Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1911

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:-  Adams; Alsopp; Andrews; Annell; Arkinstall; Arnott; Aylesbury; Badmin; Baker(3); Bakker; Ball(2); Baskerville; Beckley; Beer; Belcher; Bellworthy; Birdman; Bishop; Blatchford; Blight(2); Bond; Bowden; Bowering; Bramblecombe; Bray; Broad; Brook; Brooks; Brownscombe; Brunt; Bryant; Bull; Burt; Camp; Cann; Carne; Chamberlain; Chaplin; Chapman; Chappell; Chilcott; Clark; Clarke; Cloke; Cochran; Cole(2); Colton; Cook; Cooling; Cooms; Cornhill; Cornish; Cory(2); Cotter; Cox; Cresweller; Crout; Cummings; Cundy; Cunningham; Curtis; Dallen; Damerell; Darton; Davey(2); Davis; Delve; Dempsey; Discombe; Dixon; Dobson; Down(2); Downey; Drake; Dudor; Dumble; Dummett; Dunham; Dunn(2); Easterbrook; Ebdon; Eggbeer; Evea; Fair; Fitch; Fredrick; Fielding; Finch(2); Foster; Friend(2); Full(2); Gale; George; Gill; Gillard; Gillingham; Gillord; Glading; Golding; Golley; Goodyear; Grylls; Gulley; Haddock; Hall; Halliday; Hamer; Hammond; Hancock; Hannaford; Hansen; Happs; Harding(2); Harlow; Harris; Harrison; Harrod; Hartnell; Harvey(4); Harwood; Hawker; Haynes; Heard(3); Hellier; Hemming; Henson; Herbertson; Higginson; Hine; Hingston; Hoare; Hobley; Hockings; Hodge; Honeyborne; Hooper; Horner; Horton; Hosking; Howe; Huggup; Hunt; Hussey; Hutchings; Impett; Isaacs; Jaggard; Johns(2); Johnson; Kelland; Kessell; Kimmond; King(2); Kingsbury; Kinnard; Knight; Lamacraft; Lee; Lendon; Leonard; Lewis; Leyman; Lodge; Long; Lose; Lowman; Lynch; Maddock; Male(2); Manhire; Mansfield; Marks; Marshall; Martin(3); Maskell; Matthews; Maunder; May; McArthur; McClure; McFarland; Metherall; Miller(2); Milton; Mitchell(2); Moir; Mooney; Moore; Morcombe; Morris; Mountjoy; Moyse; Napper; Nation; Netting; Niblett; Nicholas; Nike; Noble; Northcombe; Oldreive; O'Mahony; O'Neill; Palmer(2); Parkhouse; Parnell; Patten; Pawlby; Pearce; Penwarne; Perrott; Perryman; Phillips(2); Phillis; Pointer; Pollard; Pope; Poynter; Prout; Prowse; Quance; Quick; Quinlan; Raby; Ralph; Reed(3); Richards(2); Roach; Roberts; Robins; Rodway; Rogers(3); Rooke; Roscrow; Row; Rowe; Rowley; Salter; Sanders(2); Scawn; Seatherton; Sergeant; Setters; Shepherd; Sheppard; Sheriff; Simmons; Sims; Skinner; Slater; Sleeman; Sloman; Smith(2); Sobey; Soper; Squires; Stanning; Steer; Strahan; Stratford; Sullivan; Sweeney; Sweetnam; Symons; Taylor(8); Terry; Thomas; Thorn; Thorne; Tidball; Tippett; Tough; Townsend(2); Tremeer; Truscott; Trute; Tucker; Twohy; Venning; Warren; Webber; Wells; Westcott; Westlake; Whalley; Wheaton; White(3); Willcocks(2); Williams(3); Willing; Willis; Wills; Wotton; Wright; Wyman; Young(2)

Western Morning News, Monday 2 January 1911
KINGSBRIDGE - Steam Threshing Fatality. Inquest Opened At Kingsbridge. - Mr S. Hacker on Saturday opened the Inquest on WILLIAM CRAHART CLOKE, who died at Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital the previous day. Rev. W. T. Adey was Foreman of the Jury. The Coroner said he proposed to take formal evidence, sufficient to enable him to give an order for burial. - SARAH CLOKE, of St Teath, stated that the deceased, her brother, was 21 years of age. When deceased left school he went on a farm, and when he left that he went with a "thresher." - William Henry Burgoyne, engineer and proprietor of steam threshing and roller engines, said he had employed deceased since August 15th last as an engine driver and general assistant. On Wednesday CLOKE accompanied him to Borough Farm. At about 9.30 a.m., when they had been threshing for about 1 ½ hours, deceased stepped out of the "feed-box" on top of the machine and went around to clear up the corn on the top of the machine. In stepping back into the "feed-box" to resume his work deceased met with the accident. Witness, hearing CLOKE shout, jumped to the engine, which had already stopped, pulled off the belt and the top of the thresher, and released the deceased, who was lying on the woodwork of the machine. The Coroner said he would hear the remainder of Mr Burgoyne's evidence at the adjourned Inquest when they would have the threshing machine there for inspection. - Dr W. H. Webb deposed that deceased was admitted to the Hospital on December 28th suffering from very extensive and severe injuries. His left thigh had been torn away and his left hand was crushed, bruised and torn. Witness had a consultation with his son (Dr W. Tudor Webb) and Drs. Harston and Pettinger and they came to the conclusion that the only possibility of saving his life was by the amputation of the remainder of the leg. This was done. They thought they might save the arm. Deceased progressed as favourably as could be expected until Thursday evening, when the injured hand showed symptoms of gangrene. The four doctors had a further consultation and decided that the only chance was to remove the hand. The arm was amputated above the elbow. Deceased stood this operation better than he did the first and was really much improved. However, gangrene set in, in the thigh stump and the patient died on Friday morning. In answer to the Coroner, Dr Webb said that both operations were quite successful as far as they went. Deceased did not die from exhaustion due to the operations. - The Inquest was adjourned until Thursday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 January 1911
BRIDFORD - At an Inquest at Bridford yesterday on ELIZABETH M. NORTHCOMBE, 40, spinster, who resided with her brother at Shepping Farm, and who was found dead by the side of her bed on Friday morning, death was attributed to Heart Disease.

ALPHINGTON - At Alphington yesterday an Inquest was held on the newly-born child of WILLIAM ALSOPP, engine driver. Dr Stokes attributed death to accidental suffocation. Emma Marsey, district nurse, who had been called in, said she did not warn the mother that it was a dangerous practice to allow a child to sleep in bed with her. The Coroner: In all future cases like this I should advise you to warn the parents.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on ELLEN GOLDING, aged 52, widow, of 25 Alexandra-road. TOM ELLIOTT GOLDING said he last saw his mother just before she left on Saturday evening to see some friends at Pennycomequick. Frank Sutton, smith, a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Sevenfield-terrace, Laira, said on Saturday evening he saw deceased leaning against some railings at Pennycomequick. He brought her home in a cab, but she died while on the way. Dr Parsloe said death was due to heart disease. Deceased had been his patient, but he had not attended her since April of last year. "Natural Causes" was the verdict recorded.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - Christmas Tragedy. Lady's Death Near Southmolton. - Mr George W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Chittlehamholt on the body of MISS EMMA HEARD, aged 45, who had lived a secluded life in that village. Nothing had been seen of her since Christmas-day until Saturday, when her body was discovered in the river by a boy. Up to a short time since MISS HEARD kept a shop in the village, and since she gave that up had been in the habit of leaving her house padlocked and going away to visit friends on farms and in adjoining villages without telling her relatives in Chittlehamholt of her whereabouts. When the padlock was seen on her front door it was usually concluded that she had gone away to visit friends and no alarm was felt that she was not seen about during Christmas time. - THOMAS HEARD, a cousin, who had not seen deceased for about two months, said she was eccentric and about three years ago was discharged from the County Asylum. - Mrs Elizabeth Gully, who was the last person who saw deceased alive, said she was coming from Warkleigh Church on Christmas morning, when she met MISS HEARD, dressed in her best, going towards the church. They passed the time of day to each other and witness inquiring after her, deceased replied that she was very well. - Mrs Lucy Clarke said she had not seen deceased since December 20th. She noticed the padlock on the door since Christmas. MISS HEARD had told her that she had a lot of bills to pay, and no money to meet them. She said she had not got her rents in and appeared to be very much worried about it. - Thomas Nott, whose attention was called to the body by a boy on Saturday afternoon, said he found it on an island in the Mole. He communicated with the Police and they walked through the water and got the body out. - P.S. Norman and P.C. quick gave evidence as to the condition of the body and the state of the house. They thought the body must have been on the island several days, as the water must have been very high to have carried it there. The body was not fully clothed. They found the padlock on deceased's door closed, but not locked and in the house a few small accounts, but there was money enough to settle them, and there were brad and flour in the house. - Dr Tucker (Chulmleigh) said he had previously attended MISS HEARD and twice certified her for a lunatic asylum. The body had been in the water some considerable time, and death was apparently due to drowning. - The Jury, of which Mr Baldwin was the Foreman, returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dairy Manager's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Salisbury-road Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, on WALTER SIMS, 100 Beaumont-road, manager of a branch dairy belonging to the Plymouth Co-operative Society. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented the Co-operative Society and Mr E. Elliot Square appeared on behalf of the widow. - John H. Elford, manager of the butchery department of the Co-operative Society's York-street branch, stated that on December 23rd at 5 p.m. deceased asked him for some hot water and complained of pains in his stomach. He did not state the cause of the pains. - Dr Wilkinson said he was called to see deceased on Christmas-eve. He had severe abdominal pains and appeared to be suffering from an internal injury. His pain was so great that witness injected morphia. Deceased told witness that whilst he was carrying a pail containing about 56lb. of water he fell from a plank above some rough ground and twisted himself. The symptoms indicated haemorrhage of the spinal cord and later deceased developed paralysis of the legs. Death was due to spinal injury. He attributed blame for the accident to no-one. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Pearce expressed the sympathy of his clients with deceased's relatives and said how deeply they deplored the accident. MR SIMS had been employed by them for 20 years and was an extremely hard-working man.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 January 1911
KINGSBRIDGE - Fatal Forgetfulness. The Kingsbridge Threshing Fatality. - The adjourned Inquest on WILLIAM CREHART CLOKE, aged 21 years, of St Teath, Cornwall, who died as the result of injuries during threshing operations at Borough Farm, on December 28th, was resumed at Kingsbridge Townhall yesterday. - Mr W. H. Burgoyne, deceased's employer, continuing his evidence, said with assistance he got deceased out of the machine. They bound the injured limb and sent deceased to the Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital in a trap, witness galloping on ahead on his pony to arrange for deceased's reception. Deceased was perfectly conscious all the time. The regulation that the "drum guard" was to be shut whenever a man left the "feed box" of a threshing machine was well known and witness had personally brought it to deceased's notice when he first engaged him. Deceased did not always do the "feeding", but took turns with another man. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said the safer course would be to tell the man who was going to feed about the guard whenever the men changed their duties. - Mr Burgoyne said that on the morning of the accident, when he told deceased to go on the top of the machine and feed, he said to him "Mind you be careful." In August last witness gave deceased a book of instructions supplied by the makers of the machine, which contained an illustration of the "drum guard". Deceased kept it some time and read it through before returning the book to witness. Witness had owned threshing machines for five years and had never had any accident before. - How The Accident Happened. - Samuel Henry March, farm labourer, Goveton, said he was employed by Mr Cannon of Borough Farm, on the day of the accident. Witness was engaged in cutting the "binds" and passing the sheaves up to the deceased, and was standing on the top of the machine, on deceased's left. Deceased was standing in the "feed-box," and the guard was wide open. Deceased got out of the "feed-box" to clear up the litter and whilst he was doing so the corn choked. Deceased walked to the other side of the "feed-box" where the corn lift was, to unchoke the lift. Deceased put his right leg in the "feed-box" and rested his left leg on the "feed-board" in the action of getting back into the box. Deceased put his hands forward to lift the cover, to get at the "cups," and as he leaned forward he must have slipped his left leg back into the machine. If deceased had shut the guard when t he left the "feed-box" the accident would not have happened. Witness, who was standing half back to deceased, heard him shout. Witness saw that his leg was caught and shouted to Mr Burgoyne to stop the engine. Mr Burgoyne threw the belt off and stopped the machine. Witness caught hold of deceased and afterwards went to the Hospital with him, but he did not say anything as to whose fault the accident was. Witness knew that the guard had to be shut, when the feeder left the "feed-box." - By Police-Superintendent Jeffery: When deceased stepped back into the box he had his back to the drum. - Importance Of Regulations. - The Coroner said the gist of the whole thing was that if the unfortunate man had followed the regulation that before getting out of the "feed-box" he must put the guard down, the accident would not have happened. It was another instance of the necessity of following the regulations laid down for working machinery. Unfortunately they saw every day that men engaged in any dangerous occupation became callous to it and thought nothing about it. The same sort of thing happened in all trades. In that day's paper he saw that a miner had been fined for striking a match to light a cigarette whilst in a mine, thereby endangering the lives of hundreds of men. They had asked Mr Burgoyne whether he had warned the man, informed him of the regulations and had seen that he carried them out. The moral of the accident was that employers, he thought, should urge the regulations upon men more than they did. They must, if they wanted men to pay attention to the regulations, continually remind them of them, and he would ask Mr Burgoyne every day before they began work to call the attention of the men to the regulations and to tell them to be careful to carry them out. he was not blaming Mr Burgoyne, but that was the only way he could see to avoid such accidents. He supposed the Jury could have no other verdict than accidental death. - The Foreman (the Rev. W. T. Adey): It seems to have been inadvertence on the part of the man himself. - The Jury agreed that the cause of death was "Purely Accidental," and gave their fees to deceased's relatives. Mr Burgoyne, who was asked to send the money to the bereaved family, said they were in very poor circumstances. He had done all that it was in is power to do.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 January 1911
EXMINSTER - At an Inquest yesterday at Exminster, on the infant child of MARY and RICHARD RODWAY, Dr. L. P. Black said the position of the child suggested overlaying, and a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to Suffocation. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Marine Sergeant's Death. Found Drowned. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on SERGT. CECIL WILLIAM HARROD, R.M.L.I., serving on board H.M.S. Impregnable, who was missed from the ship on December 15th, and whose body was recovered yesterday morning from the Hamoaze. Mr K. E. Peck appeared for the Admiralty. - Colour-Sergt. S. Turner, R.M.L.I. gave evidence of identification. He last saw the deceased on December 15th, when he was on the orlop deck on the port side of the ship. He appeared to be in his usual health. Deceased, who was 36 years of age, bore a very good character. - William Barratt, ship's corporal, said he saw the deceased on December 15th about 9 p.m. standing on the main deck. He had been speaking to the deceased with respect to a boy who was about to make a complaint of being chaffed for having visited the sergeant. Witness was going to take the boy before the officer of the day, and he told the deceased that he should want him there. Witness left him on the main deck and went to get other boys, whose presence he required respecting the complaint. Witness was absent about two minutes, and when he returned to the main deck the deceased had gone. The boy was taken before the officer of the day, who requested witness to fetch the sergeant. He asked another sergeant to look for him, and he returned after a few minutes and said he could not find him. A thorough search was made of the ship, but without success. - Colour-Sergt. Turner, recalled, said he had never had a better messmate than deceased and as regarded anybody going to him he did not think it feasible. He was very sensitive. - Albert Henry Rowling, second sick-berth steward, said he saw the deceased a few minutes after 9 p.m. on December 15th, when he was going towards the port gangway. He did not hear any splash. - Alfred Bennett-Queen Street, an employee of the Corporation, said that morning he saw a body floating in the water, and informed the Police. - Leslie B. A. Knott, second class boy, said he had been on board the Impregnable about two months. The deceased sergeant asked for witness and that was how an acquaintance started. He said he had received a letter from Croydon, close to where witness used to reside. Deceased told witness he could come down to his cabin and spend the evening with him, and from time to time he did go. They became very friendly. He did not know that it was against the regulations to go to the cabin. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said there was no misconduct in the cabin. - By Mr Peck: He had already been punished in the ship for this offence against the regulations. - Dr T. McElwaine attributed death to drowning. - Lieut. J. L. Pearson said a breach of the regulations was committed by the boy going to the sergeant's cabin. The deceased bore a good character and had always carried out his duties well. For merely having the boy in the cabin the punishment would be very light and the deceased had nothing to fear in that respect. He had made inquiries and as far as the evidence went he was perfectly satisfied that there was no misconduct. - The Coroner, in summing up, said they had heard that a breach of the regulations had been committed, through the boy having been in the cabin. Deceased might have thought that he would be punished some way or other and could not stand disgrace and to avoid that he might have committed suicide. That, however, was only a theory. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Woman's Fatal Fall. Badly Lighted Devonport Lane. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MARY TIPPETT, aged 51, back of Monument-street, who died in the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on Thursday. - GEORGE TIPPETT, shoemaker, 8 John-street, Morice Town, said deceased was his wife. They separated seven years ago and had lived apart since then except for six months. Witness had seen her in the Hospital twice a day for three days, but she was unconscious the whole time. - Caroline Grubb, 1 back of Monument-street, said deceased had lived with her twelve months. On the evening of Monday, December 19th, witness's husband awoke her and told her that two Policemen had brought in MRS TIPPETT, who had fallen over the steps and cut her head. After a Constable had bathed deceased's head, she was taken to the Hospital. The last time witness saw deceased before the accident was about 4.30 p.m. the same day. Deceased had not had very much to drink, but they had been drinking together during the day. - F. C. Jolly, Royal Marine pensioner, who keeps a store at the back of Monument-street, said he was going down the steps in the lane between Monument and James-streets, when he heard deceased scream, and found her in a heap at the bottom of the steps. First, thinking she was dead, witness sent for a Constable, but, finding that she was breathing slightly, with assistance, he carried her indoors. The steps were very badly lighted indeed, and anyone with good eyesight had to be very careful. In his opinion deceased reeled at the top and fell. - P.C. Billing said deceased was able to walk to the Hospital after the accident. She appeared to have been drinking very heavily, but was quite conscious. - Dr B. Flack, Assistant House Surgeon, said that when admitted deceased was suffering from a wound on the right side of the head, which was an inch and a half in length and extended down to the bone. Witness stopped the bleeding and put in five stitches. For a fortnight she went on very well, but last Sunday, without any obvious reason, she became unconscious and remained so until 9.15 p.m. on Thursday when she died. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found a clot of blood on the right side of the head and just under the external wound. The liver showed traces of alcoholic cirrhosis. Witness attributed death to the clot of blood, causing compression of the brain. The clot of blood was the direct result of the injury to the head. When admitted to the Hospital deceased was quite conscious, but under the influence of drink. - Deceased's daughter, in reply to the Coroner, said her mother was addicted to drink. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to communicate with the Borough Surveyor with the view to the lane being better lighted.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on CAROLINE ADELAIDE EVEA, who died suddenly at 25 De-la-Hay-avenue, the previous day. FREDERICK JNO. EVEA, chief gunner in the Royal Navy, said deceased, who was his wife, was 48 years of age. Her health had been generally good, and she appeared to be all right when he left her early on Friday morning. He was called from the Royal Naval Barracks at 11.25 and when he got home he found his wife dead. - VIOLET ALINE EVEA, daughter, said about 10.30 a.m. deceased was working when witness heard a kind of stifling cry. She went into the room and found her mother lying in an unconscious state on the floor. She sent for the doctor. - Dr H. P. Palmer attributed death to syncope, due to a weak heart and probably a little over exertion. A verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on Saturday on EMMA TAYLOR, 79, wife of a retired currier, living at 5 Park-road, Lower Compton, Plymouth. MRS TAYLOR, who died suddenly on Thursday night, was found by Dr Warren to have died from heart disease. "Natural Causes" as the verdict.

DENBURY - An Inquest was held at Denbury on Saturday on MRS FANNY TAYLOR, aged 79, the widow of a former innkeeper. She refused to have anyone live with her. On Thursday evening the neighbours raised an alarm as MRS TAYLOR had not been seen all day and the constable, entering the premises, found her lying dead at the foot of the stairs. Dr Scrase said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Dipsomaniac's Death. Devonport Woman's Terrible End. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening, on HELEN DARTON, aged 40, 100 Albert-road, who was found dead by her husband on Friday evening with a gas tube in her hand. - RICHARD DARTON, naval pensioner, employed in H.M. Dockyard, said the deceased (his wife) was not always of a cheerful disposition; sometimes she seemed to be in a depressed mood. On Friday morning she appeared to be cheerful. Last Wednesday she had to appear before the justices for using indecent language and was fined 15s. That had been worrying her. She had been a heavy drinker. When witness got home about 5.45 on Friday evening he noticed a strong smell of gas. As he went upstairs it grew stronger. He dropped a parcel he had been carrying and went to the gas meter on the landing and found the tap was wide open. He opened the door of his room and could hardly breathe for gas. He went straight to the window and threw it open. Then on looking round he saw his wife sitting on a chair by the gas ring. The gas tube was in her hand. He shook her and spoke to her, but could get no reply. He then went for the Police. About nine years ago deceased was picked up in the water, but whether she wilfully or accidentally fell in he could not say. That was when she had been crossing the Hamoaze in the ferry. When witness was away some years ago she had said she would do away with herself, but had made no threats recently. She was a staunch teetotaler when he married her. For the last three years he had not been able to trust his wife with his earnings. - The Coroner read the following note, which had been left by the deceased:- "100 Albert-road, Morice Town. January 6th, 1911 - I am sorry to commit this last act of mine, but I cannot stand this constant worrying and bickering day after day; so I am going to do the best thing I can do for everybody and take myself out of it. There is only one to blame for it, but I forgive him. I suppose he cannot help it. My children, may God bless them, have been my only comfort for a good many years. There are not many women who have gone through the trouble I have, and I hope there will be less. I feel like Esau - everybody's hand against mine, and mine against everybody, for the last time I hope. - HELEN DARTON." - On the other side of the paper was written:- "I've put the bird in the other room and the cat out. Don't do away with this, RICHARD. There is another one like it." - The Coroner: Does she refer to you when she says, "Only one to blame for this. I forgive him"? - Witness: I cannot say. I should not think so. I have done everything in my power to make her comfortable and happy. - Have you been friendly with any other woman? - Never in my life. - You gave her no reason? - No reason whatever. - How do you account for a woman being a teetotaler for many years and then suddenly develop this sudden desire for drink? - She did not touch drink when I married her. - There is nothing in your conduct which could give rise to this act? - No, sir. I am sure of that. - Alice Hodges, residing in the same house, said she did not smell any gas on Friday. - P.C. Giles said he was called to 100 Albert-road on Friday evening by MR DARTON. In a back room on the top floor he found deceased sitting in a chair by the side of the fireplace. She had disconnected the gas tubing from the "ring," and held it in her right hand. Artificial respiration was used by witness and two other Police Officers who arrived and continued it until the doctor came. He found the note read on the table. - Dr E. McCullock said when he arrived deceased was dead. Death was due in his opinion to poisoning by inhaling carbon monoxide gas. He had known deceased for the past four years. She was a dipsomaniac, and it was quite a hopeless case. He did not think she was ever in her right state of mind. The sort of accusations she had made were quite a feature in a dipsomaniac's mind. He had known MR DARTON for some years and he was a steady, respectable man. He had been very patient with his wife. He did not think any reliance should be placed on the reflections which she had cast upon her husband. - A verdict that "Deceased committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest on RUSSELL PALMER, aged 14 months, the son of WILLIAM EDWARD PALMER, cab proprietor, 23 Garden-crescent, yesterday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at the Plymouth Mortuary on WILLIAM SQUIRES, aged 42, formerly a grocer, living at 95 Union-street, P.C. Gagg said he saw the deceased lying on the footpath in Union-street near the railway arch on Saturday evening. He conveyed him to the Homeopathic Hospital, where he was found to be dead. Dr Wilmot said death was due to heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

DARTMOUTH - Brother's Sad Discovery. Young Man's Suicide At Dartmouth. - Yesterday at Dartmouth Guildhall, Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, held an Inquest on SIDNEY CHARLES EWART OLDREIVE, aged 25, single, of Fairfax-place. - RICHARD SIDNEY OLDREIVE said deceased was his son, who lived with him and assisted him in carrying on business. Deceased served his apprenticeship with Bartlett and Co., and later was a clerk in London. When in London he developed epileptic fits, in consequence of which he had to return home. Deceased was much depressed at having to give up his situation in London, but he was always very quiet. Indeed, later he appeared to be brighter in hopes of getting something better. He did his work as usual on Saturday. About ten o'clock witness and the others retired, leaving him in the kitchen. Just before eleven his wife said she heard the side door close. Witness got up and went to the kitchen, but deceased was not there. He then called his son LEONARD, and told him to go to the Castle in search and witness went on the Embankment and in the gardens, but could find no trace of him. MRS OLDREIVE suggested he might have gone to the field and his son LEONARD then went there and in a linhay found him. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. - LEONARD OLDREIVE, brother of deceased, said he went to the field at Water Pool, and on opening the door of a building he saw his brother hanging by a rope from a hook in a beam. He at once cut him down. He loosened his collar and lighted a lantern to see if he was breathing, but he was not. He thought his brother had stood on the shafts of the trap and jumped off. Believing his brother was dead, he ran down the hill and informed his father and a Policeman. - P.S. Rogers said he found in the coat pocket a card upon which was written in deceased's hand-writing:- "Dark lady to be means of success. Married to fair lady, going to a fresh business, which will be exceptionally successful. Going on a journey to start afresh and will cause a lot of grief. - 1770, "Morning News," Torquay." - Dr J. H. Harris said the cause of death was hanging. - By the Coroner: The fits would cause depression and be responsible for such acts as that in question. - The Coroner spoke very highly of the conduct of MR LEONARD OLDREIVE, who, he said, had acted with great discretion, in particularly distressing circumstances. The Jury found that deceased died from Hanging when Temporarily Insane. They commended the action of MR LEONARD OLDREIVE and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased. MR OLDREIVE thanked the Coroner and Jury for their sympathy remarking that his son had been of spotless character.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Hairdresser's Suicide. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, concerning the death of CHARLEY WESTLAKE, aged 40, hairdresser, Jubilee-place. ALICE ELIZA WESTLAKE stated that deceased, her husband, was cheerful on Monday night. At 11 o'clock he left he to go to the Constitutional Club to see some friends. At three o'clock she went down to the sitting-room where she found the gas out and all the ornaments on the mantelpiece smashed. At 6.45 a.m. she entered the shop after forcing the lock of the door with a chisel and found her husband dead, with one hand against his cheek and a cigar in the other. His head was enveloped in his overcoat. He was lying with his face close to an india-rubber tube connected with a gas pipe and the tap was partly turned on. She had never heard her husband threaten to take his life, but for some years an ulcer had troubled him and once he was heard to remark that his leg was getting unbearable. Deceased had no financial difficulties. - Evidence was next given by James Rowe, ship's corporal, St Jude's-road, and P.C. Wyatt. - Dr D. MacNair, who was called to the house at 7.30 a.m. yesterday, said life had been extinct for two or three hours. Death was due to coal-gas poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the widow.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Shipwright's Death. Insufficient Light. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on FREDERICK BLATCHFORD, shipwright, employed in the Dockyard and who resided with his parents at 5 Egerton-road, Plymouth. Mr Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr L. P. Evans, H.M. Inspector of factories, was also present. - I. S. Maunder, shipwright, stated that on December 30th the deceased and witness were at work on board the New Zealand in No. 10 Dry Dock, repairing the lockers and hatchways. Witness was working on the port side and saw someone fall down the hatchway. He heard shortly afterwards that it was the deceased, who had fallen six feet. In the cleaning of the lockers the electric light was not used, candles providing the light. Some alterations were being made to the electric light apparatus. There was sufficient light with the candles for the men working below in the hatchway, but for anyone going past the hatchway the light there might cause some difficulty. - James Weeks, ship fitter, said he noticed the deceased walking towards the hatchway, which was open. witness shouted to him to beware and he turned on the edge of the hatchway. - Alfred t. Edwards, who was in charge of the shipwrights on the New Zealand, said there was no guard to the hatchway. He did not know why the electric light was not burning at the time; he supposed it was temporarily disconnected for repairs. He thought that only the ordinary risk was taken. - The Coroner: It seems to me it is absolutely necessary that in doing this kind of work there should be sufficient light and also a look-out provided. - Maunder was asked if the electric light was used when the accident occurred and he replied that he did not know whether it was turned on or not. - Mr A. Phillips, a foreman of the Dockyard, said perhaps there was not a sufficiency of light on the day the accident occurred and this was perhaps accountable for the absence of the electric light. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, R.N., stated that the deceased was admitted to the R.N. Hospital suffering from a fracture of the skull and died on the 8th inst. A post-mortem examination had been made and it was found that there was a fracture of the skull on the right side, causing laceration and haemorrhage. There was also injury to the brain on the left side. The injuries were the cause of death. - The Coroner said the question was whether someone should not be appointed who would be responsible for the light. This was an accident which might not have occurred if there had been a proper light for working. Several of the accidents which now occurred ought to be prevented. There seemed to be some carelessness on the part of the authorities. Some months ago, on the recommendation of a Jury, he asked the Admiralty to provide a steam ambulance for conveying persons injured and invalided on board warships in the Sound or the Hamoaze to the Naval Hospital as soon as possible. - Mr Peck said he had nothing officially to report yet. - The Coroner: It was some months ago and I hope the Admiralty will hurry up and supply it. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to injuries Accidentally Received through Insufficiency of Light on board H.M.S. New Zealand and recommended that the Dockyard authorities be requested to see that in future the electric light was in order on board ships. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on IRENE ELIZABETH ANNIE RICHARDS, aged 9 months, daughter of ROBERT JOHN RICHARDS, skilled labourer in H.M. Dockyard, of 11 King-street. - ANNIE E. RICHARDS, mother, said the child had not been strong since birth. The first kind of food did not agree with the child, so they changed it and deceased had been going on all right since. - The Coroner: Don't you know that milk is the natural food for a baby? - I was not aware of that sir. On Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock, deceased appeared to be asleep. Later, when she went to look at her, she saw there was something wrong, so called in a neighbour who said the baby was dead. - Dr T. McElwaine said deceased was small and rather emaciated. She was suffering from acute inflammation of the right lung, which was the cause of death. - The Coroner: You would not attribute death to improper feeding? - No. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from "Natural Causes" and considered that medical advice should have been obtained for the child.

CLAYHANGER - Same Effect As Hanging. Bampton Farmer's Death. - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at North Bulcombe Farm, Clayhanger, near Bampton, yesterday, on WILLIAM CURTIS, aged 45, farmer, of Ganders Farm, Bampton. - MRS CURTIS, widow, said the deceased ate a hearty supper on the previous Monday, consisting of roast rabbit, ham and two or three kinds of vegetables. He had nothing to drink with his supper. After supper he left for North Bulcombe Farm with a basket for Mr Norman. Deceased was a very healthy man and had not complained of pains in his head. - Henry Alfred Norman of North Bulcombe Farm, said deceased brought him a basket which he had ordered last April. witness gave him a pint of cider and some bread and beef, which he ate heartily. Later in the evening witness and the deceased drank a quart of cider between them. Deceased accompanied witness to a loft and turned the handle of a chaff-cutter, while witness fed the machine. While stooping to gather up some of the chaff, witness heard a scuffle, and on looking round saw the deceased lying flat on his face with his hands in his pockets. A little whisky was poured down the deceased's throat, but he did not speak. Witness was positive the deceased was sober. - Dr Bovey, Bampton, said he had made a post mortem examination and found several abrasions on the forehead and a small lacerated wound, which would be consistent with a fall as described by the last witness. All the organs of the body, with the exception of the heart, which was fatty, were sound and healthy. Witness attributed death to fractured dislocation of the spinal cord and was of the opinion that death was instantaneous. The fall as described by a witness had the same effect as if the deceased had been hung. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner and Jurymen, of whom Mr Mantle was Foreman, referred to the sadness of the case, the widow being left with a family of nine children.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on RONALD HARVEY, aged nine weeks, son of WILLIAM HARVEY, fireman, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, Dr J. H. Dawe, Endsleigh-place, said the child had been well looked after and death was due to malnutrition. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on MRS MARY KNIGHT, aged 62, wife of a master bootmaker, who died suddenly at her residence, 19 Amherst-road. FLORENCE WINNIFRED KNIGHT, daughter, said her mother had been an invalid for a long time and had suffered from heart disease and rheumatism. On Thursday night, about 8.30, deceased was sitting in front of the fire reading, when she suddenly became ill. Witness gave her some brandy, and sent for the doctor. By that time, however, deceased had died. Dr R. B. Wagner said death was due to syncope, owing to fatty degeneration of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1911
NORTHAM - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Northam on the body of THOMAS BROOKS, 84, retired sea captain, of Sweethome-terrace. MRS CAROLINE SNELL, daughter, said on Friday, whilst she was preparing tea, she noticed there was something wrong with deceased, who was sitting by the fire and she called a neighbour, Mrs Hearn and sent for Dr Francis, but deceased had died almost immediately. - Dr Francis said a post mortem revealed that the heart was ruptured, death being due to natural causes. A verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1911
TORQUAY - Death After Church Service. - An Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY SULLIVAN, aged 51, a gentleman of independent means, was held at Torquay yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. Deceased, who resided at Loretto, Livermead-road, died suddenly near the Torquay Gasworks whilst returning from church service at Paignton on Sunday morning. - Mr Reginald Thurston Rivington, of the Vicarage, Putney, said he had a business talk with deceased on Friday last and had since identified the body. MRS EMMA SULLIVAN, the widow, said deceased had been in business with his father for three years. His father died on December 16th last and deceased had worried about it. He had complained about a pain in his chest which he thought was indigestion. On Sunday morning deceased got up early, but did not eat his usual hearty breakfast, appearing to be worried. At 10.30 he set out for Paignton Roman Catholic Church and witness was informed of his death later in the day. - Albert Percy Robins, motor driver, said he was walking towards Cockington from the direction of the Gasworks on Sunday morning. He noticed deceased leaning over some railings near by, apparently watching the men at work on the railway. Deceased suddenly fell back on to the road, and when witness reached him he was just breathing. With the assistance of a passer-by deceased's head was raised and a coat spread beneath him. He continued breathing heavily and at length died. Witness went for the Police and a doctor. - P.C. Wilcocks said deceased was quite dead when he arrived. - Dr B. J. Collyer said there was no evidence on the body of violence. There was a bruise on the back of the head, undoubtedly caused by the fall and internally all the organs were healthy with the exception of the heart, which showed signs of valvular disease and fatty degeneration. Death was due to heart failure which might have been due to walking up hill. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

GITTISHAM - A Devon River Tragedy. - An Inquest was held by Dr Tweed, Coroner, at Gittisham, near Honiton, yesterday on THOMAS JAMES CHAFFEY THORNE, aged 38, who disappeared from his home on the 9th December and whose body was found in the river at Fenny Bridges on Monday. - GEORGE THORNE, father of the deceased, said his son was in good health and in his usual spirits when he left home to see Wm. Channon in regard to some work he wanted done. He could give no reason for his son's disappearance. He was insured in two insurance offices for small amounts and witness had kept up the payments since his disappearance. - Mr G. L. Hearn gave evidence as to finding the body of the deceased. The body had apparently been in the water some time and was much decomposed. - Two labourers named Connett and Marks, said they were with the deceased on the night of December 9th. Deceased was perfectly sober. It was a very wet, rough night and the river was in flood. They could not account for the deceased being in the river. They were aware that deceased used to go through the fields adjoining the river to his home, but whether he went that night they could not say. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Worried By Loss Of A Licence. - The Plymouth Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday on ALFRED CURNO WILLIAMS, licensee of the Red Cow Inn, Exeter-street. - Frederick Fortuna, barman, stated that he last saw deceased alive a few minutes after eleven on Saturday night. The next morning his wife called him, saying she thought something had happened in deceased's bedroom. He went there and found a piece of gas tubing attached to the chandelier, with the other end under the bedclothes and the gas turned on. He shook deceased and spoke to him, but he was apparently dead. He had never heard the deceased threaten to take his life, but the licence had been referred back for compensation and that had greatly worried him. - Dr A. H. Hughes, who saw deceased soon after eleven on Sunday morning, found that death was due to gas poisoning. WILLIAMS had been dead about 8 hours and the fingers of his left hand were so contracted that he formed the opinion that the deceased had been holding the tubing to his mouth. - The Coroner intimated that the manager of the Plymouth Breweries had informed him that the deceased was terribly depressed because his licence was being taken away on the ground of redundancy and the sum of money paid him by no means compensated him for his loss. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Waterman Hastens His Death. - At the Inquest on RICHARD THOMAS DOWNEY, licensed waterman, held at Wolsdon-street Schools, Ellen Rostron, wife of the licensee of the Wolsdon Arms, said she last saw deceased, her brother, alive at two o'clock on Monday morning. He then seemed quite rational and had been talking all day. She discovered him dead at 4.30 a.m. - The Coroner: Why did you go in? Did you hear a shot? - Witness: No. I heard no noise whatever, but I was in the habit of going into his room. He was then lying in bed in the same way as he had lain for the last three months. - Exactly as you left him at two o'clock? - Yes. - Did you know he had this rifle? - Yes. He had three. At one time he was a crack shot. He used to go shooting and at one time performed at St James's Hall. - You had never heard him threatened to take his life? - No, he had no reason to. - Dr Wagner: He was hopelessly incurable, you know. He was tired of life and would have died within a few weeks. - Dr Wagner stated that he had been attending the deceased for heart disease and bronchitis and he was dying. He made a superficial examination on the body the previously morning but could find no external marks of the entry of a bullet. This morning he made a post-mortem and found a bullet on the surface of the brain. - The Coroner: - Curious that they never heard the report? - Yes. It was instantaneous death? - Yes. In [?] of the brain. He had fired through the mouth and inside the skull I found the bullet, which went right through his brain, but did not penetrate the skull. He was sick of life and knew there was no hope of recovery. "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM ROWLEY, labourer, Bath-street, aged 55. Evidence having been given by Mrs Ash, with whom deceased had lodged, William Brice, general labourer, stated the deceased on Tuesday was employed on the Laira-road Council improvement. Suddenly he fell and died. Dr L. R. Stamp, of Plympton, said death was due to a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE KELLAND, aged 35, residing at Claremont-street, Plymouth, a doorkeeper at a cinematograph theatre at Devonport. Evidence was given that he returned to his home at 11 o'clock, went into the kitchen and was heard to fall on the kitchen floor. It was found that he was unconscious and within a few minutes he had passed away. Dr R. H. Wagner said death was due to a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on THOMAS FORD ROW, waterman, 80, who had resided in Finewell-street. Deceased's son said his father had suffered from throat complaint and bronchitis. Dr Cook stated that death had resulted from old age and senile decay and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the Homeopathic Hospital, Locker-street, an Inquest was held on JAMES ALFRED PROWSE, 16 months old. The mother who resides in High-street, said on hearing a scream she rushed into the kitchen and found that the infant had pulled the tablecloth and a saucer containing very hot tea. The sister tried to prevent the deceased doing so, but did not succeed. The infant received severe scalds and witness after applying oil, took the child to the Homeopathic Hospital. Dr P. Wilmot gave evidence, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 20 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Torquay Man's Suicide. Poisoning By Gas. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on the body of WILLIAM HENRY ADAMS, who was found dead at the house of his relatives on Tuesday evening. - The widow, ELIZABETH ADAMS, of 10 Brakefield-terrace, Babbacombe, Torquay, said deceased was 39 years of age. On Monday morning he left home to visit his sister and brother-in-law. Lately he had been very much depressed and was under doctor's care for several months. He had never threatened to take his life. His object in going to Devonport was to take a business in Plymouth. He did, in fact take the business and wrote witness a cheerful letter stating what he had done. - Mary Elizabeth Barry, of 9 Rectory-road, Devonport, sister of the deceased, said she went out on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the deceased in the house. On her return with her husband they could not open the door. Her husband forced an entrance through the window, when they noticed a strong smell of gas. They then found the deceased. He had been attended by Dr McCulloch for some time. - James Wm. Barry, Dockyard labourer and husband of the last witness, said it was dark when he got into the room. Running his hand along the body he felt a gas pipe in deceased's mouth. Deceased was lying on three chairs, and the gas pipe was connected with the gas stove. With P.C. Morley he tried artificial respiration, the body being warm. Morley also administered an emetic and sent for a doctor. - Mrs Barry, in reply to the Coroner, said deceased read a report of a death by gas poisoning at Plymouth, and asked her for the paper. - Dr McCulloch said he knew the deceased very well, having attended him for three months. He was continually depressed and in a sensitive mental state, liable to be very much upset by small matters, which at other times would not have troubled him. He had made threats to take his life. - Dr Bolus said death was due to coal-gas poisoning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." They passed a vote of condolence with the widow and relatives.

MALBOROUGH - Fatal Lamp Explosion. Salcombe Woman's Death. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Salcombe yesterday on MARY JANE CHAPMAN, aged 76, widow, who was found burned on Wednesday afternoon at Well House. - MRS HENRY PYNE said she last saw her mother at 5.30 on Tuesday. She had spent the afternoon and had tea with her. Deceased was then in her usual health and was a very active woman. She lived alone in her cottage, but witness was in the habit of visiting her perhaps two or three times daily. On leaving her mother at 5.30 she arranged to bring her dinner on Wednesday. On going to the cottage about 12.30 on Wednesday she could get no response to her knocking and a neighbour informed her that people who had called had been unable to get any response. She then went home for a latch-key and returning with it, met her husband. They gained admittance with the key and on going into the bedroom they found it full of smoke - so full that nothing was visible in the room. The window was opened and she found her mother stretched across the bed, her clothing partially destroyed, deceased herself much burnt about the face, hands and legs and an eider quilt wrapped round the body, together with the bedding slowly smouldering. She found a lamp near the window smashed to atoms and on the floor, the lace window curtains and blinds totally destroyed and the panes of glass in the window cracked. The lamp was one usually kept in the sitting-room. She did not know if her mother was in the habit of taking this lamp to her bedroom. - Wm. Hurrell, a neighbour, said he was called at 1.15 on Wednesday to Well House. He helped to extinguish the fire, which, although only smouldering, showed signs of reviving as the air got into the room. He did not hear the slightest sound, or get any warning that anything was amiss at Well House. If there had been screams he thought neighbours would have been sure to hear them. - Dr Vincent Twining said he was called to Well House and found MRS CHAPMAN dead. He concluded death, due to shock, had occurred at least 12 hours previously. - The Coroner said the probability was the lamp had fallen off the dressing table and had burst. This apparently ignited the skirts of deceased and she used the Eider to smother the flames and falling on the bed had died from the shock occasioned by being on fire. The moral of course was the danger of carrying lamps from one room to another. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and through the Foreman, Mr Edward Cole, expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 January 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Drink. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on WILLIAM CORY, aged 42 years, hairdresser, of 17 Adelaide-street. - EMMA MAUD CORY, deceased's widow, said she found her husband dead in bed on Thursday morning. He had been very much addicted to drink and had lost his last position through that cause. On Wednesday night they found it necessary to lock him in his room. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said deceased's body was in a very emaciated condition and covered with vermin. He had never seen a body in worse condition. Death was due to syncope, caused by alcoholism. The tissues were dried up through excessive use of very bad whisky. The Coroner remarked that he thought the deceased was himself solely responsible for his condition. They were very sorry for the widow, but thought she must feel it a happy release.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 January 1911
ILFRACOMBE - Lady's Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ilfracombe on MISS MARY TAYLOR, who died at her residence, 18 Foxbeare, Ilfracombe, on Friday. - MISS TAYLOR said deceased, her sister, aged 63, had for some time resided by herself at Foxbeare. Witness had not seen her since July and was not aware that she was ill. - Mrs White, a neighbour, said she saw deceased on Thursday in the garden. Next morning about nine, she endeavoured to go into the house, but found the door locked. She tried to make deceased hear, but could not. Witness then sent for Dr Toller, and the Police, who effected an entrance, and deceased was found lying behind the bedroom door. She was put into bed, but died about three o'clock in the afternoon. - Dr Toller deposed that the immediate cause of death was syncope and exhaustion, brought on by the perforation of a malignant growth of long standing. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ALBERT YOUNG, 41, sandwich man. Martha Willcocks, widow, Bath-lane, said deceased had resided at her house five years. On Sunday deceased was not well; he became worse yesterday morning and died before medical assistance could be procured. Dr J. Pearse said the cause of death was tuberculosis and long standing pleurisy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on MINNIE FRIEND, the three-weeks-old child of a Dockyard labourer, living at Paradise-place. Dr H. White, House Surgeon, explained the cause of death and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquest on DORIS MATILDA HALLIDAY, aged one year and five months, the child of GEORGE HENRY HALLIDAY, stoker petty officer, of 17 William-street, Morice Town. The mother of deceased said that on the 13th inst. she was standing at a table making pasties, when deceased gave a cry. On picking her up, witness found she was scalded. Witness wrapped her up and took her to the Hospital. Asked by the Coroner how the accident occurred, witness said she had put some water in a saucepan on the fire to wash up dishes and this must somehow have upset. - Witness's eldest daughter, who was present when the accident happened, explained that the child, in getting up from the hearthrug, slipped and, putting out her hand to save herself, touched the handle of the saucepan, which was thereby upset. There was a small guard around the fire. - Dr H. White said that when brought to the Hospital, the child was suffering from scalds of the face, neck, body and arms, also from shock. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ISAAC DIXON, aged 79, Naval Reserve pensioner, of John-street. The medical evidence showed that death resulted from syncope due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Death In Police Cells. Inquest On Staverton Man At Moretonhampstead. - At Moretonhampstead yesterday Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on REGINALD BOWDEN, who died in the Police Cells on Sunday morning, having been arrested on a charge of stealing a waistcoat from the local Co-operative Stores. - George Field identified the body, although he had not seen deceased for 15 years. They were boys together at Staverton, where deceased's father carried on a large business. Witness did not know whether deceased was a member of the firm, but he used to travel for it. - P.C. Brewer said he found deceased asleep by a rick in a field close to Moreton, and took him to the Police-Station between 8 and 9 o'clock on Friday evening. - P.S. Osmond stated that deceased had supper on Friday night and three meals on Saturday. Witness spoke to him at midnight on Saturday and in reply to his question, deceased said he was all right. On Sunday morning he went to the cell and spoke to deceased, but getting no reply, and thinking he was asleep, he shook him. He did not move and witness discovered that her was dead. He was completely wrapped in three blankets, his head being enveloped, but this was a usual practice for men who had been locked up several times. When he was brought to the Police Station on Friday, witness concluded he had been drinking, as although he walked and talked all right, he smelt of drink. On Saturday he was singing and whistling in his cell and made no complaint. - Dr A. Colridge, who made a post-mortem examination, said the heart, liver and kidney were not normal, but the rest of the body was practically normal, except the lungs, which were congested and dropsical. The liver was much enlarged, which was a known effect of alcohol taken over long periods. He should say that deceased had been a drinker for some years; not necessarily a heavy drinker in regard to length of bouts, but he had taken a fair amount of alcohol from time to time. Death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BRATTON FLEMING - Lonely Man's Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bratton Fleming yesterday afternoon on EDWARD BROWNSCOMBE, 74, retired colt breaker. - Wm. Bowden said deceased lived by himself in one of his own houses. Witness last saw him alive in the early part of last week. On Friday last he went to BROWNSCOMBE'S house about 1 p.m., but could get no answer. On looking in he saw that the fire was burning in the grate. Deceased was in the habit of coming to witness's house on Saturdays for butter and milk, but did not come on Saturday. - Wm. Norman said he passed deceased's house on Saturday morning, when he saw no light in the window or smoke coming from the chimney. He did not see deceased that day. On Sunday morning he found the door unlocked. He went in and saw deceased at the top of the stairs, apparently quite dead. Dr J. R. Harper said deceased's heart was ruptured and there had been an escape of a large quantity of blood Death was due to Natural Causes. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - St Budeaux Tragedy. Suicide After A Love Tiff. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devonport Guildhall yesterday afternoon on ELDRED ROSCROW, aged 29, who was found dead on the G.W.R. line the previous day. Chief Inspector Poultney and Inspector Cook represented the G.W.R. Co. - THURZA ROSCROW, mother, of 105 Charlotte-street, said deceased was a clerk. he lived at Charlotte-street with his parents. She last saw him alive on Tuesday evening, when he appeared to be in a very low, despondent state. He was always very reserved and gave no reason for his condition when they had asked him. He was sitting writing when she last saw him. He was not in the house when witness and her husband went to bed, for he had gone out shortly after nine o'clock. She thought it strange that he should not return to the house by the time they went to bed. She did not anticipate that there was anything wrong, but was under the impression that he would come. The next morning she found he had not returned, but prepared his breakfast in the usual way, thinking perhaps that he would return. Just before nine o'clock a Constable called and told her of the affair, and she accompanied him to the Mortuary. - Letter to Parents. - Later on in the day she received a letter by post, addressed to MR and MRS ROSCROW - It read as follows:- " 1105 Charlotte-street, Morice Town, Devonport, January 24th, 1911. - My dearest mother and father, - Before you receive this letter I shall be no more. Although your own son, don't grieve for me, I am not worth it, to take my own life. I can't help myself. If an Inquest is held denounce any verdict of indifference of mind. I am perfectly sound as regards my intellect, so see that no such judgment is passed on me. My secret goes with me. If you ever see Beatrice - which I don't think she will trouble the slightest - if, however, that you do, treat her kindly, more kindly than I have been. Please, dear mother and father, see that my last requests are carried out. The large brown paper parcel addressed to my dearest of all chums George, is given to him, disturb nothing at once. The large envelope marked "To be buried," see that it is put in my coffin; disturb nothing her also. My pipe, given to me by the Sandboys Club, also place in my coffin, also my cigarette case; do not give it to anyone whatever. Also my ring; let it remain on my finger. I have written to George Allen and he will tell you the ones only to be at my funeral. Under no consideration let any Sandboys attend, with all due respects to them. - Dear mother and father, I have lost confidence in this earthly world. If any letters be sent to me after you receive this, I ask you to please burn them instantly; don't open them. Good-bye, dear mother and father. Good-bye, and may God bless you both; may we meet again. - Your broken-hearted son, ELDRED." - "Keeping Company." - She understood he had been keeping company with a young lady. She did not know her until he brought her to the house some time before Christmas. They had no objection. he was not the one to divulge the salary he was getting to witness or his father. He gave her a good sum every week, and he had no financial worry. She did not think there was any worry with regard to his Freemasonry. She had never heard him complain of anything and all that she had noticed was that he was low and despondent. As far as she knew he had never threatened to take his life. He was the secretary of the Sandboys Club. - JOSEPH GARFIELD ROSCROW, brother, said he last saw his brother alive on Tuesday evening at 9.30. he was then writing letters and witness had no conversation with him. He afterwards put on his overcoat and went out, as witness thought, to post the letters. He thought there was something strange about his brother for the past few weeks. On Sunday morning he was very restless. - Lady's Indignant Letter. - Miss Beatrice Bryant said she became acquainted with deceased in September last and had been walking out with him. Latterly a feeling of jealousy had come over him. She saw him last Thursday, and although he appeared to be in his usual health, he was quiet at times. She saw him again on Sunday and in the evening he seemed very reticent. On Monday she received a letter from him referring to some matters. She replied to him on Monday afternoon as follows:- "In reply to your letter this morning, I think it infamous - the lies about whistling and slaps of years ago, which my own people would not throw out. I shall never forget or forgive, so please take this as a parting from me. I trust you will have another girl to stand by you and told likes by others. It shall be proved. I hope I shall never cross your path again after this." - She subsequently received another letter, in which he threatened to take his life. She had burnt that letter. On Tuesday afternoon she received another letter from him, which ran:- "Good-bye after today. The sun shall never set on my face again. I consider you have cut me off without properly studying the matter. Good-bye, never to meet again. My reward in the next world will be the same as the present - separated for ever. Amen." - On the envelope was written:- "Please open this one. It is the last. It is my last request." - She had also received three postcards - two saying "Good-bye" and one saying "Good-bye for ever." - A Juror: Did you believe he would carry out his threat? - No, I did not. - Signalman's Discovery. - John James Ackford, Saltash, signalman in the employ of the G.W.R., said he was proceeding to the signal-box near St Budeaux about 5.30 on Wednesday morning, and when about 200 yards from the Royal Albert Bridge, he saw a huddled form lying on the up line. After ascertaining that the man was dead, he went and informed the Police at St Budeaux. In his opinion deceased had been standing up when he was struck by the buffer of a train. - P.C. Lee gave evidence of removing the body to the Mortuary at the Guildhall. - Mr A. E. M. Roberts, chief clerk employed by Brown, Wills and Nicholson, merchants, Plymouth, said deceased had been employed by that firm for some years. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very sad case. The young man's life had been thrown away on trivial matters. It seemed rather difficult to understand why a young man in a good position, earning a fairly good salary, with his life before him, should act in such a strange way by taking his life in such a terrible manner, because there seemed to be no reason for it at all. They had heard Miss Bryant give her evidence in a straightforward manner. Some people could not control their feelings when in a jealous mood, and took very strange steps. He did not think it was due to anything Miss Bryant had said or done that deceased had taken his life. - A verdict that "Deceased Committed Suicide while of an Unsound State of Mind" was returned. - Expressions of sympathy were passed with the relatives and Miss Bryant.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 January 1911
MILTON ABBOT - Drowned In The Tamar. Accident Described At Inquest. - At Milton Abbot Reading Room on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWIN HEARD, aged 65, foreman of labourers on the Endsleigh Estate, Milton Abbot. Joseph John Spurr, farmer, Southcombe Farm, Milton Abbot, stated that on Thursday, between 2.30 and 3 p.m. he noticed deceased on the Cornish side of the Tamar, riding his pony on the river bank. He watched him along the bank for about 300 yards. The pony was walking. The deceased was speaking to witness's dog, calling it by name. Deceased then came to a gate, and while he was attempting to open it. for some reason which witness could not explain, the pony backed into the river, throwing the deceased into the water. The pony also fell. Witness ran down and found the pony standing quietly in the river and deceased was in about two feet of water on his back. He was got out as quickly as possible, but was quite dead. Witness was there within three minutes. There were no sign of struggling. The deceased was well acquainted with the place. Whatever was the cause of the pony backing, it was a pure accident. The drop into the river from the bank was about eight feet. Deceased was a heavy man. - Dr Cecil Musgrave, of Lifton, said he was called to see the deceased on Thursday afternoon and found him dead. His clothes were wet through and there was a large scalp wound on the left side of the head. Death was due to drowning. He thought the blow on the head was caused by the fall, which rendered the deceased unconscious. Deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr E. C. Rundle, the Duke of Bedford's steward, was present.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 January 1911
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. - At an Inquest held by Mr Brown, Coroner, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, on HAROLD THOMAS BAKER, aged 1 year and 9 months, son of a blacksmith of Longdown, MRS BAKER said on Thursday she left the baby in the kitchen with another child, age 3 ½ years, whilst she went out to feed the pigs. Hearing the children screaming, she returned and found deceased on the rug near the fire with its clothes smouldering. The child had been badly burnt on one side. All the underclothing, of flannelette, was burnt, whilst the dress, of twill, was not much burnt. - Dr Lilley, House Surgeon, said the burns were severe and death was due to shock. - The Coroner said it certainly was not a case where children of such an age should have been left in a room with a partly open fire without a guard. There was a provision now, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act, that rendered parents liable to punishment for leaving their children so unprotected. However, it would be for some authority to decide whether proceedings should be taken against the mother. The Jury had to find a verdict and could add a rider censuring the mother if they saw fit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner: You don't wish to add anything? - The Foreman: No, sir.

OTTERY ST MARY - Flannelette Victim. Parents Censured At Ottery. - Dr Tweed, Coroner, held an Inquest at Ottery St. Mary, yesterday on WINIFRED EBDON, aged 12 months, of Wiggaton, Ottery St. Mary. - MRS EBDON, wife of JAMES EBDON, farm labourer, said on Friday the 20th inst., about 11 a.m., she went in to see Mrs Salter, a neighbour, leaving the child in the cradle in charge of two other children, DOROTHY, age 5 and another, age 4. Soon afterwards DOROTHY came and said the child was burning. She went in and found deceased's clothing on fire. She took the child out of the cradle, and sent Dorothy to fetch Mrs Salter. The cradle was about five feet from the fire, and there was no fire-guard. - Mrs Caroline Salter said the child was wearing an under-garment made of flannelette, which was simmering. She took off the clothes and dressed the wounds with oil. She did not ask the other children how the fire occurred. - Dr Reynolds said he examined the child and found her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow severely burnt and there were also burns on the right thigh and leg down to the ankle. It was taken to the Hospital, and died about 2.30 on Sunday morning. Soon after entering the Hospital, the child showed signs of internal inflammation, which developed into inflammation of the brain and this was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees for the purpose of buying a fire-guard and other necessaries for the house and the Coroner censured the parents for not having a proper fire-guard.

STOKE DAMEREL - Killed By A Wagon. Devonport Child's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday morning on OLIVE ANETTE DAVEY, aged one year and eleven months, who was run over and killed by a wagon on Saturday. BESSIE AMELIA DAVEY, mother, 18 Mount-street, said at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning deceased was with her in the back yard. Witness went indoors and thought the child was following. On finding that was not so she turned round and saw a woman carrying the child in. [?] Florence Rowe said she was in Stanley-street when she saw deceased come out of the back door of her house. Deceased dropped something and stooped to pick it up. She then appeared to over balance, and the wheel of the wagon passed over her head. The driver of the wagon was leading the horse. - Rebecca [?], Clowance-street, said she saw the child under the wheel of the wagon. She shouted to the driver but she did not think he heard. She picked deceased up and took her into her house. The horse and wagon were proceeding very quietly. There was no blame attached to the driver. Dr R. Bolus said death, which must have been instantaneous, was due to the wound in the head. William Henry Abell, drayman, employed by the New Victoria Brewery Co., said when a young man shouted to him to stop, he pulled up immediately. he had the drag and brake on the wagon. P.C. Langdon stated that the driver was perfectly sober. Mr S. Stanton, manager of the New Victoria Brewery Co., said the driver had been in their employ about two years. He was a steady and experienced driver and had an excellent character. On behalf of the company, he expressed regret at the occurrence. They would be only too pleased to defray any expenses that might have been incurred. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury considered that no blame was attached to the driver and passed a vote of condolence with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on LILY MAUDE HODGE, found drowned in Sutton Pool on Sunday morning. Deceased's husband, a boiler-maker, 26 Whimple-street, said he last saw his wife on Saturday evening in Tavistock-road. She had been out with him and she left him to go with her sister to Regent-street, witness going home. As she did not arrive home later in the evening, he went to his sister's house, but she was not there. He afterwards went to the Police Station and gave information of her disappearance. Deceased had been depressed during the day. The following morning witness was shown a black handbag, which had been found on Sutton Pool steps and which he identified as his wife's property. Later the same morning the body was recovered from the harbour. Witness knew of no particular cause for his wife's fit of depression. - Herbert Rendle, fisherman of Treville-street, said on Sunday morning he saw a body in the water off Sutton Steps. He reported this to the Police and helped to bring it ashore. There were no marks on the face. P.C. Gaff said he was called to take the body out of the water. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

SWANSEA, WALES - The Fowey Schooner Wreck. Inquest On Plymouth Victim. - An Inquest was held at Swansea yesterday on JOHN HANSEN, of Plymouth, steward on board the Fowey schooner, Wiln, which was run down on Saturday night in Carmarthen Bay, with the loss of the master, Capt. Rowe, of Mevagissey and three others. - Albert Duffy of Preston, one of the two survivors, stated that HANSEN, immediately the collision occurred, was thrown into the sea with witness, who did not see deceased again until he was picked up by a boat which put out from the Irena, the steamer with which the Wiln had collided. HANSEN was not a strong man and was asthmatical. - James Brown of Shotton, Flintshire, said that when he rescued deceased from some wreckage HANSEN said "God bless you," but never spoke again. He was in such a bad way that he was at once transferred to the Irena, where every effort was made to bring him round, by Samuel Inman, of Runcorn, the chief engineer. HANSEN died on the way to Swansea an hour later. - The Coroner said that everything possible was done for the deceased and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Cold and Exposure." - None of the other bodies has yet been recovered. - We understand that HANSEN was on his first voyage in the Wiln. He was a man of about 50 years of age, and was for some time in the Royal Navy, and afterwards employed at Devonport Dockyard. -

PLYMPTON ST MARY - A tramp who died suddenly in Plympton Workhouse on Friday evening - not the man whose removal from Plymouth was criticized at a recent meeting of the Board of Guardians - was identified at the Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, as MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, about 51 years of age, a native of Plymouth, and formerly a private in the 1st Devon Regiment. This information was given the Coroner by another casual - Thomas Hollett, a labourer, on tramp, and a native of Exminster, who stated that he served with deceased in the Devons both on the Indian frontier and later through the South African war. At the conclusion of the Boer war deceased, who had completed 12 years service, came to England and was discharged. He was not entitled to a pension. Witness after the war returned with his regiment to India and he in turn was subsequently discharged after serving 12 years, although it was his wish to rejoin for another period. Since then CUNNINGHAM and himself had served together in the Militia, now the Special Reserve. Deceased had in recent years tramped the country and obtained periods of employment on public works as a general labourer. - Dr Duncan Stamp said he was called to the Workhouse on Friday evening. He arrived within twenty minutes of the summons, but CUNNINGHAM was then dead. A post-mortem examination revealed chronic heart disease, signs of pleurisy, also pneumonia. The exciting cause of death was an overloaded stomach. The body was well nourished. He was informed that deceased had been given very light work and that a few minutes before being seized with illness he was joking with other inmates of the casual ward. - Mr J. H. Stanley, porter, said the man was known to him as an occasional visitor to the tramp ward. On previous occasions he had performed his task in the stone-yard smartly, but on Thursday he intimated that he did not feel equal to using the sledge. Witness gave him instead a little dusting to do on Friday, and asked him if he would like to see the doctor. He laughed at the suggestion, said there was nothing very much amiss with him, and that the butcher was more his man than the doctor. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner remarking that it was clear every kindness was shown deceased after he made it known to the porter that he did not feel particularly well.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Oxford-street Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, on THOMAS STRAHAN, aged 24 hours, son of an engine-room artificer, R.N., 12 Penrose-street. Harriet Hayes, wife of a naval stoker, 24 Wyndham-street, said on Tuesday morning she visited MRS STRAHAN. About quarter to seven the husband had to go to work. Shortly afterwards witness took the child out of bed, afterwards putting it back again. Witness remained in the room lighting the fire. At 8.30 when witness again took the child out of bed she discovered it was dead. It had been lying on its left side, some way from and facing, its mother. Its face was not covered by the bedclothes. - Dr Aikman said death was due to suffocation, and not to natural causes. There were no marks of violence on the body, but it was possible for death to be caused by asphyxia without leaving marks. The mother seemed to be distressed as if by grief at the occurrence. - A verdict of Death from Suffocation was returned, the Jury adding that there was no evidence to show how it was caused.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN SLOMAN, aged 28, labourer, 6 Julian-street. Mr Edgar Bowden represented the relatives of the deceased. - MRS SARAH JOHNS, sister, said deceased, who worked for Mr Westcott, coal and salt dealer, came home on November 6th, 1909, and said he had met with an accident, the cart having hit him in the chest. He was very ill and Dr Stubbs attended him. He never returned to work. Later, he went into the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and stayed there for five months, not having recovered when he took his discharge. He was ill right up to his death. Deceased was continually in pain after the accident. - Mrs Florence Walker, Mount Batten, sister of the last witness, said deceased told her he was attempting to back the horse, when the animal came for ward and shaft struck him in the chest. - Dr G. H. Warren said deceased's heart was considerably enlarged. It weighed 19 ½ ounces, whereas the normal weight was about ten ounces. One of the valves had apparently been torn. Death was due to valvular disease. - By Mr Percy Pearce (for the Insurance Company interested): Such a disease as he had died from might have been suffered by a person who had had an accident. - by Mr Bowden: From the evidence he thought it extremely likely that death was caused as the result of the accident. Except from the fact of the post-mortem examination he should not have thought death was attributable to the accident. Mr Pearce: If it had not been for the history of the case and the apparent tearing of the valve, you would be unable to say what was the probable cause? - That is so. - By a Juryman: Death was accelerated solely by the accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the South Devon and East Cornwall hospital an Inquest was held on ROBERT CLARKE, 47, labourer, of Belgrave-road, Plymouth. The widow said an accident took place on December 16th, and deceased went to the Hospital. He came home, but went back to the Institution and died there. Thomas Jermon, mason, said he was working at Elphinstone-road, Peverell, with the deceased. Witness was on the roof and deceased was stepping from the roof to the ladder when a gust of wind caught a "banker" which was used as a mortar board and blew it about 30 feet. It struck the ladder as deceased was stepping off and as a result deceased fell to the ground. It was not usual to secure the mortar boards, as it was not thought necessary. - Dr J. R. Dobson, House Physician, at the Hospital, said when deceased was admitted he appeared to be suffering from concussion of the brain. Deceased stayed some days and then went home. He appeared to be dazed as the result of a fall or blow. Deceased left the Hospital, but returned again on January 6th, and died on Wednesday. Death was due to inflammation of the spinal cord. The deceased's condition was probably caused by the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Blind Woman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Mutley Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday on AGNES PERROTT, aged 72, spinster, Kingwood Park-avenue. Frederick Stacey said deceased, his first cousin, was his housekeeper. She went to bed the previous night after partaking of supper. That morning at 8.30 he heard deceased in her bedroom groaning. He went there and found that she was on the floor and unconscious. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 February 1911
EAST ALLINGTON - At East Allington on Saturday an Inquest was held on PRISCILLA JANE KING, wife of RICHARD KING, labourer, on the [?] Estate. On February 2nd deceased complained of a pain about her heart and whilst the husband went in search of a nurse, she died. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death In Prison. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Prison yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN HADDOCK, aged 38, engine fitter, an inmate of the prison, who died early on Saturday morning. - ELIZABETH HADDOCK, of 7 Cambrian-road, Neyland, South Wales, identified the body. James Thomas Bassett, governor of the Prison, said deceased was admitted on January 22nd for a term of 84 days. He was last seen alive at 10 p.m. on Friday evening. He was later called by the night patrol at 5.30 and was then all right. Just before six another officer opened the door and found deceased lying on his bed dressed. Dr Wolferstan was at once called. - Charles Pascoe Burroughs, warder, deposed to seeing deceased at 5.30 a.m. through the spy-hole of the cell door. - Edward Worth said at 5.55 a.m. he unlocked the cell door and saw deceased lying on his stomach. Witness spoke to him and he did not answer, so he called assistance. - Dr Wolferstan, Medical Officer at the Prison, said death was due to fatty disease of the heart. Deceased's widow said her husband's family had all been subject to heart disease. She was quite satisfied with the case and "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Mutley Police Station yesterday on ELLEN LOUISA LOWMAN, 62, of 10 Percy-terrace, wife of GEORGE HENRY LOWMAN, merchant seaman. Dr M. D. Keily said he had known deceased a number of years. He had recommended her to live nearer the trams in order to avoid the hills, which were prejudicial to her heart. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Board Room of Plymouth Workhouse last evening, respecting the death of LYDIA KINNARD, unmarried, aged 62, of 8 Almshouses, Green-street. Evidence was given by Elizabeth Reed, one of the widows in the almshouses, who stated that the deceased had been suffering from rheumatism for some years and on February 3rd, wished to sit in an arm-chair instead of going to bed. Witness warned her that it would be dangerous as she might slip off the chair. Next morning deceased was found on the floor and she said she had slipped off the armchair. Dr Cooke said deceased's left leg was broken and she also had bronchitis and congestion of the lungs. "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner held an Inquest in respect of the death of JOSEPH MANHIRE, of Lee Moor, who died in the Workhouse Infirmary. The widow stated that her husband suffered from rheumatism. In August whilst out for a walk he had a bad fall and he was taken to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, and later removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. Dr Cooke stated that deceased had a broken leg and also congestion of the lungs. He was removed to the Workhouse because it was thought the case was incurable. Mr W. W. Lucas, a friend of the relatives, said they were grateful to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital for the kind and careful attention given to deceased. Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1911
WHITCHURCH - Gardener's Tragic Death. Scene In A Whitchurch Barn. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Whitchurch yesterday, on GEORGE ROBERT CROUT, 45, Royal Marine pensioner, living at Whitchurch. The deceased had been employed by the vicar (Rev. W. N. P. Beebe) as gardener. - Dr Robert Clapp said he was at Whitchurch Vicarage on Saturday, when he was told deceased could not be found. A search was made, and he was discovered lying on some hay in a barn, his overcoat and hat were on a bundle of hay with a razor. Witness made a superficial examination of the body and found that his throat was cut badly, the main arteries being severed. Witness thought he must have been in a kneeling position when he cut his throat and have afterwards fallen backwards. Deceased was very reserved and was of a temperament which would render him likely to do this sort of thing. A sudden fit of melancholia would have caused his action. - Deceased's widow, JANE CROUT, said when her husband left to go to work on Saturday morning he seemed all right. No communication from deceased had been found. He was always very quiet and had lately been worried about his work. He had not given satisfaction, and having been told of this by the Vicar, he had given notice to leave. He had been in his employ about three years. Deceased could not have been called a bad-tempered man, though he might have been a little sulky. He was of a sober disposition. There had been no money difficulties, and they had always been on the best of terms. - Employer's Evidence. - Rev. W. N. P. Beebe said deceased had been in his employ since May 1908. He had done his work very well indeed. On Thursday he gave notice to leave. Witness had received a sort of warning that this would happen a week or so previously, when he had told witness that he could not go on with his work, as he could not give satisfaction. He admitted that witness had never complained about him, but said he was not satisfied himself. He could not explain what it was. Witness advised him not to do anything in a hurry, but to think it over. On Monday, 6th inst., witness noticed that he wore a rather wild look, and thought there was something wrong with him. He had a tendency towards moroseness and made efforts to fight against it. Witness was away at the time the deceased was missed on Saturday. He had not spoken to him since Friday morning. There was a friendly feeling between them and deceased was allowed a free hand. - One of the Jurors said he had been employed often by Mr Beebe, who had always treated him kindly. - Charles Stanley Sleeman, journeyman gardener, employed at the Vicarage, said he went to deceased's house to find him, when he was first missed. Witness did not think he had been treated kindly at the Vicarage, being supervised to a large extent. The Vicar often made complaints without ground. Witness had heard the complaints, but could not say what they were about. Deceased had been uncomfortable for a long time. He was very sensitive, but not sulky, and had taken it to heart. When deceased gave notice he said that, though he had been through the service, he had never been spoken to as he had been by the Vicar that day. - Alice Dolb, cook at the Vicarage, said she had been employed there 13 years. Some time ago she had a quarrel with deceased and had not spoken to him since. She had always found Mr and Mrs Beebe most kind and just. - Mrs Beebe said she herself at once informed MRS CROUT that her husband was missing. P.C. Couch said deceased was the last man in the parish he would have thought would have taken his life. - Mr Rodd, addressing the Jury, said he thought there could be no doubt that the wound was self-inflicted. It had been suggested that the occurrence was caused by some feeling between the deceased and his employer, but he thought the evidence showed that he had been treated with every kindness and consideration in his employ. They would therefore probably come to the conclusion that he was of unsound mind when he took his life. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing themselves quite satisfied with the evidence as to the relations between the Vicar and the deceased.

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyardsman's Death In The Street. - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY SHEPHERD, aged 54, coppersmith in the Dockyard, of York-road, MRS SHEPHERD said her husband had been attended by Dr Davis for bronchitis. He was at home for three months and returned to work a month ago, when he was much better, but not quite well. Dr Davis last attended him last Sunday week. He was then very ill, having had a rupture, but the doctor told him he would be all right after two days' rest. He returned to work on Wednesday when he seemed pretty well. She last saw him alive at 6.5 a.m. on Friday, when he told her he had had a terrible night with coughing, but he thought it would pass off. - Albert Wiles, boilermaker, Ainslie-terrace, Camel's Head, said he left the Dockyard with deceased at 5 p.m. on Friday. They got on a car at Morice-square and just as they got seated deceased said, "I must get off again." Witness who also got off asked him if he could do anything and he replied, "No, you can do nothing." He collapsed shortly afterwards and with assistance witness took him to the Hospital. Dr Hugh White said that when brought to the Hospital deceased was dead. The left lung and the whole chest were full of blood, due to rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. Both lungs were full of bronchitis and the heart was fatty, but the other organs were perfectly healthy. Possibly coughing caused the aneurism to burst. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Veteran's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN THOMAS WRIGHT, age 73, Garden-street, who died on Saturday. MRS WRIGHT said that while her husband was sitting on the side of the bed on September 12th, he stooped down to pull on his socks, when he gave a sudden jerk and she heard a click. Deceased said he thought he had broken his arm and witness took him to the Hospital. After remaining there nine days he returned home at his own wish and witness called Dr Gard in. - Dr W. J. Gard said that when he was called deceased was suffering from slight seizure and an ununited fracture of the left arm. he got a succession of seizures so that the whole side became paralysed. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, accelerated by the fracture. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - Deceased, who was a Crimean veteran joined the navy as a boy, went out to the Crimea with his father, and was awarded two medals. Thirty two years ago he retired with the rating of quarter master.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1911
STOKE GABRIEL - "Life A Blank." Devon Suicides Pathetic Letter. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on SYDNEY BEAVIS DUDOR, who was found shot dead in a field on his father's farm at Aish, Stoke Gabriel, on Monday afternoon. - MR JOHN BEAVIS DUDOR said deceased, aged 26, had suffered in his stomach and head, but did not have fits of depression. He could not account why deceased should take his life, as he had no worries. Witness's elder son committed suicide about three years ago and it was done in a similar manner. - Evidence of finding the body was given by a farm lad named F. Scadding, and another boy, Wm. Baker, said in the morning he saw deceased with a gun on his shoulder. - Dr Chapman, Totnes, said he had treated deceased for indigestion. Death would have been instantaneous. - P.C. Tucker said he was called to the field about 4.30. A gun was lying beside the deceased, one barrel of which had been fired. He searched the body and in a notebook was written, but unsigned, the following:- "10.55 a.m. - Good-bye dear father, mother and sister. Forgive me for the unkind things I have said: it is my poor head that made me say so. God will, I trust, have mercy on me. I cannot stand this depression any longer: my spirits are gone and life is a blank. I love you all dearly and hope to meet you all in a better world, where pain will be vanquished. Good-bye dear parents. You have been kind and true to me. " - The Jury found that deceased hilled himself in a fit of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Painter's Death. - The Plymouth Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE HENRY CHILCOTT, aged 41, painter, of St. John's-road, who died on Monday. - The widow stated that she last saw her husband alive just before noon on Monday. He had complained of pains in the lower part of the body since Saturday. She made poultices for application, and she sent for a doctor who prescribed. - The Coroner mentioned that there had been a rumour of an altercation of some sort between the deceased and someone else, but the widow replied that there was no truth in the suggestion. When Dr Hughes could not come she sent for another doctor, so as to get one as soon as possible. Dr McCarthy gave evidence and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WESTMINSTER, LONDON - Hotel Tragedy. Devonshire Doctor's Suicide In London. Remarkable Letter. - At Westminster Mortuary, London, yesterday, Mr John Troutbeck held an Inquest on DR ALLAN LESLIE FIELDING, of Ottery St. Mary, who on Saturday was found dead in bed at Faulkner's Hotel, Strand, under circumstances which pointed to self-poisoning. - Mr John Lhind Pratt, barrister, 3 Dr Johnson's-buildings, Temple, identified the body and stated that the deceased was aged 36 years. He had known him intimately for four years and he also knew the doctor's people. The deceased was married, and the widow would have been present to give evidence but for the fact that she was prostrated by grief. - The Coroner: When did you lat see him? - I am unable to fix the date, but I think it was about the end of January or the beginning of February. I was then home in connection with the Assizes. - Overwork And Inability To Sleep. - What did you think of him then as regards his general condition? - It was then a matter of comment between him and several of his friends that he was in a very nervous state. - Was there any cause? - On the last occasion I saw him he told me that he had been called out very constantly at night. The district of Ottery St Mary is a very scattered one, and he had to travel long distances. He said that out of the previous five nights he had been called out three times and the result was that he had had very little sleep even on the nights he had not been called out. He added: "I suppose I ought not to grumble, for that is what a doctor must expect." - Then he attributed his nervous condition to overwork and inability to sleep? - Yes. - Do you know how long that had gone on? - No. I do not, but we had noticed that he was rather nervous for seven or eight months. - He had no kind of trouble to account for this? - No. - Apart from sleeplessness was he in good health? - I should say yes. - He had no family difficulties? - None whatever. He and his wife lived remarkably happily together. - Do you know whether he had any business in London? - No. - Has he ever threatened to take his life? - Never to my knowledge. - It was never considered that his mind was in any way affected before his death? - No, but I have heard that he had a nervous breakdown when he was a student. He then disappeared for a short time. - Was he a hard worker? - Yes, he was: and I think he has been working especially hard lately. He was assistant to a Dr Reynolds and was about to acquire the practice. No doubt because of that he was particularly keen to secure fresh practice. - Can you identify his handwriting? - Yes. The two letters (produced) are in his handwriting. - Last Messages: Letter To The Coroner. - The Coroner then read two letters which had been left on the dressing table in the room at the Hotel. The first which was addressed to the Coroner himself, and dated February 10th, read:- "Sir,- I trust and hope you will make the Inquest a short and sharp one, and not expose one's private affairs for the halfpenny papers to dilate upon. I have been a medical practitioner for some years and have had considerable worry and overwork at times. I do not think I am insane; however, this is as your Jury may like to express it. The fact remains I have swallowed an overdose of hydro-cyanic, deliberately administered by my own hand. Please make the proceedings short and leave my poor widow in peace and do not cross-examine her." - The second letter, addressed to the manageress of Faulkner's Hotel, read:- "Pardon me for an enormous breach of etiquette in making your hotel notorious. Unfortunately I had to sleep somewhere. The night outside was dark, dull and melancholy and I had not the heart to forsake your Hotel. After I am gone please communicate with the vicar of Ottery St. Mary, who knows my wife and ask him to break the news to her. I have also left a letter for MRS FIELDING which I trust you will see delivered. Apologizing for this trouble, I remain, yours, &c. ALLAN LESLIE FIELDING." - Arrival Without Luggage. - The manageress of Faulkner's Hotel stated that deceased came to the Hotel at 8.30 p.m. on Friday without luggage. He took a room, for which he paid in advance. He said he had missed his train and would only stay the night. After writing some letters in the smoking-room he went to bed at about 10.30 p.m., a glass of hot milk which he ordered being sent to his room. At 11 o'clock next morning, as he did not come down to breakfast, witness sent the porter up to call him. The man came back and said he was dead. - Corroborative evidence was given by Bennett Colombo, the porter, who said when he forced the door of the room and entered the blinds were drawn and the electric lights on. The deceased lay on the bed fully dressed, his expression being so calm that he looked asleep. A glass half full of milk was on the dressing-table, whilst an empty bottle was by the bedside. - P.C. Popham spoke to being called in and seeing a blue bottle marked "Poison" by the bedside and another brown bottle in deceased's overcoat. The room was undisturbed. - Evidence By Dr Reynolds. - Dr Mortimer Reynolds of Ottery St. Mary, stated that the deceased had been his assistant for six years and was going to purchase the business from him. The last time he saw him was on Friday at 11.10 a.m. He did not observe anything wrong with him and deceased said nothing about his intention to go to London. Witness had not noticed that he was in a nervous state. The bottles found by the last witness were not obtained in his practice. - The Coroner: Had he to work very hard? - Not more so than doctors work as a rule. - The Coroner: I know in country districts doctors have to work very arduously. Had he any kind of bother or trouble? - Not that I am aware of. - Did he take holidays? - Oh, yes. - Dr R. S. Trevor, pathologist at St. George's Hospital, London, certified that the cause of death was poisoning by taking hydro-cyanic. From an internal examination he should say deceased had symptoms of influenza and pneumonia. "Result Of A Nervous Breakdown." - The Coroner said the evidence showed that the deceased was a hard-working man in medical practice. He was very happily married and apparently had no troubles. As the result of a nervous breakdown, however, he went to London, and in a Hotel there took poison. As a medical man there could be no doubt he would know the effect of the poison, and therefore he killed himself. As to his mental state, he was a man in fair if not robust health. The post-mortem examination had shown, however, that he was probably suffering from influenza at the time, which would have very likely upset his mental balance and led him to take poison. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," expressing sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 February 1911
TIVERTON - Son's Shocking Discovery. Tiverton Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Workhouse last evening by Mr A. Fisher, Coroner, on EMMA HARVEY, aged 78, widow, of Melbourne-street, Tiverton. - WILLIAM HARVEY, engineer's fitter, said deceased, his mother, lived with him. She had an old-age pension of 5s. a week and 2s. 6d. pension from Heathcoat and Co. On February 4th he left her at home at 7.15 and locked her in at her request. There was a fire in the grate and two lamps alight on the table, one having a naked flame. When he returned home at 9.45 he found her lying on the ground with her clothes smouldering. He pulled off the burnt clothing and got her into a chair. She was quite unable to explain how she caught on fire, and seemed dazed. He had found her on two previous occasions lying on the floor when he had returned home at night. She might have been intoxicated, but he did not know where she got the drink. There was none in the house on the 4th February. - Emma Harris, a neighbour, said on the Saturday night in question, a little girl shouted out that MRS HARVEY was on fire, and she (witness) ran to the house and found the old woman very much burnt. P.C. Elston and his wife and deceased's son were there before her. MRS HARVEY was insensible. - The Coroner: To put it plainly, she was too drunk to know it? - Yes. Her clothes were all burnt away round her neck and her face was charred and blackened. There was a small lamp on the table, and witness thought deceased's shawl might have caught fire. There was no evidence of burning anywhere else in the room, and the room was not in disorder. She had known deceased for a number of years and had not known her to drink until the past 12 months. Since then she had often seen her drunk. She was capable of fetching her own liquor. - Dr Pollock said he was fetched to the deceased who was suffering from extensive burns, but her mind was a blank as to how she received the injury. She was in such a condition as to feel no pain from the burns, and did not know she had had an accident at all. It was two or three days afterwards that she began to feel pain from the burns. She was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary and died from bronchitis and exhaustion following burns. - The Coroner in summing up said deceased was apparently not in a condition to wilfully set herself on fire, or to do anything intentionally. - A verdict of "Death from Bronchitis and Exhaustion following Burns Accidentally Received" was found.

TORQUAY - Torquay Motor Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr P.C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ROBERT ELSON CUMMINGS, cabinet-maker, 66, of Lower Union-lane, who was killed in Higher Union-street, Torre, on Monday evening, as the result of being knocked down by a motor car belonging to and which was being driven by, Mr W. R. V. Webb, of Lindridge, Bishopsteignton, an ex-Mayor of Torquay. Mr R. Hodge was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Mr Le Brasseur (Monmouth) and Mr G. H. Hext (Torquay) solicitors, attended on behalf of Mr Webb, who was also present. - Before any evidence was taken, Mr Le Brasseur said he was requested to express on Mr Webb's behalf his great regret at the unfortunate occurrence and his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - GEORGE CUMMINGS, porter, 44 Hoxton-road, Ellacombe, son of deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said his father was slightly deaf and had been lately using an ear trumpet which had been given him, his deafness being worse at one time than at another. The deafness had been coming on for several years and had been getting worse. - Mrs Louisa Cox, Bangor, Teignmouth-road, wife of Mr Frederick Cox, Bournemouth and sister of deceased, said he had been slightly deaf for years, and was more deaf when he had a cold, but he had had no cold lately. He used the ear trumpet only very occasionally, but was not in the habit of carrying it. He was not short-sighted, quite the contrary. Deceased left her house at ten minutes past eight on Monday evening. He was then in the very best of health and spirits. When deceased left her house he intended going across by Badham and Slomans, chemists, and up the lane by the side to East-street. He was always very careful in crossing a street and knew the rules of the road. - Joseph Pugh, painter, of 4 Brunswick-terrace, stated that he was in Brunswick-square at quarter-past eight, walking along in the direction of Torre-square, when he heard a motor car coming along behind him sounding the hooter. He had since learnt that the car was Mr Webb's and that Mr Webb was driving at the time. There were only two persons in the car. The road was clear as the car came along; it was going at a fairly good speed, about 12 or 13 miles an hour, the pace at which the tram cars would go when they were going at their fastest. Witness saw deceased cross the road and come out between the tree and the fountain, and, as the car came up, he stepped out to walk across the tram line. Deceased was walking along with his hands in his pockets, and appeared to be looking down. Witness did not see him stop to look and see if the road was clear. He had a basin under his arm. - Mrs Cox wished to ask witness a question, but the Coroner would not allow it at this stage. - Witness, continuing, said immediately deceased stepped out to the middle of the tram line the car struck him in the side. He had walked out about two strides from the fountain when he was struck. Directly he saw the lights of the car he jumped forward and back, as if hesitating. At this time the car was about two feet off. Witness did not think deceased was aware of the presence of the car before. He was knocked along and stuck in front of the car, and, as if passed along, his legs went under and finally his body and he was rolled up like a ball. The car dragged the body about five yards, and it was pulled up in twenty yards. Witness at once picked up deceased and in his opinion he was dead then. The man from the car also came back and witness asked him to take deceased to the Torbay Hospital, which he did. Before deceased was put in the car the doctor came. Deceased was struck by the car between the two lights. He should not think that his moving from behind the fountain would prevent his being seen by anyone in the car. There was an electric standard and lamp-post in a line with the fountain, but witness did not think this would form an obstacle. - By Mrs Cox: The hooter of the car was being sounded at the same time as it struck deceased. - By the Coroner: The hooter was not being sounded at first to warn deceased in particular. It was sounded three times altogether. - Dr Thistle said he was called and with a brief examination was satisfied that the man was dead, there being a severe fracture of the skull. Several ribs were broken, and death must have been instantaneous. - Answering a Juryman, the doctor said he considered the corner a dangerous one, the fountain obstructing the view down the road. - Albert Jordan said deceased was walking with his head down as if he were thinking. The car was travelling at from ten to twelve miles an hour. The road was absolutely clear. He thought CUMMINGS was aware of the presence of the car before he was struck. He appeared to hesitate, and did not know which way to go. - A Juryman: If the man had continued walking the car would have cleared him? - I think so. - Henry Phare said he heard the horn for quite a long time before he saw the car and it was being sounded all the way along to the point of the accident. The road was practically clear, but further back some boys were playing marbles in the street. The car pulled up within 20 or 25 feet of the accident. - Replying to Mrs Cox, witness expressed the opinion that the car swerved in the attempt to avoid the deceased. - Benjamin W. G. Payne said the car was not travelling more than ten miles an hour. Before reaching Brunswick-square the car had to swerve right across the road in order to avoid two boys who had run out of a side street. Just as it swerved the deceased came into the road from behind the fountain. After striking the deceased the car stopped within half if its own length. Had it not been for the boys Mr Webb would have proceeded on his right side of the road and no accident would have happened. - William Reginald Valentine Webb said he was driving the car. The road was practically clear before the boys ran out. He always sounded his horn at this point, knowing that it was a dangerous corner and that frequently children were playing about there. He was travelling from eight to ten miles an hour before the boys ran out. The deceased practically walked right in front of the car, coming out from behind the fountain. Witness thought the man saw the headlight on the ground. He jumped back and if he had proceeded further or stopped still there would not have been any accident. It was quite impossible to see anybody standing behind the fountain. If the man had gone on he (witness) could have pulled down into the Teignmouth-road. The horn was being sounded and if the man had not been deaf he would not have stepped into the road. The glass of the head lamp was smashed, showing that deceased had very nearly passed the car. - Mrs Cox: Is it a fact that from the time you let Torquay until the time you got to Torre, you were never on your right side of the road? - Mr Webb: No, it is not a fact. - Arthur Beresford Cooke, chauffeur to Mr Webb, who was in the car with him, at the time of the accident, said deceased seemed to step out of a dark shadow behind the fountain right in front of the car. The car had been going not more than eight or ten miles an hour, and when it struck deceased it was going much slower. - Neline Chalk, Union-street, said she saw deceased, after walking into the middle of the road, hesitate and then start to go back again, and it was then that he was struck by the car. - Mrs Merrifield, William Gale, a boy, of Brunswick-cottages, Police-Inspector Pratt and P.C. Friendship also gave evidence. - Summing Up And Verdict. - The Coroner, summing up, remarked upon the fact that there was some disagreement in the evidence, but said this was only natural under the circumstances. The most serious disagreement was that, whilst one witness said the car travelled 20 yards before it was pulled up, another said it was pulled up within about half its own length. If the deceased was deaf, the blame that might otherwise be attached to the driver was not nearly so great, if there was any blame at all. In the case of a man who was deaf or blind, it had been decided that he walked the streets at his own peril to a large extent. The lowest estimate of the speed of the car was eight miles an hour and the highest 13 miles and this was not an excessive speed. Several of the witnesses stated that deceased seemed to be looking down and that he did not look up or down the street to see if anything was coming. As to the children, there was the strongest evidence that some did run out. In regard to the horn, most of the witnesses agreed that it was sounded frequently. - After a quarter of an hour's private consultation by the Jury the Foreman expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved. Out of the very large number of Inquests he had taken part in during the last 30 years, he regarded this one as the most important of them all and he could not help feeling that the public and the Press were looking to them to do their duty. The Jury were agreed that the horn of the motor car was sounded and that there was deafness on the part of deceased and their unanimous verdict was that it was a case of Accidental Death, with nobody to blame. But they strongly desired to represent their wish that the fountain should be removed from its present position to nearer the railings, so that the danger should be avoided. - The Coroner asked if it was the wish of the Jury that he should make a representation to this effect to the Town Council on their behalf. - The foreman replied that this was their wish. He added that the Jury also thought that there should be greater care taken and less furious driving in the streets. - The Coroner observed that, as the Foreman had said, the Jury considered that there was no blame attached to anyone, it was unfortunate to suggest about furious driving. - The Foreman said the law allowed drivers to go at a certain speed and they thought they ought not to be allowed to go so fast. - The Coroner: But in this case you consider there is no one to blame? - The Foreman: That is so, sir. - The Coroner remarked that a verdict of Accidental Death conveyed the view that no one was to blame. Did the Jury wish that to be added as a rider? - The Foreman said there was a difference of opinion upon this point, some of the Jury thinking that, if these words were not added to the verdict, legal questions might arise. - The point was put to the Jury upon which they intimated that they were not unanimous and the verdict was entered as "Accidental Death." - The proceedings lasted three hours and a half.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 February 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Mystery. Mother, Baby And Son Through The Window? - The Doctor's Theory. - The Inquest on FREDERICK MASKELL, aged 8, was held yesterday at Devonport Guildhall, before the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce). The child was discovered by a private lying on the pavement in Granby Barracks after having fallen from a window 30 feet above. It was in a pool of blood obviously in a dying state, with the mother bending over. - SERGEANT PETER MASKELL, A.S.C., No. 3, Married Quarters, B. Block, Granby Barracks, said on Tuesday morning he got up at 5.30 and left his wife in bed nursing the baby, aged four months. He had two other children in addition to the deceased, and they were in bed in the attic. He told his wife he would be back at seven o'clock and she said "All right, I'll be up and get your breakfast." She appeared to be in her usual health, but lately she had suffered from insomnia. The quarters were not so good as the last they were in. They were not so clean and that rather worried his wife. The window-sill was about two feet wide and four feet above the floor of the room. If they wanted to do anything to the window or the blind they would have to get on the sill, which was inside the window. The blind was a trifle defective, rendering it a little difficult to roll up. There was a chair in the room, placed there on Monday, for when he returned his wife said, "I've had another fine old go. I caught eight bugs and got this chair to catch one up in the window." - MRS MASKELL'S Story. - He first heard of the accident about seven o'clock, and when he saw his wife she knew him and said, "Oh, my poor head," and "Where's baby." He asked HORACE where the baby was and he fetched the baby from upstairs and his wife kissed it. he saw his wife in the Hospital and she seemed herself again, and told him all about it. She went upstairs to light the gas, she said, and it went out again, the air coming through the pipe. She wanted some light, and went to pull up the blind, but she could not get it to go up. Then she called FREDDIE, and said "Get up, FREDDIE, and help me to get this blind up." FREDDIE started to pull the blind up and it ran against the wall and his wife being in a hurry, said, "Get it up FREDDIE, father will soon be home." She looked around for one of the boys, who asked her for a piece of bread and butter and hearing a thud she immediately turned right around again and, she said, "FREDDIE was not there, and she could not recollect anything after that. "Then," concluded the witness in a broken voice, "I asked her plain." I said, "Did you push FREDDIE out of the window?" She looked at me straight in the face, and said, "No. I never pushed him out of the window." - HORACE JAMES MASKELL, son of the previous witness, age 14, said he got up at 6.20 and his mother was then in the bedroom. He had tried to get the blind up before, but it would not go up straight; there was something wrong with it. His mother appeared to be all right, just as usual, but was worried about the quarters. - Finding The Child. - Private John Cook 1st Leinster Regt. said on Tuesday morning at 6.45 he heard a woman groaning. She was lying on the footpath and he asked her what was up and she made no reply. There were two children there. The younger boy appeared to be sleeping, but he turned him over. he then looked at the other boy and found that he was in a pool of blood. He shouted for help and took FREDDIE across to the medical inspection house, seeing he was the worse of the two. He put the boy in his topcoat and then took him to the Military Family Hospital, finding they could do nothing for the child at the inspection house. - Capt. J. Tobin, R.A.M.C., said he was in charge of the Military Family Hospital and on Tuesday he was called to the Hospital and got there at twenty minutes to eight. He found FRED MASKELL dying. He died ten minutes after his arrival. He was suffering from haemorrhage, presenting all the symptoms of loss of blood. he had a wound over the left side of the forehead, half an inch in length and a quarter of an inch in depth and an inch and a half above the left eyebrow. blood flowed freely from the wound. The top of the skull was driven in. As the result of his post-mortem examination, he found that when the scalp was removed there appeared considerable blood effusion beneath and the upper portion of the vault of the skull was shattered into several pieces, one piece being driven into the brain and the brain as a whole was lacerated. The cause of death was due to the fracture of the skull which caused the laceration of the blood vessels and gave rise to haemorrhage. The child was not conscious after the accident. - Mother's Condition. - He went to see the mother and the other boy, KENNETH. The mother was irrational; she was moaning, very excited and talking to herself. She looked as if she was "scared to death." She would make statements such as, "I have not slept since Friday night." She would complain of the quarters and said "I tried to light the gas and could not do so." Those statements were made at lucid intervals. He asked her questions and she replied that she did not know how herself or her boy KENNETH got hurt. She and KENNETH were severely injured, showing that they too must have had a fall. - The Coroner: All three must have come through the window. - The witness, continuing, said KENNETH was still dangerously ill and he did not think MRS MASKELL would be out of the Hospital before six months. He knew MRS MASKELL and she was an excellent mother and found of her children. She had previously suffered from neurasthenia. At this time she was nursing the baby and that was a great strain; then she moved to these quarters and did not like them, and she had also suffered from insomnia and all that added to her original suffering of neurasthenia was quite enough to excite her. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said FREDDIE was injured in the head and head alone. The other boy KENNETH would fall on the other boy down there and roll over on his back and head, and that would explain his injuries. The mother fell on her feet and then on to her back. That explained her injuries. - Detective Inspector Rundle said he found a letter written by the mother the previous evening. It was to her sister, couched in the usual affectionate terms, and enclosed a 5s. order to make a couple of nightgowns for KENNETH. - The Summing Up. - The Coroner, summing up, said they sympathised with SERGT. MASKELL in the terrible calamity which had befallen him in not only losing his boy FREDERICK, but having his wife and other child lying seriously ill. They had heard the medical evidence and they might be satisfied that death was due to haemorrhage and they must also be satisfied the injuries were caused by a fall from the window. The next point was whether there was anyone responsible for that fall; whether he fell out of the window, or was pushed out by some person. There could be no doubt that the three persons must have come through the window. It was [portion of text unreadable due to faint print] by his mother. They had the information that MRS MASKELL had been suffering from insomnia and neurasthenia and on that particular morning her mind was unhinged. It was said that there was something wrong with the blind and FREDDIE was called to see to it and then the younger one called out and the mother turned around and within that space of time FREDDIE disappeared. From that time her mind was a blank. That was a very feasible explanation of the matter. The boy might have fallen out of the window and she, being in such a state, she might have suddenly made up her mind to go through the window herself with the other child. Whether that was so or no they could not say. The mother would be a patient at the Hospital for some time and if they adjourned the Inquest she might decline to answer any questions that would incriminate herself, so they might not be any better off if they did that, and that was assuming she did push the child out. The question was would they be justified in adjoining the Inquest for her attendance, assuming she pushed the boy through the window. They might believe it was an accident - and he hoped they all believed it to be an accident, but he did not think the evidence was strong enough to say it was an accident. It was the case they could bring in a verdict that death was due to those injuries but there was not sufficient evidence to show whether the injuries were accidental or otherwise. That seemed to him to be the safest course for them to adopt. In that case, if it ever became known that she did push the boy out of the window it would not interfere with the duty of the Police, should they consider it necessary to perform it later on. - The Verdict - The Jury found that "Death was due to Injuries inflicted as the result of a Fall, but there was not sufficient evidence to show whether the fall was Accidental or not." They also desired to exercise their sympathy with the father. - The Coroner, on behalf of himself and the Jury expressed sympathy with SERGT. MASKELL in the terrible calamity that had befallen him. They scarcely knew how to sufficiently express their sorrow and they sincerely hoped that MRS MASKELL and the other boy would speedily recover.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 February 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. Sad Story told At Inquest. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on ANNIE WILLCOCKS, aged 41, who had resided at 5 Granby Street-ope. - HARRY WILLCOCKS, son, aged 22, employed in H.M. Dockyard, said his father, who had been at Johannesburg for two and a half years, was an iron moulder. Altogether there were five children, the youngest being seven years old. He (witness) earned 22s. a week, and had given his mother 19s. 6d. His other brother, who was earning £1 1s., gave her 19s. His father had sent money home at Christmas, but not since. Deceased, who had not been enjoying good health, had drank for some time, and the home was in a shocking condition. A fortnight ago a relieving officer came to see deceased, who was in bed, and on the same day Dr Fleming called and saw her. She had been in bed ever since, but had not received any medical attendance. Witness, his brother and sister fetched brandy when deceased was in bed, as she used to say that it was the only thing that did her good. She laid on one sheet and had one blanket to cover her. When he got up on Thursday morning he called her, but did not get any answer, but as he was late for work he hurried off. Shortly after his brother came to him in the Dockyard and informed him that she was dead. - HENRY WILLCOCKS said deceased was his sister-in-law. She was a heavy drinker and when he saw the home on Thursday he was absolutely ashamed. He never would have dreamed that there could have been such a home in a civilized country, and it was all due to the drink. When his brother left for South Africa there was not a sweeter home in the country. - Dr R. J. Fleming said he went and saw deceased on February 2nd in company with the Relieving officer. He found her in bed, scantily clothed. He examined her, but could only detect a slight occasional wheeziness in her chest. He considered she was in a gross state of neglect and he spoke to the boys about it. He conveyed to them that if anything happened they would be liable. the Relieving Officer suggested that she should go to the Infirmary, but none of them would hear of it. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found she had suffered from acute pneumonia of the left lung. The liver, kidneys and spleen showed excessive alcoholism. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that he could not say that she required medical attendance when he first saw her, but he thought it would be better for her to go to the Infirmary, in order that she might be removed from her squalid surroundings. - The Coroner suggested, although the duty was not incumbent upon him, whether it would not be a wise proceeding for the sake of the young children to report such a case to the Inspector of the N.S.P.C.C. - Dr Fleming considered that would be the best course to adopt in future. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very shocking case and was entirely due to the drinking habits of deceased. The boys, who at first sight seemed to be somewhat to blame, were hard-working boys and had apparently no control over their mother, of whom they were evidently very fond. The boys practically paid all their wages to her and under the circumstances he could not say that they were in any way to blame. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1911
EXETER - Sordid Story. Women Censured At Exeter For Child Neglect. A Family Tangle. - Exeter City Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown) yesterday afternoon resumed the Inquest on VICTOR EMMANUEL TOUGH, aged nine months, son of FLORENCE ALICE TOUGH. Since the adjournment the mother has been detained at Exeter Gaol in order to ensure her attendance at the adjourned Inquiry yesterday, and extensive inquiries have been made by the Police both locally and in London. - The Mother's Evidence. - FLORENCE TOUGH, the mother, recalled, was warned by the Coroner that it was possible some charge might be made against her in respect of these proceedings, and therefore she was not bound to incriminate herself. She said she wished to correct the evidence she gave at the last hearing. Her name was not Wells, but TOUGH and she had never been married. The statement she made last time, therefore, that she was married, was untrue. Deceased was her child. She came to 4 Holloway-buildings, to live in June last. She had then five children with her. Four of them belonged to her sister, MRS MELOY. The fifth was the deceased. Another child of hers was with a woman named Mrs Heard, of Holloway-street. Mrs Lawson brought another child to her from London in August. Witness registered that child as Olive Lawson. Deceased was born in April last, when witness was living in Friars'-gate. She came home on January 27th from Exmouth, where she had been staying two months. While she was away at Exmouth Mrs Lawson was in charge of the children at Holloway-buildings. When she came home from Exmouth she found that the children were suffering from colds. Dr Clapp was called in. - Certificate Refused. - When witness saw him on January 30th he asked where her sister was. "He also asked," said witness, "Who was collecting all the babies, and spoke about baby farming and all sorts. He bulled me like a bloomin' dog." On the 2nd February four of the children were taken to the Workhouse, and she was left with Olive Lawson and the deceased. When Dr Clapp called again, on February 9th, a Mrs Tredgett told him that the baby was bad and would he look at it. He called their attention to a large blister scar from the knee to the ankle on the left leg. She replied that she did not know it was a burn; she was surprised at it herself. The child had always been sore from birth. The doctor said he considered the child had been neglected and he should refuse to give a certificate if the child died. - By the Coroner: She did not call the attention of Dr Clapp to the child before as she did not know there was any need for it. She registered the deceased in the name of WELLS. - A Juror said judging from the condition of the child it must have been in a bad condition for some time. - Witness replied that the child had been sore from birth and she had "tried every blessed thing for it." - A Family Tangle. - Supt. Dymond: How many sisters have you got? - Three. - What are their names? - One is MRS LAWSON, and one is ROSINA MELOY and there is myself. - How many are married? - Two. - Where did you live prior to coming to Exeter? - I could not tell you that; I have lived all over the place. - Pressed for an answer, she said she came from London to Sidmouth, but she could not tell the address at Sidmouth. - How many children had you to look after when at Sidmouth? - None at all. - Who brought the two little Meloys to you? - My brother-in-law brought the four of them down. His name is Lawson. - Where is Lawson now? - that is what we want to know. - Who is Lawson living with now in London? - I don't know if he is still living with the person he was last time, but I know he was living with my sister, Mrs Meloy. - Witness added that two of the four children were named Meloy and two Lawson. - Then the four children were those of your sister, Mrs Meloy? - Yes. - Whose child is that you registered in the name of Lawson? - Mine. - Was Lawson the father of it? - Yes. - How many children were born on the Friars? - Two in the same house. - And they are your children? - Yes, STANLEY and VICTOR. - Who was the father of them? - I don't know. - You looked after the Meloys. did you receive any maintenance money? - I received money for about six or eight weeks, but that was the most. - Whom did you receive that money from? - I always got a money order from Wm. George Lawson. She added that she could not tell what address she wrote him in London. Since the maintenance money ceased her (witness's) mother supported the children as much as she could. Witness had to go down to Exmouth to help to support them. - When the doctor called didn't he say "What is the matter with that child there?" - No, he didn't; it is like his cheek to say so. - The Doctor's Warning. - Mr G. T. Clapp, Surgeon, said he attended the deceased as District Medical Officer of the Exeter Union. He first attended at Holloway Buildings on the 25th January. He had an order to visit three of the children. On January 31st he received further orders to see two of the other children. He next visited on February 2nd, and as a result four of the children were removed to the Workhouse. On the first two visits Mrs Lawson was in charge, and on the third visit the last witness was there, and said Mrs Lawson had gone to Exmouth to take her place. The deceased could hardly breathe. He examined the child and the first thing which struck him was the condition of the legs. One leg, from the knee to the ankle, bore a big blister containing matter. The other leg was similarly affected, but was not so bad. It was in a state of inflammation, but it had not reached the blistering state. He remarked to the woman "You have been burning that child." She replied that it was not so; it was due to natural causes. In an off-hand sort of way she said the child had only been in that condition since the previous day. He found that the child had double pneumonia. He told her the child had been greatly neglected and asked why she had not mentioned the case to him before. She replied that she intended doing so two days previously. He said he thought the child was going to die, and if it did so he should decline to give a certificate, as there had been so much neglect shown. The child appeared to be fairly well nourished. Since the child's death he had made a post-mortem examination and came to the conclusion that the child must have had pneumonia for four or five days. The condition of the legs was of much longer standing and the child must have been left in a neglected state day after day. - By the Coroner: If medical attention had been drawn to the child before, its life might have been saved. There was no doubt that its death was contributed to by the general neglect. There appeared to have been no regard for life; it was simply left to die. - By Superintendent Dymond: The general neglect must have been long continued. - Mrs Emily Tredgett, of Holloway-buildings, wife of a labourer, said she noticed the sores on the child at Christmas and she spoke to Mrs Lawson about it. It was then attended to. - By Superintendent Dymond: She did not think the child had been neglected. - Would you like to have one of your children like it? - No, sir, because I should see what the matter was. - Another Family Link. - MARIE LOUISA LAWSON said she was the wife of Wm. George Lawson. He was an electrical engineer when she knew him. She did not know where he lived. Deceased was her sister's child. Witness was in charge of the children from 26th November until 27th January whilst her sister was at Exmouth. She did not remember the last witness calling her attention to the child's condition at Christmas. She noticed that the skin was always raw and she attended to the child. - By the Jury: She had no children of her own. She did not call the doctor's attention to the deceased, as it appeared healthy and was always laughing. - By Superintendent Dymond: Why did you give up the custody of the children to your sister? - Because it was too much for me to attend to the children. - When you gave the children over to your sister, did you draw attention to the condition of the deceased? - Not to the soreness, but simply to its sleepy condition. - You are not living with your husband? - No. - Who is he living with now? - My sister (MRS MELOY); - It was your husband who brought the Meloys to Exeter? - Yes. - Family History. - Detective-Sergeant Hoyle said on February 9th he visited 4 Holloway-buildings, where he found the woman TOUGH and the children occupying practically one room. The room was dirty, and smelt very bad. On February 9th he went to Exmouth and saw MRS LAWSON, who said OLIVE LAWSON one of the children, belonged to her, but witness found that that was not so. He afterwards saw the woman TOUGH, who said the child was adopted by her, but that she did not know whom it belonged to. The child, however, belonged to the woman TOUGH. On February 13th he made inquiries and found that the woman was not married at St. Pancras Registry London. He had obtained the marriage certificates of the Meloys and Lawsons. Meloy was now dead and Lawson married the last witness. - MRS TOUGH, mother of FLORENCE TOUGH and Mrs Lawson, said when she saw deceased in November it was a healthy baby, and had nothing the matter with it. FLORENCE TOUGH recalled said the children were not insured. - The Verdict. - The Jury after a consultation in private returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" but added that FLORENCE TOUGH, the mother, should be severely censured for her gross neglect of the child. MRS LAWSON should also be censured and they hoped that the Police would take proceedings against FLORENCE TOUGH under the Children Act for neglecting the child. - The Coroner, in censuring the two women , said the Jury had taken a very merciful view of the case, for there were very grave doubts whether the verdict would be one of manslaughter. - FLORENCE TOUGH was afterwards charged by the Police with neglect and placed in the cells.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1911
SEATON AND BEER - The Seaton Suicide. A Gentleman's Delusions. - Dr Tweed, Coroner, held an Inquest at Seaton yesterday on CHARLES HERBERT WHALLEY, aged 37, of no occupation, of Woodlea, Bromborough, Cheshire. - FREDERICK H. WHALLEY, a managing director of 30 West Park, Eltham, said the deceased, his brother, chiefly lived with his mother and married sister at Bromborough. About six weeks ago he was staying with witness in Kent. He was then much more cheerful than he usually was. When he left witness's house he went to stop with his brother, MR H. J. WHALLEY, at Wharncliffe, Bexley. That was the last time witness saw him alive. He had suffered at various times from mental depression and delusions. In 1908 he was under medical treatment for suicidal tendencies and delusions. He remained under the treatment of a specialist at Uxbridge for about three months and afterwards remained at a private house under certificates, which were eventually removed. He then went to Southsea, where he was visited occasionally by a specialist and was eventually discharged as cured. Since 1909 he had stopped with his brothers and sisters or travelled about in his motor car, fishing in the summer. He had been able to manage his own affairs. He visited Seaton for about a month in the summer and went fishing a good deal. Witness was unaware of the present visit to Seaton. His mother had been in regular correspondence with the deceased. Witness heard of his death from his brother-in-law at Liverpool on Wednesday. He had never heard him threaten to take his life since he was under restraint, but formerly he had heard him say so, and when in confinement he said he wished he had taken his own life. He must have had a recurrence of his old trouble, judging by a note which he had written witness. He was referring to an old delusion. The gentleman mentioned in the note was dead. He died a natural death, but his brother always had a delusion that he committed suicide. - The Coroner said he did not think it was necessary that the note should be read in public. - Dr Evans said he was called to 2 Trevelyan-road on Wednesday, where he found deceased lying on his bed with his throat cut. A large quantity of haemorrhage had come from the wound which divided the big vessels on both sides. It was a left-handed wound. Witness was handed a half-ounce bottle, which contained three drachms of chlorodyne which was found in the room. Witness, however, did not think that deceased had taken any chlorodyne. - Mrs Beatrice Godbeer, 2 Trevelyan-road, said deceased came to her house on Monday last about 2.30 to look at two rooms, which he engaged for a week. He wrote a letter and went out to post it. He came in and had tea at four and dined at eight o'clock. He remained in for the remainder of the night. On Tuesday he went out after lunch and remained out about three-parts of an hour. He went to bed about nine and witness did not hear any more of him that night. On Wednesday morning the servant discovered blood in the passage below his bedroom. Witness saw that it came through the ceiling. Suspecting something had happened, witness told the servant to go to the room with deceased's hot water. She could get no reply, and as witness's husband also got no reply the Police were sent for. Deceased seemed in a nervous condition the day before. He spoke about his fishing on the occasion of his last visit to Seaton. Deceased applied to her for apartments last June, but she was unable to accommodate him. - P.C. Partridge said he was unable to force open deceased's bedroom door and he got into the room through the window. Deceased was lying in bed with his throat cut. The body was cold. The left hand was grasping a razor. Beside the bed was a letter addressed to deceased's brothers. - The Coroner said deceased in the letter asked if his brother FRED could put him up for a week as his other brother HAROLD was having his house done up. He said he left Thurlestone on Sunday and came to Seaton on Monday. He signed himself, "Your affectionate brother, CHARLES," and there was a postscript in which he wished his brother good-bye and referred to the delusion spoken of by his brother. - P.C. Partridge said deceased had £12 or £13 in his possession. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - The Coroner said had it not been for the unmistakable evidence of previous insanity in this case he should have asked the Jury to return a verdict of "Felo de se," so as to act as a deterrent to others, because this was the third case of the kind he had had within a short period. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 February 1911
BRIXHAM - Paraffin Danger. Fatal Accident To Brixham Child. - At the Market Hall, Brixham, yesterday the Inquest on WINNIFRED HAMMOND, who died as the result of shock through burns received on January 3rd, was resumed. ALICE HAMMOND, the mother of the deceased, being certified by Dr Brett Young as too ill to attend, the Jury adjourned to the Cottage Hospital, where her evidence was taken. She stated that on the day named she trimmed a lamp, afterwards putting a tin containing about a pint of paraffin under the kitchen table. She then took the lamp into the front room and placed it where it was always kept. Her child WINNIFRED, unknown to her, picked up the tin and followed her into the front room where there was a fire in an open grate. Hearing the child scream, she turned round and saw the girl in flames. She thought the child must have attempted to throw oil in the fire from the tin, but could not say definitely that this was so. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Died After Playing Hockey. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday at 2 Queen's Gate-terrace, Plymouth, on BENTLEY PARKHOUSE, aged 37. MISS BEATRICE PARKHOUSE, sister, stated that her brother, who was a provision merchant, came home in a cab on Saturday afternoon after playing hockey. He complained of being faint, but on witness giving him some brandy he revived somewhat. Witness had never heard him complain of his heart before. Deceased went upstairs and bathed his head with water, as he was still feeling faint. He then came downstairs, and witness noticing that his hands were very white, asked him if he were cold, but he replied that he was hot. Witness suggested that he should go to his room, and deceased then ran upstairs saying "I am all right now; a cup of tea will put me up." Whilst preparing his tea she went to his bedroom and found him lying on the bed dead. - Dr H. W. Webber, Queen Anne-terrace, said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. Deceased was too old a man to have played hockey. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

BRIXHAM - Ex-Guard's Death At Brixham. - At the Lower Market Hall, Brixham, on Monday, an Inquest was held on SAMUEL TAYLOR, late guard of the Torquay express. JULIA DUNSTON said her father, the deceased, aged 69, retired from the service of the G.W.R. company at Christmas 1909. On Friday he left Brixham by the 2.15 p.m. for Newton Abbot to attend a function at which Captain Morrison-Bell, M.P. was present. He complained of feeling very poorly and said he was not fit to go, but had promised his old mates that he would. He intended to return on Saturday, but did not. - William Caseley, porter, deposed that deceased returned to Brixham by the 7.27 p.m. train from Newton Abbot on Sunday. He did not hear him complain of illness. - Samuel E. Sprague, proprietor of the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, stated that deceased came to the Hotel at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday, complained of feeling unwell and was served with a glass of hot brandy, after which he left, intending to return. At 8.10 p.m. witness was informed that he was lying near the wall opposite the back entrance to the Hotel, apparently dead. Dr Tivy was summoned. - Sarah Skedgell, having given evidence of finding deceased lying in the road, Dr C. r. F. Tivy testified that he had treated deceased for heart disease. Death was due to "Natural Causes". A verdict was returned accordingly. Hello

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. The Mother Censured. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BEATRICE JANE BADMIN, the 11 months' old daughter of a labourer in the Dockyard. - DANIEL GEORGE BADMIN, 35 Edinburgh-road, said about three weeks ago Dr Bolus was called in, and he (witness) was under the impression that he had been attending the house regularly since. Last Saturday he saw the child was very ill and he told his wife to get the doctor. When he returned from work in the evening the child was dead. - MAUD ELIZABETH BADMIN, mother, said the child had been pining away. She sent for Dr Bolus on Saturday afternoon, but he was out, and the child died about 3.30. - Inspector G. Westcott, N.S.P.C.C., said when he visited the house on January 27th the child was in a dirty condition. On February 2nd the child was clean. He asked the mother to give it something to eat and deceased took the food very ravenously. There was no improvement in the condition of the child on the 8th. Last Saturday he visited the house again, accompanied by Detective-Inspector Rundle. He saw a feeding bottle, which was very dirty and foul smelling. He asked her how she accounted for the condition of the home, and she replied that she did not know how to manage one. He thought, however, it was pure laziness; the place was like a pigsty. - Dr Bolus said he found the child weighed only 6lb. 12oz., which was less than some children weighed at birth. The cause of death was gastric catarrh. The condition of the child was due to improper feeding, especially in the early months of life. The condition of the home was not what it should be. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and considered that the mother should be censured. - The Coroner said, although the improper feeding of the child might have been due to ignorance, as probably it was, yet nothing could excuse the dirty condition of the home and the dirty condition in which the woman herself and the children were found when visited by the Inspector. He was surprised that a woman of her age should keep her home in such a filthy state. He was sure she fully deserved to be censured. His advice to her was in future to see that her children were kept clean and well and properly fed, for the Inspector would continue to keep his eye on them.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Result Of A Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE ALFRED IMPETT, of Folkestone, fireman on the steamship Webburn, who was admitted to the Homeopathic Hospital on February 15th. - ALFRED IMPETT, engine cleaner, Folkestone, said his brother wrote informing him of an accident he had whilst alone in the engine-room. The ship, he said, was about four hours from Plymouth, when he went to fetch some water. On returning with the water he slipped and fell. He called for help, and was found to have sustained a fractured knee. - Dr Wilmot said deceased was brought to the Hospital on the evening of the 15th suffering from a fractured knee-cap. He was given every attention. He died on the 24th ult. from blood poisoning, caused by the injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Suicide At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE WHITE , aged 70, labourer, of Ilfracombe. - ELIZA JANE WHITE said deceased, her husband, had done no work for 8 years, and for many months he had been suffering from a nervous complaint. Latterly he had been much depressed, but he had never shown any tendency to commit suicide. Deceased slept by himself, as he had a habit of walking in his sleep. On Sunday night he was very restless and witness and her daughter went into his room several times during the night. About half-past four they heard the window being opened and on going into the room found it to be empty, and the window wide open. Subsequently deceased was found dead in the garden. - Dr Osborne said deceased had broken his neck and death must have been instantaneous. He had previously attended deceased, but did not consider his mind was sufficiently weak to send him to an Asylum. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Naval Pensioner. - An Inquest was held at Cobourg-street Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on WILLIAM JOHN BIRDMAN, aged 49, labourer, of 7 Compton-street. EMILY BIRDMAN said the deceased, her husband, was a naval pensioner. He had worked as a labourer in the Dockyard. On Tuesday night he appeared quite well and had his supper as usual. At twenty past ten he went to bed but at twenty minutes to eleven o'clock deceased woke her up, making a dreadful noise. Witness asked him why he made the noise and tried to wake him but as he did not move she sent for the doctor, who on his arrival found him dead. Deceased had complained of shortness of breath before. Dr Aikman said death was due to heart disease of long standing. Verdict - "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 3 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Tailor's Death. Inquest At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on FREDERICK KESSELL, age 38, ship's tailor of H.M.S. Impregnable. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - MRS S. BINMORE, 6 Marlborough-street, said deceased, who was her brother, was unmarried. When on shore he had his meals at witness's house, but had a room at 33 Cannon-street. She last saw him alive at 7.30 on Monday evening, when he was in his usual good health. Deceased was not a teetotaller, but there was nothing wrong with him when he left her house on Monday evening. - A. E. Young, 33 Cannon-street, said deceased had occupied a room at his house for four years. He appeared to be in good health. Witness last saw him alive short before eleven on Monday night, when witness went to the front door to let him in. Deceased was under the influence of drink. As was customary, witness asked him for the key of his room and opened the door. Witness then put the key inside the door, and left deceased sitting on a chair near the door. Deceased did not say anything about having had a fall. Deceased usually went on board at 7 a.m., but witness always went to work before that time. No one saw deceased leave the house on Tuesday morning, and he did not come home on Tuesday night, but witness was not surprised at this, as he did not always come home. Deceased was generally under the influence of drink, more or less, when he came home. - MRS BINMORE said she looked after deceased's room, and was there on Monday evening. - T. J. Guscott, ship's corporal, H.M.S. Impregnable, said deceased was a naval tailor and left the ship at 4 p.m. on Monday, and should have been on board at 6.45 a.m. on Tuesday, but he did not return to the ship, and on Wednesday witness was sent on shore to see where he was. The door of deceased's room at 33 Cannon-street was unlocked and on entering the room witness found deceased, who was fully clothed, lying on the floor dead. Deceased used to drink pretty freely when on shore, but was always all right when he returned to the ship. - Inspector Vose said he was called to deceased's room and found a considerable quantity of blood under him. Witness saw that deceased was dead, but sent for a doctor, who pronounced life extinct. Witness was of opinion that deceased fell from a chair. - Dr F. W. Allkin, who was called to the house and afterwards made a post-mortem examination, said he found, on opening the windpipe, a great quantity of vomited matter - partly digested food - which had come from the stomach. The general condition of the organs pointed to suffocation. The heart was enlarged, but perfectly healthy. The left side of the heart was empty of blood. The lungs were congested; the liver was enormously enlarged and cirrhotic. The stomach was quite empty. The brain was perfectly healthy and there was no fracture. There were no external marks of violence. Witness considered he had been dead from 20 to 24 hours when witness saw the body. The cirrhotic liver was indicative of alcoholism. - The Coroner was afraid death must be attributed to deceased's drinking habits. - The Jury found that death was due to suffocation, caused by the lodgement of vomited matter in the windpipe while deceased was in a state of alcoholism.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident Near Torpoint. Inquest On A Naval Seaman. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of a naval seaman, named WILLIAM HENRY DALLEN, serving in H.M.S. Indefatigable, who died in the Hospital on Tuesday from injuries received as the result of a bicycle accident near Torpoint. Mr Eyton Peck, Solicitor, appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - ALFRED FREDERICK DALLEN, a naval pensioner, of St John's, Cornwall, and father of the deceased, said his son left home on the morning of February 28th to cycle to Torpoint to rejoin his ship. He heard later that his son had met with an accident and he went to the spot, where he found him unconscious, and he accompanied him to the Hospital. The bicycle, a good one, was not at all damaged. The deceased was a good rider. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he really thought the condition of the road was largely responsible for the accident. There were very large gutters and the road sloped inwards to these gutters a great deal more than it should do. There was a very steep descent. He felt that if the water-tables, as they were called, were filled in and the road made good, it would minimise the danger. The road had been washed or worn away, but it had not been repaired. Witness, however, did not attribute blame to anybody. Deceased was 19 years old. - Harold Sowden, labourer, in Devonport Dockyard, said he was walking from St. John's, to Torpoint. Going down the hill he heard a bicycle bell ring behind him, and he was simultaneously struck by deceased's bicycle, and knocked down. DALLEN was thrown and injured. The accident occurred at a curve, and the deceased was practically upon witness before he saw him. He thought that DALLEN must have been riding too fast. It was raining heavily, and deceased was wearing his oilskins. Witness did not think the condition of the road had anything to do with the accident, although the surface was not a good one. It was perfectly dark at the time of the accident. - George Henry Lakeman, skilled Dockyard labourer, who accompanied the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. - Samuel Sparkes, able seaman, at the Royal Naval Barracks, said he was cycling with the deceased, who was a few yards ahead of him. They both had their lights. Witness heard a bump and saw DALLEN'S oilskin dragging on the road. Deceased was not going fast at first, but as he went down the hill, which was a long one, his speed increased. - Mr Leonard Warren, Surgeon, at the R.N. Hospital, said DALLEN, when admitted, was not conscious and he died the same day at 5 p.m. He was suffering from injuries to his head. Witness had made a post-mortem examination, and found that DALLEN died from fracture of the skull and extensive laceration of the brain and haemorrhage. - The Coroner, summing up, said that, judging by the evidence, the road did not conduce to the accident, yet it appeared to be in such a condition that he thought it would be their duty to call the attention of the surveyor to it, to see if anything could be done to put it into a better state for the use of pedestrians, cyclists, and others. - The Jury concurred with the Coroner's remarks and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - A vote of sympathy was passed to MR DALLEN and family. - The funeral of the deceased will take place at St. John's tomorrow afternoon, with naval honours.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1911
TEIGNMOUTH - Lady Cyclist's Death. Inquest At Teignmouth. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at Teignmouth last evening, held an Inquest on BESSIE DREW STEER, wife of JAMES STEER, tobacconist, of Fore-street. - The husband said his wife, aged 48, left home on Thursday afternoon for a cycle ride. She cycled very little and was not a good rider, but very careful. She was brought home dead about a quarter of an hour after leaving home. - Leonard Stockham, bricklayer, Dawlish-road, said he was cycling to Newton Abbot, and stopped on the way. He noticed deceased riding very slowly down the slight incline leading from Broadmeadow House. He turned his head away and just after heard a thud close beside him. On looking round he saw deceased lying on the ground about three yards away from him and about 3ft. from the hedge. The road was smooth and dry and in good condition. Deceased was lying on her side, just as she had fallen when riding. Her dress was perfectly clear of the machine. The road was quite clear at the time. Witness spoke to her, but she did not answer. Witness called Mr Gray, the gas manager and after carrying her as far as Broadmeadow House, they lifted deceased into Mr Mitchell's cab, which was passing, and took her home. She expired on the way. - Seth Mitchell, cab proprietor, said he was driving along the road when he noticed MRS STEER about 100 yards in front of him. She rode as slowly down the incline as she did upon the level. He saw her suddenly fall from her cycle. There appeared to be no jerk or anything of that kind to cause her to fall. He drove her home. - John Tancock, water inspector, said he helped to get deceased into the cab and accompanied her to her home. - Dr F. C. H. Piggott said he found a severe bruise over deceased's left cheek-bone, which had already caused a good deal of swelling. The cause of death was undoubtedly a broken neck. He had known deceased for twenty years, but did not remember having attended her for any serious illness. There was nothing to account for her fall. - P.C. Hall said he examined the road just after the accident. It was in good condition, and he could find nothing that would cause the fall. He also found the cycle undamaged, the chain and brakes being in perfect order. - The Coroner said apparently there was nothing to account for deceased falling, unless it was that she became faint, which, he thought, was probable, the husband having told him that she suffered from shortness of breath on going uphill and this might point to the fact that she had some weakness of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner joining in their expression of condolence with the husband.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 March 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Suicide On Railway. Devonport Apprentices Trouble. - At the Police Station, Crabtree, on Saturday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd conducted an Inquiry into the death of SIDNEY GARFIELD STANNING, boilermaker's apprentice, aged 21, residing at Devonport. - Kate Leigh, Fellowes-place, Millbridge, Devonport, said deceased lodged with her. He had complained for several weeks, had been very quiet and took no interest in anything. His fear was that he would not be able to get work when out of his time on account of his health. He was also affected with religious mania. On Thursday he left home at 3.30 p.m., and said he should not be back to tea. She did not think he was involved in any love affair, or that he had any monetary difficulties. - Dr M. D. Keily, of Plymouth, stated the deceased had complained to him of stomach trouble. There were no signs of mental derangement. Deceased was not in a normal state of health and was certainly depressed. - Wilfred Cheffers, signalman at Marsh Mills, said that at 3.15 a.m., he was informed by the signalman at Tavistock Junction that there was supposed to be a body on the line on the Laira side of the Junction. They visited the spot and found the deceased between the rails on the down main line. The body was removed to the Rising Sun Inn. There were no level crossings near, and deceased had no right on the line. - Fredk. Saml. Pugh, who drove the 10.45 p.m. train from Tavistock to Plymouth, deposed that after leaving Marsh Mills at 11.17 p.m. he thought the engine struck something near the spot where the body was found. On examining the engine he found hair on the vacuum pipes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Death. Found Drowned In Sutton Pool. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary on ALFRED SETTERS, aged 25, labourer, who was found dead in Sutton Pool on Sunday evening. JAMES SETTERS, labourer, 45 Southmilton-street, said he last saw his brother alive in Union-street on the way to the Grand Theatre, on the 25th ult. Nothing had been heard of him since. Across the piers would have been a short cut home for him from the Theatre. - Samuel Legrass, coal porter, 20 Octagon-street, said the previous afternoon he saw the deceased's body floating in the water at Sutton Pool. It was about 15 feet from the quay. Witness called a Constable. - P.C. Southern said on Sunday afternoon he was called to where the body was, and found that a man named Gilbert had just extracted it from the water. There was 1s. 1d. in the pockets. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. Mr Percy T. Pearce watched the case on behalf of the Sutton Harbour Improvement Company.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 March 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Suicide. Nurse Who Gave Way To Drink. - "Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned at the Inquest yesterday on MARY CONSTANCE HAMER, 40, nurse, who was found dead in bed at the Dawlish Nursing Home, where she was engaged, on Sunday morning. A painful story of drink, with at least one period of insanity, and a previous attempt to take her life, was told to the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, and the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS HAMER, of Radcliffe, Lancashire, a sister-in-law, who said deceased had lived apart from her husband, a manufacturer, for eight years. She was not of temperate habits and seven or eight years ago took an overdose of laudanum. She was charged before the Magistrates but the court missionary interested herself in the case and deceased went into a home. On another occasion she was certified to be suffering from religious mania and detained in an Asylum. - Rose Amy Price, cook, said she had seen deceased under the influence of drink. She last saw her alive on Saturday evening, about 6.30 when she inquired of witness whether a parcel other than the one before her had not arrived from the chemist. When told none had, she said she would have to telephone for it, but witness was not aware that she did so. - Mrs Harvey, wife of Dr J. H. Harvey, of Weymouth, proprietress of the Dawlish Nursing Home, said she discovered in August last, while in North Wales, that deceased was accustomed to take drink. her intemperance had become worse since coming to Dawlish in November. Bottles were being sent in to deceased, unknown to witness, and after being spoken to several times without avail, she had to be given notice to leave. Deceased appeared to be very upset at this. Twice while under the influence of drink she had said she was tired of life and threatened to commit suicide. She was to go as soon as her health, which had been impaired by drink, permitted. On Sunday morning witness found the following note in the sitting-room. - "There is no life for me. Death I do not fear. May God help you when you cross the border." - She immediately went to deceased's bedroom and, bursting open the door, found her lying dead on the floor. - Charles K. Gregory, chemist, deposed to sending to the home, on deceased's order, 4 ounces of laudanum, together with other articles, which conveyed the impression that the laudanum was to be used for fomentation. - Dr Charles N. Lovely spoke to being summoned to the Nursing Home on Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. Deceased had then been dead about two hours. A post-mortem examination pointed to death from opium poisoning. She had apparently taken sixteen times the ordinarily fatal dose of laudanum. The condition of the organs did not stamp deceased as a chronic alcoholic.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mother's Peculiar Conduct. Sorrowful Devonport Home. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BEATRICE HELEN GOLLEY. - RODNEY LORENZO GOLLEY, 26 Market-street, first class ship's corporal, R.N., said deceased was his daughter, aged six years. He had been home since September 4th, owing to his wife's condition of mind. Deceased had been poorly off and on for about a fortnight. She had a slight cold and he applied the usual remedies, and on Sunday last she seemed better. On Wednesday he left the house at 7 a.m., and did not return until 10.30 p.m., and was surprised to see a great change in deceased's condition. he at once went for the doctor. The child died at 2.30 the following morning. he had three other children, aged 10 years, 5 years and 2 years respectively. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he was willing to have his wife examined if they thought necessary. His wife, however, had always looked after the children satisfactorily. - The Coroner: This child was suffering from bed sores. - Witness: I did not know it. - Dr E. J. Symes Saunders said he was called at 11 p.m. MRS GOLLEY, who was standing in the doorway, was very abusive and refused to let him see the child. He could not repeat her language; it was so absolutely foul. She was annoyed at her husband having called him in. She refused to let him in until her husband arrived. When the husband arrived they had to forcibly turn the mother out of the room while witness examined the child. Deceased was unconscious and he expected it to die within an hour or so. Witness suggested to the husband that the wife was drunk, and he replied that she was quite mad. If that was so she would be quite incapable of looking after or appreciating any serious illness. He visited the house the following day when MRS GOLLEY was fairly calm. She said the child was not "bucking up." Deceased then seemed to be at the point of death. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the body ill-nourished, slightly peeling and there were two fairly large bed sores, showing that the child had been seriously ill for some days, also that it had not been attended to. Its hair was matted. He attributed death to empyema. In such cases it was usual to operate and in all such cases he had dealt with, they had all got well. The house was untidy and dirty. He thought the parental responsibility in all cases must depend on the mother. The father was at work all day. In his opinion the mother was quite incapable of appreciating her responsibility. - P.C. Saunders said the previous evening he went to 25 Market-street, to remove the body. As soon as MRS GOLLEY saw him she made use of the most filthy language and said not him or any power in the world would take away her child. The husband and witness tried to pacify her, but she became worse and he had to take the child in his arms and force his way out of the room. Previous to this, another constable had been to the house and she would not let him have the body. - Mrs Bennett, who resides near Looe, said deceased's mother was her daughter. She had not seen her for some time, as she threatened all sorts of things. She would be willing to look after the two other children until the father could make other arrangements. - The husband recalled, said his wife had been violent towards him and he was marked all over. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said although the child had been neglected it was not a case in which they could say the neglect was so culpable that a verdict of manslaughter against the mother should be returned. The difficulty was to know what was to be done in the future. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE GOODYEAR, aged 62, of 7 Buckland-place, the dock gatekeeper, who died suddenly at the Great Western Docks on Thursday. Dr C. E. Russel Rendle attributed death to heart failure and remarked that deceased's heart was fatty and excessively diseased. - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Mutley Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on HENRY RICHARD GILL, commercial traveller, late of 64 Lisson-grove. Deceased was present while furniture was being moved from No. 64 to No. 60 Lisson-grove, on Saturday afternoon, but did not take part in the work. He suddenly collapsed and Dr Dryborough Smith was sent for. GILL died a few minutes after the doctor's arrival. Death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - At the Inquest on HANNAH REED, 79, widow, Exeter and JOHN REED, her son, both of whom died from self-inflicted wounds in the throat, verdicts of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" were returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death From Lead Poisoning. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOSEPH JAMES BURT, journeyman painter, of 27 Batter-street. SARAH BURT said deceased, her husband, was taken ill about seven months ago. He complained of pains in his head and stayed at home for a few days. He then went back to work, and seemed to be all right, except for occasional giddiness. On February 18th he was taken worse and saw Dr Warren, who said he was suffering from lead poisoning. He died on the 11th inst. - Dr Warren said deceased was suffering from chronic lead poisoning, brought on by the use of white lead. He died from this complaint. Witness had never had a similar case in his own practice before, but he had heard of them. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 March 1911
AVETON GIFFORD - Found Dead At Yabbacombe Wood. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Yabbacome Wood, Aveton Gifford, yesterday, on JOSIAS MOORE, aged 65, horse dealer, of Yabbacombe Wood. - JAMES URBAN MOORE, farmer, Bantham, Thurlestone, said deceased, who was his father, had lived alone for about two years, but was able to earn his own living. - EDMUND MOORE, fish hawker, brother of deceased, said on the 11th inst., when he last saw deceased, he complained of internal pains. - George Luscombe, farm labourer, said on Tuesday, not having seen deceased in the neighbourhood during the last few days, he entered his house and found him lying on the floor dead. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, gave evidence as to the cause of death, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Sad Discovery At Devonport. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest concerning the death at 14 Salisbury-villas, of LIEUT. TOM GLADING, R.N., retired. - Mrs Ann Connor of Helwsley, Alfred-street, Plymouth, widow, said the body was that of her brother, who was 58 years of age last January, and a widower. She last saw him alive on Sunday. He visited her in Alfred-street, and left at 10 p.m. Deceased went to chapel in the evening and came to Alfred-street for supper. Two or three times during the day he said he was very poorly, and complained of cold feet and legs. He had also previously complained of great depression, and she had advised him to see a doctor. Deceased had not received medical advice to her knowledge; he always said "I shall be all right tomorrow." Her brother had been out of the navy three or four years. He had a housekeeper formerly, but she ceased to act for him three months ago. Deceased was engaged to be married. - Mr Hugh Shannon, residing at 13 Salisbury-villas, said he usually saw the deceased daily, but missed him for a couple of days this week. He was suspicious, and on Wednesday climbed over the railings and looked underneath the venetian blinds as well as through the letter-box. Witness was surprised to find the gas burning in the hall and in the front-room. This was soon after 1 p.m., and he thought it wise to inform the Police. A constable and witness entered the yard and found the body in the lavatory. - P.C. John Sweet, who was called by the previous witness, deposed to the finding of the body. - Dr F. W. Allkin said death was due to syncope caused by pneumonia. All appearances agreed with the supposition that deceased died late on Sunday night or early on Monday. A bruise and scar on the right hip were ante-mortem and he might have lived two hours after the fall which caused them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on EDWARD DOWN, aged 51. Mrs Mary Bate, 31 John-street, said deceased, a widower, had resided at her house thirteen years. He had been blind for some years and had been in receipt of parish relief. On Saturday morning witness's husband went up to see if deceased would have a cup of tea and on returning said he was dead. Witness went upstairs and saw deceased lying partly n the landing and partly in his room. He was fully dressed. - Richard Henry rice, 3 John-street, labourer, said on Friday night about 10.45 he accompanied deceased to his home. - P.C. Cheek said he examined the body and found it in a dirty condition. The only furniture in the room, which was very dirty, was a small single bed. Dr F. W. Allkin, locum tenens to Dr T. McElwaine, said death was due to syncope, from long-standing heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

TORQUAY - Ex-Superintendent's Death. Inquest At Torquay. - The death occurred at Torquay on Saturday of MR GEORGE BOND, aged 62, ex-superintendent of Police at Torquay, Southmolton &c. MR BOND never really recovered from an accident at Southmolton three years ago, when driving in a dogcart. Deceased became a constable at Torquay in 1875, and was appointed a superintendent in 1900. He took a prominent part in the Babbacombe murder trial. - At an Inquest held by Mr Hacker, Coroner, MRS ELIZABETH A. BOND said deceased, her husband, died at 38 Belmont-road, on Saturday. On the 18th December 1907 she accompanied him in a dogcart on a visit of supervision in Southmolton district. The horse fell to the ground, pulling her husband, who held the reins, completely out of the vehicle. He struck his head violently during the fall, and witness, who was not hurt, found him lying insensible and for the moment she thought him dead. He lay for ten minutes in an unconscious state, blood streaming from a wound on his temple the while. Witness at length brought him round, and dragging him across the road, laid him on the bank opposite, and then ran for assistance. No medical aid could be secured, but she was enabled with help to get deceased into the dogcart and she drove him back to Southmolton. Besides the severe wound in his head, deceased was found to have sustained several broken ribs and minor injuries. He was an invalid from that date. Previously he had enjoyed very good health. Deceased was obliged to retire from the Force and they came to Torquay two years ago to live. Her husband gradually became more and more paralysed, being always in pain until his death. - Dr Wiggin said death was caused by laceration of the brain, and a consequent degenerative process. There were no other causes to which death could be attributed and deceased's condition was quite in accordance with the account of the accident as related by the widow. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased met his death as the result of an accident sustained during the performance of his public duty, blame being attributable to no one. - The Foreman (Mr J. W. Redmore) on behalf of the Jury, expressed their sympathy with the bereaved widow and family, and referred to deceased's valued services in the public cause during his connection with Torquay. - The Coroner wished to associate himself in the expression of sympathy and said his acquaintance with deceased dated from his participation in the Babbacombe murder Inquest.

