Hide
hide
Hide

Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1908

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:-  Abbott(2); Adamson; Agland; Alderson; Allen(2); Andrews; Ayshford; Bailey; Baker(4); Bannaford; Barnes; Bartlett; Barwick; Bath; Bearne; Beer; Bellamy; Benney; Bickle(3); Blackett; Bolton; Bourne; Boylan; Bradford; Brannam; Braunton; Brocksop; Brooks; Brown(2); Bryant; Burgman; Burley; Butler; Cameron; Carlyle; Caunter; Cawley; Cawse; Chamberlain; Chapman; Childs; Ching; Churchward; Clancy; Clark(2); Clarke; Coakley; Cole; Coles; Collings; Collins; Collison; Condy; Coombes; Coombs; Corby; Cory; Couch; Cowls; Cridford; Crocker; Croot; Crossing; Crowther; Dangar; Dart; Dawe; Dean; Demellweek; Diggines; Down; Drew(2); Dunn(2); Eastmond; Eddy; Edgcombe; Edwards(2); Edyvean; Evans; Farthing; Fitzgerald; Forder; Fowler; Furse; Gale; Garlick; Garrett; Gibson; Goad; Goddard; Godfrey; Goffin; Goodman; Gordon; Gottwaltz; Grist; Gummer; Hall; Hanford; Hannaford; Harder; Harper; Harris(3); Hart; Haynes; Hayward; Hearl; Higginson; Hill; Hingston; Hitchens; Hoar; Hocking; Hodge; Hogg; Holberton; Honywill; Hookway; Hornsby; Horton; Hurford; Hurrell; Huxham; Ikin; Jackson(2); Jenkins; Johnson; Johnston; Jones; Keast; Kelly; Kentisbeare; King; Kingwell; Lambe; Lang(2); Lavers; Lear; Lethbridge; Lock; Lockyear; Lord; Lower; Luscombe(3); Luxton; Mallett; Manley; Mansfield; Mapp; Marks; Martin; Matthews(3); Mayne; McCarthy; Millard; Miller; Mitchell; Molyneux; Moorman; Morris; Mortimore; Moses; Moss; Moyes; Mumford; Musgrave; Nation; Norman; Northey; Northway(2); Olver; Oxnam; Palmer(2); Parken; Parr; Passmore; Pearson; Pedrick; Pengelly(2); Penny(3); Peppin; Perrin; Phillips(2); Pile; Pollard; Popplestone; Prowse; Pullman; Purchase; Pyke; Reeves; Rendall; Rendle; Revell; Rice; Richardson; Riordan; Rogers; Rone; Rook; Ross; Rowlands; Runge; Rusk; Russell(2); Ryder; Sabrey; Sage; Salisbury; Salmon; Salter; Sampson; Sanders; Santillo; Saunders; Scoble; Scoles; Sercombe; Shapland; Shapter; Shelton; Shepherd; Sheppard; Sherriff; Sisley; Slee; Smerdon; Smith(3); Speke; Spencer(2); Spraggs; Springett; Squire; Squires; Stainer; Standham; Stebbings; Stephens; Stevens; Stewart; Stockman; Stone; Symons; Thomas(3); Tolcher; Tollervey; Tooley; Treneman; Tucker; Tyrrell; Vernon; Vicary; Wackett; Waldron; Walkey; Wallace; Walters; Warren; Waterman; Webster; Westaway; Westgate; Wheeler; Whitelock; Whitwell; Williams; Willmott; Wills; Wilson(2); Woodland; Woolway; Wyatt(3); Wyberg; Wyman.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 January 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Woman's Death. - At Stonehouse last evening Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on ELIZABETH ANN BOYLAN, 45, widow of a naval stoker, living at George-street, Stonehouse, found dead in bed on Sunday morning. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, who had made a post-mortem examination, said all the internal organs were very unhealthy. Her fatty condition was, in his opinion, due to continually taking "nips" of alcoholic drink. Death was due to asphyxia. He found the face buried in the bedclothes and surmised that she had a fit and was suffocated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. Effect Of The Cold. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on SOPHIA STAINER, aged 49, wife of RICHARD H. STAINER, painter, 6 Hotham-place, Devonport. The husband stated that he and his wife spent the Christmas with friends in the Isle of Wight, returning home on Saturday, 28th ult. On the following Wednesday she became ill, but expected to be able to get up that evening. She had to remain in bed and on Friday became worse and a doctor was sent for, but she died the same night. Witness believed that death was due to exposure to cold and [?] over the journey to and from the Isle of Wight. - Dr Ralph Pullen said when he was called on Friday morning deceased was partly conscious and her pulse was feeble. He could detect nothing wrong with the heart. He thought the journey acted on her nerves so he administered a remedy and prescribed for her and then left. About 11.30 p.m. he was sent for again and went at once and found that deceased had died. On making a post-mortem examination he found considerable congestion of both lungs and evidence of old pleurisy in the left lung. The liver and kidneys were not quite healthy. the internal organs were very pallid, especially the heart. He was of opinion that death was due to syncope, accelerated by exposure to cold and lack of sufficient nourishment. Her digestive powers must have been so feeble that she would be unable to take sufficient food. The Coroner: There is no question that there was sufficient food for her. - The Husband: We got everything she required. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and expressed sympathy with the husband.

PLYMOUTH - Mate's Death At the Wheel. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN ALEXANDER HOGG, mate of the steamship 'Ville d'Em'. Alexander Ballander, able seaman, of Manchester, said the Ville de'Em was from Liverpool to Swansea, and on Saturday at 7.30 a.m. was off the Longshore. Deceased was on the bridge at the wheel, and was seemingly in good health. Suddenly he took three steps towards witness and then fell. He died soon afterwards. A heavy sea was running at the time. The Captain called in at Plymouth where the deceased was landed. Dr f. M. Williams, who had made a post mortem examination, said death was due to syncope and was accelerated by the cold weather. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. It was stated that the deceased resided at Aberdeen and leaves a widow and family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 January 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Immersion. Devonport Coal Porter's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Morice Town Schools, Devonport, yesterday, on JOHN HENRY WARREN, aged 48 years, a coal porter, who resided in John's-street. - Mrs Pearce, wife of a chief stoker, R.N., said deceased was subject to fits. - William Doidge, coal porter, Moon-street, said deceased was engaged with a number of other porters in unloading the s.s. Medway at Tamar Wharf about 7 a.m. on December 27th. The work was in progress, when deceased slipped whilst crossing the plank from the shore to the ship and fell into the water. A porter named Swabey jumped in after him and kept him afloat until a boat was brought around and deceased was taken on board and subsequently ashore. The morning was fairly dark, but there were plenty of lights about. In his (witness's) opinion deceased was taken a "bit queer." - Frederick Blight, John-street, who was in charge of the gang of man unloading the Medway on the morning in question, said he heard a cry of "Man Overboard!" and running to the side of the wharf noticed two men in the water. Both were rescued and subsequently proceeded to their homes. - William Swabey, another coal porter, said on hearing the cry of "Man Overboard!" he jumped into the water and went to the assistance of deceased. The latter caught hold of a rope and was taken on board a boat which had been brought around. - Dr G. A. Rae said he visited deceased on the 8th inst. and found him in a critical condition, suffering from double pneumonia. He advised his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary, but deceased refused to go. Death occurred on the following morning. Dr Rae explained that deceased was formerly attended by Dr T. Rolston, who had advised his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. Dr Rolston had been called away to Princetown to take on the duties of Dr Murray, who was assaulted by convicts a few days ago. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that he was convinced that had deceased taken the doctor's advice and entered the Infirmary he would have recovered. He strongly commended the heroic conduct of Swabey. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and Swabey was warmly commended for his bravery.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 January 1908
PAIGNTON - The Paignton Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Paignton yesterday on MS KINGWELL, of Well-street, who on Friday was thrown from a trap on the Totnes-road. - Charles Doble, a lad of 12, in the employ of Mrs Wyatt, of Goodrington, said on Friday they went to Totnes Market in Mrs Wyatt's two-wheeled market cart and MRS KINGWELL went with them. He had been with Mrs Wyatt and driven the pony for about a fortnight and had not known it shy. A steam traction engine on the road near Blagdon Barton on the return journey was pulled to the side to allow a motor bus to pass. MRS KINGWELL was driving the pony, which went past the traction engine, but opposite the second truck shied and tried to run into the bridge. Then the trap fell over. there was a threshing machine at work in a field as they passed the engine, and he thought the pony shied at the steam coming over the hedge from the thresher. Mrs Wyatt suggested to MRS KINGWELL that she should hold up her hand as a signal to the traction men to help the pony past the engine, but MRS KINGWELL said she would manage the pony. - Wm. Henry Shepherd said he was cycling from Paignton to Totnes and saw the traction engine pull up to allow the motor bus to pass and it waited still by the side of the road for the trap to pass. The pony seemed to go by very well but made a sudden plunge opposite the second truck as if to go into the hedge; the trap fell back and the occupants were all thrown out, MRS KINGWELL being under the big wheel. He assisted to get her into the trap and she died just as he did so. The roadway was 18 or 20 feet wide and the space between the traction engine and the rut nearest the hedge, which the pony tried to jump was 8 feet. Dr Newling said death was due to fracture of the skull. - Arthur Chapman, the driver of the traction engine, said the engine was pulled up to let the other vehicles pass and there was not the slightest escape of steam or noise, nor anything to frighten the pony. There was nothing to explain the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and declared that no blame was attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 January 1908
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns yesterday held two Inquests at Plymouth. The first was n THOMAS HURRELL, a Crimean veteran, aged 71, found dead in bed at 36 Richmond-street, Plymouth on Sunday. Dr Hamilton attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

PLYMOUTH - The second Inquest was held at Lisson-grove, Plymouth, on WILLIAM GEORGE BARWICK, aged three months, son of MR WILLIAM R. BARWICK, butcher. The father said the child slept with his parents and on Sunday morning, on witness awakening, he found deceased dead, nestling close to his mother. Dr Simpson said death was due to suffocation.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 January 1908
BIDEFORD - Hartland Doctor's Death. - DR HENRY MILLER, of Hartland, died suddenly at Bideford on Tuesday. He was about 67 years of age and had come in from Hartland to Bideford. In the evening he went into Messrs. Tattersill's grocery store at the market to wait for the carrier's van. He became ill whilst there and died shortly afterwards. DR MILLER was up to two years ago Medical officer for the Hartland district under the Bideford Union, and then retired on superannuation. He had for a great number of years practised at Hartland, and is said to have come from Plymouth before that. He qualified 45 years ago. - At the Inquest yesterday Emily Alice Cooke, housekeeper for DR MILLER for several years, said when he left for Bideford he complained of a pain in his chest and attributed it to smoking. Mr F. G. B. Langbridge, manager at Messrs. Tattersill's Stores,, said deceased similarly complained when he came into the shop to wait for the carrier, and asked for a peppermint drop, as he thought it would relieve him. Before the assistant could get it, however, he fell off the chair and shortly afterwards died without speaking. - Dr J. S. Grose, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration and rupture of the heart. - A Juryman: Would smoking cause that? - Not a rupture, but it would cause irregular working of the heart and he had been cautioned against it several times. - The Coroner: He was a heavy smoker? - Witness: Yes, and had lost the sight of one eye. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Death At Barnstaple. Blood Poisoning From A Scratch. - Mr A. R. Bencraft yesterday held an Inquest on GEORGE ABRAHAM GARLICK, aged 27, fireman on the Great Western Railway. John Evans, engine driver, said on January 6th, GARLICK told him that some days previously he knocked his hand against the smoke plate of the fire engine and as he complained of pain in his arm, he advised him to get it attended to. - Dr Lemarchand said on January 7th deceased had a festering wound on the back of his left hand about the size of a shilling, and red lines extended to his upper arm, indicative of blood poisoning. GARLICK said he had hurt his hand on the engine. Witness dressed the wound and as it was no better next day, he advised him to enter the North Devon Infirmary. There he gradually got worse and died. Some poisonous matter must have entered the wound. It was dangerous to leave even the smallest wounds exposed. All wounds should always be cleaned and bound up, - Dr Appleyard, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said death was due primarily to the wound, blood poisoning developing. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned, sympathy being expressed with deceased's relatives.

PAIGNTON - The Paignton Fatality. A Second Death. - MRS MARY JANE WYATT, a widow, 70 years of age, who was thrown out of the market trap on the Totnes road with Mrs Kingwell, when the latter was killed, died on Tuesday and yesterday an Inquest was held. Mrs D[?] of Maidencombe, said on Sunday night MRS WYATT appeared much shaken but was sitting up in bed. Her forehead was bandaged, but she said she was in no pain. After going to bed she did not get up again and died on Tuesday morning. John Maddick, a farmer, said he arrived on the scene a few minutes after the accident. She remarked to him that Mrs Kingwell would drive the pony past the engine instead of letting the [?]. Dr Newling said MRS WYATT had a very bad scalp wound, the bone being bare. He [? faint portion of text]. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 January 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Veteran's Death. Fatal Shooting In A Canteen. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on ROBERT GIBSON, a Crimean and Indian Mutiny veteran, who was accidentally shot at Granby Barracks on Friday last. - FRANK GEORGE JAMES GIBSON, of the staff of the 3rd Devons (Mutley) said his father was an army pensioner, having served in the 46th Regiment of Foot. He was 72 years of age and resided at 42 St Aubyn-street. He had for some time past been in the habit of going to the Granby Barracks every Friday with an air gun, inviting the soldiers to take shots at a small target which he carried about with him. Deceased did this to pass away his time. - William Cooper, canteen steward at the Granby Barracks, said deceased entered the canteen about 2.30 p.m. on the 13th inst. and commenced chatting with the occupants. Witness wishing to have a shot, asked deceased to put up his target. He loaded a small gun, which belonged to one of the canteen assistants and fired, striking the target. He was reloading for a second shot when in closing the breech the charge exploded. Deceased at the same time put his hand to his stomach, and slowly leant over the table. Witness hastened to his assistance and heard deceased exclaim, "I'm hit!" It was found that the charge had entered the lower part of his body and he was removed to Hospital. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that deceased was standing three or four feet out of the line of fire. The gun had been lying about for some time, but witness had never fired it before. - The Coroner: Supposing it had come to the knowledge of the commanding officer that firing was going on in the canteen, would it have been allowed? - That is a question which is being considered now. - Had deceased permission to come into the barracks? - I cannot say. - Witness stated that deceased had been in the habit of coming into the canteen every Friday and Saturday for some time past and he (witness) had known him for many years. - The rifle used by witness was examined and led to several searching questions being put to witness. The target was also produced and it was seen that the last pellet which had been shot had passed through. Witness admitted the range was not more than 14 feet. - Lance-Corpl. Frederick Masters, Army Service Corps, said he was in the canteen on the afternoon of the 13th when he heard Cooper say to deceased, "Dad, put your target up and I'll have a shot." Deceased acquiesced and Cooper fired. He was reloading when the charge went off and witness noticed deceased place his hand to his hip and slowly bend over. deceased was laid on the table and eventually taken to the Hospital. Witness had frequently seen shooting in the canteen, but only with deceased's air gun, with which darts were shot. - P.C. Arthur Hewings, said he was outside the Hospital on the afternoon of the 13th inst., when he observed deceased being carried on an ambulance into the Institution by four privates of the Army Service Corps. He understood from inquiries that the fatality had been purely accidental. - Dr Shirwell, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital in a state of profound shock and had a punctured wound about half an inch above the left hip bone. He was conscious and it was seen that an operation was the only chance of saving his life. The operation was performed, but deceased gradually became worse and died on Saturday evening, death being due to shock from perforation of the bladder. Deceased was a perfectly healthy man. - Deceased's son remarked that the gun should never have been used in the canteen and said he desired compensation for the widow. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he did not suggest that Cooper had been guilty of gross carelessness, but he did not think shooting should be permitted in a room of such small dimensions. He thought it lamentable that a man who had gone through the Crimean campaign should lose his life under such sad circumstances. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury adding a rider, expressing the opinion that shooting should not be allowed in canteens.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 January 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Woman's Fall. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse, yesterday on SUSAN TYRRELL, aged 84 years of 23 Manor-street. Grace Littlejohns, wife of a coach painter, of 23 Manor-street, stated that deceased, who lived in the same house and was the widow of a pensioner, came home on Saturday last and complained of being cold. About half an hour later witness heard a fall, and found deceased lying at the foot of the stairs. Dr Leah was sent for and deceased stated that she became giddy and fell over the stairs. She was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. Dr Leah now stated that the woman had a small scalp wound at the back of the head, which bled a great deal. She was suffering from shock. She died on Tuesday at the Infirmary from the injuries caused by the fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 February 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on GEORGE HENRY BROCKSOP, aged five weeks. MRS BROCKSOP, the wife of a Dockyard labourer, residing in Hood-street, said the child, which was her sixth, did not appear to thrive from its birth on the food given it and witness took it to Dr Morris on Friday last. It died on the same day. The child was not insured, and the first undertaker called in refused to make the coffin in consequence of this being the case. - Dr J. J. E. Morris said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that the body did not contain a particle of food - it was simply skin and bones. The child should have received medical attention before. the cause of death was malnutrition, being practically due to starvation. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL- An Inquest was held on the three months' old child of ROSINA CLANCY, the wife of a naval pensioner living in Monument-street. The mother stated that she took the child to bed with her on Saturday and found it dead on the following morning. In reply to the Coroner, witness admitted that she found her last child dead in bed and was reminded by Mr Pearce that he had then at the Inquest pointed out to her how dangerous it was to take children to bed. Apparently MRS CLANCY had not seen fit to take notice of his remarks. - Witness: Yes, I did. I have been sleeping at the foot of the bed. - The Coroner pointed out that there was no need for the child to be in bed with the parents. He regarded it as a very serious matter that witness should have come there twice within twelve months with cases of overlaying. - Witness denied that the death of her former child was caused through overlaying, declaring that it was due to convulsions. She denied that when she retired on Saturday night she was drunk, adding that she had been a teetotaler for the week. Dr Ryan said death was due to suffocation. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he believed that many of these cases occurred through the parents going to bed in a drunken condition, but he would not say that had happened in the present case. - Verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

CREDITON - Plymouth Man's Suicide. Inquest At Crediton. - At the Inquest at Crediton yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY BURLEY, JAMES GEORGE BURLEY, butcher, of Mutley, said the deceased, his father, was 61 years of age and for the past sixteen months had been working at Tremlett's Tannery, Exeter. He was a skin-puller by trade, and worked for a Plymouth firm for 41 years until it was dissolved. Deceased then went to Exeter. Deceased had been no trouble whatever. - John Moist, foreman at Tremlett's Tannery, said deceased had lodged with him for about 15 months. On Saturday morning deceased left the tannery for breakfast at 8.35 but did not go to witness's house. After having breakfast, witness hurried back to the tannery, but deceased could not be found. When he returned home he searched deceased's clothes to see if any communication had been left behind, but there was not. In one pocket was 22s. 6d., and 4 ½d. in another pocket and there was 18s. owing him as wages. The deceased had been sending money regularly to his wife. there had been no disagreement between the deceased and witness or his employers. For the last three weeks deceased had been quieter than usual, but he would never complain to anyone. He had nothing to take him in the direction of Crediton. - Lewis Brown, guard of the 2.40 train from Friary to Exeter, said he was looking out of the sidelight, of his van, and when approaching the Codshead Bridge, near Crediton, he saw a man dart from one of the recesses of the bridge, stop in a crouching position by the line, and when the train was quite near him he laid his head on the line and in an instant the engine went over him. It appeared to him to be done deliberately. Neither the driver nor the fireman saw the occurrence. By a Juror: Is it not a rule to stop the train when a thing of that kind happens? - Yes; but I saw that he was too far gone. I informed the Newton St. Cyres Stationmaster on arrival there. - P.C. Richards, of Newton St. Cyres said he found the body lying in the four-foot way. The head, completely severed from the trunk, was about three feet away. Among other things on the deceased was a religious tract. There was no money whatever on him. The deceased was seen in the vicinity of Codshead Bridge practically all the day until a quarter to four in the afternoon. - Ernest Cole, wagoner of Crediton, deposed to seeing the deceased several times on the bridge during the day. On one occasion he remarked that he would freeze if he stopped there much longer. Deceased made no answer and watched witness all along the road until he was out of sight. - The son, recalled, said the deceased had never spoken of suicide; he was a religious man, "but not to any extreme." About ten years ago deceased and his brother went to Stonehouse Regatta and when they were returning deceased asked his brother to walk on and said he would follow. He, however, did not. They found him at two o'clock in the morning, and when asked if he knew the time he said he did not. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - We are asked to state that MRS BURLEY who lived at Plymouth, did not identify the body and that she had not seen her husband since Christmas.

PLYMOUTH - A Fatal Splinter. Plymouth Woman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ELIZABETH BENNEY, aged 50, of Stenlake-terrace. Deceased's husband said she ran a splinter into her finger in December and was admitted to the Workhouse three weeks later with a gathering on her hand. She was also suffering from influenza. She died on Friday. - Dr Cooke said septic pneumonia was the cause of death, the direct result of the splinter entering her hand. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SALTASH, CORNWALL - The Lynher Fatality. A Man's Inhuman Conduct. - Mr A. de Castro Glubb held an Inquest at Saltash yesterday on ALBERT COLE, aged 16 years, only son of MR COLE of Young's-terrace, Higher Compton, Plymouth. - Absalom Heathman, warehouseman, 2 Portland-square, Plymouth, said on Saturday he and the deceased went shooting up the river Lynher. He landed on the beach at Ince Castle and the deceased paddled up the creek to Wiveliscombe, the idea being to drive the birds towards each other. Witness shot two pigeons. He heard three reports from the boat. After the last shot he heard his comrade groan twice. He shouted across the creek, and asked him if he was hurt. Deceased replied, "Yes; I have smashed my leg." The boat was drifting towards the main river, and witness told deceased to put his paddle over the side, so that the boat would drift ashore. He had strength enough to do that. Witness had to run round the head of the creek. On his way round he asked Henry Screech to help his friend, who had met with a gun accident. Screech replied "I cannot help you; you must go up to the signal-box and get help there." Witness told him the boat was only a little way round the bend, but he refused to come. Witness then went on to the signal-box and sent a message to Saltash for a doctor to meet the boat at Saltash Quay. He then got into the boat, which had drifted on shore, and found COLE lying on his side on the seat. He said the gun was resting in the bottom of the boat with the muzzle towards him. He caught it up to fire at a bird, and it went off. COLE's thigh was bleeding "streams," and witness could not stop it. The tide had receded from the boat and witness had to get three platelayers to help him launch her. One of them named Morrall helped him to row the boat to Antony. The bleeding stopped before they got to Saltash. The doctor met them at Saltash, dressed the leg and the deceased was removed to the Cottage Hospital. If Screech had come with him when asked it would have saved 15 to 20 minutes, because the boat could have been shoved off at once. - Police-Sergeant Broad: How far was Screech from the boat? - About 300 yards. - Mr A Paine (Juryman): Do you think the man Screech thought it a serious matter? - I do. - Dr R. T. Meadows said on arrival at Saltash, COLE was quite conscious and told how the accident happened. There was a wound in the thigh about four inches across - as far up in the thigh as it could be without being in the body. The charge had gone in a solid mass through the bone, and lodged in the flesh on the other side. At 4.30 p.m. at the Hospital they removed the shot, wad and clothing and set the bone. By the next morning, however, there were signs of blood poisoning and the leg was amputated from the hip joint at 5 p.m. Death took place about 8.30 p.m. - Henry Screech, farm labourer, residing at Longlands, St Stephen's by Saltash, said Heathman told him that a chap had accidentally shot himself in the lake and asked him to come and help. He replied that Heathman could get help from the other side. He should have to walk three-parts of a mile to get to the boat. - P.C. Basher said he had been over the spot that morning with Heathman and any man could have walked the distance in five minutes. - The Coroner, summing up, said the only person to be blamed was Screech. Legally he was not responsible, but it was possible that he was morally responsible for the death. His conduct was most inhuman, as he would not put off going to his dinner to help a fellow creature who was bleeding to death. - Mr Tremeer moved that the witness Screech be severely censured. He could not understand a man being so callous. - This was seconded and carried unanimously. - Mr Glubb (to Screech): You have heard what the Jury say. You may consider yourself disgraced; you may go. - Screech then left without making any reply. - The Jury (Mr J. H. Pooley, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that Heathman did all that was possible under the circumstances. They also expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Child's Death. - At Stonehouse yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on ROSIE FLORENCE, aged three months, the child of JOHN GEORGE TRENEMAN, coal lumper, of High-street. MRS TRENEMAN said she had been nursing the child, but thinking it was not thriving sufficiently she on Saturday night gave it half of a biscuit mixed with milk and sugar. Next morning when her husband awoke her she found the child dead by her side. Dr W. H. Waterfield said the child was well nourished. The cause of death was convulsions due to improper food The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, adding that the woman acted in ignorance. - The Coroner said it was very stupid to give so young a child biscuit. No child under twelve months should be fed on solids.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 February 1908
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday, on the child (who only lived 17 hours) of Private JAMES CAMERON, R.M.L.I., Dr Brenton said death was due to suffocation, the baby having been accidentally over-lain.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 February 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - ALICE WILLMOTT, wife of First Class Petty Officer FREDK. WILLMOTT, R.N., of Molyneux-place, Devonport, died suddenly on Sunday. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr J. N. Morris who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 February 1908
PLYMOUTH - Another Baby Overlain. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN SAMUEL LETHBRIDGE, the two weeks' old child of a bootmaker, of Wesley-terrace. The child - both of whose parents are deaf and dumb - was alive at 5.20 yesterday morning, but at eight o'clock was found dead in bed by its mother's side. Dr Eccles said death was due to overlying. There were no marks of violence and he did not doubt that it was purely accidental. - The Coroner expressed pleasure that the Children's Bill brought in by the Government would render it an offence for children to sleep with their parents. - The Jury acquiesced and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Little Girl's Fall At School. - An Inquest was held at the Morice Town Schools, Devonport, yesterday, by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on WINIFRED LOUISA WALDRON, aged 11 years. - MRS ELIZA COLE, the wife of a naval petty officer, residing in Portland-place, said deceased, who was her daughter by her first marriage, came home from school on the 30th ult. and told her that she had fallen downstairs whilst leaving school. The child subsequently complained of pains in her side and witness fetched Dr Rae. - Two little girls attending the school described to the Coroner how deceased fell down the stairs and stated that on getting up she complained of a pain in her elbow. - Dr G. A. Rae said he was called to see the deceased on Monday the 3rd inst., and found her somewhat feverish and excited. The girl became unconscious a few days later and remained so until she passed away. The child told witness that she fell to the foot of the stairs on leaving school, but got up without assistance. A post-mortem examination had revealed that there were three red patches on the skull, which was also cracked. There was also an effusion of blood. Death was due to a fracture of the skull and the pressure of a blood clot on the brain, resulting from a blow. - MRS COLE said she thought something should be done to enable the little children at the school to descend the stairs before the big children. Mr W. H. Crang, secretary of the Devonport Education Authority, promised to bring the matter to the notice of his committee and conveyed to the mother the sympathy of the Authority in the loss of her child. - A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, the Jury adding an expression of sympathy with the mother.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 February 1908
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET - MISS SHERRIFF'S Fate. Man Arrested Charged With Causing Her Death. The Inquest Opened. Deceased's Lady's Connection With Plymouth. - The Inquest on the body of MISS EMMA SHERRIFF was opened on Saturday evening at Bournemouth, but only evidence of identification was taken. The Jury having viewed the body, The Coroner remarked that this was a case of a single woman, a dressmaker, residing in apartments at 80 Palmerston-road, Boscombe, which address she left at 6.30 on Tuesday, the 18th inst. She left the house, not stating where she was going. As she did not return on Tuesday night the Police were informed on Wednesday. Nothing more appeared to have been seen of her until the body was discovered on Thursday by Mr Spurgeon on the cliff at Southbourne. The coastguards were called and Dr Facey attended, but pronounced life extinct. It might be there were suspicious circumstances in the case. - The only witness called was MRS JESSIE LAVERS, living at 78 Salisbury-road, Plymouth. She stated she recognised the deceased as being her daughter, who was a single woman and was occupied as a dressmaker. Her age was 36, and she lived with Mrs Lane at 80 Palmerston-road, Boscombe, where she had resided for over four years. Witness usually heard from deceased each fortnight, but the time might run into three weeks or a month on some occasions. She last heard from her a fortnight ago. - The Coroner: Was she well then? - She said she was not quite so well as usual. - She enjoyed pretty good health? - Yes, but she was not very robust. - Mr Martin obtained permission to address questions to the witness, and asked: Were you on perfect good terms with your daughter? - Witness: Yes. - And she was in every respect a good and respectable girl and well conducted? - Yes. - She had one sister? - Yes. - And she is on good terms also with her? - Yes. - At this stage the Coroner said he thought it would be best to adjourn the Inquest at that point to see what could be made of the case. - Mr Superintendent Hack: I suggest it should be adjourned, Sir. I may say a man has been arrested on a charge of causing the death of the deceased woman. The man has only recently been brought to Bournemouth and I therefore think the case ought to be adjourned for at least ten days. - It was agreed to adjourn the Inquest until Tuesday March 3rd. - Gagged With Handkerchiefs. - The Police declare without hesitation that the case is one of murder. She had two handkerchiefs stuffed in her mouth; one being rammed right down the throat. The discovery of the body was made not by an usher, but the head master himself of Mount Pleasant School, which stands closed to the coastguard station. MISS SHERRIFF was lying face downwards. She was on the footpath that winds by the cliff edge leading from the coastguard station to a place known as Double Dykes. The body was just behind a sandhill. One hand was lying with the palm upwards. The face was partially covered with her muff, as well as handkerchiefs being in her mouth. Mr Spurgeon, the head master was walking on the footpath with one of his scholars when they made the discovery. The lad was sent to the coastguard station and to the Policed at Southbourne, which is the nearest point to the scene of the tragedy. Chief Coastguard Cooper and one of his men, named Randall, at once went to the spot, about half a mile away, and having examined the body, and seeing it quite stiff and cold, left it as found until the arrival of Police constable Ayres, from Southbourne, about a mile away. - There were marks on the throat and under the chin as of slight scratches. Cruel red marks were also perceptible on both arms in front and above the elbow, as well as across the chest as if made by some pressure. The marks were each as would be caused by the compression of a man's arm if the lady was seized from behind and tightly held. The clothing was quite untorn and undisturbed. A search of the body revealed the fact that the lady had no purse, that her latch and door-keys were also missing and that her watch chain, valuable ring and bracelet, which it is almost certain she was wearing, had also disappeared. - Near the body was found the envelope of a letter that had been through the post. It was addressed to a person residing in the neighbourhood and Superintendent Hack soon learnt among other things, that MISS SHERRIFF had a male acquaintance who was said to have been down to Boscombe on the very day of her disappearance and that the dead woman was often in the individual's company. Later the Inspector received other information and thereupon asked the assistance of the West London Police, whom he requested to arrest a young man named by him. Thus the London arrest came about. MRS LAVERS Interviewed. - MRS LAVERS, in the coursed of an interview, indignantly repudiated the suggestion first made of possible suicide, declaring it would be repugnant to her daughter's feelings. "EMMA was a Christian woman. It was absolutely contrary to her nature, nor could she have had any money trouble that I can think of, for she had small means of her own and helped them out by a little dressmaking, at which she was very skilful. She had no serious love affair that I know of, although we were rather given to chaffing her about Frank McGuire, who is the son of a lady living at Southbourne, with whom my daughter was a great friend, and whom she often visited. She used to write a good deal to me and lately her letters had much in them about Frank. Then when I went to visit her here she showed me his photograph. I said, "Why, he is only a boy. Is that your sweetheart? You see my daughter was 36 or 37 last Christmas and he was only 21. So I chaffed her about him. I don't know whether they were sweethearts or not, but my daughter was a very strict, pure-minded girl and not likely to think seriously of a young fellow of that age. I can only think my poor daughter had been murdered for the sake of her money and jewellery. Her ring was a valuable one and she usually wore a chain, watch and bracelets. The watch was pinned to the jacket. Another reason why I am quite sure she did not contemplate any evil was the fact that she was thinking of going to live with her married sister at Woolwich. This sister is very delicate and I am afraid all these dreadful things will do her a great deal of harm." The Arrested Man. - The name of the man arrested on suspicion in connection with the mystery is Frank McGuire. He arrived at Bournemouth Central Station from London about a quarter to five on Saturday afternoon in the company of Detective-Sergt. West and Detective-Constable Sumner. He is a tall, spare-built man, clean shaved and about 23 years of age. he is not in the army at present, but is an ex-soldier, having been in the Life Guards. He is stated to be a picture dealer. He has been acting as canvasser in this neighbourhood. McGuire was taken to the Police station, and will be brought before the Magistrates this (Monday) afternoon. - McGuire and MISS SHERRIFF had known each other for a considerable time. Indeed, he appears to have been her boyfriend. Curiously enough, young McGuire is said to have come down on Wednesday under the following circumstances. Mrs Lane was alarmed on Wednesday by the locked door of MISS SHERRIFF'S room, and sent for Mrs McGuire. The latter begged her to have the door broken open, fearing suicide. About three o'clock in the afternoon young McGuire arrived and found the two women in a state of fear. He had called, he said, to see MISS SHERRIFF, intending to take her along to see his mother. Mrs Lane sent her daughter to an establishment where MISS SHERRIFF was in the habit of working to see if she was there and was informed that young lady had expected McGuire down the previous evening. She had been greatly disappointed that he had not arrived. McGuire is said to have gone to London to live so as t avoid being a burden on his mother. The mother of prisoner is terribly dejected at the son's trouble and danger, but expresses confidence that he will be able to clear himself. Plymouth Associations. - MISS SHERRIFF was a native of Plymouth and spent a large part of her life in the borough. She was the daughter of MRS LAVERS, 78 Salisbury-road, by her first husband. Many persons in Plymouth who knew her well before she went to Bournemouth, speak highly of her integrity and affable manner. For six years she was employed at Bournemouth and on leaving there spent two years in Plymouth. During those two years she made a large number of friends. MISS SHERRIFF was an expert needlewoman, but as she had some private means, most of her time was devoted to religious and philanthropic work. - To her relatives in Plymouth the news of MISS SHERIFF'S cruel death has come as a great shock. The last time she was in Plymouth was about four years ago. She had made rather a long visit to her mother, and then decided to go finally to Bournemouth, the climate being more suitable to her health. Since then she had been staying at Tower-house, Tower-road, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth and two years ago a somewhat serious operation left her with a weak heart. - An uncle of the deceased is MR E. SHERRIFF, of 63 North-road, who has heard of the tragic death of his niece with the deepest sorrow. There is also a sister and some cousins of MISS SHERRIFF in Plymouth and they are greatly grieved. - In a conversation with relatives a representative of this journal was informed that "Dear EMMA" was loved by all of them, and that the news of her death could hardly yet be realised. Inquiries were made as to any courtship, but nothing could be ascertained in this direction. The announcement first made in the Press that the deceased was the daughter of a MRS DAVIS, dressmaker, of Plymouth, caused considerable speculation, and those closely acquainted with MISS SHERRIFF were eager in making inquiries as to whether the sad intelligence did not refer to the daughter of MRS LAVES, and not Mrs Davis. - The mother of the deceased on Friday morning had a telegram from Mrs Lane asking her to come to Bournemouth to see her daughter, and MRS LAVERS proceeded to that place as early as possible, only to learn of her daughter's dreadful death. MRS LAVERS was terribly distressed and when she viewed the body there was a most affecting scene. MR LAVERS, the stepfather, proceeded to Bournemouth yesterday, and will remain with MRS LAVERS until after the funeral. The deceased used to be in frequent correspondence with her mother and letters passed about every two weeks. The last letter from MISS SHERRIFF stated that she was not then so well, and it was known that she did not enjoy robust health. There is an only sister, and with her and also the mother, the deceased was on the warmest terms of friendship. The deceased had recently been invited to pay a visit to Plymouth and the arrangement was almost complete when it had to be postponed in consequence of her impaired state of health. The suggestion which was at first put forward that MISS SHERRIFF had possibly committed suicide is indignantly repudiated by all who were acquainted with her. Her disposition was of the brightest. She had small means of her own and could, moreover, earn a fairly comfortable living as a dressmaker, being most skilful in this direction. - MR JOHN LAVERS, husband of MRS LAVERS, is a cabinet-maker and both are held in the highest respect in the district.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 February 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Under Anaesthetic. Stonehouse Jury Recommend Second Doctor's Presence. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest relative to the death of THOMAS RUSK, leading stoker, who died on Saturday under an anaesthetic. - JOHN RUSK, agricultural labourer, of Boconnoc, said deceased was his brother, and was 29 years of age. - Staff-Surgeon, G. E. Duncan, stated deceased was admitted last Saturday suffering from an abscess on the lower jaw. The mouth was in a very bad condition and the glands of the neck were swollen. Deceased was scarcely able to open his mouth and had not been able to eat for three days. An operation to open the abscess and remove the unsound teeth was considered necessary. The patient consented. He was removed to the operating theatre the same afternoon. While Surgeon Thomas was administering the anaesthetic he ceased to breathe. Ether was injected, artificial respiration tried and every other effort made to restore animation. There was nothing unusual in the administration, but on account of the condition of the mouth it was not a pleasant case in which to have to use an anaesthetic. He found death was due to asphyxia, following the sudden closure of the vocal cords. This development was consequent on inflammation low down in the neck and which could not be previously discovered. There had been no previous death under anaesthetic since his connection with the Hospital. - The Coroner: I have had twenty years experience of this Hospital, and I never knew of a death under anaesthetic. - Surgeon A. R. Thomas said he had given anaesthetics in several hundreds of cases. - Fleet-Surgeon L. G. Thorpe said he was satisfied from inquiries and his own observations that the anaesthetic was skilfully administered. Surgeon Thomas was a very skilful and experienced administrator. - A Juror: Is it usual for only one man to be present? - Witness replied that three doctors were practically present, two waiting to receive the patient in the adjoining theatre. It was one man's job. Surgeon Thomas had the assistance of a sick bay steward. After 20 minutes deliberation the Jury unanimously returned a verdict that "Death was due to Suffocation whilst under an Anaesthetic, skilfully administered by Surgeon Thomas, R.N." A rider recommending that in future two medical practitioners should be present when the anaesthetic was being administered was added.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 March 1908
SIDMOUTH - The Fall From A Train. Comrades' Conduct Questioned. - Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest at Sidmouth Junction yesterday on JONATHAN JAMES GRIST, private, 2nd Somersetshire Light infantry, of Clutton, near Bristol, who was cut to pieces on Friday evening after falling out of a train whilst on his way to Devonport, he having that day arrived at Southampton from India. - JONATHAN GRIST, father of the deceased, said his son was 28 years of age and of sober habits. On Saturday morning he received a postcard stating that his son had arrived at Southampton and was proceeding to Crownhill Barracks and hoped soon to be home on furlough. Shortly afterwards he received information of his death. Deceased was in South Africa before going to India and left for India after the Boer War. - Thomas Blanchard, guard of the 3.30 express from Waterloo, said a party of soldiers joined the train at Salisbury. They appeared to be sober and were well-behaved. They were not in a corridor carriage. Shortly after passing Sidmouth Junction the train was pulled up, and he ascertained from the soldiers that one of their comrades had fallen on to the line. The train proceeded to Whimple, and witness reported the occurrence to the Stationmaster, requesting him to block both the up and down lines. None of the soldiers got out to go back to their comrade. They said the deceased opened the door. - The Coroner thought it rather singular that none of the soldiers went back to the deceased. - Witness, continuing, said on the arrival of the train at Queen-street, he took the names of those travelling in the same compartment as deceased. Their names were: 5865 Private Mindy, 5814 Private Butley [?] Private Bashon, 3961 Private Bishop, Corporal Ward, travelling in the next compartment, was in charge of the men . The carriage was in no state of disorder, and there was no sign of a quarrel. A snowstorm was raging when the train was pulled up. An inside lock on the door was in good condition. The train was running at about 60 miles an hour and was brought to a standstill within two minutes of the communication chain being pulled. - Corpl. E. Ward, Somersetshire Light Infantry, said he was in charge of a party of ten men from Southampton. They stopped at Salisbury Station half an hour and were all perfectly sober. - The Coroner: It is stated that when the train was pulled up, not one of the party went back to the body. I should have thought as a matter of course, they would have done so? - We reported the matter to the guard. I had to take the party straight on. - You considered it your duty to take them on? - Yes, sir. - Notwithstanding this? - Yes. - It seems to me to be rather singular. I should have thought, under the circumstances, it would be the duty of someone at least of the party to have stopped and gone with some official of the railway to the body. Was there any appearance of a quarrel? - No, they were in good spirits and being all time-expired men, they were glad to get back to England again. - Witness added that the communication chain did not appear to work when it was pulled. Inspector Cheney, London and South Western Railway: It stopped the train. - Pte. Joseph Mundy, 2nd Somersetshire Light Infantry, said there were five of the party in the compartment in which deceased travelled, witness being one of them. They were all quite sober, in fact he believed they were all teetotalers. Deceased did not attempt to open the door, but was leaning out of the window and the door flew open. - Inspector Cheney: There is a safety lock on the door. - Witness said deceased fell out on the off side. he did not see him fall out, neither did he see another train pass at the time. - The Coroner thought it rather unsatisfactory that witness or one of his comrades did not go back to identify the body of the deceased. - A Juror: I take it, it was compulsory for them to go on to Devonport with the Corporal? - Witness: We would not have been allowed to go back without the permission of the Corporal. - The Coroner: Did anyone ask for permission? - No. Witness added that he warned the deceased not to open the door, as he might be caught and fined, but he said he would chance it. - Pte, H. W. Bishop, 2nd Somersetshire Light Infantry, said all of them advised the deceased not to carry out his purpose, but no one attempted to prevent him. He did not see whether deceased attempted to open the door. He was leaning out of the window and tried to save himself from falling when the door flew open. A train passed about the same time. They were all sober. Witness pulled the communication chain before closing the door. - Inspector Cheney said the deceased must have fallen against the 6.5 from Exeter, as one of the carriages bore marks of blood and brains. - Alfred Taverner, porter and P.C. Nankivel deposed to picking up the remains of the deceased scattered over the metals. Stitched inside a belt were several sovereigns. - Dr Reynolds, Ottery St. Mary, said death must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attached no blame to anyone and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 March 1908
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET - Cliff Mystery. Coroner's Inquiry Into MISS SHERRIFF'S Death. Curious Conversations. Deceased Lady's Jewellery, Money, and Will. McGuire's Movements. - Dr Kinsey Morgan (Coroner for Bournemouth) today resumed the Inquiry into the circumstances attending the mysterious death of MISS EMMA SHERRIFF, aged 35, the Boscombe dressmaker, whose body was discovered on the cliffs near Bournemouth on Thursday the 20th of February. Deceased's mother resides in Salisbury-road, Plymouth. the place where the body was found was at Southbourne, one of the loneliest spots on the South Coast, and the fact that in the mouth of the deceased lady two handkerchiefs had been forced at once led to the conclusion that there had been foul play. Upon investigation it was ascertained that MISS SHERRIFF - who supplemented a small income by dressmaking - had disappeared from her lodgings, 80 Palmerstone-road, Boscombe, on the previous Tuesday. The Police were communicated with, and Frank McGuire, an ex-Guardsman, of Denbigh-street, Pimlico, was arrested on suspicion of having caused the lady's death. The mother of the accused lives in Bournemouth, and the prisoner, who was a not unfrequent visitor to the town, there became acquainted with the deceased. He was with her, he admits, the day before she disappeared, but denies that he saw her on what was apparently the fatal day, or that he is in any way concerned in her death. the prisoner, who is a dark, tall, slender man, of twenty five years of age, was brought to the court from Winchester Gaol, in the custody of two warders. He listened closely to the evidence. Mr. E. Garth Alabas[?] (barrister) represented the accused and Mr A. Wentworth Mav[?] (solicitor) for the relatives of the deceased. - Remarkable Conversations. - JESSIE JANE LAVERS, mother of deceased, stated that she saw her daughter in the autumn at Plymouth, where she was spending a holiday. She had a letter from her daughter about three weeks ago. - Continuing, witness said on Thursday, February 20th, about 7 p.m., I was leaving my home, 78 Salisbury-road, Plymouth, when I received a telegram as follows: - "EMMA passed away (Signed) A. McGuire." - I left home and came to Palmerston-road, Boscombe, arriving there about 6 p.m., where I saw Mrs Lane. I said to her. this is a bad job, Mrs Lane. She replied, "Oh, but she did not die, my dear. - I said, "What do you mean," and she answered "She has been murdered, done to death," adding, "You know there is a will, I suppose?" I said, "No, I didn't know it." Mrs Lane said, "Yes, there is, and there has been some writing done since." - I was afterwards told, proceeded witness, that a telegram had been sent by Frank McGuire to my daughter on Wednesday, February 19th. About 9 p.m. on the same day I saw Mrs McGuire and said to her "This is a terrible job. Mrs McGuire replied, "Yes, poor girl, It is suicide, you know?" I said "Don't tell me about suicide, from what I have heard I should think it was murder." Mrs McGuire then said; It is suicide right enough. The poor girl wanted to come out into my neighbourhood to die. Why did she not do it on my doorstep, that I may have picked her up? Lily Hatch then came in (witness continued) and told us that detectives had been to see her and she had been obliged to tell them everything. Mrs McGuire said then "If my son has done it, I am perfectly [?]. If my son has done it I hope he will suffer for it, although this is a hard thing for a mother to say. Then I asked why she had the doors burst open and she said "Because I expected to find her in bed dead from heart failure." I said "Why didn't you send for me before?" She said; "I could not think of sending any telegrams before I did." I said, "What did Lily have to tell you?" She replied, "It was something EMMA told her in confidence and refused to tell me." [Large portion of the text very faint and unable to be read.] McGuire's Movements. - Miss Ada Bates, book-keeper at the Salisbury Hotel, Boscombe, said on Monday 17th February, accused stayed at the Hotel for the night in the name of F. Hayman. The following morning he asked for his bill and he paid a sovereign, receiving change. On the 19th McGuire again stayed at the Hotel in the same room, and on the following day he again tendered a sovereign. - Mrs Parsons, wife of the proprietor of the Salisbury Hotel, said that about 11 p.m. on Monday the 17th February, prisoner came to her at the office and said he wanted a bed. Witness replied, Yes will you register your name in the book? He said, yes, and signed his name as Hayman, giving witness a sovereign in payment. He had two drinks and went to bed about twelve o'clock. Witness did not see him again until 11 p.m. on Wednesday the 19th, when he again came to the Hotel and asked for a room. When asked for his name McGuire said "You had my name." Witness said "You must put your name in the book because if the Police were to come in and find you were not registered there might be trouble." He then signed the book "F. Hayman," and said "This is not my proper name, it is my business name. The Police might come in for me tomorrow, as there is a young lady missing." - In cross-examination, witness said it was not a continuous letting to accused, but two separate lettings. Evidence was then given with a view to showing that accused called at the shop of a bootmaker in Boscombe on the day that deceased was last seen by her landlady and that he sent from there a letter to MISS SHERRIFF to her lodgings in Palmerston-road. This was about 11 o'clock on Tuesday, the morning of the day the girl disappeared. MISS SHERRIFF'S Landlady. - Mary Lane, an elderly lady, with whom the deceased lodged at 80 Palmerston-road, Boscombe, told the Court that deceased had been in her rooms for about nine months. The accused had been on a visit there for some days. On the Monday before the girl disappeared, the couple went out together. Witness said to McGuire, "Are you going to take her away?" and he replied, "No, not yet." Witness did not see them together after that. The girl went out by herself on the Tuesday and as there was no sign of her the next day Mrs McGuire, who was an old friend of the deceased, was communicated with. She came to witness's house and Frank McGuire arrived afterwards. Mrs McGuire said to her son "We have lost EMMA." Soon afterwards, MISS SHERRIFF'S bedroom door was burst open by the prisoner and it was then seen that the girl's bed had not been slept in. The sitting-room of deceased was also entered, but the girl could not be found. Miss Lily Hatch, who was present, said to Mrs McGuire, "You have been deceived. You thought Frank went up to London on Monday afternoon." To that prisoner said "I slept at the Salisbury Hotel on Monday night, but I didn't see EMMA on Tuesday morning." - In answer to Mr Mahm, witness said that some time back deceased underwent an operation and subsequently was an inmate of a Boscombe Hospital. Witness could not remember the date of the operation, and she did not know that during that time MISS SHERRIFF made a will. She had never seen the girl depressed. Deceased was very fond of life. MISS SHERRIFF had many articles of value in the house, including a quantity of silver ware. She had jewellery, but she never secreted any of it. On the Wednesday morning the witness received a telegram but, as was customary, she sent it on to Mrs McGuire. - Counsel said he understood it was not at present desirable to make public the contents of the will. McGuire's London Landlady. - Mrs Ellen Elizabeth Holder, who lets lodgings in Denbigh-street, Pimlico, stated that accused had been living at her house for the past fifteen or sixteen months. She understood his name was Powell, and she had never known him as McGuire until this case had arisen. She saw him on Monday, the 17th of February and Tuesday, the 18th, at about three p.m. At that time she was leaving her house to meet her husband, but she did not recollect seeing the accused any more that day. On Wednesday morning, the 19th of February, the maid took the prisoner's breakfast up at about ten minutes past seven. She was quite sure he slept in his bed on the Tuesday night, but what time he got there she could not say. It was half an hour past midnight when she and her husband returned home, and she did not know whether accused was then in bed or not. Prisoner came downstairs on the Wednesday about eleven o'clock a.m., and said, "If anyone wants me, I have gone about a picture." - Florence Baker, a general servant at Mrs Holder's corroborated the evidence of her mistress as to the accused sleeping in Denbigh-street on the Tuesday night of the 18th of February and having his breakfast soon after seven next morning. - Hetty Holder, a step-daughter, deposed to the accused opening the door to let her in about midnight on the Tuesday. - This evidence was corroborated by Miss Holder's young man. - The Inquiry was then adjourned until tomorrow at two o'clock.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 March 1908
BOURNEMOUTH - The Cliff Mystery. McGuire's Movements And Conversations. MISS SHERRIFF'S Will. Clauses Which Benefited The McGuires. - The ex-Guardsman, Frank McGuire, who is charged with having caused the death of EMMA SHERRIFF, the woman whose body was found on a lonely cliff near Bournemouth with a handkerchief forced into her mouth, was yesterday morning brought before the Bournemouth magistrates. - Superintendent Hack, of the local Police, addressing the magistrates, said: I have received a telegram from the Director of Public Prosecutions instructing me to apply for a further remand for not less than a week. I suggest therefore a remand for eight days. - Mr. Grenville A[?] barrister, who is appearing for prisoner, said; May I say this man has been in custody for twelve days, and there has not been a scrap of evidenced against him. It is not with the consent of the defence if the remand is granted. - The Magistrates having consulted the Mayor intimated that the prisoner stood remanded for eight days. Resumed Inquest. - Later in the day the Inquest on EMMA SHERRIFF was resumed in a crowded court. Owing to the fact that his mother was to give evidence, McGuire, at his own request, was not present. He had been conveyed back to Winchester Gaol. - McGuire's Mother In The Box. - Mrs Anne McGuire, a lady of about 50 years of age, was dressed in black and as she entered the witness-box, was convulsed with emotion. Later she became more calm. Questioned by the Coroner, she stated that she was a widow and had heard little of her son up to eighteen months before this occurrence. On the 29th of January last MISS SHERRIFF said she had received a letter from McGuire asking witness whether she would forgive him for the trouble he had given her and saying that he would come to Bournemouth. Witness said, "Of course, I will forgive him, and shall be very glad if he will come." - MISS SHERRIFF wrote him a letter of invitation and suggesting that he might stay at her place. Witness remarked, "There will be a lot of talk about him stopping there," and the deceased replied, "What do I care? I am a woman and can look after myself and do as I like." Eventually it was decided that the accused should have board and lodging with Mrs Lane in Palmerston-road, Boscombe, where the deceased lodged. Her son came on February 7th and witness visited them daily and they visited her several times. - The Last Visit. - The last time they came to visit me at my home at Southbourne, said Mrs McGuire, was on Sunday February 16th, when they came and had tea with me and left together about 8.30 p.m. He told me he was returning to London the next morning, Monday, February 17th. I said Good-bye to him when he left me. MISS SHERRIFF came and saw me on Monday February 17th, about 3.30 p.m., and we had tea together. I had previously received a telegram from her asking me to wait until she called on me. She was not feeling very well and I put it down to parting from my son. As she did not complain, I said "You have seen the dear boy off then?" and she said "Yes, about 4.30." We went together by train to Boscombe, and went to her [?] and I left there at 6.10 p.m. I asked her if Frank had borrowed any money from her and she said he had not. I have never seen her since then. On Wednesday 19th February, about 1.45 p.m., Mrs Lane's niece brought me a telegram. The telegram was here produced and identified by witness. It was a telegram to MISS SHERRIFF. I opened it. Mrs Lane's niece asked if she, MISS SHERRIFF, was with me, and I said, No, she is not here. The girl said "Oh my where is she? Auntie is at home breaking her heart for she feels something bad happened to her. The blinds at her windows are down and the doors are locked." On opening the telegram, I found it was from my son. It read as follows: "Meet me three o'clock at Boscombe - Frank." Witness said she went to Mrs Lane's at Boscombe and she had not been long there when about three o'clock her son walked in. She said to him, "Oh, Frank, EMMA cannot be found. Have you seen her?" He answered, No, no, I saw her last on Monday night. I did not go back to London that day, but stayed at the Salisbury Hotel, Boscombe." McGuire And The Lost Jewellery. - Whilst my son was [?] (witness proceeded) Lily Hatch said, "There has been more going on between Frank and EMMA than you know of. Would you like me to tell you what it is? - I think you ought to know." I said yes, keep nothing from me. She said: Well, EMMA came down to me on Monday and said "Lily I must tell you something in confidence. All my jewellery is gone, my best bracelet and the little gold chain and the little gold locket. I thought to myself have I been harbouring a thief? - I can't stop for I am going to meet Frank and I will tell him of it and if he does not give the jewellery back to me I will go to London after him." When Frank came in I told him, in Miss Hatch's presence, of what she had said, and he replied "No such thing. How could EMMA say such a thing? " Miss Hatch said, "That is what EMMA told me in confidence." - I said to my son, "EMMA is gone to London and as sure as you are a living boy, she will put detectives on you." In the [?] I said to Frank, You must [here the print is very faint and unreadable].

