Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and Western Evening Herald

[printed in Plymouth.]

1919

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:-  Aitken; Ash; Behenna; Bartlett; Barwis; Bearne; Bell; Benridge; Blackbeard; Bourne; Bradford; Braithwaite; Bray(2); Brown; Bryant; Buckland; Bullen; Callard; Carris; Chamberlain; Cheriton; Christie; Clemits; Cocks; Cole; Cook(2); Coombs; Cotton; Couch; Courtney; Coutanche; Cove; Cox; Cronin; Cunday; Darke; Davie; Davis; Day; Dyke; Easey; Eddy; Edwards; Ellery; Elliott; Ellis; Evans(2); Fairweather; Follett; Folley; French; Gard; Gooding; Goodman; Gordon; Gould; Greatrix; Green; Gulliford; Hadley; Hancock; Harris; Harrison; Harry; Henley; Hines; Hopper; Hosgood; Hoskin; Hosking; Hughes; Humphreys; Hunt; Hutchings; Inglis; Irvine; Ivey; Jackson; Jeffs; Jewell; Johnson; Jones; Josephson; Kelly; Kenshole; Kingdon; Kingwell; Kinnersley; Knight; Langley; Lee; Ley; Leyden; Libby; Lynch; Makin; Manley; Marshall; Martin; Matthews(3); Mayne; Medland; Meech; Mewton; Mitchell; Moon; Mudge; Nobbs; Norrish; Parken; Parker; Pawley; Pean; Peasey; Pennington; Phear; Phillips; Pigott; Pinn; Price; Prime; Prior; Pygram; Quaintance; Rabjohns; Radford; Reed; Richardson; Ridley; Rist; Robinson; Rogers; Rooke; Rounsfull; Sanders; Satchwell; Sheehan; Sherliker; Shute; Sims; Smith; Snell; Snowden; Somer; Spriddle; Steed; Stephens; Stideford; Stowell; Strawbridge; Swaffin; Tall; Tapley; Taylor(2); Thorpe; Tozer; Trehane; Twining; Van Vliet; Veale; Veysey; Vigus; Voaden; Wakeham; Waldron; Walk; Warner; Warren(2); Watson; Weeks; Westlake; Wherry; Whitburn; Wills; Winsor; Witt; Wood; Woolland; Wotton.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 January 1919
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. Sister's Sad Discovery. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on JOHN ALBERT WEEKS, aged 23, who was found with his throat cut at the house of his father, a haulier, at 4 Brunswick-terrace, Torre, on Wednesday. WEEKS was formerly a driver in the R.F.A., and served in France. He was wounded in the head in April 1917, and was sent to Bath Hospital. He was discharged from Hospital in the following June, and from the Army in November. On returning to Torquay he stayed with his father for a time, and then, as he was suffering from tuberculosis, he was sent by the Government medical authorities to Smyrns Consumptive Home, and from which place he was discharged, after three or four months, for breaking the rules by staying out late at night. On Wednesday morning his sister found him lying in bed with a good deal of blood about, and she sent for the Police, who found that he was dead and that he had cut his throat, causing a deep wound, with a razor, which was lying by his side. - Dr Wiggin said there was no reason to think that the wound was not self-inflicted; the cause of death was the loss of blood caused by the wound. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1919
PLYMSTOCK - Plymstock Mystery. Drowned In The Creek On A Dark Night. - At the Inquest, before Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at the Morley Arms, Plymstock, yesterday, on CO.-QRMTR.-INST. JOHN T. SHERLIKER, found in Pomphlett Creek on Wednesday, no evidence was forthcoming to clear up the mystery as to how deceased got into the water. Mr F. W. Murray watched the proceedings on behalf of the widow. - William Thomas White, dyer's labourer, Leam, Rosendale, Lancs., identified the body as that of CO.-QRMTR.-INST. JOHN THOMAS SHERLIKER, R.E., 45, who married his step-daughter. Before the war he kept a beer-house at Shawforth. He entered the East Lancs. as a private and was transferred to the R.E., and soon gained promotion. His wife, living at 30 Hanover-road, Laira, received a letter stating that he expected to be home at Christmas. - C.P.O. Samuel Williams, R.N., Pomphlett, found the body on Wednesday at about 10.45 a.m. on the mud in Pomphlett Creek. It was fully clad, with the exception of the cap, which was found in the creek on the Sunday previous. The head and arms were embedded in the mud. - P.C. Shepherd, Oreston, said he found on the body, among other things, 4 ½d. in coppers, a pocket-book with several letters, and a military railway warrant from Dec. 27 to midnight, Jan. 7, for the purpose of proceeding to Plymouth, and the return half from Plymouth to Sandwich. Deceased's watch had stopped at 10.30. There was nothing to account for the body being in the water. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said anyone walking in from Plymstock or Plymouth might, in the darkness, easily walk into the creek. If deceased had taken the Yealmpton instead of the Laira car he might have got out at Plymstock, with a view to walking back to Laira. It was a dark, rainy night. - Dr Noy Scott attributed death to drowning. There were no signs of violence or fracture. - The Coroner said, in the absence of evidence as to how deceased came in the water, the verdict would be "Found Drowned," and he offered his sympathy with the widow and the family. - Mr Murray, expressing thanks on behalf of the relatives, remarked that the circumstances were very sad. It was deceased's intention to be home on Saturday and nothing was known further until the body was found. The theory that he took the wrong train and got out at Plymstock seemed to be most feasible. To make the case more sad, a telegram arrived at his home on Saturday requesting him to return to the camp for dispersal, so that he would have been at once free from military service altogether.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY STEED, labourer, aged 47, of 80 Charlotte-street. On New Year's evening deceased went to work on night shift, and at 5.30 the next morning P.C. Barron found him lying on the ground in an unconscious condition at the North Yard. Sur.-Capt. Hughes said death was due to the rupture of an aneurism in the aorta, and a verdict was returned according.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 January 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Under An Anaesthetic. - At an Inquest on JULIA JANE LEY, aged 38, wife of a petty officer, R.N., by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, it was stated that deceased had been admitted to undergo an operation for goitre, from which she had suffered for 18 years. - Dr L. G. Preston said the operation was necessary in order to try and save deceased from suffocation. She was very weak, and the disease proved very extensive. As she became very restless under a local anaesthetic, a mixture of ether and chloroform was administered and tracheotomy had to be performed to relieve pressure. Artificial respiration was tried without success and death ensued through heart failure. His assistant was careful and competent. - A verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 January 1919
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Motor Car. Kingsbridge Driver Free From Blame. - The Inquest on MISS JANE BLIGHT WESTLAKE, aged 62, of Beaumont-road, Plymouth, who was knocked down and killed by a motor car in Bedford-street on Saturday was held before the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, yesterday. Mr Mayburn Pearce represented the owners of the motor car (Oke Bros., Kingsbridge); Mr F. W. Murray was present on behalf of the relatives. - Mr F. Rugg Monk, who gave evidence of identification, said MISS WESTLAKE had good eyesight and hearing. - Harold Sanders, driver and garage manager, Fore-street, Kingsbridge, said on Saturday he drove a car from Kingsbridge to Plymouth. He had Mr Sheriff Ball, Preston Farm, Kingsbridge, with him in the car; also Mr Frederick Taylor, R.A.F., Kingsbridge. When in Bedford-street, and just as he was rounding Spooner's corner, he had to stop for a tram car. Continuing down the street, by Messrs. Timothy White, he had to stop again for a lady and two children. He again drove on, and at the end of the narrow part of Bedford-street, he had to again pull up for two soldiers. Just after that he was proceeding down the street when making for the left side of the widened part of the street, he saw deceased about six or eight feet ahead crossing the street from right to left. This was opposite Bank-street. He shouted and sounded his horn. Deceased was hurrying across the street, but looking away from the car. He applied both brakes and this locked the back wheels. The road was very greasy, but the car did not skid, but glided straight forward. Deceased was knocked down by the off-side head lamp, and went under the car. When he pulled up, she was half-way under the car and wedged. After the car struck deceased, it carried her about two feet. - The Coroner: At what speed do you think you were travelling? - It is very difficult to judge the speed of a slow-moving car, but I should say it was well under 10 miles an hour. Continuing, witness said the street was fairly clear of traffic, but not of pedestrians. The paths were crowded, and there were a fair number in the roadway. Deceased was hurrying across the road. When witness sounded the horn she seemed to hesitate. "I was already making for the left of the street. I applied my brakes and tried to steer around the back of her, but it was a slow-moving car. I put it down that the hesitation she showed was really the means of her losing her life." - By Mr Pearce: It was more difficult to steer a slow-moving car. There was no chance to avoid her. - Mr Murray: Deceased would be doing right in looking to the right? - They should not look to the right all the time, not in Plymouth traffic at any rate. - By the Coroner: He could not say the exact distance he was from the pavement, but he should say there was ample room for another car to pass on that side of the street. - Mrs Harriett Bray, Highland Cottage, Citadel-road, said she saw deceased standing in the middle of the street; it seemed as though something was attracting her attention on the opposite side. She seemed to hesitate and then make for the side of the street. The driver swerved the car to avoid her, but struck her on the right side. There was even then a chance for deceased to have saved herself, but she seemed to be frightened. Had she turned to the left when first struck she would have been clear of the car, but instead she flung herself around to the right and in front of the car and was knocked down. The car was going at a moderate rate. The street was very clear, and if deceased had gone on her course she did not think the accident would have happened. - By Mr Pearce: At the time of the accident she said she did not think there was any blame attaching to the driver of the car. She still considered that was so. - By Mr Murray: Just as the car got to the woman she moved slowly into danger. - First-class Stoker Francis Landricombe saw deceased slowly crossing Bedford-street. He heard a shout. It seemed as though deceased got confused at the shouting and was knocked down by the off wheel of the car. The car was going at about "10 knots." - The Deputy Coroner: You told the Police that the car was going at a good speed? - That's what I call a good speed. You would not call it reckless? - No. - Dr S. Vosper said he was passing at the time of the accident. Deceased had been withdrawn from under the car. She was dead when he examined her. She had sustained a fracture of the base of the skull, fracture of the lower jaw in several places; also a scalp wound. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from blame, and expressed sympathy with the relatives. - The owners of the car also expressed their sympathy.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 January 1919
CHULMLEIGH - At the Inquest yesterday at Chulmleigh on FREDERICK SNELL, baker, of Chawleigh, drowned whilst crossing the River Dart on New Year's-eve in the course of his delivery round, the opinion was expressed that immediately the horse and trap were swept away deceased released the harness endeavouring to reach the bank he succumbed. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 January 1919
DARTMOUTH - While waiting on the Embankment, Dartmouth, on Tuesday night to cross to Kingswear by the Mew, JAMES IRVINE, 36, of Glasgow, a donkeyman on H.M.S. Ireland, in harbour, fell in the river and was drowned. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 January 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Child's Death. Scalds From A Cup Of Cocoa. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot last evening by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, and a Jury with respect to the death of RONALD EDWARD HUTCHINGS, 18 months, only child of MR and MRS EDWARD HUTCHINGS, Tudor-road, Newton Abbot. MRS HUTCHINGS, wife of a G.W.R. guard, said that on November 25 the child, who was standing by her side, pulled a cup of cocoa off the table. The contents, very hot, fell on deceased's neck, and went down inside his clothes. She realised he was badly scalded, and took him to the Hospital. During the day she brought the child home again, and he had since been attended by Dr Culross. - Dr J. Culross said the child had deep and extensive scalds on the front of the neck and chest. Death was due to shock. In answer to a question whether the child would not have been better at the Hospital, Dr Culross said he did not think so. The mother was very devoted and carried out his directions very carefully. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 January 1919
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Fatality. "Gelignite Warming On A Hob." - At Okehampton Townhall last evening Mr H. C. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM JOHN VOADEN, 52, of Northfield-road, Okehampton, ganger and fireman, in the employ of the Meldon Valleys Co., Ltd., which occurred the previous morning at Meldon Valleys Quarry. Mr Boydell, Inspector of Mines, was present, and also Mr R. H. Worth, one of the directors of the Meldon Valleys Co., Ltd. - John Smale, foreman of the works, said deceased had charge of the explosives and on Monday morning was going to use them. There was a regulation thawing apparatus kept at the quarries for use; but about a fortnight ago deceased asked him if he could have a warming pan to thaw the gelignite, as it was hard, and if he thought it would burst if he stood it on the hob by the fire. Witness told him it would be too risky, and he was to use the thawing apparatus. Deceased replied "very well." - By the Inspector: He could not say if the deceased used the apparatus after the conversation had taken place. Deceased was a reliable man, but always driving ahead and too anxious to get on with his work. - George Raymont, another employee at the quarry, said on Monday morning he, his son, and deceased went into the dining shed for breakfast. Whilst there his son said "Look there," and on looking around he saw a can containing gelignite on the iron plate on the hob all afire. He did not see the can put there that morning, but he had seen it there at different times before during frost, and he knew there was gelignite in it. He knew it was wrong to put it there, and had told deceased so, but had never reported it to the foreman. When he saw the can begin to blaze he said "Come on; all the lot clear out." The explosion took place just as he got to the blacksmith's shop. He heard deceased coming behind him and directly after the explosion he heard him say "Ah!" He looked round and saw deceased staggering and he and the smith caught him in their arms. He never spoke again and died in about five minutes. - Charles Raymont, son of the last witness, said he was in the corner of the shed by the chimney when the explosion occurred. - Dr Young said death was due to concussion of the brain, following the explosion. - The Coroner found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and congratulated the Raymonts on their lucky escape.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 January 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Stonehouse. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on GEORGE HENRY ASH, bricklayer, of George-street, Stonehouse. - The widow said her husband was in the employ of Mr Crews, builder. On Saturday afternoon he went to mend a tenement roof at 28 George-street, Stonehouse, and was later brought home injured, afterwards being removed to the Hospital. - Emily Cave saw deceased come to the tenement and shortly after fall in front of the window. She went out and found him in a state of collapse, with a ladder, the top part of which was broken off, lying near him. The ladder had been against the wall for some time, and she believed was used by deceased for repairing the roof before. - Thomas George Crews, builder, said deceased was in his employ as a mason, but on Saturday last left work at noon, and he knew of no work to be done at 28 George-street, nor did deceased ask permission to do any work there. His theory of the accident was that deceased had failed to secure the ladder when placed against the roof, and that in reaching probably further than he ought, the ladder went to the left and deceased to the right, the ladder breaking on coming into contact with the pavement. - In answer to Mr Mayburne Pearce (representing Mr Yabsley, owners of the house), witness said deceased did no work for him without orders from him. - Percy Aveling Yabsley, chief writer, R.N., said he, with his brother, jointly owned the tenement. He asked deceased to do some repairs there, believing he was a jobbing mason. - Dr H. Fitz Vellacott said deceased died from fracture of the skull and the Coroner gave a verdict accordingly, and, with Mr Crews and Mr Mayburne Pearce, expressed sympathy with the widow and six children.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 January 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Result Of Fall. Inquest At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on THOMAS CHRISTIE, 47, trimmer, R.N.R.T., of Manchester. - Tempy. Surg.-Lt. R. Eccles Smith, R.N., of the R.N. Hospital said CHRISTIE was admitted to the Hospital on December 27 last for observation, with a view to an operation, he having a crippled leg caused by an injury through a fall in Alexandria on June 6, 1918, whilst returning from leave. On admission to the Hospital he was suffering from a fractured left hip, the bones of which were not properly united, and he wished to have the leg set right. An operation was decided upon after careful consideration, and was performed most satisfactorily on the 4th inst., and a complete cure was anticipated. Signs of chest trouble, however, appeared on the 9th inst., and this developed into double pneumonia, from which CHRISTIE died on January 15. - Mr Rodd explained that Mr K. E. Peck, representing the Admiralty, had undertaken to obtain evidence of the fall if possible, but was unable to do so as the eye-witness was away at sea. He suggested the following verdict:- "That deceased died from double pneumonia following an operation rendered necessary by a fall in Alexandria, but that no evidence was forthcoming to show whether this fall was accidental or not." - This verdict was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 January 1919
PLYMOUTH - Dying Man's Rash Act. - A painful story was told at an Inquest held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd at the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, concerning the death of a discharged sailor named RICHARD JOHN MOON, of 67 Pembroke-street, Devonport, who died shortly after his admission to the Hospital on Monday. The deceased, who was a widower, aged 39 years, was until a few months ago a first class petty officer in the Navy, and it is understood, served in the Jutland fight. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Fanny Greet Stuttaford, single of 67 Pembroke-street, Devonport, said deceased was her brother-in-law, and had lately been discharged from the service on account of pulmonary tuberculosis, for which he had since been attended by Dr Rutherford. He was very ill on Monday, dying in fact, and seemed very much upset. He attempted to cut his throat in the morning, and was removed to the Naval Hospital, where he died the same afternoon. - Temp.Surg.-Lieut. R. A. Barlow said deceased was admitted to Hospital suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and a wound on the throat. The cut was 3 ½ inches long, but only superficial, only the skin being involved. No muscles or tissues were injured, and there had been no bleeding. The wound had nothing to do with his death, which was caused by pulmonary tuberculosis. Deceased was in an extremely emaciated condition, both lungs showed acute signs of consumption, and he must have been dying when he attempted to cut his throat. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 January 1919
TAVISTOCK - Wedding Tragedy. Bridegroom's Recollection Of What Happened. - Mr R Robinson Rodd opened the Inquest at Tavistock on Saturday on WINNIE SIMS, 21, whose death a few hours after being married took place on Wednesday night as the result of a motor accident. Deceased had resided with her parents at 18 West Bridge Cottages, Tavistock, and it was on the return journey of a motor ride to Mary Tavy that the accident happened. - Mr Martyn Wivell was present on behalf of the owners of the car. - The Coroner said he proposed only to take medical evidence and the husband's evidence of identification, and then adjourn the Inquest to enable the driver of the car to be present to give evidence and, if possible, satisfy them as to how the accident happened. At present it seemed mysterious. Dr Hillyer thought the driver would be available in about three weeks at the earliest. He was glad to say the driver was going on satisfactorily and there was every hope of his recovery. He took the earliest opportunity of expressing their deep regret and sympathy with the husband and parents of deceased. Deceased was full of the joy of living and young, and it was most distressing that life should have been cut off in that manner. - Dr G. H. S. Hillyer said he was called about 10 p.m. on Wednesday and saw deceased lying in the lodge of Kelly College. The top of her head was smashed in. Death must have been practically instantaneous. It looked as though the head had come in contact with the hedge. there was no other injuries. - WILLIAM JOHN SIMS, cook's mate, serving in the R.N. Depot, Devonport, said he was married on Wednesday afternoon to deceased at the Parish Church, Tavistock. Later in the day they drove her parents and some friends to the Station in a motor-car, hired from Mr Vigers, Golden Lion Hotel. Witness, deceased, and some relatives then decided to have a ride as far as Mary Tavy. They got there about 10 p.m. They stopped at the Royal Standard Inn, and witness, the driver (Percy Gregory), and a man named Joseph Craze, who was also with them, had two drops of whisky each. They left about five minutes later. - The Coroner: Just tell me what happened as far as you remember. - Witness: We were coming along and having a song - the song was "The end of a perfect day" - when there was a sudden crash. I was stunned for a couple of minutes. - You did not anticipate the calamity in any way? - No. - Witness, continuing, said he was seated in the back of the car with his wife and cousin. Craze was sitting in front with the driver. The car suddenly crashed into something and capsized. Beyond being stunned for a short time he was not injured. The driver was badly injured, also Craze, and both were taken to Hospital. The car turned over to the right, causing him and his cousin to fall on top of deceased. - The Coroner: You had engaged the same driver and car for the wedding? - Yes. - And everything went perfectly all right until this happened? - Yes. - Did Gregory seem to be a careful driver? - Yes, he was. - The Inquest was at this stage adjourned until February 15. Funeral of the Victim. - The funeral of MRS SIMS took place at Tavistock yesterday, service being conducted in the Parish Church in the presence of a large and sympathetic congregation. The officiating clergy were Revs. H. L. Bickersteth (vicar), who conducted the wedding on Wednesday, H. M. Sargent (Kelly College) and Greville Cooke (assistant curate). The relatives present included the husband and the father. As the cortege entered the church Mr W. Clotworthy, the organist, played "O rest in the Lord" and "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The surpliced choir attended. The hymns were "Lead, kindly light," and "Let saints on earth," and Psalm 23 was chanted. There were a large number of beautiful wreaths. The interment took place in the New Cemetery. The coffin was borne to the cemetery on the hand hearse, Royal marines acting as bearers.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 February 1919
PLYMSTOCK - Naval Stoker Drowned. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on JOHN THOMAS DAY, stoker, 1st class, R.N., whose home was in London. - Sec.-Lt. E. A. Ritson, R.N.R., of H.M.S. Saxafrage, said that at about 4.45 p.m. last Saturday, whilst the Saxafrage was alongside a jetty at Turnchapel many men were passing out of the ship across a gangway for the purpose of taking their bags to the Station, a short distance away. The gangway was properly protected with hand-rails. Deceased was suddenly noticed to be lying in the water under the gangway. He was pulled out, and artificial respiration was applied for an hour and a half, but he died. There could be no question as to the man's sobriety. - Tempy. Surg.Lt. C. E. Jenkins said death was due to drowning, which, as the stomach was full of food, had been accelerated by the extreme coldness of the water. - According to other evidence, deceased was going home on leave. A friend preceded him with part of deceased's belongings in a bag, and deceased followed, carrying his hammock on his shoulder. He was not seen to fall into the water. - The Coroner thought it probable that deceased, in order to take a short cut, had intended to step over the life-line, and, catching his foot, had over-balanced into the water. - The verdict was "That deceased was Accidentally Drowned, but that there was no evidence as to how he got into the water."

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 February 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Claypit Fatality. Removing Timber From Abandoned Levels. - Mr Sydney Hacker, at Newton Abbot, yesterday, resumed the Inquest on MARK SANDERS, 44, clay miner, of Kingsteignton, who was crushed to death by a fall of clay in the Decoy clay-pits last week. H.M. Inspector of Mines (Mr T. Boydell) was present, whilst deceased's employers (the Devon and Courtenay Clay Co.) were represented by Mr S. H. Easterbrook, Torquay. - William Elliot, Abbotskerswell, general foreman of the Decoy Mines was questioned by the Coroner as to the practice of removing props from an old level for use in a new level, which was the work deceased was performing when the accident happened. - This operation is accompanied by a great deal of risk? - There is a certain amount of risk. If we left all the old timber it would be a great expense. - Is the argument of expense the only reason for not using new props? - No. Sometimes there is a good deal of clay behind the old timber. - Would a man be standing without any protection when the support is pulled down? - He should put up a single post if he saw there was danger. - Mr Boydell: Is there any danger in with-drawing the old timber if proper precautions are taken? - No. - What would have been proper precautions? - The only thing would be to put up an extra post. - It is a good method of working to withdraw the old timber in the interests of economy? - Yes. - Have you ever heard of mechanical appliances by which the timber could be withdrawn from under the roof of the mine? - No, sir. - I think I have myself indicated to your firm a certain appliance which might be used with safety? - I have not heard of it. - By Mr Easterbrook: There were plenty of new props available. A stock is always kept. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the company agreed to issue instructions to the foremen with a view to preventing such a fatality in the future. - The Inspector agreed that the firm's obligations in this respect had been fully complied with.