PLYMOUTH - Death In A Plymouth Chapel. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Prince Rock Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday on MATILDA GRACE POLLARD, aged 63, widow, 144 Grenville-road. MRS POLLARD was taken suddenly ill during the evening service at Embankment-road United Methodist Chapel the previous day and died in the lobby before medical assistance could be summoned. - Eliza Macey, who lived with the deceased, her cousin, said it was during the singing of a hymn that deceased left the chapel. She walked down the aisle crying bitterly. - The Coroner suggested that the hymn might have been connected in her mind with her husband's death, which occurred about two months ago. - Dr Travers Stubbs said death was due to syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1911
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Man's Suicide. - A case of determined suicide is reported from Okehampton Camp, the victim being JAMES EDWARD HOOPER, about 60, who was employed as barrack labourer. About eight o'clock yesterday morning HOOPER left home. He first went to the Sergeant-major's office for the purpose of lighting the fire, and afterwards to the store. Barrack Warden Fenner found the latter building locked and forcing the door saw HOOPER hanging from the roof. He was bleeding from a severe wound in the throat and the appearance of the room suggested that before hanging himself HOOPER inflicted a gash in his throat with a razor, then walked round the room, and finally mounted a pair of steps, from which he flung himself when once he had placed the rope round his neck. HOOPER had been suffering from cancer in the throat for some time, and it is stated that on Saturday he was told by a Plymouth doctor that it was an incurable case. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. - An Inquest was held at the Camp last evening by Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner. - Sergt. Vincent B. Walker said he did not notice anything at all strange about deceased. - MARIA HOOPER said deceased, her father, seemed very depressed lately. He complained a good deal about his work, and thought things were not right. She believed the cancer had a good deal to do with it. - The Jury found that deceased cut his throat and afterwards hanged himself whilst Temporarily Insane. The Jury and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Danger Of An Unguarded Fire. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on ALMA VIOLET REED, aged 5, of Exeter-street. The evidence showed that the child was left alone for a few minutes in a room in which there was an unguarded fire, and that a neighbour, hearing screams, called the mother, who found that the child's clothing was ablaze. A young man named Thomas helped to extinguish the flames by wrapping a tablecloth or counterpane round the child, who was afterwards taken to the Hospital by the Police. MRS REED was severely burnt on one hand and arm in putting out the flames. The child died during Saturday night. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) emphasized the importance of having a fire-guard and said it should have occurred to the mother that she ought not to have left the child alone in the room in the circumstances. MRS REED said her husband had been out of work, and she had been unable to buy a fire-guard. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 March 1911
REVELSTOKE - Noss Mayor Fisherman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd yesterday held an Inquest on JOSEPH HARTNELL, a fisherman, of Noss Mayo. - The widow of deceased deposed that he was 55 years of age. When he left home early on Saturday to ham his pots he was in his usual good health, although he had complained recently of pains near the heart. Geo. Foster, sen., fisherman, the last to see deceased alive, stated the wind was N. by E., and very squally. When his boat crossed the bow of HARTNELL'S boat, about 500 yards away, everything seemed all right. HARTNELL was making for the harbour. - Aaron Axworthy, fisherman, of Newton Ferrers, said he recovered the body at 10 p.m. by means of a boulter in about two and a half fathoms of water just off Misery Point, and close to the place where the boat had previously been raised. The wind and sea at Misery Point were very treacherous, especially when the wind was No. by E. The mainsheet was freed, but the foresheet was made fast. - The Jury found that deceased was Accidentally Drowned through the capsizing of his boat, caused by a sudden squall. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family and it was resolved to urge upon the local authority the immediate necessity of erecting a mortuary for Revelstoke and Newton Ferrers.

EXETER - At an Inquest yesterday on ANN TAYLOR, aged 87, who died in Exeter Workhouse, it was stated that deceased complained of a pain in her leg, and it was afterwards found it was broken - in what way nobody knew. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the effects of her accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and thought more care should be given these aged inmates.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 March 1911
ROSE ASH - Unguarded Fire Danger. Comments At Roseash Inquest. - At Bickwell Farm, Roseash, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWARD JAMES SEATHERTON, 2 years and 10 months old, son of JAMES SEATHERTON, farmer. - MRS BESSIE SEATHERTON, the mother, said on Monday she left the child in the front kitchen with its six-year-old brother, and shut them in. There was no fire in the kitchen, but there was in the back kitchen, where she left baby, a few months old, in a cradle. She was only away about seven or eight minutes to deliver a message, and on her return found the children had opened the door between the two kitchens and the deceased was at the back door with his clothes in flames. She put out the fire, dressed the wounds and sent for Dr Brown, of Witheridge. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said she had no fireguards to any of the fires in the house, although she knew she was compelled to provide fireguards. - The husband, questioned also, admitted that he knew it was the law to provide fireguards where there were children, and he had seen cases where people had been fined for not doing so. He promised to provide guards at once. - Dr Brown described the extensive burns and said the child was in a collapsed condition when he saw it and died the same night from shock. - The Coroner pointed out that that was the second Inquest he had held within fifteen months on children of these parents. The mother, in leaving the children in the house, must have known the six-year-old boy could have opened the door easily between the two kitchens. Evidently the door was opened by the children, and the floor being rough, the deceased fell into the fire. There was no doubt the mother was guilty of gross carelessness in leaving the children as she had. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." They expressed the opinion that the mother was guilty of great thoughtlessness in leaving the children as she had done, as were also both parents in having omitted to provide fireguards. They desired to call the attention of the Sanitary Authority and of the landlord to the condition of the kitchen floor, which was paved with rough stones.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Baby's Death. Not Culpable Neglect. - A Coroner's Jury at Stonehouse yesterday found that the death of FREDERICK RONALD SOPER, the seven-weeks-old son of a labourer, of Valletort-place, Stonehouse, but employed and living for several weeks past at Torquay, resulted from the mother's neglect. It was considered, however, that such negligence was not culpable, but arose from ignorance. - The evidence of the mother, EMMA JANE SOPER, went to show that the child was at birth well developed, and weighed over 8lb. At death its weight was only 4lb. Witness nursed deceased for a month, and then on a doctor's advice fed it on cow's milk and barley water. This food the child could not digest, and on her own initiative she substituted condensed milk. The wasting away was quite sudden. - The Coroner: How do you account for this little creature getting in such a horribly emaciated condition. I have never seen anything quite so bad and I have seen some bad cases. - Witness: I have given it milk every two hours as the doctor told me. - Lucy Morrell, widow, living in the same house, considered the mother had done her best. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said the food which the mother substituted for that prescribed by the doctor would suit most children, but it did not agree with deceased, who required special care in feeding. When it was seen that the child did not thrive the food should certainly have been changed. It ought never to have been allowed to get in such an emaciated condition. - The Coroner remarked that with the Three towns Nursing Home near by the mother need not have gone without proper advice, even if she had not the means to pay for it. The child's death was due to her ignorant neglect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 April 1911
CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Fatality. - At the Townhall, Chulmleigh, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on ELANZO BALL, of Bideford, a labourer, aged 18, who was killed on Saturday through the fall of a tree. - WILLIAM BALL, a brother, said he had been engaged in tree felling for fifteen years and on Saturday deceased and a mate were sawing down trees thirty yards from where witness was working. He heard a tree fall and feeling that something had happened, ran to the spot. He found his brother lying dead by the side of the tree which had fallen, and which had shifted some four or five yards from the stock. Deceased had been at this sort of work about a month. It was a pure accident. - Charles Gifford, the mate, also of Bideford, who was working with deceased, said they had cut through an ash tree, but it did not fall the way they intended. Instead it got hung up in a tree the opposite side, slipped and fell on the head of deceased, who was standing by the stock and had no chance to get out of the way. - Dr J. Tucker described the injuries and said death was instantaneous. - The Coroner said he did not think any blame attached to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Shipping Agent's Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM STEER NOBLE, 7 Eddystone-terrace, local agent of the City of Cork Steam Packet Company, Great Western Docks, at Plymouth. - John Young, retired commercial traveller, said he occupied the same house as the deceased. At a quarter to eight on Saturday morning, MISS NOBLE, sister of the deceased, called him. He went to the deceased's bedroom and found him in his night attire, tied round the neck with a black muffler to the bedrail. Witness cut the muffler from the deceased's neck and sent for a doctor. - The Coroner: Do you know of any reason why MR NOBLE should have done this? - No particular reason. he had been very unwell for the last fifteen months on and off. - And he was very depressed as a result? - Very depressed frequently, but at times nice and bright. - Has he ever threatened to take his life? - I have heard that such was the case, but I cannot vouch for it. MR NOBLE appeared to be bright on Friday night. - Dr C. J. Cooke said he was called to the house, and found that the deceased had been dead some hours. He had attended the deceased for pneumonia in January when he had a serious illness and had seen him on several occasions since. He was depressed at times, and once told witness that he had contemplated suicide. Deceased was a man who worried a great deal about trifles. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on DAVID DUNN, 43, general labourer, of 86 King-street, who died suddenly at midnight on Sunday. - Sarah Hannaford, a lodging-house keeper, said deceased had been lodging with her for two days. On Sunday he as ill and could not eat anything. Witness gave him brandy and milk. She did not send for a doctor as she thought he would rally. - Dr J. H. Tonney said deceased was unconscious when he arrived. He saw the man was in extremis. He made out a prescription and told the previous witness to send for the medicine. This was not done. If he had been sent for earlier he could not have done anything, as death was due to syncope caused by malaria and alcoholism. - The Jury returning a verdict of "Natural Causes", censured Mrs Hannaford for not calling in a doctor. - The Coroner said he thought something ought to be done. If the woman was not capable of carrying on her business properly, she ought not to be allowed to keep a lodging-house. He advised her to give it up.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Devonport, yesterday, on ALICE GEORGE, aged 27. WILLIAM GEORGE, deceased's husband, cab-driver, Fenlee Mews, Stoke, said his wife suffered from epileptic fits, and Dr T. Simpson stated that death was due to heart failure, following an epileptic fit. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - MR H. SOBEY, R.N. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MR HARRY JAMES SOBEY, gunner, R.N. (retired). - FLORENCE ELIZABETH SOBEY, of 21 Camperdown-street, said her husband, who was 39 years of age, was invalided from the navy through chronic pleurisy. He had since complained of that from time to time and also of his heart and head. On Wednesday morning he awoke at the usual time and shortly afterwards fell, his head striking the floor. She spoke to him, but could get no reply. Assistance was obtained and Dr Gard was sent for. Deceased was not depressed. For the last two Sundays he had been away from home. Last Monday week she gave notice to the Police that he was missing and they said they would look for him. She, however, found him the following Tuesday at Plymouth and took him home. Her husband was secretary of the Warrant Officers' Death Benefit Society. The balance-sheet and money were quite right and everything up to date. Last Sunday he went away again and they looked for him everywhere. He did not return home until 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the night before he died. He had never threatened to take his life. He did not know where he had been when he was away from the Sunday to the Tuesday. Witness had always kept poison in the house for cleaning purposes, but as she was a bit anxious about her husband's wandering she threw it away. - Dr Gard said death had taken place when he arrived. Deceased was a well-built man, but his heart was in a very flabby condition and enlarged, and the valves diseased. There was not the slightest trace of poison. Death was due to syncope from valvular disease of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy expressed with MRS SOBEY.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Warrior Fatality. Able Seaman Thrown Off A Boom. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on JOHN ALBERT HARRISON (28), able seaman, of H.M.S. Warrior, who was drowned in the Hamoaze on Wednesday. Mr K. E. Peck, Devonport, appeared for the Admiralty. - Edward James Hammond, general messman, said the deceased, his brother-in-law, had lived at 28 Kent-road, and left a widow and one child. - Joseph John Brodie, 1st class petty officer, said on Wednesday, about 3 o'clock, witness was engaged with deceased and others taking jackstays and topping lifts off the torpedo booms on the port side of the Warrior, which was laying alongside the Dockyard. Witness had detailed the men, two at the end of each boom, deceased and Able Seaman Powell being together. The jackstay was taken off at the after end. In order to remove the topping lifts, which were securing the boom, in addition to a clamp and pin, witness told the men they would have to trice up the boom, so that when the clamp was taken off the boom would be quite secure. Witness detailed Powell to get the tackle to trice it up, and told him to hook on the single block to a bolt further inboard. As he passed witness down the double block, he told him that he would require to have a strop on the head of the boom. Shortly after witness heard the boom crash out, and a splash in the water. He jumped on to the deck and shouted to the man in the water to keep steady, as there was assistance coming. Witness got a rope end and looked over the side. He could just see the top of deceased's head disappearing under the ship. There was a strong undercurrent. - The Coroner: Can you tell us why the boom should suddenly crash out? - Witness: The only reason I can see is that deceased never thought of what he was doing, and knocked the pin of the clamp out. - Witness, continuing, said he last saw deceased on the net shelf. That was the sole cause of his going in the water. The pin did not break. Deceased must have inadvertently knocked the pin away too soon. Deceased was the only one who could have released the pin. - The Coroner: He ought to have waited for some order? - Yes. They had removed two booms previous to this. - The Coroner: Then we have narrowed it down to this - that the cause of the boom swinging out was the result of the pin coming out. - George Connell, seaman, said he saw deceased fall into the water. He was sitting on the boom above the clamp as it swung out. There was no one else near the clamp on the net shelf, and no one else to release the pin. Deceased was carried out on the boom and when it stopped it jerked him off. When he was in the water he swam to the ship's side. - Leonard D. Hooper, able seaman, deposed to having recovered the body from under the ship. - Mr Hugh Thompson, gunner, R.N., said he was present when the body was brought up. There was a hammer weighing 3 ½ lb. attached to the body round the waist by means of a lanyard. This might have become entangled in deceased's legs, as altogether it was about two fathoms in length. In all there were about fifty men working on the side of the ship. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the boats were lowered immediately the accident occurred. - Another officer said there was a boat in the water at the stern of the vessel. In all four boats went to deceased's assistance. It was in orders that ships were always to keep a boat ready for lowering. The boat was lowered right away. Deceased was a good workman and could be depended upon. - Fleet-Surgeon Charles S. Facey said death was due to drowning, and a verdict was returned accordingly. - The funeral of deceased will take place on Monday at 10 a.m.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer Killed. - Mr J. Graves held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN NICHOLAS, labourer, employed at the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gasworks, Coxside. - Richard Foot, labourer, Lambhay-street, employed by the Gas Company, stated that at 9.30 on Thursday morning he was with deceased pulling down the roof of a shed. Deceased was on one end of an iron girder, whilst witness occupied the other end. The girder was on a platform and while they were trying to move it across this, deceased's foot slipped and he fell about 30 feet, being killed on the spot. Nothing gave way; the accident was due to deceased taking a false step. There was a rail round the staging. - Dr Hughes, Brunswick-terrace, said death was due to fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the relatives. - Mr P. S. Hoyte, engineer manger of the gas-works, expressed the sympathy of the company with the widow and family and said deceased was an excellent workman. - Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories and Workshops, attended the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN LEONARD, aged 85, formerly a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, of 31 Keat-street. The evidence showed that deceased, who had felt the cold weather considerably during the past week, was sitting smoking on Wednesday evening, when he suddenly put down his pipe and had a choking sensation. His daughter went towards him and found his mouth covered with blood. She spoke to him, but he was unconscious. He was put to bed and Dr Gard was sent for. Deceased passed away just as the doctor arrived. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had a small but fatty heart and the lungs were congested. - Dr Gard attributed death to heart failure, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on WALTER DANIEL NIBLETT, aged 60, retired chief carpenter's mate, of Tirley, Tewksbury. Deceased, who retired from the navy 20 years ago, had been ailing since last November and to recruit his health came on Monday to Devonport on a visit to his brother-in-law, Mr James Preece, retired chief carpenter's mate, 5 St. Mawen-terrace. On arrival he seemed to feel the effects of the journey, but he was much better on Tuesday and there was a further improvement on the following day. He went to bed about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday. thinking he heard deceased call, Mr Preece went to his bedroom and found him undressed, ready to get into bed. He was sitting on the bed and blood was coming from his nose and mouth. He died before a doctor could arrive. - Dr G. K. Pearson said that when he arrived five minutes after being called, he found deceased lying on the bed dead. On making a post-mortem examination witness found cancerous ulceration at the commencement of the stomach; and death was due to collapse through profuse haemorrhage from the cancerous surface. The journey from Tewksbury and the cold weather no doubt affected deceased. - Verdict, "Natural Causes". Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased.

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest on CECIL H. NAPPER, aged 1 year and 11 months, the child of HARRY NAPPER, able seaman, R.N., of 5 Ferndale-avenue, Camel's Head, the father stated that deceased had had measles about a fortnight, but was recovering and on Wednesday night seemed to be bright and cheerful. On the following morning witness noticed a change, and fetched Dr Kenrick. Deceased passed away just as the doctor entered the room. Dr Kenrick attributed death to convulsions, following measles, and congestion of the brain through the cold. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death. - At Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HARVEY, naval pensioner, aged 68. William Henry Weekes, lodging-house keeper, of 11 Octagon-street, Plymouth, said deceased had lived with him for the last thirty years off and on. He last saw deceased alive on Friday morning, when he was getting ready to go in a cab to the General Post-Office, in order to draw his pension. Deceased had been drinking for about three or four weeks. - Samuel Miller, hawker, of Octagon-street, stated that he went with deceased to the Post-office, and afterwards drove in the cab along North-road, as deceased wished to obtain relief of a Relieving Officer. Deceased suddenly became ill and died just before they reached the top of Torrington-place. - The Coroner said it was rather strange for a man who had just drawn his pension to seek assistance of a Relieving Officer. - Mr F. C. Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, remarked that deceased had been there before on several occasions. Only 18s. was found on deceased, although deceased should have drawn a pension of more than £8. It was explained by Miller that deceased's wife received a part of the pension, and that he had paid several debts that day. - Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical Officer to the Workhouse, stated that the immediate cause of death was syncope. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Seaman's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday on GEORGE JAMES MAY, aged 43, Holborn-street, Plymouth, mate on board the smack Kingsbridge, belonging to Salcombe. - Wm. Hard, master of the smack, said on November 4th, 1910, deceased was in Sutton Pool engaged on the mast in furling the sail, when he accidentally slipped and fell a distance of 40 feet. - Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical officer to the Workhouse, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary on March 9th from the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, whence he had been discharged as an incurable. He was then suffering from a fractured spine and paralysis. Deceased died on the morning of the 7th inst. from paralysis as the result of his injuries. - Verdict: "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 April 1911
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Bideford yesterday on the infant of MRS BEER, the wife of an East-the-Water labourer. Dr Ellis Pearson said there were very marked signs of rickets in the skull, ribs and arms. The mother said there were no signs of rickets about the child. The Coroner: Should you know if it had rickets? - Witness: No. It had always been a delicate child. The Coroner fined Mr H. H. Hopkins, who had failed to attend as a Juror after being warned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Death In A Train. - WALTER LEE, aged 20, a consumptive, who had been staying at the Western Hospital, Torquay, was being removed to his home at Leicester yesterday morning when he expired in the train between Torre and Newton Abbot. Later in the day an Inquest was held at Newton by Mr P.C. Cornish Bowden. - Deceased's father, ARTHUR LEE, said there was some little misunderstanding at the Station over a reserved compartment, and possibly that excited deceased. Shortly after they left Torre, deceased said he wanted to be sick, fell back in his sister's arms and expired. At Torre, on account of deceased's condition, witness had telegraphed for a doctor. - Dr Odell, Torquay, said he examined deceased on Friday and considered he was in a fit state to travel. Deceased was in an advanced state of consumption and death was due to heart failure consequent upon that. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 April 1911
HENNOCK - Fatal Trap Accident. Inquest At Chudleigh Knighton. - Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at Chudleigh Knighton, on MARY ANN HUTCHINGS, wife of J. HUTCHINGS. - William Reynolds, retired grocer, Kingsteignton, said on Wednesday, about 5.30 p.m., the deceased, MR HUTCHINGS and himself were driving in a trap from Kingsteignton to Chudleigh Knighton, witness having just bought the pony and trap from MR HUTCHINGS. On the road, near two large white stones, they met a covered furniture van. MR HUTCHINGS, who was driving, pulled in to his left hand side, but there was not room to pass. The pony turned its head towards the van, apparently turning from the two stones, and the wheel of the pony trap struck the back wheel of the van. The shafts of the pony trap broke, and the pony ran away. All three in the trap were thrown into the road. Witness was not much hurt, but MRS HUTCHINGS was unconscious. MRS HUTCHINGS recovered consciousness in three or four minutes, and was taken home in a passing vehicle. The driver of the van said the pony shied, but witness contradicted him and told him he did not give them room to pass. - John Robert Langler, hauler, Newton Abbot, who was driving the van, said the pony shied at the two large stones. He denied that he was driving in the middle of the road; he was on his left hand side. He had been driving for thirty years, and had never had an accident. - Dr Goodwyn said he saw the deceased on Friday and found her suffering from shock and two broken ribs and congestion of the lungs. The next morning she was evidently sinking and she died from shock and heart failure. It was a hopeless case from the first. The husband was too ill to attend the Court. - P.C. Uglow said the road was 18 feet 6 inches wide and the water tables were not deep, but could be driven on. - The Jury found that the accident was caused by the pony shying and that no one was to blame. Death was due to Heart Failure, caused by Shock.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1911
TORQUAY - Sergeant's Suicide. Inquest At Torquay. - At the Upton Schoolroom, Torquay, last evening, the Deputy County Coroner, (Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden) held an Inquiry respecting the death of SERGT. E. W. HONEYBORNE, 40, of the 30th Co., R.E., who was some time since sent from Elphinstone Barracks, Plymouth, to take over the instructorship of the Torquay Fortress Engineers, and was found dead at the Rock-road Drill-hall on Tuesday evening, having apparently been suffocated by gas. - Frederick Halton, painter, of Newton Abbot, said deceased had been lodging at his house for the past fortnight. He gave his age on the census paper as 40 years. Witness made his acquaintance on the 28th March, when he came to him as company-sergeant-major of the Territorial Engineers to make arrangements respecting drills. Deceased then seemed to be ill and he became worse as time went on. As far as he (witness) knew, deceased took no intoxicants whilst at his house. Dr Scrase was called in. At times the Sergeant was rational, at others he was not. On Tuesday morning he left Newton to come to Torquay to pack his kit. He said he had received orders to leave Torquay, and appeared very worried and depressed at not receiving his pay from Plymouth. He intimated that he would return to Newton the same night. - Horace George Buckley, printer and corporal of Torquay Engineers, said about 7.35 p.m. on Tuesday he went to the Rock-road Drill-hall. He could not open the door. Sappers Hatherley and Frayne came to his assistance, and the door was forced. They were met by an overwhelming smell of gas. On going to the orderly-room he saw deceased lying on the floor with his head over a gas stove. The gas was turned on full. There were four jets from which gas was escaping. A hollow place had been made around the gas-jets with coats, and on the edge of these deceased's head was resting. Sergt. Hatherley, of the Ambulance Brigade, and Detective Potter endeavoured to restore animation, but failed. - P.C. Hatherly stated that on the body were found a number of official papers and a letter from deceased's wife dated March 14th. - The Deputy Coroner said this letter had no bearing whatever upon the case. - Witness said there was 7s. 7d. in money, a watch, and a ring in deceased's pockets. - Dr G. Young Eales said death was due to suffocation by inhaling carbonic-oxide, or coal gas. - Dr Scrase, of Newton Abbot, stated that on March 29th he saw HONEYBORNE in bed. He was suffering from influenza and was very ill. For three days his condition remained unchanged, except that he suffered from delirium, which he (witness) attributed to previous excessive drinking. He had every appearance of a heavy drinker. His mental condition was one of depression. In about four days he began to improve and witness last saw him on Sunday, 9th inst. His physical condition was then good, but he was depressed and seemed miserable and down-hearted. This was a condition which frequently followed influenza. Witness received letters from the military authorities asking for information as to deceased's whereabouts and condition and from these communications it appeared that there was trouble ahead for him. - Capt. H. A. Garrett, commanding officer of A. Co. Territorial Engineers, said on the 21st March at the Rock-road drill-hall deceased was under the influence of drink. On Monday, 27th March witness sent for the sergeant, but he could not be found. On the following morning another messenger was sent, but returned without delivering his message, as the drill-hall was locked up. Deceased should have been there. Subsequently witness went to the drill-hall in the evening, and the adjutant (Capt. Evans) happened to make a surprise visit. He asked for SERGEANT HONEYBORNE, and witness told the adjutant that no one really knew his whereabouts. The adjutant instructed him to leave an order at the drill-hall, instructing deceased to immediately proceed to Elphinstone Barracks, and report himself. Two or three days later he heard that the Sergeant was at Newton Abbot, and sent the notices and official communications and the copy of a telegram instructing him to proceed to Plymouth. On hearing a reply that deceased was under the doctor's care he wrote again, telling him he must proceed to Plymouth, and received a reply, in which deceased suggested a meeting at the drill-hall at 7.45 on Tuesday evening. Witness went to keep this appointment and met one of his men who told him that HONEYBORNE had suffocated himself with gas. Witness let HONEYBORNE have £3 in petty cash, but did not know that he had made any payments. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Three-Year-Old Accident. Boy's Singular Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Montpelier Schools, Devonport, last evening, on RICHARD JOHN CANN, aged nine. - ANNIE ELIZABETH CANN, 17 Hawthorn-grove, said about three years ago the deceased, her son, met with an accident, and he had been a sufferer ever since. He had been in bed for the last twelve months perfectly helpless. - Elizabeth Beatrice Gloyne, 14 Hawthorn-grove, said three years ago she went outside her house and saw deceased crying. She asked him what was the matter and Mr Greep, who was there in a pony and trap, said he had run into the trap. His nose was bleeding and there was a scar on his face. She took him to his home. - Edward Greep, labourer, 1 West Park-terrace, St. Budeaux, said about February 4th 1908, when he passed Hawthorn-grove, a boy ran across the road in front of the pony's head, causing witness to pull up. Deceased was chasing this boy, and ran into the trap and fell. The last witness told him that she did not think he was hurt, and witness drove on. He did not hear any more about the case until two years ago, when Mrs Cann came to him and informed him of deceased's illness and said she wanted compensation. Witness referred her to his solicitors, and correspondence ensued between them and her solicitors. Since paying his solicitors he had not heard any more about the matter. When the boy was knocked down witness was travelling at a walking pace. - Dr T. Simpson said about three years ago his attention was called to a swelling on deceased's jaw and another part of the body. The jaw gradually got worse and on April 17th and July 25th, 1908 he removed some dead bone from it. In October 1909 he removed some more and subsequently he removed half of the lower part of the jaw. By that time the boy had developed tuberculosis, which spread to the glands of the neck and spine. Some few weeks ago he had an attack of haemorrhage which greatly weakened him and he died from exhaustion on Tuesday morning. During the past two years there was practically no hope for him. He attributed death to exhaustion due to tuberculosis of the jaw and spine, following a blow. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated Mr Greep from all blame and expressed sympathy with the parents. Mr Greep thanked the Jury. He expressed sorrow at what had occurred and tendered his sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 April 1911
PLYMSTOCK - Suicide At Turnchapel. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Jubilee Hall, Turnchapel, on Thursday on MARGARET MARY WILLING, aged 44. - SAMUEL WILLIAM WILLING, journeyman carpenter, Turnchapel, said deceased, his wife, had been an inmate of the County Asylum at Exminster. About ten days ago she was discharged on trial into witness's care at his own request. She seemed better, but on Wednesday evening, after having returned from a walk, she suddenly got up and taking up her hat opened the door. Witness asked her where she was going and she replied; "I shan't be a minute." She left the house and locked the door, the key being on the outside. Witness rushed out through the shop, but deceased had gone. A long search was made for her and her body was eventually recovered from the water off a landing pier, about a hundred yards from the house, at about 9 p.m. Deceased must have deliberately thrown herself into the water. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said deceased had always been well attended. - Vincent Rowse, labourer, Turnchapel, said he recovered the body, which was floating in the water. - Dr E. J. Donhavand, Plymstock, said he knew deceased was a certified lunatic. She had been sent to the County Asylum at Exminster on account of her suicidal tendencies. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with MR WILLING.

RICHMOND, SURREY - Devonshire Girl's Death. Arrest In London. - At the Richmond (London) Police Court on Thursday, Thomas Jones, age 26, described as a draper, was charged with being concerned with another man not in custody, in the death of MISS ELSIE SWEETNAM, who died on Monday last at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond. Deceased had been employed as a draper's assistant at Teignmouth and Exeter until last August, when she left her home at Newton Abbot for London. - Detective-Inspector Badcock said that on Wednesday morning he and Detective-Inspector Sanders and Detective-Sergt. Cock went to 197 Brompton-road and on seeing the accused said to him, "We are Police Officers, and shall arrest you for being concerned in an illegal operation on ELSIE SWEETNAM, otherwise DAISY." Prisoner replied, "Oh dear, how's that?" - Witness cautioned him and added "She is dead, as I believe you know, and I feel I should tell you that the charge against you may be one of murder." Jones said, "Can I sent for my solicitor?" Witness assented and Mr Roder, a manager at the establishment, entered the room and prisoner said to him, "Telephone for Mr Bolt, my solicitor, to come at once." Witness searched the accused and the room which he said was his and took possession of a number of letters and memoranda. He asked for a remand for eight day, which was granted. - The Inquest. - An Inquest was held in the evening. - Dr Taylor (Coroner) said the case had already assumed a rather serious aspect. There were many difficult points to be cleared up. - MISS WINIFRED SWEETNAM of Beaumont-road, Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of her sister, who, she said, was a draper's assistant, aged 22 and had since she was 15 years of age been engaged at Exeter and Teignmouth up to last August when she left Devonshire for London, and took up a position in Brompton-road in the employ of Jones and Company. Witness at that time was a confectioner's manager at Penzance. She saw her sister last Christmas, and deceased then told her that she and Mr Jones, the proprietor of the business, had been about a good deal, and that she thought he would marry her. At that time, however, she had left the employ of Messrs. Jones. Witness had no idea that her sister had any trouble. On leaving Messrs. Jones deceased stayed in Cadogan-square, and after this was engaged by Derry and Toms in High-street, Kensington. On Sunday last witness's mother received a letter from this firm stating that when deceased entered their employ she agreed to live in. Since then she had applied to sleep out and now she had absented herself from business, saying that she was suffering from influenza. They thought that she was at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond, but did not know whether or not she was with friends, and they thought they ought in fairness to the parents to acquaint them of the circumstances. MRS SWEETNAM replied to this letter on the Sunday night and on the Monday they received the following telegram from Pagoda-avenue:- "DAISY (deceased's pet name) dying. Come. - Nurse Galley." - Mr H. J. Broad (the Foreman of the Jury) thought it curious that Messrs. Derry and Toms should have sent such a letter voluntarily. - Detective-Inspector Badcock said he had been informed that the firm did it out of pure sympathy for the parents, feeling it was not quite safe for the girl to be alone in London, as she appeared to be. - Dr Maguire and Dr Furgusson, who conducted the Post-mortem examination, gave evidence and the Inquiry was adjourned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Cycling Accident. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on FRANCIS JAMES O'NEILL, who died from injuries received in a cycle accident on Bank-holiday. - MRS KATE O'NEILL said deceased, her son, was in the employ of the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Company and was 15 years of age. - Bartholomew Riley, 3 Cecil-cottages, said on Monday deceased and himself went to Hooe with cycles. They were riding down Staddiscombe Hill. When witness saw how steep the hill was he applied his brake and jumped off, calling to O'NEILL to do the same. O'NEILL tried to do so, but the brake would not act and he was going too fast to jump off. Witness saw him jerk the brake as he passed him. The cycle continued down the hill out of sight. Witness ran after him and saw him on the ground, with a few people round him. He was unconscious. Witness was told that deceased had run into a wall. Deceased had ridden a cycle for four or five years. - Dr Arthur Savell Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the cause of death was a fractured skull. - The Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the relatives.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on ERNEST MCFARLAND, aged 14 days. - HETTIE MCFARLAND, married, of 34 Adelaide-street, wife of a private in the Royal Marines, said she went to bed at eleven o'clock on Sunday night, and the child was quite well then. She awoke at one a.m. and the deceased was alive then, but at 6.15 a.m. the child was dead. The deceased had rolled over on its face and witness was partially lying on the infant. She had not the means to provide the infant with a separate bed. - The Coroner said it was not a right thing for such young children to be taken to bed, and, of course, mortality in that respect through careless treatment was growing to an alarming extent in the country, and the Legislature recognised that. - In reply to the Coroner, Police Inspector Joslin said the deceased's parents were very respectable people, and there was no question of neglect through drink. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to suffocation. Drink had been mentioned, and he felt bound to tell the Court that the home was very respectable. It was a model little home and there was not the slightest sign of intemperance. - The Coroner said that was another case in which a fine, healthy child's life had been sacrificed through the lack of common sense on the part of the parents. Whilst there was no evidence of criminal neglect in accordance with the Statute of 1908, at the same time one was bound to enter a protest against so young a child being taken into bed with its parents. He took it, however, that it was a case of inadvertent and accidental suffocation. The Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fall At Stonehouse. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on MATTHEW LYNCH, army pensioner, aged 67, of 3 Tweedside-place, Stonehouse. - Mrs Emma Brown, of 2 Tweedside-place, stated that on Good Friday she saw deceased at the High-street end of Tweedside-place. She spoke to him and as he was replying he fell heavily. Deceased, who was a very respectable neighbour, did not speak after the fall. - Mrs Grace Fowler, of 32 Tweedside-place, corroborated. She said deceased had been drinking and to this she attributed his fall. - Mrs Susanna Werry, of 3 Tweedside-place said deceased had been a tenant in her house since October last. He lived quite alone and was always a very quiet neighbour, but he was in the habit of drinking when he drew his pension. He commenced to drink last Wednesday week. She put him to bed after his fall, and watched through the night, when he was very restless. She did not realise the extent of his injuries, as she attributed his condition entirely to the drink. Next morning Dr Lear was summoned, and he ordered his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. - Dr Waterfield said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on SAturday evening and early on Sunday morning he received a message from the Master of the Workhouse informing him that the man was unconscious and that he did not think he was suffering from drink. When he arrived, deceased was unconscious and had a large bruise on the right side of his head. Deceased died early on Tuesday morning. Witness made a post-mortem examination, and found the body was in a very healthy condition, and there was nothing to suggest that he had been an habitual drinker. Death was caused by coma, produced by compression of the brain through a large blood clot pressing on the right hemisphere of the brain. He could not say whether the fall caused the rupture or not, but if not the drinking accelerated it, and that the removal to the Workhouse was immaterial. - The Jury said they thought deceased died of a ruptured blood vessel, accelerated by alcoholism. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 24 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - DR WARREN'S Death. The Fatality To A Plymouth Officer. Why He Left The March-Out. - An Inquest was held at the Military Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, on DR GEORGE HOPE WARREN, of Thorn Park-villas, Mannamead. - MR CHAS. R. WARREN, solicitor, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his brother, who was 34 years of age. Deceased was an officer in the R.A.M.C. (Territorial Force). Witness last saw him alive on Thursday afternoon, when he was in good health. Deceased wore similar glasses to those produced. He had ridden a good deal during the last three or four years, but not much before. He had on several occasions previously ridden the horse he rode on Thursday. Deceased was unmarried. - The March-Out. - Lieut. David Macnair, Brunswick-terrace, Plymouth, a lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. (T.) said that on Thursday the unit paraded for a route march at 7.45 p.m. at the Drill-hall, Millbay, all the officers being mounted. He understood that all the chargers were obtained from Clark's Mews. They marched through Exeter-street and turned to the left across Friary Bridge. A train was passing under the bridge, and a lot of steam was omitted. This caused witness's horse to become restive, and as it would not keep its place witness cantered ahead. On getting in front of the unit, witness noticed deceased's horse was also restive, and he commenced to canter it. Deceased turned in the direction of Ebrington-street, and then did not appear to have lost control of the horse at all. The horse had not stopped up to the time witness lost sight of it. Witness waited for the unit, and by the time they reached the end of the bridge deceased was out of sight. The unit proceeded along Ebrington-street to the Drill-hall by way of Cobourg-street and North-road. Witness did not see the deceased again. He did not know whether deceased had ridden the same horse before. It appeared to be quiet and was ridden immediately behind the band. Deceased appeared to be able to manage the horse. All the horses became restive in consequence of the noise caused by the train. - By the Jury: Before an officer gets a horse he has to obtain a riding certificate from an Army Riding School. I do not think MR WARREN stuck his spurs into the horse. He was riding across the bridge at a steady canter. - Dr Soltau: I think LIEUT. WARREN was advised not to ride in spurs. - The Coroner understood that he was not riding in spurs. - The Horse And Its Rider. - Lieut. F. J. Miller, 2nd Wessex Field Ambulances, said he accompanied the unit on the route march. Witness was transport officer and it was his duty to procure the horses and take charge of the transport. Witness got eight horses from Clark's livery stables. He selected good and quiet saddle horses and was guided by the fact that the horses had been ridden, and were quiet to ride. He was guided by experience, and in the first instance by the word of the foreman of the stables. Witness knew the horses well: and the officers always rode the same horses. Witness gave them the same because they knew them. The horse ridden by deceased was with the unit at Salisbury Plain last year. It was as quiet as a lamb. Witness was in the rear of the unit, being in charge of the transport. The horses were quiet. While the train was passing under Friary Bridge, a lighted tramcar passed, and all the horses became restive. Witness did not notice deceased's horse gallop ahead, but noticed Lieut. Macnair's horse. Directly the steam had gone the horses generally became quiet. Deceased had always ridden the same horse and had asked for it, and had also arranged to have it for this year's camp. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said the only thing he could suggest was that LIEUT. WARREN perhaps lost his head and had not command over the horse. - A Quiet Animal. - Harry Churchward, 17 Walker-terrace, said he was foreman for Mr Clark, and had been with him 25 years. They supplied horses to the Territorial Force. They had had the horse which deceased rode about two years; it came from Truro. When not being used by Territorials it was a general utility horse and on Wednesday was used by recruits at Mutley Barracks, who were learning to ride. The animal, which was a bay gelding, had never been found restive, and DR WARREN expressed his preference for the horse, which was called "Johnnie." The animal was cool and quiet when brought back to the stable about 9.30 p.m. on Thursday, but it had marks on the left shoulder. It had a very light mouth and had never given any trouble before. Witness considered that LIEUT. WARREN did not pull up the horse, and bring it into place soon after it became restive, and that after it had gone some distance it took the bit between its teeth. The horse would not shy at a motor car or anything. Deceased used to ride with his head forward and witness thought that the horse stumbled and deceased fell off on to his head. - The Accident Described. - Alfred Henry Atkins, 32 Battery-street, said at 8.40 p.m. on Thursday he was at the corner of Battery-street, opposite the Grand Theatre, when he saw a tramcar stop. There was also a motor car standing outside the theatre, but the engine was working and making considerable noise. A horse came up Battery-street and just as the tram passed, suddenly bolted across Union-street. After the animal bolted the officer riding it lost control of it and witness followed. Just as he reached Millbay Laundry he saw the officer thrown over the horse's head. The horse jumped over the officer and galloped as fast as it could in the direction of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, and was stopped by a boy near the Hotel. Witness formed the impression that the officer lost his head and could not control the horse. Witness went to the assistance of deceased, who was afterwards removed on an ambulance. He did not see the horse fall. Deceased was pulling on the reins when he passed witness, and was not hanging on to the saddle. - Ernst gold, 15 Market-street, Stonehouse, said he was outside Millbay Laundry when he heard a horse come up Battery-street at full gallop. At the end of the street it turned to the left along Millbay-road, and on the bend the rider was thrown and passed over the horse's head. Witness went to deceased, who was unconscious and bleeding at the mouth and witness unfastened his collar. The horse slipped, but did not fall. When the horse came up Battery-street, witness could see that the rider had not control over it. Deceased was not kicked by the horse after falling. - P.C. A. Nicholls, of the Stonehouse Police, deposed to taking LIEUT. WARREN on an ambulance to the Military Hospital. - The Injuries. - Major Collingwood, R.A.M.C., stationed at the Military Hospital, said that when brought to the Hospital LIEUT. WARREN was quite unconscious. He was bleeding from the nose and there was blood-stained froth on his mouth and nose. There was a large bruise over the left eye, a slight abrasion on the left temple, and a depressed fracture at the back of the skull. He died at 11.45, the cause of death being fracture of the base of the skull. There was no hope from the first. - Commanding Officer's Statement. - Dr A. B. Soltau said it was laid down in regulations that all officers must possess riding certificates. When LIEUT. WARREN joined he was not a skilled horseman, although he had previously ridden. Witness told him and other officers that in future they could not be mounted on parade until they had passed a satisfactory test. MR WARREN failed at his first attempt and had to go to one camp unmounted. He afterwards took lessons assiduously and obtained a riding certificate. At the last camp LIEUT WARREN was able to ride and perform the duties of a mounted officer, and could be trusted to go out on isolated duty if necessary. During the past winter he had had riding lessons under Lieut. Miller. On Thursday witness was detained and LIEUT. WARREN was in command of the unit. As they passed his (Dr Soltau's) house he saw LIEUT. WARREN and told him he hoped to join them later on. The horse was then perfectly under control. The point had been raised that LIEUT. WARREN was not followed up. He believed LIEUT. WARREN was making his way home as officers were expected to do if they had to fall out. Experience had shown that if a horse became restive it was best not to rejoin the unit but to go home and on several occasions officers had done that. Having ascertained on Thursday evening that nothing had been heard of the horse he became suspicious that something had happened and inquiries were instituted. He (Dr Soltau) thought LIEUT. WARREN proceeded down Ebrington-street with the horse more or less under control; that he was going by quiet streets back to Millbay; and that if the horse had not been startled in crossing Union-street he would have got home safely. On being informed by telephone of what had happened, witness went to the Hospital and remained there until LIEUT. WARREN died. He was satisfied from his professional experience that nothing could be done for him. He was desired by LIEUT. WARREN'S relatives to express the great gratitude they felt to the authorities at the Military Hospital and to Maj. Collingwood for the care they showed him. He would also like publicly to express the loss that they, as a unit, had experienced by the death of LIEUT. WARREN, and to extend to his family their deep sympathy. - A Juryman remarked that they had no evidence as to what happened between Friary Bridge and Battery-street. - Verdict And Sympathy. - The Coroner thought the explanation that Dr Soltau gave was feasible, that deceased gradually gained control of the horse and was making his way quietly home. They had had all the evidence they could bring, and it showed that the death was accidental. Possibly the fact that the horse had just previously been startled at Friary Bridge caused it to become startled again on hearing the noise in Union-street. He was afraid that at the time of the accident deceased had lost control, and the horse bolting and turning the bend would be likely to throw the rider. He was sure the Jury would like him to extend to the family their deep sympathy with them in their bereavement. DR WARREN had associated himself, from a sense of public duty, with the Territorial Force of the country, and it was while in the execution of that duty, that he met with his death. His services, from what one read, were in demand in other spheres of life, so that not only had the family suffered bereavement, but others who knew him and the Jury would not only sympathize with the family in their terrible loss, but also with his brother officers and the unit generally. - The Foreman thought the horse was too quiet, and that the deceased put too much confidence in it, and gave it a little too much rein. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and endorsed the Coroner's expressions of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Motor Cycle Death. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM ARNOT, aged 34 years, engineer, Hazelwood-terrace, Peverell. - Albert E. Dyson, Whimple-street, Plymouth, said on Good Friday at Dousland, ARNOT and others, and himself were riding motor cycles. ARNOT'S cap blew off and as he raised his hand to catch it the machine wobbled. ARNOT disappeared behind a clump of trees and as he did not arrive on the hill ahead the other members of the party went around the corner and found ARNOT lying unconscious on the ground with the motor cycle across his legs. The engine stopped working as they approached. There was nothing in view with which ARNOT could have collided. He had evidently fallen from the cycle. - Dr A. S. Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said a fracture of the base of the skull ended fatality on Sunday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Swan attended the Inquiry on behalf of Sir w. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and co., by whom the deceased had been employed up to two days before the accident and expressed to the widow and family the firm's sympathy with them in their bereavement.

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Official's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening on WILLIAM THOMAS WILLCOCKS, age 48, of 19 Lorrimore-avenue, an inspector of shipwrights in H.M. Dockyard. - FERNLEY W. WILLCOCKS, son of deceased, said deceased went to work on Friday as usual, and the following morning went for a walk, returning to dinner, but did not leave the house in the afternoon or evening. At six o'clock on Sunday morning, witness's sister awoke him and told him their father had fainted. On going to deceased's room witness found him in a sitting posture on the side of the bed. Deceased seemed to rally and got all right, but at ten o'clock he fainted again and witness then went for a doctor. When he returned deceased was quite conscious and spoke to him. His father had a drink of milk and water, laid back and died. Deceased had never had any fainting attacks before. - Dr Nixon Morris said he was at the Hospital when he received the message and on his arrival deceased was dead. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope from haemorrhage through the rupture of a blood vessel in the stomach. - Verdict, "Natural causes." - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 April 1911
RICHMOND, SURREY - Devon Girl's Sad Death. Inquest Again Adjourned. - The Inquest on the young shop assistant named ELSIE SWEETNAM, of Newton Abbot, who died at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond, on the 10th inst., as it is alleged, the result of an illegal operation and in connection with which Thomas Jones, a draper, of Brompton-road, and Annie Marian Sadler, midwife, of Westmorland-street, Pimlico, stand charged with a serious offence, was again adjourned at the Richmond Coroner's Court last evening for a fortnight. The evidence was of a similar kind to that given at the Police Court last week. Dr Willcox, senior scientific analyst to the Home Office, saying that the cause of death was blood poisoning consequent upon peritonitis.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 April 1911
WOODLAND - Found In A Well. Woodland Widow's Death. - At Woodland, near Newton Abbot, yesterday, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on MARY HELENA PALMER, widow, whose body was found in a well on her farm on Tuesday. - John Tuckett, of Ashburton, said MRS PALMER, his sister, was 44 years of age. The last time he saw her she was "happy as could be." - The Deputy Coroner: Supposing the Jury come to the conclusion that she took her life, do you know of any reason for her doing so? - No; she had plenty in the house and everything she wanted. She had never said anything about suicide. - William Grant, hind, in the employ of MRS PALMER, said she was a cheerful woman as a rule. She was in the habit of putting butter and cream in the well. She had complained that there were worms in the water used from the well. There were shelves in the well. - Eva Tapper said on going into the orchard and seeing the door of the well open, she went to close it, and saw her mistress's feet hanging out (the well is a very shallow one). She and Mrs Vallance tried, but could not get her out, and they called two men. - Edward Vallance said MRS PALMER never moved after they got her out. - The Deputy Coroner: Have you ever heard of any way of restoring life to people apparently drowned? - I have heard tell of such thing, but didn't know how to do it. - Dr Sankey (Ashburton) gave evidence that death was due to drowning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Domestic Servant's Sad Death. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ELSIE MOONEY, aged 20 years, domestic servant of Cornwall-street, her mother stated that her daughter gave birth to a child on Monday evening. A nurse engaged was unable to attend, as she was detained by another case. Mrs Freestone, a friend, was then sent for. Her daughter seemed to progress, but on Tuesday night complained of bad headache. Just before five o'clock on Wednesday morning she was making a funny noise in her throat as if in a fit, and witness sent for Mrs Freestone, and immediately afterwards for Dr Bolus. Deceased passed away about 9.30 a.m. - Elizabeth Freestone, 8 Cornwall-street, said when fetched on Wednesday morning ELSIE MOONEY was foaming at the nose and mouth and she sent for a doctor. She knew now that she ought to have sent for a doctor on Tuesday. She was a nurse, but not a midwife and had never acted as a midwife. - Dr Bolus said he was called at 5.15 a.m. on Wednesday and went at once. The woman was unconscious and evidently moribund. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to a disease of the kidneys. If he had been called on the previous night he might have saved her life or he might not, because even under treatment about one in three cases of this disease ended fatality. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Bath Causes Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FLORENCE MAY ROGERS, 13, the daughter of HORATIO NELSON ROGERS, water engineer. The girl, who had been staying with her grandmother at Cecil-avenue, Plymouth, was stated to have been subject to fainting fits for the last three or four years. - Emily Thomas, wife of a mason of 33 Cecil-avenue, said about three o'clock on Wednesday, while the girl was having a bath some water came through the kitchen ceiling. On going to ascertain the cause, she found the girl unconscious in the bath with her head under water. She took her out and sent for a doctor. Artificial respiration was tried for half an hour, but with no result. - Dr C. F. Glinn, of Salisbury-road, said death was due to syncope. Death had been accelerated by the bath. - A verdict of "Death from Heart Disease" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS PENWARNE, aged 84, journeyman carpenter, of Albany-place, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. MR PENWARNE fainted suddenly yesterday morning, and died before medical aid could be summoned. Dr Brenton attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

STOKE DAMEREL - Gymnasium Instructor's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks yesterday on WILLIAM JOSEPH MARSHALL, aged 35, first class petty officer, who died suddenly in the billiard-room on Tuesday evening. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Frederick James Harris, 10 Carlton-terrace, Stonehouse, said the deceased, who lived with him when on shore, was a native of Everton, Liverpool. He was single and gymnasium instructor at the Barracks. He returned from the Australia station in the Gibraltar about two months ago, and went to Everton on five weeks' leave. While away he made arrangements to get married in August. On returning from leave he joined the Barracks. Since his return from Australia he had not been in good health, complaining of pains in his back, and witness sent away for liniment for him. This only arrived on Wednesday morning and on witness sending it to the Barracks it was returned with the message that he was dead. - Frederick John Pym, first class petty officer, stated that about 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday deceased came into the billiard-room at the Barracks and spoke to witness. Deceased then seemed to be the same as usual, but shortly afterwards witness noticed that he was apparently faint. As he was unconscious and appeared to be very ill, witness obtained assistance from the Hospital. - Surgeon Frederick cock, stationed at the R.N. Barracks, said when the deceased was brought to the sick quarters he was unconscious and in a state of collapse. He died in eight or ten minutes. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found on opening the chest a large haemorrhage into the right lung and evidence of arterial degeneration. Death was due to syncope caused by the haemorrhage. - Ship's Corporal A. W. Bridges said he served with deceased in the Challenger on the Australia station. Deceased always looked more or less ill and was in hospital at Sydney for a month before the ship paid off. At dinner time on Tuesday he looked ill. Deceased had a very good character. - The Coroner said deceased's papers showed that deceased was accidentally wounded by a deflected bullet while serving in the Talbot in 1902. - Verdict, "Natural Causes".

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 May 1911
HOCKWORTHY - Hockworthy Farmer's Fatal Fall. - Yesterday at Thorneland Farm, Hockworthy, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest on WILLIAM ROBERT HUSSEY, farmer, aged 34. - MR HUSSEY, who was in the employ of his father, went out with a horse and a roller, to roll a field. As he did not come in to tea, a younger brother was sent to look for him and in the road near the field found him in a ditch unconscious, with the horse near by eating grass. He was lying about six yards from the gate and there was a mark in the middle of the road such as might have been caused by a stumble. Death was due to fracture of the base of the skull, probably caused by a fall. The horse, 10 years old, was quiet, and MR HUSSEY was well used to handling it.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 May 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Seaman Dies From Injuries: Jury's Recommendation. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN THORN, ordinary seaman, who died on the 4th inst. as the result of injuries sustained by falling into No. 9 dock at Devonport North Yard on the 28th ult. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Staff-Surg. W. P. Walker said the deceased was unconscious when admitted to the Hospital. He partially recovered consciousness. A post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the base of the skull and severe laceration of the brain. There was also a compound fracture of the right arm and a simple fracture of the right thigh. Death was due to exhaustion and shock, consequent on the injuries. - JOHN THORN, deceased's father, said his son was 18 years of age and a native of Parkstone, Dorset. - Lieut. A. G. Jameson, H.M.S. Neptune, said he was in charge of a party which was unstaging the forepart of the ship. Deceased was one of them. The work was being down by a steam travelling crane from the side of the dock. Deceased was struck by the wire rope on the crane, which caused him to lose his balance and he fell to the bottom of the dock. The weight and hook on the hoist rested on a step 15 feet from the top of the dock. The rope was loosened, and then, as the weight was put over the step the rope "tautened," and struck the deceased behind the right shoulder. - In reply to the Coroner, the Foreman (Mr J. Lawrence) said he thought it should be a recommendation to the authorities to have the cranes constructed so as to make the hoist plumb with the dock at every point. - Gunner Geo. Fredk. Thompson. R.M.A., said the cause of the fall was the "tautening" of the wire. Witness considered it was an accident which could not be avoided. - The Coroner said it appeared to be one of those accidents which could not be guarded against. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and recommended the authorities to see that in future cranes should be plumb with any part of the dock. - The funeral took place at Plymouth Cemetery immediately after the Inquest, the chief mourners being the deceased's father and brother. Parties were drawn from the R.N. Barracks (the Neptune being away from the port,) and wreaths were sent by the deceased's father, Lieut. Jameson and the ship's company of the Neptune.

EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Devonport Cyclist Exonerated. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, on ELLEN SALTER, 52, who resided apart from her husband, a tanner, formerly of Cullompton, Edward A. Burnett, of Mary Arches Street, said he had been living with her for some years, and on Saturday evening, April 15th, he was with her in Fore-street. They were on the pavement and she suddenly went to cross the road and was knocked down by a cyclist, who fell off his machine. She was sober. - In reply to the Jury, the Coroner said the cyclist was Fredk. J. Waterfield, of George-street, Devonport. - MRS SALTER had bought a new hat and was excited. - Fred. Hayward, railway porter, said the cyclist was riding downhill carefully. MRS SALTER suddenly came into the roadway against the machine. The rider was in no way to blame. - Mr C. H. Lilley, House Surgeon, said death occurred in the Hospital on Saturday morning. A post-mortem revealed a fracture of the base of the skull, with haemorrhage on the brain. - The Coroner said he did not think the attendance of the cyclist from Devonport necessary, because there did not appear to be any reflection upon him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to the cyclist.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 May 1911
RICHMOND, SURREY - Devon Girl's Death In London. Conclusion Of Inquest. - The Inquest was concluded at Richmond yesterday on ELSIE SWEETNAM, a draper's assistant, formerly of Newton Abbot, the result, it was alleged, of an illegal operation, alleged to have been performed by Annie Marian Sadler, of Pimlico, who is now in custody. Further evidence was given, and the Jury found that death was the result of an illegal operation performed by Mrs Sadler, but that there was not sufficient evidence to associate Thomas Jones, the deceased's employer with the operation. The Coroner said that was a verdict of "Wilful Murder". Some of the Jury objected to that, but the Coroner said they had nothing to do with the question of legal definition.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 May 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Fatal Fall. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on MARY LOUISA PEARCE, the one-year-old daughter of a labourer. - MARY LOUISA PEARCE, of Clarence-place, the mother, said on Tuesday morning she left the bedroom and on returning shortly after met her son carrying the baby downstairs. he said she had fallen out of bed. At dinner-time the child was taken ill and she took her to the doctor in the evening. She called in the doctor again the next day, and the baby passed away in his presence. - Dr C. Roberts said a post-mortem examination revealed a bruise at the base of the skull and a large clot of blood inside the base of the skull and some fluid. Death was due to haemorrhage through injury to the base of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a vote of sympathy was passed with the parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Wolsdon-street Schools yesterday on ARCHIBALD JOHN MCARTHUR, aged 2 years, of 2 Arundel-crescent. - ANNA SCOTT MCARTHUR, wife of a fitter, said on Saturday she was called by a neighbour and told that deceased had fallen off a wall in the back-yard. The child did not appear to be much hurt, but on Sunday he developed pains, and, though treated by a doctor, did not recover and died on Wednesday evening. - Eliza Hancock said she was in the coal cupboard about six o'clock on Saturday evening when she saw the child on the wall, which was about eighteen inches high on one side, and four feet on the other. A moment later she saw that he had disappeared, and, looking over the wall, saw him at the bottom on the other side. She called the mother. - Dr Aikman said the child developed meningitis. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to this disease, engendered by a blow on the head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said the wall ought to be protected. - The Coroner promised to intimate this to the landlord of the house.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 May 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Drowning Case. Woman's Plucky Act. - At Barnstaple on Saturday Mr A. Bencraft held an Inquest on MARGERY AMELIA THOMAS, the 6 ½ years old child of MR WILLIAM THOMAS, an engineer, employed at S. J. Bale and Co's motor works. The child, with other children, in charge of Mrs F. Chugg, a neighbour, was playing on Sven Brethren Bank, when she fell into the water at a very deep part. Mrs Chugg did all she could to get the child out, going into the water herself, and, as the Coroner remarked, very nearly losing her own life. Unfortunately there was no one near at the time who could swim. - Mrs Chugg, of Signal-terrace, said the girl ran up the bank after herself and her own children, and they were playing with sticks about the edge of the water when THOMAS turned round and fell in on her back. Her falling in seemed unexplainable. The tide and the girl's own struggles carried her out. She (witness) plunged in to save her, although she could not swim and had never been in the water before. She went under, but managed to get hold of the girl in her arms and tried to get with her to the bank, but she felt the child slip from her and go down like a log. With much difficulty, her little daughter helping her, she got to the bank and hung on. Had anyone been there the girl could easily have been saved. - Mr Alfred J. Judd, author, of Barnstaple, who was on the opposite side of the river, said his attention was directed by shouts, and, looking across, he saw that someone had evidently fallen into the water. He saw Mrs Chugg jump into the water in her endeavours to save the child. It was no question of wading, but just a plunge, and was altogether a wonderfully plucky act. As far as he could see the child gripped Mrs Chugg by the neck and both went under. Unfortunately he could not swim himself, there was no one within call and he did the best he could by running up the bank to cross the railway bridge at the end of the park and get to the side of the river where the accident had happened. this he did, calling some boys who were bathing further up, in the way. When he reached the spot he was eight or ten minutes late as regards the child, who had sunk from sight. Mrs Chugg had just managed to scramble out. He could not speak too highly of Mrs Chugg's pluck in jumping into the river at the imminent risk of her own life. Mr Pugsley on arriving dived several times, but could find no trace of the child. - Charles Babb, 14, corroborated. - John Avery spoke to recovering the body about nine at night, and said there would be about 15 feet of water there at the time the child fell in. - The Coroner spoke of the danger of the river with its swiftly-rushing tide, and of the crumbling banks, and he thought it was only by a merciful Providence that Mrs Chugg saved her life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and through the Foreman (Mr J. R. Ford) highly commended Mrs Chugg for her plucky attempt at rescue, thanked Mr Judd, and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 May 1911
AXMINSTER - "Suicide Whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at Axminster yesterday on FLORENCE EMILY BELLWORTHY, domestic servant, aged 24, who hanged herself in her bedroom at the residence of Dr J. Neville Vise, at Axminster, by whom she was employed.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Accident Or Suicide? - An Inquest was held yesterday at St. Simon's Hall, Plymouth, on MARY E. ANNELL, of Rosebery-avenue. - GEORGE ANNELL, naval pensioner, said his wife was 58 years of age. He missed her from bed on Saturday morning and going into the kitchen found her dead. She was sitting in a chair near the penny-in-the-slot meter. The gas pipe was detached and there was a smell of gas. A white cloak was over her head and shoulders. His wife suffered from asthma and often got up and made herself a cup of tea. The tea caddy was ready and the kettle was on the ring. He thought her death was due to accident. He had before known her put a cloak on when she got up to get herself a cup of tea. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr J. Graves): Had she any trouble on her mind? - No; she suffered from asthma and from palpitation of the heart, and also had a bad leg; but she was not despondent and the night before she appeared in her usual health and in good spirits. - Mr c. F. Glinn, who was called to the house on Sunday morning, said the rubber gas pipe detached was lying by the chair. He attributed death to heart failure accelerated by gas poisoning. There was enough gas in the room when he got there to affect a person with a weak heart. He suggested that MRS ANNELL felt weak and catching hold of the gas pipe pulled it out as she sat in the chair. - The Deputy Coroner said the evidence was quite consistent with accidental death and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

TORQUAY - Torquay Man's Death. Widow's Allegations Of Poisoning. Doctor And Prescription. - ROBERT ALBERT DAMERELL, retired cab-driver, aged 65 died at Hill View, Warren-road, Torquay, on Monday, and Mr P.C. Cornish-Bowden held an Inquest yesterday. - Dr Courtenay Dunn said he had attended the deceased for heart weakness and on Saturday DAMERELL came to him and he gave him a mixture. - The Coroner: Have you the detailed prescription? - The Doctor replied that he had so many cases to attend to that his mind was not clear on the point. It, however, contained strychnine, chloroform and digitalis, and was mixed in a 60oz. bottle at his (the doctor's) own dispensary. He kept no record of it. - You know the suggestion in this case? - Yes. - You don't remember precisely the exact details, although this was only on Saturday? - That is so. - If the whole dose had been taken at once would that have caused poisoning so as to kill him? - No. If anything, it would have done good. - Continuing, witness said when DAMERELL went outdoors on the following day - Sunday - he was looking very ill. Next day he was called to the house and found him dead, but his lips were not discoloured. - Widow's Mental Condition. - Did you form an opinion as to the state of the widow's mind? - Yes. - Would she be capable of giving evidence at this court? - No. - Did she suggest that her husband's death was due to poisoning? - Yes; she said "Cawdle's men have given my husband drink with poison in," or words to that effect, adding that I knew they had done so. - Did you find any poison in deceased's room? - No. There was a glass which smelt of carbolic, but it was empty. - Did you give any carbolic in your mixture? - I do not remember. - You must please remember. - I can't really remember all these things. - I must ask you again if there was any carbolic in the medicine you supplied? - Not to my knowledge. - Did your medicine smell of carbolic? - No. If there had been any, it would have been about six drops - a drop to the dose. - Did this glass contain your medicine? - As far as I recollect, it did not. - You say you do not know what drugs your mixture contained? - I do not know precisely. - You only say what you probably would have used? - Yes. - But you don't know whether you did or not? - No. - Cause Of Death. - The Doctor said his post-mortem examination revealed a fatty heart and chronic inflammation of the kidneys. He had not made an analysis of the contents of the stomach, but had placed them in a jar for examination if necessary. - Did you find any sign of poisoning? - None whatever. - Did you examine the brain? - No. - Is not that a recognised part of a post-mortem examination? - When a medical man is satisfied without doing so as to the cause of death, the brain examination is dispensed with. - What in your opinion was the cause of death? - Heart failure, caused by the fatty degeneration. I might also say I found two bruises just below the man's knees, probably caused in falling. - Could a man's shins be bruised by falling on his knees? - Yes, with a heavy man like him. It might have been done in falling against stairs. - In reply to a Juror, the Doctor said he based his opinion as to the widow's mental condition by her manner and her rambling statements. Her language was anything but that of a sane woman. - Another Juror: Don't you think, for your own safety, and for that of the public, you ought to keep a record of your dispensings? - I do when dangerous drugs are dispensed. - Neighbour's Evidence. - Mrs Laura Bond, a neighbour, said DAMERELL had been a very strong man. The widow is anything but sane. She had a seizure three or four years ago and has not been herself since. She acts in a very mad manner and says very mad things. She (witness) took no notice whatever of the woman's allegations against the Doctor, because she had said such strange things many times before. - Geo. H. Deabill, foreman at Cawdle's coaching news, said no one at Cawdle's gave DAMERELL drink. - The Coroner said the widow had been summoned, but refused to attend. She being of weak intellect, he did not intend to take any measures to enforce her attendance. If the Jury were inclined to take the widow's statements seriously, there could be an adjourned Inquiry and an examination of the body by an independent doctor. He, however, thought they could attach little importance to her suggestions. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that the Doctor was unable to remember what he had prescribed, and in view of the grave suggestions made, it was a pity a record had not been kept.

PLYMSTOCK - At Turnchapel yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd on ELIZABETH MARY SMITH, widow, aged 75, of Rock Cottage. Mrs Alice E. Brown said her mother, on returning home from a walk after chapel, on Sunday evening, was taken ill and died. She had lately complained of slight indigestion. Dr Noy Scott of Plymstock, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope caused by a fatty heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Naval Stoker's Death. Coroner's Jury Return A Verdict Of "Manslaughter". Result Of Post-Mortem. - Crowds surrounded the Plymouth Mortuary in Vauxhall-street yesterday afternoon, on the occasion of the Inquest on FREDERICK ROBERT BOWERING, stoker, H.M.S. Blake, found dead in a house in Summerland-place on Monday morning. The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted the Inquiry. Mr John W. Bickle appeared on behalf of another naval stoker named Lovell, who is accused of manslaughter: and Mr J. P. Goldsmith, of Devonport, represented the Admiralty. - Thomas Robert Hutchinson, master-at-Arms, H.M.S. Blake, said BOWERING was 26 years of age and his residence was with his uncle at Ventnor-villas, Brighton. - The Girl's Evidence. - Dorothy Vickary, about 20 years of age, said she had been living with Hugh Logan, another naval stoker, at Summerland-place. On Sunday evening she met Lovell and BOWERING at the Princess Royal, at Stonehouse. Lovell said he knew where she lived and was coming home with her. She said she did not want him to do that and she did not see him afterwards until she got to the house. Then Lovell and BOWERING were outside the door. Lovell said he was coming in. BOWERING had had more than enough to drink. Both came in and found Logan there, and a conversation ensued. Lovell said to BOWERING, "Go out of the room," and hit him over the eye. That was the only blow struck. BOWERING fell down faint and they bathed his face with water, got him up and he sat on the side of the bed. He then seemed all right and Lovell left. Logan afterwards asked BOWERING if he was all right and he said "All right, chummy,~" and they then left him. At a quarter to seven next morning she said to Logan, "I wonder if that other chap's gone?" Logan went to see and came back and said BOWERING was dead. - The Foreman (Mr Southern): Are you sure only one blow was struck? - Yes. - Didn't anyone catch him by the throat? - No. - When he seemed all right why didn't you tell him to go home? - There was an empty room there and we thought he was all right. - Was BOWERING lifted on to the bed? - No, he went to bed himself. He didn't undress. - Did anyone go in to BOWERING after you left him? - No. - In cross-examination by Mr Bickle, witness denied that she asked Lovell to go home with her. She had known Lovell and BOWERING before Sunday evening. Up to the time of Lovell going she saw no blood upon BOWERING. The first time she noticed blood was next morning. BOWERING was left in an outer room, which they had to go through to get to her room. She heard nothing during the night. Logan was sober. - Stoker's Story. - Hugh Logan, stoker, H.M.S. Vivid, said he was in the house when Vickary walked in, followed by the two men. After the conversation spoken to by Vickary, Lovell drew back and struck BOWERING with his fist. They had all been drinking, but BOWERING seemed the worst. He fell in the doorway between the two room. - The Coroner: Did Lovell say anything before he struck the blow? - He said, "I am going to put you out," or something like that. - How did you find him next morning? - Lying face downwards on the mattress, the only thing on the bed. - Did you move him? - No; I saw he was dead. - Did you notice any blood on him? - Not when he was struck, or after he sat on the bed. In the morning blood seemed to be coming from his nose. - Are you aware that Lovell and BOWERING were chums? - No; I knew Lovell, but not BOWERING. - The Foreman: You said there was nothing said before the blow was struck? - They were mumbling one to the other, but I did not hear what was said. - How can you account for Lovell striking the blow? - I cannot account for it. - Could anyone get into the room during the night? - Yes; there is no lock on the door. - Did you hear anyone during the night? - Not a sound. - In reply to Mr Bickle, witness said after BOWERING came round, he told Lovell, "You can go now; I will look after him." - The Arrest. - P.C. Wyatt, who was called to the house on Monday morning, deposed to finding BOWERING dead and to apprehending Lovell on board H.M.S. Devonshire. - Detective-Inspector Hitchcock, who accompanied P.C. Wyatt said as Lovell was being brought to the Police Station, he said "What do you think I shall get for this lot?" Witness replied that he did not know, and Lovell then said, "I had no intention of injuring him. We had a few words and I struck him. He went down and I thought he was knocked out or faint. Logan then got some water and bathed his face and put him on his feet and lifted him on the side of the bed. As he appeared to come round, I left him with Logan and went to Union-street, Stonehouse, where I stayed the night. If I had once thought I had injured him, I should certainly have stayed with him, and not left him as I did." - Surgeon's Evidence. - Mr C. J. Cooke, Surgeon, said that when he was called in the man had been dead some hours. As the result of a post-mortem examination, he found there were bruises on the face, nose, chin, throat, across the front of the chest, on the left shoulder and on the right side of the head, and an effusion of blood in the right eye. The tongue was slightly protruding and the face dusky in colour. There was no fracture of any kind and no sign of strangulation. The nose was full of blood and there had been considerable haemorrhage of the nose. The lungs and rain were deeply congested; the blood of all the internal organs was very dark in colour and liquid. None of the blows which caused the bruises would be sufficient to account for death, but the blow on the side of the head might, and probably did cause a certain amount of concussion of the brain. The actual cause of death was asphyxia, probably caused by the man falling heavily and striking his head and becoming somewhat stunned. The man might have rolled over on to his face and been suffocated. He had evidently been lying on his face in a pool of blood. Deceased was a healthy man. - The Coroner: Would death have occurred if the man had not been drunk? - I think if the man was very drunk it was possible for him to have rolled over on to his face and he accidentally suffocated. That might have been sufficient to cause death. - Dr Cooke added that he thought death was caused by suffocation. The mattress was old and so worn in the centre that a man's face would get down into it. - How do you account for the blood? - In the act of suffocation the nasal passage would be deeply congested with blood and some of it might escape. - The Foreman: One blow would not cause all the bruises you mention? - No. - Did you notice the bruises in the throat? - It looked to me as if he had been gripped by the throat. - I expect what you saw was post-mortem staining, not bruises. - It might be likely that when he sat on the bed he had a relapse from the stunning, and fell back? - It is quite possible. - And very likely he would fall face downwards on the mattress? - It is quite possible. - The blood could not have been produced by the blow? - I should say not. - Verdict Of The Jury. - The Coroner said he thought they would agree that the witnesses had given their evidence absolutely fairly. There seemed to have been no attempt to keep anything back. The point was whether the Jury thought the blow as in any way the cause of death. Might it be assumed that if he had not had that blow deceased would still have died from suffocation? - The Jury retired, and after a brief absence said they considered the blow caused concussion of the brain and that concussion was the cause of the suffocation. - The Coroner: That is a verdict of Manslaughter. - The Foreman: And we think Logan and Vickary ought to be severely censured for the manner in which they left the man. - The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that here.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Brixham Skipper Drowned. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES HENRY BRAY, the master of the Brixham fishing smack Britannia's Pride, aged 56 years. - Wm. Disney, the mate, said he last saw the master alive on Tuesday on board the smack. He never heard him threaten to take his life. The smack lay about 20 yards from the Barbican Pier, and the captain would have to go on board by boat. - Geo. Conybeare, Looe-street, Plymouth, deposed to seeing BRAY sleeping on the ground at the Syndicate offices on the Barbican pier-head on Tuesday. Later in the day he passed again and he was gone. Rd. Glinn, Gloucester-street, said he was going out fishing on Wednesday morning when he saw the body floating in Sutton Pool. - P.C. roach, Plymouth Water Police, stated that he saw the deceased on Tuesday and he appeared as usual. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 May 1911
EXETER - Exeter Mill Tragedy. Inquest On MR H. T. HELLIER: Brain Fag And Sleeplessness. Sympathy At The Inquiry. - At Exeter yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr W. Rackwood-Cocks on HENRY THOMAS HELLIER, the proprietor of the City Roller Mills, Exeter, found the previous morning in the mills shot through the head. Mr W. H. Tarbet represented the widow. - MR JOHN HELLIER said his brother was 45 years of age. He last saw him alive on the 8th of this month, when he seemed in his usual health. He had never mentioned anything about suicide. - Dr Dyball said he had been attending MR HELLIER since May 8th for neurasthenia. He had been over-worked and run-down, and had what was popularly known as brain fag. He complained of sleeplessness. Witness had known him for ten years and he had told him he had been gradually getting in that condition for some time. On Thursday morning he received a telephone message from the City Mills and on going there found MR HELLIER lying on his back on the floor of the carpenter's workshop, with a bullet wound in the right temple and a revolver lying on his shoulder. There was some blood on his right hand and also on a low shelf which he had apparently lent upon when he fired the revolver, and then fallen to the floor. Death was instantaneous. MR HELLIER was perfectly rational and sane, but very shaky and over-wrought on the previous Monday. It was not probable, but quite possible, that he might have had a temporary lapse from sanity. - Mr Tarbet: Would it be the more probable if there was no other cause that would lead him to take his life? - Yes. - A Juror: Was he unduly dejected? - Yes; he was unable to do his business properly. - Was it from business worries? - No, from sleeplessness. I understand arrangements had actually been made for him to go away for a change. - The Foreman's Story. - Richard Lethbridge, Cambridge-street, St. Thomas, foreman miller in the employ of MR HELLIER, said at eight o'clock his employer came to work and seemed in very good spirits. He last saw him alive at 9.35 a.m. in his office, when he told him to shut the exhaust-room door at his leisure and added that he would be going his round in the city in five minutes and asked him to come back. Witness did so, but finding the office door open, and MR HELLIER'S hat on the chair, he went to shut the exhaust-room door and saw MR HELLIER on the floor of the carpenter's shop. MR HELLIER had told him that he had had great pains in his head for several weeks past and that he could not sleep. He was fond of shooting. He had a revolver beside ordinary guns. - Pathetic Letter - Detective Walters said the revolver was lying on the right shoulder. In MR HELLIER'S right-hand trouser pocket were three revolver cartridges, and a note written in pencil as follows:- "Dear Alice and Mother, - I cannot stand the pain in my head any longer. My nerves are completely gone. I am afraid of losing my memory. - Yours always, TOM." - In a safe in the office was a box which contained 46 cartridges. There was one discharged cartridge in the revolver. - Mr Tarbet said he had enjoyed the close confidence of MR HELLIER for many years and, with the exception of the loss of nerve-power which he had complained of for some little time past, he had been peculiarly free from any embarrassment, either of business, family or otherwise. With regard to outside engagements or matters, he had the privilege and pleasure of being in affluent circumstances. - The Jury (Mr W. H. Edwards, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and relatives, an expression in which the Deputy Coroner joined.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on EMILY ROBERTS, aged 53, wife of RICHARD JOHN ROBERTS, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, living in Wilton-street. MRS ROBERTS was taken ill on Thursday morning, but recovered sufficiently to be able to cook dinner. In the afternoon she vomited and complained of pain in the chest and died before a medical man could be fetched. - Dr Pearson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the deceased's heart was very fatty and he found 17 gall-stones. He attributed death to syncope following colic, accelerated by fatty degeneration of the heart. The colic was due to indigestion. - MR ROBERTS said his wife had no teeth, and he had been unable to persuade her to go to the dentist to get false ones. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 May 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE TAYLOR. - James Lowton, Mount-street, said MR TAYLOR, his father-in-law, a naval pensioner, had lived with him. When he came home on Friday night, about nine o'clock, he said he was feeling queer, and unable to hold anything in his hand. Later, when they were down in the court, he said he could not turn round. While being assisted into the house, he was taken worse and fell. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said TAYLOR'S heart weighed between 17 and 18 ounces; the normal weight was 10 to 12 ounces. Death was due to heart failure, due to valvular disease. A verdict was returned accordingly.

HALBERTON - Cullompton Boy's Terrible Death. - The Inquest on HOWARD WILLIAM DUMMETT, aged 6, of the Green, Cullompton, who died on Saturday, was held at Coombe Cottage, Halberton, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould (Exeter). - The father, ERNEST DUMMETT, said that on Saturday he was delivering goods at Coombe Cottage with a motor lorry belonging to Mr Cook, carrier, of Cullompton. Whilst he was carrying iron bedsteads and a mattress into a cottage Elworthy's traction engine came along. He heard his little son cry "Daddy," and looking round, saw deceased under one of the front wheels. He dropped the mattress and picked the child up, but he was too late. - Harry Pook, driver of the motor lorry, stated that while he was at the front of the lorry he saw deceased fall from the lorry under the near front wheel of a passing traction engine. He could not see what caused the boy to fall. - William Alford, Halberton, driver of the engine, saw the boy fall in front of his engine, and before he could stop the front wheel was on him. - Mr G. G. Gidley, Surgeon, Cullompton, described the terrible injuries, which, he said, caused instantaneous death, and the Coroner remarked that there appeared to be no blame attached to any one. No doubt the father took this child with him with the best of intentions, but it was an example of the folly of taking children on this sort of vehicle. - The Jury found that the occurrence was Accidental.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - The Bittaford Fatality. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on THOMAS ROBERT POINTER, 48, who met with an accident on the railway cutting at Lee Mill, Ivybridge. A gang of workmen had taken out earth to make a new cutting to Bittaford. As POINTER was screwing up the rails the earth, which was overhanging, fell on him. Neither of the other workmen saw the accident. - William Henry Harper, foreman of the party, said he did not think the earth was unsafe. Five or six wagon-loads fell on POINTER, burying him. He was unconscious when taken out, and he was removed to Ivybridge, where Dr Cooper ordered his removal to the Hospital. - Frederick S. Gould, engineer at the cutting, said there was no over-hanging earth. He attributed the slip to the earth being dry. - Ernest Roberts, foreman, said he saw the cutting was vertical an hour before the accident. - Arthur Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said POINTER was admitted suffering from a compound fracture of the leg. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 June 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. Result Of A Mailcart Accident. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ELSIE GWENDOLINE BERTHA MOYSE, aged nine months. - BERTHA MOYSE, wife of a Dockyard labourer, residing in Mount-street, said on Saturday afternoon, April 29th, Lilian Flower took the baby out. Shortly after six o'clock she returned and the baby was screaming. The baby's nose was badly skinned. The girl told her she had pricked it with a pin. Inquiries showed that the girl had upset the mail-cart in which the baby was. The next day she asked Flower how she upset the cart, and she replied that the baby did not fall to the ground. She told her the baby was very ill and on the following Monday called in a doctor. - Lilian Flower, age 13, said when returning home with the baby one of the tyres of the cart continually got twisted and she had to tie it. When coming along the road at the top of the Brickfields the mail-cart fell over on its side and the baby tumbled out. At the Park steps she took the baby out of the cart, and a pin in her blouse scratched its nose. She did not tell MRS MOYSE the baby fell out of the mail-cart because she was frightened. She did not notice that the baby's nose was injured until she got in the lines. - Mabel Hoskings, another girl of Mount-street, said one of the wheels of the mail-cart went over the foot of a man and turned over and the child fell out. - Dr R. J. Fleming said when he was called in the baby was feverish, and her condition gradually got worse until it died on Wednesday. He had made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to acute meningitis, which he thought was due to the fall. - The Coroner said it was a particularly sad case and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the girl, Lilian Flower, from blame.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on RICHARD BLIGHT, found dead in bed at 25 Cambridge-street, medical evidence showed death to be due to cirrhosis of the liver, caused by excessive drinking.

PLYMOUTH - Peverell Drowning Case. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on ANGUS HERBERTSON, aged 10 years. The evidence showed that the lad, with his brother, went to the old Stonehouse reservoir at Peverell, apparently to fish. He fell in and was drowned and owing to the peculiar construction of the reservoir, the body was recovered only with the greatest difficulty. - It was stated that there were no less than three fences, but in spite of this small boys were in the habit of getting in. There was a similar fatality at the reservoir some years ago, and the suggestion was then made that the reservoir should be drained, but this appeared not to have been acted upon. - P.C. Ayres said there was a drop of 10ft. from the bank to the level of the water and the water was 6ft. or 7ft. deep. If anyone fell into the reservoir they could not get out without assistance. - The body of the boy was recovered with the aid of a ladder. - The brother of the deceased, FRANCIS HERBERTSON, said when ANGUS fell into the water he ran to fetch help. He told one man there was a boy in the water, and the man only said "He shouldn't be there," and passed on. - Some discussion ensued as to whether the fences round the reservoir were sufficiently effective and one of the witnesses suggested there were gaps "large enough to drive a wheelbarrow through." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and added a rider strongly recommending that the pool be drained.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 June 1911
ERMINGTON - Plymouth Pedlar Found Dead. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Ermington yesterday on PHILIP HARDING, aged 68, of Plymouth. HARDING, who had no hands, was a well-known pedlar. Sarah Ann Daniels, wife of Frederick Daniels, of the First and Last Inn, Ermington, said HARDING came to the Inn to lodge on Thursday. On Friday about 10.30 p.m. he went to bed, and in the morning was found dead. He had not complained of any illness. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

AVETON GIFFORD - Modbury Lad's Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at Aveton Gifford, yesterday, on RICHARD BROAD, aged 15. - JOHN BROAD, journeyman fellmonger, Modbury, said his son had been working for Mr Wroth, of Heathfield Down Farm, Aveton Gifford, for some time. he was a strong and active lad, and well able to manage a horse and cart and was very pleased with his employment and his employer. Servington Hodder, farmer, of Harraton Farm, Aveton Gifford, said on Saturday morning his attention was drawn to a farm cart turned upside down in a field at Heathfield Down, and on going to it he found BROAD with his body under the cart, and his head projecting outside the front of the cart. The full weight of the cart was on his neck. With assistance witness extricated the lad, who was quite dead. The harness was sound and nothing had given way. It was possible that the wheels of the cart went over a heap of wood on the ground, and, there being a slight dip in the field, the turning over the cart would be account for if the boy had pulled quickly on the left rein. - Arthur Harris Wroth said BROAD had been in his employ for about eight months. The horse he was driving was about 15 years old and very quiet. He agreed with Mr Hodder as to the probable cause of the accident. - Nellie Hurrell, of Modbury, said she saw BROAD drive out of the farmyard a quarter of an hour before she noticed the cart in the field upside down. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, said BROAD'S neck was broken causing instantaneous death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

HARTLAND - At the Inquest at Hartland on HUGH MOUNTJOY, aged 65 years, MARIA MOUNTJOY, sister, said he went down to a field on Thursday to fetch a gatepost. It was very hot weather. He left the horse while he fastened the gate. The animal bolted up the road towards Wargery Farm. He ran after it and then came into the house complaining that he felt unwell. He was very sick and she gave him a drop of brandy. He then lay down on the sofa and in a few minutes died. Dr Walker, who had made a post mortem examination said the heart was fatty and MR MOUNTJOY must have been suffering severely from inflammation of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TOTNES - The River Dart Fatality. - At Totnes yesterday, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden held an Inquest on WILLIAM RICHARD HANNAFORD, baker, aged 42. Charles Wilson, labourer, said on Saturday he lent HANNAFORD a bathing costume and afterwards saw him swimming down the River Dart. In a few seconds he missed him and going up the bank, he found him sinking in about 4ft. of water. He kept his head above water until help came. He appeared to be dead, but they carried on artificial respiration until the doctor arrived and said the man was dead. - James Eastman, fisherman, who assisted Wilson, said no water came from deceased's mouth. - Dr W. R. Edmond, who had made a post-mortem examination, said HANNAFORD had valvular heart disease and death was caused by the exertion of swimming. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 June 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Seven In A Room. Stonehouse Infant's Death. - At Stonehouse yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on the infant daughter of JOSEPH HENRY HOSKING, carter, of High-street. - The father said the child was found dead in bed on Saturday night at 10.45. he slept in the same bedroom with his wife, daughters and step-daughter. They had another room, but it was not fit to live in. - The Coroner: How's that? - When Mr Martin had the sewerage done, the men took away a trough and nothing has been done to the room since. Two other daughters and a step-daughter occupied the same room. - A Juryman: Who does the room belong to? - Mr Chas. Martin, the guardian. - Police Inspector Joslin: There is an ordinary couch in the room? - Yes. - Do you mean to say this young woman and the two daughters can sleep on an ordinary couch? - There are chairs by the side of it. - Isn't it a fact they sleep in the bed with your wife? - No. - Weren't they in the bed the night before? - No. - Had you been drunk? - I had had a pint. - The Coroner: As far as you can gather, he was sober on Saturday night? - Inspector Joslin: On this particular occasion there is no question of drink. - The Coroner said it would have been more decent for HOSKING to have gone into the other room instead of into that in which there were so many women, especially having regard to the state of his wife. - Maud Gilley, step-daughter of HOSKING, and Mary Jane Stephens, a neighbour, also gave evidence. The latter said she was one of the old midwives and was not now certificated. She was called at the birth of the child and did what she could. - The Coroner said she should have sent to a nursing home or to the parish doctor. She had no right to do what she did. It looked as if she was in the habit of doing these things. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to suffocation, brought about by overlaying. The room was 13 ½ feet by 12 and in addition to the bed there was a couch. The room was very stuffy - enough to suffocate anyone. - The Coroner said he must again remark that it was regrettable that parents would take young children into bed with them without exercising reasonable care to see that they were not overlaid. As long as the law remained as it was no blame could be placed on anyone in the absence of drunkenness, and in the absence of any criminal neglect their verdict must be one of "Accidental Death." - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WILFRED HOLBECK HARRIS, aged 5 years, son of MR FRED HARRIS, stationmaster of Liss, Hampshire, fatally injured by a motor car on Saturday evening. Mr S. Proctor, assistant town clerk, appeared for the City Council; Mr G. H. Stephens for Gould Bros., the owners of the car, and Walter Edward Hemens, the driver. - The father of the child said on Saturday he took his two children to Exmouth and arrived back in the city about 6.30 in the evening. He went on a car to the terminus in Pinhoe-road, riding on the top. On getting to the terminus he got down in front of his two boys, who followed him down the steps. They left by the end nearest the terminus. Whilst he was attending to his other boy a lady lifted WILFRED from the steps and he jumped on to the roadway. At the same time a motor car passed and knocked him down. - By Mr Stephens: They really came down the front part of the car. - Ernest Pearse, tram driver, said when he arrived at the terminus he took off the driving gear and transferred it at once to the other end. He did not notice MR HARRIS and his two boys. He saw the motor car coming from the direction of the city on the proper side. The horn was sounded three or four times. The motor car was approaching at a moderate pace. The step of the tram was up and he was waiting to proceed to the city, when the accident happened. - By the Coroner: At a terminus passengers could get off at either end. - Mr Proctor produced the rules, which stated - 'The entrance to and exit from the carriages shall be by the hindermost or conductor's platform, except at a terminus, when the carriages are stationary.' - Stanley Ching, tram conductor, said he first noticed the child in the roadway after reaching the terminus, and MR HARRIS was at the entrance to the car. The lad ran towards the tram. The hooter of the oncoming motor car was sounded and then the near front wheel caught the boy. The car skidded owing to the brakes being put on. The car slowed down as it approached. - Wm. Barrett, Rack-street, said he was passing the terminus at the time the tramcar stopped. The motor car was coming down at a fair rate and the horn was sounded three or four times. He saw the boy placed on the footpath and then run towards the car. He was knocked down, but the brakes of the motor car were put on. - Walter Rotherham, Monk's-road, and Fredk. Gent, farmer, Pinhoe, gave corroborative evidence. - Capt. Charles Shuldham Schrieber, 18 Arlington-street, London, said on Saturday evening he was riding in a hired motor car in Pinhoe-road, when he saw a little boy run in front of the car. The driver had sounded his horn several times before, and did so as he approached the tramcar. As the boy ran across, the driver applied the brakes, but the car struck him and the near front wheel ran over him. Witness got out and assisted him from underneath the car, and he was placed in it and driven to the Hospital. It was difficult to say what pace the car was travelling, but he should say at the rate of eight miles an hour as it approached the tramcar. Like Mr Gent, he thought the boy was going from the tramcar to the kerb. Witness expressed sympathy with the relatives and also the sympathy of Lord and Lady Poltimore, with whom he was staying, and who were greatly distressed about the accident. - Peter Davidson, of Paul-street, a passenger on the tramcar, also said the boy was going from the tram to the kerb when he was knocked down. - Walter E. Hemens, the driver of the motor car, who was first warned by the Coroner, said he sounded the horn very nearly all the way down Pinhoe-road. As he approached the tramcar the boy crossed the road, but before he could put the brakes on, the car had knocked him down. - P.S. Mortimore, Heavitree, said the car skidded a distance of sixteen paces and after going the distance of ten paces the car turned at almost right angles towards the tramway. The road had recently been tar-=sprayed, and the surface was greasy, which would account for the car skidding such a distance. - Dr Carter said the boy was dead when admitted to Hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed a fractured dislocation of the upper part of the spine and a ruptured lung. - The Coroner said whilst there did not appear to be any gross negligence on the part of the motor car driver, the case showed how necessary it was that motor cars should be driven as slowly as possible past tramcars when people were getting out. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the motor car driver from blame, and expressed their sympathy with the parents, with which the Coroner concurred. The Jury also added a rider that passengers of tramways should alight only at one end of the car. - Mr Stephens, on behalf of Gould Bros. and the driver, expressed sympathy with the parents. - MR HARRIS, in acknowledging the expressions of sympathy, said he was quite satisfied that no one was to blame.

EXETER - Fatal Railway Journey. - An Inquiry was held on ELIZA GALE, aged 63, of Cross-cottage, Pinhoe, widow of a gardener. - EDWARD GALE said his mother had enjoyed good health. She left home on Friday morning to go to Kennford. - Percy Gayton, railway porter, said on the arrival of a train from Pinhoe at Queen-street Station on Friday, his attention was called to MRS GALE, who was very ill in a carriage which was fearfully hot. He assisted her out and a doctor was sent for. - Rev. O. Puckridge, vicar of Pinhoe, who was travelling in the same carriage, wrote that MRS GALE appeared to faint as soon as she took her sear in the carriage. - Dr Sturdee, House Physician, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said MRS GALE was admitted into the Hospital in an unconscious state and died the same day. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, due to apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Swinging Behind A Wagon. - An Inquest was held on WILLIAM MILLER, aged six years, of West-street, son of FRANK MILLER, a sergeant in the 3rd Devons. - MARY ANN MILLER, the mother, said the lad left home at midday on Friday to go to the Bonhay Pleasure Ground, with two other children. - Robert Salter, jun., hawker, West-street, said on Friday afternoon he was driving sheep in the Bonhay-road, and saw the lad walking in the road by himself. Soon afterwards he saw him swinging on the back of a wagon laden with sheep and then fall. He was too far away to see the cause. A horse was travelling at the rear of the wagon. - Elizabeth Eales, Beech-hill, said she saw the boy lying in the road. The wagon continued on and she called to the driver. he said the boy had nothing to do with him. The boy was bleeding very much, and appeared to be dead. - Deaconess Maud Brett deposed to going to the boy's assistance, and conveying him to the Hospital in a cab. - Wm. Ridler, waggoner, Thorverton, who was first warned by the Coroner, said he was returning home with sheep and had a horse tied up behind the wagon. He remembered Mrs Eales calling out to him that his little boy had fallen off the wagon. His own boy was riding in the wagon and, looking round, said, "No, he is nothing t do with me." Seeing the boy lying on the ground, he went back to him. There were rollers at the back of the wagon, which might have caused the boy to fall when he caught hold of them. He did not know the boy was there. If he had seen him, he should have made him get off. - Mr Carter, Assistant House Surgeon, said the boy was admitted to the Hospital with a fracture of the top of the skull, through which the brain protruded. He died the same day without recovering consciousness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their sympathy with the parents, and exonerated the driver from blame. -

EXETER - Suicide Of A Sextoness. - An Inquest was held last evening on ELIZABETH ANN DRAKE, aged 49, a widow, Dinham-road, the sextoness of St. Michael's Church, found drowned on Saturday evening. - RICHARD W. DRAKE said of late his mother had complained of pains. She had undergone an operation and suffered considerably and that made her drink a little at times. On Saturday, at a funeral service at the church of a very great friend of hers, she had to toll the bell and he thought that that upset her. HENRY F. DRAKE, another son, said he left his mother at home on Saturday evening, when she appeared to be all right. he had spoken to her about her drinking in the week, and she said she would be better. When she suffered pains she said life was not worth living, and she threatened to drown herself some time ago. - ETHEL ELIZABETH DRAKE, a daughter, said when she left her mother at home on Saturday evening, she told her not to have anything to drink like she had been having in the week, or she would tell her (witness's) grandmother. She said "Don't do that, or you won't find me here when you come back." She said "all right," and they parted good friends. - James Slack, Stepcote-hill, said on Saturday evening his son drew his attention to a hat and jacket on the bank in Bonhay-road. Witness went along the river bank in his boat and recovered the body of the deceased. He tried artificial respiration with two members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Police, but it was of no avail. - Mr J. A. Pereira, Police Surgeon, said the cause of death was Asphyxia, due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 9 June 1911
SEATON AND BEER - Seaton Boating Fatality. Due To "Iteming." - Dr E. R. Tweed held an Inquest at Seaton on HORBAN HARVEY, of Chard. MRS HARVEY said her husband, 48 years of age, was quite sober when he left home on Tuesday about noon to visit Seaton. - George Real, of Axmouth, naval pensioner, said he met Isaac Huish and HARVEY at Seaton on Tuesday. The only drink he had was two glasses of beer and a pint of "shandy". The decided to go fishing and hired a boat from B. Snell. No boatman accompanied them. They rowed in the direction of the River Axe, and Huish and HARVEY had two lines out. One of the men made a dive towards the other man's line, causing the boat to upset. His (Real's) feet got entangled in the lines and prevented his rendering any assistance to the other men. He clung on to the boat and with assistance got ashore. All three were sober, but Huish and HARVEY were "iteming." - Isaac Huish, mason, of Chard, said he was not fishing and had no idea what caused the boat to turn over. - The Coroner remarked that the evidence of the last two witnesses was quite contradictory. - B. Snell, a licensed boatman, said he lent the boat to Real, who as a navy man could manage a boat. They were quite sober. He saw them proceed towards the river, but half an hour later he saw the boat was nearly underwater, and the men splashing about in the water. He pulled as hard as he could to the spot. Real was clinging to the boat. Huish was just sinking with his face downwards. he held Huish up until Reg. Wood swam out from the shore and helped to get Huish into the boat. He was unconscious, but recovered. He then asked Real where the other man was, and he said he was "gone down." He rowed again to the spot and with others tied two paddles together with a fish-gaff at the end, and pulled HARVEY to the surface. He had then been in the water 20 to 23 minutes. - By Superintendent De Schmidt: It was a rule for the Seaton boatmen to inquire of anyone hiring a boat if they could row. The sea was quite calm and with fair usage the boat would never upset. - B. Roseveare, barmaid at the George Inn, said the three men called there and were supplied with refreshment, but were quite sober when they left. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said Huish recovered after artificial respiration, but HARVEY was quite dead when brought ashore. - The Jury (Mr A. Rowe, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned whilst Fishing," and gave their fees to the widow. - Mr W. J. Newton (a Juror) said thanks were due to B. Snell, R. Wood, C. Trineman and others for valuable help rendered and the Coroner concurred.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Carter's Death. Conflicting Evidence At The Inquest. - In the Newton Hospital yesterday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM PERRYMAN, 43, of Victoria-place, a carter, in the employ of John Vicary and sons, tanners, Newton Abbot. - Clifford A. Squire said on Tuesday afternoon he saw PERRYMAN driving a horse and wagon laden with leather along Queen-street. He was standing on the shafts, leaning back on the wagon and seemed to suddenly collapse. His head fell forward and his arms dropped to his side and he fell in a heap on to the road. The reins being entangled in the deceased, the horse was pulled sharply to the left and the wheel caught him in the side. The wheel seemed to rest on his body and push him along for 10 or 20 yards before the horse was stopped. PERRYMAN practically got up by himself, but did not seem conscious, and collapsed completely in a few minutes. A motor car was standing by the side of the road, but the horse walked quietly and was not frightened in the least. - William Reeve said the man apparently fainted and fell off. - Henry Johnson, labourer, in the employ of the Urban Council, who was road sweeping some distance from the scene of the accident, said a motor car was standing by the side of the road, under repair, and the horse got a bit frightened and shied a little. PERRYMAN, standing on the shafts, threw down the reins and jumped off. His foot caught in the reins and he fell, and the reins pulled the horse around to the left. - Squire and Reeve, recalled, said they were certain PERRYMAN made no attempt to jump, nor any effort to save himself. - Dr Leslie Doudney said PERRYMAN had six ribs fractured both by the side and at the spine and one of the ribs had penetrated the lung, making a wound 3 inches by 4. The spleen was lacerated and there were other internal injuries. PERRYMAN was a very healthy man indeed, and he did not think it likely that he would faint. On the brain was a small amount of fibrous tissue, but that was old and not recent. It did not cause a fit on the day of the accident, as the man was afterwards able to answer questions. - It was stated that PERRYMAN had made no statement to anyone as to the cause of the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family.

SOUTH BRENT - Plymouth Man's Death At Brent. - An Inquest was held at Brent yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CORNHILL, aged 72, of Lipson, Plymouth, found dead in the road between Carew Arms and Zenson Farm, on Tuesday evening. - Mrs Florence Wills, of 8 Clayton-terrace, Plymouth, said CORNHILL was her father, formerly a Dockyard storeman. He suffered from heart disease of long standing. She saw him on the previous Thursday before he started for Totnes. Mr Jas. S. Brock, of Totnes, said he was motoring with a friend and near Zenson Farm saw a man lying by the roadside. They lifted him up and tried artificial respiration, but he was apparently past human aid. He saw the man a few hours previously at Totnes. - Dr F. W. Style having made a post-mortem examination, said there were no external marks whatever, and the body was fairly well nourished considering the age. Extensive valvular disease of the heart was undoubtedly the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Baby's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on SAMUEL JOHN GULLEY, 13 months old, whose parents reside in William-street. - The mother stated that last Saturday week she was in the kitchen with the baby, who was in a double perambulator. She went to the fireplace to get a cup of tea, and turning round saw the child had fallen out of the perambulator. For the first week he seemed to be recovering from the accident, but on Saturday became worse. Dr R. H. Wagner stated that on being called on Saturday evening he found the child suffering from concussion of the brain caused by the fall. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on Saturday concerning the death of EMMA ANN ROGERS, aged 49, of Lydford Park-road, Plymouth, FRANCIS GEORGE THOMAS ROGERS, painter, deposed to finding his wife dead on the floor of a front-room, when he went home on Friday evening. Dr E. G. Smith attributed death to the rupture of a varicose vein, which caused death through loss of blood. Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Fatality. Unsatisfactory Evidence At Inquest. - On Saturday a body seen floating in the River Dart of H.M. Naval Yard, at Dartmouth, was on being recovered found to be that of GEORGE REED, naval stoker, of the torpedo-boat No. 4, who was drowned on May 24th as the result of the capsizing of a boat. REED was 23 years of age, single and was from Manchester. In the afternoon Mr A. M. Davson held the Inquest. - George Legg, leading stoker of torpedo-boat No. 4, said on the 24th May he pulled up the river in the ship's boat, accompanied by REED, Sidney Powell, able seaman, and William Goodfellow, stoker. There was a sail in the boat, but they did not use it. On reaching Dittisham, about a quarter to three, they went to the Ferry Hotel and had refreshment. He and REED each had a "shandy" and the others had a pint of beer each. They had "a run around the village" until about a quarter to five, when they had another drink each as before. They then got into the boat and pulled down the river. when about three-quarters of a mile from torpedo-boat No. 4 they landed and remained ashore about five minutes. They had no particular object in landing. They started again to pull back to the torpedo-boat. He and Powell were sitting aft, Goodfellow was stroke and REED bow. About fifty yards from the shore the boat was capsized. He did not see how the accident happened. He could swim, but he did not remember any more until he woke up in the sick bay aboard the ship. - The Coroner said it was hard to believe the accident could have occurred without the witness seeing anything of it. What did he fancy happened? - Witness said he imagined an oar fell overboard and the boat was upset by REED trying to get it. - The Foreman (Mr Caston): do you mean to tell the Jury you became insensible immediately you got into the water? - I must have done. - Sydney Powell said he was sitting on a spar when the boat capsized, and was looking away from REED when the boat gave a lurch. He turned around to see what had happened and he saw the port gunwale under water. The boat immediately filled. There was one oar across the boat, but he did not see the other one. He could only swim a little and was picked up by a boat. All were quite sober and there was no skylarking. The mast was not up at the time of the accident. They sailed about 500 yards up the river. - William Goodfellow said he could not tell how the accident happened. He could not swim at all and was picked up by a boat. - Legg, recalled, was told that he said they pulled to Dittisham, whereas another witness had said they sailed a short distance. - Legg: Yes; but we only sailed about 500 yards. - The Coroner: You are on oath and are expected to tell the truth. - The Coroner said the evidence was most unsatisfactory. It seemed incredible that none of the men had the slightest idea of how the accident happened. It took place on a Wednesday afternoon, when there were usually a good many boats about and the Jury might perhaps desire that the Inquiry be adjourned that inquiries might be made and further evidence obtained. - The Jury agreed that the evidence was most unsatisfactory and asked the Coroner to adjourn the Inquest that the Police might make inquiries at Dittisham and with a view to the evidence of those who effected the rescue of the three survivors, and any possible eye-witnesses of the accident being heard. - The Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MR CORNELIUS LEE PAWLBY, aged 81, retired chief draughtsman of H.M. Dockyard, and of 12 Maida Vale-terrace. RANDOLPH LEE PAWLBY, telephone operator, said his father suffered from apoplexy in 1905 and again in 1908. - Miss Kathleen Opie, of 10 Maida Vale-terrace, said on Friday at 4.35 p.m., she heard someone fall in the passage and on going out found MR PAWLBY unconscious on the floor. He shortly afterwards recovered consciousness and she bathed his head. After drinking some tea he rallied. She then sent for his son and he immediately summoned a doctor. MR PAWLBY, who was alone in the house at the time of the accident, lived until the doctor came. She thought he must have gone upstairs and fallen backwards. - Dr A. C. A. Van Buren attributed death to shock, due to the fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Commercial's Death. - An Inquest was held at Compton yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns on FREDERICK CHARLES WILLIAM PHILLIS, commercial traveller, of Carter's-terrace, Plymouth. The widow said her husband, who had been on a visit to Ireland, returned on Saturday, and went to bed. He complained of falling once on board the boat and once in the train. On Sunday about 6 p.m. he became unconscious but she thought he was only asleep. On his condition becoming more serious she sent for a doctor, but death occurred before he arrived. - Dr Colin Lindsey attributed death to disease of the liver and a fatty heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 June 1911
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Fatality. Jury Censures Witnesses. - At Dartmouth yesterday, Mr A. M. Davson resumed the Inquest on GEORGE REED, stoker, torpedo-boat No. 4, drowned in the river on May 24th. Annie rice, wife of the landlord of the Ferry Hotel, Dittisham, said REED and three others had two "shandies" at the house and were quite sober when they left. - Miss Edith Voisey said she saw REED and his companions in a boat. Two oarsmen were putting up a paddle. A paddle fell overboard and the two men leant over the side and made a grab at it. Then the boat filled and sank. - Miss Kitty Drake corroborated. - William Ellis, Dittisham, said he saw one of the sailors evidently trying to pick up a paddle. The man leaned over the side and the boat filled. He rescued one of the men in his boat. - William Edwards, of Dittisham, said he was with eight others in a boat when they heard Ellis shout. They pulled towards the men in the water and rescued two. - Legg, Powell and Goodfellow, REED'S three companions, recalled, persisted in stating that they had no idea as to how the accident occurred. - The Coroner commented upon the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence given by the three men. - The Jury found that REED was Accidentally Drowned, highly commended Mr Ellis, Mr Edwards and his colleagues for their promptitude in pulling to the rescue and for their efforts to restore animation and they described the evidence of Legg, Powell and Goodfellow as most unsatisfactory and most unreliable."

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on JOHN TWOHY, bailiff, aged 69, of Vauxhall-street. Mrs Kittle, wife of Robert Kittle, lodging-house keeper, of Vauxhall-street, said on Sunday evening TWOHY complained of a pain in his chest and she applied poultices. On Monday evening Dr C. H. Cuming called to see deceased, and at once ordered his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. He refused to go and died on Wednesday. Dr W. H. Brenton, who gave evidence on behalf of Dr C. H. Cuming, who is ill, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to chronic pneumonia and to heart disease of long standing. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Old Man Asphyxiated At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at St Simon's Hall, Plymouth, on Saturday, on PHILIP MATHEW PHILLIPS, aged 76, retired ropemaker in the Dockyard. - Edward Earl, retired lieutenant, R.N., 107 Salisbury-road, brother-in-law of deceased, stated that on Friday about 9.15 a.m. he went to the deceased bedroom and knocked at the door. As he obtained no answer he entered and found deceased lying dead on the bed. There was a smell of gas in the room, and the gas tap, an easy-working one, was slightly turned on. Deceased went to bed at 11.30 p.m. on Thursday night and witness had no doubt that the escape of gas was an accident, caused by deceased, who was feeble, not turning it off properly. - Dr C. F. Glinn attributed death to gas poisoning. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on EBENEZER NIKE, aged 50, china and glass mender, of 66 King-street, who was found on the Whiteford estate on Saturday with his throat cut and a blood-stained razor by his side. - Arthur Hannaford, lodging-house keeper, 66 King-street, said he last saw deceased alive on Saturday morning, when he left the house to pay some money to a person at Mannamead. During the last fortnight deceased had been mentally depressed. - Richard Frost, gardener, of Egg Buckland, said at noon on Saturday, while working on the Whiteford estate, he noticed the body and sent for a Constable. - P.C. Fishleigh said the deceased was lying on his left side with a razor near him. His right hand was covered with blood and there was a big gash on his left wrist. There was no evidence of a struggle. - Dr Colin D. Lindsey said he noticed blood about fifteen yards away from where the body was, and a trail from it to the body. Death had occurred a few hours previously. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 June 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Man's Fatal Disobedience. Terrible Accident At Devonport. - Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on ALFRED MORRIS, labourer, aged about 26. - Sophia Hancock said deceased had been in her employ as a labourer. Deceased's work was to attend to the brakes of wagons. Attached to the traction engine were three wagons and a water-cart. At Liskeard she gave the men money for their meals, and instructed them not to get drink, but to look after their work properly. When deceased drew his money on Saturday nights he would sometimes have a "bust up," but he was never drunk on duty. He had told her that he came from Jersey, also Glasgow, but he had never had a postcard or letter come to their place for him. - William Henry Street, labourer, employed by Messrs. Hancock, said they left Liskeard with the engine and three wagons on Sunday afternoon. Deceased was then sober. At Gunnislake they took two loads down the hill, and placed deceased in charge while they went back for another load. When they arrived with the other load a Constable was in charge, and said no one had been looking after the wagons for twenty minutes. He saw deceased come out of a public-house and witness told him about it. He was not sober and witness had enough to do to watch him and keep him off the coupling bars. Another man was taken on as deceased was unable to carry out his duties. In King's road witness saw deceased riding on the coupling bar between the second and third carriage. He got him down and with the assistance of another man the brakes were put on. Just after he heard deceased shout, and on going back found him under the wheel of the wagon. He shouted to the driver to pull up and pulled deceased out before the second wheel could go over him. - Miss Hancock said the wagon weighed about 5 ½ tons. - The Foreman of the Jury said the man should either have been dismissed or given in charge of a Constable when it was found he was the worse for drink. If that had been done the accident would not have happened. - Street said there was a printed notice on the wagons that no one was to ride on the coupling bars. There was a place provided for them to ride. - Charles James Roberts, labourer, said when he found deceased was the worse for drink at Gunnislake he told him to get away from the wagons. - Dr Hugh White, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital about 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday. He smelt strongly of drink. The right leg was fractured. There was an enormous swelling on the left thigh. There were other injuries and deceased was also suffering very much from shock. It was a hopeless case; the worst smash up he had ever seen. Death was due to shock following extensive injuries. Deceased told witness he came from Jersey but had no relatives. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and added that they did not consider there was any blame attaching to any of the men connected with the firm.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 June 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Coronation Tragedies. Inquiry Into Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. Jury's Recommendations. Sympathy With Bereaved And Injured. - Throughout Barnstaple and North Devon yesterday general sympathy was expressed with the bereaved and injured in the terrible calamity which befel the town by the collapse of the Coronation arch the previous day. In the morning the Town Council, under the chairmanship of the Mayor (Mr J. T. White) held a short meeting in committee to discuss the disaster, and a resolution of condolence with Mr C. R. White, who lost his wife in the accident, and with the other sufferers and their relatives was passed. Considerable interest was taken in the Inquest later on MRS C. R. WHITE, the unfortunate lady who lost her life. To allay the anxiety of the townspeople, the Mayor, who made frequent inquiries as to the condition of the sufferers throughout the day, issued bulletins stating that all at the Infirmary were doing well and that Mrs Francis Tresise, who lies in the most serious condition at her own home in Bear-street, had passed a fairly good night. Mrs Tresise, whose injury was a serious one to the head, was yesterday reported to be doing as well as could be expected, but was not out of danger. Being market day, Barnstaple was yesterday visited by a large number from the whole countryside, who expected to see the town decorations. The two remaining arches - at the north end of High-street and the entrance to the Park - had, however, been removed at an early hour in the morning, not a sign of them remaining when the business of the day commenced. - The Inquest. - Mr A Bencraft, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on MRS LILY WHITE, wife of MR C. R. WHITE, the foreman of the Jury being Mr J. R. Ford. The Mayor (Mr J. T. White) attended and there were also present the Chief Constable (Mr R. S. Eddy), Borough Surveyor (Mr E. Y. Saunders), foreman of works (Mr E. W. Grant) and Mr James Bosson (town clerk), who represented the Council, Mr A. F. Seldon appearing for the relatives. - The Coroner said they were met unfortunately under too well-known circumstances, he was afraid, to most of them. As they knew, a triumphal arch was placed at the bottom of Boutport-street, close to Mr Nicklins shop, and on Coronation-day, just after the first part of the procession of the Mayor and Corporation had passed underneath, for some reason or other the arch collapsed, unfortunately injuring several people and killing, as he thought they would find, MRS LILY WHITE. The question for the Jury to decide would be, firstly, whether MRS WHITE met her death by the collapsing of the arch - and he thought they would have no difficulty about that - and, secondly, whether anyone was to blame, criminally or otherwise, for the collapse of the arch. - Rev. R. H. Little, United Methodist superintendent minister, gave formal evidence of identification, it being explained that MR WHITE, the husband, was too much upset to attend. Mr Little said deceased was thirty years of age, lived at Hills' View, and carried on a millinery business with her husband, MR CHARLES R. WHITE, in Boutport-street. - Eye-Witness's Story. - Mr Charles Tresise, clerk, said the previous day he was standing close to the triumphal arch from midday to about 20 minutes after 12, on Mr Nicklins' side of the arch, a few feet from the pillar. - The Coroner: Was there any pressure of the crowd on the base of the arch at all? - Witness: Oh, no. On our side Mr White and I were the two nearest and we could have just reached it. - Mr Tresise said there was a group of friends, including his mother (who was seriously hurt), MR and MRS WHITE being just in front of him, whilst he was on the pavement behind. Deceased was turning round frequently to him, talking about the procession and when Surgeon-Major Harper, one of the mounted marshals, came along in the procession, MRS WHITE remarked how well he was looking. Those were the last words she said, for immediately witness heard a cracking noise above them, and found the arch was falling. The whole thing came down bodily, falling towards the High-street end. The arch was half-way down when he looked up and in another second, of course, it was in the road. He could not tell whether he fell or was forced against the wall, but he found himself on his knees, and could not say how it occurred. The only person he could then see were a woman on his right on the pavement and the head of a little boy appearing out through the midst of a mass of evergreen. The boy was screaming, and witness dragged him out. He saw no more of deceased after the time he was looking at Dr Harper until the accident happened. He thought MR WHITE was saved by being a little further forward in the road, whilst witness was back on the pavement and the arch must have struck MRS WHITE between them, the poles probably striking her. - Dr Harper's Narrow Escape. - Dr J. R. Harper stated that he was marshalling the rear portion of the procession - the Post-office officials, Church Lads' Brigade and Boy Scouts, and was looking back to see that they were coming on, going himself towards the arch, where his horse reared and swerved, which made him look towards the arch itself, which he then saw falling towards him. His horse seemed to go backwards, and he jumped off, handed the reins to a footman, and went forward to the collapsed structure. There was at the time a very distinct gust of wind, which would be against the face of the arch. He was at once in the midst of a struggling crowd, and was attending to a child when he was called to see MRS WHITE, who had been taken into Mr Shepperd's shop. She was suffering from a fractured skull, and probably injury to the spine as well, and died a minute or two after she was taken into the shop. The injury might be caused by the falling timber, or perhaps the striking of the head against the kerb. - The Coroner: What is your impression as to what made the arch come over? - I should think without a doubt it was the very strong gust of wind blowing up from the Square. - The Coroner: That is my impression too. - Recognition Of The Boy Scouts. - Dr Harper said he would like to state publicly how grateful the medical men were for the assistance the Boy Scouts rendered. They behaved in a magnificent way. (Hear, hear). - Mr E. Y. Saunders, Borough Surveyor, before being sworn, was warned by the Coroner that he was not obliged to give evidence, but he elected to do so, and said the arches were erected under the orders of the Decorations Committee. As he was responsible for a large amount of work in connection with the Coronation festivities, he portioned out the work and Mr Grant, foreman of works - to whom he gave a rough pencil sketch of the kind of arch he had had experience of erecting in other places - told him he had had considerable experience in erecting arches of the same type of construction and witness impressed with the large amount of practical work Mr Grant had done in erecting arches, placed the responsibility of these arches upon Mr Grant, concentrating him upon that work, and taking him off from other work which under other circumstances he should have given him. - The Coroner: Then you left the construction of the arches to Mr Grant? - Yes. - Did you examine the arch when it was in course of construction at all? - I examined the arch more particularly when the construction was being commenced. I examined it to see that the earth was well rammed down and made secure in the tubs in which the poles were set, but after that my examination of the arch was very meagre, as I saw Mr Grant giving his whole time to it. I had great confidence in him and did not give the attention I would have done had it been put out, if I may say so, to a contract. - Surveyor Quite Satisfied. - You were satisfied? - Yes, without minutely examining it, so far as the principle of construction, which was in accordance with others I had constructed, I was satisfied; and also knowing and seeing Mr Grant there continually himself guided me in not perhaps giving it more attention. Witness added he gave Mr Grant permission to embellish the arch, but that would not affect its stability. - What do you think made the arch turn over? - I was not present, but from the evidence I have heard I am inclined to think that an exceptional gust of wind was the main factor. - I assume that from the evidence given by Dr Harper. - Did you notice any swaying of the arch? - There was not the slightest evidence of swaying in the least. - The arch depended for its stability upon the gravity? - Yes, sir. - Witness said there were other arches constructed in the same way which stood all right. Structurally, he was satisfied with the arch. - The Coroner: Did anyone complain to you that the arch had given away at all or was sagging? - I can answer that very emphatically. Neither directly nor indirectly has anyone mentioned to me that there was anything suspicious about the arch - movement or anything else. - Witness said he asked Mr Grant when he had finished, if he had examined everything and tested everything before he let it, personally, and he said he had. - Mr D. Moxham (a Juryman): don't you think it would have been safer to have had stays supporting either side? - I don't think it was necessary to put a stay either side. - Then why did you stay that one at the Park after this one had come down? - Simply for the sake of the confidence of the public. - You were afraid it would fall down? - No, not for one moment. I was not afraid myself, but it was the wish of the Mayor and several members of the Council. Witness added that he was pleased to put the stays there, because, of course, it had all been a shock to the public, but he did not think they were necessary. - The Coroner: That is a matter of your opinion, of course. - Town Clerk Objects To A Question. - Mr Moxham asked whether four stays would not have prevented the arch from falling, when Mr Bosson interposed with the remark whether that was a fair question at that Inquiry. - The Coroner said he thought it was, but he could not compel Mr Sanders to answer it. He would ask witness why he thought the arch toppled over? - Mr Bosson said that was a matter which might be discovered, and he was hoping it would be; it was possible they would discover the reason. - Mr Moxham asked the Surveyor if he thought the arch top-heavy and overloaded, but Mr Saunders denied that this was so. It would give the man in the street the impression that it was top-heavy, but it certainly was not, for all the weight was well below the ornamental work which had given the impression of heaviness. - Mr T. S. Colborne (another Juryman) asked if witness made any calculations as to the wind pressure, or when he originally designed it, or Mr Grant made his arrangements was any calculation made as to probable wind pressure? - Witness: No, sir. - Would the ornamentation have added to the area subject to wind pressure? - So small as to be discounted. - Mr Bosson: Looking to what has happened, do you say in your opinion the arch was substantially and properly constructed and in the ordinary course of things should have resisted a greater storm than there was raging? - Yes, sir. I say that most decidedly. - You cannot account for its falling? - I cannot. - You would have confidence in building an arch in a similar way that would stand a greater storm than that? - Yes, I am not afraid of the construction of the arch. - Mr A. F. Seldon said he would like to ask Mr Saunders what in his opinion brought the arch over, but the Coroner said Mr Bosson had objected to that question, and after argument Mr Bosson put the question in the form: Are you in a position now to have formed anything like a definite opinion as to what did throw the arch down? - The Surveyor: No, sir, I am not in a position to answer that. - Evidence Of The Foreman Of Works. - Mr E. W. Grant, the foreman of works, spoke to the construction of the arch in detail, and stated all the material used was of the best and Mr Saunders thought he had put it up even too strong. Twenty feet above the ground level he tested it for firmness with his own weight and all his strength. In the procession he was with the Territorials, and had himself just gone under the arch and was looking round when a gust of wind nearly blew his cap off, and he saw the arch gradually and very slowly falling. The poles now were as sound as they were when they were put up, and the material in the casks was quite firm. He was of opinion the arch was substantially and properly built. - Asked if, presuming the wind upset the arch, whether it would have come over it stays were provided, witness said he should not have put stays there, but he could not say if stays were there whether the arch would have come over. - The Coroner: You need not answer unless you like - but we can come to our own conclusions if you don't, that is the only thing - but had anyone complained to you about the stability of the arch before it fell? - No one whatever, neither directly nor indirectly. - Mr Moxham: Do you think with four stays it would have capsized? - I did not think stays were necessary. - Replying to Mr Seldon, witness said the arch had four legs on each side, which were perpendicular. - Summing Up. - The Coroner, summing up, said if the Jury thought the arch was blown over they would probably come to the conclusion it ought not to have blown over. If that was so, was anybody to blame? The law was rather complicated as to what was criminal negligence, and he would point out to the Jury at once they had nothing to do with civil negligence there. The Town Council of Barnstaple, or anybody else, might be responsible or they might not e; but the Jury must dismiss that from their minds for civil liability was not a question for them. The Coroner went on to explain the meaning of culpable negligence and said they must take into account the whole circumstances, and in arriving at a decision he invited them to apply the test whether it was probable under the whole circumstances that this arch would go over in the way it did. - Mr Gooding, a Juryman, wished to know if anyone of the committee received complaints that the arch was shaky. - The Mayor said he was chairman and could volunteer the statement that they had no complaint or suggestion of any kind whatever. - Jury's Verdict And Recommendation. - After half an hour's deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed whilst watching the Coronation procession by the falling of an arch during an exceptional gust of wind and the Jury added a recommendation that in future lateral stays should be fixed to any such structure to prevent an accident from an exceptional gust of wind. They expressed their sympathy with the relatives and the injured and their thanks for the work of the Boy Scouts and Fire Brigade. - The Mayor was asked by the Coroner to convey the recommendation - he would not call it a rider - to provide stays in future, to the Council or Coronation Committee. - All present tendered their sympathy with the bereaved and the Mayor intimated that the Council at Monday's meeting would express their sympathy with the form of resolution.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 June 1911
WEST PUTFORD - Death After Dancing. - An Inquest held by Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, on Saturday at West Putford brought to light another death in North Devon owing to the Coronation celebrations. The deceased, JOHN ROWLAND JOHNS, 62, postmaster, was taking part in the celebrations at West Putford, and in the evening, his widow said they went to the schoolroom, where there was dancing. Deceased took part and had just finished dancing when he appeared to have a fainting fit, and died immediately. - Dr L. B. Betts, who made a post mortem examination, said the heart was diseased and much dilated. Death was due to sudden heart failure, the result of over exertion. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 June 1911
PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Fatality. Children And Unfenced Quays. - At the Jubilee Hall, Turnchapel, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest on ALFRED EDWARD WELLS, infant son of a bombardier in the Royal Garrison Artillery. - Deceased's mother, ETHEL ROSE WELLS, of Granger's-cottages, Turnchapel, said the child was two and a half years of age. Between 1.30 and 2 o'clock last Saturday she missed deceased, who, after having his dinner, went out on the quay alone. She asked her brother if he had seen the deceased, and he replied that the child was with his grandfather in a boat. She therefore did not trouble. On her father's return he said he had not seen the deceased. It was the custom of young children to be on the quay alone. - The Coroner: The sooner that custom is abolished the better. - Witness, continuing, said she was doing her housework at the time. - The Coroner: I mark my disapproval of the thing entirely. It seems a pity that those responsible for the custody of the child do not look after it. - Robt. Francis Skilton, labourer, Turnchapel, deposed to recovering the body of deceased from the water, and Dr Noy Scott said the cause of death was drowning. There was no evidence of injury before death. - The Coroner said it would be clear to the Jury that the cause of the fatality was the dangerous and unprotected state of the quay. There could be no doubt that the child either walked from its home into the water or fell off the quay. He felt strongly that it was a great reflection on the mother that she did not exercise a greater care in looking after her child. In law she was responsible at that time for the safe custody of the child. It seemed to him particularly sad that a young life should be sacrificed because one who should have given him supervision failed to do so. He could not accept as an excuse the statement which had been put forward that children were allowed to wander about the quay irrespective of their age. That was very well for children of eight or nine years of age, but not for a mere baby. The Jury would no doubt express disapproval of what had taken place, and also at the careless way in which that child in particular and other children in general were allowed to wander about the quays. They were told that that quay was private property. If people had private property it was the duty of the owners to see that all dangerous parts of their property were properly fenced. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Drowning", expressed the hope that the owners of the property would have the necessary fences erected. Sympathy was expressed with the parents of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 June 1911
EXETER - Exeter Child Drowned. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday by Mr F. Thomas, Deputy Coroner, on GWENDOLINE MARIA ISAACS, aged 8 years, daughter of MR W. ISAACS, insurance agent. The father said he last saw his daughter alive at 10.55 the previous morning, when he left home and the child was standing on the canal bank, a few yards from his house. The children were in the habit of catching minnows. - STANLEY GEORGE ISAACS, age 10, brother of deceased, said soon after his father went out his sister took a bottle, but she did not say why she wanted it. - Harold Ferris, age 11, said between 11.30 and 12 he picked up a bottle and a hat which were near the water. - Mrs Jarrett said the last witness came to the door with the hat. She had seen deceased enter the house ten minutes before. Witness sent some children to look for the girl, while she dragged the canal and brought the body ashore. Artificial respiration was tried by witness and her husband for about half an hour, but there was no sign of life. - Dr Pereira said death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives and commended Mrs Jarrett on her conduct.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 July 1911
TOPSHAM - Pensioner's Suicide At Topsham. - An Inquest was held at Topsham yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould on CHARLES SPARKES CHAPLIN, aged 47, army pensioner, residing at Red Cow, Topsham, who was found hanging on Thursday. EMILY CHAPLIN, the widow, stated that soon after 2 p.m. on Thursday she went out, leaving deceased in the kitchen. She returned about 2.30 and went to the wash-house, where she saw her husband hanging from a rafter by a piece of the clothes line. She screamed and two men came and cut the deceased down. Her husband had never threatened to commit suicide, but had been strange and reserved for some time. He was out of permanent employment and this worried him a great deal. Dr Macpherson deposed that death was due to strangulation by hanging. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - At an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ALFRED TRUSCOTT, aged 43, carter, of 5 Quarry-street, MRS ELIZABETH TRUSCOTT, the widow, said deceased left home shortly after 6 a.m. to go to his work at Richmond Walk, Devonport. he had a cup of tea before leaving the house and did not complain. He had a good night's rest and he had not known what it was to have a day's illness. She had two young children. - P.C. Perryman said at 6.30 that morning he was called to the Halfpenny Bridge and saw the deceased in a state of collapse. Witness sent for Dr Waterfield, but the deceased died before the doctor arrived. Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to syncope. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death-Stroke In Plymouth Cemetery. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday Mr Bernard Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JOSEPH COLE, labourer, aged 75, who has lived in Essex-street. COLE was found unconscious in Plymouth Cemetery on Thursday and was removed to the Hospital where he died the following day. Deceased had been cleaning a headstone in the cemetery. - Dr R. B. Dobson, House Physician, stated that deceased never regained consciousness. A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and the Jury found a verdict accordingly.