EXETER - Exeter Cabman's Suicide. Fatal Chaffing. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on HENRY WRIGHT STEBBINGS, aged 61, cab proprietor, found dead in his bedroom earlier in the day. Nellie Ware of 12 Dean-street, said the deceased, her uncle, lodged with her. He had complained of his nerves failing him and he saw Dr Harrison last week. At times he had complained of pains in the head. He had had no annoyance and was not in debt. - Arthur Ware, husband of the last witness, said about 6 o'clock yesterday morning he saw deceased downstairs and he said, "I don't know what to do, do you?" Witness replied, "I don't know if you go on like this you will be in the Asylum." - Deceased said, "I can't drive a cab any more; see how I am shaking." Witness advised him to go to bed and he went upstairs. Later, he heard a fall and going upstairs saw deceased on the floor in a pool of blood. Dr Harris was called and pronounced life extinct. He, witness, had heard that other cabmen had remarked to the deceased that he was lucky to get a new horse in the place of the one which fell dead in the street some time ago and that they hoped that when their horses died they would fall on the same spot. - The Foreman, Mr Parsons, said he had heard that a lot of people had been jeering at STEBBINGS about his new horse. - Mr Ware said another cabman had told him deceased had received [?] calling him, 'The Charity Horse and Cabman.' About a week ago deceased got up at 4 o'clock in the morning and woke up the whole household. - Mr Gr[?] stated that in accordance with a suggestion made by Mr Cuddiford, he started a fund to replace a horse which belonged to deceased, and which fell dead in the street some time ago. Last Thursday deceased asked him to look at the cab and at the time said since his old horse fell, all the nerve had gone out of him. Deceased appeared very troubled because he had only taken a shilling one day, and that trade was generally bad. About £67 was raised by subscription, and STEBBINGS had authority to purchase a horse and have his cab done, and to get a new set of harness. - Mr Harrison, Surgeon, said deceased had a very determined cut, and appeared to be self inflicted. - P.S. Wreford produced a razor found near deceased, and P.C. J. S. Hill said there was £1 3s. 8d. in his pockets, but no sign of any communication from the deceased. - Superintendent Dymond said he had caused inquiries to be made and found that deceased had not complained to anyone in respect of the postcards of his being chaffed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 March 1908
BOURNEMOUTH - Cliff Mystery. A Suggestion Of Romance About McGuire's Birth. Disposal Of The Body. Jury And "Grave Suspicion" Against McGuire. - The Coroner's Inquest concerning the death of MISS EMMA SHERRIFF was resumed today at Bournemouth. Interest in the mystery was maintained and the Court was crowded. The young ex-Guardsman, Frank McGuire, who is charged with causing the girl's death was not present at his own request. He remained at Winchester Gaol. - Was The Body Carried To The Cliff? - P.C. Ayres of Southbourne, related how on Thursday, February 20th, he was summoned to a spot on the cliff at Southbourne, and saw the dead body of MISS SHERRIFF, lying in a hollow. Deceased was lying nearly on her stomach and the side of her face was in the sand. The arms were straight by the body and the clothes did not appear to have been disarranged in any way. There was a mark on the neck and slight abrasions on the back of both hands. The toes were resting in two holes in the sands, that gave him the idea that the girl had struggled while on her stomach. When he turned the body over he noticed a handkerchief in the mouth. There was a mark on the throat which he thought might have been caused by the clasp of the deceased's boa. There was no property on the deceased, but one ring. - The Coroner: Have you any theory as to how the body came there, or how long it had been there? - No. It was quite stiff, it appeared to have been there some hours. - You can't form any opinion as to how long it had been there, or if it came there before or after death? - Questioned by Mr Alabaster, who appeared for the accused, witness said he came to the conclusion that the body had been placed there after death from the fact that the arms were at the side of the body. - [Much of the article very faint and difficult to read] Deceased's Will. - Inspector Hasted of the Bournemouth Police, informed the Jury that he went to the house where deceased lived and found the Will. It left £100 to Frank McGuire, £150 to Mrs McGuire and the rest of the estate to Susanna Elizabeth Royce, with the exception of £5 to Eliza Hall Lean for her service as executrix. He also found the remainder of the missing jewellery, which was behind the piano in a little back room. An earlier will was made whilst the deceased was living in Prospect-street, Plymouth and that left £100 to a Hospital and the remainder to Mrs Royce. - Mr Alabaster: Assuming that the estate was of the value of £600, Miss Royce was the chief beneficiary in earlier case? - Yes. The second will was made at the residence of Mrs McGuire and he net difference in the two wills was that it left Miss Royce £145 worse off. Summing Up And Verdict. - The Coroner, summing up, commented on the circumstances that accused was seen in London on Tuesday afternoon and just before midnight (the night on which the deceased disappeared) and that letters were posted ostensibly by him bearing the London postmarks of 4.15 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on that day. Of course the Jury had got to form their own conclusions on the matter. - Mr Alabaster: To base conclusions on nothing. - The Coroner said there was a train leaving London reaching Christchurch, which was about a mile from Southbourne, at 7.19 p.m., and a train back to London at 8.14 p.m. Assuming that the accused used those trains on the Tuesday night it would leave him less than an hour and a half in Christchurch and Southbourne. - After an absence of over an hour, the Jury returned into the Court at 10.40 with the following verdict:- The Jury are of opinion that MISS SHERRIFF was Wilfully Murdered and that grave suspicion attaches to Frank McGuire.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 March 1908
TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Tragedy. Naval Pensioner's Death. - My Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on GEORGE PENGELLY. Inspector Shattock, Exeter; District Inspector Tonkin, Permanent-way Inspector W. Lake and Mr Wager of the Locomotive Department (Newton) represented the Great Western Railway Co. Mr Thos. Hylands, master mariner, said deceased was his son-in-law, aged 56 years, and a naval pensioner. He went to the Station on Thursday to see relatives off by train about two o'clock. He was active and his seeing and hearing were perfect. - Mr John Hugh Parsons, of Ermington, who had been on a visit, said deceased came to see them off. They were standing on the up platform, when deceased thought it would be better if one of the large parcels they had was labelled to go in the van. He jumped off the platform to cross over to get that done, and whilst getting on the coping stone of the platform, an express dashed into the Station and he was knocked several yards away by the engine. - Mr George Honeywell, foreman porter, said he was looking after the baggage as two trains are due about two o'clock. He heard the approaching train - the Riviera Express - and the usual whistle. Looking down the line, he saw the deceased with one knee of the platform, and the other foot on the step underneath. Before he (witness) could do anything, the express train, which leaves Paddington at 10.30 was on the man and the [?] struck him and pushed the body along to the end of the platform. The driver pulled up. There were plenty of notices warning people as to crossing the line. - Mr John Knapman, driver of the train, said he blew the warning whistle and on running in to the Station, saw a man with his knee on the platform, as if trying to get up. He shut off steam, but could not pull the train up in time to prevent the accident. - The Coroner said it was strange the man did not hear the train approaching. He must have been thinking about the parcels. No blame could be attached to the railway company. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 March 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Dockyard Fatality. Accidental Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ALFRED JAMES LUXTON (37), labourer in the employ of Messrs. Babcock and Wilcox, contractors, who was killed by falling into a dock at the North Yard on Saturday. Mr K. Eyton Peck (Goldsmith and Peck), was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Evidence of identification was given by Edward Thomas Pearn, an established joiner in the Dockyard, who said that the deceased, his nephew, was a naval pensioner, having been invalided a month or two ago. - Albert Mitchell, a driver in the employ of Messrs. Phare, carriers, said he took a box on board the Duke of Edinburgh about 10.30 a.m. on Saturday. When on deck he noticed the deceased walking by the side of the dock, apparently intending to come on board. Connecting the ship with the dock-side was a prow or gangway resting upon two planks. Deceased was about to get on the prow and had placed his foot on one of the planks, whilst his hand rested on an upright stanchion for support, when his hand slipped and he fell over the left side into the dock. - Patrick Daly, stoker first class, of the Duke of Edinburgh, who witnessed the accident, said the deceased would probably have been able to save himself had the chain guarding the dock-side been in position, but at the time it was unhooked and lay on the ground. - Staff-Surgeon J. A. L. Campbell, Duke of Edinburgh, said he was called to the floor of the dock, where he found the deceased lying on his back practically dead. Death, he considered, was due to shock and fractured skull. - Septimus Simpson, foreman for Messrs. Babcock and Wilcox, said the deceased was engaged as an assistant-boilermaker. Witness had noticed the chains on the side of the dock, but did not observe that they were out of position on this occasion. If he had seen that this was the case he should certainly have made a complaint. - William Henry Flood, labourer, said he was engaged by the side of No. 10 dock on Saturday in making staging. The chain which guarded the dock at this point was down so as to allow the lowering of deals upon the spars which were already in position against the ship. Witness could not remember, but it was possible that he unhooked the chain himself. - Evidence of a similar nature was given by Henry Albert Stanbury, chargeman of labourers. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 March 1908
PLYMSTOCK - Hooe Child's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Hooe yesterday on EDITH EMILY DUNN, daughter of GEORGE HENRY DUNN, horse driver, living at 4 The Hill, Hooe. - The father stated on Saturday, shortly after 9 p.m., he left the deceased in bed while he went to meet his wife, who was returning from Plymouth by train. A lamp was left burning on a table at the foot of the bed. There were four other children in the house. When he returned he found that deceased had been severely burnt. The child died early Sunday morning. In his opinion the child pulled the lamp on to her bed, setting fire to her nightdress. He left the house hastily and forgot to put the lamp out of the child's reach. - Mrs Adams, a neighbour, said she heard the child shrieking and on rushing into the room fund her shockingly burnt. Her nightdress, which was made of flannelette, had entirely disappeared. - Dr S. Noy Scott said death was due to shock. - The Coroner remarked that the lamp should have been placed in a safe position. However, they heard the father's explanation, which he was prepared to accept. - Dr Scott remarked that it was totally unnecessary to leave lamps in children's bedrooms. They should always sleep without any light. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and handed their fees to the parents.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 March 1908
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN W. C. DEMELLWEEK, the six months' old son of a labourer of Howe-street, who died suddenly on Monday. Dr Whitmore attributed death to suffocation, the result of pressure on a gland of the windpipe.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Pensioner's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on JOHN CROSSING, aged 49, naval pensioner, of Well-street. - Evidence was given by a daughter to the effect that when deceased left home on Monday morning he appeared in his usual health. - Sydney Wilbraham said he saw deceased leaning against the railings at the corner of Octagon-street, and looking unwell. He spoke to him, whereupon he fainted. With assistance witness took him into the Foresters' Hall. A stretcher was procured and P.C. Morgan removed deceased to the Homeopathic Hospital. No bed was available there and the man was taken to the Workhouse where he died. - Medical testimony was to the effect that death resulted from the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 March 1908
EXETER - Exeter Hawker's Death. False Allegation Against Doctor. - At an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on THOMAS WOOLWAY, aged 68, hawker, of Mary Arches[street, Dr Pereira attributed death to a rupture of the aorta. - Mrs Dyas, who for 16 years lived with the deceased, complained that when she sent her son to Dr Brash he came back with the message, "Curse it, go home. I can't come for two hours." She supposed that he did not care to come as it was a parish case. - The Coroner called the boy, who, however, denied that he told his mother that the doctor said "curse it." - At the request of the Jury Dr Brash was sent for. He said he knew nothing about the case, and at the time the boy was said to have called, was away in the country. The lad, in answer to the Coroner, said that Dr Brash was the gentleman he saw. It was further stated that deceased had had some words shortly before his death with George N[?], a neighbour, but the latter told the Jury he could not walk through Mary Arches-street without being grossly insulted by the deceased's boy, who accused him of having caused his father's death. The boy was the ring-leader of a band of juvenile hooligans. - Dr Pereira said he found no evidence or excitement. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 March 1908
TORQUAY - An Open Verdict. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ALFRED COOMBS, plumber, aged 21, who had been missing from his lodgings since February 14th and whose body was found in the sea off Torquay on Sunday morning. - CHARLES COOMBS, stoker, of H.M.S. Lynx, Devonport, brother of deceased, identified the body from the trousers and socks, from a 2ft rule with his initials on it, a piece of a silver albert chain which he gave deceased as a birthday present two years ago, and a number of farthings also found in his pockets, there being hundreds of these coins at the house when the home was broken up. His brother formerly kept company with a young woman, but that was broken off several months ago, and he did not think he was affected by it. Witness had never seen any signs of depression about deceased since the death of his mother. He was always cheerful and bright when he came to witness's house at Ellacombe. - Wm. H. Kitto, plumber, 65 Market-street, said deceased was in his employ seven years. On February 14th deceased was at work as usual and he noticed nothing wrong about him. when he came back from dinner he told him to go to a house in Lower Ellacombe Church-road, where he had been at work, for his tools and then do a job on the Strand. He went for the tools, but did not go to the Strand, and he then disappeared. Deceased grieved very much since the death of his mother nearly two years ago. He had cause to slightly reprimand deceased just before he left to go for his tools for some work done the day before. There was, however, nothing unkind said. The work was not badly done, it was well done, but deceased made a slight error of judgment. - The Coroner: Have you any reason to suppose that had any serious effect on him? - I don't think so. I did not say sufficient to annoy him in any way. - The Coroner: I can hardly fancy it could have had anything to do with it. - Witness added that deceased had been out of his apprenticeship for two years, and his wages were 28s. per week. He was a teetotaler, and a first class workman. - After witness had spoken to deceased about his work, he spoke in return, and asked if he should turn all his work out again on to one side, and witness replied to one side. Deceased spoke brightly and cheerfully. - Reginald Harris, cheesemonger's assistant, said deceased had lodged at his house since last March. When he came home to dinner on February 14th he was in very good spirits, laughing and joking. Deceased was a very deep thinker and would stop in the middle of his meals as if lost in thought. Although religious, he did not carry this to extreme. - Charles H. Melhuish, fish hawker, proved meeting deceased between three and four o'clock on the afternoon of February 14th, near Kilmorie, walking towards Meadfoot Beach. - Advice To A Boy. - Mrs M. F. Hillman, at whose house deceased had been at work in the morning, said when he returned at 1.14 he went through the passage and out at the back door, and left without taking away his tools. A little bottle of spirits of salts, used for soldering, was the only thing missing. During the morning witness thought deceased was very depressed, and she heard him say to a lad working with him, "Always keep away from the girls, they will lead you into trouble." - John G. Williams, the lad who was working with deceased, said COOMBS had no quarrel with his employer except what was said, but deceased often took things like that to heart. - John Holding, fisherman, proved finding the body floating about half a mile from Haldon Pier and towing it in. - Mr W. F. Buckley, captain and adjutant of the Torquay Battalion of the Church Lads' Brigade, said deceased was a member of the Ellacombe Company, of which he was sergeant bugler. He was a young man of singularly bright and cheerful disposition, and of a most unselfish and willing nature. He was also a very great favourite with the lads, who were profoundly grieved at his death. Deceased was not at all likely to take poison and throw himself into the sea because he had been reprimanded for his work. - The Verdict. - The Coroner said it was a rather mysterious case. COOMBS might have taken the bottle of spirits of salts or he might not, because it was missing it could not be said the deceased took it. The fact of his being found walking near Kilmorie when he had orders to go to work in another direction looked queer, but whether these circumstances were sufficient to enable the Jury to say he killed himself by throwing himself into the water was another matter. - Deceased bore an exceedingly good character; there was no question of drink having upset his equilibrium and it was a question whether it was not a case in which the Jury should bring in an Open Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - The funeral, in Torquay Cemetery this afternoon, will be attended by the Church Lads' Brigade.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce at Devonport yesterday held an Inquest on JAMES PALMER, aged 76 years, a general labourer, who resided at 8 Kensington-terrace. Mrs Emily Burch, the married daughter of deceased, stated that on knocking at the door of her father's room about 8.40 a.m. on Saturday and receiving no reply, she entered and found him sitting on the edge of the bed dead. His wife, who was aged 78 years, died on Wednesday last. Dr Davis attributed death to Syncope.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Coroner and Infant Mortality. - Mr Pearce held an Inquest on CLARA BANNAFORD, aged four months, the adopted child of MRS EMILY RIORDAN, the wife of an able seaman in the navy, living at 12 First-avenue, Camel's Head. - MRS RIORDAN stated that she received the child from its grandmother in December last. On Friday night she took it to bed with her and on waking up about 10.30 the following morning found it dead. Witness had been in the habit of feeding the child on boiled bread. - Evidence was given by the father, a general labourer, living at Millbrook. - The Coroner, having recalled Mrs Riordan, said he understood she had only on rare occasions fed the child on boiled bread, but he now received the admission that she had done it usually twice a day. It would be impossible to convince him that boiled bread was a fit food for a child of the age of deceased. there was a movement in existence in the Three Towns to lessen the mortality amongst infants, which was very high all over the country. He was sure they would all be delighted if the object of the movement was realised. There was no doubt that the high rate of infant mortality was due very greatly to improper feeding, and no amount of talking or advice seemed to influence mothers. - Death in this case was stated by Dr Kenrick to be due to pneumonia and a verdict in accordance was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 March 1908
EXETER - Suffocated By A Cat. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter on the four-months-old child of W KEAST, miller, 13 Centre-street. On Saturday evening, whilst the mother was visiting a neighbour, the father came home and found the cat lying on the child's face in the cradle. He took the child up at once, and it was apparently dead. Mr Harrison, Surgeon, came, but life was extinct, death being due to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Exeter Suicide. The Tragic Death Of A Jeweller's Son. - At the Inquest on CECIL HENRY CROWTHER, aged 18, son of MR H. W. CROWTHER, watchmaker and jeweller, of South-street, Superintendent Dymond said on Friday last, in response to a telephone message, he sent Detective Hoyle to 54 South-street, and he followed. When witness arrived at the shop the detective and CROWTHER were examining some rings. They were a portion of the property stolen from Mr Brooking, of Fore-street, Exeter, on February 19th. They bore Mr Brooking's private marks, with tabs and strings attached. Asked how he accounted for the articles being in his possession, deceased said:- A man brought them to the shop this morning about 10 o'clock, and asked me if I bought old gold. I had two ladies in the shop at the time, and I asked the man to leave the things and I would look at them later on. I put the rings in a cupboard. The man left, and promised to call again. I forgot all about the rings until I was home at dinner, when my father rushed home in a very nervous state, and said he had found rings which he believed were part of Mr Brooking's stolen property. He asked me if I knew anything about it. I told him a man brought them in that morning. My father told me to go immediately to the Police. I did not go to the Police, but to the shop, where I found the man waiting outside for me. I took him into the shop and then went into Mr Pullen's close by and telephoned to the Police Station. When I came back the man was gone. Witness remarked to him, "It is very strange that you, being a practical man, did not see that these things were the proceeds of the robbery at Mr Brooking's; you having been supplied with information about them." CROWTHER replied, "Yes, I saw they belonged to Brooking at 10 o'clock this morning." CROWTHER said the man who brought the rings was about 50 years of age, rather short, with a dark beard and wore a dark grey over-coat and trousers. Witness told him he must go with Detective Hoyle and scour the city to see if he could find the man. A description of the man was given by CROWTHER and circulated by the Police, and on Saturday morning CROWTHER came to witness's office with Detective Hoyle. Witness asked him the names of the two ladies who were in the shop when the man brought the rings. He gave two names, but the result of inquiry was that one of the ladies was not in the shop that day. In consequence of further information, a warrant was obtained on Monday morning to search the premises at 54 South-street. Witness executed it in company with P.C's J. P. Hill and Hatherley. CROWTHER was in the shop and when the warrant was read to him, he said "I don't understand it." Witness commenced the search. First of all he found on the young man himself some letters. One had reference to the disposition of some rings. In a room upstairs they found in a cupboard, a flashlight lamp, a screw-driver, and other tools. Mr Brooking then came. In the front workshop witness found two unset stones, and turning around said "I should like a box." CROWTHER said he had one in the back room, and proceeded there. Witness nodded to P.C. Hatherley to keep an eye on him. He soon heard a shout, and running into the room saw Hatherley undoing the young man's collar. Hatherley said he thought CROWTHER had taken poison from the pot. Hatherley pushed his fingers down the youth's throat to try and make him vomit. CROWTHER, hearing witness tell someone to get an emetic, said "You need not get an emetic. I only put it to my lips." Witness, however, got an emetic and administered it. As CROWTHER got worse he hailed a cab and drove him to the Hospital, where he died shortly after admission. Early on the morning of that day witness ordered observation to be kept on the ash-box put out from CROWTHER'S shop and the contents were placed in a separate conveyance and taken to the Police-Station, where it was found to contain portions of tabs belonging to Mr Brooking. - P.C. Hatherley corroborated, adding that in trying to knock the jar from the deceased's mouth, some of the liquid splashed over his face and clothes. - In answer to the Foreman (Mr H. Stocker) he said CROWTHER appeared very calm and gave no indication of taking his life. - Mr Brooking identified the rings produced and the tabs attached, as his property. They were part of the articles stolen from his shop. - Mr J. Roberts, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to poisoning by cyanide of potassium, a very small quantity of which would prove fatal. - MR CROWTHER, the father, said the acid was used in the business. Three grains would kill a man. His son knew the danger of the acid. - The Coroner said assuming deceased to have been guilty of connection with the robbery it was a pity he did not face the punishment instead of taking his life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Insane," and expressed sympathy with the parents. They also thought the Police were entirely exonerated from blame, and that they did all in their power to prevent what occurred. - The Chief Constable (Mr R. L. Williams) remarked that no suspicion attached to MR CROWTHER, sen., in connection with the matter. It was he who found the property and rendered the Police all assistance.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 March 1908
TORQUAY - Mysterious Affair At Sea. Inquest At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on NORMAN ABBOTT, marine engineer, single, aged 33, who died in the Torbay Hospital on Monday after an operation. - The Coroner stated that deceased suffered from the effects of injuries to his throat which were apparently self-inflicted at sea some four months ago. He was treated at the Hospital at Plymouth, where he got better, but the cut left an injury to the throat which continued to get worse, and deceased had to go to the Torbay Hospital to be operated on, and there he died, presumably from the effects of the cut. - MAURICE ABBOT, solicitor, an elder brother of deceased, said he saw him, after a lapse of three years, early in February in the Hospital at Plymouth, where he had been under treatment for some time for the cut in his throat. Early in March deceased was brought to Torquay, where he became worse, and was placed in the Nightingale Nursing Home, Torwood-road. He got better, and then worse, and was removed to the Torbay Hospital for an operation last Sunday night. The deceased, after having been out of permanent employment for eighteen months, got a job as assistant engineer on the steamer Heliopolis. There was some dispute with the chief engineer, who threatened to put deceased on shore and witness understood that it was then that he sustained the injury to his throat. The relatives put down the occurrence to the heat of the engine-room. Deceased had previously been on other steamers. The Heliopolis traded between Marseilles and Egypt, and it was her maiden voyage. Witness understood deceased joined her at Glasgow. - The Coroner said they could get further information from the agents of the steamer at Plymouth, Waring and Co. - Dr. F. R. H. Laverick, House Surgeon, at the Torbay Hospital, said when deceased was admitted, he was displaying very acute symptoms of suffocation, due to an obstruction in the throat following upon the previous injury, a cut which had left a scar in the front, the larynx having also been injured. On Monday morning the symptoms were much worse, and deceased implored the doctors to operate upon him. For three hours he was constantly having oxygen. The operation was commenced at one o'clock on Monday afternoon, there being present Dr Horton, Dr Lacey, witness and the nursing staff. When the operation was commenced deceased could not possibly have lived more than three hours, he being in a condition of collapse, so that the operation was the only chance of saving his life. He was given strychnine to strengthen the heart, and a small quantity of chloroform, which rendered him unconscious to pain. Tracheotomy was performed by Dr Horton. Deceased made six or seven efforts to breathe, and then expired before the operation was completed. If the operation had been made before it might have had beneficial results, but deceased would not give is consent earlier. He died from suffocation caused by the old wound in his throat. The wound had healed, but the larynx had closed up. - Dr T. Horton, Hon. Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said on the previous Sunday he and Dr Cuming told ABBOTT that tracheotomy should be performed, but he was then strongly opposed to the operation. The injury to the throat was of a very severe character. Deceased died within a few seconds of the opening of the windpipe. He said nothing of the circumstances under which the wound in his throat was inflicted, nor had witness heard anything of them. - The Coroner said they were bound to find out how the wound, which apparently caused death, was inflicted. The Jury had to settle whether deceased was murdered or killed himself. There was nothing legally known yet. It might be, when they came to examine into the case, that somebody was responsible for it, or that a crime was committed. - In reply to the Foreman (Mr R. Hodge) deceased's brother said he never asked deceased about the injury to his throat, and deceased never said anything about it. - The Coroner said the agents of the steamer must be communicated with, and the Inquest was adjourned to April 23rd.

ST BUDEAUX - Crownhill Woman's Death. A Sad Case. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Crownhill yesterday on JANE CRIDFORD, aged 37 years, of 2 Kelvin-grove, St Budeaux. - JAMES CRIDFORD, foreman of telegraphists, G.W.R. Company, said on returning home on Monday evening he found his wife dead on the floor. She was addicted to drink for some time and had complained of pains in the chest and sides, but no doctor had attended her. - ALICE CRIDFORD, aged 12, deceased's daughter, said on Monday afternoon her mother fell off a chair on which she had been sitting. She told a neighbour what had occurred, and she received the reply, "Let her stay there and sleep." She had seen her mother fall to the floor when in drink before. She would stay where she fell and go to sleep. After her mother had fallen she spoke to her, but received no reply. She then went to school. - Dr S. Oliver said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. There was chronic cirrhosis of the liver and all the organs were fatty, due to alcoholism. The deceased apparently died when she fell to the floor. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

KINGSWEAR - Kingswear Woman's Death. - An Inquest was opened yesterday at Kingswear on ELIZABETH HALL, wife of GEORGE HALL, a gardener. Deceased was confined on Sunday. At half-past ten in the morning HALL went for Dr Kendall, who had been engaged to attend deceased, but found him ill in bed. HALL then went for a nurse, who also could not come. At half-past one MRS HALL became worse and her husband went for Dr Phillpotts, who said he could not attend. Then HALL crossed to Dartmouth and eventually succeeded in getting Dr Harris. When Dr Harris arrived, after three o'clock, the woman was dying from haemorrhage. Dr Kendall, Dr Young and Dr Phillpotts gave evidence to the effect that they did not know the case was so serious. The Inquiry was adjourned until today.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 March 1908
KINGSWEAR - Kingswear Woman's Death. Doctor's Blamed. - At the adjourned Inquest at Kingswear yesterday on MRS ELIZABETH HALL, the Foreman (Mr T. Abrahams) said the Jury's verdict was: "That deceased died from Haemorrhage after confinement, probably from want of skilled assistance. The Jury think that Dr Kendall was neglectful, not culpably, in not having handed over his contracts and responsibilities to another medical man when he was obliged to take to his bed from severe illness, and that Dr Phillpotts and Dr Young are to blame, but not to the same extent, for not attending when they were given to understand that Dr Kendall could not do so. We exonerate the nurse and express our deepest sympathy with MR HALL and his family in their very sad bereavement." - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): The verdict is that deceased came to her death from Haemorrhage after Child Birth, probably from want of skilled assistance. The remainder is a rider. - The Foreman assented and the Coroner said he concurred with the Jury's rider.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Graves held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS MITCHELL, boatswain, aged 73, of Alexandra-road, Plymouth. Evidence was given by Mrs Elizabeth Ann Fox, a niece, and Dr John Gardiner. The deceased received a severe burn to his left hand in December last, and also a shock by another accident he met with late in January. The cause of death was heart disease, accelerated by the two accidents. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 March 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Feared Dismissal. Plymouth Secretary's Suicide. - At the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JOHN MARKS, aged 52, Albert Major, Relieving Officer, Plymouth, said deceased, who resided in his house, was the secretary of Millbay Soap Works. He had been indisposed for several months, and recently had appeared very depressed. MRS MARKS called him to her room about 8.30 a.m. on Saturday and there he found deceased in bed, with his throat cut and a razor and a glass on the bed. Dr Leah ordered his removal to the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport. the widow was not in a fit state to attend the Inquiry. There was no family. P.C. Rogers, Plymouth Borough Police, said on being called to No. 29 King gardens, about 8.45 a.m. on Saturday, he found deceased in bed with his throat cut. Witness placed a towel around his neck and Dr Leah, on arriving, sent him in his private carriage to the Hospital. - William Clayden, manager, Soap Company, said deceased, who had been in the employ of the company for 27 years, had been constantly absent from work of late in consequence of ill-health. Deceased had kept his books in a very straight condition, but the fact that there was to be a directors' meeting on Monday apparently worried him considerably. - Dr Sherwell, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted in a state of collapse and died on Thursday, the actual cause being heart failure, due to shock, caused by the wound in the throat. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 March 1908
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves held an Inquest at Plymouth Prison yesterday on ARTHUR WILSON, monumental mason, who died in the gaol on Saturday. Deceased, who was 72 years of age, and had been exempted from hard labour, was taken ill on Thursday with inflammation of the lungs, and attended twice daily by Dr Wolferstan until he died. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plympton Driver's Death. An Unexplained Accident. - Mr J. Graves held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM JOHN REVELL, aged 27, employed at the Lee Moor Clayworks as a horse driver, who died at the Institution on Friday. Mr F. W. Skardon represented deceased's family, and Mr Percy T. Pearse watched the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's employment. JOHN REVELL, of Plympton, said deceased, his son, resided at Brooking Field-terrace, Plympton. - Matthew Anderson, labourer, of Plympton, said on 16th inst. deceased was in charge of one of four sets of wagons which were brought down from Lee Moor to the Great Western Yard at Plympton. Witness heard a shout, and saw deceased's wagons moving without anyone in charge. He applied the brake to the third of the wagons, and deceased fell from between two of the wagons. Seeing that he was injured, witness asked him what was the matter, and he made no reply. He was immediately removed to the Hospital. He made no statement to witness. Nobody else was present at the time. - Mr Skardon asked if the brake of the first wagon might not have refused to act, and witness replied that it would be impossible to identify the wagon now, and he did not observe the brake at the time. - William John French, examiner on the Great Western Railway, said he was in the yard at Plympton on 16th inst., and hearing that there had been an accident, fetched an ambulance and assisted in removing deceased to the Hospital. Asked on the way if he was in much pain, he replied in the negative, and in reply to a query respecting the cause of the accident, said he was uncoupling the two wagons, when the crook of the side chain caught in his trousers and pulled him back. - John McBean, driver, employed by Martin Bros., said he was driving five wagons in front of deceased. He did not see the accident. The brakes used on the wagons were powerful and could be applied by hand or foot. Deceased must have used one of the brakes several times on the way in from Lee Moor in the afternoon, and witness had no reason to believe that any failed to act. The place at which the wagon pulled up was on a slight slope and application of the brake was necessary. - By Mr Skardon: It was sometimes found necessary to use a second or third brake when the first was insufficient. - Dr H. B. Corry said deceased was admitted to the Hospital with severe injuries to the left thigh and other parts of the body. Death was due to those injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 March 1908
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Suicide. Postman's Fear Of Dismissal. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on ALBERT EDWARD CORY, aged 43 years, a postman, of Millbrook-place, whose body was found in the River Tavy on Wednesday. - The widow, MRS EMMA CORY, said deceased had been troubled with deafness for some considerable time and the fact seemed to unnerve him greatly. He appeared to be in fear of losing his situation and was afraid of what would happen to witness and the children should this fear be realised. About three o'clock on Wednesday morning, witness awoke and found deceased had left the bed. Witness called a lodger, but deceased, who was found to be crouching on the stairs, called up, "I'm coming, EMMA." He came back to the room, but appeared very restless and told witness that he wished to go to the Post Office. Witness reminded him that he was on sick leave, but he refused to believe that. Deceased said he wished to go to another part of the house about 5 a.m. and left the room. It was subsequently found that he had left the house by the front door. Mr Kerton, a lodger, immediately went after him. Witness never saw him alive again. She attributed the sad occurrence to worry caused through fear of losing his hearing. - William Henry Cox, a journeyman smith, and a lodger of the deceased's, said on Wednesday morning he was informed that deceased was missing from his home, and accordingly went in search, accompanied by Mr Kerton. They found the body in the river Tavy, about a mile and a half from the house. Deceased was clothed in his shirt, vest and trousers and his shirt had caught in a bramble. - Dr T. E. Smythe said he had attended deceased occasionally for some time as medical officer of the Post-office. His deafness appeared recently to be better. Hearing that he had been strange in his manner, witness visited deceased's wife, who told him CORY suffered from insomnia and worried over the thought that he would be discharged from the Post Office. Witness assured deceased that this would not happen, and placed him on the sick-list in consequence of the state of his nerves and the insomnia from which he suffered. Witness, in reply to the Coroner, stated his belief that deceased was unsound at the time of the occurrence. From the injuries to his head, it seemed probable that deceased must have fallen from a height and had been carried down the river with the stream. - Cox, recalled, said deceased threatened on Monday to drown himself and told witness on leaving the house that he did not intend to return. - A Juryman observed that a rumour prevailed in the town on Wednesday morning that deceased had been dismissed from the Post Office, but he was assured by the Postmaster (Mr Heard) that this was not the case. - It was stated that deceased was much respected in the town, where he had served for 26 years. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," expressed sympathy with the widow, to whom they gave their fees.

PLYMOUTH - Death In Plymouth Prison. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Prison yesterday on SUSAN BAKER, 25 St Andrew's-street, Plymouth, who was admitted to the gaol on 12th inst., and died on Thursday last. - Dr Wolferstan, Medical Officer, stated that on the evening of her admission deceased made no complaint concerning her own health, but brought with her a child which he found to be suffering from pneumonia. The child was transferred to the Workhouse. Deceased first complained of illness on the 16th and from that date to the time of her death, he visited her daily at last ordering her removal to the Hospital. She was obviously suffering from the effects of excessive consumption of alcohol. Later she developed inflammation of the lungs, which might have been caused by septic poisoning, and internal complications which caused death. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

BERE FERRERS - Bere Alston Tragedy. The Coroner And A Sensational Newspaper Report. - A pathetic story was told at the Inquest at Bere Alston yesterday on EMMA PARKEN, aged 32 years, the wife of WILLIAM JOHN PARKEN, a market gardener, residing at Wara Cottage. According to the husband, deceased had been depressed and low-spirited of late, and appeared to grieve greatly over the death of her eight-year-old son about eighteen months ago, since when she had never been the same. Witness left the house about 10 a.m. the previous day, and on returning two hours later he noticed his little boy crying bitterly outside the cottage. He rushed indoors but not finding his wife, organised a search and discovered her in a shed at the back of the cottage, hanging from a beam dead. Her feet were almost touching the ground, and from the position of a box close by it appeared that she had swung herself clear after placing the rope around her neck. On returning indoors he found a note from his wife, which read:- My dear WILL. - The agony I am in never to see you or my precious children again. - Deceased had suffered through pains in her head and sleeplessness for weeks past. She had appeared perfectly broken down since the birth of her last child, and had been medically attended for melancholia. - In reply to the Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd), who asked if deceased had ever threatened to commit suicide, witness stated that she had spoken to him of temptations, but these she had always resisted until the present sad consequence. - Mrs Nellie Parsons, who resides in an adjoining house, said she observed deceased the same morning hanging out clothes in the garden, and she then seemed in exceptionally good spirits. - In summing up, the Coroner observed that one of the worst forms of insanity was melancholia, and a person might be perfectly bright and well one moment and the next be taken with a sudden attack and commit such an act as deceased had done. Some mention should be made with reference to the startling comments made in a Plymouth newspaper that the mother committed suicide and attempted to strangle her baby. - The husband, (sobbing): It is a sham. - The Coroner said the evidence had shown that the baby was quietly sleeping in its cradle at the time, and that there was absolutely no ground for such a statement. He sympathised with the family that such a comment should have been circulated. - The Jury concurred with the Coroner's remarks and commented upon the accuracy of the Western Morning News' report of the case. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned and sympathy was expressed with the husband and relatives.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Child's Death. - At Teignmouth yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on FLORENCE MAY JACKSON, aged seven. - ISABELLA DART, Alexandra-terrace, wife of a mariner, said the girl was her adopted child. The child was registered under a false name, the mother's name being really NORTHWAY. The girl had always been healthy, but on Sunday developed a severe cold. A recommend was obtained for medical assistance and witness's daughter-in-law took it to the Hospital. On Wednesday evening, after the child went to bed she appeared worse, and as the doctor had not come, she sent for another. Witness afterwards learnt that the doctor at the Hospital did not come because there was a mistake in the recommend. The child died before medical assistance arrived. [?] Dart, daughter-in-law of the previous witness, said she gave the recommend to the servant who answered the door at the Hospital. - Mary Barratt, housemaid at the Hospital, said she never received any recommend on Tuesday night. She was the only girl who answered the door. - Dr Berkeley Cann said the child suffered from an abscess in the throat which burst and choked her. The organs otherwise were in good condition. - Mrs Dart again emphasized her statement that she delivered a recommend when she called at the Institution. The Coroner said personally he believed the servant girl. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 March 1908
EXETER - The Exeter Suicide. - At an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on JOHN WILLIAM STONE, 76, retired tailor, deceased's daughter, MRS MARY MANLEY, of 25 Bonhay-road, said deceased had lodged with her for the past three years. Since the beginning of January he had been attended by Dr Vlieland for heart complaint and pains in the chest. On many occasions he had said the pains were enough to drive him mad. On Thursday he went to bed at 9 o'clock and at quarter-pat ten witness heard a window rattle as if being opened. She proceeded upstairs just in time to see the deceased falling out of the window. She heard a splash as the body entered the leat at the back of the house. She summoned assistance from the paper mill adjoining. Some years ago he attempted his life by cutting his throat. The fall must have been between 30 ft. and 35 ft., from the window to the water. - Walter Dorothy, of Jubilee-street, said on Thursday night, with others, he searched the river up and down several times, but failed to recover the body. - William Giles Bodly, of Cricklepit-street, said he found the body in the river near Messrs. Mitchell's stone works, Haven Banks, a considerable distance down the stream, on Friday afternoon. - Dr Pereira said death was due to drowning, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

HIGH BICKINGTON - Barnstaple Woman's Death. - Mr George W. F. Brown held an Inquest at Deptford, near Barnstaple, on Saturday on SUSAN ANNE PERRIN, 70, who fell on the stairs of her house on Wednesday night and died the next morning. Her husband, JOHN PERRIN, said he heard his wife fall and found her unconscious. He fetched a neighbour, Mr Baker, and a doctor. - Dr. W. Cooper said death was due to apoplexy and not to the fall. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 March 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Suicide. Doctor And Salts of Lemon. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CATHERINE BERGMAN, aged 35, of Durham-avenue. - GEORGE G. BERGMAN. her husband, said on Saturday morning she appeared to be in better spirits than for some time. She had been depressed and appeared mentally afflicted, the result, he believed, of an operation she underwent nine years ago. - KATE BERGMAN, aged 12, daughter of the deceased, said she saw her mother on Saturday take from her pocket salts of lemon, which she said was for removing iron rust from a quilt. She appeared in her usual health, but later complained of feeling unwell. Witness left the room for a moment and on her return her mother said she had taken the poison. - Dr Glynn said deceased was dead when he arrived. He estimated that she had taken about half an ounce of salts of lemon, some of which poison was in a glass on the table. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - Dr Glynn said he was of opinion that salts of lemon should be scheduled. This was the second case he had seen of suicide by means of this poison. It could be purchased in any quantities, and, while if people wanted to commit suicide they would do so, it was well to place as many hindrances in their way as possible.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. - An Inquest was held at Prince Rock yesterday on WILLIAM ALBERT JOSEPH, the four months old son of ERNEST ALBERT VICARY, railway fireman, Embankment-road.. The mother said she was nursing the child on Thursday, when it slipped off her lap. She carried it to Dr Travers Stubbs. It died on Friday. - Dr Stubbs said death was due to concussion of the brain, followed by convulsions. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 April 1908
SOLIHULL - Late MR J. H. W. HARRIS. Remarkable Mistake By A Banbury Family. - An extraordinary complication has just been cleared up in connection with the fatality to a well-sinker at Shirley Station last week. Deceased was JOHN HENRY WEVILL HARRIS, of Plymouth, and the body was identified by a member of the firm of S. Roberts and Co. (Ltd.), Plymouth, by whom he was employed. On Monday, when preparations had been completed for interment, a young man from Banbury asked to be allowed to see the body, and on the request being granted he said it was his father, John Henry Harris, who left his wife and family at Banbury about nine years ago. Preparations for the interment were suspended and other relatives of the Banbury man being communicated with they confirmed the testimony of the supposed son. Both families laid claim to the body, and the matter was again referred to the Coroner yesterday. The Solihull Police inform me (writes our Birmingham correspondent) that the Banbury man and his friends were undoubtedly mistaken and that the interment will now proceed. - Inquiries at Plymouth conclusively prove that the Banbury family have made a grievous mistake in supposing the deceased to be their missing relative. There was a slight difference in the names of the two men, since deceased's full name was JOHN HENRY WEVILL HARRIS, and the Banbury man's name was John Henry Harris simply. But, apart from the difference in name, deceased's life history is well known and there is abundant evidence of his identity. Born at Black Torrington, he served for several years as a young man in the navy, retiring from the service in 1893. For the last 21 years he had resided at Plymouth and after leaving the navy was never away from his home except for short periods when working on a contract. His relatives are emphatic in declaring that he had never lived at Banbury and certainly was not living there nine years ago. At the time of his death deceased was working for S. Roberts and Co. (Limited), for the Great Western Railway Company at Shirley, and he had been continuously in the employ of this firm for the last eleven or twelve years. On receipt of the news on Tuesday that another family were claiming the body of her husband, MRS HARRIS at once proceeded to Shirley. She was naturally greatly distressed, but confident that the claim of the Banbury family had no foundation in fact. Mr Roberts was at the time in Shirley making arrangements for the removal of the body for interment at Plymouth. In consequence of the dispute as to the identity, the funeral preparations were stopped and Mr Roberts returned to Plymouth. yesterday he received a telegram which confirmed the statement of our correspondent that the claim of MRS HARRIS of Plymouth, to the body, had been admitted. In consequence of what has happened, however, the funeral arrangements have been altered and the interment will take place today at Shirley.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 April 1908
SANDFORD - Sandford Lad's Death. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Sandford Vestry Rooms yesterday on WALLACE ALEXANDER GORDON. The father, a retired publican, said the deceased was 16 years of age, and was subject to fits. Witness last saw him alive at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the school yard. - Louis Lugg, carpenter of Sandford, also spoke to seeing the deceased in the school yard shortly after 7 p.m. - John Lugg, of Sandford, a butcher, said he found the deceased at the bottom of the garden steps in the school yard. He was lying with his head doubled up under him and his hands in his pockets. He was dead, quite cold and stiff. Witness afterwards found the deceased's cap at the top of the steps. - Mr H. M. Body, Surgeon, of Crediton, said an examination of the body revealed the mark of a blow on the deceased's left ear and at the back of the head which might have been caused by a fall. The cause of death was Dislocation of the Neck. It was possible that deceased might have had a fit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMPTON ST MARY - At the Inquest at Plympton yesterday on MRS LYDIA MOORMAN, aged 58, of Maidenwell, Underwood, found dead in her house on Thursday, Dr L. D. Stamp attributed death to apoplexy. Deceased had suffered from a seizure about 18 months ago, and evidences of it remained. At the suggestion of the Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) a vote of condolence with the relatives was passed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 April 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Okehampton Camp Fatality. Inquest: Flannelette Dangers. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Military Hospital yesterday on Lieut. FRANCIS CODDRINGTON NATION, R.F.A., aged 26, who died on Thursday as the result of burns sustained at Okehampton Artillery Camp on Tuesday night. - Mr Alfred H. Dixon, cotton spinner of Chelford, Cheshire, identified the body as that of his son-in-law, a lieutenant of the Royal Field Artillery. - Capt. Robt. S. Fuhr. R.A.M.C., stationed at Okehampton Practice Camp, said that about one a.m. on Wednesday he was called to attend LIEUT. NATION, whom he saw in the officer's mess. A sergeant and lance-corporal in witness's corps had covered him with dressings. Deceased was suffering from severe burns over the body and from shock, but was conscious. Witness at once gave him a hypodermic injection of strychnine and was informed that he had had brandy. Witness proceeded to dress the burns, which covered three-fourths of the trunk and limbs, and also dressed the injuries of two officers who had sustained burns in the endeavour to extinguish the flames. About four a.m. witness had deceased removed to the camp hospital on a stretcher, and then gave him an injection of morphia. He seemed fairly comfortable and said he would like to try and sleep, and dozed off. Witness left the Hospital about five a.m., leaving a lance-corporal on duty with the patient. returning as soon as possible, witness arranged to take him to Devonport by the 10 a.m. train, and accompanied him himself. Before starting the deceased had a large bowl of bovril. He was got down to Devonport comfortably, although he was rather restless in the train, and his temperature went up a degree. He was quite conscious and spoke to a sister in the ward. Deceased said nothing as to how the fire originated. - By the Foreman: I am perfectly satisfied as to the manner in which he was moved to the officer's mess, which was near the tent and the treatment he received. The sergeant and lance-corporal are specially trained and have passed examinations in the nursing section. I do not think the journey to Devonport hastened his death. The Stationmaster telegraphed to Exeter to reserve a compartment in a first-class bogey carriage, and on the way down deceased told me he was quite comfortable. - Maj. H. L. Tennant, R.F.A., commanding the 103rd Battery, said deceased was in the 102nd Battery, and both batteries were in the 21st Brigade. About 12.40 a.m. he was lying awake in his tent, when he heard shouts. Almost at the same moment witness's tent became lit up by a flare outside. He jumped up, and on looking out saw a tent in the line of the 102nd Battery burning. Directly afterwards he saw some individual, whom he did not know at the time, running up towards witness's tent. His pyjamas were burning. Witness got a blanket from his own bed and shouted to the individual to lie down and roll. He did so immediately, and witness went straight to him and found that Maj. Tyler had also just arrived and was covering up his legs. Witness covered up his body with the view of putting out the flames. Other officers now arrived, and he directed a man to go immediately to the Hospital to warn the orderlies. Witness then went to see to the safety of the camp, and ascertained that the guard had been turned out, but the soldier servants had already pulled up the pegs and dropped the burning tent in order to prevent the flames from spreading. They were also doing their best to extinguish the flames. It was while wrapping the blanket around the deceased that he ascertained who he was. On going back to where MR NATION was lying, he found that the officers were trying to get the smouldering garments off him. MR NATION was then wrapped in blankets to keep the air from him, and carried by the officers into the mess. They got oil and butter, which they rubbed over him, and by this time the sergeant of the R.A.M.C. arrived from the Hospital. As deceased was being taken into the mess witness saw Lieut. Walker, who volunteered to go down to the medical officer and witness directed him to do so and take the necessary horses. Lieut. Walker ran down, and the horses followed, and reached the medical officer's house in time to bring him to the camp. The medical officer arrived about 1.5. Deceased was perfectly conscious and said something went wrong with the lamp and he was taking - or had taken it - out of the tent. It was an oil lamp inside a stove, and it seemed to witness that the deceased found it a nuisance. Witness did not think any of the tent boards were burnt by the oil. He (witness) did not have a stove, but a lamp, although he did not use it. The nights had been intensely cold. He did not know whether deceased's pyjamas were of flannelette. - Cap. Fuhr said he found a small piece of the material and believed it to be flannelette. - The Coroner: Then there is nothing in the theory that the clothes caught fire while he was asleep? - Maj. Tennant: He was quite conscious when he stated what occurred. - By the Jury: The stove was private property. The general has issued an order that there are to be no stoves in any tents. This was a bell tent. - Maj. Jas. A. Tyler, R.F.A., said he went to bed about 11.30 p.m., but could not go to sleep because he was too cold. He was just beginning to doze about 12.30 when he was aroused by loud shouting, and saw the glare of flames outside his tent. Witness's tent was not closed, and he saw an individual enveloped in flames running in the open-air. Witness seized his bedding and was rushing towards the individual when he heard someone shout, "Lie down, you fool." The individual lay down within five yards of witness's tent, and witness and Maj. Tennant pressed their blankets on the individual's body. The flames were immediately extinguished, but the material went on smouldering for some time, and this must have been very painful. Gradually they pulled out the burning fragments. Fortunately the night was still and the burning tent being lowered, the fire did not spread to other tents. Witness soon found that the burning individual was LIEUT. NATION: and in the officers' mess Maj. Mallock rubbed him over with butter. The doctor arrived in about half an hour. The oil stove was of a common type usually used in tents, although witness had never used one. He was convinced that the stove was the cause of the fire. He did not gather whether the tent or deceased's clothing caught fire first. - Capt. A. E. Thorp, R.A.M.C., of the Station Hospital, Devonport, said that when admitted deceased was suffering from severe burns. There was a possibility of his recovery, although he was in a very dangerous condition. He remained in much the same condition up to 10 p.m. when witness went off duty. Deceased had every possible attention, but died about 3 p.m. on Thursday from shock, due to the burns. - Mr Dixon, in reply to the Coroner, said he was perfectly satisfied. He had only a feeling of gratitude for the way in which deceased was looked after at the time of the accident and at the Hospital. Everything that could be done was done. - The Coroner, in summing up, said they knew from past experience that flannelette was a very dangerous material, as it caught fire instantly. He was inclined to think that the clothing caught fire first while the deceased was removing the stove. Everything possible was done for him, and Maj. Tennant and Maj. Mallock sustained burns in endeavouring to extinguish the flames. On behalf of the Jury and himself he tendered to Mr Dixon and the widow their sincere sympathy in their great sorrow. It was a sad blow: and it must be a source of great regret that the service had lost such a promising young officer. He wished to convey to Maj. Tennant and Maj. Tyler and asked them to convey to Maj. Mallock, his own and the Jury's high commendation of the steps they took to save the deceased's life, and to say how sorry they were that they met with injuries. When he said everything possible was done, he, of course, included the services of Capt. Fuhr and the sergeant and lance-corporal. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and endorsed the Coroner's remarks. Entraining The Remains. - Arrangements have been made for the funeral to take place at Chelford, Cheshire. The remains will be entrained at Millbay Station, with full military honours at 10.20 a.m. today. The procession will leave the Military Hospital, Stoke, at 9.50 a.m. The General Officer Commanding Plymouth Coast Defences has issued the following order:- The remains of the late LIEUT. F. C. NATION, 102nd Battery, R.F.A., will be entrained this (Saturday) morning at Millbay Station with military honours at 10.20 a.m. The officer commanding troops, Citadel, will detail a firing party from the companied, R.G.A. (without ammunition), strength, one subaltern, 40 rank and file, with band of the R.G.A. The officer commanding Northern Section will arrange for a Union Jack. The gun-carriage and team are being provided by the officer commanding 102nd Battery, R.F.A. Okehampton. An officer to command the procession, and pall bearers, are being provided by R.F.A., Okehampton. Maj. Molesworth, R.G.A., will be in charge of the arrangements at Millbay Station. The procession will leave the Military Hospital, Stoke at 9.50 a.m., and will proceed via Millbridge, across Union-street, through Phoenix-street to Millbay Station (Union-street being crossed at the quick march). Officers off duty are invited to attend.

PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN HENRY RENDALL, aged 43, labourer, of King-street, who died suddenly at his residence. Dr Waterfield attributed death to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 April 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At 74. Workhouse Inmate's Leap At Devonport. - At Devonport Workhouse on Thursday the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on HENRY JOHN ADAMSON, aged 74 years, an inmate of the Infirmary, who formerly resided at 23 James-street, and who was found dead on the courtyard on the previous evening. - According to the evidence of the Master (Mr C. F. Whenmouth), deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary in February last suffering, as he stated, from an injury to his back. Judging from the position in which he was found, deceased must have left the ward he occupied and entering the day[room adjoining, jumped or fallen from the window, a distance of about 30 feet. When discovered the body was perfectly dead. - Witness was aware that other members of the family had a suicidal tendency. - Miss M. M. G. Sweet, a probationer nurse in the Infirmary, said she saw deceased about 9.30 on the previous evening in bed and asleep. Shortly after 11 o'clock she was called by Nurse O'Connell, and together they went into the yard, where they found ADAMSON lying on his face quite dead. He was attired in his shirt and stockings only. When witness spoke to deceased about eight o'clock on the same evening he appeared as usual. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Margaret Priestman, superintending nurse at the Workhouse, said she saw deceased alive about six o'clock on the previous evening and he then appeared in his usual health. - Dr Sandford, the Medical Officer, said deceased had his face badly battered in. There were contused wounds all over the face; the nose and jaw were broken and the base of the skull fractured. His arms were also broken at the wrist joints. Death, in his opinion, was due to a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner: Do you consider that the arrangements of attendance in the ward are sufficient? - Quite. I do not see any way to prevent an accident such as this. - In reply to a Juryman, the Doctor stated that deceased was a simple old man, able to take care of himself fairly well and perfectly harmless. He did not seem to have much intellect, although he could answer questions fairly intelligently. - MRS MARTHA CHAMBERS, daughter of deceased, in answer to the Coroner, said deceased's brother committed suicide some time ago. She had heard that her father had threatened to take his life, although he had never done so in her presence. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

