Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1915

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; Amphlett; Aplin; Arscott(2); Arthurs; Axworthy; Barnscott; Bartle; Bevans; Bickley; Bishop(2); Bowles; Brealey; Broom; Brown(2); Brusey; Bull; Burbidge; Burgoyne; Burrows(2); Chantrell; Clarke; Cock; Cocker; Codner; Collings; Collins; Creber; Crookes; Curnow; Daley; Davey(2); Dawe(2); Dilrew; Dore; Down; Drake(2); Edwards; Elliott(2); Elms; English; Flavel; Flipp; Foxworthy(2); Furzeman; Gale; Gascoyne; Glover; Goater; Godbeer; Goulding; Griffin; Hall; Halloran; Hanley; Hart; Hatch(2); Haydon; Healey; Hepburn; Herring; Hitchins; Hitt; Hobbes; Hobbs(2); Holland; Hooper; Hyssett; Jeffrey; Jesson; John; Johnson; Jonas; Jones; Jury; Kelly; Lawer; Letheren; Lewis; Locock; Lord; Mainman; Martin; Mason; May; McCarthy; Merryfield; Methuen; Millers; Nankivell; Neals; Nickols; Palmer; Parkman; Peaton; Pelton; Perring; Pessell; Phillips; Philpott; Phipps; Potter; Prout(2); Radford; Reek; Rice; Richard; Rickard; Rowe; Salter; Sanders; Sapworth; Scoble; Searl; Shapland; Sharp; Simmons; Sing; Skardon; Sloman(2); Sobey; Southwood; Sparkes; Spear; Spilsbury; Stansmere; Stephens; Symonds; Tapp; Tarbuck; Taylor; Thomas; Tope; Topham; Tuckerman; Tuffin; Turner; Uran; Vicary; Viggers; Vincent; Walker; Watkins; Welch; Westlake; Wherry; Whiddon; Williams(3); Winson; Wise; Wonnacott; Wood; Woodman; Yockney

Western Morning News, Friday 1 January 1915
PLYMSTOCK - Naval Cook's Death At Sea. Inquest At Mount Batten. - At Mount Batten yesterday an Inquest on the body of the man found floating in the water at Wembury on Tuesday morning was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner. Mr K. Eyton Peck watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM THOMAS HAYDON, of Grenville-road, Plymouth, mechanician in the Royal Naval, who said deceased, ALBERT E. HAYDON, his father, was a wardroom cook on H.M.S. Onyx, 50 years of age and lived at 3 Tothill-road. Although the body had been in the water for some considerable time, and was very decomposed, witness could identify it by the boots, a cholera belt and a cotton shirt which deceased was wearing at the time. - Dr Noy Scott, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. - P.C. Friendship, of Steddiscombe, said deceased was wearing an apron. - Engr.-Lieut. Arthur Ernest Lane, H.M.S. Onyx, said deceased, who was a wardroom cook, arrived on board on Saturday, the 5th ult., at about 6.15 p.m. He went to the galley to prepare dinner. About half an hour alter witness was informed that deceased was missing. A search was made, but no traces of the man could be found. Just outside the wardroom galley there was a double gliding door, which opened outwards, and when open a chain was put across the opening to prevent anyone falling overboard. The doors were open about two feet, and the chains down, and witness was of opinion that deceased went to throw something overboard and in doing so slipped and fell into the water. The weather was fine and calm at the time, and deceased was quite familiar with the surroundings, having been attached to the ship for some years. He was wearing an apron similar to the one described by the Constable. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water, and the safer verdict would be one of "Found Drowned." To this the Jury agreed and they also expressed their sympathy with the bereaved family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 January 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Suicide In A Train. Nerves Shattered By Experiences At The Front. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on PTE. ANDREW BURGOYNE, 1st Devon Regt., who was found in a L. and S.W.R. express train with his throat cut on Wednesday. - Mr J. W. Bickle was present on behalf of the relatives and Inspector W. Trump, Exeter, for the railway company. - MRS FLORENCE EMMA BURGOYNE, widow, residing at Underwood, Plympton, said deceased, aged 29, was a reservist. Before being called up he was working as a skilled labourer in the Dockyard. He was sent to the front early in the war, and was there for three months. Then he was sent home to the 2nd Western General Hospital, Manchester, wounded in the right forearm. She understood he received it at Ypres on November 18th. On December 15th he was discharged on twenty days' sick furlough and had been home a fortnight. He was a totally different man from what he was when he went to the front. He would wake up in the night frightened and make incoherent remarks about the Germans. On Tuesday he left Underwood to go to see his brother at Laira, and that was the last she saw of him. They had been married two years and had a child nine months' old, who was very ill. She thought deceased's mind was unhinged by what he had endured. His nerves were completely shattered. - George Wey, porter, said he travelled down by the express from Exeter. Just after leaving Okehampton he was walking along the corridor when he saw blood running from under the door of the lavatory. He could not force the door, which was bolted on the inside, and called the guard. They smashed the lock with a rifle belonging to some soldiers in the train. They found deceased in the lavatory with his throat cut. there was a large army knife on the floor. A naval doctor who was in the train attended to deceased. - P.C. Harper gave evidence of being called to the Devonport Station. -= Dr W. H. Davis, attached to the Military Hospital, said deceased expired on the way to the Hospital. Death was due to shock and loss f blood, resulting from the wound in the throat. - The Coroner: Have you found wounded men in certain cases have been depressed? - Dr Davis: The majority of them are. For the first few days especially their nerves are completely shattered. - The Coroner said it spoke highly for the manner in which the wounded were cared for, for here was a man who was wounded on November 18th and three days later was safely installed in the Hospital at Manchester. They had been told that deceased's mind was unhinged and his nerves shattered, not so much from the wound he had received, but the general experiences he had undergone day by day at the front. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," adding a rider that they were of opinion that deceased's mind was unhinged owing to what he had gone through at the front. Deep sympathy was expressed with the widow and relatives. - PTE. ANDREW (ANDY) BURGOYNE was a well-known athlete and a fine Association football player.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 January 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Crushed By Armour Plate. Skilled Labourer's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport South Dockyard yesterday on SIDNEY ERNEST HERRING, skilled labourer, aged 39. - WILLIAM JOHN HERRING, painter, said deceased, his brother, was unmarried. - Dr O'Donnell said deceased was brought to the surgery about 8.30 on Saturday morning. He was in a state of collapse and died about half an hour later. Witness described the injuries and said death was due to shock. There was no hope from the first. - W. P. Tabb, skilled labourer, said deceased and other men were engaged in hoisting an armour-plate on a trolley by means of a crane. On the trolley were two pieces of timber, each 23ft. long, secured by wire. On these pieces of timber were four cross-pieces, so that shackles might be placed under the plate. The plate had been raised from the ground and plumbed over the trolley. One of the cross-pieces got shifted. Deceased was on one side of the trolley and witness on the other side. Witness told him to put the cross-piece in position and at that time the plate was about two feet above the trolley and stationary. Witness saw deceased handling the cross-piece when the plate was lowered and crushed HERRING. Deceased was unconscious. Witness was superintending the work, but the plate was lowered without his order. He heard no order given. The plate weighed about six tons. - Mr E. Stephens, foreman of engineers, said the crane was new in 1909. It was last tested on April 16th. The crane was in a thoroughly efficient state. - Albert Martin, crane-driver, said he was engaged in hoisting the plate, which was placed in position over the trolley. It was stationary from three to five minutes, while the cross-pieces were being adjusted and the trolley moved into position. He received an order to lower, which he assumed had come from Tabb. He lowered the plate and just after orders were shouted to "Heave up" which he did. He could not swear it was Tabb's voice which gave the order. Witness thought a better system would be to have a man specially appointed to convey the signals irrespective of the work being done. - The Coroner said there was no doubt the crane was lowered before it should have been. There did not seem to be anything like gross negligence. Martin heard what he thought to be an order and carried it out accordingly. Unfortunately there was a considerable amount of noise and it was just possible he might have mistaken someone else shouting for the order to lower. He (the Coroner) thought it was a pure accident. - Mr C. Lillicrap, constructor, on behalf of the constructive manager, expressed regret at the accident and his sympathy with the relatives. Deceased was a workman much respected by his comrades. - Mr Martin also expressed similar sentiments. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner saying they did not consider the accident occurred because of any negligence on Mr Martin's part.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 January 1915
TAVISTOCK - Gunnislake Infant's Death. A Dangerous Practice. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday on FREDERICK MONTENEGRO KITCHENER JURY, the five-month-old child of ERNEST JURY, tin-dresser, of Dimson, Gunnislake. - The mother stated that the child was in a cradle before the kitchen fire. The door of the stove was closed, but the top was open. She had put some coal on the fire and was preparing supper at the kitchen table, when she heard a "snap," and the child gave a painful cry. She found that a small piece of burned coal or stone had flown out of the fire and was in the child's neck. She took it out and got some oil from a chemist, which she applied. The child got worse and a doctor was called in. - In reply to the Coroner, she said she put the cradle near the fire because it was a cold day. - Miss Heaton, Matron at the Hospital, said the child was suffering from burns and had a fit. When admitted it was almost a hopeless case. - Dr A. Bowhay, of Gunnislake, stated that the child had a burn about the size of a half-penny at the juncture of the left shoulder and the neck. In spite of treatment the burn gradually extended until it became nearly the size of a five-shilling piece. The cause of death was convulsions due to the burn. These parents were careful and kind to their children, but it was the habit f parents to put children near the fire. - The Coroner said it was a dangerous and unnecessary practice when a child was wrapped up in the cradle, and he hoped that MRS JURY and other mothers would learn a lesson from what had occurred. The Jury found that death was the result of Convulsions, due to a Burn Accidentally Received.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 January 1915
EAST STONEHOUSE - Pistol Accident. Naval Boy Killed At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on GEORGE EDWARD ELLIOTT, 16, boy servant, R.N., living in Ashford-road, Plymouth, who was wounded by a pistol shot at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, on December 3rd, and died a few days later. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Lieut.-Commander C. H. Woodward, R.N., deposed that at the R.N. Hospital, on December 4th, deceased made the following statement:- "It was entirely an accident. Boy Dowdell had the pistol to clean and thought it was five-chambered. Dowdell took out five cartridges and gave the pistol to Boy Roseveare, who, thinking there was nothing in it, pointed it at me and it went off." - The Coroner: You were quite satisfied from the interview you had that it was a foolish accident? - Witness: Oh, yes. - Boy Servant George Dowdell, Palace-street, Plymouth, said he took the pistol from Lieut. Clarke's table to clean, although he had no instructions to do so. Roseveare, who was present, said, "Let me have a look at it," and, the pistol being given to him, he removed the magazine. Roseveare was in the act of cleaning it when it exploded. It was not deliberately pointed at deceased, and they were not skylarking at the time. He (Dowdell) was Lieut. Clarke's servant and he had seen the pistol on the table during the whole fortnight Lieut. Clarke had occupied the cabin. - Boy Servant George Francis Roseveare, Jubilee-street, Plymouth, also stated that the pistol accidentally went off while it was being cleaned and the bullet struck deceased, who was sitting by the fire. When he removed the magazine he thought the pistol was safe. He did not deliberately point it at deceased. He thought the rag which he was using to clean it touched the trigger. - William Henry Hunt, officer's steward, whose duty it was to daily see that the officers' cabins were satisfactorily cleaned up, said he had never seen the pistol lying carelessly about in Lieut. Clarke's cabin. It was a private revolver and Lieut. Clarke's probably kept the cartridges for it in his drawer. His boy servant might know this. - James T. Redding, senior instructor to boy servants, R.N. Barracks, explained that the magazine of the pistol, which was of Mauser make, had been detached before the accident occurred. It contained five cartridges. When the magazine was removed the boy might reasonably have been under the impression that no cartridges were left, but obviously in removing the magazine the safety catch had been inadvertently released and a cartridge pumped into the chamber. - Surgeon W. McCarroll, R.N., deposed that the bullet entered the chest on the right side, afterwards reached the abdomen, injuring the stomach and spleen. An operation was performed and deceased did well for two days, but chest complications developed and caused death. The direction taken by the bullet was consistent with the pistol having gone off accidentally. - The Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, said whether the boys were skylarking at the time or not, they had some justification for supposing that the pistol was unloaded when the magazine was removed. At the same time, the boys were too young and inexperienced to be handling revolvers and the service ought to take note of it, especially of the fact, if correct, that for two weeks this pistol was lying about on the officer's cabin table. It was only natural for boys when they saw a revolver to take it up and examine it. The Jury returned a verdict that Death was due to a Gunshot Wound Accidentally Received.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 January 1915 TOPSHAM - Found Drowned In The Exe. Open Verdict At Topsham. - An Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, at Topsham, yesterday, on HERBERT CORNELIUS HANSARD YOCKNEY, 51, whose body was recovered from the River Exe on Wednesday. - Dr W. B. Morton, Medical Superintendent of Wonford Asylum, said deceased was formerly a patient at the Asylum, and became a voluntary boarder there in 1911. He was then recovered, and no restrictions were placed upon him. He had no suicidal tendencies, not even when he was a patient. Witness believed deceased was of independent means. He had no recollection that deceased suffered from loss of memory. He left the Asylum about three o'clock on the 1st inst., saying he was going for a stroll until tea-time. He went out alone and did not return. Information was given to the Police the next day. On the same day as he left the Asylum deceased intimated that he should need to take leggings later in the day if wet as he intended to go to the Station to meet his son, who was arriving at Plymouth from abroad. - P.C. Crago described the recovering of the body near Turf. Dr W. Ashley said death was due to drowning. The body had been in the water several days. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 January 1915
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Buckfastleigh Drowning Case. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday in the Town-hall, Buckfastleigh, on NICHOLAS MILLERS, aged 76, Bridge-street, who fell in the Marle on Thursday evening when leaving his work. Frederick William Bennet, employed at Hamlyn Brothers, said he saw deceased on Thursday evening come out of the works about six o'clock. He saw him enter on the bridge over the Marle, and on reaching the other side saw him go over. He shouted for help from the men behind him and saw deceased go over the weir. At nine o'clock they found the body wedged under the fender at Kilbury Paper Mills, about half a mile down. They found eight-pence in money on the body. A verdict was returned of "Accidentally Drowned," and a rider was added recommending that the owners have the bridge suitably fenced. The bridge, it was stated, was about nine feet wide and one of the witnesses who had been there over 30 years did not remember such a thing occurring before in his time. It was thought it would be a prevention, at any rate, for new comers.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 January 1915
DARTMOUTH - Stokefleming Cliff Accident. Witnesses Commended. - Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on Pte. JOSEPH CLARKE, 11th Battalion East Surrey Regt., who was killed by a fall of between two and three hundred feet from a cliff near Stokefleming. - Pte. Robert Clifton said deceased was from 28 to 30 years of age, and lived at East Bergholt, near Colchester. He was a single man and had been in the regiment about four months. - Pte. John Loveridge said he warned deceased just before the accident, as he could see that the cliff was dangerous. The cliff seemed to give way beneath deceased. - Pte. H. J. Thompson said he also shouted to deceased to come back from the edge of the cliff, but he was too late. - Pte. W. Weston said when he was told deceased had fallen he tried to get down the cliff to CLARKE'S assistance, but was in danger himself after he had gone down a little way and a ladder had to be procured to enable him to get back to safety. - P.C. Friend, stationed at Stokefleming, said he went to the scene of the accident immediately he was informed of it. The rope with which he descended the cliff measured 250 feet. He found deceased dead on the rocks. - Dr H. S. Sparrow said he examined the body at Dartmouth Mortuary and found the skull extensively fractured; indeed, he had never seen such a fracture. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner said it was very sad that the life of a young man who had devoted himself to the service of his country should have ended in such a lamentable manner. He hoped one result of the fatality would be that it would act as a deterrent to others who felt inclined to wander on the cliffs on the part of the coast where the accident occurred. He thought the action of Pte. Weston and P.C. Friend, who went to the assistance of deceased, was commendable in the extreme. - The Jury found that deceased was Accidentally Killed, and the Foreman said they concurred with the remarks of the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 January 1915
PLYMOUTH - Nurse's Sudden Death. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner held an Inquest on DAISY MURIEL DAVEY, aged 21, who died suddenly on Sunday. The father, living at Cawsand, said deceased was a nurse at the North Friary Home. He last saw her on Saturday, when she appeared in her usual health. - A nurse stated that deceased, when lying down, complained of being ill, which she attributed to coming across the water from Cawsand. Dr Simpson said he was called on Sunday afternoon, but on his arrival death had taken place. death was due to a tumour on the brain. Verdict accordingly, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

BRIXHAM - Formidable Victim. Inquest At Brixham: Fishermen And Compensation For Lost Time. - At Brixham Town Hall yesterday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on ALEXANDER CHANTRELL, one of the crew of the lost battleship Formidable, whose body was picked up at sea in the trawl of the fishing smack Varuna on Saturday and landed at Brixham. The body was dressed in a blue jersey, flannel shirt and a pair of canvas trousers, and on the latter was the name "A. CHANTRELL." Capt. F. Manley was Foreman of the Jury. - JOSEPH CHANTRELL, naval reservist, stationed in the Victory, at Portsmouth, and whose home is in Stockton-on-Tees, stated that he was the father of deceased, who was 18 years of age. Witness recognised by his features, that it was the body of his son. He had been employed in iron works at Stockton. As a reservist he was called up for active service on August 2nd, and was serving as a stoker in the Formidable. On January 2nd his mother received a letter from deceased, in which he said he was in good health and hoped to be getting leave soon. The post-mark was January 1st, the day the ship went down. In reply to the Coroner, witness said he should like deceased to be buried at Stockton-on-Tees. The Admiralty authorities had agreed to this and he proposed to take the body home. - John Brusey, of Ranscombe, Brixham, skipper of the trawler Varuna, said he left Brixham on Friday last and went to sea, running about 35 miles east from Berry Head. They shot the trawl and fished until 4.30 a.m. on Saturday and in hauling up their gear they discovered the body in the trawl. Witness brought the body ashore right away and gave information to the Police, who took charge of the body. It was brought up from the ground by the trawl. - Submarine And Rough Sea. - Harry Snowden, of Strood, Kent, chief stoker, Royal Navy and late of the Formidable, stated that on the morning of January 1st, about five minutes past 12, he saw deceased , whom he knew as a stoker, come on for his watch. Witness was n his hammock about 2.20 a.m., when he heard a violent noise and experienced an awful smell and shortly afterwards he went on deck, the ship then listing over to starboard. Boats were got out, but he did not again see deceased. Soon afterwards the second explosion came. The great majority of the crew, about two-thirds went down with the ship. Only three boats got away, there being difficulty in launching them. The ship was struck on the starboard bow. It was a very rough night and they had always been told that a submarine could not see in a rough sea. - Arthur Pett, stoker petty officer, Chatham, said he last saw deceased at eight o'clock on the evening of the last day of the old year. Witness got into the same boat as the previous witness, which reached Lyme Regis. - The Coroner said the evidence of identity seemed very conclusive. It was, of course, a matter of common knowledge that the Formidable was sunk in the Channel on the 1st of January. The Coroner drew attention to the statement made by Lord Crewe on behalf of the Admiralty in the House of Lords on which his lordship said that it was their definite opinion that the Formidable was sunk by two torpedoes fired from a submarine; also that it would be a consolation to the relatives of those who lost their lives to know that they went down like heroes and that their thoughts were for those in the ships of the fleet. The Coroner added that, as Englishmen, no doubt the Jury would like to join in this expression of opinion. He suggested that as their verdict they should find that deceased was found in the Channel and brought ashore at Brixham, and that he came by his death by drowning, in consequence of the destruction and sinking of the Formidable on the 1st of January, during the operations of the War. - Fishermen's Lost Time. - The Jury expressed their agreement with the verdict and added the following rider:- "The Jury wish to express their sincere sympathy with the friends and relatives of those who lost their lives in the Formidable, and they also wish to suggest to the Admiralty that when bodies of naval crews are brought in by fishermen the Admiralty should compensate these men for their loss of time, as otherwise they fear that bodies may be left floating about in the Channel and not brought to the ports. - The Coroner said this was a very right and proper recommendation, and he promised to forward it to the Admiralty authorities. - It was stated that the loss might mean £44 - £45 to the trawler that picked up the body. - The Coroner said he thought the skipper should first apply to the local representative of the Admiralty. - The chief officer of coastguard here came in and in reply to the Coroner, said if a claim was made by fishermen for bringing in a body he would forward it. This was the first body brought in. - The Coroner said there was no reason why the skipper should not make his claim on the chief officer of coastguard and get it sent to the Admiralty and should make his claim and the Jury's rider would support it. - The Jury gave their fees to the father of deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 January 1915
DARTMOUTH - Who Is To Blame? Dartmouth Coroner's Reflections. - Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, speaking after an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday on GEORGE STANSMERE, 48, fireman, of the London steamer, Nicholas, who died at sea, said he could not help contrasting the Inquest that day with the one he had held on Monday respecting the death of a soldier, who was killed in a cliff accident at Stoke Fleming. that day there were present not only the captain of the ship, who was a responsible person, but a representative of the agents of the steamer, who, he was sure, were willing to render any assistance. But at the Inquest on Monday there was no responsible person present representing the regiment, and it had struck him as being rather discourteous to the Court, as showing an utter lack of interest in the Inquiry, or as to the verdict arrived at by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 January 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Seaman's Death. Struck By Falling Paint-Pot At Devonport. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Devonport Dockyard yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce on Ordinary Seaman JOHN ARTHUR PELTON, who was killed on Wednesday evening. Deceased's mother, who resides at Newcastle, said deceased was 19 years of age. Leading Seaman H. Ridding, said that deceased, himself and two others had been engaged in painting the mast of their ship and were in the boat well collecting the paint-pots. Deceased had taken up one pot with the intention of carrying it below when a bucket fell from aloft and struck him on the back of the head. He dropped to the deck unconscious. Deceased was laid on a locker and a doctor sent for. The bucket weighed about 32lb. Witness heard no warning that the bucket was coming down. - Boy Allan Derry said he with others had finished painting the upper part of the mast, and all except himself and another boy had gone below. Witness was standing on the stern platform and had secured the bucket to the wireless halyards in order to lower it. Before pulling the bucket over the rail witness shouted, "Stand from under." The bucket slipped and fell to the deck, striking deceased. Witness at once went below. The bucket fell about 60 feet. His duty was to have carried the bucket down, but it slipped through the greasy character of the strand. - Able Seaman Henry John Perryer, who was in charge of those painting the mast, said he heard the shout "Stand from below," and, turning round, saw the bucket falling. the usual custom was to lower the bucket and the last witness did what was right. It would be impossible to carry it down the ladder, which was practically perpendicular. - Surgeon R. J. Barlee said he saw deceased immediately after the accident and found he had a fractured skull. Death took place ten minutes afterwards. The cause of death was a fractured skull. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with MRS PELTON.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 January 1915
TIVERTON - Fatal Accident At Tiverton. Swing Round By Machinery. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Hospital last evening on JOHN THOMAS ARTHURS, employed at Starkey, Knight and Ford's Brewery, Tiverton. James Britton, labourer, employed at the brewery, saw deceased on Tuesday morning outside the motor house. About eight o'clock he was walking past a spot where the shafting from the motor house crossed a passage between buildings and noticed something revolving on the shafting. James Woolridge, who was with him, remarked that it looked like a bundle of rags. Witness then saw that it was a man, and he ran at once and stopped the water-wheel. Returning, he found deceased dead on the ground beneath the shafting, in a mutilated condition. - Thos. Hy. Ford, managing director of Starkey, Knight and Ford, said that deceased had been their electrical engineer, smith and mechanic for nearly twenty years. One would expect a man of deceased's experience to know how and when he should oil. The shafting revolved at about 40 per minute. There had been no serious accident at the brewery before. Witness paid a high tribute to deceased as a valuable servant, and expressed sympathy with deceased's widow. - Mr C. H. Morris, of Plymouth. H.M. Inspector of Factories, was of opinion that deceased probably caught hold of the revolving shaft and it was a well-known fact that anyone doing so could not leave go again. The body would then be swung round and dashed against anything within reach. They regarded any shafting over 6ft. 6in. from the ground as safe. The shafting in this instance was 6ft. 7in. He could find no fault in this case, except with the victim of the accident himself. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a vote of sympathy was accorded to the widow.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 January 1915
BRENTOR - Brentor Farmer's Death. Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Gill House, Brentor, yesterday, on JOHN HATCH RICE, aged 81 years, a retired farmer, who was found lying near the G.W.R. line at Burn Bridge on Tuesday. - EWART SYDNEY RICE, carrying on business at Beechcoombe Farm, said deceased was his uncle. He had a slight seizure about two months ago which left him feeble. - Wallace Prowse, of Blackdown Farm, Marytavy, stated that on Tuesday, about 4 p.m. he saw the deceased go to the permanent way of the G.W.R. through the fence at Burn Bridge. He came from the highway and through a field to the railway. There was no public path or level crossing. Deceased went up the line towards Lydford Station, and witness then lost sight of him. He appeared in his usual health. - Ellen Jordan, wife of Charles Jordan of West Blackdown, Brentor, farm labourer, stated that on the day in question, about 3.50 p.m. she saw deceased going down Burn-lane, and shortly afterwards found him in the gutter of the level crossing above Burn Bridge. She had heard him complain of pains in the back and he was bleeding at the forehead and on the right hand. He was removed to the Brentor Station. - George Mansfield, engine driver, G.W.R., said he drove the 2.45 p.m. train from Millbay but did not see deceased on the line, nor did he remember striking anything. He passed the spot where the deceased was found about 4 p.m. - Dr F. Postle, of Brentor, said deceased had three deep cuts on the forehead, about an inch long, a deep cut on the shin, a graze on the left hip and a swelling of the buttock. Death was due to shock, accelerated by the injuries. - The Coroner said he was of opinion that deceased was not actually struck by the train. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, who expressed their sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

ASHWATER - Ashwater Farmer's Death. - At Lipson, Ashwater, yesterday, Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on EMANUEL AXWORTHY, aged 46, farmer of that place, whose body was found on Tuesday in Lower Moor Plantation, Broadwoodwidger. - WM. HENRY AXWORTHY said he last saw the deceased, his brother, alive on the 10th inst. He was in the habit of "wandering in his head" and was a little worse that day than usual. Deceased suffered from nerves, but he never heard him threaten to take his life. He had no particular trouble. - John Palmer, farmer, Langford, gave evidence of finding the body. There was a rope round the neck and another piece of rope hanging to a branch of a tree just above, which could be reached by anyone standing on the hedge. - Dr E. O. Kingdon (Holsworthy) said death was due to strangulation. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 January 1915
EXETER - An Inquest was held by Mr W. L. Brown, Coroner, at Exeter last evening on WILLIAM RADFORD, farm labourer, aged 63 years, of Cowick-street, whose death took place on Thursday. Thomas Cross, labourer, said about 5.15 on Thursday morning he saw deceased lying in the gutter in Bartholomew-street. He was dead. Dr J. A. W. Pereira said death was due to a ruptured aneurism of the aorta. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