BRIXTON - Brixton Father Censured. Infant Suffocated In Bed. - At Brixton Torr, near Elburton, on Saturday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, held an Inquest on the infant son of SAMUEL JOHNS, a labourer, who said the child was born early on Wednesday, the district nurse being in attendance. He went to bed the same evening at ten o'clock and slept in the same bed as his wife and son, who slept nearest the wall. Although the cottage contained four rooms, he did not sleep in another bedroom as there was another child in the same room and he had to look after it. Asked why he did not make a bed on the floor, he replied that he had been working hard all day, and wanted something soft to lie on. He had no more bedclothes. - The Coroner: You should provide more clothes for such an occasion. - How can I provide these things under this system? What can a worker do? He earns nothing, and it out of work half his time. - The Coroner: I do not consider your argument creditable to you. - Dr S. Noy Scott said he was called at 6 a.m. by JOHNS, who said the child was dead. The post-mortem examination showed that death was due to suffocation. The child was healthy. In his opinion the child was suffocated by the bedclothes, and he did not think it was a case of overlaying. Such practice as parents taking young children into bed with them were common and most dangerous. - Emily E. Arthur, nurse, of Brixton, said the child progressed favourably from birth. - The Coroner said it was an unfortunate fact that the father's conduct was so imprudent. He certainly should have managed differently in regard to the sleeping accommodation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation," and severely censured the father for occupying his wife's bed on such an occasion. They considered it was conducive to the child's death. They did not, however, think the father's conduct culpable.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Unsatisfactory Evidence. - Respecting the death of HENRIETTA HOEFLER, aged 65, of 21 Green-street, an Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth Mortuary. SEVERIN FELIX HOEFLER, journeyman watchmaker, who deposed to finding his mother dead in bed, said deceased had been ill, but would not hear of having a doctor. - Dr Torney said death was due to advanced disease of the heart and lungs. The condition of the body was deplorable, and pointed to neglect. Deceased should have been under medical treatment for some time, as she also had ulcers. - FIDEL HOEFLER, journeyman watchmaker, who has been an inmate of the Sisters of the Poor Home, Hartley, for over three years, stated that he was married to the deceased 49 years ago, and since he had been at the Home he had seen his wife once a fortnight. She would not have a doctor, and she would not go to the same Home as himself. - The Coroner said it was a very unsatisfactory case. The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" stated that the evidence was very unsatisfactory.

PLYMOUTH - Dockyard Labourer Hangs Himself - At the Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM ARTHUR BLACKLER, of 11 Duckwell-street, Plymouth, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, deceased's son, WILLIAM ARTHUR BLACKLER, said his father had complained for six or seven weeks of pains in the head. He had no domestic worry, but had been very depressed. - Dr E. Thompson stated that deceased had been under his care at intervals for three years, and always complained of great pain in his head, stating that he believed he was going out of his mind. On May 16th he attempted to commit suicide by inhaling gas. He recovered and went into the country for a change, but on returning was no better. Witness warned deceased's relatives to take care of him. They could not put him away, as he was perfectly sane when he did not have attacks. - William Hill, labourer, deposed to seeing deceased hanging in the courtyard of his house. Witness cut him down, and tried artificial respiration, which was unavailing. - A Verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Worry Leads To Suicide. - Concerning the death of THOMAS WHITE HEARD, labourer, aged 59, of 6 Buckwell-street, deceased's widow said she saw him at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and he was then in good spirits. At 4 p.m., in consequence of what her son told her, she ran upstairs and there saw the deceased with the lead gas-pipe in his hand. He had turned the gas on, and held the end of the pipe to his mouth. Deceased had been worrying about his work: he could only get casual work for the parish. He had had notice to appear before the Guardians, and that had worried him. - P.C. Algate deposed to finding the deceased laying across the bed partly dressed. The room was smelling very strongly of gas. Dr Macnair said death was due to gas poisoning. "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 July 1911
CORNWOOD - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Cornwood yesterday on CONSTANCE M CHAMBERLAIN, the daughter of MR G. CHAMBERLAIN, whose death occurred on Friday. The father stated that whilst a tree was being removed by waggoners working for Mr S. Snawdon, of Yealm Bridge, the girl was found lying in a path and it was thought she had been sitting on the tree. Dr Cooper (Ivybridge) who attended the deceased, said the cause of death was lockjaw, the result of the accident. Verdict, "Accidental Death." The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives. Western Morning News, Thursday 6 July 1911 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Fatal Play. - Mr Bernard Thomas held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on ELSIE MAY HINGSTON, aged five years, of Cotehele-avenue. - MARY HINGSTON, wife of JOHN HINGSTON, bargeman, said her child was playing in the courtyard on Monday afternoon. She must have procured some paper and placed in an old bucket, but how it became ignited she did not know. The child rushed to her with her clothes ablaze, and she wrapped a coat around the child. Mr Sanders, who lives next door, came to her assistance and put the blaze out. Dr S. Burgess, House Surgeon, stated that the child had extensive burns and died the day after admission, from shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr Bernard Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN WYMAN, aged 59 years, who died suddenly at 20 St. Jude's-place, on Tuesday evening. P.C. Bray said deceased was taken ill in the street. - Dr Travers Stubbs said he was called to see deceased, but there was no hope of her recovery. The lungs were badly diseased. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 July 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on EMMA QUINLAN, of Chapel-street, who died suddenly on Thursday. - AMY GIBBINGS said MRS QUINLAN, her mother, 64 years of age, was separated from her husband and it was not known whether he was dead or alive. On Thursday morning witness took her up a cup of tea. She left the room for a few minutes and on returning found her mother ill. She sent for Dr Saunders who on arrival said she was dead. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders attributed death to syncope, due to a fatty degeneration of the heart. Very likely the extreme heat affected her. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 July 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Hanging. Devonport Lad's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearse held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN HEMMING, aged 15, son of a rigger. GEORGE HEMMING, Monument-street, the father, said deceased had been unable to get work. Shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday, deceased brought in witness's dinner and said he was going to have a wash. That was the last time witness saw him alive. Witness then "turned in." Just after he got in bed he heard someone shouting to his wife. She ran downstairs and began shouting and when witness followed he found his son lying on the ground. Deceased had nothing to worry about and had never had a wrong word said to him. Witness was earning 31s. 6d. per week. - The Coroner: Don't you think your boy, knowing the position you occupy, thought his life not worth living, with no father to back him up? - Nobody could take much more interest in him. He could not get a job. I had put his name down to go in the Dockyard [?]. - The Coroner: Here is a man with good wages who ought to have seen that his boy was doing something, either earning something or on the way to earning. - Witness: Sometimes he would earn 2d. or 3d. for holding horses. - The Coroner: Just fancy a man with 32s. a week talking about his boy earning 2d. or 3d. for holding horses. It is disgraceful. - Witness: Everybody has to have a start. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he had not found his son melancholy. He had not sent his son to Sunday-school. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said death was due to suffocation. There was a fracture of the larynx and a well-marked groove around the neck, which showed that he must have been hanging for a considerable time. If the door of the house had been open, the boy would have been in full view of the street. - Sarah J. E. Hemming, the lad's mother, said she heard somebody call, and on going downstairs, found deceased hanging by a rope, with his feet about six inches from the ground. She twisted the rope round her hands and broke it away. At dinner time deceased talked about going out in the evening. He put the cord up about a week ago to assist witness in going up and down stairs with a pitcher of water. She thought deceased must have been swinging and got his head in the rope. He had no occasion to hang himself. - Annie Ham and Mary Ann Cornish deposed to seeing deceased hanging. - P.C. Greep said he did not think the boy could have got into the rope accidentally. - The Coroner, in summing up, said neither the mother nor the father could believe deceased committed the act. - The Jury found that deceased died from Suffocation, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show whether this was caused by an accident or otherwise.

SOUTH BRENT - Brent Drowning Case. Dangers Of An unfenced Leat. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Brent yesterday on the younger child of MR JOHN MADDOCK, gasworks manager, whose body was found on Saturday in the leat which drives the turbine of Clatworthy and co., flock mill. - MR MADDOCK stated that he last saw the child while at breakfast. He went about his work, and the mother about her domestic duties. The children were in the habit of playing in the garden and he and his wife were in frequent fear of what might happen to them. They had lived there for three months and did all they could to safeguard the children in their play. This was not the first child who had fallen into the leat. - Mrs Mary Jane Chapple saw the two younger children playing near the water about 11 o'clock. - George Smallridge, foreman of Clatworthy's Mill, said just before noon he found the child in the deep part of the leat when he went to alter the water at the hatchway. He took the body into the mill and sent for the doctor. - Dr Style stated that he tried artificial respiration without success. - Mr Clatworthy stated that his firm claimed the waterway as their right, and had covered the launder with wire netting, to prevent rubbish being thrown into the water. His firm had no right to erect a fence on the garden side of the waterway, as that was not their property. He would see the owner of the cottages, and try to arrange for better protection to the least. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that something should be done to prevent similar accidents. - The Jury offered expressions of condolence with the parents, and gave their fees to the father.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. - At Devonport Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on EDWARD GEORGE BELCHER, the three-months-old child of a first class stoker in the Royal Navy. - The mother, residing in Edinburgh-road, said on Saturday evening she went out shopping and left the baby asleep in bed. When she returned she picked him up and he died in her arms immediately. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said the body weighed only 5 ¾ lb. At birth it weighed considerably more. It ought to certainly weigh double what it did. The child died from malnutrition. His impression was that the child had insufficient nourishment. - The mother, recalled, said she used to feed the baby every two hours and whenever she went out she left it in charge of someone. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

AXMINSTER - Axminster Bathing Fatality. Gallant Attempts At Rescue. - At Axminster yesterday, Dr E. R. Tweed held an Inquest on ERNEST FRANK GILLINGHAM, painter, who was drowned while bathing in the River Axe on Sunday. - FRANK GILLINGHAM, painter, Axminster, stated that deceased, his son, was 18 years of age. - Charles Ebdon, brushworker, Axminster, said that about 10.30 a.m. he was bathing in company with deceased and others in the River Axe near the cricket-field. Witness and a man named White swam down the river for some distance and in the meantime deceased got into the water from the opposite bank. GILLINGHAM walked down the river a little way and suddenly got out of his depth. Deceased was not an efficient swimmer. Witness next saw him in difficulties and shouted to some persons near by that a man was drowning. Other bathers attempted to get hold of the deceased. A lad named Silk seized GILLINGHAM by the arm, but Silk was unable to effect a rescue. At one time Silk was pulled under water by deceased. Witness and other bathers got exhausted in endeavouring to save deceased, who sank in about eight feet of water. - Replying to a Juror, witness said Silk made a very plucky attempt to rescue deceased. - Frederick Arthur Tuck, who was about 20 yards from deceased when the latter sank, said he immediately went to the spot, but was exhausted on reaching the place. - Arthur Charles Silk, the lad who made a gallant attempt to save deceased, corroborated. When he got hold of deceased the latter put his legs around him and pulled him under water. He freed himself from deceased and did not see him any more. - P.S. Bawden stated that at the spot where deceased sank the water was about six feet deep. - Dr Neville Vise stated that he applied artificial respiration for over half an hour, but without avail. - Albert J. McLennan, of Lynch Villa, said he was told about 11 a.m. that a man's body was in the river. The water was dirty, but after searching the bottom of the river for a short time he recovered the body and brought it to the bank. - The Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," commended Silk and Arthur McLennan (a student of St. Luke's College, Exeter, for their attempts to save deceased, and expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents.

HALBERTON - The Halberton Fatality. Fruitless Search For A Knife. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Venn Dairy, Halberton on LIONEL SOLOMON, the three-year-old child of MR and MRS T. MARKS, and showed that the boy climbed a wall in the courtyard and toppled into three feet of water. - The servant girl said she saw him throw a knife into the pond. - At the suggestion of the Coroner, the Jury repaired to the pond and assisted the Constable in dragging for the knife, the Coroner remarking that he considered the finding of the knife a very important piece of evidence to corroborate the servant girl's story. After a long search, in which the Coroner, himself helped, the Jury failed to find the knife. - A Juror remarked that the finding of it was not so important as it would be in the case of a man cutting his throat, and throwing the weapon away. - Dr G. G. Gidley, of Cullompton, said there were no marks of violence on the body, which bore signs of death from drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 July 1911
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - The Great Heat. Labourer's Death At Horse Bridge. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Horse Bridge, Sydenham Damerel, on Monday, on THOMAS CORNISH, 44, farm labourer, of Horse Bridge. - Dr A. Bowhay, of Gunnislake attributed death to paralysis of the brain, due to a heat-stroke. - Edmund Goodman said CORNISH, his son-in-law, went to work on Saturday apparently in the best of health and was brought home in an unconscious condition and died shortly after. - George Wadland, farmer, of Hampt, Stokeclimsland said CORNISH came to his farm on Saturday morning to assist in haymaking. He made a fair meal of bread, cheese and fruit tart. At 4.30 p.m. he asked him to make a load, and CORNISH replied, "We always expect extra money for making a load." Witness said, "I don't know about that, but I won't be particular." CORNISH complained of feeling unwell and he told him he had better sit down in the shade. He remained there for about ten minutes and then went homewards carrying a kettle. He acted in a peculiar manner and said strange things, and he told a boy to watch him. When CORNISH reached Hampt he collapsed. He drove the unconscious man to his home, where he bathed his head with water and gave him brandy. CORNISH was no doubt overcome with the heat. The men were in no way pressed and CORNISH seemed to be a good workman. He had never employed him before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heat-Stroke," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - At the suggestion of the Coroner, the Jury commended the action of Mr George Pearn, who rendered first-aid, including artificial respiration, to the man CORNISH had only been married a fortnight.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 July 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft held an Inquest yesterday at Barnstaple on MAUD TAYLOR, aged 3, the daughter of MR S. TAYLOR, china merchant, of Queen-street. The little girl left home to go to the house of her grandmother and near the Great Western Hotel, and in attempting to cross the road was knocked down by a heavily laden wagon. She was taken to the Infirmary, and as there was no sign of concussion, she was allowed to go home. On the next day she became worse and was taken in an unconscious condition to the Infirmary, where she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," no one being to blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 July 1911
MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES - Brixham Boy's Sad Death. Fishermen Unable To Swim. - At the Inquest at Milford Haven on WILLIAM MARTIN, 19, late cook on the Brixham fishing smack Sea Lark, one of the crew, George Braddick, Brixham, said MARTIN was sent to fasten a rope from the smack to a steam trawler and through the rope slipping was thrown into the dock. A line was thrown him from another vessel, but he failed to hold on and was drowned within sight of two of the steamer's crew. - The Coroner: It is indeed strange that seafaring men could not swim. A life which could easily have been saved was lost in consequence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The body was sent by train to Brixham for interment.

ST MARYCHURCH - At St. Marychurch yesterday, Mr S. Hacker opened an Inquest on GEORGE HAYNES, plumber, aged 36, formerly of Torquay. Two years ago, whilst working for a London firm making lead roofing, he contracted lead-poisoning, and had a long illness. He came to Torquay to recuperate and died on Sunday. Dr Thistle gave Bright's disease, brought on by lead-poisoning, as the cause of death. The Inquest was adjourned until next Monday, for further evidence from the firm by whom deceased was employed, and also for the attendance of H.M. Factory Inspector.

KINGSKERSWELL - Suicide At Kingskerswell. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Kingskerswell yesterday on THOMAS PROUT, 34, single. He worked and lived at Aller Farm with his uncle, THOMAS WAKEHAM, and was last seen alive by P.C. Brock about a quarter before ten on Saturday morning going in the direction of the linhay. On Sunday morning Mr Wakeham's son, James, found him hanging from a beam in the loft dead and stark naked, his clothes being neatly arranged in a heap just before him. He had never threatened to take his life, nor could any motive be assigned for the deed. - Dr Hatfield expressed his belief that when found PROUT had been dead about thirty hours. Death was due to asphyxiation, caused by hanging. - The Jury (Mr W. H. Mortimer, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed their sympathy with the mother and other relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Accountant's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on FREDERICK HENRY ROACH, accountant of 33 Frankfort-street, Plymouth. - Deceased's widow stated that on Saturday afternoon her husband, who was in his room, sent his little boy to tell her he was ill. She found the deceased apparently in great pain, and he died just after the arrival of a doctor. - Dr Torney said he found deceased unconscious and a little later he died. He was informed that MR ROACH had taken some of the contents of a bottle of liniment of aconite in mistake for ginger. The two liquids were in bottles of a similar shape and colour and were of a similar smell. - "Death from Misadventure" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 July 1911
DAWLISH - The Body Identified As That Of MISS E. MARTIN. An "Open Verdict" Returned. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish last evening on the body found between the rocks near Dawlish on the previous day, and it was established as that of MISS EVA MARTIN, second daughter of COMMANDER MARTIN, R.N., of Teignmouth, who was missed from her home on June 7th. - Finding The Body. - Wm. Searle, labourer, Teignmouth, stated that on the previous afternoon he was walking along the sea wall towards Dawlish, looking for the body of the young lady who had disappeared from Teignmouth. He climbed up over the cliff behind the Parson and Clerk Rock and when at the top he smelt an awful smell. He stepped across to another rock and on looking down saw something at the bottom of the cliff, which was from 250 to 300 feet high. He went down and there saw a headless body of a female, nude, with what he understood to be a handkerchief tied around the neck. He saw what he thought to be the told top of a tooth in a portion of the lower jaw, which he picked up and carried to Teignmouth, where he reported his discovery to the Sergeant of Police. In his opinion the water never touched the body during the six weeks it had been where it was found, which was three or four feet above high-water mark. - P.C. Burrows, Dawlish, said he proceeded to the spot in a boat with two boatmen named White and Cotton, and Searle and others. They found the trunk of a female wedged right in between two rocks, and had to get an oar and a stick to get it out. There was no head or feet and the remains were in a very advanced state of decomposition. Around the neck was a linen collar, upon which was written "E. MARTIN." The top of a blouse was hanging to some hair close by. A portion of the skull was ten or twelve feet away from the body. There was no hair on the skull, but there was some dark hair within three or four feet, and also a lady's shoe near, which appeared to have been in the water. Search was made on the top of the cliff for clothing, but none was found. Both the shoe and the hair appeared to have been in the water, and also the collar and the piece of blouse. In witness's opinion there were signs of the body having been in the water. - Ernest Cotton, boatman, Dawlish, said his opinion was that the body was washed up by the high spring tide during Coronation Week. It might have fallen from the top of the cliff and then over a big ledge, and afterwards washed up under it. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Arthur Hudson, Dawlish, who had made a post-mortem examination, said it was the body of an adult woman, but too far advanced in decomposition to enable him to form an opinion as to the cause of death. A bone of one of the legs was fractured, but that might have been caused by the rocks. The hair found was a pad, such as was worn by some ladies. he also found a piece of dress preserver under one of the arms. In the upper jaw there was a right upper molar tooth stopped with gold. - Father's Story. - COMMANDER JOHN JAMES MARTIN, R.N., retired, residing at 2 Crosspark, Teignmouth, said he had three daughters, and his second daughter, EVA, had been missing from home since June 7th. He last saw her about ten o'clock in the morning. He produced a linen collar similar to that found, bearing his daughter EVA'S name, in her own handwriting, and he expressed his belief that the collar found was that of his missing daughter. it was marked "E. MARTIN," the "va" after the "E" having been torn away and he was sure that it was his daughter's handwriting. - The Coroner: Are you convinced that the body lying at the mortuary is that of your daughter? - There is every reason to suppose so. Witness added that he did not recognise the shoe produced as that of his daughter, as all shoes were so much alike. Her mother did not know whether on the day she left home she was wearing shoes or boots; in all probability she was wearing shoes. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in the habit of using a pad to dress her hair on? - Yes, I suppose, like other women. - The Coroner intimated that he would have to adjourn the Inquest and suggested to COMMANDER MARTIN that he should have brought his wife to give evidence on things he was not certain about. - In reply to a further question, witness said the only thing he could identify was the linen collar. His daughter's age was about 30. She had some teeth stopped with gold and had been to dentists in Edinburgh and Biarritz. He knew nothing about the particulars, except that he paid the bills. - The Coroner remarked on the insufficiency of the evidence of identification and again suggested that MRS MARTIN or her other daughters should have been present. - COMMANDER MARTIN, continuing his evidence, said he saw his daughter an hour before she left home. She asked him for three postcards, and took them into another room. She was apparently going for a walk. She said nothing particular to him when asking for the postcards. - The Coroner: I should like to know if she said anything to her mother and sisters? - I am sure she did not; we have talked the ting over times without number. Search has been made and no letter has been found. There was every indication of everything going on as usual. She had an engagement that evening to go with a lady friend to a concert on the sea front. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in good health? - In excellent health. - Mentally and physically? - I believe so. - Conclusions. - Asked as to when he missed his daughter, witness said as it was thought she had been with friends, it was not until nearly midnight when the family became alarmed. His daughter was dressed in a blue serge skirt, a light-coloured blouse, and a garden hat with pinkish wrap around it. The first thing the following morning he went to the Police Station and gave information to Sergt. Hulland. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in the habit of going for walks alone? - Yes; there was nothing unusual about her going for a stroll by herself. Only the evening before she hurried home and played a game of lawn tennis. - The Coroner: I should like to know what conclusion you have come to in your own mind about the occurrence? - I have come to the conclusion that the person who had on that collar (pointing to the one found on the body) was my daughter. - And have you come to any conclusion as to how she came to her death? - Not the least. - The Coroner did not think the Jury could be satisfied that there was sufficient evidence and thought the Inquest must be adjourned for a week for the attendance of some other members of the family. The cause of death might have been murder, accident or suicide. - A Juryman suggested that it would be very inconvenient for some of them as business men to attend again, and remarked that, after the numerous inquiries made with no result, he did not see what would be gained by adjourning. - The Coroner understood there was other evidence of identity to be given, and after hearing that he would take evidence to show the cause of death at the adjourned Inquest. - Gardener's Suggestion. - Richard H. Robinson, fruit and flower grower at Holcombe, near where the body was found, said he had known MISS EVA MARTIN for eight or nine years. She had often come to his gardens. He recognised the shoe produced as being very similar to those which MISS MARTIN wore: she generally wore shoes. He last saw her a fortnight before she left home. He knew that she had a tooth stopped with gold. She frequently came to his garden on her way to or from Dawlish, but she did not come there on the day she was missed. She would often go away bicycling for a whole day by herself. People walked on the top of the cliff plucking wild flowers, and MISS MARTIN, whilst doing so, might have slipped and fallen sheer down into the sea. It was quite feasible that she fell into the sea, and that her body was washed back where it was found. When a person fell into the sea and was drowned, the body usually disappeared for nine days and the spring tides came just ten days after MISS MARTIN'S disappearance. He could not say she was in the habit of walking along the top of this cliff, but hundreds of people did so, as from that point there was a fine view of Exmouth and also down the coast. - Mr Reginald H. Whiteway-Wilkinson, Inverteign, Teignmouth, who is engaged to one of COMMANDER MARTIN'S daughters, made a statement as to the hair pad found, but the Coroner said he did not think it helped them. - James Russell, jobbing gardener, who has worked for COMMANDER MARTIN for several years said on the morning MISS EVA MARTIN left home, she wished him "Good morning," but did not speak in her usual cheery manner. - George Kerswill, market gardener, Holcombe, spoke to seeing MISS MARTIN walking on the main road from Crosspark towards Teignmouth at 10.40 a.m. on the day she was missed. - COMMANDER MARTIN, recalled, in answer to a Juryman, said his daughter did not write on the postcards she had from him. They were left on the table. - The Jury's Verdict. - The Coroner understood from the Police that exhaustive inquiries had been made and that they had failed to obtain any evidence that could throw any further light on the case and that being so, and they did not ask for an adjournment - or at least they did not think there would be any chance of getting any further evidence by having an adjournment - he should close the Inquiry that day. If the Jury were convinced, from the evidence given, that the body was that of MISS EVA MARTIN they would return a verdict to that effect, whilst they would be justified in saying there was no evidence to show how she came by her death. - The Jury found that the body was that of MISS EVA MARTIN, and returned a verdict of "Found Dead." - The Foreman (Mr W. Knowles) said the Jury desired to express their sympathy with COMMANDER MARTIN and his family and the Coroner joined in this expression, which was feelingly acknowledged by COMMANDER MARTIN.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 July 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Old Man's Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday, concerning the death of EDWIN MORCOMBE, cabinet marker, aged 76, of 56 George-street. - Richard Owen, labourer, of 56 George-street, said he last saw deceased alive on Sunday at 9.30 p.m. in the passage of the house. He was a feeble old man. On returning from work on Tuesday last at about 8.30 p.m. witness's wife told him that MORCOMBE had not been seen since Sunday evening. He therefore went up to the room and found the old man lying partially dressed on his bed. He had evidently been dead some time. The room was in a very dirty condition. - MRS FLORENCE TYLER, daughter of deceased, said she visited her father about six months ago. His room was then in a fairly clean state. - Michael Solomon, furniture dealer, of Ebrington-street, Plymouth, said deceased was in his employ. He saw him before leaving work on Thursday afternoon of last week, when he complained of feeling unwell. He again saw him on Saturday evening, when he seemed very frail, and said he had seen a doctor. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, who had made a post-mortem examination on the body, found that death was due to syncope through cirrhosis of the lungs; probably accelerated by the great heat. The body was in a very emaciated condition and the stomach was empty. Witness thought he must have died on Sunday night. A bottle of chlorodyne was found in the room, but the seal had not been broken, and there were no traces of poison in the body. Verdict "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1911
PAIGNTON - Motor Car Dangers. The Paignton Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday held an Inquest at Paignton on THOMAS CRESWELLER, aged 73, a Torquay watercress vendor. - Mr Bryant Coomber said about 10.45 on Friday night as he was motoring from Churston at ten to twelve miles an hour, CRESWELLER suddenly staggered into the road from the footpath. The mud-guard knocked him away from the car. It was impossible to avoid striking him, but he pulled the car up as quickly as possible, and rendered what assistance he could, after sending for the Police. - Mr Mark Pedlar, a friend of Mr Coomber, who was on the front seat of the car, corroborated. - Dr Collier said after a cursory examination of the man he ordered his removal to the Cottage Hospital. The man smelt strongly of beer. - Dr King said deceased was unconscious when taken to the Cottage Hospital, and suffering from a compound fracture of the jaw. The cause of death was concussion. From previous knowledge of him, he concluded that CRESWELLER was a man of alcoholic habits. - Harry Eden, lamplighter, said he saw CRESWELLER twice during Friday evening and on both occasions he was the worse for drink. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN LANG TOOLE, aged 69, late of Berkeley-place. - Mrs Eliza Whittle, housekeeper, said on Friday evening MR TOOLE took his tea and seemed very well. He went to the bedroom and shortly afterwards she saw him leaning over the banister. She spoke to him, but he gave no answer. In a few minutes he passed away. - Dr Torney, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart. He was of opinion that death was accelerated by the great heat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 July 1911
MILLBROOK, CORNWALL - Whitsands Fatality. Splendid Attempt At Rescue. - The Inquest on MR HENRY CORY, a clerk in Lloyds Bank of Addison-road, Plymouth, drowned while bathing at Whitsands on Sunday evening, was held by Mr A. de Castro Glubb at Millbrook yesterday. Mr John Pawley was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Melville Collingwood Bawden, clerk at Lloyds Bank, Plymouth, said on Sunday he went to Whitsands in company with CORY. About 7 p.m. they went into the water near the Treganhawke Cliff, about 200 yards east of the Spender monument. They had been in the water about five minutes when CORY called him by name. CORY could not swim very well and must then have been out of his depth. He was a fairly good swimmer and went to CORY'S help. CORY was struggling and lost his head when he got up to him and gripped his arm. He tried to get him on his back. They went under once and then either went under a second time or a breaker passed over them. Another breaker separated them. he had no more breath left and the same breaker washed him ashore. The sea was not rough beyond the breakers, but there seemed to be an undertow, especially beyond the breakers. He was able to get out himself. - Thomas French, fisherman, Millbrook, said on Sunday on Whitsand Beach, he recovered the body. - As Seen From The Cliffs. - William John Harris, Millbrook said on Sunday he was on the cliffs at Whitsands about 7 p.m., and saw about 50 or 75 yards beyond the Spender monument two bathers. His wife remarked that she thought they were in trouble and could not get back. One of the bathers was caught by a breaker and thrown some distance towards the shore, and the other was still struggling outside the breakers. The one inside was evidently in great distress and could hardly stand, and was shouting, as if calling for help. The one outside was still afloat and struggling. Some people ran, and three, undressing very quickly, rushed into the water. When they got some distance out the first one was evidently in trouble. CORY was still struggling. Then a soldier went to the assistance of the first man who went out and CORY disappeared. If CORY was cramped, his arms were free, as they could see by the motion of his arms. He now knew that CORY'S right foot was entirely cramped and drawn up. A splendid attempt was made to rescue him, but there was a gully where the tides met and in the gully it would be impossible for one to stand. He did not think the bathers were out of their depth at first. There was a strong ebb tide at the time. - A Juryman remarked that when a bather lost his footing in these gullies he could not regain it. - Mr Harris said outside the breakers there was hardly a ripple, the water being very smooth. - JOHN W. CORY, merchant's clerk, Holsworthy, said the deceased, his brother, was 30 years of age. - The Coroner: I suppose you are quite satisfied that this unhappy occurrence was an accident? - Yes. - A Fatal Bay. - The Coroner thought it was not necessary to call further evidence. This was one of those terrible accidents that occurred from time to time at Whitsands. he had held many Inquests in cases in which people had lost their lives in this fatal bay. He did not know whether it was an undertow that seemed to cause swimmers to throw up their hands and go under. This seemed to be quite an accident and all there seemed to have done everything in their power to save this poor fellow. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The body was removed to Holsworthy, where the interment will take place this morning.

YELVERTON - Boy Drowned In The Meavy. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Yelverton yesterday on MONTAGUE SANDERS, aged 12 years, drowned in the River Meavy on Monday. - MISS FLORA E. SANDERS, Moor View-terrace, said the boy, her brother, had been subject to fits from birth. He had always been forbidden by his mother to bathe, and particularly on Monday afternoon. - Charles Orchard and Alec Battershill, each aged 11 years, went for a bathe in the Meavy on Monday evening. Orchard said he heard MRS SANDERS caution MONTAGUE not to bathe. A little later, however, he joined them at Gratten Bridge and went into the river. Neither could swim. MONTAGUE while sitting in the middle of the river was suddenly seized with a fit, rolled over into the deep pool and sank. - Richard Northmore stated that he found the boy lying quite still in six feet of water. Being unable to swim, he called for further assistance, and recovered the lifeless body. - Dr Revell said the result of his post-mortem examination, revealed the fact that the boy was seized with a fit, which rendered him helpless. He was drowned much more quickly than a person who was conscious at the time of drowning would. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and sympathy expressed with the family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 July 1911
BRIXHAM - The Brixham Fatality. Steam Roller On A Steep Road. - Mr hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on SAMUEL T. F. LEWIS, steam roller driver, in the employ of the Brixham Urban District Council. The chairman of the Council (Mr J. W. Hill) and Mr J. L. Arlidge, the clerk, attended. - John Silver, (surveyor to the District Council) said he saw LEWIS working the roller at 10 a.m. on Thursday on York Lodge-road, a private road, branching from the Berry Head-road. The roller was doing its work well. Later he found the roller in the path leading to Jackman's Shipbuilding Yard, it having broken through the wall fence. The width of the public road was about 25 feet and there was ample room for turning. The public road was in good condition. LEWIS was lying under the big wheel on the scarifier side and quite dead. The whole weight of the roller was upon him. The body was got out with much difficulty by means of jacks. The brake was in perfect order. It had not been used, as there were grease and oil in the thread of the screw. The gradient of the private road was one foot in eight feet for a length of 40 feet. A safe gradient was one foot in six feet, provided the engine was powerful enough to carry the roller. There was an emergency brake, but the usual practice was to run down hill with the "reverse," unless it was a very steep hill. He had not found any defect to account for the accident. The slope on Berry Head-road was just sufficient to drain the road. Before breaking the wall the engine had to mount a kerbing four inches above the level. - The widow said had she known where her husband was going to work, she would have advised him not to go, as she considered the road was too steep. Certainly it was steeper than where he had ever worked before. - Thomas Hazlewood, builder, said he saw the engine move about its length up the hill and when it was about two lengths from the gate, it came back. It appeared under control, as the driver was an experienced man. He walked on, as there was nothing to suggest serious danger. LEWIS did not even speak. Hearing a noise, he turned round, and saw the engine going through the wall. The gradient was nothing extraordinary. LEWIS was in the box, paying attention to the driving. The engine was going at ordinary pace. He looked as if he had proper control of the machine, which did not look like a "runaway." His opinion was he misjudged the distance. - Charles Norton, gardener, York Lodge, said the engine stopped about a length inside the gate to get up steam. and LEWIS oiled the machinery. The engine went through the gate, but as it had done that several times, he took no particular notice until something seemed to give out and it rushed across the road at a much quicker speed. He believed something gave out, as there was a different noise and a different rattle. LEWIS had handled the engine that day like a perambulator. - Robert Jackman, shipbuilder, said he saw the engine fall. He did not see LEWIS until he noticed him under the wheel. - P.S. Moon produced several screws and bolts picked up inside the gate. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest for a week to obtain expert evidence. - The Clerk of the Council expressed regret at the terrible accident, and tendered the Council's sympathy to the bereaved.

UPTON PYNE - At an Inquest at Upton Pyne, near Exeter, on CHARLES LAMACRAFT, 64, assistant overseer, the evidence showed that he was found drowned in the river close to his garden, where he had been engaged cutting down weeds on the bank with a hook. There was a deep wound on the left leg, evidently done by the hook. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 July 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Plymouth Publican's Death. Sad Termination To Torquay Visit. - At Newton Abbot Workhouse on Saturday an Inquest was held on GEORGE TOWNSEND, 31, licensee of the Queen's Arms, Queen-street, Plymouth, who was taken ill while on a visit to Torquay, and was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he died on Friday afternoon. - ALFRED TOWNSEND, Mainstone-avenue, Plymouth, stoker, petty officer on a torpedo-boat, said deceased, his brother, was a married man, with no surviving children. On the previous Sunday deceased was in splendid health. he then asked if witness's son could accompany him on a visit to his sister at Torquay, and witness consented. Deceased had rheumatic fever when a lad of 13, but had had no other illness. - Lily Fitzwater, Ellacombe-road, Torquay, said deceased was taken ill on Monday night. he was able to go out on Tuesday, and was much better on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, however, he became delirious and thought he was in Plymouth. They stayed up all night with him. Early on Thursday morning he went out by himself and coming back about five o'clock, again fancied he was back at his home. Going out again, he called at a neighbour's house and evidently fancied he knew the place. Then a neighbour told her he was picking up dust in the road. Witness sent for a Policeman, as deceased did not know her and thought he was home. He caught her by the throat and wanted the "key of the bar." He was drinking nothing stronger than "shandy" while at Torquay. She thought his illness was caused by worry about business. She did not think he was a heavy drinker. He was not usually a violent man. - P.C. Tucker (Torquay) said that when he asked TOWNSEND where he was going he replied "To work." He took charge of deceased, who did not appear capable of looking after himself. - Mr W. J. Jones, Master of the Workhouse, produced the Magistrates' order that deceased should be taken to the Workhouse. - Dr Scrase said death was due to delirium tremens and heart failure. There was no doubt that the cause was excessive drinking. It sometimes happened that the disease came on when a habitual drinker suddenly left off drink. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Petty Officer's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks on Saturday on CHARLES BULL (43), second-class petty officer in the Royal fleet Reserve and a native of Dublin. - Edward Sydney Penter, first-class petty officer, serving at the R.N. Barracks, said he last saw the deceased alive at 10.30 a.m. on Friday, when he was on the parade ground drilling. he had just fallen out to "stand easy" for a smoke and asked witness if he could leave the parade ground for a moment. He was allowed to do so. Deceased appeared to be in good health and had not complained during the week he had been at drill. They started drilling at 9 a.m., and were only in the sun ten minutes. - J. T. Hopkin, able seaman, said he saw deceased walking along the north colonnade, staggering against the wall as he went along. Then he sank down on the ground in a sitting position. Witness and three or four other hands picked him up and carried him to the sick bay. He was unconscious and groaning when picked up. - Staff-Surgeon J. Thornhill said that when brought to the sick bay deceased was unconscious. Restoratives were applied and a vein opened to relieve the pressure on the heart. He survived 20 minutes, but died without regaining consciousness. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found that the heart was badly diseased, weighing half as much again as it ought to. The condition of the heart was of long standing. It was possible that the heat affected the man. - The Jury found that death was due to heart disease of long standing.

KINGSTEIGNTON - At an Inquest at Kingsteignton on MRS ANNE COOK, aged 77, MR JOHN HENRY COOK, landlord of the Bell Inn, Kingsteignton, said deceased, his mother, fell out of bed early on Monday morning, but did not appear to have suffered any injury. During the day, however, she became unwell and the doctor was sent for. Dr McBeth attributed death to heart failure, following the accident, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PAIGNTON - Paignton Drowning Case. - At an Inquest on Friday at Paignton on WILLIAM HENRY GLASSON WHITE, who was drowned on Wednesday while bating from one of the machines on Paignton beach, it was stated that deceased ate a hearty lunch at one o'clock, had a smoke and went out to bathe. He took a machine and was some time later seen floating face downwards in the water near the pier. His body was taken to the pier-head by a gentleman in a boat, and artificial respiration was tried without avail. - The Jury found that deceased died from heart failure through entering the water directly after a meal, and expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Evidence of identification was given by REV. F. G. WHITE, a brother.

TOTNES - At Totnes Cottage Hospital on Saturday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM WEBBER. - Ex-Police Sergt. JOSHUA WEBBER, of Topsham, said deceased was his son, and he would have been 26 that day. - Herbert Hayman, clerk with deceased in Messrs. J. Symons and Co.'s offices, said about 6.45 p.m. on Friday he notice deceased's head had dropped on the day book on the desk. He thought he had fainted, but found he was dead. - Dr Gibson said the hot weather had weakened the heart's action. - The Coroner said extreme pressure was caused on all by the great heat, which anyone with a weak heart felt more. - The Jury found that deceased died from valvular disease of the heart. - Mr G. Symons (Mayor of Totnes) on behalf of himself and the firm, offered the bereaved family their sympathy. He had been with them about 12 years, and his death was a great blow and shock to the staff. - The Jury expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and the Coroner joined in the expression.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 August 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - After A Boxing Match. Naval Seaman's Mysterious Death In Devonport Dockyard. Result Of The Inquest. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard, Devonport, yesterday, on Able-Seaman SIDNEY ALFRED SMITH, of the destroyer Earnest, who was found in an unconscious condition behind some iron sheets in the North Dockyard on Saturday morning. He died before he could be removed to the Hospital. - Mr K. E. Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty, and Supt. G. Dixson, of the Metropolitan Police; the Chief Constable of Plymouth (Mr J. D. Sowerby), Mr W. H. Alger (manager) and Mr H. Jenkin (director) of the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, were also present. - SIDNEY CHARLES SMITH, King William-street, Bedminster, Bristol, said the deceased, his son, was aged 26. He last saw him alive five or six weeks ago, when he had his last leave. Witness knew that he went in for boxing, but as far as he knew Friday night was his first appearance in public. He was a very steady man. - Leave From The Ship. - George A. Harwood, leading signalman, H.M.S. Earnest, said deceased last left the ship about 5.15 p.m. on Friday, on leave until 6.30 a.m. on Saturday. He appeared to be in good health when he left the ship. He said he was going to the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium to take part in an eight-round contest, and that he expected to win. He trained on board. Deceased did not return to the ship and had he done so during the night witness would have been told. The next morning the Police informed them that he had been found unconscious in the Dockyard. - P.C. Carolan, Metropolitan Force, said on Saturday morning, at six o'clock, he was on duty at the north-east corner of the boiler-house, when he saw what appeared to be the feet of a man protruding from behind a sheet of iron. On a closer examination he found it to be the deceased. he was lying on his face, with his right hand to his head. He was bleeding from the mouth, his cap was lying about three yards from his feet, and a newspaper containing a pair of shoes, a sash, and a pair of short knickers. Witness turned him over on his side and found him to be unconscious. With assistance deceased was conveyed to the North Gate, where he was attended by Fleet-Surgeon Lumley from the Defence. Witness had been on duty only a few minutes when he found deceased. One of deceased's boots was lying near the cap. - P.C. Gould said he was on duty from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the North Yard. He would in the course of his beat patrol the part near the boiler house. The last time he was there was about half an hour before he came off duty, but on no occasion during the night did he see anyone there. It was quite possible for the man to escape his notice at night. - Deceased's Injuries. - Fleet-Surgeon F. D. Lumley, H.M.S. Defence, said on Friday night he was in charge of the medical guard. He was called by the Police about 6.15 a.m. and on arrival at the North Gate he found deceased completely unconscious. He examined him and found his face had been considerably knocked about. The right eye was much blackened, there was a swelling over the right cheekbone and the left eye was also blackened, but to a lesser extent. Bloodstained froth was coming from his mouth, and his nose appeared to have been bleeding. Both pupils were considerably dilated. The man died at 7.30 just as the ambulance arrived from the Hospital. He had made a post-mortem examination, and death was, in his opinion, due to haemorrhage of the brain, due to laceration of the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. The other organs of the body were all healthy. - The Coroner: Could the fracture of the base of the skull be due to blows received in a boxing contest? - Yes. The blow to cause a fracture of the base of the skull would not have to be exceptionally severe. He had seen the place where the man was found, but he did not think the fracture was caused by any fall in that locality. - The Coroner: Would it be possible for a man to receive a fracture of the base of the skull and not know it, but suddenly fall down some hours afterwards? - Yes. Witness, continuing, said the person would collapse suddenly in a fainting condition. - Supposing it is alleged that there was no knock-out blow, but he fell to the floor in an apparently exhausted condition. To onlookers he would appear to be exhausted, but that would be concussion? - Yes. He might recover from the concussion and not be aware of the fracture. - By a Juryman: There was nothing to indicate how long the man had been lying on the ground. The fracture could not be seen externally. - Mr Peck: Could the blow over the eye have caused the fracture? - Yes, it is quite possible. - Boxing Contest Described. - Mr Silas Alger, Union-street, Stonehouse, managing director of the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, said he was present at the boxing contests on Friday night. Deceased and Seaman Armstrong, of the Royal Oak, were engaged in an eight-round contest. They were two-minute rounds with one minute interval. The referee was a representative of a sporting paper. This event was arranged about three weeks before. In this case somebody brought the contest to him already matched. It was not arranged by witness. He did not think these men had boxed there before. - The Coroner: Do these men box for the honour and glory of the thing? - I wish they would. We pay them according to a scale. In this case the two men shared the money, which was £2. - In further examination, witness said deceased did not complain during the evening. There was no ill-feeling, otherwise they would not have shared the money. Armstrong won the contest. Had there been anything the matter witness would have been informed. He had never had any complaints about the gymnasium, and it was carried on in a sportsman-like manner. - Witness: The doctor says that the fracture might have been caused by a blow. Would it e possible for that to be done with a padded 6-ounce glove? - Fleet-Surgeon Lumley: I think it is possible. - By the Foreman: The floor of the ring was padded. SMITH was the lighter of the two men, but witness thought he was the cleverer. - Ernest Cload, Plymouth, said he was timekeeper at the contest in which deceased took part. The contest was concluded in either the sixth of seventh round, when SMITH seemed to fall down exhausted. Armstrong was not near enough to strike him when he fell. He was assisted to his corner, and the verdict was given to Armstrong. It was the usual novice contest, and neither of the men knew much about boxing. Both men were good tempered and continually laughing. he did not see a severe blow throughout the whole contest, and there was nothing unusual in it. - "Feeling A Bit Tired." - William Blackwell, Plymouth, said he was in charge of the dressing-room on Friday night. Deceased said he was feeling a bit tired, as he had been watch-keeping. Deceased and Armstrong undressed in the same room, and there were no signs of ill-feeling. There was no knock-out blow in the contest. A blow in the right eye was received in the first or second round. Witness fetched deceased his money and saw him go down Mill-street. He said he was all right. Witness did not think there was any need to fetch a doctor for deceased. He was positive deceased did not vomit in the dressing-room. - Able Seaman Mahoney, H.M.S. Earnest, said he was present at the boxing contest. Witness had boxed at the Cosmopolitan on several occasions, and acted as second to deceased. He could not say whether deceased was knocked down. - The Coroner: You have made a statement that the contest lasted five rounds, the verdict going to Armstrong, who knocked SMITH down, the latter being counted out. Which is correct? - Witness: In my opinion he was knocked down. When deceased left the ring he appeared to be a bit dazed. During the contest he received one blow in the mouth and one over the eye. It was a fair contest. Deceased left the building before witness. - Arthur Lippell, labourer, Plymouth, said he also acted as second to deceased. He thought the strength of Armstrong knocked deceased down. He was rather exhausted and was not himself for about two minutes. That was a rare thing. He told witness he was all right. Armstrong came over to deceased's corner and shook hands with him, and asked him if he was all right and he replied that he was. There was not what he would call a blow struck at the time. - P.S. Young said no one appeared to have noticed deceased come in the yard, but there were a large number of sailors who came in between ten and twelve. - The Chief Constable of Plymouth said he always had Policemen on duty inside and outside the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium every Friday. He had questioned the two Policemen who were there on the night in question, and they saw nothing at all out of the way. - The Coroner: Supposing there was a contest in which brutality was shown, would it be reported to you? - Yes, certainly. I have been there myself and find nothing I can take exception to. The management did everything to ensure fair treatment. - The father said it was probable that deceased had lain where he was found for some hours. He did not know how they could say no blows were struck. - Seaman Armstrong, of the Royal Oak, was called, and the Coroner said he did not wish to ask him to give evidence unless he was perfectly willing to do so, because it might possibly be a serious matter. It was his duty to caution him. - Armstrong declined to give evidence. - Coroner's Summing Up. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was a discrepancy in the evidence as to whether there was a knock-out blow or whether deceased fell from exhaustion. It was very difficult for them to say, but he thought they could take it that there were some blows struck, notwithstanding the technical evidence given. In an every-day mind it must be clear that the blows deceased received were severe, because the injuries showed it. If they could say what caused the fracture of the base of the skull it was very advisable that they should do so. If they were satisfied that the injuries were received in the boxing contest they would have to consider whether the boxing contest was held in a legal and justifiable manner. The law was such that amicable contests in boxing were not unlawful and the person who unintentionally caused the death of another person in the course of such a contest was not guilty of culpable homicide. From the law on the subject the contest in question was a perfectly legal one and if the Jury were satisfied that the death of deceased was caused by Armstrong in this contest, it would seem to him to be caused unintentionally in a friendly contest, and would not render him criminally liable for the death. He thought it was a pity that Armstrong had not volunteered to give evidence. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the fracture of the skull was caused. - A vote of sympathy was also expressed with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on ELSIE ARKINSTALL, aged 19, domestic servant, who lodged at 30 Cobourg-street, and was found drowned under the Hoe early on Saturday morning - John Kneed, postman, 30 Cobourg-street, said deceased went to lodge at his house a fortnight ago while her employer was on holidays. Witness last saw her alive on Friday, when she appeared to be as usual. She had shown no signs of depression. Deceased had told his wife that she was courting a soldier who was stationed at Crownhill, and that he had been ordered to sail for India, and that they would be married before he left England. She subsequently told witness that banns had been published. - John Glanville, labourer, 14 Hoe-street, said late on Friday night he saw the deceased walking along the Hoe, and then go to Pebble side. After three or four minutes he walked down the steps of Pebbleside, and seeing some clothes there went for a Policeman. Witness went on the rocks and saw the body of a woman floating in the water. He brought it ashore and the body was taken to the Mortuary. - Mr E. H. A. Barron, 18 Brandreth-road, said deceased had been employed at his residence as a domestic for eight months. During his holiday she was given a fortnight's leave. He noticed nothing peculiar about her. - Dr C. J. Cooke said death was due to drowning. There were no suspicious indications. - P.C. Maddock stated that after the body had been recovered artificial respiration was tried for three-quarters of an hour. - The Jury returned a verdict "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on EDWARD FRANCIS BAKER, aged 40, coach painter, of Wolsdon-street. - FANNY BAKER, of Wolsdon-street, said deceased had been depressed for about a month owing to pains in his head. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, nor did she know of any reason why he should do so. He was found hanging in the wash-house by his mother on Saturday evening. - P.C. Voaden said he was called to the house and saw the body lying in the wash-house. A man named Payne was there and the body had been released from a rope which had been attached to the roof. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but that failed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Exeter Mystery Unsolved. - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on EMMELINE OPHELIA BROOK, spinster, 68, of Taddeford-road, Red Cow Village, who was found drowned in the Canal on Saturday, Wm. Hayward, 10 Taddeford-road, said deceased lodged at his house until September last. She drank heavily and he gave her notice to leave. - Mrs Emily Selway, 9 Taddeford-road, said deceased had lately lodged with her. She last saw her at 9.30 on Saturday morning. Witness had given her notice. She did not make any enquiries as she did not return home; she thought she would come back. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 August 1911
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. Inquest On The Victims Opened. - The Inquest on the three victims of the Plymouth tragedy - PERCY WILMOTT COOLING, MARY ANNIE MAY HAWKER and ROBT. HAWKER - were opened by Mr R. B. Johns at the Plymouth Borough Mortuary yesterday. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was the most appalling tragedy they had had in the Borough, and he thought they might congratulate themselves generally on the little crime there was in the Borough, considering the composition of the population. In his opinion, probably the town, for its size and the composition of its inhabitants, had less crime than any other place similarly situated. The man had been living with the woman. On Tuesday morning there was apparently no sign of life in the room they occupied at 14 Harwell-street, and the Police, who were communicated with, forced the door and discovered the man, woman and child dead. The man was hanging by the neck to the bed-post, the woman had her head smashed and the child was lying on the bed lifeless. The Chief Constable told him that the room was filled with gas. There was a cooker with two taps and a penny-in-the-slot meter in the room. The taps were turned on, and 25 feet of gas had run out. It seemed a very determined case, and he thought they would have no difficulty in finding a verdict of "wilful murder" against COOLING. The cracks in the door, as well as the chimney, were stuffed up to prevent the escape of gas, and his theory was that COOLING did this with a view to suffocating all three, but that the woman awaking, there was a struggle between her and the man, with the result they had before them. All he now proposed to do was to take the evidence of identification, so as to enable the bodies to be buried as soon as possible and to adjourn the Inquest until 3.30 on Tuesday next. - The Foreman said he had had ten years' experience of Coroners' Inquests, and they had had many bad cases, but this was the worst. - Evidence Of Identification. - WM. FOLEY, labourer, of Prince Maurice-road, Lipson, identified the woman his sister. She was 23 years of age. - The Coroner: You know nothing of the circumstances of the case? - No, sir. - Did you know anything about the child? - I knew she had a child, but I could not identify the body, as I had not see it. - The Foreman: Do you know if the deceased lived comfortably? - The Coroner: He says he knew nothing of their affairs. - Witness: I never saw the man in my life. - PERCY WILMOTT, labourer, of 7 Victoria-square, Portishead, Somerset, identified the body of COOLING as that of the son of his wife. Deceased was a waiter, 26 years of age. - The Coroner (to the Jury): Mr Sowerby, the Chief Constable, told me he was a Naval Reservist, and had been a waiter at the Durnford Hotel, Stonehouse. - To witness: Did you know he was living with this woman? - No; not until he went on his drills. He was down in January to do his drills and I suppose that's where he picked up with her. - Did you ever see the woman? - No, sir. - Or hear anything about her? - No, sir. - Did your wife know he was living with her? - She knew since February. - Did you think he was engaged to her? - Yes; that's all, sir. - Continuing, witness said COOLING was looking forward to going home for a holiday, and he thought they were talking about getting married on Coronation-day, but whether they did so or not he did not know. - Did you know anything about the child? - No, sir; I never heard of it. - This was all the evidence called and the Inquest which was attended by Chief Constable Sowerby and Detective-Inspector Hitchcock, was adjourned until 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday next.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 August 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Tragedy. Company-Sergeant's Sad End. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on Company-Sergeant GEORGE RICHARD HORNER, R.M.L.I., who was found shot the previous day at the Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty, and Mr J. Lawrance was Foreman of the Jury. - EMILY HORNER said the deceased, her husband, was Sergeant of C Company and 37 years of age. She last saw him alive on Wednesday night, at 11.15. He was smoking a cigarette when she went to bed. She did not hear him rise on Thursday morning, but as it was his custom to rise at 5 a.m. she did not attach much importance to the fact that he was up early. It was his custom to go to his office early to get on with his work. The next she heard was that he had shot himself. They had been married 12 years and there were no children. She had found no communication from him which would throw any light on the affair. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. She was on quite friendly terms with him. There was nothing in his home life which would account for the deed. He had no domestic worries as far as she knew. He was a native of Stonehouse. She had never heard of any insanity in the family. He never complained of his work. He had been quite himself of late and not depressed, or quiet, and she knew of no reason why he should have killed himself. - Lance-Corpl. Robert rose, R.M.L.I., C Co., said he found the deceased at 5.45 a.m. the previous day in his office on the floor, dead. He was fully dressed in his uniform. He held his rifle in his right hand, and he was shot through the head. Witness subsequently found the bullet in a kit bag on a rack. It had passed through a wooden post and a plank. The cartridge was a service one. The door was locked on the inside, and witness, being the deceased's orderly, was the only other man to have a key to the office. Witness had known him about eight months, and the deceased bore a good reputation in the corps. He was very much liked. Witness could not suggest any motive for the affair. He used to drink a good deal, but he was sober the day previous. Witness had noticed no change in his manner. After a drinking bout he would be a bit shaky the next morning, but he could not say if the deceased's nerves had been upset as the result of the bouts. - By the Jury: Witness heard no report. - By Mr Goldsmith: The deceased was lying on his great coat, which was apparently laid for the purpose. The direction of the bullet, too, pointed to the probability of the deceased firing the rifle when lying on the floor. - Sergeant-Maj. J. F. May, R.M.L.I., said he last saw the deceased alive on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased was on duty at the time and quite himself. He was not supposed to be in possession of live cartridges, as it was contrary to regulations. The cartridge might have been by him for some time, however, Witness could throw no light on the matter. He always looked upon the deceased as being a very smart and astute non-commissioned officer. - Staff-Surgeon O'Connell, R.N., attached to the Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I., said he was called and found the deceased dead. There was a bullet wound from the roof of the mouth to the top of the head. Death was due to shock. The injuries could not have been inflicted except by the deceased himself. - By the Foreman: He had been dead less than an hour when witness saw him. - Sergt-Maj. May, recalled, said the deceased was thoroughly up to date with his duties. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was a clear case of suicide, and the only question was the state of the deceased's mind. There was an entire absence of motive for such rashness and the only probable cause seemed to be that the deceased was in the habit of drinking more than was good for himself, and in his sober moments it might have caused him a good deal of worry. That would have a tendency to bring about temporary insanity. Personally, he could only bring himself to think that no person would in their sane moments think of taking their life. There must be something pressing upon his brain to cause the act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow and the honourable corps with which the deceased was connected, the Jury concurring. - The deceased will be buried with honours this morning, the cortege leaving the R.N. Hospital at 10 o'clock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 August 1911
SHEVIOCK, CORNWALL - The Whitsands Fatality. Devonport Man Lost While Bathing. - Mr A. de Castro Glubb, Coroner, held an Inquest at Portwrinkle yesterday, on FREDERICK JAMES HANCOCK, aged 36, engine fitter at Devonport Dockyard, of 76 Townsend-avenue, Keyham, Devonport, who was drowned while bathing at Whitsands on the 30th ult., and whose body was recovered at Portwrinkle on Saturday. - Joseph Callaghan, fisherman, Crafthole, said on Saturday morning he was on the top of the cliff at Portwrinkle, when he thought he saw someone bathing, but finding that there was no movement he ran down to the water and found that it was the body of a man in bathing costume. He took hold of a leg and pulled the body in, and then reported the matter to P.C. Dyer. The body was afterwards removed to the boathouse at the coastguard station. - THOMAS CHARLES HANCOCK, of 74 Townsend-avenue, Keyham, brother of deceased, identified the body and said deceased was a good, strong swimmer. - Arthur Beed, 23 Haddington-road, Devonport, said on Sunday, the 30th ult., he went to Whitsand Bay with deceased. Deceased bathed and witness paddled about. The tide was coming in. The water was very rough. Deceased took the first breaker and went out. When about the sixth breaker came in witness missed him, and did not see him again. There was a rock on their left, to which deceased was very near. Deceased might have struck the rock when he dived to take the breaker. He was 80 yards out when witness missed him. Deceased was a strong man and a powerful swimmer, and was all right when he went into the water. Witness did not bathe because he was afraid of cramp. - P.C. Dyer said there was a mark on deceased's forehead, but that might have been caused afterwards. - The Coroner said this was one of those tragedies that one often heard of in Whitsand Bay. He held an Inquest a few days ago on one who lost his life there, and he had held many more in years gone by. There was no doubt what their verdict would be. - The Jury found that deceased was Drowned on July 30th and that the body was found on August 5th.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Poisoned By The Roadside. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday, on a man bearing the appearance of a tramp, found lying in a hedge on the main road between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth on Saturday afternoon. - Charles Taylor, proprietor of the common lodging-house at Teignmouth, said deceased stayed at his house for about three months in the spring of the present year. He also stayed there on Thursday and Friday night of last week. He told witness that he had tramped from Exeter, but witness knew nothing about the man, who was extremely quiet when in the house. He bore the appearance of a soldier and he had told witness that his name was MARTIN. - William Harry Kerslake, skilled labourer, said he was working in his garden, which adjoins the main road near the Teignmouth Gasworks on Saturday afternoon when he heard someone moaning in the hedge. He went through the hedge, but as he could see nobody there he returned to his work. A few minutes later he heard more groaning, and he then saw a man's collar hanging on the hedge, and a little further up he saw a man lying in the hedge. In reply to witness's question as to what was the matter with him, he said: "I have taken poison, spirits of salts. Come down to me." A bottle and jug were lying by his side. He had his coat and waistcoat off. - Dr F. C. H. Piggott, Teignmouth, said the man expired within a quarter of an hour of his admission to the Hospital. All he said was, "Give me something to drink." Witness found that the man had taken spirits of salts. The stomach was almost burnt out. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said a teaspoonful of spirits of salts had been known to prove fatal, whilst recovery had been known after taking two tablespoonsful. - Frederick Charles Edmonds, assistant to Mr J. H. Maunder, chemist, Teignmouth, said he supplied deceased with twopennyworth of spirits of salts on Friday afternoon. Witness reminded him that it was poisonous and the man said he wanted it for cleaning brass. Witness cautioned him in the usual way, and plainly labelled the bottle with a red label containing the words "Spirits of Salts - Poison." - The Coroner: Do you swear you did that? There is no label on the bottle now. - Witness: I emphatically swear that a poison label was on the bottle when I handed it to him. It was not a scheduled poison, or he would not have supplied it. He acted in accordance with the requirements of the Act. Spirits of salts was commonly used, especially by plumbers. - P.S. Hulland said he found a purse containing 4 ½d. in deceased's pocket; also an army discharge certificate, on which his name was given as PTE. FRANK NATION MARTIN, 1st Batt. Buffs. The discharge was dated 1st March 1909, and his age was given as 36. He had served twelve years in the army, and was a compositor by trade. The description given on the paper tallied exactly with the deceased, even to a scar on the left side of the neck. His character in the army was given as "Good." He was a native of Greenwich, and according to the certificate he had not a pension. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Poisoning Himself whilst of Unsound Mind.

TEIGNMOUTH - Gardener's Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker on GEORGE COLE, gardener, in the employ of Mr J. A. Maurice of Ashleigh, Teignmouth, who was found dead in the potting shed on Saturday morning. - MRS AMELIA COLE said the deceased, her husband, was aged 48. He had been at Teignmouth with Mr Maurice just eighteen months. He had, however, been in Mr Maurice's employ for about 2 ½ years. About a month ago he was given notice to leave, and had not been very bright lately. He was worried about getting a house, as they would have to leave the lodge belonging to the residence. He, however, had been at work as usual, and came in for his breakfast on Saturday morning. He did not finish his breakfast, his appetite having failed him lately. He returned to work about 9 o'clock, and made no remark before leaving. He had never said anything that suggested that he had the intentions of taking his life. She could throw no light whatever as to the cause of death. - John Wotton Baskerville, under-gardener at Ashleigh, stated that he and deceased were working together in the gardens up to 10 o'clock. They were watering, and deceased afterwards helped witness get the vegetables for the house. About an hour later witness was very much surprised to find him lying dead in the potting shed. The door was open. Deceased's legs were crossed, and from the position of the body it looked as though he had laid himself down. Witness informed his master, who telephoned for a doctor and for the Police. - Replying to further questions, witness said deceased appeared to be the same on Saturday as he had always been. Some poisons were kept in a cupboard in the potting shed, and on the bench witness found a bottle containing a poisonous fumigating nicotine compound for killing insects. The bottles were generally kept in the cupboard, but this had been used a couple of days previously. When busy they often left the bottles on the bench. Deceased was due to leave Ashleigh on Wednesday, but the new head gardener came in yesterday morning. - The Coroner asked if Mr Maurice was in Court and if he could throw any light upon the case. - Mr Maurice replied that he could not. He knew that COLE had not been himself for a long time. As to his leaving the lodge, that ought not to have worried him much, as he knew that until he could get a house arrangements would be made with regard to the new gardener. - Dr F. E. Little, Teignmouth, reported that deceased had suffered from pleurisy and asthma. The heart and other organs were healthy and normal. Witness was unable to state the cause of death. The only indication he could find was a slight smell of something like ammonia, which came from the stomach. - The bottle found by the under-gardener on the bench in the shed was handed by the Coroner to witness, who, on smelling it, said the liquid it contained was very similar in smell to the distinctly unnatural smell which he found emitting from deceased's stomach, which he had handed over to the Police to be sent to the County analyst. - The Coroner: From your examination, you are of opinion that the man's death was not due to a natural cause? - Yes. - But you could not say that he died from poisoning? - No. - The Coroner thereupon intimated that it was important for the family, and for the public, that the matter should be cleared up. At present the evidence was not sufficient to enable the Jury to arrive at their verdict, and it would be necessary to have a proper examination made of the stomach. He should, therefore, adjourn the Inquest for that purpose until the 18th inst.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Woman's Suicide. - MRS BETSY SANDERS, an old lady living at Little Silver, Torrington, was found hanging by a leather strap from a beam in an outhouse. Deceased, who was 65, was the widow of WM. SANDERS, of Newton, and lived with her sister. Missed on Sunday night, she was later found hanging, and yesterday Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest, and the Jury, of which Mr E. Baker was Foreman, returned a verdict that deceased Hanged herself during a fit of Depression.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 August 1911
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. Grief-Stricken Lady's Death From Poison. - Yesterday an Inquest was held on MRS AGNES GWYNNE YOUNG, widow of DR CHARLES YOUNG, of Newcomen Cottage, Dartmouth, before Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner. On Monday morning, DR YOUNG, who was recently operated upon for appendicitis, died, and in the course of a few hours the grief-stricken widow was herself found dead in a chair close to her husband's body. Mr J. P. Tolman was Foreman of the Jury. - Captain Henry Wood, of the Royal Engineers, said the deceased, his sister, was 41 years of age. He had been staying with deceased since Sunday morning. DR YOUNG had been operated upon for appendicitis, and his sister appeared to be much broken down when he arrived. DR YOUNG died on Monday morning and MRS YOUNG asked to be left alone. He asked her to lie down, but she refused to do so, and said she was all right. At half-past three o'clock the nurse told him she had been found dead in a chair in the bedroom where her husband's corpse was, and on entering the room he found the body on a sofa. DR and MRS YOUNG had been a very devoted couple. A letter addressed to witness had been found. - The Coroner said the only portion really bearing on the tragedy comprised instructions as to burial. The latter portion appeared to relate to the disposal of property. - Kate McLeod, nurse, said she had been in attendance on DR YOUNG. MRS YOUNG had been in her husband's room frequently day and night and during the last week had not had a night's rest. MRS YOUNG broke down after her husband's death, but subsequently she appeared to bear up. At half-past three o'clock on Monday afternoon witness had occasion to go to the bedroom in which DR YOUNG'S body was lying. She found MRS YOUNG in a chair by DR YOUNG'S bed. It looked on entering the room as if MRS YOUNG had fallen asleep, and had slipped down in the chair. Witness laid deceased on a couch and then saw she was dead. A doctor was sent for then. During the time witness had been at the house deceased had not shown the slightest sign of any intention to take her life. - P.S. Rogers said that under the carpet of the room in which the bodies were he found a bottle, produced, which smelt strongly of prussic acid, and above the carpet, under a couch, a cup. - Dr Gerald Morgan Soper, said at 3.40 p.m. he received a telephone message to proceed to Newcomen Cottage at once, as MRS YOUNG was very ill. On his arrival at the house he found MRS YOUNG lying on the sofa dead. Witness thought death had taken place about forty minutes previously. Witness found that the face, ears and lips were blue, and the pupils dilated, and there was a little froth exuding from the mouth, and a smell of prussic acid. From the above signs he attributed death to prussic acid poisoning. He looked around the room but could not find any poison. - Dr Enid Marion Smith, a lady doctor, said she had attended DR YOUNG. Witness saw him at MRS YOUNG'S request a few hours before he was operated upon and had since been in attendance. She had seen a good deal of MRS YOUNG, who had been particularly distressed by the illness and had been so distressed as to be not always rational in her actions. At eight o'clock on Monday morning deceased sent for her and asked her if possible to postpone the coming of a locum tenens, as she did not wish to have to speak to strangers. Witness saw deceased at frequent intervals after that. MRS YOUNG broke down at DR YOUNG'S death. Witness was out when MRS YOUNG was found dead. She returned to the house at 4.30 and did not see the body until about five. She confirmed the evidence given by Dr Soper. Witness could very strongly smell prussic acid. - By the Foreman: There was no necessity for prussic acid to be in the room owing to the illness of DR YOUNG. - The Coroner commented upon the fact that the case was the saddest he had had to Inquire into. - The Jury found that the deceased lady's death was due to the effects of prussic acid taken during Temporary Insanity, and expressed their deep sympathy with the relatives. - The Coroner concurred, and conveyed the sympathies of the Jury and himself to Capt. Wood. - The bodies of DR and MRS YOUNG were in the evening conveyed across the Dart to Kingswear, and thence taken to Luton for interment.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on JOHN D. STRATFORD, advance agent for the Turner Opera Company, who was found dead in bed at 1 Queen-street, Plymouth, on Sunday night. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) said Dr Cooke had examined the deceased, and was of opinion that death was due to haemorrhage. Evidence was given by Chas. Leverton, stage manager and Mrs Nellie Reed, with whom the deceased lodged, the latter stating that when she saw deceased on Sunday evening he was vomiting. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Triple Tragedy. Story Of A Terrible Crime. - The adjourned Inquest on MARY A. M. HAWKER, PERCY W. COOLING and the infant, ROBT. HAWKER, victims of the Plymouth tragedy, was held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner. - Mrs Hodges said she was the landlady of the house in Harwell-street, where the deceased adults lived as man and wife. They led her to believe that they were man and wife. They came to the house about two months ago and lived apparently quite happily during the first month. Then the disturbances commenced, but she did not know the cause of it. The rent was paid regularly, although the man was out of work. On the day of the tragedy a noise was heard about four o'clock in the morning. It was a noise which suggested a struggle taking place. Witness shouted out "Jim, what's this noise early in the morning. People can't sleep." No answer was returned, but the noise ceased and she thought the altercation was over. She believed the male deceased had a pension, because he never did any work while he was with them. The woman went away early in the morning and returned late at night, but what she did witness did not know. During the day of the occurrence, no movement having been heard since early morning, suspicions were aroused. No answer was obtained from knocks at the door, and the Police were sent for. The man was very kind to the child, and used to look after it and the house during the day. - P.C. Cutts said on the 1st inst. he visited the house. The door of the room occupied by the deceased was locked from the inside. Failing to get an answer, he burst the door open and the room was found to be full of gas, two taps on a gas stove having been fully turned on. The woman was found lying dead on her back on the floor in a pool of blood. The bed screw was in the fender. The man's body was hanging to the post at the head of the bed, with a piece of rope around his neck. His legs were almost doubled under him, he being nearly in a sitting position. The child was lying on the couch, having been killed by gas poisoning. The door cracks had been stuffed with rags, and at the bottom of the door was an old coat. The window was fastened and fitted tightly. No aperture in the room was left open. The furniture in the room was in a disordered state. - When The Acquaintance Began. - Inspector Hitchcock said the male and female became acquainted whilst the man was in the Royal Navy. The man had been engaged temporarily as a waiter since he was invalided from the navy, but latterly had been in desperate straits. The child was registered as ROBERT HAWKER. He did not know whether the woman followed any occupation. She lived a moral life and apparently happy with the deceased man. He had a number of letter written by the woman. - The Coroner did not think the letters were relevant as to the cause of death. - Inspector Hitchcock also said that the man bore a very good character and his discharge sheet was marked "V.G." - Dr Cooke said the woman had a fractured skull caused by blows on the head. It was fractured from side to side, and there were flesh cuts in a number of places, clearly showing there had been a number of blows. In his opinion the blows could have been caused by an iron bed screw similar to the one found in the room. The little child died from gas poisoning. In the case of the man, death was undoubtedly due to hanging, there being a deep indentation where the rope had been. A great deal of blood was on his hands, but he was not bleeding, and the blood, therefore, could not have come from himself. - The Coroner said it seemed improbable that any further evidence would be obtained but there seemed no doubt that the man murdered the woman and child, and fortunately he did away with himself, thus saving a lot of trouble. The question was whether the man was sane or not when he committed the crime. - The Jury consulted in private and returned a verdict of Wilful Murder of the woman and child by the man, and that the man committed suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 August 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Bathing Fatality. Recommendation To Council. - The body of SIDNEY COURT FULL - the youth of 18, who was drowned while bathing in the River Teign at Newton on Wednesday evening, was recovered yesterday morning after an all-night search. - At the Inquest evidence of identification was given by Mrs Stacey, deceased's aunt, Buller-road, Newton, with whom deceased lodged, his parents living at Landscove, Staverton. Deceased was accustomed to bathe, she said, but she advised him not to on Wednesday because he had had teeth drawn. - Alfred Charles Bailey, a young man living in East-street, who was bathing with deceased and others in the bend of the river near the Moreton Bridge, said FULL had learnt to swim this season. He wanted to swim across the river and did so, witness and another youth swimming on either side of him. After a rest of five or ten minutes, they started back together. When more than half-way across deceased suddenly threw up his hands and sank without a cry. When he reappeared witness caught him by the chin, but FULL clenched him, and both went under. Witness did not see FULL again. - Asked by the Coroner what caused FULL to sink, witness said he thought it must have been fright because the tide was carrying them down stream. - Wm. Rundle, Rockstraw, said he also tried to catch FULL when he reappeared, but he and Bailey went under before he could help. FULL reappeared further down the stream, but sank before he could be reached. There were several others dressing on the bank, but they had nothing to throw to the deceased, and before they could get near him he had disappeared. - James Henry Froude, bargeman, Newton Abbot, said he found the body not far from the place they were bathing. - The Coroner stated that the deceased probably got exhausted and sank. There were no lifebuoys along the bank of the river. - A Juryman said 15 or 20 youths were often bathing at this point and there should be an attendant there. - The Coroner said half a dozen attendants would be insufficient to look after the bathers up and down the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider urging the Newton Urban Council to provide a bathing-place with a suitable attendant.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 August 1911
BRIXHAM - At the Inquest on JOHN H. HOCKINGS, caretaker, Brixham Parish Churchyard, on Saturday, the verdict was "Death from "Haemorrhage through the bursting of a varicose vein in the leg." Dr F. Brett Young said death might have been avoided if the public were only instructed in the elements of physiological knowledge. Not one out of a crowd of 200 could respond as an ambulance man.

BRIXHAM - Lockjaw and Hospital Treatment. - An Inquest was held on GEORGE C. HOARE, a farm labourer, aged 48 years. William Cann, of Berry Head Farm, said HOARE told him that whilst tying up the cows on the 3rd inst., one of them bolted and broke the stick he held in his hand, forcing splinters in the forefinger of his left hand. HOARE took out some of the splinters with his teeth, but not all of them. He went to the Brixham Cottage Hospital for treatment and on the 8th inst., drove the binder in the cornfield. - Dr Cecil B. F. Tivy said he saw HOARE on Wednesday, and found a small puncture wound on the second joint of the left forefinger. He complained of stiffness of the jaw. No antitoxin serum could be procured in Brixham. He telegraphed to London for some, but it did not arrive until midnight on Thursday and he injected it at 2.30 a.m. on Friday. It apparently had no effect, as HOARE died on Friday morning from tetanus. - Nurse Sweetlove, Brixham Cottage Hospital, said HOARE on each of his three visits as an out-patient to the Hospital was advised to go to a doctor to have the splinters removed, but he failed to act on that advice. On the 9th inst. he was told that he must go to a doctor or else the X rays must be used. It was not a practice to call in the doctor for minor cuts and injuries, when patients could walk to the surgery. HOARE did not complain of the stiffness to his jaw when the wound was dressed, but as he was leaving the Hospital he complained in a general way of jaw-ache. Dr Tivy, recalled, said all the medical men in the town sent patients to the Hospital and treated them there. The practice was for out-patients, through accidents of a minor nature to have their wounds dressed by the nurses, who advised the patients to see a doctor if necessary. Out-patients understood they received no treatment from medical practitioners, as a house surgeon was not engaged. - The Coroner suggested a rota of the doctors to ensure medical treatment and pointed out that under the existing practice the nursing staff failed to diagnose such a serious complaint as tetanus. - Dr Tivy admitted the present system was not an ideal one. The Institution was not rich enough to engage a house surgeon. - The Coroner: Is it possible for the committee to arrange with the many doctors in the town, so that one can be in attendance during the out-patients' hours? - That would put the system on a better footing and in [?] it also. Dr Tivy promised to inform the committee of the Coroner's suggestion. A verdict of "Death from Tetanus" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 August 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - The Hot Weather. Devonport Victim. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JANE W. A. KIMMOND, who died suddenly at Station-road on Sunday. JANE W. E. ADAMSON said MRS KIMMOND, her mother, 54 years of age, was on a visit to her from Jarrow. Early on Sunday morning she was taken ill, became unconscious and died about nine o'clock. Dr Pearson said death was due to apoplexy, accelerated by the excessive heat.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 August 1911
BRADWORTHY - Fatal Cycle Accident. Collision With A Market Cart Near Bideford. - The North Devon Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) held an Inquest on Monday at West Ash Farm, Bradworthy, on ALBERT JAMES BECKLEY, 32, a farm labourer, living at Ash Cottage, who died on Sunday from the effects of a bicycle accident, deceased and a market cart having come into collision on the Parkham road. - MRS MARGARET BECKLEY, the widow, said her husband on August 8th, which was Bideford market-day, left home to cycle to Parkham, and was later in the evening brought back very much injured. In reply to her question as to what had happened, he said Mr Moor, a farmer, who was driving his trap too fast, had run into him. - Richard Moor, farmer, of Parkham, described the accident. He left Bideford about 6.30 p.m. to drive to Parkham village and stopped at the Bell Inn to see Mr Arnold. At Bideford he had had three or four glasses of beer and at Parkham he had two glasses of whisky. He was quite sober, however, and after remaining there half an hour he proceeded to drive home. When he got to Kilvington Corner he was driving about seven miles an hour and in the middle of the road. Deceased came round the corner on his bicycle also in the middle of the road and the bicycle ran between the horse's front legs. The horse fell on the man and witness was thrown out of the trap. The horse was cut on the off front knee. He was going downhill slightly where the accident happened, and deceased was coming up, Witness denied being on the wrong side of the road. - P.C. Townsend who saw Mr Moor returning from Bideford in the New road, said he was then driving about seven miles an hour and appeared to be quite sober. - Alfred Elliott, carrier between Bradworthy and Bideford, said about five minutes to eight he had passed Kilvington Corner, when he met deceased riding his bicycle about four miles an hour on the proper side of the road. Witness had just passed a cart which was then directly behind him and within a few seconds he heard a noise and looking back saw deceased lying in the road with Mr Moor's horse on the top of him, the wheel having gone over him. Deceased told him he was in as close to the hedge as he could possibly get and Mr Moor was on his wrong side. - Thomas Henry Folland, who fetched a gate to remove BECKLEY to his house, stated that deceased said to Mr Moor, who was walking by his side: "You were driving too fast, Mr Moor, and on the wrong side of the road." Mr Moor appeared to be quite sober, although he had been drinking. - Dr L. B. Betts, of Bradworthy, said deceased was suffering from severe shock and had a bruise on the lower part of the chest. A post-mortem examination revealed no fracture of any bones, but the abdomen was full of blood, and the liver torn; in his opinion this being probably caused by a heavy weight passing over the man, such as the wheel of a cart, or the horse stepping upon him. Death was due to the accident and peritonitis. - The Coroner said it was a particularly sad case as deceased left a widow and six small children absolutely unprovided for. - The Jury, who gave their fees to the widow, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from injuries caused by the collision between deceased's bicycle and Mr Moor's trap." They expressed the opinion that Mr Moor was driving a little too fast round a dangerous corner, but that there was no criminal negligence on his part.

EXETER - The Hot Weather. Inquest On Exeter victim. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on FANNY ROOKE, 71, widow of an Exeter council employee and caretaker at the ladies' room on Northernhay, who died suddenly there on Sunday evening, PHILIP ROOKE said his mother complained of the heat on that day. - Mrs Hurley, with whom MRS ROOKE lodged, said on Sunday she complained more of the heat than she had ever known her. - Edith Stoneman said on Sunday evening MRS ROOKE complained to her at the room on Northernhay that she felt very ill. She asked her to fetch a Police Officer who was outside which she did and on returning MRS ROOKE fell faint into a chair and died within a few minutes. - Dr Pereira who arrived as MRS ROOKE was breathing her last, said death was due to heart failure, the result of the heat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

DAWLISH - At the Inquest on MR W. E. G. WESTCOTT, the Starcross market gardener found dead in a well, it was stated that the legs were tied together and that half a hundred-weight was attached to the body. He suffered from dropsy and had been depressed. A verdict of "Suicide" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 August 1911
EXETER - The Exeter Suicide. Hospital Patient's Leap From A Window. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on WILLIAM KING, aged 34, a shepherd, of Sidbury, WILLIAM KING, the father, also of Sidbury, said his son first came to the Hospital for chronic indigestion, on the advice of a local medical officer, about two months ago. He came home better, but got worse again and re-entered the Hospital a week ago. He had never known his son delirious. There was no insanity in the family and he was fairly comfortable at home. - Doria Grimaldi, nurse in charge of the ward in which KING was a patient, said he suffered from pains in his head. Just after eleven on Tuesday morning a patient shouted out to her that KING had jumped out of an open window. She telephoned for the porter. KING had not shown any signs of his mind being affected. She was the only nurse in the ward at the time, and was some distance away from the window. There were 24 beds in the ward and four nurses to the ward. - Mary Wingate said she attended to KING in the morning and just before he jumped out of the window he asked her to pull down the blind as the sun was shining upon him. She did so. He seemed quite rational. - William Payne, hospital porter, said on receiving the telephone message from the ward nurse he went to the green behind the Hospital and found KING dead on the gravel path. He had fallen between 50 and 60 feet. - Dr Carter, Assistant House Surgeon, said KING had a fractured skull and death must have been instantaneous. - Dr Sturdee, House Physician, said when KING applied for readmission he seemed so well that he had some doubt as to whether he should do so, but he decided to admit him owing to his high temperature. From the history he gave of his having worked in the field in the sun it was a question whether he had sunstroke and afterwards whether he had enteric fever, but it was not enteric. - By deceased's father: It was almost impossible for KING to have fallen out of the window in pulling up the blind. He was such a cheerful, nice man that he would never have thought that he might jump out of window. - William Hooper, a patient, said he saw KING get out of bed, stand upright and pause. Knowing that he had no orders to get out of bed, witness got out of bed and was half across the ward when seeing him coming towards him, KING got upon the locker by the side of the bed and gave a desperate leap out of the window. The man talked quite sensibly just before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and attached no blame to anyone.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 August 1911
BIGBURY - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Easton Farm, Bigbury, yesterday, on MR JAMES CAMP, the late tenant. His son stated that early on Wednesday morning his mother called him, and on entering his father's bedroom found him unconscious. The previous day he had been very busy harvesting and appeared to be in his usual health and spirits. Dr Miles of Modbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the intense heat. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned by the Jury, of whom Mr J. A. Crimp was Foreman.

EXETER - The Death From Lockjaw At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on EDWARD HENSON, 48, married, of Denver-road, Topsham, a platelayer on the London and South-Western Railway, the evidence showed that on July 28th he was moving fence rails at Topsham Station, and stepped on one, out of which a nail was protruding, and it ran into his right foot. The nail was extracted with the assistance of his fellow workmen and he continued his work and walked home with the aid of a stick. On medical advice he was removed to the Hospital on August 7th with symptoms of tetanus and he died on Thursday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 August 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Railway Fatality. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday on MISS MABEL EDITH WILLIS, aged 19. MR HENRY WILLIS, of Newton Abbot, said his daughter was in service at Teignmouth at the house of a gentleman named Rogers. Linda Sherry, of Bristol, a visitor to Dawlish, said deceased came to see her and a relative on Wednesday. She bade her good-bye outside the Railway Station before nine in the night, when she was leaving to return by train to Teignmouth. - William A. Bulley, under-gardener, Dawlish, said he was on the far end of the down platform on Wednesday, waiting to see a friend off by the 8.58 p.m. train. An up train was in the Station rather far up the platform. He noticed a young lady walking at an ordinary pace down the opposite platform towards the slipway at the level-crossing. The signal had dropped for a down train, and the approaching train gave a long whistle as it came close to the Station. He then knew it was not the ordinary, but the fast through train. Just as the engine whistled the young woman commenced to run down and cross the line. He shouted to her to go back, but she came on and as she appeared to reach the first rail of the down line the express rushed by. He saw her throw up her arms as if trying to fall back. He saw nothing after the train had passed. - Arthur H. Savage, booking clerk, said he was in charge of the station and was seeing the up train off when the express passed through. Bulley came and told him of what had happened, and together they went down the line. As they passed down through, someone on the sea-front passed up a lady's hat, which had blown out over the railway. About 88 yards from the level-crossing under the signal, they found the body of a woman. The left leg was cut off and the head terribly shattered. There were four large notices, two each side, warning people against crossing the line except by the bridge. - Thomas Spackman, driver of the 4.15 express train from Paddington, said the train passed through Dawlish at about 25 miles an hour. He gave the usual alarm on approaching the Station and sounded the whistle half way through the Station. [Portion very faint to read]. In consequence of what the signalman told him at Teignmouth, he examined the engine and [portion very faint to read]. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 August 1911
BRIXHAM - Brixham Quarry Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday at Brixham opened the Inquest on GEORGE ALFRED HILL OLVER, a labourer, aged 36, killed in Freshwater Quarry the previous day. - The widow said he had been at work at the quarry about 12 months. - William Light said: I was at work beside OLVER at the foot of the quarry on the level. My back was towards him. I was shovelling and he was using a pick to loosen the rubble. I heard a rattle, and on looking round saw OLVER knocked over. I ran away, and saw another stone (about 2cwt.) fall. - James Long, quarryman, in charge of a gang of seven men, said he was near OLVER and saw the piece of rock strike him on the back and glance off. It turned him over and laid him out, with the handle of the pick under his chin and protruding through the top of his head about 18 inches. He was dead. There had been no blasting within a fortnight near the place from which the rock fell. - Henry Clarke, steam drill worker, who was about 30 feet from OLIVER, said he saw the stone falling from the top. It struck a bank about eight feet from the bottom and then fell on OLVER'S back. during the 18 months he had been at work there, he had never known any rock fall before. The one that fell was about a ton in weight. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Friday next, at 3.30 p.m., for the attendance of H.M. Inspector of Mines and Quarries. - Mr Parsons, on behalf of the contractors, Hill and Co., of London, expressed their sympathy with the widow and family. - Mr Arlidge, clerk to the District Council, also expressed sympathy.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man's Suicide. - The death of ROBERT C. R. GILLORD, tailor, aged 26, who was found shot in his bedroom at his parents' house, Holland-street, was the subject of investigation by the Borough Coroner, (Mr A. Bencraft) at Barnstaple last evening. - SOPHIA GILLORD, the mother, stated that as a child her son had suffered from water on the brain and he had suffered in the head and complained lately of the heat. Coming home on Saturday evening, he said he was mad and would shoot himself. She told him not to be silly, but to have his supper and go to bed. He went upstairs, and almost immediately they heard the report of a gun. Thinking he had discharged the weapon merely to frighten them, she went for the Police, saying they would frighten him instead. - P.C. Braund stated that he found deceased on the floor with a terrible gunshot wound near the right ear and a portion of his brains blown away. Sitting down, deceased had either discharged the weapon with his hand, or with a piece of string near by. The gun, containing an empty cartridge, was underneath the bed. - Dr Masterman Wood thought that GILLORD'S mind must have been unhinged. - In returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" the Jury expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 August 1911
EXETER - Exeter Bathing Fatality. - The death of ERNEST PATTEN, 18, of Exwick, Exeter, as the result of a bathing accident, was Inquired into by Mr Linford Brown yesterday. - Henry Bowden, who was on the river bank at the time, said PATTEN did not rise after diving in and witness and a companion named Brooks went in after him. They found him lying unconscious in six feet of water with a wound in his head. They got him out and after bringing him round by artificial respiration carried him home. - Dr Eyre said deceased told him he struck a stone in diving. Death was due to concussion of the brain and spine, and probably the base of the skull was fractured. - The Jury found that death was Accidental and added an expression of appreciation of the way in which Messrs. Bowden and Brooks acted.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport on MRS JESSIE SMITH BRYANT, Fore-street, the wife of a licensed victualler. - GEO. C. BRYANT, the husband, said his wife on July 25th went to Brighton and two days later fell down some stairs and sustained injury to her back. She returned to Devonport the next day. - Dr J. Ingram deposed to seeing MRS BRYANT on July 29th, when she had a severe injury to her back and extensive bruises, such as could be accounted for by a severe fall. The cause of death was disease of the liver and kidneys, accelerated by the fall. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - ANNA GRYLLS, aged 90 years, residing in Desborough-road, Plymouth, on Saturday week, fell in the passage and broke her thigh. She died this week. At the Inquest yesterday, Harriet E. Millman gave evidence and Dr H. Bailey said death was due to shock and senile decay. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

HENNOCK - Lightning Fatality. Hennock Man Killed In Sight Of His Wife. - At the Inquest on JAMES HINE, 44, labourer, in the employ of Mr J. Isaac, at Moorhouse Farm, Hennock, yesterday, MRS HINE said on Monday afternoon a very severe thunderstorm came on and about three o'clock, when the storm was at its height, she saw her husband coming into the yard with his two horses. At that time the vivid flashes of lightning were continuous, and when an exceedingly vivid flash came she saw him and the two horses fall to the ground and remain motionless. Running out in the pouring rain, she saw that her husband and the horses were evidently dead and she called for help. - Robert Sage, farm labourer, Hennock, said on being called by MRS HINE, he found HINE and the two horses lying close to the stable door quite dead. The stable was then alight and had apparently been struck by the same flash of lightning. After helping MRS HINE to carry her husband into the house, he gave the alarm. - Dr Deuntzer, Bovey Tracey, said HINE had evidently been struck by lightning. There was a mark as of a burn on the chest, and also on the right arm, and some of his hair had been singed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1911
SOUTH BRENT - Brent Farmer's Wife's Death. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Brent yesterday on MRS MAUD MARY CUNDY, of Higher Lincombe Farm. - MR HARRY PROWSE CUNDY, the husband, said his wife was 35 years of age. The family consisted of ten living children; four others had been born, but were dead. His wife usually enjoyed good health. In the forenoon of Wednesday she was cheerful and comfortable and wrote a letter to her daughter. About 2.30 he was fetched and found that his wife had died. - Charlotte Hingston of Morleigh, a midwife (certificated) said she had attended MRS CUNDY in confinement twice before. She was confined on Friday last. On the day of her death she had been out of bed and ate a good dinner. - Mary Bennett, maid-servant, said she heard the baby crying and on going to ascertain the cause found that her mistress was dead in bed. - Dr Style, of Brent, said he had made a post-mortem examination and was of opinion that death was due to heart failure, following childbirth. - A verdict was returned accordingly, and the Foreman of the Jury (Mr R. H. Gill) expressed sympathy with the husband and family, and the Coroner associated himself with that expression.

EGG BUCKLAND - Naval Pensioner's Sudden Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Crownhill yesterday on GEORGE HENRY SWEENEY, aged 69, a naval pensioner, of Tavistock-road, Stoke, Devonport. - DENNIS B. SWEENEY, pensioner, Metropolitan Police, of Catford, said he was on a visit to his brother. On Tuesday they hired a wagonette and went for a drive to Princetown, arriving there about 1 p.m. His brother was quite well when he left home and ate a good dinner and tea. At 6.5 p.m. they left Princetown, and on arrival at the Lopes Arms, Roborough, they partook of refreshments. When they had just passed through Crownhill his brother, who was sitting opposite him, was suddenly taken ill and did not speak again. Last winter he had a severe illness, which left him with a weak heart. - Dr T. Olver of Crownhill, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and to valvular disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - Torquay Old Man's Death. Coroner Censures Lady Cyclist. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on HENRY THOMAS PERRYMAN WILLS, aged 84, formerly a cab proprietor, and a lifelong resident of Torquay. - MISS WILLS, of Cobourg-place, said her father, who had lived with her for many years, was in excellent health and in possession of all his faculties. On Sunday evening she was walking with him along the Strand, when they noticed a crowd in the neighbourhood of Cary Parade. He started across the road to ascertain what had occurred and before she could reach him a lady came cycling down and collided with him. He was knocked heavily backward and fell, severely damaging his head. He was taken in a cab to the Torbay Hospital, where he lingered unconscious until Tuesday evening, when death ensued. - In answer to the Coroner, witness stated that there were no people in the road, which was perfectly clear, and she heard no bell sounded by the cyclist. The bicycle had knocked the old man down before she realised it was coming. Although there was a meeting near by, she did not think there was enough noise to drown the sound of a bell. The lady cyclist did not come forward and she saw nothing of her afterwards. - George Davey, painter, of Ellacombe, and a member of the St. John Ambulance Association, said he rendered first-aid. He heard no bell sounded, but an open-air meeting near by caused enough noise to drown its sound. A crowd of some 200 people had just previously rushed across the road to what was thought to be an accident, but which proved to be only a slight fall by a girl. This was the crowd apparently that the old man had noticed. - Dr Flack, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said death was caused by a fracture at the base of the skull. - The Cyclist's Story. - Miss Bessie Beard, kitchenmaid at Meadfoot House, Hesketh-crescent, said her home was at Chudleigh. On Sunday evening she was cycling down Fleet-street, but had to leave the left side of the road to pass a cab. After passing it, she saw an old man crossing the road, and she rang her bell. he did not appear to notice and she knew nothing more before she found herself on the ground. - The Coroner: You know your serious position and on oath you state that you rang the bell? - Yes, I did so repeatedly. - If there was a clear road, why did you not avoid deceased? - I could not. I was thrown before I knew what had happened. - Questioned by a Juror, witness said she had only been riding for three months. After the accident, a sailor picked up her machine, and helped her to the pavement. - Mr Hacker: Why did you not take the trouble to make yourself known to the Police, or try to ascertain whether you had killed this man? - There were no Policemen about, or I should certainly have given my address. I heard the man was not hurt much. - The Coroner: Now, your conduct makes matters look very bad. By your action you have been the means of killing a citizen. The least thing you could have done would have been to have interested yourself in the extent of his injuries. Your duty was to have made yourself known and not to have concealed yourself, for that is what it amounts to. By so doing you have considerably prejudiced your case. You should have come forward in an honest manner. You have killed a man, and you must answer for it. This is a very serious thing indeed and unless there is evidence to strengthen your statement, you are liable to be tried for manslaughter. We can't have citizens killed in the public roadway like this. - Miss Beard: I know it is very serious and I was very sorry to hear of the old man's death. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said it was a terrible thing to be responsible for killing a citizen, and this young lady apparently had treated the matter very lightly. She had, however, given her evidence in a very candid manner, but at the time she did not appear to see the seriousness of her position. It would have looked much better if she had come forward in a proper manner instead of concealing herself. No doubt there was excuse in the fact that she was upset at the occurrence. If, however, the Jury thought she was reckless and cared not whether she killed this man or not, she was guilty of manslaughter. I have, added the Coroner, pointed out to her the seriousness of the position and no doubt said enough to make her more careful in the future. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXMOUTH - Fatal Collision At Exmouth. Cyclist Admonished By Coroner. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday on JOHN WALTER HARDING, aged 65, gardener, who died in the Institution on Tuesday. The widow stated that her husband came home from work on August 12th looking unwell and he told her he had been knocked down by a bicycle. He did not return to work in the afternoon. Dr Beesley advised his removal to the Hospital on August 14th. - Mrs Skinner, of rill-terrace, who saw the accident, said she heard a bicycle bell and immediately afterwards deceased turned to the right and was knocked down by the bicycle. She went to give assistance and the cyclist, George Bridle, also helped deceased on to a chair. He looked very pale and was in a fainting condition. She administered brandy and deceased thanked her and went away. He did not blame anyone. - George Bridle, brick burner, stated that he rang his bell to warn deceased, who was walking in the same direction as he was riding. HARDING turned a few paces to the right and witness struck deceased, who fell flat on his back. Witness was riding at from three to three and a half miles an hour down the hill when he struck deceased. - A Juror observed that the slow pace was all the more reason why witness should have avoided a collision. - Dr Martyn said deceased was suffering from a badly bruised hip, and probably a cracked socket bone in the thigh, but death was due to diabetic coma, accelerated by shock due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and the Coroner, at the request of the Jury, admonished Bridle, as it was considered that he did not exercise proper care. - The Coroner added that Bridle was lucky to get off so lightly.

TRUSHAM - At the Inquest on THOMAS LENDON, killed in a Trusham quarry, the Coroner remarked that no serious attempt was made to enforce the notice warning the men to keep at a safe distance during blasting.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 August 1911
EXETER - Exeter Shooting Tragedy. A Victim Of Depression. - The circumstances attending the death of CYRIL VERNON COX, 21, son of MR F. COX, grocer, South-street, Exeter, was Inquired into by Mr Brown on Saturday evening. MR COX said his son had been depressed for four or five months. He had been under two medical men, and one had certified that he was suffering from nervous breakdown. Otherwise he had no trouble and he had never heard him threaten to take his life. On Friday he came to the shop and talked about an appointment he was making to see his doctor in the afternoon. Asked whether he had been to dinner, he replied that he would go into the cellar first. He went down about the same time, and before ascending again told his son to "come along." CYRIL answered that he would be up in a minute, but soon after reaching the shop again he heard the discharge of a firearm. Going down he saw his son against the lavatory door, and immediately called Mr Youlden, a neighbour, who summoned the Police and a doctor. - Constable Officer Walters said he had ascertained that soon after eleven o'clock on Friday morning, VERNON COX went to Mr Linscott's to buy a revolver, which he said he wanted to give to a friend going to Canada. He was told he could not have one unless he had a gun licence. At a quarter to one he returned, having in the meantime secured a licence, and bought a revolver and 50 cartridges. That was immediately before he went to his father's shop. - Dr Carter said death was due to shock following fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - The Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane and joined with the Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 August 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Man's Death. Sleeping Out With Means. - At St. Marychurch, Torquay, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on JOHN FEDRICK, mason, aged 53. FEDRICK was separated from his second wife, who left him seven years ago. He had been working for three weeks on houses being erected by Mr Pack, in St. Marychurch-road, but he ceased work on Wednesday. He was seen outside the houses on Friday evening, when the other men were leaving work. He was also seen near the same spot on Saturday morning about six o'clock. - William Gagg, tram car cleaner, heard deceased groaning, and found him lying with his face on the ground insensible. After having been seen by Dr Steele, he was removed to the house of his sister-in-law, where he died without regaining consciousness in the evening. - P.C. Bater said FEDRICK had been sleeping out for two months, but he could not be locked up under the Vagrancy Act, as he always had money in his possession. He was in the habit of sleeping in the unfinished houses. A purse in deceased's pocket contained £1 12s. 6d., and there was 10s. or 11s. due to him from his employer. A mark on the right side of the eye was probably caused by his slipping over a plank along which he had walked to where he went to sleep. - Dr Steele said when he saw FEDRICK on Saturday morning he was unconscious, cold and in a state of collapse. The body was emaciated, and the post-mortem examination revealed inflammation of the left lung and disease of the heart and kidneys. Death was due to heart failure following acute pneumonia, accelerated by exposure. - Dr Steele raised a point as to his being remunerated for his services under the circumstances, the man having money in his pocket. If he had lived he would have been liable to pay his fee. - The Coroner said morally the doctor was bound to attend, and if he had not done so people would have described him as hard-hearted. No doubt the doctor's claim would be met unless there was not more than enough to meet the expenses of burial. Addressing a naval seaman present, a son of deceased, the Coroner told him he would have to pay the doctor, to which the son replied he would do so if there was any money left. - In reply to the Coroner, Police-Inspector Pratt said if FEDRICK had not had money in his pocket he would have been taken to the Workhouse Infirmary. He had been there and left against the wish of the Guardians three months ago. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - At an Inquest yesterday on MRS WHEATON, 39, wife of a cabinet-maker of Manston-road, Heavitree, Dr Wolfe said the body was pigmented, or coloured. The death was a natural one.

ILFRACOMBE - At the Inquest yesterday in the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on MRS MARY ANN SERGEANT, a widow, aged 78 of Highfield-road, who died suddenly on Saturday morning, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 August 1911
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Died Whilst Under Arrest. - At Plympton Workhouse yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on JOHN HORTON, labourer, of Plympton. - Samuel Harvey, retired builder, King-street, Plymouth, said HORTON'S age was 54. he was separated from his wife and his conduct generally was very bad. P.C. Pile, of Ivybridge, said on Sunday he arrested HORTON in a farm outhouse on a charge of theft. He walked quietly along the road with him and P.C. Heales. On the way he said he felt ill, as he had had no food for several days. At Deep-lane-hill he suddenly stumbled and fell, breathed heavily, and died. Artificial respiration was tried. Dr Stamp was sent for. HORTON would work very hard for some months and then when he drew his money would go on the drink and resort to anything to get money. - Dr L. D. Stamp said death was due to the chronic state of the liver owing to excess of alcohol, acute dilation of the heart and kidney disease. Death from Natural Causes was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 August 1911
DAWLISH - Result Of Tight Lacing. Death Of A Lady At Dawlish. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on MISS SINA BAKKER, aged 19, daughter of HERR DOUVE BAKKER, of Sappermeer, Holland, a bank director, who said his daughter left her home for Dawlish last Wednesday. Mr A. E. Joses of Langley House, Dawlish, said the young lady arrived at his house as a paying guest on Friday. She had a fainting fit on Sunday and Dr Lovely was called in. She had supper with the other members of the household on Monday night. Afterwards she went upstairs to fetch a book and when she returned sat down and seemed unable to breathe. Shortly afterwards she died on the sofa. - Dr C. N. Lovely said he was called to see MISS BAKKER on Sunday and on Monday was present at her death. He had made a post-mortem examination and in his opinion death was due to suffocation following acute dilation of the stomach and pressure on the heart and lungs as a result of tight lacing. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony and the Coroner commented on the dangers of tight lacing as once more evidenced by the sad end of this young lady.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - MRS ELIZABETH MILLMAN BAKER, aged 37, wife of the licensee of the Ocean Inn, Cecil-street, Plymouth, appeared quite well on Thursday evening and served in the bar. At 4.30 yesterday morning she became ill. Unconsciousness followed and she died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Pearse said death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with the husband.

HARTLAND - Hartland Man's Death. What Was The Cause Of It? - Mr G. W. F. Brown last evening held an Inquest on JOHN TREMEER, 70, living on the outskirts of Hartland, who died on Thursday. The presence in the district of acute poliomyelitis led to the conjecture that he might have been attacked by it, and the Coroner, in opening the Inquiry, said as the Jury knew there had been a great deal of talk of cerebro-spinal meningitis or spotted fever about and that poliomyelitis, another disease, had been rather prevalent in some districts, including Holsworthy and Bradworthy. He had come across cases surrounding Barnstaple, Swymbridge and Southmolton and it was not known where it was going to crop up next. - Dr A. F. Wright thought he would like to make a post-mortem of this case, and send the result to Dr Reece, the Local Government Board Inspector and the doctor was then in consultation with Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, about the case. - A Juror asked if there was any proof of a case of spotted fever having occurred and the Coroner replied that he believed there were known to have been cases of poliomyelitis. - The Foreman (Mr I. Newton) demurred to viewing the body if it was an infectious disease, as he had a family of young children and he did not want to take the disease home. Viewing the body was a farce - The Coroner quite agreed, but it was the law. A casual inspection through a window would satisfy him. - Mrs Emma Cloak, a neighbour, said TREMEER complained to her about 1.30 of pain in the stomach. She gave him some ginger tea and helped him to bed. She last saw him alive at 4 o'clock, when she carried him some broth. At 5 o'clock he was dead. - Dr Wright said the heart was extremely good considering the man's age, and the other principal organs were normal. There was slight evidence of recent inflammation at the base of the brain, and some turbid fluid came from the interior of the cord, which, under normal conditions should be clear. - The Coroner: What was the cause of death? - Dr Wright said the only thing that could cause death was first of all the condition of the vessels of the heart, which may have caused syncope, or the signs of old disease of the brain and recent inflammation of the brain on the top might have caused death. - Were there any signs of the disease known as cerebro-spinal meningitis? - Dr Wright said he could not get the post-mortem examination over quick enough for a specimen. There was a slight inflammatory condition of the base of the brain, but hardly enough to cause death. - What would you say was the cause of death? - The immediate cause of death was syncope. - Questioned by the Jury as to the fluid found in the spinal cord, Dr Wright said the symptoms were not sufficient to cause such a sudden death. How far it influenced it was impossible to say. - A Juryman said there was a scare. - The Doctor said it was rather a wrong term to use. There certainly were several cases of poliomyelitis about and in that neighbourhood. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - Syncope."

Western Morning News, Monday 4 September 1911
STOKENHAM - Start Bay Tragedy. Survivor Gives Evidence At The Inquest. - At Torcross on Saturday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS POYNTER, aged 63, one of the victims of the Start Bay fatality. POYNTER with two other men, named Ingram and Smith, was fishing from a small boat when the steamer Winstanley, from Dartmouth, ran into it. POYNTER and Ingram were drowned. The body of Ingram has not yet been recovered. Mr W. Beer, solicitor, of Kingsbridge, attended on behalf of MRS POYNTER. Mr C. H. Hamilton was Foreman of the Jury. - Question Of Responsibility. - The Coroner said they would be able t take a good deal of evidence, but there were certain persons on the steamship connected with the cause of the occurrence, and that ship was now at Cardiff. The Police up to the present had been unable to procure the attendance of anyone on that ship, and it would therefore be necessary to adjourn the Inquest before they could come to a conclusion as to whether anyone was responsible. It would be necessary for the persons responsible on that ship to attend and give evidence. - MRS POYNTER, widow, said her husband was a naval pensioner and had lived at Torcross nearly 30 years. He left home about 2 p.m. on Thursday to go out fishing. He was in his usual health and his sight and hearing were good. - Survivor's Evidence. - Robert Smith, coastguard, Torcross, said he went out fishing for dabs with POYNTER and Ingram, on Thursday afternoon in POYNTER'S boat, the Bessie, a rowing boat with sails. When they got to the fishing ground, about 1 ½ miles out, they dropped the anchor and lowered the sail. The tide was on the ebb, and the wind kept the boat broadside on to the point from which the steamer Winstanley came. The bow of the boat pointed seaward. When he first saw a steamer coming from the direction of Dartmouth she was about 700 or 800 yards away, and her course was so shaped that she would pass between the boat and the land. - The Coroner: There was nothing to cause any alarm? - Not at the time. - I baited some hooks for Ingram and on looking up saw the steamer closer. After that she altered her course and came straight for us. I stood up in the thwarts and called out at the top of my voice "Ship ahoy!" I saw no one, and never heard any answer. The steamship looked like a collier. - The Coroner: Did you see anyone on the bridge? - I can't swear that there was no one there, but I did not see anyone. - Did you shout again? - Yes; then I called out to POYNTER and Ingram, "Come on and follow me," and quickly afterwards I dived over the stern of the boat. The Winstanley was then about 15 yards away. When I came up I was opposite the bridge on the starboard side of the ship. There were four or five men standing underneath the bridge, and I called out to them "You have just ran over two men." I swam about and saw Ingram. - Were you under the impression that they did not see you? - I thought that seeing me in the water they would realise that something had happened. She rushed past me. I saw Ingram swimming. he looked as if he had had a great shock. I said "Keep cool." We paddled about and kept ourselves afloat. He caught hold of me and we both sank. I had to struggle away from him to save myself. Finally he lay still in the water. - Did you see POYNTER? - I saw him 50 yards away. A boat from the steamer came and picked me up. At the same time they picked up POYNTER. - Only One Oar. - They picked you up, having first picked up POYNTER? - I saw the gunwale of the ship's boat and I told them to paddle around and see if there was any sign of the others. I am sorry to say that all they had was one oar and a piece of wood from the bottom of the boat, about four feet long and one foot wide. There were two men in the boat. - Did they make any statement to you? - One said he had been in his bunk, and that there had been a cry of "man overboard." - When you got on the steamer whom did you see there? - The captain and members of the crew. I asked the captain to signal for assistance and he put up two flags. I was trying to restore POYNTER by artificial respiration. One of the men on the steamer came to me and said when he saw me in the water he thought it was one of the men from the steamer itself. - No effect was produced by artificial respiration? - No. - Did you have any conversation with the captain? - He offered to take us to Dartmouth and I said, "No; run us into that village." - The Foreman: What was the weather like? - Very clear and bright. It was a little choppy with the wind against us. There was no fog whatever. - Mr Beer: It was a very clear day? - Exceptionally clear. - How long were you in the water? - It seemed a very long time. I should say about 20 to 25 minutes. - You are perfectly clear that there was no one on the bridge? - yes, as far as I could see. - If lifebuoys had been thrown his life could have been saved? - Yes. - Mr Beer: There is great credit due to you for what you did. - Another Eye-Witness. - Thomas Stone, fisherman, Beesands, said he was in his boat along with his brother in Start Bay on Thursday. They were making for Beesands under sail. They were about 1 ½ miles from the shore when they saw a steamer about a quarter of a mile away. POYNTER'S boat was about 100 yards from them. - What was the direction of the steamer? - Coming down straight on the boat. I thought there would be something wrong. - Did you know POYNTER'S boat was at anchor? - We saw it was anchored when we got nearer, but it was not until we got nearer that we saw whose boat it was. - What then? - the steamer came down and ran right into the boat on the port side. - The steamer was outside on the seaward side? - No, sir; she came and drove right into the boat, which was broadside-on to the steamer. We hurried up to help and assisted to bring in the damaged boat. - What sort f a day was it? - Very clear and not much wind. - The Foreman: When you saw that the steamer had struck the small boat, did you see any agitation on the steamer; anyone moving about? - No. - Did you see them lower their boat? - Yes, after they had struck the boat; not immediately, but a considerable time afterwards. - Conversation With Captain. - Wm. Halliday, chief officer of coastguard, Torcross, said when a watchman reported that a steamer had run down a boat, he ordered him to call the crew of the coastguard boat and launch it. He went on board the steamer with two men. The captain's name was George Finn and he came from Dublin. The steamer was the Winstanley, collier, registered tonnage 143, trading between Cardiff and Dartmouth, and other ports and the owner was Mr D. O'Lier Chambers of Dublin. - Did you speak to the captain? - Yes. I asked how the accident happened, and he said he thought the boat was trying to cross his bows and he had steered to go astern of her and thought he went clear of her and had cleared her. The next thing he heard was a shout of "man overboard," and he instantly lowered the boat and picked up two men. I then asked "Why was not a lifebuoy thrown overboard?" - What answer did he make to that? - He made no reply. I practically asked him the two questions at once: How the accident happened, and why it was no lifebuoy was thrown overboard. - Did you see any lifebuoys there? - There were two underneath the bridge, near the wheelhouse. The bridge is aft, just before the funnel. - The Foreman: A man on the bridge would have seen things clear all round him? - Yes. - Have you the Board of Trade regulations as to the number of crew to be carried on board such a boat? - No. - Mr Beer: It was an exceptionally bright and clear day? - Yes. - How far could you see a boat on that day? - I could see a small boat about two miles away quite distinctly. - Cause Of Death Uncertain. - Dr David Todd, Chillington, who had made a post-mortem examination of the body, said there was a slight abrasion at the back of the head, a scratch. There were no other marks nothing to account for death. - The Coroner: You consider death was due to drowning? - Probably the blow on the head rendered him unconscious. He did not get any water into his lungs. - Then what do you consider is the cause of death? - It might be due to a blow and might be due to suffocation. - The slight scratch would be due to a slight blow. Were the indications consistent with death from drowning? - Not inconsistent. - That is consistent. - I don't think it is really material. - The Foreman: What is the cause of death? - Dr Todd: I cannot say. - Would shock cause death? - Yes. - The Coroner: It is absolutely immaterial. The man came by his death by being knocked into the water. - Sidney Stone, fisherman, corroborated the evidence of his brother, Thomas Stone, and added that very soon after the steamer struck the boat she reversed her engines. - The Foreman: How far did the steamer run after striking the boat before she reversed her engines? - She drove the boat in front of her. - The Coroner said this was as far as they could carry the Inquiry at present, without the evidence of the captain of the steamer. - Superintendent Jeffrey, of the County Police, said the steamer was due at Cardiff that day and he had communicated with the Cardiff Police. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquest until Friday next, at two p.m. - The Foreman of the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased and the Coroner joined. - Mr Beer returned thanks n behalf of MRS POYNTER.

NORTHAM - Boat Upset. Inquest On Victims Of Torridge Fatality. - At Appledore on Saturday Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford) Deputy North Devon Coroner, held the Inquest on Captain GEORGE MEREDITH QUANCE, 55, retired master mariner of Riverdale, Irsha-street, Appledore, and JOHN BIGGS BRUNT, 14, drowned by the upsetting of a boat on Friday. The latter's aunt and sister, the other passengers, were saved. The parents of young BRUNT are in India, his father, MR LEONARD BRUNT, being a manager for the Assam Oil Company. The lad was on a visit at Appledore and would have returned to Bristol that day. - The Aunt's Story. - MISS SARAH LOUISA MARY BRUNT, aunt of JOHN BRUNT, said the boy was in her care. On Friday they went for a cruise with CAPTAIN QUANCE, intending at five o'clock the same day to return home to Bristol. They left Appledore about ten o'clock, sailing up the river towards Bideford. The accident happened about 12.30. They were chatting with the children, when all at once the water came in over the side. All the time the boat was low in the water on one side or the other, and alternately she was saying to the children "Now it's my turn to be up," and they would say to her "Now it's our turn." Then as far as she could remember, the boy said, "Oh! look at this wave coming," and with the same the boatman said "My God!" and they were in the water and the boat quickly sank. An oar seemed to come towards her as she was in the water and she caught it, as well as her niece. The boat then was a bit in front of them. Turning round to see if any help was coming, she saw QUANCE swimming very strongly. The boy was in front of her beating the water with his hands to keep his head up. When next she looked around the boy was gone. She thought QUANCE was swimming ashore to get help and that it was her nephew that was picked up. The boy could not swim, but her niece had been taking lessons and could swim a little. She did not see the first boat which came along and picked up the girl and the next thing she remembered was being pulled into a motor boat. She had been holding on to the oar all the time and heard a gentleman call out "Hold on; I am coming." - The Foreman: Is it true, as has been rumoured, that the boy got overboard first and that it was in attempting to rescue him the accident happened? - That is not true. - The Rescuers. - John Davies, a painter, working on a house near, said he heard a scream, and saw a bit of the sail of the boat and the people in the water. That was at five minutes to twelve. He called one of his mates and ran to the beach, but could find no paddles in the boats there. The gardener, however, came down immediately with oars, and he pushed a boat off and rowed to the spot, but by the time he got there the lady and girl had been picked up and he rowed for QUANCE, who was floating about 50 yards from the shore. When he picked him up he was dead. They got him ashore and did all they could to resuscitate him, but they did not know a lot about it. - By the Foreman: The wind was very slight, but came in gusts. - John Banbury, who was standing on the shore talking to two gentlemen who were sailing an Instow Club boat, said they heard the screams and went to the assistance of the people. Passing them smartly the first time one of the gentlemen lifted up the girl clean into the boat. At the time the girl was being supported by MISS BRUNT. It was a very "puffy" morning. - John Schiller said he was one of seven going up in a gig to look for the boy. They found the boat sunk with the sails up and in getting the boat up they saw the body of the boy about twenty yards below. Not being able to get quick enough to it in the boat, he jumped overboard and recovered it. In the sunken boat they found 5 cwt. of ballast. the centre-board was down, but as the boat was settling that was gradually pushing it up. The sheet was fast with a "half-hitch." There was nothing wrong with the boat at all. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Foreman (Mr T. H. Fishwick) expressed the Jury's deep sympathy with the relatives abroad and friends at home, remarking that there was no doubt the accident was caused through a sudden gust of wind making the boat suddenly heel over. Captain QUANCE thoroughly understood everything about boating.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 September 1911
BIRKENHEAD - Crediton Child's Death. Shocking Story Of Ill-Usage. - A Coroner's Jury at Birkenhead yesterday returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" in the case of a nine months old child named CECIL LATTY DELVE, for the wilful neglect of whom a married woman named ROSINA LATTY is undergoing a term of six months' imprisonment. The child was taken from Crediton by the woman, who kept it for a sum of money, and at the time of her conviction a sensational story of ill-treatment was told to the Court. The evidence was to the effect that, besides depriving the child of food, the prisoner held it upside down and also put whisky in its bottle. When it arrived at the Hospital it was in a shocking condition and its eyes were blackened.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 September 1911
SOUTH BRENT - A Moorland Tragedy. Man And Dog Drowned. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at South Brent yesterday on WILLIAM ROGERS, found drowned in a pool at Zeal, South Brent, on the previous morning. Mr M. Stevenson was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS MARY ROGERS, Prospect-place, said deceased, her husband, was 33 years of age. There were five children - one an invalid. They had lived in Brent about seven years. Witness last saw deceased on Friday morning. The day previous she spoke to him about a family occurrence, and told him that she could never forgive him. He subsequently wandered about the house and appeared to be much upset and low-spirited. He came down from the bedroom and drank some tea, but did not eat. He wished the family good-bye and left the house. He did not make any statement and she expected he would leave the district, but she (witness) was too upset to ask him where he was going. He did not deny the charge made against him. As the deceased did not return home in the evening information was given to the Police that he was missing. Deceased was in good health generally and she did not know of any threat to take his life. He said nothing and they had no quarrel over the family incident. - Richard Hard, a boy, said he saw deceased going towards the Moor. Deceased said "Good morning" to him. - Police-Sergeant Beer said he made a search along the Avon river until Sunday, but found nothing. On Monday he received information about the finding of a hat and stick at a brook at Zeal, nor far from Didworthy. He visited and saw the articles on the banks of the brook and also found a pocket knife. He could not find the body. Next day, with assistance, he made further search, and recovered the body from about 4ft. to 6ft of water. The body was heavily weighted with stones - lashed to his body in such a way as only a sailor would be able to do probably. A terrier dog was tied to his left leg and also dead. There were no bruises of any kind on the body, and there was nothing found on him to throw additional light on the tragedy. The body had no doubt been in the water some days. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst of Unsound Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Painter's Death. - At Ford Council School, Devonport, yesterday, Mr A Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on RICHARD JOHN HOWE, aged 40, painter in the Dockyard, of 124 Alexandra-road, Ford. EMILY MARY JOPE, married, of 117 Alexandra-road, said she used to see deceased, her brother, every day. He was generally in good health. She saw him on Monday at dinner-time, and again at 2.30 p.m. the same day, when he was brought home in an unconscious condition. He died on Tuesday afternoon. - William Woon Cook, leading painter in the Dockyard, said deceased had worked under him for about thirteen years. On Monday, just after dinner-time, he saw him working on No. 9 store, in the north-end of the yard. Not long after witness was called to the surgery to see deceased, who had been taken ill. A doctor was there attending him. Deceased, who seemed as if he had hurried, was later removed to his home. - Dr C. L. Lander stated that he had been attending deceased at his home. He attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage. He added that he thought HOWE had eaten his dinner heartily and the hurrying back to his work no doubt accelerated death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1911
STAVERTON - Start Bay Fatality. The Captain To Be Charged With Manslaughter. Jury's Dilemma. Coroner And Legal Aspect Of Their Verdict. - The Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS POYNTER, a naval pensioner, was resumed at Torcross by Mr S. Hacker yesterday. POYNTER was fishing off Torcross on August 31st, and was run down by the steamer Winstanley. The Inquest was adjourned from Saturday for the attendance of the officers of the ship. The owners of the ship, John Weatherill and Sons, Dublin, were represented by Mr H. North Lewis, solicitor, of London, who expressed the owners great regret for the most unfortunate accident and sympathy with the widows and orphans. Mr W. Beer, solicitor, Kingsbridge, represented the widow. - Previous Evidence. - The Coroner gave a resume of the evidence taken at the last hearing. Smith, the coastguard, said while they were at anchor fishing he saw the steamer, which, when near them, seemed to alter her course and come right down on them. He shouted, but no notice was taken, and when the steamer was about 20 yards off, he dived from the boat. No lifebelts were thrown from the ship, but POYNTER and himself were picked up by the ship's boat. POYNTER was then dead. It was a clear day, and he was in the water twenty minutes before he was picked up. He was the sole survivor. The steamer must have been going about ten knots. - Stone, a fisherman, said he saw the steamer run down the boat, and that it was some time before the steamer lowered her boat. - Wm. Halliday, the chief officer of the Torcross Coastguard, stated at the last hearing that he saw the master of the Winstanley, who told him he though a boat was trying to cross his bow. - The Captain's Story. - The captain of the Winstanley, Mr Geo. Fenn, was now called. The Winstanley was, he said, a coasting collier of 148 registered tonnage. He left Dartmouth at half-past three in the afternoon, bound to Cardiff. The crew consisted of eleven. After leaving the Rock, he took a S.W. by W. course to give the bank a good berth. About ten minutes after they left Dartmouth, the men were washing the decks down, with the second mate at the wheel. It was a clear day. He left the upper bridge after a quarter of an hour and entered the wheel-house, the men being engaged in hosing the upper bridge. He noticed two sails ahead as he left the bridge. They were a good distance away. The nearest boat was on the port bow, heading west. He said to the man at the wheel, "Starboard for the small sail, he wants to cross our bow." The boat was on the port tack and he went over to port to see she did not "stay." She crossed the steamer's bow going from east to west, and apparently all safe. the next thing he heard was "man overboard." that was about a couple of minutes after the boat cleared the bow of the steamer. Immediately he jumped to the telegraph and put the steamer full speed astern and noticing two heads in the water he ordered the boat to be lowered. She was soon in the water and picked up two men. They took the men on board, and then the coastguard came off. The sail that passed his bow was apparently a yacht of about three tons and he did not see the small boat at any time. When he put his helm to the starboard for the yacht, he must have lost the little boat from view. He did not see any boat, probably because he was in the wheel-house. It was not a safe place to keep a look-out. He would not have been there if he thought any little boat was about. - No Good Look-Out. - The Coroner: But you did not know? - I have come down across the bay several times and never saw a boat so near in. I never presumed there would be a little boat there. - But you don't presume things, do you> - No; but I did not see anything of a little boat while I was on the upper bridge. - You had your attention engrossed in the sail and did not see the little boat? - I did not see the small boat when on the upper bridge and could not when I was in the wheel-house. If I had been on the upper bridge the collision might not have occurred. - And the man in the wheel-house could not see either? - No, the only places where one could see would be the forecastle deck, or the upper bridge. - And there was no look-out at either place? - No. - That was not usual was it? - Yes, in coasting boats. - There was nothing to prevent your seeing the small boat? - Yes, the water. I was driven off the upper bridge while they were washing it. - Would it not have been prudent to have had a man on the forecastle deck? - The men were washing. - Not Careful Navigation. - But the first principle of navigation is to have a look-out, isn't it? Without one is not proper navigation? It was not careful navigation, was it? - No, it was not. - As a look-out, the man in the wheel-house was no use? - No, he could not see anything. - If you saw this yacht, why did you not see the boat? - We were too far away when I was on the upper bridge. - Your explanation is that you did not see the boat? - Yes. - Replying to Mr Hamilton (Foreman of the Jury), witness said he was aware that crab fishermen continually went out and in at Start Bay, but he had very rarely seen any in or about the spot where the collision occurred. It was necessary to have a look-out on the upper bridge, but on this occasion he did not see anything about, and thought everything was all right. He was absent from the bridge ten to twelve minutes. It was a clear day and he could see a small boat about a couple of miles away. Yet he did not see this small boat when he was on the upper bridge. - Mr Hamilton: Your place was on the upper bridge? - Yes. - It was where you ought to have been? - Yes, but I had to leave because of the washing. - Then you should and could have put a man on the forecastle head? - Yes, but I did not think it necessary, because I did not see this small boat. - Answering Mr Lewis, the captain said he held a coasting master's certificate and had never had it suspended. - Mr Lewis: There is no gainsaying the fact that you should have had someone on the look-out, but I understand you gave a good look around before you came down? - Yes. - And you altered your course for one boat that you did see? - Yes. - Can you give any reason for not noticing this little boat? - She must have been on the port bow, and I could not have seen her. - Answering Mr Beer, the captain stated that from the centre of the stern to a point each side of the stern they could not see anything from the wheel-house. The ship had been ashore twice since he had been master, and it was the only ship he had ever had any trouble in. He had heard that the ship had had a lot of trouble. - Mr Beer: Do you consider yourself responsible for this accident? - I shall have to if I'm blamed. - What The Mate Saw. - Thomas Crampton, first mate of the Winstanley, said he saw three small boats on their port bow, but could not see whether they were laying to or pulling. If they continued on the same course, they would have cleared the boat which they ultimately collided with. - The Coroner: did you report it to the captain? - No. - Why not? - Because if the vessel had kept on the course she was then steering there would have been no necessity, and I didn't know whether the captain had seen it or not. - Continuing, he said when he heard the cry "Man overboard," he thought it was one of their own crew. The boat was run down about ten or twelve minutes after the captain left the bridge. - The Coroner: While you are washing the bridge you go without a look-out? - Yes. - Always? - No, never by night and I always stop on the bridge when it is my watch. - While it is being washed? - Yes. I put on the oil-skins and sea boots. - And have the hose on you? - Yes. - But the captain leaves? - He did, because he had very little clothes on. - By Mr Hamilton: The average time taken in washing the bridge is five or six minutes, but I do not know how long it was on this occasion. About two minutes after I came down from washing the bridge the collision occurred. - Coastguard Saw No Yacht. - Robert Smith, the coastguard, recalled, said he did not see any yacht cross the bows of the steamer. He was baiting hooks and when he looked up he saw the steamer, but saw no yacht. If there was anything about he would have seen it. He saw the steamer alter her course and did not see any boat then. She was closing in on them all the time, and he shouted, but no notice was taken of his shouts. - The Coroner: The mate did not see this yacht, did he? - Mr Lewis: Yes, he saw the little boat and two sailing boats. - The Coroner: But those were some distance away. - Replying to Mr Lewis, witness said there were two or three crab-boats about at that time. - In answer to Mr Beer he said they were all crab-boats, and if a yacht had been there he would have seen her. - Thomas Stone, who was coming in from crabbing at the time of the collision, was recalled and said he did not see any yacht cross the steamer's bows. Before the steamer struck the little boat he did not see any other boat near. After the accident a yacht came in and helped to tow the boat ashore. That was the only yacht he saw. - Superintendent Jeffery stated that inquiries had been made in the neighbourhood but nothing could be found out about a yacht there at the time. - Replying to Mr Lewis, witness said there was a small yacht about at the time. - The captain recalled said that the wheel-house had been washed, but the windows were not dirty or obscured as the result of the washing. He could see well enough. - By Mr Hamilton: I was not in a set course at all. - The Crucial Question. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said the crucial question they would have to answer and one upon which they must give their most careful attention, was whether the running down of this boat was the result of gross carelessness, meaning criminal negligence, on the part of the master of the Winstanley, or any other person; or was it simply an accidental occurrence which could not have been avoided by ordinary and proper care. It was a well-established law that every person in charge of the navigation of a ship was bound to exercise all reasonable and proper care. If he failed to do that and death was caused in consequence, it was their duty as a Coroner's Jury to return a verdict of manslaughter against him. If the person responsible failed to exercise proper and ordinary care he was guilty of gross carelessness. They must either find that or that the occurrence was accidental, for which no one was criminally responsible. It was a very serious thing, the facts of which were before them. It was a clear day, and the boat was at anchor. The captain left the bridge, and during the time he was away the accident happened. While he was away there was no efficient look-out kept. The captain, who was in the wheel-house, was responsible, and the remainder of the crew were engaged washing decks. The explanation of the captain was that just at the time a sailing boat crossed his bows, and, directing attention to that, he did not see the little boat. The Jury were not in the position of trying anyone. They were like a grand Jury, and if they found the captain guilty of manslaughter, he would still have to take his trial for that at the Assizes. - The Verdict. - After consulting in private for half an hour, the Jury found that the deceased met his death by Drowning, caused through his boat being run into by the steamer Winstanley. His death was the result of culpable negligence on the part of the captain in not having a proper look-out kept or taking ordinary precautions to avoid collision. - The Jury added a rider that they wished to place on record their high appreciation of the services of Coastguard Smith, and to strongly recommend him to the consideration of the Royal Humane Society. - The Coroner observed that the verdict was tantamount to one of manslaughter against the captain of the Winstanley, George Fenn, of Jubilee-drive, Liverpool. He would have to commit him for trial at the next Assizes. - The Foreman (Mr Hamilton) said one of the Jury wished to know if culpable negligence meant manslaughter. - The Coroner: Oh, yes. - Mr hacker proceeded to write out the Inquisition, in the course of which the words "feloniously did kill" occurred. To this the Foreman of the Jury objected, and remarked: We do not say he "did feloniously kill" the deceased, but his death was attributable to culpable negligence on the captain's part. - The Coroner: I am putting the legal construction on it. - The Foreman: We wish our verdict recorded as we have given it. - The Coroner: The Inquisition has to be made out according to law. - The Foreman: We did not understand that. We wish it recorded as we have written it. The legal aspect we know nothing about. Our verdict was culpable negligence. - The Coroner: You are charged with a duty of finding a verdict, and when you find it I tell you in law what that verdict is; and you, according to law, have found a verdict of Manslaughter. - The Foreman: Our verdict was culpable negligence, and if it is as you say we wish to reconsider it. - The Coroner allowed the Jury to reconsider their verdict, and explained it must either be culpable negligence - manslaughter - or accident death. - Upon returning the Foreman said they wished to alter the verdict to negligence on the part of the captain. - The Coroner explained that they could not go half way. It must either be culpable negligence or negligence, not culpable. - The Foreman: We find the accident could have been avoided if proper care had been taken. - The Coroner: That is culpable negligence - manslaughter. - Eventually the Jury gave their verdict as at first, one of culpable negligence, tantamount to manslaughter. - Mr Lewis asked for bail and Superintendent Jeffery opposed. - The Coroner granted bail, the captain in £100 and one surety in £100. - The captain will appear before the Kingsbridge magistrates this morning charged on a Coroner's warrant with Manslaughter.

ILSINGTON - ALICE CAROLINE SIMMONS, aged 64 years, who had been staying with Mrs Wise, of Coombe, Lustleigh, joined a party on the moors for a picnic. On the return, and when near the Moorland Hotel, in the vicinity of Haytor Rocks, she suddenly fell forward in the carriage and died. At the Inquest at Ilsington on Thursday it was shown that death was due to heart trouble. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMSTOCK - Fatality At Hooe. Jury Censures The Mother. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten yesterday, on EDWIN GEORGE DUNN, the four-year-old son of a Hooe quarry labourer. - MRS MAUD DUNN, the mother of Lower Hooe, said on Monday afternoon, about half-past one, she left home for Plymouth, leaving EDWIN GEORGE and his brother HENRY, aged 10, alone. They accompanied her as far as the creek, and she told them to go up the hill to school. She returned home at three o'clock, calling at the school on the way back. She did not see him in the playground. Soon after her return she heard him crying outside, but did not go to see what was the matter as she was very busy. A little while later she went out to call him in, and was told he was playing with boys. Hearing that she did not trouble to look for him. - The Coroner: Let me see, we held an Inquiry into the cause of the death of one of your children before, didn't we? - Yes, sir. - And you were censured then? - Yes. - How long ago was that? - About four years. - What was the cause of death? - Burning. - HENRY DUNN was next called. - Asked if he knew he had to speak the truth he said he did. - The Coroner: Do you know what will happen to you if you don't speak the truth? - The Lad: Put in prison, sir. - The Coroner: Oh, no! Well, I won't swear him. - The lad said his little brother cried, and said he did not want to go to school, so he took him to Mrs Roberts, and then went on to school. He did not see him afterwards. - Cries Of The Lad Heard. - Caroline Louisa Roberts, wife of a shipwright, of Lower Hooe, said about two o'clock HENRY DUNN brought EDWIN GEORGE to her and he remained there playing with her little girl until three o'clock. About 3.30 the mother came and asked for him. She told her that he had been there a minute ago. Just then they heard him crying and MRS DUNN went out. Witness thought she had gone to look for the child. MRS DUNN was a very good mother to her children. - Samuel Hendy, quarryman, of Lower Hooe, said he recovered the body on Thursday morning off Hart's Quay in Hooe Lake. Children often went to play on the floating timbers. They were occasionally called off by older people. - Dr Donbavand, of Plymstock, said the cause of death was drowning. There were no marks of violence except post-mortem marks. - The Coroner said he considered the mother was greatly to blame in going to Plymouth and not leaving the child in the custody of someone. When she heard the child crying she did not attempt to find him. It was the most callous case he had come in contact with for a long time. The present case was aggravated by the fact that in another instance one of her children met with a violent death. It was for the Jury to say whether the neglect, of which he felt she had been guilty, was culpable or not. If they thought it was culpable that would be a verdict of manslaughter. - The Jury deliberated in private for several minutes. On the re-opening of the Court, the Coroner, addressing the mother, said the Jury had given her case very serious consideration. They were strongly of opinion that she had been most neglectful in her conduct towards the child. She admitted that she heard him crying and was too busy, as she put it, to go and see the cause. The Jury believed that that was the time when if action had been taken, his life might have been saved. Her conduct was callous and quite foreign to the nature of a good mother. They had very reluctantly given her the benefit of the doubt, and she had narrowly escaped having a verdict of manslaughter given against her. The Jury had asked him to censure her severely and warn her to be very careful in future. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

CORNWOOD - Whilst working in a claypit at Lee Moor on Friday morning, W. BASKERVILLE, son of MR P. BASKERVILLE, was buried in an unexpected fall of material. When extracted from the debris he was found to be dead. Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Luton on Saturday, and after evidence of identification, the Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday September 16th, to enable the Government Inspector to attend.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 September 1911
ILFRACOMBE - The Deadly Flannelette. Fatality At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, on DORIS FRANCES MANSFIELD, aged 3, daughter of MARK MANSFIELD, boatman, who died from burns on Saturday night. - MRS MANSFIELD, mother of the deceased, said on Saturday night she put deceased to bed at 7.45 in a cot. She went out later, leaving a little boy, age 9 and a baby, age 2 months. She was away about half an hour. She did not ask her neighbour to look after the children, as they generally did it without being asked. She must have left some matches on a table near the bed, but she did not know it. This was the first time she had left the children. - Edith Hancock, a neighbour, said between 8 and 9 o'clock she heard screams. She went in and saw the child's clothing on fire. She put out the flames. There was no light in the room, but she saw a few dead matches on the bed. It was a custom to look after each other's children when they went out. The nightdress was made of flannelette. - Dr Kettlewell said the child was seriously burnt and he ordered its removal to the Hospital. The child died of shock. - The Coroner said it was the old story of the use of flannelette, which he had many times cautioned the public against. It was a regular death trap, which he had before demonstrated. There was another sort, which, although dearer, was not so inflammable. Of course, it was a dangerous practice to go out and leave children alone, but no doubt it was done from thoughtlessness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that legislation should be promoted to stop the sale of flannelette.

