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.]

1925

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included: Adams(2); Alford; Bailey; Baker; Barnfield; Berry; Bishop; Blake; Bowhay; Bunt; Carne; Chant; Chermside; Chinn; Clark; Clarke; Clayforth; Clear; Coker; Conybeare; Coon; Cotton; Cotty; Cousins; Cox; Crossing; Cundy; Curthoys; Davey; Davies; Dunn; Durant; Edwards; Elphick; Fillingham; Fisher; Ford; Foster; Fowler; Franklin; Gale; Gournay; Hayward; Hicks; Hill(2); Hiscox; Hockaday; Hole; Hook; Hurved; Jackson; Jeffry; Jenkins; Johns(2); Jones; Karton; Keate; King; Lear; Le Chevanton; Lee; Lindley; Lister; Lockerby; Lowe; Lucas; Lyddon; Manning; Martin(2); May; Merrifield; Metherell; Middleton; Miller; Morrell; Neil; Newcombe; Newman; Oats; Osborne; Ousley; Palmer; Paul; Payne; Pearce; Pearn; Phelan; Pillage; Powell; Richards; Richings; Riddle; Risdon; Roberts; Roseveare; Rowden; Rowe; Ruddy; Rundle; Scoble(2); Shillabeer; Smerdon; Stevens; Stoneman; Sussex; Tapper; Taylor; Thomas; Thurston; Tiffin; Toogood; Tripp; Turner; Veale; Waddingham; Wakefield; Ward; Warne; Weeks; Westgate; Willey; Williams(2); Wills; Wood(2)

Western Morning News, Friday 2 January 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Inquest. Cause Of Death Unusual In Boy. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned yesterday by the Devonport Coroner at an Inquest on BERTIE FOX OATES, 13, of 15 Albany-street, who died on Wednesday morning. - Dr T. McElwaine said he was called in shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday. When he arrived at the house the boy was dead. He made a post-mortem and found that the pericardium contained a quantity of blood, and there was a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta, which was the cause of death. The condition of the aorta was most unusual in a boy of that age.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 January 1925
DARTINGTON - Killed By Falling Tree. Inquest On Dartington Woodman. - the Inquest on GEORGE MILLER, 72, woodman, of Dartington, Totnes, who was killed on Thursday by a falling tree in Dartington Estate in the gale, was conducted by Mr Thomas Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, at Dartington Barton yesterday afternoon. - William Hext, gardener, of Dartington Hall, said he was in company with the deceased on Thursday about one o'clock in a little path just off the drive. Jim Barnes was also with them. they were rabitting and were walking along side by side. Deceased was in the middle. Barnes, who was then on the right, said he thought there were rabbits there. He stepped forward and pulled back a laurel branch to look. Witness had gone about two steps from the two others when there was a creak and a roar. Witness jumped into the laurels. He then got out from under a sprig of the tree which had fallen on him. He shouted "Jim! GEORGE!" but received no answer. Just after Barnes spoke and witness went around the fallen branch where he thought MILLER was, and he could see it was a bad case. He put a bag under deceased's head, and told Barnes that he would hurry to Mr Crook's for him to send for a doctor. This he did and Mr Crook sent the farm hands to do what they could. - By Sergeant Jewell: They were hidden from the tree from which the branch fell, and could not see it falling. It was so stormy he could not hear it coming. He was beaten down in the laurels, but was not seriously hurt. - Dr Gibson said he saw deceased about 2.30 p.m. on Thursday. He was dead. There was a compound fracture of the left thigh, and probably internal injuries. Deceased died from shock. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 January 1925
TORQUAY - Visitor's Death. Sister's Tragic Discovery At Torquay. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Torquay last evening on GEORGE MARSTON WOOD, 64, who was staying at a house at Babbacombe-road. - Deceased's sister, CAMILLA JANE WOOD, said on her return from church on Sunday, owing to some hot water being still outside the door of the bedroom which her brother occupied, she knocked at the door several times, but could get no reply. On entering she found her brother on the bed and sent for Dr J. M. Jarvie. - Dr Jarvie said he tried artificial respiration, but he could not say what the cause of death was. - Dr H. Adamson Fielding said he made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 January 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Devonport Coroner yesterday on Able Seaman JOHN CLEAR, 25, of H.M.S. Emperor of India, who died suddenly on board the ship on Tuesday. Surg.-Lieut. C. H. Savory, H.M.S. Frobisher, attributed death to degeneration of heart muscles. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, attended.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - Conversation Ended By Death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on ISAAC PILLAGE of 3 West Hoe-terrace, Plymouth, who died on Tuesday. - William George, of 46 Greenbank-avenue, Plymouth, said he was talking to deceased on Tuesday, when all of a sudden he said, "I am gone in," and collapsed. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to excessive haemorrhage, caused by a ruptured artery.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Gale. Inquest On Devonport Man. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest on GEORGE HENRY DURANT, aged 45, of Cotehele-avenue, Keyham, Devonport, who died on Tuesday as the result of injuries sustained on December 29. - ALICE DURANT, deceased's widow, said that on December 29, her husband, who was a naval pensioner, was working on a ladder at their house, when the gale blew the ladder away and he fell, sustaining injuries which necessitated his removal to Hospital, where he subsequently died. Witness was quite satisfied that it was an accident. - Medical evidence showed that deceased had sustained a deep flesh wound in his leg, which produced cellulites and subsequently septicaemia, causing death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 January 1925
PORTLAND, DORSET - Found Drowned. Mystery Of Naval Officer's Death. Incidents In Ship At Portland. - Mystery surrounds the death of Eng.-Com. DOUGLAS HILL, R.N., whose body was found in Portland Harbour last Saturday shortly after a drifter had left the cruiser Cleopatra, in which he was serving for the shore. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, and evidence showed that deceased had been upset for a day or two previously to his death. Deceased's home address was Shellness, Hermitage-road, Plymouth. - At the Inquest which was held at Portland Naval Hospital, Commissioned Engineer F. C. Stunborough, of the Cleopatra, said he had known deceased for 12 months. Witness last saw him alive at 10.30 on Friday night, when he was in the engine-room superintending a job. Deceased had been doing his work as usual during the day and there seemed nothing wrong with him. Witness knew nothing of his home life. In bodily health he seemed quite all right. He was between 30 and 40 years of age. - When the Coroner asked if there was any record of deceased's age an officer said the Admiralty had been wired to, but no reply had been received. - Thought Pipe Was Leaking. - Eng.-Lieut. A. P. Dormer said he saw the deceased at 2.30 a.m. on the Saturday, when he was in pyjamas and dressing gown in a cabin lobby. Witness mentioned to the commander that the job he had been engaged on was finished and that he would give it a trial run, and that if anything else was needed he would see him in the morning. Deceased simply nodded as he often did. - On Friday night deceased was in the engine-room when witness was searching for a leak in a pipe. There were thousands of pipes and deceased called witness's attention to one which he said he thought was leaking. Witness pointed out that the pipe showed no signs of leaking, but said he would take it out if the deceased wished him to. - At 11 p.m. deceased sent for witness and when he went to his cabin he said, "I suppose you think I am a fool?" He made reference to the search for the leaking pipe, and then said to witness, "Something seems to tell me that I ought to lead a better life than I have done." After that he said he was going on the water wagon, adding, "I have not been getting on very well with my wife." Witness tried to console him. - The Coroner: Had he been drinking? - Witness: Not to excess, to my knowledge. - Considerably Agitated. - Two corporals in the Marines on sentry duty during the early hours of Saturday morning said they saw deceased pacing up and down the deck in his pyjamas and dressing gown, muttering to himself and clasping his hands to his head. He appeared to be considerably agitated. Later he appeared on deck fully dressed in civilian clothes, carrying a suitcase. He asked if there was a boat going ashore, and was told there was not. - At eight o'clock his body was found floating in the water near the ship's gangway. - Lieut.-Com. F. W. S. Gleed, of the Cleopatra, said deceased bore an excellent character. After the body had been recovered witness ordered a search of the deceased's cabin. This was upside down, a most unusual state, for deceased was a man of very tidy habits. - After evidence had been given that the body had been found in the water just after the drifter had left for the shore, the Coroner said there was no evidence to show how the deceased came to be drowned, and it was impossible to say whether he fell in or jumped in, but there certainly was no question of foul play. He would record a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Upset For Two Days. - An officer asked if deceased had received any letters that might have disturbed him. - The Coroner: That we cannot say. - Lieut.-Com. Gleed: I have endeavoured to ascertain. A question about deceased's correspondence elicited the information that deceased had been upset for two days. - The Coroner said the Portland Police should telephone to Plymouth and ask the Police there to endeavour to get into touch with the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 January 1925
MARY TAVY - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, at an Inquest at Marytavy yesterday on ELI BOWHAY, 23, single, miner of Walford House, who dropped dead at Marytavy on Sunday Morning.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 January 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Dead In Bed. Devonport Woman's Heart Twice Normal Size. - Valvular disease of the heart and nephritis was given as the cause of the death of MRS ELIZABETH POWELL, wife of WILLIAM JAMES POWELL, labourer, 27a Cornwall-street, Devonport, at an Inquest conducted by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. - Evidence was given that MRS POWELL was found dead in bed on Wednesday morning by her husband. She had been attended by Dr Sandford, who reported that he had made a post-mortem examination. He found that her heart was very much enlarged, being double the normal size, while her kidneys were also much enlarged. He formed the opinion that death was due to the cause stated.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on Saturday on MRS ELIZABETH KATE HILL, Grand Hotel Cottage, Plymouth, who died on Wednesday night, Dr Ludolf stated that, following a post mortem examination, he found death was due to cardiac disease and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - Late ALD. WILLEY. Sudden Death Due To Heart Disease. - It was stated at an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on ALDERMAN WILLIAM CHARLES WILLEY, of 2 Stafford-terrace, that deceased was taken suddenly ill while attending a meeting at 24 Bedford-street on Thursday night and died about ten o'clock the same night. - Dr Wilmot stated that he was called and found deceased unconscious and in a state of collapse. Restoratives were applied and deceased rallied to a certain extent and was able to be transferred to his home. In the opinion of witness, MR WILLEY died from heart failure, due to heart disease. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence submitted.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH JOSIAH JAMES FISHER, aged 64, a naval pensioner, lodging at Norley-street, Plymouth, whose body was found on Friday lying under the keel of a fishing boat in Sutton Pool. Dr Aikman attributed death to drowning. - A daughter, MISS MARION LOUISE FISHER, of Cecil-street, Plymouth, said her father had no cause for worry, to her knowledge. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 January 1925
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on WILLIAM WARD LEAR, 55, a Great Western Railway clerk of South View-terrace, Plymouth, the Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes". Medical evidence showed that death was due to bronchitis and dropsy. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 January 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Collapse. - The Devonport Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH CHANT, 56, of Pembroke-street, Devonport, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, who died on Wednesday. - Joseph Charles Roberts said that he found deceased in Pembroke-street in a state of collapse. He and another man took deceased to his home, where he died soon after.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 January 1925
TORQUAY - Baby's Fatal Scalds. Inquest On 14-Months-Old Torquay Child. - Death due to bronchial pneumonia as a result of having sustained Accidental Scalding was the verdict returned by the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on BARBARA JOAN TOOGOOD, aged 14 months, daughter of MR and MRS W. A. TOOGOOD, of 14 Warren-road, Torquay, who died in the Torbay Hospital on Tuesday. The mother was exonerated from all blame. - MRS ALICE TOOGOOD said on Friday she was preparing a bath for her baby and placed about half a bucket of hot water in a zinc bath. She went into the scullery to fetch some cold water and the baby followed her for some distance. Suddenly her attention was called by a cry from her other daughter, MARGARET. She rushed back to the kitchen and found the baby in MARGARET'S arms. the baby was wet and it was obvious that she was scalded. - Witness rubbed the baby with oil, wrapped her in a shawl and took her to the Hospital. - MARGARET TOOGOOD, age 15, daughter of MRS TOOGOOD, stated that she was in a bedroom when her mother was preparing the baby's bath. She heard the baby crying and went immediately into the kitchen. The baby was half in the bath, her feet in the air. - Dr Moore said that the baby was admitted to the Torbay Hospital suffering from extensive, but not severe, scalds, the worst being on the arms and chest. On the 25th int. she developed signs of bronchial pneumonia - a direct result of the scalds. Pneumonia was a general result from extensive scalds, and the baby died on the 26th from pneumonia. - The Coroner said that not the slightest blame could be attached to MRS TOOGOOD for the unfortunate accident which had caused the loss of her little baby.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 February 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on FANNY STEVENS, aged 70, of Clarendon-terrace, North-road, by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves. Medical evidence showed that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 February 1925
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, returned a verdict of "Suicide" at an Inquest yesterday on JOHN VOADEN NEWCOMBE, who was found in Knighton-road, Plymouth, on Tuesday with an extensive wound in his throat. 

Western Morning News, Friday 6 February 1925
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Sudden Death At Horrabridge. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, last night at an Inquest on MR ERNEST MERRIFIELD, licensee of the Bedford Inn, Horrabridge, who yesterday dropped dead in his bedroom. MR MERRIFIELD attended Tavistock Brewster Sessions on Wednesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 February 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall From Roof. - Devonport Man Killed While Fixing Aerial. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest, at Devonport yesterday on SAMUEL WILLIAM SCOBLE, 4 Chapel-street, Devonport, who fell from a ladder after ascending to the roof of the house to erect a wireless telephony aerial on the chimney. - WILLIAM CHARLES BAWDEN, deceased's brother-in-law, said that he, deceased and another brother borrowed a 38-rung ladder, the height of the house being about 40 feet. When placed against the house the ladder was about a foot from the gutter. Witness was at the bottom of the ladder holding it. Deceased got on the roof and witness saw him return to the edge of the roof and put out his foot to catch the bar of the ladder. He caught the bar and then must have got giddy and fell. In falling he struck the projecting roof of the next house and a wall lower down. Deceased served in H.M.S. Temeraire during the war and had been affected by his war service. - Dr W. Valentine Curtain said death was due to fracture of the skull. - Mr H. G. Hoad represented the Admiralty law agent (Mr K. E. Peck.)