Western Morning Times, Friday 7 February 1919
TOTNES - Fatal Accident At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at Totnes yesterday on MRS SARAH COOMBS, aged 78, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Monday. - Mr Alfred Kinsman, nephew, said deceased was the widow of a sergeant in the Devon Regt. She had resided with witness at 107 High-street, for 52 years, and had been blind for many years. On January 25 he found that she had fallen, and he assisted her to her room. - Mrs Kinsman said she had tried to persuade deceased, who was getting feeble, not to come downstairs, but she would do it. - Dr H. P. Salt stated that the deceased had broken the neck of the thigh. She was removed to the Hospital on Friday. Death was due to shock following the injury. - The Coroner, Mr Hacker, found accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 February 1919
UPLYME - Uplyme Farm Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Hill Farm, Uplyme, on Saturday on ALICE MARY BRADFORD, aged 38, wife of MR T. B. BRADFORD, who was found hanging in an outhouse on the previous day. - MR BRADFORD said his wife on the evening previous to her death was very bright and cheerful. Next morning, after she had had a restless night, he took her a cup of tea and told her to remain in bed. She, however, came down to the cow stall shortly after, and when he asked her why she did not remain in bed she replied, "How can I when there is work to be done? Somebody must do it." On coming into the house after she had milked three cows, witness prevailed upon his wife to have a tablespoonful of brandy. He went out to feed the calves, and returning about a quarter of an hour later he found the breakfast laid, but his wife was not there. The men in the yard said they had not seen her, and as he was going back to the house he noticed the meal house door was shut, but not fastened. Thinking his wife was mixing the meals and having a joke with him, he opened the door, and found her hanging from a beam by a short piece of rope which she used to hang up chicken. Witness and his wife were on very affectionate terms, but she had a slight breakdown about six weeks previously, and used to worry needlessly about the farm. - Frederick Chick, carter, and Eli Rockett, labourer, gave evidence. - P.C. Leach said a search among deceased's belongings revealed nothing to account for her death. - Dr Spurr said deceased was a bright, cheerful little woman. He thought she had over-worked herself of late, and had worried about the farm. - The Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the husband and daughter.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 February 1919
PYWORTHY - Fatality At Pyworthy. - At an Inquest at Derrill Farm, Pyworthy, by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, on WILLIAM THOMAS BATE SNOWDEN, 18, who died near the farm, WILLIAM THOMAS SNOWDEN, farmer, said he and his son (the deceased) were loading fagots from a roadside coppice when a young horse they had in the cart started to move. Deceased got hold of the reins, but the horse had a good speed, and took him off his legs. He hung on for some distance and then fell. He never spoke afterwards, but lived until witness got him home. - Dr W. G. Gray, of Holsworthy, said in his opinion death was due to dislocation of the neck. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 February 1919
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall From A Hammock. - At an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd at the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on Able Smn. WILLIAM LYNCH, of the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, aged 19, evidence given by Surg.-Lt. Douglas McAlpine, R.N., and Tempy. Surg.-Lt. R. Eccles Smith, R.N., showed that deceased fell from his hammock on Nov. 24 last, and, as was subsequently discovered, sustained injuries to his spine which could not be diagnosed at the time. Owing to the pain deceased was in he was for a time exempted from his duties as a diver, and all that seemed necessary was done for him. On Jan. 28, however, his symptoms having become serious, he was admitted to the R.N. Hospital, where an operation was performed to prevent a progressive paralysis due to the fall. The operation was successful, but deceased died a few hours later from syncope brought on in a fit of coughing. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 February 1919
LISKEARD, CORNWALL - Died In A Train. Tragic End Of Guard On Cornwall Line. - On the arrival of the 9.45 a.m. train from Penzance, at Liskeard Station at noon yesterday, the discovery was made of the dead body of the junior guard in one of the lavatories. His name was GEORGE EDWIN COURTNEY, aged 41, married, his home being at Lyndhurst, Winston-avenue, Plymouth. On the upward journey from Penzance he shared the van in the fore-part of the train with the travelling ticket collector, Frederick Nickles. At Truro he performed his duties as usual, but that was the last that was seen of him alive. - While going through the train in the neighbourhood of Bodmin Road the ticket collector found one of the lavatory doors locked. Just afterwards, on returning to the front van, he discovered that Guard COURTNEY was missing. He reported the matter to the senior guard and as soon as the train pulled up at Liskeard he looked through the window of the lavatory, the door of which was still secured, and there saw deceased huddled up on the floor. Under the direction of the Stationmaster, Mr A. C. Foster, Foreman Porter Moon forced the door, and found the guard dead. It appears that he had been under medical treatment of late, suffering from giddiness, and death is attributed to an epileptic fit. The body was removed on the Station stretcher to a waiting-room, where it lies, awaiting removal to Plymouth today. - Yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr A. de C. Glubb, Coroner, at the Station. - Foreman Moon stated that the body was still warm when he raised it from the floor. - THOMAS COURTNEY, Stationmaster, at Yealmpton, a brother of deceased, stated that last September the latter told him that he was not well, and that he was being treated by Dr Clay, of Plymouth, suffering from giddiness. He had no worries whatever. - Dr Nettle, of Liskeard, attributed death to an epileptic fit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - Deceased, a native of St Austell, was an able and popular guard, well known on the Cornwall line, on which he was accustomed to work the local trains. In addition to his brother, who is Stationmaster at Yealmpton, another brother is also in the service of the G.W.R. as a signalman.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 February 1919
DARTMOUTH - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr A. M. Davson, at Dartmouth yesterday, concerning the death of EDWARD WOODMAN WOTTON, 52, cadets' servant at the R.N. College. Deceased was found in the kitchen of the house where he lodged with his throat cut. It was stated that there was insanity in the family.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 February 1919
TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd on Saturday further adjourned the Inquest on WINNIE SIMS, 21, who was killed on her wedding day by a motor car accident at Tavistock on January 22. The Coroner said he had hoped that the driver of the car, Percy Gregory, would be sufficiently recovered to give evidence, but he was informed by Dr G. H. S. Hillyar that he would not be fit to attend for at least another fortnight. He therefore proposed to further adjourn the Inquiry until March 1.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 February 1919
PLYMOUTH - Late REV. H. J. HINES. Death From Natural Causes. - Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest yesterday on REV. H. J. HINES, 58, Baptist minister of 22 Maida Vale-terrace, Mutley, whose sudden death we reported yesterday. Mr A. Prophed, barber, Chester-place, said MR HINES entered his shop on Monday and sat down to be shaved. Witness spoke to him, but received no answer, and looking at deceased he thought his appearance strange. MR HINES began to vomit and after his clothing had been loosened he was carried into the shop next door. Dr F. E. Price arrived soon afterwards and found life to be extinct. - Rev. Benwell Bird gave evidence of identification. - Dr Price said death was due to heart failure. The heart was already diseased and a patch of pneumonia at the bottom of the lungs caused its cessation. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 February 1919
BRATTON FLEMING - MR JAMES MAKIN, clerk in the employ of the Board of Trade Timber Supplies Department, died suddenly at Bratton Fleming. At the Inquest Dr W. J. Harper, of Barnstaple, attributed death to heart failure, due to the diseased condition of the lungs. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 February 1919
EXETER - Cullompton Woman's Death. - At Exeter yesterday an Inquest was held on MRS E. VEYSEY, 58, wife of a Cullompton butcher, who cut her throat with a razor at the house of her daughter, 15 Richmond-road, Exeter, on Tuesday. The evidence was that MRS VEYSEY had been greatly depressed for some time, consequent upon her son having to join the Army and the business at Cullompton being closed. She came to visit her daughter, Mrs Vicary a few weeks ago in the hope that her health would improve. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 February 1919
AXMINSTER - Axminster Child's Death. - The Coroner for East Devon, Dr E. R. Tweed, held an Inquest at Axminster yesterday on ELIZABETH KATE RIST, 3 ½ months old, child of MR and MRS A. E. RIST, Paradise-row. - The mother stated that the child died in her arms while being carried down from bed. It had had difficulty in breathing, and a month ago the doctor gave her some powder and medicine. She did not give the child much of the medicine because it did not seem to agree with it. The Coroner questioned witness as to why, when she found the child did not improve, she did not call in the doctor again, and also about the nursing, and advised her to take the earliest opportunity of getting instruction in the nursing of children. - Dr W. Langran said the child was well nourished. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" commented on the unsatisfactory nature of the mother's evidence and refused to allow her expenses.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 February 1919
ALVERDISCOTT - At Alverdiscott Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest on HENRY PHEAR, gardener. Deceased's son was passing an old quarry about 150 yards from the house, when he saw his father's cap and stick on the edge and the body in the water. He went for help. - Dr Ellis Pearson said PHEAR had been suffering from cancer in the throat and seemed very disappointed that the last operation was not successful. - In returning a verdict of "Suicide," the Coroner commented on the erroneous idea that no one could touch a body until the arrival of the Police.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 22 February 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall At Keyham Station. The Death Of A Retired Master Mariner. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the Coroner, Mr J. C. Pearce, held an Inquiry touching the death of JOSEPH COCKS, 68 years of age, of 32 Johnston-terrace, Keyham, who met with an accident at Keyham Station on Monday evening. Mr H. Lawrence Spear attended the Inquiry on behalf of the widow. Deceased was formerly a captain on a coasting schooner. Of late he had been working at the Naval Ordnance Department, Bull Point. - Harold John Pawley, joiner's apprentice, residing at Saltash, said he was travelling by the 6.30 p.m. train from Saltash. Deceased entered the train at St Budeaux. As it was running into Keyham Station deceased opened the door of the compartment and alighted. The train was still in motion. Deceased lost his footing, but still had hold of the door and was dragged along the platform by the train. He then let go and fell between the two carriages. - James French, porter at Keyham Station, said that a sick berth steward rendered first-aid to deceased, who was afterwards seen by Dr Davis and then removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - The Injuries. - Dr H. G. Moser, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, stated that deceased was suffering from a lacerated wound in the left calf, the left leg being practically a pulp. The limb was amputated. The right ankle was also fractured. There was practically no chance of his recovery, and death took place on Thursday. Death was due to shock and exhaustion following amputation. - At the suggestion of Mr Spear, deceased's son-in-law (ALBERT BROOM, warrant officer, R.N.) stated that he saw MR COCKS the morning after the operation and he asked him how the accident happened. Deceased replied that he opened the door thinking the train had stopped. He stepped out of the carriage with his right foot and the next thing he knew he was underneath the carriage. - Mr Pawley (recalled) said he was positive that deceased alighted while the train was in motion. - A verdict of " Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 February 1919
AXMINSTER - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, held an Inquest on Saturday at Axminster on ALICE STRAWBRIDGE, aged 74, Hill Cottage, Stockland, whose death occurred at the Cottage Hospital from burns. Deceased was airing a sheet in front of the fire, when it caught alight and the fire spread to her clothes. Her cries attracted the notice of Wm. Henry Pearce, and he entered the house and extinguished the flames. A verdict was returned that deceased died of heart failure caused by shock.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 25 February 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Sudden Death At Stonehouse. No Doctor For An Hour. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Stonehouse Town Hall today on the body of JAMES JEWELL, 64, of 212 Beaumont-road, Plymouth, a labourer in the Royal William Victualling Yard, who died suddenly on Saturday whilst at work in the Yard. MR JEWELL, after complaining of a p ain in the chest, fell unconscious just before two o'clock, and when seen by a doctor at three o'clock he was dead. - John Lupton Taylor, temporary surgeon-lieutenant, R.N., attached to the R.N. Hospital, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to kidney disease which brought on heart failure, the heart itself being affected. - WILLIAM JOSEPH JEWELL inquired why it was that his father was not seen by the doctor until an hour after he was first taken ill. - Sergt. Calley, Metropolitan Police, explained that the telephone message was for the ambulance and doctor. The ambulance arrived without the doctor, but he came shortly afterwards. - The Coroner said he was convinced that the poor man died almost at once, and that nothing could have saved him. Practically he fell dead. - Mr Hunt, foreman of the stores, said he had received training in ambulance work. He was also convinced that even if the doctor had arrived earlier nothing could have been done for MR JEWELL after he first fell. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the family.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 25 February 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of A Child. Devonport Inquest Adjourned. - The death of CLIFFORD JAMES EVANS, which took place at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, was the subject of an Inquiry yesterday by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - Superintendent W. Davies watched the case on behalf of the Police. - Evidence only of identity was called. - George William Henry Sampson, merchant seaman, 11 Mount-street, informed the Coroner that the baby, 12 months old on the 18th February, was the illegitimate son of MRS BRENDA EVANS, whose present address was 18 Percy-terrace, Alexandra-road, Plymouth. - The Coroner said it was impossible to go into the case fully that day, because some of the witnesses were away, and he proposed to adjourn the Inquiry until Monday next, at 2.30 p.m. at the Ker-street Station.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 27 February 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at his office, Buckland-terrace, Plymouth, today, on the body of LOUISA JOHNSON, 8 Union-terrace, Plymouth 59, who died suddenly at one a.m. today. - Dr Wilmot, who was called to the house, and made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart disease. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 27 February 1919
PLYMOUTH - Died In Her Sleep. - Inquiry was made by the Deputy Coroner into the circumstances connected with the death of SARAH EVA LEE, 43, of 5 Tracey-street, Plymouth, wife of WALTER FRED LEE, labourer, H.M. Dockyard. The latter said that for some time his wife suffered from pains in the head, and he took her to Dr Rolston for eye trouble. She was suffering from slight paralysis of the left eye. - Dr Rolston advised that she should go to a dentist and have some teeth extracted. She did so on Friday morning. During the afternoon she complained of pains in the head and in the evening, at 8 o'clock, she died in her sleep. - Dr Burke said he was called on Monday, and arrived about 8.15 p.m. Death had just occurred. He had attended her within the last month, during which time she was threatened with apoplexy. Of his knowledge of her condition and the appearance of the body, and from what the husband told him, he was of opinion that death was due to apoplexy. - The Deputy Coroner: Her death had nothing to do with the dentistry? - Dr Burke: Nothing whatever. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1919
AXMINSTER - East Devon Carter's Death. - The East Devon Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, held an Inquiry at Axminster yesterday into the death of GEORGE MEECH, 51, carter, in the employ of Messrs. Salter and Stokes, Chard Junction. Thos. Summers, foreman, said about 5 p.m. deceased left the yard to take his horse and wagon to the stables and ten minutes later witness saw him lying in the road. He said that his leg was broken and witness ordered his removal to the Axminster Cottage Hospital. - Dr W. Longran said deceased's right thigh was fractured and there were other injuries. Gangrene was threatened and Dr Russell Coombe (Exeter) and Dr G. E. A. Evans (Chard) were called in, but an operation was not considered advisable. Death was due to exhaustion. Deceased said the horse trotted and the step of the van knocked him down. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1919
PLYMOUTH - Death Under Anaesthetic. - Mr Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Salisbury-road Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on Cpl. EDMUND GEORGE JOSEPHSON, aged 22, 2nd Devons and son of MR JOSEPHSON, No.1 Barrack-wardens' quarters, West Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot. Deceased had been in the Institution since November 4, suffering from a compound fracture of the thigh and had undergone amputation of the right leg about a fortnight ago. He died on Thursday while his wounds were being dressed, under an anaesthetic administered by the medical attendant at deceased's request, as on previous occasions. Verdict, "Death from Heart Failure, due to toxaemia and shock, following wounds received in Action."

Western Morning News, Monday 3 March 1919
EXETER - At an Exeter Inquest on Saturday on the infant of a cattle drover, BERT TAYLOR, Preston-street, it was stated that this was MRS TAYLOR'S ninth baby and only one was living. Of the others seven died in infancy and one was stillborn. The Coroner remarked that it was a pity that such people had children, and Dr Gray agreed. Death in this last case was due to jaundice, which the doctor said was a congenital disease common in children.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 March 1919
TAVISTOCK - Wedding Tragedy. Tavistock Accident Due To Steering Gear Locking. - At Tavistock Hospital on Saturday Mr R. Robinson Rodd held the adjourned Inquest on WINIFRED SIMS, 21, of Westbridge-cottages, who on January 22 was killed in a motor accident a few hours after being married. The evidence previously given was to the effect that on the evening of the marriage deceased, with her husband, a cook's mate in the Navy, together with two friends, were returning from a motor ride to Marytavy when the accident occurred. Mr Martyn Wivell was present on behalf of the owner of the car and the driver. - John Spear Stephens, motor engineer, Tavistock, said he had examined the wrecked car. The steering gear did not show any definite cause for failing to act. Excluding the damage caused by the impact with the electric standard, he found nothing to indicate the cause of the accident. It was possible, and probable, that the joints of the steering gear became locked, and through the impact were readjusted again. A sudden bump in the road would cause the locking, and the driver would be helpless. The roads were in such a bad condition that it was surprising how cars kept on a straight path and that there were not more accidents. - He knew Gregory to be a capable driver. - Annie Jasper, 18, Parkwood-cottages, Tavistock, said she was walking towards Tavistock, when the car passed her at an ordinary speed. The occupants were singing. The accident occurred just after it passed her. - Percy John Gregory, the driver of the car, who has been in Hospital suffering from injuries he received, and attended the Inquest in a wheel-chair, said they stopped at the Standard Inn, Marytavy, for about five minutes and had two drinks each. On the return journey they got to the curve in the road near Kelly College Lodge when he found, on endeavouring to straighten out the car again, that the steering gear had become locked. He tried his hardest to get it to answer, but before anything could be done the car had collided with the electric standard and capsized. Witness knew the road well. There was no chance to apply the brakes. The road was very bumpy and the car was proceeding at about 15 miles an hour. He had had long experience of driving, both in the Army and civil life, and had never before had an accident. - The Coroner said he was satisfied with the explanation given by Gregory that the steering gear became locked. He thought it imprudent on the part of the driver to have two whiskies in quick succession at Marytavy. Drivers in charge of hackney carriages with public in their care should not practice the habit. - The Foreman did not think two whiskies of present-day strength would have much effect and the Police said Gregory was quite sober when admitted to Hospital. - Verdict: "Accidental Death," sympathy being expressed with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 March 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Child Trafficking. Devonport Coroner On Need Of Legislation. - The Inquest was resumed before the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Ker-street Police Court yesterday on CLIFFORD JAMES EVANS, an illegitimate child, who had been in the care of Cecilia Margaret Sampson, wife of George Sampson, of Mount-street. The case had been adjourned to secure the presence of Mrs Sampson, who is undergoing a term of imprisonment for wilful neglect of the child. - The mother of the child, MRS EVANS, of Cardiff, said on March 20, 1919, she advertised in a Plymouth paper for someone to take charge of the child on receipt of certain payment. An agreement was arrived at with Mrs Augrave of Penrose-street, Plymouth, who was willing to take the child for 30s. per month. In May, however, Mrs Augrave communicated with witness, and said that owing to ill-health she was no longer able to look after the child. Eventually witness paid Cecilia Margaret Sampson £16 10s. to take complete charge of the child. - The Coroner (to witness): Was the child in good health when you handed it over to Mrs Augrave? - I never had a doctor for it since its birth. It was in quite good health. - Baby Handed On. - Mrs Maud Augrave, wife of Sapper Horace Augrave, now living in Cecil-street, said she handed the child over to a Mrs Prince, of Chapel-street, Plymouth, after obtaining the mother's permission. It was in excellent health when it left her, and was well clothed. - Margaret Ann Prince, widow, Chapel-street, said she took the baby from Mrs Augrave in June, having met Mrs Augrave at an I.O.G.T. meeting. Witness wrote to MRS EVANS expressing her willingness to accept 10s. per week for having custody of the child. After keeping the child for a month, it again changed hands, and was taken over by Mrs Sampson, her daughter. - The Coroner: Do you think your daughter was a fit and proper person to have care of the child? - No, because she had no proper home. She used the money to buy furniture. Did you know your daughter had venereal disease when she took charge of the child? - Yes. - The Coroner: Then she was certainly not a fit person to care for the child. - It was the husband who wanted to have the child. - "No Signs Of Neglect." - Dr Elgar Down said he saw the child on February 1, at the Royal Albert Hospital, where it was lying seriously ill. It showed no signs of neglect, however, and was well nourished. It developed an abscess over the lung, and, becoming a surgical case, passed out of his care. - The Coroner: Are you perfectly content it was well nourished? - I am. It showed, further, no signs of parasitic disease. - Mr Mayburne Pearce, on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., inquired if that was so, what the witness thought of the evidence of Dr Moser, when Mrs Sampson was convicted for cruelty to the child. - Witness: I cannot express any opinion on that. - Mr Pearce: If, as the evidence showed, the child was left from 4 o'clock in the afternoon until 11 o'clock at night, in a room without fire and bedclothes, would not that be likely to give the child bronchial pneumonia from which it died? - Undoubtedly might. - The Coroner: Is it not a fact, though, that a child can suffer from pneumonia without the mother being aware of it? - Dr Down: Quite possible. In my opinion it is not possible to say that the death of the child was due to neglect, although if the child had been left in a room by itself, as stated, that would have an influence on the subsequent illness and death. - Mr Pearce: Would the fact that the child was lying on a filthy bed and wailing piteously affect the matter? - It would. - A night nurse from the Royal Albert Hospital, who saw the child when it was admitted, said she had seen worse cases. The child did not look neglected. - Dr Moser said he operated on the child on February 17; it died on February 22. Death was caused by the presence of pus in the lungs, following bronchial pneumonia. He did not think it could be said with any degree of certainty that death was due to neglect. - Trafficking Should Be Stopped." - The Coroner said in view of the medical evidence he did not advise the Jury to return a verdict of "Manslaughter." It was of the utmost importance that there should be some legislation to prevent trafficking in illegitimate children. It must go on to a considerable extent; more than was generally thought. There should be legislation whereby no transfer of children should be allowed without the authority of a properly constituted body, such as the N.S.P.C.C. or the Board of Guardians. In view of the excellent work done by the N.S.P.C.C. it would be a good idea for some such power to be granted them. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - Deputy Chief Constable Martin watched the case on behalf of the Police.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 March 1919
PLYMOUTH - Bickleigh Farm Fatality. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES QUICK EDDY, aged 54, farmer, of Woolwell Farm, Bickleigh, who died as the result of an accident. - Thomas Kelloway, labourer, in the employ of the deceased, said on Thursday deceased was engaged in looking after corn mill, run by an oil engine. Witness was in the room adjoining, and on noticing that the machinery had stopped, he went to ascertain the cause. To his surprise he found deceased caught in the engine and in an unconscious condition. His clothes were entangled in the coupling of the shafting. Witness immediately extricated him from the machinery and took him to the house, where medical assistance was obtained. In his opinion deceased climbed on a heap of corn, and in trying to oil the engine while it was working, his coat caught in the machinery and he was dragged under. It was a new piece of shafting. - Dr Pinker said deceased was removed to North Friary Nursing Home and operated upon. He was suffering from fracture of the spine. He died on Monday. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Friday 7 March 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. The Problem Of Motor Traffic. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at Devonport yesterday, on WILLIAM GEORGE PRIME, aged 4 years, of 74 Gloucester-street, who was knocked down by a motor car on Tuesday. - MRS HALLIDAY, grandmother of the boy, said she took the child to the Corporation Stores, and whilst waiting to be attended to she missed him. Seeing a crowd outside she went into the street and found her grandson in the arms of a motor driver. The boy was unconscious and taken to the Hospital. - Cyril S. Bullock, of Torquay, corporal in the R.A.F., the driver of the car, said the car contained two passengers and when proceeding up William-street was going very slowly. The child ran from the pavement, going straight for the left-hand wheel of the car. Before he could turn to the right, the child's head was struck by the top of the wing, and witness pulled up in a car's length. - Mrs Chapple, 12 Littleton-place, said the care was not going very fast. She saw the child run right into it. - Mr Wm. Hoare, 9 Keppel-street, said the driver did his best to avoid the accident. - Dr H. G. Moser, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said the child was unconscious and died a few minutes after admission from severe concussion of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame. - The Coroner said the problem of motor traffic in the streets was made even more difficult nowadays by the manner in which boys, and girls too, had taken to running behind vehicles. Whatever other solution of the difficulty might be desirable, it certainly imposed upon the drivers the need for extreme caution.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 March 1919
LYMPSTONE - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Lympstone yesterday on ISAAC QUAINTANCE, aged 66, gardener, employed by Mr C. M. Godfrey, Keverel House, Withycombe. QUAINTANCE fell from a tree, a branch of which he was about to lop. The Coroner said it was very plucky for a man of deceased's age to undertake the job at all, but apparently he did it quite willingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 March 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Gunner's Suicide. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GUNNER CHARLES INGRAM INGLIS, R.G.A., who was found dead at Ford Military Hospital on Friday last. - Driver John Carman, R.A.S.C., said deceased left Rouen last February. He was 37 years of age and had been suffering from a nervous breakdown. He was a very quiet man and seemed depressed. On Friday night witness looking into the Hospital bathroom saw deceased lying in the bath with his throat cut. - Capt. E. J. Symes Saunders, R.A.M.C., said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 4th inst. He seemed to have had, according to various reports, an unfounded idea that he was suffering from venereal disease, and this no doubt affected his mind. - Dr T. Y. Simpson gave evidence that deceased's field medical card showed he had been suffering from neurasthenia. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Evening Herald, Monday 17 March 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - At the Town Hall, Stonehouse, this morning, Mr R. Robinson Rodd conducted an Inquest on MARY HANNAH HARRIS, aged 58 years, wife of JAMES HARRIS, moulder, 49 East-street, Stonehouse. Evidence of identification was given by deceased's son, HORACE JOHN MILLMAN, of 21 Staddon-terrace, North-road. He stated that on Saturday morning his mother complained of feeling unwell, and he assisted her to bed. A few hours later her condition became worse and witness sent for a doctor. She died, however, before medical aid could arrive. - Dr W. H. Waterfield attributed the cause of death to syncope caused by disease of the liver, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 20 March 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - At Stonehouse today Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest on the body of BERYL VICTORIA BELL, the three months old child of MR and MRS BELL, 20 Clarence Place, Stonehouse, who was found dead in bed beside the mother on the 19th inst. Dr Waterfield attributed death to asphyxia due to infantile convulsions and a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 March 1919
DAWLISH - An Inquest was held at Dawlish yesterday on FREDERICK ROBERT KINGDON, 29, of 36 Manor-row, Dawlish, late R.E. He was staying with Mr Richard Belworthy, of Lower Charlwood Farm, Ashcombe, and on going out rabbiting alone he fell, the contents of his gun shattering the upper part of an arm. He was taken to the Dawlish Cottage Hospital. Dr F. J. H. Cann said deceased died at 2 a.m. on Tuesday from loss of blood. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 25 March 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. The Danger Of Unguarded Gas Rings. - The dangers of unprotected gas-rings in homes where there are children was commented upon yesterday afternoon by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, when an Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, respecting the death of CORA LOUISE HANCOCK, a child of five, daughter of Arthur S. Hancock, formerly shipwright. H.M. Dockyard of 7 Ainslie-terrace, Camel's Head, Devonport, who died as a result of burns received through her clothing catching fire by contact with a lighted gas-ring. - Mrs Mabel Popham said that she took charge of MRS HANCOCK'S children while she was at her work, and had done so for about a month. On Saturday last deceased was in her front bedroom about midday. Witness left the house for a few minutes to look after her dinner, which was being cooked by a neighbour on the other side of the street. There was a saucepan, in which she was cooking some vegetables on the gas ring on the fender in her room. On her return she saw deceased in the street with her clothing inflames, which a man was endeavouring to extinguish. The little girl was immediately conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - The Coroner: What was the child wearing? - Witness: A blue overall, velvet dress and flannelette underclothing. - The Coroner said that after the many cases of a similar nature that had been reported by the newspapers he thought parents and others in charge of children would have been warned not to leave gas-rings unprotected. These rings as well as fireplaces, were dangerous. It seemed very difficult to instil into the minds of people that the less likely thing to happen always happened. A most remarkable feature in child life was that in the absence of the parent or person in charge they immediately made for the fire. He wished to express his sympathy with the parents in their sad bereavement. - Mrs Popham was exonerated from all blame and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1919