WHITCHURCH - Depressed Through War. Sad Death At Whitchurch. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Whitchurch yesterday on ARTHUR RICHARD SLOMAN, aged 47, farm labourer of Middlemoor, Whitchurch. - MABEL ELSIE SLOMAN, deceased's sister, stated that after dinner on Wednesday deceased took his gun and said he was going to kill a bird. Twenty minutes later she found him lying in the garden. She raised an alarm and two soldiers came to her assistance. The note produced was in her brother's handwriting. It read:- "Dear Sister ELSIE, - As I am tired of living any longer, as I am in trouble, I hope you all - father and all - will forgive me (signed) A. R. SLOMAN. I will pass over Fox and Fowler's account and also National Deposit to you to draw and divide up. A. R. SLOMAN. May the Lord forgive. - (Signed_ ARTHUR SLOMAN. - Witness continued that the deceased used to worry a good deal about their brother, who was in the navy, serving in the North Sea. He had said that the war was enough to make one destroy oneself. He was strange in his manner last Sunday. He would not answer questions, but merely glared. - Private Harold Smith, R.M.L.I., Plymouth Division, said that when he went to the deceased the latter was shot in the head and quite dead. the gun was under the body. - P.C. Nancekivel stated that he knew the deceased personally and of late his mind seemed to dwell much on the war. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said the deceased had a gunshot wound, which punctured the frontal region of the skull. in his opinion the wound was self-inflicted. - Mr F. Radcliffe, of Holwell House, Whitchurch, stated that the deceased had worked for him for three years. He was a nice, respectable man, and a good workman. He had noticed nothing queer about him until a few days before his death, when he seemed gloomy and depressed. He appeared to be brooding over something. - The Coroner pointed out that the evidence went to show that the deceased had become temporarily insane. - The Jury found that the deceased committed Suicide by shooting himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity. They expressed their sympathy with the family, and especially with the father. Mr S. Compton-Lundie was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 January 1915
WITHYCOMBE RALEIGH - Death Of DR J. D. SHAPLAND. An Inquest was held at Withycombe, Exmouth, yesterday on DR JOHN D. SHAPLAND, of Burnside, Withycombe. Deceased, aged 75, had been in the habit of prescribing for himself for attacks of gastritis. He complained on Friday night of pains in the stomach, and told MRS SHAPLAND that something he had partaken of at dinner had disagreed with him. She gave him whisky and water and he took an aperient. At seven on Saturday morning he asked for a mustard poultice, which she applied. In the afternoon he suggested that Dr Gordon would come. Dr Gordon was telephoned for, but could not come. Deceased died at 9.15 on Saturday evening. Dr Hanna said death was due to heart failure, following on bronchial pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and expressed sympathy with the family in their bereavement. - DR SHAPLAND had resided at Withycombe for 25 years, and had up to twelve years since practised in the village. He was for many years medical officer for the parish of Withycombe under St. Thomas Board of Guardians. He was twice married and leaves two sons by his first marriage and a young family by the second.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 January 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Suicide At Devonport. While Of Unsound Mind. - At the Military Station Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on PTE. WILLIAM FLAVEL, 6th (Reserve) Worcestershire Regt., aged 23, formerly a bricklayer's labourer, belonging to 292 Halesowen-road, Netherton. - Pte. George Garrett, of the same battalion, said he had known deceased since they went to school together. The last time witness saw deceased alive was on Sunday, the 10th inst., when he went to bed at South Raglan Barracks in the evening. Deceased returned to barracks from Christmas furlough at 4.30 p.m. the previous day. He went to the coffee bar in the evening and ordered fish and chips. As he sat eating them he talked as if his mind was wandering and said he had had a lot of trouble at home. He asked witness how many parades there were on the Sunday, as he had a lot of letters to write. Deceased was well aware of the Sunday routine and witness regarded his question as strange. In the wet canteen they had a little beer together and then deceased left witness to go to his barrack-room, where he saw him shortly afterwards, and they went to bed. The next morning witness talked to deceased for some minutes and he again appeared strange. He attended church parade and afterwards remained in the barrack-room all day. Between 12.30 and 1 a.m. on Monday the men in deceased's room were awakened by somebody kicking on the floor and as there happened to be a good fire in the room they saw deceased struggling on the floor. They thought he had a fit and took him to the fire and gave him water. Deceased pulled his shirt up and witness saw he had a wound in his abdomen. Deceased said he had pushed his bayonet into himself and witness later found the bayonet in deceased's bed. Deceased was worried and had been home on furlough because his child was seriously ill. - Dr Chas. H. Whiteford said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 11th inst., suffering from a punctured wound in the upper part of the abdomen. Operations were performed and the wound progressed very favourably, but his mental condition grew worse. Death was caused by exhaustion through acute mania, the exhaustion being accelerated by the self-inflicted wound in the stomach. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 February 1915
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Fatality. Good Marksman Killed As Result Of Accident. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on SIDNEY HEPBURN, aged 36, journeyman stonecutter, in the employ of Mr Rogers, monumental mason, Tavistock. Sergt.-Major D. Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - Maud Melinda Ball, single woman, said she acted as deceased's housekeeper. Deceased left home at 10.30 on Sunday morning to go to Mill-hill to fetch some greens. He carried a net bag, and, as was his custom, he took his miniature rifle with him. The rifle was given to him by a friend who had gone to India. The deceased was a keen sportsman, and took a great interest in the local miniature rifle range. He had nothing to worry him. He was always bright and happy. there had been no unpleasantness before he went out. - Sergt. Thomas Banks, 10th South Staffords, quartered at Tavistock, said at 11.35 a.m. on Sunday, while having a stroll, he found the deceased in a road near Tavistock on his left side, the rifle produced being under his left arm, and the barrel pointing from his back. He was dead. There was a good deal of blood. Witness left a corporal and two other men in charge and advised the Police at once. There was a trail of blood for about nine yards, leading back to the foot of the hedge. - P.C. Spicer, stationed at Tavistock, said he noticed just where the blood trail commenced in Creage-lane a sort of step in the hedge on which a man could rest his foot and pull himself up by the branches. In doing so it would be possible, and highly probable, for a full-cocked rifle to catch in a bramble and so go off. He believed that was what happened in this case. The deceased was shot in the thigh. He was a very sober man, and of a cheerful disposition. Witness had known him for four or five years. The deceased was a member of Tavistock Miniature Rifle Club, took a great interest in the range and was a good shot. - Mr Rogers said the deceased had been in his employ six years. He was very straight, an excellent workman, always sober, and never lost an hour's time. He seemed to take as much interest in the business as witness himself, and by his death he had sustained a great loss. - Dr C. C. Brodrick stated that death was due to haemorrhage, as the result of the right femoral artery being severed by a bullet wound running upwards and downwards. From the position of the wound he believed it was caused by an accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Baby's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Somerset-place Council Schools, Devonport, last evening on ARTHUR PEREGRINE JOHN, the four-days-old son of STEPHEN P. JOHN, Welsford-avenue. The father said he was called to his wife's room on Sunday morning and saw something was wrong with the child. He at once sent for a doctor. The baby had been sleeping between Mrs Adams (the nurse) and the mother. - Margaret Adams, nurse, said she was awake all night and when she found there was something wrong with the child she called MR JOHN. - Dr R. B. Wagner attributed death to asphyxia. - The Coroner remarked that it was a harmful practice to have children in the same bed with the mother. A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 February 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. Failing To Notify Measles. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on VIOLET MAY SLOMAN, aged 4, daughter of a labourer living in Buckwell-street, it was stated that the deceased had been suffering from measles, but no doctor had been called, because, as the mother stated, "The child was getting on so nicely." The cause of death, according to Dr Deery, who was called just before the child died, was bronchial pneumonia, which was sometimes an after-effect of measles. There was evidence that the patient had been well cared for. The mother said she was not aware measles was a notifiable disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 February 1915
EXETER - Fatal Blood-Poisoning At Exeter. - Mr W. L. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening on GEORGE HENRY ELLIOTT, Whipton, who died in the Hospital on Monday. - MRS ELLIOTT said the deceased, her husband, had worked for the London and South-Western Railway as a platelayer for the last 16 years. On Saturday, January 23rd, he came home from Exmouth Junction and said he had cut his thumb, and she noticed a deep scratch on the inside of the thumb. On Sunday afternoon he complained of severe pain in the thumb and said he "felt bad all over." She begged him not to go to work that evening, but he did so, and on his return on Monday his hand was worse, and he went to see a doctor, after which he came to the Hospital. - Arthur Howard, foreman platelayer, under whom the deceased worked, said ELLIOTT told him a large "clinker" had fallen on this thumb and scratched it. On Saturday, January 23rd, deceased had been working at the clinker pits at the junction. - Dr Fisher (House Surgeon) attributed death to blood-poisoning. - Verdict accordingly, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 February 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Suicide At Newton Workhouse. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot Workhouse on Saturday on RICHARD BEVENS, aged 56. - Nurse Cross said deceased was an inmate of the Infirmary of the Institution. Hearing knocking, she went to deceased, who was in bed, and noticed some blood on the clothes. She thought he had had an attack of haemorrhage and sent for another nurse and the superintendent nurse. Afterwards she noticed a knife on the man's locker and deceased was further examined, and a wound was found in his throat. The clothes had been drawn around the man's neck. - Superintendent Nurse Kay said they never dreamt of a wound being hidden by the clothes, and for some time they were expecting a further attack of haemorrhage. - Dr J. Scrase said death was caused by shock, following the injury in the neck, the wound being about six inches long. Deceased had had much pain and a seizure had left him partly paralysed. He had shown no suicidal tendencies whatever. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - MR W. BEVANS, of Drewsteignton, deceased's brother, said he wished to express his appreciation of all that had been done for deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 February 1915
PLYMOUTH - Woman's Sad Death At Plymouth. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ANNE MARY CREBER, 41, widow of a postman, living in Desborough-road, who was found hanging from the banisters of her home the previous day, ALICE CREBER, daughter, stated that her mother had for some time been in bad health and low-spirited. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Lonely Man's Death At Devonport. - Last evening, at Devonport Workhouse, the District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on JOHN VINCENT, aged 85, formerly a shoemaker of 5 Holman's-buildings. - Mr G. Prior, Master of the House, said deceased was in receipt of an old-age pension. He was admitted to the House at 4.40 a.m. last Saturday and was placed in the Infirmary, where he was found to be in a very dirty and wretched condition. He died the same evening. Witness believed deceased had no relations. - P.C. Cheek said at 1 a.m. on Saturday he found deceased on the pavement near his house in a stooping position, and leaning against the wall. Witness took him to his house, where he found there was nobody to look after him, and then called up a Relieving Officer, also the District Medical Officer (Dr Fleming). The Doctor ordered deceased to be removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. Deceased was partially conscious and complained of pains in his back. He was wet through. Deceased's room was in a shocking condition; there was no bed or bedding and only a little bed-chair. - Dr G. Sandford, Medical Officer of the House, said he saw deceased on Saturday afternoon. the man was very emaciated, suffering from bronchitis and his heart was failing. Death was due to bronchitis, aggravated by exposure. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 February 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - The death of JOHN RICHARD, 72, formerly a journeyman carpenter, 66 King-street, Plymouth, was Inquired into at Devonport yesterday by the District Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce). Deceased was found on Tuesday in a field at St. Budeaux used by the R.N. Barracks football teams. - Mrs Sarah Hannaford, who keeps a lodging-house at 66 King-street, Plymouth, said deceased had lodged at her house from time to time during the past four years. He had not worked as a carpenter for some time, but had been tramping about the country. Witness believed he was a native of Rilla Mill, Linkinghorne, and he had relatives there. Deceased usually had good-health and witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. Witness last saw him on Monday evening, when he said he was going out to get something to eat and a drink. - Sidney Percy, 21 Admiralty Street, Keyham, caretaker of the recreation ground, found the body. Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to syncope through fatty degeneration of the heart, aggravated by exposure.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Woman Who Would Not Give In. - An Inquest was held touching the death of MRS EMILY JANE HANLEY, 51, wife of a naval pensioner, of 5 Boscawen-place, Devonport, who died on Wednesday. - JOHN HANLEY, the widower, said his wife had for some time been in indifferent health. She would not be attended by a doctor, although her daughter had frequently asked her to do so. After dinner on Tuesday deceased complained of a pain in the side and when witness went to bed she seemed well again. He awoke at four o'clock in the morning and found his wife was dead. - Dr R. J. Fleming said he had examined the body and found pleurisy was commencing in both lungs, and there were signs of pneumonia. Death was due to heart failure through pneumonia. - The Coroner remarked that it was a pity deceased would not get medical advice. - She was evidently a type of woman who would not give in when feeling unwell. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

ST MARYCHURCH - Cliff Fatality. Terrible Death Of Ex-Schoolmaster At Babbacombe. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at St Marychurch Townhall, Torquay, yesterday on HERBERT EDWARD BROWN, aged 66, retired schoolmaster, of The Cottage, Whorlton, Northumberland, who was found dead at the bottom of the cliff at Wall's Hill, Babbacombe, on Tuesday afternoon. - Mr Cecil S. Wollen, solicitor, Torquay, said he had known deceased about 30 years. He was married, and had left a widow and family. He had been staying as a visitor at Eardisley, Babbacombe. He was a native of Torquay, where his parents used to live. He had been staying at Babbacombe with his wife and daughter. - He (Mr Wollen) had transacted matters of business with deceased as a trustee, and he (deceased) attached an undue importance to the value of certain securities. He was evidently very much worried over his position as trustee, and it was with very great difficulty that witness was able to assure him that the position was not so bad financially as he imagined. He saw deceased last Thursday and he never said anything to indicate that he intended taking his life. He was under the impression that the beneficiaries under the trust were on the road to ruin, but he (deceased) was suffering from absolute hallucination on that point. There had been certain small losses, but they had been much magnified in deceased's mind. - Austin Theodore Harsant, hairdresser, Torwood-street, stated that deceased called at 2.30, on Tuesday afternoon and said he wanted his hair cut. He threw down his coat in a rather indifferent manner and behaved strangely, being irritable and very impatient. - Placed Under Restraint. - Dr Aubrey Scott Gillett, Torquay, said he attended deceased in August last, and he was then very depressed. On June 19th deceased had been certified as a lunatic and had been put under restraint in Rowdon Nursing Home, the certificate being signed by Drs. Walker and Stabb, the order being made by Mr J. F. Rockhey, a magistrate. On July 16th deceased was transferred from the nursing home to Florence Court, his mother's house and placed in the care of his wife, there being also a male attendant night and day. Deceased got much better and took a more cheerful view of things. His form of insanity was that he believed himself to have been guilty of misappropriation of trust funds. He tried to commit suicide by jumping out of a window at the nursing home. He very much resented the presence of the male attendant, saying it irritated him to be watched when he went out. He was very desirous of being released from restraint, but, as witness did not wish to take the responsibility, he called in Dr Davis, an expert in mental diseases, Medical Superintendent of Exminster Lunatic Asylum. Dr Davis examined deceased, and decided that he could be released, and witness thought that, provided Dr Davis considered it would be safe, it would be all right. Witness did not know whether the Lunacy Commissioners were informed of deceased's discharge. His wife discharged him after Dr Davis had given his opinion and he was released from the care f the male attendant on July 2nd. - Differed From Expert. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he did not agree with Dr Davis, as he considered that deceased was of unsound mind. Dr Davis's interview with deceased lasted half an hour. In a case like this he (witness) did not think that a general practitioner had any right to have an opinion, as he only saw such a case occasionally, whilst Dr Davis saw hundreds of such cases in the course of a year. - In reply to Mr Wollen, who also attended on behalf of the widow, witness said in the order of the Lunacy Commissioners for deceased's transfer to Florence Court there was no order of control, so that the relatives, in having a male attendant, were taking more precautions than were required. In discharging the male attendants, MRS BROWN acted directly under the advice of Dr Davis. - Corpl. Abel Hunt, 11th Devon Regt., said his attention was drawn to the body of deceased by two ladies. He looked over the edge of the cliff and saw the body lying at the bottom, there having been a sheer fall down of about 150 feet. He went down by the side path and found deceased lying face downwards. The head had been struck in some places and deceased was quite dead. - Dr G. M. Winter said he did not think deceased lived more than a minute or two after he reached the bottom of the cliff. The immediate cause of death was shock, following on various fractures. - MRS ANNA BROWN, widow of deceased, said it was by the authority and with the consent of the Lunacy Commissioners that deceased was discharged and given his freedom, and the Commissioners knew all about it. She thought deceased was cured entirely of his suicidal tendency. Everything she did was under medical advice. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

TORQUAY - Bachelor's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Torquay on SAMUEL DORE, aged 60, bachelor, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning at his lodgings, 3 Grafton-terrace, Higher Braddons, Torquay. - MISS JANE DORE, Falkland-road, Torquay, said deceased was a retired railway clerk, having formerly been employed in the steam packet department of the London and South Western Railway Company. He came to Torquay for his health, and had been living there for two years. - Private Fred Graham, 1st Batt. Devon Regiment, home on sick leave at Torquay with his sister, who keeps the house in Grafton-terrace, said when having his cold-water bath in his bedroom deceased was suddenly taken ill with bleeding from the nose and mouth. He went for a doctor, and upon his return deceased was dead. - Dr Courtenay Dunn said the rupture of a blood-vessel in the right lung was the immediate cause of death. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 February 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Apprentice's Sudden Death. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at Somerset-place Council School last evening on ALFRED ONSLOW FURZEMAN, 17, an engine-fitter apprentice at Devonport Dockyard, of 6 Packington-street, Stoke, who died suddenly on Monday night. Deceased's father said his son went to work on Monday, and was apparently quite well. He felt ill at midday, and went to the yard surgery, where his temperature was found to be 102.6 degrees. The doctor ordered him home, where he was put to bed. Witness's wife called on Dr R. B. Wagner, and arranged for him to see deceased the following morning. They found him in an unconscious condition at midnight and Dr Wagner was summoned, but the lad passed away a few minutes' later. - Dr Wagner said he had made a post-mortem examination and found deceased had contracted pneumonia at the base of both lungs. Pneumonia was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 February 1915
HOLBETON - The Lost St. Clair. Three Bodies Washed Ashore On South Devon Coast. Mystery Of Tattoo Marks. - The bodies of three members of the Plymouth schooner St. Clair, which was wrecked in a gale in Bigbury Bay during the night of Tuesday, February 16th, have been washed up by the sea. All of them were terribly mutilated and unrecognisable by the dashing of the bodies against the rocky coast, which is described by those acquainted with the locality as being "as sharp as a razor." It is known that on the fatal voyage the schooner had a crew of at least four - possibly five - and that three of those on board were:- THOMAS ENGLISH, aged 50, widower, of Wellington-place, Park (captain); JOHN JAMES HOLLAND, aged 39, of 11 Woolster-street, Plymouth (mate); HENRY JONAS, aged 15, of 1 St Jude's-road, Plymouth (boy). - Even the letters "J.H." tattooed on the right forearm of one of the deceased persons, do not establish his identity beyond doubt. One suggestion is that the body is that of JOHN JAMES HOLLAND, but an army book belonging to him gives his tattoo marks as being an anchor and several dots on the left forearm. A sister of the boy, HENRY JONAS, believes that the body marked "J.H." is that of her brother. She says she had seen the letters on his arm. It is curious, however, that the letters are his initials reversed. - Yesterday's Discovery. - The recovery of two bodies on Sunday - one in Butcher's Cove, Holbeton, and the other on Battisborough Beach - was reported to the Coroner for the District (Mr R. Robinson Rodd) who arranged to hold an Inquest at South Battisborough Farm - not far from the scene of the wreck - at noon yesterday. Arriving in the middle of the morning in order to view the spot, Mr Rodd learned that a third body had just been discovered. Tons of splintered wreckage could be seen in the bay. The Coroner delayed the Inquest until the body could be brought in a cart to the farm and placed in one of the outbuildings with the others. The Inquiry therefore related to the deaths of "Three male persons unknown." Rev. E. S. Powell, of Holbeton, was amongst those present. - The first witness called was Mr Albert Westcott, ship-owner, Plymouth, who said he was manager of the British Schooner St. Clair. He identified the parchment found among the wreckage as the certificate of registry, upon which appeared the name of the captain (THOMAS ENGLISH). The schooner left Plymouth between a month and five weeks' ago, bound for Garston, Liverpool, with a cargo of china clay. She sailed from Garston on or about February 10th laden with gas coal for Salcombe. She arrived off Salcombe Bar on Tuesday, February 16th, about 5 p.m., and the pilot endeavoured to board her, but failed, owing to the sea on the bar. The captain, therefore, put to sea again. Next day Lloyd's agent had a telegram reporting that the St. Clair had been wrecked in Butcher's Cove, Holbeton. - Well Found Ship. - When the St. Clair left Plymouth her captain was THOMAS ENGLISH, of Wellington-place, Par. Her mate was JOHN JAMES HOLLAND, of Plymouth, and of the two other hands one was HENRY JONAS, of Plymouth (boy). From HOLLAND'S army book witness ascertained that on his left forearm were tattooed an anchor and several dots. - The Coroner: And the initials "J.H."? - There is nothing about initials in the book. - Was the vessel quite seaworthy when she left Plymouth? - Yes. Everything was in thorough order. She was one of the best vessels on the coast. What was her tonnage? - Ninety-seven tons register. - Had the captain and the mate been on board her long? - The captain had been on her for 15 or 16 months. the mate only joined her at Plymouth. The captain had been a very well-known coasting man for the last 30 years and was thoroughly experienced. - Answering further questions, Mr Westcott said that on the night the vessel was lost there was a very heavy gale blowing, the direction being southerly, veering round to westerly. The place of the wreck was a most dangerous one under such conditions. From the appearance of the place he should say that after the vessel struck she could "live" but a very little time. In his opinion the crew were out of her within three minutes. - The Coroner: And the men could hardly have lived three minutes after that. - No Hope Of Rescue. - Replying to a question as to the number of the crew, Mr Westcott said there were certainly four - possibly five. There was no evidence, however, of a fifth. Owing to the rocky nature of the coast, there would have been very little hope of a rescue even if the schooner had been seen. The only chance would have been a rocket if there had been one on the spot. - A Juror: The nearest rocket apparatus is five or six miles away. - Harry T. Bickford, of Pamphlete, Holbeton, stated that on Sunday he and others were in the neighbourhood of Butcher's Cove, where they discovered portions of two mutilated bodies. One of the men appeared to have a short, grey beard. He knew the bay well and agreed with Mr Westcott as to its dangerous character in a south-westerly gale. Nothing could live there on such a night as that of February 16th. - P.C. Beer, of Holbeton, gave corroborative evidence. - The Coroner: How was the wreck first noticed? - By soldiers patrolling the coast on the following morning. I can find no one who noticed it on the night of the 16th. - HENRY JONAS, labourer, of 1 St Jude's-road, Plymouth, said his son, HENRY, aged 15, was on board the St. Clair. From Plymouth to Garston was his first trip in her. A postcard, which bore the postmark date "February 15th" was received by the lad's mother from Garston. It stated: "Just a line to let you know I am getting on all right. We are sailing from Garston tomorrow morning; so good-night, from HARRY." - Efforts Of Identification. - JOSEPH HOLLAND, tram driver of 11 Woolster-street, Plymouth, said his brother JOHN JAMES HOLLAND, was mate of the St. Clair. Witness could not identify the initials "J.H." on the arm of one of the deceased men, but he could swear that a jersey and mittens recovered from the sea belonged to his brother. - The Coroner: Jerseys are so much alike that it is difficult to be certain. I was hoping we might have identified that body, but I am afraid we cannot. - A Police report from Tywardreath was here handed to the Coroner. It showed that a Police Officer had interviewed MISS E. ENGLISH, of Par, respecting the body presumed to be that of her father. MISS ENGLISH gave particulars of the clothing worn by her father, but it appeared that no clothing corresponding to the description had been found. - The Coroner: It is impossible to identify these three bodies and to say which is which, especially as the clothing washed up was not found on them. - Were The Initials Reversed? - At this stage, MRS ESTHER AGNES FICE, wife of CHARLES FICE, of 74 Exeter-street, Plymouth, who had been taken by a Police Officer to view the bodies, was called. She stated positively that the body having the tattoo mark "J.H." on the right forearm was that of her brother, HARRY JONAS. He had had that tattoo mark for years and she had noticed it on his arm before he went on the St. Clair. - The Coroner (to the Jury): I should not advise you to accept that evidence. It is established beyond doubt that the vessel was the St. Clair, and I believe the three bodies we have viewed are those of three of the crew of the St. Clair, but there is no evidence on which we can identify any one of them. It is unfortunate that there is no one here who can identify the initials "J.H." I think they are the initials of HOLLAND, but there is no one here to swear to it. The better course for you to adopt would be to find that the three bodies were found on Battisborough Beach and Butcher's Cove. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The bodies will be buried on Friday.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 March 1915
NORTHAM - Death From Burns At Appledore. - Dr E. Pearson held an Inquest at Appledore on Saturday on GWENNA HOBBS, aged 4, daughter of CAPT. J. HOBBS, who met her death by burning. MRS HOBBS said she came downstairs and lit the fire, the two youngest children being with her. Deceased was in bed. She had received a postcard that morning from her husband and went next door to give Mr J. Harris a message from him, sending across Mrs Harris's daughter to see to the children. The girl at once returned stating that the kitchen was full of smoke. Witness and Mrs Harris ran to the house and found deceased very seriously burnt kneeling on a mat in the kitchen. Dr Rice and the District Nurse arrived within a few minutes. The case was hopeless from the first, and the child died three hours later. - Verdict, "Death from Shock, occasioned by Severe Burns."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 March 1915
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, on VIOLET DOWN, aged 3, or Riga-terrace, who fell in the street on Friday, striking her head against the pavement. - Sergt. Denoy, East Lancashire Regt., said he saw the child lying in the street, having apparently met with a fall. Seeing her condition was serious, he sent for a doctor. - Dr Powell, House Surgeon, attributed death to haemorrhage of the brain, caused by the fall. - Verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Mortuary, Plymouth, on WILLIAM HENRY BRAGG POTTER, aged 68, of Hoe-street, who was found in a collapsed condition in Bedford-street on Saturday morning. He was supposed to have been knocked down by a horse and cart, but this is incorrect. - James Gill, Victoria-street, said he found deceased, whom he knew, ill in the street and was taking him home when his condition became worse and witness found it necessary to send for the Police. P.C. Coleman then conveyed the man on an ambulance to the Homeopathic Hospital, where on arrival life was found to be extinct. - Dr Wilmot said death was due to heart disease. There were no marks of violence. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK - Plymouth Stoker's Disappearance. Found Drowned At Yarmouth. - The mystery of the fate of LEADING STOKER SAMUEL GEORGE SEARL, aged 25, married, of the destroyer Earnest, whose home was at Milton-street, Plymouth, who unaccountably vanished when his vessel was at Great Yarmouth on the night of February 6th, was partly cleared up yesterday when the Inquest was held, his body having been taken from Yarmouth Harbour on Saturday. Petty Officer Manning said deceased went ashore for four hours' leave and never returned. The Earnest was berthed outside a steam collier, but nothing was heard of anyone falling into the river. There being no evidence showing how deceased got into the water, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 March 1915
THORVERTON - Thorverton Farmer's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Thorverton yesterday on THOMAS TAPP, aged 77, farmer, of Thorverton, who died on Sunday. - Wm. Crange, farmer, Cadbury, said whilst on his way to church on Sunday he saw deceased lying in t he gutter. He was quite dead and his mouth was full of mud. With assistance he took deceased to a house near by. - Lily Crocker said deceased had lived with her at Chilton Gate Farm for over two years. He had not been in good health and was subject to epileptic fits. - Dr D. H. Vickery, Cheriton Fitzpaine, considered that deceased had a fit, and was suffocated by the mud in his mouth. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Second Child Of A Family Run Over. - It was revealed at the Inquest held yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, on IVOR WILLIAM DAVEY, aged 4, who was killed by a motor lorry in St. Aubyn-street, on Monday, that the child was the second of the same family who had been run over with fatal results during the past few years. - The mother, BESSIE AMELIA DAVEY, said she lived at 14 Fore-street, and was the wife of ERNEST DAVEY, leading stoker, R.N. She had eight children now living. Deceased left home at about 4.30 p.m. on Monday to play in the street with his elder sister, GWENNIE, and a girl named Violet Martin. They were going to play opposite Dr J. E. C. Wilson's house. Half an hour later witness was told of the accident. - Colin Rougier Angus, petty officer mechanic, R.N. Air Service, whose home is in London, said he was driving a motor lorry up St Aubyn-street in company with another petty officer, at about 5 p.m. on Monday. The lorry was carrying an engine weighing 10 cwt. It was very difficult for him to say at what speed he was travelling, but he should estimate it from eight to ten miles per hour. When about half-way up the slope towards Fore-street, deceased suddenly ran across the road and before witness could make any movement the boy was parallel with the near side front wheel. As it was impossible for him to pull up, he turned the lorry sharp to the right. The wheels missed the child, but the near side headlight struck him, and the glass was smashed. - By the Jury: He did not consider eight to ten miles was too fast to drive through the town. The maximum speed of the lorry was about eighteen miles an hour. - Speed Of The Lorry. - John Henry Wetherdon, hammerman, Devonport Dockyard, said he was walking down St Aubyn-street when he saw the lorry coming towards him at what he considered too fast a rate in such a thoroughfare. Witness saw deceased attempt to cross the road, and he ran towards the child with the object of stopping him. The boy, however, made a sudden dive towards the lorry, which the next instant was on top of him. Witness said he was a member of the St. John Ambulance Association. He did what he could for the child, and sent for a doctor. - The Coroner: Do you impute any blame to the driver? - I can only say he did not sound his horn to give warning. - The Coroner: We have to consider that the driver was an absolute stranger to the neighbourhood. You think he was travelling faster than eight or ten miles an hour? - Witness: He was going more than three times as fast as I can walk, and I can walk four miles an hour. If he was on low gear he was going at more than ten miles. - The Coroner: Supposing that he was going more slowly than you say, and the boy dived out? - Witness: In my opinion the boy would have been saved, for I should have been able to get hold of him. - In reply to the Jury, witness said when he tried to stop the boy he (the boy) was about seven feet from the pavement. The off-wheel of the lorry was on the tram lines. The lorry was well on the right side of the road. Witness considered the driver did the best he could to avoid the accident. - The Coroner: Supposing the accident had not happened, would you have thought it your duty to support a summons for fast driving? - Witness: Certainly. - The Coroner: Was the lorry in your opinion driven to the danger of the public? - Witness: Yes, in a busy street like that. - Mrs Ellen Mackintosh, 15 Old Park-road, Peverell; Pte. James Henry Perry, 5th Co. National Reserve; and Mrs Sabina Richards, 2 York-street, each gave evidence and stated that the lorry was being driven at quite an ordinary speed and did not attract their attention as it approached. They considered the driver in no way to blame, and that he did all he could to prevent an accident. - Dr P. R. Bolus said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. The injury might have been caused by either the headlight or the wheel, but it was not of the character which would lead him to believe the wheel passed over the child. - Little Sister's Statement. - In reply to the Coroner, the deceased's sister, GWENNIE, said she crossed the road and beckoned for her brother to follow just before the accident. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the father and mother, especially as it was not the first time he had held an Inquest on one of their children who had been run over and killed. It was very sad and unfortunate. The mother could not be blamed, especially as the deceased was in the charge of an elder child. Neither did he think the driver was to blame. He hoped, however, the case would be a warning to parents to exercise more care and supervision over their children. With the large amount of motor and other traffic in a Government town such as theirs the streets were dangerous to children, who should be sent out as little as possible unless under proper control. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They expressed sympathy with the parents and exonerated the driver from blame, considering he had acted with great promptitude in the manner in which he endeavoured to avoid an accident. - Superintendent Foot watched the case on behalf of the Police.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 March 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Devonport, last evening, on MARGARET LEWIS, 46, widow of a Dockyard shipwright of 48 Pembroke-street. - PHOEBE LOMBARD, wife of a naval stoker, said deceased, her mother, injured her left arm by a fall in the Dockyard ropery, where she was at the time employed, in June last. She had to leave her employment and on the advice of the medical officer of the yard, went to the Royal Albert Hospital, where X-ray treatment revealed that she had fractured her collar-bone. She had frequently complained of pain in her arm since, but otherwise was cheerful and enjoyed good health. An effort was being made to secure compensation for her from the Admiralty. - Evidence was given by people living in the house that deceased had had several heart attacks. She was found lying on her bed dead, having apparently attempted to get into bed after being taken ill. - Dr E. G. Symes Saunders attributed death to heart failure. There were also indications of old valvular disease and pleurisy. He believed the injury was in no respect responsible for her demise. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 March 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker's Sad End. Accidental Death At Devonport. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the North Dockyard last evening on JOHN JOHNSON, 29, stoker, R.N.R., who was killed at the Dockyard on Saturday evening. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty and Mr Mayburne M. Pearce watched the proceedings on behalf of Messrs. Chaplin and Co. - William Collom, ship's corporal, identified the body, and said deceased residence was 65 Borland-street, Liverpool. Deceased, who was married, went on leave last Saturday at 1 p.m. and was due to return at 7 a.m. on Sunday. - P.C. George Foster, Metropolitan Police, said he saw deceased enter the North Gate at 8.40 p.m. on Saturday. He was quite sober so far as witness could tell. - Fleet-Surg. H. E. South. R.N., serving at the Dockyard, stated that he saw deceased at the surgery and found life extinct. He had sustained severe injuries to the head, and there were four wounds, which had caused fracture of the skull and either was sufficient to account for death. The right shoulder was dislocated and there was extensive bruising on the right side and the face. Death must have been instantaneous. - By Mr Pearce: The lorry probably did not go over deceased, but one of the wheels had undoubtedly squeezed his head against some obstacle. Even if the exhaust pipe of the car struck deceased and carried him along it would not account for such extensive injuries. - William James Stephens, motor driver, 67 Cecil-street, Plymouth, said he was employed by Messrs. Chaplin and Co. He was driving one of the firm's motor lorries through the Dockyard with a load of flour weighing 2 ½ tons. The lorry weighed nearly four tons in addition to the load. As witness was driving across the caisson another occupant of the front seat told him to stop, as he fancied he heard a groan. Witness at once pulled up and his second hand (Cross) told him there was a sailor on the line. He crossed the caisson at from three to four miles per hour, according to his usual practice. Witness was not talking to his companion and was paying attention to which way he was going. There was a good light from an acetylene gas lamp on the off-side of the car. When the accident occurred witness had driven over the caisson of the north lock and was approaching the caisson of No. 10 dock. There was plenty of room at the spot where the accident occurred, but as the lorry was passing over the lock caisson two of the electric arc lamps were almost extinguished, and the road was practically in darkness but for the lorry's light. There were shadows in front of the lorry caused by the lights going out. According to regulations the lights on the lorry were reduced and only one was used. Witness had driven over the same road dozens and dozens of times by day and night. Witness felt no jar or blow to the car. - By Mr Pearce: There was a turnstile at the entrance to the caisson and witness was bound to drive slowly for his own safety, or the lorry would be easily upset into the dock. Witness had been driving for six years and there had never been a complaint against him. There were paths on each side of the road for foot passengers. - Alfred E. Cross, 33 Chudleigh-road, Lipson, motor man, employed by Messrs. Chaplin and Co., stated that he found deceased lying on his face about three feet behind the car. He was on the roadway near the rails. The lorry was being driven very slowly. The lorry made considerable noise. They did not see anybody on the road. - By Mr Peck: If deceased had been walking in the road in front of the car witness and his companion would have seen him. Deceased's feet were towards the track and his head away from it. - P.C. George Pead, Metropolitan Police, said the lorry was going at from two to three miles per hour at the time of the accident, having just before reduced speed from six miles on turning towards the caissons. - P.S. S. Saunders said he found a small tuft of hair on the exhaust pipe near the two back wheels. The hair was identical with that of deceased. Witness examined the ground, but could find little evidence of deceased having been swept along by the vehicle. - Cross, recalled, said he saw something black two feet in front of the lorry, but could not tell whether it was a shadow or something solid. - Edward Clark, stoker, said he was a native of Liverpool and knew the deceased well. Deceased leaves a wife and three children. His father died a fortnight ago. - The Coroner remarked that they could only conjecture what happened, but the fatality appeared to have been purely accidental. It was highly necessary that motor drivers should exercise the greatest care when driving in the Dockyard. There was no evidence that deceased was knocked down and run over and it was quite possible that he had fallen down or was lying in the roadway and that the lorry's exhaust pipe struck him. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

