, stop; 1.44, slow ahead; 1.45, half-speed ahead (equal to 9 1.2 knots); 1.47 full astern; 1.49, stop. After that they worked as required. - R. T. Chilsen, chargeman of shipwrights at the dockyard, said that on the 29th ult. he was on the quarter-deck of the Magnificent. After putting a working party on the battleship, the picket-boat rounded the stern of the Magnificent and immediately headed in the direction of the Dockyard. When 150 yards from the Magnificent, the Vixen ran her down. The after part of the boat sank, but the fore part drifted alongside the Vixen before sinking. Witness first saw the Vixen when she was about fifty feet from the picket-boat and the collision was then imminent. The destroyer was going about seven or eight knots at the time. - Lieut. Venn said that when he stated that the Vixen was a good turning ship he meant for ships of her class. - John E. Davis, who was in charge of Sir John Jackson's tug Northumbria, said he was passing the Rubble Bank when he sighted the Vixen. He gave one blast to indicate that he was going to starboard. He saw the picket-boat apparently coming from the stern of the Magnificent to the Dockyard. Witness would not like to say that there was time for the Vixen to port her helm and go astern of the Magnificent. Witness did not see the Vixen alter her course to clear the picket-boat; it was too late for either. Witness's tug was not in danger at any time. - Lieut. Simson said that when he first saw the picket-boat there was not sufficient room for the Vixen to pass between the boat and the Magnificent. - W. C. Reed, mate of the Northumbria, gave similar evidence to that of the master of the tug and said that if the picket-boat had either ported or starboarded her helm when the Vixen was first sighted the collision might have been avoided; but the picket-boat had the rule of the road. If she had ported her helm she would have gone in the same direction as the Vixen, and if she starboarded she would have been under the Vixen's stern. The Vixen could not have gone astern of the picket-boat without ramming the Magnificent. - W. A. Pickford, chargeman of labourers at the dockyard, also described the collision, but could not express no opinion as to whether it could have been avoided. - James Holland, able seaman, one of the crew of the picket-boat said they were about in mid-stream, going about six knots, when he noticed the Vixen. Witness was look-out on the fore hatch. When he saw the Vixen he called out to two seamen below: "Look out; there is a destroyer coming." He had no sooner said this than the boat was cut in two. Witness jumped below to shut the door. He and a man named shepherd did their best to find the stoker below, but could not do so for steam. A Dockyard tug picked them up. When he first sighted the Vixen she was about 200 yards away and the boat was about 100 yards from the Magnificent. The collision was through no fault of the coxswain, who followed the rule of the road. There was plenty of room for the destroyer to go clear of the picket-boat's stern without ramming the Magnificent, or she could have gone on the starboard side of the Magnificent. - By Mr Goldsmith: the coxswain could have done nothing to avert the collision. - By the Coroner: If he had ported her helm when he first sighted the Vixen it would have been all right. - By the Jury: If I had been coxswain of the boat I should have steered the same course. - Henry Sheldon, master of the steamer Devonia, plying between Saltash and Northcorner, said he was leaving Northcorner, bow down stream, at 1.45 when he saw the Vixen going down and the picket-boat crossing the harbour. They were about 150 yards apart when witness first saw them, and in his opinion there was room for the Vixen to go astern of the picket-boat and so avoid a collision. Witness had come voluntarily to give evidence. - Walter Milford, petty officer, 1st class, who was steering the Vixen, said it was impossible for the destroyer to clear the picket-boat. The boat could have avoided the collision by going down-stream or starboarding her helm. - The Coroner, summing up, said that from the evidence it appeared that the picket-boat, after having taken a working party to the Magnificent, which was stated to have been moored about midstream I the Hamoaze, went astern sufficiently to clear the Magnificent and then steered across the harbour for the Dockyard. The Vixen after rounding the bow of the Himalaya, proceeded down the harbour at 9 ½ knots an hour on her way to the Sound. It was clear that there were no craft whatever between the Vixen and the picket-boat, so that the view was not in any way obstructed. The coxswain stated that when he first sighted the Vixen she was 200 or 300 yards distant and appeared to be travelling 14 or 15 knots an hour; but notwithstanding the close proximity of the Vixen to his boat and the assumed speed at which she was travelling - this high rate of speed was denied by the commander of the Vixen, who stated that the speed was 9 ½ knots - the coxswain kept his course, considering that he had the rule of the road to his favour. The Vixen also kept her course, and according to the commander's version of the unwritten etiquette of the service, he thought the picket-boat would either have gone astern, or put her helm hard over. Not until the collision was inevitable were any attempts made to avoid the accident. It seemed to him (the Coroner) that if, when these boats sighted each other, the coxswain had turned his boat's head down the stream, in the direction in which the Vixen was going, and, on the other hand, had the Vixen ported her helm sufficiently to clear the stern of the picket-boat, which could doubtless then have been done without the risk as suggested of ramming the Magnificent, the accident would never have occurred. It was to be regretted that the coxswain of the picket-boat did not consider the safety of his crew, which was his paramount duty and turn his boat's head down stream instead of waiting to do so when it was too late. the coxswain could not be blamed for what he did, because he had the rule of the road in his favour. The commander of the Vixen did not pay sufficient attention to the object most in danger - the picket boat - but directed his attention to the tug and hopper, which were well clear of him. Neither did the commander appear to have given any blasts of warning from his siren. On the other hand, he was really not following the rules of the road, as far as his vessel was concerned, by going down the starboard side of the Magnificent. For two valuable lives to be so lost - men's lives cut short without a moment's warning - was a terribly sad thing for them, as well as for their relatives. On reviewing all the circumstances, no doubt, the Jury would come to the conclusion that there was neglect on the part of the commander of the Vixen; but he (the Coroner) assumed they would not attribute to him gross or culpable negligence, but merely say it was a very serious error of judgment on his part. He would like to refer to the rescue of this poor man, JOHN RUNDLE, in a very plucky and courageous way, by Private Reid, who risked his life in doing it. It was sad to realise that when this poor fellow was rescued from drowning he was so seriously injured that he could not possibly live. They and the whole community would commend Reid for his plucky action. - The Court was then cleared, and the Jury deliberated in private for about a quarter of an hour. On the court being reopened, the Coroner said the Jury had carefully considered the whole of the circumstances and had come to the unanimous conclusion that no blame whatever attached to the coxswain Williams. They had arrived at the verdict that RUNDLE died from injuries received in consequence of the picket-boat in which he was, being run down by the Vixen through the negligence of her commander, Lieut. Simson. Such negligence was not culpable, but a serious error of judgment. The Jury also endorsed the remarks he had made with regard to Private Reid, who was now present. They thought Reid's rescue of this poor man was a very plucky and courageous act and highly commended him for his conduct. They also expressed deep sympathy with the relatives of deceased, who, he understood, had a widowed mother entirely dependent upon him. As a practical way of showing their sympathy they had decided to forward to her the fees, amounting to 26s. to which they were entitled.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - In Plymouth Workhouse on Tuesday, JOHN ELLIS, aged 68, an inmate, who had suffered from heart disease, was taken ill after breakfast and then almost immediately died. At the Inquest Dr C. J. Cooke stated that death was due to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM J. WOOD, aged 15 months, the son of W. J. WOOD, labourer, 3 Skardon's-court, Victoria-lane, Plymouth, on Wednesday morning, had a fit and died almost immediately. Dr W. H. Brenton, at the Inquest yesterday, attributed death to bronchitis and convulsions.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman's Death. - At the Inquest on Saturday on EMILY LOUISE DARTON, aged 52, of Grenville-road, Plymouth, Alice Mary Jackson said on going to visit her sister on Friday morning, she found her dead. Deceased had never complained of being ill. - Dr E. A. Travers-Stubbs, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased died from heart disease, resulting from alcoholic excesses. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday on THIRZA HARRIS, wife of WILLIAM H. HARRIS, a dock labourer, of 7 Frederick-street West, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday Dr J. A. Plant attributed death to syncope, caused by heart disease.

BEDFORD - Suicide Of A Bampton Lady. - The mystery surrounding the disappearance of MRS WOOD, wife of MR SYDNEY WOOD, who formerly carried on the business of a grocer and jobmaster at Bampton, has just been cleared up. About six weeks ago MR WOOD left Bampton for America, but before leaving Liverpool he wired to his wife (who since separation from her husband has been living at Bedford), to meet him there. She did so; and returned the same day to Bedford. It was supposed that she intended joining her husband later. A few days after she was missing, and subsequently her hat and jacket were found on the banks of the River Ouse. The river was dragged without success. Last week some platelayers were walking along the bank of the River Ouse and saw a body floating; which at the Inquest was identified as that of MRS WOOD. "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane"! was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall Into A Quarry. Dangerous Place At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Borough coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on WILLIAM J. THORNE, aged 7 years, son of WILLIAM H. THORNE, stoker, H.M.S. Vivid, residing at 68 Tresillian-street, Plymouth, who fell down a quarry at Cattedown on Saturday. - W. H. THORNE stated that he was on his way home on Saturday evening when he met some people carrying his son, who was dead. Joseph Willey, labourer, Hill's-cottages, said he was playing football on Saturday afternoon in Cattedown Field, when a little girl told him a boy had fallen over the edge of the quarry. He went down the quarry and found deceased at the bottom, unconscious. Dr George Bate, Sherborne House, Lipson, said the deceased's skull was smashed and pressing on the brain in such a manner as to cause death. - Mr Ladd asked whether the field and quarry were the property of the Corporation. - Mr G. Jeffs, representing the Town Clerk (Mr J. H. Ellis), replied that he was present to express the great sympathy of the Mayor and the Council to the relatives of the deceased boy, and also to render any assistance to the Coroner. The place where deceased fell over was not public, and anyone going there went at their own risk, being trespassers. The question of throwing open the field to the public was under consideration, but it was not public yet. - A Juryman said there ought to be a few hundred yards of unclimbable fence placed along the edge, as at present it was possible for little children to climb between the existing wood rails. - Another Juror suggested notice boards ought to be fixed at the place. - The Deputy Coroner said if the corporation threw the ground open to the public, they would probably build a wall. - Mr Jeffs said he would be pleased to convey the ideas of the Jurymen to the Corporation. The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, said neither rails nor notice boards would ever keep boys out of the field. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM PEARCE, aged 85, of 15 High-street, Stonehouse, who was taken ill on Monday and died before medical assistance arrived. Dr Leah said death was due to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - Two Inquests on infants were held by Mr J.. Graves, Deputy Coroner of Plymouth on Saturday. In the case of EDWIN WYATT, aged one year and nine months, son of WM. WYATT, journeyman baker, 11 Richmond-street, Plymouth, Dr Brenton attributed death to convulsions, caused by rickets, the child having been fed chiefly on bread. He had frequently pointed out at Inquests on young children that bread was quite useless as a food for them. Parents might just as well give them sawdust. The practice he had complained of could not be too strongly condemned. In the second case, WM. ROBERT HAM, aged three days, son of an able seaman, GEORGE F. HAM, North-street, the child was found by the nurse dead in bed. Dr Palmer said death was due to general feebleness. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned in each case.

TAVISTOCK - A Tavistock Pensioner's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital on Saturday on WILLIAM HENRY CRAZE, of Tavistock. Mr H. Skinner was Foreman of the Jury. - EMILY JANE CRAZE, the widow, stated that deceased, 32 years of age, was a pensioner from the 1st Life Guards. They were married at Tavistock parish church on February 29th last. In the evening of the following day they were sitting by the fire in their home at Tavistock talking when his speech suddenly became affected. She asked him what was the matter and he could not reply. He raised himself in his chair and made a noise with his mouth. She rushed out of the room to call for help. On her return, in a few seconds, she saw that he had fallen on to the hearthrug, but she did not notice that his right hand was in the fire. Miss Alford, whom she had fetched, noticed it and removed the hand. About ten minutes elapsed before deceased regained consciousness. He had been subject to fits since his return from South Africa. For a week the deceased attended the Hospital twice a day to have the injuries dressed. He appeared to be going on well until the 12th inst. Two days later he was removed to the Hospital. The deceased did not take off the bandage, but he sometimes loosened it. - Dr Brodrick said the burn was a deep one. He was perfectly sober when the accident occurred and it was the result of a fit. On 12th inst. deceased complained of feeling stiff in the back. Next day tetanus was apparent, and he (the doctor) telegraphed for anti-tetanine, which he injected at different times. On Tuesday the deceased seemed fairly comfortable and in the evening opened his jaw and said he felt much better, but whenever he swallowed anything a spasm came on. His temperature rose to 101 degrees on Wednesday evening and to 104 on Thursday morning, and he died at 1.15 p.m. on that day. Three other members of the Hospital staff saw him and a special nurse was obtained from Plymouth to undertake the night nursing. It was a case that required an enormous amount of attention and the nurses certainly did their work admirably. It was difficult to say where the deceased picked up the poison that excited tetanus in his system. - The Coroner remarked that it must have been when he fell with his hand in the fire, because MRS CRAZE had stated that the bandage was not removed by him. - Dr Brodrick said the sweepings of a room thrown on the fire might contain bacillus which might have caused the tetanus. No private patient could have received more careful attention than the deceased did. - The Coroner having summed up, and commended the prompt action of Miss Alford, the Jury found that death resulted from Tetanus, due to Burns through the deceased Accidentally falling into the fire whilst in an epileptic fit. They gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday on MARY COMPTON, aged 43, living at 53 Desborough-road, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday, Dr C. J. Cooke attributed death to apoplexy.

STOKE DAMEREL - Shipwright's Sudden Death. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, Inquired into the death of WILLIAM SUTTON, residing at 39 Upper G[?]er-street, Pembroke, and an established shipwright employed at Pembroke Dockyard. Deceased was engaged on the cruiser Cornwall and left Pembroke on March 6th on that vessel for Devonport. He had enjoyed splendid health beyond a slight pain in the chest. - William James a shipwright, of Waterstone, South Wales, employed at Pembroke, said he came round with the deceased in the Cornwall. He last saw him alive on Sunday evening, and on the Monday when he left the Sailors' Rest, where the men were staying, to go to work, he knocked at the deceased's door, but, receiving no reply, thought he was asleep. - Alice Mary Irwin, the dormitory matron at the Sailors' Rest, said she saw the deceased on Monday when she made her morning round. He was sitting on the side of the bed, and as she thought he was dressing she withdrew. Later she went to the room again, and finding the deceased in the same position, raised an alarm. Dr McElwaine was called and found that deceased had bronchitis, that the lungs were congested and that he had valvular disease of the heart. Death was due to syncope, from heart disease and bronchitis. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

TAVISTOCK - The River Tamar Mystery. The Inquest. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Gawton Farm, Tavistock, on ARTHUR DOWN, whose body was found in the river Tamar, near Gawton Mine, on Sunday. RICHARD ISAAC DOWN, son of deceased, said his father, aged 72, was a retired mine agent. He disappeared from his home at Gunnislake on February 18th. There was no monetary or other troubles which would in any way induce him to take his life. Deceased was of a cheerful disposition, but occasionally suffered from fits of depression. He was in the habit of walking by the river every day. In February the river was in flood, and there were slippery steps which he would cross. On the day he was missed his umbrella was found near the river on the Devon side. - Joseph H. Parker, labourer, living at Gawton Mine, stated that on Sunday, about one p.m. he discovered the body on the mud of the river Tamar, close to Gawton Mine. - Dr Snowden Smith of Tavistock, said he could find no marks of violence on the body, and attributed death to drowning. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, the Jury expressing their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 March 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Stonehouse Child Suffocated. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday on FREDK. BATES, the four-months-old child of WILLIAM BATES, labourer, 27 Brownlow-street, Stonehouse. ELIZABETH BATES, the mother, stated that she took the child into bed with her in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She went to sleep and on awakening about two hours later, found the child was dead. Dr W. H. Waterfield said the cause of death was suffocation. The Coroner remarked that the number of cases of the over-laying of young children was becoming very alarming, no less than 15,000 having been killed in that way during the past ten years. He hoped that parents would endeavour to be more prudent in regard to the treatment of their young children. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Shocking Death In Devonport Harbour. the Inquest. Water Police Commended. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Dockyard yesterday on WILLIAM GLASSON WILLIAMS, aged 25, seaman on the dredger St Austell, belonging to the Director of Works' Department and a son of JAMES WILLIAMS, of Oreston, captain of No. 6 barge in the same department. - Mr K. E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Charles J. Easton of 30 Tamar-street, Saltash, fireman on the St Austell, said on Monday night deceased, who was watchman, took the crew ashore and returned about eight o'clock. Deceased proceeded to hoist the boat. The regulations were that the watchman should ask the fireman to lend him a hand, but on this evening deceased did not ask him to do so. Deceased had on previous occasions hoisted the boat himself, but it was difficult. Deceased and witness were on good terms. Witness was in the forecastle when the deceased returned, and did not hear the boat. - Mr Peck said there was no regulations, but there was an understanding that the fireman should lend a hand when asked. Since the accident the director of works had issued an order to that effect. - Witness said that hearing the winch he went on deck to help deceased. When he got on deck he found the winch was stopped and deceased between the two drums. He at once shut off the steam and saw that the rope was round deceased's neck and arms. As he could do nothing by himself witness went to No. 39 Hopper alongside and called the watchman. The two found that they could do nothing without more assistance, and witness reported the matter to the Water Police. Two Policemen came on board the dredger, and after the boat, which was half-way up to the davits, had been secured, they cut the hemp rope "falls." Then they were able to release the deceased. - The Foreman (Mr J. Trusk) thought the two men might have secured the boat and cut the "falls" without waiting for the Police. Probably the men were too frightened. - Easton: We were frightened. - A Juryman: If you had cut the rope at once you could have released the deceased. If the boat had been swamped that would not have mattered. - Witness, in reply to a Juryman, said from the time he first saw the deceased until he was released about an hour and a half elapsed. Deceased was dead when he first saw him. - Mr Williams: If the "fall" had been cut and the winch revolved, deceased would have been free at once. - George Hayes, a deck hand on No. 39 yard craft, said he was called to the St Austell at 8.15 p.m. Deceased was so mixed up with the wires that they could not release him without assistance. Cutting the "falls" would not have released deceased, who was dead when witness was called. Witness could form no opinion as to how deceased got mixed up with the wires. - Easton, recalled, said when witness reached the spot deceased's head and the wires were jammed between the drums. - P.C. James Wyatt, of the Water Police, said about 8.45 p.m. he and P.C. Libbey went on board the St Austell and found deceased jammed in the winch, two turns of the wire hawser being around both arms and one round the neck - all very tight. Deceased was quite dead. After the "falls" had been cut deceased was released. - The Coroner: Do you think what you did could have been done by two men? - I see no reason at all why it should not. - Staff-Surgeon W. R. Trythall, stationed at the Dockyard, said when he was called to the St Austell at 8.55 p.m. deceased had been dead some time. Death was due to asphyxia, owing to the pressure of the wires on the air tubes of the neck. The scalp was stripped and there were fractures of the lower jaw, base of the skull and two small bones in the left fore-arm. Deceased would be dead in less than four minutes after the pressure on the neck commenced. If he had been cut down in less than that time and artificial respiration resorted to, he might not have died at once, but his injuries would probably have prevented his recovery. - The Coroner, summing up, spoke of the promptness with which the Police released the man. All would deeply sympathise with MR WILLIAMS and his family. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," commended the Policemen, and expressed their sympathy with the family of deceased. The Coroner remarked that where others failed the Police did not lose their presence of mind. He could heartily endorse what the Jury had said and considered the efforts of the constables ought to be rewarded in some way. In all cases where the Police were called in they seemed to know the right thing to do at the right time. Chief Inspector Tett thanked the Coroner and Jury on behalf of the Constables.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Within a week of his wife's sudden death, WILLIAM HENRY HARRIS, aged 62, labourer, 7 Frederick-street, Plymouth, was walking in King-street, when he suddenly fell into the arms of Albert Mullins, a friend, and died. Deceased had suffered from heart disease and his wife's sudden death gave him a great shock. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Plant said death was due to syncope, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 March 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. Ten Deaths From Convulsions. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN DUNN, aged 15 months, the child of JOHN DUNN, general labourer, 49 Cannon-street. Dr G. S. Saunders said death was due to convulsions caused by rickets. There was a lot of water on the brain. He understood from the mother that ten of her children had died from convulsions. The child was well nourished, and in his opinion the rickets were hereditary. MRS DUNN said they saw nothing wrong with the child until Wednesday evening, when it was seized with convulsions, and died shortly after midnight. She had had twelve children and only two were living. Most of the children died from convulsions and some were insured. This child had only been insured six weeks and she could not claim anything. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

WHITCHURCH - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Merivale Bridge yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY MAKER, aged 38, a labourer. Deceased and his brother lodged at the house of Mrs Annie Weeks, Merivale. On Tuesday evening after supper he sat before the fire talking, when suddenly he fell forward and died. In falling he struck his head against a door. He had not complained of being unwell and had been stone-breaking the same day. He leaves a widow and one child. Dr Brodrick, Tavistock, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1904
ILFRACOMBE - A Singular Death At Ilfracombe. The Inquest. Dr E. J. Slade King on Saturday held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on CHARLES BRIGGS, aged 62, who resided in a cottage at Slade, Ilfracombe, and was found dead in his house on Thursday. - CHAS. BRIGGS, carpenter, of West Hampstead, said deceased was his father. - Richard Banoke, cabdriver, of Ilfracombe, stated that he was in the habit of visiting deceased at his house and on Thursday afternoon drove there. After knocking and receiving no answer he opened the door, walked in and saw a pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs. No one replied when he shouted and he then walked upstairs, where he saw deceased sitting on a chair in his bedroom dead. Witness at once fetched P.S. Jeffery. Deceased did not live alone, but had a housekeeper, aged between 40 and 50. She went to London on March 17th. Deceased drank heavily at times. - Dr C. Jones deposed to finding an abrased wound on deceased's forehead and the upper and lower lips cut through. The two main arteries in the face were severed on the left side. He did not think the wounds self-inflicted, but rather the result of a fall. Deceased was a man of drinking habits. The immediate cause of death was syncope, caused by a cut artery and loss of blood. P.S. Jeffery said on entering deceased's house he found a broken, blood-stained jug, parts of which were on the stairs and the handle in deceased's coat pocket. There was by deceased's side an empty jug, covered with blood, which had evidently had beer in it. In the back kitchen was a beer barrel two-thirds full and the tap was smeared with blood. - James Brown, labourer, who lives in the next house to that occupied by deceased, stated that whilst outside his front door at seven o'clock on Wednesday evening he heard deceased in his bedroom making a noise. Witness, speaking through the window, told him if he was going on again that night as he had the two previous nights he should fetch a policeman. As deceased swore so, witness left him, but heard him walk up and down the stairs two or three times before quarter-past nine, when he (witness) went to bed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 March 1904
PLYMOUTH - Death of ALDERMAN J. PETHICK, J.P. Sad End To A Notable Career. - To the intense regret of the whole community, ALDERMAN JOHN PETHICK, J.P., succumbed at the Homeopathic Hospital yesterday morning to the grievous injuries which he sustained in the carriage accident on Saturday. From the time of his admission to the Hospital, within a few minutes of the accident, his condition was regarded as exceedingly grave. To a man in the prime of life the misfortune which overtook MR PETHICK in being thrown from his carriage, jammed against the church rails, and kicked in the face by one of the horses and the nature of his injuries, including the breaking of three ribs, would have been, in any case, extremely serious. But the shock to an aged man like the deceased Alderman, approaching eighty years of age, made the issue still more doubtful. MR PETHICK was, however, endowed with so splendid a constitution and so vigorous a vitality that hopes were cherished of his recovery. On Sunday he appeared to make good progress. Conscious throughout and clear in his intellect, he was able, so far as he was permitted, to enter into conversation with the members of his family on various matters. On Monday, however, symptoms of congestion of the lungs appeared, and the patient's condition grew distinctly worse. his son, DR. C. STUART PETHICK of Liverpool, remained by his bedside until after midnight. - On returning to the Hospital about half-past seven o'clock yesterday morning, DR PETHICK found his father in much the same condition. MR PETHICK had had a restless night, but was perfectly conscious, able to take an intelligent interest in everything, and he even, shortly before nine o'clock, addressed some inquiries to his son as to a contract for which the firm were tendering at Colchester. With the solicitous care of Mr Elliot Square, his family doctor, Drs. Newbery and Wilmot, the Hospital Surgeons, and his son, everything that medical skill could suggest was done for the patient. But for the satisfaction of the family a consultation with Dr Clay had been arranged. It was to have taken place at half-past nine o'clock yesterday morning. At about nine o'clock, however, a sudden change was noticed in the patient's condition. Almost immediately he collapsed, and within a quarter of an hour died, death resulting from failure of the heart's action, due to congestion of the lungs, supervening on the shock and injury. The bulletin which was published immediately afterwards outside the Hospital bore the simple announcement: - "MR PETHICK was suddenly taken worse about 9 a.m., and died at 9.15 a.m." - As soon as it became known, the sad news created a painful sensation in the town and expressions of sympathy and regret were heard on every side. On the Corporation flagstaff in the Guildhall-square, at the Plymouth Club and other buildings flags were flown at half-mast in token of mourning. The body of the deceased Alderman was removed from the ward in which he died to the Board-room, until after the Inquest. Later in the day it was conveyed to Down Park, MR PETHICK'S country seat at Yelverton. There it will remain until Saturday, when the funeral will take place at Plymouth. Leaving Down Park at 9.30, the cortege will proceed first to Ford Park House, Mutley, the residence of MR J. R. PETHICK, where the representatives of public bodies and others in the Three towns desirous of attending are invited to join it. From Ford Park House the cortege will proceed direct to the cemetery, where the interment will take place at half-past eleven. - The Inquest:- Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held the Inquest at the Homeopathic Hospital. Mr T. H. Geake represented the deceased's family. - The Coroner said he regretted they were called together to make an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a prominent townsman. Death was the result of a very deplorable occurrence on Saturday last. MR PETHICK was so well known to all of them, that his family would have their fullest sympathy in this unfortunate occurrence. - MR CHARLES STUART PETHICK, Surgeon, Liverpool, stated that the age of his father was 76. - James Richard Dodd, clerk, Desborough-road, said just after ten o'clock on Saturday morning he met the deceased, his employer, at Crescent Lodge. witness was in deceased's four-wheeled carriage, and attached to it were two horses. William Westlake, the coachman, had driven witness from Laira. Deceased got into the carriage, taking the coachman's place. Witness sat by the side of MR PETHICK, the coachman taking the seat at the back. They went around the back of the Theatre. Just as they were turning into Athenaeum-place, MR PETHICK noticed that the rein had got under the tail of the near horse. The rein was of the V shape, not the ordinary kind, and gripped the animal's tail. This made the horse restive, and it began to kick. Deceased shouted to the coachman, who immediately jumped off, and ran to the head of the horse. The animal swerved towards the Royal Hotel tap, and jammed Westlake against the wall. The horses stopped for a short time, and afterwards Westlake lost his hold of the animals and fell. The horses swerved again and ran away towards St Catherine's Church. They dashed against the iron gates, the pole of the carriage snapped, and the horses fell to the ground. When the animals fell MR PETHICK also fell out on top of them. Deceased was seen to be under the animals and as he was injured. was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital. Deceased's face was covered with blood. The witness noticed that when MR PETHICK was under the horses the animals were kicking. - Dr Newberry, 8 Queen Anne-terrace, Plymouth, said at ten o'clock on Saturday morning he was in Lockyer-street and saw a carriage and a pair of horses coming from Athenaeum-place towards St Catherine's Church. The horses had evidently got beyond control. Deceased was driving. The horses rushed across the street and dashed against the gates of the church. Both animals fell. Deceased was thrown out and jammed between the gates and one of the horses. One of the animals, struggling violently, kicked MR PETHICK in the face. Deceased was extricated, and witness directed his removal to the Homeopathic Hospital. Death took place that morning as the result of the injuries MR PETHICK received. - Mr James E. Square, Medical Practitioner, 22 Portland-square, said he attended MR PETHICK, in conjunction with the doctors of the Hospital and DR PETHICK, deceased's son. Death took place at 9.15 and was due to the injuries received at the time of the accident. - The Coroner remarked that P.C. Willcocks, of Plymouth Police, was present soon after the accident occurred, and dragged MR PETHICK from under the horses. this the Constable did at considerable risk to himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said the Jury desired to sympathise most fully with the family in their unfortunate and sudden bereavement. - Mr T. H. Geake said, as representing the family, he would take care that the kind expression of the Jury, as well as the remarks of the Coroner, should be made known to deceased's relatives. Such sympathetic expressions would be some consolation to the family in the great loss they had sustained. [Note: A Biographical Sketch of Mr John Pethick followed.]

EXETER - Death Under Chloroform At Exeter. North Devon Labourer's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on WM. PIKE, farm labourer, married, aged 34, of Winkleigh. - Giles Dymond, farm labourer, brother-in-law, said seven weeks ago deceased pricked a finger with a thorn. He suffered a good deal from it, and acting on advice he came into the Hospital on Thursday last. Deceased had left a widow and five children. - Henry Reginald Burpitt, assistant House Surgeon, said deceased had a very septic finger and Dr Roper advised its amputation. It was arranged that the operation should take place on Monday. Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, was to operate, and witness was to administer the anaesthetic. Witness examined him in the usual way, and he seemed perfectly normal and fit to be operated upon. Witness then proceeded to give the anaesthetic. Deceased inhaled it perfectly well for six minutes, when he commenced to struggle and had to be restrained. Witness continued the anaesthetic, but deceased still struggled very vigorously, got very blue, gave one or two gasps and his breathing stopped altogether. Witness left off the anaesthetic at once and performed artificial respiration for an hour and a quarter, and also gave deceased some strychnine, but he never breathed again. - Mr Stirk said it was absolutely necessary to amputate the finger. Witness made a post-mortem examination yesterday and found a piece of dead bone in the finger. There were several patches of disease in the main vessel leading from the heart and slight evidence of recent pleurisy. The windpipe was quite free and the stomach empty. The examination showed that the preparation of the patient for the operation had been thorough. Witness was of opinion that death was due to heart and respiratory failure, arising during the administration of chloroform, and caused by the soft and flabby condition of the heart muscle. There was nothing in the organs which could have been detected by a physical examination. - By the Jury: There was no evidence that the Assistant House Surgeon administered too strong a dose of anaesthetic. One patient would take ten or even twenty times as much as another patient would take. There was no recognised dose. One could only be guided by the condition of the patient. It had been known to be almost impossible to get some patients unconscious by chloroform, whilst others would become unconscious in a breath or two. Unless deceased's finger had been removed he must have died of blood poisoning. The percentage of deaths from the administration of chloroform was one in five or six thousand. The most experienced men in London sometimes met with cases. - Dr Pereira, Police Surgeon, who was present at the post-mortem, corroborated. Deceased died of respiratory paralysis, caused by a deficiency of blood to the brain and to the flabby condition of the heart whilst under chloroform. Every precaution seemed to have been taken. Deceased had to have his finger off and therefore, had to be put under an anaesthetic. - The Coroner said he considered it advisable in the interest of the Medical Staff, as well as in the interest of the Hospital, to call in the Police Surgeon to attend the post-mortem. He believed the patients in that Hospital had every care, and that everything possible was done for them. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and considered that every precaution had been taken.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 April 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest in Devonport on Thursday on ALFRED J. EADES of 6 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, a messenger at the Military head-quarters office, aged 43, who was invalided from the navy six years ago for heart trouble, Dr e. G. Symes Saunders said death was due to aortic disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 April 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Keyham Extension Works. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, Inquired on Saturday into the cause of death of CHAS. DANN, of 6 Emma-place, Stonehouse, a labourer, employed at the Keyham Dockyard Extension Works. Mr Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented Sir John Jackson (Limited). - Tom Singleton, a labourer, said deceased and he were in the hold of the barque Cumbria, canting some timber over on a roller, when a stack of timber fell over on them, due probably to the ship having lurched. The two bottom baulks fell on the deceased's legs and another baulk fell on witness, who shouted for help. Some workmen extricated the deceased. The timber was properly stacked. - In reply to Mr Peck, witness said there were proper appliances for unloading the timber. - Francis Sloman, the foreman in charge of the unloading of the barque, said he could give no reason for the timber slipping, except that the wash from passing vessels probably caused the ship to roll. Mr Shields, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was suffering from shock, a fracture of the left thigh, and fractures of both bones in the right leg. He improved after his admission, but died the same day from shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Dangers Of Flannelette. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Buckfastleigh on Saturday on a child named CLARENCE REDVERS DAWE, two years and eleven months old. On Thursday morning the mother went into the town, leaving the three children alone in the house, viz., a girl about seven, the deceased and a child about twelve months old, undressed upstairs. She was away only a short time, and on her return found that the boy had been burnt and he died about 4.30 p.m. It appears that the deceased took a lamp from the stairs, went to the kitchen fire and lit it, afterwards placing it on the floor and then caught his nightdress, of flannelette, on fire. The girl ran for help and a fish hawker, named Milton, of Brixham, ran to the house and by means of a bag made out the flames. Dr T. M. Pearce found the child suffering from extensive superficial burns covering practically the whole body. He, with the district nurses aid, treated the case, but the child died from shock. The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was one of which there were a large number happening in the country, showing the danger of flannelette, a very dangerous, inflammable substance. The Jury (Mr S. Hosking, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and strongly recommended all parents, in the interest of their children, to provide their fires with guards.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday respecting the sudden death of FRANCIS GEORGE POWELL, 21 years, 132 Desborough-road, on Plymouth Promenade Pier on Good Friday. Sydney John Merrifield, engraver, 4 Alfred-street, said the deceased was taken ill on the pier about 3.40 p.m. It was thought he was in a fainting fit and he was placed on a seat in the open air. Dr Brenton said deceased died within a few minutes of being taken ill. A post-mortem examination revealed that he had pleurisy of long standing. Death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," and the Foreman (Mr W. Matthews) conveyed the Jury's sympathy to the father of the deceased. The funeral is fixed for tomorrow at 3.15 p.m.

TEIGNMOUTH - A Paignton Woman Charged With Murder. A Baby Found In A Tin Box At Teignmouth. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on a body found in a tin trunk, and alleged to be the infant son of MARY ANN BROOKS, a married woman, 28 years of age, recently residing at Paignton, who changed her place of abode to Teignmouth last week. The Court was crowded. Mr W. H. Haymes was Foreman of the Jury. Mr Martin Alford, of Exeter, appeared for the woman. - Bessie Rowe, of No. 3 Laura-villas, Paignton, stated that MRS BROOKS took apartments at her home about eight or nine weeks ago. She had two children with her, one about ten and the other two and half years of age. She paid witness 1s. 9d. for the week, and had been doing laundry work at Paignton. She did not know she was married, but heard that she had been left a widow. On the morning of March 9th MRS BROOKS gave birth to a male child. Witness did not expect she would be confined so soon. When the child was born there was no one present other than MRS BROOKS' other children. She had baby clothes ready, but no nurse or midwife had been engaged. When witness found that the child was born, having been told by BROOKS' eldest girl, she sent for a midwife. She nursed the baby herself, and it seemed to thrive. A week after the child was born MRS BROOKS said she should leave the apartments, but did not state when she was going. She left on the 25th of March, about 2.30 in the afternoon. As she was leaving the house witness asked about the baby and she replied, "that a Mrs Johnson had brought a warm shawl to wrap the baby in and had taken the baby to the railway station, where she was waiting for her." Witness had never heard of this Mrs Johnson. She last saw the baby on the Wednesday previous to Friday, the 25th. She heard the child crying on the day before that, but not after. When MRS BROOKS left the house she said she would return in the course of a few days. Since then she had fetched her furniture. When she went away on March 25th she was carrying a small basket, an umbrella, and a tin box, and one of the children had a parcel. When she fetched away her furniture on March 29th MRS BROOKS said she was going to reside at Teignmouth, and when witness asked her where the baby was, and she said it was at Teignmouth, and that she had nursed it well before she came away, and that the person whose rooms she had taken was looking after the baby. - By a Juror: There was some talk in Paignton about MRS BROOKS that aroused her suspicions and that made her anxious and she told her that she evidently did not know what people were saying, as she had gone without the baby. MRS BROOKS replied that anyone who came to Teignmouth could see the baby. - John Rowe, husband of the previous witness, stated that MRS BROOKS told him the child was at Teignmouth and could see it there if they cared to. - Florence Lewis, also occupying apartments with Mrs Rowe, stated she was home on the day MRS BROOKS left Laura-villa. She saw no other woman with her, nor any woman in the house with the morning. witness heard the baby crying in the morning of the same day as its mother left the house. She could swear it was a child's cry, as it was weak. MRS BROOKS took away the tin-box produced with her. - Mrs Rowe, recalled, said she had seen the baby that morning at the mortuary, and it was MRS BROOKS'S baby, the same as she had with her at Paignton. She also recognised the articles of clothing found in the box as those belonging to MRS BROOKS. On the Friday she left Paignton the two children were playing in the street and at one o'clock, whilst in the bedroom, she saw there was a lump in the bed, which witness thought was the baby, as it looked like it, and it was only at that moment MRS BROOKS said anything about a Mrs Johnson. - Mrs Stidworthy, 6 York-terrace, Paignton, a midwife, said she was fetched about 7.30 a.m. on March 9th and went to Laura-terrace. MRS BROOKS was in bed. She had been delivered of a male child. Mother and baby both did well. She waited on her for a week. She had seen the baby at the mortuary that morning and she could swear it was the child she had attended to at Paignton. - Mrs Quick, of 3 Myrtle-hill, Teignmouth, stated that MRS BROOKS came to her for apartments on March 25th. she had two children with her, and had a parcel, an umbrella and tin box. She stayed with witness until March 30th. - Mrs Nugent, of Lower Brook-street, stated that MRS BROOKS on March 26th took two empty rooms she had to let. On the 29th she brought her furniture and came to sleep in the house the next day. She never saw the tin box; it was brought with the other furniture. - Police-Sergeant Gerrey, stationed at Paignton, stated that from information received he went to Teignmouth on Saturday last and found MARY ANN BROOKS living in apartments at 11 Lower Brook-street. He told her he had come to see he about rumours circulated at Paignton concerning a child. He cautioned her as to any statement she might make, and asked her if when she left Mrs Rowe's, at Paignton, she took a child, or the body of a child, away with her. She said, "No. Mrs Johnson came to Paignton and took my baby to Bristol. I advertised in the 'Bristol Times,' and Mrs Johnson answered the advertisement and I paid her £10. I do not know her address." The sergeant said he should have to go to Bristol to make inquiries and added that as he had not got a warrant he would have to get one to search the place. She told him he could search the rooms. When he asked if she had a small tin box she said "It is upstairs and the body of the child is in it." She commenced to cry and then said she would tell him all about it. He again cautioned her, and in the presence of P.C. Friendship she made the following statement, which he took down in writing:- "I am a widow, and reside at 11 Lower Brook-street. I was living at Galmpton when I got into trouble by a man named EDWARD SAUNDERS. I left Galmpton and went to Paignton, where I worked as a laundress. I left Mrs Mitchell's and went to Laura-cottages, Paignton, where I had a baby. I was worried and did not know what to do with my children, or how to get my living. I was tempted to do it, and I thought the poor little fellow would be out of misery. I did not know where the father was. I did not have any means of keeping the children, and I thought I should be free to keep myself and the other two." Witness took charge of the tin box, which was locked with a padlock. She handed him the key, and, unlocking the box, he found a blanket and the body of a child underneath. He then took MRS BROOKS into custody. - Herbert Johnson, Surgeon, stated that on Sunday, in conjunction with Dr Hayward, they made a post-mortem of the body. Around the neck of the child was a linen band tied so tightly that it had to be cut away. the knot was pressing on the child's neck and there was an indentation of the flesh under the right ear. There was a deep furrow made by the roll of linen. The knot was tied when the child was alive. Every inward indication proved that the child was about three weeks old. Death was due to strangulation with a cotton band. - Dr Hayward corroborated. - The Jury retired, and, on returning, the Foreman said they came to the conclusion that the mother of the child was MARY ANN BROOKS, and that its death was due to Strangulation. - In the afternoon prisoner was brought before Col. Nightingale and Mr W. J. B. Banbury, county magistrates, charged with the Wilful Murder of her child. Mr Alford appeared for the prisoner and pleaded not guilty. The evidence was repetition of that given at the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday on WILLIAM MULLINS, aged 35, dock labourer, 8 Octagon-street, Plymouth, who fell off a chair whilst looking out of a window on Monday and died, death was attributed to heart failure, caused by alcoholic excesses..