TORQUAY - Torquay Street Fatality. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest without a Jury at Torquay, yesterday, on GLADYS ELLEN VIGUS, 10, daughter of a stoker at the Corporation Electricity Works, of 70 Lower Union-lane, who was knocked down on Victoria-parade on Saturday by a motor car from Plymouth, driven by Francis William Beare of 77 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, and who was found to be dead on being taken to the Torbay Hospital. - Beare stated that at the time of the accident he was driving a five-seater open touring car from the Strand through Victoria-parade at six or seven miles an hour. Whilst in the centre of the road he first saw deceased about 100 yards in front of him, going across the roadway. He sounded his horn when 50 yards away from the girl, and this seemed to frighten her, for she turned half round and darted back again in front of the car, being struck by the mudguard. - Dr Allan Bennett, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said death was due to laceration of the brain., - Bombardier Sydney Herbert Nancecarrow, South African Heavy Artillery, of 44 Peverell Park-road, Plymouth, who was a passenger in the car, corroborated the driver's evidence. - Edward Harvey, Ellacombe, who was in charge of a motor car on Victoria-parade at the time of the accident, also said there was no carelessness on the part of the driver. - The Deputy Coroner considered that the occurrence was a pure accident and he entered a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Steward's Death. Collision Between Bicycle And Motor Car. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on ALBANY ARCHIBALD WALDRON, 22, officer's steward, R.N., who collided with a motor car while cycling through Chapel-street, Devonport. - FANNY WALDRON, Erith-avenue, Camel's Head, the mother, said deceased told her that his rear light became extinguished owing to the wind. - P.C. Alexander said at about 10.30 p.m. on February 20 his attention was attracted by a motor car suddenly stopping and someone shouting "Oh! my leg." Witness extricated deceased from underneath the car and conveyed him to the Hospital. He told witness that he had no rear light and that it was practically his own fault. - The Coroner: Had the car any lights? - Yes, two head lights. - Samuel John Yeo, Strand-street, Stonehouse, said the bicycle, which had no lights at all, was proceeding in the same direction as the car which over took it. The car was proceeding at a reasonable speed and pulled up within eight yards. - The Coroner: Should not the driver have seen the bicycle in front of him? - The bicycle appeared suddenly, and I am not sure whether it came out from a lane. - Percy Rodgers, air mechanic, R.A.F., said he was driving the car at about 12 miles an hour when he noticed a cyclist about two yards ahead. He immediately applied the brakes and swerved in an endeavour to avoid a collision. - The Coroner: How is it you did not see him until you were two yards behind him? - I cannot say; he must have come out of a side turning. My headlights were effective for about six yards, but the cycle had no lights at all. My lights were screened with white paper in accordance with regulations. - Tempy. Surg.-Lieut. R. A. Barlow attributed death to fractures of the left thigh bone and collar-bone and bronchial pneumonia which set in. - The Coroner observed that it was unfortunate that the motor car lights should have been obscured incompliance with war regulations and that they had not been altered in accordance with the modifications. He was satisfied that the collision was an accident. - Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1919
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, on the body of JOHN WINSOR, 30, residing at Egerton-road, St Jude's, electrician at Plymouth Gasworks, son of MR WINSOR, schoolmaster, Walkhampton. He had been at the sergeants' mess at Elphinstone Barracks on Saturday night, and when coming down the steps, of which there are two flights, he put his hand out to grasp the rail and missing it, fell down several steps. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Hospital, where he died. - The medical evidence showed that he died from injuries received by the fall, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. There was evidence proving that no intoxicating drinks were supplied at the mess.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 March 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MRS PRISCILLA TOZER KINGWELL, of Leigham-terrace, Plymouth. The evidence showed that deceased was found in bed about 7.45 on Thursday morning with two handkerchiefs tied round her neck. She was then dead. She had last been seen alive at 6.20 a.m., and was then apparently asleep. Dr Hingston said he had attended deceased for some years and last saw her on March 26, when she appeared to be in a highly nervous state. There was no reason why she should take her life, and he had no doubt it was done in a fit of temporary insanity. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest yesterday upon BRIDGET FLORENCE HADLEY, King-street, Plymouth, a baby, who was found dead in bed by its mother. Dr W. H. Waterfield said he found death was due to suffocation, probably caused by the child having been held too close to the mother's breast. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 April 1919
LYDFORD - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Princetown on Monday on JOSEPH STEPHENS, who was killed in a quarry accident near Princetown on Saturday. The Inquest was adjourned until Saturday, to allow for the attendance of an inspector of mines.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 April 1919
DAWLISH - Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Dawlish, yesterday, into the death of HENRY MAYNE, 64, general labourer, who was found, with his throat cut, in the Church Meadow Pond, Dawlish, on Monday morning. From the evidence of the son, GEORGE ERNEST MAYNE, it appeared that deceased had been "on the club" for the past three months. Latterly he had suffered from severe pains in the head and sleeplessness, and witness had slept in the same room with him because he said he might "do some harm." Deceased got up and went out whilst witness was dozing at about 4.30 on Monday morning. A verdict was returned of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 3 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - Death At A Plymouth Hotel. - An Inquest was held this morning by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, into the death of a commercial traveller, who died suddenly in a Plymouth hotel. - Deceased, JOHN JAMES KINNERSLEY, aged 76, lived at 19 St Matthew's-place, Bristol. He came to Plymouth on business on Friday last, and on Tuesday the waitress heard him groaning. She found him walking about his room in his pyjamas, holding his hands to his chest. She fetched him some whiskey, at the same time sending for Dr Wilmot, who arrived just before deceased expired. - JOSEPH WILLIAM TELL KINNERSLEY, a produce-broker, of 28 Victoria-square, Bristol, identified deceased as his brother. He had suffered from bronchial asthma. - Dr Wilmot gave evidenced that death was due to heart disease and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 4 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - Yealmpton Fatality. Inquest At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, conducted an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital this morning respecting the death of a three-year-old child, HAROLD THOMAS LIBBY, son of MR GEORGE ARTHUR LIBBY, of Yealmpton, who was knocked down by a motor car at Yealmpton on Wednesday and died the same day as a result of injuries. - The father stated that he was perfectly satisfied that it was an accident, and no blame could be attached to the driver of the car. - Dr Vaughan, House Surgeon, said the child's skull was fractured when admitted to the Hospital and there was no hope that it could possibly live. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the father in his bereavement.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 April 1919
BLACKAWTON - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Streete on NICHOLAS HARRIS SOMER, 56, retired farmer, who was found hanging in a linhay on Wednesday. There was no known reason for the act. Dr G. M. Soper, Dartmouth, said deceased had been under his care for the last fortnight for bad varicose veins. Verdict: "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on ALFRED WILLS, aged 9, of Cobourg-street. The child ran out from the pavement and was knocked down by a motor car, driven by Reginald Ellis, and owned by the Abbey Garage Co., which was travelling at about seven miles an hour. Dr Churchill Vaughan, House Surgeon, gave medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 April 1919
LYDFORD - Swell Tor Fatality. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, on Saturday, conducted at Princetown the adjourned Inquest on JOSEPH JAMES STEPHENS, 60, stone-mason of Hill-cottages, Walkhampton, who was killed by a fall while working in Swell Tor Quarry the previous Saturday. Mr T. Boydell, H.M. Inspector of quarries and mines, was present. - Cecil James Doney, of Merivale Bridge, quarryman, in the employ of the South Devon Granite Co., Ltd., said deceased, himself and another man were engaged in quarrying. They had wedged up the stone, and deceased, who was a very experienced workman, attached the "dog" which, he thought, gripped to a depth of about four inches. Two of them went to the ground and left deceased to look after the "dog." They started to wind the wire rope with the hand-crane, and the pressure caused the "dog" to slip. This swung the tie-back chain, which knocked deceased off the rock on which he was standing. He fell to a ledge about six feet away and then to the bottom 25 feet, being killed outright. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said deceased could have gone to a ledge about ten feet above, which would have been safer. He could not say whether ropes were supplied for the workmen if they required them. The ledge was about ten feet wide, and all three of them considered the place safe to work upon. - Mr C. L. Duke, managing-director of the granite company, said deceased had been engaged in "dog" work for about three years. Ropes were supplied if asked for, but were not often required in a granite quarry. It was not necessary for deceased to stand in any position of danger. - Dr E. G. Battiscombe said the cause of death was fracture of the skull. - In answer to the Jury, Mr Boydell said the ledge was quite wide enough for the work. He had seen the ropes at the quarry. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added a recommendation, which Mr Boydell promised to forward to the Home-office, that instructions should be given to all quarry owners to see that workmen doing "dog" work on ledges should go to a place of absolute safety before the rope was pulled taut.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 7 April 1919 PLYMOUTH - Soldier's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held today by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at his office in Princess-square. The deceased, WILLIAM GREATRIX, was a private in the Durham Light Infantry and was stationed at Stonehouse. - Corporal L. P. Allum stated that deceased had been on duty the previous evening without complaining. About 10.45 he found him staggering and took him to his bed in a bad condition. Deceased had complained of pains in the stomach, and had been advised to report sick. - Dr McNair gave evidence that death was caused by acute pneumonia and deceased must have been suffering for several days. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 April 1919
NORTON FITZWARREN, SOMERSET - Killed On The Line. Devonport Officer's Wife Commits Suicide. - The West Somerset Coroner held an Inquiry at Norton Fitzwarren yesterday on MRS ALICE MOLESWORTH PIGOTT, 47, wife of Lt.-Col. GRANVILLE EDMOND PIGOTT, R.A.S.C., stationed at Devonport, whose mutilated body was found on the West Somerset Railway on Tuesday. - COL. PIGOTT said his wife was to have travelled from Plymouth to Paddington, where it had been arranged that he should meet her at 6.40 on Tuesday, he being already in London. Her luggage arrived, but she did not come, and he was handed a telegram from her, saying: "So distressed; feeling ill; am staying here." This had been handed in at Taunton Station. Witness immediately wired to the Taunton Stationmaster asking him to find out if she were ill or where she had gone, and he caught the 6.30 p.m. train from Paddington. His wife had said that her mind was going and that she had been "seedy," then suffering from insomnia, but she was now much better, and they were going to take a holiday. He had no idea that there was any mental trouble. About 12 months ago she was in a home for a nervous breakdown, but since her return she had got better, and he had looked upon her as being quite well. - George Baker, of Minehead, G.W.R. engine driver, said he left Norton Fitzwarren for Minehead at 6.28 p.m. on Tuesday and shortly afterwards saw deceased standing clear of the line as though waiting for the train to pass; but when he got within 60 or 70 yards of her she took off her cloak and threw it behind her and made a move as if to cross the line. He sounded his whistle to warn her of the approach of the train, and she laid herself across the rail. He was then about 30 or 40 yards from where she was lying, and he applied his brakes, but the engine and five coaches of the train passed over the body before they could stop. - The Coroner found that deceased took her life whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 April 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Coroner And Doctor. Should Doctors Prescribe Without Seeing Patients? - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on MISS SARAH WILLIAMS MITCHELL, 58, employed as companion-help by Mrs Greenslade, who died suddenly on Tuesday. JOHN MITCHELL of Tamar-avenue, Devonport, brother, gave evidence of identification. - Mrs Leila Greenslade said deceased was taken ill on Monday, but refused to see a doctor. Witness, however, saw Dr Pocock and after hearing the symptoms he gave her a prescription. She died on Tuesday evening, Dr Patey arriving just previous to her death. - Dr Patey said deceased suffered from peritonitis, of which there were signs of recent attacks. - Dr H. Pocock was asked by the Coroner whether it was a medical practice to prescribe for people without seeing them? - Dr Pocock: Yes, I think so. - The Coroner: It is contrary to my idea. - Dr Pocock: I have never forced myself on a patient who did not want to see me. - The Coroner: I should think that if you did not force yourself on patients it would be far better not to force medicine on them. - In summing up, the Corner said he did not wish to attach any blame to Mrs Greenslade, but he considered she had committed an error of judgment in not calling medical aid before. Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 April 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Burns. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death" at Devonport yesterday at an Inquest on HONOR STOWELL, aged 75, widow of a naval pensioner, of George-street, Stonehouse, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital as the result of burns. A daughter said after a few minutes' absence she found her mother in flames, which with assistance she extinguished. Deceased was in the habit of sitting in front of the fire. - Hy. Wm. Rooke said deceased told him that she had overbalanced and fallen in the fire. - Dr H. G. Moses, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to shock. - Sympathy was expressed with the bereaved relatives.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - R.F.R. Seaman's Death. Cuts His Throat In An Ambulance. - At the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd, held an Inquest on Ldg.-Smn. WILLIAM HENRY PINN, R.F.R., aged 39, who cut his throat during conveyance to the R.N. Hospital in a motor ambulance last Wednesday. The deceased was a resident of Sidmouth. Mr R. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Evidence was given by Surg.-Lieut. H. F. Stephens and Surg.-Com. F. J. McKenna that deceased came under observation on Wednesday owning to his wandering about the R.N. Barracks and complaining of pains in his head. He was sent in an ambulance car to the Hospital. There was no evidence of a suicidal tendency, but near Stonehouse Bridge he stood up, cut his throat with a razor and died almost immediately. Deceased had been invalided out of the service for neurasthenia. - The Coroner desired some information upon the point whether the deceased should have been searched prior to his removal to the Hospital, and also whether the attendant Godfrey in charge of the ambulance was acting within his duty in riding upon the outside of the ambulance. - The Inquiry was accordingly adjourned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 16 April 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mental Cases. Coroner's Recommendation At Stonehouse. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, this morning, Mr R. Robinson Rodd resumed an Inquiry on WILLIAM HENRY PINN (39), of Cot Maiden, Sidmouth, a leading seaman in the Royal Fleet Reserve, who cut his throat while being driven to the Hospital in a motor ambulance last Wednesday. The Inquiry was adjourned from Saturday to enable information to be obtained as to whether deceased should have been searched before being removed to the Hospital, and also whether Edward Arthur Hooper, sick berth attendant, who was in charge of the party which took deceased to Hospital, acted correctly in riding outside the ambulance. - Vidal Gunson Thorpe, surgeon-captain, R.N., and principal medical officer, R.N. Barracks, Devonport, stated that he knew from inquiries the circumstances connected with the death of deceased, and, in the light of what had happened, was of opinion that deceased should have had his razor taken from him prior to his removal from the barracks to the Hospital. There was no written regulation that such a search should be carried out, the Medical Office having charge of mental cases being expected to use his own judgment. The case was not regarded as serious. Deceased was rational and normal, showed no signs of insanity and it was put down to be a case of "lost identity." If deceased wanted to commit suicide, he had plenty of opportunity, as he had been wandering about the barracks for two months. - The Coroner suggested it would be better in all future mental cases that an order should be made to search them, and any dangerous weapon taken from their possession. - "I quite agree; as a matter of fact that order has already been promulgated," replied witness. - The Coroner thought the deceased's condition might well have misled the sick berth men in charge. - Captain Thorpe asked whether it would not be a common assault by law to search a man without good reason. - The Coroner held that a search would not be a common assault if the man was under mental observation. Continuing, he expressed his obligation to the authorities for supplying him with the necessary information. He was in a difficulty on Saturday, but was now satisfied that deceased cut his throat in a fit of temporary insanity. He was bound to say that he thought it unfortunate the man was not searched at the time and the razor taken from him, but there were some grounds for the belief that it was not a dangerous case. He would like it go out as a recommendation to the authorities that in future a written order should be given throughout all the medical institutions in the Service that all mental cases should be searched and dangerous weapons removed from their custody. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 April 1919
CREDITON - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned at an Inquest at Crediton on Saturday, on the body of ELLEN GEORGINA DAVIE, aged 44, single, of Cherry Gardens, Park-street, whose body was found in the pond at Shobrooke Park on Friday morning. MISS DAVIE had suffered from depression and had threatened to commit suicide.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 22 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. A Widow's Delusion. - The Inquest upon ELIZABETH MARY BUCKLAND, a widow, aged 57, of 9 Wentworth-place, who was found with her head in a gas oven, was held today by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner. - ELSIE PENWARDEN, daughter of deceased, said that on Sunday night she left her mother sitting on the edge of the bed drinking a cup of cocoa. Deceased had suffered under the delusion that witness was obtaining money for her under false pretences and had previously attempted suicide. She had suffered from cancer and two months ago tried to drown herself. On Monday morning witness found her mother lying on the floor with her head on the shelf of the as oven and the gas turned on. There was no doubt that she had committed suicide. - Dr Stubbs gave evidence that death was due to gas poisoning, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 April 1919
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth yesterday on LEWIS PRICE, aged 72, news agent, of Fairfax-place, who fell from his bedroom window on Easter Monday morning and died on Sunday. Dr Soper said deceased had a fracture of the middle thigh bone and a compound fracture of the right elbow joint. He fell a distance of 24 ft., and it was surmised that he slipped from the window sill. Verdict: "Death by Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - As the result of a fall, MISS EMILY PAWLEY, aged 68, of Wellington-street, Plymouth, daughter of the late MR WM. PAWLEY, died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Sunday. Whilst hanging clothes to dry she fell from the leads into the courtyard, a distance of 15 feet. She died shortly after her admission to the Hospital, having sustained a fractured skull, and at yesterday's Inquest, conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday on HAMMOND KNIGHT, blacksmith, of Greenbank-terrace, Plymouth, who died suddenly in the street on his way home on Saturday morning, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 1 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Accident On A Ship. - Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner, opened an Inquiry at the North Yard, Devonport, this afternoon, touching the death of JAMES BEHENNA, chargeman of labourers, which took place on board the S.S. Persie on Wednesday. Mr Gard explained to the Jury that BEHENNA met his death by a piece of timber becoming dislodged from a bucket which was being hoisted from the hold of a ship and falling on his head. Owing to the inability of the Factory Inspector to attend that day, the Inquest would be adjourned until Tuesday. MRS H. J. DAVIS identified the body as that of her uncle, and said he had resided at 35 Cornwall-street, Devonport. Surg.-Com. D. H. Hughes said deceased sustained an extensive fracture of the skull and death was practically instantaneous.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 1 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held this afternoon by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, upon ERNEST SATCHWELL, 45, of 27 May-terrace, a tailor. - Stanley Hall, a tram conductor, said he was going home, along Salisbury-road, about 11.30 last night and saw deceased fall down. Witness obtained assistance and Dr Wilkinson was fetched. The doctor said deceased was dead when he arrived. Death was due to heart failure due to old-standing pleurisy and lung disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 2 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. Ran Underneath A Motor Lorry. - The death of CHARLES STANLEY COX, aged four years, who was knocked down by the Octagon Brewery Company's motor lorry in King-street, on April 28, and died at the Homeopathic Hospital yesterday from the injuries he sustained, formed the subject of an Inquiry conducted by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns this morning. - Mr Elliot Square represented the Octagon Brewery Company. - The father, SERT. P. COX, Leinster Regt., residing at 40 Harwell-street, Plymouth, said he last saw the child alive at 3 p.m. on April 28th. Witness and his wife left the house, the child going into the street to play. On witness's return at 4.30 he learnt that there had been an accident and that the child had been taken to the Hospital. - The driver of the lorry, Charles Wood, said he was driving through King-street on April 28th at a very slow speed. Suddenly he heard a number of people scream and, stopping the lorry, discovered that he had knocked down a little boy with the back wheel. He did not see the boy until after he was picked up. - Dr Wilmot, hon. surgeon, attributed death to shock. When admitted to the Institution the child was suffering from a spiral wound in the right leg, which extended from the knee to the thigh. The lower part of the leg was also fractured. - An Eye-Witnesses Evidence. - Henry Chaney, 20 Radnor-street, Plymouth, who witnessed the accident, said he was walking along King-street on April 28th when a motor lorry, not the one in question, passed him with three boys catching hold of the bar at the back. One of the boys let go and ran on to the pavement. The other two continued to hold the bar. A man seated next to the driver warned them away, and they released their hold, one running on to the pavement and the other, deceased, right under the back wheel of the Octagon Brewery lorry, which was coming from the direction of Harwell-street. The boy was picked up and witness conveyed him to the Homeopathic Hospital. - The Coroner: At what rate was the Octagon Brewery lorry travelling? - Very slowly; I could walk at the same pace. There is no question of excessive speed. - Witness added that there was an empty private carriage proceeding through King-street, and he asked the driver to take him and the boy to the Hospital, but he refused to do so. - The Coroner: That is a shame. - Mr Johns added that it was a remarkable thing that more children were not killed in this manner. It was extraordinary the number of little children who were continuously running behind motor-cars and lorries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the parents. Mr Square, on behalf of the Octagon Brewery Company, associated himself with the Coroner's condolence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Inquest. - Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ELIZABETH MAY PEAN, the newly-born child of MARY ROSINA PEAN, stationed at Raglan Barracks, in the employ of the Army and Navy Canteen Board. - Dr T. N. Leah said a post-mortem examination revealed that the child had not had a separate existence. Mr Gard: Would attention have saved the child? - If a nurse had been present she might by artificial respiration have brought life to the child apparently stillborn. - Was there any sign of attention having been given at all? - No. - Mr Gard said the Jury would have to consider the statement of the doctor that the presence of a nurse might have saved the child. It was a very serious case to keep a matter of that kind secret and he thought it would be well to adjourn the Inquiry for the attendance of the mother. Adjourned until June 3.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 May 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Plymouth Scandal. Dying Man Refused Entry At Workhouse Infirmary. - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse yesterday on BASIL GOODING, of High-street, Budleigh Salterton, who had been residing at Union-street, Plymouth. - P.C. Jeffery said he was fetched to the backyard of the Tradesman's Arms at 9.15 and found deceased there unconscious. The man was taken in an ambulance to the Workhouse Infirmary, Plymouth, but here the ambulance men were informed that as GOODING was a Stonehouse man he could not be admitted. Deceased was then taken in the ambulance to Stonehouse Infirmary and Dr Waterfield was sent for. - Thomas Joseph Crocker, of Granby-street, said that he and GOODING were at the Tradesman's Arms on Friday when, at about 8.45, GOODING suddenly fell down in the bar. They carried him out to the yard, thinking he had a fit, and that the fresh air might revive him, and then the Police were called. GOODING had not complained of feeling ill: he had worked that day and seemed quite all right. - Dr Waterfield said death was due to a ruptured aneurism of the aorta. Death was gradual and probably did not occur for some time after the fall. No treatment could possibly have saved GOODING, but he certainly ought to have been examined at the Plymouth Workhouse and the landlord of the Tradesman's Arms ought to have sent for medical assistance at once. - The Coroner commented strongly upon the action of the Plymouth Infirmary and said the landlord of the Inn ought to have sent for a doctor. He adjourned the Inquest until Thursday for the purpose of making further inquiries.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 7 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest this morning upon FREDERICK WHERRY, aged 46, of 12 Stenlake-terrace, Plymouth. Deceased, who was a boatman in the Engineer-Commander of the Dockyard, was travelling on a tram-car from Prince Rock yesterday morning, when he suddenly collapsed. Dr McNair was called, but death had occurred before his arrival, and a post-mortem showed that deceased suffered from heart disease.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. - In Keyham Dockyard yesterday Mr Albert Gard resumed the Inquest, adjourned from last week, on JAMES BEHENNA, 61, of Cornwall-street, Devonport, chargeman in Keyham Yard, whose death was caused on the 30th ult. by a block of wood falling upon him as it was being hoisted in a bucket from the hold of H.M.S. Percy. - Ernest Barnes, labourer, gave evidence that he was at work in the hold of the Percy, filling and sending up buckets of loose materials. The bucket was packed in such a way, he thought, as to be quite safe. -Chas. Tozer, the leading man in charge of the filling of the bucket, said he watched the bucket ascend, and when it reached the height of nearly 60 feet he saw a log fall from it and a moment afterwards deceased fell, together with the log, into the hold. - Wm. Austin gave evidence that the log was placed on the top of the bucket, with only about three inches below the rim. The bucket was overfull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, a rider being added that such logs should in future be stood safely up on end in the bucket, instead of being laid in horizontally. - The Coroner said the evidence was conflicting, but no negligence could be proved on the part of anyone concerned. Mr J. Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, and Mr K. Eyton Peck, representing the Admiralty, were present.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 May 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Budleigh Man's Death. Coroner On Plymouth Workhouse "Scandal." - The adjourned Inquest on BASIL GOODING, aged 26, a native of Budleigh Salterton, who was taken suddenly ill at the Tradesman's Arms, Union-street, Plymouth, on the 2nd inst., and who, it was alleged, was refused admission into the Plymouth Workhouse Infirmary, was held at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday, by Mr R. Robinson Rodd. - Mr Eric Ward represented the relatives, and Mr E. R. Wedemeyer the brewers; and Mr W. H. Davy, clerk, and Mr G. Miller, chairman of the House Committee of the Plymouth Guardians, were also present. - Edward Frederick Rippen, of Johnstone-terrace, stated that with another attendant he conveyed GOODING to the Infirmary, and he saw the female in charge. He told her they had brought the case from the Octagon, and explained that the man had been taken seriously ill in a public-house. The lady replied that the case should have been taken to Stonehouse, seeing that the illness had occurred at the Octagon, which was in Stonehouse. - The Coroner: She refused to admit the case, alleging that it belonged to Stonehouse? - Yes, sir. We then telephoned to the Octagon Police Station and received instructions to take the man to Stonehouse Infirmary. We did so and he was admitted. - The Coroner: Was the only reason given by the nurse at Plymouth that it was a Stonehouse case? - Yes, sir. - Mr Eric Ward: Did anyone come from Plymouth Workhouse to examine the man? - No. We drove him to Stonehouse as quickly as possible. - Stonehouse Or Plymouth. - Mr Davy: Are you quite sure you did not say you had brought the case from Octagon-street, Stonehouse (emphasising the last word)? - No, sir; I simply said the Octagon. - Mr Davy: Are you quite sure that the attendant absolutely refused the man's admission? - Yes, sir. - Edith Willcocks, portress at the Plymouth Workhouse, said the last witness informed her that the case had been brought from Octagon-street, Stonehouse and she then said, "It is a case for Stonehouse." - The Coroner: Did the attendant tell you it was a case of serious illness? - I understood him to say the man had been taken suddenly ill and not seriously. - The Coroner: Did you report it to the Medical Officer in charge? - We have no resident Medical Officer. Rippen spoke on the telephone to the Police and I understood they were going to take the case to Stonehouse. I reported it to the master when he came in at about 10.10 p.m. (about half an hour later). - Coroner: Had it been a Plymouth case what would you have done? - I should have admitted it. - Who is generally in charge of the lodge at the Workhouse? - Whoever happens to be duty. - In a case of illness brought on an ambulance you thought it fit to send it away to Stonehouse without first seeking some assistance to have the man examined? - We often get cases of sudden illness. - You have qualified nurses? - Yes. - Mr Ward: Did Rippen inquire if you had heard from the Police? - Yes, sir. - Mr Ward: Do you think the Police would send the case to the wrong place? - Of course I did not attach sufficient importance to the case. - Coroner: I do not think she was capable of dealing with the matter. Although I do not believe the man's life would have been saved it is more for the future that I am thinking about. I cannot understand a case being taken to the doors of the Infirmary and then turned away. - Mr Daniel, landlord of the Tradesman's Arms, informed the Coroner that deceased was taken suddenly ill in the bar. He caused him to be taken into the fresh air and then sent for a doctor and for the Police. The doctor was unobtainable at the moment, and the Police believed the man to be dead. - Mr Ward thought the evidence showed a lamentable state of things. The idea of a dying man being turned away from the doors of the Institution and sent on a rapid motor drive for about 1 ½ miles was painful to think of. - The Guardians' Case. - Mr Davy, on behalf of the Plymouth Guardians, emphasized the evidence of Mrs Willcocks who said she did not refuse admission and also that she did not know the man was seriously ill. Had the man been ill the fact that it was a Stonehouse case would have made no difference. When she made use of the remark "Why not take him there?" it was not a distinct refusal on her part. She did not understand that the man was seriously ill. - Coroner's Comments. - The Coroner said, having regard to the medical evidence given at the previous inquiry, he was satisfied that death was due to "Natural Causes." Certain events had been revealed which ought to have been avoided. In the first place, it was incumbent on the occupier of the premises on which an illness occurred immediately to send for a doctor and from the explanation of Mr Daniels he thought he had done his utmost; but the ambulance should have taken the deceased to the nearest Hospital. Had there been evidence that satisfied him that the man was alive when the ambulance attendant spoke to Mrs Willcocks it would have been his duty to have called together a Jury, and if they had been satisfied that she had neglected her duty she no doubt would have had a verdict of manslaughter returned against her. He wanted the Plymouth Board of Guardians to take the matter seriously into consideration, and issue such instructions for their officials that it would be impossible for a similar scandal to occur in the future. As Mr Ward had pointed out the man might have been living, and the fact of sending him back with sudden speed might have caused his death.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 9 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - 'Insufficiently Nourished.' Old Schoolmistress's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Workhouse this morning by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, upon MARY LEYDEN, 77, a retired schoolmistress. Deceased lived at 83 King-street, upon a pension of £40 per annum and two days ago was removed to the Infirmary in a state of collapse. - Dr Cooke said that she died yesterday and a post mortem examination showed that she was insufficiently nourished. - A verdict of death from "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 May 1919
BRIXHAM - Fatal Gull-Nesting. Plucky Boy's Message As He Falls. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixham Townhall, yesterday, on JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, a lad, who was killed through falling over the cliffs at Berry Head on Saturday. - MR L. J. TAYLOR, of Kioroma, Young's-park, Paignton, said his son was collecting eggs, and had gone to Berry Head on more than one occasion. - Ronald England, age 12, said he accompanied deceased to Berry Head, where they were gulls' nesting. Deceased went over the cliffs and witness heard him suddenly shout, "Say good-bye to mum for me." Witness saw him in a sitting position endeavouring to save himself, and heard several bumps. When he looked over the edge of the cliff, he saw his chum lying on the rocks at the bottom. He informed a Coastguard, and then went straight to Paignton to inform his mother. - Coastguardsman Mills said deceased was lying at the bottom of the cliff, 180 ft. down. He phoned to the chief officer, and he, another Coastguard, and a sailor named Bawden went down the cliff, and picked up the lad. - Dr R. B. Thompson attributed death to a fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Death through Misadventure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 May 1919