ILFRACOMBE - Ptomaine Poisoning. Death After Tinned Salmon. - An Inquest was held at Ilfracombe yesterday on ELIZA RALPH. The Coroner (Mr G. Browne) said deceased was taken ill on Thursday evening after eating tinned salmon, and died on Monday. - ROBERT RALPH said the deceased, his wife, was aged 57. On Thursday they had some tinned salmon for tea. The salmon was opened in the shop and looked all right. Deceased, after turning out the fish, had the first piece off the bottom. Witness, his son and daughter all ate the fish, but felt no ill-effects. On Friday morning deceased felt ill. this was about 4 o'clock. Deceased got up about 7 and cooked the breakfast, but complained of a pain in her head. Witness went out to work, but returned about 10 a.m., and found deceased on the sofa. Deceased did not get better and on Sunday witness sent for the doctor. She was not very bad on Saturday. - AMELIA RALPH, daughter of deceased, said her mother was sick on Friday night and complained of pains in the head. On Saturday witness never left her. On Sunday deceased got worse and witness sent for a doctor. She died on Monday. - Dr Kettlewell said he saw deceased about 2 p.m. on Sunday. Witness called in Dr Toller, and they both formed the opinion that deceased was suffering from ptomaine poison. He had made a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was collapse from ptomaine poison. He could not say which food caused it. Anyone in bad health would be more liable to suffer than a healthy person. - The Coroner, in summing up, regretted that the doctor had not been called in earlier. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Fatal Heart Strain. - Mr Albert Gard held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on GEORGE H. TUCKER, a naval pensioner, aged 32, who died at Herbert-place on Saturday. The widow said her husband, a first class petty officer, was taken ill about five months before he was invalided out of the service two years ago. At first he was in Malta Hospital for two months, and then for three months in Chatham Hospital. - JAMES TUCKER, first class petty officer, said his brother told him he strained himself while moving a gun (about 6cwt.) at Malta Dockyard. - Dr Ingram said he had been treating TUCKER since February for a damaged heart. The strain of the gun was quite sufficient to cause the damage. His heart was doing double work. Probably the excessive heat during the past week hastened his death, which was due to heart failure, accelerated by the damage done to it at Malta. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy was expressed with the widow.

BARNSTAPLE - At Barnstaple yesterday Mr T. A. R. Bencraft held an Inquest on THOMAS MITCHELL, aged 83, retired miller, of Lovering's Court, who died at the Infirmary on Sunday. - ELIZABETH MITCHELL, the widow, said her husband suffered from asthma. Last Monday he appeared much depressed. She saw him take something from the larder shelf and go to an outhouse. She then thought it was tobacco, but afterwards found it was a razor. Later she went out into the outhouse and found him sitting down. He said, "Look there is a lot of blood here." he held a razor in his right hand. She ran out and called in a neighbour, Mr Stanley. - Walter J. Stanley, ex-policeman, Metropolitan force, said on being called by MRS MITCHELL he helped MR MITCHELL into the house. MR MITCHELL repeatedly said: "I have been worried and as I could not get my breath, I thought I would end it." - P.C. Pearce, who conveyed MR MITCHELL to the Infirmary, said he told him he had been fighting hard for his life for the last six weeks. He could scarcely breathe owing to asthma. - P,C. Braund said while he was with him in the Infirmary deceased said: "I would not have done it if it were not for my daughter." Witness alleged that there was a delay of three or four minutes before anyone came at the Infirmary. - Dr Quick, House Surgeon, denied this. Everything was ready when the man arrived. He was immediately taken to the operating-room. He (witness) had already telephoned to Dr Cooper, who arrived with three minutes and stitched the wound, which was not serious, no important arteries being cut. - Dr F. B. Manning, who had attended MR MITCHELL for some years, said he had suffered for years from chronic bronchitis and was in a weak state of health. Death was not due solely to a cut throat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 September 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Bathing Fatality. - Mr Albert Gard held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on PERCY CLEAVE WILLIAMS, aged 12 years, son of MARY ANN WILLIAMS, widow, Portland-place. - The mother said on Tuesday she allowed him to go with two boys to have "a little dip". He could swim a little and the boys with him were teaching him to swim. Deceased had been bathing all the summer. - Stephen Balkwell, age 11, of Gloucester-street, said he and WILLIAMS had bathed together at the Ferry Beach, Pottery Quay, all through the summer. He went into the water first, and WILLIAMS followed, diving from the slip into shallow water, near the boathouse. WILLIAMS rose twice to the surface and then disappeared. - Samuel Swabey, waterman, John-street, said he dived and recovered the body of the boy near the slip, in about 12 or 14 feet of water, nearly an hour and a half after he disappeared. There were cuts over the boy's eyes and big stones near the spot. he considered that the boy, who was lying face downwards, struck the stones. - P.C. Solly said ferry beach was considered a safe bathing-place for children. - Dr J. Kelland, locum tenens for Dr McElwaine, said the cause of death was drowning. There were no signs of cramp. The marks below the eyebrow might have been caused by the grappling. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned", expressed their sympathy with the mother and thanked Mr Swabey. - The Coroner also expressed his sympathy with the mother and commended Swabey.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 September 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Labourer's Death. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN NETTING, aged 51, Dockyard labourer, who died after falling across a hatchway combing in Devonport Dockyard on September 4th. - MRS ELIZABETH NETTING, widow, 73 Pembroke-street, said her husband told her the ladder slipped when he was climbing it. - George M. Cameron, skilled labourer, said deceased, as well as himself, was employed on H.M.S. Lion in No 9 dock, Keyham Extension. At 5.6 p.m. deceased was going up the ladder to the forecastle deck. He had reached the top of the ladder and placed his left foot over the hatchway when, in lifting his right foot, it caught in the combing. He had not cleared it, but fell against it, so that his position was astride the combing. Deceased said he was not much hurt and after a short time he walked away. - Clifford Wallis, skilled labourer, said he helped deceased on deck after the accident,. The ladder was safely resting on the deck. - The Coroner said in consequence of the notification of the Inspector of Factories, the Inquest would be adjourned until Tuesday, at 11 o'clock.

PLYMOUTH - Search For A Nurse. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES MATTHEWS, the child of a hairdresser living in Laira Bridge-road. - Clara Axford, aunt of the deceased, said she was present at the birth. There was no nurse or doctor present. three months previously arrangements had been made with the Nursing Home, Durnford-street, Stonehouse. - The father of the child said his wife was taken suddenly ill at 9.20 on Tuesday morning. He telephoned to the Nursing Home and was informed that no nurse was available. He was advised to go to a house in St. Jude's-road, where one of their nurses was. Finding she had just left there, he went on to the Home. There he was advised to go to Devonport, but did not succeed in obtaining a nurse. It was his thirteenth child. - Florence M. Stead, nurse at the Durnford-street Home, said she was to have taken the case, but was at Pennycomequick when the telephone message was received. She afterwards went to the house and found that the child had been born dead. - Dr Williams said if a doctor or nurse had been present the child would probably have lived. - The Jury expressed the opinion that if the father had had the presence of mind to obtain a doctor when he found the nurse arranged for was not available, the child's life might have been saved. No blame attached to the Nursing Home. - The Coroner thought it foolish for people living in the east-end of Plymouth, to make arrangements with a Home in Stonehouse. Surely there were nurses to be obtained nearer. - Mrs Axford explained that they went to the Durnford-street Home as it had a good name.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 September 1911
CORNWOOD - Killed In A Clay Pit. Fall Of Earth At Lee Moor. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd resumed the Inquest at Lutton on Saturday on WALTER BASKERVILLE, labourer, aged 19, of Lutton. The Inquest was opened on September 9th, and adjourned for the attendance of the Government Inspector, Mr T. Boydell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was now present, and Mr R. Martin represented Martin Brothers. - PHILIP ROBERT BASKERVILLE, labourer, father of deceased, identified the body. - Reginald James Turpin Pedrick, labourer, of Colebrook, stated that at 10.35 a.m. on the 8th inst. he was at work at the bottom of Lee Moor Claypit, when looking up, he saw deceased standing on a ridge of clay, about forty feet above him, digging a way for the water to run. At 11 a.m., when he looked up again, he could not see deceased. He noticed that the gut was full of clay, and the water was running over. Knowing something must be wrong, he went to see what had happened, and not being able to find deceased, he reported the matter to Mr Mumpford, foreman of the pit. On going back together, they saw the head of deceased protruding out of the clay, which had fallen in from the side, the water having in the meantime washed away the loose clay. He saw deceased turn the water into the gut at 10.35 a.m., and thought at the time he ought not to have done so. - John H. Mumpford, foreman of the pit, said deceased had been under him for about five weeks. On the 4th inst. he had ordered him to work on the eastern side of the pit, as he was only wearing small boots, and told him that a man with big boots should turn on the water when he had broken up a certain quantity of clay. Whilst that was being done he had ordered deceased to break up more clay by the side. If his instructions had been followed, an accident could not have possibly have happened. He was not aware that deceased had turned on the water the previous day until after the accident had occurred. - Dr Lionel Duncan Stamp of Plympton, who made a post-mortem examination, said the immediate cause of death was suffocation. There was general pressure all over the body. - H.M. Inspector said he had inspected the pit and everything seemed to be in good order. Further questioned by the Coroner, witness said if deceased had remained in the position where he had been ordered, he would have been perfectly safe. - The Coroner: Is there anything in connection with the working of the clay pit where there has been any breach of regulations? - The Inspector: No, there is none. - The Coroner remarked that he had also visited the place where the accident had taken place, and for his own observations he was satisfied that it was a pure accident. He thought the fatality had occurred either as the result of over-zealousness or lack of experience on the part of deceased. - The Jury found that the deceased was Accidentally Suffocated by a Fall of Sand whilst at work, and they expressed their sympathy with deceased's parents, to whom they gave their fees. - The Coroner said he understood that this was the first fatal accident they had had in the pit for over 50 years, which spoke well for its management.

MALBOROUGH - Salcombe Bathing Fatality. Mr Date's Pluck Commended. - At Salcombe on Saturday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on NICHOLAS TRUTE, aged 14, a grocer's apprentice. - MR H. TRUTE, the father, employed by Salcombe Urban Council, said after tea on Thursday his son told his mother he was going bathing. He could swim a very little, having learnt this summer. He was a strong and healthy boy. - Frank Pengelly said he and TRUTE on Thursday evening and another boy (Lethbridge) bathed in the Batson Creek. Owing to the shallowness of the water they could walk some distance across the creek. The tide was coming in. Lethbridge returned to the shore and dressed, but TRUTE and himself went on and got into "the lake." He (Pengelly) swam, but he thought TRUTE on finding himself out of his depth was too frightened to do so. He (Pengelly) grasped him by the hand, but got pulled into deeper water. They both sank, and TRUTE got on his back. He then had to release himself and TRUTE drifted further out and sank. He came to the surface four times. TRUTE sank about 200 yards from where they undressed. - Nicholas Date, Ilberstowe Farm, said on hearing Pengelly's shouts he ran to the shore, took off his clothing, swam to a spot pointed out to him and tried to find TRUTE. After two or three minutes he got hold of him in a pit about 7 feet deep and brought him to the surface. He appeared to be dead. - Dr Twining said artificial respiration was kept up for more than an hour without result. - The Coroner said the Jury, knowing the habits of the boys of the place, might consider whether life-saving appliances should be at the spot. If the place was not frequented it would not be necessary. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned. Mr Hacker (addressing Mr Date): The Jury and myself would like to tell you that we appreciate your efforts and commend you. You acted very bravely and did all you could to save the boy. The Jury and myself think your effort calls for commendation.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 September 1911
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Gun Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Welstor Farm, Ashburton, on MR A. H. JONES-HOBLEY, 22 years of age, the professional of Ashburton Golf Club. - Mr J. K. Hamlyn said while he was rabbiting with MR JONES-HOBLEY, their dog marked a rabbit in the hedge. MR JONES-HOBLEY got over the hedge. Then holding it by the muzzle, he pulled the gun off the hedge and it exploded, the charge entering the upper part of his right arm. The Jury (Mr W. Ford, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter City Asylum yesterday on DORA EMILY JOHNSON, 20, an inmate, found dead on Saturday morning, Dr Rutherford, medical superintendent, said the cause of death was epilepsy.

TAMERTON FOLIOT - At Tamerton Foliot yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on MRS MARY ANNE LEYMAN. - MISS BESSIE LEYMAN, her daughter, said on Saturday night her mother seemed to be in good health. When she awoke at 6.45 next morning her mother was dead. Dr Thomas Olver, Crownhill, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. He was surprised she had lived so long as she did. Verdict accordingly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Injuries. Fall From A Gun Port Of The Hannibal. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on WALTER WOTTON, able seaman, aged 20, of Bedminster, Somerset, of the battleship Empress of India. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Chas. Mildren, chief stoker, of the Hannibal, said on Wednesday at 5.30 p.m., while on the upper deck of the Majestic, he noticed the deceased leaning out over the 12-pounder port of the upper deck of the Hannibal, which was moored alongside the battleship Majestic at Devonport Dockyard. There was a staging between the two ships. Deceased was sweeping with a broom some loose paper off the shelf of the 6in. gun, which was some feet below. Immediately below the 6in. gun was a staging for the nets, projecting two or three feet from the side of the ship. About seven or eight feet below again was a 12ft. staging which divided the two ships. Witness had just turned to go into the mess when he heard a man exclaim, "Come quick, there's a man on the staging." He then saw that the deceased had fallen on to the staging, a distance of about 15ft. below the port of the upper deck. the broom was found on the torpedo net shelf. Evidently the deceased must have over-reached himself. Witness added that he thought the deceased struck the staging in falling, as there was a scar on the side of his face. - Eugene Callaghan, able seaman, of the Empress of India, stated that he was engaged with WOTTON sweeping on the upper deck of the Hannibal. He went forward for a few minutes and left the deceased at the port. Not long after he heard a cry and saw that the deceased had fallen on to the staging. He agreed with the last witness that the deceased must have over-balanced himself. - Fleet-Surgeon W. H. S. Stalkartt, M.D., said when WOTTON was admitted to the R.N. Hospital he was suffering from concussion of the brain. He never regained consciousness and died early on Saturday morning. Witness made a post-mortem examination and found severe contusion and laceration of the brain substance. He attributed death to exhaustion and failure of respiration due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Coroner opened an Inquest on MICHAEL HUNT, able seaman, aged 27, of H.M.S. Forth. - Arthur Warren, sick berth attendant, Royal Naval Hospital, said the deceased had been under treatment since November last, suffering from injuries to the spine. He was invalided from the service on April 6th, and died on Saturday. The Inquest was adjourned until Monday next in order that additional evidence might be obtained.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 September 1911
TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Driver Of Car Held Blameless. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest in Torquay yesterday on MISS SARAH DAND HUGGUP, aged 61, a visitor, who was knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Leonard Lees, of Paignton, in Newton-road, on Monday. Mr J. B. Eastley, Paignton, represented Mr Lees and the underwriters at Lloyd's; and Mr P. H. W. Almy, solicitor, the relatives of the deceased. - Miss Mary Elizabeth McCabe, of Tewkesbury, a cousin, said MISS HUGGUP was a lady of independent means. She formerly lived in Northumberland, and had only recently come to Torquay. She enjoyed good health and could hear and see all right. - Porter's Story Of The Accident. - William Ash, grocer's porter, of Torre, said on Monday morning, about eleven o'clock, he was in Newton-road, near St Bernard's, towards Torre Railway Station, on the left hand side, where there is no footpath, just behind two ladies, one of whom was the deceased. He heard the sound of a motor horn from behind and then saw MISS HUGGUP leave her companion and without looking around run across the road to go on the footpath on the other side. He called to her to stop, but she went right on. About five or six yards in front, on the same side of the road, was a wagon going towards the Station. The motor car knocked MISS HUGGUP down and the wheels went over her as she got within a foot or two of the footpath. The car pulled up immediately within five or six yards. The lady appeared to be dead. He did not see where the motor car was when the horn was sounded, but he should say that it was at the bend of the road as it was coming round. The sound of the horn was quite loud enough to give notice to anyone. - In reply to Mr Eastley, witness said it was the right-hand side of the car which struck deceased. He did not see how Mr Lees could have done anything more than he did. If he had tried to avoid running into the lady he would probably have run into the wagon. - By the Coroner: The side of the car nearest the footpath struck the lady. She had got past in front of the car when she was struck. - By Mr Almy: The car was just in the tramway track, about four feet from the footpath. His opinion was that the lady, on hearing the sound of the horn, was led to think if she could only run across on to the footpath she would be safe. There was time for her to have got across if she had not hesitated. He could not tell whether there was time for the car to have stopped. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said the car was going at ordinary speed, and about the same rate as a tramcar. - Companion's Evidence. - Miss Susannah Dand, of no permanent address, stated MISS HUGGUP was her first cousin, and they had been staying together for a week at Lanherne, a lodging-house in Belgrave-road. On Monday morning they were walking to Torre Station. They were going along by the side of the wall and had been talking when she heard someone call out. She had no recollection of hearing a motor horn. She did not notice deceased start to go to the other side of the road, but on looking up saw her practically underneath the motor car. Deceased did not speak to her before she left to go across the road. - The Coroner: You cannot account for deceased running across the road? - She must have thought she was not safe, I suppose. I went over to her, but I cannot say whether she was dead then. - By Mr Eastley: She could not say whether just after the accident she said to Mr Lees there was no fault on the part of anyone. - By Mr Almy: It did not occur to witness that the side of the road on which they were walking was dangerous. - Albert Rider, a youth, said he was riding a bicycle ten yards behind the motor car at the time of the accident. He was riding from ten to twelve miles an hour and he thought the motor car was going just over that. - Dr Bertram Flack, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said deceased was quite dead when admitted. She had a fracture of the skull just behind the right ear. Three ribs were fractured on the right side and two on the left, and there were several bruises on the right side. - Wm. Vanstone, driver of the wagon, said he heard the sound of the motor horn and pulled in his wagon a little tighter and on looking round saw the car go over the lady. The car was not going very fast. - Owner Of The Car. - Mr Leonard Lees stated that he was driving his car from Abbey-road towards Torre Station. His chauffeur was by his side and his wife behind. When he got within about 20 or 30 yards of the two ladies, he saw them walking on the left side of the road, a foot or two from the wall and they were quite safe. Just in front of them was a railway agent's van. When he was five or ten yards from the ladies, and knowing they were perfectly safe, he went to the off side, and then was as far off from them as he could possibly be. Just as he got near to them he sounded his horn, not to warn the ladies, but the driver of the wagon. When he got opposite the ladies, on the tram line, about a foot from the kerb, he fixed all his attention on the wagon, when to his horror one of the ladies came right into his near lamp, by which she was struck and it threw her over in front of the car, towards the footpath. The lamp was broken, and it must have been the off wheels that went over her. he could not put on his brakes because the lady was on the lamp before he saw her. He had driven 60,000 or 70,000 miles. He had slowed down before he got to the ladies to seen miles an hour to pass the van, and at the time of the accident his head lights had passed the ladies. The lady did not come across at right angles, but in a diagonal direction, and she had evidently made up her mind that she was going to clear the car and get on the footpath. Directly after the accident he stopped the car in about its length and a half. - In reply to Mr Eastley, Mr Lees said he had driven a motor car since 1905, and he had never had an accident before. He very greatly regretted the accident. - By Mr Almy: The sound of his horn might have startled the lady and made her think she must get to a place of safety, but he did not sound it the moment she got in front of the car. - The Driver Exonerated. - The Coroner said Mr Lees had given evidence fairly and candidly. If the Jury were satisfied that Mr Lees exercised ordinary care in driving the car, then they would find that the occurrence was accidental. - The Jury at once unanimously agreed upon a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their opinion that no blame could be attached to anyone. - Mr Almy said the deceased's relatives were satisfied that there was no negligence whatever. - The Coroner: That must be very satisfactory to Mr Lees. - Mr Eastley said Mr Lees had been greatly distressed at the accident and he (Mr Lees) offered his deepest sympathy with the relatives and friends.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Fatality. Jury's Recommendation. - At the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd resumed the Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN NETTING, dockyard labourer, who died on September 4th. - The evidence at the previous hearing was to the effect that deceased, while working on board the cruiser Lion, fell from a ladder to the forecastle deck. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, of the R.N. Hospital, said deceased was admitted on the 4th inst., suffering from rupture. He died on the 13th from shock, as the result of the injury. - Mr C. H. Morris, Inspector of Factories, said the Coroner had stated that there was a space between the top of the ladder and the combing, of 15 inches, and the Jury thought that was dangerous for a man 50 years of age, and that it would have been better if the ladder had been sufficiently long to extend to the combing. Mr Morris said the position of the top step of the ladder was the one to be considered and in his opinion the position in which it was, was the best possible. - The Coroner: Then you agree that the space of 15 inches was safe? - Yes, you have to consider the distance from the inside of the top step and that, together with the vertical distance, made everything as it should be. - The Coroner: In your opinion there is nothing to complain of? - I can suggest no improvement. - The Coroner: The only question is whether the ladder was a safe one, and the Inspector says it was. - A Juryman: If any man had lost his balance at the top, what was he to catch hold of? - Another Juryman: Nothing at all. - Another Juryman suggested that the step before the top one of the ladder should have been extended inwards. - The Inspector remarked that the Admiralty would then require a ladder for every different job. And if they provided a rope at the top, six men would use it, and the seventh would take it away as a nuisance. Nothing they suggested would be an improvement for more than five minutes. - A Juryman: If a man removed it, it would be his own fault, but if it was not placed there the responsibility would rest with someone else. - The Inspector: You can over-safeguard and accidents will happen. - The Jury, after considering their verdict in private, found that the deceased died from shock, due to Accidental Causes, and recommended that ladders used for similar purposes in the Dockyard should be fitted with hand-ropes to reach above the combing, and the top step of the ladder should be fitted flush with the top of the hatchway.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 September 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Fatality. Driver's Lack Of Caution. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on RICHARD THOMAS FRIEND, house painter, Priory-terrace. - MISS ANNIE FRIEND, daughter, said her father, aged 75, left home to cycle to the Warren on August 30th, carrying a box containing glass on his back. A quarter of an hour later he came back and said he had met with an accident. He was in pain, and had to be helped into the house. He afterwards told her that in High-street he saw a horse and trap coming towards him. He rung his bell, but the driver did not hear him. Fearing he would be run over, he made way to the other side. At the same time the driver pulled his horse to the left and a shaft of the cart knocked him off his bicycle. - Samuel A. Cornelius, cabinet-maker, said he saw MR FRIEND cycling down High-street and a horse and trap come round the bend from the Exeter-road, on the right side of the road. The horse was trotting. The trap was not quite close to the wall on the right. A man riding a bicycle could pass between the wall and the trap. MR FRIEND, however, had a glazier's crate, 3ft. wide on his back. MR FRIEND made to go to the off side, where there was more room, and at the same time the driver pulled to the left, and the near shaft struck him in the side. - Reginald R. Chaffe, butcher's assistance, the driver of the trap, said as he came round the bend into High-street, he saw MR FRIEND on his bicycle about twelve yards away. He (witness) was driving in the centre of the road as near as could be. MR FRIEND was on the left-hand side, and could have passed between the trap and the wall. - The Coroner: You only ad a 13ft. road. Are you in the habit of leaving so little space for traffic on the off-side? - it would be too slippery to drive closer in. - Then you must take proper precautions and walk your horse. You must leave room for anything coming along the other side. Witness, continuing, said he pulled to the left side - (The Coroner: "That's where you should have been before.") - but MR FRIEND seemed to get nervous and swerved across the road to the right, in front of the trap and the shaft struck him. - The Coroner: Don't you think MR FRIEND crossed over to the other side of the road because he could not pass on the left side? - There was room. - The Coroner: It doesn't appear so by the evidence. - Mr E. C. Ball (Juror, to witness): How fast were you driving? - About five or six miles an hour. - Mr Ball: Too fast for a blind corner. - Replying to Mr T. Shapter (another Juror), witness said: If the road was of ordinary width the accident would not have happened. There was no room for two vehicles to pass. - Dr C. N. Lovely said MR FRIEND had three or four ribs fractured on the left side. The bones had been driven in on the lung, and there was a depression in the chest. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the driver did not use the necessary caution in driving, especially at the entrance of a very narrow road. They further desired to call the attention of the Urban District Council to the narrowness of the road where the accident happened, with a request that they would make every effort to get it widened.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Visitor's Sudden Death. - At the Inquest yesterday on MR HARRISON HARLOW, a visitor to Teignmouth, the widow said her husband, aged 43, was a packer at Harrod's Stores, London. They came to Teignmouth last Saturday for a fortnight's holiday, staying with her brother-in-law and sister. Deceased suffered from a weak heart. - John Frederick Yeoman, deceased's brother-in-law, having given evidence, Beatrice Yeoman, age 11, deposed to meeting her uncle and crossing to Shaldon, where they walked up the steep hill on the Torquay-road. They went as far as "fuzzy Dee," a common at the top. Deceased was singing "Now the day is over," and appeared to be all right. Then he said he wanted to sit down before returning and lay flat on the grass. Witness afterwards told him it was time they were going, and tried to pull him up, but found he was dead. - Dr c. E. Galtskell (Shaldon) attributed death to syncope, due to heart disease. The steep incline naturally put an extra strain on the heart. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes," the Coroner joining the Jury in an expression of sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 September 1911
ILFRACOMBE - the Ilfracombe Fatality. - Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at Ilfracombe last evening on MISS CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL, aged about 50, who was drowned on Wednesday whilst bathing at the Tunnel Baths. - The Coroner remarked that she had first given her name as Cerisa Palmer, but from documentary evidence before him, he had no doubt that her real name was CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL. - Mrs Rowe, of Avenue-road, said deceased had lodged with her since June 1910, and when she came gave her name as Miss Palmer. Three letters were addressed to her as MISS PARNELL and witness spoke to her about it. After that her business letters were addressed to the care of her sister - Mrs Paget, of Weybridge. These letters were forwarded to her in the name of Palmer. She seemed to be a lady of superior birth. - Austin, the attendant at the Tunnel Baths, spoke to seeing the lady in difficulties in the water. The sea was rough. With the assistance of P.C. Bedford he launched a boat and he and the Constable went out and brought her ashore. She appeared to be breathing when they brought her in. - Dr Jones, who was on the scene almost immediately, said he tried artificial respiration for over an hour without avail. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowned," and commended the action of the bathing attendant and the Constable. [Monday 25 September 1911 - Identity of the Lady who was Drowned at Ilfracombe:- It transpires that the lady who was drowned last week whilst bathing at the Tunnel Baths at Ilfracombe was a sister of the famous Irish leader, CHARLES STEWART PARNELL. She had been living at Ilfracombe for the past year or so under the name of Cerisa Palmer, but documentary evidence has satisfied the Coroner that her real name was CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL.]

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 September 1911
GREAT TORRINGTON - Found Dead At Torrington. - MISS ELIZA NATION, aged 74, had lived alone in Cornmarket-street, Torrington, where for many years she carried on business as grocer and tobacconist. As the shop was not opened yesterday morning, Mr Walter entered the premises and found her dead, fully dressed in walking attire, holding her gloves. She had visited friends in the town in the evening, returning about 9 o'clock. Shortly afterwards she must have died. At the Inquest last evening, Dr H. C. Parsons, who had made a post-mortem examination, said chronic kidney disease was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 September 1911
PAIGNTON - Late MAJOR RABY. Sad Death At Paignton. - Surgeon-Major JOHN RABY, of Devonia, Paignton, died suddenly on Friday. The Major accompanied the Abyssinian expedition in his professional capacity, doing much useful work, and his skill earned him official recognition from the Government of India. After his retirement from the army he resided for many years at Rumwell Lodge, Taunton, Somerset, where he was known throughout the county in all branches of sport. He was conspicuous and most popular in the hunting field as a hard rider, and a most frequent exhibitor and prize winner in hunting classes at all the leading shows. Together with his son (MR BENNETT RABY) he was exceedingly successful at different hunt point-to-point meetings and steeple-chases throughout the West of England. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker at Paignton. - MRS RABY said the deceased, her husband, was aged 70. On Friday morning she went to his bedroom, about seven o'clock, and asked him if he would have some tea, but she received no answer, and saw that he was dead. Deceased was in the habit of taking sleeping drugs, and had suffered from insomnia for years, and lately from his heart. He took strong doses of drugs, and she had often asked him to throw the bottles away. She attributed his depression to the drugs. - By the Coroner: She had no reason to believe he had any intention of taking his life. He had no tendency to suicide, though he had said, "The sooner I am out of the world the better." - JOHN BENNETT RABY, son of the deceased, stated that there was a small bottle on the mantelpiece and some others on the dressing table, which bottles deceased would have to get out of bed to reach. A medical brother of witness had said deceased would be likely to take an overdose. To witness's knowledge deceased had never threatened to take his life. - Dr Cosens said he understood from the son that deceased was very depressed the previous day. As a result of the post-mortem examination he found the left side of the heart very much enlarged and on the right side the muscular tissue was feeble, but there was not sufficient disease to cause death. In his opinion death was due to taking an overdose of some narcotic which produced failure and paralysis of the heart. - Dr Hayward of Bishopsteignton, said he treated deceased for insomnia from April to June last, and deceased told him he had been in the habit of taking drugs in large doses. These drugs doubtless depressed him, and six of the tabloids deceased was taking might cause death. - MR RABY, recalled, said there were some family matters which were being put right, and which caused deceased worry. - MRS RABY, also recalled, said the Major was the same on Thursday as he always was - never very talkative and seemingly uninterested. - Dr Hayward, replying to a Juryman, said he did not consider MAJOR RABY fit to be by himself; he wanted companionship. - The Coroner did not consider the evidence conclusive or clear. Deceased met his death by narcotic poisoning and the question was whether it was taken deliberately or otherwise. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by Accidentally Poisoning Himself with an Overdose of Narcotic Poison, taken with the intention of causing sleep.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on EDITH AGNES FITCH, 37, wife of a naval stoker, of 13 Morley-street. Evidence was given that deceased had been in indifferent health for some time and that the cause of death was heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Seaman's Fatal Fall. Warrant Officer's "Candid Admission." - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, resumed the Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on MICHAEL HUNT, (27), able seaman. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Joseph Bone, leading seaman, residing at Albert-road, Devonport, said on November 25th last, he was second coxswain of submarine B 9, which was lying alongside H.M.S. forth, in Keyham Dockyard. Witness was there superintending the lifting of a grating from the submarines to the forecastle of the Forth. HUNT was on the forecastle for the purpose of holding up the grating to be washed. One end of the rope was made fast to the grating, which was on the deck of the submarine, while the other end of the rope was held by HUNT. Around the forecastle of the Forth were three chains, attached to uprights, which served as a guard. The grating, which weighed about three-quarters of a hundred-weight, became caught about half-way up, and witness thereupon climbed up the ladder and cleared it. This slackened the hauling rope suddenly and caused HUNT to over-balance himself and fall upon the deck of the submarine, about twelve feet. He was picked up and taken to the Hospital. Witness said one of the chain guards slipped. There should have been a split pin to secure the tongue of the chain, which was placed over the slip, but there was no pin in the tongue. - Fleet-Surgeon W. H. S. Stalkartt said the injured man remained under treatment at the Hospital until the 16th inst., when he died. A post-mortem examination showed that there was a severe fracture of the spinal column. The immediate cause of death was exhaustion following paralysis, due to the injuries. - William John Williams, able seaman of H.M.S. Forth, said he saw the accident. He remarked that the chain without the pin would have been a good guard if there had not been great pressure on it. The pin had been missing for several weeks, but he did not call the attention of anyone to the defect. - Frederick George Hartland, carpenter, R.N., residing at May-terrace, Plymouth, stated that the slip which the pin should have been attached to was an old-pattern one. If the pin had been there the slip would not have moved. It was a defective fitting. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he was responsible for the matter. It was, however, the duty of the blacksmith to go round the ship once a week, but the defect was not reported to him. Witness at the time of the accident had been in the boat about six weeks. - The coroner said Mr Hartland had made a very candid admission in saying that he was responsible for the matter. - A Juror remarked that it was the fault of the blacksmith. - The Coroner, however, said Mr Hartland was responsible, as he admitted it. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from Exhaustion following Paralysis due to Injuries, through the neglect of Frederick George Hartland, carpenter, of H.M.S. Forth, but that it was not culpable neglect.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS COOMS, aged two years, the son of SERGT. COOMS, of the Police Force, who resides in Cattedown-road. - George H. Price, a driver in the employ of Mrs rice, baker, said on Tuesday, when driving a van in Cattedown-road he noticed the child a few yards in front of him, walking out backwards. The horse was trotting. He shouted to the child, but he did not seem to hear. Before he could pull up, the front wheel knocked him down and the back wheel passed over him. - William Hopkinson, foreman, Plymouth Gasworks, said the driver of the van was going slowly. The van was quite close to the child when he went out towards it. - Louisa Hodge, Cattedown-road, corroborated and said the driver could not possibly have avoided the accident. - Dr J. R. Dobson, surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said internal injuries were the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lad's Death. Fatal Chase. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Mutley yesterday on REGINALD ALFRED FINCH. - MR JAMES R. FINCH, a warehouseman, Belgrave-road, said his son, a Dockyard messenger, was 14 years of age last birthday. - HAROLD J. FINCH, said that about 8.30 p.m. on Thursday he was with his brother at Hyde Park-corner. REGINALD was playing with and was being chased by Ernest Sheridan. REGINALD ran across the tram lines in front of a car proceeding to Compton. As he reached the rails the car was almost on him and he was caught by the tram between the guard and the wheels. The tram was being driven at an ordinary pace. - William Mills, Westhill-road, Mutley, the driver of the car, said the accident occurred about twenty yards from the Hyde Park stopping place. He did not see the lad until he was in front of the tram. He immediately shut off power and applied the emergency brake. The car knocked the lad down and the life-guard caught him. The wheels did not pass over the boy. The car was travelling at the usual speed. He could not have avoided the accident. - Answering the Foreman of the Jury, the witness said he pulled up the car after seeing the boy in about its own length. - Dr E. Drybrough-Smith said on being called to the lad he thought he was dead and ordered him to be sent home. On arrival there he found he was dead. There was a good deal of blood on the left side of the head and blood running from the left ear. He was of opinion that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner said it was a clear but an unfortunate and regrettable case. The boy's own action led to his death. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and expressed their sympathy with the parents, an expression in which the Corner and Mr Tweedale Meaby, on behalf of the Corporation joined. Mr Meaby also expressed the sympathy of the driver of the tram. - The Life-Guard Of The Car. - MR FINCH, after expressing his thanks for the sympathy, said he understood the lad was found under the guard and that the tram had to be backed that the body might be extracted. If the guard had been in its place it should have scraped up anything in its path. That was its purpose. - The Coroner: You mean that the guard was not effective? - It could not have been. - The driver of the car said the body was picked up by the guard. The car was not backed at all. - Inspector B. Elliott said he took the body from off the top of the guard and found no difficulty in doing so. If the body had gone under the guard it would have been reduced to a pulp. - The boy's father said he was not present, and accepted those statements. - The Jury expressed a desire to hear an independent witness and Mr H. Banfield, saddler, Connaught-avenue, who saw the accident, was called. He also said the body was on top of the guard and the car was not backed. When the accident occurred the tram was proceeding at an ordinary speed. - The Foreman remarked that the Jury exonerated the driver from all blame. - Mr Banfield said he saw the boys playing for ten minutes prior to the accident. Some of the lads were very rough.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 October 1911
CLERKENWELL, LONDON - Hotel Landlord's Suicide. Formerly A Plymouth Resident. - The tragic death of HARRY ERNEST SKINNER, aged 41, landlord of the New Clown Hotel, St John-street, Clerkenwell, formed the subject of an Inquest at Clerkenwell yesterday. Deceased, who was found with his throat cut, was formerly a native and resident of Plymouth. - George Rawson, journeyman butcher, of Argyll-street, King's Cross, said the deceased, his step-brother, was a licensed victualler. Deceased's widow was not well enough to attend the Court. Witness had not seen deceased for a fortnight. - Leonard Charles Jeffreys, billiard marker at the New Clown, said that lately deceased had seemed a little down-hearted, but had not assigned any cause for it. Last Friday morning he was rather quiet - quieter than usual. - Robert Dallinger, who assisted on the premises, said shortly before three o'clock on looking through the glass of the stockroom he saw his master on the floor. - Police-Constable 328 G said he forced an entrance to the stockroom and found SKINNER lying on the floor on his left side in a pool of blood and with a deep wound in his throat. By him was an open bloodstained razor. Deceased was fully dressed, and there was no sign of any struggle. - Dr Thomas H. Crampton said death had occurred about two hours previously. Heart failure, due to haemorrhage from the injury was the cause of death. In witness's opinion the wound was self-inflicted. - Dr W. L. Brown, of Goswell-road, Clerkenwell, said that deceased had lived in the neighbourhood for 2 ½ years. His manner and bearing were always those of an eccentric and he was very loud and boisterous in his behaviour. The act of cutting his throat was most determined. Witness had no doubt that the wound was self-inflicted. Three months ago witness advised MRS SKINNER to leave him for her own safety. - A solicitor, Mr H. Innes-Keith, of Chancery-lane, E.C., gave evidence that deceased had a good deal of financial trouble and was "rather unfairly pressed." He had left no letter. Last Thursday he seemed depressed. "From what I knew of him I should have thought he was the last man to take a short cut to end his troubles. When I saw him last he was undoubtedly anxious as to what was doing to become of him. He did not know what he would do if he were cast adrift in London." - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. One Juror out of 14 disagreed as to the state of deceased's mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 October 1911
OKEHAMPTON - Devon Sergeant's Suicide. A Farewell Letter. - Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest on ALBERT DOWN, aged 34, sergeant-instructor to Territorials, at Okehampton, yesterday. On Sunday deceased was found dead in the armoury, having shot himself with a rifle. - THOMAS HENRY DOWN, signalman, in the employ of the L. and S.W.R. said the deceased, his brother, was in the regulars up to March last, when he was appointed instructor to the Okehampton Company of the 6th Battalion Devon Regiment. Deceased had seen service in South Africa, Burma and Crete. He was present at the relief of Ladysmith and was invalided home. Deceased was a single man, and lived in Northfield-road. He had no business or social trouble of any kind, but he appeared to be moody at times. - William Gillard, horseman, in the employ of the Okehampton Town Council, said at 8 a.m. on Sunday he went to the stables near the armoury, when deceased shouted from inside, "Good morning, Gillard." About 9 o'clock witness heard the report of a gun, and on going to the armoury he saw what DOWN had done. - Police-Sergeant Wotton said the top of the deceased's head was blown off. he saw service rifle fixed in a vice, and a piece of string was attached so that the deceased could pull it. There was an empty cartridge and two full ones in the magazine. Two letters were found on deceased. One was addressed to Sergt. G. W. Porch, Town Barracks, Exeter, and the other to Sergt.-Major Hudson, of Barnstaple. The letter to Porch was as follows:- "Dear George, - I am sending you the charge with reference to a recruit. He came to me, and I could not send him back home - my last recruit. By the time you get this I shall be in kingdom come. Just think, I am calmly waiting for a joker here to walk off (referring to Gillard) after feeding his horse and then I am going to the place afore-mentioned. I am sorry, George, but I have been on the spree lately, in fact ever since I have been here, although I do not know a girl now, and I have no friends. I expect I am mad. Good-bye. - Yours, ALBIE." - Dr Young said he believed deceased was suffering from a fit of depression when he committed the act. - Maj. Newcombe said he was asked by Col. Seldon, commanding the 6th Devons, to express regret that he was unable to be present. he was satisfied with SERGT. DOWN. Everything was found to be in order. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane". They added that they wished to impress on the authorities the need of a mortuary in Okehampton. They also expressed sympathy with the relatives. The Coroner concurred.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 October 1911
MILTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Milton Abbot. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Milton Abbot yesterday on MATTHEW BALL, farm labourer, Torr Cottages, Milton Abbot. Rev. H. M. Petty (vicar) was Foreman of the Jury. - Edward Reddicliffe, farm labourer, and brother-in-law of the deceased, stated that the latter was 32 years of age and left a widow and two children. - Dr Musgrave attributed death to valvular disease of the heart. - Charles Cory, Tredown Farm, Bradstone, Milton Abbot, deceased's employer, stated that when deceased came to work on Monday morning he complained of feeling unwell. Witness advised him to go home, but he said he would soon be better. He attempted to drive a load, but had to give it up. Becoming worse deceased said he would sit down. Witness went on, and returning in five minutes found the deceased dead. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at Oxford-street Schools, Plymouth, on FRANCES ANN BRAMBLECOMBE. Deceased's husband, the licensee of the Penrose Inn, Penrose-street, said the deceased was serving in the bar at eight o'clock the previous evening, but, complaining of feeling a little unwell, she retired earlier than usual. At eleven o'clock witness went up to the bedroom and found her dead. Dr Aikman said death was due to heart failure and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 October 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Alleged Child Murder. Girl Arrested Near Ivybridge On Crownhill Charge. - Before Capt. Hall Parlby, at Crownhill, yesterday, BLANCHE ROWE, domestic servant, was charged that between August 31st and September 4th she feloniously murdered her infant child. Prisoner, who was respectably dressed, was evidently much distressed and for part of the time she was before the Court kept her face buried in her hands. - Superintendent Crooke said the prisoner was a native of Noss, in the parish of Revelstoke, and 19 years of age. On May 19th last she gave birth to a female child at Plymouth Workhouse. In the middle of August she was transferred from Plymouth to Plympton, where the authorities considered she was chargeable. On August 31st she took her discharge from the Workhouse and went to Plymouth. She then had her child. She met her mother in Plymouth, and they spent the afternoon together, with the child. The child had not been seen since as far as they could trace. He would prove the arrest and ask for a remand for a week. His application was based on two or three points. One was that the Public Prosecutor would have to be communicated with, and prisoner had made a lengthy statement to him, and a very lengthy inquiry would have to be made into every detail of the statement. - Supt. Crooke then went into the witness-box and said that on Thursday afternoon, about 1.30, he arrested the prisoner at Hall Barton, Harford, near Ivybridge. he cautioned her and charged her on suspicion with having caused the death of her child. She replied: "I did not kill the child; I could not do such a thing." She then said she wished to make a statement and witness took it down in writing. He did not propose to use the statement that day, but inquiry would have to be made on the statement. On that evidence he asked for a remand for a week. - Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was remanded accordingly. - After being remanded the prisoner was conveyed to Plymouth Prison, where she will remain until again brought before the Magistrates next Friday. In the meantime the Police will continue their investigations. It is understood that prisoner was for some time in service in the Channel Islands, and that while there she kept company with a young Frenchman. She returned to Plymouth last November. - On September 6th, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Crownhill on the body of a female child found near Fort Efford by some boys while picking blackberries. - Dr. T. Oliver, one of the witnesses called, stated that the child was four or five months old; the body was fairly well nourished and weighed 10 ½ lb. There were a large number of superficial excoriations on the surface of the body, which were probably caused after death. The cause of death was suffocation. There was evidence to show that food was in the stomach in the shape of milk, but there was no trace of poison. The pocket handkerchief produced would be sufficient to cause suffocation if placed in the child's mouth. - P.S. Cruse stated that the pocket handkerchief was tightly pushed down the infant's throat. - At the adjourned Inquest on September 13th, no evidence of identification was produced and the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 October 1911
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Exmouth on Saturday on CHARLES JAMES AYLESBURY, aged 4, son of CHARLES AYLESBURY, telephone inspector, Roseberry-road, Exmouth. The mother was at dinner on Wednesday, when the little boy went to the fireplace and reaching over the fireguard, pulled a kettle containing nearly a pint of boiling water over himself. MRS AYLESBURY applied flour and water to the scalds and a neighbour fetched Dr Beesley. The child died on Friday. Dr Beesley said death was due to pneumonia following the shock from the scalds. Verdict accordingly.

REVELSTOKE - Noss Mayor Boy's Sad Death. - An Inquest was held in Revelstoke Reading Room by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, on GEORGE HENRY FOSTER, aged 10, who died from the result of a fall on September 28th. - GEORGE HENRY FOSTER, fisherman, Noss Mayo, said deceased, his son, and other boys, were in the evening playing at "fox and hounds," deceased acting as "fox." In the course of the game deceased hid himself in a private garden belonging to Mr R. Baskerville. It was thought the boy slipped over a wall flush with the garden into the road below, a distance of nine feet. He was picked up in a dazed condition and taken home. The doctor saw him next day. On Saturday he appeared to be improving and was sufficiently well to amuse himself with his father in a game. However, serious symptoms developed at midnight and he gradually grew worse and died on Thursday. - Dr A. E. Gladstone, Newton Ferrers, said he thought deceased must have fallen on his feet, then his knees and over-balanced on to his head. He had a consultation with Dr Clay, and they came to the conclusion that the boy was suffering from a contusion and inflammation of the brain, from which he died. The Coroner, in summing up, remarked how sad the case was for the parents as this one was the last of three children, the others dying in infancy. He was satisfied that no one was to blame. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a vote of sympathy with the bereaved parents was passed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 October 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Death. Accidental Blow At Football. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY FINCH, able seaman, R.N. Barracks, who died on Friday from the effect of injuries received in a football match at the Naval Recreation Ground, Keyham. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - George Lavers, A.B., R.N. Barracks, stated that on Wednesday the deceased was playing three-quarter in the Harlequin football team against the United Services. About ten minutes from the restart for the second half the deceased, in attempting to stop a rush, apparently got a blow, as he told witness later that he had a kick on the top of the head. He mentioned it in a casual way, and did not complain that it was due to unfair play. He continued to play for ten minutes and then left the ground. It was a good sporting game, fair and clean. No blame could be attached to anyone. Deceased had played for the team in the last three matches. - Answering the Juryman, witness said he could not say who kicked the deceased. - Sidney Jago, chief writer, R.N. Barracks, said he was touch judge and his attention having been drawn to FINCH, he found him on a seat. He was quite dazed and vomiting and witness sent for a doctor. It was a very clean game. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, R.N. Hospital, stated that the deceased was admitted in an unconscious state and remained so until his death on Friday. A post-mortem revealed haemorrhage of the brain, which, in witness's opinion, was caused by the rupture of a vessel of the brain. He was far from a strong man. he thought that the kick very probably caused the rupture, but if there had been no evidence of a blow it would have been possible for the exertion of the game to cause the rupture. There were no external marks of injury, but the blow might have been caused by the knee. - Commander S. R. Olivier, H.M.S. Tyne, said it was an excellent game, and there was no rough play. He was referee and it was more of a practice game than anything else. It could not have been more friendly. He only remembered two forward rushes and did not think that in either of those any man was hurt. If anybody had been kicked he would have seen it. It was a very fast game and deceased had plenty of running about. On behalf of the officers he expressed their deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the deceased's family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lad's Death. Escape From A Hospital. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JAMES ALFRED BISHOP, aged 11, son of a general labourer, of Willow-street, Plymouth. - P.C. Coleman said on Monday afternoon he was informed of an accident in Oxford-place. Witness went there and saw the deceased, who was being attended by Dr Aikman. Chas. Palmer, a labourer of Cambridge-street, told witness that deceased was riding on the axle of Dr Aikman's carriage, when he fell off. Witness took him to the Hospital. - Arthur Harris, coachman, in the service of Dr Aikman, said he was driving a Victoria carriage up Oxford-street. On hearing a shout he saw the deceased boy, who, he understood had fallen off the back axle of the carriage which witness was driving. - Mr Arthur S. Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said when admitted the deceased was suffering from a large scalp wound. Deceased was ordered into the Hospital, but escaped, and ran home again. He was, however, brought back and put to bed. Later he was given an anaesthetic for the purpose of having the wound stitched, and died whilst under the influence of the anaesthetic, which was composed of chloroform and ether. The wound was so severe that it was necessary to use an anaesthetic. - The Foreman raised the question of negligence on the part of the Hospital authorities in allowing the boy to escape, but the Coroner said the lad was not under their control at the time. If anyone was to be charged with negligence let them be present to hear what was said. - The deceased's father said the lad was too big for his mother to hold; whilst the mother said she believed he was frightened and then bolted for fear of what was going to happen. - The Coroner said it was not the duty of the doctor to get someone told off to guard the lad from running away. He would not think of such a possibility. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to any person.

EXETER - Death From Rat Poison At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on HANNAH SLATER, aged 52, of Codrington-street, her brother, PETER SLATER, market gardener, said about ten days ago deceased complained to him of pains in her head from which she had suffered for years. On several occasions she had threatened to do something rash. On Thursday last he was sent for and saw her in bed. She commenced crying and said to him, "You won't blame me, will you? The pain was so dreadful I could not help it. I have taken poison to kill the pain." She had taken rat poison. She was removed to the Hospital on Saturday. - Mrs Parsons, with whom deceased lived, said on Thursday she asked deceased if she wanted any fish. She replied, "No, I shan't want much more to eat. I have taken rat poison." She had taken it on the previous day. - Dr Carter, House Physician, said deceased was semi-conscious when admitted to the Hospital and died on Monday. - Walter Morris, of Stone and Son, said they could not trace deceased's purchase of phosphorus. It was not a poison within the meaning of the Pharmacy Act. Purchasers did not have to sign for it. - The Jury found that deceased died of Phosphorus Poisoning, Administered by Herself during Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. Deceased's Allegations. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on MRS CLARA BLIGHT, Granby-street, who died on Monday. - HENRY BLIGHT, husband, said deceased, 52 years of age, had been complaining of internal pains. He advised her to see a doctor. She appeared all right when he came home from work on Monday evening. About eight o'clock witness went to lie down and when he went afterwards to see if she was all right he found her dead. She had been a habitual drunkard ever since he had known her. He had treated his wife properly. - The Coroner: There is an allegation that you have served this second wife of yours very badly? - Witness: I have never lifted my foot to her. - Nor struck or kicked her? - No, sir. - How do you account for certain bruises found on her? - By her falling downstairs when drunk. - How has your son treated her? - I have never seen him hit her or use bad language to her. - Continuing, witness said he allowed his wife £1 a week and £8 a quarter out of his pension. When out of drink there was not a better woman. - Mrs Lily Brown, who resides in the same house as the last witness, said deceased had enjoyed fairly good health, but was bad during the day from drink overnight. She used to fall over the stairs. On Monday, when witness went in to see her, deceased said she could not move. She sent for Dr Sandford. MR BLIGHT was a very good husband, but deceased was violent when in drink. She had never seen any blows struck. - P.C. Warwick said he had had occasion to go to the house at times on account of disturbances between deceased and her husband. He had never seen blows struck. His impression was that she was an intemperate and violent woman. - Dr G. Sandford said when he saw the woman she made a statement to the effect that on Friday night her stepson had kicked her and caused injury to her left side and that on Saturday night her husband had kicked her and caused bruises. He thought she might have ruptured some internal organ which might or might not have been consistent with her story of violence. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found bruises on her right hand, on her left hip and on her left side. Death was due to peritonitis. The bruises had nothing to do with her death, and she might have got them by falling downstairs. - WILLIAM BLIGHT, stepson of the deceased, said there was no truth in the statement that had been made, as he had never kicked her. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on SIDNEY AlBERT MAUNDER, aged 37, who died at Welsford-avenue. MRS MAUNDER said her husband was formerly a hired plumber in the Dockyard. The Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of obtaining further evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 October 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Suicide. Neglect of Duty In A Submarine. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on ALFRED TAYLOR (25), able seaman, of H.M.S. Defiance. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Lieut. Henry d. Bridges, H.M.S. Defiance, said on the 22nd ult. the deceased was sent from the Forth (submarine A 7) to the Defiance. He was then undergoing 14 days' punishment for neglect of duty in not removing a certain instrument from a torpedo while being fired. Witness explained that notice had to be taken of such a thing, especially in a submarine. On the 2nd inst., at noon, TAYLOR was found missing. Search was made for him without success. There was a suspicion that he had gone overboard, because his kit was examined and his money found intact. Nevertheless a warrant was issued for his arrest. On Saturday the body was recovered in the Lynher river about fifty yards from the ship. A service mess kettle containing coal clinkers was firmly attached to the deceased's right leg. - The Coroner: How would he have been able to elude observation? - Witness: He may have done so during prayers at 9 a.m., as he had not to attend prayers that morning. Deceased was of a good character and a good service man. - Replying to a Juror, witness said the deceased's duty kept him away from divisions at 8.50 a.m. - Albert Selvester, leading seaman, H.M.S. Defiance, said he last saw the deceased leave the mess after breakfast at 7.30 a.m. on the 2nd inst. The kettle which was attached to his leg belonged to another mess. Deceased, who was a very reserved man, never alluded to his punishment. There was staging all around the ship and TAYLOR could easily have entered the water without making a great splash. - Frederick George Gibbons, petty officer, H.M.S. Defiance, testified to the deceased's reserved character, and remarked that TAYLOR wanted people to be friendly with him, but he never was able to respond. - The Coroner: It has been suggested that he had religious mania. - Witness: He was of a serious turn of mind at times. - Do you think the punishment he was ordered to undergo would be likely to cause him any worry? - Witness: I do not think so, at least, he did not show it outwardly. - Michael Spillane, able seaman, R.N., deposed to recovering the body. - Benjamin Lugg, master-at-arms, said the man was under his observation and seemed to be exceptionally quiet. - Inspector Maddeford of the Metropolitan Police, stated that when deceased was conveyed to the mortuary the mess kettle was firmly attached to his leg. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst in a Temporary State of Insanity."

STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Love Tragedy. Determined Suicide At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on PTE. CHARLES HENRY CLARK, 1st Northamptonshire Regt., who shot himself at the South Raglan Barracks on Friday night. - Lieut. C. Buckle said deceased was aged 25 and a native of Northampton. He enlisted at Northampton in November 1904. He had not noticed anything the matter with deceased during the few days previous to his death. Deceased had a good character and always carried out his duties well. On Friday night, about 11 o'clock, it was reported to witness that deceased had shot himself in the barrack-room, and had been removed to the Hospital. - The Coroner: How could he possibly have got the ammunition? - There are several ways of getting it. He could have picked it up on the range, for ammunition is frequently lost. Then, again, when a regiment leaves barracks several rounds of ammunition are very often picked up in different places. - A man is not supposed to have this? - Oh, no, and there is none kept in charge of the company. It is against the regulations for a man to have ball ammunition on him. - Lance-Corpl. Basil Turrell said at 10.15 "Lights Out" sounded. He told deceased to get out of bed and put the lights out, which he did in the ordinary way. About 10.30 deceased said "Good night, chaps." With the same, witness, who was sleeping in the next bed, heard a report of a rifle. Witness informed the guard that deceased had shot himself. With the corporal of the guard witness went back to the barrack-room and the former pulled the blanket from deceased's face. The rifle was lying on his right side. Deceased was breathing, but he died on the way to the Military Hospital. - Colour-Sergt. J. Willars said he ordered the deceased to be taken to the Hospital. Deceased had only recently returned from firing his annual course of musketry at Tregantle, and he might have got the ammunition there. Deceased had served in India. - P.C. Alexander said he searched deceased's clothing and found several letters. - Capt. R. N. V. Foster, R.A.M.C., said when deceased was brought to the Hospital he was quite dead. The whole of the palate on the left side inside the mouth had been blown away. About two inches above the left ear there was a large gaping wound. The whole of the important bones on the left side of the head were in fragments. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. - The Coroner: Would it have made any difference if a man had seen deceased on the spot? - Not the slightest in this case. - Florence Hayman, Ordnance-lane, said she had known deceased six months. In July last, owing to his being absent and for misconduct, he lost his good conduct badge and the pay attached to it. That caused some difference between them. After that she became acquainted with another man in the same regiment. She had, however, seen deceased constantly since, but had always told him of her acquaintance with the other man. She last saw him at nine o'clock on the night he shot himself, and he told her to come up to the barracks on Saturday morning, as he had something to give her. He also asked her if she would give him one of her photographs, and she said she would have it taken. On Saturday morning she went to have it taken, as she did not hear that deceased was dead until Saturday evening. - The Coroner read portions of correspondence which had passed between witness and deceased. In the first letter deceased asked her if he had offended her, as he had not heard from her for a week and four days. He thought perhaps "Mac" had got hold of her. - Witness explained that Mac was the man she had been going with. She had not received that letter which was written at Tregantle. - The next letter read was one from witness to deceased in which she said: - "I think we must come to some understanding, for you know you cannot keep me on your money, so if I have a chance to better myself I am going to take it. . . It will be better for you to forget me, but I don't wish to hurt your feelings. I am tired of living this life, and I have a chance to give it up." - In another letter from deceased to witness he stated: - "Come over and see me..... I shall go on the steady now..... I can hardly realise that you are somebody else's." - The Coroner also read the following letter which was found in deceased's clothing, having been written on Friday night:- "I wished you good-bye tonight, but you did not think it would be for the last time. As I told you before, you were the only one, but I will get out of the way and leave you free, for I have been a burden to you long enough. So I will clear out of the way and leave you a clear opening. But I trust you will follow me for the last time." - With the letter were instructions to deliver it to the witness. There was added:- "And if there is anything to come to me in the way of pay, give it to her mother. I trust God will forgive me for what I am doing, but I trust it is for the best and I hope my comrades do not get into the same fix as I." - The Coroner: When you said goodbye to him on the Friday night did anything special take place? - No. - By the Jury: He did not seem depressed. - The Coroner said if it had not been for the last witness and the correspondence they might have had some doubt as to the state of mind deceased was in, because there was nothing to show why he should commit the act. Here came in the same old story - the story of his being more or less engaged to this girl and the girl breaking it off. They had heard evidence why she broke it off and went with somebody else. That caused deceased to be jealous and they knew what a jealous man would sometimes do. In this case it had resulted in his shooting himself. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of an Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Death At Devonport. - At Devonport Workhouse yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on JAMES WILLIAM TERRY, 50, naval pensioner. - Mrs Evangeine Collings, 9 Morice-square, said deceased lodged with her. He was addicted to drink. On September 8th he came home late and went to his room. Nothing was seen of him until the following morning, after he had been to the Royal Albert Hospital to be treated for an accident. Deceased struck his head against the mantel-piece of his room after his return on the previous evening. From time to time his head was bandaged and the wound appeared to be healing. On Wednesday he stayed out all night and on the Thursday evening he was discovered under the seat opposite witness's house. He was in a dazed condition; his right hand was injured, and in his left hand he held a brass door handle. On the following Friday a doctor was called in, and deceased was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. - Dr G. Sandford said the cause of death was meningitis. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Railway Porter's Death. Knocked Down By An Engine. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM EGGBEER, aged 38, G.W.R. porter, of Holdsworth-street, Pennycomequick. Deceased died at the Hospital early yesterday morning as the result of an accident. Chief Inspector Poultney and Inspector Hodgess, locomotive department, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway. - John Reginald Aubrey Treeby, G.W.R. porter, said on Monday at 12.20 p.m., at North-road Station, he was engaged with deceased in taking cases from No. 1 to No. 2 platform. They had previously seen an engine standing still, but did not see it commence to move. The engine first struck the box and knocked down EGGBEER, but he (Treeby) managed to cling to the platform, the engine being two-thirds past him. He next heard EGGBEER crying out. - George Maxfield, engine-driver, G.W.R., of Holdsworth-street, said the engine was disconnected from the train at 12.9 p.m., and the was in the act of shunting back the engine reverse way. He was unable to see the men carrying the case on account of the tender being in front. - The Coroner: What is there to enable you to know where you are going? - There is nothing. - That does not seem to be hardly the thing, does it? - Witness replied that he and his mate kept a look-out from either side of the engine. All of a sudden his mate observed a man spring to the platform. He heard, at the same time, the smashing of a box and the men screaming and thereupon stopped the engine. - William Shipman, fireman, of Wellbeck-avenue, also gave evidence and described the occurrence as unavoidable. - Dr A. S. Burgess said the bones of deceased's legs were crushed and his feet were almost severed. He did not perform an operation as the man was too ill. Death was due to shock as the result of his injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and with the Coroner expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - The Coroner remarked that deceased had only just returned from a holiday at Ashburton. He congratulated Treeby on his miraculous escape from death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Tragic Death. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on JANE DAVIS, aged 48 years. - EDWIN DAVIS, Customs Officer, of Pier-street, said he saw deceased, his wife, alive on Sunday at 10 p.m., when he went to bed, and left her in the kitchen. He woke at 3 a.m. the following morning and found her in the room. She then told him she was going downstairs. Witness went to sleep again, but on waking at 6 a.m. could not find his wife. She had been rather queer of late and witness had advised her to see a doctor, but she always refused to do so. On the kitchen table a letter was found in which she gave instructions as to her place of burial. She also wrote: "you have been a good husband and I hope to meet you in another world." Witness added that deceased had never threatened to take her life; she had everything she needed. - James Rambridge, fish porter, of Lambhay-street, said early on Wednesday morning, at low water, he found the body wedged in between the rocks about fifty yards from the Promenade Pier. - P.C. Palmer, who conveyed the body to the Mortuary, said there was a bruise on the forehead of deceased. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the husband.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 October 1911
MALBOROUGH - Death In A Van. - At Malborough yesterday an Inquest was held on GEORGE GILLARD, aged 70, a labourer, in the employ of the Kingsbridge Rural Council, who was found dead in the living-van which accompanies the steam roller, on Tuesday evening. Evidence of identification was given by the widow, MARY GRACE THORN GILLARD, West Alvington. Dr L. de C. E. Harston, Kingsbridge, said he has that morning made an external examination of the body. Fluid blood of a strawberry colour issuing from the mouth suggested the possibility of poisoning from the fumes of the stove in the van. Against this evidence, however, there was apparently a very good circulation of air in the van. Witness could not give a positive opinion that death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning unless he made a post-mortem examination. The Coroner ordered the doctor to make an autopsy. - James Stephens, West Alvington, steam roller driver, said that on Tuesday deceased appeared in good health. Witness had never known any fumes come from the stove. - [the rest of the article is very faint and impossible to read]. - Verdict - "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Fatally Burnt At A Limekiln. - At Plymouth Workhouse yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN SHERIFF, who died in the Workhouse the previous afternoon. Mr Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, said deceased was admitted in a semi-conscious condition on Tuesday afternoon. He was at once medically attended. Death occurred on Wednesday. - P.C. King stated that he brought the man to the Workhouse. He found him near a lime-kiln at Cattedown in an exhausted condition and very dirty. He had probably been sleeping near the kiln and sustained burns. Dr Cooke said extensive burns were found on deceased's back and other parts of the body, caused probably by lime. His lungs were congested and he had pleurisy on the right side. He attributed death to the state of the man's lungs, accelerated by shock, caused by the burns. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 October 1911
TEIGNMOUTH - MRS RUTH CHAPPELL, of independent means, widow of MR JAMES CHAPPELL, aged 68, formerly printer and stationer, of Newton Abbot, was found dead in bed by her grandson at her lodgings, 10 Northumberland-place, Teignmouth on Thursday night. Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, when a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

TAVISTOCK - Cyclist's Death At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Cottage Hospital last evening on JOHN TIDBALL, aged 16, carpenter's apprentice of St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake. Sergeant Major Rowles was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS TIDBALL, wife of an engine driver who is abroad, stated that the deceased had suffered for years from a complaint of both ears. His bicycle was in a good condition. - Richard Veale, stonemason, Gunnislake, said on September 11th at 7 a.m. he was walking near the post-office, Gunnislake, when without any warning whatever he was knocked down and rendered unconscious. He received a severe injury to the back. He had been invalided for twelve months and was getting round when the accident occurred. The deceased could have seen him quite a hundred yards before he ran into him. He could not say whether the deceased was a careful rider. Dr A. Bowhay, Gunnislake, stated that the deceased had a fracture of the base of the skull. It was not particularly severe. He progressed favourably for a week. Then an abscess formed in the ear in consequence of the chronic discharge from which the deceased suffered. Death was due to fracture of the skull. Veale's injuries were worse than the deceased's for the time. The gradient of the road above the post-office was one in eight and young fellows rode down there at an average rate of 30 miles an hour without brakes. Of course he was not speaking of the deceased. The Coroner: He would not be an exception to the rule. Dr Bowhay: I am afraid not. - The Coroner thought it was quite clear that the deceased ran into Veale. It was probable that he was coming down the hill very fast. Possibly Veale stepped out a little and was knocked down before the deceased could stop. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Lead Poisoning. Sad Case At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at Devonport yesterday on SIDNEY ALBERT MAUNDER, aged 37, formerly a hired plumber in Devonport Dockyard, who died at Wellsford-avenue on October 10th. - Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories was present. - The widow said her husband was in the Dockyard for thirteen years. He first came out sick in December, 1906, and was certified as suffering from lead poisoning. He remained home until the end of August 1907. His symptoms were loss of memory, sleeplessness, irritable temper and loss of power in his hands. He was attended by Dr T. R. Rolston and Dr Salter. The latter said he was suffering from chronic lead poisoning. Deceased was sent back to work by the Dockyard doctor and he continued his employment until April 17th. He afterwards went into the R.N. Hospital, where he remained until May 7th, 1909. He was again seen by Drs. Rolston and Salter. He did not return to work again, but from time to time he was seen by the Dockyard Surgeon. From the 2nd November, 1909 he was invalided from the Dockyard. Since then he had gradually got worse. he lost the use of his right arm and his speech, also some of his teeth and toe nails. He died on October 10th. - Mr S. H. Tozer, Inspector of Plumbers, Devonport Dockyard, said when deceased returned to work after first going sick he was put on ordinary work, but away from the lead as much as possible. He then went sick again and a pension was granted him in consequence of the lead poisoning. Deceased had more to do with red lead than pure lead, and was employed on the ships. The men were given every facility for cleansing themselves before leaving the yard. They had never had a case of lead poisoning since he (witness) had been there, before the deceased's case, but they had a case in the Hospital now. - Dr G. T. Rolston said he had seen deceased very frequently in the absence of his nephew. he had no doubt whatever but that it was a case of chronic lead poisoning. The poisoning was set up by breathing it and using the lead in his hands. It had also been absorbed by the skin. - A verdict that deceased died from Lead Poisoning was returned and sympathy was expressed with the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest yesterday as to the death of AGNES COCHRAN, widow, aged 80 years, of Limerick-place. Deceased fell from a chair on July 27th and Dr Spencer stated that the injuries she then sustained consisted of a fracture of her left thigh bone. The fracture united, but at the end of September deceased sank from shock and died on Sunday. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Devonport last evening on LAVINIA COLTON, Plym-street, aged 65 years, who died suddenly the previous night. Dr N. Norris attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on JOHN HART DAVID KINGSBURY, aged 64, a saw sharpener, of Claremont-court, Plymouth. Dr Brenton, who was called on Sunday evening, said death, which ensued early the following morning, was due to cerebral haemorrhage. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 November 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Fall Of Clay At Newton. - An Inquest was held by Mr Hacker, Coroner, at Newton Abbot Townhall, yesterday, on WILLIAM MITCHELL, 53 Oxford-cottages, Kingskerswell, who was killed by a fall of clay while digging in a mine, the property of the Devon and Courtenay Clay Co., at Decoy, Newton Abbot. Deceased had been in the employ of the company over 20 years. - William Lock, clay miner, said deceased and himself were working together in a drive about 35 feet in length. Just after three o'clock witness left the deceased to fetch some water and he had just reached the water when he heard the sound of something falling. He ran back and called MITCHELL and getting no answer he ran to the place where he had been working. There he found a huge piece of clay, weighing 2 ½ tons, had fallen from the top and MITCHELL was not to be seen. He called for assistance. The clay was rolled off and deceased was found lying on his face dead. - Dr Nisbet said there were numerous fractures of the skull, which crackled like an eggshell under one's fingers. Death was absolutely instantaneous. - Wm. Henry Bowden, foreman of the pit, said the timbering was left to the discretion of the men, although they did anything he suggested. - William Elliott, Abbotskerswell, overseer of the company's mines, said there was no sign of insecurity on Monday, when he visited the drive. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and added a rider that extra precautions should be taken in the matter of timbering.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 November 1911
GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE - Naval Shipwright's Death. The Accident In H.M.SD. Theseus. - PERCY LODGE, of Plymouth, who on Sunday morning was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, has succumbed to his injuries. The deceased, who was a naval shipwright, serving in the cruiser Theseus, fell down a hatchway while the vessel was at Portsmouth. - The County Coroner, Mr Leonard Warner, opened the Inquest yesterday afternoon. - The Coroner stated that the ship was away, and it would be necessary to adjourn, as the only evidence available at present was that of the doctor and the brother, relative to identification. - HARRY LODGE, a sick berth attendant of H.M.S. Argyll, identified the body of the deceased as that of his brother, who was a naval shipwright. Witness saw his brother in the Hospital after the accident. Deceased recognised him, but could not tell him how he had met with his injuries. - Surgeon Geoffrey Adshead said deceased was admitted to Haslar Hospital about ten o'clock on Sunday morning. He was suffering from injury to the spine. There was also a scalp wound on the head just above and behind the left ear. He was quite conscious and in reply to witness said he did not recollect how the accident happened. All he remembered was getting up that morning. Deceased underwent an operation in the afternoon which he got over. He progressed very well until about seven o'clock the following morning, when he became worse and died at 9.55 a.m. Witness had made a post-mortem examination since, and found deceased had a fracture and dislocation of the spine. The spinal cord was damaged right across. These injuries were the cause of death. There was no fracture of the skull. - The Inquiry was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday next, at 2.30.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death On A Dredger. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on CHARLES HENRY EASTERBROOK, acting-master of the dredger St. Austell, who died suddenly on Wednesday. Mr E. K. Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - William Richards, St. Budeaux, son-in-law, said deceased was aged 54. he appeared to be in his usual health when he left home on Wednesday morning to go to work. - George Alfred Green, Stonehouse, assistant-engineer on the St. Austell, said about 8.30 on Wednesday morning deceased came down to his cabin and complained of the cold, and asked for a cup of coffee. Witness gave him some coffee and shortly after, on looking round, saw him with his head on the table. Witness sat him up and asked him what was the matter, but got no reply. He called for help and one of the deck hands came. The dredger was stopped and the crew came down, and witness told them he believed deceased was dead. - A doctor was sent for. - Staff-Surgeon J. H. L. Page said the cause of death was syncope, due to excessive deposit of fat round the heart. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on MRS ELIZABETH POPE, aged 68, of Southside-street. MILDRED ELIZABETH FLEETWOOD, Southside-street, said on Wednesday afternoon she went with deceased, her grandmother, to the offices of Messrs. Adams and Croft, solicitors, Princess-square. As they were entering the office deceased complained of feeling unwell. She sat down on a chair in the office, and said she was too ill to get up. After witness had transacted the necessary business she went to fetch a cab, but on returning found deceased being attended to by Mr Adams and Mr C. J. Pidgeon. - Dr Philpotts, acting for Dr Parsloe, stated that death was due to syncope. - Verdict accordingly. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 November 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Coach Trimmer's Death At Newton. - Mr Hacker, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on CHARLES SAMUEL VENNING, 52, of 23 Station-cottages, Newton Abbot. The widow said on October 5th deceased, who was a coach trimmer, employed by the Great Western Railway Company, came home at breakfast time with a wound on the top of his head, and told her that a bracket had fallen on him. He was home for 17 days and then returned to work. At the end of the first day he was too ill to continue and was obliged to take to his bed, which he never left. - Robt. Champion said he and deceased were engaged in upholstering the back of a compartment. Witness reached up to the umbrella rack to take out a spring that was wanted and an iron bracket which happened to be on the rack fell out, striking VENNING, who was kneeling on the floor, on the head. The wound was dressed by an ambulance man and deceased, who did not want to go home, sat down until breakfast time. Deceased was able to walk and talk and the accident was not thought serious. - Dr Nisbet said the post-mortem examination showed that there was no fracture of the skull, death being due to inflammation of the brain covering underneath the scalp wound and several minute haemorrhages. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE - Naval Shipwright's Death. The Victim Of The Theseus Fatality. - The Inquest was resumed yesterday at Haslar Hospital on PERCY LODGE, a shipwright of H.M.S. Theseus, who fell down a hatchway, sustaining an injury to his spine and died at Haslar Hospital. At the previous Inquiry Naval Surgeon G. P. Adshead attributed death to the injuries received - a fracture and dislocation of the spine. - John Sullivan, leading shipwright, of the Theseus, said he was with the deceased at the time of the accident. They were securing gun sights ready for sea. They had finished the three-pounder on the starboard side of the cable deck and were coming aft. LODGE walked between the starboard cable holder and the hatch leading to the carpenter's storeroom. Witness heard a noise as if LODGE'S boots were slipping and looking round he saw deceased disappear down the hatch. Witness and the storekeeper lifted him up and on reaching the top of the hatch deceased groaned and complained of his neck. He was taken to the sick bay and attended by Staff-Surgeon Richards. While in the sick bay deceased said to witness, "John, what is it that has happened to me, or is it a dream?" There was an iron plate close to the hatchway and witness was of opinion that deceased fell on the plate. The hatchway was protected by stanchions and rails when open. After the accident witness found one of the rails had been unshipped. This was in its place before the accident happened. In witness's opinion deceased did not drop clean down. He probably caught the ladder first and then rolled on to the deck below. - Warrant Officer Connor said that after the accident everything possible was done for the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 20 November 1911
IVYBRIDGE - Naval Officer's Suicide. Evidence At Inquest: Deceased's Last Letter. - The Inquest on the body of LIEUT. NIGEL ST. J. S. NICHOLL-CARNE, who was found shot dead in Ivybridge Woods on Friday, was held at Ivybridge on Saturday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and the Inquiry was conducted by the Coroner (Mr R. Robinson Rodd). - Me E. R. Stephens, manager of the Naval Bank, Ivybridge, deposed to discovering the body in Ivybridge Woods on Friday morning. The man was lying on his left side, with his fact upturned. It was about a hundred yards below Hunters Path, close to the footpath. Witness did not see the revolver in the hand of the deceased. - Commander Hugh Edwards, R.N. Barracks, Devonport, identified the body as that of LIEUT. NIGEL ST JOHN STRADLING NICHOLL-CARNE. He had known the deceased for twelve months and on Wednesday he appeared in a normal state. He was a cheerful, well-balanced fellow, although he had noticed he had not been quite himself for a few days. The deceased sent a letter to Lieut. Toms, which read:- "Dear old Toms, - You seem rather fond of Joe, so will you take him as a parting gift? - I am finished, and have been for the last year. Only I think I managed to appear fairly cheerful and bluff it out. Give my love to Budgen. If you don't want Joe, perhaps No. 2 might like him. Mickey Wheelan can have my golf clubs." - Witness explained that "Joe" was a bulldog. - The Coroner: Beyond what he refers to, you know nothing to cause the deceased to have taken his life? - I know nothing at all, either from a service point of view, or, as far as I know, from a monetary point of view. - You would know? - Any service trouble I should be bound to know. - Continuing, witness said deceased went on leave on Wednesday, and should have returned on Thursday morning. It was his day's duty. He heard the deceased was not feeling well, so he waited until Friday noon before reporting the matter. Deceased hailed from South Wales and they had telegraphed to find out the address of the next-of-kind from the Admiralty. he had a mother living and one or two brothers. He was a good officer and a great sportsman, a man very well liked and very popular in the Barracks. - In reply to a question, the Coroner stated that the letter was posted on 17th, so the deceased must have come to Ivybridge by the early train on the day he committed the act. - Assistant Paymaster J. H. Budgen, of the R.N. Barracks, stated that he met the deceased on Wednesday evening and he looked depressed. For a whole week he had been complaining of a heavy cold and headache. When witness heard that deceased was missing, he was not surprised at learning what had happened. Deceased was certainly not compos mentis on Wednesday. His mind was unhinged about something. - Dr Cooper stated that deceased was shot through the heart, the bullet burying itself in the neck. - P.C. Pile deposed to finding the body in the woods. He was laying on his side, with a revolver in his right hand, his finger still on the trigger. There was one expended cartridge in the revolver, and 40 live cartridges in his possession. - The Coroner: It looks as if he went straight to the spot and shot himself. - Witness: It looked as if he sat on the bank and did it and then toppled over. - The Coroner, summing up, said that in that particularly painful and sad case they would see from the evidence that deceased had something weighing on his mind which caused him to be temporarily insane. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - After the Inquest the body was removed to the R.N. Hospital, whence it is to be conveyed by train this morning for private interment. - The deceased officer belonged to a well-known Glamorgan family. The family lived at St. Donat's Castle until after the death of DR NICHOLL-CARNE, the father of the deceased, when they sold St. Donat's Castle and estate and have since resided in their other family seat at Nash Manor, which is about six miles from St. Donat's and four from Cowbridge. Deceased was a keen golfer and a member of the Barry Golf Club. He received his early education at Cowbridge Grammar School and thence went to the training-ship Britannia.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on THOMAS WILLIAMS, aged 54, a pensioner and waterman, of Pembroke-street, the evidence showed that the deceased, a widower, was found on the floor of his house on Friday evening and Dr McElwaine, who was called, pronounced life extinct. Verdict: "Died from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Marine Killed By Falling Plates. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on PTE. JAMES HALL, R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Andromeda, who was killed on Friday by some steel plates which fell out of the sling of a travelling crane. - Mr K. E. Peck, on behalf of the Admiralty, and Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories, were present. - Sergt. F. R. Graham, R.M.L.I., said the deceased was 29 years of age, and a native of Manchester. He was a single man. - Robert John Rider, shipwright, said on Friday he was in charge of a party of slingers unloading steel plates from a truck. There was a travelling crane alongside the truck, and the plates were taken hold of by a screw clamp. The clamp had been in use about twelve months. Witness knew of no order that the road was to be kept clear when plates were being slung across it, but it was generally done by men slinging. Witness saw deceased there. Two plates were being slung by witness's order. He knew of no order that two plates were not to be gripped in one clamp. - The Coroner: Would it not have been better to stay your hand when people are passing? - Witness: I should say a warning was unnecessary when people could see the work being performed. - The Coroner: But you might have, as you know in other cases plates have slipped from the clamp? - It is generally done. - Are you satisfied that it was safe to lift two plates? - Yes. - And yet you have known other things to slip out? - Yes. - A Juryman: You were satisfied that the man who put the plates in the sling was competent to do so? - Yes. - Witness added that the weight of the plates was 15 ½ cwt. Plates weighing 5 tons had been lifted by the clamp. - William John James, skilled labourer, said he fixed the screw clamp on the two plates and screwed them up with an iron crowbar. It would be only one man's work to secure plates of the size of those which slipped. Witness did not think that in this case an extra man would have obtained any more impression on the screw. Witness's mate was standing by the truck. He thought it would have been safer to have had his mate's assistance, although he could have done no more than witness did. He had never known plates slip before. He had screwed up larger plates than those on Friday. He gave the signal for the plates to be hoisted and then got off the truck. His mate shouted to the deceased, who was approaching. He stopped, but as the plates were being slung around he ran immediately under them. The plates slipped and fell on the deceased. Men engaged on the work always warned people approaching. His only way of knowing whether plates were properly secured was to screw them up with all his strength. - By the Jury: The jaws of the clamp were smooth. The plates slipped right out of the clamp on to the deceased. There was no jerk of the crane. - Mr Rider, recalled, said the clamp was too powerful to give. - Edward McElligott, crane-driver, who was in charge of the crane, said the plates were being hoisted quite steadily. Witness had driven a crane for nine years, and had had a good deal of experience in hoisting plates. Only once before had he known a plate slip from the clamp when in his charge. - Staff-Surgeon J. N. Page said deceased was dead when he saw him. He had made an examination and found a wound in the scalp, a fracture of both bones of the left forearm, fracture of the ribs on the left side, and fracture of the thigh. Death in his opinion must have been practically instantaneous. - Mr S. F. Furze-Morrish, constructor, said he thought the clamp was sufficient to use for the purpose. Gripping by clamp was better than by chains. Thousands of plates had been lifted during the past two years, and accidents were very rare indeed. He thought the same care should be exercised in passing cranes as in crossing streets. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury recommended that, where necessary, two men should be employed in putting plates in the clamp.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Shocking Devonport Home. Mother Cautioned On Death Of Child. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on VIOLET MAY SCAWN, aged 2 years, the child of WILLIAM THOMAS SCAWN, leading stoker, of 22 Morice-street. - The mother said the child was born in October 1909, and had been in good health until last Friday night, when witness noticed a change. Thinking she had a cold, witness rubbed her with camphorated oil and sat up with her all night. About 8 a.m. on Saturday witness noticed that the child was worse and went for Dr Bolus, who came during the morning and prescribed for the child. Witness gave the baby the medicine as directed, but she became restless and between 3 and 4 p.m. witness again went for the doctor, but he was out. The child died about 4 p.m. She had given the child the same food as they had themselves. There was allotted to her £2 per month from her husband's pay, and he also gave her 5s. a week. They had another child, twelve months old. Up to a week ago they lived at St. Aubyn-street. She did not know the child was ill until last Friday. She could not take the children out very often because she had not a perambulator and was incapable in consequence of having fits about once a fortnight. They lived in one room. - The Coroner said it was very hard upon poor children that they should not be taken out and given fresh air. - Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said that on October 12th Inspector Westcott complained about the state of her room. While the children were in the room she was in the courtyard. She admitted that they bed was in a filthy condition and Mr Westcott pointed out that the deceased's pinafore and legs were stained with ink. This was due to the child having spilt the ink that morning. During witness's absence the baby rolled off the bed and got into a jacket. The cot was also in a dirty condition. Asked by the Coroner how she accounted for the filthy, disgusting state of the room, witness said she had fits all day on the Sunday and her sight was very defective. - The Coroner said that if she could not see, she could smell. She appeared to be clean herself. - Witness said she was 20 years of age and had been married three years. On October 31st she left the children in the house from shortly after 10 a.m. to 1.45 p.m. while she went to Plymouth to draw her half-pay, and to pay little debts. She was not in the habit of staying out late at night. - The coroner said his information was that witness was habitually absent from the children not only by day, but also at night. - Witness denied this. - Inspector Geo. Westcott, N.S.P.C.C., described the state of the children, room and bedding on the occasion of his visit on October 12th, and said the smell in the room was overpowering. MRS SCAWN, on being told what he had found, treated matters very lightly until he said he should inform the sanitary authorities. A neighbour said she was only a young woman, and asked him to give her another chance, and he said he would do so. There was an improvement on the occasion of his next visit, but on October 31st he found that things were going back to their old condition. On the 1st inst. he again warned her and on the 15th inst. he found they had left the house. Last Friday he discovered where they were and on going to the house found both children asleep in the cot without any covering. he asked the mother if the elder child was ill and she replied that she was not. On his calling again on the following day he found that Dr Bolus had been sent for. There was no fire and no hot water for a bath in case one was needed. On the following day he received a letter from MRS SCAWN stating that the child was dead, that Dr Bolus had said he would have to see him (witness) before he could give a death certificate, and asking him to make it, as easy as he could. Witness had since seen the deceased's father, who had been cruising. He seemed to treat the matter lightly. - The father of deceased, in reply to the Coroner, said he could not account for what he had heard from the last witness. Every time he had come home he had found things up to the mark as they should be. He could not understand the condition of the home as described by the Inspector. He had known his wife have three or four fits a day. He had come home at times quite unexpectedly, and had always found his wife there and the house in order. - Dr Bolus said that when he was called on Saturday morning the child was in a semi-conscious condition, and she so remained until she died. He had since made an examination of the body and found that death was due to convulsions occurring in bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia. The child's body was sufficiently well nourished and there was no evidence of under-feeding, but to say the child was in good health until last Saturday, he thought, was untrue. She must have been anaemic for many months. He had every sympathy with poor people but it was a great pity that in such cases, a doctor was not consulted earlier. On Saturday the state of the room was very fair, and he noticed nothing objectionable. This might have been due to the action of the N.S.P.C.C. - The Coroner said this was not a case of criminal responsibility. It seemed to him to be a case of absolute incompetence. He believed the child's mother - it might be partly due to the state of her health - was absolutely incompetent to act the part of a mother as she ought to do. He believed she fed the children sufficiently, but, although she appeared to be clean in her own person, the fact was, beyond question, that the children were living in a state of dirt. Perhaps after this there might be on the part of both parents an improvement in the condition in which they lived. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and asked the Coroner to caution the mother to be more careful in the care of her home and children in future. - The Coroner cautioned the mother to be more careful in future, and hoped the father would also keep his eye open.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 November 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sailor Lad's Death. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on LESLIE LAMBERT LONG, aged 16, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Surgeon J. L. Barford, R.N., H.M.S. Impregnable, said at 10.45 p.m. on Wednesday his attention was drawn to the deceased, and he was examined in the sick bay. Witness thought he was suffering from pneumonia, and treated him accordingly. The boy died suddenly just before six o'clock the following morning. Witness was with the deceased all night. Death was due to suffocation caused by acute double pneumonia. - Surgeon W. W. D. Chilcott, R.N., H.M.S. Impregnable, agreed with the last witness. - Chas. Redmond, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable, said deceased "turned in" at 8.45 p.m. At 10.30 deceased was vomiting and he was removed to the sick bay. - Geo. Burgess, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable, also gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and agreed that Surgeon Barford should be thanked for his close attention to the deceased during Wednesday night.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 November 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Pensioner's Death At Crownhill. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Crownhill Police Station, yesterday on WILLIAM MCCLURE, army pensioner ,aged 63, of 3 Stoke-terrace, Crownhill. MARY MCCLURE said the deceased, her husband, a messenger at Fort Effort, suffered from asthma. Some time ago he was granted a fortnight's leave as he was unwell. Deceased seemed better on Sunday morning, but just before dinner time she went to his room and found him in his chair dead. A fortnight ago he took a cab to Plymouth to see the army doctor, who gave him some medicine. Dr t. Olver said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. - Verdict accordingly.

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on the infant daughter of ALFRED W. SLEEMAN, carpenter, of 23 Brook-hill. The father said the child, aged 14 days, was found dead at 5.30 a.m. when he was getting up to go to work. Dr F. E. Little said the cause of death was over-laying. Verdict accordingly.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Man's Death. - Last evening an Inquest was held at Tiverton on JOHN MILLER, aged 56, butcher and dairyman, of West-exe, who died suddenly on Saturday night. - JOHN MILLER, a son of the deceased, said when he came home on Saturday, about 8.45 p.m., his father asked him why he had not been in to tea. Witness made no answer and was proceeding to bed, when he heard his sister say: "Mother, look at father." Coming back over the stairs witness saw his father sitting in a chair in the kitchen, and believed he was dead. In reply to questions witness said it was not true that his father and himself had quarrelled. His father's health had not been good of late. - ROSE MILLER, daughter of the deceased, said there was no quarrel of the kind suggested and no more words passed than the last witness had spoken to. - A neighbour who was called in said he saw nothing to excite the deceased, who died in the chair before a doctor arrived. - Dr Welsford said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury found that death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 December 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - In accordance with the evidence of Dr C. L. Lander, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Devonport lat evening on EDWARD DUMBLE, 52, Craigmore-avenue, shipwright, in H.M. Dockyard, who died the previous morning.

PLYMOUTH - Child Killed At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Foresters' Hall, Plymouth, yesterday, on ELSIE MAY COTTER, aged three years, the daughter of a mason's labourer, of 7 Granby-street. - George Sweet said on Thursday morning he was driving a trolley in Rendle-street when he felt an obstruction. Looking down to see what it was he found the deceased pinned under the hind wheel. His horse was going at a walking pace at the time. Witness stopped at once. - Mrs Selina Jane White, Rendle-street, said she saw the accident and picked up the child. - Dr Aitken said death was due to a fracture of the spine, caused by the wheel. - The Coroner said he wondered there were not more accidents of this description, young children three years of age being allowed to walk about the streets. Of course, the mother could not be blamed as she had to go to work. - The Jury concurred and returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 December 1911
KINGSTEIGNTON - Suicide At Kingsteignton. - In the Council School, Kingsteignton, on Saturday, an Inquest was held on JOHN DAVEY, 59, pig dealer, of Quick's Cottage, Sandpath, Kingsteignton, who was found hanging at nine o'clock that morning. - HANNAH DAVEY, the widow, said deceased had for a month or more had rheumatism and had complained greatly of pains in his head. He did not go to a doctor until that week, and then would not stay in bed as he was ordered. He was indoors on Friday until the evening, when he attending the annual meeting of a benefit club. On Saturday morning he told witness he had not slept all night. She went out about 8.30, leaving him in bed. Returning about 9 o'clock she found deceased hanging in the wash-house. A passer-by at once cut down the body. Her husband had nothing to worry him except the pains in his head. - William Charles Prowse Beavis, insurance agent, Newton Abbot, said deceased was hanging by a rope from a pulley fixed in the ceiling in the wash-house. Deceased breathed several times after being cut down, and witness moved his arms about, but did not understand artificial respiration. He thought deceased was too far gone to have been brought round. - Mary Jane Hodge, a neighbour, said she saw deceased just before nine o'clock walking about in his orchard. - Dr w. McBeath, Kingsteignton, said that during the week he had treated deceased for influenza, with severe pains in the back and head. He was evidently ill, but declined to go on the club. Three or four months ago deceased was thrown out of his trap and injured his head. Influenza usually left depression. Thomas Narrowmore and P.C. Ridgeway (who said deceased had nearly £4 in his pocket) gave evidence, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the widow and relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 December 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest last evening at Devonport on WILLIAM C. O'MAHONY, aged one year and three months, the father, a labourer in the Dockyard, of St. Aubyn-street, stated that on Saturday afternoon the child was walking round a chair lying on the floor. The baby turned to look at his brother and fell on the back of his head. He was dead before medical assistance cold be obtained. Dr E. G. S. Saunders said the child's neck was dislocated. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 December 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Thorn-pricks Cause Death. Lock-Jaw At St. Marychurch. - An Inquest on FRANK S. C. PHILLIPS, of 12 Furrough-cross, Torquay, was held in St. Marychurch Townhall yesterday. - The widow, ROSE PHILLIPS, stated that deceased, a jobbing gardener, was 31 years old. On Thursday he returned from working the morning, stating that he was too unwell to stay longer. Later he complained that his jaws were feeling stiff and his neck and back paining him. On Friday he could not open his mouth to eat and could only take in milk. Finding the pain in his back worse on Saturday and being unable to open his mouth, deceased saw a doctor. He remained in bed, under the care of a nurse until the time of his death on Tuesday night. About a week before he was taken ill he cut his fingers in pruning trees. His left hand was injured and a prickle had entered one of his fingers. - REGINALD M. PHILLIPS, brother of deceased, stated that the day before deceased was taken ill he told witness he had that day fallen over some steps. Deceased asked him not to mention the fact to his wife, lest it should worry her. - Dr Pitt Palmer said deceased as suffering from rigid spasms until 24 hours from death, which resulted from lock-jaw. Witness had supplied deceased with quarts of medicine during the past twelve years. A careful search had been made for the incidence of poison, but no cuts or bruises were found. There were, however, several thorn pricks in deceased's fingers and feet. A verdict was returned accordingly. - Dr Palmer said if deceased had been a strong man a cure would probably have been effected.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Mortuary, Plymouth, yesterday, on CHARLOTTE TOWNSEND, spinster, aged 62. Mrs Bessie Elizabeth Champion, Richmond-street, said deceased, who lived in the same house as she did, was all right on Tuesday evening, but on the following day was taken ill suddenly, and she was obliged to send for the doctor. Deceased had sometimes complained of being ill, but would never send for the doctor. Dr R. B. Burke said death was due to an abscess of the liver and other bodily defects. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 December 1911
PORTLAND, DORSET - Able Seaman Drowned. Topsham Man's Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was opened at the Royal Naval Hospital, Portland, on Saturday on FREDERICK GEORGE MILTON, of Topsham, able seaman of the battleship Colossus, whose body was found in Portland Harbour. - P.S. Hayward stated that on Friday he received information that a body had been picked up in the harbour. It was taken to the mortuary by the Dockyard Police. On the collar was the name "GEORGE MILTON." On the body was found, among other things, a letter, couched in affectionate terms, addressed to his wife, at Clyst Cottage, Topsham. The body was in naval uniform, except cap, with white football boots and bars. - William Palmer, petty officer 1st class, employed on the boom defence at Portland, proved finding the body close to the old breakwater. - The Coroner (Mr Symes) ordered the Medical Officer to make a further examination of the body, and also gave an order for burial. He adjourned the Inquest until Thursday to enable communication to be made with the ship in order that evidence may be obtained as to when the deceased was last seen. - Deceased had two good conduct badges.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 December 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Crushed To Death At Newton. Movement Of Engines. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on ARTHUR ERNEST MALE, aged 17, lodging at Salem-place, who was fatally injured through being crushed between the buffers of two engines on Sunday, Dr Nisbet said when he saw the deceased at the Hospital he was suffering from profound shock and was semi-conscious. He complained of much pain in the region of the stomach. Death was due to internal injuries. - William Henry Brimson, Fisher-road, Abbotsbury, the driver of the engine, said at 3.50 a.m. it was raining and blowing very hard and witness ran the engine into the shelter of the shed, stopping about four feet from a stationary engine in the shed. Witness then got under the engine and began to oil it. To enable him to get at another part of the machinery he shouted to the fireman to move the engine further into the shed. Witness heard the whistle blow and the fireman also shouted and then moved back. A minute later witness heard the fireman shout, "Look up, Bill," and the engine moved ahead again. Then he found that a cleaner had been caught between the buffers. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he saw no cleaners at work on the stationary engine and no flare lights such as cleaners used. - William John Cook, locomotive inspector, said before an engine was moved the person driving had to satisfy himself that there was no one in danger, and the whistle was blown as well. - Henry Revell, engine cleaner, said he saw the deceased caught between the buffers. He could not account for the accident, unless deceased was coming up from under the engine. - William Pope, the fireman, said just before the accident he had been to the back of his engine, within four feet of the stationary one, to affix a lamp, and there was no cleaner to be seen. When the driver told him to move the engine back he whistled and shouted, "Look out on 3270," to warn anyone who might be there. As the engine came against the stationary one witness heard a sort of shriek and getting off the engine saw the cleaner between the buffers. he shouted to the engine driver, beneath the engine, to keep clear and drew the engine out again, the deceased then falling to the bottom of the inspection pit. - The Coroner: You did not satisfy yourself that there was no one about, you jumped to the conclusion? - I looked around when I put my lamp out, and again when I shouted. - George David Luscombe, foreman of the cleaning-shed, said he did not consider it was Pope's duty to get down and walk round the stationary engine, as he was not going to move it. - John Morgan Harry, Forde-road, engine fitter, gave evidence and the Coroner asked the Jury to decide whether death was due to an accident that could not have been avoided by ordinary or proper care, or whether there was any gross carelessness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they considered there was no negligence on the part of anyone.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 December 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Death. Accident In Rough Sea Off Penlee. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on MICHAEL DEMPSEY, able seaman (28) a native of Queenstown. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Staff-Surg. Oswald Mills said the deceased was admitted to the Hospital on October 11th, suffering from injuries to the head. He was conscious, but subsequently depression of the brain set in and he died from exhaustion on the 10th inst. There was no external wound on the head, only a bump, the appearance of which suggested that the man had come into contact with something hard. He did not perform an operation, as he thought it unnecessary. He made a post-mortem examination and found that the deceased had been suffering from inflammation of the membranes of the brain, and that there were abscesses inside, due no doubt to the injuries. - C.P.O. Albert Nicholson, of H.M.S. Pigmy, said on October 10th, the vessel went to sea accompanied by a number of submarines. On returning about 12.30 p.m., and while rounding the Draystone Buoy, off Penlee Point, witness and the deceased went aft, to see if the port boat was all right in the davits. Suddenly the ship gave a heavy lurch to port, throwing them both against the side. He picked up the deceased, who was dazed, having, witness thought, struck his head against one of the iron stays. They were wearing their sea boots and the deck being slippery, caused his companion to fall. There was a moderate sea, and while rounding the Draystone Buoy, and making for Plymouth Sound, they were in the trough of the sea. Witness described the affair as a pure accident. - Asked by a Juror why the deceased was not sent to Hospital on the day of the accident, Lieut.-Commander Francis A. N. Cromin gave an explanation of the occurrence. On the evening of the accident the deceased was sent down below to recover. Witness inquired after him and ascertained that he was all right. He was asked by witness if he had been attended to medically and replied "No." DEMPSEY remained in his hammock and apart from a headache appeared to be all right. On the following day he was sent to the Impregnable, where he was examined by the doctor, and then sent to Hospital. There was no cut or external injury on the man's head, continued witness, and he merely thought he had received a nasty blow and was suffering from a headache. He did not think that DEMPSEY really believed himself to be injured. The Pigmy, a small vessel, was particularly lively that day and anything that was at all loose on board got on the slide, and it was difficult to keep one's footing. - A Surgeon of H.M.S. Impregnable said he saw deceased the morning after the accident had occurred, and he had practically recovered from the concussion. There was only a bump at the back of his head. Nothing could have been done for him if he had been attended to before. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

MONKLEIGH - North Devon "Home." Terrible Story Related At Monkleigh Inquest. - In the Parish Room, Monkleigh, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on SARAH QUICK, the infant daughter of a farm labourer, and the evidence given revealed a shocking state of things. The deceased child was born on December 1st, in a room in which another child had just died of diphtheria, and was at the time lying dead, the number of persons living in the cottage preventing anything else being done by the occupants. The infant contracted the disease and also died. - Two Bedrooms For Eleven Persons. - CHARLES QUICK, the father, told the Coroner he had nine children living. One of them, a girl 2 ½ years old, died of diphtheria in the room in which his wife was lying, and the body remained there for 20 hours afterwards. he went to the Sanitary Inspector, Mr Pennington, at Parkham, the next day, but he did not come until the 4th. Then the Inspector left a bottle of disinfectant, but did not do anything to the house himself. Witness's cottage comprised a kitchen and two bedrooms. His wife, himself and two children slept in one room and seven children slept in two beds in the other. He earned 12s. a week, and had 20 yards of potato ground and a quart of scald milk a day. When he entered the cottage the landlord promised to increase the accommodation by knocking a doorway into the adjoining premises, where there were three good bedrooms. He had been there three years; the house was not whitewashed when he went in, and nothing had been done since. It was in a very dilapidated condition. The child died on Monday. - Story Of The District Nurse. - Jane Blake, the district Nurse, who attended MRS QUICK, said she was not supposed to attend infectious cases, but when she arrived she found one child had just died of diphtheria and there was the poor woman left with no one to look after her, so she asked, what could she do. She attended to her and the dead body remained in the room all the time and until next day. The seven children who slept in the adjoining room had to pass through this room to go to bed and when they got up in the morning, and the husband was compelled to sleep in the same bed with his wife the next night with another child. The baby was healthy and would have lived had it not caught diphtheria. - Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford) said the cause of death was diphtheria, otherwise the child was quite healthy. The condition of the home in his opinion was most insanitary, and the room in which the seven children slept was only large enough for one child. In his opinion the disease had been contracted in the house. The cottage at present was not fit for human habitation, especially for such a large family. - P.C. Cox gave the dimensions of the rooms. The bedrooms were 14ft. by 14ft. and 7ft. high and 15ft. by 10ft. and 7ft. high. One room had the fireplace boarded up and the windows in each of the rooms were 9 inches by 15 inches. The children's room contained two large beds, which completely filled it. Four children had been sleeping in each of these beds - boys, 12, 8, 5 and 4 years; and girls 11, 10, 7 and 1 year. The room or the house had not been disinfected up to Monday last. The walls of the kitchen were dirty and the plaster broken off in many places, the ceiling being black. - Sanitary Inspector's Evidence. - James Pennington, Sanitary Inspector to Bideford Rural Council, said in July last one of the girls of this family had a diphtheric throat, and was sent home from school and attended by the school Medical Officer of Health. He (witness) visited the house, but did not go upstairs to see what accommodation there was. He did not disinfect the house or fumigate it, but left a bottle of carbolic. On December 2nd he was informed by QUICK that a child had died of diphtheria, but he did not go there until the 4th. Then he did not go upstairs, but left a bottle of disinfectant to be thrown about. He had taken no steps to disinfect or fumigate, because he did not know what to do with the family. - When asked by the Coroner if he had made any attempt to get another place to put the people in for a few hours, he said he had not and did not think of putting them in the spare rooms in the next house. The District Council had no isolation hospital in their district and no cottage where infected children could be taken. Now he had heard what the accommodation was, witness did not consider it sufficient, or that the premises were fit for habitation. The water had been analysed some time ago, but not since the outbreak of diphtheria in July. - Asked what was the good of disinfecting two or three rooms and not completely fumigating a whole house before, when he had received instructions to disinfect some other house in the village, witness said he could not say. - The Coroner: Do you know if the disinfectant you left was used? - I do not know. - Do you care? - No reply. - Jury And The Sanitary Authority. - The Coroner, summing up, referred in strong terms to the conditions revealed by the evidence, and said little interest seemed to have been taken in the matter by the Sanitary Inspector. The conditions seemed more like one of the worst slums in London. - The Jury, of whom the Vicar (Rev. L. H. Lermit) was Foreman, found that the child died from Diphtheria, and added a rider that they did not think proper precautions had been taken by the Sanitary Authority, nor were they satisfied that proper precautions were taken in the previous case which had occurred in the village. They did not consider the house a fit habitation for a man, his wife and family, nor did they consider the house had been kept in a proper condition by the landlord. They also considered the Sanitary Inspector showed considerable carelessness in dealing with this case. - The Jury thanked the Coroner for the great interest he had shown in the matter and the Coroner said their thanks were due to the nurse for her plucky conduct. He thanked the vicar for allowing the use of his outhouse for the post-mortem.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 December 1911
PORTLAND, DORSET - Able Seaman's Death. Barnstaple Man Drowned At Portland. - The adjourned Inquest on Able Seaman FREDERICK GEO. MILTON, of the battleship Colossus, whose body was found in Portland Harbour on Saturday, was held at the Royal Naval Hospital, Portland, yesterday. The body when found was dressed in seaman's uniform, with football boots and in the pockets were found letters which established the man's identity. His wife resides at Topsham, Exeter, and one of the letters was from MRS MILTON. The Inquest had been adjourned to enable witnesses to be called who were last in the man's company, and also to enable a post-mortem examination to be made by Dr Howard. The body, which had been in the water for some time, was in an advanced stage of decomposition. - Mr Huxtable, Admiralty law agent, stated that the deceased acted as linesman at a football match between the Colossus and the Warrior at Portland on November 17th. After the match he went to the naval canteen with some of the players and from thence to the Jolly Sailor, where they remained for some time. Deceased, being on leave until the next morning, was left behind by his shipmates. After that there was no trace of his movements. The Admiralty desired the fullest investigations and had arranged for the attendance of the whole of the football team from the Colossus. There were 19 witnesses present, but the Court decided to call only material evidence. - Dr. T. Howard stated as the result of the post-mortem examination that death was due to asphyxia. There was no indication of the deceased having struggled whilst in the water. - Evidence was given by Master-at-Arms Thomas Jones, of the Colossus, who stated that the deceased left the ship on November 17th, and had a night's leave. He was marked as absent next morning and seven days later as a deserter and a warrant was issued for his arrest. His wife telegraphed for news of her whereabouts and a reply was sent that he was missing. MILTON was a hard-working and sober man. In reply to a Juror, witness said the deceased was a good swimmer. - Other witnesses were Charles Henry Reeves, Albert Martin and Ernest Thomas Edwards, seamen, of the Colossus, who stated that the deceased acted as linesman at the match. He accompanied the players to the canteen and the Jolly Sailor, where they left him with a crowd of blue-jackets. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned, there being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water." - Mr Huxtable, on behalf of the Captain and officers of the Colossus, expressed their regret and tendered their sympathy to the family. - The deceased was buried on Wednesday in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Barnstaple, of which place he was a native. The service was conducted by Rev. H. Every, vicar, and Rev. E. Dawkins, and six ex-sailors acted as bearers. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack. The wreaths included one "In loving remembrance," from his shipmates H.M.S. Colossus.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 December 1911
LYNMOUTH - Child's Fatal Fall. Lynmouth Boy's Terrible Death. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Saturday, held an Inquest at Lynmouth on FREDERICK CLOUTSHAM SHEPPARD, the five-year-old son of MR SAMUEL SHEPPARD, dairyman of Lynmouth, who was killed by a fall whilst at play on Friday. The deceased lad was a pupil at Lynmouth elementary school and was playing on the heights just beside the school buildings, when he slipped, fell over a rock about 30 feet above the level of the playground, and died almost immediately. The wooded hillside on which the lad, with companions of about his age, was playing almost overhangs the playground. - Evidence of the accident was given by Harold Glasby, Jack Pedder and a little five-year-old schoolboy named Burgess, who saw the lad fall and Dr Jenkins gave evidence as to the cause of death, which was fracture of the skull, there being also injury to the spine. - Mr W. H. Northcott, the Schoolmaster, said he had frequently cautioned boys about going to this particular place, and had thrashed them when he found them there. There was, however, easy access from the Watersmeet-road, and children could get there from the playground, but that meant a difficult climb. It would be an advantage if the whole place could be fenced in with a strong wire fencing. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the teachers had no control over the pupils outside school hours and outside the school premises. - The Coroner said the case was an extremely sad one, but evidently no one was to blame. The playground gates were open, so that children could play there if they liked, but children would be children and if there was a dangerous place in the neighbourhood they would get there. The School-Master evidently did his best to stop the children from going to this place, but the Coroner pointed out the limited power the managers had over children out of school hours and off the school premises. - Rev. C. E. Treadwell, vicar of Lynmouth, on behalf of the managers, expressed sympathy with the parents. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and concurred with the Head Master's expression of opinion that the place should be railed in, whilst they also suggested for the consideration of the School Committee that an adjoining garden should be taken in to enlarge the present playground to something more approaching the requirements of the pupils attending the school. The Jury gave their fees to provide a wreath.

PLYMOUTH - Blisland Resident's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns (Plymouth Borough Coroner) on Saturday held an Inquest on MRS FANNY MILICENT JAGGARD, who was taken ill and died at the waiting-room, Millbay Station on Wednesday. From the evidence of Mr Hugh B. Hacken of Blisland, a retired farmer, it appeared that the deceased was the wife of MR CHARLES JAGGARD, a schoolmaster, of St Tudy, Cornwall, but they were living apart. On Wednesday deceased left Blisland to come to Plymouth on business. Dr Parsloe said death was due to Natural Causes and a verdict to that effect was recorded.

STOKE DAMEREL - Warrant Officer's Death. Heart And Lungs Affected. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, on Saturday on MR ALFRED METHERALL, chief carpenter, R.N. Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - The Coroner read a letter from Dr Clay (Plymouth), stating that he saw the deceased on June 8th, when he was suffering from valvular disease of the heart. - ALBERT ERNEST METHERALL, writer in the Dockyard, said his father was 52 years of age and had resided at Spencer-avenue. When witness last saw him he seemed to be in his usual health. Some months ago he consulted Dr Clay, who told him that he was suffering from heart disease and disease of the lungs, the right one being the worst. - Mr David Dodd, chief boatswain, R.N., said on Friday morning he went into the warrant officers' mess and the deceased was standing by the door. He gave a moan and fell against witness. The doctor was called and arrived within two minutes. - Staff-Surgeon J. Thornhill, R.N. Barracks, said the deceased was in a semi-conscious condition when he saw him. All he said was, "I can't take breath." he died about five or ten minutes after. Witness had no doubt, after hearing Dr Clay's letter, that death was due to valvular disease of the heart. - A verdict was returned accordingly, and sympathy was expressed with the relatives. - MR METHERALL thanked the Coroner and Jury, and also Staff-Surgeon Thornhill for his prompt attention.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Laira Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY FULL, aged sixteen months. MRS YABSLEY, grandmother of the deceased, Nelson-terrace, said she was in the kitchen on Thursday and the child was with her. She had a basin of boiling water on the table, and while her back was turned the child reached over and tipped the contents over his right arm. Dr Henry G. Pinker, Braidwood-terrace, said the child died from shock, the result of the scalds. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows A Slight Cut. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on ROBERT FRANCIS SYMONS, aged 48, rag-picker, 46 Harwell-street. Mr F. C. Hellings, Workhouse Master, said deceased was admitted to the House on the 8th inst., suffering from blood poisoning. Dr Cooke saw him the same day. The man died on Monday evening. Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical Officer at the Plymouth Workhouse, said deceased was suffering from a poisoned wound in the hand. The whole arm was affected. The man informed him he had a small cut on his hand, of which he took no notice. He was engaged in dirty work picking rags and bones. Death was due to Blood Poisoning. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Woman's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest on LOUISA FAIR, spinster, of no fixed abode, was held by Mr R. B. Johns at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. - P.C. Cawse said deceased was about 40 years of age. On Friday afternoon he saw her in a drunken condition. James Henry Shears, labourer, King-street, said on Sunday morning he saw deceased in a cook shop in King-street. The woman was in a dripping condition and very cold. She said she had been on the Hoe all night. At witness's request she was given some tea. Subsequently he took her to his home and gave her food. Before she had been in the house many minutes she suddenly dropped dead. - Dr J. S. Pearse said death was due to pneumonia, accelerated by alcoholism. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their appreciation of witness's Shears' action.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HARWOOD, 78, carpenter, of Cecil-street, Plymouth, W. H. King, cabman, Cecil-street, said deceased cut his finger about two months ago. Dr R. H. Wagner, who had attended deceased since November 10th, stated that HARWOOD was suffering from septic abscesses of the arm, caused by the cut on his fore-finger, which had admitted foreign matter, resulting in blood poisoning. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on Saturday on SAMUEL DOBSON, retired commercial traveller, aged 82 years, who was found lying dead on the floor of his bedroom. Dr Aikman said death was due to valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on Saturday on the infant daughter of JOHN ROBINS, naval stoker, of Chapel-street, the mother said the deceased had been sleeping with her, and on awakening that morning she found it was dead. Dr Palmer stated that death was due to suffocation. There were no marks of violence. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Mystery. Missing Woman Found Dead On The Cliffs. Evidence At Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday in St. Marychurch, Townhall, on MARGARET ANDREWS, aged 25, daughter of MR JOSEPH ANDREWS, caretaker of the Roman Catholic Church and School in Abbey-road, Torquay. After being missed from home for nearly a week, the body of deceased was found on Petitor Common, near St. Marychurch, on Sunday morning. Mr R. Cumming was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner remarked that deceased was last seen alive a week ago and that there was no evidence of anyone having seen her since. - JOSEPH ANDREWS, father of deceased, said deceased was his youngest daughter. She was a shop assistant, employed by Mr Roberts, stationer, Lucius-street. Torquay, for eight years, until the business changed hands. She had been out of employment several months and had lived at home with witness and his elder daughter. Deceased enjoyed good health and had always been very pleasant. She had a bad toe at one time, for which she was attended by Dr Eales, but she had had no serious illness. On Sunday week, the 17th, she went to church early in the morning and in the afternoon she left home on a visit to Babbacombe to Mr and Mrs Roberts, by whom she was formerly employed. - The Coroner: Do you think she was worried about getting another situation? - Witness replied that he did not think she was. His married daughter was coming down from Wales, and it was arranged that deceased should go back with her. He thought she went to see Mr and Mrs Roberts, thinking they might be busy during Christmas week. She left home for Babbacombe between half-past three and four o'clock. They expected her back at tea-time or just afterwards, unless she stopped to tea, and then she would have been later. She did not return, and witness and his daughter got anxious as the night came on, but thought that perhaps deceased might be staying with one of her married sisters at Ellacombe. - The Coroner: Can you suggest any reason for what has happened? - No, I cannot. She was always most affectionate. - No Trouble At Home. - Had she ever had any trouble at home with you or her sister? - No; they always got on well together. - And you cannot suggest any reason for the disappearance of the deceased? - No; I can give no information whatever. The only thing I can suggest is that she suddenly lost her reason. She always had a good home. - Was she engaged to be married? - No; she had no young man and never walked out with one. Her sister was her only companion. During the time she has been home she has looked after the domestic duties of the home, owing to her sister having bad eyes. - The Coroner: You are the person to whom we look for a suggestion as to the cause of your daughter's disappearance? - I have tried in every way to account for it, but I can see no reason. She was strong and healthy and had never had any trouble. She was active and well able to get about and she was not likely to faint whilst out for a walk. She had no watch or jewellery about her and she rarely carried any money. - MAUD ANDREWS, elder sister of deceased, said she did not think deceased had any trouble and she did not seem to be depressed. She was always very quiet and reserved in her manner and very often she would not go out if witness did not go with her. She was quite cheerful when she left home to visit Mr and Mrs Roberts at Babbacombe. She promised to be back between half-past five and six. They did not like deceased to go out by herself because she was always very timid and nervous in the dark. When she did not return by ten o'clock witness and her father got very anxious about her, and she went to the Police Station and made enquiries, fearing that deceased might have met with an accident. She was in good health when she went away, and witness thought she must have had a sudden loss of memory. She had no one to meet on Petitor Common. She was not in the habit of going to Petitor; the only time she had gone there was on race day. She was very happy at home. - The Coroner: Did you think she would take her own life? - I should never think that; she was the last person in the world to do such a thing. I know it was quite out of her direction to go to Petitor. I have never heard of her making any threat to take her life. I cannot think what led her towards Petitor beach. It was dark at 4.30 and she must have wandered there in the dark. It is all such a mystery to us; I can't explain it at all. - The Coroner: She must have gone to Petitor with some object. - I suppose so. - Do you think it was with the object of taking her life that she went there? - No, sir; I should never think that. - Can you suggest any other reason? - No, I cannot. - Had she any friends that way? - No, no one there. - A Missing Pendant. - Witness added that deceased might have had round her neck a pendant of her late mother's, as she (witness) could not find it at home. Labouring under emotion, witness identified her sister's clothing, also her false teeth, found near the body. Witness said these teeth were not very firm, and might have dropped out if deceased fell down. As to her hat not having been found, the hat was of light straw, and might have been blown away. - The Coroner: Was she troubled about religious matters? - Witness: Oh, no sir. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said deceased was not under any subjection, nor was she feeble-minded. - Mrs Mary Roberts, of 116 Redder Hill-road, Babbacombe, said she had known deceased all her life. She was an assistant in her shop in Torquay for eight years, up to when witness left the business six years ago, since which deceased had been in other situations. She came to see witness on Sunday evening week, arriving at her house at quarter to six. It would not have taken her two hours to walk there from her home, but she did not say where she had been. She could have walked up in half an hour. - Miss Andrews, recalled, said deceased was not going anywhere else. - Mrs Roberts, continuing, said deceased offered to help in her shop at Babbacombe during the Christmas week if she was busy. Deceased did not appear to be anxious to get work; she made her offer out of kindness, as she said she did not expect wages and nothing but her dinner and tea. Witness told her that business was quiet and they did not want any help, and deceased left a five minutes to six. They had had tea an hour before, and deceased did not say where she had been before she came. She was talking for about a quarter of an hour whilst Mr Roberts and herself were preparing to go to church, and when she left she said she was going home. She spoke all right during the conversation and mentioned about some friends who were doing well in Canada. She did not seem discontented , or in trouble, or out of sorts and was looking forward to her sister coming for Christmas. Her last words as she left were: "I am going home to tea," and witness did not see her afterwards. Petitor Common was in quite an opposite direction from deceased's home. Witness could not suggest why she went in that direction, except that she might have altered her mind and followed her (witness) to the Catholic Church, although she did not see deceased there or on the way. - P.C. Tooze stated that inquiries showed that deceased was not seen after she left Mrs Roberts's house until her body was found. - Doctor's Examination. - Dr Herbert Ernest Dalby stated that at noon on Sunday he was called by the Police to Petitor Common, and about three-quarters of the way down the cliff he saw the body of deceased. She was lying on her face with her hands crossed and her head was resting on her arm. The body was on very rough ground off the path towards the sea, and there were rocks and brambles about. He examined deceased, and found she was dead. Her boots were unlaced, and her feet were pressed against a rock. Her blouse was unbuttoned and partly off, her arm having been slipped out of it. Her coat was two or three feet away, lying on the ground, and in a hollow five feet further down was her waist-belt. Witness had the body removed to the Mortuary, where he made a further examination. Externally the body was well developed. On the right temple there was a contusion, also on the right cheek. There were scratches on the limbs, which might have been caused by thorns. There were no marks of blows or bruises. Internally all the organs were healthy, with the exception of the heart, in which there was valvular disease, which had existed for some considerable time. - The Coroner: There was no indication of any poisonous substance having been taken? - No, none. - What opinion do you form as to the cause of death? - Heart failure, accelerated by exposure. - Witness added that the bruise on the temple was not caused by a heavy blow, but apparently by deceased having struck her head against something during a fall. He considered that deceased had been dead at least four days and it might have been nearly seven; she might have died on the Sunday night when she disappeared. The functional disorder from which she suffered for three years might have caused brain trouble, such as loss of memory. This, however, was not likely to have come on suddenly without showing symptoms. - Archie Sharland, blacksmith, described finding the body about 9.45 on Sunday as he was walking along Petitor Common towards the beach, and giving information to the Police. - "A Natural Position." - P.S. Hunt said the body appeared to be lying in a natural position. From the pressed appearance of the ground it seemed as if deceased had been lying at the spot for a considerable time. - MISS ANDREWS, in reply to the Coroner, said she and deceased slept in the same room. She had found no letter. - Thomas John Pardoe, insurance agent, South Wales, brother-in-law to deceased, said he saw deceased last Easter at Torquay. He never saw anything the matter with her, but he formed the opinion that she was depressed after leaving her situation. - The Coroner suggested that the verdict should be that death was due to heart disease, brought on by exposure and exhaustion, and he pointed out that there was no evidence of any intention to commit suicide, or any suggestion that deceased had any reason for it. There was, however, the question as to what was her object in going to this rough place on Petitor Common after dark. - The Jury after retiring for a short time, returned a verdict that Death was caused by Heart Failure, due to Heart Disease through Exposure. - The Foreman added that the Jury were unanimously of opinion that deceased wandered to the place where she was found through a lapse of memory. - The Coroner said that was the opinion of the Jury, but their verdict was all that was necessary. They were not obliged to give reasons for the verdict they arrived at.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Naval Doctor's Death. Inquest At Plymouth. - The Inquest on DR GORDON MOIR, R.N., aged 33, of the Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich, who was found dead at the Lockyer Hotel, Plymouth, on Wednesday morning, was held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner. The deceased's father, MR JAMES MOIR, of The Chantry, Westbury, Wilts, was in attendance, but it was not deemed necessary to call him. Mr K. Peck, Admiralty Law Agent, watched the proceedings on behalf of the naval authorities. - Fredk. Gregory, head boots at the Lockyer Hotel, identified the body, stating that deceased being a regular customer at the Hotel he knew him well. DR MOIR came to the Hotel on Friday evening and seemed to be in his usual health. He was last seen alive on Tuesday night about 9 o'clock when he retired to rest. On the following morning, about nine o'clock, Winifred Weeks, a chambermaid, went up to call him and take him a cup of tea. She knocked at the door, but getting no reply, sent for witness, who first tried the door and then forced it open. He found the deceased lying on the floor fully dressed, holding a broken morphia injector in his hand. There was a mark on his forehead, from which blood had been oozing. Dr Cooke was then sent for. - A Juryman: Was deceased in the habit of staying at the Hotel? - Witness: Yes. - Were you aware that he was in the habit of taking morphia to induce sleep? - No. - Dr Cooke, of Sussex-terrace, said when summoned he found deceased lying on his left side between the bed and a chair in the corner of the room. Between the fingers of the right hand there was a morphia syringe, the needle of which was broken. There was a small abrasion on deceased's left temple, caused apparently by a fall. On the ground was the case belonging to the syringe, together with a tube which had contained morphia. As a result of the post-mortem examination witness found that the deceased had been in the habit of taking morphia by injection. There was extensive recent pleurisy on the left side of the lung, also the commencement of pneumonia of the left lung and there were some signs of older pleurisy. The heart was small and in a weak condition. - The Coroner: About the morphia, did it effect his death in any way? - Dr Cooke: There was no reason to think so. I do not think any man in the habit of taking morphia would be poisoned by an injection. If he had died of morphia poisoning he would have had plenty of time to get into bed. - The Coroner: Then to what do you actually attribute death? - Dr Cooke: I think his death was due to syncope, induced by the condition of the lungs. - The Coroner: I am very glad to hear that, because it clears up the doubt as to whether deceased had taken an overdose of morphia. It will be a great relief to his father, too, who is naturally prostrate with grief. - Dr Cooke: It is very likely that he would have had a good deal of pain from the pleurisy and it is extremely likely he would take an injection of morphia to relieve the pain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Taxi-Cab Fatality. Result Of Inquest At Plymouth. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS HAPPS, aged 48, of 18 Salisbury-road, who was run over and killed by a taxi-cab in Millbay-road on Tuesday. Mr Percy Pearce represented the deceased's relatives; Mr J. W. Bickle appeared for the driver of the cab, Rudolph Vercoe, and the owners, the Provincial Motor Car Company; whilst Mr S. Carlile Davis watched the proceedings on behalf of deceased's employer, Mr John Westcott. - Dr F. M. Williams, port medical officer, said on Tuesday, about 11.45 a.m., he was going into Plymouth from Stonehouse, and had got as far as the railway arch just below Millbay-road, when his attention was attracted by a shout. He looked round and saw a taxi-cab slewing on to the pavement, apparently having side-slipped. It was raining hard at the time and blowing strongly, and he himself was nearly pinned against the wall by the car. The next thing he saw was an umbrella flying across the road. He reached the taxi-cab before the driver had had time to get out of his seat and he then saw the body of the deceased under the car. The near fore wheel of the vehicle seemed to be between his legs. He told the driver to get out and together they pushed the cab back and got the man out. On examination he found that the deceased had two severe scalp wounds and was unconscious. Witness saw that he was very seriously injured, and presumed that he had some serious internal injuries. Witness, with the assistance of the chauffeur and bystanders, put the man in the cab and he was taken to the Hospital. The granite sets of the roadway were very greasy at the time. - By a Juryman: I heard a shout, but I did not hear the sound of a horn, although it may have been sounded. - Mr Pearce: Was the car coming behind you? - Dr Williams: Overtaking me. I did not see the deceased, I only saw his umbrella fly across the road. - Why did the car first come on the pavement and then go out on the road again? - Simply because the pavement finished there. - Rudolph Vercoe, 7 Mount Pleasant-terrace, taxi-driver, in the employ of the Provincial Motor Car Company, said he went to the Marine Barracks on Tuesday morning to pick up a fare. He was returning along Millbay-road and just after passing Bath-street witness overtook two horse-drawn cabs. Just as he got abreast of the last cab the deceased, who was carrying an open umbrella over his shoulder, stepped off the pavement to cross the road. Witness blew his horn and shouted and as soon as he saw that there was danger of a collision he applied both brakes, with the result that the car skidded, deceased being struck with the left-hand side of the bonnet. - The Coroner: Did your hind wheel go up on to the pavement? - Witness: I could not say. - What speed were you going at? - About eight or nine miles an hour. - Witness added that at Dr Williams's request he conveyed the injured man to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Mr Pearce: What experience have you had of driving motor cars? - Witness: About eight months, including the time occupied by my tuition. - How long have you driven cars in the public thorough-fare? - About four or five months. - Have you had any experience of accidents before? - Never. - How did you gauge the speed at which you were travelling? - I had no indicator. - What time did you leave the Barracks? - About 11.25 a.m. - How far off was the deceased before you saw him? - I was about a yard from him. He came straight off the pavement into the road. - Can you account for getting on the pavement before striking the man? - Only by applying the brakes. - How far did the car go after you put your brakes on? - About 10 yards. - Mr Bickle: When you saw the man suddenly step out into the road you immediately put both brakes on? - Yes. - And when you put your brakes on the left bonnet hit the deceased and then the car skidded? - Yes, for about eight or nine yards. - The man was carried on with you? - Yes. - If you had not put your brakes on how would you have struck the deceased? - With the centre of the car. - Lieut. T. L. Hunton, stationed at the Marine Barracks, Stonehouse, deposed to having ordered the car to convey him from the Barracks to Plymouth. He saw nothing of the accident as it was raining and the glass was covered with steam. - The Coroner: What speed should you say you were going at? - Lieut. Hunton: I could not say; but it never occurred to me at any time that the man was driving at an excessive speed. - What was the first intimation that you had of the accident? - I heard the driver shout. - did you look out then? - I saw that there had been an accident and jumped out. I did not see the taxi-cab strike the man. - Could you feel the car skid? - Yes, directly the driver applied the brakes. - Henry Wright, assurance agent, 13 Buckingham-place, Stonehouse, said when in Millbay-road on Tuesday morning the car driven by Vercoe passed him, and was going at about 10 miles an hour. The accident, which he did not see, happened immediately afterwards, and by the time he had arrived on the scene some 30 or 40 people had gathered round. - Mr Pearce: Did you express the opinion yesterday to the son of the deceased that you thought the speed of the car was 18 miles an hour? - Witness: No. I did not say that at all. - What did you say? - I said it might have been twelve, but that it was hard to guess. - Dr Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was brought in on the previous Tuesday afternoon suffering from fracture of the base of the skull. He was operated on, but died at 9 p.m. the same day. - The Coroner commented on the fact that the majority of the witnesses were very vague as to the exact time of the accident. However, it was clear that it was blowing heavily and raining hard at the time. Evidence had been given that the speed of the car was not excessive and if the driver applied the brakes, as stated, if the Jury were of opinion that he was driving in the ordinary way and that the skidding did occur as a result of his applying the brakes, then it was not a case of manslaughter. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Bickle, on behalf of Vercoe and the proprietors of the Motor Car Company, expressed sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased in their bereavement. - Mr Carlile Davis said Mr John Westcott with whom deceased had been a valued servant for over 20 years, had desired him to convey to the widow and relatives his deep sense of sympathy in the loss they had mutually sustained. - Mr R. W. C. Barber, brother-in-law of the deceased, expressed thanks for the sympathy shown to the bereaved family.

TORQUAY - Torquay Man's End. Found Dead After A Boxing-Day Drinking Bout. Had He Taken Poison? - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ARTHUR DUNHAM, aged 49, bootmaker, of 2 Laburnum-street, Tor, who was found dead in bed on Wednesday evening. - SUSAN DUNHAM, widow, said during the last two years deceased had been at times a heavy drinker, his bouts lasting for a week and longer. He had complained of his health for a long time. He was out drinking all day on Boxing-day, leaving home about nine o'clock and returning at 7.30 p.m., the worse for drink. He asked for more money with which to return to the public-house, but witness refused to give him any. He then went away again and returned an hour later and asked her for two pence, but she refused it. He next asked for a penny, and this was given to him by the lodger, named Coppin, on his promising to come home. Deceased finally returned about five minutes to eleven, and went to bed in a room behind the shop by himself, as witness was afraid of being in the same room with him whilst he was under the influence of drink. She saw him safe in bed and at his request left the gas jet burning low. Several bottles were in the room, one being a bottle of water for deceased to drink during the night and another containing liniment for rheumatism. Deceased used no acids in his business that witness knew of. Some time ago he threatened to commit suicide, saying if he could not get more money for drink he would take poison. He afterwards said he only said this to frighten her. At the time he held up a bottle containing poison and she threw it away. On Wednesday morning, about 10.30 she went into the room in which she left deceased the night before. The bed-clothes were thrown off and deceased was lying on his back stretched out as if asleep. She went to awaken him and found he was dead and the body cold. There was nothing to indicate that deceased had taken anything to cause his death. - In reply to the Foreman (Mr J. H. Brown) witness said she did not know the public-house where deceased had been drinking. She agreed that he was in such a state that he ought not to have been served with drink after he first came home in the evening. - William Charles Coppin, bricklayer, a lodger in the house, said deceased was drunk when he came home at 8.30 p.m. Last Saturday morning deceased asked witness for money, and on being refused said he was tired of life and had a good mind to cut his throat. Witness did not think deceased meant what he said, and did not regard it seriously. When MRS DUNHAM called him, after finding her husband dead, she said he had poisoned himself. - The Foreman asked witness if he knew where deceased got his drink, and he said he did not. Another Juryman expressed his belief that witness did know, upon which the coroner asked him the question again, reminding him that he had taken an oath to tell the truth. Witness, however, adhered to his statement. - Dr W. Odell said he examined deceased's mouth, and could see no trace of poison. He subsequently made a post-mortem examination. There was an enormously enlarged liver, which he attributed to alcoholic excess. The stomach was full of very dark fluid, very acid. There was no perceptible smell with it. There were signs of irritation of the stomach from some poison. He could not give a definite opinion as to the cause of death. He had reason to think it was not due to alcoholic poisoning alone. The condition of the stomach pointed to death from oxalic acid, although there was no sign of burning of the mouth or throat. When he saw deceased, just after eleven o'clock, he must have been dead more than six hours. - P.C. Abbott produced the bottles found in deceased's bedroom, and of these one contained liniment and another a small quantity of hartshorn and oil, the others being empty. - Deceased's son, age 17, was also called and he too, said he did not know where his father had been drinking. - The Coroner pointed out that as the evidence did not establish the cause of death, the only course to pursue was to adjourn the Inquest to have an analysis of the contents of the stomach. - The Inquest was accordingly adjourned for this purpose for a fortnight.

EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. Troubled Since His Wife's Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WM. JAMES HIGGINSON, aged 52, widower, formerly a retail stationer, of Blackboy-road, DOROTHY HIGGINSON, daughter, said her father gave up his business in September last, since when he had given way to drink. On Saturday last, when she saw him before going to stay with friends at Torquay, he was not sober. He had threatened to take his life when in drink. - Sarah Jane West said deceased had lodged for two days at her house in Kendall's-buildings. He went out on Christmas morning, and did not return. - Mrs Clements, of Blackboy-road, said on Sunday deceased took a razor from his pocket and said he should do something with it. She appealed to him to give it up, but he refused, and left the house. He did not appear to have been right in his mind since his wife's death about twelve months ago. - Mrs Whitburn, of Salem-place, said on Wednesday, entering an empty house opposite the shop in which deceased formerly carried on business, she saw deceased lying on the floor, dead. Deceased had been renting the house and had the key. - P.C. Stacey said he was called to the house and found deceased lying in a pool of blood with his throat cut. His left hand was clasping a razor. - Dr Pereira said the wound, which severed the windpipe, and was about six inches across, was self-inflicted. The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Burnt To Death. Plymouth Girl's Terrible End. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ROSINA LOSE, aged 17, domestic servant, in the employ of Michael Solomon, of 54 Ebrington-street, who was burnt to death the previous night, under circumstances already reported. - EMILY LOSE, widow, 1 Martin-street, said the deceased, her daughter, had often been subject to fits. - Mr Solomon said he went out with his wife about 9 o'clock the previous night, leaving deceased in charge of the house. When he came home about 11 o'clock he found the girl on the floor with her face actually in the fire, the fireplace being an open one. He was aware that she had been subject to fits. A little boy 4 years old was the only other person in the house at the time. When he last saw the girl she was quite normal and he was of opinion that she had a fit and fell into the fire. - Dr Palmer said by the time he arrived the girl was lying on the floor dead. The whole of the face was totally destroyed and there were extensive burns about the neck and shoulders. Such injuries would have been caused by deceased having a fit and falling in the fire. Under the circumstances he thought she was quite unconscious and would have felt no pain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - Singular Death At Ilfracombe. - Yesterday Mr Geo. Browne, Coroner, held an Inquest at Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on GEORGE B. RICHARDS, aged 23, who died from the results of an accident while rabbiting. - HARRY RICHARDS, brother, said on Christmas-day he accompanied deceased rabbiting on Warcombe Farm. He understood his brother had a fall. He did not witness the accident, as he was on the other side of the fence, but his brother told him his leg was broken by running against the dog before he fell. - Reginald Williams said he was with deceased on Christmas-day and saw him shoot at a rabbit. It was not killed and deceased ran after it and in doing so the dog ran violently against him and tripped him up. Witness went to him, but deceased was unable to rise. - Dr Kettlewell said he was called to the Hospital to see the deceased about 1.30 p.m. on Christmas-day. He was suffering from shock and was very cold. On examination he found that both bones of the left leg were broken. It was a compound fracture. Next morning deceased had convulsions and became unconscious. He died the following morning. Witness subsequently found the whole of the upper portion of the brain congested. At the base of the brain was a large clot of blood, which had evidently come from the wound and this had caused death. Deceased had told him that his leg was broken before he fell owing to the concussion with the dog. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the family of the deceased, who live at Warcombe Farm.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 December 1911
WOOLFARDISWORTHY - North Devon Burning Fatality. - At an Inquest at Woolfardisworthy yesterday on FLORENCE ROSE VIVIAN DISCOMBE, aged four years, daughter of a rabbit trapper, SUSAN DISCOMBE, the mother, said yesterday week she went upstairs, leaving the deceased alone in the kitchen standing by a table a little distance from the fire. Within a few minutes she heard deceased screaming and on rushing downstairs found her in flames. She put out the flames and sent for a doctor, but deceased died on Tuesday. There was no fireguard in front of the fire. - Dr Vicary said the burns were most extensive and severe. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

);

Western Morning News, Monday 2 January 1911
KINGSBRIDGE - Steam Threshing Fatality. Inquest Opened At Kingsbridge. - Mr S. Hacker on Saturday opened the Inquest on WILLIAM CRAHART CLOKE, who died at Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital the previous day. Rev. W. T. Adey was Foreman of the Jury. The Coroner said he proposed to take formal evidence, sufficient to enable him to give an order for burial. - SARAH CLOKE, of St Teath, stated that the deceased, her brother, was 21 years of age. When deceased left school he went on a farm, and when he left that he went with a "thresher." - William Henry Burgoyne, engineer and proprietor of steam threshing and roller engines, said he had employed deceased since August 15th last as an engine driver and general assistant. On Wednesday CLOKE accompanied him to Borough Farm. At about 9.30 a.m., when they had been threshing for about 1 ½ hours, deceased stepped out of the "feed-box" on top of the machine and went around to clear up the corn on the top of the machine. In stepping back into the "feed-box" to resume his work deceased met with the accident. Witness, hearing CLOKE shout, jumped to the engine, which had already stopped, pulled off the belt and the top of the thresher, and released the deceased, who was lying on the woodwork of the machine. The Coroner said he would hear the remainder of Mr Burgoyne's evidence at the adjourned Inquest when they would have the threshing machine there for inspection. - Dr W. H. Webb deposed that deceased was admitted to the Hospital on December 28th suffering from very extensive and severe injuries. His left thigh had been torn away and his left hand was crushed, bruised and torn. Witness had a consultation with his son (Dr W. Tudor Webb) and Drs. Harston and Pettinger and they came to the conclusion that the only possibility of saving his life was by the amputation of the remainder of the leg. This was done. They thought they might save the arm. Deceased progressed as favourably as could be expected until Thursday evening, when the injured hand showed symptoms of gangrene. The four doctors had a further consultation and decided that the only chance was to remove the hand. The arm was amputated above the elbow. Deceased stood this operation better than he did the first and was really much improved. However, gangrene set in, in the thigh stump and the patient died on Friday morning. In answer to the Coroner, Dr Webb said that both operations were quite successful as far as they went. Deceased did not die from exhaustion due to the operations. - The Inquest was adjourned until Thursday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 January 1911
BRIDFORD - At an Inquest at Bridford yesterday on ELIZABETH M. NORTHCOMBE, 40, spinster, who resided with her brother at Shepping Farm, and who was found dead by the side of her bed on Friday morning, death was attributed to Heart Disease.

ALPHINGTON - At Alphington yesterday an Inquest was held on the newly-born child of WILLIAM ALSOPP, engine driver. Dr Stokes attributed death to accidental suffocation. Emma Marsey, district nurse, who had been called in, said she did not warn the mother that it was a dangerous practice to allow a child to sleep in bed with her. The Coroner: In all future cases like this I should advise you to warn the parents.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on ELLEN GOLDING, aged 52, widow, of 25 Alexandra-road. TOM ELLIOTT GOLDING said he last saw his mother just before she left on Saturday evening to see some friends at Pennycomequick. Frank Sutton, smith, a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Sevenfield-terrace, Laira, said on Saturday evening he saw deceased leaning against some railings at Pennycomequick. He brought her home in a cab, but she died while on the way. Dr Parsloe said death was due to heart disease. Deceased had been his patient, but he had not attended her since April of last year. "Natural Causes" was the verdict recorded.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - Christmas Tragedy. Lady's Death Near Southmolton. - Mr George W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Chittlehamholt on the body of MISS EMMA HEARD, aged 45, who had lived a secluded life in that village. Nothing had been seen of her since Christmas-day until Saturday, when her body was discovered in the river by a boy. Up to a short time since MISS HEARD kept a shop in the village, and since she gave that up had been in the habit of leaving her house padlocked and going away to visit friends on farms and in adjoining villages without telling her relatives in Chittlehamholt of her whereabouts. When the padlock was seen on her front door it was usually concluded that she had gone away to visit friends and no alarm was felt that she was not seen about during Christmas time. - THOMAS HEARD, a cousin, who had not seen deceased for about two months, said she was eccentric and about three years ago was discharged from the County Asylum. - Mrs Elizabeth Gully, who was the last person who saw deceased alive, said she was coming from Warkleigh Church on Christmas morning, when she met MISS HEARD, dressed in her best, going towards the church. They passed the time of day to each other and witness inquiring after her, deceased replied that she was very well. - Mrs Lucy Clarke said she had not seen deceased since December 20th. She noticed the padlock on the door since Christmas. MISS HEARD had told her that she had a lot of bills to pay, and no money to meet them. She said she had not got her rents in and appeared to be very much worried about it. - Thomas Nott, whose attention was called to the body by a boy on Saturday afternoon, said he found it on an island in the Mole. He communicated with the Police and they walked through the water and got the body out. - P.S. Norman and P.C. quick gave evidence as to the condition of the body and the state of the house. They thought the body must have been on the island several days, as the water must have been very high to have carried it there. The body was not fully clothed. They found the padlock on deceased's door closed, but not locked and in the house a few small accounts, but there was money enough to settle them, and there were brad and flour in the house. - Dr Tucker (Chulmleigh) said he had previously attended MISS HEARD and twice certified her for a lunatic asylum. The body had been in the water some considerable time, and death was apparently due to drowning. - The Jury, of which Mr Baldwin was the Foreman, returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dairy Manager's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Salisbury-road Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, on WALTER SIMS, 100 Beaumont-road, manager of a branch dairy belonging to the Plymouth Co-operative Society. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented the Co-operative Society and Mr E. Elliot Square appeared on behalf of the widow. - John H. Elford, manager of the butchery department of the Co-operative Society's York-street branch, stated that on December 23rd at 5 p.m. deceased asked him for some hot water and complained of pains in his stomach. He did not state the cause of the pains. - Dr Wilkinson said he was called to see deceased on Christmas-eve. He had severe abdominal pains and appeared to be suffering from an internal injury. His pain was so great that witness injected morphia. Deceased told witness that whilst he was carrying a pail containing about 56lb. of water he fell from a plank above some rough ground and twisted himself. The symptoms indicated haemorrhage of the spinal cord and later deceased developed paralysis of the legs. Death was due to spinal injury. He attributed blame for the accident to no-one. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Pearce expressed the sympathy of his clients with deceased's relatives and said how deeply they deplored the accident. MR SIMS had been employed by them for 20 years and was an extremely hard-working man.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 January 1911
KINGSBRIDGE - Fatal Forgetfulness. The Kingsbridge Threshing Fatality. - The adjourned Inquest on WILLIAM CREHART CLOKE, aged 21 years, of St Teath, Cornwall, who died as the result of injuries during threshing operations at Borough Farm, on December 28th, was resumed at Kingsbridge Townhall yesterday. - Mr W. H. Burgoyne, deceased's employer, continuing his evidence, said with assistance he got deceased out of the machine. They bound the injured limb and sent deceased to the Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital in a trap, witness galloping on ahead on his pony to arrange for deceased's reception. Deceased was perfectly conscious all the time. The regulation that the "drum guard" was to be shut whenever a man left the "feed box" of a threshing machine was well known and witness had personally brought it to deceased's notice when he first engaged him. Deceased did not always do the "feeding", but took turns with another man. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) said the safer course would be to tell the man who was going to feed about the guard whenever the men changed their duties. - Mr Burgoyne said that on the morning of the accident, when he told deceased to go on the top of the machine and feed, he said to him "Mind you be careful." In August last witness gave deceased a book of instructions supplied by the makers of the machine, which contained an illustration of the "drum guard". Deceased kept it some time and read it through before returning the book to witness. Witness had owned threshing machines for five years and had never had any accident before. - How The Accident Happened. - Samuel Henry March, farm labourer, Goveton, said he was employed by Mr Cannon of Borough Farm, on the day of the accident. Witness was engaged in cutting the "binds" and passing the sheaves up to the deceased, and was standing on the top of the machine, on deceased's left. Deceased was standing in the "feed-box," and the guard was wide open. Deceased got out of the "feed-box" to clear up the litter and whilst he was doing so the corn choked. Deceased walked to the other side of the "feed-box" where the corn lift was, to unchoke the lift. Deceased put his right leg in the "feed-box" and rested his left leg on the "feed-board" in the action of getting back into the box. Deceased put his hands forward to lift the cover, to get at the "cups," and as he leaned forward he must have slipped his left leg back into the machine. If deceased had shut the guard when t he left the "feed-box" the accident would not have happened. Witness, who was standing half back to deceased, heard him shout. Witness saw that his leg was caught and shouted to Mr Burgoyne to stop the engine. Mr Burgoyne threw the belt off and stopped the machine. Witness caught hold of deceased and afterwards went to the Hospital with him, but he did not say anything as to whose fault the accident was. Witness knew that the guard had to be shut, when the feeder left the "feed-box." - By Police-Superintendent Jeffery: When deceased stepped back into the box he had his back to the drum. - Importance Of Regulations. - The Coroner said the gist of the whole thing was that if the unfortunate man had followed the regulation that before getting out of the "feed-box" he must put the guard down, the accident would not have happened. It was another instance of the necessity of following the regulations laid down for working machinery. Unfortunately they saw every day that men engaged in any dangerous occupation became callous to it and thought nothing about it. The same sort of thing happened in all trades. In that day's paper he saw that a miner had been fined for striking a match to light a cigarette whilst in a mine, thereby endangering the lives of hundreds of men. They had asked Mr Burgoyne whether he had warned the man, informed him of the regulations and had seen that he carried them out. The moral of the accident was that employers, he thought, should urge the regulations upon men more than they did. They must, if they wanted men to pay attention to the regulations, continually remind them of them, and he would ask Mr Burgoyne every day before they began work to call the attention of the men to the regulations and to tell them to be careful to carry them out. he was not blaming Mr Burgoyne, but that was the only way he could see to avoid such accidents. He supposed the Jury could have no other verdict than accidental death. - The Foreman (the Rev. W. T. Adey): It seems to have been inadvertence on the part of the man himself. - The Jury agreed that the cause of death was "Purely Accidental," and gave their fees to deceased's relatives. Mr Burgoyne, who was asked to send the money to the bereaved family, said they were in very poor circumstances. He had done all that it was in is power to do.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 January 1911
EXMINSTER - At an Inquest yesterday at Exminster, on the infant child of MARY and RICHARD RODWAY, Dr. L. P. Black said the position of the child suggested overlaying, and a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to Suffocation. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Marine Sergeant's Death. Found Drowned. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on SERGT. CECIL WILLIAM HARROD, R.M.L.I., serving on board H.M.S. Impregnable, who was missed from the ship on December 15th, and whose body was recovered yesterday morning from the Hamoaze. Mr K. E. Peck appeared for the Admiralty. - Colour-Sergt. S. Turner, R.M.L.I. gave evidence of identification. He last saw the deceased on December 15th, when he was on the orlop deck on the port side of the ship. He appeared to be in his usual health. Deceased, who was 36 years of age, bore a very good character. - William Barratt, ship's corporal, said he saw the deceased on December 15th about 9 p.m. standing on the main deck. He had been speaking to the deceased with respect to a boy who was about to make a complaint of being chaffed for having visited the sergeant. Witness was going to take the boy before the officer of the day, and he told the deceased that he should want him there. Witness left him on the main deck and went to get other boys, whose presence he required respecting the complaint. Witness was absent about two minutes, and when he returned to the main deck the deceased had gone. The boy was taken before the officer of the day, who requested witness to fetch the sergeant. He asked another sergeant to look for him, and he returned after a few minutes and said he could not find him. A thorough search was made of the ship, but without success. - Colour-Sergt. Turner, recalled, said he had never had a better messmate than deceased and as regarded anybody going to him he did not think it feasible. He was very sensitive. - Albert Henry Rowling, second sick-berth steward, said he saw the deceased a few minutes after 9 p.m. on December 15th, when he was going towards the port gangway. He did not hear any splash. - Alfred Bennett-Queen Street, an employee of the Corporation, said that morning he saw a body floating in the water, and informed the Police. - Leslie B. A. Knott, second class boy, said he had been on board the Impregnable about two months. The deceased sergeant asked for witness and that was how an acquaintance started. He said he had received a letter from Croydon, close to where witness used to reside. Deceased told witness he could come down to his cabin and spend the evening with him, and from time to time he did go. They became very friendly. He did not know that it was against the regulations to go to the cabin. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said there was no misconduct in the cabin. - By Mr Peck: He had already been punished in the ship for this offence against the regulations. - Dr T. McElwaine attributed death to drowning. - Lieut. J. L. Pearson said a breach of the regulations was committed by the boy going to the sergeant's cabin. The deceased bore a good character and had always carried out his duties well. For merely having the boy in the cabin the punishment would be very light and the deceased had nothing to fear in that respect. He had made inquiries and as far as the evidence went he was perfectly satisfied that there was no misconduct. - The Coroner, in summing up, said they had heard that a breach of the regulations had been committed, through the boy having been in the cabin. Deceased might have thought that he would be punished some way or other and could not stand disgrace and to avoid that he might have committed suicide. That, however, was only a theory. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Woman's Fatal Fall. Badly Lighted Devonport Lane. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MARY TIPPETT, aged 51, back of Monument-street, who died in the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on Thursday. - GEORGE TIPPETT, shoemaker, 8 John-street, Morice Town, said deceased was his wife. They separated seven years ago and had lived apart since then except for six months. Witness had seen her in the Hospital twice a day for three days, but she was unconscious the whole time. - Caroline Grubb, 1 back of Monument-street, said deceased had lived with her twelve months. On the evening of Monday, December 19th, witness's husband awoke her and told her that two Policemen had brought in MRS TIPPETT, who had fallen over the steps and cut her head. After a Constable had bathed deceased's head, she was taken to the Hospital. The last time witness saw deceased before the accident was about 4.30 p.m. the same day. Deceased had not had very much to drink, but they had been drinking together during the day. - F. C. Jolly, Royal Marine pensioner, who keeps a store at the back of Monument-street, said he was going down the steps in the lane between Monument and James-streets, when he heard deceased scream, and found her in a heap at the bottom of the steps. First, thinking she was dead, witness sent for a Constable, but, finding that she was breathing slightly, with assistance, he carried her indoors. The steps were very badly lighted indeed, and anyone with good eyesight had to be very careful. In his opinion deceased reeled at the top and fell. - P.C. Billing said deceased was able to walk to the Hospital after the accident. She appeared to have been drinking very heavily, but was quite conscious. - Dr B. Flack, Assistant House Surgeon, said that when admitted deceased was suffering from a wound on the right side of the head, which was an inch and a half in length and extended down to the bone. Witness stopped the bleeding and put in five stitches. For a fortnight she went on very well, but last Sunday, without any obvious reason, she became unconscious and remained so until 9.15 p.m. on Thursday when she died. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found a clot of blood on the right side of the head and just under the external wound. The liver showed traces of alcoholic cirrhosis. Witness attributed death to the clot of blood, causing compression of the brain. The clot of blood was the direct result of the injury to the head. When admitted to the Hospital deceased was quite conscious, but under the influence of drink. - Deceased's daughter, in reply to the Coroner, said her mother was addicted to drink. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to communicate with the Borough Surveyor with the view to the lane being better lighted.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on CAROLINE ADELAIDE EVEA, who died suddenly at 25 De-la-Hay-avenue, the previous day. FREDERICK JNO. EVEA, chief gunner in the Royal Navy, said deceased, who was his wife, was 48 years of age. Her health had been generally good, and she appeared to be all right when he left her early on Friday morning. He was called from the Royal Naval Barracks at 11.25 and when he got home he found his wife dead. - VIOLET ALINE EVEA, daughter, said about 10.30 a.m. deceased was working when witness heard a kind of stifling cry. She went into the room and found her mother lying in an unconscious state on the floor. She sent for the doctor. - Dr H. P. Palmer attributed death to syncope, due to a weak heart and probably a little over exertion. A verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on Saturday on EMMA TAYLOR, 79, wife of a retired currier, living at 5 Park-road, Lower Compton, Plymouth. MRS TAYLOR, who died suddenly on Thursday night, was found by Dr Warren to have died from heart disease. "Natural Causes" as the verdict.

DENBURY - An Inquest was held at Denbury on Saturday on MRS FANNY TAYLOR, aged 79, the widow of a former innkeeper. She refused to have anyone live with her. On Thursday evening the neighbours raised an alarm as MRS TAYLOR had not been seen all day and the constable, entering the premises, found her lying dead at the foot of the stairs. Dr Scrase said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Dipsomaniac's Death. Devonport Woman's Terrible End. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening, on HELEN DARTON, aged 40, 100 Albert-road, who was found dead by her husband on Friday evening with a gas tube in her hand. - RICHARD DARTON, naval pensioner, employed in H.M. Dockyard, said the deceased (his wife) was not always of a cheerful disposition; sometimes she seemed to be in a depressed mood. On Friday morning she appeared to be cheerful. Last Wednesday she had to appear before the justices for using indecent language and was fined 15s. That had been worrying her. She had been a heavy drinker. When witness got home about 5.45 on Friday evening he noticed a strong smell of gas. As he went upstairs it grew stronger. He dropped a parcel he had been carrying and went to the gas meter on the landing and found the tap was wide open. He opened the door of his room and could hardly breathe for gas. He went straight to the window and threw it open. Then on looking round he saw his wife sitting on a chair by the gas ring. The gas tube was in her hand. He shook her and spoke to her, but could get no reply. He then went for the Police. About nine years ago deceased was picked up in the water, but whether she wilfully or accidentally fell in he could not say. That was when she had been crossing the Hamoaze in the ferry. When witness was away some years ago she had said she would do away with herself, but had made no threats recently. She was a staunch teetotaler when he married her. For the last three years he had not been able to trust his wife with his earnings. - The Coroner read the following note, which had been left by the deceased:- "100 Albert-road, Morice Town. January 6th, 1911 - I am sorry to commit this last act of mine, but I cannot stand this constant worrying and bickering day after day; so I am going to do the best thing I can do for everybody and take myself out of it. There is only one to blame for it, but I forgive him. I suppose he cannot help it. My children, may God bless them, have been my only comfort for a good many years. There are not many women who have gone through the trouble I have, and I hope there will be less. I feel like Esau - everybody's hand against mine, and mine against everybody, for the last time I hope. - HELEN DARTON." - On the other side of the paper was written:- "I've put the bird in the other room and the cat out. Don't do away with this, RICHARD. There is another one like it." - The Coroner: Does she refer to you when she says, "Only one to blame for this. I forgive him"? - Witness: I cannot say. I should not think so. I have done everything in my power to make her comfortable and happy. - Have you been friendly with any other woman? - Never in my life. - You gave her no reason? - No reason whatever. - How do you account for a woman being a teetotaler for many years and then suddenly develop this sudden desire for drink? - She did not touch drink when I married her. - There is nothing in your conduct which could give rise to this act? - No, sir. I am sure of that. - Alice Hodges, residing in the same house, said she did not smell any gas on Friday. - P.C. Giles said he was called to 100 Albert-road on Friday evening by MR DARTON. In a back room on the top floor he found deceased sitting in a chair by the side of the fireplace. She had disconnected the gas tubing from the "ring," and held it in her right hand. Artificial respiration was used by witness and two other Police Officers who arrived and continued it until the doctor came. He found the note read on the table. - Dr E. McCullock said when he arrived deceased was dead. Death was due in his opinion to poisoning by inhaling carbon monoxide gas. He had known deceased for the past four years. She was a dipsomaniac, and it was quite a hopeless case. He did not think she was ever in her right state of mind. The sort of accusations she had made were quite a feature in a dipsomaniac's mind. He had known MR DARTON for some years and he was a steady, respectable man. He had been very patient with his wife. He did not think any reliance should be placed on the reflections which she had cast upon her husband. - A verdict that "Deceased committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest on RUSSELL PALMER, aged 14 months, the son of WILLIAM EDWARD PALMER, cab proprietor, 23 Garden-crescent, yesterday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday at the Plymouth Mortuary on WILLIAM SQUIRES, aged 42, formerly a grocer, living at 95 Union-street, P.C. Gagg said he saw the deceased lying on the footpath in Union-street near the railway arch on Saturday evening. He conveyed him to the Homeopathic Hospital, where he was found to be dead. Dr Wilmot said death was due to heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

DARTMOUTH - Brother's Sad Discovery. Young Man's Suicide At Dartmouth. - Yesterday at Dartmouth Guildhall, Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, held an Inquest on SIDNEY CHARLES EWART OLDREIVE, aged 25, single, of Fairfax-place. - RICHARD SIDNEY OLDREIVE said deceased was his son, who lived with him and assisted him in carrying on business. Deceased served his apprenticeship with Bartlett and Co., and later was a clerk in London. When in London he developed epileptic fits, in consequence of which he had to return home. Deceased was much depressed at having to give up his situation in London, but he was always very quiet. Indeed, later he appeared to be brighter in hopes of getting something better. He did his work as usual on Saturday. About ten o'clock witness and the others retired, leaving him in the kitchen. Just before eleven his wife said she heard the side door close. Witness got up and went to the kitchen, but deceased was not there. He then called his son LEONARD, and told him to go to the Castle in search and witness went on the Embankment and in the gardens, but could find no trace of him. MRS OLDREIVE suggested he might have gone to the field and his son LEONARD then went there and in a linhay found him. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. - LEONARD OLDREIVE, brother of deceased, said he went to the field at Water Pool, and on opening the door of a building he saw his brother hanging by a rope from a hook in a beam. He at once cut him down. He loosened his collar and lighted a lantern to see if he was breathing, but he was not. He thought his brother had stood on the shafts of the trap and jumped off. Believing his brother was dead, he ran down the hill and informed his father and a Policeman. - P.S. Rogers said he found in the coat pocket a card upon which was written in deceased's hand-writing:- "Dark lady to be means of success. Married to fair lady, going to a fresh business, which will be exceptionally successful. Going on a journey to start afresh and will cause a lot of grief. - 1770, "Morning News," Torquay." - Dr J. H. Harris said the cause of death was hanging. - By the Coroner: The fits would cause depression and be responsible for such acts as that in question. - The Coroner spoke very highly of the conduct of MR LEONARD OLDREIVE, who, he said, had acted with great discretion, in particularly distressing circumstances. The Jury found that deceased died from Hanging when Temporarily Insane. They commended the action of MR LEONARD OLDREIVE and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased. MR OLDREIVE thanked the Coroner and Jury for their sympathy remarking that his son had been of spotless character.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Hairdresser's Suicide. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, concerning the death of CHARLEY WESTLAKE, aged 40, hairdresser, Jubilee-place. ALICE ELIZA WESTLAKE stated that deceased, her husband, was cheerful on Monday night. At 11 o'clock he left he to go to the Constitutional Club to see some friends. At three o'clock she went down to the sitting-room where she found the gas out and all the ornaments on the mantelpiece smashed. At 6.45 a.m. she entered the shop after forcing the lock of the door with a chisel and found her husband dead, with one hand against his cheek and a cigar in the other. His head was enveloped in his overcoat. He was lying with his face close to an india-rubber tube connected with a gas pipe and the tap was partly turned on. She had never heard her husband threaten to take his life, but for some years an ulcer had troubled him and once he was heard to remark that his leg was getting unbearable. Deceased had no financial difficulties. - Evidence was next given by James Rowe, ship's corporal, St Jude's-road, and P.C. Wyatt. - Dr D. MacNair, who was called to the house at 7.30 a.m. yesterday, said life had been extinct for two or three hours. Death was due to coal-gas poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the widow.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Shipwright's Death. Insufficient Light. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on FREDERICK BLATCHFORD, shipwright, employed in the Dockyard and who resided with his parents at 5 Egerton-road, Plymouth. Mr Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr L. P. Evans, H.M. Inspector of factories, was also present. - I. S. Maunder, shipwright, stated that on December 30th the deceased and witness were at work on board the New Zealand in No. 10 Dry Dock, repairing the lockers and hatchways. Witness was working on the port side and saw someone fall down the hatchway. He heard shortly afterwards that it was the deceased, who had fallen six feet. In the cleaning of the lockers the electric light was not used, candles providing the light. Some alterations were being made to the electric light apparatus. There was sufficient light with the candles for the men working below in the hatchway, but for anyone going past the hatchway the light there might cause some difficulty. - James Weeks, ship fitter, said he noticed the deceased walking towards the hatchway, which was open. witness shouted to him to beware and he turned on the edge of the hatchway. - Alfred t. Edwards, who was in charge of the shipwrights on the New Zealand, said there was no guard to the hatchway. He did not know why the electric light was not burning at the time; he supposed it was temporarily disconnected for repairs. He thought that only the ordinary risk was taken. - The Coroner: It seems to me it is absolutely necessary that in doing this kind of work there should be sufficient light and also a look-out provided. - Maunder was asked if the electric light was used when the accident occurred and he replied that he did not know whether it was turned on or not. - Mr A. Phillips, a foreman of the Dockyard, said perhaps there was not a sufficiency of light on the day the accident occurred and this was perhaps accountable for the absence of the electric light. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, R.N., stated that the deceased was admitted to the R.N. Hospital suffering from a fracture of the skull and died on the 8th inst. A post-mortem examination had been made and it was found that there was a fracture of the skull on the right side, causing laceration and haemorrhage. There was also injury to the brain on the left side. The injuries were the cause of death. - The Coroner said the question was whether someone should not be appointed who would be responsible for the light. This was an accident which might not have occurred if there had been a proper light for working. Several of the accidents which now occurred ought to be prevented. There seemed to be some carelessness on the part of the authorities. Some months ago, on the recommendation of a Jury, he asked the Admiralty to provide a steam ambulance for conveying persons injured and invalided on board warships in the Sound or the Hamoaze to the Naval Hospital as soon as possible. - Mr Peck said he had nothing officially to report yet. - The Coroner: It was some months ago and I hope the Admiralty will hurry up and supply it. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to injuries Accidentally Received through Insufficiency of Light on board H.M.S. New Zealand and recommended that the Dockyard authorities be requested to see that in future the electric light was in order on board ships. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on IRENE ELIZABETH ANNIE RICHARDS, aged 9 months, daughter of ROBERT JOHN RICHARDS, skilled labourer in H.M. Dockyard, of 11 King-street. - ANNIE E. RICHARDS, mother, said the child had not been strong since birth. The first kind of food did not agree with the child, so they changed it and deceased had been going on all right since. - The Coroner: Don't you know that milk is the natural food for a baby? - I was not aware of that sir. On Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock, deceased appeared to be asleep. Later, when she went to look at her, she saw there was something wrong, so called in a neighbour who said the baby was dead. - Dr T. McElwaine said deceased was small and rather emaciated. She was suffering from acute inflammation of the right lung, which was the cause of death. - The Coroner: You would not attribute death to improper feeding? - No. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from "Natural Causes" and considered that medical advice should have been obtained for the child.

CLAYHANGER - Same Effect As Hanging. Bampton Farmer's Death. - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at North Bulcombe Farm, Clayhanger, near Bampton, yesterday, on WILLIAM CURTIS, aged 45, farmer, of Ganders Farm, Bampton. - MRS CURTIS, widow, said the deceased ate a hearty supper on the previous Monday, consisting of roast rabbit, ham and two or three kinds of vegetables. He had nothing to drink with his supper. After supper he left for North Bulcombe Farm with a basket for Mr Norman. Deceased was a very healthy man and had not complained of pains in his head. - Henry Alfred Norman of North Bulcombe Farm, said deceased brought him a basket which he had ordered last April. witness gave him a pint of cider and some bread and beef, which he ate heartily. Later in the evening witness and the deceased drank a quart of cider between them. Deceased accompanied witness to a loft and turned the handle of a chaff-cutter, while witness fed the machine. While stooping to gather up some of the chaff, witness heard a scuffle, and on looking round saw the deceased lying flat on his face with his hands in his pockets. A little whisky was poured down the deceased's throat, but he did not speak. Witness was positive the deceased was sober. - Dr Bovey, Bampton, said he had made a post mortem examination and found several abrasions on the forehead and a small lacerated wound, which would be consistent with a fall as described by the last witness. All the organs of the body, with the exception of the heart, which was fatty, were sound and healthy. Witness attributed death to fractured dislocation of the spinal cord and was of the opinion that death was instantaneous. The fall as described by a witness had the same effect as if the deceased had been hung. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner and Jurymen, of whom Mr Mantle was Foreman, referred to the sadness of the case, the widow being left with a family of nine children.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on RONALD HARVEY, aged nine weeks, son of WILLIAM HARVEY, fireman, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, Dr J. H. Dawe, Endsleigh-place, said the child had been well looked after and death was due to malnutrition. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on MRS MARY KNIGHT, aged 62, wife of a master bootmaker, who died suddenly at her residence, 19 Amherst-road. FLORENCE WINNIFRED KNIGHT, daughter, said her mother had been an invalid for a long time and had suffered from heart disease and rheumatism. On Thursday night, about 8.30, deceased was sitting in front of the fire reading, when she suddenly became ill. Witness gave her some brandy, and sent for the doctor. By that time, however, deceased had died. Dr R. B. Wagner said death was due to syncope, owing to fatty degeneration of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1911
NORTHAM - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Northam on the body of THOMAS BROOKS, 84, retired sea captain, of Sweethome-terrace. MRS CAROLINE SNELL, daughter, said on Friday, whilst she was preparing tea, she noticed there was something wrong with deceased, who was sitting by the fire and she called a neighbour, Mrs Hearn and sent for Dr Francis, but deceased had died almost immediately. - Dr Francis said a post mortem revealed that the heart was ruptured, death being due to natural causes. A verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1911
TORQUAY - Death After Church Service. - An Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY SULLIVAN, aged 51, a gentleman of independent means, was held at Torquay yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. Deceased, who resided at Loretto, Livermead-road, died suddenly near the Torquay Gasworks whilst returning from church service at Paignton on Sunday morning. - Mr Reginald Thurston Rivington, of the Vicarage, Putney, said he had a business talk with deceased on Friday last and had since identified the body. MRS EMMA SULLIVAN, the widow, said deceased had been in business with his father for three years. His father died on December 16th last and deceased had worried about it. He had complained about a pain in his chest which he thought was indigestion. On Sunday morning deceased got up early, but did not eat his usual hearty breakfast, appearing to be worried. At 10.30 he set out for Paignton Roman Catholic Church and witness was informed of his death later in the day. - Albert Percy Robins, motor driver, said he was walking towards Cockington from the direction of the Gasworks on Sunday morning. He noticed deceased leaning over some railings near by, apparently watching the men at work on the railway. Deceased suddenly fell back on to the road, and when witness reached him he was just breathing. With the assistance of a passer-by deceased's head was raised and a coat spread beneath him. He continued breathing heavily and at length died. Witness went for the Police and a doctor. - P.C. Wilcocks said deceased was quite dead when he arrived. - Dr B. J. Collyer said there was no evidence on the body of violence. There was a bruise on the back of the head, undoubtedly caused by the fall and internally all the organs were healthy with the exception of the heart, which showed signs of valvular disease and fatty degeneration. Death was due to heart failure which might have been due to walking up hill. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

GITTISHAM - A Devon River Tragedy. - An Inquest was held by Dr Tweed, Coroner, at Gittisham, near Honiton, yesterday on THOMAS JAMES CHAFFEY THORNE, aged 38, who disappeared from his home on the 9th December and whose body was found in the river at Fenny Bridges on Monday. - GEORGE THORNE, father of the deceased, said his son was in good health and in his usual spirits when he left home to see Wm. Channon in regard to some work he wanted done. He could give no reason for his son's disappearance. He was insured in two insurance offices for small amounts and witness had kept up the payments since his disappearance. - Mr G. L. Hearn gave evidence as to finding the body of the deceased. The body had apparently been in the water some time and was much decomposed. - Two labourers named Connett and Marks, said they were with the deceased on the night of December 9th. Deceased was perfectly sober. It was a very wet, rough night and the river was in flood. They could not account for the deceased being in the river. They were aware that deceased used to go through the fields adjoining the river to his home, but whether he went that night they could not say. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Worried By Loss Of A Licence. - The Plymouth Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday on ALFRED CURNO WILLIAMS, licensee of the Red Cow Inn, Exeter-street. - Frederick Fortuna, barman, stated that he last saw deceased alive a few minutes after eleven on Saturday night. The next morning his wife called him, saying she thought something had happened in deceased's bedroom. He went there and found a piece of gas tubing attached to the chandelier, with the other end under the bedclothes and the gas turned on. He shook deceased and spoke to him, but he was apparently dead. He had never heard the deceased threaten to take his life, but the licence had been referred back for compensation and that had greatly worried him. - Dr A. H. Hughes, who saw deceased soon after eleven on Sunday morning, found that death was due to gas poisoning. WILLIAMS had been dead about 8 hours and the fingers of his left hand were so contracted that he formed the opinion that the deceased had been holding the tubing to his mouth. - The Coroner intimated that the manager of the Plymouth Breweries had informed him that the deceased was terribly depressed because his licence was being taken away on the ground of redundancy and the sum of money paid him by no means compensated him for his loss. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Waterman Hastens His Death. - At the Inquest on RICHARD THOMAS DOWNEY, licensed waterman, held at Wolsdon-street Schools, Ellen Rostron, wife of the licensee of the Wolsdon Arms, said she last saw deceased, her brother, alive at two o'clock on Monday morning. He then seemed quite rational and had been talking all day. She discovered him dead at 4.30 a.m. - The Coroner: Why did you go in? Did you hear a shot? - Witness: No. I heard no noise whatever, but I was in the habit of going into his room. He was then lying in bed in the same way as he had lain for the last three months. - Exactly as you left him at two o'clock? - Yes. - Did you know he had this rifle? - Yes. He had three. At one time he was a crack shot. He used to go shooting and at one time performed at St James's Hall. - You had never heard him threatened to take his life? - No, he had no reason to. - Dr Wagner: He was hopelessly incurable, you know. He was tired of life and would have died within a few weeks. - Dr Wagner stated that he had been attending the deceased for heart disease and bronchitis and he was dying. He made a superficial examination on the body the previously morning but could find no external marks of the entry of a bullet. This morning he made a post-mortem and found a bullet on the surface of the brain. - The Coroner: - Curious that they never heard the report? - Yes. It was instantaneous death? - Yes. In [?] of the brain. He had fired through the mouth and inside the skull I found the bullet, which went right through his brain, but did not penetrate the skull. He was sick of life and knew there was no hope of recovery. "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 January 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM ROWLEY, labourer, Bath-street, aged 55. Evidence having been given by Mrs Ash, with whom deceased had lodged, William Brice, general labourer, stated the deceased on Tuesday was employed on the Laira-road Council improvement. Suddenly he fell and died. Dr L. R. Stamp, of Plympton, said death was due to a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE KELLAND, aged 35, residing at Claremont-street, Plymouth, a doorkeeper at a cinematograph theatre at Devonport. Evidence was given that he returned to his home at 11 o'clock, went into the kitchen and was heard to fall on the kitchen floor. It was found that he was unconscious and within a few minutes he had passed away. Dr R. H. Wagner said death was due to a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on THOMAS FORD ROW, waterman, 80, who had resided in Finewell-street. Deceased's son said his father had suffered from throat complaint and bronchitis. Dr Cook stated that death had resulted from old age and senile decay and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the Homeopathic Hospital, Locker-street, an Inquest was held on JAMES ALFRED PROWSE, 16 months old. The mother who resides in High-street, said on hearing a scream she rushed into the kitchen and found that the infant had pulled the tablecloth and a saucer containing very hot tea. The sister tried to prevent the deceased doing so, but did not succeed. The infant received severe scalds and witness after applying oil, took the child to the Homeopathic Hospital. Dr P. Wilmot gave evidence, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 20 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Torquay Man's Suicide. Poisoning By Gas. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest yesterday on the body of WILLIAM HENRY ADAMS, who was found dead at the house of his relatives on Tuesday evening. - The widow, ELIZABETH ADAMS, of 10 Brakefield-terrace, Babbacombe, Torquay, said deceased was 39 years of age. On Monday morning he left home to visit his sister and brother-in-law. Lately he had been very much depressed and was under doctor's care for several months. He had never threatened to take his life. His object in going to Devonport was to take a business in Plymouth. He did, in fact take the business and wrote witness a cheerful letter stating what he had done. - Mary Elizabeth Barry, of 9 Rectory-road, Devonport, sister of the deceased, said she went out on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the deceased in the house. On her return with her husband they could not open the door. Her husband forced an entrance through the window, when they noticed a strong smell of gas. They then found the deceased. He had been attended by Dr McCulloch for some time. - James Wm. Barry, Dockyard labourer and husband of the last witness, said it was dark when he got into the room. Running his hand along the body he felt a gas pipe in deceased's mouth. Deceased was lying on three chairs, and the gas pipe was connected with the gas stove. With P.C. Morley he tried artificial respiration, the body being warm. Morley also administered an emetic and sent for a doctor. - Mrs Barry, in reply to the Coroner, said deceased read a report of a death by gas poisoning at Plymouth, and asked her for the paper. - Dr McCulloch said he knew the deceased very well, having attended him for three months. He was continually depressed and in a sensitive mental state, liable to be very much upset by small matters, which at other times would not have troubled him. He had made threats to take his life. - Dr Bolus said death was due to coal-gas poisoning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." They passed a vote of condolence with the widow and relatives.

MALBOROUGH - Fatal Lamp Explosion. Salcombe Woman's Death. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Salcombe yesterday on MARY JANE CHAPMAN, aged 76, widow, who was found burned on Wednesday afternoon at Well House. - MRS HENRY PYNE said she last saw her mother at 5.30 on Tuesday. She had spent the afternoon and had tea with her. Deceased was then in her usual health and was a very active woman. She lived alone in her cottage, but witness was in the habit of visiting her perhaps two or three times daily. On leaving her mother at 5.30 she arranged to bring her dinner on Wednesday. On going to the cottage about 12.30 on Wednesday she could get no response to her knocking and a neighbour informed her that people who had called had been unable to get any response. She then went home for a latch-key and returning with it, met her husband. They gained admittance with the key and on going into the bedroom they found it full of smoke - so full that nothing was visible in the room. The window was opened and she found her mother stretched across the bed, her clothing partially destroyed, deceased herself much burnt about the face, hands and legs and an eider quilt wrapped round the body, together with the bedding slowly smouldering. She found a lamp near the window smashed to atoms and on the floor, the lace window curtains and blinds totally destroyed and the panes of glass in the window cracked. The lamp was one usually kept in the sitting-room. She did not know if her mother was in the habit of taking this lamp to her bedroom. - Wm. Hurrell, a neighbour, said he was called at 1.15 on Wednesday to Well House. He helped to extinguish the fire, which, although only smouldering, showed signs of reviving as the air got into the room. He did not hear the slightest sound, or get any warning that anything was amiss at Well House. If there had been screams he thought neighbours would have been sure to hear them. - Dr Vincent Twining said he was called to Well House and found MRS CHAPMAN dead. He concluded death, due to shock, had occurred at least 12 hours previously. - The Coroner said the probability was the lamp had fallen off the dressing table and had burst. This apparently ignited the skirts of deceased and she used the Eider to smother the flames and falling on the bed had died from the shock occasioned by being on fire. The moral of course was the danger of carrying lamps from one room to another. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and through the Foreman, Mr Edward Cole, expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 January 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Drink. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on WILLIAM CORY, aged 42 years, hairdresser, of 17 Adelaide-street. - EMMA MAUD CORY, deceased's widow, said she found her husband dead in bed on Thursday morning. He had been very much addicted to drink and had lost his last position through that cause. On Wednesday night they found it necessary to lock him in his room. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said deceased's body was in a very emaciated condition and covered with vermin. He had never seen a body in worse condition. Death was due to syncope, caused by alcoholism. The tissues were dried up through excessive use of very bad whisky. The Coroner remarked that he thought the deceased was himself solely responsible for his condition. They were very sorry for the widow, but thought she must feel it a happy release.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 January 1911
ILFRACOMBE - Lady's Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ilfracombe on MISS MARY TAYLOR, who died at her residence, 18 Foxbeare, Ilfracombe, on Friday. - MISS TAYLOR said deceased, her sister, aged 63, had for some time resided by herself at Foxbeare. Witness had not seen her since July and was not aware that she was ill. - Mrs White, a neighbour, said she saw deceased on Thursday in the garden. Next morning about nine, she endeavoured to go into the house, but found the door locked. She tried to make deceased hear, but could not. Witness then sent for Dr Toller, and the Police, who effected an entrance, and deceased was found lying behind the bedroom door. She was put into bed, but died about three o'clock in the afternoon. - Dr Toller deposed that the immediate cause of death was syncope and exhaustion, brought on by the perforation of a malignant growth of long standing. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ALBERT YOUNG, 41, sandwich man. Martha Willcocks, widow, Bath-lane, said deceased had resided at her house five years. On Sunday deceased was not well; he became worse yesterday morning and died before medical assistance could be procured. Dr J. Pearse said the cause of death was tuberculosis and long standing pleurisy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on MINNIE FRIEND, the three-weeks-old child of a Dockyard labourer, living at Paradise-place. Dr H. White, House Surgeon, explained the cause of death and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquest on DORIS MATILDA HALLIDAY, aged one year and five months, the child of GEORGE HENRY HALLIDAY, stoker petty officer, of 17 William-street, Morice Town. The mother of deceased said that on the 13th inst. she was standing at a table making pasties, when deceased gave a cry. On picking her up, witness found she was scalded. Witness wrapped her up and took her to the Hospital. Asked by the Coroner how the accident occurred, witness said she had put some water in a saucepan on the fire to wash up dishes and this must somehow have upset. - Witness's eldest daughter, who was present when the accident happened, explained that the child, in getting up from the hearthrug, slipped and, putting out her hand to save herself, touched the handle of the saucepan, which was thereby upset. There was a small guard around the fire. - Dr H. White said that when brought to the Hospital, the child was suffering from scalds of the face, neck, body and arms, also from shock. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ISAAC DIXON, aged 79, Naval Reserve pensioner, of John-street. The medical evidence showed that death resulted from syncope due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Death In Police Cells. Inquest On Staverton Man At Moretonhampstead. - At Moretonhampstead yesterday Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on REGINALD BOWDEN, who died in the Police Cells on Sunday morning, having been arrested on a charge of stealing a waistcoat from the local Co-operative Stores. - George Field identified the body, although he had not seen deceased for 15 years. They were boys together at Staverton, where deceased's father carried on a large business. Witness did not know whether deceased was a member of the firm, but he used to travel for it. - P.C. Brewer said he found deceased asleep by a rick in a field close to Moreton, and took him to the Police-Station between 8 and 9 o'clock on Friday evening. - P.S. Osmond stated that deceased had supper on Friday night and three meals on Saturday. Witness spoke to him at midnight on Saturday and in reply to his question, deceased said he was all right. On Sunday morning he went to the cell and spoke to deceased, but getting no reply, and thinking he was asleep, he shook him. He did not move and witness discovered that her was dead. He was completely wrapped in three blankets, his head being enveloped, but this was a usual practice for men who had been locked up several times. When he was brought to the Police Station on Friday, witness concluded he had been drinking, as although he walked and talked all right, he smelt of drink. On Saturday he was singing and whistling in his cell and made no complaint. - Dr A. Colridge, who made a post-mortem examination, said the heart, liver and kidney were not normal, but the rest of the body was practically normal, except the lungs, which were congested and dropsical. The liver was much enlarged, which was a known effect of alcohol taken over long periods. He should say that deceased had been a drinker for some years; not necessarily a heavy drinker in regard to length of bouts, but he had taken a fair amount of alcohol from time to time. Death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BRATTON FLEMING - Lonely Man's Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bratton Fleming yesterday afternoon on EDWARD BROWNSCOMBE, 74, retired colt breaker. - Wm. Bowden said deceased lived by himself in one of his own houses. Witness last saw him alive in the early part of last week. On Friday last he went to BROWNSCOMBE'S house about 1 p.m., but could get no answer. On looking in he saw that the fire was burning in the grate. Deceased was in the habit of coming to witness's house on Saturdays for butter and milk, but did not come on Saturday. - Wm. Norman said he passed deceased's house on Saturday morning, when he saw no light in the window or smoke coming from the chimney. He did not see deceased that day. On Sunday morning he found the door unlocked. He went in and saw deceased at the top of the stairs, apparently quite dead. Dr J. R. Harper said deceased's heart was ruptured and there had been an escape of a large quantity of blood Death was due to Natural Causes. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 January 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - St Budeaux Tragedy. Suicide After A Love Tiff. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devonport Guildhall yesterday afternoon on ELDRED ROSCROW, aged 29, who was found dead on the G.W.R. line the previous day. Chief Inspector Poultney and Inspector Cook represented the G.W.R. Co. - THURZA ROSCROW, mother, of 105 Charlotte-street, said deceased was a clerk. he lived at Charlotte-street with his parents. She last saw him alive on Tuesday evening, when he appeared to be in a very low, despondent state. He was always very reserved and gave no reason for his condition when they had asked him. He was sitting writing when she last saw him. He was not in the house when witness and her husband went to bed, for he had gone out shortly after nine o'clock. She thought it strange that he should not return to the house by the time they went to bed. She did not anticipate that there was anything wrong, but was under the impression that he would come. The next morning she found he had not returned, but prepared his breakfast in the usual way, thinking perhaps that he would return. Just before nine o'clock a Constable called and told her of the affair, and she accompanied him to the Mortuary. - Letter to Parents. - Later on in the day she received a letter by post, addressed to MR and MRS ROSCROW - It read as follows:- " 1105 Charlotte-street, Morice Town, Devonport, January 24th, 1911. - My dearest mother and father, - Before you receive this letter I shall be no more. Although your own son, don't grieve for me, I am not worth it, to take my own life. I can't help myself. If an Inquest is held denounce any verdict of indifference of mind. I am perfectly sound as regards my intellect, so see that no such judgment is passed on me. My secret goes with me. If you ever see Beatrice - which I don't think she will trouble the slightest - if, however, that you do, treat her kindly, more kindly than I have been. Please, dear mother and father, see that my last requests are carried out. The large brown paper parcel addressed to my dearest of all chums George, is given to him, disturb nothing at once. The large envelope marked "To be buried," see that it is put in my coffin; disturb nothing her also. My pipe, given to me by the Sandboys Club, also place in my coffin, also my cigarette case; do not give it to anyone whatever. Also my ring; let it remain on my finger. I have written to George Allen and he will tell you the ones only to be at my funeral. Under no consideration let any Sandboys attend, with all due respects to them. - Dear mother and father, I have lost confidence in this earthly world. If any letters be sent to me after you receive this, I ask you to please burn them instantly; don't open them. Good-bye, dear mother and father. Good-bye, and may God bless you both; may we meet again. - Your broken-hearted son, ELDRED." - "Keeping Company." - She understood he had been keeping company with a young lady. She did not know her until he brought her to the house some time before Christmas. They had no objection. he was not the one to divulge the salary he was getting to witness or his father. He gave her a good sum every week, and he had no financial worry. She did not think there was any worry with regard to his Freemasonry. She had never heard him complain of anything and all that she had noticed was that he was low and despondent. As far as she knew he had never threatened to take his life. He was the secretary of the Sandboys Club. - JOSEPH GARFIELD ROSCROW, brother, said he last saw his brother alive on Tuesday evening at 9.30. he was then writing letters and witness had no conversation with him. He afterwards put on his overcoat and went out, as witness thought, to post the letters. He thought there was something strange about his brother for the past few weeks. On Sunday morning he was very restless. - Lady's Indignant Letter. - Miss Beatrice Bryant said she became acquainted with deceased in September last and had been walking out with him. Latterly a feeling of jealousy had come over him. She saw him last Thursday, and although he appeared to be in his usual health, he was quiet at times. She saw him again on Sunday and in the evening he seemed very reticent. On Monday she received a letter from him referring to some matters. She replied to him on Monday afternoon as follows:- "In reply to your letter this morning, I think it infamous - the lies about whistling and slaps of years ago, which my own people would not throw out. I shall never forget or forgive, so please take this as a parting from me. I trust you will have another girl to stand by you and told likes by others. It shall be proved. I hope I shall never cross your path again after this." - She subsequently received another letter, in which he threatened to take his life. She had burnt that letter. On Tuesday afternoon she received another letter from him, which ran:- "Good-bye after today. The sun shall never set on my face again. I consider you have cut me off without properly studying the matter. Good-bye, never to meet again. My reward in the next world will be the same as the present - separated for ever. Amen." - On the envelope was written:- "Please open this one. It is the last. It is my last request." - She had also received three postcards - two saying "Good-bye" and one saying "Good-bye for ever." - A Juror: Did you believe he would carry out his threat? - No, I did not. - Signalman's Discovery. - John James Ackford, Saltash, signalman in the employ of the G.W.R., said he was proceeding to the signal-box near St Budeaux about 5.30 on Wednesday morning, and when about 200 yards from the Royal Albert Bridge, he saw a huddled form lying on the up line. After ascertaining that the man was dead, he went and informed the Police at St Budeaux. In his opinion deceased had been standing up when he was struck by the buffer of a train. - P.C. Lee gave evidence of removing the body to the Mortuary at the Guildhall. - Mr A. E. M. Roberts, chief clerk employed by Brown, Wills and Nicholson, merchants, Plymouth, said deceased had been employed by that firm for some years. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very sad case. The young man's life had been thrown away on trivial matters. It seemed rather difficult to understand why a young man in a good position, earning a fairly good salary, with his life before him, should act in such a strange way by taking his life in such a terrible manner, because there seemed to be no reason for it at all. They had heard Miss Bryant give her evidence in a straightforward manner. Some people could not control their feelings when in a jealous mood, and took very strange steps. He did not think it was due to anything Miss Bryant had said or done that deceased had taken his life. - A verdict that "Deceased Committed Suicide while of an Unsound State of Mind" was returned. - Expressions of sympathy were passed with the relatives and Miss Bryant.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 January 1911
MILTON ABBOT - Drowned In The Tamar. Accident Described At Inquest. - At Milton Abbot Reading Room on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWIN HEARD, aged 65, foreman of labourers on the Endsleigh Estate, Milton Abbot. Joseph John Spurr, farmer, Southcombe Farm, Milton Abbot, stated that on Thursday, between 2.30 and 3 p.m. he noticed deceased on the Cornish side of the Tamar, riding his pony on the river bank. He watched him along the bank for about 300 yards. The pony was walking. The deceased was speaking to witness's dog, calling it by name. Deceased then came to a gate, and while he was attempting to open it. for some reason which witness could not explain, the pony backed into the river, throwing the deceased into the water. The pony also fell. Witness ran down and found the pony standing quietly in the river and deceased was in about two feet of water on his back. He was got out as quickly as possible, but was quite dead. Witness was there within three minutes. There were no sign of struggling. The deceased was well acquainted with the place. Whatever was the cause of the pony backing, it was a pure accident. The drop into the river from the bank was about eight feet. Deceased was a heavy man. - Dr Cecil Musgrave, of Lifton, said he was called to see the deceased on Thursday afternoon and found him dead. His clothes were wet through and there was a large scalp wound on the left side of the head. Death was due to drowning. He thought the blow on the head was caused by the fall, which rendered the deceased unconscious. Deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr E. C. Rundle, the Duke of Bedford's steward, was present.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 January 1911
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. - At an Inquest held by Mr Brown, Coroner, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, on HAROLD THOMAS BAKER, aged 1 year and 9 months, son of a blacksmith of Longdown, MRS BAKER said on Thursday she left the baby in the kitchen with another child, age 3 ½ years, whilst she went out to feed the pigs. Hearing the children screaming, she returned and found deceased on the rug near the fire with its clothes smouldering. The child had been badly burnt on one side. All the underclothing, of flannelette, was burnt, whilst the dress, of twill, was not much burnt. - Dr Lilley, House Surgeon, said the burns were severe and death was due to shock. - The Coroner said it certainly was not a case where children of such an age should have been left in a room with a partly open fire without a guard. There was a provision now, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act, that rendered parents liable to punishment for leaving their children so unprotected. However, it would be for some authority to decide whether proceedings should be taken against the mother. The Jury had to find a verdict and could add a rider censuring the mother if they saw fit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner: You don't wish to add anything? - The Foreman: No, sir.

OTTERY ST MARY - Flannelette Victim. Parents Censured At Ottery. - Dr Tweed, Coroner, held an Inquest at Ottery St. Mary, yesterday on WINIFRED EBDON, aged 12 months, of Wiggaton, Ottery St. Mary. - MRS EBDON, wife of JAMES EBDON, farm labourer, said on Friday the 20th inst., about 11 a.m., she went in to see Mrs Salter, a neighbour, leaving the child in the cradle in charge of two other children, DOROTHY, age 5 and another, age 4. Soon afterwards DOROTHY came and said the child was burning. She went in and found deceased's clothing on fire. She took the child out of the cradle, and sent Dorothy to fetch Mrs Salter. The cradle was about five feet from the fire, and there was no fire-guard. - Mrs Caroline Salter said the child was wearing an under-garment made of flannelette, which was simmering. She took off the clothes and dressed the wounds with oil. She did not ask the other children how the fire occurred. - Dr Reynolds said he examined the child and found her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow severely burnt and there were also burns on the right thigh and leg down to the ankle. It was taken to the Hospital, and died about 2.30 on Sunday morning. Soon after entering the Hospital, the child showed signs of internal inflammation, which developed into inflammation of the brain and this was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees for the purpose of buying a fire-guard and other necessaries for the house and the Coroner censured the parents for not having a proper fire-guard.

STOKE DAMEREL - Killed By A Wagon. Devonport Child's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday morning on OLIVE ANETTE DAVEY, aged one year and eleven months, who was run over and killed by a wagon on Saturday. BESSIE AMELIA DAVEY, mother, 18 Mount-street, said at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning deceased was with her in the back yard. Witness went indoors and thought the child was following. On finding that was not so she turned round and saw a woman carrying the child in. [?] Florence Rowe said she was in Stanley-street when she saw deceased come out of the back door of her house. Deceased dropped something and stooped to pick it up. She then appeared to over balance, and the wheel of the wagon passed over her head. The driver of the wagon was leading the horse. - Rebecca [?], Clowance-street, said she saw the child under the wheel of the wagon. She shouted to the driver but she did not think he heard. She picked deceased up and took her into her house. The horse and wagon were proceeding very quietly. There was no blame attached to the driver. Dr R. Bolus said death, which must have been instantaneous, was due to the wound in the head. William Henry Abell, drayman, employed by the New Victoria Brewery Co., said when a young man shouted to him to stop, he pulled up immediately. he had the drag and brake on the wagon. P.C. Langdon stated that the driver was perfectly sober. Mr S. Stanton, manager of the New Victoria Brewery Co., said the driver had been in their employ about two years. He was a steady and experienced driver and had an excellent character. On behalf of the company, he expressed regret at the occurrence. They would be only too pleased to defray any expenses that might have been incurred. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury considered that no blame was attached to the driver and passed a vote of condolence with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on LILY MAUDE HODGE, found drowned in Sutton Pool on Sunday morning. Deceased's husband, a boiler-maker, 26 Whimple-street, said he last saw his wife on Saturday evening in Tavistock-road. She had been out with him and she left him to go with her sister to Regent-street, witness going home. As she did not arrive home later in the evening, he went to his sister's house, but she was not there. He afterwards went to the Police Station and gave information of her disappearance. Deceased had been depressed during the day. The following morning witness was shown a black handbag, which had been found on Sutton Pool steps and which he identified as his wife's property. Later the same morning the body was recovered from the harbour. Witness knew of no particular cause for his wife's fit of depression. - Herbert Rendle, fisherman of Treville-street, said on Sunday morning he saw a body in the water off Sutton Steps. He reported this to the Police and helped to bring it ashore. There were no marks on the face. P.C. Gaff said he was called to take the body out of the water. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

SWANSEA, WALES - The Fowey Schooner Wreck. Inquest On Plymouth Victim. - An Inquest was held at Swansea yesterday on JOHN HANSEN, of Plymouth, steward on board the Fowey schooner, Wiln, which was run down on Saturday night in Carmarthen Bay, with the loss of the master, Capt. Rowe, of Mevagissey and three others. - Albert Duffy of Preston, one of the two survivors, stated that HANSEN, immediately the collision occurred, was thrown into the sea with witness, who did not see deceased again until he was picked up by a boat which put out from the Irena, the steamer with which the Wiln had collided. HANSEN was not a strong man and was asthmatical. - James Brown of Shotton, Flintshire, said that when he rescued deceased from some wreckage HANSEN said "God bless you," but never spoke again. He was in such a bad way that he was at once transferred to the Irena, where every effort was made to bring him round, by Samuel Inman, of Runcorn, the chief engineer. HANSEN died on the way to Swansea an hour later. - The Coroner said that everything possible was done for the deceased and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Cold and Exposure." - None of the other bodies has yet been recovered. - We understand that HANSEN was on his first voyage in the Wiln. He was a man of about 50 years of age, and was for some time in the Royal Navy, and afterwards employed at Devonport Dockyard. -

PLYMPTON ST MARY - A tramp who died suddenly in Plympton Workhouse on Friday evening - not the man whose removal from Plymouth was criticized at a recent meeting of the Board of Guardians - was identified at the Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, as MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, about 51 years of age, a native of Plymouth, and formerly a private in the 1st Devon Regiment. This information was given the Coroner by another casual - Thomas Hollett, a labourer, on tramp, and a native of Exminster, who stated that he served with deceased in the Devons both on the Indian frontier and later through the South African war. At the conclusion of the Boer war deceased, who had completed 12 years service, came to England and was discharged. He was not entitled to a pension. Witness after the war returned with his regiment to India and he in turn was subsequently discharged after serving 12 years, although it was his wish to rejoin for another period. Since then CUNNINGHAM and himself had served together in the Militia, now the Special Reserve. Deceased had in recent years tramped the country and obtained periods of employment on public works as a general labourer. - Dr Duncan Stamp said he was called to the Workhouse on Friday evening. He arrived within twenty minutes of the summons, but CUNNINGHAM was then dead. A post-mortem examination revealed chronic heart disease, signs of pleurisy, also pneumonia. The exciting cause of death was an overloaded stomach. The body was well nourished. He was informed that deceased had been given very light work and that a few minutes before being seized with illness he was joking with other inmates of the casual ward. - Mr J. H. Stanley, porter, said the man was known to him as an occasional visitor to the tramp ward. On previous occasions he had performed his task in the stone-yard smartly, but on Thursday he intimated that he did not feel equal to using the sledge. Witness gave him instead a little dusting to do on Friday, and asked him if he would like to see the doctor. He laughed at the suggestion, said there was nothing very much amiss with him, and that the butcher was more his man than the doctor. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner remarking that it was clear every kindness was shown deceased after he made it known to the porter that he did not feel particularly well.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Oxford-street Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, on THOMAS STRAHAN, aged 24 hours, son of an engine-room artificer, R.N., 12 Penrose-street. Harriet Hayes, wife of a naval stoker, 24 Wyndham-street, said on Tuesday morning she visited MRS STRAHAN. About quarter to seven the husband had to go to work. Shortly afterwards witness took the child out of bed, afterwards putting it back again. Witness remained in the room lighting the fire. At 8.30 when witness again took the child out of bed she discovered it was dead. It had been lying on its left side, some way from and facing, its mother. Its face was not covered by the bedclothes. - Dr Aikman said death was due to suffocation, and not to natural causes. There were no marks of violence on the body, but it was possible for death to be caused by asphyxia without leaving marks. The mother seemed to be distressed as if by grief at the occurrence. - A verdict of Death from Suffocation was returned, the Jury adding that there was no evidence to show how it was caused.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN SLOMAN, aged 28, labourer, 6 Julian-street. Mr Edgar Bowden represented the relatives of the deceased. - MRS SARAH JOHNS, sister, said deceased, who worked for Mr Westcott, coal and salt dealer, came home on November 6th, 1909, and said he had met with an accident, the cart having hit him in the chest. He was very ill and Dr Stubbs attended him. He never returned to work. Later, he went into the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and stayed there for five months, not having recovered when he took his discharge. He was ill right up to his death. Deceased was continually in pain after the accident. - Mrs Florence Walker, Mount Batten, sister of the last witness, said deceased told her he was attempting to back the horse, when the animal came for ward and shaft struck him in the chest. - Dr G. H. Warren said deceased's heart was considerably enlarged. It weighed 19 ½ ounces, whereas the normal weight was about ten ounces. One of the valves had apparently been torn. Death was due to valvular disease. - By Mr Percy Pearce (for the Insurance Company interested): Such a disease as he had died from might have been suffered by a person who had had an accident. - by Mr Bowden: From the evidence he thought it extremely likely that death was caused as the result of the accident. Except from the fact of the post-mortem examination he should not have thought death was attributable to the accident. Mr Pearce: If it had not been for the history of the case and the apparent tearing of the valve, you would be unable to say what was the probable cause? - That is so. - By a Juryman: Death was accelerated solely by the accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At the South Devon and East Cornwall hospital an Inquest was held on ROBERT CLARKE, 47, labourer, of Belgrave-road, Plymouth. The widow said an accident took place on December 16th, and deceased went to the Hospital. He came home, but went back to the Institution and died there. Thomas Jermon, mason, said he was working at Elphinstone-road, Peverell, with the deceased. Witness was on the roof and deceased was stepping from the roof to the ladder when a gust of wind caught a "banker" which was used as a mortar board and blew it about 30 feet. It struck the ladder as deceased was stepping off and as a result deceased fell to the ground. It was not usual to secure the mortar boards, as it was not thought necessary. - Dr J. R. Dobson, House Physician, at the Hospital, said when deceased was admitted he appeared to be suffering from concussion of the brain. Deceased stayed some days and then went home. He appeared to be dazed as the result of a fall or blow. Deceased left the Hospital, but returned again on January 6th, and died on Wednesday. Death was due to inflammation of the spinal cord. The deceased's condition was probably caused by the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Blind Woman's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Mutley Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday on AGNES PERROTT, aged 72, spinster, Kingwood Park-avenue. Frederick Stacey said deceased, his first cousin, was his housekeeper. She went to bed the previous night after partaking of supper. That morning at 8.30 he heard deceased in her bedroom groaning. He went there and found that she was on the floor and unconscious. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 February 1911
EAST ALLINGTON - At East Allington on Saturday an Inquest was held on PRISCILLA JANE KING, wife of RICHARD KING, labourer, on the [?] Estate. On February 2nd deceased complained of a pain about her heart and whilst the husband went in search of a nurse, she died. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death In Prison. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Prison yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN HADDOCK, aged 38, engine fitter, an inmate of the prison, who died early on Saturday morning. - ELIZABETH HADDOCK, of 7 Cambrian-road, Neyland, South Wales, identified the body. James Thomas Bassett, governor of the Prison, said deceased was admitted on January 22nd for a term of 84 days. He was last seen alive at 10 p.m. on Friday evening. He was later called by the night patrol at 5.30 and was then all right. Just before six another officer opened the door and found deceased lying on his bed dressed. Dr Wolferstan was at once called. - Charles Pascoe Burroughs, warder, deposed to seeing deceased at 5.30 a.m. through the spy-hole of the cell door. - Edward Worth said at 5.55 a.m. he unlocked the cell door and saw deceased lying on his stomach. Witness spoke to him and he did not answer, so he called assistance. - Dr Wolferstan, Medical Officer at the Prison, said death was due to fatty disease of the heart. Deceased's widow said her husband's family had all been subject to heart disease. She was quite satisfied with the case and "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Mutley Police Station yesterday on ELLEN LOUISA LOWMAN, 62, of 10 Percy-terrace, wife of GEORGE HENRY LOWMAN, merchant seaman. Dr M. D. Keily said he had known deceased a number of years. He had recommended her to live nearer the trams in order to avoid the hills, which were prejudicial to her heart. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Board Room of Plymouth Workhouse last evening, respecting the death of LYDIA KINNARD, unmarried, aged 62, of 8 Almshouses, Green-street. Evidence was given by Elizabeth Reed, one of the widows in the almshouses, who stated that the deceased had been suffering from rheumatism for some years and on February 3rd, wished to sit in an arm-chair instead of going to bed. Witness warned her that it would be dangerous as she might slip off the chair. Next morning deceased was found on the floor and she said she had slipped off the armchair. Dr Cooke said deceased's left leg was broken and she also had bronchitis and congestion of the lungs. "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner held an Inquest in respect of the death of JOSEPH MANHIRE, of Lee Moor, who died in the Workhouse Infirmary. The widow stated that her husband suffered from rheumatism. In August whilst out for a walk he had a bad fall and he was taken to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, and later removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. Dr Cooke stated that deceased had a broken leg and also congestion of the lungs. He was removed to the Workhouse because it was thought the case was incurable. Mr W. W. Lucas, a friend of the relatives, said they were grateful to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital for the kind and careful attention given to deceased. Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1911
WHITCHURCH - Gardener's Tragic Death. Scene In A Whitchurch Barn. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Whitchurch yesterday, on GEORGE ROBERT CROUT, 45, Royal Marine pensioner, living at Whitchurch. The deceased had been employed by the vicar (Rev. W. N. P. Beebe) as gardener. - Dr Robert Clapp said he was at Whitchurch Vicarage on Saturday, when he was told deceased could not be found. A search was made, and he was discovered lying on some hay in a barn, his overcoat and hat were on a bundle of hay with a razor. Witness made a superficial examination of the body and found that his throat was cut badly, the main arteries being severed. Witness thought he must have been in a kneeling position when he cut his throat and have afterwards fallen backwards. Deceased was very reserved and was of a temperament which would render him likely to do this sort of thing. A sudden fit of melancholia would have caused his action. - Deceased's widow, JANE CROUT, said when her husband left to go to work on Saturday morning he seemed all right. No communication from deceased had been found. He was always very quiet and had lately been worried about his work. He had not given satisfaction, and having been told of this by the Vicar, he had given notice to leave. He had been in his employ about three years. Deceased could not have been called a bad-tempered man, though he might have been a little sulky. He was of a sober disposition. There had been no money difficulties, and they had always been on the best of terms. - Employer's Evidence. - Rev. W. N. P. Beebe said deceased had been in his employ since May 1908. He had done his work very well indeed. On Thursday he gave notice to leave. Witness had received a sort of warning that this would happen a week or so previously, when he had told witness that he could not go on with his work, as he could not give satisfaction. He admitted that witness had never complained about him, but said he was not satisfied himself. He could not explain what it was. Witness advised him not to do anything in a hurry, but to think it over. On Monday, 6th inst., witness noticed that he wore a rather wild look, and thought there was something wrong with him. He had a tendency towards moroseness and made efforts to fight against it. Witness was away at the time the deceased was missed on Saturday. He had not spoken to him since Friday morning. There was a friendly feeling between them and deceased was allowed a free hand. - One of the Jurors said he had been employed often by Mr Beebe, who had always treated him kindly. - Charles Stanley Sleeman, journeyman gardener, employed at the Vicarage, said he went to deceased's house to find him, when he was first missed. Witness did not think he had been treated kindly at the Vicarage, being supervised to a large extent. The Vicar often made complaints without ground. Witness had heard the complaints, but could not say what they were about. Deceased had been uncomfortable for a long time. He was very sensitive, but not sulky, and had taken it to heart. When deceased gave notice he said that, though he had been through the service, he had never been spoken to as he had been by the Vicar that day. - Alice Dolb, cook at the Vicarage, said she had been employed there 13 years. Some time ago she had a quarrel with deceased and had not spoken to him since. She had always found Mr and Mrs Beebe most kind and just. - Mrs Beebe said she herself at once informed MRS CROUT that her husband was missing. P.C. Couch said deceased was the last man in the parish he would have thought would have taken his life. - Mr Rodd, addressing the Jury, said he thought there could be no doubt that the wound was self-inflicted. It had been suggested that the occurrence was caused by some feeling between the deceased and his employer, but he thought the evidence showed that he had been treated with every kindness and consideration in his employ. They would therefore probably come to the conclusion that he was of unsound mind when he took his life. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing themselves quite satisfied with the evidence as to the relations between the Vicar and the deceased.

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyardsman's Death In The Street. - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY SHEPHERD, aged 54, coppersmith in the Dockyard, of York-road, MRS SHEPHERD said her husband had been attended by Dr Davis for bronchitis. He was at home for three months and returned to work a month ago, when he was much better, but not quite well. Dr Davis last attended him last Sunday week. He was then very ill, having had a rupture, but the doctor told him he would be all right after two days' rest. He returned to work on Wednesday when he seemed pretty well. She last saw him alive at 6.5 a.m. on Friday, when he told her he had had a terrible night with coughing, but he thought it would pass off. - Albert Wiles, boilermaker, Ainslie-terrace, Camel's Head, said he left the Dockyard with deceased at 5 p.m. on Friday. They got on a car at Morice-square and just as they got seated deceased said, "I must get off again." Witness who also got off asked him if he could do anything and he replied, "No, you can do nothing." He collapsed shortly afterwards and with assistance witness took him to the Hospital. Dr Hugh White said that when brought to the Hospital deceased was dead. The left lung and the whole chest were full of blood, due to rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. Both lungs were full of bronchitis and the heart was fatty, but the other organs were perfectly healthy. Possibly coughing caused the aneurism to burst. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Veteran's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN THOMAS WRIGHT, age 73, Garden-street, who died on Saturday. MRS WRIGHT said that while her husband was sitting on the side of the bed on September 12th, he stooped down to pull on his socks, when he gave a sudden jerk and she heard a click. Deceased said he thought he had broken his arm and witness took him to the Hospital. After remaining there nine days he returned home at his own wish and witness called Dr Gard in. - Dr W. J. Gard said that when he was called deceased was suffering from slight seizure and an ununited fracture of the left arm. he got a succession of seizures so that the whole side became paralysed. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, accelerated by the fracture. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - Deceased, who was a Crimean veteran joined the navy as a boy, went out to the Crimea with his father, and was awarded two medals. Thirty two years ago he retired with the rating of quarter master.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1911
STOKE GABRIEL - "Life A Blank." Devon Suicides Pathetic Letter. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on SYDNEY BEAVIS DUDOR, who was found shot dead in a field on his father's farm at Aish, Stoke Gabriel, on Monday afternoon. - MR JOHN BEAVIS DUDOR said deceased, aged 26, had suffered in his stomach and head, but did not have fits of depression. He could not account why deceased should take his life, as he had no worries. Witness's elder son committed suicide about three years ago and it was done in a similar manner. - Evidence of finding the body was given by a farm lad named F. Scadding, and another boy, Wm. Baker, said in the morning he saw deceased with a gun on his shoulder. - Dr Chapman, Totnes, said he had treated deceased for indigestion. Death would have been instantaneous. - P.C. Tucker said he was called to the field about 4.30. A gun was lying beside the deceased, one barrel of which had been fired. He searched the body and in a notebook was written, but unsigned, the following:- "10.55 a.m. - Good-bye dear father, mother and sister. Forgive me for the unkind things I have said: it is my poor head that made me say so. God will, I trust, have mercy on me. I cannot stand this depression any longer: my spirits are gone and life is a blank. I love you all dearly and hope to meet you all in a better world, where pain will be vanquished. Good-bye dear parents. You have been kind and true to me. " - The Jury found that deceased hilled himself in a fit of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Painter's Death. - The Plymouth Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE HENRY CHILCOTT, aged 41, painter, of St. John's-road, who died on Monday. - The widow stated that she last saw her husband alive just before noon on Monday. He had complained of pains in the lower part of the body since Saturday. She made poultices for application, and she sent for a doctor who prescribed. - The Coroner mentioned that there had been a rumour of an altercation of some sort between the deceased and someone else, but the widow replied that there was no truth in the suggestion. When Dr Hughes could not come she sent for another doctor, so as to get one as soon as possible. Dr McCarthy gave evidence and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WESTMINSTER, LONDON - Hotel Tragedy. Devonshire Doctor's Suicide In London. Remarkable Letter. - At Westminster Mortuary, London, yesterday, Mr John Troutbeck held an Inquest on DR ALLAN LESLIE FIELDING, of Ottery St. Mary, who on Saturday was found dead in bed at Faulkner's Hotel, Strand, under circumstances which pointed to self-poisoning. - Mr John Lhind Pratt, barrister, 3 Dr Johnson's-buildings, Temple, identified the body and stated that the deceased was aged 36 years. He had known him intimately for four years and he also knew the doctor's people. The deceased was married, and the widow would have been present to give evidence but for the fact that she was prostrated by grief. - The Coroner: When did you lat see him? - I am unable to fix the date, but I think it was about the end of January or the beginning of February. I was then home in connection with the Assizes. - Overwork And Inability To Sleep. - What did you think of him then as regards his general condition? - It was then a matter of comment between him and several of his friends that he was in a very nervous state. - Was there any cause? - On the last occasion I saw him he told me that he had been called out very constantly at night. The district of Ottery St Mary is a very scattered one, and he had to travel long distances. He said that out of the previous five nights he had been called out three times and the result was that he had had very little sleep even on the nights he had not been called out. He added: "I suppose I ought not to grumble, for that is what a doctor must expect." - Then he attributed his nervous condition to overwork and inability to sleep? - Yes. - Do you know how long that had gone on? - No. I do not, but we had noticed that he was rather nervous for seven or eight months. - He had no kind of trouble to account for this? - No. - Apart from sleeplessness was he in good health? - I should say yes. - He had no family difficulties? - None whatever. He and his wife lived remarkably happily together. - Do you know whether he had any business in London? - No. - Has he ever threatened to take his life? - Never to my knowledge. - It was never considered that his mind was in any way affected before his death? - No, but I have heard that he had a nervous breakdown when he was a student. He then disappeared for a short time. - Was he a hard worker? - Yes, he was: and I think he has been working especially hard lately. He was assistant to a Dr Reynolds and was about to acquire the practice. No doubt because of that he was particularly keen to secure fresh practice. - Can you identify his handwriting? - Yes. The two letters (produced) are in his handwriting. - Last Messages: Letter To The Coroner. - The Coroner then read two letters which had been left on the dressing table in the room at the Hotel. The first which was addressed to the Coroner himself, and dated February 10th, read:- "Sir,- I trust and hope you will make the Inquest a short and sharp one, and not expose one's private affairs for the halfpenny papers to dilate upon. I have been a medical practitioner for some years and have had considerable worry and overwork at times. I do not think I am insane; however, this is as your Jury may like to express it. The fact remains I have swallowed an overdose of hydro-cyanic, deliberately administered by my own hand. Please make the proceedings short and leave my poor widow in peace and do not cross-examine her." - The second letter, addressed to the manageress of Faulkner's Hotel, read:- "Pardon me for an enormous breach of etiquette in making your hotel notorious. Unfortunately I had to sleep somewhere. The night outside was dark, dull and melancholy and I had not the heart to forsake your Hotel. After I am gone please communicate with the vicar of Ottery St. Mary, who knows my wife and ask him to break the news to her. I have also left a letter for MRS FIELDING which I trust you will see delivered. Apologizing for this trouble, I remain, yours, &c. ALLAN LESLIE FIELDING." - Arrival Without Luggage. - The manageress of Faulkner's Hotel stated that deceased came to the Hotel at 8.30 p.m. on Friday without luggage. He took a room, for which he paid in advance. He said he had missed his train and would only stay the night. After writing some letters in the smoking-room he went to bed at about 10.30 p.m., a glass of hot milk which he ordered being sent to his room. At 11 o'clock next morning, as he did not come down to breakfast, witness sent the porter up to call him. The man came back and said he was dead. - Corroborative evidence was given by Bennett Colombo, the porter, who said when he forced the door of the room and entered the blinds were drawn and the electric lights on. The deceased lay on the bed fully dressed, his expression being so calm that he looked asleep. A glass half full of milk was on the dressing-table, whilst an empty bottle was by the bedside. - P.C. Popham spoke to being called in and seeing a blue bottle marked "Poison" by the bedside and another brown bottle in deceased's overcoat. The room was undisturbed. - Evidence By Dr Reynolds. - Dr Mortimer Reynolds of Ottery St. Mary, stated that the deceased had been his assistant for six years and was going to purchase the business from him. The last time he saw him was on Friday at 11.10 a.m. He did not observe anything wrong with him and deceased said nothing about his intention to go to London. Witness had not noticed that he was in a nervous state. The bottles found by the last witness were not obtained in his practice. - The Coroner: Had he to work very hard? - Not more so than doctors work as a rule. - The Coroner: I know in country districts doctors have to work very arduously. Had he any kind of bother or trouble? - Not that I am aware of. - Did he take holidays? - Oh, yes. - Dr R. S. Trevor, pathologist at St. George's Hospital, London, certified that the cause of death was poisoning by taking hydro-cyanic. From an internal examination he should say deceased had symptoms of influenza and pneumonia. "Result Of A Nervous Breakdown." - The Coroner said the evidence showed that the deceased was a hard-working man in medical practice. He was very happily married and apparently had no troubles. As the result of a nervous breakdown, however, he went to London, and in a Hotel there took poison. As a medical man there could be no doubt he would know the effect of the poison, and therefore he killed himself. As to his mental state, he was a man in fair if not robust health. The post-mortem examination had shown, however, that he was probably suffering from influenza at the time, which would have very likely upset his mental balance and led him to take poison. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," expressing sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 February 1911
TIVERTON - Son's Shocking Discovery. Tiverton Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Workhouse last evening by Mr A. Fisher, Coroner, on EMMA HARVEY, aged 78, widow, of Melbourne-street, Tiverton. - WILLIAM HARVEY, engineer's fitter, said deceased, his mother, lived with him. She had an old-age pension of 5s. a week and 2s. 6d. pension from Heathcoat and Co. On February 4th he left her at home at 7.15 and locked her in at her request. There was a fire in the grate and two lamps alight on the table, one having a naked flame. When he returned home at 9.45 he found her lying on the ground with her clothes smouldering. He pulled off the burnt clothing and got her into a chair. She was quite unable to explain how she caught on fire, and seemed dazed. He had found her on two previous occasions lying on the floor when he had returned home at night. She might have been intoxicated, but he did not know where she got the drink. There was none in the house on the 4th February. - Emma Harris, a neighbour, said on the Saturday night in question, a little girl shouted out that MRS HARVEY was on fire, and she (witness) ran to the house and found the old woman very much burnt. P.C. Elston and his wife and deceased's son were there before her. MRS HARVEY was insensible. - The Coroner: To put it plainly, she was too drunk to know it? - Yes. Her clothes were all burnt away round her neck and her face was charred and blackened. There was a small lamp on the table, and witness thought deceased's shawl might have caught fire. There was no evidence of burning anywhere else in the room, and the room was not in disorder. She had known deceased for a number of years and had not known her to drink until the past 12 months. Since then she had often seen her drunk. She was capable of fetching her own liquor. - Dr Pollock said he was fetched to the deceased who was suffering from extensive burns, but her mind was a blank as to how she received the injury. She was in such a condition as to feel no pain from the burns, and did not know she had had an accident at all. It was two or three days afterwards that she began to feel pain from the burns. She was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary and died from bronchitis and exhaustion following burns. - The Coroner in summing up said deceased was apparently not in a condition to wilfully set herself on fire, or to do anything intentionally. - A verdict of "Death from Bronchitis and Exhaustion following Burns Accidentally Received" was found.

TORQUAY - Torquay Motor Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr P.C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ROBERT ELSON CUMMINGS, cabinet-maker, 66, of Lower Union-lane, who was killed in Higher Union-street, Torre, on Monday evening, as the result of being knocked down by a motor car belonging to and which was being driven by, Mr W. R. V. Webb, of Lindridge, Bishopsteignton, an ex-Mayor of Torquay. Mr R. Hodge was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Mr Le Brasseur (Monmouth) and Mr G. H. Hext (Torquay) solicitors, attended on behalf of Mr Webb, who was also present. - Before any evidence was taken, Mr Le Brasseur said he was requested to express on Mr Webb's behalf his great regret at the unfortunate occurrence and his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - GEORGE CUMMINGS, porter, 44 Hoxton-road, Ellacombe, son of deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said his father was slightly deaf and had been lately using an ear trumpet which had been given him, his deafness being worse at one time than at another. The deafness had been coming on for several years and had been getting worse. - Mrs Louisa Cox, Bangor, Teignmouth-road, wife of Mr Frederick Cox, Bournemouth and sister of deceased, said he had been slightly deaf for years, and was more deaf when he had a cold, but he had had no cold lately. He used the ear trumpet only very occasionally, but was not in the habit of carrying it. He was not short-sighted, quite the contrary. Deceased left her house at ten minutes past eight on Monday evening. He was then in the very best of health and spirits. When deceased left her house he intended going across by Badham and Slomans, chemists, and up the lane by the side to East-street. He was always very careful in crossing a street and knew the rules of the road. - Joseph Pugh, painter, of 4 Brunswick-terrace, stated that he was in Brunswick-square at quarter-past eight, walking along in the direction of Torre-square, when he heard a motor car coming along behind him sounding the hooter. He had since learnt that the car was Mr Webb's and that Mr Webb was driving at the time. There were only two persons in the car. The road was clear as the car came along; it was going at a fairly good speed, about 12 or 13 miles an hour, the pace at which the tram cars would go when they were going at their fastest. Witness saw deceased cross the road and come out between the tree and the fountain, and, as the car came up, he stepped out to walk across the tram line. Deceased was walking along with his hands in his pockets, and appeared to be looking down. Witness did not see him stop to look and see if the road was clear. He had a basin under his arm. - Mrs Cox wished to ask witness a question, but the Coroner would not allow it at this stage. - Witness, continuing, said immediately deceased stepped out to the middle of the tram line the car struck him in the side. He had walked out about two strides from the fountain when he was struck. Directly he saw the lights of the car he jumped forward and back, as if hesitating. At this time the car was about two feet off. Witness did not think deceased was aware of the presence of the car before. He was knocked along and stuck in front of the car, and, as if passed along, his legs went under and finally his body and he was rolled up like a ball. The car dragged the body about five yards, and it was pulled up in twenty yards. Witness at once picked up deceased and in his opinion he was dead then. The man from the car also came back and witness asked him to take deceased to the Torbay Hospital, which he did. Before deceased was put in the car the doctor came. Deceased was struck by the car between the two lights. He should not think that his moving from behind the fountain would prevent his being seen by anyone in the car. There was an electric standard and lamp-post in a line with the fountain, but witness did not think this would form an obstacle. - By Mrs Cox: The hooter of the car was being sounded at the same time as it struck deceased. - By the Coroner: The hooter was not being sounded at first to warn deceased in particular. It was sounded three times altogether. - Dr Thistle said he was called and with a brief examination was satisfied that the man was dead, there being a severe fracture of the skull. Several ribs were broken, and death must have been instantaneous. - Answering a Juryman, the doctor said he considered the corner a dangerous one, the fountain obstructing the view down the road. - Albert Jordan said deceased was walking with his head down as if he were thinking. The car was travelling at from ten to twelve miles an hour. The road was absolutely clear. He thought CUMMINGS was aware of the presence of the car before he was struck. He appeared to hesitate, and did not know which way to go. - A Juryman: If the man had continued walking the car would have cleared him? - I think so. - Henry Phare said he heard the horn for quite a long time before he saw the car and it was being sounded all the way along to the point of the accident. The road was practically clear, but further back some boys were playing marbles in the street. The car pulled up within 20 or 25 feet of the accident. - Replying to Mrs Cox, witness expressed the opinion that the car swerved in the attempt to avoid the deceased. - Benjamin W. G. Payne said the car was not travelling more than ten miles an hour. Before reaching Brunswick-square the car had to swerve right across the road in order to avoid two boys who had run out of a side street. Just as it swerved the deceased came into the road from behind the fountain. After striking the deceased the car stopped within half if its own length. Had it not been for the boys Mr Webb would have proceeded on his right side of the road and no accident would have happened. - William Reginald Valentine Webb said he was driving the car. The road was practically clear before the boys ran out. He always sounded his horn at this point, knowing that it was a dangerous corner and that frequently children were playing about there. He was travelling from eight to ten miles an hour before the boys ran out. The deceased practically walked right in front of the car, coming out from behind the fountain. Witness thought the man saw the headlight on the ground. He jumped back and if he had proceeded further or stopped still there would not have been any accident. It was quite impossible to see anybody standing behind the fountain. If the man had gone on he (witness) could have pulled down into the Teignmouth-road. The horn was being sounded and if the man had not been deaf he would not have stepped into the road. The glass of the head lamp was smashed, showing that deceased had very nearly passed the car. - Mrs Cox: Is it a fact that from the time you let Torquay until the time you got to Torre, you were never on your right side of the road? - Mr Webb: No, it is not a fact. - Arthur Beresford Cooke, chauffeur to Mr Webb, who was in the car with him, at the time of the accident, said deceased seemed to step out of a dark shadow behind the fountain right in front of the car. The car had been going not more than eight or ten miles an hour, and when it struck deceased it was going much slower. - Neline Chalk, Union-street, said she saw deceased, after walking into the middle of the road, hesitate and then start to go back again, and it was then that he was struck by the car. - Mrs Merrifield, William Gale, a boy, of Brunswick-cottages, Police-Inspector Pratt and P.C. Friendship also gave evidence. - Summing Up And Verdict. - The Coroner, summing up, remarked upon the fact that there was some disagreement in the evidence, but said this was only natural under the circumstances. The most serious disagreement was that, whilst one witness said the car travelled 20 yards before it was pulled up, another said it was pulled up within about half its own length. If the deceased was deaf, the blame that might otherwise be attached to the driver was not nearly so great, if there was any blame at all. In the case of a man who was deaf or blind, it had been decided that he walked the streets at his own peril to a large extent. The lowest estimate of the speed of the car was eight miles an hour and the highest 13 miles and this was not an excessive speed. Several of the witnesses stated that deceased seemed to be looking down and that he did not look up or down the street to see if anything was coming. As to the children, there was the strongest evidence that some did run out. In regard to the horn, most of the witnesses agreed that it was sounded frequently. - After a quarter of an hour's private consultation by the Jury the Foreman expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved. Out of the very large number of Inquests he had taken part in during the last 30 years, he regarded this one as the most important of them all and he could not help feeling that the public and the Press were looking to them to do their duty. The Jury were agreed that the horn of the motor car was sounded and that there was deafness on the part of deceased and their unanimous verdict was that it was a case of Accidental Death, with nobody to blame. But they strongly desired to represent their wish that the fountain should be removed from its present position to nearer the railings, so that the danger should be avoided. - The Coroner asked if it was the wish of the Jury that he should make a representation to this effect to the Town Council on their behalf. - The foreman replied that this was their wish. He added that the Jury also thought that there should be greater care taken and less furious driving in the streets. - The Coroner observed that, as the Foreman had said, the Jury considered that there was no blame attached to anyone, it was unfortunate to suggest about furious driving. - The Foreman said the law allowed drivers to go at a certain speed and they thought they ought not to be allowed to go so fast. - The Coroner: But in this case you consider there is no one to blame? - The Foreman: That is so, sir. - The Coroner remarked that a verdict of Accidental Death conveyed the view that no one was to blame. Did the Jury wish that to be added as a rider? - The Foreman said there was a difference of opinion upon this point, some of the Jury thinking that, if these words were not added to the verdict, legal questions might arise. - The point was put to the Jury upon which they intimated that they were not unanimous and the verdict was entered as "Accidental Death." - The proceedings lasted three hours and a half.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 February 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Mystery. Mother, Baby And Son Through The Window? - The Doctor's Theory. - The Inquest on FREDERICK MASKELL, aged 8, was held yesterday at Devonport Guildhall, before the Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce). The child was discovered by a private lying on the pavement in Granby Barracks after having fallen from a window 30 feet above. It was in a pool of blood obviously in a dying state, with the mother bending over. - SERGEANT PETER MASKELL, A.S.C., No. 3, Married Quarters, B. Block, Granby Barracks, said on Tuesday morning he got up at 5.30 and left his wife in bed nursing the baby, aged four months. He had two other children in addition to the deceased, and they were in bed in the attic. He told his wife he would be back at seven o'clock and she said "All right, I'll be up and get your breakfast." She appeared to be in her usual health, but lately she had suffered from insomnia. The quarters were not so good as the last they were in. They were not so clean and that rather worried his wife. The window-sill was about two feet wide and four feet above the floor of the room. If they wanted to do anything to the window or the blind they would have to get on the sill, which was inside the window. The blind was a trifle defective, rendering it a little difficult to roll up. There was a chair in the room, placed there on Monday, for when he returned his wife said, "I've had another fine old go. I caught eight bugs and got this chair to catch one up in the window." - MRS MASKELL'S Story. - He first heard of the accident about seven o'clock, and when he saw his wife she knew him and said, "Oh, my poor head," and "Where's baby." He asked HORACE where the baby was and he fetched the baby from upstairs and his wife kissed it. he saw his wife in the Hospital and she seemed herself again, and told him all about it. She went upstairs to light the gas, she said, and it went out again, the air coming through the pipe. She wanted some light, and went to pull up the blind, but she could not get it to go up. Then she called FREDDIE, and said "Get up, FREDDIE, and help me to get this blind up." FREDDIE started to pull the blind up and it ran against the wall and his wife being in a hurry, said, "Get it up FREDDIE, father will soon be home." She looked around for one of the boys, who asked her for a piece of bread and butter and hearing a thud she immediately turned right around again and, she said, "FREDDIE was not there, and she could not recollect anything after that. "Then," concluded the witness in a broken voice, "I asked her plain." I said, "Did you push FREDDIE out of the window?" She looked at me straight in the face, and said, "No. I never pushed him out of the window." - HORACE JAMES MASKELL, son of the previous witness, age 14, said he got up at 6.20 and his mother was then in the bedroom. He had tried to get the blind up before, but it would not go up straight; there was something wrong with it. His mother appeared to be all right, just as usual, but was worried about the quarters. - Finding The Child. - Private John Cook 1st Leinster Regt. said on Tuesday morning at 6.45 he heard a woman groaning. She was lying on the footpath and he asked her what was up and she made no reply. There were two children there. The younger boy appeared to be sleeping, but he turned him over. he then looked at the other boy and found that he was in a pool of blood. He shouted for help and took FREDDIE across to the medical inspection house, seeing he was the worse of the two. He put the boy in his topcoat and then took him to the Military Family Hospital, finding they could do nothing for the child at the inspection house. - Capt. J. Tobin, R.A.M.C., said he was in charge of the Military Family Hospital and on Tuesday he was called to the Hospital and got there at twenty minutes to eight. He found FRED MASKELL dying. He died ten minutes after his arrival. He was suffering from haemorrhage, presenting all the symptoms of loss of blood. he had a wound over the left side of the forehead, half an inch in length and a quarter of an inch in depth and an inch and a half above the left eyebrow. blood flowed freely from the wound. The top of the skull was driven in. As the result of his post-mortem examination, he found that when the scalp was removed there appeared considerable blood effusion beneath and the upper portion of the vault of the skull was shattered into several pieces, one piece being driven into the brain and the brain as a whole was lacerated. The cause of death was due to the fracture of the skull which caused the laceration of the blood vessels and gave rise to haemorrhage. The child was not conscious after the accident. - Mother's Condition. - He went to see the mother and the other boy, KENNETH. The mother was irrational; she was moaning, very excited and talking to herself. She looked as if she was "scared to death." She would make statements such as, "I have not slept since Friday night." She would complain of the quarters and said "I tried to light the gas and could not do so." Those statements were made at lucid intervals. He asked her questions and she replied that she did not know how herself or her boy KENNETH got hurt. She and KENNETH were severely injured, showing that they too must have had a fall. - The Coroner: All three must have come through the window. - The witness, continuing, said KENNETH was still dangerously ill and he did not think MRS MASKELL would be out of the Hospital before six months. He knew MRS MASKELL and she was an excellent mother and found of her children. She had previously suffered from neurasthenia. At this time she was nursing the baby and that was a great strain; then she moved to these quarters and did not like them, and she had also suffered from insomnia and all that added to her original suffering of neurasthenia was quite enough to excite her. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said FREDDIE was injured in the head and head alone. The other boy KENNETH would fall on the other boy down there and roll over on his back and head, and that would explain his injuries. The mother fell on her feet and then on to her back. That explained her injuries. - Detective Inspector Rundle said he found a letter written by the mother the previous evening. It was to her sister, couched in the usual affectionate terms, and enclosed a 5s. order to make a couple of nightgowns for KENNETH. - The Summing Up. - The Coroner, summing up, said they sympathised with SERGT. MASKELL in the terrible calamity which had befallen him in not only losing his boy FREDERICK, but having his wife and other child lying seriously ill. They had heard the medical evidence and they might be satisfied that death was due to haemorrhage and they must also be satisfied the injuries were caused by a fall from the window. The next point was whether there was anyone responsible for that fall; whether he fell out of the window, or was pushed out by some person. There could be no doubt that the three persons must have come through the window. It was [portion of text unreadable due to faint print] by his mother. They had the information that MRS MASKELL had been suffering from insomnia and neurasthenia and on that particular morning her mind was unhinged. It was said that there was something wrong with the blind and FREDDIE was called to see to it and then the younger one called out and the mother turned around and within that space of time FREDDIE disappeared. From that time her mind was a blank. That was a very feasible explanation of the matter. The boy might have fallen out of the window and she, being in such a state, she might have suddenly made up her mind to go through the window herself with the other child. Whether that was so or no they could not say. The mother would be a patient at the Hospital for some time and if they adjourned the Inquest she might decline to answer any questions that would incriminate herself, so they might not be any better off if they did that, and that was assuming she did push the child out. The question was would they be justified in adjoining the Inquest for her attendance, assuming she pushed the boy through the window. They might believe it was an accident - and he hoped they all believed it to be an accident, but he did not think the evidence was strong enough to say it was an accident. It was the case they could bring in a verdict that death was due to those injuries but there was not sufficient evidence to show whether the injuries were accidental or otherwise. That seemed to him to be the safest course for them to adopt. In that case, if it ever became known that she did push the boy out of the window it would not interfere with the duty of the Police, should they consider it necessary to perform it later on. - The Verdict - The Jury found that "Death was due to Injuries inflicted as the result of a Fall, but there was not sufficient evidence to show whether the fall was Accidental or not." They also desired to exercise their sympathy with the father. - The Coroner, on behalf of himself and the Jury expressed sympathy with SERGT. MASKELL in the terrible calamity that had befallen him. They scarcely knew how to sufficiently express their sorrow and they sincerely hoped that MRS MASKELL and the other boy would speedily recover.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 February 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. Sad Story told At Inquest. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on ANNIE WILLCOCKS, aged 41, who had resided at 5 Granby Street-ope. - HARRY WILLCOCKS, son, aged 22, employed in H.M. Dockyard, said his father, who had been at Johannesburg for two and a half years, was an iron moulder. Altogether there were five children, the youngest being seven years old. He (witness) earned 22s. a week, and had given his mother 19s. 6d. His other brother, who was earning £1 1s., gave her 19s. His father had sent money home at Christmas, but not since. Deceased, who had not been enjoying good health, had drank for some time, and the home was in a shocking condition. A fortnight ago a relieving officer came to see deceased, who was in bed, and on the same day Dr Fleming called and saw her. She had been in bed ever since, but had not received any medical attendance. Witness, his brother and sister fetched brandy when deceased was in bed, as she used to say that it was the only thing that did her good. She laid on one sheet and had one blanket to cover her. When he got up on Thursday morning he called her, but did not get any answer, but as he was late for work he hurried off. Shortly after his brother came to him in the Dockyard and informed him that she was dead. - HENRY WILLCOCKS said deceased was his sister-in-law. She was a heavy drinker and when he saw the home on Thursday he was absolutely ashamed. He never would have dreamed that there could have been such a home in a civilized country, and it was all due to the drink. When his brother left for South Africa there was not a sweeter home in the country. - Dr R. J. Fleming said he went and saw deceased on February 2nd in company with the Relieving officer. He found her in bed, scantily clothed. He examined her, but could only detect a slight occasional wheeziness in her chest. He considered she was in a gross state of neglect and he spoke to the boys about it. He conveyed to them that if anything happened they would be liable. the Relieving Officer suggested that she should go to the Infirmary, but none of them would hear of it. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found she had suffered from acute pneumonia of the left lung. The liver, kidneys and spleen showed excessive alcoholism. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that he could not say that she required medical attendance when he first saw her, but he thought it would be better for her to go to the Infirmary, in order that she might be removed from her squalid surroundings. - The Coroner suggested, although the duty was not incumbent upon him, whether it would not be a wise proceeding for the sake of the young children to report such a case to the Inspector of the N.S.P.C.C. - Dr Fleming considered that would be the best course to adopt in future. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very shocking case and was entirely due to the drinking habits of deceased. The boys, who at first sight seemed to be somewhat to blame, were hard-working boys and had apparently no control over their mother, of whom they were evidently very fond. The boys practically paid all their wages to her and under the circumstances he could not say that they were in any way to blame. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1911
EXETER - Sordid Story. Women Censured At Exeter For Child Neglect. A Family Tangle. - Exeter City Coroner (Mr W. L. Brown) yesterday afternoon resumed the Inquest on VICTOR EMMANUEL TOUGH, aged nine months, son of FLORENCE ALICE TOUGH. Since the adjournment the mother has been detained at Exeter Gaol in order to ensure her attendance at the adjourned Inquiry yesterday, and extensive inquiries have been made by the Police both locally and in London. - The Mother's Evidence. - FLORENCE TOUGH, the mother, recalled, was warned by the Coroner that it was possible some charge might be made against her in respect of these proceedings, and therefore she was not bound to incriminate herself. She said she wished to correct the evidence she gave at the last hearing. Her name was not Wells, but TOUGH and she had never been married. The statement she made last time, therefore, that she was married, was untrue. Deceased was her child. She came to 4 Holloway-buildings, to live in June last. She had then five children with her. Four of them belonged to her sister, MRS MELOY. The fifth was the deceased. Another child of hers was with a woman named Mrs Heard, of Holloway-street. Mrs Lawson brought another child to her from London in August. Witness registered that child as Olive Lawson. Deceased was born in April last, when witness was living in Friars'-gate. She came home on January 27th from Exmouth, where she had been staying two months. While she was away at Exmouth Mrs Lawson was in charge of the children at Holloway-buildings. When she came home from Exmouth she found that the children were suffering from colds. Dr Clapp was called in. - Certificate Refused. - When witness saw him on January 30th he asked where her sister was. "He also asked," said witness, "Who was collecting all the babies, and spoke about baby farming and all sorts. He bulled me like a bloomin' dog." On the 2nd February four of the children were taken to the Workhouse, and she was left with Olive Lawson and the deceased. When Dr Clapp called again, on February 9th, a Mrs Tredgett told him that the baby was bad and would he look at it. He called their attention to a large blister scar from the knee to the ankle on the left leg. She replied that she did not know it was a burn; she was surprised at it herself. The child had always been sore from birth. The doctor said he considered the child had been neglected and he should refuse to give a certificate if the child died. - By the Coroner: She did not call the attention of Dr Clapp to the child before as she did not know there was any need for it. She registered the deceased in the name of WELLS. - A Juror said judging from the condition of the child it must have been in a bad condition for some time. - Witness replied that the child had been sore from birth and she had "tried every blessed thing for it." - A Family Tangle. - Supt. Dymond: How many sisters have you got? - Three. - What are their names? - One is MRS LAWSON, and one is ROSINA MELOY and there is myself. - How many are married? - Two. - Where did you live prior to coming to Exeter? - I could not tell you that; I have lived all over the place. - Pressed for an answer, she said she came from London to Sidmouth, but she could not tell the address at Sidmouth. - How many children had you to look after when at Sidmouth? - None at all. - Who brought the two little Meloys to you? - My brother-in-law brought the four of them down. His name is Lawson. - Where is Lawson now? - that is what we want to know. - Who is Lawson living with now in London? - I don't know if he is still living with the person he was last time, but I know he was living with my sister, Mrs Meloy. - Witness added that two of the four children were named Meloy and two Lawson. - Then the four children were those of your sister, Mrs Meloy? - Yes. - Whose child is that you registered in the name of Lawson? - Mine. - Was Lawson the father of it? - Yes. - How many children were born on the Friars? - Two in the same house. - And they are your children? - Yes, STANLEY and VICTOR. - Who was the father of them? - I don't know. - You looked after the Meloys. did you receive any maintenance money? - I received money for about six or eight weeks, but that was the most. - Whom did you receive that money from? - I always got a money order from Wm. George Lawson. She added that she could not tell what address she wrote him in London. Since the maintenance money ceased her (witness's) mother supported the children as much as she could. Witness had to go down to Exmouth to help to support them. - When the doctor called didn't he say "What is the matter with that child there?" - No, he didn't; it is like his cheek to say so. - The Doctor's Warning. - Mr G. T. Clapp, Surgeon, said he attended the deceased as District Medical Officer of the Exeter Union. He first attended at Holloway Buildings on the 25th January. He had an order to visit three of the children. On January 31st he received further orders to see two of the other children. He next visited on February 2nd, and as a result four of the children were removed to the Workhouse. On the first two visits Mrs Lawson was in charge, and on the third visit the last witness was there, and said Mrs Lawson had gone to Exmouth to take her place. The deceased could hardly breathe. He examined the child and the first thing which struck him was the condition of the legs. One leg, from the knee to the ankle, bore a big blister containing matter. The other leg was similarly affected, but was not so bad. It was in a state of inflammation, but it had not reached the blistering state. He remarked to the woman "You have been burning that child." She replied that it was not so; it was due to natural causes. In an off-hand sort of way she said the child had only been in that condition since the previous day. He found that the child had double pneumonia. He told her the child had been greatly neglected and asked why she had not mentioned the case to him before. She replied that she intended doing so two days previously. He said he thought the child was going to die, and if it did so he should decline to give a certificate, as there had been so much neglect shown. The child appeared to be fairly well nourished. Since the child's death he had made a post-mortem examination and came to the conclusion that the child must have had pneumonia for four or five days. The condition of the legs was of much longer standing and the child must have been left in a neglected state day after day. - By the Coroner: If medical attention had been drawn to the child before, its life might have been saved. There was no doubt that its death was contributed to by the general neglect. There appeared to have been no regard for life; it was simply left to die. - By Superintendent Dymond: The general neglect must have been long continued. - Mrs Emily Tredgett, of Holloway-buildings, wife of a labourer, said she noticed the sores on the child at Christmas and she spoke to Mrs Lawson about it. It was then attended to. - By Superintendent Dymond: She did not think the child had been neglected. - Would you like to have one of your children like it? - No, sir, because I should see what the matter was. - Another Family Link. - MARIE LOUISA LAWSON said she was the wife of Wm. George Lawson. He was an electrical engineer when she knew him. She did not know where he lived. Deceased was her sister's child. Witness was in charge of the children from 26th November until 27th January whilst her sister was at Exmouth. She did not remember the last witness calling her attention to the child's condition at Christmas. She noticed that the skin was always raw and she attended to the child. - By the Jury: She had no children of her own. She did not call the doctor's attention to the deceased, as it appeared healthy and was always laughing. - By Superintendent Dymond: Why did you give up the custody of the children to your sister? - Because it was too much for me to attend to the children. - When you gave the children over to your sister, did you draw attention to the condition of the deceased? - Not to the soreness, but simply to its sleepy condition. - You are not living with your husband? - No. - Who is he living with now? - My sister (MRS MELOY); - It was your husband who brought the Meloys to Exeter? - Yes. - Family History. - Detective-Sergeant Hoyle said on February 9th he visited 4 Holloway-buildings, where he found the woman TOUGH and the children occupying practically one room. The room was dirty, and smelt very bad. On February 9th he went to Exmouth and saw MRS LAWSON, who said OLIVE LAWSON one of the children, belonged to her, but witness found that that was not so. He afterwards saw the woman TOUGH, who said the child was adopted by her, but that she did not know whom it belonged to. The child, however, belonged to the woman TOUGH. On February 13th he made inquiries and found that the woman was not married at St. Pancras Registry London. He had obtained the marriage certificates of the Meloys and Lawsons. Meloy was now dead and Lawson married the last witness. - MRS TOUGH, mother of FLORENCE TOUGH and Mrs Lawson, said when she saw deceased in November it was a healthy baby, and had nothing the matter with it. FLORENCE TOUGH recalled said the children were not insured. - The Verdict. - The Jury after a consultation in private returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" but added that FLORENCE TOUGH, the mother, should be severely censured for her gross neglect of the child. MRS LAWSON should also be censured and they hoped that the Police would take proceedings against FLORENCE TOUGH under the Children Act for neglecting the child. - The Coroner, in censuring the two women , said the Jury had taken a very merciful view of the case, for there were very grave doubts whether the verdict would be one of manslaughter. - FLORENCE TOUGH was afterwards charged by the Police with neglect and placed in the cells.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1911
SEATON AND BEER - The Seaton Suicide. A Gentleman's Delusions. - Dr Tweed, Coroner, held an Inquest at Seaton yesterday on CHARLES HERBERT WHALLEY, aged 37, of no occupation, of Woodlea, Bromborough, Cheshire. - FREDERICK H. WHALLEY, a managing director of 30 West Park, Eltham, said the deceased, his brother, chiefly lived with his mother and married sister at Bromborough. About six weeks ago he was staying with witness in Kent. He was then much more cheerful than he usually was. When he left witness's house he went to stop with his brother, MR H. J. WHALLEY, at Wharncliffe, Bexley. That was the last time witness saw him alive. He had suffered at various times from mental depression and delusions. In 1908 he was under medical treatment for suicidal tendencies and delusions. He remained under the treatment of a specialist at Uxbridge for about three months and afterwards remained at a private house under certificates, which were eventually removed. He then went to Southsea, where he was visited occasionally by a specialist and was eventually discharged as cured. Since 1909 he had stopped with his brothers and sisters or travelled about in his motor car, fishing in the summer. He had been able to manage his own affairs. He visited Seaton for about a month in the summer and went fishing a good deal. Witness was unaware of the present visit to Seaton. His mother had been in regular correspondence with the deceased. Witness heard of his death from his brother-in-law at Liverpool on Wednesday. He had never heard him threaten to take his life since he was under restraint, but formerly he had heard him say so, and when in confinement he said he wished he had taken his own life. He must have had a recurrence of his old trouble, judging by a note which he had written witness. He was referring to an old delusion. The gentleman mentioned in the note was dead. He died a natural death, but his brother always had a delusion that he committed suicide. - The Coroner said he did not think it was necessary that the note should be read in public. - Dr Evans said he was called to 2 Trevelyan-road on Wednesday, where he found deceased lying on his bed with his throat cut. A large quantity of haemorrhage had come from the wound which divided the big vessels on both sides. It was a left-handed wound. Witness was handed a half-ounce bottle, which contained three drachms of chlorodyne which was found in the room. Witness, however, did not think that deceased had taken any chlorodyne. - Mrs Beatrice Godbeer, 2 Trevelyan-road, said deceased came to her house on Monday last about 2.30 to look at two rooms, which he engaged for a week. He wrote a letter and went out to post it. He came in and had tea at four and dined at eight o'clock. He remained in for the remainder of the night. On Tuesday he went out after lunch and remained out about three-parts of an hour. He went to bed about nine and witness did not hear any more of him that night. On Wednesday morning the servant discovered blood in the passage below his bedroom. Witness saw that it came through the ceiling. Suspecting something had happened, witness told the servant to go to the room with deceased's hot water. She could get no reply, and as witness's husband also got no reply the Police were sent for. Deceased seemed in a nervous condition the day before. He spoke about his fishing on the occasion of his last visit to Seaton. Deceased applied to her for apartments last June, but she was unable to accommodate him. - P.C. Partridge said he was unable to force open deceased's bedroom door and he got into the room through the window. Deceased was lying in bed with his throat cut. The body was cold. The left hand was grasping a razor. Beside the bed was a letter addressed to deceased's brothers. - The Coroner said deceased in the letter asked if his brother FRED could put him up for a week as his other brother HAROLD was having his house done up. He said he left Thurlestone on Sunday and came to Seaton on Monday. He signed himself, "Your affectionate brother, CHARLES," and there was a postscript in which he wished his brother good-bye and referred to the delusion spoken of by his brother. - P.C. Partridge said deceased had £12 or £13 in his possession. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - The Coroner said had it not been for the unmistakable evidence of previous insanity in this case he should have asked the Jury to return a verdict of "Felo de se," so as to act as a deterrent to others, because this was the third case of the kind he had had within a short period. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 February 1911
BRIXHAM - Paraffin Danger. Fatal Accident To Brixham Child. - At the Market Hall, Brixham, yesterday the Inquest on WINNIFRED HAMMOND, who died as the result of shock through burns received on January 3rd, was resumed. ALICE HAMMOND, the mother of the deceased, being certified by Dr Brett Young as too ill to attend, the Jury adjourned to the Cottage Hospital, where her evidence was taken. She stated that on the day named she trimmed a lamp, afterwards putting a tin containing about a pint of paraffin under the kitchen table. She then took the lamp into the front room and placed it where it was always kept. Her child WINNIFRED, unknown to her, picked up the tin and followed her into the front room where there was a fire in an open grate. Hearing the child scream, she turned round and saw the girl in flames. She thought the child must have attempted to throw oil in the fire from the tin, but could not say definitely that this was so. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 February 1911
PLYMOUTH - Died After Playing Hockey. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday at 2 Queen's Gate-terrace, Plymouth, on BENTLEY PARKHOUSE, aged 37. MISS BEATRICE PARKHOUSE, sister, stated that her brother, who was a provision merchant, came home in a cab on Saturday afternoon after playing hockey. He complained of being faint, but on witness giving him some brandy he revived somewhat. Witness had never heard him complain of his heart before. Deceased went upstairs and bathed his head with water, as he was still feeling faint. He then came downstairs, and witness noticing that his hands were very white, asked him if he were cold, but he replied that he was hot. Witness suggested that he should go to his room, and deceased then ran upstairs saying "I am all right now; a cup of tea will put me up." Whilst preparing his tea she went to his bedroom and found him lying on the bed dead. - Dr H. W. Webber, Queen Anne-terrace, said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. Deceased was too old a man to have played hockey. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

BRIXHAM - Ex-Guard's Death At Brixham. - At the Lower Market Hall, Brixham, on Monday, an Inquest was held on SAMUEL TAYLOR, late guard of the Torquay express. JULIA DUNSTON said her father, the deceased, aged 69, retired from the service of the G.W.R. company at Christmas 1909. On Friday he left Brixham by the 2.15 p.m. for Newton Abbot to attend a function at which Captain Morrison-Bell, M.P. was present. He complained of feeling very poorly and said he was not fit to go, but had promised his old mates that he would. He intended to return on Saturday, but did not. - William Caseley, porter, deposed that deceased returned to Brixham by the 7.27 p.m. train from Newton Abbot on Sunday. He did not hear him complain of illness. - Samuel E. Sprague, proprietor of the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, stated that deceased came to the Hotel at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday, complained of feeling unwell and was served with a glass of hot brandy, after which he left, intending to return. At 8.10 p.m. witness was informed that he was lying near the wall opposite the back entrance to the Hotel, apparently dead. Dr Tivy was summoned. - Sarah Skedgell, having given evidence of finding deceased lying in the road, Dr C. r. F. Tivy testified that he had treated deceased for heart disease. Death was due to "Natural Causes". A verdict was returned accordingly. Hello

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. The Mother Censured. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BEATRICE JANE BADMIN, the 11 months' old daughter of a labourer in the Dockyard. - DANIEL GEORGE BADMIN, 35 Edinburgh-road, said about three weeks ago Dr Bolus was called in, and he (witness) was under the impression that he had been attending the house regularly since. Last Saturday he saw the child was very ill and he told his wife to get the doctor. When he returned from work in the evening the child was dead. - MAUD ELIZABETH BADMIN, mother, said the child had been pining away. She sent for Dr Bolus on Saturday afternoon, but he was out, and the child died about 3.30. - Inspector G. Westcott, N.S.P.C.C., said when he visited the house on January 27th the child was in a dirty condition. On February 2nd the child was clean. He asked the mother to give it something to eat and deceased took the food very ravenously. There was no improvement in the condition of the child on the 8th. Last Saturday he visited the house again, accompanied by Detective-Inspector Rundle. He saw a feeding bottle, which was very dirty and foul smelling. He asked her how she accounted for the condition of the home, and she replied that she did not know how to manage one. He thought, however, it was pure laziness; the place was like a pigsty. - Dr Bolus said he found the child weighed only 6lb. 12oz., which was less than some children weighed at birth. The cause of death was gastric catarrh. The condition of the child was due to improper feeding, especially in the early months of life. The condition of the home was not what it should be. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and considered that the mother should be censured. - The Coroner said, although the improper feeding of the child might have been due to ignorance, as probably it was, yet nothing could excuse the dirty condition of the home and the dirty condition in which the woman herself and the children were found when visited by the Inspector. He was surprised that a woman of her age should keep her home in such a filthy state. He was sure she fully deserved to be censured. His advice to her was in future to see that her children were kept clean and well and properly fed, for the Inspector would continue to keep his eye on them.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Result Of A Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE ALFRED IMPETT, of Folkestone, fireman on the steamship Webburn, who was admitted to the Homeopathic Hospital on February 15th. - ALFRED IMPETT, engine cleaner, Folkestone, said his brother wrote informing him of an accident he had whilst alone in the engine-room. The ship, he said, was about four hours from Plymouth, when he went to fetch some water. On returning with the water he slipped and fell. He called for help, and was found to have sustained a fractured knee. - Dr Wilmot said deceased was brought to the Hospital on the evening of the 15th suffering from a fractured knee-cap. He was given every attention. He died on the 24th ult. from blood poisoning, caused by the injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Suicide At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE WHITE , aged 70, labourer, of Ilfracombe. - ELIZA JANE WHITE said deceased, her husband, had done no work for 8 years, and for many months he had been suffering from a nervous complaint. Latterly he had been much depressed, but he had never shown any tendency to commit suicide. Deceased slept by himself, as he had a habit of walking in his sleep. On Sunday night he was very restless and witness and her daughter went into his room several times during the night. About half-past four they heard the window being opened and on going into the room found it to be empty, and the window wide open. Subsequently deceased was found dead in the garden. - Dr Osborne said deceased had broken his neck and death must have been instantaneous. He had previously attended deceased, but did not consider his mind was sufficiently weak to send him to an Asylum. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Naval Pensioner. - An Inquest was held at Cobourg-street Schools, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on WILLIAM JOHN BIRDMAN, aged 49, labourer, of 7 Compton-street. EMILY BIRDMAN said the deceased, her husband, was a naval pensioner. He had worked as a labourer in the Dockyard. On Tuesday night he appeared quite well and had his supper as usual. At twenty past ten he went to bed but at twenty minutes to eleven o'clock deceased woke her up, making a dreadful noise. Witness asked him why he made the noise and tried to wake him but as he did not move she sent for the doctor, who on his arrival found him dead. Deceased had complained of shortness of breath before. Dr Aikman said death was due to heart disease of long standing. Verdict - "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 3 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Tailor's Death. Inquest At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on FREDERICK KESSELL, age 38, ship's tailor of H.M.S. Impregnable. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - MRS S. BINMORE, 6 Marlborough-street, said deceased, who was her brother, was unmarried. When on shore he had his meals at witness's house, but had a room at 33 Cannon-street. She last saw him alive at 7.30 on Monday evening, when he was in his usual good health. Deceased was not a teetotaller, but there was nothing wrong with him when he left her house on Monday evening. - A. E. Young, 33 Cannon-street, said deceased had occupied a room at his house for four years. He appeared to be in good health. Witness last saw him alive short before eleven on Monday night, when witness went to the front door to let him in. Deceased was under the influence of drink. As was customary, witness asked him for the key of his room and opened the door. Witness then put the key inside the door, and left deceased sitting on a chair near the door. Deceased did not say anything about having had a fall. Deceased usually went on board at 7 a.m., but witness always went to work before that time. No one saw deceased leave the house on Tuesday morning, and he did not come home on Tuesday night, but witness was not surprised at this, as he did not always come home. Deceased was generally under the influence of drink, more or less, when he came home. - MRS BINMORE said she looked after deceased's room, and was there on Monday evening. - T. J. Guscott, ship's corporal, H.M.S. Impregnable, said deceased was a naval tailor and left the ship at 4 p.m. on Monday, and should have been on board at 6.45 a.m. on Tuesday, but he did not return to the ship, and on Wednesday witness was sent on shore to see where he was. The door of deceased's room at 33 Cannon-street was unlocked and on entering the room witness found deceased, who was fully clothed, lying on the floor dead. Deceased used to drink pretty freely when on shore, but was always all right when he returned to the ship. - Inspector Vose said he was called to deceased's room and found a considerable quantity of blood under him. Witness saw that deceased was dead, but sent for a doctor, who pronounced life extinct. Witness was of opinion that deceased fell from a chair. - Dr F. W. Allkin, who was called to the house and afterwards made a post-mortem examination, said he found, on opening the windpipe, a great quantity of vomited matter - partly digested food - which had come from the stomach. The general condition of the organs pointed to suffocation. The heart was enlarged, but perfectly healthy. The left side of the heart was empty of blood. The lungs were congested; the liver was enormously enlarged and cirrhotic. The stomach was quite empty. The brain was perfectly healthy and there was no fracture. There were no external marks of violence. Witness considered he had been dead from 20 to 24 hours when witness saw the body. The cirrhotic liver was indicative of alcoholism. - The Coroner was afraid death must be attributed to deceased's drinking habits. - The Jury found that death was due to suffocation, caused by the lodgement of vomited matter in the windpipe while deceased was in a state of alcoholism.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident Near Torpoint. Inquest On A Naval Seaman. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of a naval seaman, named WILLIAM HENRY DALLEN, serving in H.M.S. Indefatigable, who died in the Hospital on Tuesday from injuries received as the result of a bicycle accident near Torpoint. Mr Eyton Peck, Solicitor, appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - ALFRED FREDERICK DALLEN, a naval pensioner, of St John's, Cornwall, and father of the deceased, said his son left home on the morning of February 28th to cycle to Torpoint to rejoin his ship. He heard later that his son had met with an accident and he went to the spot, where he found him unconscious, and he accompanied him to the Hospital. The bicycle, a good one, was not at all damaged. The deceased was a good rider. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he really thought the condition of the road was largely responsible for the accident. There were very large gutters and the road sloped inwards to these gutters a great deal more than it should do. There was a very steep descent. He felt that if the water-tables, as they were called, were filled in and the road made good, it would minimise the danger. The road had been washed or worn away, but it had not been repaired. Witness, however, did not attribute blame to anybody. Deceased was 19 years old. - Harold Sowden, labourer, in Devonport Dockyard, said he was walking from St. John's, to Torpoint. Going down the hill he heard a bicycle bell ring behind him, and he was simultaneously struck by deceased's bicycle, and knocked down. DALLEN was thrown and injured. The accident occurred at a curve, and the deceased was practically upon witness before he saw him. He thought that DALLEN must have been riding too fast. It was raining heavily, and deceased was wearing his oilskins. Witness did not think the condition of the road had anything to do with the accident, although the surface was not a good one. It was perfectly dark at the time of the accident. - George Henry Lakeman, skilled Dockyard labourer, who accompanied the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. - Samuel Sparkes, able seaman, at the Royal Naval Barracks, said he was cycling with the deceased, who was a few yards ahead of him. They both had their lights. Witness heard a bump and saw DALLEN'S oilskin dragging on the road. Deceased was not going fast at first, but as he went down the hill, which was a long one, his speed increased. - Mr Leonard Warren, Surgeon, at the R.N. Hospital, said DALLEN, when admitted, was not conscious and he died the same day at 5 p.m. He was suffering from injuries to his head. Witness had made a post-mortem examination, and found that DALLEN died from fracture of the skull and extensive laceration of the brain and haemorrhage. - The Coroner, summing up, said that, judging by the evidence, the road did not conduce to the accident, yet it appeared to be in such a condition that he thought it would be their duty to call the attention of the surveyor to it, to see if anything could be done to put it into a better state for the use of pedestrians, cyclists, and others. - The Jury concurred with the Coroner's remarks and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - A vote of sympathy was passed to MR DALLEN and family. - The funeral of the deceased will take place at St. John's tomorrow afternoon, with naval honours.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1911
TEIGNMOUTH - Lady Cyclist's Death. Inquest At Teignmouth. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at Teignmouth last evening, held an Inquest on BESSIE DREW STEER, wife of JAMES STEER, tobacconist, of Fore-street. - The husband said his wife, aged 48, left home on Thursday afternoon for a cycle ride. She cycled very little and was not a good rider, but very careful. She was brought home dead about a quarter of an hour after leaving home. - Leonard Stockham, bricklayer, Dawlish-road, said he was cycling to Newton Abbot, and stopped on the way. He noticed deceased riding very slowly down the slight incline leading from Broadmeadow House. He turned his head away and just after heard a thud close beside him. On looking round he saw deceased lying on the ground about three yards away from him and about 3ft. from the hedge. The road was smooth and dry and in good condition. Deceased was lying on her side, just as she had fallen when riding. Her dress was perfectly clear of the machine. The road was quite clear at the time. Witness spoke to her, but she did not answer. Witness called Mr Gray, the gas manager and after carrying her as far as Broadmeadow House, they lifted deceased into Mr Mitchell's cab, which was passing, and took her home. She expired on the way. - Seth Mitchell, cab proprietor, said he was driving along the road when he noticed MRS STEER about 100 yards in front of him. She rode as slowly down the incline as she did upon the level. He saw her suddenly fall from her cycle. There appeared to be no jerk or anything of that kind to cause her to fall. He drove her home. - John Tancock, water inspector, said he helped to get deceased into the cab and accompanied her to her home. - Dr F. C. H. Piggott said he found a severe bruise over deceased's left cheek-bone, which had already caused a good deal of swelling. The cause of death was undoubtedly a broken neck. He had known deceased for twenty years, but did not remember having attended her for any serious illness. There was nothing to account for her fall. - P.C. Hall said he examined the road just after the accident. It was in good condition, and he could find nothing that would cause the fall. He also found the cycle undamaged, the chain and brakes being in perfect order. - The Coroner said apparently there was nothing to account for deceased falling, unless it was that she became faint, which, he thought, was probable, the husband having told him that she suffered from shortness of breath on going uphill and this might point to the fact that she had some weakness of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner joining in their expression of condolence with the husband.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 March 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Suicide On Railway. Devonport Apprentices Trouble. - At the Police Station, Crabtree, on Saturday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd conducted an Inquiry into the death of SIDNEY GARFIELD STANNING, boilermaker's apprentice, aged 21, residing at Devonport. - Kate Leigh, Fellowes-place, Millbridge, Devonport, said deceased lodged with her. He had complained for several weeks, had been very quiet and took no interest in anything. His fear was that he would not be able to get work when out of his time on account of his health. He was also affected with religious mania. On Thursday he left home at 3.30 p.m., and said he should not be back to tea. She did not think he was involved in any love affair, or that he had any monetary difficulties. - Dr M. D. Keily, of Plymouth, stated the deceased had complained to him of stomach trouble. There were no signs of mental derangement. Deceased was not in a normal state of health and was certainly depressed. - Wilfred Cheffers, signalman at Marsh Mills, said that at 3.15 a.m., he was informed by the signalman at Tavistock Junction that there was supposed to be a body on the line on the Laira side of the Junction. They visited the spot and found the deceased between the rails on the down main line. The body was removed to the Rising Sun Inn. There were no level crossings near, and deceased had no right on the line. - Fredk. Saml. Pugh, who drove the 10.45 p.m. train from Tavistock to Plymouth, deposed that after leaving Marsh Mills at 11.17 p.m. he thought the engine struck something near the spot where the body was found. On examining the engine he found hair on the vacuum pipes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Death. Found Drowned In Sutton Pool. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary on ALFRED SETTERS, aged 25, labourer, who was found dead in Sutton Pool on Sunday evening. JAMES SETTERS, labourer, 45 Southmilton-street, said he last saw his brother alive in Union-street on the way to the Grand Theatre, on the 25th ult. Nothing had been heard of him since. Across the piers would have been a short cut home for him from the Theatre. - Samuel Legrass, coal porter, 20 Octagon-street, said the previous afternoon he saw the deceased's body floating in the water at Sutton Pool. It was about 15 feet from the quay. Witness called a Constable. - P.C. Southern said on Sunday afternoon he was called to where the body was, and found that a man named Gilbert had just extracted it from the water. There was 1s. 1d. in the pockets. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. Mr Percy T. Pearce watched the case on behalf of the Sutton Harbour Improvement Company.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 March 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Suicide. Nurse Who Gave Way To Drink. - "Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned at the Inquest yesterday on MARY CONSTANCE HAMER, 40, nurse, who was found dead in bed at the Dawlish Nursing Home, where she was engaged, on Sunday morning. A painful story of drink, with at least one period of insanity, and a previous attempt to take her life, was told to the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, and the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS HAMER, of Radcliffe, Lancashire, a sister-in-law, who said deceased had lived apart from her husband, a manufacturer, for eight years. She was not of temperate habits and seven or eight years ago took an overdose of laudanum. She was charged before the Magistrates but the court missionary interested herself in the case and deceased went into a home. On another occasion she was certified to be suffering from religious mania and detained in an Asylum. - Rose Amy Price, cook, said she had seen deceased under the influence of drink. She last saw her alive on Saturday evening, about 6.30 when she inquired of witness whether a parcel other than the one before her had not arrived from the chemist. When told none had, she said she would have to telephone for it, but witness was not aware that she did so. - Mrs Harvey, wife of Dr J. H. Harvey, of Weymouth, proprietress of the Dawlish Nursing Home, said she discovered in August last, while in North Wales, that deceased was accustomed to take drink. her intemperance had become worse since coming to Dawlish in November. Bottles were being sent in to deceased, unknown to witness, and after being spoken to several times without avail, she had to be given notice to leave. Deceased appeared to be very upset at this. Twice while under the influence of drink she had said she was tired of life and threatened to commit suicide. She was to go as soon as her health, which had been impaired by drink, permitted. On Sunday morning witness found the following note in the sitting-room. - "There is no life for me. Death I do not fear. May God help you when you cross the border." - She immediately went to deceased's bedroom and, bursting open the door, found her lying dead on the floor. - Charles K. Gregory, chemist, deposed to sending to the home, on deceased's order, 4 ounces of laudanum, together with other articles, which conveyed the impression that the laudanum was to be used for fomentation. - Dr Charles N. Lovely spoke to being summoned to the Nursing Home on Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. Deceased had then been dead about two hours. A post-mortem examination pointed to death from opium poisoning. She had apparently taken sixteen times the ordinarily fatal dose of laudanum. The condition of the organs did not stamp deceased as a chronic alcoholic.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mother's Peculiar Conduct. Sorrowful Devonport Home. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BEATRICE HELEN GOLLEY. - RODNEY LORENZO GOLLEY, 26 Market-street, first class ship's corporal, R.N., said deceased was his daughter, aged six years. He had been home since September 4th, owing to his wife's condition of mind. Deceased had been poorly off and on for about a fortnight. She had a slight cold and he applied the usual remedies, and on Sunday last she seemed better. On Wednesday he left the house at 7 a.m., and did not return until 10.30 p.m., and was surprised to see a great change in deceased's condition. he at once went for the doctor. The child died at 2.30 the following morning. he had three other children, aged 10 years, 5 years and 2 years respectively. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he was willing to have his wife examined if they thought necessary. His wife, however, had always looked after the children satisfactorily. - The Coroner: This child was suffering from bed sores. - Witness: I did not know it. - Dr E. J. Symes Saunders said he was called at 11 p.m. MRS GOLLEY, who was standing in the doorway, was very abusive and refused to let him see the child. He could not repeat her language; it was so absolutely foul. She was annoyed at her husband having called him in. She refused to let him in until her husband arrived. When the husband arrived they had to forcibly turn the mother out of the room while witness examined the child. Deceased was unconscious and he expected it to die within an hour or so. Witness suggested to the husband that the wife was drunk, and he replied that she was quite mad. If that was so she would be quite incapable of looking after or appreciating any serious illness. He visited the house the following day when MRS GOLLEY was fairly calm. She said the child was not "bucking up." Deceased then seemed to be at the point of death. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the body ill-nourished, slightly peeling and there were two fairly large bed sores, showing that the child had been seriously ill for some days, also that it had not been attended to. Its hair was matted. He attributed death to empyema. In such cases it was usual to operate and in all such cases he had dealt with, they had all got well. The house was untidy and dirty. He thought the parental responsibility in all cases must depend on the mother. The father was at work all day. In his opinion the mother was quite incapable of appreciating her responsibility. - P.C. Saunders said the previous evening he went to 25 Market-street, to remove the body. As soon as MRS GOLLEY saw him she made use of the most filthy language and said not him or any power in the world would take away her child. The husband and witness tried to pacify her, but she became worse and he had to take the child in his arms and force his way out of the room. Previous to this, another constable had been to the house and she would not let him have the body. - Mrs Bennett, who resides near Looe, said deceased's mother was her daughter. She had not seen her for some time, as she threatened all sorts of things. She would be willing to look after the two other children until the father could make other arrangements. - The husband recalled, said his wife had been violent towards him and he was marked all over. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said although the child had been neglected it was not a case in which they could say the neglect was so culpable that a verdict of manslaughter against the mother should be returned. The difficulty was to know what was to be done in the future. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on GEORGE GOODYEAR, aged 62, of 7 Buckland-place, the dock gatekeeper, who died suddenly at the Great Western Docks on Thursday. Dr C. E. Russel Rendle attributed death to heart failure and remarked that deceased's heart was fatty and excessively diseased. - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Mutley Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on HENRY RICHARD GILL, commercial traveller, late of 64 Lisson-grove. Deceased was present while furniture was being moved from No. 64 to No. 60 Lisson-grove, on Saturday afternoon, but did not take part in the work. He suddenly collapsed and Dr Dryborough Smith was sent for. GILL died a few minutes after the doctor's arrival. Death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - At the Inquest on HANNAH REED, 79, widow, Exeter and JOHN REED, her son, both of whom died from self-inflicted wounds in the throat, verdicts of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" were returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death From Lead Poisoning. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOSEPH JAMES BURT, journeyman painter, of 27 Batter-street. SARAH BURT said deceased, her husband, was taken ill about seven months ago. He complained of pains in his head and stayed at home for a few days. He then went back to work, and seemed to be all right, except for occasional giddiness. On February 18th he was taken worse and saw Dr Warren, who said he was suffering from lead poisoning. He died on the 11th inst. - Dr Warren said deceased was suffering from chronic lead poisoning, brought on by the use of white lead. He died from this complaint. Witness had never had a similar case in his own practice before, but he had heard of them. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 March 1911
AVETON GIFFORD - Found Dead At Yabbacombe Wood. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Yabbacome Wood, Aveton Gifford, yesterday, on JOSIAS MOORE, aged 65, horse dealer, of Yabbacombe Wood. - JAMES URBAN MOORE, farmer, Bantham, Thurlestone, said deceased, who was his father, had lived alone for about two years, but was able to earn his own living. - EDMUND MOORE, fish hawker, brother of deceased, said on the 11th inst., when he last saw deceased, he complained of internal pains. - George Luscombe, farm labourer, said on Tuesday, not having seen deceased in the neighbourhood during the last few days, he entered his house and found him lying on the floor dead. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, gave evidence as to the cause of death, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Sad Discovery At Devonport. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest concerning the death at 14 Salisbury-villas, of LIEUT. TOM GLADING, R.N., retired. - Mrs Ann Connor of Helwsley, Alfred-street, Plymouth, widow, said the body was that of her brother, who was 58 years of age last January, and a widower. She last saw him alive on Sunday. He visited her in Alfred-street, and left at 10 p.m. Deceased went to chapel in the evening and came to Alfred-street for supper. Two or three times during the day he said he was very poorly, and complained of cold feet and legs. He had also previously complained of great depression, and she had advised him to see a doctor. Deceased had not received medical advice to her knowledge; he always said "I shall be all right tomorrow." Her brother had been out of the navy three or four years. He had a housekeeper formerly, but she ceased to act for him three months ago. Deceased was engaged to be married. - Mr Hugh Shannon, residing at 13 Salisbury-villas, said he usually saw the deceased daily, but missed him for a couple of days this week. He was suspicious, and on Wednesday climbed over the railings and looked underneath the venetian blinds as well as through the letter-box. Witness was surprised to find the gas burning in the hall and in the front-room. This was soon after 1 p.m., and he thought it wise to inform the Police. A constable and witness entered the yard and found the body in the lavatory. - P.C. John Sweet, who was called by the previous witness, deposed to the finding of the body. - Dr F. W. Allkin said death was due to syncope caused by pneumonia. All appearances agreed with the supposition that deceased died late on Sunday night or early on Monday. A bruise and scar on the right hip were ante-mortem and he might have lived two hours after the fall which caused them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 March 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on EDWARD DOWN, aged 51. Mrs Mary Bate, 31 John-street, said deceased, a widower, had resided at her house thirteen years. He had been blind for some years and had been in receipt of parish relief. On Saturday morning witness's husband went up to see if deceased would have a cup of tea and on returning said he was dead. Witness went upstairs and saw deceased lying partly n the landing and partly in his room. He was fully dressed. - Richard Henry rice, 3 John-street, labourer, said on Friday night about 10.45 he accompanied deceased to his home. - P.C. Cheek said he examined the body and found it in a dirty condition. The only furniture in the room, which was very dirty, was a small single bed. Dr F. W. Allkin, locum tenens to Dr T. McElwaine, said death was due to syncope, from long-standing heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

TORQUAY - Ex-Superintendent's Death. Inquest At Torquay. - The death occurred at Torquay on Saturday of MR GEORGE BOND, aged 62, ex-superintendent of Police at Torquay, Southmolton &c. MR BOND never really recovered from an accident at Southmolton three years ago, when driving in a dogcart. Deceased became a constable at Torquay in 1875, and was appointed a superintendent in 1900. He took a prominent part in the Babbacombe murder trial. - At an Inquest held by Mr Hacker, Coroner, MRS ELIZABETH A. BOND said deceased, her husband, died at 38 Belmont-road, on Saturday. On the 18th December 1907 she accompanied him in a dogcart on a visit of supervision in Southmolton district. The horse fell to the ground, pulling her husband, who held the reins, completely out of the vehicle. He struck his head violently during the fall, and witness, who was not hurt, found him lying insensible and for the moment she thought him dead. He lay for ten minutes in an unconscious state, blood streaming from a wound on his temple the while. Witness at length brought him round, and dragging him across the road, laid him on the bank opposite, and then ran for assistance. No medical aid could be secured, but she was enabled with help to get deceased into the dogcart and she drove him back to Southmolton. Besides the severe wound in his head, deceased was found to have sustained several broken ribs and minor injuries. He was an invalid from that date. Previously he had enjoyed very good health. Deceased was obliged to retire from the Force and they came to Torquay two years ago to live. Her husband gradually became more and more paralysed, being always in pain until his death. - Dr Wiggin said death was caused by laceration of the brain, and a consequent degenerative process. There were no other causes to which death could be attributed and deceased's condition was quite in accordance with the account of the accident as related by the widow. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased met his death as the result of an accident sustained during the performance of his public duty, blame being attributable to no one. - The Foreman (Mr J. W. Redmore) on behalf of the Jury, expressed their sympathy with the bereaved widow and family, and referred to deceased's valued services in the public cause during his connection with Torquay. - The Coroner wished to associate himself in the expression of sympathy and said his acquaintance with deceased dated from his participation in the Babbacombe murder Inquest.