Western Morning News Friday 8 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - MRS ALICE MAUD MARY CORBER, of Plymouth, aged 54 years, was taken ill on Wednesday, and died before medical aid could arrive. At the Inquest yesterday Dr W. C. Hamilton attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1904
OFFWELL - Child Neglect Near Honiton. Parents Censured. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Offwell, near Honiton, on the seven months old child of ALBERT and BESSIE GOLESWORTHY, of Mount Pleasant, Offwell. Dr Macaulay said he first saw the child on February 24th. It was then suffering from convulsions. It was a weakly child and not well nourished for its age. On March 19th, the mother brought it to his surgery suffering from a slight bronchial attack. He gave it some medicine. A few days later the mother told him the cough seemed better, and when he saw it on 26th March neither cold or bronchitis was better. As far as he could see the child had not been neglected, though the child was perhaps not kept as clean as it might have been. He had made a post-mortem and found the body in an emaciated condition, due to tuberculosis. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Macaulay said he did not think that anything could have been done to save the child's life. - BESSIE GOLESWORTHY, the mother, denied that she had neglected the child or fed it on skim milk. - Mrs Moore and another neighbour spoke of the mother leaving the deceased for several hours in the charge of a girl, 7 years old, and of its dirty condition. - P.C. Maunder said he first spoke to the defendants about the treatment of the children on February 11th. Another child had been removed to the Workhouse. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," adding that there had been neglect, and the parents deserved censure. - The Coroner (Mr C. E. Cox) said the parents must consider themselves lucky they had not to answer a charge of manslaughter. No doubt the child had been left too long in charge of the seven-year-old girl, had been kept in a dirty state and in all probability it had not been fed as it ought to have been. To mark his opinion of their conduct he should not allow them or their witnesses any fees.

EXETER - The Exeter Cycling Fatality. - At the Inquest held at Exeter yesterday on FREDERICK HENRY TUCKER, aged 27, Harold Whitaker, of Bartholomew-street, stated that he and deceased on Saturday afternoon started to cycle to Dawlish Warren. When going down Matford he(Whitaker) was in front. There were two cows, driven by young men, at the bottom of the hill, coming towards them. He passed the cows on the wrong side and went on. The men called to him, and on looking back he saw TUCKER on the ground. Witness went back and picked up deceased. He found a bruise on his head, but he seemed to have knocked himself mostly on his knuckles. Witness conveyed him home. There were some cow's hair on his left arm, and he concluded he had run into the cows. He did not think the drivers were to blame. William Hudson, assistant Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that TUCKER died about fifty minutes after his admission. One of the vessels inside the brain had been ruptured. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 April 1904
KINGSWEAR - The Kingswear Suicide. - At the Inquest yesterday on JARVIS FAIRWEATHER, aged 37, who hanged himself on Tuesday on Boohay Farm, Kingswear, which he carried on with his father, it was shown that deceased had worried because the farm was not paying and that they were under notice to leave. Dr Searle of Brixham, had attended him for nervous debility. There had also been family quarrels. Deceased's father said when he left deceased in the morning he seemed in his usual spirits, and one of the farm hands who had been working with him just before he was found hanging in a shed, said he was quite jovial. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." The widow, instead of attending the Inquest, went to a farm two miles away, saying she was too frightened to stay in the house.

PLYMOUTH - The Death Of A Tavistock Railway Inspector. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM L. ADAMS, aged 52, permanent way inspector, London and South Western Railway, of 10 Bannawell-street, Tavistock. THOMAS ADAMS, son of deceased, stated that he last saw his father alive on February 28th. Deceased was then apparently in good spirits, and witness knew of no reason why he should be worried. On the following day his father disappeared and in the evening his mother received by post a box containing his watch and chain. The address on the box was in deceased's handwriting. - In reply to the Jury, witness said it was not true, as reported, that his father had been missing from home on previous occasions for days together. - Thos. Lander, waterman, Oreston, deposed to finding the body of deceased at about ten o'clock on the previous morning floating in the Cattewater off Queen Anne's Buttery. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 April 1904
EXETER - An Inquest was held this evening on MARTHA ROGERS, a widow, aged 71, of 65 Holloway-street, who died suddenly on Thursday morning. Dr Russell Coombe said death was due t heart failure, the result of Bright's disease. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 April 1904
EXETER - Singular Death At Exeter. Fatal Dose Of Train Oil. - At an Inquest held at Exeter last evening on MICHAEL RILEY, railway labourer, 66 years of age, of 99 Clifton-street, the widow said deceased, at four o'clock on Saturday morning got up and complained of feeling unwell. He went downstairs and stayed some time. She went down to see where he was and found him with a cup in his hand, out of which he had been drinking. The vessel contained machine oil. Deceased said he had taken a little of the oil to try and ease the pain. He vomited and she gave him a little mustard and water. She sent for medical aid. Deceased suffered badly from headache, but had never shown any mental trouble. She kept the oil in the house to lubricate her mangle. - Dr Pereira said when he saw deceased on Saturday morning at 6.30 he stated that he had taken train oil, as he wanted to put an end to his pain. He ordered an emetic of castor oil and the application of linseed meal poultice. He saw the deceased again at eleven, when he said he felt better. At two o'clock witness was called, but before he arrived the man had died. He had attended RILEY for two or three years for disease of the aorta and sleeplessness. Of late the deceased began to fail. A post-mortem examination revealed inflammation of the stomach and intestines of long standing. he considered that to be the cause of death, aggravated by the train oil. The oil was not direct poison, but it acted fatally upon his feeble constitution. - The Coroner said it was a question whether deceased took the oil to ease the pain or to destroy himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" accelerated by deceased taking the oil.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of WM. MARTIN, aged 65, joiner and lock-maker, 43 Stillman-street. - THOMAS MARTIN, brother, said deceased was lame, and had not worked for two or three years. - Mr E. Weatherhead, House Surgeon, said MARTIN was admitted to the Institution on April 2nd, suffering from concussion of the brain. He partially recovered consciousness, but could not give any account of how he came by his injuries. Death took place on Sunday from uraemia, accelerated by concussion. - Mr W. H. Stanton, landlord of the Rose and Crown Hotel, stated that deceased was found on the evening of April 2nd lying unconscious and bleeding at the bottom of a short flight of stairs in his house, with his head on the landing and his feet on the stairs. Apparently he had fallen backward over the stairs. There was a Foresters' Court sitting upstairs, and deceased was going there to pay his club money. Apparently he had been drinking, but he had nothing to drink in his bar. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by injuries Accidentally received."

Western Morning News, Friday 22 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - Railway Fatality At Laira. - Te Inquest on the body of ARTHUR DARLING, aged 24, of 49 Mason-street, Reading, a carpenter in the employ of the Great Western Railway, who was killed on the railway near Laira shunting yard on Wednesday morning, was held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns). - Henry Serle, foreman in the employ of the G.W.R. Company, stated that he was about fifty yards from the deceased when the accident occurred. It was about 8 a.m. The up train was passing by the Laira signal-box, and deceased stepped from the up rails to get out of the way, when a train from Plympton coming in the opposite direction knocked him down. He succumbed in a few minutes. Deceased had no business to be where he was. - William Bevan said he was driving the Plympton train. He saw the deceased on the line just by Laira Bridge. He blew his whistle, applied the brakes, and succeeded in pulling the train up within forty yards. Deceased was practically under the train before witness saw him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that the engine driver was in no way to blame for the accident.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 April 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday on ELIZABETH ANNIE AVENT, aged 42, of 7 Gilwell-street, Plymouth, Richard Mitchell, stoker, said he was having supper with deceased on Wednesday evening when she suddenly gave a gasp, and appeared to have fainted. Dr Palmer, sent for, found that she was dead. He attributed death to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham yesterday on CHARLES DINNER, aged 49, a labourer in Devonport Dockyard and an army pensioner, living at 19 Gloucester-street. LUCY DINNER, the widow, said her husband had been ill for some time, and she wanted him to see a doctor. Deceased, however, refused, and thought it was only a cold. - On Wednesday evening he was sitting by the fire smoking his pipe, when he suddenly complained of being giddy and fell into the fireplace. When Dr Wilson arrived, about an hour afterwards, he pronounced life extinct. Dr R. P. Ryan said death was due to heart disease of long standing, hastened by commencing pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

IPPLEPEN - An Ipplepen Fatality. - JOSEPH KNOTT of Coombefishacre, Ipplepen, on February 11th, the 40th anniversary of his wedding-day, while in charge of two horses, fell under the wheel of a loaded cart and had his leg broken. Mr e. Page rendered efficient first aid and with medical attendance he seemed to make satisfactory progress. Bronchitis and congestion of the lungs, however, supervened, and he died on April 18th. The Jury (Mr J. S. Hodge, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," accelerated by the shock of accident. Deceased had been in the employ of Mr Cornthwaite's family for 42 years and was much respected.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 April 1904
ST MARYCHURCH - Stone-Throwing Fatality At St. Marychurch. Warning To Boys. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at St. Marychurch on Saturday on HERBERT J. PENNY, aged 12, son of JAMES PENNY, labourer, Furrough Cross. Early on the evening of Wednesday week, after leaving school, deceased went to play on Oddicombe beach in company with George H. Luxton, aged 8, William Perring, 12, Reginald J. Robertson, 13 and Henry Ridge, 13, school-fellows. After leaving the beach, and whilst ascending the footpath leading to the roadway above, deceased threw a stone towards the other boys, who were about 20 yards above him. Robertson and Perring threw stones back together and one stone struck deceased in the body. Deceased laid down for about five minutes, but did not cry out or say he was in pain. The next afternoon he complained to Robertson of feeling sick and of a pain in his side, but Robertson said nothing about it, as he wanted to "keep it quiet." There had been no quarrelling between the boys, who said the stones were only thrown "in fun." In addition to going to school on the following day, deceased took a basket of clothes to Torquay and went other errands. In the night he spoke at home of the pain in his side, but went to school again on the Friday. He was treated by his mother for biliousness, as he did not at first tell her of the blow he had received from the stone. He subsequently said to his father that the stone was thrown by Robertson. When Dr Winter was called to see deceased on the Saturday morning, he found he had all the symptoms of peritonitis. Deceased told him that he and other boys were playing, and that during the play he was hit on the abdomen by a good-sized stone thrown by Robertson. The doctor asked him if he had been quarrelling and he replied no, and that his being struck was an accident. He also said when the stone struck him it "winded" him and that, feeling a bad pain in the stomach and faint, he lay down. Dr Winter stated that the cause of death was peritonitis, the stone having probably hurt one of the internal organs and caused haemorrhage. - The Coroner said this "play" had resulted in the death of one of the boys and had caused great sadness and trouble. The lamentable occurrence ought to act as a warning generally, and parents, schoolmasters and others, should try to enlighten boys as to the frightful danger there was about this sort of play. These boys, too, acted very foolishly in hushing up the matter. They must have seen that deceased was hurt, and had his injury only been made known at once, instead of going around with clothes and to school whilst bleeding internally, he might have been taken to the Hospital and his life saved. He thought the stone was thrown without malice, and that, therefore, no criminal charge could arise. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure," and expressed the hope that parents and schoolmasters would caution boys generally against the great danger of stone-throwing. - At the request of the Jury, the Coroner spoke earnestly to the four boys concerned. He hoped they would take a terrible warning from what had happened. He did not think any of them would ever throw stones again, and he urged them, when they saw other boys doing so, to tell them of their experience, and induce them to stop it. They were very lucky to have escaped in connection with the case, because, if it had been shown that they were actuated by the slightest malice against deceased, they would have had to be put upon their trial. When they knew deceased was hurt, they were bound to make a clean breast of it at once. Had they done so, this poor boy's life might have been saved.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 April 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Dockyard Fatality. A Hook With A Flaw. Verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Dockyard on Thursday on FREDERICK ROBBINS, aged 18, ordinary seaman, of H.M.S. Russell. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty and Captain F. B. Pelly of the Russell, was also present. - John Henry Fippen, able seaman, of the Russell, who had his right arm in a sling, said on Tuesday afternoon he was told to assist in spreading the awning over the quarter-deck. The short men who could not reach the awning went on top. Witness was among the number, lying flat on the awning. He could not see deceased. He heard something carry away, and next found himself on the deck, having fallen on his right shoulder. The awning was secured to a jigger, at the end of which was a hook. Witness jumped on the top of the awning of his own accord; no one gave him the order to do so. He heard no order that any man going over the side should be slung. - William Hill, able seaman, who also assisted to spread the awning, said that after they had done this deceased went up to fasten the curtains to the ridge-rope. As he could not make the curtain stop fast, witness went up to lend him a hand. After he had finished, witness "heard something go bang," and that was all he remembered. When he recovered consciousness he found himself in the sick bay. He had since been told that he caught hold of the torpedo boom. - The Coroner: You had a most marvellous escape. - Witness further said that deceased caught hold of the cleat of the davit and stood on the handrail, catching hold of the awning ridge-rope. He did not hear the commander give any orders. Witness considered that they were perfectly safe by keeping hold of the ridge-rope with one hand. He did not consider that he was doing any outboard work or he would have been slung. - Lieut. L. D. I. MacKinnon, R.N., said he was officer of the day on Tuesday, when orders were given to spread the quarter-deck awning, after tea, and to roll up and stop the awning curtains. In the afternoon orders were given that any men working over the side were to have bowlines on. Witness was there when the awning was being spread, and sent some men on top of the awning, about five men on each side, spread along. That was not any great strain on the awning, and witness had seen it done a hundred times. After the awning gave way witness looked over the side and saw Hill, who had one arm over the boom. He afterwards saw deceased in the bottom of the dock. - By the Coroner: The awning was spread in the usual way. ROBBINS and Hill were actually inboard: but if I had seen them I should have insisted on their having a bowline, as the ship was in dry dock. - By the Jury: I heard the petty officers give orders as to the use of bowlines. - Engineer-Sub-Lieut. E. H. Hind produced a portion of the hook which was attached to a jigger and which gave way. The hook had a flaw in it, and was brittle instead of tough. The quality of the metal could have been ascertained by putting a strain on the hook. Witness did not know whether the hooks were tested before being used; they did not come in his department. He did not know whether such fittings were supplied by the Dockyard or by a contractor. - Capt. Pelly said the hook was not the ordinary hook for awnings, but was one of the sort used in connection with torpedoes. The hook had, however, been used for this purpose in the previous commission of the Russell. - The Foreman (Mr Heath) said he had been in the engineering trade many years, and he considered it fair metal; but he would not like to have been one of ten men pulling at the hook with his back to the rail. - Lieut. MacKinnon pointed out that the hook did not give way when the men were pulling. - Surgeon N. J. Roache, R.N., said deceased had extensive fractures of the skull and of the right leg. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence had been given in a very straightforward manner. The actual cause of the accident was the hook giving way, and the point for consideration was whether there was any flaw. The engineer officer had expressed the opinion that it was bad quality metal and that there was a flaw. The Jury, who had also examined it, seemed to be practically of the same opinion - that there was a fracture in it, and had been for some little time. The Foreman thought it was fair metal, but if it was brittle instead of being tough, there was no doubt it was rather inferior. Probably the hook came from the Dockyard at some time or other, but it had been used for the same purpose in the old commission of the Russell, so that it had done its duty fairly satisfactorily for some time. Some appeared to think that as there were ten men pulling at the "jigger" there was too great a strain upon the hook, but the awning was fairly slack when secured. Another point was whether the men on the davits ought to have been secured by bowlines. Orders were given for any men working outboard to be so secured; but in standing on the davit they did not consider that they were working outboard. He understood the authorities were making inquiries to ascertain where the hook originally came from. - The Jury found that the death was purely Accidental, that it was due to the breaking of the hook, and that there was no blame attaching to anyone. They expressed their sympathy with the relatives of deceased in their sad bereavement. The Coroner joined in this expression and said the officers and men of the Russell also sincerely and deeply sympathised with them. The Jury expressed their satisfaction at the manner in which the evidence had been given.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 April 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From A Pin Scratch At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on LESLIE ALTON BRADFORD, the infant child of ALFRED GEORGE BRADFORD, able seaman, R.N., of 58 Chapel-street. - The mother said the deceased was born on September 2nd last. Three weeks ago her sister was tossing the child up and down, when a pin in her sleeve scratched his left leg. The scratch was very slight, and she took no notice of it until the following day, when it was a little inflamed. Then she took him to a chemist, who told her there was no danger. Next day she took the deceased to Dr Wilson, who attended him until he died on Thursday morning. - Dr E. J. C. Wilson said that when the child was brought to him the wound was scarcely perceptible, but was rather inflamed. It gradually grew rose until death occurred through erysipelas, caused by the wound. It was very rare for a child to die from erysipelas, but deceased developed convulsions, or he would have got well. Possibly a germ in the atmosphere fell on the wound. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 2 May 1904
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, on JAMES LAMBERT, dock labourer, aged 35, late of 1 Granby-lane, Plymouth. - Jeremy Buckley, dock labourer, 110 King-street, stated he was walking in company with deceased on Friday in Frankfort-street, when deceased complained of feeling unwell. He removed him to his lodgings, where he died about three-quarters of an hour later. Dr C. J. Cock said deceased had been an inmate of the Workhouse Infirmary from the 28th of March to the 21st of April, suffering from consumption, during which time he was tended by the doctor. He was discharged from the Workhouse at his own request. The doctor stated that the cause of death was heart failure, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Johns held an Inquest on Saturday on ELIZA SPURR, a widow. - Mary Tozer stated that deceased had been ill for some time, and was operated on for strangulated hernia. She died on Friday. - Dr G. F. Aldous said he had attended deceased and on the 20th April operated on her for strangulated hernia. She was very feeble on account of her age, and her heart was weak. Owing to a similarity in the bottles containing the turpentine and the phenol, the latter, which was intended for use as a lotion, had been injected in mistake for the former. The doctor attributed death to heart failure, accelerated by the injection of the phenol. The Jury exonerated the nurse from blame and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

MANATON - At an Inquest held at Southsands, Manaton, on Friday, on FANNY, wife of THOMAS COAKER, a labourer, Dr Laurie of Moretonhampstead, said death was due to the bursting of an abscess on the lung.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 May 1904
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Plymouth Commission Agent. Remarkable Evidence. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on JAMES HENRY HAYDON, aged 55, commission agent and fancier, 56 Regent-street, Plymouth, and known as "DICK" HAYDON. Mr Percy T. Pearce was present on behalf of deceased's relatives. - The Coroner said deceased on Saturday morning went to Chubb's Hotel, and appeared to be perfectly cheerful. Leaving the bar, he went to the lavatory and was discovered by a commercial traveller to be ill. The boots, summoned, found HAYDON in extremia. There was no doubt that the man's mind was unhinged at the time. Deceased had written a letter the same morning in pencil to his wife from Chubb's Hotel, and dated it. The following portion of it was important: - "My dear ANNIE. - I have decided to try another world. It cannot be worse than this. I am sure it will be for the best. Try and forgive me." - Thos Tubilcock, Post-office clerk, son-in-law of deceased, said on Saturday morning he saw deceased at his house at Regent-street. Deceased left home at a quarter to eleven to do business in the town. There was nothing strange about him at all. - John Tredinnick, boots, Chubb's Hotel, said he noticed deceased in the hotel at 11.30 on Saturday morning, but did not see him go to the lavatory. A few minutes after the half-hour a commercial told him there was a man in the lavatory making a terrible noise. Witness went to the lavatory and finding the door locked, got into it by climbing over the partition. There he saw deceased lying on the seat of the lavatory with his feet against the door. MR HAYDON'S head was sunk back on his shoulders, and he was making a great noise. He pulled deceased's legs on one side and opened the door. At first he thought MR HAYDON was suffering from drink and he shook him and said, "Come, get out of this, old chap." The commercial traveller remarked "The man is very bad, and you had better get assistance." He then gave information to the manageress and to the Police. In the lavatory witness found an egg cup, which he handed to the Police Constable. - P.C. John Venton said at 11.35 on Saturday morning he was called to Chubb's Hotel, and found deceased in the lavatory, living, but unconscious. Witness went for medical assistance and Dr Wilkinson came in. The doctor pronounced life extinct. In the lavatory witness found a bottle containing prussic acid, wrapped in a handkerchief, and an egg cup. - Dr Wilkinson, Beaumont-villas, stated that he found deceased in a dying state. He could not smell any prussic acid in the egg cup. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found that deceased had disease of the liver, disease of the heart and an ulcerated stomach. He could find no traces whatever of his having taken prussic acid. He attributed death to syncope. - The Coroner (pointing to the bottle of prussic acid): What do you think he had this for? - Dr Wilkinson: He might have used it for poisoning dogs. I could not find any trace of poison in him, either when I saw him alive or dead. - Then it is a case of death from natural causes? - Yes. If he had taken the poison I should have easily smelt it at the time. I was there almost at the moment. There was something in the egg cup, but it did not have the smell of prussic acid. There is no evidence in the body at all that he had taken any prussic acid. - No traces of poisoning? - None. - What do you attribute death to - syncope? - Yes; of heart failure. If he was excited, death could have been brought about. The heart of deceased was bad, but the liver was in an awful state. I never saw a liver in such a state before. - The Coroner (to the Jury): You hear what the doctor says, that there are no traces whatever of poisoning. - A Juryman: Then the verdict will be one of natural causes. - The Coroner: Then we must all be glad that it is so. But we can hardly reconcile it. - A Juryman: But why write that letter to his wife? Was the bottle covered over? - P.C. Venton: Yes; it was wrapped in this handkerchief (produced). - Dr Wilkinson: Twenty drops of this poison might kill him and not leave much trace afterwards. But I saw no trace whatever. It appears as if he had a sudden attack of syncope before taking the poison. I can only say I found no traces whatever of poison. I smelt the egg cup on the spot, and found no trace of poison in it. - A Juryman: If he had taken the poison he could not have wrapped the bottle up in the handkerchief again? - Dr Wilkinson: I should not think so. He was in such a state that any thought of committing suicide would kill him. I heard that he had gin and ginger beer to drink. This might have led to an attack of wind in the stomach and killed him, he was in such a bad condition. - The Coroner: The bottle is now more than half-full of prussic acid. - Mr Matthews (Foreman of the Jury): I have heard that when deceased was found he was foaming at the mouth. - Dr Wilkinson: Yes, he would do this with sudden failure of the heart. The appearances are much the same. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and on returning the Foreman said they were unanimously of opinion that death occurred from Natural Causes; that it was Heart Disease. - The Coroner: I think it is quite possible he went to the lavatory with the intention of committing suicide, and from the excitement, died. - The Foreman: That is what the Jury think.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 May 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - The Bull Point Tragedy. Verdict Of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. A Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Bull Point yesterday on MAJOR SAMUEL CHARLES CHETWODE TOWNSEND, R.A., Ordnance Officer, stationed at Bull Point. The Jury (Mr J. Cuddeford, Foreman) inspected the spot where the body was found on Sunday afternoon by deceased's wife, shot through the heart. - MS MARY YONGE TOWNSEND said deceased, her husband, was 33 years of age. She last saw him alive about three o'clock on Sunday afternoon. He never seemed better in health, and was in good spirits. She knew he was going shooting, and he had his gun with him. He very often went shooting near the house, and lately had shot rooks a great deal. He had told her that he had arranged with Capt. Keddie to sell the gun on the following day, and that he had a few spare shot, which he was going to fire off. He had no worries, financial or otherwise, and usually was of a very cheerful disposition. That day (Tuesday) they were to proceed to Leith, and deceased liked very much the idea of going there. their little daughter had been suffering from scarlet fever and witness also caught it and that delayed their departure ten weeks. - Lieut.-Colonel H. M. Aglin, Naval Ordnance Department, stationed at Bull Point, said deceased was a man of very cheerful disposition and there was nothing in his duties to cause him worry. He had served his time in the Army Ordnance Department and was ordered to Leith to rejoin his regiment, the Royal Artillery. He liked the idea of going to Scotland. About 3.30 p.m. on Sunday he went to Kinterbury House, deceased's residence, and was told he was in the garden. Witness went to look for him, but could not find him, and returned to the house. MRS TOWNSEND told him her husband was out with his gun, somewhere in the grounds. Witness and MRS TOWNSEND walked around the ground and garden about twenty minutes and as they saw nothing of MAJOR TOWNSEND witness returned to his own house, saying he would come next day. About five minutes afterwards TOWNSEND'S servant came and said deceased had been found in a field shot. Witness sent for Colonel Williamson, R.A.M.C., and ran to the field at once. He found deceased lying on his back in a corner of the field with his feet about 3ft. from a gap in the hedge. He appeared quite dead. His gun was leaning against the bank, muzzle downwards. MRS TOWNSEND was kneeling beside him at the time and rubbing his hands. - The Coroner: Can you tell me what you think was the cause of the occurrence? - In my opinion deceased climbed over the bank from outside the field, placing his gun on the top of the bank as he did so, with the muzzle to the front. After getting over he probably turned round and took hold of the gun by the barrel with his left hand, and, drawing it towards him, I think the trigger caught in the brambles on top of the bank and so fired the gun. He then fell backwards and the gun fell into the position in which it was found. That appears to be the most reasonable explanation. That would bring the muzzle in the region of the heart. He is the last man I should expect to commit suicide. There was a mark in the hedge showing that someone had gone over. Deceased was in the habit of going about with his gun, shooting rooks and rats. His pipe was lying at the left side of his head on the ground, as if it had fallen from his mouth when he fell. - Assuming for a moment that he had committed suicide, do you think the gun and the body would have been found in the position they were? - I think it would be absolutely impossible. - Annie Leyman, domestic servant at Kinterbury House, said deceased was of a very cheerful disposition and had been very happy during the last few days. So far as she knew he lived a happy domestic life and had no worries. - Lieut. -Colonel J. C. Williamson, R.A.M.C., (retired), in medical charge of the troops at Bull Point, said when he was called to deceased on Sunday afternoon he was quite dead. A post-mortem examination showed that the cause of death was a perforation of the right ventricle of the heart and distension of the pericardium. The wound was between the fifth and sixth ribs. Death was instantaneous. He had a strong opinion that it was a case of accidental shooting. If it had been a case of suicide, deceased would, in witness's opinion, have been found still grasping the gun, or the weapon would have been found nearer the body. The waist-coat was singed to the right of the watch-pocket, showing that the rifle must have been close to the body. If the gun had been caught hold of by deceased, as colonel Aplin suggested, it would be near the body. If deceased had been leaning against the muzzle of the gun, with the butt end against the hedger, witness would have expected him to fall forward. The bullet went in fairly straight and the position of the wound was such as to make it feasible that it was caused by the gun being fired as suggested by Colonel Aplin. Deceased was of a very cheerful disposition. - The Foreman considered the distance of the gun from the body was opposed to any idea of suicide. - A Juryman: A man who was going to commit suicide would not have his pipe in his mouth. - P.S. H. Wallis said in the corner of the field he found the rifle with the stock upwards and the muzzle downwards. In the upper barrel was an empty cartridge. In the left-hand pocket of deceased's coat he found eleven full cartridges similar to the empty one found in the rifle. He had discovered no writing bearing on the occurrence. - The Coroner, summing up, said there was ample proof that deceased was in the habit of shooting rooks. Colonel Aplin's theory would appear to be as accurate a description of what occurred as they could have. The Jury had seen the hedge and the brambles it contained, and they had in the theory the foundation for a verdict of "Accidental Death." They had nothing to found a verdict of suicide upon: all the facts warranted a verdict of "Accidental Death." If it were proved that deceased had any worry of any kind, domestic, or financial, or that his appointment was one that he did not like, and that he was leaving friends there and going a long distance away where he would not be known, or if there were any cause for friction in connection with his military duties, they might think it was probably a case of suicide, but there was absolutely no evidence suggesting that it was a case of suicide. The eleven full cartridges found on deceased showed that he was on a little shooting expedition around the house. If he had intended to shoot himself one cartridge would be sufficient. Whatever their verdict they must greatly sympathise with MRS TOWNSEND in her very sad bereavement. It was particularly sad that an officer of distinction, only 33 years of age, who held the brevet rank of major, and was likely to succeed in the service of his Majesty, should have lost his life in this very shocking way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed deep sympathy with MRS TOWNSEND and the relatives of the family. - The funeral, with full military honours, will take place at St Budeaux Church this afternoon, the cortege leaving the house at four o'clock.

PLYMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on ERNEST JAMES BOON, aged one year and seven months, the son of JAMES BOON, dock labourer, 2 Milton-place. - The mother explained that on Saturday night, between eight and nine o'clock, she was coming downstairs after visiting a friend at 21 Richmond-street, with one child in her arms and leading another. Halfway downstairs she stumbled and fell. There was a stone passage at the bottom and the baby's head struck the ground violently. She at once took it to Dr Wagner. - Dr Richard Wagner stated that the child died from fracture of the skull and haemorrhage of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A Moreton Suicide. - At Moretonhampstead yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on RICHARD HILL, butcher. - ALBERT HILL, of Bridford, said the deceased, his brother, came to his house on Sunday, and did not seem to be able t talk collectedly, but he did not suggest committing suicide. - Mark Loram, haulier, said on Monday he saw deceased in the middle of the Sentry Field in a stooping position, with his hands up to his throat and covered with blood. He told a companion to hold deceased while he went for the Police. Deceased had in his hand a piece of a broken medicine bottle, with which he had been tearing his throat. - P.S. H. Thomas said on being called, he bound up deceased's wounds and compressed the artery until a doctor arrived. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said deceased had been drinking heavily for the past six months, but had not given any trouble. - Edward Norrish, landlord of the Ring of Bells, said deceased had lodged with him since Thursday last. He told witness on Saturday he would not drink any more. He was excited and worried, but used no threats. - BESSIE HILL, sister of deceased, said her brother six months ago compounded with his creditors and closed the shop. - Mr Robert Sutherland, Surgeon, said it was possible the wounds were inflicted by the bottle he himself supplied to deceased with medicine the same morning. no man could have caused the wounds unless in a state of frenzy. - RICHARD HILL, deceased's father, said a sister of deceased had to be sent to an asylum about eleven years ago, but was not better. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 May 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest on the nine-months-old son of a labourer named NEALL employed at Keyham Extension Works, held at Devonport yesterday, Dr McCulloch said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to meningitis.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on KARL FRULING, aged 25, a German. Deceased was a fireman on board the s.s. Cornbark, to which vessel Dr C. G. Cooke went on Friday last and found him apparently suffering from kidney disease. he was landed and died on his removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Dr Ernest Wethered, House Surgeon, said death was due to acute inflammation of the kidneys. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 May 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death Of A Petty Officer. A Fatal Dance. - At the Royal Naval Barracks, Stonehouse, yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, on THOS. H. REYNOLDS, petty officer, 2nd class, which occurred suddenly on board the Hood, at Devonport, on the 10th inst. - JAMES REYNOLDS, bookbinder, 62 Great Percy-street, London, said the deceased was his brother. When he was home on leave at Easter he seemed to be in good health and there was no suspicion of heart disease. - A. B. John Butcher, of the Hood, said the deceased, with others, was on Tuesday evening on the deck, where a dance was being held. The deceased had finished dancing about two or three minutes, and was about to light his pipe, when he fell to the deck. He had taken nothing during the evening except a little coffee. It was thought he had fainted, and the surgeon was sent for. - Fleet-Surgeon Anthony Kidd, of the Hood, said he was called to see the deceased, and found life extinct. He had made a post-mortem examination and considered that death was due to valvular disease of the heart, accelerated by the exertion of dancing. Deceased had never been placed on the sick list. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 May 1904
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday on WILLIAM LAWDEN, aged 55, a watercress vendor, 2 Lower Batter-street, Plymouth, the medical evidence showed that death was due to Apoplexy.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest yesterday on OLIVE H. M. RIPPIN, 4 years, the father, THOMAS H. RIPPIN, employed at the Gunwharf, and living at 40 Johnston-terrace, stated that the child was in good health until Friday. She became feverish, and was given a cooling powder from a chemists. Early in Monday morning there was a change for the worse and witness was about to go for a doctor when she died in her mother's arms. Dr M. A. Kirton said death was due to double pneumonia. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 20 May 1904
ASHBURTON - At Ashburton yesterday Mr S. Hacker and a Jury (Mr Baker, Foreman) held an Inquest on ELIZABETH COURTIER, 77, widow of a Widecombe farmer, who had lived alone for 12 years and who had not received medical attendance. Dr Wilcox, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased had cancer in the stomach and extensive dropsy, but was possibly not aware of it. Death was due to pressure of fluid on the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Epileptic's Sad Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) yesterday held an inquest on GEORGE WEBB, a naval pensioner, of 19 Hamilton-street, Keyham. - Jane Moon said deceased was her brother. During the last six months he had suffered from epilepsy. Sarah Easterbrook, with whom he had lodged since last November, said he had only had one fit before April 18th. On that day she heard him screaming and went to his room, where she found he was in flames. She threw a rug over him and then tried to take his coat off, as it was burning. Mr McCulloch ordered his removal to the Royal Albert Hospital. P.C. Palmer, who lived next door said he went into the house on hearing the confusion and found several people trying to hold deceased on the bed. He was very badly burnt about the right shoulder and head. The fire was not a very large one and was in an ordinary open grate. Deceased told him he was standing by the table and must have been taken with a fit and fallen into the fire. - Dr Shields, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased had severe burns on the head and right shoulder. He was quite conscious and his case was not hopeless. He died from exhaustion caused by the burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

BIDEFORD - Body Found On Bideford Bridge. - Early yesterday morning P.C. Wyatt was walking over Bideford Bridge, when his attention was drawn by men fishing by the bridge, to the body of a man lying face upwards on the buttress of one of the centre arches. Subsequently, after inquiries had been made, it was found to be the body of HENRY RATTENBURY, of Annery Cottage, Monkleigh. P.C. Summers, in making investigations met MR RATTENBURY'S uncle and aunt and a friend, searching for the deceased. The uncle produced a stick belonging to the deceased, which he had found in the mud near the Iron Bridge. Deceased on leaving home the previous evening informed his wife that he was going to an entertainment at the Music-hall, and would be home about a quarter-past eleven. His watch had stopped at eight minutes past ten. There is no evidence to show how deceased got into the water, nor were there any external marks of violence found on the body. An Inquest was held later in the day, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 May 1904
EGG BUCKLAND - The Crownhill Tragedy. A Remarkable Case. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Crownhill Barracks yesterday on LANCE-CORPORAL COLIN MACRAE, aged about 20, 1st Border Regiment, a native of Glasgow. The Coroner fined a Juryman who did not put in an appearance 20s. - Corporal T. Knowles, 1st Border Regiment said: I went to the corporals' day-room at the barracks about 3.30 p.m. on Saturday. Deceased was there talking to several others. I went to sleep and awoke about 4.25 and saw deceased and Corporal Hargadon talking together. I went out and on returning saw Corporal Hargadon leaving. I then sat on a chair in a corner of the room and while dozing heard a report. Jumping up, I saw deceased on a chair near the fireplace in a doubled-up posture. There was a rifle on his right side, with the muzzle on the fender. A piece of string was on the floor. Before fetching the doctor I asked deceased why he did it, and he muttered something I could not understand. I had noticed nothing strange in deceased's manner. He was of a very cheerful disposition and friendly with everybody. So far as I know deceased had no worry. I cannot say where deceased got the ball cartridge. We are not allowed to keep ammunition. It is only served out on the range and collected afterwards. The regulations were rigidly enforced and it is not easy to secrete a cartridge. - Colonel G. H. Ovens, C.B., in command of the regiment, remarked that the sad occurrence had caused the greatest surprise, as the deceased was a cheerful man, and had very good prospects. - Lieut. E. H. Lees, said the last time deceased fired was at a voluntary practice at Tregantle, on April 23rd, and he must have then retained one of the cartridges. Every precaution was taken, but it was possible for a man to slip a cartridge into his pocket. - Corporal John Hargadon, 1st Border Regt., said: I was in the corporals' day-room with deceased from 4 to 4.30 p.m. when I left. There was nothing in deceased's manner to indicate intention to commit suicide. Corporals did not keep their rifles in their rooms, and I did not notice deceased's rifle there. - Lieut. Lees said deceased had his rifle because he had put down his name to go to Tregantle for voluntary practice that day. - Corporal Hargadon said deceased did not tell him why he did not go to Tregantle. - Lieut. Lees, in reply to the Coroner, said if a man put his name down for voluntary practice and did not go, his company would be charged the cost of transport. - Corporal Hargadon said, so far as he was aware, deceased had no worry. He had never seen deceased with a girl, and had no reason to suppose that he had love troubles. Deceased was a very steady man. - Dr T. Olver, said he was called to the barracks about 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and saw deceased, who was then quite dead, with a bullet wound just above the right ear. The bullet went through the brain and out at the back of the skull. The wound of exit was much larger than that over the ear. Deceased had only the right boot on. That indicated that deceased fired the rifle with his toe and the piece of string produced. The wound was self-inflicted. The bullet entered the ceiling just above deceased's head. There were marks of burning where the bullet entered the head. It was probably a case of sudden impulse. No sane person would commit suicide. - The Coroner: That is a debatable theory, but I lean rather to your view. - Private H. Barber said when he discovered the deceased the string was lying across the rifle. - Lieut. Lees repeated on oath the statement he had previously made as to deceased's having sent in his name for voluntary shooting and added that deceased was advised that the breaks would start at noon, but he was not there when the breaks left. The fact that deceased's rifle and great coat were found in the corporals' day-room showed that he took them to that room for the purpose of going in one of the breaks. His having absented himself might on reflection have caused him worry. Deceased always seemed a bright, willing man. In the large number of letters produced there was nothing to lead one to believe that he intended to commit suicide. They threw no light whatever on this sad affair. The cartridge found in the rifle might have been obtained from the magazine or from a private firm. - Among the letters produced was one dated April 10th, which deceased had commenced to write to his mother, but had not completed. In this the deceased stated that there had been a change since he last wrote and that he had extended his service to eight years with the colours. The letter proceeded: "I think I have not done wrong. The pay under the new scheme is just as much as I would have in my pocket in civilian life, and, perhaps, more, and it is clear money. I have no worry about clothes, food and lodging. Of course, the army has its bad side, but it has also a good; and it is best to look at both sides of the question. The second change is that I am back to pen-pushing again. A fortnight ago I got the chance of two appointments - clerk to the quartermaster, or go into the orderly-room, and I chose the latter, because the finest job a fellow could have in a regiment is to be a clerk in the orderly-room. We do no soldiering or rough work, having a gentleman's life of it. Everything goes smoothly and everybody employed in the room has some rank, and all the fellows are gentlemanly, and to some extent educated, or they could not get there." - The Coroner said there was nothing in the letter to indicate that deceased contemplated suicide. Everything seemed to be very satisfactory as far as he was concerned. Deceased appeared to have been an educated, intelligent and well-informed young fellow. The case was a very sad one indeed, and the colonel had stated that deceased was a promising young soldier, and had an opportunity of doing well in his regiment. The fact that deceased absented himself from voluntary firing practice might account, to some extent, for the rash act. No doubt that or some other worry caused temporary insanity. At this point the Coroner said he had just been informed that there was further evidence, which might throw light on the case. - Pt. A. Constable said on 10th instant he walked with deceased to Tamerton, where he left him. He afterwards met deceased coming out of Tamerton Churchyard crying. Deceased had had some beer, but was sober. Asked what was the matter, deceased said, "You go away; I shall be all right. I shan't be here for long. I shall get this money from this chum of mine and then I shall 'do myself in.'" Deceased asked a friend for 30s. and received the money last Thursday. During the past fortnight deceased had appeared to have altered altogether and had hardly spoken to him. Deceased had not been drinking much lately. All witness could get out of him was that he could not forget his people at home. - The Coroner said deceased was evidently very much worried about something. - The Jury found that deceased shot himself while Temporarily Insane.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 May 1904
DAWLISH - WILLIAM J. BRIDGMAN, aged 62, who had been in the employ of Mr C. W. Hamerton, Starcross for 20 years, was on Monday morning sent to cut pea-sticks. As he did not go home to dinner or bring in the milk, a search was made, and he was found quite dead near where he had been working. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Lipscombe attributed death to heart disease. The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

