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.]

1926

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: Allen(2); Ambrose; Annis; Arnold; Ashworth; Baker; Balkwill; Barber; Barrell; Barter; Battershill; Beer(2); Bell; Bess; Blatchford; Blight(2); Brealey; Brown; Budge; Bulley; Bushnell; Carvolth; Chapman; Churchill; Cobbledick; Cooper; Cory; Creber; Crook; Dalton; Damarell; Deacon; Denham; Dingle; Downing; Dunn; Edwards; Elliott; Ellis; Elson; Ewins; Farrier; Fletcher; Foster; Fox; Gard; Gilbert; Glover; Goodwin; Gormley; Gray; Gregory; Gurney; Halse; Ham; Harding; Harris; Hellings; Higgs; Hill; Hingston; Holman; Hornby; Hosking; Hunt; Jeffery; Kelly; Kingcome; Kissack; Knight; Lambert; Lavers; Lever; Littlejohn; Luscombe; Masters; Maughan; McCann; McColl; McGowan; McLaughlin; McLean; McQuillan; Merrett; Metcalfe; Miller(2); Minns; Mitchell; Moore; Moorhouse; Mudds; Newberry; Newcombe; Nutt; O'Hanlon; Palmer; Parker; Pascoe; Paul; Pearse; Perrin; Perring; Pike; Pillar; Pitts; Pollard; Pook; Reddaway; Reeby; Rendel; Rice; Ridholls; Rookley; Rowling; Rundle; Salmon; Salter; Saville; Sewell; Shaddock; Short; Solomon; Soper; Spriddle; Stanbury; Stoyles; Summers; Swift; Tapson; Taylor; Teglio; Thomas(2); Tonkin; Truscott; Tucker; Turpin; Uglow; Vanstone; Wakeham; Walford; Warne; Watson(2); Watts; Webber; Wellsman; Westlake; Whear; White; Wigfull; Williscroft; Willson; Wood; Woodman; Woolcock; Wyvell; Yates; Young; Zanetti

Western Morning News, Friday 1 January 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall From Roof. Ladder Insecurely Fixed. Inquest Story At Devonport. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was recorded by the Jury at the adjourned Inquest on JOHN HENRY POOK, a mason's labourer, and JAMES GEORGE WOOD, a mason, who died on December 21 and 26 respectively as a result of a fall from a roof in Barrack-street, Devonport, on which they were working. - The Jury stated that no blame in any way attached to Mr William Henry Richardson, the employer of the deceased. - Experienced Men. - Dr John Henry Willis, House Surgeon of the Royal Albert Hospital, stated POOK was in a dying condition when admitted to the Hospital and died within a few minutes. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to a fracture of the skull and consequent haemorrhage in the brain. - Dr Donald B. C. Lawson, Junior House Surgeon of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said WOOD was admitted to the Hospital on December 21, and died on the December 26. He was satisfied that death occurred as a result of a fracture of the skull and haemorrhage of the brain. - Charles Willcocks, a mason, said he did not see them on the roof. A ladder was standing against the wall and another was across the roof. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce: It did not strike you to ask whether they had safely secured the ladder? - I never thought of it. I knew they were dependable men, as I had worked with them for 18 months. - The Coroner: If you had been working there, what would you have done? - I should have put the ladder across the roof and then saddled the roof; that is, placed another ladder on the other side of the roof to balance it. If this were not possible I should have made a hole in the roof and tied it to the rafters. - The Coroner: I suppose when you saw the ladders you had no idea that the roof was not saddled? - No. - Witness said he did not notice how the taller ladder was fastened to the gutter chute. There was no fascia board on this house into which screws might have been placed. - Answering the Foreman of the Jury, witness said the accident would have been avoided had the roof been saddled. - Replying to H.M. District Inspector of Factories, Mr W. Harding, witness said the men used their own discretion as to how they used the plant supplied. They were thoroughly experienced men. - Custom Of The Trade. - William Henry Richardson, builder and undertaker, Cecil-street, Devonport, said the deceased were in his employ - WOOD as a mason and POOK as a mason's labourer. He (Mr Richardson) was employed to repair the roof of 51 St Aubyn-street. He gave the men the necessary instructions as to what to do a week before the accident occurred. - The Coroner: Did you tell them what plant would be required? - No, they looked over the job and picked out their own plant. - So the responsibility of getting the proper plant rested with them? - Yes. - Is that the custom in the trade? - Yes. - Witness said he saw the other two gables, which had already been repaired and saw that saddles had been used on both occasions. He visited the building at about 10.45 a.m. on the day of the accident. POOK was then on the ground and WOOD on the roof. He asked POOK how they were getting on, and he replied, "All right." This was the last time he saw them alive. He did not go up the ladders himself. - The Coroner: Would it not have been a part of your duty as employer to go up and see how they were getting on? - No, not with two experienced men on the job. - Witness added that POOK had been in his employ for 18 months and WOOD for seven. He had formed the opinion during that time that they were both experienced men. - The Coroner: I take it from the evidence that the way the ladders were put up was not a safe way? - It was not. - Asked by the Inspector of Factories whether the ladders for saddling on the previous jobs were available, witness said they were, and ropes also. The roof ladder must have been simply resting against the ground ladder without any fixing whatever. He assumed that a saddle had been used, as in the other jobs a few days before. He was satisfied that the cause of the accident was the slipping of the clamp fixing the ground ladder to the wall. - An eye-witness of the accident, Richard Henry James Venning, a tailor's porter, said he saw some chuting and a ladder fall from the wall and the two men and some scaffolding slide over the edge of the roof. They were both unconscious after the fall. - The Coroner said the only question was whether death was purely accidently or whether the employer was in any way to blame. These unfortunate men had in this case not taken the precaution of saddling the roof. Why, they were not in a position to say. The roof was old, and the clamp was only fixed in the wall and would be necessarily insecure. They thought that it would be enough to hold the ground ladder and the roof ladder, and then placed the roof ladder against it without any fastenings at all. It was a particularly sad case, occurring as it did just before Christmas, and especially in the case of POOK who had left a widow with five children, some very young. - After announcing the verdict, the Foreman said the Jury had decided to forfeit their fees on behalf of MRS POOK. - Mr John Woolland was present on behalf of Mr Richardson.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 January 1926
TAVISTOCK - Woman Who Bled To Death. Inquest Into Tavistock Tragedy. - The story of how an unmarried middle-aged woman bled to death was related at the Tavistock Hospital yesterday, when Mr A. K. G. Johnstone conducted an Enquiry into the death of SYLVIA THIRZA TONKIN, aged 52, daughter of MRS TONKIN, of Spring Hill, Tavistock. - Deceased was companion to her mother, who is 85 years of age, and death took place before first aid could be given her. - In consequence of her great age, MRS TONKIN'S evidence was taken at her residence. She said that just after 9.30 on Thursday morning she heard a terrible crash, and called to her daughter and asked what she had done. Deceased said: "Don't scold me; get a drop of brandy quick." She went to her and found her on the floor of an old disused lavatory. Witness tried to lift her but could not, she being quite unconscious when she saw her. Only a moment had elapsed between the time she heard the smash and seeing her daughter. - Witness then went for Mrs Waterfield, a neighbour. - Frances Ann Waterfield said she found MRS TONKIN at her door and in a very agitated state. Witness went to MRS TONKIN'S house, and found the deceased lying on the floor unconscious. There was a lot of blood about the place. - Replying to the :Coroner, witness said she did not find out what the injuries were, but ran downstairs and called a passing milkman to ask him to take a message to the Hospital for her for help. - Dr F. W. A. Watt said that at 9.56 he saw the deceased. Although not quite dead, she was breathing her last. He examined her and found a wound on the right leg which had been bleeding. He ordered her removal to the Hospital, but she died before she got there. Death was due to haemorrhage as the result of the tibial artery being cut. - The Coroner inquired why it was so long before anything could be done for the deceased, and Dr Watt said that Mrs Waterfield could not have done anything, as MISS TONKIN was practically dead when she arrived at the house. - P.C. Mock said that deceased had evidently stood on a wash-hand basin, which was a fixture on the wall and put her arm through a hole in the roof to clear the chute. The basin, which had a flaw in it, had broken, and she had fallen to the ground. He found a piece of broken slate and the basin was broken, blood being on the latter. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the mother and other relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 January 1926
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - Fits Of Depression. Fish Exporter's Suicide At Compton Gifford. - "Died by Hanging during a fit of Temporary Insanity" was the verdict returned by the County Coroner, Mr A, K. G. Johnstone, at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM CHARLES ISAAC TEGLIO, who resided at Redcott, Lockington-avenue, Compton Gifford, Plymouth, and who was found on Monday by his wife hanging in the wash-house there. - MRS TEGLIO said her husband was an exporter of pilchards and herrings. She did not know anything about his financial position. Deceased had felt the loss of his son in the war very much. The present sort of weather depressed him at times. He was liable to fits of depression and would not confide any of his troubles to his family. - THOMAS PADDON, of South Brent, a brother-in-law of deceased, said deceased was generally cheerful, but was very much given to fits of depression, which lasted for days. MR TEGLIO was in partnership with a brother in Genoa, but did not discuss his business with witness. - In the course of the evidence it was stated that all the letters received from the brother were in Italian, which the members of the family could not understand. The position of the lira on exchange had been on his mind, but he never said much about it.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 January 1926
PLYMOUTH - Mystery Of Plymouth Man's Death. Inquest Adjourned For Analytical Purposes. - At an Inquest on Monday on WILFRED CHARLES HORNBY, (29), a motor driver, of St Leonard's-road, Plymouth, the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, postponed the verdict in order that a portion of the stomach might be analysed further. - Mrs Annie Wheeler, wife of a Corporation labourer, residing in the house, said she saw deceased alive on Friday night about 9. On calling him the following morning she failed to get an answer and one entering the room found HORNBY undressed in bed and dead. - On Friday night deceased told her that he had had a funny sensation. Questioning deceased further he told her, "I had a pain and thought I was going to die." He said he never knew there was a Lord above until then. He also said he had been worried about work. - Dr Craig spoke to having been called to the house where he found HORNBY dead. After a post-mortem examination he could find no cause for death and had handed a portion of the stomach to the Police for analysis.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 January 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest on Saturday on JOSEPH WALFORD, aged 49, the licensee of the Princess Royal Hotel, Union-street, Plymouth, who shot himself on Wednesday. - EMILY WALFORD, wife of the deceased, said her husband left the bar about 10 p.m. on Wednesday and went upstairs. She heard the children saying there was something wrong and went up to find her husband sitting back on the couch dead. - She added that he had suffered from something on his nose which he thought was cancer and had been depressed. On Wednesday, however, he seemed better than ever. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to a bullet wound through the heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 January 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, yesterday returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest on WILLIAM HARVEY BREALEY, an assistant schoolmaster, of 3 Second-avenue, Rectory-road, Devonport, who died suddenly on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 January 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on DOUGLAS JOHN O'HANLON, the six-year-old son of an Army pensioner, of 8 Cumberland-street, Devonport. The boy, who died of acute appendicitis on Saturday, was said to have been delicate from birth.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 January 1926
PLYMOUTH - Fowey Man's Suicide At Plymouth. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE MAUGHAM, of The Crescent, Fowey. - MISS AMY ELIZABETH MAUGHAM said deceased (her brother) had been suffering from delusions for some time and had therefore been taken to a nursing home in Plymouth. He was under the impression that he had been watched by spies and detectives. She had never known him to have suicidal tendencies. - Dr C. J. Allan-Jones said deceased was admitted to the home for observation. On Friday he had made considerable improvement and seemed almost normal. No one had any fear of suicidal tendencies. On the following day witness was called, and he found MAUGHAM in bed. He had died a short time previously, evidently from strangulation round the neck by a rope. Deceased had evidently gone to a cupboard where there was a coat hanger, and had thrown himself forward, as the hook was not as tall as himself.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 January 1926
STOKE FLEMING. - Redlap Cove Wreck. Inquest On Mate And Cook. Crew's Ordeal On Broken Mast. - The Inquest on the two members of the crew of the London barge, Lord Kitchener, who were drowned at Redlap Cove when the barge was wrecked on Sunday morning was held yesterday afternoon in the Parish Hall, Stoke-fleming, by Mr T. Edmunds. - The names of the men are HERBERT AMBROSE, aged 21, the mate, living at Manor-road, Erith, Kent, and CHARLES MCCANN, aged 15, the cook, of the same address. - Ordeal On Mast. - James Seymour Stow of 15 Romford-place, Erith, the captain of the barge, identified the bodies. The barge was bound, empty, from Poole to Par. - Early on Sunday morning they were in difficulties and he did not know where they were. The vessel struck a rock at four o'clock, breaking the stem and knocking a hole in her. She filled with water and foundered within five minutes. Their small boat was smashed to pieces. The crew of three climbed the mast, where they remained for half an hour until it broke and fell towards the shore. It was impossible to swim in such heavy seas, so they tried to make their way along the mast. - Suddenly a big wave swept them into the sea. Witness never saw his mates again. A wave carried him to the rocks at the base of the cliff. He remained there a long time looking for his companions and feared they were drowned. Finally he climbed 80 feet up the cliff and went to Redlap House, where he was directed to Redlap Farm. The coastguard men were then notified. Witness added that everything possible was done to save his mates. - The Coroner: Yes, there was no time. - Mr Richard Yabsley, farmer, of Pound House Farm, Stokefleming, said he went to the top of the cliffs, from where he could see the bodies in the water. He descended the cliff, but it was some time before he again saw a body. Finally he saw one and rushed into the water and pulled it ashore. This was the body of AMBROSE, the mate. It was quite naked. Fifteen minutes later the watchers on the cliff top shouted out that they saw the second body, and he again rushed in and recovered MCCANN. This body had a jersey and one boot on it. - The coastguard, Mr Wallace Small, Station Officer, Dartmouth, said the weather that night was very bad. He accepted the story told by the captain as the true account of the wreck. When he arrived the barge was smashed to match-boarding, and a lot of it had been washed away. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death through Drowning consequent on the foundering of their vessel. Everything possible was done, and he congratulated the skipper on his very fortunate escape. - The bodies are to be removed to Erith for burial.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 January 1926
TORQUAY - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, at an Inquest at Torquay last evening on the body of ELIZA ANNIS, a spinster, aged 73, who was found dead in a room at Princes-road, Ellacombe, Torquay, on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 January 1926
BERE FERRERS - Labourer's Death In Hayloft. "Suicide" Verdict At Bere Alston. - Discovered in a decomposed condition in the hayloft of a Bere Alston farm, where he had been employed as a labourer, the body of FRANCIS JOHN PASCOE, married, aged 56, a naval pensioner, was the subject of an Inquest by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, yesterday. - When the body was found it was covered with straw. In the dead man's hand was a blood-stained razor, and a deep gash in the throat had severed the windpipe. - The verdict was that PASCOE committed Suicide, but there was no evidence to show the state of his mind. - Maintenance Order. - Edwin Francis Viggers, of Collyton Farm, Bere Alston, said PASCOE had been employed by him since June 25, living in the house. On Saturday January 2, P.C. Dymond called at the farm, and as a result of what he said witness gave him a cheque for what was due to the deceased's wife in respect to the maintenance order. PASCOE was not present when the money was paid. - Deceased did not come back to dinner at 12, by which time the Constable had gone. Witness made enquiries and thought the deceased was helping another man on the farm with the cattle. Witness went around the buildings and shouted, but could get no reply. The same evening he informed the Police. - On Tuesday, about noon, witness went to throw some bedding for the bullocks from the loft when he struck his fork into some straw, and, on drawing it out discovered the body of the deceased underneath. - The straw had been there for about three months. They very frequently cleared out the hay, but not the straw. He did not examine the body, but saw blood on one of the hands. The body, which was by the wall, was completely covered over by the straw. No wages were due to the deceased, whom Dr Shanks had attended since he had been in witness's employ. - Florence Childs, in the employ of Mr Viggers, said on January 2 she was in the separator room when she saw the deceased rush down towards the yard, but a few minutes later he rushed back. He had nothing in his hand. She never saw him again. - Policeman's Call. - P.C. Dymond, of Bere Alston, said he went to the farm on January 2 and saw the deceased, whom he had known for nine months. He told him there was a warrant out against him for his wife's maintenance, the amount due being £13 18s. That was the third occasion on which a warrant was received, the amount on the two previous occasions having been paid by the deceased. - In reply deceased said, "I have not the money, and you cannot have it until the 5th, when I draw my pension." Witness said, "I cannot help that. There the warrant is, and I must execute it and you must come to Tavistock with me." Deceased said, "Where's master?" - He was quite calm and normal and did not seem disturbed about it. Witness explained to Mr Viggers about the warrant and afterwards deceased said, "Will you lend it to me, master, until pension day?" - Mr Viggers said he would give him a cheque and when he went to make it out the deceased said, "I'll go and finish the cows and cattle." Deceased then went across the yard. Mr Viggers brought out the cheque and then went to look for the deceased, shouting "FRANK," but got no reply. - Hundreds Search. - Subsequently, when the man could not be found, said the witness, a large number of men went through the wood in the hope of finding him, and alter hundreds of others in the district assisted the Police in an attempt to find him, but nothing was found until Tuesday. - When witness saw the body there was a razor in the right hand, and a bad gash in the throat had severed the windpipe. - Neither the dead man's widow nor any member of the family was at the Inquest, and it was stated that MRS PASCOE would pay for the coffin, but would not be responsible for any other expense.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 January 1926
BIGBURY - At the Inquest at Bigbury yesterday on FRANCIS WAKEHAM, carrier, aged 42, who died suddenly on Sunday, Dr Andrews said death was due to heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 January 1926
PLYMOUTH - Retired Officer's Suicide. Died From Gas Poisoning At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on CHARLES CLAYTON MCLEAN, a retired lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy, of Quarry Park-road, Peverell. - The deceased was identified by his son-in-law, THOMAS HAMBLY, who stated that his father-in-law was 73 years of age and had been suffering from bronchitis. Shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday witness took up a cup of tea to MR MCLEAN and he seemed to be quite normal. Shortly afterwards he found him lying on his side with the tube of the gas fire in his mouth. - Dr Walker said that death was due to gas poisoning. MR MCLEAN for a considerable time had been suffering from bronchitis and nervous debility.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 February 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Heart Twice The Normal Size. Cause Of Death Of Devonport Man. - A heart more than twice the normal size was stated by Dr W. V. Curtain to have contributed to the death of GEORGE HEAD MCQUILLAN, late of James-street, an Inquest on whom was conducted yesterday by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - Dr Curtain said the heart was "enormous." The normal weight of the heart was ten or eleven ounces and a post-mortem examination had revealed that MCQUILLAN'S heart weighed 27 ounces. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 February 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Boy's Death. - "Death from Pneumonia of the Left Lung" was the verdict of the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at Ker-street yesterday on DAVID STANLEY GLOVER, aged 9 years, son of MR GEORGE GLOVER, of Victory-street. - MRS GLOVER said the boy had complained of pains in the head. - Dr D. Laurance Brown said a post-mortem examination revealed pneumonia of the left lung, which he considered to be the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 February 1926
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Fall Of Timber. Verdict Of Accidental Death On Plymouth Labourer. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest at the South Devon Hospital on WILLIAM HENRY TURPIN, a horse dealer, 53 years of age, of 70 St Leonard's-road, Plymouth. - Jacob Crocker said he was a timber merchant's labourer. On Friday last he was working with deceased taking timber off a wagon. It was not evenly balanced and whilst they were going to adjust it a large piece canted and knocked a smaller piece over. This fell on the deceased's chest. He was sent to Hospital. Witness stated that it was a pure accident. - Dr D. B. C. Lawson said that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a fracture of the femur and shock, but there was no sign of damage to the chest. He attributed death to shock as a result of injuries.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 February 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - St Agnes Stoker's Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on WILLIAM JOHN HOLMAN, of Quay-road, St Agnes, who was 30 years of age, and a leading stoker in the Royal Navy, stationed at the Naval Barracks, Devonport. He died in a furnished room at 56 Monument-street, Devonport. - Dr D. McCarthy said that as the result of a post-mortem examination he found death was due to commencing pneumonia of the left lung. - MRS MABEL HOLMAN said she came to join her husband at Plymouth. Deceased complained at night of pains in the chest and heart. She later found him unconscious and when the doctor came life was extinct. - A verdict was recorded in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 February 1926
PLYMOUTH - Knocked Down By Corporation 'Bus. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Man. Driver Exonerated From Blame. - A verdict that death was due to a blow as a result of being knocked down by a Plymouth Corporation 'bus was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, who yesterday, with a Jury of which Mr T. W. Geach was Foreman, conducted an Inquiry into the death of EDWARD JAMES WESTLAKE, Eton-avenue, Plymouth, who died on Thursday following an accident on Monday. - Mr R. J. Fittall and Mr H. P. Stokes were present on behalf of the relatives. - Deceased's son, EDWARD WESTLAKE, said his father told him after the accident that he was proceeding up York-street at midday, and subsequently stopped on the pavement to look at a poster. A Corporation 'bus was going down York-street, and struck deceased on the shoulder and threw him against the wall. Deceased did not pass any opinion as to who was to blame for the accident. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Blades said he was called to examine deceased on Monday and on Thursday he developed symptoms of pneumonia and subsequently died. - Witness found death was due to pneumonia, caused by a fracture of the left scapula, and the seventh and eighth ribs on the left side were broken in two. - By Mr Fittall: There were no marks or blows on the body to show the 'bus had run over it. - Mr Fittall: Could the injuries have been caused by deceased falling down? - The broken ribs might have been caused by a fall, but not a fracture of the scapula. - What kind of blow do you suggest would cause the fracture? - A blow from a side of a 'bus passing him. It could have been caused either by a glancing blow or direct force. I think there are only three cases of a fractured scapula known in the town. - By Mr Pearce: Deceased told witness that the 'bus had knocked into him. - Driver's Story. - Alec Richard Leadbitter, driver of the 'bus, said he was proceeding down York-street at about five miles per hour on Monday, and after passing the corner of William-street he noticed a stationary van and kept close to the left kerb. His attention was directed to the van, but as he was passing he noticed a man on the pavement on his left. He saw no one cross the road. He was in the act of steering the 'bus again to the middle of the road when he felt a bump and looked back and saw deceased lying on the pavement. He ran back and asked deceased what was the matter, and he said the 'bus had hit him. His head was scarred and he complained of pains in the left shoulder. - Mr Pearce: Did you notice deceased before passing the motor van? - No, my attention was directed to the van. - But surely if you are driving a 'bus you must look to see if people are on the left side as well as the right? - I noticed deceased just as I was passing, but I could not tell what he was doing. - Do you think that when you swung the 'bus into the middle of the road the back of the 'bus hit him? - Oh, no. - When you turn your 'bus into the middle of the road do you forget altogether that the back of the 'bus sweeps towards the pavement?- No. - Have you ever seen a Corporation 'bus come down York-street at five miles per hour? - Yes, and slower. - Fernley Charles Tall, a Corporation 'bus driver, said he was driving a 'bus, following the previous witness. Just as the 'bus was passing deceased he saw him stumble and he struck the wall with his face and fell back on his shoulder. He would not say the 'bus did not strike deceased. - William Cecil Chaff, driver to a St John Ambulance, said he saw deceased crossing the road in front of the stationary car and when he got to the kerb he seemed to trip and fell against the wall. Deceased told witness the 'bus hit him. - The Coroner: I can't understand it. The two drivers say the first 'bus was passing before he stumbled. - After a brief retirement the verdict of the Jury was that deceased died from a blow from the 'bus but they were of opinion there was no negligence on the part of the driver, but that it was a result of the angle at which the 'bus had to swing out. - Mr R. J. Fittall, on behalf of the Corporation, expressed regret and sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 February 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Natural Causes due to Convulsions," was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on STANLEY CLARENCE CROOK, the three-months-old child of MR and MRS J. CROOK, of 66 Gloucester-street.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 February 1926
