Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1907

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included: Adams; Aggett(3); Anderson; Andrews; Anstis; Arlidge; Ash; Atkins; Attwell; Atwell; Austin; Avery; Bagshaw; Baker(3); Bale; Ball; Baple; Barkell; Barrett; Barry; Bastin; Batchelor; Bazeley; Beal; Beale; Beattie; Beckley; Bennett(2); Berkeley; Berry; Berth; Bickell; Bidwell; Bindon; Blackmore; Blackwood; Blight; Bolt; Bond; Bone; Boorman; Bounds; Bovett; Bowden(3); Brander; Bray(2); Breeze; Brooking; Brooks(2); Brown(3); Bunker; Bunt(2); Burley; Burne; Burridge; Burrow; Burt; Butcher; Butt; Cann; Cannon; Carne; Chadder; Challice; Channon; Clarke; Cleave; Coles; Collings; Collins; Congdon; Copp; Corbett; Couch(2); Cox; Craber; Cregoe; Cretch; Cripps; Crocker(2); Crook; Cross(2); Curle; Curtis; Dainton; Damerell; Daniel; Davis; Dawe; Dayment; Delamore; Dennis; Dicker; Dillon; Dimond; Downing; Drake; Drew; Drewe; Duder; Dunn; Dymond; Easterbrook; Edworthy; Ellacott; Ellicott; Elliott; Ellis; Elworthy; Eselby; Eustace; Evans; Farley; Fedrick; Feeney; Fellows; Finemore; Finnemore; Flynn; Foley; Ford(3); Foulkes; Frankpitt; French; Frost(2); Fursdon; Gale(3); Gardner; George; German; Gibbons; Gill; Glanfield; Godfrey; Good(2); Goodyear; Gorman; Gough; Gould(2); Gregory; Guest; Haddon; Haddy; Hall; Hambling; Hannaford; Hare; Harrall; Harries; Harris(3); Harvey; Hatherleigh; Hawkings; Hawkins; Hayman(2); Haywood; Healy; Hearn; Helyer(2); Hendy; Hill; Hocking; Hockridge; Hodge; Hodges; Hoile; Hole; Holt; Horsford; Horsham; Horswell; Howard; Huggins; Huser; Huxham; Huxtable; Jacka; Jackson; James(2); Jannetta; Johns; Jones(2); Jutson; Kallensee; King; Kingcott; Kitchen; Knowling; Ladd; Lampshire; Lancey; Lang; Langdon(2); Lanon; Lee(2); Lethaby; Lethbridge; Ley(3); Light; Lillicrap; Lloyd; Lobb; Lock; Logan; Long(2); MacLachlan; Maddick; Madge; Manfield; Marks(2); Marshall; Matts; May; McCarthy(2); McQueen; Mears; Metherell; Metters; Miller(3); Milton; Mitchell(2); Mock; Monk; Morris; Moulding; Mules; Mulford; Murphy; Norman; Northway; Norton; O'Flaherty; Oldreive; Oram; Page; Palk; Palmer(3); Parish; Parker; Parnell; Parr; Parsons; Patt; Pawley; Pedrick; Penaluna; Perkins; Petherbridge; Phare; Piddell; Pidding; Pole; Potter; Poynter; Pridham; Pring(2); Pritchard; Prowse; Pym; Rackley; Read; Reddicliff; Redding; Regan; Rendell; Retter; Reynolds; Rich; Richards(2); Robjohns; Rogers; Rolstone; Roper; Rook; Rosendahl; Routley; Rowden; Rowe(4); Rowsell; Sanders; Searle(2); Seccombe; Sercombe; Shepherd; Shinner; Short(3); Simmons; Skinner; Slark; Sleep(2); Smith; Snell; Snook; Southern; Spear; Spencer; Spurway; Stephens; Sterne; Stevens(3); Stevenson; Stone; Stoneman; Swabey; Taylor; Templeman; Thacker; Thompson(2); Tierney; Timewell; Totterdell; Treweek; Trewin; Trist; Truscott; Tubbs; Tucker(2); Underhill; Uren; Vanstone; Venables; Vivian; Voisey; Waldren; Wallace; Ward; Ware; Watkins; Watson; Weale; Webber(2); Weeks; Weller; Welsman; Were; Westcott; Wharton; Wheaton; Whiteway; Wilcox; Wilkins; Williams(4); Wills(2); Wilsmore; Woodbury; Wright; Wyatt; Wylie; Young.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1907
PLYMOUTH - Inquest At Plymouth. Music-Hall Proprietor's Suicide. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday relating to the death of FREDERICK WALLACE, aged 69, part proprietor of a music-hall in Martin-street. Jane Saunders, of Union-terrace, said deceased had lodged with her for nearly twelve months. He went to bed at about 11.15 p.m. on Friday, when he seemed as usual. On the following morning, when she took up his breakfast, she found he had hanged himself against the inside of his door. Six or seven weeks ago he said he should have to make an end to himself. She knew he had been worried lately and he was in arrears in respect to his board and lodgings, but she did not treat his remark very seriously. She told him that would be no good and he concurred. - Wm. Jas. Webb, of King-street, said he was in partnership with deceased in the control of the music-hall, and last saw him alive at about 10.30 on Friday night. He left the Martin-street Hall without wishing the others "Good night," which was unusual. the music-hall had been unsuccessful since a short time before Christmas, and deceased stated about four weeks ago that he would have to take his life, but witness did not take him seriously. - P.C. Byrnes deposed to finding deceased hanging, and Dr Russel Rendle said death was due to hanging. - A letter was in deceased's pocket. This letter was produced, but found to be incoherent and the Coroner only read the opening sentence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker's Fatal Slip. Keyham Dockyard Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday relative to the death of MICHAEL MURPHY, aged 30, first-class stoker of the destroyer Arun, who was drowned on Sunday morning. Mr Peck (Messrs. Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty,. - Lieut. Spencer Richards of the Arun, said deceased was a native of Cork, and was single. At 12.20 on Sunday morning it was reported to witness that deceased had fallen from the jetty into No. 2 basin at the North Yard. A search was made for the body, and it was found about 4.15 the same morning and removed to the mortuary. Deceased's leave, which commenced at 6 p.m. on Saturday night, did not expire until Monday morning. The ship was lying with her stern to the jetty and, s far as witness knew, deceased was coming back to go on board. He had a very good character. Men could come on board as long as the Dockyard gates were open; and witness believed they were inspected by the Police as they entered the yard. - Inspector Maddeford said the men were allowed to enter the yard up to midnight. - Timothy Linehan, stoker, of the Arun, said he last saw the deceased at 10.10 p.m. on Saturday in Fore-street, Devonport. They had been together four hours, and on leaving witness, deceased told him he was going to the Royal Sailors' Rest to see some clothes in a private locker, and that he would afterwards go on board. They had been to two public-houses together, but deceased was quite sober. They only had three drinks during the evening. Deceased never drank very heavily, but suffered a lot from rheumatism. The ship had been alongside the jetty two months and deceased knew the place very well. There were always lights on the brow, but the jetty was very slippery in consequence of the snow, and deceased must have slipped. - Benjamin Flook, qualified signalman, of the Arun, said he saw deceased walking along the jetty, going towards his ship, on Sunday morning, but at the time witness did not know that it was deceased. The man suddenly disappeared and witness heard a splash. The petty officer doing quartermaster's duty on board the destroyer Lynx called out "Man overboard," and threw a lifebuoy over. Deceased would not take hold of this and witness threw another overboard, but he would not take hold of this either. then the petty officer on board the Lynx threw another lifebuoy, but still deceased would not take it. Witness passed an oar to the petty officer in the Lynx and the latter passed the blade to deceased, who caught hold of it. While the petty officer was hanging on to the oar witness and an able seaman of the Lynx, cleared away a rope and made a running bowline in the end of it, which they threw to deceased, who thereupon let go the oar and caught hold of the rope. Witness and the petty officer hauled deceased up just below the gunwale of the Lynx; and the able seaman got between the ridge ropes to take hold of deceased, when he suddenly let go and sank. The petty officer threw off his coat ready to jump over to the man when he rose to the surface, but he did not rise and witness informed the first lieutenant, who came on deck, and ordered lights to be lowered to the water's edge to see if there was any trace of the man. Witness could not explain why deceased, instead of seizing the lifebuoys, deliberately pushed them away from him. It was all over in three or four minutes, and the destroyers were too close together to permit of a boat being lowered. Witness could not say whether deceased walked steadily. The jetty was covered with ice. Deceased seemed dazed when in the water. He might have saved himself by taking hold of a chain along the jetty. - The Coroner said deceased's certificate stated that he could swim. - Witness said the three lifebuoys were floating around deceased. - By Mr Peck: The guard chains were in place on the jetty and the lights were in position. - Walter Parkinson, first class petty officer of the Lynx, said he saw deceased stumble and fall headlong over the jetty. Witness threw two lifebuoys right in front of deceased, who appeared to push a second lifebuoy away from him and kept on swimming. Witness corroborated the last witness's statement and said that when deceased was on the jetty he appeared to be walking steadily. - P.S. R. Stamford, Metropolitan Water Police, said he dragged until 4.15 a.m., when he recovered the body. Some water that had been running over the jetty had turned to ice. - Surgeon Chas. Kendal Bushe, of the R.N. Barracks, said he had examined the body and found a wound, about 1 ½ in. long, V-shaped, on the upper and back part of the head. the wound had been caused while the man was alive, and may have been due to his striking his head against the ship on rising after he fell. - The Coroner said deceased appeared to have slipped off the jetty and no efforts were spared to save him. All concerned were to be congratulated on the efforts made to save the man's life. From the lieutenant downward everybody seemed to have done everything possible. - The Foreman suggested that in such exceptional weather the Dockyard people should pay attention to the places along which men had to walk. A few baskets of sawdust might have prevented the loss of this man's life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and at their request the Coroner thanked the witnesses for the promptness with which they acted in their endeavours to save the deceased, and for the manner in which they gave their evidence.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Marine Sergeant's Sudden Death. - Mr C. G Brian (Deputy County Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at the R. N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on SERGT. WILLIAM HENRY PALMER, R.M.L.I. - Mr Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. - MRS W. H. PALMER stated that her husband was 33 years of age. She had never heard him complain of illness with the exception of being cold. On Thursday evening her husband remarked that he was very cold and could not get warm. About 5 a.m. on Saturday she awoke and fed her baby and on returning to bed told her husband the time to which he audibly replied. Soon after she heard her husband make a peculiar noise in his throat and finding that he was apparently lifeless a surgeon was sent for. - Surg. W. Bastian, R.N., said that at 6.30 a.m. on Saturday he was called to 31 Admiralty-street, where he saw the deceased, who had apparently been dead for some time. A post-mortem examination showed that he had suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart which was the cause of death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EGG BUCKLAND - A Crownhill Fatality. Child Burnt To Death. - Mr C. G. Brian (Deputy County Coroner) held an Inquest at Crownhill yesterday on HERBERT PERCY DAINTON, aged 17 months. SERGT. JAMES DAINTON, 2nd Somerset L.I., its father, stated that on Sunday afternoon in Whitleigh-terrace he was in charge of his twin sons, his wife being in bed, having been recently confined. At about 4 p.m. he left the children playing on the mat in front of the fire while he went to the back of the house. On his return he spoke to a tenant living in the same house for a few minutes. On re-entering the room he found the place full of smoke. One of the children was standing by the door and on looking around he saw something smouldering in the grate. He rushed over and found it was the deceased, who was right inside the fender. The child's clothes were badly burnt. He extinguished the flames with a mat and called for assistance. A tenant looked after his son while he went for a doctor. The child had latterly been making attempts to walk and in his opinion it was while doing so that it over-balanced and fell on to the fire. His son was wearing a flannelette dress over which was a pinafore. - William Ferris, joiner, residing in the same house, said on Sunday at 4 p.m. he heard a call for assistance from SERGEANT DAINTON'S room and on entering saw deceased lying on the mat. SERGEANT DAINTON left to fetch a doctor and, witness endeavoured to take the child's clothes off. Soon afterwards Dr Olver arrived. In his opinion the child was dead before the father left to fetch the doctor. - Dr T. Olver, of Crownhill, said on arrival he found the child dead. The cause of death was burning. The whole of the body, except the back was burnt on the surface. Death must have been practically instantaneous - The Coroner remarked that the case should be a great warning to parents and those who had charge of children. It showed the danger of leaving alone children who could either walk or toddle in a room where there was a fire without a guard of any sort. Such guards were very cheap and to leave children under such conditions was almost tempting fate. Another point was that the child as wearing flannelette, which had been cried down throughout the country. Year after year they heard of numerous fatal burning accidents consequent upon the wearing of that dangerous material. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SEATON AND BEER - Engine Driver's Suicide. Drowned At Seaton. - At the Inquest on CHARLES STONEMAN, engine driver, and S.W.R. of Seaton, C. Potter, his fireman, said on Thursday he appeared to be in his usual health and drove the 7.22 train into Seaton in the evening. After taking water and coal for the engine, he left without remark and never returned. Witness searched for him and sounded the engine whistle as the time approached for the departure of the 8.10 train. He got no response. - Mr Walter Real, tollkeeper of the Axminster Bridge, stated that his brother, Oliver, spoke to him about having heard a splash in the Rover Axe about 8 p.m. Witness supposed it to be caused by otters. On hearing that the deceased was missing he suggested to P.C. Webber the advisability of dragging the river, which was done and the body was found about twenty yards north of the toll bridge in about three feet of water. - P.C. Webber said the body was in a stooping position, face downwards. The watch of the deceased had stopped at five minutes to eight A telegram in his pocket read as follows:- "From F. Washer, Exmouth Junction, to Godbeer, Seaton. - Driver Moore will be sent tomorrow. On arrival send STONEMAN here." - Mr F. Washer, locomotive foreman, L. and S.W.R., Exmouth Junction, said he sent the telegram to Engine-driver Godbeer as instructed by his superintendent, as Driver STONEMAN did not appear to thoroughly understand the motor engine, which had been recently put on the Seaton branch and in consequence he was being transferred to Exeter to work the ordinary locomotive. The removal would really have been in the nature of a promotion for him. It was customary to wire to the men on any matter, and there was no reason for STONEMAN to worry over it. - Mr A. E. Taylor, Stationmaster, Seaton, said the deceased had been a driver from Seaton for many years and was a very steady man. He had had trouble in working the motor engine, which was now at Exeter being overhauled. As far as he knew no one had made any complaint to STONEMAN. - MRS EMMA JANE STONEMAN, widow of the deceased, said deceased was 45 years of age. She last saw him alive at 12.30 on Thursday afternoon and he then appeared to be in his usual spirits. He had been in indifferent health lately and had worried considerably, and lost a lot of sleep in consequence of the new motor engine not working properly. The deceased never threatened suicide and left he on the best of terms. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, expressed sympathy with the widow, and said it seemed the deceased was troubling about the motor engine and feared he would be reduced or discharged. This apprehension appeared to be entirely without foundation. - The Jury found that deceased "Drowned himself while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 January 1907
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on GEORGE WEBBER, aged 68, a mason, who died whilst at work at the City Workhouse of which he was an inmate, Dr Pereira attributed death to heart failure.

EXETER - Death by Heart Failure was assigned for the death of MR WILLIAM CROSS, aged 77, a retire bookbinder, found dead in bed on Monday morning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 January 1907
BERE FERRERS - Fatal Fall At Bere Alston. - Mr C. G. Brian held an Inquest at Bere Alston yesterday on ELIZABETH HENDY, aged 76, who died on Tuesday. WILLIAM HENRY HENDY, deceased's son, an agricultural machinist, Edgcumbe-terrace, Bere Alston, said that on 28th ult. he visited his mother just after 7 o'clock in the morning. He found her sitting in front of the fire with her head bandaged. In reply to his questions deceased said that n the previous evening she had fallen down and cut her forehead. She had sat in the chair all night. Witness removed his mother to his own house, where she died on Tuesday morning. - Dr Rowland Hill, of Bere Alston, said he attended deceased on the 28th ult. for a cut in the forehead, about an inch and a half in length. He had been attending deceased for over twelve months and saw her only two days previous to her accident. Death was due to shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on CHARLOTTE TRUSCOTT, of No. 3 Den-crescent, Teignmouth. Deceased was the wife of MR THOMAS TRUSCOTT and was aged 66 years. On Monday last she went to wash the steps and was found at the bottom of the steps in an unconscious condition by Mr Thomas, a visitor staying in the house. She never regained consciousness and died on Monday evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Woman's Death. An Aged Lady's Fall. - Mr C. G. Brian held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ELIZABETH ELLIOTT, aged 86, a widow. Elizabeth A. Lynch, wife of a railway clerk, Buckingham-place, said on Christmas-eve she left the deceased, her mother, who lived with her, in the house for an hour. On returning she told witness she had slipped off a chair and injured her arm. On the following day her mother was seen by a doctor. On Monday last she sat up in a chair and witness gave her some tea. She left the room for a few moments, and on returning found her mother dead. - Dr W. H. Hughes said on Christmas-day he saw deceased, who had broken her left arm. From a post mortem examination he was of pinion that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the shock caused by the accident. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 January 1907
EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ELIZABETH AGGETT, 77, widow, of the artisan's dwellings, Cowick-street, who died suddenly on Wednesday, Dr Farrant stated that death was due to syncope and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 January 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoke Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at the Stuart-road Schools, Devonport, on EMILY ELIZABETH FRENCH, aged 57 years, of 6 Edgcumbe-place, Stoke. - WILLIAM FRENCH, skilled labourer, husband of the deceased, said his wife had always, to his knowledge, enjoyed good health. she left her home about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening to visit a friend of hers at Stonehouse. She was in her usual spirits, bright and cheerful. Soon after ten o'clock on the same evening he received a message that his wife had been taken ill in Wyndham-square, and he accordingly proceeded to the spot. He found his wife had been placed in a cab, in which he accompanied her to her home. She had fainted and within ten minutes after reaching home she expired. - Ellen Sullivan, a cook, living at 85 Durnford-street, Stonehouse, said deceased visited her on the night in question, leaving about 9.15 p.m. to return home. She appeared to be in perfect health. - Dr C. L. Lander said deceased had apparently walked up a steep hill after a very substantial meal, which was undigested. He attributed death to syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

THURLESTONE - Body Found At Thurlestone. Motor Boat Mystery Not Solved. - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker yesterday at Thurlestone on the body of the man washed up by the tide on Leasfoot Sands. As it was believed t be that of MR WILLIAM HORSFORD, a Plymouth fisherman, who with his two sons was drowned from a motor boat on a fishing expedition nearly three months since, Mr Joseph Jacobs, actuated by the kindly spirit which he has evinced in such large measure on behalf of the widow, proceeded to Thurlestone yesterday morning in order to identify the body, if possible. It was quite unrecognisable owing to the advanced state of decomposition and no clothing remained, but the legs were still encased in sea-boots. Before taking evidence the Coroner questioned Mr Jacobs about the boots. All that Mr Jacobs could say, however, was that he knew HORSFORD wore a pair of service boots. As he could not tell the number, and it was pointed out by the Coroner that many fishermen wore service boots - fact which Mr Jacobs confirmed - it was not regarded as being any evidence of identity. - Mr Jacobs said that if when the first intimation of the finding of the body reached him it had been stated that it was in a nude state he would not have proffered his serviced, but he had hoped to be able to identify the body by the silver chain with the Masonic square and compass which HORSFORD always wore; or by some other means. - The Coroner: Nothing has been found round the coast? - P.C. Berry: Not that we know. - George Henry Tregassick of Hope Cove, South Huish, fisherman, was the first witness. He said he was walking along Leasfoot Sands about 8 a.m. on Wednesday when he found the body at high water mark, it having evidently been washed up by the tide. There was an on-shore wind at the time. He communicated with the Police. The body was naked except for a pair of sea-boots. He was in the habit of going along the beach of a morning for the purpose of looking for things washed up. He had found no wearing apparel. - Police-Constable Berry, stationed at Marlborough, gave formal evidence and stated that inquiries had been made, but there was no evidence of identification. - Police-Sergeant Yendell said no one in the district had been missing lately. The last was a Salcombe man, who was missed three years ago, but he was not wearing sea-boots at the time. - Joseph Jacobs, fish merchant, of Wharf House, Plymouth, stated in evidence that it was impossible under the circumstances to identify the body as that of WILLIAM HORSFORD. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict. Rev. W. Stock was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 January 1907
TAVISTOCK - Found Dead At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on JANE ROLSTONE, aged 80, widow of a gardener, of Tavistock. - Matilda Wood, a daughter, said her mother had been spending the Christmas at Plymouth. She saw her in Tavistock Market on Friday, when she looked fairly well, but frail. She called on her on Saturday night and left her taking broth for supper. At 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon she called again and found her mother dead in bed. - John E. Steer, milk purveyor, said on Sunday morning he called up to the deceased as usual, "How are you today?" The deceased replied that she had been poorly all night and asked him to tell her daughter, Mrs wood, to come out and see her. He very deeply regretted that attention to business caused him to forget to deliver the message. Directly he thought of it on Sunday evening, he sent a message to Mrs Wood. - Dr C. J. Cooke, of Plymouth, stated that deceased was under his care from December 27th to December 30th. she was suffering from an attack of syncope; to a similar attack he attributed death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 January 1907
STOKE FLEMING - The Stokefleming Suicide. Drowned On A Neighbour's Farm. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ash Farm, Stoke-fleming, near Dartmouth, on MR ROBERT PEARSE PETHERBRIDGE, the tenant, aged 40 years. - The widow said deceased, who had felt poorly, went to Plymouth on Saturday for a change. He was to stay a day or two with her brother. There was nothing much to trouble him. She expected him home on Monday night but he did not return then. On Monday morning she received a letter from her sister-in-law, Mrs Willis. - The Coroner said the letter referred to deceased as being very strange, and the writer advised MRS PETHERBRIDGE to get him to see a doctor. - Witness, continuing, said a farm boy told her he saw her husband at Dartmouth on Sunday night. She went to her brother's having first despatched the lad to Dartmouth to look for deceased. Her husband had not left any letter behind. - William H. Ellis, farmer's boy, said he met deceased in Dartmouth on Sunday evening, at about seven o'clock. Deceased said "Good evening," asked him the time, said "Good night," and proceeded apparently in a homeward direction. - Alfred Prettejohns, labourer, said he found the body lying in a stream on Bugford Farm on Tuesday morning. Deceased was lying face downward, the back of his head out of the water. his coat was on the ground folded up, the hat on the top of it. - P.C. Milford said a handkerchief was tied very tightly round deceased's neck. The knot was in front and caused an abrasion. - Dr J. H. Harris, of Dartmouth, said death occurred probably on Sunday. Slight abrasions on the forehead, cheek and neck were probably caused by the death struggle. Death was due to drowning. The handkerchief would not have caused suffocation, as there was but a single knot, which would slip. In 1900 he attended deceased, who met with a trap accident, and who then sustained concussion of the brain. - John Wills, of Chapel-street, Stonehouse, said deceased, his brother-in-law, arrived on Saturday and appeared very depressed. His intention was to stay until Monday, but on Sunday morning he said he must get back to see the cattle, and left in the afternoon. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 January 1907
PLYMPTON - Plymouth Quarryman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on Saturday at Plympton on JOHN WEEKES, aged 62, quarryman, of Hopefield-terrace, Cattedown, found dead. - Wm. J. Richardson, labourer, of Cornwood, said on Friday afternoon, hearing that WEEKES had not returned home, he went to Alma House Quarry, Cornwood, where he knew deceased worked. There he found WEEKES lying on his face, dead, with his shovel beneath him - Wm. Stevenson, builder, Tavistock-place, Plymouth, said WEEKES had since Monday worked for witness at the quarry. On Friday, at 3.45 p.m. he visited the quarry. Deceased did not then complain of being unwell. - ALFRED WEEKES, quarryman, deceased's son, said his father had previously complained of ill-health. Dr C. H. Goldsmith attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 January 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - A Bovey Tracey Suicide - An Inquest was held at Luscombe Farm, near Bovey Tracey, on THOMAS DAYMENT,. a farmer, aged 86 years. On Friday MRS DAYMENT, a daughter-in-law, about 7.30 a.m., took deceased up his tea and biscuits. He then appeared to be in his usual spirits, but on going up again about ten o'clock to help him dress she found him hanging to the post of his bed by a piece of string, used to hang a curtain on to keep the draught from the bed. She called JOHN DAYMENT, a son, who cut deceased down. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned by the Jury (Mr R. Ellis, Pitt Farm, Foreman). The funeral takes place at Chudleigh Knighton this afternoon. Much sympathy is felt with the family, who are greatly respected.

PLYMOUTH - Fatally Gored By A Bull. Inquest At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM WILLS, 45, farm labourer, of Austen Farm, Egg Buckland. - Walter Cooms, manager of Austen Farm, said the deceased on January 3rd went into a field to feed a bull, as he had done daily for the last five months. Suddenly one of the men called out that the bull had WILLS on the ground. Witness ran to the gate and saw the bull standing four or five yards away from WILLS, who was lying near the hedge. the animal was quiet then. With assistance deceased was lifted over the hedge into the drive. Deceased said he had been gored in the stomach. He was bleeding from the back of the head, the mouth and the chin. Witness brought him to the Hospital at once in a horse and trap. In the Hospital afterwards deceased told him that he was feeding the bull, and while he was tipping rain water out of the trough the bull gored him. - The Coroner: there is a rumour that this bull has gone for somebody else before. Is that true or untrue? - Absolutely untrue, sir. - It may as well be cleared up, as that was the rumour. The bull has been perfectly quiet? - Perfectly quiet. - What has it been like since? - Very quiet. I fed it myself until last Tuesday, when I killed it. - Why did you kill it? - Well, it would not do to risk it goring anybody else, would it? - On Tuesday I went up and put a rope across its hors and it was quite quiet. I patted its head several times: in fact, I did that in the morning before the accident occurred. The Coroner: Ah, did you? I would rather you than I, then. - Dr Leslie Thomas, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased had a bad wound in the lower part of the abdomen, and about eight or ten feet of intestines were protruding. There was a cut on the back of the head, probably caused by falling on the ground, and the lower lip was also badly cut. It was a very serious case from the first - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 January 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - The Stonehouse Suicide. A Terrible Life Of Suffering. - An Inquest was last evening held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, by Mr J. A. Pearce on JOSEPH JOHN JAMES, labourer, in the employ of the Plymouth Breweries Company and residing in George-street, Stonehouse. - HARRIET J. JAMES, the widow, stated that a few days previous to the 17th of last month her husband had acted very strangely. On the afternoon of the 15th he smashed up all the dinner crockery and she left the house with her daughters, fearing what he might do to them. Deceased consequently remained in the house by himself. - On Monday morning she saw her husband leave the house and becoming suspicious, sent one of her daughters to follow him. He was seen to enter the shop of Mr Woods, chemist. A few minutes later she proceeded home and on entering the kitchen was met by her husband. Noticing that he was very strange in his appearance, she asked what was the matter, and he replied "I have finished myself. I have had a long life of suffering and I cannot bear it any longer." He afterwards told her he had taken poison. She found a packet labelled "Oxalic Acid" on the table. She immediately called in the police and Dr Leah, the latter ordering her husband's removal to the Hospital. The deceased had had a terrible life of sickness, having suffered principally from chronic bronchitis. She thought that preyed upon his mind. He had always acted gently towards her and no better husband or father existed. - P.C. Nicholls said when called to the deceased, he found him vomiting, and supported by his wife and another woman. The latter showed him a packet labelled "Oxalic Acid," a part of which she said deceased had taken. Witness conveyed him to the Hospital and watched over him until the date of the trial, December 28th, when he was discharged by the Stonehouse Bench. He again conveyed him to the Hospital and left him there. Mr Woods had told him that deceased purchased the poison, saying he required it for cleaning brass. Deceased bore a very good character and all through declared that he never knew what he had done. - Dr G. S. Thompson, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, attributed death to malnutrition, owing to inability to retain food, the primary cause being the fact that he had taken oxalic acid. He died on Sunday. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 January 1907
PAIGNTON - Paignton Railway Fatality. A Pathetic Incident. - An Inquest was held at Paignton yesterday on HENRY MORRIS, aged 66, a retired grocer, formerly of Warminster. - HENRY MORRIS, Stationmaster, Paignton, stated deceased was his father, and lived in Dendy-road. He last saw deceased on Sunday evening and he was then very well in health. Witness left him at the nursing home, where his (deceased's) wife was lying ill. Deceased went for a walk every morning and the level crossing was in a direct line for the nursing home, to which deceased was on his way. - Catherine S. Marshall, certified nurse, stated that shortly after midday on Monday, whilst nursing a patient at Oak Dene, opposite the level crossing, she was looking out of the window and saw deceased come through the little gate and walk along the footpath, He had just put his foot over the rail. At that moment the train from Paignton came right on him from behind. He turned his head, and with a look of horror, threw up his hands, as if trying to step back, but had not time, when the engine struck him and after the train had passed she saw the body lying between the rails. - Frederick Heywood, driver of the train, said as he was approaching the level crossing he saw a man standing clear of the line on his right-hand side. He blew his whistle and the man looked towards him. Witness thought the man was going to stop where he was until the train had gone by, but when it got within a few yards of him he started to go across the line. Witness shouted to his fireman "Is that man got clear?" and the fireman looked over his side, but saw nothing of him. Witness concluded the man had been run over and he stopped the train. He sent the fireman back to see what had happened. The train was going at about 20 miles an hour. when the whistle was blown deceased looked at him. He first saw deceased when the train got clear of the bridge, about 250 yards from the level crossing. There was a high bank near, but it was well back, and there was a lot of space between the line and the bank. He had no power to pull up the train before he did so, as deceased did not start to go across the line until they were right on him. When witness first saw deceased he was standing a yard of two from the rails, and he would not have to go more than three paces to get on the line. He thought deceased was struck by the engine when about half-way across. - MR MORRIS asked how long elapsed from the time witness first saw his father to when he was struck by the engine, and witness replied a few seconds. - In reply to a Juryman, MR MORRIS said his father was a little hard of hearing. - Witness added that he shut off steam immediately he saw deceased start to go across the line, and that he was in danger. - James Ellicombe, the fireman, said he saw nothing of deceased until he ran back and saw him lying dead between the rails, about the length of the engine beyond the crossing. He had sustained terrible injuries to his head. - Edward J. Parnell, guard of the train, said, as usual, before coming to the level crossing the driver blew his whistle. Witness was looking out on the let-hand side, and did not see deceased. He felt the train being stopped, which it was in about his own length, and on looking back he saw the body on the line. It was huddled up with the head beneath and deceased was quite dead. - P.C. Braund said the body was lying from 25 to 30 feet from the level crossing. In addition to the very severe injuries to the head, the right leg was nearly cut off below the knee. - Inspector Shattock, G.W.R., explained that after passing under the bridge on the Paignton side there was a clear distance of 250 yards to the level crossing. Deceased was standing on the Paignton side of the crossing, so that the driver would see him. The crossing was somewhat raised on the Goodrington or beach side and there were five wooden steps leading into the roadway. On the Churston side of the crossing there was a view of a coming train for about half a mile. He did not think the engine-driver and others could have done anything more than they did. - Nurse Marshall, recalled, said deceased was on the Paignton side of the crossing. Her impression was that he neither saw nor heard the train. She did not hear the whistle, nor did she see the train until it practically struck deceased. He was looking in the Churston direction and when he turned around it was too late for him to get away. - MR MORRIS said his father told him, on the Sunday evening, of his intention to go to the Nursing Home where his wife was, on the following morning, saying he should not go until after the doctor had been, and then he could assist his wife out of bed. There was nothing unusual in any shape or form in regard to the domestic arrangements. Everything was left in the expectation of his father's return to dinner. - The Coroner said he did not think he had ever heard of a very severe accident having been so perfectly explained as this had been, owing to the very graphic description of the occurrence given by the nurse, who was an eye-witness. If deceased were looking towards the Churston side of the level-crossing, he could not have been cognisant of the train coming from behind. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said no blame was attachable to anyone. - MR MORRIS said he was quite sure the driver blew his whistle, and that it was done whenever the level-crossing was approached. - The Jury passed a vote of condolence with MR MORRIS and the other relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Park Tragedy. Is Deceased MR PIDDING? Inquest Opened: No Identification. - The only fresh development yesterday in the case of the man found shot with a revolver in his hand, in Freedom Park, Plymouth, on Tuesday morning, was the receipt by the Chief Constable of a telegram from the superintendent of the Wapping Police as follows: - "Wife of PIDDING on the way." Such facts as are known of the deceased point strongly to his being MR PIDDING, of London, and a brother of Mrs Harris, of Greenbank-terrace, Plymouth. - The Inquest was opened yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, who explained that if MRS PIDDING arrived, as was probable by the 3.50 train, they might finish the Inquest that day, but if not, it would have to be adjourned. Mrs Harris would not be called as a witness, as she had heart trouble, and was not in a fit state to attend. Until the arrival of MRS PIDDING, at any rate, the Inquiry was into the death of an unknown man. - Edward Yelland, licensee of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Russell-street, identified the body as that of a man who had recently frequented the hotel. He last saw him on Monday night. He had had several conversations with him, and he said he had come to Plymouth to see his sister. He had forgotten her address, and had received no reply to a letter to London asking for her address. He added that his sister lived somewhere in Mutley and was a Mrs Harris The directory was consulted and he found the address to be 1 Greenbank-terrace. The deceased reported a few days later that he had been to his sister's house and found that she was on a holiday and would not return until the 12th inst. On Monday he reported that he had seen his sister, who wanted him to live in her house. He was naturally of a jovial disposition and remarked that he had been in the little park near his sister's house. He never divulged his name, but on one occasion he showed a letter which he said he was going to send his wife. He also said his brother had told him that his sister at Mutley had money. - Annie Alford, refreshment-house keeper, Russell-street, said deceased had lodged with her since December 22nd. He paid every morning, and gave his name as "Campbell," in which name a letter was sent to him. He was of a bright and jovial temperament, and there was nothing in his manner to arouse suspicion. She last saw him on Monday morning at 11.30. he told her on many occasions the same story as that related by the last witness. - Replying to a Juror, witness said the letter he received was a "return" one from London, and had not been found since the man's death. He had been heard to remark that the letter was for a friend whose address he did not know. - P.C. Fishley said on Tuesday morning about 12.45, when in the lane at the rear of Woodside-terrace, he heard two reports as of a pistol, from the direction of Salisbury-road. He made a search and an hour later met another Constable, who said he had also heard the reports. They decided to go to Freedom Park, and in a dark corner on the west side saw deceased in a sitting posture on the seat. There was a wound in his temple, and he held in his hand a five-chambered revolver, of which one chamber was empty, two loaded and two had been discharged. An ambulance was fetched, and the body removed to the mortuary. No letter was found on the body, but there was a brandy bottle, a number of newspapers and twopence. - Mr C. Russel Rendle said he had made a post-mortem examination and found a bullet in the head. It was about the size of one which would be used in the revolver, and was undoubtedly the cause of death. - MRS PIDDING did not arrive, and the Inquiry was adjourned until 10.30 a.m. today. She might reach Plymouth later in the day, but will not view the body until this morning.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 January 1907
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Park Suicide. Deceased Identified. - The Inquest on the man found shot in Freedom Park, Plymouth, on Tuesday morning, was continued yesterday, when the Coroner stated that he had just received from the Chief Constable a letter from the Thames Division of the Wapping Police, which beyond doubt established the identity of the deceased with the missing man PIDDING, of London. The letter was as follows:- Thames Division, Wapping Station, 16 January, 1907. - Re: GEORGE GALE PIDDING. - Referring to your telegram of 13th inst., to view Scotland Yard re: man shot at Plymouth, I beg to inform you that deceased is identical with GEORGE GALE PIDDING, aged 64, lighterman, missing since 22nd December last from Messrs. Wrightson and Sons, Barge-roads, Tower Bridge. PIDDING was secretary for a sick benefit club in the above firm, and since his disappearance his books have been audited and a deficiency of about £50 discovered. Enclosed pleased find photo and Royal Naval Reserve's book containing description, which has been obtained from MRS J. PIDDING (wife), residing at No. 235 Brick-lane, Bethnal Green, who states that owing to an accident to her husband some years ago his right leg is shorter than the left which caused him to limp considerably. MRS PIDDING would have attended to identify, but she is in poor circumstances and unable to get the money for travelling expenses. - I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. French, Superintendent. - J. D. Sowerby, Esq., Chief Constable, Plymouth. - The Coroner said that was all the evidence he should call and the Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Devonport Fatality. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on WM. WALTER BENNETT, aged 39, labourer. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Leading Stoker Thomas Saul, torpedo-boat No. 105, said his boat was in No. 6 dry dock at Devonport Dockyard. On Monday deceased was one of a gang employed on the external repairs of the boat. Before leaving for dinner deceased went into the engine-room and left his working overall. The approach to the engine-room was an iron ladder of about ten bars. On returning to work deceased, descending the ladder to the engine-room, slipped off the third step from the floor and struck the stanchions of the main engine. BENNETT was removed to the surgery in an unconscious condition. As far as he was aware, it was no breach of regulations for deceased to descend to the engine-room. The bottom bolts of the ladder had been removed for the purpose of executing repairs to the shaft and the ladder was rendered more perpendicular than was usually the case. Apart from that, however, it was perfectly firm. - Surgeon G. E. Duncan, Royal Naval Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a bruise on the right side of the head. He died early on the morning of the 16th inst. Witness made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner explained that the Inquiry, though of a simple character, would have to be adjourned, to give H.M. Factory Inspector an opportunity of attending. That official would have to be acquainted with the case, as it was one which came under the Factories Act, deceased having met his death from an accident received at the Dockyard. - The Inquiry will be resumed on Monday at 11 a.m.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 January 1907
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on REUBEN PERKINS, aged 62, journeyman tailor, Constantine-place. Adolphus Stanbury, night watchman at the Grand Theatre, Stonehouse, who resides in the same house, said on Thursday morning he went into deceased's room and found him very ill. He lifted him on to a bed and he died almost immediately. Dr J. H. S. May attributed death to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Death. - An Inquest was opened at Plymouth yesterday, by Mr R. B. Johns, on JOHN REGAN, aged 42, labourer, formerly residing in King-street. On January 6th deceased met with an accident at the Plymouth Ice Works, where he was employed. He was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and died there yesterday. - The Coroner said as the accident which resulted in death took place in a factory, it would be necessary for H.M. Inspector of Factories to be present. For that reason the Inquiry would be adjourned until Monday next, at 9.15 a.m.

CREDITON - The Crediton Fatality. An Unfortunate Mistake. - An Inquest was held at Crediton yesterday on JOHN DREWE, about 55 years of age, the labourer killed on Thursday by a wall falling on him. - Mr W. Backwell, builder, Crediton, said he had employed deceased for about a fortnight in taking down a cob wall. On Thursday morning he was standing in the road about half-past eight DREW had undermined the centre of the piece of wall for it to fall inward, and was standing at one end of the wall. He was throwing about 12 feet at a time. Seeing that the piece of wall was giving way, he called to DREW, "Look out, JACK; jump off." Instead of doing so, DREW ran across the grass slope in front of the piece of wall and tripped his foot, and the wall fell on him. He thought he went that way to see how the wall fell. With one of his men he got deceased out. He was breathing, but died before the doctor arrived. - In reply to the Coroner (Mr W. H. Gould) witness said the wall was not propped. That would have made it more dangerous when they had to remove the props. - John Parish, mason, corroborated and said he heard Mr Backwell call out to deceased. - Dr W. Scott Campbell said deceased's left collar bone was fractured. No other bones were broken. The cause of death was suffocation. DREW could not live more than a few minutes with such a weight on him. - The Coroner said it was a very unfortunate affair. If deceased had followed Mr Backwell's instructions when he called to him he might have been living. There was no one to blame. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 January 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Child's Death. Two Women Censured. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on Saturday at Stonehouse on the infant child of SAMUEL ROBT. TAYLOR, grocer's assistant of 31 George-street. - SARAH TAYLOR widow, 28 George-street, said deceased was born at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The birth was attended by no doctor or nurse, but the doctor who had been attending the mother during her illness had promised to send a nurse. A neighbour named Bennett was also present, but neither of them touched the child or the mother until the arrival of the doctor three-quarters of an hour later. - The Coroner remarked that it seemed incredible that a mother of a family should have known no better. - Mrs Bennett, 31 George-street, said that she was called in at the birth of the child, but did nothing in the way of assistance. She was not engaged in the case and did not know what steps to take. - Dr H. A. Lyth, of Plymouth, stated that he had seen the woman previous to confinement, but on arriving on Wednesday he found the child had been born and was dead. He spent over 4- minutes in attempting resuscitation, but without success. Death was due to suffocation. From the evidence previously given he was of opinion that the child had lived, and in all probability, if it had been properly attended, would not have died. The child was healthy and above the average weight. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it seemed incredible to him that two women having had families of their own could have acted in such a careless manner and shown such a want of humanity. He felt that a beast of the field would have done something in such a case. Under such circumstances as were stated the mother might have died. - After a short deliberation, the Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner said that both women witnesses had shown a great lack of humanity. It was a sad reflection that they must have known that had they removed the clothes from the child it would have probably lived. - The Jury agreed that both women should be severely censured.

FILLEIGH - Died At His Post. - At Filleigh on Saturday Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest on HENRY BALE, 67, a labourer, living in the village. - The widow said her husband suffered from heart disease for years, but on Thursday, when he went to work hedging at Swymbridge, he appeared to be better than usual. He did not come home in the evening and on her son making a search he found him at nine o'clock at night quite dead, sitting with his back against the hedge he had gone to trim, with his stick in one hand and his hook in the other. As his lunch had not been touched, it was conjectured that he died soon after getting to work. - Dr F. W. Kendle (Southmolton) attributed death to heart disease and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 January 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Devonport Dockyard Fatality. Adjourned Inquest And Verdict. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM WALTER BENNETT, labourer, aged 39, who fell down the accommodation ladder in the engine-room, of No. 105 torpedo-boat at Devonport Dockyard on Monday last. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty Law Agent, and Mr Sidney Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories were present. - The Coroner read over the evidence given at the previous hearing, and pointed out that Thomas Sall, one of the crew of the torpedo-boat, had stated that the deceased was one of a working party in the ship. In the engine-room there was an iron ladder, from ten to twelve feet. On returning from dinner deceased descended the ladder, but apparently failed to take sufficient hold and fell, his head coming in contact with the stanchion of the main engine. Mr Shuter was now present and his assistant, Mr Taylor, had made an examination of the ladder. - Mr Taylor said that he found the ladder as it was when the accident happened. It was secure, and he had ascertained that nothing had given way. The engine-room of the torpedo-boat was under-going repair, and the ladder, which in the ordinary way had a gradient, was placed perpendicularly, in order to facilitate the repairs. The fall was due to the deceased not taking a sufficient hold. He was descending the ladder backwards and slipped when he reached the third step from the bottom. Everything about was naturally greasy and if the man failed to take a proper hold he was liable to slip. - By a Juror: Is the ladder safe? - Witness: As safe as it can be made. There is no swing with it. - The Foreman of the Jury threw out the suggestion that instead of the bar steps there should be provided metal steps, about three inches wide, bearing little blocks of wood, so as to provide a better grip for the foot. - Mr Shuter replied that round bars fitted the hollow of the foot and such steps were generally in use in the navy and mercantile marine. - The Coroner observed that because a man did not take precautions to secure a proper hold and slipped, it did not follow that a new pattern ladder should be provided throughout the service. In the present case it appeared that the unfortunate man did not have even the customary piece of cotton waste in his hand when descending the ladder. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that no one was to blame for the accident.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. Depressed By Non-Employment. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on EDWARD GOODYEAR, labourer, who resided in Rendle-street, and died on Saturday as the result of taking a quantity of carbolic acid. Deceased, 44 years of age, was found by his son, WILLIAM E. GOODYEAR, in a room in his house vomiting. Dr J. S. Pearce was called, but deceased died shortly after his arrival. Deceased had been depressed of late through having been out of employment and that seemed to have preyed on his mind He had, however, never threatened to take his life. - Dr Joseph Steele Pearce said death was due to carbolic acid poisoning, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Ice Works Fatality. Danger Of Heel Plates. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, the Inquest on JAMES REGAN, labourer, aged 42, who died from injuries received at the Plymouth Ice Factory, was resumed by Mr R. B. Johns. Mr Sidney Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, attended; Mr J. G. Jackson represented the relatives. - James Driscoll, labourer, King-street, said deceased on 6th inst., was with him lifting blocks of ice on the cell tank. One of the blocks became jammed in the tank, and deceased got across the top of the tank to release it. While so doing he fell outside of the tank, injuring himself severely in the lower part of the body. Blood began to flow and deceased walked to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. No blame could be attached to anyone for the accident. - John Gibson, foreman at the ice factory, said after the accident, he asked deceased how it occurred, - REGAN replied that his foot slipped, and no one was to blame. - Dr Leslie Thomas, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased underwent two operations. Mr J. G. Jackson asked if it were usual for men employed at the factory to wear heel plates on their foots. - The brother of deceased said it was. - The Coroner said it might be usual, but it was a dangerous practice. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BAMPTON - Fatality At Bampton. - An Inquest was opened yesterday at Bampton on MR TOM BOWDEN. On Saturday BOWDEN was at work at a circular saw at the Exebridge Chemical Works, when the wood moved and BOWDEN falling back broke his neck. The Inquiry was adjourned for the attendance of H.M. Factory Inspector. - The deceased was for some years landlord of the Angel Inn, Bampton, and had been bandmaster of the Volunteer band. He was for a time member of the Urban District Council, and was much respected.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 January 1907
DAWLISH - Dawlish Burning Fatality. - At the Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on RICHARD WALTER RACKLEY, aged two years, the son of MR and MRS R. RACKLEY, of Strand-hill, the mother said at nine o'clock on Monday morning she left the child sitting by itself in the kitchen on an ordinary chair close to the fire, with a paper toy in its hand. There was a fireguard to the fireplace. - Mr and Mrs F. B. Richards, sen., who live opposite, said they saw some smoke issuing from a window. Going over, they found the child in the kitchen with its clothes afire. Mr Richards made it out, pulled off the child's clothes and applied oil. - Dr Hudson said the child, severely burnt about the body and face, died within an hour. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr and Mrs Richards were commended for their prompt action.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - The Stonehouse Burning Fatality. - An Inquest was last evening held by the Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) on REGINALD DUNSTAN RICHARDS, aged two years, the child of MRS RICHARDS, of 2 Regent-buildings, St. Mary-street, Stonehouse. The mother, the wife of a stoker in Devonport Dockyard, stated that shortly before midday on Monday she went downstairs to fetch a jug of water, leaving the little boy in the room by himself. She returned in about three minutes' time and found him running about the room one mass of flame. She hastily wrapped him in her jacket and rolled him on the floor and extinguished the flames. She sent for Dr Waterfield, but he was absent, and witness consequently took deceased to the Naval Hospital and subsequently to the Royal Albert Hospital, being given every attention at each Institution. There was very little fire in the grate at the time, and on examining it after the accident she had found several pieces of wood alight, which must have been placed there by the boy himself. She had no fireguard. - Mrs Brown, residing in the same house, also gave evidence. - Dr G. S. Thompson, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that death, which took place about an hour after admission, was due to shock. - The Coroner urged upon the parents the very great necessity of providing fireguards and hoped that the present case would be a serious warning to other parents. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 January 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Fall At Newton. - At Newton Abbot yesterday, Mr Sidney Hacker (County Coroner) conducted an Inquest on ELLEN MAUD GERMAN, aged 8 ½ years, an inmate of one of the scattered homes under the control of the Newton Board of Guardians. - Sabina Attwell, foster mother at the home, 27 Prospect-terrace, said deceased fell downstairs on Tuesday night and when the doctor arrived he pronounced life extinct. In reply to the Coroner, witness said other children had fallen at the same place, and the superintendent had said the stairs were not fit for a child to go down and directed her to keep a light at the bottom owing to the darkness. She had not complained to the Children's Committee. - The Superintendent said he had no recollection of saying the stairs were unfit. They were such as might be found in any house. - Dr Culross said death was due to a severe wrench of the spine, producing strangulation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury added a rider that the stairs appeared to be very dangerous, and should be immediately attended to. - Mr Mortimer, chairman of the Children's Committee, expressed the regret of the Guardians at the occurrence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 January 1907
WOODBURY - Ice Fatality Near Exeter. - At Woodbury on Thursday, ERNEST BASTIN, aged 15, was sent by Mr. H. Glanvill, of Webber's Farm, by whom he was employed, to take some cows to a field. As he did not return a search was made for him, with the result that his body was found in a pond. Young BASTIN had apparently commenced sliding on the ice, with which the pond had been covered. The ice gave way and BASTIN was immersed. He was in the water for about three hours. Dr Furnivall, who was in attendance at the finding of the body, pronounced life to be extinct. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned while Sliding" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquiry on CATHERINE FLYNN, aged 74 years, of Morice-street, Devonport. Dr Kirton attributed death to syncope and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Death From A Nail. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr Coroner R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM EDWARD FINNEMORE, aged 20, a groom, residing at Charles School, Shaftesbury-cottages, Plymouth, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Thursday, as the result of blood poisoning. - MRS CHARLOTTE FINNEMORE, mother of the deceased, said about three weeks ago a nail in her son's boot ran into his foot and blood poisoning set in. He was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died. - Mr Frank Leslie Thomas, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall hospital said deceased was admitted to the Institution on 17th inst., suffering from a poisoning foot. The wound was scraped, but it was not considered necessary to amputate the foot. There were frequent spasms and deceased gradually becoming weaker died on Thursday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 January 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Burning Fatality Near Newton. - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker on CLEMENTINA NORTON, three-year-old daughter of JOHN STANCOMBE NORTON, quarryman, of Aller, it was stated by the father that his younger children often visited the quarry while he was at work. On Wednesday, deceased and her brother were there, and as the day was cold they were allowed to go into the shed, in which the men took their meals, to play. There was a fire burning in an unprotected grate. After having his dinner witness returned to his work, and almost immediately deceased rushed out of the shed with her clothes in flames. With the assistance of a fellow workman named Searle, witness got the blaze out, but not until the child had received severe injuries. - In reply to the Coroner's question whether it did not strike him that it was a dangerous thing to leave the children in a place with an open fire, witness said he didn't think of it. - The Coroner: Children do not think; it is the duty of parents to think for them. - The medical evidence showed that deceased died from shock following the burns, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing the hope that the case would prove a warning to parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 January 1907
CHAGFORD - The Chagford Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Chagford yesterday on ELI HATHERLEY, aged 38, wagoner, of Mill-street, Chagford. - Mr George Berry said on Friday morning in Southcombe-street he met HATHERLEY going home to breakfast, and told him that three policemen had gone down Mill-street. Deceased then said "I have forgotten something," and with him (Berry) returned, going to his employer's premises. - Mr Frank Burrow deposed to working with deceased on Thursday morning and noticing that he appeared very nervous. - Mr James Underhill found the body of deceased on Friday morning about 11.15 hanging by a rope in his loft. Deceased had been in his employ for 21 years. - P.C. Bugler stated that deceased was remanded, on bail, at Moretonhampstead Petty Sessions in connection with an alleged theft of coal from the railway station at Moreton. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with, and gave their fees to, the widow, who is left with six children, four of whom are too young to earn their livelihood.

STOKE DAMEREL - Exeter Railwayman's Death. Fall From A Signal At St. Budeaux. - The Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest on WILLIAM HOMYARD, aged 62 years, a relief signalman employed by the London and South-Western Railway, and residing at 1 Andrews-cottages, Cowick-street, Exeter. - Edward Russell, 23 Longbrook-street, signal superintendent for the Western district, London and South-Western Railway, said he had known the deceased for over 27 years. He had a conversation with him a few days previous to his death, and witness congratulated him upon the excellent state of his health. Deceased was working at Plymouth until a permanent man was appointed in the place of a man who had left the employ of the Company. He bore an excellent character and was a good workman and one whom he (witness) was exceedingly sorry to lose. He produced a sketch showing what the deceased was doing at the time of his death. He added that HOMYARD'S work was to adjust points and signals wherever required. - Thomas Alfred Marshall, assistant signal lineman, L. and S.W. Railway, stated that he was working on the down district signal on the line near St. Budeaux on Friday morning with the deceased, when about 11.20 a.m. HOMYARD requested him to go to the Station and see if the signal worked all right. Witness acted accordingly and, finding that it did not work satisfactorily, returned to HOMYARD. When he was about 100 yards off witness saw HOMYARD fall from the ladder on which he was standing, and running to his assistance he found him lying on the ballast at the edge of a sleeper. Witness assisted him to the bank, where deceased informed him that his foot had slipped on the ladder. HOMYARD requested witness to finish connecting the signal before he went for assistance. Witness did so, and on assistance arriving HOMYARD was taken to the Station on a trolley. Dr Slater was fetched, but before his arrival deceased had expired. HOMYARD was conscious up to the last. - In reply to the Foreman (Mr Ledley) witness stated that if HOMYARD had waited until he arrived the accident would not have happened. - P.C. Barkell corroborated the latter portion of the previous witness's evidence. - Dr H. Slater stated that deceased's collar-bone and six upper ribs on his left side were broken and there had also been bleeding into the lungs. Death was due to haemorrhage into the lung, caused by broken ribs, the result of violence such as a fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recorded their sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY ELIZABETH ATKINS, wife of an engine fitter, residing at Raleigh-street, who died suddenly at her residence on Saturday. Dr Wagner attributed death to apoplexy, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on the body of CHARLES TRIST, aged 37, a son of ROBERT CHARLES DE V. TRIST, private inquiry agent, Plymouth. - Jas. T. Bassett, governor at the prison, said deceased was admitted on November 29th last with three consecutive sentences of one month each to work out. When admitted he gave his age as 34 years. Dr S. Wilson, Medical officer at the Prison, said deceased was taken ill with bronchial pneumonia on the 8th inst., and was admitted into the Infirmary, and died on Sunday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARTIN SNOOK, aged 72, retired farmer, of Valley View House, Bacon-hill, Bath, who died at a house in Beechwood-avenue on Sunday. - EMILY SNOOK, of Valley View House, Bath, said the deceased, her father, was 72 years of age. She, in company with deceased, arrived at Plymouth on Saturday morning to stay for the week. deceased lost a daughter about twelve months since, and the bereavement seemed to depress him at times. there were no other causes for depression. - Mr Thomas Geo. Jones, inspector of electricity at the Devonport Dockyard, and residing at Beechwood-avenue, Plymouth, said, though not a relative of deceased, he was a lifelong friend and deceased often visited his house to spend the weekend. Deceased, on arriving on Saturday, appeared to be a bit more cheerful than usual. Witness slept with deceased on Saturday night, and they got up together. On arriving downstairs on Sunday morning deceased went to the back of the house, and being absent some time witness went to look for him. Happening to glance into the cellar, he saw deceased lying on his hands, and it seemed in pools of blood. witness went to deceased, who was not quite dead. There was a blood-stained razor by deceased's side. - By a Juror: Deceased seemed a little depressed after a conversation which had taken place relative to a tombstone. - Dr E. G. Smith of Beechwood-avenue, said deceased had a wound across the throat four inches long and about an inch deep. Deceased was breathing slightly. Witness introduced a quantity of water, and this brought deceased round. MR SNOOK raised no objection to what was being done for him. Deceased died at two o'clock. He would probably have recovered had it not been for his age and the shock. Death was due to the shock. A verdict of "Suicide while temporarily Insane" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Chief Stoker's Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on ROBERT HENRY WATSON (44), chief stoker of the Vivid, who died in that Institution suddenly on Friday afternoon. - SUSANNAH WATSON, widow of the deceased, of No. 8 St. Aubyn-street, Devonport, said her husband had a blow on the head four years ago through an accident, and for some time past he had not been well. On Friday evening he left to go to barracks. - Surgeon P. F. Alderson, R.N., said the deceased was admitted to the Hospital, suffering from ringworm. Within a quarter of an hour of his admission to the ward he fell in an apoplectic fit and died about an hour afterwards, without regaining consciousness. A post-mortem examination disclosed a large haemorrhage on the brain, which caused death. Witness did not think the accident referred to by the last witness did anything to accelerate death. Deceased was also suffering from extensive kidney disease and had a weak heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with MRS WATSON and her four children in their bereavement.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 January 1907
BLACKAWTON - A Blackawton Eccentric. Remarkable Case. - At an Inquest held at Blackawton, near Dartmouth, yesterday, by Mr Sidney Hacker, some remarkable evidence was given. The subject of the Inquiry was EMMA TIERNEY, spinster, who for a number of years had lived by herself in a cottage at Blackawton and who was discovered on Sunday morning lying across her bed in a dying condition. MISS TIERNEY, who was 67 years of age, was most eccentric. She formerly lived at Dittisham. - Albert N. O. Tucker said MISS TIERNEY had been at Blackawton over ten years, and previously lived at Torquay. She was in receipt of 10s. a week from her friends. She lived alone, but witness used to cook her meals, and Miss Life did various other things. On Thursday she complained of pains in the back. She did not come downstairs again. she did not wish to have a doctor. Witness did not suggest that she should have a doctor, because he did not think she was so ill. - The Coroner: If you were the only person about that she had to speak to, it was your business to suggest a doctor. You are a responsible tradesman living in Blackawton. - Witness: She would not have one. - The Coroner: You did not try it? - She would not have one before. - The Coroner again remarked that witness had not suggested getting a doctor on the day in question, and added: "We don't allow people to lie and die without medical attendance, you know." - After further comments, the Coroner asked: Why do you suppose she would not have seen a doctor, as she was so ill? - She was much against seeing anybody. She was very eccentric and very obstinate. - Continuing his evidence, witness said deceased did not appear to be any worse on Saturday, and she had some breakfast. On Sunday morning he found the bedding on the floor and MISS TIERNEY lying across the bed unconscious. It appeared as if she had been trying to get out of bed. He called man named Harry Lamble and also sent for Miss Life and the sergeant of Police. - The Coroner sharply questioned witness as to why the Police Sergeant was sent for, remarking that when a person was taken ill it was not usual to send for the Police, but a doctor. Witness explained that he sent for Miss Life and also a Mrs Hamilton, as he could see deceased was not dead then. Lamble, however, thought life was extinct, so fetched the Sergeant. Dr Harris came shortly afterwards. - Miss Evelyn Life said on Thursday deceased complained of pains and witness asked if she would like to have a doctor, but she replied in the negative, as Dr Harris knew her complaint. She last saw deceased alive at dinner time on Saturday. She was called to see her at about ten o'clock on Sunday morning, and she was then dead. Deceased had had £8 2s. 5d. in a purse which she kept in a drawer, and the money as well as various articles had been found safe. - Mrs H. Hamilton said deceased had been in delicate health ever since she had known her Witness saw her three weeks ago, when in consequence of the insanitary condition of the house, the late vicar was communicated with and wrote to Capt. Twysden, R.N. Deceased would not open the windows and neither would she have any fire. Witness considered her death was due to exposure and starvation. - The Coroner: Starvation! But she had her meals? - Witness: But not suitable food. She would not spend her money on suitable food and would not take anyone's advice. - By the Coroner: The cottage was in a very dirty state. - Dr John H. Harris, of Dartmouth, said he attended deceased in May, when she was suffering from acute congestion of the kidneys. It was no doubt a case of Bright's disease of long standing. He considered she was "one of those semi-imbecile women," though she was not bad enough to be put under restraint. The house used to be filled with cats and other animals and was in fact a "quintessence of filth." - The Jury found that death was due to "Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child Suffocated. - Mr J. A. Pearce last evening held an Inquest at Devonport on ARTHUR BARTHOLOMEW MONK, aged one month, the child of BARTHOLOMEW MONK, a blacksmith, H.M. Dockyard, and residing at Clyde-street, Ford. Early on Sunday morning the mother took it from its cradle into bed with her. She fed it and it dropped off t sleep. She awoke shortly afterwards and placed it back in its cradle. On waking up about 8 a.m. she found it dead. Dr Lander attributed death to suffocation, and the Coroner said he had no doubt the child was dead when the mother laid it back in its cradle. "Accidentally Suffocated" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 January 1907
PLYMSTOCK - Plymouth Drowning Case. An Open Verdict. - Mr R. R. Rodd (Coroner) held an Inquest at Mount Batten yesterday on JOSEPH STEVENSON, aged about 62, of independent means, who disappeared from his lodgings on the 30th ult., and whose body was found at Batten on Tuesday. - P.C. George Braund, of Turnchapel, said on the body he found a number of letters addressed to "MR J. STEVENSON, care of Mrs Train, 4 Cheltenham-place, Plymouth". The letters were of a business character and from deceased's solicitors at Southampton. There were also in the pockets a purse with 6s. in silver, a bunch of keys, a bottle of bovril, some photographs of female friends and an old Bible. These articles have been identified by deceased's sister, who said she had not seen deceased since the 30th ult. - Andrew Turring Martyn, shipwright of 4 Cheltenham-place, Plymouth, said deceased lodged with his daughter, Mrs Train, at that address. He had been there between two and three years, and was of a cheerful disposition, and paid regularly. He was a total abstainer. On the 30th ult. he left the house at about 9.30 a.m. and had not since been heard of. His conduct was never such as to favour the idea of his committing suicide. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said deceased usually walked around the Hoe and the quays, but was not in the habit of visiting Turnchapel and Batten. A latchkey on the bunch in his pocket fitted the patent lever lock at 4 Cheltenham-place. - Jno. Dungey, a waterman, Turnchapel, said on Batten beach, at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, he saw the body. That was an hour and a half after high tide, and the body was probably washed in with the tide. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he thought there was a probability of deceased having been drowned on the Plymouth side. Had he been drowned at Batten the body would probably have been washed out to sea. - Rev. W. K. Burford, of Sherwell Congregational Church, said deceased, who often attended that church, was much respected. - After commenting on the sadness of such a highly respected gentleman being found in this mysterious manner, the Coroner advised the Jury that an open verdict was the only one they could return, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned accordingly.

ONTARIO, CANADA. - The Murdered Devonian. Further Details. A Visit to Broadhempston. - The one topic of conversation yesterday in the quiet little village of Broadhempston, near Totnes, was the communication received from Kenora, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, announcing the murder of MR ELI ROUTLEY, husband of MRS ROUTLEY, a shopkeeper of Broadhempston. Brief particulars were given in our issue of yesterday, but with a view to obtaining additional facts a "Morning News" representative paid a visit to the village. - Deceased An Ashburton Man. - MRS ROUTLEY, wife of the murdered man, was at Newton Abbot. Mrs Bulley, her mother, was, however, interviewed by our representative. She said on Tuesday morning her daughter was greatly upset on receiving the communication from the chief constable of Kenora, Ontario, Canada, which read as follows:- "Dear Madam, - I am sorry to have to inform you that your husband, ELI ROUTLEY, was murdered by a man named John Stannard while he was sitting on a bench in the Ottawa Hotel. The attack was entirely unprovoked. We have arrested the man, and he is now awaiting his trial, which will probably take place about June 20th. On deceased was found 270 dollars. We propose to dispose of his effects, which will not fetch much, and I will communicate with you. - Yours faithfully, Arthur T. Dalgleish, Chief of Police, Kenora. " - Mrs Bulley said the news naturally came as a great blow to the wife, who was prostrated with grief. She hardly seemed to realise the terrible information conveyed in the letter. The news spread throughout the village quickly, and many were the inquiries made at the widow's shop. Deceased was a native of Ashburton, and was about 42 years of age. Before he married MRS ROUTLEY he was a widower with one child, named RICHARD ROUTLEY, who is about 12 years of age. MRS ROUTLEY was a widow when married to the deceased, and at the time she had one child, named IRENE PERRIAM, who is now about 9 years old. Her first husband was named PERRIAM, and formerly was employed at Messrs. Kennaway and Co., wine merchants, Exeter. MRS ROUTLEY, then Mrs Perriam, lived at Exeter for some time with her first husband, but in consequence of his ill-health, they came to Broadhempston, where they opened the general shop at present occupied by MRS ROUTLEY. Mr Perriam died and Mrs Perriam subsequently married, about four years ago, the deceased, ELI ROUTLEY, having as the result of that marriage, one child, GERTRUDE, who will be 3 years of age in August next. ROUTLEY was a general labourer and for some time worked in Broadhempston, being employed by Mr Atwill, builder, and others. He remained about three years in the parish and sailed for Canada last year. He had no situation in view when he left England, but shortly after arriving in the Dominion found work in a sawmill at Ontario. He left that employment and obtained work on the Grand Trunk Railway at Ontario. He was a good husband and wrote to his wife regularly, frequently referring in his letters to his good prospects. - "I believe," said our representative, "That it was MRS ROUTLEY'S intention to soon join her husband in Canada?" - "Yes," replied Mrs Bulley. "My daughter expected to go out to her husband shortly. She proposed to go out in April, but in the last letter received from her husband he advised her, if she had not already booked her passage, to come out in May. The reason for the change was that he would be engaged in building huts for the Grand Trunk Railway for some three months, and that his place of abode would for a time be unsettled. My daughter intended, therefore, going out on the 1st of May. The house and shop which she at present occupies are her own, together with a field. She intended disposing of them; in fact, the matter is now in the auctioneer's hands, but nothing is settled. This is fortunate, for my daughter will now be able to remain in the shop and continue to carry on the business." - Mrs Bulley spoke of the sympathetic manner in which she vicar of the parish, Rev. F. Waldie had consoled with MRS ROUTLEY in her great bereavement. - The Vicar's Action. - Seen by our representative, the vicar of the parish (Rev. Francis Waldie) said he was made acquainted with the sad news of ROUTLEY'S death about 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning. He immediately had an interview with MRS ROUTLEY, whom he found prostrated with grief. Fortunately nothing was completed with regard to the disposal of her property, and from that point of view it was very satisfactory. ROUTLEY was a hard-working man and able to turn his hand to almost anything. He was respected by the villagers. - The vicar also informed our representative that he had, on behalf of MRS ROUTLEY, despatched a letter to the chief of police at Kenora, asking to be furnished with fuller particulars as to the tragedy. The letter ran as follows:- "Broadhempston Vicarage, Devon, January 29th, 1907. - Dear sir,- I am writing you for MRS ROUTLEY, wife of the murdered man, ROUTLEY. She received your letter containing the statement of her husband's death this morning. The shock of the terrible news had entirely prostrated her. She has been making preparations to join her husband with her children in the spring. Will you kindly furnish her with fuller details of the dreadful tragedy? We all knew ROUTLEY here in this village as a quiet, hard-working man, and one much respected. Needless to say the news of his violent death has created consternation throughout the neighbourhood. (The letter then proceeded to deal with deceased's private affairs.) She awaits with great anxiety further details from you on the matter. Thanking you, and begging you to keep her informed of the course things take, - I remain, yours faithfully. F. Waldie, Vicar." Chief of Police, Kenora, Ontario. - ROUTLEY a Quiet Man. - As will be seen from the report sent by the chief of police, the details concerning the terrible tragedy are of the most meagre description. Evidently ROUTLEY was sitting on a bench in the Hotel, and was foully done to death by the man Stannard, who is in custody and who will be charged with the capital offence. ROUTLEY is spoken of at Broadhempston as a quiet unoffending man, and one who avoided unpleasantness. The general opinion prevailing in the parish is that he was stabbed. The deepest sympathy is felt for MRS ROUTLEY in her great trial.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 February 1907
ILFRACOMBE - EMILY WILLIAMS, aged 58, wife of SAMUEL WILLIAMS, a boatman, bled to death at Ilfracombe on Wednesday night through the bursting of a varicose vein. Last evening Mr G. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. Doctor's Refusal To Attend Her. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ANN WATKINS, aged 57, of 2 York-terrace, George T. Harris, bank cashier, Holsworthy, nephew, said deceased's husband, THOMAS WATKINS, was formerly a bank agent at Holsworthy, but nothing had been heard of him for seven or eight years. The last time they had any communication with him he was in London. - Bessie Cole, with whom deceased lodged, said deceased had been suffering from bronchitis, but would not have a doctor, as she did not consider she was ill enough. Early on Wednesday morning she found her out of bed on the hearthrug in front of the fire. She then apparently drew her last breath. Witness became frightened and sent for a doctor. - John Hogarth, another lodger, said he called Dr Duncan, who said he could not come and added that there were other doctors. He called the second time and told him the case was serious, but that time he got no answer. The doctor gave no reason why he could not attend. Witness then called Dr Bradford, who came at once. - Mrs Cole said Dr Duncan had attended deceased before for neuralgia in the head and mumps. She did not, however, care for Dr Duncan, and she did not know whether deceased would have liked him to attend her or not. - Mr Bradford, Surgeon, said deceased was dead when he reached the house. He had made a post mortem examination and death was due to heart failure, brought on by chronic bronchitis. The whole system had been weakened by alcohol. - The Coroner pointed out that a doctor was not bound to attend a patient when called. - P.C. Perkins said Dr Duncan explained to him that he attended the deceased about twelve months ago, and there was a little account outstanding. Consequently he did not care to attend her again before it was paid. - Mr Harris: If the doctor will only send his account to my address it shall be settled at once. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 February 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday into the death of WM. HY. ROGERS, aged two months, the child of an able seaman living at 69 High-street. - LOUISE HARRIETT ROGERS, the mother, stated that she took the child into bed with her the previous night and on awaking in the morning found it dead. she had not overlaid it. The child had a severe cold, and she had bound flannel around it and wrapped it [the rest of the article missing] - Verdict, Accidental [?].

Western Morning News, Monday 4 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on HARRIET HONOR THACKER, aged 63, of Prospect-street, Dr G. H. Eccles said death was due to extensive heart and lung disease of long standing.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce on Saturday held an Inquest at Devonport on AMELIA BERRY, aged 64 years, widow, of Princes-street. The deceased after tea on Thursday left the table and sat in her chair. She was left in the room for a few minutes, and then found by her daughter dead. Dr Ryan attributed death to syncope from heart disease of very long standing.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 February 1907
ST MARYCHURCH - At the Inquest at St. Marychurch, Torquay, yesterday on SUSAN REDDING, 72, of St. Giles-terrace, Plainmoor, Dr Pitt Palmer said he had treated deceased for heart disease for a year. On Friday, January 25th, she fell out of bed. She never recovered from the severe shock and this, with the heart complications, caused her death.

BERE FERRERS - A Mother's Mistake. Bere Alston Baby's Death. - An Inquest was held at Bere Alston yesterday, by Mr R. Robinson Rodd (Coroner) on JOHN FREDERICK, the four months' old child of MRS ANDERSON, of Chapel-street, Bere Alston. - Dr Rowland Hill, of Bere Alston, said he was called to see the child at 7 p.m. on Friday. When he arrived he found the mother had taken the child by another route to his surgery. He returned, and met her on the road. They took the child into a house. It was in a state of collapse. It breathed with difficulty, but gradually improved. He had been told that it had been given potato to eat. An emetic failed to act, but by eight o'clock the respiration had improved and the child's general condition was much better. the obstruction had evidently shifted and having been told that it was potato, he thought it would break in the body and did not order an operation. Two hours later he was informed that the child was dead. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the body exceptionally well nourished and free from marks of violence. there was however a fragment of bone (produced) across the upper part of the lung and that caused death by asphyxiation, there being no other foreign substance in the body. MRS ANDERSON had other children, of whom he believed she was very careful. He thought the present case was the result of pure ignorance rather than any bad intention. People frequently did this kind of thing, in spite of all that had been said about it. - The Coroner: You agree that for the first twelve months no solid food should be given? - Dr Hill: Yes! It should be largely fed on milk; entirely so for the first six months. - And this is a case of improper feeding? - That is so. - ELIZA ANDERSON, mother of the deceased, said her husband was a labourer. On Friday evening she was eating stew, and gave the baby a teaspoonful. She knew it was rather young, but she always had done so with her children. - The Coroner: Then you have been very lucky to have avoided an accident before. When the child is at the family meal there is always a temptation. It has been well demonstrated by medical men that the diet of a child up to 12 months of age should e largely of milk. - MRS ANDERSON: I quite admit it was wrong feeding, but it was only a little gravy. I have eight children living. - The Coroner said death was due to improper feeding, but in view of MRS ANDERSON'S respectability he felt sure it was through ignorance and not culpable negligence. - The Jury endorsed this view and returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Life. Revelations At An Inquest. - A terrible story of a woman's intemperate and disreputable life was told at an Inquest held last evening at Devonport Workhouse by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner. The subject of the Inquiry was EMMA PARNELL, the wife of THOMAS PARNELL, a shipwright, recently discharged from Devonport Dockyard, and now residing in Canada. - The son, ALBERT JOHN PARNELL, a points-boy, employed by the Devonport and District Tramway Company, stated that he and his brother had been obliged to live apart from their mother on account of her bad and intemperate habits. Early on Wednesday morning he was summoned by the Police to 5 Morice-street, where on the doorstep he found his mother. She was in a shocking state, and both her eyes were black. She was unable to stand, and he had to convey her by cab to the Workhouse. - P.C. Braund deposed to finding the woman on the doorstep and spoke of the state he found her in. - P.C. Wellington stated that he was called by the last witness to Morice-street. He had locked the woman up two nights previously for being drunk. Witness fetched a cup of tea from a neighbour's house and made her drink it. He subsequently assisted in taking her to the Workhouse in a cab. - Dr Sandford stated that the deceased was admitted to the House on Wednesday morning last. There was a swelling over the left eye and she was bruised on other parts of the body. She died on February 4th in the infirmary. As a result of a post-mortem examination he found that death was due to epilepsy, aggravated by deceased's intemperate habits. - The son, recalled, said his mother was sometimes subject to "laughing" fits. - Mr Whenmouth, Master of the Workhouse, stated that when the deceased woman was admitted she only had an "old rag of a skirt" and an old bodice on her, and no underclothing whatever. The skirt was thick with vermin and he was afraid to let any of the nurses go near it. She was a disgrace to Christian humanity. - The Coroner, in summing up, described the case as a most extraordinary one. through her shocking habits the woman had ruined her home, her husband had gone to Canada, and her children had been obliged to leave her. It was a warning against drink, and he trusted the boys would take it to heart and keep away from it. The deceased had led a shocking life and he urged them not to follow in her footsteps. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

BARNSTAPLE - At the Inquest at Barnstaple on MR JOS. BRADFORD TUCKER, aged 65, landlord of the Queen Anne's Hotel, who died suddenly while serving Mr A. Mills with a glass of beer on Monday evening, Dr C. Cooke said death was due to heart failure and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Tram Conductor's Death. Inquest At Devonport. - The Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on the body of EDMUND HOCKEN ORAM, tram conductor, who died on Saturday evening, after meeting with a tram accident in the shed. Mr Edgcombe Stevens, of Plymouth, represented the widow, and Mr G. H. Moreton, manager of the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport Tramways Company, was present. - George Hy. Damerell, of 61 King-street, Plymouth, draper's assistant, identified the body as that of his stepson, aged 28. He lived at 4 Octagon-street, Plymouth. Recently he had been employed by the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport Tramways Company as a conductor. Witness visited deceased on several occasions in the Hospital after the accident, and he many times told witness that he was lying there on his back, suffering the pain he did, through the carelessness of a man who had put the car in the shed overnight. He also said that directly he touched the wire with the trolley-arm, the car backed on top of him and jammed him between it and another car He also told witness that had the switch been put off the night before the car could not have moved. Deceased had had fairly good health, but some few months ago he suffered from a gastric ulcer in the stomach, necessitating his removal to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he remained for a fortnight, after which he was discharged cured. Deceased was a very steady man. - Wm. G. Ashley, 70 High-street, Stonehouse, tram driver, said about 8 a.m. on Monday, January 14th, when he was cleaning his car in the shed in Market-street, ORAM came. Witness was going on with the cleaning, when all at once the car began to move ahead. Witness heard a shout, and on looking over he saw deceased, with his leg jammed between the car and another car just in front. Deceased had taken the trolley head off the wooden trough in which it was kept at night, and had applied it to the live wire. Witness was cleaning the handle of the controller and accordingly moved it, and when deceased placed the trolley head on the live wire, it made the car move. Witness and other men pushed the car back and released the deceased. Witness was certain the trolley head was in the wooden trough when he began to clean the controller. He had no idea why deceased took the trolley head out of the trough, and it was not deceased's duty to do so. The car was in its proper position when witness was cleaning it, and if deceased had not placed the trolley head to the live wire, it would have made no difference. Deceased's duty was to get his tickets ready for the day. He had no right to touch the car at all. - In answer to a Juror: There was a means of switching off the electricity when the trolley head was on the live wire, without removing the trolley from the wire, but it was not done. It had to be done with a switch over the driver's head. - Was it not your duty or somebody's duty to turn off the switch the night before? - Yes. - In answer to the Coroner: It was customary and necessary that when a car was placed in the shed overnight that this switch should be turned off. If this had been done then the placing of the trolley head on the live wire would have no effect. Witness did not drive the car the night before. When he arrived at the car shed on the morning of the accident he did not look to see if the switch was turned off, but he admitted he ought to have done so. - In answer to Mr Edgcombe Stevens, witness said it was not his duty to turn off the switch, but the duty of the man who took the car in at night. It was a printed instruction to the driver that the switches should be turned off at night, and when he came in the morning he should look and see if the switches were turned off. - Mr Stevens: then there was a breach of duty on your part in not observing those conditions. Is it not a fact that it is a custom on the part of the conductors to help the drivers to get their cars ready in the morning? - No, sir. - Don't they help every day by taking the trolley arm off and on the live wire? - Yes, when we are ready to come out. I had 20 minutes' more work to do when the accident happened. - Charles Shambrook, 26 Edinburgh-road, Devonport, tram driver, said deceased got hold of the trolley rope and pulled the trolley out of the trough, placing it to the live wire. The car jumped forward and deceased was jammed between the two buffers. Deceased had no right to touch the trolley arm. When the car was taken in overnight the switch should have been turned off. By looking at the switch-box, without reference to the trolley arm, Ashley could have told whether the switch was on or off. - John Graham Pearce, engineer to the tramway company, said he ascertained that a driver named Lawes Pedrick placed the car in the shed the previous night. Witness saw Pedrick and asked him if he had knocked the switches off. He replied that as far as he knew he had done so. - The Coroner: He should have been here this afternoon. I suppose you are satisfied the switch could not have been knocked off? - Witness: Certainly. It was Pedrick's duty to do so, and there are printed instructions to that effect. It was also the duty of the driver Ashley to see that both switches were right on his arrival in the morning. Witness understood that the deceased was a "spare" man. Ashley was a competent driver; and was perfectly right in what he was doing in putting on the controller to clean it. - George Stanley Thompson, resident Medical Officer at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from an extensive wound on the inner aspect of the right leg. The injury had also opened the knee joint. At first he did very well, but sepsis set in, and he died on February 2nd. Had he been a stronger man he would probably have recovered. The cause of death was exhaustion, due to septic poisoning, supervening on an injury to the leg. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, said there must have been some negligence on the part of the driver who took the car into the shed. The driver, Ashley, was also guilty of negligence. But if deceased had not placed the trolley head on the wire, the accident would not have happened. Against all instructions he meddled with the trolley arm, and so was guilty of contributory negligence. The Jury must consider what was the cause of death, whether it was purely accidental, and if due to negligence whether it was sufficient to warrant a verdict of manslaughter. The Coroner also expressed sympathy with the widow. - The Jury found that deceased died from Exhaustion, following Sceptic Poisoning, due to injuries received by being crushed between two electric tramcars in the car shed of the P.S. and D. Tramways Co., in Market-street, Stonehouse, on January 14th.