TAVISTOCK - Death Of A Tavistock Imbecile. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Tavistock on MARCENA FRANCIS DAWE, aged five years. - MRS DAWE, the mother, wife of a journeyman baker, stated that the child was an imbecile, but not registered. He was subject to epileptic fits and sometimes had three or four a day. Dr Watt saw him in August. The child was insured in the Salvation Army Society for £2 10s. - The Coroner expressed surprise that such a delicate child should be insured, but supposed it was a system the Salvation Army had for encouraging thrift, and not for gain. - Asked why she had not had the child medically treated since August, the mother said the medicine did not do the child any good. - The Coroner said that was a thing for the doctor and not for her to decide. - Dr J. Leslie Watt said death was due to epilepsy caused by congenital disease of the brain from birth. The child had never walked or talked. When the fits were severe a little medicine would moderate them, but nothing would stop them. - The Jury (Sergeant-Major Bowles, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ALFRED JOHN HITCHINS, of Lipson Vale, master mariner. MRS HOOPER of Turret-grove, his daughter, said he was 69 years of age and had suffered some time from a weak heart and bronchitis. About two o'clock that morning his wife, hearing him making a noise in his throat, woke up and he died soon afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 March 1915
EXETER - Exeter Misers. Aged Couple Starve In Well-Furnished Home. - At Exeter yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest upon JOHN MAINMAN, 86, retired civil engineer and his wife, MARY ANN MAINMAN, 85, who lived at 30 Wonford-road, and died there, apparently from starvation. - Mr W. R. Bowman, a next door neighbour, said MR MAINMAN was very eccentric. During the four years he had lived at Wonford-road he had only seen him three or four times. The last time was about a fortnight ago, when he was trying to stop an overflow of water from the lavatory. He was then drenched to the skin and with difficulty MRS MAINMAN persuaded him to desist in his efforts and go indoors. - Alfred J. Belcher, a baker's boy, said on Saturday afternoon he went to the house and the old lady, looking very thin and ill, came to the kitchen door. He asked whether he could do anything for her, and she replied, "No; it will be all right now." He went back to the shop and, on the advice of the young lady there, fetched Rev. J. F. Sheldon. Latterly MRS MAINMAN had not taken any bread. - Mrs Sophia Cole, a neighbour, said she spoke to MR MAINMAN once, but he did not answer her. She never saw any visitors at the house. The butcher boy used to call occasionally, but had not done so lately. The couple used a cab whenever they went out and did so on the 1st of this month. On Saturday she went into the house with Mr Way, the Relieving Officer, and found MR MAINMAN very ill in bed and his wife so bad that she could scarcely walk. Both appeared to be starved; but there were two whole loaves of bread and a part of a loaf in the house. - P.C. Harding said on SAturday midnight he and Mr Way went to the house and heard someone inside moaning. They knocked and MRS MAINMAN, very weak and ill, admitted them. On the top of the landing they found MR MAINMAN lying in a semi-conscious condition. He was only wearing pants and socks, having no shirt and was very cold. They wrapped him up, put him to bed and sent for a doctor. Mrs Cole, a neighbour, said MR MAINMAN was a Civil Service pensioner. - Mr E. G. Way, Relieving Officer, said when he first visited the house on Saturday he could get no reply to his ringing of the bell. On hearing someone moaning he went for the Police, and P.C. Harding returned with him. It was 10.30 p.m. when he first visited the house. - Replying to a Juryman, who said there seemed to be a long interval between the communication from the Rev. J. F. Sheldon and the visit to the house, P.S. Bradford said Mr Sheldon telephoned to the Police Officer at 7.40 p.m. It was not represented that the case required immediate attention and as soon as he had a Constable available he sent him to the Relieving Officer. - That was at 9.45. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Kelly said when he reached the house shortly after midnight on Saturday, he found MR MAINMAN exceedingly cold, collapsed and unconscious. He died about noon on Sunday. The post mortem examination disclosed no marks of violence, but the abdominal organs were anaemic. There was no food in the stomach and the body was ill-nourished. Death in the case of MR MAINMAN appeared to be one due to prolonged want of proper nourishment, accelerated by exposure. MRS MAINMAN told him during her conscious moments that her husband did not believe in the use of meat as food. They usually had about four loaves a week, but neither she nor her husband cared for food. - The Coroner remarked that there appeared to be no doubt the old people starved themselves. It seemed a great pity they had no relatives or friends to look after them. - The Jury found that MR MAINMAN died from lack of nourishment, accelerated by exposure and that it was due to his own action. - A separate Inquest was held in the case of MRS MAINMAN, who died on Monday. - P.C. Harding said he assisted Mrs Cole to carry the old lady to bed when they found how weak she was on SAturday night and they gave her brandy and milk. There was plenty of coal and wood in the house, but no fire. The rooms were splendidly furnished. - Dr Kelly said the post-mortem examination revealed that the body of the woman was even more emaciated than that of the man. Death was due to improper nutrition, bronchial pneumonia and heart failure. - Baker's Boy Praised. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and concurred with the Coroner, who warmly commended the baker's boy, Alfred Belcher, for his thoughtful and prompt action when he saw how ill MRS MAINMAN looked. - From inquiries made by a "Western Morning News" reporter last night, it transpired that MR and MRS MAINMAN lived alone in a very considerable and well-furnished house. The old man was formerly in the Post-office and was drawing a pension, but apparently had peculiar views about food, and, with his wife, developed miserly habits in their old age. Hundreds of pounds in gold have been found in the house, but no food except bread. The nearest relative, we believe, is a son now in Canada.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 March 1915
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on MORRIS WOODMAN, 52 Rack-street, who died on Sunday. Deceased, an electrical tattooer and street musician, was having dinner on Sunday, when he vomited and died before a doctor could be obtained. - Dr J. A. W. Pereira said death was due to haemorrhage from the lung. - Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned in the case of JAMES ANDREW SKARDON, 67, labourer, Follet's-buildings, who died on Sunday whilst medical aid was being summoned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on JAMES PHILPOTT, 76, retired organ builder, Pinhoe-road, who died suddenly on Monday whilst sitting in a chair in the kitchen. Death was due to heart failure.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sentry's Suicide. Always Eager To Get To The Front. - At Stonehouse Townhall yesterday morning, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on PTE. CHARLES TURNER, aged 19, 3rd South Staffordshire Regt., who was found shot while on sentry duty at Devil's Point on Monday evening. Deceased was a native of Wolverhampton. - Surgeon-Maj. J. S. Ward said he was on the scene shortly after deceased was found, but life was extinct. Witness made a superficial examination of the body, and found a bullet wound a little to the left of the middle line of the chest and right over the heart. The bullet had evidently passed through the heart and the lower lobe of the left lung and out at the back. Death must have been instantaneous. He was quite satisfied that the injury was self-inflicted. - Lance-Corpl. H. Sant, 3rd South Staffordshire Regt., stationed at Western King's, said he posted deceased as sentry under the Winter Villa at 8 p.m., and he then appeared to be all right. About 9.40 witness heard a shot and found deceased lying dead on the ground. The rifle was lying at his feet with a bull-through cord tied to the trigger, while his bayonet was on the ledge of the wall. While on guard the bayonet should have been fixed to the rifle. Just before going on sentry duty deceased appeared quite cheerful. The pull-through was kept in the butt of the rifle. The other end of the pull-through was passed around a railing, which then gave a purchase for pulling the trigger. There was only one discharged cartridge in the magazine. - Sergt. John Higgins said a bullet was found under the wall near where deceased was found, and corresponded with those deceased had upon him. Deceased was well behaved and a good soldier in every way. His conduct as a young soldier was exemplary. He always seemed cheerful, whether on or off duty. There was not the slightest evidence of depression. He was always eager to get to the front and willing to take on for anyone who was sick. In every way he was a straight, good, and honest soldier. - The Coroner said it was clear from the evidence that deceased shot himself with his service rifle, and the only question which might cause some anxiety was the state of his mind at the time he committed the foolish act. There was nothing to show he was in trouble. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 19 March 1915
LYNTON - At the Inquest on MR W. HOOPER, aged 84, at Lynton, MISS LUCY RIDGE, niece, stated that she saw her uncle at 2.30 on Wednesday morning. He told her he was all right considering his illness. Two hours afterwards she heard a noise as if he had fallen out of bed. On going out she found him lying at the bottom of the stairs. She spoke to him but he made no answer. Dr R. J. Edwards said on being called he found MR HOOPER suffering from concussion of the brain. Death was due to shock and congestion of lungs, caused by falling downstairs. The Jury (Mr Coleman, Foreman) returned a verdict accordingly and gave their fees to Lynton Nursing Association.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 March 1915
PLYMSTOCK - Fort Rennie Tragedy. Soldier Accidentally Shot By A Bosom Companion. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Batten yesterday on PTE. DAVID WELCH, Highland Light Infantry, who was shot at Fort Rennie on Saturday evening. Superintendent Channings represented the Police; and Pte. Robert Laird was also present. - Pte. W. W. Thomson, Highland L.I., said on Saturday evening he was sitting, with other soldiers, before the fire in C Company's room, talking. The deceased and Laird were bosom companions and were "larking." He saw Laird load a rifle with a clip of five cartridges, which witness thought were dummies; he did not take particular notice, because Laird was in the habit of teaching recruits how to load. Shortly after witness looked around again and noticed deceased going out of the door of the hut, while Laird was about four yards inside the door kneeling, with the rifle in a firing position. The door was shut and about a minute later witness heard a report of the rifle. Deceased had had time to go to another hut. The ball went through the door and Laird seemed very surprised. Laird made an exclamation and rushed to the rack with the rifle. He did not seem to think he had done any damage, or that anyone was outside the door. About a minute later, Pte. Brown came in and said deceased had been shot. - The Coroner: You heard nothing pass between Laird and deceased in the room? - No. - They were always good chums? - Yes; the best of friends. - There were no angry words? - No. - When deceased went out there was time to allow him to get clear of the door before the rifle was fired? - Yes. - From what you know of the two men, would you say that the firing of Laird was with the intention of injuring deceased? - No, sir. - It was quite impossible to see the deceased through the door, and thus to have enabled Laird to aim at deceased after it was closed? - Yes. - What was the thickness of the door? - The Foreman: About two inches. - Instruction In The Barrack-Room. - Continuing, witness said when Laird put the cartridges in the magazine he must have forgotten to close the cut-off before closing the bolt, which would have the effect of releasing a cartridge into the chamber of the rifle. Laird gave them instructions in the barrack-room and it was very beneficial to them when in the field. - Pte. James Scott said he was in the room talking to the last witness and others. Laird and deceased were "larking" when the former went to the rack and got a rifle, and was showing some of the recruits how to handle and load it. Witness was quite under the impression that the cartridges Laird was using were dummies. - Supt. Channings: Did the witness hear deceased say to Laird in a chaffing manner, "You can't shoot," when he was demonstrating with the rifle? - Witness: No. - You would have heard it had it been said? - Yes, I think so. - Pte. Charles Henry Johns, who was in the hut at the time, bore out the evidence of the last two witnesses. - Sergt. R. Walker said the bullet had passed through the stay of the door, which was two inches thick, struck the hut about four yards distant and ricocheted back in the direction from which it was fired, and was found at the back of C. Co's hut. Deceased was found dead outside the door. Witness was perfectly convinced in his own mind that Laird would not do anything of that kind intentionally. There were six members of the picket in the room at the time, and they would have live cartridges on them, but Laird was not one of them. - An Officer from the battalion said the commanding officer was most anxious that there should be no impression that ball ammunition was habitually in the possession of the troops. It was necessary to keep a picket for cases of emergency, such as suspicious lights or persons. These men were served with ball ammunition, so that they would be read if suddenly called upon. That ammunition was returned to the stores. The commanding officer also desired to express his deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased and felt that a man like this, who had offered his life to his country, had made an equal sacrifice in losing it on our own shores as if he had gone abroad. - Lieut. A. E. Cotterill, R.A.M.C., said the bullet entered the body on the right side and passed out at the left, below the armpit. Deceased could not have been conscious after the bullet struck him. Witness would think deceased to be about 49 years of age. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner, expressing his sympathy with the regiment and relatives, said the Jury thought Laird acted very foolishly in not satisfying himself whether he had live or dummy cartridges. They felt very sorry for him that he should have been the cause of the death of his chum. The Jury quite felt that he had no intention of injuring WELCH.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 March 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Devonport Soldier's Death. Inquest At Newton. - Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest in the Board-room of Newton Abbot Board of Guardians last evening on PTE. EDWIN THOMAS VICARY, 5th Devons (Territorials), who died in the infirmary on the previous day after an operation to relieve suffering from an abscess in the throat. - ELFRIDA VICARY, the widow, of 31 Park-street, Devonport, stated that deceased was 22 years of age. Prior to enlisting he was a butcher. - Dr J. J. Scrase, Acting-Surgeon to the troops, said seven or eight days ago deceased had an attack of influenza at his billet at Wynscotte. He ordered his removal to the Infirmary, where he was put to bed. He got better of the influenza, but about five days ago an abscess developed on the right side of his neck under the angle of the jaw. This caused deceased considerable pain, also the jaw to be fixed. Witness visited deceased twice a day during the previous four days and on Thursday morning deceased begged hard for him to lance the abscess. He said he was perfectly willing to take chloroform, and his condition was such that witness considered he was quite strong enough for an operation. With the help of a nurse, deceased got on the operating table, and a very small quantity of chloroform was administered. Deceased took this quite well and went to sleep quietly. Witness described the nature of the operation and the steps taken to revive deceased when alarming symptoms set in. Death was caused by syncope, due to the blocking of the air passages by matter from the abscess, which had burst in the throat. The anaesthetic was not the cause of death, the amount given being so small. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - The Coroner associated himself with this expression, as did also Dr Scrase, who said this was the first time such a misfortune had happened to him. He could understand the shock which the relatives received, but it was scarcely more than he himself received from the terrible catastrophe. - Deceased's father thanked the Coroner and Jury for their expression of sympathy and he also thanked Dr Scrase, saying he was sure that he did all that laid in his power.

TOPSHAM - River Exe Mystery. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at Countess Weir, near Exeter, yesterday, on FREDERICK WALTER GRIFFIN, whose body was recovered from the River Exe on Wednesday. - Emily Cosway, wife of a postman, of Park-place, identified deceased by his clothing. He lodged with her up to the first week in January, when he left without giving notice. The previous week he had spoken of visiting friends because he was not well and he thought the change might do him good. Deceased was a joiner. - Wm. Bayley, woodcarver, employed at Luscombe and Sons, where deceased worked, also gave evidence of identification. - Elliott Minto, water bailiff, deposed to recovering the body near Duck's Weir. - P.C. Cox said Mr Luscombe told him that deceased was not discharged from his employment. He left his tools at the shop. - Dr MacPherson, Topsham, said deceased's appearance was consistent with his having been in the water since January. He was unable to say the cause of death, but it was not inconsistent with drowning. - An Open Verdict was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Woman's Death. - At Newton Abbot Townhall last evening, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on SELINA ANN HART, aged 58, who had been living alone at 11 Abbotsbury-road, and who was discovered dead in her house on the previous day after not having been seen for several days. - ALFRED HART, waiter, said deceased, his sister, was a single woman, who previous to four or five years ago was in service at Torquay. - Beatrice French, domestic servant, living next door to deceased, said she had known her since September and that she had always appeared to be quite well. Witness last saw her on Friday morning, when she seemed to be all right. On Wednesday witness went to the back door and knocked, but could not get any answer. She then called on deceased by name, but still received no reply, and on looking through the window she saw deceased lying on the floor dead. - Dr Edgar Haydon said deceased had evidently fallen forward and there was slight haemorrhage from the nose. Deceased's appearance was quite consistent with her having died on Friday night. The post-mortem examination revealed very extensive disorganization of the heart, due to fatty degeneration of long standing, and which was the cause of death. - The Jury came to the conclusion that death took place on Friday and they returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 March 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Labourer's Leg Jammed In A Battleship's Turret. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on JAMES EDWARD WATKINS, aged 48, of St John's-road, Cattedown. Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty; Mr C. H. Morris for the Board of Trade. - Leonard Cape, local representative for Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., said deceased was a labourer in their employ, and at the time of the accident was working in "B" turret on board a battleship, cleaning the compartment. No one saw the accident. It was presumed that deceased's leg was hanging through a hole in the floor of the turret when the cylinder beneath was worked and the ram came out and jammed his leg against the edge of the floor-plate. The man was conscious when taken out, but did not say how the accident happened. It was not necessary for deceased to have had his leg through the hole, but he might have had it down there inadvertently. The ram only travelled about eight inches, but it had a range of about 5 feet 6 inches. Had it gone anything like the full extent it would have taken the leg right off. The diameter of the ram was about one foot, with a pressure of about 1,000lb. - Fleet-Surgeon H. Erskine South, who was called to the battleship, said deceased was suffering from great loss of blood, and he ordered his removal to the Hospital. - Joseph W. Irving, chargeman of "B" turret, said he told deceased to clean out certain compartments on Wednesday morning, and, although witness did not specify the compartment in which the accident happened, deceased evidently thought all the compartments were included in the order. Directly they heard the shout from deceased they stopped the ram, and on the foreman and witness going into the compartment they found deceased. The hole through which deceased had had his leg was for the shaft of the training engine. With the number of men who had been working in the ship it was a wonder there had not been a dozen killed. - W. J. Edwards, painter, said he heard deceased shouting and witness went to his assistance. Witness said "What's up!" and he replied, "I'm jammed." - Dr Bertram E. Wright, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said when deceased was admitted his right leg was very severely crushed, with numerous lacerated wounds and the bones of the leg severely broken. He was suffering from shock and it was decided to amputate the leg, which was done. Deceased died about a quarter of an hour after the operation. Death was due to severe haemorrhage and shock due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 April 1915
NORTHAMPTON - Newton Abbot Man's Sudden Death At Northampton. - As already briefly reported in "The Western Morning News," the death has occurred suddenly at Northampton of SERGT. JOHN JAMES FOXWORTHY, aged 47 years, of Newton Abbot, a recruiting officer for the Royal Marines, who had been stationed in the Midland boot town for the past few weeks. He went to the village of Brixworth, about six miles distant, to obtain the birth certificate of a man who wished to join the navy, and, having obtained the papers, returned by train to Northampton, was hurrying to his residence in Lady's-lane, when he collapsed and fell to the ground. He was carried into his lodgings and died immediately. He has left a wife and two children. - At an Inquest at Northampton on SERGT. FOXWORTHY, MRS FOXWORTHY, of Prospect-terrace, Newton Abbot, said that at the declaration of war her husband was called up with the Royal Naval Reserves. He went to the front and was with the Royal Marines at Antwerp. On his return he was appointed recruiting sergeant at Northampton. - Dr Stewart, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to heart disease. - A verdict was returned accordingly, sympathy being expressed with the widow and children. Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 April 1915 TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Woman's Death. Found Dead On Rocks. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at Teignmouth yesterday, held an Inquest on EVA APLIN, aged 50, wife of WILLIAM ROBERT APLIN, gardener of 15 Dawlish-road, whose body was discovered on Sunday afternoon on the rocks about half a mile west of Labrador, and about two miles from Teignmouth on the Babbacombe side. - The husband said there were five children, one being married and the youngest aged 9. His wife left home suddenly, shortly after 1 o'clock on Sunday, March 28th, and he had not seen her since. The only reason he could give for her sudden disappearance was that she was the worse for drink. His wife had had drinking habits for some years, and during the last six weeks she had been drinking heavily. She had also pawned her son's things, also her own. As she had not returned up to 10 p.m., he communicated with the Police. - The Coroner: Had you any reason to suppose that she had any intention of taking her life? - None at all, sir. - Emily Davis, of 6 Devon-square, Newton Abbot, who said she lost her husband only three weeks ago, said deceased came to her house at about 8 o'clock on the evening of her disappearance, and left again just before 9 o'clock, borrowing 10d., with which to pay her railway fare back to Teignmouth. She had tea whilst she was there and was quite sober. She said she had come to Newton to see her sister. She had one pint of beer before she left, which she fetched herself from a Hotel, witness paying for it. - Edward E. Hindley, 2 The Triangle, Teignmouth, spoke of the discovery of the body, lying on a shelf of rock, where it appeared to have been washed up by the sea. - P.C. Sheppard, Stokeinteignhead, said on deceased's clothing was only a penny and a collar stud. - Dr R Lloyd Patterson said he failed to find any evidence of death from drowning. Nor was there any sign of irritant poisoning. There were injuries on the head, sustained before death, which suggested that deceased had fallen on to the rocks. In witness's opinion the cause of death was concussion of the brain, probably caused by a fall. He was also of opinion that death had only taken place about two or three days before the body was found. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Mother And Daughter Dead. Inquests at Plymouth - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, on ROSETTA PEATON, aged 37, of 6 Constantine-street. Deceased was the widow of GEORGE PEATON, an army pensioner. - Edward Wills, labourer, living in the same house, said she was all right on Saturday, but on Easter Monday morning her mother (MRS NEALS) found her dead. He had never known deceased drink to excess. - Dr Brenton said the cause of death was heart disease and chronic alcoholism.

PLYMOUTH - SARAH NEALS, aged 60, of 6 Constantine-street, mother of MRS PEATON, also died on Monday night. - The witness Wills told the Coroner that he last saw her alive between 7 and 7.30 p.m., when she was in the kitchen speaking to some friends. She then seemed all right. He went out and on his return at 11.15 he found the kitchen in darkness. By the light of a match he saw MRS NEALS lying on the bed in her clothes. As this was not unusual he took no notice, and went upstairs to bed. On coming down the following morning at 7.30 he discovered that the woman was lying in the same position and that she was dead. - Dr Palmer, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to cirrhosis of the liver and fatty degeneration of the heart. The shock of the daughter's death might have hastened the mother's. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Street Danger. Woman Killed By Motor Car. - An Inquest was held at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, touching the death of EDITH ELIZABETH BICKLEY, aged 40, spinster, living in James-street, who on Tuesday afternoon was knocked down and run over by a motor car in Tavistock-road, near Sherwell Church, and received injuries which proved fatal the same day. - Frederick Charles Harper, chauffeur, employed at the Looe Hotel, Looe, deposed that as he ascended the hill he saw a tramcar stop and a woman appear in the road. He sounded his horn continuously and this woman got safely across the road. Deceased, however, whom he had not previously noticed, also came out from behind the tram, and one of the lamps of the motor car struck her, knocking her down. When picked up she was unconscious and he removed her to the Hospital. He was driving at from 10 to 12 miles an hour. - Sylvia Martin, Looe, who was riding in the car, considered the speed of the car quite safe, and the accident unavoidable so far as the driver was concerned. - Mrs Robert Simpson, who was the lady to cross the road immediately before the accident, considered the chauffeur's estimate of the speed of the car a low one. The "ordinary pace" of motor cars in these days was pretty fast, and the pace of this one did not strike her as unusual. The hooter was frequently sounded, but the tramcar obscured the view of the persons concerned. - The Coroner thought the motor was driven at an ordinary pace and the accident happened through deceased leaving the tramcar and attempting to cross the road without first looking around. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Elliot Square represented the chauffeur.

PLYMOUTH - Exmouth Woman's Death. Fatally Burned At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, yesterday, with regard to the death of EMILY MARTIN, Waverley-road, Exmouth, who, while on board her husband's ship, the ketch Triumph, in the Cattewater on March 29th, caught her clothes afire at a stove. She rushed on deck and the wind fanned the flames. Her husband wrapped a tarpaulin round her and extinguished them. Death occurred on Wednesday from shock, the result of burns. A verdict accordingly was returned.

LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK - Devonport C.P.O. Drowned. - CHIEF PETTY OFFICER LEONARD SANDERS, married, aged 40, of H.M.S. Driver, whose home was at No. 13 Barton-avenue, Keyham Barton, Devonport, was returning to his ship at Lowestoft on Monday evening, when he fell from the quay-head into the Inner Harbour, while attempting to get on board. The harbour inspector got him out with assistance and took him on board the tug Despatch, where artificial respiration was applied for one hour until a doctor arrived and continued it, but without success. - At the Inquest on Wednesday, the evidence showed that Stoker P.O., George Coole, of the Driver, went ashore with deceased, and they had a drink each, after which SANDERS left him, stating he was going back to his ship. SANDERS was not drunk and did not walk unsteadily. It was with some difficulty witness could find his way back to his ship, as the night was very dark, and from the quay to the water was a drop of fourteen feet. - Harbour Inspector Munnings said he thought deceased had mistaken the tug Despatch for his own vessel and fell overboard in trying to get on board the tug. - Constable Ribbons, who searched the body, said deceased had some £1 notes in his pockets and a registered letter receipt bearing his wife's address. - Dr Ticehurst who was called to deceased, said his heart had ceased to beat, but he continued artificial respiration for an hour longer. It was very difficult for seamen not only to find their vessels at the quays in the darkness, but also to get on board, and he suggested small lamps at the edge of the quays as a guide. This was not the first fatality and, in his opinion, lighting precautions had been stretched to an extreme. - The Coroner said he appreciated that important East Coast towns must be in darkness from their vulnerable position, but in the anxiety to take proper precautions the risks might be made even greater than those from which it was hoped to escape. A number of men had lost their lives since complete darkness had been adopted at Lowestoft, and it would be a good thing if men returning to their ships at night were provided with flash-lamps. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and added a rider requesting the authorities to take proper steps to safeguard the lives of those who had to join their ships at night.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Dockyard Accident. Fatal Result Of A Trifling Injury. - An adjourned Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday concerned the death of JOHN JEFFERY, aged 49, of Trayes-terrace, Embankment-road, a blacksmith at Devonport Dockyard. When the Inquiry was opened Dr C. H. Gould, Temporary Surgeon, R.N., stated that on March 30th deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a small burn on the right forearm, just in front of the elbow. The burn was a deep one, although small in diameter. The patient gradually got worse and died from general septicaemia. - The accident which caused the injury was described yesterday by Richard Buzza, a blacksmith's mate in the Dockyard. He said that on March 26th deceased and he were engaged in cutting off a piece of heated angle steel, deceased holding the steel and witness striking. They were trimming the edge of the piece in order to make it level, and with the last blow the piece that was cut off flew up and struck deceased on the right arm. Witness had been striking the steel quite carefully, but steel was bound to fly sometimes, and he did not see how the accident could have been avoided. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South, R.N., stated that after the accident deceased's injury was dressed by the surgery attendant at the Dockyard, and he was allowed to go home, as the injury was quite trifling. On the following day witness saw him and at that time there was nothing serious. On the following Tuesday there was a redness and swelling about the wound, and he advised deceased to go into the R.N. Hospital for further treatment. Deceased agreed to go and was taken at once in a motor ambulance. Witness was greatly surprised when he heard the man was dead. There was always a danger of blood poisoning in such cases, but no one would have anticipated such a violent attack as in this instance. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TIVERTON - Suicide After Influenza. Inquest At Tiverton. - At Tiverton Hospital last evening an Inquest was held on WILLIAM EDWARD SAPWORTH, of St Peter-street. Deceased was asked by his wife to go upstairs to fetch a tray from one of the sitting-rooms. He did not return and was found in a bedroom on the next story, lying on his face and hands in front of the dressing table with a wound in his throat and practically dead. In addition to recent depression after influenza, deceased had an attack of brain fever while in a gentleman's service at Worcester and was in an asylum for three months and the doctor now said that influenza was very liable to resuscitate mental trouble. The widow said the deceased had never threatened to take his life nor had he any monetary or domestic trouble. Verdict, "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Railway Mystery. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on ERNEST WILLIAMS, canteen manager of Hayesleigh-cottages, Lower Compton, who was found dead on the G.W.R. line at Lipson Vale on Friday night. Edwin Jones, Moon-street, Devonport, said deceased, his brother-in-law, whom he last saw in January was aged 20. He was on board ship. On Friday when deceased was missing from his ship, his absence was reported. He did not know deceased was then dead. - Evidence was given by Henry Hutchings, porter and Jas. Weston, G.W.R. detective, as to the finding of the body. Dr W. B. Hamilton said deceased received very extensive and terrible injuries. A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 April 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Oil Drums On Fire. Devonport Dockyard Chargeman's Death. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, Inquired last evening into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES WILLIAM DAWE, aged 47, chargeman of drillers, H.M. Dockyard, of 69 Albert-road, Morice Town, who died at his home on Monday afternoon after sustaining injuries in the Dockyard. - Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty, and Mr G. H. Morris the Home-office. - J. J. H. DAWE, Park Cottage, Stoke, chargeman of shipwrights, said deceased was his brother and was unmarried. On Sunday afternoon deceased was taken to his home from the Dockyard, and witness saw him soon afterwards. He was then in a state of collapse and vomiting, but partly conscious. Death occurred at 2.45 a.m. on Monday. - S. G. Wingatt, painter, said that when brought home about 3.45 p.m. on Sunday deceased told him he had been in a fire. Dr Rae was summoned and prescribed for deceased. Witness was called by deceased's brother early on Monday morning and deceased was then apparently dying. Dr Rae was again sent for, but soon afterwards deceased died. Deceased had told witness that he was walking along the deck of a warship, and noticed a fire. He saw some drums of oil near the fire and commenced to roll them away. Whilst doing so one of the drums exploded and burning oil flew all over him. - Thomas Cole, shipwright, gave evidence with regard to the explosion, and said he saw deceased in flames. The flames were beaten out and apparently deceased was not seriously burned. - A. G. Kerswell, shipwright, said the barrel that burst had not been rolled away. When the explosion occurred both witness and deceased were in flames, and they were both taken to the Dockyard surgery. There was a riveter's forge at the side of the ship about twenty feet from the barrels, but no flash light or other naked light quite near the barrels. - A. G. Hyne, riveter, said he thought the forge was too far away from the scene of the fire for a spark to have caused the outbreak. The wind was, however, in the direction to have sent a spark flying towards the drums. - G. H. Sanders, chargeman of shipwrights, said that he saw deceased with his coat and waistcoat off after the explosion, and he did not seem to be burned at all. It was found that oil was leaking from the drums. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South, R.N., said he found deceased suffering from slight burns on the thigh and legs. Deceased did not care to go to Hospital, so witness sent him home, as there was nothing in his condition to excite alarm. - Dr G. A. Rae said he treated deceased in January for neuritis of the left leg, inertia of the bowels and insomnia. Death was due to syncope during a nerve storm following upon excessive vomiting supervening on the burns, which in themselves were not extensive enough to cause sufficient shock to prove fatal. He was of a nervous temperament and was in January in a nervous state through long hours of work. - Chief Inspector A. Keys, Metropolitan Police, said he had made inquiries on the spot soon after the occurrence and formed the opinion that sparks from the forge caused the oil to ignite. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on EDWARD JOHN MERRYFIELD, aged 51, postman, of King-street. - EDWARD JOHN ARTHUR MERRYFIELD, dockyard labourer, said deceased, his father, had been failing for some time. - Albert George Bolitho, licensed victualler, Cambridge-street, said deceased came into his public-house on Saturday and had a drop of whisky. Shortly afterwards he left the premises, and later was found lying face downwards in the back yard. He was taken home. - Dr M. Aikman said on his arrival life was extinct, death being due to cerebral haemorrhage.

STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Cook's Sudden Death. - The death of GEORGE JOHN PESSELL, chief cook, H.M.S. Duke of Edinburgh, who died suddenly last Friday, was Inquired into at Devonport yesterday by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - Deceased's widow, living at 3 Ainslie-terrace, Camel's Head, said her husband returned home from the North Sea last Monday and remained on leave until noon on Thursday. Deceased told witness that he had felt very ill whilst away, but he could not give up, as it was war time. Deceased left to rejoin in his ship at noon on Thursday, and returned home the same evening, saying that he wanted a rest and was a bit "down." He seemed in good health. On Friday evening witness accompanied him to the Hippodrome. They returned home about nine o'clock, and deceased ate a hearty supper. Just afterwards he suddenly fell forward and expired in a few seconds. - Dr W. A. Knapp said death was due to a rupture of an aneurism. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Exeter Boy Drowned. Plucky Constable Commended. - Mr W. L. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on the body of EDWARD JAMES THOMAS, of Smithen-street, Exeter, who was drowned in the city basin on Friday last. - MRS THOMAS said her boy was eleven years of age; she last saw him alive at dinner-time on Friday, when he left for school, in company with a boy named Taylor. Although she did not know it at the time, they must have planned to go fishing. - John McCartney, another boy, age 10, said he was at the basin at 4.30 on Friday afternoon with Taylor and the deceased. Witness and deceased went on a barge. Suddenly, while they were doing something to the steering, they saw a Policeman coming. Witness shouted out "Copper's coming," and jumped to the land. He said to deceased "Come on," and the latter jumped, but fell in the water. Witness saw the boy splashing about in the water, and cried for "help." Then P.C. Blackmore came, and, taking off his helmet and gloves, dived in. GEORGE THOMAS, age 7, who went with the other boys, said he saw his brother fall in the water as he was trying to jump to land. - P.C. Blackmore said he heard a cry "Quick." He ran down to the basin and saw the boys standing on the edge of the water. He saw deceased in the water, and after taking off his helmet and gloves, plunged in. The boy was about three feet under the water. Witness touched his head with his hand, but deceased seemed to be drawn away by the suction of the barge. Witness rose for breath and dived again, but could not get the boy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." While condoling with the family, they wished to express their admiration at the heroic conduct of P.C. Blackmore, and hoped the Watch Committee would take note of his action, as the case was no ordinary one, but extremely dangerous.

STOKE DAMEREL - Piece Of Match In Ear. Devonport Man's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on CHARLES EDWARD PALMER, 40, engine fitter, H.M. Dockyard, who lived at Alexandra-road. - MRS PALMER said on the 11th inst. the deceased, her husband, complained that he had a cold, and that his ear was troubling him. On the following Tuesday evening he complained of feeling unwell and went to bed. His right ear was causing him a lot of pain. Deceased did not say anything to her about having tried to extract wax from his ear with a wooden match. - Dr G. K. Pearson said when he saw deceased on the Thursday evening he thought an abscess of the brain was causing trouble. He recommended that Mr T. V. Simpson, a Surgeon, should be called in, which was done, and when the latter was cleaning out deceased's ear he extracted some wax, in which was embedded a piece of match just over half an inch in length. Deceased did not seem any better the following day. The cause of death was blood poisoning from an abscess in the right ear, set up by the presence of a foreign body in it. He thought the match was the direct cause of death. The Coroner remarked that it was a most extraordinary case, and the first of its kind which had come to his notice. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 April 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Fatal Burns. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on BEATRICE MAUD PHIPPS, daughter of GEORGE PHIPPS, labourer, Exeter-street, who died on Friday night from burns. - The mother, JESSIE PHIPPS, said deceased, who was 13 months old, was left at home with her little brother while witness went to do some shopping. During her absence the boy placed a stick between the fireguard and allowed it to fall on the floor, when it ignited the baby's flannelette dress. Deceased sustained injuries and was taken to the Hospital, where she died the same night. - Dr Powell said when admitted the case was hopeless. - After the Coroner had pointed out the dangers of flannelette when worn by children, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BIDEFORD - Death From Burns At Bideford. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital yesterday, on IRENE EDITH SING, aged five, who died in the Institution the previous evening as the result of a burning accident. The child lived with its grandparents at 8 Montague-place. - THOMAS SING, the grandfather, said about seven o'clock on Monday morning, while he was downstairs lighting the kitchen fire, deceased went from one bedroom to another, when her sister, ELSIE, age four, was, and they appeared to have got hold of a box of matches left in a candlestick on the table. MRS SING, the grandmother, heard a cry, and was going to the room when the child IRENE came out to her with her calico nightdress in a blaze. She attempted to put the fire out and called her husband, who succeeded in doing so with some matting. MRS SING'S left hand and her husband's both hands were severely burned in putting out the fire. Dr Grose, who was sent for, after attending to the child, ordered its removal to the Hospital, where it succumbed the same evening from shock. - Dr Grose said the child was extensively burned, and the case was practically a hopeless one from the first. Everything possible was done. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 April 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Chief Cook's Sudden Death. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, Inquired yesterday into the circumstances attending the sudden death of ALBERT EDWARD STEPHENS, pensioned chief cook, R.N., serving at the R.N. Barracks. - Walter H. Wevell, licensee of the Royal Alfred Inn, Morice Town, said deceased was 43 years of age, and belonged to Southampton. Deceased, who had resided with witness since he was recalled to service, had been suffering from a bad cold for some time. He went upstairs for a sleep at 4.30 p.m. on Monday and when witness went to deceased's room at nine o'clock he found him in bed dead. - F. G. Smith, pensioned chief cook, said deceased was employed on Monday at Trevol rifle range. - Dr G. A. Rae said death was due to congestion of the lungs and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Sad Death. Fall From A Window. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Workhouse yesterday on JOHN BARNES ARSCOTT, aged 68, retired master baker, who had lived with his sister at Spencer-avenue. - John William Brown, Relieving Officer, said he received a certificate from Dr Wagner stating that in his opinion deceased was of unsound mind and suffering from injuries to legs and arm caused by a fall from a window and recommending that he should be removed to the Workhouse Infirmary. - MISS ELIZABETH ARSCOTT, sister, said deceased was in the habit of cleaning her windows, and on Wednesday last he suggested he should do so. She said she would do the work at the end of the week. When she went to bed about ten o'clock that night she looked into deceased's room and found him sleeping. Early the next morning she was informed that he had injured himself. She sent for Dr Wagner. - Miss Hicks, niece, said at 4 a.m. she heard a noise and on going downstairs she saw deceased, who said "I've done something now; I went to clean the window." She saw he was injured. He walked into the house and she sent for the last witness. Deceased had been a little strange of late. - Dr Sandford said when he saw deceased he was suffering from shock, but the chief trouble was the wounds in the abdomen and legs. He also had a good many bruises on the body from a fall. Death was due to septic peritonitis, due to the wound in the lower part of the abdomen. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case. The family were very highly respected and had lived in Morice Town for many years. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, stating there was not sufficient evidence to show whether deceased's fall from the window was accidental or otherwise.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 April 1915
ASHBURTON -Suicide At Ashburton. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Market Hall, Ashburton, yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY WHIDDON, aged 48, labourer, of Whistley-cottages, who was found hanging in his kitchen on Wednesday morning. - MRS SARAH WHIDDON said the deceased, her husband, was employed at Edwin Tucker and Sons, maltsters. he had not been in very good health during the past few days and had lately been in the habit of getting up very early in the mornings and going out for long walks, often coming back in an exhausted state. He had also been working very hard. - Dr E. A. Ellis said the deceased came to see him on Monday morning and complained of pains in his back. He saw him again on Tuesday morning and then told him to take a rest. He was in a run-down state. He afterwards saw deceased's wife, and warned her not to leave him alone nor allow him to go out by himself, but he did not suspect that he would do himself any personal violence. On Wednesday he was called to deceased's house and when he got there he found him lying on the floor having apparently hanged himself. Deceased's neck was dislocated. - Frank Langler, coach-builder, said he was called to the house of the deceased at about 11.30 a.m. He could not get into the house as the door was locked, but did so by going through a neighbour's house and getting through the window of the kitchen, where he found deceased hanging from a crook in the ceiling. He at once cut him down and sent for the Police and Medical assistance. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased killed himself by hanging whilst Temporary Insane. - The Deputy Coroner complimented Mr Langler upon the promptitude of his action in cutting down the deceased and added that lives might often be saved in similar cases if only the same presence of mind was shown.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 April 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Cornish Petty Officer Killed. Tram Accident At Devonport. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on PETTY OFFICER JAMES CURNOW, R.N., aged 32, single, a native of Trelyon, near St. Ives, Cornwall, which occurred after deceased had been run over by a tramcar. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr A. Williams (on behalf of Mr T. H. Gill) the Devonport and District Tramways Company, for which also the manager (Mr G. Cardwell) appeared. - Percival Chisholm, 11 Alexandra-road, Ford, said that at a few minutes to nine o'clock last Friday evening he was driving No. 7 car down Martin-terrace, Keyham, when another car approached on the right-hand side. Witness checked his car in order to avoid collision with any children who might be running behind the approaching car. When witness's car was about to pass the other car a sailor rushed out from the left-hand side pavement with the evidence intention of catching the car going in the opposite direction. The sailor, who was the deceased, was then six feet in front, and witness shouted, sounded his gong, and applied the emergency brake. Witness found it impossible to avoid the car coming into collision with deceased, who apparently fell under the car. The lifeguard drove him on to the other line and the life-guard of the other car lifted him on to the roadway about six feet clear. Witness got off the car and the deceased was placed on his car, and witness took him to the Hospital. Deceased was unconscious. The car was travelling at from five to six miles per hour. Witness was of opinion that deceased made for the car going to the Naval Barracks, and did not see witness's car approaching. Witness pulled up in about 27 feet. - By Mr Peck: As deceased ran across the road diagonally his distance from the car decreased and the force of the collision was therefore all the greater. - W. J. Chinn, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, said he saw deceased step from the footpath when the cars were approaching one another, as if to catch that going to the Naval Barracks. When deceased was struck and knocked down by No. 7 car witness heard the lifeguard drop and saw deceased lying in the roadway. Witness did not consider the driver was to blame, nor could he have prevented the accident. The car was stopped in about twice its length. - R. G. Barrball, boilermaker apprentice, 12 Haddington-road, said deceased appeared to step immediately in front of the car. Witness was about fifteen or twenty yards away. The car was going at an ordinary rate, and no blame could be attached to the driver. - James Lanyon, shipwright apprentice, 25 Spencer-avenue, corroborated. - S. G. Hookway, conductor of the car, said the speed limit for Martin-terrace was six miles per hour and the car was going at from five to six miles. - Dr A. J. Drew, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. There were several fractures of the skull with laceration of the brain and the right thigh was also fractured. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury exonerating the driver from blame. - Mr Williams, for the Tramway Company, joined with the Coroner and Jury in a vote of sympathy to the relatives. - An officer said deceased was a gun-layer and a man with an excellent character and of exceptional ability.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 May 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Warrant Officer's Sudden Death. Fifteen Years Without A Doctor. - Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on JOHN COLLINS, aged 78, retired chief boatswain, R.N., of Rowe Cottage, Rowe-street, Torpoint, who died suddenly on Saturday when about to draw his pension. - ARTHUR EDWARD COLLINS, carpenter, 10 Wellington-street, Torpoint, said deceased (his father) enjoyed good health and had not had medical attendance for fifteen years. Deceased appeared quite well when he left home to get his pension. - John Hoskin Tamlin, retired boatswain, R.N., of Alcester-street, Stoke, said he went to the Dockyard on Saturday to draw his pension and to collect monthly subscriptions for the Warrant Officers' Death and Burial Club. He met deceased in the waiting-room of the Counter's Office and they got talking about the deaths of members, deceased remarking that five members died in March and witness informing him there was a clean sheet for April. Just afterwards deceased, who was seated, leaned against witness, who was standing. Witness gently pushed deceased upright and then he fell in the opposite direction. Witness laid deceased on the stool and had unfastened his collar when he gave a gasp and expired. - Lieut. Crocker, R.N. (retired), Torpoint, said he accompanied deceased to catch the steamer to Devonport, but they had to disembark from it again as, owing to the fog, it could not run. They crossed in the ferry and, as they were rather late, deceased probably hurried up New-passage-hill. Witness went on by himself. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South, R.N., said death was due to syncope, through fatty degeneration of the heart. Deceased was a heavy man and the hurrying no doubt brought about the heart stoppage. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. - Mr K. Eyton Peck watched the case on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 May 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce at Ker-street, Devonport, on SAMUEL ADAMS, 54, naval pensioner, who the previous day was found hanging from a bed-rail at 18 John-street. - SAMUEL JAMES ADAMS, labourer in the Dockyard, said when he went to work on Tuesday his father said he was going to Torpoint. About two months ago deceased fell down a hatchway on board a battleship and was badly bruised. He had appeared strange in his manner ever since. When witness returned home to dinner about a fortnight ago he found deceased standing in the middle of the bedroom with the gas turned on full. His father then said to him, "SAM, if you had been five minutes later I should have been somewhere else." He then promised not to again attempt to take his life. - Frederick Potter said he opened the kitchen door and saw deceased lying on the floor of the bedroom beyond. A piece of cord was tied around his neck and suspended from the bed-rail. - Deceased's son, recalled, said his father was in arrears of rent, and had had notice to quit the premises. That face had worried deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Friday 7 May 1915
YELVERTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Yelverton yesterday on WILLIAM LIONEL WALKER, 32, an inmate, of the Y[?]l Torre Sanatorium, who died on Wednesday while being administered chloroform by Dr Watson, in the presence of Dr Bailey. The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to heart failure. they exonerated the doctors from all blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 May 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Death After Route March. - At the Military Hospital, Devonport, last evening, the District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on PTE. JOHN JESSON, 3rd, Worcestershire Regt., who died at the Hospital last Friday night. - Lieut. G. H. J. Daubeney, 6th Worcester Regt. said deceased was aged 38, and a widower. Last Friday he accompanied the 6th Battalion on a route march of twelve to fourteen miles. The weather was very hot and there were some steep hills on the route, which was in the direction of Marsh Mills. Deceased had been passed as medically fit to accompany a draft going abroad. - Sergt. F. Goodridge, 6th Worcester Regt., said that when passing down Tavistock-road, Devonport, on the return journey deceased reeled two or three times, and witness prevented him from falling. Deceased put his hand to his chest, and said, "It's my heart, sergeant. I've got a weak heart." He lost consciousness whilst being led to the coffee bar by witness. About sixteen men fell out during the march. Dr J. Ingram, doing duty at the Military Hospital, said that when deceased was brought to the Hospital he was in a collapsed and apparently dying condition. Death, which occurred at 10 p.m., was due to cerebral haemorrhage. Exposure to heat during the route march had induced the haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner remarking that the circumstances were very sad.

PLYMOUTH - The Late MR PERCY WILLIAMS. At the Inquest yesterday on LIONEL PERCY WILLIAMS, 35, son of MR C. F. WILLIAMS, formerly lessee of the Theatre Royal, who died suddenly at Holyrood-terrace, Plymouth, on Friday evening, Dr E. L. Fox said the cause of death was heart disease and a verdict accordingly was returned by the Jury, who joined the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, in an expression of sincere sympathy with the relatives. - It was stated that deceased had played cricket in the afternoon and in the evening took a walk on the Hoe. On his return home he complained of the heat and pains in the chest and sometime later collapsed. He refused to have a doctor called.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 May 1915
SAMPFORD SPINEY - Dartmoor Mystery. Lady's Body Found In The River Walkham. Plymouth Nurse Missing. - The notice in yesterday's "Western Morning News" that the body of a woman, well dressed in black clothes, had been found in the River Walkham, near Vixen Tor, led to the friends of a trained nurse at Plymouth, who recently disappeared, attending the Inquest yesterday and giving evidence which may lead to the identification of the body. The Inquest was held by the Coroner of the District, Mr R. R. Rodd, at the schoolhouse at Sampford Spiney, Mr Charles Calmady being Foreman of the Jury. - P.C. A. E. Churchill, stationed at Horrabridge, said about 1.30 on the previous day his attention was called to the body by a Belgian who had been fishing in the Walkham River. The body was in about three feet of water - in a pool between the boulders. The river at that point runs through a wood between Heckwood Farm and Vixen Tor. He removed the body to Eastentown farmhouse, Sampford Spiney. He searched the banks and the pool, but could find no hat or any other article. Deceased was wearing a black costume, silk blouse, silk underskirt, black silk stockings, and high-heeled shoes, quite new, and had black gloves on her hands. There was one little pocket in the dress, but nothing was in it. He noticed a severe wound on the head. The bank near the pool was steep and rocky on one side. No name could be found on any of the clothes. - The Coroner: How would a stranger approach this spot? - Very rarely anyone, even fishermen, would go there. There is a drive, about 100 yards up, leading to Vixen Tor House. - Mr Monro (a Juror) suggested that as there had been a flood in the river the body was first in the water higher up, and had been washed into the position in which it was found. - NURSE GLOVER Missing. - Mrs Blanche Milicent Crews, of Plympton, said she knew EDITH GLOVER, a hospital nurse, aged 45. NURSE GLOVER was with her at Woodside Nursing Home, Plymouth, when she (witness) was there as Sister Wise. She last saw NURSE GLOVER at Mutley Station on Monday, April 19th. She had been in good spirits, but her nerves were bad. She had had night duty a long time and had not been able to sleep by day. The next day NURSE GLOVER went away to her sister's in London. On Saturday, April 24th, she left Paddington Station in the morning, being seen off by her sister. The nurse's sister told witness this in the letter, in which she also said NURSE GLOVER said when she got to Bristol she was going to change into plain clothes, in order to go to a convent, and she would send her back the mauve coat and skirt she was wearing. the clothes arrived on the following Saturday and that was the last heard of her. NURSE GLOVER used to stay at a bungalow near Yelverton, and knew the neighbourhood. When NURSE GLOVER disposed of her jewellery she sent a gold watch bracelet to the woman who took care of the bungalow. The hair, the fingers and the shows worn by NURSE GLOVER were very similar to those of the body lying at the farmhouse. The manicured finger nails were like NURSE GLOVER'S. The features were too decomposed to be recognised. - The Coroner: You have a strong suspicion that it is the body of NURSE GLOVER? - I have a feeling that it is. The mouth also strikes me as rather like hers. - Letter With Clothes For Belgians. - Witness went on to say that NURSE GLOVER disposed of all her clothes and jewellery before she left Plymouth, and among other things she left a box at her lodgings at Rochester House, Alton-road, Plymouth. NURSE GLOVER'S sister wrote witness to open the box and see if there was anything that would give any clue to her disappearance. At the top of the box they found a letter stating that she was sending the clothes to Belgian gentlewomen who had lost everything, but adding that she did not wish anyone to acknowledge them, as when they reached their destination she would be dead. - The Coroner: Where is the box and the letter? - Witness said the box, she believed, had been sent to the Belgians through Mr Frank Phillips, Belgian Consul. - And the letter as well? - I don't know whether we could find that. Witness added that she knew NURSE GLOVER had two or three false teeth put in by a Plymouth dentist. Some of the teeth were missing from the body. As a private nurse, NURSE GLOVER was well known to many Plymouth families, and her services were greatly valued. She had private means of her own, and witness could give no reason whatever for her disappearance, except her nervous breakdown. She believed NURSE GLOVER originally belonged to Gloucester. - Not Drowned, But Killed By A Blow. - Mr John George Bailey, medical practitioner, of Yelverton, said he had made a post-mortem examination of the body. He discovered a contused wound, about three inches long, extending from just above the nose upwards towards the top of the head. The wound went quite into the bone. The wound might have been caused by violent contact with some blunt body, such as a rock, or it might have been made by a bludgeon. Deceased falling from a height on to the rocks would have caused it. This wound was the cause of death. There was no evidence of drowning. - The Coroner: You cannot say that the wound occurred before she entered the water? - I am pretty certain she was insensible at the time she entered the water. This is consistent with her striking the rock before she got into the water. Deceased had dark hair turning grey. I should say she was over 40. She had three or four teeth missing. She was a tall woman inclined to be stout. - Mr Monro: As to this cut on the forehead, which might have been caused by a blunt instrument, you don't mean a knife? - Supposing the woman had been struck by a bludgeon, that would make a more contused wound? - That would depend on the shape of the bludgeon: this is a spread wound. - Is just not cut as if by falling on rock? - Yes, a rough cut. - Do you think it was caused by the lady throwing herself in the river and falling on a rock? - I think she must have thrown herself from some height. - P.C. Churchill said she could have jumped over into the position in which she was found. - The Coroner: There are two suggestions as to the cause of the wound - the rock and the bludgeon. Having regard to the position in which she was found you are inclined to think she came into the river from a height and struck her head on a rock? - Yes; and afterwards she fell into the water. - The Coroner: You think she struck her head on a rock and died from the shock? - Yes. - Reasons For Adjournment. - The Coroner said it appeared that the evidence carried them thus far. How deceased got into the water there was no evidence to show, but as she fell there her head struck a rock and received the injury from which she died. They had not fully identified her yet, and their proper course would be to adjourn that Inquest that an endeavour might be made to get further evidence if possible. It appeared she consulted Mr Brittan, a well-known Plymouth dentist, a short time before she was missing. He would probably be able to say what teeth were missing and whether his impression of her mouth corresponded with the particulars given by the doctor. If the doctor's evidence on that point was corroborated, taken with the evidence of Mrs Crews as to the similarity of the hair, the manicured fingers, the shape of the mouth and the style of the shoe and the feet, and the fact that NURSE GLOVER knew that district well and was missing, the Jury would probably be convinced that the body they had seen was the body of NURSE GLOVER. But they wanted further evidence, and he suggested an adjournment of at least a week to allow the Police to make further inquiries. - It was arranged that the adjourned Inquest should be held next Wednesday, at 4 o'clock.