PLYMOUTH - MRS ELLEN WESTCOTT, aged 68, the wife of MR W. WESTCOTT, teacher of dancing, 6 Princess-place, Plymouth, complained of feeling unwell on Saturday morning and becoming worse in the afternoon, Dr Cooke was sent for, but she died before his arrival. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Cooke stated he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to chronic consumption, which reached its climax in heart failure. A son of deceased, a doctor, said he regarded the case as hopeless, and Dr Cooke agreed. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Exeter Child's Death. - An adjourned Inquest was held last evening at Exeter on FRANCIS LEWIS HOWARD, aged two years, son of a boot and shoemaker, who was taken fatally ill at a Salvation Army service on Sunday week, after having been given a sweet, which it was supposed choked the child. - Mr T. tickle, city analyst, said he had made an analysis and could find nothing to account for the child's death. - Wm. Payne, porter at the Hospital, said from five to seven minutes elapsed after the child arrived at the Institution before the House Surgeon arrived. The child was apparently dead when brought in. - Mr P. H. Stirk, House Surgeon, said he could only conclude from the post-mortem and analysis that the child died from heart failure, induced by feebleness and the presence of a large and injudicious meal in the stomach. The Jury found that the child died from Natural Causes on its way to the Hospital, and attached no blame to the staff.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 May 1904
DAWLISH - At the Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on ARTHUR BROOKS, labourer, aged 24, who died in Queen-street suddenly on Tuesday, the mother said he had had rheumatic fever four times. Dr C. N. Lovely said deceased had extensive valvular disease and an enlarged heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 May 1904
KINGSWEAR - The Kingswear Suicide. - At Kingswear on Saturday an Inquest was held on JAMES KEELEY, caretaker, Kingswear Cemetery, aged 58. MRS KEELEY stated that her husband had of late been depressed about his work. Just before going out on Friday afternoon he told her he had heard from the Stationmaster that he was to have his pass, and that he would take her to Penzance. Just afterwards - about half-past three - she found him hanging in the mortuary. His feet were on the ground, and he was in a semi-kneeling position. She was too frightened to cut him down and rushed away screaming for help. - C. tucker, postman, said he cut the deceased down. - Dr W. B. Kendall said death was due to dislocation of the neck. After fastening the rope deceased must have jumped off the slab on which bodies were placed. He was a very heavy man and the drop would be considerable. Deceased had of late been very quiet and worried in appearance. Deceased was also water bailiff, and had charge of the roads as well. Possibly at times he would find the work too much for him. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN CONNER FRIEND, two years and ten months old, son of FRANK FRIEND, labourer, 6 Tamar-wharf. The mother said she went out to work on Friday afternoon and on returning home found that the child had been drowned in the canal. She believed he must have gone down the steps and taken hold of her husband's boat. She had five children and her husband had done no work for three weeks. - FRANK FRIEND, aged ten, said that on going down the steps he saw his brother in the water. - John Mitchell, labourer, 18 John-street, said that, hearing a girl call out "Boy overboard," he ran to the steps, jumped into a boat and lifted the boy out of the water, which was ten to twelve feet deep. The child's head was just under the water, face downwards. - P.C. Lucas performed artificial respiration for twenty minutes without effect, and Dr T. R. Rolston, who was fetched, pronounced life extinct. - The Coroner remarked that, seeing how many children played about near the water, it was a wonder that more were not drowned, but, fortunately, the cases were few and far between. - Verdict, "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Seaman's Death At Devonport. Eighteen Epileptic Fits In One Day. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on JOHN COLLINGS, aged 30, seaman, R.N. Barracks, who lived at Torpoint. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty. - WILLIAM S. COLLINGS, able seaman, R.N., said he had known deceased (his brother) to have a fit on one occasion. - Chief Stoker T. Bowdler, R.N. Barracks, said on Sunday afternoon he and deceased were leaving the Temeraire on a steam launch, when he noticed a peculiar expression on deceased's face. Witness spoke to deceased, but received no reply. Deceased rose, and after making a complete turn fell on the gunwale of the boat. Deceased was evidently in a fit. The launch was run alongside the battleship Hood and deceased was taken on board. - Fleet-Surgeon A. Ridd, of H.M.S. Hood, said he had deceased removed to the sick bay and placed in bed. An attempt was made to give him medicine, but without success, and the medicine was administered hypodermically. Deceased had 18 fits in succession and died about 9.20 p.m. A post-mortem examination showed that the brain was very much congested. The heart was normal, but the liver was enlarged. Death was due to exhaustion following epilepsy. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 June 1904
ST BUDEAUX - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Honicknowle yesterday on MRS CAROLINE DENNIS, aged 62, a shopkeeper, widow of a naval pensioner, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. On Tuesday morning Mrs Amanda Welsh, deceased's daughter, was in her mother's house when deceased was called to the shop. Soon after her little girl called to her and said her grandmother had fallen. Mrs Welsh did all she could for her mother, but she died in a few minutes. The old lady seemed in good health shortly before her death. Dr T. Olver, of Crownhill, attributed death to heart disease, accelerated by excessive stoutness.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 June 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at 28 Well-street, Plymouth, yesterday on WINIFRED PALMER, aged eighteen months. Dr J. Steele Pearse, of Union-street, attributed death to pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 6 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on MINNIE HELENA WILLIAMS, of 53 Admiralty-street, Keyham. - Her father, JOHN H. WILLIAMS, a shipwright, stated that she was playing in the street on 27th ult., when she fell into a gateway. She took no notice of it, but continued her play. On the next day she was a little lame, but her mother could find no bruise anywhere. On the 29th she became delirious and he at once went for a doctor. - Dr M. A. Kirton said he found deceased suffering from slight peritonitis and also complaining of injury to the hip. She progressed satisfactorily until Thursday, when her condition was such that would necessitate an operation if no improvement took place. On Friday he heard she was dead. He found that an abscess had formed on the hip joint, causing blood poisoning, death resulting.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 June 1904
EGG BUCKLAND - An Egg Buckland Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Coleridge Farm, Egg Buckland, yesterday, by Mr R. R. Rodd, on JERRY WILLIAMS, a labourer, aged 21. - ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, the widowed mother of deceased, said he left his home in Cornwall for Plymouth last Christmas, and had been employed for the last six weeks at Coleridge Farm. He purchased a bicycle at St. Columb Major a few months ago, and rode to Bodmin, where he enlisted in the Army Service Corps, from which, after a brief period, he was discharged as medically unfit. While serving he sold his bicycle for £2. The bicycle was purchased by him on the instalment system, and it was not fully paid for. The only trace of madness in the family was in the case of her eldest son, who was confined for some time in Bodmin Asylum suffering from religious mania. - Peter Hannaford, of Coleridge Farm, said deceased was of good character and sober habits, but reserved. he went to his bedroom on Tuesday last at 5 a.m. to rouse him. Finding him unconscious he sent for a doctor. - Police Sergt. T. Hawkins, Crownhill, said on Tuesday last the deceased, who was in custody on a charge of attempted suicide, told him that in Plymouth on the Saturday night he bought a 3d. bottle of rat poison. He took some that night, more on the Sunday and the remainder the same evening while coming through the pathfields, between 9 and 10 p.m. He did not know why he did it and hoped he would recover. A note found by his beside was pencil-written, unintelligible, and disconnected. P.C. John Luscombe said deceased on Wednesday last asked him to take a note from his pocket relating to a bicycle. Witness had previously read the note. It threatened to place the matter in the hands of the Police unless deceased gave the name of the man to whom he sold the bicycle. - Dr Thomas Olver said death, which occurred on Saturday, was due to phosphoric poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Extension Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES LUXON, 33, of 27 Fleet-street, Keyham, a carpenter, employed at Keyham Extension Works. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented Sir John Jackson (Limited), the contractors. - Frederick Morris, 24 Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, labourer, employed at Keyham Extension Works, said on June 1st he was on the middle scaffold of the outside quay wall and deceased was on top of the wall. they were approaching each other. Looking up he saw deceased falling over the wall, a crane moving at the same time. He subsequently found deceased lying against the wall unconscious. - Frederick Leyman, crane attendant, said the crane was about to be turned round to take in water. Before he gave the order he saw that the way was clear, and he could give no explanation how the deceased got in the way of the crane. - Francis Sloman, foreman at the Extension Works, said deceased was fitting in the horizontal pieces of fendering in the sea wall just before the accident. The crane was six feet from the edge of the wall, and deceased was working three feet from the wall. - Mr Goldsmith: Might he have moved a little further on and got out of the way of the crane, and then remembering Morris have taken a step backwards? - I think he might have made a step towards Morris, and the crane then went round, the tail part of it hitting him. - Dr H. M. Major, Assistant House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was never able to answer any questions and died on Monday morning. Death was due to exhaustion consequent upon meningitis, due to the injuries. - The Coroner said probably the man, remembering Morris, rushed across to him, and thus got in the way of the crane. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - An Inquest at Torquay on ANN HELMORE, aged 69, wife of a labourer, who died on Sunday evening after a fall in the morning, and whose death was due to heart disease, it was stated that deceased was the mother of 19 children.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on EDWARD B. RAWLINSON, an army pensioner, of 33 Well-street, who was found dead in bed on Monday, Dr Pearse attributed death to heart disease of long standing and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Home. - An Inquest was held at Devonport Workhouse yesterday on WILLIAM ROWE. - Mr C. F. Bosworthick, relieving officer, said on receiving a message from the Sanitary Authority on Monday, he went to 11 Fort-street, where he saw the man in a naked condition. Dr Ryan at once ordered the man's removal to the Workhouse. The room deceased occupied was in the basement and in a very dirty condition. The mattress was rotten, and there was a bundle of rages in the room. Mr Whenmouth, Master, said every care and attention was given the man, but he died on Tuesday evening. - Dr J. C. Sandford attributed death to an abscess of the kidneys and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 June 1904
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday, on LETITIA IRENE CHAPPELL, aged two years, daughter of HENRY CHAPPELL, carriage gleaner, London and South-Western Railway, of 3 Armada-cottages, Richmond-street, Plymouth, the mother said the child was poorly on Wednesday last with a cold, and died before the doctor could arrive on the following morning. Dr Aikman, who had made a post-mortem examination said pneumonia was the cause of death.

TAVISTOCK - Fatal Fall At Tavistock. - An Inquest was held at Rowden Farm, Tavistock, yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, on JOHN WILLIAMS, retired builder, aged 62, late of Plymouth. - Dr T. E. Smyth of Tavistock, said deceased's spine, chest bone and four ribs on the left side were fractured, penetrating the lung. The tongue was bitten through, which might be accounted for by a fit. - William J. Waldron, builder, Stonehouse, said deceased, his father-in-law, was subject to epileptic fits frequently two years ago. - George Medland, of Rowden Farm, stated that deceased, a friend of his, was on a visit to him and assisting in erecting a hay shed. Deceased started work at 6.30 a.m. on Wednesday and about 2.40 witness left him to attend to his farm work. Deceased had complained of his head on the previous evening, after reading a good deal. - Jane A. Cudlipp, servant, stated that she heard groans and found the deceased at the foot of the ladder. she lifted up his head, but he did not speak. - The Coroner said no doubt deceased while on the ladder was seized with an epileptic fit. He had known the deceased all his life. He was always a law-abiding citizen, and, as Mr Medland had said, a true friend. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and joined the Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held in Devonport Dockyard yesterday on JOHN EASTON, of 16 Kent-road, Ford, aged 54, a labourer in the painters' shop at the Dockyard. The widow said he had recently complained of pains in his chest. Albert E. Watson, a skilled labourer, said when leaving work on Monday he saw deceased between the Admiral's Steps and the clock with his hands resting on the wall, looking into the yard below. Witness spoke to deceased, when he staggered and fell. Staff-Surgeon W. R. Trythall, R.N., said deceased died two or three minutes after he was taken to the surgery. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope from congestion of the lungs and heart disease of long standing. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 June 1904
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Leap At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on JOSIAH S. WILLIAMS, merchant seaman, who leaped from the parapet of a house on Monday and died as the result of his injuries. - GEORGE FREDERICK WILLIAMS, licensed victualler, Grenville Hotel, Plymouth, stated that deceased, his brother, 46 years of age, had been drinking heavily for some time past and as a result was charged before the Plymouth Magistrates on Monday with being a wandering lunatic. At that time Dr Wolferstan gave evidence to the effect that deceased's conduct was entirely due to drink and not to insanity, and the Magistrates handed him over to witness on the understanding that he would look after him. Having business to attend to, witness handed deceased over to his sister on leaving the court. - Mrs Constance Burns, 83 Treville-street, deposed to receiving deceased from the last witness. He went home with her and had a cup of cocoa. He seemed very strange and having drunk the cocoa ran to the top of the house, followed by witness. He opened the window and got out on to the parapet, from which he leaped into the street. - P.C. Venton deposed being on duty at the top of Treville-street, and seeing the man leap from the parapet. He was conveyed on an ambulance to the Hospital. - Dr Day, House Surgeon, said that several of deceased's ribs were fractured and portions of these had ruptured his lungs. He died about two hours after admission to the Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

MEAVY - MRS SUSANNA NORTHMORE, of Higher Loveton, Meavy, aged 58, attended Plymouth Market on Saturday and seemed in good health. When her husband awoke on Monday morning he heard her making a gurgling sound and she died within five minutes. She had always been in good health and had not had medical advice for 17 years. She had complained a little lately of spasms in the left side. Dr H. S. Liddell, who had made a post-mortem examination, found death to be due to fatty degeneration of the heart of considerable standing. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 June 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Motor Car Fatality At Stonehouse. Verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on VIOLET KATE GRIFFITHS, aged 4 years, the daughter of SERGT. EDWARD JOHN GRIFFITHS, R.M.L.I., of 7 Valletort-place, High-street, Stonehouse. Mr H. Greenway represented Mr H. W. Hutchinson, of Stoke. - MRS GRIFFITHS said deceased left home about 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, and about 11.45 a.m. a neighbour brought her home and said she had been run over by a motor car. Deceased had several cuts and bruises and was crying. Mr Hutchinson came and said she was to send for medical aid at once. She sent for Dr Waterfield, who was out at the time, but came about 2.30. Dr Waterfield told her to tell the Police that deceased had had a tremendous blow, but that no bones were broken, and that witness was to apply the lotion and lint as often as possible. Deceased slept all the afternoon and seemed cheerful up to 11 p.m. After that she began to scream as if she had pains in her head and ear. She was troublesome until about six o'clock next morning, when she went to sleep. She got up about 8.15 and left deceased in bed apparently asleep. At nine o'clock she found her lying on her face, and on lifting her witness saw that it was not a natural sleep. Witness sent at once for Dr Waterfield, who told her to continue to apply the lint and lotion, that she had compression of the brain, and that she was to be allowed to sleep as long as she could. On coming home at noon, her husband said she was worse than they thought and went for Dr Waterfield, and, as he was not at home, called for Dr Leah, who was on the spot in five minutes. Dr Leah said the child had a clot of blood on the brain, and that it would have to be removed. Shortly afterwards witness took her to the Hospital in a cab. Deceased was in the habit of going out alone. - John Paschoe, Trinity Pilot, Turnchapel, said he was at the corner of Brownlow-street, in Union-street, about 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, when there was a lot of traffic. A motor car coming from Plymouth blew his horn, and a little girl in the roadway made a dart across the street and ran right in front of the car, which knocked her down. The car was nearly stopped when the child was struck. The wheels did not go over her. Witness picked her up in a state of collapse. the car was going at a very moderate pace - about five miles an hour - and no blame attached to those in the car. - Thomas Reeve said deceased went across the street in front of an advertising trolley, and ran in front of the motor car. The car could not have been brought up more quickly. It was not travelling at more than four miles an hour and no blame attached to the driver. - Henry W. Hutchinson, consulting engineer, Wingfield, Stoke, said he was driving the steam motor car, and as there was a lot of traffic he blew the horn nearly all the way down the street. Witness noticed an advertisement trolley and a brewer's dray coming towards him. Just as the trolley got level with him, a little girl ran from behind the trolley and was apparently looking at the dray. When witness first saw her she was about two feet from the car. He did his best to pull up the car, but the condenser struck or pushed her. Nothing else touched her. At the outside witness was not travelling at more than five miles an hour. - SERGT. GRIFFITHS, in reply to the Coroner, said he did not wish any questions to be put to Mr Hutchinson. He was quite satisfied. - Dr O. Shields, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on Sunday afternoon. there were signs of compression of the brain. the operation of trepanning was performed on her within an hour of her admission by Mr T. N. Leah and Dr Rider. She was in a very serious state and was unconscious and paralysed on the left side. Two hours after the operation she recovered consciousness and was better on Monday morning, but died at 10.30 p.m. An examination of the head showed a fracture of the base of the skull. Death was due to haemorrhage on the outer surface of the brain. The symptoms when deceased was admitted to the Hospital were due to a clot of blood on the brain. - In reply to Dr Waterfield, Dr shields said the fracture of the base of the skull was not diagnosed until after death. - Dr Waterfield said there were no signs of a fracture when he saw the child. - MRS GRIFFITHS desired to state that the doctors and nurses at the Hospital had been most kind to her child. - The Coroner: I am glad to hear you say that. It is the usual experience to find in this Hospital that all the officials are most kind to those with whom they are brought into contact as patients. - In summing up, the Coroner said no blame could be attached to Mr Hutchinson. It was essential at such a time to take great care of young children, but MRS GRIFFITHS had no idea that the child was going into Union-street, and no possible blame was attaching to her. - Dr Waterfield said Mr Hutchinson called on him and told him to spare no expense. It was his (Dr Waterfield's) intention to bring Mr Whipple and see if it was necessary to perform an operation, but he found the child had been removed to the Hospital. - SERGT. GRIFFITHS: I don't wish to suggest negligence. I saw at once that the case was serious. Dr Waterfield did not come up until seven o'clock on Sunday night. - The Coroner: Doctors are very busy men, and cannot always come when wanted. - Dr Waterfield: A doctor's time is not his own. I was attending a case that had been brought to the Hospital. A doctor cannot always be at home. - SERGT. GRIFFITHS: Did you consult Mr Whipple? - Dr Waterfield: I hadn't time. - The Coroner (to SERGT. GRIFFITHS): I understood you did not wish to make any charge against Dr Waterfield? - SERGT. GRIFFITHS: No. - Mr Greenway said Mr Hutchinson was greatly pained at the accident, of which he was the innocent cause, but what pained him more than anything else was a statement that appeared in a newspaper on Saturday evening, that after the accident the driver drove on and took no notice of it. That was a cruel thing, and absolutely contrary to fact. Mr Hutchinson stopped the car, found out where the child lived, visited her and called on the doctor next day and gave him carte blanche to spare no expense. In every possible way he showed his sympathy, and wished to carry his sympathy to the further practical extent by paying the funeral expenses. - The Coroner: There can be no doubt Mr Hutchinson behaved in a most gentlemanly manner. - SERGT. GRIFFITHS: I am quite satisfied with regard to Mr Hutchinson, but not quite satisfied with regard to Dr Waterfield. - Dr Waterfield: If there is going to be any reflection upon me, this will open a very large case, because there is a reason why the child was removed to the Hospital, and I should like to be represented by Mr Percy Pearse. - The Coroner: Wait and see whether the Jury cast any reflection upon you. - A Juryman considered that the matter between Dr Waterfield and the father was outside the province of the Jury. - The Foreman: We ought to exonerate Mr Hutchinson, and recognise the kind way in which he acted. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 June 1904
PLYMOUTH - The seven-weeks-old daughter of HILDA A. FLOWER, of 5 Octagon-street, Plymouth, was found by its aunt, Sophia Gilbert, dead in bed by its mother's side on Saturday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Burke said the child, which seemed to have been well taken care of, had been overlain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 July 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Drowned In Stonehouse Pool. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH CLIFT, aged 50, of 36 Cecil-street, Plymouth. - James H. Thomas, armourer, R.N., of 2 Alfred-road, Ford, said deceased, his uncle, was a butler. His last place of service was at Argyle Hall, Torquay. Deceased told witness he left Torquay through the death of his employer, and that he came to the Three Towns in search of employment. He was a native of Mylor Bridge, Cornwall. Witness last saw him alive about a fortnight ago, when he was very cheerful and apparently in good health and stated that he would like to remain in the district if he could get a situation. Since witness last saw him deceased came to his house and asked his (witness's) wife to lend him half a crown, stating that he was expecting a letter containing money. Witness's wife gave him 5s. - Mary Ann Bluett, 36 Cecil-street, Plymouth, said seven weeks ago deceased took a furnished room. He was very cheerful and showed no signs of depression or ill-health. He paid rent for the first two weeks, and afterwards stated that he was expecting a letter with money. He received a letter on Sunday, 26th ult., and said he would receive another on the following Tuesday, but none arrived. He came home about 6.30 p.m. on Friday and while in the court witness noticed that the blind of his room was drawn. About 8 p.m. he left the house wearing his overcoat. Next morning, as deceased did not ask for shaving water, witness's mother knocked at the door of his room, and, as she received no answer, entered the room and found that deceased was not there. Deceased was of temperate habits, and was generally in bed by 10.30 p.m. - Charles Marks, labourer, 48 Pembroke-street, said at Richmond Walk on Saturday he saw the body in the water and brought it ashore. - Detective-Sergeant W. Rundle said deceased was fully dressed and wearing kid gloves. On the body were a silver watch, which had stopped at 9.15, a pair of spectacles, six keys and a farthing. In deceased's room were several letters referring to situations as well as a number of characters, all very good and one of eleven years' standing. He found no money in the room. A lot of paper had been burnt in the room. - Dr F. E. Row, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said the circumstances pointed to suicide. Deceased was out of employment and owing rent, and money he expected did not come. It was very sad that at his time of life, having lost his employment through the death of his employer, he could not get a situation; but it was so nowadays. If a man at 50 years of age lost his situation he found it difficult to get another. It was possible that while taking a walk along the water side he fell into the water. The safe verdict would be that deceased was found drowned, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how he came into the water. - Verdict, "Found Drowned." - Mr Thomas undertook to bear the expenses of the funeral.

PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday an Inquest was held on JAMES JOHNSON, army pensioner, aged 64, of Higher Battery-street. According to the evidence of Mrs E. J. Mitchell, deceased was walking downstairs to his room in April last, slipped and sustained injuries to his thigh. Dr E. Brownlow, who attended him until Friday last, when he died, stated that death resulted from the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 July 1904
PLYMOUTH - Child's Death At Plymouth. Mother Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JESSIE JOHNS, aged six weeks. - ROSA JOHNS, a widow, 28 Buckwell-street, stated that the deceased, her child, had been sickly since birth. On Saturday last it was seized with a fit and died. It had not been attended medically since birth. - Dr John Round, of 57 Ebrington-street, stated that deceased died before his arrival. A post-mortem examination showed that the child was of a very weak constitution. There was little food in the stomach. Deceased had not been well nourished and had been, to a certain extent, neglected. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and added a rider censuring the mother. The Coroner administered a caution to her.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Ford yesterday, at an Inquest on FREDERICK HANNAM, the three-days-old son of GEORGE HANNAM, a platelayer at the Keyham Extension Works, Dr Lander attributed death to non-expansion of the lungs.

PLYMOUTH - JOHN NICHOLLS, aged four years, son of a dock labourer, living in Central-road, Plymouth, was taken ill on Friday last, and died on Sunday. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr C. Burnel Rendle attributed death to measles and pleurisy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 July 1904
DAWLISH - Dawlish Servants Sad End. - At Dawlish yesterday, an Inquest was held on FANNY ELIZABETH ANDREW. - WM. H. IRWIN, farm bailiff, of Topsham, said deceased was his daughter, aged 29. Her husband was WM. C. ANDREW, a packer on the Great Western Railway, working near Bath. She separated from him six years ago. There was on child, a daughter, who was in witness's keeping. Deceased had maintained herself as a domestic since, most of the time at Newton Abbot, and lately at Dawlish. Last Sunday fortnight she came home for a few hours, and then appeared in good health and spirits, and said nothing as to being in trouble. Mrs Florence A. Mullis, of 7 Barton-villas, said deceased had been in her service as a general servant since February last. In April she became poorly and said she was anaemic. She went to the Hospital as an out-patient, but continued her work until June 22nd. She had no reason to suppose deceased was in any trouble. Deceased told her she was a widow and was keeping company with Fred. Mitchell, of Newton Abbot. Deceased was always dosing herself and latterly got some medicine of a greeny colour from a chemist at Newton Abbot. - Dr Lovely said at first deceased denied having taken anything, but afterwards admitted taking lots of pills, medicine and salts and lastly a green mixture. He had her removed to the Hospital, where she died on July 5th from peritonitis. Deceased had for some time been taking draughts which set up irritation and inflammation. - The Inquest was adjourned until Monday for the attendance of Frederick Mitchell.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 July 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Sunday-School Outing Fatality. - At an Inquest held at Devonport on Saturday on MARY ANN BEDFORD, 13, of King-street, Alfred W. Clasby stated that he and deceased attended the Morice-square Baptist Sunday-school outing at Bere Ferrers on Thursday last. He was on a swing and another girl called to deceased. She passed him to reach her, and was struck on the head by the swing. - Dr Morris said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. The child broke a blood vessel by working on the day following the accident. - An opinion was expressed by some of the Jury that the teachers should have taken more care of the children, but the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) said they could not expect the teachers to look after each child. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed sympathy with the parents of the child.

OKEHAMPTON - Death From Anthrax - Mr J. D. Prickman (County Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN LIVERTON, of Brightley Cottage, near Okehampton. MRS LIVERTON, the widow, said the deceased, 44 years of age, was employed on June 29th to skin a cow which had died. About a week afterwards he complained of feeling unwell and his arm having swollen to twice its normal size, Dr Young was consulted. Her husband died that day. - Sidney Horne, miller, stated that he employed LIVERTON to skin the cow, which he thought had died from the effects of a chill. The animal was not seen by a veterinary surgeon, as although one was sent for, the cow died before he could arrive, and the order was countermanded. - Deceased expressed an opinion whilst skinning the cow that it had died of "quarter evil." John Dowy, present whilst the carcass was skinned, said he considered the cow died of quarter evil. He had seen animals who died from that disease five or six years ago. - Dr Young stated that when he saw the deceased first his arm was much swollen. Bladders, at first small, but subsequently some as large as crown pieces, formed on the wrist, elbow and higher up and burst. He submitted samples of the fluid to a test, and found the anthrax germ. The contagion would be by contact with the blood, either by absorption through the skin, or by a wound. He saw the deceased too late to discover any wound. The skin of the animal would carry the disease, and although he had not seen the carcass of the cow, having regard to all the circumstances, he considered the disease might have directly or indirectly originated from it. - P.S. Rees said there appeared to be a disinclination on the part of farmers to report to the Police cases of sudden death of animals, or when death had occurred under suspicious circumstances. If prompt notice were given necessary precautions would be taken. In the present case nothing was reported to the Police until that day. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, adding a rider as to the desirability of farmers reporting cases of animals dying suddenly or under suspicious circumstances. They did not consider any blame attached to Mr Horne in the present case. The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 July 1904
EXETER - The Exeter Tragedy. Inquest On The Victims. - An Inquest was held at Double Locks, on the Exeter Canal, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould, on HARRIETT EMILY MATTERS, aged 23, and her three months old child, GERTRUDE ELLEN, who were found drowned in the Alphington Brook on Saturday. - AUGUSTUS MATTERS, tinman, of Ebrington-road, St Thomas, identified the bodies as those of his wife and child. It was their only child. He last saw his wife at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon outside the County ground, where the Police sports were being held. she accompanied him so far as the ground, but not with the intention of attending the sports. She was agreeable to his going, and they parted on the best of terms, on the understanding that she was going home to get ready by the time he returned to go to her mother's at Exminster to leave the baby with her for a few days. She was ordered by the doctor to send the baby away for a few days. She was given the order about three weeks ago, but she would not let the baby go. She had been in a delicate state of health since her confinement, being low-spirited and weak. Whilst witness was away to camp with the volunteers his wife was home with her mother. She was away a fortnight and seemed much better afterwards. She did not go home on Saturday afternoon after they parted at the County Ground. They had intended going to Exminster by train, but they were very fond of walking there by way of the banks. They had not walked there, however, since the birth of the child. He had never heard her speak of suicide. Since the birth of the child her sister had been taken to the Asylum, and this seemed to make her worse. She often used to speak of it. They intended going out on Friday to see her, but missed the train. The baby was bottle-fed. - Samuel A. Brooks, a young man of 3 Union-street, said on Saturday afternoon he was going down the banks between Double Locks and Countess Weir Bridge, and saw a perambulator standing on the right bank. Seeing the body of a woman in the brook near by he ran to Double Locks Inn for Mr Hannaford, who, with a man named Ware, took the body out of the water, as well as that of the child. Witness then went for a doctor. - Albert Ware, carpenter of 11 Albion-place, Tiverton-road, said there were no signs of life when he recovered the bodies from the water. He assisted in trying artificial respiration, but it was of no avail. The water was about two feet deep and the woman was lying on her face. The child was about eight feet above the spot where the woman was. - Mr M. Farrant, Surgeon, St Thomas, said he attended the woman in the early part of June for sleeplessness and depression of spirits. He warned her mother that it was necessary the woman should be carefully watched, as it was possible she would develop a suicidal tendency. He did not see sufficient evidence of insanity to certify the woman as a lunatic. Women were liable to a form of insanity after child birth, and it might last some months. When in such condition they might take a dislike to their child and take its life. - The Jury found that the woman took the life of her child and then committed Suicide, whilst of Unsound Mind.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on the body of GEORGE BARNACOTT, aged 63, master mariner of Tywardreath. The body of deceased was found in the Cattewater early on Sunday morning. - John Henry Elford, journeyman butcher, Craven-avenue, said he saw the deceased on Friday evening. He then appeared in his usual health and cheerful, and promised to come to his house to tea on Sunday. - John Avent, labourer, St Andrew-street, gave evidence of seeing the body floating in the Cattewater. - P.C. Richard Body, who searched the clothes, found nothing to throw any light on the affair. No money was found in the pockets. The deceased could not have been in the water long because a pocket-book was not saturated through. - Mr Elford was unable to assign any reason for deceased being found in the water. On Friday evening he was very cheerful and for a time was joking. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 July 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MRS MARY JANE BAKER, aged 69. Evidence was given by Mrs Kate Miller, of No. 2 Commercial-buildings, Plymouth, to the effect that deceased, her mother, on July 8th fell downstairs, hurting her side. She did not complain, and no doctor was called in. On Wednesday she became ill and died on Saturday. Dr Bate stated that he was called to see deceased on Wednesday and found her suffering from an attack of apoplexy. She died from apoplexy, accelerated by the fall. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMPTON - A Plympton Farmer's Suicide. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on DANIEL HARVEY CANE, of Yealmpstone Farm, Plympton, who shot himself on Saturday. - ALFRED CANE, farmer, of Yealmpstone Farm, stated that deceased was his brother, 32 years of age. On Saturday morning deceased was milking and had finished the second cow when he left the shed. Afterwards Miss Maddick, the housekeeper, came to witness and said there was a row in the house, and he at once went to deceased's bedroom and there found him lying dead. Deceased had been quieter in his manner of late and more thoughtful. - Miss Florence Maddick said she was engaged to be married to deceased. She had spoken to him the previous night with a view to hastening the marriage. On Saturday morning deceased came into the house with a pail of milk and afterwards went upstairs. Witness heard the report of a gun and a fall. - DANIEL CANE, deceased's father, said deceased had been quiet and strange in his manner of late and he had mentioned it to his wife. They placed no obstacle in the way of his marrying the last witness, in fact, he would have turned over Yealmpstone Farm to deceased had he married. There had been cases of insanity in both sides of the family. Dr William Daniel Stamp of Plympton, said deceased was of a sensitive nature, and that the worry created a temporary insanity. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Suicide. Husband's Callousness At The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns on MRS ELIZA ANN COLES, 58 , who was found hanging by a rope in her house early that morning. - LILY COLES, daughter of deceased, said she went to call her mother at a quarter to eight yesterday morning, but found she had left her bedroom. Witness then found her hanging by a rope from a ventilator in a closet, quite dead. Her mother had been depressed for about five weeks owing to her sons having left home. - THOMAS COLES, a shipwright, who gave his evidence in a very callous manner, said deceased was his wife. At 2.30 that morning she got out of bed without saying anything to him and he knew nothing more until his daughter came in and said her mother was dead. Deceased had been low spirited for five or six years. - The Coroner: What was the reason of her being low spirited? - Witness: I can't tell you, sir. - The Deceased's daughter: You know the reason; my brothers have left. - Witness: I don't know. - The Coroner: There is something in the background of this. I was quite convinced of that when I came into the room. - A Juror: Knowing she has been in a low state of health for some time, why did you not speak to her when she got out of bed at 2.30? - Witness: I felt her go over the bed, but I did not know what she was going out for. I did not know she was going to do that. - The Coroner: Why has she been low spirited for the last five years? You must know of some reason. - Witness: No, I don't know anything. - The Coroner: I am afraid you don't know, or won't tell us anything. Are you in constant employment now or not? - Witness: No, nothing to do. I am a shipwright by trade. I have done three days' work in the last fortnight. - The Coroner: I don't think we shall get anything out of this witness. - A Juror asked if the Police could tell them anything, and P.C. Chapman said he thought there was a good deal of drink attached to the case on the wife's side, whilst the husband was far from a teetotaler. - Dr Bate said he was called to see deceased at 8 o'clock that morning, and in his opinion she had been dead several hours. Death was due to strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," the Coroner remarking that there must have been differences between the two for some time due to drink. The husband seemed perfectly apathetic about the whole thing. - A Juror remarked that he thought it was a very strange thing that the husband did not know what caused his wife's depression, because he must have known really.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 July 1904
EXETER - At the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY BEAL, 38, of Parr-street, who died suddenly whilst at work at Willey's foundry at Exeter on Wednesday, Dr Stokes said rupture of the heart was the immediate cause of death.

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on the twelve-months-old daughter of GEORGE and EDITH WESTCOTT, of the Exe Island, Dr Farrant stated that the child only weighed just over 9lb., whereas the weight for a child of that age was 15lb. There were sores on the body caused by dirt, the stomach was empty and there were signs of rickets. The Inquest was adjourned until Monday for further evidence.

PLYMOUTH - At the Fortescue Hotel, Mutley, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on EMMA CRAPP, widow, aged 55. S. Duook, labourer, 43 Ashford-road, Mutley, deposed that the deceased was his mother-in-law. She was taken ill in Ashford-road on Tuesday about 9 p.m. Before she could be taken home she died. Dr Lindsey, of Blandford-villas, Mutley, said death was due to heart disease. He had attended deceased for chronic bronchitis, which had led to the dilation of the heart. It was not accelerated by the state of the weather. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 July 1904
BLACK TORRINGTON - Death Of A Black Torrington Schoolmaster. Strange Hallucinations. - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Black Torrington on Thursday on ELIAS JOHN FOXCROFT, 43, head master of the Black Torrington National School, whose dead body was found at his residence on Wednesday. MRS FOXCROFT, the widow, said she left on Monday for Okehampton, as she could not stay in the village because the people treated her so badly. They turned electric batteries against them in the house, and the school committee took no steps to prevent them being annoyed, but had given her husband notice to leave. There was no poison in the house, and the small bottle deceased had in his hand had contained brandy. - Rev. J. Gardiner (chairman of the school committee) said as the children and teachers could not get into the school on Wednesday morning he and P.C. Kite went to deceased's house and found him dead on the floor of the back kitchen. Deceased was a quiet but nervous man, and was always complaining that he was bewitched, telling the children he was bewitched by their parents, who ought to be hanged. - P.C. Kite corroborated. - A verdict of "Death through Poisoning", the Jury adding that in their opinion no animosity had been shown by the inhabitants to deceased or his wife.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Bull Point Drowning Fatality. A Boy's Heroic Conduct. - An Inquest on JOHN KEAST OLIVER, 11, son of a coxswain in the Naval Ordnance Depot, who was drowned off Bull Point, Devonport, on Wednesday, was held by Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) at Bull Point Magazine yesterday. - MRS KATE OLIVER, mother of the boy, said he left home shortly before two on Wednesday to go for a bathe off Bull Point. She gave him permission to go out for this purpose, as he had frequently gone there. He could not swim, but went with another boy named Sleeman. - Thomas Gibbs, 14 Godolphin-terrace, St Budeaux, said he went to the creek, near the dummy, on Wednesday. He saw Sleeman floating about in the water, apparently unconscious. Witness undressed and went in after him. He got him as far as the rocks, and then received assistance in landing the body. He did not see OLIVER until he was found by his father about an hour later. Witness could not swim, but did not have to go out of his depth. The water came just above his chin. - Edward Green, 1 Godolphin-terrace, water bailiff, said he was told two boys were drowning. He went to the spot and saw Gibbs getting the body of Sleeman ashore. He went into the water and helped him to bring the boy ashore. He was then told there was another boy in the water. He went out again but could see nothing, so he returned. He also went out in a boat, but could not find the body. - EDWIN OLIVER, father of deceased, said he looked all round the water in the neighbourhood, and went in it several times without any result. Eventually the body floated into his arms and he brought it ashore. - Lieut.-Col. John Gover Williamson, R.A.M.C. (retired) in medical charge of the troops at Bull Point, said on arriving at the spot he found that a master gunner in the Army Ordnance Depot was using artificial respiration on the boy Sleeman. After hard work he was brought round and was now getting better. At three o'clock OLIVER was brought ashore and although every effort was made to save his life, it was an impossible case. - The Coroner, in summing up, said this place had been used as a bathing place for several years, and whatever they might say that afternoon, he had no doubt that it would continue to be used for such a purpose. No doubt Sleeman's life was saved by Gibbs. He was sure it reflected the greatest credit on Gibbs. The greatest credit was also due to Mr Green for the steps he took in helping to save Sleeman's life and the efforts he made to save deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and they wished to convey to those who had assisted in the matter, Mr Green and the master gunner for the means they adopted to save Sleeman's life, and the boy Gibbs, whose conduct was really heroic, their appreciation. They asked the Coroner to communicate with the Royal Humane Society, with the view of Gibbs being suitably rewarded. The Jury also passed a vote of sympathy with the parents of deceased, and gave their fees to the boy Gibbs.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 July 1904
EXETER - Child Neglect At Exeter. - An adjourned Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on FLORENCE WESTCOTT, the infant daughter of MR and MRS WESTCOTT, Exe Island. - Mr C. Crompton appeared for the parents, Inspector Thompson for the N.S.P.C.C., and Inspector Wheeler for the Police. The mother had four children, the deceased being the youngest. MRS WESTCOTT was subject to occasional fits. Twelve months ago, according to the midwife, the child when born was perfectly healthy. After death Dr Farrant examined the contents of the stomach, which had no trace of food; and Dr Pereira, Police Surgeon, who undertook a post-mortem, said the child was more like one of three months than twelve according to size. It was suffering from small sores, it had rickets and he had no doubt it had been insufficiently and improperly fed. - The Jury found that the child died of rickets, and expressed the opinion that the parents ought to be censured. - The Coroner, addressing the parents, said he did not know how far any words of his would affect people who could allow themselves to neglect a little child as this one had been neglected, and he only hoped the strong arm of the law would reach out to them that they might be punished as they deserved for their cruelty.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 July 1904
NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton. Shoemaker's Foolish Conduct. - Mr G. F. Kellock at Newton Abbot yesterday conducted an Inquest on GEORGE P. WALLING, 51, shoemaker. - Alfred Prudence stated that deceased had lodged with him for three years, but having neglected himself and not paid for his lodgings, witness gave him notice to quite. On Saturday night witness refused to admit him and he remained outside all night, but at eight o'clock on Sunday morning witness's wife admitted him, and offered him tea and brandy which he refused. Deceased went into his workshop and sat down, and as he seemed ill his sister and a doctor were fetched. He died at 9.10. - Eliza Prudence stated that up to December deceased owed her £4 19s. 6d. for board and lodgings, and since then had only paid her 19s. She gave him proper notice and told him he could not remain after Saturday. When she admitted him on Sunday morning he appeared to be drunk. - P.C. Hatherley stated that Prudence asked him to look after deceased, as he should not admit him to his house. Witness offered to get him a night's lodgings, but he refused to leave the doorstep. Later witness saw him again and then asked Mr and Mrs Prudence to let him in, offering to pay a shilling for his night's lodge. They, however, refused to admit him, as if they did so they would be unable to get rid of him again. Witness offered two or three times to get lodgings for deceased, but he refused. Witness saw him on the doorstep several times during the night, and he did not once complain of being ill. - Dr Scrace stated that deceased was suffering from heart disease, congestion of the lungs and liver and slight dropsy in the legs. The cause of death was failure of the heart, and it would be a serious matter to expose a man in such a condition. - The Coroner pointed out that from a legal point of view whether deceased had a right to be admitted to the house was a question for himself. Because deceased refused the Constable's offer, was anyone but himself responsible? - Did he remain outside the house of his own free will, or did anyone compel him to do so? Those were the questions for the Jury to answer. - The Jury, after a lengthy retirement, returned a verdict that death was due to Natural Causes, but accelerated by exposure and the majority added a rider that they thought it very inhuman on the part of Prudence to refuse deceased admittance after having been offered a shilling for a night's lodge. - The Coroner: The latter part of the verdict is not legal. - The Foreman: It was only arrived by a bare majority. - The Coroner: That doesn't matter; it does not form part of your legal verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 July 1904
BIDEFORD - The Railway Fatality At Bideford. A Verdict Of Suicide. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. F. Bromham at Bideford last night on WILLIAM SANDERS, aged 51, builder, of Barnstaple, killed on the railway near Bideford Station on Tuesday evening. - A son of the deceased stated that his father had been run down in health and in answer to Mr A. S. Seldon (representing the family) said his father's sight and hearing were both defective. He went to Bideford on business. - Charles Symons, plumber, Bideford, said he met deceased on Bideford Quay about two hours prior to his death. He conversed with him, and he appeared quite rational. - John Dark, driver of the 5.37 train from Barnstaple, said he noticed the deceased walk in front of the train a quarter of a mile from Bideford Station. There was no possible chance of stopping the train, as in a moment the man was killed. - P.C. Bastin deposed to finding the body terribly mutilated, the head being severed from the trunk and in pieces. The Constable produced a letter, written in pencil, and taken from deceased's coat pocket, addressed to MRS SANDERS, wife of deceased. It read: "My dear GEO. (GEORGINA), - Try to forgive me. I cannot bear my troubles any longer. The best of wives and mothers. Ask Mr Sillifant to do best for you. - W". - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 July 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide At Stonehouse. - ALFRED WM. WAYBOARN, insurance agent, Newport-street, Stonehouse, was found dead in bed with a bottle of poison by his side. At an Inquest yesterday Mr F. Maitland, chemist, said deceased obtained half an ounce of cyanide of potassium from him, saying he wanted to clean the gold lace on a fancy dress costume. The district manager of the insurance company said deceased's accounts were all right and there was no evidence which would explain his rash act. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 1 August 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowned In Stonehouse Pool. Young Man's Sad End. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse on Saturday evening on JAMES EVANS, improver, 6 Phoenix-place, Stonehouse, who was drowned early in the day through falling overboard from a small boat in which he was working alongside the cable ship John Pender, in Stonehouse Pool. - Geo. Andrews, 19 Princess-street, Plymouth, stated that deceased was a boilermaker and he just finished his time. He was married to witness's daughter and had one child. He was employed by Willoughby and Co (Limited), Plymouth. - Wm. Jno. Chanter, 12 St. Paul-street, Stonehouse, said he was working with deceased on the John Pender, anchored a short distance from Admiral's Hard. At about half-past eleven deceased was in a rowing boat alone, on the starboard side of the ship. They were about to grapple for an iron plate which had fallen overboard a few days previously, and witness was on the John Pender holding the rope to which the grappling iron was attached. He was making fast the end of the rope when he heard a cry of "Man overboard," and saw deceased in the water. Witness rushed for a lifebuoy and threw it overboard to him, but it was too late. - In answer to Mr Andrews, who said he was given to understand that when picked up deceased had the grappling irons in his hand, witness said he did not think of pulling on the rope when deceased fell over. - By the Coroner: There was no difficulty in pushing the punt off the side of the vessel to put an iron overboard. - Charles Storey, working on board the John Pender, said deceased was standing in the bottom of the boat sculling when the oar slipped and he fell overboard. He had thrown the grappling iron, and was about 20 yards from the ship, towing the iron behind him. Deceased swam about two yards and then sank. Witness got a lifebelt which a sailor threw overboard. Another man threw a line which deceased could have caught hold of if he had not been too excited. The tide was going out and deceased was swimming against it when he sank. A London and South-Western Railway tender put off, but just as it got near deceased he sank. - By a Juror: No blame was attached to the previous witness. It was a pure accident. - Mr Andrews referred to a black eye that deceased had had. Deceased might have hit his eye against the boat in falling overboard. Replying to the Coroner, Mr Andrews said he was satisfied that the black eye was caused by deceased hitting the boat, and he did not think it necessary that a doctor should be called. - The Coroner said it was quite clear that deceased, in consequence of the slipping of the oar, fell overboard and was drowned. It was particularly painful that deceased, a young man just beginning life, should have met with his death under such distressing circumstances, and he was sure the Jury would convey their deepest sympathy of the widow and the rest of the family. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, the Jury endorsing the sympathetic remarks of the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE WILKINSON, coal dealer, 2 Cathcart-avenue, Plymouth, who was found hanging by a rope at his residence on Bank-holiday. SYDNEY WILKINSON son, said he had never known his father to threaten suicide. Coming into some money a little while ago, deceased had taken to drink, and his business affairs were in a bad state. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was recorded.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on HARRY WALTER BATES, 57, Dockyard labourer, and pensioner of 23 Cornwall-street, Devonport, who died suddenly on licensed premises in Fore-street at midday on SAturday. Dr Bullen said death was due to aortic disease of the heart of long standing. Verdict accordingly.