Western Morning News, Friday 13 February 1925
TORQUAY - Torquay Suicide. Night Porter's Depression After Loss Of Wife. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, the District Coroner, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest on CHARLES JENKINS, 53, a night porter, employed at the Torbay Hotel, who was discovered hanging in a room of the Hotel on Wednesday morning. - WILLIAM JOSEPH JENKINS, Madeira Hotel, Torhill-road, brother of the deceased, said deceased lost his wife in September last. She committed suicide. He had since been "fed up" with lie in general and had not been the same man. He had worried about unemployment, but had no financial troubles. - Dr David Russell Adams said there was a partial dislocation of the neck and death must have been instantaneous. - William Henry Gosling, head boots at the Hotel, described finding JENKINS hanging from the skylight in the gentlemen's cloakroom. A man named Newton, the engineer at the Hotel, said deceased had apparently jumped from the chair near by, his feet being only an inch from the floor. - P.C. A. Millford said written in chalk was, "Sorry, can't stick it." - The Coroner, in returning his verdict, said deceased probably kept his grief and sorrow to himself. He was more to be pitied than blamed.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 February 1925
NEWTON ABBOT - Ashburton Man's Tragic End. Gallant Rescue Effort By Newton Youth. - Compliment to the conspicuous gallantry of a sixteen-year-old lad was paid by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at Saturday's Inquiry at Newton Abbot into the death of WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES, a Great Western Railway pensioner of Ashburton, who was seen to mount the bridge near Balls' garage and jump into the canal. - The young hero is Stanley Drew, who lives at King's-cottages, Newton, and who, although but slightly built, has distinguished himself as a swimmer, having won medals at local galas. The Coroner told him he had acted with considerable promptitude and like a brave man. - MRS MARION DAVIES, Violet Cottage, Ashburton, who identified the body as that of her husband, who was 64 years of age, said he had at times been peculiar and a doctor had suggested that he might have to be put away as he was very depressed. On the day before the tragedy he took up a carving knife and put it across the boy's neck, but she regarded it as a joke. - Stanley Drew, a youth living at King's-cottages, Newton Abbot, deposed that at 11.15 a.m. he was looking out over the canal from Knowles-hill when he saw a man mount the bridge near Balls' garage and plunge head first into the anal, fully clad. Witness ran along and saw Mr Pickett. Both of them went in search of the body. Mr Pickett eventually saw it lying in the water, several yards from the racecourse side of the canal, and witness plunged in, without divesting himself of his clothes, swam several yards, recovered the body by the shoulder and brought it to the bank, where with Mr Pickett's and other assistance it was taken to a clay shed close by. Witness then ran home to change his clothes. - Alfred Edward Pickett of 21 Fisher-road said that after he had heard the news from the lat witness he made a search and saw what he thought was a cap floating on the water about 250 yards down. Later, about 20 yards on the opposite side of the bridge, in among the rushes, he saw what was apparently the body of the drowned man. The witness Drew swam out, recovered the body and then witness, with others, tried artificial respiration, but without success. - Doctor's Opinion. - Dr Williams attributed death to drowning, and added that when the body was taken from the water there was no hope of respiration. - P.C. Daniels said that he and P.C. Rayner assisted in the work of artificial respiration. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" and after complimenting Drew, as already stated, paid a tribute to the services of Mr Pickett and other men in connection with the work of artificial respiration.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 February 1925
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Scaffold. Plymouth Labourer's Tragic Fate. - An Inquest on FREDERICK PEARN (53) mason's labourer of 4 Havelock-place, Plymouth, who succumbed to injuries sustained through falling from a scaffold in which he was working at the Gasworks on Wednesday, was held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Elliot Square watched the proceedings for the employers (Messrs. West and Co., of Manchester) and Mr E. Chambers, of the National Union of General and Municipal Workers, was for the relatives. Mr W. E. Harding, Factories Inspector, also attended. - Joseph Bluett, of 23 Brunswick-road, said about five o'clock on Wednesday deceased fell from a platform of a new building in course of erection at the Plymouth Gasworks. The platform was about 20 feet high and 4 feet 6 inches wide. Witness thought the platform was quite safe. - Leslie Taylor, 79 Cattedown-road, bricklayer's labourer, who was working on the platform about four or five feet away, said PARN approached the end of the platform with his back towards it. There was no need for him to have done so to reach the hoist. - Dr Hubert H. Fisher, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that PEARN was dead when brought there. A post-mortem examination showed that he had sustained a comminuted fracture of the skull. - Mr Chambers made the suggestion that a guard rail should be provided and Mr Square said everything possible would be done for the men's safety. - On behalf of the employers Mr Square expressed sympathy to the relatives and said the man was a very valuable employee.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 March 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Sequel To Fall. Octogenarian's Death At Devonport. - The death of a paying patient in the Ford Infirmary, following upon a fall, was investigated by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. Pearce, yesterday. - Deceased was ISAAC JOHN DAVEY, aged 84, a pensioned Dockyard blacksmith, of 31 Station-road, Devonport, whose son, ERNEST FREDERICK HENRY DAVEY, a theatre proprietor of 27 St Hilary-terrace, said he had been in the Infirmary as a paying patient since March 1924, and had received every consideration there. Witness was quite satisfied with the way in which deceased had been treated and that his fall was entirely accidental. - Mary Jones, a nurse at Ford House, described how on Saturday last deceased slipped and fell while walking along the landing and Dr G. C. Sandford said that as a result he sustained a fractured femur. He suffered a great deal from shock and gradually got worse. Bronchitis developed and he died on Monday, the cause of death being bronchitis and senile decay, following upon the injury. - A verdict in accordance with this evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - Death At Sea. French Sailor's Collapse At The Helm. - The French steam trawler Alprecht has put into Plymouth to land the body of one of her crew who died suddenly in mid-Channel. - Death by "Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Deputy Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Graves, at the Inquest yesterday when the name of deceased was given as LOUIS FRANCOIS GOURNAY, of La Cite des Fleurs, Le Portel, Pas de Calais.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Worry. Plymouth Fisherman's Suicide. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on STEPHEN HARNETT THOMAS, aged 61, a fisherman of 61 Notte-street, Plymouth, whose death occurred as the result of falling from a window at that address. - The widow, MRS ISABELLA THOMAS, described how on Tuesday, at about 1.45 p.m., she left her husband eating his dinner, returning five minutes later to receive a complaint from a neighbour downstairs that something had been thrown out of the window and had broken her skylight. Going upstairs and looking out of the window to see what had happened, witness saw her husband lying on the roof below. She obtained a ladder and went to his assistance, but he never moved. She added that he had been very much worried lately for want of money. He had not been able to go to sea for six weeks and was very distressed about it. He had never threatened to take his life, however. - Dr MacSwiney stated that death was due to shock following upon fractures of the skull and left femur and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - Street Fatality. Accidental Death Verdict At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, on HORACE FRANCIS COUSINS, aged 14, of 21 Granby-street, Devonport, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday. - C. A. Briggs, driver of the Devon Motor Transport 'bus that knocked down the deceased, said he was driving in the direction of Plymouth on Thursday, and was about to pass a stationary car that was unloading passengers when a boy came out from behind the car and was knocked down by the near side wing, both wheels going over him. - On seeing the boy's action he immediately applied the brakes, but it all occurred so rapidly that the accident was unavoidable. The boy was found two or three feet behind the car, showing that the 'bus had been pulled up in its own length. - Mr Hubert James Stephens corroborated the driver's evidence and said he thought that the accident was unavoidable as far as the driver was concerned. - Hubert Holdrich Fisher, surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said the boy was taken there suffering from severe shock. He was able to give his own name and address, but he died within two hours, death being due to severe shock, a deep tear in the groin being the principal injury. - The brother of the deceased said the reason for the boy's hurry was that he was trying to get back at the scheduled time to a convalescent home where he was recovering from an attack of nerves. - An expression of sympathy with the relatives was made by Mr T. W. Emerson, on behalf of the directors of the D.M.T. - The driver was completely exonerated from blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on KENNEDY RYAN BUNT, aged six months, of Stokes-lane. Dr McNair said death was due to acute gastritis.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 March 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide. - An Inquest on THOMAS BISHOP, 73, an old-age pensioner, of 71 George-street, Stonehouse, who was found lying with his head in a gas oven on Tuesday morning at that address, was held by Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. - PERCY RICHARD GARD, a corporal in the Royal Marines, said deceased was his father-in-law. Lately he had suffered a great deal of pain. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said he had no doubt death was due to asphyxia from gas poisoning. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 March 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Head In Gas Oven. Marine Pensioner's Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, recorded a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" at the Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK CLUGHTON CLAYFORTH, 40, a pensioned sergeant of the R.M.L.I., who was found dead with his head inside a gas stove and the gas turned on at Durnford-street, Stonehouse, on Thursday. - The widow, MRS EMMA CLAYFORTH, who stated that she was living apart from her husband, said he had been queer in his head for the past three years, and had previously attempted to commit suicide. - Dr W. E. Corbett said deceased had been dead for some time when he was called in, the cause of death being coal gas poisoning. Deceased was lying with his head right inside the stove and a sheet had been placed over the front, completely enclosing it.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 March 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Creek Mystery. - An Inquest was held on CHARLES HENRY METHERELL, aged 57, a builder, whose body was recovered from the water off Whitehall Quay, Stonehouse, by William Henry Vincent, a timber merchant's labourer, of Cobourg-street. - Deceased's son, HAROLD ROY METHERELL, of Albert-terrace, Plymouth, said his father left home about 10 o'clock on February 8 and never returned. He had been worried for some time about his work, and during the last week he had been very strange in his manner. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was recorded. Dr T. McElwiane expressing the opinion that death was due to drowning, although he could not say definitely, on account of the decomposed condition of the body. It had evidently been in the water for some weeks.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Wounds. Inquest On Landrake Man Adjourned. - The Inquest was adjourned at Plymouth yesterday on the body of FREDERICK JOHN NEWMAN, of Morval, Landrake, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday from a gunshot wound in the face. - Adjournment was necessary on account of the absence of the principal witness, Henry Steed, a farm worker, who was the first person to see NEWMAN after the shot had been fired. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, said that it was impossible to decide whether the wound was the result of accident or attempted suicide without Steed's evidence. - Mrs Elizabeth Anne Parnell, farmer, said that NEWMAN had been in the employ of her family for 29 years. He had been worried of late owing to the difficulty of getting the crops put in, as the farm work was very much behind, but he had certainly never threatened suicide. She believed he had taken the gun to shoot magpies, which had been stealing a lot of eggs and that it went off purely by accident. - She had no knowledge of any ill-feeling between deceased and anybody else. He was well spoken of by everybody. The shot had been fired from her late husband's gun, which usually stood in a corner of the kitchen, together with NEWMAN's own gun. No doubt he had seen some magpies and taken the wrong gun in his hurry. She was called later by Steed, and saw the wounded man lying in the farmyard. The gun had then been removed from his side. - The Inquest will be resumed today.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - "Too Much Work." Landrake Man's Suicide. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict at an Inquest by Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK JOHN NEWMAN, of Morva, Landrake, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital from gunshot wounds to the head. - MRS KATE VEALE, sister of the deceased, who saw him after he had been taken to Hospital, said his face was evidently so badly damaged that he could not speak, but he was conscious. She asked him "How did it happen?" The wounded man wrote on a postcard the reply "Too much work." - William Henry Steed, a farm labourer, employed at Morval Farm, Landrake, said that he went into the cow-house to milk, and saw NEWMAN standing just inside. There was a groan and he asked deceased what was the matter. - NEWMAN was then leaning against the partition wall with his back to witness, who helped him to turn round and sit down on a stool. Deceased was covered with blood and could not speak, though conscious. - After, witness observed a pool of blood in the yard about twenty yards from the cow-shed and a trail of blood between this pool and the shed. - MR NEWMAN, brother of the deceased, pointed out that there was a mark on a flat stone near by the pool of blood, as if someone had slipped there. There was an elm tree close by in which magpies gathered. He thought that deceased must have fallen in hurrying to shoot a bird and that his gun then went off by accident. - The yard was extremely rough. - Dr H. H. Fisher, House Surgeon, said from the damage done the gun must have been fired close to the face. As the undamaged flesh and hair were not signed he put forward the possibility that the gun had been put into the mouth before being fired. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, in giving his verdict, considered the evidence of MRS VEALE to be conclusive.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 March 1925
NEWTON ABBOT - Hit By Rollers. Newton Story Of Fatal Heathfield Accident. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot last evening on JOSEPH BAILEY, 50, of Chudleigh Knighton, who died as the result of an accident on Friday last at the Heathfield Potteries, belonging to Messrs. Candy and Co. - Thomas George Lambell, labourer, said when he entered the grog mill - a place used for the crushing of waste brickbats - he heard deceased shouting. He immediately stopped the machinery, and then saw deceased on the side of the pan into which the waste was placed and round which big rollers revolved. He was lying half in and half out of the pan but was not entangled in any way. - In reply to Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, for Messrs. Candy and Co., witness stated the elevator was not working when he entered. - Thomas Weston, of the St John Ambulance, who attended deceased, said BAILEY had a cut over the right eye, and was bruised above the right ankle. He complained of injuries to his thigh. He told witness something was wrong and he went to throw the elevator out of gear. He added that he could not tell exactly what happened, but that he fell on the edge of the machine. One roller hit him in the back, and whilst he was scrambling to clear himself the other roller hit him. Lambell then came along and saved him. - George Howard, foreman at the works for 35 years, stated that the last fatal accident was 34 years ago. Deceased had been in charge of the grog mill for about a fortnight and was a most competent workman. Deceased told witness that he let his shovel fall down at the back of the elevator. He went round to throw the elevator out of gear when something knocked him. - Replying to H.M. Inspector of Factories, Mr C. G. Gates, witness said that where the man stood the machinery was fenced. The fencing was not damaged in any way as the result of the accident. If deceased had carried out his instructions he would never have gone behind the elevator when the machinery was in motion. There was no fencing there. - In answer to Mr James Mason, for the widow, witness said the lever to stop the elevator was quite close to where deceased was lying. - Replying to Mr Cornish Bowden, witness stated the inspector had never suggested more fencing should be provided. - Dr H. I. Pocock said death was due to shock and internal injuries. There was no sign that deceased had a fit immediately before the accident. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said there was not the slightest suggestion of any possible neglect on the part of the employers, and he expressed sympathy with the widow. - Mr Cornish Bowden associated himself with these remarks on behalf of the directors of Messrs. Candy and Co.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 March 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. Pearce, on ANN CUNDY, aged 72, of Renown-street, Devonport, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" being returned. Medical evidence showed that death was due to syncope, following shock due to fracture of the thigh, caused by an Accidental Fall. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 March 1925
PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Bunk. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on KATHLEEN MARY COTTY, aged 18, found dead in her bunk in the liner George Washington, of the United States Lines, on Saturday morning, the body being landed at Plymouth on Sunday. - MRS LILY ARUNDEL SNELL, of Netherton, Haccombe-with-Coombe, near Newton Abbot, said deceased was her niece, and in company with witness's husband they were returning from Canada. During the voyage they all had influenza. - Dr Price said a post-mortem examination showed death to be due to pneumonia. - Mr D. J. Widger attended the Inquest on behalf of Messrs. Orlando Davis and Co., agents for the United States Lines.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 March 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Collapse In Street. Man's Story Of A Dockyard Accident. - A verdict that the cause of death was syncope, due to weakness in the valves of the heart, was returned at an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, on Saturday on HAROLD MAVY RICHARDS of 18 Norley-street, Plymouth, a Dockyard labourer. - John Saunders, of no fixed abode, said on Friday he was walking along St Levan-road, when he saw RICHARDS stagger off his bicycle. Witness rushed up and deceased collapsed into his arms. He was laid on the pavement and witness tried first-aid. - P.C. Acrill said he also tried first-aid, but he thought deceased was almost dead. - THOMAS GEORGE WALTERS, a brother-in-law, said about two months ago deceased told him his chest had been crushed by a lorry while engaged in his work at the Dockyard and considered he was lucky in getting out alive. - WINIFRED EDITH ANN RICHARDS, the widow, said when her husband had the accident he did not make much of it, but ever since he had complained of pains in his chest and the doctors by whom he was treated said they could not understand it. - Dr Arthur Sheridan, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said a post-mortem examination revealed that there was a weakness in the valves of the heart caused by some defect arising from previous disease of the valves. - In returning his verdict the Coroner told the relatives that if they felt that death was in any way due to the accident they had better see the Dockyard authorities. He believed they were always considerate in cases of that kind.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 March 1925