TAVISTOCK - Woman's Death. Tavistock Jury Exonerates Motor Car Driver. - "We are all agreed that it was a pure accident, and that no blame is attaching to the driver of the car. It was due to the road being narrow and dangerous and to the fact that the deceased stepped towards the centre of the road instead of keeping by the near side. We exonerate the driver from all blame." - These were the words of Mr C. M. Bond, Foreman of the Jury, at an Inquest conducted by Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone at Tavistock on Saturday on POLLY TUCKER, aged 59, a widow, of Gunnislake, who died on Thursday at Tavistock Hospital from injuries sustained through being knocked down on Sand-hill, Gunnislake, by a motor car. At the spot the road was 19 feet wide, but in consequence of a water-table being on one side only 15 feet was available for traffic. It was described as very dangerous. The car had just negotiated a corner and the driver was continually sounding his horn. - Charles Taylor, pensioner, of Gunnislake, said he saw the left mudguard of a car that was coming down the hill strike the deceased, who was about three feet out in the road from the water-table. He thought the car was going from 12 to 15 miles an hour. The chauffeur gave every assistance. - Dr C. N. Leakey, of Gunnislake, said he attended the deceased immediately. There was a badly-lacerated wound on the left side of the head, and the usual symptoms of fracture of the base of the skull. There was a bruise on the right hand, and both knees were grazed. There were no broken bones. She died from shock. He thought the injury to the head was caused by contact with the wall and not by direct contact with the car. It was a very dangerous spot, as the driver of a car coming down the hill could not see round the corner. It was particularly dangerous when two cars passed. - Charles Robert Peters, of Netherhall-gardens, Hampstead, London, employed by Mr F. Seddon, of that address, the driver of the car, said on turning the corner he saw a car coming up the hill and was just drawing into the near side of the road after passing a stationary car. He thought the width of the car he was driving was five feet. He sounded his horn while coming round the corner. The deceased altered her course, gave a quarter-turn as if something had attracted her attention, and then went further out in the road. The other car was practically abreast of his car when the accident happened, and the two cars took up most of the room. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said that there was no blame attached to the chauffeur.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 February 1926
CHATHAM, KENT - At the Inquest at Chatham on CONSTABLE FRANCIS GREGORY, a native of Ermington, who was found together with his two young children, with their throats cut, the Jury returned a verdict of "Murder and Suicide during a fit of Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 February 1926
TAVISTOCK - Missing For Ten Weeks. Pensions Hospital Inmate. Coroner's Strong Comments. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" at an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on THOMAS HIGGS, a married man, aged 40, of Teddington, London, whose remains were found in Melancholy Wood, Magpie, about three miles from Tavistock, on Monday, Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, the Coroner, said he could not help thinking that the Police or the Ministry of Pensions or the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, at Saltash, ought to have made more inquiries respecting the man when he was found missing. - I(t seemed to him almost incredible that a man should disappear from Saltash on December 6, and that nothing more should be heard of him for ten weeks, when his body was found within a few miles of Saltash and only five yards from the main road from Plymouth to Tavistock. - It seemed all the more incredible when they realized the facilities they had today for instituting inquiries and that made it appear to him that somebody at least ought to have made more inquiries concerning the man than those which were made. - Father's Evidence. - JOHN HENRY HIGGS, 64 Lee-road, Eastley, Hants, said the photograph produced was that of his son, whom he last saw alive two years ago, when he was at work. - P.C. White, of Horrabridge, said the body was lying about five yards from the main road from Tavistock to Plymouth. It was more in a sitting position than lying, was resting against a steep bank, and the man was dressed in hospital clothing of blue. The body appeared to have been there a considerable time, as it was decomposed. A jack-knife, the blade of which was open, was lying on the ground close to the man's right hands. A purse containing 1s. 10d. , a wallet containing some papers, with the name "HIGGS, T.," and relating to the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Saltash, were found, and the photograph (produced) was on the body. The authorities at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, at Saltash, were communicated with. - P.S. Lake said they had ascertained that the man had been missing from the Hospital since December 6 last. - Coroner's Question. - P.S. Peters, of Saltash, said he was informed of the man being missed from the Pensions Hospital at Saltash early in December. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness said he kept no written record of it. The reason for that was because they frequently had messages at the Police Station from the Hospital to the effect that men were missing. It was a common occurrence. He did not receive the message himself. They made inquiries, but found no trace of the man. He was informed that the Hospital authorities believed that the man had gone to some relatives at Worthing. He had made no further inquiries. - The Coroner: It would have been better if you had. - Replying to P.S. Lake, witness said he was satisfied in his mind that the man had gone to Worthing, as he had been notified by the Hospital authorities to that effect. - The Coroner (to Mr W. C. Hood, civil servant of the Inquiry Office of the Ministry of Pensions, London): Did the authorities notify your district that the deceased had gone to his relatives at Worthing, or did they say that they believed he had gone there, and therefore it was only assumption? - The authorities did not definitely state that he had gone to Worthing. - Mr Hood subsequently stated, in reply to the Coroner, that inquiries were made on December 9, 17 and 18. - No Question Of Foul Play. - Dr F. W. A. Watt, of Tavistock, described the man's wounds. - Replying to P.S. Lake, witness said there was no suspicion of foul play. The fact of the wound being started where it was showed that the injury was deliberate and he had no doubt that it was self-inflicted. - Dr G. Gordon, senior Medical Officer of the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, at Saltash, also gave evidence, and said the man was fairly industrious but seemed a little peevish or childish at times. They felt a little apprehension when he disappeared. - Mr Hood, replying to further questions by the Coroner, said if information was given to the Police of a man missing from the Pension Hospital, it was for them to try and discover him and not the Ministry of Pensions

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 February 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall Down Well. Inquest On Man Drowned While Rabbiting. - "Accidentally Drowned through falling into a Well" as the verdict returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on Thursday at the Inquest on JAMES WALTER DEACON, 76, retired master blacksmith, who resided at 5 St Budeaux-terrace, Devonport, and was found drowned in a well on Gard's Farm, King's Tamerton, on Tuesday. - Dr Rudolf stated that he had made a post-mortem examination, which revealed the fact that death was due to drowning. - MISS E. E. DEACON identified the body as that of her father, whom she last saw alive about 3.30 on Monday afternoon. He left the house saying he was going to take the dog for a run, but he did not say anything about going rabbiting. When deceased did not come home to tea she became alarmed and later informed her brother at King's Tamerton. Her father was happy and had no money difficulties. - ALFRED A. DEACON, Travellers' Rest Inn, Tamerton, a grandson of deceased, described having found deceased's dog and cap by the side of a disused well in a field at Gard's Farm. - CHARLES JAMES DEACON, son of deceased, said his father had been rabbiting in that field on many occasions and knew there was a well in it, because he had fixed a pump there himself. - Answering the Coroner, witness said he believed the well had been long covered in. He thought his father had fallen into the well whilst adjusting a net to a rabbit's bolt hole. - P.C. Leyburn described how on Tuesday morning he saw deceased's dog sitting on his cap and looking down the well, the corrugated covering of which had been removed. A rabbit net was hanging down into the water and a ferret bag was lying beside the well. After getting grappling irons and assistance he ultimately recovered deceased from the well. DEACON'S head must have stuck in the mud at the bottom of the well, as it took about an hour to get him out. For ordinary purposes the well was sufficiently protected with four sheets of corrugated iron, two broken gates laid over, and some logs. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that deceased accidentally fell down into the well. He was out rabbiting. All the appliances which had been produced confirmed that fact. There was no evidence at all that one could imply that he intended to take his life.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 February 1926
PAIGNTON - Mr E. Hutchings returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" at the Inquest last evening on MRS ANN ELIZABETH WELLSMAN, (56), of Palmyra, Tarraway-road, Preston, Paignton, whose body was taken from the sea at Preston.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 March 1926
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Sailor Drowned At Plymouth. - The death by drowning of a young sailor, JOHN ALLEN, of St Sampson's, Guernsey, whose body was found drifting in the Cattewater, was the subject of an Inquiry on Saturday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, by whom a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. - Loismasie Endicott, daughter of George Endicott, master of the ketch Lolly, from Cork, said on Sunday afternoon she went out in a rowing boat together with deceased and a lad named Muzzlewhite. Deceased, who was 18 years of age, was sculling and standing up on the seat. Suddenly the paddle slipped and he fell overboard. He came up to the surface once only. They were in the Cattewater at the time and a strong southerly wind was blowing against the tide. A search was made for the body, which was recovered on Friday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 March 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Hurrying to catch a train, GEORGE HENRY JEFFERY, 33, A.B., was taken ill in Devonport Park and died before arriving at the Royal Albert Hospital. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 March 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Coroner's Caution To Cyclists. - A caution to cyclists to exercise care was issued by the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at an Inquest on Monday evening held on WILLIAM BARBER, 51, of Decoy-road, Newton Abbot, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital from pneumonia brought about from injuries received when he was knocked down by a Devon General omnibus. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the driver of the 'bus exonerated from all blame. - The driver of the 'bus said about 200 yards from Kingskerswell the road was under reconstruction. On his near side the road was open, but was roped off on the other. He drew level with the cyclist, sounded his horn, and was about to pass him when the cyclist swerved across in front of him. Witness also swerved in order to avoid a collision, but was unsuccessful.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 March 1926
DARTMOUTH - Giving evidence at the Inquest on ETTIE MAY PERRIN, who died in Dartmouth Hospital as the result of burns, MRS PERRIN thought her daughter must have been dusting the mantelpiece unaware that the gas ring in the fender had been lighted and it caught her apron. Dr Max Tylor said death was due to shock, the result of burns. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 March 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death due to Cerebral Haemorrhage" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday on JOHN HAM (54) of 65 George-street, Devonport. - MRS E. L. HAM, of George-street, Devonport, identified deceased as her husband, a hosemaker in the Dockyard. Until Thursday he had been in good health. - It was stated that on Thursday afternoon deceased went across the shop to get a drink from a tap, and on returning to his bench fell. He was seen by Surg.-Com. Cox, and was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr Willis, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased was in a drowsy condition when he arrived in the Institution. HAM said he had never had an attack like that before. Later HAM died, death being due to cerebral haemorrhage. - 

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 March 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - At the Inquest held on CHARLES NEWTON MCCOLL, (50), of 17 Spencer-avenue, Devonport, a blacksmith in the Dockyard, a verdict of "Death due to Angina Pectoris" was returned. - MRS MCCOLL, wife of deceased, said he had been suffering from influenza, but seemed to have recovered. He was to have returned to work on Monday. Yesterday morning he felt a pain across his chest and died later. - Dr J. Nixon Morris said he had been attending deceased for a mild attack of influenza, which was much better. After a post-mortem examination he found evidences of cardiac failure of some hours' duration. He considered that cardiac failure was the cause of death. - Mr K. Eyton Peck attended on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 March 1926
DAWLISH - Husband's Vigil. 24-Hour Watch By Wife Dying On Floor. - The story of how an elderly husband sat by and attended his wife for nearly 24 hours when she was lying on the floor of her bedroom dying, was told at the Inquest at Dawlish yesterday on MRS WINIFRED MARY JANE RUNDLE, who died in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned. - JAMES RUNDLE, the widower, of independent means, age 68, said that early on Tuesday morning he was asleep when he was wakened by a fall. He went down to his wife's room and saw her lying on the floor near the bed. - She could not get up from the floor and he could not assist her to do so. He made her as comfortable as possible, giving her a pillow and covering her with an eiderdown quilt. He asked her whether he should fetch a nurse or a doctor, but she refused. - She remained on the floor all day and he was with her all the time. He gave her during the day several teaspoonfuls of whisky. At night she was still on the floor, witness remaining with her, being seated, dressed, in a chair. - In the early hours of Wednesday morning, as she seemed very quiet, he called a nurse, who said she had died. - Dr B. S. Thurlow said deceased died from heart failure, due to the diseased condition of the heart. If medical assistance had been obtained she might have lived a few days, but not more. A doctor could have done no more for her than her husband had done.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 March 1926
PLYMOUTH - Driver Not To Blame. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, into the death of MISS MARY PEARD UGLOW, aged 67, of 62 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, who was knocked down by a motor-car on Friday night after she had left the Free Library, Tavistock-road, and was killed instantaneously. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and completely exonerated the driver, Mr Walter C. Vickery, from blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 March 1926
TOTNES - Girl's Delusions. Suicide Verdict At Totnes Inquest. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest yesterday at Totnes on ANNIE FARRIER, whose body was found in the River Dart on Saturday. - LOUISE FARRIER, deceased's sister, stated that deceased had been residing with her grandmother for nearly six months. She was 26 years of age, and was previously a domestic farm servant. She came home suffering from a nervous breakdown, but had been better lately. Witness did not think her sister had any cause for trouble. - At times she had delusions and strange fancies. Just over a month ago she heard her in her bedroom saying to herself that she would take her life, but she appeared all right afterwards. The notes produced were in her sister's handwriting. - Her sister left home the previous Monday, witness thought, for Torquay. She came back on Tuesday. She went away again on Wednesday, about 10 a.m. Witness had no knowledge that she was at Plymouth on the previous Monday. - She was under a delusion that the Government was maintaining her, but really she was being kept by her grandmother. - Dr W. Chapman told the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, that five years ago deceased had a nervous breakdown. She came to him again last September, suffering from nervous debility. Death was apparently due to drowning. There were some small abrasions on her face, probably caused by coming into contact with rocks. - P.C. Newton said that he found the body in the river close to the left bank about 300 yards below the shelter. - The Deputy Coroner said one of the papers found amongst deceased's effects read:- "ANNIE FARRIER, Lower Longcombe, Berry Pomeroy, Totnes. - ANNIE FARRIER wishes to leave the money that the soldiers gave her to the disabled. Also the Government money for A..... " There was no date added, and it did not count for very much. It might be that the young woman was contemplating suicide. The other letter was not signed and was never sent. It was torn, and he considered was written at a time when deceased's mind was deranged. He thought the evidence was sufficient to say that deceased Committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 March 1926
TAMERTON FOLIOT - Killed By Omnibus. "Accidental Death" Verdict On Tamerton Child. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest held at Tamerton Foliot yesterday on ALLAN JOHN MITCHELL, stepson of THOMAS BROCK, of Tamerton Foliot, who was killed by a D.M.T. 'bus earlier in the day. The driver of the 'bus was exonerated from all blame. - THOMAS BROCK identified the body as that of his six-year-old stepson, whom he saw alive last shortly after 8 a.m. when the boy was going to the Post Office. - Albert Edward Tapley of Overland House, Plymstock, driver of the 'bus, said he had been employed by the Devon Motor Transport Company for 11 months as a motor driver, and altogether had 11 years' driving experience. As he had been on the Plymouth-Tamerton Foliot route for 10 months he knew the road well. - He stopped outside a butcher's shop at Tamerton Foliot to deliver a parcel. A car belonging to West Park Nurseries was at the bottom of the hill. The driver of that car, who was reversing, signalled to witness to stop, and the car got clear into the St Budeaux-road, leaving the main road clear for witness to proceed. When he was going at not more than five miles per hour, having started on first gear, a horse-drawn wagon approached, and when the rear of the wagon was parallel with the front of the 'bus, the boy ran from behind the wagon across the front of the motor 'bus. Witness felt the impact of the 'bus striking the boy, and felt one of the wheels pass over him. - He stopped the 'bus in eight to ten feet. He found the near side front wheel had gone over the boy's body, which was lying about two feet from the rear wheel. He was bleeding profusely from the head. - Answering Jurymen, Tapley said the boy had not a chance to hesitate. - After hearing corroborative evidence, a verdict was returned as stated, the Jury suggesting that Devon County Council should be approached to put a footpath opposite West Park Nurseries and otherwise improve the corner. Mr Mayburne Pearce represented the Devon Motor Transport Company.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 March 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Waterman's Death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM MUDDS, a licensed waterman, aged 63, of 67 Union-place, Stonehouse, who died in a taxi-cab on Wednesday after rowing from Cremyll to Admiral's Hard. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to cardiac degeneration.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 April 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned by Mr W. E. J. Major, the Devonport Deputy Coroner, yesterday on AMY LOUISA VANSTONE, 45, a widow, who resided in rooms at Pembroke-street, Devonport and who was found dead by her son in her bedroom on Tuesday. Deceased was subject to fits, and medical evidence showed that her heart was considerably affected by cardiac degeneration.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 April 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Girl's Death In New House. An Escape Of Coal Gas? Brother Survives In The Same Room. - The tragic death of a young girl from coal gas poisoning and a narrow escape from the same fate of the girl's younger brother occurred at Wordsworth-crescent, Camel's Head on Thursday morning. - The victim was VIOLET MAY RIDHOLLS, aged 14, daughter of MR PERCY RIDHOLLS. The family had only occupied the house for two days. - At the Inquest held the same evening by Mr W. E. J. Major, Devonport Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to Coal Gas Poisoning," was returned, the Coroner expressing the opinion that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the leakage was caused. - Brother Recovering Well. - Dr Willis, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that the deceased was brought to the Institution at 9.45 a.m. by ambulance, and she was then dead. Her brother, age 11, was also admitted suffering from the effects of gas poisoning and during the day he made good progress towards recovery. A post-mortem examination of the girl showed that death was due to asphyxia, following carbon monoxide poisoning. Otherwise her condition was perfectly normal and healthy. - MRS RIDHOLLS said her daughter was all right when she went to bed on Wednesday night. The girl and boy slept in the same bedroom at the back of the house on the first floor. Witness had been living in the house only two days. On Thursday morning she knocked at the bedroom door, which was locked, but got no reply, and after an interval, returned and could get no response to her calls. - Thinking she could detect a smell of gas, witness called Mrs Dodd, a neighbour, and by pushing out the key in the lock and using another key they were able to enter the room. The boy and girl were both unconscious in bed, and Mrs Dodd telephoned to the Police and the ambulance stations. The lighting of the house was by electricity and the only gas appliance in the bedroom was a heating stove, both taps of which were turned off. A strong smell of gas, however, pervaded the room. - Artificial Respiration. - Sergt. Skinner, St John Ambulance, Plymouth, said he reached 73 Wordsworth-crescent, in response to a call at 9.15. The boy had been taken out of the house and was breathing fairly well. After rendering him first aid, witness joined his companion, who had proceeded to the bedroom. The girl showed no signs of breathing and methods of artificial respiration which were used there and on the journey to the Hospital failed. - Richard Behenna, a service layer in the employ of the Corporation Gas Department, said at 9.30 he was sent for and went to MRS RIDHOLLS'S house. The meter was registering consumption of gas, and on going to the room from which the boy and girl had been removed he discovered an escape from the tap which regulated the main supply to the gas fire. The tap was on the floor level, close to the foot of the bed and was a screw connection with the pipe underneath the floor. He fetched Mr Towers and the clerk of the works and pointed out the leakage to them. - Leonard George Davey, Duke-street, Devonport, plumber, in the employ of Eadie Towers and Company, said the work of connecting the pipes in the houses of Wordsworth-crescent was done by him a month or six weeks ago. The gas was turned on by him for the first time on Wednesday, and with a lighted match he tested all the joints and connections in the house. They appeared to be perfectly sound. He was unable to give any explanation of the leakage, except that the tap might have been knocked. If the gas had been escaping from the time he tested it at 1 o'clock on Wednesday he thought it would have been noticed in the evening before the family retired to bed. - A verdict was returned as stated above.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 April 1926
PLYMSTOCK - "Death from Natural Causes" as the verdict returned by the Coroner, Mr A. W. G. Johnstone, at the Inquest on MR THOMAS YATES, who died suddenly on Wednesday, aged 69, at his residence, near Plymstock.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 April 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Ker-street Police Station on FRANCIS GEORGE BARRELL, aged 11. Dr G. C. Sandford said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 April 1926
YELVERTON - Walkhampton Child's Death. - An Inquest was held at Yelverton by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, yesterday afternoon on ARTHUR GILBERT PALMER, the six-months-old son of ALFRED GEORGE PALMER, carpenter, Walkhampton. - The child was ailing on Saturday and was found by his mother dead in its bed on Sunday morning. The cause of death was certified as heart failure, brought on by pneumonia and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 April 1926