POLTIMORE - Devon Farmer's Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Poltimore yesterday on SAMUEL WESTLAKE, farmer, of Pynes Farm. - MRS WESTLAKE said her husband was aged 39, and left the farm on Monday afternoon without saying where he was going. Recently he lost a lot of pigs through swine fever. He had also been short of men and on Saturday he joined the Army. That worried him a great deal. - Thomas Thompson, carter, said he found MR WESTLAKE hanging, quite dead, from an apple-tree, about four feet from the ground. It appeared as if he had climbed the tree and swung off. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Friday 21 May 1915
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Lad's Death. - Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest yesterday at Okehampton on JOHN HAMILL BISHOP, aged 9 years, who died on Monday at No. 6 Church-hill. - FRANCIS MITCHELL (step-father) said the child was taken ill about 13 weeks ago. About a week before that he came home and said some boys had been on to him. He did not make much of it, and did not seem hurt, but a few days after he complained of being unwell. - Fred Hammond, age 13, said a few weeks ago he saw BISHOP at Domehayes get on a wall and sit with his back towards the roadway. A few minutes afterwards he fell backwards and dropped on the road on his back. No one as near him to push him off the wall. - Dr Burd said he attended the lad for cerebro-spinal meningitis. He had not heard of his fall until after his death. All the symptoms were such as might follow from a blow or fall on the head or back. - The Jury found that death was due to cerebro-spinal meningitis, resulting from an Accidental Fall.

SAMPFORD SPINEY - Walkham Tragedy. The Body Identified As That Of NURSE GLOVER. - Since Wednesday's Inquest on the body of the woman found in the River Walkham, near Vixen Tor, facts have come to light which show positively that the deceased was NURSE EDITH GLOVER, aged 45, who formerly lodged at Rochester House, Alton-road, Plymouth, and who also stayed occasionally at a bungalow near Yelverton. - At the Inquest, Mrs Crews, of Plympton, who had known the deceased at Woodside Nursing Home, Plymouth, stated that NURSE GLOVER had had two or three false teeth put in by a Plymouth dentist, and that some of the deceased's teeth were missing from the body. The Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, in adjoining the Inquiry, remarked that Mr Brittan (the dentist referred to) would probably be able to say what teeth were missing, and whether his impression of the deceased's mouth corresponded with the description given by Dr Bailey, of Yelverton. Mrs Hopkins, of Pembury-road, Tuffly, Gloucester (a married sister of NURSE GLOVER), and Mrs Crews had seen Mr Brittan and ascertained that the teeth extracted by him correspond with those missing from the deceased woman. - The identification is rendered more complete by a discovery made yesterday by Sergeant Screech, of Yelverton, and P.C. Churchill. It was believed that when the deceased left London for the West of England on April 24th she was carrying a handbag. A search of the River Walkham yesterday by the two Police Officers resulted in the discovery of the bag about 500 yards from the spot where the body was found. It contained clothing which has been identified by Mrs Crews as belonging to NURSE GLOVER. - The funeral of the deceased took place yesterday, Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Crews being among the principal followers.

ST MARYCHURCH - Babbacombe Cliff Fatality. Mind Affected By The War. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at St. Marychurch yesterday on HAROLD WARD TOPHAM, aged 58, explorer and yachtsman. - MR A. G. TOPHAM (South Kensington) said his brother resided mostly on the Continent. For three weeks he lived at his (witness's) house in London, until he left for St. Marychurch with his sister, MRS EDE. He was exceedingly worried over the war, and had an idea that things were going very badly with the Allies and that it was going to affect his financial position. He was always writing letters and sending telegrams about his investments. When he returned from abroad on April 19th, he saw a nerve specialist in London, who advised the rest cure, and he came on to St Marychurch, after a rest at Pinner. There was no idea that he had any suicidal tendency. - Struggle With Sister. - MRS ETHEL BEATRICE EDE, widow, residing at Mornington, St Marychurch, said she went up to London and brought her brother home with her. He was rather melancholy, nervous and depressed. The Lunacy Commissioners had nothing to do with him; there was not the slightest occasion for it. He saw Dr Odell for his nerves, but never said anything that led to the least suggestion that he intended to take his life. On Tuesday they went for walks. In the evening he said he had a liver attack and must take medicine. After that they played picquet from 8 p.m. to 9.30. She heard signs of moving in his bedroom between 2 and 3 on Wednesday morning, and about 5.30 went into the room and found the bed empty. She called to him, and he answered from the hall. She asked him what he was doing, and he replied, "I am going out for a walk." She went down and said it was too early for a walk, and suggested he should have some tea before he went. They had a struggle at the door. He had a set, stern expression on his face. She had never seen him like it before. She tried to prevent him going, but he rushed out into the drive and ran up the road. She followed and called to two workmen to stop him. They simply looked at him. When he heard her calling he walked past the men with his hands in his pockets. Upon her giving an explanation to one of the men, he said he would follow him and if he saw a policeman, would tell him. She told the man that her brother was in a very nervous, excited state and that a doctor was looking after him, and that his look had frightened her. She went to a friend's house and telephoned to Dr Odell and afterwards was told he had fallen over the cliff. He left no letter or anything of the kind in his bedroom. The culminating blow to him was when Sir E. Speyer resigned. Her brother had shares in Mond and Co., and thought they would go. - Jump Of 140 Feet. - Sidney R. Beer, carpenter, St. Marychurch, stated that on Wednesday morning, about 5.40, with another workman named Tickell, he saw MR TOPHAM in St. Marychurch-road and heard loud talking between him and a lady. The lady (MRS EDE) said "Stop that man; he is out of his mind." MR TOPHAM then started to run. He and MR TOPHAM looked at each other for a moment and he followed him. When they had gone a little way MR TOPHAM took a short cut by Hampton-terrace and he reached Babbacombe Down. Then he ran down by the railings as far as the bandstand and coming back about a dozen paces, placed his hand on the railings, put up one foot, brought his body up and gave a spring out over. The cliff was sheer perpendicular down from the railings. - P.S. Hunt said he found MR TOPHAM lying against a thorn bush, quite dead. He had fallen about 140 feet, striking his head and fracturing his skull. In his clothes was no letter or writing of any description. - Dr W. Pitt-Palmer, Babbacombe, stated that death must have been instantaneous. - Medical Testimony. - Dr W. Odell, Torquay, said MR TOPHAM had been a patient of his since April 29th. He was then extremely nervous and had some fancied ailments. An intermittent pulse worried him a good bit and was told that it was of no consequence. On May 13th he was so much better that it was arranged that, if he wanted him, MR TOPHAM would send for him. During the time he attended him he was fit to go about alone. He was very worried about the war and the fall in stocks, but he had not the least suicidal tendency, and there was no need to keep him under control. Being with his sister and spending his time in the garden, he was under the very best conditions to get better if it had not been for the worry. Only the day before his death MRS EDE said she had had the best day with him she had ever had. If he had been asked to declare MR TOPHAM mentally unsound, he dare not have done it. Dr Williams, who saw MR TOPHAM after he did, had told him there was not the slightest evidence of suicidal tendency and he was quite rational. - Francis W. Tickell, joiner, said when he saw MRS EDE and her brother in the road MR TOPHAM said, "I shall be back again in a minute; I am only going for a walk." From the way he spoke he did not think he was going to do any harm to himself. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was clear that MR TOPHAM had evidently made up his mind to commit the act and left the house with that intention. The only question was the state of his mind. - The Jury, Mr C. Rendle, Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide At Teignmouth. Financial Worries. - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth last evening on THOMAS CODNER, Hill View, Ringmore, whose body was early on Wednesday morning found completely severed on the Great Western Railway main line, between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot. - MR HENRY CODNER, of Ness Mount, Third-avenue, Teignmouth, said deceased, his brother, was aged 69, and had resided at Ringmore about 20 years. He lived alone, having lost his wife about twelve months ago. Deceased had been depressed in consequence of financial difficulties. He had speculated on the Stock Exchange and lost all his own, as well as his wife's, money. During the last two years he had lost over £1,000 and in addition he owed upwards of £1,500 to stockbrokers. His wife's death also considerably affected him, but witness had no idea that he had any suicidal tendencies. His affairs on the Stock Exchange had been gradually getting worse for the last three years. - Mrs Carter, Sheldon, said she lived next door to deceased, whom she saw at about 7.30 on Tuesday evening, standing outside his house. He was looking very miserable, and in a despairing mood, but, in reply to her question, said he was pretty well. - John Knapman, of Laira, driver f the early morning down train from Paddington to Plymouth, stated that his train did not stop between Exeter and Newton Abbot. He passed through Teignmouth about 4 a.m., just at daybreak. About a quarter of a mile on the Newton Abbot side of Teignmouth Gasworks he saw a man's body lying across the up line, near the cliffs. Witness noticed, on passing the spot, that the body had been severed, although his train was travelling at a rate of about 53 miles an hour. He reported the matter on reaching Newton Abbot. - P.C. Abrahams, Teignmouth, said two letters were found on the body. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said the letters were from a lady friend and threw no light on the affair. - John Mapledoram, of Exeter, chief inspector of the G.W. R. Company, said it had been ascertained that some blood had been found on an engine of a down train which passed through Teignmouth at 3 a.m., and witness thought it possible deceased might have been struck by that train. The spot where deceased was found was no "short cut" to any place. - Dr A. C. Brown, Shaldon, said deceased was rather of a nervous temperament. The death of his wife, and also his financial troubles, had worried him. He had, however, told witness that he had come to some arrangement, and that, although he would be very poor, he would have enough to live on. - Miss May Roberts, a nurse at Hermosa Nursing Home, said she had known deceased since last January. She last saw him alive on Sunday. They were to have been married shortly. He was a little depressed on Sunday, but she knew of nothing that would throw any light upon the affair. She was under the impression that his money troubles were cleared up. He did not say much to her about it. - The Jury found that "Deceased Killed Himself by placing himself in front of a train, being at the time of Unsound Mind." - Sympathy was expressed with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 May 1915
SAMPFORD SPINEY - Dartmoor Mystery. Plymouth Nurse's Death In River Walkham. £700 Securities Missing. - The adjourned Inquest on a lady found by a Belgium refugee in the River Walkham, near Vixen Tor, on the 17th inst., was resumed by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at Sampford Spiney yesterday. At the previous Inquiry friends of MISS EDITH AMY GLOVER, a trained nurse, lately residing at Rochester House, Alton-road, Plymouth, gave evidence which tended towards identifying the body as that of that lady, who had been missing since April 24th, when she left Paddington Station for the West. - P.C. Arthur Edward Churchill said, following the previous Inquiry on Thursday, May 20th, in company with Sergeant Screech he dragged the river Walkham, and in a deep pool, about 500 yards above where the deceased was found, discovered a bag containing a dressing jacket, nightdress, hand mirror, brush, two combs, sponge, seven handkerchiefs, a vest and a purse containing 6s. 9 ¼d. in cash, a syringe and two keys and a pair of slippers. Some of the articles in the bag had been identified by Mrs Crews as belonging to NURSE GLOVER. The pool in which the bag was found was about ten feet below a rock with a flat surface. - The Coroner: Would it be possible for the deceased to have been washed out of the pool by flood water? - P.C. Churchill: It would take a big flood. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Munro, a Juryman, said there was a considerable amount of water flowing down the river on the Sunday before the discovery on the body, and several of the Jury agreed that the river was then in heavy flood and it was quite possible for a body to have been washed out of the pool to where that of deceased was discovered. - Mrs B. M. Crews, of Plympton, identified the dressing gown, mirror and hair brush, on which was the initial E, found in the bag, as the property of MISS EDITH AMY GLOVER , aged 45, a trained nurse, of Plymouth. - To Enter A Convent. - Rhoda Alice Newton, wife of William Berryman Newton, of Downhouse, Whitchurch, said she knew MISS GLOVER very well and on the morning of April 20th she received a letter with a gold bracelet. The letter, which bore no address at the head, written in black-lead on a sheet of notepaper, was as follows:- "Thanks so much for being so kind to me. Enclosed is what I promised. I have gone in a convent so shall not need it. Don't answer it, as I should not get letter. E. A. G." - Proceeding Mrs Newton said she last saw MISS GLOVER on April 8th. She did not then appear upset and did not complain of her work. Her disposition was very cheerful and lively and she had no trouble that witness was aware of. The gift of the wristlet did not surprise her very much, as reference had been made to it jokingly a considerable time previously. - George Reginald Brittan, dental surgeon, practising at Plymouth, said he had known MISS GLOVER since about 1908. The body discovered in the Walkham was that of MISS EDITH AMY GLOVER, whom he knew as NURSE GLOVER. He had seen the body which he recognized, and he confirmed his opinion by the identification of the filling of a tooth which he put in on April 8th last, in addition to which there were two other teeth which he had treated a short time previously. - Valuable Bonds Missing. - Mr C. W. Polkinghorne, manager of the Capital and Counties Bank, Plymouth, said about a week before she disappeared NURSE GLOVER called on him and asked to withdraw her securities. These included £600 Brazilian bonds and £100 Grand Trunk bonds. They were payable to bearer and he endeavoured to induce her to let them remain at the bank, as if she carried them about they might be stolen. She, however, persisted in taking them and said she intended to enter a convent. In the course of conversation, Mr Polkinghorne said he tried to persuade her against such a course, but she persisted and eventually left the Bank with the bonds, and in addition he believed she had about £100 in money. - The Coroner: Have these Bonds been traced? - Mr Polkinghorne: No. None of the family knew anything about them. I, of course, have the numbers, but so far I have been unable to discover that they have been negotiated. - In reply to further questions, Mr Polkinghorne said there was nothing unusual in NURSE GLOVER'S manner when she called on him. She, however, appeared somewhat nervy and as if she had been suffering somewhat from overwork. In an endeavour to cheer her up a bit he induced her to visit his wife and take a motor drive. There was nothing to suggest she was likely to attempt suicide. - Sergt. Screech said every inquiry had been made to discover if NURSE GLOVER had been seen in the neighbourhood, but her movements in the district were shrouded in mystery. - In summing up, the Coroner said it was a distressing case, although there was some satisfaction that the body had been identified. The Jury could have no doubt that it was that of NURSE GLOVER, for evidence of identification being sufficient to satisfy them on that point. The evidence went to prove that MISS GLOVER had had a nervous breakdown, which apparently had made her feel low and ill, and, having regard to that and the fact that her body was found in the pool., they might be likely to say she jumped off the flat rock into the pool with the intention of drowning herself, and that in the fall she struck the boulder and received the injury that Dr Batley said was the cause of death. On the other hand, if they considered there was not sufficient evidence to show how deceased got into the river it was open to them to return a verdict of "Found Dead." - The Jury returned as their verdict that the body was that of NURSE EDITH AMY GLOVER, and that on May 17th she was Found Dead in the River Walkham with a contused wound on the forehead, which caused shock and death, and that there was no evidence to show how she got into the river or received the injury to her head.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 May 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Ker-street, yesterday on the newly-born male child of WINIFRED KELLY, single, aged 18. Dr T. McElwaine, Police Surgeon, said in his opinion the cause of death was want of attention at birth. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 June 1915
ILSINGTON - Death Under Chloroform. Coroner And Ilsington Doctor. - An Inquest was held at Ilsington yesterday on MRS EDITH VIGGERS, the wife of ALFRED H. VIGGERS, organist of the parish church. - Miss Mary M. Waycott, Paignton, said she had been staying with MRS VIGGERS for six weeks, in view of her approaching confinement, and a trained nurse had been with them for three weeks. MRS VIGGERS was taken ill on Friday morning, and a telegram was sent for Dr Goodwin. She asked all day for chloroform, but it was not administered until about midnight. She became unconscious and died. - Dr H. Goodwin, Bovey Tracey, said the post-mortem examination showed that the heart and other organs were healthy. Death was due to heart failure. He thought the anaesthetic caused paralysis of the heart centres. Some persons were peculiarly susceptible to an anaesthetic, and there was no method of finding this out beforehand. As he was out when the telegram was received it was sent on to Dr Dallas, who took the case. - Dr A. Dallas said MRS VIGGERS asked for chloroform when he arrived and her husband told him to use it if necessary, but he did not administer it until it was really necessary, on account of MRS VIGGERS'S failing strength. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker): Is it usual for a doctor to give chloroform himself without calling in another doctor? - Very little is given in these cases. - The Coroner: It is a well-established rule of the General Medical Council that chloroform requires the whole attention of a person who administers the anaesthetic, and the person who conducts the operation should not be the same person. That was confirmed by the Parliamentary Committee that inquired into the matter, and they stated that the same person should not administer the anaesthetic and perform the operation. The report went on to say that in case of urgency a hard-and-fast rule should not be laid down, and stated that an anaesthetist must always be on the watch and prepared to use artificial respiration and other immediate remedies. As that is the established rule, it is due to you to ask you why it was not followed in this case. - Dr Dallas: In this case no sort of surgical treatment had taken place when death took place. MRS VIGGERS collapsed before it had been commenced. - You were going to perform the operation and your attention would have been taken off then? - It would have been. - Did it occur to you to get someone to assist you in the matter, or did you consider it was not necessary? - I thought it not necessary. The patient appeared to be perfectly healthy. - It was not an urgent case. You could have got help? - Yes, in a few hours certainly. - Witness added that after he gave the chloroform the patient showed signs of coming round, and he asked the nurse to give a few more drops. He was watching the patient when she collapsed suddenly. - The Foreman (Mr Burnett): Would there have been any likelihood of saving the woman had another doctor been present? - I don't think so. - The Coroner: If she had died while you were operating, it would have wanted more explanation of the risk you ran. As it was you were able to watch her. - Nurse Hoare, Axminster, also gave evidence. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was an error in judgment on the doctor's part, he thought, in not following the rule laid down. - A Juror: Dr Dallas thought he was doing his best, and in a country place it is a long way to go to fetch another doctor. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure, while under the influence of Chloroform, properly administered."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 June 1915
BRIXHAM - Brixham Quarry Fatality. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on JOHN COLLINGS, aged 58, Higher Brixham, who died as the result of injuries sustained whilst at work in Freshwater Quarry, whence stone is taken for the breakwater extension works. Mr Richard King. H.M. Inspector of Mines, attended; and Mr G. L. Peeke, solicitor, Torquay, represented the contractors, W. Hill and Co., London. - The evidence showed that at 6.30 p.m. on May 6th COLLINGS was at work in the quarry with three other men. One of them, Percy Victor Rose, to shift an empty skip weighing about half a ton from one side to the other, gave an order to the crane driver. Charles Whalley, to heave up the crane, calling directly afterwards to JOHN SMALL COLLINGS to look out. Small cleared, but COLLINGS, going in another direction, got in the way of the skip, which knocked him down. It was stated that the men had plenty of time to get out of the way, and it was suggested that COLLINGS had bad feet which prevented him from moving quickly. - Dr F. Brett Young said COLLINGS was admitted to the Cottage Hospital suffering from a scalp wound, another wound on the right wrist, very extensive crushing of the right chest with six broken ribs, and one broken rib on the left chest. He progressed so extraordinarily well that by the end of last week he was practically convalescent. Quite suddenly, however, on Tuesday afternoon he complained of breathlessness, and although stimulants were at once given him, he died in less than ten minutes. A post-mortem examination revealed a considerable wound in the left lung the result of puncture, and causing extensive haemorrhage. - The Coroner, summing u, said if the skip had been raised and swung at such a height as to clear a man, no accident would have happened. If there was a regulation that under such circumstances the skip should be raised about seven feet, an accident of this kind would be avoided. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and recommended that the skip should be raised when in use at least eight feet from the ground.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lad's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Homeopathic Hospital yesterday touching the death of ERNEST CROOKES aged 9, of Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, who was injured on April 23rd and died on Tuesday last. - MRS CROOKES, the mother, said her son was riding on a bicycle with his elder brother in Wyndham-square when the accident occurred. - Dr P. M. C. Willmot said the lad was admitted to the Hospital suffering from injuries to the scalp and skull. He continued under treatment, but developed an abscess on the brain, and died on Tuesday from meningitis. - Fred Stapleton, taxi-cab driver, 6 Gascoyne-place, said he was driving a taxi about 5.30 p.m. on April 23rd. He had just set down a gentleman at the corner of Wyndham-square, and had turned round, and was passing St Peter's Church on his near side. Just as he got to the corner of the church two boys came riding a bicycle on their wrong side. He swerved the car away to his right-hand side and the boys passed him on his near side, but the bicycle struck the pavement and the deceased hurt his head. The car did not strike the bicycle at all, as the elder boy admitted. Witness was going about eight or nine miles an hour and sounded his horn. - Mrs Parish, widow, 17 Wyndham-square, said she saw the accident and was of the opinion that the wheel of the car struck the cycle. She admitted, however that the boys were on the wrong side. - The Coroner thought the affair was a pure accident, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 June 1915
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns yesterday held an Inquest on MARGARET WONNACOTT, the wife of JAMES HENRY WONNACOTT, certificated teacher at the Higher Grade School. - MR WONNACOTT said his wife was 45 years of age. On Monday morning he left her about 8.40. She then appeared all right. She had been under the care of the doctor for nervous breakdown, but had never threatened to take her life. When he returned from school about 12.15 p.m. he found her suspended from the banisters. She was tied by a piece of picture cord and was quite dead. - Dr G. Sandford, called from the Salisbury-road Military Hospital to see MRS WONNACOTT, said death was due to strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with MR WONNACOTT.

HEMYOCK - Hemyock Motor Car Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Hemyock yesterday on MARY BURROWS, aged 9, of Culmstock. She was returning from school with other girls, and was apparently hugging the hedge to avoid a motor car that was passing a mail cart. Just as the car passed she suddenly started across the road and was knocked down, sustaining severe injuries to the head, from which she died. - The driver of the motor car, Edward Sellick, of Wellington, said he was driving from ten to fifteen miles an hour. - Other witnesses estimated the speed at less. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Sellick said he intended paying all funeral expenses.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 June 1915
SLAPTON - WILLIAM BOWLES, carpenter, 53 years of age, was at Slapton found in an unconscious state by his son on Tuesday, and he shortly afterwards died. BOWLES was in the house by himself, as his wife had gone to London for a holiday. At the Inquest yesterday the evidence showed that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 June 1915
MOREBATH - Devon Farmer's Death. - At the Inquest at Ashtown Farm, Morebath, on Saturday on FRANCIS PARKMAN, aged 61, a retired farmer, the evidence showed that he had lately suffered from mental depression. He went into the granary, and with his son's double-barrelled gun pulled a string attached to the right trigger and killed himself. Near by was a note running as follows:- "Dear Mum, Fred and Nellie, I can't stand this any longer. No doctor can tell what I have suffered. Please forgive me; you have done all you can." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

TORQUAY - Sad Fatality At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at Chelston, Torquay, on Saturday on JOHN EDWIN HOBBES, aged five years, the only child of FRANK E. HOBBES, a member of the Metropolitan Police Force, formerly of Torquay. On May 20th the child was brought down to Torquay to stay with his grandfather, MR EDWIN HOBBES, head gardener at Hannapyn. The following evening the grandfather placed a zinc bucket about three-parts full of hot water behind the kitchen door, and was preparing to wash himself in it when the little boy ran in from another room and fell backwards into the bucket. The grandfather pulled the child out immediately. Death took place on Saturday morning. - Dr A. Wightwick said the child was severely and extensively scalded. he was very well looked after and after having got over the effects of the scald, progressed favourably up to the previous Sunday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 June 1915
PLYMOUTH - Yealmpton Child's Death. - An Inquest was held at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr R. B. Johns, on ELSIE ALICE SPEAR, aged 9. - THOMAS SPEAR, a labourer, living in Lyneham-cottages, Yealmpton, said he left his daughter with a younger daughter in the kitchen while he went to meet his wife. He was absent not more than a quarter of an hour. According to the younger child, a spark from the stove fell on the girl's clothing and she then ran from the house to meet him. When they met, her clothes were alight. He first endeavoured to extinguish the flames with his hands and failing, used bags and similar things. The child was removed to the Hospital the same night, and died a few hours after admission. - Dr P. Wilmot said it was a hopeless case from the first. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 June 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Overlaying Case At Devonport. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. A. Pearce at Ker-street Guildhall, Devonport, yesterday, on EDMUND C. DRAKE. - EDMUND C. DRAKE, greengrocer, Ker-street, said the child was born on the 8th inst. On Monday morning his wife awoke him and drew his attention to the baby, who was sleeping in the same bed, and was cold and white. The child had always slept between them. There were three other children. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to suffocation. - The Coroner remarked that the more said against the practice of people taking their children to bed with them the less notice was taken. It was stated some years ago that 1,500 children had died through overlaying when sleeping with their parents. He had held many Inquests on such cases. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 June 1915
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Child's Death. - Mr J. W. Geare held an Inquest last evening at Okehampton on THOMAS SEARLE SHARP, aged 2 years, who died on Thursday in Lillicrapp's-court. - Mrs Edith Brock, wife of George Brock, mason, said she was washing in the kitchen on Tuesday morning and had the clothes on the fire boiling in a tin bath. She removed the bath on to the floor to put on potatoes. The child was then in a corner playing on a chair. She went out of the room to fetch cold water. On returning to the room the child was still in the corner playing and on seeing her he turned round quickly and fell into the bath as he was running across the room. She dropped the bath of cold water, pulled the baby out of the boiling bath, and screamed for help. Mrs Farley, a neighbour, came in, and Dr Young was sent for. - Dr Young said the child was scalded nearly all over the back and upper parts of its limbs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 June 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Burning Fatality. Aged Shoemaker's Sad End. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital last evening on TOM MAVY RICHARDS, 78, retired master shoemaker, of St. John-street, Devonport. - WALTER RICHARDS, carpenter in the Dockyard, said about 8 a.m. on Sunday, 20th inst., he heard his father groaning and on going downstairs found the clothing on his back was burning. He at once wrapped bedclothes around him, stripped him, and placed him in bed. Dr Bolus was sent for. Witness believed the accident was due to his father being giddy and upsetting an oil stove. It was his custom to make himself a cup of tea at the stove in the morning. The stove was on the hearthrug, capsized and blazing. His father, who was removed to the Hospital on Thursday, was semi-conscious after the accident, but could not tell how the accident occurred. - Dr A. J. Drew, House Surgeon, said death occurred on Sunday. MR RICHARDS had extensive burns on the back, chest and arms. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. Inquest Adjourned. - In consequence of communications received by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, the Inquest held yesterday on HARRIET ELIZABETH DILREW, Bath-road, Exeter, was adjourned to allow of an analysis of the contents of the stomach. - The Coroner said the communications might mean nothing at all, but it would be more satisfactory to everybody to leave no doubt. The deceased was the wife of ARTHUR DILREW, an Army Service Corps pensioner, who had been in Swansea on military duty since last August and returned to Exeter on June 12th. She was 44 years of age and slightly crippled. Her sister, MRS SARAH ARSCOTT, said she had been drinking heavily for about a fortnight before her death and had periodical drinking bouts. Whisky bottles were found in the cupboards and even on the bed. At midnight on Wednesday she fell out of bed screaming, and on Thursday became unconscious. She was seen by Dr Mortimer and Dr F. Roper. She died on Thursday afternoon about 20 minutes after Dr Roper left. Dr Roper made a post-mortem examination and said death was probably due to alcoholic poisoning. - Replying to the Coroner, he said he saw no sign of an irritant poison, but he had not examined the contents of the stomach.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 June 1915
PLYMOUTH - Serious Result Of A Fall. - At Plymouth yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns on ALEXANDER AMPHLETT, who died as the result of the rupture of a blood vessel accelerated by the effects of injuries received from a fall at the Plymouth Co-operative Society's premises in York-street. - Dr E. A. T. Stubbs said he had attended AMPHLETT for gastritis which became chronic. - Mr Percy Pearce, who appeared for the Co-operative Society, asked if a rupture of a blood vessel would not be an unusual thing in gastritis. - Dr Stubbs said he thought if deceased had not had the rupture he might have lived for 6 or 12 months. - Verdict according to the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 July 1915
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Barrack-Room Tragedy. Young Soldier Shot By Comrade At Plymouth. - The shooting of PTE. JOHN GOULDING, whose age was officially given as 19 years, in one of the huts at Fort Efford Camp, was the subject of an Inquest by Mr R. R. Rodd at Plympton yesterday. Pte. Strange, who was alleged to have fired the rifle, attended in charge of a military escort. - Pte. W. Hudson stated that in their barrack-room about nine o'clock on Friday evening, he, GOULDING, and others were practising sloping arms, witness acting as instructor. The rifle of one man went off and the bullet missing him (witness) struck GOULDING, who dropped. There had been no quarrelling. Pte. Strange, although taking no part in the drilling, was standing near by with his rifle and he had in his hand what witness now knew to have been a round of live ammunition. Being himself a young and inexperienced soldier, he did not at the time recognise it as a live cartridge. GOULDING was a native of Accrington, and actually only 16 years of age. - Lance-Corpl. Mills said he had his back to the men, who were drilling with perfect good temper with the rifle, when the shot was heard. - Co. Q.M.S. Albert Jackson said the rifle which the Police Constable picked up from one of the beds and which bore evidence of recent firing, belonged to Pte. Strange. No man was allowed to be in possession of ball cartridge. It was a punishable offence. Every care was taken to check the issue of ball ammunition and to see that none remained in the possession of men after duty was done. Nevertheless, occasionally a round went astray. Strange had been firing his recruits course on the range. In his opinion it was a pure accident. - The Coroner remarked that it was his duty to Inquire into a similar affair at Fort Rennie some time ago. - Lieut. E. R. R. Cheeseman stated that death was instantaneous. After passing out of the body the bullet embedded itself in a form to a depth of five inches, first striking against the floor and ironwork of one of the barrack-room forms. - Pte. Strange declined to give evidence or offer any explanation of the affair. - The Coroner said he was satisfied in his own mind that it was an accident, but the Jury, while returning a verdict to that effect, might think it prudent to draw the attention of the general commanding the fortress to what appeared to be slackness in allowing young soldiers to be in possession of ball cartridge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and desired the Coroner to make the suggested communication to the Fortress Commander. - The Foreman said of his knowledge the soldiers in the district were sometimes in possession of ball cartridges and thought it a fine thing to exhibit them to civilians.

STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Stoker Killed. Cycling Accident Near Plymouth. - Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on JOHN DRAKE, aged 23, leading stoker, H.M.S. Vivid, who on Saturday afternoon met with a cycling accident near Hooe, and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning. Mr K. E. Peck watched the inquiry on behalf of the Admiralty. - EDWARD C. DRAKE, ironmoulder, Aberystwith-street, Cardiff, said deceased was his son. For several years he had ridden a bicycle, and the one he was riding at the time of the accident was his own property. Deceased was a total abstainer and non-smoker. - Grace S. Allison, Chaddlewood-avenue, Plymouth, said she had known deceased for six weeks, and had been in the habit of going out cycling with him. Last Saturday witness and deceased left her home at 3.30 p.m. and went to Elburton. Then they went in the direction of Staddon Heights, and at about seven o'clock turned to go down the hill to Higher Hooe. As they were going down deceased passed her and said, "The brakes won't hold me." They turned the corner almost together and deceased took a wide sweep on her right. As he did so his machine struck a kerb round a drain and that made the bicycle swerve. He then put out his hand against a stone pillar to save himself, but struck the wall with his head instead. Then he fell backwards off the machine and struck his head on the ground. Witness got off and raised deceased's head off the ground. Two soldiers then arrived on the scene and witness sent one into a cottage for water and another for a doctor. Deceased was unconscious at the time, but just recovered when Dr H. X. Browne arrived, 25 minutes later. The doctor dressed the wound in a cottage and then advised his removal to Plymouth in a taxi-cab. Deceased asked her if he had fallen. He remained conscious until 11.30 p.m. He was taken to 42 East-street, Stonehouse, after which witness reported the accident to the Naval Barracks and St George's Hall. During the afternoon deceased had said nothing about the brakes not working properly. The bicycle was new two years ago. - Surgeon David G. Arthur, R.N., said he first saw deceased at 42 East-street about 11.15 p.m. on Saturday. He was in a semi-conscious state and had a small wound over the left ear, and another at the lower part of the back of the head. There were abrasions on the jaw and face. Witness removed him in a motor ambulance to the R.N. Barracks Hospital. He died at 3.50 a.m. on Sunday. When witness left deceased at 12.5 he appeared comfortable and there was no indication that a relapse was likely. - Staff-Surgeon F. T. Nicholls, R.N., said he made a post-mortem examination and found there was a fissured fraction of the whole of the base of the skull on the left side. There was no external indication that the skull was fractured. The fracture was the cause of death. - Sick Berth Steward Hill said deceased's condition suddenly changed just before 4 a.m. on Sunday and he rapidly passed away. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death In A Destroyer. - The Deputy Coroner for Devonport, Mr Albert Gard, held an Inquest on MAURICE HALLORAN, aged 41, chief stoker serving in a destroyer at Devonport, who died suddenly on Sunday night. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, attended. - KATE HALLORAN, 86 Albert-road, Devonport, identified deceased as her husband, who went off to his ship about 9.30 on Sunday morning. She had never known deceased to have a day's sickness. He sometimes complained of a pain in his back and mentioned it on Sunday morning, but said it had gone when he left the house. - William O'Neill, leading seaman, R.N., stated that at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday he found deceased on the upper deck of the destroyer. He was in a dazed condition and was sitting. Witness advised him to go down to his mess and with assistance witness removed him below and laid him on a locker. Later the quartermaster told witness that deceased was looking queer, and they sent for a doctor. - Surgeon Reginald E. Smith, R.N., said he was called to the destroyer, and on his arrival found deceased had died about an hour before. - Staff-Surgeon P.T. Nicholls, R.N., who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart failure. Witness found acute congestion of the brain and fatty degeneration of the heart, the brain trouble being a contributory cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. - Mr W. Linford Brown yesterday resumed the Inquest on HARRIET ELIZABETH DILREW, 44, wife of an army pensioner of Bath-road, Exeter. A week ago evidence was given that the woman was addicted to drink and the doctor's evidence supported this, but the Inquest was adjourned for an analysis to be made of the contents of the stomach in consequence of communications received by the Coroner. - Mr T. Tickle, city analyst said there were no traces of poison. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of Dr Roper, who attributed death to alcoholic poisoning, consequent upon chronic alcoholism. - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that some care was not taken to restrain the woman's indulgence in drink.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 July 1915
STOKE DAMEREL -Sudden Death At Granby Barracks. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an inquest at the Devonport Military Station Hospital on ISAAC TARBUCK, a civilian horse driver employed by the Army Service Corps at Granby Barracks, who died in the barrack roadway on Saturday. - Lieut. C. F. Blake, A.S.C., said deceased was married and 40 years of age. He was a native of Staffordshire and had served in the North Staffordshire Regt. - Pte. H. Jackson, A.S.C., said he saw deceased lying on the pavement near one of the blocks in barracks on Saturday evening. His head lay in a pool of blood. Witness had him taken to the Hospital. - Dr G. L. Preston said deceased had died when he reached the Hospital. He found deceased's nose fractured and some teeth knocked out, apparently caused by his fall. Death was due to syncope, through valvular disease of the heart and cirrhosis of the liver. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 August 1915
PETER TAVY - Woman's Sad Death At Petertavy. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Petertavy on Monday on JANE REEK, widow, Rose Cottage, who was found hanging in her kitchen. - ELIZA REEK said deceased, her mother, was aged 72, and the widow of RICHARD REEK, farmer. On Friday witness found the house locked, which was very unusual. Witness entered by the window and on going into the kitchen found her mother suspended from an iron hook in the beam of the wooden ceiling. Witness cut the body down and found she was dead. The feet were well off the floor. Deceased had suffered from a severe attack of influenza about three months ago, which left her very weak and depressed. There were monetary difficulties. - Augustine Standish Lester, clerk in holy orders, said he had known deceased for some time. She worried about the loss of a farm, and appeared quite depressed and some trivial neglect which she said she had been guilty of was also preying on her mind. In view of what witness was told by a doctor, he did not think she was in her normal condition mentally. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Mystery - An Inquest was held at Plymouth Mortuary, Vauxhall-street, yesterday on GEORGE RICHARD HOBBS, ship's stoker, whose body was found in the waters of the Laira. - MRS SELINA RIDDELL, of Laira-terrace, said deceased, who was her brother, left her house about four 'clock on Wednesday morning for a stroll and as he did not return she informed the Police. She knew no reason whatever why he should take his life. - Sergt. M. Harrington said he was on duty at Laira Bridge on Wednesday morning, when, about 4 o'clock, the corporal of the guard came to him with a report that there was a man in the water, but before he could get to the spot the man had disappeared. The sentry afterwards told him that he had just before seen a man going over the bridge towards Prince Rock. He challenged him and the man replied, "A friend," and he let him pass, thinking he was a workman at the electricity works. The next thing he heard was a man in the water. - P.C. Lush deposed to finding the body. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Mystery. Boy Found Drowned. - The Coroner held an Inquest into the case of a little boy named JOHN HENRY BARNSCOTT, whose body was found on Sunday on the mud in Sutton Creek. - Albert Edward Davies, coal porter, of Clare-buildings, identified the body as that of his nephew, 8 years of age, son of a petty officer, R.N.; and Henry Sutcliffe, coal porter, said he found the body at the higher end of the Creek on Sunday afternoon. - The Sutton Harbour Co. always keep a watchman on the quay, but the man on duty on Saturday said he heard nothing that would lead him to suppose any accident had happened. - Dr Hamilton, who examined the body, said he found a bruise on the head which he believed stunned the boy before, or as he fell into the water. He could not suggest how the deceased might have received the blow, but death was not due to drowning. The boy might have received the blow as he fell, and become insensible before he got to the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) remarking that if any further evidence transpired the Inquest could be reopened.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 August 1915
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on CHARLES WINSON, retired baker, found dead in his room at Newton-terrace, on Thursday night. Deceased was 76 years of age and although he had been ailing for some time, he declined to have a doctor. Dr Whaite said deceased died of heart failure. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 August 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On Soldier At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearse, Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at Devonport on PTE. CHARLES HENRY WOOD, Worcestershire Regiment. - The father, of Gilbert-road, Smethwick, near Birmingham, said his son was 33 years of age and left a widow and four children. His occupation before being called up was a steeplejack's assistant. He was a Reservist, and had been to the front Since returning wounded he had complained of pains in his chest. He was at Mons. - Col. Sergt.-Maj. Henry Barrett said deceased had complained of heart weakness and witness had excused him from parade. He had also been excused from route marching. Dr Spencer Stawell Crosse said death was due to syncope from dilation of the heart. - Verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on ALFRED JOHN EDWARDS, 45, gasfitter, Mount Gold-road, who died at the Hospital the previous night from injuries received by falling from Friary Bridge to the railway lines below, a distance of about 60 feet. - The Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, stated that Mr Richmond, of the Plymouth Gas Company, in whose employ deceased had been, gave him an exemplary character, and said there was no question of anything being wrong with his accounts. - KATHLEEN EDWARDS, widow, said her husband was given to worrying about his work, and this tendency had lately been very marked. Before he went to work on Thursday morning she extracted from him a promise to ask to be allowed to take his holiday straightaway. - Miss Wallis, Brunswick-road, deposed to seeing deceased climb to the parapet of the bridge and then drop on to the line. There was nobody at hand at the time to prevent him. - Dr M. F. Maring, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, stated that the case was hopeless from the moment of admission to the Hospital. In addition to internal injuries the collar-bone and one wrist were fractured. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 August 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Mystery. Woman Found Drowned In The Teign. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Abbot Townhall yesterday on BEATRICE MARY NICKOLS, aged 52, wife of JOHN NICKOLS, 10a, Highweek-street, Newton Abbot, whose body was found in the River Teign, near the outfall on Saturday evening. - Deceased's husband, said he last saw his wife just before two o'clock on Saturday afternoon, when she was well and in good spirits. Asked if there was any disturbance, he said there was not much of a disturbance. When he got home he noticed that she had had a glass of ale and said she might have had a pint, no more and he noticed it by the smell. She at first denied having had any drink, but afterwards admitted it and said he wished she would not do it. No hard words were used. Deceased had been under doctors for fainting fits. She was always of a cheerful disposition, and had never threatened to take her life. The river bank was a very favourite walk of deceased especially in hot weather and she frequently went there by herself. The only suggestion he could make was that she had a fainting fit and fell into the water. - Mrs Elizabeth Walling, 17 Highweek-street, said at five o'clock on Saturday deceased asked if she could take Mr Walling's tea to the harvest field and witness replied that he was not there. She seemed very steady and cheerful and witness could give no suggestion as to how she was found dead half an hour after. - Gilbert Daniel, fitter, Church-road, said he and a friend were walking along the river bank from Coombe Cellars and a few yards from the sewage exit they noticed a woman's coat floating in the river and a straw basket. A few yards away he saw a woman apparently in a crouching position, with her head just submerged, about 20 to 25 feet from the bank in deep water. Witness took his coat off, but there was no sign of life and he told his friend to watch and jump in if he saw any sign of life, witness going for assistance and when he returned men were getting the body out. - John Train, carpenter, Western-road, Newton Abbot, said between 5 and 5.30 he saw deceased walking along the Lemon bank towards the Teign. She was rambling as if she was drunk, and fell down once and got up with difficulty. - The Coroner said it was unfortunate that one of the men who discovered the woman did not at once get her out, as she could only have been in the water a very short time, and it was quite possible that she might have not been really dead then. No one could say that, and one could not say that the men were to blame, but it struck him that it was a little unfortunate. . Had the men known more of the circumstances they would no doubt have jumped in. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 13 August 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Labourer's Death. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, on LEONARD METHUEN, 64 years of age, a labourer, who resided in Well-street, and was in the employ of the Plymouth Gas Company. He had been ill since July 26th, when he returned from his work and told his wife that he had been taken giddy while at work and fallen from a platform to the ground, a distance of four feet. - Dr M. Aikman stated that when he examined deceased on July 28th he found three ribs on the left side fractured. The fractures mended, but the man died on Tuesday last from syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Coroner: Was that an established condition? - Witness: Oh, yes, for some time. I should think a similar attack to that which caused his death made him fall on July 26th. - Do you consider such an attack as this was or was not accelerated by the broken ribs? - I do not think it was accelerated. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 August 1920
UPLYME - At Uplyme on Saturday, Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on HELEN KATE GOATER, aged 44, the wife of CHARLES HENRY GOATER, a company quartermaster-sergeant in the Devon Regiment. Dr J. Spurr, who had performed a post-mortem examination, said death was caused by asphyxia, owing to a growth in the larynx. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 August 1915
NORTHAM - Bathing Fatality. Boy Drowned In The Torridge. - About noon on Sunday, LEONARD HORRIL GALE, 18, eldest son of MR CHAS. and MRS GALE of Hazel-terrace, Northam, was drowned while bathing in the river Torridge at Boathyde, Northam. At the Inquest, yesterday, at Northam vestry room, MRS EDITH GALE said her son could not swim. - Wm. Glover, aged 14, said he went bathing with a brother aged 12, another boy, Albert Brown and the deceased. He held up deceased to teach him to swim. They came out of the water and then went in again separately. Deceased went out too far and called for help. Witness told a man there was a boy drowning, but he took no notice and said nothing and went away. Afterwards when he told him the boy was drowned, he said he thought witness had been joking. It was a Bideford man, he did not know who, and there were two Bideford boys with him, one being called Harding. Witness called for help before GALE went down. - Closely questioned by the Coroner, witness said the man he had referred to was a hundred yards away, and could not see what was happening. Witness did not go right up to him, but about halfway. The man made no reply. It was not the man who afterwards said he thought witness had been joking, but one of the boys. He did not know how old the boys were. One of them had left school, and used to be on the 'bus. He did not know whether the man heard him when he spoke to him. - P.C. Small said about 12.40 he heard a rumour that a boy had been drowned at Boathyde. He went there. When the tide had gone down, about 1.40, the body was left on a sand bank on the bed of the river. Artificial respiration was tried for three-quarters of an hour, but without result. He saw the last witness, Glover, who told him he shouted to a man who had been bathing and was dressing on the rocks and he took no notice of them. Witness asked him if he knew who the man was and he said he was a Bideford man, and that he finished dressing and went in the direction of Bideford. - Mr Harding (a Juror) hoped the case would be a warning to other boys. It was a most dangerous place and there ought to be a notice prohibiting bathing there. (Hear, hear). - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and asked the Coroner to request the authorities to put up a notice prohibiting bathing at Boathyde. They also passed a vote of condolence with the family and gave their fees to the mother of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 August 1915
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Plymouth. - At the S.D. and E.C. Hospital yesterday Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on ARTHUR WM. GASCOYNE, aged 5. - BERTHA MAUD GASCOYNE, wife of a hawker, of Cothele-avenue, said deceased was her son - Frederic Huggins, driver of a cart, of High-street, Plymouth, said on the 14th inst. about 7 p.m. he was driving a fruit cart along the Embankment-road. He was in the middle of the road and was about to draw up on the right hand side of the road to deliver goods, when the deceased ran out from the pavement and fell down in front of the cart, which ran over him. Witness shouted and tried to pull up, but could not do so in time to save the child. After the accident had occurred deceased told witness where he lived and witness took him home. - Arthur Squires, tram driver, Alexandra-road, said in his opinion Huggins could not have avoided the occurrence. - Dr Fernand Maschelein, of Belgian nationality, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital said deceased when admitted was suffering from injuries and internal bleeding. He was at once operated upon and it was found that there was a rupture of the liver and that it was a desperate case. Recovery from such injuries was impossible and the child died just after midnight. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Seaman's Death. - The sudden death of Leading Seaman ERNEST HYSSETT at the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, was Inquired into by Mr J. A. Pearse, Coroner, yesterday. Mr K. E. Peck appeared for the Admiralty. Deceased, aged 37, was admitted to sick quarters on August 5th suffering from pleurisy and died on Monday evening following an attack of coughing and haemorrhage. - Staff-Surgeon P. T. Nicholls, R.N., who arrived two minutes before death, stated that the deceased was convalescent from the pleurisy, which was very slight. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to the rupture of an aneurism in a large blood-vessel. There were traces of old pleurisy. Deceased was a survivor of H.M.S. Triumph, which was sunk at the Dardanelles and possibly the pleurisy was the effect of his experience on that occasion. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

HALBERTON - Fatal Gun Accident At Halberton. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Halberton yesterday on WILLIAM COCK, 67, of Brithern Bottom Cottage, Halberton, who was found dead near the cottage on Monday. - Jane Howard, widow, said deceased was her brother and was formerly a farm labourer. She lived at the cottage and last saw her brother alive on Sunday, about 9.20 when he went to bed. He was always in good health and never had a doctor. He had nothing to worry him, and she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Frederick Veysey, farmer, Halberton, deposed to seeing deceased feeding his pigs about 7.15 on Monday morning, when he appeared as usual. - Henry Congdon, clerk, Cullompton, said that when cycling along a lane close to the cottage about 8.30 on Monday morning he saw blood in a gateway. He jumped off his machine and saw deceased lying on the ground, apparently dead. He immediately informed the occupants of the cottage and cycled for a doctor. - P.C. Snell discovered a double-barrelled gun lying close to deceased. The barrels were tied with a piece of cord and a stick to keep them firm. There were two cartridges and one had been discharged. - Dr W. M. Browne, Sampford Peverell, said there was a gunshot wound in the middle of the breast. Death was instantaneous. He concluded the gun was discharged when deceased pulled it from the hedge. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BIGBURY - "Tragic Inexperience." Young Soldier Drowned At Bigbury-On-Sea. - An Inquest was held at Beach Cottage, Bigbury, yesterday, by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, on STANLEY SEYMORE SOUTHWOOD, who was drowned whilst attempting to cross the channel between Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island on Saturday evening. Dr C. D. Whitelaw, J.P., a visitor staying at Bigbury, was elected Foreman of the Jury. - Pte. James William Shorland, Devon Cyclist Battalion, said on Saturday, about 7 p.m., the deceased, a private in the same regiment, and about 190 years of age, and himself were bathing on the beach between the mainland and Burgh Island. They went to bathe and to fetch the boat, which deceased had been using earlier in the day, and which he had left moored on the other side of the channel. The boat was about 60 yards from where they were, and they were afraid it would get swamped, as it was dragging the anchor. They were not asked to fetch the boat. Witness and deceased decided to swim to the boat after they had waded out as far as they could. The deceased was not a strong swimmer, but he could swim about 30 yards. At first they thought they could wade out to the boat, but found they could not do so. They approached the boat from different points. Witness got to the boat all right, but deceased must have been knocked off his legs. Witness was a good swimmer. When he got within a short distance from the boat he heard deceased shout for help. Deceased was within six yards of the boat when he shouted, but when witness got there he had sunk. Witness got into the boat, hoisted the anchor and pulled about, but could see no trace of the deceased. There was a strong current at the time of the accident. - In reply to the Coroner, the witness said there was a notice on the beach cautioning people against bathing at the time when the currents met from east and west in the channel between Burgh Island and the mainland. There were about three hours when it was not safe to bathe, but it was quite safe at neap tides. - Mr A. Shaw Griffith, a visitor, stated that he saw the accident. He thought deceased could have reached the boat if he had not attempted to fight against the current. He got within a few feet of the boat and did not allow for the force of the current. When the man first called out Mr Griffith thought he did so in a joke, but afterwards his cries became more serious. He felt certain if the man had had more experience and had let himself go with the current, his companion could have easily rescued him. The strong current was well known to visitors, and there was nothing to the detriment of the district in the occurrence. The accident was due to tragic inexperience. The difficulty was probably increased by the fact that deceased had just partaken of a heavy meal. - Deceased's brother stated that he was a worker in the paper mill at Well, Cullompton, before the War. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the family of the deceased. - The Coroner endorsed the expressions of sympathy of the Jury and conveyed them to the father of the deceased, who was in attendance.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 August 1915
TAVISTOCK - Sentry Killed By A Train. Futile Dash For Safety: Jury's Recommendation. - The tragedy on the London and South Western Railway near Tavistock, involving the death of PTE. JAMES BISHOP, a sentry of Birmingham, was the subject of a Coroner's Inquiry conducted by Mr R. Robinson Rodd at the New Cemetery, Tavistock, yesterday. - The body was identified by Sergt.-Major Joseph Southall, who said that on Tuesday the deceased, who was 53 years of age, was posted on the railway to guard Shillamill Viaduct. It would be his duty to patrol on the side of the line, where there was a track about two feet wide. His duty would not necessarily take him on to the line itself. There was a sentry at each end of the viaduct. The sentries did not patrol the whole length of the viaduct. - Sergt. J. H. Ainsworthy, who was in command of the guard at the viaduct on Tuesday, said he posted the deceased there at 4 p.m. He agreed with the previous witness that it was not necessary for the deceased to go on to the permanent way. The deceased's box was on the up-side of the line at the western end of the viaduct, and there was plenty of room for him to move about safely. About 4.20 p.m., when witness was by the guard hut, the driver of a down train signalled to him by hand, a passenger also pointing in the direction of the deceased. Concluding that there was something unusual, he went towards the deceased and found him lying dead, clear of the line on the down side, the top of his head being almost severed. The body was clear of the viaduct. - P.C. Spicer informed the Coroner that the deceased was knocked a distance of about 22 feet by the engine. - Captain Hammond stated that on Tuesday morning printed instructions as to the precautions to be taken for their own safety on the railway. One instruction was "Never cross the line behind a train in case one is approaching from another direction, or on an adjacent line." - Arthur Charles Vincent, the driver of the 4.17 p.m. train from Tavistock to Plymouth, which knocked the deceased down, said he was aware that sentries were posted at each end of the viaduct and therefore when approaching it he blew his whistle. On seeing an up goods train approaching he whistled again. When nearing the western end of the viaduct he saw the deceased running in the same direction as the train was travelling, BISHOP being between the down line and the wall of the viaduct. He was endeavouring to get clear of the viaduct before the train reached him. Witness blew his whistle again and did all in his power to stop, but he could not do so before the engine struck the deceased. The sentry must have been on the down side of the line before the goods train passed. He was not therefore stepping out of the way of the goods train when he was caught by the passenger train. The affair was a pure accident. - The Coroner: The deceased obviously lost his head. - Lieut. Morton stated that sentries had been instructed not to go on the line when a train was in sight or hearing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and suggested that Capt. Hammond should issue instructions to sentries that unless their duties compelled them to go on the permanent way it was a breach of discipline to do so. - Capt. Hammond said he saw no objection to this. - Mr Lucas, on behalf f the railway company, expressed regret at the fatality and sympathy with the relatives. The Coroner and Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 September 1915
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Plympton Man's Fatal Fall. - At Underwood House, Plympton, yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on WILLIAM SOBEY, aged 63, an inmate. - The Master said SOBEY, who had been in the House since 1911 had entire charge of the garden. He was capable, very keen at his work and quite trustworthy. About a week ago he climbed a pear tree to gather fruit and was advised to get someone younger to do that. On Friday, instead of waiting for the porter, who had promised to gather the pears, SOBEY apparently climbed the tree. Another inmate saw the ladder tilt and SOBEY fall on to the hard path about 7 feet below. He suffered from giddiness and was over-zealous in his work. - Dr W. D. Stamp said on his arrival SOBEY was practically dying, and death occurred within a few minutes. There was a large effusion of blood under the sternum and fracture of two ribs. - John Weeks, another inmate, said he spoke to SOBEY after he had fallen, but he was unconscious. He saw him ascend the tree two or three times. - The Coroner drew attention to a report of the accident in a London newspaper, stating that "the temptation of luscious pears" had led to SOBEY'S death. Although that statement did not affect the dead man, he had friends who had feelings and a suggestion of that sort ought to be fully withdrawn and apologies offered. - The Master remarked that it was a wicked libel, as SOBEY would not rob the Institution. - A son-in-law of SOBEY thanked the Coroner for his remarks. - The Jury, with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 10 September 1915
BISHOPS TAWTON - Bishopstawton Fatality. Artist's Gallant Attempt At Rescue. - At Bishopstawton yesterday an Inquest was held on MISS AIMEE SYMONDS, 27, school governess, of Barnstaple. - MISS JESSIE SYMONDS said on Wednesday afternoon, in company with MISS SYMONDS, the Misses Muriel and Marjorie Mason, she proceeded up the River Taw on the afternoon tide, J. Fry of Yeo-vale, being in charge of the boat. Arriving near Newbridge, they landed and had tea. Proceeding further up the river, MISS SYMONDS and the Misses Mason bathed. MISS SYMONDS could swim and the younger Miss Mason a little. The three bathed together and then MISS AIMEE made a few strokes towards crossing the river, and got into difficulties. At first she thought it was only her fun, and was calling out to tease them. Then she saw she was really in difficulties and Mr Fox, who came, said: "Shall I jump in?" She replied: "Yes, it's true" (meaning that help was really wanted). He took his coat and shoes off and jumped in, but could not reach her. Seeing that she ran up the field to get more help. The boatman, who was left some little distance off on the opposite bank, came round with an oar in his hand. He subsequently brought the boat round and got MISS SYMONDS out, but she had then been in the river a very long time. - Artist's Story. - Mr Chas. Fox, an artist, said when about 150 yards away he saw a lady whom he thought was in distress. She was not using her legs. He then heard someone shouting "help," and rushed round along the bank as hard as he could. When he got to the other ladies he asked: "Is that lady in distress? Can't you reach her to get her out?" One of the ladies said, mentioning a name, "Do you really mean it?" and someone said: "Oh, yes she is" (in distress). MISS SYMONDS was then about twenty yards away and he took off his coat, slipped his shoes off and dived in with the rest of his clothes on. Just as he dived she disappeared. He tried to five down to the bottom to search for her, but being hampered by his clothes could not do so. He dived until he was much exhausted, then swam across the river and rested and tried again, but did not succeed. The bank sloped down very precipitously there. He saw a man in a boat with ladies, and shouted to him to come. The man landed the ladies and came along with the boat as fast as he could. Witness swam out to the boat in order, if possible, to dive from it if he could see the body, but he could not see it. After some time he was chilled and was put on the bank. After changing his clothes he came back just as the body had been located. - The Coroner: You said she was not using her legs. Do you mean as if she had cramp? - Yes, cramp or as if she was in pain. Witness added, in reply to the Coroner, that he was not a strong swimmer, but fairly expert. He had never been in the water with his clothes on before. - The Foreman (Mr W. Waldron): You saw nothing to lead you to suppose it was anything but a pure accident? - No, not at all. - P.C. Tolley, of Bishopstawton, said he arrived at the spot just as the body was recovered by Fry and at once started artificial respiration methods, keeping it up for twenty minutes but without getting any signs of life. He was assisted by Mr Ward, a Red Cross man, from Barnstaple; and Dr Rock Carling, of Harley-street, London, who was staying at Newbridge Cottage, came and worked for three-parts of an hour, but without result. - Dr Rock Carling said artificial respiration had been tried for from twenty minutes to half an hour before he arrived and took over the case. There was nothing to show that death was due to anything except drowning. - P.C. Tolley, recalled, said where the body was recovered was known as "The Falls Pit," and contained from ten to twelve feet of water with the tide flowing as it was. - The Coroner: Is it a dangerous place? - It is; especially with the tides as they are now. - Is there any notice that it is dangerous? - No; because it is not a public place. No fatality has occurred there before to my knowledge, and I have been here eight years. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The Foreman added that the Jury hoped the Press would draw attention to the danger of bathing at this spot, and wished to express their appreciation of Mr Fox's efforts. - Mr Fox: I am profoundly sorry I did not succeed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 September 1915
TOPSHAM - Exeter Woman's Suicide. Worried About A Son At The Front. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on NELLIE LETHEREN, aged 49. - FREDERICK W. LETHEREN, a gardener, living at Countess Weir, near Exeter, said his wife complained of feeling unwell on Wednesday afternoon and he advised her to lay down. He returned home about 6.30 and she came home about eight. He told her she ought to have let him know that she intended going out, as he was anxious about her. That remark seemed to annoy her very much. After supper they went upstairs, but not to the same bedroom. Shortly afterwards she went downstairs and returned with a glass of water. As she was entering her room, she said, "I will let you see what I will do," and immediately slammed and bolted the door. He heard a noise soon after and having dressed he forced the door. She was in bed, but not breathing naturally. A glass and bottle was near by and he tried to make her vomit. As he did not succeed he sent for a doctor. The bottle contained cyanide of potassium, which he bought two or three years ago for destroying wasps. It was not usual for her to occupy a separate room, but she occasionally did when suffering from depression. She had been treated at the Hospital. She worried about her son joining the Army, and not having heard from him and thought something must have happened to him. When depressed she had spoken about suicide. - Rose Hayman, Countess Weir, said MRS LETHEREN told her on Wednesday that she had been depressed for a week. She heard her say that when she had pains in her head she felt she could "do away with herself." - Dr W. H. MacPherson, Topsham, said MRS LETHEREN suffered from bad headaches and occasional depression. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Tramway Point Boy Run Over. - Mr J. A. Pearse held an Inquest at the Military Station Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on ALBERTUS W. E. HITT, 14 of Wesley-place, Devonport, a point boy in the employ of the Devonport and District Tramway Co. Mr T. H. Gill represented the Tramway Company. - Charles E. P. Aze, 14, newspaper seller, said he was with HITT at his place of duty near the Technical Schools, at midday on Monday. When HITT was at the points he went to a stationary car bound for Stuart-road, to receive his points bar. HITT fetched the bar, and when re-crossing the tramlines a motor lorry coming from the direction of Fore-street knocked him down, the near front wheel passing over him. The driver of the lorry pulled up and HITT was conveyed to the Military Hospital. The speed of the lorry was between five and six miles an hour. Some girls were leaving the Technical Schools as the lorry approached and the driver slowed down to avoid running into them. One of the girls was HITT'S sister, and she did not know it was her brother who had been run over until he told her. - George Pearn, Wilton-street, who was in the tram from which HITT obtained his points bar, said the lorry could not have been travelling fast, as the back wheel did not go over HITT. There was a very strong wind blowing at the time and he did not think HITT could have heard the motor approaching. - James Macqueen, driver in the Mechanical Transport Service, said he was driving a lorry, weighing, with its load of trestles, about 4 tons 11 cwt., from Granby Barracks to the G.W.R. goods station at Stoke, when he saw a stationary tramcar on the near side of the road at the Technical Schools. He did not see HITT until he came from behind the car and ran to cross the road, just in front of the lorry. He shouted and applied the brakes. Before the boy could pull himself up, he was caught by the underguard and knocked over by the near front wheel. At the time he shouted HITT was looking towards the car, apparently speaking to somebody in it. He looked round as he heard the shout. Witness had been driving motor lorries and cars for five years and had never before had an accident. - Dr G. L. Preston, Civil Surgeon at the Military Hospital, said HITT suffered severely from shock, a laceration from the left groin round to the back, a lacerated left knee and fracture of the right pelvis. He progressed favourably until the following morning, when the lacerations were sewn up, that operation having been impossible on admission through his condition. In the afternoon he got worse and died late at night. - Capt. C.F. Blake, A.S.C., said Macqueen was the safest and about the most careful driver they had. He was a very cool man, and bore an excellent character. - The Coroner said it seemed that no blame could possibly be attached to the driver. Macqueen was as sorry for the accident as anybody. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver from blame and expressing sympathy with the relatives. - On behalf of the Tramway Company, Mr Gill said HITT was a good boy, and expressed sympathy with the relatives; as also did Capt. Blake on behalf of the Colonel commanding the Army Service Corps.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 September 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Baby's Death. - At Newton Abbot yesterday Mr Cornish Bowden held an Inquest on MARY J. M. FLIPP, the infant daughter of JOSEPH FLIPP, gardener, Priory Lodge, Wolborough. - MRS FLIPP said the child, born on July 9th had always slept in bed with her. On Saturday morning she awoke and found it dead. She had had eight children and the first baby died suddenly, just as this one did. - The Coroner: Then you were aware for a baby to sleep with you was very dangerous? Witness: I had a little boy of 18 months in the cradle at one side of the bed and a little girl in the cot on the other side. I did not know what to do with the baby, as there was no room for another cot. - The Coroner said in some countries it was a criminal offence to take children of that age into bed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth yesterday, by Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, on SAMUEL LOCOCK, three years of age, son of THOMAS LOCOCK, R.N. pensioner, Cromwell-road, who was on Saturday run into by a motor car on Friary Bridge. - Arthur J. Vicary, Langham-place, an army pensioner, said on Saturday morning one of several boys, who from Friary Bridge had been watching a train, suddenly ran into the road in front of an approaching motor car. the chauffeur, who had been previously sounding his horn, shouted as loud as he could and applied his brakes. The car skidded on the wet road and the front wheels running up over the footpath the car struck the little lad and a sister, 1 year and ten months old, who in charge of a brother, twelve years old, were on the footpath. The car was proceeding at a respectable pace and the accident was entirely caused by the driver's effort to avoid the boy who had run out from the opposite footpath. - Albert Mitchell, chauffeur for Mr W. G. Wakeham, estimated the speed at which he was driving at ten miles an hour. The road was very greasy and the skidding of the car, which was the immediate cause of the accident, was not preventable. If he had not applied both brakes sharply and swerved to the left the car must have run over the boy who had come out from the footpath. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing the opinion that no blame attached to the chauffeur. - Mr G. W. Wakeham, on behalf of Mr W. G. Wakeham and himself, expressed regret for the accident and sympathy with the parents of deceased. - MR LOCOCK said his wife and himself felt that the driver of the motor car was not to blame, but accidentally ran into their children in saving the life of another.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 October 1915
HARFORD - Late Rector Of Harford. Death Due To Veronal Poisoning. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Harford Rectory yesterday on the REV. JOHN ARTHUR URAN, the rector. - MRS URAN said her husband was 50 years of age. On Tuesday about 1 p.m. she went to his room and found him dead in bed. She last saw him alive on Monday night about 10 o'clock, when he came to her room and bade her "Good night." He had not enjoyed good health for at least two years. He suffered great pains at times, and had been under treatment by many doctors and in several nursing homes. For insomnia he took drugs. Veronal had been prescribed to create sleep. A glass on the table by his bedside had contained milk and a whitish powder. The bottler produced, labelled "Veronal," was found empty in the kitchen bucket. Her husband fulfilled his duties as rector on Sunday, and was at Plymouth on Monday. There was no monetary or other troubles, and they lived on good terms. He had left nothing in writing to account for his death. The night before his death he was brighter than usual. It was not at all unusual for him to take drugs and leave a signal outside his door that he was not to be disturbed. He had been known to sleep for three days without waking. - Dr C. E. Cooper, of Ivybridge, said MR URAN had suffered from a nervous breakdown and melancholia for two years and underwent an operation late last year. A post-mortem examination showed that the cause of death was Veronal poisoning. Two tabloids of five grains would be a full dose. The bottle produced probably contained 25, which number apparently MR URAN had taken with milk. Having regard to his habit of drugging himself he may have made the mixture without any intention of taking his life. - The Jury (Mr H. Blight, Foreman) returned a verdict that the deceased died from Veronal Poisoning taken in Overdose by Misadventure. The Coroner and Jury joined in a vote of sympathy with the bereaved family.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Prince Rock, Plymouth, last evening, on HORACE ALBERT WHERRY, aged 8, Dr Travers Stubbs, who had made a post-mortem examination, said he had no doubt it was a case of poisoning, due to drinking putrid water. The father, a dockyard labourer, living at Stanlake-terrace, said the little boy had been playing in Beaumont "Tip" where there was dirty water and some old tin cans. - His son was a strong, healthy boy before this.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 October 1915
TOTNES - Cornworthy Child's Sad Death. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden held an Inquest on the daughter of MRS TUCKERMAN, of Cornworthy, at Totnes on Saturday afternoon. - MRS S. J. PERRY, grandmother of the deceased, said the child was aged 2 years. Her mother was ill in bed and witness gave the deceased her breakfast on Friday morning and went into the garden. Subsequently she heard the girl screaming and found her in flames. She put the fire out with her apron. Deceased told witness that she took the poker out of the fire and caught fire. there was no guard to the fire. - Dr Gibson said the child died of shock in consequence of the burns, and a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 October 1915
EXETER - Drowned In Exeter Canal. - Mr W. L. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest last evening on HENRY BROOM, aged 69, formerly an attendant at the City Workhouse. Deceased had lodged with Sarah Ann Channing, widow, Haven House, on the canal banks. On Friday they were both in the Welcome Inn, also on the banks, and at 8.30 p.m. Mrs Channing heard deceased say "Good night." She followed him out, but owing to the darkness missed him until she saw him pass under a lamp about 150 yards from the Inn. He was walking towards the water and Mrs Channing called out, "Uncle Henry, you're going the wrong way." Deceased said "Oh my," and almost immediately fell into the canal. He was very near-sighted and at the spot where he fell in it was very dark. There was no light within 150 to 200 yards. Mrs Channing had got the residents in the district to petition the Council for a light, but nothing had been done. About two years ago deceased walked into the canal at the same spot, but was helped out. He had also been cautioned of the danger but he always said he would be able to get out again if he fell in. He was a good swimmer. - Edward Griffiths said he spoke to deceased about ten minutes before he got into the water. He was quite sober. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to write to the City Council, pointing out the necessity of pacing a lamp near the spot where the accident occurred.