BRIDFORD - Lover's Suicide. Body In Reservoir At Bridford. - The story of a broken engagement and a lover's suicide was unfolded at the Inquest at Bridford on Saturday on FRANCIS JOHN HURVED, who had been missing for about a month, and whose body, to which was attached a huge stone, was recovered from a reservoir at Bridford the previous day. - WILLIAM HENRY HURVED, labourer, Rockbear Farm, said deceased, his son, was 22 years of age, and a quarryman. He was not aware that deceased had any trouble, and he last saw him alive about two months ago. He had never heard him speak of suicide. - Thomas Cole, gardener, Bridford, with whom deceased lived, said he last saw him alive in his bedroom on 25th of last month. He then said he was going to Exeter. He went away and witness received no communication from him afterwards. Deceased was engaged to witness's daughter, who lived in the city. As deceased did not return the following morning witness made inquiries and ascertained that he had been to see a Mr Pearce, who lived in the village. A letter (produced) was found in deceased's overcoat, which was hanging up at Mr Pearce's house. Witness read the letter and gave information to the Police. He had noticed no signs of depression or anything strange about deceased. - The Easiest Way. - Thomas Pearce, pensioner, Bridford Post Office, stated deceased came to his house for paper and an envelope. He wrote a letter and after he had written it went out, remarking that he "would not be a minute," and leaving his coat behind. Witness noticed nothing strange about him, although a day or two previously he had mentioned that death by drowning was the easiest death. - Mary Cole, domestic servant, employed at the Deanery, Exeter, said she had been engaged to deceased for about three months, but on February 23 she wrote to him breaking the engagement. He came to see her in Exeter two days later and asked her to renew the engagement, but that she refused. He was only with her about ten minutes. She had never heard him speak of suicide. - P.C. Crocker, Dunsford, said he discovered deceased's hat in the water on the 18th instant and with Sergt. Tupling commenced dragging operations. They continued until the 22nd, when the body was recovered in about 20 feet of water. It was tied with a rope to which was attached a stone weighing about half a hundred-weight or more. - Dr E. G. Nichol, Dunsford, considered the body had been in the water for several weeks. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Friday 3 April 1925
MANSFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - Bovey Man's Tragic Death. Pathetic Farewell Note To Aged Wife. - The dead body of an aged man discovered at Mansfield last Saturday was identified last night as MR HENRY THURSTON, of Fore-street, Bovey Tracey. Identification was made by a friend of the family from Old Milverton, near Leamington Spa, who, however, was unable to throw light upon the mystery of deceased's disappearance from his home a fortnight ago. - The body will be interred in Mansfield Cemetery today by the Poor-law authorities. Deceased was 68 years of age. There was no clue on the clothing to lead to identification and the matter would have remained unsolved but for a parcel posted in Mansfield to a Bovey Tracey resident. The Mansfield Police thereupon sent a photograph of the dead man to Exeter Police. - Deceased was well dressed and the body clean and well nourished. There was a miscellaneous assortment of oddments in the pockets, but deceased only had three halfpence in money. - At the inquest on Monday the Police stated deceased was first seen in Mansfield last Thursday, when he lodged for the night with an old couple, paying them 3s., but he did not tell them who he was. On Friday he went to a local Hotel and had two drinks and next morning his dead body was found. Dr Gray, who made a post-mortem examination, said the heart was small and fatty and the lungs congested, showing signs of bronchitis. The stomach was empty. Death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by bronchitis, insufficient food and exposure. There were no recent marks of injury. - The verdict was "Natural Causes." - Well Known In Mid-Devon. - MR THURSTON was well known throughout Mid-Devon. When first he resided at Bovey Tracey he was a coachman in the employ of the late Miss Mary Divett, a member of a well-known old Bovey family. His widow, who is over 70, used to conduct a boarding-house at Heathfield-terrace. - As a part-time engagement MR THURSTON secured the post of manager of the Bovey Gas Co., a position which he held until March 10. MR and MRS THURSTON were a devoted couple and lived the happiest of lives, but for the past three months. MR THURSTON appeared to be preoccupied. For some time he had been in indifferent health. - On Thursday, March 11, MR THURSTON announced to his wife that on the following day he would be obliged to go to Exeter on business, and on that day he took a return ticket for Exeter. Late on Friday afternoon a message was given for his wife that he could not finish his business that day, but he was obliged to go further. Later a registered letter was received from her husband at Exeter. In it were a few Treasury notes and a communication of a pathetic nature. - Pathetic Farewell. - The letter started:- "My dear ELIZABETH, - I am broken-hearted and finished for ...... I shall not be long in this world. It will be better rid of me. I have not been to you what I ought to have been, but everything I ought not to have. Try and forget you ever met me." - The letter also made the disclosure that the banking account was exhausted. - On Saturday two Bovey residents received letters in MR THURSTON'S handwriting from Mansfield. One contained a pair of scissors which he had borrowed from the resident in question.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 April 1925
PLYMOUTH - Gas Tragedy At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves, the Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE LEE, Collingwood-avenue, Plymouth, a Dockyard labourer, who was found dead on Saturday with an overcoat over his head and a tube connected with the gas supply, which was turned on, in his mouth.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 April 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Sudden Death. - The Devonport Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, on Saturday returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" on JOSEPH P. PAUL, a Royal Marine pensioner of 7 St Aubyn-street, aged 68, who died suddenly in Duke-street on Thursday. - MRS T. J. PAUL, daughter-in-law, said deceased had suffered from heart trouble for some time past, having been medically attended. - C. S. Maddock said he was driving a small lorry through Duke-street on Thursday afternoon, and was crossing George-street, when he saw deceased stagger into the roadway and fall. Deceased was on the off-side of the lorry at the time, and did not strike any part of the car in falling, being about five feet away on the other side of the road. An employee of Messrs. Woolworths, who was travelling in the lorry, corroborated. Maddock conveyed deceased, who was unconscious, to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr Mary Hamilton, acting House Surgeon, at the Hospital, said PAUL was dead when admitted, death being due to valvular disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 April 1925
OKEHAMPTON - Tragic End To Play. Child's Death At Okehampton. Driver Exonerated at Inquest. - At the Townhall, Okehampton, last evening, Mr H. C. Brown, with a Jury, held an Inquest concerning the death of BETTY STONEMAN, aged 4, the only child of MR and MRS FREDERICK STONEMAN, of Toronto-road, Exeter, who was knocked down and killed by a motor car at Northfield-road, Okehampton, on Saturday. Evidence of identification was given by the grandfather, MR WESTLAKE. - Eye-Witness's Story. - William Jordan, horse driver, of Brightley, said he was drawing a load of manure with two horses up Northfield-road on Saturday when he saw a motor car coming towards him. As it was passing he heard the brakes of the car being suddenly applied and the car stopped dead. He looked round and saw a little girl underneath the hind wheel of the car. The car moved on and the girl was picked up and taken to a house, and another little girl who was lying on the road was also picked up and taken indoors. The car was travelling very slowly, about a good walking pace. He did not know there were any children behind his cart. They were running behind but playing on the pavement. - Grace Jordan, 49 Northfield-road, said she saw the little girls, one of them the deceased, playing behind the cart, when suddenly they ran out from behind the cart in front of the motor car. They were both knocked down, one clear of the car, but the other was run over. The car was going very slowly and she did not think the driver could have avoided the accident. - Driver's Evidence. - John Phillip Madge, farmer, of Fernhill Farm, Northtawton, driver of the car, said he was accompanied by his brother, W. A. Madge. About halfway down two little girls ran out from behind the cart right in front of his car. Both were knocked down. He was going about four to six miles per hour. He did not see the children until they ran out from behind the car, and he stopped within a few yards. It was impossible for him to have avoided the accident. - Mr Henry Rowe asked Mr Madge if he could see the children before he came upon them. - Mr Madge: No. - Dr S. Gaster said he had examined the body of the child, and found injuries such as to cause immediate death. - Coroner's Sympathy. - The Coroner said they must all sympathize with the parents. The evidence had been very straightforward, and showed that motorists were not always to blame for accidents. In this case there had been no excessive speed or dangerous driving. They might wonder why he had summoned a Jury, but he knew it might be a comfort to the motorist if his fellows after hearing all the evidence exonerated him from all blame. As a motorist himself, he knew that no matter what care was exercised an accident might happen. - The Jury gave it as their verdict that it was a pure accident and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 April 1925
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy Of Play In Street. Plymouth Father And Fatality. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr John Graves, Plymouth Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on IRIS SCOBLE, aged seven, of Grenville-road, Plymouth, who died on Monday as the result of being knocked down by a charabanc in Embankment-road. - Amongst those present at the Inquiry were the manager of the Devon Motor Transport, Mr C. E. Skinner; Mr T. W. Emerson, acting for the D.M.T.; and Detective-Inspector Hutchings, who watched the proceedings on behalf of the chief constable of Plymouth. - Driver's Evidence. - John Kevern, of Brunswick-place, Plymouth, said he was driving a motor charabanc owned by the D.M.T. down Embankment-road in the direction of Plympton about 2.30, when at the junction of Stenlake-terrace a child, riding a scooter on the right-hand side of the road and going in the same direction as himself, suddenly darted across the road to the left side, in front of the charabanc. He applied the brakes and pulled up within a few feet, but was unable to avoid the child. He was travelling very slowly, because there were many children about and there was also a horse and cart in sight. The front right wing of the car knocked the child down. - Asked if he would like to ask any questions, the father of the child, MR G. SCOBLE, remarked: "It is peculiar that I do not know the witnesses here. I know many people in the district, but there is no one here I know." - The Coroner: I will adjourn the Inquest if you like, so that you can bring your witnesses. I shall have to ask you to alter the word "peculiar," or we shall have to adjourn and make a big fuss about nothing. It is not safe for any child on a Bank-holiday to be on the road on a scooter. - "Swerved On To The Road." - Albert French, a pensioner of the R.N. Barracks, of Grenville-road, said when the child got to the corner she swerved out to the road. He saw there was danger, but the car was a length ahead of him and he was unable to dive in front of it to help. The child then ran in front of the car. The car was going at a very moderate rate when it passed him, and he thought the driver had seen the danger. - MR SCOBLE pointed out that this evidence differed from the driver's. - The Coroner: The evidence is generally conflicting. - Mr Emerson (to witness): In your previous statement to the Police you said the car was going at eight miles an hour. - This is my first statement. - John Lewis Hawkins, St Leonard's-road, said the car was going at about eight miles an hour. - The Coroner: Have you been approached by anyone to give evidence? - No. - The Coroner: I should not have put the question but for what has occurred. - Father's Contention. - Answering Mr Emerson, witness said he did not think the driver could have avoided the accident. He thought the child must have been visible to the driver yards before he hit her. - MR SCOBLE: That justified my remarks. - The Coroner: A driver cannot pull up whenever he sees a child on the pavement. - MR SCOBLE: Independent witnesses show that the driver's evidence is incorrect. The car was 40 feet off when she started from the pavement. - The Coroner: I am not here to be argued with. I am very sorry for you. If you are satisfied with the evidence of the last two witnesses, then you must agree that the driver was not to blame. If you are not satisfied I will adjourn the Inquest for a Jury, though I do not suggest it will do any good. - Mr Hawkins: I don't think it was necessary for the driver to pull up. The child was close in to the kerb. - The Coroner: I think the driver is confused. He must have been very agitated at the time, and probably does not remember very clearly what did happen. - MR SCOBLE: I am not here to cause a row. I am here for posterity. I don't want any other children to be caught if there is any way of avoiding it. - The Coroner: I don't think any reasonable man could come to any other conclusion than that it was a pure accident. I don't think you can say the driver is to blame. - MR SCOBLE (to the driver): I suggest you lost your head? - No. - MR SCOBLE: You really knew nothing about it? - I am rather mixed up as to which direction the child came from. - The Coroner: I don't think he lost his head at all. - Dr Travers Stubbs deposed that death was due to fracture of the skull and lower jaw, and was instantaneous. - Answering the Coroner, the Coroner's Officer said there were four more witnesses, who would testify similarly to the witnesses French and Hawkins. - The Coroner said he considered the accident under the circumstances was unavoidable. - Mr T. W. Emerson, on behalf of the Devon Motor Transport Company, expressed sympathy with MR SCOBLE.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 April 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Motor Cycle Tragedy. Inquest Story Of Plymouth Accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at Devonport, on Saturday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at the Inquest on BERTRAM COLEMAN COKER, 32, of 41 Clifton-place, Plymouth, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital, from injuries received in a motor cycle accident on April 13. - Francis George King, a tram driver, said that at about 3.40 on the 13th , he was driving a tram along Tavistock-road, towards Devonport. The deceased passed him at about 5-7 m.p.h. as he was standing at the bottom of Lyndhurst-road. - About 15 yards ahead of the tram the deceased went through a puddle, swerved to the right, recovered and then the cycle canted right over on to the ground on its left-hand side, dragging its rider round a half-circle, his head touching the ground the whole time. Witness stopped the car and went to the assistance of the deceased, who was unconscious. Deceased was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital, but did not recover consciousness and died on Friday night. - Guy Baker Hall, a motor engineer, said deceased borrowed the cycle from him on the previous Thursday. There was a slow puncture in the front tyre. - P.C. Collins said he examined the cycle after the accident, and found that three inches of the beading of the front tyre was over-hanging the flange of the wheel, and the cover was coming off. The projecting piece of the cover came into contact with the front right-hand brake-block. - Dr Mary Hamilton, acting House Surgeon, said that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage from a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1925
CHATHAM, KENT - Chatham Motor Boat Disaster. Inquest On Devonport Victim Adjourned. - The Inquest on JOHN RIDDLE, one of the six victims of the motor boat accident off Chatham Dockyard last week, was opened at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, yesterday. - The only evidence was that of Roger Fennick Shotton, captain of the Royal Auxiliary Ship Bacchus, who, identifying the deceased, said he was married, 45 years old, and had lived at Freemantle-place, Devonport. He had been employed on the Bacchus for five years. - Witness added that Able Seaman James, the coxswain in charge of the motor boat, and a survivor, was an experienced man. - The Inquest was adjourned till Monday for evidence from the survivors and others. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of the victims.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 April 1925
HENDON, MIDDLESEX - Tragic Fate Of MR ERIC WARD. Financial Trouble Leads To Suicide. - The tragic death of MR ERIC RICHARD WARD, the well-known Plymouth solicitor, at Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, on Monday, was investigated yesterday by the Coroner for Middlesex, Dr George Cohen. Financial difficulties were disclosed and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - Mr Kenrick Eyton Peck, solicitor, of 26 Ker-street, Devonport, identified the body and said MR WARD was aged about 65. He saw deceased on Tuesday of last week, when he appeared to be quite normal. He did not then appear to be depressed. - The Coroner: Had he any financial troubles? - Some seven of eight years ago he had, but not lately. I thought he had done better during the last few years than previously. - Was he in business in London? - I only know, by hearsay. I did not know until afterwards that he had come up. It was MRS WARD who told me yesterday. - Why have you been brought up here? - I am an old friend of the family. - You heard he was found shot? - Yes. - Can you account for it? - I can only surmise that he was in financial difficulties. He was a very secretive man. - Handing a letter to witness, the Coroner said, "Read that and then tell me your opinion of his mental condition, or what you think of his financial position." - Witness: It is a very characteristic note. Obviously he was in financial trouble of which I did not know. He was a very well balanced and able man. - Walter Barnes, postman, told how while delivering letters on Monday morning he saw deceased lying in Child's Way at the Hampstead Garden Suburb. He noticed blood near the head and informed the Police. - A Police Constable said there was a revolver beside deceased. It contained two live cartridges and a spent one. - Dr Matthews, divisional Police Surgeon, stated that there was a wound in the right ear caused by a shot, which was the cause of death. He had no doubt the wound was self-inflicted. - Police Court Tributes. - At Devonport Police Court yesterday feeling references were made to the death of MR WARD. - The Chairman, Mr W. H. Mounstephen, who spoke with some emotion, said he felt sure he was speaking for his fellow magistrates in expressing their deepest sorrow and sympathy with the relatives of MR WARD. He was very much respected and he used his great ability and judgment in the cases at issue before him. - Mr A. W. Grigg, the other magistrate, added his tribute, and said he had always found MR WARD a most devoted and conscientious advocate, who took great pains in stating his case, being very clear and concise without labouring his points. He felt sure that his death would be a great loss not only to Plymouth, but also to the entire neighbourhood. - Mr Geoffrey Bone, brother of the magistrates' clerk, Mr John Bone, said on behalf of his brother and himself, he would like to associate himself with the expression of sympathy and regret. On the many occasions MR WARD had appeared before the Courts, he had always conducted his cases with the maximum of eloquence and the minimum of vindictiveness. - On behalf of the members of the legal profession practising in the courts, Mr Elliot Square joined in the expressions, and said MR WARD was one whom they were proud to number among their friends. MR WARD always assisted the young and inexperienced to the best of his ability and his assistance was always greatly valued in the senior branches of the profession. He was an honourable man, and a gentleman and it would be a long time before they fully realised what they had lost by his death. - The Chief Constable, Mr H. H. Sanders, recalled that he had known MR WARD ever since he had been in Plymouth. MR WARD had conducted the prosecutions for the Police for the past seven years with the utmost fairness and ability and he felt sure that the Plymouth Bar had lost a great gentleman and a very skilled lawyer. - MR WARD lost his only son about five years ago through illness.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 April 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at Ford House, yesterday on JAMES CORDER BAKER, aged 77, an inmate of Devonport Poor-law Institution, who hurled himself to death from a fire escape staircase outside the building.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 April 1925