PLYMOUTH - Death From A Horse Kick. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on GEORGE CARNE, aged 58, labourer, John-street, who died on Monday. - MARY ANN CARNE, widow of deceased, said that her husband was in the employ of Mr Gliddon, haulier of Devonport. On Saturday he came home and told her a horse had kicked him in the stomach. - John William Gliddon, haulier, of 1 Tamar-street, Devonport, said that deceased was not in his employ. The man had been in his permanent employ some years since, and about two weeks ago deceased had a day's work with him. At about 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, CARNE came to him stating that he had been kicked by a horse. he said at the time it was his own fault, as he gave the animal a mangold without speaking to it. Witness told CARNE that he had no right to give the mangold to the horse and ordered him to go home. - Dr W. H. Brenton said death was due to peritonitis, caused by the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 February 1907
YEALMPTON - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Yealmbridge on Tuesday on EDWARD PINER FOLEY, who died on Monday. The evidence showed that deceased was in the mills with his workman on November 19th last, and fell down some stairs. Drs. Andrew and Shepherd had attended him ever since. Dr Shepherd attributed death to thrombosis, the injury received at the time of the accident being the primary cause, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

CARDIFF, WALES - Plymouth Seaman Drowned. - At Cardiff yesterday the Coroner held an Inquest on the body of CHARLES PAGE, seaman, of the barque Geraldine, of Plymouth, now lying in Roath Dock, Cardiff. Evidence given by Captain Leach, of the Geraldine, was to the effect that they were changing the position of the ship in order to clear a rope. Deceased went on to another vessel near by. The mate of the Geraldine said he heard a splash, but it was too dark for him to see deceased, who was drowned. Verdict, Accidentally Drowned.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 February 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest yesterday on FLORENCE BAGSHAW, aged seven years, the daughter of ALFRED BAGSHAW, army pensioner, of James-street, Devonport, Dr Sandford stated that death was due to double pneumonia. The doctor added that the child's heart was within half an ounce of the normal for an adult, being much enlarged.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 February 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Burning Fatality. - At Stonehouse Workhouse on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on SARAH ANN THOMPSON, aged 70 years, residing at High-street. FREDK. H. THOMPSON, shoeing smith, said on the night of the 27th ult., he heard screams coming from the room of the deceased, his mother. He found her on the floor with her nightdress in flames. He promptly extinguished the flames. His mother told him she got out of bed to get a cup of tea and tripped, the lamp being in her hand at the time. - P.C. Gent gave evidence as t assisting the last witness to extinguish the flames. - Dr T. Leah said deceased was badly burned on the fore arm. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on ARTHUR LOUIS CHADDER, 17, who died on Thursday morning at 37 Fairfield-terrace, it was stated that he was in good health up to the day of his death. He then complained of giddiness and in the evening went to bed. On his sister carrying him a cup of tea she found him groaning and was unable to recognise her. He died almost immediately. Dr Martin, who had made a post-mortem, said a clot of blood had formed in one of the cavities of the heart and this, a rare occurrence, accounted for death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY GRACE HANNAFORD, aged 42, a domestic servant, of St Andrew's-street. Annie Furze said deceased, who had suffered for a long time from chest troubles, became worse on Wednesday and on Saturday Dr Cooke was sent for, but she died within half an hour of his arrival. - Dr C. J. Cooke said he found the woman in extremis and he attributed death to acute pneumonia of both lungs, apparently of three or four days' standing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner held an Inquest on EDITH MARGARET L. HADDY, the one year and nine months' old child of MARY HADDY, of Henry-street. The mother stated that on Friday the child developed symptoms similar to those of measles, and on the following day she went for Dr Aikman. When she returned the child was dead. - Dr Aikman, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to pneumonia, following measles. The child was well cared for and the measles had only been in progress about one day. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

LUSTLEIGH - Sudden Death At Lustleigh. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Lustleigh yesterday on W. H. HARVEY, builder, age 49. - MRS EMMA HARVEY said her husband was taken suddenly faint on Saturday and died before medical aid arrived. Dr Sutherland, of Moretonhampstead, who had made a post-mortem examination, said he found a clot of blood on the brain, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel. He attended deceased about 18 months ago for a stroke of paralysis, which had left his arm helpless. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 February 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Burning Fatality. Stonehouse Mother and Grandmother Censured. - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd on HENRY CLAUDE DAVID THOMPSON, the one year and eight months old child of BENJAMIN THOMPSON, labourer, Chapel-lane, East Stonehouse, who died on Sunday as the result of a burning accident. The grandmother, LOUISA THOMPSON, said she left deceased and a three-year-old sister in a room for a few minutes on Thursday evening last while she went for water. She received an alarm from a neighbour and going back deceased ran across the room to her, holding up his arms and with his clothes, including a flannelette petticoat, in flames. She put out the fire and then dressed the extensive wounds with linen and linseed oil. - Asked by the coroner why she did not send for a doctor, or send the child to a Hospital at once, seeing it was so badly burned, witness said she was the only person in the house and had no money. - The Coroner: You did not require money for that. - Witness said a nurse who was attending an invalid in the house, and saw what she had done, said she could not do anything better. The nurse also sent clean rags for the dressing. She had always done her best for the child. - The Coroner: Your conduct does not quite bear that out, though I do not want to be unkind to you if you have endeavoured to do your best. - Nurse Branscombe explained that she had not had charge of the case in any way. She saw this child after the last witness had dressed the wounds. Knowing the danger of admitting air, she would not have the dressing taken off for her to see the wounds. She afterwards gave her dressing. The last witness seemed to be doing her very best for the child. - MRS SARAH THOMPSON, mother of the infant, said the wounds had been dressed when she came home. She did not send for a doctor until Sunday afternoon, when she saw a change. Death took place a few hours after. - The Coroner remarked that the mother and grandmother seemed to him to be persons who ought to have had sufficient experience to know that such extensive burns required medical or hospital treatment. - Other evidence showed there was no guard to the low fire burning in the room. - Dr W. E. M. Corbett said when he was called on Sunday evening the child was dying from exhaustion, due to the burns and peritonitis, and incipient pneumonia, which had been set up. - In reply to Mr Reap (Foreman), who asked if the child's life would have been saved if it had been removed to the Hospital promptly, witness said it would have had a better chance. - The Corner said Dr Corbett had mentioned to him that, against the wishes of the authorities, St. George's Church bells were rung violently for about an hour on Sunday afternoon, undoubtedly disturbing the child in its last hours. ("Shame.") The bellringers were in a state of mutiny. - Dr Corbett mentioned that this was not the first complaint of the crashing of these bells. His patients had complained of it to him, and only last week he had a patient dying not very far from the bells, which were being rung by the youngsters, over whom no one seemed to have any control. He did not blame the Vicar, whom he knew had sympathy with moderation. Something ought to be done to mitigate the nuisance. - The Coroner said he knew the Vicar and officers of the church on Sunday afternoon endeavoured to gain an entry to the belfry and stop the ringing, but were kept out by the ringers, who locked themselves in and kept the bells going until three o'clock. The ring-leader had been dismissed and others had been suspended since. (Hear, hear.) That was the reason there was no bell-ringing on Sunday evening. - The Foreman suggested that the Police should have been called to force an entry, but it was remarked they would have had to got through a skylight. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the mother and grandmother were to blame for not having sent the child to a Hospital or called in a medical man sooner. - The Corner thought the Jury had taken a most merciful view of their conduct.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Housekeeper's Death. Father Kent Commended. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on CATHERINE MCCARTHY, Fore-street, Devonport, who died at that Hospital on Monday from burns received on January 30th. - Rev. Father T. P. Kent, living at the Catholic Church House, Keyham, said that deceased was 70 years of age, and was acting as temporary housekeeper, during his regular housekeeper's absence. He could not say whether she was a widow or not, as she had told witness she had separated from her husband many years ago. On Wednesday, January 30th, at about 2.15 a.m., he heard a knocking from the floor above his own, where deceased slept. Witness went up and found the room full of smoke. He lit the gas and opened the windows and found that deceased's clothes, the bed and the table were in flames, while the floor was just beginning to ignite. Deceased was also partially asphyxiated. Witness stripped off the burning flannelette nightshirt she was wearing and conveyed the woman to the other side of the room and placed blankets over her body. After putting out the fire witness sought assistance, and a warrant officer, a Constable and a doctor soon arrived. - Constable C. H. Dunn said that when he arrived on the scene he found the deceased on the floor wrapped in blankets. Dr Thompson ordered deceased's removal to the Hospital. While in the cab deceased told witness she had been asleep and on awaking saw the candle alight. In putting it out she set the sheet on fire. - Dr S. Thompson, Resident House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death was due to exhaustion caused by the burns. - The Coroner, after commenting on the danger of flannelette, said he thought Father Kent deserved very great praise for the promptitude with which he acted in the case. He was deserving of the greatest thanks of the Jury. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr Cole) endorsed the Coroner's remarks and offered Father Kent the Jury's thanks for his courageous action. - Father Kent, in thanking the Jury's aid he would always be ready to do any such duty, no matter the creed or country of any fellow-creature, in danger. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARIA REDDICLIFF, aged 71, wife of a jobbing mason, living at Headland-park, Dr Lynch said death was due to heart disease of long standing.

TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Suicide. Out Of Work And Depressed. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on THOMAS EDWARD LEE, labourer, aged 38, of 36 Mulberry-street. - MRS LEE, the widow, stated that deceased had not been in regular employment for the last nine months. His temporary work at Mr Player's stores came to an end on Friday evening, and he had since tried to get more work and had failed. He had been very downhearted lately because he had not had much work, and they had gone back a good deal in money matters in consequence, but deceased never said anything to lead her to believe he contemplated taking his life. On Tuesday morning, after saying "good-bye" to the baby (their only child), as usual, he went out to look for work, and never returned. - Wm. Avery, labourer, said he met deceased on the Esplanade, leading towards the sea-wall, about twenty five minutes to one. He said, "Hulloa, TOM, nothing doing?" and deceased replied, "No, Bill, worse luck." Witness left him at the corner by St. Michael's Church, and walked back to the town. - Thomas Murphy, brewer, a visitor, staying at 4 Den-crescent, stated that while walking along the sands with his wife, near the sea-wall, he saw deceased standing in the centre of the track of the down line, looking towards the up train approaching from Teignmouth Station. He crouched and made a quick creeping movement towards the rail, and on seeing this witness said to his wife, "Don't look!" and she lowered her head by the side of the wall, it being evident what deceased was about. With great determination he placed his head over the line, with his throat on the rail, the engine then being 15 or 20 yards from him. He stiffened himself out and witness saw the engine go over him. - Isaac J. Green, of Bristol, the driver of the engine, said the train was the 12.58 from Teignmouth to Exeter. The train was going about ten miles an hour, and the first intimation he had that anything was wrong was seeing Mr Murphy waving his hands and hearing him shout. He thought he was waving to someone in the train and he looked back and saw nothing. He did not see deceased at all. He thought whether they had run over a dog, but he could not stop the train in 15 yards. At Dawlish, the next station, he examined the engine and found a spot of blood on the sand-pipe, and afterwards, at Bristol, he saw a small piece of flesh on the right-hand side of the bogey wheel. In answer to the Foreman, witness said he did not think it necessary to stop the train on seeing Mr Murphy, as people on the sea-wall very often waved their hands to those in the carriages as they passed. As the engine weighed 110 tons he did not notice any jerk when it passed over deceased. - A point arising as to the action of the life-guard in the front part of the engine, and which is 3 ½ inches from the rail, Inspector Flewellyn, G.W.R., suggested that deceased pressed his head down so that the life-guard just cleared him and that he was decapitated by the wheel. - P.C. Friendship said the body was lying in the six-foot way, with the head cut clean off and inside the inner rail. There were found in deceased's pockets 1s. 4 ½d. in money, a clay pipe, and a few ordinary newspaper cuttings. - SUSAN LEE said the deceased, her son, worked at Young's stores for 23 years, was discharged nine months ago and had never been the same man since. Last Thursday he came to her and cried bitterly, saying she did not know what trouble he had, and adding, "I shall never forget the stores." He also said he money he had lately been earning was not sufficient to keep his home. He had borrowed money from his sisters and was not able to repay them, having been out of work so long. He had a good wife and was always very fond of his home. His grandmother several times attempted to take her life and died insane at Shaldon. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and gave their fees to the widow, with whom and the other relatives, they expressed deep sympathy.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 February 1907
PLYMPTON ST MAURICE - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Plympton yesterday on GEORGE HENRY DAWE, of Plympton St. Maurice. Mrs Elizabeth Williams, tenant of MR DAWE, stated that deceased came home from Plymouth on Tuesday evening at about seven o'clock. He partook of a hearty meal and afterwards left the house, returning about ten minutes later, when he complained of great pain and immediately dropped and died. - Dr Stamp stated that the walls of deceased's heart were very thin and its muscles in a very weak condition. In his opinion death was caused by heart failure, due to palpitation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BRAMPFORD SPEKE - Lover's Suicide. Tragic Affair Near Exeter. Deceased Man's Will. - An Inquest was held at Brampford Speke, near Exeter, yesterday, on HENRY SIMMONS, aged 22, a parcel deliverer engaged by a West-end firm of stationers, who was killed on the Great Western Railway on Tuesday night. - CHARLES SIMMONS, a labourer, of 4 Vowler-street, Walworth-road, London, said the deceased, his son, was infatuated with a young woman with whom he appeared to be on friendly terms. Witness had welcomed her to his house and she had stayed to tea. His son had bought her a ring, and she was wearing a watch that he had given her. He had spoken about getting married several times, but said he did not earn enough money. He earned 21s. a week, and was employed by Messrs. Ryman, stationers, Great Portland-street. His son appeared to have been troubled about a summons issued against him by the young woman. His employer told him not to trouble about it, and that if he liked someone would accompany him to the court. His son was at work on Monday. It was a summons for an assault, and he should have appeared at the Police Court on Wednesday. The girl came to witness in company with a Constable. witness said to her, "This is a pretty fine thing you have brought him to." She said she had summoned him, but witness did not notice any signs of an assault, neither did she say how she had been assaulted. Deceased had no relations this way, and he had no reason for coming into Devonshire. - Samuel R. Trotman, driver of the 4.50 train from Exeter to Bristol, said as the train approached Stafford Bridge crossing on Tuesday he saw the deceased standing in the six-foot way, and apparently watching the oncoming train. When the train was within fifteen yards from him on the bridge deceased tossed his hat in the air and threw himself towards the engine. Witness pulled up the train as quickly as he could, and on going back found the body in the six-foot way, with the right leg severed and a severe blow on the left side of the head. He appeared t be dead. His act was deliberate. The body must have rolled over several times before the engine passed it. The train was travelling at about 40 miles an hour. - P.C. Chambers, stationed at Upton Pyne, said he found upon the deceased sevenpence in bronze, two letters, a copy of the summons issued against him, and a Post-office Savings Bank receipt for 30s. One of the letters was written to the deceased by Miss Eliza Harbourn, and bore no date. The other was a letter written by the deceased, and upon the envelope was written:- For Miss Eliza Harbourn, 22 Gale's-gardens, Bethnal Green-road. - When found, open this, read, and forward on to this address. - Written in pencil at the back were the words: "I was in 734 carriage." - Joseph Shattock, G.W.R., said he had been unable to trace a carriage of that number on the train. There might have been such a carriage in another train. - The Coroner said the letter bore no date, but was evidently written on the day he met his death. In the corner of the letter was the name and address. "HENRY SIMMINS, care of Mr C. James, 11 Leigh-street, Holborn," where he lodged. The letter was as follows:- "My dearest Eliza, - I came to you on Monday and asked you if you were going to charge me and you said "Yes," and through saying that little word this is the consequence. Dear Eliza, you know very well I have been as good as I possibly could to you ever since I have been with you. I told you, you were the only one I ever went with, and I will see it is the last. It is a marvellous thing I have not assaulted you before - the temper you have got. You can never give me a civil answer. It is only because I liked you I stayed with you as long as I did. Dear Eliza, I wish you all the very best of health and prosperity through life. Had I married you, you would not have had a bad husband; you know that. I have still got the same amount of affection for you, so I must say good-bye to you for ever. I must finish with my best respects to you. - I remain yours affectionately, HARRY. Good-bye and God bless you. xxxxx - The Coroner said that according to the Police court summons found upon the deceased, he was to have appeared on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Police court to answer a charge of assault brought by Elizabeth Harbourn, 27 Gale's-gardens, the person to whom the letter was addressed. In addition there was written at the back of a list of Christmas-boxes deceased had evidently received what purported to be his will:- 12/2/07 - The money in my pockets and £1 7s. in the Post-office I leave to Charlie James and everything else. - 11 Leigh-street, Holborn. Signed. H. SIMMINS. - Dr Miller of Pinhoe, said deceased received a severe fracture of the skull and his right leg was severed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

STOKENHAM - Devon Farmer's Death. Strangled In A Loft. - An Inquest was held yesterday on GEORGE PHILIP TIMEWELL, farmer, Higher Frittiscombe, Stokenham. The deceased was found dead and buried under straw, in a loft near his farm on Wednesday. He was missed on the previous day and residents in the locality had been searching every likely spot. - J. F. TIMEWELL, Redlap, Stokefleming, stated that the deceased, his brother, was 46 years old, married, and had one daughter, age 15. - John Boon, labourer, in the employ of deceased, said he last saw his master in a field close by the stable where the body was found. On Wednesday morning deceased went in and out of the stable oftener than usual, but he did not notice anything strange in his manner then. Deceased gave him instructions what to do and then went away. Shortly afterwards he inquired of MRS TIMEWELL where deceased was and after being told that he was on the farm, witness tried to find him, but without success. Among other places, he went into the loft, but did not think of looking under the straw. Deceased's body was found in the stable loft on Wednesday about 11 o'clock. - John White, blacksmith, Slapton, said he searched for the deceased for about an hour on Wednesday morning, particularly near a straw-rick, which a sheepdog own by deceased refused to leave. On turning back some straw in the stable loft he found the body near the south wall. there were two or three feet of straw on top, completely covering the body. There was also straw underneath. The deceased was fully dressed, and had his cap on. A scarf was tightly drawn around his neck. - J. Trant, farmer, Lower Frittiscombe, said on Sunday night, between 12 and 1 o'clock deceased called on him. He seemed worried and troubled about not having enough keep for his cattle. Deceased was vacating the farm for another on Lady-day and was afraid his cattle would not realise so much at the sale. The next morning deceased came to him again and begged him to say nothing about what had occurred. Deceased had no cause for worry. - P.C. Jarmyn stated that he found £2 4s. 4d. in money on the deceased. - Dr L. H. d. Hales, Chillington, said death was due to asphyxia produced by strangulation with the scarf - evidently by deceased himself. There were no external marks of violence, or signs of a struggle. A case of self-strangulation, except by hanging, was very rare. Deceased, on an occasion when witness attended his wife, just before Christmas, seemed to be unduly worried about the state of affairs on his farm. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 February 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Evangelist's Death At Newton. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on JOHN COLES, Bishopsteignton, George Maddicott, farmer, Bishopsteignton, stated that deceased, 66 years of age, was formerly a gardener, but he had not worked for years. In the summer he did tent preaching in Hereford and Worcester, but witness did not know how he was paid for this. He had no pension or private means. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): But how did he live? - He laboured for the Gospel and the Lord always met his needs. On Thursday he left home to attend a meeting at the Gospel Hall at Newton. He was a very active man, and always enjoyed good health, never having had a doctor in his life. - Wm. P. Austin said deceased walked from Bishopsteignton to Newton and after attending the meeting had tea at his house, prior to going to the Station to return to Teignmouth to attend a meeting. - John Coles, Teignmouth, stated that deceased entered the 6.32 train at Newton, and within a few minutes breathed heavily and became unconscious. He was removed to the waiting-room. - Dr Scrase said when he arrived deceased was dead. A post-mortem examination showed that the heart was in an advanced state of fatty degeneration. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Accident At Devonport Dockyard. Fatal Termination. - ARTHUR JOHN COLLINGS (48), who was injured on board the cruiser Minotaur at Devonport Dockyard on Thursday week, died at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, at 2 a.m. yesterday. - At the Inquest held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, REGINALD ALGERNON COLLINGS, boiler-maker's apprentice in the dockyard, son of the deceased, said his father was a naval pensioner. He resided at 7 Wyndham-square, Plymouth, and had been working in the Dockyard since March last. - William Hy. Wealey Clapp, of 220 Beaumont-road, fitter in the Dockyard said on the 7th inst. he was working with the deceased in the forward submerged torpedo flat of the Minotaur alongside the wall of No. 1 jetty. Deceased was about to go from the torpedo flat into the ammunition passage (which was separated from the torpedo flat by a cross-passage),for the purpose of getting some straps to hang a tank, and took a small tank under his arm. witness followed, but returned to his box for a reel, when he heard a noise and looking round, saw the deceased fall on the floor of the flat. A "T" shaped iron rail, weighing about three cwt., and between 20 and 30 feet long, which was used for transporting shell, had fallen unexpectedly through a hatchway and struck the deceased on the head, rendering him unconscious. Witness heard no warning of any kind given. There were about eight men known to be working in the flat. - Samuel Williams, of 1 Trelawney-place, St. Budeaux, said he was directing the operations of five men, who were shifting the "T" iron rail from the forecastle to the submerged torpedo flat. Mr Tingrove was in charge of the gang. Witness slung a new strand (produced) around the "T" iron about 12 feet from the end, and they had a tackle for lifting, attached to a pole on the port side of the hatchway. The iron was shifted from the starboard side over two hatchways to be got ready for slinging in position, and witness ordered the men to hoist, which they did and pulled it clear of the hatchway in position for lowering. They commenced lowering it to pass through two hatchway. Witness attached the rope to the "T" iron with six or seven turns, and connected "jiggers" to the two centre turns, but by some means the rope was cut through, causing the iron to take charge. A similar piece of iron had been lowered on the same morning, and two on the previous night. All the remainder had been lowered since. - On this evidence the Inquest was adjourned until Monday. - Mr E. K. Peck represented the Admiralty, and Mr Percy T. Pearce the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on Saturday at Plymouth on WM. SANDERS, aged 80, coal porter, found dead in bed on the 14th inst., at his residence in Central-street, Dr Williams attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - At Plymouth on Saturday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on ETTA JANE BARRY, widow, 35. - Hilda Tucker, domestic servant, Jubilee-place, said the deceased, her sister, had previously been in an Asylum, and had only been out for about six weeks. - Mrs Alice Hambly, of Tremston-terrace, said deceased had been in her employ as a servant for about a week. She had her usual evening out on Thursday, and appeared quite rational. - Eliza J. Ivy, refreshment house keeper, Radford-road, said deceased came to her house on Thursday at about 7.45, and asked for a room. Later she heard the woman calling, and on entering her bedroom found her very ill and sick. She asked witness to send for a doctor. Her wish was complied with, but she died before Dr Parsloe arrived. - Dr H. Parsloe said that he had made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to an irritant poison, probably oxalic acid. The woman had had a cup of coffee just previous to her being taken ill and he supposed she took the poison then. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

TORQUAY - Torquay Lad Drowned. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay on Saturday on ARTHUR HARGRAVES HAMBLING, aged eight, found drowned in the outer harbour on Friday. Deceased was the son of EMMA L. HAMBLING, upholstress, of Braddon's Hill-road West and on Wednesday, after attending Upton School in the morning, went down to the Haldon Pier to see the fleet of torpedo destroyers from Devonport, with William Smith, another boy, who returned home alone, leaving deceased on the pier, as he said he wanted to see the pinnaces from the vessels come in. It was a very windy afternoon and there were very few people about. Deceased's cap was afterwards found floating under the iron ladder on Haldon Pier, close to the wall, by George Fleet, a Corporation labourer, who, having heard that a boy was missing, gave information to the coastguard. On Friday morning the harbour was dragged by four men and the body of deceased was found in the corner close to where the cap had been picked up. A suggestion that the boy was subject to fits was not confirmed, but it was stated that he fainted in school a short time ago. - Dr E. M. Thomson, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said everything pointed to death by drowning, and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman Drowned. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on Saturday at Plymouth, on ALMA CURLE, aged 52, the wife of WM. CURLE, living at New-street, fisherman, found drowned in Sutton Pool on Thursday. - WILLIAM CURLE, able seaman, R.N., said he last saw his mother on Thursday evening in Southside-street. She seemed quite as usual, and when he asked her to go for a walk, she replied she would go a little way with him. As far as he knew his mother had no trouble, and he had never heard her threaten to take her life. She was not subject to fits. - John Holberton, bargeman, Green-street, said on North Quay on Thursday evening, he saw a body floating in the water. With assistance the body was brought ashore. There was a lighted lamp near the spot where the body was found. Police- Sergeant Monkley said on the same evening he saw MRS CURLE walking along Sutton Wharf about a quarter of an hour before her body was discovered in the water. He noticed nothing particular about her appearance, and thought she was making for home. He and P.C. Collins were at 7.45 told that a woman was in the water. It was a few yards from the quay. He procured a boathook and hauled the body in. Dr Clarke was summoned and ordered its removal to the mortuary. There, artificial respiration was tried for well over an hour, but without success. - Dr Clarke said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to drowning. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 February 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquest on VIOLET DANIEL, aged three years and nine months, the child of WALTER DANIEL, John-street, Morice town, Devonport. KATE DANIEL, the mother, stated that the child had been delicate since she had measles and bronchitis about three years ago. Last Friday afternoon she noticed the child's face was turning dark. Witness was in bed with the deceased, being poorly herself, but she got up and dressed and poulticed the child. She sent for Dr McElwaine, but he was out. Witness then went herself for Dr Rolston, and asked him to come, as she did not think the child would live through the night. He said he did not think he could come, but afterwards stated that he might come down. As he did not do so, however, witness sent her son to him again, but he replied that he would not come. A Constable was called in and he, accompanied by the son, again at 1.30 a.m. went to Dr Rolston, but he said he was ill and could not come. The child dropped off to sleep, but about 8 a.m. seemed to be dying, so witness again went for Dr Rolston, who this time said he would be there as soon as possible. She died about 8.45 and just after the doctor arrived. - P.C. Palmer also gave evidence. - Dr Rolston said he told MRS DANIEL he could not come down as he felt ill and had a touch of influenza. The son came up later and he was given the same message. After he had gone to bed the Policeman came up with the son. Witness told those who came in each case that there were many doctors in the locality and advised them to go to them. He himself went to bed with a temperature of over 100. He went down to the house before breakfast the next morning, but the child was dead. Death was due to pneumonia and measles. - Several Jurors commented on the doctor's evidence. - In returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" the Jury gave their shillings to the mother, who was stated to be in miserable circumstances.

LYDFORD - The Dartmoor Suicide. Entries In A Diary. - Mr J. D. Prickman held at Inquest at Princetown yesterday on LEWIS WILLIAM DICKER, aged 51, of Totnes, found hanging at Powder Mills on Thursday last. CHARLES E. DICKER, labourer, of Newton Abbot, stated that deceased, his father, lived at Totnes with his wife, and was a sewing machine agent He last saw deceased on January 19th. Deceased's wife saw her husband on January 22nd, when she left Totnes for Newton Abbot. Mrs Bennett, living at Totnes, told him (witness) that she saw deceased at his home on January 24th. His movements in Totnes after that were not known. As far as he knew, his father had no troubles, financial or domestic. His father was employed by singer and Co., and as far as he could ascertain his financial arrangements with the company were in order. He had never known his father to leave home in such a way before. The deceased had been working for Singer and Co., nine months at Totnes, and nine years at Helston. His father's mother died insane. - Frederick Smith, farmer, living at Powder Mills, on Thursday afternoon in a shed in a field, used as a cattle shelter, saw deceased hanging from a beam. A short distance from the man's feet was a wooden trough, from which deceased had evidently jumped. - George Vanstone, driver, of Horrabridge, deposed to assisting Mr Smith to cut the body down. - William Bentley, labourer, of Powder Mills, said on January 25th at Cherrybrook deceased asked him if it was a gentleman's house or a farmhouse. On the 30th ult. he saw deceased again at Powder Mills. It was snowing fast and the man remarked "Fancy being caught in a snowstorm on Dartmoor." He then said he was going on to the next village (Postbridge) to finish a job. He spoke to him for about half an hour, and he seemed quite rational and in no way depressed. Deceased thanked him for his company and went in the direction of the shed. - P.C. Radford said on the body he found a halfpenny, an Ingersoll watch and other articles. There was also a pocket diary containing an entry as follows:- Ask your father to see to my worldly affairs and hand you my money. then take care of it. - DICKER said that was evidently addressed to his mother. - The Constable said another entry was: - I came away from Totnes mad, and did not know where I was going. I have walked all over Dartmoor and laid by walls and hedges. I have been in the barn, where I shall be found, three nights up to now, Thursday, 4 p.m. Agonies of pain in mind and body. God bless you, but do keep away from the drink; that is what worried me so dreadful, you know. But it is too late now, I must end it. Good-bye. God bless you and the boys, - LEWIS. - On another page was: - I have been walking about for days with my mind gone, and stopping in this barn, where I shall be found. Ask Mr Harris to pardon me, if he can, and pay you any money owing. - Signed: LEWIS. It was the furniture that worried me and drove me made. - Another entry was: - ANNIE - If you had stopped drink this would never have happened. I have asked you scores of times to sign the pledge, as an example to me. It would have made a man of me. You know what my brain is like. Do, I beg of you, leave off all drink, for my sake: I am going, then you will go on all right. - LEWIS. - Dr Dyer, of Princetown, attributed death to strangulation, caused by hanging. The body was completely frozen, and that prevented his determining the probable day of death. There was no question of starvation. - The Coroner, summing up, said that from the letters deceased left there could be no doubt that there was some little friction at deceased's home, but apart from that there was sufficient evidence to show the state of deceased's mind at the time of his death. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Minotaur Fatality. Result of Negligence. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held the adjourned Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on ARTHUR JOHN COLLINGS (48) naval pensioner, who was injured on board the cruiser Minotaur, at Devonport Dockyard, and died on Thursday morning last. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty; Mr Percy T. Pearce appeared for the relatives; and Mr Sidney Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present on behalf of the Home-office. - John Trengrove, Pembroke-street, Devonport, stated that on February 7th, he was in charge of a gang of labourers on board the Minotaur. They were engaged on the forecastle-deck, lowering to the torpedo flat, angle iron and rails. He instructed Williams, one of the men, to direct the operations and to see that a temporary "jigger " was erected and slung to a new strand to hoist the rails and iron. He agreed that had wood packing been used it would have been safer, this method being used with all heavy weights. He suggested that the rope on which the iron was hoisted was cut through by the sharp edge of the rail. He agreed with Mr Goldsmith that the method of wood packing would have taken a deal of trouble. He did not think that had pieces of sacking been wound round the iron where the rope was fastened it would have made a difference. Witness was not present at the time of the accident, but was called to the spot directly afterwards. - Surgeon E. F. Ellis, R.N. Hospital, stated that a post-mortem examination revealed that deceased had sustained a fracture of the breast bone, two ribs and left collar bone. Deceased was a very unhealthy man, and the cause of death was heart failure due to the injuries. - Herbert Arthur Dodridge, labourer, working on the Minotaur, stated that when the rail was being lowered into the torpedo flat, the curve end caught in the bulkhead of the hatchway. He cleared the end, when the rail took charge and slipped off the sling. - William Thomas Newcombe, labourer, of Cremyll-street, Stonehouse, said he was standing on the torpedo flat when the rail came down and struck the deceased. He did not see deceased come out on to the flat. The rail came down without warning and he and a man named Parker, who had been placed there to warn anyone who came along, stepped back out of the way. Witness and Parker were placed there for the express purpose of warning men. - Witness and Parker had to accept the rail when it was lowered. - Parker corroborated - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought there was no doubt that the accident was caused by the slipping of the iron out of the slings and the want of a proper look out. It appeared to him that the work was carried out in a crude and unsafe manner, and that there was nothing to keep the rails from slipping. It would have been impossible for the iron to slip of wooden packing had been used or an iron chain in pace of the rope. There had been some negligence, but it did not amount to manslaughter. - A verdict was returned "That COLLINGS dies as a result of injuries received through being struck by an iron rail, in consequence of its being Negligently Fitted." The Jury found that the negligence was not culpable.

BIDEFORD - The Bideford hawker, RICHARD PATT, who died while driving home from Barnstaple, was, at the Inquest yesterday, stated by Dr. E. J. Toye to have died from syncope, he having fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

IDE - An Ide Fatality. - At an Inquest held at Ide, near Exeter, yesterday on WILLIAM HOLE, aged 66, a farm bailiff, of Knowle Cottage, Ide, the evidence showed that deceased had been to Exeter with a horse and cart on Friday last. - Robert Westcott, woodranger, Dunchideock, said about five o'clock, whilst working on the Knowle Estate, he saw the horse and cart without anyone in attendance passing along the road leading to Knowle Cottage. He stopped the horse and going back the road 50 yards found deceased lying on his stomach with his head in a rut. Witness fetched his son and MR HOLE was conveyed in a cart to his cottage, but he died before arriving there. There was a deep rut in the road, and deceased must have been jerked off the cart. - Mr M. Farrant, surgeon, Exeter, said deceased's neck was broken. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 February 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Joiner's Death. - An Inquest was last evening held at Devonport by Mr J. A. Pearce, on FREDERICK WILLIAM MULES, aged 43 years, of 11 Cornwall-street. - Nicholas George Uglow, shipwright, of Pembroke-street, Devonport, said deceased was a journeyman joiner and a bachelor. - Mrs Mary Jeffery, of 11 Cornwall-street, said shortly before midday on Sunday deceased told her that he felt very bad "after the drink." He refused an offer of a cup of tea. His father had died recently and since then deceased had taken to drink. - William Stephens, 20 Cornwall-street, said he was requested by the last witness on the previous afternoon to come to 11 Cornwall-street. Witness found the door of MULES' room locked, but entered by the window at the back. Deceased was sitting on the floor, with his shoulders against the door, dead. - P.C. Best said he was called to the house, where he saw the deceased sitting with his shoulders against the door and his head drooping forward. He had apparently been dead for some time. The body was covered with vermin and in a most miserable condition. In a box under the bed witness found a bank-book, which showed that deceased had £34 13s. to his credit. It appeared that deceased's father died about ten months ago and left him £72. - A Juror: Did you search for anything else? - Witness: I did look about the room, but there was so much "live stock" there that we were glad to get out of it. - Dr Roberts stated that the body of the deceased was in a very dirty and neglected condition. There was a bruise on the cheek and a cut over the left eye. The liver and kidneys were diseased through drink. Death was due to concussion of the brain, accelerated by alcohol. Deceased had evidently fallen whilst under the influence of drink. - A verdict in accordance with this testimony was returned.

HALBERTON - Child's Body Exhumed. Strange Affair In A Devon Village. Legal Proceedings Probable. - Considerable interest was centred in an Inquest held by Mr H. W. Gould, of Exeter, at Halberton, near Tiverton yesterday, on the body of the male child of LUCY WILLIAMS, a single woman, of Halberton. Prebendary Gregory, the vicar of the parish, was amongst those attending the Inquiry. Mr J. W. Pugsley (Tiverton) watched the proceedings on behalf of Mr Norton, the village sexton; Mr Hosegood (district registrar of deaths, Cullompton), and Inspector Thompson, N.S.P.C.C., Exeter, were also present. - The Coroner explained that the Inquiry was being held under most unusual circumstances. The child, he understood, was born on February 1st, lived an hour, and was then buried without any certificate at all. It was difficult to conceive how such a thing could have happened. On the circumstances becoming known to him he considered them somewhat suspicious. He ordered the exhumation of the body, and he had had a post-mortem made by Dr Gidley, who would satisfy them as to the cause of death. That there had been an error of judgment on the part of someone in allowing the child to be buried without a certificate there could be no doubt. It was quite possible that proceedings would be taken in another Court against those who were responsible, but that was not a matter in which they were at all concerned. It was their duty simply to Inquire into the cause of death. - SARAH WILLIAMS, wife of a labourer, of Halberton, said the body was that of her daughter's male child. Her daughter was a domestic servant. Witness was present at the birth of the child, which was born at 2.30 a.m. on February 1st. The child lived about an hour. Her daughter was not medically attended. Witness had spoken to the doctor about it, but he did not attend her daughter, as Nurse Ottery could do it. The body was sent to Mr Norton, the sexton, for burial on the Friday morning. She knew nothing about the burial of it. Her husband took the body down to Mr Norton with a piece of paper, which he handed to him. He asked Mr Norton if it was all right, and he said he supposed it was. If it was not all right Mr Norton should have spoken and avoided all this brother. Witness did not register the death of the deceased: she did not know that she had to do such a thing: if she did she would have done so. - William Norton, sexton, of Halberton, said on February 2nd he received a body of a child in a box for burial from JOHN WILLIAMS, husband of the last witness. He did not say whose child it was, and witness did not inquire. - The Coroner: Did you receive a note from Dr Joule? - Yes, and two sixpences, which were placed on the box inside my door. I read it and saw it was signed by Dr Joule. - The Coroner suggested that Dr Joule in his own interest should be present at the Inquiry. Dr Joule was thereupon called into the Court. - The Coroner (to the sexton): Is this the note? - "LUCY WILLIAMS has this day been delivered of a male child: lived one hour after birth - John Joule"? - Yes, sir. - On that you buried the child? Yes. - Did it occur to you a certificate was required at all? - I thought it was not a proper burial certificate. - Notwithstanding that you buried it? - Yes, I did, Sir. witness added that he was present at the exhumation of the body, which was buried in a box, wrapped in brown paper and tied. - P.C. Bromell, of Halberton, said on Saturday evening, acting on the Coroner's order, he exhumed the body in the parish churchyard. It was buried in the grave of an adult person whom he understood was a relative. The box was taken to the Swan Inn, where it was opened and a post-mortem made by Dr Gidley. The body was quite clean and put away in a very respectable manner. - Dr C. G. Gidley, of Cullompton, gave details of his post-mortem examination. There were no marks of violence. The child had lived, but its condition internally was in some respects unusual in a new-born baby. The cause of death was a natural one, mainly the result of the condition of the kidneys. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." The body was reinterred last evening on the Coroner's certificate. It is understood that a report of the whole case will be made by the authorities to the Registrar-General before any further proceedings are taken.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1907
WEARE GIFFARD - Raw Potatoes And Scalds. Weare Gifford Persons Censured. - At an Inquest at Weare Gifford on MARIA HUXTABLE, 66, wife of a labourer, who died on Tuesday, it was stated that on January 11th, deceased, left sitting in front of the fire, was heard by her daughter screaming. Running in, the daughter found deceased lying in the grate with a kettle of boiling water which had upset over her. The daughter applied raw potatoes to the scalds and subsequently an ointment, what sort she did not know. On January 16th a doctor was sent for. - Dr Brown, of Torrington, said the woman had severe scalds over the left arm and shoulder. He advised the woman's removal to Bideford Infirmary or Torrington Hospital, but the relatives refused to let her go. Had deceased been properly attended from the commencement, her life might have been considerably prolonged. Death was due to the septic absorption of the scalded area, combined with the debility of the deceased. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Jury desired the Coroner (Mr G. W.F. Brown) to censure the two relatives for not having called a doctor in earlier. - This the Coroner did, pointing out to the husband and daughter that raw potato was an extraordinary remedy for severe scalds, only increasing the danger of septic poisoning. Another time he advised the daughter to carry out the doctor's orders, and not act foolishly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - At Stonehouse last evening Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on DAISY HARRIS, aged 23 years, wife of WALTER HARRIS, labourer, of 76 High-street, Stonehouse. The husband stated that deceased on Wednesday had two fits. In the evening he left her for half an hour and returning he found her in a kneeling position, When he lifted her up he found she was dead. Dr Leah said when MRS HARRIS came to him to have her child treated, she informed him that she was subject to epileptic fits. The post mortem examination showed that deceased died of suffocation, probably caused by her mouth and nostrils being closed by the bedclothes. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN LANON, living in Wilton-street, Stoke, a coach trimmer, employed by Collings and Sons, coach builders, Union-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly yesterday morning whilst at work, Dr W. H. Waterfield attributed death to syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Chemist's Suicide. Suffered From Delusions. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on EBENEZER OWEN JONES, chemist, 47 Southside-street, Plymouth, who died on Thursday evening. - The widow stated that her husband had been depressed for some considerable time. He had suffered a long illness, extending from October last and had undergone an operation. She last saw deceased alive at 8.30 p.m. on Thursday. About that time he went to the lavatory, where he was subsequently found in extremis. Deceased had latterly been morose and suffered from delusions. He was under the impression that somebody was going to take him away and that his wife was about to leave him. He also thought that his illness was of such a character that the rest of his family would contract it. He believed himself to be a danger to the health of his family. - Dr C. J. Cooke said that he was summoned to 47 Southside-street on Thursday and found deceased unconscious. He rendered medical assistance, but deceased died soon after his arrival. He was satisfied that death was due to prussic acid poisoning. - Dr M. D. Keily said he had attended deceased for a considerable time. His patient was suffering from liver disease and severe jaundice. An operation had been performed to relieve the more urgent symptoms, but a second operation was not undertaken owing to their being unable to give to deceased a guarantee of his recovery. He was of opinion the deceased suffered from mental aberration. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 February 1907
PLYMOUTH - ALBERT E. BRAY, aged four years, was found dead in bed by his mother in Plym-street, Plymouth, on Friday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Webber attributed death to bronchial pneumonia.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on ALFRED COLLINS, aged 53, hawker, of no fixed abode. P.C. Strike said in Octagon-street on Sunday evening the deceased complained to him of being unable to get accommodation at any of the common lodging houses. He said he was ill and he was conveyed on an ambulance to the Workhouse. Dr C. J. Cooke said he was telephoned for that morning and told that deceased had a fit, but he died before his arrival. The immediate cause being syncope. He suffered from tuberculosis in both lungs and was an epileptic. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Death of CAPTAIN J. WYLIE. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ilfracombe on Captain JAS. WYLIE. The widow said the deceased was a retired army captain, 64 years of age. On Friday morning he played golf and returned to lunch. He enjoyed exceptionally good health. After lunch he asked for a cup of tea and biscuits and complained of feeling sleepy. Shortly afterwards he went to his dressing-room to change his clothes and fell down dead. he was a total abstainer and never had a doctor. Dr G. D. Kettlewell said he was of opinion that death resulted from sudden heart failure, due entirely to natural causes. He thought, perhaps, for a man of his age, the deceased took too much exercise. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

BRAMPFORD SPEKE - Exe River Fatality. A Dangerous Road. - At the Inquest at Brampford Speke, near Exeter, yesterday, on CHARLES ROWSELL, aged 30, a single man, of Broadclyst, (employed as a labourer by Greenslade and Sons, of Poltimore), who, with two horses, was drowned in fording the River Exe at Fortescue Crossing on Wednesday last, Ernest Greenslade, a member of the firm, said they were carrying out a contract with the St. Thomas Rural District Council to load out metalling for spreading the roads at Upton Pyne. On Monday and Tuesday they used the Stafford Bridge to cross the river and a private road, by permission of Mr Hosegood, of Woodrow: but on returning on Tuesday evening they forded the river at Fortescue Crossing, being told it was a nearer way. They were shown the way by Wm. Merryfield, of Rewe. Three horses and carts crossed over, deceased being in charge of one of the carts. They had no difficulty in getting across. Next morning they decided to ford the river again. His brother was in charge of the first cart that entered the water, picking up Merryfield on the bank, the second cart was driven by witness and the last by deceased The carts were empty and close together. The first crossed over apparently without difficulty. Witness's cart, however, was overturned, and he was thrown into the water. He caught hold of a wheel and was carried with the horse and cart about half a mile down the river, being rescued by his brother Fred. The horse was drowned. ROWSELL'S cart was stationary in the river and they were proceeding towards him with the view of assisting him, when his vehicle capsized and was carried down the stream with the horse. ROWSELL was thrown into the water, but instead of catching hold of the cart, he tried to swim away. He floated for a short distance and then disappeared altogether. His horse was drowned as well. The fact of there having been two men in the first cart must account for that vehicle not over-turning. - Wm. Merryfield, road labourer, said although he had crossed over the ford many times before, he had never driven a horse and cart across himself. He experienced no difficulty in crossing over in the first cart on Wednesday; the cart did not float. When he found the last witness's cart had turned over he ran for assistance. He had seen people cross when the water was higher than it was on Wednesday. - PC. Jarvis, of Stoke Canon, said the body was recovered from the river on Saturday morning, about a mile from Fortescue Crossing. - The Coroner said there might have been a slight error of judgment, but no blame appeared to be attached to anyone. Although he was not one that believed in rumours, as a rule, still, rumours had got about that there was not that diligent search that might have been made to recover the body, but he was desired to say by Mr Greenslade, sen., that he was sure that was not so. On the contrary, he had every assistance from the Police and others. That the body was not found before was probably owing to the muddy state of the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" and attached no blame to anyone. - Mr Greenslade thanked all who had rendered assistance in the matter. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the ford was dangerous for strangers to cross.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 February 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - The Torpoint Mystery. An Open Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on MISS BEATRICE MARY SHORT of Abercrombie Cottage, Torpoint, who disappeared from her home on Wednesday last and whose body was found in the water near Pottery Quay, Devonport, on Monday morning. - MR WILLIAM EDWARD SHORT, a retired master, Royal William Victualling Yard, said the deceased, his daughter, was a single woman, aged 33 years. He last saw her alive about 4.30 on the afternoon of Wednesday last, when she was tidying herself. About ten minutes later, he found she had let the house. She never returned. Deceased had been under medical treatment during the past few weeks for depression. She had recently, however, seemed in her usual spirits, and appeared bright and happy. He could assign no reason why she should have left her home. The home was a perfectly happy one, with no troubles of any sort. She had never threatened to take her life and he did not think she was drawn that way. Directly he discovered that she had left the house he searched the grounds, but without success. He then rushed down to the ferry, but it had left. By the next ferry he crossed over to Devonport and waited on the pontoon. He could only surmise that his daughter was blown overboard from the pontoon at Pottery Quay in the heavy gale that was raging at the time. - Sister Ellen Hope of St. Peter's Mission House, Plymouth, stated that about 6.30 on Wednesday evening a young lady came to the Mission House and gave the name of BEATRICE SHORT. She said she had ran away from home because she was not happy there. She further stated that she could do nothing properly, and wanted to go out and learn to do things rightly. Witness though she looked very weak and ill and told her son. She replied, "that's what they say at home, but I am quite well." The Sisters wished her to stay at the Mission House for the night, but she would not hear of it, and said she must go home as her mother would be looking for her. Witness thereupon said she would accompany her, but this the girl refused, and when witness insisted in walking with her, she attempted to get away by walking faster. She eventually saw her into the Devonport car at Millbridge and left the girl on her promising to write to her. She appeared very much depressed, but showed no signs of religious mania. - Robert J. Binmore, conductor, Devonport and District Tramway Company, said deceased left his tramcar by the Public Hall, Devonport, about 7.20 on Wednesday evening. She seemed very undecided what to do and did not get out for some time. When he spoke to the driver about her behaviour, she suddenly got up and left. Within a minute she re-entered the car, but left again just after; he did not see her again. - P.C. James Wyatt, Metropolitan Water Police, said whilst on duty at Northcorner, about 7.30 on Wednesday evening last, he saw a young woman walking up and down the pontoon, apparently waiting for a ferry-boat. She suddenly went very near the edge of the pontoon and it being a very rough night, he warned her. She replied "All right, I shan't fall," and thereupon she went and sat down on the seat. She then asked witness what time the Torpoint ferry would arrive. He told her, and shortly afterwards she crossed the pontoon and proceeded up Cornwall-street. - William J. Bunker, of Pomphlett, engaged on a Dockyard dredger, stated that he was in a boat near Pottery Quay about 8 o'clock on Monday morning, when he caught sight of a portion of a woman's dress under the lip. He looked further and found that a body of a young lady was under the slip. He called for assistance and recovered the body. - Dr Roberts who had made a post-mortem, examination, said deceased had been dead about a week and he attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce), in summing up, expressed the sympathy of himself and the Jury with the relatives and thanked Sister Ellen for her assistance to the deceased, and her kind offer to allow her to stay the night at the mission house. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 February 1907
TOPSHAM - A verdict of "Death from Heart Disease" was returned at the Inquest on WILLIAM FELLOWS, aged 69, fisherman, who died suddenly at Topsham on Tuesday.

NEWTON POPPLEFORD - The East Devon Tragedy. A Blacksmith's Suicide. - An Inquest was held yesterday on WILLIAM PRING, blacksmith, of Newton Poppleford. - Mr W. Welsman, a Juror, asked if it was compulsory for the Jury to view the body. - The coroner said it was a shocking case, but they must all view the body. He hoped the law would soon be altered avoiding the necessity of a view. - Thomas Silk, brother of deceased's wife, said he lodged with them. Deceased had his breakfast on Tuesday morning, and they saw nothing remarkable in his manner. After breakfast deceased went out, and soon afterwards witness heard the report of a gun. Then he heard Mrs Stone say "He's dead." He at once went to fetch P.C. Pook. Deceased had five children, the eldest 11 years of age. He did not know that any special matter was troubling the deceased. - Lucy Stone, wife of Alfred Stone, labourer, Newton Poppleford, said during the last six weeks she had been looking after the deceased's wife and children, as MRS PRING had been ill since her baby was born, six weeks ago. Deceased always seemed in the best of spirits. He ate a good breakfast. About 10 or 15 minutes after deceased went out she heard a report. As smoke was coming from the door of the smithy she looked in and saw the body on the ground. - Mrs Thomasine Welsman said she was the first to go into the smithy and she said "MR PRING, what have you done?" She then looked down and saw the head was off the body. She had known deceased 18 years, and did not think he had been quite so bright as usual lately, owing to his wife's illness. An action in the County Court had also gone against him. He was a quiet, sober man, and a good husband and father. - Edward Stuart, blacksmith, Harpford, said he worked for deceased occasionally, and had seen the barrel produced. It was that of an old single-barrelled muzzle-loading gun and had been lying about in the shop with the old iron for two or three years. Deceased was in the habit of doing repairs to the locks &c., of guns and there were several other gun barrels in the shop. - In answer to Mr W. F. Thomas, who represented deceased's family, witness said deceased might have been using the barrel to work on as old iron, and it might have been loaded for years. - P.C. Pook said deceased was on his right side, in a partly sitting position and it appeared as if he had stood at the fire blowing the bellows when the report occurred. The barrel was standing out of the fire at an angle of about 45 degrees and was red-hot. He produced letters found on deceased. - Supt. de Schmidt said they referred to a County Court action, in which deceased was the plaintiff. Nothing had been found to show that deceased intended to commit suicide. - In reply to a Juror, he said he did not think a blacksmith would put a barrel into the fire at such an angle for repairing purposes. - Dr Fielding, of Ottery St. Mary, said deceased's skull and eyes were blown away, but three fragments of the back of the skull were left. Death must have been instantaneous. He saw no shot marks either on the body or anywhere around, and there were no traces of any foreign substance on the remains. If the head was quite close to the barrel the charge might have been one of gunpowder alone. - Mr Thomas said the deceased was a client of his and had two months ago had an action brought against him by an Exeter firm of ironmongers for about £7, due from his late uncle, Mr Broom, to whose business he succeeded. Judgment was given against him. Since then they had been seeking to recover the amount from a daughter of Mr Broom's, who had given them an indemnity against any claims on the estate of her late father, and the case was to have come before the Exeter County Court on Wednesday next. He saw deceased on Saturday last and he was then in his usual spirits and there was every reason to anticipate a successful result in the case in which he was interested. - The Coroner (Mr Cox), in summing up, said the position in which the gun was found must strike anyone as remarkable. It had been suggested that the deceased might have been repairing the gun, or was about to use it for some other purpose. If there was any doubt in their minds they could return an open verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Friday 1 March 1907
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY JANE FARLEY, aged 55, of Baring-street, who in Sussex-place was seized with a fit on Wednesday evening, and died soon after, Dr Pethybridge attributed death to haemorrhage.

PLYMOUTH - Saltash Young Woman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns opened an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FLORENCE MARY WEALE, aged 22, of Brookdown-terrace, St Stephen's-by-Saltash. - ROBERT WEALE, father of deceased, said she was an assistant at Messrs. Risdon's restaurant, Plymouth, and of a cheerful disposition. She was in her usual health when she left home on Wednesday morning. - Mabel Hobling, an assistant at Risdon's, said deceased was taken ill at about 8.50 a.m. on Wednesday and just before 10 a.m. Dr Parsloe was dent for. He ordered her removal to bed. About 8 p.m. Dr Parsloe was telephoned for again. Deceased died soon after his arrival. Dr Parsloe said he had not yet satisfied himself as to the cause of death, and the Inquest was adjourned until Monday. The Coroner commented on the sad nature of the case, and a vote of sympathy was accorded the parents of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Fatal Immersion. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on SARAH JANE FORD, aged 69, of Havelock-place. Elizabeth Finch, daughter of deceased, said her mother went into Exeter-street to make some purchases on the 15th inst., and she next saw her alive on the ground on the quay. She was near sighted and weak in her head. - William J. Osborne, labourer, Vauxhall-street, said he was on the Sutton Wharf on the 15th inst., and heard a lad shout "Woman overboard." Taking off his coat he jumped into the water, and brought deceased ashore. - Dr Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased regained consciousness, but gave no account of her experience. Death was due to pneumonia and heart failure, the result of her immersion. - The Coroner remarked that there was no evidence to show how deceased entered the water and a verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence, Osborne being commended for his action.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 March 1907
KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Fatality. Death From Lockjaw. - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge yesterday on JOHN I. DIMOND, a labourer. Mr R. N. Prettyjohn watched the case on behalf of Dr C. E. Durrant. - SUSANNAH DIMOND, the widow, residing at Dodbrooke, said her husband was 32 years of age. On February 14th he returned from work and told her that while loading manure he had broken the stick of a prong, and a splinter had entered the thumb of the right hand. She bound it up and put n some "drawing" ointment. About a week afterwards he had a pain in the back, and felt stiff all over. The hand was healing and was clean up to February 21st. He called in Dr C. E. Durrant on the following day. The next day his mother called in Dr W. T. Webb, who attended him until his death. - W. Whitting, haulier, deceased's employer, said DIMOND by his orders drew manure to a field at Sorley Farm, using a crooked prong to unload it. DIMOND showed him his thumb at night, saying the wound was caused by the stick breaking, a splinter running into his thumb. - Dr W. T. Webb said he saw deceased on Saturday morning, February 23rd, when he was suffering from acute pain in his muscles and a fixed jaw. Next day he found he was suffering from tetanus. The only wound was inside his thumb and was practically healed. The spasms became less, but he died of failure of heart on February 27th, the result of lockjaw. - At the suggestion of the Jury, Dr. C. E. Durrant was called. He said he found DIMOND had pains in his back, and was unable to put out his tongue far. A wound on the thumb was quite healed. He saw him twice and found he was suffering from tetanus, and prescribed for him. Next morning he received a note telling him not to come again as other advice was preferred. He thanked the Coroner for giving him the opportunity of making this explanation. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Lockjaw.

OTTERY ST. MARY - Ottery St. Mary Fatality. Coroner's Inquiry. - Mr Coroner C. E. Cox held an Inquest at Ottery St. Mary yesterday on JOSEPH HENRY RETTER, landlord of the Fairmile Inn, who was killed on the road near Gosford Farm, Ottery St. Mary, on Thursday. Mr E. Carneli was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS FRANCES RETTER, widow, said her husband was 29 years of age. - MR JOHN RETTER, of Four Elms Farm, near Ottery St Mary, said deceased, his nephew, left his farm just after 12 o'clock on Thursday. Deceased had had the horse he was driving seven or eight years and witness did not think he was particularly afraid of motor cars. - Mr Henry marks of Gosford Farm, said about 12.30 on Thursday, a motor car, which was driven at a slow pace, passed his farm going in the direction of Ottery, and he heard the horn blow just afterwards. A minute or two later the chauffeur came back and asked for help, saying that an accident had happened about 150 yards from the house. Witness found the deceased lying against the hedge behind the cart, and the horse and cart in the ditch. he asked witness to take him home. They tried to give him some brandy, but he soon lost consciousness and died in 12 or 15 minutes before Mr Waterfall, the owner of the car, had returned with the doctor. The car was just opposite the cart when witness first came up, and there was room for another cart to pass between the two vehicles. - Mr Gilbert C. Waterfall, of Sheffield, said he was living for a short time at Sidmouth. He had driven motor cars since 1904. He was driving from Honiton to Ottery, by way of Patteson's Cross, on Thursday accompanied by his sister and a chauffeur, and was proceeding at a rate of 12 miles an hour, according to the indicator. On rounding a corner he saw a horse and cart coming towards him, about 50 yards ahead, and he blew the horn. Seeing the horse was restive he pulled up immediately. The deceased jumped off the cart and ran to the horse's head. He appeared to gather the reins in his hand, and then gave the horse a stroke with the whip, the horse and cart being then in the middle of the road. The horse started forward, deceased hanging to the reins until he got against the bank on the near side and witness was under the impression that the wheel pinned deceased against the hedge or the telegraph post. witness stopped his engine, which was not a noisy one, and went to the horse's head. Deceased pulled himself out from under the cart and leaned against the bank, and asked witness's sister to lift the child out of the cart, the chauffeur having meanwhile gone for assistance. When help arrived witness drove the car to Ottery St. Mary and returned with Dr Reynolds, but by the time they arrived back life was extinct. Deceased was only sensible for a minute or two and then collapsed. - Dr Reynolds of Ottery St. Mary, said he found RETTER dead. The right side of the chest had been crushed in, and three or four ribs broken. The lung and liver were probably ruptured and from an examination of the place he thought the injuries were done by deceased being pressed against the hedge by the wheel before it came into contact with the telegraph post. - Police-Sergeant Hart said the road was 30 feet in width at the spot, the metalled portion being about 16 feet wide. - The Coroner said it did not appear that the car was being driven at an excessive speed, and he did not think any blame could be attributed to the driver, as when the car was stopped the horse and cart were some distance in front, and Mr Waterfall had done what he could. The circumstances showed how necessary it was that drivers of motor cars should take every possible care. He expressed the deep sympathy of himself and the Jury with the widow in her most grievous loss. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the motor car from all blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 March 1907
PLYMOUTH - Saltash Woman's Death. Inquest At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, at Plymouth yesterday, resumed the Inquest on FLORENCE MARY WEALE, aged 24, of Brookdown Terrace, St Stephen's-by-Saltash, an assistant at the shop of R. Risdon and Sons, confectioners, Plymouth. The evidence given at the opening of the Inquiry showed that deceased was taken unwell in the shop on Wednesday morning last, and died in the evening. Dr Parsloe now stated that he had satisfied himself that death was due to gastro-enteritis. - The Coroner remarked that the result was very satisfactory, as it had been anticipated that an examination would reveal traces of poisoning. Dr C. E. Dean, borough analyst, had examined the contents of the stomach and applied the tests for arsenic, and copper, without finding any traces of them. He had been informed that purgatives had been administered and that deceased vomited, but even in that case, arsenical poisoning would have been readily detected. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

RATTERY - Rattery Widow's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Rattery, near Brent yesterday on MRS MARGARET ROPER, a widow, 80 years of age, found hanging in her bedroom on Saturday evening. She suffered severely from rheumatism and was almost totally deaf. A letter left by deceased at first gave an impression that she had not been well looked after, but careful investigation by the Coroner revealed no grounds for the statement, hence it was assumed that the unfortunate old lady had been wandering in her mind. - MRS ROSE HARRIS, the daughter of deceased, assured the Jury that everything had been made comfortable for her mother. - Dr Williams said he had frequently attended the deceased, and had visited her only a week before. He was perfectly satisfied that Mrs Harris had not lacked in making her mother comfortable. The old lady was always looking clean and happy, but her pains and deafness would to some extent account for such an action. - Mr George Harris, son-in-law of the deceased, stated that he returned from Ashburton about 7.30 p.m. on Saturday and found deceased's bedroom door fastened on the inside. He forced it, and found her hanging to the bedpost by a handkerchief. - The Jury (Mr John Wakeham, Foreman) returned the verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on RICHARD HENRY BERTH, aged seven months, it's mother, ELLEN BERTH, of Stanley-street, stated that she woke up on Friday morning and found the child dead. Dr McElwaine attributed death to suffocation. A verdict that the child was Accidentally Suffocated whilst in bed with its mother was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 March 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Bovey Tracey Accident. Two Years With A Broken Spine. - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot last evening on FRANCIS J. CURTIS, 31, a grocer's porter, formerly in the employ of Mr Peters, Bovey Tracey, Dr. J. J. Scrase stated that on January 3rd, 1905, at the Hospital he found deceased suffering from a broken spine and the spinal cord crushed. There was also a fracture of the breastbone and a wound on the lower part of the spine. Deceased told him that he was sitting on the side of the trap he was driving from Brimley to Bovey. It was very dark, and he heard a sound as though the wheel struck the hedge or the stones at the side of the road. He felt a shock and became unconscious, remembering nothing more until he found himself lying in the road. Witness treated deceased at the Hospital for some months and he was then removed to the Workhouse Infirmary as an incurable case. He was paralysed below the waist, but above all his organs were healthy and did their usual work. Deceased, who died on Saturday, lived more than two years after the accident. The Inquest was adjourned to Monday next, that the Police may obtain evidence as to the accident.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 March 1907
PLYMPTON - The Plym Bridge Fatality. A Pathetic Letter. - The Inquest on JOHN PRITCHARD, a retired colour-sergeant of the Royal Marines, was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at Plympton yesterday. Chief Inspector Scantlebury represented the Great Western Railway Company. - MRS ANNIE PRITCHARD, residing at 19 Clarence-place, Stonehouse, said the deceased, her husband, was aged 50 years. She last saw him on Monday afternoon about four o'clock, when he said he was going for a walk. Deceased had of late appeared depressed, but, as far as she knew, there was no reason for this depression. - The Coroner: You were on happy terms? - Yes, and had always been so. - The Coroner produced a letter written in pencil, the witness identifying deceased's signature. The letter read:- "Dear Fowler, - will you kindly help my poor wife, God bless her, through the troubled water she will have to pass? Put her affairs right for me. Oh! it is awful to write this. I am feeling, oh, dear me, awful. It is my poor dear wife, the best that was ever born. Oh, help her through her troubles, and see her settled somewhere and oblige me. - J. PRITCHARD. - I don't know what has come over me. I have done nothing but dream, but it will soon be over. Don't forget my dear wife. Help her through; God bless her. I hope to meet her above." - The Foreman of the Jury: Was deceased very sensitive? - Yes. - A Juror: Did deceased ever have a sunstroke? - No. - David Fowler, retired colour-sergeant, R.M.L.I., said he had known deceased for the past fifteen years. He had a very honourable career, and extremely creditable to himself. Deceased was W.M. of the Metham Freemason Lodge (1205), Stonehouse and also a prominent Oddfellow. He had observed nothing in deceased's manner of late t lead him to anticipate that he would take his life. On Friday last deceased told witness he had a cold which he could not shake off. He seemed out of spirits somewhat, and left before the business of the committee meeting had been got through, an unusual course for deceased. - Charles A. Masterman, porter, Marsh Mills, said on Monday evening about 9 o'clock he received instructions to examine the line between Marsh Mills and Bickleigh. He found the body about 250 yards on the Marsh Mills side of Plym Bridge. The trunk was curled up in the middle of the permanent way. - Inspector Scantlebury, replying to the Coroner, said the track was examined the first thing in the morning. - The witness Masterman said four trains passed the spot where the deceased was found after five o'clock. - The Coroner considered it would have been better if witness had removed the body from the permanent way to the boundary. - A Juror: Is it usual for a single man to search the line? - Inspector Scantlebury said Masterman was the only man on duty at Marsh Mills. - The Coroner: There is nothing in that; a search was made as soon as possible. - Inspector Scantlebury said messages were sent to every station between Marsh Mills and Launceston to search the line. - Masterman, answering Inspector Scantlebury, said the body was so mutilated that no train passing over it could touch it. Portions of the body were found 80 yards away. - William Groves, engine driver, said he drove the train which left Launceston for Plymouth at 6.20 p.m. He noticed nothing on the way which would show that deceased had been knocked down by it. Witness examined the engine on reaching Plymouth and found pieces of flesh underneath the front part. He noticed no jerk while he was travelling and he concluded that the deceased either sat, laid down, or knelt on the rail. - P.C. Lyle said the face was 90 yards away from the trunk and lying clear of the metals. A walking stick was found between the metals close by. The letter referred to was found in deceased's overcoat pocket. - The Coroner, summing up, said they must all feel deeply touched at such a shocking case. Deceased appeared to have enjoyed an honourable career and had been held in the highest esteem by his fellows. their sympathies would go out to the widow in her sad bereavement. In face of the letter which deceased had addressed to Mr Fowler, there could be little doubt that the case was one of suicide, but the poor fellow must have been of unsound mind at the time to commit such an act. As far as they could see, there was an entire absence of reason for deceased to take his life. Dr Waterfield of Stonehouse, had telephoned to say deceased consulted him a few days prior to the occurrence for a cold and lumbago, and there was no doubt but what deceased was depressed. Dr Waterfield saw deceased as late as between five and six o'clock on Monday evening and advised him to go home. In fairness to the witness Masterman, it should be stated that his explanation for not removing the body was entirely satisfactory. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane". The Jury, through the Foreman, expressed their deepest sympathy with the widow. The funeral will take place at the Plymouth Cemetery on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 March 1907
BRADNINCH - Suicide At Hele. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned yesterday at the Inquest on WILLIAM SLARK , aged 52, blacksmith, employed at Hele Paper Mills, whose body was found in the river near Hele. It was stated that the deceased had been depressed owing to failing eye-sight and money difficulties, but had never been known to threaten his life.

ASHREIGNEY - North Devon Death Trap. Child Drowned In A Well. - At Ashreigney, WILLIAM HENRY BROOKS, the four-year-old son of CHARLES BROOKS, of Bridgereeve, was on Thursday playing outside the house and was afterwards missed. MRS BROOKS was at the time ill in bed, but her sister-in-law later discovered the boy head downwards in a well and apparently dead. The well was only two feet deep and had in it 21 inches of water. Artificial respiration was unsuccessfully tried by Mr Friend. - At the Inquest yesterday, the boy's father said his son had previously fallen into the same well, but was rescued in time. - The Coroner, Mr g. W. F. Brown, described the well as a death-trap, and in returning a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," the Jury requested the Coroner to communicate with the owner of the cottage with a view to having the well filled in.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 March 1907
BERE FERRERS - JOHN ESELBY, aged 66, agricultural labourer, living at Church Cottage, Bere Ferrers, who had been unwell for a few days, and early on Saturday taken worse and died shortly afterwards. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Hill attributed death to syncope.

LAMERTON - ANN AGGETT, aged about 75, wife of ELI AGGETT, pensioner, of Rushford Cottages, Lamerton, was taken ill on Sunday and died almost immediately. She had not been medically attended for nine years, but had recently been troubled with a cold. Dr J. Snowdon Smith of Tavistock, at the Inquest yesterday said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

STOKE DAMEREL - Collier Fireman's Death. Danger Of Open Hatches. - The Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE EDWARD HARRALL, aged 25 years, formerly a fireman of the steamship Nellie Wise. - Mr F. Gard appeared for the widow, who resides at Charlton, Kent. - Daniel McAlister, captain of the Nellie Wise, said he arrived at Devonport on March 3rd, from South Shields. The deceased had been employed on the ship for nearly a year and bore a very good character. On Tuesday evening last, witness returned to the ship at Tamar Wharf, and was told that HARRALL had fallen into an open hatch and been removed to the Hospital. The coaling not having been completed the hatches were left open, but how deceased could have fallen into one he could not understand, as there were about eleven feet between the bulwark and the hatch combings. It was deceased's watch on board and his duty was to attend to the fire below. - By a Juryman: An Act of Parliament provided that hatches should be closed when loading was finished, but it was very inconvenient to cover the hatches on that occasion, because they were being used for stages. - Another Juryman expressed surprise that witness should have given that answer. - James Moy, ate of the Nellie Wise, said on Tuesday evening last, about 9.15 he was informed by one of the men that deceased had fallen into the hold. HARRALL was found lying at the bottom of the hold and was conveyed to the Hospital in an insensible condition. There was only one light on board, that being on the gangway. He considered it sufficient, as each man on board knew where the hatches were situated. In reply to the Coroner, witness said he had been on the ship for eleven years, and it was very rarely the hatches were covered up, unless the hold was empty. - Robert Wilkinson, donkeyman on board the Nellie Wise, said he heard moans proceeding from the hold. He called for assistance and HARRALL was found lying at the bottom of the hold. Witness went down with another man and placed deceased into a position to be hoisted on to the deck. - P.S. Perkins deposed to being called to the ship, and to finding deceased quite unconscious with a severe wound on the back of the his head. - Dr Thompson, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, stated that deceased when admitted about 11 p.m. on March 5th had a lacerated scalp wound, but there was no evidence of a fracture of the skull. He was unconscious until death, and developed paralysis, indicating injury to the brain. He did on Friday evening. A post-mortem examination revealed that deceased had sustained a fracture of the skull on the left side, and a lacerated wound in the brain on the right side. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and recommended that in future a light should be placed close by when the hatches were open and that better protection be provided.

PLYMOUTH - Ship's Steward's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY WILLIAM HOLT, aged 24, assistant ships' steward, R.N. MISS ETHEL HOLT said deceased, her brother, although stationed at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, slept at her house, No. 7 Rowe-street, Plymouth. On Friday evening he went to bed at about 11 p.m. He had previously complained of a headache, but did not seem ill. At 7.30 next morning, on going to call him, she found him lying in bed, apparently asleep. She received no answer and noticed a very strong smell of gas. Soon afterwards she discovered that the gas was escaping from a rubber tube, which had been connected with a gas jet on the wall. the other end of the tube was within a few inches of deceased's mouth. He had told her he expected t be shortly attached to a ship leaving for Sheerness. He did not wish to leave Plymouth. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, nor did she know of any reason for his doing so. - Dr Whitmore said on being called to the house he found deceased dead in bed. A rubber pipe, which had evidently been used for connecting a gas stove with the gas jet, was lying within a short distance of deceased's mouth. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to asphyxiation caused by coal gas. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane". - Mr Peck represented the Admiralty.