GEORGE NYMPTON - Suicide Of A Devon Farmer. - An Inquest was held at Georgenympton, near Southmolton, on Thursday, by Mr George W. F. Brown (North Devon Coroner) on the body of WILLIAM BOURNE, farmer. He had suffered from rheumatism, which prevented him from working for six months, and on Wednesday morning went out, and was not again seen alive. His wife found his body hanging from an apple tree. - William Bradford, who cut down the body, said in order to place the rope in position he found that deceased must have first climbed the tree. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 April 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Marine Sergeant's Suicide. Life Not Worth Living. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on SERGT. ALEXANDER JOHNSTON, R.M.A., of the battleship Caesar, who was found dead in his ship with a gunshot wound in the head. - Lieut. E. M. Bennett identified the deceased, who was 35 years of age. The rifle used was of a service pattern, but the cartridge was not. Amongst the deceased's belongings was found the following letter: - "Messmates. - Should anything happen to me there is 19s. in money in my ditty box. Please see that my wife gets it, also two letters to be posted. The key of my ditty box is in my serge pocket. Good-bye all. Life is not worth living." - On the envelope had been written, evidently a short time before the deceased took his life. "To be opened by my messmates. There is 37s. 5d., not 19s. as stated inside. Please see my wife has it. This amount has been increased weekly by payments since I wrote the note inside." - Surg. C. K. Bushe said he was called at 5.55 a.m. on Friday to see the deceased, whom he found on one of the lockers of his mess, quite dead. There was a gunshot wound through the head. On the locker there was also a rifle with a discharged cartridge in it. The muzzle of the rifle was covered with blood. Witness had treated the deceased since he joined the Caesar in November, and he had been on the sick list on and off since then. He suffered from rheumatism and hernia. He was informed that the latter complaint could be cured by a slight operation, after which he would be invalided from the service. Deceased declined to undergo the operation. He was of a reserved and uncommunicative disposition. The wound in the head was the cause of death. - Sergt. George Barton, R.M.A., said he had known the deceased for twelve months. He left a widow and three children. Witness was of opinion that the deceased's health must have worried him. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. - The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the R.N. Hospital at 10 a.m.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Death In A Devonport Street. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening, the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on JOHN PAWLEY OLVER, aged 48 years, a naval pensioner, formerly residing at 68 Charlotte-street, Morice Town, who died on his way to the Hospital, subsequent upon a sudden attack of illness in Catherine-street on Good Friday. WILLIAM JOHN OLVER, a naval pensioner, residing in Albert View, said deceased, his brother, had enjoyed fairly good health recently. He frequently complained of headaches. Richard Mallett, a petty officer, R.N., said he accompanied deceased to the football match at Home Park on the afternoon of Good Friday, and he then appeared in his usual health. - P.C. Shopland gave evidence of finding deceased ill at the bottom of Catherine-street. - Dr Sherwell, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 April 1908
TIVERTON - Bampton Quarry Fatality. Danger Of Gelignite. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Infirmary yesterday by Mr Arthur Fisher, Borough Coroner, on JOHN HARPER, foreman of Bampton Stone Quarries, who died on Monday as the result of an accident on 15th inst. - Mr Joseph S. Martin of Bristol, H.M. Inspector of Mines and Quarries, for the S.W. Mining District, was present. - John Berry, quarryman, said he had worked with deceased about 10 years, and was with him on 15th inst. Deceased remarked to him "I think I will charge this hole, as the pony will be out of the way in the morning." Deceased began to push some gelignite cartridges into a hole that had been prepared. At deceased's request witness took away some cartridges that were not required. When he got nine or ten yards away he looked back and saw deceased had been knocked back as if dead. Witness then went off to fetch assistance. When he returned deceased was trying to stand. He said, "I hope it has not hurt my poor eyes." - By the Coroner: I did not put in any charges when HARPER was about, only when he was away. Deceased was a most careful man, and he could not understand the accident. The ammunition was all right in the morning. Deceased was responsible for the charging and storing of the gelignite. When deceased was "tamping" the hole he was not using undue force, but working as he always did. - Dr Down, of Bampton, said he found deceased on a stretcher and seeing his serious injuries, bound him up, and ordered his immediately removal to Tiverton Infirmary. Deceased was conscious, but said nothing about the accident, except that he was blasting, so as to get forward with the work in the morning. - Police-Sergt. Hunt, of Bampton, took deceased to the Infirmary, and on the way he said: I was charging a hole with gelignite, which I intended to fire. I was putting it in with a stick when it exploded, but how it went off I do not know. He said nothing more. - Archibald Scott, manager of the quarries, said he employed 30 or 40 men. He was not at the quarry on the day of the accident, deceased being in charge. He found him always very careful. He knew the likelihood of gelignite to freeze, but had never known that happen at Bampton. He visited deceased at the Infirmary, and he then said: I was ramming a hole with gelignite after the men had cleared out of the quarry. I had four cartridges in the hole. I was pushing them in with a stick, which I always use, when all at once it went off. I do not know what made it go off. He also said he had no "primer" in - that was to say, there was no cap or fuse. Asked by the Coroner if he could account for the accident, witness said he could only think that the gelignite might have been a little bit hard - but deceased was so familiar with it that he would have detected this in a minute. Witness knew the danger of handling hard gelignite and it was dangerous to ram it much in any circumstances. Several charges from the same stock of explosive were probably fired that day. Some kept in the same place was found to be quite soft the next morning. - By the Inspector: He knew gelignite would freeze much quicker than water, and that it must not be used when frozen. The special rules under the Act of 1894 were exhibited in the engine house and magazine shed. Each packet of gelignite also contained its warning notice. When a cartridge of gelignite was frozen it might explode if dropped. - The Inspector: Yes, and even if broken in halves with the fingers. The point is that this explosive is very dangerous when hard and in cold weather should even be carried about in the warming pan. It will freeze up to 42 degs., against 32 for water. - Dr G. T. Salter, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, aid the case was quite hopeless from the first. There was a tremendous amount of mud, dust and quartz driven into the deceased, and he died from mortification and blood poisoning, following his injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was found. - Inspector Martin said he hoped the case would go abroad through the district, as a warning to quarrymen, managers, &c., that it was desirable to use the warming pans even longer than the times mentioned on the special rules. A lot of ignorance existed as to the highly dangerous nature of gelignite when hard, and how it would freeze at a much higher temperature than water.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 April 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Engine-Fitter's Death. - At Devonport yesterday, the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on LUCIUS JOHN SHEPPARD, aged 57 years, of 22 Seaton-place, Ford, an engine-fitter employed in H.M. Dockyard. According to the evidence deceased left his work in the Yard on Tuesday morning and returning home went to bed feeling very unwell. His wife had left the room for a while and returned to find him dead. Dr Lander attributed death to the bursting of a blood vessel in the body, and intimated that death must have been instantaneous, the illness which deceased had complained of having no connection with the cause of death. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Nonagenarian's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held on an aged widow named OPHELIA ANN DAVIS LAVERS, who resided in York-place. Stoke, and who died on Tuesday as the result of injuries sustained in a fall several months ago. - MR JOHN THOMAS LAVERS, a retired engineer, R.N., said his mother, who was 94 years of age, was in the act of picking up several forks which had fallen off a window-sill in the yard, when she slipped, falling upon her hip. She had appeared to progress very favourably in bed, but eventually passed away on Tuesday. - Evidence of a similar nature was given by PERCY G. LAVERS, a grandson of the deceased. - Dr Sandford said he attended the old lady after her fall and had hoped that her wonderful constitution would have pulled her through. Death was the result of congestion of the lungs and cardiac failure, following the accident. The old lady possessed a wonderful constitution and a splendid appetite, and had every care bestowed upon her by her relatives. He would like to add that the Inquest was really only formal. - The Coroner remarked that, as Dr Sandford had said, the Inquiry was only a formal one, but the case was one relative to which he had no choice but to hold an Inquest. The accident had had some connection with the death of the deceased, and however long ago it was that that accident occurred, he was obliged by Act of Parliament to conduct an Inquiry. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - Attempted Suicide At Sea. Fatal Result. - An adjourned Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday by Mr S. Hacker concerning the death of NORMAN ABBOTT, aged 33, assistant engineer of the steamship Heliopolis, who died in Torbay Hospital last month, whilst under an operation to relieve difficulty in breathing, caused by a self-inflicted wound in the throat, for which deceased had been previously treated for about two months in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth. - Extracts were read from the ship's log. - Rev. Shapley Smith, chaplain to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, stated that he saw deceased the day after his admittance to that Institution. He was then much too ill to give any account of anything, and for the some time it was very doubtful whether he would live. The injury to the larynx considerably affected his voice, but he showed a desire to recover from the first. Deceased always admitted that it was a self-inflicted wound, and expressed great regret at having done such a dreadful thing. He said he failed to understand how he could have committed the act, and that he must have had his head [?]. Deceased also told witness that he had had a dispute with the chief engineer, who had threatened to dismiss him and land him at Plymouth, and that previous to joining the steamer he had been out of work for eighteen months. He entirely lost himself at the prospect of being landed with no money, and no situation. It was known that he cut his throat with a razor, but before he left the Hospital, he was so far restored to sanity and self-possession that he was allowed to shave himself. For a long time after he was first admitted to the Hospital deceased was very depressed, being apparently filled with horror at what he had done, but eventually he got quite cheerful. - Rev. Hedley Jas. Holderness, harbour chaplain at Plymouth, said he went to see deceased in Hospital in December. He found that he was improving. It was through the chief engineer that witness heard of the circumstances under which the occurrence happened. It was a new ship, and things were not working very satisfactorily at the start. The officers of the ship, being anxious about deceased, wrote from Marseilles to witness, asking if they should make a collection for deceased, to give him a new start. Witness conveyed this to deceased, who said he did not need any help and was going to his friends. This took place a few days before the deceased left the Plymouth Hospital. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from Suffocation, the result of a Self-inflicted wound in the Throat.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 April 1908
ST BUDEAUX - Young Soldier's Death. A Running Exercise Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Crownhill on PRIVATE WALTER R. WACKETT, aged 19 years, 3rd Rifle Brigade. - Sergt. Walter C. Thurston, 3rd Rifle Brigade, stationed at Crownhill, said he was in charge of D Company, of which deceased was a unit. On Saturday at 7.15 a.m., the company left the huts for running exercise. After going at an ordinary double for 1,000 yards, he halted the men, who numbered between forty and fifty. He heard deceased make some remark, and just afterwards he fell unconscious and died almost immediately. running drill was part of the men's usual training. Before leaving the men had a cup of tea or cocoa. Deceased had been out running before. He was not a good runner, though he had never made any complaint. If a man became exhausted he was allowed to "fall out." It was the first time he had seen deceased able to keep up with the party, which was travelling from six to seven miles an hour. - Colonel W. B. Day, R.A.M.C., said the man's death was due to heart disease. The aorta was obstructed by valvular disease. He did not think deceased was in such a condition when he was passed into the army six months ago. He did not think a mile run for a man lightly clad was excessive. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Stonehouse Pensioner's Death. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening, the Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest on FREDERICK EDWARDS, aged 48 years, a pensioner from the Royal Marines, who resided at 40 Admiralty-street, Stonehouse. - CECILIA EDWARDS, wife of the deceased, said her husband worked at the "Earl Grey" public-house in Chapel-street. He appeared to be in his usual good health when he left home after dinner, about 1.30. About six months ago the deceased complained of pains in his stomach, but was not medically attended at the time. - John Henry Stevens, landlord of the Earl Grey, said deceased, who was his brother-in-law, was in his employ. Deceased left the bar about 9.15 on Thursday evening and a few minutes later witness was informed that he had been taken ill. Witness found EDWARDS apparently very ill. He was taken into the bar and subsequently removed by cab to the Royal Albert Hospital on the order of Dr Corbett, who had been called in. - P.C. Nicholls, Stonehouse, also gave evidence. - Dr E. A. Sherwell, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Institution late on Thursday evening in a state of collapse. Remedies were applied and a few hours' later EDWARDS stated that the pain had lessened, and his general condition appeared better. He became worse again, however, and died in the evening. A post-mortem examination had revealed that an ulcer in the intestine had perforated, causing shock from which death resulted. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 April 1908
OKEHAMPTON - At an Inquest held yesterday by Mr J. D. Prickman on ROBERT JOHNSON, a caretaker of the Soldiers' Home at Okehampton Camp, found dead in bed on Monday morning, Captain W. Tuke, D.S.O., R.A.M.C., who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart disease. Death occurred on Sunday morning. JOHNSON, who was about 36 years of age, came to the camp about three years ago. He was last seen alive on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 April 1908
CARDIFF, WALES - Devonport Man's Death. Killed By A Motor Car. - The Cardiff Coroner yesterday held an Inquest touching the death of ALFRED JOHN PHILLIPS, a native of Devonport, who on Monday succumbed at the Cardiff Infirmary to injuries received through being run over by a motor car on Sunday. - The body has been identified by Wm. Charles Smith, who said that he had known the deceased, who had been a butcher and a seaman, and had served in the army for some time. He last saw him a week ago in Cheltenham, and he said he was going on tramp. Deceased was married and had three children. - John M. Bennett, chauffeur, in the employ of Mr Harry, coal exporter, Penarth, and who was driving the car to Cowbridge on Sunday, said Mrs Harry and a nurse and baby were in the car. When driving at the rate of about 14 miles an hour, he saw two men in front walking on the left-hand side of the road, but near the middle of it. He saw them about five minutes before the accident. When a hundred yards away he blew the horn and continued blowing it until he saw one of the men turning round. The two men turned to the left, but the deceased suddenly swerved to the right side of the road, beneath the wheel. Witness then had no time to pull up, and tried to go between the men, but the lamp bracket of the car knocked deceased down, and the front wheel was on his body when the car was brought to a standstill. He then took him to Cardiff Infirmary. Deceased's companion told witness that he was deaf. Both men were quite sober. - The Jury wanted to know if the deceased's companion could be found. - The Coroner replied that the Police had made every inquiry, but could find no trace of him. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Shackell, on behalf of Mr harry, said he did not wish the relatives to be put to any expense in the matter, and he would see that the deceased would not be buried in a pauper's grave. - The Coroner said that so far they had been unable to enter into communication with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 May 1908
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Baby's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN OXNAM, aged 12 months, the son of HARRIET JANE OXNAM, of Morley-lane. The mother stated that on the 29th ult she left a pan of hot water in a room in which the deceased was. - Charlotte Tamblyn said she was in the room with the child and heard a scream. Turning around she found the baby had fallen into the pail of hot water. She immediately pulled it out and placed oil on the scalds. Dr H. R. Corbett said the child was covered with scalds and death was due to shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 May 1908
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Drowning Case. Spectator's Heroism. - Barnstaple Borough Coroner (Mr a. R. Bencraft) last evening investigated the death of FREDERICK L. SAMPSON, aged 7, drowned in the River Yeo the previous evening. MR FREDERICK ROBERT SAMPSON, father of the boy, said the lad generally went with him on his oil round. Sometimes his boy left him at the bottom of Pilton, and went into the park there and played, witness calling for him again on his return from the Pilton round. When witness returned on the day in question he was told that a boy had fallen in the river whilst later on in the evening he saw the boy's body just after it's being taken from the river. - Mrs Elizabeth Sanders, wife of a painter, stated that whilst walking on the bank of the river the previous day she saw three boys playing by the water, with the tide running up very swiftly. She saw one of the boys trying t reach something from the river, when suddenly he slipped. A little later she heard someone screaming and she saw a boy in the water. Witness shouted to the boy to hold on to something, and she afterwards got help. Captain Drake, captain of a vessel on the Quay, came almost immediately and jumped in after the boy, but he was unable to recover him, and he (Captain Drake) was helped out of the water in an exhausted condition. - Stanley Longworth said he was playing with deceased on the river bank when he fell into the water. No one pushed him; he was reaching something from the water. - Mr J. Shaddick spoke to recovering the body from the river about three hours after the incident occurred. - Dr S. R. Gibbs who examined the body, said that in his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, spoke of the great bravery of Captain Drake, who, he said, nearly lost his own life. Captain Drake had left that day with his vessel for Swansea, and as he had the evidence of Mrs Sanders, he did not think Captain Drake's evidence was sufficient to justify his being kept away from his work. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and spoke highly of Captain Drake's bravery, whilst they sympathised with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 May 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Conflicting Evidence At Inquest. - Mr R. B. Johns, in opening the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on EDITH VIOLET L. CHAPMAN, aged 5 years, the daughter of MR R. CHAPMAN, Exeter-street, remarked that there was some prejudice against motors, but he hoped that was dying out. - Walter Williams, motor engineer, Plymouth, said he was driving a 20-horse power motor up Beaumont-road about four o'clock on Friday afternoon. There were also in the car Mr Stanley Vosper, and Captains Daniels and Dalrymple. He was driving at six or eight miles an hour, as the road was under repair. In turning St Jude's corner he saw deceased about fifteen yards away with her back to the car. He sounded the horn and applied the brake, and the child stood still. When within about two yards of the car she rushed across the road, coming under the wheel. There was a tramcar near, and he believed the girl became frightened. Had she stood still she would have been quite safe. Replying to the Foreman of the Jury (Mr Parsons), witness said he had a speed indicator. He had been driving for ten years and had never had an accident before. He had not been cautioned by the local Police. - Mr Vosper said Mr Williams did everything in his power to prevent an accident. - A Juror: Did you not consider it your duty to alight and remove the child from the road? - Witness: No. I should frequently have to leave my car if I acted on those lines. - The Juror: Then you think you have liberty to run over whom you like if they do not get out of your way? - Henry Trethewey, engraver of Saltash-street, estimated the speed of the car at not more than five miles per hour. The child's movements surprised him and he did not think Mr Williams could have done other than he did. By the Foreman: There were not many children about at the time. - Robert H. French, a tramcar driver, said he was driving a Corporation tramcar on Friday, and when halting near St Jude's Church, saw the child run in front of the car. There were very few children there at the time. He believed the accident was unavoidable, on the part of the occupants of the car. He did not hear the horn sounded. - Replying to Jurymen he said the spot was one at which extra precaution ought to be taken, but in this case everything possible was done. - Another Version: - George Chapman, foreman in the Corporation Electricity Department, who was working at St Jude's corner, said the speed of the car might have been nine miles an hour, but he could not say with certainty. The horn was not sounded and witness saw no brake applied until after the child was struck. He said, "See what you have done?" and rushed over to assist in lifting the child. The car was on the wrong side of the road. Questioned by the Foreman, witness said he was not satisfied that the driver did all he might have done. Had the horn been sounded witness must have heard it. Had the brake bee applied when Mr Williams shouted, the car would have been pulled up before it reached the child. The child was within seven feet of the kerb stone. - The father of the child asked the width of the car, and Mr Williams replied that it was five feet. - The Father: Then you need to clear this five-year-old child within two feet. Is that a right thing to do? - George Holmes, painter, Shaftesbury-place, said he heard shouting and saw the child hesitating. Mr Williams swerved the car but the child ran under it. Witness [?] and death was instantaneous. He did not hear the horn, but was not prepared to say it was not sounded. When he saw the car its speed did not exceed five or six miles an hour. By the Foreman: Had the car been pulled up the accident might have been averted. He did not see the brakes applied before the child was struck. - Replying to the Father, witness said he considered the driver very unwise in trying to pass the child on the side he did. Mr Williams appeared to be doing all in his power short of pulling up to avert the accident. Had the child stood still there would have been no accident. - Dr H. B. Corry, House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death must have been instantaneous. The wheel probably passed over the back of the skull. - The Jury retired and after a long consultation returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding a rider that Mr Williams would have been more discreet had he pulled up the car. A vote of sympathy with the relatives was recorded by the Coroner and Jury. - Mr Percy T. Pearce (who represented Mr Williams) associated his client and the other occupants of the car with the expression.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 May 1908
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. A Cashier's Sad End. - At an Inquest at Culverland-road, Exeter, last evening, on ERNEST OTTY WEBSTER, aged 32, a cashier of Wakefield, JOHN E. WEBSTER, County Council lecturer, said the deceased, his brother, came to Exeter last Wednesday to take up an appointment in the City. He seemed all right then, but on the following afternoon he appeared depressed. There was no financial difficulty. Deceased was seen by a doctor in Wakefield shortly before he came away. Yesterday morning, on being called to deceased's bedroom by his wife, he found him on the floor in a pool of blood. His throat was cut. Witness fetched Dr Duncan, but he died before his arrival. - MRS WEBSTER, the widow, said her husband had been very well up to about a fortnight ago, when he had a cold. He had been depressed since, and before leaving Wakefield he saw his doctor, who gave him medicine. Deceased was evidently "run down." On Tuesday night he was fairly cheerful, but yesterday morning had an attack of nervous depression. She left him in his bedroom, and when she returned she found him on the floor with his throat cut. He had intended going to see a doctor yesterday. - Dr T. Duncan said the wound was about three inches long, and was evidently inflicted by a razor found blood-stained on the floor. Deceased must have cut his throat in front of the dressing-table, having regard to the blood stains there. - P.C. Hill, the Coroner's Officer, said deceased left no note to throw any light on the affair. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity", and joined with the Coroner in expressing sympathy with the widow and relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 May 1908
THURLESTONE - Bigbury Bay Wreck. Inquest Opened On Five Of The Victims. Full Sail To Doom. Sixth Body Recovered Yesterday Afternoon. (By Our Special Reporter.) With every stitch of canvas set, rolling lazily in the breakers on Thurlestone Beach, nearly opposite the ancient parish church, the brigantine Crossowen remains. How and when she got there nobody knows, for of her crew of seven, five have been washed lifeless ashore, and the coastguard are engaged searching night and day every nook and corner of the rugged, towering cliffs of Bigbury Bay for the remaining two. Up until Saturday afternoon only one of the five bodies recovered from the mouth of the River Avon had been identified. It was that of the aged Captain, GEORGE HITCHENS, of Charlestown, who had passed the best years of his life in the coasting trade of this country. For many years he had been a trusted servant of Messrs. Phillips, shipowners, of Mount Charles, St. Austell, and had sailed the Crossowen on many stormy voyages. The only other man known to the owners, who sailed with him from Fowey on the fateful afternoon of last Thursday, was the mate ERNEST STEVENS, of St. Austell. STEVENS was also an old servant of Messrs. Phillips. He is about 33 years of age, unmarried and his body is one of those still missing. HITCHENS was a widower, with a delicate daughter dependent upon him. The names of the other hands are unknown: the men were taken aboard only a few days before the ship sailed, and the shipowners have no record of them. Two of the bodies recovered are those of men between the ages of 30 and 40 and one is that of a youth, aged about 20. The five bodies were recovered on Thursday, all within a few hours of each other, and the sea has also cast up the ship's boat, about 16 feet in length, five oars, three kit bags, and the remains of a lantern. On Saturday afternoon two boots, evidently belonging to members of the crew, were discovered. - Ashore In Bigbury Bay. - The Crossowen, a brigantine, of 192 tons register, left Fowey on Thursday afternoon, with a cargo of china clay for Leith. The weather was quite clear and it was only when she was well out from land that a thick impenetrable fog enveloped the sea. So far as is known she was not hailed by any other vessel after leaving Fowey. That she fell in with a good steady breeze is shown by the fact that she had all her top-sails set when driven ashore without a soul on board. The fog is spoken of as being one of the worst ever known in the bay; it was impossible to see two yards ahead. When the vessel commenced leaving her proper course is doubtful: All that is known is that after half-past six on the following morning she was seen in her present position on Yarmer Sands, Thurlestone, not far from Hope Cove, by two quarrymen. Her lights were burning but so thick was the fog that it was not possible to decipher her name for some hours afterwards. The coastguard galley from Hope Cove first went to the rescue, but could not approach her, owing to the great breakers. On being satisfied that no one was aboard the brigantine, the crew of the Hope Cove lifeboat made no attempt to go alongside, and gave up the day to a diligent search for survivors. Unhappily, they found none, and there is every reason to fear that all were drowned. - Why The Ship Was Deserted. - "Why did the men take to their boat?" is the question uppermost in everyone's mind. In the case of the Hodbarrow Miner, stranded at Mawgan Porth, near Newquay, a few weeks ago, in a blinding storm of wind and rain, when the crew also took to the boat, an answer was forthcoming from the only survivor, a Cornishman, rescued in a very exhausted condition. In the present case no one lives to tell the story. It is conjectured by seafaring men that when the crew found their vessel on the rocks, and heard the surf around them, they thought nothing could save it from destruction, and that their only chance of safety was to launch the boat. Before doing this it is possible they discharged guns and burnt lights; indeed, many residents of Thurlestone heard frequent loud reports, but as this is quite a common occurrence during a fog no special notice was taken of them. It is the opinion of the coastguard that the vessel first struck the rocks off Bolt Tail, a particularly dangerous reef, regarded by many as a death trap. Here the current is swift and deep and should a vessel by overturned it draws everything around under. This must have been as well known to Captain HITCHENS as to all sailors acquainted with the Devon coast line, and probably decided him to order the launching of the boat. Afterwards it is believed the brigantine drifted to its present position. The theory is supported by the fact that five of the bodies have been washed into the mouth of the river Avon. - Futile Attempts To Board. - Attempts to board the Crossowen on Saturday were futile. If anything the seas were heavier than on Friday, rising from 10 to 15 feet deep. Nothing could live in the surf, which swept the vessel from end to end. Since she has stranded one of the sails has been torn in the breeze. The tall masts are seen over the cliffs for a considerable distance, and when one sees how close the vessel is to a soft, silky beach of sand, the regret is the more keen that the men did not remain on board. The vessel is within a stone's throw of the beach, and tomorrow, with a low tide, she is expected to be left dry. Resting on rocks, and laden with 300- tons of china clay, there is little hope of saving the vessel. She is receiving a terrific pounding from the waves, and the streams of water from the portholes shows that she is completely water-logged. The beach is becoming strewed with splinters from her keel. These are red, from the constant rubbing with the rocks. A gale would be sufficient to break her up in the course of a few hours. The only chance of saving her would be to lighten the cargo - an impossible task in the heavy seas of Friday and Saturday - and tow her off with a spring tide. The vessel, we understand, was bought about three years ago by the present owners, and she is insured in the sum of £700. The cargo is believed to be uninsured. - Managing Owner Interviewed. - Mr William C. Phillips, of Mount Charles, St. Austell, managing owner of the Crossowen, interviewed by our special representative on Yarmer Sands, on Saturday morning, said: I first heard of the stranding of the Crossowen shortly after one o'clock on Friday afternoon. The message reached me at St. Austell, and I was greatly surprised. - When did the vessel sail? - Sometime in the afternoon or evening on Friday. - Was the weather fine? - It must have been fair weather, or the captain would not have left the harbour. I am sure there was no fog when he left. - Who was the captain? - GEORGE HITCHENS, of Charlestown. He had been with us for some years, and we looked upon him as a very steady, reliable man. He was a widower, with a daughter dependent upon him. There were seven hands in all. I knew the mate, ERNEST STEVENS, a single man, of St Austell. I only knew the captain and the mate: the others were strangers to me, engaged only a few days before. - To what port was the Crossowen bound? - Leith, with a cargo of china clay - in bulk and bags. - One of the sails appears badly torn? - yes, I think that was done after she stranded. - Have you any theory as to how she got into the present position? - None whatever. I am afraid there is no one who can tell the reason of her stranding. The men, no doubt, thought they were justified in taking to the boat. - The weather was very foggy on Thursday night? - the driver who brought me to Thurlestone last night told me that he was out in it at 10 o'clock and it was so thick that he could not see the horse's head. - It was a good seaworthy vessel? - Yes, it was in a very good condition. She carried 300 tons of china clay. It looks to me now as if she is thoroughly water-logged. When I got here last evening her red light was still burning. - Has anyone boarded her? - Not yet. Attempts were made yesterday, and again early this morning. The sea is heavier today than yesterday. The constant rolling on the rock is straining the bottom badly. - Where is the difficulty in reaching a vessel so close in shore? - There is a rise and fall of the sea of from ten to fifteen feet and it is impossible for a small boat to go alongside. One of the coastguard this morning tried to reach her. The tide went out to about twenty feet of the vessel. You cannot swim in the surf. - Some mariners declare that there should be an explosive signal on Bolt Tail. Do you think if there had been one that this loss of life would have occurred? - Fog is a bad and an uncertain conductor of sound. Very likely if there had been one they would not have heard it, or have been misled. - Have you seen the bodies recovered at Bantham? - Yes. I recognise only the Captain. There seems to be one young fellow about 20 years of age. - The Chances Of Salvage. - One of the coastguard at Hope Cove, in reply to questions, said there was very little hope of saving the vessel; her bottom was being gradually pounded to pieces on the rocks. He thought the vessel first went on the rocks some distance off, and then the crew took to the boat. Undoubtedly if the men had kept to the Crossowen, their lives would have been saved. It seems remarkable that the ship was so much out of her course, and one could not account for it. - Had it anything to do with the compass being out of order? - Possibly. - One has heard the story of the cliffs about here affecting the compass? - I have never heard a sailor say so, and I do not believe it is true: It seems ridiculous. - Are the currents difficult or dangerous? - I have never found them so. - Judging from the sails being set, there was fair weather apart from the fog? - The Captain must have found a nice little breeze. Where his calculations went wrong it is difficult to say. - No one has succeeded in going aboard? - No. I dare say the lifeboat would be able to bear down alongside, but when they found the crew was gone there was no object in them doing so. On Monday or Tuesday the vessel will be left high and dry. The only way to get her off would be to lighten the cargo. - On The Rocks At Bolt Tail. - Another member of the coastguard, at Bantham, questioned as to the reason of the men deserting the ship, said his theory was that the vessel got on the rocks off Bolt Tail. The men knew that if she got off the rock she would slip into deep water, dragging all with her. In taking to the boat, their idea was to get clear of the wreck and the surf. But the surf was too much for them; it upset the boat and all were drowned. - Bolt Tail is a dangerous spot, then? - Yes. There is a very strong current there. Fishermen hug the shore closely; they know if they got on the rocks there is little chance of being saved. - You hold the opinion that the men did not leave the boat when in the position it now is? - Certainly. She might have struck the Murray rock, adjoining Borough Island. - The Inquest Opened. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, opened the Inquest on five bodies, at the Sloop Inn, Bantham, on Saturday afternoon. Superintendent Jeffery, Totnes, and Sergeant Yendell, Kingsbridge, were present. Mr Henry Clark was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said he need not refer to the terrible nature of the event, because they who lived there knew more about it than himself. He understood that there was only one body that had been identified; the others were unknown at present. If that was the case, he would not order the burial of the bodies immediately, because it was only right and proper that relatives and friends should come and see and identify them, and take charge of their burial. He would that day only give an order for the burial of the body identified, and he would adjourn the Inquest for two or three days. - William Charles Phillips, shipowner, Polkyth, St Austell, said the Crossowen belonged to himself and brother and he was the managing owner. The ship was a brigantine, and she was now lying on the rocks on Yarmer Sands, Thurlestone. He recognised the body of GEORGE HITCHENS, Charlestown, who was master of the ship. He had been in his service some years. He was a widower, with an unmarried daughter living with him. He did not know the deceased's age. Witness believed deceased had a son living in South Africa. The daughter had had notice of the death, but she was too delicate to attend the Inquest. - P.S. Yendell said he had the ship's register; it was found in deceased's pocket. There were also Custom receipts, but the papers were incomplete; they were probably picked up in a hurry. - Mr Phillips said the vessel was 192 tons register. The ship's register did not show the master's age. The ship was built in 1878 at Grangemouth, Stirling, and registered at Glasgow, as a British ship. - Do you know anything of the other four men? - Nothing at all. - Where did the Crossowen sail from on her last voyage? - Fowey. She sailed last Thursday afternoon, and I believe I am correct in saying between the hours of 4 and 5 for Leith. Her cargo was china clay and she was in charge of the Master HITCHENS. The crew consisted of seven hands. The vessel was engaged in coasting trade only. - Where did the crew ship? - The Master and Mate had been on board the ship for years. The mate was ERNEST STEVENS, and he is not among the bodies recovered. - A New Crew Shipped. - Where were the five other shipped? - I do not know. I can only tell you that my brother was on board ship on Monday, and the Captain said to him, "All my crew cleared out on Saturday night. I have had to ship a new crew here." I don't know more than that. - You are under the impression that the crew was shipped at Fowey? - That is right. - In that case these men belong to Fowey? - Not necessarily. They might be in one ship one day and another the next. - You are undertaking the funeral arrangements of the Master? - Yes. Witness also said that he would wire to the daughter for the age, so that the burial certificate might be issued that day. - The Coroner said he did not propose to take the evidence of the coastguard that day. He would adjourn the Inquest, and there would be a chance of having the other four men identified. - Mr W. Tudor Webb, Surgeon, Kingsbridge, said he had seen the bodies in the coach-house and had made a superficial examination of them. The Master had no injuries before death. The bruises were caused by the body being dashed among the rocks. Three other bodies were badly bruised for a similar reason. The cause of death in each instance was drowning. There were no sanitary reasons why the bodies should not be kept until Tuesday, but he thought they might be placed in coffins. - Henry Bevell, labourer, Bantham, said on Friday, about 3.30 p.m., when in his garden, at the bend of the river, he saw the Master's body floating in the water. He obtained a boat and went with Mr Clark to the body. He gave notice to the Coastguard. - P.C. Berry, Malborough, deposed that he found the papers and the ship's register upon HITCHENS. - The Coroner: It looks then, that knowing the ship was on the rocks he had picked up the papers and put them in his pocket? - Yes. Witness also said that deceased's watch had stopped at 23 minutes to 6. In a small bag was £4 3s. - The Coroner stated that that was as far as they could take the case that day. He hoped by Tuesday next they would have the friends of the other men there. - The Inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow, at 2.30 .m. at Thurlestone. Details Of The Lost. - Our St. Austell correspondent writes:- The skipper should not be confused with Captain Ned Hitchens, his nephew, of Holmbush. This man is at present at Newcastle, and is a master of a vessel. The deceased is CAPTAIN GEORGE HITCHENS, of Charlestown, who was well known and highly respected in the neighbourhood, and naturally the greatest sympathy is expressed at the sad event. CAPTAIN HITCHENS has been engaged on the sea during the whole of his life. Starting when as young as nine or ten years of age, he had been a sailor for nearly 60 years - he was 68 years old - and it is said that no one had a greater experience of the English coast than he. He had been Master of the Crossowen for about two years, but he was an old master who had weathered many a storm, and who had had many exciting experiences, having been ship-wrecked on several occasions. Deceased leaves a daughter at Charlestown, who has kept house for him since the death of his wife, some years ago. He also lost a daughter about the same time. He has a son in South Africa. - The mate, ERNEST STEVENS, was a St. Austell man, about 26 years of age, the only son and support of his widowed mother, who lives at Ledra-road. The bereaved parent left St. Austell on Saturday for the scene of the disaster. Walkey, known locally as Dikey Walkey, belonged to Charlestown, and was about 50 years of age. Another member of the crew is stated to be named Tottle, or Tothill, belonging to Mevagissey, but a native of Falmouth. He was a single man, but so far as is known has no local relatives, his mother dying a short time ago, previous to which he supported her. This man was practically a stranger at Mevagissey, he not having visited the place, it is asserted, for some years. - The Crossowen was insured, though it is stated the insurance will not cover the loss, and the owners had also insured themselves so far as liability in connection with the crew is concerned. - Description Of The Unknown Men. - The Police description of the unknown men is as follows: - Man, about 40; height 5ft. 8in., dark hair, light moustache, blue eyes, wearing jersey and dark jacket and trousers. Man, about 35, blue eyes, clothed in dark Cardigan jacket and blue socks. Man, between 30 and 40, clothed in yellow oilskins, over suit of dark tweed, and cycling shirt. Man, about 20, light hair, blue eyes, wrist tattooed with bracelet, clasped hands, and rising arm; clean shaven; wearing navy jumper and socks. Another Body Recovered. - The Thurlestone golf links, which overlook the wrecked Crossowen, were yesterday crowded with persons who came to see the stranded ship. Bicycles were stacked up by scores, and the roads from Salcombe and Kingsbridge were crowded with vehicular traffic and pedestrians. There was a strong wind beating on the shore, and the sails of the doomed ship were tearing at the masts and yards. The appearance of the vessel has not changed since she was first sighted on Friday morning. Her hull does not in any way appear strained or "hogged", although lying on the sharp snags as she is, her bottom and keel must have suffered considerably, and it is as likely as not that the rocks are right through her bottom. The tide has not sufficiently receded since she stranded to allow of an examination being made, but if the sea water has got to her cargo of china clay which she was carrying from Fowey to Leith, it will be useless, and may as well be thrown over the side. It is by the weight of her cargo that the vessel is kept so steady, even at high water, when the seas roll occasionally over her she moves very little. It cannot be decided what salvage operations will be adopted until it is possible to get on board to see the state of the vessel. Mr Phillips, the managing owner, is at Thurlestone in charge of the wreck, and will do what is possible as soon as a favourable opportunity presents itself. - For successful salvage the wind should be off shore, for then the water is quite smooth, but a nasty swell quickly rises when there is any south or west in the wind. - Yesterday afternoon the body of another man was recovered at the other side of Bantham Bar. This leaves only the body of the mate to be recovered. A pathetic figure on the cliff was the mother of the mate, who arrived at Bantham yesterday to identify her only son, only to find that his body had not been recovered. The poor woman watches the breakers rolling amongst the rocks with sad mien, but quiet demeanour, in hopes that the sea will give up her dead son. He was aged 31 and was a smart and steady seaman, and a great help to his mother.

BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Fatality. Jury's Suggestion. - Mr A. Bencraft on Saturday held an Inquest at Barnstaple on JOHN PALMER, 62, permanent way inspector, London and South Western Railway Co., held at the Junction Station on Friday. Inspector Percival (Superintendent Permanent Way Inspector), W. Cox (Exeter), and Inspector Pring attended. - Mr T. Somerfield, Stationmaster, said the deceased, a most steady man, had been permanent way inspector at Barnstaple for the last 27 years. He was knocked down by a light engine, which was not travelling more than two miles an hour, and had only gone about ten yards when the accident occurred. The engine was being backed to take on the Ilfracombe train, and the whistle had been sounded according to rule before starting. Deceased either slipped or was reading a letter found close by and did not notice the engine. First aid was immediately rendered by the Station staff. - Signalman Arthur Mudge saw deceased walking along near the spot where he was killed only a few minutes before, and he had some papers in his hand. The engine was then close by and stationary. - Henry Babb, age 13, who saw the occurrence from the platform, said deceased was crossing the line and stumbled, when he was knocked down by the engine. But for the stumble he would have had time to cross the metals. - Neither Engine-driver Thomas Harris, nor Fireman William Galliford saw deceased on the line. - Dr E. R. Gibbs said deceased's left foot was crushed and both legs fractured, and there was a punctured wound on the back of the head. Death, which occurred on the way to the Infirmary, was due to shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury expressed their sympathy with deceased's relatives and thought that whilst the present accident could not have been averted, in future porters who gave the hand signal for an engine to run back into the Station should remain at the point until the engine had passed the crossing. - The Coroner, who agreed with this view, said on the previous day he saw two persons have recourse to this crossing, despite the warnings of porters. - The Stationmaster promised that the Jury's idea should be given effect to.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 May 1908
THURLESTONE - The Lost crew. Inquest On The victims Of The Crossowen. Coastguard Theories. Vessel Probably Abandoned Before Striking. Safety On The Ship. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, resumed the Inquest on the bodies washed ashore from the stranded brigantine Crossowen at Thurlestone, yesterday. The vessel went ashore on Yarmer Sands, Thurlestone, during a thick fog on Thursday night, and the first body picked up was that of the Master, GEORGE ROGER HITCHENS, of Charlestown, a good distance up the River Avon, about a mile from Yarmer Sands. Five other bodies were found in the mouth of the river, and the last, that of ERNEST STEPHENS, the mate of Charlestown, on the north side of Bantham Bar on Sunday evening. Opinions differ as to the possibility of saving the vessel. Some declare that if lightened of her cargo it would be possible to patch her up sufficiently to two her to Plymouth, while others believe that her keel is so badly strained by being on the rocks that she is past repair. Splinters continue to be washed from the keel, showing the grinding the vessel is receiving and there has also been picked up on the beach a piece of the ornamental work from the stern. The vessel's course should have been outside the Eddystone and it is said that she was spoken to by the Fowey tug, Gallant, off Plymouth at six o'clock on Thursday evening. The oldest inhabitants of Thurlestone say that this is the first time within living memory a whole ship's crew has been drowned in the bay. - The Inquest was on GEORGE ROGER HITCHENS (Master), Charlestown, St. Austell; ERNEST STEPHENS (Mate), Charlestown; JOSEPH WALKEY, Charlestown; JOHN TOLLERVEY, Mevagissey, SAMUEL PHILLIP SALMON, London; FRITZ HARDER, a German lad, and an unknown man, aged about 40 with fair moustache. Those attending the Inquiry included Mr Charles William Phillips, of Polkyth, St. Austell, managing owner of the Crossowen, Superintendent Jeffery, Totnes, and Sergt. Yendell, Kingsbridge. - Identification. - The Coroner and the Inquest stood adjourned from Saturday to enable the relations or friends of the poor fellows who were unidentified to come and see them. Since the last sitting, he understood, two other bodies had been found, and they would be able to have identification of the mate STEPHENS and of the men WALKEY, TOLLERVEY and SALMON. With the Master, HITCHENS, there would be five bodies identified, leaving two unidentified. Had there been any inquiries about them? - P.C. Berry: No sir, not yet. - The Coroner said as the other bodies had been recovered, the most convenient course would be to ask them to walk to Bantham to view the bodies. On returning from Bantham, the Coroner said they had identified the bodies of STEPHENS and WALKEY. He was told there was evidence to identify TOLLERVEY, SALMON and the German lad, and that left only one unknown. About him there was no clue whatever. EMILY STEPHENS, widow, of Ladock-road, St. Austell, said she recognised the body at the Coastguard shed at Bantham as her son, ERNEST STEPHENS, aged 31 years. He was mate of the Crossowen, he had been so employed two years. He left home to join his ship between 3 and 4 o'clock on Thursday morning. He told her she was bound for Leith. Herbert Giles, coastguard, Bantham, deposed to recovering the body on Sunday evening, about 7.30 on the north side of Bantham Bar. - John George Kent, fish hawker, St. Blazey, identified the body of JOSEPH WALKEY, whom he saw on board his vessel last Wednesday evening at Fowey. Deceased was in St. Austell Workhouse during the winter. He believed deceased was a widower, with no family. He was a Charlestown man. Mr Kent also identified JOHN FRANCIS TOLLERVEY, a native of Mevagissey. TOLLERVEY had two aunts and an uncle living at Mevagissey. Witness did not think he was married. His age was 37 years. He last saw him the day before he sailed on the Crossowen. Another man he identified as SAMUEL PHILLIP SALMON, aged 39. He was one of his (witness's) boarders. SALMON told him he came from London. Witness next identified the German lad, FRITZ HARDER whom he knew as a member of the crew of the Harriott William, and afterwards as belonging to the Crossowen. - Giles, recalled, stated that he found WALKEY'S body about midday on Sunday on the opposite side of the estuary of the Avon. James Barnes, fisherman, drew his attention to it. - P.C. Sandercock, Aveton Gifford, stated that he found papers on WALKEY showing that he was a pensioner belonging to the Royal Naval Reserve. Mr Bennett, St Austell, who, witness believed, was deceased's brother-in-law, had telegraphed to the Police "Can't attend, bury by parish." - P.C. Berry, Marlborough, said papers found on the ship served to identify TOLLERVEY. They showed ships he had worked on as Mate. There was a letter, apparently from his wife, found in the ship. It was from 76 Percy-street, Goole, Yorkshire, and addressed to deceased on board the Cherrybrook, Laira Bridge, near Plymouth, and signed "KIT and Baby." Nothing was found on SALMON to identify him. There was 2d. in his pocket. the man who was unidentified also had no papers upon him, neither had the German lad. The ship's papers threw no light upon the unknown man. - James Spiller, coastguard and Edward Pike, chief boatman, also gave evidence as to the finding of bodies. - Police-Sergt. Yendell said Inspector Kettle, of Fowey, had made inquiries at the Custom-house at that port. He could not give the names of the crew; the vessel being in the coasting trade, the crew did not sign on at the Custom-house. - Captain George Bishop of the Harriett William, now at Fowey, said a German boy, aged 18, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches, light hair and fair complexion, left his vessel last week and joined the Crossowen. He gave the name of FRITZ HARDER when taken on at Port Ayr on January 29th lat. The lad told him he had no parents; he had a brother living somewhere in Germany. - The Coroner said he was afraid they must treat the lad as an unknown man. - Sighting The Doomed Vessel. - Coastguard James Ryan said he went on duty at 5.15 a.m. on Friday, patrolling the coast between H[?] and Longstone, at the entrance of the river at Bantham. There was a thick fog which occasionally cleared a little. The wind was blowing from four to five. About seven o'clock he saw the brigantine fast on the rocks, in an upright position, on the Yarmer Sands. Witness heard no rockets or anything to give an alarm. - Was there any reason why it would be difficult to hear anything that morning? - If any foghorn had been blowing we should have heard it. - It is stated that rockets were heard that night? - You might have heard guns, but no rockets. Perhaps the owner can tell us whether there were any rockets on board. - Sergt. Yendell: She had no rockets or gun on board at all. - Witness: there was a foghorn in the captain's cabin, looking as if it had not been used. - Mr Phillips (managing owner): In answer to the Coroner, said the Crossowen carried no rockets or guns: at any rate, he did not provide any. She carried red lamps for night signalling, black balls for day signalling and a flare and a foghorn to sound in fogs. - Witness Ryan said he heard the Eddystone gun that morning. It was usual to make a continuous noise with a foghorn when a ship was in distress. - The Coroner: Then it wants explaining why when they found themselves on the rocks they did not use that as a signal for help. Can you suggest any reason? - That horn would arouse the whole village if the vessel laid where she is when the crew was aboard. - The natural thing one would imagine when a Master found himself on the rocks would be to make some signal for help. There was no indication of any such signal? - No; not while I was on the beach. - Was any flare used? - There was no indication of any signals having been used. - A Juror: The vessel could not possibly have gone on the rocks at low water. What time was high tide on Thursday night? - Sergt. Yendall: Between 10 to 11. - witness (Ryan) said he communicated with his officer at Hope Cove and the Coastguard boat was launched as well as the lifeboat, but they could not get near the vessel. - Was there any sign of any living being on board? - I did not go down to see. I did not think any assistance would be required. I did not think the vessel was abandoned when I saw her and that was why I returned to the Station and informed the Chief Officer. It seems ridiculous to see a ship like that and no one aboard. - Fog And A Drizzling Rain. - James Stark, Chief Officer of the Coastguard stationed at Hope Cove, said nearly the whole of Thursday was foggy with a drizzling rain. The fog was thick from midnight until the morning. Ryan reported to him that a vessel was on the rocks. He ordered him to call out the crew, and then inform the coxswain of the lifeboat and afterwards proceed to the sands t see if he could e of any assistance. This was about 8.10 or 8.15 a.m. Witness launched his own boat and sailed down to the vessel. When he got within 80 yards of her, he found the surf too great and he had some difficulty in turning and getting away. The lifeboat was not far behind, and he told them he thought he saw someone aboard, but apparently it was the top of a funnel he saw above the companion hatch. There was no danger to life from the position the vessel was in. The lifeboat found no one aboard and then they cruised about to see if they could find anyone. - Do you suppose the vessel must have gone on at high tide? - She must have done so to get there. My opinion is that the vessel was abandoned somewhere on the outer point and sailed where she is after she was abandoned. - Where do you suppose she would have been abandoned? - She may have touched some point off the other end of Borough Island, and then have sailed down to her present position. - You think she most probably got where she is somewhere about 11 o'clock at night? - She must have done because she could not have got over the rocks at low water without tearing her bottom off. - You think the fog was so thick that she could not be seen? - It was a dark, foggy night. - One would naturally suppose that when the vessel struck she would make some signal of distress? - Everybody would think so. - And if so that ought to have been heard? - Yes. Nothing was heard. I cross-examined the men. Men passed and repassed from 6 to 12 and from 12 to 5. Between 4 and 5 in the morning I stood smoking my pipe looking in the direction where the vessel is for quite 20 minutes. - "No Danger To The Crew." - Your theory is that the crew abandoned the vessel before she got here? - Yes. Anybody who had been at sea could not conceive a captain of his age abandoning his vessel in a place like that. There was absolutely no danger to the crew with the sea running. The vessel has stuck, and she will stick there for another six months unless we get heavy seas. - What reason could you give for abandoning her higher up? - My theory is that she struck something and was probably making water. She probably struck something on the outer edge of Borough Island. Probably the crew got panic stricken, lowered the boat and told the Captain that if he liked to remain he could. Of course, that is only a theory. I can never conceive any crew leaving a vessel like that with the sea running that night. - It was not a big sea? - She was lying there like a breakwater. Of course, the spray was dashing over her, but nothing could break her to pieces. - Where was the small boat found? - On Bantham Beach. That is another thing that makes me think that she was not abandoned there. I do not think a small boat would get away through the surf. - Replying to a Juror, witness said he thought it was too foggy to see the coast-line, but a seaman could use his lead and see what water he had. when he found that he had some 12ft. of water he would know that it would take some days before the vessel would break up and he would say "We will stop." - Arthur Edgcumbe, labourer, South Milton, said he saw the vessel about 7.20 a.m. on Friday. There was no sign of life on board. He also examined the beach and saw no traces of footsteps. - Summing-Up And Verdict. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was inexplicable why the Crossowen did not use her foghorn. They had heard that it was in the Captain's cabin, and had not been used at all. The theory of the Coastguard might be the explanation, but one could not tell. The only facts they had was that she was found on the rocks, she was seen by the Coastguard and when she was seen there was apparently no one on board; the crew had left and the crew had all been washed up. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. They also added a rider suggesting to the authorities that precautions should be taken to warn vessels from approaching the coast in foggy weather. - The Coroner joined in the expression of sympathy, and promised to forward the rider to the Board of Trade.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on RICHARD JONES, aged 52, labourer, Morley-lane. - Ellen Prettyjohns said JONES had been depressed since the death of his wife in January last. He had been also suffering from lung trouble. He frequently remarked that he wished himself dead, but never threatened to take his life. On the 2nd inst. he called for water and she found on the table a glass containing a liquid with a curious smell. Asked if he had taken anything from the glass, he shook his head and seemed in a stupor. She gave him salt and water, which caused him to vomit. Dr H. R. Corry, House Physician, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said JONES died on Saturday. A post-mortem examination revealed traces of poisoning by a strong acid. Witness was told he had taken hydrochloric acid. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 May 1908
TIVERTON - Tragic Railway Coincidence. Copplestone Farmer's Death. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last night on WALTER COLES, of Camelford Farm, Copplestone. MRS BROOM, deceased's mother, said he came to see her at Sampford Peverell on Tuesday. He was in good health and spirits and perfectly sober. On leaving, about 6 o'clock, he said he had only 20 minutes to catch his train at Tiverton Junction. She tried to persuade him not to go on the railway, but he said if he did not go that way he would miss the train. He had walked along the line before. He was not deaf. - William Kent, fireman on the G.W.R. 3.30 p.m. express from Paddington, said he passed Sampford siding about 6.15 on Tuesday. Near Tiverton Junction he saw a man about 40 yards ahead walking alongside the line on the down side. The man had plenty of room, but he noticed him coming closer to the line, and immediately opened the whistle. When he looked out he saw the engine had struck him. They were travelling about 60 miles an hour. - John Veysey, the driver, was unable to throw any light on the occurrence, as he was, as he said, watching the signals. - Leslie A. Stanbury, goods clerk at Tiverton Junction Station, said when he reached MR COLES he was quite conscious. He said he was coming down the line, which was quicker, when he saw an up train. He got out of the way of it, and was thinking of his father, who was killed by a train near that spot, and did not hear the approach of the express that knocked him down. He said he knew he had no right on the line. - Dr Sadler, Tiverton Infirmary, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted at 7.10 partially conscious. He had a compound fracture of the left leg, complete dislocation of right shoulder, and three fractures in the region of the right elbow, also a deep scalp wound. Dr Welsford amputated the leg, which there was no chance of saving, but the man grew worse and died on Wednesday at 8.50 p.m. from shock following his injuries. - Chief Inspector Shattock, Exeter division said at the point where the accident happened there was a block at the end of a siding and the slope of the ballast would cause anyone walking to approach near the main line. the cylinders of the express engine protruded beyond the metals about 18 inches. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on JEREMIAH BLACKETT, 78 years of age, found dead on Wednesday at his residence, Lipson Vale, Plymouth. - Mrs Emily Kingcombe of Victoria-terrace, St. Budeaux said BLACKETT was a retired yachtsman. She and her husband were very friendly with him and he used to visit them at St. Budeaux every Thursday.. She last saw him three weeks ago. She sent a postcard, but was unable to make the journey to see BLACKETT as her husband was seriously ill. On Wednesday she found time to go to Lipson Vale and found the house locked up. She informed the Police. - P.C. Grant said at the last witness's request he forced an entrance into the house and found deceased lying in the front parlour dead. The body was perfectly naked. - Dr L. P. Stamp said death was due to heart disease of long standing. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 May 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Death. Found Drowned. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on WILLIAM BAKER, dock labourer, aged 30 years, and living at Thistle Park-cottages. - BESSIE BAKER said she last saw her husband on the afternoon of the 9th inst. He had left work, and was sitting in a beer-house. She expected him to return home that evening, but she heard nothing more of deceased until he was found on Friday. He had never threatened to take his life and they lived quite happily. He had been working at the Victoria Docks. - Chas. Adams, wharf master, 4 Marine-fields, said on the 9th inst., at 8.30 p.m., deceased saw him on the wharf with reference to a job on the following day. Deceased knew what he was about, but was not quite sober. He left him at 8.45 p.m., and witness saw the man go up to the steps and make for the gate. Deceased's body was found early on Friday morning in a small dock near the Victoria Wharves. - A verdict of "Found Drowned " was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Man's Death. Mother Censured. - The death of WALTER KENTISBEARE, 38, single, jobbing gardener, of Northernhay-street, Exeter, was the subject of an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday. - The mother of the deceased said her son complained of toothache and pains in his stomach yesterday week, and went to bed at six o'clock. He was no better on Monday and did not take his food. She thought he would get better the following day. She did not know what was the cause of the illness, but she gave him pills and salts which he vomited. Deceased did not complain that he was in great pain but said it was only slight. A neighbour offered witness 2s. 6d. to get a doctor at the deceased's wish, but she thought there was no need to call one, as she considered he would get better quickly. He died on Thursday and from the time he was taken ill to the time of his death he had had no food. - The Coroner: Did it not strike you that if he could not take his food for so long a time that he must be very ill? - No, sir. - Mrs Annie Morris, a neighbour, said deceased complained to her of pains in his inside and she asked him if he would like a doctor. He said he would and she told MRS KENTISBEARE, but she did not send for a doctor. Eventually MRS KENTISBEARE consented to have a doctor called, and witness went for Dr Brash on Thursday morning. - Mr e. A. Brash, Surgeon, said a post-mortem examination revealed a twisted gut, which would be the cause of much pain. - The Coroner said it seemed to him that the man's life had been thrown away, for if he had been seen by a medical man and taken to the Hospital and operated upon, his life might have been saved. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and severely censured the mother for neglecting to summon a doctor. - The Coroner concurred.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. Insurance Agent Hangs Himself. - MR MAURICE ALLEN, an insurance collector employed by the Prudential Company, was yesterday found hanging in the wash-house at his residence in Hotham-place, Stoke. He retired to bed at half-past ten on Sunday evening and his wife, on awaking shortly after 4 a.m. yesterday found him missing. She made a search and found him hanging from a beam in the wash-house. A neighbour was called and cut the body down. Dr R. B. Wagner, who was fetched, pronounced life extinct. Deceased, who was a naval pensioner, and 45 years of age, leaves a widow and five children. - At the Inquest it was stated that deceased had no domestic or financial difficulties. His health recently had been rather indifferent, but he had never threatened suicide, nor seemed unduly depressed. He was a man of temperate habits. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the widow. - The Coroner concurred.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Fall At Millbay Docks. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN RONE, aged 34 years, formerly of Castle-street. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented Mr R. Lester, contractor and Mr Albert Gard appeared for Mr R. W. Stephens, ironmonger, Devonport, a sub-contractor. - Albert Rickard, journeyman plumber, said on Saturday he was fixing a gutter at the Great Western Docks and was about to hoist lead to the top of a verandah. He was assisted by Wm. Dewdney. Deceased came and assisted. - Mr Pearce explained that the work had been sub-let by Mr Lester to two other contractors. One did the ironwork, while Mr Stephens did the lead work. Rickard was employed by Mr Stephens. - The Coroner: Whose rope were you using? - Rickard: A 2 ½ inch rope, which a painter lent us. The lead weighed about 200lb. We had hauled up lead in a similar manner before, using the same rope and with the same weight of lead. When hauling, the rope was quite clear. During the hauling the rope parted, causing RONE to fall from the gutter to the stones below, a distance of 20 feet. - Mr Gard: The rope used was not part of the gear supplied by Mr Stephens. - Chas. Manley, Pier-street, said RONE fell about 10 feet and another man about 5 feet. Deceased was employed by Mr Lester. He was going from one part of Mr Lester's work to another and on his way stopped and assisted Mr Stephens' men. - Dr P. Wilmot said RONE was admitted to the Homeopathic Hospital on Saturday. The case was hopeless from the first. Death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the man apparently had no right to have been where he was and was only a volunteer when the accident occurred. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that they considered that the lead being hoisted at the time of the accident must have been heavier than quantities hoisted previously, and that caused the rope to break. The fact that deceased was asked to help proved that a heavier load than usual must have been on the rope. - Mr Gard said a third employee of Mr Stephens was standing by the whole time. - Rickard stated that deceased volunteered to assist. The load of lead was not heavier than usual. On the contrary, they had previous hauled up heavier loads with the same rope.

PLYMOUTH - Quarry Accident. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on EDWARD REEVES, aged six years, who fell into the corporation Quarry, Prince Rock. WILLIAM H. REEVES, carman, Cattedown-road, deceased's father, said near the quarry was a public playground called Shapter's Field and his son frequently went there to play. - John Ellis, quarryman, said on Saturday afternoon he found the lad about 10ft. from the bottom, lying on a heap of stones dead, but the body still warm. - John Holland, foreman, in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation, said the recreation ground, Shapter's Field, adjoined the highway. The field was protected from the quarry by an iron fence, 4ft. 6in. high. In one place a bar was missing. There was no caretaker on the recreation field. If no bars were broken the children dug underneath the railings. - P.C. Down said the rails were intact where the body was found. The piece with the broken rail was 150 yards away. - Dr Travers Stubbs said death which must have been instantaneous was due to dislocation of the neck. - Deceased's father said his son with two other children were gathering grass for a goat. The two other children left him before the accident occurred. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr P. J. Spalding, on behalf of the Corporation, expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, the Jury expressing similar sentiments.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on MARY JANE SHEPHERD, aged 69 years, the widow of a staff-sergeant Royal Marines, and formerly of Edinburgh-road, found dead in bed by her son, Sergt. ERNEST J. SHEPHERD, R.M.L.I., on Sunday. Dr McElwaine said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by alcoholism. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 May 1908
BIDEFORD - Death Of MR E. GOTTWALTZ. - The death took place at Culworth, Bideford, yesterday, of MR ERNEST GOTTWALTZ, the eldest surviving son of the late MR J. F. GOTTWALTZ, for many years a staunch supporter of Cheriton Ottery Hounds. MR ERNEST GOTTWALTZ, who only recently took up his residence permanently in Bideford, inherited his father's love of sport and only in July last resigned the field-mastership of the Cheriton Hounds, which he took up when Mr Littleworth became Master of the pack. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and two sons, the eldest in Canada, and a boy at school, and two brothers, one in Australia, and the REV. H. B. GOTTWALTZ, of the Rectory, Thurning, Northampton. Deceased was perhaps best known in the West of England as one of the directors of Arnold and Perretta, and was held in high esteem. He was 51 years of age. - On the 2nd inst., MR GOTTWALTZ was in his garden putting up barbed wire with his gardener, J. H. Blackmore, when he scratched his hand. On the 8th the wound had festered a great deal and was very much inflamed. On the 9th Dr e. J. Toye was sent for. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at the Inquest yesterday, the gardener said the wire which caused the injury was bright and not rusty. It made what was just like a pin scratch across the back of the joint of a middle finger. Blood ran down over the finger, but MR GOTTWALTZ took no notice of it, and did not go indoors until about an hour afterwards. - Dr Toye said death was due to blood poisoning, directly caused by the scratch. - The Coroner: Can you account for a scratch producing such violent blood poisoning? - I suppose there must have been an extra virulent germ on the barbed wire. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their condolence with the family, which the REV. H. B. GOTTWALTZ acknowledged.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 May 1908
EAST BUDLEIGH - Exeter Gentleman's Suicide. - The Inquest on MR GEORGE DIGGINES, of 83 Magdalen-road, Exeter, who committed suicide by cutting his throat on Thursday at Budleigh Salterton, was held at that place yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Dr Tweed. - Dr Andrews, of Exeter, said deceased had been under his treatment for the past five weeks. He was in perfectly good health, but was depressed. Witness recommended him to take a holiday and with the aid of Dr Davey persuaded him to go to Budleigh Salterton on Tuesday. There were no family or monetary troubles whatever. - WILLIAM E. DIGGINES, son of deceased, gave evidence of his father's depression, and Mr Parry, proprietor of the Lochiel, deposed to finding deceased with his throat cut lying in a pool of blood, with a razor in his right hand. - P.C. Wilcocks, and Dr Temple having given evidence, a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 May 1908
AVETON GIFFORD - Aveton Gifford Suicide. A Nurse's Severe Struggle With A Mad Patient. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Aveton Gifford on Saturday on MR JOHN ELLIOTT BAKER, a master butcher, aged 33. - Mrs Sarah Jane Elson, Aveton Gifford, said she was called at six o'clock on Wednesday morning to nurse and watch MR BAKER, who was ill in bed. At times he was rational, but occasionally he had delusions there were people in the house. Mr Toms had been watching him at night. On Thursday the doctor saw him about nine o'clock, when the patient appeared to be much quieter. About noon he got out of bed, seized her from behind and threw her on the bed face downwards She recovered herself as quickly as possible, and then saw him on the other side of the room at the dressing table with a razor in his hand. She struggled with him and screamed for help. He freed himself and crossed the room. There she again struggled with him, knocking the razor out of his hand. They both stooped to pick it up, but he got it and before she could prevent him he made an attempt to cut his throat. By that time MRS BAKER had come into the room and they both tried to get the razor, but he was too quick for them and getting under the bed made another cut in his throat. MR BAKER died an hour afterwards. He looked very wild and she did not consider he was accountable for his actions. - Dr Pettinger, Kingsbridge, said he saw him on Monday and found him suffering from acute influenza, his temperature being 104. On Thursday he appeared slightly better. Deceased was temporarily insane when he committed the act, although he was rational when he saw him. - The Coroner: Was it his own razor? - Mrs Elson: No, sir. MRS BAKER had removed it and his gun previously, but she forgot this razor, an old one she kept for cutting corns. - In reply to Mr Yabsley, Dr Pettinger said he was sent for early on Thursday morning and gave orders for a sleeping draught he had left to be given to MR BAKER. - Mr Yabsley: Did you think there was any danger of is doing any harm to himself? - Certainly not. There was not the slightest suspicion of it, as he was most happy when I saw him. - The Coroner said no doubt the wife would have felt more satisfied if the doctor had come when called; but they should remember he saw the deceased at nine o'clock, when he appeared to be better. - Mr Yabsley: When I send for a doctor I like him to come. If he did not do so he would not have the opportunity another time. - The Coroner: I do not think there is any reflection on the doctor. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane. - The Coroner commended Mrs Elson for her luck, she being an aged woman. She had undergone a most trying time, and had evidently done her best to prevent what had happened. - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and her two young children.

POLTIMORE - At an Inquest at Poltimore on Saturday on GEORGE COOMBES, gardener, aged 58, of Poltimore, it was stated that deceased left his work in the Poltimore Gardens on Friday at midday and went home, where he had drink and some biscuits, and left the house. He did not return to dinner, and his body was found in the River Culm. The deceased, it was stated, had been depressed since the death of Lord Poltimore and had been medically attended. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 May 1908
TORQUAY - At an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on MR JOHN DREW, 83, a retired London manufacturer, who came to [?]berg Hall, Torquay, for the benefit of his health, Dr Walker attributed death to the bursting of a large blood vessel in the brain.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 May 1908
TORQUAY - Consumption Dangers. Comments At A Torquay Inquest. - At an Inquest held at St Marychurch Townhall yesterday, on the body of the 2 ½ year old son of a labourer named GEORGE WALLACE, who died on Thursday, Dr W. Pitt-Palmer said that when visiting the house about six months ago he saw the deceased eating from the same plate as another child, who with its mother, had come to Torquay in the last stages of consumption. It was then a rosy, healthy boy, but when he was called to it a month ago, it was in a hopeless state, suffering from consumption of all the organs. Interrogated by the Coroner (Mr S. Hacker), he said he warned the parents of the danger of infection and notified the medical officer of health, but beyond that he could do nothing. The woman in question had been discharged from two London Hospitals as incurable. Very few sanatorium received patients when they were in the advanced stage of the disease and institutions for the care of consumptive patients were nearly always full. His experience, extending over twenty years, was that it was impossible for working people in an advanced stage to be put away. - Dr T. Dunlop, Medical Officer of Health said that notification of consumption was voluntary in the borough but the Local Government Board would not permit of its being made compulsory. Cases such as that before them were out of his jurisdiction altogether. He suggested that the Legislature should permit compulsory notification. - The Coroner inquired if the town Council had considered the advisability of publishing a separate report of consumptive cases, to which Dr Dunlop replied that this was regarded as altogether unfeasible. The first stage in the direction of a remedy would be to get the Government to make notification compulsory. - The Coroner said he thought the first stage would be to provide an institution for such cases. Then they could have compulsory notification. - In answer to Mr R. D. Scholes, foreman of the Jury, Dr Dunlop stated that Sheffield was the only place in the kingdom where notification of tuberculosis was compulsory, this having been secured by a special Act of Parliament. - Mr Scholes: Do you think Torquay could get a special Act? - Dr Dunlop said he doubted it. The Local Government Board felt that it was a difficult matter. It would be impossible to take away a man in the early stages of consumption when there was a family of whom he was the only support. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and added a rider calling the attention of the Torquay Town Council to the case with a view to steps being taken to provide a remedy.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 June 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Schoolboy's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on SAMUEL ERNEST J. CAWSE, aged 7 years, living at Norley-street. - SAMUEL CAWSE, coal porter, said his son attended the Grey Coat School. On Wednesday morning he came home, complained of feeling sick, became unconscious and died the same day. Deceased said before leaving school his teacher had thumped him in the back. - Eli R. Triggs, assistant-master, Grey Coat School, said the lad was in his class, and on Wednesday morning complained of being unwell and was sent home. He did not strike the boy, and had no occasion to. The lad was honest, industrious and truthful. - Mrs Louisa Hannaford, Hampton-street, said on Tuesday she saw a boy named Pedlar push deceased over the kerb-stone. Deceased cried bitterly. - The boy Pedlar stated that he and deceased fell out over some trifling matter. - Dr H. B. Palmer said death was due to meningitis. There was nothing to show that it was caused by any injury, nor was any injury apparent. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SAMPFORD COURTENAY - L. And S.W.R. Signalman's Suicide. - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Sampford Courtenay on Saturday on JOHN LANG, signalman, L. and S.W.R. - GEORGE LANG, inspector, L. and S.W.R., said the deceased, his father, was 59 years of age, and had been in the company's service for 34 years. In November last, whilst cleaning the glass of the signal-box, he fell off a ladder and broke the tendons of his right leg. He was an inmate of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for 16 weeks, and resumed work on May 28th. The weakness from his injuries had affected him. He had no family, pecuniary or business trouble. - Thomas Richards, ganger, said LANG on May 29th told him he was fairly well. Always of a cheerful disposition, he was the last man he should have expected to commit suicide. - Reuben Arthur, relieving signalman, deposed to finding deceased dead in the wool shed, hanging by a rope from a beam. Deceased must have jumped off the crane, for he was hanging about five feet from the floor. - Dr Young said he had known deceased for 20 years as a most reliable and abstemious man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

HAMMERSMITH, LONDON - Torquay Lady's Death. Killed While On A Visit To London. - An inquest was held on Saturday at Hammersmith, London, on MISS CATHERINE EDYVEAN, 75 years, daughter of the late CAPTAIN ROBERT BRATHICK EDYVEAN, a well-known Bodmin gentleman. She resided at The Holt, Wellesley-road, Torquay, but came to stay at The Grove, Hammersmith, a week ago, that she might visit the exhibition and other sights. - Miss Berryman, a friend, said that on Monday MISS EDYVEAN narrowly escaped injury when crossing the road. On Tuesday night, when they came out of the Royal Military Tournament, at Olympia, deceased suddenly rushed across the road. Witness went to follow her and a brougham dashed by. She then saw her friend in the roadway. MISS EDYVEAN was removed home in a cab and died early next morning. - Edward Shayler, a taxi-cab driver, said he saw the brougham knock the lady down and both wheels passed over her. The driver went on and he followed. A mile away, seeing a Constable, he turned his cab in front of the brougham, causing the horse to stop on the pathway and called the Constable. - Mr George Traill, who was riding in the brougham, said he felt a slight jerk, but knew nothing of the accident until the taxi-cab stopped them. - John Crawley, the driver of the brougham, denied that he knocked the lady down. The taxi-cab driver told him he had done so, but he did not believe him. - Dr Alderson said the lady had not been run over, but there were fractures of the ribs and other injuries from being knocked down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider commending the driver of the taxi-cab for his behaviour.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 June 1908
CREDITON - A Crediton Sensation. Suicide Of The Assistant Overseer. - A sensation was created in Crediton yesterday by the news that MR EDWARD POLLARD had been found dead in his office. The deceased was highly respected in the town, where he had resided all his lifetime. In addition to being Assistant-Overseer, and collector of rates, he was clerk to Crediton Rural Parish Council, and to most of the local charities, and registrar of marriages. He leaves a widow and seven children, the youngest of whom is but two months old. - At the Inquest in the afternoon MRS POLLARD, the widow, said her husband was aged 53. She last saw him alive at a quarter to eight that morning, when he left the house. She thought he had gone for a walk, as was his custom every morning before breakfast. As he did not return at 9.30 she sent her six-year-old son to his office to call him to breakfast. The lad came back and said his father was lying down with blood coming from him. She called Mrs Bolt, and Dr Powne was summoned. There was no one at the office with him that she knew of, and deceased must have taken his life. He had never threatened suicide. He had been very low-spirited for about two months. She had heard him say that if he could have borrowed £50 from someone just to go on with, he would have been all right. He had been in financial difficulties. He wanted money to go on with until he got his salary. He had not opened his letters that morning. - Dr Powne said a pocket-knife was found in deceased's right hand. The direction of the wound showed it to have been self-inflicted. No written communication was found. Deceased called on him about a month ago and said he was felling unwell. There was really no disease of the organs, but he was depressed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family, and the Coroner concurred.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 June 1908
BRIXHAM - Brixham Child's Death. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Brixham on Saturday on IDA GRACE GOAD, aged 3 years, who died at Brixham Cottage Hospital the previous evening through shock from burns. - JANE DUGDALL GOAD, the mother, stated she went out the previous day, and left her child in the kitchen with a sheet of paper and a pencil. there was no fire in any of the rooms. She could not say how the child's clothing caught fire. there were two boxes of matches in the centre of the mantelpiece, which could not be reached unless she stood on a chair. She might have dragged a chair near the mantelpiece, but on her return home there was no appearance of any of the chairs having been moved. - Mrs Pitman, a neighbour, deposed to hearing a child scream and she rushed into the house of MRS GOAD, and found the deceased on fire. She immediately took off her own skirt and wrapped round the child, extinguished the flames and screamed for help. Dr Henry D. Coleman arrived in a few minutes, dressed the burns, and sent the child to the Hospital, where it died about an hour after admission. - A verdict of "Death from Shock from Burns received" was returned, with a rider commending the praiseworthy action and presence of mind of Mrs Pitman in pulling off her skirt to extinguish the flames when nothing else was available. The Coroner said he quite agreed with the rider.