CHATHAM, KENT - Navy Leave Boat Tragedy. Coxswain's Story At Inquest. - The Coroner's Inquiry concerning the motor boat accident in the Medway shortly before midnight on Easter Monday, when an officer and five men lost their lives as the result of a collision, was concluded at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, yesterday, the Jury finding that no blame attached to anyone in connection with the affair. - The victims belonged to the Bacchus, a Royal Fleet auxiliary ship, lying in the river between Chatham and Gillingham. With five others, they were returning in a motor boat from evening shore leave. Their little craft left Gillingham at half-past eleven, and had almost reached the Bacchus when a collision occurred with a motor lighter, which it was stated afterwards had been obscured from view by a large sailing barge, the pinnace being sunk immediately. - The six victims were Third Officer, V. M. Wakeley, a single man of Swindon; Wireless Operator C. Stonehouse; Able Seaman C. CHINN, married of Plymouth; Able Seaman A. EDWARDS, single, of Plymouth; Stoker, E. Tucker, single, of Chatham; and Stoker J. RIDDLE, married, of Plymouth. Only one body has so far been recovered, that of Stoker RIDDLE. - George Albert James, able seaman, attached to the Bacchus, who was coxswain of the motor boat, said the night was dark when he left the pier with 11 men. To clear the sailing barge Alpha he went across her bows and continued his course for the Bacchus. His bowman shouted, and witness saw a ship bearing down on him. He tried to clear, but it was too late. - The ship, which he afterwards learnt was the Flame, crashed into the boat, which sank immediately. He was prevented from taking another course because he knew that ahead was an unlighted buoy and he knew he had time to clear the bows of the sailing barge. He did not see the Flame. The sailing barge must have obscured his view. He and the crew were all quite sober. - Questioned by Mr F. S. Bouchier (for the owners of the Flame), James said he did not agree that the Flame had passed the Alpha by six lengths when the collision took place. - The Coroner: You do not suggest that the Flame is in any way to blame, do you? - No, sir; I don't think anyone is to blame. - William David Horton, able seaman of the Bacchus, said that if James had ported instead of starboarding, the motor boat might have scraped by the Flame. They were nearly head on when witness saw the bows of the Flame. He was picked up by the Alpha after being in the water about a quarter of an hour. - John Bruce, Filmer, master of the Flame, said there would have been plenty of room for the motor boat to pass astern of the Flame and in front of the sailing barge. If the coxswain of the motor boat had ported, he thought the Flame would have avoided hitting it, but they might have grazed one another's sides. When he saw there might be a collision he ported his helm and rang "full speed astern" to the engine-room. - The Coroner, summing up, pointed out that there was considerable conflict of evidence between the coxswain of the motor boat and the master of the Flame. - The Foreman said the Jury were of the unanimous opinion that death was the result of misadventure. They were not prepared to take any particular view on the issue between the two principal witnesses, and did not wish to place the blame on anybody. - The Coroner: But there are certain rules, are there not? One of them is that ships must pass port to port. - The Foreman replied that the Jury were of opinion that James acted from the best motive and was not negligent from a criminal point of view. - The Coroner then recorded a verdict that death was due to Drowning owing to Collision, all parties being exonerated from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 April 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Officer's Sad Fate. "Accidental Death" Verdict. - "I am absolutely convinced from what I know and from what I have heard that death was accidental," declared the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on LIEUT.-COM. HARRY A. D. KEATE, D.S.O., R.N., the victim of the shooting fatality in the garden of Yennadon Lodge, Dousland. A verdict was returned in accord with the Coroner's remark. - Mr K. Eyton Peck, of Devonport, was present representing the Admiralty and Police-Sergt. Potter, of Crownhill, also attended. - Lieut.-Commander Robert Gordon Duke, R.N., of H.M.S. Carysfort, stated that deceased, who was a very old friend, was 34 years of age. He had been married as recently as January last. On the day of the occurrence witness was going to dine with KEATE and his wife in the evening. - Witness had seen the widow, who had told him that after having tea at about 5.30 on Sunday evening, deceased said he would go out to t a bird to hang up over his seeds and got his gun. Just before going out he made some remark about the trigger or something being loose in the gun, and said he thought it ought to go to the gunsmith. - Shortly after MRS KEATE heard the report of the gun, and on going out a few minutes later found her husband lying on the ground. He was conscious and his first remark was to shut up the dog. - No Reason For Suicide. - Witness added that MRS KEATE immediately sent for the doctor, who ordered deceased's immediate removal to Hospital. On examination the gun was found to have one cartridge exploded. The husband and wife were on most affectionate terms and witness was satisfied there was no reason for suicide being contemplated, remarking, "I am convinced it was a pure accident." - Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Lionel Frederick Strugnell, stationed at the Royal Naval Hospital, gave evidence that COMMANDER KEATE was dead when brought to the Hospital on Sunday evening. Witness made a superficial examination of the body and said he found wounds of gunshot in the abdomen. - The Coroner: Do you think it likely that if a man contemplated taking his own life he would shoot himself there? - Witness: It is most unlikely. - The Coroner: I am absolutely convinced from w what I know and what I have heard that death was Accidental. - He accordingly returned a verdict to that effect, and at the same time expressed his deepest sympathy with the relatives, observing, "It was a very, very sad case indeed." - P.S. Potter also associated himself with the expression on behalf of the Police.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 May 1925
MILTON ABBOT - At the Inquest on MR RICHARD HENRY WAKEFIELD, of Camelford, who died as the result of injuries received through colliding with a Devon Motor Transport omnibus near Milton Abbot on Saturday evening, the Coroner and Jury exonerated the driver of the 'bus (Mr Percy Tothill) from blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 May 1925
TAVISTOCK - Motor Cyclist's Death. Police Warning At Tavistock Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquiry held by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, District Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr F. G. Grigsby was Foreman, at Tavistock Guildhall on Saturday on PHILLIP MAXWELL CARNE, 18 of Forest-avenue, Peverell, Plymouth, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Saturday morning as the result of a motor accident on what is known as the Brentor "straight" near Heathfield, Tavistock, on Friday night. - ARTHUR WILLIAM CARNE, father of the deceased, said his son was an assistant analytical chemist and was employed at Devonport Gas Works. He had been riding a motor cycle for about four years, but the cycle he rode at the time of the accident belonged to a friend. He thought the accident occurred through the front wheel shedding its outer cover, thereby bursting the inner tube, which caused the machine to wobble and the rider to lose control. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said it might have struck an obstruction in the road, or it might possibly have been badly fitted, which he did not think. - Could it have been caused by going at a very high speed? - No. - Bertie William Ricks, student of 23 Ivydale-road, Plymouth, said on Friday he left Plymouth on his motor cycled with the deceased, who rode on the pillion. They were accompanied by Mr Russell Ham and Mr Russell Harding, both of whom were riding a motor cycle. The trip was partly for pleasure and partly for testing witness's machine, which had just been overhauled by the deceased and himself. Witness and deceased rode the cycle as far as Brentor Cross, where witness dismounted and deceased rode it by himself. They rode from Plymouth at an ordinary touring pace of from 20 to 30 miles an hour. One cycle was about 120 yards behind the other, deceased being in front. - The father said his son told him when he left home that he was not going to test the machine on speed. - Russell Henry Ham, Glendower-road, Plymouth, said he was riding about 140 yards behind the deceased's bicycle. He was not in top gear at the time and was riding at about 25 miles an hour. He only went about a quarter of a mile on the "straight" and then turned round. Then he looked behind to see where the deceased was and, missing him, turned round to see what had become of him and found him lying by the side of the hedge, the machine about five yards ahead. He was unconscious. - The Coroner: Was it a speed test? - Yes. - Supt. Joslin: Why did you give up - for safety? - Yes. - Dr E. F. Griffith, of Tavistock, said he found deceased suffering from concussion, which was due to injuries to the head. The base of the skull was fractured, there was a large wound in the forehead and the nose was broken. He never recovered consciousness. He must have fallen over the handlebars and the force of the impact fractured his skull. - The father expressed appreciation of what had been done for his son by the doctors and the nursing staff at the Hospital. - Supt. Joslin said he would like to warn young men and to say that speed trials were prohibited. If any report of such a thing came to his knowledge he would bring the case before the magistrates.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 May 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on HONOR ADAMS (65) of 8 Cannon-street, Devonport, who was found dead lying in a stooping position in a bedroom by a daughter and a neighbour on Tuesday morning. Medical evidence showed that deceased's heart was dilated and that there was congestion of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 May 1925
CHERITON FITZPAINE - Killed In A Quarry. Alleged Wrong Working At Cheriton Fitzpaine. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr H. W. Gould at Cheriton Fitzpaine on Wednesday on JAMES ALFORD, who was killed on Monday through a stone falling on him while quarrying. - William Henry Chamberlain, of Stockleigh Pomeroy, road foreman, said deceased was shifting a big stone, when witness noticed a crack forming in the stone above. He shouted, but the stone fell upon deceased who died within a minute. Witness had no instructions as to how the quarry should be worked. - Frank Horbury, surveyor, Crediton Rural Council, said he gave ALFORD directions as to how the quarry should be worked down from the top on the right-hand side. He did not give any notice to the quarry authorities to say he was embarking on operations at that quarry. He was aware he should have done so. - Cause Of The Accident. - Witness was of opinion that the cause of the stone falling was their under-cutting of the face. It was unusual to work quarries in that manner, and he would have stopped deceased had he known he was doing so. Deceased was not working the quarry properly and was disobeying witness's explicit instructions in working on the face. Deceased was conversant with quarry regulations.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 May 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall Into Tank. Coroner And Child's Death At Crownhill. - At Devonport at the Military Families Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" on ANTHONY OLIVER KING, aged three, who was drowned in a sewage tank at Crownhill Hutments on Tuesday afternoon. - C.S.M. OLIVER MARK KING, 2nd South Stafford Regt., of the child, said that on getting home at about 3.15 p.m. on Tuesday he was told by MRS KING that TONY was playing outside with TESSIE, his younger sister. Witness went down to look for the children, and saw a woman rushing towards the sewage pool. She grabbed TESSIE, who had one foot in the pool, and later TONY was found floating face downwards. Sergt.-Drummer Ballinger and others applied artificial respiration without effect. The pool was fenced with wire, but the gate was more often open than closed. - Capt. Kenneth Campbell, R.A.M.C., said he applied artificial respiration for two hours, but the child was dead. Death was due to drowning. - Lieut. T. C. W. Bowen, R.E., in command of the Works Department, Crownhill, said the order had gone out for an iron fence 5ft. high to be erected around the whole of the tank system. The accident was due to the negligence of some person or persons, as a result of which the gate was left open. - The Coroner offered C.S.M. and MRS KING his sympathy, remarking that he was quite satisfied, that there had been insufficient protection. There was, however, no evidence of specific negligence which would justify a more serious verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 May 1925
PLYMOUTH - Merchant Seaman's Suicide At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday morning, upon a 48 year old merchant seaman, PHILIP WILLIAMS, who was found hanging on Sunday evening in the Sailors' Home, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth. - EVERAL WILLIAMS, the widow now living at Gibbon-street, Plymouth, identified her husband, from whom, she said, she had been separated for some time. She last saw him alive on Friday last, when he seemed quite well. - Mr Joseph Marret, a missionary residing at the Sailors' Home, 6 Vauxhall-street, said a steward told him that there was a man hanging in the lavatory, behind the door. Witness accompanied the steward there and found WILLIAMS hanging by a towel from the hook behind the door. He was quite dead. They cut him down and at once sent for the Police and the doctor. - Dr V. H. L. MacSwiney said death was due to asphyxiation through hanging.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 May 1925
TOTNES - Motor Fatality At Totnes. Inquest Verdict Of "Misadventure." - The circumstances under which MR HERBERT ARTHUR PEARCE, aged 37 years, of Glenlea-road, Eltham, London, met his death at Totnes, on Sunday occupied the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, and a Jury for over three hours at Totnes Guildhall yesterday. Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden appeared for the owner and driver of the car. - WINIFRED ELSIE PEARCE stated her husband was employed at Woolwich Arsenal. They were walking down Fore-street, deceased walking in the gutter. "I saw the car come to him and I shouted. It happened at the same minute and I was not in time." The car knocked him down and went over him. - Harold James Perring, motor driver, said the car was travelling at approximately ten miles an hour. When it came to the corner the car did not appear to slacken speed, and the consequence of taking too wide a sweep was to get on the wrong side of the road. He saw the deceased under the car when it was moving. - Miss Fanny A. Heard said the car coming around the corner took a little wider sweep, as she had seen others do when there was anything on the opposite side. Deceased was about a couple of feet from the kerb and was struck in the back by the car and fell in front of the car. - William Back said he saw the deceased walking in the gutter. It appeared he was doing so to make room for the people coming from the Wesleyan Church. - Charles Hamilton Phelps, Kenilworth, Antrim-terrace, Totnes, said the street was full, but not crowded, and there were people on both sides of the street. He could not say if the horn was sounded. - Mr James Charles Cornish, Plymouth, the owner of the car, said the car was proceeding at about 10 miles an hour by the Station, and he told the driver to slacken speed as a lot of people were about. The horn, a pretty loud one, was repeatedly sounded. The deceased half turned round, and the car struck him. He was walking out from the kerb in the roadway on the right-hand side of the street. - Ernest Ronald Underhill, the driver of the car, stated that he travelled along Station-road at about 10 miles an hour, but at the corner he should not think the car was going more than 5 miles an hour. He supposed that he was over-cautious in going wide to avoid the people on the left. He tried to avoid deceased by going on the pavement. When he first saw him he was too close to pull up, the left lamp and mudguard struck the deceased and the car went over him. He had on his footbrake all the way round the corner. He could not see how the deceased was dragged by the car. - The Coroner: As a matter of fact you found yourself in a tight corner and rather lost your head? - I can't say, sir. - P.C. Northey stated that the wheel struck the kerb and continued on the pavement for 33 feet, going over the kerb 3ft. 4in. at the widest part. - The Coroner, summing up, said the driver was a young man with very little experience, and he was suddenly placed in a very tight corner. It seemed to him that the young man did all he possibly could. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to Misadventure, and made a recommendation that the authorities be asked to place a sign in the street to indicate this was an exceedingly dangerous corner.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 May 1925
SALTASH, CORNWALL - Sudden Death At Saltash. - Before Mr A. de C. Glubb, at the Saltash Guildhall yesterday an Inquest was held on EDWARD RUDDY, of 40 Hut, Ernesettle Camp, St Budeaux, a naval pensioner, aged 51, who was found dead on Thursday at the tip where he was working. - Dr Robinson said the cause of death was syncope caused by aortic valvular disease and a verdict was returned accordingly. - Deceased leaves a young widow and five children. - The Mayor, Alderman John Lander, expressed his sympathy with the widow on behalf of the Council by whom the deceased was employed; and the Coroner and Police joined in the expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 June 1925
LONDON - MR J. H. CLARK. Funeral Of Well-Known Honiton Resident. - The funeral took place yesterday in St Michael's Churchyard, Honiton, of MR J. H. CLARK, of Summerland-place, Honiton. MR CLARK died after a few hours' illness in the early hours of Tuesday morning while in London, where he had spent the weekend with his son, MR C. CLARK. At the Inquest in London on Wednesday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - MR CLARK, who was 62 years of age, was a member of a well-known Honiton family. He was well known in the district and was much respected. On Saturday last, when he went to London, he was in his usual health and the news of his sudden death came as a great shock to his numerous friends. - The funeral service was conducted by Rev. R. N. Hunt, the Congregational minister, who in a brief address paid eloquent tribute to the memory of MR CLARK. The outstanding feature of his character was his unselfishness. He had never known him speak an unkind word of anyone. - The mourners were MR C. CLARK (son); Messrs. H. Clark, Plymouth; Hedley Clark, Seaton, and S. Clark, London (brothers); Mr J. Clark (nephew); Mr W. Pearce (brother-in-law); Mr J. Hussey and Mr W. Brockway.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 June 1925
PLYMOUTH -Blind Woman's Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - A blind woman's fatal mistake was described at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday on SUSAN BOWERMAN TAPPER, of Princess House, Princess-street, Plymouth. - Richard Alfred Ching, a Corporation labourer, of Desborough-road, Plymouth, said that MRS TAPPER was 76 years of age and had been completely blind for a number of years. - She went to a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, and when she returned at five o'clock he heard her calling that she could not find the door of her bedroom. It was probable that she mistook the stairs for the door and she fell from the top to the bottom, receiving serious injuries. Dr D. MacNair was sent for and gave medical treatment, but MISS TAPPER died 48 hours later. - Dr D. MacNair said the deceased woman's arm was fractured, her head bruised and she was suffering from cerebral concussion. Death was due to shock following these injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 June 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" on THOMAS TURNER, a master mariner, retired, who was found at his residence, Norman-avenue, Stoke, dead from the effects of inhaling coal gas. - ALFRED TURNER, deceased's son, said his father had been in ill-health for about twelve months. On visiting deceased he found the door bolted and was obliged to force it open, and saw his father lying on the bed dead. The windows of the room were blocked up.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 June 1925