EXETER - At Exeter yesterday an Inquest was held on FREDERICK GEORGE NOBBS, 82, retired agent, of Bartholomew-street, who died from the effects of a fall in the street on Easter Monday evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The deceased in his younger days was the agent for General Tom Thumb, the famous midget, with whom he travelled all over the world.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Street Dangers. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest on JOHN GILBERT MARSHALL, aged 6, who was killed on Wednesday in a street accident. - ALFRED MARSHALL, warehouseman, 8 Salem-street, identified the body as that of his son. - Dr A. R. Waterhouse, House Physician of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to a fractured skull. - Leonard Percy Hill, chauffeur, residing at Glen Park-avenue, stated that coming from Beaumont-road, he first saw the child about seven yards away, when near the Friary Station. Deceased was crossing the road at the time. The car struck him before witness could pull up. Dr Aikman, his passenger, attended to the child. Witness said he was driving slowly, and had sounded his horn, as a tram was approaching. - Harry Knight, 10 Ladysmith-road, tram driver, who witnessed the accident, said deceased and another child stopped in crossing the road, and deceased turned his back to the car. The driver swerved his car to avoid deceased. The car was going not more than eight miles an hour. It was quite an accident. - The Coroner said it was really necessary for parents to realise how important it was that children should be looked after, although it was a difficult matter for them to do so. The driver appeared to be a careful man, and no blame attached to him. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 May 1919
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - Inquest At Compton. - At an Inquest at Compton yesterday on MRS AMELIA LOUISA GARD (55), of 30 Widey View-avenue, the husband of deceased said when he returned from his work at the Dockyard on Saturday morning he found his wife hanging by a rope suspended from a peg behind the door. She had been depressed for some time, particularly during the past week, and was worried over the health of a cousin who was living with them. It was stated that deceased had been medically attended recently for nervousness, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Swing-Boat Fatality. Plymouth Woman's Fall. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on FLORENCE ELIZABETH BOURNE, aged 29, 22 High-street, Stonehouse, who died as a result of an accident on Thursday last. - John Birchall, of Valletort-place, Stonehouse, said last Thursday evening he had charge, for Miss Hancock, of the swing boats at Richmond Walk. Deceased and a young man engaged a boat. - The Coroner: Did you notice anything about her condition? - Witness: She was quite able to ride in the boat. She may have been drinking, but she was not intoxicated. Proceeding, witness said deceased stood up and he warned her not to do so, but she shouted back that she was all right as she had ridden before. He then left to go to another boat and just after was told that deceased had fallen out. Deceased probably released her hold to sit down and lost her balance. - According to Stanley N. J. Streak, an eye-witness, the woman was not standing up in the swing-boat, though she might have been rising from her seat, as she was gripping one of the bars. - FRANCIS GEORGE BOURNE, a patient at a London military hospital, identified the body as that of his wife. - Dr H. G. Moser said deceased was admitted to Hospital late on Thursday night and died from cerebral haemorrhage on Monday without having recovered consciousness. When she was brought to the Hospital she was smelling of alcohol. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Devonport. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday concerning the death by gas poisoning of a naval pensioner named CHARLES H. J. FRENCH, aged 69, of 48 Alcester-street, who was found by his wife lying by the side of a gas stove, it was stated that deceased had been invalided from the service with lung trouble and was nearly blind. He was ordinarily cheerful, but had recently suffered from deafness, and became very depressed in consequence. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall Into Cellar. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ADELAIDE HARRISON, 54, of 8 William-street. WILLIAM HENRY ESSERY, mechanician, R.N., of 4 Portland-place, East Stonehouse, deceased's son, stated that on the evening of the 9th inst. he, his mother, and his wife went into the Norley Inn. Failing to get served his mother went to the rear of the premises, but opened the wrong door and fell into a cellar. It was dark at the time. - Dr Rosa Bale, who attended deceased at the Friary Nursing Home, said her foot was smashed and had to be amputated. She died on Wednesday. - The Coroner adjourned the case for other witnesses, and, if necessary, a Jury.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 May 1919
BRIXHAM - Fatal Drug Habit. Brixham Chemist Found Dead In Bed. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on JOHN PHILLIPS SWAFFIN, chemist, Beach House Pharmacy, who was found dead in bed on Thursday. - Miss Bartlett, housekeeper, deposed that during the past 9 or 10 months deceased had had thickness of speech and at times been strange in his manner. She often asked him what was the matter, to which he replied he suffered from his old complaint - a bad heart. - On Wednesday at 2.45 p.m. he went upstairs to his bedroom. She called him for tea, but he replied he was not getting up as he was too tired. She called him again at 8.30 p.m., when he said he was not going to get up. On Thursday morning, unable to get an answer, she fetched Capt. and Mrs Putt, who found him dead. - P.S. Rowlands deposed that last September deceased commenced getting in a bad way, and he came under his observation in consequence of statements received. The Chief Constable came to the conclusion that he was not in a fit state to prescribe for panel patients. Last February witness was called to Exeter to give evidence before the District Committee and that evidence had gone forward to the National Health Commissioners in London. - Dr G. B. Elliott deposed that he found no valvular disease of the heart, but muscular degeneration. His condition was such that he might have been tempted to take drugs to seek relief from pain. When he taxed deceased with taking drugs he replied "No," but he subsequently admitted taking chloral. He denied having taken cocaine. He warned him against taking chloral. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through heart failure due to heart disease, accelerated by taking narcotic drugs."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 27 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Found Drowned. Inquest On Australian At Plymouth. - At the Inquest upon an Australian soldier, held by Mr J. Graves, the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, this morning, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. Deceased, ANDREW CLIFFORD SHEEHAN, a gunner in the 14th Battery, Australian Field Artillery, was found in the Sound, having evidently fallen overboard from a returning transport. Papers found on him tallied with those produced by Corporal Michael Green, of the H.Q. Records, London, and showed that deceased's home was Minato, Canterbury-road, Blackburn, Victoria, Australia. P.C. Leat gave evidence of the recovery of the body and Dr Francis said the post mortem showed death to be due to drowning.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 29 May 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Gun Explosion. Opening Of The Inquest At Stonehouse. - The Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, conducted an Inquiry at the R. N. Hospital, Stonehouse, this afternoon, respecting the death of Petty Officer J. ROBINSON, 37, Portland-place, Morice Town, Devonport, who was killed on Tuesday afternoon through the explosion of a gun on board H.M.S. Cuckoo during firing practice near the Eddystone Lighthouse. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Albert Lloyd, chief P.O., R.N. Barracks, said on Tuesday last at 1.30 p.m. he was on H.M.S. Cuckoo in charge of a gun's crew. Deceased was No. 2 on a 4 in a quick-firing gun. They had fired 132 rounds. Everything was ready, according to drill, to fire the 133rd round, when the gun suddenly exploded, killing deceased and injuring three others. The breach and half of the carriage was blown overboard. Witness had never seen a similar accident. The breach of the gun was always cleaned before firing and when finished. There was little or no heat in the breach during the firing. He was responsible for seeing that the breach was properly closed and the gun ready for firing. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that if the breach was properly closed the explosion could have taken place. - The Coroner: Is it your duty to see that the breach was properly locked? - No, sir. - But you said you had to see it locked? - No, sir; I have to see it closed; the No. 2 man has to lock it. - Could you say the breach was properly locked? - No, sir; it was the duty of the deceased. - Cause Of The Accident. - Do you think that the cause of the explosion was the fact that the breach was not properly locked? - Yes, sir. - Lieutenant E. Cordeaux, who was on the bridge at the time of the accident, considered that the cause of the explosion was through the cartridge firing before the breach was properly locked. Witness added that the Admiralty would hold an inquiry on the matter. - Albert Clement Dimon said his duty was to stand mid-way between the two guns, and when No. 2 (deceased) raised his hand he held up a flag, which meant that the gun was ready to fire. At the time of the explosion witness was standing in his proper position, deceased raised his hand and witness raised his flag. The explosion then took place. - The Coroner: Might you be under a wrong impression as to the raising of deceased's hand? - No, sir. - Why should No. 2 not have a flag? - Because it is not necessary, the distance being too short. - Deceased's Injuries. - Tempy. Surg.-Lieut. Pierce said deceased was dead when admitted to the Hospital. There was a round penetrating wound above the right eye which had fractured the skull and lacerated the brain. Deceased was also wounded in the left thigh, jaw and near the collar-bone, while the right forearm was also fractured. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until June 10th to get expert evidence on the question of the locking of the gun.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 30 May 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner today on the body of CHARLES WARREN, brewer's drayman of 133 King-street, who died suddenly on Wednesday. Dr Blades said that death was due to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 30 May 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Petty Officer's Leap From Window. An Admiralty Hospital Regulation. - An Inquest was conducted yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, by the Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, on Chief Petty Officer PHILIP CARRIS, 29, of the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, who died at the Hospital on Wednesday morning as a result of injuries sustained through falling from a window at the Royal Sailors' Home, Morice-Square, Devonport, the same morning. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Sailors' Home. - The night watchman at the Sailors' Home, Francis John Morrison, said that deceased came to the home at 10 on Tuesday night, and went to bed immediately. At 2.50 the following morning witness found him walking about barefooted and half undressed. On being asked what he was doing there CARRIS only mumbled a reply, and returned to his bunk. Soon after witness went to the bunk, and on finding the door open entered. The window as wide open and deceased was nowhere to be seen. He raised an alarm, and in company with a Policeman went outside, where CARRIS was found lying on the footpath. The height from the ground to the window was about fifty feet. Deceased was quite sober when he came to the home. - Dr Guy Moser, House Surgeon, R. A. Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning. He was conscious, but did not appear to be suffering very much from shock. Both ankles were fractured. He was later conveyed to the R. N. Hospital. - The Coroner: Why was he not kept in the Hospital? - According to regulations a naval man must be sent to the Naval Hospital. - Temporary Surgeon-Lieutenant Rowley Pierce said that he had made a post-mortem examination and found that both lungs had collapsed, the pelvis on the right side was fractured and there were other internal injuries. - A verdict that deceased "Committed Suicide by jumping out of the window" was returned. - The Coroner, however, was not satisfied as to the state of deceased's mind at the time. He hoped that greater care would be exercised in the future regarding the removal of such cases from one Hospital to another. Deceased had no chance of living, but he should have been allowed to stay at the R.A. Hospital, instead of being removed to the Naval Hospital.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 30 May 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Fell Off The Gangway. Marine's Untimely End At Devonport. - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, conducted an Inquest at the South Yard, Devonport, this afternoon, touching the death of EDWARD FREDERICK WITT, a private in the R.M.L.I., attached to H.M.S. Diana, who was drowned by falling off the gangway of his ship into the harbour, on Wednesday evening. - Private William Nicholas, R.M.L.I., serving on board H.M.S. Diana, said that on Wednesday evening last he met deceased at Stonehouse and walked with him to the Dockyard steps. Just at the bottom of the steps deceased went ahead of him and [?] the gangway. He then shouted to witness to come along, and, turning around suddenly fell back over the rail into the water. Witness immediately raised the alarm "Man overboard!" and several sailors responded. Witness went and looked over the stern, but could not see anything of deceased. - In reply to the Coroner, Nicholas said deceased was quite sober, by suddenly turning around he may have become light-headed and overbalanced himself. - Sergt. James Wyatt, Metropolitan Police, said on Wednesday evening he was patrolling near the Diana when he heard shouts from the Dockyard. He saw search lights from No. 1 jetty playing on the water. Witness ascertained that a marine had fallen off the gangway. He took up the search and after the other boats had gone away witness obtained a drag and dragged the basin and recovered the body at 1.25 a.m. on May 29 and conveyed it to the Mortuary. - Temp.-Surgeon Lieut. J. T. Wylie, H.M.S. Diana, said deceased had two slight abrasions on the nose and forehead, probably caused by the drags. Death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner adding that the gangway was quite safe and deceased, in some way, had overbalanced himself.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 3 June 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Baby's Birth At Devonport. Adjourned Inquest. - At Ker-street Police Court this morning the Deputy Coroner, Mr Albert Gard, held an adjourned Inquiry relative to the death of ELIZABETH MAY PEAN, the newly-born child of MARY ROSINA PEAN, a kitchen-maid in the service of the Navy and Army Canteen Board at North Raglan Barracks. At the first hearing Dr T. Leah gave evidence to the effect that he was unable to find that the child had had a separate existence. No attention had been given the child at birth. The Inquiry was adjourned for the attendance of the mother. - This morning she told the Jury that the child was born about an hour before the doctor came. She believed she was dead. She did not hear it cry. Her first was five years old. She didn't expect this child until the present month. - The Coroner; You knew you were going to have a child? - Not exactly. - You do not expect the Jury to believe you when you say that? - Well, some time. - Had you made any preparations for the coming of the child? - No, sir. - The Coroner said it had been strongly represented to him that perhaps some other doctor ought to have been called in to make the post-mortem examination seeing the girl was a panel patient of the doctor in question. He wished to explain that there was no necessity for a second opinion in making a post-mortem examination. The usual practice was to ask the doctor who was the last to attend a person to make the examination and to give evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict that the child was Stillborn.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 3 June 1919
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Fatality. The Fall Over Cellar Stairs. - At the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday afternoon the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, resumed the Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death, after a fall in the Norley Inn, of MRS ADELAIDE HARRISON (54), wife of a blacksmith in the Dockyard, living at 4 Portland-place E. - Mrs Percy T. Pearce represented the licensee, Mr A. T. Toms. - WILLIAM HENRY ESSERY, 4 Portland-place, stated that last month the deceased, accompanied by husband and daughter and himself, went to the Norley Inn. Just before leaving she and her daughter went to the rear, and by some means MRS HARRISON fell down the steps of the cellar. He went to her assistance, and called a taxi. She was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital and later to a nursing home. Her foot, which was crushed, was amputated. - Replying to the Coroner, witness stated that the passage in which the cellar door was situate was not lighted. Before her death deceased explained that she put her hand against the door, which opened, causing her to fall. - Mr Pearce: Did you notice the word "Cellar" on the door? - No. - Did you see a gas jet outside the door? - No, I did not. - Witness did not hear deceased say she unbolted the wrong door. - MRS ESSERY, daughter of the deceased, told the Jury that her mother desired to go to the lavatory, and asked the way. She was told "through that way." Witness saw her mother's hand on the door, which she was sure she did not unbolt. The door opened, and her mother fell. - Mrs Dawe, 3 Norley-place, gave evidence to the effect that the deceased was familiar with the position of the lavatory. - Mr Pearce: Was there any reason why she should open the cellar door? - There was a light over the door when I left the place. - Arthur Toms, the licensee of the Norley Inn, assured the Jury that he lighted the gas jet over the cellar door at 8.5 and turned it out about 10.15. He last went into the cellar about six o'clock, and on leaving it, bolted the door. He passed the door six or seven times afterwards, and found it bolted. After the accident his brother-in-law and himself procured candles and went to the cellar where deceased said she could not blame anyone, as she unbolted the door herself. - At this stage, MRS ESSERY asked that the Inquiry be further adjourned, so that the relatives of the deceased might be represented by a solicitor. - "I am certain lies are being told," she declared. - The Jury Satisfied. - The Jury, who had visited the public house, retired, and after a few minutes' consideration the Foreman reported that they were quite satisfied with the evidence, and had agreed upon their verdict. If, however, MR ESSERY desired to be legally represented, they would be willing to meet again. - MR ESSERY requested that in the circumstances the Inquiry be closed without further evidence being called. - The Jury, holding that deceased unbolted the cellar door, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 June 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Dock Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Military Hospital, Stoke, yesterday, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on SAMUEL GEORGE COLE, aged 28, I.W.T., R.E., of Middlesbrough, who died owing to an accident on the Morvada. - Sergt. William Andrews, R.A.M.C., said on SAturday night he removed COLE, who seemed to be seriously injured, from Millbay Docks to the Hospital. - Sergt. J. T. Wildsmith, R.A.S.C., said with a fatigue party of 22, clothing was being removed from the hold of the Morvada, and SAPPER COLE was standing on the hatch. The sling was being raised quickly, and several men, deceased among them, shouted to the winchman to go slowly, but no notice was taken. The sling hit the centre hatch beam, which fell between-deck, and brought down two hatch covers, as well as COLE. - Other witnesses were called and it was stated that COLE tried to catch the sling as he fell. - Dr G. L. Preston said death was due to fracture of the skull. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Friday 6 June 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. Reached Matches In Mother's Absence. - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquiry at the R.A. Hospital yesterday touching the death of HARRY ALFRED ROOKE, aged three years, of 23 Ferndale-avenue, Camel's Head. - The evidence showed that on Tuesday afternoon the mother went into the court with some ashes, and in her absence the boy must have got on a chair and taken some matches off the mantel-piece. Hearing screams she ran upstairs and on the landing found the child in flames. Matches were strewn about the floor. The child was taken to the Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. - The House Surgeon said the child was suffering from extensive burns, and death was due to shock, the result of the burns. - A verdict to that effect was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 June 1919
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. Master's Story Of Insubordination. Jury's Verdict. - The Inquest on ANTONY FRANK KELLY, 47, first assistant engineer, s.s. Western Maid, who was shot on board the vessel on Tuesday evening, was held at Dartmouth yesterday by the Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson. - The chief engineer, Raymond Timmons, who is charged with the murder of KELLY, was not present, but his interests were watched by Mr S. F. Richards. - Capt. Edmund Oscar Smith, master of the Western Maid said at 10.30 on Tuesday evening he was sitting in his cabin. Timmons reported to him that two of the firemen, Flaherty and Geary, had been ashore without leave, and had been using bad language to KELLY and himself. The firemen in due time came aboard and witness asked Flaherty why he had gone ashore. The fireman answered him back, and KELLY then asked the fireman why he had used such language. Flaherty replied, "You deserve such." Kelly then struck him and knocked him to the deck. Timmons was present while this occurred. Geary now attacked KELLY, and both men clung together. While they were struggling he walked forward to separate them, and suddenly heard two shots and saw two flashes. KELLY fell, and said "Chief, my god, what have you done." Witness at once obtained assistance, while Timmons went to his (witness's) cabin. The only remark made by Timmons was "I could not help it under such conditions." Fearing attack by somebody else, Timmons retired to the cabin, where witness followed him. After some persuasion Timmons handed over the gun, which contained two empty cartridges and three live ones. The officers of the ship were not supposed to have firearms. - Previous Insubordination. - Witness could not say whether Timmons was particularly hot-headed or not. There had been trouble in Baltimore with Geary and Flaherty. On that occasion Timmons brought the men to him and complained of insubordination and he (witness) reprimanded them. - By the Coroner: Timmons and KELLY were the best of friends, and there was no quarrel between them. - By Mr Richards: When Timmons arrived on board he said, "Captain, these men ought to be in the lock up." Witness did not remember his saying, "Quick, captain, have these men locked up directly they come aboard." Later Timmons seemed reluctant to give up his gun because he feared he might be attacked by the other men. After the shooting Timmons seemed excited. On Wednesday Timmons told the Police officer and witness that there was a knife in his cabin; it was a long single-bladed knife, and he asked that it might be brought ashore to him. Witness found the knife and handed it to the Police. - Frank Dunlop, chief cook, Western Maid, said he went ashore on Monday with Timmons, KELLY, and Mills, the third mate. Geary and Flaherty were on the quay and abused KELLY, calling him a pro-German. - Frank Walter Pitchkur, second officer, said the chief engineer seemed excited, and said, "I do not care if I lose my licence tonight." - Harry Mills, third officer, also deposed to hearing Geary and Flaherty abusing KELLY, and shouting to the boatman to turn the boat over and drown him. The men were not abusive to anyone except KELLY. He corroborated the captain's evidence as to the scene when KELLY was shot, and also said that KELLY and Timmons were on the best of terms. - Similar evidence was given by William Fitzpatrick, wireless operator. - "I Cannot Control Myself." - Frederick Benjamin Warner, deckhand, said after the shooting he asked the chief engineer why he had done it, and he replied, "I cannot control myself at such times as these." - Michael Flaherty, fireman, said that all the time he had been on the ship the chief engineer and KELLY had sneered at him. He joined the ship at Baltimore. He called KELLY a pro-German because he had no use for British-born subjects, but denied that he told the boatman to drown them. On reaching the ship the captain asked him if he had been ashore, and he replied, "Yes, sir." The captain said "Why were you not on watch?" Witness replied that there was one man down below and that was plenty. Moreover, he did a watch that morning. KELLY then hit him senseless to the deck. A few seconds later when he came to he found KELLY lying dead on the deck, and he assisted to carry him to the cabin. Geary had already been carried away. While he was lying dazed he heard the report of two shots. - P.S. Leach deposed that he visited the ship in company with P.C's Jewell, Davey, and Lemon, and Dr Harris. He was shown to a saloon, where he saw two men lying on the floor. One was KELLY and the other Geary. He placed P.C. Jewell in charge of the captain's cabin, in which was Timmons, the chief engineer, and later charged Timmons with the murder of KELLY. The chief engineer merely replied "Yes," and was brought on shore and locked up. - Prisoner's Statement. - P.C. Jewell corroborated, and said Timmons asked an officer if KELLY was dead, and was told that he was. Timmons said: "Poor MR KELLY. He was a good chap, a hard worker and my best friend. They were threatening us ashore and I reported it to the captain. The fellow whom I shot struck MR KELLY, and I shot. He swung MR KELLY in front of him and that is how he got it." - Dr J. H. Harris, port medical officer, said the bullet had entered KELLY'S chest, piercing the fifth rib and passing downwards through the edge of the left lung into the stomach. - The Coroner, in summing up, defined murder and manslaughter, and said the tendency in recent years had been to treat life as of little value. The law compelled the protection of life, and such things could not be tolerated in this country. - After deliberating in private the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against Timmons.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 June 1919
MARYLEBONE, LONDON - Devonport Resident Killed. - At Marylebone yesterday Mr Cowburn held an Inquest concerning the death of JOHN CARNE BARWIS, 75, a retired bank manager, late of Nelson-gardens, Devonport. The evidence showed that the deceased was staying with his wife at the Langham Hotel, Portland-place. W. His sight and hearing were both defective. Late on Saturday night, when he was crossing Portland-place, a motor car came down from Regent's Park. MRS BARWIS called out to the deceased to stand still and clutched his arm, but he shook himself free and dashed for the opposite pavement. He was knocked down by the car, which stopped before running over him. The widow said she did not consider the driver to blame. - Dr Spurgin said death was due to fracture of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 19 June 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Cuckoo Fatality. Adjourned Inquest At Stonehouse Today. An Expert's Opinion. - The fatal explosion on H.M.S. Cuckoo off the Eddystone, which resulted in the death of First-class Petty Officer JOHN ROBINSON, of H.M.S. Vivid, of 37 Portland-place, Morice Town, was the subject of a further Inquiry this afternoon by the Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd. The proceedings took place at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, where the body of deceased was taken after the accident on the 27th ult. - Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Lieut. Robert Purdie, R.N. of H.M.S. Marshal Soult, stated that he had investigated the explosion which took place on H.M.S. Cuckoo. The explosion, which occurred on the 27th ult., was attributable to the premature firing of the gun before the breech was properly locked. This was due to a mechanical defect in the firing gear, which could not be foreseen. The defect in the gear was the breaking of a spring which held the firing lever. The breech was not properly locked. The gun fired through the defective spring before the deceased had time to lock it. - Answering the Coroner, the witness said the spring was examined in the morning by the armourer of the ship and was reported in proper condition. In consequence of the condition of the spring the striker was released and caused the premature firing of the gun. - Court Of Inquiry's Findings. - Witness expressed the opinion that a gun that had safely fired 132 rounds that morning before the accident must have been in proper working order before the drill was commenced. This was the finding of the Naval Court of Inquiry, which exonerated everyone from blame. Lieutenant Purdie went on to say that the gun was not an old one. The condition of the spring was only an assumption as it could not be found. It had probably been blown overboard. The fault in the spring was probably due to its use, the general wear and tear through extension and compression having a tendency to cause it to weaken. - Replying to the Coroner, Lieut. Purdie said his personal opinion was that it was desirable, in order to avoid further accidents in the future, to use a stronger spring. He was quite satisfied that the officer responsible for examining the gun before the drill did it in a thorough and efficient way. - A Defective Spring. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." He found that the premature firing of the gun was due to the defective spring, which could not have been detected before the commencement of the drill. In consequence of the defect the breech blew out and in doing so struck the deceased who died from the injuries accidentally received. - The Coroner in recommending the Admiralty that a stronger spring shall be used in the future as that appears to be the only remedy to avoid further accidents. He expressed his appreciation of the Commander-in-Chief's kindness in sending an expert gunnery officer in the person of Lieut. Purdie to give his valuable opinion as to the cause of the accident. - Mr Peck promised to convey the acknowledgement to the Commander-in-Chief.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 19 June 1919
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held today by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, upon the body of JOHN HOLWILL WHITBURN, of 15 Kirby-street. - HOLWILL BENEDICT WHITBURN said that on the 7th inst. his father was either getting on or off a tram-car in Cobourg-street, on his way to Devonport, when he fell. His father had stated that the car started with a jerk and that he slipped, falling on his back, but his condition was such that he could give no coherent account of the accident. Apparently he went to work and was then taken ill, and brought home in a taxi. No report was made at the tramways office of the accident. - Dr Blades said that death was due to a fractured skull, causing internal haemorrhage of the brain. Deceased had gone on with his work for some time and lingered for ten days after the accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 June 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest on JAMES DYKE, of King-street, aged 16 months, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on Wednesday, the result of scalds. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, last evening, on FREDERICK SAMUEL BARTLETT, 61, a superannuated engine-fitter of 25 Alcester-street. - Wm. Henry Gribble Webber of 2 Hillcrest, Mannamead, son-in-law, said deceased, who had just buried a daughter, seemed very depressed and nervous. He had been under medical treatment for sciatica, and had an idea he was never going to recover. When the widow returned from a visit to the cemetery on June 17, she smelt gas on approaching the bedroom. She at once sent for a neighbour. - Alfred Hy. Bartlett, 65 Alcester-street, who entered the room, saw deceased lying on his bed with a gas tube by his mouth. He slightly recovered and was admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he died on Friday. - Dr F. H. Norgate, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was accelerated by gas poisoning, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 July 1919
BLANDFORD, DORSET - Plymouth Man's Suicide. - A verdict of "Felo de se" was returned at the Inquest on RICHARD J. WOOLLAND, of the Royal Air Force, held at Blandford. Deceased was a married man, whose home was at Plymouth. Two men of the R.A.F. were gathering wild strawberries in a plantation near the camp, when they found his body hanging from a tree. It was stated at the Inquest that since deceased had been back from leave six weeks ago, his manner had changed and he had rarely associated himself with his comrades.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 July 1919
OKEHAMPTON - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest at Okehampton yesterday on ARTHUR WILLIAM BLACKBEARD, 55, who was found drowned in the Okement on Thursday, his watch and hat having been laid on the river bank. The Coroner, Mr H. C. Brown, said deceased had been in his employ as an accountant, and had suffered from depression caused by bad attacks of gout. His accounts were in perfect order, and he had no worries apart from his health.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatal Accident. Knocked Down By A Coach. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at his office yesterday on EDWIN EDWARDS, 82, Army pensioner, of Claremont-street, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on July 5. - Mr Lawrence Spear represented MRS EDWARDS, the widow. - MRS EDWARDS said her husband's eyesight was bad, but his hearing was excellent. - Mrs Elizabeth Cassidy said she saw deceased in the grocery department of the Co-operative Society's shop in Oxford-street. She saw him go out on the pavement, and a minute later she heard a sound like a fall, and ran out of the shop. She found that deceased had been struck by a two-horse mourning coach. She told the driver "You have killed the old man." He replied "I am very sorry. I would not have had it happen for anything. I never saw the old man." The deceased was taken away in an ambulance. - Gordon Paster, a boy, of William-street, said the mourning coach was coming from York-street, and going to Oxford-place. The driver tried to pull up as quickly as he could, but deceased was struck by one of the horses and knocked down. The pace was fairly slow. There were not many people crossing the road at the time and witness could not say why the driver did not see deceased. - Dr Vawdrey said deceased was admitted to the Homeopathic Hospital suffering from shock and contusions of the head and face. Later pneumonia set in. The primary cause of death was due to the injuries. - The Coroner said it would be necessary for the driver to attend, and the Inquest was adjourned for this purpose until today.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday concluded the inquiry respecting the death of EDWIN EDWARDS, 82, Army pensioner, of Claremont-street, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on July 7, following a street accident on June 27. - John Sapey, Meadfoot House, Mannamead, the driver of the pair of horses which knocked deceased down, said he never noticed the man until after the accident. He was only going at a walking pace at the time. - Ellen Davies, Morley-place, said she was standing at a shop door and witnessed the accident. The near horse struck the deceased. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 11 July 1919