ASHBURTON - Fall From A Wagon. Ashburton Tradesman's Death. - A painful sensation was caused at Ashburton on Friday by the receipt of the news of the sudden death of MR DAVID FOALE COWLS, butcher, of East-street, while engaged in going his rounds in the neighbourhood of Poundsgate, Widecombe. Deceased, who only came to the town between two and three years ago, was of a bright and cheerful disposition, and during that comparatively short time had made a large number of friends. An Inquest was held at Ashburton on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker. - SIDNEY COWLS, son of the deceased, stated that his father, who was 48 years of age, left home about midday on Friday with his horse and wagon to go his round at Widecombe and Leusdon. He was in his usual good health and was accompanied by witness's younger brother, LESLIE. Thirza Caunter, wife of Albert Caunter of Swenton Farm, deposed that deceased called as usual shortly before six o'clock on Friday, when she purchased some meat, which he took into her kitchen. He stayed about five minutes and when he left appeared to be in the best of health. A few minutes after six his little son, who was with him, drove the wagon into their yard, and said that his father had fallen out and he did not know what to do. Her husband and another man went to see what was the matter. - George Dodd, gardener, of Leusdon House, stated that on Friday, about a quarter past six, he was taking a bath chair around to the front of the house from the stables, when he saw MR COWLS lying in the road. He examined him, but could not find any sign of breathing. He ran towards Swenton Farm for help and on his way met two men, who had seen the little boy with the wagon. He afterwards went to Poundsgate and wired to Ashburton for a doctor. One of the other men went for the Police, and the other remained with the body. - LESLIE COWLS, the six-year-old son of the deceased, who was examined by the Coroner, said he went with his father on Friday selling meat with a horse and wagon. They went into Mrs Caunter's, but did not stay very long. When they let his father was sitting on the front board. He put up his leg to get in the wagon with witness, when he fell back. The horse was walking, but it did not stop and witness pulled him up and jumped out and turned the horse and wagon around. He went back to his father and tried to get him up, but he did not speak. He drove the wagon back as fast as he could and told Mrs Caunter. - Dr Crawford, Surgeon, said he arrived about 8.15 p.m., when he found deceased in the road near Leusdon, lying on his back. there were no external injuries except a scratch on the top of his head and the mark of a blow, which might have been caused by a fall. He had the appearance of having fallen on his head, the part which was most likely to cause instant death. - P.C. Champion, of Ashburton, gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Foreman (Mr J. Lamason) on their behalf tendered a vote of sympathy with MRS COWLS and her family. The Coroner also associated himself with the Jury's expressions.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 June 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Feeding Of Infants. Devonport Coroner's Observations. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall last evening on VIOLET LOUISA ALDERSON, four months old, child of JOSEPH P. ALDERSON, labourer, Ker-street. The infant had been well since birth, but on Saturday evening it became seriously ill. - the mother stated that the baby had for the past three months been fed on flake-oatmeal. Previous to that she gave it milk only, but this did not appear to agree with it. - The Coroner (to the mother): Where did you first hear about giving flake oatmeal to the young child? - MRS ALDERSON: My mother told me about it. She said it was always used for young children in olden times. I strained off the flaked oatmeal very finely before I gave it to the baby. It was strained so well that it was mostly milk that remained. - The Coroner: You know that milk is the natural food for babies? - MRS ALDERSON: But milk did not satisfy it. - The Coroner: Why on earths mothers will insist on feeding children with flaked oatmeal and other foods of that kind I cannot understand. Everybody knows that any little infant should be fed on milk, which is the natural diet for it for a considerable period. Oatmeal does not agree with some grown-up persons, and how can it be expected that a little child only four months old, with digestive organs scarcely formed, can digest oatmeal? - I cannot understand it at all. Mothers ought to know better. - Dr Thos. McElwaine deposed to being sent for. The child was then dead. It's body was warm, but small and thin. It had suffered from rickets. There were no marks of external violence. A post-mortem showed that the stomach was very distended and contained a milky-looking fluid. The organs were healthy, except the right lung which showed acute inflammation. The cause of death was acute inflammation of the right lung. - The Coroner: What about the food? What about this flaked oatmeal? - It was certainly an improper food to give to a child of that age. It was very improper. Mothers are under the impression when a child seems to be hungry and has only milk, it should be given something stronger than milk. They think the heavier food fills it up, but it is a mistake to give it to little children. - The Foreman: Are you of opinion that rickets are due to improper feeding? - In some cases. - Do you think that the rickets are due to improper feeding in this case? - I could not say in this case. - A Juryman: Is this flaked oatmeal the same as the ordinary oatmeal? - I think it is specially prepared. - A Juryman: Although it is not so strong as the ordinary oatmeal; it is certainly quite improper to give to an infant. - The Coroner pointed out that in this particular case the feeding of the child was not the cause of death. there could be no doubt, however, that the giving of flaked oatmeal to children of such tender age was improper. That fact could not be too seriously impressed upon mothers. He hoped that MRS ALDERSON would remember in future that the proper natural food for young and tender children was milk only. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on JOHN THOMAS HOLBERTON, 37, a pavier, of 1 George-street, Stonehouse. Deceased, on Friday, was taken ill in Caroline-place and died before the arrival of a medical man. The Inquest was opened on Saturday and adjourned until yesterday, in order that a post-mortem examination might be made. Inspector Joslin represented the Police. - MARY ANN HOLBERTON, widow, said deceased was her stepson, and resided with her. He left home about five p.m. on Friday. Deceased seemed well in health and made no complaint. Six months ago he suffered from pneumonia, but recovered, and went to work as usual. - George Westlake, undertaker, Stonehouse, informed the Jury that he was in Caroline-place at 5.30 p.m. on Friday, when he noticed deceased outside a house vomiting a quantity of blood. HOLBERTON was falling. Witness caught him and placed him on the ground. Almost immediately death took place. Witness sent for a doctor. - Mr T. Noy Leah said he attended HOLBERTON when he had an attack of pneumonia. From this he satisfactorily recovered. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to rupture of a vein in the stomach. There were no marks of violence. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

BRAUNTON - Braunton Accident. Injured Man's Lingering Death. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, (North Devon Coroner), yesterday held an Inquest at Braunton on the body of JAMES DUNN, 48, carpenter of Silver-street, Braunton, who died on Monday as the result of a carriage accident a fortnight ago, when he was picked up insensible and never rallied. - Fred Perryman, cab proprietor, the driver of the carriage, said he was on May 24th putting in a mare which he had bought at Barnstaple Market the previous Friday, intending to try her with John Dyer, when deceased asked if he might come as well, and witness said he could if he wished. They drove to Barnstaple without incident, but returning by the old road at the top of Church-street, Braunton, a cyclist came down the new road and the mare "skitted" a little. witness held her in and the mare, finding she could not go, commenced kicking, and as it was impossible to hold her, he told the others to look out for themselves; pieces of the front of the carriage, which were being kicked out, flying up in his face at the time. He fell back, DUNN having dropped or fallen off first and Dyer got out at the back. The mare ran away and was stopped at Knowle, some miles distant. She showed no signs of kicking before, but did not seem to be comfortable in the harness, her ears being back. The mare was running away and kicking at the same time and was quite uncontrollable. There were too many people about to pull her into the houses and so stop her. - The Coroner: Had you been warned about the mare? - No; I bought her as subject to veterinary and quiet in all harness. - Have you discovered she has done anything like this before? - I cannot prove it but have since heard she had an accident at Ilfracombe, throwing a man, who was afterwards in bed for three weeks. - Have you tried her since? - Certainly not. I took her back. - John Dyer, the other occupant, corroborated. He was unable to describe how DUNN came out, as he fell in getting out himself. He found deceased in the road unconscious. - Dr Walter Harper said deceased never really recovered consciousness since the accident. He had apparently lacerated the brain and fractured the base of the skull, which caused death; the injuries pointing to his having fallen on the back of his head on the road. - The Coroner thought the bicycle evidently frightened the horse and deceased, trying to get out in a hurry, fell; his death being due to accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 June 1908
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on HENRY COLLISON, 44 years, a scaffold rigger, of Anstis-street. The deceased had been engaged on the new buildings being erected at the top of Leigham-street by Mr J. H. Vincent and met with an accident on the 2nd inst. - Arthur Truscott, the foreman of the works, stated that at 9 a.m. on the 2nd inst., the deceased was carrying a plank across a first floor and walking on the joists. As he was about to pass the plank on to his mate underneath, he slipped back and fell to the ground. COLLISON was conveyed to the Homeopathic Hospital. The plank was an ordinary one, and deceased was perfectly accustomed to the work he was carrying out at the time. - Dr C. J. Cooke said a post-mortem examination showed a fracture of the right shoulder blade, a contusion on the back of the scalp and a severe bruising on the front part of the brain. A clot of blood had pressed on the brain and caused death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Thomson represented Mr Vincent.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 June 1908
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday Mr Hacker held an Inquest on JOSEPH PHILLIPS, 62, gardener, in the employ of the Corporation. The evidence showed that deceased, who had only recently recovered from an attack of inflammation of the lungs, was on June 3rd mowing the grass on a narrow slope on Babbacombe Downs, of which he had charge, when he slipped and fell a distance of eight feet on to a path below. PHILLIPS sustained a severe scalp wound and concussion of the brain. He was removed to the Torbay Hospital, where he lingered for a week and died on Wednesday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

SALCOMBE REGIS - At the Inquest at Sid, near Sidmouth, yesterday on the three-year-old child of GEORGE SPENCER, cab-driver, who fell in the river Sid and was drowned, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - South Down Baby's Death. A Swallowed Farthing. - The Inquest on NORA BELLAMY, aged 20 months, the daughter of FREDERICK BELLAMY, fitter, Devonport Dockyard, and living at South Down, was resumed at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday. At the Hospital an operation was successfully performed for the removal of a farthing the child had swallowed, but the baby never recovered from the shock and died on Sunday. - LUCY BELLAMY, Elm Park, South Down, said on Saturday last she gave the deceased a purse with four farthings in it to play with. Shortly after midday she noticed that the child was choking and she felt something in its throat. Dr Watt was fetched and he said he could not see anything in the child's throat. She was unable to swallow anything but a little water. On Monday she took her daughter to Dr Morris who was acting locum tenens to her own medical man, Dr Rider. Dr Morris also said he could see nothing in the throat. On Tuesday a neighbour gave the child a penny and that reminded witness of the purse. She examined it and found only three farthings in it. She immediately took the baby to the Hospital. the child was again examined and nothing could be seen in its throat and she was told to bring it again in three days. On reaching home the child became worse and she took it back to the Hospital and then to Mr Cox, radiographer, Plymouth. The X-rays were used and the coin was seen in the throat. - The Coroner remarked that apparently everything was done for the child. The case showed the advantage of X-rays to medical science. MRS BELLAMY gave the child the coins with the best of intentions, though it was a very silly thing to do. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 June 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - The Ford Tragedy. Remarkable Letters From The Deceased. Coroner's Remarks. - Mr J. A. Pearce, (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the Guildhall yesterday on JAMES SPENCE ROSS, formerly a gunner in the R.M.A., whose body was found at the side of the London and South Western Railway at Ford on Thursday morning. - The Coroner handed deceased's parchment certificates to the Jury for inspection and pointed out that there were several erasures, which was unusual. - Strange Letters. - George Reed, general dealer, 29a, Kent-road, Ford, identified the body, and said deceased, who was 27 years of age, was until recently a gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery, from which he was discharged by purchase on May 27th last. Deceased lived with witness, and was engaged, with witness's approval, to be married to his daughter. On Bank-holiday, witness, his wife, daughter and deceased went by train to Yelverton. Deceased then appeared to be as usual. He was rather quiet, but he was naturally of reserved demeanour and nothing occurred that day to upset the friendship. As usual, deceased slept at witness's house that night. On Tuesday he stated after breakfast that he was going "into town" on business, and that he would return about 11.30 to take witness's daughter out in the afternoon. He did not return, and witness did not see him again until Wednesday night. Witness was surprised that he did not return, and made a report to the Police. In the meantime, witness's son and daughter received by post letters from deceased. - Mrs Reed asked that the letter should not be published. - The Coroner replied that he would read the letters first. They might be important. - Mrs Reed said the letters were nonsense. - The Coroner having read the letter sent to witness's son, said it was difficult to understand. There was nothing in it except that coming events were casting their shadows. In the envelope addressed to the son were three slips of paper, one of which was apparently intended to go in the other letter. Deceased wrote first, "I enclose a stamp for Bean to write home to my people." On the second slip was written, "Dear Bert, - I enclose you ticket. Do not tell Bean, but get it out if you want it. You can have what clothes you want in my basket, and share the spoil with Bean." On the third was written, "My own darling little wife, you can break the news gently to my father and mother. Tell the old people, and bid them all farewell, dear." The envelope bore the stamp, "Plymouth, 7.30, June 9th." - Mr Reed Shot At. - Witness said that in consequence of the receipt of the letters he reported the matter to P.C. Rogers. He took no further steps, but when he shut up at midnight he went round the premises as usual to see if everything was right. He had a suspicion that deceased might be lurking about, as on the previous Friday he showed witness a revolver, which he said an officer had given him for a debt. He also said that after getting married he intended to join the Police force in Scotland, and the revolver would be very handy. Deceased told witness he had no cartridges. About 12.5 a.m. witness was walking round the outside of his premises to see that everything was secure, but saw no one. When he returned to the front door, where his two daughters were standing, witness said that before closing up he would have a look up the lane. Leaning over a small wall, he saw deceased standing upright, with his back against the wall, and his left hand shading his face. Witness said, "Well, JIM, what are you doing there? Hadn't you better go away?" Deceased then lowered his left hand from his face and, making a half turn round, raised his right hand and pointed it towards witness. Witness pulled his head behind a higher wall and as he did so deceased fired. Then, running to the front door, witness went inside and closed it. Witness's wife went to the upstairs window and called "Murder." As deceased was pointing upwards, witness's son pulled his mother away. Witness went after deceased with his son and about five minutes later heard another report. - Mr Perry, a tramway conductor, blew his whistle and about half a dozen Police came. A search was made for deceased, but without success; but about 4 a.m. witness was informed that deceased had been found dead. - No Quarrel - Replying to the Coroner, witness said that on Tuesday morning deceased left without any suspicion of a quarrel. Witness did not ask him into the house on Thursday morning because he had a suspicion that he had the revolver, as it could not be found. The banns were published for the second time on Sunday and the marriage was to have taken place on the 21st inst. Witness believed deceased to be a single man: He had never heard anything to the contrary. - He believed him to be a very respectable man. He knew deceased had received a paper from Exeter about insuring himself, and witness advised him to go in for an endowment. If asked his opinion for an insurance witness would have given him an excellent character. Witness received a paper, but asked deceased to wait and go in for an endowment. Mr George Bryant was in the Metropolitan Police and was engaged to witness's other daughter. - The Coroner said that as a matter of fact, the proposal was for an endowment policy. He could not understand why neither witness nor Mr Bryant assisted deceased in obtaining the policy. - Witness: He told me he was in for £100 at death and nothing at all about endowment. - The Coroner: Instead of hindering the proposal you should have done everything in your power to help him in such a matter, both you and Mr Bryant. - Witness said he knew nothing more about deceased's life than that he had been keeping company with his daughter. - The Coroner: I consider you ought to have filled the paper up, as he was going to marry your daughter and was a man of the very highest respectability. - Witness further said nothing had happened that was likely to have the effect of postponing the marriage. Deceased had never drunk anything intoxicating in witness's presence. - By the Jury: The father and mother had provided the home. I cannot understand only one coin being found on the body. That is the only thing that puzzles us. He said he had plenty of money to get married with and to spare. We can find no money. Deceased had served in the Cornwall's. - Miss Reed's Letters. - Elvina Maud Reed said she had been engaged to ROSS about eighteen months. The wedding was to have taken place next Sunday week at Ford Church. By the last post on Tuesday night witness received the following letter from deceased: - " My own darling little wife, - Just a line for a long and last farewell dear. I could not feel happy with you after what was said on Sunday night. I prefer death rather than outlive jealousy. I am not mad nor angry, but jealous, so by the time you get this, dear, I will be no more. I love you more than life itself, dear. Would to God I had not heard anything, but it is too late, and I am (or will) be dead by my hand. I prefer death. If you do not believe me look out behind the Workhouse tomorrow - the lane at Badderley - and you will find my dead body there, dear. This is all now, my darling. All I ask is your forgiveness, dear little girl. - Farewell, with love, from your ever loving husband, JEM. x x x x. We will live together in heaven. You can plant a few ferns on my grave dear, in kind remembrance of me. I love you better than life. " - Witness, replying to the Coroner, said that on Sunday night deceased asked her if she had ever had another young man, and she told him she had before she knew him (deceased). Deceased seemed to take no notice of it then, but asked witness if the other young man had gone so far as to give her a ring and she replied, "No." He was all right on Monday. They had had no quarrel. - The Coroner said there was a letter found on the body, which was addressed to Miss Reed. - The letter was enclosed in a blue envelope and attached to it was a gold scarf pin in the form of a lucky wish-bone, the pin passing through the envelope and letter. On the front of the envelope was written in pencil: "To Miss E. Reed, 29a Kent-road, Ford, Devonport." At the lower left-hand corner was written, "Keep everything in remembrance of our love." On the back of the envelope was, also in pencil, "I am not mad nor crazy, but jealous dear, Good bye darling little wife x x x x. We will meet again." - The Coroner read the letter as follows:- " J. S. ROSS. - Dear little wife. - This is my long and last farewell. There is no more happy days for us both. give father and mother my love dear. Tell them we will all meet again. Would to God this thing had not happened; but it is God's will that such a thing should happen, dear. You will not live long after I am gone, dear. Our happy days is over. All that I have is yours. I leave all to you. I would like to see your dear face just once before I die, dear, to hear your forgiveness from your own lips. Just when we were going to be so happy that this thing has happened. there is no blame attached to you, dear. You are free from all blame, but it is the slander and the people's tongues that will hurt more than anything else, dear. I hope they will bury you by my side, dear. Also you will visit my grave in kind remembrance of one who loved you better than life. Farewell, darling little wife, from your broken-hearted JIM. x x x Farewell, we will meet again, wife of my heart. I have felt so miserable as I can say. Poor little girl! Just when we were going to be so happy and going to our own little home. but it is not going to be our will. What will the people think of it all, dear? Goodbye, dear little wife. x.x.x.x. Good-bye and God bless my darling little wife. x x x x. " - The Coroner: He refers to "this thing." What does he mean? - Witness: I cannot think what he means. - You cannot suggest for one moment? - No. - It does seem strange that it should be only the admission that you had been going with a young man before, because that is nothing unusual. It seems strange that that little fact could have made him like that? - I do not think it was that. - What do you think it was? - I cannot think what it was, because he did not seem upset about it at all. He showed me the revolver, and I asked him to get rid of it, as I was nervous of it. - Mrs Reed: He said "Nonsense; this will not hurt you." He pulled it to pieces. - Witness: He said he would sell it for 10s. - The Coroner: Did you ever ask him about his past life? - Witness: I asked him if he had ever had anyone else, and he said I was the first girl he ever walked with, and his mother told me the same. I knew nothing about the insurance. I am 27. I do not know where the young man is whom I was engaged to before; that was years ago. I have not been walking out with anyone lately. Deceased was not of a jealous disposition. - Curious Statements. - Mr E. Birch, 32 St Aubyn-street, said he was local agent for the Alliance Insurance Company. On the 5th inst. deceased signed a proposal to insure for £100, maturing at the age of 55, with profits, or at death. Deceased told witness he was married and signed a form to that effect, and witness also understood that deceased had a wife and two children. Deceased further stated that he was an engine-room artificer, R.N., that he had left the navy to join the Metropolitan Police and that he was a constable at Keyham Gates. As references, deceased gave George Reed, 29 Clyde-street, Ford, and George Bryant, Metropolitan Police, Keyham Dockyard; and the ordinary form was addressed to these. The reply from each was "I know nothing concerning the life of MR J. S. ROSS." Deceased was very quiet and reluctant to answer questions as to his family history. He gave his place of birth as Devonport. - Mrs Reed: He was born at Girvan, Scotland. - Albert Hy. Davis, labourer, College-road, who joined in the search on Thursday morning, and at 4.40 a.m. he found the body at the top of a cutting on the L. and S.W. Railway. - P.S. Voss said deceased was found lying on his back, and his feet were hanging over the cutting. He had a bullet wound almost in the centre of the forehead, from which brain matter was protruding. Between his legs was a revolver, under his left hand. In the revolver were four undischarged cartridges and two spent cartridges. In the clothing witness found a shilling, a sixpence and six coppers, a watch and leather guard and programmes of the Theatre Royal and Palace. - The Coroner said the programmes were for this week, so that deceased must have gone to the Royal one night and the Palace another. - Dr t. McElwaine said he had made a superficial examination of the body and found a small circular wound through the skull at the centre of the forehead, almost large enough to admit the tip of witness's little finger. The fleshy part of the wound was jagged. There was also a small cross-shaped hole through the coat, waistcoat and shirt and a small circular wound in the front of the chest in a line with the left nipple and about an inch to the right. there was no scorching of either wound. Witness was of opinion that bullets entered both holes, that the wound in the chest was caused first, that it was possible that deceased would be able to fire the second shot if the first did not pierce the heart; and that both wounds were self-inflicted. - Mr Reed, in reply to the Coroner, said he was quite sure deceased fired a cartridge. Witness felt the fire. - The Coroner said the ticket which deceased enclosed was a pawn-ticket, dated June 9th - Tuesday - and was in respect of a silver keyless watch and gold albert and seal, on which he obtained £2. - Dr McElwaine said there were two rings on deceased's fingers. - Coroner And Reasons For Suicide. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the letters left no question that deceased intended to die by his own hand. He (the Coroner) had seen in the Press a discussion as to the cause of so many suicides and opinions were expressed by Coroners of England. he was very much impressed with the remarks of one coroner, that it was his experience that the true reason for the suicides never came out at the Inquest. That was in accordance with his (Mr Pearce's) experience. He had nearly always found, in cases such as this, that the true reason was not given by the witnesses, and he had no doubt now that there was something - he did not say wilfully - kept back, something which occurred between some of the parties, which resulted in this man taking his own life. Whether the cause was a trivial one or not he could not say. At all events, he referred to a certain thing which was preying on his mind. What it was they did not know; but it made it easier for them to say that something had unhinged his mind. The information he gave Mr Birch was certainly peculiar and untrue, and showed that he did not know what he was talking about. He could not understand the replies of Mr Reed and Mr Bryant to the insurance company's inquiries as to deceased's character. For Miss Reed it was a most unenviable position to have these circumstances placed before the public, but they had a public duty to perform, and must do it without favour; and it had become necessary for him to read the correspondence. The Jury must be satisfied that deceased took his own life. He congratulated Mr Reed on escaping the bullet evidently intended for him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed their sympathy with Miss Reed.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Plymouth Marine's Death. An Unsolved Mystery. - Mr R. R. Rodd and a Jury at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday unsuccessfully attempted to solve the mystery surrounding the death of HENRY SHAPLAND, private of the R.M.L.I., serving on the Hogue, whose body was found on the rocks at Devil's Point on Thursday morning. - Sergt. a. M. Olvey, R.M.L.I., said deceased was about 20 years of age, and had been in the service 16 months. He went on leave on Wednesday afternoon at 4.20 and should have returned to the ship at 6.30 the following morning. His character was very good. - Pte. W. W. Jerrard, R.M.L.I., said he met deceased casually on Wednesday evening in Edgcumbe-street and remained with him until 11 o'clock when witness went to his lodgings. Deceased said he was going to the Soldiers and Sailors Institute. He was sober, having only drunk two pints of beer, and cheerful. - P.C. Higman deposed to recovering the body from the rocks. It had apparently floated in, and there been left by the receding tide. He had made every possible inquiry and failed to get any evidence to show how deceased got in the water. It might have happened at Richmond Walk. - Dr W. E. M. Corbett said the cause of death was drowning. There were a bruise on the right side of the forehead and some abrasions which were caused, probably by a fall, before death. He did not suspect there had been any foul play. - There being no evidence to show how deceased got into the water, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 June 1908
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay on Saturday on CHARLES AYSHFORD, house painter, single, aged 54, who died in Torbay Hospital from injuries sustained through a fall from a ladder whilst painting the exterior of Dudley House, Belgrave-road. Deceased, who was in the employ of Mr John Mackellar, builder, Warren-road, in leaving work on Friday evening, was descending the ladder with his paint pot and brushes and when about seven feet from the ground he was supposed to have over-balanced himself whilst pushing back a few small branches of a fir tree which came out in front of the ladder. This, it was believed, caused him to lose his hold and he fell into an area eight feet lower than the ground at the bottom of the ladder. He fell on his head alongside William James Harding, a fellow workman. He was conveyed in a carriage, sent for by the lady at Dudley House, to Torbay Hospital. When picked up deceased was insensible and he never regained consciousness. Dr Lionel L. Phillips, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he could not find any fracture of the skull and attributed death to concussion of the brain. - The Jury, of whom Mr J. W. Redmore was the Foreman, expressed the opinion that no blame was attributable to anyone and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 June 1908
SEATON AND BEER - Seaton Tragedy. Verdict Of Manslaughter Against The Mother. Story At The Inquest. - Dr E. R. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Seaton yesterday on VIOLET MABEL, the four months old daughter of HERMON CAWLEY, a plumber, of Queen-street. His wife, who is charged with causing the child's death, was present. She was driven over to Seaton from Axminster, where she had been locked up since Saturday evening. She was respectably attired in a dark coat and skirt with a red blouse and white straw hat and wore spectacles. She was evidently in a weak state of health and somewhat strange in manner. She was, however, able to converse with her husband and friends. - His Only Child. - HERMON HENRY CAWLEY, the father of the child, said he last saw her alive at ten minutes past three on Saturday afternoon. She was then in her usual condition of health and was in charge of his wife. The child had a hare lip and was operated upon when eight or nine week sold at Exeter Hospital. The operation was successful. She had not been back to the Hospital since then. On Saturday afternoon he went to Beer, and Arthur Tolman came to fetch him, "as his wife was ill." That was about 5.20. He returned home at once, and found his wife downstairs with two Policemen and her sister, MISS ALICE ABBOT. A neighbour, Mrs Emily Cawley, told him before he entered the house that his wife had killed the child. After the doctor arrived witness went upstairs and saw the child on the bed with her throat cut. She was his only child. - By the Coroner: The child was in a club, but not insured. He had never heard his wife threaten to take the life of the child. - Was she fond of the child, as a mother naturally would be? - Sometimes she was. - Do you know of any reason why she should take the life of the child? - She was always worrying about the child. - Replying to further questions, witness said his wife was not in good health and suffered from melancholia. She had been treated by Dr Evans, of Seaton and was still taking medicine. - By the Foreman (Mr Hole): his wife had never been in an Asylum. - Police-Superintendent de Schmid: By whose wish was the child sent down to Exeter Hospital? - The doctor's wish. - It was not the mother's wish? - She did not object. - When the child returned did the mother take to it more than she did before? - Yes, and she was fond of her. - John Loud, dairyman, said on Saturday afternoon, about four o'clock, he saw the mother of the deceased at her house and the child was in a "pram" in the kitchen. The mother came to the door for the milk. He noticed nothing peculiar about the child or the mother. About an hour later he heard of the child's death. He believed the mother was very kind to the child. He had never seen any ill-treatment. - The Mother's Confession. - Emily Cawley, a widow, next-door neighbour of the CAWLEY'S, said she was in no way related to MR and MRS CAWLEY. She was in the habit of looking into their house during the day, and often saw the mother and child. The mother seemed worried over the child's infirmity. On Saturday, just before five, the mother came into her house and said, "Oh, Mrs Cawley, I've cut my baby's head off." Witness replied "You don't say so." She said "Yes, do come in and see it." Witness said she could not and sat the woman down in her own house and sent for the Police. She remained with her until the Police came. The woman looked very ill and her hands were covered with blood. Witness was too frightened to take much notice of her. She had never heard MRS CAWLEY threaten to take the life of the child. - By Superintendent de Schmid: The woman worried about the child both before and after it was taken to Exeter Hospital. - After The Operation. - HELEN MARY HOOPER, wife of Philip Hooper, Sidmouth-street, Seaton, said she visited MRS HERMON CAWLEY, her sister, nearly every day. She appeared fond of the child, but worried about it a good deal. She had an idea that people would laugh at the child when she grew up. Witness took the child to Exeter Hospital with the mother and the operation, which was performed, was very successful, but the mother said many times that the child was disfigured for life. The child was left in the Hospital, and they returned to Seaton. The mother had not been the same woman since. She had never heard her threaten to take the child's life. - The Coroner: Was she fond of the child? - She was fond of the child up to a fortnight after it was brought back from the Hospital. She did not appear to have any love for it after that. - Why was that? - She said it seemed like another child. - Mr C. C. Gould (a Juror): Was the mother ever strange in her manner before her marriage? - Not before her marriage. - At any time? - Yes, since her marriage. When she was going to do anything she forgot what she was going to do. - By Superintendent de Schmid: The mother was always talking about the child. On Thursday last she said to witness: "Now this is the end of it." She asked her what she meant, and she said "Now you will see that this is the end." - did she say at any time; "It is no good its living; it is disfigured for life and will be a laughing stock for others." - She did not say "It is no use its living." - Medical Evidence. - Dr g. K. A. Evans of Seaton, said he was called to 10 Queen-street on Saturday evening and found the child lying on her back on a bed upstairs dead. The head was severed from the body with the exception of about two inches of skin at the back of the neck. There was blood on the quilt and on the rugs on the floor. He found a razor on the bed. The child's body was then still warm. - By the Foreman: Witness had been attending the mother since the birth of the child. She was always of a melancholy disposition, and she had been worse since the child returned from the Hospital. She had a bad attack of melancholia twelve years ago. - By Superintendent de Schmid: It would not require any great effort to cut a child's head off with a razor. the mother made no statement to him on Saturday evening. There was blood on her hands. witness saw her last Friday morning. - P.C. Webber said on Saturday afternoon he accompanied P.C. Friend to 10 Queen-street where he saw MRS CAWLEY, the accused sitting on a chair in the kitchen, with Mrs Cawley, her neighbour. Witness said to the latter "What is the matter?" She replied: "MRS CAWLEY tells me she has cut the baby's head off." There was blood about the prisoner's hands and as she was about to make a statement, witness cautioned her. Accused replied, "I have cut baby's head off." Witness and P.C. Friend went up into the bedroom, where he found the deceased as described by Dr Evans. The razor (produced) was blood-stained and lying close by the feet of the child. He returned downstairs and charged the mother with the capital offence. She replied "I* did it." Asked if she understood the charge, she said "Yes, I cut baby's head off." He noticed that she was unwell, and sent for Dr Evans. Accused was afterwards conveyed to Axminster Police Station. - Accused's Statement. - The Coroner asked the accused if she wished to give evidence or not. She replied: "I did it; I did not know what I was doing." She was, however, not sworn, and no statement was taken from her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against the mother and added that in their opinion she was not responsible for her actions at the time. The Jury gave their fees to the husband. - Accused Remanded. - Yesterday at Axminster Police Court, before Mr Robert Cornish, the mother was charged with the Wilful Murder of her child. Formal evidence was offered by Police-Sergt. Gammon, who applied for a remand that accused should be taken to Seaton to attend the Inquest. - Prisoner was remanded until 11 o'clock this morning.

EAST STONEHOUSE - At an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ELIZA JANE WHITELOCK, aged 64, widow of ISAAC WHITELOCK, naval pensioner, Geo. Edward Perkins, her nephew, said on Friday evening, at 8.55 he went out from 26 St Mary-street, where his aunt lived and on returning at 10.30 found her on the floor dead. Dr T. Noy Leah attributed death to heart failure, following old-standing bronchitis.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Suicide. Sad Domestic Story. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS BICKLE, aged 32, carpenter, Drydale-road, MABEL EVA BICKLE, the widow, said she last saw her husband alive on Thursday. He asked for a powder, but he said he had no money for one. They previously had quarrelled, as a result of one of deceased's fits of intemperance, which were frequent. She had been living with her mother and had applied for a separation order, but it was not granted. Deceased had threatened to take his life. - James H. Hill, cab-driver, who resided in the same house as deceased, said he heard him call "MABEL" on Saturday morning, at about half-past seven. Witness answered him and he asked if his wife was in the house. Witness replied that she was not. Deceased said "did you hear me fall in the night?" Witness said his wife heard a noise and called, but got no answer. Witness then went up to the landing, where he found blood. Deceased denied him admission to the room, saying "I'm not fit to be seen." He ultimately admitted him and witness did not notice any cuts. Deceased and his wife continually quarrelled. The wife was in the habit of staying out late at night. Deceased was not of intemperate habits. - Police-Sergt. Turpin said on being called on Saturday afternoon, he found BICKLE dead on the floor of his room, the door of which he found locked. His throat was cut and there was a razor by his side. - Dr Dunstan said two attempts had been made to cut the throat. - The Coroner remarked that it was not the province of the Jury to decide upon any matrimonial troubles. The evidence left little doubt that the case was one of Suicide during Temporary Insanity. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 June 1908
KINGSKERSWELL - Suicide At Kingskerswell. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Kingskerswell yesterday on GEORGE CAUNTER, single, aged 63, who was found hanging in a store at Kingskerswell Mill on Monday night. - Mr William Floyd, occupier of the mill and brother-in-law of deceased, gave evidence of identification and said deceased, who was a carter, had lived with him for 28 years. Owing to a recent illness deceased had at times been very depressed and was so on Monday. Witness saw him in the house soon after seven o'clock, and, missing him two hours later, he searched for him, with John Mitchell, a labourer and found him in the store. - Mitchell stated that he cut deceased down, he being quite dead. - Ann Buckle, widow, sister of deceased, said deceased went out of the kitchen at 7.30 p.m., without saying anything. Mr J. R. Hatfield stated that he had been attending the deceased for an internal complaint for the last two months. Deceased was always of a melancholic disposition and witness tried to cheer him up. He used to say that life would be of no use to him if he found he could not work, and that he would then be a burden on Mr Floyd and his sisters. He never showed the least sign of insanity. On Saturday deceased was much better and witness told him he would be fit again in a short time. Death was due to suffocation caused by hanging. - Mr Floyd said deceased and himself and other relatives lives very happily together at the mill. The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 June 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Drowning Case. Sad Affair At West Hoe Pier. - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest at West Hoe Temperance Hotel, on WALTER JAMES WHEELER, the seven-year-old son of GEORGE WHEELER, 4 Northumberland-terrace, who was drowned at West Hoe Pier on Saturday afternoon. - MRS WHEELER said her son left home on Saturday morning, in company with his sister, age four years. At 2.15 the younger child came home and stated that her brother was in the sea. - Wilfred Gover, yachtsman, 16 Hoe-street, said at ten minutes after two on Saturday the alarm was raised that a boy was in the water at West Hoe Pier. He ran down and saw deceased floating upright in about 4ft of water, between the basin and the steps. With assistance he got him ashore. He was dead, and witness considered by his appearance that he had been in the water quite half an hour. There were no grown-up people about at the time; the man who had charge of the boats being in the booking-office. There were some children on the pier. Dr Blacker was quickly in attendance and used artificial respiration, but to no purpose. He could not say how the child got into the water. - Dr E. Blacker, 5 Buckland-terrace, Plymouth, said when he arrived the child had just been taken out of the water and a Policeman and others were using artificial respiration, which he himself continued. the body was also placed in hot water, but the child had been too long in the water. There were no signs of heart action or respiration. The pupils were widely dilated, which showed that the child must have been submerged for some time. Death was due to drowning. - A Juror asked whether the pier was adequately protected. - The Coroner said the pier was private property. there was a wall and railings and, of course, the children were trespassers there. He was not a shareholder in the Pier Company and, therefore, he was not prejudiced. - In reply to another question the Coroner said he believed this was the first case of drowning reported at West Hoe Pier. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

KINGSTEIGNTON - Kingsteignton Fatality. Second Man's Marvellous Escape. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Totnes, held an Inquest at Kingsteignton yesterday, on EDWARD FURSE, who was killed in Hexter, Humperson and Co's brickworks on Saturday. Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories, was present on behalf of the Home-office, and Mr F. K. Windeatt represented the firm. - Ernest Bradbury, labourer, stated that he was at work with deceased in the pan of the grinding machine used in brickmaking. Both had bars prising the elevator, which had come off, a third man being underneath using a bar in the same way. Suddenly the gear started and witness must have jumped clear although he remembered nothing about it. About five minutes afterwards he saw deceased in the pan crushed between the wheels and the wall - Edward Bridle stated that deceased, as soon as he got into the pan, shouted to the man below, "Right, bar under." Witness immediately saw the roller start and shouted "draw them out" meaning throw off the belts. That was the usual form of telling the man to stop the machine. Deceased was then lying flat on the pan and was drawn in by the rollers, while the other man jumped clear of the machine. - The Coroner: What word would you have used for starting the machine? - "All right." - William Mead, 17, stated that he was wheeling bricks away from the machine when the elevator broke. Deceased and the other tried to put it on and hearing someone shout out, "All right," witness pulled the lever to start the machine. - The Coroner: Was it your duty to do this? - No. - Why did you do it? - We hadn't earned very much and we were in a bit of a hurry. - Do you mean you are paid piecework? - Yes, by the thousand bricks. - Whop is it that starts that lever as a rule? - FURSE generally used to start it. - It was not part of your duty, and you did this simply because you were in a hurry to get on and earn money? - Yes, sir. - Wm. Glanfield stated that he heard someone call "All right," and saw Mead start the lever and throw it off again when someone shouted "Stop." - Charles Robt. Sharpe, foreman, stated that no one had a right to start the machine except the man in charge. Deceased had charge of the whole of the gear. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that deceased and Bradbury were doing their duty, and they could congratulate the latter on his marvellous escape. How he got out of the pan they did not know, because he did not know himself. Unfortunately, Mead was the person responsible for what had happened. The Jury had viewed the premises and seen how the work was carried out, and they must have been taken by surprise that a boy of Mead's age could dare interfere with a machine of that sort. He knew that the men were in the pan at work and yet he assumed that the shout - coming through all the turmoil and noise, when a word might be mistaken a thousand times - was meant for him to do something that was not his duty. He had straight-forwardly told them the reason - that he was in a hurry because he was earning money on a basis of so much per thousand bricks, and there was no doubt that he had told the truth. If the Jury considered that Mead was so grossly negligent in doing what he did that he ought to be put on his trial for man slaughter, or that he did absolutely what he was not justified in doing and so caused deceased's death, it was their duty to say so. If, on the other hand they considered he might reasonably have thought that the word called out was for him to go and do what he did, it would be a case of accidental death. - The Jury were unanimous that death was due to a pure accident, but recommended that the lad Mead and others not in charge, be cautioned not to interfere with work which was not their duty, and that the firm be asked to make provision for securing the levers connecting the machinery during repairs. They also expressed their sympathy with the widow and family, as also did the Coroner, and Mr Windeatt on behalf of the firm, the latter adding that they would adopt some means of carrying out the rider of the Jury. Mead had said that he got the machine going in order to save time and this could not be strictly laid to his blame, as the firm were working the men on short time owing to the depression in trade. - The Coroner impressed on Mead and the other workmen not to interfere with any machinery which it was not their duty to touch.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 June 1908
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Drowned In A Canal. Inquest At Sampford Peverell. - Yesterday Mr Gould held an Inquiry at Sampford Peverell on the body of VICTOR GEORGE TREVELYAN GOFFIN, the seven-year-old son of MR WILLIAM GOFFIN, warrant officer, R.N., now on H.M.S. Indus. - The mother of the deceased said after deceased came out of school on Monday he asked her for a fishing net, which he had bought that day. That was the last that was seen of him alive. - A boy named Holloway said he saw the body and raised an alarm. The body was too far out for witness to reach. - Walter Parkhouse, coachman, said he sprang in, and brought the body to land. Dr Joule said he and Dr Pollock tried artificial respiration for over an hour, but it was of no avail. The Coroner said they might safely assume that the poor little fellow went there to fish and toppled in. - A Juryman remarked that the deceased fell in the canal within a few yards of the same spot a fortnight ago. - Another Juryman said one of his boys had fallen in the canal nine times. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed deep sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 June 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dairyman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN MOSES, dairyman, 16 Elm-street, Mannamead. - Samuel Barrett, groom, 17 Fortescue-place, was leaving a house in Lockington-avenue, on the 17th inst., when he saw a pony and cart overturned in the road. Deceased's body was jammed between the cart and the rails of a house opposite. As the pony was restless witness sat on its head until assistance came. - Mr W. Tidboald, accountant, Mannamead, shortly after 7.30 a.m. on the 17th inst., was standing near his residence, when he saw a pony and cart coming down Bainbridge-road at full speed. The pony was evidently out of deceased's control. At the end of the road the cart over-turned, the accident being partly caused by the kerb and partly by the speed at which the vehicle was travelling. He immediately telephoned for a doctor. he was unable to say what started the pony, although he had made inquiries. He understood the pony was usually very quiet. - Dr Colin Lindsey, who was called to see the deceased, who was unconscious, said death, which occurred on Wednesday, was due to a fracture of the skull and concussion of the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Child's Death. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH ELLEN BARTLETT, aged 4 years and 3 months, who died somewhat suddenly on June 23rd. The mother, SARAH BARTLETT, said she had nine children, One, HARRY, aged 2 years, died last Sunday night, and now this one had died and the doctor refused to give a certificate. She usually fed the child on rolled oats and milk, and anything that was in the house. The child was all right up to Monday afternoon, when witness sent for the doctor. - The Coroner told witness that she stood in a serious position, as the child must have shown some signs of illness and she had lost two children in two days. Witness said she sent for the doctor at five and he came between nine and ten o'clock. - James Wilson Pettinger, Surgeon, said he was called at seven o'clock by a parish order to go and see deceased. He went about nine and found the child suffering from rickets and bronchial pneumonia and in a dying condition. He could not do anything as it was past hope. There did not seem any signs of neglect, only he ought to have been sent for before. The other child had been suffering in the same way and the case was one of ignorance. - Maud Sandercock, a neighbour, said MRS BARTLETT always looked after her children. - WILLIAM BARTLETT, father of the child, also gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 June 1908
EXETER - Crimean Veteran's Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on GEORGE GINGHAM BRANNAM, aged 77, an inmate of the City Workhouse, Mrs Sophia Rogers of Pane's-road, said the deceased, her brother, was formerly in the 20th Regt., and served in the Crimea. Mr J. Holloway, Workhouse Master, said on the morning of May 25th deceased fell whilst dressing and sustained a fracture of the right thigh. He died on Thursday. - Mr Pereira, Workhouse Medical Officer, said death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 29 June 1908
TAVISTOCK - The Tavistock Tragedy. Ill-Health And Delusions. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquiry at Tavistock on Saturday on MR ARTHUR STOTHERT PENNY, aged 54, secretary of the Venesta Company (Limited) of London, who threw himself over a railway bridge on Friday and was killed instantaneously. Mr J. Hill was Foreman of the Jury. - Fleet-Paymaster WILLIAM A PENNY, R.N., staying at Tavistock, said the deceased, his brother, had had an attack of influenza, with nervous troubles and was under Dr Smyth's care, with an attendant by night and day. He had never threatened to commit suicide. There were no monetary troubles and the deceased always lived happily with his wife. Witness saw him on the previous day, at 12.30, at the garden gate, leading into Watts-road. He was in a state of great agitation and said "The most awful thing has happened to me. Do come in and talk to me about it." Witness went with him into the house. The trouble was quite a delusion. Witness then walked with him and their sister, MRS PENNY, who just afterwards announced lunch. Witness went into his lodgings next door to wash his hands, saying he would only be a minute. He left his sister and the deceased together. His sister appeared to have gone into the house, leaving the deceased in the garden. Finding he did not follow her into the house, she went at once to look for him and saw that he had left the garden. She noticed him in the road running. She followed him at once, but too late to prevent his jumping over the railway bridge about 100 yards from the garden. The attendant had left for a short time to go into the town. - Frederick Gale, mason, in the employ of the London and south-Western Railway Company, said he heard MISS PENNY shrieking and noticed the deceased just in front of her running. He jumped over the parapet wall of the bridge on to the lane, a depth of 44 feet. - Henry Grattan Beamish said he had been in charge of the deceased for about five weeks. He had not been violent, nor had he shown any signs of scheming, but he had said life was not worth living in his state of health. It was arranged that the deceased should be alone with the family as much as possible, so that witness's presence should not be likely to depress him, and that was the reason why he was absent when deceased jumped over the bridge. - MR PENNY said the attendant had given every satisfaction and was absent with his consent. - Dr Thomas Smyth said deceased had been under his care since early in the present month, suffering from the after-effects of influenza, causing nervous breakdown. His general health had improved since he had been in Tavistock. A fractured spine and severe internal injuries caused instantaneous death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and, with the Coroner, expressed their sympathy with the family.

EAST BUDLEIGH - A Salterton Suicide. Lady's Fear Of An Asylum. - Dr Tweed held an Inquest at Budleigh Salterton on Saturday on MISS EMILY IKIN, found drowned at Kersbrook Pond on Friday morning. - Dr H. F. Semple said he had attended deceased for internal trouble and for insomnia. She had frequent fits of depression, but he never heard her express an intention of taking her life. When called on Friday, he found she had been probably dead about 12 hours. There were no external marks of violence. Death was due to drowning. A bottle, which had contained medicine, was found in her pocket. The medicine was of a sedative quality, but if deceased had taken the whole bottle at one time there was not sufficient quantity of poison in it to be fatal. - Mrs Cooper stated that deceased had lodged with her for the last three years. She was at times very depressed. She last saw her alive on Thursday morning. She then looked very depressed. Finding she did not return home, her room was searched. A note found addressed to Dr Mercer was taken to him. - Dr Edward Mercer said he had not seen her for a fortnight, he having been on a holiday. She was then in her usual health. Mrs Cooper brought him a note at 9.30 p.m. on Friday, and he communicated with P.S. Moon, who made a search throughout the night. - The Coroner read extracts from MISS IKIN'S letters. They were to the effect that she felt her brain was going and she could not face the thoughts of an asylum. - Frank Mann, living at Kersbrook, said he found deceased in the pond in about 4 feet of water about 5 feet from the bank. She was quite dead. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Jury.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. Illness And Money Troubles. - An Inquest was held at Devonport on Saturday by Mr J. A. Pearce, on JOSEPH LOWER, aged 61 years, forage dealer, Lower Knollys-terrace, Pennycomequick. - The widow stated that her husband had been suffering in his head for a long time and had obtained medicine from chemists, who said his brain was affected. he had not been able to do any work since September. In bed on Thursday morning he was in a great state of perspiration. She went up to his room at 1 p.m. and found the door slight ajar. She called to him, but received no answer and noticing his shirt was close to the door she ran for assistance. - P.C. Sanders said on being called to the house by MRS LOWER he found deceased hanging dead at the back of his bedroom door. His braces tied around his neck, were fastened to a loop on the door. - Mr J. H. s. May, Surgeon, Plymouth, said death was due to hanging. MR ALEXANDER LOWER said deceased had never really recovered from an attack of influenza, and he had also had financial troubles. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned, the Coroner and Jury expressing their sympathy with the widow and relatives.

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE, EXETER - GEORGE PARR, 57, warehouseman, of St. Thomas, died on Friday night after being taken ill in the street. Dr Gardiner, at the Inquest, said death was due to valvular disease of the heart, accelerated by the hot weather.

EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Alleged Neglect: Coroner And Jury. - At an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on ALFRED ALLEN, the six-year-old son of a chemist's assistant, of Union-terrace, Exeter, the father said that up to September the boy was never ill, but after he had had the measles he seemed poorly and got thin. Six weeks or more ago the Police came to him with reference to his two boys, who were stripped and found clean. He was away at dinner time on certain days, but only three times had the boys ever complained of not having had dinner on those days, and so far as he knew they had sufficient food. His wife only drank occasionally. The child was mistaken in telling the Police Officers that he had no tea on the evening they saw him, for he had given him an egg, bread and butter and tea. - Dr Miller said the boy was suffering from general tuberculosis and must have been ailing for six months. Under-feeding, improper feeding and especially the use of unboiled milk would set up that condition. His locum tenens, Dr Harvey, told him that the parents did everything that could be done during his attendance. - The mother of the child was called, but the Jury intimated that they did not wish to hear any more evidence. - The Coroner (Mr Brown): I shall have to adjourn the Inquiry. You are not prepared to find a verdict of manslaughter on the present evidence. there are complaints against this woman in consequence of her drinking habits. The Police have been there and I shall call the Police to give their evidence in regard to what took place. - A Juror: The doctor did not tell us anything that indicated neglect. - The Coroner replied that the Doctor could not tell them what neglect had taken place. The child had died of tuberculosis, which might or might not have been produced by neglect. He wished to have evidence to show whether there had been neglect or not. Nobody would be more pleased to hear that there had been no neglect than him, but if there had been the parents must suffer. - A discussion took place among the Jury as to whether the Inquest should be adjourned or not. - The Coroner said he was not a man to be played with. He had power to commit them and he should not hesitate to do so if his orders were not complied with. If any gentleman was not in his place his would forfeit his recognizances and he should further deal with him in an unpleasant manner. - Superintendent Dymond said inquiries were still being made by the Police. - A Juror: We will leave it to the Coroner's decision. - The Coroner: That's what you will have to do. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday next.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Compton. - In the Pearn Convalescent Home, Compton, on Saturday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on THOMAS NORTHEY, 56, mason's labourer, of St.. Mary-street, Stonehouse. The deceased for five weeks was an in-patient at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, and on the 17th went to the Pearn Convalescent Home. - William Smale, labourer, who slept in the same ward, said at 1.15 a.m. on Friday he heard NORTHEY making a noise. He tried to arouse him, but failed and called for assistance. The Matron (Miss Mary e. Kearsey) stated that NORTHEY appeared to improve whilst at the home. She was called to see NORTHEY, but he died before she arrived in the ward. - Dr Aldous stated that whilst in the Hospital NORTHEY had a portion of his thigh and knee amputated. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 June 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatalities. Dangerous Playground: Boy Killed At Ocean Quay. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on WILLIAM CHARLES RENDLE, aged 7 years, the child of MRS BEATRICE MARY WEBBER, of Baker's-place, Richmond-walk. Mr r. B. Johns, Solicitor, appeared for the London and South-Western Railway Company. - MRS WEBBER, who is a widow, stated that deceased was her son by her first husband and last saw him alive before he left home in the morning of the 25th inst., to go to school. - Thomas William Ralls, Yard Foreman at Devonport, said he was in charge of the shunting train at Stonehouse Pool on 25th inst., and about 5.30 p.m. gave the signal for the train to come back for the purpose of picking up three empty trucks. After witness had coupled the three trucks on, he observed Mr Williams' little girl running towards the trucks from the steps leading from the water. Witness shouted to her and she moved back whilst the train passed on. Witness turned around to see if the little girl was all right and the next thing he saw was the cap of the deceased, and then the little chap himself. He was lying outside the rails near the water. He was unconscious and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. He was immediately picked up and conveyed by cab to the Hospital. - By the Coroner: Witness did not see the boy near the line. He had often seen children playing outside the gates, but not on the lines. - Tom Williams, quay master at Ocean Quay, said he did not witness the accident, although he had passed the spot a few moments previously. He had frequently cautioned children about playing on the line and on two or three occasions during the week, had warned the deceased himself. - The Coroner: Are there any means of keeping the children out? - We are bound to keep the gates open for the trains to pass. - Are there any notices on the gates? - yes, sir. Mr Williams added that the boy was a trespasser. He had done his best to keep the children out. The children seemed to resent his ruling and a word from the Coroner and Jury might do a great deal of good. The Coroner concurred. - Dr Arnold McMillan, Assistant house Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that deceased was brought to the Hospital dead. An external examination of the body showed that deceased had sustained fractures of the skull and jaw and his left hand was also crushed. He attributed death to shock due to the fracture of the skull. - By the Jury: The child appeared to have received a severe blow from something. - The Coroner observed that he did not see how it would be possible, except the company kept employees stationed at all the entrances to prevent children from coming on the line. He hoped it would be a warning to parents in Richmond Walk district to caution their children against playing on the Company's premises. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner, Jury and Mr Johns sympathising with the widow.

STOKE DAMEREL - Child's Terrible Death. - An Inquest was held on VALERIE IRENE EMILY SPRINGETT, the two-year-old child of EMILY SPRINGETT, the wife of a leading stoker, serving on board H.M.S. Queen and residing in James-street. - The mother stated that she retired about ten o'clock on Thursday evening, taking her two children, the deceased and the baby to bed with her. On going to bed she lit a small lamp, which she invariably allowed to burn throughout the night, in order that she might see to feed the baby. It was standing on a table some distance from the bed on this occasion. About seven o'clock on the following morning she was aroused by the cries of the child, whose flannelette nightdress was in flames. Witness attempted to extinguish the flames with something on the bed, and the bed then caught fire, and her attempts were unsuccessful. Witness took the baby out of the bed and cried for help. Miss Thomas, who slept on the same landing, came to her assistance, and the child was subsequently removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. In trying to put out the flames witness had both hands burnt and she was attended to at the Hospital. - Witness, questioned by the Coroner, declared that she was perfectly sober on going to bed. - Miss Ethel Thomas, who resides in the same house, said she was in bed on Friday morning when she heard MRS SPRINGETT call "Fire." Witness rushed into the room and found the bed in flames. She threw a basin of water over them and cried loudly for help. She saw the baby on the floor and picking it up, ran on to the landing. - Thomas Caunter, also living in the house, said he heard cries of "Fire" from the drawing-room floor, about 7.20 on Friday morning and rushing upstairs found the place in flames. The deceased was on the floor on her hands and knees and was in a mass of flames which witness extinguished by rolling the child in the bedding. - Charles E. T. Hughes, a chief yeoman of signals, who resides in a house opposite, stated that he rendered assistance at the fire and conveyed the child to the Hospital in a milk cart. - Dr E. A. Shievell, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital about 7.45 on Friday morning suffering from extensive burns, covering practically the whole of the body. She was in a state of profound shock, and died about two hours after admission. The case was a hopeless one from the first. - The Coroner said he considered the practice of burning a lamp during the night where there were children in the room was a highly dangerous one and should be discontinued. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned, both Coroner and Jury commending the conduct of those who rendered assistance and sympathizing with the mother in her loss.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 July 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Effect Of The Heat. Plymouth Cab Proprietor's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on MOSES WILLIAMS LUSCOMBE, aged 54, cab proprietor, of Martin-street, Plymouth. - MRS M H. LUSCOMBE, wife of deceased, said that after a hearty breakfast her husband left home about 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 16th ult. He was then apparently in good health. She sent his dinner and tea to him. At midnight she heard that he had been admitted to the Hospital. About nine years ago deceased had a fit, but recovered in two or three days. He was a man of temperate habits and had nothing to worry him. - Herbert Joseph Watson, lance-corporal of Military Foot Police, said that at 10.50 p.m. on the 16th ult. he saw a landau pass over the Halfpenny Bridge in the direction of Devonport. Just after the carriage crossed over the bridge the driver fell off the box on to the road, falling on his head on the stones. Witness ran to his assistance and found him lying on his back. There were four passengers in the carriage, one of whom was Staff-Surgeon Mil[?] who felt his pulse. Witness and the Surgeon lifted deceased into the landau and he was driven to the Hospital by Lance-Corpl. Johnson, 2nd Devon Regiment. there was blood on the pavement where deceased fell. - Lance-Corpl. R. W. Johnson corroborated and said the carriage was driven quietly over the bridge. - Dr e. A. Shirvell, House Surgeon, said that at 11.30 deceased was admitted to the Hospital in a semi-conscious condition. he collapsed and vomited, and there was a small abrasion on the right side of the head. After the first day or two he seemed to progress slowly, but complained of severe pains in the head and was delirious at night. When going his rounds on Sunday morning witness was attracted by heavy breathing and found the man unconscious. He did not recover and died at 8.40 p.m. on Sunday. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found a large haemorrhage on the right side of the brain which was the cause of death. There was no sign of fracture of the skull. Witness believed deceased had a fit of apoplexy, became giddy and fell. Probably the heat had something to do with it. Deceased was a rather big man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes", expressed their sympathy with MRS LUSCOMBE and thanked Lance-Corporals Watson and Johnson.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infants' Death. Alleged Neglect. - At an Inquest at Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on EDITH MARION, aged six months, daughter of JAMES HENRY and BEATRICE ALICE WYATT, of Central-street, the Coroner remarked that it was a bad case of neglect, though he did not know it amounted to criminal neglect. The parents seemed to be of debauched habits. The man was practically blind and the woman seemed scarcely compos mentis. - Dr Cooke, Medical Officer of the Workhouse, said the child was healthy at birth. He did not see it again until June 19th, when it was extremely emaciated and he advised its removal to the Workhouse where it died on Sunday. A post-mortem examination revealed the traces of organic disease. Death was due to exhaustion caused by the anaemic condition. A good deal of the condition was due to improper and insufficient feeding. - In reply to Mr Percy T. Pearce, representing the N.S.P.C.C., he said the child's condition was partly due to neglect. - The mother of the child said she received relief last year from the Guardians but it was stopped because the Relieving Officer said he saw her entering a public-house. She went into the Workhouse in November, and the child was born in January. It was weak and ill from birth and she had taken it to Dr Wagner, who said it was constitutionally weak. It was not dirty when she brought it into the House on the 19th inst. The milk she gave the child was partly supplied by the Guardians and partly purchased by herself. - Mr Percy Pearce pointed out that the Guardians only supplied milk for a fortnight. - Mary Holliday, Superintendent Nurse at the Workhouse, said the child was healthy at birth. When the mother left the House in January it weighed 6lb. 4oz., but on her readmission the weight was only 5lb. 11 ½ oz. It was very emaciated and practically starving. The clothing was inadequate and dirty. The child's skin was covered with a rash. It ate ravenously and retained the food. - Replying to a Juror, Dr Cooke said the weight of a child six months old should be 12lb or 13lb. - Inspector Pearce, N.S.P.C.C. deposed to having visited the home in Central-street and a house in which deceased's parents formerly lived. Both homes were very dirty and unfit for human habitation. The child was very dirty. It appeared continually to have chewed it hands, the knuckles of which were quite raw. - The Coroner: Do you think the parents did their best? - No sir. - Inspector Pearce, continuing, said he had seen the parents enter public-houses. The father said he was totally blind and could earn only a trifle. The child was well fed and clean and the mother often stayed up at night to wash its only clothing. - The Coroner: Would you not be better in the Workhouse? - Witness replied that he wished to retain his liberty, especially as there was a possibility of his sight improving. - The Jury expressed its desire for further evidence, and the Inquest was adjourned until Friday that Dr Wagner might attend.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 July 1908
TOTNES - MRS CONDY, who has died at Totnes, in her 93rd year, was the stepmother of MR W. CONDY, J.P., and had been confined to her bed for some weeks owing to a fall, resulting in her injuring her thigh. At the Inquest a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

EXETER - An Exeter Coroner's Jury in the case of ALFRED ALLEN, the son of a chemist's assistant, has censured the parents for not obtaining medical assistance earlier.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - At Devonport Workhouse yesterday the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on MARY ELIZABETH SABREY, aged 73 years, who formerly resided at 23 Tavistock-road, Stoke, and was the widow of a naval pensioner. - Minnie Cottle, the wife of a cab driver of Tavistock-road, said deceased had formerly lived with her. On Thursday, April 23rd, witness heard a noise and proceeding upstairs found deceased lying on the floor. Witness attempted to get her up, but found there was something the matter with her leg. It transpired that deceased, who had been in very feeble health and invariably kept t her bed, fell in attempting to get out of bed. - Dr Sandford, Medical officer of the Workhouse, stated that deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on April 24th, and died on Tuesday last, death being caused by pneumonia and heart failure, following a fracture of the thigh bone. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 July 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. Parents Severely Censured. - The Inquest on EDITH MARION WYATT, the infant child of JOHN HENRY WYATT and BEATRICE ALICE WYATT, of Central-street, was resumed yesterday. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented the N.S.P.C.C. - Albert John Major, Relieving Officer, said on March 17th the parents of the child applied for relief. He visited the house at 11 Central-street, and found the room occupied by them filthy and almost destitute of furniture. He relieved them to the amount of 3s. in money. He had seen both parents coming out of public-houses. They sold flowers &c., in public-houses. On one or two occasions he had seen them under the influence of drink. The Guardians refused the parents relief, but offered them the House. He gave the woman an order to take the child to Dr Wagner, who recommended milk. On three separate occasions he gave an order for seven pints of milk for the child. Shortly afterwards he was informed by Inspector Pearce that the children were removed to the Workhouse. - By Mr Pearce: The case was well known to the Guardians. The woman was confined in the Workhouse. He recommended the House for the parents, because of their drunken habits. The last time he saw the child it struck him as being in a very bad state. - By the Jury: He gave a ticket for milk; he could not say whether the child consumed the milk. - WYATT said his house was destitute of furniture, but not dirty. The Relieving Officer told them that the Guardians had ordered the House, and he could not give an order for milk. - Witness: That is untrue. I gave an order for the milk. - The woman stated that it was a most cruel thing to take away her pay because she went to a public-house to sell her goods. - Mrs Elizabeth Dobson, Victoria-road, said on the first Wednesday in June her attention was drawn to the deceased. The baby was in a neglected state, very thin and sucking its fists. MRS WYATT said she believed the baby was suffering from consumption. She gave it a pint of raw milk each day and starved herself to get it. She was so much struck by the appearance of the child that she went to Inspector Pearce about it. - Dr Wagner said he first saw the child on April 6th. It was suffering from marasmus, a wasting disease found in the slum districts, generally due to malnutrition, resulting from bad assimilation of food. He ordered virol to be given with milk. Five ounces of virol were supplied on May 27th, June 3rd, June 11th and June 18th. He then stopped it because the child was suffering from diarrhoea. - Do you attribute the death of this child to improper feeding? - No. If the child had what I ordered, it was quite enough. Death was due to diarrhoea, following upon the marasmus condition. - What was the condition of the child when you first saw it? - Yellow skin, skin hanging in wrinkles about the legs and abdomen, abdomen distended and the child emaciated. I saw no filth on the child. - By Mr Pearce: It was more than likely a fatal case when he saw it. He did not remember suggesting that the child should be taken to the Workhouse. More than half of the children came from the same district, and he could fill the Workhouse with them in a week. The child would have had a better chance if it had been removed, but he could not say it would have lived. - Marasmus was always serious in the case of parish patients. - In further cross-examination, Dr Wagner said Mr Pearce was pitching into him, and he objected to it. He always treated parish patients to the best of his ability and there was no exception to the rule in this case. He examined the child every week. - P.C. Strike said the room was very filthy and the stench was horrible. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) said if the Jury were satisfied that the child's life could have been saved by his entry to the Workhouse, then they had only one duty to perform, but if they believed, on the other hand, that the child died from the disease of which Dr Wagner had told them, their verdict must be Natural Causes. - After a brief consultation in private, the Foreman said the Jury were of opinion that the cause of death was "Natural Causes", but they considered the parents should be severely censured for neglecting the child and for not going into the Workhouse when ordered. They also considered that the Medical officer in such cases should at once order the patient to the Infirmary. - Dr Wagner: I have not the power. - The Coroner, addressing the parents, said he thoroughly agreed with the verdict. They had put themselves in a most dangerous position and it had been a very near thing whether further proceedings would be taken against them from that Court. It had been practically their own fault, because they had been warned by people in authority, who had seen the condition of the child. - The Foreman also thanked Dr Wagner, Inspector Pearce and the other witnesses in the case.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 July 1908
EXETER - Exeter Drowning Case. Coroner And Learning To Swim. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Double Locks, near Exeter, yesterday, on HERBERT CECIL GALE, the six-year-old son of FREDERICK JOHN GALE, of Ash Grove, Bartholomew-street, who on Saturday fell into the Exeter Canal and was drowned. - The father, an electrical engineer, said he last saw his son alive on Saturday morning at four o'clock, when he left home to go to London with his wife. The lad was left with his grandfather and grandmother. - Furnleigh Thompson, 16, of Bartholomew-street, said he left home with deceased on Saturday morning at nine o'clock to sail a new toy boat which witness had made for him. They went with the intention of having a sailing match, as they had two model yachts. Witness's sister, who was a playmate of the deceased, also went. They were in the midst of a sailing match when two boys came with fishing-nets, and the deceased ran across the bridge to them. Witness ran after him, as he was afraid deceased would fall into the water. Witness took him back from the bank and stood beside him. He slipped away when witness was not looking and fell into the water. The boys who were fishing ran off at soon as the deceased fell into the water. The boys did nothing to cause the fall. - MR GALE questioned witness as to deceased's grandmother telling witness's sister he must not go near the water under any circumstances. - Witness said his sister did not tell him that until he came home. - In answer to a Juror, witness said he could not swim. - The Coroner: Well the sooner you learn to swim the better. - Harold Brown, of Codrington-street, Exeter, also gave evidence as to going with the deceased and the other boys. - Frank Kelland, labourer, of Shooting Marsh Stile, Exeter, said he was called to the spot and was going to dive for the deceased, but another man named Toms said he had dived three times without success and witness obtained a boathook and pulled the body out. Dr Farrant said he found Captain Garnsworthy trying artificial respiration and assisted him, but to no avail. There was a scratch on the head and a bruise on the forehead. Death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was most unfortunate that the two boys, age 16 and 17 respectively, who went with the deceased, could not swim. Had they been able to do so probably the life of the deceased would have been saved. It only showed the lobby of boys not learning to swim. His opinion was that it should be compulsory in all schools. They should be taught to swim before anything else. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 July 1908
SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE - Plymouth Mate's Death. Shocking Occurrence Described At The Inquest. - The Southampton Coroner, Mr W. Coxwell, held an Inquiry yesterday relative to the death of THOMAS GEO. MOYES, aged 54, of Plymouth, first mate of the Duke of Westminster's steam yacht Grainaig, at present lying off Hythe. - FREDK. CHARLES MOYES, a chargeman, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, son of deceased, gave evidence of identification. - Arthur David Bellingham, master of the Grainaig, stated that on Monday, about 12.30 a.m. the yacht was lying off Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and deceased was engaged in driving the winch hoisting the steam pinnace into the davits. Witness, who was standing from sixty to seventy feet away from deceased, heard a sharp cry and running forward, saw that deceased was caught in the falls - between the rope and the bow of the winch - and that the winch was taking him round. Deceased was driving the winch himself, there was a seaman holding the rope. Witness cut the rope and released deceased. He thought deceased must have turned round to see the launch and with his back to the winch, his left arm must have caught between the fall and the bow of the winch. - Dr W. P. O'Meara, who examined the body of deceased at the mortuary, said the right knee was torn open, the left arm broken and there were bruises and cuts on the scalp and all over the body. The cause of death was shock, due to the injuries received from being whirled round by the winch. - Lloyd Evans, able seaman of the Grainaig, said he was standing by the windlass on the yacht hauling the steam pinnace up to the davits, and the chief mate was driving the windlass. Deceased started the steam very quickly, as there was a heavy swell and they wanted to get the launch out of the water quickly. Deceased had his back to witness and was turned towards the launch, with his left side against the winch. They had been heaving up about two seconds, when deceased called out "Good God, stop," and immediately after witness saw him going round the winch as quick as lightning. Witness immediately left the ropes of the falls and went to try and stop the starting gear. The starting valve, however, had been smashed with the weight of deceased's body. witness called to his mate to cut the rope, but he was unable to do so as the winch was running out too fast. Just then the captain and second officer came running forward and the second officer turned off the main steam connection and the captain cut the rope off the body. Deceased was then taken off the windlass. Life was extinct. - The Jury found that MOYES died from injuries received through being crushed round the winch and attached no blame to anyone

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 July 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Boy's Fatal Fall. - At the Inquest yesterday on ALBERT DANGAR, 14, living at Queen Anne's Battery, Coxside, Plymouth, who died at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital from injuries sustained by falling 30 feet down a cliff on Tuesday. The mother said the cliff was at the back of her house. The boy had been witting there waiting for his dinner. Before being removed to the Hospital he told her he slipped in getting up to come into the house. The coarse growth at the top of the cliff was a treacherous foothold. Railings ran round the cliff, but it was easy to get through them. - Dr C. A. Pannett, House Surgeon, stated that death was due to fracture and dislocation of the spine. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 July 1908
NORTH TAWTON - Northtawton Suicide. - At Northtawton an Inquest was held on JOHN ELLIS PYKE, age 53 years, late assistant-overseer and clerk to the Council, found in the linhay at the back of his house with his throat cut, on Thursday. - CHARLIE PYKE, his son, said the previous night, at 11.30, his father was in the kitchen, busy with the parish books. On Tuesday, at Okehampton, he met the auditor, Mr Walrond, and was a good deal worried, owing to a small discrepancy in the books. - P.C. Facey said on being called on Thursday morning he found deceased in the linhay, lying down on his face and hands, with his throat cut and in a pool of blood. On the ground close to him was a pocket-knife. His coat, waistcoat and collar were on the mangle in the linhay. Two letters were found in his pockets, addressed to his wife and son. The face was discoloured, and a bruise on the left knee indicated he had cut his throat whilst in a standing position and fallen forward. Deceased had complained to him of rheumatism and pains in the head. - In answer to the Foreman (Mr J. C. Pierce) Dr Cutcliffe said the pains referred to by the Constable might lead a person to take an exaggerated view of trifles, and cause him to temporarily lose his mental balance. - Mr May, overseer, in reply to the Coroner, said very little was wrong with the books. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane", and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 July 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. The Penalty Of Indiscretion. - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday on HERBERT TOLCHER, 21, stone sawyer, who on Thursday met with an accident while working in Messrs. Pethick's stoneyard, Laira. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented Messrs. Pethick. Mr L. P. Evans, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also present. - Sidney Davis, stone sawyer, said TOLCHER was feeding the saws, when one of the bearings got hot and he went to the back of the machinery with an oil can. That necessitated his getting through a guard or fence. He did not himself stop the machinery, or request that it be done. Having oiled the bearing, TOLCHER got over the revolving shafting and between two wheels, which were also in motion, to reach an automatic oil bottle. The shafting was just over two feet from the ground. He was returning and when astride the shafting his apron caught. Deceased was whirled around with the machinery, and sustained injuries which soon proved fatal. Witness agreed deceased did a very risky thing when he climbed in amongst the machinery with an apron hanging loosely about him. - In reply to the Inspector, he said the hot bearing was in the main shafting, and deceased could have oiled it without getting over the guard. - Mr Percy Pearce elicited that TOLCHER had no right or necessity to go to the automatic oil bottle. He was thereby interfering with another man's machine. - Charles Mapstone, fitter, said an employee was specially deputed to oil the machinery each morning. TOLCHER must have thought the oil bottle was empty, but why he went to it he could not say, as the machines only had another half hour to run. - The Deputy Coroner described it as a lamentable case, and an almost impossible one to understand. There was an efficient guard to the machinery. The extraordinary thing was that having made up his mind to go into danger, deceased did not even take the precaution to roll up his apron. To step over a revolving bar with an apron flapping between his legs, seemed to be inviting death. An absolute lack of care and discretion was shown. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that blame attached to no one.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Child's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse on Saturday on MARY THERESA SCOLES, aged seven weeks, the daughter of JAMES HENRY SCOLES, labourer, of 31 High-street. - MRS SCOLES stated that her husband was at present going about the country looking for work. The baby was poorly on Thursday, and between five and six o'clock she placed it on the bed to quieten it. She also lay on the bed, because of her broken rest. At three hours later her sister came in and awoke her, and said the baby appeared to be dead. The body was warm, but the baby was dead. Witness had not received much nourishment of late in consequence of her husband being out of work. The food she had was given to her by her mother-in-law. She had no crib or cradle for the baby. Blanche Williams, sister of MRS SCOLES, corroborated. - Dr T. M. Leah, who had made a post-mortem examination said the baby was well grown and well nourished and death was probably due to convulsions. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 July 1908
IVYBRIDGE - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Ivybridge yesterday on ELIZABETH BRYANT, 54, wife of HENRY P,. BRYANT, baker and confectioner, Fore-street. MRS BRYANT had been ill for about six months. On May 14th she was walking down the staircase when she slipped and fell heavily. The result was a broken thigh. - Dr Cooper stated that death was due to heart failure, accelerated by the injury received. - The Jury (Mr H. Henley, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their deep sympathy with MR BRYANT and the family.