RATTERY - Rattery Farm Tragedy. Opening Of The Inquest. CONYBEARE'S Mental Condition. - Mr T. Edmonds opened the Inquest yesterday on MRS SUSAN CONYBEARE, aged 59, who was found on Tuesday in the kitchen of her home, Bozdown Farm, Rattery, near Totnes, with her throat cut. After hearing evidence of the finding of the body, and also evidence of witnesses associated with the family and the Police, the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until July 2. The Inquest was held at the house where the tragedy occurred. - The Coroner said deceased was well known to the Jurymen and she had met her death from having her throat cut. Mr J. Wakeham was appointed Foreman of the Jury. - Lived On Excellent Terms. - James Brock Axford, of Staddecombe, Holne, farmer, said he was at Bozdown Farm on Friday of last week, and also on Friday and Saturday of the previous week, when he stayed with the CONYBEARES. MR CONYBEARE then complained of pains in the head, and was not well. He had had a seizure in April, and had not been well since. He was worried, and said to witness, in regard to the purchase of Bozdown, "I had not ought to have done it, Jim," and by the way he spoke witness gathered that the matter was a big worry to him. He passed no remark in regard to finance, and there was no reason for him to worry at all in that direction. He had been attended by Dr Chapman. Both MR CONYBEARE and his wife had lived on excellent terms all their married life. - Witness added that CONYBEARE had sold the farm in sections and had realized more than he gave for it. Witness knew of nothing to throw light on the tragedy, except that deceased had fever in Canada some years ago, and it affected his head. The doctor ordered him back to his own country, but it was a long time ago, before he was married. - The Foreman: Had deceased any income of her own? - Witness: Yes. - Witness could not say if deceased had invested her money in the farm. Her money was invested in War Loans, but they never kept two purses. - Appeared "Just As Usual. - Mrs Sarah Jonas, of Newhouse, Rattery, said she took some fish to MRS CONYBEARE at 8.45 a.m. on the day of the tragedy. She was accustomed to doing that every Tuesday, receiving it from the dealer at the e bottom of the lane. She saw deceased and her husband, and they seemed "Just as usual." They were laughing and talking about children. She stopped about ten minutes and asked MR CONYBEARE how he was and he replied, "About the same." They lived happily enough together. That morning CONYBEARE certainly rubbed his head, but that was his usual habit and not because of pain. Laughing about the fish he said, "It is much cheaper here than what we used to get." There was nothing whatever to show that the couple had had a disagreement. - Dr Walter Chapman stated that he had attended CONYBEARE, but not deceased. He attended CONYBEARE about eight weeks ago, when he had a considerable cerebral compression and a clot on the brain. Subsequent to that he had been very depressed. Witness last saw him a week ago, and he was going to see him again on the day of the tragedy. On the whole, however, he thought he was much better, although he did have severe fits of depression. - Sudden Attack Of Insanity. - MR and MRS CONYBEARE had always been so happy and comfortable together that witness could think of nothing to cause the tragedy other than he had a sudden attack of insanity. CONYBEARE never gave witness the impression of any suicidal tendencies and witness thought he was no danger either to his wife or to anybody. He saw no immediate danger in CONYBEARE'S health, although he was prepared in the future to have to certify him for insanity. As he went through the house on Tuesday he noticed that the linen drawer was open, as though deceased had been mangling. He found MRS CONYBEARE lying on her left side in the scullery, with her head close to the door and in a big pool of blood. She was quite dead. - There was an incised wound between four and five inches long stretching from well below and slightly behind the left ear across the neck, with a slight curve downwards to a spot to the right of the middle line. The wound reached right round to the spinal column. The left carotid artery was divided, with all the other structures in the neighbourhood. Death was due to haemorrhage, which must have been very rapid and deceased died almost immediately. There was also a wound on the left palm in front of the wrist, and on the little finger side. There was no possibility of the wound being self-inflicted. The room was in perfect order. On the table was clean linen and there was a piece of linen in the mangle. - Supt. C. Hulland asked witness if a person who received those injuries could turn over once he or she had fallen? The doctor replied in the negative. Probably the fall would not be immediate, and the deceased might have been held up for a time. - Supt. Hulland: Or turned over after she had fallen? - Dr Chapman: That might be, but the position of the body pointes as though it fell whilst there was life. There was a piece of sacking under her head. - By the Jury: There was no sign of a struggle and no footmarks anywhere. - The Foreman: You had seen no reason to warn the relatives about the health of the husband? - No, because I did not think there was any danger to anybody. I told deceased to look after CONYBEARE, but he was not particularly bad even then, and I should never have thought he was at all homicidal. - "It Is All Over." - Mrs Bessie May Lane, Cheltenham, who explained that she was staying with her mother, Mrs Caseley, in Culver-lane, said that about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, CONYBEARE came down the road shouting and raving. At her mother's house they thought somebody was drunk and witness's sister shut the door. CONYBEARE knocked at it, however, and when witness opened it he said, "I have done it." Witness took no notice, thinking his manner was due to the effect of the sun, and took hold of his arm to take him under a tree. He was very excited and he pulled his arm away, saying, "It isn't the sun, and it is all over. I have done it. I thought it would be so." Seeing some spots of blood on CONYBEARE'S face, witness then became suspicious, especially when CONYBEARE went across the road and laid down on two logs, saying to witness, "Go and see." - Witness ran as fast as she could to Bozdown and called for MRS CONYBEARE, but received no answer. She went inside and saw deceased lying in the doorway of the scullery. There was a great big pool of blood and the woman was evidently dead. Witness did not see any weapon, but she did not stop to investigate any further and went out into the road. She saw a young man on a motor cycle and as he said he was going to Totnes, she asked him to inform the Police. - Razor Found In Scullery. - Sergt. Jewell said he went to Bozdown with Superintendent Husband and Constable Newton, and saw MRS CONYBEARE lying in the scullery. Constable Newton and witness began to search for CONYBEARE, but without result. When witness returned to the scullery he found the razor. CONYBEARE was found within half a mile of the house at about 2.45 p.m.,, and was taken to Totnes. On the razor there was the stamped "Army and Navy," and when CONYBEARE was searched at Totnes the razor case found in his pocket was also stamped "Army and Navy." There was a spot of blood on the left side of his face and a large patch on the left sleeve of his jacket, whilst there was a small mark of blood on his Panama hat as though caused by a finger. - When CONYBEARE'S coat was removed he became very violet and had to be forcibly restrained. He complained of pains in his head, but calmed down later, when witness charged him with killing and murdering his wife that day. Witness cautioned him and asked him if he understood the seriousness of the charge, and he replied, "I ought not to have done it. I don't know what made me do it." - "Best Woman In The World." - CONYBEARE was brought before a magistrate and remanded to Exeter Prison until next Tuesday. Going up in the train he said to witness, "You know my wife?" Witness replied "Yes," and CONYBEARE then said, "The best woman in the world. A better woman never broke bread. I don't know how I came to do it. I don't know what could have come over me." - P.C. Newton stated that at about 2.15 he was with P.S. Burrows and several volunteer searchers in Wynard's Wood and there they found CONYBEARE, about a quarter of a mile in the wood. He was lying face downwards beside a tree. With the assistance of Mr Axford witness brought him to the superintendent. He appeared dazed and exhausted, and fell down two or three times on the way. - Sale Of The Farm. - The Superintendent asked the Coroner if he wished to have any evidence regarding CONYBEARE'S financial position, and the Coroner replied that he did not think the Inquiry had anything to do with that. He had acted for the family and was quite certain that if MR CONYBEARE was worrying about having bought the farm it was quite unnecessary. Mr Beare had been very kind in helping in the sale of his property and that sale had been to CONYBEARE'S advantage. - The Coroner said the duty of the Jury was to find out how deceased died and who was responsible for her death, but as it was only the previous day the fatality happened, it seemed rather soon, having regard to the seriousness of the case, to close the Inquest right away. He had also to bear in mind the proceedings before the magistrates.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 June 1925
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" at an Inquest yesterday on FLORENCE MARY HAYWARD, aged 48, stated to be a widow with no fixed abode, who was found in the water near Messrs. Burnard and Alger's Wharf at Cattedown.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 June 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Found On Railway At Devonport. Inquest On Newly-Born Baby. - Opening the Inquest on a newly-born male child found by a Policeman on the railway embankment at Camel's Head on June 12, and who died in the Royal Albert Hospital on Thursday morning, the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said he proposed to take formal evidence only, and to adjourn the Inquest. - P.C. Walk stated that on June 12, at about 5.40 a.m., he went to the Southern Railway embankment at the top of the back lane of Ferndale-avenue, where the railway was bounded by iron railings. One of the uprights had been removed and two others bent back, making a passage which gave access to the line. At the bottom of the embankment he saw a newly-born living male child, wrapped in brown paper. The child was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - MRS MABEL ANNIE PALMER, Ferndale-avenue, Camel's Head, wife of a labourer in the Dockyard, alleged that her daughter, PAULINE MAY PALMER, age 19, had acknowledged that the child found on the embankment was hers. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until the 30th inst.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 June 1925
YEALMPTON - Sad Fatality At Yealmpton. MR H. SHILLABEER Accidentally Shot. - A shocking fatality occurred at Yealmpton on Monday night, when MR HAROLD LEO SHILLABEER, butcher, of Cornwall-street, Plymouth, while out rabbiting, was accidentally shot by a discharge from his own gun, apparently as he was climbing over a hedge.- At the Inquest yesterday afternoon it was stated that the gun was found on the top of the hedge with a twig between the trigger and the trigger guard, and it looked as if the gun had been pulled by the muzzle, causing it to discharge. - A verdict of "Death from Wounds Accidentally Received" was recorded by the Coroner, who said there was no doubt whatever on the point. - A Broken Guard. - At the Inquest, which was conducted by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, at the residence of Mr Coleman, Underhay Farm, Yealmpton, Mr Mayburne Pearce, solicitor, Plymouth, represented an insurance company and Supt. Joslin appeared for the Police. - Evidence of identification was given by MR G. A. ROWSE, of Plymouth, brother-in-law of MR SHILLABEER, whose age, he said, was 51. Deceased was accustomed to shooting and owned the gun produced. - The Coroner demonstrated that when the triggers were supposed to be at safety they went off when fired as they did when not at safety. The guard was broken at one end. - Witness added that deceased was one of the happiest men he ever knew. - Early Morning Search. - Samuel Edward Rudd Coleman said, in company with deceased, he went out about six o'clock stalking rabbits. About half an hour later witness left him, not feeling very well and deceased went on alone. Between 8 and 9 o'clock he began to wonder what had become of MR SHILLABEER and he telephoned to Mr Luscombe, a farmer, who said he had not seen him, nor had he heard any gunfire. Witness then 'phoned to MRS SHILLABEER at Plymouth and ascertained that he was not at home. He then searched a field on the farm, but found nothing. That morning at 4.30 MR SHILLABEER, junior and Mr E. Brock called, and they made another search. He noticed the stock of a gun on top of the hedge and there were marks of someone having climbed the hedge. From the hedge witness saw the body in the ditch on the other side, and from its appearance he was satisfied that life was extinct. - P.S. Hutchings said when he went to the field he found the top part of deceased's head had been blown away. The gun was lying on top of the hedge on its side with a twig between the trigger and the trigger guard. It looked as if the gun had been pulled by the muzzle and the twig forced through the broken guard. The gun was at safety and there was a discharged cartridge in the right barrel, the other barrel being loaded. The top of the hedge was about the height of MR SHILLABEER. - The Coroner said he did not think any reasonably-minded man could come to any other conclusion but that the death of MR SHILLABEER was purely accidental. Evidently what happened was that the twig either broke the trigger guard or got inserted in it, and the deceased having laid the gun on the top of the hedge and climbed over, pulled the weapon towards him, and caused it to explode. - One could not help uttering another warning that accidents of this kind could not possibly occur if the cartridges were extracted from a gun when people carrying them got over hedges or gates. A gun was never safe as long as there were cartridges in it. - A Well Known Figure. - MR SHILLABEER was an ex-president of the Plymouth and District Master Butches' Association and for a number of years he filled the office of hon. treasurer, but resigned a few months ago, when a presentation was made to him by the members as a token of their appreciation and esteem. He enjoyed a great popularity, especially amongst those engaged in the trade with which he was associated, and was many times invited to stand as a municipal candidate for the Drake Ward, but he declined on the ground that he had insufficient time to devote to the duties. All forms of sport made a strong appeal to him and in addition to being fond of shooting he indulged in golf, bowling and swimming.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1925
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA - REV. J. H. WILLS, Plymothian's Death In Tasmania. - News has been received of the death in Hobart, Tasmania, under tragic circumstances, of the REV. JOSEPH HARRIS WILLS, eldest brother of MR T. G. GREEK WILLS, of Plymouth. - MR WILLS, who was 84 years of age, was returning from a visit to a friend on May 4 when he was knocked down by a motor car, receiving injuries which caused his death within a few minutes. At an Inquest which was held a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - A son of the late MR JOSEPH WILLS, who was for many years an alderman of the Plymouth Town Council, and served the office of Mayor in 1877-78, MR J. H. WILLS was ordained deacon in 1865 and was curate of St Catherine's, Plymouth (then St Andrew's Chapel) and at Sheepstor. He travelled extensively in Europe in his early days. In later years he often referred to these wanderings and had written a book entitled "Ramblings of a Vagabond Missionary." One of the incidents of his life of which he often spoke was that he and one of his brothers sat as models for Sir John Millais' famous picture, "The Princes in the Tower." - Going to New Zealand, he was ordained priest at Christchurch in that colony in 1873. Three years later he went to Tasmania and until 1878 held the incumbency of Green Ponds, and occupied a similar position at Forth and Levan for the next three years. During the first two years of the Great War he was acting a locum tenens at King Island, Tasmania, and subsequently was appointed vicar of the Furneaux Islands, where he remained until 1916. He was vicar of Strahan, in Tasmania, in 1917, following which he acted as locum tenens at Zeehan. For two years commencing in 1919 he was rector of Geeveston, and from 1920 until 1923, when he became vicar of Tasman Plains, he was the rector of Kingston. - In Tasmania he was held in the highest esteem and regard, exemplification of which was forthcoming at the funeral, which took place at Hobart Cathedral, the service being conducted by the Archdeacon of Hobart.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Coroner And A Misapprehension. - "If I had known as much yesterday as I do today I should not have called this Inquest at all," said Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, at the Inquest held yesterday at Greenbank House, on FREDA JOHNS, a baby of four months, whose parents reside at 15 West-hill, Plymouth. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" after Dr A. R. Phelps had attested death to have been caused by failure of the digestive organs. - Mr Johns remarked that some members of the family had been labouring under a misapprehension as to the medical treatment the child received in the Workhouse Infirmary. The Guardians had made a very exhaustive examination of the case, and they were satisfied that nobody had incurred blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Plymothian's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at an Inquest on WILLIAM VALENTINE JONES, aged 66 years, manager of the Golden Lion Hotel, Old Town-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Wednesday. - Dr R. H. Wagner said a post-mortem examination revealed death was due to an internal disorder caused by cancer.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Illness And Suicide. Plymouth Man Found With Gas Tube In Mouth. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on FRANCIS HENRY WARNE, (50) of Diamond-avenue, Plymouth, who was found dead on Saturday with a gas tube in his mouth. - MAUD MARY WARNE, deceased's wife, said her husband had been a skilled labourer in the Dockyard. On Saturday he left home as normal to go to work, but returned a quarter of an hour later, saying he was unwell. He had been home for several weeks suffering from gastric trouble. Witness went out and later she found deceased in the bedroom with a gas tube attached to a gas ring in his mouth. She turned off the gas and went for a doctor. Deceased had been very depressed, but she had not heard him threaten to take his life. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to coal-gas poisoning and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 July 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall Into Dock. Inquest On Devonport Labourer. - At the Inquest yesterday on ROBERT WESTGATE, aged 58, of Hood-place, Morice Town, labourer, who was killed by a fall from a prow board into a dock, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - MISS EDITH WESTGATE, deceased's daughter, said her father had never complained of giddiness nor of the heat during the past few days. - Simeon H. Hobbs, a labourer, said he saw deceased fall from a prow board into the dock below. Witness thought in this case he would have secured the ladder at the top for his own personal safety. - John W. S. Baxter, Cambridge-street, Plymouth, affirmed that the ladder was not secured, but could not definitely say where the heel of it rested. As far as he could see the ladder was in a firm position and had not slipped. - The foreman of deceased's gang, John Paige, 12 Mulgrave-street, stated that it was part of his duty to see that a ladder was placed in a safe position and this had been done, although he did not see the ladder placed against this particular end because he was going round to the other men. - Surgeon-Lieut.-Com. E. S. Mellor, describing deceased's terrible injuries, said that when deceased was brought to the surgery he was dead. He found a fracture of the base of the skull, severe scalp wounds, fracture of the pelvis, fractures of several ribs and right side, the lungs were damaged and there was a compound fracture of the left leg and various bruises and abrasions. A post-mortem examination showed that for a man of his age deceased was very healthy indeed. The primary cause of death was due to the fracture of the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Beaumont Park Tragedy. - As the result of an Inquest on JOSEPH GREGORY CROSSING, 59, of Brunswick-road, Plymouth, who was found dead on Tuesday in Beaumont Park with a razor wound in his throat, the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - MRS ALICE HOARE, St Leonard's-road, Plymouth, identified CROSSING as her brother-in-law, whom she last saw alive on Monday. He then appeared to be in his normal health. As far as witness knew there was no reason why he should take his life. - A park-cleaner, Alfred Chubb, described how at 7.30 a.m. on Tuesday he found it impossible to open the door of a lavatory. With the aid of a pair of steps he gained a view of the interior, where he saw a man's body lying. - Witness accompanied the Constable he summoned from the station to the spot, and saw that the man CROSSING had a superficial wound in his throat. They found a razor in his pocket. - Medical evidence was given to show that deceased had died from shock, arising from the wound, which in itself was not a sufficient cause of death.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Over Mutley Bridge. Plymouth Man's Illness Ends In Tragedy. - At ten o'clock on Wednesday night a man was seen to hoist himself on to the parapet of the Great Western Railway bridge at the top of Ermington-terrace, Plymouth, which spans the railway leading into Mutley Station. - He lay there for a few seconds and then rolled over to be dashed with tremendous force against the "up-line" rails, sustaining injuries which proved fatal. - The man was found to be ALFRED HICKS, a 62-year-old painter, of Glen Park-avenue, Plymouth. - P.C. Stroud was summoned to the spot, found the man unconscious, and, with the help of another Constable and members of St John Ambulance Brigade, removed him to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Medical examination revealed a fractured skull and broken neck. - At the Inquest held by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital later a verdict of "Suicide while Temporary Insane" was returned. - WILLIAM STANLEY TICKLE, son-in-law of the deceased, said HICKS had been in ill-health for nearly three years. He first suffered from bronchial pneumonia, which was followed by neurasthenia. He was quite normal up to tea time on Wednesday. On a previous occasion he attempted his life by cutting his throat with a razor. He was then placed under observation at the Greenbank Infirmary and was discharged cured. - The Coroner thought the man should not have been allowed to go about unattended, but the daughter (MRS TICKLE), said the family had no cause for anxiety. He seemed quite normal. - Walter Durant, watchmaker, Union-street, Stonehouse, deposed to seeing the man pull himself on to the parapet of the bridge and then fall headlong forward. He was too far distant to prevent him. He gave the alarm which brought P.C. Clifford Stroud to the scene. - P.C. Stroud gave evidence as to the conveyance of the body to the Hospital, where it was examined by Dr T. E. Davies, House Surgeon, who pronounced life extinct.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 July 1925
LLANDUDNO, WALES - "My Brain Is Awful." Newton Woman's Suicide At Llandudno. - News has been received at Newton Abbot of the death of MRS EDITH MARY HOLE, of Newton Hall, Coach-road, while on holiday at Llandudno. She is the wife of a former bank manager at Newton Abbot, who is at present in London. - At the Inquest it was stated that she was seen by men working in the quarry at Little Ormes Head, Llandudno, to stand on top of the quarry and throw herself over. They went to her assistance and found that she was unconscious and evidently seriously injured. On her removal to Hospital it was found that MRS HOLE had sustained a fracture of the base of the skull, besides severe shock and bruises. She gradually sank and died without regaining consciousness. - In the pockets of deceased two pieces of paper were found. On one was her name and an address in London and her address at Newton Abbot. On the other was the words: "I am not mad, but my brain is awful." A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily of Unsound Mind" was returned. Deceased, who was 55, leaves a daughter.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 July 1925
PLYMPTON - Suicide At Plympton. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict of the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest at Plympton on JOHN OSBORNE, aged 51, of Regent-street, Plymouth, manager of Eastmans Ltd., branch shop at Plympton. - He was found by Richard Garish of 85 Union-street, Plymouth, with his head in the oven in the kitchen at the back of the shop premises at Ridgeway, Plympton.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 July 1925