TORQUAY - The Torquay Motor Fatality. Coroner And Driver's Evidence. Question Of Car's Speed. - Owing to the witnesses not being sufficiently recovered from their injuries, the Inquest on ELSIE EWINS, the London visitor to Torquay who was killed in a motor accident at Torquay in the early hours of Tuesday morning, was adjourned yesterday for three weeks. - Mr E. Hutchings, the Coroner, who sat with a Jury, commented on statements in the Press with regard to the speed of the car and told Mr C. A. Walsh, the driver, that he was not satisfied with his evidence. - Press Statements. - Mr Hutchings warned the Jury that they had got to deal with the case and come to a decision, not as the result of anything they might have heard or read, but simply and entirely by the sworn evidence they heard in that Court. Statements had appeared in all the newspapers he had seen that the car could not have been driven very fast owing to the damage it had sustained. This statement was going a little too far. It was not for the Press to express the opinion one way or the other before a Coroner's Inquest had been held, because it might influence the Jury. - Dr H. S. Ward, of Babbacombe, Torquay, identified deceased as MISS ELSIE EWINS, of Clarence Gate-gardens, London, staying with friends in Torquay, Mr and Mrs Haslam Lucas, of Riviera, Lower Erith-road. Witness said he saw her leave the dance at the Medical Baths with a party of five in Mrs Haslam Lucas's two-seater car. - Dr B. M., Rowe, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said most of MISS EWINS'S ribs on the left side had been fractured, and a penetration of the lungs, with subsequent internal haemorrhage, was the cause of death. The other patients from the accident at the Torbay Hospital would not be fit to attend an Inquiry for at least a fortnight, and probably longer. - Driver's Evidence. - Mr C. A. Walsh, who described himself as a motor car salesman of Meadfoot Ridge-avenue, Winchmore Hill, London, the driver of the car, said he was 19 years of age last February and was at present staying at Riviera as a friend of Mr and Mrs Haslam Lucas. Witness detailed the drinks he had had up to dinner on Monday, and Mr Hutchings remarked that he was a young man, and asked how long he had been in the habit of taking that refreshment. At the Baths he had a whisky when he arrived, a beer and another whisky about 12.30. He was dancing most of the evening. Coming home they got into the car and turned to face the hill. MISS EWINS was sitting on the seat and not on the side of the car. His explanation was that he misjudged his distance on the corner and before he knew where he was they were absolutely on the post. The road was clear and they proceeded down the hill at a fair pace. He called 12 to 15 miles per hour a moderate speed. He did not think they were doing more than 15 miles per hour. - The Coroner remarked that it seemed to him that if the standard had not been there they would all have been in the harbour. - Owing to the other witnesses being unable to attend owing to injuries he adjourned the Inquest for three weeks, and told Walsh he was not satisfied with his evidence. If he said he was driving slowly, he (the Coroner) did not believe him.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - Death In Ship's Hold. When the Plymouth Coroner yesterday opened an Inquest on JOSEPH WATSON, aged 49, of Hull, chief engineer of the steamer Erichs, who was found dead in the hold of the vessel, England Dowling, master of the vessel, stated that for two days there had been a fire in the port side of the coal bunker, and but for that fact deceased would have been in his bed. He had been called to look at the bunkers, and it was thought WATSON must have climbed a gangway between the hatches and fallen into the hold. Deceased was a temperate man. - The Inquest was adjourned until today, in order that a post-mortem examination might be conducted and medical evidence given.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - Death In Kinema. Inquest On Devonport Bank Cashier. - At the Inquest on CHARLES ORAM GARD, aged 55, cashier at the Union Savings Bank, Devonport, who died suddenly in a Plymouth kinema on Friday night, the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Dr H. G. Ludolf (Homeopathic Hospital) pronouncing that death was due to heart disease. - FLORENCE EMILY GARD, widow, stated that her husband and herself walked from Devonport to the kinema and her husband seemed to be quite all right. After he had sat in the kinema a quarter of an hour he lit a cigarette. She heard him cough and then on looking at him she saw he had fainted. He was conveyed to the Homeopathic Hospital.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 April 1926
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Innkeeper's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, at the Inquest at Dartmouth Guildhall yesterday on MR W. G. T. DUNN, of The Moorings, and licensee of the Ship-in-Dock Inn, who died suddenly on Tuesday while engaged at his business. - ARTHUR HOLMAN DUNN, a son, said his father was aged 52 years, and seemed in excellent health. - Dr J. H. Harris, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1926
HARTLAND - GEORGE LITTLEJOHN, 84, retired farmer, was found unconscious outside his front door at Hartland by his son-in-law, THOMAS BURROW, and died later. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, found that he died from syncope, following the shock of a fall. He had been a cripple for many years.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - Nurse's Death. Adjournment Of Plymouth Inquest. - An Inquest was opened at Plymouth yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns on MARY BAILEY CHURCHILL, a maternity nurse of St Ursula's Home, Edith-avenue, who was found lying dead in her bedroom on Friday evening. - After taking evidence of identification the Inquiry was adjourned until May 11 in order that the contents of the stomach may be analysed. - The Matron of the Home, Annie M. Smith, stated that deceased was 49 years of age, and had been employed at the Home since March 9. On April 9 the committee determined her services. Witness last saw her about 4.15 p.m. on Friday, when she was lying on her bed fully dressed, with the exception of her cap. - "I gave her a message," added witness, "from Mr Woollcombe, the secretary of the Home, to the effect that he was prepared to pay her £2 15s. in addition to the money which she had been paid, provided she left the house that evening, and would she let me know whether or not she accepted it." Deceased's replied, 'If that is all there is to be said, I must.' - At 7.30 the same evening witness went to deceased's room and found her lying on the bed quite dead. There were various bottles about the room , but witness did not know what they contained.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday where medical evidence showed that SARAH LAVERS ,77 years, of 55 High-street, Plymouth, broke her wrist and thigh in a fall downstairs, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Borough Coroner held an Inquest on THOMAS WATSON, 73, naval pensioner. William Edward Griffin of 79 King-street, said deceased had lived there for nearly three years. On Friday week WATSON was on his way upstairs to rest when he fell down. He was removed to the Homeopathic Hospital and later to Greenbank Infirmary, where he died on Saturday morning. Dr Millicent Fox attributed death to shock and concussion and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 April 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Doctor Delayed. Could Not Have Saved Sergeant's Life. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest conducted yesterday at Devonport Military Hospital by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on SERGT. WILLIAM DAVISON MCGOWAN, 43, 23rd Mechanical Transport, R.A.S.C., stationed at Granby Barracks, Devonport. - The widow, ELIZABETH MCGOWAN, said when her husband came off duty last Sunday at 3 p.m. he complained of pains in the head, refused to eat his dinner and went to bed. He went to sleep and woke up just before five, when she saw he was worse. The medical officer was sent for three times, but he did not come until after six o'clock, during which time deceased first became unconscious and then died. - Capt. Reginald Cox, R.A.M.C., stationed at the Hospital, said on Sunday he was the orderly officer. He received a telephone message to come and see deceased at about 5.30 p.m. at the Royal Hotel. About the same time he had another telephone message with reference to another case, and that caused a delay, so that he saw deceased just after six, and he had apparently been dead about 20 minutes. A post-mortem examination revealed that death was due to heart failure. - Answering the Coroner, witness said if it had been possible to go to MCGOWAN within five minutes of the reception of the telephone message he would have been unable to save his life.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 April 1926
TORQUAY - Electrocuted Boy. Coroner On "Lack Of Thought." - Medical evidence given at the Inquest in Torquay yesterday on HERBERT E. GURNEY, the 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted on the premises of his employer, Mr S. E. Hunt, an electrician, of Torwood-street, Torquay, on Monday afternoon, was to the effect that the lad was in a somewhat abnormal condition, and on account of this a shock of the strength of 200 volts proved fatal. - The Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he could not shut his eyes to the fact that there had been thoughtlessness, and for all he knew a Jury would have taken a more serious view of it. - There was no necessity to go to the cellar, where the boy had been electrocuted, no necessity for the light from which the shock had been communicated, yet it had remained there ever since September in a dangerous condition, and no one seemed to care. They could not do anything for the poor boy, but those who read the facts in the papers would, he hoped. take notice of them, and take proper precautions and see that these thoughtless things were not done. - The Coroner thanked Mr Hunt for doing what he could. - Just Left School. - JOSEPH GURNEY, of Windsor-road, Ellacombe, Torquay, the father of the deceased boy, said his son went to Mr S. E. Hunt, electrician, of Torwood-street, on the Wednesday after the Easter holidays, April 7. He was to be there a month on trial with a view to being apprenticed. He saw Mr Hunt the evening of the tragedy just before six o'clock and he said that the boy was sent down by his foreman into the cellar to fetch a length of tubing, and by some means the electric wire must have been penetrated. - Dr Basil N. R. West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found there was a persistent chymous gland and some evidence of lymphatic tissue excess in the body. There was the ordinary evidence of the asphyxia. - The Coroner: Which could have been caused by shock? - Witness: Yes, bringing about paralysis of the spinal centre. - Was there any other apparent cause of death in this case? asked the Coroner. Dr West said there was none other than the fact that this particular gland was abnormal. - Abnormal Condition. - Questioning Sir R. Hampden Smith, the Coroner said, assuming he had had a 200-volt electric shock whilst standing on a damp place would that have been sufficient to cause death? - Witness: One would not have expected it, but it might under certain conditions. If it had been a long period during which the current was passing through the boy's body, or he was in the condition described by Dr West, it would have caused death. - Mr P. H. W. Almy, for the parents, asked, had his condition been normal would the shock have caused death? and witness replied "No, I do not think so, because the shock would not have been sufficiently severe." - Sydney C. Hunt, electrician of Torwood-street, said the tubing was stored in the cellar. It was pulled in lengths through an aperture when needed. The cellar was a damp place and was very little used. The tubing was kept in metal wrappings. The electric lamp was put in originally when he took possession of the premises. There was an open drain in the cellar, which was unhealthy and it had to be covered and the light was put in to enable the workmen to do the job. It had remained there ever since. A long piece of workshop flex was connected with the shop above, and passed through the concrete floor into the cellar, where the lamp was suspended from a bracket. - Mr Almy: It was not necessary for the boy to use the lamp? - No. - Who put the plug in? - The deceased must have. - Against Regulations. - Fredk. Ernest Lang, foreman electrician, in the employ of Mr Hunt, said there was no occasion to go into the cellar to obtain tubing. The lamp was attached to a bracket outside where the tubing was stacked. It was not insulated in any way. - Mr H. F. G. Woods, borough electrical engineer, said it was obvious that the flex produced had been badly rubbed, and that if it became entangled with the tubing the whole of the latter would become alive. In answer to the Coroner, witness said it was contrary to their safety regulations. He would say it was thoughtless.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 April 1926
PLYMOUTH - Motor Fatality Inquest. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, and a Jury into the death of JOHN REEBY, a painter, aged 68, of Treville-street, Plymouth, who was knocked down by a motor car in Whimple-street on Tuesday, subsequently dying in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Alfred Clifford Steer, a contractor, of the George Hotel, Plympton, said he was driving his car up Whimple-street in the direction of St Andrew's Church, when deceased stepped off the pavement. He did not see him until he was almost on him, and he thought his lamp struck him, knocking him backwards. Witness estimated his speed at the time to be eight miles an hour. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to the driver.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 April 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - St Budeaux Man's Death. - The Coroner for Devonport, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on MR RICHARD JAMES WILLISCROFT, aged 59, of "F" Quarters, Bull Point Armament Depot, Bull Point, St Budeaux, Devonport, an employee at the depot for the past 36 years, who died suddenly on Wednesday. - MRS LAURA WILLISCROFT stated that her husband, formerly foreman of labourers, was at the time of his death leading hand of labourers. He had met with an accident in September 1915, and since that time had been in poor health. Three weeks ago he became worse. - Dr Thomas, Medical Assistant in charge of troops at the depot, recalling the accident, said the deceased was working on a crane when the handle broke, and he was thrown from the platform, with the result that he injured his back. He had had repeated attacks of haemorrhage ever since, and it was during one of these attacks that he died. He did not associate deceased's accident with his death, which was caused primarily by renal calculus and chronic nephritis., - A verdict in accordance with medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 April 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Organ-Grinder's Death. - An Inquiry was conducted by the Torquay Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, into the circumstances of the death of THOMAS ARNOLD, 85, a blind organ-grinder, of Croft-place, Croft-road, Torquay, yesterday afternoon. - FRANCES MAUD MABEL ARNOLD, widow, stated that deceased was both blind and deaf. On Sunday morning he got out of bed suddenly, became giddy, fell and knocked his head against a chair. He died the same evening. - Dr B. N. West, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said there were evidences of senile decay in heart and lungs and deceased was not in a condition to undergo an operation. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 April 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Motor Fatality. No Negligence On Part Of Driver. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict recorded at the resumed Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the victim of the fatal motor accident on the Victoria-parade. - The subject of the Inquiry was MISS ELSIE EWINS, aged 30, of Clarence Gate-gardens, London, who died as the result of injuries received when a motor car crashed into a tram standard on Victoria Parade, Torquay, in the early hours of April 6/. She had been staying with Mr and Mrs W. Haslam Lucas, at Riviera, Lower Erith-road, Torquay, and was returning from a ball at the Medial Baths with four friends in the car, which was driven by Mr Charles Albert Walsh, of London. - The Jury found that no negligence attached to the driver of the car, but wished to add a rider that owners of two-seater cars should be warned against overloading. On the Coroner asking whether it was meant that the over-crowding affected the driver's control, the Jury did not consider this the case, and withdrew the rider.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Praying Attitude. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Coroner for Plymouth, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held yesterday concerning the death of MRS MARY CHAPMAN, aged 83, of 5 Melbourne-street, Plymouth, who was found dead in a chair in her house on Sunday. - Mrs Maud Willis said that when she found MRS CHAPMAN she was in a praying attitude, and there were signs that the gas had been left turned on. There was, however, no evidence whatever that deceased had attempted to take her own life. - The verdict was that deceased died from the effects of injuries accidentally received.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" at the adjourned Inquest on MARY BAILEY CHURCHILL, 49, maternity nurse, who died from the effects of laudanum poisoning at St Ursula's Home last month. The analyst who examined the contents of the stomach and of the bottle found on the table beside deceased's bed, stated he discovered four fluid drams of laudanum, which was enough to cause death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 May 1926
TOTNES - Crushed By Tree. Fatal Accident To Totnes Man. - At Totnes yesterday afternoon, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death" on CHARLES JAMES WHITE, 56, general labourer, St John's-cottages, Totnes. - CHARLES THOMAS WHITE said deceased, his father, was working with him and his brother on Tuesday in a copse at Tigley, Rattery, felling an oak tree. They had cut through four-fifths of it when there was a loud crash and it split upwards and fell. The split portion fell over that which was standing and when the top struck the ground the trunk rebounded and caught the deceased across the stomach, pinning him to the ground. - Witness excavated part of the ground under him, but the tree began to sink and had to be sawn before the deceased could be extricated. He was then unconscious and died on the way to the Hospital at Totnes. He had never known an oak tree split so far before. - Dr S. C. Jellicoe said death was due to internal haemorrhage and shock.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 May 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Doctor Not Called. Sad Story At Teignmouth Inquest. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, at Teignmouth yesterday held an Inquest on WILLIAM AUSTIN DOWNING, (66), mason's labourer, 37 Ringmore-road, Shaldon, who died last Sunday. - The widow gave evidence that the deceased complained of feeling unwell, and went to bed. She gave him some whisky. She asserted that he would not let her send for the doctor, and he passed away on Sunday last. - Mary Hamlyn, 36 Ringmore-road, Shaldon, said her sister-in-law, MRS DOWNING, was of weak intellect. She heard nothing unusual coming from the house and knew MRS DOWNING kept her door locked. She heard the deceased groaning, but thought he was only sick. - James Westlake, a neighbour, said he asked MRS DOWNING if she had sent for the doctor, and she replied, "The doctor knows all about it." He went upstairs and found deceased dead. - Dr W. C. Mayo, Shaldon, said when he was called to the deceased he was dead. He had made a post mortem and found death was due to acute pneumonia. - The Coroner said it was quite obvious that the wife was of very weak intellect, and, in his opinion, was not fit to live in a house alone and have charge of anyone. In this case he thought it his duty, instead of saying anything to her, which she would not understand, to communicate with the Relieving Officer. His verdict was that the cause of death was Acute Pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - That death was due to heart failure was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on SAMUEL MARTIN MINNS, (76), a naval pensioner, who died suddenly at his residence, 3 Hyde Park-terrace. Medical evidence showed that deceased had valvular disease of the heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday on MRS EMILY RENDEL, aged 92, who lived at 50 Cromwell-road, Plymouth, it was stated that about a fortnight ago, she fell and fractured her thigh. She had been suffering from bronchitis for some years and died on Saturday. A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 May 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by Mr Ernest Hutchings at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on FREDERICK POLLARD, aged 68, of Cliff-road, Livermead, Torquay, a retired superintendent of the Post Office telephones, whose body was found washed up by the tide at Livermead, Torquay, on Monday morning. - MRS POLLARD said her husband had had abdominal trouble for nine weeks. He was very low spirited and the last time he spoke to her he said he did not mind dying but could not face a long illness. - James Chapman said on Monday morning he saw a man sitting on a rock at Livermead. - P.C. Stewart said that near the body when found there was a brick. A rope attached to it might have been tied round deceased, but it was not attached to him when found. - The Coroner: It might have been a temporary anchor for some boys in a boat? - Dr West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said that death was due to drowning and deceased must have struck his head against some hard substance, probably a rock.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. - A verdict of "Accidental Death, caused by being crushed between two railway trucks," was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN WILLIAM BEER, an unemployed merchant seaman of 63 Oakfield-terrace-road, Plymouth. - William E. Skelton, checker, said he was on Messrs. Burnard and Alger's wharves at Cattedown on Thursday, when someone shouted "Man between the trucks." Witness went a few yards and saw deceased hanging between the buffers. - Dr M. G. P. Read, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when admitted to the Hospital BEER was suffering from severe internal abdominal and thoracic injuries. He died about five minutes after admission. - Mr H. Clarke, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 May 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Inquest On Motor Cyclist Opened. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, sitting with a Jury, opened an Inquest yesterday at Torquay on LAWRENCE JOHN NEWCOMBE, of Newton Abbot, who was killed in a collision with a motor omnibus whilst driving a motor cycle in the King's Drive, Torquay. - The Coroner intimated that he proposed only to take the formal evidence and then adjourn the Inquiry. Mr P. H. W. Almy appeared on behalf of the Devon General Omnibus Company. - JOHN NEWCOMBE, a postman, of Netley, Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of his son, whom he said was 27 years of age, was single and employed as a sorting clerk and telegraphist at Newton Abbot Post Office. Deceased was the owner of a motor cycle, which he had for about 18 months. Witness last saw him alive on Saturday evening. According to what other people said, deceased was a very careful driver. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquiry until Friday next at 3 p.m.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 May 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Road Fatality Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict by Mr T. S. Edmonds, the Deputy Coroner, who held an Inquest yesterday at Torquay into the circumstances of the death of MRS CATHERINE MASTERS, aged 54, of Glenbrook, Mountain Ash, Wales. - Dr West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital on Saturday night. She had no external injuries sufficient to cause death, but death was caused by internal haemorrhage and shock. - Hilda N. Lewis said that when opposite the Princess Pier, they went to cross the road in order to reach the Rock Gardens. Two motor cars, one behind the other, came along. One was a 2-seater private car, and the other a taxi-cab, the former being in front. On seeing the vehicles they stopped, then deceased tried to get to the other side. She managed to keep clear of the private car, but came into contact with the taxi. The cars were both going at a moderate speed. She attributed no blame whatever to the driver of the taxi. - The Coroner said there was no evidence of negligence on the part of the taxi-driver and he expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy In Stonehouse Pool. - John Williams, engine driver, of 94 Cecil-street, Plymouth, with his son, was returning from a fishing expedition in their boat in the early hours of Sunday morning when they found a waterman's boat adrift in Stonehouse Pool. They took it in tow, and finding it dragging, the son climbed into it and proceeded to haul in the stern rope when he found a man attached. They towed the body into the steps and handed it over to the Police, but the rope, which he believed was around the arms, parted. The weighted end of the rope was still in the boat. - The drowned man was THOMAS DAMARELL, aged 60, waterman of 10 Pembroke-street, Devonport, and the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday afternoon, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Deceased's son stated that when he left his father earlier in the evening he was all right and stated he would be home later. He had never threatened to take his life and there was no reason why he should do so. He believed deceased was endeavouring to moor up the boat when he fell over and became entangled in the rope.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 May 1926
MEAVY - Meavy Servant Too Ill To Attend Court. - MARY ANN PIKE, domestic servant, in the employ of Thomas Cole, farmer, Meavy, was too ill to attend Crownhill Sessions yesterday to answer a charge of murder in the case of her newly-born child. At the Inquest on the child, which was adjourned, the medical evidence was such as to lead to the woman being charged with the capital offence. - The case was to have been heard last Wednesday, but owing to the condition of the accused, who was in Hospital, it was adjourned until yesterday, and the Inquest was to have been resumed at Meavy today. - At Crownhill yesterday, with Adml. H. H. Harris, K.C.B., in the chair, on the application of Supt. Joslin, a further remand was granted until next Wednesday, when it was thought it would probably be necessary to apply for a still further remand, considering the state of the woman's health. The Inquest would also be adjourned.