TORPOINT, CORNWALL - Drowned In Hamoaze. The Capsizing Of A Naval Boat. - Mr A. de C. Glubb, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torpoint yesterday on WILLIAM NORMAN KENSHOLE, 27, of Park-street, Plymouth, a first-class fireman on the G.W.R., who was drowned off Torpoint on Sunday week. - W. T. J. Yearling, rivetter, Martin-cottages, Lambhay-hill, Plymouth, said that on June 29 he visited Whitsands with deceased and others, and the steamer being loaded, boarded a boat at Millbrook to return via Torpoint. There were nine of them in the boat, a gunner, Warrant Officer Pearce, Chief Stoker Brown, two sailors, a young lady, deceased, Linscott and witness. When they got to the side of the pontoon at Torpoint, the boat capsized. Deceased pulled halfway from Millbrook to Torpoint and they had a little singing on the way. All the drink they had had was four pints of beer each. - J. Linscott, ex-soldier, of Salem-street, Plymouth, said he did not see anyone drunk. When the boat came alongside the pontoon two men were rowing and the warrant officer was steering. He did not see anyone rise. - Alfred Pearce, warrant officer, H.M.S. Pandora, said he went to Millbrook in the afternoon in charge of an 18ft. dinghey. He took the boat for recreation. The boat was bringing him back, and with his consent the civilians were taken on board. They were strangers to him, and were all sober. He gave the necessary orders to land on the pontoon at Torpoint. The sailors were rowing, and there was a man sitting in the bow. The sailors shipped their oars and gripped the edge of the pontoon standing up. He did not think anyone else stood up. Others must have reached and got hold of the pontoon. He thought the sailor in the bow must have let go and turned the bow of the boat out. The boat seemed to catch on to something projecting from the side of the pontoon and turned over. - John Libby of the Metropolitan Police, Devonport, said he found the body just off the buoy of the Powerful on Wednesday morning. - Linscott was recalled by the Coroner and asked whether he stood up. He replied that he did not, and did not see anyone else do so. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty, Inspector Madderford the Water Police and Inspector Broad the Cornwall County Constabulary.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Death By Gas Poison. Devonport inquest. - An Inquest was held at Ker-street, Devonport, on Saturday, before Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on WILLIAM HENRY FOLLEY, aged 84, of Kent-road. - Mrs Dingle, a neighbour, said deceased was a naval pensioner and a widower. He was partially paralysed in his legs, but seemed to enjoy good health until lately, when he had been looking very ill. She last saw him alive on Wednesday morning. - P.C. Hill said he was called by a neighbour to the house. He opened the door and found deceased apparently dead. The pipe to the gas ring had been disconnected and the tap was full on. He opened all the doors and windows. The room was in a shocking state. - Dr T. McElwain said deceased had been dead some time. Death was due to suffocation owing to gas poisoning. It would be possible for the tube to slip off the pipe if it did not fit properly. - Mrs Dingle said that the pipe had slipped before. - Verdict, "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Monday 14 July 1919
ST MARYCHURCH - At the Inquest in St Marychurch Townhall on Saturday on SAMUEL THOMAS RABJOHNS, aged 50, manager of the York Hotel, it was stated that death was due to heart failure caused by heart disease, accelerated by injuries received by falling from a window at Tiverton three years ago. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Sailor's Death. Shot Whilst Rabbiting. - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN WILLIAM HENRY TALL, 18, officers' steward, H.M.S. Vigorous, residing at 8 Salem-place Plymouth, who died as the result of a revolver wound, received two days earlier at Plymstock. - A young lad named Leslie Warne stated he was passing near the Morley Arms, Plymstock, at about 6.30 last Wednesday when he saw deceased staggering through the gateway of a field with blood visible near the stomach. Deceased cried, "Here, sonny, fetch some help!" Witness ran into the Morley Arms and was there told to go on to the Post-office. He proceeded to the Post-office, meeting on the way a sick bay steward, whom he directed to the wounded man, and then telephoned for the ambulance, which arrived in ten minutes and conveyed deceased to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - P.C. Friendship, Elburton, said the revolver was found by Mr Nolan, of Cotehele-avenue, Plymouth. - Dr A. B. Waterhouse said a bullet had passed right through deceased's body, at the junction of the chest and the abdomen, and his condition was hopeless from the first. - Mrs Rose Smith, 4 St Jude's-place, Plymouth, said deceased, who was her nephew, told her he was out shooting rabbits when he fell into a pit and the revolver went off by accident. - Ruby Williamhoff, sister at the Hospital, said deceased made the same statement to her. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner commending the lad Warne on his prompt and sensible conduct.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1919
ROBOROUGH - Cyclist's Death At Shaugh. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Roborough, on THOMAS RIDLEY, of Tavistock-road, Devonport, fitter, H.M. Dockyard, who was found dead at Shaugh on Sunday morning. - MISS MINNIE RIDLEY said her father left home about 7 a.m. for a cycle ride to Shaugh. He was a keen cyclist, but this was the first long ride he had under-taken for some time. He was in good spirits when he left and made no complaint. - Henry Osborn said he saw deceased collapse while in the act of pushing his bicycle up Shaugh Hill. He was dead when witness reached him. - Dr Thomas Olver, Crownhill, said deceased had suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart and this was the cause of death. Verdict accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 17 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. Woman's Death: An Irritant Poison. A Fitter's Visits. - The death of ETHEL MAUD REED, a single woman, 34 years of age, which took place at 4 Milne-place, Devonport, the residence of her sister-in-law (MRS F. M. REED) on Tuesday, was the subject of an Inquiry by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Albert Gard, today. Mr H. Pridham watched the case on behalf of the family. - MRS REED informed the Jury that deceased had been employed in the Dockyard until a few weeks ago. Since then she had been drawing unemployment benefit. The last time she saw deceased was on Monday, when she appeared very depressed. Just before eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, in consequence of hearing groans, witness went to deceased's room and found her under the bed. A bottle of camphorated oil was on the table by the bed. Deceased had never threatened to take her life. - Narcotic Poisoning. - Dr G. A. Rae, who was fetched to the house, deposed to seeing the deceased, who was unconscious. She was under the influence of narcotic poisoning; her features were blue, showing her circulation was at low pressure. On examination he came to the conclusion she was enceinte. He had since made a post-mortem examination and found the internal membranes of the stomach congested from the irritant. There was a small bottle of camphorated oil on the table. There was no paper wrapper of any poison to be found. Deceased's symptoms indicated that she was suffering from an irritant poison, such as oxalic acid. Deceased died at 10.30 the same morning. It was his opinion that she died from oxalic poison. - The Deputy Coroner here informed the Jury that the vomit found in the room had been forwarded to the Public Analyst, and as they could not have the result of that analysis for a week it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquiry. - A Fitter's Evidence. - Albert Edward Pidwell, 6 College-road, Keyham, a fitter in H.M. Dockyard, said he had known deceased for fifteen months, and had been visiting her for about nine months. He said he was the cause of her condition. She had taken steps to make provision for the birth of the child. The last time he saw her alive was on Monday night when she was in the best of spirits. She had made arrangements to go to a maternity home for her confinement. - The Deputy Coroner: Had you had any other understanding with her with respect to after the confinement? - The only arrangement was that she would come with me as housekeeper. - She never appeared to be worried or frightened at the prospect? - Never. - Had she ever threatened to take her life? - No. - A Married Man. - What did you represent yourself to be? - She knew my position as a married man. - Are you living with your wife? - No, I am not. - She knew that? - Yes. She knew the conditions. - Notwithstanding that, you say she was prepared to come with you as house-keeper? - Yes. - Did you help her financially? - She would not accept it; therefore I was under the impression she did not require it. - Have you got any medicine or poison for her? - Never in my life. - Have you discussed it? - My advice to her was to let nature take its course. - When were you to see her again? - On the following night. I was never happy except when I was in her company. - You are a married man? - Yes. - What family? - Three daughters. - Replying to the Jury, witness said he had no idea how deceased got the poison; he never had any disagreements with her. - By Mr Pridham: She was in exceptionally good spirits on the Sunday and Monday. - The Deputy Coroner remarked that although there was no doubt in his own mind that the cause of death was poisoning, the matter had been referred to the Public Analyst, and he might be able to help matters forward by being more specific as to the actual poison. He therefore suggested that the Inquiry should be adjourned until 29th July at 12 o'clock.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 July 1919
LYDFORD -Killed On Railway. Demented Woman's Suicide At Lydford. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Lyford yesterday on JANE AMELIA PARKEN, 46, of Homer Park, Brentor, who was found dead on the railway line. - Her husband, Mr W. J. PARKEN, said his wife had been mentally unwell and had been under observation for a few days. About 3 a.m. on Wednesday he was watching in her room, and left her for a moment, but on his return she was gone, having evidently stepped out of the window into the garden. He raised the alarm, and went out to search for her, but went in the opposite direction to the place where she was subsequently found. The doctor whished that deceased should not be left alone. Witness was absent from her at the most two minutes. His wife was to have been examined by the magistrate that day with a view to being sent to an asylum, and was aware of the fact. He thought she worried about it. She had been unwell for some time. - Wm. Powsland, a foreman plate-layer, proved finding the body very much mutilated, lying about 400 yards from Lydford Station. There was no level crossing near, and the line was protected by railings. The first train passing up from Lydford Station after 3 a.m. was the 5.52 a.m. goods train. - James Bennett, the driver of this train, said he blew his whistle as usual at Lydford, but noticed nothing to suggest an accident. Deceased was evidently struck by his engine as stains of blood were discovered later. The line curved sharply just where deceased was found. - Dr Postlethwaite said deceased had been under his observation, and was in an unsound mental state. He considered the husband could not be blamed for leaving his wife for a moment. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned, the Coroner remarking that everyone concerned should be exonerated from blame.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 18 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Drowned At Devonport. Stoker P.O's Death. - Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the North Yard, Devonport, today, touching the death of THOMAS ELLERY, a stoker petty officer, 43 years of age, serving on H.M.S. Jupiter. Mr K. Eyton Peck appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Arthur L. Baker, 1st. Class stoker, H.M.S. Jupiter, stated that at 11 o'clock on Wednesday night he was in his bunk when he heard a noise. Going on deck, he saw some parties on the gangway. He then thought that someone had fallen overboard, and saw a cap floating in the water. Thinking it might be deceased he called him by name. Getting no reply, he shouted "help." Witness subsequently located deceased and tried to get him out of the water, but he was unable to do so. A rope was placed, with the help of others, around the deceased, and he was raised and placed by the side of the basin. Artificial respiration was used for some time but without success. Witness last saw deceased at 8 o'clock the same night on the ship. How he got into the water was a complete mystery. - Chief Gunner George Roberts, H.M.S. Jupiter, said deceased was a very steady man and he had every confidence in him. Witness expressed appreciation of the way in which the Constable on the scene worked to try to restore animation. - Temporary Surgeon-Lieut. A. J. Pollock, R.N. Barracks, stated that he saw the deceased by the side of the Prince of Wales Basin, North Yard, on Wednesday night. Death, which had taken place, was in his opinion due to drowning. - P.C. F. R. Shay, Metropolitan Police, also gave evidence, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 June 1919
WHITCHURCH - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Collaton Farm, Whitchurch, yesterday, on CHARLES EDWARD MUDGE, aged 61, farmer, who had been in indifferent health for some time, and early on Saturday was taken ill and died before a doctor could arrive. Dr Cree, of Tavistock, said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Youth Drowned While Boating At Laira. - At the Mortuary, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, last evening, an Inquest was held on WILLIAM HENRY M. MATTHEWS, aged 14, soap packer of Arnold's Point, who met his death by drowning. - EDWARD HORATIO MATTHEWS, Dockyard labourer, said deceased was his son. - James Medland, Jephson-road, said about 6 p.m. on Wednesday he was at the boathouse at Arnold's Point. His son, who was in a boat, told him he heard a shout for help and looking up he saw a boat upset, and one boy in the water, the boy who was saved. Witness took off his coat and he and his son rowed out and got hold of Horne, the boy who was saved, the latter saying, "Poor BILL has gone." Witness made a search, but saw nothing of the body. - William Hy. Horne, Laira, said he, and the dead boy were in a canoe. MATTHEWS had been out before, but he (witness) had not. Witness was pulling, when a wave came along and overturned the boat through swamping it. The boat was sinking, as they both jumped out. Witness got hold of the boat, and MATTHEWS was then beside him. Deceased did not speak. Witness shouted for help. He did not see deceased sink. - The Coroner told witness that he had had a very narrow escape. - P.C. Stone gave evidence of finding the body about 9.30 p.m. lying in about three feet of water. - Dr J. Francis said death was due to drowning, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner said it was an unfortunate thing that boys should go out boating without a knowledge of being able to swim. He congratulated Medland and David Francis Lakey upon the help they had rendered Horne. Lakey, it transpired, had been instrumental in saving many lives, and was handicapped on this occasion by the fact that he was in a heavy whaler, with only a boy of 11 to help him.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, on Wednesday, on JAMES CHARLES COOK. - ENA MAY COOK, daughter, of Embankment-road, said her father was a Government storekeeper, aged 50. He had been very depressed for a long time. He had undergone an operation at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse. On the afternoon of his death she went to call him, but could get no answer. The Police were sent for, the door of his bedroom opened, and he was found dead. - P.C. Lush said by the side of the man there was a 12-bore double-barrelled gun. - Dr G. T. Stubbs said death was the result of a large gunshot wound over the region of the heart; it was undoubtedly self-inflicted. - Verdict, "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 July 1919
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Collision. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, on Wednesday, on RICHARD GEORGE STANLEY MEWTON, of Belgrave-road, Mutley, who died at the Hospital as the result of a cycle accident. - James Pollard, of Pensilva, Liskeard, said deceased was his nephew, aged 18, a driller in H.M. Dockyard. - Mr J. H. Moses, of Alexandra-road, Ford, said on Monday evening he was standing in a shop at the bottom of Ford-hill, at the junction of St Levan-road. He heard the sound of a cycle bell and almost at the same time a motor horn, immediately followed by a crash. On looking out into the road he saw a young man named Smythe lying on the roadway having evidently been thrown off the cycle, and about eight yards away he saw the deceased underneath two machines. He went to their assistance, and found Smythe was not seriously hurt. With other assistance he extricated the deceased, who was unconscious, but shouted loudly. He was carried to the Palladium Picture Palace, where it was found he had sustained a severe blow to this head. Dr Zander came and deceased was taken to the Hospital. The road was very dangerous. - Ernest J. Smythe, Dockyard labourer, of Seaton-place, said he was riding his cycle from Tavistock-road and proceeding to Ford-hill. He remembered ringing the bell before approaching the cross-roads and also holding out his hand, and beyond that he remembered nothing. - Dr Waterhouse, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to a fractured skull and cerebral haemorrhage. The case was hopeless from the first. - Verdict: "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said he recognised that this was a very dangerous corner, and requested Mr Moses, who is a member of Plymouth Council, to draw the attention of the Council to the matter.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, by Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, on THOMAS COAD HUNT, aged 45, shipwright, who was found with his throat cut at his lodgings, Victoria-place. - Miss Harriet Silk said she had known deceased for some years. He had not been able to work since February owing to influenza, and had been very depressed. He had been afraid that he would be invalided out of the Dockyard. On Thursday afternoon witness went upstairs and found deceased had attempted to kill himself. - Dr G. A. Rae said deceased had a large wound in his neck, but he remained conscious. A blood-stained razor lay near, there was also an empty tumbler, as well as a small bottle which contained a little spirits of salts. - Dr E. S. Saunders, Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the throat was cut from ear to ear; the man died almost immediately after admission to the Hospital. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 July 1919
TOTNES - Totnes Child Drowned. Australian Soldier Censured. - At Totnes last evening Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of DOROTHY NORRISH, aged 6, who was drowned in the Dart on Saturday afternoon. - Miss Mary Rowe deposed that she heard someone shouting, and saw something in the river. She thought it might be a child, shouted for help, and reached the spot as the deceased was sinking. - In reply to Sergt. Mortimore witness said a man was sitting in the wood near by who must have seen and heard her shout, but he did not render any assistance. - Edna May Marshall, age 5, said the deceased was looking into the river, over-balanced and fell in. - Richard King gave evidence to diving into the water after the child, with his brother, who found the body. Artificial respiration was tried without success. - Thos. H. Cullis, of the Australian Force, was called and said he saw a lad bathing from the Island, and whilst the lad was swimming he heard a woman shout "Bring a boat." As he saw the boy land he thought the woman was deceived. He did not think it necessary to go up and increase the crowd which had by that time gathered. - The Coroner: I think you acted in a very callous way. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the brothers King were complimented on their effort to save the girl.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 30 July 1919
MALBOROUGH - The Cliff Tragedy. Inquest On MISS TWINING At Salcombe. - Fatal Sleep-Walking. - An Inquest was held at Salcombe last evening on the body of MISS MARY TWINING, of Salcombe, who was found dead under the cliffs at Stairshole, Bolt Head, on Sunday morning. - DR D. O. TWINING, brother of deceased, said he received a telephone message on Sunday morning from Ellerslie House, Salcombe, where his sister was living, to the effect that she was missing. He first went to the bathing cove near the house, but, finding no trace of her there, went on towards Bolt Head where his sister was accustomed to go for early morning walks, and found her body on the beach below the cliffs at Stairshole. She was of a bright, cheerful disposition and had nothing to worry her, but as a child she used to walk in her sleep. He last saw her alive on Saturday evening, when she was at his home playing with his little boy. - Mrs Stott, of "Ellerslie," with whom MISS TWINING was living, said she last saw deceased alive ongoing to bed on Saturday evening at about 10.15. She was very bright, but lately had been unduly worried about her health. On going to her bedroom on Sunday morning, witness found it empty and looking as if MISS TWINING had left it in a hurry. - DR V. W. TWINING, uncle of the deceased, said he had examined the body. The neck had been broken by a fall, causing instant death, and there were some scratches on the body, apparently caused after death as they had not bled. Others of the family, including himself and his brothers, were affected by sleep-walking. - P.C. Ash said he was informed by DR D. G. TWINING on Sunday morning that his sister was lying dead on the beach at Stairshole, Bolt Head. He got help, went there in a motor-boat and brought the body to Salcombe. To the beach where it was found there was a sheer fall of 80 feet from the path and then a steep slope of about 20 feet. The body was attired in a nightgown and night dress, without shoes or stockings. - The Coroner remarked that it was very difficult to discover the cause of death. Nothing pointed in the slightest to derangement of mind, and there was no suspicion whatever of foul play. The evidence pointed rather to sleep-walking. He expressed sympathy with the family. - A verdict was returned that deceased was killed by a fall over the cliff.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 29 July 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Mystery. A Woman's Tragic End. Inquest Verdict. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Albert Gard, continued, at Plymouth (Ker-street) Police Station, this morning, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ETHEL MAUD REED, a single woman, 34 years of age, who resided at 4 Milne-place, Devonport. At the previous hearing of evidence, it was stated that deceased was an ex-Dockyard employee, and had been drawing unemployment benefit. She had been visited for some months by Albert Edward Pidwell, College-road, Keyham, a Dockyard fitter, and this man said he was the cause of MISS REED'S condition, she having taken steps to make provision for the birth of a child. Pidwell lives apart from his wife, and has three daughters. Dr G. A. Rae attended deceased just before her death. A small bottle of camphorated oil was found near her, but no poison container, although the doctor considered the woman died on July 16th from the effects of oxalic poison. It was also stated at the previous hearing that deceased had never threatened to take her life. The Inquest was adjourned to refer the matter to the Public Analyst. - This morning the Coroner recalled MRS REED, deceased's sister-in-law, and pointed out that Pidwell had said he last saw MISS REED alive on the Monday morning. Witness replied that she did not think Pidwell saw her sister-in-law again before her death as the door was fastened. Deceased and Pidwell were in the habit of having food together. - Analyst's Statement. - The Coroner said he had received the result of the analysis from Mr T. Tickle, of Exeter, Public Analyst, who in his certificate said he had analysed the stomach of deceased but the analysis had failed to lead to a positive finding of the presence of poison. The symptoms described by the medical evidence agreed with the effects of corrosive acid. Definite evidence was given by the analysis of the absence of all poisons belonging to medicinal or industrial use which could be suggested as the cause of death, with the single exception of hydrochloric acid. Most generally hydrochloric acid could not be recognised in the body a few hours after having been taken, because the constituent elements were identical with some of those of the body. For those reasons he was of the opinion that deceased died from taking hydrochloric acid, which was known in industrial use as spirits of salt. The bottle found in the room and sent to him by Dr Rae contained only camphorated oil. - Dr Rae, in reply to questions, said the analysis bore out, practically, what he had said at the previous sitting of the Jury; although he suspected a narcotic poison. He did not think MISS REED had ever been in the habit of taking laudanum. - "Most Mysterious." - A Juryman: It is most mysterious that nothing was found in her room that would contain poison. - Dr Rae said he made a thorough search without result, and MRS REED added that she too had failed to find any poison bottle. - Pidwell was recalled and the Coroner said to him, referring to inferences that had been made that morning, "Did you ever supply the deceased with anything in the nature of spirits of salt from the Dockyard, or elsewhere? You are not bound to answer this question." - Pidwell: I have never. - Reviewing the evidence, Mr Gard pointed out to the Jury that they were not inquiring as to the circumstances of the deceased becoming pregnant. She was not a young girl finding herself in trouble, and whose youth might excuse her in taking steps to bring on herself a violent end. They were inquiring into the death of a woman of the world so far as age was concerned; one who knew her way about, and lived with married relatives. There was nothing in Pidwell's evidence which, directly, gave any clue as to the cause of death. They had only got his word for it that after her confinement she was to go to him as his housekeeper. The only inference they could draw - and he did not think there was any evidence to support it - was that they had discussed between them, or she had decided in her own mind, to bring about abortion if it were possible. In the absence of any positive evidence or stronger circumstantial evidence he had to direct them to discard that altogether. They were simply thrown back on the medical evidence, and there was no doubt as to the cause of death. In saying she took poison to bring about abortion, they would only be surmising. It was an unsatisfactory part that no reason was given why MISS REED took poison, and none was available to prove that the poison was self-inflicted. - The Verdict. - The Foreman said the Jury had decided that according to the evidence heard, they considered MISS REED died from the effects of hydrochloric acid, but how it was administered the evidence did not disclose. - A verdict was returned accordingly. - Mr H. Pridham appeared on behalf of deceased's relatives.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 1 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, this morning on JOHN BICKLE HARRY, a naval pensioner, aged 81, living at 1 Trafalgar-street, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning by his daughter. Dr Palmer said death was due to syncope following fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at Plymouth, on the newly-born female child of HENRY JOHN PARKER, of 3 Princess-street. The girl only lived two hours and Dr Palmer said she was born prematurely. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 2 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - "Found Drowned." Tragedy Of Unemployment At Plymouth. - The death of SAMSON LANGLEY, 66, an ironmonger's assistant of 2 Staddon Cottages, was the subject of an Inquest by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, this morning. Deceased was found off Rusty Anchor, under the Hoe, this morning. - Dr Francis said there were no marks of violence, and death was evidently due to drowning. - Mrs Alice Champion, landlady of deceased, said he had been out of work since March, but did not seem depressed. Yesterday morning he went out after breakfast, but left a letter in which he thanked her for her kindness, but said the degradation of being out of work was too much. She had kept him for a long time without any payment, and a job to which he was going at Aldershot had turned out no use. Deceased had apparently seen better days. - P.C. Burgess said that at 6.15 this morning he saw the body floating about 25 to 30 yards from the rocks at Rusty Anchor and procured a boat and assistance, towing the body ashore and taking it to the Mortuary. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 August 1919
SHEVIOCK, CORNWALL - Death Due To Heart Failure. - Mr Chubb, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Port Wrinkle on the body of ARTHUR WILLIAM COUTANCHE, of 9 Home-park, Devonport. - Frank Sweett and John Dustan said a few minutes after deceased had entered the water he appeared to be in difficulties and they went to his assistance. Sweett, who reached him first, said deceased was floating with head downwards and was quite unconscious. On bringing the body to shore all efforts to recover respiration were unavailing. - Rev. A. J. Conibear, Devonport, said he was satisfied that everything possible was done to save deceased. He commended the services of the Coastguards' staff at Port Wrinkle and the kindness of the manageress and guests of the Whitsands Bay Hotel. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure while bathing," and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - Laira Child Killed. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on VIOLET MAY BROWN, aged 3 years, daughter of RICHARD PATRICK BROWN, Elm-cottages, Laira Green, who was killed on Tuesday evening. - Harry Osborn, horse driver, Wentworth-place Prince Rock, said at 5.45 p.m. he was driving five trucks loaded with sand. He stopped at Laira Junction to allow a train to go by. The trucks were drawn by horses. When the gates were opened he lifted his brake. He thought the child must have run after the truck. After he had crossed the railway he saw people holding up their hands, and he at once stopped and went back. - Mrs Jessie Avery, Laira Court, said she saw the child catch hold of the second wagon and fall underneath, the wheel going over her head. Witness picked her up before the second wheel touched her. The driver could not have seen her; it was a pure accident. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 August 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Bull Point Explosion. Inquest Opened. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday opened his inquest concerning the fatal explosion which occurred at Bull Point on Wednesday, and after taking evidence of identification, adjourned the Inquiry until August 19 for the attendance of inspectors from the Home-office. The victims of the accident were WILLIAM THOMAS MATTHEWS, aged 55, of 8 Morris Park-terrace, St Budeaux, and DAVID JOHN WATSON, aged 54, of Lower Burraton, St Stephen's-by-Saltash, both of whom were employed, the former as laboratory man, and the latter as skilled labourer, in the Royal Naval Ordnance Depot at Bull Point. Mr K. Eyton Peck attended on behalf of the Admiralty and Maj. Welsford, Asst. Director of Armament Supply at the Admiralty and Mr Andrews, laboratory manager, were also present. The evidence of identification was given by the sons, from whom it was gleaned that MR MATTHEWS had been in the same employment for nearly 42 years and MR WATSON for 27 years.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 13 August 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Alleged Murder. Inquest On Truro Woman At Stonehouse. Sister's Evidence. - An Inquiry in to the circumstances connected with the death of JANE SMITH, whose body was found in a room at 5 High-street, Stonehouse, on Monday night, was opened by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Stonehouse, today. - There were present the mother of the deceased, MARY ELIZABETH RICHARDS, and a sister, BEATRICE RICHARDS, who live at 19 James-terrace, Truro. - The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, said that he intended to adjourn the Inquiry until Monday morning at ten o'clock after taking evidence of identification. For some months the deceased and a man named Michael Reynolds had been cohabiting and they came to that neighbourhood in the latter part of last week and took a room on Monday at 5 High-street, where the woman was found dead some the evening. - This man with whom she had been cohabiting was now charged with causing her death. - On Friday they would have the whole of the evidence before them, and they could go into the matter fully. - Sister's Evidence. - BEATRICE RICHARDS, single, 19, James-terrace, Truro, said: "The deceased was my sister. She was 32 years of age and was the wife of WILLIAM SMITH, a merchant seaman. They formerly lived together at 16 Roswin-road, Truro. SMITH left home about Easter and went to sea. The man, Reynolds, then went to the house to live and remained there until last Saturday, the 9th inst., when he and my sister (the deceased) left together. They were going to London. Deceased's husband was mate of the vessel Amyas Rammis. Before she was married her name was 'PAUL'. - Detective-Sergeant Hutchings remarked to the Coroner that he understood the deceased's husband was mate of the schooner Amyas Rammis. He had made inquiries but did not know where he was at the present time. - The Coroner asked the mother whether she was able to undertake the arrangements for the funeral, and MRS RICHARDS replied that she had no means. She was referred to Mr C. Reep, the Relieving Officer for Stonehouse.