PLYMOUTH - Dog And Motor Car Cause Death. Inquest Revelations At Plymouth. - The story of how a dog and a motor car were responsible for a South Brent man's death was related yesterday to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, who conducted an Inquiry at Plymouth into the circumstances attending the death of MR JERVIS VEALE (54), a well-known South Brent builder, who died as the result of being struck by a car driven by Mr F. G. Westcott, Exeter-street, Plymouth. The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the brother of deceased, RICHARD WILLIAM VEALE, carpenter and joiner, South Brent. - A Companion's Story. - William John Hawkins, 8 Station-road, Totnes, said he was in company with deceased when a motor cycle combination passed and a dog rushed out and attacked the motor cyclist. Deceased took off his hat to chastise the dog after the combination had passed, and the dog then ran across the road, followed by MR VEALE. A motor van going in the direction of Plymouth appeared, and MR VEALE did not appear to notice it. Witness shouted to him, but he seemed intent on the dog. The car was only a few yards away when witness saw it, and the next thing was that deceased was struck by the front of the car. VEALE was caught between the radiator and the wing of the car, which did not stop immediately, so that deceased was carried along for about 15 yards. The wind screen of the car was smashed and witness noticed the driver swerve to try and avoid running over MR VEALE, but both off wheels passed over his body. Deceased fell off the car before it was stopped. Witness agreed that the car was travelling on its correct side and at a moderate pace. - A Dangerous Spot. - Frederick George Westcott, general dealer, of 59 Exeter-street, Plymouth, corroborated, and said deceased came into contact with the windscreen, and it was quite impossible for witness to avoid him, although he was only going at the moderate speed of nine to ten miles per hour. He was previously travelling on his correct side. Witness agreed with the Coroner that the road was dangerous at the spot where the accident happened, and that something ought to be done there. - RICHARD WM. VEALE added that his brother constantly told him that the accident was his own fault. "I should like to make a complaint," added witness. "We were there nearly three hours before an ambulance came. I think there ought to be something on the road to act promptly in these cases." - The Coroner agreed that that was a long time to wait in such a case.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 July 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE -Motorist's Death. Inquiry Into Accident At Plymouth. - "The motor cyclist was not to blame" was the opinion expressed by the only witness of the accident at an Inquest before the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on Qrmtr.-Sergt. GEORGE J. CURTHOYS, aged 37, of the Royal Marines, who was thrown from a motor cycle in North-road, Plymouth, on Sunday last. - Mr B. Chamberlain, 16 Gibbon-street, Plymouth, said that at 9.20 on Sunday night last he was at the foot of the bridge at Arundel-crescent, North-road, when he noticed two ladies and a little girl on the right-hand side. They appeared to be about to cross the road. He also noticed a motor cyclist with a young lady riding pillion. - When the pedestrians were crossing the road the motor cycle was about five yards away, travelling at a reasonable pace. The ladies were nearly in the centre of the road when the motor cyclist endeavoured to avoid them and they tried to get out of his way, but he ran into them, having turned to the right kerb. He was thrown from the machine with considerable force, and his head struck the railings on the bridge. - Surg.-Com. G. F. Syms said that deceased suffered from a fractured skull and laceration of the brain, and without recovering consciousness died on Wednesday morning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 July 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide In Lane. Coincidence Story At Devonport Inquest. - What was described by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, as an amazing coincidence was revealed at an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS FILLINGHAM, aged 64, of Marroway-street, Winson Green, Birmingham, who cut his throat in a lane at the rear of St John's-street, Devonport, on Saturday, in full view of pedestrians. - Mr W. Carr, of Birmingham, a Civil Service clerk, temporarily employed in Plymouth, said he was standing in Union-street on Friday night talking to his landlady when deceased came up and asked where he could obtain lodgings. Witness had seen him hundreds of times in Birmingham, but had never spoken to him. He told him on Friday who he was and they spent the evening together. FILLINGHAM told him he had come down to work in Devonport. Witness added emphatically that when he left him on Friday he was not insane. - JAMES FILLINGHAM, of Lichfield, identified the body as that of his father, and said he had been missing from home since 7.15 a.m. last Friday when he left to go to work as usual. About 12 months ago deceased met with a bad accident to his head. He had been acting very strangely during the last few weeks, but there had been no domestic or financial troubles. Some years ago he had been stationed at the Raglan Barracks. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 July 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on PHILIP HENRY MARTIN, aged 80, of Victory-street, Devonport, who was found with a wound in his throat and a gas tube in his mouth on July 17, and who subsequently died in Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 August 1925
IVYBRIDGE - Sudden Death At Ivybridge. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, yesterday returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Torre Hill Farm, Ivybridge, on MRS MARY BESSIE SMERDON, who died suddenly on Thursday after hurrying to see a wedding at Ivybridge. - Dr Trumper said a post-mortem examination showed that deceased had valvular disease of the heart, bronchitis and oedema of the lungs. This, coupled with the fact that she had been hurrying and had eaten a fairly heavy dinner, was, in his opinion, sufficient to accelerate death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 August 1925
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall. Aged Torquay Lady's Tragic End. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on MRS MARY ROWDEN, 86, wife of THOMAS ROWDEN, a retired bailiff, of Kenwyn-road, Torquay. - Her daughter, MISS ELIZABETH ROWDEN, left her for a few minutes to go into the cellar on Saturday. Hearing a noise, MISS ROWDEN turned and found her mother, who was partially blind, lying at the bottom of the steps. MRS ROWDEN walked with the aid of a stick and her daughter had always told her not to move about when by herself. - Dr Scott thought she struck her head on the stone floor at the bottom of the steps, and that death was due to injury to the base of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 August 1925
LEW TRENCHARD - Motor Cyclist Killed. MR ALE, of Lewdown, was returning to his home on a motor bicycle, and was trying to enter his house at Cross roads when a motor car which was following him ran into him. the motor cycle was smashed and MR GALE was killed on the spot. An Inquest was held at Lewdown yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, on a naval pensioner named JOHN GALE, who was knocked down by a motor car on Saturday and killed. The car was driven by a tourist named Barker, of Birmingham. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury exonerated the driver of the car from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 August 1925
TOTNES - Thrown Under Car. - An accident to MR JOSEPH FREDERICK HISCOX, a Sidmouth painter, which took place at Totnes on June 20, has had a fatal termination, and Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at Totnes yesterday, which was adjourned. - While cycling down Bridgetown Hill, MR HISCOX'S bicycle apparently skidded, and he was thrown under a motor car driven by Mr W. J. M. Modley, of Plymouth, the result being that he sustained a fractured skull and laceration of the brain. - For some weeks he lay unconscious in Totnes Cottage Hospital, but subsequently regained consciousness and appeared likely to recover. He had a relapse, however, and passed away on Sunday. Deceased was 22 years of age and leaves a widow and infant child.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 August 1925
COMBEINTEIGNHEAD - Dangers Of Devon Lanes. Coroner's Comment On Little Girl's Death. - That Devon is losing its quiet lanes and that they are becoming dangerous for children was the opinion expressed by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at an Inquest on Thursday evening on PEGGY JACKSON, aged about 7, who met her death by being knocked down by a charabanc at Combeinteignhead. MR T. JACKSON, the father, of East-street, Newton Abbot, said his daughter was spending a holiday at Bishopsteignton. - Florence Emma Boon of Bishopsteignton, said she went out with deceased and two other children to Coombe Cellars. A charabanc came along behind them when witness was on the left side of the road and deceased with a girl named Audrey Fenning was on the right side. Deceased started to run across the road, hesitated, stopped and tried to go back and the car knocked her down. - Sara Nankivelle, of Combeinteignhead, said the driver was driving carefully and blew his horn just before the accident. He slowed to pass her. - James F. Thomas, employed by the Comfy Cares, Paignton, as a driver, said the girl was struck as she attempted to go across the second time. He was going about eight to ten miles per hour. - Dr Holman, Shaldon, said he saw deceased after the accident. The lower jaw was smashed in at least two places and there was apparently a fracture of the skull, to which he ascribed death. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", exonerating the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 August 1925
PLYMOUTH - Died At Sea. Plymouth Inquest On French Captain. - The French barque Atlantique, which arrived at Plymouth from Australia on Thursday evening, landed the body of the captain, PIERRE LE CHEVANTON, aged 46, who had been taken ill and died during the voyage. - At the Inquest yesterday afternoon the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, commented strongly on the evidence, which showed that although the vessel was some four months at sea she carried no qualified doctor and no stimulants except wine. "Had it been an English ship, we should have had something to say about it," he commented. - Dr V. H. L. MacSwiney stated that death was due to acute pneumonia and cardiac failure, and a verdict in accordance was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 August 1825
TOTNES - Totnes Inquest. Sidmouth Cyclist's Crash Into Motor. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest yesterday at Totnes Guildhall on JOSEPH FREDERICK HISCOX, aged 22, painter of Sidmouth, who died on Sunday as the result of an accident at Totnes on June 20. - Mr Taylor (Dunn and Baker, Exeter) represented the widow and Mr Elliot Square, (Plymouth) watched the proceedings for Mr W. J. Modley. Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted the Inquiry. - Dr S.C. Jellicoe, of Totnes, said he saw HISCOX at the Cottage Hospital on June 20. He was unconscious with a compound fracture of the skull and portions of his brain were protruding. On the third day there was an operation for the removal of pieces of the frontal bone which were driven in. The base of the skull was then found to be also fractured. After about a fortnight HISCOX became conscious and was fairly comfortable until five days before his death, when meningitis set in. Death was due to meningitis, following fracture of the skull. The injury was such as might have been caused by contact with the greaser cap on the off-side front spring of a car belonging to Mr Modley. - Agnes A. MacWilliam, matron of the Cottage Hospital, said HISCOX was brought to the Hospital in an unconscious state, and died on Sunday. During the time HISCOX was there he could not remember the occurrence. - Rev. Henry James Barber, Wesleyan Minister, said on June 20, he was driving an Austin "seven" car up Bridgetown-hill, Totnes. His wife and two children were in the car. He heard the horn of Mr Modley's car signalling that he wanted to pass. He had just passed a bend in the road. Witness drew in for him to pass. Mr Modley's car had just passed him and was drawing in to its near side when HISCOX came around a bend in the hill, he thought 150 yards ahead. - He was travelling at a terrific speed for a cycle, about 20 miles an hour. Very evidently the machine was out of control, because the front wheel was wobbling. He came on at an increasing speed until within eight or ten yards of Mr Modley's car, when he saw him make a determined effort to steer his bicycle to the left. That had the effect of causing the bicycle to skid, and it went to the left, while HISCOX fell to the right under the car. Mr Modley tried to avoid him, and turned his car into the hedge, and witness had no alternative but to do likewise and his car was wedged between Mr Modley's car and the bank. - HISCOX, continued witness, was under Mr Modley's car. Witness could not say HISCOX had lost his head, but he had lost control of the cycle. He was quite certain the cars did not pass at a bend. Mr Modley turned into the hedge before the cyclist skidded. - In answer to Mr Taylor, witness added: He was going at about 10 miles an hour and Mr Modley about 15. He could not say if deceased had lost control when he first saw him. - Sounded Horn. - William John Waldron Modley, chairman of the Plymouth Watch Committee, said he was the owner of a 4-5 seater car, which would go up Bridgetown Hill on top gear. He had been a motorist for 13 years, and had driven 100,000 miles, 20,000 miles in this car. He had gone over this hill many hundreds of times. On June 20, Mr Barber's car was going up the hill very slowly in front of his, when he signalled to pass and received the "All clear" sign. - He was on a bend when he sounded his horn to pass, and he had a clear view of 110 yards. He was travelling 15 to 18 miles an hour. As he was passing the Austin car he saw the cyclist coming down the hill very rapidly between 50 and 100 yards away. He was on his wrong side and the cycle was wobbling. Witness immediately turned his car to the near side of the road, but by the time he reached the hedge HISCOX was under it. The bicycle slipped away into the hedge on the opposite side. Deceased slipped under the car on his back and witness thought his head must have struck the oiling cap, which was bent. He found HISCOX unconscious and bleeding profusely. - He considered the cause of the accident was that HISCOX applied his brake too suddenly, causing his bicycle to skid. He was coming down the hill much too fast, on the wrong side, and his bicycle was out of control. If witness had not been there he was of opinion that HISCOX would have hit the Austin or the wall before he got to the bottom of the hill. The tracks of the cars and the skid of the cycle were plainly visible in the road when measured by P.C. Northey. When the cars were at rest there was room for a large charabanc to pass. - Thomas S. Baldwin, motor engineer, Totnes, said at the request of the Police he examined a Sunbeam bicycle which had a three-speed gear fitted to a two-speed, and there was only one brake operating on the front wheel, which was efficient if the rider knew how to use it. He considered HISCOX, by jamming on the brake suddenly, locked the wheel, with the result that it skidded. There was no visible damage to it. - The Coroner visited the scene of the fatality, where the accident was reconstructed. - Plenty Of Room. - P.C. Northey stated that after the accident certain marks in the road were pointed out to him. The road was 15 ft. wide. Rev. Barber's car was 1 ft. 6 in. from his near side, and 21 ft from the accident. Mr Modley's car was 2 ft. 6 in. from his off side. Both cars were into the hedge, there being 9 ft. clear on the off side. There was a skid mark as of a cycle about 3 ft. in front of the cars and in the centre of the road. There was a danger sign on the top of the hill. He helped to take the injured man to the Hospital. - The Coroner observed that the sketch made by the witness was substantially correct. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" said it was only fair and right to say that there was no blame to be attached to either of the drivers of the motors, but that the cause of the occurrence was that the unfortunate man was coming down this steep hill with the bicycle not under proper control, and where he came into contact with Mr Modley's car was in the centre of the road, if not a little more on the cyclists' side. He expressed sympathy with the widow.- Mr Square joined in on behalf of Mr Modley, while Rev. Barber associated himself and his wife with what had been said.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 August 1925
TORQUAY - Gas Tragedy At Torquay. Open Verdict At The Inquest. - An Open Verdict was returned at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmunds, at Torquay yesterday on MRS LILIAN LOCKERBY, aged 40, who, as reported in yesterday's "Western Morning News" was found dead on Saturday in a bedroom of a furnished house at Chelston, Torquay. - MRS LOCKERBY was the wife of MR WILLIAM LOCKERBY, a Newcastle business man, who stated at the Inquest that he last saw his wife alive on July 30, when she was in good health. On that day he left Torquay for Newcastle, taking his ten-year-old son with him. He was to have remained away a month in order to relieve the men in his drapery business, who were going on holiday. Witness said he was devoted to his wife and children. His wife was very nervous of thunder and lightning, and there was a severe thunderstorm on the morning of August 5. - Dr A. Wightwick attributed death to gas poisoning. He considered MRS LOCKERBY had been dead two or three days when her body was found. There was a small gas fire in the room, the damper was down and the place was impregnated with gas. MRS LOCKERBY simply laid down and went to sleep. - William George Roberts, painter and decorator, of Sherwill-lane, spoke to having been engaged in painting the outside windows at MRS LOCKERBY'S house. Looking through the window on Saturday he saw a baby in a cot and remembered that he had not seen MRS LOCKERBY for two days. The baby appeared to be quite happy. - Witness knocked at the front door and on getting no reply entered through a window. He noticed a smell of gas. He found a back bedroom door closed and on opening it, he was nearly suffocated by gas. The gas fire was turned on full and MRS LOCKERBY was lying on the bed quite dead. She appeared to be in a peaceful sleep. - The Deputy Coroner pointed out that there was no definite evidence to show that MRS LOCKERBY committed suicide, as the gas might have been turned on by accident. He returned an Open Verdict and expressed sympathy with MR LOCKERBY, and hoped that the infant had not suffered in any way from its experience.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 August 1925
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Inquest. "Accidental Death" Verdict On Boy Killed By 'Bus. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at an Inquest held yesterday on SIDNEY JOHN WILLIAM JOHNS, aged 14, of Stubbins Farm, East Ogwell, who was killed by being knocked down by a Devon General motor omnibus while riding a bicycle in the market, Newton Abbot, on Friday. - Mr Denis Thomas, Torquay, appeared on behalf of the Omnibus Company and the driver. - Dr Colin King, of Newton Abbot, said he saw the boy in the market-place. He was dead and was lying in a pool of blood. Death was due to fracture of the skull. - Ernest John Dodd, Alban-street, Newton Abbot, said he was standing opposite the 'bus shelter in the Market Square when he noticed deceased riding a cycle round the shelter. He came round the end of the shelter just as the 'bus began to move and struck the left-hand front wheel, which came to rest on his neck. - David Cummings, Abbotsbury-road, Newton Abbot, said he had driven motor omnibuses in Newton Abbot for 14 years. Before the accident his 'bus was standing in its proper position in the shelter. He was carrying nearly a full complement of passengers, and his brakes were in efficient working order. He moved away from the shelter and sounded his hooter. On seeing the boy ride into his wheel he applied his brakes immediately. - The Coroner said it was evident the car was being driven with the greatest care. He expressed sympathy with the parent, as did Mr Denis Thomas on behalf of the company and the driver.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 August 1925
TAVISTOCK - Found dead in her bed on Sunday an Inquest was held at Tavistock yesterday on MRS FANNY SUSSEX, aged 75, widow of MR JOHN SUSSEX, tin miner, Ford-street, Tavistock. - Dr Edward Fife Griffith attributed death to syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 August 1925
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - ADA FLORENCE TAYLOR, a spinster, aged 63, who kept a shop in Well-street, Plymouth, was found on Sunday morning by a tenant of the house with her head in the oven, wrapped in a blanket, and with the gas turned on full. She left a note saying she was "gone, mentally and physically." - At the Inquest yesterday Dr Sweeney attributed death to asphyxia, and the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 August 1925
CHAGFORD -Chagford Tragedy. Body Of Missing Man Found In River Teign. - JOHN LYDDON, shoemaker, of Chagford, missed from his home on Monday night, was found in the River Teign, not far from the village, on Tuesday. - At the Inquest, held by the District Coroner, Mr H., Brown, of Okehampton, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. - On Monday evening LYDDON was seen walking in the direction of the river. When the body was found there was a bruise on the forehead, probably sustained in falling. Deceased has left a widow and three sons.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 August 1925