Western Morning News, Tue day 1 June 1926
TORQUAY - Fatality At Torquay. Coroner's Comment At Inquest. "Came Very Near To Manslaughter." - Last evening Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, gave his decision on the finding of the Jury in the Inquiry into the death of LAWRENCE JOHN NEWCOMBE, a sorting clerk and telegraphist at Newton Abbot, who was killed at the junction of King's Drive and Avenue-road, Torquay, last Saturday week. - He was riding a motor cycle combination and came into collision with a Devon General motor omnibus, driven by W. R. Squelch. The Inquest occupied eight hours on Friday, and the Jury found that the 'bus was driven too fast, but was not recklessly driven. Mr Hutchings adjourned the Inquest until last evening so as to consider the Jury's findings. - The Coroner observed that the only thing that remained for him to do was to formally return a verdict. Having sat for 8 hours on a stretch, he thought both the Jury and himself were entitled to have an interval in which to think. He had taken time to consider the findings of the Jury, both because of the gravity to the driver and the public at large. - The findings of the Jury were that the deceased was driving in a fit and proper manner, but that the 'bus driver was travelling at too fast a speed under the existing conditions. If the findings of the Jury had ended there, there could have been no doubt that the proper verdict would have been one of manslaughter, because the law was very clear on the point that where through negligence the death of a person was caused then it was a case of manslaughter. If it had rested there he would have had no hesitation in committing the driver to take his trial on that charge in another Court. - The Jury, however, said it was more through the speed of the 'bus than the negligence of the driver that the death of the unfortunate man was caused. There was no instrument on the vehicle to correctly just the speed, and the Coroner said he had come to the conclusion that this was not a case in which he should return a verdict of manslaughter, although he must say he thought it came very near it. - Addressing the driver, the Coroner said he would give him some advice. "It is only fair to you to tell you that I, speaking for myself, was impressed with the way in which you gave your evidence, and I think you were a witness of truth. You drive a 'bus on this route where there are many dangerous cross-roads and turnings. The advice I want to give you and through you to all your drivers on this route is that in my opinion, not merely as an official, but as a motorist, it is your duty when driving these 'buses, which weigh four tons, to approach every one of these dangerous crossings and turnings at a speed not faster than a walking pace. If this is done, the risk of accidents will be considerably less, or when there is an accident it is not so likely to have fatal results. In my opinion these roads were not made for modern traffic."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 June 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - An Open Verdict. Coroner's Comment At Newton Abbot Inquest. - Describing the case as a remarkable one, Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, returned an Open Verdict at the Inquiry held at Newton Abbot last evening on CHARLES RICE, of 14 South Devon-terrace, Newton Abbot, aged 59, who was found dead on Wednesday morning at the locomotive department of the G.W.R. near a turntable almost decapitated by the wheels of a pony trap attached to an engine, which had passed over him. - William Frank Millman, a fireman, of Fern-terrace, Newton Abbot, said on Wednesday, about 10.20, he was assisting an engineer to take an engine to the turntable. Witness manipulated the pointes, and then followed after the engine. He was going backwards. Witness noticed some object lying on the line, and found it was deceased lying face downwards, his body being at right angles to it. - Summing up, Mr Hutchings said on the evidence the cause of deceased's being run over was unknown. He wanted the relatives clearly to understand that he had had to use the word suicide during his interrogation because he had a duty to perform. He did not want them to think that in using that word he was in any way coming to a conclusion on the matter. Obviously this was a case of suicide or accidental death. - He would be committing a great dereliction of duty if he dismissed from his mind the laws of coincidence, as the evidence was as conclusive that deceased fell having become giddy as it was with any other theory, and the fact that he was not seen by the driver in his opinion rather gave colour to the case of a man having suddenly collapsed, because he could not help thinking it would have been impossible for a man to have deliberately put himself in a distance of six feet between the wheels of a moving engine.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 June 1926
PLYMOUTH - Driver Not To Blame. Second Motor Fatality Near Plymouth Library. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Greenbank House, Plymouth, on WILLIAM HARRIS ROWLING, a 79-year-old naval pensioner, who died on Wednesday, as the result of being knocked down outside the Free Library, Plymouth, by a motor car on April 22. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that no blame could be attached to the driver. - WILLIAM JOHN HARRIS ROWLING, a linotype operator, of Bristol, identified his father, who had been rather deaf in one ear. Deceased's sight was quite good. - Frederick John Alford, a commercial traveller, of 5 Townhall-terrace, Paignton, said he was driving his car down Tavistock-road, Plymouth, on the afternoon of April 22. He saw deceased on the pavement outside the Free Library, coming in the opposite direction. Suddenly the old gentleman stepped off the kerb into the road without any warning, and although witness swung his car round at once and put on the brakes, ROWLING was knocked down by the wing of the car. The accident occurred just after a heavy hailstorm, and witness was driving very slowly - not more than eight miles an hour. - Dr M. Fox, Resident Medical Practitioner at Greenbank House, said deceased's death was accelerated by the accident, and during his stay in the Infirmary he was treated for a fractured thigh. He was mentally incapable as the result of the accident and died on Wednesday. - The Coroner recalled that only a short time ago an old lady met her death in the same way on the same spot.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 June 1926
PLYMOUTH - Labourer's Death At Work At Plymouth. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday at an Inquiry into the death of a 63-year-old labourer, ALFRED DINGLE, in the employ of the British Petroleum Company, who died at his work on Wednesday. - H. T. ROWE, brother-in-law of deceased, said that DINGLE had never complained of feeling unwell and was apparently in normal health when he left home. - Evidence by F. Leggett, labourer, was that DINGLE was doing pick and shovel work last Wednesday and about 1 o'clock complained to witness of heart-burn. At 4 o'clock, after he had had a drink of water, DINGLE became much worse and collapsed. He was removed in the St. John Ambulance to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, but died before arrival. - Dr Lang Hodge said death was due to degeneration of the heart muscle and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 June 1926
PLYMOUTH - Captain's Death. Canadian's Collapse In Union-Street. - CAPTAIN HERBERT KISSACK, aged 55, master of the steamer Canadian Seigneur, which is discharging cargo at Plymouth, came ashore from his ship on Friday morning, and whilst walking along Union-street, just before 6 p.m., dropped dead. - At the Inquest on Saturday morning, conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, A. J. Mackay, chief officer in the ship, identified the body and stated that at 11 a.m. on Friday he last saw his captain alive, just before he went ashore. He had suffered from stomach trouble, which affected his nerves, but was quite competent to look after himself. He lived at 1206 22nd-avenue, Vancouver. - A post-mortem examination by Dr Wagner revealed death to be due to valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict of Natural Causes was returned. - Deceased will be buried at Plymouth probably today. - CAPT KISSACK had not been at Plymouth since November 1895, when he arrived in the barque Cornuver, from Rangoon, with a cargo of rice. Capt. Baker, of Plymouth, commanded the sailing vessel; Capt. E. G. Diggle, now in charge of the Berengaria, of the Cunard Line, was the first mate and CAPT. KISSACK was the second officer.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 June 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Tragedy. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday, conducted by Mr W. E. J. Major, the Deputy Coroner, into the death of GEORGE JAMES ASHWORTH, 59, a naval pensioner and skilled labourer in the Dockyard, of 33 Monument-street, Devonport, who died suddenly at the North :Dockyard on Tuesday. Mr K. Eyton Peck watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Albert Luskey, Grenville, Bladderly-road, Devonport, shipwright in the Dockyard, said on Tuesday he was returning to work at 1.30, and on rounding the boatswain's store he saw deceased sitting on a piece of iron with an enamel cup between his feet containing water. Witness jokingly shouted, "Hullo, GEORGE, having an afternoon's tea-party?" - Deceased then got up and witness had reached his side when he dropped the cup and collapsed in witness's arms. Deceased was removed to the surgery, but died before reaching it. - Surg.-Lieut.-Com. J. J. Carroll said when he saw deceased at 2 p.m. life was extinct. He had made a post-mortem examination and all the organs of the body were healthy except the heart, where there was fatty degeneration. Death was due to syncope.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 June 1926
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on SARAH ANNE PERRING, aged 86, widow, of Green-street, Mrs Evel gave evidence of finding the old lady dead in her bedroom. Witness thought she must have collapsed in the middle of dressing. Dr Jamieson said the post-mortem examination showed death to have been caused by syncope brought on by fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 June 1926
DAWLISH - "Found Drowned." - The death of LESLIE THOMAS HERBERT ALLEN, 28, an electrician, of Plymouth, was the subject of an Inquest by Mr T. Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, at Dawlish yesterday. The body was recovered from the sea near Spray Point, Teignmouth, on Saturday. - ALFRED HENRY ALLEN, father of deceased, said his son, who was employed at the Dockyard, had a bilious attack on Sunday week, but never suffered from depression. As far as witness knew he had no trouble. - P.S. Phillips stated inquiries had been fruitless and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 June 1926
TRUSHAM - Quarry Fatality. Man Killed During Shunting At Teign Valley. - After a careful Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE WILLIAM GILBERT, of 3 Oldway, Chudleigh, who was killed on a siding at Trusham quarries, belonging to the Teign Valley Granite Works, on Monday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmunds, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." According to medical evidence, deceased's skull was crushed between the buffers of two trucks. - Alfred Knight, Old Exeter-street, Chudleigh, said he saw deceased lying between the rails, but saw nothing of any accident. - Henry Bickerleg, of Fore-street, Chudleigh, said it was part of his duty to see that the line was clear and he saw nothing of deceased until after he had been killed. - William James Glass, of Ideford, said he was driving the train attached to the trucks. It was taken for granted that when there were trucks working there was nobody on the line. Witness admitted that after once having had a signal it was not necessary to walk down the siding every time he moved. - The Coroner: Doesn't it show carelessness that you should have moved the engine without seeing if there was anyone about? - Witness: No, because it is an everyday occurrence. We are on the line almost every half-hour of the day. - It was an understood thing that the deceased had a roving commission throughout the yard and it was possible for him to be at the end of the truck. Witness knew that it was deceased's job to clean up the line, and that this particular afternoon there was a fire burning near by. - Mr H. A. G. Hough, manager of the Teign Valley Company, informed the Coroner that no one was allowed on this particular siding when there was shunting being done. It could easily be arranged for someone to keep a lookout. - The Deputy Coroner remarked that there did not appear to have been any carelessness on the part of the driver or shunter.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 June 1926
EXETER - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Inquest on FREDERICK GEORGE GRAY, aged 49, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as the result of injuries received through falling from a bedroom window in St Thomas. He had had a severe heart attack and suffered from giddiness. He complained of this as recently as Wednesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 June 1926
PLYMOUTH - Stoker's Suicide. Found Dead In His Room At Plymouth. - A tumbler and a bottle of Lysol, two-thirds full, were produced at the Inquest yesterday on PERCY SAVILLE, a 35-year-old first-class stoker in the Royal Navy, of 7 Melbourne-cottages, Plymouth, who was found dead in his room with the gas jet full on, on Sunday morning. The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, who remarked that it was obvious from two letters which deceased had written that he intended to take his life, returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - PERCY SIDNEY RUDD, a naval pensioner, of 7 Wyndham-square, uncle of deceased, told the Coroner how he had found SAVILLE lying in bed with arms folded across his chest. He had some difficulty in opening the door owing to the position of the mat. There was a strong smell of gas, and the gas from the jet was turned on. - Evidence was also given by P.C. Edwards, who was called to the house, and Dr Latchworth, who was of opinion that death was due to asphyxiation, caused by gas poisoning. Deceased had also drank a certain amount of Lysol, but not sufficient to cause death. - SAVILLE left one letter for his wife and another for his mother, and in one expressed a wish to be buried at the Lizard. In both he said he was unhappy because his wife had left him, but this statement MRS SAVILLE, who was present, but did not give evidence, said was quite untrue and "ridiculous." She thought he had been affected by his war experiences.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 June 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Girl's Sad Death At Morice Town. - Exonerating the driver from all blame, a Devonport Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" on KATHLEEN AGNES GORMLEY, of Moon-street, Morice Town, aged 5, who was killed by a motor lorry belonging to the Plymouth Corporation Works Department in John-street, Devonport, on Monday. Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, conducted the Inquest and Mr E. Foster was present on behalf of the Corporation. - Albert Clifford, of Pembroke-street, said he saw the lorry pass him in John-street. He heard a scream and saw the mudguard strike the child. He ran towards the car just in time to see the second wheel pass over her. He picked her up, lifted her into the lorry, which conveyed them to the Royal Albert Hospital, and carried her into the building. The lorry was not going faster than 12 miles per hour. He thought it was pulling up as the last wheel went over the child. - The driver of the lorry, Archie Glazebrook, of Mount Gold-road, said he drove up John-street at about 5 miles per hour, about 2ft. 6in. from the kerb. He noticed a child standing near the edge of the pavement, with her back to the road, looking slightly up the street in the opposite direction to which the lorry was going. He only saw her for a second; she seemed to wheel to the left and run right under the lorry's nearside wheel. It happened too suddenly for him to pull up to prevent the back wheel going over her. - Dr J. H. Willis, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said he found the child was dead when brought to the Hospital. He thought death must have been practically instantaneous. A post-mortem showed it was due to internal haemorrhage and shock following the fracture of five ribs and the left forearm. - After consulting, the Foreman of the Jury, Mr F. E. Cook, announced they returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 July 1926
PLYMSTOCK - Rev. F. W. NUTT. Sudden Death Of The Vicar Of Hooe. - The death occurred suddenly on Thursday evening of REV. FREDERIC WILLIAM NUTT, the vicar of Hooe. - The County Corner, Mr Arthur K. G. Johnstone, held an Inquest at the Manor House yesterday morning and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - MR NUTT was dining on Thursday evening at the Manor House with Col. Coates, and about ten o'clock, having had dinner and listed to a wireless broadcast, he complained of feeling unwell. A few minutes later he died. - Evidence was given by Col. Coates and Dr Bradbury. - MR NUTT was unmarried and lived alone at the Vicarage, but in the short time he was vicar of Hooe - his induction to the living was made by the Bishop of Plymouth early last year - the deceased gentleman made many friends. His tragic death has aroused the widest sympathy in the district, from which MR NUTT can ill be spared. - MR NUTT was in 1902 a student of Lichfield Theological College and four years later was ordained. Until 1909 he was curate of Padstow, on relinquishing which appointment he came to Tamerton Foliot. MR NUTT remained only a short time there, taking up a further appointment at St Paul's, Yelverton in 1910.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 July 1926
BRIXHAM - Watchman's Death. Killed While Working On Brixham Barge. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" when Inquiring at the Brixham Townhall yesterday afternoon into the death of a Brixham night watchman, JAMES ELLIS of 52 Bolton-street, Brixham, who was killed last Saturday morning through a derrick falling upon him while working in a barge in Brixham inner harbour. - Mr W. Danis Thomas, of Torquay, watched the Inquiry on behalf of the relatives of the family, Mr W. L. Parsons for the Torbay and Brixham Coaling Company and Mr W. E. J. Major, of Devonport, for the Devon and Cornwall Ice and Cold Storage Company, to which firm coal was being delivered from the barge on which deceased was working at the time of the accident. The body was identified by CHARLES ROBERT LORAM, son-in-law. Archibald Palmer, of 3 Ostend-cottages, Brixham, who was working the winch on the barge, said deceased was in the stern working the pump. The cause of the derrick falling was the wire rope breaking. - In answer to the Coroner he said that they wee hoisting their usual load of 1 ½ cwt. which was considered a safe weight for the size of the wire. - Samuel Webber of 38 Cumbers'-court, Brixham, who was guiding the basket from the ship to the lorry, thought the derrick hit ELLIS on the back of the head. The wire which parted near the pulley should be able to bear a ton. He did not know how long it had been in use, and had never heard that it was defective. - Solomon G. Kenner of 29 Furzham-hill, Brixham, a rigger, said he fixed the new wire five weeks ago. He considered the rope had not been properly used and because of this had snapped thread by thread until it parted. This was only accidently, however, and was not due to negligence. - The Coroner commended the action of Mr George Easton, who rendered first aid to the deceased. Mr Easton tore off his shirt to make bandages and generally acted very skilfully and promptly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest Adjourned. Netherton Locomotive Driver's Death. - An Inquest on WILLIAM HAROLD BULLEY, a locomotive engine steersman, of Netherton, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital after receiving injuries when the flywheel of his engine burst, was opened by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at Newton Abbot yesterday. - It was stated the locomotive, with a furniture van attached, ran down a gill and gathered speed for 100 yards before turning into the roadside. Dr Culross said he attended deceased when he was admitted to the Hospital on June 24. He had a small wound on the front of the right thigh, the muscles underneath being badly torn. The wound became septic and deceased died from septicaemia. The wound was consistent with his having been violently struck. - Wm. Stabb, of Ashburton, stated that he was driving a car on the main road from Exeter to Chudleigh when he passed a traction engine going in the same direction, and being driven in a normal manner. It was going quite slowly. When he had gone by it he heard an explosion, and looking back he saw a mass of debris over the front of the engine. A man fell out. The engine gathered speed and came down straight in the middle of the road, turning into the side after travelling 100 yards after the explosion occurred. - Witness went back and met a man limping along the road and at the engine he saw two other men supporting another, who appeared to be half conscious. Witness took them to the Hospital. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest in order that the other injured men might attend. He thanked Mr Stabb for the prompt way in which he rendered assistance.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 July 1926
SOUTH BRENT - South Brent Death. Servant's Early Morning Discovery. - The tragic death of MR JOHN DAVID POWER GOODWIN, of Beggars Bush, South Brent, aged 45, has caused a painful sensation throughout the neighbourhood. - MR GOODWIN was a very popular gentleman, and had been Master of the Dartmoor Otter Hounds for many years. Only last Saturday he did a big day with his pack. - On Sunday he complained of a slight sore throat and on Monday morning he was found dead in bed. MRS GOODWIN was unfortunately in London. - Mr T. Edmonds, the Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday at Beggars Bush House. - Mr J. L. Wolferstan, of Plymouth, said he was in deceased's company on Sunday and he complained of soreness in his throat. Otherwise he was in good health. - Hilda Jelbard, a servant, said that as MR GOODWIN did not come down as early as usual she knocked at his door several times, and, receiving no reply, she opened the door and saw him leaning out over the side of the bed, apparently dead. She immediately called assistance. - Dr Style, of Brent, was telephoned for and could only pronounce life extinct. He made a post-mortem examination. The throat was badly inflamed and swollen and the cause of death was asphyxia. - A verdict in accordance with passed. - The funeral takes place at Brent at eleven o'clock today.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 July 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Thought For Canary. Plymouth Woman Removes Cage Before Suicide. - After removing a live canary from the scullery to another room, VIOLET MABEL COBBLEDICK, 30, a domestic servant of 71 Ocean-street, Devonport, was later found lying dead with her head in a gas oven. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday returned a verdict that "Deceased had Committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind." - MRS CAROLINE BRINHAM, her sister, said deceased had influenza earlier in the year, but had kept fairly cheerful. They had tea together on Saturday and later witness left to go to a whist drive, asking her sister to put the children to bed. - Witness returned at about 10.30 and going into the scullery noticed a strong smell of gas. Deceased was lying on the floor, with her head, which was wrapped in cloth, in the gas stove, with the gas turned full on. She was still breathing, but was unconscious. - The Coroner: Had she been depressed? - Witness: I don't know what it could be. She was a little depressed after the attack of influenza, and on occasion has said that there was nothing for her to live for. She worried over little things. - The Coroner: Had she any love affairs? - She had been out with two or three at different times. - Dr Stribling said that when he arrived, Police Officers were trying artificial respiration. The girl, however, ,was dead, the cause having been gas poisoning. He did not attribute the depression to influenza; it was a common condition and if the patient made no effort to get the better of it, rash acts were sometimes committed. - The Coroner remarked that he had often found that when persons took their own lives they were frequently more cheerful shortly before the act.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 July 1926
NEWQUAY, CORNWALL - Death In Chapel. Inquest On Plymouth Man At Newquay. - Mr E. L. Carlyon held an Inquest at Newquay Police Station yesterday on RICHARD ROWLEY WIGFULL, of Portland-square, Plymouth, who died at Newquay Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday night during the service. - MR RICHARD BANNISTER WIGFULL, father of deceased, said his son's age was 31 years, and he had served in the war from 1914 to 1919 in Gallipoli and France. He suffered from dysentery and shell shock and was never the same after the war, although he had never complained. He had been in Hospital and had received treatment on two occasions since the war. - Police Constable Dines stated that he attended the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening and the deceased sat by his side, and sang heartily. About 6.40 deceased fell towards witness and became unconscious. With assistance witness took him outside. He never recovered consciousness. - Dr Vigurs, who arrived about 6.45 found that WIGFULL had died. Everything possible had been done to restore him. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of Death from Heart Failure.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 July 1926
PLYMOUTH - Explosion Mystery. Cattewater Fatality Still Unexplained. - The Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES HERBERT YOUNG of 15 Summerland-place, Plymouth, who died at South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital as a result of injuries sustained by an explosion in the Cattewater, near Cattedown Wharves, Plymouth, a week last Tuesday, threw no further light on the cause of the explosion. - Deceased, who was employed as a driller by Messrs. Shellabear and Son, was working on a staging suspended over the side of a barge from which rock-blasting operations were being carried out, when a charge of dynamite exploded near the vessel and caused serious injuries both to deceased and Joseph Mitchell of Stonehouse. - Edgar Rupert Moon of 54 Regent-street, Plymouth, a fellow workman, said on the day of the accident, he was on shore at the jetty. The barge was moored 120 yards away from where he was standing and he saw six charges fired successfully from the dredger, but the seventh charge was fired within 5ft. 8in. of the side of the barge and the centre of the drill deck, which over-hangs the side of the barge, was blown up and smashed and the men on it went with it. - The method adopted was the usual approved method of working, and the only explanation he could give of the accident was that the seventh charge had been dislodged from its place in the sea bed by the previous charges, and was washed towards the barge by the disturbance of water. He considered the tide had nothing to do with it, as the barge was moored out of its current. - Mr Frederick William Stroud, employed as a diver, said he went down and inspected and tamped all the holes that had been drilled and charged and found every hole properly charged and tamped, and everything in perfect order. All the electric cable leads were in order and in proper position, and none of them were caught in anything. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Suicide. Tragedy Of Approaching Blindness. - An Inquest was held yesterday on THOMAS ELSON, of Torquay-road, Newton Abbot, who was found by a neighbour sitting in a chair with a double barrelled gun in his left hand, and a kitchen range poker in the right and the top of his head blown off. - MRS ELSON said deceased was 68 years of age, and was a retired licensed victualler. She last saw him alive shortly after two o'clock on Thursday afternoon, when he wished her "good-bye" from the garden when she was going to the bank to transact some business. When she returned at 3.20 she found a note of farewell. Deceased had been in a bad state of health lately. He was nearly blind and worried. Three years ago deceased lost his son, and twelve months ago his daughter died. - Dr Edgar Haydon said he attended deceased for about 20 years. In 1924, when he last attended him professionally, he was suffering from high blood pressure and glaucoma of the left eye, a very painful disease. He also had a cataract in his right eye and was very apprehensive of blindness supervening. This would most probably have happened. Deceased never talked of suicide, and was a fine type of Englishman. In his depressed state he might have had a sudden attack of suicidal mania. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 July 1926
PLYMOUTH - A Carnival Tragedy. - A tragedy of the Carnival was investigated yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, who conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN LEVER, 75, a Royal Marine pensioner, of 7 Notte-street, Plymouth. - Herbert Richard Packer, 35 Oxford-avenue, Plymouth, a motor charabanc driver, said he suddenly saw deceased at an acute angle to his off-side wing, but before he could pull up his front wheel had passed over him. The streets were very congested at the time. - William Stephen Vidgeon, 52 Ashford-road, said he saw deceased crossing the road, when, to avoid a motor-car, he stepped back right into the charabanc. - Medical evidence showed death to be due to a large scalp wound with laceration of the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner and Mr W. Emerson (on behalf of the D.M.T. Co.) expressing sympathy with the widow of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Deadly Spirits Of Salts. Coroner's Comment At Newton Inquest. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on ERNEST JOHN REDDAWAY, 41, of Bowden-hill, Newton Abbot, who died last Friday from the effects of poisoning by spirits of salts, the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, said that in his opinion it was time that the poison should be amongst those scheduled as deadly poison. - The Rev. J. A. Cound, Devon-square, gave evidence of identification. He said the deceased was a nervous man and about five weeks ago seemed worried about business matters. Deceased was the type of man to take things very much to heart, but witness knew of nothing pressing on his mind. - Seemed Normal. - Mrs Jessie Lloyd, Osborne-street, said she had seen deceased before the occurrence and he seemed normal. About 10.30 he came to her again, looking very frightened, and said: "I have taken spirits of salts." - Dr J. J. Scrase, Newton Abbot, gave evidence to the effect that deceased suffered from burns of the lips, tongue and mouth, and complained of severe pains in the pit of the stomach, added to which he had the symptoms of great shock. Deceased's condition became much worse, and he died from swallowing spirits of salts. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind, said that spirits of salts, a commodity used for cleaning, was a most deadly poison, although not scheduled in the ordinary way, and should be kept out of harm's way, especially where there were children. - The antidote was soda water, fat, milk, or even plaster off walls.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 July 1926