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 18 August 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Murder Charge. The Death Of A Truro Woman. Inquest Today. Alleged Threats And Quarrels. The Verdict. - The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of JANE SMITH, whose body was found in a room at 5 High-street, Stonehouse, on Monday night last, was held at Stonehouse Town Hall this morning by the Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd. - P.C. J. Cove stated that on Monday last at 9.45 p.m. he was on duty in Union-street, Stonehouse, where he saw the deceased come from the Grand Theatre Hotel in company with Michael Reynolds. They appeared to be quarrelling, and Reynolds was grinding his teeth violently and could not keep his fingers still as he was walking along the street. They proceeded towards High-street, Stonehouse, and when outside the Princess Royal public-house deceased wanted to enter, but Reynolds caught her by the arm and pulled her down the street. A struggle ensued on the footpath and Reynolds dragged her along. In consequence of her resistance he caught her by the shoulders and pinned her against a shop window. The people in the street commenced shouting "Mind the glass!" Witness then walked towards them and, on accused seeing witness released deceased and they both walked down the street. - The Foreman (Mr Reeve): Did he strike her? - No; not in my presence. - Asked by the Coroner if he had any questions to put witness, Reynolds replied in the negative. - The Medical Evidence. - Dr W. H. Waterfield stated that at 10.30 p.m. on Monday last he was called by the prisoner to 5 High-street, Stonehouse, to see his wife as he thought she had a fit. Witness proceeded to the house and found deceased lying dead on a bed, fully dressed, in a back room on the ground floor. - Witness made a superficial examination of the body and found on the right side of her throat a small echymosed mark. On her right eye-lid were two small cuts, and the right eye was also slightly echymosed. There were two cuts on the top and bottom lips, and blood and mucous were issuing from the nostrils. There were also wet cloths on the window-bench. Witness made a post-mortem examination on the following day and found the body was well-developed and nourished. Deceased was not pregnant and he could not find any signs of disease. On the right side of the throat, three inches below the lobe of the right ear, and one and a half inches from the centre of the throat, was a black mark, with slight decoriation on its outside edges. The size of the mark was two inches by one inch. There was no injury to the muscles of the throat. The right eye was contused and had two small cuts on the upper lid, which were recent. The upper and lower lips were cut in two places. - On the right wrist was a mark of recent origin, circular in shape. On both shins were marks of bruises and cuts and on the left thigh was a large bruise, but not of recent origin. The internal organs were all healthy, except the liver, which was enlarged. - The Cause Of Death. - In his opinion, with all the evidence before him, the cause of death was due to suffocation, which had been caused by external violence, namely, throttling, caused by the pressure of a hand. The cut on the right eye, in his opinion, had no connection with death. All those marks could not have been self-inflicted, while the mark on the throat could not be attributed to any accidental means. - The Coroner (to Reynolds): Have you any question to ask the doctor? - Reynolds: No, sir. - "We Have Had A Row." - P.C. Madder deposed that on August 11th at 10.20 p.m. he was on duty in Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, when prisoner rushed up to him very excitedly and said: "Where can I find the Police Sergeant?" Witness said: "What do you want the Police Sergeant for?" He replied: "Well the wife and me have come home a bit drunk. We have had a row, and I think she is very ill." - Witness directed him to Dr Waterfield's house in Union-street. A minute later Mrs Miller of 5 High-street, came to him and made a communication in consequence of which he went to 5 Union-street, and in the back room on the second floor saw the body of deceased. She was apparently dead and in consequence of the condition of her face and neck witness left the house and went in search of the accused. He found him near the Grand Theatre, talking to two or three sailors and smoking a cigarette. Witness said to him: "Have you seen Dr Waterfield?" Accused replied: "Yes, he is coming right down." Witness told him he would have to go to the Police Station pending inquiries. - Reynolds replied: "My God! is it serious?" On the way to the Police Station he caught hold of witness's arm and said: "I will stand by you; is it serious? Poor little -----"! He was taken to the Stonehouse Police Station and detained. - Reynolds: Did you not meet me in the middle of the street hurrying towards High-street? - Witness: No. You were talking to two or three sailors when I first saw you. - Sister's Evidence. - FLORENCE MAY RICHARDS, single, 19 James-terrace, Truro, said deceased was her sister and had frequently visited her at her home, 16 Rosewin-row, Truro, since Easter. Deceased commenced to live with Reynolds after that date, and there had been frequent differences of opinion between them. Accused was always mentioning the names of other girls to deceased and about three weeks ago she told Reynolds to go with them, as she "could push on all right." Accused replied: "Not while I've got you. I will do you in before I go with them." She had the name "FORD" tattooed on her arm and he was always sneering about it, which ended in quarrels. Deceased also showed witness a cut in one of her legs and bruises on the chest and throat. On August 8th witness again visited the house of deceased, and when in the front room he picked up a razor blade from the floor. Deceased said to witness: "Take it home to mother." - Reynolds replied: "Oh, no! It will do for you yet." Accused kept the razor and wrapped it up.. The room was in a state of disorder and nearly all the furniture in the downstair rooms was broken. The deceased en said she was going out to have "two bottles of stout." Reynolds said, "No, you will not, unless I'm with you and then you will have ginger beer." She declared that she would go to Plymouth and he replied that he would go with her. - A letter produced by Detective Hutchings and marked "A." was identified by witness as her sister's handwriting. - Prisoner's Questions. - Reynolds: Do you know what the row was about on the Friday? - Yes, because she would not go with you to a seaside town. You then commenced to smash up the furniture. - Did I not give you a ring on the Friday? - Yes. - Didn't I tell you that was the cause of the row? - Yes. - Did you see us when we came away? - Yes. - Were we on friendly terms then? - Yes; you were all right then. - Didn't we have jocular rows; a sort of "pulling each other's legs"? - A few, not many, as you kept throwing up to JANIE about other girls. She had kept off the drink all the time she was with you. She was a good woman to you. - Elizabeth Miller, widow, 5 High-street, Stonehouse, said she had known deceased about six years. She first resided at 6 High-street with a man named Medland. Later he died and she left the district. On August 9th deceased ca her house and asked if she could have a room. Witness replied that she would have an empty room on Monday. On Monday she called and took the back room on the second floor. Deceased then fetched Michael Reynolds and witness showed them upstairs into the room. Later they both came into the kitchen and witness handed them a lodger's registration form which Reynolds filled in. They then left the house and later returned. About 10.15 p.m. witness was sitting in her kitchen with her daughter (Mrs B. Lamble) when accused rushed down the stairs and into the kitchen exclaiming, "Come up for God's sake; I think my wife is dying!" - Her daughter rushed up and Reynolds came down and said "For God's sake send for the doctor, my wife is dead." Witness went up and saw deceased lying on the bed apparently dead. - In reply to the Coroner, witness s stated that she had not heard any quarrelling between Reynolds and deceased. - Lying On The Floor. - Mrs B. Lamble, 35 Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, corroborated the evidence of the last witness adding that deceased was lying on the floor with her head in the corner of the room and her feet under the bed. She was fully dressed and dead. Reynolds dipped a cloth in a pitcher of water and bathed her face. Witness told him to fetch the Police as they would get a doctor. He replied: "I don't want the Police; I want a doctor." Reynolds and witness's brother lifted deceased and put her on the bed. A purse was found in deceased's blouse. - The Foreman: Did Reynolds seem to be excited when he came into your kitchen? - Yes, he was. It was like as if he knew she was dead. - Elsie Maud Blight, widow, 77 High-street, Stonehouse, said she was standing at the corner of High-street at 10 p.m. She saw Reynolds and deceased come around the corner from Edgcumbe-street and enter 5 High-street. - Blows In Public House. - Nellie Todd, Harwell-street, Plymouth, said she was in the private bar of the Chester Cup public-house. She saw deceased and Reynolds there drinking. JANE SMITH came over to her and said "Mate! I am heart-broken; I cannot stand it any longer." - Reynolds asked deceased if she was coming home and she replied, "Wait a minute, sit down." He replied in a threatening manner "All right, I will have you tonight." - They afterwards left and witness followed, and on going to the Tradesman's Arms found Reynolds and deceased there. Deceased went to the counter and Reynolds asked her to sit down. Before she could respond he struck her in the eye and knocked her on to the seat. Later they went to the Grand Theatre Hotel bar, Union-street, and deceased asked witness for a cigarette. She gave her one, but Reynolds snatched it from her mouth, and, throwing it on the floor, struck her in the mouth, cutting her lip. They afterwards left, and deceased shook hands with witness, saying, "Good-bye, mate; I am off to London tomorrow." - The Coroner: He deliberately struck her on two occasions? - Yes. - The Deputy Chief Constable: Did you see any marks on her throat? - No. - Mrs Schuyler, living at the Grand Theatre Hotel, Union-street, Plymouth, said Reynolds and JANE SMITH, in company with another young woman, came into the bar at 9.30 p.m. The other young woman called for two lemonades. On returning with the drinks witness saw Reynolds snatch a cigarette from deceased's mouth. - The Coroner: Did you see Reynolds strike her? - No. - Continuing witness stated that when deceased and accused left the house, SMITH commenced to cry and appealed to Reynolds not to knock her about when they got home. Reynolds replied: "I am not going to hit you; what am I going to hit you for?" - Dr Waterfield (recalled) said there was no evidence that deceased had had a fit. - Annie Davey, widow, 81 Union-street, Plymouth, said she was standing in the doorway of her shop on Monday night talking, when she noticed a woman come up and speak with a sailor, and Reynolds then came up and before the woman had time to speak he hit her in the eye with his fist, knocking her towards witness's shop. - The House At Truro. - Detective-Sergeant William Thomas Hutchings, produced a plan of the room in which the alleged murder took place. He had also visited the house in Truro where deceased and Reynolds had lived together. The house was in a state of disorder, books, pieces of china, broken gramophone records, and a broken clock lying about. All this had been freshly done, apparently deliberately. - Affectionate Letters. - At the end of one of the books found in the upstair rooms he found two letters ()produced) undated. - Deceased wrote: - "My Dearest Michael - I now take the greatest pleasure in writing you these few lines to let you know that I always intend to e a good woman to you and to do all in my power to make you happy and to never harm you in any way whatever again. - From MRS J. REYNOLDS." "P.S. - Which I only wish was my name." - Reynolds replied as follows:- "My Dearest Wife, - I only hope and pray that you will succeed in doing what you have written. I shall do my very utmost to avail you of all the possible help I can give you to do so. You will succeed I feel sure. - Ever your loving husband, Michael Reynolds." "P.S. - It will be yours for always some day I hope." - The Arrest. The Deputy Chief Constable, Mr A. W. Martin, described the condition of the room and the marks on deceased. Later he arrested accused, charged him with the murder of JANE SMITH and cautioned him. Accused replied: "I am not guilty of that, I am sure. When he was taken to the Central Police Station bloodstains were found on prisoner's shirt. He said he got them through lifting deceased from the floor to the bed. - Continuing, the Deputy Chief Constable said that a diary was found on accused, which contained copies of letters which had passed between accused and deceased. - They were as follows: - "Mr M. Reynolds, s.s. Never Steamed, St Catherine's D.K., Newport, News, U.S.A." - ' Mrs W. H. Smith, - I received your very dog-like letter, in which you said you were working. Am very pleased to hear you never mean to go on like you did before I met you. Am enclosing £20 for a present for yourself and child and also to help you to keep on the straight path, as I never meant what I wrote in my last letter. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain, I hope as I was before, your loving husband, Michael." - P.S. Am bound from the States to Glasgow. Will come down to see you. P.P.S. - I hope you will forgive and forget everything. - Michael." - The second letter, which apparently came from deceased was very vague and commenced thus:- "Mrs. - "Dog, - In reply to your short note which I thank you so much for writing. As you were sending me 6d. I do not require it, for I can work for all I want, so do not trouble to send so much, and I do not think about the ---- as that does not trouble me and never will." - "From JANIE." - P.S. Do not send no 6d. to me as you might need it yourself." - Accused replied:- "Mr M. Reynolds to Mrs W. H. Smith. - "Thing, - I am very pleased to have got rid of you so easily. Am enclosing 6d. for you to get a drink in the Hope and start your old established business of .... etc. From your's once. "M.R." - The Summing Up. - The Coroner, summing up, said by the whole of the evidence in this very serious case they had learnt that Michael Reynolds went to live with the deceased at 16 Rosewin-row, Truro, at Easter last. He did not appear to have given to her the care and attention which she might reasonably have expected from him. He had treated her with most persistent cruelty. On the day of her death he seemed to have been most brutal in his conduct towards her, and all this was done without the slightest provocation. He also threatened that he "would have her that night." There was not a scintilla of evidence before them which could be said in any way to justify or excuse him in killing the poor woman and that in law was murder. - The Verdict. - The Jury considered their verdict in private and,, after a short consultation, the Coroner announced that they had unanimously and without hesitation arrived at a verdict of "Wilful Murder against Michael Reynolds, the accused." - Reynolds listened to the verdict in silence, the only indication of emotion being a slight in-drawing of the lips. - The Coroner said he would like to draw the attention of the Chief Constable to the thorough manner in which the Police e ad investigated the matter and to P.C. Medder for the prompt action he had taken. The Police had investigated the case thoroughly and had brought the evidence forward in a satisfactory manner.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 18 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Baby's Death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at Plymouth today on the body of the four months' old daughter of MR and MRS HENLEY, 32 Clarence-street, Plymouth. The mother said she found the child dead in bed beside her.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 August 1919
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Drowning Case. - At the Inquest on MR HARRY FOLLETT (55) Mayor's-avenue, Dartmouth, held yesterday by Mr A. M. Davson, MRS CHAMPION, sister, said her brother had had influenza, and was depressed, while other witnesses deposed to hearing deceased complain of pains in his head. After dinner on Saturday he was seen to row away in his boat, and the body was found by a boy about 2.45 p.m. in Warfleet Creek. Two men in a boat confirmed the fact that it was a body, told the boy to inform the Police and rowed off. - Mr J. J. Tossell said he worked with deceased at Lloyds Bank, Paignton, in June, when he had a seizure. After he returned he seemed depressed. He left the bank's employ a few weeks ago. The Coroner commented the conduct of the two unknown men in the boat, which he said was contrary to the idea of most Englishmen. - The Jury found that deceased drowned himself during Temporary Insanity and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Bull Point Explosion. Danger Of New Depth Charges. Inquest: Verdict. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, resumed the adjourned Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS MATTHEWS, 55, of 8 Morris Park-terrace, St Budeaux, and DAVID JOHN WATSON, 54, of Lower Burraton, St Stephens-by-Saltash, who were killed in the explosion which occurred at Bull Point Royal Naval Ordnance Depot on August 6, the first-mentioned being employed as a laboratory man, whilst the later was described as a skilled labourer in the depot. The inquiry had been adjourned - following evidence of identification - for the attendance of an inspector from the Home-office. The Admiralty was represented by Mr K. Eyton Peck, whilst Mr Hedley Andrews, laboratory manager, was also in attendance. Mr J. Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, represented the Home-office. MATTHEWS had been in the same employment for nearly 42 years, and WATSON for nearly 27 years. - Maurice Stephens, Morris Park-terrace, St Budeaux, said that about 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, he was in room 91N., others present being Mr Coles, Mr Perkins, and the deceased. Just as he was leaving an explosion occurred, and he made for the doorway, Perkins and Coles following him. They did not return to the room, but were all examined by the doctor, and afterwards went home. Mr Coles and himself had been examining depth charges. They were being examined prior to being returned to store, such examination being always essential. Mr Perkins came in during the examination, and looked at some other charges in a box witness had just opened, which were different from those they had dealt with the day before. It was suggested that MATTHEWS, who was the laboratory man, should be sent for, and he came. MATTHEWS extracted one, and was in the act of examining the second when WATSON came in, and MATTHEWS asked him if he had seen any like it before. WATSON said "Yes, I have taken out several." They were still examining the thing when witness turned to leave the room, and the explosion took place. - Detonators Left In. - Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said he did not know where the charges came from or when they came in. They were supposed to be examined for foreign matter and for detonators. - In reply to Mr Eyton Peck, witness said there were five charges in the box, and it was one of the five that MATTHEWS dismantled. He used a small box spanner -a recognised tool for the job. MATTHEWS had remarked that the detonators had been left in, and would have to be taken out. All reasonable care was used, and they were not hurried on the job. - John Coles, 3 The Elms, St Budeaux, skilled labourer, said he sent for MR MATTHEWS as these depth charges were strange to him. He dealt with the first quite safely, and took up the second when Perkins and WATSON came in. Almost directly after the explosion occurred, and witness remembered nothing more. No one else but the deceased men had anything to do with the charge, and both were skilled men. - Manager's Theory. - Mr Hedley Andrews, laboratory manager, said the box of five charges was landed from the s.s. Liberty. They had probably been received into the depot either the day before or on the Saturday. As far as could be ascertained only one other box containing similar charges and fittings had been received into the laboratory. When anything novel entered the laboratory attention should have been drawn to it, and MATTHEWS would probably have mentioned it to the assistant foreman. In his opinion the friction caused by working for a leverage ignited a film of gun-cotton, and thus caused the explosion. No gun-cotton charge should come back with a grapnel attachment affixed, as it was the custom for those to be taken out as well as the mouthpieces. - In reply to a Juryman, witness expressed the opinion that it was a British-made charge and not a foreign one. It was a very uncommon thing for charges to be sent back to Bull Point with detonators in. Within two minutes of the accident witness was in the building, saw that the two men were beyond aid, and then went to the telephone and reported to the main office. During the whole of the war there had been no fatal accident at the laboratory. Both the deceased were good and careful men. Any possibility of carelessness or neglect on their part could be eliminated. - Deceased Men's Injuries. - Tempy. Surg.-Lieut. Percy Ward, R.N., said he reached the scene of the accident at 10.15 and on entering the room found two bodies. WATSON was lying on his face nearest the door. There was a large wound in the abdomen and his leg was broken. MATTHEWS' clothing had been blown off him and the upper part of his body was missing. Perkins was sent to Hospital suffering from shock. - Dr R. J. Thomas corroborated. - The Coroner said he had considered the question of calling evidence as to where the box came from and who was responsible for its delivery, but there seemed to be endless difficulties in the way, and even if they had that evidence it might only result in the same verdict, so he thought no good purpose would be achieved by adjourning the Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives and extended congratulations to the men who had escaped.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - Death By Gas Poisoning. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned yesterday at the Inquest on CHARLES EDWARD PHILLIPS, aged 49, of Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, Plymouth. - MARGARET PHILLIPS, wife of the deceased, said about 10.15 p.m. on the 15th inst. her husband said he was going for a walk, whereupon she went to bed. At about six o'clock next morning witness awoke and noticed a strong smell of gas. Going downstairs to the sitting-room, she found her husband lying across some chairs. In his mouth was one end of a flexible gas tube, attached to a lead pipe in the wall. The gas was on full and her husband was dead. The flexible tube had evidently been attached to the lead pipe especially for the purpose. Deceased had been extremely worried of late and his nerves were in a bad state. - Dr A. E. Blades said death was due to gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - Labourer Found Drowned Beneath The Hoe. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday by Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, on WILLIAM EDWIN REDDICLIFFE SNELL GOULD, aged 31, Dockyard labourer, of Woolster-street. - ELIZABETH GUARD said deceased was her son-in-law, the last time she saw him alive was about a week previous to his death, when his mental state was quite cheerful. His hobby was fishing and he went under Plymouth Hoe for the purpose on frequent occasions. - Deceased's wife said on Saturday evening, at 7.30 her husband left home, saying that he was going under the Hoe. He habitually carried a fishing line in his pocket. - Thos. Beer, a lad, said about 4 p.m. on Sunday he was under the Hoe, on the left-hand side of Tinside, and saw the body of a man lying face downwards on the rocks at the bottom of a cliff. The tide was then out, but at high water would have covered the body. Apparently he was dead. Witness went for assistance. - P.C. Knight said the face was badly mutilated, but he could not say for certain by what agency. - Dr A. E. Blades said death was caused by drowning. There were no marks on the body to suggest foul play. - Verdict, "Found Drowned."

Western Evening Herald, Monday 25 August 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death From Heart Failure. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at Plymouth this afternoon relative to the death of ELIZA SHUTE, aged 67, wife of WILLIAM ARTHUR SHUTE, a naval pensioner, who resides at 2 Priory Lawn, Compton. - Evidence was given showing that on Saturday MRS SHUTE felt unwell and kept to her bed. At two p.m. her husband, returning from work, found her fully dressed, in a sitting posture and lifeless. - Dr Lindsay was called. His post-mortem showed that death was due to heart failure. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 August 1919
PLYMPTON - Royal Marine's Fatal Fall. - At the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on PTE. RICHARD AITKEN, R.M.L.I., who fell down an area 13 ft. deep at the Royal Marine Barracks on Saturday, sustaining injuries which necessitated his removal to the Royal Marine Infirmary, at which Institution he died on Sunday morning. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Lce.-Cpl. H. T. Cook, R.M.L.I., said he saw deceased turn in about 10.5 p.m. on Saturday, and he was then all right. At 1.15 next morning witness was informed that deceased had fallen into the area in front of the building. In all probability deceased mistook the direction of the lavatory, and went through the front door, which was not closed at night. Outside the front door were some iron railings, about 3 ft. 3 in. on either side, with the area below. Deceased was on good terms with his comrades, and was well liked. - Pte. E. A. Bloomfield said at 12.40 on Sunday morning he heard a crash and on looking out of the window saw a man lying there. - Pte. J. Murphy said on Saturday night he was sleeping in the same room as deceased, and at about 11.10 he saw deceased leave the room and returning again sat upon his bed. He made no complaint to witness. - Tempy. Surg.-Lt. G. W. Pratt, R.N., said he found deceased to be suffering from injuries to the head. He died at 3 a.m. the same day. A fracture at the base of the skull was the cause of death. Such a wound would be due to a fall of perhaps 20 ft. - The Coroner recorded a verdict that deceased was found with a fractured skull, from which he subsequently died.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 August 1919
DAWLISH - Dawlish Fatality. Devonport Man Drowned Whilst Bathing. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on HAROLD JOHN SPENCER EVANS, of 78 Cotehele-avenue, Keyham Barton, Devonport. - WILLIAM EVANS, grocer's porter of 4 Commercial-road, Dawlish, said deceased, his nephew, was a school teacher. - Arthur Stevens, schoolboy, St Aubyn-avenue, Devonport, who is staying at Starcross for a holiday, said he went to bathe with deceased, a friend, at Dawlish Warren at about one o'clock on Wednesday. They went over the first sandbank and waded out to about waist deep in water. Deceased was at first about three yards away from him, in practically the same depth of water. Witness started to swim towards the shore, and after going a little distance heard his companion call "Arthur." Turning round, he saw that his friend had gone a little further out and appeared to be in difficulties. Witness waded and swam towards him. When he reached EVANS the latter caught hold of him by the neck and they both went under. As soon as they touched bottom the deceased loosened his hold and on coming to the surface witness found that he was out of his depth. He did not see deceased come to the surface again. After swimming around for a few minutes he went ashore as quickly as he could for help. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he was not a strong swimmer. There was another sandbank outside where deceased disappeared. - The Coroner remarked that this made it dangerous to bathe there, as it sometimes dipped down considerably between the sandbanks. - William J. C. Stevens, father of the last witness, said the pair were bathing some distance from him, and his attention was more focussed on his little daughter, who was bathing close in. There were three sandbanks running parallel to each other. He suddenly saw his son waving to him from the outer sandbank. He ran to the spot - it took him from three to five minutes to get there - and taking off his coat at once waded into the water and proceeded to search for deceased. Another bather came up, and they joined hands and waded up and down, without, however, finding him. Eventually a boat came, and after making a systematic search they found the body nearer to the shore, and in about 3 ft. of water. Artificial respiration was tried, first by himself and friends, and then by a trained nurse, but without effect. - By the Coroner: He had never seen a warning notice to bathers at the spot, nor any life-saving appliances. - Dr John Raglan Thomas, of Exeter, who has a bungalow on the Warren, said life was extinct when he saw the body on the shore. It had evidently been in the water for some considerable time. - The Coroner: Do you consider the Warren dangerous for bathing? - Dr Thomas: The sandbanks are continually shifting. I think the public authorities ought to have somebody at the place to superintend the bathing. There have been many accidents there. - The Coroner said the only question was whether the public authorities ought to take steps to prevent a recurrence of such accidents. The fact of there being sandbanks there, which notoriously shifted after a gale of wind, made puts and channels into which an inexperienced man might step with ill results. He believed that this was what happened in this case. Deceased's young friend did all he could. He went to the assistance of one who was bigger than himself and very nearly shared the same fate. What he did was greatly to his credit. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Boy's Death. Terrible Fall From Window To Courtyard. - At the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on CHARLES EDWARD TREHANE, aged 11, of Vauxhall-street. - SAMSON JOHN TREHANE said he last saw his son alive at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday. He was informed that he had stolen a shilling from the Co-operative Society's Kitchen, Notte-street. He told the boy to go upstairs and take off his coat and prepare for punishment. A few seconds after the boy went up witness heard his daughter shriek. He ran into the courtyard and found the boy lying on his back. His skull was terribly injured. Witness took him to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, but death occurred on the way. The height from the window to the courtyard was about 30 feet. Deceased had attended school regularly, but on one occasion he stayed out the whole of a night. - Dr A. R. Waterhouse, House Surgeon, said death was due to an extensive fracture of the skull., - In view of the fact that no one actually saw the boy fall from the window, a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned. No blame was attached to the father.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - Motor Accident. Plymouth Child Killed At Play. - Mr John Graves brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on ORLANDO CHARLES WAKEHAM, aged 9, of 56 High-street, who died in the Hospital on Monday as the result of a motor accident on August 22. - The lad's mother said before he died her son told her that he was racing a little girl up High-street and turning around sharply into Whimple-street by the Old Guildhall he ran into a motor van which was passing the corner. - Arthur Jenkins gave evidence that he was driving the motor, which belonged to Mr R. F. Davis. As he was passing through Whimple-street, at the rate of five or six miles an hour, he felt a shock, and pulling up quickly found he had collided with the boy. - Mr E. Tapp stated that he saw the accident. The motor was going slowly and its horn was sounded several times as it approached the corner. The driver could not be blamed in any way. - Dr Wilmot testified that the boy was at once attended by him at the Hospital, and was suffering from shock, the motor having struck his head. He had also sustained a big lacerated wound in the leg. Death was due to these injuries. Mr R. F. Davis, who attended the Inquest, expressed sincere regret for the tragedy, and begged to be allowed to pay the funeral expenses.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 September 1919
ILFRACOMBE - Drowned At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Ilfracombe concerning the death of MR ALFRED PENNINGTON, who lost his life whilst bathing at Hele Beach on Wednesday. Deceased, who was an estate agent, lived at Clapham Park, London. - Evidence was given that deceased, who could swim a little, was seen to enter the water, but he was not noticed to be in difficulties. One witness stated that he saw the body recovered near the spot where five minutes before he had seen a man apparently swimming. The body was found by two bathers, and artificial respiration tried without result. - Dr Stuart Harris said he had made a post-mortem examination and the condition of the lungs and heart indicated that death was due to drowning. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - Drowned Under The Hoe. - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY ARTHUR BEARNE, 42, of 2 St John-street, Plymouth, who was found drowned under the Hoe on Tuesday morning. Deceased's father said he last saw his son when he went out at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday, after complaining of having had a bad, sleepless night. He had been unwell for a long time, and was very depressed. He had never threatened to take his life, but was of a serious nature. - P.C. Beer said about 9.30 his attention was called to a body twenty yards out in the sea under the Citadel. A jacket and hat, afterwards found to be deceased's lay on the rocks above high water mark. Witness went out in a boat and brought the body ashore. Dr R. H. Wagner said death was due to drowning, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, the Coroner considering that there was insufficient evidence to show that deceased had taken his own life.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 10 September 1919
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Uncertain Identity. A Suicide At Lee Mill. - At Lee Mill yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, the County Coroner, conducted an Inquest on a body believed to be that of PTE. GEORGE GREEN, West Yorkshire Regt. - Evidence by P.C. Tozer was to the effect that on Monday at 4.30 p.m. he found body of a man in a field. The man had been dead several hours. The man's throat was cut, the wound having been apparently self-inflicted with a razor which lay by his side. - Upon the body of the deceased were found Army discharge papers which bore the name of GEORGE GREEN, private, No. 21960, 18th Pioneer Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. There was nothing except the papers to show who the man was. Aged about 39 years and about 5 ft. 6 ins. in height, he had dark brown hair and brown eyes, was clean shaven and was attired in a dark grey suit and light grey cap. - Dr L. D. Stamp said death was due to a razor wound self-inflicted. - "Suicide" was the verdict returned and inquiries are to be made to establish the man's identity.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 11 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - This afternoon the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest relative to the sudden death on the 10th inst. of THOMAS FINCH TAPLEY, 18 Albert-terrace, Laira, aged 80, iron moulder. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. Dr Stamp certifying that death was due to atheroma, and heart failure.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 September 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Accidentally Drowned. Devonport E.R.A's Supposed Fall From His Ship. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on JAMES PETER COVE, engine-room artificer, H.M.S. Elf, whose body was found in the basin at Devonport North Yard on Saturday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - J. R. GALE, 1 York-terrace, Ford, identified deceased as his brother-in-law. He was 46 years of age, and resided at 41 Duke-street, Devonport. - William Gale, Sussex-road, Ford, said he met deceased on the evening of Sept. 4 and they had two pints of beer at the Ford Hotel, where they spent about an hour. When they parted deceased said he was going back to his ship. - Petty Officer S. J. Pooley, who said he had known deceased since last May, stated that MRS COVE had been away and deceased slept on board his ship. Chief Boatswain H. A. Bumpus, commanding the Elf, said the body was seen floating in the basin on Saturday, and was recovered; and A.B. Thomas Gilbert stated he was the watch on board the Elf, which was alongside the wharf between 8 p.m. and midnight on Sept. 4. - He did not see deceased come on board or hear a splash. The night was very dark; it was raining heavily and there was a strong wind blowing from the south. - Surg.-Lieut. G. E. Heath, R.N., attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner entered a verdict that deceased was "Accidentally Drowned whilst returning to his ship."