ERMINGTON - Fatal Accident At Ermington Mills. Caught In Machinery. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Ermington on Monday on JAMES FORD, aged 34, journeyman miller, who died from injuries received on Saturday through being caught in machinery in the Ermington Mills. - John Toll, millers' foreman, stated that on entering the mill on Saturday afternoon he noticed that the machinery was going too fast. He shouted for deceased, and on getting no answer shut off the water, with the result that the machinery stopped almost immediately. Witness descended to the basement and continued to call for the deceased, but got no response. He worked up through the different floors and on arriving in the "silk" room on the third floor saw FORD lying on his back against some sacks with his legs doubled up. He was free of the machinery. Deceased asked witness to stop the bleeding. Witness took some sack twine and tied it tightly around FORD'S left arm and endeavoured to do so. He then went for assistance. Pending the arrival of the doctor, the other injuries were attended to. A stretcher was made and deceased was removed to the miller's house. Witness questioned deceased as to the accident and was told by him that it occurred whilst he was putting on the bran machine belt, which slipped and caught him in the shaft of the machine. Witness believed that deceased had put some syrup on the belt to prevent it slipping, and must have been in the act of setting the belt in motion when he was caught. Deceased had worked at the mills for about four years and was a capable man. It was an easy matter to put the belt on without assistance. There were no other workmen in the mill at the time of the accident. - Dr W. K. Legassick, Modbury, deposed seeing deceased after the accident. He was suffering from severe shock and loss of blood. consequent on the injuries to the left forearm, which had been torn off just below the elbow, whilst the upper left arm was fractured. There was also a compound fracture of the right leg, just above the ankle. The injury to the arm must have been caused by its being caught in the machinery, and the leg was probably fractured in the fall. - The Jury inspected the mill where the accident occurred. - Replying to Mr Rodd, the Foreman said he did not think any further precautions could be taken in order to prevent the occurrence of a similar accident in the future. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday next, for the attendance of Mr Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 August 1904
TORQUAY - The Fatal Accident At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM KELLY, aged two years, who was run over and killed by a Corporation refuse cart in Lymington-road on Tuesday. - The driver, John Evans, was walking on one side of the vehicle, and the child fell in front of it on the other side, the wheel going over the back part of its head. Dr Arnold stated that the child had a fractured skull, which caused instantaneous death. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Jury exonerated the driver from blame.

MODBURY - The Drowning Fatality At Bigbury - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Modbury yesterday on JAMES CHARLES WILLIAMS, aged 18, blacksmith's apprentice, who was drowned at Burr Island, Bigbury on Bank-holiday. - WILLIAM FRANCIS WILLIAMS, father, said his son left home in the company of two friends, Shepherd and Lee, to drive to Bigbury. Deceased was not well acquainted with the district. Frederick Richard Shepherd, painter's apprentice, said they crossed from the Warren to the Island and bathed in Rockor's Hole. Deceased dived from a rock and was up to his waist in water. As he went toward the centre of the pool the water became deeper and he called witness's attention to this fact. Deceased appeared to be enjoying the dip, and did not appreciate the danger which he was in. Suddenly deceased sank and rose to the surface again. This he did a second time and a lot of water came out of his mouth. Witness thought deceased was amusing himself by diving in and out of the water, but when he sank for the third time witness recognised that he was drowning and gave the alarm through Lee. Not being able to swim, witness was powerless to help him. - G. C. Boyle, fisherman, said the pool was not safe for non-swimmers. - Mr Wroth, of Bigbury Island, said he had known the place for years. It was frequented by swimmers, for whom it was quite safe. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowned," and added a rider recommending the erection of a notice to the effect that the pool was dangerous for non-swimmers. - Sympathy was expressed with the father and members of the bereaved family.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 August 1904
CROYDE - At Croyde yesterday an Inquest was held on HAROLD ROWE, Barnstaple, son of MR JAMES ROWE, who was drowned on Tuesday. The body was washed ashore the following day and found by the father. A verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning whilst Bathing" was returned.

DAWLISH - At Dawlish yesterday an Inquest was held on SUSAN CAROLINE BURRELL, aged 44, wife of FRANK BURRELL, railway clerk, Shepherd's Bush, London. Deceased was a visitor to Dawlish and she died suddenly on the beach on Tuesday afternoon. Dr C. N. Lovely said death was due to syncope, brought on by heat apoplexy. Verdict accordingly. Sympathy was expressed with MR BURRELL.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 August 1904
ERMINGTON - The Ermington Mills Fatality. Factory Inspector's Suggestions. - The adjourned Inquest on JAMES FORD, aged 34, journeyman miller, who died from the result of an accident at Ermington Mills, was held on Saturday before Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner. The deceased was in the act of replacing a belt on running machinery, when he slipped, and was caught in the shaft. His left forearm was torn off below the elbow and his right leg was fractured. The adjourned hearing was attended by Mr Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, and Superintendent Hacon, of the Devon County Constabulary; Mr W. R. Cocks (Dunn and Baker, solicitors, Exeter) represented the relatives of deceased. - John Toll, foreman of the mills, replying to Mr Shuter, said the belt frequently came off, perhaps on an average once a month. He had put the belt on himself many times. He had reached the belt by standing on some sacks, and when there were no sacks, on a stool provided for the purpose. He could not suggest a permanent arrangement, as a platform would be dangerous. He had had 38 years' experience, and had known no fatal accidents to occur in the mills. Every accident he had seen had been the result of a little carelessness. - By the Coroner: He did not suggest there was any carelessness on the part of deceased. In his opinion it was a pure accident. The belt was one which must be put on whilst the machinery was in motion. The machinery might have been slowed down. It would not have been much trouble to deceased to do this, although it would have caused a little inconvenience to the working of the mill. It was not usual in a mill of that capacity to have two men at work when a belt was being put on. - Mr Shuter said he made a thorough inspection of the mills last year and made certain suggestions, many of which had been carried out, and the remainder of which would be put into effect at once. He was pleased with what he had seen at the mills that day, and he wished to say that no fencing could have prevented the accident under consideration. There was a great deal more danger connected with flour mills than was imagined for the reason that the machinery was to a certain extent congested. He could say, without the slightest hesitation, that there was no infringement whatever of the Factory Acts. But he thought that there should be a better arrangement for standing at the spot where the belt was put on. Sacks made a most unsatisfactory foundation, and he thought there could be something in the nature of a permanent platform or block. He also thought that when belts had to be put on there should be two men on the job, one to put on the belt and another to stand by and slow down the machinery. If those suggestions were at all practicable he was sure they would be carried out. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow and family of deceased; also appreciation of the very considerate way in which Mr and Mrs Taylor treated deceased in his last moments. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and endorsed the sympathetic remarks of the Coroner.

THURLESTONE - The Thurlestone Fatality. A Warning Notice-Board Suggested. - Mr Sydney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Thurlestone on Saturday, on REV. ARTHUR GLADSTONE HENLEY, vicar of St Marks, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, 51 years of age, who was drowned at Broad Sands, Thurlestone, whilst bathing on Friday. - DR E. W. HENLEY, of Bornwood, near Gloucester, stated that his brother and himself were on a visit to their mother, at Welle House, Kingsbridge. On Friday afternoon they cycled to Thurlestone to bathe. The wind was blowing from the south-west, and there was a considerable surf, so they went to the west end of the sands, thinking it was safer. After being in the water some time witness landed, as he found the sea was too rough. Immediately after landing his brother shouted to him and he went to his assistance. The current was so strong that his (witness's) strength failed, so that he was unable to do anything. His brother apparently somewhat recovered and struggled to get ashore, although with difficulty. Deceased was a very much better swimmer than himself, and he had no reason to think he would not be able to land. After he landed he saw his brother about 30 or 40 yards out with his head above water still coming in. Then the deceased disappeared. He ran to get assistance, as did Rev. T. M. Bell-Slater, vicar of West Alvington, who was staying near, a witness of the fatality. In a few minutes Mr Salter returned with Dr Adams, a visitor, and whilst they were talking the body of deceased was washed into shallow water. They got the body out and endeavoured to restore animation by artificial respiration but without avail. No doubt it was most unwise for them to have bathed on those sands that day, as it was in consequence of the heavy under-current that deceased became exhausted, although there might have been heart trouble. - Rev. T. M. Bell-Salter, vicar of West Alvington, said he was on the cliffs reading. When he saw the gentleman swimming he felt anxious, as he thought they had selected the wrong place to go into the water. There was a lot of broken water at the place. Deceased was evidently caught in the current and became exhausted. If there had only been a rope on the beach he was certain he could have saved the deceased. - The Coroner considered a notice-board should be fixed on the sands warning the public against bathing when the wind was blowing from the south-west, and of the strong currents in the bay. A lifebuoy and rope should also be placed in a shelter on the sands. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning." - The Foreman (Mr Chandos-Pole) said the Coroner's suggestion would be brought before the Parish Council. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with the family of the deceased and complimented DR HENLEY on his endeavour to rescue his brother. - DR HENLEY thanked the people of the village and visitors for the kindness they showed him.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 August 1904
DAWLISH - The Suspicious Death At Dawlish. A Missing Witness. - At Dawlish yesterday Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, resumed the Inquest adjourned a month ago on FANNY E. ANDREW, 29, married, domestic servant, who died in Dawlish Cottage Hospital on July 5th from peritonitis, following premature child birth, which, according to the medical evidence, was caused by drugs. The Inquest had been adjourned to obtain the evidence of Thomas Venning, of Newton, who had kept company with deceased. A warrant for Venning's arrest had been issued, but he had not been found. - The Coroner said there was nothing to do but to close the Inquiry, but if Venning was found he would have to suffer the consequence of his contempt of Court. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

SOMERSET - An Exeter Man Killed. Blown To Pieces In A Railway Tunnel. - A young man named ROBERT SMITH, aged 22, whose home is at Exeter, has been killed in the tunnel which is being constructed between Somerton and Langport in connection with the Great Western Railway, between Castle Carey and Langport. SMITH was one of four men working at the top heading of the tunnel and they had laid three charges of dynamite for blasting purposes. The men ignited the fuses and retired some distance to await the discharge of the explosive. Hearing two of the charges explode they waited nearly half an hour in the expectation of hearing the report of the third charge. As, however, there was no report, they came to the conclusion that two of the charges had exploded simultaneously, giving a single report. The man in charge entered the heading and finding everything apparently all right, returned and gave orders for the resumption of work. SMITH then entered and immediately afterwards the charge exploded, blowing him to pieces. The unfortunate man was to have been married on Sunday. An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Motor Cycling Accident Near Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK CHARLES KEARLEY, aged 38, dentist of 47 George-street, Plymouth, who died from injuries received in a motor cycling accident last week. - Alfred Charles Body, 24 Greenbank-avenue, stated that on Monday of last week he was cycling to Yelverton and on his arrival at the Rock saw the deceased, who was in a very distressed condition, endeavouring to mend a puncture in one of the tyres of his motor cycle. Witness repaired the puncture. It was also found that the accumulator was broken. Witness offered to tow deceased and this was done. As they reached the brink of the hill near the sixth milestone, witness stopped his engine and at the same time deceased let go a strap by which he was being towed. They had only gone a few yards when witness heard a loud smash and looking round he saw deceased lying across the road quite unconscious. Deceased complained that his head was aching on recovering consciousness a few minutes later, but he was able to walk with assistance. Deceased was driven home in a trap. Deceased must have struck the rear wheel of witness's cycle, as the mudguard was torn through. - Dr Vawdrey stated that deceased's injuries consisted of a fractured skull and concussion of the brain. An operation was performed, but was unsuccessful. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased was a cousin of MR H. H. KEARLEY, M.P., and will be buried at Uxbridge, Middlesex

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 August 1904
SOMERSET - Exeter Man's Terrible Death. - At the Inquest on Monday evening on the young man named SMITH, of Alphington, Exeter, who was blown to pieces in a tunnel at Long Sutton on the new works of the Great Western Railway Company, evidence of identification was given by deceased's brother, HERMON SMITH, an attendant at the Devon County Asylum, whilst Joseph Haines, a miner, of Upton, gave particulars of the end occurrence. Three holes had been bored in the head of the tunnel for blasting. The centre one was charged with gelignite and the others with compressed powder. The fuses were lit and the workmen retired to safety. A few minutes later there were two explosions, but suspicious that the third charge had not exploded, the men remained for a time at a safe distance. Haines then entered the heading and after remaining some minutes called out "all right" to the other men, and they returned and resumed work. Just afterwards there was an explosion and SMITH was killed, being blown to pieces. The witness accounted for the fatality by the piece of rock containing the charge being blown out by the other explosions and to the fuse smouldering through exposure to the air and causing the charge to explode. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BRAUNTON - The North Devon Wreck. Story At The Inquest. - At Braunton yesterday Dr E. J. Slade-King (Ilfracombe) held an Inquest on WM. BARROW, 50, one of the Barnstaple fishermen drowned on Saturday in attempting to cross Appledore Bar in an open boat with his nephew. The body of deceased was washed ashore on Saunton Sands, but no trace of the other man has yet been found. The body was identified by ANNIE BARROW, daughter, who explained that her father, who lived at Rolle Quay, was bringing home a boat from Clovelly, bought by the nephew, when the fatality occurred. - Wm. Clark, Wrafton, who was on the ketch Mary Grace on Saturday morning, said deceased's boat was running towards the bar in a nasty sea and with the wind W.N.W. and squally. The boat was well handled until the bar was reached, when a squall struck her and she broached to. Deceased and the man with him lowered the lug and hailed the Mary Grace, which stood alongside and threw a rope, which the men apparently made fast to the masts. Witness let out some sixty fathoms of rope, when the two men parted with their end, and he saw no more of deceased. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said there was too much sea for an open boat. Both men could have jumped aboard the Mary Grace, and he considered they were looking after the boat instead of their lives. It was impossible for the Mary Grace to put about and render assistance, or she would have run ashore herself. - Wm. Stokes, captain of the ketch Elizabeth Couch, of Bideford, said he sighted the lost boat three miles N.E. of Clovelly, and observed her until she went down. Near the bar the BARROWS ran alongside the ketch Julie and lowered their lug, giving witness the impression that they were preparing to be taken in tow. But as the Julie passed, witness came to the conclusion they were not near enough to give a line. Witness put his own vessel about to pick them up, as he saw the danger the small boat was in, and remarked on it to his mate. Before he had gone far the BARROWS hoisted their lug again and ran for the bar. Abreast of the bar buoy the boat broached to, and a heavy sea went over her. After this the two men lowered their lug, but in another big sea the boat disappeared. Witness threw a plank overboard and one of the men clung to it, and the other caught hold of the mast of the wrecked vessel. He threw a line as well. Of this deceased took no notice, but shouted to witness to lower his boat. As this was the most dangerous part of the bar witness could not put about, but finding the Appledore gig waiting at the Pulleys Buoy he took her to the bar. Then nothing was to be seen of the men. He could not tack before reaching the Pulleys, as his mate had never been across the bar before. - By a Juror: He would have sacrificed his own life had he anyone to take charge of the ketch. - Em. Corney, master of the Mary Grace, said when the tow-line parted he thought the Elizabeth Couch which was behind, would pick up the open boat. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was "Accidentally Drowned" and in a rider thanked the crews of the Mary Grace and Elizabeth Couch for the prompt assistance given by them. The Jurymen and witnesses gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 August 1904
EXETER - The Exeter Drowning Case. - At the Inquest held at Exeter yesterday on FREDERICK TOWNSEND, aged 10, of 19 Weirfield-road, who was drowned in the canal on Tuesday, Lucy Greenham, aged 9, a companion, said she crossed the ferry with the deceased and went along the canal banks with him. Deceased saw some minnows in the water and attempted to catch them. She went down over the bank with him and when she felt herself slipping she went back. Hearing a splash she looked round, and saw deceased in the water. He rose to the surface and sank again and she did not see him afterwards. She called to a man about 300 yards away, but he took no notice, and she ran home frightened. She did not tell anyone about it, because she had been cautioned so many times about going near the water, and she was afraid her father would beat her. - Further evidence showed that the boy had been missing all day, and it was not until the girl was questioned in bed late at night that she told what had happened. - The Coroner said he could hardly think that if a man had been standing on the bank as the child stated he would not have rendered assistance or tried to, at least. Sergt. Boutfield had made every possible inquiry as to this supposed man, but could not obtain the slightest information. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Western Morning News, Friday 12 August 1904
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on MISS JAQUETA MIDDLETON ELLICOMBE, aged 80, of 8 Abbey-crescent. About three weeks ago deceased fell over the stairs and sprained her wrist and sustained a slight skin wound on the knee. Attended by Dr Stabb she steadily got better, but on Saturday was taken suddenly ill with symptoms of blood poisoning, the wound on the knee not having properly healed. Deceased gradually grew worse, and died on Wednesday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - HENRY CRIDFORD, aged 11, died at 43 Richmond-street, Plymouth, on Thursday morning as the result of a fit. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Burke said death was due to pneumonia and convulsions.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday touching the death of MARY ANN HOARE, of 56 Charlotte-street, Morice Town, Devonport. Lavinia Hosking said deceased was her mother. On Friday last she became faint and died soon after. Dr W. J. Gant, who had attended deceased for weak heart and old age, said death was due to syncope, resulting from heart failure and old age. A verdict was accordingly returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN LEGRASS, aged 56, labourer of 3 Higher Batter-street, who died on Saturday night from the result of an accident. - Mary Handford, wife of John Thomas Handford, labourer of 113 Embankment-road, said deceased was her father. She was told that he fell downstairs on Wednesday last. Mrs Ford, living in the same house as deceased, said LEGRASS, who was addicted to drink, fell downstairs at 11.30 p.m. This was not the first time he had done so. The stairs were somewhat dangerous; there were no banisters. The owner was Mrs Treeby, South Devon-place. - Dr P. N. Blake Odgers, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted apparently suffering from a fractured skull. He never regained consciousness. - The Jury recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner was requested to communicate with the owner respecting the dangerous condition of the staircase.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Collision With A Devonport Tram. The Inquest. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, yesterday, into the death of JAMES POLLARD WALKE, carman, employed by Messrs. Turpin and Sons, contractors, of Plymouth. Deceased lived at 12 Bates-buildings, Palace-street, Plymouth. Mr Percy T. Pearce (Bond and Pearce) appeared for deceased's relatives and employers, and Mr T. H. Gill for the Devonport and District Tramway Company, one of whose cars ran into a wagon driven by deceased. Mr J. W. Endean (Manager of the Tramway Company) also watched the proceedings. - Thos. Holland, 13 Notte-street, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his father-in-law, who was 65 years old. - Richard John Mumford, 3 Royal Navy-avenue, Ford, driver, employed by the Devonport and District Tramways Company, said that at 1.58 p.m. on Saturday last he was driving no. 16 car from Milehouse to Fore-street, and noticed a wagon laden with camp material passing round the corner by the park, going in the same direction as his car. He rang his gong first at the cross-over junction, and kept on ringing it until he got between the park lodge and the park steps. At that place the wagon pulled out of the way of his tram. There was sufficient room for him to pass, and he succeeded in clearing the tail of the wagon, but when abreast of the front part the two horses attached to the vehicle became restive and suddenly swerved to the right. Seeing this he shut off the current and put on the brake. By this time the axle-box of the front part of the wagon collided with the front axle-box of his car. The impact swung the horses to the left and they started off up the road. The conductor of the car ran after them and caught them. He jumped off the car and saw deceased lying in the road. He ran to him and helped to put him in a conveyance and sent him to the Hospital. Witness proceeded to Fore-street and reported the matter to the manager. He had passed wagons in a similar space and at the same spot several times. - In reply to Mr Pearce, witness said the driver of the wagon could have got nearer to the kerb by a foot or 18 inches when he (witness) was abreast of the wagon's front wheel. - By Mr Gill: If the horses had not swerved he would have cleared the wagon without accident. The car was travelling at two or three miles an hour when he was passing the wagon. He did not know deceased had fallen off the wagon until he had stopped his car. - Willie Frank Endean, Chief Inspector of the Devonport and District Tramway Company, said he made an examination of the road on Sunday morning. The scene of the accident was pointed out to him by Mumford. From the edge of the rail to the kerb the distance was 9ft. 2in. This measurement was taken in the presence of P.C. Jane, Devonport Police Force. Altogether about 10 inches of the car protruded from the rail. - Frederick George Matthews, 60 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, commercial traveller, deposed that on Saturday last he was riding on No. 16 car going to Devonport. He was right in front, facing the wagon. He noticed the wagon was going very slowly. The driver was holding the reins in the left hand, and was sitting on the front part of the wagon, not standing on the shafts. The wagon was quite close to the kerb, and the tram driver was going very steadily, not more than four miles an hour. If the driver of the car had allowed the wagon to go about two yards farther he could have passed in safety. - He (witness) thought it was an error of judgment on the tram driver's part. The car struck the front of the wagon and the driver of the vehicle was thrown right off. He fell with his head striking the pavement, and both wheels of the wagon went over his body. The horses did not swerve, but after the collision went on at the same pace, and a gentleman on the pavement caught hold of the front horse's head. - By Mr Gill: He could see the car and wagon strike one another, about 2 feet back from the front of the car. He had a full view of the front horse, which did not swerve. He would not swear that he could see the axle-boxes from where he was sitting. In his opinion, where the accident occurred the road was five feet wide from the kerb to the rail. The accident occurred nearer the park steps than the park lodge. He did not hear the driver ring his gong. He saw the driver having his dinner on the way down. He did not suggest that he was doing this at the time of the accident. He had no prejudice in mentioning this fact. - The Coroner suggested that the Inquest should be adjourned, and he and the Jury should inspect the place, and the car, and the wagon at the spot where the accident occurred at 2.30 p.m. on Friday, when the Inquiry would be re-opened. This was agreed to.

FREMINGTON - Drowning of LADY HILDA MCNEILL. Inquest At Fremington. - An Inquest was held at Fremington yesterday by Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, on the bodies of LADY HILDA MAUD MCNEILL, 37, of Broadway, Worcestershire, daughter of the late EARL OF STRADBROKE and sister of the present earl, and RICHARD GLYN PRITCHARD, 11 years of age, son of MR EVAN PRITCHARD, of Dennington Manor, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. Both LADY HILDA and the young lad PRITCHARD had been staying for a few weeks with Miss Dugdale, of Fremington House, where MR MCNEIL had been playing polo. Deceased had been in the habit of bathing and on Monday, venturing into the River Taw on a high tide and in boisterous weather, were washed out of their depth and drowned. - MR CHARLES FITZROY PONSONBY MCNEILL identified the bodies. LADY HILDA, he said, had had a bathing tent erected at Instow, but since had it removed to just below the polo ground at Fremington. On the previous day he saw her with the deceased boy, the latter's sister MAY, and witness's own ten-year-old son RONALD. They were going bathing, the time being about eight in the morning. In less than an hour MAY PRITCHARD came to him at the polo ground to say LADY HILDA and GLYN had been drowned. He immediately went to the waterside, and others from the polo ground and Fremington House followed. He found his little boy by the water, and he pointed out the lad PRITCHARD, who was then washed close in shore. Witness took the lad out, but found he was dead and artificial respiration which was resorted to proved useless. RONALD pointed out where he had last seen his mother, but witness could see no trace of her, though later in the day the body was recovered. LADY HILDA was far from a good swimmer, being only able to swim about eight strokes; she had only just learned. - RACHAEL MAY PRITCHARD, 13, who was with the bathing party but did not herself bathe, said her brother went in the water first, and LADY HILDA entered about a minute afterwards. Witness intended going in the water, but had not quite prepared, when she heard RONALD screaming. He was then only up to his ankles. LADY HILDA and GLYN, however, were trying to swim in to the bank, but were going down the river. Witness and RONALD tried to get a rope off the bathing tent, but could not, and then she tied a towel to a stick, but it was not long enough to reach the drowning people. LADY HILDA beckoned once and then witness saw her turn over and thought she was drowned, so she ran to the Polo Field which was three-quarters of a mile distant, for assistance. At the time deceased bathed it was rough and there were waves. LADY HILDA had bathed there before. - Dr J. R. Harper, Barnstaple, who was telephoned for directly the fatality was known, said he motored to Fremington, and there finding that Mr Arundell Clarke had a pony waiting for him he galloped down to the river. On the way he met someone carrying the lad PRITCHARD, who was quite dead and his attempts at restoration were useless. - George Manley, sailor, of Braunton, deposed to coming up the river and finding the body of LADY HILDA half in and half out of the water on the bank, about two miles or more below the Polo Ground. He tried to restore her, but she had evidently been dead for some time, so leaving his mate in charge of the body he hurried to Instow and obtained a Policeman and a vehicle for the removal of the body. - The Coroner described the case as the saddest he had known since he had been Coroner, which was going back for twenty years. He was sure MR MCNEILL, who had lost his wife and MR PRITCHARD who had lost his son, would have their sincere sympathy, and the sympathy of the whole of the district of North Devon. He understood, too, that the father of the boy had not a long time ago lost his wife, so that it was additionally sad. The Jury, as far as he could see, could return no other verdict than that the deceased accidentally lost their lives through drowning whilst bathing in the Taw. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the Coroner's direction, and Mr Arundell Clarke said they wished to tender their sympathy to the bereaved and at the same time to record their high appreciation of the brave conduct of MISS MAY PRITCHARD. - On behalf of MR MCNEILL and MR PRITCHARD, Mr Need, cousin of Miss Dugdale, acknowledged the remarks of the Coroner and the Jury. The bodies will be removed for burial.

EXETER - At an Inquest last evening at the Devon County Gaol, Exeter, on MATTHEW FISHER, 61, a native of Chulmleigh, who died in the Infirmary on Monday whilst undergoing a month's imprisonment, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr Bernard Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at 24 Beaumont-road, Plymouth, yesterday morning, on EDWARD JAMES GLIDDON, aged 48, house agent, of the same address, who died suddenly on the previous morning. Dr Wilkinson, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - Sad End Of A Pensioner At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM PRUCE, aged 66, pensioner, R.M.L.I., who died in the Workhouse. - The widow said her husband had long suffered from paralysis, and was taken to the Workhouse in a cab by Dr Brenton's orders. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns): What about that wound on the throat? - Dr Brenton said he did not die because of that. - How did it get there? - He had a small penknife in a box where he kept his pipes, and he put it into his throat. - Did he try to commit suicide? - I don't know what he did it for. - Harry Waters, Deputy Master, said deceased was admitted at 4 p.m. on Wednesday in a state of collapse, and died two hours later. - Dr Cooke stated that there was a very small wound on the throat, only skin deep. Death was due to exhaustion, following paralysis. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WHITCHURCH - In Death Not Divided. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Whitchurch yesterday on MRS ELIZA HIGMAN, aged 73, wife of MR WILLIAM HIGMAN, a retired warder from Dartmoor Prison, residing at Whitchurch. Shortly after seven o'clock on Wednesday morning she came downstairs and complained to her husband of a headache. She intended to take some castor-oil and return to bed. Her husband, who had gone to the larder to hang up some meat, heard a strange noise and on returning to the room saw his wife sitting in a chair. She died immediately. Dr Clapp attributed death to a heart complaint and the Jury, with Mr W. Sheppard as Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - About one o'clock yesterday morning the husband, who had been under Dr Clapp's care for heart disease for two years, and who was 72 years of age, died suddenly in the presence of his son. In this case an Inquest was not necessary, as a medical certificate was given by the Doctor. Death was accelerated by excitement consequent upon the wife's sudden decease.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tram Fatality. The Adjourned Inquest. - Mr A. J. Pearce at Devonport yesterday resumed the Inquest on JOSEPH POLLARD WALKE, a carman employed by Turpin and son, carriers, Plymouth. Mr Percy T. Pearce appeared for the relatives and Turpin and Son, and Mr T. H. Gill for the Devonport and District Tramways Company. - Mr Bouncell, retired warrant officer, R.N., said on August 13th, near the Park steps, he saw No. 16 tram-car proceeding towards Devonport from Milehouse. The driver was ringing his bell. The wagon driven by deceased was on the left-hand side of the car. When the car got abreast of the hind wheel of the wagon the horses became restive, and turned towards the car. The car struck the wagon, and the driver "tumbled out like a ball into the road." There was plenty of room for the car to have passed if the horses had not swerved. There were about 18 inches between the wheels of the wagon and the kerb. Both vehicles were travelling very slowly. - Mr O. Shields, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital, suffering from severe shock, a fractured left thigh bone, a severe wound on the right leg, and the right knee joint was twisted. He died at nine o'clock the same evening. - James T. Huntings, 9 Ashley-place, Plymouth, said the horses were proceeding slowly. There was only about five inches between the wheel of the wagon and the kerb. - Joseph Willcocks, iron moulder, 40 Fore-street, Devonport, said he was on the outside of the car. He noticed a slight quiver of the car, and looking over the railing saw the wagon four or five lengths ahead, and a man being pulled on to the pavement. The road where he considered the accident took place was a little over nine feet wide. - Robert Brinmore, the conductor of the car, said near the Technical Schools, the driver of the tram kept on ringing his bell.. As the car slowed down, he looked up the road and saw the wagon in front of the tram. When the tram was level with the front wheel of the wagon, the shaft horse swerved to the right and the axle boxes of the two vehicles met. There were about one or two feet between the wheel of the van and kerb. By Mr P. T. Pearce: The cause of the accident was the shaft horse pulling to the right. - Mr J. F. Barns, Borough Surveyor, said he had taken measurements of various parts of the road at which the accident was said to have occurred. Mr Matthews's selection was 165 feet west of the junction of the Milehouse section. The distance between the rail and the kerb was 6ft. 7 ½ in. Mr Purcell's spot was 201 ft. from the junction, and the width of the road between the kerb and the rail was 8ft. 7 ½ in. Mr Willcocks and a Police Constable pointed out a spot 284 ft. from the junction. The space between the kerb and rail was 9ft. 0 ¼ in. Mr Bouncell's point, was 321 ft., and the space was 10ft. 10 ¼ in. The difference between the first and last points was 136ft. 8in. the width of the car was 5ft. 10in., and the upper part of the car projected about an inch. The width of the wagon was 6ft. 3 ½ in., both at the front and back. In the narrowest part of the road the car could not pass the van, as the former projected 12 in. over the line. It was impossible for the accident to have occurred at the spot mentioned by Mr Matthews. - George Williams, wardroom steward R.N., said he thought the ringing of the bell frightened the horses, and caused them to swerve. - P.C. Harper said deceased at the Royal Albert Hospital, told him he had been to Princetown with a wagon and a pair of horses for a load of camp gear. When in Paradise-road, the tramcar ran into the wagon and knocked him off the shaft into the road, the two wheels passing over his legs. Witness then went to the scene of the accident, and on the pavement saw a large quantity of blood. The width of the road between the kerb and the tram lines was 9ft. 3 ½ in. - Mr Bouncell, recalled, said when deceased was put in a sitting position he distinctly said no one was to blame. - Mr Matthews, recalled, said he helped to lift deceased from the road and was the first to reach him. He said nothing except "Be careful of my leg, it is broken." He then fainted. He did not make any such statement as Mr Bouncell attributed to him. - The Coroner, summing up, said the task of the Jury had been a very difficult one owing to the contradictory nature of the evidence. It had been proved to be absolutely impossible for a car to pass the wagon where Mr Matthews said the collision took place. Mr Willcocks, an independent witness, agreed in the choice of a spot with P.C. Harper. At that part of the road there was ample room for the wagon to be driven clear of the passing car. If the deceased had heard the car coming along it was his duty to get in to the left as far as possible. There was ample room for him to do that. Instead of that the wagon was got into such a position as to cause the car to strike it. If the driver of the car saw that the wagon had not got into a clear position it was his duty to either stop until the wagon did get into a safe position or go along slowly and give the van time to get clear. In his own opinion the accident was due to an error of judgment. The wagon probably turned to the left, and then the driver, thinking there was room for the car to pass him, turned to the right. The Jury would have to find if there was any blame attaching to any person, and the only person to whom there could be any blame attached was the driver of the car. None of the witnesses that afternoon had suggested that the driver was wilfully negligent of his duty. Even Mr Matthews, whose evidence was the most contradictory to that of the driver, himself suggested it was an error in judgment on the part of the man, and he had said that if he had only allowed the wagon to go another two yards a collision would not have occurred. If there was no culpable negligence on the part of the driver, Mumford, they would have to consider whether there was any slight negligence which would make him in a sense responsible for what had occurred. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame was attaching to anybody. They expressed regret with the relatives of the deceased. On behalf of the Tramway Company and the driver and conductor of the tram, Mr Gill expressed regret and Mr Pearce expressed the regret of Turpin and Son.

TORQUAY - In Upton Parish Rooms, Torquay, yesterday, Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquest on SAMUEL SMITH, aged 31, ship's corporal, of the cruiser Drake, who died in Torbay Hospital on the previous day. - harry Uren, chief stoker on the Drake, said it was the duty of deceased on the 13th inst. to see the boys bathe. He was running along the deck fairly fast, when, being called suddenly by someone, he turned round. Not seeing where he was going he ran against an iron stanchion and injured himself. - George Cook, chief stoker, corroborated. - Surg. J. A. Thompson, of the Drake, was unable to note any injury when called to see SMITH, and treated him for shock, but on the 16th SMITH became worse and he was taken ashore to the Hospital. - Dr Lacey, House Surgeon of the Hospital, said death was due to an internal rupture. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The funeral took place at the cemetery with naval honours.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - An Army Pensioner's Fate. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on CHARLES THOMAS SMITH, aged 58, army pensioner. - JOANNA SMITH, deceased's wife, said he was formerly in the 1st Somerset L.I. He had no fixed address, having separated from her about nine years ago. He last resided at 1229 King-street, Plymouth. She last saw him alive in William-street, Morice Town, on Wednesday morning last. - Frederick C. Hamley, 18 Morris Park-terrace, St Budeaux, said on Wednesday last, while walking along the foreshore between Saltash Bridge and Tamerton Foliott, his attention was attracted by someone gesticulating at the back of a passing train. He then saw deceased lying in a crouching position in the six-foot way of the L. and S.W. Railway. He seemed to be soaking wet and famished, but had not been knocked by a train. He was shivering, and would not say how he got on the line. A passenger train was stopped and deceased taken to St Budeaux. - P.C. Lee said on the advice of Dr S. G. Williams, R.N., he took deceased to the Royal Albert Hospital. There was a lot of mud on his clothing, and it appeared as though he had been in the river. - Mr O. Shields, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, attributed death, which occurred on Monday, to congestion of both lungs. The heart showed chronic disease, and the arteries of the brain were diseased. A second cause of death was softening of the brain. Deceased had the appearance of having had a stroke and fallen into some shallow mud on his face. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Sudden Death Of A Girl At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on EDITH GRUBB, aged 23, lately engaged as a general servant at the Royal Hotel, Plymouth. Deceased was engaged in February last without any reference, and was in the employ of the hotel company until the time of her decease. On Monday she complained of feeling unwell and went to bed. Two of her fellow-servants stayed with her during the night. She took tea twice during the night and appeared to rally a little. In the morning she was worse, and Dr Parsloe was sent for, but when he arrived she was dead. Deceased had stated that she was without friends. As mentioned in our yesterday's issue, it is believed that she came from the vicinity of Truro. Dr Parsloe said death was due to perforation of the stomach and peritonitis. A verdict was accordingly returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child's Death. The Doctor And The Midwife. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham yesterday on EVA LILIAN WARNE, the three-days-old daughter of BURNETT WARNE, naval seaman, 50 Fleet-street West. - Dr Kenrick said that he was called to the house on Monday between 8 and 9 a.m., and saw a newly-born child, who had just recovered from the effects of convulsions. About two o'clock on Tuesday the midwife brought the child to his surgery and said "I believe the child has died since I have been in this house." The child sneezed and he said "It is not dead." He gave it three drops of brandy and reproved the midwife for bringing it out and told her to go back at once, and put it into bed with its mother. He went to the house afterwards and found the child fairly recovered. He told the midwife to give it sugar and water and said "I do not think this child is going to die after all. Keep her in bed with the mother, in the warm." Shortly after six o'clock the midwife came to him and said that the child was dead. On making a post-mortem examination, he found death was due to shock and exhaustion. - Questioned by the Coroner, Dr Kenrick said that he believed the shock and exhaustion were due to the midwife taking the child out of doors. He saw a bottle of food, which he did not consider fit for so young a child. - The Coroner remarked that the witness was contradicting himself. In the first instance, he stated that death was due to the exposure, and he now said that the child was not properly fed. He wished to know if there were any convulsions immediately previous to the child's death. - Witness replied that he was not present at the time of the death. The midwife said that the child was convulsed at the time of its death. Witness afterwards said that the post-mortem examination revealed the face that the child was convulsed. - The Coroner considered that the doctor gave his evidence in a very unsatisfactory manner. - The doctor finally gave it as his opinion that the child died from exhaustion due to convulsions. - Mrs White, who was called in to act as midwife owing to inability of the nurse engaged to attend, said that she took the child into the street because the doctor, when previously sent for, delayed coming for three hours, and she did not want the child to wait. When she took the child to Dr Kenrick he said, "The child is evidently dead." Witness, however, felt a movement and said, "The child is not dead." - Dr Kenrick admitted having made the remark that the child was dead. - The Coroner said that the medical evidence had not been at all straightforward and the Jury also expressed their strong dissatisfaction, and Mrs White was exonerated from all blame. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents.