PLYMOUTH - Shock Causes Death. Inquest On Plymouth Pensioner. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by a Jury at the Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, yesterday on WILLIAM JAMES HUNT, 53, a pensioner from the Eastern Telegraph Co., who had resided at 28 Harwell-street, and who was admitted to the Hospital just over a week ago with his throat cut. - The medical evidence was that deceased was suffering from bad valvular disease of the heart and death might have been caused by any undue excitement or exertion. - The Inquest was attended by Det.-Inspector W. T. Hutchings and Det.-Sergt. Cloak. There was some question as to whether deceased died on Friday or Saturday. The House Surgeon stated that it was on Friday, and Inspector Hutchings said the Police rang up the Hospital on the Saturday and were informed that HUNT was still poorly. Eventually it was ascertained from the records that HUNT did die on Friday. - Wife's Evidence. - At the outset the Coroner, addressing the Jury ,mentioned that deceased was admitted to the Hospital for treatment to the throat. - "But it turns out, as a matter of fact, that it had nothing to do with death. He was suffering badly from heart disease, and might have died from any shock - running for a train or carrying a bucket of water upstairs. - He could not see any benefit from going into extraneous details, the evidence of which was very complicated and would not carry them any further. He had made full inquiries and unless the Jury desired he did not propose going into those details. - The wife, SARAH HUNT, stated that her husband came home at 2 o'clock in the morning with a cat in his arms and he was the worse for drink. She had three birds in the room and she wanted him to put the cat out, as it was strange, but he would not do so. He also had a bottle of ale which he wanted her to have, but she refused, saying it was too late. - "As I went to get up from the bed he flung me back and gave me a black eye, as you can see. He struck me on the head. I screamed and we ran into the front room, where my daughter was sleeping. There was a razor there which my son had used on the previous evening." - "He had the razor and rushed back at me and said, 'I will put this across you.' I was on the edge of the bed protecting myself with a pillow. My son, age 16, came into my room, and deceased threatened to kill him. My daughter, age 17, rushed in and I do not know what happened then, because as he went for me again she jumped between us and when she saw the blood she screamed." - "Only An Accident." - "My husband was very violent indeed, but a better man out of drink you would not wish for. It was all over in five minutes. I don't know how it was done. The boy did not interfere at all; only my daughter jumped between us and shouted 'Daddy, leave mummy alone. She has not done anything.'" - I saw the blood coming from his throat. He had then dropped the razor beside the bed. My other married daughter then came in and said 'Father, what have you done?' He said 'It is only an accident, POL. I done it myself.' They took him downstairs and away to the Hospital in the ambulance." - The Coroner, again addressing the Jury, said there appeared to be conflicting statements, but other people would inquire into that. As the doctor had said, he might have died from any extra exertion or excitement, and under those circumstances he did not propose to hear the other people and their different versions. - What they had to arrive at was the cause of death, and unless they wished he proposed to hear what the doctor had to say. - The Jury concurred with this view. - Dr Cyril Phillips Burges, House Surgeon, stated that deceased was admitted on the 17th suffering from an incised wound in the neck. In itself it was not a dangerous wound. It was a long wound and superficial. Deceased died from valvular disease of the heart. The wound accelerated his death, but any violent excitement or exertion would have been liable to cause death. - Death was due to "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 July 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Motor Cyclist's Death Attributed To Bad Road. - Mr Ernest Hutchings resumed the Inquest at the Torquay Police Court yesterday on the body of JOSEPH HENRY CORY, aged 31, of 91 St Edmund's-road, Torquay. He was a fitter-mechanic, employed by the Devon General Omnibus Company. On Saturday night, July 17, he was fatally injured whilst motor cycling down Black's-hill, Torquay. - Harry Stuckey, coach painter, of 78 Hele-road, Torquay, who was riding pillion with MR CORY when the fatality occurred, said they had been to Totnes that day. They were coming down Black's-hill at the rate of about 15 miles an hour, when he felt a lot of bumps, and the bicycle struck a pothole on the left side of the road. The bicycle skidded and both were thrown. CORY was unconscious. Witness had gravel-rash on both hands and a cut above the left knee. They were both taken to Hospital. - P.C. Turner spoke to having examined the road where the accident occurred. There were potholes and he saw the skid marks of a cycle. They went for a distance of 22 yards and crossed the road. The road was dry. Witness examined the bicycle. The front wheel was badly buckled. - Dr Griffith, who saw deceased at the Torbay Hospital, about 9 p.m. on July 17, shortly after his admission there, stated that he was unconscious and had numerous small cuts all over the skull. His arms and legs were also bruised and there was blood all over his face. The symptoms indicated an extensive fracture of the base of the skull and no operation would have been of any use. His condition steadily became worse and he died on Sunday morning. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said the condition of the highway contributed to the fatality. It should be made quite clear, in justice to deceased, that the doctor who saw him in the Hospital, said there was no evidence of any alcohol. He was in an absolutely fit state to drive, and was not riding fast. A person riding a cycle with another riding pillion had not got that control over the machine that he would have if there was no pillion rider. Accidents like this would occur again, said the Coroner, if the potholes were not attended to.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 August 1926
PLYMOUTH - Guard's Tragic Death. Bere Alston Fatality. Inquest. - The tragic circumstances in which MR CHARLES HENRY TAYLOR, a porter-guard of 43 Grenville-road, Plymouth, met his death while attempting to board a moving train at Bere Alston on Friday night were investigated yesterday by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, who returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Johns emphasized the danger attendant upon a common practice of guards, who waited on the platform until the train was well under way before boarding it. - Albert Francis Harris, supernumerary porter at Bere Alston, said he had been talking to deceased just before the tragedy occurred, and TAYLOR was then quite normal. He attempted to get on the train while it was in motion, but missed his footing and slipped between the platform and the footboard. Witness signalled the driver to stop, but this was not noticed owing to the curve of the line. - William Payne, driver of the train, said he left Bere Alston for Tavistock at 10.5 p.m. Deceased gave the "right away" signal and the train started normally. Witness knew nothing about the occurrence until he reached Tavistock. - MRS MABEL TAYLOR, deceased's daughter-in-law, identified deceased and said he had been a porter-guard employed by the Southern Railway for more than 20 years. He was 64 years of age. - Dr S. P. Burges, Assistant House Surgeon, said TAYLOR was brought to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Friday night suffering from terrible injuries. He would have lost his leg - which was reduced to pulp - in any case, but the shock following his injuries proved too severe and he died without having undergone any operation.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 August 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Sudden Death. - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, conducted an Inquest yesterday on SAMUEL EDWARD LUSCOMBE, a wine and spirit merchant's foreman of 1 Ferry-road, Morice Town, Devonport. - MRS JANE LUSCOMBE, wife of deceased, said her husband went to work as usual on Monday morning, and when he came home to tea at quarter to seven he ate a hearty meal, and an hour later was taken ill in his chair. He died within half an hour. Before his attack deceased remarked that he had been eating too heartily. - Dr George C. Sandford stated that on Monday evening about 8 o'clock he found deceased sitting in a chair dead. He had known him for 20 years, and had attended him frequently during the last few years for asthma. His heart had been failing recently. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 August 1926
WIMBORNE, DORSET - Wimborne Road Tragedy. Inquest On Plymouth Resident. - The death of MRS LILIAN MERRETT, aged 47, wife of MR ALFRED JOHN MERRETT, furnishing manager, of The Hoe, Plymouth, whilst motoring at Wimborne on Sunday morning, was Inquired into by the Deputy Coroner for East Dorset, with a Jury, at Wimborne yesterday afternoon. - The deceased's husband, speaking with emotion, said his wife had enjoyed good health. They had been married 29 years. Also in the car, which was driven by his son, HARRY, besides witness and his wife, were their two daughters, who were sitting behind with their mother. Witness considered the car was being driven at a reasonable speed and carefully. - HARRY MERRETT, son of the deceased, said that he was driving a 19 h.p. car in the direction of Cranborne. Just before approaching Wolford Bridge, on the outskirts of Wimborne, the speedometer registered 25 miles per hour. He then saw a governess car, horse-drawn, coming toward him and he put on his foot brake, reducing his speed, he estimated to about 15 miles per hour. - Horse Takes Fright. - Witness was of opinion that as the car was passing the governess car the horse took fright and swung into the car, and he heard a crash. But for the horse swerving he believed he should have passed without a collision. He did not see anything to cause the horse to swerve into him. He did not particularly notice the speed of the animal, but he thought it was not going too fast. There was no other traffic on the road at the time. - George Bailey, farmer, of Higher Honeybrook, near Wimborne, said that he was driving the horse attached to the governess car in which also were sitting his two cousins returning from church. The horse was about 7 or 8 years old and spirited, but he had never previously had an accident with it. The car came upon him suddenly, very fast, and quietly, he thought. He tried to pull the horse away from it, but there was not time to get away to the left, as the car was upon the trap. - Witness did not think the horse shied, but that the footboard of the motor car must have caught the wheel of the cart and pulled the horse round into the back of the motor car. Witness was driving at an ordinary speed, about six miles an hour. As a result of the collision witness and his cousins were thrown out of the car on to the road. ~The horse, was very badly cut across the breast, and had to be destroyed. He had known the horse shy occasionally, but not seriously. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Ormerod, who happened to be passing, said he advised the removal of the deceased to the Hospital near by, but she was dead on arrival there. The cause of death was perforation of the right lung and haemorrhage. The wound was of such a nature that it could easily have been caused by the point of the shaft. - Corroborative evidence was given by Miss Ethel Stone, a schoolteacher of Chiswick, who was riding in the governess car. - The Coroner remarked he was sure the Jury would join with him in expressing to the husband and family of deceased their sincere sympathy in the loss they had sustained. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and stated they considered no negligence was attributable to either party. They also considered the drivers of both vehicles had given their evidence in a very straightforward manner.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 August 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Submarine Victims. Inquest Opened At Devonport. Coroner's Tribute To Acts Of Heroism. - The Inquest was opened yesterday on the six men who lost their lives when Submarine H 29 sank in Devonport Dockyard last Monday. The Coroner, after taking evidence of identification, adjourned the inquest until Friday next. - The funerals of four of the men will take place in Plymouth today and the fifth Dockyard employee will be buried at Torrington. The body of Chief Engine-Room Artificer DALTON will be taken to Portsmouth today. - The vessel is now lying in dry dock. There is still some danger attached to entering her owing to the gases generated by the action of salt water on the batteries. - The Inquest was opened by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Sympathy Of Coroner. - At the commencement the Coroner said he could not open the proceedings without expressing his deepest sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - "The whole country mourns with them the loss of these brave men, who met their deaths at the call of duty," he said. "It will, I think, be a very great consolation to the relatives to know that their beloved ones met with no lingering death, but that they had passed to the great beyond within the space of two or three minutes." - Mr Pearce added that he would like to pay tribute to the acts of heroism which were exhibited at the time of the disaster, and which showed that the noble traditions of the British Navy, with which, of course, the Royal Dockyards were so closely allied, were faithfully observed by all those on board. - Victims Identified. - The first witness called was CHARLES HOSKING, of 106 Beatrice-avenue, Devonport, engineer, H.M. tug Stobo Castle, who identified the body of his brother, EDMUND MARTIN HOSKING, 40 years of age, of 3 Fairfield-avenue, Plymouth, a chargeman of engine-fitters in the Dockyard, who leaves a widow, but no children. - GEORGE SHORT, 102 Pasley-street East, retired tailor, identified the body of HAROLD HILL as that of his son-in-law, aged 36, an engine-fitter in the Dockyard, who lived at the same address. - JAMES EDWARD NOTT, leading seaman, R.N., of 1 Ronald-terrace, Devonport, identified the body of GEORGE WILLIAM ELLIOTT as that of his brother-in-law, whom he said was 23 years of age and resided with his parents at 18 Laurel-road, North Prospect. He was a ship-fitter in the Dockyard. - The next witness was Arthur Boothby, ship-fitter, 66 St Aubyn-street, Devonport, who said he had known JOHN FLETCHER, whose body he identified, for many years. Deceased, who was 52 years of age and an Army pensioner, was employed in the Dockyard as a labourer. He resided at 7 Arundel-crescent, Plymouth, and he left a widow and one child, a girl, age six. - Adjourned Until Friday. - P.O. Charles William Duncan of Rainham, Essex, coxswain of Submarine H 29, gave evidence of identification in the case of ROBERT WILLIAM DALTON, aged 40, C.E.R.A., 79 Stanstead-road, Southsea. - The last witness was JOHN NICHOLLS, 44 Welsford-avenue, Stoke, ship-fitter, who identified the body of ALBERT STANLEY TRUSCOTT, as that of his brother-in-law. Deceased, he said was aged about 41, and lived at 8 Berresford-street, Stoke. He left a widow, but no children. - This concluded the proceedings, the Coroner remarking that they were purely formal and had been taken for the special purpose of identifying the bodies, so that they could be buried. The Inquest would therefore be adjourned until ten a.m. on Friday next in the Devonport Guildhall, Ker-street. - Dockyard Scenes. - Devonport Dockyard had resumed its normal activities yesterday. - Over No. 2 basin, in which on Monday, Submarine H 29 sank, there was an air of peacefulness, contrasting strikingly with the bustle of the previous day. The salvage vessels had left their positions facing the wall, and alongside the quay, to which a week ago was moored the ill-fated vessel, was one of the rescue boats. - Some of the engines hastily erected on the spot still remained, but yesterday they were silent. The hissing and throbbing which had drawn attention to them, even above the general turmoil, had ceased. The big crane, which for days had been ceaselessly moving, was motionless. - In the adjacent dry dock H 29 was propped up, her drab sides seeming to reflect the gloomy colour of the sky. She looked strangely forlorn as she lay there, with the whole of her hull visible and with parts of the salvage apparatus still attached to her. - In her conning tower was the electric-hydro pump which had been hastily affixed, and from her after-hatch the big tube which had been put in for pumping purposes still protruded some six feet above the deck. - Removal Of Bodies. - Between one and two o'clock yesterday morning special members of the salvage corps made a careful examination of the interior of the craft. It seems that the bodies of five men, including that of Chief E.R.A. DALTON, were found at the foot of the forward hatchway, while the body of a fitter is said to have been found in the control-room. - Wearing gasmasks, the searchers commenced the melancholy work of recovering the bodies. It was found necessary, in order to facilitate the removal, to lift two or three of the half-inch plates near the forward hatch, and eventually, one by one, the bodies were placed on stretchers and taken out. - It is not likely that work on the submarine will be resumed for a short period, owing to the quantity of gas which is still in her interior. To facilitate the removal of the water in the submarine, it was found necessary to cut a hole in the casing near the engine-room, from which a steady stream of water flowed. In all probability the first task will be to remove the storage batteries to eliminate the further risk of gas poisoning. - Memorial Services. - The special memorial service to be held in the Dockyard Church at 10.30 tomorrow will be conducted by the chaplain of the church, Rev. L. H. Landman. In addition to the relatives of the deceased, the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir R. F. Phillimore, and staff, with nine officers, will attend, with surgeon, R.A. and R.N. Hospital, six officers and five ratings, with ten officers and 50 ratings from the Royal Naval Barracks, four officers and ten ratings from Impregnable, three officers and ten ratings from Defiance, and a similar number of officers and men from Thunderer and tenders, Douglas and Reserve Flotilla, the Colonel Commandant, Royal Marines and three officers and 15 other ranks, Maidstone and Third Submarine Flotilla 10 officers and 60 ratings, with Atlantic Fleet ships as detailed by the senior officers of the Atlantic Fleet represented by ten officers and 130 ratings, the officer commanding troops in Plymouth garrison, 15 officers, Four Royal Marine buglers will also attend. - In addition to the memorial service to be held in St James-the-Great Church tomorrow night at 6.30, a similar service will be held at the same hour in Keyham Wesleyan Church. - Devonport branch of the Women's Co-operative Guild yesterday passed a vote of sympathy with the bereaved families.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 August 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyardman's Death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest on CHARLES WILLIAM SUMMERS, skilled labourer of 12 Wake-street, Pennycomequick, Plymouth, who died suddenly yesterday morning. Evidence was given to the effect that SUMMERS arrived at the Dockyard about seven o'clock. He was observed to fall to the ground and, having been conveyed to the surgery, was found to be dead. - Surg.-Lieut. Carroll said SUMMERS had been suffering from fatty degeneration of the heart. - SUMMERS, who was 51 years of age and a skilled labourer in the Constructive Manager's Department, leaves a widow and eight children.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 August 1926
TORQUAY - Engineer's Death. Torquay Inquest Adjourned For Ship's Witnesses. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay last night on HENRY GORDON SEWELL, aged 35, of North-road, Calne, Wiltshire, who died in the Torbay Hospital on Monday. Deceased was an engineer on the steamship Ben Read, from which, when it put in at Brixham, he was taken to the Hospital. - Dr West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, stated that SEWELL when admitted was suffering from a persistent weakness. Witness had been told that it was supposed the man had taken spirits of salts some time in May this year. Death was due to exhaustion, owing to almost complete inability to assimilate food. - His condition must have been caused by the taking of some corrosive poison. - The Coroner: Although a deadly poison, it is not a scheduled poison. - Dr West said SEWELL must have had a strong constitution to have stood up against what he did. - The Coroner said that essential witnesses in the case were now on the seas, and he would therefore adjourn the Inquiry to August 31, in the hope that someone from the ship would be able to attend and speak as to what took place there. If by that time it was not possible to get in touch with someone on the ship, the Inquest would be further adjourned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 August 1926
BISHOPS STORTFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE - Hanged Her 3 Children. Mother's Terrible Crime. Fate Of Newton Family. Dramatic Story At Inquest. [From Our Own Correspondent.] - Bishops's Stortford, Wednesday. - Dramatic evidence was given at the Inquest here today on MRS MARY MAGDALEN HALSE, wife of MR FRANK HALSE, a wine and spirit merchant, of Newton Abbot, who with her three children were found dead on Tuesday at their cottage, Chez Nous, in the little hamlet of Patmore Hath, Albury, near Bishops Stortford. - The names and ages of the three children were TONY (13), PERCY (12) and PATTY (5), and all three were found hanging from an oak beam in the scullery of the tiny cottage in which the family lived, while the mother was found hanging from a hook in a back staircase. - The cottage is a picturesque, deeply-thatched building, forming one of a group encircling the bare open expanse of Patmore Heath, about five miles from the quiet country town of Bishops Stortford. For sheer loneliness the little hamlet can scarcely be rivalled. - The Inquest was conducted by Mr W. J. Gee, Deputy Coroner for East Hertfordshire, who sat with a Jury. - Husband's Evidence. - MR FRANCIS WILLIAM HALSE, husband of the dead woman, described himself as a wine and spirit merchant, living at Newton Abbot. He was separated from his wife in 1919 by deed of mutual arrangement under which he allowed his wife £3 5s. a week and in 1921 increased the amount to £5 a week. His wife also drew interest upon £1,000 which came from her grandfather. The amount had been regularly paid through a bank. - "I had no idea of my wife's address and had not seen her since we separated in 1919," said MR HALSE. "The deed of separation contained a provision that after the children had attained the age of nine years, I had the right to call upon my wife to send them to me for a month each year." - "This year was the first time I wrote to ask for the children. That was in June, when I wrote to my wife through the Bank, asking her to send the children down during my holiday, and my wife agreed to send them. The date was fixed for August 19. I sent a cheque for £10 to cover the children's travelling expenses." - "On Monday I received a telegram from my wife - 'sorry, cannot change cheque in time, writing, MADGE.' The cheque was received by my bankers at Newton Abbot, having been endorsed by my wife on Tuesday morning." - "The next I heard was when the Police communicated. I had no knowledge whatever of the third child, and was surprised when the Police told met here were three children." - A Juryman: Does anyone know who is the father of the third child? - The Coroner: The present witness said he was not. - Constable's Visit. - Constable Cobb described how he visited the cottage and found the doors and windows fastened. He broke a window and gained admission. In the scullery he found the bodies of the three children suspended from a beam by a rope fastened round their necks. The children were all clad in their night attire. He cut the bodies down and then at the foot of the stairs he found the dead body of MRS HALSE, fully dressed, hanging with a rope round her neck from a nail driven into the wall. - Upstairs, in the boys' bedroom, he found a heavy hammer lying on the pillow, which was smothered with blood. There was blood also by the side of the boy's bed. In the dead woman's bedroom he found a quantity of cord similar to that by which the children's bodies were hanging. - Three Letters. - In the kitchen witness found three letters addressed to Mr James Lott, and Mr F. W. G. HALSES, and the third to the Coroner. On the woman's body he found a telegram addressed to MRS HALSE by the Bank, reading: "MR HALSE wires us children must come on Monday as arranged." There was also an envelope bearing the words "My Will." - The only money found in the house was 4d., contained in a purse. - James Lott, baker, of Patmore Heath, said that MRS HALSE first came to the district about 12 months ago, living first in a furnished house and then taking the cottage. The third child was always known as PATTY HALSE, and was about five years old. - His suspicion of the tragedy was first aroused when he called with the bread at 10 on the previous morning. He called an hour later, but could get no answer to his knock and so called the Police. - A Telegram. - The last time he saw MRS HALSE was between eight and nine o'clock on Monday evening. MRS HALSE said that she had had a telegram which she did not like, but did not say what it was, except that it was about the children having to go south. She made no mention of sending the children away. - MRS HALSE had always described herself as a widow, stating that her husband had been drowned and that his clothes were found, but nothing else. She did not "mix up" with anyone in the neighbourhood. - In answer to questions by Mr John Elms, representing the husband, witness said that the dead woman had never discussed her financial affairs with him, nor did she particularly mention the youngest child. He had no knowledge of a telegram sent in the name of MRS HALSE from Abingdon last Saturday. He did not think that MRS HALSE was out of Patmore Heath on Saturday. - Tried To Change Cheque. - He knew that on Friday MRS HALSE called at two places in Bishops Stortford, and tried without success to change the cheque. The cheque, he believed, was finally posted to MRS HALSE'S bank on Saturday and a note received by her on Monday morning. - Medical evidence indicated that the mother and three children had been dead between 12 and 18 hours when they were found. The boy had two scalp wounds, but with the exception of marks round the neck there were no signs of injuries to the others. Death in each case was due to asphyxiation. - The doctor thought the boy was knocked senseless with the hammer found in his bedroom and then hanged. - Coroner's Comment. - The Coroner, summing up, said that, judging by the insurance policy found in the house, the youngest child was born in 1921, while MR HALSE was separated from his wife and the two children in 1919. - "It is manifest," he added, "That when the two older children got to their father they would naturally talk of their small sister to him. It strongly points to that as being the reason for this terrible tragedy." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Murder and Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 August 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - How The H 29 Foundered. "Misconception Of An Order." No Blame Attributed To Anyone. - It was established at the Inquest on the six victims, conducted by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Plymouth yesterday, that the H 29 foundered in Devonport Dockyard through the misconception of an order. - The Coroner added that he did not see they could attribute blame to anyone. - The six deceased met their death through suffocation from want of oxygen, and not from drowning. - The verdict returned by the Jury was: The deceased died from Suffocation from want of oxygen, caused by the foundering of H.M. submarine H 29 in Devonport Dockyard, in which they were working, which foundering was due to a misconception of an order. - Devonport Police Court, where the Inquest was held, was filled with naval officers and ratings. The Admiralty was represented by Mr K. Eyton Peck. Mr H. J. W. Ruse, solicitor, attended in the interests of the representatives of the late Messrs. Hosking, Truscott, Elliott and Hill. - Mr W. R. Hockaday. H.M. Inspector of Factories, and Mr J. Harris, secretary of the Workers' Union, were also present. - Mr Peck said Lieut.-Com. Macnair of H.M. submarines was present to assist in any question that might arise. - The Human Element. Coroner and Tragedy Of Misunderstanding. - The victims were:- ROBERT WILLIAM DALTON, chief engine-room artificer, official number 272358, Portsmouth Division. - EDWARD HOSKING, married, chargeman of fitters, 3 Fairfield-avenue, Peverell, Plymouth. - ARTHUR TRUSCOTT, 41, married, fitter, 8 Beresford-street, Stoke, Devonport. - JOHN FLETCHER, labourer, married 7 Arundel-crescent, North-road, Plymouth. - GEORGE ELLIOTT, ship fitter, 25, single, Steel Houses, Swilly, Devonport. - HENRY HILL, fitter, 102 Pasley-street, Stoke. - Opening the Inquiry the Coroner, addressing the Jury, said: I have summoned you here this morning to make inquiry into one of the most tragic occurrences which have taken place in our Dockyard for many years. In certain respects the proceedings will give you very little difficulty. Since the early history of the submarine modern science has contrived to make life on board the ship as safe as it possibly can, and it will be a relief to a certain extent that this morning you will have no complicated question of internal mechanism of the submarine to inquire into. But nothing has yet been devised to make human understanding, and unfortunately, in this case it is practically only the human element that will give you any difficulty." - The Coroner then read the brief statements made when the Inquest was opened. [There then followed 6 columns of evidence, ending in the verdict above.]