KENORA, ONTARIO, CANADA. - Broadhempston Man's Murder. Inquest And Police Proceedings. Assailant Committed For Trial. - Some weeks ago we published brief particulars concerning the alleged murder of MR E. W. ROUTLEY, husband of MRS ROUTLEY, shopkeeper of Broadhemptston, in the Ottawa Hotel, at Kenora, Canada. ROUTLEY left Broadhempston about twelve months ago, proceeded to Canada and was employed on the Grand Trunk Railway at Ottawa. His wife was about to dispose of her business at Broadhempston in order to join her husband; in fact, negotiations were in progress for the disposal of her property and furniture when the terrible news reached her that her husband had been brutally murdered, that the assault was unprovoked, and that the accused, John St. Amaund, had been arrested and would subsequently be tried for the murder. - The Inquest. - The Inquest on MR ROUTLEY was held by Mr Coroner Chapman. Mr Mackenzie, Crown Attorney, watched the proceedings for the Crown, while Mr Draper and Mr Lynch appeared for the accused, St. Amaund. - Evidence of identification was given by Albert Fricker, who had known deceased for some time, having lived with him in the same house. He was a quiet man, and did not drink much. Witness had never known deceased get into a quarrel. - Edward Cabe gave evidence of a similar character, testifying to ROUTLEY'S inoffensive manner and behaviour. - John Stewart, who was sitting in the Ottawa Hotel at the time of the quarrel, said he saw ROUTLEY go downstairs, followed by the accused. ROUTLEY came up and sat on the bench, St Amaund sitting beside him. ROUTLEY had a pipe in his mouth, with his head leaning on his arm as if sleeping. Accused reached over the deceased, took hold of the pipe, and endeavoured to draw it away. ROUTLEY then told Amaund that he was as drunk as he thought he was, and accused prisoner of having tried to go through is (ROUTLEY'S) pockets downstairs. St. Amaund replied, "Could you not take joke?" ROUTLEY then called accused some nasty names. St. Amaund then took off his coat and struck ROUTLEY, knocked him down and afterwards struck some severe blows. When ROUTLEY went to rise accused struck him again, knocked him down and kicked him, but not more than three times. ROUTLEY laid on the floor, and was afterwards picked up by two men and placed on the bench in a sitting position. Dr Laidlaw was sent for, and pronounced the man dead. ROUTLEY did not fight at all; he never struck a blow. Witness considered he was roughly used. Witness summoned another man to interfere, as he was lame himself. Both the men had been drinking. Witness did not notice that ROUTLEY hit the seat when falling. He was struck mostly on the face and head, and kicked on the body and head. The quarrel lasted only about two minutes. Witness considered it was only an ordinary bar-room row at the time. No one interfered at the start, but after ROUTLEY tried to rise two men interfered. The Police were called in after the man was pronounced dead by the medical man. - Dr Laidlaw, who made the post-mortem examination, said there was a bruise over the right eye, but no other contusions. He found a fracture of the skull, about two inches long, over the left temple. The brain was healthy and the fracture had apparently not affected it. It was difficult to tell the immediate cause of death. Shock or concussion, some interference with the action of the brain, which regulated the heart and lungs necessary to keep a man alive, would be the probable cause. The Injury was caused by a blow of some kind. - Peter Apelle gave corroborative evidence as to the quarrel. He added that St. Amaund took off his coat and hit ROUTLEY on the left side of the head and the man dropped to the floor. Witness got hold of St. Amaund and told him to stop. St. Amaund then put on his coat and said, "let us go and have a drink." They all went into the other room and after a while they heard that ROUTLEY was dead. St. Amaund was drunk. - Joseph Dore, clerk at the Ottawa, who was in charge of the hotel at the time, said ROUTLEY started the row. Witness saw St. Amaund hit ROUTLEY and also kick him. ROUTLEY called St. Amaund a foul name and made a spar at him. - Terry Carleton, who was in the room at the time, also gave evidence, and said he did not see anything more than a little scuffle; it was like a school children's row. He saw a man on the floor, but did not know which. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that ROUTLEY died as the result of injuries inflicted by John St. Amaund. - Prisoner Before The Magistrates. - Prisoner subsequently appeared at the Police Court before Magistrate More. Mr Mackenzie conducted the case for the Crown; Mr Lynch appeared for the prisoner. - Accused is described as a man of about 25 years of age, with sharp features. He is of rather a pleasing and intelligent appearance. He seemed to recognise the seriousness of his position and followed the evidence carefully, all the time toying with his cap. - Ernest Whiston said he worked on the G.T.P., about seventeen miles north of Vermillion. He knew ROUTLEY for two months and came in with him and three others on the morning of the trouble. They subsequently went to the Ottawa Hotel. ROUTLEY was putting up at a private house. Witness last saw him alive late in the morning and had four or five drinks with him. Witness did not see the row. ROUTLEY told witness that he had a wife and family in England and that they were coming out in April. - By Mr Lynch: Witness had never seen ROUTLEY drink to excess. - Dr Laidlaw repeated the evidence given before the Coroner. He added that the bruises over the right eye were all the external symptoms. - By Mr Lynch: The position in which he found the patient was not a good one. The best position was to lay flat on his back. There was a possibility that if restoratives had been administered at once after the blow that deceased would have recovered. Witness could not tell how the blow was caused. There was no indication of pressure on the brain. - Mr Lynch, on behalf of St. Amaund, pointed out that no evidence had been submitted to substantiate the charge of murder, as no intent had been shown. If acquittal could not be considered, he asked the magistrate to reduce the charge to one of manslaughter. - Crown-Attorney Mackenzie contended that the magistrate would not be warranted in reducing the charge. That could be safely left to the Jury. - Magistrate More took this view of the case, and committed St. Amaund to take his trial for murder at the next court of competent jurisdiction in June.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on the sudden death of ELIZABETH HUSER, a widow, aged 64, 32 New-street. Robt. W. Bunker, coal porter, said on hearing yesterday morning that deceased had not been noticed to have come downstairs, he broke open her bedroom door and found her lying on the floor, quite dead. Dr Williams attributed death to a ruptured heart. "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on ALICE MAUD DRAKE, aged 19, living at 18 Moon-street. Her mother stated that she was taken ill on Saturday and died shortly afterwards. Deceased had been unwell for some time, but refused to take the medicine ordered for her by a doctor. Dr Aikman said that death was due to syncope. "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest, where Dr Palmer attributed the sudden death of ALFRED CROCKER, aged 48, plasterer, 26 Clifton-street, to fatty degeneration of the heart. Deceased's mother, MARY JANE CROCKER, said on Saturday evening her son ate no tea nor supper. He did not complain of being ill. He died the same evening. "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - At the Workhouse Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on CHAS. HOCKRIDGE, aged 43, labourer, living at 22 Batter-street. Mrs Louisa Spratt, of How-street, said the deceased, her brother, had been ill for some time, but would not complain for fear of being kept from work. She did not know he was at the Workhouse. Mr J. C. Hellings, Master at the Workhouse, said deceased on Friday drove to the Workhouse in a hansom. He did not seem very ill, but was placed in the Infirmary, where he died on Sunday. Dr C. J. Cooke said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on MATTHEW G. S. HORSWELL, aged 70, retired engine-fitter, of John-street. Mrs Elizabeth Mutten, living in the same house, said on Saturday afternoon she saw deceased in the court fall down dead. Dr H. R. Corbett attributed death to a rupture of one of the walls of the heart. "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - The Bovey Tracey Fatality. - At the adjourned Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening on FRANCIS J. CURTIS, who died in the Newton Infirmary, two years and three months after he sustained an accident through which he broke his spine, Wm. J. T. Mardon said where the accident occurred there was a stone in the hedge which had been struck by the wheel. - Percy W. Peters said deceased, who was in his employ, was a steady man, and had driven the horse about a month. When he questioned deceased, he did not seem to know how the accident occurred. The horse's fetlock was cut, but it had not fallen. - Wm. Steer said he stopped the horse, which was trotting down the road towards Bovey, dragging the trap on its side. The Coroner said apparently, it being a very dark night, deceased drove too near the hedge and upset the trap. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 March 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Petty Officer's Death. Fall Into A Lock At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on PETER WILLIAM CREGOE, first class painter of the battleship Ramillies. - P.C. Stanley Gear, Metropolitan Police, said he was on duty on the sea wall at the north end of the Prince of Wales' Basin, shortly after ten o'clock on Sunday evening, when a marine informed him that there was a man in the lock. Witness proceeded to the spot indicated by his informant, but could see no signs of anyone in the water. Shortly after midnight witness saw a body rise to the surface of the water. With the assistance of the searchers, who had commenced to drag, the body was taken out of the water. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but without success and a doctor on arriving, pronounced life extinct. There were no lights immediately around the lock, but a chain extending the whole distance guarded it. - Dr Edwin Folliott, R.N., stated that the cause of death was drowning. - Commander Philip D'Arcy de Sanamares, H.M.S. Ramillies, said he was informed about midnight on Sunday that a man had fallen into the lock, and ordered a search to be made. No sign of anyone having fallen in could be found, and it was his (witness's) opinion that the man disappeared almost immediately after he cried out. On investigating the matter, Private Alfred Oake, R.M.L.I., of the Ramillies, informed him that whilst passing over the caisson, near the Prince of Wales Lock, at the North Yard, he heard a cry for help and a splash. He immediately ran to the spot where he thought it came from. He could not, however, hear or see anything. He then ran to the ship and reported the matter to the quartermaster of the watch. Deceased bore a very good character and possessed three badges and a good conduct medal. - A verdict was returned that deceased was "Accidentally Drowned," the Coroner in summing up, remarking that he had no doubt the deceased met with his death through the unlighted condition of the lock. It was intimated that temporary lights would be erected until the work of installing electricity had been completed.

EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on MARY J. BLACKMORE, aged 54, of Alma-place, Cowick-street, who was found dead in bed by her daughter on Monday morning, Dr Farrant attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 March 1907
PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Bed. - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, on WILLIAM HENRY MADGE, aged 44, journeyman plumber, found dead in bed, Dr J. S. Pearse attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on EMMA FLORENCE DAMERELL, single, aged 38, living at Cathcart-avenue, Prince Rock. ELLEN DAMERELL, her mother, deposed to finding her dead in bed early that morning. Her daughter had previously complained of pains in the heart. Dr Travers Stubbs said deceased's death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by indulgence in alcohol.

BRENTOR - The Brentor Fatality. Inquest At Brentor. - At Brentor, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on JAMES MOOR BATTEN, aged 61, farmer, of Blackdown Gate, Brentor. Chief Inspector W. Scantlebury, Plymouth, and Inspector C. Flewellan, Newton Abbot, represented the G.W.R. Company. - JAMES MOOR BATTEN, jun., said that about 8 a.m. on Tuesday the deceased, his father, left home to go to work at South Brentor Farm. He generally went by road, and witness could not understand why he went across the line on Tuesday. He had suffered a good deal from indigestion, and had been under medical treatment, but had been better of late. - William Graves, driver of the engine of the 7.35 a.m. train from Launceston on Tuesday, said at a spot about a quarter of a mile on the Marytavy side of Brentor Station he noticed something unusual and thought that the engine had struck an object. It was on the curve that he noticed this. He was on the look-out on the right-hand side, but the curve rendered it impossible for him to see any object more than a yard ahead. The deceased was evidently walking near the left rail. He gave warning at Marytavy and examined the engine. Blood and hair were on the footplate of the buffer plank. - The Coroner said they had seen the curve and there was no doubt the driver could not see far from the side of the engine on which the outlook was. - Witness, continuing, said he was travelling at the rate of about 31 miles an hour. His train was just in front of the South-Western train, on the parallel line and the deceased would have to contend with the noise of both trains. - John Mallett, platelayer, Marytavy, said he found the mutilated remains of the deceased on the line just below Brentor Station. Deceased was carried quite 60 yards from where he was first struck by the engine. - The deceased's watch, clothes and other articles, found near his body, were identified by his son, the Coroner saying it was necessary to identify the body in that way, as there were no features left. There was no evidence as to how the deceased got on the line, or his motive for being there. The engine driver was evidently properly on the look-out at the time. - The Coroner directed the Jury to return an open verdict that the deceased. whilst trespassing on the line, was knocked down and killed by a passing train. - The Jury (Mr J. Gerry, Foreman) returned a verdict accordingly and expressed their sympathy with the widow and family, the Coroner concurring.

PLYMOUTH - Crimean Veteran's Death. - THOMAS BOWDEN, a Crimean veteran, of 54 Alvington-street, Plymouth, died on Tuesday, aged 92. Deceased held the Sebastopol and Balaclava medals and four bars. he was at the fall of Sebastopol and witnessed the famous charge of the Six Hundred. He was fond of talking of his Crimean experiences and especially of the charge at Balaclava. Deceased was a native of Meavy and belonged to the R.M.L.I., retiring from the service about fifty years ago. The funeral which will be of a private character, takes place at the Plymouth Cemetery on Sunday. At the Inquest yesterday, MRS GRACE FOX, his daughter, said on February 18th her father went for a walk and on returning home, while ascending the steps, he became light-headed and fell against the rails. Dr Wilkinson said deceased suffered from a contused chest and death was due to shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 March 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At Devonport Dockyard. Crushed By A Buoy. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on PHILIP EDWARD JOHNS, skilled labourer, at Devonport Dockyard and living at No. 4 Ocean-street, who died as the result of injuries received at Devonport dockyard the previous day. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith (Devonport) represented the Admiralty, and Staff-Captain Clifford Bawden, of H.M. Dockyard, was also present. - William George Masters, able seaman, said about 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday he was coming out of the buoy-house on the anchor wharf at the Dockyard, and noticed a buoy in the act of rolling. He heard someone shout "Oh!" and then saw that the deceased had been caught under the rolling buoy, which had been brought up by another alongside. Witness called for assistance and the deceased was extricated. He was unconscious and bleeding from the head, nose and ears. The buoy was kept in position by two pieces of wood, and was also shored up. - Mark Searle, shipwright, said the buoy had been in the position described by the previous witness for about three weeks, and had been under repair for ten days. During the past three days a patch had been put on, the work being finished on Wednesday. The buoy was in two compartments, the compartment which struck the deceased had been filled and that in witness's opinion caused the tilting of the buoy. During work on the buoy, it was necessary for one of the workmen to be inside. - Surgeon R. L. Jones, R.N. Hospital, gave evidence as to the deceased being admitted on Wednesday morning, suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull, from which injury he died. - The Inquest was adjourned until Monday at noon, for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories and Workshops.

STOKE DAMEREL - Seaman Drowned At Devonport. Boat's Crew Commended. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport North Yard yesterday on SAMUEL POTTER (21), able seaman, of the mechanician's establishment Indus II. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared for the Admiralty. - George Edwin Coappee, ship's corporal, H.M.S. Indus, identified the deceased by his clothing. POTTER was a single man, and a native of Chudleigh. - William Widger, petty officer 1st class, R.N. Barracks, said he was the coxswain of the guardboat on January 19th, of which the deceased was one of the crew. Shortly after the boat had been moored alongside the Indus, at 4 a.m., witness was on the staging attending to the boat aft, when he heard a yell and a splash. Witness shouted out, "Man overboard," and ordered a seaman on the boat to throw the lifebuoy over the side. Almost immediately, the quarter-master of the Indus lowered another lifebuoy, and a skiff lying alongside was manned. A thorough search followed, but no trace of POTTER could be found. At daylight dragging was carried on, but without success. Witness could only suggest that the deceased attempted to jump from the bows of the boat to the staging, and in doing so missed his footing If this was so the suction would be so great that however good a swimmer, a man would be drawn beneath the staging before he could recover himself. - Michael Donovan, able seaman, said he was in the guard boat when it was moored alongside the Indus. He was standing on the forecastle with POTTER and reported to the coxswain that the boat had been made fast in that part. After doing this witness went below and left the deceased by himself on the forecastle. When he again came to the deck, he was informed that POTTER was missing. - Sidney Charles Moyse, able seaman, deposed t finding the body under the pier at Bull Point about 7.30 a.m. the previous morning. - P.C. Robinson, Metropolitan Police, assisted in towing the body to the landing stage. - Dr Folliott, R.N., said he had made a superficial examination of the body, which was in a very decomposed state. There were no marks of violence and he was of opinion that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner remarked that the account of the accident given by the coxswain was probably the correct one. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned, the Jury commending the boat's crew for their quick action, and expressing sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 March 1907
BRADNINCH - A Bradninch Mystery. - At an Inquest held at Bradninch, last evening, on ROBERT MANNING FRANKPITT, whose body was recovered on Thursday from the River Culm, the Jury returned an Open Verdict. The deceased, 58 years of age, was at one time a farmer, but recently had worked as a labourer. He had not been heard of since the 30th January last, when he called at the Merry Harriers, some distance from Bradninch. He left there at nine o'clock in the evening, remarking to the landlady that he was not going far that night. Exactly a week previously the body of a Bradninch blacksmith was found in the same river.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Cab Proprietor's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth, on EMMANUEL SLEEP, aged 68, cab proprietor, North-street, Plymouth. - Lucy Gosling, married, residing in the same house, stated that on February 6th, deceased was going upstairs when he fell back, striking his head and bruising his back. Though deceased's health was affected, he had not had to keep to his bed. Deceased, who was under Dr Wagner's care, died on Thursday. - Dr Wagner attributed death to an ulcerated liver accelerated by the accidental injuries received on February 6th. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

EXETER - Death From A Scratch. Inquest At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on ETHEL GREGORY, aged 13, JOHN GREGORY, farm labourer, Broadclyst, said deceased, his daughter, went picking primroses on Tuesday week, and on her return said she had fallen off a hedge and had a slight scratch on her knee. On the following Thursday, the scratch became much worse, and a doctor ordered her removal to the Hospital. - Dr Hawkins, House Physician, said the girl was admitted on Monday, and an operation was performed on Wednesday. Death was due to blood poisoning, caused by an injury to her knee. The injury must have been on the inner side of the knee and set up inflammation of the bone, the poison spreading all over the system. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed condolence with the family.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 March 1907
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Witnesses Censured: Chemists And Prescriptions. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on ALBERT H. WELSMAN, aged two months, the mother, living apart from her husband in Cheeke-street, spoke of having put the child out to the care of a Mrs Smith and Mrs Chamberlain. It died suddenly on Sunday. - Dr Mark Farrant said it died of inflammation of the lungs and had been obviously very ill for days. - The Coroner said evidently there had been gross neglect and although the evidence might not justify a verdict of manslaughter, he hoped the Police would bring the case before other authorities. It was absurd to say the parties did not know there was anything the matter with the child. - The Jury expressed a wish to hear Mr Botting, chemist, St. Sidwell's, to whom Mrs Chamberlain took the child on Thursday last. He was sent for, but it was ascertained that Mrs Chamberlain was served by an assistant named Gibson. - Mrs Chamberlain said the assistant let her have medicine, which was to be given to the child in drops. - The Coroner: Is he a qualified man? - Mr Botting: Not by examination, but he has had plenty of experience. - The Coroner: That is not the point. - Mr Botting: My assistant, as I gather, did not prescribe at all. He simply gave what he was asked for. - The Coroner: As I understand it, he told the woman there was nothing to be alarmed at. - Mrs Chamberlain: I asked him if he would give the child something for a cough, as it was tight on its chest, and he gave me twopennyworth of stuff in a bottle. - The Jury said they did not think it was necessary to call the assistant, as it did not appear to be a case of prescribing. - The Coroner: Excuse me gentlemen, that is what it is. - Mr Botting: But I was present at the time. - The Coroner: That might be, but he has no right to prescribe anything. - Mr Botting explained that the woman was simply served in the ordinary way as a customer would be who came in and asked for a mixture for a cough. - The Coroner considered it advisable to send for the assistant, Mr C. F. Gibson, who said he believed he supplied the woman with two-pennyworth of ipecachuana wine. He did not tell the woman there was nothing to be alarmed at in regard to the child. He admitted telling her to give the child three drops every four hours. - By the Jury: He served what he was asked to serve. - The Coroner: You are not a qualified chemist, are you? - No, sir. - The Coroner: This is a case in which the child must have been very ill, and if these women were not misled, they were very much to blame. - Mrs Chamberlain adhered to her statement that the witness told her she need not be alarmed. - The witness persisted in his denial. - The Coroner: Did you think it was anything to be alarmed at? - I did not take particular notice of the child. - Pressed by the Coroner, witness said he would not swear that he did not say there was nothing to be alarmed at; he would not swear that he did say it. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the mother and Mrs Smith were to blame, but that Mrs Chamberlain appeared to have taken more care of the child since it came into her charge. They added this to their verdict, that the child died from "Natural Causes." - The Coroner censured the mother and Mrs Smith, and said it was very fortunate for them that the Jury had taken the lenient view they had. Addressing the mother, the Coroner said: I have a very shrewd suspicion that if this child had been the child of your husband, and you were living with your husband, that child would have had greater care than this poor little child has had.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns (Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth mortuary yesterday on GEORGE K. SOUTHERN, aged 47. Florrie Pook, widow, of 46 Mount-street, said the deceased, her uncle, when he left home at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, was not under the influence of drink and was not subject to fits or faintness. Francis Beresford said he was engaged with deceased in shifting sand from a vessel at Sutton Pool on Saturday afternoon, and deceased suddenly fell on his head over the side. Dr R. Clarke said death was due to a broken neck, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr G. S. Taylor, H.M. Inspector of factories was present.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 March 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - At Stonehouse yesterday Mr R. Rodd held an Inquest on the nine-months-old child of WILLIAM G. TEMPLEMAN, a postman, Union-street. MRS TEMPLEMAN said on Monday the child had a fit of coughing and she removed it from the cradle. It turned black in the face and died in her arms. Dr W. H. Waterfield, as the result of a post-mortem examination, said the child was suffocated by phlegm in the windpipe.

SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Tragedy. Suicide Of A Farmer's Wife. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at Combe Farm, Swymbridge, near Barnstaple, on ANNIE DUNN, 31, wife of ERNEST DUNN, farmer, who died under extremely sad circumstances the previous evening. - Evidence was given by the husband that deceased had for some time been depressed, and on Friday week last went to Heanton Court to stay with witness's father. She was a little better on Sunday and returned to Swymbridge on the Monday about 3 o'clock. Witness noticed nothing different in her, but she was troubled. Then just before six he saw his wife was very ill and sick, but at the time his suspicions were not aroused. Three-quarters of an hour later, however, he suspected something by the smell and asked deceased if she had taken anything, and her reply was that "She expected she had." Her father came in then and witness went to Barnstaple for the doctor. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said the day before she went to Heanton his wife said she had attempted to take her life. A packet containing about 2oz. of arsenic was produced and this witness said he had bought to kill rats. He kept it in a cupboard, which was usually locked, but some time ago his wife said mice were getting into the cupboard and asked him to leave it open that she might catch them. He neglected to lock it again. - Deceased's father, MR WM. IRWIN, of Swymbridge, said when MR DUNN went for the doctor deceased said she had taken rat poison because she had been low and had got behind with things, and they would never get forward again. She had recently had influenza. Two cousins brought her back to Swymbridge from Heanton, and stopped to tea, and witness believed this happened within five minutes of their leaving. She had only been strange for about a fortnight. - Dr W. Cooper (Barnstaple) said when he arrived the deceased was able to show him how much arsenic she had taken: which would appear to have been two or three tablespoons. She took it in a glass of water, and there was a teaspoon of sediment left in the glass. He applied remedies, but she slowly sank and died from the poison. Witness had attended her for the last ten days for depression and delusions, the delusion being that the home was dirty, that she was behind with her work, and would never be able to pick it up again. She was perfectly sensible, however, after she had taken the poison, and said she did not want to die. Her people had instructions not to leave her by herself, and this appeared to have happened just as they were saying good-bye and their backs were turned for a moment. The supposed former attempted suicide was only a feeble scratch with a razor, and not a determined attempt. - The Coroner described the case as a very sad one. Evidently deceased suffered from delusions, and it would appear she took enough arsenic to kill nearly fifty people. - The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and concurred with the Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 March 1907
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on MARIA WILLS, aged 80, widow. Mary Ann Lewis, wife of Jas. Lewis, pensioner, R.N., Lymington-terrace, Mutley, said after the deceased, her mother on December 9th, had gone to bed she heard a noise Going into her room she found her face downwards on the floor. Deceased said she had fallen, but had not hurt herself. Dr E. B. Thomson said on December 10th he found that the deceased had sustained extensive bruises on the left arm and side. She died on Wednesday from shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 March 1907
TOTNES - Shot By His Friend. Sad Accident Near Totnes. - On Saturday evening Mr S. Hacker, Coroner held an Inquest at Morley Parks Farm, midway between Totnes and Kingsbridge, on WILLIAM EDMONDS OLDREIVE, farmer, who died on Friday evening under very distressing circumstances, leaving a widow and four young children. Supt. W. Jeffery was present on behalf of the Police. - The Coroner was half an hour late and he explained that in the ordinary course the Inquest would have taken place on Monday, but being informed of the rapid decomposition of the body, he had put himself to great inconvenience and had ridden 25 miles, so that the Inquest might take place that evening. He was holding an Inquest in Torquay that afternoon, and the only way to get to the farm was to ride. - MRS ANNE OLDREIVE, the widow, said the deceased was 38 years of age and she saw him on March 15th, before going to Dartmouth market. On her way hone she was informed of the accident, and found him in bed. He was conscious and the doctor had seen him. He said the injury was due to an accident and that it might have been the other way about. On Friday he made a statement: - "Morley Parks, March 22nd, 1907. - This is to certify that I exempt William Trout from all blame as to my accident on March 15th." - Mr Thomas Timewell, one of the Jury, said at the deceased's request he wrote out the statement, which the deceased signed, and he witnessed it. He was quite certain that at the time deceased knew he was dying. - MRS OLDREIVE added that when he knew he could not recover he asked that the statement should be written. Deceased read it over and she saw him sign it. Afterwards he gave instructions concerning his business affairs. - Dr W. T. Webb, of Kingsbridge, stated that he saw the deceased about 2.30 p.m. on March 15th. He had a gunshot wound in the right buttock, about the size of the palm of a man's hand. The shock appeared to have been small, but he complained of cramp. There was shot in the wound, which was several inches deep, and clothing had been driven into it. Most of it was abstracted and he went on well until Friday, when acute spreading gangrene set in. Witness saw him on Friday afternoon with Dr Lucy, of Plymouth, but he had so collapsed that nothing could be done for him. The gangrene was due to poison introduced into the wound, probably from the deceased's farmyard trousers. He did on Friday evening. Death was due to blood poisoning. The first time witness saw the deceased he told him that he was stooping down, when Mr Trout's gun accidentally went off and hit him. - Mr William Trout, evangelistic preacher, residing at Stanborough Camp, Halwell, deposed that, on March 15th he saw the deceased there, and suggested they should go rabbiting before dinner. They did so, and on reaching a low bank deceased put in the ferret, telling witness to stand on the hedge. He shot one rabbit and missed another. Then the ferret came out on the top of the hedge and deceased jumped up beside witness. The ferret then came out at the bottom and deceased jumped down and was stooping. Witness turned to jump off on the other side, when the trigger of the gun was caught by a twig of scrubby oak and the gun went off. - The Coroner observed that it was rather inexcusable to have a gun pointing at a man at any time. - Witness: Can you say the gun was pointing at him when he jumped off in front of it? - Deceased was about seven yards from him, and the charge entered his buttock. He did not fall at once, but cried out: "Oh, you have hit me." Witness bound his handkerchief around the wound, and then carried deceased home on his back, undressed him and after bandaging the wound, he fetched the doctor. He assisted to nurse deceased, and was with him when he died. He was not present when the statement was made, and it was not made at his suggestion. It was a very unfortunate occurrence, but they were agreed that it was an accident. He had promised to do all that was possible for the deceased's wife and children. - The Coroner: Your explanation is that you were holding the gun down, not pointing to anything until he jumped down in such a position as to cover him. - Witness: Exactly. Had it gone off while he was on the hedge, it would have been three yards or more from him. - In reply to further questions, witness stated that the gun pulled off at about 3lb. It was all done in an instant. - The Coroner: It would take a good stiff twig to do it. - The gun was produced and the Foreman considered it was quite possible that it could be fired as described, the pressure of a twig being more than an ordinary pull. - The Coroner said deceased had been killed by the unfortunate action of his friend. The statement made by him when dying was evidence of what took place. Mr Trout's explanation of what happened showed the gun was not covering deceased for more than a second or so. Under those circumstances there would appear to be no blame attaching to him. Had he been holding the gun so as to cover the deceased for any length of time it would have been another matter, as no man had the right to do that, and if he did was responsible for the consequence. - A verdict was returned of "Death from Blood Poisoning from a wound caused by the Accidental Discharge of a Gun," and Mr Trout was exonerated from all blame. - At the suggestion of Mr E. P. Jackson (Foreman), a vote of condolence was passed with the widow and family, in which the Coroner joined.

EAST STONEHOUSE - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall on Saturday on WM. ROBERT PRING, aged 29, of 9 Phoenix-place. Deceased, who was invalided out of the R.M.L.I., with rheumatic fever, and had since been employed as foreman of the Plymouth Dairy Company, came home from work on Friday night and complained of being unwell. He became worse during the night, and at 5.30 a.m. on Saturday Dr Waterfield was sent for, but he succumbed before his arrival to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 March 1907
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Pearn Convalescent Home, Compton, yesterday, on JNO. LEE, aged 53, Dockyard labourer, Pembroke-street, Devonport. Deceased was admitted with pulmonary disease into the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, a month ago and removed to the Home on the 15th inst. Last Saturday evening, as he was going up to bed, he fell and died within ten minutes. Dr Aldous said death was immediately due to heart failure and primarily to extensive lung disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - The Betting Evil. A Torquay Butcher's Suicide. - At the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on WILLIAM PARSONS, 27, butcher's assistant, who committed suicide on Saturday, George Melhuish, in the employ of Mr Reed, butcher, said deceased seemed in his usual spirits throughout Saturday. When deceased returned from dinner he said he had had a County Court summons served upon him. Witness told him not to worry about that, and deceased replied "I'd as soon cut my throat as face it." He went out, and later witness missed him. He went to a lavatory at the rear of the market and found PARSONS dead, with a butcher's knife by his side. witness said he had done deceased's round that morning and found that the accounts were several pounds to the bad. - Willoughby E. Reed, in whose employ deceased had been, said he cautioned deceased on the previous Wednesday about allowing men to come to the shop betting. On Saturday morning he also had him in his office, and told him he was sure there was something radically wrong with deceased's accounts, and that he should make inquiries before the day was out. Witness went to several of the customers during the dinner-hour, and found serious defalcations. Indeed he should have had deceased arrested on his return to the shop, but when he arrived there PARSONS was dead. Deceased had handled quite £20 during the week in backing horses or something else, and that was not all. Deceased was not an excessive drinker, but had been betting heavily. - Dr Thomson said the wound was 2 ½ inches deep. P.S. Gregory produced a letter on a rough torn piece of paper, written in deceased's handwriting, as follows:- "There I am. I have done this through one County Court summons. My home address is 21 Melbourne-street, Exeter. Good luck to Amy." - Mr Hill, a Juryman, said the Police should keep a strict eye on bookmakers and their touts. They did a great deal of harm, especially to young men. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide."

TRUSHAM - The Mid-Devon Mystery. Inquest At Trusham. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at Trusham yesterday on a woman, about 50 years of age, supposed to be MISS AGNES VIVIAN, whose body was found in about a foot of water in the River Teign on Friday afternoon. - The Coroner said it would be for the Jury to ascertain absolutely who deceased was, where she came from, and who were her relatives. The Police had not been able to find any relatives, but a telegram had just been received from someone in London, stating that he believed deceased to be his sister. Under these circumstances the Inquiry would have to be adjourned. - William T. Warren, a clerk, Newton Abbot, stated that early on Friday afternoon, by the side of the River Teign, he noticed a black bag lying on the bank, also a lady's jacket, umbrella, and hat. On going close to the bank he saw the body of a woman, face downwards, with her arms crossed, in about a foot of water, the back part of the dress not being covered by the water. - Sidney Wood, Ashton, a ganger, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said on Friday afternoon, as he was going home to dinner, he was called by the last witness, and on going over t him he noticed deceased in the water, and helped to take her out. - William R. Yeo, railway packer, stated that on Friday morning, about eleven o'clock, he saw a woman dressed very similarly to deceased at the back of Teign-road. He was some distance away, but considered the woman was picking flowers. He saw her cross the line and go towards the river. He did not see her afterwards until he saw the body lying on the bank. - Mary Callard, wife of a farmer, of Trusham, said she saw deceased about 10.30 a.m. on Friday in Teign-lane. She was walking very slowly in the direction of the river, and was carrying a hand-bag and umbrella. Deceased spoke to witness, saying "Good morning. Isn't it a lovely morning?" and witness returned the greeting. She saw deceased on the previous Wednesday when she (witness) was going to Newton market. - Henrietta Mro, a French sister at St. Joseph's Convent, Oaklands, Chudleigh, whose evidence was interpreted, stated that she recognised the body as that of AGNES VIVIAN. Deceased had spent nearly a month at Oaklands, coming there in February. When deceased came witness did not know her, never having seen her before. Deceased could speak a little French. She gave no account of herself, and would not in any way refer to herself or her family. She left the convent on March 11th, apparently to fetch luggage, and witness was under the impression that she intended to come back. She did not return, however, until dinner-time on Thursday last, having been away for ten days, and nothing whatever was heard from her during this time. When deceased came back she told witness that she wished to remain there always. Deceased was an excellent needlewoman. On Friday morning witness met deceased in the convent grounds, as she was leaving. She asked deceased where she was going, and she replied; "I don't know, but God is good. Mind and don't follow me." Deceased had often said she was afraid she would have her money taken away from her. She never paid for anything during the time she was at the convent. - Rev. J. Lonergan, chaplain of Syon Abbey, another religious home close to Oaklands, said he had administered Holy Communion to deceased on two or three occasions. He considered she was weak-minded. She told him, before she left, she wanted to go. On Thursday evening she complained of feeling very thirsty and said she had great pains in her head. Witness thought whether it was not probable that, when deceased went for a stroll by the side of the river, she felt thirsty, leaned over to get a drink, and perhaps had a fit and fell into the water. Deceased had always struck him as being a peculiar woman. - Eliza Lang, mother superior at the convent, said she had received a letter of introduction with regard to deceased from the home, Waverley, Torquay, the people there thinking that deceased might be of service at the convent as an interpreter. Deceased several times stated that people were following her for her money and that she was afraid of them. - The Coroner here read the telegram he had received, which read, "Please adjourn Inquest; will be down as soon as possible," and signed "VIVIAN." - P.C. Chapman, of Christow, said in a purse in the bag found there was £1 14s. 6 ½d., and a wedding ring was on one of deceased's fingers. Witness also produced several other articles which had belonged to deceased, and which had been handed to him by the mother superior of the convent, including a brooch, gold watch and chain, and rings; a cheque payable to MISS VIVIAN for £94; some preference shares in the Newcastle-on-Tyne Electric Supply Company; two bank-books and some Government stock papers, one of which was for £97. - Dr Walters, Chudleigh, said there were no external marks on the body. The brain was quite healthy, but the lungs were somewhat affected. He considered that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said it would be only fair to the sender of the telegram - who he surmised was the brother of deceased - to adjourn the Inquest for his attendance, and accordingly he adjourned it until Thursday. It had been intended to bury deceased that (Monday) afternoon, but, after the receipt of the telegram, it would only be right to give the brother an opportunity, if possible, of identifying the body.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 March 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Lad's Death. Impaled On A Spike. - An Inquest was held at Devonport last evening by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on JAMES DAVID BENNETT, aged six, the adopted child of MRS SARAH JANE WILTON, of 144 Pasley-street, Stoke. - Mrs Wilton said deceased was her nephew. On Monday evening he returned from school and asked for permission to go and play. A short time afterwards she received information that the lad had met with an accident, and on hurrying out of the house found him lying on the pavement. - Lily Ellen Mason, 132 Pasley-street, said she was sitting in her dining-room on Monday, when she saw the deceased run across a wall on the opposite side of the street, and then disappear from view. Witness called her servant and sent her to find out what had occurred. - Florence Avery, domestic servant in the employ of the last witness, said she discovered the boy hitched to the gate by a spike, which had entered his side. Witness lifted the lad from his position and found he was bleeding slightly. - P.C. Kelly said he was called to Pasley-street about 5.20 p.m. on Monday. He examined the place and found that the lad had fallen off the inside wall of 129 Pasley-street. On inspecting the wall, he found that the top was about ten feet from the ground and the lad had fallen on a spike on a gate underneath, a distance of about five feet. The lad was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr Thompson, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said when deceased was brought to the Hospital he was dead. He had a punctured wound on the right side, and his clothes in that part were soaked with blood. In addition to the punctured wound, there was an extensive lacerated wound on the base of the right lung. The cause of death was asphyxia and haemorrhage. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury expressed sympathy with Mrs Wilton in her loss and commended Miss Avery for her prompt action.

STOKE DAMEREL - Railway Fatality. Plymouth Electrician's Tragic Death At Devonport. Inquest And Verdict. - The Devonport Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) yesterday held an Inquest at Devonport on WILLIAM JOHN DYMOND, aged 33 years, an electrician, residing at 10 Headland-park, Plymouth, whose death occurred from injuries sustained by being knocked down by a train on the Great Western Railway on Sunday evening. Representing the Railway Company were chief Inspector W. Scantlebury, traffic department, and Inspector G. Flewellen, locomotive department. - JOHN HAWKING DYMOND, 10 Headland-park, Plymouth, father of the deceased, gave evidence of identification and stated that he last saw his son alive about nine o'clock on Sunday morning. Without partaking of any breakfast, he left the house and never returned. Beyond remarking that he was going to Devonport, deceased said nothing. Asked by the Coroner whether to his knowledge deceased had ever threatened to take his life, witness said when he returned home about eight o'clock on Saturday evening he was informed by his grand-daughter that her uncle - the deceased - had gone to bed carrying with him a carving knife. The next morning the knife was found under the bed. Witness never questioned him about his actions at the time. Deceased had been out of work for a long time. He was a married man, living apart from his wife, and this troubled him considerably. Witness knew for a fact that the wife, who was thought to be residing at Ashburton, was living with another man. Deceased had often expressed a wish to see his two children, and his troubles apparently weighed on his mind. He was a fairly steady man and had received a good education. - Samuel Clements, a traveller, 22 Warleigh-avenue, said he had known the deceased for about three years. About 6.30 on Sunday evening, deceased called at his house and remained for about half-an-hour. He appeared to be as usual, and did not seem depressed. In his conversation he said he was not allowed to go home any more, as his father had put up with him for so long that he could not "stick it " any longer. Witness invited him to stay to supper, but he refused, saying that he intended t go to King-street. Witness asked him what he intended to do after that; he replied that he would go in the Union if he could get nothing to do. Witness asked him if he was not disgusted with himself for talking such nonsense, and advised him to go to the Salvation Army and get assistance to go to Canada. He replied that that was all very well, but he ought to be able to remain at home. He left shortly after, telling witness that he would be seeing him again in the morning. - Mary Osborne, 15 Boscawen-place, said she was on the up platform at the Dockyard motor halt about 9.30 on Sunday evening, waiting for the train from Saltash. Witness noticed a train approaching and walked to the Saltash end of the halt. Whilst she was standing there, she saw a man, whom she then supposed was a railway official, leaning against the boundary rails by the Camperdown entrance. The man was standing with his back towards witness. When the train had proceeded about half-way over the viaduct, the man stepped forward and walked along the sleepers directly towards the train. The train had nearly reached the halt, and witness lost sight of the man in the shadow of the locomotive. When it had passed by, witness looked for the man, thinking of the dangerous position he had been in, and saw him lying across the rails. Witness heard him groan, but was so frightened that she rushed down the platform, telling Mr Cole, whom she met, what had occurred and he ran to the spot. questioned by the Coroner, witness said the man must have seen the train approaching, but she did not like to say whether she thought he purposely met with his death. - Henry George Cole, 45 Pasley-street, china merchant, said he was at the Dockyard halt on Sunday evening last awaiting the motor. Whilst he was walking up and down the platform, the last witness rushed towards him after the train had gone and told him that a man was on the line. Witness hurried to the spot indicated and found deceased lying between the metals with his head in the direction of Saltash. Witness called for assistance, and the deceased was removed to the side of the line. He despatched messengers for the doctor and Police. - Lilian Knowles, of 21a. Camperdown-street, Stoke, said she was near the halt shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday, and saw a train approaching. At the same time she noticed a man walking rather sharply towards the train, and the next moment she saw him knocked down by the engine. To all appearances the man did not attempt to get out of the way. - P.C Langdon said he was called to the Dockyard halt, and found deceased being held up by several men. His legs were almost severed above the knee and he had also sustained knocks about the head. Dr Gard arrived and ordered his removal to the Royal Albert Hospital, this being effected on the wheeled ambulance, brought by P.S. Spry and P.C. Bulley. On the engine arriving back at Ford, shortly after 10 p.m. witness examined the wheels and found on the lifeguard in the front pieces of flesh and a spattering of blood. - Dr. G. S. Thompson, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased sustained two lacerated wounds on both legs, and the latter were practically severed above the knees. He was suffering from profound surgical shock and was very white. Witness amputated the legs and dressed the wounds. He died the next morning at 8 o'clock, the cause of the death being shock. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the family in their bereavement and also with Miss Osborne in the fright she received.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Stonehouse on HAROLD BLACKWOOD, the son of PTE. HENRY F. BLACKWOOD, R.M.L.I., 3 Peel-street. - The mother, BESSIE BLACKWOOD, said that on Sunday evening she went to bed at about 10 p.m., taking with her deceased, aged two months and another child, age 2 ½ years. She nursed the infant to sleep twice during the night, and when her husband got up at 7 o'clock the next morning, she found deceased dead. Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to suffocation. - The coroner at the conclusion of the mother's evidence said that it was a great pity that parents would not take warning from similar cases. The whole mischief arose from the parents taking infants to sleep with them. It was a stupid and dangerous practice. He hoped the mother would take warning and that the case would be a warning to others. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 March 1907
TRUSHAM - MISS VIVIAN'S Death. Strange Family History Told By Her Brother. Inquest At Trusham. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, resumed at Trusham yesterday the Inquest on MISS AGNES VIVIAN, whose body was found in a foot of water in the River Teign on Friday afternoon last. - The Coroner explained that towards the end of the previous Inquiry he received a telegram from someone who was supposed t be the brother of deceased, saying he would come down as soon as possible In consequence of that he (the Coroner) refrained from giving an order for the burial of the body, to afford an opportunity to the brother of seeing the body and of being present at the funeral. On the last occasion the evidence showed that deceased - who was described as a devout Roman Catholic - had been staying for some little time at St. Joseph's convent, Oaklands, Chudleigh, where she did needlework and acted as interpreter for the French nuns, having come there from the Waverley Convent at Torquay. She had had delusions as to being followed by people who wanted to rob her of her money, and when she left the convent for the last time on Friday morning, and was asked by a French sister where she was going, she replied, "I don't know; god is guiding me; don't follow me." Two or three hours later she was found a long distance from the convent, lying dead in a foot of water in the River Teign, with her face downwards, and her hands crossed on her breast. There was no sign of a struggle or any indication of violence and death was attributed to drowning. - JOSEPH VIVIAN, age 43, who gave an address at Werrington-street, Oakley-square, St Pancras, London, said he was a coachmaker in the carriage department of the London and North-Western Railway Station, Euston. The body which he saw on the previous day was that of his sister, AGNES VIVIAN. He recognised her easily. She took the additional name of WINIFRED in confirmation, but her only legal name was AGNES. She was a beautiful needlewoman and her linen ought to have been marked with her name, but he could not say anything as to that. He had not seen her for three years. The linen on the body was cut off; he asked the lady at the Inn to put it in the coffin, and that was done. He had not looked for her name on the linen. His sister would have been 46 years of age next June. she had never been married. She was born in Illinois, United States of America. Her father had 22 children by his first wife. She was the daughter of JOHN VIVIAN, a retired licensed victualler. He lived 17 years in America, and died at the age of 82. He returned to England in September 1865. In 1870 his first wife died and he married again within six weeks. His first family - of whom witness was the youngest - were then turned adrift; and, although his father was a man possessed of much money, the children were thrown out as paupers. Of the 22 children by the first wife, 17 were born in America. - The Coroner: What a tremendous family! - Yes, and plenty of money to keep us too. Witness, continuing, said he had three sisters alive in England. Deceased was the fourth and there was one married in America. He was the only brother. When the family returned from America there were six of them - five sisters and a brother - surviving out of the 22 children. Occasionally he had seen deceased, but since 1890 she had been strange, especially since the death of her father. The children were always promised plenty of money, that they would not have to work, and that their bread would be buttered. Their father was a man of independent means and before his death he did no work whatever for 15 years. - The Coroner: Who had deceased been living with? - She was brought up in the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Home at Carlisle-place, near Victoria Station, London. With the exception of his father, the members of the family were Catholics. Witness repeated with much emphasis the statement that, after the death of his first wife, his father married again within six weeks, which he said was a disgrace to him. - The Coroner: You needn't say that of your father. - Witness (excitedly) He ought to have been buried long before! - The Coroner: Don't say anything more; you will be sorry for it. - Witness continuing, said his maiden aunts said there was a trust deed for £23,000 to be divided amongst members of the family at his father's death, but when he died there was no "clue." There was nothing for the children by the first wife, and they were left penniless. - The Coroner: And what became of your sister? - Witness said, like himself, she had to work for her living. She wished to make money, and did not want to go into the Workhouse or into a home penniless; she wanted to become a lady. She had learnt needlework in the convent, and in 1890 she went out in a situation as a nurse and needlewoman, a gentleman paying her £20 a year and everything found. In this way she earned her own living and put away money for old age. At present witness held a bank note for £309; he had had it since 1890 and it belonged to the father. Witness sent it to London for his sister, and the bank manager told her it was genuine and that she was to take it to the Bank of England to change. There they also said it was genuine, but that, as it was dated 1865 she must leave it for three days to be traced back. Eventually it was said the money on the note was drawn in September 1865 by JOHN VIVIAN. - The Coroner: How do you explain that? - You as a solicitor ought to know. - Never mind about that: how do you explain it? - Witness entered into a statement concerning the bank note, after which he resumed his story about his sister. He said she left London and went to Paris, thinking she would get better money there, which she did. She remained in Paris for four years. After that an old aunt died and left a sum of money, which was divided, and after the expenses had been paid his sister received £234 from the London solicitor concerned, Mr Joseph Aspery, Lincoln's Inn Fields. Deceased eventually returned to England about three years ago, when she had a severe illness and was depressed about money affairs. At first she lived for six months at Hampstead and from there went for rest to the convent at Nazareth House, Hammersmith, where her blind sister CAROLINE had been since 1867. After that witness lost trace of deceased, and he did not know of her going into a convent at Torquay. Hearing she was near Manchester, he wrote to her in June last, but received no reply. When she went to Manchester deceased wished a lady to write to her under the name of Mrs Block, and not to give her address to anyone. - The Coroner: You have no reason to suppose, although she wished to be addressed as Mrs block, that she was married? - No; certainly not. I wrote to her married sister, MRS BUNN, living at 46 Winchester-street, Pimlico, informing her of the funeral this afternoon. - Is she coming? I don't know; I think not. there is another married sister, MRS JANE MORGAN, but I don't know where she lives. I only hear from her when she goes to see the blind sister. MR BUNN, the husband of the other sister, although a strong man, is too lazy to work and he is the man who was pestering this little sister of mine (deceased) for money. That is why she wanted to leave London and be a stranger to everybody. The sister in Illinois, American, is MRS MARY ANN HOOD, but, being out of this country, she is nil. - You have not heard anything of deceased for the last year or two? - No; I went to see the blind sister on the second Sunday in March, and I asked her if she knew where AGNES was. I was not aware she was down in this part of the country. So far as I know, she was not connected with this part of the county of Devon. These religious houses are all over the country, and when persons are ill they are sent to different homes; and my sister might have been recommended from the convent in London to come down to Devonshire. - You have heard how she came by her death, and was found in the river. Have you anything to tell the Jury that can throw any light on the occurrence? - Yes, I have. Has anybody here ever suffered from severe bilious headaches? - The Coroner: Tell us; don't ask questions. - Witness said for several years deceased suffered from these severe headaches, caused by overwork, insufficient food, and want of rest. - Do you know that she was nervous about being robbed of her money? - That accounts for her having a strong, strapping man always worrying her for money. - It is said she thought she was being pursued for her money and was being robbed. Did she show that feeling when you saw her? - She was always under the impression that people, and especially her friends wanted her money, and that continually worried her. She had built her hope on the money she expected to receive from her mother and she was totally deceived. - Have you anything more to say as to deceased? - In my idea she had the same symptoms that I have myself. Yesterday I walked down the lane where she is supposed to have gone, and I saw the spot in the river where she was found. - You don't know, I suppose, anything as to the property she was possessed of, do you? - I haven't heard since your last inquiry. - Who told you? - I don't know. Her London solicitor told her to invest her money in certain ways. She brought £100 in gold from Paris and invested it in Consols, I believe. She did this when her solicitor paid her the £234. - What has she done with her money during the last three years? - I don't know. She has been under the influence of other people. - The Coroner's Views. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said they had had a very long and particular account of the life of deceased from her brother, which was very satisfactory, and he thought they might regard what had been stated as her true and correct history. It was shown that she came to Torquay to the Roman Catholic Institution, Waverley, and that she came from there with a letter of introduction to the Mother Superior of the Convent at Chudleigh, where she helped to keep herself by her needle. she went away for several days, and then came back and asked to be allowed to remain, and afterwards she left in a peculiar way. - MR VIVIAN: May I ...... - The Coroner: No, you must not interrupt; you had better sit down. Proceeding, the Coroner called attention to what he regarded as the rather striking evidence of the French Sister from the Chudleigh convent. When deceased came back on the Thursday evening she was apparently very ill - that was to say, she suffered from a very bad headache, and was under the influence of these peculiar delusions that she was being hunted and pursued; and the next morning she got up, and, without saying anything at the convent, she started to leave it. That was after having, only the night before, asked to be kept there always. And when she was going away, taking with her, her handbag, containing her property, in reply to a question by the Sister as to where she was going, deceased replied, in a wild sort of way, "I don't know; God is guiding me; don't follow me." From this the Jury might presume that deceased had something on her mind, and that she contemplated doing what she did; it pointed to this fact, he was afraid. She was afterwards seen going down to the river, and the next thing was that she was found there, so that she must have walked from Chudleigh down to the river, and have gone and laid herself in the water and drowned herself at once. There was no sign of a struggle nor the slightest suspicion of any wrongful action or foul play. Her jacket, umbrella, and bag were quietly placed on the bank of the river. If the Jury came to the conclusion that deceased went there for the purpose of drowning herself, they should consider her state of mind at the time, and the evidence showed that she suffered from very bad headaches, which were often accompanied by mental aberration. - The Jury (Mr w. J. Cleave, Foreman), returned a verdict that deceased Drowned Herself whilst Temporarily Insane, and they expressed their sympathy with the brother, an expression in which the coroner joined and which MR VIVIAN gratefully acknowledged. - The interment took place in the parish churchyard in the afternoon, Rev. J. Lonergan, Roman Catholic chaplain at Syon Abbey, Chudleigh, officiating.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 March 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - Suicide At Bovey Tracey. Woman Found Hanged. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Bovey Tracey on Thursday on CHARLOTTE AGGETT, aged 47, wife of an employee at Heathfield Potteries, who was found hanging in a cupboard in her house. WILLIAM AGGETT said his wife had been unwell for about 12 months, but had no worries or trouble. She had complained of pains in her head for some months, and lately, as he was working at night, she had slept at the house of Mrs Nichols, a neighbour. - Mark Henry Nichols said as deceased did not come as usual to his house on Wednesday night, he and his wife went to her house and as they could get no reply to their enquiries, they gained admittance by a side door and found deceased hanging in a cupboard in a bedroom. She was quite dead. - Mrs Nichols and Mrs Classing, another neighbour, gave evidence and Dr Murray B. Stewart said death was due to hanging. He attended deceased for melancholia last year. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 April 1907
IVYBRIDGE - The Ivybridge Tragedy. Level Crossing Dangers. - At Ivybridge on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on MR HARRY BROOKING, aged 63, yeoman, of Bowdon, Yealmpton. Chief Inspector W. Scantlebury of Plymouth and Inspector G. Flewellen, locomotive department, Newton Abbot, represented the G.W.R. Company. - Mr Percy W. Peters, wine merchant, Bovey Tracey, stated that on Thursday last, by appointment, he met deceased at Ivybridge Station, and bought a horse of him. they adjourned to an Hotel for lunch, after which he accompanied MR BROOKING back to the Railway Station. On the slope at the end of the up platform they stood conversing. He (witness) noticed a stationary train on the up line on the viaduct. They heard a train coming just by the bridge, whereupon the deceased said, "Well, Mr Peters, here is my train. I hope the horse will turn out all right." They shook hands and parted. Deceased went across the line at the level crossing, and was almost clear of the last rail when apparently he saw he was in danger of being caught by the oncoming train and jumped for the platform. The express knocked him on to the up platform, the body being picked up about twenty yards away from where deceased was caught by the train. - By the Foreman (Mr Lee): they both thought the approaching train was the one which deceased intended to proceed by. If it had not been an express train deceased would have got clear. - The Coroner: It is a dangerous thing to cross a line in front of a train. The safe way is to wait and cross at the tail. - Dr C. E. Cooper said MR BROOKING was struck on the left side of the head, the skull being severely fractured. The left collar bone was fractured and dislocated and the right elbow dislocated. Death must have been instantaneous. - Jude Hubber, engine driver, G.W.R. Company, said he joined the 10.30 express at Newton Abbot, the train being drawn by two engines. He was on the first. On approaching Ivybridge Station he blew his whistle in the ordinary way. The train was travelling at about 40 miles an hour. When a few yards from the level crossing at Ivybridge Station he noticed someone run in front of the engine. He again blew his whistle and going to the other side of the engine saw that deceased had been struck by the leading engine and the body thrown on to the up platform. He pulled up as soon as possible and examined the engine, but found no marks. - By the Foreman: When he first saw deceased he knew it was impossible for him to clear the train. - Mr John Higman, Stationmaster, Ivybridge, said there was a road approach to each platform and also a footbridge over the permanent way. The level crossing was for the use of the officials only for the conveying of luggage from one platform to another. There were notice boards at each end forbidding passengers to cross the line by the level crossing. So far as the safety of the public was concerned, Ivybridge Station was properly equipped. - Replying to the foreman, witness admitted that the level crossing was frequently used by the general public. the officials were unable to prevent passengers crossing the line at the level crossing. - A Juror: Would it not be possible to place an official there so as t prevent persons using the level crossing. - The Coroner did not see how the Railway Company could be expected to do more than it had done. With so many miles of line to look after they could not expect the Company to depute a man specially to look after level crossings. The railway company had hundreds of them and in spite of repeated warnings, and the notice boards, people would run into danger by crossing the line other than by the footbridges. - Mr Higman added that he had frequently turned back persons who had endeavoured to cross the line at the level crossing and had got himself into hot water through it. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was a very sad one, and he was sure the sympathy of the Jury would go out to the family of the deceased. MR BROOKING was one of the best-known yeomen in the West Country. He was highly respected in life and regretted in death by a large circle of friends, to whom by a kindly disposition and honourable character he had endeared himself. The evidence showed that Ivybridge Station could not be better equipped in so far as the safety of the public was concerned, and all the Jury could do was to return a verdict of accidental death, and express their sympathy with the six daughters who were bereaved and the rest of the family. - The Foreman concurred with the remarks of the Coroner. He had known deceased for thirty years and his death would be a great loss to the agricultural community. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of condolence with the relatives. - The funeral will take place at Yealmpton today at 2.30 p.m.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1907
EXETER - Exeter Solicitor's Suicide. The Inquest. - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on MR JAMES BEAL, the well-known city solicitor, Mr F. H. H. Orchard appeared on behalf of the relatives. - GEORGE FREDERICK BEAL, a lieutenant in the Dorset Regiment, 2 Hill's-Court, Pennsylvania, said the deceased, his father, was 58 years of age. On Sunday night, about 10.45, seeing his father was not in his room, he went to the bathroom, and receiving no answer to his knock, he opened the door, and found his father in the bath, dead. The water was discoloured. He did not notice any wound then, but having satisfied himself that his father was dead, he went for Mr Orchard and Dr Shirley Perkins. His father had been depressed of late. His wife died about three years ago and he had been depressed since then. Witness had noticed it ever since he had been home. He also noticed it on a previous occasion when he was home. His father suffered from diabetes. - MISS FLORENCE G. BEAL, niece of the deceased, said she had been residing with her uncle. On Sunday night he spoke of his intention of having a bath. She prepared the bathroom and deceased wished her goodnight. She left him in the bathroom. Deceased had been very bad for a long time, but had been worse of late, being morbid and depressed. - Dr Shirley Perkins said he was called to deceased's house about 11.30 and found him dead in the bath. On the left side of the throat there were four cuts about five inches long, varying in depth to an inch, and severing the big blood-vessels. On the right side of the throat there was another cut four inches long, about an inch in depth in the centre, also severing large blood-vessels. Across the left calf there was a gash passing through the skin and severing many of the muscles nearly down to the bone, and also severing some small vessels. The cause of death was shock, following severe haemorrhage from the wounds. - By the Coroner: The effect of diabetes on the brain was often very serious and caused intense depression. - P.C. White said he found a blood-stained razor on the edge of the bath. - The Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown) said it was with regret that he had to hold that Inquest. He had known deceased for a great number of years and being in the same profession he met him from time to time. He was sure they all felt he was a very good friend and they were sorry to find that he had ended his days in the way he had. He was a man of very great ability, a sound lawyer and an exceedingly kind-hearted man. He certainly had not been the same man lately as he used to be. - Mr Orchard, in reply to the Coroner said deceased had not written any letter which would throw any light on the case. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on VIOLET ALBERTA CRETCH, aged 10 months, the child of EDWARD FRANCIS CRETCH, labourer, living at 50 Wells-street. The mother, BESSIE ALBERTA CRETCH, stated that on Friday morning she found the child dead in her arm. Dr R. H. Wagner said he thought death was due to over-lying. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Found Drowned. Naval Man's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquest at Devonport on HENRY HODGE, of the cruiser Blake, whose body was discovered floating off Mount Wise on Sunday. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Master-at-Arms Bailey, of the Blake, identified the body by the stature and clothing as that of HENRY HODGE, of the carpenter's crew of the Blake, who had been missing from his ship since February 13th. Deceased was about 34 years of age and a single man. On the afternoon previous to his disappearance he was brought on board by an escort, having been apprehended by the naval patrol. HODGE was ordered to be made a prisoner "at large," and witness frequently saw him until 10.15 that night. At that hour the deceased was in his hammock asleep. He was missed about 5 a.m., and a thorough search throughout the ship was made, without success. In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that the deceased was apprehended by the naval patrol for being absent in the first place and also for being drunk in Fore-street. Deceased bore a very excellent character. - Thomas Henry Finch, petty officer, first class said he saw the deceased shortly before 4 a.m. on 13th February going towards the upper deck. Witness remarked to him what a wild night it was, but did not question him as to where he was going. - Pte. Langton, R.M.L.I., on the Blake, said he saw the deceased about 4 a.m. William Blagdon, boat proprietor, deposed to finding the body, and P.C. Pryor to conveying it to the mortuary. - Dr Roberts said he had made an examination of the body. There were no marks of violence. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 April 1907
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ANTHONY O'FLAHERTY, journeyman painter, aged 69, of Wolsdon-street, who was taken ill on Monday and died during the night, Dr R. H. Wagner attributed death to pneumonia.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on MARTHA BAPLE, aged 74, of Claremont-street, found dead in her bed on Tuesday. Dr R. Bird Wagner of Devonport, attributed death to be due primarily to cirrhosis of the liver, probably due to alcoholism, and immediately due to syncope.

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ISAAC N. BOND, aged 48, a well-known 'bus driver, who died suddenly on Tuesday, Dr Child, who made a post-mortem said death was caused by syncope, due to the condition of the heart after influenza, complicated with Bright's disease. The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives.

YELVERTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Victoria-villas, Crapstone, on the wife of MR W. MAY, grocer, Devonport. MR MAY said his wife had been at Yelverton for the benefit of her health. On Monday night, soon after supper, she screamed, became very ill and died before medical aid could be obtained. Dr Revell, of Yelverton, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury (Mr Smale, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE GABRIEL - The Stoke Gabriel Tragedy. Religious Mania. - At Stoke Gabriel yesterday, an Inquest was held on JOHN HERBERT DUDER, of Aish Farm. - JOHN B. DUDER, stated that the deceased, his son, was 31 years of age, was married and had one child. For the past eight months he had not been living with his wife, but with witness. He was not separated from his wife, neither were they on unfriendly terms. Deceased and his wife slept one night at witness's house, and in the morning he came down looking miserable, and it was then arranged that she should live with her father until Lady-day. He did not know that they had any trouble. At Blackawton, deceased was a little wrong in his mind and had to give up the farm. He used to see his wife every day and she used to spend Sundays with him and they were on good terms. About a week ago, the deceased seemed a little wrong again. He spoke very little and was depressed, but on Sunday he was better. He had never threatened suicide. On Monday they were getting the furniture into the cottage he was to occupy with his wife. He went to bed the usual time and the next morning he found that deceased was not in his room and had not been in bed. He made a search and found the cellar door open. His son found that one of the guns were gone and he gave information to the Police. - SYDNEY B. DUDER, son of the last witness, said that he noticed the gun was gone. He knew that the deceased had been queer in his head, but he had used no threats. At Blackawton he believed he tried to cut himself with a penknife. - Florence Harris, servant, said that about half-past one on Tuesday morning she heard someone go downstairs. P.C. Hunt said that he found deceased face downwards in the quarry, clutching the gun with the left hand. There was a line tied to the trigger and from there to the bush, so that deceased must have pointed the gun at himself and then pulled, with the result that it discharged. - Dr Soper, Dartmouth, considered the injuries were self-inflicted. He attended the deceased for two days in August last for depression and he was also suffering from religious mania. He advised him to take a change. He was only affected temporarily. - ETHELINDA DUDER, the widow, stated that the deceased worried about religion and whilst at Rakehills attended a lot of prayer meetings and worried himself. She was on good terms with her husband, and they had had no quarrels. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 April 1907
BURRINGTON - A Hawker Kicked To Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned in the case of ABEL HODGES, a hawker, found on the road at Burrington under his horse's heels and with the reins around his neck. Deceased had apparently fallen down between the shafts and his skull was fractured by the horse kicking.

PLYMPTON - Plympton Woman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH HAWKINGS, aged 46, the wife of MORRIS HAWKINGS, labourer, Plympton St Maurice. Dr c. H. G. Prance said he had attended deceased off and on for some time. On Tuesday she fell downstairs at her home and died in about five hours. He made a post-mortem examination and found no external marks of injury. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. He did not think the fall had anything to do with deceased's death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. Mother's Moral v. Legal Duty. - At the adjourned Inquest on CELIA CATHERINE VOISEY, 29, of Milk-street, Exeter, last evening, the girl's mother said she wished to say that her statement made the previous evening that there was no consumption in the family was not correct. Her sister died from that disease. Replying to questions, she said her son was at present very ill with bronchitis, and she herself was being treated at the Dispensary. Deceased had never been what could be called a healthy girl, though she had never made any complaint. She had lately had a cough, and had lost her voice. She had had a tome from the chemist, but had not seen a doctor. - Walter Harris, who said he had been keeping company with deceased for about five years, said she went to a matinee performance at the theatre a fortnight ago. She refused to see a doctor, saying she had only a cold and would soon be better. - P.C. Hoyle said he heard from Dr Clapp, who had attended MRS VOISEY'S sister, that she had tended her with great care, and had done everything possible. She (MRS VOISEY) was being at presented treated for consumption. - Summing up, the Coroner said he was still of opinion that the mother, and whoever was there, ought to have got a doctor during the last fortnight, or three weeks, but he should not feel justified in telling the Jury that there was a criminal liability on them, because deceased was a person of sufficient age to have got a doctor herself. It was the mother's moral duty to have got one, but her legal duty was another thing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

LONDON - Devon Lady's Sad Death. Effect Of Religious Mania. - At Wood Green, London, yesterday, an Inquest was held on MISS BESSIE JANE JAMES, the young lady who was found drowned in a well in the garden of a house at Nightingale-road, Wood Green, where she had been living with her aunt. - Evan Evans, a railway clerk, cousin of the deceased, said MISS JAMES had been a companion of his mother (her aunt) for some 17 years. In September last she left Wood Green to go to her home in Devon, and only returned on Easter Monday. She went to Devon with her sweetheart, being then in an ordinary state of health, though perhaps run down by work. Towards the end of September she began to get moody and this continued until she went to a harvest thanksgiving service at a Bible Christian Chapel, near Broadwoodwidger, where she was living. She then collapsed and caused a scene. The result was that she was admitted to the Devon County Asylum about October 20th and was kept there until February 9th, when she was discharged. She remained in Devon until she returned to Wood Green on Easter Monday. She then seemed in her usual state of health, although she was quiet and she had not her usual gaiety, but she was not troubled by religious matters. - On Monday deceased went to bed at 10 o'clock. On Tuesday morning he saw her again at 7.30 when he took a cup of tea to her. He said: "Here is a cup of tea, BESSIE," and she replied, "All right." He left the cup of tea standing at the door, and went to his own room to take some tea to his wife. On coming out again he saw MISS JAMES standing at the door of her room, fully dressed. Going downstairs shortly afterwards he found the scullery door partly open and when he went into the garden he saw the lid of the well was off. He rushed up and saw a heap of clothes in the water. Continuing, witness said: What happened then I do not know. I only know I got her out. It is a surface water pit, 12ft. deep and there was three feet of water in it. Witness stated that he got deceased out by her clothes and laid her down by the well. He applied all he knew of artificial respiration and a doctor arrived shortly after. On the mantelpiece in one of the rooms in the house witness found a pencil, £1 4s. in money and a coloured picture postcard which deceased brought back from Devon. The card bore a general view of the River Exe and the City of Exeter, and on it was roughly pencilled a note, dated April 1st, 1907, and reading as follows:- "Dear Friends and all, - As I am tired of my life I am going to do away with myself, so please don't mind, any of you. Give my love to George and don't blame him or anyone else for what I am about to do, as all have been kindness itself to me. May we all meet in heaven. I have only gone out of the world a little the first. Good-bye all. BESSIE JANE JAMES. - Witness asked that there was no reason why deceased should commit suicide. Her lover (the George mentioned on the postcard) had been acknowledged by them since Christmas 1905 and there was no unhappiness between them. On March 26th she wrote from Ashwater to her aunt as follows:- Dear Auntie, - Just a card to let you know we are going on all right. I hope to be back with George on Monday. So glad you are keeping so well and that Evan and Edie are the same. - Witness had heard from a medical man that his cousin suffered from religious dementia. - Dr Slater Jones said he thought the young lady was dead when he arrived, but artificial respiration was tried. Death was due to drowning. Religious dementia was a very dangerous form; one in which the patient believed she was unworthy to live, and often led to suicide. - Answering a Juror, witness said deceased was dismissed from the Asylum as having recovered, but it was not unusual for this form of insanity to occur again. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Devonport Tram Fatality. Royal Albert Hospital Treatment. Driver Of The Car Exonerated. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, on GILBERT FROST, aged 84, of 50 Cambridge-street, who died from injuries received through being knocked down by a car of the Devonport and District Tramways Company at Pennycomequick on Sunday afternoon. Mr T. H. Gill, solicitor, Devonport, represented the Tramways Company. - ALBERT FROST, storekeeper, Cambridge-street, said the deceased, his father, was a retired carpenter and undertaker and resided with him. About 4 o'clock on Sunday afternoon deceased said he was going for a ramble. An hour later he was brought home in a cab delirious. For upwards of an hour and a half all deceased said was, "Take off my glasses: lift them up." - By Mr Gill: Deceased was slightly deaf. - Charles J. Lillicrap, carpenter, 15 Shaftesbury-cottages, said he was in Stuart-road going towards Stoke, and saw a tramcar coming from under the bridge. The motorman shouted and banged his gong and witness saw an old man walk across the road in front of the car. The deceased had nearly crossed the rails when he was knocked down. - By the Foreman: Was 10 or 12 yards away and could not help deceased. - Mr Gill: Within what distance did the car stop? - Its own length. - Was it stopped as soon as it could be? - Yes. - The Coroner: As an independent witness, do you think anything could have been done to avoid it? - No. - You do not know the driver? - No, sir, I had not seen him before. - Motorman Edwin E. Bennett said he was driver of No. 16 car of the Devonport and District Tramways Co., in Stuart-road, Devonport, on Sunday afternoon. When near the railway arch a young man stepped off the path and witness sounded the gong. The young man got on the path again and immediately afterwards witness saw the old gentleman in the middle of the up-going track, with his face towards Pennycomequick. Again the gong was sounded and seeing that the old gentleman took no notice, he shouted and applied the emergency brake. The deceased passed in front of the car and was knocked down. Witness had been in the employ of the Company five years and ten months. - Dr George S. Thompson, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, said deceased had a small lacerated wound over the right eyebrow and there was an injury to the right hip. The patient was conscious but impatient and resented restraint of any kind. There was no evidence either of paralysis or of fracture. The wound was sewn up and he discharged the patient. - Did he wish to go? - Oh, yes; he objected to being kept, but that had no influence on my discharging him. - Did he object to being kept? - Not exactly; he objected to our interference with him in any way. he struck me as being rather perverse. He did not object to stay at the time, but he was not asked. As he was leaving I noticed he had a marked limp on the affected side. - Did you examine his back or arms to see if he had a blow? - No. - He was able t walk away from the Hospital? - With assistance. - MR FROST (Son of deceased): Is it a fact that the constable asked you whether he should remain in the Hospital or not? - Yes. - What was your reply? - "No." - What was your reason? - I did not consider the case justified his detention. - Did you examine the arm? - No. - Why did you tell the Constable a medical man was to be sent for to examine his heart? - I did not say anything of the kind. - MR FROST: Either what you say or what the Constable says is untrue. - Witness: The constable told me. - The Foreman, interposing: We cannot allow this The relatives should be represented by a solicitor. - The Deputy Coroner said the doctor seemed to have given his evidence perfectly straightforwardly. If MR FROST wanted to confront the witness with what the constable said, he must wait until the constable was called. The doctor no doubt did his best. - MR FROST: The constable said the doctor told him the relatives were to send for a medical man to attend to his arm as it was injured. - Witness: You also mentioned heart, I think? - MR FROST: No, I said arm. - Dr Bromilow, of Albany-place, Plymouth, said when he saw deceased at his home his head was bandaged and his right arm strained and swollen. He bandaged the arm. Deceased died from shock. - The Coroner said it seemed perfectly clear that this was an accident; it was inevitable. Apparently the tram driver did everything he could in the time. The doctor also seemed to have done all that could be done for him. Was it possible for the swelling to occur some time after the accident? Dr Thompson: Yes. but that would not have influenced me at all. Probably, if he had lived, he would have developed a bruise a week afterwards. - The Coroner: As to this swelling of the arm, there is a suggestion from the son. He naturally has a little feeling about the matter, but I think he is mistaken. You attach no importance to the swelling of the arm? None at all. One's attention in examining a patient is directed to the parts complained of, and one cannot examine the whole system; it is unnecessary. I did not consider it necessary to strip him. We find it unnecessary to examine a patient fully unless suffering from some obscure condition. - The Foreman: Deceased made no suggestion that he was suffering from injuries to the arm? - No. I am surprised to hear this evidence. - The Coroner remarked that there were some people who thought if people got inside the Hospital they must be cured for ever afterwards. Hospitals did the best they could, and the subscriptions were generally made by the people who did not make the complaints. He had great sympathy for the hospital authorities. - MR FROST: I should like to hear what the constable said. - The Coroner said he did not want to take up the time of 40 or 50 persons to Inquire into that question. This wan an Inquiry as to the cause of death of a person. He knew perfectly well in London inquiries they did not take one quarter of the trouble that was taken in the country. - MR FROST: It would satisfy me to know whether the constable said what was correct. - The Coroner: We are not going to raise a controversy of that sort. You must satisfy yourself outside this Inquiry. - The Foreman said the Jury were unanimously of opinion that the deceased met with his death purely as the result of an Accident, and they exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 April 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Suicide. - The Deputy Borough Coroner (Mr J. Graves) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GRACE A. STONE, wife of a painter in the navy, whose body was found in a wash-house at the back of 83 Treville-street, on Thursday morning. - ARTHUR STONE, residing at 21 Buckwell-street, said deceased, his wife, who was 36 years of age, had for a few days previous to Wednesday been unwell, suffering from bad pains in her head. She appeared worried, but he knew of no reason for it. On Thursday morning he received a telegram, delivered on board ship, summoning him home, and on his arrival he was informed that his wife had hanged herself. - By the Coroner: He could not account for it in any way, as she was usually cheerful. Since Thursday of last week she had been unable to sleep well, owing to the pains in her head, but she refused to see a doctor. Deceased had a sister in the County Asylum at Exminster. - Mrs Lewis, wife of Samuel Lewis, a leading stoker in the navy, living at 83 Treville-street, stated that on Thursday morning at about half-past eight o'clock deceased left witness's house. She was cheerful and there was nothing peculiar in her manner. She said she was going to see her solicitor. Shortly afterwards witness went into the wash-house and there saw deceased hanging by a thin rope from a large nail. She went for assistance and a man came in and cut deceased down. - Dr Whitmore said death was due to suffocation. - P.C. King also gave evidence. - Asked by a Juror whether there was any trouble between himself and his wife, the husband replied in the negative and said they had always got on very comfortably since he returned from China about twelve months ago. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

ASHBURTON - Inquest At Ashburton. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquiry at Ashburton yesterday (Friday), on RICHARD G. FINEMORE, whose death took place on Wednesday. - Mrs Cook wife of the landlord of the Culloden Inn, Ashburton, said deceased was her late sister's husband and was 69 years of age. He had been suffering from a bad cold and on her advice had stayed in bed on Wednesday. She visited him on several occasions during the day, and he appeared to be getting on all right, but about 4 o'clock he expired. Dr Legassick stated that the valves of deceased's heart were very much diseased and death was due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - The Moreton Suicide. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Moretonhampstead on JOHN SNELL, of Pound-street. - ANNA JANE SNELL said the deceased, her father, was formerly a carter in the employ of the Hon. W. F. Smith M.P., who had been paying him a pension of 10s. a week. Her father had not been well for some time. On Wednesday after breakfast he went to the allotment to work. When he came home for dinner it was not quite ready. He had a cup of tea and went out to the garden. When dinner was ready she sent her girl friend to call him. She found him hanging in the lavatory at the back of the house. Her father threatened to drown himself three or four years ago, after there had been a quarrel. There were some words between deceased and her brother JAMES and a man named Jones in the allotment, and on Saturday evening deceased went away to Chagford and stayed until Monday. He was all right when he came back and all the time after as well. - JAMES SNELL, the deceased's son, who worked at Exminster, said on Good Friday he and Jones went to the allotment field and asked in fun if they should help or go home again. His father then abused him. They had a few words, but nothing to make any fuss about. - Albert Hibberd, coal merchant, who cut the body down, said deceased was hanging with his feet about a foot from the ground, quite dead. - Elizabeth Dicker, a married daughter, residing at Chagford, said her father came to her house on Saturday night about 10.15 and said he could not stay home as they had been on with him on Friday and again that night. She got him tea and he went to bed and stayed there all through Sunday. He said he couldn't stay home, ANNIE was always nagging. Her father was very irritable. - The Jury (Mr G. Satterley, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Monday 8 April 1907
PAIGNTON - Sad Death At Paignton. - At Paignton on Saturday Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest on MISS ELIZABETH DENNIS, aged 42, lodging-house keeper, of The Briars, Sands-road. The evidence showed that she left the house between 6 and 7 on Thursday evening to go shopping. Feeling ill and faint, she hired a cab and was driven by William Daniels to the entrance gate leading to the back of her house and he left her walking thence to the back door. She did not reach the house, however, and the maidservant, wondering at her absence, sat up all night for her in the kitchen, in company with a niece of deceased. On drawing up the window blind at five o'clock on Friday morning she was horrified to see the body of her mistress lying just beneath the window. She was dead and quite cold and it was evident that she had fallen there and died while walking from the cab to her door. - Dr Adams stated that deceased's heart was very extensively diseased, and in such a condition as to lead to sudden death at any moment. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with this evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 April 1907
PENZANCE, CORNWALL - Penzance Drowning Case. Plymouth Man's Fate. - Mr w. D. Lawry held an Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK WILLIAM HARRIS, 29, French polisher, of Plymouth, drowned in Penzance Dock early on Sunday morning. - Mr Ernest Michell was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - GEORGE HARRIS, of Frankfort-street, Plymouth, said the deceased, his brother, came to Penzance yesterday week to do some polishing at the Penzance Home and Colonial Stores and he had never heard him suggest at any time that he would take his life Deceased was not a teetotaler. He took "a few glasses" in and out. - Thomas Dyser, of Penzance, a laundryman, said deceased came to his place for lodgings when he arrived at Penzance. He went out at a quarter to eleven that night and returned half an hour after midnight. The following night deceased was very drunk, and as a result the landlady refused to allow him to stay there. Afterwards he came back for his parcel, but witness refused to let him have it, as he had not paid for his lodgings. He did so afterwards. when he was refused his parcel deceased said: "I'm wet inside and I'm going to get wet outside for two pins I'd a good mind to drown myself." He was drunk at the time, falling all about the passage. Last Saturday afternoon he saw HARRIS, and he then appeared very respectable. At 9.15 that evening he came to the house "half-intoxicated," and complained of being hungry and said he had come there to get out of the rain. The landlady cooked him a steak. Deceased asked them if they had ever had the after-effects of beer play on their mind. The landlady advised him to keep steady and deceased said he had been to the chemist's for a draught. He left the house at a quarter-past ten. - George Reed of the Queen's Head Inn, New-street, said HARRIS stayed at his Inn since Thursday night and remained there until early Sunday morning. - The Coroner: Had he been drinking freely? - I should not think he had. for one thing he had no money. He asked me to allow him to stay three days until he got his money on Saturday. He never had a drink in my house the whole time. Witness, continuing, said deceased returned to his house at ten minutes past eleven on Saturday night, when he considered deceased to be sober. Deceased went to bed just afterwards, but aroused witness at a quarter to three on Sunday morning and asked that he might be let out. He seemed quite sensible. - The Coroner: Were you in any way suspicious? - Not in the least. He didn't seem like a man gone wrong in any way. He had had his usual wash and put on his collar and tie, just as he walked about at any time. - It didn't seem to you it was an unusual thing for a man to go out at that time of the morning? - It was an unusual thing, but he said he wanted to go out for a particular purpose. I tried to persuade him to stay, but he would not. - Replying to Captain Rolleston, one of the Jury, witness said deceased did not strike him as a man who had been drinking heavily. He did not take much notice of him, as he appeared very sensible. - Henry Bond, skipper of the Lowestoft steam drifter Boy Ben, said he was finding where his vessel had been placed in the Penzance dock about three o'clock on Sunday morning, and passed over the dock gates. He then heard a splash and someone shout for help. He ran towards where the sound had come from and heard someone splashing in the water. He jumped aboard one of the drifters and called some men and threw a rope to where deceased was in the water He then thought the man had gone down, but when a flare was lighted they saw him floating. They fished him out on to the deck of the Primrose, steam drifter, but he could not say whether the man was dead. Where deceased had fallen in were thirteen ropes from vessels to the mooring post. - The Coroner: It was possible that the man may have tripped and fallen over these in the dark? - Yes, especially as it was dark. - Walter Ball, of the Lowestoft steam drifter Gratitude, who was awoke by Bond, and who helped to get the deceased out, also gave evidence. He added that the doctor stated that the man was dead before he was brought on board. - P.C. Beckerleg said when he reached the Primrose the crew were doing their best to restore HARRIS by means of artificial respiration, but without avail. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" and called the attention of the Town Council to the need of better lighting and protection at the dock. Mr W. H. Stevens, one of the Jury, was fined 10s. 6d. for being late.