PLYMOUTH - ELIZABETH J. SYMONS, widow, aged 78, of Grenville-road, Plymouth, died suddenly yesterday. At the Inquest Dr Travers Stubbs said death was due to heart disease.

PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on WILLIAM SPRAGGS, aged 65, a naval pensioner, who lived in Stokes-lane. MRS FLORENCE BURNS saw the deceased, her father, on June 29th, while going out into the backyard fall over a step. He complained of having hurt his side. - Dr E. R. Clarke said he found MR SPRAGGS suffering from a fracture of the right thigh, and death was due to pneumonia, accelerated by the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 July 1908
TORQUAY - A man named SMERDON, aged 75, residing at Maisonette, Victoria-road, Torquay, died suddenly yesterday just after leaving his bed. At the Inquest Dr Young Eales attributed death to syncope.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 July 1908
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Man's Death. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on THOMAS CLARKE, it was stated that deceased had for the last few days been stopping at the Jolly Sailor Inn, and early on Thursday complained of feeling unwell. A man named Wilton came to the Inn just before six o'clock in the morning and gave CLARKE a bottle of whisky. Subsequently CLARKE was found dead at the back of the Inn. - The landlord, Mr Taylor, said he found an empty whisky bottle on the premises, but did not know where it came from. - Dr Scrase said deceased's heart was in a state of fatty degeneration; the liver and kidneys were congested and the stomach contained half a pint of fluid, apparently whisky. Death was due to syncope caused by acute alcoholic poisoning acting on a fatty heart. - The Coroner severely censured Wilton. If he gave a man poison and he drank it he could be charged with manslaughter. Whisky was poison to CLARKE. Wilton had not even the excuse of being under the influence of drink at the time. He had been guilty of gross recklessness and disregard of a man's life. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

LYDFORD - Princetown Fatality. Fatal Trespass On The Railway. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Princetown yesterday on SETH CROCKER, aged 58, quarry labourer, residing lately at Swell Tor-cottages, who was found dead on the railway near his home. Mr J. W. Wager, Inspector of Locomotives, Newton Abbot, and Chief Inspector A. Poultney, Plymouth, represented the Great Western Railway Co. - Reginald White, blacksmith, Hill-cottages, Fogginton Quarries, said about 10 p.m. on Wednesday he left Princetown with the deceased. He and CROCKER lodged together. They went on to the railway line at the Princetown Station and walked towards their home. Deceased walked about four or five paces in front of him, and when a quarter of a mile from the Station, he missed him. He shouted but received no reply. Witness left the line near Johnson's cutting, and took a path leading over the old quarry head. Deceased evidently went on with the intention of leaving the line at the level crossing. By doing so he would have had a better and safer road. Soon after leaving the line, witness saw the train pass. The night was very dark and rough, with thick, misty rain. A strong wind was blowing in their faces. But for the bad weather they would not have proceeded by the railway. They knew they were trespassing by going that way. CROCKER was quite sober and in good health. The force of the wind caused them to proceed in a stooping position. - Hugh Roberts, assistant engine-driver, Great Western Railway Co., living at Princetown, said on Wednesday he drove the 10.25 p.m. train from Yelverton to Princetown. When nearing Johnson's cutting he noticed the engine make a slight pause. He examined the engine, as usual, at Princetown, and found blood stains and hair on the vacuum brake under the footplate on the right-hand side of the engine. Accompanied by his fireman, he proceeded down the line, and near Johnson's cutting found CROCKER dead between the metals. There were no marks on the front of the engine. The night was very rough and foggy and he could not see the length of the engine ahead. - Dr Chas. Cumberland, Tavistock, said death was due to a fracture of the skull. There were no other external injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 July 1908
REVELSTOKE - Naval Pensioner's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd yesterday held an Inquest at Noss Mayor on JAMES SMITH, aged 87 years, a naval pensioner, who died on Friday. - Mrs Sarah Reeves stated that deceased had lodged with her for 19 years. On June 14th he fell down in the garden. Hearing his cries for assistance, she went out and got him up. He then complained that he had hurt his knee. She got him into bed and sent for a doctor. He had been subject to giddiness for some time. - Dr Langworthy, of Yealmpton, said he had treated deceased for a fractured hip joint caused by a fall. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the injury to his hip. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Burning Fatality. - At the Inquest at the Devon and Exeter Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on LILIAN MUMFORD, aged nine years, daughter of JNO. MUMFORD, of Granby-street, the father said the child had placed a bottle on a gas-fire on Sunday, and in taking something from the mantelpiece, caught her frock on fire. She was badly burned before he succeeded in extinguishing the flames. The girl was in the habit of lighting this fire. - Dr Wilmot, consulting surgeon at the Hospital, said the case was hopeless from the first, and death was due to shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 July 1908
SOUTHALL, LONDON - Lady's Terrible Death. Warning to Housekeepers. - A very painful occurrence took place on Saturday morning last at Southall- Norwood, W., when MRS HETTY JANE SALTER, the wife of MR THOMAS SALTER, one of the best-known dispensing chemists in the suburbs of London, met with injuries of so terrible a character that they had a fatal termination. she was the daughter of MR A. HARRIS, a well-known Torquay resident, whilst her husband is a cousin o MR W. E. WARREN, of Paignton. - It appears from the evidence given at the Inquest that deceased was engaged in preparing a mixture of beeswax and turpentine as a floor polish, when the turpentine became overheated and burst into flame. Her blouse and pinafore quickly ignited and in a very short time all the clothes on the upper part of her body were burnt to pieces. Her little child ran to her side, but another young lady in the house snatched the child away with one hand and with the other picked up MRS SALTER'S skirt and vainly tried to extinguish the flames. Although she screamed several times for help, no assistance came, so the young lady, who is a schoolmistress named Lawrence, ran into the street after telling MRS SALTER to roll on the floor and cover herself with a rug. Instead of doing this, the deceased rushed panic-stricken into the street and the air had the effect of fanning the flames considerably. Meanwhile the burning floor polish had set the house on fire. Some men at work near by took a rug from a horse and van and enveloped the poor woman in it and the fire brigade were called. The house was easily saved, but MRS SALTER was conveyed in a dying condition to a neighbour's house, where, after enduring 48 hours/ excruciating agony, she passed away at midday on Monday. - At the Inquest on Wednesday, the Coroner said he had had several inquests where death had been caused by the same thing, and he thought that women ought to be made to realize the immense danger which lay in the preparation of the polish. The Coroner and Jury expressed their deep sympathy with the husband, and also with MR and MRS HARRIS, of Torquay, in the awful blow which had overtaken them.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 July 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Devonport Dockyard Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd opened an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on WILLIAM MALLETT, (58), skilled labourer, of Devonport Dockyard, who died on Monday, as the result of an accident. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty. - Evidence of identification having been given by a son of the deceased, the Inquiry was adjourned until Friday.

PLYMOUTH - Dr R. Burke, at the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE JACKSON, aged 67, retired shipwright, Holywood-terrace, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Monday, said death was due to heart and lung disease.

BARNSTAPLE - At an Inquest on MARY JANE RUNGE, aged sixty, widow of a waiter, at Barnstaple, on Monday evening, it was stated that the deceased fell in the kitchen a week ago, and fractured one of her thighs. Bronchitis supervened and death occurred on Monday.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 July 1908
ERMINGTON - Ermington Gentleman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Ermington yesterday on MR RICHARD PEARSON, aged 56 years, of Erme Cottage. George Shorter said he had nursed MR PEARSON, who recently had his left arm amputated in consequence of a fracture sustained whilst hunting. On Monday deceased was thrown out of his trap and he died at 5 a.m. on Tuesday without recovering consciousness. The deceased was quite fit to drive and he (witness) had accompanied him several times since the operation. - Robert Walters, deceased's coachman, said on Monday he took MR PEARSON for a drive in a two-wheel dogcart. The horse (a young one) suddenly commenced kicking from what cause he did not know, and one of the straps and also the breeching broke. The horse swerved and the trap capsized, falling on deceased. witness was thrown over him, but was not hurt. Dr Mills, happening to pass, conveyed MR PEARSON home. It was the first time that deceased had driven the horse. - Dr Andrews said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the widow. MR PEARSON was very popular in the parish and was a churchwarden.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 July 1908
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS WILLIAM MAPP, Royal Marine pensioner, aged 59, of Old Town-street, Dr Brownlow attributed death to heart failure following pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 August 1908
TORQUAY - Drowned At Torquay. Sad Fate Of A Yachtsman. - At Torquay yesterday the Inquest was resumed on HENRY LEAR, aged 47, master of Mr Evans's yacht Shawnee, whose body was found in the outer harbour on Saturday morning. - P.C. Mitchell said on deceased's clothing was found 17s. 2 ¼d., a tobacco pouch and pipe, and two boxes of matches. There was no outside rail at the Princess Pier steps, so that a man who in going down got out of his bearings was liable to fall over into the water. Answering the Jury, witness said if a man made a false step outwards in the dark it would be impossible for him to save himself from falling, and a man who did this would in all probability be found in the same position as deceased was if the water happened to be flowing in that direction. - John Holding, fisherman, said on the Friday night, at 11.10, he saw deceased at the entrance to the Theatre in Union-street. Deceased made a remark to witness about his note, and proceeded up the street in the direction of his house. - MRS LEAR, the widow, recalled, was asked if she could explain why deceased, instead of returning to the yacht direct from Melville-street, should have come back towards his house. She replied that he might have come home again for a small bundle of clean clothes in his room, and that on finding they were all gone to bed did not wish to wake them and went away again. - Samuel Tucker, tobacconist, Union-street, said he saw deceased pass down on the opposite side of the street just after 11.30 on Friday night, going towards the harbour. - The Coroner remarked that Mr Tucker was evidently the last person who saw deceased alive. - P.S. Gatting said the Police saw no necessity for following up the case any further. - The coroner said it was rather curious that no one else should have seen deceased through the whole additional length of the street to the pier. He should have thought a Constable on his beat would have seen him. Deceased walked down some of the pier steps in the dark and apparently he slipped and fell over into the water, and in doing so got very much knocked about. - Deceased's son said his father was a very good swimmer. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

EAST STONEHOUSE - At the resumed Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on WILLIAM MALLETT, (58) skilled labourer in Devonport Dockyard, Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty and H.M. Inspector of Factories (Mr G. S. Taylor) was present. - Thomas Phillips said deceased was engaged with four others in the machine-room, Devonport Dockyard, on Monday. An iron guard, weighing 4 cwt. connected with an angling machine by eight bolts, of which seven had been drawn, fell, and deceased, in trying to avoid it, fell over an iron plate on to his head. It was necessary to remove the seven bolts before the traveller arrived, otherwise there would have been an hour's delay. If the traveller was wanted in another part of the shop he would not have been allowed to wait for its arrival before drawing bolts. - The Coroner (Mr R. R. Rodd) expressed the opinion that the guard should have been left more securely fastened. It was not done in a workmanlike manner. Would two bolts have held the guard? - By Mr Goldsmith: Witness had had dozens of previous cases, but never any accident. - Replying to a Juror, witness said had the bolt not been defective, it would have held a much heavier weight than that of the guard. - The Foreman of the machine shop said he had that morning tested the bolt next to the one which had given way, and found it capable of supporting over five tons. - Coroner Rodd said the men could not know the fitness or otherwise of the bolts. He could not help feeling that the work had been done in a very dangerous manner. If Phillips had said that he could not draw the bolts until he had the traveller what would have happened. - The Foreman: The responsibility would then have rested on his superior, who would have advised him. - Dr G. Duncan, Staff Surgeon, said death was due to a fractured skull. - The Coroner, summing up, said while no doubt the Jury would decide that the case was one of accidental death, he felt that reflection rested on somebody in the machine shop for the way this work was done. The attention of the Admiral-Superintendent should be drawn to it, that precautions might be taken, and, if necessary, regulations made to prevent a similar accident occurring again. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and adopted the Coroner's suggestion.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Accident On H.M.S. Devonshire. - Mr Rodd opened an Inquest at the Hospital on ROBERT LAVERS PROWSE, (24), carpenter's crew, H.M.S. Devonshire. - First Class P.O. Thomas Denman said deceased, leaning over the starboard side of the ship on Thursday, was struck by an iron block thrown from a derrick used in loading coal. The rope was practically new, and he could not say why it should have broken. - Second Class P.O. Sydney Crabb, who was in the hold of the collier, said he got the bags ready for slinging, and had turned to prepare for the next, when the lot that was being hoisted came suddenly down. The effect of the rope breaking near the eye of the iron block would be to thrown the block in the direction of the Devonshire. - Replying to the Coroner, an officer from the ship said ropes were always examined before coaling. - Crabb said he examined the rope on this occasion and found nothing amiss with it. - The Coroner said a new rope in good condition should not have broken under the weight and he would like expert evidence concerning the condition of the rope. - It was pointed out that the rope might have been weakened by being pulled too tightly on successive occasions, but evidence was given that this was not done on Thursday. - Mr Rodd asked if there would be any objection to the rope being examined in the Dockyard and a report presented. - For this purpose the Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday, after evidence had been given by Dr E. R. Lockwood that death, which must have been instantaneous, was due to a compound fracture of the cranium and extensive injuries to the head. [Western Morning News, Monday 3 August 1908 - ROBERT LAVERS PROWSE, who was accidentally killed while coaling on H.MS. Devonshire at Devonport, was expected home on leave at Salcombe on the day he met his death. Previous to joining the Royal Navy about four years ago, he was an apprentice to Mr J. H. R. Patey, carpenter, Salcombe and was at one time a member of Salcombe town band. The body was conveyed to his late home on Saturday and the funeral takes place this afternoon.]

Western Morning News, Monday 3 August 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Octogenarian's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on MARIA WESTGATE, aged 80 years, of Edinburgh-road. The evidence showed that deceased on rising on Friday morning appeared in her usual good health and went out to buy something for breakfast. She returned, and while preparing the meal was suddenly seized with illness and fell close to her husband's feet. Dr McElwaine was called and could only pronounce life extinct. Death, according to the doctor, was due to syncope, accelerated by the heat. The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" expressed their sympathy with the husband, who is 85 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 August 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Ex-Soldier's Suicide. Coroner's Praise Of A Daughter. - Mr Pearce held an Inquest yesterday at Devonport on JOHN FREDERICK BROOKS, aged 42, Dockyard labourer, an ex-soldier, of Clowance-cottages, who committed suicide under exceptionally distressing circumstances on Sunday morning. - MRS BROOKS said deceased worked on Saturday, but when he went to bed at 10.15 p.m., he was in agony, with pains in his head. She asked him if she could get anything for him, but he replied that she could not. In consequence of his illness deceased slept downstairs. At a quarter to three witness went down, and asked him if she should get him a cup of tea. He replied "No," and told her to put out the light, as he thought the pain would then go. After putting the light out she went to bed again. She got up about 8 o'clock and was just going downstairs, when her eldest child cried out that her father had cut his throat. Running downstairs, she saw her daughter holding deceased. Witness said, "Whatever have you done, JACK?" He opened his eyes, then shut them, and made no reply. She saw a wound in his throat and ran out for help. Deceased had been failing for twelve months. Six weeks ago he said he would go mad if the weather did not break. He shaved himself on Friday, and went out with her on Saturday night. Deceased had been in the Dockyard nine years. He was not in debt and had no worry. They lived very happily. - FLORENCE NELLIE BROOKS, age 14, said on Sunday morning she went downstairs about ten minutes to eight. Her father was then awake in bed in the kitchen. He asked her to wash the baby's hands and, having done so, she went to fetch another pan of water. On returning she found her father had cut his throat, and had a razor in his hand. She called to him, seized the razor and threw it across the room. She called to her mother and held her father up as long as she could. While she was washing the baby, deceased was holding his head and said, "Oh, my head." - P.C. Cheek said on being called to the house he found BROOKS with his throat cut. He sent for Dr McElwaine, and stopped the bleeding by wrapping wet towels around the wound. The doctor, finding the bleeding had been stopped, ordered the man's removal to the Hospital. There he died about an hour and a half after admission. - Dr Shirvell, House Surgeon, said deceased had a deep incised wound, about nine inches in length and extending from one ear to the other. Several blood-vessels were cut and the windpipe was opened. He had just finished stitching the wound when the man died. It was a hopeless case. - The Coroner said the feature of the case was that deceased was caught in the act by his daughter, a girl of only 14 years. The Jury would agree that the experience must have been a very harrowing one for her and in which she had showed great courage and promptitude. He had no hesitation in saying that in similar cases, persons much older than herself, had shown fright, had run away rather than stay and try and help. She deserved much praise. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and endorsed the remarks of the Coroner.

EXETER - Death Under Chloroform. Inquest On Exeter Child. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on NETA MARGERY DEAN, aged 8, daughter of a compositor of Clifton-street, who died on Saturday after an anaesthetic had been administered to her for the purpose of an operation for an enlargement of the tonsils. Dr T. Hughes, Assistant House Surgeon, said a post-mortem revealed valvular disease of the heart and also an enlarged thymus gland, which weighed two ounces. Death was due to heart failure. The girl was given chloroform, but died before the operation could be commenced. He had known cases of patients in the same condition as deceased in which chloroform had been successfully given. Deceased also suffered from adenoids. - Dr B. Dyball said he administered the chloroform, but before doing so examined the heart and lungs. The lungs were normal, but there was a murmur at the bottom of the heart which witness considered was congenital. After a consultation with Dr Harmer, the House Surgeon, it was decided to proceed with the operation and witness selected chloroform as the best anaesthetic. Mr Harris was to have performed the operation. In all throat operations there was a risk of blood being drawn into the lungs and causing suffocation and to guard against that it was desirable to keep the patient at one depth of unconsciousness. That could only be done by the continuous use of an anaesthetic. There was less bleeding with chloroform than with ether, and therefore less risk of suffocation and what was known as the A.C.E. mixture would be of no use for cases of this sort. Deceased's pulse was very good before the chloroform was administered. Death resulted from syncope, due to the chloroform. Artificial respiration was tried and oxygen administered. An enlarged thymus was peculiarly susceptible to chloroform and they had no means of detecting its presence or absence during life. - Dr Harmer corroborated. Notwithstanding the condition of the heart he thought it was wise to proceed with the operation. Chloroform was better than ether to administer and an enlarged thymus would be prejudicial in a case of this sort. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," exonerated the medical staff from blame, expressed their high appreciation of the explanation given by Dr Dyball and passed a vote of sympathy with the parents.

ASHBURTON - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on SAMUEL HONYWILL, a labourer, aged 81 years, who died on Sunday. JAMES HONYWILL, his son, said on June 15th his father had a fall. After hearing the evidence of Dr E. Wilcox, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Senile Decay, accelerated by a Fall."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Coaling Fatality. Recommendation To The Admiralty. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, the Inquest on ROBERT LAVERS PROWSE, 24, carpenters' crew, H.M.S. Devonshire. The Inquest had been adjourned, from Friday last, when it was stated that the deceased on Thursday was leaning over the starboard side of the ship and was struck by an iron block thrown from a derrick used in embarking coal from a collier. The rope was practically new and broke near the "eye" of the block. P.O. Crabb was in the hold of the collier, when a number of bags on being hoisted came down. The effect of the rope breaking near the "eye" of the iron block was to throw the block in the direction of the Devonshire and the deceased received extensive injuries to the head and a compound fracture of the cranium. - At the adjourned Inquest Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty and Mr Taylor (Plymouth) Inspector of Factories, was also present. - Patrick Cowley, able seaman, of the Devonshire, stated that he was attending to the motor for lifting the coal, when the order was given to hoist. He did so and then the rope broke. When the motor was put into gear there was an extra strain put on the rope. He could not see how high the bags were hoisted. On the derrick was a wooden block, which, he believed, was copper coated. - By Mr Taylor: The motor was working the whole of the morning before the accident occurred. The work was not being hurried. - William Henry Hammett, foreman of the dockyard Ropery, said he had examined the rope, and was of opinion that one of the strands must have been put in contact with the "sleaves" of the block or in the hatchway. This would weaken the rope considerably. He had cut a piece off and tested it. It broke at 3 tons 18 cwt. The strain on it at the time of the accident was only 17 cwt. The strand having parted, the sudden strain put upon the rope by starting the motor gear might have caused it to break. - A Juryman suggested that a portion of the rope from the "eye" downwards should be protected in a casing of some sort. - Mr Hammett stated that the splicing should be able to enter the block without chafing. He agreed that there should be a protection of some kind near the "eye" of the rope. - The Coroner said it could not be suggested that anyone was to blame. He, however, hoped that the Jury would suggest to the Admiralty that some form of protection should be provided to the end of the rope at the "eye," either that the rope should be "served," or placed in casing or hemp. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and strongly recommended the Admiralty to issue an order to provide that rope splices running into blocks should be "served," or in some other way protected. - The funeral of ROBERT LAVERS PROWSE took place at Salcombe on Monday afternoon. The coffin, covered with the Union Jack, was borne by shipmates of the deceased, about 30 of whom attended. The service at Holy Trinity Church was most impressive. Amongst those who sent wreaths were the captain of the Devonshire, the chief carpenter (Mr Pengelly), messmates, the ship's company, Captain Henderson (Salcombe), MR and MRS PROWSE (brother and wife), Mrs Harnden and family, Mr and Mrs J. Putt, Mrs Yeoman and Rundle, Mr Frank Murch and Mrs H. Trute.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest last evening at Devonport on ELIZABETH GUMMER, age 50, wife of WILLIAM S. GUMMER, naval pensioner, of 34 Cannon-street. The husband said for the past fourteen years deceased had suffered from chronic indigestion and had been under medical treatment. On Sunday evening they went to Tor-lane together on a tramcar. On the way back deceased was taken ill, suffering from shortness of breath. He took her to the Milehouse tram shelter and there she died in his arms. Dr Pullen, who made a post-mortem examination, said death resulted from syncope due to pleurisy and aortic disease. Even a quiet walk, with the chest so full, would embarrass the breathing in the hot weather. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 August 1908
OTTERY ST MARY - Fatal Polo Accident. MR H. E. LAMBE Succumbs To His Injuries At Ottery. - The sad accident which happened on Monday on the ground of the Otter Vale Polo Club to MR HENRY E. LAMBE, of Stalbridge, Sherborne, terminated fatally at the Ottery St Mary Cottage Hospital early yesterday morning, when MR LAMBE expired as a result of his injuries. The sad event has thrown a gloom over the town and although an operation had been performed on MR LAMBE by Sir Victor Horsley, the well-known London surgeon, there were from the first very faint hopes of his recovery. - The deceased gentleman was very well known in polo circles being hon. secretary of the County Polo Association, of which he had also been nominated as the next president, and his death is deeply regretted. The remaining matches of the tournament, which would have extended throughout the week, have been postponed. MR LAMBE, who was 50 years of age, leaves a widow and four children, for whom much sympathy is felt. - The Inquest. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Cottage Hospital by Dr Tweed, Coroner. - Mr Charles Ernest Hewett, solicitor, of Mapledurham, Oxen, identified the body, and said deceased was a solicitor, but did not practice. Witness accompanied deceased to the polo tournament at Ottery St. Mary on Monday. The game in which deceased was playing was between Blackmore Vale and the Devon Regiment. Witness noticed the pony fall and MR LAMBE was thrown on his head. He did not think he was kicked or struck in any way. Witness immediately went to deceased and found him lying on the ground unconscious and he took steps to have him removed to the Ottery St. Mary Hospital. - Mr Holliday Hartley also gave evidence and said deceased was riding slowly at the time the accident happened. He produced a hard polo cap, which deceased was wearing at the time and which was now broken and when picked up was stained green. He was 20 or 30 yards from the hall at the time, and the accident was not caused either by his own stick or the stick of another player. Dr Fielding said he had deceased removed to the Hospital, although both Mr Hartley and Captain Hartley offered to have him taken to their respective houses. When he first saw him he had all the appearances of a severe concussion, but he did not think then there was any very grave injury. - Dr Bartlett said when he saw deceased at the Hospital he was quite unconscious and had symptoms of haemorrhage on the brain and pressure, which had evidently come on after Dr Fielding saw him on the field. He sent for an Exeter surgeon, and later on for Sir Victor Horsley, from London, who operated on deceased on Tuesday morning, with the object of attempting to relieve the pressure. The operation gave some little relief, but it was discovered that most of the blood was at the base of the brain, which could not be reached. There was a fracture of the skull on the left side. He recovered a little after the operation, but died without recovering consciousness. There were bruises on the left shoulder blade, as well as the skull. He was of opinion that he died from a fracture of the skull and haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - Deceased was a son of the late REV. GEORGE LAMBE, a Cornish clergyman.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. - At Plymouth yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on CAROLINE ELLEN FORDER, a widow, aged 59 years, of Cambridge-lane East, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Twelve months ago she fell asleep whilst reading and sustained injuries by falling on the floor. She was treated at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital for a fractured leg. She had never been well since. - Dr Clarke said he had been attending the woman for the past six weeks. Her death was due to pneumonia, accelerated by the injuries she received by her fall. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 August 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on the infant daughter of ALFRED S. MARTIN, of Kensington-terrace, found dead in bed by its mother's side eighteen hours after birth. - Dr W. F. MacCarthy said death was due to suffocation, probably owing to overlaying. - The Coroner remarked that something might be done to lessen the frequency of such cases by nurses impressing upon parents the risk run by children sleeping with parents. He felt, however, that the matter could not satisfactorily be dealt with without an Act of Parliament on the subject, similar to that operative in Germany.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 August 1908
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Fire. The Tragic Death Of MR J. R. EDDY. Smart Brigade Work. - The fact that more damage was not done at the fire in St Laurence-lane, Ashburton, where the partly incinerated remains of JOHN ROBERT EDDY, aged 79 years, retired painter and house decorator, were found on Friday night, was owing to a bountiful supply of water, used with great judgment, under the direction of Mr Soper, chief officer of the fire brigade and the absence of a high wind. The flames originated in a very small cottage at the rear of another dwelling-house, occupied by Mr Samuel Phipps, bootmaker, in the lane, and contiguous to which are many other properties, including the Post-office. to reach MR EDDY'S house it was necessary to pass through a passage jointly used by the deceased and Mr Phipps. Half-way down a small door opened on a flight of narrow stairs, at the top of which was another door, the entrance to a small oblong apartment used by deceased as a workshop and study. Outside was a wide landing, at one end of which was the bedroom occupied by Mr Phipps and at the other end was MR EDDY'S sleeping apartment. Below this was MR EDDY'S kitchen. The workshop and study was mainly built of wood; it contained plants and a large quantity of books and papers and it was not surprising, therefore, to find that it fell an easy prey to the flames. - The Deceased Man. - MR EDDY was a bachelor, living alone in his three little rooms. He was of a quiet, studious disposition, reading regularly his "Western Morning News," and books and journals chiefly relating to the building trade. While unknown as a d[?], the old gentleman possessed several articles of considerable value, which, it is reported, he refused to sell to a representative of the British Museum. He was the owner of his cottage, also of the one adjoining, in which Mr and Mrs Phipps, with a lodger, reside. His niece is Mrs Clymo, landlady of the Golden Lion, Ashburton. What little attention he required in the nature of cooking, etc., was given by Mrs Phipps and a char-woman. A native of Ashburton, he nearly always enjoyed good health. On the morning of the fateful day he stumbled and fell, but received no injuries of a serious character. It was his custom to use a small paraffin hand lamp when going to bed, and it is conjectured that on Friday night either his lamp exploded or he dropped it when suddenly seized with illness and caused the ignition of his workshop. In support of the latter theory is the fact that his charred remains were found lying full length on the floor, with the feet toward the door. There is also no evidence of the deceased having cried out for help. A next-door neighbour says he heard a thud, but no cry of any description. If anyone had shouted he would have been bound to hear, owing to the thin partition separating MR EDDY'S workshop from his garden. - Fire Discovered. - One of Mr Phipp's lodgers, Maurice Lancaster, was at home reading at 9.40 p.m., when he heard a crackling noise at the rear of the premises. Coming to the conclusion that MR EDDY'S cottage was burning, he gave an alarm and in less than five minutes the members of the fire brigade, whose headquarters are within a stone's throw, were present, as well as several hundreds of the population, including men, women, and children. The cry was raised "Where's MR EDDY?" No one had seen him in the crowd and everyone was concerned as to his safety. Mr Phipps, Mr Hartley (of the Globe), Mr Stephens and Mr Cornish, entered the cottage by way of the staircase in the passage and found the door at the top securely fastened. MR EDDY having evidently retired for the night. After a hurried consultation they determined to force the door open. This was accordingly done, and in an instant a great volume of flame and smoke rushed out; the interior of the apartment being as a roaring furnace. The chief of the fire brigade, as well as several of his men, was also beaten back and nothing could be done in the way of searching for the unfortunate tenant until the fire had been subdued. - Removing Stock. - While the firemen were battling with the flames, the townsmen assisted Mr Phipps to remove his belongings. With the exception of the articles in the bedroom already referred to, all the furniture was removed, as well as the whole of the stock from the shop. Unless the boots, including many which had been left for repair, are brought back, Mr Phipps, a young married man, will suffer a considerable loss. The strenuous work of the fire brigade was realized the moment three jets of water were playing upon the burning materials and within half an hour the flames were got under and a short time afterwards the charred remains of MR EDDY were recovered and conveyed to the mortuary, in the presence of an enormous crowd. - A Scene Of Desolation. - The cottage was a scene of great desolation when visited by our special representative on Saturday morning. The door of the room where the body was found had a large hole in the end nearest the street, and many ribs had fallen where the rafters had been destroyed. At least one half of the roof was gone. Debris to the depth of a half-foot or more covered the portion of the floor still remaining. Old copies of the 'Builders' News' and several other periodicals in large quantities were found partly consumed. There were also picture frames and a large portion of an old-fashioned wind instrument, known as the tuba, played by MR EDDY in his younger days. A strong smell of varnish and oil was noticeable and an oilcan was found. Diligent search was made for the small oil lamp used by deceased at night, but without effect. Judging from the amount of debris, it would seem that the small room was chiefly stocked with periodicals. The bedroom and the kitchen were locked and it was understood that they were undamaged by the fire. The staircase and landing were badly burnt, and will have to be rebuilt. Mr Phipps' bedroom had a large hole in the roof and much of the furniture and paper &c., were irrevocably ruined. The floor was saturated with water giving the whole interior a very dejected appearance. The adjoining room was badly damaged. The landing was scorched in many places and water lay in pools in the passage below. The damage apart from the stock removed from Mr Phipps' shop, probably amounts to between £290 and £300. Excellent help was rendered during the course of the fire by P.S. Broughton and P.C's Champion and Clark, the latter of whom came from Buckfastleigh. - A Neighbour Interviewed. - Mr Samuel Phipps, in an interview with our representative, said their first thought was to rescue MR EDDY. He knew that MR EDDY had retired for the night, for only a few minutes before the outbreak he heard him moving about in the kitchen as if preparing to go upstairs. With three other men he went upstairs and as the top door was locked, they burst it open. They then met with a great volume of flame and smoke that they were obliged to retreat. People invaded his house and shop and carried off his goods. - Don't you know where the goods are? - Not all of them. I have been round to some places this morning and have found some. - You thought the whole place was coming down? - Yes, because the flames were very high and it looked as if the premises adjoining these premises and the whole court was doomed. - You have no cause to complain of the fire brigade? - The fire brigade's work was very good and could not have been better. There was a good supply of water both at the back and in front of the house. - How many took part in clearing your house? - Between 40 and 50 men. the whole place was cleared out in a very few minutes. - Were there any children in the house? - None. I have no children and only myself, Mrs Phipps and a lodger live here. It was my lodger who discovered the fire. - Was the place insured? - Yes. I have only been living here about six months. I formerly lived in another part of the town. I happened to insure my furniture and work three or four weeks ago. - And you don't know where your stock now is? - My boots were all over the street; men, women and children taking them away. As I have said, I have been round this morning and seen some. - Was the work new? - It was all new in the window. - Then you had boots left for repairs? - I had a very large repairing business and they cleared out everything. - Do you happen to know if MR EDDY kept anything very valuable in his workshop? - No. I believe he had some rare old books, but I do not know of anything valuable belonging to him that is lost. - Was he undressed when found? - No, but his clothes were nearly burnt off his body, and, as you know, a portion of his limbs were severely destroyed. - Have you many rooms in the house? - We have eight rooms - three below and five above. - The Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on JOHN ROBERT EDDY at the Market Hall, on Saturday afternoon. Mr J. I. Laman was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr James Clymo, landlord of the Golden Lion, said deceased was his wife's uncle. On the previous night he told witness's daughter he was aged 79 years 10 months. Formerly deceased was a painter and house decorator at Ashburton. He was a bachelor, living in St Laurence-lane. Deceased enjoyed fairly good health, but witness had not seen him for six or eight weeks. Witness believed his wife was deceased's only relative. - Mrs Mary Grace Salter, Rew Lee, said she had worked for deceased 30 years. Deceased occupied the same house as his father and mother. Every night witness saw deceased. On Friday night at 8.45 she last saw him. She remained in the house until 9.20 p.m. Deceased was then sitting in his kitchen with Mr Ellis. Deceased had a scratch on his nose and witness asked him how it happened. Deceased replied that he went to the river with a ferret and he fell, tearing his trousers. So far as witness could judge, deceased was pretty well in health. He had received treatment at the hands of Dr Clay, Plymouth. Deceased told witness that he was presently going to bed. In the kitchen deceased had a petroleum lamp attached to the ceiling by a chain which pulled up and down. When he went to bed deceased was in the habit of carrying a small oil brass lamp. The door connecting the two cottages was locked on both sides. She had not left the house a half-hour when she heard that it was on fire. She rushed down to the place, but was unable to enter because of the flames. She never knew him to suffer from fainting fits, but she believed he complained of his throat. - Samuel Phipps, bootmaker, said he rented his house from deceased, whom he saw thirty or forty times on Friday. He last saw him alive at 9 p.m. Half an hour later he heard deceased moving about in the kitchen as if going to bed. four or five minutes later, when in the Sun Inn, he was told that his house was on fire. Witness went at once, undid his workshop door, and tried to get into deceased's cottage. He could hear the fire raging inside. He and some other men burst open the deceased's door at the top of the staircase, and were driven back by the flames and smoke. - Could you see the deceased? - No, we could not get in. - What did you do? - I started to clear my things away. Nobody was able to get into deceased's rooms. We had to get away as fast as we could. The flames came through my back bedroom and some of the roof fell in. - Did you get the fire brigade there? - The brigade were there and they put the flames out very quickly. - Maurice Lancaster, commercial traveller, Lewisham High-road, New Cross, London, said he was lodging with Mr Phipps. He was reading in the sitting-room about 9.30 .m., when he heard a crackling noise. For the first minute he took no notice, but when he went to investigate he saw deceased's cottage in flames. There was a little smoke and a lot of flame. He called to two others and they tried to get through the door communicating between the two cottages, but found it locked. The water was also turned off. Between the crevices they could see the flames in the adjoining house. Ten minutes afterwards the firemen came and by half-past ten, the fire was got under. - Expert Opinion. - Mr Richard Soper, chief officer of the fire brigade, said he received the alarm at 9.45 p.m. He went to the fire station and the hose cart went off at once. He fixed the stand-pipe himself and carried the nozzle to the foreman and gave it to him. Witness then went to the scene of the fire, but they could not enter the room because of the heat and smoke. After the fire was out they found deceased lying face downwards on the floor. - Was there anything you observed to indicate how the fire took place? - Nothing whatever. - You, as an expert on these matters, could not form an opinion as to what was the cause of the fire? - I should say he stumbled and fell with a lamp in his hand. - There is nothing to show that? You could not find the lamp? - No, sir. - Still, if he had stumbled with a paraffin lamp in his hand, as described, that would be a way of accounting for the fire, because these lamps explode? - Yes. - Was there any inflammable stuff in the room? - Yes. There was a good deal of paper. - There was a smell of varnish and benzoline? - Yes, there was a strong smell of varnish. - Has the lamp been searched for? - Yes, but I could not find it. - The Foreman: One of the witnesses said the water was turned off. - I found a very good supply of water. I could not wish for better. We had three jets of water. The manual engine worked very satisfactorily. We had two hydrants at the Bull Ring, and the other was immediately outside. - Was there pressure from the water itself, or had you to have it from the engine? - We had pressure from the hydrants and we used the engine as well. The engine took water from the mill leat. - Harry Binmore, fireman, said they could not enter the cottage until the fire was down. Mr Lamason and himself found the deceased's remains. - Alfred Parkhouse Ellis, pupil teacher, stated that he called on deceased to pay him 5s. club money at 8.20 p.m., and he stayed with him until 8.50 p.m. Deceased appeared quite well. - Theory As To Death. - Mr Walter Fitzpatrick, Surgeon, Ashburton, said eighteen months ago deceased was his patient. Deceased thought he was not getting well quick enough, and went to see Dr Clay, Plymouth. He suffered from dizzy fits and indigestion and said occasionally he had to clutch hold of things to keep from falling. Deceased also had a weak heart. Witness made a superficial examination of the body that morning. The feet were charred completely away up to the middle of the calves, as also were the hands up to the middle of the forearm. The face was quite flattened, as if he had been lying on it, but the middle part of the body was not much burnt. - How do you think the accident happened? - I should say he had a dizzy fit, fell with the lamp and was suffocated. The burning seems to have taken place after unconsciousness. - Probably suffocation killed him? - Yes, because if he had been conscious he would have moved when burned. I think the burning of the limbs took place after death. - The Coroner, summing up, said it appeared to have been a very serious fire, and people might consider themselves fortunate that it was arrested so quickly, considering the inflammable state of the materials found in the rooms. What happened seemed fairly clear. He was glad to find that as soon as the fire was discovered everything appeared to have been done. As soon as the lamp was upset the whole place seemed ablaze. - At this point Lancaster was recalled and asked by the Coroner whether he heard anything like an explosion? - Witness replied that he heard the crackling noise of fire. It was perfectly quiet at the time and he would have hard any noise. - The Coroner, continuing his address to the Jury, aid everybody apparently did what they could under the unfortunate circumstances. The firemen were very prompt in doing their duty. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Foreman said they endorsed the Coroner's remarks as to the manner in which the firemen did their duty. He (the Foreman) was present at the fire, and could speak of the satisfactory work performed. The firemen deserved special commendation for taking the manual engine to the back of the premises and obtaining water from the leat. By doing this he considered they saved the whole of the adjoining property. Outside people also worked with energy and entered the burning building in the hope of saving the old man.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 August 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr R. R. Rodd, opening an Inquest yesterday at Stonehouse on FLOSSIE BICKLE, the four-weeks'-old daughter of PHILLIPA BICKLE of High-street, explained that the child died on Friday and he deemed it advisable to order a post mortem examination, but the result would not be known until late that day. he therefore adjourned the Inquest until Friday at 2 p.m.

NEWTON ABBOT - Torquay Boy's Death. Inquiry Into The Newton Abbot Accident. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on BERT SHAPTER it was stated that deceased, 12 years of age, accompanied his father, JOHN SHAPTER, employed by the Torbay Mill Company, from Torquay to Umber Farm, Bishopsteignton, for a load of hay. On returning on Saturday evening, the father was sitting on the shafts on one side driving the horses, and deceased was sitting on the other side, holding the binding rope. Between Kingsteignton and Newton, Arthur Field, who was walking towards them, noticed the boy leaning forward as though he was looking at something under or behind the wagon. He over-balanced and fell off the shafts, one of the front wheels passing over him. He tried to scramble clear of the second wheel, but there was no time, and that also went over him. The poor boy then got up, walked across the road, and pavement, and held on to the rails. He was quite sensible and complained of internal pains to his father. He was taken into an adjoining house and attended to by Mr C. R. Sharpe, who subsequently took him to the Hospital, where he died. - Dr Culross stated that no bones were broken and there were scarcely any external marks, but there were internal injuries, and death resulted from shock. It was a very unusual thing for anyone under such circumstances to be able to walk as the boy did, but probably the shock was a little delayed. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said that except in towns riding on shafts was not illegal. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - An additionally sad part of the case was that the father took the boy with him, as he put it, so that he would be out of mischief, because the youngest child of ten in the family was very ill. It died on Saturday night, within four hours of the boy's death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 August 1908
PLYMOUTH - Cargreen Swing Fatality. Boy Dies Of Lockjaw. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES HOCKING, aged ten years, son of WALLACE J. HOCKING, railway shunter, of Frederick-street. The father said the lad went to Cargreen on Saturday week for a holiday with his aunt. On the following Monday he fell from a swing and was brought home with a compound fracture of the elbow. Later, he was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Dr Parmett, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death, which occurred on Monday, was due to lockjaw. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and sympathy expressed with the parents.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 August 1908
PLYMOUTH - Baltic Veteran's Death. - An Inquest on WILLIAM SQUIRES (81), a Baltic veteran, found dead in bed, was held yesterday at his residence, 17 ½ Lipson-vale, Plymouth, before Mr R. B. Johns. - MRS ELIZA ANN SQUIRES, widow, said she last saw her husband alive late on Monday night. When she awoke in the morning she found him dead. He had never complained of his heart and seemed in good health. - Dr Moir said a post-mortem examination showed that death resulted from syncope, caused by heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 August 1908
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Drowning Case. Flood Tide Dangers. - Last evening Mr T. C. R. Bencraft held an Inquest at Barnstaple on FREDERICK MUSGRAVE, aged 19, jeweller's assistant, belonging to Lytham, near Blackpool, drowned whilst bathing in the River Taw at Pill Pool on Wednesday evening. - Oscar Burnard stated that he and deceased went up the weir and bathed from a boat. MUSGRACE swam from the boat to the opposite bank and back and tried to repeat the performance, but when he had gone a few yards he shouted "Help," and threw up his arms and sank, not being seen again. He (witness) being unable to leave his child in the boat, called for help and several lads came along and entered the water but MUSGRAVE had disappeared. Deceased went out on the flood tide. - John Scorns said that morning he found the body near the spot where the fatality occurred. - The Coroner said the number of casualties in the Taw should teach people that it was extremely dangerous to bathe on flood tides. - The Jury (Mr J. R. Ford, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and expressed agreement with the Coroner's remarks.

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on JOHN BUTLER, labourer, Octagon-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Tuesday, Dr Aikman said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

TORQUAY - At Torquay yesterday an Inquest was held on SIDNEY SMITH RYDER, 56, tailor, of Tor Church-road, Torquay, and formerly of Plymouth, who died suddenly on Wednesday. The evidence showed that an aneurism of the aorta burst and caused death whilst he was dressing.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 August 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Care of Infants. Biscuits Not Desirable Food. - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse yesterday, by Mr R. R. Rodd, on FLOSSIE BICKLE, the infant of PHILLIPA M. BICKLE, single woman, living in High-street, Stonehouse. - The child was born in the Workhouse on July 10th. On Friday last, a week after the mother had taken her discharge, the baby was taken ill and Dr Leah ordered it to be given milk and water. Death occurred the same evening. The mother for some time nursed the child, and afterwards fed it on "specially-prepared" biscuits soaked in water. - Dr T. Leah said the infant was very delicate from birth, and he did not expect it to live twenty-four hours. death was due to general debility. The child might have lived if the mother had shown a little more intelligence in its care. he did not think, however, there had been any wilful neglect. - The Coroner: This biscuit was not a desirable thing to give it? - Dr Leah: Oh, no; but they will give it. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 August 1908
TOTNES - Ostler's Death At Totnes. - On Saturday at Totnes, Mr hacker held an Inquest on GEORGE FREDERICK GODFREY. - JOHN W. GODFREY said deceased, an ostler, 46 years of age, had been at the Torbay Inn, Torquay. - P.S. Bolt stated that deceased was found lying in South-street apparently drunk and incapable about 11.15 p.m. on August 4th. He was taken to the Police Station and placed in a cell, where at 7.45 the next morning he found him in a fit. Dr Johnson attended him and next morning GODFREY was removed to the Workhouse. - The Foreman (Mr J. R. Veysey): Is it not usual in such cases to take a person to the Cottage Hospital? - Superintendent Jeffery: The Hospital would not accept such a case. - The Coroner: For a man destitute, without anyone to take care of him, the Workhouse would be the proper place. - Dr W. R. Edmond stated in the Workhouse GODFREY had a succession of epileptic fits and died on Friday evening. Death was due to delirium tremens, caused by chronic alcoholism and the heat. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

MANATON - Dartmoor Farmer's Death. - Mr S. H. Hacker held an Inquest at Manaton on Friday on WILLIAM HENRY MORTIMORE, aged 50, of Hound Tor Farm. - GORDON MORTIMORE, son of the deceased, said on Wednesday evening he and his father, assisted by two other men, were trying to drive a Dartmoor pony into a stable, when it bolted. His father was knocked down and his head striking a stone, he was rendered unconscious and died about 11 o'clock the same night, only regaining consciousness for a short time. Dr Laurie attributed death to concussion and laceration of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 August 1908
HOLSWORTHY - At the Inquest at Dipper Mill, near Holsworthy, on Saturday on MR R. SQUIRE, jun., the evidence showed that he was assisting Mr Stenlake to break a colt and that when passing Dipper Mill, a pig ran across the road and frightened the colt. The brake was turned upside down and MR SQUIRE fell on his head, and died without regaining consciousness. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Indus Fatality. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd resumed at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, the Inquest on TIMOTHY COAKLEY, (32), stoker of the Indus II., who died as the result of injuries received on Tuesday. - Mr G. S. Taylor, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present. - George Rooke, A.B., said he was hooking and unhooking buckets, each of which weighed about 30lb. The deceased, who was filling the buckets, was stationed at the foot of the shute in the stokehold. The buckets were fastened in the ordinary way, but one of them slipped. The deceased was standing in a dangerous and unusual position, it being customary for men to stand clear while buckets were being hoisted and lowered. - Mr Peck (representing the Admiralty) said there were printed regulations requiring men to stand clear. - Wm. Hy. Cook, stoker, deposed to having seen the deceased struck on the head by a bucket, which had become detached from the clips. He was rendered unconscious. Arrangements were now being made by the enclosure of the space at the foot of the shute, to prevent men from exposing themselves to danger. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to a fractured skull and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 August 1908
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Cycle Fatality. Cornish Youth's Fall. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on HARRY THOMAS, 17, of Lawhitton, Cornwall, who fell whilst cycling from Tavistock to his home on Sunday night. - His father, MR A. J. THOMAS, said the lad, who lived and worked with him, was steady and a teetotaller, but had only been riding a bicycle about five weeks. - Joseph May, farm labourer, Kelly, said on Sunday evening THOMAS cycled to Tavistock with another young man named Jordan. He met them by appointment on the return journey, and accompanied them as far as Ramsdown Hill, where deceased dismounted and walked. Remounting at the top of the hill, THOMAS rode 40 or 50 yards and then fell. He probably applied the front brake too quickly. - Dr J. P. Watkins said when called to Tavistock Cottage Hospital, he found THOMAS in an unconscious state. Seeing it was a serious case, he called in Drs. Broderick and Smith, and an operation was performed. No scalp wound was found, but there was a bruise on the right temple. Death in his opinion was due to the compression of the brain and to the breaking of a blood-vessel. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 August 1908
EXETER - Exeter Railway Fatality. Was Sufficient Notice Given? - At the Inquest yesterday on JOHN HOOKWAY, aged 46, a ganger, in the employ of the G.W.R. Co., killed near St David's Station, Exeter, on Thursday, by a South-Western train, Chief Inspector Mapledoram, District Inspector Stevens and Locomotive Inspector Luke represented the Great Western Railway; and Inspector Percival the London and South Western. - Dr Farrant said deceased was cut to pieces. - Richard Trigger, packer under deceased, said the gang was working on the Great Western down line (which at that point forms also the South-Western up line). Two trains were approaching from opposite directions. He called to HOOKWAY, who went with him on to the grass at the side of the down line. As the tail of the Great Western train passed, deceased walked on to the line and was caught by the South-Western engine. The Great Western train, having just come from the Station, was going steady, but the other train was coming in fast. - Inspector Percival said he happened to be in the train, and it was not going more than 20 miles an hour. - The Coroner (Mr Linford Brown) thought trains came in a good deal faster than that. - The Inspector said there were too many signals about at that spot to allow of any greater speed. - Driver Summers, in charge of the South-Western train, which was from Torrington, said it was 16 minutes late. He saw nothing whatever of deceased, but felt the engine go over something. On examining the engine he found part of a body entangled in the wheels. The engine had to be taken to Exmouth Junction to be lifted before the remains could be extricated. It was raining and the exhaust steam from the Great Western engine beating down on the line would interfere with his view. - Deceased's brother said it seemed to him that not sufficient notice was given to the gang that two trains were approaching. - Trigger, however, said there was a flagman with the gang, who blew a warning whistle for the first train. If he blew if for the second the sound was drowned by the noise of the trains. Deceased had a time-table. - The Coroner observed that the train being late deceased might possibly have thought it had passed. - Robt. Quick said the spot where the accident happened was on a bend. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," finding that no blame attached to anyone and with the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Death Through A Splinter. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES ALFRED MILLARD, aged 14, son of a labourer living at Union-place, Stonehouse. Deceased, employed as an errand boy by Mr Richards, boot and shoe dealer, King-street, Plymouth, was on June 15th scrubbing the floor when he ran a splinter into his thumb. At the Homeopathic Hospital he was first treated as an out-patient and on August 7th was received as an in-patient. Blood poisoning supervened, and he died on Wednesday. - Dr Wilmot, one of the Medical Officers at the Hospital, said the wound healed to a certain extent, but probably deceased got some material into it and that caused blood poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr S. J. Richards expressed his sympathy with the relatives, and the Coroner and Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 August 1908
HATHERLEIGH - Harvesting Fatality. Fall From A Reaper At Hatherleigh. - Mr H. Brown, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Grudgworthy Farm, Hatherleigh, on Friday on WILLIAM H. HARRIS, aged 60, who died as the result of a fall from a reaping machine on Wednesday. - John Crocker, farmer, of Dickport Farm, Hatherleigh, stated that deceased came into a field where he was cutting on Wednesday afternoon and after some talk witness allowed him to take his place on the machine. Witness followed with a gun to shoot rabbits which ran out of the corn. On witness firing at a rabbit one of the horses began to plunge and was taken away. Soon afterwards a rabbit, having gone back into the corn after being driven out, the shouting caused a bird to rise in front of the remaining horse, which began to plunge, but was steadied by witness's son, who was leading it. Witness told deceased to put down the rake and hold tight to his seat. The horse immediately plunged again and witness saw deceased fall back over the machine on to the back of his head. The drop would be about 3ft. Deceased was taken to his home and a doctor was sent for. - Dr Slade, Hatherleigh, said life was extinct when he arrived. The cause of death was fracture and dislocation of the spine. - Mr William Risken, steward for Mr Smyth-Osbourne, of Ash, deceased's employer, said it was HARRIS'S duty to help the farmers on the estate in any way he could during harvesting. He wished the Coroner to convey to the widow and family the deep sympathy of both himself and Mr Smyth-Osbourne in their sad bereavement. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Jury were of opinion that no blame was attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 August 1908
COLYTON - Fatality Near Colyton. - Parchayre Farm, near Colyton, was the scene of a fatal accident on Saturday, WILLIAM H. CLARK, labourer, in the employ of Mr Thomas Batten, being killed whilst working in the harvest field. At the Inquest held yesterday by Dr E. R. Tweed, at Parchayre Farm, the widow stated that on Saturday morning, Mr Batten having given her and her children leave to glean in the wheat field, she went to the wheat field in time to see a horse bolt away. She saw a man lying hurt on a heap of corn, but did not know until she came to the spot that it was her husband. She at once went to him and was going to raise him when he asked her not to do so as it hurt him. He told her the hames became unfastened, the horse bolted and the wheel went over him. The doctor was at once sent for and then, on a stretcher, they carried him into the house. His age was 49 years. - Walter Long, labourer and Henry Batten, carter, also gave evidence. - Mr Thomas Batten, in whose employ deceased was, said he had no doubt but what the cause of the horse bolting was the fact that the hames became unfastened. Dr W. H. Evans said deceased's right side was completely wrecked, at least three or four ribs being smashed. From his condition it was evident that internal haemorrhage was going on. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner, in conclusion, passed a vote of condolence with the widow and family of nine children in their sad bereavement.

TEIGNMOUTH - Gravedigger's Death. Suicide In Teignmouth Cemetery. Verdict of "Felo De Se." - An Inquest was held at Hazeldown, Teignmouth, last evening on WILLIAM WESTAWAY, who for the past 22 years had been caretaker and gravedigger at the Cemetery. The body lay at the Cemetery Lodge buildings, but as there was no room large enough for the Jury, Mr H. Stanbury placed his ground floor at the disposal of the Coroner. - HELEN WESTAWAY, the widow, stated that deceased was 56 years of age. They had been married 29 years, and 22 years of that time had been spent at the Cemetery Lodge. Although her husband had been doing his work, he complained of pains in his head and at times lost his appetite. She wanted him to see the doctor, but he put it off. He was very poorly all day on Sunday and would not go out. Witness went out and returned at 8.15. Her husband was not in and there was a note on the table with his watch placed on it. He had lighted the lamp so that she could read the note, which she did not understand. the writing on the note (produced) was:- "Oh my poor head! I can't stand this much longer. Good bye HELEN, BILL, good bye. Do not believe what they say. It does not belong to me. Do not take me away from here, let me lie until put away. Oh my poor head!" - Witness went at once to Mr Stanbury who had been very good to them and whose house was some distance away. Mr Stanbury and his don Frank came down, and they all searched for deceased. After some time they looked into the tool-house attached to the Non-conformist chapel and found deceased hanging from the roof. He had never threatened to take his life, and he was the last man she thought would have done it. He had no other worry than his work. He was generally of a cheerful disposition, of a healthy and sound family; in fact his mother was now living and was 84 years of age. - By the Coroner: She did not know the meaning of what was referred to in the note. - Thomas H. L. Stanbury, of Hazeldown, said he had known MR and MRS WESTAWAY for at least 20 years. When the last witness came to him on Sunday night, and gave him the note, he suspected something was wrong. He took his lantern and with his son searched the cemetery. Deceased's feet were about 10 inches from the ground and it looked as if he stood on a box, and after adjusting the noose turned the box over. Deceased had complained of pains in his head. He did not believe there was a more devoted couple than WESTAWAY and his wife in the town. - Frank Stanbury corroborated and said deceased had been dead some time before being cut down. - P.C. Partridge said he knew something had happened and that a man had threatened to take legal proceedings against deceased. Witness had noticed deceased was strange in his manner recently. - The Jury consulted in private and returned a verdict of "Felo De Se."

TIVERTON - The Tiverton Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last evening on JOHN SALISBURY, 64, found hanging from a rafter in a barn at Darkhayes on Saturday. The widow said her husband had recently suffered from his heart and shortness of breath. She could adduce no reason, however, why he should have committed suicide, as their five months of married life had been happy. He cheerfully handed to her his wages, 15s. on Saturday morning, and exhibited no signs of depression. - Deceased's employer said the man was kicked by a horse some time ago and had not been so well since. - The Coroner said that whilst heart disease frequently caused depression, although a person suffering from it may not speak of it. There was, however, little evidence to show that his mind was affected. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane " was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 August 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Child's Sudden Death. - At Stonehouse last evening, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on ALICE MAY STEWART, 6 years old, daughter of a drayman living in Adelaide-street. The mother said the child had been delicate from birth and about three years ago was treated for anaemia at Plymouth Dispensary. She was not seriously ill until Monday morning. Dr Waterfield was sent for, but the child died before he arrived. - Dr Waterfield said the direct cause of death was syncope, owing to a quantity of fluid in the pericardium, the consequence of the child's anaemic condition. As the child was able to run about and go to school, the mother might not have been to blame, but the condition of the child might have yielded to treatment. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on ELIZA PULLMAN, aged 44 years, wife of JAMES PULLMAN, bricklayer, of King-street, Plymouth, who died early yesterday morning, Dr J. H. Torney said death was due to heart disease of long standing.

BICKLEIGH (NEAR PLYMOUTH) - The Bickleigh Suicide. - Mr r. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Bickleigh yesterday on AARON FOWLER, aged 58 years, labourer. - JAS. FOWLER, market gardener, Egg Buckland, said his brother was depressed in consequence of the death of his wife and having to sell his house. - Fanny White, Vicarage Green, Bickleigh, who had lived next door to the deceased for 31 years, said on Sunday morning she noticed he frequently went in and out of his old home. He seemed low-spirited. She saw him at the back of the house a little later near the spot where he was subsequently found hanging. - P.C. Clinnick said on being called he found FOWLER seated on a barrel in an out-house of his home, with a rope around his neck, the other end of which was tied to a rafter. The face was black and the body cold. In his pockets was £6 17s. 2 ¼d. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 August 1908
EGG BUCKLAND - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at the Inquest on THOMAS ROBERT HORTON, aged 75, labourer, of Egg Buckland, yesterday. He suffered from heart disease.

EXETER - Cornish Servant's Child. Strange Story At An Exeter Inquest. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on HERBERT LORD, aged 8 months, who died at Sun-street, Exeter, on Monday, Inspector Granter was present on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C. and Mr W. L. Brown (the Coroner) cautioned the mother, NORAH LORD, domestic servant, of St Blazey, Cornwall, as to her evidence. She said the child was born on February 1st, and was not remarkably healthy. With clothes it weighed about 7lb. When the child was a fortnight old she left it in the custody of Mrs Puddicombe, of King-gardens, Plymouth. She next saw the child when three months old and Dr Corbett told her it could not live, as it had asthma, bronchitis and inflammation. She saw it again at the beginning of June, when it was still very ill. Last Monday week she received a letter from Mrs Puddicombe saying the child could not, according to Dr Corbett, live in Plymouth. Last Tuesday week she saw the child. She was paying Mrs Puddicombe £1 every four weeks, and also provided the baby's clothes. She had not had the child insured, and didn't know about anyone else insuring it. She saw an advertisement in a newspaper "Kind, motherly person, would adopt child; premium." That person was Mrs Bennett, of Sun-street, Exeter. She met her at St David's Station on the 18th inst. Mrs Bennett went to Plymouth with her the same day. Both went to Mrs Puddicombe's and saw the child. She (witness) made an agreement with Mrs Bennett to take the child, which was then very ill. She was to pay Mrs Bennett £55 which she did. She produced a receipt. An agreement was to have been drawn up, but it hadn't been done. The money was paid in the office of Mr Brian, solicitor, in the presence of a clerk. The child was then handed over and she told Mrs Bennett that the doctor had ordered it away from Plymouth for the sake of its health. It was not undressed at Plymouth by her or Mrs Bennett. She never thought it was going to live, as it had always been delicate. She thought the change would do it good. She paid the £55 because she wanted to keep the matter private. It had always been kept private. "No one," said witness, "knew anything about it except the woman where I was and Mrs Bennett. Mrs Bennett first wanted £80 and she subsequently wrote asking the most I could give. I replied £55, and that I paid. Mrs Bennett was to take the child and bring it up; in fact, take it off my shoulders altogether." - Mrs Norah Bennett, of Sun-street, Exeter, wife of a hotel porter, said her husband was in Canada. To her advertisement in a newspaper she received a reply from MISS LORD and made an appointment to see the child at Plymouth. She was told the child was not well and wanted a change of air, by both the mother and Mrs Puddicombe, also that the doctor had given it a fortnight to live in Plymouth, but that with a change of air he believed it would recover. The money was paid over. When she undressed the child on arrival home, she saw it was very thin. She took the child to Dr Harrison, who said with careful nursing it might recover but it was in a very bad state. Dr Harrison saw the child up to Saturday midday. It died on Monday morning. From Thursday evening up to about two hours before it died she fed it with a spoon as it did not appear to have strength enough to suck through a bottle. She gave it new milk and water and occasionally a little brandy in it: the brandy being ordered by the doctor. - By the Foreman (Mr L. Turner): Mrs Puddicombe did not tell her the child was not likely to live. The deceased was the only child she had adopted. she had a son of her own, two years old. - The Coroner said there had been a post-mortem examination, but it was necessary to adjourn the Inquest, as Mrs Puddicombe would have to appear. The Inquest was adjourned for a week.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 August 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child Drowned. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on THOMAS HENRY RICE, the five-year-old son of a labourer residing in John-street, Morice Town. - The father stated that the boy, who left home on Thursday afternoon, was in the habit of going to the Tamar Canal and only a few hours previous to the discovery of the body, the lad's mother fetched him home. - Samuel Flood, foreman for Harvey (Limited), said he saw the body floating in the canal shortly after four o'clock on the previous afternoon and brought it ashore. He tried artificial respiration, but without success. - P.C. Hill said he also attempted to resuscitate life with the assistance of P.C. Drake, but with no result. - Dr Rae attributed death to drowning. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned and the Jury expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 September 1908
EXETER - At an Inquest in Exeter Prison yesterday on GEORGE VERNON, tailor, aged 56, under sentence of four years' penal servitude for felony at Northampton, and who died from heart disease on Saturday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMPTON ST MARY - Plympton Child's Death. Parents Delay Calling In A Doctor. - At Underwood, Plympton, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS HENRY ROOK, 7, son of a journeyman carpenter living at Brooking Field Terrace, Plympton. - On Monday of last week, during the mother's absence at the Railway Station, deceased entered the house through one of the windows, the door being locked, and that he might get at the kitchen fire took the kettle off the stove and placed it on the floor. He had previously unlocked the front door of the house from the inside and admitted other boys. Stumbling against the kettle, he spilt the boiling water and was scalded about both buttocks and the right leg. Mrs Butchers, a neighbour, saw the boy crying and taking him into her house applied linseed oil to the burns. The mother soon returned, and the boy was at once put to bed. the next day he appeared well enough to be allowed downstairs. On his return from work, about ten o'clock on Wednesday night, the father saw that the child was feverish and told his wife to call the doctor in the next morning, which she did. Dr W. D. Stamp found the lad suffering from pneumonia with the temperature at 103. - The Father's Explanation. - THOMAS ROOK, the father, said he did not think it was necessary to call in a doctor until Wednesday night. - The Coroner: You must have seen this child was severely scalded? - I saw that, but he seemed to be all right. - You could afford to pay for a doctor? - Oh, yes. It was not that. I would have gone to any expense if I had only known. - Was your wife not capable of saying whether it was a case for a doctor? - She thought the same as I did, and the neighbours also thought the boy was getting on all right. They did not think it was necessary. - The Coroner: I don't know what view the Jurymen will take of it, but it seems to me in a serious matter of that sort it was the duty of the parents to send for a doctor at once. - I thought the boy was getting on all right, and getting over it. - The boy was not downstairs on Wednesday? - No. - You did not think there were complications through his having come downstairs on Tuesday, and perhaps caught a chill? - No; he was wrapped up, I believe. - You did not send for a doctor even on Wednesday night, although he was so feverish. You deferred it until Thursday morning? - It was so late when I got home from work - ten o'clock. - The Mother's Story - MRS ROOK said the child was bright, and she did not think he was so ill. - The Coroner: But if a child is so severely scalded as he was, it is a proper precaution to call a doctor in. - As soon as I saw there was a turn for the worse I called a doctor in. - Yes, that was too late. - I certainly should have had a doctor right away if I had thought he was so ill. - No doubt the Jury will accept that explanation, but it does not do away with the fact that it was very negligent on the part of both of you not to call in a doctor. Complications arose for want of treatment and he died. However, that is your explanation to the Jury? - Yes, sir. I did not think he was so ill. - Medical View. - Dr W. D. Stamp deposed to being called to see deceased last Thursday morning. Both buttocks and the right leg were severely burned. The child had developed acute pneumonia and his temperature had reached 103. Death was due to pneumonia and shock, following the burns. Deceased was much more severely burned than the parents could have imagined. - The Coroner: Ought everybody exercising their common sense not to have seen the child was severely burned? - Well, I don't understand why anybody should not have. - It was a case which should have been treated on the Monday? - I should think so. - You say it should have been treated on the Monday night? - I should have been very much better pleased if it had. - He would have been in bed absolutely. - And the child would have had a chance of living? - He would if he had not had pneumonia. I should have hoped he would not have. Burns are a predisposing cause of pneumonia. Of course they treated the local burns, and did not realize the child was gradually slipping into pneumonia. It was a case which should have been medically treated from the first. I think it was an error of judgment. - The Coroner: That is for the Jury to consider. I have no doubt they will agree, but we want to guard against the future a little. - Dr Stamp: I think they did very well, only they did not realize the child was so badly burned and that burning was such a serious thing in a child or anyone else. Any sudden destruction of skin is dangerous. - Have you ever seen a child scalded so badly before without having medical attention? - No. - The Coroner: The doctor has been very merciful to the parents. - Dr Stamp: I think it is a very good warning to them and others. - The Coroner: The protest must be made. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said it was clearly the duty of parents when a child was injured as deceased was to call in medical assistance. They had heard the parents' explanation for not doing so between Monday and Thursday and he saw no reason why they should not accept it, but at the same time some amount of reflection rested upon the parents. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said they regarded the conduct of the parents as an error of judgment. - The Coroner communicated the verdict to the father in a kindly way, and expressed his own sympathy and that of the Jury.