PLYMOUTH - Death In A Plymouth Chapel. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Prince Rock Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday on MATILDA GRACE POLLARD, aged 63, widow, 144 Grenville-road. MRS POLLARD was taken suddenly ill during the evening service at Embankment-road United Methodist Chapel the previous day and died in the lobby before medical assistance could be summoned. - Eliza Macey, who lived with the deceased, her cousin, said it was during the singing of a hymn that deceased left the chapel. She walked down the aisle crying bitterly. - The Coroner suggested that the hymn might have been connected in her mind with her husband's death, which occurred about two months ago. - Dr Travers Stubbs said death was due to syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1911
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Man's Suicide. - A case of determined suicide is reported from Okehampton Camp, the victim being JAMES EDWARD HOOPER, about 60, who was employed as barrack labourer. About eight o'clock yesterday morning HOOPER left home. He first went to the Sergeant-major's office for the purpose of lighting the fire, and afterwards to the store. Barrack Warden Fenner found the latter building locked and forcing the door saw HOOPER hanging from the roof. He was bleeding from a severe wound in the throat and the appearance of the room suggested that before hanging himself HOOPER inflicted a gash in his throat with a razor, then walked round the room, and finally mounted a pair of steps, from which he flung himself when once he had placed the rope round his neck. HOOPER had been suffering from cancer in the throat for some time, and it is stated that on Saturday he was told by a Plymouth doctor that it was an incurable case. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. - An Inquest was held at the Camp last evening by Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner. - Sergt. Vincent B. Walker said he did not notice anything at all strange about deceased. - MARIA HOOPER said deceased, her father, seemed very depressed lately. He complained a good deal about his work, and thought things were not right. She believed the cancer had a good deal to do with it. - The Jury found that deceased cut his throat and afterwards hanged himself whilst Temporarily Insane. The Jury and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 March 1911
PLYMOUTH - Danger Of An Unguarded Fire. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held on ALMA VIOLET REED, aged 5, of Exeter-street. The evidence showed that the child was left alone for a few minutes in a room in which there was an unguarded fire, and that a neighbour, hearing screams, called the mother, who found that the child's clothing was ablaze. A young man named Thomas helped to extinguish the flames by wrapping a tablecloth or counterpane round the child, who was afterwards taken to the Hospital by the Police. MRS REED was severely burnt on one hand and arm in putting out the flames. The child died during Saturday night. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) emphasized the importance of having a fire-guard and said it should have occurred to the mother that she ought not to have left the child alone in the room in the circumstances. MRS REED said her husband had been out of work, and she had been unable to buy a fire-guard. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 March 1911
REVELSTOKE - Noss Mayor Fisherman's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd yesterday held an Inquest on JOSEPH HARTNELL, a fisherman, of Noss Mayo. - The widow of deceased deposed that he was 55 years of age. When he left home early on Saturday to ham his pots he was in his usual good health, although he had complained recently of pains near the heart. Geo. Foster, sen., fisherman, the last to see deceased alive, stated the wind was N. by E., and very squally. When his boat crossed the bow of HARTNELL'S boat, about 500 yards away, everything seemed all right. HARTNELL was making for the harbour. - Aaron Axworthy, fisherman, of Newton Ferrers, said he recovered the body at 10 p.m. by means of a boulter in about two and a half fathoms of water just off Misery Point, and close to the place where the boat had previously been raised. The wind and sea at Misery Point were very treacherous, especially when the wind was No. by E. The mainsheet was freed, but the foresheet was made fast. - The Jury found that deceased was Accidentally Drowned through the capsizing of his boat, caused by a sudden squall. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family and it was resolved to urge upon the local authority the immediate necessity of erecting a mortuary for Revelstoke and Newton Ferrers.

EXETER - At an Inquest yesterday on ANN TAYLOR, aged 87, who died in Exeter Workhouse, it was stated that deceased complained of a pain in her leg, and it was afterwards found it was broken - in what way nobody knew. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the effects of her accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and thought more care should be given these aged inmates.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 March 1911
ROSE ASH - Unguarded Fire Danger. Comments At Roseash Inquest. - At Bickwell Farm, Roseash, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWARD JAMES SEATHERTON, 2 years and 10 months old, son of JAMES SEATHERTON, farmer. - MRS BESSIE SEATHERTON, the mother, said on Monday she left the child in the front kitchen with its six-year-old brother, and shut them in. There was no fire in the kitchen, but there was in the back kitchen, where she left baby, a few months old, in a cradle. She was only away about seven or eight minutes to deliver a message, and on her return found the children had opened the door between the two kitchens and the deceased was at the back door with his clothes in flames. She put out the fire, dressed the wounds and sent for Dr Brown, of Witheridge. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said she had no fireguards to any of the fires in the house, although she knew she was compelled to provide fireguards. - The husband, questioned also, admitted that he knew it was the law to provide fireguards where there were children, and he had seen cases where people had been fined for not doing so. He promised to provide guards at once. - Dr Brown described the extensive burns and said the child was in a collapsed condition when he saw it and died the same night from shock. - The Coroner pointed out that that was the second Inquest he had held within fifteen months on children of these parents. The mother, in leaving the children in the house, must have known the six-year-old boy could have opened the door easily between the two kitchens. Evidently the door was opened by the children, and the floor being rough, the deceased fell into the fire. There was no doubt the mother was guilty of gross carelessness in leaving the children as she had. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." They expressed the opinion that the mother was guilty of great thoughtlessness in leaving the children as she had done, as were also both parents in having omitted to provide fireguards. They desired to call the attention of the Sanitary Authority and of the landlord to the condition of the kitchen floor, which was paved with rough stones.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Baby's Death. Not Culpable Neglect. - A Coroner's Jury at Stonehouse yesterday found that the death of FREDERICK RONALD SOPER, the seven-weeks-old son of a labourer, of Valletort-place, Stonehouse, but employed and living for several weeks past at Torquay, resulted from the mother's neglect. It was considered, however, that such negligence was not culpable, but arose from ignorance. - The evidence of the mother, EMMA JANE SOPER, went to show that the child was at birth well developed, and weighed over 8lb. At death its weight was only 4lb. Witness nursed deceased for a month, and then on a doctor's advice fed it on cow's milk and barley water. This food the child could not digest, and on her own initiative she substituted condensed milk. The wasting away was quite sudden. - The Coroner: How do you account for this little creature getting in such a horribly emaciated condition. I have never seen anything quite so bad and I have seen some bad cases. - Witness: I have given it milk every two hours as the doctor told me. - Lucy Morrell, widow, living in the same house, considered the mother had done her best. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said the food which the mother substituted for that prescribed by the doctor would suit most children, but it did not agree with deceased, who required special care in feeding. When it was seen that the child did not thrive the food should certainly have been changed. It ought never to have been allowed to get in such an emaciated condition. - The Coroner remarked that with the Three towns Nursing Home near by the mother need not have gone without proper advice, even if she had not the means to pay for it. The child's death was due to her ignorant neglect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 April 1911
CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Fatality. - At the Townhall, Chulmleigh, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on ELANZO BALL, of Bideford, a labourer, aged 18, who was killed on Saturday through the fall of a tree. - WILLIAM BALL, a brother, said he had been engaged in tree felling for fifteen years and on Saturday deceased and a mate were sawing down trees thirty yards from where witness was working. He heard a tree fall and feeling that something had happened, ran to the spot. He found his brother lying dead by the side of the tree which had fallen, and which had shifted some four or five yards from the stock. Deceased had been at this sort of work about a month. It was a pure accident. - Charles Gifford, the mate, also of Bideford, who was working with deceased, said they had cut through an ash tree, but it did not fall the way they intended. Instead it got hung up in a tree the opposite side, slipped and fell on the head of deceased, who was standing by the stock and had no chance to get out of the way. - Dr J. Tucker described the injuries and said death was instantaneous. - The Coroner said he did not think any blame attached to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Shipping Agent's Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM STEER NOBLE, 7 Eddystone-terrace, local agent of the City of Cork Steam Packet Company, Great Western Docks, at Plymouth. - John Young, retired commercial traveller, said he occupied the same house as the deceased. At a quarter to eight on Saturday morning, MISS NOBLE, sister of the deceased, called him. He went to the deceased's bedroom and found him in his night attire, tied round the neck with a black muffler to the bedrail. Witness cut the muffler from the deceased's neck and sent for a doctor. - The Coroner: Do you know of any reason why MR NOBLE should have done this? - No particular reason. he had been very unwell for the last fifteen months on and off. - And he was very depressed as a result? - Very depressed frequently, but at times nice and bright. - Has he ever threatened to take his life? - I have heard that such was the case, but I cannot vouch for it. MR NOBLE appeared to be bright on Friday night. - Dr C. J. Cooke said he was called to the house, and found that the deceased had been dead some hours. He had attended the deceased for pneumonia in January when he had a serious illness and had seen him on several occasions since. He was depressed at times, and once told witness that he had contemplated suicide. Deceased was a man who worried a great deal about trifles. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman Censured. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on DAVID DUNN, 43, general labourer, of 86 King-street, who died suddenly at midnight on Sunday. - Sarah Hannaford, a lodging-house keeper, said deceased had been lodging with her for two days. On Sunday he as ill and could not eat anything. Witness gave him brandy and milk. She did not send for a doctor as she thought he would rally. - Dr J. H. Tonney said deceased was unconscious when he arrived. He saw the man was in extremis. He made out a prescription and told the previous witness to send for the medicine. This was not done. If he had been sent for earlier he could not have done anything, as death was due to syncope caused by malaria and alcoholism. - The Jury returning a verdict of "Natural Causes", censured Mrs Hannaford for not calling in a doctor. - The Coroner said he thought something ought to be done. If the woman was not capable of carrying on her business properly, she ought not to be allowed to keep a lodging-house. He advised her to give it up.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Devonport, yesterday, on ALICE GEORGE, aged 27. WILLIAM GEORGE, deceased's husband, cab-driver, Fenlee Mews, Stoke, said his wife suffered from epileptic fits, and Dr T. Simpson stated that death was due to heart failure, following an epileptic fit. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - MR H. SOBEY, R.N. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MR HARRY JAMES SOBEY, gunner, R.N. (retired). - FLORENCE ELIZABETH SOBEY, of 21 Camperdown-street, said her husband, who was 39 years of age, was invalided from the navy through chronic pleurisy. He had since complained of that from time to time and also of his heart and head. On Wednesday morning he awoke at the usual time and shortly afterwards fell, his head striking the floor. She spoke to him, but could get no reply. Assistance was obtained and Dr Gard was sent for. Deceased was not depressed. For the last two Sundays he had been away from home. Last Monday week she gave notice to the Police that he was missing and they said they would look for him. She, however, found him the following Tuesday at Plymouth and took him home. Her husband was secretary of the Warrant Officers' Death Benefit Society. The balance-sheet and money were quite right and everything up to date. Last Sunday he went away again and they looked for him everywhere. He did not return home until 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the night before he died. He had never threatened to take his life. He did not know where he had been when he was away from the Sunday to the Tuesday. Witness had always kept poison in the house for cleaning purposes, but as she was a bit anxious about her husband's wandering she threw it away. - Dr Gard said death had taken place when he arrived. Deceased was a well-built man, but his heart was in a very flabby condition and enlarged, and the valves diseased. There was not the slightest trace of poison. Death was due to syncope from valvular disease of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy expressed with MRS SOBEY.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Warrior Fatality. Able Seaman Thrown Off A Boom. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on JOHN ALBERT HARRISON (28), able seaman, of H.M.S. Warrior, who was drowned in the Hamoaze on Wednesday. Mr K. E. Peck, Devonport, appeared for the Admiralty. - Edward James Hammond, general messman, said the deceased, his brother-in-law, had lived at 28 Kent-road, and left a widow and one child. - Joseph John Brodie, 1st class petty officer, said on Wednesday, about 3 o'clock, witness was engaged with deceased and others taking jackstays and topping lifts off the torpedo booms on the port side of the Warrior, which was laying alongside the Dockyard. Witness had detailed the men, two at the end of each boom, deceased and Able Seaman Powell being together. The jackstay was taken off at the after end. In order to remove the topping lifts, which were securing the boom, in addition to a clamp and pin, witness told the men they would have to trice up the boom, so that when the clamp was taken off the boom would be quite secure. Witness detailed Powell to get the tackle to trice it up, and told him to hook on the single block to a bolt further inboard. As he passed witness down the double block, he told him that he would require to have a strop on the head of the boom. Shortly after witness heard the boom crash out, and a splash in the water. He jumped on to the deck and shouted to the man in the water to keep steady, as there was assistance coming. Witness got a rope end and looked over the side. He could just see the top of deceased's head disappearing under the ship. There was a strong undercurrent. - The Coroner: Can you tell us why the boom should suddenly crash out? - Witness: The only reason I can see is that deceased never thought of what he was doing, and knocked the pin of the clamp out. - Witness, continuing, said he last saw deceased on the net shelf. That was the sole cause of his going in the water. The pin did not break. Deceased must have inadvertently knocked the pin away too soon. Deceased was the only one who could have released the pin. - The Coroner: He ought to have waited for some order? - Yes. They had removed two booms previous to this. - The Coroner: Then we have narrowed it down to this - that the cause of the boom swinging out was the result of the pin coming out. - George Connell, seaman, said he saw deceased fall into the water. He was sitting on the boom above the clamp as it swung out. There was no one else near the clamp on the net shelf, and no one else to release the pin. Deceased was carried out on the boom and when it stopped it jerked him off. When he was in the water he swam to the ship's side. - Leonard D. Hooper, able seaman, deposed to having recovered the body from under the ship. - Mr Hugh Thompson, gunner, R.N., said he was present when the body was brought up. There was a hammer weighing 3 ½ lb. attached to the body round the waist by means of a lanyard. This might have become entangled in deceased's legs, as altogether it was about two fathoms in length. In all there were about fifty men working on the side of the ship. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the boats were lowered immediately the accident occurred. - Another officer said there was a boat in the water at the stern of the vessel. In all four boats went to deceased's assistance. It was in orders that ships were always to keep a boat ready for lowering. The boat was lowered right away. Deceased was a good workman and could be depended upon. - Fleet-Surgeon Charles S. Facey said death was due to drowning, and a verdict was returned accordingly. - The funeral of deceased will take place on Monday at 10 a.m.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer Killed. - Mr J. Graves held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN NICHOLAS, labourer, employed at the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gasworks, Coxside. - Richard Foot, labourer, Lambhay-street, employed by the Gas Company, stated that at 9.30 on Thursday morning he was with deceased pulling down the roof of a shed. Deceased was on one end of an iron girder, whilst witness occupied the other end. The girder was on a platform and while they were trying to move it across this, deceased's foot slipped and he fell about 30 feet, being killed on the spot. Nothing gave way; the accident was due to deceased taking a false step. There was a rail round the staging. - Dr Hughes, Brunswick-terrace, said death was due to fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the relatives. - Mr P. S. Hoyte, engineer manger of the gas-works, expressed the sympathy of the company with the widow and family and said deceased was an excellent workman. - Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories and Workshops, attended the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN LEONARD, aged 85, formerly a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, of 31 Keat-street. The evidence showed that deceased, who had felt the cold weather considerably during the past week, was sitting smoking on Wednesday evening, when he suddenly put down his pipe and had a choking sensation. His daughter went towards him and found his mouth covered with blood. She spoke to him, but he was unconscious. He was put to bed and Dr Gard was sent for. Deceased passed away just as the doctor arrived. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had a small but fatty heart and the lungs were congested. - Dr Gard attributed death to heart failure, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on WALTER DANIEL NIBLETT, aged 60, retired chief carpenter's mate, of Tirley, Tewksbury. Deceased, who retired from the navy 20 years ago, had been ailing since last November and to recruit his health came on Monday to Devonport on a visit to his brother-in-law, Mr James Preece, retired chief carpenter's mate, 5 St. Mawen-terrace. On arrival he seemed to feel the effects of the journey, but he was much better on Tuesday and there was a further improvement on the following day. He went to bed about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday. thinking he heard deceased call, Mr Preece went to his bedroom and found him undressed, ready to get into bed. He was sitting on the bed and blood was coming from his nose and mouth. He died before a doctor could arrive. - Dr G. K. Pearson said that when he arrived five minutes after being called, he found deceased lying on the bed dead. On making a post-mortem examination witness found cancerous ulceration at the commencement of the stomach; and death was due to collapse through profuse haemorrhage from the cancerous surface. The journey from Tewksbury and the cold weather no doubt affected deceased. - Verdict, "Natural Causes". Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased.

STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest on CECIL H. NAPPER, aged 1 year and 11 months, the child of HARRY NAPPER, able seaman, R.N., of 5 Ferndale-avenue, Camel's Head, the father stated that deceased had had measles about a fortnight, but was recovering and on Wednesday night seemed to be bright and cheerful. On the following morning witness noticed a change, and fetched Dr Kenrick. Deceased passed away just as the doctor entered the room. Dr Kenrick attributed death to convulsions, following measles, and congestion of the brain through the cold. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death. - At Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HARVEY, naval pensioner, aged 68. William Henry Weekes, lodging-house keeper, of 11 Octagon-street, Plymouth, said deceased had lived with him for the last thirty years off and on. He last saw deceased alive on Friday morning, when he was getting ready to go in a cab to the General Post-Office, in order to draw his pension. Deceased had been drinking for about three or four weeks. - Samuel Miller, hawker, of Octagon-street, stated that he went with deceased to the Post-office, and afterwards drove in the cab along North-road, as deceased wished to obtain relief of a Relieving Officer. Deceased suddenly became ill and died just before they reached the top of Torrington-place. - The Coroner said it was rather strange for a man who had just drawn his pension to seek assistance of a Relieving Officer. - Mr F. C. Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, remarked that deceased had been there before on several occasions. Only 18s. was found on deceased, although deceased should have drawn a pension of more than £8. It was explained by Miller that deceased's wife received a part of the pension, and that he had paid several debts that day. - Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical Officer to the Workhouse, stated that the immediate cause of death was syncope. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Seaman's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday on GEORGE JAMES MAY, aged 43, Holborn-street, Plymouth, mate on board the smack Kingsbridge, belonging to Salcombe. - Wm. Hard, master of the smack, said on November 4th, 1910, deceased was in Sutton Pool engaged on the mast in furling the sail, when he accidentally slipped and fell a distance of 40 feet. - Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical officer to the Workhouse, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary on March 9th from the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, whence he had been discharged as an incurable. He was then suffering from a fractured spine and paralysis. Deceased died on the morning of the 7th inst. from paralysis as the result of his injuries. - Verdict: "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 April 1911
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Bideford yesterday on the infant of MRS BEER, the wife of an East-the-Water labourer. Dr Ellis Pearson said there were very marked signs of rickets in the skull, ribs and arms. The mother said there were no signs of rickets about the child. The Coroner: Should you know if it had rickets? - Witness: No. It had always been a delicate child. The Coroner fined Mr H. H. Hopkins, who had failed to attend as a Juror after being warned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Death In A Train. - WALTER LEE, aged 20, a consumptive, who had been staying at the Western Hospital, Torquay, was being removed to his home at Leicester yesterday morning when he expired in the train between Torre and Newton Abbot. Later in the day an Inquest was held at Newton by Mr P.C. Cornish Bowden. - Deceased's father, ARTHUR LEE, said there was some little misunderstanding at the Station over a reserved compartment, and possibly that excited deceased. Shortly after they left Torre, deceased said he wanted to be sick, fell back in his sister's arms and expired. At Torre, on account of deceased's condition, witness had telegraphed for a doctor. - Dr Odell, Torquay, said he examined deceased on Friday and considered he was in a fit state to travel. Deceased was in an advanced state of consumption and death was due to heart failure consequent upon that. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 April 1911
HENNOCK - Fatal Trap Accident. Inquest At Chudleigh Knighton. - Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at Chudleigh Knighton, on MARY ANN HUTCHINGS, wife of J. HUTCHINGS. - William Reynolds, retired grocer, Kingsteignton, said on Wednesday, about 5.30 p.m., the deceased, MR HUTCHINGS and himself were driving in a trap from Kingsteignton to Chudleigh Knighton, witness having just bought the pony and trap from MR HUTCHINGS. On the road, near two large white stones, they met a covered furniture van. MR HUTCHINGS, who was driving, pulled in to his left hand side, but there was not room to pass. The pony turned its head towards the van, apparently turning from the two stones, and the wheel of the pony trap struck the back wheel of the van. The shafts of the pony trap broke, and the pony ran away. All three in the trap were thrown into the road. Witness was not much hurt, but MRS HUTCHINGS was unconscious. MRS HUTCHINGS recovered consciousness in three or four minutes, and was taken home in a passing vehicle. The driver of the van said the pony shied, but witness contradicted him and told him he did not give them room to pass. - John Robert Langler, hauler, Newton Abbot, who was driving the van, said the pony shied at the two large stones. He denied that he was driving in the middle of the road; he was on his left hand side. He had been driving for thirty years, and had never had an accident. - Dr Goodwyn said he saw the deceased on Friday and found her suffering from shock and two broken ribs and congestion of the lungs. The next morning she was evidently sinking and she died from shock and heart failure. It was a hopeless case from the first. The husband was too ill to attend the Court. - P.C. Uglow said the road was 18 feet 6 inches wide and the water tables were not deep, but could be driven on. - The Jury found that the accident was caused by the pony shying and that no one was to blame. Death was due to Heart Failure, caused by Shock.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1911
TORQUAY - Sergeant's Suicide. Inquest At Torquay. - At the Upton Schoolroom, Torquay, last evening, the Deputy County Coroner, (Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden) held an Inquiry respecting the death of SERGT. E. W. HONEYBORNE, 40, of the 30th Co., R.E., who was some time since sent from Elphinstone Barracks, Plymouth, to take over the instructorship of the Torquay Fortress Engineers, and was found dead at the Rock-road Drill-hall on Tuesday evening, having apparently been suffocated by gas. - Frederick Halton, painter, of Newton Abbot, said deceased had been lodging at his house for the past fortnight. He gave his age on the census paper as 40 years. Witness made his acquaintance on the 28th March, when he came to him as company-sergeant-major of the Territorial Engineers to make arrangements respecting drills. Deceased then seemed to be ill and he became worse as time went on. As far as he (witness) knew, deceased took no intoxicants whilst at his house. Dr Scrase was called in. At times the Sergeant was rational, at others he was not. On Tuesday morning he left Newton to come to Torquay to pack his kit. He said he had received orders to leave Torquay, and appeared very worried and depressed at not receiving his pay from Plymouth. He intimated that he would return to Newton the same night. - Horace George Buckley, printer and corporal of Torquay Engineers, said about 7.35 p.m. on Tuesday he went to the Rock-road Drill-hall. He could not open the door. Sappers Hatherley and Frayne came to his assistance, and the door was forced. They were met by an overwhelming smell of gas. On going to the orderly-room he saw deceased lying on the floor with his head over a gas stove. The gas was turned on full. There were four jets from which gas was escaping. A hollow place had been made around the gas-jets with coats, and on the edge of these deceased's head was resting. Sergt. Hatherley, of the Ambulance Brigade, and Detective Potter endeavoured to restore animation, but failed. - P.C. Hatherly stated that on the body were found a number of official papers and a letter from deceased's wife dated March 14th. - The Deputy Coroner said this letter had no bearing whatever upon the case. - Witness said there was 7s. 7d. in money, a watch, and a ring in deceased's pockets. - Dr G. Young Eales said death was due to suffocation by inhaling carbonic-oxide, or coal gas. - Dr Scrase, of Newton Abbot, stated that on March 29th he saw HONEYBORNE in bed. He was suffering from influenza and was very ill. For three days his condition remained unchanged, except that he suffered from delirium, which he (witness) attributed to previous excessive drinking. He had every appearance of a heavy drinker. His mental condition was one of depression. In about four days he began to improve and witness last saw him on Sunday, 9th inst. His physical condition was then good, but he was depressed and seemed miserable and down-hearted. This was a condition which frequently followed influenza. Witness received letters from the military authorities asking for information as to deceased's whereabouts and condition and from these communications it appeared that there was trouble ahead for him. - Capt. H. A. Garrett, commanding officer of A. Co. Territorial Engineers, said on the 21st March at the Rock-road drill-hall deceased was under the influence of drink. On Monday, 27th March witness sent for the sergeant, but he could not be found. On the following morning another messenger was sent, but returned without delivering his message, as the drill-hall was locked up. Deceased should have been there. Subsequently witness went to the drill-hall in the evening, and the adjutant (Capt. Evans) happened to make a surprise visit. He asked for SERGEANT HONEYBORNE, and witness told the adjutant that no one really knew his whereabouts. The adjutant instructed him to leave an order at the drill-hall, instructing deceased to immediately proceed to Elphinstone Barracks, and report himself. Two or three days later he heard that the Sergeant was at Newton Abbot, and sent the notices and official communications and the copy of a telegram instructing him to proceed to Plymouth. On hearing a reply that deceased was under the doctor's care he wrote again, telling him he must proceed to Plymouth, and received a reply, in which deceased suggested a meeting at the drill-hall at 7.45 on Tuesday evening. Witness went to keep this appointment and met one of his men who told him that HONEYBORNE had suffocated himself with gas. Witness let HONEYBORNE have £3 in petty cash, but did not know that he had made any payments. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - A Three-Year-Old Accident. Boy's Singular Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Montpelier Schools, Devonport, last evening, on RICHARD JOHN CANN, aged nine. - ANNIE ELIZABETH CANN, 17 Hawthorn-grove, said about three years ago the deceased, her son, met with an accident, and he had been a sufferer ever since. He had been in bed for the last twelve months perfectly helpless. - Elizabeth Beatrice Gloyne, 14 Hawthorn-grove, said three years ago she went outside her house and saw deceased crying. She asked him what was the matter and Mr Greep, who was there in a pony and trap, said he had run into the trap. His nose was bleeding and there was a scar on his face. She took him to his home. - Edward Greep, labourer, 1 West Park-terrace, St. Budeaux, said about February 4th 1908, when he passed Hawthorn-grove, a boy ran across the road in front of the pony's head, causing witness to pull up. Deceased was chasing this boy, and ran into the trap and fell. The last witness told him that she did not think he was hurt, and witness drove on. He did not hear any more about the case until two years ago, when Mrs Cann came to him and informed him of deceased's illness and said she wanted compensation. Witness referred her to his solicitors, and correspondence ensued between them and her solicitors. Since paying his solicitors he had not heard any more about the matter. When the boy was knocked down witness was travelling at a walking pace. - Dr T. Simpson said about three years ago his attention was called to a swelling on deceased's jaw and another part of the body. The jaw gradually got worse and on April 17th and July 25th, 1908 he removed some dead bone from it. In October 1909 he removed some more and subsequently he removed half of the lower part of the jaw. By that time the boy had developed tuberculosis, which spread to the glands of the neck and spine. Some few weeks ago he had an attack of haemorrhage which greatly weakened him and he died from exhaustion on Tuesday morning. During the past two years there was practically no hope for him. He attributed death to exhaustion due to tuberculosis of the jaw and spine, following a blow. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated Mr Greep from all blame and expressed sympathy with the parents. Mr Greep thanked the Jury. He expressed sorrow at what had occurred and tendered his sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 April 1911
PLYMSTOCK - Suicide At Turnchapel. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Jubilee Hall, Turnchapel, on Thursday on MARGARET MARY WILLING, aged 44. - SAMUEL WILLIAM WILLING, journeyman carpenter, Turnchapel, said deceased, his wife, had been an inmate of the County Asylum at Exminster. About ten days ago she was discharged on trial into witness's care at his own request. She seemed better, but on Wednesday evening, after having returned from a walk, she suddenly got up and taking up her hat opened the door. Witness asked her where she was going and she replied; "I shan't be a minute." She left the house and locked the door, the key being on the outside. Witness rushed out through the shop, but deceased had gone. A long search was made for her and her body was eventually recovered from the water off a landing pier, about a hundred yards from the house, at about 9 p.m. Deceased must have deliberately thrown herself into the water. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said deceased had always been well attended. - Vincent Rowse, labourer, Turnchapel, said he recovered the body, which was floating in the water. - Dr E. J. Donhavand, Plymstock, said he knew deceased was a certified lunatic. She had been sent to the County Asylum at Exminster on account of her suicidal tendencies. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with MR WILLING.

RICHMOND, SURREY - Devonshire Girl's Death. Arrest In London. - At the Richmond (London) Police Court on Thursday, Thomas Jones, age 26, described as a draper, was charged with being concerned with another man not in custody, in the death of MISS ELSIE SWEETNAM, who died on Monday last at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond. Deceased had been employed as a draper's assistant at Teignmouth and Exeter until last August, when she left her home at Newton Abbot for London. - Detective-Inspector Badcock said that on Wednesday morning he and Detective-Inspector Sanders and Detective-Sergt. Cock went to 197 Brompton-road and on seeing the accused said to him, "We are Police Officers, and shall arrest you for being concerned in an illegal operation on ELSIE SWEETNAM, otherwise DAISY." Prisoner replied, "Oh dear, how's that?" - Witness cautioned him and added "She is dead, as I believe you know, and I feel I should tell you that the charge against you may be one of murder." Jones said, "Can I sent for my solicitor?" Witness assented and Mr Roder, a manager at the establishment, entered the room and prisoner said to him, "Telephone for Mr Bolt, my solicitor, to come at once." Witness searched the accused and the room which he said was his and took possession of a number of letters and memoranda. He asked for a remand for eight day, which was granted. - The Inquest. - An Inquest was held in the evening. - Dr Taylor (Coroner) said the case had already assumed a rather serious aspect. There were many difficult points to be cleared up. - MISS WINIFRED SWEETNAM of Beaumont-road, Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of her sister, who, she said, was a draper's assistant, aged 22 and had since she was 15 years of age been engaged at Exeter and Teignmouth up to last August when she left Devonshire for London, and took up a position in Brompton-road in the employ of Jones and Company. Witness at that time was a confectioner's manager at Penzance. She saw her sister last Christmas, and deceased then told her that she and Mr Jones, the proprietor of the business, had been about a good deal, and that she thought he would marry her. At that time, however, she had left the employ of Messrs. Jones. Witness had no idea that her sister had any trouble. On leaving Messrs. Jones deceased stayed in Cadogan-square, and after this was engaged by Derry and Toms in High-street, Kensington. On Sunday last witness's mother received a letter from this firm stating that when deceased entered their employ she agreed to live in. Since then she had applied to sleep out and now she had absented herself from business, saying that she was suffering from influenza. They thought that she was at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond, but did not know whether or not she was with friends, and they thought they ought in fairness to the parents to acquaint them of the circumstances. MRS SWEETNAM replied to this letter on the Sunday night and on the Monday they received the following telegram from Pagoda-avenue:- "DAISY (deceased's pet name) dying. Come. - Nurse Galley." - Mr H. J. Broad (the Foreman of the Jury) thought it curious that Messrs. Derry and Toms should have sent such a letter voluntarily. - Detective-Inspector Badcock said he had been informed that the firm did it out of pure sympathy for the parents, feeling it was not quite safe for the girl to be alone in London, as she appeared to be. - Dr Maguire and Dr Furgusson, who conducted the Post-mortem examination, gave evidence and the Inquiry was adjourned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Cycling Accident. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on FRANCIS JAMES O'NEILL, who died from injuries received in a cycle accident on Bank-holiday. - MRS KATE O'NEILL said deceased, her son, was in the employ of the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Company and was 15 years of age. - Bartholomew Riley, 3 Cecil-cottages, said on Monday deceased and himself went to Hooe with cycles. They were riding down Staddiscombe Hill. When witness saw how steep the hill was he applied his brake and jumped off, calling to O'NEILL to do the same. O'NEILL tried to do so, but the brake would not act and he was going too fast to jump off. Witness saw him jerk the brake as he passed him. The cycle continued down the hill out of sight. Witness ran after him and saw him on the ground, with a few people round him. He was unconscious. Witness was told that deceased had run into a wall. Deceased had ridden a cycle for four or five years. - Dr Arthur Savell Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the cause of death was a fractured skull. - The Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the relatives.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Death. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on ERNEST MCFARLAND, aged 14 days. - HETTIE MCFARLAND, married, of 34 Adelaide-street, wife of a private in the Royal Marines, said she went to bed at eleven o'clock on Sunday night, and the child was quite well then. She awoke at one a.m. and the deceased was alive then, but at 6.15 a.m. the child was dead. The deceased had rolled over on its face and witness was partially lying on the infant. She had not the means to provide the infant with a separate bed. - The Coroner said it was not a right thing for such young children to be taken to bed, and, of course, mortality in that respect through careless treatment was growing to an alarming extent in the country, and the Legislature recognised that. - In reply to the Coroner, Police Inspector Joslin said the deceased's parents were very respectable people, and there was no question of neglect through drink. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to suffocation. Drink had been mentioned, and he felt bound to tell the Court that the home was very respectable. It was a model little home and there was not the slightest sign of intemperance. - The Coroner said that was another case in which a fine, healthy child's life had been sacrificed through the lack of common sense on the part of the parents. Whilst there was no evidence of criminal neglect in accordance with the Statute of 1908, at the same time one was bound to enter a protest against so young a child being taken into bed with its parents. He took it, however, that it was a case of inadvertent and accidental suffocation. The Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 April 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fall At Stonehouse. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on MATTHEW LYNCH, army pensioner, aged 67, of 3 Tweedside-place, Stonehouse. - Mrs Emma Brown, of 2 Tweedside-place, stated that on Good Friday she saw deceased at the High-street end of Tweedside-place. She spoke to him and as he was replying he fell heavily. Deceased, who was a very respectable neighbour, did not speak after the fall. - Mrs Grace Fowler, of 32 Tweedside-place, corroborated. She said deceased had been drinking and to this she attributed his fall. - Mrs Susanna Werry, of 3 Tweedside-place said deceased had been a tenant in her house since October last. He lived quite alone and was always a very quiet neighbour, but he was in the habit of drinking when he drew his pension. He commenced to drink last Wednesday week. She put him to bed after his fall, and watched through the night, when he was very restless. She did not realise the extent of his injuries, as she attributed his condition entirely to the drink. Next morning Dr Lear was summoned, and he ordered his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. - Dr Waterfield said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on SAturday evening and early on Sunday morning he received a message from the Master of the Workhouse informing him that the man was unconscious and that he did not think he was suffering from drink. When he arrived, deceased was unconscious and had a large bruise on the right side of his head. Deceased died early on Tuesday morning. Witness made a post-mortem examination, and found the body was in a very healthy condition, and there was nothing to suggest that he had been an habitual drinker. Death was caused by coma, produced by compression of the brain through a large blood clot pressing on the right hemisphere of the brain. He could not say whether the fall caused the rupture or not, but if not the drinking accelerated it, and that the removal to the Workhouse was immaterial. - The Jury said they thought deceased died of a ruptured blood vessel, accelerated by alcoholism. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 24 April 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - DR WARREN'S Death. The Fatality To A Plymouth Officer. Why He Left The March-Out. - An Inquest was held at the Military Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, on DR GEORGE HOPE WARREN, of Thorn Park-villas, Mannamead. - MR CHAS. R. WARREN, solicitor, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his brother, who was 34 years of age. Deceased was an officer in the R.A.M.C. (Territorial Force). Witness last saw him alive on Thursday afternoon, when he was in good health. Deceased wore similar glasses to those produced. He had ridden a good deal during the last three or four years, but not much before. He had on several occasions previously ridden the horse he rode on Thursday. Deceased was unmarried. - The March-Out. - Lieut. David Macnair, Brunswick-terrace, Plymouth, a lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. (T.) said that on Thursday the unit paraded for a route march at 7.45 p.m. at the Drill-hall, Millbay, all the officers being mounted. He understood that all the chargers were obtained from Clark's Mews. They marched through Exeter-street and turned to the left across Friary Bridge. A train was passing under the bridge, and a lot of steam was omitted. This caused witness's horse to become restive, and as it would not keep its place witness cantered ahead. On getting in front of the unit, witness noticed deceased's horse was also restive, and he commenced to canter it. Deceased turned in the direction of Ebrington-street, and then did not appear to have lost control of the horse at all. The horse had not stopped up to the time witness lost sight of it. Witness waited for the unit, and by the time they reached the end of the bridge deceased was out of sight. The unit proceeded along Ebrington-street to the Drill-hall by way of Cobourg-street and North-road. Witness did not see the deceased again. He did not know whether deceased had ridden the same horse before. It appeared to be quiet and was ridden immediately behind the band. Deceased appeared to be able to manage the horse. All the horses became restive in consequence of the noise caused by the train. - By the Jury: Before an officer gets a horse he has to obtain a riding certificate from an Army Riding School. I do not think MR WARREN stuck his spurs into the horse. He was riding across the bridge at a steady canter. - Dr Soltau: I think LIEUT. WARREN was advised not to ride in spurs. - The Coroner understood that he was not riding in spurs. - The Horse And Its Rider. - Lieut. F. J. Miller, 2nd Wessex Field Ambulances, said he accompanied the unit on the route march. Witness was transport officer and it was his duty to procure the horses and take charge of the transport. Witness got eight horses from Clark's livery stables. He selected good and quiet saddle horses and was guided by the fact that the horses had been ridden, and were quiet to ride. He was guided by experience, and in the first instance by the word of the foreman of the stables. Witness knew the horses well: and the officers always rode the same horses. Witness gave them the same because they knew them. The horse ridden by deceased was with the unit at Salisbury Plain last year. It was as quiet as a lamb. Witness was in the rear of the unit, being in charge of the transport. The horses were quiet. While the train was passing under Friary Bridge, a lighted tramcar passed, and all the horses became restive. Witness did not notice deceased's horse gallop ahead, but noticed Lieut. Macnair's horse. Directly the steam had gone the horses generally became quiet. Deceased had always ridden the same horse and had asked for it, and had also arranged to have it for this year's camp. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said the only thing he could suggest was that LIEUT. WARREN perhaps lost his head and had not command over the horse. - A Quiet Animal. - Harry Churchward, 17 Walker-terrace, said he was foreman for Mr Clark, and had been with him 25 years. They supplied horses to the Territorial Force. They had had the horse which deceased rode about two years; it came from Truro. When not being used by Territorials it was a general utility horse and on Wednesday was used by recruits at Mutley Barracks, who were learning to ride. The animal, which was a bay gelding, had never been found restive, and DR WARREN expressed his preference for the horse, which was called "Johnnie." The animal was cool and quiet when brought back to the stable about 9.30 p.m. on Thursday, but it had marks on the left shoulder. It had a very light mouth and had never given any trouble before. Witness considered that LIEUT. WARREN did not pull up the horse, and bring it into place soon after it became restive, and that after it had gone some distance it took the bit between its teeth. The horse would not shy at a motor car or anything. Deceased used to ride with his head forward and witness thought that the horse stumbled and deceased fell off on to his head. - The Accident Described. - Alfred Henry Atkins, 32 Battery-street, said at 8.40 p.m. on Thursday he was at the corner of Battery-street, opposite the Grand Theatre, when he saw a tramcar stop. There was also a motor car standing outside the theatre, but the engine was working and making considerable noise. A horse came up Battery-street and just as the tram passed, suddenly bolted across Union-street. After the animal bolted the officer riding it lost control of it and witness followed. Just as he reached Millbay Laundry he saw the officer thrown over the horse's head. The horse jumped over the officer and galloped as fast as it could in the direction of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, and was stopped by a boy near the Hotel. Witness formed the impression that the officer lost his head and could not control the horse. Witness went to the assistance of deceased, who was afterwards removed on an ambulance. He did not see the horse fall. Deceased was pulling on the reins when he passed witness, and was not hanging on to the saddle. - Ernst gold, 15 Market-street, Stonehouse, said he was outside Millbay Laundry when he heard a horse come up Battery-street at full gallop. At the end of the street it turned to the left along Millbay-road, and on the bend the rider was thrown and passed over the horse's head. Witness went to deceased, who was unconscious and bleeding at the mouth and witness unfastened his collar. The horse slipped, but did not fall. When the horse came up Battery-street, witness could see that the rider had not control over it. Deceased was not kicked by the horse after falling. - P.C. A. Nicholls, of the Stonehouse Police, deposed to taking LIEUT. WARREN on an ambulance to the Military Hospital. - The Injuries. - Major Collingwood, R.A.M.C., stationed at the Military Hospital, said that when brought to the Hospital LIEUT. WARREN was quite unconscious. He was bleeding from the nose and there was blood-stained froth on his mouth and nose. There was a large bruise over the left eye, a slight abrasion on the left temple, and a depressed fracture at the back of the skull. He died at 11.45, the cause of death being fracture of the base of the skull. There was no hope from the first. - Commanding Officer's Statement. - Dr A. B. Soltau said it was laid down in regulations that all officers must possess riding certificates. When LIEUT. WARREN joined he was not a skilled horseman, although he had previously ridden. Witness told him and other officers that in future they could not be mounted on parade until they had passed a satisfactory test. MR WARREN failed at his first attempt and had to go to one camp unmounted. He afterwards took lessons assiduously and obtained a riding certificate. At the last camp LIEUT WARREN was able to ride and perform the duties of a mounted officer, and could be trusted to go out on isolated duty if necessary. During the past winter he had had riding lessons under Lieut. Miller. On Thursday witness was detained and LIEUT. WARREN was in command of the unit. As they passed his (Dr Soltau's) house he saw LIEUT. WARREN and told him he hoped to join them later on. The horse was then perfectly under control. The point had been raised that LIEUT. WARREN was not followed up. He believed LIEUT. WARREN was making his way home as officers were expected to do if they had to fall out. Experience had shown that if a horse became restive it was best not to rejoin the unit but to go home and on several occasions officers had done that. Having ascertained on Thursday evening that nothing had been heard of the horse he became suspicious that something had happened and inquiries were instituted. He (Dr Soltau) thought LIEUT. WARREN proceeded down Ebrington-street with the horse more or less under control; that he was going by quiet streets back to Millbay; and that if the horse had not been startled in crossing Union-street he would have got home safely. On being informed by telephone of what had happened, witness went to the Hospital and remained there until LIEUT. WARREN died. He was satisfied from his professional experience that nothing could be done for him. He was desired by LIEUT. WARREN'S relatives to express the great gratitude they felt to the authorities at the Military Hospital and to Maj. Collingwood for the care they showed him. He would also like publicly to express the loss that they, as a unit, had experienced by the death of LIEUT. WARREN, and to extend to his family their deep sympathy. - A Juryman remarked that they had no evidence as to what happened between Friary Bridge and Battery-street. - Verdict And Sympathy. - The Coroner thought the explanation that Dr Soltau gave was feasible, that deceased gradually gained control of the horse and was making his way quietly home. They had had all the evidence they could bring, and it showed that the death was accidental. Possibly the fact that the horse had just previously been startled at Friary Bridge caused it to become startled again on hearing the noise in Union-street. He was afraid that at the time of the accident deceased had lost control, and the horse bolting and turning the bend would be likely to throw the rider. He was sure the Jury would like him to extend to the family their deep sympathy with them in their bereavement. DR WARREN had associated himself, from a sense of public duty, with the Territorial Force of the country, and it was while in the execution of that duty, that he met with his death. His services, from what one read, were in demand in other spheres of life, so that not only had the family suffered bereavement, but others who knew him and the Jury would not only sympathize with the family in their terrible loss, but also with his brother officers and the unit generally. - The Foreman thought the horse was too quiet, and that the deceased put too much confidence in it, and gave it a little too much rein. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and endorsed the Coroner's expressions of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 April 1911
PLYMOUTH - Motor Cycle Death. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM ARNOT, aged 34 years, engineer, Hazelwood-terrace, Peverell. - Albert E. Dyson, Whimple-street, Plymouth, said on Good Friday at Dousland, ARNOT and others, and himself were riding motor cycles. ARNOT'S cap blew off and as he raised his hand to catch it the machine wobbled. ARNOT disappeared behind a clump of trees and as he did not arrive on the hill ahead the other members of the party went around the corner and found ARNOT lying unconscious on the ground with the motor cycle across his legs. The engine stopped working as they approached. There was nothing in view with which ARNOT could have collided. He had evidently fallen from the cycle. - Dr A. S. Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said a fracture of the base of the skull ended fatality on Sunday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Swan attended the Inquiry on behalf of Sir w. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and co., by whom the deceased had been employed up to two days before the accident and expressed to the widow and family the firm's sympathy with them in their bereavement.

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Official's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening on WILLIAM THOMAS WILLCOCKS, age 48, of 19 Lorrimore-avenue, an inspector of shipwrights in H.M. Dockyard. - FERNLEY W. WILLCOCKS, son of deceased, said deceased went to work on Friday as usual, and the following morning went for a walk, returning to dinner, but did not leave the house in the afternoon or evening. At six o'clock on Sunday morning, witness's sister awoke him and told him their father had fainted. On going to deceased's room witness found him in a sitting posture on the side of the bed. Deceased seemed to rally and got all right, but at ten o'clock he fainted again and witness then went for a doctor. When he returned deceased was quite conscious and spoke to him. His father had a drink of milk and water, laid back and died. Deceased had never had any fainting attacks before. - Dr Nixon Morris said he was at the Hospital when he received the message and on his arrival deceased was dead. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope from haemorrhage through the rupture of a blood vessel in the stomach. - Verdict, "Natural causes." - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 April 1911
RICHMOND, SURREY - Devon Girl's Sad Death. Inquest Again Adjourned. - The Inquest on the young shop assistant named ELSIE SWEETNAM, of Newton Abbot, who died at Pagoda-avenue, Richmond, on the 10th inst., as it is alleged, the result of an illegal operation and in connection with which Thomas Jones, a draper, of Brompton-road, and Annie Marian Sadler, midwife, of Westmorland-street, Pimlico, stand charged with a serious offence, was again adjourned at the Richmond Coroner's Court last evening for a fortnight. The evidence was of a similar kind to that given at the Police Court last week. Dr Willcox, senior scientific analyst to the Home Office, saying that the cause of death was blood poisoning consequent upon peritonitis.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 April 1911
WOODLAND - Found In A Well. Woodland Widow's Death. - At Woodland, near Newton Abbot, yesterday, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on MARY HELENA PALMER, widow, whose body was found in a well on her farm on Tuesday. - John Tuckett, of Ashburton, said MRS PALMER, his sister, was 44 years of age. The last time he saw her she was "happy as could be." - The Deputy Coroner: Supposing the Jury come to the conclusion that she took her life, do you know of any reason for her doing so? - No; she had plenty in the house and everything she wanted. She had never said anything about suicide. - William Grant, hind, in the employ of MRS PALMER, said she was a cheerful woman as a rule. She was in the habit of putting butter and cream in the well. She had complained that there were worms in the water used from the well. There were shelves in the well. - Eva Tapper said on going into the orchard and seeing the door of the well open, she went to close it, and saw her mistress's feet hanging out (the well is a very shallow one). She and Mrs Vallance tried, but could not get her out, and they called two men. - Edward Vallance said MRS PALMER never moved after they got her out. - The Deputy Coroner: Have you ever heard of any way of restoring life to people apparently drowned? - I have heard tell of such thing, but didn't know how to do it. - Dr Sankey (Ashburton) gave evidence that death was due to drowning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Domestic Servant's Sad Death. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ELSIE MOONEY, aged 20 years, domestic servant of Cornwall-street, her mother stated that her daughter gave birth to a child on Monday evening. A nurse engaged was unable to attend, as she was detained by another case. Mrs Freestone, a friend, was then sent for. Her daughter seemed to progress, but on Tuesday night complained of bad headache. Just before five o'clock on Wednesday morning she was making a funny noise in her throat as if in a fit, and witness sent for Mrs Freestone, and immediately afterwards for Dr Bolus. Deceased passed away about 9.30 a.m. - Elizabeth Freestone, 8 Cornwall-street, said when fetched on Wednesday morning ELSIE MOONEY was foaming at the nose and mouth and she sent for a doctor. She knew now that she ought to have sent for a doctor on Tuesday. She was a nurse, but not a midwife and had never acted as a midwife. - Dr Bolus said he was called at 5.15 a.m. on Wednesday and went at once. The woman was unconscious and evidently moribund. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to a disease of the kidneys. If he had been called on the previous night he might have saved her life or he might not, because even under treatment about one in three cases of this disease ended fatality. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Bath Causes Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FLORENCE MAY ROGERS, 13, the daughter of HORATIO NELSON ROGERS, water engineer. The girl, who had been staying with her grandmother at Cecil-avenue, Plymouth, was stated to have been subject to fainting fits for the last three or four years. - Emily Thomas, wife of a mason of 33 Cecil-avenue, said about three o'clock on Wednesday, while the girl was having a bath some water came through the kitchen ceiling. On going to ascertain the cause, she found the girl unconscious in the bath with her head under water. She took her out and sent for a doctor. Artificial respiration was tried for half an hour, but with no result. - Dr C. F. Glinn, of Salisbury-road, said death was due to syncope. Death had been accelerated by the bath. - A verdict of "Death from Heart Disease" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS PENWARNE, aged 84, journeyman carpenter, of Albany-place, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. MR PENWARNE fainted suddenly yesterday morning, and died before medical aid could be summoned. Dr Brenton attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

STOKE DAMEREL - Gymnasium Instructor's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks yesterday on WILLIAM JOSEPH MARSHALL, aged 35, first class petty officer, who died suddenly in the billiard-room on Tuesday evening. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Frederick James Harris, 10 Carlton-terrace, Stonehouse, said the deceased, who lived with him when on shore, was a native of Everton, Liverpool. He was single and gymnasium instructor at the Barracks. He returned from the Australia station in the Gibraltar about two months ago, and went to Everton on five weeks' leave. While away he made arrangements to get married in August. On returning from leave he joined the Barracks. Since his return from Australia he had not been in good health, complaining of pains in his back, and witness sent away for liniment for him. This only arrived on Wednesday morning and on witness sending it to the Barracks it was returned with the message that he was dead. - Frederick John Pym, first class petty officer, stated that about 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday deceased came into the billiard-room at the Barracks and spoke to witness. Deceased then seemed to be the same as usual, but shortly afterwards witness noticed that he was apparently faint. As he was unconscious and appeared to be very ill, witness obtained assistance from the Hospital. - Surgeon Frederick cock, stationed at the R.N. Barracks, said when the deceased was brought to the sick quarters he was unconscious and in a state of collapse. He died in eight or ten minutes. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found on opening the chest a large haemorrhage into the right lung and evidence of arterial degeneration. Death was due to syncope caused by the haemorrhage. - Ship's Corporal A. W. Bridges said he served with deceased in the Challenger on the Australia station. Deceased always looked more or less ill and was in hospital at Sydney for a month before the ship paid off. At dinner time on Tuesday he looked ill. Deceased had a very good character. - The Coroner said deceased's papers showed that deceased was accidentally wounded by a deflected bullet while serving in the Talbot in 1902. - Verdict, "Natural Causes".

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 May 1911
HOCKWORTHY - Hockworthy Farmer's Fatal Fall. - Yesterday at Thorneland Farm, Hockworthy, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest on WILLIAM ROBERT HUSSEY, farmer, aged 34. - MR HUSSEY, who was in the employ of his father, went out with a horse and a roller, to roll a field. As he did not come in to tea, a younger brother was sent to look for him and in the road near the field found him in a ditch unconscious, with the horse near by eating grass. He was lying about six yards from the gate and there was a mark in the middle of the road such as might have been caused by a stumble. Death was due to fracture of the base of the skull, probably caused by a fall. The horse, 10 years old, was quiet, and MR HUSSEY was well used to handling it.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 May 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Seaman Dies From Injuries: Jury's Recommendation. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN THORN, ordinary seaman, who died on the 4th inst. as the result of injuries sustained by falling into No. 9 dock at Devonport North Yard on the 28th ult. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Staff-Surg. W. P. Walker said the deceased was unconscious when admitted to the Hospital. He partially recovered consciousness. A post-mortem examination revealed a fracture of the base of the skull and severe laceration of the brain. There was also a compound fracture of the right arm and a simple fracture of the right thigh. Death was due to exhaustion and shock, consequent on the injuries. - JOHN THORN, deceased's father, said his son was 18 years of age and a native of Parkstone, Dorset. - Lieut. A. G. Jameson, H.M.S. Neptune, said he was in charge of a party which was unstaging the forepart of the ship. Deceased was one of them. The work was being down by a steam travelling crane from the side of the dock. Deceased was struck by the wire rope on the crane, which caused him to lose his balance and he fell to the bottom of the dock. The weight and hook on the hoist rested on a step 15 feet from the top of the dock. The rope was loosened, and then, as the weight was put over the step the rope "tautened," and struck the deceased behind the right shoulder. - In reply to the Coroner, the Foreman (Mr J. Lawrence) said he thought it should be a recommendation to the authorities to have the cranes constructed so as to make the hoist plumb with the dock at every point. - Gunner Geo. Fredk. Thompson. R.M.A., said the cause of the fall was the "tautening" of the wire. Witness considered it was an accident which could not be avoided. - The Coroner said it appeared to be one of those accidents which could not be guarded against. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and recommended the authorities to see that in future cranes should be plumb with any part of the dock. - The funeral took place at Plymouth Cemetery immediately after the Inquest, the chief mourners being the deceased's father and brother. Parties were drawn from the R.N. Barracks (the Neptune being away from the port,) and wreaths were sent by the deceased's father, Lieut. Jameson and the ship's company of the Neptune.

EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Devonport Cyclist Exonerated. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, on ELLEN SALTER, 52, who resided apart from her husband, a tanner, formerly of Cullompton, Edward A. Burnett, of Mary Arches Street, said he had been living with her for some years, and on Saturday evening, April 15th, he was with her in Fore-street. They were on the pavement and she suddenly went to cross the road and was knocked down by a cyclist, who fell off his machine. She was sober. - In reply to the Jury, the Coroner said the cyclist was Fredk. J. Waterfield, of George-street, Devonport. - MRS SALTER had bought a new hat and was excited. - Fred. Hayward, railway porter, said the cyclist was riding downhill carefully. MRS SALTER suddenly came into the roadway against the machine. The rider was in no way to blame. - Mr C. H. Lilley, House Surgeon, said death occurred in the Hospital on Saturday morning. A post-mortem revealed a fracture of the base of the skull, with haemorrhage on the brain. - The Coroner said he did not think the attendance of the cyclist from Devonport necessary, because there did not appear to be any reflection upon him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to the cyclist.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 May 1911
RICHMOND, SURREY - Devon Girl's Death In London. Conclusion Of Inquest. - The Inquest was concluded at Richmond yesterday on ELSIE SWEETNAM, a draper's assistant, formerly of Newton Abbot, the result, it was alleged, of an illegal operation, alleged to have been performed by Annie Marian Sadler, of Pimlico, who is now in custody. Further evidence was given, and the Jury found that death was the result of an illegal operation performed by Mrs Sadler, but that there was not sufficient evidence to associate Thomas Jones, the deceased's employer with the operation. The Coroner said that was a verdict of "Wilful Murder". Some of the Jury objected to that, but the Coroner said they had nothing to do with the question of legal definition.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 May 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Fatal Fall. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on MARY LOUISA PEARCE, the one-year-old daughter of a labourer. - MARY LOUISA PEARCE, of Clarence-place, the mother, said on Tuesday morning she left the bedroom and on returning shortly after met her son carrying the baby downstairs. he said she had fallen out of bed. At dinner-time the child was taken ill and she took her to the doctor in the evening. She called in the doctor again the next day, and the baby passed away in his presence. - Dr C. Roberts said a post-mortem examination revealed a bruise at the base of the skull and a large clot of blood inside the base of the skull and some fluid. Death was due to haemorrhage through injury to the base of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a vote of sympathy was passed with the parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Wolsdon-street Schools yesterday on ARCHIBALD JOHN MCARTHUR, aged 2 years, of 2 Arundel-crescent. - ANNA SCOTT MCARTHUR, wife of a fitter, said on Saturday she was called by a neighbour and told that deceased had fallen off a wall in the back-yard. The child did not appear to be much hurt, but on Sunday he developed pains, and, though treated by a doctor, did not recover and died on Wednesday evening. - Eliza Hancock said she was in the coal cupboard about six o'clock on Saturday evening when she saw the child on the wall, which was about eighteen inches high on one side, and four feet on the other. A moment later she saw that he had disappeared, and, looking over the wall, saw him at the bottom on the other side. She called the mother. - Dr Aikman said the child developed meningitis. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to this disease, engendered by a blow on the head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said the wall ought to be protected. - The Coroner promised to intimate this to the landlord of the house.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 May 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Drowning Case. Woman's Plucky Act. - At Barnstaple on Saturday Mr A. Bencraft held an Inquest on MARGERY AMELIA THOMAS, the 6 ½ years old child of MR WILLIAM THOMAS, an engineer, employed at S. J. Bale and Co's motor works. The child, with other children, in charge of Mrs F. Chugg, a neighbour, was playing on Sven Brethren Bank, when she fell into the water at a very deep part. Mrs Chugg did all she could to get the child out, going into the water herself, and, as the Coroner remarked, very nearly losing her own life. Unfortunately there was no one near at the time who could swim. - Mrs Chugg, of Signal-terrace, said the girl ran up the bank after herself and her own children, and they were playing with sticks about the edge of the water when THOMAS turned round and fell in on her back. Her falling in seemed unexplainable. The tide and the girl's own struggles carried her out. She (witness) plunged in to save her, although she could not swim and had never been in the water before. She went under, but managed to get hold of the girl in her arms and tried to get with her to the bank, but she felt the child slip from her and go down like a log. With much difficulty, her little daughter helping her, she got to the bank and hung on. Had anyone been there the girl could easily have been saved. - Mr Alfred J. Judd, author, of Barnstaple, who was on the opposite side of the river, said his attention was directed by shouts, and, looking across, he saw that someone had evidently fallen into the water. He saw Mrs Chugg jump into the water in her endeavours to save the child. It was no question of wading, but just a plunge, and was altogether a wonderfully plucky act. As far as he could see the child gripped Mrs Chugg by the neck and both went under. Unfortunately he could not swim himself, there was no one within call and he did the best he could by running up the bank to cross the railway bridge at the end of the park and get to the side of the river where the accident had happened. this he did, calling some boys who were bathing further up, in the way. When he reached the spot he was eight or ten minutes late as regards the child, who had sunk from sight. Mrs Chugg had just managed to scramble out. He could not speak too highly of Mrs Chugg's pluck in jumping into the river at the imminent risk of her own life. Mr Pugsley on arriving dived several times, but could find no trace of the child. - Charles Babb, 14, corroborated. - John Avery spoke to recovering the body about nine at night, and said there would be about 15 feet of water there at the time the child fell in. - The Coroner spoke of the danger of the river with its swiftly-rushing tide, and of the crumbling banks, and he thought it was only by a merciful Providence that Mrs Chugg saved her life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and through the Foreman (Mr J. R. Ford) highly commended Mrs Chugg for her plucky attempt at rescue, thanked Mr Judd, and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 May 1911
AXMINSTER - "Suicide Whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at Axminster yesterday on FLORENCE EMILY BELLWORTHY, domestic servant, aged 24, who hanged herself in her bedroom at the residence of Dr J. Neville Vise, at Axminster, by whom she was employed.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Accident Or Suicide? - An Inquest was held yesterday at St. Simon's Hall, Plymouth, on MARY E. ANNELL, of Rosebery-avenue. - GEORGE ANNELL, naval pensioner, said his wife was 58 years of age. He missed her from bed on Saturday morning and going into the kitchen found her dead. She was sitting in a chair near the penny-in-the-slot meter. The gas pipe was detached and there was a smell of gas. A white cloak was over her head and shoulders. His wife suffered from asthma and often got up and made herself a cup of tea. The tea caddy was ready and the kettle was on the ring. He thought her death was due to accident. He had before known her put a cloak on when she got up to get herself a cup of tea. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr J. Graves): Had she any trouble on her mind? - No; she suffered from asthma and from palpitation of the heart, and also had a bad leg; but she was not despondent and the night before she appeared in her usual health and in good spirits. - Mr c. F. Glinn, who was called to the house on Sunday morning, said the rubber gas pipe detached was lying by the chair. He attributed death to heart failure accelerated by gas poisoning. There was enough gas in the room when he got there to affect a person with a weak heart. He suggested that MRS ANNELL felt weak and catching hold of the gas pipe pulled it out as she sat in the chair. - The Deputy Coroner said the evidence was quite consistent with accidental death and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

TORQUAY - Torquay Man's Death. Widow's Allegations Of Poisoning. Doctor And Prescription. - ROBERT ALBERT DAMERELL, retired cab-driver, aged 65 died at Hill View, Warren-road, Torquay, on Monday, and Mr P.C. Cornish-Bowden held an Inquest yesterday. - Dr Courtenay Dunn said he had attended the deceased for heart weakness and on Saturday DAMERELL came to him and he gave him a mixture. - The Coroner: Have you the detailed prescription? - The Doctor replied that he had so many cases to attend to that his mind was not clear on the point. It, however, contained strychnine, chloroform and digitalis, and was mixed in a 60oz. bottle at his (the doctor's) own dispensary. He kept no record of it. - You know the suggestion in this case? - Yes. - You don't remember precisely the exact details, although this was only on Saturday? - That is so. - If the whole dose had been taken at once would that have caused poisoning so as to kill him? - No. If anything, it would have done good. - Continuing, witness said when DAMERELL went outdoors on the following day - Sunday - he was looking very ill. Next day he was called to the house and found him dead, but his lips were not discoloured. - Widow's Mental Condition. - Did you form an opinion as to the state of the widow's mind? - Yes. - Would she be capable of giving evidence at this court? - No. - Did she suggest that her husband's death was due to poisoning? - Yes; she said "Cawdle's men have given my husband drink with poison in," or words to that effect, adding that I knew they had done so. - Did you find any poison in deceased's room? - No. There was a glass which smelt of carbolic, but it was empty. - Did you give any carbolic in your mixture? - I do not remember. - You must please remember. - I can't really remember all these things. - I must ask you again if there was any carbolic in the medicine you supplied? - Not to my knowledge. - Did your medicine smell of carbolic? - No. If there had been any, it would have been about six drops - a drop to the dose. - Did this glass contain your medicine? - As far as I recollect, it did not. - You say you do not know what drugs your mixture contained? - I do not know precisely. - You only say what you probably would have used? - Yes. - But you don't know whether you did or not? - No. - Cause Of Death. - The Doctor said his post-mortem examination revealed a fatty heart and chronic inflammation of the kidneys. He had not made an analysis of the contents of the stomach, but had placed them in a jar for examination if necessary. - Did you find any sign of poisoning? - None whatever. - Did you examine the brain? - No. - Is not that a recognised part of a post-mortem examination? - When a medical man is satisfied without doing so as to the cause of death, the brain examination is dispensed with. - What in your opinion was the cause of death? - Heart failure, caused by the fatty degeneration. I might also say I found two bruises just below the man's knees, probably caused in falling. - Could a man's shins be bruised by falling on his knees? - Yes, with a heavy man like him. It might have been done in falling against stairs. - In reply to a Juror, the Doctor said he based his opinion as to the widow's mental condition by her manner and her rambling statements. Her language was anything but that of a sane woman. - Another Juror: Don't you think, for your own safety, and for that of the public, you ought to keep a record of your dispensings? - I do when dangerous drugs are dispensed. - Neighbour's Evidence. - Mrs Laura Bond, a neighbour, said DAMERELL had been a very strong man. The widow is anything but sane. She had a seizure three or four years ago and has not been herself since. She acts in a very mad manner and says very mad things. She (witness) took no notice whatever of the woman's allegations against the Doctor, because she had said such strange things many times before. - Geo. H. Deabill, foreman at Cawdle's coaching news, said no one at Cawdle's gave DAMERELL drink. - The Coroner said the widow had been summoned, but refused to attend. She being of weak intellect, he did not intend to take any measures to enforce her attendance. If the Jury were inclined to take the widow's statements seriously, there could be an adjourned Inquiry and an examination of the body by an independent doctor. He, however, thought they could attach little importance to her suggestions. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that the Doctor was unable to remember what he had prescribed, and in view of the grave suggestions made, it was a pity a record had not been kept.

PLYMSTOCK - At Turnchapel yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd on ELIZABETH MARY SMITH, widow, aged 75, of Rock Cottage. Mrs Alice E. Brown said her mother, on returning home from a walk after chapel, on Sunday evening, was taken ill and died. She had lately complained of slight indigestion. Dr Noy Scott of Plymstock, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope caused by a fatty heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Naval Stoker's Death. Coroner's Jury Return A Verdict Of "Manslaughter". Result Of Post-Mortem. - Crowds surrounded the Plymouth Mortuary in Vauxhall-street yesterday afternoon, on the occasion of the Inquest on FREDERICK ROBERT BOWERING, stoker, H.M.S. Blake, found dead in a house in Summerland-place on Monday morning. The Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) conducted the Inquiry. Mr John W. Bickle appeared on behalf of another naval stoker named Lovell, who is accused of manslaughter: and Mr J. P. Goldsmith, of Devonport, represented the Admiralty. - Thomas Robert Hutchinson, master-at-Arms, H.M.S. Blake, said BOWERING was 26 years of age and his residence was with his uncle at Ventnor-villas, Brighton. - The Girl's Evidence. - Dorothy Vickary, about 20 years of age, said she had been living with Hugh Logan, another naval stoker, at Summerland-place. On Sunday evening she met Lovell and BOWERING at the Princess Royal, at Stonehouse. Lovell said he knew where she lived and was coming home with her. She said she did not want him to do that and she did not see him afterwards until she got to the house. Then Lovell and BOWERING were outside the door. Lovell said he was coming in. BOWERING had had more than enough to drink. Both came in and found Logan there, and a conversation ensued. Lovell said to BOWERING, "Go out of the room," and hit him over the eye. That was the only blow struck. BOWERING fell down faint and they bathed his face with water, got him up and he sat on the side of the bed. He then seemed all right and Lovell left. Logan afterwards asked BOWERING if he was all right and he said "All right, chummy,~" and they then left him. At a quarter to seven next morning she said to Logan, "I wonder if that other chap's gone?" Logan went to see and came back and said BOWERING was dead. - The Foreman (Mr Southern): Are you sure only one blow was struck? - Yes. - Didn't anyone catch him by the throat? - No. - When he seemed all right why didn't you tell him to go home? - There was an empty room there and we thought he was all right. - Was BOWERING lifted on to the bed? - No, he went to bed himself. He didn't undress. - Did anyone go in to BOWERING after you left him? - No. - In cross-examination by Mr Bickle, witness denied that she asked Lovell to go home with her. She had known Lovell and BOWERING before Sunday evening. Up to the time of Lovell going she saw no blood upon BOWERING. The first time she noticed blood was next morning. BOWERING was left in an outer room, which they had to go through to get to her room. She heard nothing during the night. Logan was sober. - Stoker's Story. - Hugh Logan, stoker, H.M.S. Vivid, said he was in the house when Vickary walked in, followed by the two men. After the conversation spoken to by Vickary, Lovell drew back and struck BOWERING with his fist. They had all been drinking, but BOWERING seemed the worst. He fell in the doorway between the two room. - The Coroner: Did Lovell say anything before he struck the blow? - He said, "I am going to put you out," or something like that. - How did you find him next morning? - Lying face downwards on the mattress, the only thing on the bed. - Did you move him? - No; I saw he was dead. - Did you notice any blood on him? - Not when he was struck, or after he sat on the bed. In the morning blood seemed to be coming from his nose. - Are you aware that Lovell and BOWERING were chums? - No; I knew Lovell, but not BOWERING. - The Foreman: You said there was nothing said before the blow was struck? - They were mumbling one to the other, but I did not hear what was said. - How can you account for Lovell striking the blow? - I cannot account for it. - Could anyone get into the room during the night? - Yes; there is no lock on the door. - Did you hear anyone during the night? - Not a sound. - In reply to Mr Bickle, witness said after BOWERING came round, he told Lovell, "You can go now; I will look after him." - The Arrest. - P.C. Wyatt, who was called to the house on Monday morning, deposed to finding BOWERING dead and to apprehending Lovell on board H.M.S. Devonshire. - Detective-Inspector Hitchcock, who accompanied P.C. Wyatt said as Lovell was being brought to the Police Station, he said "What do you think I shall get for this lot?" Witness replied that he did not know, and Lovell then said, "I had no intention of injuring him. We had a few words and I struck him. He went down and I thought he was knocked out or faint. Logan then got some water and bathed his face and put him on his feet and lifted him on the side of the bed. As he appeared to come round, I left him with Logan and went to Union-street, Stonehouse, where I stayed the night. If I had once thought I had injured him, I should certainly have stayed with him, and not left him as I did." - Surgeon's Evidence. - Mr C. J. Cooke, Surgeon, said that when he was called in the man had been dead some hours. As the result of a post-mortem examination, he found there were bruises on the face, nose, chin, throat, across the front of the chest, on the left shoulder and on the right side of the head, and an effusion of blood in the right eye. The tongue was slightly protruding and the face dusky in colour. There was no fracture of any kind and no sign of strangulation. The nose was full of blood and there had been considerable haemorrhage of the nose. The lungs and rain were deeply congested; the blood of all the internal organs was very dark in colour and liquid. None of the blows which caused the bruises would be sufficient to account for death, but the blow on the side of the head might, and probably did cause a certain amount of concussion of the brain. The actual cause of death was asphyxia, probably caused by the man falling heavily and striking his head and becoming somewhat stunned. The man might have rolled over on to his face and been suffocated. He had evidently been lying on his face in a pool of blood. Deceased was a healthy man. - The Coroner: Would death have occurred if the man had not been drunk? - I think if the man was very drunk it was possible for him to have rolled over on to his face and he accidentally suffocated. That might have been sufficient to cause death. - Dr Cooke added that he thought death was caused by suffocation. The mattress was old and so worn in the centre that a man's face would get down into it. - How do you account for the blood? - In the act of suffocation the nasal passage would be deeply congested with blood and some of it might escape. - The Foreman: One blow would not cause all the bruises you mention? - No. - Did you notice the bruises in the throat? - It looked to me as if he had been gripped by the throat. - I expect what you saw was post-mortem staining, not bruises. - It might be likely that when he sat on the bed he had a relapse from the stunning, and fell back? - It is quite possible. - And very likely he would fall face downwards on the mattress? - It is quite possible. - The blood could not have been produced by the blow? - I should say not. - Verdict Of The Jury. - The Coroner said he thought they would agree that the witnesses had given their evidence absolutely fairly. There seemed to have been no attempt to keep anything back. The point was whether the Jury thought the blow as in any way the cause of death. Might it be assumed that if he had not had that blow deceased would still have died from suffocation? - The Jury retired, and after a brief absence said they considered the blow caused concussion of the brain and that concussion was the cause of the suffocation. - The Coroner: That is a verdict of Manslaughter. - The Foreman: And we think Logan and Vickary ought to be severely censured for the manner in which they left the man. - The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that here.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1911
PLYMOUTH - Brixham Skipper Drowned. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES HENRY BRAY, the master of the Brixham fishing smack Britannia's Pride, aged 56 years. - Wm. Disney, the mate, said he last saw the master alive on Tuesday on board the smack. He never heard him threaten to take his life. The smack lay about 20 yards from the Barbican Pier, and the captain would have to go on board by boat. - Geo. Conybeare, Looe-street, Plymouth, deposed to seeing BRAY sleeping on the ground at the Syndicate offices on the Barbican pier-head on Tuesday. Later in the day he passed again and he was gone. Rd. Glinn, Gloucester-street, said he was going out fishing on Wednesday morning when he saw the body floating in Sutton Pool. - P.C. roach, Plymouth Water Police, stated that he saw the deceased on Tuesday and he appeared as usual. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 May 1911
EXETER - Exeter Mill Tragedy. Inquest On MR H. T. HELLIER: Brain Fag And Sleeplessness. Sympathy At The Inquiry. - At Exeter yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr W. Rackwood-Cocks on HENRY THOMAS HELLIER, the proprietor of the City Roller Mills, Exeter, found the previous morning in the mills shot through the head. Mr W. H. Tarbet represented the widow. - MR JOHN HELLIER said his brother was 45 years of age. He last saw him alive on the 8th of this month, when he seemed in his usual health. He had never mentioned anything about suicide. - Dr Dyball said he had been attending MR HELLIER since May 8th for neurasthenia. He had been over-worked and run-down, and had what was popularly known as brain fag. He complained of sleeplessness. Witness had known him for ten years and he had told him he had been gradually getting in that condition for some time. On Thursday morning he received a telephone message from the City Mills and on going there found MR HELLIER lying on his back on the floor of the carpenter's workshop, with a bullet wound in the right temple and a revolver lying on his shoulder. There was some blood on his right hand and also on a low shelf which he had apparently lent upon when he fired the revolver, and then fallen to the floor. Death was instantaneous. MR HELLIER was perfectly rational and sane, but very shaky and over-wrought on the previous Monday. It was not probable, but quite possible, that he might have had a temporary lapse from sanity. - Mr Tarbet: Would it be the more probable if there was no other cause that would lead him to take his life? - Yes. - A Juror: Was he unduly dejected? - Yes; he was unable to do his business properly. - Was it from business worries? - No, from sleeplessness. I understand arrangements had actually been made for him to go away for a change. - The Foreman's Story. - Richard Lethbridge, Cambridge-street, St. Thomas, foreman miller in the employ of MR HELLIER, said at eight o'clock his employer came to work and seemed in very good spirits. He last saw him alive at 9.35 a.m. in his office, when he told him to shut the exhaust-room door at his leisure and added that he would be going his round in the city in five minutes and asked him to come back. Witness did so, but finding the office door open, and MR HELLIER'S hat on the chair, he went to shut the exhaust-room door and saw MR HELLIER on the floor of the carpenter's shop. MR HELLIER had told him that he had had great pains in his head for several weeks past and that he could not sleep. He was fond of shooting. He had a revolver beside ordinary guns. - Pathetic Letter - Detective Walters said the revolver was lying on the right shoulder. In MR HELLIER'S right-hand trouser pocket were three revolver cartridges, and a note written in pencil as follows:- "Dear Alice and Mother, - I cannot stand the pain in my head any longer. My nerves are completely gone. I am afraid of losing my memory. - Yours always, TOM." - In a safe in the office was a box which contained 46 cartridges. There was one discharged cartridge in the revolver. - Mr Tarbet said he had enjoyed the close confidence of MR HELLIER for many years and, with the exception of the loss of nerve-power which he had complained of for some little time past, he had been peculiarly free from any embarrassment, either of business, family or otherwise. With regard to outside engagements or matters, he had the privilege and pleasure of being in affluent circumstances. - The Jury (Mr W. H. Edwards, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and relatives, an expression in which the Deputy Coroner joined.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on EMILY ROBERTS, aged 53, wife of RICHARD JOHN ROBERTS, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, living in Wilton-street. MRS ROBERTS was taken ill on Thursday morning, but recovered sufficiently to be able to cook dinner. In the afternoon she vomited and complained of pain in the chest and died before a medical man could be fetched. - Dr Pearson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the deceased's heart was very fatty and he found 17 gall-stones. He attributed death to syncope following colic, accelerated by fatty degeneration of the heart. The colic was due to indigestion. - MR ROBERTS said his wife had no teeth, and he had been unable to persuade her to go to the dentist to get false ones. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 May 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE TAYLOR. - James Lowton, Mount-street, said MR TAYLOR, his father-in-law, a naval pensioner, had lived with him. When he came home on Friday night, about nine o'clock, he said he was feeling queer, and unable to hold anything in his hand. Later, when they were down in the court, he said he could not turn round. While being assisted into the house, he was taken worse and fell. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said TAYLOR'S heart weighed between 17 and 18 ounces; the normal weight was 10 to 12 ounces. Death was due to heart failure, due to valvular disease. A verdict was returned accordingly.

HALBERTON - Cullompton Boy's Terrible Death. - The Inquest on HOWARD WILLIAM DUMMETT, aged 6, of the Green, Cullompton, who died on Saturday, was held at Coombe Cottage, Halberton, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould (Exeter). - The father, ERNEST DUMMETT, said that on Saturday he was delivering goods at Coombe Cottage with a motor lorry belonging to Mr Cook, carrier, of Cullompton. Whilst he was carrying iron bedsteads and a mattress into a cottage Elworthy's traction engine came along. He heard his little son cry "Daddy," and looking round, saw deceased under one of the front wheels. He dropped the mattress and picked the child up, but he was too late. - Harry Pook, driver of the motor lorry, stated that while he was at the front of the lorry he saw deceased fall from the lorry under the near front wheel of a passing traction engine. He could not see what caused the boy to fall. - William Alford, Halberton, driver of the engine, saw the boy fall in front of his engine, and before he could stop the front wheel was on him. - Mr G. G. Gidley, Surgeon, Cullompton, described the terrible injuries, which, he said, caused instantaneous death, and the Coroner remarked that there appeared to be no blame attached to any one. No doubt the father took this child with him with the best of intentions, but it was an example of the folly of taking children on this sort of vehicle. - The Jury found that the occurrence was Accidental.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - The Bittaford Fatality. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on THOMAS ROBERT POINTER, 48, who met with an accident on the railway cutting at Lee Mill, Ivybridge. A gang of workmen had taken out earth to make a new cutting to Bittaford. As POINTER was screwing up the rails the earth, which was overhanging, fell on him. Neither of the other workmen saw the accident. - William Henry Harper, foreman of the party, said he did not think the earth was unsafe. Five or six wagon-loads fell on POINTER, burying him. He was unconscious when taken out, and he was removed to Ivybridge, where Dr Cooper ordered his removal to the Hospital. - Frederick S. Gould, engineer at the cutting, said there was no over-hanging earth. He attributed the slip to the earth being dry. - Ernest Roberts, foreman, said he saw the cutting was vertical an hour before the accident. - Arthur Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said POINTER was admitted suffering from a compound fracture of the leg. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 June 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. Result Of A Mailcart Accident. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ELSIE GWENDOLINE BERTHA MOYSE, aged nine months. - BERTHA MOYSE, wife of a Dockyard labourer, residing in Mount-street, said on Saturday afternoon, April 29th, Lilian Flower took the baby out. Shortly after six o'clock she returned and the baby was screaming. The baby's nose was badly skinned. The girl told her she had pricked it with a pin. Inquiries showed that the girl had upset the mail-cart in which the baby was. The next day she asked Flower how she upset the cart, and she replied that the baby did not fall to the ground. She told her the baby was very ill and on the following Monday called in a doctor. - Lilian Flower, age 13, said when returning home with the baby one of the tyres of the cart continually got twisted and she had to tie it. When coming along the road at the top of the Brickfields the mail-cart fell over on its side and the baby tumbled out. At the Park steps she took the baby out of the cart, and a pin in her blouse scratched its nose. She did not tell MRS MOYSE the baby fell out of the mail-cart because she was frightened. She did not notice that the baby's nose was injured until she got in the lines. - Mabel Hoskings, another girl of Mount-street, said one of the wheels of the mail-cart went over the foot of a man and turned over and the child fell out. - Dr R. J. Fleming said when he was called in the baby was feverish, and her condition gradually got worse until it died on Wednesday. He had made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to acute meningitis, which he thought was due to the fall. - The Coroner said it was a particularly sad case and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the girl, Lilian Flower, from blame.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on RICHARD BLIGHT, found dead in bed at 25 Cambridge-street, medical evidence showed death to be due to cirrhosis of the liver, caused by excessive drinking.

PLYMOUTH - Peverell Drowning Case. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on ANGUS HERBERTSON, aged 10 years. The evidence showed that the lad, with his brother, went to the old Stonehouse reservoir at Peverell, apparently to fish. He fell in and was drowned and owing to the peculiar construction of the reservoir, the body was recovered only with the greatest difficulty. - It was stated that there were no less than three fences, but in spite of this small boys were in the habit of getting in. There was a similar fatality at the reservoir some years ago, and the suggestion was then made that the reservoir should be drained, but this appeared not to have been acted upon. - P.C. Ayres said there was a drop of 10ft. from the bank to the level of the water and the water was 6ft. or 7ft. deep. If anyone fell into the reservoir they could not get out without assistance. - The body of the boy was recovered with the aid of a ladder. - The brother of the deceased, FRANCIS HERBERTSON, said when ANGUS fell into the water he ran to fetch help. He told one man there was a boy in the water, and the man only said "He shouldn't be there," and passed on. - Some discussion ensued as to whether the fences round the reservoir were sufficiently effective and one of the witnesses suggested there were gaps "large enough to drive a wheelbarrow through." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and added a rider strongly recommending that the pool be drained.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 June 1911
ERMINGTON - Plymouth Pedlar Found Dead. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Ermington yesterday on PHILIP HARDING, aged 68, of Plymouth. HARDING, who had no hands, was a well-known pedlar. Sarah Ann Daniels, wife of Frederick Daniels, of the First and Last Inn, Ermington, said HARDING came to the Inn to lodge on Thursday. On Friday about 10.30 p.m. he went to bed, and in the morning was found dead. He had not complained of any illness. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

AVETON GIFFORD - Modbury Lad's Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at Aveton Gifford, yesterday, on RICHARD BROAD, aged 15. - JOHN BROAD, journeyman fellmonger, Modbury, said his son had been working for Mr Wroth, of Heathfield Down Farm, Aveton Gifford, for some time. he was a strong and active lad, and well able to manage a horse and cart and was very pleased with his employment and his employer. Servington Hodder, farmer, of Harraton Farm, Aveton Gifford, said on Saturday morning his attention was drawn to a farm cart turned upside down in a field at Heathfield Down, and on going to it he found BROAD with his body under the cart, and his head projecting outside the front of the cart. The full weight of the cart was on his neck. With assistance witness extricated the lad, who was quite dead. The harness was sound and nothing had given way. It was possible that the wheels of the cart went over a heap of wood on the ground, and, there being a slight dip in the field, the turning over the cart would be account for if the boy had pulled quickly on the left rein. - Arthur Harris Wroth said BROAD had been in his employ for about eight months. The horse he was driving was about 15 years old and very quiet. He agreed with Mr Hodder as to the probable cause of the accident. - Nellie Hurrell, of Modbury, said she saw BROAD drive out of the farmyard a quarter of an hour before she noticed the cart in the field upside down. - Dr Henry Pode Miles, of Modbury, said BROAD'S neck was broken causing instantaneous death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

HARTLAND - At the Inquest at Hartland on HUGH MOUNTJOY, aged 65 years, MARIA MOUNTJOY, sister, said he went down to a field on Thursday to fetch a gatepost. It was very hot weather. He left the horse while he fastened the gate. The animal bolted up the road towards Wargery Farm. He ran after it and then came into the house complaining that he felt unwell. He was very sick and she gave him a drop of brandy. He then lay down on the sofa and in a few minutes died. Dr Walker, who had made a post mortem examination said the heart was fatty and MR MOUNTJOY must have been suffering severely from inflammation of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TOTNES - The River Dart Fatality. - At Totnes yesterday, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden held an Inquest on WILLIAM RICHARD HANNAFORD, baker, aged 42. Charles Wilson, labourer, said on Saturday he lent HANNAFORD a bathing costume and afterwards saw him swimming down the River Dart. In a few seconds he missed him and going up the bank, he found him sinking in about 4ft. of water. He kept his head above water until help came. He appeared to be dead, but they carried on artificial respiration until the doctor arrived and said the man was dead. - James Eastman, fisherman, who assisted Wilson, said no water came from deceased's mouth. - Dr W. R. Edmond, who had made a post-mortem examination, said HANNAFORD had valvular heart disease and death was caused by the exertion of swimming. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 June 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Seven In A Room. Stonehouse Infant's Death. - At Stonehouse yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on the infant daughter of JOSEPH HENRY HOSKING, carter, of High-street. - The father said the child was found dead in bed on Saturday night at 10.45. he slept in the same bedroom with his wife, daughters and step-daughter. They had another room, but it was not fit to live in. - The Coroner: How's that? - When Mr Martin had the sewerage done, the men took away a trough and nothing has been done to the room since. Two other daughters and a step-daughter occupied the same room. - A Juryman: Who does the room belong to? - Mr Chas. Martin, the guardian. - Police Inspector Joslin: There is an ordinary couch in the room? - Yes. - Do you mean to say this young woman and the two daughters can sleep on an ordinary couch? - There are chairs by the side of it. - Isn't it a fact they sleep in the bed with your wife? - No. - Weren't they in the bed the night before? - No. - Had you been drunk? - I had had a pint. - The Coroner: As far as you can gather, he was sober on Saturday night? - Inspector Joslin: On this particular occasion there is no question of drink. - The Coroner said it would have been more decent for HOSKING to have gone into the other room instead of into that in which there were so many women, especially having regard to the state of his wife. - Maud Gilley, step-daughter of HOSKING, and Mary Jane Stephens, a neighbour, also gave evidence. The latter said she was one of the old midwives and was not now certificated. She was called at the birth of the child and did what she could. - The Coroner said she should have sent to a nursing home or to the parish doctor. She had no right to do what she did. It looked as if she was in the habit of doing these things. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to suffocation, brought about by overlaying. The room was 13 ½ feet by 12 and in addition to the bed there was a couch. The room was very stuffy - enough to suffocate anyone. - The Coroner said he must again remark that it was regrettable that parents would take young children into bed with them without exercising reasonable care to see that they were not overlaid. As long as the law remained as it was no blame could be placed on anyone in the absence of drunkenness, and in the absence of any criminal neglect their verdict must be one of "Accidental Death." - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WILFRED HOLBECK HARRIS, aged 5 years, son of MR FRED HARRIS, stationmaster of Liss, Hampshire, fatally injured by a motor car on Saturday evening. Mr S. Proctor, assistant town clerk, appeared for the City Council; Mr G. H. Stephens for Gould Bros., the owners of the car, and Walter Edward Hemens, the driver. - The father of the child said on Saturday he took his two children to Exmouth and arrived back in the city about 6.30 in the evening. He went on a car to the terminus in Pinhoe-road, riding on the top. On getting to the terminus he got down in front of his two boys, who followed him down the steps. They left by the end nearest the terminus. Whilst he was attending to his other boy a lady lifted WILFRED from the steps and he jumped on to the roadway. At the same time a motor car passed and knocked him down. - By Mr Stephens: They really came down the front part of the car. - Ernest Pearse, tram driver, said when he arrived at the terminus he took off the driving gear and transferred it at once to the other end. He did not notice MR HARRIS and his two boys. He saw the motor car coming from the direction of the city on the proper side. The horn was sounded three or four times. The motor car was approaching at a moderate pace. The step of the tram was up and he was waiting to proceed to the city, when the accident happened. - By the Coroner: At a terminus passengers could get off at either end. - Mr Proctor produced the rules, which stated - 'The entrance to and exit from the carriages shall be by the hindermost or conductor's platform, except at a terminus, when the carriages are stationary.' - Stanley Ching, tram conductor, said he first noticed the child in the roadway after reaching the terminus, and MR HARRIS was at the entrance to the car. The lad ran towards the tram. The hooter of the oncoming motor car was sounded and then the near front wheel caught the boy. The car skidded owing to the brakes being put on. The car slowed down as it approached. - Wm. Barrett, Rack-street, said he was passing the terminus at the time the tramcar stopped. The motor car was coming down at a fair rate and the horn was sounded three or four times. He saw the boy placed on the footpath and then run towards the car. He was knocked down, but the brakes of the motor car were put on. - Walter Rotherham, Monk's-road, and Fredk. Gent, farmer, Pinhoe, gave corroborative evidence. - Capt. Charles Shuldham Schrieber, 18 Arlington-street, London, said on Saturday evening he was riding in a hired motor car in Pinhoe-road, when he saw a little boy run in front of the car. The driver had sounded his horn several times before, and did so as he approached the tramcar. As the boy ran across, the driver applied the brakes, but the car struck him and the near front wheel ran over him. Witness got out and assisted him from underneath the car, and he was placed in it and driven to the Hospital. It was difficult to say what pace the car was travelling, but he should say at the rate of eight miles an hour as it approached the tramcar. Like Mr Gent, he thought the boy was going from the tramcar to the kerb. Witness expressed sympathy with the relatives and also the sympathy of Lord and Lady Poltimore, with whom he was staying, and who were greatly distressed about the accident. - Peter Davidson, of Paul-street, a passenger on the tramcar, also said the boy was going from the tram to the kerb when he was knocked down. - Walter E. Hemens, the driver of the motor car, who was first warned by the Coroner, said he sounded the horn very nearly all the way down Pinhoe-road. As he approached the tramcar the boy crossed the road, but before he could put the brakes on, the car had knocked him down. - P.S. Mortimore, Heavitree, said the car skidded a distance of sixteen paces and after going the distance of ten paces the car turned at almost right angles towards the tramway. The road had recently been tar-=sprayed, and the surface was greasy, which would account for the car skidding such a distance. - Dr Carter said the boy was dead when admitted to Hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed a fractured dislocation of the upper part of the spine and a ruptured lung. - The Coroner said whilst there did not appear to be any gross negligence on the part of the motor car driver, the case showed how necessary it was that motor cars should be driven as slowly as possible past tramcars when people were getting out. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the motor car driver from blame, and expressed their sympathy with the parents, with which the Coroner concurred. The Jury also added a rider that passengers of tramways should alight only at one end of the car. - Mr Stephens, on behalf of Gould Bros. and the driver, expressed sympathy with the parents. - MR HARRIS, in acknowledging the expressions of sympathy, said he was quite satisfied that no one was to blame.

EXETER - Fatal Railway Journey. - An Inquiry was held on ELIZA GALE, aged 63, of Cross-cottage, Pinhoe, widow of a gardener. - EDWARD GALE said his mother had enjoyed good health. She left home on Friday morning to go to Kennford. - Percy Gayton, railway porter, said on the arrival of a train from Pinhoe at Queen-street Station on Friday, his attention was called to MRS GALE, who was very ill in a carriage which was fearfully hot. He assisted her out and a doctor was sent for. - Rev. O. Puckridge, vicar of Pinhoe, who was travelling in the same carriage, wrote that MRS GALE appeared to faint as soon as she took her sear in the carriage. - Dr Sturdee, House Physician, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said MRS GALE was admitted into the Hospital in an unconscious state and died the same day. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, due to apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Swinging Behind A Wagon. - An Inquest was held on WILLIAM MILLER, aged six years, of West-street, son of FRANK MILLER, a sergeant in the 3rd Devons. - MARY ANN MILLER, the mother, said the lad left home at midday on Friday to go to the Bonhay Pleasure Ground, with two other children. - Robert Salter, jun., hawker, West-street, said on Friday afternoon he was driving sheep in the Bonhay-road, and saw the lad walking in the road by himself. Soon afterwards he saw him swinging on the back of a wagon laden with sheep and then fall. He was too far away to see the cause. A horse was travelling at the rear of the wagon. - Elizabeth Eales, Beech-hill, said she saw the boy lying in the road. The wagon continued on and she called to the driver. he said the boy had nothing to do with him. The boy was bleeding very much, and appeared to be dead. - Deaconess Maud Brett deposed to going to the boy's assistance, and conveying him to the Hospital in a cab. - Wm. Ridler, waggoner, Thorverton, who was first warned by the Coroner, said he was returning home with sheep and had a horse tied up behind the wagon. He remembered Mrs Eales calling out to him that his little boy had fallen off the wagon. His own boy was riding in the wagon and, looking round, said, "No, he is nothing t do with me." Seeing the boy lying on the ground, he went back to him. There were rollers at the back of the wagon, which might have caused the boy to fall when he caught hold of them. He did not know the boy was there. If he had seen him, he should have made him get off. - Mr Carter, Assistant House Surgeon, said the boy was admitted to the Hospital with a fracture of the top of the skull, through which the brain protruded. He died the same day without recovering consciousness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their sympathy with the parents, and exonerated the driver from blame. -

EXETER - Suicide Of A Sextoness. - An Inquest was held last evening on ELIZABETH ANN DRAKE, aged 49, a widow, Dinham-road, the sextoness of St. Michael's Church, found drowned on Saturday evening. - RICHARD W. DRAKE said of late his mother had complained of pains. She had undergone an operation and suffered considerably and that made her drink a little at times. On Saturday, at a funeral service at the church of a very great friend of hers, she had to toll the bell and he thought that that upset her. HENRY F. DRAKE, another son, said he left his mother at home on Saturday evening, when she appeared to be all right. he had spoken to her about her drinking in the week, and she said she would be better. When she suffered pains she said life was not worth living, and she threatened to drown herself some time ago. - ETHEL ELIZABETH DRAKE, a daughter, said when she left her mother at home on Saturday evening, she told her not to have anything to drink like she had been having in the week, or she would tell her (witness's) grandmother. She said "Don't do that, or you won't find me here when you come back." She said "all right," and they parted good friends. - James Slack, Stepcote-hill, said on Saturday evening his son drew his attention to a hat and jacket on the bank in Bonhay-road. Witness went along the river bank in his boat and recovered the body of the deceased. He tried artificial respiration with two members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Police, but it was of no avail. - Mr J. A. Pereira, Police Surgeon, said the cause of death was Asphyxia, due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 9 June 1911
SEATON AND BEER - Seaton Boating Fatality. Due To "Iteming." - Dr E. R. Tweed held an Inquest at Seaton on HORBAN HARVEY, of Chard. MRS HARVEY said her husband, 48 years of age, was quite sober when he left home on Tuesday about noon to visit Seaton. - George Real, of Axmouth, naval pensioner, said he met Isaac Huish and HARVEY at Seaton on Tuesday. The only drink he had was two glasses of beer and a pint of "shandy". The decided to go fishing and hired a boat from B. Snell. No boatman accompanied them. They rowed in the direction of the River Axe, and Huish and HARVEY had two lines out. One of the men made a dive towards the other man's line, causing the boat to upset. His (Real's) feet got entangled in the lines and prevented his rendering any assistance to the other men. He clung on to the boat and with assistance got ashore. All three were sober, but Huish and HARVEY were "iteming." - Isaac Huish, mason, of Chard, said he was not fishing and had no idea what caused the boat to turn over. - The Coroner remarked that the evidence of the last two witnesses was quite contradictory. - B. Snell, a licensed boatman, said he lent the boat to Real, who as a navy man could manage a boat. They were quite sober. He saw them proceed towards the river, but half an hour later he saw the boat was nearly underwater, and the men splashing about in the water. He pulled as hard as he could to the spot. Real was clinging to the boat. Huish was just sinking with his face downwards. he held Huish up until Reg. Wood swam out from the shore and helped to get Huish into the boat. He was unconscious, but recovered. He then asked Real where the other man was, and he said he was "gone down." He rowed again to the spot and with others tied two paddles together with a fish-gaff at the end, and pulled HARVEY to the surface. He had then been in the water 20 to 23 minutes. - By Superintendent De Schmidt: It was a rule for the Seaton boatmen to inquire of anyone hiring a boat if they could row. The sea was quite calm and with fair usage the boat would never upset. - B. Roseveare, barmaid at the George Inn, said the three men called there and were supplied with refreshment, but were quite sober when they left. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said Huish recovered after artificial respiration, but HARVEY was quite dead when brought ashore. - The Jury (Mr A. Rowe, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned whilst Fishing," and gave their fees to the widow. - Mr W. J. Newton (a Juror) said thanks were due to B. Snell, R. Wood, C. Trineman and others for valuable help rendered and the Coroner concurred.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Carter's Death. Conflicting Evidence At The Inquest. - In the Newton Hospital yesterday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM PERRYMAN, 43, of Victoria-place, a carter, in the employ of John Vicary and sons, tanners, Newton Abbot. - Clifford A. Squire said on Tuesday afternoon he saw PERRYMAN driving a horse and wagon laden with leather along Queen-street. He was standing on the shafts, leaning back on the wagon and seemed to suddenly collapse. His head fell forward and his arms dropped to his side and he fell in a heap on to the road. The reins being entangled in the deceased, the horse was pulled sharply to the left and the wheel caught him in the side. The wheel seemed to rest on his body and push him along for 10 or 20 yards before the horse was stopped. PERRYMAN practically got up by himself, but did not seem conscious, and collapsed completely in a few minutes. A motor car was standing by the side of the road, but the horse walked quietly and was not frightened in the least. - William Reeve said the man apparently fainted and fell off. - Henry Johnson, labourer, in the employ of the Urban Council, who was road sweeping some distance from the scene of the accident, said a motor car was standing by the side of the road, under repair, and the horse got a bit frightened and shied a little. PERRYMAN, standing on the shafts, threw down the reins and jumped off. His foot caught in the reins and he fell, and the reins pulled the horse around to the left. - Squire and Reeve, recalled, said they were certain PERRYMAN made no attempt to jump, nor any effort to save himself. - Dr Leslie Doudney said PERRYMAN had six ribs fractured both by the side and at the spine and one of the ribs had penetrated the lung, making a wound 3 inches by 4. The spleen was lacerated and there were other internal injuries. PERRYMAN was a very healthy man indeed, and he did not think it likely that he would faint. On the brain was a small amount of fibrous tissue, but that was old and not recent. It did not cause a fit on the day of the accident, as the man was afterwards able to answer questions. - It was stated that PERRYMAN had made no statement to anyone as to the cause of the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family.

SOUTH BRENT - Plymouth Man's Death At Brent. - An Inquest was held at Brent yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CORNHILL, aged 72, of Lipson, Plymouth, found dead in the road between Carew Arms and Zenson Farm, on Tuesday evening. - Mrs Florence Wills, of 8 Clayton-terrace, Plymouth, said CORNHILL was her father, formerly a Dockyard storeman. He suffered from heart disease of long standing. She saw him on the previous Thursday before he started for Totnes. Mr Jas. S. Brock, of Totnes, said he was motoring with a friend and near Zenson Farm saw a man lying by the roadside. They lifted him up and tried artificial respiration, but he was apparently past human aid. He saw the man a few hours previously at Totnes. - Dr F. W. Style having made a post-mortem examination, said there were no external marks whatever, and the body was fairly well nourished considering the age. Extensive valvular disease of the heart was undoubtedly the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Baby's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday on SAMUEL JOHN GULLEY, 13 months old, whose parents reside in William-street. - The mother stated that last Saturday week she was in the kitchen with the baby, who was in a double perambulator. She went to the fireplace to get a cup of tea, and turning round saw the child had fallen out of the perambulator. For the first week he seemed to be recovering from the accident, but on Saturday became worse. Dr R. H. Wagner stated that on being called on Saturday evening he found the child suffering from concussion of the brain caused by the fall. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on Saturday concerning the death of EMMA ANN ROGERS, aged 49, of Lydford Park-road, Plymouth, FRANCIS GEORGE THOMAS ROGERS, painter, deposed to finding his wife dead on the floor of a front-room, when he went home on Friday evening. Dr E. G. Smith attributed death to the rupture of a varicose vein, which caused death through loss of blood. Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Fatality. Unsatisfactory Evidence At Inquest. - On Saturday a body seen floating in the River Dart of H.M. Naval Yard, at Dartmouth, was on being recovered found to be that of GEORGE REED, naval stoker, of the torpedo-boat No. 4, who was drowned on May 24th as the result of the capsizing of a boat. REED was 23 years of age, single and was from Manchester. In the afternoon Mr A. M. Davson held the Inquest. - George Legg, leading stoker of torpedo-boat No. 4, said on the 24th May he pulled up the river in the ship's boat, accompanied by REED, Sidney Powell, able seaman, and William Goodfellow, stoker. There was a sail in the boat, but they did not use it. On reaching Dittisham, about a quarter to three, they went to the Ferry Hotel and had refreshment. He and REED each had a "shandy" and the others had a pint of beer each. They had "a run around the village" until about a quarter to five, when they had another drink each as before. They then got into the boat and pulled down the river. when about three-quarters of a mile from torpedo-boat No. 4 they landed and remained ashore about five minutes. They had no particular object in landing. They started again to pull back to the torpedo-boat. He and Powell were sitting aft, Goodfellow was stroke and REED bow. About fifty yards from the shore the boat was capsized. He did not see how the accident happened. He could swim, but he did not remember any more until he woke up in the sick bay aboard the ship. - The Coroner said it was hard to believe the accident could have occurred without the witness seeing anything of it. What did he fancy happened? - Witness said he imagined an oar fell overboard and the boat was upset by REED trying to get it. - The Foreman (Mr Caston): do you mean to tell the Jury you became insensible immediately you got into the water? - I must have done. - Sydney Powell said he was sitting on a spar when the boat capsized, and was looking away from REED when the boat gave a lurch. He turned around to see what had happened and he saw the port gunwale under water. The boat immediately filled. There was one oar across the boat, but he did not see the other one. He could only swim a little and was picked up by a boat. All were quite sober and there was no skylarking. The mast was not up at the time of the accident. They sailed about 500 yards up the river. - William Goodfellow said he could not tell how the accident happened. He could not swim at all and was picked up by a boat. - Legg, recalled, was told that he said they pulled to Dittisham, whereas another witness had said they sailed a short distance. - Legg: Yes; but we only sailed about 500 yards. - The Coroner: You are on oath and are expected to tell the truth. - The Coroner said the evidence was most unsatisfactory. It seemed incredible that none of the men had the slightest idea of how the accident happened. It took place on a Wednesday afternoon, when there were usually a good many boats about and the Jury might perhaps desire that the Inquiry be adjourned that inquiries might be made and further evidence obtained. - The Jury agreed that the evidence was most unsatisfactory and asked the Coroner to adjourn the Inquest that the Police might make inquiries at Dittisham and with a view to the evidence of those who effected the rescue of the three survivors, and any possible eye-witnesses of the accident being heard. - The Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MR CORNELIUS LEE PAWLBY, aged 81, retired chief draughtsman of H.M. Dockyard, and of 12 Maida Vale-terrace. RANDOLPH LEE PAWLBY, telephone operator, said his father suffered from apoplexy in 1905 and again in 1908. - Miss Kathleen Opie, of 10 Maida Vale-terrace, said on Friday at 4.35 p.m., she heard someone fall in the passage and on going out found MR PAWLBY unconscious on the floor. He shortly afterwards recovered consciousness and she bathed his head. After drinking some tea he rallied. She then sent for his son and he immediately summoned a doctor. MR PAWLBY, who was alone in the house at the time of the accident, lived until the doctor came. She thought he must have gone upstairs and fallen backwards. - Dr A. C. A. Van Buren attributed death to shock, due to the fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Commercial's Death. - An Inquest was held at Compton yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns on FREDERICK CHARLES WILLIAM PHILLIS, commercial traveller, of Carter's-terrace, Plymouth. The widow said her husband, who had been on a visit to Ireland, returned on Saturday, and went to bed. He complained of falling once on board the boat and once in the train. On Sunday about 6 p.m. he became unconscious but she thought he was only asleep. On his condition becoming more serious she sent for a doctor, but death occurred before he arrived. - Dr Colin Lindsey attributed death to disease of the liver and a fatty heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 June 1911
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Fatality. Jury Censures Witnesses. - At Dartmouth yesterday, Mr A. M. Davson resumed the Inquest on GEORGE REED, stoker, torpedo-boat No. 4, drowned in the river on May 24th. Annie rice, wife of the landlord of the Ferry Hotel, Dittisham, said REED and three others had two "shandies" at the house and were quite sober when they left. - Miss Edith Voisey said she saw REED and his companions in a boat. Two oarsmen were putting up a paddle. A paddle fell overboard and the two men leant over the side and made a grab at it. Then the boat filled and sank. - Miss Kitty Drake corroborated. - William Ellis, Dittisham, said he saw one of the sailors evidently trying to pick up a paddle. The man leaned over the side and the boat filled. He rescued one of the men in his boat. - William Edwards, of Dittisham, said he was with eight others in a boat when they heard Ellis shout. They pulled towards the men in the water and rescued two. - Legg, Powell and Goodfellow, REED'S three companions, recalled, persisted in stating that they had no idea as to how the accident occurred. - The Coroner commented upon the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence given by the three men. - The Jury found that REED was Accidentally Drowned, highly commended Mr Ellis, Mr Edwards and his colleagues for their promptitude in pulling to the rescue and for their efforts to restore animation and they described the evidence of Legg, Powell and Goodfellow as most unsatisfactory and most unreliable."

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on JOHN TWOHY, bailiff, aged 69, of Vauxhall-street. Mrs Kittle, wife of Robert Kittle, lodging-house keeper, of Vauxhall-street, said on Sunday evening TWOHY complained of a pain in his chest and she applied poultices. On Monday evening Dr C. H. Cuming called to see deceased, and at once ordered his removal to the Workhouse Infirmary. He refused to go and died on Wednesday. Dr W. H. Brenton, who gave evidence on behalf of Dr C. H. Cuming, who is ill, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to chronic pneumonia and to heart disease of long standing. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Old Man Asphyxiated At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at St Simon's Hall, Plymouth, on Saturday, on PHILIP MATHEW PHILLIPS, aged 76, retired ropemaker in the Dockyard. - Edward Earl, retired lieutenant, R.N., 107 Salisbury-road, brother-in-law of deceased, stated that on Friday about 9.15 a.m. he went to the deceased bedroom and knocked at the door. As he obtained no answer he entered and found deceased lying dead on the bed. There was a smell of gas in the room, and the gas tap, an easy-working one, was slightly turned on. Deceased went to bed at 11.30 p.m. on Thursday night and witness had no doubt that the escape of gas was an accident, caused by deceased, who was feeble, not turning it off properly. - Dr C. F. Glinn attributed death to gas poisoning. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 June 1911
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on EBENEZER NIKE, aged 50, china and glass mender, of 66 King-street, who was found on the Whiteford estate on Saturday with his throat cut and a blood-stained razor by his side. - Arthur Hannaford, lodging-house keeper, 66 King-street, said he last saw deceased alive on Saturday morning, when he left the house to pay some money to a person at Mannamead. During the last fortnight deceased had been mentally depressed. - Richard Frost, gardener, of Egg Buckland, said at noon on Saturday, while working on the Whiteford estate, he noticed the body and sent for a Constable. - P.C. Fishleigh said the deceased was lying on his left side with a razor near him. His right hand was covered with blood and there was a big gash on his left wrist. There was no evidence of a struggle. - Dr Colin D. Lindsey said he noticed blood about fifteen yards away from where the body was, and a trail from it to the body. Death had occurred a few hours previously. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 June 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Man's Fatal Disobedience. Terrible Accident At Devonport. - Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on ALFRED MORRIS, labourer, aged about 26. - Sophia Hancock said deceased had been in her employ as a labourer. Deceased's work was to attend to the brakes of wagons. Attached to the traction engine were three wagons and a water-cart. At Liskeard she gave the men money for their meals, and instructed them not to get drink, but to look after their work properly. When deceased drew his money on Saturday nights he would sometimes have a "bust up," but he was never drunk on duty. He had told her that he came from Jersey, also Glasgow, but he had never had a postcard or letter come to their place for him. - William Henry Street, labourer, employed by Messrs. Hancock, said they left Liskeard with the engine and three wagons on Sunday afternoon. Deceased was then sober. At Gunnislake they took two loads down the hill, and placed deceased in charge while they went back for another load. When they arrived with the other load a Constable was in charge, and said no one had been looking after the wagons for twenty minutes. He saw deceased come out of a public-house and witness told him about it. He was not sober and witness had enough to do to watch him and keep him off the coupling bars. Another man was taken on as deceased was unable to carry out his duties. In King's road witness saw deceased riding on the coupling bar between the second and third carriage. He got him down and with the assistance of another man the brakes were put on. Just after he heard deceased shout, and on going back found him under the wheel of the wagon. He shouted to the driver to pull up and pulled deceased out before the second wheel could go over him. - Miss Hancock said the wagon weighed about 5 ½ tons. - The Foreman of the Jury said the man should either have been dismissed or given in charge of a Constable when it was found he was the worse for drink. If that had been done the accident would not have happened. - Street said there was a printed notice on the wagons that no one was to ride on the coupling bars. There was a place provided for them to ride. - Charles James Roberts, labourer, said when he found deceased was the worse for drink at Gunnislake he told him to get away from the wagons. - Dr Hugh White, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital about 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday. He smelt strongly of drink. The right leg was fractured. There was an enormous swelling on the left thigh. There were other injuries and deceased was also suffering very much from shock. It was a hopeless case; the worst smash up he had ever seen. Death was due to shock following extensive injuries. Deceased told witness he came from Jersey but had no relatives. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and added that they did not consider there was any blame attaching to any of the men connected with the firm.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 June 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Coronation Tragedies. Inquiry Into Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. Jury's Recommendations. Sympathy With Bereaved And Injured. - Throughout Barnstaple and North Devon yesterday general sympathy was expressed with the bereaved and injured in the terrible calamity which befel the town by the collapse of the Coronation arch the previous day. In the morning the Town Council, under the chairmanship of the Mayor (Mr J. T. White) held a short meeting in committee to discuss the disaster, and a resolution of condolence with Mr C. R. White, who lost his wife in the accident, and with the other sufferers and their relatives was passed. Considerable interest was taken in the Inquest later on MRS C. R. WHITE, the unfortunate lady who lost her life. To allay the anxiety of the townspeople, the Mayor, who made frequent inquiries as to the condition of the sufferers throughout the day, issued bulletins stating that all at the Infirmary were doing well and that Mrs Francis Tresise, who lies in the most serious condition at her own home in Bear-street, had passed a fairly good night. Mrs Tresise, whose injury was a serious one to the head, was yesterday reported to be doing as well as could be expected, but was not out of danger. Being market day, Barnstaple was yesterday visited by a large number from the whole countryside, who expected to see the town decorations. The two remaining arches - at the north end of High-street and the entrance to the Park - had, however, been removed at an early hour in the morning, not a sign of them remaining when the business of the day commenced. - The Inquest. - Mr A Bencraft, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on MRS LILY WHITE, wife of MR C. R. WHITE, the foreman of the Jury being Mr J. R. Ford. The Mayor (Mr J. T. White) attended and there were also present the Chief Constable (Mr R. S. Eddy), Borough Surveyor (Mr E. Y. Saunders), foreman of works (Mr E. W. Grant) and Mr James Bosson (town clerk), who represented the Council, Mr A. F. Seldon appearing for the relatives. - The Coroner said they were met unfortunately under too well-known circumstances, he was afraid, to most of them. As they knew, a triumphal arch was placed at the bottom of Boutport-street, close to Mr Nicklins shop, and on Coronation-day, just after the first part of the procession of the Mayor and Corporation had passed underneath, for some reason or other the arch collapsed, unfortunately injuring several people and killing, as he thought they would find, MRS LILY WHITE. The question for the Jury to decide would be, firstly, whether MRS WHITE met her death by the collapsing of the arch - and he thought they would have no difficulty about that - and, secondly, whether anyone was to blame, criminally or otherwise, for the collapse of the arch. - Rev. R. H. Little, United Methodist superintendent minister, gave formal evidence of identification, it being explained that MR WHITE, the husband, was too much upset to attend. Mr Little said deceased was thirty years of age, lived at Hills' View, and carried on a millinery business with her husband, MR CHARLES R. WHITE, in Boutport-street. - Eye-Witness's Story. - Mr Charles Tresise, clerk, said the previous day he was standing close to the triumphal arch from midday to about 20 minutes after 12, on Mr Nicklins' side of the arch, a few feet from the pillar. - The Coroner: Was there any pressure of the crowd on the base of the arch at all? - Witness: Oh, no. On our side Mr White and I were the two nearest and we could have just reached it. - Mr Tresise said there was a group of friends, including his mother (who was seriously hurt), MR and MRS WHITE being just in front of him, whilst he was on the pavement behind. Deceased was turning round frequently to him, talking about the procession and when Surgeon-Major Harper, one of the mounted marshals, came along in the procession, MRS WHITE remarked how well he was looking. Those were the last words she said, for immediately witness heard a cracking noise above them, and found the arch was falling. The whole thing came down bodily, falling towards the High-street end. The arch was half-way down when he looked up and in another second, of course, it was in the road. He could not tell whether he fell or was forced against the wall, but he found himself on his knees, and could not say how it occurred. The only person he could then see were a woman on his right on the pavement and the head of a little boy appearing out through the midst of a mass of evergreen. The boy was screaming, and witness dragged him out. He saw no more of deceased after the time he was looking at Dr Harper until the accident happened. He thought MR WHITE was saved by being a little further forward in the road, whilst witness was back on the pavement and the arch must have struck MRS WHITE between them, the poles probably striking her. - Dr Harper's Narrow Escape. - Dr J. R. Harper stated that he was marshalling the rear portion of the procession - the Post-office officials, Church Lads' Brigade and Boy Scouts, and was looking back to see that they were coming on, going himself towards the arch, where his horse reared and swerved, which made him look towards the arch itself, which he then saw falling towards him. His horse seemed to go backwards, and he jumped off, handed the reins to a footman, and went forward to the collapsed structure. There was at the time a very distinct gust of wind, which would be against the face of the arch. He was at once in the midst of a struggling crowd, and was attending to a child when he was called to see MRS WHITE, who had been taken into Mr Shepperd's shop. She was suffering from a fractured skull, and probably injury to the spine as well, and died a minute or two after she was taken into the shop. The injury might be caused by the falling timber, or perhaps the striking of the head against the kerb. - The Coroner: What is your impression as to what made the arch come over? - I should think without a doubt it was the very strong gust of wind blowing up from the Square. - The Coroner: That is my impression too. - Recognition Of The Boy Scouts. - Dr Harper said he would like to state publicly how grateful the medical men were for the assistance the Boy Scouts rendered. They behaved in a magnificent way. (Hear, hear). - Mr E. Y. Saunders, Borough Surveyor, before being sworn, was warned by the Coroner that he was not obliged to give evidence, but he elected to do so, and said the arches were erected under the orders of the Decorations Committee. As he was responsible for a large amount of work in connection with the Coronation festivities, he portioned out the work and Mr Grant, foreman of works - to whom he gave a rough pencil sketch of the kind of arch he had had experience of erecting in other places - told him he had had considerable experience in erecting arches of the same type of construction and witness impressed with the large amount of practical work Mr Grant had done in erecting arches, placed the responsibility of these arches upon Mr Grant, concentrating him upon that work, and taking him off from other work which under other circumstances he should have given him. - The Coroner: Then you left the construction of the arches to Mr Grant? - Yes. - Did you examine the arch when it was in course of construction at all? - I examined the arch more particularly when the construction was being commenced. I examined it to see that the earth was well rammed down and made secure in the tubs in which the poles were set, but after that my examination of the arch was very meagre, as I saw Mr Grant giving his whole time to it. I had great confidence in him and did not give the attention I would have done had it been put out, if I may say so, to a contract. - Surveyor Quite Satisfied. - You were satisfied? - Yes, without minutely examining it, so far as the principle of construction, which was in accordance with others I had constructed, I was satisfied; and also knowing and seeing Mr Grant there continually himself guided me in not perhaps giving it more attention. Witness added he gave Mr Grant permission to embellish the arch, but that would not affect its stability. - What do you think made the arch turn over? - I was not present, but from the evidence I have heard I am inclined to think that an exceptional gust of wind was the main factor. - I assume that from the evidence given by Dr Harper. - Did you notice any swaying of the arch? - There was not the slightest evidence of swaying in the least. - The arch depended for its stability upon the gravity? - Yes, sir. - Witness said there were other arches constructed in the same way which stood all right. Structurally, he was satisfied with the arch. - The Coroner: Did anyone complain to you that the arch had given away at all or was sagging? - I can answer that very emphatically. Neither directly nor indirectly has anyone mentioned to me that there was anything suspicious about the arch - movement or anything else. - Witness said he asked Mr Grant when he had finished, if he had examined everything and tested everything before he let it, personally, and he said he had. - Mr D. Moxham (a Juryman): don't you think it would have been safer to have had stays supporting either side? - I don't think it was necessary to put a stay either side. - Then why did you stay that one at the Park after this one had come down? - Simply for the sake of the confidence of the public. - You were afraid it would fall down? - No, not for one moment. I was not afraid myself, but it was the wish of the Mayor and several members of the Council. Witness added that he was pleased to put the stays there, because, of course, it had all been a shock to the public, but he did not think they were necessary. - The Coroner: That is a matter of your opinion, of course. - Town Clerk Objects To A Question. - Mr Moxham asked whether four stays would not have prevented the arch from falling, when Mr Bosson interposed with the remark whether that was a fair question at that Inquiry. - The Coroner said he thought it was, but he could not compel Mr Sanders to answer it. He would ask witness why he thought the arch toppled over? - Mr Bosson said that was a matter which might be discovered, and he was hoping it would be; it was possible they would discover the reason. - Mr Moxham asked the Surveyor if he thought the arch top-heavy and overloaded, but Mr Saunders denied that this was so. It would give the man in the street the impression that it was top-heavy, but it certainly was not, for all the weight was well below the ornamental work which had given the impression of heaviness. - Mr T. S. Colborne (another Juryman) asked if witness made any calculations as to the wind pressure, or when he originally designed it, or Mr Grant made his arrangements was any calculation made as to probable wind pressure? - Witness: No, sir. - Would the ornamentation have added to the area subject to wind pressure? - So small as to be discounted. - Mr Bosson: Looking to what has happened, do you say in your opinion the arch was substantially and properly constructed and in the ordinary course of things should have resisted a greater storm than there was raging? - Yes, sir. I say that most decidedly. - You cannot account for its falling? - I cannot. - You would have confidence in building an arch in a similar way that would stand a greater storm than that? - Yes, I am not afraid of the construction of the arch. - Mr A. F. Seldon said he would like to ask Mr Saunders what in his opinion brought the arch over, but the Coroner said Mr Bosson had objected to that question, and after argument Mr Bosson put the question in the form: Are you in a position now to have formed anything like a definite opinion as to what did throw the arch down? - The Surveyor: No, sir, I am not in a position to answer that. - Evidence Of The Foreman Of Works. - Mr E. W. Grant, the foreman of works, spoke to the construction of the arch in detail, and stated all the material used was of the best and Mr Saunders thought he had put it up even too strong. Twenty feet above the ground level he tested it for firmness with his own weight and all his strength. In the procession he was with the Territorials, and had himself just gone under the arch and was looking round when a gust of wind nearly blew his cap off, and he saw the arch gradually and very slowly falling. The poles now were as sound as they were when they were put up, and the material in the casks was quite firm. He was of opinion the arch was substantially and properly built. - Asked if, presuming the wind upset the arch, whether it would have come over it stays were provided, witness said he should not have put stays there, but he could not say if stays were there whether the arch would have come over. - The Coroner: You need not answer unless you like - but we can come to our own conclusions if you don't, that is the only thing - but had anyone complained to you about the stability of the arch before it fell? - No one whatever, neither directly nor indirectly. - Mr Moxham: Do you think with four stays it would have capsized? - I did not think stays were necessary. - Replying to Mr Seldon, witness said the arch had four legs on each side, which were perpendicular. - Summing Up. - The Coroner, summing up, said if the Jury thought the arch was blown over they would probably come to the conclusion it ought not to have blown over. If that was so, was anybody to blame? The law was rather complicated as to what was criminal negligence, and he would point out to the Jury at once they had nothing to do with civil negligence there. The Town Council of Barnstaple, or anybody else, might be responsible or they might not e; but the Jury must dismiss that from their minds for civil liability was not a question for them. The Coroner went on to explain the meaning of culpable negligence and said they must take into account the whole circumstances, and in arriving at a decision he invited them to apply the test whether it was probable under the whole circumstances that this arch would go over in the way it did. - Mr Gooding, a Juryman, wished to know if anyone of the committee received complaints that the arch was shaky. - The Mayor said he was chairman and could volunteer the statement that they had no complaint or suggestion of any kind whatever. - Jury's Verdict And Recommendation. - After half an hour's deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed whilst watching the Coronation procession by the falling of an arch during an exceptional gust of wind and the Jury added a recommendation that in future lateral stays should be fixed to any such structure to prevent an accident from an exceptional gust of wind. They expressed their sympathy with the relatives and the injured and their thanks for the work of the Boy Scouts and Fire Brigade. - The Mayor was asked by the Coroner to convey the recommendation - he would not call it a rider - to provide stays in future, to the Council or Coronation Committee. - All present tendered their sympathy with the bereaved and the Mayor intimated that the Council at Monday's meeting would express their sympathy with the form of resolution.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 June 1911
WEST PUTFORD - Death After Dancing. - An Inquest held by Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, on Saturday at West Putford brought to light another death in North Devon owing to the Coronation celebrations. The deceased, JOHN ROWLAND JOHNS, 62, postmaster, was taking part in the celebrations at West Putford, and in the evening, his widow said they went to the schoolroom, where there was dancing. Deceased took part and had just finished dancing when he appeared to have a fainting fit, and died immediately. - Dr L. B. Betts, who made a post mortem examination, said the heart was diseased and much dilated. Death was due to sudden heart failure, the result of over exertion. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 June 1911
PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Fatality. Children And Unfenced Quays. - At the Jubilee Hall, Turnchapel, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest on ALFRED EDWARD WELLS, infant son of a bombardier in the Royal Garrison Artillery. - Deceased's mother, ETHEL ROSE WELLS, of Granger's-cottages, Turnchapel, said the child was two and a half years of age. Between 1.30 and 2 o'clock last Saturday she missed deceased, who, after having his dinner, went out on the quay alone. She asked her brother if he had seen the deceased, and he replied that the child was with his grandfather in a boat. She therefore did not trouble. On her father's return he said he had not seen the deceased. It was the custom of young children to be on the quay alone. - The Coroner: The sooner that custom is abolished the better. - Witness, continuing, said she was doing her housework at the time. - The Coroner: I mark my disapproval of the thing entirely. It seems a pity that those responsible for the custody of the child do not look after it. - Robt. Francis Skilton, labourer, Turnchapel, deposed to recovering the body of deceased from the water, and Dr Noy Scott said the cause of death was drowning. There was no evidence of injury before death. - The Coroner said it would be clear to the Jury that the cause of the fatality was the dangerous and unprotected state of the quay. There could be no doubt that the child either walked from its home into the water or fell off the quay. He felt strongly that it was a great reflection on the mother that she did not exercise a greater care in looking after her child. In law she was responsible at that time for the safe custody of the child. It seemed to him particularly sad that a young life should be sacrificed because one who should have given him supervision failed to do so. He could not accept as an excuse the statement which had been put forward that children were allowed to wander about the quay irrespective of their age. That was very well for children of eight or nine years of age, but not for a mere baby. The Jury would no doubt express disapproval of what had taken place, and also at the careless way in which that child in particular and other children in general were allowed to wander about the quays. They were told that that quay was private property. If people had private property it was the duty of the owners to see that all dangerous parts of their property were properly fenced. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Drowning", expressed the hope that the owners of the property would have the necessary fences erected. Sympathy was expressed with the parents of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 June 1911
EXETER - Exeter Child Drowned. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday by Mr F. Thomas, Deputy Coroner, on GWENDOLINE MARIA ISAACS, aged 8 years, daughter of MR W. ISAACS, insurance agent. The father said he last saw his daughter alive at 10.55 the previous morning, when he left home and the child was standing on the canal bank, a few yards from his house. The children were in the habit of catching minnows. - STANLEY GEORGE ISAACS, age 10, brother of deceased, said soon after his father went out his sister took a bottle, but she did not say why she wanted it. - Harold Ferris, age 11, said between 11.30 and 12 he picked up a bottle and a hat which were near the water. - Mrs Jarrett said the last witness came to the door with the hat. She had seen deceased enter the house ten minutes before. Witness sent some children to look for the girl, while she dragged the canal and brought the body ashore. Artificial respiration was tried by witness and her husband for about half an hour, but there was no sign of life. - Dr Pereira said death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives and commended Mrs Jarrett on her conduct.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 July 1911
TOPSHAM - Pensioner's Suicide At Topsham. - An Inquest was held at Topsham yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould on CHARLES SPARKES CHAPLIN, aged 47, army pensioner, residing at Red Cow, Topsham, who was found hanging on Thursday. EMILY CHAPLIN, the widow, stated that soon after 2 p.m. on Thursday she went out, leaving deceased in the kitchen. She returned about 2.30 and went to the wash-house, where she saw her husband hanging from a rafter by a piece of the clothes line. She screamed and two men came and cut the deceased down. Her husband had never threatened to commit suicide, but had been strange and reserved for some time. He was out of permanent employment and this worried him a great deal. Dr Macpherson deposed that death was due to strangulation by hanging. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - At an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ALFRED TRUSCOTT, aged 43, carter, of 5 Quarry-street, MRS ELIZABETH TRUSCOTT, the widow, said deceased left home shortly after 6 a.m. to go to his work at Richmond Walk, Devonport. he had a cup of tea before leaving the house and did not complain. He had a good night's rest and he had not known what it was to have a day's illness. She had two young children. - P.C. Perryman said at 6.30 that morning he was called to the Halfpenny Bridge and saw the deceased in a state of collapse. Witness sent for Dr Waterfield, but the deceased died before the doctor arrived. Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to syncope. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death-Stroke In Plymouth Cemetery. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday Mr Bernard Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JOSEPH COLE, labourer, aged 75, who has lived in Essex-street. COLE was found unconscious in Plymouth Cemetery on Thursday and was removed to the Hospital where he died the following day. Deceased had been cleaning a headstone in the cemetery. - Dr R. B. Dobson, House Physician, stated that deceased never regained consciousness. A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and the Jury found a verdict accordingly.

BRIXTON - Brixton Father Censured. Infant Suffocated In Bed. - At Brixton Torr, near Elburton, on Saturday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, held an Inquest on the infant son of SAMUEL JOHNS, a labourer, who said the child was born early on Wednesday, the district nurse being in attendance. He went to bed the same evening at ten o'clock and slept in the same bed as his wife and son, who slept nearest the wall. Although the cottage contained four rooms, he did not sleep in another bedroom as there was another child in the same room and he had to look after it. Asked why he did not make a bed on the floor, he replied that he had been working hard all day, and wanted something soft to lie on. He had no more bedclothes. - The Coroner: You should provide more clothes for such an occasion. - How can I provide these things under this system? What can a worker do? He earns nothing, and it out of work half his time. - The Coroner: I do not consider your argument creditable to you. - Dr S. Noy Scott said he was called at 6 a.m. by JOHNS, who said the child was dead. The post-mortem examination showed that death was due to suffocation. The child was healthy. In his opinion the child was suffocated by the bedclothes, and he did not think it was a case of overlaying. Such practice as parents taking young children into bed with them were common and most dangerous. - Emily E. Arthur, nurse, of Brixton, said the child progressed favourably from birth. - The Coroner said it was an unfortunate fact that the father's conduct was so imprudent. He certainly should have managed differently in regard to the sleeping accommodation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation," and severely censured the father for occupying his wife's bed on such an occasion. They considered it was conducive to the child's death. They did not, however, think the father's conduct culpable.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Unsatisfactory Evidence. - Respecting the death of HENRIETTA HOEFLER, aged 65, of 21 Green-street, an Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth Mortuary. SEVERIN FELIX HOEFLER, journeyman watchmaker, who deposed to finding his mother dead in bed, said deceased had been ill, but would not hear of having a doctor. - Dr Torney said death was due to advanced disease of the heart and lungs. The condition of the body was deplorable, and pointed to neglect. Deceased should have been under medical treatment for some time, as she also had ulcers. - FIDEL HOEFLER, journeyman watchmaker, who has been an inmate of the Sisters of the Poor Home, Hartley, for over three years, stated that he was married to the deceased 49 years ago, and since he had been at the Home he had seen his wife once a fortnight. She would not have a doctor, and she would not go to the same Home as himself. - The Coroner said it was a very unsatisfactory case. The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" stated that the evidence was very unsatisfactory.