TRUSHAM - Tragedies In A Quarry. Two Deaths In Two Days At Trusham. Workman Crushed By Ton Of Soil. - Two tragedies have occurred within two days at Trusham, near Chudleigh. On Saturday, JOHN BERNARD BERRY, a quarryman, was killed by a landslide, and yesterday afternoon the body of a man named JACK COON, who was staying at Clifford-street, Chudleigh, was found in the same quarry within a short distance of where BERRY was killed. - Missed His Companion. - It appears that COON, in company with a man named Peters, visited the Inn at Ashton on Sunday night, and they were seen to leave at about 10.15, apparently to walk back to Chudleigh. On the way to the Station the two men became separated and Peters, after searching for his companion, resumed his journey. - The discovery was made early in the afternoon. The dead man was lying on his face, his neck being broken and he had apparently fallen about 60 feet. A doctor expressed the opinion that death had occurred about 15 hours before. - Investigation showed that COON, who was trespassing when he fell, had broken through the hedge on to the rail line of the quarry, and had made a place for himself to sleep. It is thought that when he got up he had lost his sense of direction and walked over the edge. - Evidence at Inquest. - Mr E. Hutchings yesterday held an Inquest on JOHN BERNARD BERRY, 20, quarryman, of Teign Village. - George Cole, Teign Village, said he was working with deceased on Saturday and they were engaged in shifting "over-burden" from the top of the quarry. Deceased was working higher up than witness, taking down the loose soil, which he removed in a wheel-barrow. - After about three hours' working the soil above them broke away. Deceased attempted to run clear, but he could not do so. Deceased appeared to be struck on the shoulder, and he was knocked down with considerable violence, his head being buried. - Witness pulled him out and sat him up, and after saying "Oh! George" he became unconscious. Witness said the face of the quarry above where they were working was upright and before they commenced to work it was examined. He estimated the fall at about a ton. - Broken Back. - Samuel Hans Currie, a medical practitioner under Dr Walters of Chudleigh, thought deceased was perhaps working in a stooping position and that the violence of the fall broke his back. - Herbert Arthur George Hough, Gordon Lodge, Chudleigh, manager, said that there were daily examinations of the quarry. He had inspected the place at which the accident occurred and in his opinion it was unaccountable that such a serious accident should have taken place when the quantity of debris was spread over so large an area. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 August 1925
TORQUAY - Died While Dancing. Inquest On A Torquay Visitor. - The Coroner's Inquiry into the sudden death that occurred at the Scala Cafe, Torquay, on Thursday, was held last evening. FRANCIS SPENCER TRIPP, aged 21, a carpenter and joiner, of Christchurch, Bournemouth, a visitor to Torquay, who was one of about 60 dancers, suddenly released his hold of his partner and fell to the floor. Before he could be seen by a doctor he expired. Mr Ernest Hutchings conducted the Inquest. - Ernest James, of Christchurch, said he and deceased came to Torquay on August 8. About 4 o'clock the previous afternoon they went to the Scala Cafe, and had started to have tea, when TRIPP got up to dance. He had danced only a few yards when he fell, and a doctor who arrived within a quarter of an hour, pronounced life extinct. MR TRIPP was alive when he was lifted from the floor and taken into a room. He was keenly interested in sport, played cricket and had never to witness's knowledge complained of anything. He was accustomed to dancing. - Dr Beveridge, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to haemorrhage over the brain. - Mr James asked the doctor if brandy would have been of benefit to the deceased, and the Doctor said it would not have been in this case. - The Coroner: Sometimes a stimulant is the worst thing. - Dr Beveridge: Brandy is one of the old-fashioned things that people fly to, and I am not saying that in many cases it is not most efficacious, but in this case brandy would have been the worst thing to give. There was nothing that could have been done for deceased except to allow him to remain quiet. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 August 1925
PLYMPTON - Plympton Inquest. Man Who Attempted To Work Too Hard. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest held yesterday at Underwood House, on FRANCIS EDWARD TIFFIN, of Ridgeway, Plympton, h was found dead lying partly dressed on his bed on Saturday morning. - Dr W. D. Stamp stated that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found a mild myocardial disease of the heart which produced syncope. The heart was of an abnormal size and the disease was of long standing. - George Freeman Triscott said that he was in the company of deceased on Friday night and he then appeared to be in good health and spirits. A week previously he remarked to witness that he thought the strain of running the newspaper which he conducted was too much for him. - Mr Edward Stanbury described how he found the deceased on the bed, and said he immediately fetched Dr Stamp. - In returning the verdict, the Coroner said it was one of those cases in which a man of apparently good health attempted to do too much. He expressed sympathy with the son of the deceased, with which sentiment P.C. Strang and Mr Triscott associated themselves. - At Plympton Police Court yesterday the magistrates, police and solicitors paid tributes to MR TIFFIN'S memory.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 August 1925
PLYMOUTH - "Accidental Death," Verdict. - Inquiry Into Brixton Road Mishap. - A verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to anyone, was recorded at an Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at Greenbank House, Plymouth, on Saturday, on WILLIAM JOSIAH HOCKADAY, aged 50, coal dealer, of Brixton Tors, Brixton. HOCKADAY died from head injuries received by being knocked down by a motor cycle at Brixton on June 17. The driver of the cycle was Raymond Edwin Davis, who was represented by Mr Elliot Square, Davis himself being unavoidably absent. Davis was a motor engineer, and said to be a skilled driver. - The Coroner said searching inquiries had been made by the Police, and there appeared to be no suggestion of fast driving to the danger of anybody. The driver of the cycle was proceeding at a moderate place and the accident would not have happened if the deceased had not stepped in front of the motor cycle. He would adjourn the Inquest if the widow desired to have further evidence and the presence of the driver. - The widow said she could not understand how such terrible injuries could have been caused if the cycle was going along at the pace mentioned. - The Coroner pointed out that a motor cycle with two men on it would be very heavy, and a slight contact would be sufficient to cause severe injuries. Then they had to take into consideration the manner in which deceased was struck and fell. He saw no object in adjourning the case, seeing that the only other evidence would be that of the driver.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 September 1925
TOTNES - Motor Cyclist's Tragic Fate. Inquest Story Of Totnes Accident. - At Totnes Guildhall yesterday afternoon Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, found a verdict of "Accidental Death" in the case of WILLIAM HARRY DUNN, the young able seaman who was fatally injured while motor cycling near Totnes on Sunday. - MRS ELLA DUNN, deceased's mother, of Kensham, Bradninch, who gave evidence of identity, said her son was 22 years of age. He had been home on leave, and left on Sunday afternoon to go to Starcross. - Edith Jones, domestic servant, Easton House, Dawlish, said deceased left Starcross at 8.40 p.m. on Sunday on his motor cycle. - Dr H. R. Allingham stated that when called at 10.5 p.m. on Sunday, he found the deceased lying unconscious on his back in a pool of blood just under the entrance gate to Follaton. He had severe wounds on the scalp and was so desperately hurt that he was removed to the Hospital at once. He remained unconscious until about one o'clock in the morning and then simply stopped breathing. There were at least two terrible fractures of the skull, either of which would have caused death, as would also the great loss of blood. The impact must have been terrific. - Walter A. R. Snodgrass, 19 Lisson-grove, Mutley, stated that while motor cycling to Plymouth on Sunday evening, when near Follaton House entrance, his friend on the pillion said she thought she saw the back of a motor cycle beside the road. Witness stopped and went back and found the deceased lying unconscious. He was on his left side, with the machine between his legs. He stopped a passing motor car, the driver of which went for the doctor and Police. The gate was not conspicuous with a motor cycle lamp, as it was dark under the trees. - The Coroner: It is somewhat of a trap then? On his left side the man would follow the hedge and run into the gate? - Witness said it was easy to do so. - The Coroner: The danger would be minimized greatly if the gate were painted white. - Witness added that deceased had on a leather cap and goggles, which would severely handicap his sight at night. - P.S. Marshall stated that on examining the spot he found a large pool of blood inside the gate and a small piece recently chipped off the inside of the stone pillar. A small piece of iron was knocked from the gate near the pillar. The gate and pillars were not very conspicuous on a dark night. There were marks on the motor cycle indicating where it struck the pillar and gate. It would be a great improvement to paint the gate and pillar white. Deceased appeared to have been there some time, judging by the amount of blood he lost. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - In reply to Mr K. Eyton Peck, who represented the Admiralty, P.S. Marshall said he found the drive gate was closed just after 8 o'clock. The gate would easily open if kicked. When wide open there was a spring to catch it. - The Coroner said he proposed to advise the owner of Follaton to have the gate and pillar painted white or light colour. He expressed sympathy with the relatives and appreciation was expressed of the assistance rendered by Mr Lewis, Plymstock, who had met with an accident since and could not attend the Inquest. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 September 1925
CHURCHSTOW - Lorry Fatality. Inquiry Into Churchstow Accident. - The tragic accident on Rake Hill, Churchstow, near Kingsbridge, on Monday evening, when ARTHUR FORD, motor lorry attendant, received fatal injuries, was Inquired into by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. - William Hubert Ball, driver of the lorry, said they were travelling up the hill at about two miles an hour. One of the compression taps was blowing and FORD got out to see what was wrong. He walked round the front of the lorry to the near side and rested his elbow on the wing to lift the bonnet, when he slipped, falling in front of the near wheel, which went over the side of his face. He could not see what caused deceased to slip. What deceased did was on his own initiative, and as he was going up the hill at less than walking pace he did not think there was any danger. Deceased was an experienced man, and on a previous occasion had done the same thing. - WILLIAM H. FORD, brother, said deceased, a naval pensioner, was 42 years of age. He was unmarried, and was residing with his mother. He had been employed by Mr A. Burgoyne as attendant on motor lorries about two years. - Dr W. T. Webb said the man's head was badly crushed and death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner expressed the opinion that there was no blame attached to anyone. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Suicide by Inhaling Coal Gas whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest on MARY WEST PAYNE, a 70-year-old widow, who was found dead in a room at Mount-street, Plymouth, on Tuesday. - Her name was stated previously as HERRAN, deceased's maiden name, which she had been in the habit of using since her husband's death, but relatives corrected this, saying she was really MRS PAYNE. - MRS ETHEL MAUD BROOKING, a niece, said she knew no reason for deceased taking her life except that she did not like the room in which she lived. She was usually cheerful.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 September 1925
BRIDESTOWE - Bridestowe Recluse. Death Of Former Plymouth Councillor. - MR JOHN T. LOWE, Cowson Down, Bridestowe, died suddenly on Monday afternoon. Many years ago he carried on a pawn-broking business at Whimple-street, Plymouth, and on retiring purchased a part of Cowson Down. - Having bought two old one-horse Plymouth tramcars, which he had taken to the Down, he had since resided in them. He had also had built a small hut, which he used as a kitchen. - MR LOWE, having sold portions of land lately, houses and huts have been erected in the vicinity. - The neighbours state that deceased had not been seen since last Thursday, when he returned from a visit to Plymouth. On Mr Pybus visiting the hut on Monday morning he found MR LOWE fully dressed, but very ill. He fetched another neighbour, Mr MacNamee, who found that deceased had been ill since Friday. Gradually he got worse and before medical aid could be obtained MR LOWE passed away. Deceased was very eccentric in his manner and lived quite alone. - Some years ago he was a member of Plymouth Town Council, and delighted to show his visiting card, on which he had printed, "The Worst Man In Plymouth." Whilst sitting on the top of one of the cars with a friend several years ago a strong wind blew the car over and MR LOWE received a severe blow on the ankle, from which he never recovered and walked with a stick. - At the Inquest on Tuesday, medical evidence was given that death was due to heart disease, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - Driver Exonerated. Inquest On Plymothian Knocked Down By Car. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on EDWIN HARRY MIDDLETON, 70 years, an old-age pensioner of 2 Blenheim-road, Plymouth, who died three hours after being admitted to the Institution on Monday night after being knocked down by a motor car in Tavistock-road. - WILLIAM FREDERICK MIDDLETON, draper, of Church-road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, having identified deceased as his brother, Richard Ferrett, grocer of Bridge House, Boscastle, said about 9.40 p.m. on Monday he was driving a motor car up Tavistock-road at a speed not exceeding ten miles per hour, when a tramcar in front eased down. He also slowed down his car. Deceased was on the footboard of the tramcar. Witness blew his horn and MIDDLETON turned sideways and then stepped back. - "He stepped back again, I thought, naturally, for me to pass," said witness, who said he moved forward. On a wing of his car reaching the end of the tramcar, MIDDLETON rushed across the road and was struck. Witness, who was blowing his horn all the time, put on his brakes and stopped the car. - After the Coroner had returned the verdict, as stated, and exonerated the driver from all blame, Mr Ferrett extended his sympathy to MR MIDDLETON'S relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - Cyclist's Death At Plymouth. Inquest On Victim Of Collision. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at the Inquest on the 29-year-old dental mechanic, ROBERT PERCY NEIL, 35 Lydford Park-road, Peverell, Plymouth, who was killed in Lower Knollys-terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth, on Saturday. - Deceased, who was riding a bicycle down hill, swerved from the right to the left-hand side of the road, and was thrown in front of the near rear wheel of a charabanc. - William Henry Lavis, Plymouth, said he saw NEIL coming down Lower Knollys-terrace at a tremendous pace, appearing to have lost control of his machine. The road was very crowded, but there were many more people on the left-hand side than on the right. Deceased swerved from the right to the left-hand side, skidded towards the pavement between two other cyclists, caught someone who was stepping off into the road and was thrown under the near hind wheel of a slow-moving charabanc. - The wheel seemed to go over his neck. It was, of course, impossible for the driver to a avert the accident. The collision was due to NEIL'S crossing over from the right-hand side of the road, where there were comparatively few people to the congested left side. - Ridden Many Times. - MR P. G. NEIL, the father of the deceased, pointed out that the bicycle had been ridden by NEIL and his brother-in-law many times, and no fault had ever been found with the brakes. He suggested that the accident was due to NEIL'S swerving in order to avoid knocking down someone who was stepping from the pavement into the road. - The Deputy Coroner said he thought the accident was due, unfortunately, to deceased's own negligence in the first place, but it seemed probable that he did attempt to avoid a pedestrian, as suggested by MR NEIL. - On behalf of the driver of the charabanc, J. H. Endacott of Maida Vale-terrace, Plymouth, and Mr Baker, proprietor, Mr Mayburne Pearce expressed the deepest sympathy with the bereaved relatives. - Dr T. E. Davies, House Surgeon, said death was due to a broken neck and a fracture at the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on ALFRED HENRY MARTIN (42) of 36 Cambridge-street, Plymouth. Deceased died suddenly while engaged at his work at Cattedown. A post-mortem examination revealed that deceased was suffering from acute double pneumonia, which only developed 48 hours before death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday at an Inquest on ELIZABETH ANN FRANKLIN, of Durnford-street, who tripped over a mat in her home and struck her head against the mantelpiece, from the results of which she died.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 September 1925
PLYMOUTH - Victim Of Insomnia. "Suicide" Verdict At Inquest On Plymouth Man. - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on FREDERICK CHARLES RICHINGS, aged 40, a naval pensioner, of Lower Knollys-terrace, who was found on Monday morning at his residence with his throat cut. - MRS MARY ANNIE RICHINGS said she found her husband in the bedroom. She was attracted by a thump upstairs and found her husband lying on the bed covered in blood. On several occasions he had said he had felt like throwing himself out of the window when he could not sleep at night. He had had some trouble twelve months ago and he had never been the same man since. He had promised her that he would see a doctor, but had not done so. - Dr T. E. Davies said that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a severe wound in the throat and only lived for half an hour. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 October 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Royal Marine Pensioner's Sudden Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on Saturday, on WILLIAM HENRY ROWE, aged 80, of 8 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, a Royal Marine Pensioner. - It was stated by the widow that on Thursday she heard the sound of a fall, and found the deceased on the floor of his bedroom. She sent for a doctor, who found he was dead. He had been ill on and off for two years. - Dr F. P. Lander said that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE COURTENAY MANNING, a pianoforte tuner, of Beckham-place, Plymouth, who was found hanging in a greenhouse at the rear of the Compton Inn, Lower Compton, on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 October 1925
ASHBURTON - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmunds, at the Inquest yesterday on HERBERT WILLIAM ADAMS, 51, dairyman and grocer of Anchor Cafe, Ashburton, who was found hanging in a side portion of his shop last Friday.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - "Tired Of Life." Plymouth Inquest On Penryn Man. - That he was "tired of life" was the only reason forthcoming for the death of WILLIAM HENRY COX, aged 30, a plasterer, of Freeman's Lower Block Yard, Penryn, who was found dead with his head in a gas oven at 13 Well-street, Plymouth, on Wednesday morning. - A note to this effect was found lying on the body, but at the Inquest held yesterday it was stated that deceased had no worries and no troubles; he was in constant employment, and had £12 in money in his possession. - Reginald Stanley Williams told the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, that COX had slept on a bed in the kitchen at 13 Well-street and on the previous night he was in the best of spirits. The next morning when witness went downstairs at 6.45 o'clock he found the deceased lying dead on the floor with his head in the gas oven and the gas turned on full. - The Coroner: What made him do it? - Witness: I cannot say, sir. He had no troubles and went short of nothing. - The Coroner: Was he working? - Witness: He was in steady work. - Dr D. Deery stated that death was caused by asphyxia, due to gas poisoning. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - Fell Into Boiling Water. Plymouth Child Dies From Scalds. - A child's terrible death from scalding was described to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD JOHN NORCOTT FOSTER, the two-year-old son of a Dockyard labourer, named STANLEY FOSTER, of 12 Pier-street, Plymouth. - The child's mother explained that on Monday morning a number of boys and girls were playing near her house and her little boy, who was watching them, became excited. - He came running into the house and before she could catch hold of him he fell backwards into a bath of boiling water, which had been placed on the floor near by in preparation for clothes washing. - Dr G. Heath Fisher said he had dressed the injuries, when deceased passed away quite suddenly from heart failure, due to shock caused by the extent of the scalds. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - MR E. W. LISTER'S Tragic End At Plymouth. Verdict Of "Death From Misadventure." - "Death from Misadventure" was the verdict returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday regarding the death of MR EDWARD WILLIAM LISTER, aged 70, architect and surveyor, of Ford Park Lodge, Mutley, who was found dead in bed with his room full of gas. - P.C. Carnell said he found a light burning in deceased's room. On going inside he noticed the window partly open and the room full of gas. He opened the door and let it out. The tap was fixed to the gas fire, and deceased must have stepped on the tube accidentally. The tap was loose. - Mr A. P. L. LAMPLUGH, of Braunton, son-in-law of deceased, explained that for a large number of years deceased had lost his sense of smell consequent upon an operation to his nose. - Dr G. P. S. Wood stated that death was caused by gas poisoning. - MR LISTER was exceedingly well known in Plymouth. He carried on business as an architect, and was entrusted with much work of a responsible character. Formerly he was in partnership with Mr C. King, during which time the firm prepared plans for St Augustine's Church, Plymouth. - MR LISTER was also concerned with the planning of Plymouth Market, the Royal Eye Infirmary, the Pearn Convalescent Home, and many other large buildings, commercial and otherwise, in the West-country. For 23 years he was honorary secretary of the local branch of the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was through his instrumentality that the Dogs' Home, which has proved such a boon to lovers of these animals, was started, first in Athenaeum-lane and later transferred to Prince Rock. - A member of a well-known North country family, MR LISTER lost his wife just over two years ago, but he retained a son and daughter. - Before MR LISTER came to Plymouth he was engaged in some very responsible civil engineering works in the North country including water and other public utility schemes.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - When drinking a cup of tea on Saturday evening, ALBERT LINDLEY, a printer, aged 54, living at 22 Neath-road, collapsed and died in his son's arms. At the Inquest yesterday the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Dr G. Deery attributing death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on JAMES ELPHICK, aged 69, a retired tram driver of 32 Anstis-street, Plymouth, who was found on Tuesday with his head near a gas-oven with the gas turned on.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 October 1925