ST BUDEAUX - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at St Budeaux yesterday on GEORGE SELLEY, aged five months, the son of RICHARD SELLEY, mason's labourer. BESSIE SELLEY, mother of the deceased, said that the boy had enjoyed good health until Thursday last, when he seemed unwell. He was a little better on Sunday and she gave him about ten drops of brandy and water. On Monday he was not so well and Dr Gard was sent for, but the child was dead when he arrived. Death was due to convulsions, due to commencing pneumonia. Verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE ASHTON, aged 56, labourer, 7 Moon-street. The deceased had paid visits to the dispensary within the last four or five weeks. On Tuesday night he went to bed complaining of illness. On the afternoon of the following day milk was fetched for him, but he passed away without taking it. Dr Brenton said death was due to chronic bronchitis and a weak heart of long standing. Verdict accordingly.

YEALMPTON - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Yealmpton yesterday on CAROLINE MILLER, aged 69, 63 Torre-hill, Yealmpton. FRANCES ANN MILLER said deceased, her mother-in-law, enjoyed good health until Thursday morning, when she complained of feeling unwell. Witness put her to bed, where she expired before a doctor arrived. Dr Langworthy attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart. there was no disease of the valves. The other organs were fairly healthy. Verdict accordingly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On H.M.S. Impregnable. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse Naval Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM MURPHY, aged 16, 1st class boy, on H.M.S. Impregnable. About 1.15 on Wednesday, deceased, with another boy, John Corby, was cleaning the tanks n the hold. Corby went to fetch some water, when deceased was playing with a pipe above, being suspended from it, with his feet raised from the tank. He dropped on to the tank again, and, about a minute later, lost his balance and fell back into the hold. He called assistance and the boy was taken to the sick bay and afterwards removed to the Naval Hospital, where he died. - Dr M. H. Knapp attributed death to a clot of blood between the skull and the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The funeral will take place on Monday at Plymouth Cemetery.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 August 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Builder's Suicide. Financial Troubles. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, on Saturday, held an Inquest on CHAS VINCENT DOIDGE, builder, of 6 Alma-road, Pennycomequick. - CHARLES H. DOIDGE, mason, 3 Gilwell-cottages, Plymouth, his son, said he last saw him on Thursday morning at some houses he was building in Alma-road. He was then in his usual health. A gentleman had called to see his father just before, but the business was not of an unpleasant nature. Deceased had not been in very good health. He had never heard him threaten to take his life, but he had heard him say he wished he was dead. He was endeavouring to raise money to build two more houses, but had not been successful. He had built eight houses in Alma-road recently, and only two were left on his hands. He had not had any quarrel at home. - Leopold A. Fugler, 15, of Houldsworth-street, Pennycomequick, said he and other boys were playing in the Exhibition Fields on Friday morning. They got on a hedge and lying on the grass right in front of them was deceased, with his hat about a foot away, and a large brown bottle three feet away. - P.C. Sanders said on the body he found a piece of paper bearing the words "My dear wife, I cannot live." He saw deceased two days before and his manner then seemed strange. - Dr F. Everard Row, Police Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination, and found evidence of deceased having taken a corrosive poison. The stomach was black from end to end. The poison was either hydro-chloric acid or sulphuric acid, the former in his opinion. The acid was easily obtained from ironmongers, but was very rarely taken for suicidal purposes. Deceased had taken a large dose, and his death must have been extremely painful. - FREDERICK J. DOIDGE, carpenter, 51 Wilton-street, Stoke, son of deceased, said his domestic relations were perfectly pleasant. He had only said he was in want of money, but his workmen were all paid regularly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 August 1904
TOTNES - Plymouth Man's Death At Totnes. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Totnes Guildhall yesterday on RICHARD DOWN, of Lower-street, Plymouth. - George Yeoman, general dealer, of Totnes, said he saw the deceased come off the steamer from Dartmouth about three o'clock on Saturday, when he appeared sober and in his usual health. - After John English, of the Town Arms and William Seaford, the Town Council foreman, had given evidence to the effect that deceased appeared drunk, ELLEN COOK, deceased's daughter, said she last saw deceased, who was a widower, on Sunday week, before he went to the Torquay and Dartmouth regattas. He then appeared in his usual health, but complained of shortness of breath. He was in poor circumstances and she did not think he could have had much food lately. - P.C. Disney said he saw deceased in a hopeless condition outside the Post-office. He appeared to be under the influence of drink, and in reply to witness said, "Drive away the youngsters." He rambled up the street to the Devon and Cornwall Bank, where witness and P.C. Stoneman took charge of him to convey him to the Police Station, before reaching which he collapsed and they carried him to the Office, where he died immediately. - P.C. Stoneman said deceased had £1 2s. 9 ½d. on him. - MRS COOK said deceased had applied to the Plymouth Guardians, who refused out-relief, but offered a House order, which he declined. - Dr H. S. Johnson, who said the man was dead when he reached the Police Station, stated that the cause of death was syncope. The body was poorly nourished. The heart was small and the liver twice the ordinary size, while the heart, lungs and other organs were so diseased that it was a wonder he lived so long. There was no sign of drink in his stomach. - The Coroner said the Police acted perfectly correct in the matter and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. The Jury and witnesses gave their fees to Mrs Cook.

SHALDON - The River Teign Boating Accident. The Inquest. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest in the Victoria Hall, Shaldon, yesterday on MRS WARR, a middle-aged lady, who died after being thrown out of a boat on the river Teign on Saturday evening. Mr M. G. Ford appeared on behalf of the East Devon Brick Company, owners of the steamer Princess May, and Mr H. C. Full represented the relatives of the deceased. - FRANK HEWITT WARR, son of deceased, stated that with the exception of a weak heart deceased enjoyed fairly good health. - William J. Pridham, 35 Orchard-garden, Teignmouth, brother of deceased, said that on Saturday afternoon witness and five others went out in a boat to see the polo match. The tide was flowing swiftly, and they rowed down to the Point, close to the shore on the Teignmouth side. They took the general course and shot across the river to get into the eddy tide. Witness was rowing a pair of sculls together with his son, Charles. Witness noticed the steamer coming down to go outside, and they also saw a sailing boat entering the harbour with the tide, not under control, there being no wind. He feared there would be a collision between the sailing boat and the steamer and stopped pulling. Instead of keeping a straight course the steamer sheered and drifted towards the Shaldon side. They rowed as hard as they could to get out of her way, but the steamer did not pass under the stern of their boat as they expected. She struck their boat on the stern, and the pace the steamer was going pushed the boat under the water. The occupants of the boat were thrown out. Witness's son, Charles, dragged deceased out of the water and placed her on the bottom of the upturned boat until Gilpin, the ferryboat man, picked them up and landed them on Shaldon beach. Deceased spoke when in the ferryboat, but in spite of the efforts of the doctor she died. Witness had had great experience in boating. - By Mr Ford: The steamer was going half speed and sounded her whistle. - Charles A. Pridham corroborated. - William Gilpin, ferryman, said the current caused the steamer to sheer, and in his opinion that caused the accident, and Felix Matthews, Trinity pilot, Shaldon, expressed the same opinion. - I. R. Page, master of the Princess May, said they were leaving the harbour on Saturday evening and when abreast of the coastguard station he blew his whistle and again at the Point, when he saw the sailing boat. He saw the rowing boat and, fearing a collision, he stopped the engine and ported his helm to try and escape the sailing boat, but the tide was too strong and although they had no steam on he could not prevent a collision, and he let go his anchor. - Dr Bell attributed death to heart failure, due to shock and immersion in cold water. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to the crew of the steamer. The Jury (through Mr T. Madge, Foreman) expressed great sympathy and condolence with the friends of the deceased and thanks were accorded those who rendered help.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 August 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, on PERCIVAL GRAY, the seven-weeks-old son of ABRAHAM and ILET GRAY, 19 Railway-cottages, Plymouth. Dr Ward said death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Drowning Fatality. A Juryman's Suggestion. - At Keyham Dockyard yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest on DAVID MCNAIR, 56, chief engineer of the steam dredger Stonewall, the property of Sir John Jackson (Limited). Deceased met his death by falling into the water when going on board his ship on Sunday evening. - Mr H. E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) appeared for Sir John Jackson (Limited). - John Francis Gregson, captain of the dredger Stonewall, said deceased sometimes complained of indigestion. Deceased was a temperate man, and made his home on board the dredger, where he was very popular. - Alfred Gregson, watchman on the dredger on Sunday evening, said he heard deceased hail the ship on that evening. Witness passed the ladder to him and it was fixed so that it would not move. Deceased got to about the middle of the ladder, when he fell into the water between the ship and the jetty. The drop would be about nine feet. witness passed a lifebuoy to the second engineer of the ship, who was standing on the jetty. Witness got into the ship's boat, but could not find deceased from his position. He then got on to the walling of the jetty, and the second engineer (Mr Jones) helped to get deceased into the boat, from which he was removed to the dredger. - John Jones, second engineer, gave confirmatory evidence, adding that the ladder did not move an inch. The ship was lying about four or five feet below the jetty. - Staff-Surgeon R. Cleveland Munday, of the cruiser Retribution, said he was called about ten o'clock, and he performed artificial respiration on the deceased until midnight. He made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that death was due to shock, produced by the fall into the water. Deceased was a very unhealthy man and had heart disease, which accelerated death. - The Jury found that "Death was due to Shock following Immersion." - Mr Hay, one of the Jurymen, suggested that a man rope should be fixed to the ladders in all these vessels. It would be a very simple. - A vote of sympathy was accorded the relatives and Mr Peck, on behalf of Sir John Jackson, expressed sympathy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 September 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday relative to the death of JAMES PROWSE, aged 44, a timberman, employed at the Extension Works who lived at 31 Renown-street. While at work on Wednesday deceased died suddenly, and Staff-Surgeon J. C. Wood of H.M.S. Arrogant, found on making a post-mortem examination that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict was returned accordingly.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Drowning Case. Remarkable Evidence. - At Tiverton Infirmary yesterday an Inquest was held on the woman found near Tiverton on Wednesday. - WILLIAM OSBORN, labourer, of Crediton, identified the deceased as his unmarried daughter LUCY, aged 17. He last saw her at home about two months ago when she worked at Mr Jackson's factory. She went away one day without saying where she was going and he had no idea of her whereabouts until he received a letter from a married daughter, who lived near Ilfracombe, but he could not remember the name of the place, saying that deceased was there for a holiday, and after staying nine days had gone into Ilfracombe, and had not been heard of since. He had never heard deceased threaten to take her life, but a neighbour heard her say she would drown herself. She had a very happy home and he never heard her complain. She had a young man, he believed, who had left her about three months ago, but she never told him anything about it, though he expected that must be the reason of her going away. He did not know for what reason she was in that district, nor how she got there. - Kate Palmer, of Crediton, married sister of deceased, said deceased appeared happy and comfortable at home. She was very surprised when she went away. She had heard it said that her sister had threatened to drown herself and she had heard that deceased had a young man, but she knew nothing about it. - James Manning, mason's labourer, Tiverton, said he saw deceased a fortnight ago last Sunday. His brother brought her home in a cab to Harvey's stables from out on the road. His mother gave her a night's lodging, and deceased told them she came from Barnstaple, and wanted to go and see a young man named Perham, who worked for Mr Butt, of Deptford, and was, she said, her brother. Next morning witness offered to show deceased the way to Deptford. She saw Perham, and witness told a man called Veysey, who was with Perham, that deceased was Perham's sister, but Veysey said he did not think that could be the case. Perham undoubtedly knew her. Witness was returning home, when deceased quickly came after him and said that Perham had not got the lace for her, as he had promised. She then said her name was OSBORNE, and asked him whether he knew young OSBORNE, who used to drive the engine. Witness reminded her that she had said her name was Perham, and asked why she was telling lies. She did not say anything more until she got to Tiverton, where she said she would go to Butterleigh and stop with a brother there. he saw nothing more of her. She had two fits whilst at their house. - Mr Hookway, a Juror, thought that Perham should have been called. - Charles Lowe, electrician, said he found the body in the leat of Sir John Amory's electric light works on Wednesday morning. It had probably been washed down the river. - George Dockham, basket-maker, Tiverton, deposed to finding deceased's hat close to the two-mile stone on Bolham-road 14 or 21 days ago. He thought it strange that the hat should be there, but the otter hounds had been up shortly before, and he fancied it might belong to one of the young ladies following the hounds. Had deceased had a fit she might have rolled into the water. - Dr Burton, House Surgeon, Tiverton Infirmary, said deceased was admitted to Tiverton Infirmary a fortnight ago last Sunday. He examined her thoroughly, but could make nothing of her. There seemed nothing the matter, though she seemed tired and he advised her to go to the Workhouse. She said she was going to Stoodleigh, though she had only just come from there. She said her name was LUCY PERHAM, aged 24, and also Miss Rawl, of 34 Victoria-street, Barnstaple. He had not seen her again until he made the post-mortem. The body appeared to have been in the water quite 14 days. All the organs were normal, no bones were broken, and there were no signs of violence. The organs generally presented the appearance of death from drowning. - Mr Pring, a Juror: "Why was she brought to the Infirmary in the first place? - Dr Burton: The man Bennett, who brought her, seemed to want to get rid of her. He said she had already cost him 5s. 6d. in cabs. - Mr Nott, a Juror, thought Perham should have been there to clear his character, but they cast no stigma on him. - Mr Burrow said he would adjourn the Inquiry if they thought Perham should be called, but the Jury thought it unnecessary and returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 September 1904
HATHERLEIGH - Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest at Hatherleigh on Friday evening on S. WEEKS, aged 63 years, the carrier between Exeter and Hatherleigh, who died from the result of an accident. C. Short, labourer, saw the deceased sitting on the shafts of his cart without holding the reins. A wheel went into a rut in the road, and deceased was thrown violently to the ground, his head striking a gatepost. Dr Atkins said the deceased must have died instantaneously, the cause of death being fracture of the spine. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 September 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Child's Death. The Feeding Of Infants. - At an Inquest held yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, relative to the death of DOROTHY DEW, aged two months, daughter of JOHN DEW, seaman, of H.M.S. Russell, the mother stated that she went to bed at 11.45 on Saturday night and took the child in bed with her. When she awoke at eight o'clock next morning the child was warm, but as there was no movement she sent for a doctor, who pronounced life extinct. In addition to milk she had given the child boiled "hardbake" cakes, but she had had none of these since the previous Tuesday. The face of the baby was towards her, but lying off from her, on Sunday morning. - The Coroner said a lot of lives were lost through children being taken in bed with their parents. - Dr L. G. S. Saunders said that when he was called the child had been dead four or five hours, death being due to convulsions. There was no solid or undigested food in the stomach. he could not say to what the convulsions were due; they were nearly always hereditary. The child was well cared for and well nourished, and there were no signs of "hardbakes." It was very unwise to give "hardbakes" to young children. - The Coroner said improper feeding was very prevalent among the poorer classes, and it seemed that it would go on, no matter what one said about it; but in this case it had nothing to do with the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday as to the death of EMMA CAROLINE SMITH, aged 25, wife of WILLIAM FRANCIS SMITH, of 22 Stanley-street, crane driver at Keyham Extension Works. The husband said deceased had been in indifferent health and, as she had been spitting blood, went to Dr Saunders a few months ago. He gave her some medicine, a few doses of which stopped the bleeding. Soon after they retired on Sunday night she fainted and died before Dr Saunders could arrive. - Dr Saunders said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. Deceased was very stout and the heart was too small for so large a body. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 September 1904
ILFRACOMBE - Killed By A Shoelace At Ilfracombe. - A strange case of the death of a schoolgirl was revealed at an Inquest at Key Pitt, near Ilfracombe, held by Dr Slade King, Deputy Coroner. Deceased was identified as ANNA GEAR, aged 9, who lived at Pitt Farm, her father being a labourer named JOHN GEAR. - EMMA GEAR, a sister, stated that on Friday she went to school at Berrynarbor with deceased and other children. When near Cockhill deceased stepped on her shoelace and fell. Witness picked her up and she walked a little way, but fell down again, and had to be led along to school. She said her head was bad and at 11.30 she was allowed to go home. - The father stated that on her arrival home his daughter told him she had a sick headache and for this her mother treated her. Deceased went to sleep, but was afterwards restless, and at nine o'clock died in witness's arms. Dr Osborne, Ilfracombe, said death was due to concussion of the brain. - The Coroner described the case as the most remarkable that had come under his notice. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 September 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Burning Fatality At Devonport. A Child's Death. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday afternoon, before Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, an Inquest was held on WILLIAM HENRY WINTERBOURNE, aged four years, 38 Welsford-avenue, Ford. - MRS LOUISA WINTERBOURNE, deceased's mother, said that the child was very fond of playing with fire and water. - Ann Smith, 97 Barton-avenue, Keyham, the wife of a labourer, said she visited MRS WINTERBOURNE on Sunday afternoon. While witness was there MRS WINTERBOURNE put the children to bed. Ten minutes later the child's night clothes were in flames. MRS WINTERBOURNE put something round the child to extinguish the flames, and the child was wrapped up and taken to the Hospital. There was no fire in the room, neither were there any matches where the children were sleeping. Deceased must have gone into MRS WINTERBOURNE'S room, stood up on a chair and taken the matches from the mantelshelf. - Mr Stuart A. Moore, acting House Surgeon, said the child was extensively burned about the front part of the body. The case was practically hopeless, and death resulted from shock on Monday night. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

BARNSTAPLE - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded yesterday in the case of MISS JANE BOOTH, aged 88, of 21 South-street, Newport, Barnstaple, who died on Sunday as the result of injuries received through slipping off the edge of her bed and falling to the floor. The deceased sustained a compound fracture of the neck of the thigh bone.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 September 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Cardiff Arms, Plymouth, yesterday, on FREDERICK HANNAFORD, aged 70, 41 Well-street, who died suddenly on Wednesday. E. HANNAFORD identified the body as that of his father. He had enjoyed good health and had only complained of difficulty in breathing. he had not been attended by a medical man. Dr Wagner, who made a post-mortem examination, found that death was due to heart disease of long standing. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 September 1904
LYDFORD - CHARLES HARRIS, a prisoner at Dartmoor, after an interview with the Board of Visiting Magistrates on Wednesday, was taken back to his cell. After the dinner interval Assistant Warder S. Perkins unlocked the cell to call him to his work in the light labour party. He found him lying on the floor and at once summoned medical assistance. Dr Dyer pronounced the man to be dead. Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest on Friday. Evidence was given that HARRIS was sentenced at Clerkenwell to three years' penal servitude and two years' Police supervision. Owing to the state of his health he had been in the light labour party since October 1903. The post-mortem examination by Dr Dyer revealed heart disease of long standing. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 September 1904
TIVERTON - Devonport Widow's Death At Tiverton. - At Tiverton Infirmary yesterday, an Inquest was held on MRS JANE BOND, a widow, visiting at Brickfield-terrace. Mrs Fanny Bibbings said deceased made her home with her, in Charlotte-street, Devonport and on Wednesday visited Mrs Chappel of Tiverton. - Mrs Chappel said she left deceased at the breakfast table finishing her breakfast, and hearing a groan a few minutes later found her prostrate on the kitchen floor. - Dr Pollock said when called he found deceased lying on her back bleeding profusely from a wound at the back of the head. Death was due, in his opinion, to a rupture of a blood-vessel on the base of the brain. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Plymouth Woman. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ELIZA LEAN, aged 47, of 10 Cobourg-cottages. Deceased was the housekeeper of Henry Lavers, cleaner at Mortimer's dye works. Lavers last saw her alive on Friday morning, when he went to work. She then seemed in good spirits. She had several times previously threatened to take her life, and had sent her son to a chemist's to get poison for her, but the chemist had refused to supply it. when Lavers returned to dinner about 12.30, he saw deceased sitting in a chair apparently dead, with a bottle of oxalic acid by her side. - Dr Aikman attributed death to oxalic acid poisoning. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on HENRY ADAMS, child of GEORGE ADAMS, labourer, 25 Market-street, it was stated that deceased was born prematurely between 4 and 4.30 on Saturday morning. No one had been engaged to attend the mother, but Mary Dyer, of Fore-street, was fetched and on her arrival found the child on the floor. The child was apparently healthy, but when Mrs Dyer went to the house again at 11 a.m. the child was dead. Dr Sanford said the child was well nourished, but its birth was possibly slightly premature. Death was due to want of attention at birth, coupled with rather premature confinement. A verdict was returned accordingly.

TEIGNMOUTH - A Civil Engineer's Death At Teignmouth. A Roundabout Danger. - Mr F. C. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on RALPH EDGAR CANDY, a civil engineer, aged 27 years, of Victoria Mansions, Westminster. - William H. Pinsent, of Newton Abbot, said he and the deceased at Shaldon Regatta had a ride on Hancock's roundabout. Deceased mounted one of the outside horses, sitting with his back toward the head of the horse. When the machine had slowed down witness saw deceased was off the horse and lying on the ground. In his opinion, deceased lost his balance, as he was shifting his position on the horse. - William Davis, solicitor's clerk, said he saw deceased standing on the platform of the roundabout, and on the next round he was off. - John Dowling, one of Hancock's attendants, saw deceased sitting cross-way on the horse and told him to "hold on" or he would be likely to fall off. - The medical evidence went to show that deceased was received at the Hospital suffering from concussion of the brain and never rallied. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury added a rider that proprietors of roundabouts should exercise more care in not permitting persons to stand on the platforms or sit on horses other than in the proper way.

TORQUAY - The Torquay Suicide. A Great Deal Overworked. - The Inquest at Torquay yesterday on HENRY BUTLER CLARKE, aged 40, son of REV. H. CLARKE, of The Cote, Lincombe-road, Torquay, was held by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. - Mrs Loocine Macdonald, sister of deceased, stated that he was a don of St. John's College, Oxford, and came on a visit to his father on August 23rd. On Saturday he slept until late, and said he had had a good night. He had his breakfast and went to his father's room and when he left soon afterwards he said he was going into the town for a shave and asked if he could leave any orders. He was looking ill and had been under medical care. - Alfred J. Mountstephen, assistant to his father, Mr J. H. Mountstephen, gun maker, Fleet-street, said deceased came to the shop about eleven o'clock and asked to see a hammerless double-barrelled gun at a price of about £10. Witness showed him one, the price of which was £11 11s., and, after asking if the barrels were English make, deceased agreed to purchase it. He asked for discount, and witness sold the gun to him for £10 5s. Deceased also bought 30 cartridges, which he put in his pocket. He settled the bill and left. He spoke as a man conducting an ordinary commercial transaction. - Henry Hurd, cabdriver, stated that at 10.40 deceased engaged him at the Meadfoot-cross stand to drive him to Mr Mountstephen's shop. There the gun was sent out and placed in the cab. Deceased followed, and told witness to drive to the Wall's Hill volunteer shooting range. After proceeding up Babbacombe-road, and when between St Matthias's church and Bishopstowe, witness met a motor omnibus and just as the 'bus had got to the back of his cab he heard a slight noise, but did not know it came from the cab. He drove on to the bottom of the hill, to the entrance of the road leading to Wall's Hill, where he stopped and jumped down to let the deceased out. He found the windows closed and when he opened them and also the door he found deceased sitting in the corner, with blood coming from his head and running down on to the mat by the side of the door. Witness at once drove to the residence of the nearest doctor, and on his way there called at the house of the Police-Sergeant at Babbacombe, but neither were at home, and he then drove to the Torquay Police-Station. He thought deceased was dead when he first saw him. - P.C. Alfred Webb said he entered the cab when it arrived at the Police Station. Deceased was sitting in the corner of the back seat with his head leaning on the side of the cab. Blood was oozing from deceased's mouth. The gun was just inside the door and the muzzle was close to deceased's head. His right shoe was off. Pinned on the cushion of the cab in front of where deceased was sitting was a half-sheet of notepaper on which was written in ink, "Take me to the Police-Station." The gun had been loaded in both barrels, and the right barrel had been discharged. - Mr H. K. Lacey, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said there were gunshot wounds in the roof of the mouth, at the base of the skull and behind the left ear. He did not think it possible for deceased to have written the words on the paper after he was shot. - Mr Mountstephen, recalled, said he did not see deceased write anything in the shop, nor did he ask for any paper. - P.C. Webb said no pen was found on deceased. - Dr Hamilton Cumming stated that he had been attending deceased for a fortnight. He was in a weak state and had evidently been a great deal overworked. he had been engaged on a book for some time. He was nervous and depressed, and had been sleeping and eating badly and was in a condition in which a man might be prone to sudden impulse. He was, however, the last person in the world whom witness thought would have done such a thing. He last saw deceased on Wednesday, when he asked him if he could return to his residence in France and resume his literary work. He replied that he might do so if he would take it quietly and deceased remarked that he would have plenty of exercise, as quail shooting would have begun. - Mr Macdonald, a brother-in-law of deceased, spoke of him as one of the cleverest men he ever knew. He lived in France, on the borders of Spain and had been engaged for some time in writing a Spanish book for Oxford University. He had a very bad breakdown in health some time ago and was dreadfully worried because he was not able to finish his book. Latterly he had been suffering very badly from insomnia and nightmares. He was very reticent and most anxious to keep this from his father. He had engaged to go out to lunch yesterday and was to have returned to France today. Witness respected deceased very highly, and he was the last person whom they thought would have taken his life. - The Coroner left it to the Jury to say whether deceased shot himself by accident or purposely and if the latter, as to whether his mind was unhinged at the time. It was a very sad case, and he was sure the sympathy of the Court would go out to the relatives of the deceased in the terrible calamity that had overtaken them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity," and expressed the deepest sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Mystery. An Open Verdict. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on FANNY EMMA WILLIAMS, aged 25, until recently employed as a cook at Mannamead. - CATHERINE S. B. WILLIAMS, domestic servant at 3 Thornhill-villas, Plymouth, identified the body as that of her sister. Deceased had been in service at Thorn Park about two months. She had no doubt about the identification. The buckle ring produced belonged to deceased. She last saw her alive at Thorn Park House on 1st instant, when she seemed bright and cheerful, as usual. Deceased said nothing to lead witness to believe she intended to take her life. Deceased had been engaged for twelve months to Walter James Copp, boots at the Westminster Hotel. There was nothing in connection with the engagement to worry the deceased. There was no objection taken by their friends, and Copp and her sister seemed very happy. She did not hear until the night of Saturday, the 3rd instant, that deceased was missing. Witness had since examined deceased's box, but found nothing to show why she was missing. She recognised the hat produced as that of her sister's. - James Farrell, piermaster at West Hoe Pier, said on the evening of 2nd instant, his boatman reported to him that he had let out at 6.30 no. 9 boat to a lady and gentleman. They waited until 8.30 p.m., and then saw the boat floating past the mouth of the basin. Witness sent two men after the boat and when they got alongside they reported that there was no one in it, but that there was a lady's hat and a man's cap. The boat was searched, but nothing else was found in it that night. About six o'clock on the following morning witness made a further examination of the boat, and found the memorandum book produced fastened round the thwart with a bit of twine. In the book he found on one of the pages: "From Charles and Fan." "We" was written and struck out. Then followed "To MR WILLIAMS, Old Hill, Dunmere, Bodmin. FAN says goodbye to all. We have agreed to die together to save ourselves from the slurs of other people. Let us both be buried together if we get washed ashore; and FAN would wish some flowers on her grave." Witness at once reported the matter to the Police. It was about half ebb tide when the boat came back. Everything was in place in the boat. - Kenneth Hill Hole, medical student, Guy's Hospital, London, said that on Saturday he and others were in a boat in the Hamoaze when they received information from the sailing-boat Seagull that a body was floating in the water. They rowed to the spot indicated off Northcorner, and there saw a body. They took the painter and, placing it under the arms, towed the body to the Police ship Leda. The body was afterwards taken to Pottery Quay and handed over to a Police Constable. - P.C. Bulley said that shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday he received the body from the last witness and took it to the mortuary, where he searched the clothing and found the ring produced. - Dr F. E. Row said that late on Saturday night he saw the body at the Mortuary and on making a superficial examination found it was the body of a woman below 40 years of age. The head and face were much decomposed and the features were quite unrecognisable. Witness came to the conclusion that she had been dead for a fortnight, or, if anything less. That day he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that she died from suffocation, due to drowning. From the general appearance he considered she was under 30 years of age. She was well built and well nourished. There was apparently a severe bruise on the lower part of the neck. That was the only part of the body on which there was any apparent bruise, but the bruise did not go quite round the neck. There was just a possibility that that might have been due to decomposition. Witness's opinion was that, whatever it was, it was done before death. - By the Jury: It might have been caused by the neck striking the gunwale of the boat, or by someone taking hold of her by the neck. There was a velvet band round the neck. Deceased had had no food for eight or ten hours at least. - MISS WILLIAMS, recalled, said her sister had false teeth. - Dr Row said there were signs of deceased having had false teeth in the upper jaw, but they were all gone. - MISS WILLIAMS said she last saw Copp on the Thursday night at the Westminster Hotel. She asked to see him, but without any special reason. They talked about family affairs, but not about her sister. The writing in the memorandum book produced was Copp's. - A Juryman: Was there any reason why this young man should mention anything about slurs? - No, none whatever as far as I know. - The Coroner: As far as you know everything was going along in a very satisfactory manner? - Yes. - Had you ever heard of any accusation against your sister? - No. - You did not go to see Copp about your sister? - No. - Have you ever heard any slurs from neighbours about your home? - No. - JOSEPH EDGAR WILLIAMS, labourer, Egg Buckland, said he last saw deceased alive last Thursday week at Thorn Park House. He afterwards went to the Westminster Hotel with his sister CATHERINE and Copp. There was nothing particular in the conversation. They often called there. He knew of nothing that would be likely to lead to this. He had heard of no slurs. The engagement was sanctioned by the family, and all liked Copp. Copp's bank-book was left behind. Witness had learnt from Mr Wilson, deceased's employer, that she had no right to be out on Friday. - MISS WILLIAMS said she understood that her sister left the house about 5.30. Mr Wilson had told her that deceased received a telegram. - The Coroner: Neither you nor your brother are keeping anything back from the Jury? - No. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the writing found in the memorandum-book would go to show that the two persons who had hired the boat had made up their minds to drown themselves. There could be absolutely no doubt about the body being that of FANNY WILLIAMS. Copp was missing and it was only fair to assume that he was the man who accompanied the deceased. There was no evidence as to what really occurred in the boat, and they could only assume what happened from the writing. If the book had not been found it might have been thought that the two persons fell overboard or jumped overboard to commit suicide, but a doubt would have been left as to whether they had not met with an accident. It was fair to assume that they took the boat with the definite intention of dying together. It was a peculiar feature in the case that there was a severe bruise in the throat, which might have been due to decomposition, but which, in the opinion of Dr Row was caused before death. They could conjure up lots of things which might have happened. Deceased might have got faint-hearted when the moment for jumping overboard came and Copp might have thrown her overboard. If anything of that sort occurred it would have been a case of wilful murder. It had been stated that when two persons went with the intention of dying together it was a case of wilful murder against each; but in the absence of more complete evidence as to what occurred he advised that the Jury's verdict should be an open one of "found drowned." There might be in the minds of some persons a suspicion that Copp murdered the young woman, wrote the statement in the book, and landed somewhere, leaving the boat to drift. But it was not right to imagine such things without evidence to show what actually occurred. Supposing Copp should be found hereafter, he would have to explain the meaning of all this, and an open verdict would not preclude criminal proceedings being taken against him if such were found necessary. The Inquest had to be hurried because of the body being in such a decomposed state. He was informed that any evidence obtained from the Westminster Hotel or the place where deceased held her situation would not carry the case any further; but if the Jury considered it necessary, he would adjourn the Inquest. It was a very sad case indeed, and they would sympathise with all who were near and dear to deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMSTOCK - An Oreston Man's Death. Poor-Law Officers' Action. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Mount Batten, yesterday, on WM. HENRY GARDINER, aged 52, stonemason. - Mr Harry Watts was the Foreman of the Jury. - Geo. R. Tompkings, journeyman plasterer, 3 Duke's-cottages, Oreston, stated that deceased resided with him and his wife. He last saw him alive on August 24th. About six months ago he was discharged from his employment as a stonecutter at the Plymouth Breakwater Works in consequence of his showing signs of weak mind and suicidal tendency. From that time he became worse and grew very troublesome, requiring a great deal of watching. Dr Scott was consulted and also Mr Webb, the relieving officer, who had him removed to Plympton Workhouse. He was taken into custody by the Police, who found him wandering about at two o'clock in the morning, he having escaped from his bedroom and climbed over the garden wall. He was discharged from the Workhouse a fortnight later. The day before he was discharged his wife received a letter from the Relieving Officer, asking her to send "responsible person" to receive him. MRS GARDINER went to the Workhouse herself, and brought him home. - By the Coroner: As far as he remembered, nothing was stated in the letter as to deceased's condition. After his return home, he grew worse and on several occasions he attempted to hang himself in the house and was twice but down by his sister. On one occasion, the attempt left a black mark around his neck. Several times the Police and the Poor-law authorities were told of his conduct, but witness's wife was informed that the magistrates would not commit him. Very often his conduct was such as would throw the magistrates off the scent. At home his conduct was very different, and he never got any sleep. When witness had spoken to Mr Webb on the matter, he rather suggested that the members of the family were anxious to get deceased confined to an asylum, when there was really no cause for it. On previous occasions deceased had remained away for several nights at a time. They commenced to search for him on August 27th, but no reward was offered. Deceased had been receiving money from a club, but that was stopped about six weeks ago, and that caused him further worry. The man ought to have been put in a proper place before. - The Coroner: The Jury will hear the officials of the Workhouse on the matter. - A Juror remarked that he saw the deceased several times and he appeared quite rational; on other occasions he had heard him threaten to commit suicide. - James Crocker, labourer, Plymstock, said he saw deceased about one o'clock on August 24th, on a farm at Goosewell. He told witness that he was in search of a job, and added, "I think I'll hang myself up." He went away in the direction of Staddiscombe. His expression was rather wild. - Dr Edgar J. Donbavand, Plymstock, stated that he saw the body before it was cut down. It was a drop from the bough from which he was hanging to the ground of about twelve feet, and death was due to hanging, the neck being broken. Witness had known the deceased for about eighteen months, and he had been under his partner's observation for acute melancholia. He had a strong suicidal - and almost homicidal - tendency. The friends were cautioned in every way to look after deceased, whom they were anxious to put away. Witness was extremely surprised to hear that deceased had returned from the Workhouse and had never heard the reason why. He believed he was a danger to other people, as well as to himself, at times. - P.C. Braund proved receiving information as to the discovery of the body in Radford Woods by a man named Rowse, whilst picking blackberries. He was hanging by a rope with a running noose around his neck. The body was greatly decomposed. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Friday evening for the attendance of Dr Prance, medical officer of the Plympton Workhouse and Mr Webb, Relieving Officer. The Coroner remarked that the reasons why deceased was discharged from the Plympton Workhouse ought to be known.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 September 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Mystery. Recovery of COPP'S Body. The Inquest: Important Letters. - Yesterday morning the body of WALTER JAMES COPP, 25, head boots at the Westminster Hotel, Plymouth, and a native of Tiverton, was picked up near the Breakwater. It will be remembered that deceased and FANNY EMMA WILLIAMS, aged 25, until recently employed as a cook at Mannamead, and a native of Bodmin, went to the West Hoe Pier on the evening of the 2nd inst., at 6.30 and hired a boat. At 8.30 the same night the boat was found floating near the Pier, and in it were a man's cap and a woman's hat. Next morning the boat was thoroughly searched and then was found a memorandum-book, identified as belonging to COPP, in which was written a statement that they had agreed to die together, to save themselves from the slurs of other people, and signed from "CHARLIE and FAN." COPP and WILLIAMS had been engaged for about twelve months. The body of FANNY EMMA WILLIAMS was picked up on Saturday afternoon off Northcorner, Devonport, and at the Inquest on Monday the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." The body of COPP was removed to Plymouth Mortuary, Vauxhall-street, where Mr R. B. Johns, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on it later in the day. - The Coroner said he had had an opportunity of looking through some letters found on the body of the deceased. He thought the mystery which had surrounded this sad case was now practically solved. There were letters from the deceased girl, FANNY WILLIAMS, to the deceased COPP, in which she admitted that some time ago she was confined of a child. Someone had written to the deceased an anonymous letter, in which they enclosed a birth certificate of the child of FANNY WILLIAMS, which was a boy, and born at Bodmin on April 14th, 1900. The girl had apparently been trying to live an upright and industrious life since 1900 and had acted in a very proper manner towards the young man COPP since she had been acquainted with him. Through the good influence, or what he ought to really call the bad influence, of some people who wished to meddle in the matter, COPP, it appeared, had accused the girl of having deceived him. She wrote COPP a most pitiful and yet most proper letter, and which was found on COPP'S body, in which she expressed great regret that she had not told him before of the birth of the child and stating that she fully intended to tell him all, but had not had the opportunity. She further asked him if he would see her just for five minutes, so that she might give him some explanation, and also to give her the opportunity of saying "good-bye" to him. Further, the girl in the letter expressed the hope that COPP would get hold of a better girl and be happy. He (the Coroner) did not propose to read the letters. He had, however, stated what they contained and they could be ready by the Jury if they so wished. The reading of the letters out in public could do no good and might cause great pain to the relatives. - Henry Sanderson, second boots at the Westminster Hotel, identified the body as that of WALTER JAMES COPP. He saw COPP before he went to Millbay Station to meet the 5.40 p.m. train on 2nd inst. Deceased appeared to be worried. Witness knew that COPP was engaged to FANNY WILLIAMS, and that there had been some letters received from people by COPP about the girl. On the afternoon of the 2nd COPP asked him to take telegram to the Post-office asking FANNY WILLIAMS to meet him at the Hotel that evening. He did so. - The Foreman (Mr W. G. Southern): Have you ever heard deceased threaten to do away with himself? - Witness: The same afternoon the deceased was talking about chaps and girls committing suicide. I said to him, "Surely you will not commit suicide?" and he replied, "If I did I should put a revolver in my mouth and have done with it." - James Farrell, piermaster, West Hoe Pier, repeated his evidence given before the Devonport coroner the previous day as to the couple engaging a boat, later finding the boat empty and the memorandum-book with the written statement in it. - Chas. Jackson, fisherman, Newton Ferrers, said about 8.30 that morning he was in a boat half a mile outside the Breakwater, when he saw the body floating. He took the body in tow and brought it to the Barbican, when it was conveyed to the mortuary. - P.C. Samuel Palmer deposed to searching the body. In the coat pockets he found letters and the birth certificate of a child, also a tobacco purse. In the waistcoat was a lady's silver Geneva watch, two sovereigns, 7s. 6d. in silver, 3 ½d. in bronze and a pocket knife. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict. After an absence of five minutes the Foreman said the Jury were of opinion that the deceased, WALTER JAMES COPP, committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind, and desired to pass a vote of condolence with the relatives. They further wished to pass a vote of censure on the parties, whoever they were, who had sent the anonymous letter and the birth certificate to COPP, because the Jury were of opinion these persons were morally responsible for the deaths of the deceased; at any rate, that the letter and the certificate were the cause of it. - The funeral of FANNY EMMA WILLIAMS will take place at the Plymouth Cemetery this afternoon; COPP will also be buried at the same cemetery this afternoon. The body of the girl lies at the Devonport Mortuary. It is expected that the interments will take place at the same hour.