PLYMOUTH - Dockyard Labourer Hangs Himself - At the Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM ARTHUR BLACKLER, of 11 Duckwell-street, Plymouth, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, deceased's son, WILLIAM ARTHUR BLACKLER, said his father had complained for six or seven weeks of pains in the head. He had no domestic worry, but had been very depressed. - Dr E. Thompson stated that deceased had been under his care at intervals for three years, and always complained of great pain in his head, stating that he believed he was going out of his mind. On May 16th he attempted to commit suicide by inhaling gas. He recovered and went into the country for a change, but on returning was no better. Witness warned deceased's relatives to take care of him. They could not put him away, as he was perfectly sane when he did not have attacks. - William Hill, labourer, deposed to seeing deceased hanging in the courtyard of his house. Witness cut him down, and tried artificial respiration, which was unavailing. - A Verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Worry Leads To Suicide. - Concerning the death of THOMAS WHITE HEARD, labourer, aged 59, of 6 Buckwell-street, deceased's widow said she saw him at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and he was then in good spirits. At 4 p.m., in consequence of what her son told her, she ran upstairs and there saw the deceased with the lead gas-pipe in his hand. He had turned the gas on, and held the end of the pipe to his mouth. Deceased had been worrying about his work: he could only get casual work for the parish. He had had notice to appear before the Guardians, and that had worried him. - P.C. Algate deposed to finding the deceased laying across the bed partly dressed. The room was smelling very strongly of gas. Dr Macnair said death was due to gas poisoning. "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 July 1911
CORNWOOD - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Cornwood yesterday on CONSTANCE M CHAMBERLAIN, the daughter of MR G. CHAMBERLAIN, whose death occurred on Friday. The father stated that whilst a tree was being removed by waggoners working for Mr S. Snawdon, of Yealm Bridge, the girl was found lying in a path and it was thought she had been sitting on the tree. Dr Cooper (Ivybridge) who attended the deceased, said the cause of death was lockjaw, the result of the accident. Verdict, "Accidental Death." The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives. Western Morning News, Thursday 6 July 1911 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Fatal Play. - Mr Bernard Thomas held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on ELSIE MAY HINGSTON, aged five years, of Cotehele-avenue. - MARY HINGSTON, wife of JOHN HINGSTON, bargeman, said her child was playing in the courtyard on Monday afternoon. She must have procured some paper and placed in an old bucket, but how it became ignited she did not know. The child rushed to her with her clothes ablaze, and she wrapped a coat around the child. Mr Sanders, who lives next door, came to her assistance and put the blaze out. Dr S. Burgess, House Surgeon, stated that the child had extensive burns and died the day after admission, from shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 July 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr Bernard Thomas, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN WYMAN, aged 59 years, who died suddenly at 20 St. Jude's-place, on Tuesday evening. P.C. Bray said deceased was taken ill in the street. - Dr Travers Stubbs said he was called to see deceased, but there was no hope of her recovery. The lungs were badly diseased. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 July 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on EMMA QUINLAN, of Chapel-street, who died suddenly on Thursday. - AMY GIBBINGS said MRS QUINLAN, her mother, 64 years of age, was separated from her husband and it was not known whether he was dead or alive. On Thursday morning witness took her up a cup of tea. She left the room for a few minutes and on returning found her mother ill. She sent for Dr Saunders who on arrival said she was dead. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders attributed death to syncope, due to a fatty degeneration of the heart. Very likely the extreme heat affected her. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 July 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Hanging. Devonport Lad's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearse held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN HEMMING, aged 15, son of a rigger. GEORGE HEMMING, Monument-street, the father, said deceased had been unable to get work. Shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday, deceased brought in witness's dinner and said he was going to have a wash. That was the last time witness saw him alive. Witness then "turned in." Just after he got in bed he heard someone shouting to his wife. She ran downstairs and began shouting and when witness followed he found his son lying on the ground. Deceased had nothing to worry about and had never had a wrong word said to him. Witness was earning 31s. 6d. per week. - The Coroner: Don't you think your boy, knowing the position you occupy, thought his life not worth living, with no father to back him up? - Nobody could take much more interest in him. He could not get a job. I had put his name down to go in the Dockyard [?]. - The Coroner: Here is a man with good wages who ought to have seen that his boy was doing something, either earning something or on the way to earning. - Witness: Sometimes he would earn 2d. or 3d. for holding horses. - The Coroner: Just fancy a man with 32s. a week talking about his boy earning 2d. or 3d. for holding horses. It is disgraceful. - Witness: Everybody has to have a start. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he had not found his son melancholy. He had not sent his son to Sunday-school. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said death was due to suffocation. There was a fracture of the larynx and a well-marked groove around the neck, which showed that he must have been hanging for a considerable time. If the door of the house had been open, the boy would have been in full view of the street. - Sarah J. E. Hemming, the lad's mother, said she heard somebody call, and on going downstairs, found deceased hanging by a rope, with his feet about six inches from the ground. She twisted the rope round her hands and broke it away. At dinner time deceased talked about going out in the evening. He put the cord up about a week ago to assist witness in going up and down stairs with a pitcher of water. She thought deceased must have been swinging and got his head in the rope. He had no occasion to hang himself. - Annie Ham and Mary Ann Cornish deposed to seeing deceased hanging. - P.C. Greep said he did not think the boy could have got into the rope accidentally. - The Coroner, in summing up, said neither the mother nor the father could believe deceased committed the act. - The Jury found that deceased died from Suffocation, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show whether this was caused by an accident or otherwise.

SOUTH BRENT - Brent Drowning Case. Dangers Of An unfenced Leat. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Brent yesterday on the younger child of MR JOHN MADDOCK, gasworks manager, whose body was found on Saturday in the leat which drives the turbine of Clatworthy and co., flock mill. - MR MADDOCK stated that he last saw the child while at breakfast. He went about his work, and the mother about her domestic duties. The children were in the habit of playing in the garden and he and his wife were in frequent fear of what might happen to them. They had lived there for three months and did all they could to safeguard the children in their play. This was not the first child who had fallen into the leat. - Mrs Mary Jane Chapple saw the two younger children playing near the water about 11 o'clock. - George Smallridge, foreman of Clatworthy's Mill, said just before noon he found the child in the deep part of the leat when he went to alter the water at the hatchway. He took the body into the mill and sent for the doctor. - Dr Style stated that he tried artificial respiration without success. - Mr Clatworthy stated that his firm claimed the waterway as their right, and had covered the launder with wire netting, to prevent rubbish being thrown into the water. His firm had no right to erect a fence on the garden side of the waterway, as that was not their property. He would see the owner of the cottages, and try to arrange for better protection to the least. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that something should be done to prevent similar accidents. - The Jury offered expressions of condolence with the parents, and gave their fees to the father.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. - At Devonport Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on EDWARD GEORGE BELCHER, the three-months-old child of a first class stoker in the Royal Navy. - The mother, residing in Edinburgh-road, said on Saturday evening she went out shopping and left the baby asleep in bed. When she returned she picked him up and he died in her arms immediately. - Dr E. G. S. Saunders said the body weighed only 5 ¾ lb. At birth it weighed considerably more. It ought to certainly weigh double what it did. The child died from malnutrition. His impression was that the child had insufficient nourishment. - The mother, recalled, said she used to feed the baby every two hours and whenever she went out she left it in charge of someone. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

AXMINSTER - Axminster Bathing Fatality. Gallant Attempts At Rescue. - At Axminster yesterday, Dr E. R. Tweed held an Inquest on ERNEST FRANK GILLINGHAM, painter, who was drowned while bathing in the River Axe on Sunday. - FRANK GILLINGHAM, painter, Axminster, stated that deceased, his son, was 18 years of age. - Charles Ebdon, brushworker, Axminster, said that about 10.30 a.m. he was bathing in company with deceased and others in the River Axe near the cricket-field. Witness and a man named White swam down the river for some distance and in the meantime deceased got into the water from the opposite bank. GILLINGHAM walked down the river a little way and suddenly got out of his depth. Deceased was not an efficient swimmer. Witness next saw him in difficulties and shouted to some persons near by that a man was drowning. Other bathers attempted to get hold of the deceased. A lad named Silk seized GILLINGHAM by the arm, but Silk was unable to effect a rescue. At one time Silk was pulled under water by deceased. Witness and other bathers got exhausted in endeavouring to save deceased, who sank in about eight feet of water. - Replying to a Juror, witness said Silk made a very plucky attempt to rescue deceased. - Frederick Arthur Tuck, who was about 20 yards from deceased when the latter sank, said he immediately went to the spot, but was exhausted on reaching the place. - Arthur Charles Silk, the lad who made a gallant attempt to save deceased, corroborated. When he got hold of deceased the latter put his legs around him and pulled him under water. He freed himself from deceased and did not see him any more. - P.S. Bawden stated that at the spot where deceased sank the water was about six feet deep. - Dr Neville Vise stated that he applied artificial respiration for over half an hour, but without avail. - Albert J. McLennan, of Lynch Villa, said he was told about 11 a.m. that a man's body was in the river. The water was dirty, but after searching the bottom of the river for a short time he recovered the body and brought it to the bank. - The Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," commended Silk and Arthur McLennan (a student of St. Luke's College, Exeter, for their attempts to save deceased, and expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents.

HALBERTON - The Halberton Fatality. Fruitless Search For A Knife. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Venn Dairy, Halberton on LIONEL SOLOMON, the three-year-old child of MR and MRS T. MARKS, and showed that the boy climbed a wall in the courtyard and toppled into three feet of water. - The servant girl said she saw him throw a knife into the pond. - At the suggestion of the Coroner, the Jury repaired to the pond and assisted the Constable in dragging for the knife, the Coroner remarking that he considered the finding of the knife a very important piece of evidence to corroborate the servant girl's story. After a long search, in which the Coroner, himself helped, the Jury failed to find the knife. - A Juror remarked that the finding of it was not so important as it would be in the case of a man cutting his throat, and throwing the weapon away. - Dr G. G. Gidley, of Cullompton, said there were no marks of violence on the body, which bore signs of death from drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 July 1911
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - The Great Heat. Labourer's Death At Horse Bridge. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Horse Bridge, Sydenham Damerel, on Monday, on THOMAS CORNISH, 44, farm labourer, of Horse Bridge. - Dr A. Bowhay, of Gunnislake attributed death to paralysis of the brain, due to a heat-stroke. - Edmund Goodman said CORNISH, his son-in-law, went to work on Saturday apparently in the best of health and was brought home in an unconscious condition and died shortly after. - George Wadland, farmer, of Hampt, Stokeclimsland said CORNISH came to his farm on Saturday morning to assist in haymaking. He made a fair meal of bread, cheese and fruit tart. At 4.30 p.m. he asked him to make a load, and CORNISH replied, "We always expect extra money for making a load." Witness said, "I don't know about that, but I won't be particular." CORNISH complained of feeling unwell and he told him he had better sit down in the shade. He remained there for about ten minutes and then went homewards carrying a kettle. He acted in a peculiar manner and said strange things, and he told a boy to watch him. When CORNISH reached Hampt he collapsed. He drove the unconscious man to his home, where he bathed his head with water and gave him brandy. CORNISH was no doubt overcome with the heat. The men were in no way pressed and CORNISH seemed to be a good workman. He had never employed him before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heat-Stroke," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - At the suggestion of the Coroner, the Jury commended the action of Mr George Pearn, who rendered first-aid, including artificial respiration, to the man CORNISH had only been married a fortnight.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 July 1911
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft held an Inquest yesterday at Barnstaple on MAUD TAYLOR, aged 3, the daughter of MR S. TAYLOR, china merchant, of Queen-street. The little girl left home to go to the house of her grandmother and near the Great Western Hotel, and in attempting to cross the road was knocked down by a heavily laden wagon. She was taken to the Infirmary, and as there was no sign of concussion, she was allowed to go home. On the next day she became worse and was taken in an unconscious condition to the Infirmary, where she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," no one being to blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 July 1911
MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES - Brixham Boy's Sad Death. Fishermen Unable To Swim. - At the Inquest at Milford Haven on WILLIAM MARTIN, 19, late cook on the Brixham fishing smack Sea Lark, one of the crew, George Braddick, Brixham, said MARTIN was sent to fasten a rope from the smack to a steam trawler and through the rope slipping was thrown into the dock. A line was thrown him from another vessel, but he failed to hold on and was drowned within sight of two of the steamer's crew. - The Coroner: It is indeed strange that seafaring men could not swim. A life which could easily have been saved was lost in consequence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The body was sent by train to Brixham for interment.

ST MARYCHURCH - At St. Marychurch yesterday, Mr S. Hacker opened an Inquest on GEORGE HAYNES, plumber, aged 36, formerly of Torquay. Two years ago, whilst working for a London firm making lead roofing, he contracted lead-poisoning, and had a long illness. He came to Torquay to recuperate and died on Sunday. Dr Thistle gave Bright's disease, brought on by lead-poisoning, as the cause of death. The Inquest was adjourned until next Monday, for further evidence from the firm by whom deceased was employed, and also for the attendance of H.M. Factory Inspector.

KINGSKERSWELL - Suicide At Kingskerswell. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Kingskerswell yesterday on THOMAS PROUT, 34, single. He worked and lived at Aller Farm with his uncle, THOMAS WAKEHAM, and was last seen alive by P.C. Brock about a quarter before ten on Saturday morning going in the direction of the linhay. On Sunday morning Mr Wakeham's son, James, found him hanging from a beam in the loft dead and stark naked, his clothes being neatly arranged in a heap just before him. He had never threatened to take his life, nor could any motive be assigned for the deed. - Dr Hatfield expressed his belief that when found PROUT had been dead about thirty hours. Death was due to asphyxiation, caused by hanging. - The Jury (Mr W. H. Mortimer, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed their sympathy with the mother and other relatives.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Accountant's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on FREDERICK HENRY ROACH, accountant of 33 Frankfort-street, Plymouth. - Deceased's widow stated that on Saturday afternoon her husband, who was in his room, sent his little boy to tell her he was ill. She found the deceased apparently in great pain, and he died just after the arrival of a doctor. - Dr Torney said he found deceased unconscious and a little later he died. He was informed that MR ROACH had taken some of the contents of a bottle of liniment of aconite in mistake for ginger. The two liquids were in bottles of a similar shape and colour and were of a similar smell. - "Death from Misadventure" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 July 1911
DAWLISH - The Body Identified As That Of MISS E. MARTIN. An "Open Verdict" Returned. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish last evening on the body found between the rocks near Dawlish on the previous day, and it was established as that of MISS EVA MARTIN, second daughter of COMMANDER MARTIN, R.N., of Teignmouth, who was missed from her home on June 7th. - Finding The Body. - Wm. Searle, labourer, Teignmouth, stated that on the previous afternoon he was walking along the sea wall towards Dawlish, looking for the body of the young lady who had disappeared from Teignmouth. He climbed up over the cliff behind the Parson and Clerk Rock and when at the top he smelt an awful smell. He stepped across to another rock and on looking down saw something at the bottom of the cliff, which was from 250 to 300 feet high. He went down and there saw a headless body of a female, nude, with what he understood to be a handkerchief tied around the neck. He saw what he thought to be the told top of a tooth in a portion of the lower jaw, which he picked up and carried to Teignmouth, where he reported his discovery to the Sergeant of Police. In his opinion the water never touched the body during the six weeks it had been where it was found, which was three or four feet above high-water mark. - P.C. Burrows, Dawlish, said he proceeded to the spot in a boat with two boatmen named White and Cotton, and Searle and others. They found the trunk of a female wedged right in between two rocks, and had to get an oar and a stick to get it out. There was no head or feet and the remains were in a very advanced state of decomposition. Around the neck was a linen collar, upon which was written "E. MARTIN." The top of a blouse was hanging to some hair close by. A portion of the skull was ten or twelve feet away from the body. There was no hair on the skull, but there was some dark hair within three or four feet, and also a lady's shoe near, which appeared to have been in the water. Search was made on the top of the cliff for clothing, but none was found. Both the shoe and the hair appeared to have been in the water, and also the collar and the piece of blouse. In witness's opinion there were signs of the body having been in the water. - Ernest Cotton, boatman, Dawlish, said his opinion was that the body was washed up by the high spring tide during Coronation Week. It might have fallen from the top of the cliff and then over a big ledge, and afterwards washed up under it. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Arthur Hudson, Dawlish, who had made a post-mortem examination, said it was the body of an adult woman, but too far advanced in decomposition to enable him to form an opinion as to the cause of death. A bone of one of the legs was fractured, but that might have been caused by the rocks. The hair found was a pad, such as was worn by some ladies. he also found a piece of dress preserver under one of the arms. In the upper jaw there was a right upper molar tooth stopped with gold. - Father's Story. - COMMANDER JOHN JAMES MARTIN, R.N., retired, residing at 2 Crosspark, Teignmouth, said he had three daughters, and his second daughter, EVA, had been missing from home since June 7th. He last saw her about ten o'clock in the morning. He produced a linen collar similar to that found, bearing his daughter EVA'S name, in her own handwriting, and he expressed his belief that the collar found was that of his missing daughter. it was marked "E. MARTIN," the "va" after the "E" having been torn away and he was sure that it was his daughter's handwriting. - The Coroner: Are you convinced that the body lying at the mortuary is that of your daughter? - There is every reason to suppose so. Witness added that he did not recognise the shoe produced as that of his daughter, as all shoes were so much alike. Her mother did not know whether on the day she left home she was wearing shoes or boots; in all probability she was wearing shoes. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in the habit of using a pad to dress her hair on? - Yes, I suppose, like other women. - The Coroner intimated that he would have to adjourn the Inquest and suggested to COMMANDER MARTIN that he should have brought his wife to give evidence on things he was not certain about. - In reply to a further question, witness said the only thing he could identify was the linen collar. His daughter's age was about 30. She had some teeth stopped with gold and had been to dentists in Edinburgh and Biarritz. He knew nothing about the particulars, except that he paid the bills. - The Coroner remarked on the insufficiency of the evidence of identification and again suggested that MRS MARTIN or her other daughters should have been present. - COMMANDER MARTIN, continuing his evidence, said he saw his daughter an hour before she left home. She asked him for three postcards, and took them into another room. She was apparently going for a walk. She said nothing particular to him when asking for the postcards. - The Coroner: I should like to know if she said anything to her mother and sisters? - I am sure she did not; we have talked the ting over times without number. Search has been made and no letter has been found. There was every indication of everything going on as usual. She had an engagement that evening to go with a lady friend to a concert on the sea front. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in good health? - In excellent health. - Mentally and physically? - I believe so. - Conclusions. - Asked as to when he missed his daughter, witness said as it was thought she had been with friends, it was not until nearly midnight when the family became alarmed. His daughter was dressed in a blue serge skirt, a light-coloured blouse, and a garden hat with pinkish wrap around it. The first thing the following morning he went to the Police Station and gave information to Sergt. Hulland. - The Coroner: Was your daughter in the habit of going for walks alone? - Yes; there was nothing unusual about her going for a stroll by herself. Only the evening before she hurried home and played a game of lawn tennis. - The Coroner: I should like to know what conclusion you have come to in your own mind about the occurrence? - I have come to the conclusion that the person who had on that collar (pointing to the one found on the body) was my daughter. - And have you come to any conclusion as to how she came to her death? - Not the least. - The Coroner did not think the Jury could be satisfied that there was sufficient evidence and thought the Inquest must be adjourned for a week for the attendance of some other members of the family. The cause of death might have been murder, accident or suicide. - A Juryman suggested that it would be very inconvenient for some of them as business men to attend again, and remarked that, after the numerous inquiries made with no result, he did not see what would be gained by adjourning. - The Coroner understood there was other evidence of identity to be given, and after hearing that he would take evidence to show the cause of death at the adjourned Inquest. - Gardener's Suggestion. - Richard H. Robinson, fruit and flower grower at Holcombe, near where the body was found, said he had known MISS EVA MARTIN for eight or nine years. She had often come to his gardens. He recognised the shoe produced as being very similar to those which MISS MARTIN wore: she generally wore shoes. He last saw her a fortnight before she left home. He knew that she had a tooth stopped with gold. She frequently came to his garden on her way to or from Dawlish, but she did not come there on the day she was missed. She would often go away bicycling for a whole day by herself. People walked on the top of the cliff plucking wild flowers, and MISS MARTIN, whilst doing so, might have slipped and fallen sheer down into the sea. It was quite feasible that she fell into the sea, and that her body was washed back where it was found. When a person fell into the sea and was drowned, the body usually disappeared for nine days and the spring tides came just ten days after MISS MARTIN'S disappearance. He could not say she was in the habit of walking along the top of this cliff, but hundreds of people did so, as from that point there was a fine view of Exmouth and also down the coast. - Mr Reginald H. Whiteway-Wilkinson, Inverteign, Teignmouth, who is engaged to one of COMMANDER MARTIN'S daughters, made a statement as to the hair pad found, but the Coroner said he did not think it helped them. - James Russell, jobbing gardener, who has worked for COMMANDER MARTIN for several years said on the morning MISS EVA MARTIN left home, she wished him "Good morning," but did not speak in her usual cheery manner. - George Kerswill, market gardener, Holcombe, spoke to seeing MISS MARTIN walking on the main road from Crosspark towards Teignmouth at 10.40 a.m. on the day she was missed. - COMMANDER MARTIN, recalled, in answer to a Juryman, said his daughter did not write on the postcards she had from him. They were left on the table. - The Jury's Verdict. - The Coroner understood from the Police that exhaustive inquiries had been made and that they had failed to obtain any evidence that could throw any further light on the case and that being so, and they did not ask for an adjournment - or at least they did not think there would be any chance of getting any further evidence by having an adjournment - he should close the Inquiry that day. If the Jury were convinced, from the evidence given, that the body was that of MISS EVA MARTIN they would return a verdict to that effect, whilst they would be justified in saying there was no evidence to show how she came by her death. - The Jury found that the body was that of MISS EVA MARTIN, and returned a verdict of "Found Dead." - The Foreman (Mr W. Knowles) said the Jury desired to express their sympathy with COMMANDER MARTIN and his family and the Coroner joined in this expression, which was feelingly acknowledged by COMMANDER MARTIN.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 July 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Old Man's Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday, concerning the death of EDWIN MORCOMBE, cabinet marker, aged 76, of 56 George-street. - Richard Owen, labourer, of 56 George-street, said he last saw deceased alive on Sunday at 9.30 p.m. in the passage of the house. He was a feeble old man. On returning from work on Tuesday last at about 8.30 p.m. witness's wife told him that MORCOMBE had not been seen since Sunday evening. He therefore went up to the room and found the old man lying partially dressed on his bed. He had evidently been dead some time. The room was in a very dirty condition. - MRS FLORENCE TYLER, daughter of deceased, said she visited her father about six months ago. His room was then in a fairly clean state. - Michael Solomon, furniture dealer, of Ebrington-street, Plymouth, said deceased was in his employ. He saw him before leaving work on Thursday afternoon of last week, when he complained of feeling unwell. He again saw him on Saturday evening, when he seemed very frail, and said he had seen a doctor. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, who had made a post-mortem examination on the body, found that death was due to syncope through cirrhosis of the lungs; probably accelerated by the great heat. The body was in a very emaciated condition and the stomach was empty. Witness thought he must have died on Sunday night. A bottle of chlorodyne was found in the room, but the seal had not been broken, and there were no traces of poison in the body. Verdict "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1911
PAIGNTON - Motor Car Dangers. The Paignton Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday held an Inquest at Paignton on THOMAS CRESWELLER, aged 73, a Torquay watercress vendor. - Mr Bryant Coomber said about 10.45 on Friday night as he was motoring from Churston at ten to twelve miles an hour, CRESWELLER suddenly staggered into the road from the footpath. The mud-guard knocked him away from the car. It was impossible to avoid striking him, but he pulled the car up as quickly as possible, and rendered what assistance he could, after sending for the Police. - Mr Mark Pedlar, a friend of Mr Coomber, who was on the front seat of the car, corroborated. - Dr Collier said after a cursory examination of the man he ordered his removal to the Cottage Hospital. The man smelt strongly of beer. - Dr King said deceased was unconscious when taken to the Cottage Hospital, and suffering from a compound fracture of the jaw. The cause of death was concussion. From previous knowledge of him, he concluded that CRESWELLER was a man of alcoholic habits. - Harry Eden, lamplighter, said he saw CRESWELLER twice during Friday evening and on both occasions he was the worse for drink. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN LANG TOOLE, aged 69, late of Berkeley-place. - Mrs Eliza Whittle, housekeeper, said on Friday evening MR TOOLE took his tea and seemed very well. He went to the bedroom and shortly afterwards she saw him leaning over the banister. She spoke to him, but he gave no answer. In a few minutes he passed away. - Dr Torney, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart. He was of opinion that death was accelerated by the great heat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 July 1911
MILLBROOK, CORNWALL - Whitsands Fatality. Splendid Attempt At Rescue. - The Inquest on MR HENRY CORY, a clerk in Lloyds Bank of Addison-road, Plymouth, drowned while bathing at Whitsands on Sunday evening, was held by Mr A. de Castro Glubb at Millbrook yesterday. Mr John Pawley was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Melville Collingwood Bawden, clerk at Lloyds Bank, Plymouth, said on Sunday he went to Whitsands in company with CORY. About 7 p.m. they went into the water near the Treganhawke Cliff, about 200 yards east of the Spender monument. They had been in the water about five minutes when CORY called him by name. CORY could not swim very well and must then have been out of his depth. He was a fairly good swimmer and went to CORY'S help. CORY was struggling and lost his head when he got up to him and gripped his arm. He tried to get him on his back. They went under once and then either went under a second time or a breaker passed over them. Another breaker separated them. he had no more breath left and the same breaker washed him ashore. The sea was not rough beyond the breakers, but there seemed to be an undertow, especially beyond the breakers. He was able to get out himself. - Thomas French, fisherman, Millbrook, said on Sunday on Whitsand Beach, he recovered the body. - As Seen From The Cliffs. - William John Harris, Millbrook said on Sunday he was on the cliffs at Whitsands about 7 p.m., and saw about 50 or 75 yards beyond the Spender monument two bathers. His wife remarked that she thought they were in trouble and could not get back. One of the bathers was caught by a breaker and thrown some distance towards the shore, and the other was still struggling outside the breakers. The one inside was evidently in great distress and could hardly stand, and was shouting, as if calling for help. The one outside was still afloat and struggling. Some people ran, and three, undressing very quickly, rushed into the water. When they got some distance out the first one was evidently in trouble. CORY was still struggling. Then a soldier went to the assistance of the first man who went out and CORY disappeared. If CORY was cramped, his arms were free, as they could see by the motion of his arms. He now knew that CORY'S right foot was entirely cramped and drawn up. A splendid attempt was made to rescue him, but there was a gully where the tides met and in the gully it would be impossible for one to stand. He did not think the bathers were out of their depth at first. There was a strong ebb tide at the time. - A Juryman remarked that when a bather lost his footing in these gullies he could not regain it. - Mr Harris said outside the breakers there was hardly a ripple, the water being very smooth. - JOHN W. CORY, merchant's clerk, Holsworthy, said the deceased, his brother, was 30 years of age. - The Coroner: I suppose you are quite satisfied that this unhappy occurrence was an accident? - Yes. - A Fatal Bay. - The Coroner thought it was not necessary to call further evidence. This was one of those terrible accidents that occurred from time to time at Whitsands. he had held many Inquests in cases in which people had lost their lives in this fatal bay. He did not know whether it was an undertow that seemed to cause swimmers to throw up their hands and go under. This seemed to be quite an accident and all there seemed to have done everything in their power to save this poor fellow. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The body was removed to Holsworthy, where the interment will take place this morning.

YELVERTON - Boy Drowned In The Meavy. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Yelverton yesterday on MONTAGUE SANDERS, aged 12 years, drowned in the River Meavy on Monday. - MISS FLORA E. SANDERS, Moor View-terrace, said the boy, her brother, had been subject to fits from birth. He had always been forbidden by his mother to bathe, and particularly on Monday afternoon. - Charles Orchard and Alec Battershill, each aged 11 years, went for a bathe in the Meavy on Monday evening. Orchard said he heard MRS SANDERS caution MONTAGUE not to bathe. A little later, however, he joined them at Gratten Bridge and went into the river. Neither could swim. MONTAGUE while sitting in the middle of the river was suddenly seized with a fit, rolled over into the deep pool and sank. - Richard Northmore stated that he found the boy lying quite still in six feet of water. Being unable to swim, he called for further assistance, and recovered the lifeless body. - Dr Revell said the result of his post-mortem examination, revealed the fact that the boy was seized with a fit, which rendered him helpless. He was drowned much more quickly than a person who was conscious at the time of drowning would. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and sympathy expressed with the family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 July 1911
BRIXHAM - The Brixham Fatality. Steam Roller On A Steep Road. - Mr hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on SAMUEL T. F. LEWIS, steam roller driver, in the employ of the Brixham Urban District Council. The chairman of the Council (Mr J. W. Hill) and Mr J. L. Arlidge, the clerk, attended. - John Silver, (surveyor to the District Council) said he saw LEWIS working the roller at 10 a.m. on Thursday on York Lodge-road, a private road, branching from the Berry Head-road. The roller was doing its work well. Later he found the roller in the path leading to Jackman's Shipbuilding Yard, it having broken through the wall fence. The width of the public road was about 25 feet and there was ample room for turning. The public road was in good condition. LEWIS was lying under the big wheel on the scarifier side and quite dead. The whole weight of the roller was upon him. The body was got out with much difficulty by means of jacks. The brake was in perfect order. It had not been used, as there were grease and oil in the thread of the screw. The gradient of the private road was one foot in eight feet for a length of 40 feet. A safe gradient was one foot in six feet, provided the engine was powerful enough to carry the roller. There was an emergency brake, but the usual practice was to run down hill with the "reverse," unless it was a very steep hill. He had not found any defect to account for the accident. The slope on Berry Head-road was just sufficient to drain the road. Before breaking the wall the engine had to mount a kerbing four inches above the level. - The widow said had she known where her husband was going to work, she would have advised him not to go, as she considered the road was too steep. Certainly it was steeper than where he had ever worked before. - Thomas Hazlewood, builder, said he saw the engine move about its length up the hill and when it was about two lengths from the gate, it came back. It appeared under control, as the driver was an experienced man. He walked on, as there was nothing to suggest serious danger. LEWIS did not even speak. Hearing a noise, he turned round, and saw the engine going through the wall. The gradient was nothing extraordinary. LEWIS was in the box, paying attention to the driving. The engine was going at ordinary pace. He looked as if he had proper control of the machine, which did not look like a "runaway." His opinion was he misjudged the distance. - Charles Norton, gardener, York Lodge, said the engine stopped about a length inside the gate to get up steam. and LEWIS oiled the machinery. The engine went through the gate, but as it had done that several times, he took no particular notice until something seemed to give out and it rushed across the road at a much quicker speed. He believed something gave out, as there was a different noise and a different rattle. LEWIS had handled the engine that day like a perambulator. - Robert Jackman, shipbuilder, said he saw the engine fall. He did not see LEWIS until he noticed him under the wheel. - P.S. Moon produced several screws and bolts picked up inside the gate. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest for a week to obtain expert evidence. - The Clerk of the Council expressed regret at the terrible accident, and tendered the Council's sympathy to the bereaved.

UPTON PYNE - At an Inquest at Upton Pyne, near Exeter, on CHARLES LAMACRAFT, 64, assistant overseer, the evidence showed that he was found drowned in the river close to his garden, where he had been engaged cutting down weeds on the bank with a hook. There was a deep wound on the left leg, evidently done by the hook. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 July 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Plymouth Publican's Death. Sad Termination To Torquay Visit. - At Newton Abbot Workhouse on Saturday an Inquest was held on GEORGE TOWNSEND, 31, licensee of the Queen's Arms, Queen-street, Plymouth, who was taken ill while on a visit to Torquay, and was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he died on Friday afternoon. - ALFRED TOWNSEND, Mainstone-avenue, Plymouth, stoker, petty officer on a torpedo-boat, said deceased, his brother, was a married man, with no surviving children. On the previous Sunday deceased was in splendid health. he then asked if witness's son could accompany him on a visit to his sister at Torquay, and witness consented. Deceased had rheumatic fever when a lad of 13, but had had no other illness. - Lily Fitzwater, Ellacombe-road, Torquay, said deceased was taken ill on Monday night. he was able to go out on Tuesday, and was much better on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, however, he became delirious and thought he was in Plymouth. They stayed up all night with him. Early on Thursday morning he went out by himself and coming back about five o'clock, again fancied he was back at his home. Going out again, he called at a neighbour's house and evidently fancied he knew the place. Then a neighbour told her he was picking up dust in the road. Witness sent for a Policeman, as deceased did not know her and thought he was home. He caught her by the throat and wanted the "key of the bar." He was drinking nothing stronger than "shandy" while at Torquay. She thought his illness was caused by worry about business. She did not think he was a heavy drinker. He was not usually a violent man. - P.C. Tucker (Torquay) said that when he asked TOWNSEND where he was going he replied "To work." He took charge of deceased, who did not appear capable of looking after himself. - Mr W. J. Jones, Master of the Workhouse, produced the Magistrates' order that deceased should be taken to the Workhouse. - Dr Scrase said death was due to delirium tremens and heart failure. There was no doubt that the cause was excessive drinking. It sometimes happened that the disease came on when a habitual drinker suddenly left off drink. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Petty Officer's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Devonport Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks on Saturday on CHARLES BULL (43), second-class petty officer in the Royal fleet Reserve and a native of Dublin. - Edward Sydney Penter, first-class petty officer, serving at the R.N. Barracks, said he last saw the deceased alive at 10.30 a.m. on Friday, when he was on the parade ground drilling. he had just fallen out to "stand easy" for a smoke and asked witness if he could leave the parade ground for a moment. He was allowed to do so. Deceased appeared to be in good health and had not complained during the week he had been at drill. They started drilling at 9 a.m., and were only in the sun ten minutes. - J. T. Hopkin, able seaman, said he saw deceased walking along the north colonnade, staggering against the wall as he went along. Then he sank down on the ground in a sitting position. Witness and three or four other hands picked him up and carried him to the sick bay. He was unconscious and groaning when picked up. - Staff-Surgeon J. Thornhill said that when brought to the sick bay deceased was unconscious. Restoratives were applied and a vein opened to relieve the pressure on the heart. He survived 20 minutes, but died without regaining consciousness. On making a post-mortem examination, witness found that the heart was badly diseased, weighing half as much again as it ought to. The condition of the heart was of long standing. It was possible that the heat affected the man. - The Jury found that death was due to heart disease of long standing.

KINGSTEIGNTON - At an Inquest at Kingsteignton on MRS ANNE COOK, aged 77, MR JOHN HENRY COOK, landlord of the Bell Inn, Kingsteignton, said deceased, his mother, fell out of bed early on Monday morning, but did not appear to have suffered any injury. During the day, however, she became unwell and the doctor was sent for. Dr McBeth attributed death to heart failure, following the accident, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PAIGNTON - Paignton Drowning Case. - At an Inquest on Friday at Paignton on WILLIAM HENRY GLASSON WHITE, who was drowned on Wednesday while bating from one of the machines on Paignton beach, it was stated that deceased ate a hearty lunch at one o'clock, had a smoke and went out to bathe. He took a machine and was some time later seen floating face downwards in the water near the pier. His body was taken to the pier-head by a gentleman in a boat, and artificial respiration was tried without avail. - The Jury found that deceased died from heart failure through entering the water directly after a meal, and expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Evidence of identification was given by REV. F. G. WHITE, a brother.

TOTNES - At Totnes Cottage Hospital on Saturday an Inquest was held on WILLIAM WEBBER. - Ex-Police Sergt. JOSHUA WEBBER, of Topsham, said deceased was his son, and he would have been 26 that day. - Herbert Hayman, clerk with deceased in Messrs. J. Symons and Co.'s offices, said about 6.45 p.m. on Friday he notice deceased's head had dropped on the day book on the desk. He thought he had fainted, but found he was dead. - Dr Gibson said the hot weather had weakened the heart's action. - The Coroner said extreme pressure was caused on all by the great heat, which anyone with a weak heart felt more. - The Jury found that deceased died from valvular disease of the heart. - Mr G. Symons (Mayor of Totnes) on behalf of himself and the firm, offered the bereaved family their sympathy. He had been with them about 12 years, and his death was a great blow and shock to the staff. - The Jury expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and the Coroner joined in the expression.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 August 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - After A Boxing Match. Naval Seaman's Mysterious Death In Devonport Dockyard. Result Of The Inquest. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard, Devonport, yesterday, on Able-Seaman SIDNEY ALFRED SMITH, of the destroyer Earnest, who was found in an unconscious condition behind some iron sheets in the North Dockyard on Saturday morning. He died before he could be removed to the Hospital. - Mr K. E. Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty, and Supt. G. Dixson, of the Metropolitan Police; the Chief Constable of Plymouth (Mr J. D. Sowerby), Mr W. H. Alger (manager) and Mr H. Jenkin (director) of the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, were also present. - SIDNEY CHARLES SMITH, King William-street, Bedminster, Bristol, said the deceased, his son, was aged 26. He last saw him alive five or six weeks ago, when he had his last leave. Witness knew that he went in for boxing, but as far as he knew Friday night was his first appearance in public. He was a very steady man. - Leave From The Ship. - George A. Harwood, leading signalman, H.M.S. Earnest, said deceased last left the ship about 5.15 p.m. on Friday, on leave until 6.30 a.m. on Saturday. He appeared to be in good health when he left the ship. He said he was going to the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium to take part in an eight-round contest, and that he expected to win. He trained on board. Deceased did not return to the ship and had he done so during the night witness would have been told. The next morning the Police informed them that he had been found unconscious in the Dockyard. - P.C. Carolan, Metropolitan Force, said on Saturday morning, at six o'clock, he was on duty at the north-east corner of the boiler-house, when he saw what appeared to be the feet of a man protruding from behind a sheet of iron. On a closer examination he found it to be the deceased. he was lying on his face, with his right hand to his head. He was bleeding from the mouth, his cap was lying about three yards from his feet, and a newspaper containing a pair of shoes, a sash, and a pair of short knickers. Witness turned him over on his side and found him to be unconscious. With assistance deceased was conveyed to the North Gate, where he was attended by Fleet-Surgeon Lumley from the Defence. Witness had been on duty only a few minutes when he found deceased. One of deceased's boots was lying near the cap. - P.C. Gould said he was on duty from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the North Yard. He would in the course of his beat patrol the part near the boiler house. The last time he was there was about half an hour before he came off duty, but on no occasion during the night did he see anyone there. It was quite possible for the man to escape his notice at night. - Deceased's Injuries. - Fleet-Surgeon F. D. Lumley, H.M.S. Defence, said on Friday night he was in charge of the medical guard. He was called by the Police about 6.15 a.m. and on arrival at the North Gate he found deceased completely unconscious. He examined him and found his face had been considerably knocked about. The right eye was much blackened, there was a swelling over the right cheekbone and the left eye was also blackened, but to a lesser extent. Bloodstained froth was coming from his mouth, and his nose appeared to have been bleeding. Both pupils were considerably dilated. The man died at 7.30 just as the ambulance arrived from the Hospital. He had made a post-mortem examination, and death was, in his opinion, due to haemorrhage of the brain, due to laceration of the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. The other organs of the body were all healthy. - The Coroner: Could the fracture of the base of the skull be due to blows received in a boxing contest? - Yes. The blow to cause a fracture of the base of the skull would not have to be exceptionally severe. He had seen the place where the man was found, but he did not think the fracture was caused by any fall in that locality. - The Coroner: Would it be possible for a man to receive a fracture of the base of the skull and not know it, but suddenly fall down some hours afterwards? - Yes. Witness, continuing, said the person would collapse suddenly in a fainting condition. - Supposing it is alleged that there was no knock-out blow, but he fell to the floor in an apparently exhausted condition. To onlookers he would appear to be exhausted, but that would be concussion? - Yes. He might recover from the concussion and not be aware of the fracture. - By a Juryman: There was nothing to indicate how long the man had been lying on the ground. The fracture could not be seen externally. - Mr Peck: Could the blow over the eye have caused the fracture? - Yes, it is quite possible. - Boxing Contest Described. - Mr Silas Alger, Union-street, Stonehouse, managing director of the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, said he was present at the boxing contests on Friday night. Deceased and Seaman Armstrong, of the Royal Oak, were engaged in an eight-round contest. They were two-minute rounds with one minute interval. The referee was a representative of a sporting paper. This event was arranged about three weeks before. In this case somebody brought the contest to him already matched. It was not arranged by witness. He did not think these men had boxed there before. - The Coroner: Do these men box for the honour and glory of the thing? - I wish they would. We pay them according to a scale. In this case the two men shared the money, which was £2. - In further examination, witness said deceased did not complain during the evening. There was no ill-feeling, otherwise they would not have shared the money. Armstrong won the contest. Had there been anything the matter witness would have been informed. He had never had any complaints about the gymnasium, and it was carried on in a sportsman-like manner. - Witness: The doctor says that the fracture might have been caused by a blow. Would it e possible for that to be done with a padded 6-ounce glove? - Fleet-Surgeon Lumley: I think it is possible. - By the Foreman: The floor of the ring was padded. SMITH was the lighter of the two men, but witness thought he was the cleverer. - Ernest Cload, Plymouth, said he was timekeeper at the contest in which deceased took part. The contest was concluded in either the sixth of seventh round, when SMITH seemed to fall down exhausted. Armstrong was not near enough to strike him when he fell. He was assisted to his corner, and the verdict was given to Armstrong. It was the usual novice contest, and neither of the men knew much about boxing. Both men were good tempered and continually laughing. he did not see a severe blow throughout the whole contest, and there was nothing unusual in it. - "Feeling A Bit Tired." - William Blackwell, Plymouth, said he was in charge of the dressing-room on Friday night. Deceased said he was feeling a bit tired, as he had been watch-keeping. Deceased and Armstrong undressed in the same room, and there were no signs of ill-feeling. There was no knock-out blow in the contest. A blow in the right eye was received in the first or second round. Witness fetched deceased his money and saw him go down Mill-street. He said he was all right. Witness did not think there was any need to fetch a doctor for deceased. He was positive deceased did not vomit in the dressing-room. - Able Seaman Mahoney, H.M.S. Earnest, said he was present at the boxing contest. Witness had boxed at the Cosmopolitan on several occasions, and acted as second to deceased. He could not say whether deceased was knocked down. - The Coroner: You have made a statement that the contest lasted five rounds, the verdict going to Armstrong, who knocked SMITH down, the latter being counted out. Which is correct? - Witness: In my opinion he was knocked down. When deceased left the ring he appeared to be a bit dazed. During the contest he received one blow in the mouth and one over the eye. It was a fair contest. Deceased left the building before witness. - Arthur Lippell, labourer, Plymouth, said he also acted as second to deceased. He thought the strength of Armstrong knocked deceased down. He was rather exhausted and was not himself for about two minutes. That was a rare thing. He told witness he was all right. Armstrong came over to deceased's corner and shook hands with him, and asked him if he was all right and he replied that he was. There was not what he would call a blow struck at the time. - P.S. Young said no one appeared to have noticed deceased come in the yard, but there were a large number of sailors who came in between ten and twelve. - The Chief Constable of Plymouth said he always had Policemen on duty inside and outside the Cosmopolitan Gymnasium every Friday. He had questioned the two Policemen who were there on the night in question, and they saw nothing at all out of the way. - The Coroner: Supposing there was a contest in which brutality was shown, would it be reported to you? - Yes, certainly. I have been there myself and find nothing I can take exception to. The management did everything to ensure fair treatment. - The father said it was probable that deceased had lain where he was found for some hours. He did not know how they could say no blows were struck. - Seaman Armstrong, of the Royal Oak, was called, and the Coroner said he did not wish to ask him to give evidence unless he was perfectly willing to do so, because it might possibly be a serious matter. It was his duty to caution him. - Armstrong declined to give evidence. - Coroner's Summing Up. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was a discrepancy in the evidence as to whether there was a knock-out blow or whether deceased fell from exhaustion. It was very difficult for them to say, but he thought they could take it that there were some blows struck, notwithstanding the technical evidence given. In an every-day mind it must be clear that the blows deceased received were severe, because the injuries showed it. If they could say what caused the fracture of the base of the skull it was very advisable that they should do so. If they were satisfied that the injuries were received in the boxing contest they would have to consider whether the boxing contest was held in a legal and justifiable manner. The law was such that amicable contests in boxing were not unlawful and the person who unintentionally caused the death of another person in the course of such a contest was not guilty of culpable homicide. From the law on the subject the contest in question was a perfectly legal one and if the Jury were satisfied that the death of deceased was caused by Armstrong in this contest, it would seem to him to be caused unintentionally in a friendly contest, and would not render him criminally liable for the death. He thought it was a pity that Armstrong had not volunteered to give evidence. - The Verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the fracture of the skull was caused. - A vote of sympathy was also expressed with the parents.

PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on ELSIE ARKINSTALL, aged 19, domestic servant, who lodged at 30 Cobourg-street, and was found drowned under the Hoe early on Saturday morning - John Kneed, postman, 30 Cobourg-street, said deceased went to lodge at his house a fortnight ago while her employer was on holidays. Witness last saw her alive on Friday, when she appeared to be as usual. She had shown no signs of depression. Deceased had told his wife that she was courting a soldier who was stationed at Crownhill, and that he had been ordered to sail for India, and that they would be married before he left England. She subsequently told witness that banns had been published. - John Glanville, labourer, 14 Hoe-street, said late on Friday night he saw the deceased walking along the Hoe, and then go to Pebble side. After three or four minutes he walked down the steps of Pebbleside, and seeing some clothes there went for a Policeman. Witness went on the rocks and saw the body of a woman floating in the water. He brought it ashore and the body was taken to the Mortuary. - Mr E. H. A. Barron, 18 Brandreth-road, said deceased had been employed at his residence as a domestic for eight months. During his holiday she was given a fortnight's leave. He noticed nothing peculiar about her. - Dr C. J. Cooke said death was due to drowning. There were no suspicious indications. - P.C. Maddock stated that after the body had been recovered artificial respiration was tried for three-quarters of an hour. - The Jury returned a verdict "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on EDWARD FRANCIS BAKER, aged 40, coach painter, of Wolsdon-street. - FANNY BAKER, of Wolsdon-street, said deceased had been depressed for about a month owing to pains in his head. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, nor did she know of any reason why he should do so. He was found hanging in the wash-house by his mother on Saturday evening. - P.C. Voaden said he was called to the house and saw the body lying in the wash-house. A man named Payne was there and the body had been released from a rope which had been attached to the roof. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but that failed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Exeter Mystery Unsolved. - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on EMMELINE OPHELIA BROOK, spinster, 68, of Taddeford-road, Red Cow Village, who was found drowned in the Canal on Saturday, Wm. Hayward, 10 Taddeford-road, said deceased lodged at his house until September last. She drank heavily and he gave her notice to leave. - Mrs Emily Selway, 9 Taddeford-road, said deceased had lately lodged with her. She last saw her at 9.30 on Saturday morning. Witness had given her notice. She did not make any enquiries as she did not return home; she thought she would come back. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 August 1911
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. Inquest On The Victims Opened. - The Inquest on the three victims of the Plymouth tragedy - PERCY WILMOTT COOLING, MARY ANNIE MAY HAWKER and ROBT. HAWKER - were opened by Mr R. B. Johns at the Plymouth Borough Mortuary yesterday. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was the most appalling tragedy they had had in the Borough, and he thought they might congratulate themselves generally on the little crime there was in the Borough, considering the composition of the population. In his opinion, probably the town, for its size and the composition of its inhabitants, had less crime than any other place similarly situated. The man had been living with the woman. On Tuesday morning there was apparently no sign of life in the room they occupied at 14 Harwell-street, and the Police, who were communicated with, forced the door and discovered the man, woman and child dead. The man was hanging by the neck to the bed-post, the woman had her head smashed and the child was lying on the bed lifeless. The Chief Constable told him that the room was filled with gas. There was a cooker with two taps and a penny-in-the-slot meter in the room. The taps were turned on, and 25 feet of gas had run out. It seemed a very determined case, and he thought they would have no difficulty in finding a verdict of "wilful murder" against COOLING. The cracks in the door, as well as the chimney, were stuffed up to prevent the escape of gas, and his theory was that COOLING did this with a view to suffocating all three, but that the woman awaking, there was a struggle between her and the man, with the result they had before them. All he now proposed to do was to take the evidence of identification, so as to enable the bodies to be buried as soon as possible and to adjourn the Inquest until 3.30 on Tuesday next. - The Foreman said he had had ten years' experience of Coroners' Inquests, and they had had many bad cases, but this was the worst. - Evidence Of Identification. - WM. FOLEY, labourer, of Prince Maurice-road, Lipson, identified the woman his sister. She was 23 years of age. - The Coroner: You know nothing of the circumstances of the case? - No, sir. - Did you know anything about the child? - I knew she had a child, but I could not identify the body, as I had not see it. - The Foreman: Do you know if the deceased lived comfortably? - The Coroner: He says he knew nothing of their affairs. - Witness: I never saw the man in my life. - PERCY WILMOTT, labourer, of 7 Victoria-square, Portishead, Somerset, identified the body of COOLING as that of the son of his wife. Deceased was a waiter, 26 years of age. - The Coroner (to the Jury): Mr Sowerby, the Chief Constable, told me he was a Naval Reservist, and had been a waiter at the Durnford Hotel, Stonehouse. - To witness: Did you know he was living with this woman? - No; not until he went on his drills. He was down in January to do his drills and I suppose that's where he picked up with her. - Did you ever see the woman? - No, sir. - Or hear anything about her? - No, sir. - Did your wife know he was living with her? - She knew since February. - Did you think he was engaged to her? - Yes; that's all, sir. - Continuing, witness said COOLING was looking forward to going home for a holiday, and he thought they were talking about getting married on Coronation-day, but whether they did so or not he did not know. - Did you know anything about the child? - No, sir; I never heard of it. - This was all the evidence called and the Inquest which was attended by Chief Constable Sowerby and Detective-Inspector Hitchcock, was adjourned until 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday next.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 August 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Tragedy. Company-Sergeant's Sad End. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on Company-Sergeant GEORGE RICHARD HORNER, R.M.L.I., who was found shot the previous day at the Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty, and Mr J. Lawrance was Foreman of the Jury. - EMILY HORNER said the deceased, her husband, was Sergeant of C Company and 37 years of age. She last saw him alive on Wednesday night, at 11.15. He was smoking a cigarette when she went to bed. She did not hear him rise on Thursday morning, but as it was his custom to rise at 5 a.m. she did not attach much importance to the fact that he was up early. It was his custom to go to his office early to get on with his work. The next she heard was that he had shot himself. They had been married 12 years and there were no children. She had found no communication from him which would throw any light on the affair. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. She was on quite friendly terms with him. There was nothing in his home life which would account for the deed. He had no domestic worries as far as she knew. He was a native of Stonehouse. She had never heard of any insanity in the family. He never complained of his work. He had been quite himself of late and not depressed, or quiet, and she knew of no reason why he should have killed himself. - Lance-Corpl. Robert rose, R.M.L.I., C Co., said he found the deceased at 5.45 a.m. the previous day in his office on the floor, dead. He was fully dressed in his uniform. He held his rifle in his right hand, and he was shot through the head. Witness subsequently found the bullet in a kit bag on a rack. It had passed through a wooden post and a plank. The cartridge was a service one. The door was locked on the inside, and witness, being the deceased's orderly, was the only other man to have a key to the office. Witness had known him about eight months, and the deceased bore a good reputation in the corps. He was very much liked. Witness could not suggest any motive for the affair. He used to drink a good deal, but he was sober the day previous. Witness had noticed no change in his manner. After a drinking bout he would be a bit shaky the next morning, but he could not say if the deceased's nerves had been upset as the result of the bouts. - By the Jury: Witness heard no report. - By Mr Goldsmith: The deceased was lying on his great coat, which was apparently laid for the purpose. The direction of the bullet, too, pointed to the probability of the deceased firing the rifle when lying on the floor. - Sergeant-Maj. J. F. May, R.M.L.I., said he last saw the deceased alive on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased was on duty at the time and quite himself. He was not supposed to be in possession of live cartridges, as it was contrary to regulations. The cartridge might have been by him for some time, however, Witness could throw no light on the matter. He always looked upon the deceased as being a very smart and astute non-commissioned officer. - Staff-Surgeon O'Connell, R.N., attached to the Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I., said he was called and found the deceased dead. There was a bullet wound from the roof of the mouth to the top of the head. Death was due to shock. The injuries could not have been inflicted except by the deceased himself. - By the Foreman: He had been dead less than an hour when witness saw him. - Sergt-Maj. May, recalled, said the deceased was thoroughly up to date with his duties. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was a clear case of suicide, and the only question was the state of the deceased's mind. There was an entire absence of motive for such rashness and the only probable cause seemed to be that the deceased was in the habit of drinking more than was good for himself, and in his sober moments it might have caused him a good deal of worry. That would have a tendency to bring about temporary insanity. Personally, he could only bring himself to think that no person would in their sane moments think of taking their life. There must be something pressing upon his brain to cause the act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow and the honourable corps with which the deceased was connected, the Jury concurring. - The deceased will be buried with honours this morning, the cortege leaving the R.N. Hospital at 10 o'clock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 August 1911
SHEVIOCK, CORNWALL - The Whitsands Fatality. Devonport Man Lost While Bathing. - Mr A. de Castro Glubb, Coroner, held an Inquest at Portwrinkle yesterday, on FREDERICK JAMES HANCOCK, aged 36, engine fitter at Devonport Dockyard, of 76 Townsend-avenue, Keyham, Devonport, who was drowned while bathing at Whitsands on the 30th ult., and whose body was recovered at Portwrinkle on Saturday. - Joseph Callaghan, fisherman, Crafthole, said on Saturday morning he was on the top of the cliff at Portwrinkle, when he thought he saw someone bathing, but finding that there was no movement he ran down to the water and found that it was the body of a man in bathing costume. He took hold of a leg and pulled the body in, and then reported the matter to P.C. Dyer. The body was afterwards removed to the boathouse at the coastguard station. - THOMAS CHARLES HANCOCK, of 74 Townsend-avenue, Keyham, brother of deceased, identified the body and said deceased was a good, strong swimmer. - Arthur Beed, 23 Haddington-road, Devonport, said on Sunday, the 30th ult., he went to Whitsand Bay with deceased. Deceased bathed and witness paddled about. The tide was coming in. The water was very rough. Deceased took the first breaker and went out. When about the sixth breaker came in witness missed him, and did not see him again. There was a rock on their left, to which deceased was very near. Deceased might have struck the rock when he dived to take the breaker. He was 80 yards out when witness missed him. Deceased was a strong man and a powerful swimmer, and was all right when he went into the water. Witness did not bathe because he was afraid of cramp. - P.C. Dyer said there was a mark on deceased's forehead, but that might have been caused afterwards. - The Coroner said this was one of those tragedies that one often heard of in Whitsand Bay. He held an Inquest a few days ago on one who lost his life there, and he had held many more in years gone by. There was no doubt what their verdict would be. - The Jury found that deceased was Drowned on July 30th and that the body was found on August 5th.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Poisoned By The Roadside. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday, on a man bearing the appearance of a tramp, found lying in a hedge on the main road between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth on Saturday afternoon. - Charles Taylor, proprietor of the common lodging-house at Teignmouth, said deceased stayed at his house for about three months in the spring of the present year. He also stayed there on Thursday and Friday night of last week. He told witness that he had tramped from Exeter, but witness knew nothing about the man, who was extremely quiet when in the house. He bore the appearance of a soldier and he had told witness that his name was MARTIN. - William Harry Kerslake, skilled labourer, said he was working in his garden, which adjoins the main road near the Teignmouth Gasworks on Saturday afternoon when he heard someone moaning in the hedge. He went through the hedge, but as he could see nobody there he returned to his work. A few minutes later he heard more groaning, and he then saw a man's collar hanging on the hedge, and a little further up he saw a man lying in the hedge. In reply to witness's question as to what was the matter with him, he said: "I have taken poison, spirits of salts. Come down to me." A bottle and jug were lying by his side. He had his coat and waistcoat off. - Dr F. C. H. Piggott, Teignmouth, said the man expired within a quarter of an hour of his admission to the Hospital. All he said was, "Give me something to drink." Witness found that the man had taken spirits of salts. The stomach was almost burnt out. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said a teaspoonful of spirits of salts had been known to prove fatal, whilst recovery had been known after taking two tablespoonsful. - Frederick Charles Edmonds, assistant to Mr J. H. Maunder, chemist, Teignmouth, said he supplied deceased with twopennyworth of spirits of salts on Friday afternoon. Witness reminded him that it was poisonous and the man said he wanted it for cleaning brass. Witness cautioned him in the usual way, and plainly labelled the bottle with a red label containing the words "Spirits of Salts - Poison." - The Coroner: Do you swear you did that? There is no label on the bottle now. - Witness: I emphatically swear that a poison label was on the bottle when I handed it to him. It was not a scheduled poison, or he would not have supplied it. He acted in accordance with the requirements of the Act. Spirits of salts was commonly used, especially by plumbers. - P.S. Hulland said he found a purse containing 4 ½d. in deceased's pocket; also an army discharge certificate, on which his name was given as PTE. FRANK NATION MARTIN, 1st Batt. Buffs. The discharge was dated 1st March 1909, and his age was given as 36. He had served twelve years in the army, and was a compositor by trade. The description given on the paper tallied exactly with the deceased, even to a scar on the left side of the neck. His character in the army was given as "Good." He was a native of Greenwich, and according to the certificate he had not a pension. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Poisoning Himself whilst of Unsound Mind.

TEIGNMOUTH - Gardener's Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker on GEORGE COLE, gardener, in the employ of Mr J. A. Maurice of Ashleigh, Teignmouth, who was found dead in the potting shed on Saturday morning. - MRS AMELIA COLE said the deceased, her husband, was aged 48. He had been at Teignmouth with Mr Maurice just eighteen months. He had, however, been in Mr Maurice's employ for about 2 ½ years. About a month ago he was given notice to leave, and had not been very bright lately. He was worried about getting a house, as they would have to leave the lodge belonging to the residence. He, however, had been at work as usual, and came in for his breakfast on Saturday morning. He did not finish his breakfast, his appetite having failed him lately. He returned to work about 9 o'clock, and made no remark before leaving. He had never said anything that suggested that he had the intentions of taking his life. She could throw no light whatever as to the cause of death. - John Wotton Baskerville, under-gardener at Ashleigh, stated that he and deceased were working together in the gardens up to 10 o'clock. They were watering, and deceased afterwards helped witness get the vegetables for the house. About an hour later witness was very much surprised to find him lying dead in the potting shed. The door was open. Deceased's legs were crossed, and from the position of the body it looked as though he had laid himself down. Witness informed his master, who telephoned for a doctor and for the Police. - Replying to further questions, witness said deceased appeared to be the same on Saturday as he had always been. Some poisons were kept in a cupboard in the potting shed, and on the bench witness found a bottle containing a poisonous fumigating nicotine compound for killing insects. The bottles were generally kept in the cupboard, but this had been used a couple of days previously. When busy they often left the bottles on the bench. Deceased was due to leave Ashleigh on Wednesday, but the new head gardener came in yesterday morning. - The Coroner asked if Mr Maurice was in Court and if he could throw any light upon the case. - Mr Maurice replied that he could not. He knew that COLE had not been himself for a long time. As to his leaving the lodge, that ought not to have worried him much, as he knew that until he could get a house arrangements would be made with regard to the new gardener. - Dr F. E. Little, Teignmouth, reported that deceased had suffered from pleurisy and asthma. The heart and other organs were healthy and normal. Witness was unable to state the cause of death. The only indication he could find was a slight smell of something like ammonia, which came from the stomach. - The bottle found by the under-gardener on the bench in the shed was handed by the Coroner to witness, who, on smelling it, said the liquid it contained was very similar in smell to the distinctly unnatural smell which he found emitting from deceased's stomach, which he had handed over to the Police to be sent to the County analyst. - The Coroner: From your examination, you are of opinion that the man's death was not due to a natural cause? - Yes. - But you could not say that he died from poisoning? - No. - The Coroner thereupon intimated that it was important for the family, and for the public, that the matter should be cleared up. At present the evidence was not sufficient to enable the Jury to arrive at their verdict, and it would be necessary to have a proper examination made of the stomach. He should, therefore, adjourn the Inquest for that purpose until the 18th inst.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Woman's Suicide. - MRS BETSY SANDERS, an old lady living at Little Silver, Torrington, was found hanging by a leather strap from a beam in an outhouse. Deceased, who was 65, was the widow of WM. SANDERS, of Newton, and lived with her sister. Missed on Sunday night, she was later found hanging, and yesterday Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest, and the Jury, of which Mr E. Baker was Foreman, returned a verdict that deceased Hanged herself during a fit of Depression.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 August 1911
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. Grief-Stricken Lady's Death From Poison. - Yesterday an Inquest was held on MRS AGNES GWYNNE YOUNG, widow of DR CHARLES YOUNG, of Newcomen Cottage, Dartmouth, before Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner. On Monday morning, DR YOUNG, who was recently operated upon for appendicitis, died, and in the course of a few hours the grief-stricken widow was herself found dead in a chair close to her husband's body. Mr J. P. Tolman was Foreman of the Jury. - Captain Henry Wood, of the Royal Engineers, said the deceased, his sister, was 41 years of age. He had been staying with deceased since Sunday morning. DR YOUNG had been operated upon for appendicitis, and his sister appeared to be much broken down when he arrived. DR YOUNG died on Monday morning and MRS YOUNG asked to be left alone. He asked her to lie down, but she refused to do so, and said she was all right. At half-past three o'clock the nurse told him she had been found dead in a chair in the bedroom where her husband's corpse was, and on entering the room he found the body on a sofa. DR and MRS YOUNG had been a very devoted couple. A letter addressed to witness had been found. - The Coroner said the only portion really bearing on the tragedy comprised instructions as to burial. The latter portion appeared to relate to the disposal of property. - Kate McLeod, nurse, said she had been in attendance on DR YOUNG. MRS YOUNG had been in her husband's room frequently day and night and during the last week had not had a night's rest. MRS YOUNG broke down after her husband's death, but subsequently she appeared to bear up. At half-past three o'clock on Monday afternoon witness had occasion to go to the bedroom in which DR YOUNG'S body was lying. She found MRS YOUNG in a chair by DR YOUNG'S bed. It looked on entering the room as if MRS YOUNG had fallen asleep, and had slipped down in the chair. Witness laid deceased on a couch and then saw she was dead. A doctor was sent for then. During the time witness had been at the house deceased had not shown the slightest sign of any intention to take her life. - P.S. Rogers said that under the carpet of the room in which the bodies were he found a bottle, produced, which smelt strongly of prussic acid, and above the carpet, under a couch, a cup. - Dr Gerald Morgan Soper, said at 3.40 p.m. he received a telephone message to proceed to Newcomen Cottage at once, as MRS YOUNG was very ill. On his arrival at the house he found MRS YOUNG lying on the sofa dead. Witness thought death had taken place about forty minutes previously. Witness found that the face, ears and lips were blue, and the pupils dilated, and there was a little froth exuding from the mouth, and a smell of prussic acid. From the above signs he attributed death to prussic acid poisoning. He looked around the room but could not find any poison. - Dr Enid Marion Smith, a lady doctor, said she had attended DR YOUNG. Witness saw him at MRS YOUNG'S request a few hours before he was operated upon and had since been in attendance. She had seen a good deal of MRS YOUNG, who had been particularly distressed by the illness and had been so distressed as to be not always rational in her actions. At eight o'clock on Monday morning deceased sent for her and asked her if possible to postpone the coming of a locum tenens, as she did not wish to have to speak to strangers. Witness saw deceased at frequent intervals after that. MRS YOUNG broke down at DR YOUNG'S death. Witness was out when MRS YOUNG was found dead. She returned to the house at 4.30 and did not see the body until about five. She confirmed the evidence given by Dr Soper. Witness could very strongly smell prussic acid. - By the Foreman: There was no necessity for prussic acid to be in the room owing to the illness of DR YOUNG. - The Coroner commented upon the fact that the case was the saddest he had had to Inquire into. - The Jury found that the deceased lady's death was due to the effects of prussic acid taken during Temporary Insanity, and expressed their deep sympathy with the relatives. - The Coroner concurred, and conveyed the sympathies of the Jury and himself to Capt. Wood. - The bodies of DR and MRS YOUNG were in the evening conveyed across the Dart to Kingswear, and thence taken to Luton for interment.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on JOHN D. STRATFORD, advance agent for the Turner Opera Company, who was found dead in bed at 1 Queen-street, Plymouth, on Sunday night. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) said Dr Cooke had examined the deceased, and was of opinion that death was due to haemorrhage. Evidence was given by Chas. Leverton, stage manager and Mrs Nellie Reed, with whom the deceased lodged, the latter stating that when she saw deceased on Sunday evening he was vomiting. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Triple Tragedy. Story Of A Terrible Crime. - The adjourned Inquest on MARY A. M. HAWKER, PERCY W. COOLING and the infant, ROBT. HAWKER, victims of the Plymouth tragedy, was held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner. - Mrs Hodges said she was the landlady of the house in Harwell-street, where the deceased adults lived as man and wife. They led her to believe that they were man and wife. They came to the house about two months ago and lived apparently quite happily during the first month. Then the disturbances commenced, but she did not know the cause of it. The rent was paid regularly, although the man was out of work. On the day of the tragedy a noise was heard about four o'clock in the morning. It was a noise which suggested a struggle taking place. Witness shouted out "Jim, what's this noise early in the morning. People can't sleep." No answer was returned, but the noise ceased and she thought the altercation was over. She believed the male deceased had a pension, because he never did any work while he was with them. The woman went away early in the morning and returned late at night, but what she did witness did not know. During the day of the occurrence, no movement having been heard since early morning, suspicions were aroused. No answer was obtained from knocks at the door, and the Police were sent for. The man was very kind to the child, and used to look after it and the house during the day. - P.C. Cutts said on the 1st inst. he visited the house. The door of the room occupied by the deceased was locked from the inside. Failing to get an answer, he burst the door open and the room was found to be full of gas, two taps on a gas stove having been fully turned on. The woman was found lying dead on her back on the floor in a pool of blood. The bed screw was in the fender. The man's body was hanging to the post at the head of the bed, with a piece of rope around his neck. His legs were almost doubled under him, he being nearly in a sitting position. The child was lying on the couch, having been killed by gas poisoning. The door cracks had been stuffed with rags, and at the bottom of the door was an old coat. The window was fastened and fitted tightly. No aperture in the room was left open. The furniture in the room was in a disordered state. - When The Acquaintance Began. - Inspector Hitchcock said the male and female became acquainted whilst the man was in the Royal Navy. The man had been engaged temporarily as a waiter since he was invalided from the navy, but latterly had been in desperate straits. The child was registered as ROBERT HAWKER. He did not know whether the woman followed any occupation. She lived a moral life and apparently happy with the deceased man. He had a number of letter written by the woman. - The Coroner did not think the letters were relevant as to the cause of death. - Inspector Hitchcock also said that the man bore a very good character and his discharge sheet was marked "V.G." - Dr Cooke said the woman had a fractured skull caused by blows on the head. It was fractured from side to side, and there were flesh cuts in a number of places, clearly showing there had been a number of blows. In his opinion the blows could have been caused by an iron bed screw similar to the one found in the room. The little child died from gas poisoning. In the case of the man, death was undoubtedly due to hanging, there being a deep indentation where the rope had been. A great deal of blood was on his hands, but he was not bleeding, and the blood, therefore, could not have come from himself. - The Coroner said it seemed improbable that any further evidence would be obtained but there seemed no doubt that the man murdered the woman and child, and fortunately he did away with himself, thus saving a lot of trouble. The question was whether the man was sane or not when he committed the crime. - The Jury consulted in private and returned a verdict of Wilful Murder of the woman and child by the man, and that the man committed suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 August 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Bathing Fatality. Recommendation To Council. - The body of SIDNEY COURT FULL - the youth of 18, who was drowned while bathing in the River Teign at Newton on Wednesday evening, was recovered yesterday morning after an all-night search. - At the Inquest evidence of identification was given by Mrs Stacey, deceased's aunt, Buller-road, Newton, with whom deceased lodged, his parents living at Landscove, Staverton. Deceased was accustomed to bathe, she said, but she advised him not to on Wednesday because he had had teeth drawn. - Alfred Charles Bailey, a young man living in East-street, who was bathing with deceased and others in the bend of the river near the Moreton Bridge, said FULL had learnt to swim this season. He wanted to swim across the river and did so, witness and another youth swimming on either side of him. After a rest of five or ten minutes, they started back together. When more than half-way across deceased suddenly threw up his hands and sank without a cry. When he reappeared witness caught him by the chin, but FULL clenched him, and both went under. Witness did not see FULL again. - Asked by the Coroner what caused FULL to sink, witness said he thought it must have been fright because the tide was carrying them down stream. - Wm. Rundle, Rockstraw, said he also tried to catch FULL when he reappeared, but he and Bailey went under before he could help. FULL reappeared further down the stream, but sank before he could be reached. There were several others dressing on the bank, but they had nothing to throw to the deceased, and before they could get near him he had disappeared. - James Henry Froude, bargeman, Newton Abbot, said he found the body not far from the place they were bathing. - The Coroner stated that the deceased probably got exhausted and sank. There were no lifebuoys along the bank of the river. - A Juryman said 15 or 20 youths were often bathing at this point and there should be an attendant there. - The Coroner said half a dozen attendants would be insufficient to look after the bathers up and down the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider urging the Newton Urban Council to provide a bathing-place with a suitable attendant.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 August 1911
BRIXHAM - At the Inquest on JOHN H. HOCKINGS, caretaker, Brixham Parish Churchyard, on Saturday, the verdict was "Death from "Haemorrhage through the bursting of a varicose vein in the leg." Dr F. Brett Young said death might have been avoided if the public were only instructed in the elements of physiological knowledge. Not one out of a crowd of 200 could respond as an ambulance man.

BRIXHAM - Lockjaw and Hospital Treatment. - An Inquest was held on GEORGE C. HOARE, a farm labourer, aged 48 years. William Cann, of Berry Head Farm, said HOARE told him that whilst tying up the cows on the 3rd inst., one of them bolted and broke the stick he held in his hand, forcing splinters in the forefinger of his left hand. HOARE took out some of the splinters with his teeth, but not all of them. He went to the Brixham Cottage Hospital for treatment and on the 8th inst., drove the binder in the cornfield. - Dr Cecil B. F. Tivy said he saw HOARE on Wednesday, and found a small puncture wound on the second joint of the left forefinger. He complained of stiffness of the jaw. No antitoxin serum could be procured in Brixham. He telegraphed to London for some, but it did not arrive until midnight on Thursday and he injected it at 2.30 a.m. on Friday. It apparently had no effect, as HOARE died on Friday morning from tetanus. - Nurse Sweetlove, Brixham Cottage Hospital, said HOARE on each of his three visits as an out-patient to the Hospital was advised to go to a doctor to have the splinters removed, but he failed to act on that advice. On the 9th inst. he was told that he must go to a doctor or else the X rays must be used. It was not a practice to call in the doctor for minor cuts and injuries, when patients could walk to the surgery. HOARE did not complain of the stiffness to his jaw when the wound was dressed, but as he was leaving the Hospital he complained in a general way of jaw-ache. Dr Tivy, recalled, said all the medical men in the town sent patients to the Hospital and treated them there. The practice was for out-patients, through accidents of a minor nature to have their wounds dressed by the nurses, who advised the patients to see a doctor if necessary. Out-patients understood they received no treatment from medical practitioners, as a house surgeon was not engaged. - The Coroner suggested a rota of the doctors to ensure medical treatment and pointed out that under the existing practice the nursing staff failed to diagnose such a serious complaint as tetanus. - Dr Tivy admitted the present system was not an ideal one. The Institution was not rich enough to engage a house surgeon. - The Coroner: Is it possible for the committee to arrange with the many doctors in the town, so that one can be in attendance during the out-patients' hours? - That would put the system on a better footing and in [?] it also. Dr Tivy promised to inform the committee of the Coroner's suggestion. A verdict of "Death from Tetanus" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 August 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - The Hot Weather. Devonport Victim. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JANE W. A. KIMMOND, who died suddenly at Station-road on Sunday. JANE W. E. ADAMSON said MRS KIMMOND, her mother, 54 years of age, was on a visit to her from Jarrow. Early on Sunday morning she was taken ill, became unconscious and died about nine o'clock. Dr Pearson said death was due to apoplexy, accelerated by the excessive heat.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 August 1911
BRADWORTHY - Fatal Cycle Accident. Collision With A Market Cart Near Bideford. - The North Devon Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) held an Inquest on Monday at West Ash Farm, Bradworthy, on ALBERT JAMES BECKLEY, 32, a farm labourer, living at Ash Cottage, who died on Sunday from the effects of a bicycle accident, deceased and a market cart having come into collision on the Parkham road. - MRS MARGARET BECKLEY, the widow, said her husband on August 8th, which was Bideford market-day, left home to cycle to Parkham, and was later in the evening brought back very much injured. In reply to her question as to what had happened, he said Mr Moor, a farmer, who was driving his trap too fast, had run into him. - Richard Moor, farmer, of Parkham, described the accident. He left Bideford about 6.30 p.m. to drive to Parkham village and stopped at the Bell Inn to see Mr Arnold. At Bideford he had had three or four glasses of beer and at Parkham he had two glasses of whisky. He was quite sober, however, and after remaining there half an hour he proceeded to drive home. When he got to Kilvington Corner he was driving about seven miles an hour and in the middle of the road. Deceased came round the corner on his bicycle also in the middle of the road and the bicycle ran between the horse's front legs. The horse fell on the man and witness was thrown out of the trap. The horse was cut on the off front knee. He was going downhill slightly where the accident happened, and deceased was coming up, Witness denied being on the wrong side of the road. - P.C. Townsend who saw Mr Moor returning from Bideford in the New road, said he was then driving about seven miles an hour and appeared to be quite sober. - Alfred Elliott, carrier between Bradworthy and Bideford, said about five minutes to eight he had passed Kilvington Corner, when he met deceased riding his bicycle about four miles an hour on the proper side of the road. Witness had just passed a cart which was then directly behind him and within a few seconds he heard a noise and looking back saw deceased lying in the road with Mr Moor's horse on the top of him, the wheel having gone over him. Deceased told him he was in as close to the hedge as he could possibly get and Mr Moor was on his wrong side. - Thomas Henry Folland, who fetched a gate to remove BECKLEY to his house, stated that deceased said to Mr Moor, who was walking by his side: "You were driving too fast, Mr Moor, and on the wrong side of the road." Mr Moor appeared to be quite sober, although he had been drinking. - Dr L. B. Betts, of Bradworthy, said deceased was suffering from severe shock and had a bruise on the lower part of the chest. A post-mortem examination revealed no fracture of any bones, but the abdomen was full of blood, and the liver torn; in his opinion this being probably caused by a heavy weight passing over the man, such as the wheel of a cart, or the horse stepping upon him. Death was due to the accident and peritonitis. - The Coroner said it was a particularly sad case as deceased left a widow and six small children absolutely unprovided for. - The Jury, who gave their fees to the widow, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from injuries caused by the collision between deceased's bicycle and Mr Moor's trap." They expressed the opinion that Mr Moor was driving a little too fast round a dangerous corner, but that there was no criminal negligence on his part.

EXETER - The Hot Weather. Inquest On Exeter victim. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on FANNY ROOKE, 71, widow of an Exeter council employee and caretaker at the ladies' room on Northernhay, who died suddenly there on Sunday evening, PHILIP ROOKE said his mother complained of the heat on that day. - Mrs Hurley, with whom MRS ROOKE lodged, said on Sunday she complained more of the heat than she had ever known her. - Edith Stoneman said on Sunday evening MRS ROOKE complained to her at the room on Northernhay that she felt very ill. She asked her to fetch a Police Officer who was outside which she did and on returning MRS ROOKE fell faint into a chair and died within a few minutes. - Dr Pereira who arrived as MRS ROOKE was breathing her last, said death was due to heart failure, the result of the heat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

DAWLISH - At the Inquest on MR W. E. G. WESTCOTT, the Starcross market gardener found dead in a well, it was stated that the legs were tied together and that half a hundred-weight was attached to the body. He suffered from dropsy and had been depressed. A verdict of "Suicide" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 August 1911
EXETER - The Exeter Suicide. Hospital Patient's Leap From A Window. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on WILLIAM KING, aged 34, a shepherd, of Sidbury, WILLIAM KING, the father, also of Sidbury, said his son first came to the Hospital for chronic indigestion, on the advice of a local medical officer, about two months ago. He came home better, but got worse again and re-entered the Hospital a week ago. He had never known his son delirious. There was no insanity in the family and he was fairly comfortable at home. - Doria Grimaldi, nurse in charge of the ward in which KING was a patient, said he suffered from pains in his head. Just after eleven on Tuesday morning a patient shouted out to her that KING had jumped out of an open window. She telephoned for the porter. KING had not shown any signs of his mind being affected. She was the only nurse in the ward at the time, and was some distance away from the window. There were 24 beds in the ward and four nurses to the ward. - Mary Wingate said she attended to KING in the morning and just before he jumped out of the window he asked her to pull down the blind as the sun was shining upon him. She did so. He seemed quite rational. - William Payne, hospital porter, said on receiving the telephone message from the ward nurse he went to the green behind the Hospital and found KING dead on the gravel path. He had fallen between 50 and 60 feet. - Dr Carter, Assistant House Surgeon, said KING had a fractured skull and death must have been instantaneous. - Dr Sturdee, House Physician, said when KING applied for readmission he seemed so well that he had some doubt as to whether he should do so, but he decided to admit him owing to his high temperature. From the history he gave of his having worked in the field in the sun it was a question whether he had sunstroke and afterwards whether he had enteric fever, but it was not enteric. - By deceased's father: It was almost impossible for KING to have fallen out of the window in pulling up the blind. He was such a cheerful, nice man that he would never have thought that he might jump out of window. - William Hooper, a patient, said he saw KING get out of bed, stand upright and pause. Knowing that he had no orders to get out of bed, witness got out of bed and was half across the ward when seeing him coming towards him, KING got upon the locker by the side of the bed and gave a desperate leap out of the window. The man talked quite sensibly just before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and attached no blame to anyone.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 August 1911
BIGBURY - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Easton Farm, Bigbury, yesterday, on MR JAMES CAMP, the late tenant. His son stated that early on Wednesday morning his mother called him, and on entering his father's bedroom found him unconscious. The previous day he had been very busy harvesting and appeared to be in his usual health and spirits. Dr Miles of Modbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the intense heat. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned by the Jury, of whom Mr J. A. Crimp was Foreman.

EXETER - The Death From Lockjaw At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on EDWARD HENSON, 48, married, of Denver-road, Topsham, a platelayer on the London and South-Western Railway, the evidence showed that on July 28th he was moving fence rails at Topsham Station, and stepped on one, out of which a nail was protruding, and it ran into his right foot. The nail was extracted with the assistance of his fellow workmen and he continued his work and walked home with the aid of a stick. On medical advice he was removed to the Hospital on August 7th with symptoms of tetanus and he died on Thursday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 August 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Railway Fatality. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday on MISS MABEL EDITH WILLIS, aged 19. MR HENRY WILLIS, of Newton Abbot, said his daughter was in service at Teignmouth at the house of a gentleman named Rogers. Linda Sherry, of Bristol, a visitor to Dawlish, said deceased came to see her and a relative on Wednesday. She bade her good-bye outside the Railway Station before nine in the night, when she was leaving to return by train to Teignmouth. - William A. Bulley, under-gardener, Dawlish, said he was on the far end of the down platform on Wednesday, waiting to see a friend off by the 8.58 p.m. train. An up train was in the Station rather far up the platform. He noticed a young lady walking at an ordinary pace down the opposite platform towards the slipway at the level-crossing. The signal had dropped for a down train, and the approaching train gave a long whistle as it came close to the Station. He then knew it was not the ordinary, but the fast through train. Just as the engine whistled the young woman commenced to run down and cross the line. He shouted to her to go back, but she came on and as she appeared to reach the first rail of the down line the express rushed by. He saw her throw up her arms as if trying to fall back. He saw nothing after the train had passed. - Arthur H. Savage, booking clerk, said he was in charge of the station and was seeing the up train off when the express passed through. Bulley came and told him of what had happened, and together they went down the line. As they passed down through, someone on the sea-front passed up a lady's hat, which had blown out over the railway. About 88 yards from the level-crossing under the signal, they found the body of a woman. The left leg was cut off and the head terribly shattered. There were four large notices, two each side, warning people against crossing the line except by the bridge. - Thomas Spackman, driver of the 4.15 express train from Paddington, said the train passed through Dawlish at about 25 miles an hour. He gave the usual alarm on approaching the Station and sounded the whistle half way through the Station. [Portion very faint to read]. In consequence of what the signalman told him at Teignmouth, he examined the engine and [portion very faint to read]. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 August 1911
BRIXHAM - Brixham Quarry Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday at Brixham opened the Inquest on GEORGE ALFRED HILL OLVER, a labourer, aged 36, killed in Freshwater Quarry the previous day. - The widow said he had been at work at the quarry about 12 months. - William Light said: I was at work beside OLVER at the foot of the quarry on the level. My back was towards him. I was shovelling and he was using a pick to loosen the rubble. I heard a rattle, and on looking round saw OLVER knocked over. I ran away, and saw another stone (about 2cwt.) fall. - James Long, quarryman, in charge of a gang of seven men, said he was near OLVER and saw the piece of rock strike him on the back and glance off. It turned him over and laid him out, with the handle of the pick under his chin and protruding through the top of his head about 18 inches. He was dead. There had been no blasting within a fortnight near the place from which the rock fell. - Henry Clarke, steam drill worker, who was about 30 feet from OLIVER, said he saw the stone falling from the top. It struck a bank about eight feet from the bottom and then fell on OLVER'S back. during the 18 months he had been at work there, he had never known any rock fall before. The one that fell was about a ton in weight. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Friday next, at 3.30 p.m., for the attendance of H.M. Inspector of Mines and Quarries. - Mr Parsons, on behalf of the contractors, Hill and Co., of London, expressed their sympathy with the widow and family. - Mr Arlidge, clerk to the District Council, also expressed sympathy.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man's Suicide. - The death of ROBERT C. R. GILLORD, tailor, aged 26, who was found shot in his bedroom at his parents' house, Holland-street, was the subject of investigation by the Borough Coroner, (Mr A. Bencraft) at Barnstaple last evening. - SOPHIA GILLORD, the mother, stated that as a child her son had suffered from water on the brain and he had suffered in the head and complained lately of the heat. Coming home on Saturday evening, he said he was mad and would shoot himself. She told him not to be silly, but to have his supper and go to bed. He went upstairs, and almost immediately they heard the report of a gun. Thinking he had discharged the weapon merely to frighten them, she went for the Police, saying they would frighten him instead. - P.C. Braund stated that he found deceased on the floor with a terrible gunshot wound near the right ear and a portion of his brains blown away. Sitting down, deceased had either discharged the weapon with his hand, or with a piece of string near by. The gun, containing an empty cartridge, was underneath the bed. - Dr Masterman Wood thought that GILLORD'S mind must have been unhinged. - In returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" the Jury expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 August 1911
EXETER - Exeter Bathing Fatality. - The death of ERNEST PATTEN, 18, of Exwick, Exeter, as the result of a bathing accident, was Inquired into by Mr Linford Brown yesterday. - Henry Bowden, who was on the river bank at the time, said PATTEN did not rise after diving in and witness and a companion named Brooks went in after him. They found him lying unconscious in six feet of water with a wound in his head. They got him out and after bringing him round by artificial respiration carried him home. - Dr Eyre said deceased told him he struck a stone in diving. Death was due to concussion of the brain and spine, and probably the base of the skull was fractured. - The Jury found that death was Accidental and added an expression of appreciation of the way in which Messrs. Bowden and Brooks acted.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport on MRS JESSIE SMITH BRYANT, Fore-street, the wife of a licensed victualler. - GEO. C. BRYANT, the husband, said his wife on July 25th went to Brighton and two days later fell down some stairs and sustained injury to her back. She returned to Devonport the next day. - Dr J. Ingram deposed to seeing MRS BRYANT on July 29th, when she had a severe injury to her back and extensive bruises, such as could be accounted for by a severe fall. The cause of death was disease of the liver and kidneys, accelerated by the fall. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - ANNA GRYLLS, aged 90 years, residing in Desborough-road, Plymouth, on Saturday week, fell in the passage and broke her thigh. She died this week. At the Inquest yesterday, Harriet E. Millman gave evidence and Dr H. Bailey said death was due to shock and senile decay. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

HENNOCK - Lightning Fatality. Hennock Man Killed In Sight Of His Wife. - At the Inquest on JAMES HINE, 44, labourer, in the employ of Mr J. Isaac, at Moorhouse Farm, Hennock, yesterday, MRS HINE said on Monday afternoon a very severe thunderstorm came on and about three o'clock, when the storm was at its height, she saw her husband coming into the yard with his two horses. At that time the vivid flashes of lightning were continuous, and when an exceedingly vivid flash came she saw him and the two horses fall to the ground and remain motionless. Running out in the pouring rain, she saw that her husband and the horses were evidently dead and she called for help. - Robert Sage, farm labourer, Hennock, said on being called by MRS HINE, he found HINE and the two horses lying close to the stable door quite dead. The stable was then alight and had apparently been struck by the same flash of lightning. After helping MRS HINE to carry her husband into the house, he gave the alarm. - Dr Deuntzer, Bovey Tracey, said HINE had evidently been struck by lightning. There was a mark as of a burn on the chest, and also on the right arm, and some of his hair had been singed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1911
SOUTH BRENT - Brent Farmer's Wife's Death. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Brent yesterday on MRS MAUD MARY CUNDY, of Higher Lincombe Farm. - MR HARRY PROWSE CUNDY, the husband, said his wife was 35 years of age. The family consisted of ten living children; four others had been born, but were dead. His wife usually enjoyed good health. In the forenoon of Wednesday she was cheerful and comfortable and wrote a letter to her daughter. About 2.30 he was fetched and found that his wife had died. - Charlotte Hingston of Morleigh, a midwife (certificated) said she had attended MRS CUNDY in confinement twice before. She was confined on Friday last. On the day of her death she had been out of bed and ate a good dinner. - Mary Bennett, maid-servant, said she heard the baby crying and on going to ascertain the cause found that her mistress was dead in bed. - Dr Style, of Brent, said he had made a post-mortem examination and was of opinion that death was due to heart failure, following childbirth. - A verdict was returned accordingly, and the Foreman of the Jury (Mr R. H. Gill) expressed sympathy with the husband and family, and the Coroner associated himself with that expression.

EGG BUCKLAND - Naval Pensioner's Sudden Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Crownhill yesterday on GEORGE HENRY SWEENEY, aged 69, a naval pensioner, of Tavistock-road, Stoke, Devonport. - DENNIS B. SWEENEY, pensioner, Metropolitan Police, of Catford, said he was on a visit to his brother. On Tuesday they hired a wagonette and went for a drive to Princetown, arriving there about 1 p.m. His brother was quite well when he left home and ate a good dinner and tea. At 6.5 p.m. they left Princetown, and on arrival at the Lopes Arms, Roborough, they partook of refreshments. When they had just passed through Crownhill his brother, who was sitting opposite him, was suddenly taken ill and did not speak again. Last winter he had a severe illness, which left him with a weak heart. - Dr T. Olver of Crownhill, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and to valvular disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - Torquay Old Man's Death. Coroner Censures Lady Cyclist. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on HENRY THOMAS PERRYMAN WILLS, aged 84, formerly a cab proprietor, and a lifelong resident of Torquay. - MISS WILLS, of Cobourg-place, said her father, who had lived with her for many years, was in excellent health and in possession of all his faculties. On Sunday evening she was walking with him along the Strand, when they noticed a crowd in the neighbourhood of Cary Parade. He started across the road to ascertain what had occurred and before she could reach him a lady came cycling down and collided with him. He was knocked heavily backward and fell, severely damaging his head. He was taken in a cab to the Torbay Hospital, where he lingered unconscious until Tuesday evening, when death ensued. - In answer to the Coroner, witness stated that there were no people in the road, which was perfectly clear, and she heard no bell sounded by the cyclist. The bicycle had knocked the old man down before she realised it was coming. Although there was a meeting near by, she did not think there was enough noise to drown the sound of a bell. The lady cyclist did not come forward and she saw nothing of her afterwards. - George Davey, painter, of Ellacombe, and a member of the St. John Ambulance Association, said he rendered first-aid. He heard no bell sounded, but an open-air meeting near by caused enough noise to drown its sound. A crowd of some 200 people had just previously rushed across the road to what was thought to be an accident, but which proved to be only a slight fall by a girl. This was the crowd apparently that the old man had noticed. - Dr Flack, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said death was caused by a fracture at the base of the skull. - The Cyclist's Story. - Miss Bessie Beard, kitchenmaid at Meadfoot House, Hesketh-crescent, said her home was at Chudleigh. On Sunday evening she was cycling down Fleet-street, but had to leave the left side of the road to pass a cab. After passing it, she saw an old man crossing the road, and she rang her bell. he did not appear to notice and she knew nothing more before she found herself on the ground. - The Coroner: You know your serious position and on oath you state that you rang the bell? - Yes, I did so repeatedly. - If there was a clear road, why did you not avoid deceased? - I could not. I was thrown before I knew what had happened. - Questioned by a Juror, witness said she had only been riding for three months. After the accident, a sailor picked up her machine, and helped her to the pavement. - Mr Hacker: Why did you not take the trouble to make yourself known to the Police, or try to ascertain whether you had killed this man? - There were no Policemen about, or I should certainly have given my address. I heard the man was not hurt much. - The Coroner: Now, your conduct makes matters look very bad. By your action you have been the means of killing a citizen. The least thing you could have done would have been to have interested yourself in the extent of his injuries. Your duty was to have made yourself known and not to have concealed yourself, for that is what it amounts to. By so doing you have considerably prejudiced your case. You should have come forward in an honest manner. You have killed a man, and you must answer for it. This is a very serious thing indeed and unless there is evidence to strengthen your statement, you are liable to be tried for manslaughter. We can't have citizens killed in the public roadway like this. - Miss Beard: I know it is very serious and I was very sorry to hear of the old man's death. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said it was a terrible thing to be responsible for killing a citizen, and this young lady apparently had treated the matter very lightly. She had, however, given her evidence in a very candid manner, but at the time she did not appear to see the seriousness of her position. It would have looked much better if she had come forward in a proper manner instead of concealing herself. No doubt there was excuse in the fact that she was upset at the occurrence. If, however, the Jury thought she was reckless and cared not whether she killed this man or not, she was guilty of manslaughter. I have, added the Coroner, pointed out to her the seriousness of the position and no doubt said enough to make her more careful in the future. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXMOUTH - Fatal Collision At Exmouth. Cyclist Admonished By Coroner. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday on JOHN WALTER HARDING, aged 65, gardener, who died in the Institution on Tuesday. The widow stated that her husband came home from work on August 12th looking unwell and he told her he had been knocked down by a bicycle. He did not return to work in the afternoon. Dr Beesley advised his removal to the Hospital on August 14th. - Mrs Skinner, of rill-terrace, who saw the accident, said she heard a bicycle bell and immediately afterwards deceased turned to the right and was knocked down by the bicycle. She went to give assistance and the cyclist, George Bridle, also helped deceased on to a chair. He looked very pale and was in a fainting condition. She administered brandy and deceased thanked her and went away. He did not blame anyone. - George Bridle, brick burner, stated that he rang his bell to warn deceased, who was walking in the same direction as he was riding. HARDING turned a few paces to the right and witness struck deceased, who fell flat on his back. Witness was riding at from three to three and a half miles an hour down the hill when he struck deceased. - A Juror observed that the slow pace was all the more reason why witness should have avoided a collision. - Dr Martyn said deceased was suffering from a badly bruised hip, and probably a cracked socket bone in the thigh, but death was due to diabetic coma, accelerated by shock due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and the Coroner, at the request of the Jury, admonished Bridle, as it was considered that he did not exercise proper care. - The Coroner added that Bridle was lucky to get off so lightly.

TRUSHAM - At the Inquest on THOMAS LENDON, killed in a Trusham quarry, the Coroner remarked that no serious attempt was made to enforce the notice warning the men to keep at a safe distance during blasting.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 August 1911
EXETER - Exeter Shooting Tragedy. A Victim Of Depression. - The circumstances attending the death of CYRIL VERNON COX, 21, son of MR F. COX, grocer, South-street, Exeter, was Inquired into by Mr Brown on Saturday evening. MR COX said his son had been depressed for four or five months. He had been under two medical men, and one had certified that he was suffering from nervous breakdown. Otherwise he had no trouble and he had never heard him threaten to take his life. On Friday he came to the shop and talked about an appointment he was making to see his doctor in the afternoon. Asked whether he had been to dinner, he replied that he would go into the cellar first. He went down about the same time, and before ascending again told his son to "come along." CYRIL answered that he would be up in a minute, but soon after reaching the shop again he heard the discharge of a firearm. Going down he saw his son against the lavatory door, and immediately called Mr Youlden, a neighbour, who summoned the Police and a doctor. - Constable Officer Walters said he had ascertained that soon after eleven o'clock on Friday morning, VERNON COX went to Mr Linscott's to buy a revolver, which he said he wanted to give to a friend going to Canada. He was told he could not have one unless he had a gun licence. At a quarter to one he returned, having in the meantime secured a licence, and bought a revolver and 50 cartridges. That was immediately before he went to his father's shop. - Dr Carter said death was due to shock following fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - The Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane and joined with the Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 August 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Man's Death. Sleeping Out With Means. - At St. Marychurch, Torquay, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on JOHN FEDRICK, mason, aged 53. FEDRICK was separated from his second wife, who left him seven years ago. He had been working for three weeks on houses being erected by Mr Pack, in St. Marychurch-road, but he ceased work on Wednesday. He was seen outside the houses on Friday evening, when the other men were leaving work. He was also seen near the same spot on Saturday morning about six o'clock. - William Gagg, tram car cleaner, heard deceased groaning, and found him lying with his face on the ground insensible. After having been seen by Dr Steele, he was removed to the house of his sister-in-law, where he died without regaining consciousness in the evening. - P.C. Bater said FEDRICK had been sleeping out for two months, but he could not be locked up under the Vagrancy Act, as he always had money in his possession. He was in the habit of sleeping in the unfinished houses. A purse in deceased's pocket contained £1 12s. 6d., and there was 10s. or 11s. due to him from his employer. A mark on the right side of the eye was probably caused by his slipping over a plank along which he had walked to where he went to sleep. - Dr Steele said when he saw FEDRICK on Saturday morning he was unconscious, cold and in a state of collapse. The body was emaciated, and the post-mortem examination revealed inflammation of the left lung and disease of the heart and kidneys. Death was due to heart failure following acute pneumonia, accelerated by exposure. - Dr Steele raised a point as to his being remunerated for his services under the circumstances, the man having money in his pocket. If he had lived he would have been liable to pay his fee. - The Coroner said morally the doctor was bound to attend, and if he had not done so people would have described him as hard-hearted. No doubt the doctor's claim would be met unless there was not more than enough to meet the expenses of burial. Addressing a naval seaman present, a son of deceased, the Coroner told him he would have to pay the doctor, to which the son replied he would do so if there was any money left. - In reply to the Coroner, Police-Inspector Pratt said if FEDRICK had not had money in his pocket he would have been taken to the Workhouse Infirmary. He had been there and left against the wish of the Guardians three months ago. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - At an Inquest yesterday on MRS WHEATON, 39, wife of a cabinet-maker of Manston-road, Heavitree, Dr Wolfe said the body was pigmented, or coloured. The death was a natural one.

ILFRACOMBE - At the Inquest yesterday in the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on MRS MARY ANN SERGEANT, a widow, aged 78 of Highfield-road, who died suddenly on Saturday morning, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 August 1911
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Died Whilst Under Arrest. - At Plympton Workhouse yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on JOHN HORTON, labourer, of Plympton. - Samuel Harvey, retired builder, King-street, Plymouth, said HORTON'S age was 54. he was separated from his wife and his conduct generally was very bad. P.C. Pile, of Ivybridge, said on Sunday he arrested HORTON in a farm outhouse on a charge of theft. He walked quietly along the road with him and P.C. Heales. On the way he said he felt ill, as he had had no food for several days. At Deep-lane-hill he suddenly stumbled and fell, breathed heavily, and died. Artificial respiration was tried. Dr Stamp was sent for. HORTON would work very hard for some months and then when he drew his money would go on the drink and resort to anything to get money. - Dr L. D. Stamp said death was due to the chronic state of the liver owing to excess of alcohol, acute dilation of the heart and kidney disease. Death from Natural Causes was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 August 1911
DAWLISH - Result Of Tight Lacing. Death Of A Lady At Dawlish. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on MISS SINA BAKKER, aged 19, daughter of HERR DOUVE BAKKER, of Sappermeer, Holland, a bank director, who said his daughter left her home for Dawlish last Wednesday. Mr A. E. Joses of Langley House, Dawlish, said the young lady arrived at his house as a paying guest on Friday. She had a fainting fit on Sunday and Dr Lovely was called in. She had supper with the other members of the household on Monday night. Afterwards she went upstairs to fetch a book and when she returned sat down and seemed unable to breathe. Shortly afterwards she died on the sofa. - Dr C. N. Lovely said he was called to see MISS BAKKER on Sunday and on Monday was present at her death. He had made a post-mortem examination and in his opinion death was due to suffocation following acute dilation of the stomach and pressure on the heart and lungs as a result of tight lacing. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony and the Coroner commented on the dangers of tight lacing as once more evidenced by the sad end of this young lady.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - MRS ELIZABETH MILLMAN BAKER, aged 37, wife of the licensee of the Ocean Inn, Cecil-street, Plymouth, appeared quite well on Thursday evening and served in the bar. At 4.30 yesterday morning she became ill. Unconsciousness followed and she died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Pearse said death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with the husband.

HARTLAND - Hartland Man's Death. What Was The Cause Of It? - Mr G. W. F. Brown last evening held an Inquest on JOHN TREMEER, 70, living on the outskirts of Hartland, who died on Thursday. The presence in the district of acute poliomyelitis led to the conjecture that he might have been attacked by it, and the Coroner, in opening the Inquiry, said as the Jury knew there had been a great deal of talk of cerebro-spinal meningitis or spotted fever about and that poliomyelitis, another disease, had been rather prevalent in some districts, including Holsworthy and Bradworthy. He had come across cases surrounding Barnstaple, Swymbridge and Southmolton and it was not known where it was going to crop up next. - Dr A. F. Wright thought he would like to make a post-mortem of this case, and send the result to Dr Reece, the Local Government Board Inspector and the doctor was then in consultation with Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, about the case. - A Juror asked if there was any proof of a case of spotted fever having occurred and the Coroner replied that he believed there were known to have been cases of poliomyelitis. - The Foreman (Mr I. Newton) demurred to viewing the body if it was an infectious disease, as he had a family of young children and he did not want to take the disease home. Viewing the body was a farce - The Coroner quite agreed, but it was the law. A casual inspection through a window would satisfy him. - Mrs Emma Cloak, a neighbour, said TREMEER complained to her about 1.30 of pain in the stomach. She gave him some ginger tea and helped him to bed. She last saw him alive at 4 o'clock, when she carried him some broth. At 5 o'clock he was dead. - Dr Wright said the heart was extremely good considering the man's age, and the other principal organs were normal. There was slight evidence of recent inflammation at the base of the brain, and some turbid fluid came from the interior of the cord, which, under normal conditions should be clear. - The Coroner: What was the cause of death? - Dr Wright said the only thing that could cause death was first of all the condition of the vessels of the heart, which may have caused syncope, or the signs of old disease of the brain and recent inflammation of the brain on the top might have caused death. - Were there any signs of the disease known as cerebro-spinal meningitis? - Dr Wright said he could not get the post-mortem examination over quick enough for a specimen. There was a slight inflammatory condition of the base of the brain, but hardly enough to cause death. - What would you say was the cause of death? - The immediate cause of death was syncope. - Questioned by the Jury as to the fluid found in the spinal cord, Dr Wright said the symptoms were not sufficient to cause such a sudden death. How far it influenced it was impossible to say. - A Juryman said there was a scare. - The Doctor said it was rather a wrong term to use. There certainly were several cases of poliomyelitis about and in that neighbourhood. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - Syncope."

Western Morning News, Monday 4 September 1911
STOKENHAM - Start Bay Tragedy. Survivor Gives Evidence At The Inquest. - At Torcross on Saturday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS POYNTER, aged 63, one of the victims of the Start Bay fatality. POYNTER with two other men, named Ingram and Smith, was fishing from a small boat when the steamer Winstanley, from Dartmouth, ran into it. POYNTER and Ingram were drowned. The body of Ingram has not yet been recovered. Mr W. Beer, solicitor, of Kingsbridge, attended on behalf of MRS POYNTER. Mr C. H. Hamilton was Foreman of the Jury. - Question Of Responsibility. - The Coroner said they would be able t take a good deal of evidence, but there were certain persons on the steamship connected with the cause of the occurrence, and that ship was now at Cardiff. The Police up to the present had been unable to procure the attendance of anyone on that ship, and it would therefore be necessary to adjourn the Inquest before they could come to a conclusion as to whether anyone was responsible. It would be necessary for the persons responsible on that ship to attend and give evidence. - MRS POYNTER, widow, said her husband was a naval pensioner and had lived at Torcross nearly 30 years. He left home about 2 p.m. on Thursday to go out fishing. He was in his usual health and his sight and hearing were good. - Survivor's Evidence. - Robert Smith, coastguard, Torcross, said he went out fishing for dabs with POYNTER and Ingram, on Thursday afternoon in POYNTER'S boat, the Bessie, a rowing boat with sails. When they got to the fishing ground, about 1 ½ miles out, they dropped the anchor and lowered the sail. The tide was on the ebb, and the wind kept the boat broadside on to the point from which the steamer Winstanley came. The bow of the boat pointed seaward. When he first saw a steamer coming from the direction of Dartmouth she was about 700 or 800 yards away, and her course was so shaped that she would pass between the boat and the land. - The Coroner: There was nothing to cause any alarm? - Not at the time. - I baited some hooks for Ingram and on looking up saw the steamer closer. After that she altered her course and came straight for us. I stood up in the thwarts and called out at the top of my voice "Ship ahoy!" I saw no one, and never heard any answer. The steamship looked like a collier. - The Coroner: Did you see anyone on the bridge? - I can't swear that there was no one there, but I did not see anyone. - Did you shout again? - Yes; then I called out to POYNTER and Ingram, "Come on and follow me," and quickly afterwards I dived over the stern of the boat. The Winstanley was then about 15 yards away. When I came up I was opposite the bridge on the starboard side of the ship. There were four or five men standing underneath the bridge, and I called out to them "You have just ran over two men." I swam about and saw Ingram. - Were you under the impression that they did not see you? - I thought that seeing me in the water they would realise that something had happened. She rushed past me. I saw Ingram swimming. he looked as if he had had a great shock. I said "Keep cool." We paddled about and kept ourselves afloat. He caught hold of me and we both sank. I had to struggle away from him to save myself. Finally he lay still in the water. - Did you see POYNTER? - I saw him 50 yards away. A boat from the steamer came and picked me up. At the same time they picked up POYNTER. - Only One Oar. - They picked you up, having first picked up POYNTER? - I saw the gunwale of the ship's boat and I told them to paddle around and see if there was any sign of the others. I am sorry to say that all they had was one oar and a piece of wood from the bottom of the boat, about four feet long and one foot wide. There were two men in the boat. - Did they make any statement to you? - One said he had been in his bunk, and that there had been a cry of "man overboard." - When you got on the steamer whom did you see there? - The captain and members of the crew. I asked the captain to signal for assistance and he put up two flags. I was trying to restore POYNTER by artificial respiration. One of the men on the steamer came to me and said when he saw me in the water he thought it was one of the men from the steamer itself. - No effect was produced by artificial respiration? - No. - Did you have any conversation with the captain? - He offered to take us to Dartmouth and I said, "No; run us into that village." - The Foreman: What was the weather like? - Very clear and bright. It was a little choppy with the wind against us. There was no fog whatever. - Mr Beer: It was a very clear day? - Exceptionally clear. - How long were you in the water? - It seemed a very long time. I should say about 20 to 25 minutes. - You are perfectly clear that there was no one on the bridge? - yes, as far as I could see. - If lifebuoys had been thrown his life could have been saved? - Yes. - Mr Beer: There is great credit due to you for what you did. - Another Eye-Witness. - Thomas Stone, fisherman, Beesands, said he was in his boat along with his brother in Start Bay on Thursday. They were making for Beesands under sail. They were about 1 ½ miles from the shore when they saw a steamer about a quarter of a mile away. POYNTER'S boat was about 100 yards from them. - What was the direction of the steamer? - Coming down straight on the boat. I thought there would be something wrong. - Did you know POYNTER'S boat was at anchor? - We saw it was anchored when we got nearer, but it was not until we got nearer that we saw whose boat it was. - What then? - the steamer came down and ran right into the boat on the port side. - The steamer was outside on the seaward side? - No, sir; she came and drove right into the boat, which was broadside-on to the steamer. We hurried up to help and assisted to bring in the damaged boat. - What sort f a day was it? - Very clear and not much wind. - The Foreman: When you saw that the steamer had struck the small boat, did you see any agitation on the steamer; anyone moving about? - No. - Did you see them lower their boat? - Yes, after they had struck the boat; not immediately, but a considerable time afterwards. - Conversation With Captain. - Wm. Halliday, chief officer of coastguard, Torcross, said when a watchman reported that a steamer had run down a boat, he ordered him to call the crew of the coastguard boat and launch it. He went on board the steamer with two men. The captain's name was George Finn and he came from Dublin. The steamer was the Winstanley, collier, registered tonnage 143, trading between Cardiff and Dartmouth, and other ports and the owner was Mr D. O'Lier Chambers of Dublin. - Did you speak to the captain? - Yes. I asked how the accident happened, and he said he thought the boat was trying to cross his bows and he had steered to go astern of her and thought he went clear of her and had cleared her. The next thing he heard was a shout of "man overboard," and he instantly lowered the boat and picked up two men. I then asked "Why was not a lifebuoy thrown overboard?" - What answer did he make to that? - He made no reply. I practically asked him the two questions at once: How the accident happened, and why it was no lifebuoy was thrown overboard. - Did you see any lifebuoys there? - There were two underneath the bridge, near the wheelhouse. The bridge is aft, just before the funnel. - The Foreman: A man on the bridge would have seen things clear all round him? - Yes. - Have you the Board of Trade regulations as to the number of crew to be carried on board such a boat? - No. - Mr Beer: It was an exceptionally bright and clear day? - Yes. - How far could you see a boat on that day? - I could see a small boat about two miles away quite distinctly. - Cause Of Death Uncertain. - Dr David Todd, Chillington, who had made a post-mortem examination of the body, said there was a slight abrasion at the back of the head, a scratch. There were no other marks nothing to account for death. - The Coroner: You consider death was due to drowning? - Probably the blow on the head rendered him unconscious. He did not get any water into his lungs. - Then what do you consider is the cause of death? - It might be due to a blow and might be due to suffocation. - The slight scratch would be due to a slight blow. Were the indications consistent with death from drowning? - Not inconsistent. - That is consistent. - I don't think it is really material. - The Foreman: What is the cause of death? - Dr Todd: I cannot say. - Would shock cause death? - Yes. - The Coroner: It is absolutely immaterial. The man came by his death by being knocked into the water. - Sidney Stone, fisherman, corroborated the evidence of his brother, Thomas Stone, and added that very soon after the steamer struck the boat she reversed her engines. - The Foreman: How far did the steamer run after striking the boat before she reversed her engines? - She drove the boat in front of her. - The Coroner said this was as far as they could carry the Inquiry at present, without the evidence of the captain of the steamer. - Superintendent Jeffrey, of the County Police, said the steamer was due at Cardiff that day and he had communicated with the Cardiff Police. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquest until Friday next, at two p.m. - The Foreman of the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased and the Coroner joined. - Mr Beer returned thanks n behalf of MRS POYNTER.

NORTHAM - Boat Upset. Inquest On Victims Of Torridge Fatality. - At Appledore on Saturday Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford) Deputy North Devon Coroner, held the Inquest on Captain GEORGE MEREDITH QUANCE, 55, retired master mariner of Riverdale, Irsha-street, Appledore, and JOHN BIGGS BRUNT, 14, drowned by the upsetting of a boat on Friday. The latter's aunt and sister, the other passengers, were saved. The parents of young BRUNT are in India, his father, MR LEONARD BRUNT, being a manager for the Assam Oil Company. The lad was on a visit at Appledore and would have returned to Bristol that day. - The Aunt's Story. - MISS SARAH LOUISA MARY BRUNT, aunt of JOHN BRUNT, said the boy was in her care. On Friday they went for a cruise with CAPTAIN QUANCE, intending at five o'clock the same day to return home to Bristol. They left Appledore about ten o'clock, sailing up the river towards Bideford. The accident happened about 12.30. They were chatting with the children, when all at once the water came in over the side. All the time the boat was low in the water on one side or the other, and alternately she was saying to the children "Now it's my turn to be up," and they would say to her "Now it's our turn." Then as far as she could remember, the boy said, "Oh! look at this wave coming," and with the same the boatman said "My God!" and they were in the water and the boat quickly sank. An oar seemed to come towards her as she was in the water and she caught it, as well as her niece. The boat then was a bit in front of them. Turning round to see if any help was coming, she saw QUANCE swimming very strongly. The boy was in front of her beating the water with his hands to keep his head up. When next she looked around the boy was gone. She thought QUANCE was swimming ashore to get help and that it was her nephew that was picked up. The boy could not swim, but her niece had been taking lessons and could swim a little. She did not see the first boat which came along and picked up the girl and the next thing she remembered was being pulled into a motor boat. She had been holding on to the oar all the time and heard a gentleman call out "Hold on; I am coming." - The Foreman: Is it true, as has been rumoured, that the boy got overboard first and that it was in attempting to rescue him the accident happened? - That is not true. - The Rescuers. - John Davies, a painter, working on a house near, said he heard a scream, and saw a bit of the sail of the boat and the people in the water. That was at five minutes to twelve. He called one of his mates and ran to the beach, but could find no paddles in the boats there. The gardener, however, came down immediately with oars, and he pushed a boat off and rowed to the spot, but by the time he got there the lady and girl had been picked up and he rowed for QUANCE, who was floating about 50 yards from the shore. When he picked him up he was dead. They got him ashore and did all they could to resuscitate him, but they did not know a lot about it. - By the Foreman: The wind was very slight, but came in gusts. - John Banbury, who was standing on the shore talking to two gentlemen who were sailing an Instow Club boat, said they heard the screams and went to the assistance of the people. Passing them smartly the first time one of the gentlemen lifted up the girl clean into the boat. At the time the girl was being supported by MISS BRUNT. It was a very "puffy" morning. - John Schiller said he was one of seven going up in a gig to look for the boy. They found the boat sunk with the sails up and in getting the boat up they saw the body of the boy about twenty yards below. Not being able to get quick enough to it in the boat, he jumped overboard and recovered it. In the sunken boat they found 5 cwt. of ballast. the centre-board was down, but as the boat was settling that was gradually pushing it up. The sheet was fast with a "half-hitch." There was nothing wrong with the boat at all. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Foreman (Mr T. H. Fishwick) expressed the Jury's deep sympathy with the relatives abroad and friends at home, remarking that there was no doubt the accident was caused through a sudden gust of wind making the boat suddenly heel over. Captain QUANCE thoroughly understood everything about boating.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 September 1911
BIRKENHEAD - Crediton Child's Death. Shocking Story Of Ill-Usage. - A Coroner's Jury at Birkenhead yesterday returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" in the case of a nine months old child named CECIL LATTY DELVE, for the wilful neglect of whom a married woman named ROSINA LATTY is undergoing a term of six months' imprisonment. The child was taken from Crediton by the woman, who kept it for a sum of money, and at the time of her conviction a sensational story of ill-treatment was told to the Court. The evidence was to the effect that, besides depriving the child of food, the prisoner held it upside down and also put whisky in its bottle. When it arrived at the Hospital it was in a shocking condition and its eyes were blackened.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 September 1911
SOUTH BRENT - A Moorland Tragedy. Man And Dog Drowned. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at South Brent yesterday on WILLIAM ROGERS, found drowned in a pool at Zeal, South Brent, on the previous morning. Mr M. Stevenson was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS MARY ROGERS, Prospect-place, said deceased, her husband, was 33 years of age. There were five children - one an invalid. They had lived in Brent about seven years. Witness last saw deceased on Friday morning. The day previous she spoke to him about a family occurrence, and told him that she could never forgive him. He subsequently wandered about the house and appeared to be much upset and low-spirited. He came down from the bedroom and drank some tea, but did not eat. He wished the family good-bye and left the house. He did not make any statement and she expected he would leave the district, but she (witness) was too upset to ask him where he was going. He did not deny the charge made against him. As the deceased did not return home in the evening information was given to the Police that he was missing. Deceased was in good health generally and she did not know of any threat to take his life. He said nothing and they had no quarrel over the family incident. - Richard Hard, a boy, said he saw deceased going towards the Moor. Deceased said "Good morning" to him. - Police-Sergeant Beer said he made a search along the Avon river until Sunday, but found nothing. On Monday he received information about the finding of a hat and stick at a brook at Zeal, nor far from Didworthy. He visited and saw the articles on the banks of the brook and also found a pocket knife. He could not find the body. Next day, with assistance, he made further search, and recovered the body from about 4ft. to 6ft of water. The body was heavily weighted with stones - lashed to his body in such a way as only a sailor would be able to do probably. A terrier dog was tied to his left leg and also dead. There were no bruises of any kind on the body, and there was nothing found on him to throw additional light on the tragedy. The body had no doubt been in the water some days. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst of Unsound Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Painter's Death. - At Ford Council School, Devonport, yesterday, Mr A Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on RICHARD JOHN HOWE, aged 40, painter in the Dockyard, of 124 Alexandra-road, Ford. EMILY MARY JOPE, married, of 117 Alexandra-road, said she used to see deceased, her brother, every day. He was generally in good health. She saw him on Monday at dinner-time, and again at 2.30 p.m. the same day, when he was brought home in an unconscious condition. He died on Tuesday afternoon. - William Woon Cook, leading painter in the Dockyard, said deceased had worked under him for about thirteen years. On Monday, just after dinner-time, he saw him working on No. 9 store, in the north-end of the yard. Not long after witness was called to the surgery to see deceased, who had been taken ill. A doctor was there attending him. Deceased, who seemed as if he had hurried, was later removed to his home. - Dr C. L. Lander stated that he had been attending deceased at his home. He attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage. He added that he thought HOWE had eaten his dinner heartily and the hurrying back to his work no doubt accelerated death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1911
STAVERTON - Start Bay Fatality. The Captain To Be Charged With Manslaughter. Jury's Dilemma. Coroner And Legal Aspect Of Their Verdict. - The Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS POYNTER, a naval pensioner, was resumed at Torcross by Mr S. Hacker yesterday. POYNTER was fishing off Torcross on August 31st, and was run down by the steamer Winstanley. The Inquest was adjourned from Saturday for the attendance of the officers of the ship. The owners of the ship, John Weatherill and Sons, Dublin, were represented by Mr H. North Lewis, solicitor, of London, who expressed the owners great regret for the most unfortunate accident and sympathy with the widows and orphans. Mr W. Beer, solicitor, Kingsbridge, represented the widow. - Previous Evidence. - The Coroner gave a resume of the evidence taken at the last hearing. Smith, the coastguard, said while they were at anchor fishing he saw the steamer, which, when near them, seemed to alter her course and come right down on them. He shouted, but no notice was taken, and when the steamer was about 20 yards off, he dived from the boat. No lifebelts were thrown from the ship, but POYNTER and himself were picked up by the ship's boat. POYNTER was then dead. It was a clear day, and he was in the water twenty minutes before he was picked up. He was the sole survivor. The steamer must have been going about ten knots. - Stone, a fisherman, said he saw the steamer run down the boat, and that it was some time before the steamer lowered her boat. - Wm. Halliday, the chief officer of the Torcross Coastguard, stated at the last hearing that he saw the master of the Winstanley, who told him he though a boat was trying to cross his bow. - The Captain's Story. - The captain of the Winstanley, Mr Geo. Fenn, was now called. The Winstanley was, he said, a coasting collier of 148 registered tonnage. He left Dartmouth at half-past three in the afternoon, bound to Cardiff. The crew consisted of eleven. After leaving the Rock, he took a S.W. by W. course to give the bank a good berth. About ten minutes after they left Dartmouth, the men were washing the decks down, with the second mate at the wheel. It was a clear day. He left the upper bridge after a quarter of an hour and entered the wheel-house, the men being engaged in hosing the upper bridge. He noticed two sails ahead as he left the bridge. They were a good distance away. The nearest boat was on the port bow, heading west. He said to the man at the wheel, "Starboard for the small sail, he wants to cross our bow." The boat was on the port tack and he went over to port to see she did not "stay." She crossed the steamer's bow going from east to west, and apparently all safe. the next thing he heard was "man overboard." that was about a couple of minutes after the boat cleared the bow of the steamer. Immediately he jumped to the telegraph and put the steamer full speed astern and noticing two heads in the water he ordered the boat to be lowered. She was soon in the water and picked up two men. They took the men on board, and then the coastguard came off. The sail that passed his bow was apparently a yacht of about three tons and he did not see the small boat at any time. When he put his helm to the starboard for the yacht, he must have lost the little boat from view. He did not see any boat, probably because he was in the wheel-house. It was not a safe place to keep a look-out. He would not have been there if he thought any little boat was about. - No Good Look-Out. - The Coroner: But you did not know? - I have come down across the bay several times and never saw a boat so near in. I never presumed there would be a little boat there. - But you don't presume things, do you> - No; but I did not see anything of a little boat while I was on the upper bridge. - You had your attention engrossed in the sail and did not see the little boat? - I did not see the small boat when on the upper bridge and could not when I was in the wheel-house. If I had been on the upper bridge the collision might not have occurred. - And the man in the wheel-house could not see either? - No, the only places where one could see would be the forecastle deck, or the upper bridge. - And there was no look-out at either place? - No. - That was not usual was it? - Yes, in coasting boats. - There was nothing to prevent your seeing the small boat? - Yes, the water. I was driven off the upper bridge while they were washing it. - Would it not have been prudent to have had a man on the forecastle deck? - The men were washing. - Not Careful Navigation. - But the first principle of navigation is to have a look-out, isn't it? Without one is not proper navigation? It was not careful navigation, was it? - No, it was not. - As a look-out, the man in the wheel-house was no use? - No, he could not see anything. - If you saw this yacht, why did you not see the boat? - We were too far away when I was on the upper bridge. - Your explanation is that you did not see the boat? - Yes. - Replying to Mr Hamilton (Foreman of the Jury), witness said he was aware that crab fishermen continually went out and in at Start Bay, but he had very rarely seen any in or about the spot where the collision occurred. It was necessary to have a look-out on the upper bridge, but on this occasion he did not see anything about, and thought everything was all right. He was absent from the bridge ten to twelve minutes. It was a clear day and he could see a small boat about a couple of miles away. Yet he did not see this small boat when he was on the upper bridge. - Mr Hamilton: Your place was on the upper bridge? - Yes. - It was where you ought to have been? - Yes, but I had to leave because of the washing. - Then you should and could have put a man on the forecastle head? - Yes, but I did not think it necessary, because I did not see this small boat. - Answering Mr Lewis, the captain said he held a coasting master's certificate and had never had it suspended. - Mr Lewis: There is no gainsaying the fact that you should have had someone on the look-out, but I understand you gave a good look around before you came down? - Yes. - And you altered your course for one boat that you did see? - Yes. - Can you give any reason for not noticing this little boat? - She must have been on the port bow, and I could not have seen her. - Answering Mr Beer, the captain stated that from the centre of the stern to a point each side of the stern they could not see anything from the wheel-house. The ship had been ashore twice since he had been master, and it was the only ship he had ever had any trouble in. He had heard that the ship had had a lot of trouble. - Mr Beer: Do you consider yourself responsible for this accident? - I shall have to if I'm blamed. - What The Mate Saw. - Thomas Crampton, first mate of the Winstanley, said he saw three small boats on their port bow, but could not see whether they were laying to or pulling. If they continued on the same course, they would have cleared the boat which they ultimately collided with. - The Coroner: did you report it to the captain? - No. - Why not? - Because if the vessel had kept on the course she was then steering there would have been no necessity, and I didn't know whether the captain had seen it or not. - Continuing, he said when he heard the cry "Man overboard," he thought it was one of their own crew. The boat was run down about ten or twelve minutes after the captain left the bridge. - The Coroner: While you are washing the bridge you go without a look-out? - Yes. - Always? - No, never by night and I always stop on the bridge when it is my watch. - While it is being washed? - Yes. I put on the oil-skins and sea boots. - And have the hose on you? - Yes. - But the captain leaves? - He did, because he had very little clothes on. - By Mr Hamilton: The average time taken in washing the bridge is five or six minutes, but I do not know how long it was on this occasion. About two minutes after I came down from washing the bridge the collision occurred. - Coastguard Saw No Yacht. - Robert Smith, the coastguard, recalled, said he did not see any yacht cross the bows of the steamer. He was baiting hooks and when he looked up he saw the steamer, but saw no yacht. If there was anything about he would have seen it. He saw the steamer alter her course and did not see any boat then. She was closing in on them all the time, and he shouted, but no notice was taken of his shouts. - The Coroner: The mate did not see this yacht, did he? - Mr Lewis: Yes, he saw the little boat and two sailing boats. - The Coroner: But those were some distance away. - Replying to Mr Lewis, witness said there were two or three crab-boats about at that time. - In answer to Mr Beer he said they were all crab-boats, and if a yacht had been there he would have seen her. - Thomas Stone, who was coming in from crabbing at the time of the collision, was recalled and said he did not see any yacht cross the steamer's bows. Before the steamer struck the little boat he did not see any other boat near. After the accident a yacht came in and helped to tow the boat ashore. That was the only yacht he saw. - Superintendent Jeffery stated that inquiries had been made in the neighbourhood but nothing could be found out about a yacht there at the time. - Replying to Mr Lewis, witness said there was a small yacht about at the time. - The captain recalled said that the wheel-house had been washed, but the windows were not dirty or obscured as the result of the washing. He could see well enough. - By Mr Hamilton: I was not in a set course at all. - The Crucial Question. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said the crucial question they would have to answer and one upon which they must give their most careful attention, was whether the running down of this boat was the result of gross carelessness, meaning criminal negligence, on the part of the master of the Winstanley, or any other person; or was it simply an accidental occurrence which could not have been avoided by ordinary and proper care. It was a well-established law that every person in charge of the navigation of a ship was bound to exercise all reasonable and proper care. If he failed to do that and death was caused in consequence, it was their duty as a Coroner's Jury to return a verdict of manslaughter against him. If the person responsible failed to exercise proper and ordinary care he was guilty of gross carelessness. They must either find that or that the occurrence was accidental, for which no one was criminally responsible. It was a very serious thing, the facts of which were before them. It was a clear day, and the boat was at anchor. The captain left the bridge, and during the time he was away the accident happened. While he was away there was no efficient look-out kept. The captain, who was in the wheel-house, was responsible, and the remainder of the crew were engaged washing decks. The explanation of the captain was that just at the time a sailing boat crossed his bows, and, directing attention to that, he did not see the little boat. The Jury were not in the position of trying anyone. They were like a grand Jury, and if they found the captain guilty of manslaughter, he would still have to take his trial for that at the Assizes. - The Verdict. - After consulting in private for half an hour, the Jury found that the deceased met his death by Drowning, caused through his boat being run into by the steamer Winstanley. His death was the result of culpable negligence on the part of the captain in not having a proper look-out kept or taking ordinary precautions to avoid collision. - The Jury added a rider that they wished to place on record their high appreciation of the services of Coastguard Smith, and to strongly recommend him to the consideration of the Royal Humane Society. - The Coroner observed that the verdict was tantamount to one of manslaughter against the captain of the Winstanley, George Fenn, of Jubilee-drive, Liverpool. He would have to commit him for trial at the next Assizes. - The Foreman (Mr Hamilton) said one of the Jury wished to know if culpable negligence meant manslaughter. - The Coroner: Oh, yes. - Mr hacker proceeded to write out the Inquisition, in the course of which the words "feloniously did kill" occurred. To this the Foreman of the Jury objected, and remarked: We do not say he "did feloniously kill" the deceased, but his death was attributable to culpable negligence on the captain's part. - The Coroner: I am putting the legal construction on it. - The Foreman: We wish our verdict recorded as we have given it. - The Coroner: The Inquisition has to be made out according to law. - The Foreman: We did not understand that. We wish it recorded as we have written it. The legal aspect we know nothing about. Our verdict was culpable negligence. - The Coroner: You are charged with a duty of finding a verdict, and when you find it I tell you in law what that verdict is; and you, according to law, have found a verdict of Manslaughter. - The Foreman: Our verdict was culpable negligence, and if it is as you say we wish to reconsider it. - The Coroner allowed the Jury to reconsider their verdict, and explained it must either be culpable negligence - manslaughter - or accident death. - Upon returning the Foreman said they wished to alter the verdict to negligence on the part of the captain. - The Coroner explained that they could not go half way. It must either be culpable negligence or negligence, not culpable. - The Foreman: We find the accident could have been avoided if proper care had been taken. - The Coroner: That is culpable negligence - manslaughter. - Eventually the Jury gave their verdict as at first, one of culpable negligence, tantamount to manslaughter. - Mr Lewis asked for bail and Superintendent Jeffery opposed. - The Coroner granted bail, the captain in £100 and one surety in £100. - The captain will appear before the Kingsbridge magistrates this morning charged on a Coroner's warrant with Manslaughter.

ILSINGTON - ALICE CAROLINE SIMMONS, aged 64 years, who had been staying with Mrs Wise, of Coombe, Lustleigh, joined a party on the moors for a picnic. On the return, and when near the Moorland Hotel, in the vicinity of Haytor Rocks, she suddenly fell forward in the carriage and died. At the Inquest at Ilsington on Thursday it was shown that death was due to heart trouble. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMSTOCK - Fatality At Hooe. Jury Censures The Mother. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten yesterday, on EDWIN GEORGE DUNN, the four-year-old son of a Hooe quarry labourer. - MRS MAUD DUNN, the mother of Lower Hooe, said on Monday afternoon, about half-past one, she left home for Plymouth, leaving EDWIN GEORGE and his brother HENRY, aged 10, alone. They accompanied her as far as the creek, and she told them to go up the hill to school. She returned home at three o'clock, calling at the school on the way back. She did not see him in the playground. Soon after her return she heard him crying outside, but did not go to see what was the matter as she was very busy. A little while later she went out to call him in, and was told he was playing with boys. Hearing that she did not trouble to look for him. - The Coroner: Let me see, we held an Inquiry into the cause of the death of one of your children before, didn't we? - Yes, sir. - And you were censured then? - Yes. - How long ago was that? - About four years. - What was the cause of death? - Burning. - HENRY DUNN was next called. - Asked if he knew he had to speak the truth he said he did. - The Coroner: Do you know what will happen to you if you don't speak the truth? - The Lad: Put in prison, sir. - The Coroner: Oh, no! Well, I won't swear him. - The lad said his little brother cried, and said he did not want to go to school, so he took him to Mrs Roberts, and then went on to school. He did not see him afterwards. - Cries Of The Lad Heard. - Caroline Louisa Roberts, wife of a shipwright, of Lower Hooe, said about two o'clock HENRY DUNN brought EDWIN GEORGE to her and he remained there playing with her little girl until three o'clock. About 3.30 the mother came and asked for him. She told her that he had been there a minute ago. Just then they heard him crying and MRS DUNN went out. Witness thought she had gone to look for the child. MRS DUNN was a very good mother to her children. - Samuel Hendy, quarryman, of Lower Hooe, said he recovered the body on Thursday morning off Hart's Quay in Hooe Lake. Children often went to play on the floating timbers. They were occasionally called off by older people. - Dr Donbavand, of Plymstock, said the cause of death was drowning. There were no marks of violence except post-mortem marks. - The Coroner said he considered the mother was greatly to blame in going to Plymouth and not leaving the child in the custody of someone. When she heard the child crying she did not attempt to find him. It was the most callous case he had come in contact with for a long time. The present case was aggravated by the fact that in another instance one of her children met with a violent death. It was for the Jury to say whether the neglect, of which he felt she had been guilty, was culpable or not. If they thought it was culpable that would be a verdict of manslaughter. - The Jury deliberated in private for several minutes. On the re-opening of the Court, the Coroner, addressing the mother, said the Jury had given her case very serious consideration. They were strongly of opinion that she had been most neglectful in her conduct towards the child. She admitted that she heard him crying and was too busy, as she put it, to go and see the cause. The Jury believed that that was the time when if action had been taken, his life might have been saved. Her conduct was callous and quite foreign to the nature of a good mother. They had very reluctantly given her the benefit of the doubt, and she had narrowly escaped having a verdict of manslaughter given against her. The Jury had asked him to censure her severely and warn her to be very careful in future. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

CORNWOOD - Whilst working in a claypit at Lee Moor on Friday morning, W. BASKERVILLE, son of MR P. BASKERVILLE, was buried in an unexpected fall of material. When extracted from the debris he was found to be dead. Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Luton on Saturday, and after evidence of identification, the Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday September 16th, to enable the Government Inspector to attend.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 September 1911
ILFRACOMBE - The Deadly Flannelette. Fatality At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, on DORIS FRANCES MANSFIELD, aged 3, daughter of MARK MANSFIELD, boatman, who died from burns on Saturday night. - MRS MANSFIELD, mother of the deceased, said on Saturday night she put deceased to bed at 7.45 in a cot. She went out later, leaving a little boy, age 9 and a baby, age 2 months. She was away about half an hour. She did not ask her neighbour to look after the children, as they generally did it without being asked. She must have left some matches on a table near the bed, but she did not know it. This was the first time she had left the children. - Edith Hancock, a neighbour, said between 8 and 9 o'clock she heard screams. She went in and saw the child's clothing on fire. She put out the flames. There was no light in the room, but she saw a few dead matches on the bed. It was a custom to look after each other's children when they went out. The nightdress was made of flannelette. - Dr Kettlewell said the child was seriously burnt and he ordered its removal to the Hospital. The child died of shock. - The Coroner said it was the old story of the use of flannelette, which he had many times cautioned the public against. It was a regular death trap, which he had before demonstrated. There was another sort, which, although dearer, was not so inflammable. Of course, it was a dangerous practice to go out and leave children alone, but no doubt it was done from thoughtlessness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that legislation should be promoted to stop the sale of flannelette.

ILFRACOMBE - Ptomaine Poisoning. Death After Tinned Salmon. - An Inquest was held at Ilfracombe yesterday on ELIZA RALPH. The Coroner (Mr G. Browne) said deceased was taken ill on Thursday evening after eating tinned salmon, and died on Monday. - ROBERT RALPH said the deceased, his wife, was aged 57. On Thursday they had some tinned salmon for tea. The salmon was opened in the shop and looked all right. Deceased, after turning out the fish, had the first piece off the bottom. Witness, his son and daughter all ate the fish, but felt no ill-effects. On Friday morning deceased felt ill. this was about 4 o'clock. Deceased got up about 7 and cooked the breakfast, but complained of a pain in her head. Witness went out to work, but returned about 10 a.m., and found deceased on the sofa. Deceased did not get better and on Sunday witness sent for the doctor. She was not very bad on Saturday. - AMELIA RALPH, daughter of deceased, said her mother was sick on Friday night and complained of pains in the head. On Saturday witness never left her. On Sunday deceased got worse and witness sent for a doctor. She died on Monday. - Dr Kettlewell said he saw deceased about 2 p.m. on Sunday. Witness called in Dr Toller, and they both formed the opinion that deceased was suffering from ptomaine poison. He had made a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was collapse from ptomaine poison. He could not say which food caused it. Anyone in bad health would be more liable to suffer than a healthy person. - The Coroner, in summing up, regretted that the doctor had not been called in earlier. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Fatal Heart Strain. - Mr Albert Gard held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on GEORGE H. TUCKER, a naval pensioner, aged 32, who died at Herbert-place on Saturday. The widow said her husband, a first class petty officer, was taken ill about five months before he was invalided out of the service two years ago. At first he was in Malta Hospital for two months, and then for three months in Chatham Hospital. - JAMES TUCKER, first class petty officer, said his brother told him he strained himself while moving a gun (about 6cwt.) at Malta Dockyard. - Dr Ingram said he had been treating TUCKER since February for a damaged heart. The strain of the gun was quite sufficient to cause the damage. His heart was doing double work. Probably the excessive heat during the past week hastened his death, which was due to heart failure, accelerated by the damage done to it at Malta. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy was expressed with the widow.