PAR, CORNWALL - Suicide At Par. Plymouth Shoemaker's Death. - Mr M. F. Edyvean, County Coroner, held an Inquest on ERNEST HUGGINS, a shoemaker, late of Plymouth, found drowned in the leat adjoining the footpath at Par Station on Sunday. - The widow stated that the deceased, 45 years of age, enjoyed fairly good health, but was subject to fits of depression during the last six months. Recently he had ill-treated her, and his conduct had become so bad that she had issued a summons against him for assault. On Friday last she entered St Austell Workhouse with her two children. Her husband had often threatened to murder her. - The Foreman (Mr J. H. Mitchell): Had he been seen by a medical man? - No. He would not hear of seeing one. - Thos, Runnalls, foreman porter, Par Station, said he met deceased at 7.30 when he (witness) was returning from work on Station-hill. They had a brief conversation on the weather &c., during which the deceased casually mentioned that he was not out of bed at five a.m. He noticed nothing unusual in the manner of the deceased, who was smoking a pipe. - Chas. Matthews, of Par Green deposed that at eight a.m. on Sunday, while walking along Sandy-lane, he saw a man whom he took to be deceased, standing in the station footpath. Returning along the footpath after having been to Par Station Post-office, about 8.20, he (witness) noticed what he thought to be a dead body in the water. As he saw no bubbles or any stirring, he felt satisfied there was no life in the body which looked something like a woman; and as he could not reach it he went for assistance. Mr Robins, of the Cornish Arms, and himself pulled the body out with a rake. - Wm. Robins gave evidence of taking the body out. - Inspector Kittow stated that he and P.C. French searched the body and found on it only a few postcards, a pipe and the Police court summons. They found nothing at his residence that could throw any light on the deceased's actions. - The Jury, after a rather long deliberation, returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr R. B. Johns yesterday held an Inquest at Plymouth on JOANNA GORMAN, widow, aged 87, living at Wotton-cottages, Rendle-street. Amelia Liza Gibbs, widow, living in the same house, said she last saw deceased on Friday evening, and she then appeared to be in her usual health. On Sunday morning deceased's bedroom was found to be locked and a Constable who was summoned entered the room by the window and found the old lady dead in bed. Deceased was wonderfully intelligent for her age. - Dr M. Aikman attributed death to heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held on JOHN FEDRICK, aged 71, Dockyard pensioner, living in Anstis-street. Jane Fawkes, of King-street, said the deceased, her step-brother, appeared in his usual health on Saturday evening. He died on Sunday morning. Dr Palmer said death was due to chronic bronchitis and fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 April 1907
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Fatality. Carter's Instant Death. - Mr A. M. Davson yesterday held an Inquest at Dartmouth on EDWIN HAYMAN, 38 years of age, a carter, in the employ of Mr S. Hawke, Kingswear. - Charles Lampen said he was inside the gates of the Britannia Royal Naval College grounds on Monday, and saw a wagon and two horses, driven by deceased, coming down the hill. Deceased appeared to be standing on the shafts. One horse was drawing the wagon and one was behind. He thought the horse was frightened by canvas beside the road. Deceased jumped from the wagon and caught the horse's head. The animal dragged the wagon ten or twelve yards and then reared against the wire fence. Deceased tried to get round, but did not succeed and the wheels went right over him. Witness ran back and found that HAYMAN was dead. - Charles w. Percy, foreman electrician, said he was in the College Grounds on Monday fitting electric posts. There was a piece of tarpaulin beside the road and a fire the lower side of it. He was doubtful if the horse saw the fire, but it might have seen the smoke arising from it. When the horse ran away he saw the deceased catch hold of the reins and shortly afterwards apparently tripped over them. Deceased fell under the horse's hind legs. The wheels of the wagon went over the body, which then doubled up like a ball. The horse was going like an express train. - Samuel Hawke, of Kingswear, deceased's employer, said one of the horses he had had three or four years, and the other about a couple of months. Deceased had driven both since witness had had them. He never heard deceased complain about them. - In reply to Mr Hockin, for the widow and family, witness said he did not test the horse which he bought most recently before he purchased it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they did not consider there was any blame attaching to the employer of deceased. - Mr Hockin protested that it was out of the province of the Jury to enter into that question, which only a Civil Court or the High Court of Justice could decide. - The Coroner said the Jury were entitled to add a rider to their verdict. - Mr Hockin said the point was a very nice one. He asked to have his protest noted. - Both the Coroner and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and the Jury handed her their fees.

BOVEY TRACEY - Bovey Tracey Suicide. A Sad Life History. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at Edymead, Bovey Tracey, the villa residence of MRS MILLICENT J. LETHBRIDGE, concerning the death of her son, FREDERICK SHIRLEY BARON LETHBRIDGE, aged 27. - CAPTAIN JOHN GUY BARON LETHBRIDGE, adjutant, Devon Imperial Yeomanry, brother of the deceased, said on Sunday morning he was in deceased's bedroom with Dr Steuart when the latter dressed deceased's wound after an operation for appendicitis. Witness followed the doctor when he left the room, and just afterwards he (witness) went back and asked deceased if he could get anything for him. He replied "Ask the servant to bring my hot water, and I will go for a drive." Witness then went down into the dining-room and had a conversation with Dr Steuart about deceased, after which he told the servant to go up with the hot water. She did so, and found the bedroom empty. He did not hear the report of the gun, but about a quarter of an hour after he had left deceased he heard the servant scream and calling out to him. He at once rushed to the lavatory, the doors of which he found locked, and he heard deceased groaning inside. He (witness) went through the smoking-room window and by that time the servant had got the steps, which she placed against the tin roof of the shed, and by that means got through the window of the lavatory and unlocked the door. Witness went in and found deceased still breathing. He called Miss Trail, the matron of an institution, who was staying in the house, and she pulled out deceased's tongue to enable him to breathe. Witness stayed there five minutes, and deceased died a few minutes afterwards. For some time deceased had been in a depressed state. He had always been in bad health and complained of pains in his inside. He was then operated on for appendicitis, but he still remained very depressed. Although the pains in his inside ceased, he did not seem to get better mentally. He had been saying, ever since he came back after the operation, that he had an awful pain in his head. He also complained of sleeplessness, and said he thought he was going mad. He had fought against this feeling all he could, until it had worn him out. He was of a religious turn of mind, and if he had been in his right senses he would have been horrified at the thought of committing suicide. - Charlotte Hill, the servant, said she took deceased his hot water for him to dress, and just as she came down she heard the report of a gun and a moan. After finding the lavatory door locked, she got in through the window and unlocked the door, and after seeing deceased and what had happened she called CAPTAIN LETHBRIDGE and stayed there until deceased died. Deceased was depressed at times, but nothing more. - CAPTAIN LETHBRIDGE, recalled, said the gun was deceased's own, and was kept underneath the sofa in the smoking-room, and he must have got it from there. Nobody had been worrying deceased, nor had he had a quarrel with anyone. It was only his own mental depression from which he suffered. When deceased was well he would worry because he had no profession, and the next day he would find himself incapable of doing anything. He had had two nervous breakdowns, once after studying for a scholarship and again when he studied for the law. He could not stand the strain. - Dr Murray Stewart stated that he had been attending deceased. Before the operation for appendicitis, he complained of pains in his abdomen, and also of depression and nervousness. The operation was performed at Plymouth and deceased went on very well for about a fortnight, after which his nervous depression came back again. When he returned the wound was not quite healed, and that rather increased the depression, deceased becoming more sleepless and more nervous altogether. He also complained of pains in his head and of feeling very worried about himself in case he should go "off his head." There was a possibility of that, but not sufficiently marked to justify deceased being placed under control. There was nothing to indicate that he was dangerous. He used to say sometimes he felt almost suicidal, but that was said in the same way that people who were depressed occasionally said it, and not as if deceased intended to do anything to himself. Still, there was a fear of his brain going wrong, and witness advised that he should consult a brain specialist later on when his wound had healed and was well enough. Death was due to the shot wounds. - The Coroner remarked that the Jury had heard this very sad history of deceased, who had not had a very happy life,, owing to depression. All along his brain had not been able to stand mental work. Even when he was getting better after the operation for appendicitis, he still laboured under this frightful depression and whilst in that state somehow or other got possession of the gun unknown to the family, concealed himself in the lavatory, and there shot himself. It was a most determined case, but it had been shown that there was not the slightest suspicion of blame on anybody, and that no one was responsible for the occurrence. There were evidently grave doubts as to deceased's mental condition, but they were not enough to warrant his being put under control. - The Jury (Mr Geo. Bond, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed deep sympathy with the family in their sad bereavement.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 April 1907
BOW - Roundabout Dangers. Bow Boy's Neck Broken. - On Wednesday evening Morgan's roundabouts visited Bow. They had just commenced business when CHARLES EDWORTHY between five and six years of age, was placed on one of the horses for a ride. Just as the bell rang to start he was seen to sway and fall off. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken home. The doctor pronounced life extinct, the lad's neck being broken. - At the Inquest last evening JOHN EDWORTHY, the father, a farm labourer, said the boy went with his brother to the roundabouts before he returned from work, but it was with his wife's approval. The eldest boy had charge of two other brothers, aged 8 and 7 respectively. - Emily Morgan, of Rushton, Somerset, said her father, William Morgan, was the proprietor of the roundabout. They had been travelling about the country for several years. The roundabout was propelled by hand and was 3ft. 1in. from the ground. She did not see the child get on the horse or fall off. They had not started for the evening, but were just about to commence when she noticed the boy among a crowd of other boys trying to get him to stand. She saw he could not do so, and she got a girl to carry him away. The horses were quite still when the boy fell. The roundabout was for small children as well as for adults. She had often seen smaller children than the deceased riding. Each horse was provided with a bar and reins. They had never had any such accident before. - Frederick Alford, 16 years of age, said the roundabout was quite still. The deceased was on the middle horse, with a boy on each side of him. he took hold of the bar, and the others told him to hold tight. He seemed a little excited. Just afterwards he seemed as if he was going to sleep and the others on each side held him by the legs as he was falling. They held him as long as they could, but had to let him go and he fell backward over the horse's tail. When they picked him up he could not stand. - The father, recalled, said he had never known the deceased to be subject to faintness or giddiness and he appeared fairly strong. - Mr John K. Brigham, Surgeon, said the deceased was a well-developed child, and seemed strong enough. There was a small abrasion on the forehead and the vertebrae of the neck were dislocated. This caused the death. He must have fallen backward and pitched on the ground on his forehead, and the weight of the body dislocated the neck. He could not give any reason for the boy's falling. - The Coroner, summing up, said he knew of no law to prevent proprietors allowing such small children to ride, and he thought parents ought to be careful in permitting their children attending at such places without proper protectors. The whole thing was most regrettable, but he could not see that blame attached to anyone. - The Jury (Mr John T. Blair, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the parents and gave them their fees.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 April 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner Found Dead. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on JOHN FEENEY, aged 50 years, a pensioner from the R.M.L.I., residing in Pembroke-street. It was stated in evidence that n Friday night last, after domestic differences, deceased went upstairs, giving orders that no one was to enter his room. In the morning his wife found him leaning on the side of his bed with his head on his arms. Thinking there was nothing the matter, she left the room. She returned to the room about four o'clock in the afternoon and found deceased in the same position. She called her son and her husband was then found to be dead. Dr Ryan attributed death to haemorrhage due to the rupture of a blood-vessel in the stomach, death being accelerated by alcohol. There was also extensive heart disease and the liver was diseased and enlarged. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

KINGSTEIGNTON - At an Inquest at Kingsteignton yesterday on JANE FROST, 83, who died last Friday after a fall at home, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Royal Marine's Death. Suicide At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on HENRY JOSEPH CRIPPS, aged 33, a private, R.M.L.I., Plymouth Division, who died on Saturday. - Mr A. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Colr.-Sergt. Wm. Foy, Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I., deposed that deceased belonged to E Company and had had fourteen years service. He was in possession of three badges and was recommended for the long-service and good conduct medal. In the barracks he was second storeman in the quartermaster's department. His work had been done well and there was nothing wrong in his department. He was a quiet man, of a reserved disposition. Nothing had been found among his effects to throw any light on the circumstances of his death. - Mrs Eliza Jane Gilbert, refreshment-house keeper of Millbay-road, stated that PRIVATE CRIPPS came to her house on Friday morning, and a cup of tea was served him in the dining-room. About ten minutes later she noticed deceased sitting at the table apparently reading the paper. A few minutes afterwards a customer told her that he thought the man in the dining-room was drunk or in a fit. She went to him and asked him what was the matter, but he made no reply, although conscious. Afterwards she picked up the cup from which he had been drinking and noticed a crystal sediment in the bottom. She sent for the Police and deceased was removed in a helpless condition. - Staff-Surgeon W. H. Pope, Royal Naval Hospital, said when admitted on Friday afternoon CRIPPS was in a state of collapse and he died the following morning. A post-mortem examination proved that death was caused by an irritant poison, possibly oxalic acid, of which some was found in his possession in a packet labelled "Poison." Deceased was suffering from a loathsome disease. - Wm,. Abbot, sick berth steward, said during Friday night CRIPPS said "I'm sorry I didn't make a great job of it and finish myself off." The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 April 1907
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday into the death of MARY ANN HELYER, aged 74, of Camden-place. The old lady went for a walk on the 5th inst., and collapsed in the street. She was taken to her home and after a couple of days her condition necessitated Dr Wilkinson being called in. He found her suffering from injuries to her back which ultimately caused her death.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 April 1907
PLYMOUTH - At the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr Coroner R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM BROOKS, labourer, aged 56, of 135 King-street, who was found dead in bed that morning. Dr Wagner said death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 April 1907
YEALMPTON - Plymouth Man's Death At Yealmpton. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Yealm Bridge on CHARLES EUSTACE. - ALFRED EUSTACE, labourer, King-street, Plymouth, said the deceased, his father, lodged in Octagon-street, Plymouth. When he last saw him, on Tuesday last in Plymouth, he appeared in his usual health. Deceased, a plasterer by trade, had latterly earned his living by gathering and selling watercress. - Arthur Pedrick, blacksmith, Yealm Bridge, said on Sunday morning he was awakened by his housekeeper, who told him a man was lying in the front doorway. Witness, although ill, went down and found deceased unconscious. He brought him into the house, administered brandy to him and sent for help. The man died within half an hour. - Dr Langworthy, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased had a fatty heart, diseased kidneys and cirrhosis of the liver. There were symptoms of deceased having been a drinking man. Death was due to syncope, accelerated by exposure. Deceased when found had a load of watercress on his back weighing about 30lb. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and thanked Mr Pedrick for his care of the man. - The Coroner endorsed Dr Langworthy's suggestion that the village should be provided with a mortuary.

EXETER - Fatal Excitement. Aged Exeter Lady's Death. - The sudden death of ELIZA MARKS, 81, of 6 Holloway-street, Exeter, was Inquired into by a Coroner's Jury yesterday. - Ethel Trend, aged 12, said deceased and a Miss Marsh (a younger woman, living in the same house) had had words about the closing of a door. Hearing a scuffle she (witness) looked on to the landing and saw Miss Marsh holding the old lady, apparently shaking her. She afterwards saw MS MARKS lying on the floor of her room. - Mrs Passmore, living in the upper storey of the same building, said she heard the parties having words, but saw no scuffle. She denied having told the Coroner's officer so, and he must have made a mistake. - Miss Marsh, warned by the Coroner, said she told deceased she must have the door shut owing to the draught. When she (witness) went to shut the door, MRS MARKS sprang at her, gripping her throat so that she nearly chocked. She wrenched herself free but did not push or shake deceased. - Dr Corbett said deceased had a fatty heart and probably the excitement of the row caused that organ to fail. - The Jury found that death was due to heart failure, accelerated by the excitement and censured Mrs Passmore and Miss Marsh.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 April 1907
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Fatality. The Conduct Of "Three Big Chaps." - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on WILFRID JAMES ROWE, aged 9 years, the son of JAMES BENJAMIN ROWE, a porter on the Great Western Railway. - Edwin Henderson, a boy, said he and deceased left the Sunday School about 3.45 and proceeded homewards through the meadows. Deceased went by the side of the river and stood on a branch of a tree which projected from the bank two feet above the water. The branch broke and deceased fell into the river. It was flowing very rapidly and the boy was swept away. - Another little boy named Lewis said he heard the deceased crying out in the water for help. Three "big chaps" Tavistock men, saw the boy in the river and went in an opposite direction. - A Juror remarked that it was strange that three young men should see the boy in the river and not attempt to save him. - Henderson, recalled, said they all shouted to deceased to catch hold of the branches, as he was passing down the river. - P.C. Fishwick remarked that anyone who got into the river on Sunday afternoon would have shared the boy's fate. - Frederick Perkins deposed to finding the body caught in the bushes near Shillamill, about two miles from Tavistock. - The Coroner sent for Charles Perkins, one of the young men referred to by the boy Lewis. - Perkins stated that he was walking through the meadows with William Lee, when they heard little boys shouting. They turned round and saw a boy in the centre of the river. They had no chance to get at him, or they would certainly have attempted to save him. The water was going down very swiftly. They rushed on to West Bridge, but did not see anything more of the deceased. - The Jury expressed themselves as satisfied with this evidence, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". - The Coroner joined with the Jury in an expression of sympathy with the father.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 April 1907
EXETER - The Exeter Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on ARTHUR WM. MEARS, the three-years-old child of a labourer of Wright's Cottages, St. Thomas, who was knocked down in Cowick-street by a motor car, driven by John Penman Harmer, a chauffeur, in the employ of Mr J. Langdon Thomas and in which Mrs Thomas was riding at the time. The evidence of several witnesses showed that at no time was the car going more than at the rate of ten miles an hour and that just before the accident the chauffeur sounded his horn and slackened speed for a man repairing the road to get out of the way. A moment later the deceased suddenly darted across the road to join some playmates on the other side, and was struck by the lamp of the car on the head. He was knocked down and the car passed over him, but none of the wheels. The driver applied his brakes and it was estimated that at the time the boy was struck the car was only travelling at from three to four miles an hour. - Dr Farrant said death was due to fracture of the skull. - The Coroner (Mr Brown), in summing up, said the Jury had to consider whether the driver used reasonable care to avoid the accident. The matter of regulation of pace did not enter into the question of culpability, because wherever there was the likelihood of there being an accident it was the duty of a driver to pull up. Mr Thomas gave the driver an exemplary character for conduct and careful driving. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame whatever to the driver. - The Coroner said the driver was a very lucky man. He did not quarrel with the verdict of the Jury. The only question was whether there was no blame attached to anyone. - Sympathy with the deceased's parents was expressed by the Jury and also by Mr and Mrs Langdon Thomas, who said they would do everything possible to alleviate their distress.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 April 1907
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. - Barnstaple Coroner, Mr A. R. Bencraft) last evening investigated the death of GEORGE W. BOWDEN, grocer's assistant, aged 39. John Ashton, grocer, stated that deceased had been in his employ twelve years. On the previous Thursday afternoon BOWDEN canvassed for orders and returned about 5.30 not looking quite well. The Coroner: You thought he had had a little to drink? - Witness admitted this was so. He suggested that deceased should go home and he soon after left the shop. - A labourer named Ford spoke to seeing BOWDEN fall heavily outside the Police-Station, no one being near him at the time. Blood was flowing from one of BOWDEN'S ears. He assisted deceased into the Police-station, and by the orders of Dr Jonas, BOWDEN was removed to the Infirmary. - Dr R. Rennall, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that deceased apparently had some kind of seizure when he fell. When admitted BOWDEN was bleeding from the ear, in a condition of shock. He thought there was a fracture of the skull. Death, was due to shock and haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

MALBOROUGH - Salcombe Woman's Death. Affected By A Love Affair. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Salcombe on Wednesday on BESSIE PEDRICK, aged 34, found drowned at the entrance to Shadycombe Beach. - LILY PEDRICK, her sister, said deceased lived with her mother and herself at Batson. She had been home about two months, having left domestic service. She had become very depressed, not caring to go out of doors. She had never threatened to do away with herself. Up to August last she kept company with a young man at Bristol. She (the deceased) put the matter off, and had been depressed ever since. At that time she was very excited and queer, and there was some talk of putting her under control. She, however, got better, and against her mother's wishes she again went into service. On Tuesday night she seemed quite herself, partook of supper as usual, and slept in a room adjoining her (the witness's) own, separated only by a thin partition. In the morning her mother, on taking her a cup of tea, found her missing. Her clothes were by the bed and the bed had been occupied. No letter of any kind had been found. - Dr Vincent Twining said there were no marks or bruises on the body. Death was due to drowning. He attended her last August. She was then in a most excited condition and exceedingly talkative. He advised the parents to put her under restraint, but there was not sufficient evidence then to pronounce her insane. - P.C. Webber said he found the body face downwards on the mud in the creek. Last year he had a conversation with MISS PEDRICK, in respect of shifting her belongings from one house to another. She was then in a most excitable state and said she would as soon fling herself in the water as not. The Jury found that the deceased came to her death by Drowning, whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 April 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - A Bovey Tracey Fatality. Sad Death On A Farm. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday, at Forder farm, Bovey Tracey, held an Inquest on JOHN REED HELYER, aged 72 years, a cattleman in the employ of Mr T. Stamp. - James Voysey, jun., also in the employ of Mr Stamp, said on Wednesday deceased was in the loft above the cow-house helping him with a load of loose straw. Deceased was inside the loft pulling it back with a hay fork, as he pitched it to him from the wagon through the door. Soon after commencing to unload he missed deceased, and heard him falling through an opening in the loft, and a scuffle in the cow-house. He at once moved his wagon and opened the cow-house. One of the cows had broken loose and deceased was lying on his face and hands. Deceased must have fallen on the cow, which was chained up under the opening. When he went to lift deceased up he found the hayfork deceased had been using had run into his neck about three or four inches. Deceased walked as far as the kitchen door; then his legs gave way and they carried him up to bed. Dr Murray B. Steuart said HELYER died about five minutes after his arrival. The prong of the fork must have penetrated the base of the skull and caused bleeding inwardly. The Jury (Mr W. K. Rowe, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame was attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 April 1907
ASHBURTON - WILLIAM ANSTIS, 26, navvy, of Plymouth, working at Ashburton, was on Saturday evening seized with illness and on Sunday Mrs T. Palmer, his landlady called in Dr K. Legassick. ANSTIS died shortly afterwards. A post-mortem examination showed the death was due to a weak heart. At the Inquest yesterday the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce on CHARLES HENRY KALLENSEE, aged 81 years, of Ker-street. - SIDNEY C. KALLENSEE, son of the deceased, said his father formerly carried on business in Fore-street as a watchmaker. On Friday evening, on returning home, he complained of a pain in his chest. Dr McElwaine was sent for, and death occurred within a few minutes of his arrival. Deceased was a very healthy man, had never had had a doctor all his life. Dr McElwaine said when he arrived he found deceased was breathing his last. A post-mortem examination revealed that the stomach was almost empty. The other organs were healthy, except the heart, which was very fatty. The cause of death was syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 May 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday, at the Foresters' Hall, held an Inquest on JANE TUBBS, a widow, aged 65, of Granby-lane. Mrs Bickford said at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday she was called by deceased's son to see her. Seeing the condition MRS TUBBS was in, witness sent the son for a doctor, but before he arrived she expired. She had known MRS TUBBS for twenty years and although she had only been ill three weeks she had been ailing for a long time. - Dr Burke deposed that deceased had been attended by his locum tenens, he himself never having seen her in life. The post-mortem examination showed that deceased died from phthisis, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Woman's Suicide. An Act Of Deliberation. - At the Inquest at Stonehouse last evening on JANE MOCK, 64, wife of a G.W. Docks porter, and living in Admiralty-street, it was stated that deceased had been ill from dyspepsia for some time and during periods of depression had spoken of committing suicide. Early yesterday morning her husband, after having taken a cup of warm milk to her, heard groans and on going to her bedside found her in extremis. He called his daughter, MRS BURCH, wife of a Royal Marine sergeant, who told the Coroner that the deceased confessed to having taken poison. On the floor were two empty packets marked "Oxalic acid, Poison." Deceased must have purchased the poison on the previous afternoon. - Dr W. E. Corbett said deceased had not appeared to be more depressed than other people who were ill. She impressed him as being a woman who had worked hard and been able to eat anything and when she got bad could not understand how it was she did not recover in twenty-four hours. As a matter of fact, she was getting better. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning. Oxalic acid could be sold without infringing the statute, provided it was labelled "poison." It was clear that she must have taken nearly an ounce of the poison, first mixing it with milk in a saucer, and then placing it in her mouth in spoonfuls. Having regard to the unpleasant taste of oxalic acid, it was an astonishing way of taking it. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

BRIXHAM - Brixham Fatality. Fall In The New Church Tower. - An Inquest was held at Brixham yesterday on CHARLES WILCOX, labourer, who died in the Cottage Hospital at midnight on Monday. The Vicar (Rev. Stewart Sims) was present. - William H. Brown said on Saturday deceased was with him shifting scaffolding in the clock chamber of Lower Brixham Church tower. The trap doors had been open during the work, but orders were given to keep them closed. Planks were lying across the trap door. Deceased, while standing on the floor waiting for orders, fell through. It was possible he caught his foot in the open portion, but he never called out. He fell about 17 feet. Witness went down and found him unconscious and bleeding from the mouth and ears. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): The doors are usually kept shut? - Yes. there was no danger in having them kept open, as there is plenty of room on the floor. - The Contractor (Mr E. P. Bovey): May I ask if deceased was with the witness [?] responsible for the scaffolding and was I angry on finding the doors open after having given deceased orders to have then kept shut? - Witness: Yes. - Edward Palk Bovey, contractor, Torquay: E. P. Bovey and Sons said deceased was employed as an assistant-scaffolder. The present work was supplementary to prevent the drift rain from coming through the belfry windows. On Wednesday he noticed the trap doors were open in both chambers and complained to WILCOX about it. His complaint was not by reason of any danger, but to prevent any unnecessary mess going to the bottom. Deceased was a very agile man, good at scaffolding and had been engaged on the tower all through the contract. This was the first serious accident during his 40 years' experience as a builder, and it was a great grief to him. - Dr W. J. Quicke said death was due to laceration and compression of the brain. Deceased had a broken collar-bone, broken rib, and injury to his right lung. He complimented the foreman, the workmen, the Police and Mr J. C. Wyatt on the careful and clever manner they lowered deceased from the ringing chamber to the base of the tower. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury (Mr M. Davis, Foreman) adding that no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 May 1907
ISLE OF WIGHT - Devonian's Suicide. Inquest At The Isle of Wight. - The Isle of Wight Coroner held an Inquest yesterday on the body of ARSCOTT LEWIS VANSTONE, aged 55, of Black Torrington, Devon, who died at the Royal Isle of Wight County Hospital early on Sunday morning from poisoning. - JAMES EDWIN VANSTONE, agricultural engineer, living at Devonia, Black Torrington, identified the body of deceased as that of his brother, who was formerly in partnership with him as VANSTONE BROS. Deceased lost his wife at the beginning of the year, and stayed with witness from March 23rd to 28th. Deceased was of a very restless disposition and had undergone an operation on the eyes. After leaving Torrington deceased went to Exeter, Exmouth, Holsworthy, Salisbury, Portsmouth and then to Ryde. He would not work. He was left well off on his father's death, but had spent his money at dabbling in cabs in London and recently he had not enough to live upon, having been extravagant since his wife's death. He had often threatened to commit suicide; but witness did not think he meant it seriously. - The Coroner: You wrote to him on Tuesday last rebuking him for his way of going on? - I rebuked him and quite right too. I have no qualms of conscience about that. In that letter he sent deceased postal orders for £1 and £ 1 10s. due to him. He did not know deceased had a revolver, though witness's wife found a piece of paper at home on which deceased had written about getting a revolver from Whiteleys and witness wrote daring Whiteleys to supply him. There was evidence of some mental aberration in deceased or eccentricity, but he was not bad enough to be confined. - Jane Wilkier, refreshment-house keeper, Lind-street, Ryde, said deceased came to her house on April 19th, and next day engaged rooms for a week. He was in good spirits, until the following Wednesday, when he received a letter apparently from his brother, and he then was restless and said "They are still lecturing me, but they have no occasion to, as the money I am spending is my own." On Saturday last he said he did not want dinner and went to lie down. About two o'clock he went out, saying he was going to Sandown. He did not return. He told witness he took chlorodyne and laudanum to induce sleep and for pains in the head. - Sergeant Denness, Ryde Police, proved finding deceased sitting in the Esplanade shelter insensible, and removing him to Hospital. On deceased was a new five-chambered revolver, fully loaded and 45 cartridges, and four small bottles, one labelled "Chlorodyne" and others smelling strongly of laudanum. He could not ascertain where deceased bought the drugs or revolver. - Dr Smith, House Surgeon of the Hospital, said death resulted from a large dose of chlorodyne. Verdict, "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

TORQUAY - Torquay Cycling Fatality. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on FREDERICK GEORGE BINDON, 29, of Chelston. It was stated that deceased had only taken up cycling for about a fortnight. On Monday he left home in the afternoon to go on his rounds. At 11 p.m. he called at Mrs Southwood's residence in South-street, Torre, and borrowed a bicycle lamp. A gentleman named Brown in Old Mill-road saw him miss his pedal and swerve to one side of the road. He seemed to recover his balance and Mr Brown lost sight of him in the darkness, but later heard a crash. He ran down and found deceased lying unconscious by the side of the footpath, with his cycle between his legs. - Inspector Pratt spoke to discovering blood an pieces of skin on the edge of the kerb, and Dr Thistle said deceased, who never regained consciousness, died from a fractured skull. The blow was just over the left eyebrow. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 May 1907
MALBOROUGH - The Malborough Fatality. Dangers of Undermining. - An Inquest was held at Malborough on Saturday on GILBERT EASTERBROOK, of South Pool, killed on Thursday by the fall of a wall. Mr C. E. Turner watched the case on behalf of Mr Shepherd, of Salcombe, the contractor. - William Gloyns said he was at work with EASTERBROOK on the back wall of the old building, whilst J. Camp and John Gloyns were on the front wall. The roof had been taken off the building on Wednesday. Deceased was using a pick on the bottom of the wall whilst witness was watching the wall, having been told to do so by Mr Shepherd. Suddenly he saw the wall falling and shouted "Quick JOE; it's falling." He also put out his hand, but was unsuccessful in grabbing him. The wall fell and completely buried deceased. A very hard and squally wind was blowing at the time. No props were used. They were not told to undermine the wall by Mr Shepherd. They were first on the top of the wall at work, but afterwards of their own accord worked at the bottom of it. - By Mr Turner: The wall seemed solid when he was on the top of it. - Jas. Camp said he was at work on the other part of the building and was in charge. A high wind was raising such a heavy cloud of dust that it was quite impossible to face in the direction of the accident. His first intimation of danger was Gloyns' shout. He found the wall down with EASTERBROOK under it. Before leaving the work in the morning Mr Shepherd especially warned all of the danger in standing on the walls with such a high wind. He (Camp) did not tell EASTERBROOK to undermine the wall and he did not know it was being done. They certainly had not started undermining it at 1.30 when work was resumed. He attributed the accident to the high wind. - Dr Twining, Salcombe, said deceased's skull was fractured and his head horribly bruised and both thighs were fractured. Death was instantaneous. - John Gloyns corroborated Camp as to being unable to see in the direction of the accident owing to the continual dust. - Adams Shepherd (Contractor) said deceased had been in his employ for four days only. He gave no instructions to undermine the wall and did not know of any undermining. He told deceased it was his intention to push the wall in with props on his return. It was his intention, if possible, to be present when the wall was thrown. - The Coroner said apparently a wall of 18 inches thick had been half-cut away and that was a great risk. The only safe course would have been to have propped the wall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with deceased's family. The body was immediately after the Inquest removed to South Pool amidst many manifestations of sorrow. EASTERBROOK was only 19 years of age, of fine physique and popular with all by reason of his cheery disposition.

MUSBURY - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned on Saturday at the Inquest at Musbury on SAMUEL MOULDING, age 46, who fell from his wagon and was killed at Coombepyne.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 May 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Marine's Suicide. Disappointed In Love. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on PTE. JOHN VENABLES, R.M.L.I., who, on Monday evening, was found near Devil's Point with a bullet wound in his head. - Provost-Sergt. W. H. Vincent, R.M.L.I., said the deceased, 21 years of age, was attached H Co., Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I. He was a native of Manchester and had seen three years and seven months' service. Deceased was a member of the divisional Police and a thorough good man in every respect. He had seen the man almost daily for nearly a year and found him of a cheerful disposition and communicative. He last saw him alive on Monday morning. - Wm. Leviton, able seaman, said on Monday, at about 8.50 p.m., as he was walking near the Longroom, going in the direction of the King's Harbourmaster's House, he heard a shot and going forward found VENABLES lying on the round, a revolver near by. The man did not speak. Deceased was in civilian dress. He saw no other persons near. - A young lady employed as a nurse by Capt. Hughes C. Lockyer, King's Harbourmaster, of Longroom-hill, Stonehouse, stated that she had known deceased for 11 months. She was not engaged to him, but was keeping company with him. On Sunday she was with deceased from 6.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. They did not part on friendly terms. Deceased asked her that night to be engaged to him. She replied that she would not. She said she did not wish to marry him, as she felt she did not care for him sufficiently. He then said he supposed he was not wanted. He seemed very much attached to her and was much affected by her refusal. She arranged, however, to meet him again on Tuesday night. she had not led him on and then jilted him. He was of a very jealous disposition, but she gave him no reason to be. She never knew he carried a revolver. He wrote her a note on Monday morning, asking her to see him that evening, but she replied that she would not be able to see him until Tuesday. His conduct towards her during their friendship had been quite of a proper character. - Louisa Kennard, cook at Capt. Lockyer's, said VENABLES called at the house on Monday evening at 8.15 and asked to see the last witness. She stated that the young lady had gone to bed and he could not possibly see her. The man then went away, returned a second time and again went away He came a third time, and she repeated that he could not see her friend. He was rather wild looking and he did not appear to be responsible for his actions. About two minutes after he left the third time she heard a shot. - Detective-Sergt. Richards stated that he found a revolver on deceased fully loaded, while another revolver was by his side with only one cartridge discharged. - Dr W. E. M. Corbett said on being called to Longroom on Monday evening, he found deceased lying unconscious with a bullet wound in the head. He ordered his removal to the R.N. Hospital, but he died before reaching there. The bullet had entered the right temple and lacerated the brain. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a particularly sad one, but there could be no doubt as to why the deceased destroyed himself. He was evidently passionately fond of his friend, and she acted quite honourably in telling him that she did not care for him sufficiently to become engaged. That undoubtedly unhinged his mind. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

CORNWOOD - Cornwood Old Lady's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Cornwood yesterday on ELIZABETH POYNTER, aged 83 years, living at Torr Cottages, widow of a labourer. - Jane A. Willcox, married, daughter of the deceased, said her mother had been failing for three months. On Tuesday last week she left her in bed. Returning in a few minutes she found her by the side of the bed bleeding from a wound in her throat. A razor was on the floor by her side. Deceased some time ago was an inmate in the Exminster Lunatic Asylum. To procure the razor, which belonged to witness's son-in-law, she must have come downstairs. - Dr C. E. Edwards, of Ivybridge, said he had been attending deceased off and on for eight years. The wound in the wind pipe was three inches in length. He had previously attended her for heart disease. He saw her on the Sunday before she received the wound and she then appeared very depressed. In his opinion death was due to natural causes, viz., syncope. The self-inflicted wound did not directly or indirectly accelerate death. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 May 1907
TAVISTOCK - The Calstock Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday on THOMAS HENRY HOCKING, labourer, of Calstock, aged 39. CHARLES HOCKING, a brother, said he was satisfied that the staging from which deceased fell was perfectly secure. - Joseph Southey stated that on Saturday he and deceased were unloading coal from the schooner Invermark at Calstock. Deceased was returning to the vessel with an empty wheelbarrow t put it on board, when he lost his footing and fell off the staging to the mud below, a depth of 20 feet. He had never seen the deceased intoxicated. The staging was properly secured. - Dr Seccombe, of Albaston, said deceased had a compound fracture of both bones of the left leg, and subsequently suffered from blood poisoning due to mud getting into the wound, a bad one. After a medical consultation the leg was removed at the knee joint. Gangrene set in and death ensued on Wednesday. The Jury (Mr W. H. Hagman, Foreman) returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, on MATILDA GERMAN TREWIN, aged 71 years, the wife of HENRY TREWIN, of 8 Albert-road, Morice Town. MRS TREWIN, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning, was certified by Dr Wilson to have been suffering from bronchitis. The cause of death was heart failure, due to bronchitis, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Pearce held an Inquest on JOHN BAKER, aged 56, retired boilermaker in the Dockyard, who resided at Boscawen-place Keyham. The widow stated that deceased died suddenly whilst in bed that morning. Dr Gard was sent for, but arrived after death had occurred. Death was certified to be due to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 May 1907
STAVERTON - The Staverton Tragedy. A Case Of Suicide. - On Saturday at Staverton Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on JOHN ROBJOHNS. - Mary Crannaford, the deceased's sister, said he was 66 years of age and had not worked for twelve months, as he was suffering from heart disease. He left the house just before dinner on Friday. Previously he had asked what time the trains went up and down the line. She had misgivings as he did not return and Mr French went to look for him. Deceased had never used threats to destroy himself, but he had been despondent. - Arthur Baskwell, a lad of 13, said he noticed the deceased walking on the railway. He went into a field a quarter of a mile from where he was found. - John Peters, road contractor, deposed to finding the body; it was in the middle of the road, three-quarters of a mile below the level crossing. - P.C. Champion, of Broadhempstone, said the 2.5. p.m. train at Staverton was the only one that passed between the time the deceased was seen alive and the finding of his body. - John Williams, the driver of the 1.57 p.m. train from Totnes on Friday, said he noticed something on the road about a mile and a quarter from Staverton. He thought it was brown paper or a sheep, and reported it to the Stationmaster at Staverton. He was 100 yards away when he noticed it, having turned a curve. He should have stopped had he known it was a human being. The train was travelling at the rate of 30 miles an hour and could not be stopped in 100 yards. - The Coroner said if the witness saw something on the line it was his duty to try and pull up. It might be a man, and was a prudent and proper course to adopt. - A. J. Balmond, the fireman, said almost as soon as he called the attention of the driver to the object on the line they went over it. - The Coroner asked if there were instructions to stop when anything was seen on the line, and Inspector Flewellyn, locomotive department, Newton Abbot, said there were no definite instructions, but if there was likely to be any danger to the train or any person the driver would stop. In his opinion, the class of train used on the line could not be stopped in less than 200 yards. - The Coroner thought it would be only a prudent course to give drivers of engines instructions when they saw something on the line, and had doubts concerning its character, to pull up. If they could see clearly what it was, that was another matter. - The verdict of the Jury was that the deceased committed "Suicide while Temporarily Insane". The Foreman added that they did not see that any fault was attached to the railway company's servants. - The Coroner: Nothing is alleged against them.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 May 1907
NORTHAM - THIRZA HARE, widow, 56 years of age, of Appledore, had a fit on Monday and died before medical assistance could be procured. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Thomas said death was due to heart failure.

EXETER - At the adjourned Inquest at Exeter last evening on EDWIN PYM, a West Norwood butcher, lately acting as an ostler at Exeter, whose body was found in the Canal last week, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. It was said that he had deserted his wife and nine children three years ago.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 May 1907
EGG BUCKLAND - Suicide At Crownhill. A Lady's Action Commended. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday at Crownhill on JOHN REYNOLDS, aged 38, labourer, Devonport Dockyard. - Thomas Cowling, carter, Honicknowle, said he last saw deceased on Thursday about noon near his home in Stoke-terrace, Crownhill. Deceased appeared very strange. Witness spoke to him, but received no reply. He had latterly noticed a change in him. Deceased leaves a widow and four children. - Mr C. C. Briggs, sub-lieutenant, R.N., of the cruiser Hogue, son of Colonel Briggs, of Fursdon House, said while passing across the Coleridge footpath leading from the hutments to Fursedon, at about 1.45 p.m. on Thursday, he saw deceased lying against the hedge, as if asleep. - On approaching the man he noticed a cord around his neck, and that the other end was fastened to a stout bough in the hedge. The cord was tightly around the neck and was bearing deceased's weight. Witness immediately cut the body down and released the cord. He could find no signs of life. He laid the body out and went to the house for some stimulant and returned with his sister, who was training for a nurse. She tried artificial respiration for about an hour, but without success. The body was still warm when he discovered it, but it had been lying in the sun. - Dr T. Oliver, of Crownhill, said deceased had been under his treatment for the past six weeks. He had had an attack of influenza and since then had been very depressed. Deceased was over-anxious about getting back to work at the Dockyard. Death was due to suffocation. A week ago deceased went on the moors for a holiday, but did not benefit much by it. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned. - The Coroner remarked that thanks were due to Mr Briggs and his sister. Although Miss Briggs was unsuccessful, they could appreciate her skills and the attempt she made to restore the poor fellow's life. The Jury concurred and handed their fees to the widow.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Excessive Drinking. Stonehouse Labourer's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall last evening, on CHARLES EDWARD WARD, 41 years of age, described as a general labourer, who died the same morning at 23 High-street, Stonehouse, where he tenanted a room. - Elizabeth Miends, wife of a labourer, said deceased had been a sub-tenant under her for about two months, during which time he had been addicted to drink. She could not say what occupation he followed, if any. His sister sent him money from Torquay. On Tuesday last deceased was groaning and at her suggestion he consented to see a doctor. Deceased had said his nerves had broken down. The following morning he appeared worse. His mother, an inmate of Stonehouse Workhouse, called to see him and after refusing several times, she at last fetched him drink. That evening deceased went to a neighbouring public-house, and did not return home until nearly eleven. Yesterday morning deceased, after falling over some stairs, was helped into his room and died almost immediately, exclaiming, "I have taken chlorodyne. Now they will know my career." - Mr Noy Leah stated that on Tuesday when he examined deceased he found him suffering from the effects of excessive drinking. He found congestion of both lungs and an enlargement of the liver, which was due to drink. The condition of deceased's lungs and liver would account for sudden heart failure. He had not been able to detect any evidence of chlorodyne, and the circumstances of the death as related by the last witness were not consistent with deceased having taken it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Syncope, due to congestion of the lungs and enlargement of the liver, the result of Excessive Drinking."

ST BUDEAUX - At an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS P. PALMER, aged 74, of 34 Butpark-terrace, Honicknowle, a master rope-maker, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning, Dr T. Olver attributed death to Heart Disease.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 May 1907
TEIGNMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held at Teignmouth Townhall on Saturday by Mr Sydney Hacker on the body of MRS SARAH KNIGHT BIDWELL. Deceased was 79 years of age and fell in her bedroom. Dr Johnson's evidence was to the effect that the shock killed her.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Marine's Death At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on Saturday, relative to the death of THOMAS PARKER, R.M.L.I. pensioner, who came to Plymouth from Yorkshire a week ago to do Naval Reserve drill. Mr Peck (Messrs. Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) watched the case on behalf of the Admiralty. - William Brown, landlord, said deceased who was discharged from the Marines last year as a private, had taken lodgings at the Robin Hood in St. Mary's-street. When deceased went to bed a week ago the gas was burning a little in his bedroom and he was told that it was unnecessary for him to touch it. The following morning witness found the room Heavily charged with gas. He threw open the window and summoned medical assistance. Deceased must have turned the gas off and then inadvertently half-turned it on again. Witness asked his lodgers to let the gas remain burning during the night because he feared that the striking of matches in the bedrooms might result in an outbreak of fire. - P.C. Hawkings deposed to finding the gas bracket in good order. - Staff-Surgeon G. E. Duncan spoke to admitting deceased to the R.N. Hospital last Monday evening in an unconscious condition. He never regained consciousness and died that morning. it was thought there must be some other existing cause, as deceased did not come around and meningitis being suspected he was treated accordingly. A post-mortem examination confirmed his suspicions in regard to meningitis, in addition to which there was slight inflammation of the brain. Death was due to meningitis, probably accelerated by gas poisoning. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned, the Coroner remarking that no reflection rested upon Mr Brown in regard to the gas bracket, which was in perfect condition.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 May 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - MRS RICHARDS, 80 years of age, died suddenly at Clarence-place, Morice Town on Tuesday. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 May 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. A Labourer Crushed And Mangled By Machinery. - Mr A. Gard, Deputy Corner, held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on THOMAS HORATIO CANN, labourer, engaged in the works department at the South yard, who met his death under tragic circumstances on the previous day. The Admiralty and the Dockyard authorities were represented at the Inquiry. - Edmund Thomas Hodges, a labourer in the works department, Devonport Dockyard, and living at 87 Oakfield-terrace, Cattedown-road, Plymouth, stated that deceased, his brother-in-law, was a single man of 28 years of age and resided at 15 Laira-street, Plymouth. - Thomas Oxford, a labourer in the works department, of 10 Beatrice-avenue, Keyham Barton, said he and the deceased were working together in the engine-house, over the hose-maker's shop at the South Yard, about midday on Thursday. Having finished their work here, witness and CANN proceeded to prepare to clean out the shaft alley. They removed the plating, which covered the shafting and CANN went to turn the water on at the tap. Witness arranged the hose and then left the spot to turn off the water. On returning he looked about for CANN, but could not find him. Witness called out TOMMY CANN, where are you," and receiving no reply, looked down into the shafting, where he saw the deceased lying up against the wall of the alley, close to the machines, terribly mutilated. - A Juror: Is it not contrary to the regulations to clean out the shaft alley when the shaft is running? - Decidedly, but there was no danger on this occasion. - In reply to further questions by Jurors, witness said he had received authority to clean out the alley by the engine driver, who told him he would stand by. Witness admitted that he had no real authority for cleaning out the alley. He and CANN had cleaned out the alley on the previous Saturday, when the shaft was not running, but had been unable to do so again until Thursday on account of the shaft being in use. As to why the alley was cleaned out on Thursday, when the shaft was running, witness could give no definite reason. The work did not require their going down into the shaft alley itself, and on that occasion he and his mate carried it out by means of a hose directed from the top. - William Woon Cook, 39, Alexandra-road, Ford, a leading man of painters in the yard, said shortly after one o'clock on the previous day he was called by Oxford to the scene of the accident and went down into the shaft alley and found the headless body of CANN lying close to the cogs, with his feet towards the south. Witness assisted in taking the body out of the alley. Most of the clothing was torn off the body and the boots had been dragged off the feet. The body was conveyed on a stretcher to the surgery. - Staff-Surgeon Miller said he made an examination of deceased and found the head was partly torn away, and also several of the limbs. The body was terribly mangled and crushed. Death he attributed to the crushing of the skull between the wheels. - William Gent, leading man of trades in the Works Department, said deceased was under his superintendence. Witness described the nature of the work in which CANN and Oxford were engaged, and said CANN had no business in the shaft. He was of opinion that he accidentally fell from the top of the shafting and was caught in the machinery. The men had orders never to clean out the alley when the machinery was working, and CANN and Oxford in doing so were disobeying instructions. - David Jones, engine driver in the yard of 30 Hotham-place, Stoke, said the two men came to him shortly after midday on Thursday and inquired whether they could clean out the shaft alley. He informed them that they could not do so as the machinery was working that day. He afterwards, however, gave them permission to clean out the alley with a hose, which did not necessitate any risk. Witness was under the impression that the men had finished their work, when he saw Oxford rushing towards him, and in a very excitable voice heard him shout out "Stop the engine." Witness did this and on proceeding to the shafting saw the mutilated body of CANN lying at the bottom. - P.C. Goodman also gave evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that CANN met his death by being crushed in the machinery, but there was not sufficient evidence to show as to how he got there. The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

ILSINGTON - Singular Concealment Case. An Ilsington Man Committed. - Before Messrs. P. F. S. Amery, J. P. Tucker and S. Berry, at Ashburton yesterday, CHARLES NORTHWAY, a labourer, residing at Trumpeter-cottages, Ilsington, was charged with concealment of birth. - Police-Sergt. Prew said on Saturday last, after cautioning the defendant, he told him there was a rumour that his wife had recently been confined. Prisoner replied, "Yes, I was away to work at the time. When I came home in the evening I took it out in the garden and buried it." Defendant showed where it was buried 18 inches to 2ft. deep, tied up in a piece of rag, a granite stone about a foot long being placed on the body. On Monday, at an Inquest, the Jury returned a verdict that the child was stillborn, after Dr Nisbet, who had made a post-mortem examination, had stated that it was a full-grown male child weighing 6lb., and that it had breathed, but he was unable to say whether it had had a separate existence. - Mary Ann Giles, wife of Samuel Giles, gave evidence. - Defendant, in answer to the charge, said, "I did not know I was doing any wrong. If I had known I was doing wrong I would not have done it." He was committed for trial at the Assizes and allowed bail.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 May 1907
SILVERTON - Railway Fatality. A Warning To Trespassers. - At the Inquest on Saturday at Silverton, on PHILIP FORD, labourer, 62 years of age, of Bradninch, the evidence showed that on Thursday deceased had been working for Mr Haydon, farmer, near Silverton Station, with George Snell, a mason, of Bradninch. He was a little deaf, but had been in the habit of using the line when proceeding home from work. - Snell said on Thursday evening they proceeded to the level crossing and deceased opened the gate for him to pass. Finding deceased was not following he went back to the crossing and found him lying outside the up line dead. A fast train went through the Station about the time they entered the railway. - David Thomas, of Newton, the driver of the train, said he blew his whistle when he saw the deceased on the line, and he thought he had got clear. Deceased, however, did not appear to hear his whistle. - William Neal, the fireman of the train, said he drew the driver's attention to the man and the driver at once blew his whistle, but deceased was knocked down by the cylinder. - Mr Jones, Surgeon, Silverton, said deceased received injuries to his head and back and must have been killed instantaneously. - Chief Inspector Shattock, G.W.R., said the deceased was a trespasser on the line. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated everyone from blame.

CHUDLEIGH - Chudleigh Labourer's Death. - Mr S. Hacker held at Inquest at Chudleigh on Saturday on HENRY WEBBER, found in Viate Brook on Friday morning. The widow said on Friday morning he left for work in the quarry, close to where he was found, taking with him his breakfast and dinner. he was very lame, and suffered at times from giddiness. He was 66 years of age and in good health. Mr Joseph Nixon said he found the body lying in about three feet of water, with the hands stretched out in front. The deceased had told him he often felt very giddy. - Mr E. Tuckett, road contractor, in whose employ the deceased had been for some time, said he had often seen the deceased fetch water from the brook where his body was found. P.C. Saunders said the deceased was without coat and waistcoat. They were with his basket and can of tea in the quarry, near where he had apparently been working. - MRS WEBBER, recalled, said his breakfast had been eaten, but not his dinner. - Dr Walters said the body had been in the water some hours. On it were a few very slight bruises and scratches, which might have been occasioned when he fell into the water. The deceased had, no doubt, met his death by drowning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 May 1907
SOUTH MOLTON - Workhouse Official's Suicide. Inquest At Southmolton. - Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest yesterday at Southmolton Workhouse on HENRY WELLER, industrial trainer at the Workhouse, aged about 50 years, who was found drowned by a lad named Herniman in Hacche lime pits on Sunday. Deceased had been missing since the 13th inst. Mr A. E. Shapland, a guardian, was present, and Mr. T. A. A. Powell, clerk to the Board of Guardians, was also present. - W. H. G. Pallin, Master of the Workhouse, identified the body and said he saw him alive last on 13th inst., when he came as usual and reported himself before going out that evening. As far as he knew deceased was a very quiet man. He had never seen him the worse for liquor and had found no fault in him that day. Witness had to speak to him some time since for one or two trivial matters. Deceased originally came there on tramp. - In reply to the Foreman, the Master said he asked deceased to step in that night to help him, but he replied that he wished to go out to get some cuttings. He wrote to a brother of deceased when he disappeared and had had a reply. - Jessie Hill of the Tinto Hotel, said deceased called there and had one glass of beer on the evening of the 13th. He seemed as usual but in reply to a question she put to him with regard to his garden, he said things were not so comfortable as they were. - Robert Herniman, a lad, gave evidence as to finding the body in the pit and informing the Police. - Police-Sergeant Newberry deposed to pulling the body out and finding a watch, which stopped at 9.30 and a purse containing 6s. 4d. in money. - Dr Wigham said he was of opinion WELLER had been dead about a fortnight and death was due to drowning. He knew deceased, who was a very quiet man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during a fit of Insanity." - Mr Shapland expressed his regret, as a member of the Board, that deceased, whom he knew so well and who was a very quiet and good-natured fellow, should have seen fit to end himself in such a way as he had. He could only say that during the time he had been in the employ of the Guardians he had always conducted himself in a proper way.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. A Match Unaccounted For. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on SIDNEY GEORGE STEVENS, the seventeen-months-old child of WM. E. STEVENS, a labourer, Bellamy-terrace, Prince Rock. - ALICE LOUISA STEVENS, the mother, said on Friday she left the child in the kitchen. In about three minutes, while in the garden, she heard a scream, and running back found the child's clothes in flames. She immediately wrapped her own clothes around the deceased. There was no fire in the room, but after the child had been removed to the Hospital the neighbours found the burnt end of a match on the floor. There were no matches in the room, and how the match came there she did not know. - Dr Lionel Singleton said the child was admitted to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital suffering from extensive burns on the face, neck and body. The case was practically a hopeless one from the first. Death was due to shock, caused by the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 May 1907
TORQUAY - At the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ANNIE ARLIDGE, 72, of Haredown-terrace, Babbacombe, Dr T. H. Rudge attributed death to heart failure, accelerated by the shock of a fall on the 19th inst.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 May 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Infant's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on ALBERT JOHN AUSTIN, the infant son of WM. HENRY AUSTIN, shipwright, 12 Beatrice-avenue. - Dr McCullock, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the stomach and bowels were irritated and inflamed. The stomach was full and the body generally gave him the impression of injudicious feeding. From other signs in the lungs and heart, it was his opinion that suffocation was the cause of death. The child had been fed with starchy foods quite unsuitable for one so young. - MRS AUSTIN said the child was born on March 18th and had been well from birth. Deceased slept in the same bed with witness and her husband and she gave it a little milk three times during Tuesday night. On the following morning she discovered that the child was dead. She had fed the child just as she had two others who were very healthy. The Coroner said there was no evidence that the death was due to improper feeding. The Jury found that the child was Accidentally Suffocated.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 June 1907
AXMINSTER - The Axminster Suicide. - The Inquest on HENRY LONG, found dead on the railway near Abbey crossing-gates, Axminster, was held on Friday. Mr Dare, a dairyman, of Lower Abbey Dairy, LONG'S employer, said he had noticed nothing strange in deceased's manner. He had sent him about some work in the garden after breakfast. It appears that LONG must have gone to the crossing instead and lain there in the grass until he saw the 10.31 train coming, and was then decapitated. Traces pointing to that were seen by the Police when examining the spot. What motive prompted him to do so cannot be surmised. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 June 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Fatality. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on SELINA WILSMORE, aged 45, her husband, THOMAS H. WILSMORE, a naval pensioner, stated that he had been staying at Devonport for a month and returned home at 1 p.m. on Saturday. he had about five minutes conversation with his wife and then in turning round she stumbled and fell, the cause being a fit of giddiness. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): Was she under the influence of drink? - Well, no; but she had been drinking. - The Coroner: that is not much of a distinction. - Witness, continuing, said he called his daughter and they took her upstairs. An hour afterwards he saw her all right in bed. A little later he heard a crash and found deceased at the bottom of the basement stairs. She died within ten minutes. - In reply to the Coroner, the witness said his wife drank "in a sense," but not habitually. She occasionally broke out when he was away. She principally did her drinking out of the house. he did not keep any liquor at home. She drank brandy, but he had never been able to find out that she frequented any particular inn. - Lilian David, wife of James David, Devonport, said she was with her mother while her father was away. Deceased on Saturday went out and returned about noon, two women assisting her into the house. - Annie Tremlett said she helped deceased into her house about midday, as she was helpless. Dr Martin stated that death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - Samuel Wyatt, landlord, Courtenay Arms, said deceased at his house at 8.30 on Saturday morning drank threepennyworth of brandy. She only remained two minutes. - Mrs Elson, Railway Hotel, said deceased at her house about 11.15 a.m. on Saturday had threepennyworth of brandy. She complained of being unwell. She did not take any brandy away. - The Coroner said it was quite clear that deceased came to her death through falling over the stairs while under the influence of drink. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BEATRICE F. B. SWABEY, aged eighteen months, the child of WILLIAM SWABEY, a bargeman, living at 8 John-street. Deceased, who had been attended by Dr Rolston, died on Saturday. The medical evidence was to the effect that the cause of death was syncope, due to pressure on the heart of an abscess in the left lung. A verdict accordingly was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest on WILLIAM YOUNG, aged 54 years, a skilled labourer in H.M. Dockyard, residing at 59 Charlotte-street, it was stated that deceased went to Mutley on Saturday afternoon, and was taken with a fit of coughing whilst walking in Hyde Park-road. He was taken to his home in a cab and died shortly after his arrival. Deceased met with an accident whilst working on H.M.S. Minotaur in January last, being then struck on the head by machinery. Dr Fleming attributed death to heart disease, combined with congestion of the lungs. In reply to the Coroner the doctor stated that death was not caused through the accident referred to.

NEWQUAY, CORNWALL - Newquay Lift Fatality. Boy's Mysterious Death. Recommendation By The Jury. - Mr E. L. Carlyon, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Newquay yesterday on the lad SELWYN GLANFIELD, who met with his death in the lift at the Hotel Victoria on Saturday. There were present Mr Shuter (H.M. Factory Inspector), and Messrs. G. G. Bulimore and J. Wallis (Directors of the Victoria Hotel Co.) - PHILIP JAMES, brother-in-law of the lad and head porter at the Hotel Victoria, said the deceased, aged 14 last November, was the son of JOHN GLANFIELD, Torquay. The lad had been at the hotel about three months, and it was part of his duties to work the lift under witness's supervision. The lift was an electric one which stopped automatically at other floors, but, with the exception of the tunnel entrance, would not start from any floor unless the doors were closed. The deceased was not allowed to use the lift by himself and had had special instructions never to run down by the lift to the tunnel, unless conveying passengers. Witness last saw deceased at 2.10 p.m. on Saturday, and he was then on duty. At about 2.30 he was called to the lift and found the boy with his head jammed in the lift on the ground floor. He was quite dead and his head was very badly crushed. At the tunnel end of the lift someone had propped open the shaft door with an old shrimp net. He had been unable to find out who did so. He thought the boy entered the lift unknown to anyone and was ascending to the first door when the accident occurred. The boy had no right to be there. He was probably stooping out of the car while it was in motion, was knocked down and then his head was caught by the bottom of the lift and so crushed. The lift had been passed by the engineer of the Otis Company a few days before. He (witness) had had no trouble with the lift during his five years' experience. - Mr Shuter: How would a person enter the lift from the beach? - He would ring the bell and the lift would descend for him. - Can you enter the lift from the beach? - No. You must ring the bell first. - Then the object of keeping the door open would be to enter without anyone else knowing? - They could only enter the shaft. The boy could work the lift as well as I could. I do not know to whom the net belonged. - In reply to P.S. Vincent, witness said the tunnel entrance to the lift could only be opened when the lift was at the bottom in the ordinary course. - In reply to Mr J. Vivian, Foreman of the Jury, witness could not say whether the door had ever been propped open previously. The door was closed by means of a strong spring. - The Coroner: I suppose this being a slack time, the boy might have gone down the lift and wedged open the door and gone out to play on the sands? - It is possible, but I have never known him do such a thing. - John Roberts, engineer at the Hotel, said the lift was under his charge. It was an automatic life controlled by a push button. It would stop at any floor the button was pushed for. The doors opened when the life arrived at the floors, and locked automatically when it left. The bottom door at the tunnel was closed with a spring. He had no doubt the lift was ascending when the accident happened. As far as he knew the boy had no occasion to go down the lift. Presuming the boy went down and that he trigged open the door, he could not imagine what his object could have been. It was only possible for the lift to e worked by the person inside it. The fishing net could not have got into its position by accident. It was possible the boy was killed through reaching out for the net whilst the car was in motion. - Mr Shuter: Suppose a person goes out of the lift to the beach and goes away, does the door lock? - No, not whilst the car remains there. - If the spring wasn't there the door need not have been trigged open. You are satisfied the lift was in proper working order? - Yes. - Mr Vivian: Anyone can open the door when the car is at the bottom? - Yes. - Was it an object to open the door so as to obtain light from the car? - No, there is a light outside. - Would the clicking of the door shutting be heard above? - No; the distance from the tunnel to the ground floor is 85 feet. - Mr Hubber (a Juryman): It is possible to start the car for the ground floor with the door open, isn't it? - Yes. - Mr Vivian: There was no obstruction in the shaft? - No. - Dr A. Hardwick said on being called to the Hotel he saw the boy lying on the floor of the lift quite dead. His head was underneath the floor of the lift, which had to be cut out to get him away. The car must have been ascending when the accident occurred. He noticed hair from the boy's skull on the lintel of the door and marks on the shaft. The boy's head was very badly crushed. The injuries were across the forehead. He was inclined to think the boy did not reach out of the car. He was knocked down somehow, or, possibly, he might have stumbled. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Roberts said the car took one minute to travel the 35 feet to the ground floor. - Mr Vivian: Was the floor of the car at al slippery? - No; just as usual. - Mr James: The floor is covered with a mat. - The Coroner, summing up, said the lift was evidently one of the best, and was in perfect order. The boy was quite competent to take charge of the lift and had been told not to make use of it by himself. He had disobeyed orders. For some reason he went down to the beach. Why, they would probably never know. They could surmise that he went down to amuse himself. They could also imagine he trigged back the door. But why they could not tell, as it was unnecessary, unless he thought the door going back would make a noise and he would be discovered. When he got to the car to come up, he forgot to remove the fishing net. When the car started he must have thought of it and put his head out and got caught. It was a pure accident and if anyone was to blame it was the poor lad himself. - Mr Shuter said the whole thing was shrouded in mystery. He had seen many lifts but in this one the danger was minimised to the uttermost. It was curious that 75 per cent of lift accidents occurred through lift doors being left open. They did not know who propped open the door, but if the boy had done it, he was afraid he must have seen someone else do it before. - In reply to Mr Hubber, Mr Roberts said the boy would have had no difficulty in opening the door if it had not been trigged open. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that a notice should be fixed to the car warning persons that the lift was not to be used unless the door was shut. - Mr G. Bullmore said the recommendation of the Jury would receive the consideration of the directors, and they would consult the engineers to see if any further improvements could be made with the object of rendering the lift still safer. When the lift was constructed it was stipulated that every modern improvement was to be incorporated. The doors on the floors were really closed to prevent people from falling down. - The Coroner added that they could not attach any blame to anyone. The lift was in perfect order.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 June 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY RUSSELL WESTCOTT, 71, formerly a coal porter. In April he was walking through Looe-street with the aid of a crutch, when he fell. Dr Wilkinson, who saw deceased some weeks later, found he had two bruises on the left leg and was suffering from shock. He was told that deceased fell as the result of his crutch being pulled away from him. WESTCOTT was somewhat weak-minded and feeble. Gangrene set in and death took place on Saturday. Death was accelerated by the fall. - P.C. Byrne said he had failed in his efforts to obtain the evidence of persons who saw the deceased fall. The Jury returned a verdict that "Death resulted from gangrene, accelerated by the Fall."

Western Morning News, Monday 10 June 1907
ABBOTSKERSWELL - Abbotskerswell Landlord's Death. - At the Inquest at Abbotskerswell on Saturday, on WILLIAM SHINNER, landlord of the Tradesman's Arms, in that village. - LOUISA PORTER, his daughter, said he had complained of weakness of the heart during the past few months. About eleven o'clock on Friday he left home to see a doctor, and was brought back in a cab about a quarter to one, unconscious. He died within three minutes. A bottle of medicine, half empty, was found in his pocket. It was similar medicine to what he had been accustomed to take for years. - Mr Leonard Coombe said he met MR SHINNER ascending the Church-path, Wolborough, and noticing he was ill persuaded him to return and get a cab. He could speak only with difficulty. Mr W. Bennett, chemist, Newton Abbot, said on Friday morning MR SHINNER asked to have his medicine made up. It was done from a prescription he brought in 1904, and had been accustomed to have the same medicine made up from time to time ever since. There were 120 grains of chloral in the bottle. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): The prescription is that he drank half the medicine right off, and if so, he must have taken 60 grains of chloral? - Apparently. - Dr Pellier, who had made a post-mortem examination, said all the organs showed chronic alcoholic poisoning and the heart was badly diseased. - The Coroner: What effect would 60 grains of chloral have on a man with a diseased heart? - Most probably paralyse the heart. The mixture was not such as would be prescribed for heart disease. It was really an ordinary mild sleeping draught, not fitted for heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - Heart Disease."

SIDBURY - Too Much Medicine. - Mr C. N. Tweed held an Inquest on Saturday on CHARLES F. STEVENS, of Castle View Cottage, Sidbury, who died from taking an overdose of medicine on Thursday. - MRS STEVENS, the widow, said deceased, a draper's traveller, was 44 years of age and had been in the habit of taking medicine for aneurism of the heart. - Henry Pemberthy, chemist, of Sidmouth, said he sent a bottle of medicine containing six doses, to deceased on Thursday afternoon. - Dr B. Pullin said deceased must have taken the whole six doses between four o'clock and nine o'clock, when MRS STEVENS found him dying. The fact that he had taken such a quantity of paraldehyde would account for his sudden death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 June 1907
STOKENHAM - Suicide At Hallsands. - At Hallsands, near Dartmouth, an Inquest was held on ROBERT LOGAN. - ROBERT LOGAN, father of deceased, said his son, 40 years of age, was a fisherman. He had no monetary or other troubles. On Saturday afternoon deceased went out and did not return. - Edward Stone said on Saturday evening he went in search of LOGAN and found his body in a pool at a quarry on Muckwell Farm. There was only about a foot of water there. - Dr Halse, of Chillington, attributed death to drowning. LOGAN'S right hand was closed and full of mud and it appeared as if he had made an effort to keep under the water. He understood deceased had suffered from influenza. P.C. Jarman, of Chillington, said in one of LOGAN'S pockets he found a purse containing £1 10s. 5 ½d. and a piece of paper upon which was written in deceased's handwriting, "Share the money equal in the family." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

EXMOUTH - At the Inquest on MR E. LANCEY, aged 74, retired ironmonger, who died while watching a croquet match on Saturday at Exmouth, a verdict o "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 June 1907
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. - Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on MRS BETSY GUEST, widow, 80, who fell downstairs at Inglewood-terrace on Monday and fractured her skull. Deceased, on a visit to Miss Ball, the occupier of the house, was left alone in the kitchen. A scream was heard and Miss Ball, returning, found her at the foot of the stairs leading down into the basement. She never recovered consciousness. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held on WILLIAM H. ROOK, 60, labourer, who died in Torbay Hospital on Tuesday from injuries received on May 23rd. - Robert Bolt said ROOK was loading race, and as he (witness) let down a bag ROOK slipped on another bag and fell over the side of the wagon. - Dr Rudge said the wound deceased received was a trivial one and an ordinary man would have recovered in three or four days. A week after his admission to the Hospital deceased developed mania. Death was due to the wound, followed by delirium tremens and heart failure. The Coroner said death was evidently due to excessive drinking. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," recognising there might have been contributory causes.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 June 1907
TORQUAY - Torquay Motor Car Fatality. Opening Of The Inquest. - At Torquay on Saturday Mr G. F. Kellock opened the Inquest on ANTONIA JANNETTA, aged 6, daughter of an Italian ice-cream vendor, who died from injuries sustained by being struck by a motor car in Union-street, Torre,. Mr H. J. Greswolde-Williams, owner of the motor car and who was in it at the time of the accident, was present and evidently in a distressed state of mind, as was also the father of the deceased. Mrs Georgina Fourchalk, an Italian, acted as interpreter. Mr W. Oliver was Foreman of the Jury. - John Radmore, labourer, said about ten minutes to one on Friday he was outside the shop of Mr Hancock, butcher, with a wagon, when he saw deceased run from the footpath out into the street. A motor car knocked her down. The car was coming towards the town and was practically on a level, in the middle of the road. Deceased seemed to be at play with other children. The car went over the child and was at once pulled up. He picked up the child, which was then alive He could not say at what pace the car was being driven. There were two persons in it and they jumped out to render assistance. - In answer to Police-Superintendent Roberts, witness said his wagon was standing outside Mr Hancock's shop and the child ran out from behind the vehicle. - Mrs Mary Emmet, wife of a labourer, who also saw the accident, gave evidence. - The Coroner: Do you know the pace the motor car was going? - It was not going fast when I saw it. - Did you see anyone chasing the child or worrying her? - No. I saw three little children on the opposite side of the street, and it looked to me as if the child was trying to get across the road to them. - Superintendent Roberts: How far did the motor car go, after it had struck the child, before it stopped? - A few feet. - Was the car being driven carefully or carelessly? - I did not see any carelessness at all. I think the gentleman who drove the car did his utmost to save the child. He pulled in the car to the left and did his best to preserve the child's life, if he could have done such a thing. - Dr H. K. Lacey said the child's skull was fractured, and there were marks of other injuries on the body. - Superintendent Roberts: Did the condition of the child indicate that the car really went over her? - No. If it had been so the child must have been crushed and there was no sign of crushing. There was no bruising as if a heavy weight had passed over the limbs. - At this stage the Coroner intimated that the remainder of the Inquiry was a great deal too much for them to get through that evening and he adjourned the Inquest to Wednesday afternoon next. - Mr Greswolde-Williams asked to be permitted to express his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. The Coroner said he would much rather that was done out of Court and not in the presence of the Jury. - Mr Greswolde-Williams waited until the Jury had left, and he then very feelingly conveyed to the father of the deceased his deep sympathy and great sorrow at the accident.