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Girl's Death. - Chronic valvular disease of the heart was stated by Dr M. Aikman to have caused the death of FLORENCE ANNIE FOWLER, age 12, of Neswick-street, Plymouth, the Inquest being conducted yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner. - LILIAN FOWLER, mother of deceased, said her daughter had been a cripple from birth and had undergone several operations. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 November 1925
BRIXHAM - Gas Poisoning Death. Money Troubles Cause Brixham Man's Death. - A verdict that deceased committed Suicide by Gas Poisoning while in a state of Unsound Mind, caused, no doubt by money troubles, was returned at the Inquest at Brixham yesterday on JOHN ARTHUR WADDINGHAM, late manager of the Brixham branch of the Grimsby Stores. - The widow stated her husband was manager of the Brixham branch of the Grimsby Stores until August last. Since then he had been clerk for Mr Green, of Torquay, bookmaker. He had been very strange in his manner for the past two weeks, and she guessed it was to do with money. - She last saw him alive on Monday morning about 10 o'clock. He said he was going to Torquay to see Mr Green. She stayed home until 2 p.m., but on returning to the house at 4.30 she noticed a strong smell of gas. She went upstairs into her husband's room and found him lying on the bed with his head completely covered by the bedclothes. She uncovered his head and found that one end of the tube leading from the gas fireplace was by his side. - Dr Thompson stated that when he arrived at 5 p.m. deceased was quite dead. - Arthur Green, bookmaker of Torquay, stated he engaged deceased casually as a clerk. He came to his office on Saturday, the 6th, and asked him if he would give him a job as he was in very low circumstances, and he told him to come on the following Monday, when he gave him 15s. in advance, and on the Monday following £4 15s. Deceased had not collected the money that people owed, but he had not discharged him, telling him to come in and settle. During the past two weeks he had not paid over any money. - The Coroner was Mr Edmonds, Totnes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 November 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Calling at a Stonehouse public-house on Monday night, HENRY CHARLES RUNDLE, naval pensioner, aged 52, of Hobart-street, collapsed and died immediately. At the Inquest yesterday Dr T. N. Leah attributed death to haemorrhage through rupture of a blood-vessel, causing pressure on the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 November 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday afternoon on LOUISA LLOYD ROBERTS, aged 54, widow of a naval warrant officer pensioner, whose death occurred suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, death was attributed by the doctor to asphyxia, caused by a fall following a fit, and a verdict in accordance was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 November 1925
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Inquest On Drowned Boy. - That grappling irons should be kept in readiness at the Police Station near the "Horsewash" was the suggestion made by William Bailey, a witness at the Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. John, yesterday upon the body of FREDERICK HORACE ROSEVEARE, aged four, of 22 Higher-street, who was drowned there on Wednesday evening. - Bailey said he procured grappling irons and recovered the body of deceased. He tried artificial respiration and took the body to the Police Station, but was convinced the boy was dead when removed from the water. - FREDERICK ROSEVEARE, horse driver, father of the drowned child, said that his son had only gone to the Horsewash to fish during the last few days. He had another child three years old. - Mr Johns: Don't let that one go there alone. - A. J. Sellick said he saw some foam and ran for a lifebuoy because he could not swim himself. He threw the lifebuoy into the water and ran for assistance. A Mr Durley arrived and plunged into the water, diving three times, but he could not find anything. The child's body was eventually recovered by means of grappling irons. - Mr Johns remarked that Mr Burley deserved great praise for his efforts and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 November 1925
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Drink Of Cider. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest on JANE WEEKS of 17 Laira Bridge-road. - Deceased, who was 43 years of age and the wife of a riveter in the Dockyard, was stated by Dr Travers-Stubbs to have died from infective enteritis, produced by drinking some cider after eating hogs' puddings. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 November 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - "Deceased was a very reserved and silent man, he could never be called cheerful," was the pronouncement of Dr R. J. Fleming on JOSEPH PHILLIPS MAY, pensioned shipwright of the Dockyard, on whom a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was brought in at Devonport yesterday by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. Deceased, who had recently been unwell, was found hanging from rafters in his room.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 November 1925
SHAFTESBURY, DORSET - Fatal Result Of Tyre Puncture. Plymouth Man Killed Near Shaftesbury. - As a result of the back tyre of his motor cycle bursting, ALBERT JOHN BARNFIELD, a musician in the Royal Army Service Corps, stationed at Bulford Camp, whose home is at 9 Mount Gold-crescent, Plymouth, was thrown from the machine near Shaftesbury, Dorset and fatally injured. BARNFIELD and Private W. Costeloe, of the same regiment, motor cycled from Bulford to Shaftesbury and it was on the return journey when about a mile and a half from Shaftesbury that the accident happened. Costeloe missed his friend, and on going back found him lying in the road unconscious. He lifted his head on to his knees and rested him there till help arrived, some three-quarters of an hour later. BARNFIELD was then removed to Shaftesbury Hospital, where he died from a fractured skull. - Previous Accident. - At the Inquest yesterday deceased's brother, TERENCE BARNFIELD, said that only three weeks ago he was riding the same machine when the tyre punctured and he was thrown off. - Private Costeloe said on arrival at Shaftesbury they were very cold and went into a public-house and had two tots of rum each. - The Coroner: Were you both quite sober? - Yes. We did not drink because we wanted it, but because of the coldness of the night.- The Coroner: There was no harm in that. I suppose 99 people out of a hundred would have gone in and had a drink after a ride like that. - Costeloe, continuing, said they afterwards went to a dance and started off back to camp about 9 o'clock. - Tube Punctured. - Police-Sergt. Sloper, of Donhead, said that the inner tube of the back wheel was punctured, and the tyre had left the rim. From marks on the foot rest and the bank it was clear that the bursting of the tyre caused deceased to lose control. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to a fractured skull, the result of an accident.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 November 1925
PLYMOUTH - Tram Driver Exonerated From Blame. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest on Thursday on ROBERT HOWARD MORRELL, the five-year-old schoolboy, of 13 Heathfield-road, Plymouth, who was knocked down and killed by a tramcar in Beaumont-road, Plymouth, on Wednesday. - Deceased was identified by his father, who expressed himself satisfied that the affair was an accident. - A verdict as above mentioned was returned, the driver being exonerated from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 December 1925
PLYMOUTH - "Death was due to burns Accidentally received" was the verdict of the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on MRS CAROLINE TAMAR BLAKE, aged 72, of Tothill-avenue, Plymouth, widow of MR W. E. BLAKE, builder and contractor. Miss Elsie Cannon said that on Wednesday last she found her mistress on fire. She extinguished the flames by wrapping her in rugs, but she died four days later.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 December 1925
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest on Saturday on WILLIAM JAMES WILLIAMS, 52, a grocer, general dealer and insurance agent, of 3 Kensington-terrace, Plymouth, who was found dead on Thursday with his head in a gas oven.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 December 1925
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Fatal Injuries While Going To Fetch Doctor. - How a young man received fatal injuries in a collision while cycling to fetch a doctor for his mother was told at an Inquest conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY HOOK, boxmaker, aged 28, of Cattedown-road. - A sister of the dead man said on Tuesday morning he came home to breakfast. She told him she had found their mother dead, and he at once set off on a bicycle to fetch a doctor. - Leslie Oscar Jago, 18 of Holdsworth-street, Plymouth, van driver, employed by the Express Delivery in distributing newspapers, said he was proceeding towards South Milton-street, and when near the corner of Clovelly-road saw deceased riding at a "terrible speed." At the time witness was driving at about 12 to 15 miles an hour. When he saw HOOK he swerved to try and avoid an accident, but deceased struck the back part of the van. Witness pulled up and went to HOOK who was conscious and he told Jago he ought to have gone the other side of the lamp-post. Witness replied that he was in close to the lamp-post, which was sufficient to clear him. Jago declared the occurrence to be "a pure accident." - Injuries To Head. - Dr Philip F. S. Court, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that when admitted to the Institution HOOK was suffering from injuries to his head. - An operation revealed a ruptured artery and a blood clot, which was probably caused by the impact with the motor. HOOK died on Wednesday morning, death being undoubtedly due, witness thought, to the injuries. - MRS AMY CARBER, of Cattedown-road, said that on hearing of MRS HOOK'S death, she went to deceased's house and he told her he had been to fetch the doctor and asked witness if he had come. He appeared to be very agitated and acted very strangely. - Witness stated that deceased was never used to riding a bicycle, but she thought he was overcome by his mother's death. To her knowledge he had not ridden a bicycle for a very long time. She saw HOOK on the bicycle and he appeared to have lost control of himself. He was going at a very dangerous speed. She did not think the motor car was going exceedingly fast. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner stating that no blame whatever was attached to the driver of the van. - Mr Elliot Square was present on behalf of the Express Delivery and the driver and Mr William Runnalls represented the Transport and General Workers' Union.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 December 1925
EXETER - At the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ALFRED JEFFRY, 74, of Paris-street, Exeter, a native of Devonport, who dropped dead on the platform at Queen-street Station, Exeter, Dr Pereira Gray said the cause of death was heart failure. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 December 1925
PLYMOUTH - "It was an extraordinary state of affairs that he should have lived so long," said Dr W. L. Hodge, giving evidence concerning the death of SYDNEY JOHN OUSLEY, aged 47, a chief petty officer, R.N., of Archer-terrace, Plymouth, at the Inquest conducted yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. - Dr Hodge stated that as a result of a post-mortem examination of deceased he discovered chronic fibrosis of both lungs, enlargement and fatty degeneration of the heart, and kidney disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 December 1925
PLYMOUTH - "No Home, Friends, Or Money." Suicide In Liner At Plymouth. - "The bullet went through his head from the right to the left side at the back of the temple. There was only one shot, and death must have been instantaneous," said Dr W. C. Hamilton, giving medical evidence at the Inquest held yesterday on the body of CAPT. THOMAS CHERMSIDE, whose address had previously been stated to be St Margaret's-road, East Twickenham, London, and who was found shot dead in his cabin in the liner Madura at Plymouth the previous day. - "Quiet And Depressed." - Francis Harold Fletcher, saloon steward in the Madura, said deceased boarded the vessel at Malta as a second class passenger on December 13. - On December 21, about 4 p.m. witness presented deceased with his wine bill, which amounted to £1 12s. 5d. He did not pay him. He did not appear at dinner that night and when witness went to his cabin to inquire whether or not he was coming down, he said: "I am a bit feverish and do not want anything." - Everybody had noticed, said witness, that deceased was very quiet and a little depressed. - At 8.40 on December 22, witness missed CHERMSIDE at breakfast and going to his cabin found him lying on the floor. - "The door was closed and his feet prevented me from opening it fully. I saw a revolver in his right hand. He was lying on his side on the floor of the cabin in a pool of blood." - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, said he would need no further evidence. He was not sure what would become of the body, but he supposed the town would have to provide burial. - Mr Clear, representing the British India Company, said he supposed there was no further liability on the company. There was only the question of the wine bill. - Mr Johns said that deceased appeared to have no home, no friends, and no money. The company could hold his luggage in settlement of their claim. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1925
PLYMOUTH -Plymouth Tragedy. Youth Overcome By Escape Of Gas. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure through Gas Poisoning" was returned at an Inquest conducted at Plymouth on Saturday by Mr J. Graves, on FREDERICK JOHN CLARKE, aged 16, of Durham-avenue. - The youth, who, with his mother and two other residents in the house, was overcome by fumes, slept in a small room without any fireplace, but the window is stated to have been opened at top and bottom. - It appears that an escape of gas had been suspected on the evening of Christmas-eve, but that the occupants of the house retired to bed reassured. Early on the morning of Christmas-day, however, one of them woke to the consciousness of an overpowering smell of gas and staggering out of the room managed to attract the aid of neighbours, before collapsing. It was then discovered that four inmates of the house were unconscious and Dr Wilkinson and Dr Parsloe were summoned. - Dr Wilkinson, confining his attention to three of the victims whose condition was not so serious as that of the deceased youth, was able to revive them, but despite the efforts of Dr Parsloe and Ambulance-man Tyler, of the St John Ambulance Brigade, who tried artificial respiration for two and a half hours and utilized a resuscitation apparatus despatched by motor-car from the headquarters of the brigade, the youth failed to recover. - Service Pipes Blown. - William Edward Perry, a tenant of the house, giving evidence at the Inquest, said on Christmas-eve the gas service pipes were blown at the request of MRS CLARKE by an official of the Gas Company. Later there was a faint smell of gas in the house and it was attributed to the result of the blowing. before retiring everything seemed all right in the house. At five o'clock he got out of bed and also at six, but did not smell gas. - As he was dozing, suddenly he felt he was going off in a way he did not expect, and he noticed that his wife was affected also. He took his wife to the open window, where she recovered. He then brought the deceased boy from his bedroom, the window of which was open. The lad, however, was in a stupor. After trying artificial respiration witness went for a doctor. - Dr Parsloe said that when he was called there was no sign of life in the lad. Death was due to coal-gas poisoning. - Mr F. J. Davey, a fitter, in the employ of the Plymouth Gas Company, said at four o'clock on Christmas-eve he blew out the service pipe at the house and reconnected the pipe safely. - Mr P. S. Hoyte, the chief engineer of the Gas Company, said the pipe was rather badly corroded, so that there might be an escape of gas from it. This was about 12 feet from the meter, and under the passage floor boards, just inside the front of the house. In this instance there was extreme local corrosion, the rest of the pipe being good for another 20 or 30 years. He expressed the deep sympathy of the company with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1925
TORQUAY - MISS PHELAN, aged 75, of Warren-road, Torquay, died suddenly at the junction of Abbey-road and Warren-road on Thursday night. At the Inquest held by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, on Saturday, the medical evidence showed that death was due to valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 December 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Late Alderman RISDON. Coroner's Tribute At Devonport. - A tribute to the late Alderman GEORGE THOMAS RISDON was paid by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday. - He had known MR RISDON for a great number of years and had held him in the highest respect. His zeal in public work was well known in Devonport, better probably than in Plymouth. - William George Folland, a taxi-driver, said that at about 11 p.m. on Saturday he was driving his car from the top of Albert-road towards King's-road, and hearing a call for help he stopped, and saw a gentleman lying on the ground unconscious. He was placed in the taxi and taken to Dr Saunders. - Dr Saunders said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 December 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Roof Fatality. - The Inquest on JAMES GEORGE WOOD, the second victim of the Devonport roof fatality, was opened and adjourned yesterday until the end of the week. - GEORGE ALEXANDER WOOD (brother) said deceased was 44 years of age and was a mason's labourer, employed by Mr W. H. Richardson

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 December 1925
EAST STONEHOUSE - Caught In Concrete Mixer. Plymouth Inquest On Skilled Labourer. - "I heard a scream, and running in the direction I found one of my men caught fast in the shafting of a concrete mixer," said Charles Edward Greening, foreman in charge of skilled labourers employed by Devonport Dockyard in work at Ernesettle, at an Inquest on CYRIL HUGH PERCY LUCAS, a skilled labourer, aged 31, of St Levan-road, Keyham, held by the Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, Mr John Graves, at the Royal Naval Hospital, yesterday. - Mr K. E. Peck was present representing the Admiralty. - Greening said that deceased was driving a concrete mixer at Ernesettle. When he saw that the deceased's clothing was caught in the shafting he tore it away and was able to loose the man, who appeared to have been badly hurt. He did not appear to be in much pain, however. There was a large cut in his head. He was conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse. - Dr Sidney Wilfred Grimwade, Surgeon, R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, said when the man was admitted he was suffering from fractures and injury to the spinal cord. He died on Friday at 5 p.m. - Sydney Chapman, in corroborating the evidence of Greening, said the deceased was accustomed to the work he was doing, and what had happened was a pure accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 December 1925
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Child's Death. Scarlet Fever Follows Fracture Of Skull. - Details of the series of complications which caused the death of a little girl who fell down in a courtyard and cut her head were related at the Inquest conducted by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on FLORENCE MAY COTTON. - FLORENCE MAUD COTTON, of Ashford-road, Mutley, the mother of the deceased, said her daughter, who was 3 years old, slipped in the yard of the house on November 17 and cut her head. She was taken to the Hospital, where five stitches were put in the wound. Two days after she developed scarlet fever and was removed to the Fever Hospital at Swilly, where she had to be operated on for the original injury. She died on Monday. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to acute cerebral meningitis after a trephining operation for an abscess of the brain caused by a fracture of the skull due to the fall, aggravated by scarlet fever. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 December 1925
STOKE DAMEREL -A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on WILFRED ERNEST KARTON, a naval pensioner aged 54, of James-street, Devonport, who died suddenly on Tuesday from haemorrhage, due to tuberculosis of the lungs.