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 20 September 1919
PLYMSTOCK - Child Burnt To Death. Inquest At Plymstock. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest this morning at Plymstock on MARJORY HOSKIN, aged 6 years, daughter of ROSINA HOSKIN, a widow, residing at 2 Stone Hill Cottages, Plymstock. The deceased, one of twins, on Thursday last, was put in bed alone with a lighted candle on the table. The little girl's brother was sent up to look after her whilst the mother left the house for a brief space. About ten minutes later the mother was called by her son who said that his sister was on fire. The boy had evidently gone away from the deceased immediately. Running into the house the mother found the child badly burnt and she sent for Dr S. Noy Scott. The doctor deposed that when called in he found the child cremated from the hands to the knees. She died the following day. - Mr Rodd brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death" and suggested that MRS HOSKIN should not have left these little children alone in the house.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 September 1919
NORTH PETHERWIN -Threshing Fatality. North Petherwin Man's Death. - An Inquest was held at North Petherwin on WILLIAM GOODMAN, aged 28, who died after injuries received by being drawn into a threshing machine on which he was working at Trossell Farm on the previous day. - Geo. Edgcombe, who was working with deceased, said he was clearing the elevator, the cups being overflowing owing to deceased feeding the machine too quickly. He heard something, which he afterwards saw to be deceased being drawn into the drum, and rushed to stop the engine. - Samuel Smith said he pulled GOODMAN out, and saw that his left leg had been torn off. Evidence as to deceased's terrible injuries was given by Dr Thompson and Dr Budd. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from shock, due to his left leg being torn off in the machine.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sailor Drowned At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest yesterday touching the death of HENRY RADFORD, a sailor, who was found drowned near Bayly's Wharf on Saturday night. - Henry Norman, master of the s.s. Devereux, said deceased was a fireman in his ship and was 35 years of age. He had been with the ship only five days. He last saw deceased alive at 2 p.m. on Saturday. He was called by the watchman at 10.30 and looking over the side saw his body in the water. - P.C. Lush said he recovered the body. Artificial respiration was tried without result. - Andrew Livingstone, a steward of the Devereux, said he saw deceased in a public-house at 9.50. He had been drinking. - Dr Deery said death was due to drowning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 September 1919
TRURO, CORNWALL - Killed Whilst Cycling. Sad Death Of REV. E. E. CHAMBERLAIN. - Mr Carlyon, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Truro yesterday concerning the death of REV. EDWARD EUSTACE CHAMBERLAIN, 74, of Tamerton Foliot, who met with a cycling accident on September 16, when returning from Looe to Newquay. MR WALTER H. T. CHAMBERLAIN, son, said he, his wife and deceased had got within half a mile of Roche when his father must have mistaken stationary lights at the cross roads for something coming round the corner. Witness, 50 yards ahead, heard his father shout "Keep to the right there, keep to the right." Before he (witness) could warn him he heard him fall. The stationary lights were two cycles. He found deceased badly injured, bleeding from nose and mouth. The cyclists at the cross roads were in no way in a wrong position and no blame could be attached to them. - The House Surgeon at the Royal Cornwall Infirmary said deceased's skull was fractured. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 27 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning, on MRS KATHERINE BRYANT, a widow, residing at 2 Francis-place, Plymouth. Deceased was taken ill on Thursday and Dr Blades was sent for. She died, however, before his arrival. - A post-mortem examination was made by Dr Blades, who attributed death to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sleeping Beside Dead Man. - Plymouth Borough Coroner yesterday held an Inquest on GEORGE HENRY TALLOCK COOK, dock labourer, of How-street, who was found dead between two men on the North Quay the previous night. An empty whisky bottle was found with the man. - Dr McNair said on the right temple of the man there was a deep embrasure of the skin, and the skull was fractured. These injuries might have been caused by a fall. The two men with the deceased had previously been brought before the Magistrates and fined 5s. each for being drunk. - Charles Weeks, one of the men, said they had had a few pints together during the evening and some more drinks from the bottle of whisky, which, he believed a stranger had brought them. He did not remember anything happening to COOK. - A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1919
LYMPSTONE - Aged Farmer's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Lympstone yesterday on JOHN LENDON BENRIDGE, aged 75, retired farmer, who was found in a shed at the back of his house, hanging from a beam, with his feet resting on a ladder. Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man Drowned. - At an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM LEWIS JACKSON, journeyman butcher, aged 59, of Hastings-street, Plymouth, whose body was found in the River Tamar, near Saltash Passage, on Tuesday, deceased's widow said her husband had recently had an illness, and was suffering from depression and nervous debility. On Monday morning he went out for a shave and did not return. In June deceased attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a razor, and had to appear before the Plymouth magistrates, who discharged him, telling witness to look after him. His condition improved until the end of last week, when he became ill again. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to drowning. - Fred Johns gave evidence of finding the body floating in the water, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 October 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Dive In The Dark. Devonport Man Rescues Two Women From Canal. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on KATE CUNDAY, aged 54, single, of 34 Gloucester-street, who fell into Tamar Canal. - Mrs Minnie E. Floyd, 5 Joll's Cottages, said deceased, with her mother, visited her on Monday evening. They left the house about 9.30 p.m., and soon afterwards deceased's mother, who was 85 years of age, was brought back in an exhausted state. Deceased was paralysed on her right side. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the neighbourhood of the canal was very badly lighted, and very dangerous for strangers by night. - William Swabey, labourer at Tamar Brewery, of 29 John-street, said he was told that somebody had fallen into the Canal, and seeing something black in the water he dived in without divesting himself of his clothes. He found MRS CUNDAY in the water and took her to a boat. He then learnt that MRS CUNDAY'S daughter was also in the water, and diving in again found deceased, who appeared to be dead. Witness thought the bracket light outside the Tamar Brewery should be lighted. The night was very dark. The canal was protected around the top with chains. - Mr Pearce explained that to reach Joll's-cottages one had to pass through private property. - P.C. Rogers said he and Swabey worked for half an hour, and with the aid of artificial respiration deceased recovered consciousness. Dr Rae ordered her removal to the Royal Albert Hospital. MRS CUNDAY had told him that she and deceased took the lights of the public-house as their guide. - Dr Sybil Russell, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death, which occurred on Tuesday night, was due to heart failure following congestion of the lungs, due to immersion. - Mr J. Hellen said, as a representative of Keyham Ward, he wished to express sympathy with the relatives, and to say that he had endeavoured to get the district better lighted. He had no doubt the accident was due to the lamps not being lighted. He hoped the Coroner would represent Swabey's gallant conduct to the proper quarters. - The Coroner said he had ascertained that the lighting was in the hands of the public authority. - Mr W. P. Tervet said he was responsible for the lighting of the Devonport area. The orders were to keep the lighting at 50 per cent. of the pre-war supply. - Mr Pearce: But surely that 50 per cent. is not applied in an arbitrary manner all round. - Mr Tervet said there had been no complaints or request for more light from that district. - Mr Pearce said he had been to the place and found one bracket lamp with a broken mantle. - Mr R. W. Heard undertook on behalf of Messrs. Harvey and Co. to have the chain round the wharf extended The wharf was protected according to Board of Trade regulations. - The Coroner: Perhaps the Board of Trade would make the rules more stringent now the accident has happened. - Mr Heard added that Messrs. Harvey and Co. wished to express their sympathy. - The Coroner said they must all appreciate the gallant conduct of Mr Swabey in rescuing the two women. It was not the first occasion Mr Swabey had performed a similar act, for he was in possession of two Royal Humane Society certificates for saving life. He would undertake to draw the society's notice to his conduct. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 3 October 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Under Anaesthetic. Inquest On Devonport Boy Today. - Mr J. A. Pearce this morning held an Inquiry at the R.A. Hospital, Devonport, touching the death of CLAYDON STEER STIDEFORD, the 10-year-old son of a CHARLES STEER STIDEFORD, a grocer's assistant in the employ of the Co-operative Society, and residing at 1 Henderson-place, Devonport. - The father informed the Coroner that on Thursday, September 16 his son rolled in at the front door and said a stone was thrown at him and struck him in the eye, and that a boy named Reggie Mills had thrown the stone. The next day his son complained of his eye, and they took him to Dr Wilson, who after examination ordered him to be taken to the R.A. Hospital. He was taken there and subsequently examined by Dr Rolston, who informed the parents that an operation was necessary. They were to consider the matter and let him know by the following Saturday. They gave their consent to the operation. - Dr W H. Davis said on Wednesday last the operation was started by himself. Deceased was in the operating theatre ready for the operation. Witness sent for Dr Rolston to say he was ready, and whilst awaiting his arrival he (Dr Davis) gave the lad an anaesthetic. He commenced with chloroform and gave him a very small quantity to keep him quiet, as he was getting nervous in the theatre. Dr Rolston arrived immediately and carried on with the anaesthetic, whilst he (Dr Davis) proceeded with the operation. After about a minute, and when only half-way through the operation, deceased suddenly changed colour. He (Dr Davis) at once stopped the operation and applied restoratives, but all attempts to bring him around were unsuccessful. He was certain he did not administer more than half a drachm, which was a very small quantity, just sufficient to keep him quiet. He was of opinion that the cause of death was heart failure whilst under the influence of chloroform, administered for the purpose of the excision of the left eye-ball. - Dr Rolston's Evidence. - Dr J. R. Rolston, ophthalmic surgeon to the R.A. Hospital, explained that the injury to the eye was of such a nature and in such a position as was likely to produce sympathetic inflammation in the other eye, and he therefore advised the removal of the left eye-ball. The operation was arranged for last Wednesday. On entering the theatre the boy was on the operating table in a drowsy condition, partly under an anaesthetic. He (Dr Rolston) then took on the anaesthetic, and as far as his recollection went he did not think he gave the boy any more anaesthetic before Dr Davis commenced the operation. When Dr Davis started the operation, which was not a painful or long one, the deceased winced, giving evidence he was not quite under. He then gave the boy some chloroform, according to his invariable rule, that was on the corner of a towel, and which was known as the open method, drop by drop. He administered a very small quantity. - Witness said he noticed the lad's breathing stop and that he changed colour. The operation was immediately stopped and they started artificial respiration. The anaesthetic was a pure chloroform and of the best quality obtainable. Dr Rolston added that it was the first case of the kind in his experience at the Royal Albert Hospital. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 October 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Signalman's Fatal Fall. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on THOMAS PYGRAM, R.N., aged 24, leading signalman, H.M.S. Exmouth, of London, who was found dead at the bottom of No. 8 dock, Keyham, on Saturday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - P.O.1 J. W. Robinson said deceased as single, and witness last saw him about 7 p.m. on Friday outside the Keyham Main Gates, when he was quite sober. Their ship lay in the Prince of Wales basin, alongside the coal wharf. Deceased was going out to spend his leave ashore. Witness returned to the ship at 9.30 p.m., when there was bright moonlight, and he had no difficulty in finding his way back. The chains along the dock wall were in position and in order. Deceased was very steady and temperate. - P.C. John Wheeler said that at 6.20 a.m. on Saturday he saw the body lying at the bottom of the dock. The chains were in perfect order. - Commissioned Shipwrt. M. W. Varney, of the Exmouth, said deceased had won the esteem of every man in the ship. From papers found in his pocket it was evident that he was about to take advantage of a new Admiralty Order and apply for his discharge. - Surg.-Com. W. T. Haydon, R.N., who examined the body, said there was an extensive fracture at the top of the skull, from which he considered death resulted. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased had recently returned from service at Malta in H.M.S. Egmont. The dock into which deceased fell was 50 ft. deep.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 13 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Aged 92 Years. A Plymothian's Tragic End. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital this afternoon Mr R. B. Johns, the Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of FREDERICK IVEY, aged 92 years, of Alton-terrace, Plymouth, one of the town's oldest inhabitants and formerly a well-known oil and paint merchant in Union-street. - MR IVEY was knocked down by a horse in Tavistock-road shortly after midday on Friday and he died a few minutes after arriving at the Hospital. - The evidence showed that as William Trelawny Oxnam, of 31 Morley-street, Plymouth, was driving a milk float from Clarence-street, to Duke-street, IVEY, who was slightly deaf and short-sighted, suddenly stepped off the kerb and was struck by the horse's head. He was knocked down and remained unconscious for a short time. He was removed to the Hospital as quickly as possible. Death was due to a fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. - Mr F. W. Skardon, who represented the relatives, said MR IVEY had a very strong mind, and always refused to have anyone with him when he went for walks.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 14 October 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE -American Sailor's Death. Early Morning Discovery Under The Hoe. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, jun., held an Inquest today at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on the body of ROBERT ROY RICHARDSON, aged 19, a coxswain on the United States Minesweeper Rail,. now at Plymouth, who died on Saturday morning. - Evidence of identification was given by Edmund Roy Wroughton, the lieutenant in command of the ship. He said that deceased had very few associates. - John Clarence Murdock, of the U.S.S. Rail, deposed that on Friday night, 10th October he saw deceased in a public-house. He was not sure whether he was drinking. - Moses Martin, night watchman on the Promenade Pier, stated that he saw RICHARDSON on a seat under the Hoe between the hours of 2 and 3 on Saturday morning. He tried to rouse him, but he seemed very drunk and smelt of drink. He just said "I'm alright, leave me here." Witness put a cushion under his head and left him for about two hours. On going to attempt to rouse him again, he found him in a much worse state. He had rolled off the seat. Witness then noticed blood on his face which he had not seen on the first occasion. He informed the Police. Witness assured the Coroner that any disturbance would have attracted his attention as the deceased was only 50 yards from where he was stationed. - P.C. Beer said that he visited the spot where the American sailor was lying on the ground. He had been vomiting, and was smelling very strongly of drink. He noticed blood on one side of the face and blood on the chin. On trying to rouse him he found he was speechless. Witness was on duty in the vicinity of the Hoe that night, and he did not hear any disturbance. With the aid of the George-street Ambulance, deceased was conveyed to the R.N. Hospital. - A Fractured Skull. - George Livingstone Mitchell, temporary Surgeon-lieutenant, R.N., attached to the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, stated that he admitted deceased to the Hospital at 6 a.m. He was then unconscious. He had two wounds: one, a bruise behind the right ear; and one an incised one below the chin. Diagnosis during life was impossible, and death occurred about noon the same day. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, following fracture of the skull. - The Coroner: In your opinion was the fracture caused by a blow by some other person, or do you think it was possibly caused in the fall from the seat? - Witness: The skull was found to be remarkably thin - so thin that a finger could be seen through it. It was a wonder he had not broken it before. And having seen the skull I should say he certainly could have received the injuries which caused death by the fall off the seat. - Coroner: Would the injuries be more consistent with that than a blow from some instrument or a fist? - Witness: It would be impossible to say. - Thorough Inquiry. - Superintendent Denley said that every inquiry had been made in the matter, but no further evidence had been obtained. - Surgeon-Lieutenant Mitchell added that an examination of the deceased's stomach had disclosed no signs of alcohol; but that was some time after. - Mr Rodd gave a verdict of Death from Cerebral Haemorrhage, following fracture of the vault of the skull, and that there was not sufficient evidence to say how deceased received the injuries. - A coffin was sent ashore from the Rail this morning, and the body was conveyed on board the minesweeper. There with eight other dead men it will remain until the flotilla of mine-sweepers arrive on the other side of the Atlantic. The other deaths are reported to have occurred during the stay of the sweepers in northern waters.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Baby's Death From Burns. - While expressing sympathy with MRS MIRIAM F. FAIRWEATHER, 17 King-gardens, Plymouth, on the loss of her two-year-old child, JOAN F. FAIRWEATHER, who died on Wednesday as the result of a burning accident, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, and the Jury at the Inquest on Saturday, expressed the opinion that she did not exercise sufficient care, not providing a fire-screen. - MRS FAIRWEATHER said she left the house at 2.30 on Wednesday and returned half an hour later, when she was apprised of the accident. All witness's furniture was in Stowmarket, Suffolk, and had not been sent on because of the housing difficulty. Before coming to Plymouth a fireguard had been in constant use. With the deceased child when witness left were two other children, one of whom, witness was told, struck a match and lighted a celluloid comb which deceased was holding. Deceased dropped the comb, and it set her clothing on fire. - Mrs L. J. Toms said she heard screams and found deceased lying on the floor in flames. - Dr E. A. MacGuire said the case was hopeless from the first. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Driver's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM JAMES PRIOR, horse driver, Higher Batter-street. PRIOR, who was driving a lorry, had to pass between two loaded vehicles. The wheels of the lorry struck one of the standing vehicles and he was thrown out. He pitched on the stones, striking his head, while both wheels passed over his stomach. - Dr T. Vawdrey said deceased was suffering from a severe scalp wound and fractured ribs, injuries which could have been received in the manner described.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 22 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality - At the Mortuary, Plymouth, yesterday, the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on the schoolboy, WILFRID NORMAN ROGERS, who was killed at the G.W.R. Station, Millbay, on Monday afternoon. - The father, RICHARD GARLAND ROGERS, of Wonton Farm, South Brent, said his son came in to school at Plymouth every day. He was twelve years of age. - Percy Harold Atwill, shunter, G.W.R., Millbay, said he was standing on No. 3 platform, Millbay, at 4.15 when he saw a passenger train moving out of the Station. A boy (the deceased) suddenly emerged from one of the carriages and stood on the foot-board. Witness shouted to him to stop where he was. The boy tried to get off, however, and in doing so tripped and fell forward. As he was falling he clutched the handle of the carriage door and was dragged along. Witness tried to reach him, but the door of the coach, which was open, struck him on the shoulder and knocked him down. The boy was dragged on and eventually fell near the lines. When picked up he was unconscious and was taken to the Hospital. - Mr W. H. Sloman, who was for the father of the boy, asked whether there were any other passengers in the train,. - Witness replied that all the passengers had been turned out and the train was about to be shunted. The lad must have got into the train by accident. When he saw the boy coming out of the coach he shouted: "Stop where you are, boy, you are all right." The boy took no notice of him. - Did Not See The Boy. - Walter Frederick Arthur Huffson, shunter, G.W.R., at Millbay, said he coupled up the engine and then went down through the train and turned out all the passengers. There were two ladies and two boys. He explained that he was going to shunt the train. He closed all the doors securely but saw nothing of the deceased. - Believing everything was in order and the signal being given "all clear," he passed it on to the driver for the train to pull out. When the train was out about half the length of the platform there were cries for him to stop.. He called to the driver to stop and himself jumped into the guard's van and put on the hand brakes. The train being brought up he went back to inquire the cause of the alarm and then learnt that a boy was under the train. He never saw the deceased. - By Mr Sloman: It was the usual practice to turn out all passengers if any shunting were to be done before the train started on its journey. - Mr Sloman: Did you search the lavatories? - Witness: No. - Mr Sloman: Had you done so you would have seen the boy? - Witness: I may have. The boy may not have been there at all. He may have got in when my back was turned. - Chief Inspector Ackland, representing the G.W.R. Millbay, said the rule was that, when practicable, passengers were turned out of a passenger train when it was going to be shunted. It was not always done, however. - The Coroner decided that it was an Accidental Death, and a very sad case. He expressed sympathy with the parents and the Chief Inspector, on behalf of the G.W.R. Company, associated himself with the expression. - Inspector Pope, carriage department, G.W.R. Company, was also present.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 22 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Attempt To Board Moving Train. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the Mortuary, Plymouth into the circumstances attending the death of HILDA J. DARKE, age 22, engaged at the Globe Hotel, Plymouth, who was killed on the railway at Laira on Monday morning. - STEPHEN B. DARKE, father of the deceased, said his daughter usually caught the 7.20 a.m. train from Laira to Plymouth. She lived at 12 Hanover-road, Laira. He was on the train when she attempted to board it, but did not see her. - Thomas John Victor Hambly, porter at Laira, said the motor train was moving out of the Station when the deceased rushed up and clutched at the handle of the door, which was shut. Her feet were on the foot-board, but somehow she missed the handle, and eventually fell between the buffers. The train was pulled up as quickly as possible, and, when a search was made, the body of the unfortunate woman was found cut in two on the line. - George Henry Fisher Warner, another porter, corroborated. The deceased endeavoured to board the train while it was in motion. - The Coroner came to the conclusion that an Accident was the cause of death and he expressed sympathy with the relatives. No one was to blame.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 22 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - In the case of the three days old child of ETHEL MARY BRAY, 9 Park-street, Plymouth, Dr Macnair said it was prematurely born and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was pronounced.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - ELIZABETH WARNER, aged 85, widow, of Carfrae-terrace, Plymouth, sustained a fractured skull on Sunday evening, as the result of a fall and died early on Monday morning. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 October 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Explosion. Danger Which Had Been Overlooked. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest in South Keyham Yard, Devonport, yesterday, on ARTHUR JAS. CLEMITS, 17, of 9 Queen's-gate, Devonport, who was killed by an explosion in Devonport Dockyard on Tuesday last. - Albert Edward Warren, chargeman of engine fitters, in the North Dockyard, said on Tuesday, at 10 a.m., he was supervising the drying of four oil drums, which he had previously examined to make sure they were empty. They were being dried by suspension over a glow fire. One was dried, and a second had been over the fire for about two hours, when, while he was examining it, there was a flash of flame and a loud report, which stunned him. When he came round he saw deceased lying on the ground and called for a stretcher to carry him away. As far as he knew it was not an uncommon thing to dry drums in this way. - Mr C. H. Morrish, Factory Inspector, asked witness whether it would not be well to wash drums before drying them. - Witness said he did not think washing would get rid of all oil left inside, but he had had the impression that the drums he was dealing with had been washed out before they came to him. - Charles Wm. Rogers said the explosion knocked him back against a bench. - Peter Neale deposed to having drawn out the plugs of the drums. - Capt. Wm. Harris, engineer manager of the North Yard, said that everything possible with the knowledge then existing had been done to prevent accidents. Something had, however, been learned by the accident. There was probably some inflammable material clinging to the sides of the drum, which might at one time have contained paraffin oil, and a vapour was generated by the heat collecting at the top of the drum. The moving of the drum during the drying process probably allowed some vapour to escape through the bung hole and become ignited by the fire, when an explosion would naturally ensue. On behalf of the Admiralty, Government and officers, he expressed sympathy with the parents. - Surg.-Com. Walter T. Haydon, R.N., said deceased was brought to him in a dying condition, there being an extensive fracture of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed by the end of a drum being blown out and striking him, an accident for which no one concerned was to blame. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 October 1919
PLYMOUTH - Child Killed At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on IVY LOUISA WALK, aged 3, High-street. - Alice Viant of 4 High-street, said she saw the child fall from the window. - IRENE WALK said her mother left her with her two sisters while she went out. Deceased climbed on a stool to reach the window ledge, and fell out, while witness was looking after the baby. - Dr E. A. Maguire, House Surgeon, said death was due to concussion and haemorrhage. The child died within five minutes of admission to the Hospital. - Verdict "Accidental Death," and the Coroner ordered the father of the child to see to the mending of the latch of the window.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 30 October 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On A Dockyard Labourer. - The circumstances of the death of FREDERICK HENRY ROUNSFULL, a labourer employed in H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, living at 7 Hampton-street, Plymouth, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on the 27th inst., occupied the attention of the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at the Hospital today. - Mr K. Eyton Peck was present representing the Admiralty. - Evidence was given to the effect that on the 17th inst. the deceased complained that he had pricked his arm at his work with a piece of galvanised wire. He returned to work the next day but did not continue afterwards and was attended by Dr Hodge. - The doctor immediately sent him to the Homeopathic Hospital on the 21st inst. Death took place on the 27th inst. - Dr Hodge stated that the scratch was the primary cause of inflammation of the arm. Deceased died from kidney trouble, accelerated by the inflammation of the arm. Had it not been for the kidney trouble he would have lived, as his arm was doing very well - A verdict of Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 November 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Man's Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr R. Robinson Rodd at the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, on JOHN S. EASEY, aged 39 second hand of H.M.S. Pekin, of Grimsby. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Surg.-Lieut. G. E. Dormer-Ellis stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital on Friday and died on Sunday, death being due to meningitis. There were no marks of violence. - Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Suicide. Suffocation In A Well. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on REGINALD ALBERT PEASEY, 18, labourer, employed at Plymouth and Stonehouse Gasworks, who was found dead in a well of ammoniacal liquor at the works on Monday. - Ernest Cawse, meter-house attendant, said when he saw deceased at work on Monday afternoon he appeared cheerful, although he had previously complained of feeling unwell and like drowning himself. Later in the afternoon he found deceased in an ammoniacal liquor well quite dead. A note in deceased's handwriting stated, "I have done this because I am not feeling myself at all." - Dr David Macnair said death was due to asphyxiation. There were no marks of violence. Verdict, Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 7 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Plymouth on PHILLIP WARREN of 61 Cattedown-road, who died last Wednesday whilst unloading timber from a ship in the Cattewater.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 7 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - "Accidental Death". Inquest At Plymouth On Stokeclimsland Farmer. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at his office this afternoon on the body of CHARLES MARTIN, aged 70, farmer, Stokeclimsland. - The deceased met with an accident on October 30th. He was leading a horse attached to a cart from his farm to a field. The horse became startled and reared. Deceased held on and the horse plunged and fell on him. As a result one of his legs was severely injured. He was brought to the North Friary Nursing Home where his leg was amputated. - Dr T. Y. Simpson said the deceased was admitted to the home on Saturday last. He found it necessary to amputate the leg, but gangrene set in and MR MARTIN died early this morning. - MR J. H. STRIKE, insurance agent, Newquay, brother-in-law of the deceased, told the story of the accident saying it was related to him just before his brother-in-law's death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 November 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport last evening by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, concerning the death of MRS SARAH AGNES HUGHES, widow, aged 81, who was found dead in bed in her room at 4 Holman's-buildings, Devonport, on Sunday night, Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to syncope following on pleurisy and a verdict was returned in accordance with his evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 November 1919