LYDFORD - At an Inquest held at Merripit Farm, Postbridge, on Monday on FRED WHITE, who died from injuries received in trying to stop his horse bolting on Saturday last, the Jury (Foreman, Mr e. Irish) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN RAY, 4 Craven-avenue, retired Stationmaster from the G.W.R. Company and 79 years of age. Deceased the previous morning went to the house of Mrs Eliza M. Hayball, Grenville-road, his step-daughter. He appeared quite well when he entered the house, and commenced to talk quite cheerfully. Within a short time he sat in a chair, and immediately expired. Dr George Bate, who made a post-mortem examination, said in his opinion deceased died of syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

CHULMLEIGH - Fatal Cycle Accident At Chulmleigh. - Mr J. F. Bromham of Barnstaple, held an Inquest at Chulmleigh yesterday afternoon on THOMAS NETHERCOTT, of Burrington. - Mr F. Sanders of Burrington, said on September 2nd deceased and himself were at work together at Hayne Farm. They left to go to dinner, but as deceased had his bicycle they parted at the end of the lane. Deceased occasionally rode rather fast, and was not over careful. - Dr Tucker, of Chulmleigh, said on September 2nd he was driving from Portsmouth Arms to Burrington. On reaching Town Bridge (where there is a sharp and dangerous corner almost at right angles) he saw a cyclist coming down the hill on the opposite side at a very rapid rate. Witness at once pulled his horse up to a dead stop and almost immediately deceased crashed into the left shaft of the trap, falling in front of his horse's feet and then staggered up and exclaimed "I am dying." He was bleeding profusely. The shaft had entered the flesh part of his left thigh. he obtained some dressing at a neighbour's house and bound up the leg as well as he was able in the roadway, and Mr J. Ford took NETHERCOTT to Chulmleigh Cottage Hospital. Deceased appeared to be doing well but on Friday night took a turn for the worse and on Sunday evening passed away. There was a little gangrene in the wound, but death resulted from shock. Witness could not possibly have avoided the collision, as he could only see a few yards at the spot the accident occurred. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 September 1904
PLYMOUTH - Crane Fatality At Plymouth. Shunting Dangers. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JOHN BILLING, aged 37, of Colebrook, a labourer in the employ of Martin Bros (Limited). - The Coroner explained that deceased was working on a crane at Martin's siding, Laira, on Tuesday. The box of the crane overhung the railway line along which the Great Western Railway employees were carrying out shunting operations. An engine passing knocked the crane eight or ten feet and several men were injured. Deceased, who was very badly hurt, was removed to the Hospital and died on Wednesday. - Mr Bennett represented the G.W.R. and Chief Inspector Scantlebury was also present; Mr Bernard Thomas (Messrs. Woollcombe and Sons) watched the proceedings on behalf of Martin Bros., and Mr S. Carlile Davis represented the widow. - Merton Lowden, of Underwood, a labourer, stated that he was working on the crane with deceased. He had never received orders to cease working the crane during shunting operations. They were working with their backs to the shunting line, and he neither heard nor saw the engine coming. When the engine ran into the crane they were both knocked off. Witness only received a bruise. Deceased was knocked some yards and was badly bruised about the forehead, and did not speak. - By Mr Bennett: They did not "slew" the crane, which must have shifted itself. The crane was not working at the time, but had been got ready to unload a second truck they had been pushing up. - Francis Anderson, labourer, in the employ of Martin Bros., living at Plympton St. Maurice, said he was working on the siding on Tuesday. the shunter told him that he was going back for an "empty." They usually stopped working the crane when the engine was shunting, but did not do so on this occasion. he did not hear the engine coming and could not account for the crane "slewing." - Replying to a question, Mr Martin stated that the box of the crane overhung the line a foot to eighteen inches. - James T. Parsons, shunter, G.W.R., said he was shunting the trucks at the siding on Tuesday. There was another engine shunting close by. The engine he was working with had been shunting up and down the line all the morning. When he gave the engine driver the order to go ahead just before the accident the line was clear, and the crane must have altered its position. He could not say whether the crane was "slewed" around by the men or whether it shifted itself. He was on the opposite side of the engine to the crane, and could not see it when it was struck. The engine was going at six to eight miles an hour. - Herbert Berry, the driver of the engine, said he was on the right hand side of the engine and could not see the crane. He blew his whistle before approaching the crane, which he was certain was clear of the line when he started. - Geo. Slee, fireman on the engine, said he was on the left hand side of the engine. When about four or five yards away he saw the box of the crane overhanging the line. He told the driver, but the engine could not be pulled up in such a short distance. The crane "slewed" round, but he could not say the cause. He had never known the crane to be working whilst shunting was going on. - Thomas Martin, chairman of directors of Martin Bros., said it was a difficult crane to slew, and could act possibly more of its own accord. - Mr Norman Blake Odgers, House Surgeon, said that deceased sustained a compound fracture of the pelvis and compound fracture of the left thigh. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," found that no blame attached to anyone, and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

STOKE GABRIEL - The Dart Boating Fatality. Inquest At Stoke Gabriel. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Stoke Gabriel yesterday on HERBERT YOUNG, aged 41, a gentleman of independent means and JAMES MABIN, aged 25, his valet. - John Robertson Owen, law student of Okehampton, stated that he, MR YOUNG, and JAS MABIN, on Thursday went in a boat from Dittisham (where MR YOUNG had lately been living) to Stoke Gabriel. Arriving at Stoke Gabriel, they went to the Church Inn, staying in the village about three hours. During that time MR YOUNG went to see someone on business. They left Stoke Gabriel just before three o'clock, rowing out of the creek, it being low water. When in the river they put up the mast, and sailed about a hundred yards. MR YOUNG got up to sit by witness's side - and he (witness) thought he meant MABIN to move at the same moment - and his shifting his seat put all the weight on one side and upset the boat. When witness came to the surface he clung to the boat and saw MR YOUNG and MABIN drifting away down the stream. Witness swam after them and shouted to them to keep quiet. They both caught hold of him and all went under. Witness came up all of a sudden and swam back to the boat, and, on getting his breath, swam ashore. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said there was no disturbance whatever between those in the boat. All three were laughing and joking and MR YOUNG wanted to change places with his man. If the latter had moved, the boat would not have upset. - Answering the Jury, witness said the boat was about 20 yards from the shore when it upset. He struggled with his arms whilst in the water, as he could not move his legs much. He might have bit or kicked either of the deceased, who were close together. Neither of them could swim a stroke. - John Ford Channing, landlord of the Church House Inn, Stoke Gabriel, said the three men had refreshments at his house, staying at first about a quarter of an hour. MR YOUNG and his servant came back in about an hour and a half and Mr Owen went to look after the boat. The latter returned and had some cake and lemonade, waiting for the return of the others. When they came back they stayed about twenty minutes and left the house about half-past two. Neither of the men were the worse for liquor. - Mr Owen, recalled, said there were no words between MR YOUNG and MABIN, and no refusal by the latter to shift his seat. It was simply a misunderstanding. MR YOUNG gave no reason why he wanted to move, and the boat was completely under witness's control. He did not know much about the management of a sailing boat, but he knew more about it than either of the others. He had no opportunity of telling MR YOUNG to keep his seat; he got up and it was all over. - Richard Adams, fisherman, said just before three o'clock he left to go fishing and on going out of the creek was followed by deceased's boat. Witness and those with him proceeded towards Totnes, and the others went downwards. Whilst looking down the stream witness saw a lot of splashing in the water. He and his companions turned and pulled down as fast as they could. When they got to within a hundred yards of the spot he saw Mr Owen wading ashore. The boat was upright, but partly under water. Witness followed Mr Owen down, but not seeing anything of the others, he came ashore to fetch the Policeman. Witness picked up the hats and paddles and put them on the rocks. The sail was down, there being no wind. - Mr Owen explained that when he got free, and returned to the boat, he took down the sail. - Edmund Adams, fisherman, said at his suggestion they shot a net and recovered the bodies. - EDWARD MABIN, retired sawyer, Dartmouth, said the deceased, his son, had been with MR YOUNG nine or ten years. - Mr Owen, replying to the Coroner, said he did not hear MR YOUNG or MABIN say anything whilst in the water. - EDWARD MABIN, asked as to the relations between MR YOUNG and his son, said they were like two brothers, or like father and son. - The Coroner spoke of the occurrence as a very sad one. Fortunately, they had been able to get a most graphic description of the accident from Mr Owen and he (the Coroner) was sure everybody must have been filled with wonder to think that, after what he had experienced, Mr Owen was able to come forward and give them such a full and detailed account. They could all see how the accident happened. MR YOUNG was sitting in the middle of the boat with MABIN by his side, and for an unexplained reason MR YOUNG shifted his seat. That undoubtedly upset the boat. The most unfortunate feature in the case was that the two men who lost their lives were unable to swim. It was the old story. How often did they hear of men being able to save their lives simply from the fact of their having been taught to swim. In this instance one person out of the three was able to swim and he was not only able to save his own life, but in a most praiseworthy manner he went to try to save the lives of the others, and it was almost by a miracle that in doing so he managed to save his own life. It ought to go out as a warning how necessary it was to teach people to swim. All sorts of public bodies were blamed because they did not provide life-saving apparatus but they forgot to teach the children to swim, which was the main point. These two men had undoubtedly lost their lives because they were unable to swim. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMSTOCK - An Oreston Man's Suicide. An Imprudent Action. - The adjourned Inquest on WM. HENRY GARDINER, 52, stonemason, was resumed yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, at Mount Batten. Deceased, who lived at Oreston, had been employed until six months ago as a stonecutter at the Plymouth Breakwater Works, but was discharged in consequence of his showing a suicidal tendency. He afterwards got worse, and on several occasions attempted to hang himself. He was removed to the Plympton Workhouse and discharged. He was afterwards found hanging from a tree in Radford Woods. - P.S. Rattenbury deposed that on Saturday, June 18th, deceased was brought to the Police Station at Yealmpton by P.C. Passmore, about 5 a.m., as a wandering lunatic. It was notorious in the district that deceased had often tried to commit suicide, but whilst he was at the Police Station he appeared perfectly rational. - Robert M. W. Webb, Relieving Officer, stated that on June 18th deceased was sent to the Plympton Workhouse by a justice for two days' observation. Two days later another Magistrate saw him and after hearing Dr Scott and deceased's son-in-law, George Richard Tompkings, he ordered deceased to be further detained 14 days. - The Coroner: The son-in-law said that after deceased was discharged he walked to your house and left a message that deceased was in a very dangerous state. - I never received that message. - You are quite satisfied that deceased ought to have been confined? - He was eccentric and curious. He would answer your questions readily enough and kept repeating that it was a bad job, and he would have to pull himself together and do some work; but from conversation with him you would think he was all right. In answer to a Juror, witness said Mr Tompkings was the only member of deceased's family who expressed a desire that he should be removed. - George Dawe, Master, Plympton Workhouse, stated that deceased, although ordered by a Magistrate to be further detained for 14 days, was discharged at the end of twelve days, though no reference was made to the magistrate committing him. On June 29th the medical officer (Dr Prance) gave a certificate that deceased was in a fit condition to return to his home. Witness then communicated to the assistant of the clerk of the magistrates and received a message afterwards from the Police that deceased might be discharged. He then communicated with deceased's wife, and discharged him the following day into her custody. - The Coroner: You had no right whatever to discharge that man until the fourteen days were up without an order of the magistrates, not even into the custody of his relatives. - Witness: I should not have allowed the man to go under the fourteen days had I not had this message from the magistrates' clerk. - The Coroner: I think it was most imprudent on your part not to have got an order from the magistrates for the man's discharge. What was the conduct of the man whilst in the House? - He showed no signs whatever of insanity. - I am told he attempted to hang himself in the Workhouse? - I deny that most emphatically. The magistrate asked me to allow the man to go out, and not to keep him confined. He was at work every day in the garden in company with other men and never showed the slightest signs of insanity during the whole time. - The Foreman: At the last Inquiry we were given to understand that deceased came out in a worse state than when he went in? - In the House he appeared a level-headed man and answered questions quite readily. - Dr c. H. G. Prance, Medical Officer, Plympton Workhouse, stated that he still adhered to the opinion that on June 29th deceased was fit to be discharged. He did not know anything of his past history. He seemed rather down on his luck, but otherwise he was able to answer his questions. - The Coroner: He appears to have been capable of throwing people off the scent from time to time, and if you were not informed of his previous history you would not have known. If you had known what you know now, you would have been a little more inquisitive? - I should have sent that certificate just the same, because all my duty was to observe the man while he was in the House, and if he showed himself a fit man during the fourteen days, I had to sign a certificate. - But if you had known that Dr Scott was really most anxious for the safety of this man before, you would have referred to him before giving the certificate? - Simply as handing back his patient to him. - But if you had known that he had been cut down twice by his sister, and that the workmen on the breakwater had prevented him drowning himself, surely you would have hesitated to give that certificate without referring to Dr Scott? - I should have only hesitated on the testimony of others; not on my own opinion. - Was this certificate given voluntarily, or at the request of the Master? - You see it quite disregarded the order of the magistrate for 14 days. you have not been properly informed or fairly dealt with. It must be understood that if a person is committed in writing by a justice for 14 days, he must not be discharged before that time. - Witness: I did not know the 14 days were not up. - The Coroner: No. That was no business of yours. - The Coroner, summing up, said the Master of the House had explained frankly, but he (the Coroner) was bound to say it was not a prudent proceeding to discharge the man before the expiration of the 14 days without reference to the magistrate. The case had not been dealt with in a proper manner by the authorities. But, no doubt, after the investigation which had taken place, it would be an experience to them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," the Foreman adding that it was a great mistake to let deceased out of the Workhouse. - A Juror expressed the opinion that deceased did not attempt his life so often as was reported, although he talked about it. - Sergt. Rattenbury said if he attempted suicide it was not reported to the Police by the friends. - The Coroner: I think there have been some reports to the Police, but not in your district.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 September 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest on MARGARET LACHLAN, 72, widow of an engine driver, of 5 Pentamar-terrace, Morice Town, on Saturday, Dr T. McElwaine attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

TORQUAY - The Fatality To A Torquay Carman. - At Torquay on Saturday Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM BUCKPIT, aged 45, cabman, of Queen-street, Torquay, who died on Thursday from injuries received in an accident on Wednesday. - MRS BUCKPIT gave evidence of identification. - Alexander C. Beer said on Wednesday evening, as he was descending Union-street past the Torbay Hospital with a three-wheeled barrow or kit containing mineral waters, a covered van overtook him. The wheel of the van caught the wheel of the kit. Deceased, who was driving the van, tried to pull clear, but the kit was drawn partly under the horse and overturned. Bottles fell out and smashed, with the result that the horse swerved. Witness seized the horse, which bolted and he ran with it until near Upton Church when he was driven into the gutter, and had to let go. Deceased either jumped or was pitched out opposite the church and he was dragged about twenty yards. Witness was on his right side, walking, and the van was also descending the hill at a walking pace. It was his opinion that if the bottles had not fallen and smashed beneath the horse the accident would not have happened. - Thomas Blackhall, coachman, who was outside the Hospital, said that the occurrence was a pure accident. No blame was attachable to deceased or to the witness Beer. The horse was practically at a standstill when the barrow turned over. - John A. Cullum and Mr John Grist also gave evidence. -- Dr Lacey of the Torbay Hospital, described deceased's injuries, which included a broken neck. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 September 1904
SHALDON - The Fatal Fight At Shaldon Regatta. Unsatisfactory Evidence. - Mr Kellock, Deputy Coroner, yesterday resumed the Inquest on SIDNEY HIDER, who died from the effects of a blow received at Shaldon on 9th inst., the night of the regatta. - William Alford, fish hawker, Torquay, said he saw George Sillmon upset the pea stall. The man in charge of it, Joseph Currey, invited Sillmon to fight. A man named Blackmore took his coat off and knocked Sillmon down. Another man then rushed at the deceased, and a fight began. The Police stopped the fight. He saw deceased had a blow over the left eye and blood was flowing. - John Bassett of Torquay, said there were challenges to fight and Sillmon refused. Another man, whom witness did not know, jumped up and knocked HIDER down. - Frederick Willis, Shaldon, said he saw Shapter and another man, a stranger to him, fighting. The Police parted the man and Shapter was taken away by other men. - P.C. Hammett, of Bishopsteignton, said Shapter and the deceased held each other by the coat, and were struggling. He told them to stop. Shapter went away and he followed deceased back to his stall and advised him to be quiet. Deceased had a blow over the left eye, and Shapter had blood on his face. - William Kerr Bell, Surgeon, Shalton, said when called on Saturday morning deceased was on the floor by the bed. He had been dead about an hour. The post-mortem examination revealed a superficial wound on the left eyebrow. There were no other bruises. There was no fracture of the skull externally, but on removing the bony vault of the skull he found a large blood clot of recent formation about three inches long and two in breadth in the temple region between the bone and the membrane of the brain. There was a star-shaped fracture on the inner side of the bone corresponding with the centre of the blood clot. Death was due to haemorrhage, the result of a blow over the ear, but not that on the eye. - Arthur E. Hayward, Surgeon, who assisted at the post-mortem corroborated. - John Shapter, a boatman, cautioned by the Coroner, said he was at the pea stall when it was upset. He told the man who did it he ought to have known better. At that moment he was knocked against Mole's potato cart. He turned around and saw a man in fighting attitude. He believed it was the deceased. He asked him what he meant by pushing him. Then someone pulled him (witness) away. He saw a man lying in the road, and when he got up a Policeman was speaking to him. - Mathew Robert Howard of Stokeinteignhead, called by Shapter, said all he saw was that Shapter was bleeding from the nose and his hat was off. - Henry Ashton said he saw the fight, but did not see Shapter strike the blow. - The Coroner, summing up, said the evidence of some of the witnesses had been most unsatisfactory. There was a suspicion that something was being kept back. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict, and agreed with the Coroner that the evidence of some of the witnesses was given reluctantly and anything but satisfactorily. The Jury felt that the Police had done their duty and that Superintendent Wood had conducted the case for the Police in fairness to all concerned. - When the widow of the deceased came forward to sign her deposition, she said her name was HIDER, and that she had made a mistake. - The Coroner: A most serious mistake. Your husband has been buried in the name of "IDER" and the certificate was made out in that name. The Registrar of Deaths must see to this.

AXMINSTER - The Axminster Fatality. - At the Tytherleigh Inn, about three miles from Axminster, yesterday, Mr Coroner Cox held an Inquest on MRS SARAH TROTT, aged 55, who was killed in a carriage accident on Saturday afternoon. MR SAMUEL TROTT, husband of deceased, said he and his wife were driving to Chilston to see their daughters. The pony was very stubborn and at times showed temper. When a short distance past the Tytherleigh Inn the pony began kicking furiously and he (witness) had as much as he could do to hold it in. He managed, however, to stop it before it reached the cross-roads. When he turned round he discovered his wife was not beside him and on turning back he found her lying in the road, where she died in a few minutes. She had evidently endeavoured to get out of the trap whilst the pony was running away. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Motor 'Bus Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE BOWDEN-WILLIAMS, aged seven years, son of CHARLES BOWDEN-WILLIAMS, master mariner, of 34 Rosebery-avenue. Mr A. C. Pode, Modbury, represented the South Hams Motor Carriers (Limited). - William Gould, 'bus conductor, in the employ of Mr Baskerville, said about 9.50 a.m. on Saturday his 'bus was opposite Friary Station, going in the direction of Salisbury-road. The deceased and his brother were running behind; they had followed it from Derry's Clock. The brother hit witness across the legs, and when he came to the bottom step they both ran away. Witness saw the motor 'bus knock the deceased over. He did not think the driver of the motor saw the deceased. The car went twenty yards before it was pulled up. The car was proceeding slowly and there was not much traffic at the time. - victor Bottone, chauffeur, said he had just passed the tram car at the corner, and was going down the hill between the two gates when he noticed a horse omnibus coming along. The deceased was about a yard in front of the motor when he first saw him and he could not avoid a collision. - The Coroner: What rate were you going? - Between six and eight miles. The car struck the boy, and I pulled up in about the length of the car. - The last witness said twenty yards? - It was not so much as that. It might have been twenty feet. - James Stephens, carpenter, stated that he was walking towards Beaumont Park when he saw the two boys following the horse omnibus. The conductor was spitting at the boys and putting his foot out to make them go away. - The Coroner: At what rate was the motor 'bus going? - I could not say; both vehicles were going very slowly. The motor 'bus was pulled up in about one and half length of the car. - I suppose there was no help for it? - None whatever, It was quite an accident. - Dr Palmer said the boy was dead when he saw him at about five minutes to ten o'clock. His impression was that the boy died from shock, as a result of fracture of the skull and other lacerations. The car must have struck the boy's head, but he did not believe it went over him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that there was no fault attached to the driver of the omnibus. They also expressed sympathy with the parents of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 September 1904
TORQUAY - A Torquay Mother's Death. - At Torquay last evening Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on ANNIE KATE ASH, aged 37, wife of WILLIAM ASH, fishmonger's porter of 54 Victoria-road, Ellacombe. On Monday night her husband took up the youngest child to carry it upstairs to bed, and in doing so tripped. The child began to cry, whereupon deceased made a rush towards it, fell in a swoon in her husband's arms and never recovered. The husband sent for a doctor and some brandy. He also called Mrs Wheeler, living in the same house. When the latter arrived deceased was still living, but almost directly after Dr Wiggin came she gave a gasp and died. Previous to twelve months ago deceased was under the care of Dr Wiggin. The post-mortem examination showed that heart disease was the cause of death. Deceased was the mother of eleven children of whom eight are living.

HIGHBRIDGE, SOMERSET - The Fatality To A Cullompton Man. - The Inquest on SIDNEY WILLIAM CRABBE, of Cullompton, porter, on the Great Western Railway, who was killed at Highbridge Station on Saturday, was held yesterday. Chief Inspector Shattock, of Exeter, and Mr Waister, locomotive department, Taunton, represented the company. - WILLIAM HENRY CRABBE, of Bradninch, gave evidence of identification, and said deceased, who was 24 years of age, had been employed as supernumerary porter at Highbridge Station for a month. Formerly he was under gardener to Mr Hopborne, of Cullompton. - Chas. Caine, signalman at Highbridge Station, said at 11.55 a.m., on Saturday, a down train ran into the Station, and on witness then going to his window to pass an up express, which was approaching, he saw deceased drag a portmanteau to the edge of the up platform and then lump on to the line. He shouted out to deceased to warn him of his danger, but he did not think he heard him. When deceased got on to the line he saw the express coming, but it was upon him before he could think of escape. The body was carried forty yards. - William George Morgan, of Newton Abbot, said on Saturday he was fireman on the 11.27 fast train from Taunton to Bristol. Witness saw deceased drop on to the line. The express was then only forty yards away and travelling nearly sixty miles an hour. The whistle was sounded when the Station was being approached. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 September 1904
SHEBBEAR - An Inquest was held yesterday at Shebbear on JAMES PETT, 16, son of the tenant of Moortown Farm, who was thrown on Monday from a load of oats and crushed to death under the cart.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at 72 Knighton-road, Plymouth, yesterday on MRS HAGAR PIKE, who resided with her daughter and was 75 years of age. On 29th August deceased fell down a couple of stairs and fractured her left arm. Dr T. B. P. Wilkinson found deceased suffering from severe shock. She did not recover from it and died on Tuesday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 September 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Baby Drowned. - Mr J. A. Pearce at Devonport yesterday held an Inquest on LAWRENCE J. BARRY, aged 1 year and 7 months. The mother, who resides at 47 James-street, said on Wednesday the baby was in the court with her while she was washing. She left for a few minutes. The child was then standing by the window. There was no one else there. Mrs O'Brien went into the court a few minutes after and found deceased in a tub of water. - Dr E. G. Symes Saunders said when he arrived at the house two constables were performing artificial respiration on the body. As the heart had stopped beating he thought the child was dead. Artificial respiration was, however, continued. Death was due to drowning. - P.C, Pavey, Metropolitan Water Police, said on hearing that a child had fallen into a tub of water he went into the house. Deceased was unconscious and he applied artificial respiration, being joined by P.C. Spry, but their efforts were without success. - The Coroner, summing up, said a child of that age ought not to have been left alone near water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," thanked P.C. Pavey for his efforts to restore the child, and added that they hoped this case would be a lesson to parents.

BATTERSEA, LONDON - A Stonehouse Woman's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Battersea on Thursday on ADELAIDE MARY GORHAM, a domestic servant, aged 36. She was found in a garden at Putney suffering from the effects of poison and died in Wandsworth Infirmary on Monday. MRS ELLEN GORHAM, of Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, said the deceased, her daughter, was single. She last heard from her in May. She was then at Richmond, Surrey, out of employment. She had a good home and could have returned to it. On the 11th inst. she heard she was in the Wandsworth Infirmary and went up to see her, but her daughter was unable to give any account of herself. Beyond her ill-health and being out of employment there was nothing to worry her. She could not imagine why the deceased had not written to her, but she was always a self-willed, wayward girl. She had never made a previous attempt on her life. - Miss Hilda True, Matron of a Servants' Rescue Home, Richmond, said she had known MISS GORHAM for eighteen months. She came there as assistant matron. She understood deceased had been a sewing maid for six months at Dorking. At the home she had no control over the girls - in fact, they ruled her. The committee felt that she was unsuited for the post and she had to leave. Deceased was never very strong and suffered from indigestion and her head. On June 25th the deceased saw witness approaching and she turned round and fled. Witness had recently heard of her being in Richmond and she had visited her girls and tried to borrow money of them. - Mrs Taylor, with whom deceased had stayed at Richmond, said she left a letter, in which she wrote, "By the time you receive this I shall have passed away. I am too ill to live. I have asked someone to give you the £2 I owe you. Good-bye; meet you at the last day." Deceased was employed at a place of business in Paternoster-row. " She was always going to get some money, which, however, never came." - Dr Frances ascribed death to salts of lemon. - Mr Nathan, Police Court missionary at Richmond, said MISS GORHAM appeared so peculiar mentally that he was surprised at the committee of the home appointing her assistant matron. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 September 1904
EXETER - At an Inquest at Heavitree on Saturday on JOSEPH POTTER, 58, general labourer, Friernhay-street, Exeter, who died after calling at 16 Cross Park-terrace for tea, Dr Waite said death was due to syncope.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on THOMAS JAMES STWERT , aged 29, pensioner from the 1st Manchester Regiment of 5 John-street. NORA STWERT said deceased, her son, was invalided after the war in South Africa, where he served at the siege of Ladysmith. Since then he had been in bad health more or less and Monday night said he felt very bad. She suggested sending for Dr Rolston, but he thought he would be better and did not wish a doctor to be sent for. On Thursday he was taken very much worse and was panting for breath. Dr Rolston was at once sent for. - Dr T. R. Rolston said deceased was in extremis when he was fetched and died shortly after. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to pneumonia. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PAIGNTON - The Torbay Boating Fatality. Inquest At Paignton. - Of the three young fishermen - JAMES MCLEAN, GEORGE MEMERY and EDWARD CRIDLAND - drowned off Paignton whilst returning to Brixham in a small sailing boat on Sunday evening week, a second body that of CRIDLAND, was recovered on Saturday morning off Roundham Head, near the spot where the body of MEMERY had been picked up the previous day. In this instance, also, the body was so much decomposed that identification could only be established by marks on the clothing. The Inquest on the two was held on Saturday evening by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. - GEORGE MEMERY, fisherman, Brixham, identified by his clothing his son, GEORGE, aged 16. Deceased was cook on board the trawler Annie. - George Holland, fisherman, Brixham, stated that after dinner on the Sunday he lent MCLEAN and CRIDLAND his boat Ida for an hour. She was provided with mizzen, mainsail and jib and two paddles. He had since seen the wrecked boat on Paignton beach. The sea was not so bad during the early part of Sunday afternoon, but it came on worse. When the deceased hired the boat he told them not to go outside the breakwater and were not to keep her out more than an hour. He made no charge, but the youths gave him 2s. They said nothing about going to Torquay. He did not know they had gone there until late in the afternoon, when he said they would never come back in the boat. - A Juryman remarked to witness that, if it was not proper weather for deceased to go outside the breakwater, the weather must have been such that he ought not to have allowed the boat to go out at all. Why did he ask deceased not to go outside the breakwater? - Witness: Because they were to be back again in an hour. - John T. Sheppard, coastguardman, Torquay, said on the previous Sunday evening he was called by yachtsmen and fishermen to try and stop the three young men from returning to Brixham in the boat. CRIDLAND was in the boat sailing about the mouth of the harbour, waiting for MCLEAN and MEMERY. The latter came running down the pier and called to CRIDLAND to bring the boat alongside. Witness said it was a wrong thing for them to venture across the bay in such a rough sea and strong wind. He made MCLEAN and MEMERY give him their names. MCLEAN said he had brought the boat across and intended taking her back. They were very defiant and got into the boat and shoved off at twenty minutes to seven. After they had left witness telephoned to Paignton and Brixham coastguard stations, requesting the coastguardmen on duty to look out for the boat. The deceased steered W.S.W towards Paignton, and the last time he saw the boat before darkness set in she was off Paignton Pavilion Pier, in rough and breaking seas. The wind was south-east and squally with a force of from five to seven knots. - The Foreman (Mr H. Morris): Were either of the young men under the influence of drink? - No; they were quite sober and seemed to be able to manage the boat. - A Juryman: Would you have been exceeding your duty in preventing the young men from going away in the boat? - I had no authority to prevent them. - Asked if the deceased were steering for Paignton harbour, witness said they were steering as close to the wind as they could to fetch Brixham, that being the proper course. - The Coroner: Did anyone on Haldon Pier offer in your hearing to take charge of the boat? - Samuel Tucker volunteered to do so and to take the boat over to Brixham for them when the weather had moderated. He made the offer to prevent them from going. - Were similar remarks advising them not to go made by other persons on the pier? - yes; there were others besides myself who persuaded them not to go. - William H. Patterson, Paignton, said the body of MEMERY was first seen floating in the sea from Roundham Head Cliff and the ten men who volunteered went out in a boat and brought it into the harbour. - Albert S. J. Lock, smack owner, Brixham, stated that EDWARD CRIDLAND was his apprentice and belonged to Exeter, and was about 18 years of age. He took him from the Workhouse. Deceased on Sunday did not say where he was going. If he had expressed his intention of going to Torquay he would not have let him go. Deceased had been in the same boat before and got into a scrape. He was a chum of MEMERY'S. The boat was safe in proper weather. On the Sunday afternoon the wind and sea would be worse at Torquay than at Brixham, as the latter place was sheltered by Berry Head and the breakwater. - George Holland repeated his evidence and added that the boat was 17 feet long and contained 8 cwt. of ballast, an anchor, anchor rope, fishing gear and his oilskin and sou'-wester. - John T. Sheppard, coastguardsman, said he considered the boat seaworthy. - Joseph W. Pearse, licensed boatman, Paignton, proved recovering the body of deceased that morning at Savage Hole, off Roundham Head. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, said the coastguardman Sheppard had given a very clear description of the whole occurrence. These young fellows were strongly persuaded not to attempt the return journey. In spite of that, however, they went, and the result was that they were drowned. A more reckless act could never be thought of. There was the coastguardman, with a life-long experience, especially engaged to look after the coast and to warn people of danger, and his remarks were cast aside and disregarded by these reckless boys. The man Tucker also offered to take charge of the boat for them. The youths chose to brave the storm and did so at the cost of their lives. It was a very sad story, and it ought to go out as a warning to the public how dangerous it was to go to sea in a small boat in rough weather, especially after being warned by such an experienced man as the coastguard. To all appearances deceased were drowned by the foundering of the boat and their death was due to misadventure. - After some consultation the Foreman announced the verdict of the Jury as "Death by Misadventure," and added that they recommended that for the public safety a light should be placed at the entrance to Paignton harbour, as it was thought that the deceased were steering for the harbour when they found themselves in difficulties. The Jury also thought there should be some law allowing coastguardsmen to prevent men from going to sea under such circumstances. - The Coroner suggested that would be interfering with the liberty of the subject. - The Foreman thought it would be giving no more authority than a man should use in preventing another from cutting his throat by taking the knife from him, inasmuch as in this case the young men were courting death. - With regard to the suggestion that a light should be fixed at the harbour, it was stated that there was formerly a gas lamp there, but the light was discontinued because the fishermen and boatmen refused to bear the expense, considering it was quite sufficient for them to pay the harbour dues. It was also said that a similar recommendation was made at an Inquest a few years since, but never adopted. - The Coroner promised to convey the recommendation to the Harbour Company, and spoke in highly commendatory terms of the conduct of the ten men who volunteered to go out in a boat and recover the body of MEMERY. The Jury gave their fees to MEMERY'S FATHER, with an expression of deep sympathy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 September 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sailor's Death In A Cruiser. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on JAMES HARRY GOSS, able seaman, aged 28. - Deceased's father, JAMES GOSS, employed in the dockyard, living at 84 Embankment-road, Plymouth, said his son was invalided home from the West Coast of Africa where he contracted malarial fever in 1895. His health had been good since. - Edmond Webster, first class petty officer, of the Arrogant, stated that deceased formed one of a navigating party who took the Talbot to Sheerness that day week and was returning to Devonport with the Diana, when, on Friday evening, about 9.45, while at the wheel, he suddenly complained of being unwell and had an internal haemorrhage. Deceased had been at the wheel 1 ¾ hours. It was a rather cold night. He had not before complained of feeling unwell and was apparently in good health. He was a very steady man. - C. H. Rock, Surgeon, R.N., said when GOSS was brought to the sick bay he was unconscious, and died almost immediately. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to an aneurism of the aorta having burst into the left lung. Cold and the turning of the wheel were a sufficient cause. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. Deceased leaves a widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 September 1904
PLYMPTON - The Sudden Death Of A Plympton Minister. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Hillside View, Plympton, on REV. FREDERICK PASCOE, Congregational minister. Mr S. Hicks was Foreman of the Jury. - REV. W. F. PASCOE, Congregational minister of 69 Mutley-plain, Plymouth, stated that deceased, his father, was 62 years of age. On Sunday he preached at the Ridgeway Congregational Chapel harvest festival services. In the afternoon witness and deceased took the service between them. Just previous, while in the vestry, deceased complained of acute pain in the region of the heart. He presided at the service and returned to tea. Afterwards as he was leaving for the evening service, he was a little sick He felt better afterwards, but was compelled to leave during the middle of the service and went home alone. It did not occur to them that he was so ill. Deceased retired to bed at 8.30 and about three o'clock in the morning his wife found him dead in bed. Witness had no idea that his father had anything wrong with his heart. - Mr W. D. Stamp, medical practitioner, Plympton, stated that a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart. He had suffered from flatulence and must have died about midnight. The flatulence must have caused him great pain during the day, and was so severe as to be sufficient to cause death. - The Coroner said he knew the Jury would join with him in expressing sympathy with the widow and other members of the family in their sad bereavement. It was particularly sad to the son that he should have been so recently associated with his father in religious work, that he should seem so cheerful and then be so suddenly taken away. - They all deeply sympathised with him in the loss he had sustained. - The Foreman endorsed the Coroner's remarks and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". - REV. F. W. PASCOE, on behalf of his mother and family, thanked the Coroner, Jury and all concerned for the gentle and kid way in which they had met them during their trouble. He wished to thank Dr Stamp also for the Christian gentlemanliness he had shown his mother. - The funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 September 1904
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Workhouse yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WALTER GERRY, 75 years, master mariner, late of Vauxhall-street. Deceased had been an inmate of the Institution for some months. On Monday evening he fell down, became unconscious and died. A post-mortem examination made by Dr Cooke showed that death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

ASHBURTON- An Ashburton Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Ashburton on GEORGE BOORMAN, 58, an army pensioner, an employee at Buckfast Woollen Mills. Jacob Lacey, in charge of the washing machinery at the mills, said on 14th inst. a pair of the rollers became clogged and he and deceased and Frederick Tiddy shifted the driving on to the slack pulley to clear the rollers. Witness proceeded to go around to the other side of the machine, and called out "That will do." Then he heard a shout and going back found BOORMAN on the floor, blood coming from his face. - Frederick Tiddy said when they let go the pulley he heard BOORMAN shout out "Oh, my." Deceased had his arms between the belt and the slack pulley. At that moment he pulled the belt and freed himself. Probably he slipped his foot. Witness let go the pulley first. - By Mr Taylor, H.M. Inspector of Factories: BOORMAN was standing in front of the pulley, putting his arm over the top of it. He was in his shirt sleeves, which were turned up. The floor was rather slippery with soap lather. - By Mr Berry: After Lacey said "That will do," he and BOORMAN gave the pulley a couple of turns more. If they had let go when Lacey called out, the accident would not have occurred, but there was no more danger after his calling out than before. - Dr William Lanson said BOORMAN sustained a broken jaw and his right arm was fractured in two places. The two tendons of the arm were also severed. Deceased told him he thought the pulley must have caught his left arm. He died on the 25th inst. of cardiac failure, induced by injuries received. He was not a strong man constitutionally. Mr Taylor said no fault could be found with the arrangement of the machinery. - The Jury (Mr Lamason, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 October 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of KATE BACKALLER, aged 34, wife of GEORGE MARTIN BACKALLER, rigger in the Dockyard, and living at 20 Herbert-street. The husband stated that deceased had been somewhat poorly for the last three weeks, but not seriously enough to call in a doctor. She had been in Cornwall for three weeks and when she returned on Friday seemed better. Being rather tired after a walk, she went to bed about eight o'clock on Saturday night and about 4.30 next morning complained of pain, but said it would pass in a minute or two and it did. - About 6.30 a.m. she seemed to get worse, having pains more frequently. Dr McElwaine was called, but deceased died before he arrived. They had been married nearly 10 years. Dr McElwaine said a post-mortem examination revealed traces of old-standing pleurisy in the left lung. The actual cause of death was haemorrhage into the abdomen. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Pearce held an Inquest into the death of ELIZA WILTON GOAD, aged 85, widow of 6 Renown-street. - Deceased, who lived in the house of William G. Bouch, a labourer in the Dockyard, had had fairly good health until the last few days, when she suffered from a cold. Mr Bouch went to her room at 10 p.m. on Friday. she was then in bed. On going to her room at six o'clock on the following morning he found her lying on the floor dead. - Dr J. H. Kendrick, on making a post-mortem examination, found the organs healthy, with the exception of a little bronchitis. Death was due to syncope due to old age and senile decay, accelerated by bronchitis. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 7 October 1904
TORQUAY - At the Inquest at Torquay last evening, conducted by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, relative to MARIA SCOURSE, aged 56, wife of a fish dealer, of Lower Union-lane, the husband stated that on Tuesday afternoon he went upstairs and had a short sleep, leaving deceased on the sofa in the kitchen, and when he returned he found her dead. A neighbour said deceased had previously complained of feeling unwell and Dr thistle stated that death was due to heart disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 October 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, on JOHN SHIELDS CASEY, brewers' storeman, aged 29. Frances Hammacott, 1 Ashley-terrace, widowed sister of deceased, said her brother went out to work at 7.25 on Thursday morning and was walking along North-road when he fell. He was brought home, and died soon afterwards. Dr Brenton said death was due to concussion of the brain and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 October 1904
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on JOHN W. TAW, aged 54, dock labourer. - Richard Lintern said on Saturday last he was descending a ladder leading to the rail of the steamer Manchester in the Great Western Docks. Deceased was at the bottom waiting to go up the ladder, his object being to apply for a situation as runner to Cardiff. When witness reached the bottom of the ladder and was picking up some wire on the quay the deceased fell heavily by his side. He caught him by the shoulder and saved him from falling overboard. He was quite unconscious and was taken to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital. The ladder was securely fastened, but the third rung from the top was missing. - Dr Norman B. Odgers, House Surgeon, said deceased died on Sunday. The brain was lacerated, but there was no fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Lawrence Spear and Mr Elliot Square watched the case on behalf of interested parties, and Inspector James represented the Great Western Railway Company.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatality On The Spartan. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr C. G. Brian, Deputy Coroner, last evening held an Inquiry at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS LEWIS, ordinary seaman of the Royal Naval Reserve, on Monday evening. Deceased was aloft on board the drill-ship Spartan, at Keyham, on Saturday morning, when he fell a distance of sixty feet, and was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, where he died. - Mr W. Barnes was Foreman of the Jury and Mr K. E. Peck (Messrs. Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. - Horatio James Ridley, second class petty officer, of the Spartan, said he noticed on Saturday morning that the pennant was foul on the triatic stay, and he called for volunteers to clear it. Three men, including deceased, offered themselves and before they went aloft he gave them full instructions how to use a pair of slings specially made for the purpose and pointedly asked them if they understood his instructions. Deceased replied "Yes," and on being asked to show witness what he had told them as to the use of the slings, he did so. The men went aloft and made a bowline in the pole halyards. Witness gave express instructions to deceased that he was not to go out on to the stay until the bowline was properly secured round his body. Before deceased went out witness was satisfied that he was properly secured in the slings and bowline. The other two men were attending to the deceased. Deceased then worked his way out along the stay, cleared the pennant and started to work his way in again. the first lieutenant ordered witness to get him in at once. Witness went forward and when about half-way along the fore and aft bridge, noticed that the slings and bowline had slipped from under the man's seat and were well up his body. Deceased was holding on to the stay with his hands and trying to replace the slings in position. Witness started to go aloft, followed by the first lieutenant and when he reached the foreyard he saw deceased fall. In his fall he struck the syren lanyard which was carried away and fell on the fore derrick, and thence to the cook's hatch. The distance was 63 feet. Witness attributed the accident to the fact that the deceased seemed to straighten his body and the ropes must have slipped. - Staff-Surg. M. H. Knapp, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said deceased died at 5.25 on Monday evening, having sustained a compound fracture of the frontal bone, extending from the base of the skull. - First-Lieut. D. Campbell of the Spartan, said he saw deceased aloft and as something appeared wrong with him he ordered the second yeoman of signals to bring him down. Witness afterwards went aloft himself and called to deceased in order to encourage him to hold on, but he fell. The men who were up aloft were not regular bluejackets, but reservists and although a smart bluejacket might have got out to deceased, it would be almost impossible for these men to have done it. - By the Coroner: He did not think the accident could have been avoided in any way. He believed deceased lost his nerve. Witness afterwards had the bowline lowered and an inspection showed that it was all right. - A Juror said he could not help thinking that there was some neglect somewhere. - Victor Ahern, R.N.R., Spartan, said he volunteered to go up with deceased to release the pennant and before doing so received instructions how to do it. When aloft, at deceased's request, he prepared a bowline for him. Deceased said he could manage the job all right, and went out and cleared the pennant. On returning, he got as far as the first signal block, where he tried to "tighten himself up," and the sling and bowling slipped up round his waist. Deceased's arms must have been tired. Witness called to him to slip over one of the slip-hooks holding the ropes, but he failed to get a firm hold, and in putting up his arm to lift himself back into the bowline he released the clip-hooks before he intended to and fell to the deck. The accident was not the fault of the sling, but was due to deceased getting the hooks unclasped before he intended to. Witness started to go to deceased's assistance, but noticed that others were going before him and so stopped. - Mr Reeves, a Juror, said he now began to understand how the accident happened, but added that he thought all the witnesses should have been out of court. - Llewellyn Williams, R.N.R., having also given evidence, Petty Officer Ridley was recalled and stated that when deceased was picked up the sling was round his body. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was perfectly clear how the accident happened. Ridley and Ahern had given their evidence very satisfactorily and he did not think because any of the witnesses remained in court that it had any effect on their evidence. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The body of the deceased will be removed today to Cilyndyt, Pontypridd, where the funeral will take place.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 October 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Devonport. Trap And Handcart Collide. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon on THOMAS EVANS, 67, a naval pensioner and labourer, living at 7 George-street, Devonport. - Lance-Corporal EDWARD EVANS, R.M.L.I., living at 7 George-street, Devonport, said deceased, his father, came home at 1.15 p.m. on Saturday, stating that he had had an accident. He was not much hurt apparently. Deceased told him he was returning from work with a handcart and when in William-street his cart collided with a trap, deceased being thrown on the pavement. He was on the right side of the road, the trap consequently being on the wrong side and there was a dray in front of his cart. Deceased went in the Hospital where it was discovered that he had a fractured rib. He was not detained at the Institution, but was told to go there again on the Monday. He went to bed and remained in his normal condition until Monday morning, when Dr Ryan was called, as he was not so well. - Thomas John Charles, labourer, 24 Gloucester-street, Morice Town, said he was pushing the cart with deceased, when a trap coming along knocked deceased in to the ground. They were on the left-hand side of the road but there was a cart between them and the pavement. His cart was struck on the axle of the wheel. The wheels of the vehicle did not become locked in any way. Deceased had to be assisted in rising from the ground. - Charles Wheeler, 18, living at 10 Pembroke-street, said he was driving a light wagon belonging to Mr Furneaux on Saturday. He delivered a parcel at a shop on the right-hand side of the road and was pulling over to the left. There was a person standing on the left-hand side of the road, and the handcart, pushed by deceased, endeavoured to clear this wagon, but in doing so the box of his cart caught the box of the handcart. - Dr R. P. Ryan said he found that deceased was suffering from bronchitis and pleurisy. He treated him for this but death took place on Tuesday. From a post-mortem examination he found that death was due to bronchitis, due to the broken ribs. There were four ribs broken on the right side of the body. - Dr C. Shields, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said he treated deceased for four broken ribs. It was not usual to detain a person at the Hospital when he was only suffering from broken ribs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 October 1904
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY ANN NEWTON, aged 48, of 3 Granby-lane. - Mrs Nora McLaughlin said the deceased was a married woman, but lived apart from her husband. She last saw her on Tuesday at about three o'clock. Deceased then complained of a pain in her left side. She had been complaining of the same thing for some weeks. Witness did not see her the following day. She went to her room. The door was barred on the inside and when she gained entry she saw the deceased on her knees dead. - Mr C. E. Russel Rendle said death was due to an aneurism of the aorta and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. -