PAIGNTON - Sudden Death Of A Paignton Child. - THOMAS R. PIDDELL, aged four years, on Friday afternoon fell on the pavement outside the Gerston Hotel. Dr Adams, who was passing at the time, had him carried inside and used all endeavours to restore the child to consciousness, but in vain. He made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to a rare condition known as status lymphaticus, an enlargement of the glands of the spleen. The mother is a widow and cook at a Paignton Hotel. At an Inquest on Saturday the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and gave their fees to the mother.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 June 1907
EXETER - An Exeter Suicide. Agent's Excessive Drinking. - At the Inquest last evening on JOHN LANGDON, commercial agent, aged 38, of 12 Park-road, Polsloe Park, Exeter, the widow stated that on Saturday night at 11 o'clock deceased returned home the worse for liquor. He had only taken to drink lately. He went to bed alone. Next morning at about 10.30 she placed a cup of tea by the side of his bed. Soon after she heard him vomiting but it was not unusual for him in the morning. She took him hot milk, but he told her to go away. Ten minutes later she heard him again vomiting. She took him brandy, which he drank. Then she warmed milk for him. Half an hour later he was apparently dead. She had been under the impression that he had been suffering from the effects of drink. - P.S. Mortimer produced an ounce phial bottle. - The widow, in reply to the Coroner (Mr Gould) said she kept belladona in the house, but was not aware the deceased had purchased any on Saturday. He had when in drink threatened to take his life, but she attached no importance to it. He was not in any trouble. - Dr Bradford said when he arrived MR LANGDON was dead. There were evidences of belladona poisoning and a bottle labelled "poison" found under the bed contained belladona liniment. A small teaspoonful would be sufficient to cause death. A post-mortem examination showed that death was caused by methylated liniment of belladona, commonly used to alleviate pain. - P.S. Mortimer said he was informed that the deceased called at Mr Pearce's, chemist, on Saturday night and asked for liniment for his wife, who, he said, was suffering from neuralgia. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity, induced by excessive drinking." - Dr Bradford complained of the want of a pubic mortuary. It was not right that post-mortem examinations should have to be conducted at a private house. - It was stated that steps were being taken by Heavitree District Council to provide a mortuary.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 June 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Suicide Near Newton. Farm Labourer's Sad End. - At the Inquest at Greenhill, near Newton Abbot, last evening, on AMBROSE BOVETT, found hanging in a stable the previous day, Rosa Ellen Taylor, his step-daughter, said deceased, 67 years of age, worked for Mr Tom Newcombe, of Greenhill Farm. Her mother died in January and most of the time since deceased has been in the Hospital with a poisoned hand and rheumatism. He had been depressed by the loss of his wife, and the breaking up of his home. He got up at 5.45 on Monday morning and without breakfast went out and did not return. She and her sister searched but could find no trace of him. Afterwards she noticed that the stable door was tied on the inside. She opened it, and in the left found her father hanging from a beam, with a bundle of straw beneath him. She fetched a knife and cut him down. The body was cold. - Elizabeth A. Mole, and Sarah Ann Tozer, a step-daughter, also gave evidence. - Dr Scrase said the loss of his wife and the illness which incapacitated him made deceased very melancholy, but he never showed any suicidal tendency. - The Coroner said deceased was very much respected in the parish and until his wife's death was a hale and hearty man. The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide during Temporary Insanity and passed a vote of condolence with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 June 1907
PLYMOUTH - The Hemerdon Mystery. An Open Verdict. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JOHN BURLEY, labourer, aged 64, residing at Lambhay-hill, Plymouth, who died from injuries received on the G.W. Railway at Hemerdon, near Cornwood on Monday. Chief Inspector Scantlebury represented the G.W.R. Company and Mr G. H. Flewellyn, locomotive department, Newton Abbot, also attended. - SARAH E. BURLEY, wife of the deceased, said about 7.30 a.m. on Monday he left home, saying he intended looking for work. He promised to let witness know when he got a job. - Percy May, engine driver, G.W.R. Company, residing at Laira, said his engine assisted a goods train from Laira to Hemerdon at 10 o'clock on Monday evening. At Hemerdon he saw the body of deceased lying face downwards between the rails and a signal-post. Before he quite reached him he heard him breathing. The man was unconscious. He had received a terrible injury to the skull. The down passenger train was stopped at Cornwood and deceased taken to Mutley, and thence to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Inspector Flewellyn said it was assumed that deceased was knocked down by a London engine. - The Deputy Coroner said he had received a communication from the G.W.R. Company stating that the engine which worked the 7.58 p.m. excursion from Exeter to Plymouth, on Monday, was examined at Plymouth and a small piece of flesh was found adhering to the handrail over the smoke-box. There was also what appeared to be dried blood stains on the front of the engine. - Dr Singleton Smith, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said deceased's skull was fractured in at least two places and there were three definite long cuts. Death resulted on Tuesday afternoon, deceased not regaining consciousness. Witness should not like to offer an opinion as to how the injuries were inflicted. - The Deputy Coroner wondered whether deceased fell from a train. - Chief Inspector Scantlebury remarked that no ticket was found on deceased and no evidence had been obtained of a carriage-door having been found open. He had examined the line where the body was found and saw that the ballast had not been disturbed. There was very little blood at the spot. - The Jury found that deceased died as the result of injuries received on the G.W. Railway at Hemerdon.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest at Devonport yesterday on PHILIP HILL, aged 78 years, a retired Dockyard pensioner, living at 6 Morice-street, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the medical evidence certifying that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

TORQUAY - Motor Car Dangers. The Torquay Fatality. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held at Torquay yesterday the adjourned Inquest on ANTONIA JANNETTA, aged 6, daughter of an Italian ice-cream vendor, who on Friday last was knocked down in Union-street, Torre, by a motor car belonging to Mr H. J. Greswolde-Williams. Mr E. Hutchings represented the owner of the car. - Ernest Border, grocer's assistant, said whilst in the shop 215 Union-street, he saw the child looking down a grating and then run across the road. Just then the motor car came on and deceased was knocked down. The occupants of the car could not see deceased before she ran out from behind the van, which hid her from their view. The car was going at a very slow pace as compared with the rate at which these cars usually travelled. Mr Greswolde-Williams and his chauffeur got out and went to the child's assistance. He did not hear the horn sounded. By Police-Superintendent Roberts: The car did not pass over the child. By Mr Hutchings: The car was stopped immediately after the accident and did not go more than about a yard. - Frederick J. Avent of the Brunswick Inn, Torre, corroborated, and said the car was going about vie or six miles an hour. - Mrs Elizabeth Addems, wife of a baker, said the car was going very little faster than an ordinary carriage. - ZANETTA JANNETTA, age 13, sister of the deceased, said she saw the car knock her sister down as she was crossing the road to come to witness. - by Mr Hutchings: The car went over her sister, but what part of it she did not know. - Antonia Ventri, age 11, said when the car knocked deceased down it dragged her and went over her. - Owner And Chauffeur's Evidence. - Mr Henry J. Greswolde-Williams, of The Mount, St Mark's-road, owner of the car, said his chauffeur was driving. He was coming from Torre Station towards the town. They had just slowed up for a funeral to pass, when he saw deceased rush headlong from behind the van. It seemed to him as if her head was turned over her shoulder away from him when the car knocked her down. It did not go over her. His chauffeur pulled up instantly and they both jumped out. Someone picked up the child and she was placed in the car and taken to the Hospital. - The Coroner: What pace were you travelling? - Quite slowly. - And how far did you go after the child was knocked down before you stopped? - A few feet; but I can't say exactly. - By the Foreman: Deceased ran into the right splash-board. - Wm. F. Blackbourn, the chauffeur, said deceased, in running across the road, bore to the right, away from the car, when she was struck by the front of the vehicle on the right-hand side. The car did not go over the child. He stopped the car in six or seven feet. It was not travelling more than five miles an hour. - John Radmore, recalled, said he picked up deceased in the middle of the tramway. He thought at first the car went over the child, but was not certain. He should say the car went over her foot. It did not drag her. She was running as fast as she could. The car was going at a slow pace. - Dr Lacey, recalled, said there was no mark on the body to justify the statement that the car went over the child. - William Blackbourn, the chauffeur, said he thought deceased was struck in the chest. - Dr Lacey said there was a bruise on that part of the body. There were two small incised wounds on the skull about two inches apart, and from one of these the fracture ran. There was a possibility that deceased was thrown down on a tramway stud, and that might have caused the fracture. - Police Inspector Pratt said he carefully examined the car for marks of blood, but found none. - The father of deceased, on being asked through an interpreter if he had any questions to ask, was represented as saying that, as his child's life had been taken away, he wanted to be recompensed. - The Coroner: We cannot hear anything about that. We wish to know if he wants to ask any questions. - The interpreter again spoke to the father, and then said he wished to say he was very pained that his child had been killed. - The Coroner: yes, we all feel that. - The Summing Up. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he was afraid they had to regard motors as a very dangerous mode of travelling. Here was a child killed almost instantly, and not long ago there was a similar fatality to a little boy in Kingsteignton-road, Newton Abbot. It seemed to him there ought to be some greater protection provided. Considering the tremendous impact there must be from a car weighing 22cwt. and of 20-horse power, it was a question whether they ought not to be compelled to carry something in front for the protection of the public similar to the cow-catchers in front of railway engines in America. If a person were knocked down by a motor car on the road, it was almost certain death, because of their being built so much lower and closer to the ground than an ordinary carriage. If the Jury thought the driver of this motor car or anybody with him at the time of the accident was negligent, and responsible for the life of the child, it would be their bounden duty to return a verdict of manslaughter. On the other hand, if the Jury thought the car was being driven carefully and within the observance of the regulations, and that the child ran into the car as described, they would bring in a verdict of accidental death. - It had been a terribly sad case to investigate. Children must be about the streets and when there they would do things they ought not to. There were the old and feeble, the deaf and the partially blind. All these classes of people were in the streets and rightly so, and when motor cars were about they should be driven with every caution and provided with every possible appliance to save people from injury. - After a short consultation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They exonerated the driver of the motor car from all blame, and expressed their sympathy with the family of deceased. - Mr Hutchings, on behalf of Mr Greswolde-Williams, expressed to the father of the child his deepest sympathy in this most tragic occurrence. Mr Greswolde-Williams felt there was only one thing he could do besides express his sympathy. He would undertake every possible expense n connection with the unfortunate incident and he would also do something else. He (Mr Hutchings) did not think that the right time to say what that something else was, but what was reasonable and just for a gentleman to do should be done (Applause). Mr Hutchings also expressed the deep sympathy of the driver of the car towards the father of the child.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 June 1907
EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter on MR R. LETHABY, retired builder, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide During Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 June 1907
KINGSWEAR - Pony's Fatal Kick. Kingswear Lad's Death. - At Kingswear yesterday Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest on BERKELEY GEORGE O. MEDWAY, eight years of age, who was kicked by a pony. GEORGE MEDWAY, market gardener, Kingswear, said that on Wednesday evening the lad, his grandson, accompanied him to a field to bring a pony to the stable. The lad went ahead and when the pony stopped to eat got close to it. Suddenly the animal jumped and kicked his grandson. Dr W. B. Kendall said the lad was kicked on the upper part of the chest. Apparently a piece of bone had punctured the lung, causing internal bleeding and suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

HARBERTON - Harbertonford Contractor's Death. - The Inquest on MR SAMUEL HARRIS, road contractor, Harbertonford, aged 36, was held last evening. The widow said her husband was brought home on Wednesday week by Mr David Horswell, who said he found him lying in the road at Halwell Copse. Deceased said he got up to disentangle the whip from the harness, the cob started and he fell back over the seat into the road. Richard Ellis, farmer, said he drove MR HARRIS from Blackawton show to Halwell, where he harnessed his own horse. He was not incapable of taking care of himself. By Superintendent Jeffery: He did not know the deceased was refused drink at the Inn at Halwell. - Dr K. R. Smith, Totnes, stated that deceased died as the result of a serious injury to the spinal cord. He evidently fell on the top of his shoulders. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 24 June 1907
HALWELL - A Halwell Tragedy. Remarkable Family History. Farmer's Sudden Impulse. - On Saturday morning it became known at Halwell that MR JOHN FREDERICK ADAMS, of Stanborough Farm, who for three years prior to April last was a guardian and district councillor, had committed suicide. At the Inquest the widow said her husband was 54 years of age and they had been married over 20 years. On Friday morning he carried out things to be taken to Totnes Market by his sons. He had been unwell for nearly two years and Dr Smith attended him from February to October last. He went out between two and three o'clock, calling upstairs that when she was ready to feed the calves she was to give him a call. The gun was kept in the hall, but he had not used it for two years. As he did not come in to tea, she sent workmen to look for him. they were searching from 9 p.m. to 1.30 a.m. on Saturday and about 3.30 a.m. he was found dead in the orchard. She considered he suffered principally from indigestion, but he was cheerful and there was nothing to make her think h was afflicted in his mind like others of his family. He was well-to-do and had no money, business, or other troubles. She thought his mother's death had some effect on him. She and two brothers took their lives and other relatives had been in the asylum. He was very amiable. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): You did not think that he was contemplating it? - No, he was just the same as for months past, and on Friday he carried away the scalded milk as he usually did. He held the horse for his sons, saw them off to market and told them to be careful. - He never suffered from hallucinations? - No, nothing of that kind. - Maria Clements said on Friday when deceased, after calling up to his wife, left the house he had no gun. Between 3.30 and 4 p.m. she heard the report of a gun from the direction of the orchard but thought somebody was rabbiting. - William Clements, farm labourer, said he found deceased in the corner of the orchard near the house. He was in the hedge in a sitting position and quite dead. His hat was about a pace in front of him, as if it had been blown off by the gun. - P.C. Needs said he found a piece of wood fixed in loops of cords attached to both triggers of the gun, the left carrel of which had exploded. The right was loaded and the trigger cocked. He searched the body, but found nothing to explain the occurrence. - FRANCIS D. ADAMS, son, said the gun was his father's property. Deceased kept no cartridges. He had not observed anything strange about his father, who had no troubles. WILLIAM F. ADAMS, another son, identified the cartridges as his. He kept them in a box in the larder. - Dr K. R. Smith, of Totnes, said deceased's nose and skull were shattered. He must have placed the muzzle of the gun in his mouth and discharged it. He suffered from indigestion, but there was a certain amount of nervous breakdown. He could not apply himself to his work. Knowing the family history, he was anxious that the deceased should go away for a complete change. He observed no signs of delusions or mania, and there was not the least tendency to suicide or depression. - The Coroner observed that there was a terrible family history, but the deceased did not appear to have been affected by the family fault, as far as anyone could judge. It was extraordinary that up to Friday there was nothing in his manner or conduct to suggest he was contemplating anything of the sort. They could hardly understand that he should be contemplating suicide when he called his wife, and it must have been a very sudden impulse, as he must have returned for the gun and cartridges. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the widow and her two sons.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 June 1907
PLYMOUTH - The Yachting Fatality. Inquest At Plymouth. Alleged Neglect. A Rider By The Jury. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS LIGHT, 38, first class chief petty officer of H.M.S. Forth. The death of LIGHT took place as the result of the yacht Gallia capsizing during the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club races on Saturday. - The yacht belongs to Lieutenant E. W. Craven, R.N., of the Forth, who was accompanied in the race by Henry Jupp, able seaman and also Chief Petty Officer THOS. LIGHT. - Mr J. P. Goldsmith, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of the Admiralty. Considerable interest was manifested in the Inquest and in the vicinity of the mortuary in Vauxhall-street, a crowd had gathered. - The first witness was Henry Jupp, able seaman of the Forth, who identified the body. The deceased had resided at No. 6 Neath-road, Plymouth. Witness was on board the yacht Gallia, with LIGHT, soon after two o'clock on Saturday afternoon, and also with Lieut. Craven. When the firing gun was fired Lieut. Craven was at the tiller. Witness and deceased were attending to the sails and there was a strong south-westerly breeze. They were on the port tack. Spray had been coming over the gunwale. Witness was bailing out, and LIGHT got hold of the main sheet. Just at that time the yacht began to fill and Lieut. Craven gave orders for the foresail to be lowered. Deceased went to do it and suddenly the yacht gave a lurch and went down. At the time they were 60 or 70 yards from the shore. Lieut. Craven gave orders to jump. They were wearing white jumpers, but no sea boots. Witness took in a lot of water, but got to the shore safely. - By the Foreman (Mr W. G. Sullivan): The yacht went down quite suddenly. - How The Accident Occurred. - Lieut. Chas Worthington Craven, who was sailing the Gallia, corroborated. - The Coroner: How do you account for the yacht going down? - Lieut. Craven: I think she sprung a leak forward. Continuing, he said the yacht was close-rigged. He swam for the shore shouting to LIGHT and Jupp to keep together. Witness saw deceased was in difficulties, although swimming, and he went to his assistance. Eventually a boat came and took them both ashore. Deceased was an expert swimmer and an instructor of swimming in the navy. - In answer to the Foreman, witness said he heard deceased shout once only. There was no delay whatever in putting a boat out from the shore and the gun at the club-house was also fired at the time of the accident. - Mr Goldsmith: Did you know that LIGHT was in delicate health? - Lieut. Craven: No I did not know that he was at all delicate. I have been in a submarine with him for two years, and I never knew of his being ill. - Serious Allegations. - Chief Petty Officer Harrington, of the Forth, said he desired to speak and mention an important matter to the Jury. He had heard that six men who witnessed the accident rushed down to the Corinthian Yacht Club and got hold of a boat there. They wanted to push it off and rescue the men in the water. In their hurry to get the boat out they did not cast off the painter, but cut it and got into the boat. Then, it was alleged, somebody from the Corinthian Yacht Club came and told the men they were not entitled to take the boat. That, he thought, was certainly a matter to be inquired into. The man who was his informant was a respectable tradesman of Trevile-street. - The Coroner: If the tradesman has any complaint to make he ought to come and make it. - A Juryman: What the Petty officer is saying is common property, and if he had not asked about it I should have. It is all the talk. - Another Juryman: There is considerable discussion whether the boat was put off from the club premises quick enough. - A Denial - William Moulding, ex-sergeant of Plymouth Water Police, and now caretaker at the Corinthian Yacht Club premises, said on Saturday afternoon he fired the gun to start the race. Almost immediately afterwards he saw that the boat was in distress. It only crept passed the line and he noticed that the foresail had got fouled. One of the men went out to clear the sail, when the nose of the yacht dipped and a heavy sea washed over the craft. The man who went out to the foresail was nearly knocked off and went back to the mainmast. A second time the man, who, he believed was LIGHT, went to the foresail. Witness turned round to go into the club premises, when he heard Mr Harvey shouting that the yacht was sinking. He immediately ran round to the boathouse for his boat, cut the painter and went out with a young man named Griffin. That was the only person besides witness near the boat. - The Coroner: Is there any truth in the suggestion that six other people got into a boat and you would not allow them to go out? - No. - There is no truth whatever in the allegation? - No, there was no other man present except Griffin, who is a waterman. What is more there was no other boat there during the whole of the time. The rumour that men came there and were prevented from putting off in a boat is all false. - The Foreman: Did anyone want to go in to effect a rescue except Griffin and yourself? - No, there were no others present at that spot. - A Juryman: Is it not a fact that the man who went out with you in the boat reprimanded you for hesitating and in not being at all prompt? - No, there is no truth in it whatever. I went immediately I heard what had occurred and got the oars and went out. - The Coroner: That seems to dispose of the whole thing. If there was only this boat there, and occupied by Moulding and Griffin, how could six men have been in a second boat. - The Foreman: I understand that from the time the yacht capsized until a start was made by Moulding only seven minutes had elapsed. That shows there could not have been much time wasted. - The Coroner: I think that Moulding is telling the truth, notwithstanding the rumours that have got about. his remarks will help to clear the air. - Petty Officer Harrington: I should be very sorry to spread about false rumours. - The Coroner: If your informant only had the same pluck as you, he would come here and give evidence. - Petty Officer Harrington: I can bring a witness who saw the painter cut in two. - Moulding: I cut my own painter for quickness; that is the one. - Petty Officer Harrington: I am told that the men tried to get out a boat, but were not allowed to do so. - Moulding: There was no one there to bring out another boat. - The Coroner (to Harrington): You cannot go on making rumours. I daresay if you ask your friend he will come here. - Petty Officer Harrington: I will not ask anything more. I have finished. - The Foreman: I saw a certain tradesman who I think is referred to by the Coroner just now. - The Coroner: If he is anything of a man he would have come here to state what he knows so that the matter can be cleared up. - Moulding: He is no man; he is telling lies. - Petty Officer Harrington: My information came from a very good source. I don't think he would tell a lie. - The Coroner: We are willing to wait here until what time you like, if you will only produce your informant. - Petty Officer Harrington: I say where life and death is concerned painters of boats or anything else ought not to stand in the way. - The Coroner: Bring your informant here and we will hear all he has to say. - Petty Officer Harrington: I do not wish to go on contesting the case, but there are serious rumours and we ought to have the truth. - The Foreman: The Jury are willing to get all the information they can to clear the matter up. - The Coroner: So am I. Why does not this man, who is said to have spread the rumours, come forward. He does not seem to have the pluck to come here and state it. - Petty Officer Harrington: I will go and get him in three minutes. - Harrington then left the mortuary to find his informant and in the meantime Moulding proceeded with his evidence, stating that it was false to say there was another boat there besides the one he was using. - Petty Officer Macdonna, of the Forth, said he was present on behalf of the widow and relations of LIGHT. He wanted to know if there were not signs of neglect. - The Coroner: I think the question should be asked by Mr Goldsmith on her behalf. - Petty Officer Macdonna and Mr Goldsmith went into a private room and had a consultation and Petty Officer Harrington returned and stated that a search was being made for his informant in all directions, and that he had been promised that the man should be produced in a few minutes. - Cause Of Death. - Dr C. J. Cooke stated that he was called to the Corinthian Yacht Club on Saturday afternoon and saw a Constable and other persons endeavouring to bring LIGHT around by means of respiration. The colour of LIGHT was bad and he injected strychnine and ether into him, as well as trying artificial respiration for about an hour. There was no sign of life in LIGHT when he first saw him. A post-mortem had been made and an effusion of blood was found in the pericardium. Death would be due to syncope, caused by shock. The sudden shock of immersion drove a large quantity of blood into the heart and no doubt it gave way in a certain part. - The Foreman: The rush of blood was too strong for the tissues, which broke away with the force? - Dr Cooke: Quite so. There were slight marks over one of the eyes and on the body, but they were not serious. They appeared to be superficial and caused probably by falling down in a boat. - On the application of Mr Goldsmith, Moulding was recalled and asked whether any arrangements were made at the club premises under the Hoe to provide for accidents. - Moulding replied that his boat was always kept in the port. If the weather was rough the yachts did not go out. - Mr Goldsmith: It is suggested on behalf of the widow that more precautions might be taken at the club. In case of an accident your boat, or some other boat kept for the purpose, should have been in readiness. - Moulding: We have never had such a thing happen before. - The Coroner: The experience of one is that the accidents usually happen to the yachts when they are a long way out, not when near the starting point. - Moulding: I have not had an accident since I have been there - two years. - P.O. Macdonna: I think that is a very unsatisfactory answer. - Moulding: I should like to see you do it quicker. - The Coroner: Never mind this wrangling. - Mr Goldsmith: What the sailor, who is here on behalf of the widow says, is that if a boat is placed there for saving life it should have been ready. - Moulding: It is not kept there for my private purposes. - A Juryman: Do you think, Mr Coroner, a boat should be kept there in readiness? - The Coroner: It is a thousand to one that nothing happens there. It would occur outside, where there would be plenty of breeze. I have had an experience in these matters, but I have not heard of boats being constantly kept in readiness for accidents. - Evidence Of An Eye-Witness - At this part of the proceedings, William Mann entered the Court attired as a fisherman and P.O. Harrington said Mann was the informant he had referred to. Having been sworn, Mann said he was a fish porter. He lived in Treville-street and kept a shop. He was on the Hoe near the Corinthian Yacht Club premises on Saturday afternoon at 2.30. He was watching the yachting and saw the Gallia getting into difficulties. One man went out to the foresail and there was a puff and an extra squall. The yacht appeared to be almost stiff. the man went out to the foresail again, and exactly as he got there the yacht went down by the bow. All three men were then in the water. He, with others, ran from the road under the Hoe to get to the eastern gate of the Yacht Club, shouting all the time. They could not get through, and some of them jumped over the gate. When one man was running down somebody from the club got hold of him and would not let him pass. They kept the men who came from the roadway back. Witness wanted to get at the men in the water, who were only about 20 yards from the shore, and all three were then swimming. He got in over the gate, but was stopped by a man. Witness told the person who stopped him that three men were drowning and the man replied, "You cannot e allowed here; you must go out of it." There were about 20 persons there, and when he saw the poor fellows in the water he shouted out to them and to one of the men in the water he said "Cling to the weeds against the rocks." - The Coroner: How long was it before the boat put off from the club? - Witness: It was a long time. One of our chaps named Briggs, who they would not allow into the Club to get at a boat, ran around to the Commercial Wharf and got out to the spot one minute before the boat got out from the Corinthian Club. Someone at the club wanted the boat to cast off and the painter was cut. - Moulding: Mr Harvey told a man to cut the painter - Mann, continuing, alleged that when Moulding got within five yards of the men in the water he pulled in his oars. - Moulding denied the statement of Mann. He had for years served in the water police, and knew how to manage a boat. Mann had some petty spite against him, and was simply giving this evidence to injure him. - A hot passage at arms occurred between Moulding and Mann and eventually the Coroner's officer had to forcibly remove Mann from the building. - Lieut. Craven said he desired to state that in his opinion there was no delay. Of course, it seemed a long time to those in the water, but he believed that Moulding did everything he could and as quickly as he could. - Seaman Jupp: No one could have done better than Moulding and the other man with him. that is my opinion. - P.O. Harrington: I thought it my duty to bring this matter forward. I considered it absolutely my duty, when I heard the stories about to get to the bottom of it. I now think there has been a mistake made somewhere. - The Coroner said his opinion was that the allegations made against Moulding and the Corinthian Club were absolutely unfounded. Moulding was an ex-sergeant of police, accustomed to the water and did all he could. It was most unusual for an accident of this kind to happen so near in shore. The greatest credit was due to Lieut. Craven for the manner in which he returned to deceased to endeavour to get him ashore, and to Moulding for the way he had carried out his duties. - Verdict: A Rider. - After a brief consultation in private the Jury returned the following verdict: " We are of opinion that death resulted from Shock owing to sudden immersion in the water; we congratulate Lieut. Craven on his action in going back to endeavour to rescue LIGHT; and we add the following rider: - We consider in future a boat should be kept at the steps in case of another accident happening, all ready and fully equipped for any emergency."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 June 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Street Fatality. A Pure Accident. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth last evening on GWENDOLINE EDDA ANNIE ELLIS, 15, daughter of MR FREDERICK ELLIS, licensed victualler, Pembroke-street, Devonport, who fell under a 'bus the previous evening and was killed almost instantly. - Miss Ethel Parsons, a shop assistant, stated that about ten o'clock in the evening the girl was standing at the bottom of Rosebery-avenue, when her playmate ran across the road and touched her. Deceased fell under the 'bus, which happened at that moment to come along. - Winifred Trist, 14, of 30 Beatrice-avenue, cousin of the deceased, said they had come from a Christian Endeavour meeting and were playing "touch me." She touched deceased, who fell. She called to her to mind the 'bus, which she had noticed when it was half a dozen yards away. - Thomas Cobbledick, driver of the 'bus, said he was not aware he had driven over the girl until the conductor rang the bell and called him. He was returning to the stables at Mutley at the time. He had not noticed the girls playing there. - Dr C. F. Glinn said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. He did not think the wheel went over deceased, but that the injury was caused by running against some part of the 'bus. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury exonerating the driver from all blame, and expressing sympathy with the relatives of deceased. - Mr Baskerville, proprietor of the 'bus, also expressed sympathy. Deceased was a much-respected member of the Salisbury-road Baptist C.E. Society.

BRAUNTON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at Braunton on SIDNEY F. WILLIAMS, aged 16, who was drowned at the mouth of the river on Monday.

EXMOUTH - "Found Drowned" was the verdict returned at Exmouth on THOMAS G. JUTSON, the corporation employee drowned in a shallow pond near his allotment. There was no evidence that he had been depressed in any way. His widow said he was subject to faintness.

PLYMPTON - Leap From A Window. Plympton Lady's Suicide. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Plympton on EMILY DILLON, aged 71, widow of CAPT. J. P. DILLON, R.N. - Dr W. D. Stamp said deceased had been under his care since April 23rd. She was suffering from nervous debility. He saw her on Friday and she had much improved in her general health since he first began attending her. He ordered her drives and she went for one on Thursday. On Sunday morning he was called to her residence at 1 Boringdon-villas. She was dead, the left side of the skull and the jaws being very severely fractured. Death must have been instantaneous. The injuries were probably caused by a fall from a height Deceased had taken a gloomy view of things for years. She suffered from melancholia, but was easily cheered. he had for the past four weeks arranged for someone to be near her, but he did not mean she was not to be left alone for a short time. He had never heard her threaten to take her life, nor had he known of her doing so. The fact that she was left to herself for a few moments on Sunday reflected on nobody. Deceased had expressed a belief that she would not live long. At the same time, she had often hoped to live until September, when her son was coming home from South Africa. - The Coroner read the following letter, which deceased left in her bedroom:- "My dear Blanche, - So glad to hear from you. I am feeling very ill, heartbroken. Do have me looked after. Oh, don't let me be put away. I wish I could see you once more. The woman here leaves today. You had better tell dear "De C." to come direct to you. I have only winter clothes and a thin large blouse. I should be so thankful for, sorry and grieved to ask you. I am sure you will forgive and pity me. Love to you all, from your sorrowful mother." - There was a postscript to the letter:- "Mind the china dear Sydney brought home." - Dr Stamp said there was no suggestion of sending deceased away. One of her sons died some time ago, and for him deceased had a great affection. She hardly ever saw him without recalling the fact. Deceased must practically crawled out of the window after climbing on to a chair. The window-sill was a good height from the ground. He had no doubt that deceased committed the act in a fit of temporary insanity. - ARTHUR MONTAGUE W. DILLON. living at Colebrook, said deceased was his mother and during the Saturday night he slept in the house. On Sunday morning he was in her bedroom at about 10.30. He left her room for about ten minutes to shave himself and while returning he met one of the servants who asked him what MRS DILLON had thrown out of the window. Witness looked out of the window and saw what had happened. His mother was as usual that morning, but was a little depressed. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. There was no insanity on her side of the family. The letter, which was dated Saturday, was addressed to his sister, MRS SHARPE. There had been no suggestion of sending his mother to an asylum,. As far as he knew his mother had everything necessary in the way of clothes. The woman referred to was a nurse who had let only for the weekend. - Mary L. Roberts, nurse, living at Underwood, said she had been attending deceased for 19 days. On Saturday deceased received a letter from MRS SHARPE, her daughter, and she immediately wrote the letter which had been read. When deceased went for the drive she remarked to witness about being taken to an asylum, and seemed suspicious that that was what she was being taken out for. Witness assured her that such was not the case. Deceased was easily roused out of her depression. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a painfully sad one. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and passed a vote of sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 June 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Shipwright's Death. Was Silicated Cotton The Cause? - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM H. BONE, aged 41, shipwright, Devonport Dockyard, who died suddenly on Tuesday in Cambridge-lane. Alderman Jenkins M.P., represented the Associated Society of Shipwrights, and Mr Peck the Admiralty. - JNO. BONE, shipwright, Hill-street, Plymouth, said the deceased, his brother, had been ailing for the past two weeks. Deceased told him he was working with silicated cotton in the yard and that his doctor had advised him to give it up. On Saturday he said he had been spitting blood. Witness advised him to give up the work. On Monday evening he saw deceased, and he seemed in good spirits. Shortly after midnight he was called to see his brother, who died within a very short time. - Dr Whitmore said he had made a post-mortem examination in the presence of a naval doctor and found that death was due to inflammation of the lungs, which might possibly have been caused by silicated cotton. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until Monday, as the presence of H.M. Inspector of Factories was necessary.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 July 1907
PLYMOUTH - Silicate Of Cotton. Dockyard Workmen And The Use Of Veils. Coroner's Jury's Advice. - Mr R. B. Johns held an adjourned inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY BONE, aged 41, a shipwright in Devonport Dockyard, who died in Cambridge-lane on Tuesday week. Mr Percy T. Pearce (instructed by Mr Jenkins, M.P. for Chatham, and a representative of the Associated Society of Shipwrights appeared for the relatives and Mr K. E. Peck, Devonport, for the Admiralty. Mr G. Stevenson Taylor (H.M. Inspector of Factories) was also present, as well as several Dockyard officials. - The Coroner stated that since the last Inquiry the Inspector of Factories had visited the cruiser Minotaur, in which the deceased had been using silicate of cotton. It was used in packing furnaces, boilers and pipes, &c. In 1899 a Committee of the House of Commons inquired into certain dangerous trades, including silicated cotton, and came to the conclusion that really no deaths had been caused by it amongst men, but that when it was used by apprentices it had an irritating effect on the skin. Silicated cotton was used in warships as packing, it being a non-conductor of sound or beat. It had been suggested that the deceased was affected by this silicated cotton, which got into his lungs and that it caused his death. That was the matter the Jury had to Inquire into and also whether any ordinary precautions had been taken to prevent a tendency to injury by the use of silicated cotton. - Veils Now Used. - Charles H. Oakley, foreman in the Dockyard, stated that he was in charge of the work in the Minotaur. BONE was engaged in the ship in using silicate of cotton. They were putting it on a boiler bulkhead for the purpose of keeping that part of the ship cool towards the ammunition passages. Deceased was first engaged on the work in the Minotaur on June 5th. There were thirty men working on this particular job, four of them in the boiler-room. The boiler-room was enclosed and the men worked from 7 a.m. to noon and 1.30 p.m. till 5 p.m. There were no special precautions taken, except that the men were allowed to wash themselves. They did not have any veils at that time, they had since used them. - The Coroner: Why since? - Because of the result of this. - By whose order? - Mine. - Witness said he thought the material was a by-product of iron. - The Inspector: It is practically glass. - The Coroner (to witness): As regards the Dockyard officials, have any orders been given as to veils, or the wearing of any protection at all? - There were none whatever. I have had but little experience of this class of work. The men started on this work on 1st June. None of the men complained previous to deceased, but after BONE complained two others said they were suffering from using the silicated cotton. - Extra Pay For The Work. - Are the men paid additional for the class of work? - Yes, three-halfpence an hour extra. Proceeding, witness said BONE did not complain to him personally, but to the chargeman that he was spitting blood and would like to go on some other class of work. Witness then gave orders that BONE should be given other work. The men would be using the material about half their time, the other half would be occupied in getting the steel plates. - By Mr Pearce: Since the deceased got ill two other men had complained. One stated that he had irritation about his arms by using the silicated cotton and the other of an illness to his eyes. There was always a lot of dust from the silicated cotton when it was being used, because it was utilised as packing and had to be forced in. - An Old Order. - What warnings have been issued by the Admiralty? - Personally I had none about this material and I do not remember it having been put in the Dockyard regulations. But since this case arose an old order has been shown to me, issued prior to the Dockyard regulations. That order says that when men are engaged in using silicated cotton they should wear respirators and also veils and coverings of bunting, two inches in thickness. - The Coroner: The Dockyard regulations were issued in 1904 and it makes no reference to silicated cotton. - Witness added that when the work in the Minotaur was commenced with the material he looked into the Dockyard regulations to ascertain whether it was dangerous, but he could find nothing to tell him that it was. When he became acquainted with the old order the men were told to wear respirators and coverings for the head, a kind of mask. - The Coroner: Have you ever known a case of death occur by reason of men using silicated cotton? - No, previous to this I had twenty men doing the same kind of work in the battleship Hibernia and they made no complaint. When I heard of the illness of BONE I gave orders on my own initiative for the men to wear the respirators and veils. - Can you compel any man where this work is being carried on to wear respirators, veils and masks? - No. - The Inspector: The men can be advised; they cannot be compelled. - The Coroner said it appeared to be a matter of surprise that the deceased met his death owing to using the silicated cotton. - Mr Pearce: It is certainly a matter for inquiry. - A Doctor's Warning. - John Davis, chargeman in the Dockyard, said he had the control of deceased and three other men working in No. 2 boiler of the Minotaur. At the time he (witness) knew of no order with reference to the wearing of any protection when silicated cotton was being dealt with. On Friday morning June 21st, deceased was spitting blood and on Saturday he said his club doctor had told him he must no longer be engaged on the silicated cotton. Other work was then found for him. He had known BONE for two years and eight months prior to his work on the Minotaur, and he had not heard him complain of illness. The cotton had to be placed in position, the steel plates would have to be forced home and bolted in. This would certainly cause a quantity of dust or portions of the cotton to be scattered about. Men now engaged on the work were using respirators. - James Middleton, shipwright, engaged on the same class of work as deceased on the Minotaur said the only ill-effects he had was and irritation in the throat. He did not complain. The symptoms he suffered from were coughing, spitting and tickling in the throat. - The Coroner: Why did you not complain? - We had extra pay for the time we were on the job. - Medical Evidence. - Dr F. Whitmore said early in June this year he attended the deceased for indigestion. On 21st June he complained of shortness of breath and the spitting of blood. Deceased told him that he believed it was brought on by using the silicated cotton and he advised him to give it up. On Sunday 23rd deceased was much worse and said he had given up work. On the Monday evening, (24th June ) BONE came to the surgery and said his lungs were much worse. Witness ordered him to bed and BONE died early the following morning. A post-mortem examination revealed evidence of old standing heart disease and congestion and dropsy of both lungs. The spleen was also congested, otherwise the man was healthy. The Coroner: Do you think that in any way the silicated cotton affected him? - Yes. I saw the man a week before he went on this work and he was then quite healthy, and there was nothing the matter with his lungs. The onset of this congestion was most unusual. No traces of the silicated cotton were found in the lungs, but the lungs showed evidence of some acute irritative substance. - Although you found no signs of silicate of cotton in the lungs, or any part of the body you think it affected him? - Yes. There was evidence of a very strong irritant in the lungs. Witness proceeding, said he had submitted some of the silicate of cotton to a microscopic examination and found it was mostly of glass, very sharp, sharper than broken needles. That was what the man would inhale. - Dr Eustace Cartwright, staff surgeon, said on 24th June, BONE came to the Dockyard surgery and complained of spitting of blood, soreness of throat and attributing his illness to the work upon which he was engaged. With Fleet-Surgeon Brown, of the dockyard, witness made an examination of BONE, whose heart was out of order, he had bronchial catarrh and was very anaemic. Having come to the conclusion that it was possible the work BONE was engaged in, although not causing his illness, might be aggravating it, the deceased was put on the hurt list and sent home. He attended the post-mortem with Dr Whitmore, but could see no reason to suppose that the condition of the deceased was caused by the material he was working upon. The material might have aggravated a pre-existent complaint, but he did not think it caused the condition in which they found the illness just before the death of BONE. - In answer to Mr Pearce, witness said he had no knowledge of previous cases to that of the deceased. There was a doubt as to whether BONE was suffering from the effect of silicate of cotton, and Fleet Surgeon Brown and himself gave deceased the benefit of the doubt and placed him on the hurt list. - Dr Whitmore, in answer to questions from Mr Pearce, stated that deceased was what would be termed a "a mouth breather." He would breathe through the mouth instead of the nostrils. - The Coroner: That would affect his inhalation? - Dr Whitmore: Yes; he would take in a larger amount of the stuff than people who breathed through their nostrils. - Protection Should Be Compulsory. - Dr C. F. Bean, Lock year-street, Plymouth, called by Mr Pearce, said he had examined the specimen of silicate of cotton handed him on June 27th. The substance contained silica, lime, magnesium, oxide of iron, and a little sulphur. It was not soluble in water. There was nothing in the chemical composition of the material to make its handling dangerous to health, but quite the contrary must be said of its physical condition. The microscope showed that the silicate of cotton consisted of transparent glass-like filaments of very variable degrees of fineness, but averaging about the twenty-thousandth part of an inch in diameter, a great deal of it, however, much finer than that. Those filaments were extremely brittle and broke on the slightest handling into sharp needle-like fragments, forming a fine and particularly irritating dust. The effects on those employed in dusty occupations were well known, not only to the medical profession, but also to the public, as was indicated by the popular names applied to the diseases which resulted from such occupations. For example, there were the potters' asthma, the stonecutters' phthisis, the miners' phthisis, the grinders rot and so on. These diseases of the lungs, often leading to a fatal termination, were produced by the inhalation of fine dust to which the sufferers were exposed in the course of their work. The immediate effects produced on a worker by the silicate of cotton on handling or packing it were redness and inflammation of the eyes, continuous discharge from the nose and an intense irritation of the skin, sometimes so severe, he was informed, as to be almost unbearable. He was strongly of opinion that persistent inhalation of dust from silicated cotton was dangerous to health and life, and would lead to lung symptoms and diseases such as difficulty in breathing, cough, spitting of blood, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. In his opinion protection from this inhalation should be compulsory and effected either by the removal of the dusty air from the neighbourhood of the workmen by strong exhaust ventilation, or, if that was impracticable, by the strictly enforced use of an efficient veil or respirator. - The Coroner said a committee of the House of Commons had sifted this matter. They did not issue any orders and no Act of Parliament had been passed on it. The whole question was whether the Jury thought the Dockyard officials should have taken the precautions to make the deceased wear a veil or whether the Dockyard officials or anyone else was to blame. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned the following verdict:- "We unanimously think that deceased died from natural causes, accelerated by the use of silicate of cotton and we advise the Admiralty to have the use of veils for the future."

TORQUAY - Torquay Ostler's Death. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER, 44, who died in Torbay Hospital on Saturday. - ELIZA TUCKER, Wellington-road, Ellacombe, said the deceased, her husband, was an ostler, employed at the Country House Hotel. She saw him there at 9.50 on Wednesday evening. He appeared in his usual health. At 11.20 she heard him outside the house calling her. She found him in a kneeling position with his head against the wall. He told her he had fallen and hurt his leg. He could not stand. She got him indoors and on taking off his boots and stockings saw a bone projecting from his leg. She got a cab and took him to the Hospital. - George Chard, landlord of the County House Hotel, said to his knowledge TUCKER did not have a drop of drink the whole of the day. He last saw him at 11.15 p.m. - Dr F. H. Rudge, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said death was due to shock, following a compound fracture of the left leg and cuts to his face. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 July 1907
OTTERY ST MARY - Ottery St Mary Fatality. - At an Inquest held at Ottery St. Mary yesterday on JAMES CHANNON, aged 80, WILLIAM CHANNON, his son, said his father, a mason, working on his own account, was accustomed to work on ladders and although witness and his brother had asked him to give up work on account of his age, he declined to do so. - John Wood, postman, said in Yonder-street on Thursday, he saw CHANNON on a ladder, holding with one hand, and with the other cleaning out the shuting, when he seemed to lose his balance and fell to the pavement. - Dr Fielding said CHANNON'S skull was badly smashed, but he lived until 6 o'clock in the evening. He was conscious when he saw him, just after the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Octogenarian's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on LAURA TREWEEK, aged 80 years, the wife of JAMES HEALE TREWEEK retired blacksmith in H.M. Dockyard of Waterloo-street, Stoke. Deceased had worried considerably over the fact that her husband, an invalid, aged 83 years had been summoned to serve on the petty jury at Devonport Quarter Sessions today. The son subsequently obtained a certificate from Dr Flemming exempting him from serving and that appeared to make the deceased very happy. Shortly after midnight on Wednesday she had a seizure and died before the arrival of a doctor. Dr Flemming certified that death was due to embolism of one of the large arteries at the base of the brain. - The Coroner remarked that it was a pity MR TREWEEK had been summoned to serve on the jury at his advanced age. His wife, however, had no need to worry over the affair, as his age exempted him from attending. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 July 1907
TIVERTON - Tiverton Child Drowned. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at Tiverton on HILDA DREWE, aged 5 years, daughter of a Westexe lace hand, who was drowned in the river Exe on Friday. The little girl on her way home with another girl was frightened at cows coming along the street and went into Mr Holcombe's building yard out of the way. Deceased put her foot into the water "to see how deep it was" as the other little girl said and slipped away. The river was partly in flood and the body was not found for three-quarters of an hour. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - A Barnstaple Suicide. - The suicide of MRS MARY STEVENS, aged 32, wife of the landlord of the Union Inn, Barnstaple, created a painful sensation in the Derby district on Saturday morning. About half-past eight deceased stood at the door of the inn conversing with neighbours and within half-an-hour she was found dead in her bedroom, with a poison bottle by her side, empty. - At the Inquest in the evening, ALBERT STEVENS, the husband, said his wife appeared in her usual health in the morning and had a cup of tea. Asked by the Coroner (Mr Bencraft) if his wife was in the habit of taking too much drink, he said she had on occasions and had had something to drink the previous night. But they had had no differences lately, and he had never heard his wife threaten to commit suicide. She suffered severely from headaches and had when young injured her head. - Maud Bracher, a domestic servant, who discovered the body, said that on Friday night MRS STEVENS had more to drink that MR STEVENS wished and the latter sent her out of the bar to bed. - Evidence having been given by a neighbour that deceased was quite cheerful earlier in the morning. Dr S. R. Gibbs said life was extinct when he arrived. From the evidence of the bottle, labelled "poison," she would appear to have had 1 ½ to 2 drachms of carbolic acid, which was a small dose to cause death, although less had been known to. The carbolic had been supplied some six months ago to MR STEVENS as a lotion. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 July 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH METTERS, aged 48, of Pond-lane, Devonport, found lying across her bed dead on Friday, Dr Wilson attributed death to syncope, due to heart disease.

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Collision. Fatal Misunderstanding Between Signalmen. The System Criticised. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR MITCHELL, aged 15, postal telegraph messenger, who died from injuries sustained in the train collision in Devonport Dockyard tunnel on Saturday. Mr S. A. Perkins was Foreman of the Jury. Mr Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty; and Mr S. Shuter, (H.M. Inspector of Factories) the Home office. Others present were Mr R. F. Franklin (secretary to the Admiral-Superintendent of the Dockyard), Engineer-Commander A. R. Emdin, Mr R. P. H. Oliver (naval stores officer), Mr Burchby (postmaster) and Superintendent G. Dixon (Metropolitan Police). - Staff Surgeon E. Arkwright, R.N. stationed at the Dockyard, said about 9 a.m. last Saturday deceased was brought to the Dockyard Surgery in an unconscious condition, suffering from concussion of the brain and shock. There was a large swelling on each side of the head, evidently caused by blows. Witness ordered his removal to the Hospital, and it looked as if there were a fair chance of recovery. No restoratives were administered at the surgery, as they might have done him more harm than good. - Signalman's Evidence. - William Moon, Albert-villas, Burraton, near Saltash, was next called. - The Coroner (to witness): I wish to caution you, and tell you, you need not give any evidence at all which will incriminate you. It is a perfectly voluntary act if you care to give evidence and explain your version of the affair. Any evidence you give I shall take down in writing and it may be used against you if the necessity arises. Do you wish to give evidence? - Witness expressed his willingness and said he was a labourer in the Dockyard, his duty being to signal trains through the tunnel. He had always been at the south-end, and had worked as signalman about four years. He went on duty at 6.20 a.m. on Saturday. He was stationed in a signal-box from 40 to 50 yards from the end of the tunnel. From 8.20 to 8.25 he received a communication from the north-end by signal. "Tunnel is clear." The signal was perfectly distinct. He then ordered a light train, consisting of No. 5 engine and a light truck, through the tunnel. The train passed through accordingly and he heard nor more until it was reported to him that a collision had occurred. - The Coroner: Was there anyone on the truck then? - Yes; a telegraph messenger sitting on the after end of the truck, with his legs out over the end, and his back to the engine. - Was that a strange sight? - Not a very strange sight. Men, when in a hurry, sometimes jump on a truck instead of waiting for the passenger train. The truck was in motion when I saw the boy. - Witness proceeding, said the signal consisted of an electric ell, which was applied by dots, one dot consisting of one sharp stroke. One dot meant "Are you there?" and one replied meant "Yes." Witness produced the signal board, which hung in the box alongside the bell. On Saturday morning he asked the other signalman if the tunnel was clear by ringing twice and, in reply, received two distinct dots, meaning "Tunnel is clear." As it was a "special" train, witness rang four times, the number for an ordinary train being three and received in reply four distinct dots, which meant that the other signalman had received his message. Then he considered himself justified in sending the train on. It was not at all an uncommon occurrence to have "specials" going through. There was no telephone by which they could speak to each other. - By the Jury: there were no indicators attached to the bells. I have never known a train after passing in the tunnel, having to stop because of trucks or carts. My hours are from 6.20 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., with half an hour for dinner. I have known the bells got out of order and then I report the matter. I have never heard of there being a proper period for charging batteries. The truck was flat, and the property of the Great Western Railway. I am perfectly certain that the bells were in order, and I have never heard more distinct messages. No one is allowed to get on or off a truck while in motion. I do not think the boy had a right to get on the truck, but it is a common occurrence and I had no time to get him off. - By Mr Shuter: If I had seen the boy getting on the truck, I should have cautioned him. I cannot manipulate the points from my box. If a signal came from the other box while I was at the points I could not hear it. In the signals there is no difference between the question asked and he answer given. - The Coroner: Then if you both ring twice, you may both send a train through. - Mr Shuter: If a man has been out of his box and not heard, he may think he is asking a question when he is answering one. - By Mr Peck: If both give four rings, both know a train is going through. - The Second Signalman. - James Rennie, South-street, labourer in the Dockyard, after being cautioned by the Coroner, expressed his readiness to give evidence and said he acted as signalman at the north end of the tunnel. He went on duty at 6.30 a.m. on Saturday. The 8.15 passenger train had just left the North Yard for the South Yard when a "special" train, consisting of the engine Middlesborough and seven trucks , six of which were loaded with armour, came up to the position that the passenger train had left. It was still moving slowly, and the stoker waved to witness to let him know he was going through. Witness placed his hand to the button and pressed it once. In a few seconds he got a reply, and then pressed twice, meaning "Is tunnel clear," and received for answer two rings, meaning that the tunnel was clear. Then he pressed for times to indicate "special coming," and received four rings in reply. The Middlesborough was still on the move and witness told the stoker "All right," and sent him through the tunnel. The train was going slowly because a horse and cart were in the way for a time. - The Coroner: I think it a very slovenly way of doing things if you tell a train to go through when a horse and cart are in the way. - Witness: The driver and the stoker knew they were there. The horse and cart only had to go the length of the short tunnel. - Had you been out of your box just before? - I was out of the box all the time. If any ring had come I should have heard it, as I was quite near. I am not ordered to manipulate the pointes, but I sometimes do it. To my knowledge I did not that morning go to the points 14 feet away. - The Coroner: Was it not possible for one ring to come while you were out of the box? - It might have been. My first ring was only one and that was replied to. If I had received two rings I should have given a continuous ring, indicating "No." - The Coroner told witness the nature of the evidence given by Moon as to the signals. - Witness: Nothing of the sort. I never received a single ring from Moon until I rang. - Then one of you is incorrect? - I cannot help that. I am telling the truth. - One of your versions cannot be the true version. Moon very distinctly gave his evidence. - I received the four dots last before I spoke to the boy. Shortly afterwards it was reported that there had been a collision. I have acted as signalman one year and nine months. - Moon's evidence was read over to witness, who said it was incorrect. The bells were in good order. He did not remember their being out of order except on one occasion when the wire carried away; but there had been erratic ringing. The batteries had not been charged since he had been there. It did not take a train five minutes to get through the tunnel. The collision took place at the first bend, not very far in from witness's end of the tunnel. - The Coroner: The light train must have started before your train? - She must have started just when the bells stopped ringing. - If the collision occurred close to your end, which you admit, and your train was a heavy train going through loaded with armour and going slowly, and the other was an engine with a light truck, and had travelled some distance before meeting the other train, it must have started before your train started? - I cannot say that. I cannot see what it was doing there at all. - The light train must have left the end of the tunnel at the South Yard before the other train left your end? - I cannot say that. The slowness of the one and the rapidity of the other made the difference. If my train had been going at the same rate, they would have been able to see each other in the "straight." - Mr Shuter: Is it not possible for you to have confused the signals and thought the man at the Devonport end was answering your signals when he was asking you something? - No. - Would it not be possible for the bell to ring twice when you thought it was once? - Not if he pressed it properly. The fitters tested the bells last week. They thought there was something wrong with the bell, but there was not. On one occasion a wire got fouled overhead and both bells rang together for about ten minutes. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said when the bell was out of order they used the telephone. - The Coroner: You are prevaricating and confusing the Jury by the answers you give. - Engine Driver's Story. - William C. Backway, Pym-street, said on Saturday morning he was driving the Middlesborough, and about [?] he came up to within 20 or 30 yards of the signal-box and then stopped. He waited about five minutes for the signal to proceed to the South Yard. The signal was given to the shunter, who repeated it to witness. Then witness blew his whistle and started slowly, taking precautions in going down the incline, as there was a horse and trolley in front. He blew his whistle twice going down the incline and once in the small [?] before arriving at the tunnel vaults. then he proceeded in the direction of the South Yard. He had gone 40 or 50 yards into the tunnel when to his surprise to see No. 5 locomotive coming round the bend. He shut off steam, applied steam brakes and reversed the engine. He also said to his lad, "My God. Here is No. 5." They had slowed down a good deal when the impact occurred. They were enveloped in steam and smoke and could see nothing. He got his engine back with the armour plate as far as he could. When the accident occurred they were travelling between three and four miles an hour. He could not say at what rate No. 5 was travelling. When his engine was standing before leaving for the South Yard he saw Rennie at his box, with his finger on something. He did not see the 8.15 passenger train go through. He could not hear the signal bell from his position. William Peter, William-street, shunter to the Middlesborough, gave similar evidence. - Richard Gruits, labourer, said he was near Rennie's signal box on Saturday morning and saw the Middlesborough come up, stop, and wait for the signal. Rennie was at the door of his box, where he had his hand up, apparently on the button. Witness did not hear the bell ring, but perhaps the steam blowing off would prevent his hearing. - Removal Of Deceased. - Thomas E. Cundy, stoker second-class petty officer, H.M.S. Indus, said on arriving at the wreckage, he saw the deceased on a truck. He unfastened his collar, lifted him on to his shoulder, and carried him to the north entrance of the tunnel, where he was placed on a stretcher. Deceased was unconscious, but witness did not notice any injuries. - Mr T. R. Shute, Inspector of messengers at Devonport Post-office, said deceased was despatched at 8.10 a.m. with a message for the North Yard. Messengers should not go through the South Yard to get to the North Yard, but deceased may have thought the communication was intended for the South Yard. - Is The System Defective? - William Collings, Sussex-road, Ford, skilled labourer, employed as traffic manager at the South Yard, was asked by the Coroner: Do you think the signals are effective? - I think them simplicity. They are perfect. - So perfect that no collision ought to occur? - No. - Then if a collision does occur - It must be somebody's blunder. - Or somebody's neglect? - I would not say that. - How can a blunder occur in a perfect system? - A man may lose his head. AW man has to think whether he is asking a question or answering one. - Don't you think there ought to be a system by which he should know without thinking whether he is asking a question or answering one. It seems to me a very ridiculous system? - If I were in the box I should know whether I was asking or answering a question. We have had as many as 90 trains a day, and if there were any flaw in the system we should have had an accident long ago. I think it is all right. - The Foreman: Don't you think there ought to be indicators, so that if a man is out of the box he can tell whether there has been a signal? - Yes; that would be an improvement. - By Mr Shuter: Perhaps a telephone would be more certain and perfect than the push, and it would not retard the work. - The Coroner: Would not the staff system be better? - Not workable, because we want two trains at the South yard at the same time, but not in the tunnel at the same time. The staff would be at one end when it is wanted at the other. - What about the block system? - I do not understand that sufficiently to express an opinion. - The Coroner's Summing Up. - The Coroner said the driver and fireman of No. 5 engine were in the Hospital, more or less seriously injured and would not be available as witnesses for some time. Unless the Jury considered there was not sufficient evidence to enable them to arrive at a right and proper verdict he proposed to close the Inquest that evening. - The Jury did not consider an adjournment necessary, and the Coroner, summing up, said Moon gave his evidence in a very straightforward and concise manner, but Rennie's evidence was not given in such a straightforward and concise manner. It was for the Jury to say which they believed. There was no doubt a blunder did occur somewhere. Who was the cause of it was for the Jury to say. Both signalmen had undertaken to perform duties which necessitated care; and if either had been guilty of any neglect in the performance of duty, and owing to such neglect this boy had lost his life, it would be the duty of the Jury to say so. In that case it would be a verdict of manslaughter against such man. The Jury must seriously consider whether there was culpable negligence on the part of either to justify them in bringing in a verdict of manslaughter. If the system of signalling were such a simple and perfect system as the traffic manager stated, such a blunder ought not to have occurred. If the Jury considered the system imperfect and capable of improvement, that it was through its being imperfect that the blunder arose and that one of the men misread or misunderstood the signal and consequently despatched the train, there would not be that culpable neglect which would warrant them in bringing in a verdict of manslaughter. He thought some improvement could be made by the Dockyard authorities; and the Jury had a perfect right, in a rider to any verdict they might bring in, to say they considered the system defective, or not up to date. Whatever their verdict, all must deeply sympathise with the parents in their very sad affliction. The deceased was a fine young fellow, just starting in the Government service and probably would have reached a very fair position and his death must have been a very great shock to the parents. - Mr Shuter, asked by a Juryman, whether he considered the Board of Trade would pass such a system for a private firm, said he was not a Board of Trade inspector, and if he replied to the question it would only be a matter of opinion. - The Verdict. - After consulting in private, the Jury found that deceased died from Shock and Concussion of the Brain, due to a collision of trains in the Dockyard tunnel, which collision was caused by a misunderstanding between two signalmen, but there was not sufficient evidence to show which signalman was to blame. The Jury was of opinion that some improvement in the system of signals should be adopted. - The father of deceased, replying to a resolution of condolence, said he constantly rode through the tunnel, and considered the system of riding very defective. At times in every truck, open and closed, they were packed like sardines. There were gas trains and electric cables in the tunnel and there would be a terrible accident if anything happened. [Western Morning News, 11 July 1907 - Report of funeral mentioning the mourners, including:- Mr J. Mitchell, (father) and Mrs Harding (aunt), Mr W. Bunney (grandfather) and Mrs Gloyns (aunt), Mr R. Mitchell (uncle) and Miss Hosegood (cousin), Mr F. Bunney (uncle) and Miss Edith Bunney (aunt), Mr J. Gloyns (uncle) and Mrs R. Mitchell (aunt), Mr and Mrs J. Freethy (uncle and aunt), Mr Sidney and Miss Winnie Bunney (cousins), Miss Ellen Bunney (aunt), Engineer-Commander a. R. Emdin and Mrs Emdin (local secretary of the Postal and Telegraph Christian Association).

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 July 1907
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - At the Inquest at Horrabridge yesterday on JOHN SPENCER, 72, agricultural labourer, found dead in the gutter at Horrabridge on Sunday afternoon, Dr G. T. Revell attributed death to syncope.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 July 1907
SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Baby Case. A Strange Story. - A strange story was related to the North Devon Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) yesterday at an Inquest held at Travellers' Rest, a small hamlet in Swymbridge. The Inquest was on the body of the male infant child of MARY STEPHENS, unmarried, 21 years of age, the daughter of the schoolmaster at Travellers' Rest, and who has been living at home a few months. The child was born on Monday and no doctor or skilled assistance having been called in, the Coroner intimated to the Jury, of whom Mr H. Cook was chosen Foreman, that he should adjourn the Inquest. When they had heard the evidence they would have to consider whether the child was born alive and if it was, how it met its death - whether by natural causes or by foul means. They would hear that the child was fully developed and of good proportions. The day after the birth the grandmother with her son tried to get body buried at Barnstaple Cemetery, but being told by the gatekeeper they must have a certificate, they took the body to the surgery of Drs. Harper and Jones, and asked for a certificate that the child was still-born. Dr Gibbs, however, refused the request and communicated with the Coroner, with the result that a post-mortem examination had been made. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS JANE STEPHENS, grandmother of the deceased, who, after being cautioned, said her daughter, MARY, had been in service at Barnstaple and came home in February. The child was born on Monday, no one else being present. Witness was in the garden and did not expect anything of the kind, as when she had questioned her daughter time after time, she had denied that anything was the matter. Afterwards, however, her daughter said: "There, that's that beastly old man I met going through Venn. He was a big, tall man dressed in brown, with red hair and a box hat and he threw me down." The girl never said anything about this before, because she was afraid her father would be cross. She said she had never seen the man before, it was a "kind of gentleman man." Repeatedly questioned by the Coroner, witness said she never expected anything was wrong, as her daughter continually denied it. Witness was horrified at the discovery of the child, but she knew it was dead, because it was not breathing and she made no attempt to nurse it. - The Coroner: Didn't you think it necessary to get a doctor? - I didn't because I thought the child was still-born. - You took it into the cemetery at Barnstaple to be buried? - Yes. - And why to Barnstaple and not to Swymbridge, your parish? - I wanted to keep it quiet. - In reply to other questions, witness said her daughter told her the child never cried. Her son WILLIAM, who took the body (in a wooden box, wrapped in brown paper), into Barnstaple with her had the previous day gone to Cardiff to get work. - ROBT. STEPHENS, schoolmaster, asked if he had noticed anything the matter with his daughter, said something was said to him and he spoke to her two months ago, but she denied it. He took her word, and did not take her to a doctor. Questioned as to whether he was aware he ought to have a certificate, witness said he was not, for a still-born child. He knew the body was taken into Barnstaple to be buried. He had heard what his daughter told her mother about the tall man, and should have told the Police that they might try to find the man if he had known it at the time. In regard to the burial, witness said he did not know he was trying to evade the law. When his son went away he did not know there was going to be an Inquest. - In answer to the Jury, witness said he did not see the child himself, he was so put out. - Another Juryman: there was a certificated nurse 100 yards distant. - P.C. Screach said the body when handed to him at the surgery was in a box, done up in paper, fastened with straps. - P.C. Watts (Swymbridge) said the girl's statement to her mother that she had been assaulted on the highway was the first he had heard of the matter. - The Inquest was then adjourned to July 30th when the result of the post-mortem examination would be given, and the mother and the brother will be called.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 July 1907
LYDFORD - The Merivale Fatality. Defective Crane. - On Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Merivale Bridge, near Princetown on GEORGE KNOWLING, aged 24. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said deceased received extensive burns all down the back. Death was due to shock caused by the burns. There were no fractures or serious cuts or bruises. - Mr George McLeod, manager of Duke's Quarries, said for more than seven years the deceased had acted as crane driver. On Friday morning deceased was in charge of No. 4 crane, employed in lifting a block of granite weighing about four tons. The crane had a lifting power of 10 tons. It was supported by two wooden stays, each fitted into a wooden sill and fastened by an iron pin. The sill was of patch-pine. Each sill was covered by blocks of granite weighing about six tons. The stone the deceased was shifting was raised about five feet and slewed round to the position from which it fell. When ready for lowering one stay came clean away from the end of the sill and so caused the crane to capsize. The deceased, who was on the platform of the crane, was pinned under the boiler and it took about 20 minutes to release him. The poor fellow did not speak while they were getting him out, but moved his legs slightly. He had since examined the sill, and found it in a rotten condition. The granite which weighted the sill down would have little effect in protecting it from the weather. The sill had not been renewed during his managership of sixteen months. The deceased had never called his attention to any defects in the crane, but the day before the accident both witness and he noticed that the crane was "jagging." The pin in the sill seemed loose and he attributed that to the natural movement due to the wear of the wood. - The Coroner: Did that not suggest to you that something was wrong? - No, nor did I consider it unsafe. The deceased did not object to continue working the crane. A bed of concrete or the bed rock would be safer than a wooden sill. The time spoken of was the only occasion on which his attention had been called to the defective sill end. The crane was seen by the Government Inspector last summer. The stay was renewed in March last, and the sill was then apparently in good condition. - Mr C. L. Duke explained that when the iron pin was put through the wooden sill a large iron plate (or washer) about a foot square should have been placed between the head of the pin and the wood to prevent the pin being pulled through the wood. If that had been done the pin could not have been drawn through the wood as was now the case. - The Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday to allow Mr Martin. H.M. Inspector of quarries to be present.

TOTNES - Railway Fatality At Rattery. Workman's Error Of Judgment. - On the Great Western Railway at Rattery on Saturday, four men were weeding the down line on the Totnes side of Marley tunnel. A down train was heard approaching and the foreman warned the men to keep clear of both lines. WILLIAM H. FORD, of Rattery, crossed the up road, and was apparently watching the down train, when he was caught by the up train and thrown clear of the metals, and died in a few minutes. - At the Inquest at Totnes in the afternoon, Henry Dennis, packer, Rattery, said deceased, with witness and two others, was weeding on the down line, witness being in charge. They were about 200 yards on the Totnes side of Marley tunnel. They could not see the signal, but about 10.40 a.m., hearing the down train approaching, he shouted to the men to stand clear of both roads. Two came with him to the down side, while the deceased, who was working between the two lines, started to cross the up line, but witness did not see him cross, as the down train cut off his view. When it had passed an up train had also almost passed. Deceased had time to cross. He found deceased lying unconscious on the sloping bank about nine feet from the rails. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): He would have seen the train if he had looked, would he not? - I expect he must have been looking at the other. I believe he got outside the line, but did not stand clear. - Deceased's father said he had only been on for three weeks. - Inspector Sim: But he had been on three months before that. - Chief Inspector Scantlebury, G.W.R. Co., said before leaving Plymouth he heard the guard of the down train saw the deceased standing outside the up line, but that he would not clear the train. He was looking at the down train. - Francis James, of Newton Abbot, the driver of the up train, said he did not see any of the men after passing Marley tunnel. He heard of the accident at Newton Abbot, and on examining the engine found a slight mark on the buffer plank. - Locomotive Inspector Flewellen, G.W.R. Co., said on the engine was something like a scratch at the extreme end of the buffer plank. That seemed to point to the fact that deceased crossed the line, but not far enough, and he must have turned round to be struck on the right side. - Dr Walter Chapman, of Totnes, said the deceased had a lacerated wound at the end of the right jaw, a wound at the back of the head, a compound fracture of the arm, broken ribs and fractured leg. All the injuries were on the right side. He considered deceased was looking at the down train, and was struck by the other on the point of the right shoulder. - The Coroner said the evidence of Dennis showed that he was quite equal to his responsibilities. Nobody actually saw what occurred. Although it seemed to be a rather extraordinary thing for a man to put himself into such a position, they must suppose that he committed an error of judgment. He was glad to find that the regulations seemed to have been kept. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. The Jury added a rider that in their opinion a horn should be used by the foreman of all gangs of men on the railway to give warning of approaching trains.

TOTNES - At the Inquest at Totnes on Saturday on MR WILLIAM PALK, of Wash Farm, Staverton, 75 years of age, who died just after driving into Totnes market the previous day, Mr R. Reed, the Foreman of the Jury, said he was, apparently, the last person to speak to the deceased. He complained that he had a lump in his throat and his hand was cold. Dr Johnson said about a year ago he found that MR PALK'S heart was weak. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 July 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - SAMUEL THOMAS SECCOMBE, aged 40 years, butcher, residing at Johnston-terrace, Keyham, died suddenly yesterday morning. At the Inquest, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death. - SARAH SHEPHERD, aged 56 years, of St. George's-terrace, Stoke, was walking in Cambridge-road, Ford, about 2.30 p.m. yesterday, when she was seen to fall. She died within a few minutes. Dr Wilson, who had been attending the deceased for some time, gave a certificate of death.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Street Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns (Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on PERCIVAL GEORGE DOWNING, aged five years, of 10 Princess-street. ELIZABETH DOWNING, mother of the deceased, said about 2.30 p.m. on Saturday he ran into the street to purchase a toy from a hawker. In running across the road he fell. She ran out and picked him up and finding him unconscious sent for a doctor, who found life extinct. - The child was not subject to fits. - Dr E. N. T. Rogers said a superficial examination showed death to be due to a dislocation of the spinal column. Death must have been immediate and caused by a sudden jerk of the neck, consequent upon the fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Chemist's Sad Death. A Doctor's Conduct. - An Inquest was held yesterday on PHILIP LOYE BREEZE, wholesale chemist of Plymouth, found lying unconscious beside his bicycle near Plym Bridge n Wednesday last. - MR A. D. BREEZE, said deceased, his brother, was 39 years of age, and unmarried. He resided with witness at 10 College View, Plymouth. From childhood deceased had been subject to epileptic fits, but in recent years the attacks had been comparatively rare. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr J. Graves): Why, then, did he cycle. - MR BREEZE: He took to cycling about three years ago in opposition to our wishes. - On several occasions we suggested he should give it up. His reply was: "Why should I? I have been far better since I have been cycling," which was undoubtedly a fact. The exercise seemed to agree with him. - Mr H. C. Lacy, No. 2 Collings Park, Plymouth, deposed to seeing deceased lying in the road leading from the George Hotel to Plym Bridge. The accident must have just happened, because seven minutes before witness had driven past the spot and deceased was not there then. Deceased was unconscious. Witness at once did what he could for him, and sent to Mr Neal, of Estover Farm, who as quickly as possible brought a spring trap. Into this deceased was placed and driven towards Plymouth. A halt was made at Crownhill Barracks, but no doctor happened to be there. Arriving in the village, Mr Neal, jun., alighted and knocked at a doctor's door. The gentleman who answered the knock without coming beyond the doorstep said: "Take him to the Hospital". - The Coroner: Probably the doctor could not have done any good. - I don't think he could have done the slightest good. - Mr Lacy was about to add something, when the Coroner said: As the doctor is not present, it is hardly fair to make comments. You say, "In the circumstances it was the best advice." - That may be your view; it is not mine. - I don't want my view down at all. - I said to Neal as we drove away, "We have not got to thank him for much." Continuing, witness said at the scene of the accident he received great assistance from Messrs. Neal, F. Charlick (Devonport) and others. - Dr L. S. Smith, House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the deceased had a badly fractured skull and from the first there was no chance of recovery. - The Coroner remarked that the fact that the road at the scene of the accident was in good condition, and that the bicycle was undamaged, pointed to deceased having fallen off his machine while in a fit. - A verdict o "Accidental Death" was returned. - MR A. D. BREEZE, on behalf of himself and other members of the family, expressed gratitude to Messrs. Lacy, White, Neal., Charlick, and others for the assistance rendered and to the medical staff, matron, and nurses for the unremitting attention paid deceased at the Hospital. - The Funeral. - In the afternoon the funeral took place in Plymouth Cemetery. The bearers were fellow Bible class students at the Morice-square (Devonport) Baptist Church. The service was conducted by the Rev. H. Crispin, pastor of that church, in the presence of a considerable gathering, including deceased's father and mother, MR and MRS A. D. BREEZE (brother and sister-in-law), Mr L. Bremble (cousin), Mrs Bickle (aunt), Mrs R. W. Stephens, Mr and Mrs James, Rev. H. Stonelake, Messrs. H. Shannon, A. Shannon, E. W. H. Green, F. H. Ralph, J. Venn, W. J. Carey, H. C. Lacy, F. Taylor, W. Truscott, R. Tozer, T. G. White, J. Davis, H. O. Davey, Best, Gibbs, T. Bickle, A. Berryman and the bearers Messrs. J. and W. Border, S. K. and P. Gudridge, J. Stonelake, A. Edgcumbe, G. Bray and F. Hoskyn. Wreaths were sent by Mr and Mrs C. J. Avery, Mr and Mrs Green, Mr and Mrs H. E. James, officers and members of the Morice-square Baptist Church, Mr and Mrs Stephens (Devonport), the employees of Breeze, Jackson and Green, Mr and Mrs W. Truscott, "Harold, Marion and Donald" (nephews and niece), brother and sister, parents and Aunt Emma and Lily.

PLYMSTOCK - The Plymouth Boating Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Mount Batten, on EDWARD ERNEST GODFREY, aged 26, a showman, employed by W. C. and S. Hancock, and a native of Leamington. - Wm. Scoble, showman, also in the employ of Messrs. Hancock, said on June 23rd, GODFREY, witness and two others, hired a boat at the West Hoe Pier. Witness pulled the boat as far as H.M.S. Theseus. GODFREY then took one of the paddles and they pulled around the ship. On the return, when abreast of the West Winter Buoy, a man named Burgess suggested that he should "relieve" GODFREY. Deceased acquiesced, and while changing places the boat upset Witness kept himself afloat with the paddles, while two of the others hung on to the side of the boat. Shortly after the accident they heard GODFREY say, "I'm gone, good-bye." The others were rescued by a boat from the Theseus. There was a fair breeze at the time, and a choppy sea. Witness had served an apprenticeship on a trawler and knew something about a boat. The man from whom they hired the boat, made no inquiry as to whether any of them could manage a boat. - Harry Cowling, coastguard at Bovisand, said on Saturday he found deceased's body floating about half-way between Renny Point and the east-end of the Breakwater. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner remarked that in his opinion it would be somewhat of a safeguard if lenders of boats would satisfy themselves that at least one of any party who hired a boat understood its management. The Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 July 1907
MODBURY - Early yesterday morning, HENRY WM. WYATT, aged 40, butcher, of Brownston-street, Modbury, died suddenly in bed. On his wife waking up, she found him dead beside her. An Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd in the afternoon, and after hearing the medical evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Natural Causes".

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Cyclist's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JOHN HOWARD, postman, aged 28, of Prospect-street, the son of a widow. - Edward Wilbrook Wills said he and deceased were cycling across Roborough Down towards Yelverton on Sunday. Deceased was ahead and when witness overtook him he was lying by the side of the road with persons around him. No one had seen him fall, or knew the cause of the accident. Witness believed that deceased collided with another cyclist HOWARD was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital in a cab. - Dr Smith, House Surgeon, said deceased's skull was fractured and died yesterday morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 July 1907
TOTNES - Death From Heat At Totnes. - On Tuesday evening ALFRED R. MADDICK, a labourer, of New Passage, died while working in Mr Crook's hayfield at Bridgetown, Totnes. Deceased, 44 years of age, leaves a widow and six children. Yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Totnes. - William Pomeroy said in the middle of pitching a load of hay, about 4 p.m., deceased stopped, saying, "This is the last load I shall load." He went and laid down. - Frank Charles Langbridge said deceased remarked to him "I am all right. I shall be better again presently." He got up and tried to go on loading again, but was unable to do so and told witness he would be down by the gate. At tea time witness went to see if he would have any and found he could not speak. It was a very hot day and deceased was not wearing a cap. - Dr Chapman said when he saw the deceased, at 6.45 p.m. he was dead. A post-mortem examination revealed all the signs of heat stroke, and death was due to heat apoplexy. It was really heat exhaustion, the great heat affecting the brain. Deceased did the worst thing he could do in lying down in the sun. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to Heat Apoplexy. - Dr Chapman spoke of the importance of the head and upper parts of the neck being shaded during extremely hot days. The part that required shading most - the nape of the neck - was unprotected by an ordinary cap.