EXETER - Exeter Child's Fatal Burns. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest on FREDERICK CHERITON, aged 2 years and 8 months, who died at the Hospital from burns received on the 5th inst. - The father, ALFRED CHERITON, Copperwell Lodge, Whitstone, said there was no fireguard in the house; it was a hearth fire and he had a long family - nine children. - The mother stated that at 8.30 a.m. she went to feed the poultry, leaving deceased (whom she usually took with her) indoors because it was cold. There was a small fire burning. Two other children, age 4 years and 12 months respectively, were also in the house. Witness heard a scream and on rushing to the house met deceased in flames at the door. She thought deceased must have been playing with the fire. - Verdict, "Accidental Death," the Coroner sympathising with the parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1919
EXETER - Exeter Mystery. Plymothian Walks Or Falls Into River Exe. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on TOM TOZER, 12 Cattedown-road, Plymouth, who died at the Hospital. - ARTHUR W. TOZER, draper, of the same address, brother, stated that deceased had been in ill-health for years. - Ernest Smith, 6 Rosebery-road, Exeter, said deceased was a friend of his, and paid him a visit from Plymouth. - P.C. Newman said on Friday last at midnight he found deceased sitting in the doorway of the City Brewery, Commercial-road, which adjoins the River Exe. He was very wet, and remarked to witness, "Take me somewhere, or I shall die." Witness and P.C. Gribble took him to the Police Station, massaged him and wrapped him in blankets. He was later taken to the Hospital. He had apparently, from his statement, come to Exeter to visit friends, and on returning, failed to catch the last train home. Coming back from the Station he became giddy and either fell or walked into the river. His head was not wet. The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Shock, due to the immersion, while in a feeble state of health. There was not sufficient evidence to show how he got into the water.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 November 1919
EXETER - Killed In Collision. Exeter Jury On Motorists' Excessive Speed. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on ALFRED JOHN CALLARD, of Cemetery-avenue, who was killed in a collision with a motor car while cycling in Pinhoe-road on Saturday morning. - Mr Norman J. Lake appeared for the driver of the car, William Roberts; and Mr M. J. McGahey for the deceased's relatives. - The late MR A. J. CALLARD, a widower, aged 42, and a sculptor, in partnership with his brother, MR JAMES CALLARD, left the firm's works in Monk's-road and rode up Monk's-road, turned along Cloisters-road, and thence into the main Pinhoe-road, which runs at a considerable gradient. - Deceased's brother said the deceased was a very careful and experienced cyclist. The corner at which the collision occurred was a dangerous one, because the view was obscured by two fir trees, and because motor cars and tractors came at great pace down the hill of the main road. - Mr F. J. Bols, of Tiverton, who was in the taxi with which the deceased collided, said they were in no hurry, and were travelling at "a very ordinary pace" - from 10 to 15 miles an hour, certainly not more than 15. The driver repeatedly sounded the horn down the hill. He saw the deceased cycling out of Cloister's-road. He was travelling at a good pace in the middle of the road. It appeared that he hit the front near wheel of the car, but he served to the left and the near side lamp struck him. The cycle went under the bonnet and the deceased was thrown clear in the road. The driver of the car put on every brake before the impact, and the car slipped 20 or 30 feet with locked wheels and then stopped almost at the moment the deceased was struck. - Mr McGahey suggested to the witness that the driver might have seen the when 18 yards away. - By Mr Lake: The driver did all that was humanly possible to avoid the collision. - "Riding Too Fast." - Mr H. G. Rewe, farmer, of Heavitree, who was driving up the road at the time, thought the deceased was riding too fast considering the nature of the road he was approaching. He could not judge the pace of the car which was approaching him. Replying to Mr Lake, Mr Rewe said Roberts had driven him sometimes. He was very careful; in fact some people would call him too slow. - William Roberts, the driver of the taxi, employed by Parker's Garage Co., said he sounded the horn all the way down the road and the deceased was at the corner of the two roads and almost in front of the car when he first saw him. He at once applied both brakes and shut his engine off. The wheels were locked and, so far as he could judge, the car skidded forward three or four yards. He should not think it skidded so much as 30 feet, but the road had a smooth surface and was on an incline. He estimated the pace of the car at 14 or 15 miles. The deceased tried to swerve to his left. Witness had been driving five or six years, and this was his first accident. - P.C. Farrant said the marks showed that the taxi was on its proper side of the road, and that the brakes were applied about 34 feet before the deceased was struck. After the brakes were applied the car skidded and swerved to the right. The cycle tracks indicated that the deceased was on his wrong side of Cloisters-road as he approached the corner. - By Mr Lake: The 34 feet included the length of the car (about 10 feet). - The Coroner and Jury and Mr Lake expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver of the taxi; but they expressed the view that motor cars and motor-cyclists travelled much too fast on the Pinhoe-road, which was used for a trial ground for repaired machines.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 18 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - Death From Shock At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at his office this morning on the body of GRACE ROGERS ELLIOTT, aged 81 years, of 43 Providence-street, Plymouth, who died on Sunday morning. - The evidence of the son, CHARLES RICHARD ELLIOTT, and Dr Burke showed that the deceased had suffered from bronchitis and rheumatism for several years, and had been medically attended. Three weeks ago, as she was being assisted out of bed, she slipped on to her knees and later it was discovered that her left thigh was fractured. - Dr Burke said death was caused by shock, following the injury, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 November 1919
TORQUAY - Torquay War Tragedy. Demobilized Man Whose Job Was Not Kept Open. - At Torquay yesterday Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JOHN MEDLAND, 35, married, a demobilized soldier, who was found dead with a wound in his throat in the wash-house at the rear of the premises in which he was living, 34 Church-street, Torquay. - DAISY MEDLAND, the widow, said deceased was a salesman before the war, in which he was wounded, but had recovered. He had complained of being wrong in his head since his return from Egypt. He was depressed about himself, and on one occasion he suggested that they should both commit suicide. He was formerly employed by a London firm, and he felt it very keenly because they did not take him back. - FREDERICK GREEN, brother-in-law, said deceased had been very strange in his manner lately. He had fits of depression, and sometimes he made grim remarks about death. - P.C. Tolley said on searching deceased's clothing he found in his coat pocket a soldier's booklet about civil employment, on the back of which there was written in pencil, "My poor brain has gone; lost on active service, and now there is a conspiracy to hound me down, so this is the end, but I did it all for the best, as I did not want to drag them down with me." - Dr Thistle said the wound was obviously self-inflicted. - The Deputy Coroner said it was perfectly clear that the unfortunate man in a fit of depression took his life, and he found that at the time of his death he was not of sound mind.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 24 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - An Infant's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held this afternoon by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, upon WILLIAM ERNEST HAROLD SPRIDDLE, the two-days-old son of PASCOE SPRIDDLE, carman, of 20 George-street, Devonport. - Evidence given by Nellie Hall, of a nursing home in St James-terrace, showed that she heard a cry from the mother and found that the child had apparently been seized with a fit. - Dr Leah said that death was due to convulsions and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 24 November 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At The Citadel. Mysterious Death Of An Artilleryman. - Mr J. A. Pearce conducted an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Devonport, this afternoon, into the death of WALTER JONES, gunner, R.G.A. - Thomas Henry Davidson, 3rd Depot R.G.A., Citadel, said deceased was a very cheerful man and never complained to him. Witness slept in the same room as deceased, and from that room it was possible to step on to a verandah. Deceased used to sleep on this verandah until recently, when the weather prevented him. - Staff-S.-Sergeant Frederick Harold Cooper identified deceased. Just after nine o'clock on Friday evening he reported to barracks. When he got to the repository ground he (witness) heard groans, and found GUNNER JONES lying on the ground unconscious. Witness went for assistance and deceased was taken to the surgery, where he was seen by the medical officer. - Gunner Charles E. N. Paul, R.G.A., said he heard someone go upstairs to an unoccupied room and the next thing he heard was the bed and boxes being moved. Subsequently Q.M.S. Manning came up and asked if he had seen GUNNER JONES. - Deceased's Injuries. - Major Ryan, stationed at the Citadel, deposed to seeing deceased on Friday night. He was suffering from fracture of the base of the skull and a fracture of the left thigh bone. He gave no hope of the deceased from the first. - James Frederick Bean, licensee of the Queen's Arms, Southside-street, said that at 6.50 on Friday night the deceased and a young woman entered the bar, and deceased asked for a pint of ale and a glass of ale, which witness served. Deceased appeared to have some money and he asked several of his comrades to drink with him. Deceased and the young woman left the bar and went to the taproom. After being in the taproom half-an-hour there was a "scrimmage" between the two, and he saw the young woman fall off her seat in the taproom. Witness ran round and asked what was the matter, and deceased replied "Nothing," and asked for another pint of ale, which he declined to serve. Deceased then left. - Elsie Mary Prout, 32 New-street, Plymouth, corroborated the statement of the last witness. - Lieut. E. J. Hyne, R.A.M.C., Military Hospital, Devonport, said deceased was admitted on Friday night and died on Saturday morning. He attributed death to fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict that "Deceased died from fracture of the base of the skull caused by having fallen from the verandah at the Plymouth Citadel, but there was no evidence to show whether the occurrence was accidental or otherwise.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 27 November 1919
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth today by Mr R. B. Johns on the body of MISS ELLEN VICTORIA WORTH MANLEY, aged 61, of 11 Henry-street, who was found dead in bed on Wednesday. Dr A.E. Blades attributed death to consumption and heart disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 November 1919
PLYMPTON - Plympton Widow's Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Underwood, Plympton, on SUSAN ELIZABETH HUMPHREYS, 86, widow, of Caroline Cottage, Underwood. - SARAH HUMPHREYS, daughter, stated that on the 13th inst. she left her mother sitting by the kitchen fire. Half an hour later she found deceased lying on the floor. She stated that she got up to poke the fire, felt giddy and fell down. - Dr Stamp stated that he found the right thigh broken. She died on Tuesday from shock resulting from the injury. Verdict accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 5 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Tamar Tragedy. Inquest Opened At The R.M. Hospital. - The Inquest on the seven men serving on the sloops Silvie and Swindon, whose bodies were found yesterday floating in the water off Warleigh Point, near the entrance to the River Tavy, was opened by Mr R. Robinson Rodd at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, this morning. - The deceased were: WILLIAM JOHN BRAY, stoker petty officer, H.M.S. Silvie; LEONARD HENRY GULLIFORD, leading stoker, H.M.S. Silvie; ALAN GORDON, leading seaman, H.M.S. Swindon; CHRISTOPHER CRONIN, stoker, first-class, H.M.S. Swindon; DAVID KINGSLEY DAVIS, stoker, first-class, H.M.S. Silvie; ALFRED E. COTTON, acting stoker, first-class, H.M.S. Silvie; and CLEMENT GEORGE THORPE, officers' steward, H.M.S. Silvie. - Mr J. Cochrane (Messrs. Goldsmith and Peck) represented the Admiralty. - The Coroner, having viewed the bodies, said he proposed to issue certificates for burial and then adjourn the Inquest so that full inquiries might be made into the circumstances attending the men's death. - The certificates having been issued, the resumption of the Inquiry was fixed for Tuesday next, at 10.30 a.m. - It is understood that the naval authorities have communicated with the relatives of the deceased in order to ascertain their wishes concerning the arrangements for burial.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 9 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Tamar Tragedy. Seven Men In A Small Boat. The Inquest. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, this morning, Mr R. Robinson Rodd resumed his Inquiry into the circumstances attending the deaths of the seven men serving on the sloops Silvie and Swindon, who were missed on Monday, December 1, and whose bodies were subsequently found floating in shallow water near the mouth of the Tavy. - The names of the deceased are:- DAVID KINGSLEY DAVIS (19), acting stoker, Downend, near Bristol; ALFRED ED. COTTON (19), acting stoker. Leeds; CHRISTOPHER CRONIN (24), acting stoker, Banteen, Cork; LEONARD HENRY GULLIFORD (24), leading stoker, Bishop's Lydeard; WILLIAM JOHN BRAY (27), stoker P.O., Mullion; ALAN GORDON (27), leading seaman, Haddington, Fife; CLEMENT GEORGE THORPE (18), offers' steward, Burgess Hill, Sussex. - Mr R. E. Peck represented the Admiralty. - Small Boat For Seven Men. - Petty Officer William Sweeney explained that he was in charge of the Silvie and Swindon, which were moored abreast above Saltash Bridge. - The Coroner: When did you miss the men? - On Monday morning. - Were you on board on the Sunday? - Yes. - The men must have left the ship without leave? - Yes, sir. - Had you a boat belonging to the ships? - Yes. - Was it missing as well? - Yes. - Was it a small boat? - 13 ½ feet. - I suppose altogether too small for seven men in a bit of a sea? - Yes, a bit too small. - Not suitable? - Not suitable for bad weather. - It came on to blow rather badly on the Sunday night? - Yes. - It was very heavy weather? - Yes. - From inquiries you have made you know of nobody who saw them leave the ship? - No. - Is this sort of thing customary? - No, sir. - Quite a breach of discipline? - Yes, sir. - At The Wheatsheaf. - Mrs Elizabeth Goodman, wife of the licensee of the Wheatsheaf public-house, Saltash, stated that about half-past eight on the Sunday evening six or seven bluejackets entered the house. They were served with some beer and left in about a quarter of an hour. - The Coroner: Did they leave perfectly sober? - Yes. - Did everything seem to be happy amongst them? - Yes. - There was no quarrelling? - Not that I saw. - On Saltash Beach. - Henry Bazeley, a Saltash fisherman, deposed to seeing the men on Saltash beach. - The Coroner: What were they doing? - Apparently going aboard the ship. - Were they getting into the boat? - They had the boat on the higher side of the town. According to a conversation between me and the petty officer they were going aboard the ship. - They were going to walk from where you were to where the boat was? - Yes, about five or six hundred yards. - Was anything said about the weather? - We had a conversation on the beach, and I said: "Which way have you come - up the river or down?" The petty officer said they had come up. I said: "If you sit in your boat the wind will blow you to the ship," and he replied: "All right." - Were the men steady? - All the men appeared to me to be sober. - Witness explained that at the time the wind was blowing strongly from the south-east, and produced a sketch showing the effect the wind was likely to have had on the boat. - The Coroner held the view that the boat was too small for seven in rough weather, and that the craft capsized. - Mr Rodd was informed that the boat was subsequently found near the training ship Mount Edgcumbe. She had capsized, but by some means had righted herself. - The Marks On The Bodies. - P.C. Doble, of the Metropolitan Police, deposed to finding the bodies near Tamerton Creek. They were within a hundred yards of each other. - Surgeon-Lieutenant-Commander G. D. E. Ellis, R.N., attributed death to drowning, and added that the marks on the bodies were post-mortem. - The Coroner raised the question of the supervision of the crews of the boats, and he was told that the latter were under the care of maintenance parties. The matter he had raised had already received attention. - Inspector Maddeford, of the Metropolitan Police, expressed his indebtedness to the Saltash Police and fishermen for the assistance they had rendered. Although the bodies were recovered in consequence of the sharp look-out of the water police, the fishermen of Saltash did all they could and displayed characteristic energy in their search. - The Coroner concurred in these sentiments, which, he was sure, would be appreciated by the fishermen. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and expressed his sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 10 December 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Drowning Of A Bluejacket, At Devonport. Evidence At Inquest Today. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the South Yard today, touching the death of EDWIN JOHN HOPPER, able-seaman on H.M.S. Bulwark, who was drowned at Mutton Cove on Monday evening. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Arthur Ernest Hole, able seaman on the same ship, stated that about 20 of the crew of the Bulwark, including the deceased, left the ship in a steam launch at 8 o'clock to go ashore. They arrived at Mutton Cove and when the launch struck the pier deceased was immediately thrown overboard. Witness was thrown inboard. After that he did not know what happened. Deceased was standing quite close to the side of the launch, his heels touching the splash-board. - The Coroner: Did you consider the launch over-crowded? - No, sir. - What was the sea? - A very strong tide was running. - By Mr Peck: The deceased fell between the launch and the pier. - The Coxswain. - Robert Teed, chief petty officer, of the Bulwark, stated that he was the coxswain of the steam launch on the night in question. He first proceed down the harbour and then turned around to meet the ebb tide. About thirty yards off Mutton Cove pier he eased the engines and at twenty yards stopped the engines altogether. As he approached the pier some of the men began crossing over the fo'castle. He ordered them to stand on one side. The launch was still carry way, and the strong ebb tide setting in towards the pier caused the boat to side bump in line with the funnel. He (witness) heard a splash and deceased evidently fell into the water near the steps. A lifebuoy was passed out to the man, but he did not grasp it. Witness steamed up and down the harbour but nothing more was seen of deceased. - The Coroner: I suppose it is a common occurrence for a boat to bump? - Yes, when there is a strong tide running. Witness added that he had been coxswain of the boat for six months; he had been twenty-two years in the service. - Surgeon's Evidence. - Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Kennett Hill Hole, R.N, said that on Monday night at 9.40 he was on the Lucia when he received a message to go to Mutton Cove. Deceased was in the water Police boat and artificial respiration was being resorted to. He examined the man and came to the conclusion that he was dead. Witness was of opinion that death was due to drowning. Deceased was heavily and tightly clothes. - Sergt. John Wyatt, Metropolitan Police, deposed to recovering the body of deceased at 9.40 p.m. by means of drags. - Deceased, who was single, was a native of Merton, Surrey. He joined the Service in 1904. - The Coroner recorded a verdict that the deceased was Accidentally Drowned. Every possible effort was made to rescue him, but unfortunately without success. Sergt. Wyatt deserved every praise for the efforts made to resuscitate life.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Slip In The Dark. Warrant Shipwright's Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on Warrant Shipwright D. E. WOOD, 38, H.M.S. Yarmouth, who had resided at Charlotte-street, Devonport. - Surgeon-Capt. J. T. Shand, R. N. Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Sept 5. 13, suffering from a fracture of the spine. An operation was inadvisable. Deceased had told him that he was returning to his ship at night, and when standing talking to a friend his stick slipped and he fell through a gap in the wall. That caused the injury. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Old Man's Death. - The Plymouth Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest yesterday on RICHARD HOSGOOD, 83, an inmate in Plymouth Workhouse Infirmary. He fell on the 7th inst., and, according to the evidence of Dr C. J. Cooke, injured his head and accelerated cerebral haemorrhage, which caused his death. He had been in the Infirmary for four years and was in a weak state.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 16 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Sutton Pool Fatality. Inquest This Afternoon. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest today relative to the death by drowning off the Barbican late last night of CLIFFORD BULLEN, aged 21, a deck-hand of the steam drifter James and Wallis. Deceased resided at Satterly Commons, Wrangtham, Suffolk. - Walter Tyrell, captain of the drifter, gave evidence of identification. Witness last saw him alive on Monday at 4 p.m., and he was then aboard the vessel, quite well and perfectly sober. At 11 p.m. witness was asleep in his cabin when he heard shouts of "Man Overboard!" He found that the man in the water was BULLEN. - Missed His Foothold. - Albert Houchin, another deck-hand on the drifter, of Gorleston, deposed to spending the evening ashore with deceased, who had a few drinks but was quite sober. the ship was moored close to the wall, and as BULLEN was getting aboard he missed his foothold. There was a double step on the quay and he fell into the water. Witness shouted for help and the captain came out, but it was of no avail. Deceased must have struck his head in falling. - John Hales, trimmer, 56 Essex-road, Lowestoft, said he was getting aboard a vessel and heard the shouting. He caught deceased by the hair but he slipped down into the water. The body was recovered seven or eight minutes after. Artificial respiration was tried for over an hour. - Witnesses informed the Coroner that the quay was very dark. - Dr Cooke certified that death was due to drowning and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr George Nelder watched the proceedings on behalf of the Sutton Harbour Commissioners. - The fatality was widely discussed on the Barbican today. It was contended that when the tide was at a certain stage it was very difficult for seamen to reach their craft. When BULLEN fell in, there was an inky darkness and a dive at rescue was not possible there being not enough room between the vessel and the quay. This afternoon a man was seen by our representative affixing a lamp to a standard in the centre of the Fish Quay.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stoker's Fatal Fall. Dark Night And An Uncovered Hold. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on STOKER CHARLES BRAITHWAITE, R.N., of H.M. drifter Docile 3, aged 21, who died after an operation on 16th inst. - Evidence was given that deceased had gone aboard H.M. trawler Calvinia, which lay alongside his own ship, to fetch water. The hatch was not over the fish hold and quantities of timber were strewn in the gangway. It was very dark at the time, and deceased fell into the hold, sustaining injuries to his head. He was admitted to the R.N. Hospital, Plymouth, where an operation was performed, but deceased died five hours later, as a result of the injuries. - Leading Stoker Williams, of the Calvinia, admitted that the cover ought to have been over the hatchway, but was at the time buried beneath about 40 tons of coal in another part of the ship, where it had been placed before witness took over the charge of the ship. A temporary cover had been improvised occasionally, but at the time of the accident witness was not aboard, the ship being in charge of his mate, and no precaution had been taken to close the hatchway. - Samuel John Locke, chief skipper, R.N.R., in charge of a care and maintenance party of the fleet which included the Calvinia, said he had no instructions with regard to placing lights on the Calvinia. He had always ordered his party to see that all hatchways were safely covered, and he was of opinion that in this case the hold ought not to have been unprotected. - The Coroner was unable to form a decision from the evidence given as to what roles existed to prevent such accidents, and who, if anybody, was guilty of neglect, and adjourned the Inquest until the 30th inst., for further evidence to be called. - The Coroner pointed out that it was incorrect that deceased died under an anaesthetic. Death was caused by a serious fracture of the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowned In Hamoaze. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on FREDERICK WILLIAM TURNER MATTHEWS, regulating petty officer, H.M.S. Tiger, aged 36. - Com. R. B. Janvrin, of the Tiger, said that on Wednesday last at 6.15 a.m., he was informed that a body had been found floating near the port aft ladder of the Tiger. It proved to be that of deceased. Witness could not conceive of deceased's duties leading him into any danger of falling overboard. - Leading Seaman F. Morris said he saw MATTHEWS about an hour previously, looking very strange, on the ladder leading down to the mess deck. Deceased walked away without speaking when he saw witness. No circumstances were known which might induce him to commit suicide, but he was not in the best of health. - Surg.-Lt.-Com. A. E. Malone gave evidence that death was due to drowning. He saw deceased on the previous Monday, and prescribed for him for headache and insomnia. - The Coroner's verdict was that "Deceased was found Drowned, but there was no evidence as to how he got into the water." - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 23 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at his office, Princess-square, Plymouth, this morning, on the body of BERTHA LOUISA ELLIS, widow, of 28 Well-street, who died suddenly on Saturday. The medical evidence showed that death was due to pneumonia and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 24 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of An Old Lady. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Borough Coroner, today into the death of MRS LYDIA DINA JEFFS, aged 72, a widow, who lived at 48 Chestnut-road. - The evidence of her son, ERNEST ARTHUR NEVILLE, was that on Monday he heard the deceased call: "I have taken poison." He rushed upstairs and found her at her bedroom door. She repeated that she had drunk some poison and wished she had not done so. He gave her an emetic and went for a doctor. He had heard her say that she wished she were dead, but he did not think she was serious. - Dr W. L. Coward attributed death to poisoning by oxalic acid. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 24 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Borough Coroner, today into the death of WILHEM C. VAN VLIET, aged about 59, a member of the crew of the Dutch oil steamer Rotterdam. Dr Cooke, who made a post-mortem examination, said the cause was double pneumonia. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 29 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Verdict Of Accidental Death At The Inquest. - The story of a motoring accident in Drake Circus three weeks ago which has just resulted in the death of a Plymouth man was told to Mr R. B. Johns, the Borough Coroner, at an Inquest held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital this afternoon on the body of JAMES RICHARD HOSKING, 54, warehouseman's packer of 25 Cleveland-road. - JAMES ARTHUR HOSKING, schoolmaster, of 15 Alexandra-road, son of the deceased, said his father was knocked down by a motor-car in Drake Circus on Sunday, December 7th. When he was in the Hospital afterwards he told witness that he had just alighted from one car and was waiting for another to take him to Beaumont-road, when he heard a motor-horn and remembered nothing more. He attributed blame to no-one and said the affair was an accident. - William Joseph Lavelle, dentist of Old Town-street, said that about nine o'clock on the night in question he was driving a five-seater car at a speed of about five miles an hour down Tavistock-road. On approaching Drake Circus he blew his horn and everybody except the deceased moved out of the way. As soon as he saw the man witness applied his brakes, and the car skidded and as it did so he turned his front wheels in front of a tramcar. The back mud-guard must have struck the man. Rain was falling heavily at the time, and it was dark, though the lights of the car were turned on. - Dr Eva Constance Ironside, House Surgeon, at the Hospital, said that when HOSKING was admitted there soon after the accident he was suffering from concussion and a scalp wound. For ten days he appeared to be making good progress towards recovery, but after the wound healed general blood poisoning set in and death took place on Saturday. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said no blame was attributed to the driver. - Mr Lavelle expressed deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 29 December 1919
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse, this afternoon, on the body of JOHN VEALE, 76, an inmate of the Institution, who died suddenly on Boxing Day. - The evidence showed that VEALE was found unconscious inside the building and died almost immediately. - Dr Cooke, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart trouble, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 December 1919
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Fall. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, on MRS ANN COUCH, aged 79, wife of CHARLES COUCH, a naval pensioner, of Northbrook-street, Devonport. - Evidence showed that on the 16th inst. she fell out of bed and on the next day was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital. She died on Sunday. - Dr Sybil Russell said that in her opinion death was due to shock, caused by the fall, and to a fractured thigh, and a verdict was returned to that effect.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fall Into A Hold. Grater Caution Needed. - Mr R. R. Rodd resumed the Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on CHARLES BRAITHWAITE, stoker, aged 26, of the Trawler Section, R.N.E. - Evidence was given at the previous hearing that deceased had gone from his own vessel in the North Yard, Devonport, aboard H.M.T. Calvania on the night of the 16th inst. to fetch water, and fell into the fish hold in the dark, sustaining injuries to his skull, which caused his death in the R.N. Hospital. There was no light on the ship and the gangway was partly blocked by timbers left behind by workmen. - It was stated by Mr J. W. Rendle, shipwright, that he and other workmen were working on board the Calvania on 16th inst., and when the party left work the hold was uncovered. Temporary arrangements had been made on other occasion to cover the hatchways, the proper cover being unavailable; but this was not done on the day in question. - The Coroner asked if it was not the duty of the chargeman of the working party to see the holds protected upon leaving work. - Com. N. L. Stanley (of Devonport Dockyard) replied that that was so. He afterwards stated that the naval authorities had held an inquiry, and had issued further orders emphasizing the need for covering all hatches at night. - The Coroner returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died as the result of falling into the hold, which had been negligently left uncovered, but he would not say that the neglect amounted to manslaughter. He felt there was faulty management in the matter , which he hoped would lead to such precautions being taken by the Dockyard authorities to prevent a recurrence of the accident.