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on GLADYS LILIAN BOND, aged 11 months. LILIAN P. BOND, wife of a sick berth steward, of Pennycomequick, said deceased, her child, was placed in the care of Mrs Ana Riddle, 14 Clowance-street, to whom she paid 5s. a week. Mrs riddle said deceased was taken ill on Thursday afternoon and died before Dr Saunders could be fetched. Dr E. G. S. Saunders said an enlarged gland in the child's neck caused spasmodic croup, resulting in heart failure. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 October 1904
ST BUDEAUX - A St. Budeaux Man's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at St. Budeaux yesterday on GEORGE HENRY JANE, 30, of 16 Glencairn-terrace. MRS JANE said on Sunday morning her husband, who had previously enjoyed good health, was unwell, being seized with convulsions. She called in Dr Gard, who prescribed for deceased. Her husband, however, remained unconscious all day and died in a convulsion at eleven o'clock that night. - Dr Gard said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, from fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on WINIFRED M. TREGIDGO, the six-weeks-old daughter of ELIZABETH TREGIDGO, of 11 South Milton-street, Plymouth, yesterday, the mother said that on Sunday last, at about 2.30 p.m., she put the child to bed and when she saw it later in the day it was dead. It had never been subject to fits. Dr George Bate certified that death was due to convulsions, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 October 1904
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Diver's Sudden Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES FOOTE, aged 29 years, of 9 Percy-terrace. Mr Percy Pearce represented Messrs. Pearson [?], the deceased's employers. Alfred F. Dingle, signalman, stated that the deceased was about his diving duties at the sewerage outfall works on Tuesday. the last time deceased went under water was at 12.11 p.m. At 21 minutes to 1 o'clock the deceased signalled to come up. They got him into the boat at 8 minutes to 1. Witness took deceased's helmet and leads off, and the other diver asked a few questions about the work. Deceased stood up and said "Bert, I feel the pressure again." He also said, "Fred, I cannot see nothing. My eyes and head are going round." Deceased then became unconscious and was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital at once. when working in deep water divers had a half-hour up and a half-hour down. On this occasion deceased was under water 13 minutes. - A Juror: Was it a double or a single apparatus? - A double apparatus, tested twice that day with 60lb. pressure in 120ft. of water. - Mr Pearce handed to the Jury a photograph of the diving apparatus and said it was of the safest type, the pumps being new. - The Matron of the Hospital said deceased was just breathing when they brought him to that Institution at 1.10 p.m. - Dr Newbery, 8 Queen Anne's-terrace, said he went to the Hospital as soon as he received a call on the telephone. He applied an electric battery to the heart to see if he could get any reaction, but there was no response. A post-mortem examination showed that the heart was considerably enlarged and in addition, there were indication of old and recent disease. If deceased had been at work in any other way he would have dies as suddenly. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 October 1904
STOKE GABRIEL - Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquest yesterday at Stoke Gabriel touching the death of WILLIAM BATH BESTARD, an ex-Police Constable who died suddenly on Saturday night. deceased had been stationed as Constable at Stonehouse, Brixham, Hen[?], Fremington and Stoke Gabriel, finishing his time at the latter place and retiring ten years ago. He was 62 years of age, and did a little fishing and light work. His wife said he was on the quay all day Saturday, smoking his pipe and appearing perfectly well and in excellent spirits. He had a good tea, and went to bed about eight. In a few minutes after he kissed her, then fell back, his teeth clenched and she tried to give him a little brandy, but could not. She got the assistance of a neighbour, and found he was dead. Dr Edmonds, of Totnes, was called and said the result of a post-mortem showed that the deceased had a fatty and diseased heart of long standing and there were signs of recent inflammatory action. Deceased died from syncope, the result of heart disease. A verdict in accordance with this evidence was returned.

MOREBATH - Morebath Quarries Fatality. An Inquest was held yesterday on WILLIAM GIBBS, aged 24, killed at the Morebath slate quarries, near Bampton. John L. Rowe, manager of the quarries, said he saw a piece of pipe, 16ft. long, fall to the bottom of the pit, and later found GIBBS lying unconscious. He died ten minutes afterwards. The pipe, which was on the edge of the pit, was being moved for repairs. there was no fencing round the edge of the pit, but a railing round the quarry. - The Coroner (Mr Gould): This seems a dangerous spot. If anyone came to the pit after dark they might fall over. - Mr F. S. Martin. H.M. Inspector of Mines, remarked that he had already drawn the attention of those in authority, to the absence of fencing. - To the witness: How do you account for the pipe getting loose? - I think there must have been some jerking or other, which I did not see. There would be some leverage on the joint where it gave way. The top piece fell off the pipe and dropped down the quarry. William Stevens, foreman, said before the men began to lift, the deceased and another man were told to keep out of the way. - The Inspector: Did you expect the pipe would hold? - Yes. The deceased did not step back far enough when told. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame attached to the foreman of the quarry.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 October 1904
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatality Near Newton Abbot. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on WM. ISAAC COY TAYLOR, the widow stated that deceased was in the employ of Mr Claridge, timber merchant, Exeter. On Friday morning he and others left Plymouth with timber wagons for Exeter. On Saturday morning, near Blackpool Schools, he met with the accident. She afterwards saw him at the Hospital and he stated that while riding on the wagon, he felt faint and fell off, the wheels going over his chest. - Joseph Hawcutt, a fellow employee, stated that they stopped at one inn on the road and had bread and cheese and two quarts of beer between three. After they resumed their journey a gentleman drove up and said deceased was lying in the road. - P.S. Prew stated that he had made inquiries and found that when the party left Ashburton they were perfectly sober. A Police Constable who saw them at Bickington stated that they were all right there. - Dr Culross stated that the sternum and five ribs on one side and four on the other were fractured. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and one of the Jury said the action of the gentleman who told Hawcutt of the accident and then rode on without rendering any assistance was unmanly. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said it showed a want of ordinary feeling and sympathy, but it was scarcely a thing the Jury could take notice of.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 October 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - An Unsolved Hamoaze Mystery. - The Inquest on JOHN CARPENTER, a retired farmer, living at Ferry-street, Torpoint, found in the Hamoaze on Thursday last week, was resumed at Devonport yesterday. Mr J. A Pearce, Borough Coroner, said he adjourned the Inquiry chiefly to ascertain whether deceased went to Liskeard on the day of his death to collect rents. If he had it would be assumed that he was coming away from there, and it would be very suspicious as the body was found with no money. He had communicated with a Mr Husband, who collected rents for deceased, and had been informed that deceased was not at Liskeard on the day in question. He had evidence that deceased was at Morice Town nearly all the day. - ERNEST JOHN CARPENTER, a Police-Constable in the Cornwall Constabulary, living at Breage, near Helston, said deceased's correct name was JOHN CARPENTER, and his age 69 years. Deceased was slightly addicted to drink. - Beatrice Ellen Street, of 29 John-street, assistant at the Ship Inn, Morice Town, said deceased and a friend came there on Thursday week last and left about 5.45. She did not know deceased. Francis Bickle, labourer, living at 37 John-street, said he met deceased was Thursday last week and he said nothing then about committing suicide. - The Coroner said they could only surmise that deceased went to Pottery Quay to get to the Floating Bridge to Torpoint and, finding he had made a mistake, jumped from the jetty to the New Passage Beach and thus got into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Found Dead At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on JAMES HENWOOD, 80, a retired naval warrant officer, 11 Row-street, Keyham. PAULINE LEVERS said deceased, her father, who lived with her, had enjoyed very good health, although he had been blind for the past five years and slept very little. On Tuesday evening when he went to bed he was in his usual health, but she took his breakfast to his bedroom on the following morning she found him dead. Dr W. J. Gard attributed death to apoplexy and syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 October 1904
PLYMOUTH - Singular Cause Of Death. - The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN LYONS, aged 70 years of 134 King-street. - MICHAEL LYONS, labourer, son of the deceased, said his father had been in bed for some week sowing to an injury to his foot. On July 16th last, William George Greenway knocked at the door and witness admitted him. He was the worse for drink, refused to quit and witness went for the Police. In the meantime, Greenway had a tussle with deceased and stepped on his foot. Deceased had no boots on. When witness returned with P.C. King he saw the two struggling and Greenway was arrested. On August 31st deceased became worse and Dr Wagner attended deceased up to the time of his death. Neither witness nor his father had any previous knowledge of Greenway. There was a woman named Greenway living in the house, and it was probable that the man wanted to see her. - P.C. King said he saw the two men fighting and ordered Greenway to leave. Greenway had been drinking. About 8.30 .m. witness saw a large crowd outside the house. In the passage was Inspector Luscombe, MICHAEL LYONS and Greenway. The latter was lying on his back on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. P.C. Cloke arrived and Greenway was removed out of the house. About 9.30 p.m. Greenway came to the house again and being very drunk, was taken to the Octagon Station and charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting the Constable. - Dr R. H. Wagner said he attended deceased and certified death to be due to gangrene of the toes. This was possibly caused by Greenway stepping on his toes and might have had the same result even if deceased had been wearing boots. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death through gangrene of the toes, caused by Greenway Accidentally stepping on his foot.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 October 1904
EXETER - The Death Of REV. J. PHILLIPS. - At the Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on REV. J. PHILLIPS, aged 57, vice-principal of the Exeter Diocesan Training College, Mr W. H. Tarbet, on behalf of Mr Claridge, the owner of the timber wagons concerned in the accident, expressed his deep regret at the occurrence and his sympathy with the widow and family. - MISS L. PHILLIPS said she cycled with her father beyond Stoke Canon. In returning she was riding behind her father. On Stoke Canon Bridge deceased attempted to pass timber wagons. In clearing one of them he struck the wall and fell underneath the laden vehicle. As the driver could not have seen the accident the wagon could not be pulled up at once. There was sufficient room for a cyclist to pass between the wall and the wagon. There was no carelessness on the part of the drivers. - Henry Dumbleton, driver of the wagon, said, hearing a shout, he looked round, and saw deceased on the ground, one wheel having passed over him. - P.C. Redwood, Stoke Canon, said he rendered first aid to the deceased, who said he did not attach any blame to the driver and that he ought to have got off his machine. - Mr P. H. Stirk, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased's right arm was broken just below the shoulder joint. The main artery of the limb was injured and the nerves and muscle were badly smashed. his right leg was broken. After a consultation it was decided that the only possible chance of recovery was to take off the arm. That was done, but at the time he had not recovered from the shock. - The Coroner said he had known deceased for a great number of years and he was a gentleman for whom everyone must have felt very great respect. It was with a great deal of regret that one had to hold such an Inquiry. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attached no blame to anyone and expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and family. - The sad death of MR J. PHILLIPS caused deep pain and regret in St James', Exeter, in which parish the deceased and his family have for many years resided. He was attached to the clerical staff of the parish and frequently assisted the Rector (Rev. Philip Williams) in the services at the parish church and mission church, where his ministrations were very highly valued. At the committee meetings held in the parish on Saturday evening feeling references were made to the great loss sustained by his death, as well as that of Mr E. J. Sanders. Resolutions of condolence with both families were passed in each case. - During the time the late Prebendary Barnes was vicar of Heavitree, MR PHILLIPS for many years conducted the services in the little chapel-of-ease in the village of Wonford, close by Heavitree. His loving ministrations there won for him deep regard, and it was with much pain both to deceased and the whole of the residents that the removal of the late Prebendary necessitated MR PHILLIPS relinquishing his labours in that direction. Since that time the REV. JAMES PHILLIPS has become known in nearly every part of the diocese, for there were very few Sundays on which he was not engaged in preaching, He will always be remembered for the charming simplicity of his sermons delivered with a gentleness and tender feeling which went to the hearts of all his hearers. With children he possessed the faculty of winning their love and sympathy, and at the children's services which he occasionally conducted at St James, his earlier sentences were sufficient to enlist their rapt attention. And so it was on other occasions, when he opened discussions at gatherings of men, or in committee work, his counsel and guidance were every those of peace and forbearance. Very many of the schoolmasters in Devon and Cornwall served their terms under him at the Exeter Training College, and amongst these, too, his genial and kindly manner is remembered with deep affection, and they grieve the loss of a true friend and counsellor. - The deceased's widow and his two daughters have for many years been devoted workers in the parish of St James, whilst his son, REV. J. LEIGHT PHILLIPS, now abroad as a chaplain in the navy, will be remembered as having served his first curacy only a few years ago at Tavistock under Rev. H. G. Le Neven.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Cattedown Fatality. - Mr J. G. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES KNIGHT SYMONS, 86, who was run over and killed by a London and South-Western Railway engine at Deadman's Bay, Cattedown, on Friday evening. Mr Sidney Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, attended. Mr P. T. Pearce watched the case on behalf of the insurance company concerned and Inspector Percival represented the London and South-Western Railway. - JAMES SYMONS, 56 Clare-buildings, driver, employed by Messrs. Sparrow, said deceased, his father, a quarryman in the employ of Messrs. Sparrow, was 86 years of age, and lived at 15 Home, Sweet Home. Shortly after five o'clock on Friday evening his son, who also worked for Sparrow and Co., called his attention to the accident and he saw deceased under the wheel of an engine at Deadman's Bay. His father was then dead. - The Deputy Coroner: He was a good age to be in the employ of Mr Sparrow? - Witness said deceased had been in Messrs. Sparrow's employ 58 years. For his age he was an active man, his sight was good and he was not deaf. The railway line, which went alongside the quarry, was quite open and had been there for over 30 years. Deceased's ordinary work took him across the line. - Francis Lake, engine-driver, said whilst shunting two trucks close to Sparrow's quarry, he felt the wagons jump. Thinking the points were not properly adjusted he pulled up. Balment, an assistant shunter, then told him that a man was under the wheel of the engine. He had not seen deceased on the line. - Samuel Lugan, employed by Messrs. Sparrow, stated that he saw an old man coming from between two rubble heaps near the railway line as the engine with two wagons was approaching. He called to deceased to stop and deceased did so. He did not see deceased again. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from all blame, and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased - W. H. Hendy, foreman at Messrs. Sparrow, also expressed sympathy on behalf of the firm.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on REBECCA TREMEER, of 21 Green-street. John Algar, labourer, who had lived with deceased for ten years, said she had been drinking heavily for some time, and he had had her handed over to the Relieving Officer. Mr F. C. Hellings, Master of the Plymouth Workhouse, said deceased when admitted to the Workhouse was placed in the Hospital. She died on Sunday evening. Dr C. J. Cooke said death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 November 1904
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Stonehouse on SARAH HAYES, widow, of 2 Chapel-lane. Mrs Louisa Thompson said she had been in the habit of sleeping with the deceased for company. Deceased had been an invalid but had not had a doctor recently. On Wednesday evening she appeared as usual on retiring, but when witness awoke in the morning, was lying in bed dead. Dr T. Leah, of Stonehouse, stated that the cause of death was syncope, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Death Of A Stonehouse Man. Extraordinary Conduct Of A Crowd. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM J. COLE, aged 38, established shipwright in the Dockyard, of 53 Emma-place, Stonehouse, found dying on the Brickfields on Tuesday. - BESSIE COLE, said deceased, her husband, on Tuesday morning left for his work in his usual health. He had had a nasty cough about eight weeks and had had medical advice. Deceased told her the doctor said he need not stay from work and he did not want to lose work because of his family. They had four children. - John Kelly, shipwright, said he worked with deceased, who was the same as usual on Tuesday except for a bad cough. Deceased told him in the afternoon he had intended going home to dinner, but could not get farther than Fore-street. Deceased did not want to stay home, as he intended to enter an examination for inspector of shipwrights. - Orlando Butland, second ship's steward of H.M.S. Sharpshooter, said that about 5.50 p.m. on Tuesday he was crossing the Brickfields when he saw a man, breathing very heavily, lying about two feet from the footway. He was lying face downwards and witness turned him over and struck a match. Deceased was bleeding from the mouth and nose and held a handkerchief to his mouth. Witness asked a man to fetch a doctor and a Policeman, but before the Policeman arrived, five minutes@ later, deceased was dead. A young man told witness he passed deceased half an hour before with fifty people around him, but they believed he was drunk. Deceased did not speak, but witness did not consider he was drunk. - The Coroner said he was surprised no one took steps to see whether the man was drunk or ill. - P.S. Voss said when he arrived the man was dead. - Dr F. e. Row, who had made a post-mortem examination, said there were no marks of injury. There was extensive pneumonia, especially of the left lung, which was choked with blood. The other organs appeared to be healthy. There was no evidence of alcohol. Deceased ought not to have been out of his house and if the crowd had done anything they could not have saved his life. Death was due to acute pneumonia of both lungs. - The Coroner said he had it from the doctor who saw deceased that he (the doctor) told him he ought to go to bed and stay there, but he refused to do so. Deceased was no doubt anxious to keep at work because of his wife and family. It was surprising that so many dockyardsmen and others passed deceased without lending him a helping hand. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned and the Coroner and Jury highly commended Butland for his conduct and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Woman's Death. Husband Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on JESSIE JOHNSON, aged 47, of 4 Henry-street. - CHARLES JOHNSON, labourer, husband of deceased, said his wife complained of feeling ill on October 15th and went to the Dispensary and got a bottle of medicine, Dr Wagner telling her she had bronchitis. She seemed to get well again and had another bottle of medicine. She stayed in bed for seven days before she died. He did not send for a doctor. - Dr Wagner gave it as his opinion that if he had been called in before the woman died he could have saved her life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and passed a vote of censure on JOHNSON for not sending for a doctor. - The coroner said that in neglecting to call in medical advice JOHNSON had let his wife slip away from him in an unreasonable manner.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on EDITH TOMPKINS, aged 11 months, the daughter of ANN TOMPKINS, 49 Mount-street. Dr L. Brough attributed death to convulsions from teething and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes"

EXETER - The Exeter Railway Fatality. - At the Inquest at Exeter last evening, on JOHN BOLT, foreman shunter, aged 44, East View-terrace, Sion's Holt, Mr Percival, an official from the L. and S.W.R., accompanied by Mr King (Stationmaster), said he appeared on behalf of that company. - Mr Coroner Brown: You ask leave to appear? - Mr Percival: Well, yes sir. - Mr Brown: I think the railway company should be represented by a solicitor or counsel. I cannot give you leave. - The Coroner subsequently permitted Mr Percival to suggest questions to be put to the witnesses. - John Channon, porter at Queen-street Station, said he was talking to the deceased just before the accident. He was waiting for the 5.30 goods train to Plymouth to depart Immediately after the train had left witness heard a shout, and then found that deceased had been knocked down by a light engine which was following the goods train back. It was usual for engines to follow back at a fair distance away from the departing goods train. Deceased was carrying the light. - Frederick George Warren, driver of the engine, said he did not see the deceased, neither did he see a light in front of him. He heard a shout and then felt the engine passing over something. He stopped the engine, and then saw deceased lying under it. Deceased must have been walking in front of the engine, with his back towards it and his light in front of him. - Harry Fewings, fireman, corroborated. - Mr H. Andrew, Surgeon, said deceased was pinned down under the engine, which had to be lifted before the body could be removed. He had a compound dislocation of the left hip joint, a fracture of the pelvis and most of his ribs were fractured. Death must have been almost instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing their sympathy with the widow and family and attached no blame to anyone. The railway authorities, however, should be asked to draw up regulations as to how far away an engine should follow a train out. - Mr Percival said he would make representations to the company on the matter.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday on the infant son of CHARLES JOHN BLIGHT, artificer, 2 Morley-place, Plymouth, who died on Saturday last, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. A post-mortem examination revealed that the child had did from acute pneumonia.

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on the infant child of MR and MRS BOLTON, of Teign View-terrace. Dr Heyward stated that the infant, which was 10 weeks old, was well nourished, but died from syncope brought about by pleurisy and congestion of the lungs.

YEALMPTON - The Motor Car Fatality Near Yealmpton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Yealmpton yesterday into the death of JAMES RAFFILL, an outfitter's apprentice, who was killed on Sunday morning through falling violently whilst getting off a motor car near Yealmpton. Mr A. C. Pode, of Modbury, attended on behalf of the South Hams Motor Carriers (Limited). - WILLIAM RAFFILL, manager of the Modbury Gas Works, stated that deceased was his son, and was twenty years of age. - George Walter Miller, the driver of the car, stated that deceased, the only passenger on the 9.45 a.m. car from Modbury, was taken on board at the top of Vicarage-hill. He sat in the front of the car beside witness, and said he wished to alight at Sequer's B ridge. The car was travelling at about eight miles an hour and just before reaching Sequer's Bridge it was slowed down, going over the bridge at about two miles an hour. Whilst attending to the brake witness noticed deceased rising from his seat and told him to wait until the car was at a standstill. He disregarded the warning, however, and, holding a parcel in his right hand, jumped off the car in the wrong direction before it had quite stopped. He spun around and then fell to the ground clear of the car. In another couple of seconds the car would have been at a standstill. - By the Foreman: It was a pure accident. Deceased lost his balance through stepping off with the left foot and jumping in the wrong direction. - By a Juror: He did not slip. - Witness added that when he picked deceased up he was insensible and there was blood on one of his ears. - By a Juror: He always told any passengers sitting beside him not to jump off whilst the car was n motion. - Samuel Sloman, labourer, of Sequer's bridge, deposed that on hearing the car approaching he went out to look at it as it passed. It was being slowed down and was almost at a standstill when deceased got off. He corroborated the driver's evidence as to the manner in which deceased jumped off and fell. It was a pure accident and entirely due to the deceased leaving the car before it was at a standstill. The driver was not in the least to blame. - Dr A. E. Gladstone, Newton Ferrers, said he was at Yealmpton when deceased was brought there about ten o'clock. He was dead and a post-mortem examination showed that the base of the skull was fractured, and there was haemorrhage on the surface of the brain. The latter fact accounted for death ensuing so quickly. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner expressed his personal sympathy with the father and other relatives of the deceased, as did also Mr Pode, and the remarks of both gentlemen were endorsed by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - The Deputy Borough Coroner (Mr J. Graves) held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM LEE, aged 65, of 10 Oxford-cottages. John Lewis, of the Oporto Wine Vaults, said deceased came to his house at about 9.30 on Monday morning. Some time after witness found him dead. He sent for Dr Brenton, who certified that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, on LEONARD G. SILBA, the 18 months' old son of WILLIAM E. SILBA, a photographer, 18 Fore-street. Last week, the deceased's mother said her child had measles and though he appeared to improve, he complained of pains on the chest on Monday evening and late in the night was seized with convulsions and died. Dr Lionel Brough, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to pneumonia and convulsions, following measles. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

SHAUGH PRIOR - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY GIBSON, aged 14, farmer's apprentice, Bughill Farm, Shaugh Prior. Throughout the latter part of last week, the boy, delicate from birth, was suffering from a slight cold. After a hearty supper on Saturday evening he went to bed. Early the following morning he was head coughing and his master, Joseph Phillips, found him very ill. A doctor was sent for, but before his arrival the lad died. Dr H. G. Pearce, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased had a very small heart, with narrowing of the valves and his lungs were congested. That produced syncope, which was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Suicide. An Anonymous Letter. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM GEORGE HOLMAN, 44, a shipwright in Devonport Dockyard, of 36 Spencer-avenue, Keyham, who was found in a coal-house at the back of his house on Tuesday evening. - ANNE HOLMAN, widow of deceased, said her husband had been very despondent of late years and came home on Monday worse than usual. He was afraid he might be discharged from the yard. He had been discharged three times previously. On Monday night her husband was lying on a sofa when she went to bed. Witness got up at six o'clock next morning to call him. Not finding him she called her son and daughter, who found deceased lying in the coalhouse dead. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that it was quite untrue that she and her husband had not been happy, nor that she was in the habit of taking too much drink. - WILLIAM R. HOLMAN, son of the last witness, said that he and his sister found their father lying on his back with his head touching the wall. There was a rope hanging from the roof, and there was a piece round deceased's neck. - Samuel Whitmore, 3 Blenheim-road, Plymouth, house furnisher, said deceased told him on Monday that he was not very well. The family had always given him the impression of being very happy. Deceased had been a customer for many years. - Dr R. B. Wagner said the cause of death was hanging. - The Coroner said he had questioned MRS HOLMAN so that she could clear herself, as he had received an anonymous letter. It was a very cruel thing on the part of the writer. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - Mr Trusk a Juror, thought the person who wrote the letter was unworthy of the name of man or woman.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on the child of WILFRED G. MOYSE, carpenter, 24 William-street. On Saturday evening MRS MOYSE was frightened by a firework let off by her brother in the house,. On Monday night the child was born, and lived only five or ten minutes. Dr M. A. Kirton said death was due to premature birth. A verdict was returned accordingly.

TEIGNMOUTH - A Teignmouth Baby's Death. - Mr Sydney Hacker resumed the adjourned Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on the infant son of SARAH HAYWARD, which was found dead in a bucket on the day of its birth in the house of Mrs Allen, with whom HAYWARD was in service. - Mrs Allen, Louisa Loosemoore, of 6 Higher Brook-street, and Hannah Easterbrook, who had nursed HAYWARD since the child's birth, gave evidence, and Dr E. A. Price, who attended at the post-mortem made by Dr Rudkin, corroborated that gentleman's statement and said the direct cause of death would not be elucidated by the post-mortem. The Jury returned a verdict that the cause of death was want of attention at birth. - Later in the day SARAH HAYWARD was charge before Captain Paul, Colonel Nightingale and Captain Horner with the murder of the child. The evidence of the witnesses at the Inquest was taken, but the magistrates found that the charge was not confirmed and dismissed accused.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Marine's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on PTE. WILLIAM WOOLLAMS, R.M.L.I., age 27 employed as a printer at the office of the naval Commander-in-Chief at Mount Wise. Mr K. E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. EDWIN WOOLLAMS, seaman, 16 Wyndham-square, Plymouth, said deceased was his brother and lived with him. Deceased had had a cold for a week and when witness last saw him, at 8.10 on Thursday morning, said he had a pain in the left side. Witness advised him to go to a doctor, but deceased said it might pass over. - Patrick Beahan, 62 Duke-street, printer at the Commander-in-Chief's office, said deceased had been his assistant for two years, and had had splendid health during that time. While at work about 10 a.m. on Thursday, deceased fell and was taken into the open and a doctor sent for. Deceased did not complain when he came on duty. - Dr D. Brough said he was called to the port admiral's office and found deceased quite dead, death being due to a ruptured aneurism of the aorta. The other organs were healthy. Death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on WILLIAM OXLAND, son of MARY ANN OXLAND, 12 Morice-street. The mother said the child, born on October 22nd last, seemed very well in health. She first noticed it was cross on Friday morning and a doctor was sent for, but as he could not come the child was taken to him. Deceased died about 8.20 a.m. shortly after being brought from the doctor. The child was not insured. Dr Hinvest said when brought to him the child was dying and he directed the woman who brought it to take it home. Death was due to debility from birth. the child was unable to digest and assimilate its food. there was no sign of neglect. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 November 1904
TOTNES - Totnes Football Fatality. - At the Inquest at Totnes yesterday on LEWIS G. TOWNSEND, postman, Mr G. E. Windeatt, on behalf of Totnes Football Club, expressed the deepest sympathy with the relatives. Things had been said of the roughness of the game, but Totnes Club made no such insinuation against Dartmouth Athletic club. - Deceased's brother WILLIAM, said he saw the game, and there was no rough play on either side. - Mr W. H. Wyatt, official referee, Newton Abbot, said the game was pleasantly contested. There was no caution for rough play or anything else. The deceased, who was playing a particularly good game, fell when dribbling the ball towards the Dartmouth goal. He fell as he seemed about to pick up the ball, which he missed. He was not collared: no one touched or tripped him. He was going fairly fast at the time. - The Foreman (Mr J. R. Veazey): You are satisfied that no one was near him when he tripped and fell? - Quite satisfied. - Dr G. J. Gibson said on Saturday it was stated that deceased had been kicked in the back of the neck. He, however, could find no external injuries whatever. He came to the conclusion that he had ruptured the spinal cord. Such an injury could be caused by a person falling on his head. - Mrs Tucker, Matron at the Hospital, said on Sunday TOWNSEND told her that in stooping to catch the ball he must have turned over and cricked his neck, and he added that no blame attached to anyone as far as he knew. He did not know he was dying at the time, but was not long conscious after. - Ernest T. Nott, secretary of the Totnes Club, gave evidence that the deceased had the habit of running with his head down. Deceased was the fastest forward in the team. The game was not rough, but pleasant and enjoyable throughout. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said the evidence showed that the match was properly conducted. The fact that deceased had been playing exceptionally well showed that he was in good health and full of life, and if they accepted his account of the accident he must have overshot the mark in trying to pick up the ball, and have fallen on his head, and that there was nobody else connected with it. Football, like a good many other sports, entailed a certain amount of danger, but considering the amount of football playing in England it was very free from fatal accidents. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives. Mr C. H. Moses, on behalf of Dartmouth Football Club and the town of Dartmouth, also expressing sympathy with the relatives. - Mr Mildmay, M.P., wired to Mr Windeatt that he was deeply concerned to read of TOWNSEND'S death. The funeral is fixed for Thursday afternoon. The Jury and witnesses, on the suggestion of the Foreman, handed 14s. 6d. and their fees to the Hospital funds.

STOKE DAMEREL - Found Dead At Devonport. A Pensioner's Sad End. - At the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ENOS FEAVER, found dead on the South-Western Railway line between Ford and Camel's Head early on Monday morning, Isabel Barrett, 47 Francis-street, Plymouth, said deceased, aged 45 years, was a pensioner from the R.M.L.I., and lived at 45 Neswick-street, Plymouth. He lived with Susan Smith, who died on November 10th, and had not yet been buried. He had lived with her for about five years and was very fond of her. he seemed very much affected at her death, saying he did not know what he should do with himself. He was employed at the Keyham Extension Works as a labourer. - Bertha Shuter, 1 Railway-cottages, Bath-street, Plymouth, said on Sunday he came to her house at dinner-time and told her he had been wandering and had found himself on the moors on Friday morning. he stopped at her house all the afternoon, leaving about 5.30. - Albert Wilson, 75 Barton-avenue, Keyham Barton, dairyman, said at 6.30 on Monday morning, about 100 yards from the railway bridge, crossing the Camel's Head road, he found the body of deceased outside the down line of rails. In one of his outhouses he found the impression of a man's prostrate form in some straw, and he tracked footsteps from the house to the place where the body was found. In his opinion deceased was going in the direction of the Extension Works and was walking on the railway line, when he was knocked down by the 5.30 train. The body was practically warm. - Inspector Percival of the L. and S.W.R., said a train due to arrive at Ford at 5.44 would pass the spot about the time stated by the witness. - P.C. Davey said in one of the deceased's pockets he found a piece of rope with a running noose. - Dr G. C. Sandford said deceased had a large lacerated wound extending from under the chin to the back of the head on the right side. The skull was shattered and the brains were exposed. Death must have been instantaneous. - By Mr Hellier (Foreman of the Jury): Such a blow would be given by a passing train, most probably by its guard. If so the man must have been bending down. - Inspector Percival said the last up and down trains on Sunday evening and the first up and down trains on Monday morning had all been examined, but no mark was found on either. He had but very little doubt it was the 5.44 mail train that struck deceased. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) summing up, said the rope being found in the pocket, they might almost surmise that deceased intended to take his life in some other way, but found it would be quicker to do so by lying on the rails. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