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 August 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Works Fatality. How Young Labourer Met His Death. - A Plymouth Coroner's Jury yesterday found that no one was to blame for the death of SAMUEL ROOKLEY, aged 19, general labourer, who was killed on August 9, at the premises of the Lomas Gelatine Works, Ltd.. - It was stated that ROOKLEY'S head was "guillotined" by the balance-weight of a lift, when he leaned over the fencing of the shaft, apparently to shout to somebody below. Mr R. B. Johns, the Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - A fellow-workman named Davis said he stopped the lift when he found ROOKLEY had become caught in it. He extricated the man, and without stopping to find what injuries he had sustained, informed the foreman. ROOKLEY was supposed to be working on the second floor, while the accident took place at the fence on the first floor. - Lift Fenced. - Mr W. R. Hockaday, H.M. Inspector of Factories, asked Davis how the lift was fenced at the first floor. - Witness replied that the four sides comprised a fence five feet by four, a wall, a fence in front of some machinery and a wooden gate five feet high. - George John Gilbert, another employee of the firm, said there were some sacks against the fence, perhaps 18 inches high. - Mr Hockaday pointed out this reduced the height of the fence to 3 feet 10 inches. - The firm's manager, Mr William Harold Wrigg, said the lift was intended to be used only by men taking material; it was not a passenger lift. Sacks were occasionally left against the fence on the first floor, but this was contrary to orders. Inspectors had visited the works from time to time, but had taken no action indicating they were dissatisfied with its equipment. - Mr Johns pointed out it was merely necessary to ascertain if there had been any negligence., - "Guillotined" By Weight. - "ROOKLEY stood on the sacks and put his head over the top of the fence," Mr Hockaday told the Jury. "Somebody got into the lift below and came up. That meant, that when the lift was about 10 feet from the ground floor the bottom edge of the balance weight would catch the head of anybody who was leaning over the fence. ROOKLEY was guillotined by the descending weight." Mr Hockaday added that ROOKLEY had no business where he was at all. - The Coroner said it was clear to him that ROOKLEY should not have been there, he was engaged as a polisher on the upper floor. - Without retiring the Jury (Foreman, Mr E. W. Robins) declared there had been no negligence and that no one was to blame for ROOKLEY'S death. - Mr Johns gave his verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 August 1926
CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Fell From Window. Torquay Man's Tragic Death At Cheltenham. - Cheltenham Coroner was yesterday notified of a fatal accident to a visitor named ERNEST JAMES THOMAS, aged 40, a hairdresser at Torquay. He had arrived on Thursday in Cheltenham for a change of scene. - Early yesterday morning a brother was awakened by a noise in his bedroom and saw deceased by the window in his night attire. Giving no reply to a question as to what he was doing, deceased disappeared through the open window and fell into a concrete yard below, receiving injuries from which he died almost immediately.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 August 1926
DAWLISH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Nursing Home Patient Commits Suicide. - At Dawlish on Saturday Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on MRS EDITH EMILY ZANETTI, who was found drowned on the beach at Spray Point near Teignmouth, after she had been missed from her bedroom at a Teignmouth Nursing Home. - The body was identified by MR JOHN ZANETTI, of Paignton. He said his wife's health had been failing for 4 years. - Dr Gragg, of Torquay, stated that MRS ZANETTI suffered from delusions and acting on his advice, she went to a Teignmouth Nursing Home. - "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 August 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Man's Tragic Death. Carbolic Mistaken For Beer? Strange Story At Newton Inquest. - Remarkable evidence was given at an Inquest at Newton Abbot last night on JOHN ARTHUR BESS, aged 51, of 101 East-street, Newton Abbot, who died in Newton Hospital last Thursday from the effects of carbolic acid poisoning on August 2. - It was alleged that BESS drank carbolic in mistake for beer, and the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, adjourning the Inquiry, remarked that he thought it was obviously a case for a Jury. - He added that it was advisable for Mr Samuel Thorning, at whose house at Brixham BESS was said to have drank the poison, to be legally represented at the adjournment. It was a grave case, and would have to be carefully investigated. - Sister's Story. - MRS L. WOODLEY, of Union-street, Newton Abbot, deceased's sister, asked by the Coroner whether her brother had said anything to her respecting the occurrence, replied that last Wednesday at the Hospital he told her that he was going to sit down to supper when Mr Thorning poured out "this stuff." He drank it, felt it was burning his stomach, and sipped it again. He did not think he drank more than a teaspoonful altogether. - The Coroner: Did he say he drank it in mistake for beer? - Witness: He did not say. - Susan Thorning said she reached her father's home at Brixham about 10.15 p.m. on August 2, and found her father, her uncle, Ernest Thorning, of Newton Abbot, and BESS at home. She was asked to get supper for the three and also to pass a bottle of beer from a cupboard in another room. There was no light in this room, so she lit a match and took out one of the bottles and placed it on the table. - Answering the Coroner, witness said the bottle was labelled and it was full. There was a lamp in the kitchen where the supper was laid. - The Coroner: Do you know the bottle containing carbolic acid was in this cupboard? - No. - What subsequently caused your attention to be drawn to the supper party? - I heard my uncle say, "This is not beer, Sam." - Two Tumblers. - Witness added that two tumblers were filled by her father and that the contents was the colour of beer. Her uncle then got up and went to the door, where he started to vomit. Witness smelt the glasses and found it was not beer. About a tablespoonful of the liquor had gone from each glass. - The Coroner: Were the three men sober? - Witness: My father and uncle were "lively," but MR BESS seemed stupid. - Were they in such a condition that they would know what they were doing? - I thought they were. - You think they had been drinking? - Yes, sir. - Miss Thorning further stated that she went for a chemist, who gave both men olive oil and mustard and water and later she fetched a doctor, who ordered BESS to be removed to Brixham Hospital. - The Coroner: Where is the bottle from which the liquid was poured? - It is thrown away. - Witness added that the bottle containing the liquid was thrown away by her father. She thought he had thrown it away just to get rid of it and because he was nervous - afraid of what might happen. - The Coroner: But as long as the bottle was empty there was no need to get rid of it? - No. - Inquiry Adjourned. - Miss Thorning, further questioned, said she did not know there was a bottle of disinfectant in the cupboard. Her father told her some time ago that he brought home some disinfectant for the lavatory and sink. She did not think it was purchased, but that it was given to him by a Council man named Searle to use in the sink. - At this stage Mr Hutchings intimated that he would adjourn the Inquiry until next Monday at three o'clock, in order that a Jury could be empanelled.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 August 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Army Pensioner's Suicide. Widow's Evidence At Devonport Inquest. - The amazing flight of a bullet was described at an Inquest yesterday by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on ROBERT HOUSTON MCLAUGHLIN, aged 67, an Army pensioner, and licensed victualler, of 28 Cornwall-street, Devonport, who was found dead with a bullet wound in his heart on Sunday evening. - It was stated that the bullet penetrated the man's heart, passed through his body and the bed on which he was lying and then through the floor into the public bar beneath. After coming through the ceiling it struck a barrel and glanced off into the pocket of a customer, where it came to rest and was not noticed for 20 minutes. - MRS MARY JANE MCLAUGHLIN stated that her husband had been depressed about a month. He was usually cheerful, but had injured his leg, and had also an abscess on his neck, which was causing him great pain. Trade had been bad and he was slightly behind with his accounts. - War Souvenir - He had been resting on Sunday, and between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. she advised him to get into bed. Shortly after she heard an explosion and found him lying on the bed, bleeding from a wound in the chest. - The revolver, which another witness found in his hand, was a war souvenir and had been lying on the dressing-table for years. - Other witnesses spoke of MCLAUGHLIN'S usually cheerful manner, and the :Coroner remarked that cheerful men usually succumbed to trouble more easily than men of even temperament. He recorded a verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 September 1926
TORQUAY - Engineer's Death At Torbay Hospital. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr Ernest Hutchings, at the adjourned inquest at Torquay yesterday on HENRY GORDON SEWELL, of Calne, Wilts, third engineer of the steamship Ben Read, who died at Torbay Hospital on August 16. At the opening of the Inquiry a fortnight ago, Dr West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, attributed death to corrosive poisoning, probably spirits of salts. - Fred Thomas Arscott, of North Ryde, master of the Bend Read, said that on May 13, the second mate told him that SEWELL was ill. When witness asked him what was the matter, SEWELL replied that he had taken half a pint of spirits of salt. He gave no explanation why he had taken poison. - A letter was found in SEWELL'S bunk addressed to his wife, and enclosed in it was £3 10s. in notes. The Coroner mentioned that in the letter SEWELL indicated that he would shortly be out of work. He had apparently been unemployed before joining the Ben Read, and dreaded being idle again.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 September 1926
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sidmouth Naval Man's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on ERNEST JOHN SALTER, aged about 30, a first-class stoker, R.N., attached to the Royal Naval Barracks, whose death occurred in the Hospital on Monday morning as the result of a wound in the throat. - It was stated that deceased's home address was 3 Peaseland-road, Sidmouth. - The dormitory manager at a Devonport home for sailors gave evidence to the effect that SALTER booked a cubicle on Sunday night. On Monday morning witness heard groans, and on investigating he found the man lying in bed with his throat cut. A blood-stained razor was lying at the foot of the bed. Witness at once summoned a doctor and SALTER was removed to Hospital. - Surg.-Com. J. H. McDowall, attached to the Royal Naval Barracks, said he was called to the home, and saw SALTER, who was suffering from an extensive wound in the throat and great loss of blood. He was removed to Hospital under witness's orders. - SALTER'S death at the Hospital shortly after admission was described by Surg.-Com. H. M. Braithwaite, who said he was admitted in an unconscious condition and never regained consciousness. Death was due to haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 September 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Carbolic For Beer. Guests Poisoned At Supper. Newton Man's Tragic Mistake. "Gross And Stupid Carelessness." - Two tumblers, identical in colouring, one containing beer and the other carbolic acid, figured in the adjourned Inquest, held at Newton Abbot yesterday by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, and a Jury, on JOHN ARTHUR BESS, a sawyer, of East-street, Newton Abbot, who died in the Newton Hospital recently from the effects of carbolic acid poisoning, which had been taken in mistake for beer at the house of Mr Sam Thorning, of Bank-lane, Brixham, on the night of August Bank-holiday. A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned. - Mr Hutchings had heard a portion of the evidence a week earlier, and adjourned the Inquiry in order that a Jury could be empanelled. At the same time he advised Mr Sam Thorning to be legally represented. Mr W. L. Parsons, of Brixham, now represented Thorning and Mr W. H. White was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner reviewed the evidence given at the opening of the Inquiry. It was to the effect that on the night of August Bank-holiday deceased and Ernest Thorning, both of Newton Abbot, journeyed by taxi from Newton to Brixham with the latter's brother, Samuel, who is a brewer's cellarman. Samuel Thorning invited his companions to supper at his house, and the invitation was accepted. - At her father's request, Miss Susan Thorning produced a beer bottle and two glasses. Both visitors drank, and immediately became ill. BESS having to be taken to the Hospital at Brixham, whence he was transferred to Newton. It was later discovered that the bottle contained carbolic acid that had been given to Samuel Thorning for disinfecting purposes by a labourer in the employ of the Brixham Urban Council, and this had been placed in the cupboard with bottles of beer unknown to the daughter some two months earlier. - "Were Not Drunk." - Susan Thorning, who was recalled, added that she had no idea there was anything but bottles of beer in the cupboard. Questioned as to the condition of the three men, she expressed the opinion that they had had enough to drink, but were not drunk. Deceased was a little bit worse than the other two. - Dr J. Faulkner, of Brixham, said he was called to Thorning's house on the night of August 2, and saw the two men. Deceased was in the yard unconscious. the place reeked of carbolic. The other man was not so bad, and was able to return to Newton Abbot the same night. Deceased's condition was consistent with carbolic acid poisoning, plus alcoholic poisoning. Carbolic of itself would not have produced the state of coma that deceased was in. In witness's opinion deceased had been drinking heavily. - The Coroner: If he had not been drinking he would have had a better chance of getting over it?- Yes. - Dr J. Brown of Newton Abbot, said some of the carbolic had touched the deceased's lungs and bronchitis developed. A post-mortem examination revealed that the lungs were in a state of advanced bronchitis. Death was due to heart failure. - The Coroner: Does intoxication interfere with the sense of smell? - I think it interferes with all the senses. - Samuel Searle, a labourer employed by the Brixham Urban Council, said he was cleaning out gulleys in Brewery-lane, Brixham, when Thorning asked him for some disinfectant, and witness later gave him a quantity in a beer bottle. It did not occur to him to label the bottle poison. - Ernest Thorning, a clay cutter, of Waltham-road, Newton Abbot, said he met his brother at the Newton Station about 11 o'clock on the morning of August Bank-holiday and they went to the Union Hotel, where they remained until about 2 o'clock. In the afternoon they walked about the town, and just after five went to the Union Hotel again, where they stayed until seven, when they went to tea. About half-past seven they returned to the Union Hotel and stayed until 9 o'clock, when witness went for a taxi to take his brother to the Station. They had met the deceased at the Union Hotel, and he joined them in the journey to the Station. - "Something Hot." - On the way somebody suggested driving straight to Brixham, which they did. They arrived there at 9.50, and called at the Bolton Hotel, where they had one drink, afterwards leaving for his brother's home. They were asked to have supper and a drink and the beer bottle was placed on the table. Witness's brother pulled out two glasses, one of which was passed by witness to BESS, and the other he kept for himself. Together they raised their glasses, said "Here's fun," and sipped the contents. Witness said, "This isn't beer; this is something hot," and slipped out of the room. - The Coroner: During the course of the day you had had a fair amount to drink?- We had had a pint or two. We were a little merry, but nothing out of the way. - The Coroner: Isn't the explanation that you had all been drinking and were not perhaps so capable of appreciating these nice distinctions as you would have been under normal circumstances? - Perhaps so. - Samuel Thorning said he put the bottle of carbolic in the cupboard where the bottles of beer were kept. He did not tell his daughter where he had placed it, neither had he used any of the contents. After the occurrence he poured the remainder of the contents of the bottle down the lavatory, and threw the bottle away. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner observed that there could be no suggestion of any criminal wrong. At the same time he did not think they could shut their eyes to the fact that Samuel Thorning, in putting a bottle containing a deadly poison amongst bottles of beer, was guilty of an act of the grossest and most stupid carelessness, and he hoped the Jury would not consider it their duty to white-wash him in that court. Addressing Mr Thorning, the Coroner said the Jury had said nothing about censuring him, but he implored him to be very careful if in the future he had to deal with any poison. Sympathy was expressed with the deceased's relatives by the Jury and Mr Parsons, on behalf of Mr Thorning, and the Coroner expressed the hope that Searle would in no way suffer in his employment by reason of giving the carbolic to Mr Thorning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 September 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Captain's Death. Chief Officer's Story At Devonport Inquest. - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at the North Dockyard, Devonport, yesterday, on CAPT. WILLIAM BUSHNELL, aged 35, of 12 Croft-avenue, Sunderland, Master of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary oiler War Bahadur, who died at sea on the voyage home from Trinidad. - Chief Officer William Henry Scott said BUSHNELL was master of the ship War Bahadur, joining her in June 1925 after being transferred. They left Trinidad on August 19. He was in normal health until August 27, when he complained of pains, which appeared to be colic. On September 2 he became slightly delirious with a temperature of 101. - Witness wirelessed for advice and received a message from the s.s. Carare, giving advice suggested by the medical officer of that ship, which was duly carried out. On September 3 deceased's condition showed some improvement, the temperature dropping to 100, but on the following day he died. - Surg.-Lt.-Com. J. J. Carroll, of the Dockyard, said he received a message on Sunday that the body of deceased had been brought to the Dockyard Mortuary and witness made a superficial examination., Afterwards he made a post-mortem examination and he came to the conclusion that deceased died from heart failure due to double pneumonia and pleurisy with effusion. - The Coroner said it was satisfactory to feel, and he was sure the relatives were most gratified to know, that CAPT. BUSHNELL had every possible treatment that he could on board.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 September 1926
PLYMOUTH - Rebuked By Coroner. Widow's Assertions At Inquest. A Plymouth Street Fatality. - A widow who persisted in asserting that a motor lorry driver was responsible for her husband's death was rebuked by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, at a Plymouth Inquest yesterday. - The Inquest was on WILLIAM MOORHOUSE, aged 55, of Littlecombe-part, Roborough. MRS MOORHOUSE insisted that the driver of a lorry, with which her husband collided while riding a motor cycle, had not given proper warning of his approach. - One witness stated that MOORHOUSE'S attention was distracted as he approached the corner where the collision occurred, by the barking of a small dog which followed his motor cycle. - Dr C. P. Burges, Assistant House Surgeon, S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said MOORHOUSE was admitted on September 4, with a compound fracture of the left leg, from the results of which he died two days later. - Lorry Driver's Evidence. - Francis Eric Williams, employee of Plymouth Corporation and driver of the lorry, said he was driving with the lorry empty along Swilly-road at 10 m.p.h. When opposite the end of Bladderly-road a motor cycle, ridden by MOORHOUSE, emerged and struck the lorry about a foot in front of the back wheel. Witness at once stopped. Even if he had pulled up sooner MOORHOUSE would have hit the front of the lorry. Both parties sounded their horns. - MRS MOORHOUSE: My husband told me on his dying bed that you did not sound your horn. - Witness answered that he particularly remembered sounding it as a warning to some people who were alighting from a 'bus on the other corner. - "Just as deceased came to the main road a small dog was barking behind the motor cycle, distracting his attention. He half-turned to look at it," said W. Harvey (Police Constable stationed at Torquay, who witnessed the accident). "The motor cycle then ran into the lorry." - Driver Exonerated. - MRS MOORHOUSE said she considered the lorry driver was to blame, repeating that he had not sounded his horn till too late. - "But you were not there," the Coroner reminded her. "I think nobody was to blame but your poor unfortunate husband. I consider no blame whatever attaches to the driver. Accidental Death." - In spite of the official verdict, MRS MOORHOUSE persisted in her complaints against the lorry driver, saying, "There were no witnesses for my husband and he isn't here to speak for himself. Am I to lose my husband and have nothing for it?"

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 September 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Worker's Death. - The sudden collapse of a chargeman of shipwrights as he was leaving Devonport Dockyard on September 2 was the subject of a further Inquiry by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - The deceased was GEORGE BELL, aged 54, of 6 Haddington-road, Devonport, who died in the Royal Albert Hospital on September 3. - MRS LOUISA JANE BELL, the widow, who had previously given evidence of identification, stated that on January 4 her husband met with an accident and was taken to the Naval Hospital at Port Edgar, from which he was discharged on January 21, resuming work four days later. - After the accident, said MRS BELL, her husband complained of pains in his head and said his memory was not so good. He remained at work until the day of his death. When he left home on that day he appeared in his usual health. - Dr John Henry Willis, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, said that when BELL was admitted he was unconscious, and appeared to be suffering from cerebral haemorrhage. He died at 1.30 a.m. without regaining consciousness. A post-mortem examination disclosed that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. - The Coroner said he was at some pains to get every possible piece of evidence, as it was rather an important question as to whether death was in any way attributable to the accident. - All the evidence, however, pointed to natural causes, and his verdict would be that "Death was due to Cerebral Haemorrhage."