EXETER - Woman's Fatal Fall. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ANN MARIA MANLEY, 79, of Howell-road, Jane Kirby said she rented rooms at the deceased's house. She left her at 9 p.m. on Friday sitting in a chair by the fire. She appeared all right. After she had gone to bed and about 9.45 she heard a thud as if someone had fallen. She called to MRS MANLEY and receiving no reply she went downstairs, and saw the deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs. Mr Abrahams, a neighbour, went for the doctor. The deceased was a steady woman. - Frederick Abrahams said he was called by the last witness to assist in lifting the deceased from off the floor. He fetched Dr Bevan. Deceased's head was bleeding at the back. - Dr Bevan, locum tenens for Dr Bradford, said when he arrived deceased was breathing hard. She died about eleven o'clock. She had a wound on the back part of the left side of the head which extended to the bone. A post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the skull. The deceased was very stout and most of the organs were fatty and diseased. His opinion was that the deceased fell backwards as she was found at the bottom of the stairs. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Pauper's Death. - At an Inquest yesterday on FANNY HANFORD, 68, an inmate of Exeter Workhouse, James Holloway, the Workhouse Master, said the deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on October 4th, 1905, from the Devon and Exeter Hospital, suffering from a broken femur. She had been an inmate of the Infirmary since her admission. - Georgina Bouch, nurse at the Workhouse, said on Sunday, the 23rd, the woman complained of a pain in the leg. She examined it and found it necessary to tell the doctor. Deceased told her she might have slipped when getting into bed on the 17th August. The leg was found to be fractured. Deceased said she did not complain, as she thought it only trivial. Witness thought it was a re-fracture of the old trouble in the deceased's leg. Deceased suffered from diabetes, and had several abscesses. - Eliza Kelly, nurse, said she had charge of the deceased and others while the last witness was away on holiday. On the 17th August she only said she had slipped when getting into bed. Asked if she had hurt herself, she replied in the negative. - Dr Pereira. Workhouse Surgeon, said the deceased fractured her femur. It was the same leg and he believed the identical spot for which she had been admitted to the Workhouse. It was quite possible the old fracture had healed up, but the callus had dissolved again. Up to a month before her death she had developed a kind of blood poisoning, due to the abscesses and diabetes. The cause of death was shock, due to her having broken her leg and her constitution being impaired by the diabetes. Her leg was three inches shorter than the uninjured one, and she got about on crutches. Probably that was the cause of her feeling no pain, because of her not using the limb. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

IVYBRIDGE - Landrake Farmer's Death. - An Inquest was held at Ivybridge yesterday on JOHN HENRY BATTEN GOODMAN, 40, farmer, of Landrake, who died suddenly on Saturday. - JOHN BATTEN, farmer, St Stephen's-by-Saltash, said deceased, his nephew, had suffered from asthma for years. He was unmarried. - William Kinsman, driver, said deceased was one of a party he was driving from Saltash to Totnes. At Plympton, GOODMAN complained that he had been up all night with an attack of asthma. On passing Lee Mill his pipe dropped from his mouth and he reclined against a companion sitting with him on the box seat. It was assumed that he had fallen asleep. Attempts to rouse him when Ivybridge was reached failed and Dr C. E. Cooper, arriving in response to an urgent summons, pronounced life extinct. - The medical testimony showed that death was due to syncope, following chronic bronchitis and a verdict accordingly was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Woman's Death. Inquest Adjourned. - At the Tyrrel Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on MRS ELLEN SOPHIA KELLY, 43, wardrobe dealer of Broad-street, Ilfracombe. - ALMA ELLEN KELLY, daughter, told the Jury that her mother had frequently complained of her health and on Wednesday night last complained of cramp in her foot. During the night her mother had pains in her stomach and was violently sick. Her mother did not want a doctor, but she sent for Dr Osborne on Thursday morning. Her mother ate a portion of boiled rabbit about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening. Other people had partaken of portions of the same dish without ill-effects. - Dr Osborne deposed that he had made a post-mortem examination, and whilst all the symptoms were those of ptomaine poisoning, he could not say definitely such was the case. - Dr Toller bore out this statement. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest for a fortnight in order that the intestines might be sent to the Home-office of analysis.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 September 1908
Torquay - Mushroom Gatherer's Death. - At Torquay yesterday an Inquest was held on JOHN WYMAN, hawker, who died suddenly on Tuesday. He had suffered from heart disease. He went out gathering mushrooms and was chased by a landowner on whose ground he was trespassing, and sat down in a hedge and died. Dr Cook had previously warned him against violent exercise. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

BRAUNTON - MAJOR HIGGINSON'S Death. - At Braunton yesterday Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest on MAJOR HENRY HIGGINSON, aged 53. - MISS GERTRUDE HIGGINSON, deceased's sister, said her brother was a retired major, North Staffordshire Regiment, and an expert cyclist. - Ernest Thorne, of Berrynarbor, said he and his two brothers, nephew and a man named Gammon, were cycling into Saunton on Sunday evening. he was proceeding slowly down the hill on the correct side when he collided with MAJOR HIGGINSON, who was cycling in the opposite direction. They were both thrown, witness sustaining cuts in the head and legs, while the Major was seriously injured and was taken by motor car to Braunton. When the collision occurred he (Thorne) was proceeding very slowly down the hill, up which deceased was travelling in zig-zag fashion. He only saw the Major, who was on his wrong side, the moment before the accident occurred and was absolutely unable to prevent the collision. - Similar evidence was given by Thomas Thorne. - Mrs Nellie Clatworthy, cook at the Saunton Hotel, said Thorne and the Major fell on Thorne's side of the road. - Mrs Incledon, at whose house MAJOR HIGGINSON passed away, stated that in the Major's presence Thorne said the accident was owing to deceased having been on his wrong side and MAJOR HIGGINSON did not deny it. - Dr Wright said deceased's skull was fractured and he had other injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating Thorne from blame.

EXETER - Cornish Domestic's Child. Exeter Woman Censured. - The Inquest on HERBERT LORD, aged 8 months, who died at Sun-street, Exeter, on the 24th August, was resumed at Exeter yesterday. Evidence had previously been given by the mother, NORAH LORD, a domestic servant, of St. Blazey, and by Norah Bennett of Sun-street, Exeter, in whose charge the child was at the time of death. - Alice Puddicombe, 74 King-gardens, Plymouth, said NORAH LORD was confined at her house on February 1st. The child was left with her, and the mother paid her 5s. a week for its maintenance. The child was healthy at birth. It continued in good health until it was about 3 months old, when it had bronchitis, followed by asthma. Dr Corbett attended the child. The asthma never properly left the child, who was not well afterwards. Dr Corbett was called in again on August 5th, when the child had diarrhoea. The last time he saw it was on August 17th. His opinion was that the child should be taken to Cornwall for change of air, as it would not live in Plymouth. NORAH LORD never saw the doctor at her home. She never told NORAH LORD that the doctor said a fortnight's change of air would make it well. The child was very thin before it left Plymouth. She called the doctor's attention to it. The mother said the child should go to Cornwall and she could have it again in about a month or six weeks. She did not give Mrs Bennett sour milk for the baby, as was stated at the last hearing; the milk she gave was fresh. - By the Jury: She gave the child half a pint of new milk in the morning and half a pint in the evening, and if it required more she got it. She did not know the child was going to be sold. - In answer to Superintendent Dymond, witness said she had six children of her own. She had buried one, which died of consumption on July 15th. Dr Corbett ordered the child to be taken outdoors, and never complained that it was not taken out enough. - Norah Bennett said she had lived at Sun-street since last Tuesday week. She previously lived at Woolacombe. She was cook there. When she inserted an advertisement in a newspaper she was going to live in Exeter. She thought she could get a living by taking in work and lodgers. She got the day off when she left the Hotel, but telegraphed to the manageress that she would not return. Her things were there then. She thought she could bring up her child and the deceased happily together. She thought the deceased was thin and asked Mrs Puddicombe whether the child was in consumption. Mrs Puddicombe said it was not, but the neighbours thought it was, although the doctor said it was not. - By Superintendent Dymond: She intended to go to Sun-street and after a few days take a house. She led MISS LORD to think she was going to take the child to Sun-street and get a house afterwards. - Do you think it a proper thing to do to leave the Hotel for a day and not return? - I wired the Manageress that the baby was ill and asked her to make other arrangements. - NORAH LORD said Mrs Bennett told her she was going to take the child to Sun-street. She thought she was a married woman with a house. She didn't think she was handing over her child to one who had no house or occupation. She told Mrs Puddicombe that the child could come back for a short holiday, but nothing else. The father of the child was a healthy man, but had died. - Dr Harrison said the child was brought to him on Wednesday, 19th August, in a very emaciated state and in a dying condition. He prescribed medicine. The child seemed always to be well looked after. He told Mrs Bennett it ought not to have been sent up from Plymouth as it was in a dying state. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the body was devoid of fat, both lungs congested at the base, especially the right one. there were numerous tubercular deposits throughout the lungs. The stomach contained about three or four ounces of liquid food, but the bowels contained nothing. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia. Bringing the child from Plymouth was bad for it. The body weighed 8lb 6oz., whereas the average child weighed 14lb. when eight months old. - The Coroner: Do you think the child being kept in the house where there was consumption was likely to contract the disease? - I should say more than likely; in the same room, too. The child ought to have gone out into the open air more. - The Foreman (Mr C. Turner): Have you any reason to believe the child was neglected? - I cannot say. - Supt. Dymond: do you consider it a right and proper thing to move the child from Plymouth to Exeter in that state? - It is very blameable. - Do you think the removal endangered its life? - It hastened death. - The Coroner: Judging from the state it was in, do you think it would have recovered if not brought to Exeter? - I cannot say exactly. The tubercles were there, and the child may have got a little better, but would have died sooner or later. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Police communicated on his behalf with Dr Corbett, who in a statement said he did not think the child was neglected by Mrs Puddicombe. He was under the impression that the child was going into Cornwall which would have braced it up, and given it a chance to live. Dr Corbett did not say anything about tuberculosis, and he denied saying that the child would not live another fortnight in Plymouth. In view of the post-mortem, he thought there was no need to call Dr Corbett. they would agree that it was exceedingly wrong for the child to have been brought away from Plymouth in that state. It showed that something in the Infant Life Protection Act was missing. People could take in one child and were not bound to register it. In his opinion they should be kept under as strict supervision as those who took in more than one child. It was very sad that these poor children, most of whom were illegitimate and regarded as best out of the way, should be put out to make a profit on. Money was paid for their keep, but little expended. Those cases ought to be subjected to severe supervision. As far as he could see the mother had acted rightly, and up to the time when the child was taken away she had paid 5s. a week. If she had thought the child was going to die she would not have been such a fool as to let the child go away. With regard to Mrs Puddicombe, the doctor said he did not think there was any neglect on her part. Whether she knew it or not, it was very serious to have a child in a room where a person was suffering from consumption. Mrs Bennett seemed to have acted very queerly. She made no preparation for looking after the child when she received it. She took £55 and what was her interest in the child? She had acted exceedingly suspicious. It was in her interests that the child should not live. She took it to Dr Harrison, and seemed to look after it well, but it was a serious thing for a woman to take a child in that responsible way. She must have known there was something wrong with the child when she saw its legs. She was very much to blame, although he did not think there was anything like manslaughter against her. It was a case that did not reflect credit upon those who had the care of the child. - The Jury asked whether, if an agreement had not been drawn up, the £55 or part, could not be returned to MISS LORD. - The Coroner said he could do nothing in regard to that, but he had received a letter from Mr Brian, Solicitor, of Plymouth, in whose office the money was paid, stating that if he had been there at the time, he would have had nothing to do with the deal, but the clerk did it in his absence. - The Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and directed that Mrs Bennett be censured. - The Coroner, in censuring her, said he thought she took the child with the view of making a profit. He hoped she would not do such a thing again. - Superintendent Dymond said MISS LORD had to borrow her train fare to attend the Inquest. - He thought Mrs Bennett ought to pay back part of the £55 to her.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 September 1908
EXETER - Exeter Tradesman's Suicide. - Following so closely upon the tragic death of Mr Wm. Stokes, butcher, on Monday, a sensation was created at Exeter yesterday by the news that MR WILLIAM JOHN HEARL had been found dead, with his throat cut, at his house. The deceased was formerly a grocer, carrying on an extensive business at the end of Queen-street, but latterly had been trading as the Agricultural Supply Company, in London Inn Square. - At the Inquest held by Mr W. L. Brown, the widow, MARY HEARL, said the deceased, about 55 years of age, had been carrying on business as a fruiterer. He had been drinking heavily for the past twelve months. The previous day he came home at noon and didn't go out again. After he came home he drank stout. On account of his drinking habits she had not occupied the same room with him. He went to bed at twelve o'clock. She heard him dressing that morning about 7.30 and go downstairs, but did not see him. About nine o'clock the girl went into the cellar to put away waste paper and returning, told her the deceased was there. She went part ways into the cellar and saw a knife lying across his throat. She came back and sent for the Police. To her knowledge he had no business worries. He had never threatened to take his life, but had said he would go away next week. She had heard the boy at the Agricultural Supply Stores say the deceased had been sued for the rates. - Annie Bird, domestic servant, said at 7.45 that morning she saw her master going downstairs. He did not speak to her. At about nine o'clock on taking newspapers to the cellar, she saw the deceased lying there. She was frightened and ran upstairs and told her mistress. - P.S. Sanford said on going into the cellar he found deceased lying at the foot of the stairs, face upwards and covered with blood. The knife lay across the throat and was held in the right hand. - Dr J. A. W. Pereira said the deceased was quite dead. The direction of the cut was from left to right and had the appearance of being self-inflicted. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

CHARLES - At the Inquest yesterday, on ALBERT CARLYLE, a Swansea man who committed suicide at Charles, North Devon, WM. CARLYLE, deceased's brother, said ALBERT had been at his house since Friday. He had appeared very strange and on Tuesday, about midnight, witness, entering the bedroom on hearing a strange noise, found him cutting his throat with a carving knife. His brother had been suffering from the effects of drink. - A verdict of "Felo de Se" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Keyham. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on WILLIAM KING, aged 75 years, practising in the Keyham Barton district. - Mrs Gertrude Davey, wife of a fitter in the Dockyard, said she was formerly deceased's housekeeper, and he resided in Cotehele-avenue. She had known him for over thirty years. He was a licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries, formerly in practice in Reading, and subsequently in New Kent-road, London. On the death of his wife, about 25 years ago, he sold his London practice and about ten years since came to Keyham. DR KING possessed a good practice in London, and whilst his wife was alive kept his carriage. As far as she knew he had no surviving relatives. On Wednesday evening, accompanied by witness and her husband, he went for a walk. On returning he retired immediately to his bedroom. A few minutes afterwards they heard a fall, and on rushing upstairs found him on the floor in a kneeling position, with his head hanging down. They picked him up, but he was dead. Deceased was a native of London. - Dr Davis said on being called to the house about midnight he found MR KING dead. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope, caused by the fatty degeneration of the heart and pericarditis. - P.C. Palmer also gave evidence. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 September 1908
TOTNES - Racecourse Excitement. The Death Of Torquay Hawker. - At Totnes yesterday Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest on GEORGE MICHAEL PILE, aged 49, Pimlico, Torquay. The widow said deceased, a fish hawker, went to Totnes to sell race cards and was in his usual health when he left home. - Isaac Loxton, fish hawker, Torquay, said he saw the deceased at Totnes Station on Wednesday and accompanied him by train to Newton. He complained of feeling awfully bad and giddy. He saw deceased on the racecourse at Totnes after the last race, when he again complained of giddiness and caught hold of a post for five minutes. Later while talking to him, PILE fell on his face and hands. - Detective Paxted of Torquay, said he saw the deceased unconscious on the ground. he was taken to the Cottage Hospital and there died. Dr Walter Chapman, who made a post-mortem examination said he found a small recent bruise near the heart. The organs of the body were healthy, except for deposits of fat. Death was due to the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain, probably caused by excitement. The Jury (Mr r. Hayman, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 September 1908
KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Visitor's Death. Excessive Drinking. - On Saturday an Inquest was held on the body of a man who had given the name of EDWIN HORNSBY, and was found dead on Friday evening at the Ship and Plough Hotel, Kingsbridge, where he had been lodging. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) read a telegram from a relative of the deceased, stating that he could not arrive until Sunday. the man had no relatives in the district. - George J. Harvey, landlord of the Hotel, said the deceased's name was HORNSBY, but he did not know his initials. He came the previous Saturday evening, between 8 and 9 o'clock, with a man from the Albion Hotel. He went away on Sunday and returned on Monday, and had nobody with him. He had no breakfast on Sunday morning and left at about ten o'clock in the morning. Deceased seemed the worse for drink when he came. He had no drink at his house, but had something to eat. He returned by coach on the Monday evening. He did not pay his coach fare, but afterwards gave it to him to pay. HORNSBY went away on Tuesday and Wednesday and got drunk. Food was prepared for him, but he did not know how much he took. On Thursday and Friday HORNSBY remained in bed all day, had fish for breakfast and a chop for dinner, with a whisky and soda. He last saw him alive at two o'clock on Friday afternoon. On going up to his room about a quarter to eight with a light and to see if he wanted anything, he found him dead in bed, quite cold and lying quite natural. The room was not disturbed at all. MR HORNSBY told him he had had unpleasantness with his wife, but did not say where she was. He sent a telegram to London, asking his brother to send him £25. The next morning he (witness) received a cheque for £5, advising him not to let his brother have any money at present. The brother wired from Eastbourne. Since he had been with him HORNSBY had been on the drink, and previously too. - Dr W. T. Webb said on being called he found the man lying in bed and looking very natural. He had not seen him before death. A post-mortem examination showed that the brain was quite healthy, heart was dilated and both kidneys showed signs of Bright's disease. Death was due to heart failure, caused by stopping the drink somewhat suddenly and from cirrhosis of the liver, caused by alcohol. - P.S. Yendell said on the previous Saturday, at 9.30 in the morning, he saw HORNSBY in the street. He was a perfect stranger to him, and was well dressed. He gave him a cup of tea and he pulled round in the afternoon, and on being brought before a magistrate was fined. He gave his name as EDWIN HORNSBY, aged 40, and said he was an independent gentleman. He had been to Salcombe with his wife for six months and had left her, as he was going to remain for a time at Thurlestone. When he left him (witness) he promised to go to the Albion Hotel and have some food, but he did not. Some time afterwards he saw him drive down the street with the Albion man, and was taken to the Ship and Plough Hotel. On the Monday he was at Chillington. On searching deceased's room and his clothes on Friday he found a good dressing case and £2 4s. 6d. in money: also a letter from his brother and another from France. He understood HORNSBY left Salcombe perfectly happy and comfortable and it was said he and his wife were going to London. - The Foreman (Mr C. Head) said the Jury were satisfied that the deceased was EDWIN HORNSBY, aged 40 and that he came by his death through Excessive Drinking.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 September 1908
PLYMOUTH - The Laira Tragedy. Inquest Adjourned For Inquiry. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, opened an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY COLLINGS, aged 60 years, labourer, of Wood View, Crabtree, who was found dead, presumably killed by a motor car, on Embankment-road, Laira, late on Friday night. Superintendent Foot was present on behalf of the Police and Mr W. T. Matthews was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Deputy Coroner said their duty would be very short that day, because they had not really sufficient evidence to properly hold an Inquiry. As they were aware, the Inquest was as to the cause of the death of WILLIAM HENRY COLLINGS, found dead on the Embankment-road at 11.30 on the night of the 4th inst. Apparently his death was due to violence, but they had not any evidence to show how his injuries were caused. They might suspect a good many things, but they wanted to give time to those who were making inquiries to see if they could get actual proof. Therefore, that day it was merely proposed to bring evidence of the identity of the body, that it might be buried and then grant sufficient time for inquiry to see what evidence could be brought. Consequently, it would not avail them to go into suppositions, or the inquiry so far, because it was not satisfactory. There had been a good many conjectures in the papers, and so forth, but they had nothing to do with them. They had to make their own inquiry, and they would have to adjourn until the Police had completed the case to put before them. - SAMUEL COLLINGS, labourer, Claremont-street, said deceased was his brother. He knew nothing of the circumstances connected with his brother's death; he was at work that night. Deceased was married. - The Inquiry was then adjourned until Tuesday, September 15th, at 4 p.m.

EXETER - GEORGE CLARK, aged 60, of Catherine-street, Exeter, a retired engineer, died suddenly on Saturday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Child said death was due to heart failure, following bronchitis.

LODDISWELL - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest yesterday on HERBERT PEDRICK, who was found hanging in a room at Higher Hazlewood Farm, Loddiswell. The Jury returned a verdict "That PEDRICK met his death by hanging, but that there was no evidence to show what reasons he had for taking his life.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Pentille-crescent, Plymouth, yesterday on MISS MARY ANN WATERMAN, aged 76 years, daughter of MR JAMES WATERMAN, boatbuilder. Louisa Badcock said deceased occupied rooms in the house, and was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. Dr Gardiner deposed that when he saw deceased at 8 a.m. on Saturday she had been dead three or four hours. Death was due to heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Heavitree Woman's Death. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest yesterday on MARY JANE HILL, aged 65, widow, of Manor-cottages, Heavitree, at the Heavitree Council Rooms. - Wm. Ernest Chudley, stepson-in-law, said the deceased had her supper at his house on Saturday evening. She partook of bread and cheese and a glass of beer. She had complained many times of pains in the chest and side. - Elizabeth Northcott, who had been attended by the deceased, said she had supper of Quaker oats with the deceased on Saturday night. She (witness) had been an invalid and deceased had visited her about six times a day. Deceased left at ten o'clock on Saturday night and on Sunday morning at ten o'clock she was called by other occupants of the house who thought something was amiss, for when they spoke to the deceased they received no answer. She went into the room and found deceased apparently dead. - P.S. Mortimore said he was called and found MRS HILL dead. She was lying on her left side and the pillow was over her nostrils and mouth. There was an oil lamp in the room and the light burning naked. there was an oily smell in the room. - Mr r. J. Andrews, Surgeon, said the lungs were wholly congested and the heart diseased. Death was due to asphyxia, the result of the congestion of the lungs and from the state of the heart, no doubt accelerated by the closeness of the atmosphere, for it was a small room and close to the roof, to her head being turned in the pillow and to having taken a hearty supper. The direct cause of death was heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. - At Devonport yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on WILLIAM SMITH, aged 45 years, a labourer in the employ of Mr A. N. Coles, contractor, of Plymouth, who died in the Royal Albert Hospital on Friday. Mr H. Lawrence Spear represented Mr Coles. Mr Evans, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present. - Mrs C. M. Burrell of Cambridge-street, Plymouth, said deceased, who had lodged with her for about three years, enjoyed good health and was a single man with no relatives. - William R. Johns, foreman for Mr A. N. Coles, and living at Lipson Vale, Plymouth, said deceased had been in Mr Cole's employ for about nine years. He had recently been engaged in the work of pulling down Stoke Public School. About 7 a.m. on August 14th they were preparing to lower a principal when it turned over and SMITH, who was standing at the foot to steady it, was knocked over the wall into the adjoining court, a distance of about 17 feet. - John Brailey, labourer, living in Belmont-street, Plymouth, said he was sitting on the wall holding the rope attached to the principal, with instructions to keep the principal straight. By some means, however, it slipped and turned over against the wall. He could not account for the slipping of the rope. He was not nervous and the weight was not more than he could hold. - Dr E. A. Shirwell, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, stated that deceased, when admitted, was conscious, but in a state of collapse and completely paralysed in the lower half of his body. He subsequently recovered from his collapsed state, but remained paralysed for three weeks. On Friday last he complained of a tight feeling across the chest and a difficulty in breathing. He was very blue and practically pulseless. Witness administered restoratives, but he became gradually worse and died in about twenty minutes. A post-mortem examination revealed that there had been no fracture in the spinal column, but haemorrhage into the spinal cord, which was the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 September 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, at Devonport yesterday, held an Inquest on TOM EDWARD PEPPIN, a newly-born child. During the evidence of Mrs White, midwife, who attended the mother, it transpired that she was certificated for Torpoint, and not for Devonport, where consequently she had no right to practice. Mrs White admitted she had done wrong, but she took the case to oblige a friend. The Coroner said the matter would be reported to the authorities.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. Shocking Disclosures: Witnesses Censured. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on CAROLINE ALBERTA CROOT, aged 36 of Little Silver, Mrs Laura Willey, of Coronation-road, Wonford, said deceased's father was a thatcher, of Bishopsteignton. She did not know she had been passing under the name of MRS NORTH, her mother's maiden name. So far as she knew she was not married. - John Tyler Horniblow, of Cedars-road, a dealer, said he had known the deceased for three or four years as MRS NORTH. He last saw her alive on Saturday night just before midnight. Earlier in the day she complained to him of being unwell and he went for Dr Miller, who promised to call after a visit to Stoke Canon. He did so, prescribed for her and witness fetched the medicine. He did not know she was drunk when the doctor called at 7 o'clock, but she was in pain. Witness had not given her any spirit that afternoon, neither did he know that anyone else had. He gave her two doses of medicine before he left. As it was too late to get a recommend for the Hospital for the deceased, who resided alone, Dr Miller suggested that she should be conveyed to the Workhouse Infirmary, but he took no steps to do so as it was so late. - The Coroner: Have you been living with her? - No. - did you live with her at Wonford or Prospect-cottages, Bath-road? - I visited her, not lived with her. - Here is a rent book found in her house stating that the tenant's name at 3 Prospect-cottages was Horniblow, rent 3s. 7d. a week? - Yes. - Were you paying the rent of the premises? - No. - How is it the rent book is in your name? - Because I took the place. - That I see was in 1905. Were you living with her at that time? - No. - Although you paid the rent of the rooms? - I never paid the rent. - Witness further stated that he had frequently visited deceased in Little Silver. She had been ill a week or nine days. - Left To Die Alone. - The Foreman: As you were her only personal friend in the City and practically her protector, don't you think you ought to have fetched a medical man sooner and seen that she was properly cared for? - She was against it. She did not like doctors. - Do you think you ought to have left her when you knew she was so ill? - I did not think she was so ill, as she was cheerful and said she would be better in the morning. - Who was with her when she died? - No one. - The Coroner: She was left there to die. - Mrs Kenney, of Little Silver, said she had seen the last witness go to the deceased's house practically every day; sometimes two or three times a day. Another man named Berry, was also a frequent visitor. On Sunday morning Berry called her to deceased's house as he thought there was something wrong. She went and found her dead in bed. As she had not seen her for nearly a fortnight she thought she must be very ill. She spoke to Horniblow about it, but he said she was decidedly better. - Walter J. Wood, of Little Silver, said he understood Horniblow was living in deceased's house until quite recently. Berry and others had also visited the house. He heard a row in the house a fortnight ago between Horniblow and deceased. - Thomas Berry, of Adelaide-court, St. Sidwell's, said he had known deceased for six months through Horniblow, and had been in the habit of going to her house. He was there on Sunday morning. He knocked to the door, but getting no response went upstairs and found her dead. He saw her the day before when she was ill, and he went over on Sunday morning to know the result of the doctor's visit. Horniblow was always to be found at a public-house or at deceased's house. He had never seen deceased drinking to excess. He did not know she was drunk on Saturday. she was in much pain. Horniblow was in the habit of taking her food. - Dr J. Miller said on Saturday evening he found deceased in bed. She reeked with gin and was decidedly the worse for drink. She was also in pain. Horniblow was there. Witness suggested there should be a woman called, but he said he could not get one. He then suggested that she should be looked after during the night and an order obtained to get her removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. He prescribed for her. Next morning Berry called at his house to say she was dead. Witness made a post-mortem examination and found both forearms bruised. Death was due to cardiac failure, the result of chronic dropsy, caused by chronic alcoholism. Every organ showed signs of prolonged drinking. - By the Jury: If she had had medical attendance sooner, and she had been looked after and cared for, it might have prolonged her life for a time. - Horniblow recalled, denied that he was at deceased's house every day. He could not get a woman to look after her, as he knew no one, and Dr Miller said he could not recommend anyone. He stopped there as late as he could. - The Coroner: Where did she get the gin? - I suppose she must have sent for it. - We are not children, you know. - Little girls used to fetch her things. - What little girls? - I don't know; I cannot tell you. - We don't believe that, you know? - I don't wish to make you believe it. - There were several gin bottles found in the bedroom. Do you know anything about them? - I saw one there. Dr Miller said it should be thrown in the dung heap, and I took it away. - Mrs Kenney said she knew of no little girls who fetched deceased drink. Besides a girl could not be served with spirit. - Coroner's Strong Words. - The Coroner said one wondered at first whether the circumstances of the case would not warrant a verdict of manslaughter against Horniblow, but the question was how far the law had placed a duty upon him to look after the woman. If the woman had been married to him there was no doubt they could have returned that verdict against him for leaving the woman in such a condition. The evidence showed both Horniblow and Berry to have acted in a most callous way. It appeared to him that Horniblow was an unmitigated blackguard, for, although he had been living with the woman, he could not stay with her for a few hours during the night when she was so ill and look after her. He was content with dosing her with gin, but had not the common humanity to stay with her. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and the Foreman said they desired that the Coroner should severely caution Horniblow, who had acted in a most brutal and callous way towards the woman. They also thought that Berry should be censured, although they considered he was acting more as a tool of Horniblow. - The Coroner censured both Horniblow and Berry, and addressing the former, said: If you had a horse worth a pound a leg you would have stayed up all night with it; but you have not the heart of a man. I consider you an unmitigated scoundrel. Leave the Court.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 September 1908
CHULMLEIGH - MARY MAYNE, a widow, of Chulmleigh, about 75 years of age, was found dead in her kitchen on Wednesday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Tucker, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to apoplexy. The deceased, who lived by herself, he considered must have died about 3 o'clock in the morning, although the body was not found for some hours afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes.

EXETER - An Exeter Mystery. Death Of A Clerk Of Works. - At an Inquest on JOSHUA SAMUEL MANSFIELD, at Exeter last evening, the widow, who came from Trowbridge, said deceased was 50 years of age. Since last May he had complained of sharp pains in his chest, due to indigestion. Lately he had been at Torquay, but had made arrangements for her to move to Exeter. On Tuesday he wrote her and complained of the pain in his chest, saying the last attack had been more severe than former ones. He did not want to go to the doctor if he could help it. - Mr Street, landlord of the Pack Horse Inn, where the deceased had been lodging since August 6th, said MANSFIELD was clerk of the works at Hele's School and complained of the pains. When advised to see a doctor, he said that did him no good. On Tuesday deceased returned from the works at 10 a.m., with the foreman, who said he had been very ill and brandy had been fetched for him. Deceased went back to the works at about 5 p.m., but in less than an hour returned. Witness told him he must go for a doctor, and he said, "O, very well, I will." He returned and said he had been to four doctors, but they were out, or could not see him, so he went to Timothy White, chemist and got medicine. Friends called to see him and he had brandy, but he kept walking about from room to room complaining of the pains in his chest. At 10.55 witness was called upstairs. MANSFIELD was then falling back and died almost immediately. - C. Burrington, of Russell-terrace, said he saw the deceased take a dose of medicine at the Pack Horse. A week previously deceased had told him that the pains "tore him across the chest." - Dr Raglin Thomas said the result of post-mortem examination, revealed evidence of great irritation of the stomach, such as would be causes by a strong irritant poison, but he had been unable to find out what it was. With the exception of the kidneys, which were congested, the organs were healthy, there was no trace of the mixture he got from the chemist in sufficient quantities to account for the irritation. Either by accident or design, deceased must have taken some strong irritant. Carbolic acid suggested itself to him (witness), but there was no trace of it in the stomach. What he took on Tuesday did not cause his death. - MRS MANSFIELD, recalled, said the deceased had been very cheerful and she never heard him threaten to take his life. She knew he had taken several drugs for the pain. - Wm. Wilkinson Pine, manager at Timothy White's, described the ingredient of the mixture purchased by the deceased and Dr Thomas said these would not be sufficient to cause death. He thought a further analysis might be advisable, but on the other hand, the poison might have been taken so long ago that all trace of it had gone. - The Coroner said the case was a remarkable one. There was no evidence as to the poison being taken by misadventure, was self-administered, or administered by someone else. Mr Tickle had had little time to analyse the contents of the stomach. - Dr Thomas said he should like the glass that deceased took the medicine from to be sent to the analyst, so that the stains on it could be examined. - The Coroner: Certainly. - The Inquest was adjourned for a week.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on ELSIE MAY BEER, aged two days, daughter of GUNNER THOMAS BEER R.G.A., Embankment-road. - Blanche Jackett, spinster, said MRS CLARA BEER was her sister. The baby was all right at quarter-past eight in the morning. An hour later it was dead. Her sister was going to show the baby to a child, when she exclaimed, "Oh, my! It looks funny." Witness at once went for the nurse. She was sure her sister had not slept since 5 a.m. - Nurse E. Parfitt said she attended the mother without a doctor. The child was dead when she was called on Wednesday morning. - Dr Hughes stated that the child was quite healthy. He came to the conclusion, as a result of his post-mortem examination, that the child was held too tightly to the breast. Death was due to suffocation. There were no marks of violence. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 September 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death. Was It Due To Strain? - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY HODGE, 33 years of age, labourer, Norley-place. Mr H. Lawrence Spear represented Pethick Bros, deceased's employers. - Mr G. S. Taylor, H.M. Inspector of Factories was also present. - The Coroner said HODGE was employed by Pethick Bros., and while at work strained himself lifting a heavy stone. He recovered from that, but it was suggested that his death was accelerated by the accident. However, the doctor's evidence would disprove that. - MARTHA ANN HODGE, the widow, said on July 31st deceased strained himself while lifting a stone in the course of his work and had had not been to work since. After some hesitation, she admitted that he sufficiently recovered to walk to his doctor's. Death occurred on Wednesday. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said he had been attending HODGE for some considerable time. he was a chronic invalid. Death was due to syncope caused by internal haemorrhage, due to heart disease of long standing. All the organs of the abdomen were in a healthy condition. The strain had no connection with his death. Deceased was [?] for heavy labour. - By a Juror: If deceased had strained his heart when lifting the stone, he would have died there and then, owing to the diseased condition of the organ. The man was not really fit to do a day's work. The post-mortem examination was conducted in the presence of Dr Lynch, who represented an insurance company and he fully agreed with him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes.

IVYBRIDGE - Suicide At Ivybridge. A Strange Letter. - An Inquest was held at Ivybridge yesterday by Mr C. G. Brian, Deputy Coroner, on JOHN HUXHAM, a retired butcher, 77 years of age. Mr S. Luscombe said he was a nephew of deceased and lived with him at Trelisk villa. About 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening he saw his uncle who had been confined to his bed for some three months and he seemed as usual then. About ten minutes after six next morning he took deceased up a cup of tea. To his astonishment deceased had left the bed and was lying on the floor. - Witness called Mr Parker, a neighbour, who said he thought deceased had broken a blood vessel, but afterwards he saw a razor and said he had cut his throat. Witness went for a doctor. Two razors were afterwards found. Deceased lingered until ten minutes to one on Thursday morning, when he died. - By the Foreman (Mr H. Ley): Deceased had never shown any symptoms of insanity nor had he ever threatened to take his life. He knew of no reason for the act except ill health and the fact that deceased had had a good deal of trouble lately, and he was a man who took trouble inwardly. - Mr G. F. Parker of the Sportsman's Arms, Exeter-road, spoke to finding the deceased on the floor in a pool of blood. As he was living he lifted him up and got him into bed and put a towel to his throat to stop the flow of blood. He thought deceased was conscious, but he could not speak. - Mr T. W. Ogilvie, locum tenens for Dr Cooper, said deceased was alive when he saw him. He had a wound in his throat three and a half inches long, which he attended to. Considering deceased's age, he had no hope of his recovery from the first. He had no doubt the wounds were self-inflicted. He found a piece of paper on the dressing-table on which was written these words:- "Dear Friends, - Weep not for me: love each other: Lord forgive me. J.H." - A Juryman said they all knew deceased. He was one of the most respected men in Ivybridge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 September 1908
BRAUNTON - At the Inquest at Braunton on Saturday on GEORGE WYBERG, of Swansea, a victim of the wreck of the Phyllis Gray, the Jury in returning their verdict of "Accidental Death," added a rider condemning as inefficient and highly unsatisfactory the system of guarding the coast of Barnstaple Bay, and urging the authorities to take prompt measures to remove the standing danger to the lives of mariners.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 September 1908
SOUTH MOLTON - Fatal Fall At Southmolton. - At Southmolton yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on ELIZABETH TUCKER, 88, a widow, of Southmolton. She caught her foot in a piece of carpet in her room on September 7th, and fell, breaking the neck of her thigh. She called to Geo. Sanders, in whose house she was living, and he helped her to bed, a doctor being sent for. - Dr Smyth said deceased died on Saturday as the result of the shock from the accident. It was very rare with a person so old for the bone to unite after a fracture. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1908
EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on THOMAS ABBOTT, 58, pensioner, King's Royal Rifles, found dead in bed on Monday, Dr Stokes attributed death to heart failure, accelerated by bronchitis.

NEWTON ABBOT - JOHN NORMAN, of No. 5 Court, Wolborough-street, Newton Abbot, was yesterday driving a wagon for Vicary and Sons, in whose employ he had been for a number of years. When passing through Queen-street, he slipped off. He was carried into Mr Bibbing's shop, but died immediately. At the Inquest Dr Scruse, who had made a post-mortem, said deceased was suffering from fatty degeneration of the heart and death was due to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Mystery. Motor Car Theory Refuted In Embankment Case. - The Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY COLLINGS, labourer, who was supposed to have been killed by a motor car on Embankment-road, was resumed yesterday before Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner. Mr J. P. Dobell represented the widow. - The Evidence Reviewed. - The Coroner said the Inquest was adjourned for further inquiries by the Police and for a post-mortem examination. The Police had been most assiduous in the matter and their thanks were due to Superintendent Foot, who was acting in the absence of Chief Constable Sowerby, for his able efforts to find out what vehicles passed over the road about the time deceased met with his death. They had been unable to find anything satisfactory. According to the evidence they would hear from the toll-keeper, the deceased was not sober when he passed the toll-house. The gate-keeper described him as rambling-drunk. A woman and another man who also saw him agreed that he had been drinking. Just after deceased passed the toll-gate, at 11.10, a small car passed. The car had been seen, and nothing attached to that. At 11.20 a yellow car passed: they stopped and gave up their ticket and proceeded along the Embankment-road. A man living near by said he looked out of his window and saw that yellow car going at a furious pace; but according to the statement of another man who saw it shortly afterwards, it was going at a very moderate pace indeed. Afterwards two market carts passed at a furious rate and neither of them stopped at the toll-gate to give up a ticket. The Police had been unable to find that those carts had anything to do with the matter. The result of the post-mortem examination came to this, that the deceased had only one abrasion on the forehead, and the doctor would tell them he thought that might have been caused by some kind of protected weapon which fractured the skull, but did not leave any bad external mark. The body was found lying on the left-hand side of the road, with the head towards Laira, which suggested that the man being in a rambling condition might have turned round at the time he was struck. The vehicles were all going in the direction of Plympton. The doctor thought the injury might have been caused by the shaft of a cart, but they were still left very much in the dark about the matter. There was some evidence of the deceased being dragged over the road, but, if so, there were no marks on the body to lead them to suppose he was violently dragged over the road. His overcoat was apparently dragged off him except part of the left arm, and it was difficult to imagine how that could be done. Altogether the occurrence was extremely mysterious. - How The Body Was Found. - Gunner George Harris, R.G.A., stationed at Fort Efford, said about 11 o'clock on the night of the 4th inst., he left Exeter-street, and went home along Embankment-road. A cab and a motor car passed him at a moderate pace. Further on, about 11.20, when nearing the toll-gate at the Laira end, he saw a dark object on the left side of the road. He touched it with his stick and found it was a man. He went on until he met Gunner Jenson, and they returned and found the man was dead. The body was lying on the left side with the head towards Plympton. He had not seen Jenson before that evening. He met him at the junction of the roads at Laira, Jenson having come home by rail motor. There were three gunners ahead of witness all the way along the Embankment: they had passed him at Prince Rock. They must have gone by the body of the deceased. He heard no quarrelling. - To the Foreman (Mr Matthews): Deceased's left hand was in his coat sleeve, but the rest of the coat had been torn off, and was lying ahead of him. - P.C. James Stoneman, who had given evidence at the opening of the Inquest, added that he could not say whether the right sleeve of the overcoat was found inside out. The body was getting cold when he arrived. He had since measured the distance of the marks on the road, which looked as if the body was dragged, and found them extending 14 yards. - The Coroner: The doctor says the body bears no evidence of having been violently dragged on the road, and we presume it was not dragged by a motor car or other vehicle? - Witness: The clothes might have protected him. - Dr Parsloe: But not his hands or his face. - Superintendent Foot: Did you see any marks of feet about? - Witness: No; the road was dry and would hardly show footprints. - William Wilton, the toll-gate keeper, spoke to seeing the cars and carts pass, alluded to in the Coroner's statements. - The Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Parsloe, who made a post-mortem examination of the body, said there was a superficial abrasion about the centre of the forehead about the size of a crown piece. There was another superficial abrasion just under the right eye. Deceased's skull was fractured as the result of direct violence applied to the forehead. It was probably the result of a blow by some protected instrument such as a stick or life preserver, covered with some material. It might have been done by the end of a shaft of a carriage, but he did not think a motor car could have done it. There was no scratch upon the body, nor was the face disfigured, which must have been the case had the body been dragged by some vehicle. - To a Juryman: It is impossible to say how the wound was caused, but in his opinion it was certainly not a motor car. - A Juror asked whether it was possible to have been done by deceased falling down? - Witness did not think so. - A Juror: Was the blow sufficient to have caused deceased to drop at once? - Witness: Oh, yes; immediately he was knocked down he was probably killed; at any rate he was insensible. - Supt. Foot: Is the nature of the blow consistent with a blow from a tire hanging on the side of a motor car? - Witness: I don't think a large tire would make a comparatively small abrasion. He must have had one great crack by something or other more or less smooth; otherwise the wound would have been a jagged one. - A Juror observed that no car or cart could have carried so heavy a body 14 yards without knowing something about it. - Mr Dobell: Was there a wound at the back of the head? - Dr Parsloe: None whatever. - The Coroner said this was evidently a mystery they could not elucidate. This was all the evidence he proposed to call. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict and on their return the Foreman said they had agreed to an Open Verdict - that the deceased was Found Dead on the Laira Embankment-road; how he came by his death there was no evidence to show. - A Juror added that they were quite satisfied with the Police inquiries. The Jury also conveyed their sympathies to the widow, who was present.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 September 1908
TAVISTOCK - Ex-G.W.R. Inspector's Death. - Mr C. G Brian, Deputy Coroner, in opening an Inquest at Tavistock last evening on JOHN BAKER, a retired inspector, G.W.R., explained that the deceased, 67 years of age, had lived at Plymouth all his life, excepting the last few days, when he was staying at Tavistock. He had been attended by Dr Thomson, of Plymouth, who was away for a holiday, and as all attempts to communicate with him had not been successful, there was no one to give a certificate of death. He (Mr Brian) had ordered the Inquest very reluctantly, but he was obliged to do so. - MRS MARY ANN BAKER, the widow, stated that deceased had been regularly attended by Dr Thomson for a general breakdown. He was staying at West-street, Tavistock, with relatives, while she was preparing a house at Ilfracombe, whither they were about to remove from Plymouth. She was at Ilfracombe when her husband died. They had resided in Greenbank-avenue, Plymouth. - Dr Colin Lindsey stated that the cause of death was softening of the brain and senile decay. - Henry Lang, tailor, of Tavistock, with whom the deceased was staying, said he was restless on Saturday evening and very talkative on Sunday. He died on Monday morning quite unexpectedly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Adjourned Exeter Inquest. A Clerk Of The Works' Death. - The adjourned Inquest on JOSHUA S. MANSFIELD, clerk of the works of Hele's School, Exeter, was held yesterday at Exeter. The Inquiry had been adjourned to enable an analysis of the deceased's stomach to be made. - Mr T. Tickle, public analyst, said he had the contents of the stomach and two bottles of medicine and liniment analysed. There was no liniment in the contents of the stomach. There was no excessive dose of the mixture. There was no carbolic acid. No poison or irritant whatever was found in the contents of the stomach. The great irritation was inflammation. It was a common expression to use the word irritation for inflammation. If MR MANSFIELD had taken carbolic acid there would be traces of burning about the throat and mouth. The white stain on the glass (produced) was due to the medicine. The white tablets and [?] (produced) contained no poison. There was a little alcohol in the stomach. - Mr Webley, who had been working with the deceased on the school buildings, said the deceased was a very steady man. Deceased's wife had told him that his father and two of his brothers had died in the same way. - The Coroner said deceased seemed to get the pains whether he was at home (Trowbridge), at Exeter or at Torquay, and they might fairly assume from that, that those pains were not produced by some poison or irritant administered by himself or anyone else. They knew no motive why the deceased should take his life. - The Jury found that deceased died of inflammation of the stomach.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. Ate Apples And Cucumber. - At Devonport yesterday, Mr A. Gard held an Inquest on MILLICENT JANE ANDREWS, the two-year-old daughter of a barman, residing in Hotham-place, Stoke. - The mother stated that the child enjoyed good health. On Tuesday morning she gave it apples and a small piece of cucumber to eat and in the afternoon it vomited considerably. It was taken with a fit shortly before eight o'clock, and her husband went for the doctor. The latter gave her certain instructions which she carried out, but the child died about midnight. She was in the habit of giving the child apples and sometimes a piece of cucumber. She had never known it to have any harmful effect upon the child. - Dr R. B. Wagner said death was due to convulsions, caused by intestinal irritation of undigested food. - The Foreman: Do you consider that the child having been given apples and cucumber had anything to do with its death? - I think that was the cause of it. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 September 1908
TORQUAY - St Marychurch Fatality. Painful Incident. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on ARTHUR H. K. EDWARDS, single, aged 29, son of MR H. J. EDWARDS, builder, Plainmoor-terrace, St Marychurch. Mr L. P. Evans, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was in attendance. - Deceased was in the employ of his father and on Wednesday morning he was standing on a batten on the highest part of the steep roof of the house in Cary Park, preparing it for slating. About four feet from him at work was John Stribling, carpenter, who heard him exclaim "Oh!" On turning around Stribling saw him falling head downwards. He fell first on to the scaffolding and thence to the ground, about 23 feet. Deceased was removed in an unconscious state to Torbay Hospital, where he died, without regaining consciousness on Thursday morning. - Dr Lionel Phillips, House Surgeon at the Hospital said EDWARDS had a small wound on the head and compression of the brain. He was operated upon in the evening with a view of relieving the pressure, which, however, was only done to a certain extent. There were no external marks of fracture of the skull and deceased died from compression of the brain. - The Distressed Father. - MR EDWARDS, father of deceased, said when his son was admitted, Dr Phillips received his consent for an operation, but it did not take place until seven o'clock in the evening. - Mr Phillips replied that the doctors could not operate before, because they had no sign to show where to make the operation until a swelling appeared. - MR EDWARDS who was in an excited and distressed state, said Dr Phillips understood when he came to the Hospital that an operation was needed. It should have been made much earlier. - The Coroner said they all felt very much for MR EDWARDS under the sad circumstances. It was, however, quite clear that when he took his son to the Hospital, the House Surgeon at once thought there might be a possibility of relieving him by an operation at the proper time, but doctors could not operate on the head until there was an indication of the place upon which they could make the operation. As soon as they saw this indication by the swelling which appeared, where they could open the head to relieve the pressure, they proceeded with the operation. - Dr Phillips said deceased was seen by two members of the Hospital staff besides himself and they all came to the conclusion that the operation could not be performed before. Doctors could not make an incision in a man's head indiscriminately. The operation was carried out as soon as possible after the doctors got an indication where to operate. - MR EDWARDS asked the House Surgeon how many hours elapsed between the time his only son was admitted to the Hospital and when the operation was performed. - The Coroner, however, said he could not allow any more questions to be asked. - In summing up, the Coroner suggested that the only solution as to how the occurrence happened was that deceased over-balanced himself. As to the question that had been asked by MR EDWARDS, they must make every allowance for a father who naturally felt it very badly, but he must point out to him that the doctors acted to the best of their discretion and quite in accordance with common sense. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their deep sympathy with deceased's father in his bereavement, and also the opinion that no one was to blame.

PLYMOUTH - Lift Fatality. Jury Find The Directors Somewhat To Blame. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES ROGERS, 35, single, living at Rounds-place, who died on Thursday from injuries sustained by the fall of a lift at the Millbay Soap Works on the previous day. Mr G. S. Taylor, H.M. Inspector of Factories; Mr W. Angear, Managing Director of the Millbay Soap Company and New Patent Candle Company; and Mr F. B. Westlake, late chairman of the Millbay Soap Company, were present. - John Albert Moule, soap boiler, said deceased was his brother-in-law. On Wednesday afternoon he heard screams followed by a crash. He found Hayward on his back in the gangway and ROGERS hung up by his foot between the "trimmer" floor and the top framework of the hoist. Other workmen arrived and with difficulty deceased was released. He said he was in pain, but did not explain how the accident happened. The men were accustomed to go up and down the lift. He had himself used it and at times carried up as much as two tons. - Henry Figg, labourer, deposed to seeing the lift fall and hearing the occupants shout "Jack, jack, save me." He ran down the stairs to their assistance. ROGERS, in explanation of the accident, said the hoist would not act. - Cause Of The Accident. - The Coroner: What is your theory as to the cause of the catastrophe? - My reason is that the hoist has not been in working order for a long time. He had not complained to anybody; only among themselves. I understood the secretary had been told of it. - My opinion is that you have not carried out your duty in not reporting it to a responsible official. Have you ever cautioned any of these men? - The men who were in the lift knew if more than I did. - Did they know it was defective? - ROGERS said the thing was defective. - Why did he work it? - Because he was told to work it and had to do it. - By whom? - Mr Claydon. - Do you know Mr Claydon knew of it? - I can't say. - You are making a serious statement. - I am telling you the truth, that is all. - I hope you are. You have given us to understand that Mr Claydon was informed of it. Now you say you do not know whether Mr Claydon knew of it? - No. - When was the last time you worked this lift? - The day before. I did not go in it myself. I have not for a long time. - Why. Because you thought it was defective? - I was sure it was. - Yet you never informed a responsible person. I do not know what the Jury will think. I know what I do. - A Juror: Was any individual told off to periodically examine the lift? - No. - Tom, Dick, or Harry did it? - Anybody, if he worked the hoist had to do it. - The Inspector elicited from witness that the lift worked quite satisfactorily the previous day. When was the lift defective then? - On two occasions before. The last occasion was about a fortnight ago. After I left the lift it dropped a foot. - Did it come up readily when you moved the chain? - Fairly well. Sometimes it would go down a foot, sometimes only half a foot. - At any rate you could get it up again all right. - The Coroner: In this amalgamation, are all the hands being taken over? - I don't know. - Are you being taken over? - I don't know. - Hesitating Witness - Fredk. Baker, labourer, said the hoist came up beyond its proper distance and ROGERS tried unsuccessfully to stop it. The framework struck the joist with considerable force, which sent the lift down again. - A little hesitancy on the part of witness drew from the Coroner the remark that the witnesses seemed to be keeping something back. - Continuing, Baker said the lift worked properly the previous day. - A Juror: Were you in the habit of going up? - Yes. I saw no fear. - The Coroner: Have you ever known it defective? - I have heard so from the other men. - I don't want to know what you have heard. Have you found it out of order? - Well, it would not stop properly at times. I never complained to anybody. - Do you remember it ever going up and bumping against this beam? - Yes; six months ago, when Prettyjohns was in it. He told me he made a complaint. - Have you ever known the winch that drives the hoist out of order? - yes, I have heard of a flaw in the drum. - Did you say anything about it to anybody? - No. - A Juror: Were they afraid to report? - The Coroner: I don't know. He does not say he saw it, but that he heard so. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr W. J. Southern): It seems to be all hearsay evidence. - William Claydon, manager, said he had been in the employ of the company about ten years. The lift was registered to carry 5 tons. About six months ago I was told the chain over-ran. I examined it myself and found it rather sticky in the pulley through being a little short of oil. - Since then have you had any complaint? - Nothing, neither directly nor indirectly. - A Juror: Were you aware any man considered it unsafe? - No. - When was it last examined by a practical man? - It has not been tested in my time. I use the lift myself and take the directors up in it when they come. - The Inspector: It is quite possible that when this accident happened the friction clutch seized again? - That is what I think happened. Of course, one of them might have pulled the wrong chain. It is quite possible the framework was strained six months ago when the chain over-ran. - So that when the chain over-ran on this occasion the shock was sufficient to fracture the framework and pull the drum away, leaving the engine with no control after that. The fact of the drum giving away from the framework would put a strain on the chain, and prevent the safety catches coming into action? - Yes. - Can you explain the lift dropping as Figg described? - I think that was due to the chain getting slack. The chain was quite right and in working order this week. - The House Surgeon, S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said deceased's left leg was severed below the knee and the left arm was hanging. There was a compound fracture of the right leg and the right arm was badly smashed. - Factory Inspector's Views. - Mr Taylor stated that on visiting the works the day following the accident he found the winch drum was completely pulled away from the framework, owing to the fracture of the frames. The metal was quite sound, but the fracture on the lower part of the right frame, had evidently been in existence for some time. Since hearing the evidence of Mr Claydon he was of opinion that that fracture was produced when the cage over-ran on the previous occasion, and the framework received a shock, and that a rather more severe shock on this occasion, fractured the framework altogether and pulled the drum away. It was very difficult to say whether this fracture could have been detected if an examination had been made by a practical man. It was a very fine fracture. When the accident occurred the engine and other parts had no control over the hoist, which was simply suspended by the drum. The chain was quite intact. One of the safety catches had parted and stopped the cage, but it was evident they had not come fully into action owing to the weight on the engine drum. From the position in which ROGERS was found, he should say he attempted to escape by pushing himself out under the two safety rails, but before he could get through the cage came down and trapped him. There was every probability that if the men had remained in the cage they would not have been injured. The periodical examination of hoists in ordinary factories was not compulsory. - A Juror: Don't you think it should be? - Yes. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that there was a certain amount of blame attached to the directors in not having the machinery periodically examined by a practical man. - Mr Westlake joined with the Coroner and Jury in expressing sympathy with the relatives and said the company were anxious to demonstrate it in a practical way. - Alfred Hayward, who sustained injuries in the same accident, is making satisfactory progress.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 September 1908
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple discovery. Servant Girl's Confession To Police. Inquest And Verdict. - At Barnstaple last evening Mr A. Bencraft, Coroner, held an Inquest on the infant child found on Saturday on the Corporation refuse heap at Pottington, and which was stated to be the supposed child of EDITH STEVENS, 18, domestic servant. The latter, in consequence of a statement made by her, is now under arrest. Inspector A. Tucker represented the Police. - The Coroner described the finding of the body and stated the mother on being cautioned made an admission to the Police From the medical evidence it would appear that the child if not quite still-born, was nearly so and the cause of death appeared to have been haemorrhage, which would occur unless means were taken to prevent it. - Edward Radcliffe, municipal dustman, spoke to finding the body at the refuse depot on Saturday morning. The body appeared to have been wrapped in paper, the head having been in a separate parcel. The arms and legs were missing. - George Bennett stated that the ashes in the load in which the body was found came from the right-hand side of Fort-street, and he noticed nothing amiss. When he brought in another load to the depot the previous witness reported what he had found and witness took the remains to the Police Station. - P.S. tucker took the body to Dr J. R. Harper's surgery and afterwards to the mortuary at the North Devon Infirmary. On Sunday he went to 45 Fort-street, and the drains were examined with a view to finding the remains missing, but without result. - P.C. S. Hill spoke to going to 45 Fort-street on Sunday, where he saw Mr and Mrs H. G. W. McWhinnie and EDITH STEVENS, who was a domestic servant there. The girl knew he was a Police officer, and he cautioned her and charged her with concealment of birth. Before he charged her, however, STEVENS confessed, saying at two o'clock the previous Wednesday she was surprised to give birth to a child. She further said she did not know there was anything the matter. After she saw what it was, the girl added, "I went into the kitchen after a knife; then I went out and cut it up." The head and body she put on the ashbin, recovering it with ashes. The legs and arms she put in the lavatory. This confession, which the officer wrote in his note-book, the girl afterwards signed. - Dr H. C. Jones described the remains as those of a male child, but there were missing the lower jaw and most of the neck, both arms and legs. The organs were healthy. None of the wounds on the body or head showed evidence of being inflicted before death. The lungs showed signs which pointed to their having been fully distended. - The Coroner: That means to say, the child breathed? - Yes. - Witness's conclusions were that the air formed evidence, but not conclusive proof that the child lived. The bloodless condition of the organs and the heart in particular, made it probable that the child died of haemorrhage following the birth. - The Coroner: Do you think a girl in this position would know what to do? - Witness did not think that a question for a medical man. He could not say whether there was negligence. Given that the girl's story was true in regard to the circumstances of the birth it was quite possible that life could not have been saved in any way. - The Coroner did not think there was any evidence before the Jury which would amount to manslaughter or a more serious charge. With the charge of concealment of birth, for which they had heard the girl had been arrested, they had nothing to do. Therefore the safest and best verdict for them to come to was in accordance with the medical testimony that the child died from haemorrhage. - After a short retirement, the Jury found that "The child died at 45 Fort-street, from haemorrhage."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 September 1908
EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WILLIAM C. BROWN, aged 88, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Some time ago deceased fell forward when about to ascend the stairs and cut his cheek. Dr Child said death was due to shock, acting upon his condition of senile decay.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 September 1908
NEWTON ABBOT - Kingsteignton Fatality. Two Months With A Broken Spine. - At Newton Abbot yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on ERNEST HARRY PURCHASE, 43, a claycutter, in the employ of Watts, Blake and Bearne, in Binney Mine, Kingsteignton. On July 16th deceased was engaged with two other men cutting a new gallery adjoining an old one, a wedge-shape "leg" of clay being between. The sides and roof were timbered to within 3ft. 6in. of the spot in which the men were working - the regulation distance being 4ft. Deceased and William Reddaway ceased work in order to have lunch and the former sat down with his back to the "leg" of clay. He had only been there a few seconds when a lump of clay, weighing about 4cwt., came away from the side of the "leg" and pitching on his head forced it down between his legs. Taken to Newton Hospital it was found he had a fracture of the spine. Deceased lived until Wednesday. The Government Inspector spent three days on the works at the end of August and he did not think it necessary to attend the Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury adding that they considered every reasonable precaution was taken in the mine against accidents. - Mr L. E. Bearne (Watts, Blake, and Bearne) expressed regret that the accident should have taken place and sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 September 1908
LYNTON - Lynton Cliff Fatality. The Inquest: Plucky Boatmen. - At Lynton on Saturday was held an Inquest on MRS VIOLET MOLYNEUX, 41, widow, of Prince of Wales-street, Kensington, whose body was found on Friday at the foot of the cliffs below the North Walk, which is an alternative route to the Valley of Rocks. The walk is a cliff path and although for its grater length unrailed, is perfectly safe, being as wide as an ordinary pavement and having a good surface. On the one side the cliff rises above the path and seaward there is a sheer drop of some 300 feet. No previous fatality on the North Walk is remembered. - Mr E. G. Claremont, of Lawn House, Deal, said MRS MOLYNEUX, his sister, had been staying at the Torrs Hotel, Countisbury. She had written him that she had gone to Lynton to sketch the scenery and enjoy the hunting. As far as he knew she never suffered from fits of giddiness. - Richard Burgess, boatman to whom the finding of a camera and parasol on the edge of the cliff was reported, spoke to going around in a boat with others and finding the body, which they brought to Lynmouth. - Gertrude G. Charlton, of the Torrs Hotel, said deceased had been at Lynton a fortnight. On Friday morning she left the Hotel soon after 8.30, to take photographs from the North Walk. - Mr W. E. Hurcombe, jeweller, who found the camera on the North Walk, said the parasol was some six feet down the cliff. He got it up by hooking it. He could not call the place dangerous but twenty or thirty feet further down was a sheer drop. He at once reported the matter to the Police, as he was unable to observe signs of anyone in the vicinity. He later watched Captain Crocombe and his crew come ashore, and at considerable risk scale the very dangerous cliff near the base of the precipice. Fifteen years ago his grandfather, then aged 88, told him he never recollected anyone having fallen over the cliffs there. - Search for the body along the face of the cliff itself was made by James Hobs, who said he descended about 150 feet without seeing anything and then saw a white envelope about 100 yards off. From there he saw the lady's hat, caught in a furze bush. There he saw marks. - The Coroner: Ordinary footsteps? - No. As if anyone had pitched hard there. - A Juror: Do you think there is any possibility of a lady going from the walk down to the first ledge? - There is a possibility. The real danger does not come until some 50 feet further down. - Dr Edwards said he injuries to the lady's head, including a fractured skull, were sufficient to have caused instantaneous death. - The Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown), summing up, thought there was no doubt deceased ventured too far and met with an accidental death. The search by Mr Hobbs was a very plucky one and it was also very plucky of the boatmen to recover the body in the way they did. It was a matter of regret to him that as Coroner he could not adequately compensate them, but he hoped they would not go altogether unrewarded. He had seen the letter which was found and in which was nothing which could possibly have any bearing on the matter. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and expressed sympathy with the relatives in which expression it was said the whole of the inhabitants of Lynton and Lynmouth shared. - Mr Claremont acknowledged the Jury's sympathy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 September 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Baby's Death. - An Inquest was held at Keyham yesterday on SAMUEL GEORGE STANDHAM, aged sixteen months, the son of an engineer employed at the Devonport Gasworks, and residing in Victory-street. - The mother stated that the child had one of its hands severely burnt on Monday last through placing it on one of the bars of the grate. It was afterwards seized with convulsions, and died. Dr Kenrick attributed death to convulsions following burns. - In returning a verdict accordingly the Jury expressed disapproval at the mother failing to provide a fire-guard, and requested the Coroner (Mr J. A Pearce) to caution her.