TOTNES - Totnes Child's Death From Lockjaw. - At Totnes Guildhall yesterday an Inquest was held on ARCHIE JAMES PERRING, aged 6, son of Chief Stoker H. J. PERRING, R.N. - The child's mother said on October 8th the child came home about 7 p.m. with a cut knee. He said girl threw a stone at him. He was attended by the District Nurse. The boy died on Saturday afternoon. - Mrs Laws, of Fore-street, Totnes, said deceased was with her little boy and went into Atherton-lane. She heard the deceased crying and found he had fallen down. She brought him in and washed and bandaged the scratch on his left knee. - Doris Adams, aged 5, said she was with another little girl throwing small stones down the lane, and deceased was kneeling down and throwing them back. One struck him on the knee and he screamed. She then ran away. - Dr Edmond said when he saw deceased on Friday afternoon he had tetanus. A small wound on the kneecap had been dressed with boracic lint. He used serum on the following day as a forlorn hope. There was nothing in the wound to suggest that tetanus would occur. - The Jury found death due to lockjaw, as the result of a cut, which was Accidentally obtained.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 October 1915
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN HATCH, aged 84, of William-street. On Monday morning, while painting on the roof of Mr Chapple, shoeing smith, Sutton-road, he fell through a skylight, a depth of about 18 feet.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 October 1915
CLYST ST LAWRENCE - Death Of A Recluse. Ex-Cambridge Tutor's Lonely Death Near Whimple. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at Hitt's Farm, Clyst St. Lawrence, near Whimple, yesterday, on DAVID MEDE SALTER, an aged, well-connected gentleman, who lived the life of a recluse in a little bungalow situated on the farm. - Rev. E. P. Lewis, D.D., Westbourne-crescent, Lancaster Gate, W., Embassy chaplain at Lisbon, gave evidence of identification. He said deceased was his uncle, and 82 years of age. In his earlier years he was a clerk in holy orders, and tutor and Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge, of which he was Master of Arts. He gave up his living about forty years ago, and had lived in his present abode for about 14 years, being a great recluse. From time to time he was visited by relatives and friends. On April 8th of this year witness received a letter from him, in which he said "I am still without any failure in body or in mind." He complained of nothing and said he was in good health. - Mr Daw: the family have tried to persuade him to get someone to live with him? - Dr Lewis: Yes. We have tried our utmost from time to time to get him to have a housekeeper, or someone to look after him properly but he was a man of very strong will and always resisted. He resented any interference from relatives or others, because he wished to live alone as he had so often told me. - Sidney Robert Withers, on whose farm the bungalow was situated, said he had not seen deceased for about six months. He was in the habit of receiving eggs and sometimes apples from the farm. On Monday when a servant at the farm went to deliver the eggs at the bungalow she could get no reply, and as deceased could not be seen the next day, witness gave information to the Police. - P.C. Skelly, Whimple, said he found the outer door of the bungalow bolted and forced it, the shutters and windows being secured. He forced two more doors before gaining access to the bedroom where he found deceased lying on the floor. He was wearing a dressing gown and cardigan jacket. The bed clothes were turned back, deceased evidently having fallen down when attempting to get into bed. There was no sign of disorder. - Ethel Miller, of Clyst St. Lawrence Post Office, said she regularly delivered newspapers and letters at the bungalow. Sometimes she did not see deceased for a week or a fortnight and put the letters in his letter-box. She last saw deceased on the 19th inst., and she had delivered papers at the bungalow every day since. - The Coroner: Where did he get his eatables? - P.C. Skelly: From Whimple. There were two loaves and a tin of biscuits in the house. - Dr A. Brash, Exeter, deposed to examining deceased at Exeter in July, and treating him for anaemia. He appeared to be weakly, but for a man of his age he was of good physique; he was not thin or wasted. Death was due to heart failure. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said deceased was at liberty to live as he pleased. No doubt he enjoyed life in his own way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - From inquiries made in the neighbourhood, it appears that deceased spent most of his time in reading, although up to within about eighteen months ago he frequently used an auto-wheel. He did not by any means live sparingly. In addition to buying eggs from the farm, he kept himself well supplied with other eatables from the local stores, and was always well dressed. The bungalow was situated in the corner of a field apart from the farm, and was built under deceased's directions. The inside presented a cosy appearance and was divided into three compartments - bedroom, living-room and kitchen. The living-room was well furnished, containing a little library and pictures connected with deceased's earlier life.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 November 1915
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Soldier's Death: The Lighting Restrictions Criticized. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, on PTE. ALFRED TOPE, 33, East Lancashire Regiment, who was knocked down by a taxi-cab on Laira Embankment on Friday evening. - Sergt. H. Osborn, East Lancashire Regiment, stated that he was marching a guard back to Laira from Plymouth and met deceased proceeding towards Plymouth. A taxi-cab, also going to Plymouth, came along some seconds later, travelling at 12 to 15 miles an hour, and ran into deceased from behind. It was a misty evening. He hurried the guard back to the scene of the accident and picking up deceased, who was unconscious, put him in the taxi and had him taken to the Salisbury-road Hospital. - Arthur Loveland, taxi-driver, residing in Grenville-road, in the employ of Humm and Co., said the accident happened about 7 o'clock. He was passing the guard in command of Sergt. Osborn when he noticed deceased about two yards ahead. There being a foot and a half of roadway to spare on the left side, he endeavoured to swerve round deceased and in doing so struck him. The presence of the other soldiers prevented his going to the right hand side of the road. He had been blowing his horn while passing the guard. The Embankment was devoid of lights and the taxi only had side lights, the lighting restrictions forbidding further lights being carried. - Sec.-Lieut. D. Gray, East Lancs., who was the occupant of the taxi, estimated the pace of the car at 10 miles an hour, which he thought quite reasonable. The driver sounded the horn continually, and no blame could, he thought, be attached to him. - Capt. Glinn, R.A.M.C., said the cause of death was compression of the brain, following fracture of the base of the skull. - Sergt. Moss, East Lancs, deposed that deceased was slightly deaf and it was doubtful whether he would hear a motor horn sounded behind him. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Foreman, adding that the Jury thought there was no blame attached to the driver, expressed the opinion that the absence of lights on the Embankment contributed to the accident. - The Coroner said that that was a matter for the authorities. Still, he thought the lighting of the borough, or rather the suppression of light, was not done with much intelligence and discretion. In one street there was a blood of light and in others none at all. - Capt. Glinn said lights were forbidden in streets facing the sea. - The Coroner: Yes, I know. but there are the Eddystone and Breakwater lights and I suppose they also have charts. How taxis get safely through the gloomy streets, especially as they themselves are only allowed to carry wretched little side lights, surprises me. - Capt. Glinn: The folly is, of course, to walk in the roadway. - Mr A. Goule (Elliot Square and Geake) appeared for Humm and Co.

TORQUAY - Sudden Death At Torquay. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on EDWARD HEALEY, aged 64, of Springcroft, Abbey-road, assistant to his brother, MR EBENEZER HEALEY, Union-street. On Saturday afternoon, five minutes after leaving the shop, deceased became giddy and fell against the kerbstone in the street, sustaining a lacerated wound at the back of his head. He was conveyed in a cab to Torbay Hospital, where he died soon afterwards. A post-mortem examination by Dr Bennett, the House Surgeon, showed that deceased's heart was in an advanced state of fatty degeneration and the cause of death was given to sudden heart failure, due to the diseased condition of the heart, accelerated by the blow on the head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 November 1915
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on JOHN THOMAS GILLARD ROWE, aged 55, journeyman baker, of St Leonard's-road. On the previous morning P.C. Mann was called to Ermington-terrace, where he found the deceased in a state of collapse. He immediately removed him to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died later in the day. Dr M. F. Merring stated that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Burning Fatality. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on ELIZABETH BROWN, aged 68, widow. JAMES ALFRED BROWN, son, stated that his mother lived by herself at 11 Anson-place. He saw her on the previous morning when she was well. Wm. James Boon, living at 13 Anson-place, stated that on going to the back on the previous evening he noticed a bright light in the deceased's room next door. Proceeding there he found the deceased in flames. He put out the flames by wrapping a cloth round her, and afterwards, with assistance, removed her in a taxi to the Hospital. MRS BROWN was conscious and told him she was going to toast some bread and finding the fire was too low, she put a paper before the grate to draw the fire up, and her cloths caught fire. Dr Manachelin, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted suffering from extensive burns. It was a hopeless case from the first and death was due to shock resulting from the burns. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 November 1915
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Plymouth. - The case of a man who lived for 31 hours after breaking his neck through a fall was brought before the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday. The deceased, JOHN BURROWS, aged 63, was a dock labourer, of 3 Edgcumbe-place. About seven o'clock on Saturday morning he was upstairs at that address and was about to descend the stairs when he apparently mis-judged the step. He clutched a rail, which came out, and he fell down ten stairs. He was temporarily unconscious and on regaining sensibility declined to have a doctor sent for. On Sunday, however, Dr E. R. C[?] was summoned and found that BURROWS had broken his neck and was unable to move either arms or legs. The man died at two o'clock yesterday morning. - Mrs Isabel Sherbrook, who lives at 4 Edgcumbe-place, told the Coroner that there was no light on the stairs when the deceased fell. The Coroner: There ought to be a light. If there had been, this could probably not have happened. - Witness: The lighting is a matter for the tenants. They take it in turns to put oil in the lamp. The light had not been put on at the time of the accident. - Asked by a Juror whether it was not very unusual for a man to live such a length of time after breaking his neck, Dr Clarke said it was not; people sometimes lived a longer time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 November 1915
EGG BUCKLAND - Sudden Death At Crownhill. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, jun., Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Crownhill on HENRY BURBIDGE, of Smallack, who died suddenly on Friday. MRS L. C. BURBIDGE, widow, said deceased, aged 58, was a retired general manager of a stores. About 5 p.m. on Friday she returned from a drive, when deceased took the pony out of the trap. He later complained that he had hurt himself in moving the trap. witness suggested that he should go to bed. On ascending the stairs witness heard a fall and saw her husband on the floor. She sent for a doctor. Deceased had not been under the care of a doctor for about eight years. - Dr Thomas Olver, of Crownhill, said on his arrival life was extinct. Death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - Verdict, "Natural Causes." - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Suicide At St. Budeaux. - Mr J. A. Pearse, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Military Station Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on JOHN DALEY, aged 47, who on Saturday shot himself in a guard-room at St. Budeaux. Capt. A. E. Spender watched the proceedings. - Sergt. James Walsh, Devon Regt., said he had known deceased for the past twelve months and considered him a good soldier. He had been billeted in Godolphin-terrace, St. Budeaux. On Saturday deceased was on guard at St. Budeaux for 24 hours from 9.15 a.m.. At the guardroom there was a plank bed, and the room was occupied by five men, whilst two were on sentry duty. On Saturday Lieut. Lees placed deceased under temporary arrest for being absent from duty and witness was placed in charge of him about 7 p.m. Witness and Lieut. Lees went in search of deceased when found to be absent from his place of duty and they met him on the main road, it appearing that he had been to his billet for tea. The man was detained in the higher guardroom and at 8.15 was placed under arrest by the commanding officer's orders. Witness then took away deceased's ammunition and hung it up over his own desk on the opposite side of the room. Witness was cooking his supper at 9 p.m., when he heard the report of a rifle and the lamp in the room was blown out. Pte. Evans, the only other man in the room, lighted the lamp and they found deceased lying on the bed with the gun between his legs and the muzzle pointing towards his mouth, from which blood was issuing. Dr Thomas shortly afterwards arrived and declared life extinct. No ammunition was kept in the rifles whilst in the rack. - Pte. C. E. Evans said he was sitting at the foot of the bed when the rifle was discharged. He did not see deceased get the rifle from the rack. - Lieut. D. H. Lees said he was officer of the day on Saturday. Deceased, when met by Sergt. Walsh and himself on the main road, admitted having been to his billet for tea. Witness told deceased he had committed a very serious offence to leave his post for an hour and five minutes and placed him under temporary arrest. He rang up Capt. Spender and told him the circumstances and asked if he should keep him under arrest for the night. Capt. Spender's directions were very definite to place deceased under arrest. Witness was very sorry about the tragedy, as he felt that in carrying out his duty he was indirectly responsible for the man taking his life. - The Coroner said the Jury would agree with him that Lieut. Lees was not responsible, directly or indirectly. He was only doing what he should have done as an officer and if he had failed to take the steps he had he would not have been carrying out his duty. It was a very serious offence for a soldier to leave his post, and it was a very important service upon which the deceased was engaged. He hoped the officer would not consider he was directly or indirectly responsible for the man's death. - P.C. Bawden said he found an empty cartridge in deceased's rifle and there were four, instead of five, cartridges in his pouch. - Dr P. Thomas, Medical Officer in charge of troops at St. Budeaux, said the bullet passed through the roof of the mouth. Witness was satisfied that the injuries were self-inflicted. - Sarah Durant, who billeted deceased, said he arrived at her house for tea at 6.10 p.m. on Saturday, but she did not think he stayed so long as had been stated. She understood he was on 24 hours duty. He had sometimes been home to dinner when on guard duty, and at other times she sent his dinner. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show deceased's state of mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 November 1915
PLYMOUTH - Singular Case Of Suicide. - An unusual case of suicide was investigated by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. The deceased, JOHN MCCARTHY, aged 59, was a naval pensioner, of 20 Wyndham-street. On Sunday morning Charles Page, labourer, was on the Barbican, when he saw something floating near the quay wall. On examination he found it to be the body of the deceased. Round the neck was a rope, attached to an iron ladder at the quay side. - Dr Francis made a post-mortem and found that death was due to strangulation by hanging. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the Inquest at Prince Rock Police Station, Plymouth, yesterday, on AGNES HATCH, aged 79, of 2 Laira-street. On October 2nd deceased fell downstairs and after being medically attended for several weeks died on Monday. Dr Travers Stubbs said death was due to exhaustion, consequent on a broken thigh.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 November 1915
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Boy's Effort To Save His Sister. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, last evening, on IVY COCKER, aged 4 of Grendon's-buildings, Preston-street. - SERGT. JOHN COCKER, 11th Devons, said he came home on leave on Saturday. On Tuesday morning he was in bed until 12.30 and then got up and went out. He left the deceased and three other children, aged respectively 8, 6 and 3 in the room, in which was an open fire. Before he returned the child had been taken to the Hospital. His wife had been ill for several months with pneumonia and one of the children had bronchitis. That was the reason there was a fire in that room. - MRS COCKER, who appeared to be very ill, said on Tuesday, she went out to a neighbour, thence to the Dolphin to change a Treasury note. While there her boy FRANK, came and told her IVY was burnt. She was too ill to run herself and asked a neighbour, Mrs Cann, to do so. - FRANK COCKER, aged 12, said he and two brothers left IVY and another girl in the bedroom playing, IVY then having her back to the fire and standing near a chair. When he got downstairs he heard a scream and ran up to find IVY in flames. He "whipped " off her apron and then tried to smother the flames; tore off other clothes and stamped out the fire. He then went and told his mother. Mrs Cann said she wrapped the baby in blankets and ran with her to the Hospital. The child was conscious and told her a spark flew out and set her dress on fire. - Dr Dellbrook, House #Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to shock. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents, especially with the father, whose leave was marred by so sad an accident. He thought, perhaps, it was to be understood that, having provided a fireguard in the living room, the parents should have overlooked the necessity for one in the room where a fire was unusual. The greatest credit was due to the boy FRANK for his pluck and promptitude in extinguishing the fire. He showed sense and discretion which a great many older people might envy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and warmly commended the boy FRANK for his conduct.

STOKE DAMEREL - Petty Officer's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Dockyard yesterday on the body of FRANCIS WILLIAM SCOBLE, aged 49, a chief petty officer who had been called up in August 1914. - LILIAN SCOBLE, Glanville-street, widow of deceased, said he left home at 6.15 on Wednesday in his usual health. He had been invalided home from Glasgow to the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, about three months ago and was thence discharged about two months later. After leaving the hospital he complained of a sharp pain under the heart. Some days after his discharge deceased started sail-making and afterwards worked in the North Yard. - Pte. John Albert Satterly, R.M.L.I., said on Wednesday morning he was sent to the flagstaff steps, and saw deceased kneeling down scrubbing the floor. Deceased got up and was seized with a fit of coughing, bleeding from the nose and mouth. A doctor came at once. - Walter Kenneth Willis, Staff-Surgeon, said he saw deceased lying on the floor of the telephone room. He expired almost immediately. Witness found an aneurism, which had broken. The heart was normal. The aneurism was small and might easily have escaped detection during life. - The Jury passed a vote of condolence with the widow and returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 December 1915
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Laundry Accident. - The death of EMMA AMELIA NANKIVELL, widow, aged 50, of Raleigh-street, Plymouth, was Inquired into by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday. Deceased had been employed at the Millbay Laundry for about two years. On November 4th she was attempting to pass under a pipe at the laundry and struck her head against it. She stayed at home for a day and then resumed work until November 11th. She then gave up work and was attended by Dr Blades. She became unconscious on November 16th, and died on Sunday morning. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, who appeared for the Laundry Company, stated that the pipe was a 3-inch iron pipe for conveying air used in connection with the process of dyeing. - Deceased's daughter stated that her mother had never complained of the presence of the pipe or of there being insufficient light. - Mrs Mary Bowler, of Wyndham-street, an ironer at the laundry, said the room was well lighted. Deceased was rather tall and did not stoop low enough in getting under the pipe. She was accustomed to its presence. - Dr Blades said a post mortem examination showed that there was a large clot of blood pressing on the front part of the brain. It was caused by the blow to the head. The Inquest was adjourned until today for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 December 1915
PLYMOUTH - Cornish Lad's Death. - The body of JOHN MAY, aged 16, ship's mate, on the ketch Buttercup, lying in Victoria Docks, Plymouth, and a native of Port Keverne, Cornwall, was found in the water, about 9 p.m. on Tuesday, by Albert Miller, a seaman. The boy was last seen at 8.30 p.m. by the master, Harry Tremgrove. Dr Derry was called, and pronounced life extinct. At the Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday, by Mr R. B. Johns, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Master said the youth appeared quite well when he last saw him, although he had been drinking. - Dr Derry attributed death to suffocation, due to drowning. Artificial respiration had been resorted to before his arrival, but with no avail.

PLYMOUTH - Accident At Millbay Laundry. - Mr R. B. Johns also held the adjourned Inquest on EMMA AMELIA NANKIVELL, aged 50 of Raleigh-street, Plymouth. Deceased had been working at Millbay Laundry two years and on the 4th ult., while passing under a pipe, did not stoop sufficiently, with the result that she knocked her head against it and died some days afterwards. - Dr Blades said death was due to the pressure of a clot of blood on the brain, caused by the blow. - The Coroner said the Inspector of Factories, Mr Morris, for whose attendance the Inquiry was adjourned, had visited the Laundry works, and was satisfied as to the position of the pipe. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, representing the company, expressed sympathy at the death of the woman, who was a good worker and much respected in the works. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on the four-months-old child of LAVINIA JANE BARTLE, York-street, when a verdict of "Death from Suffocation, due to Overlaying in bed with its mother," was returned. The Coroner referred to the fact that it was the first case of its kind they had had in that district for some time and told the mother that the child ought never to have been allowed to sleep in the bed with her.