BARNSTAPLE - At Barnstaple yesterday Mr T. A. R. Bencraft held an Inquest on THOMAS MITCHELL, aged 83, retired miller, of Lovering's Court, who died at the Infirmary on Sunday. - ELIZABETH MITCHELL, the widow, said her husband suffered from asthma. Last Monday he appeared much depressed. She saw him take something from the larder shelf and go to an outhouse. She then thought it was tobacco, but afterwards found it was a razor. Later she went out into the outhouse and found him sitting down. He said, "Look there is a lot of blood here." he held a razor in his right hand. She ran out and called in a neighbour, Mr Stanley. - Walter J. Stanley, ex-policeman, Metropolitan force, said on being called by MRS MITCHELL he helped MR MITCHELL into the house. MR MITCHELL repeatedly said: "I have been worried and as I could not get my breath, I thought I would end it." - P.C. Pearce, who conveyed MR MITCHELL to the Infirmary, said he told him he had been fighting hard for his life for the last six weeks. He could scarcely breathe owing to asthma. - P,C. Braund said while he was with him in the Infirmary deceased said: "I would not have done it if it were not for my daughter." Witness alleged that there was a delay of three or four minutes before anyone came at the Infirmary. - Dr Quick, House Surgeon, denied this. Everything was ready when the man arrived. He was immediately taken to the operating-room. He (witness) had already telephoned to Dr Cooper, who arrived with three minutes and stitched the wound, which was not serious, no important arteries being cut. - Dr F. B. Manning, who had attended MR MITCHELL for some years, said he had suffered for years from chronic bronchitis and was in a weak state of health. Death was not due solely to a cut throat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 September 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Bathing Fatality. - Mr Albert Gard held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on PERCY CLEAVE WILLIAMS, aged 12 years, son of MARY ANN WILLIAMS, widow, Portland-place. - The mother said on Tuesday she allowed him to go with two boys to have "a little dip". He could swim a little and the boys with him were teaching him to swim. Deceased had been bathing all the summer. - Stephen Balkwell, age 11, of Gloucester-street, said he and WILLIAMS had bathed together at the Ferry Beach, Pottery Quay, all through the summer. He went into the water first, and WILLIAMS followed, diving from the slip into shallow water, near the boathouse. WILLIAMS rose twice to the surface and then disappeared. - Samuel Swabey, waterman, John-street, said he dived and recovered the body of the boy near the slip, in about 12 or 14 feet of water, nearly an hour and a half after he disappeared. There were cuts over the boy's eyes and big stones near the spot. he considered that the boy, who was lying face downwards, struck the stones. - P.C. Solly said ferry beach was considered a safe bathing-place for children. - Dr J. Kelland, locum tenens for Dr McElwaine, said the cause of death was drowning. There were no signs of cramp. The marks below the eyebrow might have been caused by the grappling. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned", expressed their sympathy with the mother and thanked Mr Swabey. - The Coroner also expressed his sympathy with the mother and commended Swabey.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 September 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Labourer's Death. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN NETTING, aged 51, Dockyard labourer, who died after falling across a hatchway combing in Devonport Dockyard on September 4th. - MRS ELIZABETH NETTING, widow, 73 Pembroke-street, said her husband told her the ladder slipped when he was climbing it. - George M. Cameron, skilled labourer, said deceased, as well as himself, was employed on H.M.S. Lion in No 9 dock, Keyham Extension. At 5.6 p.m. deceased was going up the ladder to the forecastle deck. He had reached the top of the ladder and placed his left foot over the hatchway when, in lifting his right foot, it caught in the combing. He had not cleared it, but fell against it, so that his position was astride the combing. Deceased said he was not much hurt and after a short time he walked away. - Clifford Wallis, skilled labourer, said he helped deceased on deck after the accident,. The ladder was safely resting on the deck. - The Coroner said in consequence of the notification of the Inspector of Factories, the Inquest would be adjourned until Tuesday, at 11 o'clock.

PLYMOUTH - Search For A Nurse. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES MATTHEWS, the child of a hairdresser living in Laira Bridge-road. - Clara Axford, aunt of the deceased, said she was present at the birth. There was no nurse or doctor present. three months previously arrangements had been made with the Nursing Home, Durnford-street, Stonehouse. - The father of the child said his wife was taken suddenly ill at 9.20 on Tuesday morning. He telephoned to the Nursing Home and was informed that no nurse was available. He was advised to go to a house in St. Jude's-road, where one of their nurses was. Finding she had just left there, he went on to the Home. There he was advised to go to Devonport, but did not succeed in obtaining a nurse. It was his thirteenth child. - Florence M. Stead, nurse at the Durnford-street Home, said she was to have taken the case, but was at Pennycomequick when the telephone message was received. She afterwards went to the house and found that the child had been born dead. - Dr Williams said if a doctor or nurse had been present the child would probably have lived. - The Jury expressed the opinion that if the father had had the presence of mind to obtain a doctor when he found the nurse arranged for was not available, the child's life might have been saved. No blame attached to the Nursing Home. - The Coroner thought it foolish for people living in the east-end of Plymouth, to make arrangements with a Home in Stonehouse. Surely there were nurses to be obtained nearer. - Mrs Axford explained that they went to the Durnford-street Home as it had a good name.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 September 1911
CORNWOOD - Killed In A Clay Pit. Fall Of Earth At Lee Moor. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd resumed the Inquest at Lutton on Saturday on WALTER BASKERVILLE, labourer, aged 19, of Lutton. The Inquest was opened on September 9th, and adjourned for the attendance of the Government Inspector, Mr T. Boydell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was now present, and Mr R. Martin represented Martin Brothers. - PHILIP ROBERT BASKERVILLE, labourer, father of deceased, identified the body. - Reginald James Turpin Pedrick, labourer, of Colebrook, stated that at 10.35 a.m. on the 8th inst. he was at work at the bottom of Lee Moor Claypit, when looking up, he saw deceased standing on a ridge of clay, about forty feet above him, digging a way for the water to run. At 11 a.m., when he looked up again, he could not see deceased. He noticed that the gut was full of clay, and the water was running over. Knowing something must be wrong, he went to see what had happened, and not being able to find deceased, he reported the matter to Mr Mumpford, foreman of the pit. On going back together, they saw the head of deceased protruding out of the clay, which had fallen in from the side, the water having in the meantime washed away the loose clay. He saw deceased turn the water into the gut at 10.35 a.m., and thought at the time he ought not to have done so. - John H. Mumpford, foreman of the pit, said deceased had been under him for about five weeks. On the 4th inst. he had ordered him to work on the eastern side of the pit, as he was only wearing small boots, and told him that a man with big boots should turn on the water when he had broken up a certain quantity of clay. Whilst that was being done he had ordered deceased to break up more clay by the side. If his instructions had been followed, an accident could not have possibly have happened. He was not aware that deceased had turned on the water the previous day until after the accident had occurred. - Dr Lionel Duncan Stamp of Plympton, who made a post-mortem examination, said the immediate cause of death was suffocation. There was general pressure all over the body. - H.M. Inspector said he had inspected the pit and everything seemed to be in good order. Further questioned by the Coroner, witness said if deceased had remained in the position where he had been ordered, he would have been perfectly safe. - The Coroner: Is there anything in connection with the working of the clay pit where there has been any breach of regulations? - The Inspector: No, there is none. - The Coroner remarked that he had also visited the place where the accident had taken place, and for his own observations he was satisfied that it was a pure accident. He thought the fatality had occurred either as the result of over-zealousness or lack of experience on the part of deceased. - The Jury found that the deceased was Accidentally Suffocated by a Fall of Sand whilst at work, and they expressed their sympathy with deceased's parents, to whom they gave their fees. - The Coroner said he understood that this was the first fatal accident they had had in the pit for over 50 years, which spoke well for its management.

MALBOROUGH - Salcombe Bathing Fatality. Mr Date's Pluck Commended. - At Salcombe on Saturday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on NICHOLAS TRUTE, aged 14, a grocer's apprentice. - MR H. TRUTE, the father, employed by Salcombe Urban Council, said after tea on Thursday his son told his mother he was going bathing. He could swim a very little, having learnt this summer. He was a strong and healthy boy. - Frank Pengelly said he and TRUTE on Thursday evening and another boy (Lethbridge) bathed in the Batson Creek. Owing to the shallowness of the water they could walk some distance across the creek. The tide was coming in. Lethbridge returned to the shore and dressed, but TRUTE and himself went on and got into "the lake." He (Pengelly) swam, but he thought TRUTE on finding himself out of his depth was too frightened to do so. He (Pengelly) grasped him by the hand, but got pulled into deeper water. They both sank, and TRUTE got on his back. He then had to release himself and TRUTE drifted further out and sank. He came to the surface four times. TRUTE sank about 200 yards from where they undressed. - Nicholas Date, Ilberstowe Farm, said on hearing Pengelly's shouts he ran to the shore, took off his clothing, swam to a spot pointed out to him and tried to find TRUTE. After two or three minutes he got hold of him in a pit about 7 feet deep and brought him to the surface. He appeared to be dead. - Dr Twining said artificial respiration was kept up for more than an hour without result. - The Coroner said the Jury, knowing the habits of the boys of the place, might consider whether life-saving appliances should be at the spot. If the place was not frequented it would not be necessary. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned. Mr Hacker (addressing Mr Date): The Jury and myself would like to tell you that we appreciate your efforts and commend you. You acted very bravely and did all you could to save the boy. The Jury and myself think your effort calls for commendation.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 September 1911
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Gun Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Welstor Farm, Ashburton, on MR A. H. JONES-HOBLEY, 22 years of age, the professional of Ashburton Golf Club. - Mr J. K. Hamlyn said while he was rabbiting with MR JONES-HOBLEY, their dog marked a rabbit in the hedge. MR JONES-HOBLEY got over the hedge. Then holding it by the muzzle, he pulled the gun off the hedge and it exploded, the charge entering the upper part of his right arm. The Jury (Mr W. Ford, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter City Asylum yesterday on DORA EMILY JOHNSON, 20, an inmate, found dead on Saturday morning, Dr Rutherford, medical superintendent, said the cause of death was epilepsy.

TAMERTON FOLIOT - At Tamerton Foliot yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on MRS MARY ANNE LEYMAN. - MISS BESSIE LEYMAN, her daughter, said on Saturday night her mother seemed to be in good health. When she awoke at 6.45 next morning her mother was dead. Dr Thomas Olver, Crownhill, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. He was surprised she had lived so long as she did. Verdict accordingly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Injuries. Fall From A Gun Port Of The Hannibal. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on WALTER WOTTON, able seaman, aged 20, of Bedminster, Somerset, of the battleship Empress of India. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Chas. Mildren, chief stoker, of the Hannibal, said on Wednesday at 5.30 p.m., while on the upper deck of the Majestic, he noticed the deceased leaning out over the 12-pounder port of the upper deck of the Hannibal, which was moored alongside the battleship Majestic at Devonport Dockyard. There was a staging between the two ships. Deceased was sweeping with a broom some loose paper off the shelf of the 6in. gun, which was some feet below. Immediately below the 6in. gun was a staging for the nets, projecting two or three feet from the side of the ship. About seven or eight feet below again was a 12ft. staging which divided the two ships. Witness had just turned to go into the mess when he heard a man exclaim, "Come quick, there's a man on the staging." He then saw that the deceased had fallen on to the staging, a distance of about 15ft. below the port of the upper deck. the broom was found on the torpedo net shelf. Evidently the deceased must have over-reached himself. Witness added that he thought the deceased struck the staging in falling, as there was a scar on the side of his face. - Eugene Callaghan, able seaman, of the Empress of India, stated that he was engaged with WOTTON sweeping on the upper deck of the Hannibal. He went forward for a few minutes and left the deceased at the port. Not long after he heard a cry and saw that the deceased had fallen on to the staging. He agreed with the last witness that the deceased must have over-balanced himself. - Fleet-Surgeon W. H. S. Stalkartt, M.D., said when WOTTON was admitted to the R.N. Hospital he was suffering from concussion of the brain. He never regained consciousness and died early on Saturday morning. Witness made a post-mortem examination and found severe contusion and laceration of the brain substance. He attributed death to exhaustion and failure of respiration due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Coroner opened an Inquest on MICHAEL HUNT, able seaman, aged 27, of H.M.S. Forth. - Arthur Warren, sick berth attendant, Royal Naval Hospital, said the deceased had been under treatment since November last, suffering from injuries to the spine. He was invalided from the service on April 6th, and died on Saturday. The Inquest was adjourned until Monday next in order that additional evidence might be obtained.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 September 1911
TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Driver Of Car Held Blameless. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest in Torquay yesterday on MISS SARAH DAND HUGGUP, aged 61, a visitor, who was knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Leonard Lees, of Paignton, in Newton-road, on Monday. Mr J. B. Eastley, Paignton, represented Mr Lees and the underwriters at Lloyd's; and Mr P. H. W. Almy, solicitor, the relatives of the deceased. - Miss Mary Elizabeth McCabe, of Tewkesbury, a cousin, said MISS HUGGUP was a lady of independent means. She formerly lived in Northumberland, and had only recently come to Torquay. She enjoyed good health and could hear and see all right. - Porter's Story Of The Accident. - William Ash, grocer's porter, of Torre, said on Monday morning, about eleven o'clock, he was in Newton-road, near St Bernard's, towards Torre Railway Station, on the left hand side, where there is no footpath, just behind two ladies, one of whom was the deceased. He heard the sound of a motor horn from behind and then saw MISS HUGGUP leave her companion and without looking around run across the road to go on the footpath on the other side. He called to her to stop, but she went right on. About five or six yards in front, on the same side of the road, was a wagon going towards the Station. The motor car knocked MISS HUGGUP down and the wheels went over her as she got within a foot or two of the footpath. The car pulled up immediately within five or six yards. The lady appeared to be dead. He did not see where the motor car was when the horn was sounded, but he should say that it was at the bend of the road as it was coming round. The sound of the horn was quite loud enough to give notice to anyone. - In reply to Mr Eastley, witness said it was the right-hand side of the car which struck deceased. He did not see how Mr Lees could have done anything more than he did. If he had tried to avoid running into the lady he would probably have run into the wagon. - By the Coroner: The side of the car nearest the footpath struck the lady. She had got past in front of the car when she was struck. - By Mr Almy: The car was just in the tramway track, about four feet from the footpath. His opinion was that the lady, on hearing the sound of the horn, was led to think if she could only run across on to the footpath she would be safe. There was time for her to have got across if she had not hesitated. He could not tell whether there was time for the car to have stopped. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said the car was going at ordinary speed, and about the same rate as a tramcar. - Companion's Evidence. - Miss Susannah Dand, of no permanent address, stated MISS HUGGUP was her first cousin, and they had been staying together for a week at Lanherne, a lodging-house in Belgrave-road. On Monday morning they were walking to Torre Station. They were going along by the side of the wall and had been talking when she heard someone call out. She had no recollection of hearing a motor horn. She did not notice deceased start to go to the other side of the road, but on looking up saw her practically underneath the motor car. Deceased did not speak to her before she left to go across the road. - The Coroner: You cannot account for deceased running across the road? - She must have thought she was not safe, I suppose. I went over to her, but I cannot say whether she was dead then. - By Mr Eastley: She could not say whether just after the accident she said to Mr Lees there was no fault on the part of anyone. - By Mr Almy: It did not occur to witness that the side of the road on which they were walking was dangerous. - Albert Rider, a youth, said he was riding a bicycle ten yards behind the motor car at the time of the accident. He was riding from ten to twelve miles an hour and he thought the motor car was going just over that. - Dr Bertram Flack, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said deceased was quite dead when admitted. She had a fracture of the skull just behind the right ear. Three ribs were fractured on the right side and two on the left, and there were several bruises on the right side. - Wm. Vanstone, driver of the wagon, said he heard the sound of the motor horn and pulled in his wagon a little tighter and on looking round saw the car go over the lady. The car was not going very fast. - Owner Of The Car. - Mr Leonard Lees stated that he was driving his car from Abbey-road towards Torre Station. His chauffeur was by his side and his wife behind. When he got within about 20 or 30 yards of the two ladies, he saw them walking on the left side of the road, a foot or two from the wall and they were quite safe. Just in front of them was a railway agent's van. When he was five or ten yards from the ladies, and knowing they were perfectly safe, he went to the off side, and then was as far off from them as he could possibly be. Just as he got near to them he sounded his horn, not to warn the ladies, but the driver of the wagon. When he got opposite the ladies, on the tram line, about a foot from the kerb, he fixed all his attention on the wagon, when to his horror one of the ladies came right into his near lamp, by which she was struck and it threw her over in front of the car, towards the footpath. The lamp was broken, and it must have been the off wheels that went over her. he could not put on his brakes because the lady was on the lamp before he saw her. He had driven 60,000 or 70,000 miles. He had slowed down before he got to the ladies to seen miles an hour to pass the van, and at the time of the accident his head lights had passed the ladies. The lady did not come across at right angles, but in a diagonal direction, and she had evidently made up her mind that she was going to clear the car and get on the footpath. Directly after the accident he stopped the car in about its length and a half. - In reply to Mr Eastley, Mr Lees said he had driven a motor car since 1905, and he had never had an accident before. He very greatly regretted the accident. - By Mr Almy: The sound of his horn might have startled the lady and made her think she must get to a place of safety, but he did not sound it the moment she got in front of the car. - The Driver Exonerated. - The Coroner said Mr Lees had given evidence fairly and candidly. If the Jury were satisfied that Mr Lees exercised ordinary care in driving the car, then they would find that the occurrence was accidental. - The Jury at once unanimously agreed upon a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their opinion that no blame could be attached to anyone. - Mr Almy said the deceased's relatives were satisfied that there was no negligence whatever. - The Coroner: That must be very satisfactory to Mr Lees. - Mr Eastley said Mr Lees had been greatly distressed at the accident and he (Mr Lees) offered his deepest sympathy with the relatives and friends.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Fatality. Jury's Recommendation. - At the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd resumed the Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN NETTING, dockyard labourer, who died on September 4th. - The evidence at the previous hearing was to the effect that deceased, while working on board the cruiser Lion, fell from a ladder to the forecastle deck. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, of the R.N. Hospital, said deceased was admitted on the 4th inst., suffering from rupture. He died on the 13th from shock, as the result of the injury. - Mr C. H. Morris, Inspector of Factories, said the Coroner had stated that there was a space between the top of the ladder and the combing, of 15 inches, and the Jury thought that was dangerous for a man 50 years of age, and that it would have been better if the ladder had been sufficiently long to extend to the combing. Mr Morris said the position of the top step of the ladder was the one to be considered and in his opinion the position in which it was, was the best possible. - The Coroner: Then you agree that the space of 15 inches was safe? - Yes, you have to consider the distance from the inside of the top step and that, together with the vertical distance, made everything as it should be. - The Coroner: In your opinion there is nothing to complain of? - I can suggest no improvement. - The Coroner: The only question is whether the ladder was a safe one, and the Inspector says it was. - A Juryman: If any man had lost his balance at the top, what was he to catch hold of? - Another Juryman: Nothing at all. - Another Juryman suggested that the step before the top one of the ladder should have been extended inwards. - The Inspector remarked that the Admiralty would then require a ladder for every different job. And if they provided a rope at the top, six men would use it, and the seventh would take it away as a nuisance. Nothing they suggested would be an improvement for more than five minutes. - A Juryman: If a man removed it, it would be his own fault, but if it was not placed there the responsibility would rest with someone else. - The Inspector: You can over-safeguard and accidents will happen. - The Jury, after considering their verdict in private, found that the deceased died from shock, due to Accidental Causes, and recommended that ladders used for similar purposes in the Dockyard should be fitted with hand-ropes to reach above the combing, and the top step of the ladder should be fitted flush with the top of the hatchway.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 September 1911
DAWLISH - Dawlish Fatality. Driver's Lack Of Caution. - Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on RICHARD THOMAS FRIEND, house painter, Priory-terrace. - MISS ANNIE FRIEND, daughter, said her father, aged 75, left home to cycle to the Warren on August 30th, carrying a box containing glass on his back. A quarter of an hour later he came back and said he had met with an accident. He was in pain, and had to be helped into the house. He afterwards told her that in High-street he saw a horse and trap coming towards him. He rung his bell, but the driver did not hear him. Fearing he would be run over, he made way to the other side. At the same time the driver pulled his horse to the left and a shaft of the cart knocked him off his bicycle. - Samuel A. Cornelius, cabinet-maker, said he saw MR FRIEND cycling down High-street and a horse and trap come round the bend from the Exeter-road, on the right side of the road. The horse was trotting. The trap was not quite close to the wall on the right. A man riding a bicycle could pass between the wall and the trap. MR FRIEND, however, had a glazier's crate, 3ft. wide on his back. MR FRIEND made to go to the off side, where there was more room, and at the same time the driver pulled to the left, and the near shaft struck him in the side. - Reginald R. Chaffe, butcher's assistance, the driver of the trap, said as he came round the bend into High-street, he saw MR FRIEND on his bicycle about twelve yards away. He (witness) was driving in the centre of the road as near as could be. MR FRIEND was on the left-hand side, and could have passed between the trap and the wall. - The Coroner: You only ad a 13ft. road. Are you in the habit of leaving so little space for traffic on the off-side? - it would be too slippery to drive closer in. - Then you must take proper precautions and walk your horse. You must leave room for anything coming along the other side. Witness, continuing, said he pulled to the left side - (The Coroner: "That's where you should have been before.") - but MR FRIEND seemed to get nervous and swerved across the road to the right, in front of the trap and the shaft struck him. - The Coroner: Don't you think MR FRIEND crossed over to the other side of the road because he could not pass on the left side? - There was room. - The Coroner: It doesn't appear so by the evidence. - Mr E. C. Ball (Juror, to witness): How fast were you driving? - About five or six miles an hour. - Mr Ball: Too fast for a blind corner. - Replying to Mr T. Shapter (another Juror), witness said: If the road was of ordinary width the accident would not have happened. There was no room for two vehicles to pass. - Dr C. N. Lovely said MR FRIEND had three or four ribs fractured on the left side. The bones had been driven in on the lung, and there was a depression in the chest. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the driver did not use the necessary caution in driving, especially at the entrance of a very narrow road. They further desired to call the attention of the Urban District Council to the narrowness of the road where the accident happened, with a request that they would make every effort to get it widened.

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Visitor's Sudden Death. - At the Inquest yesterday on MR HARRISON HARLOW, a visitor to Teignmouth, the widow said her husband, aged 43, was a packer at Harrod's Stores, London. They came to Teignmouth last Saturday for a fortnight's holiday, staying with her brother-in-law and sister. Deceased suffered from a weak heart. - John Frederick Yeoman, deceased's brother-in-law, having given evidence, Beatrice Yeoman, age 11, deposed to meeting her uncle and crossing to Shaldon, where they walked up the steep hill on the Torquay-road. They went as far as "fuzzy Dee," a common at the top. Deceased was singing "Now the day is over," and appeared to be all right. Then he said he wanted to sit down before returning and lay flat on the grass. Witness afterwards told him it was time they were going, and tried to pull him up, but found he was dead. - Dr c. E. Galtskell (Shaldon) attributed death to syncope, due to heart disease. The steep incline naturally put an extra strain on the heart. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes," the Coroner joining the Jury in an expression of sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 September 1911
ILFRACOMBE - the Ilfracombe Fatality. - Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at Ilfracombe last evening on MISS CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL, aged about 50, who was drowned on Wednesday whilst bathing at the Tunnel Baths. - The Coroner remarked that she had first given her name as Cerisa Palmer, but from documentary evidence before him, he had no doubt that her real name was CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL. - Mrs Rowe, of Avenue-road, said deceased had lodged with her since June 1910, and when she came gave her name as Miss Palmer. Three letters were addressed to her as MISS PARNELL and witness spoke to her about it. After that her business letters were addressed to the care of her sister - Mrs Paget, of Weybridge. These letters were forwarded to her in the name of Palmer. She seemed to be a lady of superior birth. - Austin, the attendant at the Tunnel Baths, spoke to seeing the lady in difficulties in the water. The sea was rough. With the assistance of P.C. Bedford he launched a boat and he and the Constable went out and brought her ashore. She appeared to be breathing when they brought her in. - Dr Jones, who was on the scene almost immediately, said he tried artificial respiration for over an hour without avail. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowned," and commended the action of the bathing attendant and the Constable. [Monday 25 September 1911 - Identity of the Lady who was Drowned at Ilfracombe:- It transpires that the lady who was drowned last week whilst bathing at the Tunnel Baths at Ilfracombe was a sister of the famous Irish leader, CHARLES STEWART PARNELL. She had been living at Ilfracombe for the past year or so under the name of Cerisa Palmer, but documentary evidence has satisfied the Coroner that her real name was CATHERINE ANNA PARNELL.]

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 September 1911
GREAT TORRINGTON - Found Dead At Torrington. - MISS ELIZA NATION, aged 74, had lived alone in Cornmarket-street, Torrington, where for many years she carried on business as grocer and tobacconist. As the shop was not opened yesterday morning, Mr Walter entered the premises and found her dead, fully dressed in walking attire, holding her gloves. She had visited friends in the town in the evening, returning about 9 o'clock. Shortly afterwards she must have died. At the Inquest last evening, Dr H. C. Parsons, who had made a post-mortem examination, said chronic kidney disease was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 September 1911
PAIGNTON - Late MAJOR RABY. Sad Death At Paignton. - Surgeon-Major JOHN RABY, of Devonia, Paignton, died suddenly on Friday. The Major accompanied the Abyssinian expedition in his professional capacity, doing much useful work, and his skill earned him official recognition from the Government of India. After his retirement from the army he resided for many years at Rumwell Lodge, Taunton, Somerset, where he was known throughout the county in all branches of sport. He was conspicuous and most popular in the hunting field as a hard rider, and a most frequent exhibitor and prize winner in hunting classes at all the leading shows. Together with his son (MR BENNETT RABY) he was exceedingly successful at different hunt point-to-point meetings and steeple-chases throughout the West of England. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker at Paignton. - MRS RABY said the deceased, her husband, was aged 70. On Friday morning she went to his bedroom, about seven o'clock, and asked him if he would have some tea, but she received no answer, and saw that he was dead. Deceased was in the habit of taking sleeping drugs, and had suffered from insomnia for years, and lately from his heart. He took strong doses of drugs, and she had often asked him to throw the bottles away. She attributed his depression to the drugs. - By the Coroner: She had no reason to believe he had any intention of taking his life. He had no tendency to suicide, though he had said, "The sooner I am out of the world the better." - JOHN BENNETT RABY, son of the deceased, stated that there was a small bottle on the mantelpiece and some others on the dressing table, which bottles deceased would have to get out of bed to reach. A medical brother of witness had said deceased would be likely to take an overdose. To witness's knowledge deceased had never threatened to take his life. - Dr Cosens said he understood from the son that deceased was very depressed the previous day. As a result of the post-mortem examination he found the left side of the heart very much enlarged and on the right side the muscular tissue was feeble, but there was not sufficient disease to cause death. In his opinion death was due to taking an overdose of some narcotic which produced failure and paralysis of the heart. - Dr Hayward of Bishopsteignton, said he treated deceased for insomnia from April to June last, and deceased told him he had been in the habit of taking drugs in large doses. These drugs doubtless depressed him, and six of the tabloids deceased was taking might cause death. - MR RABY, recalled, said there were some family matters which were being put right, and which caused deceased worry. - MRS RABY, also recalled, said the Major was the same on Thursday as he always was - never very talkative and seemingly uninterested. - Dr Hayward, replying to a Juryman, said he did not consider MAJOR RABY fit to be by himself; he wanted companionship. - The Coroner did not consider the evidence conclusive or clear. Deceased met his death by narcotic poisoning and the question was whether it was taken deliberately or otherwise. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by Accidentally Poisoning Himself with an Overdose of Narcotic Poison, taken with the intention of causing sleep.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on EDITH AGNES FITCH, 37, wife of a naval stoker, of 13 Morley-street. Evidence was given that deceased had been in indifferent health for some time and that the cause of death was heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Seaman's Fatal Fall. Warrant Officer's "Candid Admission." - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, resumed the Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on MICHAEL HUNT, (27), able seaman. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Joseph Bone, leading seaman, residing at Albert-road, Devonport, said on November 25th last, he was second coxswain of submarine B 9, which was lying alongside H.M.S. forth, in Keyham Dockyard. Witness was there superintending the lifting of a grating from the submarines to the forecastle of the Forth. HUNT was on the forecastle for the purpose of holding up the grating to be washed. One end of the rope was made fast to the grating, which was on the deck of the submarine, while the other end of the rope was held by HUNT. Around the forecastle of the Forth were three chains, attached to uprights, which served as a guard. The grating, which weighed about three-quarters of a hundred-weight, became caught about half-way up, and witness thereupon climbed up the ladder and cleared it. This slackened the hauling rope suddenly and caused HUNT to over-balance himself and fall upon the deck of the submarine, about twelve feet. He was picked up and taken to the Hospital. Witness said one of the chain guards slipped. There should have been a split pin to secure the tongue of the chain, which was placed over the slip, but there was no pin in the tongue. - Fleet-Surgeon W. H. S. Stalkartt said the injured man remained under treatment at the Hospital until the 16th inst., when he died. A post-mortem examination showed that there was a severe fracture of the spinal column. The immediate cause of death was exhaustion following paralysis, due to the injuries. - William John Williams, able seaman of H.M.S. Forth, said he saw the accident. He remarked that the chain without the pin would have been a good guard if there had not been great pressure on it. The pin had been missing for several weeks, but he did not call the attention of anyone to the defect. - Frederick George Hartland, carpenter, R.N., residing at May-terrace, Plymouth, stated that the slip which the pin should have been attached to was an old-pattern one. If the pin had been there the slip would not have moved. It was a defective fitting. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he was responsible for the matter. It was, however, the duty of the blacksmith to go round the ship once a week, but the defect was not reported to him. Witness at the time of the accident had been in the boat about six weeks. - The coroner said Mr Hartland had made a very candid admission in saying that he was responsible for the matter. - A Juror remarked that it was the fault of the blacksmith. - The Coroner, however, said Mr Hartland was responsible, as he admitted it. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from Exhaustion following Paralysis due to Injuries, through the neglect of Frederick George Hartland, carpenter, of H.M.S. Forth, but that it was not culpable neglect.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS COOMS, aged two years, the son of SERGT. COOMS, of the Police Force, who resides in Cattedown-road. - George H. Price, a driver in the employ of Mrs rice, baker, said on Tuesday, when driving a van in Cattedown-road he noticed the child a few yards in front of him, walking out backwards. The horse was trotting. He shouted to the child, but he did not seem to hear. Before he could pull up, the front wheel knocked him down and the back wheel passed over him. - William Hopkinson, foreman, Plymouth Gasworks, said the driver of the van was going slowly. The van was quite close to the child when he went out towards it. - Louisa Hodge, Cattedown-road, corroborated and said the driver could not possibly have avoided the accident. - Dr J. R. Dobson, surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said internal injuries were the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 September 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lad's Death. Fatal Chase. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Mutley yesterday on REGINALD ALFRED FINCH. - MR JAMES R. FINCH, a warehouseman, Belgrave-road, said his son, a Dockyard messenger, was 14 years of age last birthday. - HAROLD J. FINCH, said that about 8.30 p.m. on Thursday he was with his brother at Hyde Park-corner. REGINALD was playing with and was being chased by Ernest Sheridan. REGINALD ran across the tram lines in front of a car proceeding to Compton. As he reached the rails the car was almost on him and he was caught by the tram between the guard and the wheels. The tram was being driven at an ordinary pace. - William Mills, Westhill-road, Mutley, the driver of the car, said the accident occurred about twenty yards from the Hyde Park stopping place. He did not see the lad until he was in front of the tram. He immediately shut off power and applied the emergency brake. The car knocked the lad down and the life-guard caught him. The wheels did not pass over the boy. The car was travelling at the usual speed. He could not have avoided the accident. - Answering the Foreman of the Jury, the witness said he pulled up the car after seeing the boy in about its own length. - Dr E. Drybrough-Smith said on being called to the lad he thought he was dead and ordered him to be sent home. On arrival there he found he was dead. There was a good deal of blood on the left side of the head and blood running from the left ear. He was of opinion that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner said it was a clear but an unfortunate and regrettable case. The boy's own action led to his death. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and expressed their sympathy with the parents, an expression in which the Corner and Mr Tweedale Meaby, on behalf of the Corporation joined. Mr Meaby also expressed the sympathy of the driver of the tram. - The Life-Guard Of The Car. - MR FINCH, after expressing his thanks for the sympathy, said he understood the lad was found under the guard and that the tram had to be backed that the body might be extracted. If the guard had been in its place it should have scraped up anything in its path. That was its purpose. - The Coroner: You mean that the guard was not effective? - It could not have been. - The driver of the car said the body was picked up by the guard. The car was not backed at all. - Inspector B. Elliott said he took the body from off the top of the guard and found no difficulty in doing so. If the body had gone under the guard it would have been reduced to a pulp. - The boy's father said he was not present, and accepted those statements. - The Jury expressed a desire to hear an independent witness and Mr H. Banfield, saddler, Connaught-avenue, who saw the accident, was called. He also said the body was on top of the guard and the car was not backed. When the accident occurred the tram was proceeding at an ordinary speed. - The Foreman remarked that the Jury exonerated the driver from all blame. - Mr Banfield said he saw the boys playing for ten minutes prior to the accident. Some of the lads were very rough.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 October 1911
CLERKENWELL, LONDON - Hotel Landlord's Suicide. Formerly A Plymouth Resident. - The tragic death of HARRY ERNEST SKINNER, aged 41, landlord of the New Clown Hotel, St John-street, Clerkenwell, formed the subject of an Inquest at Clerkenwell yesterday. Deceased, who was found with his throat cut, was formerly a native and resident of Plymouth. - George Rawson, journeyman butcher, of Argyll-street, King's Cross, said the deceased, his step-brother, was a licensed victualler. Deceased's widow was not well enough to attend the Court. Witness had not seen deceased for a fortnight. - Leonard Charles Jeffreys, billiard marker at the New Clown, said that lately deceased had seemed a little down-hearted, but had not assigned any cause for it. Last Friday morning he was rather quiet - quieter than usual. - Robert Dallinger, who assisted on the premises, said shortly before three o'clock on looking through the glass of the stockroom he saw his master on the floor. - Police-Constable 328 G said he forced an entrance to the stockroom and found SKINNER lying on the floor on his left side in a pool of blood and with a deep wound in his throat. By him was an open bloodstained razor. Deceased was fully dressed, and there was no sign of any struggle. - Dr Thomas H. Crampton said death had occurred about two hours previously. Heart failure, due to haemorrhage from the injury was the cause of death. In witness's opinion the wound was self-inflicted. - Dr W. L. Brown, of Goswell-road, Clerkenwell, said that deceased had lived in the neighbourhood for 2 ½ years. His manner and bearing were always those of an eccentric and he was very loud and boisterous in his behaviour. The act of cutting his throat was most determined. Witness had no doubt that the wound was self-inflicted. Three months ago witness advised MRS SKINNER to leave him for her own safety. - A solicitor, Mr H. Innes-Keith, of Chancery-lane, E.C., gave evidence that deceased had a good deal of financial trouble and was "rather unfairly pressed." He had left no letter. Last Thursday he seemed depressed. "From what I knew of him I should have thought he was the last man to take a short cut to end his troubles. When I saw him last he was undoubtedly anxious as to what was doing to become of him. He did not know what he would do if he were cast adrift in London." - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. One Juror out of 14 disagreed as to the state of deceased's mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 October 1911
OKEHAMPTON - Devon Sergeant's Suicide. A Farewell Letter. - Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest on ALBERT DOWN, aged 34, sergeant-instructor to Territorials, at Okehampton, yesterday. On Sunday deceased was found dead in the armoury, having shot himself with a rifle. - THOMAS HENRY DOWN, signalman, in the employ of the L. and S.W.R. said the deceased, his brother, was in the regulars up to March last, when he was appointed instructor to the Okehampton Company of the 6th Battalion Devon Regiment. Deceased had seen service in South Africa, Burma and Crete. He was present at the relief of Ladysmith and was invalided home. Deceased was a single man, and lived in Northfield-road. He had no business or social trouble of any kind, but he appeared to be moody at times. - William Gillard, horseman, in the employ of the Okehampton Town Council, said at 8 a.m. on Sunday he went to the stables near the armoury, when deceased shouted from inside, "Good morning, Gillard." About 9 o'clock witness heard the report of a gun, and on going to the armoury he saw what DOWN had done. - Police-Sergeant Wotton said the top of the deceased's head was blown off. he saw service rifle fixed in a vice, and a piece of string was attached so that the deceased could pull it. There was an empty cartridge and two full ones in the magazine. Two letters were found on deceased. One was addressed to Sergt. G. W. Porch, Town Barracks, Exeter, and the other to Sergt.-Major Hudson, of Barnstaple. The letter to Porch was as follows:- "Dear George, - I am sending you the charge with reference to a recruit. He came to me, and I could not send him back home - my last recruit. By the time you get this I shall be in kingdom come. Just think, I am calmly waiting for a joker here to walk off (referring to Gillard) after feeding his horse and then I am going to the place afore-mentioned. I am sorry, George, but I have been on the spree lately, in fact ever since I have been here, although I do not know a girl now, and I have no friends. I expect I am mad. Good-bye. - Yours, ALBIE." - Dr Young said he believed deceased was suffering from a fit of depression when he committed the act. - Maj. Newcombe said he was asked by Col. Seldon, commanding the 6th Devons, to express regret that he was unable to be present. he was satisfied with SERGT. DOWN. Everything was found to be in order. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane". They added that they wished to impress on the authorities the need of a mortuary in Okehampton. They also expressed sympathy with the relatives. The Coroner concurred.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 October 1911
MILTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Milton Abbot. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Milton Abbot yesterday on MATTHEW BALL, farm labourer, Torr Cottages, Milton Abbot. Rev. H. M. Petty (vicar) was Foreman of the Jury. - Edward Reddicliffe, farm labourer, and brother-in-law of the deceased, stated that the latter was 32 years of age and left a widow and two children. - Dr Musgrave attributed death to valvular disease of the heart. - Charles Cory, Tredown Farm, Bradstone, Milton Abbot, deceased's employer, stated that when deceased came to work on Monday morning he complained of feeling unwell. Witness advised him to go home, but he said he would soon be better. He attempted to drive a load, but had to give it up. Becoming worse deceased said he would sit down. Witness went on, and returning in five minutes found the deceased dead. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at Oxford-street Schools, Plymouth, on FRANCES ANN BRAMBLECOMBE. Deceased's husband, the licensee of the Penrose Inn, Penrose-street, said the deceased was serving in the bar at eight o'clock the previous evening, but, complaining of feeling a little unwell, she retired earlier than usual. At eleven o'clock witness went up to the bedroom and found her dead. Dr Aikman said death was due to heart failure and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 October 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Alleged Child Murder. Girl Arrested Near Ivybridge On Crownhill Charge. - Before Capt. Hall Parlby, at Crownhill, yesterday, BLANCHE ROWE, domestic servant, was charged that between August 31st and September 4th she feloniously murdered her infant child. Prisoner, who was respectably dressed, was evidently much distressed and for part of the time she was before the Court kept her face buried in her hands. - Superintendent Crooke said the prisoner was a native of Noss, in the parish of Revelstoke, and 19 years of age. On May 19th last she gave birth to a female child at Plymouth Workhouse. In the middle of August she was transferred from Plymouth to Plympton, where the authorities considered she was chargeable. On August 31st she took her discharge from the Workhouse and went to Plymouth. She then had her child. She met her mother in Plymouth, and they spent the afternoon together, with the child. The child had not been seen since as far as they could trace. He would prove the arrest and ask for a remand for a week. His application was based on two or three points. One was that the Public Prosecutor would have to be communicated with, and prisoner had made a lengthy statement to him, and a very lengthy inquiry would have to be made into every detail of the statement. - Supt. Crooke then went into the witness-box and said that on Thursday afternoon, about 1.30, he arrested the prisoner at Hall Barton, Harford, near Ivybridge. he cautioned her and charged her on suspicion with having caused the death of her child. She replied: "I did not kill the child; I could not do such a thing." She then said she wished to make a statement and witness took it down in writing. He did not propose to use the statement that day, but inquiry would have to be made on the statement. On that evidence he asked for a remand for a week. - Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was remanded accordingly. - After being remanded the prisoner was conveyed to Plymouth Prison, where she will remain until again brought before the Magistrates next Friday. In the meantime the Police will continue their investigations. It is understood that prisoner was for some time in service in the Channel Islands, and that while there she kept company with a young Frenchman. She returned to Plymouth last November. - On September 6th, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, (County Coroner) held an Inquest at Crownhill on the body of a female child found near Fort Efford by some boys while picking blackberries. - Dr. T. Oliver, one of the witnesses called, stated that the child was four or five months old; the body was fairly well nourished and weighed 10 ½ lb. There were a large number of superficial excoriations on the surface of the body, which were probably caused after death. The cause of death was suffocation. There was evidence to show that food was in the stomach in the shape of milk, but there was no trace of poison. The pocket handkerchief produced would be sufficient to cause suffocation if placed in the child's mouth. - P.S. Cruse stated that the pocket handkerchief was tightly pushed down the infant's throat. - At the adjourned Inquest on September 13th, no evidence of identification was produced and the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 October 1911
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Exmouth on Saturday on CHARLES JAMES AYLESBURY, aged 4, son of CHARLES AYLESBURY, telephone inspector, Roseberry-road, Exmouth. The mother was at dinner on Wednesday, when the little boy went to the fireplace and reaching over the fireguard, pulled a kettle containing nearly a pint of boiling water over himself. MRS AYLESBURY applied flour and water to the scalds and a neighbour fetched Dr Beesley. The child died on Friday. Dr Beesley said death was due to pneumonia following the shock from the scalds. Verdict accordingly.

REVELSTOKE - Noss Mayor Boy's Sad Death. - An Inquest was held in Revelstoke Reading Room by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, on GEORGE HENRY FOSTER, aged 10, who died from the result of a fall on September 28th. - GEORGE HENRY FOSTER, fisherman, Noss Mayo, said deceased, his son, and other boys, were in the evening playing at "fox and hounds," deceased acting as "fox." In the course of the game deceased hid himself in a private garden belonging to Mr R. Baskerville. It was thought the boy slipped over a wall flush with the garden into the road below, a distance of nine feet. He was picked up in a dazed condition and taken home. The doctor saw him next day. On Saturday he appeared to be improving and was sufficiently well to amuse himself with his father in a game. However, serious symptoms developed at midnight and he gradually grew worse and died on Thursday. - Dr A. E. Gladstone, Newton Ferrers, said he thought deceased must have fallen on his feet, then his knees and over-balanced on to his head. He had a consultation with Dr Clay, and they came to the conclusion that the boy was suffering from a contusion and inflammation of the brain, from which he died. The Coroner, in summing up, remarked how sad the case was for the parents as this one was the last of three children, the others dying in infancy. He was satisfied that no one was to blame. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a vote of sympathy with the bereaved parents was passed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 October 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Death. Accidental Blow At Football. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY FINCH, able seaman, R.N. Barracks, who died on Friday from the effect of injuries received in a football match at the Naval Recreation Ground, Keyham. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - George Lavers, A.B., R.N. Barracks, stated that on Wednesday the deceased was playing three-quarter in the Harlequin football team against the United Services. About ten minutes from the restart for the second half the deceased, in attempting to stop a rush, apparently got a blow, as he told witness later that he had a kick on the top of the head. He mentioned it in a casual way, and did not complain that it was due to unfair play. He continued to play for ten minutes and then left the ground. It was a good sporting game, fair and clean. No blame could be attached to anyone. Deceased had played for the team in the last three matches. - Answering the Juryman, witness said he could not say who kicked the deceased. - Sidney Jago, chief writer, R.N. Barracks, said he was touch judge and his attention having been drawn to FINCH, he found him on a seat. He was quite dazed and vomiting and witness sent for a doctor. It was a very clean game. - Surgeon Leonard Warren, R.N. Hospital, stated that the deceased was admitted in an unconscious state and remained so until his death on Friday. A post-mortem revealed haemorrhage of the brain, which, in witness's opinion, was caused by the rupture of a vessel of the brain. He was far from a strong man. he thought that the kick very probably caused the rupture, but if there had been no evidence of a blow it would have been possible for the exertion of the game to cause the rupture. There were no external marks of injury, but the blow might have been caused by the knee. - Commander S. R. Olivier, H.M.S. Tyne, said it was an excellent game, and there was no rough play. He was referee and it was more of a practice game than anything else. It could not have been more friendly. He only remembered two forward rushes and did not think that in either of those any man was hurt. If anybody had been kicked he would have seen it. It was a very fast game and deceased had plenty of running about. On behalf of the officers he expressed their deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the deceased's family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lad's Death. Escape From A Hospital. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JAMES ALFRED BISHOP, aged 11, son of a general labourer, of Willow-street, Plymouth. - P.C. Coleman said on Monday afternoon he was informed of an accident in Oxford-place. Witness went there and saw the deceased, who was being attended by Dr Aikman. Chas. Palmer, a labourer of Cambridge-street, told witness that deceased was riding on the axle of Dr Aikman's carriage, when he fell off. Witness took him to the Hospital. - Arthur Harris, coachman, in the service of Dr Aikman, said he was driving a Victoria carriage up Oxford-street. On hearing a shout he saw the deceased boy, who, he understood had fallen off the back axle of the carriage which witness was driving. - Mr Arthur S. Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said when admitted the deceased was suffering from a large scalp wound. Deceased was ordered into the Hospital, but escaped, and ran home again. He was, however, brought back and put to bed. Later he was given an anaesthetic for the purpose of having the wound stitched, and died whilst under the influence of the anaesthetic, which was composed of chloroform and ether. The wound was so severe that it was necessary to use an anaesthetic. - The Foreman raised the question of negligence on the part of the Hospital authorities in allowing the boy to escape, but the Coroner said the lad was not under their control at the time. If anyone was to be charged with negligence let them be present to hear what was said. - The deceased's father said the lad was too big for his mother to hold; whilst the mother said she believed he was frightened and then bolted for fear of what was going to happen. - The Coroner said it was not the duty of the doctor to get someone told off to guard the lad from running away. He would not think of such a possibility. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to any person.

EXETER - Death From Rat Poison At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on HANNAH SLATER, aged 52, of Codrington-street, her brother, PETER SLATER, market gardener, said about ten days ago deceased complained to him of pains in her head from which she had suffered for years. On several occasions she had threatened to do something rash. On Thursday last he was sent for and saw her in bed. She commenced crying and said to him, "You won't blame me, will you? The pain was so dreadful I could not help it. I have taken poison to kill the pain." She had taken rat poison. She was removed to the Hospital on Saturday. - Mrs Parsons, with whom deceased lived, said on Thursday she asked deceased if she wanted any fish. She replied, "No, I shan't want much more to eat. I have taken rat poison." She had taken it on the previous day. - Dr Carter, House Physician, said deceased was semi-conscious when admitted to the Hospital and died on Monday. - Walter Morris, of Stone and Son, said they could not trace deceased's purchase of phosphorus. It was not a poison within the meaning of the Pharmacy Act. Purchasers did not have to sign for it. - The Jury found that deceased died of Phosphorus Poisoning, Administered by Herself during Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. Deceased's Allegations. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on MRS CLARA BLIGHT, Granby-street, who died on Monday. - HENRY BLIGHT, husband, said deceased, 52 years of age, had been complaining of internal pains. He advised her to see a doctor. She appeared all right when he came home from work on Monday evening. About eight o'clock witness went to lie down and when he went afterwards to see if she was all right he found her dead. She had been a habitual drunkard ever since he had known her. He had treated his wife properly. - The Coroner: There is an allegation that you have served this second wife of yours very badly? - Witness: I have never lifted my foot to her. - Nor struck or kicked her? - No, sir. - How do you account for certain bruises found on her? - By her falling downstairs when drunk. - How has your son treated her? - I have never seen him hit her or use bad language to her. - Continuing, witness said he allowed his wife £1 a week and £8 a quarter out of his pension. When out of drink there was not a better woman. - Mrs Lily Brown, who resides in the same house as the last witness, said deceased had enjoyed fairly good health, but was bad during the day from drink overnight. She used to fall over the stairs. On Monday, when witness went in to see her, deceased said she could not move. She sent for Dr Sandford. MR BLIGHT was a very good husband, but deceased was violent when in drink. She had never seen any blows struck. - P.C. Warwick said he had had occasion to go to the house at times on account of disturbances between deceased and her husband. He had never seen blows struck. His impression was that she was an intemperate and violent woman. - Dr G. Sandford said when he saw the woman she made a statement to the effect that on Friday night her stepson had kicked her and caused injury to her left side and that on Saturday night her husband had kicked her and caused bruises. He thought she might have ruptured some internal organ which might or might not have been consistent with her story of violence. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found bruises on her right hand, on her left hip and on her left side. Death was due to peritonitis. The bruises had nothing to do with her death, and she might have got them by falling downstairs. - WILLIAM BLIGHT, stepson of the deceased, said there was no truth in the statement that had been made, as he had never kicked her. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on SIDNEY AlBERT MAUNDER, aged 37, who died at Welsford-avenue. MRS MAUNDER said her husband was formerly a hired plumber in the Dockyard. The Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of obtaining further evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 October 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Suicide. Neglect of Duty In A Submarine. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on ALFRED TAYLOR (25), able seaman, of H.M.S. Defiance. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Lieut. Henry d. Bridges, H.M.S. Defiance, said on the 22nd ult. the deceased was sent from the Forth (submarine A 7) to the Defiance. He was then undergoing 14 days' punishment for neglect of duty in not removing a certain instrument from a torpedo while being fired. Witness explained that notice had to be taken of such a thing, especially in a submarine. On the 2nd inst., at noon, TAYLOR was found missing. Search was made for him without success. There was a suspicion that he had gone overboard, because his kit was examined and his money found intact. Nevertheless a warrant was issued for his arrest. On Saturday the body was recovered in the Lynher river about fifty yards from the ship. A service mess kettle containing coal clinkers was firmly attached to the deceased's right leg. - The Coroner: How would he have been able to elude observation? - Witness: He may have done so during prayers at 9 a.m., as he had not to attend prayers that morning. Deceased was of a good character and a good service man. - Replying to a Juror, witness said the deceased's duty kept him away from divisions at 8.50 a.m. - Albert Selvester, leading seaman, H.M.S. Defiance, said he last saw the deceased leave the mess after breakfast at 7.30 a.m. on the 2nd inst. The kettle which was attached to his leg belonged to another mess. Deceased, who was a very reserved man, never alluded to his punishment. There was staging all around the ship and TAYLOR could easily have entered the water without making a great splash. - Frederick George Gibbons, petty officer, H.M.S. Defiance, testified to the deceased's reserved character, and remarked that TAYLOR wanted people to be friendly with him, but he never was able to respond. - The Coroner: It has been suggested that he had religious mania. - Witness: He was of a serious turn of mind at times. - Do you think the punishment he was ordered to undergo would be likely to cause him any worry? - Witness: I do not think so, at least, he did not show it outwardly. - Michael Spillane, able seaman, R.N., deposed to recovering the body. - Benjamin Lugg, master-at-arms, said the man was under his observation and seemed to be exceptionally quiet. - Inspector Maddeford of the Metropolitan Police, stated that when deceased was conveyed to the mortuary the mess kettle was firmly attached to his leg. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst in a Temporary State of Insanity."

STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Love Tragedy. Determined Suicide At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on PTE. CHARLES HENRY CLARK, 1st Northamptonshire Regt., who shot himself at the South Raglan Barracks on Friday night. - Lieut. C. Buckle said deceased was aged 25 and a native of Northampton. He enlisted at Northampton in November 1904. He had not noticed anything the matter with deceased during the few days previous to his death. Deceased had a good character and always carried out his duties well. On Friday night, about 11 o'clock, it was reported to witness that deceased had shot himself in the barrack-room, and had been removed to the Hospital. - The Coroner: How could he possibly have got the ammunition? - There are several ways of getting it. He could have picked it up on the range, for ammunition is frequently lost. Then, again, when a regiment leaves barracks several rounds of ammunition are very often picked up in different places. - A man is not supposed to have this? - Oh, no, and there is none kept in charge of the company. It is against the regulations for a man to have ball ammunition on him. - Lance-Corpl. Basil Turrell said at 10.15 "Lights Out" sounded. He told deceased to get out of bed and put the lights out, which he did in the ordinary way. About 10.30 deceased said "Good night, chaps." With the same, witness, who was sleeping in the next bed, heard a report of a rifle. Witness informed the guard that deceased had shot himself. With the corporal of the guard witness went back to the barrack-room and the former pulled the blanket from deceased's face. The rifle was lying on his right side. Deceased was breathing, but he died on the way to the Military Hospital. - Colour-Sergt. J. Willars said he ordered the deceased to be taken to the Hospital. Deceased had only recently returned from firing his annual course of musketry at Tregantle, and he might have got the ammunition there. Deceased had served in India. - P.C. Alexander said he searched deceased's clothing and found several letters. - Capt. R. N. V. Foster, R.A.M.C., said when deceased was brought to the Hospital he was quite dead. The whole of the palate on the left side inside the mouth had been blown away. About two inches above the left ear there was a large gaping wound. The whole of the important bones on the left side of the head were in fragments. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. - The Coroner: Would it have made any difference if a man had seen deceased on the spot? - Not the slightest in this case. - Florence Hayman, Ordnance-lane, said she had known deceased six months. In July last, owing to his being absent and for misconduct, he lost his good conduct badge and the pay attached to it. That caused some difference between them. After that she became acquainted with another man in the same regiment. She had, however, seen deceased constantly since, but had always told him of her acquaintance with the other man. She last saw him at nine o'clock on the night he shot himself, and he told her to come up to the barracks on Saturday morning, as he had something to give her. He also asked her if she would give him one of her photographs, and she said she would have it taken. On Saturday morning she went to have it taken, as she did not hear that deceased was dead until Saturday evening. - The Coroner read portions of correspondence which had passed between witness and deceased. In the first letter deceased asked her if he had offended her, as he had not heard from her for a week and four days. He thought perhaps "Mac" had got hold of her. - Witness explained that Mac was the man she had been going with. She had not received that letter which was written at Tregantle. - The next letter read was one from witness to deceased in which she said: - "I think we must come to some understanding, for you know you cannot keep me on your money, so if I have a chance to better myself I am going to take it. . . It will be better for you to forget me, but I don't wish to hurt your feelings. I am tired of living this life, and I have a chance to give it up." - In another letter from deceased to witness he stated: - "Come over and see me..... I shall go on the steady now..... I can hardly realise that you are somebody else's." - The Coroner also read the following letter which was found in deceased's clothing, having been written on Friday night:- "I wished you good-bye tonight, but you did not think it would be for the last time. As I told you before, you were the only one, but I will get out of the way and leave you free, for I have been a burden to you long enough. So I will clear out of the way and leave you a clear opening. But I trust you will follow me for the last time." - With the letter were instructions to deliver it to the witness. There was added:- "And if there is anything to come to me in the way of pay, give it to her mother. I trust God will forgive me for what I am doing, but I trust it is for the best and I hope my comrades do not get into the same fix as I." - The Coroner: When you said goodbye to him on the Friday night did anything special take place? - No. - By the Jury: He did not seem depressed. - The Coroner said if it had not been for the last witness and the correspondence they might have had some doubt as to the state of mind deceased was in, because there was nothing to show why he should commit the act. Here came in the same old story - the story of his being more or less engaged to this girl and the girl breaking it off. They had heard evidence why she broke it off and went with somebody else. That caused deceased to be jealous and they knew what a jealous man would sometimes do. In this case it had resulted in his shooting himself. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of an Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 October 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Death At Devonport. - At Devonport Workhouse yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on JAMES WILLIAM TERRY, 50, naval pensioner. - Mrs Evangeine Collings, 9 Morice-square, said deceased lodged with her. He was addicted to drink. On September 8th he came home late and went to his room. Nothing was seen of him until the following morning, after he had been to the Royal Albert Hospital to be treated for an accident. Deceased struck his head against the mantel-piece of his room after his return on the previous evening. From time to time his head was bandaged and the wound appeared to be healing. On Wednesday he stayed out all night and on the Thursday evening he was discovered under the seat opposite witness's house. He was in a dazed condition; his right hand was injured, and in his left hand he held a brass door handle. On the following Friday a doctor was called in, and deceased was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. - Dr G. Sandford said the cause of death was meningitis. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Railway Porter's Death. Knocked Down By An Engine. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM EGGBEER, aged 38, G.W.R. porter, of Holdsworth-street, Pennycomequick. Deceased died at the Hospital early yesterday morning as the result of an accident. Chief Inspector Poultney and Inspector Hodgess, locomotive department, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway. - John Reginald Aubrey Treeby, G.W.R. porter, said on Monday at 12.20 p.m., at North-road Station, he was engaged with deceased in taking cases from No. 1 to No. 2 platform. They had previously seen an engine standing still, but did not see it commence to move. The engine first struck the box and knocked down EGGBEER, but he (Treeby) managed to cling to the platform, the engine being two-thirds past him. He next heard EGGBEER crying out. - George Maxfield, engine-driver, G.W.R., of Holdsworth-street, said the engine was disconnected from the train at 12.9 p.m., and the was in the act of shunting back the engine reverse way. He was unable to see the men carrying the case on account of the tender being in front. - The Coroner: What is there to enable you to know where you are going? - There is nothing. - That does not seem to be hardly the thing, does it? - Witness replied that he and his mate kept a look-out from either side of the engine. All of a sudden his mate observed a man spring to the platform. He heard, at the same time, the smashing of a box and the men screaming and thereupon stopped the engine. - William Shipman, fireman, of Wellbeck-avenue, also gave evidence and described the occurrence as unavoidable. - Dr A. S. Burgess said the bones of deceased's legs were crushed and his feet were almost severed. He did not perform an operation as the man was too ill. Death was due to shock as the result of his injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and with the Coroner expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - The Coroner remarked that deceased had only just returned from a holiday at Ashburton. He congratulated Treeby on his miraculous escape from death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Tragic Death. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on JANE DAVIS, aged 48 years. - EDWIN DAVIS, Customs Officer, of Pier-street, said he saw deceased, his wife, alive on Sunday at 10 p.m., when he went to bed, and left her in the kitchen. He woke at 3 a.m. the following morning and found her in the room. She then told him she was going downstairs. Witness went to sleep again, but on waking at 6 a.m. could not find his wife. She had been rather queer of late and witness had advised her to see a doctor, but she always refused to do so. On the kitchen table a letter was found in which she gave instructions as to her place of burial. She also wrote: "you have been a good husband and I hope to meet you in another world." Witness added that deceased had never threatened to take her life; she had everything she needed. - James Rambridge, fish porter, of Lambhay-street, said early on Wednesday morning, at low water, he found the body wedged in between the rocks about fifty yards from the Promenade Pier. - P.C. Palmer, who conveyed the body to the Mortuary, said there was a bruise on the forehead of deceased. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the husband.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 October 1911
MALBOROUGH - Death In A Van. - At Malborough yesterday an Inquest was held on GEORGE GILLARD, aged 70, a labourer, in the employ of the Kingsbridge Rural Council, who was found dead in the living-van which accompanies the steam roller, on Tuesday evening. Evidence of identification was given by the widow, MARY GRACE THORN GILLARD, West Alvington. Dr L. de C. E. Harston, Kingsbridge, said he has that morning made an external examination of the body. Fluid blood of a strawberry colour issuing from the mouth suggested the possibility of poisoning from the fumes of the stove in the van. Against this evidence, however, there was apparently a very good circulation of air in the van. Witness could not give a positive opinion that death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning unless he made a post-mortem examination. The Coroner ordered the doctor to make an autopsy. - James Stephens, West Alvington, steam roller driver, said that on Tuesday deceased appeared in good health. Witness had never known any fumes come from the stove. - [the rest of the article is very faint and impossible to read]. - Verdict - "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Fatally Burnt At A Limekiln. - At Plymouth Workhouse yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN SHERIFF, who died in the Workhouse the previous afternoon. Mr Hellings, Master of the Workhouse, said deceased was admitted in a semi-conscious condition on Tuesday afternoon. He was at once medically attended. Death occurred on Wednesday. - P.C. King stated that he brought the man to the Workhouse. He found him near a lime-kiln at Cattedown in an exhausted condition and very dirty. He had probably been sleeping near the kiln and sustained burns. Dr Cooke said extensive burns were found on deceased's back and other parts of the body, caused probably by lime. His lungs were congested and he had pleurisy on the right side. He attributed death to the state of the man's lungs, accelerated by shock, caused by the burns. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 October 1911
TEIGNMOUTH - MRS RUTH CHAPPELL, of independent means, widow of MR JAMES CHAPPELL, aged 68, formerly printer and stationer, of Newton Abbot, was found dead in bed by her grandson at her lodgings, 10 Northumberland-place, Teignmouth on Thursday night. Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, when a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

TAVISTOCK - Cyclist's Death At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Cottage Hospital last evening on JOHN TIDBALL, aged 16, carpenter's apprentice of St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake. Sergeant Major Rowles was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS TIDBALL, wife of an engine driver who is abroad, stated that the deceased had suffered for years from a complaint of both ears. His bicycle was in a good condition. - Richard Veale, stonemason, Gunnislake, said on September 11th at 7 a.m. he was walking near the post-office, Gunnislake, when without any warning whatever he was knocked down and rendered unconscious. He received a severe injury to the back. He had been invalided for twelve months and was getting round when the accident occurred. The deceased could have seen him quite a hundred yards before he ran into him. He could not say whether the deceased was a careful rider. Dr A. Bowhay, Gunnislake, stated that the deceased had a fracture of the base of the skull. It was not particularly severe. He progressed favourably for a week. Then an abscess formed in the ear in consequence of the chronic discharge from which the deceased suffered. Death was due to fracture of the skull. Veale's injuries were worse than the deceased's for the time. The gradient of the road above the post-office was one in eight and young fellows rode down there at an average rate of 30 miles an hour without brakes. Of course he was not speaking of the deceased. The Coroner: He would not be an exception to the rule. Dr Bowhay: I am afraid not. - The Coroner thought it was quite clear that the deceased ran into Veale. It was probable that he was coming down the hill very fast. Possibly Veale stepped out a little and was knocked down before the deceased could stop. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Lead Poisoning. Sad Case At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at Devonport yesterday on SIDNEY ALBERT MAUNDER, aged 37, formerly a hired plumber in Devonport Dockyard, who died at Wellsford-avenue on October 10th. - Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories was present. - The widow said her husband was in the Dockyard for thirteen years. He first came out sick in December, 1906, and was certified as suffering from lead poisoning. He remained home until the end of August 1907. His symptoms were loss of memory, sleeplessness, irritable temper and loss of power in his hands. He was attended by Dr T. R. Rolston and Dr Salter. The latter said he was suffering from chronic lead poisoning. Deceased was sent back to work by the Dockyard doctor and he continued his employment until April 17th. He afterwards went into the R.N. Hospital, where he remained until May 7th, 1909. He was again seen by Drs. Rolston and Salter. He did not return to work again, but from time to time he was seen by the Dockyard Surgeon. From the 2nd November, 1909 he was invalided from the Dockyard. Since then he had gradually got worse. he lost the use of his right arm and his speech, also some of his teeth and toe nails. He died on October 10th. - Mr S. H. Tozer, Inspector of Plumbers, Devonport Dockyard, said when deceased returned to work after first going sick he was put on ordinary work, but away from the lead as much as possible. He then went sick again and a pension was granted him in consequence of the lead poisoning. Deceased had more to do with red lead than pure lead, and was employed on the ships. The men were given every facility for cleansing themselves before leaving the yard. They had never had a case of lead poisoning since he (witness) had been there, before the deceased's case, but they had a case in the Hospital now. - Dr G. T. Rolston said he had seen deceased very frequently in the absence of his nephew. he had no doubt whatever but that it was a case of chronic lead poisoning. The poisoning was set up by breathing it and using the lead in his hands. It had also been absorbed by the skin. - A verdict that deceased died from Lead Poisoning was returned and sympathy was expressed with the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 October 1911
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest yesterday as to the death of AGNES COCHRAN, widow, aged 80 years, of Limerick-place. Deceased fell from a chair on July 27th and Dr Spencer stated that the injuries she then sustained consisted of a fracture of her left thigh bone. The fracture united, but at the end of September deceased sank from shock and died on Sunday. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Devonport last evening on LAVINIA COLTON, Plym-street, aged 65 years, who died suddenly the previous night. Dr N. Norris attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on JOHN HART DAVID KINGSBURY, aged 64, a saw sharpener, of Claremont-court, Plymouth. Dr Brenton, who was called on Sunday evening, said death, which ensued early the following morning, was due to cerebral haemorrhage. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 November 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Fall Of Clay At Newton. - An Inquest was held by Mr Hacker, Coroner, at Newton Abbot Townhall, yesterday, on WILLIAM MITCHELL, 53 Oxford-cottages, Kingskerswell, who was killed by a fall of clay while digging in a mine, the property of the Devon and Courtenay Clay Co., at Decoy, Newton Abbot. Deceased had been in the employ of the company over 20 years. - William Lock, clay miner, said deceased and himself were working together in a drive about 35 feet in length. Just after three o'clock witness left the deceased to fetch some water and he had just reached the water when he heard the sound of something falling. He ran back and called MITCHELL and getting no answer he ran to the place where he had been working. There he found a huge piece of clay, weighing 2 ½ tons, had fallen from the top and MITCHELL was not to be seen. He called for assistance. The clay was rolled off and deceased was found lying on his face dead. - Dr Nisbet said there were numerous fractures of the skull, which crackled like an eggshell under one's fingers. Death was absolutely instantaneous. - Wm. Henry Bowden, foreman of the pit, said the timbering was left to the discretion of the men, although they did anything he suggested. - William Elliott, Abbotskerswell, overseer of the company's mines, said there was no sign of insecurity on Monday, when he visited the drive. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and added a rider that extra precautions should be taken in the matter of timbering.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 November 1911
GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE - Naval Shipwright's Death. The Accident In H.M.SD. Theseus. - PERCY LODGE, of Plymouth, who on Sunday morning was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, has succumbed to his injuries. The deceased, who was a naval shipwright, serving in the cruiser Theseus, fell down a hatchway while the vessel was at Portsmouth. - The County Coroner, Mr Leonard Warner, opened the Inquest yesterday afternoon. - The Coroner stated that the ship was away, and it would be necessary to adjourn, as the only evidence available at present was that of the doctor and the brother, relative to identification. - HARRY LODGE, a sick berth attendant of H.M.S. Argyll, identified the body of the deceased as that of his brother, who was a naval shipwright. Witness saw his brother in the Hospital after the accident. Deceased recognised him, but could not tell him how he had met with his injuries. - Surgeon Geoffrey Adshead said deceased was admitted to Haslar Hospital about ten o'clock on Sunday morning. He was suffering from injury to the spine. There was also a scalp wound on the head just above and behind the left ear. He was quite conscious and in reply to witness said he did not recollect how the accident happened. All he remembered was getting up that morning. Deceased underwent an operation in the afternoon which he got over. He progressed very well until about seven o'clock the following morning, when he became worse and died at 9.55 a.m. Witness had made a post-mortem examination since, and found deceased had a fracture and dislocation of the spine. The spinal cord was damaged right across. These injuries were the cause of death. There was no fracture of the skull. - The Inquiry was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday next, at 2.30.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death On A Dredger. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on CHARLES HENRY EASTERBROOK, acting-master of the dredger St. Austell, who died suddenly on Wednesday. Mr E. K. Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - William Richards, St. Budeaux, son-in-law, said deceased was aged 54. he appeared to be in his usual health when he left home on Wednesday morning to go to work. - George Alfred Green, Stonehouse, assistant-engineer on the St. Austell, said about 8.30 on Wednesday morning deceased came down to his cabin and complained of the cold, and asked for a cup of coffee. Witness gave him some coffee and shortly after, on looking round, saw him with his head on the table. Witness sat him up and asked him what was the matter, but got no reply. He called for help and one of the deck hands came. The dredger was stopped and the crew came down, and witness told them he believed deceased was dead. - A doctor was sent for. - Staff-Surgeon J. H. L. Page said the cause of death was syncope, due to excessive deposit of fat round the heart. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on MRS ELIZABETH POPE, aged 68, of Southside-street. MILDRED ELIZABETH FLEETWOOD, Southside-street, said on Wednesday afternoon she went with deceased, her grandmother, to the offices of Messrs. Adams and Croft, solicitors, Princess-square. As they were entering the office deceased complained of feeling unwell. She sat down on a chair in the office, and said she was too ill to get up. After witness had transacted the necessary business she went to fetch a cab, but on returning found deceased being attended to by Mr Adams and Mr C. J. Pidgeon. - Dr Philpotts, acting for Dr Parsloe, stated that death was due to syncope. - Verdict accordingly. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 November 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Coach Trimmer's Death At Newton. - Mr Hacker, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on CHARLES SAMUEL VENNING, 52, of 23 Station-cottages, Newton Abbot. The widow said on October 5th deceased, who was a coach trimmer, employed by the Great Western Railway Company, came home at breakfast time with a wound on the top of his head, and told her that a bracket had fallen on him. He was home for 17 days and then returned to work. At the end of the first day he was too ill to continue and was obliged to take to his bed, which he never left. - Robt. Champion said he and deceased were engaged in upholstering the back of a compartment. Witness reached up to the umbrella rack to take out a spring that was wanted and an iron bracket which happened to be on the rack fell out, striking VENNING, who was kneeling on the floor, on the head. The wound was dressed by an ambulance man and deceased, who did not want to go home, sat down until breakfast time. Deceased was able to walk and talk and the accident was not thought serious. - Dr Nisbet said the post-mortem examination showed that there was no fracture of the skull, death being due to inflammation of the brain covering underneath the scalp wound and several minute haemorrhages. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE - Naval Shipwright's Death. The Victim Of The Theseus Fatality. - The Inquest was resumed yesterday at Haslar Hospital on PERCY LODGE, a shipwright of H.M.S. Theseus, who fell down a hatchway, sustaining an injury to his spine and died at Haslar Hospital. At the previous Inquiry Naval Surgeon G. P. Adshead attributed death to the injuries received - a fracture and dislocation of the spine. - John Sullivan, leading shipwright, of the Theseus, said he was with the deceased at the time of the accident. They were securing gun sights ready for sea. They had finished the three-pounder on the starboard side of the cable deck and were coming aft. LODGE walked between the starboard cable holder and the hatch leading to the carpenter's storeroom. Witness heard a noise as if LODGE'S boots were slipping and looking round he saw deceased disappear down the hatch. Witness and the storekeeper lifted him up and on reaching the top of the hatch deceased groaned and complained of his neck. He was taken to the sick bay and attended by Staff-Surgeon Richards. While in the sick bay deceased said to witness, "John, what is it that has happened to me, or is it a dream?" There was an iron plate close to the hatchway and witness was of opinion that deceased fell on the plate. The hatchway was protected by stanchions and rails when open. After the accident witness found one of the rails had been unshipped. This was in its place before the accident happened. In witness's opinion deceased did not drop clean down. He probably caught the ladder first and then rolled on to the deck below. - Warrant Officer Connor said that after the accident everything possible was done for the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 20 November 1911
IVYBRIDGE - Naval Officer's Suicide. Evidence At Inquest: Deceased's Last Letter. - The Inquest on the body of LIEUT. NIGEL ST. J. S. NICHOLL-CARNE, who was found shot dead in Ivybridge Woods on Friday, was held at Ivybridge on Saturday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and the Inquiry was conducted by the Coroner (Mr R. Robinson Rodd). - Me E. R. Stephens, manager of the Naval Bank, Ivybridge, deposed to discovering the body in Ivybridge Woods on Friday morning. The man was lying on his left side, with his fact upturned. It was about a hundred yards below Hunters Path, close to the footpath. Witness did not see the revolver in the hand of the deceased. - Commander Hugh Edwards, R.N. Barracks, Devonport, identified the body as that of LIEUT. NIGEL ST JOHN STRADLING NICHOLL-CARNE. He had known the deceased for twelve months and on Wednesday he appeared in a normal state. He was a cheerful, well-balanced fellow, although he had noticed he had not been quite himself for a few days. The deceased sent a letter to Lieut. Toms, which read:- "Dear old Toms, - You seem rather fond of Joe, so will you take him as a parting gift? - I am finished, and have been for the last year. Only I think I managed to appear fairly cheerful and bluff it out. Give my love to Budgen. If you don't want Joe, perhaps No. 2 might like him. Mickey Wheelan can have my golf clubs." - Witness explained that "Joe" was a bulldog. - The Coroner: Beyond what he refers to, you know nothing to cause the deceased to have taken his life? - I know nothing at all, either from a service point of view, or, as far as I know, from a monetary point of view. - You would know? - Any service trouble I should be bound to know. - Continuing, witness said deceased went on leave on Wednesday, and should have returned on Thursday morning. It was his day's duty. He heard the deceased was not feeling well, so he waited until Friday noon before reporting the matter. Deceased hailed from South Wales and they had telegraphed to find out the address of the next-of-kind from the Admiralty. he had a mother living and one or two brothers. He was a good officer and a great sportsman, a man very well liked and very popular in the Barracks. - In reply to a question, the Coroner stated that the letter was posted on 17th, so the deceased must have come to Ivybridge by the early train on the day he committed the act. - Assistant Paymaster J. H. Budgen, of the R.N. Barracks, stated that he met the deceased on Wednesday evening and he looked depressed. For a whole week he had been complaining of a heavy cold and headache. When witness heard that deceased was missing, he was not surprised at learning what had happened. Deceased was certainly not compos mentis on Wednesday. His mind was unhinged about something. - Dr Cooper stated that deceased was shot through the heart, the bullet burying itself in the neck. - P.C. Pile deposed to finding the body in the woods. He was laying on his side, with a revolver in his right hand, his finger still on the trigger. There was one expended cartridge in the revolver, and 40 live cartridges in his possession. - The Coroner: It looks as if he went straight to the spot and shot himself. - Witness: It looked as if he sat on the bank and did it and then toppled over. - The Coroner, summing up, said that in that particularly painful and sad case they would see from the evidence that deceased had something weighing on his mind which caused him to be temporarily insane. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - After the Inquest the body was removed to the R.N. Hospital, whence it is to be conveyed by train this morning for private interment. - The deceased officer belonged to a well-known Glamorgan family. The family lived at St. Donat's Castle until after the death of DR NICHOLL-CARNE, the father of the deceased, when they sold St. Donat's Castle and estate and have since resided in their other family seat at Nash Manor, which is about six miles from St. Donat's and four from Cowbridge. Deceased was a keen golfer and a member of the Barry Golf Club. He received his early education at Cowbridge Grammar School and thence went to the training-ship Britannia.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held at Devonport yesterday on THOMAS WILLIAMS, aged 54, a pensioner and waterman, of Pembroke-street, the evidence showed that the deceased, a widower, was found on the floor of his house on Friday evening and Dr McElwaine, who was called, pronounced life extinct. Verdict: "Died from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Marine Killed By Falling Plates. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on PTE. JAMES HALL, R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Andromeda, who was killed on Friday by some steel plates which fell out of the sling of a travelling crane. - Mr K. E. Peck, on behalf of the Admiralty, and Mr L. P. Evans, Inspector of Factories, were present. - Sergt. F. R. Graham, R.M.L.I., said the deceased was 29 years of age, and a native of Manchester. He was a single man. - Robert John Rider, shipwright, said on Friday he was in charge of a party of slingers unloading steel plates from a truck. There was a travelling crane alongside the truck, and the plates were taken hold of by a screw clamp. The clamp had been in use about twelve months. Witness knew of no order that the road was to be kept clear when plates were being slung across it, but it was generally done by men slinging. Witness saw deceased there. Two plates were being slung by witness's order. He knew of no order that two plates were not to be gripped in one clamp. - The Coroner: Would it not have been better to stay your hand when people are passing? - Witness: I should say a warning was unnecessary when people could see the work being performed. - The Coroner: But you might have, as you know in other cases plates have slipped from the clamp? - It is generally done. - Are you satisfied that it was safe to lift two plates? - Yes. - And yet you have known other things to slip out? - Yes. - A Juryman: You were satisfied that the man who put the plates in the sling was competent to do so? - Yes. - Witness added that the weight of the plates was 15 ½ cwt. Plates weighing 5 tons had been lifted by the clamp. - William John James, skilled labourer, said he fixed the screw clamp on the two plates and screwed them up with an iron crowbar. It would be only one man's work to secure plates of the size of those which slipped. Witness did not think that in this case an extra man would have obtained any more impression on the screw. Witness's mate was standing by the truck. He thought it would have been safer to have had his mate's assistance, although he could have done no more than witness did. He had never known plates slip before. He had screwed up larger plates than those on Friday. He gave the signal for the plates to be hoisted and then got off the truck. His mate shouted to the deceased, who was approaching. He stopped, but as the plates were being slung around he ran immediately under them. The plates slipped and fell on the deceased. Men engaged on the work always warned people approaching. His only way of knowing whether plates were properly secured was to screw them up with all his strength. - By the Jury: The jaws of the clamp were smooth. The plates slipped right out of the clamp on to the deceased. There was no jerk of the crane. - Mr Rider, recalled, said the clamp was too powerful to give. - Edward McElligott, crane-driver, who was in charge of the crane, said the plates were being hoisted quite steadily. Witness had driven a crane for nine years, and had had a good deal of experience in hoisting plates. Only once before had he known a plate slip from the clamp when in his charge. - Staff-Surgeon J. N. Page said deceased was dead when he saw him. He had made an examination and found a wound in the scalp, a fracture of both bones of the left forearm, fracture of the ribs on the left side, and fracture of the thigh. Death in his opinion must have been practically instantaneous. - Mr S. F. Furze-Morrish, constructor, said he thought the clamp was sufficient to use for the purpose. Gripping by clamp was better than by chains. Thousands of plates had been lifted during the past two years, and accidents were very rare indeed. He thought the same care should be exercised in passing cranes as in crossing streets. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury recommended that, where necessary, two men should be employed in putting plates in the clamp.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 November 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - Shocking Devonport Home. Mother Cautioned On Death Of Child. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on VIOLET MAY SCAWN, aged 2 years, the child of WILLIAM THOMAS SCAWN, leading stoker, of 22 Morice-street. - The mother said the child was born in October 1909, and had been in good health until last Friday night, when witness noticed a change. Thinking she had a cold, witness rubbed her with camphorated oil and sat up with her all night. About 8 a.m. on Saturday witness noticed that the child was worse and went for Dr Bolus, who came during the morning and prescribed for the child. Witness gave the baby the medicine as directed, but she became restless and between 3 and 4 p.m. witness again went for the doctor, but he was out. The child died about 4 p.m. She had given the child the same food as they had themselves. There was allotted to her £2 per month from her husband's pay, and he also gave her 5s. a week. They had another child, twelve months old. Up to a week ago they lived at St. Aubyn-street. She did not know the child was ill until last Friday. She could not take the children out very often because she had not a perambulator and was incapable in consequence of having fits about once a fortnight. They lived in one room. - The Coroner said it was very hard upon poor children that they should not be taken out and given fresh air. - Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said that on October 12th Inspector Westcott complained about the state of her room. While the children were in the room she was in the courtyard. She admitted that they bed was in a filthy condition and Mr Westcott pointed out that the deceased's pinafore and legs were stained with ink. This was due to the child having spilt the ink that morning. During witness's absence the baby rolled off the bed and got into a jacket. The cot was also in a dirty condition. Asked by the Coroner how she accounted for the filthy, disgusting state of the room, witness said she had fits all day on the Sunday and her sight was very defective. - The Coroner said that if she could not see, she could smell. She appeared to be clean herself. - Witness said she was 20 years of age and had been married three years. On October 31st she left the children in the house from shortly after 10 a.m. to 1.45 p.m. while she went to Plymouth to draw her half-pay, and to pay little debts. She was not in the habit of staying out late at night. - The coroner said his information was that witness was habitually absent from the children not only by day, but also at night. - Witness denied this. - Inspector Geo. Westcott, N.S.P.C.C., described the state of the children, room and bedding on the occasion of his visit on October 12th, and said the smell in the room was overpowering. MRS SCAWN, on being told what he had found, treated matters very lightly until he said he should inform the sanitary authorities. A neighbour said she was only a young woman, and asked him to give her another chance, and he said he would do so. There was an improvement on the occasion of his next visit, but on October 31st he found that things were going back to their old condition. On the 1st inst. he again warned her and on the 15th inst. he found they had left the house. Last Friday he discovered where they were and on going to the house found both children asleep in the cot without any covering. he asked the mother if the elder child was ill and she replied that she was not. On his calling again on the following day he found that Dr Bolus had been sent for. There was no fire and no hot water for a bath in case one was needed. On the following day he received a letter from MRS SCAWN stating that the child was dead, that Dr Bolus had said he would have to see him (witness) before he could give a death certificate, and asking him to make it, as easy as he could. Witness had since seen the deceased's father, who had been cruising. He seemed to treat the matter lightly. - The father of deceased, in reply to the Coroner, said he could not account for what he had heard from the last witness. Every time he had come home he had found things up to the mark as they should be. He could not understand the condition of the home as described by the Inspector. He had known his wife have three or four fits a day. He had come home at times quite unexpectedly, and had always found his wife there and the house in order. - Dr Bolus said that when he was called on Saturday morning the child was in a semi-conscious condition, and she so remained until she died. He had since made an examination of the body and found that death was due to convulsions occurring in bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia. The child's body was sufficiently well nourished and there was no evidence of under-feeding, but to say the child was in good health until last Saturday, he thought, was untrue. She must have been anaemic for many months. He had every sympathy with poor people but it was a great pity that in such cases, a doctor was not consulted earlier. On Saturday the state of the room was very fair, and he noticed nothing objectionable. This might have been due to the action of the N.S.P.C.C. - The Coroner said this was not a case of criminal responsibility. It seemed to him to be a case of absolute incompetence. He believed the child's mother - it might be partly due to the state of her health - was absolutely incompetent to act the part of a mother as she ought to do. He believed she fed the children sufficiently, but, although she appeared to be clean in her own person, the fact was, beyond question, that the children were living in a state of dirt. Perhaps after this there might be on the part of both parents an improvement in the condition in which they lived. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and asked the Coroner to caution the mother to be more careful in the care of her home and children in future. - The Coroner cautioned the mother to be more careful in future, and hoped the father would also keep his eye open.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 November 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sailor Lad's Death. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on LESLIE LAMBERT LONG, aged 16, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Surgeon J. L. Barford, R.N., H.M.S. Impregnable, said at 10.45 p.m. on Wednesday his attention was drawn to the deceased, and he was examined in the sick bay. Witness thought he was suffering from pneumonia, and treated him accordingly. The boy died suddenly just before six o'clock the following morning. Witness was with the deceased all night. Death was due to suffocation caused by acute double pneumonia. - Surgeon W. W. D. Chilcott, R.N., H.M.S. Impregnable, agreed with the last witness. - Chas. Redmond, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable, said deceased "turned in" at 8.45 p.m. At 10.30 deceased was vomiting and he was removed to the sick bay. - Geo. Burgess, 2nd class boy, H.M.S. Impregnable, also gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and agreed that Surgeon Barford should be thanked for his close attention to the deceased during Wednesday night.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 November 1911
EGG BUCKLAND - Pensioner's Death At Crownhill. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Crownhill Police Station, yesterday on WILLIAM MCCLURE, army pensioner ,aged 63, of 3 Stoke-terrace, Crownhill. MARY MCCLURE said the deceased, her husband, a messenger at Fort Effort, suffered from asthma. Some time ago he was granted a fortnight's leave as he was unwell. Deceased seemed better on Sunday morning, but just before dinner time she went to his room and found him in his chair dead. A fortnight ago he took a cab to Plymouth to see the army doctor, who gave him some medicine. Dr t. Olver said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. - Verdict accordingly.

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on the infant daughter of ALFRED W. SLEEMAN, carpenter, of 23 Brook-hill. The father said the child, aged 14 days, was found dead at 5.30 a.m. when he was getting up to go to work. Dr F. E. Little said the cause of death was over-laying. Verdict accordingly.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Man's Death. - Last evening an Inquest was held at Tiverton on JOHN MILLER, aged 56, butcher and dairyman, of West-exe, who died suddenly on Saturday night. - JOHN MILLER, a son of the deceased, said when he came home on Saturday, about 8.45 p.m., his father asked him why he had not been in to tea. Witness made no answer and was proceeding to bed, when he heard his sister say: "Mother, look at father." Coming back over the stairs witness saw his father sitting in a chair in the kitchen, and believed he was dead. In reply to questions witness said it was not true that his father and himself had quarrelled. His father's health had not been good of late. - ROSE MILLER, daughter of the deceased, said there was no quarrel of the kind suggested and no more words passed than the last witness had spoken to. - A neighbour who was called in said he saw nothing to excite the deceased, who died in the chair before a doctor arrived. - Dr Welsford said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury found that death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 December 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - In accordance with the evidence of Dr C. L. Lander, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Devonport lat evening on EDWARD DUMBLE, 52, Craigmore-avenue, shipwright, in H.M. Dockyard, who died the previous morning.

PLYMOUTH - Child Killed At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Foresters' Hall, Plymouth, yesterday, on ELSIE MAY COTTER, aged three years, the daughter of a mason's labourer, of 7 Granby-street. - George Sweet said on Thursday morning he was driving a trolley in Rendle-street when he felt an obstruction. Looking down to see what it was he found the deceased pinned under the hind wheel. His horse was going at a walking pace at the time. Witness stopped at once. - Mrs Selina Jane White, Rendle-street, said she saw the accident and picked up the child. - Dr Aitken said death was due to a fracture of the spine, caused by the wheel. - The Coroner said he wondered there were not more accidents of this description, young children three years of age being allowed to walk about the streets. Of course, the mother could not be blamed as she had to go to work. - The Jury concurred and returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 December 1911
KINGSTEIGNTON - Suicide At Kingsteignton. - In the Council School, Kingsteignton, on Saturday, an Inquest was held on JOHN DAVEY, 59, pig dealer, of Quick's Cottage, Sandpath, Kingsteignton, who was found hanging at nine o'clock that morning. - HANNAH DAVEY, the widow, said deceased had for a month or more had rheumatism and had complained greatly of pains in his head. He did not go to a doctor until that week, and then would not stay in bed as he was ordered. He was indoors on Friday until the evening, when he attending the annual meeting of a benefit club. On Saturday morning he told witness he had not slept all night. She went out about 8.30, leaving him in bed. Returning about 9 o'clock she found deceased hanging in the wash-house. A passer-by at once cut down the body. Her husband had nothing to worry him except the pains in his head. - William Charles Prowse Beavis, insurance agent, Newton Abbot, said deceased was hanging by a rope from a pulley fixed in the ceiling in the wash-house. Deceased breathed several times after being cut down, and witness moved his arms about, but did not understand artificial respiration. He thought deceased was too far gone to have been brought round. - Mary Jane Hodge, a neighbour, said she saw deceased just before nine o'clock walking about in his orchard. - Dr w. McBeath, Kingsteignton, said that during the week he had treated deceased for influenza, with severe pains in the back and head. He was evidently ill, but declined to go on the club. Three or four months ago deceased was thrown out of his trap and injured his head. Influenza usually left depression. Thomas Narrowmore and P.C. Ridgeway (who said deceased had nearly £4 in his pocket) gave evidence, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the widow and relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 December 1911
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest last evening at Devonport on WILLIAM C. O'MAHONY, aged one year and three months, the father, a labourer in the Dockyard, of St. Aubyn-street, stated that on Saturday afternoon the child was walking round a chair lying on the floor. The baby turned to look at his brother and fell on the back of his head. He was dead before medical assistance cold be obtained. Dr E. G. S. Saunders said the child's neck was dislocated. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 December 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Thorn-pricks Cause Death. Lock-Jaw At St. Marychurch. - An Inquest on FRANK S. C. PHILLIPS, of 12 Furrough-cross, Torquay, was held in St. Marychurch Townhall yesterday. - The widow, ROSE PHILLIPS, stated that deceased, a jobbing gardener, was 31 years old. On Thursday he returned from working the morning, stating that he was too unwell to stay longer. Later he complained that his jaws were feeling stiff and his neck and back paining him. On Friday he could not open his mouth to eat and could only take in milk. Finding the pain in his back worse on Saturday and being unable to open his mouth, deceased saw a doctor. He remained in bed, under the care of a nurse until the time of his death on Tuesday night. About a week before he was taken ill he cut his fingers in pruning trees. His left hand was injured and a prickle had entered one of his fingers. - REGINALD M. PHILLIPS, brother of deceased, stated that the day before deceased was taken ill he told witness he had that day fallen over some steps. Deceased asked him not to mention the fact to his wife, lest it should worry her. - Dr Pitt Palmer said deceased as suffering from rigid spasms until 24 hours from death, which resulted from lock-jaw. Witness had supplied deceased with quarts of medicine during the past twelve years. A careful search had been made for the incidence of poison, but no cuts or bruises were found. There were, however, several thorn pricks in deceased's fingers and feet. A verdict was returned accordingly. - Dr Palmer said if deceased had been a strong man a cure would probably have been effected.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Mortuary, Plymouth, yesterday, on CHARLOTTE TOWNSEND, spinster, aged 62. Mrs Bessie Elizabeth Champion, Richmond-street, said deceased, who lived in the same house as she did, was all right on Tuesday evening, but on the following day was taken ill suddenly, and she was obliged to send for the doctor. Deceased had sometimes complained of being ill, but would never send for the doctor. Dr R. B. Burke said death was due to an abscess of the liver and other bodily defects. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 December 1911
PORTLAND, DORSET - Able Seaman Drowned. Topsham Man's Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was opened at the Royal Naval Hospital, Portland, on Saturday on FREDERICK GEORGE MILTON, of Topsham, able seaman of the battleship Colossus, whose body was found in Portland Harbour. - P.S. Hayward stated that on Friday he received information that a body had been picked up in the harbour. It was taken to the mortuary by the Dockyard Police. On the collar was the name "GEORGE MILTON." On the body was found, among other things, a letter, couched in affectionate terms, addressed to his wife, at Clyst Cottage, Topsham. The body was in naval uniform, except cap, with white football boots and bars. - William Palmer, petty officer 1st class, employed on the boom defence at Portland, proved finding the body close to the old breakwater. - The Coroner (Mr Symes) ordered the Medical Officer to make a further examination of the body, and also gave an order for burial. He adjourned the Inquest until Thursday to enable communication to be made with the ship in order that evidence may be obtained as to when the deceased was last seen. - Deceased had two good conduct badges.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 December 1911
NEWTON ABBOT - Crushed To Death At Newton. Movement Of Engines. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on ARTHUR ERNEST MALE, aged 17, lodging at Salem-place, who was fatally injured through being crushed between the buffers of two engines on Sunday, Dr Nisbet said when he saw the deceased at the Hospital he was suffering from profound shock and was semi-conscious. He complained of much pain in the region of the stomach. Death was due to internal injuries. - William Henry Brimson, Fisher-road, Abbotsbury, the driver of the engine, said at 3.50 a.m. it was raining and blowing very hard and witness ran the engine into the shelter of the shed, stopping about four feet from a stationary engine in the shed. Witness then got under the engine and began to oil it. To enable him to get at another part of the machinery he shouted to the fireman to move the engine further into the shed. Witness heard the whistle blow and the fireman also shouted and then moved back. A minute later witness heard the fireman shout, "Look up, Bill," and the engine moved ahead again. Then he found that a cleaner had been caught between the buffers. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he saw no cleaners at work on the stationary engine and no flare lights such as cleaners used. - William John Cook, locomotive inspector, said before an engine was moved the person driving had to satisfy himself that there was no one in danger, and the whistle was blown as well. - Henry Revell, engine cleaner, said he saw the deceased caught between the buffers. He could not account for the accident, unless deceased was coming up from under the engine. - William Pope, the fireman, said just before the accident he had been to the back of his engine, within four feet of the stationary one, to affix a lamp, and there was no cleaner to be seen. When the driver told him to move the engine back he whistled and shouted, "Look out on 3270," to warn anyone who might be there. As the engine came against the stationary one witness heard a sort of shriek and getting off the engine saw the cleaner between the buffers. he shouted to the engine driver, beneath the engine, to keep clear and drew the engine out again, the deceased then falling to the bottom of the inspection pit. - The Coroner: You did not satisfy yourself that there was no one about, you jumped to the conclusion? - I looked around when I put my lamp out, and again when I shouted. - George David Luscombe, foreman of the cleaning-shed, said he did not consider it was Pope's duty to get down and walk round the stationary engine, as he was not going to move it. - John Morgan Harry, Forde-road, engine fitter, gave evidence and the Coroner asked the Jury to decide whether death was due to an accident that could not have been avoided by ordinary or proper care, or whether there was any gross carelessness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they considered there was no negligence on the part of anyone.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 December 1911
EAST STONEHOUSE - Able Seaman's Death. Accident In Rough Sea Off Penlee. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on MICHAEL DEMPSEY, able seaman (28) a native of Queenstown. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Staff-Surg. Oswald Mills said the deceased was admitted to the Hospital on October 11th, suffering from injuries to the head. He was conscious, but subsequently depression of the brain set in and he died from exhaustion on the 10th inst. There was no external wound on the head, only a bump, the appearance of which suggested that the man had come into contact with something hard. He did not perform an operation, as he thought it unnecessary. He made a post-mortem examination and found that the deceased had been suffering from inflammation of the membranes of the brain, and that there were abscesses inside, due no doubt to the injuries. - C.P.O. Albert Nicholson, of H.M.S. Pigmy, said on October 10th, the vessel went to sea accompanied by a number of submarines. On returning about 12.30 p.m., and while rounding the Draystone Buoy, off Penlee Point, witness and the deceased went aft, to see if the port boat was all right in the davits. Suddenly the ship gave a heavy lurch to port, throwing them both against the side. He picked up the deceased, who was dazed, having, witness thought, struck his head against one of the iron stays. They were wearing their sea boots and the deck being slippery, caused his companion to fall. There was a moderate sea, and while rounding the Draystone Buoy, and making for Plymouth Sound, they were in the trough of the sea. Witness described the affair as a pure accident. - Asked by a Juror why the deceased was not sent to Hospital on the day of the accident, Lieut.-Commander Francis A. N. Cromin gave an explanation of the occurrence. On the evening of the accident the deceased was sent down below to recover. Witness inquired after him and ascertained that he was all right. He was asked by witness if he had been attended to medically and replied "No." DEMPSEY remained in his hammock and apart from a headache appeared to be all right. On the following day he was sent to the Impregnable, where he was examined by the doctor, and then sent to Hospital. There was no cut or external injury on the man's head, continued witness, and he merely thought he had received a nasty blow and was suffering from a headache. He did not think that DEMPSEY really believed himself to be injured. The Pigmy, a small vessel, was particularly lively that day and anything that was at all loose on board got on the slide, and it was difficult to keep one's footing. - A Surgeon of H.M.S. Impregnable said he saw deceased the morning after the accident had occurred, and he had practically recovered from the concussion. There was only a bump at the back of his head. Nothing could have been done for him if he had been attended to before. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

MONKLEIGH - North Devon "Home." Terrible Story Related At Monkleigh Inquest. - In the Parish Room, Monkleigh, yesterday, Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on SARAH QUICK, the infant daughter of a farm labourer, and the evidence given revealed a shocking state of things. The deceased child was born on December 1st, in a room in which another child had just died of diphtheria, and was at the time lying dead, the number of persons living in the cottage preventing anything else being done by the occupants. The infant contracted the disease and also died. - Two Bedrooms For Eleven Persons. - CHARLES QUICK, the father, told the Coroner he had nine children living. One of them, a girl 2 ½ years old, died of diphtheria in the room in which his wife was lying, and the body remained there for 20 hours afterwards. he went to the Sanitary Inspector, Mr Pennington, at Parkham, the next day, but he did not come until the 4th. Then the Inspector left a bottle of disinfectant, but did not do anything to the house himself. Witness's cottage comprised a kitchen and two bedrooms. His wife, himself and two children slept in one room and seven children slept in two beds in the other. He earned 12s. a week, and had 20 yards of potato ground and a quart of scald milk a day. When he entered the cottage the landlord promised to increase the accommodation by knocking a doorway into the adjoining premises, where there were three good bedrooms. He had been there three years; the house was not whitewashed when he went in, and nothing had been done since. It was in a very dilapidated condition. The child died on Monday. - Story Of The District Nurse. - Jane Blake, the district Nurse, who attended MRS QUICK, said she was not supposed to attend infectious cases, but when she arrived she found one child had just died of diphtheria and there was the poor woman left with no one to look after her, so she asked, what could she do. She attended to her and the dead body remained in the room all the time and until next day. The seven children who slept in the adjoining room had to pass through this room to go to bed and when they got up in the morning, and the husband was compelled to sleep in the same bed with his wife the next night with another child. The baby was healthy and would have lived had it not caught diphtheria. - Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford) said the cause of death was diphtheria, otherwise the child was quite healthy. The condition of the home in his opinion was most insanitary, and the room in which the seven children slept was only large enough for one child. In his opinion the disease had been contracted in the house. The cottage at present was not fit for human habitation, especially for such a large family. - P.C. Cox gave the dimensions of the rooms. The bedrooms were 14ft. by 14ft. and 7ft. high and 15ft. by 10ft. and 7ft. high. One room had the fireplace boarded up and the windows in each of the rooms were 9 inches by 15 inches. The children's room contained two large beds, which completely filled it. Four children had been sleeping in each of these beds - boys, 12, 8, 5 and 4 years; and girls 11, 10, 7 and 1 year. The room or the house had not been disinfected up to Monday last. The walls of the kitchen were dirty and the plaster broken off in many places, the ceiling being black. - Sanitary Inspector's Evidence. - James Pennington, Sanitary Inspector to Bideford Rural Council, said in July last one of the girls of this family had a diphtheric throat, and was sent home from school and attended by the school Medical Officer of Health. He (witness) visited the house, but did not go upstairs to see what accommodation there was. He did not disinfect the house or fumigate it, but left a bottle of carbolic. On December 2nd he was informed by QUICK that a child had died of diphtheria, but he did not go there until the 4th. Then he did not go upstairs, but left a bottle of disinfectant to be thrown about. He had taken no steps to disinfect or fumigate, because he did not know what to do with the family. - When asked by the Coroner if he had made any attempt to get another place to put the people in for a few hours, he said he had not and did not think of putting them in the spare rooms in the next house. The District Council had no isolation hospital in their district and no cottage where infected children could be taken. Now he had heard what the accommodation was, witness did not consider it sufficient, or that the premises were fit for habitation. The water had been analysed some time ago, but not since the outbreak of diphtheria in July. - Asked what was the good of disinfecting two or three rooms and not completely fumigating a whole house before, when he had received instructions to disinfect some other house in the village, witness said he could not say. - The Coroner: Do you know if the disinfectant you left was used? - I do not know. - Do you care? - No reply. - Jury And The Sanitary Authority. - The Coroner, summing up, referred in strong terms to the conditions revealed by the evidence, and said little interest seemed to have been taken in the matter by the Sanitary Inspector. The conditions seemed more like one of the worst slums in London. - The Jury, of whom the Vicar (Rev. L. H. Lermit) was Foreman, found that the child died from Diphtheria, and added a rider that they did not think proper precautions had been taken by the Sanitary Authority, nor were they satisfied that proper precautions were taken in the previous case which had occurred in the village. They did not consider the house a fit habitation for a man, his wife and family, nor did they consider the house had been kept in a proper condition by the landlord. They also considered the Sanitary Inspector showed considerable carelessness in dealing with this case. - The Jury thanked the Coroner for the great interest he had shown in the matter and the Coroner said their thanks were due to the nurse for her plucky conduct. He thanked the vicar for allowing the use of his outhouse for the post-mortem.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 December 1911
PORTLAND, DORSET - Able Seaman's Death. Barnstaple Man Drowned At Portland. - The adjourned Inquest on Able Seaman FREDERICK GEO. MILTON, of the battleship Colossus, whose body was found in Portland Harbour on Saturday, was held at the Royal Naval Hospital, Portland, yesterday. The body when found was dressed in seaman's uniform, with football boots and in the pockets were found letters which established the man's identity. His wife resides at Topsham, Exeter, and one of the letters was from MRS MILTON. The Inquest had been adjourned to enable witnesses to be called who were last in the man's company, and also to enable a post-mortem examination to be made by Dr Howard. The body, which had been in the water for some time, was in an advanced stage of decomposition. - Mr Huxtable, Admiralty law agent, stated that the deceased acted as linesman at a football match between the Colossus and the Warrior at Portland on November 17th. After the match he went to the naval canteen with some of the players and from thence to the Jolly Sailor, where they remained for some time. Deceased, being on leave until the next morning, was left behind by his shipmates. After that there was no trace of his movements. The Admiralty desired the fullest investigations and had arranged for the attendance of the whole of the football team from the Colossus. There were 19 witnesses present, but the Court decided to call only material evidence. - Dr. T. Howard stated as the result of the post-mortem examination that death was due to asphyxia. There was no indication of the deceased having struggled whilst in the water. - Evidence was given by Master-at-Arms Thomas Jones, of the Colossus, who stated that the deceased left the ship on November 17th, and had a night's leave. He was marked as absent next morning and seven days later as a deserter and a warrant was issued for his arrest. His wife telegraphed for news of her whereabouts and a reply was sent that he was missing. MILTON was a hard-working and sober man. In reply to a Juror, witness said the deceased was a good swimmer. - Other witnesses were Charles Henry Reeves, Albert Martin and Ernest Thomas Edwards, seamen, of the Colossus, who stated that the deceased acted as linesman at the match. He accompanied the players to the canteen and the Jolly Sailor, where they left him with a crowd of blue-jackets. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned, there being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water." - Mr Huxtable, on behalf of the Captain and officers of the Colossus, expressed their regret and tendered their sympathy to the family. - The deceased was buried on Wednesday in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Barnstaple, of which place he was a native. The service was conducted by Rev. H. Every, vicar, and Rev. E. Dawkins, and six ex-sailors acted as bearers. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack. The wreaths included one "In loving remembrance," from his shipmates H.M.S. Colossus.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 December 1911
LYNMOUTH - Child's Fatal Fall. Lynmouth Boy's Terrible Death. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Saturday, held an Inquest at Lynmouth on FREDERICK CLOUTSHAM SHEPPARD, the five-year-old son of MR SAMUEL SHEPPARD, dairyman of Lynmouth, who was killed by a fall whilst at play on Friday. The deceased lad was a pupil at Lynmouth elementary school and was playing on the heights just beside the school buildings, when he slipped, fell over a rock about 30 feet above the level of the playground, and died almost immediately. The wooded hillside on which the lad, with companions of about his age, was playing almost overhangs the playground. - Evidence of the accident was given by Harold Glasby, Jack Pedder and a little five-year-old schoolboy named Burgess, who saw the lad fall and Dr Jenkins gave evidence as to the cause of death, which was fracture of the skull, there being also injury to the spine. - Mr W. H. Northcott, the Schoolmaster, said he had frequently cautioned boys about going to this particular place, and had thrashed them when he found them there. There was, however, easy access from the Watersmeet-road, and children could get there from the playground, but that meant a difficult climb. It would be an advantage if the whole place could be fenced in with a strong wire fencing. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the teachers had no control over the pupils outside school hours and outside the school premises. - The Coroner said the case was an extremely sad one, but evidently no one was to blame. The playground gates were open, so that children could play there if they liked, but children would be children and if there was a dangerous place in the neighbourhood they would get there. The School-Master evidently did his best to stop the children from going to this place, but the Coroner pointed out the limited power the managers had over children out of school hours and off the school premises. - Rev. C. E. Treadwell, vicar of Lynmouth, on behalf of the managers, expressed sympathy with the parents. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and concurred with the Head Master's expression of opinion that the place should be railed in, whilst they also suggested for the consideration of the School Committee that an adjoining garden should be taken in to enlarge the present playground to something more approaching the requirements of the pupils attending the school. The Jury gave their fees to provide a wreath.

PLYMOUTH - Blisland Resident's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns (Plymouth Borough Coroner) on Saturday held an Inquest on MRS FANNY MILICENT JAGGARD, who was taken ill and died at the waiting-room, Millbay Station on Wednesday. From the evidence of Mr Hugh B. Hacken of Blisland, a retired farmer, it appeared that the deceased was the wife of MR CHARLES JAGGARD, a schoolmaster, of St Tudy, Cornwall, but they were living apart. On Wednesday deceased left Blisland to come to Plymouth on business. Dr Parsloe said death was due to Natural Causes and a verdict to that effect was recorded.

STOKE DAMEREL - Warrant Officer's Death. Heart And Lungs Affected. - The Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, on Saturday on MR ALFRED METHERALL, chief carpenter, R.N. Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - The Coroner read a letter from Dr Clay (Plymouth), stating that he saw the deceased on June 8th, when he was suffering from valvular disease of the heart. - ALBERT ERNEST METHERALL, writer in the Dockyard, said his father was 52 years of age and had resided at Spencer-avenue. When witness last saw him he seemed to be in his usual health. Some months ago he consulted Dr Clay, who told him that he was suffering from heart disease and disease of the lungs, the right one being the worst. - Mr David Dodd, chief boatswain, R.N., said on Friday morning he went into the warrant officers' mess and the deceased was standing by the door. He gave a moan and fell against witness. The doctor was called and arrived within two minutes. - Staff-Surgeon J. Thornhill, R.N. Barracks, said the deceased was in a semi-conscious condition when he saw him. All he said was, "I can't take breath." he died about five or ten minutes after. Witness had no doubt, after hearing Dr Clay's letter, that death was due to valvular disease of the heart. - A verdict was returned accordingly, and sympathy was expressed with the relatives. - MR METHERALL thanked the Coroner and Jury, and also Staff-Surgeon Thornhill for his prompt attention.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - At Laira Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY FULL, aged sixteen months. MRS YABSLEY, grandmother of the deceased, Nelson-terrace, said she was in the kitchen on Thursday and the child was with her. She had a basin of boiling water on the table, and while her back was turned the child reached over and tipped the contents over his right arm. Dr Henry G. Pinker, Braidwood-terrace, said the child died from shock, the result of the scalds. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows A Slight Cut. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on ROBERT FRANCIS SYMONS, aged 48, rag-picker, 46 Harwell-street. Mr F. C. Hellings, Workhouse Master, said deceased was admitted to the House on the 8th inst., suffering from blood poisoning. Dr Cooke saw him the same day. The man died on Monday evening. Dr C. J. Cooke, Medical Officer at the Plymouth Workhouse, said deceased was suffering from a poisoned wound in the hand. The whole arm was affected. The man informed him he had a small cut on his hand, of which he took no notice. He was engaged in dirty work picking rags and bones. Death was due to Blood Poisoning. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Woman's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest on LOUISA FAIR, spinster, of no fixed abode, was held by Mr R. B. Johns at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. - P.C. Cawse said deceased was about 40 years of age. On Friday afternoon he saw her in a drunken condition. James Henry Shears, labourer, King-street, said on Sunday morning he saw deceased in a cook shop in King-street. The woman was in a dripping condition and very cold. She said she had been on the Hoe all night. At witness's request she was given some tea. Subsequently he took her to his home and gave her food. Before she had been in the house many minutes she suddenly dropped dead. - Dr J. S. Pearse said death was due to pneumonia, accelerated by alcoholism. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their appreciation of witness's Shears' action.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HARWOOD, 78, carpenter, of Cecil-street, Plymouth, W. H. King, cabman, Cecil-street, said deceased cut his finger about two months ago. Dr R. H. Wagner, who had attended deceased since November 10th, stated that HARWOOD was suffering from septic abscesses of the arm, caused by the cut on his fore-finger, which had admitted foreign matter, resulting in blood poisoning. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on Saturday on SAMUEL DOBSON, retired commercial traveller, aged 82 years, who was found lying dead on the floor of his bedroom. Dr Aikman said death was due to valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on Saturday on the infant daughter of JOHN ROBINS, naval stoker, of Chapel-street, the mother said the deceased had been sleeping with her, and on awakening that morning she found it was dead. Dr Palmer stated that death was due to suffocation. There were no marks of violence. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1911
ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Mystery. Missing Woman Found Dead On The Cliffs. Evidence At Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday in St. Marychurch, Townhall, on MARGARET ANDREWS, aged 25, daughter of MR JOSEPH ANDREWS, caretaker of the Roman Catholic Church and School in Abbey-road, Torquay. After being missed from home for nearly a week, the body of deceased was found on Petitor Common, near St. Marychurch, on Sunday morning. Mr R. Cumming was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner remarked that deceased was last seen alive a week ago and that there was no evidence of anyone having seen her since. - JOSEPH ANDREWS, father of deceased, said deceased was his youngest daughter. She was a shop assistant, employed by Mr Roberts, stationer, Lucius-street. Torquay, for eight years, until the business changed hands. She had been out of employment several months and had lived at home with witness and his elder daughter. Deceased enjoyed good health and had always been very pleasant. She had a bad toe at one time, for which she was attended by Dr Eales, but she had had no serious illness. On Sunday week, the 17th, she went to church early in the morning and in the afternoon she left home on a visit to Babbacombe to Mr and Mrs Roberts, by whom she was formerly employed. - The Coroner: Do you think she was worried about getting another situation? - Witness replied that he did not think she was. His married daughter was coming down from Wales, and it was arranged that deceased should go back with her. He thought she went to see Mr and Mrs Roberts, thinking they might be busy during Christmas week. She left home for Babbacombe between half-past three and four o'clock. They expected her back at tea-time or just afterwards, unless she stopped to tea, and then she would have been later. She did not return, and witness and his daughter got anxious as the night came on, but thought that perhaps deceased might be staying with one of her married sisters at Ellacombe. - The Coroner: Can you suggest any reason for what has happened? - No, I cannot. She was always most affectionate. - No Trouble At Home. - Had she ever had any trouble at home with you or her sister? - No; they always got on well together. - And you cannot suggest any reason for the disappearance of the deceased? - No; I can give no information whatever. The only thing I can suggest is that she suddenly lost her reason. She always had a good home. - Was she engaged to be married? - No; she had no young man and never walked out with one. Her sister was her only companion. During the time she has been home she has looked after the domestic duties of the home, owing to her sister having bad eyes. - The Coroner: You are the person to whom we look for a suggestion as to the cause of your daughter's disappearance? - I have tried in every way to account for it, but I can see no reason. She was strong and healthy and had never had any trouble. She was active and well able to get about and she was not likely to faint whilst out for a walk. She had no watch or jewellery about her and she rarely carried any money. - MAUD ANDREWS, elder sister of deceased, said she did not think deceased had any trouble and she did not seem to be depressed. She was always very quiet and reserved in her manner and very often she would not go out if witness did not go with her. She was quite cheerful when she left home to visit Mr and Mrs Roberts at Babbacombe. She promised to be back between half-past five and six. They did not like deceased to go out by herself because she was always very timid and nervous in the dark. When she did not return by ten o'clock witness and her father got very anxious about her, and she went to the Police Station and made enquiries, fearing that deceased might have met with an accident. She was in good health when she went away, and witness thought she must have had a sudden loss of memory. She had no one to meet on Petitor Common. She was not in the habit of going to Petitor; the only time she had gone there was on race day. She was very happy at home. - The Coroner: Did you think she would take her own life? - I should never think that; she was the last person in the world to do such a thing. I know it was quite out of her direction to go to Petitor. I have never heard of her making any threat to take her life. I cannot think what led her towards Petitor beach. It was dark at 4.30 and she must have wandered there in the dark. It is all such a mystery to us; I can't explain it at all. - The Coroner: She must have gone to Petitor with some object. - I suppose so. - Do you think it was with the object of taking her life that she went there? - No, sir; I should never think that. - Can you suggest any other reason? - No, I cannot. - Had she any friends that way? - No, no one there. - A Missing Pendant. - Witness added that deceased might have had round her neck a pendant of her late mother's, as she (witness) could not find it at home. Labouring under emotion, witness identified her sister's clothing, also her false teeth, found near the body. Witness said these teeth were not very firm, and might have dropped out if deceased fell down. As to her hat not having been found, the hat was of light straw, and might have been blown away. - The Coroner: Was she troubled about religious matters? - Witness: Oh, no sir. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said deceased was not under any subjection, nor was she feeble-minded. - Mrs Mary Roberts, of 116 Redder Hill-road, Babbacombe, said she had known deceased all her life. She was an assistant in her shop in Torquay for eight years, up to when witness left the business six years ago, since which deceased had been in other situations. She came to see witness on Sunday evening week, arriving at her house at quarter to six. It would not have taken her two hours to walk there from her home, but she did not say where she had been. She could have walked up in half an hour. - Miss Andrews, recalled, said deceased was not going anywhere else. - Mrs Roberts, continuing, said deceased offered to help in her shop at Babbacombe during the Christmas week if she was busy. Deceased did not appear to be anxious to get work; she made her offer out of kindness, as she said she did not expect wages and nothing but her dinner and tea. Witness told her that business was quiet and they did not want any help, and deceased left a five minutes to six. They had had tea an hour before, and deceased did not say where she had been before she came. She was talking for about a quarter of an hour whilst Mr Roberts and herself were preparing to go to church, and when she left she said she was going home. She spoke all right during the conversation and mentioned about some friends who were doing well in Canada. She did not seem discontented , or in trouble, or out of sorts and was looking forward to her sister coming for Christmas. Her last words as she left were: "I am going home to tea," and witness did not see her afterwards. Petitor Common was in quite an opposite direction from deceased's home. Witness could not suggest why she went in that direction, except that she might have altered her mind and followed her (witness) to the Catholic Church, although she did not see deceased there or on the way. - P.C. Tooze stated that inquiries showed that deceased was not seen after she left Mrs Roberts's house until her body was found. - Doctor's Examination. - Dr Herbert Ernest Dalby stated that at noon on Sunday he was called by the Police to Petitor Common, and about three-quarters of the way down the cliff he saw the body of deceased. She was lying on her face with her hands crossed and her head was resting on her arm. The body was on very rough ground off the path towards the sea, and there were rocks and brambles about. He examined deceased, and found she was dead. Her boots were unlaced, and her feet were pressed against a rock. Her blouse was unbuttoned and partly off, her arm having been slipped out of it. Her coat was two or three feet away, lying on the ground, and in a hollow five feet further down was her waist-belt. Witness had the body removed to the Mortuary, where he made a further examination. Externally the body was well developed. On the right temple there was a contusion, also on the right cheek. There were scratches on the limbs, which might have been caused by thorns. There were no marks of blows or bruises. Internally all the organs were healthy, with the exception of the heart, in which there was valvular disease, which had existed for some considerable time. - The Coroner: There was no indication of any poisonous substance having been taken? - No, none. - What opinion do you form as to the cause of death? - Heart failure, accelerated by exposure. - Witness added that the bruise on the temple was not caused by a heavy blow, but apparently by deceased having struck her head against something during a fall. He considered that deceased had been dead at least four days and it might have been nearly seven; she might have died on the Sunday night when she disappeared. The functional disorder from which she suffered for three years might have caused brain trouble, such as loss of memory. This, however, was not likely to have come on suddenly without showing symptoms. - Archie Sharland, blacksmith, described finding the body about 9.45 on Sunday as he was walking along Petitor Common towards the beach, and giving information to the Police. - "A Natural Position." - P.S. Hunt said the body appeared to be lying in a natural position. From the pressed appearance of the ground it seemed as if deceased had been lying at the spot for a considerable time. - MISS ANDREWS, in reply to the Coroner, said she and deceased slept in the same room. She had found no letter. - Thomas John Pardoe, insurance agent, South Wales, brother-in-law to deceased, said he saw deceased last Easter at Torquay. He never saw anything the matter with her, but he formed the opinion that she was depressed after leaving her situation. - The Coroner suggested that the verdict should be that death was due to heart disease, brought on by exposure and exhaustion, and he pointed out that there was no evidence of any intention to commit suicide, or any suggestion that deceased had any reason for it. There was, however, the question as to what was her object in going to this rough place on Petitor Common after dark. - The Jury after retiring for a short time, returned a verdict that Death was caused by Heart Failure, due to Heart Disease through Exposure. - The Foreman added that the Jury were unanimously of opinion that deceased wandered to the place where she was found through a lapse of memory. - The Coroner said that was the opinion of the Jury, but their verdict was all that was necessary. They were not obliged to give reasons for the verdict they arrived at.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 December 1911
PLYMOUTH - Naval Doctor's Death. Inquest At Plymouth. - The Inquest on DR GORDON MOIR, R.N., aged 33, of the Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich, who was found dead at the Lockyer Hotel, Plymouth, on Wednesday morning, was held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner. The deceased's father, MR JAMES MOIR, of The Chantry, Westbury, Wilts, was in attendance, but it was not deemed necessary to call him. Mr K. Peck, Admiralty Law Agent, watched the proceedings on behalf of the naval authorities. - Fredk. Gregory, head boots at the Lockyer Hotel, identified the body, stating that deceased being a regular customer at the Hotel he knew him well. DR MOIR came to the Hotel on Friday evening and seemed to be in his usual health. He was last seen alive on Tuesday night about 9 o'clock when he retired to rest. On the following morning, about nine o'clock, Winifred Weeks, a chambermaid, went up to call him and take him a cup of tea. She knocked at the door, but getting no reply, sent for witness, who first tried the door and then forced it open. He found the deceased lying on the floor fully dressed, holding a broken morphia injector in his hand. There was a mark on his forehead, from which blood had been oozing. Dr Cooke was then sent for. - A Juryman: Was deceased in the habit of staying at the Hotel? - Witness: Yes. - Were you aware that he was in the habit of taking morphia to induce sleep? - No. - Dr Cooke, of Sussex-terrace, said when summoned he found deceased lying on his left side between the bed and a chair in the corner of the room. Between the fingers of the right hand there was a morphia syringe, the needle of which was broken. There was a small abrasion on deceased's left temple, caused apparently by a fall. On the ground was the case belonging to the syringe, together with a tube which had contained morphia. As a result of the post-mortem examination witness found that the deceased had been in the habit of taking morphia by injection. There was extensive recent pleurisy on the left side of the lung, also the commencement of pneumonia of the left lung and there were some signs of older pleurisy. The heart was small and in a weak condition. - The Coroner: About the morphia, did it effect his death in any way? - Dr Cooke: There was no reason to think so. I do not think any man in the habit of taking morphia would be poisoned by an injection. If he had died of morphia poisoning he would have had plenty of time to get into bed. - The Coroner: Then to what do you actually attribute death? - Dr Cooke: I think his death was due to syncope, induced by the condition of the lungs. - The Coroner: I am very glad to hear that, because it clears up the doubt as to whether deceased had taken an overdose of morphia. It will be a great relief to his father, too, who is naturally prostrate with grief. - Dr Cooke: It is very likely that he would have had a good deal of pain from the pleurisy and it is extremely likely he would take an injection of morphia to relieve the pain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

PLYMOUTH - Taxi-Cab Fatality. Result Of Inquest At Plymouth. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on WILLIAM THOMAS HAPPS, aged 48, of 18 Salisbury-road, who was run over and killed by a taxi-cab in Millbay-road on Tuesday. Mr Percy Pearce represented the deceased's relatives; Mr J. W. Bickle appeared for the driver of the cab, Rudolph Vercoe, and the owners, the Provincial Motor Car Company; whilst Mr S. Carlile Davis watched the proceedings on behalf of deceased's employer, Mr John Westcott. - Dr F. M. Williams, port medical officer, said on Tuesday, about 11.45 a.m., he was going into Plymouth from Stonehouse, and had got as far as the railway arch just below Millbay-road, when his attention was attracted by a shout. He looked round and saw a taxi-cab slewing on to the pavement, apparently having side-slipped. It was raining hard at the time and blowing strongly, and he himself was nearly pinned against the wall by the car. The next thing he saw was an umbrella flying across the road. He reached the taxi-cab before the driver had had time to get out of his seat and he then saw the body of the deceased under the car. The near fore wheel of the vehicle seemed to be between his legs. He told the driver to get out and together they pushed the cab back and got the man out. On examination he found that the deceased had two severe scalp wounds and was unconscious. Witness saw that he was very seriously injured, and presumed that he had some serious internal injuries. Witness, with the assistance of the chauffeur and bystanders, put the man in the cab and he was taken to the Hospital. The granite sets of the roadway were very greasy at the time. - By a Juryman: I heard a shout, but I did not hear the sound of a horn, although it may have been sounded. - Mr Pearce: Was the car coming behind you? - Dr Williams: Overtaking me. I did not see the deceased, I only saw his umbrella fly across the road. - Why did the car first come on the pavement and then go out on the road again? - Simply because the pavement finished there. - Rudolph Vercoe, 7 Mount Pleasant-terrace, taxi-driver, in the employ of the Provincial Motor Car Company, said he went to the Marine Barracks on Tuesday morning to pick up a fare. He was returning along Millbay-road and just after passing Bath-street witness overtook two horse-drawn cabs. Just as he got abreast of the last cab the deceased, who was carrying an open umbrella over his shoulder, stepped off the pavement to cross the road. Witness blew his horn and shouted and as soon as he saw that there was danger of a collision he applied both brakes, with the result that the car skidded, deceased being struck with the left-hand side of the bonnet. - The Coroner: Did your hind wheel go up on to the pavement? - Witness: I could not say. - What speed were you going at? - About eight or nine miles an hour. - Witness added that at Dr Williams's request he conveyed the injured man to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Mr Pearce: What experience have you had of driving motor cars? - Witness: About eight months, including the time occupied by my tuition. - How long have you driven cars in the public thorough-fare? - About four or five months. - Have you had any experience of accidents before? - Never. - How did you gauge the speed at which you were travelling? - I had no indicator. - What time did you leave the Barracks? - About 11.25 a.m. - How far off was the deceased before you saw him? - I was about a yard from him. He came straight off the pavement into the road. - Can you account for getting on the pavement before striking the man? - Only by applying the brakes. - How far did the car go after you put your brakes on? - About 10 yards. - Mr Bickle: When you saw the man suddenly step out into the road you immediately put both brakes on? - Yes. - And when you put your brakes on the left bonnet hit the deceased and then the car skidded? - Yes, for about eight or nine yards. - The man was carried on with you? - Yes. - If you had not put your brakes on how would you have struck the deceased? - With the centre of the car. - Lieut. T. L. Hunton, stationed at the Marine Barracks, Stonehouse, deposed to having ordered the car to convey him from the Barracks to Plymouth. He saw nothing of the accident as it was raining and the glass was covered with steam. - The Coroner: What speed should you say you were going at? - Lieut. Hunton: I could not say; but it never occurred to me at any time that the man was driving at an excessive speed. - What was the first intimation that you had of the accident? - I heard the driver shout. - did you look out then? - I saw that there had been an accident and jumped out. I did not see the taxi-cab strike the man. - Could you feel the car skid? - Yes, directly the driver applied the brakes. - Henry Wright, assurance agent, 13 Buckingham-place, Stonehouse, said when in Millbay-road on Tuesday morning the car driven by Vercoe passed him, and was going at about 10 miles an hour. The accident, which he did not see, happened immediately afterwards, and by the time he had arrived on the scene some 30 or 40 people had gathered round. - Mr Pearce: Did you express the opinion yesterday to the son of the deceased that you thought the speed of the car was 18 miles an hour? - Witness: No. I did not say that at all. - What did you say? - I said it might have been twelve, but that it was hard to guess. - Dr Burgess, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was brought in on the previous Tuesday afternoon suffering from fracture of the base of the skull. He was operated on, but died at 9 p.m. the same day. - The Coroner commented on the fact that the majority of the witnesses were very vague as to the exact time of the accident. However, it was clear that it was blowing heavily and raining hard at the time. Evidence had been given that the speed of the car was not excessive and if the driver applied the brakes, as stated, if the Jury were of opinion that he was driving in the ordinary way and that the skidding did occur as a result of his applying the brakes, then it was not a case of manslaughter. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Bickle, on behalf of Vercoe and the proprietors of the Motor Car Company, expressed sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased in their bereavement. - Mr Carlile Davis said Mr John Westcott with whom deceased had been a valued servant for over 20 years, had desired him to convey to the widow and relatives his deep sense of sympathy in the loss they had mutually sustained. - Mr R. W. C. Barber, brother-in-law of the deceased, expressed thanks for the sympathy shown to the bereaved family.

TORQUAY - Torquay Man's End. Found Dead After A Boxing-Day Drinking Bout. Had He Taken Poison? - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ARTHUR DUNHAM, aged 49, bootmaker, of 2 Laburnum-street, Tor, who was found dead in bed on Wednesday evening. - SUSAN DUNHAM, widow, said during the last two years deceased had been at times a heavy drinker, his bouts lasting for a week and longer. He had complained of his health for a long time. He was out drinking all day on Boxing-day, leaving home about nine o'clock and returning at 7.30 p.m., the worse for drink. He asked for more money with which to return to the public-house, but witness refused to give him any. He then went away again and returned an hour later and asked her for two pence, but she refused it. He next asked for a penny, and this was given to him by the lodger, named Coppin, on his promising to come home. Deceased finally returned about five minutes to eleven, and went to bed in a room behind the shop by himself, as witness was afraid of being in the same room with him whilst he was under the influence of drink. She saw him safe in bed and at his request left the gas jet burning low. Several bottles were in the room, one being a bottle of water for deceased to drink during the night and another containing liniment for rheumatism. Deceased used no acids in his business that witness knew of. Some time ago he threatened to commit suicide, saying if he could not get more money for drink he would take poison. He afterwards said he only said this to frighten her. At the time he held up a bottle containing poison and she threw it away. On Wednesday morning, about 10.30 she went into the room in which she left deceased the night before. The bed-clothes were thrown off and deceased was lying on his back stretched out as if asleep. She went to awaken him and found he was dead and the body cold. There was nothing to indicate that deceased had taken anything to cause his death. - In reply to the Foreman (Mr J. H. Brown) witness said she did not know the public-house where deceased had been drinking. She agreed that he was in such a state that he ought not to have been served with drink after he first came home in the evening. - William Charles Coppin, bricklayer, a lodger in the house, said deceased was drunk when he came home at 8.30 p.m. Last Saturday morning deceased asked witness for money, and on being refused said he was tired of life and had a good mind to cut his throat. Witness did not think deceased meant what he said, and did not regard it seriously. When MRS DUNHAM called him, after finding her husband dead, she said he had poisoned himself. - The Foreman asked witness if he knew where deceased got his drink, and he said he did not. Another Juryman expressed his belief that witness did know, upon which the coroner asked him the question again, reminding him that he had taken an oath to tell the truth. Witness, however, adhered to his statement. - Dr W. Odell said he examined deceased's mouth, and could see no trace of poison. He subsequently made a post-mortem examination. There was an enormously enlarged liver, which he attributed to alcoholic excess. The stomach was full of very dark fluid, very acid. There was no perceptible smell with it. There were signs of irritation of the stomach from some poison. He could not give a definite opinion as to the cause of death. He had reason to think it was not due to alcoholic poisoning alone. The condition of the stomach pointed to death from oxalic acid, although there was no sign of burning of the mouth or throat. When he saw deceased, just after eleven o'clock, he must have been dead more than six hours. - P.C. Abbott produced the bottles found in deceased's bedroom, and of these one contained liniment and another a small quantity of hartshorn and oil, the others being empty. - Deceased's son, age 17, was also called and he too, said he did not know where his father had been drinking. - The Coroner pointed out that as the evidence did not establish the cause of death, the only course to pursue was to adjourn the Inquest to have an analysis of the contents of the stomach. - The Inquest was accordingly adjourned for this purpose for a fortnight.

EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. Troubled Since His Wife's Death. - At an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WM. JAMES HIGGINSON, aged 52, widower, formerly a retail stationer, of Blackboy-road, DOROTHY HIGGINSON, daughter, said her father gave up his business in September last, since when he had given way to drink. On Saturday last, when she saw him before going to stay with friends at Torquay, he was not sober. He had threatened to take his life when in drink. - Sarah Jane West said deceased had lodged for two days at her house in Kendall's-buildings. He went out on Christmas morning, and did not return. - Mrs Clements, of Blackboy-road, said on Sunday deceased took a razor from his pocket and said he should do something with it. She appealed to him to give it up, but he refused, and left the house. He did not appear to have been right in his mind since his wife's death about twelve months ago. - Mrs Whitburn, of Salem-place, said on Wednesday, entering an empty house opposite the shop in which deceased formerly carried on business, she saw deceased lying on the floor, dead. Deceased had been renting the house and had the key. - P.C. Stacey said he was called to the house and found deceased lying in a pool of blood with his throat cut. His left hand was clasping a razor. - Dr Pereira said the wound, which severed the windpipe, and was about six inches across, was self-inflicted. The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Burnt To Death. Plymouth Girl's Terrible End. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on ROSINA LOSE, aged 17, domestic servant, in the employ of Michael Solomon, of 54 Ebrington-street, who was burnt to death the previous night, under circumstances already reported. - EMILY LOSE, widow, 1 Martin-street, said the deceased, her daughter, had often been subject to fits. - Mr Solomon said he went out with his wife about 9 o'clock the previous night, leaving deceased in charge of the house. When he came home about 11 o'clock he found the girl on the floor with her face actually in the fire, the fireplace being an open one. He was aware that she had been subject to fits. A little boy 4 years old was the only other person in the house at the time. When he last saw the girl she was quite normal and he was of opinion that she had a fit and fell into the fire. - Dr Palmer said by the time he arrived the girl was lying on the floor dead. The whole of the face was totally destroyed and there were extensive burns about the neck and shoulders. Such injuries would have been caused by deceased having a fit and falling in the fire. Under the circumstances he thought she was quite unconscious and would have felt no pain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - Singular Death At Ilfracombe. - Yesterday Mr Geo. Browne, Coroner, held an Inquest at Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on GEORGE B. RICHARDS, aged 23, who died from the results of an accident while rabbiting. - HARRY RICHARDS, brother, said on Christmas-day he accompanied deceased rabbiting on Warcombe Farm. He understood his brother had a fall. He did not witness the accident, as he was on the other side of the fence, but his brother told him his leg was broken by running against the dog before he fell. - Reginald Williams said he was with deceased on Christmas-day and saw him shoot at a rabbit. It was not killed and deceased ran after it and in doing so the dog ran violently against him and tripped him up. Witness went to him, but deceased was unable to rise. - Dr Kettlewell said he was called to the Hospital to see the deceased about 1.30 p.m. on Christmas-day. He was suffering from shock and was very cold. On examination he found that both bones of the left leg were broken. It was a compound fracture. Next morning deceased had convulsions and became unconscious. He died the following morning. Witness subsequently found the whole of the upper portion of the brain congested. At the base of the brain was a large clot of blood, which had evidently come from the wound and this had caused death. Deceased had told him that his leg was broken before he fell owing to the concussion with the dog. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the family of the deceased, who live at Warcombe Farm.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 December 1911
WOOLFARDISWORTHY - North Devon Burning Fatality. - At an Inquest at Woolfardisworthy yesterday on FLORENCE ROSE VIVIAN DISCOMBE, aged four years, daughter of a rabbit trapper, SUSAN DISCOMBE, the mother, said yesterday week she went upstairs, leaving the deceased alone in the kitchen standing by a table a little distance from the fire. Within a few minutes she heard deceased screaming and on rushing downstairs found her in flames. She put out the flames and sent for a doctor, but deceased died on Tuesday. There was no fireguard in front of the fire. - Dr Vicary said the burns were most extensive and severe. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."