ST BUDEAUX - A St Budeaux Baby's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at St Budeaux yesterday on GERTRUDE WALLING, the two days old baby of FREDERICK C. WALLING, ironmonger's assistant, Victoria-terrace. - HARRIET WALLING, the child's grandmother, said she left MRS WALLING at 2 a.m. on Monday sleeping comfortably, the child being a little way away. At 8 o'clock MR WALLING called her and she found the baby dead. - Dr Festing Smith attributed death to suffocation. The mother told him the child cried and she lifted it up, putting it down again in a few minutes. The mother turned her back and the child must have rolled over on to her face. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman Found Dead. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on JANE ROOSE, aged 59, wife of RICHARD ROOSE, chargeman of shipwrights in the Dockyard, of 40 Keat-street. Deceased had suffered from fainting fits for a little time, but was bright and cheerful when her husband went to work at 6.30 a.m. on Monday. She afterwards told Mrs Herring, who lived in the same house, that she felt just as usual, and went out for a little while. After she returned home Mrs Herring missed her, and in the front room found her on the couch dead. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson, who made a post-mortem examination, said the cause of death was syncope, due to fatty degeneration and atheroma of the valves and vessels of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 November 1904
ASHBURTON - The Ashburton Fatality. - Mr hacker and a Jury (Mr W. H. Langley, Foreman) held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS CHAMBERLAIN, 25, farmer, of Brent. - Mr J. C. Wilton, of Hernstead Farm, said deceased, his son-in-law, left him at the fair an hour before he was injured. He was perfectly sober. - John Head, of Paignton, said he was driving a pair of horses and dray down Leat Park-hill when he heard some children shout that a man had fallen off his horse. He went back and found deceased unconscious and bleeding very much. The horse, which stood by grazing, was covered with dirt on the off side. - Dr Wilcox said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. The roads were in good condition, but Tuesday was an exceptional day, as there had been a sharp white frost and fog. - Alfred Wilson, surveyor to the Ashburton Urban Council, produced a plan of the road which had an incline of about one in 30. The previous day he had the road covered with sand, morning and evening, as the steam roller had passed over it. the thick fog and white frost always made the roads greasy, owing to the nature of the metalling used. The large number of bullocks passing over the road also contributed to its slipperiness. - Mr Foaden, chairman of the Highway Committee, said at Totnes the same say the roads were in a more slippery condition than in the Ashburton district. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and passed a vote of sympathy with the widow and relatives of deceased. The Jury recommended a freer use of sand on the roads in such weather.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Burning Case. The Dangers Of Flannelette. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on SIDNEY GORDON JOHNS, 4 ½ years, the son of JOHN JOHNS, first class petty officer of 52 Pasley-street East, Devonport. - The mother said that at 6.15 on Wednesday morning her nephew got up to get himself a cup of tea before going to his ship and deceased, who slept in the same room, must have obtained a match from a box, which was left on the chest of drawers in case of sickness and struck it. Her nephew found him ablaze. Deceased was a mischievous boy and she had punished him for playing with fire, but had never had to warn him for playing with matches. - Edward Williams, carpenter's crew, living in the same house, said deceased slept with him and was awake when witness go up. Witness was sitting down to breakfast about a quarter of an hour later, when he heard a cry and on going to his bedroom, found deceased in flames. Having placed deceased on the floor and wrapped a jacket around him, witness left him in his grandmother's charge and went for a doctor. - Annie Butcher, the grandmother, said that when deceased was brought to her she rubbed him in lard and wrapped him in a sheet. He died at 6.15 p.m. the same day. He was a little troublesome, and she had to watch him very sharply. On one occasion he nearly set the kitchen on fire. His nightdress was of flannelette. - The Coroner said flannelette had been the cause of burning accidents on more than one occasion. - Dr E. McCulloch said he found deceased suffering from extensive superficial burns and in a condition of extreme shock. He told the grandmother there was practically no hope. Witness saw deceased twice during the day, but he never rallied from the shock, which was the cause of death. The flannelette was largely to blame, but the better qualities hardly burnt more quickly than flannel. - The Coroner said that in the last burning case he had to inquire into death was due to playing with matches. through the more extensive use of fireguards, as the result of notices placarded over the town, cases of children playing with fire and getting their clothing alight had considerably decreased. He hoped parents would be careful to keep matches out of the reach of young children. They knew the danger attaching to the use of flannelette if it once got alight. - Verdict, "Accidental Death." The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Fatality. Dangers Of Timber Unloading. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on JAMES MORGAN, 29, a labourer employed at the Keyham Extension Works. - George Davis, labourer, said he and deceased were on Wednesday morning discharging timber. They rolled it from one side of the bogey to the other and then tipped it over the side. The morning was wet and the sides rather slippery. In trying to get one piece of timber from one side of the stack to the other, it took charge and went right over the side of the bogey. Deceased was underneath waiting to receive the balks when they left the bogey and the balk fell on him. - Charles Barton said he was going to assist deceased in replacing the rails down which the balks slid, when someone shouted "Look out." He stepped out of the way and the timber struck deceased on the back. If the packing of the balks was sufficient there was no danger. There was no chances of the tails slipping away. - Mr L. L. Hanham, Surgeon on the Extension Works, said death, which was instantaneous, was due to fracture of four ribs, penetrating the lungs and pericardium. - Mr A. Whitleg, sub-agent for Sir John Jackson Limited, explained that the timber would not be lowered by a crane in that particular spot. He knew of no better method of discharging timber than was followed on this occasion and it was used everywhere. It would be impracticable to fasten ropes to each end of the timber. - Mr S. Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories said he had seen timber unloaded in the same way at many other places. The suggestion of the Foreman of the Jury, however, that the skids should be made perfectly safe, was a good one. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Foreman (Mr Trusk) added that the Jury had been greatly assisted by the photographs, &c., which Sir John Jackson's officials had produced. - The Coroner said they had always experienced the same consideration on the part of Sir John Jackson and his officials. - Mrs Gray of 5 Admiralty-street, Keyham, the deceased's sister, said her brother was his mother's only support. The Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives and Mr Peck, on behalf of Sir John Jackson, expressed regret at the sad occurrence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES FRANCIS COWARD, 77, 1 Cross-hill-villas, Stoke, a retired master in the Royal Naval Ordnance. - Chief Schoolmaster CHARLES F. S. COWARD, R.N., said the deceased, his father, on October 9th was going upstairs, when, contrary to his usual habit, he did not hold on to the banisters. When he had got up six stairs he fell. - Dr M. A. Kirton said he found deceased suffering from shock. There was nothing broken, but he was in pain from a bruise on the right hip bone. He died on Friday last from congestion of the lungs, following the shock due to injuries received from falling downstairs. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the family.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Suicide. - At the Inquest on JOSEPH JAMES WATSON, 57, labourer, found hanging in the wash-house of his residence, 2 Tamar-street, Morice Town, on Saturday evening, was held yesterday. The widow stated that her husband had been in ill-health for the last two years and had not done much work. On Saturday evening just before six he went downstairs. In May deceased had a slight seizure. - JOSEPH JAMES WATSON, son of deceased, and a fireman on the Great Western Railway, said on Saturday evening he went into the wash-house for some water and saw his father hanging from a beam. he called out for his mother, and William Kinsman, a waterman, came and they cut his father down. Witness tried to bring him round, but without avail. A doctor was sent for, but did not come. - P.S. Voss said when called deceased was dead. he saw a piece of rope hanging from a beam in the ceiling about 8 feet high and underneath was a barrel. The doctor told him he was on the way to the house when he heard that the body had been removed. - Dr G. C. Sandford said death was due to suffocation from hanging. The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide while of Temporarily Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ETHEL MAY WORDEN, aged seven weeks, daughter of ALFRED and ELIZABETH WORDEN, of 21 Flora-street, Dr Pearse said death was due to convulsions.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned In Plymouth Sound. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES BOYLE, aged 27, first-class petty-officer, H.M.S. King Edward VII. - Frank Wilmott, shipwright, King Edward VII., said on 11th inst. he saw deceased about 11.30 p.m., the ship being then at anchor in the Sound. Deceased went on to the upper deck and witness did not see him again. He had never known deceased have any trouble and he was usually cheerful. Deceased had just gone off duty when witness last saw him. Search was made for the body when deceased was missed next day, but without effect. - Lieut. De Wet said he saw deceased at about 12.15 a.m. on 12th inst., when he seemed in his usual spirits. Deceased ought to have been working until 12.30 a.m. If a man had fallen overboard, he would certainly have been seen. About 1.30 a.m. the officer of the watch said he heard someone cry "Oh!" and had searched all along the ship's side. witness told him to continue showing a light and in the morning it was reported that deceased was missing. Wm. Kingdon, waterman, deposed finding the body just inside the Breakwater on Saturday afternoon. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on SARAH DUNSTAN, aged 46, wife of THOMAS DUNSTAN, of 18 Penrose-street, Plymouth. On Monday morning MR DUNSTAN was informed by Mrs Cannon that his wife had a fit of coughing. He went into the room and, seeing his wife was ill, sent for Dr Wilson. When he arrived she was dead. She had been suffering from a cold for a considerable time, but nothing serious was noticed. She was last under medical attendance eighteen months ago when Dr Wilson attended her for a slight cold. Death was due to a tumour in the neck pressing on the wind-pipe, accelerated by the fit of coughing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE W C. HUGHES, son of a skilled labourer in the Devonport Dockyard, residing at 11 Townshend-avenue, Keyham, the mother said on awaking on Sunday morning, she found it dead by her side. Dr R. B. Wagner said death was due to suffocation and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 November 1904
ASHBURTON - At an Inquest at Ashburton, yesterday, on SAMUEL BASKWILL, 77, who died suddenly, the medical evidence showed that death was due to valvular disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on EMMA HOWARD, aged 60, domestic servant, of 50 Norman-avenue, Devonport. - Mrs H. J. Bray said deceased, who had lived with her for ten years, had been unwell for some time, but was able to go on with her work as usual. When she got up at seven o'clock that morning she complained of having had rather a bad night and said she had had a pain in her back. While going upstairs at 9.20 a.m., witness heard a fall, and, on going into deceased's bedroom, found her lying on her face on the floor. - Dr C. L. Lander said deceased was quite dead when he was called. There was a wound on the right temple and a rather large bruise below it. Death was due to syncope caused by heart and kidney disease, accelerated by the blow. He had advised deceased to rest, but she was of a very determined character and would not give up if she could help it. - Mrs Bray said deceased was making her bed when she fell. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Death In A Plymouth Belfry. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on E. J. HENDY, aged 68, a carpenter, of 6 Radnor-street, Plymouth. - HENRY HENDY, his son, said deceased had indulged in bell-ringing since his boyhood. He had never complained of his heart and had enjoyed good health. - George H. Myers, jeweller, 72 Regent-street, said deceased was with him in the belfry of Charles' Church on Wednesday night. they had been ringing for three hours and ten minutes, when the deceased dropped down. Dr Newbery was sent for, but found that MR HENDY was dead. - In answer to one of the Jury, witness said deceased and himself were trying to break the record. Deceased had frequently done the same thing. - Dr W. f. H. Newbery said that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the strain and excitement of the bell-ringing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, on WILLIAM LUSCOMBE, aged 47, of 4 Higher-street, Plymouth. - Emily E. Phillips, niece of the deceased, aged 13, of 7 Howe-street, deposed seeing her uncle about 8 p.m. on Tuesday and asked him to come to her house with her. He refused, saying it was too cold. He appeared very miserable and said he had received notice to leave from his employer and the bailiffs would be in on the following day. On Thursday, about midday, she went to see him again and found him hanging from the bed by a pair of braces and a piece of cord. He was quite dead. Her mother came afterwards and fetched the Police. - Mary Bounds, 21 Higher-street, said on hearing the last witness scream she ran into the house and cut deceased down. Deceased had been down-hearted on account of losing his work. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

PLYMOUTH - MRS PHILLIPA HAWKE PLUMBER, aged 87, widow, of Penrose-street, Plymouth, partook of breakfast in bed on Thursday morning, about 9.30 and then seemed in her usual health. Between ten and eleven o'clock Cissie Webster, her servant, found her speechless. Mrs Smith, who lived in the same house, went for a doctor, and met Dr Leah, who pronounced life extinct. Dr Bean, who had made a post-mortem examination, stated at the Inquest yesterday that death was due to pericarditis of recent date.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 November 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on CHARLES FRIEND, infant son of FRANK FRIEND, labourer, 6 Tamar-terrace, Morice Town. ELLEN FRIEND, mother of the child, said the baby was in bed when she and her husband retired to rest on Thursday night. At three o'clock in the morning she nursed the child and then went to sleep. Waking at 6.30 she found the child was dead. Dr T. R. Rolston said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to suffocation. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

LYDFORD - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison on Friday on GEORGE MILLER, aged 75. Deceased, a native of London, had altogether served 23 years imprisonment. His last conviction was at Guildford Assizes, December 1900 when he received a sentence of 5 years' penal servitude for burglary. He had four previous convictions. At Dartmoor he had a good record for behaviour. Dr W. Dyer, Medical Officer of the Prison, said deceased had suffered from a cancer in the stomach. Assistant-Warder Strike and a convict-orderly gave evidence as to his treatment while in Hospital. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 November 1904
DARTMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Heart Disease" was returned yesterday at an Inquest at Dartmouth on SARAH KNAPMAN, aged 72, found lying dead on the bedroom floor by her husband.

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Girl's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MAUD HOLMES, aged 20, of 11 Central-street. Mary Ewing, of the same address, said she saw deceased at two o'clock on Saturday morning in bed. Deceased, who had previously complained of internal pain, said she felt better. At 9.30 on the same morning Lilly Thomas went into the room and seeing deceased lying on the floor, called out, "I believe MAUD is dead." Witness sent for Dr Pearce. - Dr Pearce said when called in, he found life extinct. A post-mortem examination proved death to be due to pleurisy and syncope. There were no marks of violence. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JOSEPH HENRY TREMEER, aged 28, of 40 Victoria-street, in the employ of James Gibbs and Co. - John Ryder, ganger in the employ of James Gibbs and Co., said deceased on Saturday morning was shifting bags to feed the elevator. TREMEER having reported that one of the bags was broken, he was told to clean up any mess caused thereby. That would not necessitate his going inside the railings and he had no right to be where the fatality occurred. He was four or five feet away from his work. He did not know what deceased was doing at the time of the accident. Deceased had been with the firm for some years and was known as an industrious workman. - Charles Weeks said he was sliding the bucket along an overhead wire and he saw deceased underneath it in a stooping attitude. There was no time to stop the bucket and it struck deceased on the head, rendering him insensible. TREMEER had no right to be inside the railings whilst the bucket was in operation. He had never seen him working inside the railings before. - MR TREMEER said he was certain his son was in the execution of his duty when the fatality occurred. - The Coroner said the evidence did not bear out that statement. No reflection was cast on the deceased, but there was no necessity for him to be inside the railings. - Dr Norman Blake, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased's skull was fractured. - MR TREMEER considered that some signal should be given when the bucket was set in motion. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to the employers, but recommending the use of a signal previous to the use of the bucket. - Mr L. E. Strong, who represented Gibbs and Co., expressed the sympathy of the firm with the father of the deceased. - Mr S. Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories was present.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Family's Sad Poverty. - At the Inquest on SAMUEL WILLIAMS, 24 days old, son of a general labourer at the Keyham Extension Works, living at 5 John-street, Morice Town, held by Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) yesterday, ELIZABETH ANN WILLIAMS, the mother, said the child had been dry nursed and had been attended by Dr T. R. Rolston. On Friday night the child had convulsions and died in her arms. Dr T. R. Rolston, as the result of a post-mortem examination, found the child in a very emaciated condition. It had previously suffered from thrush, which had spread over its body. He considered that the cause of death was convulsions, due to starvation from non-assimilation of the food. The room in which the family lived did not conduce to good health, being in the basement. MRS WILLIAMS, asked if she could not find another place to live in, admitted that it was not a good place. Sometimes they were swamped out by the tide. Her husband had been out of work for a long time. Six of them lived in two underground kitchens. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 November 1904
PLYMOUTH - ANN TATTE, widow, aged 76, was found dead in bed at 10 Staddon-terrace, Plymouth, on Sunday morning, when Nicholas Lake, carpenter, took her a cup of tea. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Francis attributed death to senile decay and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 December 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner On Drink. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday, on GEORGE PETRIE, 46, 6 Chapel-lane, an engineer representing a private Scotch firm at the Keyham Extension Works. - Deceased's wife said her husband had enjoyed good health and early on Wednesday morning brought her a cup of tea and said he was going to work at nine o'clock. witness went downstairs about ten and found deceased lying on the couch dead. He had not eaten anything since the previous afternoon. he frequently drank intoxicating liquors. - FORBES PETRIE, son of the last witness, labourer under deceased, who was a representative of Fullerton, Hodgert and Barclay of Paisley, said deceased was away from work practically the whole of Tuesday, but he was sober when witness got home. - Dr T. McElwaine said a post-mortem examination showed the cause of death to be pleurisy with effusion, accelerated by alcoholic excess. MRS PETRIE had been drinking very heavily when he was at the house at 11.20 a.m. - Questioned by the Coroner, MRS PETRIE said her husband earned £2 5s. a week and her son, who was the only child earned £1 2s. 6d. a week and they lived in three rooms. She had been drinking brandy in her bedroom. The Coroner said her husband might have been alive then had he not been drinking to excess. He mentioned that so that she could prevent a similar thing happening to herself. He thought it was a disgraceful thing that the doctor and other people should go into the house and find her in such a state with her husband lying dead. Not only that, but it was a bad example for her son, who was just commencing life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

WALKHAMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Walkhampton yesterday on WINIFRED ADA PEARCE, age 13 years. - Emma Westlake, wife of a farm labourer, said deceased was the daughter of LAURA PEARCE, domestic servant, Tavistock, but had lived with her for four years. On Monday last she appeared to be well and ate a good breakfast, but at dinner-time was feeling unwell. She went to bed at about 11 p.m. Witness saw her about midnight. She was then not feverish, and said she did not feel unwell. At five o'clock in the morning she found her dead in bed. - Dr Liddell, of Yelverton, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to pleurisy, with adhesion. The breathing must have become difficult towards the end and syncope set in. The child was well nourished. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 5 December 1904
PLYMSTOCK - Plymstock Baby's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on ENA MAY COLLIER, the infant child of ROSE COLLIER, single, living at 1 Stonehill-cottages, Plymstock. The mother stated that on Thursday night, as the baby appeared to have a slight cold, she took it into bed with her. On awakening in the morning she found the child, which was lying in her arms facing her, was dead. - Dr Scott having made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to suffocation. He believed the child was accidentally overlain. He had not the slightest suspicion of wilfulness on the part of the mother. The child was well nourished and cared for. - The Coroner, having commented on the danger of the practice of mothers taking young children into bed to sleep with them, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 December 1904
PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned In Plymouth Sound. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM GOFF, aged 69, retired chimney sweep of 108 South View-terrace, Plymouth. - WILLIAM H. GOFF, son of the deceased, and William Wherry, son-in-law, deposed that deceased was in perfect health on Saturday evening, when he went for a stroll. He was of a cheerful disposition and had never threatened to take his life. - P.C. Roach said that he was on duty at the Barbican on Sunday morning and was informed by a fisherman that there was a body floating in the Sound. Witness hired a waterman's boat and took the body to the mortuary. Witness had frequently seen deceased on the quay. - In answer to the Coroner, the son said that his father was rather near-sighted. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 December 1904
DARTMOUTH - Error of Judgment At Dartmouth. - The daughter, aged two years, of JOHN MEMERY, carman, Dartmouth, was on Wednesday apparently sickening for measles. She grew worse on Sunday morning. Then a doctor was sent for, but before he arrived the child died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr G. M. Soper said death was due to catarrh and pneumonia following measles. He could not say the child's life would have been saved if a doctor had been summoned before, but certainly medical aid should have been sought before Sunday. - Mr A. M. Davson, the Coroner, said without doubt the parents had committed a grave error of judgment in not calling in a doctor earlier. The Jury agreed, and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on HANNAH WILTON, aged 61, who lived with her daughter at 9 Lambert-street. HANNAH WILTON, daughter of deceased, said three weeks ago Dr M. A. Kirton visited the deceased. On Sunday she was called by her mother, who seemed to be better and went to sleep. At eight o'clock the same evening she became worse and died before Dr Kirton arrived. Death was attributed to syncope, from heart disease of long standing and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 December 1904
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest last evening at the Hyde Park Hotel, Plymouth, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, on SAMUEL TONKIN, stonemason, 70, of 6 College Park-place, Plymouth. Mr A. V. Crossing said death was due to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - The Deputy Coroner of Plymouth (Mr J. Graves) held an Inquest yesterday on EMMALINE BEATRICE POPE, 31, daughter of MR JOHN LAVERS POPE, jeweller, Market-place, Plymouth. - MR POPE said deceased resided with him and his wife at No. 17 Brandreth-road. - On Tuesday morning his wife informed him that deceased was sinking and in great pain. Dr Griffin was sent for, but death took place on Wednesday morning. He (witness) used nitro-hydrochloric acid in his business. It was a deadly poison. Deceased was suffering from a domestic trouble. - Mr M. Griffin said on being called he found deceased suffering from inflammation and laceration of the windpipe. She was unable to swallow and was almost suffocated. He asked her what she had taken, but got no reply. He then asked her if she had taken poison and she said "No." The case was hopeless from the first. - Mr Stephen Lynch aid he also asked deceased if she had taken poison. She at first denied that she had. He pointed to a number of bottles which were on the washstand and held up one and deceased intimated that that was the bottle she had drank from. He put his finger half-way up the bottle and she said "Yes." The quantity evidently taken by deceased would be about two ounces. he had made a post-mortem examination and found the stomach walls quite charred. Death had resulted from taking nitro-hydrochloric acid. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 December 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - Scarlet Fever Cases: A Death. - Mr J. A. Pearse (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of CHARLES HARRIS, aged two years and six months, the child of RICHARD HARRIS, coal porter 46 Mount-street. The father said the child had been ill from teething and subsequently measles came on and his mother gave him milk and a little brandy and saffron tea. The child was taken worse on Wednesday evening and witness went to two or three doctors, but they were all away from home, and the child died at 9.40 p.m. His wife did not know what to do before, because she had not money to pay for a doctor. The Coroner: In some of these cases a doctor is not sent for until the last minute. - Witness said he had four other children and one was to be taken away on the following day. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said that on Thursday morning the last witness came for him and told him that one child had died and that another was ill. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found that death was due to pneumonia following scarlet fever, not measles. The other child also had scarlet fever. The family lived in two rooms. Deceased should have had medical attention, but it was difficult to say definitely whether such attention would have been of any avail. The child was well nourished, considering the circumstances, but not too well nourished. The father had a precarious livelihood. - The Coroner said it was a pity a doctor was not sent for earlier. Probably the parents were waiting and hoping that the child would get better. If people were destitute they could get the services of the district medical officer, no one need be without a doctor through want of means. There was a district medical officer in St Aubyn-street. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Suffocation" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ELLEN MURIEL CLARKE, aged 7 weeks. The child slept with its mother on Wednesday night and was found dead in the morning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 December 1904
HATHERLEIGH - Mr Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest at Hatherleigh yesterday on J. SANDERS, labourer, aged 72, of Bridge-street, who fell from his bedroom window on November 13th, and broke his leg in three places. Miss Emily Ball, neighbour, spoke to having heard a fall, and found deceased on the pavement, having apparently fallen out of his bedroom window. This was at 2.30 a.m. Dr Aitkins also gave evidence and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at 8 Buckingham-place, Stonehouse, yesterday on GRACE MOSES, aged 63. WILLIAM T. MOSES deposed that the deceased, his mother, on July 10th, 1904, went out shopping. Half an hour later he received a message that she had fallen in Phoenix-street. She told him she fell on the kerb because her boots were too large. Dr Wagner ordered her removal to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, where her right leg was amputated. She came home on the 27th ult., and died on Saturday. Dr Wagner certified death was due to nervous breakdown directly caused by the fall. There was also congestion of the kidneys, due to confinement to bed. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

ERMINGTON - An Ermington Woman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Ermington, yesterday, on SUSAN EDGECOMBE, aged 67, a shopkeeper, in the village. - ELIZABETH EDGECOMBE said the deceased, her mother, had been unwell for about twelve months, and had been attended by Dr Cooper during the past five weeks. On Friday last she was called to a neighbour's house and left deceased sitting before the fire. Returning in a quarter of an hour she found her lying dead on the floor in front of the fire, with her clothes singed. - Dr Cooper said there were several burns on the body, but he believed that they were caused after death, the real cause of death being heart disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner remarking on the danger of placing an invalid in a chair before a fire with no guard.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 December 1904
KINGSBRIDGE - Inquest At Kingsbridge. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Kingsbridge yesterday on MARY JANE TUCKER of Westoria-row. - EDWARD TUCKER, a baker, said deceased, his wife, had never had very good health. He had repeatedly asked her to see the doctor, but she would not. At four o'clock on Monday morning she was taken ill, but got better. After breakfast she talked about getting up. EMILY TUCKER, deceased's daughter, said from downstairs she called to deceased at half-past nine and receiving no reply went upstairs and found her dead. - Dr Harston said a post-mortem revealed valvular disease of the heart and congested lungs, other organs being also diseased. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 December 1904
HENNOCK - Fatality At A Chudleigh Clay Mine. - At the Inquest held at Chudleigh Knighton yesterday on WALTER VALLANCE, the evidence showed that deceased, 40 years of age, was engaged in the Teignyeo Clay Mine excavating clay. With a fellow-workman, George Coram, he timbered the tunnel in which they were working, leaving a space of three or four feet in which to work. After dinner on Tuesday deceased was just resuming work, when a ball of clay weighing about 3cwt. fell upon him. This was removed by three men, and deceased afterwards walked home. A doctor was called in and it was first thought that there were no serious internal injuries beyond the effects of the blow, but on Wednesday deceased suffered great pain and died in the evening from rupture of the large intestine and shock. - Mr J. S. Martin, his Majesty's Inspector of Mines, stated that he had examined the mine and found that the timbering was done in a thorough and workmanlike manner. The deceased and his comrade used fair judgment and in his opinion no blame attached to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow, who has seven children ranging in age from 12 years to five months. Colonel Bearne on behalf of Watts, Blake, Bearne and Co., expressed sympathy with the family of deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 December 1904
EXETER - An Exeter Child's Shocking Death. - At the Inquest at Exeter last evening, on EMILY STAMP, six, daughter of FREDERICK STAMP, labourer, Preston, the mother said she left deceased in the house whilst she went out to buy soap. Returning in three minutes she found the child in flames near the door. The lamp had been turned up very high and the top was smashed. There was very little fire in the grate, but the girl's dress must have been ignited by a spark from the grate. - Alfred Tootell, who went to the child's assistance, said he thought the globe of the lamp must have been broken by people rushing into the room. - Mrs Marsden, assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said there was not an inch of sound skin left on the body. The flesh was practically cooked. the child lived for nearly three hours after the accident, and it was a wonder she lived so long. The mother said deceased had on three flannelette petticoats. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and sympathised with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 December 1904
TOTNES - At Totnes yesterday at an Inquest on GEORGE WILLS MCKAY, the infant son of ELLEN C. MCKAY, a domestic servant, Dr Johnson said it had been well nourished and cared for, and that death was due t teething convulsions.

EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on EDWARD BISHOP, 64, a City Council employee, who whilst leading his horse down Fore-street, on October 24th was knocked down by a runaway horse, which had broken away from a van belonging to Veale and Co., driven by Wm. Joslin, Jubilee-street. It was stated that the horse was a nervous animal and ran away some months previously. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and a majority expressed the opinion that more care should be exercised in regard to the horse.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 December 1904
EXETER - The Death Of An Exeter Tradesman. A Verdict Of "Misadventure." - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on FRANK GREEN, 47, tailor and outfitter, Queen-street. Mr Cecil R. M. Clapp and Mr C. T. E. Roberts were present on behalf of interested persons. - FRANK H. GREEN said his father had been unwell for some weeks. On Saturday he lost control of his [?] on Pennsylvania-hill, and was very much shaken and unnerved. Later the same day he fell over a flight of stairs and this made him worse. On Monday he fell up the stairs and on Tuesday he fell off a pair of steps in the courtyard. His father had a knowledge of chemistry and years ago desired being a chemist. He used to doctor himself. His father took great interest in photography and kept bottles of poison in the basement of the house. Deceased had had some little business worry lately and complained of headaches on Sunday and Monday. - John Harris, partner of Broom and Reid's, chemist's, Queen-street, said on Monday week he supplied MR GREEN with a small quantity of cyanide of potash to remove stains from his fingers. The cyanide was enough to produce fatal results. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said he was called at noon on Tuesday and saw deceased lying on his back on the floor, quite dead. On a chimney-piece was a glass containing cyanide of potash. Only a small quantity remained and deceased had drunk enough to kill four or five men. His wife told witness that when she came into the room he had the glass in his hand and having put it down he dropped on the floor dead. Death must have been almost instantaneous. In reply to Mr Clapp, witness said the deceased might have taken bromide of potash to steady his nerves. It was possible for a man to make a mistake and take cyanide for bromide, but hardly probable, for one was a coloured, and the other a clear liquid. The taste would at once detect a difference. The cause of death was poisoning. The solution of cyanide of potash of the strength that was in the glass would have a terrible taste, and would at once have been detected if it were drunk in mistake. - The Coroner expressed his regret that MR GREEN, whom he and many of the Jury knew, should have come by his death in this way, but that fact should not deter them from doing their duty in saying fearlessly what they considered the deceased did, and whether, under the stress of business worries, with him mind unhinged - that was to say in a fit of temporary insanity - he knowingly took his life with his own hands. - The Jury after deliberating for twenty minutes, returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 December 1904
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - The Burning Fatality Near Horrabridge. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK JAMES WARD RICH, aged four, only child of FREDERICK RICH, farm labourer, Vixsen Tor Cottage, near Horrabridge. The mother stated that on Friday morning she went to the fowls' house, leaving the boy sitting at a table in the kitchen eating his breakfast. He was wearing a vest and a flannelette nightdress. She returned n a few minutes and found him in a corner of the room on fire, and quite unconscious. She extinguished the fire as quickly as possible, but the child died within a very short time. she thought deceased must have been playing with the fire, he was clasping a partially-burnt towel in his hand. There was no guard to the fire. Deceased was a bright child and well able to get about. Dr G. T. Revell, Horrabridge, said the body, except the feet, was very extensively burned, in fact charred. The Coroner said it was unfortunate the mother left the child alone with the fire unprotected. The Jury took this view and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" expressing deep sympathy with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on MRS JOHANNA O'CONNEL, of 35 King-lane, aged 27, Dr Burke said death was due to rupture of the valves of the heart.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on FREDK. WM. WELLAND, labourer, of 152 North-road, who died on Friday in a fit of coughing. Dr Corbett said death was due to syncope from haemorrhage of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 December 1904
DARTMOUTH - A Dartmouth Baby's Death. - At Dartmouth yesterday, Mr A. M. Davson, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the infant son of FREDERICK GILLARD, a coal lumper. MRS GILLARD said the baby was eighteen days old and on Christmas-eve, just before midnight, she put it into bed wrapped up in a shawl and went out to borrow oil. Her husband went to bed, but was quite two feet away from the child. When she returned a few minutes afterwards, she found the baby dead. Her husband was asleep. - FREDERICK GILLARD said he knew nothing of the matter until his wife awoke him and said the child was dead. She had gone to a doctor before that. The sergeant or police, Hockridge, who was called in by her, had tried to awake him without success. MRS GILLARD, recalled, said her husband was not the worse for liquor. - Dr G. M. Soper, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to suffocation. The child's nose and mouth must have been covered up. The Coroner said presumably the occurrence was accidental. Whether it was brought about by the child being covered up too tightly by the mother, or whether the father stretched his arm over it in his sleep, it was impossible to say. It certainly was extraordinary that the father slumbered through it all, but there was nothing to show that there was any particular reason for this. A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Poisoned In A Steamship. Inquest At Plymouth. The Cooking Of The Food. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, and a Jury were engaged for a couple of hours yesterday at Plymouth Inquiring into the causes of the deaths of J. LOTHMAN, 39, carpenter, a Swede; C. FELKMAN, 34, carpenter, a Dane; and T. KURKI, 38, able seaman, a Finn, who died in the Red Star Line steamer Europe after she left Antwerp, on Saturday last. Mr Frank Phillips (Weekes, Phillips and Co.) represented the owners. Mr W. H. Parsons was the Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said the facts surrounding the deaths of the men were somewhat peculiar. The deceased left Antwerp on Saturday with the vessel, which was bound to New York. On the following day some of the drew complained of illness; they were in great pain and vomited very much. The officers of the ship, seeing the condition of the men, gave them some castor oil and brandy. When the steamer was off flushing more than half the crew were down with a mysterious illness, one died and two others were very ill. The Captain made for Plymouth and two other deaths took place. The Jury might want to know why the Captain did not get medical aid at Flushing, as no doctor was on board. It seemed somewhat extraordinary he did not. Dr F. M. Williams would be making a post-mortem examination of the bodies and the contents of the stomachs of the deceased would have to be analysed by Dr Bean, the Borough analyst. It would be, therefore, necessary for that Inquiry to be adjourned after hearing the evidence of the officers of the ship, so that the medical gentlemen's evidence could be taken. - Capt. James Thomas Wylie, of Lee-road, Westgate-on-Sea, Essex, said he took command of the steamer only a few hours before she left Antwerp, on the 24th, but the crew were shipped on the 23rd inst. The men were all taken on at Antwerp, and were given a clean bill of health. On Sunday morning, when off flushing, he was told that a large number of the crew were sick, but he thought they would get over it. - The Coroner: How many were then sick? - Witness replied five or six, but he did not think it was sufficiently serious to get medical aid from Flushing. He was coming down Channel and thought that if the men got worse he would run into the nearest port. Castor oil and brandy were given to the sick men. When off the Start, at 6 a.m. on Monday morning, it was reported to him that LOTHMAN was dead, and he then decided to steer his ship for Plymouth. When he arrived in the port he signalled for medical assistance and the staff-surgeon of the Empress of India, battleship, in the Sound, came on board. Whilst the Staff-surgeon was on board FOLKMAN died. Everything was done to keep him alive, hot water and brandy being applied. The third man died at four o'clock in the afternoon. The more serious cases were removed to the cabins, and officers and stewards did everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the men. Dr F. M. Williams later joined the staff-surgeon and they thought the men had died of poison, but could not say definitely. The logbook showed that the whole of the crew on the 23rd had for breakfast dry hash (composed of beef and potatoes), bread, fresh beef, and coffee; for dinner, vegetable soup, made in a large saucepan in the galley, fresh beef, and potatoes; for supper, Irish stew (containing fresh meat), bread and tea. The food was purchased in Antwerp and he understood that the whole of the cooking utensils, copper lined with tin, had been previously cleaned with soda and water. On the 24th the breakfast was one of oatmeal, bread and coffee; for dinner, soup, fresh beef and potatoes; and supper, corned beef (tinned), bread and tea. The first man was taken ill early on Saturday morning, before any tinned meat was opened or served out. He had no reason whatever to suspect the tinned meat. The copper utensils used in the galley had been tinned, but the tin was wearing away. The boiler for the hot water was kept constantly clean. The same cooking utensils used for the men were also used for the officers of the cabin, but the officers and engineers had in no way suffered. - A Juryman asked the Captain why he did not get medical assistance at Flushing, and he replied he did not consider the cases of sickness were then serious enough. There was a very heavy fog at the time and the entrance to Flushing was very narrow. He had frequently seen men vomiting after leaving a port by reason of their having taken too much drink before they came on board and then having it suddenly stopped. The crew were very agreeable; he considered them a nice, quiet lot of men. - The Foreman: Do you think the men were ill because they partook of the tinned meat? - Some were ill before the tinned meat was touched. Officers and men partook of the same food. When at Flushing he thought the men might be sick because they had too much drink before they left Antwerp. Had he been of the opinion that they were seriously ill he would have had medical aid at Flushing. Before this voyage the vessel was laid up for six months. - Ernest finch, chief officer, stated that he joined the ship on 17th December at Antwerp. He did not examine the cooking utensils. All the food was ordered by the chief steward, and purchased in Antwerp. Witness could give no solution of how the men became ill. - In answer to the Foreman, witness said it was not the chief officer's duty to see that the cooking utensils were clean. The captain was responsible for the whole ship, but for the cleanliness of the cooking utensils they relied upon the supervision of the chief steward. - George Henry Darnell, chief steward, said he joined the ship at Antwerp on 21st December. He gave instructions to the two cooks to have all the cooking utensils clean by the 22nd. He saw these cooks cleaning the utensils, which appeared to be in good condition and perfectly clean. The food for everyone on the ship was cooked in the same utensils. - A Juryman: We ought to have the cooking utensils here. - The Coroner said he believed Dr Williams had seen the whole of the cooking utensils. - Dr Williams said he went on board at 10.30 the previous morning. He found most of the crew ill, two men were dead and one man was very ill. the general symptoms of illness pointed to poisoning, either ptomaine, metallic or mineral poisoning. He examined the utensils in the galley. Some were of tin, others were of copper. One very large vessel was of copper, but the tinning had worn off. He did not think there was a vestige of tinning left on the inside of it. Food being cooked in it might develop poisoning. This large copper vessel had food in it. All the other copper vessels were tinned inside, were clean and in fairly good condition. He examined the corned beef, which was perfectly good and in excellent condition. He had examined samples of the whole of the food, which was in perfectly good condition. The bread baked on board was very good. He thought death was due to irritant poisoning, but could not say for certain until a post-mortem examination and an analysis had been made. The captain and the offers had acted most humanely, and done everything they could for the crew. He felt satisfied that the officers did everything humanely possible for the men. Evidently the men got ill after partaking the food. the water tanks were perfectly clean and the water, of which he had a sample, was of very good quality. - The Coroner: Ought the captain to have consulted a medical man at Flushing? - The captain says there was a great fog at the time? - If the captain had consulted a medical man at Flushing I think the result would have been the same. The mischief was done after taking the first day's food. - The Foreman: Ought not the captain to have called in a medical man at Flushing? Would not great good have resulted if he had? - It is very difficult to say. Under the circumstances, as far as I know them, there was no occasion for the skipper to stop at Flushing. - The Foreman: It was most unsatisfactory, in my opinion, to let the ship go to sea with a copper boiler for cooking purposes from which all the tin had been worn away. Who are the owners? - Mr Phillips said the vessel was chartered by the Red Star Line of Antwerp. - The Foreman: Any person ought to know that cooking the food in a boiler from which all the tin had been removed is most dangerous. - Dr Williams said he did not think there was a particle of tin left on the large copper boiler. - The Foreman: Then it could not be fit to cook food in? - It would be dangerous to cook food in a copper that was not tinned. - Mr Phillips said the utensils were being re-tinned in Plymouth. - A Juryman: That is a great mistake; the vessels ought not to have been touched until after the Inquest. It is most important that the utensils should have been brought here in the state the medical officer found them. - The Foreman said the Jury felt that Dr Williams ought to be thanked for the great interest he had taken in the matter. - Mr Phillips said he personally desired to thank Dr Williams for all he had done. The medical officer spent nearly the whole of the day in the ship, carefully attended to the sick and gave excellent advice to the officers as to what should be done. - The Foreman remarked that the Jury desired that the investigation as to how the men met their death should be a thorough one. They did not think the captain of the ship should be allowed to leave Plymouth until after the adjourned Inquest. The chief steward should also remain in Plymouth. - The Captain: If I remain here I lose my situation. Last night was the first time I had my clothes off for four days. - A Juryman said the medical officer told them that the captain had acted in the most humane manner to the crew. That being the case it would be a great injustice to keep him in Plymouth and thus make him forfeit his situation. - At the wish of the Jury, the Coroner had the cooking utensils which were being repaired sent for. Mr Wm. Sanders of Gibbon-street, who has a workshop on the quay, brought a copper saucepan, which he said he had just re-tinned. The tin had worn from the copper, but many worse were sent to his shop. If the grease was removed he should be prepared to eat food cooked in the saucepan or boiler. - Dr Williams pointed out that the boiler now produced was not the one he saw the food in on board the ship. It was a much larger one than that now produced. - Mr Sanders replied that the larger one was just undergoing the re-tinning process. It was the worst of the whole lot, but there was no verdigris about it or any of the other utensils. There was a portion of tin about the large boiler, but it wanted re-tinning more than the other utensils. - Dr Williams said he suggested to the officers of the ship that it would be wise to have the whole of the utensils re-tinned before the ship left port again and the goods were at once sent to be repaired. - The Coroner said that the statement of the medical officer exonerated the ship's officers from any blame with reference to the utensils being repaired before the Inquest was held. - The Jury, after deliberation, said they had come to the conclusion that it would not be necessary to detain the captain or any of the officers of the ship to attend the adjourned Inquiry. - The Inquest was then adjourned until January 4th at 4 p.m., when the results of the post-mortem examination, and the analysis of the contents of the stomach will be made known. - Dr Williams yesterday made a post-mortem examination of the three bodies. He stated at the conclusion that the organs of the deceased were perfectly healthy and that there was nothing whatever about them to contribute to the cause of death. The contents of the stomachs of the deceased will be submitted to Dr Bean, the Borough Analyst and it is from this source that the cause of death is anticipated.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 December 1904
EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Suicide. Too Old To Live. - At Exmouth yesterday, Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest on GEORGE AXON, retired master mariner, lately a gardener in the employ of Mr W. J. Petherick, solicitor, for about 20 years. - On Boxing-night deceased was discovered by a lamp-lighter named Curtis on his hands and knees close to his master's house. On being spoken to by Curtis, he did not answer and Curtis told Sergeant Staddon he thought deceased ought to be seen to. Sergeant Staddon found deceased lying in a shed in Mr Petherick's garden and Mr Petherick being away, told the servants that they need not trouble. About two o'clock in the morning P.C. Robinson saw deceased go to this home in Albion-street. On Tuesday deceased called at the Police Station, evidently having heard that the Police had seen his condition and the Sergeant informed him that no charge would be made against him. The matter, however, preyed on his mind, as next morning he told a fellow-workman named Cole that he was a ruined man, and in response to the assurance that the Police did not intend to prosecute, deceased said it would not matter, as if they did not his neighbours would be sure to let his employer know. - About 1.30 p.m. the same day the cook, Sarah Ann Smith, heard the report of a gun just after having called deceased to dinner. Hearing a second report she sent for Mr Stodderd, who informed the Police. Dr Thomas found deceased had blown away the back portion of his head. He must have used a stick, which was found by his side, to push the trigger of the double-barrelled gun. A box of cartridges was also found close by. - Outside the shed the deceased had left a letter, which ran as follows:- "To W. J. Petherick, Esq., Good-bye. I am too old to live. Thank you for your unbounded kindness; you ought to live forever. - Your old servant, GEORGE AXON." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and approved the conduct of Curtis.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Suicide On Board The Hermoine. A Sad Story. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on WM. HENRY PIERCE, Second Class Writer, of the cruiser Hermoine, who hanged himself on board that ship on Tuesday last. - MR JAMES C. PIERCE, schoolmaster, Northtawton, stated that deceased was his son and was 24 years of age. He went home on Friday last on a visit and remained until Monday morning, when he left by the 9.40 train for Devonport. He was engaged to be married to a Northtawton young lady, who saw him off at the Station and from whom he parted on the most affectionate terms. About two years ago deceased fell on board his ship, sustaining a rather serious injury to the nose, and since then he had been occasionally subject to fits, about which he worried. He had also been operated on for an internal complaint. During the Christmas holidays he appeared, on the whole, very cheerful, although slightly despondent on one or two occasions. the letter produced was in his son's handwriting. - Harry Hambleton, ship's corporal, of the Hermione, said he knew the deceased very well; he was much liked in the ship. He returned from leave on Monday morning about midday. On Tuesday morning witness went into the ship's office, where he saw deceased hanging from the scuttle by a cod line. He called the gunner, who cut the deceased down. The letter identified by the last witness was found on a desk near where deceased was hanging, with a penny resting on it. - Lieut. A. G. Hamilton, of the Hermione, said deceased was a smart young man, and bore a very good character. There were no monetary or other difficulties connected with the discharge of his duties which would account for his committing suicide. He had a fit about a week before he went on leave, and was medically attended by the fleet surgeon. He was on good terms with his messmates. - Surgeon Maurice T. Male, of the cruiser Doris, stated that he was called to the Hermione on Tuesday morning. He found that deceased had been dead some hours, and probably had been hanging all night. Death was due to suffocation by hanging. - The Coroner read the letter found in the ship's office, and in deceased's handwriting, as follows:- " My darling, - I am writing now the last few lines that I shall ever write on this earth. My dearest, no one ever loved a woman as I love you. I wish I could have lived and been happy with you, but that is impossible now, my darling. I had another fit last Thursday, so perhaps it is best I should say goodbye. May you, mother and God forgive me for what I am about to do. - Yours for ever, WILL." - The Coroner said there was no doubt deceased was considerably worried by the indifferent state of his health. Having regard to the letter to his sweetheart and the evidence of the father, he thought they could come to no other conclusion than that the worry created temporary insanity, resulting in his committing suicide. - The Jury agreed and returned a verdict accordingly. On behalf of himself and the Jury, the Coroner expressed deep sympathy with MR PIERCE, his wife and family in the very sad trial they had been called upon to bear at what they all looked upon as the brightest season of the year. The fact of deceased having just visited his home made the tragedy all the more sad and hard to bear. - MR PIERCE thanked the Coroner and Jury for their consideration and expressed his obligation to the officials with whom he had been brought into contact both in the ship and in the Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 December 1904
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Baby's Sad Death. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM RUSSELL BLAGDON, two years, who died on his second birthday, in a house-boat moored in Stonehouse Pool. ANNIE BLAGDON, the mother, said her husband was employed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse. On Wednesday morning she left a bottle of carbolic acid on a copper. She had used it that morning, corking the bottle after use. About half an hour later she went below and soon afterwards heard the deceased scream. Going upstairs she saw the bottle had been moved and that the cork was out. The child's legs were burnt. there were two other children in the cabin with deceased, who was able to climb, and must have got on to a chair to reach the bottle. The eldest child was looking out of a window and did not see deceased get the bottle. - Dr G. A. Rae said he administered a hypodermic injection but it had no effect whatever, death ensuing soon after from carbolic acid poisoning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," and advised the mother to be more careful as to where she put bottles of poison, at the same time expressing sympathy with the parents.