STOKE DAMEREL - MRS HARRIETT CHILDS, aged 49, the wife of a tailor living in Mount-street, Devonport, was found kneeling by the side of her bed early on Saturday morning and died shortly afterwards. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr McElwaine said death was due to pleurisy.

GREAT TORRINGTON - JANE FARTHING, aged 90, while a resident at the Alms Houses, Torrington, fell, fracturing her arm. Her son, THOMAS LOCK, had her removed to his home in Well-street and there she died on Saturday. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 September 1908
UGBOROUGH - At the adjourned Inquest at Bittaford yesterday on WILLIE LANG, aged 22, who met his death in one of the Redlake clay-pits, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to Carbolic Poisoning."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Suicide. Depression After A Brother's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday on EMILY SARAH PENNY, aged 30, wife of FREDERICK HENRY PENNY, tailor, Vanguard-terrace, Devonport. MR PENNY said he last saw his wife alive at 7.55 a.m. on Monday, when he left home. She was then in low spirits, as she had been for two months in consequence of the death of her brother. Owing to depression she had been to Dr Rolston, who gave her medicine. She had never made any threat to take her life. They lived happily together. They had two children and were not in financial difficulties. Deceased left no writing that he knew of. On Sunday she was better than she had been for some time. Her health was usually good, and nothing occurred that led him to think her mind was unsound. - James H. Purdie, labourer in the Dockyard, who lived in the same house, said about 8.45 a.m. on Monday MR PENNY'S little boy was crying and called him upstairs. After he had been sitting there about five minutes, the boy said something like "Mammie put string round neck." He immediately went downstairs and in the bedroom, the door of which was open, he found MRS PENNY, hanging to the bedstead, and kneeling down with her back to the bedstead. He cut the rope, and, having released the knot round her throat, went for a doctor. He had noticed a great change in her since her brother's death. MR and MRS PENNY lived a happy life. He had no suspicion that deceased was likely to take her life. - Dr J. H. Kendrick said when he arrived at the house about 9 a.m. MRS PENNY was dead, but the body was warm. It was useless to make any efforts at resuscitation. Death was due to suffocation from hanging. - P.C. A. J. Palmer produced the rope by which deceased was found hanging, and said he thoroughly examined the rooms, but found no writing by deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed their sympathy with the husband and thanks to Mr Purdie.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 October 1908
TIVERTON - Tiverton Child's Death. - WILLIAM PASSMORE, the five-year-old son of GEORGE PASSMORE, bootmaker, Bampton-street, Tiverton, was left in bed on Tuesday morning whilst his mother went to Mr Barnwell's shop in Park-street. She had just reached the shop, when she heard shouting and a neighbour told her that her boy was on fire. It is thought that the little fellow must have been coming downstairs as his mother left and seeing the kettle boiling on the fire attempted to take it off, and caught his linen nightshirt on fire. His screams brought in Mr Arthurs, who lives close by and he immediately pulled off the burning garment. The mother at once took the child to the Infirmary, where he died about noon yesterday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest. The Coroner remarked on the danger of unguarded fires when children were about. Guards could be bought for two-pence. He praised the prompt and neighbourly action of Mr A. Arthurs, who in tearing off the child's clothes burnt his hands.

EXETER - Dawlish Man's Suicide. An Invalid And Out Of Work. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on JOHN TUCKER NORTHWAY, draper's assistant, aged 36, who had lately lived with his parents at Manor-row, Dawlish, and whose body was found in the River Exe early on Tuesday morning. - THOMAS P. NORTHWAY, of Dawlish, said he last saw the deceased on Saturday, when he seemed rather depressed, as he often was. About 18 months ago he attempted suicide and was discharged by the magistrates on the condition that his father would look after him. On Monday evening he was told that the deceased had gone to Exeter with friends. He came to Exeter on Tuesday morning and heard he had been drowned. Deceased went away in a hurry from home. He suffered from an ailment. A Mrs Voisey (mentioned in a communication), who had been a witness in the case when deceased was charged with attempted suicide, was disliked by the deceased. - Ernest Mellish, a Council watchman, said that at 10.30 on Monday night he saw NORTHWAY walking up and down in a mysterious manner, near Tremlett's Paper Mills. The last he saw of him was when he walked in the direction of St. David's Station. - P.C. Parrish said on Tuesday morning at 12.20 he saw a gentleman's overcoat hung on the railings and a walking stick by the side. In the pocket of the coat was a note. He climbed over the railings and saw a cap in a boat. Shortly afterwards he recovered the body, with the assistance of a G.W.R. fireman named Matthews. Artificial respiration for half an hour was of no avail. - Dr J. A. W. Pereira said death was due to drowning. - By the Foreman: Deceased had been an invalid for eight years and was out of work. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Suicide. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on PHILIP GEORGE BAILEY, a labourer, found hanging in the house, Higher Brook-street, recently occupied by his father. - CHARLES BAILEY said he found his brother hanging to a beam, quite dead. He had been much depressed owing to his father giving up the house, as he feared he (deceased) would have to go to the Workhouse. PHILIP BAILEY, the father, age 81, said his son was 58 years of age. He had had to maintain him (deceased) and had told him he could do so no longer. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 October 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Death In Police Cell. Petty Officer's Night Out And The Sequel. Police Discretion. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM GEORGE DREW, petty officer, H.M.S. Mutine. The deceased was apprehended for drunkenness in Waterloo-street, Stoke on Tuesday night and early the following morning was discovered dead in a cell at the Police Station. The Mutine was represented by Lieut. C. M. Gibson, Lieut. R. C. Hayes and Surgeon A. McCloy. Mr J. Lawrence represented the Executive Petty Officers' Benefit Society. Mr K. Eyton Peck appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - William J. Driver, petty officer, 2nd class, said he had known deceased from boyhood. DREW was a sail-maker's mate, serving in the Mutine and unmarried. He drank a little and was V.G. for character. - How An Evening Was Spent. - Horace Beattie, petty officer, 2nd class, the Mutine, cautioned by the Coroner, said at six o'clock on Tuesday evening deceased, Able Seaman W. Wilson and himself went ashore. They proceeded to William-street, and deceased and Wilson went into the Silver Tree public-house. Witness left them, but arranged to meet them twenty minutes later in the Silver Tree. He did so and they had one drink each, deceased having porter. They remained for about five minutes and then all three went for a walk across Devonport Park. After spending ten minutes or a quarter of an hour in the Park, they proceeded to the Railway Inn, Waterloo-street, and remained there until about two minutes to eleven. During most of the evening they were playing games, joking and skylarking. They had four pints each during the evening, deceased continuing to drink porter. The public-house was left at eleven o'clock for the ship. Deceased walked between witness and Wilson up the hill and deceased was rather inclined all the time to be skylarking with Wilson. Witness went on a little in front of the two. Deceased got hold of Wilson from behind and they fell. DREW was [?] with Wilson. Both fell backwards. Wilson got up and with witness helped DREW on his feet and off the wet pavement. DREW said he was all right as he was being lifted up, but he commenced to vomit porter. The Police came up and tried to get DREW on his feet. After this DREW appeared helpless and the Police asked them to get him away. The Police assisted him to a seat in the Park. Once or twice before, when DREW had only two or three pints of beer, he would sleep off or go into a swoon. The Sergeant of the Police saw that Wilson and himself could not take the deceased to the ship and said it would be best to take him to the Police Station. A small spring cart was secured and deceased was placed in it. - By the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce): They had been to the Railway Inn on previous occasions, but not stopped so long before. To his knowledge deceased had only five pints of porter. - No Quarrelling. - There had been no quarrelling? - No; none whatever. DREW was skylarking. We were having a jolly time at the Railway Inn, mostly playing rings. There was no dispute of any kind between DREW and Wilson, they were the best of friends during the sixteen months they had been on the Mutine. - By the Jury: I do not think he hurt his head when falling, because he said he was all right. DREW appeared dazed, he frequently got dazed, and appeared like a log. He informed the Police Inspector that DREW would go off dazed at times. - Were you quite satisfied with the treatment of the Police? - Yes, they did everything they could for DREW. - In answer to Mr Peck witness said DREW was not drunk. He fell flat on his back and head on the centre of the pavement. - Chief Constable Watson: Was Wilson drunk when you left the Silver Tree? - No. - Did DREW only have fits or swoons when he had some drink? - Only when he had some drink, then he would be like a log and fall over. He never had the fits or swoons when sober. - A Bit Of Skylarking. - William Wilson, able seaman, H.M.S. Mutine, stated that at the Silver Tree, DREW and himself had a pint of beer each. It was not porter. At the Railway Inn they had four more pints of beer each. After they left the Railway Inn, they went up the hill towards Devonport. He stopped by the cabstand to light his pipe and DREW came up behind and caught him around the shoulders, apparently doing a bit of skylarking. DREW fell backward on the pavement, his feet slipping away. He fell back on DREW. Soon afterwards he tried to get DREW on his legs. Beattie also assisted. Quite 20 minutes after the deceased fell he said he would soon be all right. - The Coroner: Beattie was wrong if he said the man drank porter? - Perhaps he did not quite remember. - Continuing, witness said Beattie went into the Silver Tree and remained there the whole time; and only left the premises for a short period. - There is a discrepancy in the evidence of Beattie and yourself. You, however, agree that deceased was under the influence of drink, but not drunk? - When a man is drunk he cannot look after himself and would not be able to walk. Deceased was able to walk without help. When DREW had drink he would "fall off" get dazed and sleep. - A Juror: Do you think you accidentally kicked the man when he fell? - No. - Police Evidence. - P.S. David Moore deposed that he saw DREW on his knees in Waterloo-street and Beattie and Wilson were attempting to hold him up. DREW was vomiting and Beattie said he would soon be right; it was only a drop of beer. he superficially examined the deceased, and saw that no bones were broken. Asked whether DREW had been drinking spirit, Beattie replied, "I do not know what he had in Plymouth, but he had only four pints of beer whilst with me. When he has two or three pints he is often like this, or else he is sky-larking." Beattie was sober. When he saw him first, DREW kept on saying "All right," and mumbling. Beattie at the Police Station said, "It is only a drop of drink. I have seen him like it before; let him have a few hours' sleep and he will be all right." Inspector Webber came to the conclusion that DREW was drunk and two constables took him to the cell. The Inspector told P.C. Shopland to pay extra attention to DREW and give him an extra blanket. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said at the Police Station he felt the pulse of deceased and opened his eyelids. He had no doubt DREW was drunk. He was unconscious and breathing hard, just like a drunken man. witness had seen scores of men in a like condition. If he had found DREW by himself in the street he would have taken him to the Royal Naval Hospital, the man being almost unconscious. But from what his shipmates said he decided to remove DREW to the Police Station. - A Juror: Didn't you think it was a case for calling a doctor? - We have a lot of cases of drunkenness where people become unconscious. - Don't you think it would have been more humane to send for a doctor? - Not under the circumstances. We have to exercise a great deal of discretion in these matters. - What do you think caused the unconsciousness? - I thought it was the drink. - Does it make men like that? - We have a lot of them here at times. - The Coroner: A large number of persons get unconscious through drink. - Watching Of Persons In Custody. - Inspector Webber, Devonport Police, said when brought in DREW'S pulse was fairly good. He could not discover any bruises or injuries. After hearing what the Sergeant and Beattie and Wilsons aid, he came to the conclusion that he was drunk. Beattie said he did not think that deceased was injured by the fall. Beattie further said he had sometimes seen DREW in that condition when he had drink on board. Later Beattie said it was a common thing to see DREW in that condition. DREW was placed in a cell and Constable Shopland was given orders to see to him. Persons locked up in the cells drunk were given continuous observation. If there was any doubt, a medical man was sent for. When he returned from his rounds at two o'clock in the morning, Shopland informed him that DREW had died. An examination was made of the body in the mortuary, and no bruises were found. - In answer to the Jury, Inspector Webber said persons in custody were examined every quarter of an hour. One Policeman was on duty, but a second or more could be immediately provided for an emergency. In the cell was a wooden bed and a mattress. - P.C. Shopland stated that he made quite half a dozen visits to DREW in the cell. At 12.50 DREW had removed his hand from his head and at 1.8 he distinctly heard him breathing. Another Constable and himself visited the cell at 1.25 and then DREW was dead. DREW was carried to the cell most carefully. One blanket was placed under the head and two covered the body. - By the Coroner: It was usual for two Constables to visit when a prisoner was inside the cell. A prisoner might be shamming, and if only one Constable entered he might be assaulted and the prisoner escape. - The Cause Of Death. - Dr McElwaine, who had made a post-mortem examination, said DREW had a small bruise on the left elbow. On the right side of the scalp was a bruise between the scalp and the bone, with dark clots of blood. Commencing at this part of the skull and extending under the nose was a fracture. there was a considerable amount of dark blood around the substance of the brain. There was no haemorrhage into the brain system, and the heart was healthy. Traces of old standing pleurisy were found in both lungs, especially the right. In the stomach was no food but a considerable quantity of porter. The cause of death was concussion of the brain from an effusion of blood caused by a fracture of the base of the skull. The fracture might have been caused by falling on a pavement and was consistent with the story of the witnesses. The bruise on the elbow was also consistent with falling back and sustaining a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner: Do you think if you had been called before DREW was placed in the cell you could have done anything? - I am sure I could not, because there was a large effusion of blood on the brain. - If DREW had been kicked and badly used there would have been several marks? - Yes; but there was no external mark except this small bruise on the elbow. - Beattie: I am perfectly satisfied there was no foul play. - An Unusual Case. - The Coroner said the Jury would have to consider whether the death of DREW was due to an accident or to the act of any person or persons. He had no reason to doubt the evidence of the witnesses except that Beattie had made slight discrepancies in one or two places with reference to the visits to public-houses on the night in question. The Police seemed to have done everything they could to assist DREW when they discovered him, and were willing that his comrades should take him away. Sergt. Moore appeared to have had every consideration for the man. The Police also exercised their discretion by putting DREW in the cell without calling in a medical man. It was a matter of discretion and the officers had great experience in those matters. Until such time as Parliament passed a law making it absolutely essential that all persons brought to the Police Station hopelessly drunk were to be examined by a medical man, the Police must exercise their discretion. This was a most unusual case. In the course of his sixteen years' experience as a Coroner there had only been one similar case of a person dying in the cells of the Police Station. This showed that the Police exercised their discretion wisely. - A Juryman expressed the opinion that as the man was unconscious, the Police ought to have called in a doctor. If they had it would have been more satisfactory. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner asked the Jury if they thought the Police were in any way to blame, and four announced by uplifting their hands that they thought some blame did attach to the Police. the others were of opinion that the Police had exercised a proper and wise discretion.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 October 1908
PLYMOUTH - Bath Minister's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on REV. RICHARD EDGCOMBE, aged 65, retired United Methodist minister of Bath. Deceased who had been staying with his sisters at Plymouth, was found lying dead in his bed on Saturday morning with the head in a pool of blood. He had been unwell for some time but was not worse than usual when he retired on Friday night. Mr Rendle who had made a post-mortem examination said both lungs were inflamed and an abscess on one had eaten through a blood vessel. Death was due to pleurisy. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

NORTHAM - Appledore Woman's Death. Her Husband Censured. - An Inquest was held at Appledore yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown on MABEL JENKINS. WALTER JENKINS, bargeman, her husband, said she was 32 years of age. he last saw her alive about midday on Saturday and gave her 25s. Returning home at 1 a.m. on Sunday morning he found her lying on the step in the passage. He called a neighbour named Young and when he came, lifted her up. Her face was quite cold. When he first saw her he thought she was drunk, as he had found her many times in that condition. There was no money left on her person. He did not make any inquiry where she had been or how she had spent the money. - The Coroner: If you had lost a cat or a dog would you not have cared? - Had you been drinking? - Witness said he had and continuing stated that he had five children and that he called the three eldest out of bed to see their drunken mother, but he made no attempt to lift her up. - Mrs Young stated that she saw deceased about 11 p.m. on Saturday. She was then drunk. The husband called her between 1 and 2 o'clock on Sunday morning. MRS JENKINS was then lying in the passage dead. - Mr Young said the woman was lying on her stomach and her face was quite cold. - Dr W. N. Andrews said when he saw the body at 2.27 a.m., her head was resting on a step, she had been dead from two to four hours. He had made a post mortem examination and found a bruise on the temple and a fracture of the left side of the skull. There was no sign of any food in the body. Death was due to the fractured skull. Three of the children stated that they put themselves to bed and did not see their mother after. - The Coroner's Strictures. - The Coroner, summing up, said the evidence showed a most despicable state of affairs. here was a man who saw his wife at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and did not come home again until 1.30 on Sunday morning. He stated he was in different houses until eleven o'clock and said he was sober. That statement he [?] His wife he alleged was drunk and that she was frequently drunk. Whilst neighbours said they never saw her drunk until on that occasion. Mrs Young who lived next door, never saw her drunk before. Why should this woman suddenly start drinking on the Saturday and get in this condition without some cause or reason? - When her husband came home and found his wife lying on the floor he said she was dead drunk and went out and fetched a neighbour. Then he returned and looked at her, but never made any attempt to revive her, or to see if anything could be done for her. They treated her like one who [?]in and finding a cat, gave it a kick to put it out. It was simply horrible and a more callous state of affairs it had never been his duty to inquire into. It seemed to him the man treated the [?]. The man stated that he called his children downstairs to witness the horrible spectacle of his wife, their mother, drunk on the floor. It was most inhuman, but he believed it was [?] The husband admitted he made no attempt to find out where his wife was from the time he left her. He did not care where she went or what happened to her. If he had come home and found the cat dead he probably would have created a row with the neighbours about it, but this was his wife, and it was a case of "Oh, it's all right, we need not do any more about it." It was a deplorable state of affairs and the sooner the man made up his mind to give up the drink the better for his family and himself. A man who came home and finding his wife dead on the floor without trying to find out anything about it was bound to come to a very bad end. The medical evidence showed that the woman died from a fractured skull. The question was, how that fracture was caused. It must have been by a very violent blow. Did she fall and sustain it or did someone hit her? - They had no evidence that anyone was in the house after she was last seen alive at 11 p.m. by Mrs Young when she was sitting in a chair. The children heard nothing. The little boy started to tell him that his mother fell downstairs. That never entered the boy's head of his own accord, but it was suggested to him by someone to say that. - Mrs Bennett, a sister of deceased, interposing said she heard from her sister on Thursday week that she was starving and she sent her 2s. The deceased had not spoken for a fortnight to her husband, who, added Mrs Bennett, treated his wife very cruelly. She had shown her bruises on her arm where the husband had gripped her. The Jury (Mr G. Westlake, Foreman) returned a verdict that "Deceased died from a Fracture of the Skull, but that as to how it was caused there was no evidence to show." They added a rider censuring the husband for his callous conduct. - The Coroner concurred and severely reprimanded the husband for his inhuman conduct. If there had been a single bit of evidence upon which he could have directed the Jury to have brought in a verdict of manslaughter, he should have done so. JENKINS might think himself lucky that there was nothing there upon which they could bring in such a verdict against him. He presumed his callousness and absolute want of feeling s were due to drink and he hoped this would be a warning to him. He trusted he would never have a similar case in Appledore. they might be sure he would probe it to the bottom.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 October 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Mystery. Naval Stoker Drowned. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM FRANCIS WALTERS, aged 24, stoker 1st Class, H.M.S. Niobe. Mr E. K. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Mr J. C. Edwards, gunner of the Niobe, said deceased was a native of Dundalk, was unmarried and had a very good character. On Saturday evening there were only six on board the cruiser. It was surmised that the deceased over-balanced and fell overboard. - Mr H. Morris, stoker 1st Class of the Niobe, said about 6.30 p.m. on Saturday he was in the mess, when he heard someone shouting and was told there was a man overboard. He rushed to the port foremost gangway, but could see nothing. Stepping on something soft, he found it was the cap of WALTERS, his messmate. They searched between the ship's side and the caisson but could find nothing. It was possible that in trying to save his cap deceased over-balanced. He last saw WALTERS shortly after 6 p.m., when he was quite sober and seemed to be the same as usual. - Patrick McGuire, leading stoker of the Skirmishire, said on Saturday evening he saw something fall from the port foremast gangway and heard a splash. He jumped overboard from the quay and found himself on a staging. He could see nothing on the surface and searched in the water, but without result. He then informed the Police and went on board the Niobe and raised an alarm. By the dragging apparatus, the body was brought to the surface. It was twilight at the time and the jetty lights were not lit. It was probable WALTERS struck the staging when he fell. - P.C. A. Boswell, Metropolitan Police, said that ten minutes after he received information from McGuire he had fetched the drag and the body was recovered in about 25 minutes. Artificial respiration was kept up until the arrival of a doctor, who pronounced life extinct. It was quite light when he received the information. - Surgeon T. D. Liddle, R.N., of H.M.S. New Zealand, said when he was called there was no sign of life. They went through the usual routine in cases of drowning, but without success. A staff-surgeon afterwards arrived and they came to the conclusion that the man was dead. There were no marks on the body. - Mr Edwards said he had forbidden men to go to this spot to smoke long before this occurrence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The Coroner said McGuire deserved to be commended for the steps he took in endeavouring to save the man's life and he had given his evidence very satisfactorily. - The Jury and Mr Edwards endorsed the Coroner's remarks. - The Coroner hoped the commendation would be noted in the service.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Barrack Breaking. Fall Of Forty Feet At Plymouth. - At the Military Hospital, Devonport, yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on MICHAEL RUSSELL, aged 20, sapper, 30th Co., Royal Engineers, stationed at Elphinstone Barracks, Plymouth. - Corpl. R. H. Howell, 30th Co., R.E., said deceased, a native of Co. Cork, and unmarried, was on Saturday night apparently attempting to get around the projecting railings on the Hoe, when he fell 40 feet. Deceased had no right to be there. - Lance-Corpl. W. Greenhill, R.E., said when he called the roll at 10 p.m., RUSSELL was lying on his bed dressed, and answered his name. He had no right to leave the barracks after that time. He had been in the service about a year. Lance-Corpl. John O'Connor, R.E., said on Saturday night he saw a man crouching in a very dangerous part. Witness asked "Who is that?" but got no reply. Shortly afterwards the form disappeared and rushing towards the wall he saw an object on the rocks about 40 feet below. Having informed the corporal of the guard, he got a stretcher and a few sappers whom he directed to the spot where he had seen the man fall. - Sapper R. J. Robbins deposed to finding deceased on the rocks, bleeding but breathing. - Capt. J. W. Leake, R.A.M.C., said when brought to the Hospital he found that RUSSELL'S skull was fractured and he was completely unconscious. He died twenty minutes after arrival. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that deceased was endeavouring to break out of barracks when he fell. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner remarked that if further protection could be provided at this spot no doubt the authorities would see that it was done.

EXMOUTH - Suicide At Exmouth. - MR CHARLES SAGE, retired farmer, aged 80, was found dead at Exmouth on Sunday night. He resided with his daughter and son-in-law (Mr and Mrs Tom Rogers) at The Cross, and retired to bed at 6.30 on Sunday evening, as was his custom. Shortly afterwards Mr and Mrs Rogers went out. Mrs Rogers returned alone at about eight o'clock and on going to her father's room to take him his usual glass of whisky and water she discovered him in a sitting position on the floor against the bed, with a rope round his neck, the end of which was fastened to one of the posts. He was quite dead. - At the Inquest last evening, Dr Hanna stated that when he saw deceased at about nine o'clock on Sunday evening he had been dead for about two hours. - The Jury (Mr J. Lard, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 October 1908
PLYMSTOCK - Plymouth Dairyman's Death. A Painful Case. - At Mount Batten yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on FREDERICK EASTMOND, 47, late a dairyman of Treville-street, Plymouth. The body was discovered on Saturday night floating in the Cattewater by Henry Sheldon. - Florence Hodge, domestic servant, employed by deceased, said she last saw him alive at 7.35 a.m. on Saturday outside the shop. He told her he was not going to open the shop that morning before the matter was settled. Deceased did not say what the matter was, but told her to call again at 1 p.m. and he would then pay her. A bailiff was in the house during Friday night. - REGINALD EASTMOND, deceased's son, said a bailiff was on the premises for rent, and slept there. His father was trying to raise the money and it was nothing unusual for him to leave the house early. His mother was away from home nursing an aunt. Florence Hodge said on Saturday morning the deceased appeared in good spirits. She did not notice he was at all a heavy drinker. - In reply to the Coroner, REGINALD EASTMOND said the dairy business had been kept by his father for three and a half years. During that time it had been considerably interfered with by the road being up for carrying out the main drainage scheme. A part of the house they resided in and also the adjoining property had been pulled down. Had never heard his father threaten to destroy himself. Dr E. J. Donbavand, Plymstock, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. The Coroner remarked that it was a very painful case and at this suggestion the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 16 October 1908
EXETER - Devon Official's Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on MR FREDERICK SANDERS, clerk of the Devon County Lunatic Asylum, aged 69, of St. Thomas, MISS EMILY SANDERS, daughter, said her father returned home from a visit to London on August 20th, and complained of not being well. He had been in bed three weeks before he died. Dr Vlieland called in Dr Mortimer and Dr Gordon for consultation on the case. So far as she knew her father ate no tinned food since his return home from London. - Dr Vlieland said he had attended the deceased since his return from London. The symptoms at one time pointed to ptomaine poisoning. The symptoms were, however, very obscure. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found no signs of disease, although the organs were more or less congested. There was evidence of latent appendicitis, and taking that with the generally congested state of the organs and the symptoms which had presented themselves before death, his opinion was that he died from general septicaemia due to the appendicitis. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and expressed sympathy with deceased's family. - The Coroner (Mr Brown) concurred and said he had known MR SANDERS for a great number of years and he was a gentleman for whom he had the utmost respect.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, on CATHERINE MCCARTHY, aged five years, daughter of P. MCCARTHY, plasterer, King-street. The child was taken ill with convulsions the previous morning, placed in a hot bath and a doctor sent for. The child died whilst in the bath. It had never previously been ill. - Dr r. B. Butler, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Result Of A Fall. - In Plymouth Workhouse an Inquest was held on MARY ANN JENKIN SMITH, widow, of Laira-street. Mr F. C. Hellings, the Master, said MRS SMITH was admitted to the Workhouse a fortnight ago from the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital suffering from a fractured thigh. Mrs Ellen Jope, wife of John Jope, Laira-street, stated that on October 1st the deceased came to her door and engaged in conversation. A woman ran downstairs and knocked against MRS SMITH, who fell. It was dark at the time. - The Coroner: Was there an altercation? - Witness: No. It was a pure accident. MRS SMITH was frail and the slightest touch made her fall. - Dr C. J. Cooke attributed death to shock owing to the fractured thigh. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Slight Mishap Results In Death. - At Broadpark-road, Peverell, Mr Johns held an Inquest on JOHN HENRY WYATT, 62, retired shipwright. - PERCY WYATT, son, engineer's overseer, of the Admiralty, and residing in Middlesex, said in September, while his father was on a visit to him, he assisted just a little in removing a piano from one room to the other. In doing so the bottom part of the piano struck the top of his father's boots. Deceased hopped about the room and hot water was used to bathe a small bruise on one of the big toes. Not much notice was taken of the accident, and his father later went to the Exhibition at Shepherd's Bush. Deceased returned to Plymouth on 10th October. The skin on the toe was not broken. - Dr Wagner of Stoke, said he was called to see MR WYATT on 12th inst. He was in bed and complained of a pain in one of his big toes. On Tuesday morning lockjaw developed, death taking place in the evening. The lockjaw was due to the injury to the toe and which could have been caused in the way MR PERCY WYATT described. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 October 1908
SEATON AND BEER - Fatality At Beer. - An Inquest was held at Beer yesterday by Dr Tweed on SAMUEL AGLAND, aged 49, a carter in the employ of Mr R. Skinner, [?] merchant, Beer. J. Bond, gardener, of Beer, said on Saturday he saw AGLAND riding in the cart and the horse galloping down Beer hill. One of the wheels struck against the hedge and AGLAND was pitched out on to the road and when he (witness) reached him, he was dead. - G. Sellers, T. Abbott and J. Baston, corroborated. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to send a recommendation to the Seaton Urban District Council calling on them to close Beer-hill to vehicular traffic.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 October 1908
CARMARTHEN, WALES - Devonport Publican's Death. Delirium Tremens Without Drink. - The distressing case of MR W. H. EVANS of the Wellington Hotel, Morice Town, dying in an Asylum, came before the Borough Coroner at Carmarthen yesterday. A week ago MR EVANS, who was the founder of the Devon Welsh Football Club and who had intended to turn out for Plymouth this season, left Devonport on a visit to his mother at Llanelly, his wife remaining, for a little rest before the Christmas trade rush would do him good. On his arrival at Llanelly he became very ill and before the end of the week had to be removed to Carmarthen Asylum, where the medical officers treated him for delirium tremens. The widow stated that her husband had given way to drink and said he left Devonport perfectly sober. Only on Friday morning she received a photograph from him of the Llanelly team which defeated the Australians, which she intended having framed by the time he returned home. - Dr Doig had no doubt that delirium tremens was brought on through excess drink and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death due to Cardiac Failure following Delirium Tremens." - The widow produced a locket containing a photo taken of her husband a month ago and piteously asked the Coroner, "Does he look like a drunken man there?" - The mother of the deceased, questioned by the Coroner, said her son had not drank during the few days he was at home. - The Medical Superintendent of the Asylum, Dr Richards, said in the case of an attack of pneumonia a person might get delirium tremens, although he had not touched a drop of drink for a week. - The widow, alluding to the [?] of her husband, referred to by the doctor, said she put it down to the result of a boating accident three weeks ago when her husband attended a local regatta with some Welshmen who visited him.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD ISAAC HINGSTON, aged 55 years, monumental mason of Ford Park-road. ELLEN ANN HINGSTON, widow, said on Thursday morning she found her husband lying on the kitchen floor with his throat cut. He previously had been passing jocular remarks about a postcard he had received. She never heard him threaten to take his life. He had no business troubles. She was convinced the cut was a purely accidental one. - Dr R. Dunstan said deceased was unconscious when he arrived on Thursday. The throat was cut nearly from ear to ear. A razor was on the floor. the cut was a fairly deep one. Deceased was suffering from bronchitis and his death, which occurred on Sunday evening, was accelerated by this. When he regained consciousness he expressed regret at having cut his throat. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - EDWIN DAWE, aged 62 years, master baker of Raleigh-street, Plymouth, was found yesterday morning lying on the floor of the scullery in his house, wrapped in a blanket, in a pool of blood, with his throat cut. On a bench six feet away was a large carving knife. - At the Inquest in the afternoon, Harold Watson, errand boy, in the employ of deceased, said he last saw him alive at ten o'clock on Sunday night. - Elizabeth Adams, wife of a fireman in the merchant service, and residing in the same house as deceased, said about twenty minutes past eight that morning she saw a light in the scullery when she came downstairs, and going to ascertain the cause, found the body. Deceased was often depressed, but she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Dr Burke said he had often attended DAWE for asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and neuralgia, and bad attacks of these complaints would make him depressed. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest on ALBERT GEORG, aged six weeks, son of ALBERT E. SANTILLO, driller in Devonport Dockyard, and living in Victoria-street, Plymouth, MRS SANTILLO said the child slept in the same bed with her and her husband. On Saturday morning she found it very weak and sent for a doctor, but it died before he arrived. Dr Burke, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the child was very delicate and death was due to over-laying. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - Torquay Suicide. - At Torquay yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on FRANK WILLS, 33, of Ellacombe Church-road, found hanging in a loft at the rear of Princes-road on Saturday night. - The widow stated that he left her and the children after dinner, appearing to be in his usual health, although more quiet than was generally the case, and did not return at night. Her had recently been drinking somewhat heavily. Once when in drink he threatened to drown himself. He had left a note stating that he was in trouble and rather than bring disgrace upon her and the children he had decided to take his life. If she told Mr Oldfield of Melbourne Towers what he had done, she would always have a friend. She would find the key of his money in her room in a red box. - Dr Horton said death resulted from a fracture of the spinal column. - Mr G. R. Douglas said deceased was in his employ for nine years. He was an excellent man for work, but of an excitable disposition. He was greatly upset at the loss of a horse about six months ago and made a threat to drown himself. On Saturday last there was a deficiency of a shilling or two in his accounts, but it was solely a matter for explanation, which deceased said he could put right. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane".

Western Morning News, Friday 30 October 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. Case For Further Inquiry. - The Inquest concerning the death of MARY ANN MOSS, 53 years of age, residing at Stoke-hill, Plymouth, will be held before the Borough Coroner at four o'clock today. The woman is believed to have died from gas poisoning: she was found lying near a gas stove, the gas of which was turned on. How the gas came to be turned out is a matter upon which it is difficult at present to come to any conclusion. As stated yesterday, the husband, who is a painter in Devonport Dockyard, says he took his wife up a cup of tea before he left in the morning; and soon afterwards she was found by her son, a young man, in a dying state, and he ran for Dr Waterfield. Dr Waterfield found the woman dead; but although she apparently died of gas poisoning, several bruises were found upon her body, and especially upon the head. There were marks of two or three blows upon the forehead, one of which would have probably been sufficient to cause some amount of concussion of the brain. These circumstances led the Coroner to believe that further inquiry ought to be made, hence the Inquest was deferred until today for a post-mortem examination. There is a good deal of talk among the neighbours concerning the matter and some anonymous letters have been received making allegations of a serious nature, which will probably be gone into at the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 October 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. The Coroner And Anonymous Letters. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on MARY ANN MOSS, 53, of 11 Stoke-hill, wife of ALBERT GEORGE MOSS, a painter in the Dockyard. - Mr c. G. Brian represented the husband; and the Chief Constable (Mr J. D. Sowerby) was also present. - Mr Southern was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Anonymous Letters. - The Coroner informed the Jury that the case was a curious one. there were some marks on the body of the deceased, and he had ordered a post-mortem examination. There had been some anonymous letters written about the death of the woman and he had received one. He did with it what he always did with anonymous communications, put it into the waste paper basket. If persons had any information to give they should come openly to the Court and give it. He was sure the Jury would deal with the evidence to be given in a perfectly independent manner. - Examination Of The Husband. - ALBERT GEORGE MOSS, husband, said he last saw his wife alive at 6.20 on Wednesday morning. She was partly dressed, and got his breakfast as usual. He noticed nothing peculiar about her. She appeared in her usual good health, but complained that she had not slept during the night. - The Coroner: Did you have any quarrel with your wife? - No; no words to speak of. - You say no words to speak of? - It was only a few words about money matters a fortnight ago, and such as often occur between man and wife. - You had no words with her on Tuesday night? - No. - You cannot account for the bruises found on her head? - No; I never saw her fall down. - You never struck her at all? - No, not for a number of years. - If anyone says so, it is untrue? - yes, sir, I defy them to say so. - Have you ever heard her threaten to take her life? - No, not to my knowledge. - And you know of no reason for her doing so? - No. - By the Foreman: Was she subject to fits? - No; she got fainting flushes, but not fits. - Would she fell down when she had what you term fainting flushes? - I never saw her fall on the floor, but she would be dizzy. - Did you have a few words with your wife before you went to work? - No, no words, we were the best of friends. We never had an angry word the night before or in the morning. - Was she depressed in spirits? - No. - Son's Story. - ALBERT EDWARD MOSS, errand boy, son of deceased, said his mother was all right on Tuesday night and happy. His parents, a fortnight ago, had a few words, but they never came to blows. It was about three or four [unfortunately her, for a large paragraph the text is very faint and unreadable]. Have you ever heard your mother threaten to take her life? - No, there was no reason why she should do so. - Was your mother given to drink? - She had only three-pennyworth or so at a time. - Did you hear your mother scream or any loud talking in the morning? - No. - Was she giddy at times? - Yes, but never had a fit. - Taking Sleeping Draughts. - EMILY SIMPSON, wife of Albert Simpson, stoker R.N. and daughter of deceased, said she resided with her mother. About 6.40 on Wednesday morning her mother brought witness and her sister some tea whilst they were in bed. She then seemed all right, except that she complained she had not slept for the night. Her mother had been taking sleeping draughts. At the time her mother came to the bedroom witness was positive there were no marks or bruises about her head. The first she heard that anything had occurred to her mother was just after seven o'clock, when her nephew only six years old, came to the room. The nephew was in the kitchen when the deceased fell. He simply said she fell off the chair. - The Coroner: I think we should have the boy here. - The father of the boy, a private in the R.M.L.I., said the child was only five years old. - The Coroner: If five years old he would perhaps be able to say something about it, as I understood he was in the room with his grandmother. He is old enough to understand the position. - The Father: I don't think you can get any sense out of him about it. Rumours Floating About. - The Coroner: there are rumours floating about and we must see whether they are correct or not. If the rumours are not correct it will be best to get rid of them at once. - Mr Brian: On behalf of MR MOSS I may say he has no objection to an adjournment to have the boy called. It is the desire of the husband that everything shall be cleared up. - The Coroner: It appears to depend entirely upon the boy. We don't want to worry him. - The Foreman: We will hear the evidence first and then discuss the question of an adjournment for the purpose of the attendance of the boy. - Continuing to answer questions, MRS SIMPSON said she never heard her mother threaten to take her life. There was no reason for her to do so. There had been quarrels she believed over money matters between her parents. No quarrel occurred on Tuesday night. When her mother brought up the tea she appeared to be cheerful. She did not notice the position of the gas pipes, being too worried for that. - Worries Over Money Matters. - Edith Brocksley, wife of George R. Brocksley, army pensioner, living in the same house as the deceased, deposed that on Tuesday night at ten o'clock she had a conversation with MRS MOSS, who appeared to be cheerful. She had noticed, however, that for some weeks recently deceased was depressed and understood it was owing to money matters. MRS MOSS drank but she would not call her a drinking woman, because she always looked after her house. During the last few months MRS MOSS had given way to drink, which she believed was owing to worries over money matters. When talking to the deceased on the Tuesday night they stood under a bright light and she was positive there was not at that time any wounds or bruises on the face of MRS MOSS. Next morning she was called into the kitchen to see the deceased, when she observed marks about the head and nose. - If there had been any disturbance between husband and wife you would have heard it? - Yes. I am only one flight of stairs from them. - By the Foreman: Have you seen her the worse for drink? - I have. - Have you ever heard her threaten to destroy herself? - No. Last week I heard her say she wished she was dead, but I did not take it that she meant it seriously. - Strong Smell Of Gas. - P.C. J. Dymond stated that at eight o'clock on Wednesday morning he was called by Dr Waterfield to see the deceased. She was lying on her back on the floor of the kitchen. ALBERT MOSS said the gas pipe was in his mother's mouth, and later that it was by her side. A tube pipe was attached from the gas bracket to the stove. He saw no indications that the tube had entered the woman's mouth. There were marks on the head and face and the son said they must have been caused by his mother falling. If MRS MOSS had sat on the chair which was near the stove she could reach the tubing. - Medical Evidence. - Dr W. H. Waterfield stated that the son of the deceased came to his house at 7.30 a.m., and said that a woman at the address given had been overcome by gas. On going there he saw MRS MOSS lying on her back on the floor. She was dead. The room was smelling strongly of gas and the windows had been opened. Attached to the stove was an ordinary gas ring, with tubing, for boiling a kettle. The tube had been detached from the kettle and the ring was on the floor. There was also a chair near the stove. On the left side of the forehead there was a deep indentation, one and one-eighth of an inch in length, with a slight oozing of blood. A quarter of an inch from that there was another wound, not so deep but with an oozing of blood. Across the bridge of the nose there was another wound. the wounds were of recent origin, and afflicted during life. He had made a post-mortem. the body was very clean, and on the right arm, chest and thigh there were slight bruises, not of recent date. The severe wounds on the head would have been sufficient to cause unconsciousness. There was no fracture of the skull. The lungs were healthy and on compression gave forth a smell of coal gas. The stomach was healthy and perfectly free from any trace of drink. Taking all the circumstances into consideration he had not the slightest doubt that the direct cause of death was asphyxiation by gas. If deceased fell near the gas tubing and remained there for five or six minutes it would be sufficient to cause death. The gas piping must have been near her mouth. there was not the slightest doubt that she died from gas poisoning, but how she obtained it he could not say. - Was It An Accident? - The Coroner remarked that the Jury had heard the whole of the evidence. He had been struck with that of Mrs Brocksley, who had lived for twelve years with the family, and had told a perfectly candid story of the relations between MR and MRS MOSS. His opinion was that it was an accident. Whatever was done, it was by MRS MOSS personally. - Jury Dissatisfied. - The Jury retired. On returning into Court Mr Southern said the Jury had decided to adjourn the Inquiry. In the first place they were not satisfied about the evidence of the family. They considered there was something that the family had been keeping back. The Jury also wanted the evidence of the little boy. They also desired, through the Press, to say they hoped the people who wrote anonymous letters would have the pluck to come to the Court and give evidence; if not they should keep quiet. - The Coroner: The Jury ought not to take any notice of anonymous correspondence. I had a letter this morning about the case, and as it was anonymous I tore it up. - The Foreman: We feel if these people who write anonymous letters have any evidence they ought to have courage enough to come forward and give it. - The Coroner: Personally I don't think you will get anything out of it if they do. - The Foreman: The Jury are dissatisfied with the evidence given. - The Coroner: And we cannot conclude until they are satisfied. If you adjourn you will not get those people here who write anonymous letters. You can have the child here. - The Foreman: We are not satisfied and you will not get a verdict today. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Tuesday next, at 4 p.m.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 November 1908
EXETER - The Exeter Fatality. Jury's Suggestions. - At an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday on WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN, 56, who received fatal injuries on Thursday at the Head Weir Mills, Mr M. J. McGahey watched the proceedings on behalf of the widow and children. Mr L. P. Evans, H.M. Factory Inspector, Plymouth, was also present. - ELIZABETH HOGDEN, deceased's daughter, said her father had worked at the paper mills for many years. - In answer to Mr McGahey, she said deceased was a teetotaler, and had never suffered from attacks of giddiness. - The widow said deceased had taken no intoxicating liquor for 28 years. He had been 38 years at Messrs. Tremlett's. - Walter Francis Dorothy, engineer at the mills, said deceased and himself were fitting the belt on one of the wheels of the grinding machine. Seeing that deceased had been thrown over the wheel, with his head on the ground, he threw off the belt at once, stopping the machine. Deceased said "Take me out." He tried to do so, but had to fetch assistance. Seldom anyone else but deceased and witness touched the belts. He was a very careful man at his work. - By the Inspector: Deceased acted under witness's instructions, and the engine was always slowed down when the belt was to be put on. - By Mr McGahey: The accident would not have happened had there been a loose pulley on the shaft. there was no means of signalling to the engine-room to stop the engines in case of emergency. - Mr Tremlett said a man would be killed ten times over before the engine, which was doing 80 or 90 revolutions a minute, could be stopped. - Dr Thomas Hughes, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was dead before he reached the Hospital. There were extensive injuries including fracture of the skull. - At this stage one of the Jury expressed a wish to view the scene of the accident and the Inquiry was adjourned for the purpose. - After an inspection of the mill had been made, Mr Arthur Edward Tremlett, partner of the firm, said the deceased was a steady man. He considered the way in which the belt was put on was quite safe. - By Mr McGahey: He did not think a loose pulley would have prevented an accident as Dorothy had stated. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they considered a loose pulley ought to be put in position at once. The space where the accident occurred was insufficient and more light was needed. They expressed sympathy with the deceased's relatives and the Coroner concurred.

SOUTH BRENT - Brent Farmer's Sudden Death. - At the Inquest on Saturday afternoon on MR W. H. MATTHEWS, farmer, of Lower Beara, Brent, MR JOHN MATTHEWS, his brother, said they had lived in Brent all their lives. Deceased, 58 years of age, had not complained of bad health, although he had difficulty in breathing, especially in going uphill. After his usual day's work he went to bed without any signs of illness. On Friday morning he called him twice and receiving no answer entered the room and found him dead, just as if he had died in his sleep. Dr Style said on being called he found no marks of disturbance whatever and he thought the deceased had been dead several hours, probably passing away in his sleep. A post-mortem examination revealed an extensively diseased heart, apparently of long standing, quite sufficient to account for death at any time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 November 1908
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Suicide. Pathetic Letter From A Much Worried Postmaster. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on the body of FRED WILLIAM LOCKYEAR, the late postmaster, who was found dead with his throat cut in a bath at his residence in Avenue-terrace, Gloucester-road, on Friday night. - MABEL EMMA LOCKYEAR, daughter, said her father was 54 years of age. On Thursday night he was taken ill, caused by worries at the Post-office, and she took him to Dr Hayward. The illness of her brother at Plymouth during the last ten months had also been a great worry to him. On Friday deceased was much better. She saw him at four o'clock in the Post-office, where she was also employed, and she last saw him alive for a few minutes about quarter to five, when there did not seem to be anything wrong with him. Deceased did not come to supper and witness thought he was out somewhere. She got uneasy about him at eleven o'clock, but still thought he was engaged out. She went upstairs with the servant girl to go to bed, when she noticed that the door of the bathroom was closed. She tried to open it, but could not. She then sent for the servant girl's parents, and they came, together with the girl's brother, but witness was not present when the door was opened. - The Coroner: Had the worries you speak of something to do with the Post-office? - Yes. - Had they been occupying your father's mind very much? - Not that I know of, only on the Thursday and Friday. - Have you ever known him to threaten to do any harm to himself? - Never. - Had he been of a cheerful disposition, or otherwise? - Very cheerful. - Is there anything suggested as to the reason for taking his life? - He worried from time to time about the illness of my brother, and also about the loss of his father and other relatives. My brother also had a slight accident lately which my father thought would be a permanent trouble to him and he feared that owing to his continued illness my brother would be invalided out of the service. - Florence Agnes Turner, the servant, said she saw deceased several times on Friday. At 5.45 she met him as she was going home and he said she need not come back then. She returned to sleep, as usual, about ten, and if deceased had come home in the meantime, he would have entered with his key and come into an empty house, as his daughter was engaged at the Post-office. Witness left a note for deceased, saying they were gone to bed and MISS LOCKYEAR and herself went upstairs. They noticed that the bathroom door was shut and on trying to open it, witness found it locked inside. Her brother called in the Police. She had seen the razor produced in the bathroom drawer, where deceased also kept his safety razor. - George Edward Stratford stated that deceased came into the retail department of Mr Burnett's establishment on Friday evening about 6.10 and had a glass of whisky, staying only two or three minutes. He was a man who drank very little. Deceased remarked "I am worried, " and witness said he would worry about anything. He knew deceased as a man who would quickly lose his head, and that he was always trying to do other people good and then would worry about it. Witness added, "I have seen him cry like a child over things I should pay no attention to." - The Coroner: So that he was emotional? - Exceptionally so. - Did you notice whether he was particularly depressed? - He had given me the impression for months that he was not exactly right. He would excite himself and not quite know what he was doing. There is not the slightest doubt that he had lost his mental balance. I have remarked that he was not responsible for his actions and this has been the general talk amongst some people. - P.C. Partridge stated that he forced the bathroom door open and saw deceased lying in the bath, which was half full of blood and water. He had a deep cut in the throat and was cold and stiff. The water in the bath was lukewarm. He found the razor in the bath. In the pocket of deceased's coat he found a letter in an envelope with no direction on it. A candle was standing on the edge of the bath , and it had been blow out. - Dr Hayward said when he arrived at deceased's house, at 1.15 a.m. on Saturday deceased had evidently been dead about six hours. The cut was between four and five inches long and quite two inches deep. Death must have been almost instantaneous; tremendous force must have been used. On Thursday night, at 11.15, deceased came to him with his daughter. He was then in a state of great excitement and agitation. He told witness that he had had enough worry before, but now he had something terrible at the Post-office which he could not tell him about, but which was more than he could bear. He asked witness to give him something as a pick-up, and to produce sleep. He tried to cheer up deceased and gave him some medicine. The worry appeared to be weighing upon him terribly and unhinging him, but not sufficiently to lead witness to anticipate anything like suicide. Deceased was quite rational. He said there was trouble at the Post-office about one of the men, but witness could not understand anybody being so much upset about another person. Deceased was a man who magnified every trouble. - The Trouble At The Post Office. - Frederick Ernest Medland, overseer at Teignmouth Post-office, said he had known deceased ten years. - The Coroner: What was the trouble in question with the Post-office which deceased said was worrying him so? - I don't think the trouble should have been so great as he imagined it was. He was in the habit of magnifying his troubles. The trouble at the Post-office should not have vexed him at all unless he was implicated, which would be another matter. - Are you able to say if there was any trouble as the result of his own actions? - None whatever, so far as I know. - What was the cause of the worry? Was there some default at the Office? - It was a letter that had been improperly dealt with by an auxiliary rural postman. - This would come before deceased's notice as Postmaster? - Yes, he would naturally be upset at a thing like that, but it should not have worried him. - It would be reported, I suppose, to the General Post-office; are they taking any notice of it? - I believe they are investigating the matter and that is all I know about it. Deceased was expecting the district surveyor or the assistant surveyor on Friday, or any time after the report had gone in. - The Coroner: Then it might have been hanging over his mind that the district surveyor was coming on Friday, but he did not come on that day? - No. - therefore the deceased expected him the next day? - Exactly. - This deed was done on Friday night. It looks as if he was dreading the appearance of the official? - I don't think he should. There was nothing I should be afraid of in connection with the business. - Did the deceased report this? - Yes, to the district surveyor and the secretary. - There was the fact that this was worrying him, whether it should do so or not? - Yes; to a man of his temperament it would cause worry. - Witness added that deceased suspended the postman in question as well as reported him. Deceased had had other things at the Post-office which had worried him, and also the almost continuous illness of his son since last December. Deceased also seemed to magnify the effects of a recent accident to his son, as if there was a possibility of its proving fatal. Deceased's accounts were in perfect order. They were checked on Saturday after the tragedy, and were found to be absolutely correct. - Letters Read. - The letter written by deceased, which was found in his coat pocket in the bathroom, was read by the Coroner. It bore no date and was meant for deceased's wife, who was away at the time of the sad occurrence. It was as follows:- "Dear EMMA, - I am nigh driven mad. It is all too terrible, the months of anxiety. I am broken. The key is in my safe at home. I am insured for £100 in the P.O. and for £200 in the Prudential. There is also money in the Hearts of Oak, and a little cash in the N.P. Bank. Some shares are in the custody of Mr Tudball (bank manager). I am so sorry that all should end thus. What will you do? - My cash is right at the Post-office. I hope all will be kind to Mabel, yourself and the boys. Good-bye, - Your affectionate FRED." - The Coroner also read from letters which deceased wrote to Mr W. E. Piper, Bath-road, Exeter, several days before his death, and which had been returned by Mr Piper, thinking they might be required at the Inquest. In one letter deceased referred to his son, who was ill, saying Dr Square was to give his opinion about him that day. Deceased said he felt a bit brighter, but out of sorts and that his son's illness was a great trial. On a postcard he wrote that he was very worried at receiving bad news from Plymouth and that his son had sustained an accident which had caused internal injury. In a type-written letter, dated October 24th, deceased, again mentioning about his son's illness, wrote:- "What does all this trouble mean? I cannot stand much more; I can't really. I have just heard that one of my favourite nieces has had her foot amputated. Wherever I turn the black cloud of despair faces me. I am a broken man, and how it is that the silver cord has not snapped I don't know." - Summing up, the Coroner said he thought the Jury had heard sufficient to explain this sad occurrence, and that the letter which deceased wrote just before his death was enough to show what happened. Deceased was undoubtedly weighed down by troubles, which apparently he had magnified into something terrible, and which evidently had an enormous effect upon him, as was shown by the way in which he regarded them in the letters he wrote. It was highly satisfactory to know that these worries were not connected with any default of deceased's own, and that his accounts were all correct. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - The Foreman (Mr F. C. Francis) asked the Coroner to convey to the relatives the sympathy of the Jury in the great trouble which had fallen upon them. Deceased was held in the highest respect. - The Coroner joined in the expression of sympathy, and conveyed it to the family through a son of deceased who was present.

ROMANSLEIGH - At Romansleigh yesterday Mr Geo. W. F. Brown held an Inquest on WILLIAM MATTHEWS, 47, retired draper. Dr Smythe, Southmolton, said the post-mortem examination showed that death was due to congestion of the lungs.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Laira. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK PENNY, aged 63, naval pensioner, of St Vincent's-lane, Laira, who died at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital on Saturday. FREDERICK W. PENNY, son of the deceased, said he last saw his father alive on Thursday morning, when he complained of a slight headache. He had never threatened suicide, nor had he any troubles to cause such an act. - P.C. Grant deposed to seeing deceased on Thursday seated in a chair, in great pain. He said he had taken nearly a half-pint of spirits of salts. Witness gave him an emetic, which caused vomiting and within a few minutes Dr Stamp arrived. On the way to the Hospital he said he could not think why he had taken the poison. - Dr R. Campbell, House Physician, said deceased, when admitted was suffering from intense abdominal pains as a result of the poison. He gave no reason for having swallowed the poison. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to the action of the poison which had burned the stomach. It was a wonder that deceased lived so long. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Plymouth Woman. Husband And Family Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday respecting the death of MARY ANN MOSS, 53, of 11 Stoke-hill- wife of ALBERT GEORGE MOSS, painter, Devonport Dockyard. The Inquiry was first opened on Friday last, when it was stated that MRS MOSS was found in the kitchen on the Wednesday morning dead, and that it was believed she had died of gas poisoning. The Jury were dissatisfied with the evidence given, and commented on the fact that a little boy, a grandson, who was in the kitchen at the time the deceased was found there, had not been called. They were also of opinion that there was something connected with the family affairs not revealed to them, and desired to know who the writers of certain anonymous letters were. the Coroner consented to adjourn the Inquiry until yesterday, when additional witnesses were called. - Molesting A Witness. - Mr C. G. Brian appeared for the husband and Superintendent Foot, of the Plymouth Police, was present. - All the witnesses were ordered to go into an adjoining room. After a brief interval Arthur Stark appeared and said Police protection was required as witnesses were being molested. Superintendent Foot, at the request of the Coroner, placed a Constable amongst the witnesses to see that none of them were molested. Stark complained that MR MOSS called him abusive names and threatened him. - Evidence Of A Grandson. - CYRIL BEAUMONT RUTHVEN, the little grandson, six years old, was questioned by the Coroner. He said when he went downstairs into the kitchen to find his grandmother, he saw her on the floor near the grate. He did not speak to her, but commenced to put on his boots. He did not call out to any of the family that his grandmother was on the floor. A little while later his grandmother's son came in. - Complaint By Deceased. - Arthur Stark, outfitter, Tracey-street, said a month ago deceased was at his house. In conversation with witness and his wife she said, "BERT (meaning her husband) is too artful to hit me about the face; he hits me about the body. He understood that the great bone of contention between the parties had been that MR MOSS was too friendly with another woman. - The Coroner: That is a serious statement to make? - I have heard about it. Continuing, witness said that MR MOSS for the past twenty years had been continually cruel to his wife; and it was known to the family. In the outside room MR MOSS had called him abusive names and threatened him. The deceased did not drink heavily, she had not sufficient money to purchase drink. - Mr Brian asked witness some questions as to his family matters and he denied the truth of them. - Pathetic Story By A Sister. - FRANCES BALL, Tracey-street, wife of Thos. Ball, and sister of deceased, said she knew her sister had led a very unhappy life. It was caused by another woman. - The Coroner: Do you know that to be a fact? - Yes; and the family know it. If they would speak the truth they would say their mother had been punished. - Has she complained to you about it? - Yes, hundreds of times and I have been with her to see the other woman, but she went away and would not see us. - Do you mean to say that other members of the family tolerated it? - They knew all about it. They did not agree with it, but they have had to put up with it. - Have you seen the husband strike his wife? - I have not seen him strike her, but she has pointed out marks which she said her husband caused. Continuing she said last Christmas deceased had her face black on one side and she said her nose was broken. It happened because she had a little fall out with her husband about money matters. She did not think her sister fell down in consequence of taking too much drink. The deceased took some drink to drown her sorrow. Witness had begged her to give it up. The husband was industrious and gave the deceased money. Three weeks ago she saw her sister and did not then notice any marks about her face. - Have you talked to the husband about what his wife complained of? - Yes I have frequently talked to him, and stuck up for my sister. I have done my best to try and make peace between them, and to get him to give up the other woman. I have told him what it would end in. - The Foreman: Did you ever hear your sister threaten to commit suicide? - No, sometimes she would say "I wish I was dead." - The Foreman: We all say that sometimes. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said the deceased drank, but only on one occasion had she seen her the worse for drink. She was a good woman always tended her home and kept everything clean. Sixteen years ago the deceased got a separation order against her husband. He had threatened her life, but they came together again in about twelve months. - An Unnecessary Witness. - Maud Simpson, married of 3 Tracey-street, deposed that she had met the deceased on three occasions since Christmas. She never heard MRS MOSS complain of her husband or that he had struck her or threatened her life. - Mr W. Parsons (A Juryman): Why is this witness called? She cannot give any evidence that is of any value to the present Inquiry. - Mrs Simpson: that is what I want to know why I am here? - The Coroner remarked that inquiries had been made since the last hearing and three witnesses as a result had been subpoenaed to give evidence. Mrs Simpson being one of them. - No Quarrel The Previous Night. - Mrs Ball wished to state that after her sister's death she saw the marks on her face. Witness asked the daughter if she was sure her father had no words with her mother the previous night and she replied that there was no quarrel, that they were most comfortable, the mother cleaning some glass and the father framing some pictures. She asked her niece if she noticed the marks on her mother's face and she replied that earlier in the morning her mother brought her and the rest of the family tea, and there were no marks on the face then. - Censures. - The Jury's verdict was that deceased was Found Dead as the result of Gas Poisoning, but how administered there was no evidence to show. The Jury also passed a vote of severe censure upon the husband and family for the way in which they had given their evidence. The Jury had no confidence whatever in any evidence given by any member of the family. - A verdict of "Found Dead" was then returned.

PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Plymouth Tailoress. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of AUGUSTA MAUD BATH, tailoress, Gifford-terrace. It appears that she resided with an uncle and aunt and on Sunday morning last a cup of tea was placed outside her bedroom door at ten o'clock. It was not usual for deceased to leave her bedroom until the evening on Sundays and dinner was taken to the room at one o'clock. Although the tea had been taken from the landing to the bedroom the door was then locked and no admission could be gained with the dinner. At 5 p.m. the uncle became uneasy, secured a ladder and entered the bedroom by a back window. There he found his niece, 34 years of age, in bed in an unconscious condition. Dr Dunstan of Ford Park House, was sent for, and the woman remained unconscious until five o'clock on Monday morning, death taking place at that time. The medical gentleman stated that following an illness the deceased had fits and convulsions during the afternoon. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Effect Of A Fall. - At Cattedown-road School, Plymouth, yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of SAMUEL JOHN LUSCOMBE, aged eight years, son of CHARLES LUSCOMBE, labourer, residing at Home Sweet Home. In February last the boy, while carrying some clothes, fell down, hurting his head. Dr Wilkinson attended him but he died on Sunday. - MRS LUSCOMBE said her son suffered from light-headedness and was frequently falling down. - Dr Wilkinson stated that when he saw deceased in February he was suffering from meningitis. The disease assumed a chronic form and was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Injuries Accidentally received."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - On Saturday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on EDWIN BRANWELL HARRIS, the infant son of CHARLES HARRIS, of St Jude's-place, Plymouth. The child's mother on awakening on Thursday morning, found it lying dead by her side. Dr Wilkinson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to suffocation and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 16 November 1908
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Scaffold Fatality. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on F. H. BEARNE, Richard W. Hambly, a mason's labourer, said he, deceased, and another labourer named Srodzinski, were on Wednesday lowering scaffolding. He and Srodzinski were on top lowering a pole to BEARNE on a lead flat below. BEARNE, on receiving the end of the pole placed it over the edge of the lead flat, while he carried the pole on his shoulder. He had to keep the pole steady, while Srodzinski went down to assist him. BEARNE shouted "All right," and while witness remained above steadying the upper end of the pole Srodzinski started to go down to the lead flat. Before he got down, however, BEARNE slipped and the pole went away with a rush, it being impossible for anyone else to hold it back. The pole was about 6ft. long and carried BEARNE over. It was the practice for three men to lower the poles and as a rule they had no difficulty. The wet had made the pole slippery. - Dr E. Haydon said deceased's skull was fractured, also the spine. - William Jenkins, foreman of the works, stated that deceased made a mistake in putting the end of the pole over the edge instead of on the flat, and also in resting the pole on his shoulder, as in that way he was lifting it instead of holding it in place. - Mr Evans, H.M. Inspector of Factories, said he had been over the building and wished scaffolding on other buildings was erected as in this case. All of it was guarded. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - Football Excitement. Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM WILLIAMS, aged 52, naval pensioner, Cambridge-lane East. - Deceased's wife said he witnessed a football match at South Devon-place on Saturday and was brought home unconscious. He died on Sunday morning. - P.C. Matters said he conveyed deceased home from the football ground. He complained of feeling sick. - Dr M. Aikman said death was caused by cerebral haemorrhage, due to excitement. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Octogenarian's Fall. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on BENJAMIN POPPLESTONE, aged 81, retired G.W. R. Stationmaster, of North-road. MRS ANNA KINGDON, deceased's daughter, said yesterday week her father fell while walking upstairs. - Dr Wagner said that deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart and senile decay. He had attended him for eighteen months. Death, which occurred on Saturday, was due to shock of the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - JAMES COLLINS, aged 54 years, a naval pensioner, residing in Albert-road, Morice Town, died suddenly on Sunday. At the Inquest Dr C. A. Roberts said death was due to heart disease of long standing.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 November 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. Workhouse Fatality. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport Workhouse last evening on JOHN HENRY WILSON, aged two years and three months, the child of ANNIE WILSON, an inmate. Several Guardians were present, with Mr Albert Gard, the clerk. - Maud Gard Sweet, a probationer nurse, said deceased was in the children's ward. Early on Friday morning last, shortly before 5.30, the children were taken out of bed, as was customary and witness placed them on the rug near the fire. She left the room to call the children's nurse, and after an absence of about three minutes returned. She observed deceased standing three or four yards from the fire with its nightdress in flames. Witness extinguished the flames and wrapping the child in a blanket put it to bed. She then went for the nurse, and they applied oil to the burns. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said there were ten beds in the room, and all were occupied. Only one fire was burning, and this was surrounded by a fireguard. Witness could only guess that the child got hold of a piece of paper and by some means set a light to it. - At this stage the Coroner and Jury inspected the fireguard. - Witness, continuing, said she had been a probationer nurse for nearly two years and was frequently in charge of the children's ward. The fireguard was in position when she left the room, and had not been moved when she returned. - Eva Durham, an inmate, said she picked up a small piece of burnt newspaper on cleaning the room. - Margaret Priestman, superintendent nurse, said after dressing the child's burns she communicated with the Medical Officer. The child died on Sunday morning. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that there were two nurses on duty at night and their hours extended from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. - Several Jurors expressed the opinion that the hours were too long and two nurses were insufficient. - Witness agreed that the fireguard was not a satisfactory one. - Dr G. C. Sandford, Medical Officer, said he did not think the work was too much for two nurses or that the hours were too long. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and suggested that the Guardians should replace the fireguard by a more satisfactory one.