STOKE DAMEREL - Tramway Repairer's Death. - An inquiry into the sudden death of THOMAS HENRY RICKARD, aged 43, tram repairer, in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation, living at the Old Toll House, Pennycomequick, was held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, by Mr J. A. Pearce. - MRS EDITH ANN RICKARD said on Monday the deceased, her husband, left home after lunch to go to work and was apparently in his usual health. - Hugh Dunstan Richards, telegraph boy, 99 Trafalgar-place, said he saw deceased fall on the tramlines outside Keyham Gates. He was picked up by some tramwaymen. - Arthur Alonzo Squires, tram driver, 148 Alexandra-road, Mutley, said deceased had just been picking up the brakes of his (witness's) tram when the accident occurred. - P.C. Selley stated that he took deceased to the Royal Albert Hospital after the accident. - Dr R. B. Wagner said he attended deceased for four months at the beginning of the year for an aneurism of the aorta and degeneration of the fibres of the heart. Dr B. P. Varna, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to syncope, following the physical strain of working in a stooping position. - Verdict accordingly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fire At Stonehouse. Artilleryman's Gallant Conduct. - A fire was discovered early yesterday morning in the bedroom of an old-age pensioner named EDWARD TUFFIN, in St Mary-street, Stonehouse. Not much damage was done by the fire, but the man received such a severe shock from burns about the feet and legs that he died shortly after being rescued. Later in the morning an Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, at Stonehouse Townhall. - Elizabeth Willis, wife of Henry Willis, private, R.M.L.I., said TUFFIN, 78 years of age, was a retired beerhouse-keeper and an old-age pensioner, and lived in one room on the first floor of the house where she also had a room. TUFFIN had been under Dr Leah's treatment for ten days and was to have been removed to the Workhouse Infirmary yesterday morning. About 3.30 a.m. she took him a cup of tea. He was then in bed, with a lighted candle on a table by the bedside. Having gone to her own room again, about 5.30 she heard a crackling noise and heard deceased shout "Liz." She found his room full of smoke and gave an alarm. An artilleryman, John William Holden, rushed upstairs and rescued TUFFIN, and brought him down into Mrs Bell's room. The smouldering bed clothing was removed. - P.C. Jas. Lidstone said about 5.30 when on duty in Union-street, he heard an alarm of fire, and went to St Mary-street. He summoned the local fire brigade, which (under Mr F. W. Thuell) soon arrived and put the fire out. It was confined to the one room, and only the mattress and an old sofa which deceased used as a bed were burnt. He thought deceased must have accidentally set the mattress on fire. Holden, the artilleryman, acted very pluckily. Before the arrival of the brigade he went up to the room and, notwithstanding the volume of smoke and fire, brought deceased to a place of safety. Holden was slightly burned in the neck in doing so. - Frank Brayshaw Gillespy, temporary surgeon, R.N., at the Naval Hospital, said early in the morning he was called to 29 St Mary-street, where he found the deceased dead. Deceased had external burns. He had since made a post mortem examination. There were burns on the leg and feet, but the heart was in a very weak condition and death was due to shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner expressed the appreciation of the Jury at the conduct of Holden, the artilleryman, and also thanked Dr Gillespy for his prompt attention to the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 December 1915
TORQUAY - Suicide By Gas At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday in Chelston Assembly Rooms, Torquay, on ELIZABETH JANE PROUT, aged 53, wife of WILLIAM PROUT, journeyman shoemaker of 11 Sherwill-hill, Chelston. During the last month or six weeks deceased had been strange and depressed in her manner and had suffered from delusions, one of which, as mentioned by her to P.C. Tucker, being that she complained of two men having accused her of harbouring a spy in her house. She had also sent an anonymous letter to the wife of P.C. Richards, and other persons had also complained of receiving similar letters from deceased. On one occasion recently she said to her husband that she believed she would "do something desperate one of these days," but he did not regard this seriously and did not think she meant to take her life. The husband works for Mr T. Phillips, Fleet-street, Torquay. Deceased seemed much as usual, as she wished him "good morning" when he left to go to work on Wednesday. When he returned home in the evening, just before seven o'clock, he found the back kitchen in darkness and a strong smell of gas. He turned the as off the meter, but just afterwards turned it on again and lit it at a bracket and he then saw his wife lying on the floor with her head in the gas stove, there being wrapped round her head a thin rug which she used to place on the table when ironing. Having pulled his wife out and seen that she was dead, the husband fetched P.C. Tucker and Dr Himely. P.C. Tucker tried artificial respiration without effect, and Dr Himely, after examination of deceased, pronounced life extinct. - The husband said his wife did not confide in him as to any troubles she might have in regard to her neighbours, and Mrs Bertha Mayne, who lives next door said deceased was sociable and she had never heard her complain of having been accused of harbouring a spy. - The husband said he and deceased lived comfortably together and that she was not addicted to drink; she had a glass of stout sometimes with her supper, but did not drink whisky. - Dr Himely said the cause of death was asphyxia by coal gas poisoning. - A Juryman asked why the husband, after his discovery, should have gone to the Policeman before he went for the doctor, but the Coroner said that, having found his wife was dead, that was quite the right thing for him to do. If he had had any doubt about his wife being dead, it would have been right for him to go for a medical man first. Under the circumstances, and considering how very much upset the husband must have been at the time, he should not be much criticized. - The Jury (of whom Mr Levi Powell was Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Monday 6 December 1915
SIDMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, on Saturday, on WILLIAM ROBERT SPARKES, aged 55. SPARKES and other men were delivering coal from a motor lorry on Salcombe-hill on Friday. The wheels of the vehicle sunk in a drain. SPARKES endeavoured to put some bricks under a back wheel. A cry of "Right away" was given and the driver, Arthur Langmead, started the engine. The lorry dropped back temporarily a foot or two, with the result that SPARKES was crushed between the lorry and the side of a door. Death was instantaneous. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 December 1915
NEWPORT, MON., WALES - The Inquest On MR J. P. ELMS. - After a protracted Inquiry, a Coroner's Jury at Newport, Mons., found that MR J. P. ELMS, a native of Teignmouth, formerly for many years in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company in Devon, died as the result of shock. On the 27th ult. a great fire occurred at the premises of Newman and Son, music warehousemen, and the evidence was that MR ELMS who was secretary of the Newport Ratepayers' Association, was in his office over the shop and was cut off by the fire and smoke. The caretaker, who warned the occupants of the buildings, saw a man whom he believed to be MR ELMS at the end of the corridor, and shouted to him, "Come this way," but MR ELMS turned back to his room, and when attempting to escape by the window fell to the ground.

EXETER - Exeter Boy's Sad Death. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on VICTOR HAROLD PROUT, aged 9, son of MR CHARLES PROUT, eye specialist, Hengrove House, Alphington-street, Exeter. - CAROL PROUT, deceased's brother said that some months ago the deceased was knocked down by another boy and rendered unconscious. - MRS PROUT said about five or six months ago she fetched the deceased from the Rack fields, where she found him bleeding from a small wound at the back of the head. She bathed and bandaged the wound from time to time, and although she found blood on his pillow occasionally he did not complain. About a month ago, however, he appeared to have a cold, with a sore throat and stiff neck, and not being satisfied with the boy's condition, sent for Dr Frost. On November 22nd, after consulting Dr Dyball, she took him to the Hospital. - The Coroner: Why did you allow this to go on? - I didn't think it was serious. - The Foreman: Was the father home when the doctor was sent for? - No, he has been away for three months. - Stanley Walter Raymond, 5 Shaftesbury-road, said the deceased told him he cut his head by falling against a brick wall. - Dr Delbruck said the deceased was suffering from septic poisoning in the face and head. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said if the injury had received medical attention within a week or so after the accident, the wound would probably have healed. - The Coroner remarked that he could not help thinking the boy should have had more attention and that it was the mother's duty to get medical advice before she did. If the Inquest were adjourned they might be able to secure the attendance of the father. - A Juror: He is in the City. - The Coroner: Then certainly he ought to be here. The case seems to be more serious than I first thought. - The Foreman: We would like the father to be here in order to ascertain whether there was any unnecessary neglect. - The Inquest was adjourned until next Tuesday.

DREWSTEIGNTON - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at the old Schoolroom, Drewsteignton, on MARY ANN ARSCOTT, aged 52, wife of THOMAS ARSCOTT, labourer. The husband stated that about two o'clock on Saturday afternoon deceased packed a parcel for their son, who was abroad; she then sat down and said, "Whatever is the matter with my head?" and fell down. She never spoke afterwards. Dr Hunt, Chagford, said death was due to pulmonary embolism. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 December 1915
PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned Off The Hoe. - At the Inquest yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, the body of a woman found the previous afternoon in the sea off the Hoe was identified as of CATHERINE JONES, aged 43, school teacher, and a native of Wales, who had been staying for some time in a nursing home in Plymouth. - Dr C. J. Cooke stated that deceased had suffered from a chronic affection of the lung and was somewhat depressed. - The Matron of the Home said deceased's sudden disappearance from the Home caused her anxiety and inquiries were at once set on foot. She did not, however, anticipate suicide. Deceased had never threatened to take her life, and on the day of her disappearance was quite bright. Verdict: "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Mason's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at the Inquest on RICHARD WILLIAM PHILLIPS, 56, mason, living in Embankment-road, who was found hanging from a hook in a ceiling at his home the previous day. - Mrs Russell, sister, stated that some time ago deceased received injury by a fall. He seemed well when seen some little time before his death.

PLYMOUTH - Buried In A Garden. - An Inquest was held on the male child of a young domestic servant named WINIFRED LAWER, employed in Athenaeum-street, which, following a statement made to them, the Police found buried in the garden of the house. - The Mistress stated that LAWER confessed that she had given birth to a child, and had buried it in the garden. Witness communicated with the Police. - Dr C. J. Cooke, who had examined the body, stated that it was a fully-developed child, but had not received proper attention at birth. There were no marks of violence. It had breathed to a small extent, but there was no evidence that it had had a separate existence. Verdict: "Found Dead."

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Burning Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport last evening on NORMAN PETER SIMMONS, aged 14 months, son of NORMAN HENRY SIMMONS, electrician, R.N., who died at 14 Godolphin-terrace, Stoke, on Thursday morning, from burns sustained the night before. - ANNIE ETHEL SIMMONS, the mother, said she put the baby in a cot in her bedroom at 6.30 on Wednesday. At ten o'clock she gave him a bottle of milk, leaving a candle burning in a flat-bottomed enamelled candlestick on a marble-topped wash-stand. The wash-stand was about a foot away from the cot, but the candlestick was some little distance from the edge. Witness went into the next room and then took a letter she had written to her husband to a person living in a downstairs room to get posted. Whilst downstairs the child cried. She ran to him and found the baby in the cot in flames. The candle was extinguished. It was the first time she had left a light in the room. The cot was on rockers and by resting on one side of the cot the baby would be quite near the wash-stand. When she went upstairs she picked up the baby at once, and covered him up. She did not know what became of the candle. The baby was wearing a flannelette nightgown. - Sarah Ann Whitfield, widow, living in the same house, said MRS SIMMONS had been downstairs with her and her daughters less than four minutes when they heard the baby cry. The mother was out on the landing in a second or so with the child, whose clothes were still burning, although the flames were extinguished. Witness's daughter immediately went in search of a doctor. Witness helped MRS SIMMONS to remove the clothing and they found the baby badly burned on the left side. The candlestick was in the cot. - Dr Ingram said he found the child very badly burned on the left arm, shoulder and face, the right and left legs, as well as the chest and abdomen. It was quite impossible for the child to live. It was quite easy for the child to have reached the candlestick, and not at all unusual for one so young to be so active. Death was due to shock through the burns. - The Coroner said there was no doubt the candle was placed too near the cot and when the light was brought close to the child's flannelette nightgown it instantly caught fire. The mother no doubt thought it was all right to leave the candle for a minute or so after having covered up the baby for the night. That was very natural, but unfortunately the unexpected always happened. It was a great calamity, and the Jury were bound to sympathize, as he did, with the mother, who had lost her first child, and in the absence of her husband. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the parents.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest in Newton Abbot Townhall yesterday on FRANK BREALEY, aged 42, of 31 Coronation-road, Highweek, a carpenter and joiner, in the employ of Mr Lewis Bearne, builder. On Saturday week, whilst at work, deceased knocked the shin of his right leg against a piece of oak timber, causing a wound about the size of a shilling. It was painful and he bathed it, but he resumed work on Monday, and continued until Wednesday, when, the wound being still very painful, and the pain extending to the lower part of the body, he gave up and remained in bed, and was attended by Dr Nesbit. On Sunday deceased was worse and feverish. On Monday he was slightly better; but on Tuesday the leg began to swell. Dr Nesbit proposed that deceased should go into hospital, but on Wednesday morning he was so much worse that this was out of the question, as he was too ill to be removed. Mortification set in, as the result of blood poisoning, and deceased died early the same afternoon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 December 1915
EXETER - Boy Drowned Near Exeter. - An Inquest was held last evening at Exeter on EWART RAYMOND GODBEER, aged ten, who was drowned in the mill leat at Exwick on Friday. - MRS GODBEER, Hermitage-cottages, Exwick, mother of the deceased, said the boy left home to go to school at about one o'clock and half an hour later she was told he was in the water. - Mrs Mary Mitchell, Exwick, said the boy and others were playing near the water. The deceased and another boy were reaching for something in the stream and the deceased over-balanced and fell in head foremost. The water was very high. - Victor Hooper, aged 14, said the deceased and others were leaning over the railing trying to get a frog. He saw the boy fall in and ran to get the hooks from the place where they were stored. - John Teed said he dragged the stream on Saturday and recovered the body rather over 50 yards from the spot where the boy fell in. - Dr Pereira also gave evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" and advised that the railing which guards the stream should be improved, the spot being very dangerous for children.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 December 1915
EAST STONEHOUSE - Crushed To Death At Keyham. Signalman's Error Of Judgment. - The adjourned Inquest on GEORGE WISE, signalman, aged 41, who was killed in Keyham Dockyard on the 6th instant, was held by Mr Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday. Mr Mayburn Pearce represented the relatives and Mr Harold Wolferstan appeared for the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Co. Mr Oliver, naval store officer, Keyham Dockyard; Mr K. Eyton Peck (Admiralty); and Mr C. H. Morris, inspector of factories, were also present. - Mr Wolferstan, on behalf of the Gas Col, expressed regret at the accident and sympathy with the relatives. - Alfred White, Home Sweet Home-terrace, in the employ of the Gas Co., said he was driving a lorry laden with bags of coke for delivery at North Yard, Keyham, his fellow workman, John Drake, being with him. He commenced to pass a train which was stationary. When within 10 yards of the end of the train it moved towards the lorry and witness noticed deceased on the footboard of either the first or second carriage. Witness seeing the dangerous position of the man, stopped and shouted to the man to jump off, but he did not do so, and the train continuing to back caused him to be jammed between the train and the lorry. Witness had been over the road several times, but had not passed a train before. Knowing a signalman was posted there, witness looked for signals to proceed, as it had always been the practice not to do so when the trains were going through. Deceased must have seen him coming when he gave the signal "Clear road." This was about five minutes previous to the accident. - Sailors pulled off some of the bags and got out deceased. - John Drake gave corroborative evidence, and said the lorry was stopped when the accident occurred. - The Coroner said the Jury had visited the spot and knew the conditions there. The lorry ought never to have been allowed to proceed down the traffic way whilst a train was travelling. His view was that deceased thought he could have cleared the lorry and evidently misjudged the distance, which accounted for the accident. No one was to blame in the matter, but he thought it should be definitely understood that when passenger trains were being shunted on the line no vehicular traffic should be allowed on the road. A signalman should have been there to regulate the traffic. He made that suggestion to the authorities, and would leave it to them to carry it into effect. - Mr Peck: I don't understand what the suggestion is. - Coroner: I will write to the authorities myself. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the suggestion of the Coroner to the authorities being as follows: "That the Dockyard Authorities in issuing orders to signalmen should order them not to give the signal road clear when passenger trains were being shunted between the north and south ends of the building known as the foundry and Keyham College unless it was absolutely clear and there was no other heavy vehicular traffic on the road between those points." The Coroner, Jury and Mr Oliver expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 December 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Burning Fatality At Stonehouse. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest on LILIAN CAROLINE MAY SPILSBURY, aged 4, who was found in flames on Thursday. - MRS SPILSBURY, who lives at High-street, Stonehouse, said she left her house at 10 a.m. to go charing and on returning at about 12.40 p.m. made the discovery. Witness left a fire in the ordinary way, but had no fire-guard. She usually put a large piece of tin against the grate to act as a blower. She placed a blanket around the deceased, but being unsuccessful in extinguishing the flames called for assistance. Mr Bates, living in the same house, removed the child's clothes and took her to the Hospital. - The Coroner: What did you do with regard to the fireplace? - I used to have a guard, but have not had one for some time, as I thought it unnecessary. - Was the blower in front of the fire this time? - No. - The Coroner: Of course, you knew these children will play with the fire. It is an offence for which you can be punished in not providing a guard for children. It is a tremendous pity you did not have one. - In answer to further questions, witness said deceased was wearing a calico nightdress. - Annie Prouse, who was looking after the child during the absence of the mother as she had been ill, said she told the deceased not to get out of the bed. Witness left her for ten minutes while she went to do some work. - Dr B. P. Varma, House Surgeon, said deceased was badly burnt almost all over the body. She was very restless, apparently suffering from shock, and succumbed to her injuries at about 9.40 p.m. The case was hopeless. - The Coroner said these cases were getting fewer every year because of the precautions taken from time to time. The child had been left with a fire protected in no way. There was no blame, except that a recent law made it an offence to have an unprotected fire where young children were left alone. the mother would not have left the room had she thought the child was in the slightest danger. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 December 1915
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Platelayer's Death. Fall In The Dockyard. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital last evening on HENRY LORD, aged 48, platelayer, employed in the Works Department, H.M. Dockyard, who died at the Hospital on Sunday. - MRS JANE LORD, of 3 Cornwall-street, said deceased, her husband, complained of pains in his back on returning from work on the 3rd inst. Shortly before then he told her he had slipped down whilst at work. As the following day was Saturday, and he only had to work in the morning, her husband decided to go to the Dockyard. He was very ill when he returned home, and went to bed early in the evening, remaining there throughout Sunday. On Monday he went to work all day and was in awful pain when he returned home. Deceased then went to bed and did not get up again until he was removed to the Hospital on the 14th. Dr J. Ingram was called in on the 8th and attended him until his removal. Witness first knew that deceased had a swelling on his back on the Sunday he first remained in bed. Deceased was a strong, healthy man, and had never had a day's sickness. Witness believed her husband did not report that he had slipped in the Dockyard. - Isaac M. Waldron, labourer, 6 Erith-avenue, Camel's Head, said deceased was one of his working gang. Witness had never seen deceased fall, but he told witness about five weeks ago that he slipped and twisted his back whilst lifting sleepers. Subsequently, deceased frequently complained of pains in the back. Deceased had never previously said he had such pains. - W. H. Perkins, skilled labourer, said deceased had been working in the same gang as his for 12 or 13 years. Deceased told him he had injured his back whilst turning over the sleepers, and he had several times complained that his back was hurting. The matter was not reported to the officials. - Dr J. Ingram said that when he attended deceased he had an inflamed swelling on the lower part of his back, which he (deceased) thought might have been due to a slip he had whilst at work. He progressed favourably under treatment until the 13th inst., when there was an extension of the inflammation and witness considered an operation essential. Deceased's original condition was consistent with his having injured himself by a fall, which had no doubt caused a deep-seated haemorrhage. Such a condition might have arisen had there been no injury. - Dr B. P. Varma, House Surgeon, said he operated upon deceased immediately after his admission, but he gradually became worse. Witness found deceased's internal organs quite normal. Death was due to septicaemia following an abscess round the lower part of the bowel. - The Coroner said they could not say definitely to what the abscess was due; it might have been brought about by natural causes, or by the slip he had when at work, but they had no evidence that he had any slip, and it could not be said that his condition was due to any such slip if it did occur. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 December 1915
PLYMOUTH - Armoured Car Victim. Opening Of Inquest At Plymouth: The Coroner's Comment. - The Inquest on KENNETH DORIEN WILLIAMS (son of Bombardier GEORGE SAMUEL WILLIAMS, R.F.A., of 14 St Jude's-road, Plymouth) who was killed in George-street on Sunday as the result of a collision between an armoured motor car and a cab, was opened at the Mortuary by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Jones, yesterday. The circumstances of the tragedy were fully reported in yesterday's "Western Morning News." - Major McAvity, R.A., was present as representative of the military authorities. - Only evidence of identification was taken. This was given by GEORGE WILLIAMS, of 5 Frobisher-terrace, grandfather of the child, which, he said was 15 months old. - Major McAvity stated that the driver of the armoured car had been brought back to Plymouth and was available for giving evidence if required. - The Coroner remarked that an adjournment would be necessary. The affair, he added, seemed to have been a pure accident. The Inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow afternoon.

TAVISTOCK - Lydford Boy's Strange Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday on the four-year-old son of SIDNEY BULL, labourer, of Lydford village. On Friday about 3 p.m. the child complained of pain and said he had swallowed something. Dr Postlethwaite, of Brentor, was sent for and on his arrival ordered the child's removal to the Cottage Hospital. On reaching the Hospital Dr Brodrick was called and found the boy too ill for an operation, and he died about 9.45 p.m. - Dr Brodrick stated that he had made a post mortem and found a white bone collar stud by the side of the right lung, which caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict that the child died of Suffocation, and expressed sympathy with the parents.

TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday afternoon, on SARAH BRUSEY, aged 71, wife of JAMES BRUSEY, labourer, Newton Abbot. On Christmas-day deceased went from her house in Higher Braddons to the house of her married daughter, Mrs Knapman on Stentiford's-hill. During the afternoon deceased went to go down into the basement, when she fell over the steps, striking her head against the door at the bottom, where she was found unconscious by her son-in-law and another man and she died within a very short time. - The evidence of Dr Tidswell showed that deceased sustained bruises between the nose and forehead and about her eyes and he attributed death to fracture of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, Corner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday afternoon on ANNIE TAYLOR, aged 59, wife of WILLIAM HENRY TAYLOR, moulder, of Perrott's-buildings, Pimlico, by whom deceased was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. - The evidence showed that deceased had been in poor health for some time, and had coughed a good deal. On Christmas-day she ate very little, coughed much and complained of darting pains in her back, but she objected to her husband and daughter going for a doctor when they expressed a wish to do so. - Dr Courtenay Dunn found traces of chronic disease in both lungs and a weak heart with fatty degeneration and he gave the cause of death as pleurisy, the result of a few days' cold. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 December 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Fish Hawker Drowned. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on THOMAS FOXWORTHY, aged 69, fish hawker, whose body was found in the inner harbour on Tuesday. On Monday afternoon deceased went to Paignton, where he was seen and spoken to by his brother, WILLIAM FOXWORTHY, a labourer. Deceased said he came to see his little boy, but as the boy had been taken to Brixham, he did not see him. He went away for an hour or two and early in the evening he returned to Torquay in the tramcar. He was heard by the driver of the car, John Gibbings, muttering and grumbling to himself on the way home. The presumption was that, on leaving the tramcar, deceased walked on to the Fish Quay near, where he was in the habit of going to buy fish. At this time of the day, between six and seven o'clock, the quay was in darkness. On Tuesday afternoon Frederick George Wannell saw the body in six feet of water, a few feet from the quay wall. - ANNIE MARIA FOXWORTHY, deceased's wife, stated that she had been living separate from her husband for six months. - Dr F. T. Thistle said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said the evidence pointed to the conclusion that deceased fell into the water whilst in a drunken state. - Verdict: "Accidentally Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Armoured Car Victim. Canadian Soldier's Story Of George Street Collision. - The Coroner's inquiry into Sundays armoured car tragedy at Plymouth was completed at the Mortuary yesterday, the Jury coming to the conclusion that the death of KENNETH DORIEN WILLIAMS, aged 15 months, was the result of an accident. The father of the child, Bombardier George Samuel Williams, R.F.A., is now fighting in France. the mother, who resides at 14 St Jude's-road, Plymouth, was wheeling the child in a perambulator along George-street, when a heavy car, forming part of a Canadian convoy, collided with a cab, the latter smashing the perambulator and killing the child instantly. Four persons were injured, including MRS WILLIAMS, who was still too ill to attend the adjourned Inquest. - The Inquiry was conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, and the feature of the evidence was the description of the accident given by Pte. Hugh Peat, of the Canadian Army Service Corps, the driver of the car which came into collision with the cab. - Mr E. Elliot Square appeared for the military authorities, Major McAvity, who is in charge of the Canadian transport arrangements at Plymouth, also being present. Mr Isaac Foot appeared for the parents of the child, and Mr J. P. Dobell for the owner and driver of the cab. The Chief Constable, Mr J. B. Sowerby, also watched the proceedings. - A Top Heavy Car. - Pte. Peat was the first witness to be called. He said the Canadian convoy, in passing through George-street, stopped at the cab stand. They then restarted, and proceeded along George-street. He was driving an armoured repairing shop, the total weight of which was about ten tons. His was the eleventh vehicle in the convoy. He had driven these heavy cars for six months and had never had any trouble before. Just before the accident, he was driving at four or five miles an hour. There were a lot of people about. A cab approached him from the opposite direction. He pulled in to the left to allow the cab to pass, when his back wheel skidded and sent the vehicle right across the road. His car was top heavy. When it skidded he threw out the clutch and applied the brakes, but by that time it had gone too far. The middle part of the car struck the cab and forced it on to the pavement. He did not see the child. The car skidded for six or seven yards and he then stopped it. The vehicles in the convoy were 15 or 20 yards apart. The roads were very greasy, and he could not have avoided the accident. He had never had a skid with the car before. - In answer to Mr Foot, Pte. Peat said there had been no difficulty at all with the car. He had difficulty with it after the accident as the right steering arm was bent in the collision, and the car could not be properly steered. The weight of the car, apart from its load, was six tons. - Mr Foot: Was the top-heaviness due to loading? - Witness: No, to the construction of the car. There are turning lathes, vices and electric drills fixed inside. - You associate the fact of the car being top-heavy with its skidding? - Yes. - A Juror: Do you mean that there was overhanging at the back? - Yes. - Lydia Pearse, a nurse of the District Nurses' Home, Durnford-street, Stonehouse, said she witnessed the accident. The car did not appear to have been going at too great a speed. After the deceased child had been knocked down it was handed to her and taken to the headquarters of the George-street Ambulance Brigade. She thought the child was dead at that time. In her opinion the collision was the result of a pure accident. - George Ross, labourer, of 20 St John-street, Devonport, said he was standing watching the passing of the convoy when the accident happened. He was in the wide part of the road between Derry's Clock and the Gas Company's premises. The car was travelling quite slowly. The impact of the collision forced the cab into the Gas Company's window and the perambulator in which the deceased child was being wheeled was knocked over and smashed. He freed the child and gave it to Nurse Pearse. He estimated that just before the car skidded it was being driven at a distance of 2ft. 6in from the pavement on its near side. The near wheels of the cab were scratching the kerb on the opposite side. - Dr Vawdrey stated that the child was dead when he saw it at the Headquarters of the George-street Ambulance Brigade shortly after the accident. A post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was a combined fracture and dislocation of the neck. No doubt death was instantaneous. - Summing Up And Verdict. - The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out that just prior to the accident there had been a considerable amount of rain, and the condition of the road would tend to make such a car liable to skid. The Jury had to decide whether Pte. Peat was driving properly or whether he conduced to the accident in any way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated Pte. Peat from all blame. They extended their sympathy to the parents of the child. The Coroner associated himself with these expressions. - Mr Elliot Square on behalf of Maj. McAvity and the Canadian Army Transport Service, joined in the condolences with the parents. The fatality, he said, was one of those unfortunate accidents that could not be prevented. Whatever expenses the parents had incurred would be borne by the Canadian military authorities. - Mr Foot said the expression of sympathy would be forwarded to the father and mother of the child. A sad circumstance was that the deceased was the only child. - The Coroner: It is extremely fortunate that a great many more were not killed.

PLYMOUTH - Death From Burns At Plymouth. - A burning fatality was Inquired into by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth yesterday. The deceased, AMY MAUD MASON, was a spinster, who lived at 12 Endsleigh-place. In the early hours of Christmas morning she was in bed, and, feeling unwell, got up and went into an adjoining room with a lighted candle. It is believed that, having put the candle on the floor, she fainted, and that the candle ignited her flannelette nightdress. Hearing terrible screams, her cousin, Olive Bracegirdle (wife f an artificer-engineer in the Royal Navy) rushed from another bedroom to her assistance and found her in flames. Mrs Bracegirdle had the presence of mind to wrap a rug round the unfortunate woman and then sent for a doctor. - Afterwards the injured woman was taken to Hospital, where Dr M. F. Meiring found that she was suffering from extensive burns on the body and thighs. The case was practically hopeless from the first. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."