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 September 1926
PLYMOUTH - Saltash Suicide. - "For some time past deceased has behaved strangely, and I think that his mind was unhinged" declared a brother who gave evidence of identification at the Inquest on FREDERICK WILLIAM NEWBERRY, of the Rustic Tea-gardens, Saltash, conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday. - Deceased was found on Monday in Palmer's Yard, which is situated opposite the tea-gardens, with a wound in his throat and a razor near by. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 September 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Child's Fatal Fall. Mother's Story At Devonport Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Devonport yesterday at the Inquest on BERTRAM CHARLES DONALD WOODMAN, aged 22 months, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, as the result of falling into the area of 65 High-street, Stonehouse. Mr John Woolland appeared for the landlord of the property. - MRS BEATRICE MAUD WOODMAN, wife of MR BERTRAM WOODMAN, labourer, of 3 Brownlow-street, Stonehouse, stated that on Monday, accompanied by her son and the child, she visited her sister, Miss E. E. Widger, who lives in the basement of 65 High-street. After they had been there some time the boy went out with her brother to buy some sweets. Shortly afterwards she heard a scream, and her sister went out and found her brother carrying the child. He said BERTRAM had fallen through the railings into the area. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness said she had not noticed the railings were defective. - MISS EMILY ELIZA WIDGER, said that she had been a tenant of 65 High-street, Stonehouse, for 10 years. She had noticed the defective railings for some time and had previously tied a piece of rope across the opening for protection, drawing the landlord's attention to the fact. - Mr Woolland: A Mr Nicholls has been in charge about 18 months, has he not? - Yes. - Over two months ago he repaired the railings with a piece of wood bolted across, when the defect was pointed out to him? - Yes, but there was still half of the defective rail left. One of the neighbours repaired it. - John Henry Willis, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said that when the child was brought to the Hospital he was conscious and crying. On examination, witness found he had a large bruise on the right side of his forehead. In a post-mortem examination, he found death due to septic meningitis, following a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner remarked it was a particularly sad case and expressed his sympathy with MR and MRS WOODMAN. It had been shown in the evidence that Mrs Munday had been a good landlady. If Mr Nicholls had known the bar was loose, undoubtedly he would have secured it. Western Morning News, Saturday 18 September 1926 ST MARYCHURCH - Strong Comments By Coroner. Old Lady's Death At Torquay. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, adjourned the Inquest yesterday on MARY GEORGINA KELLY, aged 78, who was found dead in her bedroom at No. 2 Summerland-terrace, St Marychurch, Torquay, the day after she went to live there. It was stated by witnesses that there was a leakage of gas in the room. - MRS SARAH GODBEER, widow of 2 Summerland-terrace, St Marychurch, Torquay, sister of deceased, said they lived in three rooms and a kitchen, for which they paid £55 a year. - Mr Hockaday of Broadhempston, Totnes, was the owner of the house. Witness and her sister commenced to reside there last Wednesday. When witness arrived a man was doing something to the gas meter. - About quarter to nine witness and her sister had supper together and went to bed at half-past nine, occupying separate bedrooms. Witness got up about 8 o'clock in the morning. As her sister had not appeared at quarter to nine witness went to her bedroom, and on opening the door smelt gas. Her sister was in bed and could not be awakened. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr J. W. Malim, who was called to the deceased at half-past nine on Thursday morning, stated that she had then been dead about six hours. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to asphyxiation, caused by coal gas poisoning. The room was badly ventilated, the lid of the fireplace was down and the windows had been almost closed. - Benjamin Freeman McLean, foreman gas fitter, employed by the St Marychurch Gas Department, who inspected the house on Thursday morning, stated that he found a defective gas pipe under the floor of the room in which the deceased slept. This pipe came from a meter in the house to supply gas to a room underneath the one which deceased occupied. The defect was in a join. - The Coroner: If an inspection of this house had been made by any reasonable person, would it have been apparent to that person that there was an escape of gas? - Witness: I heard the leak. - Heard Gas Escaping. - You not only smelt it but heard the escape of gas? - After first smelling it I could hear it. - The Coroner: We have heard that a man was attending to a gas meter. Would the fixing of a gas meter have anything to do with this pipe? - Witness: This came from the gas meter, I understand, which he was fixing. - Lawrence Lemmy of 72 Belgrave-road, Torquay, said he tested all visible parts with a match on Wednesday. - P.C. Turner, who went to the house at 9.45 a.m. on Thursday, stated that there was a strong smell of gas in the room in which deceased had slept. The test made by Mr McLean showed that gas was escaping at the rate of 1ft. in five minutes 45 seconds. The leakage was at a junction joint. - Coroner's Comment. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest. He said: "I am not going to summon the landlord here, but I am going to cause him to be notified that I have adjourned the Inquest until this day week, at four o'clock at this place, and if he desires to come here he may come." - "Having said that, it is hardly necessary for me to make any comment at present, but I do wish to say that I am sure everybody must feel the deepest possible sympathy for the poor old lady who has given evidence, MRS GODBEER. She and her sister, both old-age pensioners, with a total income - I am not going to state the exact amount - were asked to pay and agreed to pay - one has to be just - £55 a year for three rooms in this house and on the very first day they go into the house there is in that house something which I can only describe as a death trap, which ought not to have been there, and should not have been there. In consequence the old lady has met her death and without making any further comment, for the moment one can only sympathize very deeply indeed with MRS GODBEER, who has lost her sister."

Western Morning News, Monday 20 September 1926
CHARDSTOCK (DORSET) - Chardstock Woman's Suicide. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded at an Inquest on Friday on MRS SUSAN KNIGHT, aged 35 years, of Tytherleigh, Chardstock. She was found hanging in her cottage at Tytherleigh on Wednesday. - The evidence showed that MRS KNIGHT had no troubles and was happy with her husband, but suffered from depression.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 September 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Mother's Suicide At Devonport. Inquest Story Of Daughter's Ordeal. - Referring to the case as one of the saddest that had come to his notice, Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, yesterday returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" on MABEL EDITH BLANCHE PAUL, aged 34, of Mount-street, Devonport, wife of a Corporation employee. - EVELYN PAUL, the 15-year-old daughter of the dead woman, said a great change had come over her mother. On Monday her mother caught hold of her and said, "I will kill you." Witness screamed and her mother then let go, telling her to clean the windows while she went to make the beds. Witness did not speak of the occurrence and when she went up to the bedroom later her mother was lying on the bed with something round her neck. Witness screamed and ran down to a neighbour. - Jessie Lawton, who lives in the same house, said deceased had complained that she suffered from nerves. Witness was called by the daughter, who said her mother had done something to herself. Mr Cutler cut the braces that were around the neck. - Dr Saunders said when deceased came to him about two years ago she often felt drowsy and tired and it seemed to him she was probably suffering from encephalitis lethargica. It seemed to be troubling her that her family was going to increase and witness had spoken to Mr Boswartha, the relieving officer, with a view to keeping an eye on her. When he saw deceased on Monday she was dead and there was a purple line around her neck. She died from heart failure, following upon strangulation.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 September 1926
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows Fall. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on SALLY ANN HINGSTON (77), Hele's-terrace, Prince Rock, Plymouth, who died in Greenbank Infirmary on September 18. Dr M. Fox said the woman was admitted to the Infirmary on September 10, suffering from a fracture of the left femur, the result of a fall. This, combined with shock, was the cause of death. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 September 1926
ST MARYCHURCH - Gas Tragedy At Torquay. Coroner's Views On Meter Test. - Mr Hockaday, owner of the premises, was present at the adjourned Inquest at St Marychurch, Torquay, yesterday on MRS MARY GEORGINA KELLY, widow, aged 78, an old-age pensioner, who was found dead in her bed as the result of gas poisoning at 2 Summerland-terrace, Trumlands-road. MRS KELLY and her sister had only moved into the house the day before the tragedy, having rented three rooms at £55 a year. - Mr Hockaday, yesterday, in reply to a question by the Coroner, said he would like to state a few facts in connection with the house in question. The premises became vacant in 1924 and were left in a deplorable state. So bad were the conditions that witness did not feel he could afford to have the whole of the necessary repairs done. Two firms, however, had done repairs and amongst the last work done was the installation of gas pipes. A man who put in new pipes said he had found no old ones in any of the rooms, and also told witness that all the new mains had been tested before completing the job. Witness produced documentary evidence to show that this work had been carried out. - "Shall I say something with regard to the rent?" asked Mr Hockaday. - Mr Hutchings: No, I don't think you need unless you want to. This is a decontrolled house and the law says a landlord has a right to charge what rent he likes. - Rent Reduced. - Witness said he would like to state that he had reduced the rent from £65 to £55 a year. He had never seen his tenants and did not know they were old-age pensioners, otherwise he would have immediately broken off negotiations. - Mr Hockaday handed to the Coroner three letters written by MRS GODBEER (MRS KELLY'S sister) to him and the Coroner said in fairness to witness they should be read. The first stated that the rent was rather more than they wanted to pay, but as the house seemed to be convenient they would like to have particulars. The second, written on September 8, mentioned that she and her sister had seen the rooms and wanted to know when they could go in. They would not require any gas, as they both preferred lamps. - Coroner's Comments. - "The verdict will be one of death from Misadventure, and that deceased died by Gas Poisoning," said the Coroner. "I hope that at this, and any other inquiry where the conduct of any person is called in question, that if I err at all I shall always err in favour of any person who might appear to have done anything carelessly, because it is a very serious thing to have to say publicly something which might cause that person great injury. - "Now in this matter there is one fact which cannot be got rid of, and that is that there was an escape of gas in this house, the effect of which was that an old lady in one of the rooms was asphyxiated. The pipe from which the escape came was fixed to a meter placed in the house only a few hours before the old lady died, by Mr Lemmy. After that death, when the meter was examined, and tested by a gas inspector, it was quite easy for them to see that gas was escaping through that meter in such quantities as would have been consumed if a fair-size gas burner connected by a pipe had been left turned on. That is a big escape of gas." - "Ought Mr Lemmy to have discovered that escape before he finished his job? If he did not do so he is guilty of negligence. Anyone who employs a man for a job has a right to rely on his doing that job properly. I have not the slightest doubt in my own mind that the proper test of a meter was not applied. No one could have the slightest doubt about it, but it is common ground that this pipe in the room in which deceased met her death was not known to Mr Lemmy and he did in fact go into the room and ask if there were any gas pipes there and was told there were none. Therefore, I am going to say that I think the way in which he carried out his test was not only a crude one but an inefficient one." - Mr Hockaday asked if he was exonerated from all blame, and was told by the Coroner that no one had suggested he was to blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 September 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Fatality. - At the Inquest on Saturday on MILDRED EMILY WOOLCOCK, aged 54, 25 Edgecumbe Park-road, Peverell, Plymouth, the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased's son said on Thursday about 5.30, in the back room, he found the body lying on the floor. Witness turned off the gas, opened the window and called to his father. A box of matches was on the floor near deceased, and there was an unstruck match near the geyser. Some months ago deceased had a flight fainting fit, and in his opinion his mother fainted and fell when about to light the gas under the geyser.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 September 1926
SOUTH BRENT - Railway Fatality. Inquest On South Brent Man. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest at Brent Station yesterday on GEORGE SOPER, who was killed on Monday by an express train. - The engine driver, who was not aware of the accident until he was told by an inspector on arriving at Newton Abbot, said he examined the engine and found traces on the buffer plate. - George Hannaford, a platelayer, said SOPER and he were working in a bend of the line, and along goods train was running past on the down line, which prevented vision of the up line. SOPER was examining the position of some fang bolts when the express suddenly emerged from a cloud of smoke and struck him in the head. He was a particularly careful man and was continually impressing on his gang the need for care. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Boiling Tea. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on BERTRAM REGINALD PARKER, a one-year-old child, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday as the result of burns. - The mother, MRS M. PARKER, of Halwell-street, Plymouth, said on September 26 a pot of tea boiling on the gas-stove in the kitchen, fell on to the child. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 October 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Cancer Victim's Death. Doctor's Theory Of Devonport Tragedy. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on JOHN WEBBER, of New Park Bungalow, Saltash Passage, Devonport, decided that there was no evidence to show whether his death on Thursday was accidental or otherwise. - The verdict was "Death from apoplexy following coal gas poisoning." - A brother of the dead man said WEBBER was a cancer victim and some time ago, owing to the extreme pain he suffered, he made him promise not to take his life. - Went Shopping. - ALICE MAUD WEBBER, the widow, said her husband, a pensioned prison officer, had been in the building line till last April. He had suffered from cancer for about six years, and had been under the care of Dr Brown for some time. He had been in bed for a week before his death. When she went shopping on Thursday she got her brother-in-law to look after him. - MARK WEBBER, of Addison-road, Plymouth, the dead man's brother, said he reached deceased's house about 3.15 and on entering and passing half way up the passage, he heard him breathing heavily. Going into his brother's room, he smelt a strong smell of gas, and saw him lying unconscious on the bed. He spoke to him, but got no reply. He opened the window and door and tried to turn off the gas. - Doctor's Theory. - Dr John Percy Thomas, who was called to the house, said he found MR JOHN WEBBER lying in bed unconscious, showing symptoms of apoplexy, apparently brought on by the amount of coal gas in the room. He seemed slightly better after a while, but nobody could do anything for him. - Dr Brown, who was away at the time of the occurrence, had told him that deceased had been under narcotics during the past fortnight and at times seemed quite dazed and practically cyanosed. - In a post mortem examination that morning he had found the symptoms consistent with coal gas poisoning, in addition to which there was haemorrhage in the brain, which was the immediate cause of death. He did not think the gas poisoning was sufficient to kill him in itself, but apoplexy was undoubtedly brought on by poisoning. - He went to the bathroom and felt the water. In his opinion it was far too hot for a man in WEBBER'S condition to take. His theory was that he was exhausted by the hot bath, that he became unsteady and caught hold of the by-pass chain leading from the gas mantle on his way back to bed. Owing to his feebleness and dazed condition at the time he did not notice he had allowed the gas to escape. There were no indications that the room had been stopped up.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 October 1926
EAST STONEHOUSE - Crashed Into Tram. Royal Marine Sergeant's Death At Devonport. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE WILLSON, 31, a sergeant in the Royal Marines of 52 Durnford-street, Stonehouse, and who died on Wednesday after a collision with a tramcar. - No evidence was forthcoming as to the actual cause of the tragedy, but it was suggested that a wheel of the bicycle WILLSON was riding caught in the tram-track and he was thrown off against the tramcar. - Evidence of identification was given by FRANK FOWLER WILLSON, a brother, of Manchester. - Sergt. James Henry Vosper, of the Plymouth Police, a passenger in the tramcar, said the latter was proceeding slowly up Devonport-hill on Wednesday, about 1.5 p.m. It suddenly stopped and he saw WILLSON lying unconscious in the road. - Pte. Sidney Davidson, of the R.A.M.C. said he saw WILLSON riding down Devonport-hill on a bicycle. He was in the centre of the road. For some reason he swerved and collided with the tramcar. He rebounded on to the kerb, where he hit his head. - William George Riley, the driver of the tramcar, said he saw two cyclists coming down the hill. When they were about level with the car, WILLSON suddenly came across the road at a fast speed and collided with the car. He did not know what interfered with the steering, but there was no one near WILLSON at the time. - Percy Henry Martin, the other cyclist, described how he had passed the tramcar when he heard a crash. The road was quite clear except for the car coming up. - Medical evidence was to the effect that WILLSON was dead on admission to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse. He had received an extensive compound fracture of the skull. Death must have been practically instantaneous.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Aged Man's Death. Shock After Fall At Greenbank Workhouse. - An unusual cause of death was given at an Inquest conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, at Plymouth on Saturday, on JAMES CREBER, aged 74, an inmate of Greenbank Workhouse, who died from a fracture sustained from falling off a chair. - John Augustus Stowell, a night nurse in the male department at the Workhouse, said that CREBER had been an inmate for about three years. On Sept. 26, about 4.30 a.m. he got the patient out of bed to make the bed. - CREBER was sitting on a chair, when he thought he saw something on the floor - he often suffered from delusions -and over-balanced and fell over. Witness lifted CREBER up and put him into bed. - Dr Fox examined CREBER after the accident and found that he was suffering from a fracture in his right leg. Death was due to shock resulting from the fracture. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from the effects of injuries Accidentally received on the leg, caused by a fall."

Western Morning News, Monday 11 October 1926
CHUDLEIGH - Coroner's Appeal. News Wanted Of Plymouth Motor Car. - An appeal to the Press was made by the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, at an Inquest on Saturday at Chudleigh to assist in the identification of the driver of a car who conveyed the victim of an accident to Hospital. - The Inquest was on FRANK ALBERT BAKER, aged 22, of Underhays Cottages, who died on Friday from injuries received while cycling at New Cross on the Kingsteignton-Chudleigh road on the previous Monday. - Making his appeal, Mr Hutchings said the car was apparently in no way concerned directly with the cause of the accident, but it was of the greatest possible importance that the driver of the car should communicate with the nearest Police Officer, or with P.S. Elworthy of Chudleigh. - It was thought the registration letters of the car (a Morris-Cowley) were C O, which represented Plymouth. - Dr H. B. Walters, of Chudleigh, said deceased was conscious when he was called to him on Monday afternoon, but he did not worry him to explain how he met with the accident. Death took place on Friday, the cause of death being concussion, compression of the brain and cerebral haemorrhage. - Witness thought it was possible that the base of the skull was fractured in the frontal region. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until October 21st at 3.30 p.m.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Fell Thirty Feet. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Girl. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday on KATHLEEN BLIGHT, a domestic servant, age 19 years, in the employ of the Countess of St Germans, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, as the result of falling from a window 30 ft. from the ground. - Her mother, who saw the girl after the accident, said that she was cleaning the window and slipped. - Robert Palmby, of Pennadown-street, St Germans, a butcher employed by the Countess of St Germans, said that BLIGHT had been employed there for twelve months and he had noticed that she had been somewhat depressed during the last three weeks. - On October 6, about 8.20 in the morning, he went into the dining-room and on looking out of the window saw the girl lying on the ground in a huddled condition. He concluded that she had fallen out of the window, which was 30 ft. from where she lay. BLIGHT was not cleaning the windows and she had never done so. He sent for Dr Harman, who sent the girl to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Yealmpton Road Tragedy. Inquest On Dorset Midshipman. - At an Inquest held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on JOHN FENWICK METCALFE, 17, midshipman, R.N.E. College, Keyham, native of Broadstone, Dorset, who was found lying in an unconscious condition on the main road near Yealmpton on Sunday night, the verdict was "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received." - Mr K. Eyton Peck was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - Mr E. B. Warner, science master at the R.N. College, Dartmouth, said the deceased left Dartmouth on Sunday night at 7.45. He was riding a Raleigh motor cycle. Deceased seemed quite alright and was leaving in good time for home. The machine, he believed, was bought new last Wednesday. He was accustomed to riding a similar machine. - C. W. Toms, motor engineer, St Jude's, Plymouth, said he was returning from Exeter about 9.15 when near Yealmpton he saw a motor cycle upside down by the side of the road, close to the hedge. He found deceased lying about five or six yards distant. He was bleeding from the ears, nose and the mouth and unconscious. - A Dark Night. - He lifted him on to the bank, put a rug under him and then went to Yealmpton for assistance. A Constable returned with him. It was a very dark night. His theory was the deceased must have mistaken a pile of granite stones for the road, and ridden into them. - There was no suggestion of speeding. - P.C. Hurford, stationed at Elburton, said deceased was found in a sitting position, and bleeding from the mouth, ears and nose. He took him to Dr Fox, at Yealmpton, who ordered his removal to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth. - Dr D. K. A. Huston, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said the case was hopeless from the first. Deceased had sustained a fractured skull and never recovered consciousness. He died at 2 o'clock yesterday morning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 October 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Suicide. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returning by the Devonport Deputy Coroner, Mr Major, at the Inquest on the body of JOSEPH WYVELL, general labourer, of 34a, back of William-street, yesterday. - The wife said deceased had been depressed. - Dr Ludolph said he was called to the deceased's house by the Police, where he found him lying in a pool of blood. The wound was obviously self-inflicted.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death From Shock. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest on MRS ANNIE HARRIS of 5 Oakfield-terrace, Plymouth, yesterday. - MR W. C. HARRIS, son of deceased, stated that his mother went out on Wednesday to see a small boy return home who had met with a slight cycling accident. The sight must have upset her, for she collapsed soon after she came back, and died about half-an-hour after. - Dr E. A. Travers Stubbs said that death was due to shock.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 October 1926
TORQUAY - Body On Beach. Inquest On Torquay Hotel Visitor. - An Inquiry was held at the Police Court, Torquay, into the death of a man whose body was found on Meadfoot Beach, Torquay, on Friday evening. The body was identified as that of a man who arrived at a Torquay Hotel on Wednesday and gave the name of MILLER, and the Coroner adjourned the Inquest in order that someone might be present who could actually identify him. - John Hitchens, head waiter, said deceased came to the Hotel on Wednesday, October 13. Witness thought he gave the name of MR MILLER. He last saw deceased on Thursday at 1.45 p.m. when he left. Deceased did not say anything of where he was going. There was nothing peculiar in his manner. - Elaine Kinchenten, manageress of the Queen's Hotel, corroborated the evidence of the first witness and said deceased gave the name of MR H. H. MILLER, of London. - George Vincent, station officer, Coastguards, said they received the report of a body in the water at 4.15 p.m. on Friday. He notified the Police and went to Meadfoot Beach and there saw the fully-clothed body of a man just awash. A young woman told him she saw a man the previous evening sitting on a rock surrounded by water and making no attempt to get off. She did not inform the Police or the Coastguards, and said she did not want to have anything to do with the matter. - In adjourning the Inquest until Wednesday next the Coroner intimated that he would not sit again at the Torquay Police Court and that the Inquest would be resumed at Paignton Police Court.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 October 1926
PAIGNTON - Suicide Verdict. G.W.R. Official's Death At Torquay. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at Paignton yesterday, when he conducted the resumed Inquest on the body found last Friday evening on Meadfoot Beach, Torquay. The previous Court was adjourned for identification. - Norfolk A. Woodiwiss, solicitor, of London, identified deceased as HARRY HARDING MILLER, of Compayne-gardens, West Hampstead, London, an official in the finance department of the Great Western Railway at Paddington, a post which he had occupied for 30 years. Deceased was a married man and had two sons, age 18 and 20. - On October 15 witness received two registered packets and one ordinary letter, bearing the Torquay postmark, from deceased. One of the packages contained keys and the second a number of receipts from registered communications through the post and the third a private letter to witness and enclosed with a copy of another letter written by deceased to another person. The letter to witness began: "I am sorry to have to write telling you I have taken my life." - Dr B. M. West said death was due to drowning. - Mr Woodiwiss, recalled, said a package sent by deceased containing notes and jewellery was received at his home, as well as a new cheap English dictionary, which he had sent to his son.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 October 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Railway Tragedy. Inquest Verdict On Teignmouth Man. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded at the Inquest last night at Teignmouth on EDWARD ROBERT HARDING, whose mutilated remains were found on the Great Western Railway line near Spray Point. - MRS HARDING, the widow, said her husband had not been well of late. On Sunday he complained of his head and scarcely knew what to do with himself. On Monday evening he left the house at 6.30 and did not return. - Evidence of finding the remains was given by Frederick Vicary, a mason's labourer, of Teignmouth, employed by the Railway Company.- Roger Pugh, District Manager for Messrs. Oliver, boot factors, who lives at Exeter, said MR HARDING was manager of the Teignmouth branch of the firm for many years. Witness had twice taken stock at his branch this year, and was perfectly satisfied all the books were in order. He recollected MR HARDING complaining to him in June last that his head was bad.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 October 1926
EAST STONEHOUSE - Died In His Chair. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded at an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES EDWARDS, general labourer, 44 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, who was taken ill on Friday night and died in his chair. Dr Letchworth said death was due to disease of the heart, aggravated by the cold.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - After receiving Dr W. Lang Hodges's post-mortem report of myocardial degeneration, the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, yesterday returned "Natural Causes" concerning the death of MR HENRY THOMAS HARRIS BUDGE, headmaster of High-street Boys' School, Plymouth. 