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Fall Into Scalding Milk. - At Barnstaple last evening Mr A. Bencraft opened the Inquest on VERA GWENDOLINE BARNES, 3 ½ years of age, the daughter of MR T. BARNES, farmer, North Buckland, Georgeham, whose death was caused through injuries sustained by falling into a pan of scalding milk, and adjourned it for a week for the attendance of the mother, who was yesterday too ill to be present. The Coroner said it would appear that the mother saw a younger child crawling in the door way of the kitchen and put down the pan of scalding milk to go to that child, when by some means deceased fell into it. It was hardly right, perhaps, to make any comment, except to say that accidents of that sort unfortunately very frequently occurred and it was desirable that people should exercise a very great amount of care how they left pans of scalding milk about when small children were anywhere near.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 November 1908
TORQUAY - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at Torquay yesterday on the case of ROBERT THOMAS, an octogenarian of Plainmoor. Deceased, a Dockyard pensioner, fell over the stairs a week ago and died on Tuesday from broken ribs and shock.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Struggle In The Lane Seen By A Woman. Accused's Threats. Verdict Of "Wilful Murder" Against Elliott. - The Inquest on CLARA JANE HANNAFORD, the victim of the tragedy in Queen-lane, Plymouth, on Tuesday night, was held in the Mortuary, Vauxhall-street, last evening by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner. Quite an hour before the time for the opening of the Inquiry, a huge crowd had gathered. The number became so great that a special force of Police had difficulty in controlling the traffic. The great majority of the crowd consisted of women and children. The principal witnesses drove to the Mortuary in a cab, which was at once surrounded. No doubt the large number of persons had assembled in the expectancy of seeing the accused, Edmund Walter Elliott, but in that they were disappointed. Elliott was given the opportunity of attending, but he preferred not to do so. Mr John W. Bickle (Bickle and Wilcocks) represented him. Mr Southern was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Plan Of The Scene. - The Coroner remarked that Inspector Hitchcock, of the Plymouth Police, had prepared a plan of the streets and lanes in the district in which the terrible affair occurred, and no doubt it would greatly assist the Jury in their investigations. - Coroner's Statement. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said they were not often called together to consider a case of this kind in Plymouth. The facts, however, were simple. It appeared that a girl not quite sixteen years of age, apparently kept company with a young man named Edmund Walter Elliott for some time, and he (the prisoner) was informed the parents objected to this. There was a young man named Lilley, an able seaman of the Royal Navy, who served in the same ship as the deceased's uncle, and from that source he became introduced to the girl's family. From a suggestion which Lilley made to CLARA HANNAFORD, they went to the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening and it was understood with the parents' consent. It was also arranged that after the performance they should meet the girl's parents in the Athenaeum Hotel, and this they did. Whilst Lilley and deceased were passing down Athenaeum-lane from the theatre a young man, said to be Elliott, whispered something to her, and was also alleged to have said, "If you come down the lane I will prove it." After going into the Athenaeum Hotel and seeing her parents the girl apparently left and went into Queen-lane, where the horrible deed was committed and it was alleged, by this young fellow Elliott, with a razor. A little later the deceased was seen to be running across Union-street into Athenaeum-lane, but she did not get very far, before she dropped down. Dr Parsloe was sent for and the girl was conveyed on a Police ambulance to the Homeopathic Hospital. She died before reaching that Institution. - The Father's Story. - GEORGE HENRY HANNAFORD, a labourer in the employ of Plymouth Corporation, said he resided at 2 Henry-street and had known Edmund Walter Elliott for about two and a half years. Elliott had frequently been about with his daughter, but not with the consent of his wife or himself. He prohibited his daughter from keeping company with Elliott six months ago. He thought Elliott was not fit for her, and that he kept changing his employment. After Elliott was prohibited from going with his daughter he threatened her several times that he would "do for her." Witness never heard Elliott say that, but he had been told so. He never thought that Elliott would seriously do it. He had endeavoured to keep his daughter away from Elliott, but the latter continued to pay attentions to her. On Tuesday night his daughter and Lilley, an able seaman in the navy, went to the theatre and returned to the Athenaeum Hotel in Union-street, at 10.40. Witness and his wife were there. Lilley had a glass of beer. His daughter did not remain but five minutes and left telling her mother she was going home. He did not think that unusual. The next thing he saw was his daughter rush into the back bar of the Hotel with her throat cut. - That was seven or eight minutes after she had left. She was bleeding very badly and could not speak. He was so frightened he hardly knew what to do. His wife screamed and did not recognise the girl as her own daughter. An effort was made to get a cab and a doctor, but before these arrived deceased went into the street and fell down. Dr Parsloe came and ordered her removal to the Homeopathic Hospital. She died before the Hospital was reached. - Did you see Elliott afterwards? - No. It was some time afterwards that I heard what had really occurred. I first objected to Elliott keeping company with her because he would not remain in any situation. She often endeavoured to get away from Elliott when he came for her. - Has he ever waylaid her before? - Yes, continually. - Why did she not say that he threatened her? - Because she liked to keep it to herself, which she ought not to have done. - The Visit To The Theatre. - William Johnstone Lilley, able seaman, 52, Well-street, Plymouth, said on Tuesday evening he met the deceased at her house at 6.40, and with her mother's consent took her to the theatre. At 10.35 they left the theatre and went straight to the Athenaeum Hotel, where they met her parents. He ordered a glass of ale and deceased left, saying she was going home to take her hat off. On the way from the theatre, half-way down Athenaeum-lane he and the girl met a young man whom he now knew to be Elliott. The latter spoke to the deceased, and they were in conversation for five or seven minutes. They appeared to be having just an ordinary conversation. When the separated Elliott said to the deceased, "If you come down the lane I will prove it." Witness asked her what Elliott meant, but she did not reply, although he pressed her for an explanation. He then went with her to the Hotel. She went out, and later returned bleeding from the throat. he took out his handkerchief and tried to stop the flow of blood, but failed to do so. She tried to make a motion with her mouth to speak, but could not pronounce any words. He was of opinion that MISS HANNAFORD was away from the Hotel seven or eight minutes. He had not known Elliott before, and never had any quarrel with him. He had known the girl about three weeks. - By Mr Bickle: That was the first time he had taken the deceased to a place of amusement. Had never taken her for a walk before, although he had visited MRS HANNAFORD'S house for three weeks. He had no idea Elliott had been engaged to the girl. Witness was not courting the deceased. He tried to hear the conversation between the deceased and Elliott but could not. The first time he saw Elliott to know him by name was when Elliott was in the dock at the Police Court. - Absence Of The Accused. - The Foreman asked why the accused was not present. He thought he ought to be there. - The Coroner: I have communicated with the Governor of the Prison, and the warder has given me to understand that accused can come here if he likes. I think he is just as well out of it. Mr Bickle could have got him here, but I suppose he prefers not to come. - The Struggle In The Lane. - May Seccombe, wife of Fred Seccombe, professional boxer, living at the rear of Summerland-place, said she had known the deceased for some years. On Tuesday night at a quarter to eleven she (witness) was standing at the top of Queen-lane and saw her going towards Summerland-place alone. when CLARA HANNAFORD got half-way through the lane Elliott said to her "I want to speak to you a minute, CLARA," and the girl replied, "I will come down if you will not touch me." Elliott and the girl then went down the side lane where the back doors of the houses were and witness stood at the top of the lane. She could see them both as there were gaslights there. They stood about 15 yards down the lane when she went down to Elliott and asked "What are you doing with MISS HANNAFORD, Teddy?" Elliott replied "It is nothing to do with you." She saw that the girl's hat was on the ground and picked it up and gave it to her. She did not hear the deceased speak, she believed she was crying. Witness left the lane to go and tell the father and mother of the girl, who she understood were at the Athenaeum Hotel, but someone outside the Hotel said MR and MRS HANNAFORD were not there then. - The Foreman: Did Elliott knock her down? - yes, and she got up herself when he knocked her down. She was not bleeding then. - The Chief Constable: You say you saw him knock her down? - Yes. - You went into the lane, I believe, a second time? - Yes. - The Coroner: That would be when you picked up the hat? - Yes. - What position were Elliott and the girl then in? - Elliott had his arm around her neck. - Where were they standing? - She was up against a wall and he had his arm around her neck. - Mr Bickle: Although you had only once before, I understand, spoken to Elliott, you called him "Ted" on this occasion? - Yes. - You had known the girl for two years. did you speak to her? - Yes. - You were friendly? - Yes. - You tell us you went into the lane a second time? - Yes; and then they were much farther down. - The Chief Constable: Forty-two yards down. - Finding The Razor. - John Tremlett, a Dockyard employee, East-street, Stonehouse, said at fifteen minutes to eleven he was outside Mr Snell's shop at the end of Athenaeum-lane. He heard a scream from the direction of Queen-street, and looking across saw the deceased and her mother assisting her across the road. They came to within two yards of him and the deceased then collapsed. After the girl had been taken away on the ambulance he traced marks of blood to No. 25 Queen-lane. He struck matches and saw a quantity of blood and found the razor (produced) about three yards from a back door. there was no handle, simply a razor blade, which was covered with blood. - Police Evidence. - P.S. Beer said at 10.45 p.m. on Tuesday he was on duty in George-street. A young man rushed up Athenaeum-lane shouting, "Policeman, be quick, there is a young woman at the bottom of the lane with her throat cut." He ran down the lane and saw the girl there, on her back, surrounded by a crowd. A large quantity of blood was coming from her throat and he immediately sent for Dr Parsloe and the Police ambulance. The doctor ordered the removal of the woman to the Homeopathic Hospital; and on arriving there Dr Parsloe pronounced life to be extinct. The girl made an effort to speak, but could not. - The Injuries. - Dr Parsloe, Buckland-terrace, Plymouth, said the girl had a large wound extending from one ear to the other. When he arrived in Athenaeum-lane it was not bleeding. She breathed once. He ordered her removal to the Homeopathic Hospital. Death was due to loss of blood. The larynx was cut right across. The wound was such as could be caused by the blade of a razor. - The Accused's Statement. - Inspector John Hitchcock said at 11.30 on Tuesday night he was in charge of the Central Police Station, when Elliott rushed in and said "Are you looking for Ted Elliott?" He said the Police were, and as he had previously been informed of what happened, and the name of Elliott had been returned, he should therefore arrest him on a very serious charge, namely, that of murder. Elliott asked, "Is she dead?" and he replied "Yes." The accused was cautioned and he replied, "I did it with a razor in Queen-lane. She went out with another young man tonight. I met her and did it, and put her right." Witness formally charged Elliott and removed him to the parade room, where accused said "After I done it I went home and changed my coat." Witness afterwards went to 46 Well-street, and discovered the coat. He found large bloodstains on it, more particularly on the left sleeve. When he charged Elliot, and before he was removed from the charge room, he said, "It was not premeditated in any way. It was done on the spur of the moment." - The Verdict. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict and were absent two minutes. - On their return the Foreman said: The unanimous verdict of the Jury is Wilful Murder. We pass a vote of condolence with the parents of the girl in the sad circumstances. - The Coroner: I don't think you could come to any other conclusion. You return a verdict of Wilful Murder against Edmund Walter Elliott? - The Foreman: Yes. - A large crowd of persons remained outside the Mortuary until the verdict was known and showed considerable interest in the departure of the witnesses. - Scene Of The Tragedy. - So great was the number of persons visiting Queen-lane last evening to view the spot where the tragedy occurred that Constables had again to be placed on special duty. It must be known by this time that no signs whatever remain of the tragedy, but that does not seem to deter the curiosity of many. - Body Taken Home. - Last evening the body of the deceased was placed in a coffin at the Mortuary, and removed to her parents; home in Henry-street. It became known that the body would be brought to the house about 6.30 and a large crowd collected in Summerland-street and Henry-street. Whilst the coffin was being conveyed into the house there were many manifestations of grief at the sad end of the girl and of condolence with her parents. - The funeral will take place at Plymouth Cemetery on Sunday morning.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 November 1908
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Death Of REV. K. SPENCER - An Inquest was held at Moretonhampstead on Saturday on the REV. KINGSLEY SPENCER, residing at Courtlands, aged 54 years. - MR HERBERT SPENCER, of Plymouth, said the deceased, his brother, had been an invalid for some years. He received a letter from him on the 13th instant, regarding business requiring to be done on December 1st. - Emily Creber, servant to MR and MRS SPENCER at Courtlands, said on Thursday afternoon on taking her master his tea in the dining-room, she found he was not there. On going to the summer-house in the garden to tell him tea was ready, she found him lying on the floor. She called Mr Harvey. Mr W. Harvey, who lived next door, said on being called he found MR SPENCER was dead, lying in a lot of blood with a revolver in his right hand. He sent for the doctor and for MRS SPENCER, whom he knew was at the Rectory. - P.C. John Hosgrove said he found in the deceased's right-hand a revolver with the muzzle pointing up his arm and the thumb in front of the trigger and hand grasping the butt. Got it off his thumb with difficulty. A string was attached to the ramrod extractor, which was partly out and a ring at other end of the string. Four cartridges were still in and one discharged. - Police Sergeant Hutchings said the extractor of the revolver was partly out and on trying to unload it, found cartridges stuck, so that he could not do so and concluded they must have been there some time. He had had to take it to pieces to unload. - Dr E. Sutherland said a very large quantity of blood had come from the mouth and the eye, where the shot entered. The eye was not singed or burnt with powder where the shot entered, as it would have been if the pistol had been discharged close. In the dining-room he found an unfinished letter, produced, on the table. The Coroner read the letter: - From DR SPENCER, Moretonhampstead, Devon. 19th November, 1908 - Gentlemen:- The ramrod extractor of the revolver I bought of you in the spring is so very tight that it is quite troublesome to get it out, especially when it is loaded. - Dr Sutherland said MR SPENCER suffered from an internal complaint, for which a physician prescribed morphia, which caused him to be strange sometimes. He was eccentric in some things. He was fond of cats and kept many. - MR HERBERT SPENCER, recalled, said about 18 months ago deceased wrote asking for the loan of a gun, as two of his cats came home mangled by guns. He replied that he had not a gun, and his brother subsequently wrote that he had obtained a revolver for the purpose. Deceased had studied at Heidelberg, and had written to his sister as to going there shortly. - MRS AGNES MAUD SPENCER, the widow, said her husband was an invalid, had been nearly seven years in Moreton and had been much better lately and more often out of doors. She could not identify the revolver, but saw one about 12 months ago on the table in a little room. She had not seen it lately. She understood he had it to destroy injured cats. He did not say anything to her about the letter produced. She left him reading at 20 minutes to 3 in his usual condition. - The Jury (Mr Pitt Nind, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with MRS SPENCER and family. - Deceased, who was M.A., of Cambridge and Ph.D. of Heidelberg University, was ordained deacon in 1855 and priest in the following year. From 1885 to 1890 he was assistant master of Tavistock Grammar School. His father was the late REV. EDWARD SPENCER, M.A., of Tavistock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on MR RICHARD THOMAS MORRIS, 51, of Gilwell-street, a horse driver, who died suddenly. The widow stated that on Friday night deceased partook of a hearty meal and went to bed. The following morning at six o'clock he complained of pains. Dr Roger Burke was sent for and MORRIS died before his arrival. Deceased had frequently complained of indigestion. - Dr Burke, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to a fatty heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Workhouse on ELIZABETH BROWN, 67, spinster. Mr F. C. Hellings, (Master) said she had been an inmate for five years, and had no relatives that he was aware of. She was usually in good health and had not received medical treatment. On Sunday after breakfast she was walking in the women's sitting-room when she suddenly died. - Dr J. P.S. Ward, acting Medical Officer of the Workhouse, said death was due to heart failure. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 November 1908
NEWTON ABBOT - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held last evening on MARY ANN CHURCHWARD, 85, an inmate of Newton Abbot Workhouse, who fell and broke her thigh on Thursday. She belonged to St. Marychurch and was a patient in the imbecile ward. She was walking round a table when a girl imbecile caught her hold in play and caused her to fall.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 November 1908
PLYMOUTH - A Laira Mystery. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GUNNER E. C. HAYWARD, Royal Marine Artillery. - Lieut. Robert Sinclair, R.M.L.I., of H.M.S. New Zealand, said deceased went on leave at Devonport on the 3rd inst., and should have returned on the 4th. Thomas Hole, bargeman, Brunswick-road, who was leading a barge with sand off Chelson Meadow on Wednesday, deposed to finding the body floating in mid-stream of the Laira. - P.C. Down said deceased's name and number were on his belt. In his pocket was a razor. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

EXETER - Plymouth Train Mystery. London Auctioneer's Death At Exeter. - At the Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on MR MURRAY LAWRENCE RUSSELL, aged 57, an auctioneer, of the firm of Jones, Lang and Co., Cheapside, London. WILLIAM MONTAGUE RUSSELL, of Stapleton-road, Stroud Green, London, said deceased, his brother, resided at Horten, near Slough and when he last saw him in October he was in good health. He was a widower. About twelve months ago he had a severe illness and he understood he had a weak heart. He had never heard him threaten to take his life. He was a very cheerful man. He had never complained to witness of being in straitened circumstances. - The Coroner: There are some letters here and it would seem as if he was being pressed in some matters, but they did not appear to be very large. - MR RUSSELL said deceased was a partner of Jones, Lang and Co., and he had received a telegram from the firm which stated "No financial trouble so far as our firm is concerned." There was money due to the deceased now. He had no children. - Edwin Cater, ticket collector, G.W.R., Plymouth, said deceased travelled in the 8.20 p.m. train from North-road on Wednesday. He examined his ticket between Plymouth and Newton Abbot, and collected it after leaving Dawlish. He was then in a stupefied state. There was a cork lying near. Witness did not think he was ill. His ticket was taken for Exeter. - Joseph Johns, Inspector, G.W.R., St. David's, said he found the deceased alone in a carriage on the arrival of the train at Exeter. He appeared to be under the influence of liquor and on being asked where he was going he said, "The Rougemont." Witness called upon two porters to assist him out of the train and get him to the Hotel 'bus, but he became unconscious. witness was then informed that he had been drinking chlorodyne. Dr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, was sent for, and on his advice deceased was taken to the Hospital. - Alfred Hancock, ticket collector, St David's, deposed to rendering "first-aid" to the deceased. - Fredk. Jordan Lee, guard of the train, said he found two corks on the seat of deceased's carriage. In the lavatory compartment when nearing Paddington, witness found a bottle which had contained port and brandy. - MR RUSSELL said his brother had been a teetotaler for a long time. P.C. Wallace deposed to receiving from the Stationmaster at Newton Abbot a chlorodyne bottle, which was found on the line on Thursday morning. The name on one of the corks produced corresponded with that on the bottle. - Dr J. Harmer, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was unconscious when admitted, and apparently suffering from the effects of chlorodyne. He died within an hour. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found some of the organs badly diseased and the gall bladder was full of gall stones. Chlorodyne was one of the most popular remedies for easing pain. Death was due to chlorodyne poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." The Coroner concurred and expressed sympathy with deceased's brother.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 December 1908
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. Doctor refuses A Certificate. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on the infant son of CLARA WHITWELL, 6 Adelaide-street. - JULIA TREMEER, said the child's mother was her daughter, with whom she had resided for three or four months. JOHN WHITWELL, an engineer artificer, R.N., the daughter's husband, had been on the China station since January 1907. About a fortnight ago she summoned Dr Waterfield to attend her daughter and on Friday morning he again came and MRS WHITWELL gave birth to a male child. She (MRS TREMEER) wrapped it in flannel and attended to the mother. When born the child cried lustily and she placed it by the side of her daughter. Her son-in-law knew nothing about the matter. When witness took up the child again, she noticed that its lips were turning blue. she rubbed its back and chest and breathed into its moth. As it did not rally she went for the doctor. When she returned the child was dead. She was separated from her husband. She had had experiences in midwifery, and attended the birth of her daughter's first child. - The Coroner: Did anybody in the house know that the child was dead? - No. The child was not covered with anything excepting the flannel. She had previously lived in Clarence-street, Devonport and St. Mary's-place, Stoke. - In reply to Police-Superintendent Crooke, she said I did not tell Inspector Joslin that I wrapped the child in a blanket as well as the flannel. If I mentioned "blanket" I meant the flannel. When I went for the doctor I only told my landlady that my daughter was unwell. I did not call the neighbours to assist me as I did not want them to know anything about it. I was too ashamed. I hope the Jury will take a lenient view of the case. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said about a fortnight ago he was called to Ad[?]-street by Mrs Tremeer and found that her daughter was suffering from pleurisy, and he confirmed the mother's statement that she would soon be confined. He afterwards saw MRS WHITWELL on three occasions. On Friday morning at half-past three, Mrs Tremeer summoned him and twenty minutes after his arrival the child was born. There was no nurse. It was a very fine male child and cried lustily. Mrs Tremeer seemed anxious to suppress the noise, by covering the child with a flannel. She seemed very much upset and while on her knees said "What shall I do? What shall I do?" The mother of the child was very calm and quiet, and seemed quite unconcerned. The child was all right before he left. It weighed 7 ½ lb. at birth. He knew nothing further until his servant told him that Mrs Tremeer had called for a death certificate. He refused it and reported the case to the Coroner. He made a post-mortem examination and found the child free from marks of violence. It had lived at least an hour. Death was due to suffocation. The placing of the flannel over the child's mouth would be sufficient to cause suffocation. There was no reason why Mrs Tremeer and her daughter could not have attended to the child between them. - The Coroner said in view of the evidence he should adjourn the Inquest until December 14th, that the child's mother might give evidence.

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on HENRY CROFTS SERCOMBE, aged 64, resident clerk at the Union of London and Smith's Bank, deceased's wife said that on Friday night when he went to bed he was apparently all right, but at 4.30 on Saturday morning he sat up in bed and complained of pains in the chest. Dr Vlieland was called, but death took place before he arrived. Dr C. J. Vlieland said the deceased had been suffering from chronic dyspepsia. Death was due to angina pectoris. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 December 1908
EXETER - Exeter Suicide. A Victim Of Influenza. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on JOHN HURFORD, aged 46, packer, FANNY HURFORD, his wife, said deceased had not been well of late. In August last he had an attack of influenza and since then he has complained of pains in the head and chest; occasionally he was very low spirited. He was a very steady man. She last saw him alive just after six on Monday morning and at eight o'clock her son went towards the back kitchen to wash his hands and saw the deceased. He called witness, who thought at first deceased had fainted. Another son came and noticed a rope and said "Father's hung himself, mother!" He took a knife and cut him down and a doctor was sent for. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. - FREDERICK GEORGE HURFORD, deceased's son, said the rope had a knot at the end, which was put over the top of the door and the weight of the body kept the door shut. - John Chas. Davis, a neighbour, deposed that deceased had complained of pains in his head and he once said that the pains were enough to "drive him mad." - Dr Black, assistant to Dr Farrant, said death was due to hanging and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Death From A Cut. - At an Inquest held on HANNA LOUISA STOCKMAN, a widow, of 5 Laira-place, Plymouth, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, yesterday, her son, JOHN STOCKMAN, said about five weeks ago his mother was cutting bread when the knife slipped and cut her thumb. A few days later her hand began to give her pain and she sent for Dr Stubbs, who treated her for three weeks and then ordered her removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where she was received on 12th ult. she was operated on twice, her arm being amputated last Sunday. She died the same day. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - At the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on WILLIAM CHING, 55, painter, Dr Phillips, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 December 1908
EXETER - Death Under An Anaesthetic. Inquest At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on HEDLEY REGINALD E. LUSCOMBE, aged 6, ARTHUR R. LUSCOMBE, Friarshill, the father, said his son, who had been suffering for years from an abscess behind the ear, was operated upon on Wednesday. Witness was in the Hospital at the time, but was not present in the theatre. He thought he should have been, it was not like a lot of women. - The Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown): You see, there are two ways of looking at it. You would not like to be there while the operation was being performed, you know. - Mr Thomas Hughes, Assistant House Surgeon, said the boy was operated upon for disease in the ear. He administered the anaesthetic, which was the A.C.E. mixture (alcohol, chloroform and ether), but he first examined his heart and lungs. The surgeon, Mr Roper, was just starting the operation when he noticed symptoms of heart failure. Witness at once stopped the anaesthetic and the operation was suspended, but the patient died. Witness had had about three years' experience in anaesthetics and during the last six months had administered it in about 200 cases. - Dr J. Harmer, House Surgeon, said all means were taken to restore the boy. The post-mortem examination showed the heart to be practically healthy, the lungs bore evidence of old inflammation: all the other organs were healthy. The glands were enlarged and in the right middle there was an abscess cavity, about the size of a marble, which was only separated from the brain by a thin tissue. He said this to show that the operation was absolutely necessary. Mr Hughes administered the anaesthetic very carefully and properly. Death was caused by heart failure. - The Coroner said he considered that everything that could be done had been done in the matter of carefulness. Cases of this sort were very scarce at the Exeter Hospital and he thought that the doctors there deserved every credit for the way in which operations were carried out. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 December 1908
EXETER HEAVITREE - Exeter Cook's Death. - At an Inquest at Heavitree on Saturday evening on HANNAH FITZGERALD, aged 65, domestic servant at Prospect House, Topsham-road, Exeter, who was found dead on the footpath the previous night outside Topsham Barracks, the Coroner (Mr W. F. Thomas) said the deceased was in the employ of Major Sanders. The body was found on the Topsham-road, but as far as he knew there was no violence in connection with the death. - Mary Horwill, FITZGERALD'S fellow-servant, said the deceased was a cook, and had been in Major Sanders' employ for two years. She was a widow, and came from Sheffield. She last saw her at 9.15, when she was about to leave for the supper beer. For two or three weeks deceased had complained of pains in her left side, but had not been really ill. - Jessie Haydon, of Countess Weir, said she was walking from Exeter to Countess Weir and when near Prospect House saw lying near the wall the body of a woman. She informed P.C. Lang. - P.C. Lang, of Countess Weir, said MRS FITZGERALD was quite dead. He communicated with Major Sanders. Deceased had a basket in her right hand, with a bottle full of beer. - Dr J. F. Wolfe said all the organs of the body were more or less congested and there was evidence of old-standing pleurisy. The heart showed signs of fatty degeneration, and also evidence of valvular disease. Death was due to syncope, caused by the condition of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CHISWICK, SURREY - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest at Chiswick on Saturday on EDWARD FREDERICK SPEKE, son of the REV. W. SPEKE, of Sheldon Court, Devon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 December 1908
EXETER - MISS MARY HAYNES, aged 56, daughter of MR THOMAS HAYNES, draper of Hollingdale, Old Tiverton-road, Exeter, died suddenly on Saturday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Bradford attributed death to heart failure, after a fit of violent coughing.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM SAMUEL COUCH, labourer, aged 29, of Rendle-street. MRS COUCH said he ate but little. On Saturday he complained of pains in the chest; later they got better. About 4 o'clock in the morning she awoke and found her husband half out of bed and snoring loudly. She tried to wake him, but could not. Dr Waterfield, who was sent for, and found COUCH dead, said death was due to heart disease. Deceased was very emaciated. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. The Foreman and two or three of the Jurymen presented their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 December 1908
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth on DAVID HART, aged 73, labourer. JOHN HART, deceased's son, said that on 20th ult. his father fell down and bruised his eye. He died on Sunday. Wm. Drake, a neighbour, said MR HART was going upstairs when he slipped and fell down two or three stairs and cut his eye. Dr Bromilow said death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 December 1908
BOW - At the Inquest at Bow on Tuesday on JOHN LOCK, 78 years of age, Mrs Rowden, of Halse, his niece, said she last saw him alive about five o'clock on Sunday afternoon and he was then in his usual health. James Steer said on the road to Grattans in Tanyard-lane, he found LOCK lying in the road on Sunday evening and within five minutes he died. Mr C. H. Haycroft, Surgeon, said there were no external injuries to account for death, the cause of which was syncope. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 December 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. Inquest Adjourned After A Four Hours' Sitting. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on ANNIE TOOLEY, aged 11 months, the child of ALMA R. J. TOOLEY, carpenter, Corporation-road. Mr T. H. Gill appeared for the N.S.P.C.C.; Mr Lawrence Spear for the parents. - The Father's Evidence. - The father said deceased when born on February 24th was very small and her health was very poor from birth. She was taken to the Homeopathic Dispensary, Lockyer-street, Plymouth, nearly three months ago and seen by Dr Wilmot and was detained nearly a month. The child was not seen by a medical man prior to being taken to the Hospital, as her condition did not appear to be serious. He had been in the employ of one firm 26 years and his wages averaged 30s. a week. He had given his wife about 25s. a week. - The Coroner said in consequence of proceedings outside, he must caution witness not to give any evidence that would tend to incriminate himself. - Witness said out of the money he allowed his wife she paid 7s. a week rent. He had six other children, whose ages ranged from three to 14 years; and the eldest was in a reformatory school. since deceased was taken from the Hospital she had been seen several times by Dr Wilmot, and once or twice by Dr Simpson. They had had twelve or thirteen children. He had every confidence that his home had been properly looked after. His wife sometimes worked as a machinist with his consent and during her absence his eldest daughter, age 11, looked after the children, and sometimes Mrs Courtnage, a neighbour. The children were properly looked after during his wife's absence and were as healthy as could be found. - By Mr Gill: I first saw Inspector Westcott at the house last month. He called my attention to the condition of the child, but I do not know the date. The Inspector has been at the house four or five times. I was present when the child was weighed, but do not remember the weight. The child had one sore. - Mr Gill: Do you remember the child having an abscess on the thigh? - Mr Spear advised witness not to answer. It was immaterial, but witness did not know. - In reply to Mr Spear, witness said of the money he gave his wife she had to pay 2s. 6d. a week for the boy in the reformatory and 1s. to club money. The child had often suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting. He had never lost an hour's time from intemperance or other misconduct. He had suffered three times from pneumonia and now had chronic asthma. He had seen bottles of various foods procured by his wife for the child. Before the Inspector came to the house the deceased was in the doctor's hands. - By the Coroner: Not one of my children is insured. - The Mother - EMILY JANE TOOLEY, mother of deceased, said the child was very small when born, and did not cry or murmur for four days. Afterwards finding she did not thrive on milk and water, she gave her Benger's food. After the child came out of Hospital she gave her virol and extract of malt. Dr Wilmot saw deceased five times after she left the Hospital. She carried out instructions and gave the child the medicine up to the 4th inst., when Dr Wilmot advised her to try Allenbury's No. 2. She procured some of it the same evening and also fetched the medicine from the Hospital. Last Monday Dr Wilmot came again, and said the child was certainly better. On Tuesday she did not go to work and that night got out of bed and gave the child a little food, as she usually did. Deceased last had food at 5.40 a.m. on Wednesday and she afterwards took her downstairs in her bed. On taking the child up at 8 a.m. to wash her she noticed something funny about her eyes and sent for Dr Simpson, who came at once, and said deceased was passing away. She died shortly afterwards. Dr Simpson called with the Inspector and saw the child on November 28th and once previously. She first went machining at Stonehouse about the end of July. Mrs Courtnage offered to look after the baby if she went to work and also "give an eye to the little ones" at dinner times if witness did not come home. She had not been to work this week nor last. The highest wages she had earned was 10s to 12s. a week. The deceased pined away. - The Coroner: It is obvious she was not an ordinary child. - By Mr Gill: The Inspector did not visit my house nine times to my knowledge. Dr Wilmot advised me to send the child to the Hospital because of an abscess. I received a warning notice from the N.S.P.C.C. - By Mr Spear: After a month's care at the Hospital I could not see that deceased had improved in any way, except that the abscess had healed. Dr Wilmot has practically had charge of the child from September until her death and has never complained of the condition of the child or my home. - Medical Evidence. - Dr T. Y. Simpson said he had made a post-mortem examination, at which Dr Fleming and Dr Lyth were present. The child was 24 ½ inches in length, and 6lb 9 ½ oz in weight. The body of a child of deceased's age should weigh 15 lb. The body was extremely emaciated and there were old sores on the back of the right thigh. There was an entire absence of fat and the child had no teeth. He attended MRS TOOLEY at the birth of the child on February 24th and as far as he could remember, the deceased was healthy and a perfectly normal child. He attended the mother and child for nine or ten days after. He next saw the child at Mrs Courtnage's house on October 6th. He noticed an abscess on the right thigh. He again saw the child on November 28th at MRS TOOLEY's house. It was extremely emaciated and weighed 9lb. He had a long conversation with MR and MRS TOOLEY, saw the remains of the child's last meal and drew MRS TOOLEY'S attention to the fact that the milk was sour. He warned the mother not to give her any more of it. The primary cause of death was malnutrition and the secondary cause broncho-pneumonia, and the child actually died from heart failure. - Asked by the Coroner what was the cause of the malnutrition, witness said he only saw one sample of food. Unless it could be proved that the child had had putrid milk he was not prepared to say. The malnutrition might have been due to non-assimilation of food. If the food mentioned by MRS TOOLEY was given, he would say that the malnutrition was due to non-assimilation. A child might die of malnutrition although carefully looked after. - By Mr Gill: When I saw the child on October 6th it had not been properly taken care of. It was in a dirty state. On November 28th the child was much cleaner. I warned the mother that unless the child was taken care of it would die, and advised her not to leave the baby in the care of the elder girl, because she was not suitable. The house was in a very dirty condition on November 28th - Saturday afternoon - and the bedding was also in a dirty state. The other children were healthy but dirty. - By Mr Spear: Such an abscess as the child had might appear on a person apparently healthy to the ordinary layman, but the child was dirty. Improper feeding is very common among poor people. - Dr P. Wilmot, of Plymouth, said he first visited deceased on September 23rd at the house. She was thin, pale, and ill-nourished and a whining, miserable sort of child. He prescribed medicine, which MRS TOOLEY was to fetch from the Homeopathic Hospital, and gave general instructions about the food. He next saw deceased on October 7th and again on the 9th. The child was admitted to the Hospital under his care on October 10th and remained there until November 6th. During that period the child progressed a little and was not so miserable and whiny as when she came in, and put on 1lb. in weight. There was no specific illness and the child left because they thought they had given it a start in the right way. There was at first vomiting and diarrhoea. He next saw the child on November 20th, when she seemed in the same whiny and miserable condition as when admitted to the Hospital, except for an abscess on the thigh, which had been cured while the child was in Hospital. He called again on November 28th but could not get in. While he was there he saw Inspector Westcott and Dr Simpson. He called again on December 2nd and 7th and on those occasions the child was worse. He had not made a post-mortem examination, but in his opinion the immediate cause of death was pneumonia and syncope: but that nutrition also had an influence. - The Coroner: Would the malnutrition be due to non-assimilation? - Yes. It was not due to any organic disease. It might have been due to improper food, or lack of proper food. The child had difficulty in assimilating the first food given her in Hospital. - By the Jury: The house is dirty. I have only been in the hall and the kitchen. The children were not well looked after in the sense of being very clean, but they appeared to be well nourished. I don't think deceased has been well looked after except recently. - In reply to Mr Gill, Dr Wilmot said in the main he agreed with Dr Simpson's evidence. - By Mr Spear: The primary cause of death was pneumonia. He sounded the child 36 hours before death, and diagnosed the case as one of lobar pneumonia. - The Court having sat from 3 until 7.15 p.m., the Coroner said as the hour was getting late, and several witnesses had to be called, he would adjourn the Inquiry until 3 p.m. next Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 December 1908
BIDEFORD - At Woodville, near Bideford, yesterday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on MRS MARY BRAUNTON. Deceased, who was 70 years of age, had been paralysed for 29 years. At the end of October she fell and received a slight wound on the forehead which seemed to heal satisfactorily, but three weeks later erysipelas set in and spread from the wound all over the body, the resulting fever and exhaustion leading to death.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Child's Death. Suffocated By Neglect. - At Stonehouse last evening Mr R. R. Rodd resumed the Inquest on the infant child of MRS CLARA W. J. WHITWELL, Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, wife of an engine-room artificer in the navy. The Inquiry had been adjourned for the attendance of the mother. The child was born on November 27th. It was then perfectly healthy, but an hour after Dr W. H. Waterfield had left, it was found by its grandmother, Mrs Tremeer, dead, having, according to the medical evidence, been suffocated, apparently through being wrapped too tightly in a flannel sheet. The grandmother stated that when she discovered the baby's alarming symptoms she left the house to recall the doctor, but to the ringing of the bell could get no answer. She returned to her home and found the child had died. - CLARA W. J. WHITWELL, the mother, said her husband had been on the China station since January 1907. After her mother left to fetch Dr Waterfield she did not in any way touch the child. Her back was to the baby and being in pain could not turn round to it. Nobody touched it until the grandmother's return, when it was found dead. - It had made a slight noise during Mrs Tremeer's absence. - Examined by Superintendent Crooke: After the doctor left she was given tea. Once her mother looked at the baby and said it was all right, but on lifting it later she expressed a different view and at her suggestion left to recall the doctor. - Mrs Prockter, of whom Mrs Tremeer and MRS WHITWELL rented rooms, said she knew nothing of the birth until informed by the Police. During the night she heard someone leave the house. Mrs Tremeer in the morning told her that her daughter had been unwell and she had fetched the doctor. - Inspector Joslin said Mrs Tremeer told him that after birth the child was wrapped in a flannel shirt and placed on the bed, a blanket being thrown lightly over it. About five o'clock, when she was about to wash it, she observed that the child was not breathing properly and ran to fetch Dr Waterfield at whose house, however, no response could be got. She did not call any of the neighbours because she wanted to keep it as quiet as possible for her daughter's sake. - The Coroner, summing up, said the child appeared to have been very healthy and there was no reason whatever for it not living except that it was suffocated. It was for the Jury to determine whether that suffocation was the result of an accident or not. Apparently deceased was wrapped up too closely in the flannel and probably when laid upon the bed had its face downward. The Jury could not shut their eyes to the fact that Mrs Tremeer throughout manifested a desire to keep the affair a secret, so that it should not reach the ears of the husband. Such secrecy must be viewed with very grave apprehension. On the other hand they had been told the child was not expected until after the 13th of the present month and it was possible in the excitement it was left too long, unintentionally, without being attended, and hence the cause of the suffocation. - After deliberating in private, the Jury returned a verdict "That the child was Suffocated through the Negligence of Julia Tremeer, but such neglect was not culpable." - The Coroner told Mrs Tremeer the Jury thought she should have called the neighbours in the house to her assistance and had desired him to censure her for her conduct.

STOKE DAMEREL - Effects Of Drink. Sudden Death At Devonport. - At Devonport yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on BENJAMIN SISLEY, aged 67 years, a shipwright, H.M. Dockyard. - Mrs Trevarrow, of Hotham-place, said deceased had lodged with her for many years. He went to his work on Saturday morning, and returning about two o'clock ate a hearty meal. She left the house an hour later and did not return until the evening. SISLEY was in the habit of drinking very heavily, but had recently improved somewhat. - Miss Trevarrow, the young daughter of the last witness, said she heard SISLEY groan after her mother had gone out and saw him fall. She ran and told a neighbour. - Dr Wagner, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the primary cause of death was cirrhosis of the liver, due to chronic alcoholism, and secondly, to the rupture of the right ventricle of the heart. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Coroner held an Inquest on ELIZA ANN THOMAS, widow, 58 years of age, who resided in Fort-street. Annie Ralph, the wife of a naval petty officer, living in Canterbury-street, said deceased, her mother, had been employed in the Dockyard for many years. Deceased visited her on Saturday and they retired together at night. When witness went to sleep deceased was sitting in an armchair in the same room. she woke up about 6.30 in the morning and found her mother dead in the chair. - Dr McElwaine attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by chronic alcoholism. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death. Seizure While Chasing A Rat. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MRS SHELTON, of Buckwell-street. Mrs Ellis, living in the same house, said on Friday morning, MRS SHELTON was trying to catch a rat and it jumped at her. She screamed and became paralysed. She was not bitten by the rat. Dr T. H. Williams said MRS SHELTON was dead when he arrived. As the result of a post-mortem examination, he attributed death to a rupture of a blood-vessel on the brain. Fright was not the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on PHYLLIS GERTRUDE MAY WOODLAND, the nine-week-old daughter of a L.S.W.R. engine-driver, the mother stated that the child lay in her arm during the night and in the morning, when her husband brought her tea she put the child down. After she had had tea she looked at the child and it appeared to be dead. - Dr Bradford said death was due to suffocation. He did not consider it a case of overlaying. The suffocation was probably caused by the clothes coming into contact with the nose and mouth. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, and attached no blame to anyone.

EXETER - At the Inquest on EMMA HOAR, aged 56, of Commercial-road, who dropped dead in the street on Saturday morning, Dr Black said the heart weighed 16oz. instead of 8 or 10oz. There were also signs of organic disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 December 1908
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on HENRY EDWARD BOLTON, aged five years, son of a petty officer, R.N., living in Barrack-street. The child's mother said she was bathing the children in the kitchen on Saturday and stood her up on a chair near the fire that he might reach a piece of ribbon on the mantle-piece. He over-balanced himself and in falling knocked over a kettle of boiling water. He was badly scalded on his arms, neck and chest and she took him to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr Shervell, House Surgeon, said the child died on Sunday morning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the mother.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 December 1908
LYDFORD - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest in Dartmoor Prison yesterday on HENRY ERNEST GARRETT, 48 years of age, who at Maidstone in November 1901 was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. He was received at Dartmoor Prison in May 1902. He was admitted into the Hospital in November 1907 suffering from disease of the spinal cord and locomotor ataxy resulted. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 18 December 1908
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAS. PENGELLY, aged 78, labourer, of 38 Albert-road, Plymouth. On November 3rd deceased fell heavily while in the back yard of his residence and was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on the following day. He was admitted to the Workhouse from the Hospital, where he remained under treatment about six weeks suffering from a fractured thigh. He died from shock, caused by the injuries he had received. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 December 1908
EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on CHARLES ALEXANDER MATTHEWS, aged 43 of Paris-street, formerly a member of the Exeter Fire Brigade, and of the 4th Devon and Exeter Bible Band, who died at the Exeter Dispensary on Friday, Dr Brash said he had been treating the deceased for consumption and death was due to heart failure caused by the deceased's weak state.

TEIGNMOUTH - Flannelette Dangers. Teignmouth Boy's Sad Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Teignmouth Hospital on ARTHUR RICHARDSON, aged eight years. - JESSIE RICHARDSON, of the Strand, said the deceased was her son. He had been in the habit of getting up mornings and lighting the gas stove and making tea. She had begged him not to do it, but he had a will of his own and would go downstairs, so she would let the slot stove run out. On Saturday morning he went downstairs and shortly afterwards she heard a scream and her husband and self sprung to the bedroom door, saw the lad outside in a volume of flame. They picked up an old carpet to roll around the boy, but he ran out in the yard. They laid him down on a couch and spread oil over the burns. He had on a woven shirt and a flannelette nightdress. He was able to tell them he lit a candle and was placing the candlestick on the table when it slipped off and caught his nightdress. - ARTHUR RICHARDSON, the father, corroborated. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): Did you not know that flannelette was a most inflammable? - No, sir. My wife may have, but I always leave home affairs to her. - The Coroner: It is asserted that there are 1,500 deaths annually through children being burnt through wearing this material. Its dangers are reported in the newspapers and Coroners and their juries caution parents and it all seems to no purpose. - Dr Hayward said the boy was so badly burnt there was no chance of his recovery. Dr Flint, at the Hospital, had the case under his charge, and the boy said it was through disobedience that it had happened. - The Coroner said in the case of fire the person wearing flannelette had 100 to 1 chances against him. This information was spread broadcast, but the material was not set aside as it should be and he trusted less thoughtlessness would be seen in Teignmouth now this accident had happened. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Foreman and the Jury fully endorsed the Coroner's remarks, and passed a vote of sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1908
TAVISTOCK - Aged Woman's Fall. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Tavistock, on Saturday, on ELIZABETH DOWN, aged 83 years, who died on Thursday. Mr D. Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. JOHN DOWN said the deceased, the widow of RICHARD DOWN, cab proprietor, was his mother. In consequence of her feebleness he took her to reside with him during the past six weeks. About 5.30 a.m. on the 17th December he heard a noise in her room, which was over his bedroom. He went up and found his mother out of bed on the floor. He called his wife and they got her into bed. She complained of pain in her arm and said she had slipped and fallen. Dr Snowden Smith said the deceased had been under his care off and on for some weeks for old age. On the 17th instant, he was called to see deceased, and found her in bed with a fractured arm and suffering from shock. She died from old age accelerated by shock, due to the injury. The deceased was very feeble. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 December 1908
TOPSHAM - Fatality At Topsham. - At an Inquest held at Topsham yesterday on SUSAN BRADFORD, GEO. BRADFORD, licensed victualler, said his wife was 39 years of age. On Christmas night she had her supper and went upstairs. He had a look around the premises to see that everything was all right and was going to bed when he saw the deceased lying on the stairs, apparently dead. She was perfectly sober when she went to bed. She had been accustomed to faint. - Lucy Staddon deposed to being called by MR BRADFORD who said his wife had fallen over the stairs. MRS BRADFORD was fully dressed and there was no sign of any disturbance. - Mr R. Hatherill, Surgeon, said the only injury on the body was a bruise on the side of the nose and on the lip. A discharge from the nose indicated a fracture of the base of the skull, which produced heart failure and caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

TIVERTON - Drowned At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton yesterday on WILLIAM SAUNDERS, a pensioner, aged 60, found on Boxing-day drowned in Collipriest Leat. - His brother, E. SAUNDERS, of Cadbury, said he did not know that he had any trouble or was subject to fits. - Mrs Mary Ann Whitton, said the deceased lodged at her house. On Christmas-day he went to the Star Inn at 12.30 and returned at 2.30 apparently having had quite enough to drink. About 4 o'clock he left for Lower Farm, and she expected him to return to the Star Inn about 6. His only faults were smoking and drinking. He had fallen in the leat, which runs alongside his road to work, three times before and had been helped out. He rambled a good deal when drunk. He always drank after receiving his pension. His wife ran away from him nine years ago, taking £40 with her. - Mr John Heard, of Lower Farm, Collipriest, said SAUNDERS who worked for him, called at the farm on Christmas-day and asked for a drink, which he gave him. On his assuring him another drink would not do him any harm, he let him have a little more cider. He paid him for four days' work, and gave him an extra 1s. on Christmas-eve. - Fdk. Warner said he found the body on Boxing-day morning lying on his back in six inches of water in Collipriest Leat. The leat was about two feet deep, but deceased was lying at the side. There were many matches about on the road (The Collipriest carriage drive) between the spot where the body was found and where his cap was lying. There were also a lot of footmarks, as though someone had been looking for something. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

WALKHAMPTON - Infant's Throat Cut. Distressing Discovery Near Walkhampton. - Residents of Yelverton and Walkhampton district were yesterday perturbed when it became known that a distressing affair had occurred in their midst early on the morning of Boxing-day, the body of a baby having been found with its throat cut. - It appears that the sad affair took place at the rear of Eggworthy House, about a couple of miles from Walkhampton. In the house there are several domestics, including KATHLEEN FANNY CORBY, a cook, single, 35 years of age; also William Jones, a caretaker and his wife. Jones rose fairly early on Saturday to begin his duties. About seven o'clock his attention was directed to someone walking about at the rear of the house and on looking out he saw the cook, CORBY, going towards the backdoor. thinking she was moving about rather early, he continued to watch in her direction. She had come from the kitchen and Jones saw her endeavour to unlock the backdoor. Under her left arm she had what appeared to be a bundle. CORBY, whilst endeavouring to open the door, reeled and then fell down in a swoon. In falling the bundle dropped. Jones ran to her assistance and then he discovered that what he supposed was a bundle was really the dead body of a baby, which had its throat cut. - The caretaker shouted to his wife for assistance, and Mrs Jones at once came out. They carried CORBY (who had fainted) to her bedroom and it was then noticed that there was blood about the room. Having seen attention given to the woman, Jones went to the spot where the body was on the ground, and took it to the gunroom of the house. He also sent for Dr Crow, of Yelverton, and P.C. Podger, of Walkhampton. Both visited Eggworthy promptly in response to the summons and after Dr Crow had examined the body it was removed to the servants' storeroom, the key being placed in the possession of the Constable. Supt. Crook, Stonehouse, of the County Police, and Mr R. Robinson Rodd (the Coroner) were informed of what had occurred. - It was not generally known in Walkhampton and the district until yesterday that such a distressing affair had taken place. Although it was bitterly cold weather and the snow was covering the country several inches deep, small groups gathered and discussed the matter. When the Coroner, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, arrived at the village yesterday morning for the purpose of holding an Inquest, the inhabitants manifested the greatest anxiety to get the fullest particulars. Soon after CORBY was removed into the house it was found that she was seriously ill and Dr Crow attended to her. No charge has yet been preferred against the woman, but a Policeman is in regular attendance at the house and a nurse has been provided to constantly watch CORBY. CORBY has been employed at Eggworthy as cook for about twelve months and is said to have come from the Salisbury district. Those who were acquainted with her speak of her as being of a quiet and retiring disposition and are surprised at the developments. It is believed that CORBY was taken ill in her bedroom and afterwards went down to the kitchen, as there are some indications of this. None of the other servants heard her leave the bedroom. Dr Crow yesterday made a post-mortem examination of the body and its interment afterwards took place at Walkhampton. The Police have not as yet recovered any instrument with which it is supposed the cut in the infants throat was caused: and CORBY is at present too seriously ill for her bedroom to be searched. The wound, it is understood, is not an extensive one, the windpipe not having been severed. - The Inquest. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd opened an Inquiry yesterday at the Constable's house at Walkhampton. Supt. Crook was present. The only witness called was William Jones, caretaker, at Eggworthy, the Coroner remarking that it would be necessary to adjourn that Inquiry as CORBY was too ill to attend, and Dr Crow was to make a post-mortem examination of the body of the infant. - Jones stated that on Saturday at 7 a.m. he noticed KATHLEEN FANNY CORBY, cook, go to the rear of the house. She tried to open the back door and seeing she was observed by witness, she dropped a parcel she was carrying under her left arm. He saw her attempt to sit down, but she fell and went into a swoon. Witness shouted to his wife for assistance. They carried CORBY to her bedroom. On the floor of the room he noticed blood stains. He then went back to the garden and found that the bundle was really the body of a newly-born male child. Witness carried the body to the gun-room in the house and later to the servant's storeroom. He noticed that the infant's throat had been cut. As soon as possible after he found the body Dr Crow was sent for and the Police also communicated with. - This was the whole of the evidence taken and the Inquiry adjourned until January 16th to enable further evidence to be given and also the result of Dr Crow's post-mortem examination. The adjourned Inquest will be held at the village schoolroom.

DAWLISH - Holcombe Suicide. A Man Who Should Have Been Married On Saturday. Strange Story At Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, opening an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on FRANK ROWLANDS, single, aged 34, saddler and harness-maker, of the village of Bourton-on-the Water, Gloucestershire, said the deceased was unknown in Dawlish and the point was whether death was the result of foul play or of suicide. - Sister's Evidence. - EVELYN A. ROWLANDS, sister of deceased, said her brother lived with her and her father. She last saw him alive on Wednesday, when he left to go to Cheltenham, 16 miles distant, shopping. He said he should return by the 12 train. Nothing unusual passed between them and deceased ate a good breakfast. He had been suffering from dreadful pains in his head during the last two or three months and said he was unable to sleep. He had been subjected very much to rheumatism, but had not consulted a doctor. He had attended to his business. Finding he did not return home on Wednesday, she went to Cheltenham the next day and found that deceased had called at one shop he intended to, but not at the other. She could not suggest any reason for his going away. He had no connection whatever with Dawlish. Some years ago he spent his holidays at Teignmouth. When deceased left home he had money, as he was going to do business, but she did not know how much. He had a very good paying business and was not in difficulties. All his papers were found perfectly straight. He never gave away to drink. He had had no troubles whatever of late. He was to have been married the day after Christmas-day. Everything was arranged, but she did not think deceased was excited or worried about that in the least. There had never been any trouble between deceased and the young woman to whom he was to be married. She could not give any reason for what had happened, except that the severe pains in deceased's head might have come on suddenly. - The Coroner thought it was not likely that a man suffering from these pains would take a railway journey; it would be the last thing he would do. - Witness said the family history did not show that any member of it had ever been wrong mentally. The writing on an envelope found on deceased, "MR F. ROWLAND, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire," was that of her brother. The razor he generally shaved himself with was still in his room. Shown the razor case found on deceased, she could not identify it as one of the two razors he kept and on the razor and case being handed to the Jury, they generally came to the conclusion that they were new. - Finding The Body. - Ernest Harry Lavis, builder, Holcombe, said about 7.30 on Thursday evening, he left home with his wife to walk to Teignmouth. When about midway across the pathfield leading to the main road, he, whilst carrying a lantern, saw a man lying close to the hedge. At first he thought the man drunk, but on pushing him with the lantern considered he was dead. His wife being upset at the sight, he took her away, and then sent for the assistance of two men, named Vallance and Jarman. They came back to the field with him, and Jarman turned over the body. Then was seen blood on the ground and that deceased held a razor in his right hand. He was dead and stiff. - P.S. Hulland, answering the Coroner, said nothing was seen or heard of deceased at Teignmouth. - Seen At Holcombe. - William Dowdell, assistant to the proprietress of the Castle Hotel, Holcombe, stated that deceased visited the house on Thursday afternoon and stayed from 1 p.m. until 6.30. he had lunch in the billiard-room, and sat in a chair there during the afternoon, with the exception of that he went out for a little while. He had tea, and soon afterwards left. Deceased seemed very "down," and had not much to say. When he went at 5.30 he did not say where he was going. - Witness's sister asked him a few questions and he replied that he did not care to tell anyone where he came from. - Herbert Reynolds, living at Great bottom Farm, near Dawlish, said on Thursday afternoon, about 4.10 whilst in a field near the farm house, he saw deceased looking through a hedge. He was standing in the main road between Teignmouth and Holcombe, and about half a mile from the Castle Hotel. Deceased remained in the road for four or five minutes watching witness and then he walked on. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr c. L. H. Tripp said there were six cuts on deceased's neck altogether. there were three superficial skin cuts on the left side of the throat, two in the centre, about two inches long, also superficial; and a deep wound, two inches long and an inch deep, in the centre on the right side of the neck, the latter cut having severed the main artery. It was very unusual for a wound like this to be inflicted with the right hand, although it was quite possible. Tremendous force must have been used. Deceased had a bruise on the right cheek bone, the skin being grazed, but this was possibly caused by his falling after his throat had been cut. There were no marks or evidence of a fight or struggle and the wounds in the throat were evidently self-inflicted with a sharp razor. - The Coroner, remarking that it did not necessarily follow that because a man sometimes had acute pains in the head he was insane, asked witness if these pains pointed to any disturbance of the mind or mental disease. - Dr Tripp replied that some people were not able to bear pain as well as others, and gave way to it. - Sweetheart's Story. - Jane Rall, domestic servant, Bourton-on-the -Water, to whom deceased was to have been married last Saturday, said he had complained to her of pains in the head and was very depressed in consequence, saying he thought the pains would drive him silly. He was frequently unable to sleep and three weeks ago he was in bed two days from this cause. He often complained of being very tired, owing to being unable to sleep because of the pains in his head and several times he said he would give anything for a good night's rest. He never threatened to take his life. He had no troubles and nothing on his mind. On Wednesday morning, when he left her to go to the Railway Station, he took a parcel to Cheltenham for her and was to have brought a parcel back for her. He seemed in quite bright spirits at that time and said he would be back by the twelve train and help her in the afternoon. - P.C. Moore proved finding deceased lying in the path in the field on his back with the razor grasped in his right hand and grit in his left. There was blood about, and on examination witness saw that deceased's throat was cut. There was a large stone on which he appeared to have fallen. Upon deceased he found a leather purse containing £8 7s. 7d., a silver watch and chain, a pipe and tobacco pouch, a bunch of eleven keys, a knife, razor case, watch-key, receipted bill and an envelope on which was written his name and address. - The Verdict - The Coroner remarked that there was nothing to throw any light upon deceased's movements after he left Cheltenham on Wednesday until he arrived at one o'clock the next day at the Castle Hotel, Holcombe. Whether he slept the night at Bristol before coming on to South Devon no one knew. As he was found dead at 7.30 on Thursday evening, it was evident he cut his throat soon after he left the hotel. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - The Coroner observed that the unexplained part of the case was what brought deceased to Dawlish.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 December 1908
BIDEFORD - Coachman's Sad Death. Drank From The Wrong Jar. - At Hallsannery, near Bideford, yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest on THOMAS SLEE, for thirty years coachman to the late Mr R. B. James, and a valued servant of the family. It appeared that on the evening of October 3rd, MRS SLEE heard her husband in the harness-room of the stable making a noise as if sick. He said he had brought home a drop of beer, but had drunk something from the wrong jar by mistake, the two jars standing close together. She made him an emetic of mustard and water and he vomited copiously and said he should soon be better and went to bed, sleeping for two or three hours. Next morning Dr C. K. Ackland was called in, and found that what deceased had taken was Burnett's Fluid, used diluted as a lotion for foot-rot and horse and cattle diseases. Its active principle was chloride of zinc and the doctor gave an antidote. SLEE made a good recovery from the shock for a time, but then the ulcers caused by the corrosive fluid contracted and for the past four weeks deceased had been unable to take any food whatever, except what was administered artificially and he succumbed on Monday from exhaustion. A post-mortem examination showed that an operation would have been useless. - The jar which had contained the poison was produced and was similar to the stone jars ordinarily used for malt liquors. It bore a pale red label stating what it contained and how to dilute and use it, but was not marked poison. The Coroner inquiring where it was purchased, it was stated that it appeared to have been at Hallsannery for many years and had been removed from a cupboard to the stable on a turn-out after Mr James's death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the widow, in which the Coroner joined.

TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Man's Death. Found Drowned In The Canal. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on ALFRED GODDARD, aged 53, a wool-washer, employed at Tavistock Woollen Factory. - Richard Eastlake, platelayer, stated that in passing a footbridge over Tavistock Canal at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning he saw the body of the deceased in the water head downwards. He had his pipe in his hand and his cap on. - Mary Rook with whom deceased lodged, said he was fond of drink and she begged him on Saturday to be careful. He was run down in health and a little drink would upset him. He was a quiet, inoffensive man. - Tom West stated that he was at the Newmarket Hotel, Tavistock, on Saturday evening with the deceased, who left for home at 9.30. - The Coroner: What was his condition? - Witness: Far from drunk. - The Coroner: How far from being sober? - Witness: He was not sober, neither was he drunk. The deceased had no drink with witness, but finished a glass of beer which he had before him. - Dr Snowdon Smith said he had attended the deceased for an illness which reduced him constitutionally. There was plenty of evidence of alcohol in the body. Death was due to drowning. In his opinion, as the result of drink. The shock of falling into the water might have stunned him. A person in drink suffered far more from cold than he would otherwise. He was not in a fit state to go home alone. - The Jury found "That GODDARD met his death by drowning while in a state of intoxication," and as the deceased had turned sharply to the right after leaving the bridge, and taken the path by the side of the canal instead of the one leading more directly to his home, they recommended a railing being erected for a few feet by the side of the canal , as a protection to the public. - The Coroner promised to communicate with the steward of the Duke of Bedford on the subject.

PLYMOUTH - Millbay Station Fatality. Plucky Porter Commended. - The Inquest on WM. SCOBLE, farm labourer, aged 63, Carkeel, St Stephens-by-Saltash, who was fatally injured whilst crossing the railway line at Millbay Station, Plymouth, on Saturday night, was held yesterday by the Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns). - Chief Inspector P[?] (Plymouth) and Inspector W[?] (Newton Abbot) were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company, and Mr J. W. Bickle represented the engine driver (Jas Whittaker) of the train which ran over deceased. - James Verrant Angove, a porter, living at 106 South View-terrace, stated that at 11.15 p.m. he was on duty at No. 4 platform, Millbay, when he saw deceased jump off No. 4 platform apparently with the object of reaching No. 3 platform. Witness shouted to him "Look out," and also jumped after him, as he saw a train approaching. He tried to reach deceased, but failed and hearing one of his colleagues shouting a warning to him he jumped back to within a few inches of the train as it passed. - The Coroner: You are very lucky to have escaped yourself. - Witness added that the train struck deceased and went over him. - By the Coroner: Passengers had no right to attempt to cross the rails at this point. It was practically a matter of impossibility for an elderly man, or even a young man to have crossed in time to escape the train. - Dr Parsloe, who was sent for after the accident, stated that when he saw SCOBLE hew was just breathing. He was terribly injured, both legs being cut off and his right arm badly mangled. There was no hope of his recovery from the injuries and he died before reaching the Hospital, to which his removal was ordered. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver from all blame and commended the porter Angove for his action. - The Coroner: He was very plucky indeed and had a narrow escape.