LYDFORD - The Merivale Fatality. Manager's Error Of Judgment. - Mr R. R. Rodd resumed at Princetown the Inquest on GEORGE KNOWLING, killed by the falling of a crane at Duke's Quarries on Friday last. - Mr G. McLeod, manager, said on Monday last the end of the sill, from which the guy of the steam derrick broke away, was uncovered in the presence of H.M. Inspector of Mines, Mr T. Greenland Davies. They found there was the usual bearing plate or washer, and that it had been properly fitted; also the cap on top. Both were of cast iron. The under part of the sill was very decayed. the bearing plate was fractured in five places and the cap in three places, two of the fractures on the bearing plate being apparently recent. - In answer to H.M. Inspector, witness said the cranes were externally examined every day. The new stay was fitted in March, 1906, but the under portion of the sill was not then exposed. The cap was then fractured, but in his opinion that was immaterial to the stability of the crane. He had the cap further secured by a bolt. He now considered it would have been wiser to have stopped the machine after noticing the unusual jagging on the Thursday and he admitted it was an error of judgment in not doing so. - Mr C. L. Duke said a fortnight before the accident he was with the deceased, who told him what a good machine it was he was working. - The brother of deceased and other witnesses said they had never heard any complaints as to the insecurity of the crane. - The Jury returned the following verdict: "That the deceased died from injuries Accidentally Received and caused by the capsizing of the crane in consequence of the fractured condition of the bearing plate and the decayed state of the sill into which the guy of the crane was fitted. The Jurors further consider that Mr McLeod, the manager, should not have allowed the crane to be worked after noticing the unusual jagging, but they consider that his doing so was an error of judgment only. The Jurors recommend that annual inspections at least should be made of the bearing plates, sills and other portions of the cranes, which cannot be inspected externally daily, and that bearing plates should be constructed of wrought iron, and not of cast iron.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 July 1907
BIDEFORD - Death At Bideford. - An Inquest was held at Bideford Workhouse last evening on JOHN LEY, 64, an inmate. - The Mater (Mr W. H. Andrews) said deceased worked regularly in the garden. On being called to the men's room on Wednesday, he found LEY in his chair dead. - James Berry, an inmate, who had been working in the garden with LEY, and returned to the House with him, said he was in his usual health and had not complained. He sat in the day-room and had a conversation about going to the Mayor's outing at Westward Ho! the next day. Suddenly his head dropped and witness sent for the Master. - Dr Godding, who had made a post-mortem examination, said he considered death due to syncope, brought on by the excessive heat. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 July 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Freemason's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns (Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY GEORGE BOORMAN, aged 51, of 56 Lisson-grove. P.C. Pearse said he saw deceased lying face downward in the road in Lisson-grove, apparently dead, at 3.10 on Sunday morning. Leaving him in charge of another constable, he fetched Dr Dunstan, who pronounced life extinct. - William A. Staton, steward, Devon and Cornwall Masonic club (of which deceased was a member) said the club closed at 12.30, and deceased remained behind to transact business. He seemed in good health when he left, and had been remarkably cheerful all the evening. he had never complained of heart disease or any other complaint save facial neuralgia. - LEONARD BOORMAN, son of the deceased, said his father was not subject to fits. - Dr Dunstan, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to shock consequent upon the fall, caused by haemorrhage at the base of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 July 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Girl's Death. - AMY ATWELL, 16, daughter of MR ATWELL, refreshment-house keeper, Union-street, Stonehouse, dropped dead in her home yesterday morning. At the Inquest held last evening by Mr R. R. Rodd, Dr Noy Leah said he had made a post-mortem examination, and found no trace of organic disease. Death was due to syncope, probably caused by the heat. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 July 1907
EXETER - MR JOHN SEARLE, aged 76, of Shelton-place, Heavitree, for many years butler to the late Mrs West, at Stretham Hall, left home with his wife and daughter on Saturday morning, intending to go by tram into the city, whence they were going by train for a holiday. Nearing Livesy Dole, MR SEARLE suddenly collapsed and though Dr Andrews, of Heavitree, was quickly summoned, life was extinct. At the Inquest, Dr Andrews said there was a contused wound on the back of the head which might have caused the rupture of a small blood vessel. Haemorrhage would then ensue on to the brain, and this, in his opinion, caused death. The Jury found accordingly and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 July 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Widow's Death. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JANE GALE, widow, aged 63, of Fore-street, the evidence showed that deceased spent Sunday with Mr and Mrs Benoy at Benbow-street. In the evening she walked to Stonehouse and while in Exmouth-road on the way back told Mr Benoy she was feeling ill and shortly afterwards died. - Dr Gard who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and commended Mr and Mrs Benoy for their kindness to the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Devonport Carrier's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM PHARE, aged 37, carrier, of 4 Duke-street Ope, Devonport. - Thomas Walling, a boy, said he was on a wagon with deceased on Friday, proceeding from Princetown to Honicknowle with furniture. When near Roborough Rock deceased, who was standing on the shafts, and holding the reins, fell off and the wheels passed over him. The vehicle- a four-wheeled covered van - did not lurch at all, and the affair was a pure accident. Harry Major, labourer, said he was driving about 10 yards behind deceased and saw him fall. PHARE, who was placed on the grass, said he fell from the wagon. - Dr L. Shingleton Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased, when admitted on Friday afternoon, was suffering from fractured ribs and collar-bone and a lacerated lung. The case was hopeless and he died the same night. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Percy t. Pearce watched the case on behalf of interested parties.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 July 1907
SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Baby Case. Mother And Her Parents Severely Censured. - At Travellers' Rest, Swymbridge, Mr G. W. F. Brown last evening resumed the Inquest on the infant child of MARY STEPHENS, a single woman, age 21, for some months living with her parents (her father being the schoolmaster at Travellers' Rest), but up to February last being in service at Barnstaple. At the Inquest three weeks ago the parents expressed surprise at the birth, and MRS STEPHENS stated that with her son, then in Cardiff, she took the body, which she thought was still-born, to Barnstaple Cemetery to be buried. Being told that this could not be done without a certificate, she took the body to the surgery of Drs. Harper, Jonas and Gibbs, as a result of which the Coroner was communicated with. MRS STEPHENS stated that her daughter after the birth told her that she some time previously, was assaulted when going home through Venn by a tall, red-haired man wearing brown clothes and a box-hat. The girl had, however, said nothing of that before, and had made no complaint to the Police. - Doctor's Uncertainties. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, who, with Dr Jonas, had made a post-mortem examination, said the child was fully developed with every organ healthy. It was impossible to say the child was born alive, nor could he say absolutely the child had had a separate existence. There was no sign that it had received any attention at birth. He was unable to tell the cause of death. There were no post-mortem signs of suffocation. He could come to no conclusion as to the ante-mortem marks around the mouth. He could see no reason why the child should not have lived if properly attended to. - Dr H. C. Jonas corroborated and added, in reply to Mr Cook (Foreman of the Jury) that the lungs of a stillborn child would not have the appearance of those of this child. - The Mother's Story. - MARY STEPHENS, the mother of the infant, after being cautioned , said the child was born on July 8th. She was assaulted in Venn in October by a man wearing brown boots and a silk hat. She had never seen the man before and was too frightened to tell her parents or make any complaint. - The Coroner: You did not dream this? - No, it's true. - Witness was saying she did not know what was the matter, when the Coroner pointed out there were men of experience present and he must ask her to put aside the fairy tales she had in her head. - Witness, continuing, said she did not know she was going to be confined until two days before the birth. She had been asleep and woke up and found the child there. She could not account for the marks on the child's head and face. The child never moved or made any noise. - The Brother's Evidence. - WILLIAM STEPHENS, the brother, said he was told that his sister had had a stillborn child. He had not expected anything of the kind. He went to Barnstaple Cemetery and asked if a stillborn child could be buried there, and was told he must get a certificate. He went then to the Burial Board-office and there said it was his wife's stillborn child. He was not married, but made that false statement because he thought it would keep everything quiet. He was told to get a doctor's certificate, and then fetching the body from home went to the surgery. - Wm. James Westcott, school attendance officer, said he had noticed MARY STEPHENS' condition since Easter. It was being talked about and he spoke to her father, but he said nothing was the matter. - The Verdict. - The Coroner said MARY STEPHENS' story as to the actual circumstances of the birth he could not possibly believe. On the whole he could not advise the Jury that the evidence warranted a verdict of murder, or of manslaughter, nor a verdict that any of the parties were accessories before the fact. - The Jury found there was no evidence to show how the child met its death, but they considered if the child had received proper attention at birth it would have lived and they desired that the mother and MRS STEPHENS should be severely censured. - Administering this censure, the Coroner said MARY STEPHENS had told the Jury what he could only describe as a concoction of lies. MRS STEPHENS had repeated that same story, and he did not think she believed a word of it (MRS STEPHENS: I do believe it now.) It was at any rate perfectly improbable and the Jury did not believe a word of it. - MRS STEPHENS, the mother of nine children, had told them she did not know what was the matter and yet every member of the Jury knew it. The three of them had just escaped by the skin of their teeth from being indicted for wilful murder. It was a terrible thing that the girl should be left to take her chance as she was, and he hoped it would be a warning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 August 1907
SHALDON - At the Inquest at Shaldon yesterday on MR G. SERCOMBE, Dr Bell said death was due to spinal meningitis. Mr T. Madge (Foreman) on behalf of the Jury, expressed sympathy with the widow and son, and the Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) joined in that expression. Mr H. C. Full, solicitor, replied for the family and referred to MR SERCOMBE'S long and useful career on behalf of the parish.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 August 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - JAMES BARKELL, aged 62, cabdriver, in the employ of Mr J. Beer, of the Railway Hotel, Bovey Tracey, was on Saturday evening seen by Joseph Burridge to fall down near the stable door. Unconscious and bleeding from a wound in the temple, he was removed home and in a few hours he died. At the Inquest on Monday, Dr H. Murray Agnew attributed death to apoplexy.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on RANDOLPH THOMAS MILTON, aged 55, naval pensioner, of James-street. - Deceased's wife said her husband had been suffering from jaundice. Between three and four years ago he was in the R.N. Hospital and since then he would not have a doctor. He was out last Saturday and was able to sit out on Sunday. He was very ill on Monday night and died about 4.45 on Tuesday morning. After his death she sent for the Police and a doctor. - The Coroner: You ought to have sent for a doctor when you knew he was so ill. - Witness said deceased was very headstrong and would not have a doctor. he had been a heavy drinker. - Dr McElwaine said when called by P.C. Short the man had been dead some hours. He made a post-mortem examination and found the body much wasted and jaundiced. the heart was slightly fatty, the kidneys were diseased, and the liver was small, "hob-nailed," and leathery. The cause of death was cirrhosis of the liver, due to chronic alcoholism. Witness could not have done him the slightest good if he had been called a day or two before. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 August 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Inquest On MACLACHLAN And His Victim. Their Strained Relations. Verdict Of Felo De Se In The Case Of The Man. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr J. Graves held an Inquest on WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN and MARY ANN MACLACHLAN, husband and wife. As already reported, MACLACHLAN on Tuesday morning went to the Continental Hotel, where his wife was employed as a general domestic servant and shot her whilst she was passing through the stillroom in the basement. MACLACHLAN then turned the double-barrelled gun upon himself, and received injuries causing instant death. - Mr Sullivan was the Foreman of the Jury. The two sons of the deceased were present and continually wept. The younger brother (JOHN) seemed to feel the loss of his mother very acutely. It was decided to hold an Inquest on the body of MARY ANN MACLACHLAN first. - The Elder Son's Evidence. - WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN, carpenter, son of deceased, stated that he resided in Chapel-street, Devonport. He last saw his mother alive more than a week ago, when she came to visit him. She had been working at the Continental Hotel, Plymouth. He had seen the bodies and could identify his father by the clothes he was wearing. The injuries to his mother were so great that he could not identify her. - What The Page Boy Saw. - Sidney Matthews, page boy, of the Albion Hotel, said the body of the woman was that of MARY ANN MACLACHLAN, wife of WILLIAM JAMES MACHLACHLAN, farm labourer. she was a charwoman at the Hotel, and slept there. - WILLIAM JAMES MACHLACHLAN, the son, said his mother was 41 years of age, and his father 45. - Proceeding, witness (Matthews) said at ten minutes past ten the previous morning while in the hall of the Albion Hotel cleaning brass, he heard the report of a gun downstairs. He ran in that direction and saw the deceased man, WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN, with a gun in his hand. There was no smoke coming from the gun. The man was just outside the door of the stillroom. The deceased placed the gun on the ground, put the muzzle in his mouth and stooped down and pressed the trigger. The gun then went off. He ran away and did not see the man fall. - The Coroner: Have you seen the husband and wife together recently? - Yes; the morning this happened. WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN came to the Hotel at a quarter to eight to see his wife. - What passed? - The man asked her where she went to on Monday, but I did not hear the reply. After a few minutes the woman spoke to her husband, and left him. Later the man asked me to go in and tell his wife to go out to him. I went in with the message, but she refused to go out. The man then went away. I did not notice anything particular in his behaviour and he did not shout. Previous to this the man had been to the Hotel to see his wife, and she had either refused to see him, or granted him an interview against her wish. She did not want to see him at all. When I had told her that her husband was outside and wished to see her, she has told me she did not want t see him. - The Foreman: Did you see the man with anything in his hand when he called the first time yesterday morning? - No, sir. - He had not a gun with him then? - No. - The Head Boots' Story. - Edward Handsley, head boots at the Continental, stated that at 10.7 on Tuesday morning he was in the front hall of the Albion Hotel. The manageress, Miss Jeans, told him that MRS MACLACHLAN'S husband had shot himself in the stillroom. She asked him to telephone for the Police. He went downstairs to put the man's body out of view and then he saw the woman in the stillroom dead, with half her head blown away. The body of the man was lying part in and part out of the stillroom and the woman was lying on her back. The man was face downwards, with a gun under his right arm. Witness fetched Dr Parsloe, who came. The Doctor and witness turned over the bodies. It was then seen that the faces of the deceased were blown away. He had never seen the man at the Hotel previously. - The Foreman: Have you heard of anyone who saw this man enter the Hotel? - No one. - Is it possible for a man to enter a busy hotel carrying gun without being seen? - This man went in by the luggage entrance in Buckland-street. It is not so frequently used as other parts. I was there at 9.30 and three men were then carrying in luggage. - Had the man been to the Hotel before? - Not to my knowledge. I never heard that MRS MACLACHLAN'S husband was in Plymouth. - He must have had a knowledge of the Hotel to get in there when he did? - It appears that he has been to the Hotel two or three times to see his wife. The man got in by the luggage entrance and took his boots off. He could have seen his wife by looking through the window of the basement. - The Foreman: That puts a different aspect on the affair. - Painful Family History. - WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN, the son, recalled, was asked by the Coroner if his father and mother had lived together for the past few months and he replied not since his father was arrested last Easter Monday. In consequence of what then occurred they separated. - What was your father's history previous to this? - I don't suppose you want all the information about that. - No, but I must have some information, so that we can know something of the relations which existed? - I don't wish to go back over what has taken place now for years. - The Foreman: And I am sure the Jury would not wish you to. It must be a painful thing for you. - The Coroner: Up to three months ago, I understood they lived together? - Why did they part? - He was taken away - arrested on Easter Monday last. Since then my mother refused to live with my father. - Why did she refuse? - Because he had been very rough towards her. Right through their long married life he has been very rough to her, and drank very heavily. She was afraid to live with him, because of the drink. My father used to go on the drink, and behave roughly to my mother all through her married life, and he frequently ill-treated her. - The Foreman: Had your father ever threatened to kill your mother? - He had threatened so often that no notice was taken of his threats. It has been going on for years. I heard the threats so often that I took no notice of them. At one time he was a driller in the Dockyard. I don't care about speaking of the past. - The Foreman: And I don't think it is necessary. - The Work At The Farm. - William Watkins, farmer, Higher Compton, said the man came to him on Saturday morning last, and asked for a job. Liking his appearance and manner, he undertook to engage him if he could get a satisfactory character from his late employer. Deceased commenced work on the farm on Monday morning, but witness did not see him again until Tuesday morning, when he came to work as usual at five o'clock. MACLACHLAN worked until the breakfast-time. Witness gave deceased the key of the shippen, and he left for breakfast. Later witness received a letter from MACLACHLAN saying he had gone to a doctor. In the shippen was kept a gun. Two cartridges were also there. The cartridges were in a side window for safety. He did not miss the gun until eleven o'clock. A man previously in his employ had permission to use it for scaring rooks. The gun (produced) was his property. Early on Tuesday morning MACLACHLAN complained of being ill and suffering in his head. He was perspiring freely, but did not look ill. - P.C. Thos. Stevens said on being called to the Hotel he found the bodies in the stillroom. The faces had been almost completely blow away, the result of gunshots. The gun was handed to him by the head boots. It contained two empty cartridges. The bodies were conveyed to the mortuary. On searching them he found on the deceased woman 6s. 6d. in money and three letters. On the deceased man was 1s. 3d. and some keys. The letters did not relate to the present affair. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Parsloe, 5 Buckland-terrace, said the man was lying on what remained of his face and the woman was on her back. The greater part of her face had been blown away by gunshot. Both were quite dead. Directly underneath the right arm of the man the butt end of a double-barrelled gun was projecting. The woman must have been shot in the front. - Verdict Of Murder. - The Coroner asked if the Jury were perfectly satisfied with the evidence as to the manner in which the woman met with her death. - The Foreman replied in the affirmative and after a very brief consultation the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against the deceased, WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN." - Inquest On The Murderer. - The evidence which had been previously taken with reference to the finding of the body of WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN was then read over to the witnesses and the Jury retired to consider their verdict in this case. - After an absence of about ten minutes the Foreman said: The majority of the Jury are of opinion that WILLIAM JAMES MACLACHLAN committed Suicide whilst in his right state of mind, which is a verdict of Felo De Se. We are not unanimous in that verdict. - The Coroner: Having said he murdered his wife, you are bound to say that he was in his right mind at the time. A man who is out of his mind in law cannot commit wilful murder; so if you say he murdered his wife you must say he murdered himself in his right mind. - The foreman: The law is a very funny thing. - A Juror: It was a premeditated affair. - The Foreman: Well, I understand that those of us who are not in favour of a verdict of felo de se must give in. Still, it does away with my theory that no man commits suicide in his right mind. - The Coroner: I don't think there is any other way out of it. If otherwise, it would be an anomaly. - The Foreman: It is said that no man commits suicide in his right mind? - The Coroner: In this case you say he committed murder. - The Carrying Of Guns. - The Foreman: We cannot go from that. On behalf of the Jury, I wish to say that we think it very strange that a man should come from Compton, through the streets of Plymouth and to the Albion and Continental Hotel carrying a gun and not be seen by anyone. We think he must have been seen by someone; and it is strange he was not noticed by a Policeman. - Mr Gloyn (a Juryman): Such a thing is done every day. The gun might have been taken in two pieces. - Mr Watkins: The man was wearing an overcoat, and could have covered up the weapon. - The Coroner: It is not a Policeman's duty to closely question or arrest every man he sees carrying a gun, unless he has great suspicions. - A large crowd had gathered outside the mortuary where the Inquest was held and the two sons of the deceased received many expressions of sympathy and condolence. The deceased woman was a Roman Catholic and her two daughters, now at St Teresa's Orphanage, Plymouth, are of the same religious faith. The deceased man and the sons and eldest daughter are not Roman Catholics.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Man's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd opened an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on HENRY ALPHONSO KINGCOTT, 21, who died the previous day. The widow stated that deceased, a journeyman butcher, had lately been employed by the Great Western Railway at Chillaton as a labourer. Deceased returned home on Friday, and complained that he suddenly felt ill while swinging a hammer on the previous Wednesday. He thought he had injured himself. - The Inquest was adjourned that the statement of the widow might be inquired into.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 August 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Suicide. Jump From A Window. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on MARY JANE JONES, aged 67, spinster, of Alexandra-road, Ford. - CATHERINE LANG, said deceased, her sister, was told by Dr Lander four or five weeks ago that she had a cataract. Deceased became very anxious, dreaded becoming blind, and said she would rather die than lose her sight On Tuesday evening she was very low-spirited. She slept with witness, but was very restless during the night, and at 5.15 on Wednesday morning told witness she was afraid she would never regain her sight. Witness reassured her, and advised her t go to sleep. About 5.45 witness was called and told that deceased was in the garden. If deceased had lived she would have undergone an operation. She never walked in her sleep. - William Millman, pensioner, living in the same house, said he was sitting in the kitchen about 5.30 a.m. when he saw a shadow pass the window and heard a thud. On going out he saw deceased, his sister-in-law, lying on the garden path, quite dead. Deceased had fallen 21 feet, having apparently walked to witness's bedroom at the top of the house and got through the window. She was partially dressed. - Dr Davis said he saw deceased at the Hospital about a month ago and at her own house last Friday. She was a worrying sort of woman and seemed to be fretting a good deal about her eye trouble, but said nothing that led him to think she was likely to take her life. She had cataract in the right eye and the sight of the left eye was also going. The cause of death was a broken neck. When deceased went to the Hospital she was not a fit subject for an operation and was told to come later. Apparently the waiting worried her. - The Coroner said the only assumption was that deceased went to the upper room and jumped from the window with the intention of killing herself. Sympathy would be felt with the relatives in this terrible calamity. The Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

EXETER - Exeter Sensation. Lady Visitor Commits Suicide Over A Gas Stove. Pathetic Farewell Letter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on MISS SARAH JANE COPP, aged 56, formerly in business as a draper, of Taunton. She had been staying for a short time at the residence of Mr T. P. Wilson, Prospect-park, she being an aunt of Mrs Wilson. - Mr Wilson said deceased gave up her house at Taunton with the intention of residing in London, but she went to Burnham for six weeks and nearly a month ago came to Exeter. She showed signs of depression in consequence of some losses, the value of stocks having gone down. She was not, however, embarrassed in any way. When he went downstairs at seven o'clock yesterday morning he discovered the deceased lying on a table in the scullery with her head on the gas stove. The five taps of the stove were turned on and the deceased had thrown a blanket over her head. - Dr Duncan said the cause of death was suffocation by coal-gas poisoning. - P.C. Hill (Coroner's Officer) said when he arrived at the house he was handed the following letter, which Mr Wilson found in the kitchen:- "My mind has given way. I am quite certain I cannot face this cruel world. Take care of dear Mary, Alfred Copp and Reg. Do be kind to her. thanking all, and may God forgive me for this. I am quite ---. Remember Polly Wilson. God forgive." - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - JESSIE EMMA GIBBONS, aged two years, fell from its bed in the room of a house in Salisbury-road, Plymouth. It sustained severe concussion of the brain, and ultimately died. A Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 August 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Accident. Inquest On HAYMAN. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS HAYMAN, aged 49, skilled labourer in the Dockyard of 60 Wilton-street, whose death occurred as the result of injuries sustained at the North Yard on Sunday evening. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr T. S. Taylor (Inspector of Factories) the Home-office. - SOPHIA EMILY HAYMAN having identified the deceased as her brother, William P. Martyn, leading man of labourers, said he was in charge of a gang of labourers, who on Sunday morning erected staging alongside the cruiser Donegal in No. 9 dock at the North Yard. The staging consisted of planks and spars and ran the whole length of the ship. One end of each spar rested on the "altar" of the dock and the other end was suspended by a chain. Before the staging was made the men who made it surveyed the chains. On one of two occasions flaws had been detected, but none were detected on Sunday, although a careful survey was made. Witness identified a long, broken link produced, which he saw immediately after the accident, and thought there was a flaw in it. The staging was properly erected in every way, but the flaw in the link could not have been detected by an external examination. Witness did not know where the chain was made. The chains were tested every twelve months after being issued, and were never used for lifting purposes. This chain had been used on several occasions. - The Foreman said the link was broken at one end, and partly broken at the other end, before being used on this occasion. - Witness, in reply to Mr Taylor, said the link, when picked up after the accident, was rusty just as it was now - Mr Taylor: Showing that it was an old fracture. - Witness said the chain had not been used more than six times since it was issued last August. The weight on the chain, with men and staging, was about 7cwt. The chain was tested to three tons. - William Henry Walters, skilled labourer, said that about 7 p.m. on Sunday he was on the staging, painting the side of the ship. There were two stages, and witness was on the top one, while HAYMAN and to others were on the stage below. Witness heard something snap above his head and the chain came across the staging about a foot from witness. He made a spring and catching hold of the chain of the next spar, succeeded in saving himself. Immediately afterwards he saw several men at the bottom of the dock. - Thomas Brooking, skilled labourer, said he was engaged in painting the Donegal, under the bottom at the fore end, when he heard a crash and saw a man at the bottom of the dock. On running to the spot he found that there were two men there. He held HAYMAN'S head up and within a few minutes a stretcher was brought and HAYMAN was carried on board the Donegal. - E. F. Scott, master smith, said the link produced was made in his department between June 9th and 25th, 1906, and was tested to three tons within a day or two of being made. there was no flaw whatever in the welding of the link. The fracture was near the welded end, but had nothing to do with the welding. It was an old flaw and must have been in the link before Sunday. If covered with rust, as it was, the flaw would not be detected by the examination made by the men. A link like that, subject to ordinary wear and tear, ought to last ten years easily. - By the Jury: I do not think the flaw would have been caused by ordinary treatment. I believe both flaws were caused at the same time and that the link had a violent blow. There is no mark of overheating in the weld of the link. It was made of "best best" iron. I think it must have had a severe blow in frosty weather. It is possible for the link to have been fractured by falling from a ship's side to the bottom of the dock. In my opinion a test every three years is sufficient. - A Juryman said he had seen wagons pass over chains. - John Trengrove, chargeman of labourers, said that before the staging was rigged the chains were examined, but not tested. The examination ought to be sufficient to discover whether a chain was broken unless the fracture was covered by rust. No flaw was observed on Sunday. It would have been impossible to detect the flaw in the link produced without a survey and test. - Surg. L C. Hunt, R.N., of H.M.S. Europa, said that on Sunday evening he was called to the Donegal, where he found deceased dying. He died in five minutes afterwards. The whole of the top of the head was extensively broken and knocked out of shape. There were also fractures of the base of the skull and jaw. Death was due to extensive injuries to the brain, caused by the fracture of the skull. - The Coroner, summing up, said the question was whether the examination of the chain was sufficient, and whether any better examination could be made consistently with the way in which work was carried on in the Dockyard. It would be impossible and not desirable to test chains very frequently, but if any better examination could be suggested it would be advisable. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr Hayes) suggested that chains should not be allowed to be about the docks side. - Mr Tom (foreman of the yard) said the chains were kept in the store, and not allowed to lie about the yard. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated all from blame. - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

SIDMOUTH - The Sidmouth Bathing Fatality. - An Inquest was held by Mr Coroner Cox at the Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, yesterday on JAMES ERNEST WHARTON, steel worker, of Sheffield, whose body was washed ashore at Sidmouth on the previous evening. - CLARA ALICE STONE, 6 York-terrace, Sidmouth, said deceased was her son, and he had been on a visit to her at Sidmouth. He was 25 years of age. On Thursday morning he left her house about 10.30 to bathe, as had been his usual custom every morning since staying with her. She went to the front door with him and he left her in his usual spirits and she had no reason to suppose that his death was any other than an accident. He was a member of a swimming club at his home. - GEORGE STONE, husband of the last witness, said his stepson on Thursday appeared in his usual spirits. - Albert Charles West, Police Constable, stationed at Sidmouth, stated that on Thursday last he went to the bathing place and found some gentleman's clothes near the water's edge. - Albert Benns, visitor, 4 York-terrace, deposed to finding the body on Monday evening. - Dr de Denne considered that drowning was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned whilst Bathing.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Death Of G. E. READ. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on GEORGE EDMUND READ, aged 39, skilled labourer, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, who died at the Hospital on Monday, as the result of injuries sustained while engaged in painting the cruiser Donegal in Keyham Dockyard on Sunday evening. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, watched the proceedings on behalf of the naval authorities. - The Coroner said deceased was one of three workmen who were thrown into a dry dock on Sunday, one of whom was killed on the spot, while deceased died less than 24 hours afterwards. Owing to the necessity of giving notice to the inspector of factories, he only proposed to take evidence of identification and the medical evidence that afternoon, after which the Inquiry would be adjourned. - CATHERINE MARY READ, 3 Monument-street, said deceased was her husband. There were no children. - Surgeon Reginald L. Jones, R.N., stationed at the Naval Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Institution on Sunday evening about nine o'clock. He was unconscious and suffering from severe injuries to his head from which he died on Monday. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found a large fracture of the skull on the left side, extending to the base. The brain was injured by compression. An operation was performed in the hope that the injury would be confined to the top of the head, but it was found to extend to the base of the skull. Death resulted from the fracture. - After this evidence the Inquest was adjourned until tomorrow at 4 p.m.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 August 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Porter's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on THOMAS PENALUNA, general porter, aged 52 years, who died on the 12th inst. at the Workhouse Infirmary. - Lucy Dawe, wife of Jno. Dawe, 2 Turret-grove, said deceased was her brother. On 10th ult he injured his arm through falling when alighting from a tramcar. He subsequently went to the Homoeopathic Hospital and afterwards he was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he died. - Wm. Hy. Weekes, lodging-house keeper, 10 Octagon-street, said that on 12th ult. at about 10.50 p.m. deceased came to his house and remarked that in alighting from a Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport tramcar while it was in motion near the Octagon, he fell and injured his elbow. - Frank G. Widger, deputy-master of the Plymouth Workhouse, said deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on the 24th ult., and he died on Monday last. - Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical Officer at the Workhouse, said death was caused by blood poisoning, due to the wound in the elbow. Deceased's health was generally bad. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Platelayer's Death. Peritonitis Accelerated By Work. - Mr R. R. Rodd (Devon County Coroner) held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on HENRY A. KINGCOTT, aged 21, platelayer of 59 Durnford-street. - John Hale, relaying ganger, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said deceased had been at work as a platelayer in his gang about six weeks. About noon on Thursday, 1st. inst., deceased was engaged in shifting old fang bolts with a 6lb. hammer near Coryton when he complained of feeling ill. Witness put another man in his place As he was not well next day witness advised him to go to his home at Plymouth and he returned home with another man. - William Rice, platelayer, said deceased, who was in his gang, was at work when he complained of pains in the stomach. Witness brought him home on the following day, when he appeared very ill. Assisted by witness, deceased walked a mile and a quarter to Coryton Station and from Millbay Station to his home. - Mr John Wotton, permanent way inspector, said that a week before his death deceased was medically examined for the company's service and passed as fit, subject to vaccination. - Dr W. E. M. Corbett said that late on Sunday night, 4th inst., he was called to see deceased, whom he found in bed, suffering from acute peritonitis. Deceased died early on the 6th inst. Having heard that deceased was brought home in consequence of his having met with an accident, although there was no superficial evidence of such, he communicated with the Coroner. Death was due to exhaustion through acute peritonitis. Deceased was not fit for navvy work, and not extra well nourished and what happened might have been due to a strain, or even to coughing. - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that a doctor was not called in before deceased was allowed to go home. - The Jury found that death was due to peritonitis, accelerated by deceased's work and impressed on the witness Hale to call in a medical man if such a case came under his notice in future.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Keyham Accident. Inquest: Jury's Recommendation. - Mr R. R. Rodd (Devon County Coroner) resumed the Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on GEORGE EDMUND READ, aged 39, skilled labourer, of 3 Monument-street, Devonport, whose death occurred at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on Monday, from injuries sustained through the collapse of a staging alongside the cruiser Donegal in No. 9 dock at Keyham Dockyard on Sunday. Mr K. Eyton Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty and Mr T. S. Taylor (Factory Inspector) the Home-office. - William P. Martyn, leading man of labourers, described the rigging of staging alongside the whole length of the cruiser Donegal on Sunday. One end of each of the spars used rested on the altar of the dock, and the other end was suspended by a chain over the ship's side. Chains were returned to stores when stages were removed - that was the regulation - unless they were required for another ship shortly afterwards. It would take six men half a day to return to store the chains used on the Donegal. Witness found the chains on the dockside and could not say where they were taken from or when placed there. The chain was examined by the men who made the staging, but there was no mechanical test. The long link produced, which was picked up after the accident, appeared to have been previously fractured at each end. - The Coroner considered that the examination was not sufficiently thorough. - John Trengrove, chargeman of labourers, said the chains were examined, but not tested before being used. - The Coroner: Was there any hurry about this job? - Witness: Not particularly. - The Coroner: There is something in the paper today as to extraordinarily smart work. - Witness: It was day work; not piece-work. - The Coroner: It was day work and there was no hurry. - Witness said the examination could not be said to be thorough, but it was done as well as it could be. - The Coroner considered it was a proper regulation that chains should be returned to store, and re-examined after being used. - William Henry Walters, skilled labourer, who was on the stage above that on which deceased and two others were at work, said he was talking to them when the link broke. He jumped, and caught hold of a chain and saved himself. - The Coroner suggested that a lifeline would be a safe precaution. - Witness said if they had lifelines they would have to take them off to walk ashore and the stage was as likely to give way then as at any other time. - In reply to Mr Taylor, witness said the staging was quite firm. - E. F. Scott, master smith at the Dockyard, gave evidence as to the life of a chain. He attributed the condition of the link produced to a violent blow, probably through its falling into the dock. - F. W. Toms, foreman of the yard, said staging chains were carefully tested before being issued for use. Before being re-used there was only a superficial examination of the chains and he thought there should be an examination by a practical smith at certain intervals. He had no doubt that such a regulation would be issued. - Mr Taylor considered that annealing, as well as periodical examination, was necessary. - Witness said this was a brand new chain and had only been used four times. The last time was in July, and witness believed the chain was sound then. Probably the material was too brittle and the fracture was caused by a sudden jerk. He did not agree with the master smith that it might have been caused by the chain falling into the dock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and strongly recommended the Admiralty to order a practical examination of chains after use and before being re-used.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 August 1907
BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - Bickleigh Labourer's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held last evening at Bickleigh, a village a few miles south of Tiverton, on HENRY LEY, a labourer, who died from concussion as the result of a fall from a horse. From the evidence given by the various witnesses, including the landlord of the Prince Blutcher Inn, Tiverton, it appeared that deceased had taken more drink than was good for him, judging by his speech, although he was quite capable of taking charge of the horse. - The widow said she found her husband lying in the road unconscious. She considered that the horse, which the deceased was riding bare-backed, was startled by cyclists. No one, however, appears to have witnessed the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 August 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Driver Not To Blame. - At the Plymouth Mortuary last evening an Inquest was held on MARY CHALLICE, 66, widow, living at 35 Belgrave-road, Mutley, who was run over by a motor car in Tavistock-road on Saturday evening. - Mr Lawrence Spear represented the owner and driver of the car, Mr William Palmer Collins, Tavy House, Marytavy. - The body was identified by William George Pook, brother-in-law, who said deceased was very deaf. - William Palmer Collins, gentleman, stated that with him in the car were Mr Thomas Ashmore, an engineer, of the same address, his wife, a lady friend, and three children. It was a 10-horse power car. He drove down Tavistock-road at a slow pace, having the side brake on all the way down. He first saw deceased when nine or ten yards from her. She left the pavement for the purpose of crossing the road, but when about half-way over, turned to come back. The car was then only a few feet from her, and it was impossible to avert an accident. He applied his foot-brake. Had deceased not attempted to retrace her steps she could not have been injured. - Robert Monkleigh, clerk ,said he saw the front wheels go over deceased. It then seemed to him as if the body was dragged ten or fifteen yards. - A Juror: Don't you think you were a little frightened and saw things which did not happen? - Witness admitted he was scared. - The Foreman: A car would have to be travelling at a fair rate to drag the body such a distance. - P.C. Lansley spoke to seeing the car pass down Tavistock-road. It was travelling from eight to ten miles an hour. - Dr F. Smith, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to fracture of the spine. There was no evidence to support the story that the body was dragged a considerable distance. There was only one bruise on the body. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the owner and driver from all blame. - Mr Spear said his client had driven 16,000 miles and never had an accident or any trouble with the Police.

TOPSHAM - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held at Topsham on CHARLES GOULD, aged 54, totally blind, who died yesterday through injuries received by falling from a loft on the 13th inst., at the premises of Mr J. Gould, cab proprietor.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. Painful Disclosures. - Painful disclosures were made last evening at the Inquest held at the Mortuary, Plymouth, on MARGARET MCCARTHY, 51, wife of a naval pensioner, who died as the result of injuries sustained on Saturday last by falling over some stairs at No. 1 Eton-lane, where she was visiting friends. - JOHN MCCARTHY, 24 Wolsdon-street, stated that during the day deceased had been with him to the R.M. Barracks, where he was working. - Jane Mugford, wife of a milkman, and sister of deceased, said when MRS MCCARTHY came to her house on Saturday evening she was "in drink," and afterwards had more intoxicating liquor, sending Mrs Meek for half a pint of whisky. When the spirit was brought back deceased offered Mrs Meek and herself each a wineglass of whisky, and the remainder she mixed with milk in a half-pint glass and drank. Witness had begged her sister not to send for the whisky. Mrs Meek refused to go, until deceased "got so annoyed she had to go." When deceased turned to leave the house, witness asked Mrs Meek to see her over the stairs. Witness held a candle at the top landing while Mrs Meek helped deceased down stair by stair. She did not think deceased fell over more than three stairs. - Mrs Alice Meek, wife of a shoemaker, residing at 1 Eton-lane, corroborated. Witness fell with deceased and broke her arm. - The Coroner: You saw what condition she was in? - Witness: She was not drunk, and she was not sober. I was very reluctant to go for the whisky. - The Coroner: Why did you go? - Witness: She was a woman who would force you to do it. I refused the whisky she offered me, telling her I was not in the habit of taking it. - The Coroner: I think you and Mrs Mugford are greatly to blame. - P.C. Duggan stated that when he visited the house Mrs Meek was, in his opinion, drunk. She was in bed. Mrs Mugford was sober. - The Coroner (to Mrs Meek): Whatever condition you were in, it does not redound to your credit. It seems a case of the blind leading the blind. - Dr W. H. Brenton deposed that death was due to compression of the brain, consequent on a fracture of the base of the skull. Deceased must, he thought, have fallen over more than three stairs. He should think she was badly under the influence of drink at the time of the accident. The body was absolutely saturated with alcohol; even the brain exhaled the fumes of stale spirits. The smell of bad whisky was, in fact, almost unbearable. She had evidently consumed a large quantity of whisky a short time before death - pretty well half a pint. - The Coroner, summing up, said very great moral blame attached to both Mrs Mugford and Mrs Meek. If the whisky had not been fetched for her she would not have been in so bad a condition. Whether there was criminal negligence was for the Jury to say. - The Jury, after retiring for a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and through the Foreman (Mr H. Adams) expressed the opinion that deceased was in a state of intoxication at the time. The two female witnesses should be severely reprimanded. - The Coroner said he thoroughly agreed. He reprimanded Mrs Meek and Mrs Mugford.

EXETER - Exeter Volunteer's Strange Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on FREDERICK C. CANN, 18, errand boy, the father, a writer and grainer, of Union-terrace, Cheeke-street, said 12 months ago, on returning from volunteer camp, deceased was ill for a day or two, but since then he had been in good health. He again went to the rifle camp at Moreton this year, returning on Saturday week. - Dr Duncan said a post-mortem examination revealed disease of long standing of the heart and lungs. The heart, which was much enlarged weighed 40 ounces, whereas the average weight of an adult's heart was 10 to 12 ounces. The lungs gave evidence of having been subjected to great strain in breathing. It was strange that he should have been able to do his duty as a bugler in the 1st R.V. Death was due to syncope. - The Deputy Coroner: Do you think the strain of blowing the bugle would have been injurious to him? - It would have been; and I cannot understand how he was able to do his duty with his heart and lungs in the state they were. - Would his state have been apparent on medical examination while he was living? - To a certain extent I should think it would be. - The father of deceased (recalled) said his son had been in the 1st R.V. about four years. - The Deputy Coroner: He must have passed a medical examination, then? - Dr Duncan said his condition could not have been so bad four years ago. - Mrs Kerslake of 20 Church-lane, said deceased was suddenly taken ill at her house on Saturday afternoon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Fatality. - The Plymouth Coroner (Mr J. B. Johns) held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital yesterday on the body of WILLIAM BAKER, 51, caretaker of the Presbyterian Church, Wyndham-street, who fell from a ladder while whitewashing in the yard on Thursday last and died two days later. Mr W. C. Vallance (Messrs,. Turn and Vallance) appeared for the church trustees and managers. - CHARLES BAKER, son, said whitewashing was part of deceased's ordinary duties. - Robert Moule, Wyndham-street, deposed to being called to deceased by his wife. He was then lying in the yard and unconscious. He had been whitewashing a wall which was part of the church or schools. The ladder had apparently slipped. - Dr F. S. Smith, House Surgeon, deposed to admitting deceased to the Hospital. He was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull. Deceased recovered consciousness, and stated that he had fallen from a ladder. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Vallance, on behalf of the church trustees and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 August 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Stonehouse Street Fatality - At the Stonehouse Townhall last evening, the County Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of FLORENCE GERTRUDE UREN, aged 4 ½ years, daughter of WILLIAM JAMES UREN, labourer, 24 High-street, Stonehouse, who died as the result of falling under a coal wagon in Union-street, Stonehouse, on Monday. - Annie Hill, 24 High-street, Stonehouse, stated that on Monday morning she and deceased were out for a walk and together they went into the round adjoining the Townhall. In returning to their homes they proceeded through St Mary-street and into Union-street. Deceased, while running across the street near Perry's Corner, fell under a horse which was drawing a coal wagon. She endeavoured to extricate herself, but the animal kicked her. Witness tried to assist deceased, but was hindered, as she was pushing a perambulator. - Henry Seymour Burrows, carter, employed by Messrs. Vivian and Sons, coal merchants, Fore-street, Devonport, said deceased fell in front of the fore wheels of the wagon. Witness pulled up as quickly as possible and found her just behind the back feet of the horse. - Dr W. E. Corbett said deceased's kidney and liver were ruptured, these injuries being sufficient to cause death. The child's abdomen had been crushed. Death must have taken place within a few moments from internal haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay, yesterday, on HENRY WHEATON, 50, painter, who died suddenly on Saturday whilst talking to his employer, Mr W. Cole Watson, at Morgan-avenue. The medical evidence showed that deceased was suffering from an aneurism in one of the large vessels leading from the heart, and that this suddenly burst. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 23 August 1907
TORQUAY - Sudden Death At Torquay. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Chelston, Torquay, yesterday, on ELIZA FURSDON, widow, 76, who died suddenly at her son's residence, 5 Walnut-road, Chelston. HENRY PHARE, builder, said his mother had been married twice. She had been a sufferer for many years from bronchitis, and on Wednesday morning witness and his wife found her by the side of her bed in a very weak state She died soon after. - Dr W. C. Halpin said death was due to haemorrhage, the result of long standing bronchitis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes " was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 August 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Boy's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HENRY BUNT, age 7, son of GEORGE H. BUNT, labourer, of New-street-cottages, Castle Dyke-lane, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on Monday. - ELIZA JANE BUNT stated that on Monday deceased, her son, was playing with other boys in a box cart, which upset, but deceased was not apparently hurt. However, a few hours later he complained of pains in his leg and head, and witness took him to the Homeopathic Hospital, where he died on Thursday. Dr F. M. C. Wilmot stated that deceased was suffering from a sprained ankle and concussion of the brain. He died from the injury to his brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

LYDFORD - An Inquest was held in Dartmoor Prison on Thursday on the body of W. BROWN, a prisoner, who died there on Tuesday. Deceased was serving a sentence of five years for larceny and was received at Dartmoor in February 1906. the medical evidence showed that the deceased was a man of weak physique and was admitted in the Hospital in December last. He died from disease of the kidneys. F. Ellis, convict orderly stated that deceased had received every attention. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

BRIDESTOWE - The Sourton Trap Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Bridestowe yesterday by Mr Brown (Okehampton), Deputy Coroner, touching the death of J. WALDREN, who was killed on Thursday whilst driving a pony and trap at Sourton. - Mrs a. J. Woodrow, Moor View, said the deceased, her nephew, was aged 38 and was married. He worked for her as a labourer. On Thursday morning he went out in a pony and trap to get the pony shod. - Mrs Searle, staying at Sourton, said at three o'clock the pony and trap rushed past her. She found deceased on the ground bleeding from the head. She ran for help. - P.C. Rookes said when he arrived the man was dead. - Elsie Worden, 10 years of age, said she saw deceased between 3 and 4 o'clock. He got out of the trap and told her to keep his pony back. She did so. He cracked his whip and witness ran away. He had the reins in his hands. - Herbert Down (Okehampton) spoke to catching the runaway pony and trap. The reins were laying loosely around the footboard. - Dr Robertson (Okehampton) said he reached Moor View about 5.20. He thought deceased had been dead about an hour. He found the base of the skull on the right side had a depressed fracture, which was sufficient to cause death. - The Jury found that death was caused by deceased falling out of the trap Accidentally. The fees were given to the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 August 1907
PLYMSTOCK - Oreston Child's Death. Poor People And Medical Assistance. - At Hooe, Oreston, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on a female child, aged four days, daughter of ROBERT P. MCQUEEN, skilled labourer, living at Hooe. - Dr S. Noy Scott, Plymstock, said death was due to a malformation of the stomach. He believed the midwife sent a messenger to stop him as he was passing through the village. That was before the death of the child, but for some reason he did not see the messenger. - The Coroner said the calling in of a medical man ought not to be left to chance. By a regulation which had recently come into force, parents could apply to a relieving officer to call in the parish doctor. If this could not be done, then the nearest medical man could be summoned and the Guardians, provided that they were satisfied that the case was one of poverty, were given power to meet the doctor's charge. - The Foreman of the Jury considered the regulation mentioned by the Coroner an excellent and necessary one, and particularly applicable to the case under notice. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death In Devonport Workhouse. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest in Devonport workhouse last evening on GEORGE HEARN, aged 36 years, labourer, of Tavistock-road, Stoke. Deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on Friday, looking somewhat ill and weak. His condition seemed to improve until about six o'clock on the following morning when he appeared very much worse and died just as the medical officer arrived. - Dr Sandford said the cause of death was heart failure, due to pneumonia of both lungs. It would have been impossible for the man to recover, even had he (the doctor) been present at the time of his admission to the Workhouse. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner, summing up, referring to the extreme care paid to patients in Devonport Workhouse Infirmary.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 August 1907
EXETER - Kenton Man's Suicide. - At the Inquest yesterday at Exeter Hospital on WILLIAM AVERY, 60, farm labourer, who died in the Institution on Tuesday night, it was said that deceased had lived at Kenton for many years and since his wife's death had been in lodgings He had stayed with Mrs Sander for three months, and left the house on Saturday morning, saying that he should not be going far. He was not seen again until nearly twelve hours later, when two men named Mortimer and Baker found him lying in the hedge at Kenton Bridge, with his throat cut. He had apparently walked to the spot from a field near by, where the razor which he usually carried about with him was found. He had lately appeared feeble in mind and had talked of going into the Workhouse. - Dr Harmer, House Surgeon, said death was due to double pneumonia, caused by the shock and exposure and a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 August 1907
NORTH BOVEY - North Bovey Gun Accident. Boy Shot By His Uncle. "A Dangerous Old Weapon." - A shocking fatality occurred on Wednesday evening at Beetor Farm, North Bovey, a ten-year-old boy named WILLIAM CHARLES ASH, of Brixham, son of a brewery engine-driver, being accidentally shot by his uncle while out rabbiting. Both deceased and his uncle, WILLIAM HENRY WESTCOTT, were spending a holiday at the farm, the latter having only arrived the day before from New Brompton. The tenant of the farm, James Mortimore, was a relative of both parties. Westcott, deceased and the farmer's son had been out over the farm rabbit shooting and were returning home without having fired a shot, when Westcott stopped to unload the gun. While doing so the right hammer slipped and the contents of the barrel were discharged into deceased, who had stood in front of the muzzle, an interested spectator. Death was instantaneous. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest, conducted yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, John Mortimore, son of the tenant and cousin of deceased, told the Jury deceased and himself had been out with their uncle during the early evening, and were returning to the farm, when Mr Westcott stopped to unload the gun, remarking "We shall not see anything now. I will take out the cartridges." He was letting down one of the hammers, which was necessary before the breech could be opened, when it slipped. Deceased, who had stepped forward to see his uncle unload the gun, received the charge in his side. He had been standing in front of the muzzle of the gun, about nine feet away. Mr Westcott had carried the gun with the hammers cocked. - The Coroner examined the gun and called its owner, Jeffries Brown, a farm hand, before him. Brown explained that the gun could not be opened until the right-hand hammer had been let down. It was this barrel which had been discharged. - The Coroner described the gun as a dangerous old weapon. - Major H. Tyler (Indian Army), Meldon Hall, Chagford, said his wife and himself were about a hundred yards away when the gun was fired. At the same time the farmer and his wife were approaching Westcott and the boys from the other side. He heard the woman scream, and concluded that the gun had shot a dog. He was walking away when he heard Westcott imploring him to return. He went to him and then for the first time realised what had happened. Westcott was alone in the field with the dead boy. he had completely broken down and in his distress had thrown himself across the body. Westcott told witness he had stopped to take out the cartridges and the gun went off. The gun was lying where Westcott had dropped it, the left barrel still containing a cartridge. Witness went to the farmhouse and advised Mr Mortimore to get assistance and make some arrangements for removing the body. He afterwards returned to the meadow and sent Westcott away with his wife. - James Mortimore, the tenant of Beetor, explaining the fact that Westcott was left alone with the body, said his wife was so upset when she saw what had happened, that as a first step he thought he ought to take her home. - Dr R. Sutherland said there was one large hole in the lower part of deceased's chest. The shot had not spread at all. Death must have been practically instantaneous. - Westcott himself elected to give evidence. He said the accident happened through the hammer slipping when he was lowering it. Evidently the gun was pointing at deceased, but witness had not noticed where he was standing. - The Coroner: It is criminal negligence for any man to point a loaded gun at another. - Witness: there was more interest being taken in the gun than the little boy. - The Coroner: Your attention was so occupied with the gun that you did not notice the direction in which it was pointing. - In further evidence witness admitted that he did not often use a gun, and held no licence. He was a shipwright by trade. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Shot, and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

EXETER - The Haldon Fatality. - An Inquest on ARTHUR TIFF BATCHELOR, 29, an Exeter groom, who died after a trap accident on the way home from Haldon Races on Wednesday, was held by Mr Coroner Brown at Exeter Hospital yesterday. - The widow, of 37 Union-street, St. Thomas, said she went away for a holiday on Saturday and returned on hearing of the accident - Arthur Langmead of Codrington-street, said he was driving home a little in front of deceased and his mate, Roberts. Hearing the noise of the accident, witness drove back and found Roberts under the overturned trap. BATCHELOR being further back the road in the gutter unconscious. - Dr Harper, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased had apparently fallen on the back of his head. The base of his skull was fractured. The cause of death was haemorrhage, caused by the rupture of a large vessel at the base of the brain. Deceased had not been drinking. - Mr J. J. Norman, owner of the horse, said it was so quiet that his daughters had learned to ride on it. - Fred Roberts, of Wonford, driver of the horse, said it began to plunge as soon as they started for home. Both witness and deceased, pulling on the reins together, failed to keep it back, and it galloped down the hill. Whether BATCHELOR let go the reins in order to jump out, or whether he was thrown out, witness could not say. He had driven the horse two or three times before and found it quiet. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 September 1907
TOPSHAM - A Topsham Fatality. - Whilst returning to Honiton Clyst on Saturday morning from Topsham, FREDERICK SEARLE, aged 11, son of the wagoner, fell from a stone-laden wagon as it was descending White Hill. A wheel of the wagon passed over him and he died n a few minutes. His father was at the time preparing to remove the drag-shoe. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 September 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker's Death At Devonport. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JOHN JOSEPH COUCH, (26), first class stoker, Royal Navy, residing at 7 Wilton-street, Stoke. JANE ELIZABETH COUCH said her husband was invalided home from Gibraltar some time ago, and remained in Hospital for six weeks. He told her he was suffering from consumption. He died suddenly about 4 a.m. on Sunday. - Dr Lander said the cause of death was the rupture of an aneurism in the aorta. A post-mortem examination revealed that the deceased had pleurisy of long standing. - In returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 September 1907
TEIGNMOUTH - At the Inquest on JOHN LANG, who died in a boat off Teignmouth, Dr Piggott attributed death to an aneurism of the aorta, from which he had suffered for years.

HOLSWORTHY - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Holsworthy yesterday on JOHN ELLACOTT, pensioner, who died on Saturday evening after falling downstairs. Mr H. Higgs was Foreman of the Jury. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Deadly Flannelette. Ilfracombe Child's Death. - At Ilfracombe yesterday Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest on OLIVE ELSIE NORMAN, the three-year-old daughter of WILLIAM NORMAN, a coachman, of Marlborough-road. The mother was in the habit of going out to work at 6.30 a.m., returning at eight to send the children to school. On Monday she left ELSIE home in bed, with three other children, the eldest of whom was 11. The father had gone to his work earlier, but there was in the house a lodger, James Whitfield, a bandsman. About 7.30 Whitfield heard screams and going out into the passage saw the girl in flames. He took off her burning clothing and sent for the mother, who was quite close at hand and she took the sufferer to the Tyrrel Cottage Hospital, where she died the same day. - The father stated that the girl was wearing flannelette, which he was aware was highly inflammable, and he had read inquests where children had lost their lives through wearing it. - The Coroner: Do you know there is a flannelette that will not burn? - I have heard about it. - But it did not strike you to get any? - I leave those things to my wife. - Mr Whitfield, the lodger, whose hand was bandaged owing to injuries he received in putting out the fire, described how he was awakened by the screams of the children, one of whom ran into his room, and rushing upstairs he found the poor girl enveloped in flames. Tearing off the clothes she was wearing he carried the girl to his room and sent for the neighbours and her mother. In the child's room he found the bed burning in two places and upon it a candle and some matches. - P.C. Christopher produced the matches, which he described as of the "safety" variety, but a Juryman stated that far from being "safety," he had known a box of the same sort explode. - Mr G. D. Kettlewell said there was very little of the child's body that was not burned, and when brought to the Hospital the girl was in a state of collapse, and died from shock following the burns. - The Coroner strongly deprecated the use of such deadly and terrible material as the ordinary flannelette and commended the non-inflammable variety, with which, he said, he had experimented before an Appledore Jury. It was a material which had the merit of being exceedingly cheap. Until it was made an absolute offence to use the common inflammable flannelette, he supposed they would go on having inquests on poor children sacrificed to the use of flannelette. In this instance it would appear clear that the child was playing with matches with the too often result that she set herself alight. He was exceedingly sorry that Mr Whitfield was a sufferer through the plucky part he played and hoped he would experience no financial loss. He knew at Ilfracombe August and September were times of much pressure, but it was still rather dangerous to leave young children in the house alone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their appreciation of Mr Whitfield's conduct.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 September 1907
PENZANCE CORNWALL - Boy Drowned, Parents' Sad Discovery - BERTRAM WILLIAM WRIGHT, aged five years, the son of a G.W.R. motor machinist, WM. S. F. WRIGHT, who formerly resided at Paignton, was found drowned below the Penzance Promenade yesterday morning. The little fellow was sent to school on Tuesday morning, but did not return home at the dinner hour, and is mother went along the beach, which he frequented to seek him. Not finding him, she surmised he had returned to school, but at four o'clock she went to the school to find that he had not been there. A search was made up to a late hour of the night, but without result. At seven o'clock yesterday morning, however, Joseph Brown, of Wherrytown, saw the body in four feet of water below the Promenade at the bottom of Cornwall-terrace. - An Inquest was held at the G.W.R. motor depot, Penzance, yesterday afternoon, by Mr Edward Boase. - The mother, the wife of WM. S. F. WRIGHT, of Boase's-buildings, Wherrytown, said she sent deceased on Tuesday morning to the National School. She went to look for him just after one o'clock, as he generally went alone to the beach to play. She, however, did not find him, and thinking that he had returned to school with other boys, went home. She went to the school in the afternoon, but found he had not been there for the afternoon. A search was made for him along the Esplanade, the quay and the lanes in the district. - By the Coroner: Her boy had been in the habit of going to the beach alone, and she had held out every inducement for him to come straight home after he had left school. - Joseph Brown, serpentine worker, of Wherrytown, knew the lad well, and said about seven o'clock he and the caretaker of the bathing machines went to search for the body and found it near the groynes below the Lower Promenade. It was in about four feet of water. The only mark he saw on the body was near the right eye. He imagined that the boy fell off the Lower Promenade. The boy was of bright intellect. - The Coroner said it was a mystery how he got into the water, and he suggested that an open verdict should be returned. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and sympathised with the parents, whom the Jury awarded their fees.

MORTHOE - Woolacombe Drowning Case. Facilities For Saving Life. Recommendations By The Jury. - At Morthoe yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held the Inquest on the body of FREDERICK HORACE WILLIAM STERNE, the London visitor to Ilfracombe, who was drowned whilst bathing at Woolacombe on August 22nd, but whose body was not recovered until Tuesday. Evidence of identification was given by MR SIDNEY ARTHUR STERNE, brother, who said deceased, aged 24 and single, lived at 47 Great college-street, Camden Town, and was a clerk in the Great Northern Railway office in London. He was a very good swimmer, had swum at different places all round the coast - Hastings, Brighton, &c., and had never been in difficulties in the water before. - A Visitor's Strictures. - Deceased bathed from a machine and witness said in reference to that, one of the party told him they asked if it was quite safe to bathe, and were told it was. This, witness added seemed to him to be very shocking, if there was any danger. Also he was instructed by the Polytechnic to make a protest, as strong as he possibly could, as to the lack of all means of saving life in case of danger on that beach. He had met no one with any acquaintance of the subject in Ilfracombe but who had said it was a dangerous beach and as far as he knew there was absolutely no means to save life down there. There was a lifebuoy which had not been untied for some years, and which took a considerable period to untie. He saw no lifelines or boat and he thought in such a case bathing ought not to be allowed for the sake of the credit of the town without a boat being there in case of accident. One of the ladies of their party went to the man in charge of the bathing machines and pointed out that possibly he did not realise there were lives in danger, and he replied, "We often have false alarms - I have my machines to look after." It was not the proprietor of the machines, but the man in charge who said that. It was their own party who cut down the lifebuoy when it was too late. - Replying to the Foreman (Mr G. Gammon), witness said deceased was not seen to be making any signal. Witness agreed that had he been some way out on his mile swim it would have been impossible to get the lifebuoy out to him, but pointed out that the ladies were nothing like that distance. Mr Coben, a noted swimmer, who rescued the ladies, said he had felt the tide, and it was not good enough for him. Witness could not understand why deceased, if he had not had cramp, was not able to float or signal. - The Foreman: If the current had taken him out even into the bay, and he was a strong swimmer, he could have kept his head above water? - Yes, I cannot understand it. - Richard Branch, the man in charge of the bathing machines, said he did not remember deceased - he saw so many - but a party of twelve went out bathing. They asked him if there was any current and he said no, some gentlemen bathing on the back tide told him there was no current that morning, but he told them not to go too far off. Their reply was that they were good swimmers. It was then about one hour and a half after low tide, on the coming tide. - The Appliances Provided. - The Coroner: Was it safe for bathing? - There were about 50 or 60 in the water at the same time - 22 from the machines and the rest from the rocks or tents. - Are there any appliances if persons get into difficulties? - There is a lifebuoy and a line with a long pole on it. - Did anyone make use of it? - yes, they had it for the two ladies; I cannot swear if this gentleman was from the machines or not. - Have you missed a bathing suit? - We cannot tell; we are often missing them. - People surely don't walk off with them? - Don't they, sir; they are fly enough for that. - In answer to further questions, witness said they were all in and dressed when something was said about the gentleman being missing. - The Coroner: When your attention was called, did you say you had your machines to look after? - No sir I never said that. There were so many running about and saying this and that, that I said, "Hold hard a minute." I undid the lifebuoy and rope and they said it was all tangled in the water. It is an old saying "too many cooks spoil the pie," and that was the truth in this case. One had got hold of one part and another, another part, so they got tangled and then they wanted to say the rope was not right. - Will the lifebuoy come off easily if you are in a hurry? - Yes, sir it's only hung on a hook. - Did you tell them you could do nothing? - No, I said I would lend a hand when I had done the machines. I had to look after them, as the tide was coming in. I helped in the last lady with the gentleman, and then we did not know anything about the other man. - Was it any use throwing out the lifebuoy in the surf? - It would take a "middling" fellow to take it out - Do you think it right people should be allowed to go out in the surf? - There were several out on the beach the same time, who said it was the quietest day they had had since they had been there. The sea was quieter than it had been. - It is more dangerous at dead low water isn't it? - They bathe at all states of the tide. - The Foreman: You only heard the remark about this drag on the coming tide from this party? - Yes, and there were 50 or 60 bathing. It was ten minutes or a quarter of an hour after the ladies were saved that it was found the gentleman was missing. - People Had Been Warned. - Mr John Richardson, the proprietor of the bathing machines, said he did not witness the occurrence and in answer to the interrogation of the Coroner as to who had control over the bathing on the beach, said no one. He paid Miss Chichester £3 a year for trespass in placing his machines above high water mark, but Woolacombe sands constituted a bathing place for everyone. There had been about 100 tents on the beach this year and one day he counted 45 people bathing in front of his machines, but not one of whom used the machines Some tests paid a royalty and some did not. - Neither the District Council nor the Parish Council made any regulations as to dress or anything. - A Juryman: The Board of Trade have control over the foreshore now. - Witness said he did warn people that it was dangerous. He had had the machines four years, and had never had the least trouble. A man might lose his wind, if he did not ride some of the breakers, but he should think the deceased must have had cramp or something of the sort. - Mr Geo. Smoldon, of the Mortehoe Hotel, said he found the body left by the tide between Grunta Pool and Dunder Hole. - Mr Spencer Pickering, a resident, whose attention was attracted by the cries on the beach, said he looked through a telescope from his house to see what was the matter. He saw one man about 150 yards out and the ladies were closer in. Another man was brought in and collapsed and he immediately got a flask of whisky and some blankets and went down to give what assistance he could. Owing to the breakers he believed it would be impossible to see the other man from the beach. The sea on occasions was peculiar at Woolacombe. With a ground sea on the water might be perfectly calm for four or five minutes and then a succession of heavy waves would come in which broke some way from the shore and with those waves they had a strong undertow. The danger lay in the sea being so tempting for a time and then the heavy waves coming in. He had no doubt deceased got exhausted by trying to get in against the undertow. He was told the man was seen half an hour afterwards, but he doubted it. Witness had been approached by several visitors to make a strong representation of the fact that nothing whatever was done to guard against this serious loss of life, the present being by no means the first accident. It was perfectly simple to warn people of the dangers of Woolacombe Sands because the dangers were always the same, consisting in the undertow, and always carrying people towards the rocks. If people were only told to swim away from the rocks most of these fatalities would not occur. The expressions of opinion he had heard were very strong, that those who made money out of the bathing - the owners of the foreshore or the lords of the manor - should take steps to have a properly trained bathing man there and take other precautions, such as a rocket apparatus to send out a floating line. Also there were no means of resuscitating people who might be partially drowned. Of course it was quite impossible to launch a boat in a sea of that sort. - Mr Orchard: In view of the fact that a boat could not be safely launched, don't you think it very wrong to allow bathers to go out at all? - Witness: Without very strong warning I think it was. - Dr Young described the condition in which the body was found. The right leg was dislocated probably after death, and there were abrasions. Death was due to drowning. - Jury's Recommendations. - Deceased's brother, commenting on the evidence, said he could not find that his brother ever said he was going to swim a mile. As to false alarms, what would they say of the London Fire Brigade if they refused to go to a fire because they were always having false alarms? - The Coroner thought it was clear a strong current was running that day, and it was admitted on all sides there was no one officially appointed to advise bathers of the safety or otherwise. The Jury might consider whether anything might not be suggested. He thought certainly where an enormous number of people were swimming, some life-saving apparatus should be at hand. - After a short retirement, the Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone. They desired the Coroner to express their regret to the relatives at the sad occurrence and indicated that anything that might be able to be done for the protection of persons in future by the Board of Trade handing their powers over to the Parish Council would be done. - The Coroner said he should e pleased to write to the Board of Trade pointing out what had happened, and that the Jury suggested it might be desirable to hand over powers to the Parish Council to make regulations for bathing in future.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 September 1907
EXMOUTH - A Fatal Mistake. Carbolic Acid Instead Of Stout. - At Exmouth yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr C. E. Cox on MRS SARAH BOLT, aged 73 years, wife of EDWIN BOLT, a hawker, residing in Exeter-road, Exmouth, who died on the previous day. It was stated that for many months deceased had been suffering from cancer, and had been attended by Dr Eaton. Miss Caroline Mary Perry, district nurse, had also attended the deceased and from time to time had sent members of the family to the Exmouth Council yard for disinfectants. On Tuesday morning the deceased asked her daughter, SARAH BOLT, for a little stout, which she had been in the habit of drinking, and the daughter, who had been sitting up with her all night, gave her carbolic acid instead of stout, the bottles containing the stout and the acid being exactly alike and on the floor beside the bed. MRS BOLT at once noticed the mistake and told her it was an accident. The daughter went at once to her father and another daughter, MRS WILSON, was sent to Mr Nichols's for an emetic. She, not understand what was wanted, asked for some Condy's fluid and Mrs Nicholson advised her to have some permanganate of potash, and this was administered to the deceased, who after taking it vomited. - Dr Eaton was telephoned for, but it was not explained that there was any necessity for his immediate attention, and he did not see the deceased for some hours afterwards, when she appeared to be much the same as usual. Since the death he had made a post-mortem examination and found that she was suffering from extensive cancer, but no evidence of corrosion. The acid, he said, contained 12 per cent, of poison, and in the state in which the deceased was at the time, a teaspoonful would undoubtedly hasten her death. - Harry George Barnsey, an employee of the Exmouth Urban District Council, stated that it was usual to supply carbolic acid gratis and there was no regulation as to labelling the utensils in which it was contained. - The Coroner pointed out that the Pharmacy Act, 1868, restricted chemists from supplying poisons without a label, and suggested that although it was clear that in this case an unfortunate mistake had been made, the Jury should add a rider to their verdict, to the effect that the Council should in future label the bottles or other vessels in which they sent out the disinfectant, as he had no doubt as to the public body being liable, although they supplied it gratis. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Cancer, accelerated by taking Carbolic Acid, administered by Mistake," and added a rider that the Council be advised in future to label all utensils when disinfectants were supplied.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Fatality. Devonport Labourer's Fall. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on RICHARD ROWE, 51, skilled labourer, employed in Devonport Dockyard and living at Home Park, Stoke, who on Tuesday last met with an accident at Keyham Dockyard and died next day at the R.N. Hospital. - Mr Peck (Messrs. Peck, Venning and Goldsmith) represented the Admiralty. - Edward George Salter, fitter, stated that on Tuesday morning deceased with five other men was pulling a two-wheel truck on which was a cast-iron plate. The uneven surface of the road caused the truck to "bring up" suddenly, and as a result deceased, who was pulling in front, fell backward, striking his head against the corner of the iron plate He was rendered unconscious. The road at that point was not in good condition. - By the Coroner: The road was constantly being used for the same purpose, and should be put in proper repair. - Thomas Ricard, chargeman of fitters, agreed that the roadway at the scene of the accident was not in good repair. Its present condition was the result of years of traffic. The road, part of the way, was made of a soft material, and he understood the truck brought up suddenly at the point where the granite surface commenced. - The Inquest was adjourned until the 13th instant, in order the doctor might make a post-mortem examination, and to give the Inspector of Factories an opportunity of attending.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 September 1907
PLYMOUTH - A Pony Causes Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on FERNLEIGH HALL, aged 13, of Cheston, near Wrangaton. - ELIZABETH JANE HALL, wife of JNO. HALL, foreman of platelayers, said deceased, her son, came home on the 2nd inst. and complained that while he was leading a pony in a field the animal dragged him, and he received injuries in his stomach. A doctor was summoned, who ordered his removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Dr Smith said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 2nd. inst.; he died on the 4th inst., from peritonitis caused by the wounds in the stomach. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

EXETER - A Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against William Frederick Painter, an inmate of Wonford Asylum, at an Inquest yesterday on JOHN THORNTON BURT, aged 70, also an inmate of the asylum. It is alleged that Painter inflicted a wound on BURT'S cheek with a dinner knife, he injuries resulting in death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 September 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Indus Tragedy. Verdict of "Manslaughter" At Stonehouse. The Quarrel Described. - The Inquest on PATRICK HEALY, stoker, who died from injuries received in a quarrel on board H.M.S. Indus II. at Devonport, was held yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, by Mr R. Robinson Rodd. Hugh Moore, able seaman, was present in the custody of the Devonport Borough Police. He was represented by Mr W. C. Vallance (Messrs. Taru and Vallance). Mr K. E. Peck watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty: and there were also present Chief Inspector Mutton, Devonport Borough Police; Chief Inspector E. Green, Metropolitan Police; Superintendent Crooke and Inspector Joslin, Devon Constabulary; and Inspector Roberts, of the Cornwall County Constabulary. - Mr W. Barnes was Foreman of the Jury. - The body was identified by Benjamin Lugg, master-at-arms, of H.M.S. Indus II., who said the deceased, a 1st class stoker, was a native of Co. Cork, and joined the service in February 1902. He was 25 years of age last March. - Playing Besique. - James Heaney, A.B., stated that on Friday afternoon he was playing besique with the accused on the after mess-deck. They were sitting at a long table, on forms. Deceased came towards them from the direction of the canteen, and taking a seat on the left side of Moore commenced chaffing him about his play, remarking that although witness was only a beginner, he was playing the better game and had scored more points. Moore said to the deceased "Go away, or else you will get my temper up." Deceased replied, "You don't want to get up the police, Charley." He remained with them and continued his chaff. Being again told to go away, HEALY rose to obey. Moore jumped up at the same time, and in doing so knocked the form over. This seemed to increase his temper, and as HEALY was walking away, while his back was towards Moore, the latter commenced hitting him. Deceased did not guard himself; the attack was too sudden and he had no chance of doing so. He tried to get away. Witness saw three blows struck - one on the body and two about the head. - Only A Little Chaff. - The Coroner: The only cause for Moore losing his temper and striking the deceased was that he was chaffed that you were making more points. - Witness: That was all. He seemed friendly enough when he sat down first. - The Coroner: Was the deceased in liquor? - No, both were sober. He had not known HEALY very long, but as far as he knew he was a very quiet man. - The Coroner: On what part of the body did he strike him? - I saw three blows, one on the body and two about the head. The reason he (witness) did not interfere was that he thought HEALY could manage Moore by himself. - The Coroner: Nobody has reflected on your conduct. - Mr Vallance: Do you know that those men had been ashore together and were pretty good chums? - Witness: I know they had been in the same ship before. After the quarrel Moore returned to the table and resumed his seat as if he intended to continue the game of cards. Someone came up and said that HEALY was lying bleeding in the passage and Moore went towards the spot where the fight had finished. He saw nothing more of him and did not witness the affair between Moore and turner. he did not hear HEALY giving away Moore's hand while the game was proceeding. He knew of no reason why HEALY should not enter their mess in a friendly way. There was no feeling between the seamen and stokers to prevent it. - A Second Fight. - Frederick Turner, A.B., stated that while he was sitting on No. 23 mess the deceased came along going to the canteen. He saw him return with a bottle of lemonade. Deceased sat beside witness and told him he had been ashore on the previous evening, had broken his leave and been brought on board by an escort. Deceased left witness and went across to No. 19 mess and sat beside Moore, who was playing at cards. After sitting there two or three minutes the deceased got up and walked away. He had walked about two yards, when prisoner jumped up, knocking his mess stool over in the movement. He made a rush at the deceased while the latter's back was towards him, struck him several times "back and front," and then rushed him round a corner out of witness's sight. Witness went to them as quickly as possible and saw the deceased fall. He lifted the deceased up and observed that he was unconscious and bleeding from the nose and lips. He spoke to him, but could get no reply. Moore returned, and witness said to him "What did you want to hit the man like that for?" Moore retorted, "You're a boxing man, and I will serve you the same." He shouted to everybody that he wanted to fight witness. He (Turner) dropped the deceased, not realising he was so seriously hurt, and attacked Moore. - The Coroner: Did he show fight? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner: He did not mark you, then. - No, I hit him several times, knocking him over the railings on to the deck below. He fell ten or twelve feet. - The Coroner: A fortunate job there is not a second case. - Witness, continuing, said he intended to jump after prisoner, but was held back by Lieutenant Matthews, and several whom he did not recognise Prisoner got up and hid away. - The Coroner: When you saw Moore rush at HEALY was he given an opportunity of defending himself? - Witness: No, sir, not at all. He had a bottle of lemonade in one hand and some coppers in the other. - By a Juror: Deceased did not strike at all. - Witness added that he did not hear the remarks passed by HEALY to Moore, but his impression was that they were not of an angry or menacing character; it was merely skylarking. - The Coroner: Was the deceased a bright, jovial man - a good chum? - Yes, sir. - The Coroner: Not an aggressive man? - He was not big enough for that. - A Juror: Moore was having the worst of it. Do you think he was hiding from you? - Yes, sir. Only a short time ago I stopped Moore from fighting with a man in my own mess. Moore was not hiding because he thought he had killed the man; he did not think the man was so seriously hurt. There was nothing at the spot where the deceased fell which could have hurt him. - A Juror: Is it a common thing for seamen to settle differences in this way? - Witness: No, sir. Moore is the only man I have seen fighting since I have been in the ship. - Mr Vallance: You say you stopped him three weeks ago fighting in your mess? - He was not fighting. He was ill-using a man. - The Coroner: Is he a bit of a bully? - Yes, sir. He is a bully. - "A Proper Bully." - John McDonald, A.B., deposed to witnessing the affair from No. 21 mess, where he was playing cards. He heard Moore twice tell HEALY to go away and then saw him get up and strike HEALY several times. HEALY was trying to get away. Witness twice shouted to Moore to let the man go. He was holding him by the collar. When at last he released his hold, HEALY fell down. - The Coroner: Did you see anything which justified this attack by Moore? - No, sir. - The Foreman: Did the deceased show fight at all? - No, sir. - By the Coroner: And he had no opportunities of defending himself. - Witness, asked by the Coroner whether he had anything to add, said, "All I wish to say is that Moore is a proper bully." - A Juror: You must have seen the same kind of thing occur very often in the mess. - Witness: Not to carry on the way he did with that man. - William H. Rogers, A.B., and John Byrne, A.B., also deposed to witnessing the quarrel. - What Upset The Accused. - Chief Inspector Green, Metropolitan Police, deposed to going on board Indus II, and taking Hugh Moore into custody. While the launch was on the way to the Dockyard the accused said: " We were old chums. When he came back from the canteen and sat next to me I said, "For God's sake go away, TIM, or I shall get up the pole". What got me up the pole was the stool falling, or mostly that. I got up to take him forward and he said, 'I am not having any.' I don't know what happened after. I was drunk - I don't mean incapable. He was under the influence of drink." - A Juror: Was Moore in drink when you apprehended him. - Witness: He had no appearance of it. When he made the statement he was hysterical. - Extensive Injuries. - Surgeon E. Kenny, R.N., Indus II., spoke to being called at 2.50 p.m. to see the deceased, who was said to be unconscious. He found HEALY was dead. Artificial respiration had proved unavailing. The body was removed to the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse. He had made a post-mortem examination and found, externally, three contusions. One, the size of half a crown, was just below the heart; there was a smaller contusion on the right breast and a third irregular contusion was just above the right elbow. There was a small abrasion on the left forearm. On the upper lip was a contused wound, the gum inside having receded from the bone. These wounds would be caused by a man's fist. On removing the scalp he found on the left side of the head over the ear an effusion of blood, which might either have been caused by a blow from a fist or a fall. Further examination revealed that the superficial vessels of the brain were much congested. Clots of blood were found at the base and in the ventricle of the brain. There were no symptoms of organic disease. Deceased was a perfectly healthy man, well nourished and well made. The clots of blood on the brain, which were brought about by violence, caused death. - In reply to Inspector Mutton, witness said he did not see the prisoner officially on the day in question. He saw him casually. He appeared to be sober. - Was There Justification? - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Jury had learnt that Moore attacked deceased in a most violent manner, apparently not having given him the opportunity to put himself on guard. He inflicted such injuries that HEALY died within half an hour. Killing in law was either murder, manslaughter or justifiable homicide. He thought they would agree there was nothing in the evidence to justify their considering a verdict of justifiable homicide. In murder there must be malice, either expressed or implied. It was his duty to tell them that all homicide was presumed to be malicious until circumstances of alleviation, excuse or justification were satisfactorily proved by the accused, or arose on the evidence. If after careful consideration of the evidence they found there was any cause of justification for the attack Moore made upon the deceased, and that it was made with malice, then he thought they might say by their verdict it was a case of unlawful killing, which would be manslaughter. But if they decided that there was no real cause or justification why Moore should have administered such violence towards deceased, then it was their duty to return a verdict of wilful murder. - The Verdict. - After about half an hour's deliberation the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter," and the accused was committed for trial at Exeter. - The Coroner admitted Moore to bail, which practically meant handing him back to the custody of the Devonport Borough Police.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Doccombe Labourer's Death. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest yesterday at Moretonhampstead on THOMAS CROSS, of Doccombe, labourer. - Nicholas Addems, of Leign Farm, said CROSS until Christmas last was in his service as horseman for 14 years, and was about 60 years of age, and single. - John Cottle, labourer, Doccombe, who lodged next door to CROSS, said on Saturday night at the Gregory Arms, they had cider together and went home. CROSS said "Good night" at 11.15 and then seemed all right. - George Moore, labourer, said deceased had lodged at his house since Christmas. On Saturday morning he went harvesting for Mr French and did not come home until night. He did not hear CROSS come in, but heard him moving and called to him to know if Jocelyn was in. - Deceased said "No." He said "He won't come now; better lock up," and CROSS replied "No; he won't come now." - Richard Jocelyn, who at Mr Moore's, shared deceased's room, said he slept on Saturday night in Moreton. On Sunday morning, returning home, he found CROSS in bed dead, and nothing disturbed. - Dr R. Sutherland, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to valvular disease of the heart of old standing He must have been dead several hours, rigor mortis having set in. - The Jury (Mr W. Lurvey, Foreman) returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Traveller's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquest on JOHN LILLICRAP, aged 66 years, commercial traveller, formerly of Russell-street, Devonport. - ETHEL MAUD LILLICRAP, his daughter, said he had enjoyed comparatively good health. About 6.45 a.m. that day, thinking she heard a knock, she went to her father's room and asked him how he was. He replied quite well. Hearing a groan about a quarter of an hour later, she rushed to the room and found him sitting on the bed, gasping for breath. She called the landlady, who on arrival found him dead. - Dr T. McElwaine said the cause was syncope, due to valvular disease of the heart. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 September 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Devonport Dockyard. Skilled Labourer's Death. Responsibility For Defective Roads. - At the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD ROWE, skilled labourer, at Devonport Dockyard, and who resided at 7 Home-park, Stoke. Deceased was engaged, with others, on September 3rd in pulling a two-wheel truck, containing cast-iron sheeting, in the North Yard. The truck came into contact with a granite paving and being suddenly brought up, the deceased was thrown backwards, his head striking the corner of a sheet of cast-iron. When the first Inquiry was held allegations were made that the road was in a defective condition, and the Inquest was adjourned for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories and Workshops (Mr S. Shuter.) The Inspector was present yesterday. Mr J. A. Pearce, solicitor, appeared for the widow; and Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - The evidence taken at the previous Inquiry was read over, two witnesses stating that the road was out of repair. - Thomas A. Richards, chargeman of fitters, recalled, said two four-wheel and also some two-wheel trucks were used for conveying the sheeting. Usually a four-wheel truck was engaged, but on this occasion only a two-wheel truck was available. - The Coroner: It strikes me it is not a suitable vehicle to convey a large plate on, especially as the trucks do not run on wheels. - Richards said on a four-wheel truck the edges of the plate would not project so much. The plate which was being conveyed when the accident occurred weighed 15 ½ cwt. Four-wheel trolleys were frequently used. - By Mr Shuter: There are other four-wheel trucks in various parts of the engineer's department. - The Coroner (to Richards): I suppose you can take them. There is no such thing as "red tape" about it? - Witness: We can get them by asking. - Mr Shuter: I think undoubtedly there ought to have been a four-=wheel truck to do this class of work. - The Coroner: And you would suggest that the Admiralty issue orders that this be done in future? - Mr Shuter: Yes. - The Coroner: The Jury can say that in their opinion the Admiralty should provide proper conveyances to remove these plates. - Richards remarked that he gave no orders for the two-wheel truck to be used. - Mr Pearce: If a four-wheel truck had been used, instead of a two-wheel ROWE (the deceased) might now have been alive? - Richards: There is no proof whatever that this accident occurred owing to a two-wheel truck being used. - Edward George Salter, fitter, who was working with the deceased at the time of the accident, said ROWE went to one of the departments to get a four-wheel truck to remove the plate from one shop to another. He came back and said no four-wheel truck could be had for the day, and they then used a two-wheel. Four-wheel trucks should, in his opinion, be used. When they got to a particular spot where there was a depression in the ground they went very slowly. - Mr Shuter: If you had to remove a similar late tomorrow would you use a two-wheel truck? - Witness: I should not . - A Juror: You are wise after the event. - Staff-Surgeon Duncan stated that when the deceased was admitted to the R.N. Hospital on the 3rd inst., he was conscious, but the case from the first was a serious one. Death took place on the 4th. Witness had made a post-mortem and found the cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull. That was the only injury discovered. The fracture was due to great violence. - The Coroner said after hearing the evidence the Jury would, no doubt, come to the conclusion that if a four-wheel, instead of a two-wheel, truck had been used, and the road had been in a proper state of repair, the probability was that the deceased would now be living. They would return a verdict of "Accidental Death," and no doubt consider it their duty to draw the attention of the Admiral-Superintendent of the Dockyard to the state of the road. Personally he (the Coroner) thought there should be somebody in the Dockyard responsible - some person or partly responsible - see that the roadways were kept in a proper state of repair, and not allowed to get into decay: that they should not wait until there were accidents of this sort to draw attention to the road. The public highways had to be kept in a proper state of repair where traffic took place, and he saw no reason why a public establishment should not keep its roads in a proper state of repair. He suggested that the Jury make a recommendation to the Admiral-Superintendent of the Dockyard that in future some party should be held responsible to see that the roads, quays and surfaces were kept in a proper state of repair: that the Admiral Superintendent's attention should also be drawn to the fact that a two-wheel truck was used on this occasion, instead of a four-wheel, and that a two-wheel conveyance did not appear from the evidence to be a proper method of conveying the plates. - Mr Lawrence (a Juror): There is a certain amount of money granted annually to the Works Department in the Dockyards. I suppose they have spent all the money for this year, and have not now enough to put this road in repair I consider that the Works Department are responsible. - The Coroner: We must not go into the question of ways and means. - Mr Lawrence: But I contend that the Works Department in the Dockyard are responsible. - The Coroner: There seems to be a lot of unnecessary red tape about a lot of little things, but in matters of this sort someone ought to be responsible. - Mr Lawrence: I think a communication on the matter should be sent to the Director of the Works Department of the Dockyard. - The Coroner: The Admiral Superintendent or someone in authority should give orders about such things. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and asked the Coroner to make a representation to the Admiral Superintendent that in future someone should be held responsible that the roads were in a proper state, and that for this special class of work four-wheel trucks be used.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 September 1907
TIVERTON - Train Tragedy. Plymouth Mail Sorter's Death. - At Tiverton last evening an Inquest was held on EDGAR MAY MILLER, the Plymouth postal sorter who fell from the G.W.R. express train last Thursday and died in Tiverton Infirmary at 10 o'clock on Sunday night. - HENRY WESTERN MILLER, deceased's brother, said he lived with him at Mutley, and was 41 years of age and unmarried. On hearing of the accident he came to Tiverton on Thursday and saw him at the Infirmary. He was conscious and told him that waking out of his sleep in the train on returning from Bristol and wishing to go into the corridor, opened the wrong door and half an hour afterwards he found himself on the line. He was a man of sober habits and had frequently travelled on Post-office duty. - Dr J. R. Pollock said MILLER'S both legs were badly fractured. He had an extensive cut between his left eye and a large scalp wound and numerous cuts and abrasions of scalp and face. He also had an extensive bruise on the back. He died of shock. Deceased told him he had intended going to the lavatory and opened the wrong door of the carriage and fell on to the six-foot way. He saw a goods train approach and signalled to the driver, who pulled up and assistance soon came. The case was practically hopeless from the first. - William Hine, A G.W.R. packer, gave evidence of finding MR MILLER lying about half a mile from Sampford siding. He was conscious and gave the guard his name. The only evidence of the accident on the line was a "scuffle" in the ballast between the up and down line. He noticed no blood. - Chief Inspector Shattock said on the mail train by which deceased travelled arriving at Exeter, a corridor door was found open on the right hand side of the train. Deceased's stick and pipe were on the seat of an empty compartment. There was no handle on the inside of the doors of either compartment of the corridor The window had to be lowered to open the door. MR MILLER must have lain on the line for three hours. That was accounted for partly by the fact that it was dark. - William J. Viner, engine driver, G.W.R., said he took the 4.30 a.m. up goods train from Exeter. Just beyond Sampford siding he saw the deceased. He was sitting in the six-foot way between the up and down line. The man held his hand up as he passed. He pulled up and sent his mate back and he and his goods guard attended to him. - James Eveleigh, the fireman, said when he approached MR MILLER he signed to them to pick up his hat which they did. On reaching him he said he could not move. He was covered with blood, had two or three stones inside his collar and looked as if he had fallen from a train. - Mr T. Heath, postmaster, Tiverton, said the deceased sorted the Irish portion of the American mails ex Majestic. He would have finished by 6.30 at Bristol and should have returned at 9 p.m. from there. He appeared, however, to have missed the train and was returning by the 1.7 a.m. from Bristol. He was to have resumed duty next day at 1.30. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner remarked that no negligence on the part of the Great Western Railway Company had been found. - MR MILLER who was born in 1866, had been engaged in the Plymouth Post-office for 20 years as a sorter and telegraphist. For the past ten years he had been employed on foreign mail work. At the Post-office he was regarded as a very steady and reliable man and was very popular among his colleagues.

NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE - Killed On The Railway. Exeter Merchant's Death. - Last evening the Newbury Coroner held an Inquest on MR GEORGE FREDERICK MULFORD, who had for many years carried on an extensive business at Exeter and elsewhere as a timber merchant. He was very deaf, and while crossing the line near the Newbury goods station yesterday morning was knocked down and instantly killed, his body being dreadfully mutilated. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury exonerated the railway officials from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 September 1907
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Short Cut. Exeter Porter Killed At Barnstaple. - At the Barnstaple Station of the Great Western Railway Company yesterday morning, whilst shunting was in progress, GEORGE BEATTIE, aged nineteen, a "summer porter," who had only been in the employ of the Company a few months, was killed. BEATTIE belong to Exeter, having a widowed mother living in Belgrave-road. About 9.15 a.m. he attempted to cross the line between two trucks then not more than a foot apart and was caught between the buffers, and died at the North Devon Infirmary soon after admission. - The Inquest. - At the Inquest Mr Charles Withy, Stationmaster Barnstaple G.W.R. Station, stated that deceased was crossing the "mileage" line on the way to the goods shed to see if some fish had arrived. There was a space between empty cattle trucks on the Station, and some three or four other trucks, and as a "quick cut" deceased attempted to go through this space, which was about a foot between the buffers. At that time other cattle trucks were cut off from an engine and allowed to run back by their own weight. These trucks came down against the other trucks in line and deceased, who had passed one buffer safety, was caught between the off buffers. - John Hall, G.W.R. porter, who was shunting, said when the trucks were released he did not see anything of deceased. - The Coroner: Had deceased looked, could he have seen the trucks coming down? - Yes, but he must have been in too much of a hurry. - George A. Evans. G.W.R. guard, said he was getting into his van when he heard a moan and saw deceased fall out between the buffers. Deceased only said, "Oh, my stomach!" Had deceased looked before he got off the platform he could have seen that shunting was on. - The Coroner: Was it the right thing for deceased to try to get between those trucks? - No, not in so small a space. He should have gone around. - Dr A. W. Lemarchand, who with the House Surgeon, Dr Rendle, saw deceased when admitted to the Infirmary, said deceased's lungs were bruised and the liver and other internal organs very much injured and torn. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Withy stated that deceased was aware shunting was carried on practically every morning and Chief-Inspector Shattock, on behalf of the Company, said deceased had a book of regulations supplied by the Company and Rule 24 contained a strong warning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to the Company, or their servants. - The deceased, it is stated, had intended going to Exeter today to attend the funeral of his grandmother.

EXETER - Plymouth Man's Death At Exeter. - At the adjourned Inquest at Exeter yesterday on the body of the unknown man, who died suddenly on the Quay on Friday week, Richard Maunder, a pensioner, R.N., Headland Park, Plymouth, identified the photograph of the deceased as that of his brother-on-law, WALTER THOMAS PALMER, aged about 42 years, formerly in the navy as sick-berth attendant. He only remained in the navy three or four years, being invalided through an accident in the Red Sea. Since then he had had no regular employment. Whilst engaged in a mineral water factory he lost a finger, and that had interfered with his obtaining employment. Witness last saw him alive about a month ago, when he spoke of his intention of visiting in North Devon an uncle, who was pretty well to do, to see if he would assist him, in which case he would make his way to Exeter and Bristol in search of employment. - Superintendent Dymond said the deceased's clothes had been found to bear marks of the Plymouth Workhouse. - Mr Maunder said when deceased lost his finger he was in Plymouth Infirmary for a while. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, that death resulted from cardiac failure, due to weak state of health and congestion of the lungs. - The Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown) complimented the Police on the smart manner in which they had prosecuted the inquiries which had led to deceased's identification.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 September 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Torquay Gentleman's Death. The Inquest. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on MR WALLACE ROBERTS MARSHALL, it was stated that deceased, 64 years of age, on Wednesday morning let his home, Glyn Garth, Chelston, Torquay, to join Capt. Fortescue for a day's shooting. they met at Torre, went to Newton by train, and then walked up the hill to Aller Park, Milber. They had just entered the rabbit warren and the three keepers were proceeding to work a piece of brake, when deceased fell forward on his face and hands and on the others going to his assistance they found he was dead. - Dr Martin, who made a post-mortem examination, found that while all the other organs were healthy, there was fatty degeneration of the heart of some standing and the doctor thought it probable that the walk up hill and the fact that deceased had been smoking, conduced to his sudden death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TOTNES - Fatal Fall From A Horse. - At Totnes Workhouse yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on WILLIAM GEORGE, an inmate of the Institution. HARRIET JANE GEORGE, widow, deposed that deceased, who was 29 years of age, was a groom. At the latter part of January last he was in the employ of Mr Sawdye, of Ashburton, and was instructed to go to Brooklands. He rode one of the horses, which shied on the journey and threw him off. When he came home he was limping, but told her that he only thought he had shaken himself a bit. He was laid up for a fortnight afterwards and then was taken to Ashburton Cottage Hospital and subsequently to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he died on Tuesday. - Mrs M. A. Trevethon, of Ashburton, said she saw the horse throw deceased off in January last. Deceased told her he was only shaken a bit. - E. J. Langworthy said he met deceased, who told him of the accident. - Mrs Sawdye said the accident had not been mentioned to her or her husband. Dr Edmond said that deceased died from paralysis. He understood deceased had had an injury to his spine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," owing to a fall from a horse.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 September 1907
DREWSTEIGNTON - Chagford Man Killed. - ALBERT BURROW, aged 34, of Chagford, was run over by a traction engine and killed on Friday evening. The engine belongs to Mr G. H. Reed of Rushford Works, Chagford and it had been used during the day hauling stones on the main road between Chagford and Exeter. A halt was made at Veet Mills, Drewsteignton, to take in water and it was BURROW'S duty to roll up the suction pipe, and attach it to the engine. According to practice BURROW gave the signal "Right," and it was assumed that, as usual, he would get on the engine over the steering gear. The engine had only proceeded a short distance when the man ahead looked round and saw BURROW on the ground, the wheels of the engine having passed over his head. Dr Hunt was telegraphed for and he came with all speed. Death, however, was instantaneous. BURROW, a single man, was noted for his careful, sober and industrious habits. He was a well-known local athlete and for 12 years he had served as a volunteer. Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Old Inn, Drewsteignton, on Saturday. Evidence showed that the driver, John Moore, did not start the engine until BURROW said "Right," after he had rolled up the suction pipe. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased will be buried with military honours.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Saturday on CHRISTOPHER KITCHEN, an army pensioner, aged 74. The widow said he had to carry heavy loads in a timber-yard and had been ailing for the last three years. He complained last week of being unwell and on Friday died suddenly in bed. Dr Parsloe said pleurisy was the cause of death and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Drowning Case. - At an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on THOMAS GILL, aged 44, a timber merchant's foreman, of river View, Haven Banks, whose body was found in the river on Friday, the widow stated that when deceased left home on Saturday evening he had been drinking. She had been informed that he had been into two public-houses afterwards. - Beatrice Harper, Alphington-street and Ernest Fry, Okehampton-street, deposed to seeing deceased going in the direction of his home on the river bank late that night, having evidently had a "drop to drink." - Joseph Bates of the Okehampton Inn, said deceased entered his house at 10.45 on the Saturday night and he had no hesitation in serving him with a drop of whisky. - The Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown) criticised the evidence of the witnesses in regard to the state in which they said the deceased was on Saturday night, and remarked that it would be a little more straightforward if they would say actually what condition he was in. They gave one the impression that they were endeavouring to screen something. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 September 1907
HOLSWORTHY - The Lovelands Tragedy. Inquest on Brother And Sister. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on EDWARD and ANNIE BECKLEY, brother and sister, the children of MR and MRS JOHN BECKLEY, of Lovelands, about three miles from Holsworthy. The children were drowned in Arscott quarry, on Saturday afternoon, whilst gathering blackberries. The father stated that he last saw his children alive about 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. On searching for them in the evening, he discovered them lying dead in the water at the bottom of the quarry. - Beatrice Butler, servant, in MR BECKLEY'S employ, said she last saw the two children about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. She had warned them of the danger of going near the quarry. - Stanley Fry said he saw the boy and girl near the quarry about 4 o'clock. - John Hancock deposed to recovering the body of the boy after the father had found the girl. - Dr Gordon Grey of Holsworthy, stated that the cause of death in each case was drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, said all present would sincerely sympathise with the parents. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Tragic Death. - At Plymouth yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on DORIS BROWN, aged 4 years. MAUD BROWN, the wife of JAMES BROWN, driver, Morley-place, stated that on the morning of Sunday week whilst she and her husband were asleep, DORIS, their daughter, must have seized a box of matches and striking them ignited her clothes. Witness was awoke by screams and saw the child enveloped in flames. She tried to pull off the burning clothes and her husband wrapped some things round the child. She took the girl to the Homeopathic Hospital where she died on Monday. - Dr Newbery said the child had severe burns on its left side and arm and part of its face. At first its condition improved. Death was due to the shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 September 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Shipwright Drowned. Mysterious Case At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard last evening on GILBERT HARRIES (22), shipwright of H.M.S. Indus, whose body was found floating in the Hamoaze on Tuesday. Mr K. E. Peck (Venning, Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. - E. B. H. Pike, ship's corporal, of the Indus II., identified the body and said the deceased was a native of Pembrokeshire, and a single man. Witness had known the deceased about four months. He bore a very good character. - Albert Coase, shipwright, said he last saw the deceased about 3.30 p.m. on the 14th inst., when he was lying on the deck asleep. - William Ahern, blacksmith's mate, also saw the deceased lying on the fore mess deck about 2 p.m. on the 14th inst. They were messmates and witness spoke to him about 1 p.m., when they were at dinner. Deceased was always a happy man and did not seem at all depressed on that day. witness missed him at 4 p.m. and searched the ship for him, as he did not turn up for tea. As the search was unsuccessful, he reported to the ship's corporal. - Cyril Johnson, shipwright, said he had known the deceased about eight years and last saw him alive between 1 and 2 p.m. After they had had a smoke together on the upper deck, they both went to the mess deck to have a sleep. Deceased had never expressed any discontent; in fact, he liked the service and had no troubles, financial or otherwise. He had never been in trouble in the service. On the day he was missed he was skylarking and joking with witness. He was a very moderate drinker. Witness and the deceased served their apprenticeship at Pembroke Dockyard and joined the service at the same time, three years ago. - Staff-Surgeon E. Folliott, R.N., stationed at the Dockyard, said he had made a superficial examination of the body, and was of opinion that death was due to drowning. The body was much decomposed and there were no marks of violence. - Mr H. A. Bumpus, boatswain, H.M.S. Indus II., said he was officer of the watch on the day in question and mustered the men at 1.15 p.m., when the deceased answered his name. Deceased had watch aboard from Saturday to Monday, but was not detailed for any special duty. When he was reported missing about 8 p.m. the whole of the three establishments forming the Indus were searched and the search was continued until 10 p.m., but without result. The porthole was four or five feet above the deck, and it was impossible for anyone to fall through it accidentally. If the deceased went through the porthole he must have got through purposely, but it was possible for him to have fallen overboard accidentally elsewhere without a splash being heard. Deceased had a clear sheet and a good character. The porthole was oval in shape and it was possible for a man to get through, but witness did not believe that the deceased got through that. - Albert E. Holding, 1st class petty officer, of torpedo-boat 85, said that at 10.40 a.m. on Tuesday, he was on the upper deck when he noticed a body floating down stream and made it fast to a buoy. - Chief Inspector E. Green of the Metropolitan Police, said he took charge of the body and brought it to the Dockyard Mortuary. On the 15th inst. the Police dragged in the vicinity of the ship for two hours. - GEORGE HARRIES, Llanelly, South Wales, locomotive inspector on the Great Western Railway, said the body was that of his brother. Witness last saw him alive at Christmas. He was quite happy and told witness he liked the navy and meant to get on if possible. He was the support of his widowed mother and on the day he was missed he wrote a beautiful letter to her. Witness believed it was a pure accident. Deceased could not swim much. - The Coroner saw no reason to assume that the deceased took his own life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," but considered there was no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water. Sympathy was expressed with the mother and family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 September 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Youth's Death. An Uncanny Discovery. "Monstrous Piece Of Impertinence." - Mr R. B. Johns yesterday held an Inquest on GEORGE KING, carpenter's apprentice, aged 18 years, of Eton-place, Plymouth, who on Thursday fell from a loft on the premises of his employer, Mr W. H. Fox, builder, Queen-street. It was intended to hold the Inquest in Mr Fox's office and it was with difficulty all the members of the Jury were accommodated in the low-ceiled apartment. On the Coroner asking where the body was, everyone was startled to hear that it was in the room in which they were seated, hidden behind a screen. This accounted for a nauseating smell that pervaded the place. On the Coroner asking why the corpse had not been taken to the mortuary in accordance with his instructions, P.C. Summers, the acting Coroner's officer, stated that Mr Fox declined to allow the body to be moved. - Mr Fox explained that he did so in defence to the wishes of the deceased's relatives. - The Coroner severely censured Mr Fox for interfering, characterising his action as a most monstrous piece of impertinence. "If you ever do such a thing again," added Mr Johns, "I shall deal with you in a very different way. Make no mistake about it. I refuse to hold the Inquest here." - An adjournment was then made to the Oxford-street Infant School. Mr C. G. Bryant watched the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's relatives. Mr Sidney Shuter, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also in attendance. - ERNEST FRED KING said that the deceased, his brother, had been subject to fainting fits, and had one about a month ago. - Dr Hughes said KING died before his arrival. There was an extensive fracture of the skull, beginning at the ear on the right side extending across the head to the other side. there had been profuse haemorrhage all over the brain, which was severely lacerated. - Hetty Burt, domestic servant, Queen's-buildings, said she saw the deceased holding on to the doorway of the loft. He appeared to be looking down into the street, watching people pass. Suddenly he looked strange, lurched forward and fell headlong into the street. She was so frightened that she screamed and ran away. When she returned she was told the young man was dead. - Mr Fox said the deceased had been in his employ as apprentice carpenter for about three years. He last saw him alive about 11 o'clock on Thursday morning. Deceased was then working at the middle bench. He had no reason in the course of his duties to look out at the doorway. - By a Juror: He never saw the deceased in a fainting fit, but was told that he had had several. - Mr Shuter: What are these doors for? - Mr Fox: For taking building materials &c. in and out the loft. - Is it usual to have them open? - No. - What were the doors opened for on this occasion? - I cannot say, unless the deceased opened them to look out. - Would it not be possible to have bar across to prevent people falling out? - It could be one. If you wish, I will have it done. - Mr Shuter: It would be desirable. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - It was stated that deceased, as undertaker's assistant, had had the handling of a great many corpses and he expressed to his mother a fervent wish that if ever anything happened to him they would not take his body to the mortuary. It was in consequence of this that his mother asked Mr Fox not to have the body removed.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Fatality. A Neighbour's Bravery. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening on JANE HOILE, age 38, of Duckworth-street, wife of FREDERICK C. HOILE, officer's servant, R.N. Hospital. - MR HOILE said that when he left home for the Hospital on Wednesday morning, his wife, who was in bed, was in good spirits, and they had had no quarrel. During the forenoon he was informed that she had been taken to the Royal Albert Hospital, suffering from extensive burns. She had never threatened to take her life, and they had always lived on excellent terms, and had no financial worries. Sometimes she was slightly depressed. They had one boy six years old. Paraffin was kept on the premises, but it was not necessary for deceased to go to it that morning. So far as he knew there was no reason for it being suggested that she caused the injuries herself. About six months ago she was attended by Dr Ward, of Plymouth, but he gave no warning that a strict eye was to be kept upon her. she was a delicate woman. In the Hospital she told him that she had trodden on a match. She said nothing about oil, nor did she say anything about having done it herself. - Alfred Smith, motorman in the employ of the Devonport and District Tramway Company, and living in the same house as deceased, said while at his breakfast on Wednesday, he heard a scream, and, on the door being opened, MRS HOILE entered, a mass of flames. She rushed up to him and said, "Save me, Mr Smith." He covered her with a rug, and, having put out the flames, called a doctor and a cab. Deceased was in a flannelette nightdress and after extinguishing the flames, he laid her on the floor. Both his hands were burnt. MR and MRS HOILE lived most comfortably together. - P.C. Davey said that on being called to the house he found MRS HOILE terribly burnt. Smith's hands were also badly burnt. Witness applied to the burns of both, all the oil in the house and took MRS HOILE and Smith to the Royal Albert Hospital. On the way to the Hospital deceased, who was a little bit wandering, said "I have heard so much about fires lately that I lighted a match and it caught my nightdress." She did not say whether it was done accidentally. On returning to the house with the husband, he saw a flannelette petticoat near the door in one of the rooms. There was no smell of oil. Dr G. Muir, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said when admitted at 11 a.m. deceased was suffering from severe burns all over the body. It was a hopeless case from the beginning and she died at 7.30 p.m. the same day. She was conscious when admitted, but made no statement as to how she sustained the burns. She inquired whether she was going to die, and asked witness to save her. There was no smell of oil about her. - The Coroner said there was no evidence that would lead the Jury to the conclusion that she set fire to herself, and there was apparently nothing to cause her to take her own life. She happened to have been wearing a flannelette nightdress. Flannelette soon caught fire and had been the cause of many fatal accidents. It was possible that when she got out of bed she lit a match, which caught her nightdress. The Jury would wish him to thank Mr Smith for his bravery in extinguishing the flames, whereby he was himself severely burnt. He (the Coroner) did not know a case in which a more courageous attempt had been made to save life from burning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" tendered their sympathy to the husband and expressed their appreciation of Mr Smith's brave conduct. - The Coroner hoped that Mr Smith's conduct would be taken notice of and recognised and that he would not suffer pecuniarily as the result of his bravery.

FREMINGTON - North Devon Fatality. Death Of A Son of MR A. CLARKE, J.P. - Deep sympathy will be felt throughout North Devon at the death of the two and a half years old son of MR ARUNDELL CLARKE, J.P., which occurred at Brookfield House, Fremington, yesterday, as the result of an accident on Wednesday. MR CLARKE is well known in Westcountry polo circles. The deceased lad, FREDERICK DAVID GRANVILLE CLARKE, with his little sister and MRS CLARKE, called at Chilcott Farm, Fremington, on Wednesday and whilst the mother was talking to Emma Northcott (Mr J. Hobbs' housekeeper) the children ran into the passage, when deceased tripped and fell into a pan of recently scalded milk, set to cool. the mother at once ran to the child and lifted it out of the pan. Medical aid was immediately summoned, but the child had sustained such serious injuries that death occurred yesterday. At the Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown last evening, MRS CLARKE said the occurrence was a pure accident, and no blame attached to anyone, an opinion which the housekeeper shared. The last named said several pans of milk were cooling, but the ne the child fell into was the only one hot enough to hurt. - Dr J. R. Harper (Barnstaple) said the scalds the poor lad sustained were very extensive. Everything possible was done, but the boy died from shock due to the scalds. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury joined the Coroner in an expression of condolence with MR and MRS ARUNDELL CLARKE.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 October 1907
TIVERTON - The Tiverton Suicide. Revolvers For Amusement. - Mr A. Fisher held an Inquest at Tiverton last evening on MR WILLIAM COUCH, hairdresser, who shot himself last Saturday. - The widow said he was 26 years of age and suffered a lot in his head. On Saturday he was so unwell that after going down to the shop he could not work and returned to his room to lie down. About noon he cut a customer's hair and after having a "dry ginger" at the White Ball Hotel, returned to his room. About three o'clock in the afternoon he sent her down to the shop to see if there were many customers and to cut the boy's tea. Before she could return she heard something fall upstairs. She hastened up and found her husband sitting at the table with blood running from his nose and mouth and with a pistol in his hand. She called Messrs. Hayball and Thorne, customers, from the shop, and they went into the room, and told her he was dead. He had had the revolver a long time and used to keep it in his dressing-table drawer, but she, finding it there loaded, removed it to a cupboard downstairs, where he must have found it. The trouble in his head had recurred more frequently of late, and she had heard deceased say, when in pain, that he feared he should go mad. - George Thorne, mason's labourer, described finding deceased seated at the table, with a revolver in his right hand, and bleeding from the mouth and nose - Dr Liesching said he was called to the deceased, whose heart stopped beating within six minutes of his arrival. - Inspector Perry produced the revolver and described how it went off the second time in the room, when Thorne handed it to him. The shot dented a metal shovel. It was quite a common practice for people in Tiverton to keep revolvers for amusement. - The Coroner said he thought in a peace-loving community, it was quite an unnecessary thing to have such weapons in the house. He would be most apprehensive if there were such a thing in his home. It was in itself a temptation and always a danger, and he suggested that the habit was one that should be at once discontinued. - The Jury found that deceased took his life during a fit of Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Sad Death. The Match Danger. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WINIFRED BLANCHE BALL, aged two years and eight months, daughter of ROBERT EDWARD BALL, journeyman mason, Neath-road. - BLANCHE BALL, the mother, said on Friday last she noticed the child had phosphorous in her mouth. She asked her if she had been sucking matches and she replied "No." Witness gave her castor oil and the next day sent for Dr Palmer. The child died after the medical man's arrival. She was of opinion that the child must have picked up matches outside the house, as she could not get at any in the house. - Dr Palmer said he prescribed for the child, but death took place before the medicine could be sent for. A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that death was due to phosphorous poisoning, probably due to the child having sucked matches. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Youth Drowned. - At Plymouth yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on ALFRED W. LONG, aged 16, a member of the crew of the fishing smack Guiding Star, of Plymouth, whose body was found in Sutton Pool on Saturday afternoon. The lad was the son of MR ALBERT LONG, Clare-buildings. - William H. Locock, skipper of the Guiding Star, said deceased had been employed on the ketch for about five weeks and was a steady lad. Witness went on board the smack on Monday morning of last week, expecting to see deceased there He was not to be found and witness concluded he had gone ashore. He sent a member of the crew on shore to endeavour to find the lad, but the search proved fruitless. - Edward C. Rowe, Vauxhall-street, spoke as to rowing deceased to the Guiding Star about seven o'clock on Monday morning of last week. - P.C. Boyce gave evidence as to recovering the body and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquest on THOMAS CROCKER, aged 51 years, a stonemason, lately living at 1 Cambridge-road, Ford. - The widow stated that deceased was in the kitchen preparing beans for dinner on Sunday morning. Hearing a noise, she went to the kitchen and found her husband sitting in a chair, with his head thrown back. Dr Lander was immediately called and found that death had already occurred. Dr Lander said death was due to syncope, the result of disease of the arteries of the heart and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 October 1907
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on EDWARD ERNEST UNDERHILL, aged 38, general labourer, of 50 St Leonard's-road. JOHN UNDERHILL, labourer, stated that deceased fell backwards a few years ago and had not been well since. Frank Stevens, stevedore, said he had worked with deceased about three years. They were employed by the Queen Anne Battery Company. On the previous evening deceased was very ill and witness sent for a doctor, who came immediately. Dr Hughes, Brunswick-terrace, stated that deceased died just as he was entering his house. The cause of death was rupture of a blood vessel in the stomach. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 October 1907
BRIXHAM - The Brixham Suicide. Depressed By Business Worries. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on JOHN ROBERT MILLER, aged 57 years, blacksmith and smack-owner, of Station-hill. ALBERT MILLER, a cousin, said deceased had complained to him of great pain in his stomach. Great business difficulties also made him very depressed. He could not get in any of the money he was owed. Deceased had a sick wife, who could not walk. - Sidney s. Lewis, blacksmith, R.N., said deceased spoke to him about his business troubles, and said he really did not know what he should do. Witness saw him about 2 p.m. on Wednesday last, near the loft. they had an ordinary conversation, after which deceased entered the workshop. - Ralph Skedgell said deceased was in the habit of telling him about his troubles, but on Wednesday morning he was silent. He last saw him about 12.45 p.m., when he (witness) went aboard his ship. On Wednesday at 7.30 p.m., when he was informed that deceased had not been home, he searched and found him hanging in the loft. Often deceased would leave his forge and bury his face in his hands and writhe. This was attributable to business troubles. - Dr W. L. Mayer, P.C. Potter, Alice Williams and Wm. Henry Treeby also gave evidence, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while being in a state of Unsound Mind," and gave their fees for the purchase of a wreath for deceased's coffin.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 October 1907
BISHOPS NYMPTON - Devon Labourer's Death. A Wasp The Indirect Cause. - At an Inquest at Bishopsnympton on Saturday on RICHARD ELWORTHY, 79, a labourer of Bish Mill, Bishopsnympton, Jacob Venner, farmer, said deceased was working in one of his fields picking up stubble when a wasp stung the pony which was in the cart. The pony starting to kick deceased jumped to its head, and was knocked down and stepped on, with the result that his right leg was broken and he also sustained injuries to his chest. Dr Smyth attributed death to shock, consequent on the injuries and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TAMERTON FOLIOT - Maristow Drowning Case. - Mr R. R. Rodd, coroner, held an Inquest at Maristow on Saturday on REGINALD ROWE, aged 8 years, found drowned in the River Tavy on Thursday. Deceased, the son of JOHN R. ROWE, carpenter, employed on the Maristow estate, left home at 4 o'clock to go to a tenant on the estate. An hour later his body was recovered from the water. It is presumed that he overbalanced himself and fell into the river, for he was seen playing on the quay at 4.15 p.m. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and suggested that a life-saving apparatus should be placed on the quay. Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 October 1907
MOLLAND - Died Through Eating Apples. - At Bottreaux Mill, Molland, yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on ALBERT EDWARD GOUGH, the four-year-old son of a blacksmith, who died on Saturday after a heavy repast of green apples, cake and rhubarb jam. The child, it appeared from the evidence of Nurse Fuke, slept with the servant girl, and in the morning the boy was found dead in bed, and the servant, Kate Chaplin, said the lad was sick twice in the night. She went to sleep about 3.30 in the morning and did not wake until she was called, and then the boy was dead. - Dr Wigham, of Southmolton, said the boy's bowels were distended, and contained much undigested matter. Death was due to convulsions, due to eating unsuitable food. The boy had eaten large pieces of apple and cake, also some rhubarb jam. - Pointing out the danger of allowing children to eat such indigestible food in such quantities, the Coroner said some parents seemed to give their children just what they asked for. - A verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Deaths Under Chloroform. The Devonport Case. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on ARTHUR EDWIN CRABER, aged 34, pensioned sapper of the Submarine Miners, Royal Engineers. - JOHN T. CRABER, army pensioner, Staddon Cottage, Burraton, Saltash, said the deceased, his son, was unmarried, and lived with him. Deceased was invalided from the army and for some years had been in indifferent health. He entered the Royal Albert Hospital last Wednesday to undergo an operation. - Dr E. A. Shirvell, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased was suffering from phthisis. He had matter in the left side of the breast and the lung had burst. It was on account of the matter that he had to undergo an operation as soon as possible. Deceased was prepared for the operation, which was to take place on Friday morning. The proper steps were taken by witness to ascertain whether he was a fit subject for an anaesthetic. At 11.45 a.m. on Friday witness started to administer chloroform and at first deceased took it very well. After about five minutes his pulse failed, and he gave three gasping breaths, got very blue and respiration and pulse ceased altogether. Deceased had not then been taken to the operating room. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination and found that the left lung was quite solid with tuberculosis and had burst into the chest cavity. There were nearly two quarts of pus in the cavity. Half the right lung was also quite solid from tuberculosis, but the other half was capable of carrying on respiration. There was considerable fatty degeneration of the heart and there was also a large blood clot on the right side, showing that the action had been feeble for some time. The actual cause of death was respiratory failure, accelerated by the administration of chloroform. Witness had administered chloroform a great many times, and this was the first time he had ever had a death. Deceased could only have lived a very short time without an operation. The operation would have prolonged life a few weeks. Witness gave him a little more than half a dram of chloroform. - By the Jury: It was absolutely necessary to perform the operation: and we did everything possible to restore animation. - In reply to MR CRABER, witness said he administered the chloroform himself, but there were other surgeons at hand; and Fleet-Surgeon Moore was in the room and standing by. - Questions By The Father. - MR CRABER: Is it usual for cases of life and death to be trusted to an assistant. Should not the chief surgeon be present? - The Coroner said the administration of chloroform was not a very dangerous procedure if carried out in a proper manner. A qualified medical man was supposed to have had sufficient experience in the administration of anaesthetics to know what was necessary and to do what was necessary. The services of the senior surgeon, who performed the operation, would be available if necessary. - MR CRABER said he was impressed with the fact that his son was in a very dangerous state, but he had doubt as to the care which should have been taken in the administration of chloroform. - The Coroner: Your point is: ought not the medical man administering the chloroform to have rather more experience than an assistant-surgeon? - MR CRABER: Yes. The senior member of this establishment should have been there, and it should have been administered at least by two persons. One person is liable to make a mistake. - The Coroner said unfortunately the patient was in such a serious condition that the administration of chloroform hastened his death. - MR CRABER: Probably only for a short time. - The Coroner (to Dr Shirvell): You have just come from a London Hospital? - Dr Shirvell: Yes. - What is the practice in the London Hospitals in the administration of chloroform? - Anaesthetics are given by an anaesthetic assistant. - Would there be a senior present when it is administered? - Dr Shirvell: Not always. Not necessarily. - The Foreman (Mr J. Ledley): Did you depart from the usual practice in this case? - Dr Shirvell: No, except in exercising great care and caution and in the quantity administered. - Senior Surgeon's Evidence. - Dr Alonzo G. Rider, in reply to the Coroner, said the operation was absolutely necessary: and if successful would probably have prolonged life. The patient was in a very advanced stage of phthisis, and in addition he had pus in the chest. It was necessary, to relieve the man permanently, to remove part of a rib and drain him. It was rather a serious operation and in many cases the danger was exceedingly great, because patients sometimes died from the operation itself. the man must have died if the pus had not been removed. The procedure adopted in that and every Hospital was for the Surgeons to prepare in an adjoining room for the operation. That did not mean that they were able to leave the preparations to see the anaesthetic being administered. The committee took the greatest possible care to have perfectly qualified men, although not very old Until they had given a very large number of anaesthetics surgeons were not allowed to be qualified. This accident - it was a lamentable accident - he had known to occur in London and other hospitals with the greatest scientists administering the anaesthetic. In this case he knew the man did not have more than 30 or 40 drops. - The Coroner: So, in your opinion, as senior surgeon, the Junior House Surgeon is quite capable of administering the anaesthetic? - Dr Rider: Dr Shirvell is a most capable anaesthetist. He has given anaesthetics repeatedly: and I have never had the slightest trouble. There are certain cases where ether cannot be administered, and this is one. - The Coroner: I do not know whether you feel more satisfied now, MR CRABER? - MR CRABER: Yes, sir, I do. - The Coroner said this was one of those cases which unfortunately occurred from time to time in every hospital, no matter how well regulated it might be. The point that the Jury had to consider was whether the chloroform was administered by a competent person. If so, they would say that deceased died under the administration of chloroform: that was death by misadventure. Whatever their verdict might be, they would sympathise with MR CRABER, and his family in their very sad bereavement. They must all feel satisfied in their minds that there could not be any possible blame attaching to anyone in connection with the death. He (the Coroner) felt sure that Dr Shirvell took every possible precaution in administering the chloroform, that he did not give an overdose, and that he had acted in every way in a proper manner. He would like to emphasize the point that Dr Shirvell took every possible precaution, because he had not been long on the staff of the Hospital; and if the Jury agreed with him he would like them to say so. - The Foreman, addressing the Jury, said that everything that could possibly have been done seemed to have been done. - The Jury found that deceased died from respiratory failure while under the influence of chloroform administered by a competent person for a necessary surgical operation: and joined in the expression of sympathy with deceased's relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. "What Is Lovage"? - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday on MARY JANE ROWE, aged 45, of 19 Monument-street, Devonport, the evidence showed that deceased had been ill for several days, but had not complained very much, and her condition was not considered sufficiently serious to necessitate the calling in of a doctor. She remained in bed on Saturday and in the evening her daughter, BESSIE ROWE, who was in bed with her, heard her make a noise. A neighbour was called, but immediately after it was seen that deceased was dead. - Dr McElwaine said when he was called deceased was dead in bed. The bed was filthy and the patient was swarming with vermin. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found slight adhesions of the right lung, and fatty degeneration of the heart, to which death was due. A considerable quantity of fluid in the stomach, smelt strongly of beer. Although he was only in the house two or three minutes on Saturday evening, next morning he found fleas on his own clothes. - MAUD MARY ROWE said on Saturday she fetched deceased, who was her mother, three halfpennyworth of "lovage" as she fancied it. - Asked by the Coroner was "lovage" was, witness replied that it was "a kind of spirit." Deceased had been in the habit of taking a little when they could afford it. - A Juryman explained that it was sometimes used in cases of diarrhoea. - Witness further stated that her father, who was in the Asylum, was a pensioner. The pension amounted to £38 9s. 9d., of which 9s. 9d. a week was paid for his maintenance. The Jury found that death was due to syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart.

NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton. - An Inquest was held yesterday on ROBERT HAWKINS, cutter, of East-street, Newton Abbot. - The widow being absent, P.C. Real said on Sunday evening and that morning he told her she must attend. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): Was she drunk? - No, but she had been drinking. This morning her sisters said she was in bed, and they could not get her down. There is no doubt the woman is very excited. - The Coroner: Is she in the habit of getting drunk? - Ex-P.S. Hannaford: Yes. - The Coroner: A pretty sort of thing - drunk when her husband is lying dead. - P.C. Real: Shall I go to the house for her? - The Coroner: I shall not have a drunken woman here. She is not ill and I will fine her 10s. - Charles Sclater, a brother-in-law, was sent for and gave evidence of identification: and Dr Scrase stated that he had made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased died from syncope due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - Henry Callin said he was passing the house when MRS HAWKINS asked him to fetch brandy for her husband, who was faint. On going in he found deceased lying on the floor apparently dead. - The Coroner: Was there anything wrong with her? - Oh, no. - She was not fuddled? - No. - The Coroner: I am very pleased to hear she is not always fuddled. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 October 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Labourer's Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on JOHN C. WILLIAMS, aged 31, Dockyard labourer, of Pound-street. - Private J. F. Moon, R.M.L.I., said deceased, who lodged with him, was unwell on Saturday and did not go to work, but was not confined to his house. When witness went to call him that morning he found him dead. He was a member of the Salvation Army and attended a memorial service on Sunday. In the evening he remarked, "When death comes to me, thank God I am prepared," but made no complaint of illness. Witness had since heard from two of deceased's Dockyard colleagues that he had twice suffered from rheumatic fever, which left him with a weak heart and he frequently complained of shaking. - Dr Noy Leah attributed death to pleurisy and bronchitis, probably of long standing. The heart was weak and its failure was probably due to shortness of breath caused by these two complaints. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

KINGSBRIDGE - Sudden Death At Kingsbridge - Mr Sidney Hacker (Coroner) held an Inquest at Kingsbridge Townhall yesterday on EDWARD REDCLIFFE GOOD, a mason, aged 53 years, who was found dead on Saturday in an outhouse at his residence, Ebrington-street, Kingsbridge. Deceased had been out of work for a fortnight, but this did not seem to be giving him any undue worry. He let home at about 9.30 a.m. to go to the quay to see if he could get anything to do and was seen on the quay just about 10 a.m. About 10.30 a.m. deceased was found in an outhouse quite dead, his pipe lying on the floor. - Dr W. H. Webb said deceased's kidneys were extensively diseased and must have been so for some time. He had chronic Bright's disease, which accounted for the enlargement of the heart. One of the blood vessels had burst at the base of the brain, and there was a considerable clot of blood from the haemorrhage there. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, due to kidney disease - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - A daughter of deceased's stated that he had not been attended by a doctor for 34 years.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY PAWLEY, mason, aged 73, of Turret-grove, who died suddenly on Sunday, Dr R. Dunstan attributed death to syncope, consequent upon diarrhoea.

EXETER - An Exeter Woman's Death. - At Exeter yesterday an Inquest was held on EMMA PARR, of 5 Olave-square, Fore-street, who on Saturday last visited her son's residence in Union-street, stayed to tea, and on returning with her husband complained that she could not walk very well. Her husband suggested a ride on the tramcar, but she said she would rather walk on such a fine evening. When they arrived at the corner of Friernhay-street, deceased stopped and leaned against the wall. Her husband assisted her to a shop near by and went to get some brandy. This she could not take and a cab was called. The husband said he believed deceased died as soon as she entered the cab. - Dr F. Child said death was due to a fatty heart and dilated stomach and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 October 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - The Bovey Railway Fatality. Jury's Recommendation. - Last evening an Inquest was held at Bovey Tracey on HARRY WILKINS, engine driver. - Frederick Hancock said he was guard on the 7 p.m. train from Moreton on Tuesday evening, deceased being the driver. After the stop at Bovey the Stationmaster gave the "right away," and he signalled to start the train. Witness had no reason to suppose that deceased was not then on his engine. The train moved about three coaches length and then pulled up. On searching they found deceased between the second and third coaches Herbert J. Ashton said when he handed the staff to the fireman, the driver was on the engine and he did not see him get down. - Dr H. M. Agnew said the head of WILKINS was completely severed and crushed to a pulp. - John Brooking, cautioned by the Coroner that he need not say anything to incriminate himself, stated that deceased got off at Lustleigh and looked round the engine, which was a new one. At Bovey he again got off, taking the oilcan with him. The guard gave "right away" and witness touched the whistle. At the same time deceased shouted "All right," and witness started the engine, the practice being for firemen to do so when their mates gave the "all right." - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): You did not know but that he was underneath the engine? - He would have told me if he was going underneath. - A Juryman: You thought he was getting on the engine when he said "all right?" Yes, the train went about three coach lengths and as he had not returned to the footplate I thought something was wrong and stopped. I went back and found the body. - George H. Flewellyn, locomotive inspector, said a fireman could move the engine up if his mate gave him "right." The rule was that no engine must be put in motion unless both engine driver and fireman were upon it, but it was a common practice, especially in the case of a new engine, for the drivers to get down to oil, and when the guard gave "right" for them to say "Right, mate," and the firemen to start the engine while the drivers were returning to the footplate. When they said "right" they were supposed to be at the gangway ready to get up the steps. - The Coroner: I don't see any rule as to a fireman driving the engine - This is merely starting it, not actually driving. Although there are no instructions to the effect, the drivers must teach their mates to drive by allowing them to do so occasionally. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was rather a serious question whether the conduct of the fireman had not been reckless and careless to almost a criminal extent. It seemed very reckless to start the train before the driver had got up, especially as the fireman could not see him and did not know where he was standing. He might have been under the train. It was for the Jury to say whether his conduct was of a criminal character. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and did not blame the fireman, as what he did seemed to be a common practice. They wished, however, to add a rider requesting the Company to enforce its regulation that a train should not be started before both men were on the footplate. The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

EAST DOWN - Suicide Of A Boy. Sad Affair In North Devon. - A shocking discovery was made at East Down, near Barnstaple, on Tuesday night. Mr H. Hoskings, of Viveham Farm, heard the report of a gun inside the house. Investigating, he found the storeroom door fastened from the inside. With the assistance of P.C. Mogridge, the door was forced, and THOMAS GOULD, aged 14 years, one of his servants, was found lying on the floor dead, a portion of his head being blown away. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held last evening. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the Coroner, said the circumstances were exceedingly sad and he was afraid none of them would ever know what caused the lad to commit such a rash act. - WILLIAM GEEN, uncle of the deceased, said the boy was cheerful, but used to suffer from sick headaches. He always seemed comfortable in his employment, where he had been eighteen months. - Mr Hoskings said on Tuesday the lad was whistling whilst about his work. When a shot was heard he understood Balment, his labourer, did not see the body, but called through the door and received no reply. the gun was witnesses and was kept in the storeroom with the cartridges, but was not loaded. He had at times found fault with the boy, but not lately. The previous day the boy acted peculiarly, going into Mrs Hoskings's room and upsetting the bedclothes, jewellery and other things. His mistress spoke to him quietly on Tuesday about it, but he did not explain his conduct. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said Mrs Hoskings told the boy she would tell his mother, who is a widow. - P.C. Mogridge described how he forced the door of the store-room and found the boy lying in a pool of blood, with a shot wound in his head, the gun lying across him and a child's wooden spade (long enough to reach the trigger) by the side. - One cartridge was discharged. The hammer over the other was cocked. On the lad was a note-book, on which was written: - "The end. Dear Mother, - I am very miserable. Master is driving my life to an end very fast and has been for a long time. So now dear mother bear up as well as you can. Missis has gone maze, and I am going too. The end is coming, no matter how slow or fast. I am going to make a clean job of it now. No more worries for you from me. Katie told the old woman everything. God forgive her and also me." - Dr Manning said it would appear that the boy placed the muzzle of the gun at his left eye and fired. Death was instantaneous. He knew the boy, and regarded him as very cheerful and sensible. - The Coroner said the story in the letter seemed to reflect on Mr and Mrs Hoskings, but no right-thinking persons would attach any importance to it, and there seemed to be no evidence to justify it. It was evidently the creation of a diseased mind and he was sure Mr Hoskings never corrected him unduly. Several Jurymen stated that the deceased had told them that Mr and Mrs Hoskings were very kind to him. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst temporarily Insane" was returned, and the Jury expressed the opinion that the boy had not been unduly corrected.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 October 1907
TOTNES - Totnes Jury's rider. Medical Officer Indignant. - At Totnes Workhouse on Thursday Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the infant child of CAROLINE BROWN, an inmate. - Jane Hurrell stated that at 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning she was called by BROWN, who was in an adjoining room and told the child was born. - Dr Edmond said he inclined to the opinion that the child was suffocated, it might be accidentally, by the bedclothes, owing to want of attention at birth. - Mrs Clements, Superintendent nurse, said she thought the child had been born ten to fifteen minutes when she was called. - The Jury, after a long retirement, returned a verdict that the child was Accidentally Suffocated through want of proper attention at birth. - Mr Easterbrook observed that he considered such poor women should be visited two or three times during the night. - Mrs Clements said that she could not do night and day duty as well. - The Jury added that they considered women in such circumstances should be placed in a ward where there is a nurse who can give the necessary attention to the child at the birth.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 October 1907
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Child Drowned. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday on RICHARD JOHN BARRETT, 7 years of age, found lying on the mud close to the jetty outside Exmouth Railway Station on Saturday evening. - The mother of the child, who resides in Margaret-street, said she last saw him about 5.30 on Saturday . He had been in a bad state of health for some time, but was getting better. He was in the habit of wandering off alone, but she had never known him go to the jetty RICHARD NICHOLAS BARRETT, the father, also gave evidence. - Captain Davey, retired master mariner, residing at St. Andrew's-road, said he was in Manchester House, when he was told a child was drowning close to the jetty. He naturally thought the child was in the water. But on reaching there he found the boy about ten feet from the water's edge. Witness took the child to Manchester House and with the assistance of Mr Clode tried artificial respiration. Dr Hanna, who had been sent for, arrived shortly after, and they tried to promote breathing and circulation for about an hour. The Coroner remarked that it was very satisfactory to know that Captain Davey had done everything that was possible to be done, although without success. - Elizabeth Carter, of Margaret-street, said she was bathing her little boy on Saturday evening when her sister came in and asked her if she had heard of the deceased having been drowned, when her little boy looked into the bath and began to cry. thinking he knew something about it, she questioned him and he told her that he and deceased were playing on the jetty when deceased fell backwards into the water whilst pulling in a boat by a rope. He that morning showed her where the rope was tied. The boy, who was too young to be sworn, was called and bore out his mother's statement. - The Police have been unable to find out that a boat was tied up. - Elizabeth Jones, dairymaid at Lady Drake's Nutwell Court, deposed to hearing deceased groaning when she was walking down the line towards Exmouth with a friend. On going to him she found he was making a gurgling sound. He was some feet from the water. Her friend ran for assistance whilst she stayed with the deceased Dr Hanna also gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 October 1907
SOUTH MOLTON - Died While Speaking. - At the Inquest at Southmolton yesterday on SAMUEL EVANS, a rural postman, 52 years of age, [?] Johnstone, his sister, said deceased came to her house on Sunday evening and stood talking to her for a short time, his last remark being "What a lovely night it is." He then fell to the ground and did not speak or move afterwards. Dr Wigham said death was due to apoplexy and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PAIGNTON - Paignton Boatman's Sudden Death. - At Paignton yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN WHITEWAY, a boatman, aged 26, who died very suddenly on Sunday. The father, a coachman, said deceased lived with him and was unmarried and had always been in good health. He was working on Sunday morning and ate a hearty dinner. He also had a good supper and went to bed at nine o'clock. Half an hour later he saw his son reading in bed, and spoke to him, the latter making a cheerful remark. Just before eleven he and his wife heard groans proceeding from deceased's room and running there, they found him just dying. - Dr Newling, who had made a post-mortem examination said he found all the organs of abnormal size and the liver inclined to be congested. The brain was healthy and the heart, although weighing 15ozs. instead of 10ozs., which would be normal, was not in any way diseased. His opinion was that the deceased died of syncope. - Dr Newling, in answer to the Foreman, said constant rowing might tend to enlarge the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes"

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. The Husband Censured. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest on JESSIE BARDENS PROWSE, aged 53, wife of WILLIAM H. PROWSE, Dockyard labourer, living in Mount-street. The husband said deceased had suffered from dropsy and had been attended at the Dispensary. About two o'clock on Friday morning she fell out of bed. He assisted her back, but did not send for a doctor. Deceased was taken worse on Monday morning and a doctor was then called in. - The Coroner remarked that the husband could send for a doctor when the woman was dead, but not before. - Dr Henry Pearse said on being called on Monday morning at 2.40 he found the woman dead. She had been dead quite an hour. A post-mortem examination revealed a large bruise over the side of the face. It could have been caused by a fall out of bed. Deceased was not suffering from dropsy. There were no immediate signs of the death, although she had been drinking in the past. The actual cause of death was due to shock. If he (witness) had been called in earlier he might have been able to have done something for the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and censured the husband for failing to call in a medical man at an earlier period.

SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Man's Death. A Prediction That Came True. - Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest yesterday at Southmolton on VIVIAN LOCK, about 26 years of age, whose body was found in Aller Lime Pits. - ADA LOCK, the widow, said on Wednesday morning as her husband had not come home she made inquiries and searched for him, but without success. On Thursday morning she told the Police he was missing. She never heard him threaten to take his life. They never had many troubles, except that sometimes she had to talk to him about drinking. She fetched him from the Rose and Crown public-house on Tuesday evening He came willingly. A week ago he received a County Court summons for £2 for groceries had when they lived at Eggesford a year ago. He earned 13s. 6d. per week and drove the mail-cart to and from North Molton. that amount he gave her. They had only one child. - Seth Rattenbury, of the Rose and Crown, said LOCK on Tuesday night had one glass of beer and did not drink all that. He was sober. There was no truth in the rumour that deceased's wife threw a glass of beer in his face. - Jane White said when the gardener at the Union was taken out of the lime pits, deceased said to her in a jocular way that he would be the next taken out. - Thomas Parker said on Wednesday afternoon he saw LOCK going in the direction of the lime pits. He said he was going down to see the horses. He seemed as usual; not strange at all. - Police-Sergeant Newberry deposed to finding the body in the lime pits after a search of about four hours on Sunday afternoon. Search was made there as deceased's cap was found there. - Dr Wigham said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show whether deceased fell into the pits or threw himself in. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, the Jury adding that no blame whatever attached to the wife.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Exeter Child's Death. Mother Charged With Murder. A Remarkable Story - An adjourned Inquest was held at Heavitree yesterday by Mr F. Thomas, Deputy District Coroner, on the infant daughter of ALICE MANFIELD, a domestic servant, engaged at Thurlestone, Polsloe-road. Mr W. N. Parkhouse, solicitor, Exeter, represented the mother. The child's body was found by the housemaid on September 18th and the Inquiry opened on the 21st, was adjourned until yesterday; the mother in the meantime being taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - The housemaid said ALICE MANFIELD had been cook at Thurlestone only five months. On September 18th they went to Exeter Carnival and returned home at 10 p.m. Half an hour later they went to bed. Up to that time ALICE MANFIELD had made no complaint, but a quarter of an hour after they had gone to bed, she became ill and witness fetched her [?] and water. They afterwards went to sleep and witness was awakened some time after by a sound as that of a baby crying and ALICE MANFIELD was out of bed. There was a light in the room and as the girl left she said to witness "it's a kid." Witness thought she was joking. Outside the door witness heard a noise of a baby crying. When the girl returned she said she had placed her baby in the lavatory. Witness could hardly believe there was any baby. They put out the light and went to sleep again. Next morning witness saw a baby's hand and some light hair in the lavatory. She told ALICE MANFIELD what she had seen and she replied that she did not think the hand was there the night before. Later they both went out to the lavatory and when the girl tried to pull the child's body up she failed to dislodge it and said she would come out again. Afterwards she tried again and pulled up the arm and hand She then said "I'll try to get the other part out when I've more time." The girl put the arm in the fire. Witness told her mother the same day what had occurred. - In reply to Superintendent Jesse, witness said when first she made the discovery in the lavatory ALICE MANFIELD asked her not to tell anybody. - Mr J. Miller, Surgeon, said he saw MANFIELD two days after her confinement. She was downstairs about her work, but looking very ill. He sent her to bed. The child was a small fully-developed female. The mother was removed next day to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. A post-mortem examination of the body showed no external bruising nor any marks except such as those he would expect to find. the lungs were fully inflated and the body healthy The child must have been born alive, but he could not say whether it had a separate existence. He thought it had. In his opinion the cause of death was exposure and want of attention at birth. - In reply to Superintendent Jesse, witness said from the state in which he had found the lungs, the child might have lived a few minutes. The state of the lungs was not incompatible with an existence of fifteen or twenty minutes. - In reply to Mr Parkhouse, witness said there was no sign of suffocation. - The Coroner said that to warrant the Jury in returning a verdict of "Manslaughter" the Jury must be satisfied that there was wilful negligence after the complete birth of the child. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, found that there was no evidence that the child had a separate existence and they were of opinion that it died from Inattention At Birth.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 October 1907
NEWTON FERRERS - Death of CAPT J. B. BRANDER. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Newton Ferrers on CAPTAIN JOHN BOULTON BRANDER, aged 68, late of the Bengal Staff Corps. - His brother-in-law, Mr Joseph Marlett Jones of Caelsworth, Suffolk, said he had not seen the captain for many years and was quite unaware of his whereabouts until he received a telegram from deceased's solicitors announcing his death. - Mr Aaron Axworthy stated that deceased had been lodging at his house for seven weeks. On Monday evening he went to bed in his usual good health, singing as he went upstairs. On Tuesday morning Mrs Axworthy thought she heard groaning and on going into the bedroom soon after six o'clock, found him sitting up in bed. She asked if he would like a cup of tea and when she returned with the tea she found him dead. Dr Gladstone, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart trouble of long standing. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" as returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on EDWARD FOULKES, 54, a cook and steward of Regent-terrace, Regent-street. Early in the year the deceased, while employed on the steamer Gloriana, was injured by being thrown against the side of the vessel during a storm. He somewhat recovered from the injuries and for a short time followed his employment. Recently he became ill and suffered from fever, dysentery and ague. Dr Morrison, who had been attending the deceased, said death was accelerated by the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 October 1907
PLYMSTOCK - Plymouth Boating Fatality. Inquest And Funeral. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr R. R. Rodd at Mount Batten on the body of EDGAR JOHN BUTT, 15 years, painter's apprentice, son of JOHN BUTT, master painter, George-street, Devonport. - Ernest F. Rogers, George-street, Devonport, said on the 12th inst., witness, Samuel Conning and deceased (his nephew) left Mutton Cove in a boat without ballast and with three sails and proceeded into the Sound for a cruise. Witness was steering and had hold of the main sheet, and deceased was attending to the jib. Between Bovisand Fort and the eastern end of the Breakwater, and on the starboard tack about a thousand yards from the fort, they were putting about when the boat was struck by a heavy sea and capsized. He caught hold of deceased, who could not swim and kept him afloat for awhile. The boat came towards them, keel up and he caught hold of her, as also did Conning. The boat was righted, but eventually was driven by the sea right over them. then he lost his hold on deceased, who was not seen again. The coastguard and artillerymen from the fort rescued witness and Conning. - Edward R. Benmore, licensed victualler, Hooe, deposed to finding the body on Thursday last, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and expressed appreciation of the timely rescue effected by the coastguard and soldiers. - The funeral of deceased took place on Saturday. At most of the houses in George-street, as well as in Chapel-street, the blinds were drawn and there was a crowded congregation in St. Aubyn Church, where the funeral was held. The principal mourners were MR BUTT (father), MISS MAY BUTT (sister), Mr J. Rogers, Mr and Mrs F. Hingston, Mrs Thorn, Mr F. Rogers, Mr and Mrs Whittaker (uncle and aunts), Mr and Mrs Grey, Percy Hingston, Norah Rogers and James Thorn (cousins).

Western Morning News, Friday 1 November 1907
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. Pathetic Letter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday respecting the death of HARRY CORBETT, nursery manager, 41, of Willey's-avenue, St. Thomas, who was found on the Great Western main line about a quarter of a mile from St Thomas' Station on Wednesday morning. - EVA MAUD CORBETT, daughter, said her mother had been seriously ill for the past five months and was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday. Deceased troubled greatly about his wife's health and on Tuesday night witness saw him holding his head. On another occasion she heard him say that he would go out of his mind. About two o'clock on Wednesday morning deceased got out of bed, gave his wife some biscuits, kissed her and said "Goodbye." Later he was missed from the house, but his clothes were in the bedroom, where he had apparently left them. - Walter King, signalman, said he was proceeding to work at 4.30 a.m., when he found deceased, who was only wearing a shirt. He was taken to the Hospital, where he died between 1 and 2 p.m. the same day. Dr Harmer, House Surgeon, said a post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the skull and severe laceration of the brain. - P.C. J. P. Hill said the distance from deceased's house to the railway was about 85 yards. He produced a letter which deceased's wife's brother had found in deceased's overcoat, which read:- " My whole mind is a blank: leave all to my children. There is about 30s. in the Co-operative Society and some money in the safe, loose, belonging to me. Hope Mr Martin will look after my dear children for a poor weak-minded man like me whose mind has been wrong for years past." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns (Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday into the death of ELLEN LLOYD, of Central-street. MARY ANN LLOYD, of Cecil-street, said deceased, who was her daughter, and had for some time complained of pains in the chest, came to her house on Tuesday and complained of feeling ill. She collapsed, and on being placed in bed, died within a few minutes. Dr Corbett attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 November 1907
PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Public School, Plymouth, on Saturday, on ALBERT HENRY BICKELL, aged 30, a driver in the employ of the Central Steam Laundry, Plymouth, who dropped dead in Richmond-street on Friday. Mr Percy Pearce watched the proceedings on behalf of the Central Steam Laundry. Dr Wagner said death was due to heart failure and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 November 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held by the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) on LAWSHA CAROLINE JACKA, 46, of 3 Ferry-road, Morice Town. Deceased attended the afternoon service at the Morice-street Chapel on Sunday and on leaving complained of feeling unwell. A doctor was sent for and MISS JACKA was conveyed to her home in a cab, where she passed away in a short time. Dr Flemming said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage caused through the rupture of an aneurism in one of the basal cerebral arteries. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SHALDON - Shaldon Visitor's Sudden Death. - Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest at Shaldon yesterday on MARY LILY ROSENDAHL, a visitor. MR JOHN ROSENDAHL of Langbank, Scotland, a commercial traveller, said deceased, who was his wife, was 31 years of age and had come to Shaldon on account of delicate health. Miss E. McCorkell, companion-nurse to deceased, said at four o'clock on Saturday morning MRS ROSENDAHL appeared as usual, but an hour later witness was surprised to find her kneeling at the bedside dead. Dr Bell attributed death to heart failure, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

EXMOUTH - Cut Finger Causes Death. Remarkable Case At Exmouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday on ALICE MARION GALE, wife of EDWARD DAVIS GALE, of Woodlands, Exmouth, who died on Sunday from blood poisoning. Deceased was cutting up a hare on Monday, October 28th, when the knife slipped and she cut her finger. The wound was bandaged. In the evening she complained of a cold and next day of a sore throat. Dr Thomas was sent for and found her feverish, but nothing was said about the wound. On Wednesday the doctor noticed the bandaged finger and on examination found that inflammation had spread right up the arm. Deceased laughed when he told her she must have a nurse, and, just as was often the case when the poisoning was of a virulent nature, she felt little or no pain. - The Coroner: Might a portion of the hare have come in contact with the wound and set up the poisoning? - Dr Thomas: Oh, yes, any game might set up blood poisoning, particularly the bone of game. - MR GALE: I believe the hare was quite a fresh one. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died of Blood Poisoning, and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 November 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday, the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on MARY LEY, aged 70, widow of a naval pensioner. - Deceased had been living in Sithney-street, St Budeaux and according to the evidence of her sister, MRS ELIZABETH ROWE, had been "queer" for some time past. On October 18th she got into the water at Saltash Passage, and on being rescued said that she intended to drown herself and should do it again. She was taken to the Workhouse on the advice of Dr Smith, but so strongly resented detention that she was removed to the Guildhall. However, on the following day, she consented to return to the Workhouse and died there on Sunday from bronchitis and pleurisy, brought on by the immersion. - The Coroner said it was a pity deceased was taken from the Workhouse and placed in a cell, which was probably cold, although, of course, she, through her own obstinacy, had made it necessary for this course to be adopted. - Inspector Irish said he believed there was a special cell at the Station for cases of this sort, therefore she would not have been at all uncomfortable. - Dr Sandford said deceased was not submitted to any unnecessary exposure. - The Coroner and Jury agreed that the Workhouse Master had done exactly as he should. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 November 1907
PLYMOUTH - Cornish Youth's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on RICHARD JOHN MILLER, aged 20, a clerk, of Wadebridge, whose body was found floating under the Hoe on Wednesday. - DANIEL ADOLPHUS MILLER, Police Inspector, of Wadebridge, said the deceased, his son, came to Plymouth on Monday week. From the age of ten or twelve years he had suffered from diseased hip joint and frequently deplored the fact that he was likely to be a permanent cripple. In a letter to him he said by the time it was received he would be no more. - P.C. Body having deposed to finding the body in the water near the men's bathing-place, a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned. - The funeral took place at Plymouth Cemetery yesterday. The chief mourners were INSPECTOR MILLER (father), LOUISA (sister), ALBERT (brother), Mrs A. Miller (sister-in-law), Mr W. Miller (uncle), Mr E. Broad (brother-on-law), Mr J. Medland (uncle), Harry, Ted, and Blanche Medland (cousins), Mr Parnell (Devonport), Mr F. Irons (assistant-manager of Coombes and Sons, deceased's late employers), Wadebridge, Mr C. Hawke (Wadebridge), Inspector Mutton (Plymouth). Wreaths were sent from deceased's mother and father and sisters and brother, Mr Medland and family and Mrs Coombes (Wadebridge).

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Twins. Strange Conduct Of A Midwife. Coroner's Severe Censure. - At Devonport last evening Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on the twin children of MRS DAVIS, of Pike-lane, the wife of a labourer. - ANNIE DAVIS, the wife of a nitrate store-dealer, James-street, said the children were those of her sister-in-law. Both were males, one was born alive and the other dead. - Suppressing The Truth. - Emma Jane Hall, after being cautioned, said she resided in Pembroke-street and was a widow living with a man named Williams. On Saturday last she was called to MRS DAVIS, who was not an acquaintance of hers. She (witness) was not a midwife and had never practised as such. On arriving at the house MRS DAVIS was in bed. A child had been born It was not alive. Just after her arrival another child was stillborn. On the following Monday she informed the registrar that MRS DAVIS had given birth to a stillborn child and asked for a burial certificate. She said nothing about a second child. The form was given her and MRS DAVIS filled it up with her witness's name. - The Coroner handed witness the form and requested her to write her name on a slip of paper. Witness then admitted the signature might have been hers. - Proceeding, witness said she placed the bodies in a box and had then conveyed to Plymouth Cemetery, where she saw several gentlemen sitting round a table. She asked them to bury a stillborn child and tendered them the fee of five shillings, which, however, they refused to accept, telling her to leave the box and call again. She did not go to the cemetery again. - The Coroner: What led you to think the first child was born dead? - I saw the child myself. - I say the child was not born dead but alive. What made you certify it was born dead? - Because it was born dead. - You cannot dispute the medical evidence. The mother also says it was born alive. - Witness then admitted the first child was born alive, and declared that she had believed reference was being made to the second child. It might have lived two or three minutes. She dressed and washed it. - The Coroner: You would not have done that if the child had been born dead - Witness admitted she only informed the Registrar of the death of one child. - The Coroner: How dare you take such a step as that? - I will never do it again (sobbing). - I repeat, how dare you do such a thing? - Witness pleased ignorance. - It is not ignorance burying two children instead of one. Have you ever been called upon to attend at confinements in your life? - Yes, many. - It is rather remarkable that you have been called to many of these cases in a casual way, as you call it, is it not? - Witness insisted that she had only been called in emergency cases and never received a farthing recompense. - The Chief Constable: What condition were you in when you attended the woman? - Perfectly sober. - You are not always sober? - Never anything to harm. She had not attended a confinement for a long time. She could not remember the name of the last person she attended, but offered to sow the Chief Constable the house. - The Chief Constable: We must make inquiry into this. - The Coroner: You will have to make very close inquiry. The matter will have to be reported to the Registrar General. - The Chief Constable (to the witness): You are not a midwife. Why did you attend this woman? - I always like to help poor people in need. - Were you promised anything in this case? - Nothing whatever, not a farthing. - did you receive any money from the last person you attended? - Yes, she gave me five shillings. - The Coroner: Just now you told me you had never received a penny recompense. - Evidence That The Baby Lived. - MRS DAVIS, recalled, said the child which had lived was named EUAN CHARLES, after his father. Mrs Hall was present when the first child was born. - The Coroner: Was Ms Hall to have received payment? - She would be sure to receive something. The baby lived, and I held it in my arms. It was crying, and Mrs Hall must have heard it. Mrs Hall was sober. I was present a quarter of an hour and the child was alive all that time. - Dr McElwaine said one of the babies was stillborn. The other baby, he believed, was born alive. The evidence of MRS DAVIS was consistent with the theory. The child had been attended by an unprofessional hand. It would have been impossible for the child to have lived, having been prematurely born. - Kate Tippett, also living in Pike-lane, said MRS DAVIS told her she had spoken to Mrs Hall about her confinement. Mrs Hall was then sent for and was present at both births. The first child was born about 1.30 p.m. and lived until six o'clock. - The Chief Constable: Have you any children? - Sixteen (Laughter). - A Juryman described the case as very suspicious. - The Coroner, summing up, said the case was one of the most extraordinary he had ever known in Devonport. He was afraid it was not the only case of the kind in the Borough He had not the slightest doubt that notwithstanding she had been unable to obtain registration as a midwife, Mrs Hall had been practising for some time and with a fee. She took the box to the cemetery, but did not inform anyone that it contained two bodies. The cemetery authorities wished to know if she was a qualified midwife and inquiries made an Inquest necessary. It was only then ascertained that the box contained two children. One of these, it now appeared, had lived four or five hours. It was a most disgraceful and criminal act on the part of Mrs Hall and he (the Coroner) intended to report the matter with a view to further action. He would not allow Mrs Hall any fee for attending the Inquiry. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 November 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Feeding Of Infants. A Stonehouse Fallacy. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ANNIE LYDIA BURRIDGE, aged three months. - The mother, MRS A. J. BURRIDGE, wife of WALTER G. BURRIDGE, of Valletort-place, said on Wednesday night she took the baby to bed with her. It was all right then, but on waking up at four o'clock in the morning she found it was dead. On the previous evening she gave it two biscuits. - Dr T. N. Leah said the child died of convulsions, probably due to the undigested food in the stomach. Biscuits were unsuitable food for a child of that age, and up to nine months. It should have been fed on milk. - MRS BURRIDGE said she gave the child the biscuits because her own milk was small in quantity and she could not give it cow's milk at the same time. - Dr Leah: It is a very general fallacy that the two are not suitable - both kinds of milk go very well together. - The Coroner said MRS BURRIDGE should make a note of the doctor's remarks - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

TOTNES - Totnes Widow's Death. - At the Inquest at Totnes yesterday on CAROLINE MARIA HUXHAM, of High-street, John Brimmacombe, labourer, Dartington, said the deceased - his mother-in-law, was 52 years of age. She was able to support herself as a laundress and had all the necessaries of life. He found the body on Thursday in six inches of water in Malt Mill Brook. She was lying face downwards with her head on her right arm. P.S. Bolt said the nose and mouth of the deceased were just under the water and practically the whole of her right hand was eaten away, presumably by rats. She had been missing since the 3rd inst., and nothing was found on her, or at her house, to explain the occurrence. - Dr Johnson said death was due to drowning. She had been dead several days. - P.C. Cooper said he saw MRS HUXHAM going in the direction in which she was found. She was wearing slippers and it was a very wet morning. - The first witness, recalled, said the only thing he could imagine that preyed on her mind was having to leave the laundry. - A verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 November 1907
UPLOWMAN - Scalded in A Pan Of Water. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Cott Dairy, Uplowman, on FLORA CLEAVE, aged 18 months, daughter of WILLIAM CLEAVE, road foreman. On Friday last milk-pans were being scalded out in the back kitchen. At play there were the deceased and her six-year-old sister AMY. The latter described how the deceased, in play, stepping backwards, fell into the pan, which was on the floor of the kitchen. She was immediately undressed and the scalds anointed with linseed oil and a doctor sent for, but the child died from shock at midday on Saturday. The Coroner (Mr Gould) said the circumstances surrounding the case were sad, as the father of the deceased was an invalid and the mother was expecting her confinement Verdict, "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Fatality. Level Crossing-keeper's Death. - Mr A. Bencraft yesterday held an Inquest at Barnstaple on JOHN LUSCOMBE SMITH, aged 59, in the employ of the L. and S.W. Railway, keeper of a level crossing, close to the town Station, Barnstaple, where he was killed by a train on Saturday. Deceased formerly held a responsible position on the railway at Plymouth. Mr A. F. Seldon, Barnstaple, appeared for the relatives, instructed by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, whose local secretary, Mr F. Battrick, was also present. - CECIL N. SMITH said his father had been for the past three years rather feeble on his feet. - The Coroner: He took a lot of drink sometimes? - He did not go past the mark with it. He took a goodish drop? - Yes, sir. In answer to further questions witness said his father had kept bottled stout in his cabin, but witness had examined the cabin since and found nothing there. He had never heard deceased threaten suicide. He was not that sort of man, but met trouble and fought pretty hard against it. - Frederick Cole, fireman of an engine, said through the eye-glass on Saturday morning he saw deceased standing at his gate when about twenty-two yards distant and saw no more of him. They were going about ten miles an hour and slowing up to stop at the Quay Station. He could not account for deceased getting under the engine, and did not know that he had until they got to Ilfracombe and there they could find no marks on the engine. - By the Foreman (Mr Ford): There was nothing unusual in deceased's position when he saw him: he was guarding the gates as was his duty. The engine driver did not see anything. - ORLANDO S. SMITH another son of the deceased, saw his father about ten minutes before the accident. He had gone to the cabin to lay in the fire, but his father, who was then reading the paper, said he did not want the fire - it was not cold - and witness went back to his work. Soon afterwards, seeing men going down with the stretcher, he ran to the line and saw his father between the rails. He believed it was an accident. - By Mr Seldon: When he left his father at 8.15 he was perfectly sober. His father often stood out at the wicket gage, instead of locking it from his cabin, as he could do with a lever. - Inspector Percival, Police Department, London and South Western Railway, thought it seemed a funny thing the gates were not fastened with the lever, the more effective way. - Mr E. C. Watkins, Stationmaster, Barnstaple Town, saw deceased at 8.20 and the accident occurred five minutes later. Deceased appeared to be quite in his ordinary state, and was standing at his cabin porch. Witness's theory of the accident was that it was due to absent-mindedness. He thought SMITH must have heard the train rattle over the bridge, and, thinking it had passed, turned to cross the line in front of the train. There was no necessity for deceased to be standing at the wicket-gate; he could control that from the box and his position was in the box. - Mr Seldon said no one could blame the company, and he understood the man had in his box a lever that would close the wicket-gate, but he understood there was no rule that he should lock it from his cabin? - Mr Watkins: Not in the rule-book. - His duty was to protect the public and he could do it in two ways at the gate or from his lever in the box? - His proper way to do it is by the lever. - Frank Dymond Ford, booking clerk, spoke to finding the injured man on the four-foot way, and to getting assistance and sending for a doctor. the large gate was all right for the trains, but the wicket-gates were not locked. Deceased's breath smelt of alcohol. - P.C. Smith said deceased at the Infirmary rallied a little and said to his wife: "How did I get there." - MRS SMITH said her husband did not appear to realise he had had an accident, and once asked who had given him the blow in the head. He appeared semi-conscious. - Dr W. Cooper, who was called to the spot and Dr Rendall (House Surgeon) described deceased's injuries as extensive in the head and chest, besides which he had a broken arm. He died from the shock of the injuries about 6.30 the same day. - The Coroner said there was no doubt there had been present to them the thought that the occurrence might have been other than an accident, but after the evidence he thought the circumstances proved that it was nothing other than an accident. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Seldon, on behalf of the A.S.R.S., expressed sympathy with the relatives.