Western Morning News, Friday 29 October 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lorry Driver's Sudden Death. - The sudden death on Tuesday of a 43-year-old lorry driver, WILLIAM HENRY GEORGE STOYLES of 53 Glendower-road, Plymouth, was investigated yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, who returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The widow, EDITH RUBY STOYLES, said her husband, who left home quite well, had never complained of illness; but Dr F. Price found from a post-mortem examination that he was suffering from valvular disease of the heart of long standing.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 November 1926
AVETON GIFFORD - Old Man's Suicide. Inquest On Aveton Gifford Resident. - That "Death was due to heart failure and shock, caused by cutting his throat whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict recorded by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Tavistock Coroner, at an Inquest at Aveton Gifford on WILLIAM MOORE, aged 86 years. - MOORE, who lived with his son-in-law, ANTHONY LUSCOMBE, at Endsleigh-place, Aveton Gifford, was found in his bedroom with his throat cut. A blood-stained pocket-knife was also found. He had been suffering from heart trouble.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Teapot Tragedy. - Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, recorded "Accidental Death" at the Inquest yesterday on CHARLES AUSTIN WARNE, the 14-month-old son of GEORGE HENRY JAMES WARNE, an insurance agent of 23 Mount Gold-terrace. - The evidence showed that the child pulled a teapot off the table, upsetting the boiling hot liquid over his chest and legs and died in Hospital subsequently from shock as a result of the burns.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 November 1926
BRIXHAM - Brixham Suicide. Keeper Found Hanging In Lighthouse. - "Suicide by Hanging while Temporarily Insane" was recorded by the Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, at an Inquest at Brixham on Wednesday on SAMUEL HELLINGS, a former Brixham smack-owner and the keeper of the breakwater lighthouse shortly after noon on the previous day. - ALBERT WALLACE, son-in-law, said HELLINGS was 61 years of age and was depressed on October 11, the anniversary of his wife's death, and on hearing that his son in the mercantile marine had been admitted into Colombo Hospital. Witness last saw him at 6.45 a.m. on Tuesday, when he left to go to the lighthouse. - Dr R. B. Thompson attributed death to strangulation. - Samuel George Tucker stated that in consequence of a message from MRS WALLACE he went to the lighthouse and found HELLINGS hanging to the ladder leading to the light. He summoned help.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Aged Woman's Death. Torrington Motor Cyclist Exonerated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest by Mr R. B. Johns at Plymouth yesterday on ISABEL LAMBERT (74), of 26 Penrose-street, who was knocked down by a motor cycle on North-hill, Plymouth, on Wednesday. - The motor cyclist, Hubert Hodges, of Great Torrington, was exonerated from blame. Hodges said he was riding up North-hill at about 7 to 10 miles per hour, when MRS LAMBERT stepped off the pavement. He sounded his horn and she hesitated. Although he swerved to avoid her, she was hit by the handlebar and fell. - Dr C. H. Burridge said death was caused by shock due to the fall.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 November 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned yesterday by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MRS ANNIE LOUISE SPRIDDLE, 16 John-street, Devonport, who died on Thursday from pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Motor 'Bus. Jurymen And Driver On Headlights Danger. - That the streets of Plymouth are so well illuminated that strong headlights on motor vehicles are unnecessary was the view of a Juryman at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, last night. - The Foreman of the Jury expressed the opinion that it was possible that the strong headlights of an approaching 'bus "might have been conducive" to the accident which resulted in the death of WILLIAM EDWIN PILLAR, a 26-year-old steam roller driver, living at 1 North-road. - PILLAR was knocked down by a motor 'bus on Friday and died soon after admission to Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added a rider to the effect that the driver of the 'bus was not responsible. - Thomas Pugh, of Plympton, said about 10.20 on Friday night he drove a 'bus down Tavistock-road at about 12 miles an hour. - He met a 'bus coming up the hill and avoided the glare of its headlights by looking straight ahead. Suddenly a man crossed from the other side and stepped about a foot in front of his 'bus. - "It was absolutely impossible for me to avoid him," said witness. The off wing struck him and he was run over. The whole incident was so sudden that it was quite impossible to prevent the accident. - On behalf of Mr Goad, the owner of the 'bus, Mr A. C. Fabyan Windeatt (Liskeard) expressed sympathy with the relatives, and the Jury also joined in the expression.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 November 1926
BIDEFORD - Thorn Causes Lockjaw. Hartland Woman's Death From Prick In Foot. - How the prick of a thorn in a woman's foot caused her death was told at an Inquest held at Bideford Hospital last night by Mr G. W. F. Brown on EVA ELIZABETH BEER, aged 34, wife of MR CECIL BEER, of Philham Cottage, Hartland. - The husband, who is left with a family of four young children, said on October 30 his wife went outside the house wearing a pair of slippers with crepe soles and was pricked in her foot by a thorn. She took out the thorn and poulticed her foot and Dr Kay told her to continue the poulticing. On the following Friday deceased complained of pain in her stomach and Dr Kay gave her medicine. At midnight the deceased became worse and the doctor ordered her removal to Hospital. - Dr Kay said when he first saw deceased she told him the swelling was much better, and he thought she was going on all right. When he saw her on Saturday she had obvious lockjaw. - Dr Ellis Pearson stated that deceased was given anti-tetanus serum, but the case was hopeless. Death was due to tetanus. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Dock Labourer's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns on WILLIAM MATTHEWS, of Richmond-street, Plymouth, a dock labourer, who collapsed whilst unloading a ship in the Great Western Docks on Wednesday. A post mortem examination revealed that death was due to heart failure. [Western Morning News, Saturday 13 November 1926 - Plymouth Inquest. - The Inquest by the Plymouth Coroner on Thursday was on THOMAS MATTHEWS, of Richmond-street, Plymouth and not, as reported, on William Matthews.]

Western Morning News, Monday 15 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Woman's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at a Plymouth Inquest on Saturday on AMELIA SUSANNAH ROWE BLIGHT, aged 71, the wife of an advertising agent of 37 Alfred-road, who died suddenly on Thursday. The cause of death was stated to be an abscess on the heart.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - 'Bus Accident. Plymouth Pensioner's Death In Hospital. - "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, at Plymouth yesterday on JAMES WATTS, naval pensioner, 32 Morley-place, Plymouth, who died in the Homeopathic Hospital as the result of injuries received in a motor 'bus accident in York-street on November 6. - Sydney Sweet, employed by Plymouth Corporation as a 'bus driver, said while driving his 'bus down York-street he felt a thud and then saw the 'bus had knocked down WATTS. Witness was driving at a slow speed - four miles per hour - close to the kerb. - Bertie Reginald Burge of York-street, said he saw WATTS step off the kerb and bend down. The driver could not have avoided the accident. - Mr Ernest Foster (chief assistant in the Town Clerk's Department) expressed the Corporation's regret to the relatives.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 November 1926
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Fall From Tramcar. - WILLIAM GEORGE COOPER, seaman, fell from the steps of a Plymouth Corporation tramcar and died from injuries the next day. At the Inquest yesterday Mr John Graves, the Deputy Coroner, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added that the occurrence was a pure accident. Surgeon-Commander Burdett of the Royal Naval Hospital, said COOPER had fractured the base of his skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall. - Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, returned "Accidental Death" at an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS STANBURY, (79), naval pensioner, Rose Cottage, The Avenue, Laira, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital from a fractured skull as the result of a fall in Saltash-street on November 19.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, recorded "Death from Natural Causes" on JOHN REED CARVOLTH, of Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday. Andrew Harper Harris, a naval pensioner, said CARVOLTH was 80 years of age. Witness saw him two or three hours before he died, when he was apparently well. Dr T. P. Heffernon said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 November 1926
PLYMOUTH - Crushed By Horse. Fatal Accident Described At Plymouth Inquest. - An Inquest on SAMUEL TAPSON, aged 73, a sawyer, of No. 3 Brunswick-street, Plymouth, who died as a result of being crushed by a horse while working at his employer's timber yard, was conducted at Plymouth yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. - John Trevethan Roseveare, contractor, of 31 Beaumont-road, Plymouth, said on November 15 he was in Messrs. R. West and Son's timber-yard and saw two horses pulling out a log of timber. The collar of the back horse slipped and got pulled towards its throat, thus stopping its breathing and it fell down. Deceased was standing near-by, and was unable to get out of the way owing to a tree and he was crushed between the horse and the tree. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 November 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Widow's Collapse. Dies While On Visit To St Budeaux. - While on a visit to St Budeaux MRS EMILY MARIA KINGCOME, aged 68, a widow, of Durite, near Liskeard, died suddenly. At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict of "Natural Causes". - Mrs Score of Victoria-terrace, St Budeaux, said MRS KINGCOME was taken ill and died within half an hour. - Dr D. L. Brown said death was due to syncope, resulting from heart disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 November 1926
DARTMOUTH - Slipped Under Lorry. Dittisham Labourer's Fatal Injuries. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict at the Inquest yesterday on EDWARD JAMES CLARKE PITTS (52), labourer, of Lower-street, Dittisham, who died in Dartmouth Cottage Hospital from injuries sustained at the Noss Shipbuilding Yard on Monday. - It was stated that PITTS was walking by the side of a lorry which was being drawn by the crane. It was a wet day and he slipped under the lorry, both legs being broken. - The Coroner was Mr A. M. Davson.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 November 1926
TORQUAY - Who Was "W. A. SWIFT"? - Cliffs Mystery Unsolved At Torquay Inquest. - The mystery surrounding the finding of a body at the foot of the cliffs near Thatcher Point, Torquay, was only partly cleared up at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday. The body, identified as that of "W. A. SWIFT, " aged about 60, was found wedged in the rocks by a motor cyclist. - Miss Lilian Stephens, of Morgan-avenue, Torquay, said that the dead man had stayed at her house from October 12. He was somewhat eccentric, but all she knew of him was that he was "W. A. SWIFT." He was very reserved and received no letters. He told her he was staying at Torquay for health reasons. - Dr West, Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said death was due to drowning. There were no severe external injuries and the contents of the phial were not dangerous. - The Coroner, Mr H. Hutchings, recorded a verdict of "Found Drowned" and remarked that the facts concerning deceased were few.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 November 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Follows Fall. - Mr J. A. Pearce returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence at the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM ARNOLD PEARSE, aged 78, of 6 Langstone-terrace, Peverell. - ALICE MARY MACEY, daughter, said that her father had been paralysed on his right side for two years. On October 23 he had a fall in her backyard and was sent to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and afterwards to Ford Infirmary. - Dr G. C. Sandford said death was due to syncope, following on shock from a fracture to his thigh, which he was found to be suffering from when admitted to Ford Infirmary on November 3.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, recorded "Natural Causes" at a Plymouth Inquest yesterday. SAMUEL BATTERSHILL, general labourer, 66, of Victoria-street, fell dead in Cobourg-street on Wednesday and death was attributed to chronic oedema of the glottis, due to a cancer of the larynx.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 December 1926
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on RICHARD JAMES THOMAS, naval pensioner of 43 Union-street, Stonehouse. Dr W. H. Waterfield found death due to heart failure. THOMAS was found dead in his house by his son on Tuesday. "Natural Causes" was the verdict recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. - At an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, recorded "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver, in the case of MRS KATE SHORT, aged 75, the widow of a shipwright, living at 9 Ford Park-road, who died from injuries received when knocked down by a motor van on Mutley-plain. - William Frederick Bickle, a butcher, of Old Tinhay, Lifton, said he was driving a motor-van in the direction of Plymouth, about 11 o'clock on Wednesday morning when MRS SHORT stepped from behind a tram and walked straight into the side of the van. Neither the wheels nor the van bonnet struck her. - A relative of MRS SHORT aid on more than one previous occasion she had walked into danger on account of her defective vision. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 December 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Child's Death. Devonport Welfare Centre Not To Blame. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ALFRED HENRY FOX, aged 6 weeks, the child of JOHN J. FOX, of John-street, the mother stated that the child had been quite well since birth, but she took it to the Welfare Centre at the Alexandra Home on Wednesday. There her son was taken into a room and undressed and the child was weighed after being taken to another room through a little passage. It was examined at the same time by an assistant medical officer for the Welfare Centre, and witness then took the baby back to the room and dressed it. - Miss Emma Burrows, Health Visitor at the Child Welfare Centre, said the rooms were heated to 65 degrees by radiators. Every care was taken to protect children from cold. - Dr Julius Blewitt, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the baby when admitted was breathing very shallowly. Air was entering both lungs, but the baby died later. He attributed death to pneumonia of both lungs. From the evidence he had heard the doctor did not think the child's death could be attributed to neglect at the Welfare Centre. - Recording "Natural Causes" the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearse, said he did not think the pneumonia could be attributed to anything that took place at the Welfare Centre.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Death In A Nail. Plymouth Workman's Fatal Scratch On Arm. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquiry on Saturday at Plymouth into the circumstances of the death of WILLIAM BARTER, an excavator of 23 Brownlow-street, Stonehouse, aged 57, who died as the result of a scratch, sustained while working in the employ of Messrs. A. N. Coles and Son, Ltd., building contractors. - Kenneth Alfred Knight Hudson, senior house surgeon at South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that he first saw deceased on November 30, when he was suffering from cellulitis of the right elbow - the result of a scratch. He was treated and told to report again on the same evening, but failed to do so, and came on the following morning, when the cellulitis had spread over the whole of his arm. Deceased was detained and died on the 5th December from septicaemia, the result of the cellulitis. - The general health of deceased was not good at the time of the accident, but septicaemia would not have arisen unless he had been scratched. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Inquest. Dock Labourer's Death At Stonehouse. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by Mr R. B. Johns at an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on FREDERICK FOSTER, aged 26, dock labourer, of High-street, Stonehouse, who died on Friday night, having previously met with an accident whilst unloading a ship in the docks. - Mr Elliot Square was present on behalf of the man's employers, and Mr W. Runnals represented the Transport and General Workers' Union and the mother. - William Ruby, foreman for James Burrows Co., Ltd., said FOSTER was engaged as a casual labourer. On Wednesday, November 24, FOSTER was carrying bags of cement, when he complained that he was hurt. On the following day he was put on lighter work, which, he said, he was well able to do. - Joseph Samuel Pearse, High-street, Stonehouse, another employee, said he heard FOSTER cry out, "Oh!" when a bag was placed on his back. He said to the man who placed it there, "You dropped that bag too hard, you have hurt my back." - Dr W. H. Waterfield, Stonehouse, said FOSTER was suffering from a tumour in the side near the ribs. He performed an operation and the man got better. Suddenly, however, FOSTER developed meningitis, became comatose and died. The post-mortem examination showed there was no internal injury. They found, however, remains of old pleurisy in the right lung, and there were multiple abscesses in the brain., - The blow received by FOSTER in no way accelerated his death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, returned "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY ANN SOLOMON, 86 (wife of HENRY SOLOMON, Hill-street) who died as the result of a broken leg, caused by falling in the kitchen.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Motor Tragedy Verdict. Plymouth Man Killed By Borrowed Gun. - There was an unusual feature connected with the Inquest by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, yesterday on SIDNEY HENRY BALKWILL, aged 49, cattle dealer, of Kingsley-road, Plymouth. - BALKWILL sat in the back seat of a motor car and had with him a gun, which, he said, was intended for rabbit-shooting the following day. The gun exploded and he was killed. - The Inquest had been in progress two hours before it was discovered that the gun had no half-cock lock. "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury. - Mr William E. J. Major represented Plymouth and District Farmers Ltd., Mr John Woolland appeared for the relatives and Mr Elliot Square was present on behalf of an interested party. - Herbert Pike, of Alexandra-road, Mutley, related how he hired a car on Tuesday and drove BALKWILL to Hatherleigh. They left Hatherleigh about 5.30 and the latter appeared quite sober and normal. He sat in the back seat. BALKWILL took a sporting gun in the car on the journey and said he was going rabbiting the next day. - Thought Tyre Had Burst. - "At about 6.45 p.m.," continued witness, "we were near Roborough, when a gun was fired close behind me., I pulled up because I thought at first a tyre had burst. I turned and saw the man huddled in a corner and a gun resting on the floor with the barrel lying across his shoulder. - Mr Square: Did he say why he took the gun that day if he was not going shooting until the following day? - Yes, he said the shop would be shut when we got home. - Mr Woolland: On the way back did he say anything about the day's business? - He said he had had a good day. - Did he speak to you just before the occurrence? - Yes, he called my attention to the strong lights of the cars which were passing. This was less than a quarter of a mile from the spot where the gun was fired. - Mr C. F. Deacon, an outfitter at Mutley-plain, said BALKWILL called on him on Monday night, told him he had left his own gun at a farm, and asked if he could borrow his. Witness lent him the gun when he called on the following morning. There were no cartridges in it. It was at full cock when he handed it to him and witness thought he tried the triggers. - Witness added that two cartridges produced (found in the gun after the occurrence) were of a different make from the kind he used. - No Half-Cock Lock. - At this stage it was discovered that the gun which was examined by a Juryman and Mr Woolland, had no half-cock lock, and the witness stated it would deceive deceased as easily as it had deceived him. He had thought his gun could be half-cocked, when it was perfectly safe. - Medical evidence was to the effect that shortly after seven p.m. on Tuesday BALKWILL was admitted to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital suffering from an extensive wound in the head and died shortly after. - Mr Square asked for an adjournment in order that some evidence might be given as to where the cartridges were obtained. "Only two cartridges were found," he said, "and it is essential to find out where they came from. We want to have a true verdict and the Jury cannot give a true verdict on the evidence they have had." - The Jury retired to consider whether more evidence was needed and in three minutes returned to say they were satisfied. - The Coroner then asked them for their verdict, and was told unanimously that it was "Accidental Death." - Mr Major expressed sympathy with the relatives on behalf of Plymouth and District Farmers, Ltd.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Petty Officer Killed. Tragedy Caused By Ponies Straying On Highway. - Ponies straying on the moorland roads have caused another tragedy, according to witnesses at the Inquest on ERNEST DENHAM, a petty officer at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, yesterday, who was killed while motor-cycling near Crownhill on Sunday night. The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." - DR W. Lang-Hodge said DENHAM had sustained a compound fracture of the vault of the skull, which must have caused instant death. - Lily Morton, of St Vincent-street, Stoke, who was riding pillion on DENHAM'S motor cycle, said they were approaching Crownhill on the Yelverton road, when they saw the ponies on the road. DENHAM tried to pass the animals, but the machine skidded. - Sergeant Charles Giles, of the 1st Wilts Regiment, stationed at Crownhill, said he was on the Yelverton road, when he heard a crash. Running towards the scene of the accident he met the ponies. He thought DENHAM was dead when he reached him. The machine was badly damaged.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Widow's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest yesterday on MARIA HELLIER BROWN, aged 73, widow of a naval pensioner, of Desborough-road, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Dr Stubbs said he had attended the woman for some time for heart trouble.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Gas Tragedy. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday, at an Inquest on SUSAN MARY WHEAR, 61, of Restormel-terrace, Plymouth, who, according to the evidence, had a fit while sitting near a stove and died from gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 December 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Death. - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at Devonport yesterday on ROBERT HENRY MILLER (73), army pensioner, Duncan-street, Dr Lander said that death was due to heart trouble accelerated by the cold, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 December 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - After Two Years. Accident Causes Man's Death At Devonport. - The story of a Devonport octogenarian, described by his doctor as a very self-willed man, who died on Christmas-day as the result of an accident nearly two years ago, was related at an Inquest by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at Ker-street, Devonport, on SAMUEL JAMES SALMON, of Chapel-street. - BESSIE SALMON, the widow, said her husband was 85 years of age, and was a newsagent. - On January 9 of last year, he was sitting at the table and on rising he slipped and fell to the ground. He was a very heavy man. With assistance she got him in a chair and sent for medical help. Dr Sandford, after examining him, said her husband had broken his right thigh. He had remained in bed ever since and died on Christmas-day. - "A Trying Patient." - Dr G. C. Sandford said he had attended SALMON ever since. He was a big man and it took two or three men to put him on the bed. He refused to have splints. He was a very self-willed man, and a trying patient indeed. - "Dr Wilson saw him with me in consultation on January 11, 1925, but neither he nor I could persuade him to have anything done. He gradually got weaker and bronchitis and myocarditis, following fracture of the right thigh, set in. The bones never united. The pain got less, although the man must have suffered acutely. MRS SALMON was devoted and attentive to him during his illness." - Mr Pearce recorded a verdict that death was due to bronchitis and myocarditis, following fracture of the right thigh, caused by Accidentally falling down in his room at 59 Chapel-street, Devonport on January 9, 1925.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 December 1926
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest conducted by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on CHARLES HENRY BLATCHFORD, 78, of Pembroke-street, Devonport, a verdict was returned that death was due to rupture of the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 December 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Tragic Cause Of Suicide. Teignmouth Inquest Story. - Because he found conditions in England different from when he left for Canada 18 years ago, FREDERICK SHADDOCK, aged 58, who was staying with his brother-in-law at Fourth-avenue, Teignmouth, became depressed. He was found hanged in his bedroom. - At the Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday, conducted by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, LEWIS DAYMAN, brother-in-law of SHADDOCK, of Fourth-avenue, Teignmouth, gave evidence of identification, and said that SHADDOCK returned on December 15 from Canada, where he had been farming. He intended to remain in England, but although his health was good, he had been low-spirited. Witness knew no reason why, as he was silent and reserved. - On Wednesday morning witness called SHADDOCK for breakfast and receiving no reply went into the bedroom and saw him hanging by a scarf from the rail at the foot of the bed. The rail was 3 ft. 6 in. from the floor, so that SHADDOCK was in a sitting posture. Cutting him down he tried artificial respiration without success. SHADDOCK, who was a bachelor, had no pecuniary troubles. - "A Done Man." - When SHADDOCK came home on December 15, continued MR DAYMAN, he made the remark: "I am a done man." - In reply to Mr Kennaway (for MR DAYMAN) witness said that his brother-in-law might have been depressed over the price of things. - Mr Kennaway: Has he made any remark about the social change in England? - Witness: In Exeter he took particular notice, having been in that district in previous years, and he saw the difference in motor traffic. He thought everything was upside down to what it was in the old days. - Witness added that SHADDOCK was also depressed when told the interest paid at the bank. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."