YELVERTON - Yelverton Woman's Death. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Link's Lodge, Yelverton on ALICE LAMPSHIRE, aged 27. Mrs Agnes M. Townshend, wife of Major E. Townshend, of Link's Lode, Yelverton, said deceased had been in her employ as house and parlourmaid since 1906. On Saturday she went out at about 4 p.m. and returned about half-past eight. Afterwards she saw her in her bedroom and was then looking very ill. She said she had fainted. Deceased objected to a doctor being called, but later in the evening witness learnt that she had already consulted a medical man. She saw deceased before breakfast next morning. She appeared better and drank beef tea. She complained of pains in her chest, but again refused to have a doctor sent for. Deceased vomited and witness considered it was a bilious attack. Deceased was not robust and her heart was weak, as the result of an attack of rheumatic fever. About noon she appeared comfortable in bed. At four p.m., whilst at lunch, she (witness) heard a thud and on going to deceased's room found her lying on her back unconscious. she appeared to pass away immediately. A stimulation was applied, but without effect and a doctor was sent for. Deceased was in exceptionally high spirits on Saturday. - Samuel Crocker, a labourer, Combe Martin, said he was engaged to be married to the deceased, and on Saturday met her at Tavistock and they purchased the wedding ring. On coming out of the jeweller's shop deceased complained of feeling unwell, and fell in the street. After she recovered they took the train back to Horrabridge, where they saw a doctor, who gave deceased a bottle of medicine. He knew deceased was expecting to become a mother. - Dr J. Penn Milton, of Yelverton, said he was called on Sunday to see the woman, whom he found dead. He made a post-mortem examination. The heart was fairly extensively diseased, the left lung was slightly tuberculous, the other organs were normal. He had retained the stomach and its contents, which he would like analysed before giving an opinion as to the cause of death. There were no marks of violence. - Joseph Hy. Swan, builder, Launceston, said deceased, his niece, about five years ago had a severe attack of rheumatic fever. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday next.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 November 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - The Aelous Fatality. Stoker's Death From Fumes And Shock. - At Devonport yesterday the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on CHARLES HENRY RICH, first-class stoker, of the cruiser Aeolus. Mr J. P. Goldsmith appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - WILLIAM RICH, market gardener, of Torpoint, brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. - George James Alfred Willcocks, chief E.R.A., of the Aeolus, said the deceased had served in the ship since January last. About 9.30 a.m. on the previous day an airing stove was lowered into the engineers; storeroom by RICH and another stoker. The stove contained ordinary coal, so that there was no smoke. RICH went into the storeroom and about twelve minutes later witness went down and found everything as it should be. RICH was then standing on the port side of the storeroom and was moving a chain block. Witness paid a second visit to the storeroom just before ten o'clock, and again found everything right. RICH was still engaged in shifting the chain block. About 10.15 witness was informed that smoke was issuing from the storeroom, and with P.O. Taylor he went to the upper deck. Taylor descended the hatchway into the storeroom, but was forced to return, in consequence of the dense smoke, without having discovered any trace of RICH. Witness then went down, but he also had to return to the deck almost immediately. He again descended, however, and on groping about found RICH lying on the floor. He was removed to the upper deck, and a doctor was quickly on the scene and attended to the man's injuries. After RICH had been brought up the storeroom was filled with water and then pumped out. - Witness, examined by the Coroner, said the fire, or what was known as a bogie, was lowered for the purpose of drying the room, which had previously been cleared out. This was the usual method of drying a storeroom. He could not say, however, that it had previously been done on board the Aeolus. - By a Juryman: The stove was lighted about six o'clock and all the fumes were let off before it was lowered into the room. Thus it contained nothing but coal and gave off no smoke. Witness, continuing, said the deceased was wearing fearnought trousers at the time and other clothing. - A Juryman: That accounts for the smoke. - William Edward Taylor, stoker petty officer, said he assisted the deceased in lowering the stove. The fire was burning clearly and without smoke. Deceased descended into the room and witness went down on three subsequent occasions and found everything all right. On the last occasion - shortly before ten o'clock - witness spoke to RICH and was told that he (RICH) was getting on all right. - By the Coroner: He went down several times for the purpose of ascertaining whether the room was dry enough for painting. He had no suspicion that the deceased was in any danger. Witness had been in the service for 19 years, but had never seen this method in use before. - A Juryman: Supposing any cinders dropped out from the stove, would they roll about? - No, they would fall flat. Witness added that the floor of the storeroom was of iron. - Commotion On Board. - Leading Seaman Tabb said he noticed smoke rising from the storeroom and acquainted the Chief E.R.A. He asked Willcocks if there was anyone there, and received a reply in the affirmative. Willcocks rushed to the hatchway and both he and P.O. Taylor descended into the room, but without finding any trace of RICH. Witness rushed about the ship, shouting out RICH'S name, thinking that he might possibly have come up, but there was no reply. Willcocks descended a second time and they found RICH. There was a great deal of commotion on board when RICH was discovered. - James Henry Lamerton, carpenter's mate, said he descended into the storeroom, wearing a "smoke" cap and discovered RICH lying on the floor on the starboard side. Witness could not see the fire, but as he was carrying deceased on to the deck he felt himself being burnt. RICH'S clothing was apparently on fire and witness sustained rather severe burns on his hands. - Poisoning And Shock. - Staff-Surgeon H. B. Hall, of the St. George, said he was called to the Aeolus and saw RICH lying on the upper deck. He was alive, though unconscious. He was severely burnt in the back and on the left side and arm, and his clothes were still smouldering. He expired within a few minutes. Witness attributed death to carbon monoxide poisoning from fumes arising from the stove and also shock, the result of severe burns. Witness was of opinion that the deceased was unconscious when he received the burns. - By the Coroner: After what had occurred he hardly thought the method used for drying was safe. - Lieut. H. E. Jane, acting-commander of the ship, said he had frequently known the bogie method used for drying a storeroom and in his opinion it was perfectly safe. He would have been quite prepared to go down into the room during the process. - A friend of the relatives of RICH asked why he was not watched whilst he was in the storeroom as it was told by the Coroner that the evidence had shown that this was not the case. - He was not watched, I say. What were the dimensions of the room? - It was explained that this had already been given in evidence - about 12 feet deep. - How many cubic feet is a man supposed to live in? - The Coroner remarked that the evidence appeared to show that the method used was the usual one, and there was no danger attached to it. It could not, however, be explained at the present time how the deceased came by his death. - I am given to understand that RICH was burnt on the small of his back. Do you think it probable that he was attempting to move away from the stove, but was overcome by fumes and fell? - The Coroner: Probably so, though he did not fall across the stove. - Conduct Commended. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the method used seemed to be the usual one, and every effort appeared to have been made to save the deceased's life. His comrades descended into the storeroom at considerable risk, and especially in the case of Lamerton, who received injuries more or less severe. Their conduct was commendable, and Lamerton's highly so. It appeared that the deceased met his death accidentally. - A Juryman objected to this verdict. there was, he said, no evidence to show how the deceased became on fire. that was the point they had to consider. He was certain that no smoke arose until the man's clothing became ignited. He understood there was nothing in the room that could take fire. They should return a verdict that deceased met his death by Accident, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how he came by his death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 November 1907
KINGSBRIDGE - Farmer's Sudden Death. A Heart Of 35 Ounces. - MR FREDERICK CANNON, aged 67, who had farmed Borough Farm, near Kingsbridge, for many years, died suddenly on Thursday morning at the farm. At the Inquest yesterday WILLIAM HENRY CANNON, a son, said his father was quite well up to 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday, when he left him reading in the kitchen. About 5.45 next morning the servant told him she could not get master to speak. He went downstairs and found deceased sitting in a chair, with his head on a pillow against the wall and quite dead. The position was so natural that he might have been thought asleep. The lamp was burning on the table just as it was when witness went to bed. Deceased, who suffered from shortness of breath, rode everywhere he went. He was a very stout man. - Mary Yeoman, a servant at the farm for 25 years, said on Wednesday she went to bed at 10.20 p.m., and left deceased asleep in his chair at the head of the kitchen table. For the past twelve months deceased had gone to bed late, as he could not lie back very well. He never used to go to bed until 2 a.m., and would rise again about 6 a.m. About 2 a.m. on Thursday she awoke and heard deceased moving about. she called out to him to go to bed. He replied that he was going in a minute. About twenty to six she found him dead in the chair. - Dr Durrant said when called to Borough Farm on Thursday morning he thought MR CANNON had been dead then about three hours. Death was due to heart failure, the result of extreme fatty degeneration of the heart, which weighed 35 ounces. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SUTCOMBE - At an Inquest at Sutcombe on the body of MARY BLIGHT, 82, deceased's daughter stated that her mother lived in an almshouse at Sutcombe and on October 14th was about to sweep the kitchen when she fell heavily, fracturing the neck of her thigh, an injury which Dr Emtage said was rarely got over by a person of such an age. Death followed on November 11th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Death. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on THOMAS JOHN LADD, aged 75 years, a naval pensioner, formerly residing in Edinburgh-road. Mary Jane Ingham, a widow, said deceased lodged in her house. About 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday he was brought home in a cab having fallen down. He was put to bed and his forehead, which bore a slight scar, was bathed. Witness and her daughter remained in the room with deceased, who was conversing and smoking his pipe. She fell asleep in her chair and on waking up about 4.30 a.m. found that deceased had died. - P.C. Pengelly said he was called to the Public Hall about 4.50 p.m. on Wednesday and saw deceased lying in the porch unconscious. there was a cut on the back of the head. Deceased regained consciousness and witness conveyed him to his home. - Dr Roberts attributed death to a fracture at the base of the skull. In his opinion deceased had died in his sleep. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The relatives thanked P.C. Pengelly for binding up the wound at the back of deceased's head and for other attention to him.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Drover's Fate. - Mr A. Fisher held an Inquest last evening at Tiverton on WILLIAM HENRY WOODBURY, a drover, aged 25 years, found drowned in the factory leat. - Walter Davey, a labourer, working at Knighthayes, found a coat, waistcoat and cap early on Wednesday morning close by the leat, but it never occurred to him that the clothes might belong to anybody in the water. He searched the pockets and from the contents judged the clothes belonged to a friend of his. When he returned from work at night he made enquiries and the clothes were identified as belonging to deceased, whom the Police had already been informed was missing. The body was found in six feet of water about 100 yards from where the clothes were discovered. Deceased was said by his brother to suffer from delusions which recurred monthly. He had one when he let home on Tuesday evening. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was found.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 November 1907
YELVERTON - The Yelverton Case. - The Inquest on ALICE LAMPSHIRE, 27, domestic servant, who died suddenly yesterday week at Yelverton, was on Saturday further adjourned for a week. Dr Bean not having completed his analysis of the stomach.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 November 1907
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - Plymothian's Sudden Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Compton Gifford last evening on JNO. LANGDON, aged 74 years, who had lived with his son FRANCIS, a gardener, at Wesley-terrace, Plymouth, William Billing, nurseryman, Compton, said deceased was employed by him casually. On Saturday deceased went to the orchard to repair a hedge. About 4 p.m. he found him there lying on his back, dead. Dr S. Olver, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - "Found Drowned At Plymouth" - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM BUNT, aged 62, a fisherman, of Norley-street, Plymouth. - LOUISA BUNT, the widow, said her husband went out to fish on the night of the 1st inst., Jno. Lillicrap, fisherman, deposed to finding the body floating in the Sound on Saturday, close to the Hospital Ship. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM SKINNER, aged 77, of King-street, who died suddenly in the street on Saturday. Dr Noy Leah attributed death to heart failure, consequent upon bronchitis.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 November 1907
HALBERTON - The Halberton Fatality. - At an Inquest at Halberton yesterday on JOHN COZENS WERE, of Moorstone Barton, Halberton, deceased's son said that on Saturday they had been out hunting and were returning with another man named Cottrell and his son. Witness and Cottrell, jun., were riding about 20 yards ahead of their parents between Halberton and Ash Thomas, when Cottrell sen., shouted to witness, who, turning round, saw his father lying in the road, unconscious. The horse deceased had been riding was very quiet and deceased had been in good health and was not subject to giddiness. He was attended by Dr Alleyne and died on Monday without regaining consciousness. Dr Alleyne said there was a small cut at the back of the head, as if deceased had fallen upon a stone. Death was due to concussion and shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

YEALMPTON - MISS JANE BUNKER, aged 67, died suddenly at Torre, Newton Ferrers on Sunday. At the Inquest held at Yealmpton by Mr R. R. Rodd yesterday, Dr Langworthy attributed death to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 November 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Workhouse Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on MARY ANNE MITCHELL, aged 60, an inmate of the lunacy ward. Mr F. C. Hellings, the Master, said on the 28th ult. deceased, who had been an inmate for about 30 years, was taking exercise in the yard, when she fell and fractured her thigh. - Emily Taylor, nurse, who was in charge of deceased, said she had no lucid intervals and did not say how she fell. - Dr Cooke said death was due to congestion of the lungs, and heart failure, indirectly caused by the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 November 1907
EXETER - MISS HARRIET ELIZABETH WARE, aged 54, of Belmont-road, Exeter, until recently residing at Torquay, was found dead on the floor of her bedroom shortly after retiring to rest on Tuesday. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr. J. Miller attributed death to heart failure, due to chronic kidney disease.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 November 1907
YELVERTON - Yelverton Domestic's Death. Verdict Of "Felo De Se." Jury And The Sale Of Boracic Acid. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the adjourned Inquest at Yelverton on Saturday relative to the death of ALICE LAMPSHIRE, 27, domestic servant, who died on November 10th. The Inquiry had been twice previously adjourned on the last occasion to enable Dr C. E. Bean to complete an analysis of the stomach. Superintendent Crook (Stonehouse) was present. - The Coroner read over the evidence given at the previous Inquiries. It appeared from the depositions that deceased was employed by Mrs Townsend, of Links Lodge, Yelverton. On Saturday, the 9th, she went into Tavistock with Samuel Crocker, labourer, Milton Coombe, to whom she was engaged and whilst there he purchased a ring for her. She later became faint and fell down in one of the streets of Tavistock. Having recovered, she returned to Horrabridge and then went on to Links Lodge. It was submitted by Crocker that the deceased was pregnant. On the Sunday morning LAMPSHIRE was ill and vomited a great deal. Mrs Townsend gave her restoratives and asked deceased to allow her to send for a doctor. LAMPSHIRE refusing. Deceased remained in bed the whole of the morning. At 1.40 p.m. those in the house heard a loud noise. On going to the bedroom of deceased they found her on the floor unconscious. She died almost immediately, froth coming from her mouth before death. Dr J. Penn Milton, Yelverton, made a post-mortem examination. He found the heart extensively diseased, but before giving a certificate of death, he desired to have the contents of the stomach analysed. This was done by the Coroner's orders, Dr Bean being entrusted with the examination. - On Saturday the first witness was Harriet Hannah Thompson, employed by Mrs Townsend. She said she saw deceased when she returned from Tavistock on Saturday evening, the 9th; she was looking very ill. The following day LAMPSHIRE was sick. In consequence of a noise deceased was making by groaning, witness went to the bedroom just in time to see her fall backward and die. Witness did not notice a powder in the bedroom, or any glass showing that a powder had been taken. She understood that a powder was found in the bedroom after the girl had died. Deceased was so lively that witness did not believe she was in any trouble. The girl appeared very fond of Samuel Crocker. - In answer to Superintendent Crook, witness said she never heard the deceased threaten to destroy herself. - Dr Charles Edward Bean, public analyst for Plymouth and Devonport stated that he had been handed by Dr Penn Milton the contents of the stomach; also a glass jar containing 97 grains of boracic acid; and also a glass with apparently dry milk about it and some white particles, which proved to be boracic acid. He had analysed the contents of the stomach and found there was no trace of metallic poison. The presence of boracic acid in the stomach was extremely small; it was a very soluble substance and would not remain in the stomach long. In this instance the deceased had also vomited. There was no evidence of an attempted operation. He could not exactly say how much would be a fatal dose of boracic acid, but there were three known cases of it having proved fatal. Deceased probably swallowed the powder twenty-four hours before she died. In view of the evidence given at the previous Inquiry and also that of Dr Penn Milton as to the diseased condition of the woman's heart, he was of opinion that death was due to the action of the boracic acid she took. It was impossible for him to say that deceased took the powder with a view of getting rid of her trouble. Boracic acid had a paralyzing effect upon the heart. - Dr Penn Milton concurred in the evidence of Dr Bean. - Mrs Townsend, in answer to the Coroner, said when she engaged deceased she spoke to her about the condition of a former domestic. The deceased then said that if she found herself in such a condition she would destroy herself. Witness told her that she ought not to allow such wicked thoughts to enter her head. The subject was never referred to afterwards. Deceased seemed to be of a cheerful disposition. When the Police found the powder in the bedroom it was thought it was tooth powder. - P.S. Northey stated that he had made inquiries but could not ascertain where the powder was purchased. - The Coroner remarked that it was a most regrettable case. It was clear from the evidence that the deceased died from poisoning, namely, boracic acid acting upon a weak heart. Whilst it was not proved where she purchased the powder, it had come into her possession and he thought the Jury would have no doubt that deceased self-administered it. If they took that view of the evidence, it would be for them to consider and determine in the first place whether she took the acid with the intention of procuring abortion, and, secondly, with the intention of destroying herself. If they took the former view their verdict must be one of felo-de-se; if, on the other hand, they regarded the trouble the girl was in, and that her mind was unhinged, that she took boracic acid with the intention of destroying herself when in a state of unsound mind, then they would say by their verdict that she committed suicide. - The Jury considered in private and returned a verdict "That the deceased did Feloniously Kill Herself by taking Boracic Acid and that is a verdict of Felo-De-Se." - The Corner said the Jury wished Samuel Crocker, of Milton Coombe, to be brought before them. Crocker, who was in attendance outside, was called in. The Coroner made known to him the verdict and added: "The finding of the Jury ought to be sufficient to make you reflect very seriously upon the past." - Crocker: Yes, sir. - The Coroner said the Jury wished to add a rider to their verdict that they considered boracic acid should be a scheduled poison under the Act, and they requested him to make a communication to that effect to the Home-office.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 November 1907
WHIMPLE - Whimple Railway Fatality - At an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE COX, aged 52, farm labourer, of Rockbeare, killed on Saturday morning on the railway near Whimple, deceased's son said his father stopped at the crossing, and told him he would come on. He proceeded to work and as his father did not come he went back to the crossing and found him on the embankment dead. Deceased was deaf. - John Cann, engine driver, of Salisbury, said he was driving the 3.13 train from Salisbury and at the spot described he was travelling about 60 miles an hour. He did not see deceased on the line, but found splashes of blood on his engine when he arrived at Exeter. Dr Walker, of Broadclyst, said the cranial cavity was empty and deceased's right leg and thigh were fractured and lacerated. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

REVELSTOKE - Revelstoke Farmer's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday on the body of MR NICHOLAS LOBB, who had been the tenant of Coombe Farm, Revelstoke, for nearly fifty years. The evidence showed that deceased, who was 84 years of age, went to higher barn to endeavour to stop the ravages of rats. Then he had a seizure and fell forward into a stream of muddy water. He was discovered wet through by Percy Parsons, his farm lad, who had been sent in search of him. Assistance was obtained, and he was got to the house. - Dr Gladstone, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to the rupture of a blood-vessel on the surface of the brain, accelerated by the exposure to the cold water and shock to the system. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family. MR LOBB was formerly parish churchwarden.

OTTERY ST. MARY - Ottery Football Fatality. The Inquest. - Dr Tweed held an Inquest at Ottery St. Mary yesterday on HENRY TOTTERDELL, aged 22, who dropped dead while acting as touch judge on the Ottery St. Mary football ground on Saturday. His father, MR HENRY TOTTERDELL, of Sandhill-street, said he lived at home with him. On Saturday afternoon he came home to dinner and appeared in his usual health. He had an attack of influenza in April last, but seemed healthy and strong. - George Whitcombe said he was referee in the match, Ottery St. Mary and St. Luke's Training College, Exeter, on Saturday. Soon after half-time Ottery scored two tries in quick succession and from the second a goal was kicked, and deceased appeared excited, as he usually was at football matches. Deceased had just returned from the goal post, and was standing behind him. Hearing a fall he turned round, and saw TOTTERDELL on the ground on his face. He did not speak or cry. Thinking his wind had been knocked out by the fall, he loosened all his clothing, but deceased commenced to change colour in a minute or two, and he sent for a doctor. Several spectators were close by at the time, but no one had touched the deceased. - ARTHUR TOTTERDELL, deceased's brother, who was playing in the game, corroborated. - Charles Martin, labourer, said about six weeks ago he went to Salterton Carnival with the deceased, who complained of violent pains in the chest and stomach. Brandy and sloe gin seemed to relieve him and he appeared all right when they returned home. - Dr Fielding, who had made a post-mortem examination, said deceased's heart was much enlarged and dilated. The cause of death was sudden heart failure. There were no external marks on the body. Some months ago he warned him that his heart was weak and that he should give up smoking and violent exercise. - The Foreman (Mr H. G. Luxton) said deceased was well known to most of them as a very steady young man. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - Mr W. Lathrope suggested that an ambulance corps should be formed in the town and a stretcher provided.

STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on GEORGE HENRY CONGDON, aged 60 years, naval pensioner, of Clowance-street. - JANE CONGDON, the widow, said he left home about 8.15 on Saturday evening to get his hair cut. He had lately appeared very depressed. Some time ago he met with an accident to his hand, which necessitated his remaining home for a considerable period. He often complained that the pains affected his head. He had never threatened to take his life. Deceased had been employed as a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, and on Friday last was discharged under the age limit. That also seemed to trouble him. - Sarah J. Prowse, widow, Clowance-street, said CONGDON'S wife advised him to get his hair cut, but he appeared anxious to postpone it, as the weather was so cold. Eventually he hastened from the house He was called back and made to put on his overcoat. His wife gave him (at his request) fourpence, and he again left. - P.C. Selley said he received information that CONGDON was missing and on Mount Wise beach at 2.45 a.m. on Sunday he discovered CONGDON dead. The body was conveyed to the mortuary. His legs were tied together with handkerchiefs. - Dr McElwaine said he attended deceased a few days ago. He then complained of severe pains in his head and sleeplessness. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 November 1907
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH BOUNDS, pensioner, 54 years of age, who died suddenly on Monday evening at Huntley-place, Laira, Dr C. H. G. Prance attributed death to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 November 1907
KENSINGTON, LONDON. - Artists' Suicide. Letters On The Philosophy Of Life And Death. MR W. C. GOOD'S Evidence. - At Kingston yesterday Dr Michael Taylor, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest on the bodies of ALEXANDER GOOD, and his wife, MABEL GOOD, the two young artists who so strangely disappeared from their lodgings at Islington nearly a month ago and whose bodies were found floating in the weir at Teddington last Sunday morning. - MR W. C. GOOD, of Totnes. - MR WILLIAM CHARLES GOOD, of Walrond House, Totnes, identified the male deceased as his son, who was aged 37. The female was his son's wife MABEL. - The Coroner: Both your son and daughter-in-law were artists, I believe? - Yes, and they were of a highly artistic temperament. - Has your son made any application to you of late for financial aid? - Yes. - Has he been able to keep his wife in comfortable circumstances? - No, he has not. - Witness went on to say that some time ago he had an application from his son for £5 and that sum he sent him. Since then he had not heard from his son. For some time they had been living at 13 Arundel-square, Islington. His son had been in several situations, but had thrown them all up at a moment's notice. He was not earning sufficient to keep either himself or his wife in comfort. Witness's son was a clever young man. He began life in an insurance office. On several occasions he applied to witness for money, and witness always obliged him. There had never been any unpleasantness between them. - The Coroner: His wife I understand was the daughter of your second wife? - Yes. - Where did he begin life? - He began life with me, and should have got on well, but he didn't. - Remarkable Letters. - The Coroner read certain letters that had been written by witness's son. The first was dated November 1st, and was as follows:- "I am making the following brief explanation in the hope that it may save time. My wife does not find that life holds out any inducements for her to remain here, owing chiefly to the pushing, grabbing and struggling attitude of the majority in the race for wealth. From this results lack of consideration and manners, together with actual invasion of personal rights of the individual, which, as it affects her, has become intolerable. She having never willingly given provocation to anyone in the whole course of her life, finds this inconsiderate aspect of the world at large weighing heavily upon her, and she has decided to withdraw from the struggle. I opposed her desire for many months, but circumstances at length have caused me to yield to her wishes and as without her company there is for me no pleasure in life, I have determined to go with her. - The law will no doubt order that I am proclaimed a murderer. The law on this is, as a whole, so anomalous and ridiculous that one attaches but little weight to it. What is important is the attitude of Society towards suicide. This we have considered for years to be absolutely ridiculous. Life is forced upon us without our knowledge or consent, yet society maintains that instantly it becomes a thing so treacherous, to lay it down voluntarily is a crime. Our opinion is that every person has an indefeasible right to relinquish life at any moment, especially when by doing so no duties or obligations are evaded. The lethal chamber will eventually be found in all civilized communities, and suicide will be openly permitted. - For the hereafter our minds are perfectly settled. What may happen after death is a secret. Certainly, however, we think that the bloodthirsty and revengeful demon with the lust for torture - which has so long masqueraded as the Christian deity - is non-existent. We face our fates unflinchingly. As long as the universe endures we shall endure." - The Coroner quoted another letter, in which GOOD said:- - "Our deaths would have been very much different had MRS GOOD been treated more kindly in her earlier years." - The Coroner also read a third letter, in which the deceased said: - "I love my wife dearly, even more so than when we were first married. She is the most lovable woman in the world. She has never been able to recover from the effects of her art education, unfortunately. Otherwise she would have made have made a mark had she been properly treated. Now she wants t go and I don't want to stay. - MRS GOOD Properly Treated. - The Coroner: I am sorry to have to put any painful questions too you, but I must ask if there is any truth in the suggestion that MRS GOOD was not properly treated? - None whatever. The witness added that from an early stage MRS GOOD had every possible and proper training and every kindness was shown to her. He added, she was a successful artist, but complained that she did not get the prices for her work which she ought to have had or that she anticipated. Her statement was that the market was over-stocked. - Then there is no foundation for the suggestion that she was badly treated? - Absolutely none. - In another letter the deceased man said: "Goodbye my darling wife - the sweetest woman in the world." - This letter was found in the deceased's room with two others, which were addressed to Liverpool and America. - Other Evidence. - Mr Neville Ward, of Mildmay Park, and formerly living at the address in Arundel-square, Islington, where the two deceased lodged, said they had always been very quiet and reserved lodgers. - The Coroner: Did they always pay their way? - Yes. - Did they ever complain about lack of money? - No. - George Arthur Kelly, lock keeper at Teddington Lock, deposed that on Sunday morning he saw the bodies floating in the river, tied together by means of string. The string was knotted behind the woman's body and the position of it seemed to indicate that it had been tied by the man. When he first saw the bodies the head of the man was above water and as he pulled it towards the Lock by means of the boathook, the body of the woman came into view. - P.C. Gould stated that the bodies were tied round the waist by means of the string. the man and woman were lying face to face. - The Coroner asked the witness with regard to some of the letters which were found on the bodies. - Witness replied that two were found tied inside the woman's clothing and next to her skin. The others were found in the pockets of the man's jacket. Both were fully dressed. On the man was found the sum of 4 ½d., the only money discovered. - Dr F. G. Cross, Police Surgeon, said his examination of the bodies went to show that the string was tied by the man. Death was due in each case to asphyxia by drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide" in each case, and expressed sympathy with the parents.

EXETER HEAVITREE - At the Inquest on WILLIAM GEORGE METHERELL, 23, fish hawker, who dropped dead while on his round in Regent-square, Heavitree, on Tuesday, Dr Clapp attributed death to syncope.

EAST STONEHOUSE - At Stonehouse yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM POLE, 62 years, pensioner, R.M.L.I., who died suddenly at his residence, George-street, on Monday morning. Dr Waterfield said death was due to pulmonary collapse.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 November 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. Deception With A Kind Object. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on ALBERT EDWARD BEALE, aged 22 years, a contractor's labourer, formerly residing in Cumberland-street. - ELLA MAUD VEALE, the widow, said they had been married nearly seven years. They had had no financial trouble, and had always lived happily together. Her husband had been out of work for some time, but recently obtained employment as groom to Colonel Elliott. She left the house about seven o'clock on the previous evening and returning home about 10.30 found her husband on the floor, with his head in the stove, dead. He was formerly in the Army and during the time of his service sustained a nasty blow on the head. He was never the same afterwards. - Deceased's brother hinted that deceased was not employed by Colonel Elliott and on inquiry being made by telephone it was ascertained that Colonel Elliott kept no groom. - The wife, recalled, said her husband left home regularly every morning, apparently to go to his work at Colonel Elliott's. - P.C. Warren said on being called to Cumberland-street on Wednesday evening he sent for Dr McElwaine and attempted artificial respiration but without success. The interior fittings of the stove had been taken out and placed on the floor. The gas-tap had been turned on and the gas had run out, the meter being a penny-in-the-slot one. - Dr McElwaine said BEALE was fully dressed, with the exception of his coat. Death was due to suffocation from gas poisoning. - The Coroner said he had no doubt that deceased was out of work at the time of his death. He might, however, have led his wife to believe otherwise with the kindest possible object in view. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 December 1907
TORQUAY - Torquay Old Man's Fate. Killed By Runaway Pony. - At Torquay last evening Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest on JOSEPH PARISH, 78, gardener, of Barwell-cottages, St Marychurch, Torquay, who died in Torbay Hospital in the morning. - William H. Tamlin stated that whilst on Saturday returning from a football match with deceased, and passing through Westhill-road, which was very dark, a runaway horse attached to a trap belonging to Mr W. Bailey came down suddenly upon them and before PARISH could get out of the way he was knocked down and severely cut about the head. - William Lepin, yachtsman, gave similar evidence. - William Bailey, of Elstow-terrace, who works for his father, a cab proprietor, said on commencing the descent of Westhill the pony commenced slipping on the greasy road. He alighted and attempted to lead it, but was forced against the wall. He let go his hold and the animal went off at a gallop. He ran after it and at the bottom of the hill saw PARISH lying in the road. Lower down was the overturned trap. The pony had jumped clean out of the harness and gone home. The doctor had said his father was not to be told anything of the accident for three weeks. - Dr Laverick, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said shock and concussion were the causes of death. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until December 23rd for the attendance of Mr Bailey.

BIDEFORD - The Bideford Fatality. - At the Inquest at Bideford yesterday on RONALD SHORT, aged 14, who died in the Infirmary after falling down steps leading to a loft at Mr Clements' drapery establishment, High-street, Dr Pearson said the only external mark of violence was a wound over the right eyelid, but there was a punctured wound about the size of a threepennybit through the orbit, and three inches deep, into the brain. Mr A. Clements said no one saw the accident happen. He heard a fall, and found the lad unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. He had been quite unable to find any projection or anything which would account for such a wound as the doctor had described. - Dr Pearson said the wound might have been caused by a stick the lad might have pulled out and thrown away in the spasm of the injury. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 December 1907
EGG BUCKLAND - Sudden Death At Crownhill. The Condition Of The Road. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Crownhill on EMILY PRIDHAM, aged 51, of Willow-cottages, Crownhill. - The husband, a journeyman coachbuilder, said on Sunday evening deceased retired to rest complaining of a cold and internal pains Shortly after midnight, he was awakened by a noise and found his wife speechless. He sent for a doctor, but deceased died before his arrival. He had eight children, several of whom were living at home with him. - Dr T. Olver said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes was returned. The Jury expressed sympathy with MR PRIDHAM. - Prior to taking the evidence, the Coroner, who with the Jury went to deceased's house to view the body, remarked that he had never seen a filthier road or footpath than that which led to the house. It was a public scandal, and the attention of the authorities ought to be drawn to it. (Hear, hear.)

STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Pennycross. - At Devonport last evening Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on RICHARD SPEAR, aged 69 years, a retired farmer, residing at Pennycross. - MR W. SPEAR, butcher, Beresford-terrace, said the deceased, his father, lived with him. He had been suffering from epilepsy and had recently been obliged to keep to his bed. On Sunday morning last he had his breakfast, as usual, about ten o'clock. His (witness's) wife, on going into the back yard, discovered blood in a sink, which had come from the bath. She told him, and, running upstairs, he found deceased in the bathroom standing in a stooping position with his hands resting on the edge of the bath. A penknife was in one hand. There was blood on the floor and in the bath. His father had a small wound on the left side of the throat. Deceased had recently been very depressed, and had been heard to express a wish to be dead. he had maintained his father, who had no means of his own. He died about 10.30 on Monday evening. - Dr T. Y. Simpson said deceased had a deep, self inflicted wound on the left side of his throat. He had attended deceased for some time and was aware that he suffered acutely from epileptic fits, having sometimes as many as four in one day. He had also been very depressed. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 December 1907
EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Fatality. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exmouth on MARY ANN RENDELL, a widow, aged 77 years. Mary Jane Pascoe, a neighbour, said in Union-street, on Tuesday morning, the deceased was walking in front of her. A horse came at a tremendous pace down from the road leading to the gas house, and the deceased was knocked down either by the horse or cart. She at once ran to her and found she was dead. - William Webber said his impression was that MRS RENDELL stood still when she heard the horse coming and was struck in the head by one of the shafts. - Oswald Pidsley who was in charge of the horse and cart, and in the employ of Mr Foxlow, corn merchant, of Lympstone, said the horse was a quiet one and would pass anything on the road. On Tuesday morning he was at the gasworks loading coke, one of the stokers drove out a wheel-barrow of steaming coke close to the horse's head. The horse turned its head, knocked over the weighing machine and bolted. He ran after it, but was unable to get to its head. For some distance he held on to the cart, but was thrown to the ground. - The Coroner (Mr Cox) remarked that the witness did all he possibly could. It seemed that the horse ran away because there was no one at its head. - Mr Fredk. Mardon, superintendent of the gasworks, said the coal merchants came for coke at their own risk. If a man was required at the head of a horse the merchant would have to send two men. - Dr Stanley Thomas said deceased had a blow on the forehead quite sufficient to cause death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 December 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) on JAMES HORSHAM, a shipfitter, employed in Devonport Dockyard. - J. HORSHAM, sub-postmaster, 2 Keyham-road, said deceased, his brother, resided with him. Deceased left the house on Sunday morning to visit his sister. About 2.45 p.m. he was brought back by several sailors and witness noticed he had sustained a blow in the head. He was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness said his brother left the house perfectly sober, and he appeared to be sober when he was brought back. - The Coroner intimated that he had been informed that deceased had lately given way to drink, but this witness denied. - Edward Mayer, a points-boy, said deceased fell on to the pavement near the entrance to St. Levan-road. Witness and several sailors rushed to his assistance. - Dr Muir, Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death was the result of syncope, due to delirium tremens and accelerated by injuries to the head. In his opinion deceased was under the influence of alcohol when admitted to the Hospital. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that it was a pity relatives when asked straightforward questions did not give straightforward replies. Deceased's brother had attempted to imply that deceased was a moderate drinker, but this was evidently not so. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 December 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. Mother's Terrible Discovery. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on MERTHYL IRENE MATTS, aged seventeen months, the daughter of FREDERICK MATTS, a bargeman, residing at 22 John-street. - EDITH MATTS, mother, said she left the house about four o'clock on Monday afternoon to purchase meat. MERTHYL was then sitting in a nursing chair and there were two little boys in the room. She was absent about five minutes and on returning found the baby all ablaze, still sitting in its high chair. She snatched it up and wrapped it up in her apron and cried for assistance. The child was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. She had questioned the two little boys and according to their story, one of them took a stick of firewood from the cupboard, set a light to it, and put it to the baby's apron. She possessed a fireguard, but forgot to put it in front of the fire on this occasion. - Dr Muir, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said the child was suffering from extensive burns to arms, legs and body. There was no hope of recovery, and death occurred during the evening. - The Coroner said he had hoped to have the unique experience this winter of having no cases of the present kind to deal with. He would again urge the necessity of parents providing fireguards. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned.

BERE FERRERS - Bere Alston Infant's Death. A Dangerous Practice. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd (Coroner) held an Inquest at Bere Alston yesterday on JOHN SLEEP, the six-weeks-old son of a market gardener, of Pepper-street. - EMILY LOUISA SLEEP, mother, said she left the child - which had been healthy from birth - in bed asleep at nine o'clock on Sunday, while she attended to her household duties. At noon she went to fetch it and found it dead. It was wrapped in the bedclothes and a woollen shawl up to its shoulders. It often slept for more than three hours at a time, having been somewhat restless at night lately. - Dr Rowland Hill said death was due to suffocation, no doubt caused by the shawl. The child was well developed. There were no marks of violence. The parents were very respectable people and there was no doubt that the suffocation was quite accidental. - The Coroner said they did not doubt the entirely accidental nature of the occurrence, but he thought the case was one that called for some comment. (Hear, hear.) It was a very dangerous practice to leave young infants covered with thick woollen shawls and in this case it had cost the child its life. The Jury returned a verdict declaring Accidental Suffocation to be the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 December 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Drowned In The Teign. A Strong Swimmer's Death. - An inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday on STEPHEN JOSEPH SHORT, 46 years of age, employed as night watchman by the contractors for the Teignmouth Waterworks. - Elizabeth Brown, with whom he lodged, said his mother resided at Liskeard. He had been in the Royal Artillery, and was a very strong swimmer. He told her several times that the boat in which he crossed the river to his work leaked to such an extent that he had to bail it out with a bucket. On Sunday the boat sank and deceased said he was nearly drowned. - Robt. Headon, of Crediton, said he found the body on Wednesday morning, 150 yards from the barge used in laying the water mains across the river. He had been in the boat with deceased, and it appeared all right. - Dr Sercoe said death was due to drowning. In his opinion, deceased had a severe struggle for his life. - George Clarke, engineer, acting for the contractors, said on Tuesday night deceased would have to visit the barge once to replenish the boilers. On Wednesday morning he was told that deceased and the boat were missing. His boots, coat and cap were in the barge The missing boat was not the one which belonged to the contractors, but was owned by a man named Welsh. Deceased probably took it because it was lighter. He complained once about the contractors' boat leaking. Deceased's boat capsized on Sunday, through SHORT getting out the wrong side of the barge and the wash swamped it. When deceased complained that the boat leaked witness told him to patch it. It leaked a little, but was not dangerous, and witness had crossed the river in it since without anything being done to it. Deceased had probably not moored the boat properly to the barge, that it got adrift and being a good swimmer he took off his boots and coat and swam after it. - John Lloyd, foreman, said the boat was found down the river opposite the Teignmouth Gasworks. It was not upset and the paddles were in it. - Theodore Bulley, boatbuilder, said there was nothing wrong with the boat. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Cliff Fatality. Indian Official's Death. - At St. Marychurch, Torquay, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on OLDBURY BURNE, of Garry Lodge, Grafton-road, whose body was found on Wednesday at the base of the cliff, near the shooting butts, at Walls Hill. - Mr Oliver Toms, tailor, Torwood-street, said he had known deceased for about nine months as a customer, and as a member of the Yacht Club, of which witness was secretary. Deceased was about 42 years of age and had a wife and two children. - Mr T. Blissett, of Gray's Lodge, said he had known deceased in India, where he was employed in the Government telegraphic service. The last place he was at was Calcutta. Deceased, who was home on leave, came to Torquay about nine months ago and lived with his mother-in-law, (Mrs Travers), his wife and two small children. On Monday MR BURNE called on him; he was suffering from an affection of the legs, but was otherwise in good health. - John Gooding, caddie, said on Wednesday morning whilst on the Walls Hill Golf Links he saw deceased sitting on the edge of the cliff. He made an effort to get up by raising his body on his hands and appeared to slip away over the edge of the cliff. The body seemed to turn a somersault. - William J. Stone, labourer, said he saw deceased walk down the slope towards the edge of the cliff. Subsequently he found the body lying head downwards part way down the cliff. - Sidney Weeks said he found the body lying in a kind of a gully. The right foot was caught in a fissure. Deceased had fallen from 120ft. to 130 ft. - Dr Dalby said he had attended deceased for phlebitis. That would not occasion loss of power in the legs, although it might cause tiredness. Deceased was otherwise in good health, and a high-spirited man. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry for a week for the evidence of the widow, who was said to be in a state of collapse.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 December 1907
CHATHAM, KENT - Naval Tradesman's Suicide. Sequel To A Court-Martial. - An Inquest was held at the Townhall, Chatham, on Saturday, before Mr C. B. Harris, County Coroner, on MR ABRAHAM GEORGE MARKS (47), outfitter and dealer in Government Stores of 15 Lower Knollys-terrace, Plymouth, who committed suicide at his lodgings at Chatham on Friday morning. - Richard Charles Aldridge of Chatham, sorting clerk, and telegraphist, said the deceased had had a bedroom at his house for the past six weeks. Soon after 2.30 o'clock on Friday morning witness heard groans which he at first thought came from his dog. He afterwards found that they proceeded from the deceased's room. Witness and his wife knocked at the door and asked him if he wanted anything, and after some time the reply came "No, thanks." The groans became weaker and weaker and ultimately ceased, and as no answer could be obtained from the deceased witness became alarmed and fetched a Constable. - P.C. Pritchard said that about 4.30 a.m. he was called by the last witness. He found the deceased's bedroom door closed, with a chair against the handle to prevent it being opened. Having forced an entrance, he discovered the deceased lying on his left side on the bed dead. There was blood all over the bed and floor. Witness examined the deceased and found two extensive wounds in the throat, one across the left wrist and two across the right. A blood-stained razor with a piece of rag round the head to keep the blade firm was found under the body. A blood-stained note on one of the deceased's memorandum forms was found on the wash-stand. It read as follows:- "I awoke at just two o'clock; am paying the penalty. Do justice to Blanche. Those who understand I am perfectly sane. My papers are at the Synagogue, A. G. MARKS." - MR ALFRED MARKS who resides at Plymouth, gave evidence of identification, and said he assisted the deceased in his business. The only worry deceased had to witness's knowledge was over the Majestic court-martial. - Mr Wallace A. Watson, solicitor, Chatham, said on Monday he was watching the Majestic court-martial on behalf of the deceased. One of the witnesses, a boatswain, named Pannell, in his evidence, accused him (MARKS) of being a party to the fraud. Deceased was very much upset by this, as the result of the allegations in all probability would be that he would not be allowed by the Admiralty to trade on the ships, which was the principal part of his business in Chatham. On Thursday evening the deceased came to his office looking very strange. He had a sort of haunted look in his eyes, and said detectives were watching him at every street corner, and he was afraid that if he left witness's office he would be arrested. Deceased declared there were two detectives on the other side of the way, but witness on looking out could not see anybody there Deceased, however, insisted that he could see them, and said, "I am paying the penalty." Witness asked him what penalty, and he said, "The penalty of telling the truth to the Police." Deceased then talked business matters over quite rationally, but later his mind drifted away again he commenced crying. Witness believed the deceased's mind was unhinged on account of something he had heard in the afternoon regarding Pannell, a boatswain. Deceased had nothing to fear in regard to the allegations made by Pannell. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 December 1907
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Scalding Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on DAISY EVELYN ROWDEN, aged 5 years, of Cobourg-lane, who died that morning. The child, while in a room by herself on Saturday, upset a kettle of boiling water, severely scalding her chest, arms and neck. She was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. Remarkable Conduct Of Servant. - At Devonport yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on the child of MARY JANE ELLICOTT, a domestic servant. - Mrs Waycott, of Tamar-terrace, Stoke, said the girl, about 28 years of age and single, was in her employ and ELLICOTT came downstairs as usual on Sunday morning and witness at once asked her what was the matter. She replied, nothing. On going upstairs witness noticed signs which aroused her suspicions. She questioned ELLICOTT, who denied having given birth to a child. On going to the girl's box she was convinced that her first suspicions were correct. Under the bed she noticed a parcel, the outer covering of which was the cloth of ELLICOTT'S box. On turning back a portion of the covering she caught sight of the foot of a baby. She rang for the girl, and further questioned her. Again she denied that she had given birth to a child. Witness cautioned her about telling untruths, and she then admitted the fact, adding, "Do forgive me." About 3.15 p.m. the same day she accompanied the girl to the house of her friends, as she refused to go to bed or to the Infirmary. - In answer to the Jury, Mrs Waycott said about four months since she told the girl if her suspicions were correct she would have to leave at once She gave the girl notice last week. No preparations had been made for the birth. ELLICOTT had been in her service for nine months. It was not the first child she had had. Chief Constable Matters: The baby was wrapped in a long white quilt. The parcel could only be seen by looking under the bed. No part of the body was visible. - Dr Pullen said he was called to Tamar-terrace and saw ELLICOTT fully dressed and wearing cap and apron. He told her she ought to be in bed, but she persisted in declining to go to bed or to the Infirmary. It was not a fully developed child. There was unmistakable evidence that it had breathed, and there was no doubt that it would have been living then had it received the usual attention and care. There were no marks of violence. The child was evidently dead when placed into the parcel. The girl gave birth to the child and doubtlessly became faint, leaving it unattended. - The Chief Constable: Was there any concealment of the dead body of the child? - None, whatever. - The Coroner, in summing up, said they were indebted to Mrs Waycott for coming forward and they sympathized with her in the unpleasant experience she had gone through. He expressed the opinion that the girl had not expected that the birth would occur so soon and in consequence had made no preparations. It appeared as if concealment was made on the face of it, but after the evidence of the doctor that was altered somewhat. That, however, would be a matter for other authorities to decide. - A verdict to the effect that death was due to Want of Attention at Birth was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 December 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Tragedy. Husband Confesses To The Murder Of His Wife. Conflicting Accounts. Sordid Story Of Domestic Unhappiness. - A murder which at first seemed quite inexplicable, but which on further investigation proved to be an act of revenge, was committed in the small hours of yesterday morning in a rack-rented house in High-street, Stonehouse. The deceased is FLORENCE CROOK, 21 years of age, and on his own confession, her husband, GEORGE CROOK, navvy, about 27 years of age, was yesterday morning charged before Mr Isaac Pearse, in the Stonehouse Police Court, with her murder. The accused, who was, on the application of Superintendent Crooke, remanded for a week, appeared comparatively cool and had nothing to say in reply to the charge. He was later present at the Inquest on his wife, held by Mr R. R. Rodd at the Townhall. He looked pale and on first appearing twirled his light brown moustache nervously. There was little, however, in his demeanour to indicate that he realised the enormity of the crime with which he is charged. He sat upright during the short time the Inquest occupied, and followed his father-in-law's evidence, when he identified his daughter's body, quite calmly, on one occasion supplying in a sprightly manner, information concerning his full name, which Mr Fildew was unable to give. His hair was dishevelled and he wore no collar or tie. He is of average height and sparely built. - A Voluntary Confession. - About half-past nine yesterday morning accused presented himself to Inspector Joslin at Stonehouse Police Station. Looking over the dwarf door which separates the private part of the office, he announced in quite a matter-of-fact way that he wished to give himself up for the murder of his wife. Inspector Joslin, an officer of many years' service, who was not a little startled, cautioned the man that statements he made might be used in evidence against him. CROOK replied that he knew quite well what he was doing. He was accordingly detained pending an investigation. - What The Police Found. - Inspector Joslin communicated with Superintendent Crooke, and in a very short time the officers presented themselves at the door of No. 17 High-street. Their inquiry for MRS CROOK caused not the slightest perturbation among the other five tenants of the house. The ground-floor tenant was appealed to, and replied quite unconcernedly, "I don't know whether they are up yet." The Police Officers made their way upstairs to the CROOKS' bedroom. There they found the wife dead in bed. Neither in the bed nor elsewhere about the room were there traces of a struggle. Prisoner stated that he strangled his wife and the partially-discoloured face, as well as certain marks on the neck, pointed to death by strangulation. Whether the unhappy woman met her death while asleep, or that the tragedy was preceded by a violent quarrel, it is impossible to say. Those tenants at 17 High-street, whom our representative interviewed emphatically stated that they knew of no high words passing between the couple. That they were totally ignorant of the crime that had been committed there can be no doubt, but there are those who offer direct contradiction to their statements that the CROOKS were a loving couple. The scene of the tragedy is a poor sort of house, and domestic quarrels which would appear serious to persons higher in the social scale might pass unnoticed by its tenants. - Neighbours' Impressions. - These people are unable to say what relations existed between the man and wife immediately before the tragedy. Their acquaintance with the CROOKS does not extend beyond six weeks. All they know of their earlier history is that they had been married about three years and before coming to Stonehouse had lived in Plymouth. They had one child - a girl about 2 ¼ years old, - which, for reasons unknown to them, lived with prisoner's mother. CROOK, they understood, had at one time been in the Royal Navy. He was now in delicate health, suffering from consumption and had consequently been unable to follow any regular employment. He was believed to be drawing sick pay from a friendly society. They appeared to be a most loving couple; indeed, it was said their mutual affection at times led them into childish excesses. The tenants would not believe that CROOK had actually murdered his wife. It was even suggested by them that possibly he awoke to find his wife, whom they affirmed suffered from a weak heart, lying dead by his side and then in a state of bewilderment, accentuated by his own indifferent health, rushed off and accused himself of a crime which had never been committed. This is a point, of course, which the post-mortem examination might be expected to clear up. Mrs Chapman, as well as other tenants, stated that MR and MRS CROOK on Thursday amused themselves with a gramophone during a great part of the day, and at one time were seen playfully throwing oranges at one another. MRS CROOK is said to have made considerable preparations for her Christmas table, and to have arranged to spend a portion of the holiday with her husband's mother at Plymouth. - "Could Stand Her No Longer." - Whatever opinion neighbours at Stonehouse may have entertained concerning the CROOKS, their view of the relations existing between the man and his wife is certainly not endorsed by the relatives on either side. And more than that, the prisoner has himself thrown a lurid light on is domestic unhappiness and stated the motive of his crime. The murder was committed at half-past two, and prisoner did not present himself at the Police Station until seven hours afterwards. The interval, or at least a portion of it, he spent with his sister at Chudleigh-road, Lipson Vale, Plymouth. He presented himself at that address about seven o'clock, apparently with the object of seeing his mother, who, however, was away nursing an invalid. He found his way to a younger sister's bedroom and startled her not a little by his wild appearance and still more by the confession he subsequently made. He told the girl he "had done for FLO," adding that he could "stand her no longer." The sister refused to believe the story, and despite his reiteration of the confession could not realise that her brother had really committed any offence so serious. Accused left soon after with the avowed intention of surrendering to the Police. The girl remained in a state of uncertainty on the matter until the afternoon. then corroboration of the story came to hand and she braced herself for the trying ordeal of breaking the news to the widowed mother. - A Sordid Tale. - The sister had a sad tale of domestic unhappiness to unfold. She said CROOK and his wife had been married between two and three years, and had lived at several addresses. It was because of their frequent changes of residence that the child had been left in its grandmother's keeping. Prisoner, she said, left the Royal Navy some years ago, and since that time had worked, when his health permitted, as a navvy. For a long time he had lived unhappily with his wife, and once they parted, but there seemed enough affection between them to bring them together again. She alleged that deceased continually taunted her husband that she could get much finer birds and did not want him. The sister even went so far as to say that deceased had not hesitated to make this discreditable boast in the presence of MRS CROOK, sen., and members of her family. Persons who were neighbours of the CROOKS during the time they resided at Plymouth, state that deceased had from time to time shown marks which she alleged her husband had caused, so that it would appear their quarrels were occasionally of a violent character. - A Quarrel - The relatives of deceased are equally emphatic in their assertion that the couple lived unhappily together, although they apportion the blame differently. The father remarked that if his daughter had not proved an ideal wife it was easily explained. A younger sister of deceased who was at High-street on Thursday afternoon told our representative that the couple were quarrelling the whole of the afternoon. She said her sister told accused she did not want him, and he could go and drown himself. She states that a blow aimed at deceased missed its mark and that soon after this incident CROOK left the house. - Deceased's Mother's Grief. - MRS FILDEW, wife of a labourer, residing t No. 20 Westaria-terrace, Pennycross, and mother of the murdered woman, was stricken with grief when a Police Officer, in the afternoon, told her that her daughter had been found dead. Later she gained the whole truth of the terrible affair. MRS FILDEW, who has had nineteen children, five of whom are now alive, said her daughter's Christian name was FLORENCE and was 22 years old last March. She had been married about three years, the wedding taking place at Pennycross. There was only one child of the marriage, a little girl, born six weeks after the wedding. - "Did your daughter and her husband live a happy life, " asked our reporter. "No," came the emphatic answer, "far from happy. He was cruel to her, and frequently gave her black eyes. On one occasion he took up a razor for my daughter, and threatened to do for her." - MRS FILDEW also stated that the accused had been in both the army and navy, but did not make anything of either. Asked if he had been in bad health, she replied in the negative. - Murdered Woman's History. - In July 1906, the deceased woman was summoned for keeping a disorderly house in Summerland-place. In consequence of information reaching the Chief Constable, and defendant's youth, he asked the Bench's permission to withdraw the summons and this was given. In December 1905 the deceased summoned her husband for wife desertion and a separation order was granted, the accused to pay 7s. 6d. per week. However, the couple soon came together again, but complaints were frequently made at the Plymouth Police Station by the deceased of her husband's cruelty. It is stated that the deceased was hardly ever without a black eye, and it is alleged that in consequence of an assault being committed on her by her husband deceased had to undergo an operation at the Hospital. Both the Chief Constable and Mr S. Carden, the Police Court Missionary, have done all in their power to persuade the deceased to give up the immoral life she led and MRS CROOK promised she would, but it does not appear that she kept her promise. Deceased is said to have been a woman of very fair appearance, having a wealth of black hair. - Cause Of Death. - To describe the cause of death as strangulation is hardly correct. When the result of the post-mortem is made known, death will probably be described as the result of throttling as death was inflicted by pressure of the hand, and not by the use of a piece of string. - Prisoner In Court. - There were very few persons in Stonehouse Police Court when the accused was brought before Mr Isaac Pearse, and those had no idea of the grave charge which was to be preferred. - Superintendent Crooke said he would only submit evidence to justify a remand. - Inspector Joslin deposed that prisoner came into the Police Station and said "I wish to give myself up for murder." He asked the man whether he knew what he was saying. He replied, "I wish to make a full confession." He was cautioned that whatever he said would be taken down in writing and used as evidence, to which he answered "Yes. I murdered my wife this morning about two o'clock at 17 High-street." - Superintendent Crooke: After the statement made by prisoner, you accompanied me to 17 High-street, and there saw a woman lying dead in bed? - Yes. - The Magistrate (to Prisoner): Have you any objection to being remanded for a week? - Prisoner: No. CROOK was then remanded in custody. Inquest Opened. - At 4 o'clock Mr R. R. Rodd opened the Inquest Accused was present in custody Mr O. R. Matthews was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner explained the circumstances to the Jury, and said he proposed to call evidence of identification to enable him to give a certificate for the burial of the body, and then adjourn until January 3rd, when the Police would be ready with the whole details and a post-mortem examination would have been held. - CHARLES JAMES FILDEW, labourer, of 20 Westaria-terrace, Pennycross, said the body was that of his daughter, FLORENCE CROOK, who was 21 years of age last birthday. She was the wife of GEORGE CROOK. - The Coroner: Is that his full name? - Accused (promptly): GEORGE ROBERT, sir. - Proceeding, FILDEW stated that CROOK was a labourer, and married the deceased about two and a half years ago. There was one child before marriage. He had not seen much of his daughter since her marriage, but gathered from his wife that she and her husband got on badly. - The Inquest was then adjourned until January 3rd, at two o'clock. A photograph of GEORGE CROOK, the self-accused murderer, appears in the second edition of "The Illustrated Western Weekly News" today (Saturday), together with full details of the crime.

STOKE DAMEREL - Yew Poisoning. Extraordinary Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, on HERBERT WILLIAM ATTWELL, aged 30 years. - William Wenmouth, removal contractor, Stoke-terrace, said deceased, a relation by marriage, was employed by him as foreman. He last saw him on Sunday evening when he left the stables. Recently, he had appeared somewhat depressed and not to be quite himself, but never threatened to take his life. Deceased was a very temperate man. - Dr Ralph Pullen said he was called to the Milehouse Cemetery on the previous afternoon, and there found deceased lying near a bush, dead. He was shown a piece of yew which had been taken from the man's pocket. A post-mortem examination revealed that ATTWELL had eaten a considerable quantity of yew leaves. Yew contained a very active poison called toxine and was found mostly in the leaves. It set up giddiness and vomiting and irregularity of the heart and afterwards collapse. ATTWELL'S death was due to poisoning through eating yew leaves. A yew tree was growing about 30 yards from the spot where deceased was lying. - Frederick Moss, a youth, living in Cambridge-road, said he went to Milehouse Cemetery on the previous day to see his uncle, cemetery superintendent. Not finding him, he looked around and saw a man lying in the hedge. He ran home and told his uncle. - William H. May, cemetery superintendent, said he found deceased lying in the hedge with his head hanging back and holding his hat in his hand. He was dead. Leaves had been picked from a yew tree thirty yards away. - P.C. Niney said he found a considerable quantity of yew in the pockets of deceased. - The Coroner described the case as a remarkable one, and said there were very few cases on record of the yew poisoning. It was apparent that deceased had eaten a considerable quantity of yew. They could hardly accept the view that he took the leaves in hunger. He ate them evidently with the intention of taking his life. - The Foreman of the Jury remarked that he believed deceased lost his memory after leaving home on Sunday evening. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ALICE MAUD HADDON, aged 13, of Staddon-cottages. The girl was taken suddenly ill on Thursday and succumbed to syncope before the arrival of Dr Aikman.

CREDITON - Crediton Baker's Death. - MR THOMAS GALE, baker, Park-street, Crediton, on Thursday went with his pony and trap to Hellions Mill for flour. He left the mill, which is a mile and a half from Crediton, about 9.30 p.m. and nothing more was heard of him until 7 o'clock yesterday morning, when Mr Dicker, of Hellions Barton, on his way to Exeter, found him in the road dead. The trap was damaged, and the four sacks of flour were in the road. The trap might have been overloaded and upset on rounding a bend in the road. Deceased must have lain in the road all night, as it is only about a quarter of an hour's drive from the mill to the spot where the accident occurred. The pony, which is not seriously injured, was found close to the spot. MR GALE, who was about 38 years of age, leaves a widow and two young children. - At the Inquest last evening, Mr Dicker said the deceased was lying flat on his back, with his hands on his chest. Attention ought to be called to the spot, as it was very dangerous. It would be very easy for the trap to over-balance. - P.C. Hunt, of Sandford, said the stock of the wheel of the trap and the spokes were broken, and the lamp smashed. There was a sharp turn at the spot. Probably the deceased kept out too far in turning and got into a ditch, about 18 inches deep, and that broken the stock of the wheel. It was a very dangerous spot. - Richard Moore, miller, said deceased took four bags of flour and this weighed about 8 cwt. It was more than he was in the habit of taking and he told him it was rather a heavy load for a little pony and trap. He replied he thought it would take it all right. - DR L. H. Morser said deceased had been dead five or six hours when found. Death was due to concussion of the brain. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said deceased might have become conscious for a minute or two, and put himself in the position in which he was found. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked that the attention of the Rural District Council be called to this dangerous spot.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 December 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - Inquest At Bovey Tracey. - An Inquest was held by Mr Sidney Hacker (Coroner) on Saturday at Bovey Tracey on WALTER HAYWOOD, aged 54 years, who died on the same day. Mr Robinson watched the proceedings on behalf of the Pottery Co. - Thomas Pook, of Barnstaple, brother-in-law, said deceased was a brick and tile maker and lately in the employ of the Bovey Tracey Pottery Co. - HARRY HAYWOOD, a brother, said on October 17th, they were both digging clay. When the accident occurred deceased was attempting to lift a large lump, which he (witness) considered was too heavy and consequently proceeded to chop it again. Just as he was bringing the two heal down, deceased must have put his hand to lift the lump again, with the result that the digger cut his thumb into the bone. Deceased said "It was a pure accident and it was no fault of yours my boy." - Dr H. Murray Agnew, Bovey Tracey, said he attended deceased for the cut thumb. After some day, seeing it did not heal, he consulted Mr H. Goodwyn, F.R.C.S. who decided to take off the top of the thumb to the first joint. Deceased seemed to improve, but after a time he began to feel sick and his shoulder began to swell. Mr Goodwyn then performed another operation, but the man died. - The Jury returned a verdict that "Death was caused by Blood Poisoning, the result of a wound on the thumb." - The Foreman conveyed their deepest sympathy to the widow. - Mr W. Robinson (managing director of the Bovey Tracey Pottery Co.) wished to say how much they deplored the accident. Deceased was a man of the highest respectability. He had been in their employ all his working life.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 December 1907
TORQUAY - The Westhill Fatality. - At Torquay yesterday the County Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) resumed the Inquest on JOSEPH PARISH, 72, gardener, of Westhill, who was killed in Westhill-road on November 30th, by being knocked down by a runaway horse. Mr W. Bailey, the owner of the horse and trap attended and stated that when the pony collided with the wall he was thrown back in the trap, and although he held the reins he could not control the animal. He knew nothing more until he found himself in bed at his home. - The Borough Surveyor (Mr H. A. Garrett) said the Westhill-road was an old parish road, little better than a country lane, but negotiations were in progress for widening and lighting it. - Inspector Pratt said at present the lighting was very bad. The road was more used than formerly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 December 1907
OKEHAMPTON - An Inquest was held at Okehampton on Tuesday on SAMUEL BUTCHER, a labourer. BUTCHER'S wife said he lived at Ashburton, was 32 years of age, had been in the army and was in receipt of reserve pay. she last saw him in Ashburton Police Court, where he appeared on a warrant for arrears under a maintenance order. Sarah Smith, who slept in the same room with him, said BUTCHER had been in ill-health for some time. The landlord of the Plymouth Inn (Mr Northcott) said he found the deceased dead in bed on Tuesday morning. the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 27 December 1907
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Railway Fatality. Verdict of "Accidental Death. - At Barnstaple yesterday Mr A. Bencraft, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM DELAMORE, 40, engine-driver, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, whose decapitated body was found at the Great Western Station, Barnstaple, on Christmas-day. The Company were represented by Mr T. Shattock, chief inspector, Exeter; Mr W. Phillips, locomotive superintendent, Bristol; and Mr C. H. A. Withy, Stationmaster at Barnstaple. - The widow said her husband when he left their home in Georges-street, Taunton, about 1.30 on Tuesday, was in his usual spirits. He was of temperate habits as far as she knew and was not subject to fainting fits. - Mr Greenaway, engine fitter, spoke to seeing deceased arrive with his light engine from Taunton and saw him again at 6.10 on the platform, when he had prepared his engine for the return journey. The man was then perfectly sober and witness reminded him of the time his train would be due, to which he replied, "All right." Deceased was a moderate man. Witness did not know why he did it, but in a joke, being holiday time, he called to DELAMORE "No half-pints, WILLIAM: your train's due." - In answer to the Jury, witness said deceased had no right to leave the engine. - Alfred Paskey, foreman porter, said he shunted a train on to the bay line on Tuesday night at 10.30. He neither saw nor heard anything of the deceased. - Wm. Wakeley, engine-driver, who took the train into the bay line, said he whistled before running in. He felt nothing when they ran in. He was acquainted with deceased, who was a very steady man, a good all-round fellow, and a brilliant workman. - Miss Burrows, bar attendant at the Station Refreshment-room, said DELAMORE came in about a quarter after six on Tuesday evening and had a pint of beer. He appeared to be quite sober and was only there about three minutes. - The fireman who came from Taunton with deceased on the light engine also deposed that DELAMORE was quite sober. - George Fursdon, carriage examiner, spoke to finding the body on Christmas morning. Four carriage wheels had gone over the neck, and the head was practically severed. - Mr Withy, Stationmaster, described the position of the body as lying as though the man had been asleep. He could not account for the man being where he was found. - The Coroner: He might have tumbled off the platform? - If he had been on the platform someone would have seen him. - Mr W. Cooper said the upper part of the chest and neck were crushed, and the head practically severed from the body, these injuries causing death. - The Coroner said he could not quite conceive how a man, knowing the Station as deceased did, could have got in the position he was found unless he was not quite himself, and there was no evidence of that. Nor was there any evidence of a suicidal nature, except perhaps the position of the body, but that was consistent with sleep. Certainly he thought the safest verdict would be an open one. - After a retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 December 1907
PARRACOMBE - At an Inquest at Parracombe held by the North Devon Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) on FRANCES ELIZABETH BRAY, infant daughter of the occupier of Walmer Farm, evidence was given that whilst MRS BRAY was attending to her work, deceased got possession of a bottle with carbolic acid in it and drank some. Dr Atkinson, of Lynton, who administered an emetic and did all that was possible, said death was due to carbolic acid poisoning, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. The Body Identified. - Mr Albert Gard (Deputy Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on an unknown male person, who died suddenly on Christmas-day. - R. W. Wilson, gunnery instructor, R.N., said that about 1.15 p.m. on Wednesday he was walking up Newpassage-hill, when he saw deceased lying on the ground in the arms of a man who was a stranger to him. he was vomiting blood and witness put his handkerchief over his mouth and carried him to the Hospital, assisted by two other men. - John Woodman, town porter, 23 Pembroke-street, said he saw deceased holding on to a tramway post. He was bleeding from the nose and mouth and was about to fall when witness caught him in his arms. He looked very strange and witness laid him on the ground and afterwards assisted to remove him to the Hospital. - Dr E. A. Shirvell, House Surgeon, said that when brought to the Hospital, deceased was bleeding from the nose and mouth, the blood being a bright red colour. He was quite unconscious and gave about half a dozen breaths. Witness saw that he was practically dead, and he died a few minutes after being admitted. - On making a post-mortem examination, witness found no marks of external violence. The right lung was extensively affected with tuberculosis. There were several cavities and into a large one an artery had burst and all the air passages were filled with blood. The heart was extensively diseased and weighed 22 ounces instead of about 12 ounces. The cause of death was haemorrhage following the bursting of the artery. The body was well nourished. In witness's opinion deceased had been temperate and had probably been without food two or three hours. - P.C. Hingston said there was nothing on the deceased by which he could be identified. In his pockets were 2s. 3 ¼d., a knife, and seven keys. The Police had been unable to ascertain who the man was. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and thanked the witnesses who removed the deceased to the Hospital. - Deceased was last night identified as CHARLES ANDREWS, aged 45, of 20 Morice-square. He was a painter by trade and a widower, and was on his way to Ford to have dinner with friends when he collapsed on Newpassage-hill.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 December 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - Chudleigh Child Neglect. Mother Censured. - Six weeks ago, NELLIE GARDNER, a 17-year-old girl, belonging to Chudleigh, was charged before the Newton magistrates with neglecting her child, which had been taken to the Workhouse by the Police. The Bench adjourned the case for six weeks to see how defendant behaved herself, as in consequence of her youth they were reluctant to send her to prison. When she went to the Workhouse for her baby, the Medical Officer refused to allow it to be removed. It remained there until Tuesday morning when it died, and the magistrates again adjourned the case pending the result of the Inquest. This was held by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner. The evidence given at the Police Court proceedings was in part repeated. - Dr Scrase, Medical Officer at the Workhouse, stated that death was due to rickets, brought about by improper feeding. - NELLIE GARDNER, mother of the child, was cautioned by the Coroner, but said she did not wish to give evidence. - The Coroner, summing up, said the Jury had to decide whether the child died in consequence of being neglected and treated in an improper manner. If so, the mother was responsible in law. Poverty was not an excuse, as if she was in need she should have applied to the Poor Law. - The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from Rickets, but taking into consideration the youth of the mother, they were of opinion that there was not any criminal neglect. At the request of the Jury, the Coroner censured the mother.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 December 1907
DARTMOUTH - Seaman's Sad Death. - The s.s. Ripon, of West Hartlepool, 2,965 tons, Baltimore for Rotterdam, arrived at Dartmouth yesterday morning and reported the death of one of her crew, GEORGE JACKSON, A.B., while at sea, as the result of an accident. At the Inquest which was held in the afternoon, Capt. Doherty stated on Monday, December 23rd, he was on the bridge at 2.30 a.m., the ship being then on lat. 48.30 deg. N., long. 36.30 deg. W., with strong gale and heavy sea, and the decks full of water. He saw a dark object floating about the deck, which proved to be the deceased, who was badly bruised about the head and appeared to have been washed against the bulwarks or the hatch, as he was on duty at the time. He was taken into the chart-room unconscious, never fully recovering consciousness up to the time of his death on Sunday and could give no account of how the accident happened. - Corroborative evidence was given by the second mate and one of the crew. - Dr J. H. Harris said he found the face and head severely bruised, lower jaw fractured and the base of the skull was also fractured. In his opinion death was due to injury of the brain, caused by fracture of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Deceased was 34 years of age, single and was supposed to belong to Rochester.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES BAKER, aged 75. Evidence was given by C. A. Cole, son-in-law, to the effect that he found his father unconscious in the passage on Thursday and removed him to bed, sending for Dr Pearse. - Dr J. S. Pearse said deceased died on Sunday of cerebral haemorrhage. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on EMMA BAZELEY, aged 82, George Conybeare, shoemaker, of Gasking-street, said he heard cries of "Fire" on Friday and went to the bedroom of deceased, who usually went to bed with a candle burning in the room. He found her clothing afire, and the candle burning at her side. She died early on Sunday morning. - John Tall said when he entered the room deceased's clothes were burned down to her waist. She was unconscious and he put out the fire and placed her in bed. Dr H. B. Palmer said it was evident from the beginning that deceased could not recover and death was due to shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Fatal Fall. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on ANN SPURWAY, aged 66 years, who died in the Workhouse Infirmary on Sunday. Deceased who was the wife of a pensioner living in Pembroke-street, fell downstairs in September last. She sustained a fractured thigh which necessitated her removal to the Infirmary. There the thigh was sent under chloroform. She eventually passed away as the result of congestion of the lungs, following the fracture. Evidence was given by the husband and Dr Sandford, also by Mr Pettyjohns, who resided in the same house as deceased and her husband. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.